Town Bring Home Points From Kempston

Compared to recent weeks there was a good balance to the Leighton team that faced the challenge of playing a difficult opponent on 3G as opposed to grass, encouraging signs like defenders playing in defence and midfielders playing in midfield.
This was reflected in the positive controlled start that the visitors made, immediately being solid in defence and midfield whilst looking dangerous in attack.
The star of this bright opening was the outstanding Kuda Butawo who consistently dazzled the opposition with the speed of his footwork as he danced through increasingly desperate defenders.
Leighton were having the best of the opening exchanges but it was definitely not one way traffic as Kempston were equally keen to assert themselves on the game but were thwarted by the defiant Paolo Bagatti.
The opening goal was always going to be important and George Oliver, who was ferociously competitive throughout, provided it when he snapped up a half chance from close range.
Could the visitors hold on to their lead ? It sparked a response from the home team but both Leighton full backs, Stuart Till and Christian Mander held a good defensive line and were fortunate enough to have their keeper, George Zammit, in superb form for the entire game, behind them.
Leighton pushed forward again and were given the chance to capitalise further on their lead when the referee awarded them a penalty which was calmly despatched into the bottom corner by the ice cool Sonny Devine.
Going further behind rallied the home team but captain Joe Korge was still able to dictate the game with his intelligent positioning and physicality.
As half time approached Leighton were grateful to have Alfie Ruston providing the vital link between defence and attack, helping the visitors retain possession and successfully keeping Kempston at bay till the interval arrived.
Despite the two goal advantage Leighton knew that a difficult second half awaited them and so it proved as the home team immediately looked for a quick break through to get them back in the game.
Ude Osim was an energetic outlet for the visitors and also an enthusiastic makeshift right back as he worked hard to protect the lead, his efforts were rewarded as Leighton slowly regained their rhythm from the first half.
A half chance from distance was seized upon in clinical fashion by Sonny Devine to bag an impressive brace, surely this would clinch victory for the visitors.
Despite the score line Kempston showed great spirit by retaliating with a torrent of attacking menace as they attacked with a mixture of ferocity and desperation, Nick Walton however broke their resistance with a superb defensive display that included a fantastic last ditch tackle that denied the home team the consolation of a goal.
The introduction of Seth Taylor and Connor Gargan gave Leighton the fresh legs to see out the game and finish the match with not only victory but an important clean sheet as a reward for their efforts.

Match Report by

Gary Mander