Development Team 0 - Berkhamsted 1 Match Report

However every so often a performance is produced that contains so many positives that a losing result is just a little bit easier to accept.
Leighton had recently suffered a heavy loss against the same opponents and all the players had a determined spirit to show the visitors a more accurate representation of their collective talent.
Two excellent results in succession meant that there was a genuine belief and confidence amongst the home team that they would perform well again and so it proved in an impressive opening period that surprised the visitors.
Leighton were immediately on the front foot and it was frustrating that a couple of outstanding chances slipped by as a tight game was hanging in the balance.
It was pleasing to see the visitors unable to find any rhythm as they were harassed and pressured by the enthusiastic hosts who followed team instructions to hunt in disciplined packs.
Unfortunately there was to be no tangible reward for the home teams efforts as they were unable to capitalise on their good play, in fact, it was even worse as the visitors pounced on a goalmouth scramble to take the lead.
This was now a tricky period for the home team, there was the undoubted quality of the opposition and coping with the frustration that surged through the Leighton players veins.
Impressively every Leighton player responded in a positive manner, and the team deserve great credit for hauling themselves back into the game, winning back equality and then pushing their opponents back into their own half.
The second half began in a similar style and tempo to the first, Leighton defended from the front, consistently breaking up the visitors play by disrupting the supply line to their dangerous forwards.
Leighton were dominating possession and territory, chances were being created,some carved out with skill but the majority as a result of the pressure being placed on a visiting team that was struggling to cope but defiantly refusing to give in.
Late substitutions replaced tired legs and this brought a fresh impetus and a different dynamic to the game, sadly this was still not enough to force an equaliser and the referee checked his watch and decided time was up.
Obviously the main focus of this report is on the home team but Berkhamsted played a good game that delighted their coaching staff and supporters, they grabbed the lead and defended with incredible defiance, it explains why they are having such an impressive season and why they remain the team to beat.
For Leighton the game , if not the result, was an accurate reflection of their recent improvement and progress, as such, no individual players have been named in this report as this was a superb collective effort that showed the quality of the team and the squad, well played Leighton.

Report by

Gary Mander