Leighton Town welcomed Football League talent in Queens Park Rangers B yesterday. In a game ending 1-2 to the visitors, it was a great test and an enjoyable end to the squad’s preseason as now attentions turn to the beginning of the Spartan South Midlands Football League on Tuesday. Gaffer Lee Bircham had a lot of praise for both his and the opposition’s players.
“(It was) really good. Another really good exercise for us, another tough game. Probably a bit too tough from what we wanted with the season kicking off on Tuesday but brilliant – fair play to QPR they brought a real good side there. Not just fringe players, but players who have played a lot of first team games. Its great for our boys, to pit themselves against it.”
A strong first half performance was a pleasant showing against strong opposition. Town even had the lead through Matty Cooper’s stunner. Bircham looked back on the opening period and the atmosphere around a bustling Bell Close:
“We had a great first half. We probably should’ve come in (at half time) 2-0. Second half, we tired obviously and they’re a real good side popping it around. But we still created enough chances.
We had a lot of people here today that we want to try and keep for the season. We’re going to need to keep them. Its important we make everyone feel part of it.”
Looking to Tuesday’s opening day against Stotfold, the manager perhaps looked at damage control and mentioned some key names ready to come back in next week.
“We’ll have to see, tomorrow, what comes through. The squad’s now a lot smaller than what it was but we knew that. We did have 22, now we’re probably down to 15 today which is a manageable number. Kyle Connolly not here today, he’ll be back Tuesday – Muzzy (Dumbuya). Ethan (Flanagan) as well, he was a big loss for us today. Three great players we’ve got to bring back into it.
“We’ve done our preseason; it’s been a good preseason but it means nothing now going into Tuesday. We’ve had some good results, some real good performances but what I’m most pleased about is the work rate of the boys.”

Article by Max Bradfield