Hoddesdon Make 2nd Half Comeback to take 3 points

After their good midweek performance at Biggleswade, Leighton were hoping they might get some reward against a Hoddesdon side who are well positioned at the top end of the table. However the game turned out to be the typical game of two halves and Hoddesdon won their half by the extra goal.

Leighton took the lead after 12 minutes when Lorell Smith ran on to Vinny Greco’s through ball and slotted the ball past the keeper. Hoddesdon replied immediately but their captain headed wide of the goal.

In the 17th minute Town scored their second goal when Vinny Greco tried his luck at distance and the ball struck the bar and bounced down for Taylor Collins to knock it home.

Hoddesdon showed their abilities with some quick breaks and only desperate defending by Jamie Clark and Alex Condon denied them a goal in the 26th minute.

In the 34th minute Leighton went three up when a ball from the right saw Lorell Smith challenge the keeper who knocked the ball into his own net.

Just before the break another piece of good football by Leighton saw the ball delivered from the right flank and the Hoddesdon keeper had to make an important save to deny Smith a second goal.

With the half time whistle due Leighton produced another bout of fine football but Taylor Collins was offside when 2 Town player’s were only facing the home goalkeeper.

If Town thought the game was won they were soon brought back to reality when Hoddesdon scored 2 goals in the first 6 minutes of the second half.

These early goals may have shaken Town but they continued to pass the ball well against a side that kept getting forward as quickly as possible with some good passing.

Town had a good chance after 63 minutes but Lewis McBride’s cross was knocked just wide of the post by James Towell.

Hoddesdon drew level when a superb strike from the edge of the box flew into the net leaving Jack Sillitoe no chance.

With 9 minutes remaining the hosts took the lead after a cross into the box was knocked down and with no Leighton player reacting, a Hoddesdon player struck a low shot into the net.

3 minutes after this Martin Griggs shot was well held by the home keeper.

Despite their efforts Leighton could not score the elusive equaliser and their demeanour when they left the pitch told the whole story.

Leighton had played well particularly in the 1st half but good sides like Hoddesdon never give up.
Some good signs for Leighton who hopefully will learn important lessons from this game.