Crawley Green 2 - Leighton 1 Match Report

After their excellent performance the previous week at Wembley this was definitely a case of after the Lord Mayor’s Show as a weakened Leighton side never really got into their stride due to enforced changes.

On a very dry pitch and with a strong wind blowing up the pitch this was never going to be a classic and the hosts started much the better of the two teams, they created an early chance with a headed effort which Brad Kirkwood managed to tip over the bar but 3 minutes after this they took the lead after a move down their right flank.

Sodiq Thompson who played for Leighton last season outpaced the Town defence before laying a pass into the path of Dean Dummett who without breaking stride side footed the ball past Brad Kirkwood and into the far top corner of the goal.

From a free kick in midfield Harkin knocked in a well directed free kick but striker Terry Billy headed straight at the well positioned Kirkwood.

Town replied with a good move that saw Dean Bull in the home goal push a Lorell Smith shot onto the crossbar before he won the scramble for the loose ball and punched it to safety.

Crawley returned to the attack and Kirkwood was once again forced to make a good save low down at his near post.
Leighton then attacked but Lolu Onabolu headed a right wing cross wide.

Just before the break James Towell tried a volley but this was way off target.

The second half was only 7 minutes old when Green was tripped as he ran into the penalty area leaving the referee no option but to award a penalty. Newman drilled home the spot kick with Kirkwood diving the wrong way.

Town for the second successive game now faced a 2 goal deficit but never really suggested they could get back on terms and their slow build up and poor pass selection never seriously troubled the home defence.

In added time Onabolu headed home from close range to reduce the arrears but it was really a case of too little and too late.
After the game Leighton learned that they are safe from relegation as London Tigers also lost their match against Holmer Green and cannot now match Leighton’s points total as they only have two games left.

Town now face two difficult matches against Biggleswade United on Tuesday night at Bell Close, followed by a derby match against Berkhamsted next Saturday also at Bell Close.

Manager Scott Reynolds will be hoping all his players are available for these games.