After 3 defeats on the bounce Leighton produced a thrilling display under the lights at Bell Close in dramatic circumstances to share the spoils with Biggleswade United.

The visitors started the stronger of the 2 sides but it was Leighton who got the first effort on the board with a half-chance from Lolu Onabolu.

There wasn’t many chances for either side in the early part of the first although Biggleswade were unlucky not to go ahead as Dave Iwediuno hit the bar in a crowded box and the second shot was blasted over.

Biggleswade were defending well and Tyler’s half volley for Leighton was skewed wide. Leighton were getting into good areas but struggled to create chances at the end of it as Onabolu made a neat run that was cleared after Maisiri won the ball with a good tackle.

Town were beginning to turn the screw with a lovely passing move as Onabolu made a great ball into Towell he crossed in for Maisiri who’s header was just off target.

The reds then took the lead soon after in the 38th minute as Onabolu got a deserved goal. The move started again with Onabolu making a cutting run before a lovely through ball found him followed by an acute finish into the right corner from a tight angle.

By half time Town looked good value for their lead and it was so far so good for the hosts. Biggleswade made a sub at the break bringing off Owusu for Eze in order to change things up.

Biggleswade had a chance to equalise early on in the second half as they were given a lifeline with a penalty after a handball in the box in a contentious move from the referee. Kane Farrell stepped up to take it but blasted it into the bar and back to Biggleswade who struck the bar again.

Leighton had started the second half slowly and needed something to re-energize them and nearly got it through a thunderbolt from Tyler he turned 2 Biggleswade defenders before unleashing a venomous shot, which wasn’t far away.

Leighton had been defending relatively well but Biggleswade equalised midway through the second half following a lovely free kick that came crashing off the bar and Farrell was there to tap it home.

The game was beginning to get scrappier and scrappier and not soon after the equaliser Leighton were down to 10 men. Onabolu was sent off for a second yellow after clashing with Wyalt in the Biggleswade goal. It looked like a harsh decision as both players went for the same ball in the box but the referees decision was made.

Getting a result was now going to be a lot more difficult for Leighton but they rose to the occasion and even began to go on to the offensive themselves after bringing on Slatter for Oye.

Things got even more difficult when manager Scott Reynolds was sent to the stands in what seemed another harsh decision after the referee took offence to a comment made.

Leighton were still creating chances even with 10 men after Towell played in Marsh but his shot was saved.

In the end it finished all square and Leighton can go away happy with that point. Defensively they looked disciplined when they went down to 10 men and even kept Biggleswade on the back foot at times as they looked to attack. Getting Onabolu and Reynolds both sent off was a big barrier but the boys rose to the occasion admirably.

There are just 2 more game until the season closes with Berkhamstead visiting on Saturday before London Tigers travel to Bell Close on the 29th for the rescheduled fixture following vandalism at their ground.

Report by

James D'Arcy

TEAM: Kirkwood, Towell, Norton, McKee, Sheridan, Mercer, Tyler, Oye, Onabolu, Marsh Maisiri SUBS: Slatter for Oye, UNUSED: Leslie, Peacock, Shoyoye

ATT: 70