Leighton Town slipped off top spot on Saturday after defeat against third place New Salamis. The visitor’s early second half strike compounded a dismal day for Town, who couldn’t capitalise on a multitude of chances.
Paul Bonham’s Town were in the ascendency from the beginning it seemed and the best opportunities fell to Leon Lobjoit.
After some comfortable early exchanges for Leighton, 13 minutes saw the ex-Northampton striker’s first effort – a header from the right straight at goalkeeper Austin Bufield.
Two minutes later, the keeper would be called in to action yet again. After some smart build up from the Reds, the pacey Lobjoit was through one-on-one but couldn’t beat the onrushing Bufield who made himself big.
19 minutes in, Lobjoit was thwarted twice more. The first was another uncharacteristic misfire blocked calmly, with the subsequent rebound a lot tamer for the travelling goalkeeper.
After a tight spell in the half, Town’s next big chance fell to defender Ethan Flanagan. The corner from the right side fell favourably but the strike on the half volley was another routine save.
The half time whistle came at the right time for New Salamis, after coping well with Leighton’s pressure. The away side came out strong in the second period and their early exuberance was rewarded with a goal.
Tricky midfielder Harrison Georgiou played in George Lutaaya and the forward slotted past Connor Coulson to the groans of the Bell Close faithful on 47 minutes. This was the foothold Salamina needed and now they grew into the game. Less than five minutes later, continued pressure forced Coulson to make a smart save with his feet.
Later, 68 minutes would see New Salamis try Coulson again after a dangerous free kick. Yet again though, the number one was quick to deny a second goal.
In the final 20 minutes it looked as though heads were dropping. First, Lobjoit was sent to the sinbin on 75’. Then, in what was Leighton’s last big chance, Ethan Flanagan was unfortunate to see his header hit the bar and his resulting effort fly over from close range. The mood of the camp could’ve been summarised by Tom Silford’s trudging off the pitch after seeing red. Falling foul to some gamesmanship from the opposition, it brought a sad end to a frustrating outing at Bell Close.
The ‘Reds’ played some excellent free flowing football in the first half and should really have had a comfortable lead at the break but seemed to lose their composure and momentum following their opponents early second half strike.
Leighton’s next game is Crawley Green back at Bell Close. The visitor’s sit rock bottom of the SSMFL and this game offers Bonham’s Leighton the perfect opportunity to bounce back.