In the club’s third friendly before the start of the season, it was back to Bell Close with a bang. 202 spectators were in through the gates to witness a superb strike from Archie McClelland and a close-range finish from Ayo Akinbola to seal the deal.

The afternoon’s action began with the visitors exhibiting the level they played at, showing good structure and confidence in possession. That said, Town were able to break through the lines well and Ben Spaul came close to scoring six minutes in.

Further impressive build up play led to another chance on ’14. Unfortunately though, James Towell couldn’t direct his shot either side of the keeper. After the water break on ’22, the away side did muster some chances of their own, notably forcing a brilliant block from a recovering Joe Fitzgerald.

The team from two leagues above couldn’t carve out anything concrete and Leighton enjoyed more fluidity in attack – again nearly opening the scoring on the half hour. Archie McClelland pulled the ball back for Jack Harvey on the edge, yet the keeper was equal to his effort and palmed away brilliantly. Before the scorching half was out, the hosts would take the lead.

On ’43 Lewis Toomey found the ever-present McClelland in the final third and this sparked a fantastic run from the pacey forward. He cut in on his right on the edge of the box beating two and just when it looked like he’d done too much, he curled one immaculately into the top right corner.

After the break Bircham’s men hit United with a double whammy as substitute Ayo Akinbobola got the second goal on ‘50. Ben Spaul darted down the left before putting in an enticing low cross. Toomey was pushed over and as the fans shouted for a penalty, Ayo was on hand to turn those protests into cheers with an easy finish.

Following the goal, Leighton could breathe easier. The pace dropped as the game entered a quiet period and it was safe to say much of the second half possession belonged to the visitors. Further substitutes were injected and one of those nearly made it three. Jordan Brown was direct in his running yet his angle on the right was just too tight on ’90.

The final whistle came signified a deserved victory. That’s now three games unbeaten for Town, the next challenge is Tuesday night’s trip away to Raynor’s Lane.

LTFC XI: Comas; Towell, Goodman, Connolly (C), Flanagan, Pyman, Harvey, Spaul, Toomey, McClelland, Cooper.
Subs: Marsh, Turner, Fitzgerald, Butler, Akinbola, Collins, Brown.