MATCH REPORT V ENFIELD

After a mid-week missing action for Leighton Town, Lee Bircham’s side returned to Bell Close with a solid victory over visitors Enfield. Goals from Kieran Turner and Archie McClelland were enough to beat The E’s despite the visitors pulling one back midway through the second half.
The game opened with both teams battling for the ball in a period best described as the two feeling each other out. The first real opportunity saw Kieran Turner fire over on 24’. On the half hour mark, there was another great opening. A long ball over the top found Lewis Toomey, yet the visiting keeper came out well to block with his legs. Leon Lobjoit looked to sweep up the pieces, but the defender was wise to it to get a big leg in the way.
Just before the half was over, Joe Fitzgerald looked to latch on to a brilliant ball from the left – yet Enfield’s no.3 was alert and nodded clear well. The whistle for the break signified the end to a very scrappy half. That said, just five minutes after the restart - Town broke the deadlock. Kieran Turner was played in and secured the ball off of his flailing defender before coolly slotting home into the bottom right corner.
This seemed to really spark the game into life and just five minutes later, Leighton would have another. Archie McClelland continued some prolific preseason form and completed a well worked move. A quick throw from Fitzgerald to Turner led to the previous goal scorer leaving his man in the dust down the right. He lofted over an inviting ball and McClelland was on hand to convert with a diving header from close range.
Capping off an exciting period of play with goals galore, Enfield got one back. Their no.6 managed to get on the end of a low cross and ultimately put the pressure back on with an hour played. In the final half hour, the two teams battled and the ferocity from the first half carried over, yet chances were few.
Aside from a Luke Pyman booking on ’75 and an Ayo Akinbobola penalty shout turned down, Leighton saw out the result in front of 204 spectators. Now, attention turns to Tuesday night where AFC Dunstable come to Bell Close.

LTFC XI: Comas; Butler, Connolly, Connolly (C), Flanagan, Pyman, Fitzgerald, Harvey, Toomey, Lobjoit, Turner.
Subs: Marsh, Hayford, McClelland, Ward, Goodman, Cooper, Akinbobola.

REPORT BY MAX BRADFIELD