Leighton Town tasted defeat for the first time this preseason, losing right at the death to AFC Dunstable. In an even match against Southern League opposition, Town held their own well. Archie McClelland gave the hosts the lead before Dunstable slowly made their way back in it, eventually sealing the win with the last kick of the game.
This local battle could’ve been mistaken as a league game. Two sides raring to go, Leighton had a good chance early although Archie McClelland could only drag his shot on ’10. Half chances came through Ethan Flanagan from a set piece and Leon Lobjoit from range, yet they hardly troubled keeper Josh Bowler.
Town eventually made good on their early pressure on ’31. Gary Connolly put in a brilliant floating free kick from the right and it evaded all men in blue before Archie McClelland was ready to poach yet another good goal this summer. Aside from the almost constant string of fouls from both sides, this was the last action of the first half.
The second period began much in the same vein. Leighton applied more pressure and even had the ball cleared off the line just three minutes into the new half – Lewis Toomey and Leon Lobjoit causing havoc for Bowler.
The ball would be worked inside well once more, however Bircham’s men just couldn’t double their lead. Somehow Joe Fitzgerald’s low drive from the right missed every one of his teammates as AFC cleared on ’53. Lobjoit forced a fine stop from the goalkeeper on the hour, but Dunstable were able to breathe and after this, began to move into the game. A debatable penalty saw Town penalised for leaving an arm on Kieran Hamilton. Xavi Comas saved Lucas Kirkpatrick’s kick accordingly to his right to deny the equaliser on 65 minutes.
Comas could only watch old boy Louis Collier’s lob float over before the visitors would have another penalty on the 71st minute. Luke Pyman brought down John Shamalo and this time, Collier stepped up to make no mistake from 12 yards. The momentum had shifted now, as the OD’s forced a save from Comas before a freekick signalled Town on the back foot on ’84. The away side remained persistent. Brett Longden supplied a freekick which Shamalo nodded across. Collier was waiting to slam home and break old fans’ hearts as AFC sealed the win.
The next (and final) test is at home to QPR U23’s on Saturday.

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

Report by Max Bradfield