The initial ninety minutes provided an even clash, before the cup holders showed better nerve to continue in the tournament winning 7-6 from the spot.

The visitors started well, yet an injury to James Towell on 12 minutes following an unpunished tackle halted some early inroads. Newport applied some pressure of their own and a threatening shot on goal was initially blocked on 20’. To Town’s frustration, Ethan Flanagan handled the ball as he slid in. Albie Hall calmly converted the penalty to give the home side the lead.

This first goal was crucial and boosted the home team’s confidence as now they were much the better side. Leighton were second to a lot of balls and the men in green looked like they simply wanted it more. After this, Kieran Barnes fired a cross just past the post. Mo Ahmed forced a good save from Xavi Comas one on one before Town got their breath back. An effort cleared off the line was an indication that Bircham’s side could actually make waves, yet Leighton were still found wanting.

The second half offered much more for the travelling fans. Kyle Connolly forced a good save from Martin Conway on 54’ before just four minutes later, a Will Summerfield free kick was whipped past the post. The introduction of Lewis Toomey on 73’ was a much needed shake up and as Town went forward once more, Ben Spaul smashed the base of the left post.

As Conway saved a low drive from Archie McClelland, the away side must’ve been wondering what it would take to get back in. However, on 86’ the pressure would be all too much and a deflected Summerfield cross had Conway bereft as Leon Lobjoit headed home to take this one straight to penalties.

In a series of kicks that went right down to the wire, misses from Archie McClelland, Oran Jackson and Ben Spaul were enough to power the hosts through - much to the enjoyment of the baying crowd in the Steve Dart stand. Despite Vase heartbreak, Leighton’s focus now shifts to a plethora of fixtures even including Thursday night outings. The next match amidst the congestion, is New Bradwell in the Gladwish Challenge Trophy on Tuesday night at Bell Close.

LTFC XI: Comas; Towell, Connolly, Connolly (C), Jackson, Pyman, Flanagan, Spaul, McClelland, Lobjoit, Summerfield.
Subs: Robins, Toomey, Beck, Farrelly, Cooper, Marsh-Brown, Marsh.

Report by Max Bradfield