As management tried to deal with games coming thick and fast, there were nine first team debutants in a 90 minutes that ended 1-1.
The first half was a relatively quiet affair as the new boys held their own against Stotfold. With the game missing action, the highlight for the media team was a short trip to the burger bar.
In the second period, the two sides came out fighting. Less than ten minutes in, the home side forced a penalty. Mason Spence put it away to take the lead on 53’. Leighton survived further Stotfold pressure as a Jack Stanton effort could only whizz high over the bar.
Up the other end, Town were making solid inroads and eventually got a goal back on 75’. Josh Hatton put in a signature cross and made it easy for Dan Griffiths to tap home. Spirits were high, but nearly lowered straight away as the home side were awarded another penalty right as the minutes ticked down.
Right at the last, Spence had his opportunity to get the winner and his second – but Harvey Heeps was the hero. He saved well to deny the double and send this one straight to penalties.
Unfortunately, as they had been in the FA Vase, spot kicks were unkind to Leighton. ‘Fold keeper Liam Gooch made two crucial stops before Harry Buckley converted to see the men in yellow through to the semis.
Despite this defeat and a highly developmental XI, Town can have pride in their performance. Now, focus shifts to 17th placed Colney Heath away in the league on Saturday.

LTFC XI: Heeps; Maina, Kefford, Bircham, Flanagan, Beck (C), Silvestri, Sayell, Griffiths, Cross, Hatton.
Subs: Rhodes, Nicholas, Dominy-Lewis, Kenny, Jaggard.

Report by Max Bradfield