Leighton Town kickstarted their Spartan campaign with a 3-0 victory against newly promoted Stotfold. Fans had heeded Lee Bircham’s rallying cries for support as 323 arrived to bear witness to goals from Jack Harvey, Leon Lobjoit and Matty Cooper.
The home side looked fresh after their gruelling preseason and started strongly. The first goal came just eight minutes in as Jack Harvey calmly slotted home – rounding a wayward goalkeeper in Liam Gooch.
As Town looked for their second, Stotfold looked to be feeling the pressure. On 24 minutes a grizzly tackle from Jordan Stevenson resulted in an early bath for the midfielder.
The visitors did make some chances of their own amidst the Leighton attacks. Most notably in the first half, Aaron Diveney tested Xavi Comas from 30 yards – forcing the Spaniard to tip over well on 32’.
Leighton continued on the attack after this as Leon Lobjoit also tried his luck from range. Keeper all ends up, the striker was not far from the top right corner at all on 34’.
After the break Town continue in the driver’s seat as they took only 8 minutes to double their lead. Lobjoit, who had been tricky to contain, finally got his goal. Rising well, he connected with a ball from deep to nod into the top left corner right in front of the clubhouse end.
Two goals down, the Eagles turned to the bench and the newly emerging Josh Bamford nearly made an impact. He took the ball down and cut into the box before a Leighton block stopped the attack. It seemed too little too late for the team in yellow and matters became trickier on 84’. Forward Mason Spence ended up in the sinbin.
Leighton took advantage of their opposition with nine men and just before the final whistle they added a third goal to the tally. Joe Fitzgerald whipped in a perfect cross and Matty Cooper crept in at the back post to side foot in on the volley. It signalled the end to a fantastic game for the Reds and now fans can look forward to FA Cup action this coming Saturday at home against Baldock Town. Stotfold’s next challenge is Newport Pagnell at home.

Report By Max Bradfield
Photos By Simon Gill Photography