Amidst temperatures that peaked at 33 degrees at kick off, Leighton Town battled the heat and a scorched surface to secure a confident win at London Colney. The goals came either side of the break from Kyle Connolly and Luke Pyman.
Town began well against their Cotlandswick hosts and chances in the early stages hinted at things to come. Ethan Flanagan had one cleared off the line from a corner on 5’. Joe Fitzgerald whizzed a half volley wide just before the ten-minute mark.
On 17 minutes, the visitors finally broke the deadlock and in somewhat odd fashion too. Leighton Town’s media has been good at filming goals recently, but the London Colney goalkeeper will be glad this one wasn’t caught on camera. A hopeful ball over the top from Kyle Connolly should have been a routine catch, but the ball slipped through the number one’s gloves and trickled into the empty net.
After this, both sides refreshed with a water break and Leighton came out swinging. On 33’, Leon Lobjoit just missed the top left corner with a header and before the half was out, his strike partner Lewis Toomey forced a fine save from close range.
The second half began with the heat taking the momentum out of the game. After a quiet start, Leighton managed to notch again on the hour mark. Kyle Connolly floated in a tempting cross from the right and Luke Pyman rose best to get a great flick on.
The last half hour seemed very much about game management and Town kept the lead and clean sheet intact. Xavi Comas was tested briefly, palming away a cross well, but Lee Bircham’s side saw out the win. Now, focus shifts to Tuesday night where we’re on the road again – away at Aylesbury Vale Dynamos.
LTFC XI: Comas; Fitzgerald, Connolly, Connolly (C), Flanagan, Pyman, Cooper, Spaul, Toomey, Lobjoit, Harvey.
Subs: McClelland, Dumbuya, Towell, Butler, Goodman.

Match Report Max Bradfield