Saturday saw Leighton Town stumble against league newcomers ST Panteleimon. Ending up the worse off of a five-goal game, Town initially opened the scoring through Leon Lobjoit before the hosts grew in confidence. Lee Bircham’s side grabbed a consolation through Lewis Toomey but it wasn’t enough.
As said, Leighton began on the front foot as the prolific Leon Lobjoit got proceedings underway with a goal just six minutes in. Played in by Kyle Connolly, the pacey forward struck hard and low from his left to find the bottom right corner brilliantly.
After the goal, the game entered a scrappy period. Lots of fouls and bickering were eventually interrupted minutes before half time as the hosts pulled one back. On 38’, one through ball seemed to split the defence and a well taken finish from the forward was enough momentum for the home side. Bang on the 45’, a dodgy back pass was latched on to and the hosts grabbed the lead before the break.
Following half time, Panteleimon would compound a tough spell for the visitors and score a third on 51’. Leighton heads were spinning, especially as the home side seemed to employ a bit of gamesmanship. On 69’, a child even ran on the pitch, adding further chaos. Town kept persevering and Ethan Flanagan’s header on to the bar was a real close call as ten minutes remained. A late Lewis Toomey goal on 89’ put backs up in the final few moments, but Panteleimon ultimately prevailed – handing Leighton their first league defeat of the season.
Following defeat at Hertingfordbury Park, the next order of business is at home to Hilltop in the cup. This result sees Town go third. Panteleimon move to second.

LTFC XI: Comas; Towell, Connolly, Flanagan, Goodman, Pyman, Harvey, Spaul (C), McClelland, Lobjoit, Turner.
Subs: Toomey, Marsh, Fitzgerald, Dubniuc

Report by Max Bradfield