Leighton Town got their first draw of the league campaign with a tense 1-1 stand-off against Cockfosters. Pulling a goal back after falling behind early, this point on the road kept Leighton in second place.
As said, the hosts started on the front foot. Bailey Stevenson’s turn and shot was a spark of creativity that left Leighton stuttering just seven minutes in. Five minutes later, Stevenson would be the danger man again. His free kick from 20-yards troubled Xavi Comas initially before the Spaniard blocked the follow up well.
In a meagre first half for Bircham’s side, the only real chance would come on 15’. Reece Robins worked the left wing well, although his shot was ultimately blocked and deflected wide.
Following some further Cockfosters half chances, the half time whistle came with Leighton needing to regroup. In somewhat frustrating fashion, tempers flared as Leon Lobjoit was sinbinned just minutes into the new period. Later, he’d re-emerge to help Town back into the game.
On 70’, James Towell was tricky on the right and cut back in, drawing contact from his marker. The ref pointed to the spot and Lobjoit converted a much-needed lifeline.
This one was close to the very last and Cockfosters could’ve won it late on. Antonio Michael’s work created an opening. Following a tense goal mouth scramble, key man Bailey Stevenson was denied his second goal – his shot clattering the underside of the bar on 87’.
After this, Leighton now look ahead to Tuesday’s game against Arlesey in the Dudley Latham Cup at Bell Close.

LTFC XI: Comas; Towell, Fitzgerald, Goodman, Jackson, Connolly (C), Pyman, Spaul, Marsh-Brown, Lobjoit, Robins.
Subs: McClelland, Dumbuya, Harvey, Hatton, Turner.

Report by Max Bradfield