Ten-men Leighton Town battled past Crawley Green in the cold on Tuesday night to win 1-2 and take their tenure at the top of the league to more comfortable heights. Leon Lobjoit was the head turner as his brace pushed him past 50 league goals for the season, while James Towell put in a tireless man of the match display.
Denied by both Archie McClelland and Baldock Town last week, Leon Lobjoit finally got past the illusive 50-goal mark. This time around, it only took him nine minutes to get on the scoresheet. A surge from Gary Connolly down the right was poorly cleared and Lobjoit latched on and drove his deflected low effort past Crawley’s number one for that unbelievable number 50.
Kyle Connolly nearly added to the score on 32’. His break in behind though, was only capped by a low shot straight at the keeper. After this, the first half took a negative turn. The ball looked to hit a Crawley Green hand before the break and had Leighton up in arms. The ref was unmoved. Such was the displeasure; Jason Beck got a somewhat understandable yellow and a sinbin for dissent. The second yellow card was less so, as a touchline bin fell victim to the defender’s wrath – earning him an early trip to the changing rooms.
In the second period, Kyle Connolly whizzed a free kick just over before Archie McClelland couldn’t make the most of a header on 52’. Crawley held out amidst the early pressure, so well in fact, that they went up the other end and forced a penalty.
Number 5 for the hosts stepped up and stuck it away with ease to compound some frustrating early second half misses. The hosts looked to shut up shop as a McClelland effort was saved well on the hour, yet Lobjoit had other ideas as on 72 minutes. He grabbed his second of the game - his 51st goal of the season. James Towell put in an excellent flighted cross from the right and Lobjoit headed in from close range to take back the lead.
After this, and a gritty period, the ref was perhaps a little generous with the added time - yet Town held on for the vital three points. Now, a mini away run ends as Town are back at Bell Close to face Risborough Rangers on Saturday.
LTFC XI: Comas; Connolly (C), Connolly, Jackson, Beck, Pyman, Towell, Spaul, McClelland, Lobjoit, Marsh-Brown.
Sub: Robins, Hutchins, Sexton, Amu, Folarin.

Report by Max Bradfield