Admittedly, with the title won on Thursday – this Saturday in the April sun saw a slightly relaxed Leighton Town lose to fifth placed St Panteleimon in front of a celebratory 774 people in attendance at a near packed-out Bell Close.
In the first half, the hosts carved out some solid opportunities. On 12 minutes, Harry Seabrook forced a fantastic save from the travelling goalkeeper. Rising to meet a ball from the right, his header was practically plucked out of the top right corner. Ten minutes later, the goalkeeper was in action again – this time getting down well to deny a rapid Archie McClelland run.
The final real chance for Town in the first half came for Leon Lobjoit. The prolific striker got on to a floated cross from the left, yet his flick was just too high. As Leighton were found wanting at the top of the pitch, it was a similar story at the back as a damning St Panteleimon break forced a penalty at the other end. Deep in the four minutes of added time, it was converted and just like that the hosts were quietly trailing at the break.
In the second period, it was to be more missed chances for the hosts. On 59’, Ethan Flanagan just couldn’t connect with the ball as he barrelled through the St Panteleimon defence. 15 minutes later, Leon Lobjoit struck the bar as the defender pinged his low drive up onto the woodwork. If it wasn’t clear already that the ball just wouldn’t go in, on 89’ Town smashed the crossbar again. This time Harry Seabrook beat the keeper to the ball but could only watch his header ricochet back off the bar before being cleared.
Now, up to this point tensions had been a little frayed in the centre of the park – and a boisterous Kyle Connolly tackle put things into overdrive as a scuffle broke out. Amidst the chaos, that broke out again just minutes later – St Panteleimon had the ball in the net again for a muted 0-2 score, taking all three points with them back to North London.
Despite the score, as said, it was a collective day of celebration at the football club and now Leighton can look forward to Tuesday night’s welcoming of Arlesey to Bell Close. The trophy will also be presented after the match too.

LTFC XI: Comas; Connolly (C), Folarin, Jackson, Seabrook, Pyman, Flanagan, Connolly, McClelland, Lobjoit, Marsh-Brown.
Subs: Robins, Toomey, Tabor, Amu, Hatton.

Report by Max Bradfield