Petersfield Town 4 - Leighton Town 3

Match Report

PETERSFIELD TOWN 4 - 3 LEIGHTON TOWN

In their last away game before the New Year, Leighton travelled to Hampshire on Saturday to take play Petersfield in a match from which they hoped they might get 3 points. On a very heavy pitch which could only just have been playable Leighton put their fans through a full range of emotions from elation to utter despair at losing once again to a last minute goal that ensured the hosts secured all the points after being second best for at least an hour of the game. Town were strengthened by the return of James Hatch in attack and the inclusion of Aaron McKee in midfield, Goalkeeper Sam Weir made his debut in place of the suspended Bradley Kirkwood In the first half Town chose to kick with the slope and wind in their favour and they created an early chance with came to nothing, Petersfield then created a half chance at the other end but town’s defence held firm.

Despite the state of the pitch Leighton looked good in possession and they took the lead in the 14th minute following a good move when James Hatch fed the ball to Alex OBrien who drove his shot into the net despite the efforts of the home keeper. The lead was deserved and Town were looking the better side despite the hosts going close a couple of times. Town doubled their lead in the 29th minute when Aaron McKee fired in a great shot that produced an equally good block save from Ender in the home goal but McKee quickly headed the rebound into the net. Two minutes after the goal Leighton nearly had a third when following some more good football James Hatch’s shot was deflected for a corner.

Town never really had a chance to settle down after their second goal and Petersfield replied when they took a quick throw in that caught Town napping in defence and Neighbour curled a great shot across goal and in to the far corner to reduce the deficit. Leighton returned to the attack and Alex O’Brien had his shot blocked following a cross by Curtis Shaw. In the 45th minute town created another opportunity when a clever pass by Alex OBrien gave James Hatch a chance but his shot hit the side netting.

With three minutes of the second half gone Curtis Shaw ran onto a through ball and his sublime chip over the keeper gave Town a two goal cushion once again. Leighton looked probable winners at this stage.

Petersfield’s Manager then decided to change his line up and the hosts started knocking the ball long which forced Town to defend deeper against the slop and wind. Petersfield scored their second in the 69th minute when substitute Richardson fired home from close range. Town then made two changes with Craig Maisiri replacing Aaron McKee and a minute later Kerran Birch replaced James Hatch.

In the 7th minute the hosts drew level when Jerrard fired home and Town who had looked well in command were now back on level terms.

Ben Gallant fired a shot just over the bar in a Town attack in the 83rd minute.

However worse was to follow as Town fans who were thinking their side would only get a single point for their efforts conceded a last minute penalty when goalkeeper, Wyer brought down an attacker as he tried to go past him. The Referee had an easy decision to give the penalty and the keeper was dismissed for preventing a goal scoring opportunity. The penalty was despatched in style with Jordan Jenkins who had taken the gloves going the wrong way.

Town did not deserve to lose this game but goals win games and Town continue to concede soft goals. Despite their improved display Town have still not picked up 3 points since they beat Beaconsfield and if they don’t start soon it will be uphill all the way to the end of the season.