Leighton Town 0 - Potters Bar Town 2

As the game began it was quite an even affair as both teams probed to try and make an impact on the game and Leighton had the first chance following a throw in on the right side but the shot was deflected wide. The resulting corner was claimed by the Potters Bar ‘keeper Ben Goode.

The Bell Close pitch was looking very tidy as Potters Bar had a good opportunity following a good goal kick from Goode, which nearly let Chris Doyle in on goal.

Leighton had to watch out for Goode as another goal kick from him found Eoin Casey, his shot was cleared off the line for a throw in which reached Evandro Delgado his header was straight at Brad Kirkwood.

Potters Bar were looking the more dangerous side at the moment with Doyle having another shot following a cross but again his effort was just wide and Potters Bar look like a very good counter attacking side.

Leighton were trying to create chances with Dave Brown gliding past 2 Potters Bar players but Leighton looked like they were being overrun in midfield and were struggling a little.

The visitors went 1-0 up in the 17th minute through Delgado following good wing play from Doyle. He turned past the Leighton fullback on the right side and played a low cross into the 6 yard area which the first striker missed as did Kirkwood but Delgado was there to poke into an empty net being in the right place at the right time as all good strikers are.

Leighton were still trying to get a foothold in the game but Potters Bar were well drilled defensively and were still restricting Leighton to very little. Most of The scholars chances were coming on the right wing and this time Will Wabeek played in Doyle who miskicks on a slick surface.

The Scholars then went 2-0 up on the 24th minute following a dangerous free kick from the right side on the edge of the 18 yard box. The ball was swung in and Sean Grace was there to head home and he wasn’t marked well enough.

There were some improvements from Leighton after this goal following good work from the two new signings McBride and McKenzie-Lowe who tried to push Town up the pitch but the visitors cleared out this attempted attack.

A foul on Brown gave Pierre Hazet a chance to create something from the free kick it was played into a good area from Hazet but cleared out.

Potters Bar were still attacking though through the dangerous Doyle who got the ball again on the right side flicked it to turn and shoot from range but Kirkwood was equal to it.

Leighton were having better chances now however Curtis Shaw was nearly through on goal but he was pulled down by Connor Sullivan for a free kick that was cleared for a corner. Leighton’s best chance so far came from a cross that Goode flapped at and had to be cleared off the line by the visitors defence.

By half time Potters Bar were deservedly ahead and could’ve gone 3-0 up early in the second half after Kerran Birch fouled Casey in the box for a penalty. Skipper Garry Jones stepped up to take it but Kirkwood easily saved his effort and you feel it would’ve been game over if that had gone in.

Leighton were still trying though this time it was McKenzie-Lowe with a header that was just over. The new signings were making relatively good accounts of themselves this time it was McBride who played in a teasing ball to Ben Gallant who just couldn’t reach it and he was in a good position to score from it.

As the rain started to fall on the pitch so did the quality of the match as the game was starting to become a scrappy affair as the visitors looked like they were happy to sit back a little bit now as well. Tensions were rising a little as well as they was some pushing and shoving off the ball by sub Josh Murray and one of the Potters Bar players and Murray was booked for it.

The rain had had a big impact on this second half and both teams were playing hopeful long balls as conditions were beginning to worsen towards the end with both sides having little in terms of chances.

The game finished 2-0 and the visitors deserved the 3 points with a very good first half performance and they had a good game plan to deal with Leighton. They were positives to take however for Leighton the new signings made a good account of themselves but sometimes in football you have to say you were beaten by the better side and today was one of those days. Town are away to Ware next Saturday.