Potters Bar Town 0 - Leighton Town 1

Leighton started this game without James Hatch and Max Ibeto, Matt Hewitt made his debut at right back with Craig Maisiri filling in at left back. Curtis Shaw was also unavailable and Alkali Darboe started as Town’s solo striker.

Leighton started the game playing with a stiff breeze behind them but the hosts created the first chance after 4 minutes when a left wing cross was headed wide by Adcock. A minute later Town replied with a good passing move and Lewis McBride won a corner which was easily cleared by the home defence.

The next opportunity fell to the hosts and Delgado forced a save from Brad Kirkwood in the Leighton goal. Both teams were trying to pass the ball but conditions were not easy and in Town’s next attempt Darboe headed well wide. Josh Murray then put his effort way off target in another Town attack.

In the 17th minute Potters Bar were awarded a penalty after Jordan Jenkins was penalised for a tackle inside the box and Potters Bar captain, Joe Bennett stepped up to take the spot kick but put his effort wide of the post to the relief of Leighton’s players and their fans.

In the 26th minute the hosts were awarded a free kick which was played to left back Warner- Eley and his well struck shot was turned over by the alert Kirkwood. A few minutes later the keeper also had to turn over another effort by Bennett.

Town were awarded a penalty in the 38th minute when Craig Maisiri burst into the penalty area before being brought down. After a short delay there appeared to be some serious confusion over who would take the spot kick. Ben Gallant appeared to be waiting for the ball but Josh Murray put the ball on the spot before scooping a poor spot kick over the bar.

Town had to play against the wind in the second half but they showed that this would not be a problem with some good possession and some decent passing and in the 58th minute Joe Nyama scooped his shot over the bar after a Town attack. The hosts responded with an effort that was way off target.

In the 64th minute Lewis McBride drove a fine shot narrowly over the crossbar after more good passing by Leighton. A minute after this Town produced another fluent move which produced a dangerous cross from McBride that was only partially cleared and Gallant drove a shot against the post before a follow up effort was deflected for a corner kick. When the kick came across Murray got his foot to the ball and diverted it into the top corner to put Town in front.

Town looked reasonably comfortable in defence and after 78 minute a good ball from the left found Lewis McBride who chested it down before shooting just wide. Potters Bar then attacked and a decent cross from the right wing was well held by Bradley Kirkwood under pressure from two attackers. Potters Bar then won a corner on their left which was missed by Kirkwood but Matt Hewitt was on hand on the line to clear the ball away from danger.

Town defended well to see the game out and in the end deserved the win after a good second half team performance.

Leighton will play Aylesbury United on Easter Monday in a vital game for both teams. Town will be hoping that some of their missing fans will turn up for this game to give extra vocal support.

Next Saturday Leighton entertain Rushden and Diamonds and then on Tuesday 5th April Uxbridge will visit Bell Close.