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Sat 09 Apr 2016  ·  Division 1 Central
Northwood
2
4
Leighton Town F C
First Team
Northwood 2 - Leighton Town 4

Northwood 2 - Leighton Town 4

Andrew Parker5 May 2017 - 23:02
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Northwood 2 - Leighton Town 4

NORTHWOOD 2 - 4 LEIGHTON TOWN

Leighton made the trip to Northwood on Saturday to take on the team currently in 8th place in the table. Town had to make a couple of changes to their line up as a result of injuries received in the game against Uxbridge. Matt Myatt returned at fullback and David Brown returned in midfield after non selection for several matches. Town also altered their formation with Ben Gallant and James Hatch starting up front in a 4-4 2- formation.

After dropping 5 points in their last two games Leighton desperately needed to gain maximum points from this game as rivals Aylesbury United have been on a good run lately. Town started the game in positive style and they went in front in the 8th minute when Gallant and Hatch combined to play a ball through for Brown who ran on to the pass and coolly slotted the ball past the advancing keeper to give Town an early lead and boost their confidence.

Town increased their lead in the 12th minute when the Northwood keeper tried to play the ball to one of his defenders but misplaced his pass and Brown was quickly onto the loose ball and calmly passed it wide of the keepers left hand to double his own and Town’s score. Northwood looked all at sea at this point of the game and Town were passing the ball around quite well and looked comfortable enough although the hosts also created a couple of half chances.

Town increased their lead in the 30th minute when Brown ran across the goal to flick the ball into the net with his right foot to complete his hat trick and a perfect return to the team. Town stayed on the front foot and James Hatch shot wide following a corner kick a minute later.

Northwood were not giving the game up and in the 33rd minute Bradley Kirkwood produced a top quality save to deny the hosts a first goal. Leighton returned to the attack in the 41st minute when Ben Gallant fed the ball through for Lewis McBride but the midfielder who had a great chance to score a fourth for Leighton was denied by a good save by Laurencin in the Northwood goal. Just before the break Stephenson shot high over the bar in a Northwood attack as they attempted to reduce the arrears.

Leighton’s habit of conceding goals soon after the half time break continued in this game when Stephenson took advantage after Leighton made a mess of clearing their lines. Northwood looked a much better side in the second half and whatever their Manager said at half time certainly produced a response from his team.

Leighton had to defend in depth at times but still looked dangerous on the break and in the70th minute Hatch ran onto a through pass with the hosts appealing for offside but the Town striker sent his left footed effort wide of the far post. A few minutes later Northwood gained a free kick in a dangerous position but eventually shot over the bar to relieve the pressure. The hosts were not to be denied however and two minutes later after two long balls which were poorly defended by Leighton, substitute Hastings ran onto the loose ball and cleverly lifted it over Kirkwood to reduce the arrears to a single goal.

With 5 minutes remaining Northwood won a corner which Kirkwood dropped under pressure but fortunately Budden lifted the loose ball over the bar to the relief of Town players and fans alike.

With 4 minutes remaining Lewis McBride ran through into the penalty area before being tripped and the referee had no hesitation in giving the spot kick. After a short delay Ben Gallant ran up and placed the ball to the keepers left but Laurencin guessed correctly and pushed the ball away but Darboe was quickly on the loose ball and pulled it back across the box to Gallant who made no mistake with his second chance.

A good performance from Town, who have kept their survival hopes alive. Man of the match for Leighton was David Brown for his hat trick performance.

Town now face 3 difficult games, starting next week at home to North Greenford and followed by another home game on Tuesday 19th against Aylesbury United. Town finish their season on Sat 23 at Chalfont St. Peter.

Match details

Match date

Sat 09 Apr 2016

Kickoff

15:00

Attendance

80

Competition

Division 1 Central
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