Leighton Buzzard Mens 1st v West Hampstead Mens 4th

Leighton Buzzard faced off against West Hampstead at home after a tough week away against league leaders Tring last week.

The lessons learned by Leighton from that tough away game however served the Buzzards well. Dominating the game early on Leighton were hard done by to concede first West Hampstead taking the lead through a penalty corner. Leighton however continued to hold the ball well and work West Hampstead around creating chances Tommy Lakins rattling the post with a great effort. Leighton's pressure paid off Lakins shot sent goal bound with Ben Smith deflecting home. Leighton were however put straight back behind the visitors West Hampstead equalising almost instantly. 2-1 at half time Leighton rightly feeling hard done by.

The second half started with Leighton faulting their lines losing their domination of possession and were made to chase West Hampstead, then Leighton found themselves 3-1 down after an effective West Hampstead counter attack. Undeterred, Leighton set back to trying to gain a hold of the game, man of the match Dan Lambert playing strongly down the right hand side. Leighton won a penalty corner with 10 minutes to go and David Fry's drag flick found the bottom corner 2-3 Leighton chasing West Hampstead down. The game was evenly balanced to the finish Leighton keeper Jacob Bradding putting body on the line saving a powerful effort at goal with his head, his supreme stop keeping Leighton's chances of 3 points alive. Late pressure saw West Hampstead breathe a sign of relief at the final whistle.

Leighton slip to their 3rd defeat of the season and must regroup before next weeks away game to Wallingford.

Final score LBHC 1s 2 West Hampstead 4s 3