Leighton Buzzard Mens 1st v Sonning Mens 3rd

Leighton's second game of the weekend saw them take on Sonning's third team.

Leighton started brightly and were able to push towards Sonning's D, but were unable to create any real clear cut chances. As the half progressed it was the visitors who were able to draw first blood through some quick passing and poor Leighton marking. This gave Sonning the confidence to attack the Leighton D and be rewarded with several short corners, the first of which was saved on the line by MoM Gordon Browne. Unfortunately for Leighton they found themselves two goals down when a goal mouth scramble from a short corner was forced over the line by the Sonning attack. This seemed to spur the home side on and they were soon on the score sheet when some quick and fluid passing found Tommy Lakins free in the D to slot the ball home. With continued pressure Leighton pushed the away side to their limits and a goal from Dave Jackson brought Leighton back to level. As the first half closed Leighton were able to win a short corner with the initial shot being saved but falling perfectly to Nick Marshall who was able to coolly flick the ball into goal to give Leighton the lead into the half time break.

Leighton continued to press the Sonning defence from the whistle with both Matt Franklin and Dan Lambert using the width of the pitch expertly to support the Leighton attack. Once again Leighton's speed and accuracy when moving the ball allowed Rob Lowth to pass the ball around the Sonning keeper and find Lakins who reverse stick finished to put the home side two goals up. Some fierce defending around the Sonning D saw Mark Stephenson win the ball from a Sonning defender, dribble into the D and smash the ball past the out stretched goal keeper.
Unfortunately as the half went on Leighton went back into their old habits and conceded three goals in ten minutes. The first through a well placed drag flick at a short corner, the second a penalty flick and the third through a quick break and poor marking. With the clock ticking away it was do or die time for Leighton, and some fierce determination all over the pitch saw buzzard win a short corner. The initial injection to the top of the D was just wide of Browne, but he was able to gain control of the ball and strike it into the bottom corner of the goal and put Leighton back in front. A period of Leighton possession resulted in Lakins scoring his hat trick after collecting the rebound from Chris Marshall's shot and skilfully knocking the ball through his legs and past the Sonning goal keeper. With two minutes left of the game the home side were able to show great composure and keep the ball away from the visiting side.
With the final whistle came relief from the yellows who have finally been able to secure a well earned 3 points.

Final score LBHC 1s 7 Sonning 3s 5

Next week Leighton take on Milton Keynes at Vandyke.