Leighton Buzzard Mens 1st v Milton Keynes Mens 3rd

Leighton's second game of the weekend saw them host local rivals Milton Keynes in a closely fought battle.

From the first whistle Leighton showed their hunger for three points and pushed hard against a shaky MK defence. This fighting spirit soon paid off when Man of the Match Ben Smith was able to flick the ball past the visitors goalkeeper to put the home side one nil up. Leighton continued to capitalise on Milton Keynes reluctance to attack and were soon two goals ahead through a perfectly timed strike by Tommy Lakins into the net of the goal. Leighton's third goal came once again through Jackson who bravely deflected the ball past the MK keeper. With ten minutes gone Leighton were cruising and the traveling side looked lost at sea. Unfortunately for the home side some silly mistakes and poor marking allowed Milton Keynes to get back into the game and on the score sheet. The rest of the half saw Centre backs Gordon Browne and Tim Bellamy battle hard to keep MK from clawing back any more goals heading into half time.

As the second whistle blew the visitors pressed Leighton and once again their inability to effectively mark left the MK centre midfield open who dribbled into the D and smashed the ball past Leighton's outstretched goal keeper Jacob Brading. This goal gave MK some flare and they soon equalised with a well taken deflection. Leighton were now back pedalling and a long ariel pass from the half way line found it's target of an MK forward who struck the ball past Leighton's keeper to put the away side in the lead for the first time in the game. Bradding made some important saves to keep the Buzzards only one goal a drift, and the continual battling of Mark Stephenson and Smith in the middle of the park gave Leighton their chance to equalise. This came through Smith stealing the ball from an MK defender and finding Nick Marshall unmarked at the top of the D who then beat his player and passed the ball across the face of the goal for Dave Fry to slot into the open net.

With the clock ticking Leighton pressed hard looking for a winning goal but luck was not on their side. As the final whistle went both sides saw victory removed from their grasps and their league positions remain as they were.

Next week The Buzzards take on Newbury and Thatcham away, which has historically been a difficult game for Leighton, and at a time when Leighton need points they must show the grit and determination that has been lacking in crucial games.

Final score LBHC 1s 4 MK 3s 4

Written by Nick Marshall