Leighton Buzzard 1s vs Eastcote 3s

Leighton's first game of 2016 saw them travel to Eastcote to face the only team in the league to gain a victory against the Buzzards.

Before the game Leighton were ready to put things right after their last performance against Eastcote. Unfortunately it was the home side who looked brightest from the first whistle. Leighton goalkeeper Alex White was called into action early to keep the attacking Eastcote forwards off the score sheet. Once Leighton had settled they soon found their rhythm with Mark Stephenson opening Leighton's account after connecting with a cross from Tommi Lakins. As the first half drew to a close the defensive partnership of Jack Gorton and Gordon Browne battled hard to keep Eastcote off the score sheet.

The second half started much like the first with the home side pushing Leighton hard and being rewarded with a number of short corners. After keeping several of these out of the goal, a lucky deflection off a Leighton stick fooled White and put the game level. Leighton now dug deep, knowing only a win would do. Mortgage Advice Bureau Man of the Match Nick Marshall showed great composure in Leighton's half to win the midfield battle and distribute the ball to the forwards. The strength and speed of Chris Marshall and Dave Fry gave Leighton a number of opportunities that they were unable to convert. Finally the Buzzards got back in the lead with Lakins smashing the ball home from the top of the D at a Leighton short corner. With the clock ticking Leighton were reduced to 10 men when skipper Gorton was questionably awarded a green card for hitting the ball away after the whistle. The travelling side now looked to run the clock down with the older of the Marshall brothers taking the ball into the corner, only to have a horrendous challenge on him converted into a short corner. Fry's slap at goal bounced off the Eastcote goal keeper, onto a defenders foot and across the line to give Leighton the three points and make it 11 games undefeated and to rectify the mistakes of their last game against Eastcote.

Next week Leighton host bottom of the league Stains and will be looking to add to their winning tally.

Final score LBHC 3 Eastcote 1

Written by Nick Marshall