Both teams started the game poorly although it was the home side Leighton who managed to have the most clear cut chances. Once again poor marking from Leighton allowed Abingdon to make their mark on the score sheet with a well taken strike beating Goalkeeper Alex White. With the first half drawing to a close Leighton equalised with a low and hard drag flick from Nick Marshall, beating the Abingdon keeper and levelling the game for the yellows.

As the second half started Leighton's poor discipline when marking came back to haunt them again with an unmarked Abingdon striker slotting the ball past White with a reverse stick strike. Not long after White was forced into action at a short corner, making a crucial stick save to send the ball round the post. Leighton now began to show their class to the frustration of the away side. To make up for this the visitors tried to make up the difference with heavy handed tackles and physicality off the ball, however with a job to do the Buzzards didn't let this get to them and pushed on. Soon Leighton were able to level the game again when Tommi Lakins dribbling skills were finished off by first team new comer Ash Barnet at the back post. With the game slipping out of their hands Abingdon's late tackles increased and they were soon down to ten men. Mortgage Advice Bureau Man of the Match Matthew Franklin showed his class by applying pressure down the left flank. With two minutes left on the clock Leighton were awarded a short corner which was slipped to Tristan Hardy who expertly slotted to the ball into the corner of the goal and give Leighton the lead they had been desperately trying to gain all game. The drama did not stop there and series of short corners had to be dealt with as the final whistle went, however Leighton kept their nerve and Abingdon at bay taking the hard earned three points.

Written by Nick Marshall

Match details

Match date

Sat 13 Feb 2016

Kickoff

12:30

Meet time

11:30

Competition

MBBO Division 2

Team overview