Mens 2s concede late to drop two points

Leighton hoped to bounce back from last weeks defeat against Phoenix & Ranelagh who were sitting 2nd in the league. Leighton knew it would be tough but, as each weeks pass and more familiarity with the new formation takes hold, it was Leighton who took the lead. Good passing round the back and down the channels eventually ending up with Stephen Fuller sweeping the ball into the goal. Soon after Leighton doubled their lead with a similar move this time ending up with Robin Lowth slotting home. There hadn’t been much to trouble Stuart McDonald in goal but Phoenix eventually won a short corner which, after going through the keepers legs, hit a Leighton leg. P-flick awarded and duly despatched. This didn’t dampen the Leighton spirits until 5 mins before half time when Leighton were reduced to ten men, but Buzzard held out.

Second half under way and little goal mouth action at either end with both defences holding strong. But, with 5 mins remaining, Phoenix got their equaliser. With the Leighton defence expecting the whistle to go for various impingements Phoenix didn’t stop and rifled the ball into the bottom corner. All hands to the pump now. Leighton has one more chance after a great run and cross to the far post by Fraser Retford went unrewarded as nobody had managed to keep up with him. It was then the turn of Phoenix to rise from the ashes and grab a win as they won a short corner at the final whistle.

Fortunately Leighton stood strong and managed to clear their lines. Two points dropped perhaps but the signs look promising and hopefully all will come to fruition with a tea-time game away at Sonning next week.

MOM Tom O’Reilly