Fledglings earn a narrow victory against determined Aylesbury

Leighton Buzzard Fledglings 2-1 Aylesbury 5s

The Fledglings enjoyed a morale-boosting win against difficult opponents Aylesbury 5s. Although Leighton had the upper hand for large parts of the game they were never able to pull away from the determined Aylesbury team.

As the first half progressed Leighton's midfield began to get on top. Throughout there was great interplay between Stuart Retford, Terry Cavender and Samuel Gale; they consistently and patiently worked the ball forward. And just before half-time the deadlock was broken, when Retford's ball into the D was picked up and neatly finished by David Jackson. 1 - 0 to The Fledglings at the break.

It was more of the same in the second half. Sam Gale dispossessed an Aylesbury defender and passed to Jackson who calmly slotted in a second. Leighton then enjoyed their best spell of the game, where up front Fraser Retford was finding great attacking positions and Hugh Hatt-Lipscomb, Leighton’s player of the match, was running at the opposition with purpose and determination.

However Aylesbury battled their way back into the game, when a run into the D was ended with a thumping strike into the Leighton goal. With the result still in the balance Leighton upped their game. In the last five minutes, they came close to a third when first Hatt-Lipscomb and then Peter Gale's shots were well saved by a very good Aylesbury keeper. Finally, in the last minute, Jackson was denied his hat-trick when his goal bound shot was kept out by an outstanding save, diving away to his left, again the Aylesbury keeper saved his team, as he tipped the ball away round the post.

Although it was hard fought, it was a good win and a decent performance from a still improving Fledglings side.

Final score: 2- 1 Leighton win
Player(s)of the Match: Hugh Hatt-Lipscomb