Fledglings' attacking hockey earns win over talented Tring

Leighton Buzzard Fledglings 4 - 2 Tring 3s

The Fledglings played some of their best attacking hockey of this season in beating a talented Tring side.

Having the best of the early exchanges, the Fledglings opened the scoring when Fraser Retford pulled the ball away from the Tring goalkeeper and laid it back for Peter Gale, who flicked the ball past keeper and defenders. A second goal soon followed. Good work from, player of the match, Stuart Retford, saw him drive forward from midfield and find David Jackson on the left of the "D". Jackson's lifted shot beat the keeper's outstretched hand and flew into the right side of the goal.

At this stage, the Fledglings were good for their two-goal lead but a mix up at the back let Tring in and a well-taken goal put the visitors back into the game. However Leighton then enjoyed a period of dominance when the midfield of Stuart Retford, Sam Gale and Terry Cavender took control of the game. Their passing range gave Leighton options down the flanks and through the middle. Following great work by Gale and Retford, the ball was played to Jackson who ran in from the right, crossing for Hugh Hatt-Lipscomb to score his first goal for the club: three - one to Leighton at the break.

The Fledglings scored first in the second half: Sam Gale picked up the ball on the wide left and drove across the "D", his inch perfect pass picking out an on rushing Marc Scott, who converted with a powerful running shot which thumped against the backboard. But determined Tring were not yet beaten; good play and individual skill created a chance for the forward line and a neat finish reduced the deficit to two goals.

Leighton continued to attack. First Stuart Retford hit the post with a powerful reverse hit, then another Sam Gale run and strike saw his shot reverberate off the far post: both players deserved goals for their excellent displays today but it was not to be and the score stayed at four two. A very pleasing win for the Fledglings, a game that was played in a great spirit and both sides appreciated the umpires, excellent throughout.

Final score: 4 - 2 Leighton win
Player of the Match: Stuart Retford