Fledglings suffer against strong Staines 5s

Staines 5s 3 - 0 Leighton Buzzard Fledglings

The Fledglings battled hard and performed honourably but in the end were beaten by a very strong Staines side that were better on the day.

The first half started badly for the Fledglings when they conceded a goal in the first five minutes. Staines passed the ball at pace and were able to crash the ball home from close in. However Leighton regrouped and determined defence helped Leighton stay solid. Andrew Barton in particular had a great match both in defence and as a counter-attacking outlet down the right.

Despite the tireless running of Joseph Giltrow and Fraser Retford, the Fledglings found it hard to create a clear-cut chance. Their best effort came when Peter Gale intercepted a hit out but having passed the last defender was thwarted by a very good save from the Staines keeper who was quickly out to hit “man and ball” at the edge of the “D”.

At 1-0 the Fledglings were still in the game. But on the stroke of half time a penalty flick was awarded after Leighton were adjudged to have cleared the ball off the line with a foot and Staines scored their second.

The Fledglings came out for the second half determined to give everything they had. And they did. Gale’s strike form the edge of the “D” was unfortunately well saved. Andrew Barton’s skilful deflection went just the wrong side of the post: the Staines keeper also dealt with Owen Crossan’s shot from the left of the “D”.

Ultimately fatigue cost the Fledglings and they conceded a third. Player of the match, Jacob Bradding kept the Fledglings in the game, with a string of excellent saves and well-judged clearances. Defending deep the Fledglings tried to hit Staines on the counter attack but despite Reece Cook’s great efforts to drive the ball forward from midfield, the Fledglings were unable grab the consolation goal that their efforts merited.

So overall a good performance from the Fledglings but congratulations to Staines who were the better side and deserved winners.

Final score: 3 – 0 win for Staines 5s – loss for the Fledglings
Player of the Match: Jacob Bradding