In a fairly even first half, Leighton had to defend with skill and determination, typified by both David Thompson's athletic goal line clearance and then by Andrew Barton's skilful deflection away from goal, of a powerful Eastcote short corner strike. Stewart Angell excelled in goal and after those two early scares the Fledglings didn't come under serious threat again in the match. The Fledglings' best effort, of the half, came from a Stuart Retford shot that was just saved and then scrambled wide, as Owen Crossan was lining up to push the ball over the line.

It was the Fledglings greater desire in the second half that was to be the major factor in the game. Terry Cavender, playing in an unfamiliar defensive position started to push further forward and this enabled the Fledglings to press the opposition more effectively. With Joshua Wavish and Henry Mead controlling midfield Leighton started to create more chances.

Good work by Hugh Hatt-Lipscomb culminated in a Peter Gale hit into the "D" that was deflected narrowly wide by the advancing Barton. Barton then crossed for Fraser Retford who was unlucky not to convert at the far post. With ten minutes to go Leighton again came close when a diving shot from Gale was just turned round the post by the Eastcote keeper. Then finally the Fledglings made the break through.

Fraser Retford's fantastic solo run was rewarded with a short corner following an Eastcote foot in the "D". The outstanding Stuart Retford, joint player of the match along with Stewart Angell, took a return ball from Wavish and "spanked" the ball past the stranded keeper.

It was a fitting end to the season for the Fledglings, consolidating a fourth placed finish in the league and marking the improvement in the team over the season. Well done the Fledglings !

Final score 0 - 1 Leighton win, Eastcote lose
Player(s)of the Match: Stuart Retford & Stewart Angell

Match details

Match date

Sat 22 Mar 2014

Kickoff

14:00

Team overview