Fledgling end season on a high note - a win at Amersham
Young players star in friendly
Amersham and Chalfont 4s 2 – 3 Leighton Buzzard Fledglings
The Fledglings finished their season on a high note, winning a friendly at Amersham and Chalfont.
Leighton showed their intent in the first minute when Joshua Gale fired a reverse stick effort at the opponent’s goal, only to see it deflected over by a defender’s stick. Undeterred the Fledglings then enjoyed the better of the first 15 minutes but against the run of play fell behind as Amersham won the ball and netted from close range.
The game evened out but Leighton’s quality passing saw them create further chances and slowly build pressure. When the equaliser arrived it was from direct hockey of the highest order. William Giltrow’s passing and distribution was exceptional all afternoon and his forty-yard ball was fired into Joshua Gale on the wide right. Gale interchanged passes with Samuel Gale on the right hand side of the D. The keeper made a great save to parry Sam’s shot but was powerless to stop the follow up, which was expertly put away by Reece Cook.
At half time Leighton felt the game could be theirs if they just upped their effort and wanted the win more than their opponents. And this increased desire proved to be the difference in the second half. Joint player of the match, Alexander Dashwood, in the Fledglings goal, was calm and assured and made a succession of saves that inspired the rest of the team. Then a moment of great skill from James Trumper saw Leighton take the lead. Exchanging passes with Dan Edwards, Trumper drew the keeper, feinted to pass and calmly lifted the ball into the net for his first goal for the Buzzards and for the Fledglings to take the lead.
Leighton’s midfield of Josh Wavish and Reece Cook started to find their passing range. Cook picked up a pass on the left from Trumper and crossed for Joshua Gale. Gale found space on his reverse side and drilled a low shot past the keeper before he had time to react.
But Amersham are a very good side and they rallied, pulling a goal back with fifteen minutes remaining. Though Leighton expected to be put under severe pressure for the remainder of the game, the experience and controlled play of David Wavish, Tristan Hardy, Liam Wavish and Arthur Giltrow made sure that Leighton finished the game ahead.
A great way for the team to finish the season!
Final score: 2 - 3 Leighton win, Amersham and Chalfont 4s lose
Player(s) of the Match: James Trumper and Alexander Dashwood