Close but no E-lite - as Fledglings lose by a single goal

Wootton Wanderers 2s 1 - 0 Leighton Buzzard Fledglings

The Fledglings were disappointed to narrowly lose their final game of the season. Against an opposition bolstered with first team players, the Fledglings created more chances than the home side but could not convert. In the first half, David Thompson went close with short corner strikes and front pairing, player of the match, Hugh Hatt-Lipscomb and James Trumper were very industrious; Hatt-Lipscomb running with great energy and getting into some excellent attacking positions. They were ably supported by Jordan Field, who got forward from the back and found success overlapping on the wide right.

A minute before half-time Wootton were awarded a short corner which then became a penalty-flick as the ball hit the Leighton defence on the line. Keeper Alexander Dashwood nearly saved but the well placed flick proved to be the difference between the sides.

Leighton attacked again and again in the second half: Tom Handley running at the opposition and wide men Jacob Townson and Tony Farnfield causing the Wootton defence many problems. Stewart Angell and Terry Cavender tackled expertly and their positive approach allowed Leighton to build from the back.

With the second half cut five minutes short by the Wootton umpires Leighton closed in on an equaliser. Unfortunately, Peter Gale’s diving efforts didn’t result in a goal today and with seconds remaining, the Fledglings knew it was not to be when Gale’s shot went a couple of inches wide, with Hatt-Lipscomb a whisker away from getting a telling contact on the ball.

A performance that represented the Fledglings season, a good one, that with a little more luck could have been a “very good one”. Well done to all who played this season, but especially the team’s outstanding centre midfield pairing of Tom Billington and Joshua Farnfield.

Final score: 0 - 1 (Leighton lose, Wotton Wanderers win)
Player of the match: Hugh Hatt-Lipscomb