Fledglings open season with narrow defeat

Leighton Buzzard Fledglings 1 - 2 Eastcote Eagles

The Fledglings started their league season with another encouraging display, but a disappointing result, against an older, wiser and stronger opposition.

Leighton's best efforts of the first half were a powerful run on goal by Adrian Gotzheim, a flicked shot from the edge of the "D" by Peter Gale, short corner strikes by Gotzheim and a "reverse side shot" from Jacob Murtagh which hit the post and unluckily rebounded to safety rather than into the goal.

No score at half time but Leighton's inexperience was to cost them at the restart. In a hard challenge on half way Leighton lost the ball. Eastcote reacted the quicker, playing to the whistle they ran through to Leighton goal and scored from a well-taken shot.

However the lead didn't last long and at their next short corner Leighton equalised. Matt Carter's push out was smacked to the far post by Gotzheim for Gale to deflect into the goal.

As the weather worsened the Fledglings young midfielders Joseph Giltrow and Henry Mead kept their energy high and fast breaks from defence to attack nearly got Leighton a second goal. However it was Eastcote who made the most of their chances, scoring a second with ten minutes left. To their credit Leighton rallied and attacked with greater purpose but just couldn't force the equaliser.

A very close game, played in a good spirit, with many positives but a disappointment not to get something from it.

Final score 1 - 2 Leighton lose, Eascote Eagles win
Player(s)of the Match: Jacob Murtagh and Joseph Giltrow