Fledglings disappointed at home defeat to Tring

Leighton Buzzard Fledglings 0 – 2 Tring 3s

A makeshift Fledglings team played with great spirit but as with many games this season, their failure to create and take chances when they were on top cost them the game, this time against local rivals Tring.

Leighton started with a new formation playing just three defenders at the back and initially that gave them the edge in midfield. James Trumper and Joshua Gale attacked the Tring defence with speed and Leighton won a succession of short corners but could not force the ball home. Then William Giltrow picked up a long pass and turned to play Gale in for a run on goal but as happened many times in the game a Tring foot somehow stopped the ball getting through. With five minutes left in the half Tring broke away and fired a shot goal wards that was unfortunately deflected past the Leighton keeper Stephen Farrell.

However the Fledglings started the second half with renewed purpose and forced a penalty flick when a Tring body stopped Reece Cook’s shot on the line. However Peter Gale’s chance to equalise was wasted when the Tring keeper turned the ball away past the post. It was a turning point in the game. Despite earning many short corners Leighton couldn’t find a telling strike.

Player of the match Joseph Giltrow defended excellently throughout the game but even he couldn’t stop a second goal being conceded. Tring fashioned an opportunity late in the half and again a strong strike was unluckily deflected into the goal. So congratulations to Tring, who merited their win but another frustrating day when ill-luck and poor finishing cost the Fledglings.

Final score: 0 - 2 Leighton lose, Tring 3s win
Player of the Match: Joseph Giltrow