Fledglings lose to strong West Hampstead side

Leighton Buzzard Fledglings 2 - 7 West Hampstead 9s

The Fledglings played well in patches but over the full seventy minutes, struggled to compete with a stronger opposition. The visitors started the game more brightly and took the lead after ten minutes with a well-directed strike from the left of the "D".

However Leighton then enjoyed their best spell in the game and came back strongly. First, debutant, and joint player of the match, James Trumper shot well but his goal bound strike was blocked and scrambled away. Then Terry Cavender made a storming run through the middle and passed to Peter Gale on the edge of the "D"; he turned and flicked the ball into the net for Leighton's equaliser.

A spectacular save from Alex Dashwood kept Leighton level, narrowing the angle, he bravely deflected a Hampstead strike away with his helmet. However the Fledglings conceded again, just before half time, to go two - one down.

The second half was more of a struggle as the better Hampstead players moved the ball with purpose scoring five more goals, at regular intervals. While the Fledglings chased the game they did have spells of quality attacking play. Reece Cook's run from midfield paid dividends as his pass was converted for Leighton's second goal, when Peter Gale steered his shot into the Hampstead goal. Joshua Gale, Leighton's other player of the match and main attacking threat, ran with great purpose and energy and his pass to Peter Gale almost created a third goal for the Fledglings but a, last ditch, clearance off the line stopped Leighton reducing the arrears.

So while it was another hard result for the Fledglings, the performance of their younger players, against a very strong opposition, provides cause for much optimism.

Final score: 7 - 2 Leighton lose, West Hampstead 9s win
Player(s) of the Match: James Trumper and Joshua Gale