Resilient Fledglings earn narrow win over local rivals

Leighton Buzzard Fledglings 2 - 1 Tring 3s

The Fledglings earned a hard fought victory over local rivals Tring.

Leighton started positively and were rewarded with an early goal. The move started when Ken Mounter expertly won the ball deep inside Leighton's half and then carried the ball forward before passing to Dan Wright. Wright's pace and skill took him beyond the Tring defence and along the back line, where he crossed for Peter Gale to score with a well taken shot across the keeper.

Soon after the Fledglings doubled their advantage. Leighton won a short corner where Alex White's pass was converted, at the near post, through Tom Billington’s composed finish. If Leighton had started brightly it was then the visitors who then played the better hockey. It was crucial that Leighton didn't concede and goal keeper David Fry and joint player of the match John Field were excellent in keeping Tring out, most notably as the visitors forced six successive short corners.

Although ahead, Leighton knew they were in for a tough second half and midway through Tring were rewarded with a goal. With the game in the balance Leighton determinedly fought back, hitting Tring on the break. First, joint player of the match Hugh Hatt-Lipscomb was unlucky not to score, as he raced forward on goal but his shot was forced just wide. Then Billington crossed for Gale whose diving shot was parried away to Matt Carter. Carter's reaction shot then hit the post and was scrambled away as Tring escaped. It was the first of three near misses for Carter, next taking the ball round two defenders his drive beat the keeper but went agonisingly wide and then in yet another break he was brought down by the keeper but could not quite force the ball home.

It was a relief when the final whistle came but a great result for the Fledglings, where early goals and second half determination eventually saw the game won.

Final score: 2 - 1 Leighton win, Tring 3s lose
Player(s) of the Match: John Field and Hugh Hatt-Lipscomb