Fledglings lose to quality Wycombe 5s side

Wycombe 5s 2-0 Leighton Buzzard Fledglings

After last season’s promotion, the Fledglings are still struggling to get to grips with the better teams in division eight. Typical of many games, the Leighton side played well but were unable to pick up points against a stronger opposition.

Wycombe started brightly, forcing an exceptional save from Fledglings keeper Daniel Koolman, palming away a shot destined for the top right of his goal. Though it was a close contest, Wycombe made the breakthrough; they took the lead mid way through the half with a crisp strike.

Leighton’s defence is very resolute and with Tony Farnfield and Jordan Field containing the threats from out wide the Fledglings started to create scoring chances. Playing through central midfield, players of the match Alex Hewett and Ashley Pead found their passing range and it was a slick passing move that saw front man Stuart McDonald’s through ball put Peter Gale in on goal. Gale, keeper and sticks all collided at the same time and with wide man Chris Bourne closing in Wycombe just about scrambled the ball away. As half-time approached Leighton had one more chance, breaking from the back Tristan Hardy exchanged passes with Gale and after a forty yard run cleverly flicked his shot in at the near post, forcing the keeper to save with his feet.

Wycombe play good quality passing hockey and are rightly regarded as one of the better teams in the division but the Fledglings matched them after the break. Switching the attack to down the sidelines Jacob Townson and Hugh Hatt-Lipscomb gave Leighton options. In a period of sustained pressure Leighton forced short and long corners. Dave Thompson moved forward providing an extra option but with Leighton looking likely to equalise Wycombe showed their quality. Seizing on to a loose ball, they broke from their own 23m line and scored a second with a well directed strike.

With seconds remaining Leighton nearly pulled a goal back. Hardy fired a brilliantly directed defence splitting pass into the D which, with his back to goal, Gale managed to deflect past the keeper only to see the ball clear the bar my millimetres; reminiscent of the Fledglings’ season close but nothing to show for the effort.

Congrats to Wycombe 5s, worthy winners but the Fledglings know that effort is not quite enough and they have to improve their passing, cut out errors and keep working hard if they are going to achieve results this season.

Final score: 0 - 2 Leighton lose, Wycombe 5s win
Player(s) of the Match: Ashley Pead and Alex Hewett