Leighton Ladies 3rd XI vs. St. Albans Bodiceas XI

Leighton Ladies 3rd XI were back this week following the Christmas break, facing St. Albans Bodiceas for the second time this season. Despite losing to the Bodiceas when Leighton hosted, Leighton came back fighting with very strong play against the home team.

The start of the first half showed an equal weighting of possession between the two teams, with occasional breaks of play for both teams that saw chances on goal. As the half pushed on Leighton demonstrated their defensive skills with the opposing team unable to convert their short corner opportunities into goals and breaking-up the play, running that ball back into their attacking half. Towards the end of the first half it was clear that the Leighton side were dominating, demonstrated by their consistent ability to power the ball from the 16 yard line through to forwards Lauren Avery and Lottie Hayman.

The second half started well for the Leighton team. Confident not to start slow and to pick up the pace early on, they were quick to break-up the Bodiceas play. As with the first half, both teams were able to use breaks in play to see opportunities on goal, which unfortunately for the Leighton side did not pay off. Ten minutes into the second half, after a messy scramble in Leightons D, the Bodiceas were able to sneak in a goal that put the score board to 1-0. As the second half pushed on, the Leighton side worked hard to equalise the score board, but despite great team work and great hassle on the opposition, they just missed the opportunity that they needed. Final score 1-0 to St. Albans Bodiceas.

Although it was the first game back and despite the defeat, it should be noted that the Leighton team showed great hassle against the opposition and worked hard together to maintain possession of the ball. Man of the match vote went to Roo Fielder for excellent hassling and attacking.
Next week Leighton face Royston’s Ladies 2nd XI at home.