Leighton Buzzard went in search of their first win of the campaign against a strong Thame side who have been promoted five years in succession. After a frantic start by both side, Leighton took a deserved lead, following a well worked move, ending in Ash Barnett scoring on his first team debut. Leighton soon doubled their lead following some slick, flowing hockey that was again finished by Ash Barnett. Thame pulled one back from a short corner when the Leighton defenders stopped thinking the whistle would blow for an earlier offence. This sparked Leighton into life again and they promptly went up the other end with Tommy Lakins scoring following a goalmouth scramble. Shortly before half time, Thame started to pressurise Leighton and pin them back into their own half that resulted in two quick goals to bring the scores level.

Just before half time, Leighton were reduced to ten men, and straight after half time, Thame made the extra man count with a well taken goal to make the score 4-3. Leighton were rocked having conceded three goals in five minutes. However once they were restored to full strength, Leighton started to press Thame back that ultimately resulted in Ash Barnett sealing his hat-trick and his Man of the Match award, to make it four all. With this both teams went for broke in order to secure the three points, resulting in a stretched game. Thame managed to nudge themselves ahead again through a scrappy goal. With the game so open, Leighton knew there would be one more chance which fell to Tommy Lakins, but he was unable to finish. There are many positives for Leighton to take from this game and it is surely just a matter of time until the first win is registered.

Leighton Buzzard Men’s 2nd Team 1 – 3 Harrow Men’s 1st Team
Leighton travelled to Harrow expecting a tough challenge, considering they were facing a team that had been unbeaten at home last season. Leighton looked promising early on, with David Jackson lifting the ball over the oncoming goalkeeper on his reverse side in the opening minutes, only to see his effort stray wide. Pressure continued down the right flank from Matt Franklin, who exploited the room ahead of him and attacked the opposition’s ‘D’.
Gradually Harrow established themselves through a mixture of efficient distribution from the back and confident possession. Harrow went on to convert two short corners with a low driven drag flick and lay off to a slip respectively. 2-0 down at the break, Leighton responded positively to the deficit, with David Canty breaking down the link up play in the congested midfield area. Reece Cook sustained a series of brilliant reflex saves which kept his team in the game, and was unlucky to concede a third goal amidst a goal mouth melee.
In the dying minutes of the game Leighton finally won a big decision in their favour when they were awarded a penalty flick, which was coolly dispatched by David Jackson. The final result was promising for the season ahead bearing in mind Leighton did not have any substitutes to utilise.
Man of the Match – Reece Cook

Leighton Buzzard Men’s 3rd Team 4 – 4 Newbury & Thatcham Men’s 4th Team

After the severe mauling Leighton were given last week they were determined not to let that particular exercise be repeated. The game started as it ended with attack and counter attack. Leighton dominated the early exchanges and this pressure finally paid off with a fine opening goal by Matt Rust following some fine wing play and cross from Freddie Silva. Within a few minutes of the restart Leighton were caught downfield by a Newbury counterattack which led to an equalising goal. There was more attacking play from both sides but the score stayed the same until half time.

Following the restart Leighton went on the attack and were rewarded by a fine goal from Henry Silva. However almost immediately as Leighton pressed forward again Newbury struck on the counter and the scores were level again. Leighton attacked again and following some good work down both wings Matt Rust got his second goal. Again, as Leighton moved forward to get the elusive extra goal, Newbury struck again. From the off Leighton, never daunted, pushed and, following some good passing work, Henry Silva scored from a tap in. This was not the end however as again Newbury came on the counter to equal the scores. A good match played in a good spirit

Man of the Match - Henry Silva, Will Riley

Leighton Buzzard Fledglings 0 - 0 Aylesbury Men’s 5th Team

The Fledglings played well and were a little disappointed not to "nick a win" in a close game, where clear-cut chances were few. The first half was even with Leighton's best efforts coming from short corners, both Stuart Retford and Joshua Wavish forcing the Aylesbury goalkeeper into making good saves.

While at the other end, goalkeeper Jacob Bradding had a very assured game; his decision making was sound throughout, dealing with threats to the Leighton goal through great shot-stopping and positive clearances. Close to half time, on the only occasion where Bradding’s goal might have been threatened, Ken Mounter skillfully deflected the ball wide of the post, so the first half ended scoreless.

A determined Leighton started the second half with great purpose, player of the match Samuel Gale leading the way. Samuel Gale's work rate was outstanding and his competitive and combative approach nearly paid dividends. Playing a “one-two” he engineered a shooting opportunity however his goal bound shot was kept out by yet another good save from the Aylesbury keeper.

With ten minutes to go Leighton pushed hard for the win. Building from the back, the defence, in particular Andrew Barford, moved the ball forward quickly and with purpose.
During this spell, two attacking moves nearly won the game for the Fledglings. Leighton were unlucky not be rewarded when Peter Gale's run into the "D" was ended by a trip and then Fraser Retford' s well struck shot went just wide.

Player of the Match: Sam Gale

Leighton Ladies 1st Team 9 – 1 Bedford Ladies 3rd Team
Leighton were ready and raring to find the backboard after last week’s goalless encounter away at Tring. 3 minutes into the first half and it seemed promising when Hollie Joyce put in the first which rebounded off the keepers pads. Leighton maintained a high work rate and kept Bedford pinned in their own half for the majority of the first half and they were rewarded for their efforts with 3 more goals before half time. A back of the net finished from Gail Wright and two lovely short corner routines from Claire Fitzboyden and Victoria Kaye.
The second half didn’t unfold quite as well as the first as Bedford found some composure on the ball and managed to break the Leighton defence making it 4-1. However, this was to be Bedfords’ last hoorah as Leighton went on to smash home 5 more goals to make sure they maintained their spot at the top of the table. Second half goals came from Hollie Joyce, Claire Fitzboyden, Gemma Easton, Kyrsty Hardy and Gail Wright. Player of the Match this week went to Claire Fitzboyden for some beautiful tackling in defence and attacking play down the left handside.
Leighton Ladies 2nd Team 0 - 4 West Herts Ladies 2nd Team

After a great game last weekend Leighton came out fighting for another win. It started with some great passing from both teams making the game interesting, later in the first half Herts came through finding back of the net due to a lack of concentration. This was closely followed by great goalkeeping skills from Lisa Smith making a kick away however the second one was unfortunate making deflection off a Leighton stick making it 2-0 to Herts with half time whistle blown. Second half Leighton came out fighting again with better communication and great passing from both teams once again. Leighton picked up the pace with great 1, 2s up the pitch but unfortunately couldn't crack the West Herts defence causing some lucky break by West Herts leaving Leighton exposed which cause some short corners allowing West Herts to capitalise on their striking skills which led to a 3-0 lead. Man of the Match Charlotte Ashton put her body on the line to stopping Herts but was unfortunate leading to a 4-0 to West Herts with game finishing shortly after. After a great effort from both teams the overall score line didn't reflect the game. Player of the Match: Charlotte Ashton

Leighton Ladies 3rd Team 2 – 3 West Herts Ladies 4th Team

A close game between the two teams. Leighton started strong with the first goal from Sarah Ayres. West Herts quickly retaliated with goal to equalise. At half time the score was 1-1. At the start of the second half, West Herts scored, but shortly after Sophie Jones scored for Leighton, equalising the score again. However West Herts came back with another quick goal. The final score was 3-2, with player of the match going to Sarah Ayres. The team played excellently and it was unlucky loss.