Local battle for 4th place

Leighton Buzzard 1s (5th in the table) took on Bedford 3s (4th in the table) on Saturday 19th March in the final game of the 15-16 season. Both teams were fighting for victory and play started in Leighton’s favour with more possession in the attacking half of our pitch. There were several well placed crosses, although none were converted into goals. About half way through the first half, play turned to Bedford’s favour and after one saved short corner, the whistle went for another. The straight strike which followed was clean and fast and resulted in a goal. One – Nil to Bedford. The remainder of the first half was very similar to the start with play switching between both teams, short corners for both, but no conversions.

The second half started and again there were chances for both sides. Leighton Buzzard were awarded a short corner, the ball was slipped left and flicked towards the goal. Unfortunately for Leighton, a Bedford player was stood in the goal and stopped the shot with her body. This gave away a penalty flick and a chance to equalise. Hollie Taylor stepped up to the spot and put in a solid effort, however, the ball went just wide, hitting the left post. Not fazed by this, Leighton Buzzard continued to fight and soon after, well worked passing from Megan Claggett and Carolyn Floyd at the back lead to a brilliantly placed strike from Hollie Taylor across the D and into the corner of the goal. One – One.

With the score level and 15 minutes to go, both teams were fighting to score the winning goal. Play remained even and strong. In the final minute, Bedford were awarded a short corner. The final whistle went and our defence were surrounded by a full team of Bedford players with one aim – to score the winning goal. Leighton weren’t going to let that happen without a fight and three more short corners were awarded before finally, Bedford managed to crack our defence and score. Final score: Two – One to Bedford.

It was, arguably, an unfair way to end the season, but Leighton Buzzard never let their heads go down and fought till the end.