2022-10-18 Leighton Town v Arlesey Town Programme

WelcometoBellClose.

HelloandwelcometoBellClosefortonight'sPremierDivisionCupgame againstArleseyTown.

WeextendawarmwelcometotheirOfficials.PlayersandSupportersand hopetheyenjoytonightsgame.

Wealsowelcomeour3matchofficials,Referee,JosephCasey,andhis2 assistanstMikeHeaveyandLynMcGregor

Wehopetheyenjoythematchandtheirshortstaywithus.

IthinkitwouldbefairtosaythatArleseyhavenotmadethestarttheywould havelikeandafter10gamestheyhavewon1,drawn2andlost7butthat doesnotmeanthatthiswillbeaneasygame,noneareinthisLeague especiallyagainstArlesey.

LastSaturdayatCockfosterswehadtoworkreallyhardtogetapointwitha latepenaltyandCockfosterswillprobablybedisappointedthattheydidnot secureall3pointsfromthegame,althoughtherewasasuspicionofhandball whenCockfostersscoredtheirgoal.Westillhaveseveralplayersmissingdue toinjuryandhopefullytheywillreturnsoonandwecangetsomeconsistency backintoourgame.

NextSaturdayweareawayatSheffordandCamptonintheFAVaseandwe justhopetheboyswillbebacktotheirbestinordertoreachthenextround.

NextgameatBellClosethursday27thOctko7:45,LTFCU18vColneyHeath Enjoytonight'sgame.

HARRYKIRTON

DuringtheweektheClubreceivedthesadnewsthatformerTown Manager,HarryKirktonhadpassedaway.Harrywasawellknownand popularfigureinlocalfootballandplayedforLeightonbeforetakingover asManager.UnderhisguidanceTownwontheBedsSeniorCupfor3 successiveseasons.TheClubsendsitsdeepestsympathiestoHarry's familyontheirsadloss.

WewillpayourrespectsandtributestoHarrryatournexthomegameon 29October.

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ARLESEYTOWNF.C.HISTORY

ArleseyTownFootballClubcelebratedtheircentenaryin1991,havingbeenformedbyagroupof localpeoplebeforetheturnofthelastcentury.BeforetheSecondWorldWar,Soccerwasplayed onalocalisedbasis,andincommonwithmanyclubsinthearea,Arleseycompetedinthe flourishingBiggleswade&DistrictLeagueandenteredtheBiggleswadeKnock-outCup. Duringthe1920's,theclubjoinedtheBedfordshireCountyLeague-whichwaslatertobecomethe SouthMidlandsLeague.Arleseyoriginallyplayedat'TheBury'beforemovingtotheirformerhome, 'LambMeadow.'Thegroundtookitsnamefrom'TheLamb,'aformerPublicHousesituatednear thesitewhich,formanyyearsactedastheclub'sheadquartersandchangingrooms.Thebirthof themoderneraisowedtotheforesightofofficialsofthelate1940'sandearly1950's.They purchasedthepremisesandbecamelandlordsfortheprincelysumofjust£500in1948.Four yearslater,in1952,anadjoiningareawasboughtandthisiswheretheclubhouseusedtostand. Thestorygoesthattwo CommitteemembersmissedtheirtraintoKingsCrossandwithtimetokill,sawanoticeinalocal EstateAgent'swindowforaforthcomingauctionoftheland.Theyreturnedthefollowingweekand purchasedthesaidlandfortheclubhouse.Thearealayunusedforanumberofyearsuntilthe arrivalof'BiggsWall'whonegotiatedwiththeclubtobuildtemporaryofficesandcanteenfacilities -whichtheFootballClubthenboughtback,turningthemintowhatwasthen,theclubhouse.The firstcompetitivematchunderfloodlightswasplayedinJanuary1981againstthenowdefunct ‘PirtonFC’andtwomonthslatertheBluesplayedhosttoLutonTownfortheofficialopeninginfront ofover1,000spectators.

Playingfortuneshavefluctuatedsincethewarandseason1950-51sawtheBluesfinishas runners-uptoBletchleyTownintheS.M.L.PremierDivision.Thefollowingseasonthe1stXIlifted thechampionshipcrownandthesecondstringwerecrownedS.M.L.DivisionTwochampionswith theYouthteamwinningthreetrophies.The1952-53seasonbeganNorthBedsCharityCupfinal winoverBiggleswadeTown(thematchwasheldoverfromthepreviousseason),andendedwith asecondsuccessivechampionshipwin,ArleseyamassingS.M.L.record52points.

InFebruary1954,thedevelopingArleseyTownColts,localplayers,reachedthe4throundofthe F.A.YouthCupandweredrawnawaytoPortsmouth.The1950'shadseentheBluescompetein theSouthMidlandsandParthenonLeagues.Season1968-69sawoneofArlesey'sfavouritesons inchargeofteamaffairs;RolandLegate,(whoplayedfootballprofessionallyforLutonTown)took thehelmasplayer-managerandduringhisfour-yearspell,hetooktheBluestoaleaguerunnersupspot.Thestartofthe1975-76seasonsawLegatereturnasmanagerandthetrophiescame withhim,3HinchingbrookeCupsuccesses,oneBedsSeniorCup,theBiggleswadeK.OCuptwice andtheSouthMidlandsLeagueChallengeTrophyonce.SupportingtheExecutiveCommittee's wishtocrossthepyramidtotheUnitedCountiesLeague.WithtwoindifferenttermsintheU.C.L., ArleseyliftedthePremierDivisioncrowninseason1984-85.

Duringthelate1980’stheBlueswontheUnitedCountiesLeague,PremierDivisionCupanda BedsPremierCupfinalappearanceagainstLutonTown.Duringthe1991centenaryyearinthe bluesliftedtheSouthMidlandsFloodlightCupwithafinevictoryoverfellowU.C.L.side IrthlingboroughDiamonds,whowentontobecomeRushden&Diamondsinthefootballleague. WiththerisingcostofUCLtravelandtheattractionofmore'localderbies'in1991-92itwas decidedtoresignfromtheUnitedCountiesLeagueandcrosstothefamiliarsurroundingsofthe SouthMidlandsLeague.AsuccessfulfirstyearcampaignsawtheBluesfinishinthirdplaceandin theirsecondseasonfinishedsixthintheleagueandliftedthePremierDivisionCup.Theclubalso gainednationalrecognitionfollowingamarvellousrunintheFAVasetothequarterfinals,with victoriesFlackwellHeath2-0,Ware1-0,HaverhillRovers2-1,EastwoodHanley2-1,Falmouth Town5-3,andOadbyTown2-1.InthequarterfinalthebluesfacedoldU.C.L.foesBostonina thrillinggameandlostouttoaninjurytimewinner.

Withchangestosupportandplayingstafffor1994/5theresultsexceededexpectations.TheSouth MidlandsLeaguechampionshipwaswonwitharecord107points,buteventhismemorablefeat waseclipsedwhenArleseyTowndefeatedOxfordCityatWembleyStadiuminfrontofover13,000 spectatorstolifttheF.A.CarlsbergChallengeVaseonMay13,1995.

Ontheirwaytothegreatestdayintheclub'shistory,theBlueshadbeatenHoddesdon2-0,a vengeful2-1victoryatBoston,a2-0winatBarnstaple,a1-0homewinovertheholdersDissTown anda3-0quarter-finaldemolitionofCammelLairdbeforefacingU.C.L.sideRaundsTowninatwoleggedsemi-final.Thefirstleg,playedatRaunds,sawArleseybeatenoutofsightbyascoreof30andveryfewpunditsgavethemmuchchanceofoverturningthedeficitinthereturnmatchthe followingweekatLambMeadow.Threenilat90minutesand5-0afterextra-time,includinga

penaltysavebyArlesey'keeperSteveYoungmeantthattheBlueswereofftogracethemost hallowedofturf!

ArleseyTown'sWembleysidethatdaywere:-S.Young,N.Cardines,G.Bambrick,P.Palma,C. Hull,P.Gonsalves,S.Gyalog,G.Cox,N.Kane,R.O'KeefeandG.Marshall.Subs:A.Ward&T. Nicholls.

TheVasetravelledhometoBedfordshireforthefirsttime.

In1995/5seasonsawtheBluescrashoutoftheVaseatthefirsthurdlebuttheSouthMidlands LeagueChampionshipCrownwasretained.TheseasonculminatedinthreeCupfinalsforthe club;the1stXIwererunners-uptoElyCityintheHinchingbrookeCup,theUnder16Youthside werebeatenEastAnglianYouthCupfinalistswhilePeterMilton'sReservesideliftedtheS.M.L. ReserveChallengeTrophy.Afterfinishinginthirdplacethe1996/7campaignendedwiththe BluesrelinquishingtheS.M.L.title.HowevertheLambMeadowtrophycabinetremainedina healthypositionastheyliftedtheBedsSeniorCup(thefirsttimesince1979)andalsoliftedthe HinchingbrookeCup(lastwonin1982).May1997sawRobbieO'Keefetenderhisresignation, movingontoahighergradeoffootballwithBaldockTown.InjustthreeseasonsArleseyTown hadachievednationalrecognitionwithF.A.Vasesuccessandtwoleaguechampionships,a CountySeniorCupvictoryandaHinchingbrookeCuptriumph.

Forseason1997-98teamwereunabletokeeppaceandtheirchampionshipaspirationssoon evaporated.AnFAVase3rdroundexitoccurredinCornwall'sPorthleveninDecemberandthe Blues'lastchanceofpickingupanysilverwaredisappearedatthehandsofarchrivalsStotfold wholoosenedArlesey'sgripontheHinchingbrookeCupwitha2-0semi-finalvictory.Aftera lengthycampaigntheclubfinallyreceivedplanningpermissionforanewgroundjustafew hundredyardsalongHitchinRoad.AfteradevelopmentprojecttheclubmovedinonApril30th, 1999andarenowabletoboastsomeofthefinestfacilitiesintheareawithapurposebuilt MembersBar,multi-purposeFunction&ConferenceSuite,all-seaterstandandtrainingpitch. Duringthe1998/99closeseason,ArleseyTownappointedGaryPilsworthasmanagerhowever, thingsdidn'tworkoutandafter16matcheswiththeclubrootedatthebottomoftheleaguetable, themanagementteamreplacedhimwithNickyIrontonwhohadgainedawealthofexperience havingbeenatQPR,Barnet,Maidstone,Enfield,BarkingandBaldockTown.Nickywasaformer Englandsemi-professionalinternational.Nickybroughtashisassistantformerteam-mateBilly HarriganandtogetherwithRussellBall,theirobjectivewastoavoidrelegationandbuildaside capableofattainingpromotiontotheRymanIsthmianLeaguethefollowingseason.TheBlues endedtheseasonwithoutsilverwarehowever,butafantasticrunfromtheendofJanuary signalledtheclub'sintents.ManagerNickyIrontonhadbuiltasidemorethancapableofattaining Arlesey'saimofplayingahighergradeoffootballandtheBlueslookedforwardtoseason 1999-2000withoptimism.

ThefirstseasonatthenewHitchinRoadgroundbeganwithninestraightSpartanSouthMidlands LeaguePremierDivisionvictoriesasIronton'smenstormedtothetopofthetable.Amidseason blipinformthreatenedtheside'shardworkbuthavingsecuredtheservicesofcoachAlan Dawson,theBlueswentfromstrengthtostrengthandwentontolifttheirfifthSouthMidlands LeagueChampionship.Aruninofeightconsecutivevictoriesculminatedina2-0triumphatMilton KeynesCityonThursday4thMaymeanttheBluessecuredthechampionship.Withtheirground grading'ArleseyTownwerepromotedtotheRymanIsthmianLeagueDivisionThree.Thesaleof DaveKitsontoNationwideFootballLeagueClubCambridgeUnitedhalfwaythroughtheseason, didlittletoupsettheircauseindeed,thesigningofexStevenageBoro'strikerNeilTrebble boostedtheirseason.Aprolificstriker,Trebblenettedanamazing18goalsfrom17startsandone wondersjusthowmanyhewouldhavescoredhadhebeenwiththeBluesatthestartofthe season.

AmagnificentfirstseasonintheRymanLeague,sawtheclublosejusttwoleaguematches(one athomeandoneaway)astheyracedawaytowintheThirdDivisionChampionshipscoringan IsthmianLeaguerecordof138goalsandtheBluesalsogainedtherecordofbeingthefirstclub toattaina100+goaldifferenceintheleague's96yearhistory.

During2002seasonChairmanBryanEllisfulfilledhispromisetoelevatetheclubtoanotherlevel followingasuccessfulapplicationtothe'FootballStadiaImprovementFund.'Asix-figuregrant enabledtheclubtomeettheleague'sground-gradingcriteriathatgavetheBluesanewcovered standfor600spectators,anewopenterraceandtwonewturnstiles.Onthepitch,Arleseyboss NickyIrontonledhissidetothelast16oftheFACarlsbergVase,securedahighlycreditablefinal DivisionTwofourthplaceandliftedtheBedsPremierCupforthefirsttimesince1984.

The2002/2003seasonwasaconsolidationfortherapidsuccessesofthepreviousyearsandthe highlightwasanextendedrunintheFACupwinning4awaymatchesinreachingthefourth

qualifyinground.Therewardwasyetanotherawayfixture,thistimeatNationwideConferenceclub, HerefordUnited.ArleseyTownrepresentedtheRymanLeagueDivisionOnenorthandaftergoing behindtoasixthminute'soft'goal,theymorethanmatchedtheiropponentsinalldepartments,even havingagoaldisallowed.Itwassuchagallantperformancethatattheendofthetie,therelieved Herefordfansgavetheirguestsastandingovation.Attheendofthe2002/3Arlesey'sHitchinRoad groundhostedtwoEUFALadiesqualifyingfixturesincludingEnglandversusSpain.Itwasseenas ajustrewardforallthehardworkthathadbeendoneattheClubbymanyofitsmembersinrecent years.

Season2003/2004sawArleseyTownyetagaininthenationallimelightfollowingafantasticrunto thelast16oftheFATrophydefeatingontheway,bothafterawaydraws‘HayesFC’fromtheRyman PremierDivisionand‘Dagenham&RedbridgeFC’fromtheNationwideConferenceleague.This resultedinanawaygamewith‘ExeterCityFC’whohadjustbeenrelegatedfromthefootballleague. Althoughlosingthegamethebluesgainedrespectwithanoutstandingperformance.Theseason endedwithArleseyTownfailingtogainpromotiontothenewpremierstructureongoaldifference butsmallconsolationwasgainedwhentheBluesliftedthe‘BedfordshireSeniorCup’afterdefeating fellowRymanLeaguecluboutfitLeightonTownatHitchinRoadinMay.

Inseason(2004/05)ArleseyTownplayedintheSouthernLeagueDivisionOneEastandafterthe successfulsix-yearreignofNickIrontonitwasaconsolidationperiod.Becauseoftheclub’s success,visibilityandrecognitionmostoftheplayersmovedtoplayinthe‘ConferenceLeague’and premierleague.AfteranindifferentstarttotheseasonNickyIrontondecidedtohandoverthe manager’spositiontoJonTaylor,whomhehaddealingswithinthepast.Jonimportedanewteam ofplayersduringNovemberwiththesingleobjectiveofmaintainingtheclub’sstatuswithinthe SouthernLeagueDivision1.Thiswasachievedwithamid-tablepositionandduringthatclose seasonJonaddedmoreplayerswithawealthoffootballleagueandseniorclubexperience.

Theseason(2005/06)ArleseyTownagainplayedintheSouthernLeagueDivisionOneEastwith JonTaylorandScotHoughtonincharge.Withanexcitingstart9winsoutof10culminatingin destroyingBorehamWood’sunbeatenrun3–0attheirhomefortress.InboththeFACupand TrophytherewereunfortunatefixturesatPremierClubs,HeybridgeSwifts(1–0)andLeyton(90th minutegoal)endingourcupinterests.ArleseyTownhadamixtureofexcellentandmediocreresults andachievedamid-tableposition.

The2006/2007seasonssawArleseyTownrevertingtotheRymanIsthmianFootballleaguealong withmanyoflastseason’sopponentsalsobeingreassigned.AgainduringthecloseseasonJon Taylorhadaddedplayerswithawealthoffootballleagueandseniorclubexperienceforthenext season’scampaignwewerelookingtoclimbthenon-leaguestructure.

DarrenHaytookontheteammanagementduringtheearlystagesof2006/2007season,whenJon leftforpersonalreasons,withMikeBrooksastheassistantmanagerandcoachandtheyput togetheraveryyoungandeagerteamforthecoming2007campaign.Thisincludedboth experiencedseniorplayerssupportingbyyoungplayerswhobrokeintothefirstteamtowardsthen endofthepreviousseason.Duringtheseasontherewereseveraldisruptionsandtherewerethree chairmenandthreemanagersinsuccessionwhichdisruptedthedevelopmentoftheteambecause oftheclubmanagementchanges.ArleseyTownfinishedinthebottomhalfoftheRymanleague withMattCorbouldasthemanagerandaveryyoungside.

Season2008/2009sawArleseyTownrevertingtotheBGBSouthernLeaguewiththeconsequence ofsubstantialextratravellingmilesandadditionalcosts.BecauseoftheleaguerestructureMatthad toputtogetheratotallydifferentteamcomprisingofanumberofyoungplayers.

AsaresultofArleseyTownsuccessfulcuprunstherewerethreeplayerswhowereplaying professionalfootballforthe2008seasonwithDaveKitson,wasisamainA.T.F.C.sponsor,andwho movedfromReadingtonewlypromotedStokeCitytoremaininthePremiership,CraigMachailSmithandShaneBlackettwerewithnewlypromotedPeterboroughUnited.Thisisarecordtobe proudofforasmallclublikeArlesey.

Season2008/2009sawArleseyTownescaperelegationbytheskinoftheirteeth.Nohonourswere forthcomingintheseason.ButtheClubwerehopingseason2009/2010wouldbemorefruitful, whichitsoproved.

WithacompletenewmanagementstructureinplaceandanewManagementteam,of:GaryKing DirectorofFootball,LeeCowleyManager,ZemaAbbeyAssistantManager,andDarrenStaniforth asCoach,Arleseyplayedtheseasonwithrenewedstyleandpassion,finishingtheseasonin9th placeintheLeagueandgettingthroughtothefirstroundproperoftheF.A.Trophyandliftingthe BedsSeniorCupinthelastgameoftheseason.

Season2010-11sawthemstayingintheZamarettoSouthernLeagueinthenew“Central Division”andsawthemlookingforwardwithalotmorehopeandevenmoreoptimism,with thewholeteamshowinggreatexperienceandgrowinginstrengthandconfidenceonandoff thefieldallofthetime.

TheseasoninwhichArleseywereinthetopechelonsallseasonfinishedindramaticstileas theywon10gamesonthebounce,had9pointsdeductedonthedaytheythoughttheyhad wontheleagueawayatHayesandthenbeatlongtermarchrivalsandnearneighboursHitchin TownonHitchin’sowngroundontheirlastgameoftheseasontobefinallycrownedLeague Champions.

ThiswasfollowedsoonafterbybeatingBiggleswadeTowntoretaintheBedsSeniorCupat LutonTownsKenilworthRoadgroundtogiveArleseyaLeagueandCupDoubleandseethem promotedtothenewEvo-StickSouthernLeaguePremierDivision,atrulytremendousseason. TheseasonwastoppedofinearlyAugustofthisyearasArleseybeatneighboursLutonTown intheBedsPremierCuptomakeaquiteunique“treble”fortheside.

ThefirstseasoninthePremierLeaguewasseenasasettlinginperiodtargetingstayingupand agoodcuprun,bothoftheseambitionswereachievedwiththeclubreachingtheF.A.Cup1st roundproperforthefirsttimeintheirhistory.

ThesecondseasonagainsawagoodFACuprunthatwentagaintothe1st roundproperbefore itendedattheRicohStadiumagainstCoventryCity.Theseasonfinishedonaknifeedgeas ArleseymissedoutontheplayoffspotofthePremierDivbyjustasinglepoint.Although promotionwasnarrowlymissedtheRedInsureLeagueCupwaswonina2leggedfinalv FrometobringhomeyetanotherimpressivepieceofSilverware.

Thesquadlikeallgoodsquadswasrebuiltagainthroughthesummerandwelookedforward toanothersuccessfulseason.

ButastheAbbeyslefttotakeupmanagementelsewherewehadachangeofManagementand inNovember2013RufusBrevettarrivedtotaketheclubforward.Althoughhis1st seasonwas “steady”averydifficultseasonin2014-15sawseveralchangesofmanagementasresults failedtomaterialiseaRufusgavewayafterChristmastoexmanagerNickIrontonbutagainthis failedtohalttheslideandheinturngavewayduringtheseasonasZemaAbbeycameback withbrotherNathanasjointmanagers,Althoughthisledtoanimprovementinplayingstylebut theywereunabletopreventrelegationintheendbacktotheCentralDivision.Thenewseason sawusstruggletogettogripswiththestyleofthenewdivisionandearlyformshowedus proppingupthedivisionbutasecondhalfresurgencesawuspushupthedivisiontofinishina mid-tableposition.Lastseasonsawuswithmostoflastseason’splayersreturningtotryto provetheirpointthattheysomewhatunderachievedinthepreviousseason.

Season2017-18provedaverydifficultyearwithaseasonplaguedbyinjuriesandproblems andindeedaterriblerecordofnoleaguewinsathomeallseasonsawusunfortunatelyget relegatedfromtheSouthernleague.

ThisnowpresentsanewchallengeintheSouthMidlandsleagueforthisyearandtothatend anewmanagementteamofMattEndersbyandJamesHatchwereappointedduringtheclose seasonandtheyhaverebuilttheteamandgatheredtogetherawholenewcoachingstaff.We lookforwardtothenewseasonwithadegreeofconfidencethatwasperhapsmissinginthe previousseason.

ThenewLeaguestartedwellwithagoodstartalthoughacupruneludedusandthingswent reasonablywelluntiltheChristmasperiodwhenaseriesofinjuriesknockedresultsbutthings wereslowlyrebuiltleavingusan8th placefinishthatleftafeelingofunderachievementthatled againtoarebuild.

AchangeinmanagementasMattEndersbylefttheclubatthebeginningofOctobertheclub appointedChicoRamosinNovembertotrytopushtheclubforwardagain.Hisreignhasbeen blightedbytheCovidpandemicwithtwouncompletedseasonsalthoughsomeprogressseems tobehappeningonthepitch.Alsooffthepitchmuchchangeishappeningwithacomplete refurbishmentoftheclubhouseanddressingrooms.Alsoachangeoffthepitchsawexplayer DaveKitsoncomebacktotheclubhestartedatasChairman.

AlthoughprogresswasmadeafurtherchangeinmanagementcameinDecember2021as MartinStandenwasappointedtotakechargeoftheteam. MartinlefttheclubafterashorttenureandskipperAdamRandalltookthereinsuntiltheendof theseason.WiththenewseasontheclubappointedNickBrownasmanagerandhehas startedtoevolvehisnewteam.

AcknowledgementstoTonySmith,MalcolmSkillings,KenGear,PeteBrennan,David Braybrook&ChrisSterry.

LEAGUEHISTORY

TheLeagueisrelativelyyoungcomparedtoother’sbeingformedin 1922astheBedfordshireCountyLeague.Withnewclubskeentojoin fromoutsidetheCountyitwasdecidedin1929tochangethenameto theSouthMidlandsLeague.

TheLeaguecontinuedtoconsolidateandstrengthenovertheensuing 70yearsorsoprovidingqualityfootballformanyteamsoveralarge areaoftheSouthMidlands.

In1997itbecameapparentthattheLondonSpartanLeague,which wasverymuchtotheSouthoftheLeague’sgeographicalfootprint,was strugglingadministratielyand,withthefullsupportoftheFootball Association,thedecisionwastakentomergethetwocompetitionswith thenewLeaguebeingknownastheSpartanSouthMidlandsLeague.

TheLeaguenowcoversawideareafromNorthLondonintheSouthto MiltonKeynesintheNorthandfromWareintheEasttoAylesburyin theWest.

TheLeagueispartoftheFA’sNationalLeagueSystem(NLS)and comprisesofthreeDivisions;PremieratStep5oftheNLS,Division OneatStep6andDivisionTwoatStep7.

TheLeaguehasaproudrecordofpromotingclubstoStep4oftheNLS andhasalsoprovided4FAVaseFinalistsincludingtwowinnersin ArleseyTownandHoddesdonTownFC.

AylesburyVale

BiggleswadeUnited

Colneyheath

CrawleyGreen

DunstableTown CreaseyParkDriveDunstable

HarpendenTown

LeightonTown

LeverstockGreen

PottonUnited

RisboroughRangers

SheffordTown&

TheHistoryofLeightonTownFootballClub

LeightonTown,whowereknownasLeightonUnitedbetween1922and1963, wereformedin1885.Theyweremainlyinvolvedinlocalleaguesuntilthe outbreakoftheGreatWarandwerewinnersoftheLeightonandDistrictLeague onseveraloccasions.

LeightonwereoneoftheoriginalmembersoftheSouthMidlandLeaguein1922 –whichatthetimewasknownastheBedfordshireCounty.Theywerealso membersoftheSpartanLeaguebetween1922/23and1951/52,buttheironly successesbeingtheSpartanLeagueDivision2titlein1923/24and1927/28. TheywereBedfordshireSeniorCupwinnersin1926/27.League

In1952,theybecameafoundermemberoftheHellenicLeague,butaftertwo disappointingseasons,movedtotheSouthMidlandsLeague.In1965/66 seasonhowever,thePremierChampionshipsatintheLeightonTown Boardroom.TheclubthenrejoinedtheSpartanLeaguein1967/68.

LeightonproceededtoconsolidatetheirLeaguesuccessbywinningthe BedfordshireSeniorCupforthreesuccessiveseasonsin1968,1969and1970. Unfortunately,someofthesuccessfulplayersmovedontootherclubs,and Leighton’sfortunesagaindeclined.AmovetotheUnitedCountiesLeague proveddisastrousandafterjusttwoseasons,theclubrejoinedtheSouth MidlandsLeague.

Duringthe‘70’sand‘80’s,Leightonwereunabletocapturethesuccessofthe ‘60’s.

In1990/1991theFirstTeamwontheSouthMidlandsLeagueChallengeTrophy andtheO’Brien’sPremierDivisionCup,bothforthefirsttimeintheclub’s history.

The1991/2seasonwasoneoftheclub’sbest.TheSouthMidlandsPremier Divisiontitle,whichhadeludedtheclubforsolong,waswon,andwithitaplace intheIsthmianLeague.

1992/3sawtheClub’ssuccesscontinuewhentheywontheBedfordshireSenior Cupforthefirsttimesince1970.TheClubmissedoutonpromotionintheirfirst IsthmianLeagueseasonbyjustasinglepointbuttheYouthTeamretainedthe CountyCup.

1995/6sawtheFirstTeamwinpromotiontoDivision2oftheIsthmianLeague, whilstatthesametimeretainingtheBuckinghamCharityCup.

Inthe1996/7season,LeightonwontheIsthmianLeagueAssociatedMembers Trophyforthefirsttime.1998/99sawthereturnoftheAssociatedMembers TrophyandtheBuckinghamCharityCup.

Season2003/04LeightonwontheRymanIsthmianSecondDivisiontitle.They werealsonamedRymanDivisionTwoTeamoftheYear,andPaulBurgesswas awardedManageroftheYear.TheyalsoreachedtheFifthroundoftheFAVase, andthefinaloftheBedsSeniorCup,beforelosingtoAndoverandArleseyTown respectively.

The2004-05seasonsawtheclubplacedinTheSouthernLeagueEastDivision andfinishedinacreditabletenthplace.TheyalsowontheBuckinghamshire CharityCup.TheReserveswontheBedfordshireIntermediateCupandthe U18’swontheSCYFLLeagueShield.

The05-06SeasonsawtheClubprogressagain,improvingontheyearbefore, astheyfinished8th inTheSouthernLeagueWesternDivision.Afterapoorstart, Leagueresultsimprovedandthesideonlysufferedfourdefeatsfromthestartof NovemberuntiltheendofMarch,aplay-offplacejusteludingthem.

AfterthreeexcellentvictoriesinterestintheFA.Trophycompetitionendedwitha singlegoaldefeattoeventualsemi-finalists,Borehamwood.

TheClubalsoreachedtheBedsSeniorCupFinal,butsadlytheyagainfinished asRunnersUp.

TheClubwererelocatedtotheSouthernLeagueMidlandDivisionfor06-07 seasonbutonlyoneLeaguewininthefirstsixgamesandearlyexitsinthetwo FACompetitionscostPaulBurgesshisjobinSeptember.Hewasreplacedby formerWycombeprofessionalKeithScott,resultsdidimprovebutitwasa disappointingseason,althoughTowndidwintheBucksSeniorCharityCup.

The07-08startedbrightlywiththefirstLeaguedefeatnotcominguntilmidOctober.ThreewinsintheFACupsawtheClubreachthe4th QualifyingRound forthefirsttimeinit’shistory.A3-0defeattoConferenceSouth,Havantand Waterloovillefinallyendedtherun.KeithScottthenleftinDecembertojoin WindsorandEton.InJanuary2008,AssistantManagerSeanDowneywas appointedasFirstTeamManageranddidasplendidjobastheClubendedtheir Leagueseasonin9th place,winningtheBucksCharityCupandreachingthe finaloftheBedsSeniorCuponcemore.

The08/09SeasontheFirstTeamfinished8th intheSouthernLeague,Midland Division,achievingtheirhighestpointstotaltodateatthatlevel.

The09/10seasonsawLeightononceagainfinishinthetophalfofthetable, whentheyfinishedin9th placeandtheyalsolosttheBedfordshireSeniorCup FinaltoSouthernLeaguerivals,ArleseyTownafterpenalties.

Season2010/2011,sawTownfinishin7th placeintheLeague,gaining69 points,theirbestperformancesincejoiningtheSouthernFootballLeague.

The2011/2012apoorseasonsawLeightonfinishintheirlowestpositionfor severalyears.

2012/13wasalsoverydisappointingfortheFirstTeamastheyfinishedin20th place.

2015/2016After3disappointingseasonsLeightonfinishedtheseasoninthe bottomtwooftheSouthernLeagueCentralDivisionandwererelegatedtothe SpartanSouthMidlandsLeaguewheretheyhadlastplayedinthe1991/92 season.

2016/2017Thiswasadisappointingseasonwiththeclubstrugglingformuch ofthetimeafteryetanotherManagerialChange.Thingsdidpickuptowardsthe endoftheseasonandweeventuallyfinishedin16th place.

2017/18TheclubretainedScottReynoldsasManagerandfinished4th inthe LeagueandreachedtheQuarterFinalsoftheFAVASE.Gatesimprovedand itwasourbestseasonforabout8years,

2018/2019Manager,ScottReynoldsresignedinthecloseseasonandDanny NichollswasappointedasManagerbutleftinOctoberduetowork commitments.TheClubthenappointedJoeSweeneyandPaulCopson,who hadpreviouslywonthePremierdivisiontitlewithLondonColneyasthenew ManagementTeam.Theysteadiedtheshipandwefinishedinmidtable.

2019/2020WasagoodseasonfortheClubasweagainreachedtheQuarter FinaloftheFAVaseandafteraslowstartintheLeaguetheteamstartedtofind somegoodformasweslowlyclimbedupthetable.Theteamwerealso awardedtheTeamoftheMonthtwice.

2020/2021Townforthethirdtimein4seasonsreachedtheQuarterFinalofthe FAVasebutsadlylostoutto2latepenalties.AnindifferentstartintheLeague meantwecouldnotquitegainthepointsneededtogainpromotioninaCovid affectedseason.

2021/2022Weeventuallyfinished4th inthetableafteramidseason Managementchangeandafterthedisappointmentoflosingourprevious4 BedsSeniorCupFinalswewontheTrophybybeatingSouthernLeagueDiv1 Champions,BedfordTownonpenaltiesafterthegamehadendedina2-2draw.

LeightonTown3-1CrawleyGreen

ByMaxBradfield

ItwasbacktoBellCloseandbacktoformonTuesdaynight,asLeightonTown displayedaconfident3-1winagainstleagueleadersCrawleyGreen.TheSSML bumpintheroadawayatDunstableattheweekendwasforgottenasLuke PymanandLeonLobjoitdrovehometheall-importantgoals.

Thisoneinfrontof206fansunderthelightsstartedinremarkablefashion.Leon Lobjoitsawthevisitingkeeperoffhislineandfrom25-yardsfoundthebackof thenetwithasublimelyexecutedchip.

Justafterthis,ajubilantLeightonnearlydoubledthenumberone’sblushes.A searchingfreekickwasflickedonandeventuallywentin.However,theraised flagofthelinesmandeniedfurthercelebrationson12’.

CrawleyGreencomposedthemselvesandlevelledfiveminuteslater.In fairness,theyhadbeenknockingonthedoor.XaviComashadtoacrobatically tipacurlingfreekickoutofthetoprightcorner.Yetforthisone,he’dwantto lookaway.AcornerfromtheleftsidewasmetbyatoweringMathieuRacine. ThedefenderheadedlowanditslippedthroughComas’legs.

TheSpaniardneednotworrymind,asLeightonwouldrestoretheirleadless than10minuteslater.LukePymanjumpedatapoorlyclearedcrossandhis deflectedeffortfoundtheleftside.LeonLobjoitwouldcrownaworthyhalfby scoringon40’.JamesTowell’sfirstclassdeliverywasrightonthemoneyand foundLobjoitwhowould’vedonewellnottoheadhome.

Afterthebreak,Lobjoitwouldbehuntinghishattrickbuttonoavail.Brilliant wingplayfromnewmanReeceRobinsandKwaiMarsh-Brownwasaconstant, yetafourthgoalwouldn’tcome.On58’,Lobjoitwouldnodacrossthefaceof goal.On67’,he’dheadstraightatthekeeper.

Individually,it’dprovefrustratingbutcollectivelyLeightoncarriedoutasolidwin.

Afterthis,thenextgameisyetanotherleagueouting–awayatCockfosterson Saturday.

LTFCXI:Comas;Towell,Connolly,Connolly(C),Jackson,Goodman,Pyman, Spaul,Marsh-Brown,Lobjoit,Robins.

Subs:McClelland,Marsh,Harvey,Dumbuya,Hatton.

LeeBircham’sreactionto3-1victoryagainstCrawleyGreen

Tuesdaynightwitnessedadominantshowingfrom LeightonTownbackatBellClose.Thehostsput threepastleagueleadersCrawleyGreenandwith that,firmlyputthelossatDunstabletothebackof fans’minds.Afterthegame,arightfullypositiveLee Birchambrokedowntheevening’smatchup.

“Withoutadoubt,thatwasourbestperformanceof theyear.Wedidn’tgetitallourownway,either.

Weabsolutelybatteredthemforthefirst20minutes.Gotagoal,gotanotherone.Wetook alittlesuckerpunch.Sillygoalatacorner,1-1.

Youcouldseetherejustcreptinalittlebitofself-doubt,buttheyhadnoright.Theywere headandshoulders.Alright,itfinished3-1buteventhey’lladmitthat’sa3-1thrashing.It wasareallygoodperformanceandalotofboyscomeoutofthatwithalotofcredit tonight.”

InthisSpartanfixture,therewasarealonusoncreativewingplay.Shiftingformations,Lee BirchamtalkedthroughhisthinkingregardingtheinvolvementofkeymenKwaiMarshBrownanddebutantReeceRobins.

“Youdon’tfixsomethingthatisn’tbrokenandtobefairwe’vehadaformationthat’sworked allyear.Thetwoupfronthavebeenabsolutelyphenomenalandthey’vebeenourbesttwo players.Whateverwedidfromthereisaroundthetwoupfront.Unfortunately,Lewisgot injuredonSaturday.He’sstrugglingwithit,sothatjustgaveusthatopportunitytochange theshape.

Itdoesn’treallymatterwhatshapeweplayedtonightreallybecausetheboyswereonit. Youcouldseetheattitudeinthechangingroomwasjustlike‘let’swintoday’.Theshape wasgreat.Itworkedforus.BigmentiontoKwaibecausehe’sbeenaroundthisplacefor acoupleofmonthsnowwaitingforanopportunity.He’shungaround,hecameon Saturday.Hehadanimpact.SigningReece,hewasphenomenal.Whatagreatkid,only 19.He’sgotaverybrightfuture.HisfamilyareQPRfanstoo,whichisamassive,massive plus!”

AnotherpointfromthisonewasLeighton’slatestinjurystruggle.Recentweekshaveseen theinvolvementofdevelopmentplayersfromthebench.Othershavealsosteppedupwell.

“Wehadseventoeightinjuredorunavailabletonight.Notjustsquadplayers,playersthat would’veplayed.Thatmakestoday’sresultevenmorepleasing.Weonlyreallyhadthetwo ladswebroughtonandyoungJoshwho’sdonewellaswell.He’sputhimselfintheframe now,JoshuaHatton.Itwasarealgoodresponse.I’mreallypleased.”

LeightonTownPartner/SponsorshipPackages

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ThenlooknofurtherthanLeightonTownFC.

InrecentyearsLeightonTownFChasbuiltstrongrelationshipswithalarge numberofbusinessesandcommunityorganisationsinthetown.Weare seekingtobuildfurtherlinksandweofferawiderangeofopportunitiesfor interestedpartiestobecomepartnersinmovingtheclubforward. IfyouwanttojointheLeightonTownfamily,thenthereareavarietyof waysthatyoucandoso.

LocalcompaniesandbusinessescanpurchaseoneofourGold,Silver,or BronzeSponsorshipPackages,allofwhich,representexcellentvaluefor money. Clickhere formoredetails,includinghowtocontacttheclubif interested.

MatchBallSponsorsforFirstTeamhomegames

Beamatchballsponsorforonly £35 andhaveyourname/companydisplayed onthefrontoftheon-linematchdayprogramme.Email sdowney0207@outlook.com tosecure.First20receivedwillbeallocateda gameinthecomingseason.

Thereissomethingforeveryoneandeverybudget.Allproceedswill servetosupporttheclubbothonandoffthepitchtocontinuebuildinga communityfootballclubwecanallbeproudof.

MATCHREPORT15/10/22

Cockfosters1-1LeightonTown

ByMaxBradfield

LeightonTowngottheirfirstdrawoftheleaguecampaignwithatense1-1 stand-offagainstCockfosters.Pullingagoalbackafterfallingbehindearly, thispointontheroadkeptLeightoninsecondplace.

Assaid,thehostsstartedonthefrontfoot.BaileyStevenson’sturnandshot wasasparkofcreativitythatleftLeightonstutteringjustsevenminutesin. Fiveminuteslater,Stevensonwouldbethedangermanagain.Hisfreekick from20-yardstroubledXaviComasinitiallybeforetheSpaniardblockedthe followupwell.

InameagrefirsthalfforBircham’sside,theonlyrealchancewouldcomeon 15’.ReeceRobinsworkedtheleftwingwell,althoughhisshotwasultimately blockedanddeflectedwide.

FollowingsomefurtherCockfostershalfchances,thehalftimewhistlecame withLeightonneedingtoregroup.Insomewhatfrustratingfashion,tempers flaredasLeonLobjoitwassinbinnedjustminutesintothenewperiod.Later, he’dre-emergetohelpTownbackintothegame.

On70’,JamesTowellwastrickyontherightandcutbackin,drawingcontact fromhismarker.TherefpointedtothespotandLobjoitconvertedamuchneededlifeline.

ThisonewasclosetotheverylastandCockfosterscould’vewonitlateon. AntonioMichael’sworkcreatedanopening.Followingatensegoalmouth scramble,keymanBaileyStevensonwasdeniedhissecondgoal–hisshot clatteringtheundersideofthebaron87’.

Afterthis,LeightonnowlookaheadtoTuesday’sgameagainstArleseyinthe DudleyLathamCupatBellClose.

LTFCXI:Comas;Towell,Fitzgerald,Goodman,Jackson,Connolly(C), Pyman,Spaul,Marsh-Brown,Lobjoit,Robins.

Subs:McClelland,Dumbuya,Harvey,Hatton,Turner.

“I’lltakethatalldaylong”–LeeBirchamreactstopointontheroad againstCockfosters

LeightonTowndrewagainstNorthLondonbasedCockfosters 1-1onSaturday.Anearlygoalfromthehostsputpressureon an(attimes)lackingLeightonbutaLeonLobjoitpenaltyinthe secondhalfrestoredparity.LeeBirchamwasashonestas everinhispost-matchthoughts.

“Wedidn’tplaywell.Again,we’vecomeawayfromhome,horriblelittleconditions, andtoomanyhaven’thadgoodgames.Wecan’tkeepdoingitbutattheminute, ourhandsaretiedaswedon’thavetheoptionsavailable.Wehavegotalotof playersthatyou’dliketoputintheteamtochangethings,notavailableatthe moment.

That’sagamewecould’velost,we’vecomeawaywithapoint.I’lltakethatallday longbecauseitstopsthelittlerotawayfromhomebutagainwe’vegotcrisesof confidenceanditsjustgottobealittlebitbetterallround.”

Althoughthebuzzwordsofinjuriesandabsencehavebeenakeydeterminerin recentweeks,theLeightonmanagerbelieveditistrulydowntotheindividuals involvedonmatchday.

“Noexcuses.Theboyswehadonthepitchtodayaremorethangoodenough.We getthingswrongsometimes,everyonedoes.Wetookagoalthatwasunderfive minutesIthinkitwas.We’verespondedandcomebackanddrawnoneall.Fair playtoLeon,itwasapressurepenaltyandhestuckitaway.Itsjustabaddayat theofficeagain,ifyoulike.Awayfromhome,it’sgottobebetter.”

Anotheraspectofthisdrawwasseeminglyafurtherunderstandingofclubidentity. Inthesamebreath,BirchampraisedLeighton’sopposition.

“You’vegottogiveotherteamscredit.Noone’severcomefromoursideofthings andthoughtwe’eBarcelona.Thatnevercomesfromus.Weknowwhatweare, we’vegotsomegoodplayers.It’sjustacasethatsometimesotherteamsplaywell againstyou.

Birchamendedhisthoughtsbysummarisingthesquadsituation.

“Afewaren’theretoday,notthroughinjury,whichisagoodthing.There’sothers thatwejustneedtogetright.WecouldhavetwoorthreebackforTuesday,then we’lltrainThursdayandthentheVaseonSaturday.Luckily,we’vegotthe numbers.Itjustneedstweaking;itjustneedstheboystochangetheirmentalities.

LEAGUETABLE

AFEWyearsago,Itookontherunningofmyson’syouthfootballteam tosaveitfrompotentiallyfolding.

Forthreeseasons,fromUnder14sthroughtoUnder16s,theteam’s coachandIgavetheboysaplatformtoenjoytheirfootballsafe, controlledandfriendlyenvironment.

Theywerebynomeansworldbeatersbut,win,loseordraw,theyloved it,asdidI,andwealllookbackonthoseyearsfondlywithplentyoflife skills,bothonandoffthefield,learned.

Withoutdoubt,themostdifficultandtime-consumingjobIhadinthat timewasbookingreferees.EventhoughIhadalistofqualifiedreferees locallyaslongasyourarm,findingonetoofficiateourgameona Saturdaymorningwasnigh-onimpossible.I’mtalkinginexcessof 50-100emailsperweeksometimesuntilIcouldfindsomeoneavailable.

Atthetime,Irememberquestioningwhyitwassodifficult.Especiallyfor ateen,itkepttheminvolvedinthegame,itwasgoodexerciseandthe paywasn’tbadeither.Ididn’tgetit.

Untilkick-offthatwas.

Now,individually,andcollectivelyasateam,wepridedourselvesonour disciplineandIcanhonestlysay,handonheart,Ihaveneverseen,firsthand,anyincidentsofabusetowardsareferee.But,Ihaveheard horriblereportsofithappeningandIcanunderstandhowitdoes happen.Ithastostop.

Ashortageofrefereesleadstoashortageofgrass-rootsfootballand, ultimately,intheNon-Leaguegame.Inshort,theseyoungreferees learningtoofficiateatgrass-rootslevelareoftenpromotedupthe pyramidintotheNationalLeagueSystem.

Withoutthem,itwouldnotexist.Imean,wouldyoutakeverbal,and occasionallyphysicalabusefromplayers,coachesorspectatorsfora measly£30?No,neitherwouldI.

Withthatinmind,IhadmixedemotionsIreadproposalsforrefereesto trialwearbodycamerasintheadultgrassrootsgameinthefirsthalfof nextyear.

ItcamefollowingreportsthatarefereeinLancashirewasleftwithabroken nose,fourbrokenribs,adislocatedshoulder,abrokencollarbone, concussionandwhiplashduringanallegedattackduringagame

Infact,accordingtoFootballAssociationdata,therewere1.1‘serious cases’reportedper1,000matches,coveringassaults,physicalcontactor attemptedphysicalcontactwithmatchofficialsanddiscriminationcases.

Lastmonth,theFAhavelaunchedits‘EnoughIsEnough’campaignto addressbehaviourwithingrassrootsfootball,settingoutthatany unacceptableconductwillresultinactionbeingtaken.

“Theaimofthetrial,thefirstgloballyofthisnature,wouldbetoexplore whethertheuseofbodycamsimprovesparticipantbehaviour,while providingadditionalsafetyformatchofficialsintheadultgrassrootsgame,” anFAspokesmansaid.

“Wewillbetrackingtheimpactofthetrialonbehaviourand,ifit’s successful,willlooktorollitoutnationallyandinternationally.”

Personally,Ithinkit’sverysadthatfootballatgrass-rootslevelhastogo downthisroutebutifarefereewearingbodycameraistoactasadeterrent andameansoftheirprotectionthenthegameowesitourwhole-hearted support.

TheFA’shandshavebeentied.

Itisunderstood,thatevenifthetrialprovesasuccessinimproving behaviourandenhancingsafety,theInternationalFootballAssociation Board[IFAB]willbedeterminedtoensurethatitisnotdeployedsenior football.

ButwithreportsofverbalabusetowardsofficialstousatNLPTowersstill asrifeaseverit’sleftthelawmakerswithadecisiontomake.

No-onewantstoseeBigBrotherwatchingNon-Leaguefootball’severy moveandtakingawayitspuritybutunlesswecleanupouractfromthe bottomofourgameup,thenhemaywellhaveto.

Respectourrefs,weekendswouldbeveryboringwithoutthem.

SamEmery

LEIGHTONTOWNDEV3-1TRINGCORINTHIANS

BYALFIETURVEY

TheDevspickedupanotherwell-earnedthreepointsonSaturdayasthey cameaway3-1winnersagainstasolidTringsideatBellClose.

Itwasaprettyslowstartfrombothteamsintheopening30minuteswithno realactionhappeningeitherend.Theclosestwecamewasagoodstrike fromDubniucwhichjustwentoverfromabout30yards.Weweresloppyon theballandgavethevisitorsalotofopportunitiestocontrolthegame.

Thisallchangedinthe36thminuteafteramomentofmadnessfromtheir number4,whowentflyingintoatackleonHattonwith2feetandstuds showing.Unsurprisinglyhewasshownastraightredandnobodycouldhave anycomplaints.Afteraworryingfewminutes,Hattonwasabletogetbackto hisfeetandplayonthankfully.

Onthestrokeofhalftime,thebestchanceoftheopening45fellourwaywhen KennylatchedontoHawkinsballoverthetopandsliditacrosstheboxfor Kalongatojustputhisshotthewrongsideofthepost.Thiskeptthescoreat 0-0aswewentinforhalftime.

Thesecond45wasalotmoreliketheLeightonwehaveseenallseasonand westartedmuchstronger.Playingsomegoodfootballandreallymaking Tringfeelourmanadvantage.However,inthe52ndminute,wewereforced intoanearlychangeasZulufeltsomediscomfortandwasreplacedbythe debutingHansentomakehisfirstcompetitiveappearanceinoverayearafter hisownstruggleswithinjury.

Justafewminuteslaterwehadourrewardtothebrightstartwhenonce againtheballwasplayedacrosstheboxandthisKalongadidgetthejob donebyslottingithome,makingit3goalsin2appearances!Creditto Armstrongforthefantasticassist.

Wecontinuedtobeontopinthegameandwererewardedagaininthe64th minutewhenKalongaturnedproviderbyputtingitonaplateforKennyatthe backsticktodoubleourlead.4goalsin2forKennywhocappedoffagreat weekwhichsawhimscorehisfirstseniorhattrick,playsomeminutesforthe firstteamandthengetonthescoresheetagainforus.

WemadeafewmoresubsshortlyafterwhichsawKenny,Crossand KalongareplacedbyDominy-Lewis,JaggardandMcGlincheyaswelooked toseethegameoutinthelast20.

Jaggardalmostmadeaninstantimpactwhenheburstthroughongoalinthe 72ndminutebutunfortunately,hejustdraggedhisshotwideofthepost.

Ourfinalsubcameinthe79thminutewhenHattonwasreplacedbyFlecknell andjustafewminuteslaterthegamewassealed.Silvestrifoundhimselfin plentyofspaceintheareaandrifledhisshotacrossthegoalintothetop cornertogethimselfoffthemarkfortheseason!

Unfortunatelyforus,wejustcouldn'tseeoutthecleansheet.Tringwas awardedafreekickinthelastsecondofthegameontheedgeofthebox, andtheshotwasdeflectedpastBurberryandintothegoal.Thiswastobe thelastactionofthematchwiththerefereeblowingforfull-timestraightfrom kick-off.

Overall,anotherwell-deservedvictoryfortheTown.CredittoTringfora competitivegame,andwelookforwardtovisitingyoulateronintheseason.

SilvestriwasnamedManoftheMatchforthesecondhomegameinarow. Heonceagainranthemidfield,andwhenpushedintoamoreattackingrole towardstheendofthegamelookedjustasdangerouswithhisgoalsealing thegameforus.KeepupthegoodworkFabs!

111inattendancetoday,whichisourbiggestcrowdoftheseason.Everyone attheclubisextremelygratefulforthesupport,andwehopetokeepputting strongperformancesoninfrontofyou!

WeareathomeagainnextweektoNewBradwellStPeters,whoare unbeatenintheleaguethemselves,soyoucanbesureofathrillinggame comeSaturday!

RESULTS DIVISION2

LEIGHTONTOWNDEVS1-4NEWBRADWELLSTPETER

ByAlfieTurvey

TheDevelopmentteam'sexcellentstarttotheseasonfinallycametoanend whentheylost4-1athometoNewBradwellStPeterinaclashoftwoofthe season'sbrighteststarters.

Thegamestartedwellforuswithabrightopening5minutes,withthe highlightbeingHansenforcingtheBradwellkeeperintoagoodsaveafter dancinghiswayintotheboxwithsomeintricatefootworkhowever,thebright startdidn'tlasttoolong.Inthe9thminute,NewBradwell'snumber7gothold oftheballinthemiddleoftheparkandunleashedagoodstrikefrom20 yardsleavingBurberrynochanceinthegoalandforthefirsttimethis season,wefoundourselvesbehindinagame.

Werespondedwellbygettingcontrolofthegameagain,andjust10minutes laterwegotourreward.TheballgotfloatedintotheboxandKalonga managedtogettherejustaheadofthekeepertoheaduslevel.That's4 goalsin3gamesnowforthecentreforwardwhoisenjoyingagreatstartto lifeatLeighton.

Wecarriedonpushingandwerejustinchesawayfromgoing2-1upwhen Hansen,whowasanuisanceallhalf,sawhisshotrattlethecrossbarbefore McGlinchey'sfollow-upfromtheedgeoftheboxwassavedwell.

ThenourbestchanceofthegamecamewhenMcGlincheywasbrought downintheboxandwewererightlyawardedapenalty.TheSkipper Hawkinswasonpenaltydutyasusualbutunfortunately,theever-reliable penaltytakersawhisattemptsavedbythekeeper.

38minutesinandonceagainwefoundourselvesbehindafterBradwell's Number11finishedwellaftertheballfounditswaytohiminourbox.Thisis howthescorestayeduntilhalftimeandweknewwemustimprovetoget backintothisgame.

Wemadenochangesduringthebreak,butadoublesubdidcomeinthe 54thminuteasMcGlincheyandHansenwerereplacedbyCarterand

DominyLewisaswecontinuedtolookforawaybackintothegame.

Ourroutebackintothegamegottwiceashardinthe60thminutewhen Bradwellmadeit3-1.Theballwaspumpedintotheboxandricochetedoffa fewmenbeforebeingsmashedhomefrom8yards.

Anotherdoublesubinthe70thminutesawJaggardandKalongacomeofffor EkwuemeandRenebutinallhonesty,wecouldn'tgetourselvesgoingto musteracomebackandinthe80thminute,allhopeswerekilledoffwhen Bradwellcounteredtomakeit4-1.Thelast10minuteswerethenplayedout ataslowpaceuntilthefinalwhistleofficiallybroughtanendtoadisappointing game.

CredittoNewBradwellwhodeservedthe3pointstodayandwelookforward tovisitingyoulaterintheseason.

WemoveontonextSaturday'sgamewherewewillbelookingtorespondwell andgetbacktowinningways.Asalways,thanksverymuchforyoursupport.

DIVISION2