Leighton Town0

Leyton1

(Ryman League Division 2)

HAVING lost to Leighton Town in their home tie earlier in the season, Leyton needed a good result in this match to balance the account.

Within minutes of the start they had Leighton defending and were unlucky when after some fine football between Jeff Wood, Costelloe and Gregorio, the final shot went wide of the goal.

Moments later and Gregoriou saw another chance bounce to safety off the keeper's back before Ben Wood had a 15 yard lob just clear the Town bar. Constant early pressure eventually paid dividends for Leyton when they won a corner from a Jeff Wood deflected shot. The resulting corner saw Gregoriou supply the perfect corner for Des Thomas to head home on 12 minutes. More chances followed for Gregoriou shortly afterwards when following some good work from Kelly on the left, he blasted over the bar and then had another low drive hit the side netting.

Leyton's early domination was not to last as Leighton began to battle their way back into the game and but for Ian Bass's clearance off the line on 31 minutes, would have drawn level.

The second half saw Leyton make most of the early running before making two early substitutions, replacing George Gregorio with Isaac Alabi on 55 minutes and Paul Golby with Roy Parkyn on the hour. From the restart the home side began to enjoy a good spell and Leyton had to work hard to keep their one goal lead. They made a final substitution on 75 minutes when Wayne Mahoney replaced Sal Abdullah.

The remainder of the match saw Leyton live dangerously, with Alan Fenn clearing off the line at the death to ensure they kept their 1-0 lead. Sweet revenge for their earlier defeat on December 14 sees Leyton extend their unbeaten record to 25 games, having not been defeated since their last encounter with Leighton Town.

Leyton now conclude their league competition with a home game against Abingdon Town on Saturday and then complete their season on Tuesday when they play Cheshunt at Leyton Stadium in the Associate Members Trophy Final.

Leyton: Hassel, Bass, Golby (Parkyn 60), Fenn, Thomas, Wood, Costelloe, Kelly, Wood, Abdullah, (Mahoney 75), Gregoriou (Alabi 55).

May 1, 2003 10:30