Visitors Claim Thrilling Win - Leighton Town vs. Aylesbury

The stand in the winter sun at Bell Close

My original plan for the first game of another year of ground hopping was to head to Dover but a change in New Years plans led me to change my mind to Leighton Town vs. Aylesbury in the Southern League Division One Central division. I'd always thought about heading to Leighton for a mid week game but the way the train times were it would prove to be too tricky. The two teams were in the bottom half of the table and there was only team between them in the table. The reverse fixture in September resulted in a one all draw. 

The two teams emerge before kick off

Leighton have a great chance to score in the opening minutes but they fail to take advantage of the visitors generosity. However, they don't have to wait long to be presented with another chance and this time they take it. The visitors then have their first chance but the striker fluffs his lines and falls over. They have another chance shortly afterwards when they are awarded a penalty but the keeper makes a good save to his left. A few minutes later they equalise when the attacker is played in. Leighton retake the lead immediately afterwards. The home keeper then makes a terrific save from a free kick but from the resulting corner he lets a shot go right through him. Leighton take the lead for a third time just before half time. Even closer to half time there is a mass altercation and a player from each side is sent off. 

Aylesbury attack the clubhouse end in the first half.

Both teams come out attacking and the game becomes very end to end and there are chances for both sides in the opening minutes. Aylesbury pull level yet again when the Leighton midfielder is robbed on the half way line and they take full advantage. Leighton continue to press but they fall behind for the first time in the game when an effort from distance hits the bar and the player following up smashes the ball home. Leighton try and push for an equaliser but they fall further behind when the ball is knocked home from close range. The final score was Leighton Town 3 - 5 Aylesbury.

Covered standing accommodation behind one of the goals

Leighton Buzzard station is a steady twenty to thirty minute walk from Bell Close. Trains here depart from London Euston on a regular basis and the journey takes around fifty minutes. About half way in between the station is The Black Lion which was a very friendly pub with Sky Sports and several ales. The town itself is a picturesque and worth exploring before the game (unless you're too hungover). The clubhouse is quite large and had football on TV. I would strongly recommend the home made soup from the tea hut.

The programme has an old school cover and is mainly colour inside. As with many programmes in this league there is a comprehensive overview of the previous week's league action. There is a good overview on Leighton's history, although the pages detailing Aylesbury's history and players didn't print well. Despite this it was still a good read.

The sun goes behind the trees at Bell Close