Written by James Smith
Photo by James Smith
Leighton Town 2-0 Dunstable Town
Bedfordshire Senior Cup 1st Round
Tuesday 5th November 2024
Despite a fine first half performance Dunstable Town were defeated by their higher league opponents in the first round of the Bedfordshire Senior Cup on Tuesday.
Leighton edged the opening minutes but Shea Greene almost capitalised on a mistake by Connor Hunt in the Leighton goal but the keeper recovered to clear the ball.
Soon after Jack James had a good effort at goal, which was cleared for corner.
In the 24th minute, a corner for Dunstable almost led to a goal but Jamie Ovington just couldn’t get the final touch.
Two minutes later Leighton’s Ben Farrell sent a half volley just over Alex Desmond’s crossbar.
A big chance came for Dunstable on 28 minutes Luka Lodder went through but Hunt did well to save for a corner. Frankie Bircham then shot just wide from the restart.
Leighton then headed narrowly over before Dunstable lost possession in midfield and had Desmond to thank for making a fine save to keep it at 0-0.
Leighton almost scored on halftime when a shot looped up over Desmond who had already committed to making a save but Ovington cleared the danger. Lodder then had a shot saved at the other end.
Leighton came out for the second half in dominant mood and shot narrowly wide then Desmond made an outstanding save at point blank range with Ovington doing brilliantly to clear the follow up.
In the 58th minute man of the match Desmond had to be alert to prevent an own goal from a corner.
Leighton’s pressure finally paid off as they opened the scoring through Jack Sayell six minutes later.
With 71 minutes gone, Desmond came to the rescue again but Leighton missed a sitter on the rebound.
The hosts sealed the game with five minutes remaining when former Dunstable player Tolu Ikuyinminu scored from close range.
Team: Desmond; James; Silford; L Smith; Ovington; Osborne; Bircham; Hankins; Greene; Lodder; Briggs.
Subs: Mead; Ezenwaka; Butt; Hayden; Kenna.
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