After conceding 17 goals in their previous four games, Leighton Town turned in a much improved display at home to Beaconsfield on Saturday.
But unfortunately their efforts were not enough to take a share of the spoils as the Evo-Stik Division One Central promotion chasers left with a 4-2 victory.
Town fans were pleased with the commitment and skill shown by their young side, and with a little more luck they might easily have earned themselves a draw.
Town’s first real chance came in the 22nd minute as Joel Ayettey, who posed problems for the visitors all afternoon, headed over from a right wing corner.
And just three minutes later they created another great chance to open the scoring when the ball was fired low across the face of the goal, but neither of the two Town players in good positions could make the most of the situation.
However, Leighton did finally open the scoring on the half hour when Mark Burfoot was tripped inside the penalty area. He coolly slotted past the keeper to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
The lead was short lived though as Beaconsfield hit back before the break, and the visitors took the lead early in the second half.
And Leighton looked on course for another heavy defeat when Beaconsfield added a third goal. But on this occasion they showed great spirit, and their fine football was rewarded as Jakk Pursey fired in a low cross and Joel Ayettey was on hand to force the ball home.
Suddenly a draw looked a real possibility, but in the 86th minute Beaconsfield made the game safe with a fourth goal to strengthen their grip on fifth place.
Nevertheless this was a good performance from Leighton against a strong side on course to finish in the play-offs. Fans will be hoping they show similar spirit in their remaining four games, starting with a trip to Daventry Town on Thursday. They then visit Uxbridge on Saturday.
>> Pitstone & Ivinghoe enjoyed a 1-0 home victory over Broxbourne Borough in South Midlands League Division Two on Saturday.