More than 600 fans turned out at Bell Close on Saturday to watch a hugely impressive performance from a new look Leighton Town against a very strong MK Dons side.
Although they lost the game 4-2, it was a day of positives for the club and manager Craig Wells as his side enjoyed their first pre-season friendly.
Despite plying their trade five divisions below MK Dons, Leighton shocked their near neighbours by taking the lead in the sweltering heat – James Gray showing great movement and pace as he raced clear of the visitors’ back line to fire in past goalkeeper David Martin, who soon went off injured.
Stephen Gleeson blasted in a fantastic equaliser for Dons a few minutes later though, and after Wells changed almost his entire line-up at the break, the visitors went ahead through a Shaun Williams penalty.
Jack Copson gave away the spot-kick, which keeper Nigel Whatton was unlucky not to stop after diving the right way.
Whatton was introduced in place of Nick Claessen at half time as Leighton kept just one player on for the 90 minutes.
On the hour-mark Gleeson produced another moment of magic with a thunderbolt that flew past Whatton from all of 35-yards to make it 3-1.
But Leighton continued to give it their all, and soon got a deserved second goal as Sean Sinnott beat Dons sub keeper Charlie Burns one-on-one.
Town continued to search for more goals, and they were very unlucky not to celebrate at least one as they had a goal disallowed for a foul on Burns and a penalty appeal turned down when the ball appeared to strike at arm.
Dons added a fourth goal through Jacub Daffern, but it was nevertheless an excellent afternoon for Leighton.
For more Leighton Town news and reaction see Tuesday’s LBO