LEIGHTON Town made a flying start to the new Evo-Stik League Division One Central season with a highly impressive 3-1 away win over AFC Hayes on Saturday.
A brace for Silvestri and a third goal by Marlas saw Leighton into a commanding first half lead, and although Hayes pulled a goal back early in the second half, it was not enough to stop Town from making a dream start to the season – even if boss Craig Wells wasn’t there to see it.
With the temperature reaching 30°C at Farm Park in west London, tempers boiled over at times – the hosts ending the match with nine men and Leighton 10 after Bewley saw a needless red.
But so dominant were Leighton that they could even afford to miss a penalty and have a goal ruled out for offside on route to victory.
With Town only losing two out of eight pre-season friendly games, they went into their trip to Hayes in excelllent form, with two recent signings making their first league starts in Town colours.
With Wells still away on a family holiday, the team were left in the capable hands of Richard Batten and Lee Halling who proved that the club’s new strength in depth not only applies to those playing out on the pitch.
Hayes kicked off the first half strongly, winning a corner after a couple of minutes, but that was caught firmly by the safe hands of keeper Dodge.
Leighton started confidentially, passing the ball between the back four neatly and keeping patient.
Town’s first goal scoring chance arrived in the fourth minute when Bewley crossed the ball to Toomey who managed to find Bishop in the area, but the Hayes keeper reacted to push the ball over the bar.
However, the visiting fans didn’t have to wait long for the opening goal of the game and new season when the referee saw a handball and pointed to the penalty spot in the sixth minute.
Silvestri stepped up to take the kick, only to see his effort blocked by the keeper. The ball then found its way to McBride who planted it back in front of Silvestri and this time he had no mistake in finding the back of the net.
Town’s main aim of the game at this point was to keep the ball, have faith in their ability to pass it around neatly, and also to get a crucial second goal.
More in this week’s LBO