North Leigh in Total Control at Eynsham Park

Five unanswered goals give North Leigh a comfortable victory

North Leigh 5 – 0 Barnstaple Town

The Millers, after a difficult start to the season, are starting to show their true form and the unfortunate visitors to Eynsham Park yesterday, Barnstaple Town, were soundly beaten in a score line which flattered the visitors and could well have been considerably more.

With skipper Ryan Paddock absent along with Sean Wood, the Millers were fortunate in being able to introduce into their starting line up two Oxford United work experience loanees, Graham Bryan and Dejon Noel-Williams. With Manny Agboola back at Leigh on long term loan from Oxford United and Josh Thomas likewise from Cheltenham Town both defence and midfield look to have a much more solid look.

After a fairly even opening period when Leigh keeper Manny Agboola had to be alert to clear the ball in a couple of tricky situations, Leigh took the lead on 25 minutes when a cross from the right was laid back by George Seacole to Eddie Stevens who scored with a low hard right shot from 15 yards.
As the half progressed so the home side started to dominate play and the second goal came on 41 minutes when centreback Will Wellon volleyed home a corner as the ball fell to him at the far post.

HT: North Leigh 2 – 0 Barnstaple Town

The second half was a bit of a procession as Leigh really turned on the style and after a series of near misses on the Barnstaple goal, the third was scored on 62 minutes as Connor Waldon finished off a run and cross down the right by Sam Mendes by clipping the ball home from 6 yards.

With damage limitation the away side’s priority skipper Niall Heeney was penalised for a foul on Josh Thomas in the box on 68 minutes and Leigh skipper Michael Hopkins scored the resultant penalty kick.

The visitors hadn’t troubled the Leigh defence during the half consequently Manny Agboola, in goal, was a spectator for most part. On 87 minutes Mark Magee tapped home the fifth goal following a stunning shot by Josh Thomas that thudded against a post and back into play.

FT: North Leigh 5 – 0 Barnstaple Town

North Leigh: Agboola, Keightley, Hopkins, Mendes, James, Wellon, Stevens, Thomas, Seacole (Magee 69), Noel-Williams (Waldon 45), Bryan (Grabe)
Subs not used: Carroll, Mattock

Attendance: 59

Referee: Mr Ben Cooke from Tamworth