Town Knocked Out Of FA Vase

FA Vase Second Round action:
Another infamous cup run wasn’t to be this year for Leighton Town, as they lost out to Newport Pagnell on penalties on Saturday. In a sold-out tie of FA Vase Second Round action, it was the home side who finally progressed after an even 90 minutes.
In this match that was fuelled by a lively crowd it was Newport that started best. The Willen Park residents drove on with intent and inside 11 minutes forced stand in goalkeeper Connor Hunt into action. Shortly after, they’d see another effort on goal cleared off the line well by Joe Fitzgerald on 15 minutes.
This spell of pressure eventually resulted in the inevitable – a Newport goal. A promising attack was ended in cynical fashion and Ben Shepherd stepped up to take the free kick on the edge of the box. His right footed shot was brilliantly struck, just evading the jumping Leighton wall and the outstretched Hunt, it curled into the left side netting.
It was an emphatic way to take the lead and afterwards, it seemed to be all Newport. Clearly spurred on by the 526-strong crowd in attendance, the Swans looked to win every second ball. Leighton couldn’t get a foot in edgeways and although they managed to produce flurries of attacking play in the remainder of the first period, the quality of the decision making, or final ball was lacking.
Just before the break Leighton had two great chances to level as first Dave Parkinson and then Ethan Flanagan had their attempts blocked by the resolute Newport defence when really they should have done better.
This final flurry from the visitors was enough to carry momentum into the start of the second half – as Leighton looked to level through Luke Dunstan 51 minutes in. His free kick was pushed on to the post and nothing came from the corner, but it looked to be a far better approach than the first half.
As the second period drew on Paul Bonham looked to the bench to add some more energy to Town’s play. On 55 minutes, Dave Parkinson made way for Archie McClelland. 15 minutes later, it would be Ross Adams that would replace Alfie Osborne – adding yet more offensive threat. The last ten minutes signalled the beginning of a very scrappy period of play. Seemingly, neither side were able to keep the ball and play was capped by the referee’s involvement as mediator.
Leighton kept on battling and as time was running out, opted for another sub. Brian Foulger came in for Dunstan as Town searched on for the leveller. A hopeful late attack forced another former Town player Martin Conway into a mistake. The goalkeeper spilled a shot, and it went out for a corner that the Swans were just able to get away.
Newport wouldn’t be safe for long though, as substitute Ross Adams equalised to the delight of the travelling faithful. A cross from the left came in – looping high over the helpless defenders before Adams tapped home from about three yards out. His 94th minute strike was the last action sending the game straight to penalties.
Despite the late drama, Leighton started the shootout poorly. Ashton Campbell could only watch as his penalty was saved by Conway. Next up was familiar face Danny Webb. However, like his former strike partner Campbell, he couldn’t beat the keeper. Ross Adams stepped up for Leighton and converted before Newport followed suit. Tom Silford was next but hit his penalty struck the bar. Even worse for Town, Newport converted again before Archie McClelland had his penalty saved and James Towell sent his wide to send the home side through.
For Paul Bonham’s men it was a disappointing end to such a hopeful day. Leighton’s name has become synonymous with this trophy in recent seasons so an exit at this stage feels premature, though drawing a very strong side such as Newport Pagnell Town away at this stage of the competition was to say the least unfortunate. However, attention is now directed towards Tuesday night. Back at home, 14th place London Colney are the next opposition to visit Bell Close in the Spartan South Midlands Premier League.