This FA Cup Preliminary Round replay at Eynsham Park last night was a far different affair from the 0 - 0 tough battle the Yellows endured away to Aylesbury on Sunday. Four goal up just after half time and cruising, the home side let their foot off the peddle in the final period to conceed two late goals and had to weather an onslaught from Aylesbury who were unlucky not to score more.

Early pressure from the Yellows was well resisted by the experienced Aylesbury back line ably led by Skipper John Mullholland. However on 12 mins they gave away a free kick on the left hand side outside the box and Stuart Hole's hard low kick found the far corner to put the Yellows in the lead for the first time in the tie. On 20 mins a high cross from the right by Kieran Sanders was met beyond the far post by Michael Hopkins and his looping header dropped behind keeper Jack Sillitoe for Leigh's second goal.

Leigh now growing in confidence minute by minute looked to put the game beyond Aylesbury's reach and on 37 mins after a mix up in the Aylesbury defence between the keeper and back line, let in Andy McCabe who walked the ball into the net for Leigh's third goal.

HT: North Leigh 3 - Aylesbury Utd

It was a similar story at the start of the second half and on 51 mins following constant Leigh pressure, a cross from the right was met by centreback Tom Franklin who had found himself in the opposing penalty box. His glancing header rocketed into the far top corner for Leigh's fourth goal. This goal should have dampened Aylesbury spirits but far from it, they, supported by their loyal band of vocal supporters rolled their sleeves up and attacked. On 55 mins the Ducks were unlucky as a shot from distance thumped into a Leigh post and shortly afterwards on 58 mins a Leigh defender was ajudged to have handled just oufside the box.

With both sides introducing subs it was the visitors turn to celebrate as sub Paul Edgeworth on 71 mins volleyed a right wing cross past a stranded Yellows keeper Sam Warrell. Five minutes later Edgworth in a similar position but a more difficult shot hooked the ball past a surprised Leigh defence for goal No 2. The next ten minutes was a flurry of activity around the Leigh goal with home defenders desparately keeping the ball at bay. During this period the Ducks hit the bar twice and Warrell made two great saves.In the final couple of minutes the onslaught subsided and Tom Roberts was unlucky not to notch his first for the club and Leigh's fifth as Sillitoe smothered his shot.North Leigh now progress to the 1st Qualifying Round away to Ryman Premier side Leatherhead on Saturday Week 17 September.

FT: North Leigh 4 - 2 Aylesbury United

North Leigh: Warrell, Hole, Flanagan, Clark, Franklin, Organ, Bowles (Willoughby 63), Sanders (Roberts 70), McCabe, Osborne-Ricketts, Hopkins (Caton
74) Subs not used: Mills, Lonsdale

Attendance 104

Keith Huxley