Report by Jools Thomas

The Moles were more than a match for their senior opponents matching them punch for punch, however a greater degree of organisation and a more ruthless approach in front of goal saw the away team through.

FC debutant Shayne Almond had the game’s first attempt in the fourth minute. Harry Scott’s goalbound effort a couple of minutes later could also have been significant but for an outstretched defender’s leg taking all its power away thereby allowing away keeper Marcus Garnham to gather safely. Kieron Schmidt then sidefooted the ball over the bar in what was turning into a very bright opening with, unbelievably, more chances on goal by FC in the opening 20 minutes than in the previous 180 minutes against Chalfont and Aylesbury United.

Leisten now threatened as James Weatherill spilled a long-range effort from Seb Dunbar yet Jordan Jenkins was alert enough to swipe the ball clear. Chris Henderson then had a golden chance to give Leiston the lead however he succeeded only in clearing the cross bar with his wayward shot. Jack Ainsley’s low attempt was also cleared as the away team grew more in confidence and soon afterwards, Weatherill was quick to block Kyle Hammond’s darting run on goal.

FC perhaps should have taken the lead in the next move of the game. A cross from the right allowed Jeanmal Prosper two stabs at the ball and both times brave keeping from Garnham blocked them. Straightaway the ball broke at the other end and Matt Blake bore down on goal only to be denied by a fine low save by Weatherill. Leiston took the lead on 38 minutes. There appeared little danger as the ball was played out to Chris Henderson some 25 yards from goal yet the playmaker delivered a fine strike, which left Weatherill with no chance to save.

The second half’s first opportunity fell to Harry Scott who guided his free kick over the bar before Leiston extended their lead. From an FC point of view, it was a soft goal. A free kick awarded on the left of midfield was drifted in to the box with Tom Bullard ghosting in unmarked to head the ball past an unprotected Weatherill. Just two minutes later the contest was effectively over as the away team grabbed their third goal of the afternoon. Dunbar smashed a powerful shot from an angle that an outstretched Weatherill arm could do nothing to stop.

Davis Haule and Paul Brown replaced Ryan Marsden and Jeanmal Prosper and this heralded a period of more open play. On 63 minutes, Aston Goss’ snap shot was saved and Brian Haule’s follow up was also neatly saved. Goss was involved in FC’s goal with fifteen minutes to go. His strike was only parried into the path of Jonny Montgomery. Jonny had a fine game in midfield and his performance was rewarded as he tapped in from close range despite being under intense pressure from the away defenders.

Who knows what would have happened during the rest of the game had Montgomery not been pulled back when clear through on goal with seven minutes to spare? Leiston’s Dominic Doherty definitely took one for the team and was correctly given a red card for his troubles. Harry Scott’s easily saved freekick was scant reward for a potential match changing situation and although there were half chances for Davis and for JJ, the referee soon blew his whistle to signal the end of this entertaining yet ultimately disappointing contest.