Reported by Jools Thomas

A late Danny Jones penalty gave FC a point from this local derby at the Affinity Investment Stadium and whilst a defeat would have been unfortunate, it could be argued that there had not been enough class or guile for them to earn three points either.

In essence the best chances of the 1st half fell to FC. Ryan Blake in particular had a plethora of chances and in truth should have made at least one count. A cross shot in the 6th minute narrowly missed the post and a few minutes later a clear shot at goal was prevented with a last ditch tackle. Leighton’s Russ Hanley responded with a low drive that also cleared a post. Wayne O’Sullivan had a glorious chance to open the scoring just before the quarter of an hour mark when he headed Blake’s cross just over the bar. As things settled, chances developed for the away team. Leighton’s Aaron Morgan fired a quickly taken free kick goalwards with FC keeper Richard Roberts tipping the ball over the bar. Blake had yet another chance on 38 minutes snapping in an effort from an acute angle and two minutes he blasted the ball over when clean through. On the stroke of half-time however Leighton took the lead. A handball by Craig Faulconbridge in the box was penalised and Leon Simpson crashed home the spot kick.

The second half was less frenetic. Leighton chose to shoot from distance whilst forming a barrier to thwart any FC incursions. A rare attack saw an amazing piece of goalkeeping from Richards Roberts. Leighton’s Russ Hanley rounded the FC Number 1 only for Roberts to snatch the ball off his toe when it seemed the Leighton man had only to stroke the ball into the empty net. FC finally got the breakthrough their persistence merited with 10 minutes left to play. Wayne O’Sullivan was obstructed in the box and Danny Jones sent the resultant penalty down the middle with the keeper diving to his right. With the wind in their sails, FC pushed for a winner but alas could not find the breakthrough. The referee who had had an eventful afternoon blew the final whistle soon after therefore giving both teams a fair point.

Ricahrd Roberts, George Tomlin, Lee Grace, Ollie Lynch, Craig Faulconbridge, Ronayne Marsh-Brown, Daniel Jones, Davis Haule, Brian Haule, Wayne O'Sullivan, Ryan Blake Subs Luke Abraham, Alex Collard, Joseph Thompson, Sonny French, Charlie Abrahams