Our Saturday 1st signed off their pre season campaign with a disappointing loss to Rochford Town First, losing 3-1.

A slow start from our boys in this game, struggling to get a foot on the ball and get our passing game going. Rochford came out of the block quick and pressed high putting our defence under pressure, with this leading to Rochford goal early in the first half - a mistake defensively with the lads playing out from the back leading to a 18 yard strike from the edge of the box going into Sam’s goal.

Having conceded early, Leigh Town then started to play their football, taking control of the game and putting some decent play together and creating chances, nearly levelling the game from a corner with Connor’s header cannoning back off the crossbar. We continued to push forward, winning a free kick in to Rochford’s half - and with a combination of great team movement and a Gareth’s superb lofted pass, Connor made no mistake this time with a lovely finish into the bottom left corner. 1-1 at half time.

In the second half, Leigh Town came out strong and with a high tempo, looking to push on in the game. With a few chances and many corners, our best chance of the second half fell to Lewis after some great build up play, only to be stopped by an excellent save from the Rochford Town keeper. Changing up the formation and personnel, Rochford now began to push up the pitch and cause more problems, and it was the dreaded long ball that shifted the momentum of the game…with the Rochford striker breaking in behind and winning a penalty (which we still think was harsh!), before converting well. Shortly after this, Rochford cemented their lead at 3-1 with a long shot and an unfortunate mistake on a bobbly pitch. Leigh Town kept their heads up in humid conditions and worked to create a few more chances, but unfortunately Rochford held on well and finished the game as winners.

All in all probably a game to forget about but this is what pre-season is for. Overall it’s been a decent pre season for Leigh Town and we must remember that going into the first game of the season Saturday - we’re excited to get the season going against Old Southendian Reserves, and starting off with a win!

#UpTheTown