Crows On The Road
Next Up: The Reds of Leighton Town FC.
Crows at Leighton Town FC, Evo-Stik League Southern Central Division 1
Kick Off: 7:45pm, Tuesday 9th October 2012.
Bell Close
Lake Street
Leighton Buzzard
Bedfordshire
LU7 1RX
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After Saturday’s surprising 0-0 draw against struggling Fleet Town, the mighty Crows will be looking to secure three points versus Leighton Town FC who have not played a league game since a 1-1 draw against Aylesbury FC on the 8th September 2012!
Leighton, of give the town it’s full name, Leighton Buzzard is a sleepy Bedfordshire Ville that lays in the footholds of the Chiltern Hills. So a scenic drive in store, if not for the fact that it is now dark by 6pm! Brrrr….
Question for you… What is the best thing out of Leighton Buzzard, the answer is the Grand Union Canal, which was opened there.
Famous residents include Kriss Akabusi, Darren Gough and “you know what I mean ‘Arry” Frank Bruno.
Leighton Buzzard are to blame for foisting the group Kajagoogoo onto us. Remember them! The lead singer went on to sing that very famous hit “Never Ending Story”…. Tra la la tra la la tra la la (it’s in my head now and won’t go away!)
HISTORY
They were formed in 1885, remember the year? L A Thompson patented the World’s first Roller Coaster! I digress though, “The Reds” won the Leighton and District league on 9 occasions and then became founder members of the South Midlands League in 1922.
They changed their name to Leighton United FC in this year, a change that lasted until 1963. Unusually they had dual membership with the Spartan League but the only success were two titles in 1924 and 1928.
In 1952 they then decided to try their luck in the Hellenic League, but after two unproductive years they returned to the South Midlands League. They stayed there until 1966 and after finishing bottom they returned to the Spartan League. This was followed by a two year spell in the United Counties League. Crikey, they do like to chop and choose!
They then transferred into the South Midlands League winning the title in 1992. The club then stepped up into the Isthmian League where our paths crossed 4 times in 2 years.
In 1996 the club won another promotion finishing second behind Horsham. The Reds stay in this division ended in 2001finishing second bottom, with just 32 points on the board. In 2004 they won the renamed Isthmian League Division 2, pipping Dorking by 2 points. Reorganisation in that same year saw the club placed into the Southern League which they remain in to this day.
2011 saw “The Reds” have their most successful season in this league, finishing in 7th place with 19 league wins.
Their Season So Far
Only 5 league games played so far this season with only a solitary win, two stalemates and two losses. Leighton Town lie in 18th position with 5 points. Last time out they were hammered by Bedford Town FC in the FA Trophy. Last two league games have produced 2 draws against Aylesbury and Biggleswade. You have to go back to those sweaty summer (I am joking) days of August, the 18th in fact, when “The Reds” last won. This was achieved by a 3-1 victory at AFC Hayes. So they are due a win sometime, hope it’s not against us!
One to Watch
Current player of the year, Lewis McBride is a very skilful and speedy player. Last season Lewis had the most accurate pass rate in the entire Southern League. Signed from Aylesbury United FC, Lewis has had scouts from all over the South drool at his amazing ball skills! Yes skills with a football Crows fans! A mate of mine has stated in a matter of fact way, that this lad will play for England, he got abit upset when I suggested the England “C” side!
The Gaffer
Craig Wells. I usually explore all avenues of public media to gain my facts, you know, Wiki, Club websites, facebook, stalking the manager, all that kind of stuff. This time I’ve drawn a blank. All I know is that Craig joined the club in 2011 and his win percentage is 50%! So apologies Craig if you are reading this, I know nothiiinnggg!!!
Have We Met Before
As mentioned earlier, we’ve met 4 times in the league and twice in the FA Cup. We drew 2-2 at Bell Close in 2002 before hammering them 3-0 at Garden Walk.
How To Get There
Not the easiest of journey’s. Take the A505 all the way to Luton until you reach Hatters way, you can’t miss this as it has the World’s ugliest stadium. Follow A505 signs towards Dunstable, you will then turn left onto the A4012 (Leighton Road), follow this until you reach Leighton Buzzard. At Old Chapel Mews, turn right and there you have it, the stadium. Mileage is 36.8 and it will take approx 1hr and 15mins to get there.
Match Day Information
Tickets:
Adults: £8.00
Concessions/OAP: £4.00
Programme: £2.00
