Premier Division
Didcot Town 0 North Leigh FC 2
Tuesday, 08 April 2003
Didcot fell to their first home League defeat of 2003 with a 2-0 reverse against Premier League leaders North Leigh on Tuesday night. Despite creating some good opportunities, especially in the second half, Town could have no complaints about the result as North Leigh showed why they are favourites to add a second title in two years.
The visitors started well and Matty Ellis created the first chance crossing for Harry Burnley who headed tamely into the hands of keeper Keith McLoughlin. In the 12th minute Adam Hamp struck the underside of the Didcot bar after Ellis had again caused problems on the right flank. Burnley then missed a great chance this time after Jamie Jackson crossed dangerously into the middle. Didcot?s first real chance came in the 28th minute when Lee Newport thrashed the ball over the bar following good work by midfielder Jamie Heapy. North Leigh deservedly took the lead ten minutes before the break. Town skipper Andy Cooper made a rare mistake and Hamp coolly slotted home past McLoughlin from the edge of the box. Ian Concannon almost levelled moments later following Cooper?s quickly taken free kick but Kevin Alder saved comfortably.
Half Time: 0-1
The home side were much brighter after the interval and should have equalised in the first minute of the second half. Concannon poked a shot wide with only Alder to beat following Cooper?s through-ball. Hamp missed a good chance for North Leigh as the game swung from end to end. Terry Morrisey volleyed straight into the arms of Alder after Nigel Emsden had played a deep cross into the North Leigh box. Hamp then set-off on a brilliant run but dragged his shot wide with only McLoughlin to beat. With 15 minutes remaining Newport had a left foot shot blocked on the line after Morrisey had crossed from the right. Town came even closer shortly afterwards when North Leigh?s Joe Burnell sliced the ball against his own crossbar. Jackson then brought a stunning save from McLoughlin but as Didcot pushed men forward in a desperate search of an equaliser the visitors settled the game in the last minute. Hamp nodded home unmarked at the far post after Ellis had created space on the right.
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