North Leigh started their Southern League Division One Central season on Saturday with a disappointing opening day defeat at home to Berkhamsted FC, falling to a 2-1 defeat.
After a summer full of positive changes off the field, being matched by an unprecedented and notable overhaul of the playing squad, positivity was high around the club heading into this first fixture.
Joint managers Craig Dore and Darren James handed 6 debuts out in the starting 11. With notable returns to Eynsham Park for Callum McNish, Lance Williams and Aaron Woodley among them. Club captain Ben Brown, midfielder Harry Grant and forward George Seacole, who all played a key part in last seasons “Great Escape”, were in to provide a consistent and reliable spine to the team.
The match started with Berko on the front foot from kick off, and there was little over two minutes on the clock when Lewis Toomey scored the opening goal of the 19/20 season at Eynsham Park. The goal came from a blistering run down the right wing by Jonathan Lacey who, after beating three players, saw his effort come back off the crossbar, leaving the Berko number 9 Toomey to fire into an open net.
Berko maintained their good start to the game after the goal and looked to capitalise on a nervous start from North Leigh. The lead should have been doubled soon after as Toomey jinked past the Millers back line, but was thwarted when 1 on 1 with home goalkeeper Mo Otuyo.
North Leigh began to grow into the game after this, seeing more of the ball in the middle of the park, and beginning to move the ball around more effectively. Berko keeper Xavier Comas Leon was forced into a number of fine saves, notably as Callum McNish let fly from the edge of the box. The Spanish keeper flew impressively full length to his left and palmed the ball away for a corner.
The Millers ended the first half on the front foot but behind on the score line.
With the words of the Millers coaching staff fresh on the players’ minds, most inside Eynsham Park would have been disappointed to see the second half start with another Berko goal. Once again just over two minutes were on the clock when the away side took a two-nil lead. This time Jonathan Lacey was able to capitalise on a defensive error, lift the ball over Otuyo and into the net as the keeper was caught in no-man’s land outside of his area.
“
...with the ball landing at the feet of fan’s favourite George Seacole. On the forward’s birthday, the outcome was never in doubt and he slammed home for two-one...
”
This seemed to galvanise the Millers squad though as they pushed forward, searching for a route back into the match. Ten minutes into the second half, that lifeline arrived. Josh Dutton-Black, provided an assist for the goal with a weaving forward run down the right wing, with the ball landing at the feet of fan’s favourite George Seacole. On the forward’s birthday, the outcome was never in doubt and he slammed home for two-one. Game on!
With their tails up, the Millers continued to press forward for the remainder of the second half. Summer signing Ekow Elliott, also on for a debut, saw an effort fly just over as he cut in from the left. Roger James, on for the impressive Dutton-Black, was direct and dangerous as ever, stinging the hands of the Berko keeper with one effort.
The best chance to level the scores for the home team came with ten minutes remaining. Tyriq Hunte forged forward and found himself one on one with the goalie, but the excellent Berko keeper stuck out a left hand to parry the ball away.
After that final notable effort from North Leigh, Berkhamsted saw the game out effectively. The away team taking the three points, largely thanks to a fine performance from their man of the match Xavier Comas Leon between the sticks.
The Millers will no doubt be disappointed to start their season with defeat but with a largely new squad of players, it will take time for the players to gel. Positives will no doubt be taken from the match and the Millers will look to get their first points on the board as they head to Thame on Tuesday for the first of several local derby's this season.
