Words by SAM RATHBONE

The Greens are back on the road as they travel to Bell Close, away to Leighton Town and looking to regain momentum after a narrow defeat in the latter stages against Aylesbury just 72 hours prior. Two second half goals from Kidlington made up for first half errors, giving a sense of hope within the side.

A better performance from Kidlington, chances were flowing and opportunities were there for the taking. However, they were caught scrambling in their own eighteen yard box leading to the winner for Aylesbury, heartbreak. 2-3. After finding the net just three times in seven affairs, Kiddy will drastically need to improve going forward to avoid the dreaded drop into Step 5.

The Red’s come into this game hosting Kidlington needing every point in their fight for the playoffs, sitting 9th in the table. Leighton Town have picked up 19 points from twelve home league outings this season; Kidlington will have to be switched on and ready for a big away test against the Reds as Kiddy have only picked up eight points away from Yarnton Road (2W, 2D, 9L). Paul Reed’s men will look to extend their run of four games unbeaten in the league. With a Luke Pyman brace and a goal from Lynton Goss in their last game against Stotfold as they came back from behind to win away 3-2 at the JSJ Stadium, they will be full of confidence as they host The Greens on Saturday.

Now, every point matters for Kiddy in their survival fight. Back the Boys and push them on with all your support as Kidlington travel to Leighton.

Match Information
Leighton Town v Kidlington FC
Southern League
Bell Close | LU7 1RX
Adults £10, Concessions £6, 12-17 £3, U11's FREE

Recent Form
Kidlington – LLLLL

A Kidlington goal drought continued when The Greens hosted Thame United in an Oxfordshire Derby). Two first half goals were enough for the visitors to cruise to a convincing 0-2 win, with no gaping opportunities created by the home side).

Next up for Craig McKay’s boys was a 120 round mile trip to Hadley, who sit just outside the playoffs. It took twenty-six minutes for Luke Alfonso to convert a penalty before the hosts before two goals in the second half summed up a lacklustre performance for Kidlington falling to a 3-0 defeat at Brickfield Lane.

Signs of improvement were enforced as Kidlington were on the road again, this time facing Hertford Town. Chances were created and there were a number of opportunities for Kidlington with Patrick Osborne scoring The Greens first goal of 2025. Ultimately, it didn’t lead to much as Kiddy’s one goal advantage was cut even before half-time. Midway into the second half, Hertford Town then took the lead managing to hold out to a 2-1 victory.

The league leaders then took the trip to OX5 as Real Bedford were quick out of the blocks, scoring in the opening twenty minutes to give the Pirates a 0-1 lead. Just moments before halftime, Real Bedford's lead was then doubled thanks to a free header at the front post from a corner kick. The game was then sealed midway through the second half with Real Bedford bundling the ball home from a scrappy run through the box.

Down at Yarnton Road, they hosted Aylesbury in what is potentially make or break for Kidlington. A swift ball played over the top from Aylesbury, left the winger one-on-one with Charlie Barnett before easily slotting his chance into the back of the net to give Aylesbury the lead within three minutes. Kidlington were fighting their way back into the game with confidence growing despite the one goal deficit, that was until Aylesbury doubled their lead within 22 minutes leaving Kidlington hopeless and worried. Fraser Allen then pounced at a goal-line scramble to half the deficit for Kiddy going into the interval. With twenty minutes left to play at Yarnton Road, Michael Hopkins’s deep corner was met by a Matt Gunn looping header at the back post to boost the morale and score an equaliser. Right at the dying moments of the game, a clearance from Kidlington fell on the volley and struck to perfection as hearts were shattered and all three points were Aylesbury’s.

Leighton Town – LWDDW
Biggleswade hosted Leighton Town at Second Meadow Road where The Reds fell to a two-nil defeat with both goals coming in the first half from Biggleswade to give them a vital three points. Home action returned for Leighton Town as they faced Barton Rovers and strolled to a two-nil victory. An own goal and a Lynton Goss strike was enough to earn the Reds all three points.

A very short journey for Leighton as they then travelled to Berkhamsted. Although the visitors were initially a goal down, they gave enough fight and courage to come back into the game and win 2-1 with goals from Godlove Opong and Kyal Williams. A hard-fought three points for Leighton Town.

Stubborn Leverstock Green made the trip to Leighton in poor form as the Reds couldn’t break down Leverstock’s backline resulting in a goalless draw for Leighton. A reaction was needed from Leighton, there certainly was as the Reds came back from a one goal deficit to win with Lynton Goss and Luke Pyman getting on the scoresheet.