Jack inspires Leiston comeback

JACK AINSLEY’S late header maintained Leiston’s unbeaten league record, as both teams earned a point from a fantastic game for both sets of supporters.

The first chance of the match fell to Staines, but Leiston keeper Marcus Garnham pushed the effort round the post.

Staines took the lead in the ninth minute when Matt Worsfold’s cross was flicked in by Elliot Buchanan.

Leiston levelled five minutes later when Tom Bullard’s header was met by Joe Jefford who finished into an empty net.

Garnham saved a Mo Bettamer attempt, and Buchanan smashed another shot just off target moments later.

Leiston’s Dominic Docherty then headed wide, before Tom Bullard cleared a ball in the box near the line just before the interval.

The hosts dominated much of the second half.

Patrick Brothers had an effort over the bar in the first minute, and prolific striker Matt Blake shot straight at Swans custodian Liam Driscoll.

However, Staines retook the lead in the 58th minute when Buchanan turned in the box and brilliantly finished, the ball flying into Garnham’s top left hand corner.

Brothers again shot from distance only to be foiled by Driscoll and full-back Joe Marsden’s shot was deflected for a corner.

The pressure eventually told when Leiston levelled in the 78th minute when Robert Eagle’s pinpoint cross was headed in by Ainsley at the far post.

Leiston put intense pressure on Staines in the final moments, in search of an unlikely victory.

And Ainsley had a half chance to seal a comeback victory but could not control the ball properly when through on goal.

STAR MAN: Jack Ainsley (Leiston) ENTERTAINMENT: