Towell’s off to a flyer as Reds go on

LEIGHTON TOWN’S quest for silverware is alive and kicking after a win at Bradford Town booked their place in the quarter-finals of this year’s competition.

Leighton started brightly at Trowbridge Road with their first chance of the afternoon falling to James Towell from a corner in the second minute, but the midfielder couldn’t keep his effort down as it skimmed the cross bar.

Bradford’s first chance of the afternoon arrived ten minutes later when Dean Griffiths was agonisingly close to getting on the end of Tyson Pollard’s free kick.

Two minutes later Towell gave the visitors the lead through a brilliant volley which sailed over Bradford keeper Dan Worton and into the net.

With 27 minutes played, Reds keeper Bradley Kirkwood showed great strength to deny Pollard and Gary Higdon in quick succession, as the Bobcats pressed for a leveller.

Two minutes later the second goal of the game did arrive but against the run of play it came courtesy of Leighton’s Danny Webb, who did well to turn Towell’s quick ball across the face of goal into the back of Worton’s net.

The hosts ended the half strongly with Griffiths going close in the 43rd minute before Matthew Morris finally found a way past Kirkwood in first half stoppage time after being played in by Higdon.

Just past the hour mark Higdon’s effort dropped just the wrong side of near post as the Bobcats dug-deep to try and force a leveller.

The Visitors remained a threat on the counter attack with Towell going close to restoring his side’s two goal lead 18 minutes from time, but he couldn’t keep his effort down.

Four minutes from time Archie McClelland dashed any hopes of a Bradford come back when he finished off a swift counter.