North Leigh 2 (Reardon 56, Hope 79 pen)

Bracknell Tn 0

A gritty performance by North Leigh to saw them overcomedetermined Bracknell with two second-half goals in Saturday’s Division 1 South game.

There were early chances with Bracknell's Ian Harvey and the hosts’ Liam Hope both striking a post in the first five minutes Then Bracknell's Nathan Jack tested North Leigh keeper Lee Farrow with a crisp shot.

Midway through the half, North Leigh's Paul Cooper sustained an ankle injury and was replaced by Andrew Helby, who was returning from a three-match ban.

For all the attacking intentions the first-half was goalless North Leigh raised the tempo at the start of the second half when playing up the slope.

The stalemate was broken on 56 minutes when Mark Simms beat defender Zac Gill on the left and centred an inch-perfect cross for Ben Reardon to hit home a rising shot from 15 yards.

Two minutes later, Andy McCabe put through Hope, whose curling shot was saved by keeper Max Aneke.

Despite increased pressure from Bracknell, North Leigh increased their lead on 79 minutes when Hope converted from the penalty spot following a trip on McCabe.

For the final ten minutes, Bracknell, now with three strikers, pushed hard to crack the home defence But the backline plus Farrow stood resolute to secure a satisfactory win.

North Leigh: Farrow, Weedon, Allen, Cooper (Helby 30), Huxley, Reardon, Burnell, McCabe, Hope, Simms, Futcher (Jackson 75) (Sadler 86). Sub not used: Merriman.

Attendance: 76