Leighton 0 Willenhall 0

A depleted Willenhall Town side earned a good point away from home against a Leighton team who still harbour ambitions of making it into the Midland Division play-offs.

After a dull opening 10 minutes it was Willenhall who could have taken the lead in bizarre fashion.

A stoppage for injury led to a bounce-up, as Willenhall debutant Karl Edwards kicked the ball back to the Leighton keeper Nigel Maarman the ball nearly lobbed the goalkeeper.

Luckily for him, the ball flashed just wide of the post.

That seemed to open the game up and three minutes later the home side could have taken the lead.

Ben Gallant flicked the ball into the area and another Willenhall debutant Stuart Brock had to be quick off his line to deny Chris Johnson a free header.

Less than a minute later it was Willenhall threatening to break the deadlock.

Anthony Nicholls’s run into the area seemed to be brought to an abrupt end by Maarman who collided into him.

Despite this the 0-0 score was only kept in tact by Julian Old’s clearance off the line. 

After 20 minutes Gallant had a free header 10 yards out but he could only guide it wide of Brock’s goal.

Willenhall came out and started the second half brightly. Scott Stevenson’s corner found Tyrone Barnett, with the striker’s header cleared off the line.

For Leighton Gallant did well to ride two challenges and run into the area but, when he looked destined to shoot from close range, he lost his footing and slipped, much to the amusement of the 111-strong crowd.

To add to the comedy of errors Craig Gregg missed arguably Willenhall’s best chance.

After a good flick on by Barnett the ball was crossed to Gregg, who missed the ball five yards out. Just after the hour Sean Platt’s excellent run and cross to the edge of the area found Edwards, who saw his volley well saved.

After 65 minutes a Leighton shot was cleared off the line by Scott Stamps.

As the game reached its conclusion Barnett got on the end of another corner, this time Maarman did well to tip the ball on to the post.