Leisure Leagues round-up: Hemel Elite lead the way on a night of comebacks

There was a classic derby game between experienced Championship sides Hemel Elite and Chicken Kiev.

Jake Spencer’s Chicken Kiev looked strong on the attack and they had the safe hands of goalkeeper Paul Paprotny to thank as they kept a 2-1 advantage going into half-time.

Chris Wyatt must have chosen some wise words of encouragement during his team talk at the break as his side emerged eager to overcome their opponents.

Elite forward Danny Lloyd was inspirational and at one point he took on and beat three opponent players with as many challenges, while he also scored with a somewhat unusual headed goal and claimed the man of the match accolade.

Nevertheless, it was a real team effort from Hemel Elite and player/manager Chris Wyatt, who pulled off some remarkable goal keeping, said: “That’s three on the bounce for us now, we’ve got to keep the momentum going”.

Smack My Pitch Up were another team to turnaround their first half fortunes, as they encountered Asa Foster’s Have You Got It.

Foster’s men were 5-2 ahead in the match and they looked on course to see out the remainder of the game quite comfortably.

However, their defence began to lose discipline and Ayden Peacock took every opportunity to get his side back in the match.

Peacock turned on the skills and produced several outstanding goals, including a last minute winner to give his team the points in an incredible 7-6 victory.

Elsewhere in the Championship, Martin Gorman’s Up Yours FC took on Charlie Bull’s ATBL.

Gorman was once again using a number of his U21 squad while he awaits a return of key first team players.

The young side gave a respectable account of themselves early on and it seemed slightly harsh they were 4-2 behind at the break.

Nevertheless, it was ATBL who were much more clinical in front of goal, with Kieran Hopkins always looking dangerous.

Man of the match Hopkins, who was always bound to feature on the scoresheet, celebrated one individual effort and also assisted team mates to score, with front man George Hoar netting two of his own.

ATBL triumphed 4-2 and they’ll be delighted with the points.

In the Premiership, Matt Armstrong’s Big P FC were pitted against league newcomers HH Dons.

Dominic Turburville’s Dons side looked organised from the outset as they sported their royal blue jerseys.

Unfortunately for them, however, they were not quite tactically astute and Armstrong’s side capitalised on this, establishing a nine-goal advantage after the first half of play.

Big P FC striker and man of the match Matt Keane set a season record after netting an incredible 10 goals in the game, one of which was from a seemingly impossible angle.

Sam Sambucci’s Slytherin FC maintained their top of the table spot in the Championship as they won 16-11. Sambucci fired home six in the match and his form continues to buoy his team match after match.

Back in the Premiership, AFC Lech Albans celebrated a win, as did The Fellowship and Butterflies FC.

While Lech Albans lead the title race on goal difference, they have two eager contenders below them on the same points which could take this season’s title right up to the end.

If you’re interested in joining this exciting league as a team or an individual player, simply call Gary the regional manager on 07983 225566.