Weiss on the mark as Kings sink Leighton to move up to second

Mitchell Weiss hit the winner for Kings Langley against Leighton. Picture (c) Chris Riddell

Kings Langley made it five wins in a row and continued their steady progress up the Southern League Division 1 table as they battled back from behind to beat Leighton Town 2-1 at Gaywood Park.

The victory takes Kings up to second place, making up two points on leaders AFC Rushden & Diamonds, who they meet in a few days’ time.

However, they were made to fight all the way against a skilful and determined Leighton side, who dropped to second to bottom after this result.

The home side started with typical storming pace, with Callum Adebiyi’s shot deflected past the post by keeper Sam Wyer and a header just over by the same player, punctuated by a David Hutton shot that was somehow saved by the impressive Wyer.

David Hutton in action during Kings Langley's victory over Leighton Town. Picture (c) Chris Riddell

Town responded well with left wing runs by Lewis McBride posing some problems, an Ibrahim Kallon shot deflectedm, and an Aaron McKee volley punched clear by Kings keeper Xavi Comas.

At the other end, a Danny Hutchins shot was tipped round the post as the game flowed, but it was Leighton who drew first blood when James Hatch opened up the right wing with a run that rounded Adebiyi and Connor Toomey to deliver a perfect cross for Ben Gallant to slot home at the far post.

A stunned Kings had an Immanuelson Duku shot cleared off the line, but the visitors held their advantage until the break.

They knew they would face a second half onslaught and so it proved, with Connor Toomey providing an unstoppable header to a David Hutton corner after just eight minutes to restore parity.

Mitchell Weiss in action during Kings Langley's victory over Leighton Town. Picture (c) Chris Riddell

The match entered an intriguing phase as Leighton dug in to hold on to a point, but Kings were raising their game as the midfield battles were being won by the fiercely competitive Ryan Plowright.

At the top end of the pitch, the strength and persistence of Kings striker Mitchell Weiss was beginning to dominate a tiring defence.

With a quarter of an hour to go, a sublime through-ball by Stevie Ward was seized on by Weiss and, although Wyer got a hand to his shot, the sheer power took it into the net.

Town substitute Jack Copson had a back-heel cleared off the line by Emmanuel Folarin, but there was to be no reward for a Leighton team that looks far better than their league position suggests.

For Kings, the impossible dream of a third consecutive promotion lives on.