MK Irish 1-1 Leighton Town

MK Irish earned a well-deserved point in an entertaining local derby against league leaders Leighton Town at Manor Fields, producing a strong performance in front of a large crowd.

Irish made an excellent start and created the first clear opening inside seven minutes. Shrieves drove down the left and cut the ball back into the area for Hirst, whose first-time effort was met by a superb diving save from the Leighton keeper.

The hosts continued to apply pressure and went close again on 14 minutes. Zawe drilled a low ball across the face of goal and Shrieves was inches away from getting the decisive touch at the far post.

Leighton responded with a couple of efforts from range as they grew into the contest. A snapshot from the edge was dragged wide before another strike from distance beat Ladyman but crashed against the post and rebounded to safety, a warning sign for Irish midway through the half.

Irish regained control and continued to threaten. Spence fired just wide from a corner on 36 minutes, before the breakthrough finally arrived four minutes later. Shrieves combined neatly with Guess down the left, danced past two defenders inside the area and smashed a powerful finish past the keeper to put Irish deservedly ahead.

Irish almost doubled their advantage immediately. Shrieves again caused problems down the right and cut the ball back to Spence inside the box, but the midfielder’s strike was brilliantly saved.

Half Time: MK Irish 1–0 Leighton Town

Irish picked up where they left off after the break and nearly extended their lead on 50 minutes. Guess curled an effort towards the corner, only to be denied by another outstanding save from the Leighton goalkeeper.

Shrieves was replaced by Brooks just after the hour mark, but it was Leighton who found an equaliser on 66 minutes. A delivery from the right fell kindly inside the box and the forward fired past Ladyman to level the scores.

The visitors pushed briefly for a second and Ladyman was called into action a minute later, producing a big save to keep Irish level. Both sides continued to battle, with Meadows introduced for Ryan Smith as Irish looked to regain control of midfield.

As the game entered the closing stages, Irish continued to carry a threat and almost snatched all three points with the final action of the match. A corner fell to Zawe outside the area and he attempted an ambitious bicycle kick, but his effort flew just wide of the target.

Full Time: MK Irish 1–1 Leighton Town

Shrieves (40′)

Irish delivered a disciplined and energetic performance against the league leaders, creating the better chances across the match and showing resilience after Leighton’s equaliser to secure a valuable point.