Match Report – Brentwood Town vs Leighton Town
Saturday 30th August 2025
FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round
By Michaela Georgopoulos
2-1

Two conversions from the spot were enough to advance Brentwood Town into the second qualifying round of the FA Cup, with goals from Charlee Hughes and Kymani Thomas edging a victory over Leighton Town.

The Blues commenced lively in attack with a long ball from Matt Cripps picking out Danny Ogunleye before a corner was awarded. An in-swinging delivery from Max Hudson was met in the box by Ogunleye and Daniel Hosier, with a foul awarded to the visitors. 

Sydney Ibie looked to put Leighton ahead as he turned inside the right side of the area but was dispossessed by Hudson who was able to clear.

Minutes on, Ade Cole struck a curling free kick narrowly wide before Ibie was through on goal in the counterattack and was denied by the gloves of Melvin Minter.

Jack Sayell opened the scoring as he received a ball squared into the box by Ibie and tapped a close-range effort into the bottom corner. 

A foul on Ogunelye awarded The Blues with a spot-kick. Charlee Hughes converted and sent Hosier the opposite way to equalise the sides.

The Blues continued to attack and nearly found themselves ahead as Wyan Reid burst down the right flank and produced an in-swinging cross which was met by the header of Benas Vaivada but was sent over the bar.

After a relatively even half, captain Matt Cripps came close to putting The Blues ahead as his low-range effort from the edge of the area forced Hosier to deny with a diving save at the bottom right corner.

Ibie later found himself one on one with Minter at the other end of the pitch but spooned his effort wide. 

In the final 15 minutes of the half, the visitors momentarily took the lead with Ibe striking home a square ball before the linesman waved for offside.

A second spot-kick was awarded in the closing stages with Jesse Olukolu brought down in the area. Kymani Thomas converted from the spot to give The Blues a late advantage.

Brentwood Town return to league action on Saturday 6th September as they welcome Carshalton Athletic to The Arena. Tickets are available to purchase via FanBase or on the turnstiles. 
 

By Michaela Georgopoulos