The Southern League Division One visitors sunk Buckingham with a goal from James McNulty just before half time, but it was an evenly balanced game that could have gone either way.

UCL Division One side Buckingham weren't overawed by Leighton, who play two levels above them, and frequently took the play to their opponents.

Jeff Baffo and Reuben Max-Grant were a potent threat in attack particularly in the first half, while Buckingham's defence was tight all night, well marshalled by skipper Danny Hart,with player boss Tony Joyce in excellent form on the left.

The Robins started brightly and their best chance of the first period came after 15 minutes when Max-Grant set up Baffo in the Leighton box, but his powerful shot was well saved by keeper Nigel Maarman.

The Robins continued to create chances, with Joyce excelling at free kicks and corners, while Leighton looked a little toothless as they blazed a couple of shots wide and over the bar.

But in the 44th minute Leighton's solid wing play paid off as Andrew Fagan's cross into the box found McNulty, who fired home from close range through a crowded goalmouth.

After the break, Robins' winger Ben Clarke imposed himself on the game more, making some good runs, as Buckingham sought the equaliser.
But the visitors upped their game too and Buckingham's defence had to be at its best to repel a series of attacks.

Jamie O'Grady, Chris Robson and Gianfranco Amoroso came on to add increased bite for the Robins and all did well.

Buckingham never gave up and a well-delivered Clarke corner three minutes from time looked promising as it was floated in, but there was no-one on the end to stab it home.

Buckingham: J.McAdoo, M.Lagioia, T.Joyce, D.Hart, K.Newby, M.Toms, G.Lagioia, P.Dart, R.Max-Grant, J.Baffo, B.Clarke. Subs: G.Amoroso, J.O'Grady,C.Robson.