Match Report

Leverstock Green’s young reserve side turned in an excellent performance against an in-form Thatcham Town Development side to put another three points on the board in the Suburban League.

Two early goals put the Green side in control. In the 14th minute a cross from Harry Barrett was poorly dealt with by Thatcham keeper Liam Harris, and the ball dropped for Jacob Wylde to tap into the empty net. Four minutes later there was a fine move as a crossfield ball was returned back into the centre by Ollie Lawford for Jake Williamson, who took a couple of touches before shooting home from the edge of the penalty area.

There were a couple of good chances late in the half. On 43 minutes a good ball from Williamson found Kai Stonnell, who twisted and turned past a defender, but his shot was saved. In the last minute of the half Barrett’s cross found Lawford at the near post but his shot went wide.

Leverstock had a chance to extend their lead in the 52nd minute when Lawford was brought down in the box. The referee pointed straight to the penalty spot and Lawford got up to take the kick himself and make it 3-0.

There was almost a fourth two minutes later when a pass from Stonnell put James Hall in on goal, but his shot went across goal and wide. However, the fourth goal arrived on 63 minutes as Zak McNicholas delivered an excellent free kick for Lawford to head home his second.

Williamson and Stonnell both went close with shots midway through the half, while with 15 minutes left Leverstock keeper Matt Fallon made his first serious save when Harrison Bebbington was allowed to run through the defence and hit a shot.

The Leverstock side were good value for their 4-0 lead, however they switched off a bit too early and allowed Thatcham to pull a couple of goals back. Joel Wright shot home after a run into the box on 85 minutes, and Fabio Pinto hit a great strike into the top corner in the 90th minute. It was still a good three points for Steve Hutchins’ side though.