Report by Kevin Salter

Leverstock Ladies Whites fought back well after a disappointing first half to win a keenly contested match at Pancake Lane.

Any worries about a slow start were immediately put to bed when early pressure from Natasha and Mia combined to put Bishops Stortford on the back foot and give Cally Salter just enough room to get a shot away, which took a deflection past the helpless goalkeeper for a Levy lead within 60 seconds of the start.

The match was an even encounter with both sides looking to attack, and Bishops Stortford looking the more assured as time and again Levy gave the ball away too cheaply when in possession - it was however, slightly fortunate when Bishops equalised on 20 minutes when a corner from the left hand side was met full on the volley by a Bishops player looking to put the ball into the box, only to see the ball fly into the back of the net for 1 all.

On 33 minutes a succession of poor Leverstock Green challenges saw Bishops Stortford take the lead when their player seemingly skipped through four poor tackles to pass the ball into the net for a 2-1 half time lead.

Strong words at half time, saw Leverstock Green grab the game by the scruff of the neck in the second half and with Ellen Salter in particular really taking the game to Bishops down the left hand flank it always looked like the home side had a chance.

Improved ball retention and a much better passing game saw a succession of corners and chances and it was no surprise when Levy equalised on 54 minutes when good work from Ellen Salter saw her head the ball onto Anna Novelli to head the ball over the Bishops goal keeper from inside the 6 yard area for a deserved equaliser.

Just 4 minutes later Leigh Burrows was tripped in the penalty area and Ellen stepped up to fire the spot kick into the back of the net for what turned out to be the winning goal.

The final half an hour was an entertaining match with both sides creating chances, although Levy had the better of the opportunities and the game should really have been put out of reach when Pru Squires-Adams fired over from close range on 70 minutes.

After the disappointment of the 1st half the second half was a much improved performance and not only was it good to see Ellen Salter back to her attacking best, but also a nearly fully fit Leigh Burrows closing down players across the pitch. Player of the match was Mia Hickey, stepping into the holding midfield role and not only breaking up play brilliantly, but also playing some fantastic through balls to set up attacks.