Match Report

Leverstock Green’s fate remains in the balance going into the final matchday of the season, although other results went their way with none of the three sides below them winning. It was a largely inexperienced side that faced title-chasing Hadley, and although the final score was convincing, they put up a good display. A bonus was the first appearance of the season for experienced striker Nick Jackson.

The opening 15 minutes of the match were evenly contested, with the Green side showing some promise, and they had a chance in the 14th minute when a pass from Luis Brooker put Jackson through on goal, but his eventual shot went across goal and wide. Hadley hadn’t had a clear cut chance before taking the lead in the 18th minute. Alfie Bartram played a ball down the line to Ned Clarke, who cut inside and beat a defender before slotting past Ryan Schmid.

On 26 minutes Green defender Lucas Preston made an impressive run from the halfway line into the opposition box and almost set up a chance for Brooker. A minute later at the other end Clarke was in again, but Ethan Flanagan cleared his shot off the line. Leverstock were still holding on as half-time approached, but a second Hadley goal in the last minute of the half made their task a lot more difficult. Emmanuel Hammond’s shot from a narrow angle was saved by Schmid, but the ball went back to Hammond, who squared for Luke Alfano to shoot home.

Five minutes into the second half a pass from Hammond put Alfano through to score his second as Hadley took firm control of the game with a 3-0 lead, and on the hour Clarke fought off a challenge from Flanagan to shoot home his second goal and Hadley’s fourth.

A cross from Bartram found Bradley Marriott all alone at the far post to head home the fifth goal on 77 minutes, and five minutes later substitute Peter Rosemin shot home the sixth Hadley goal. However, there was a consolation of sorts for the Green side a minute later when Jackson hit a tremendous shot from distance which went in off the post to pull a goal back.

Leverstock’s final match is away to Leighton Town next Saturday. The Green are safely clear of Cockfosters, and a point will ensure their survival, but even if they lose they have two chances to stay up with both London Tigers and Stotfold requiring positive results. It is likely to be a tense Saturday afternoon.