Match Report

Leverstock Green had a disappointing Tuesday night as they went down to a single-goal defeat to Harpenden Town at Pancake Lane. In a game of few chances and little goalmouth action, Leverstock played much of the game with ten men and finished up with nine.

The visitors, for whom former Green striker Chris Blunden was making his debut, took the lead in the 12th minute. A moment of defensive hesitation allowed Matt Standen to win the ball and run through to shoot home from a narrow angle.

In the 19th minute Leverstock were reduced to ten men. Cass Grant lost control of the ball in midfield and then launched into a dangerous sliding studs-up challenge at an opponent, and it was no surprise when the referee immediately brandished a straight red card.

Harpenden had much the better of the first half, but apart from the goal only had a few shots off-target to show for it. Leverstock had their first glimmer of a chance in first half stoppage time when a long throw from Alex Ward dropped in the box for Louie Griffiths, but his shot was turned away by keeper Alex Desmond.

The second half was a similar story, with the visitors struggling to put together meaningful attacks as much as the Green side. Griffiths had a good attempt at goal in the 70th minute, but it went over the bar, and in the closing minutes Leverstock won two corners in quick succession – their first of the game – which caused some concern in the Harpenden six-yard box, but nobody could put the ball away. In truth, neither keeper had a save to make in the second half.  With two minutes left to play skipper John Smith was sin-binned, which was the end of his game, and the nine men were not able to pull off another late escape.