Match Report

The Fergus Moore era began in earnest as Leverstock Green played their first official friendly under their new management team. It turned out to be an excellent workout for the 20-man squad, as they led for most of the game against Southern League opposition, but were denied a win by a late AFC Dunstable equaliser.

The squad was a mixture of new arrivals and players familiar from last season, and it was one of the latter who put Leverstock into the lead in just the fifth minute of the game. Lewis Collins went on a mazy solo run into the box before slotting confidently past the visiting keeper for a very impressive goal to open the season with.

Kian Wilkes went close to doubling the lead in the 15th minute when he got on the end of Paplamin Jawara’s corner, but his header was just over the bar. Newcomers Rawan Sawle and Ethan Mooney both had efforts at goal in the remainder of a half that was somewhat disjointed as a result of four long stoppages for treatments to injuries, two from each side.

The second half saw many changes made, with both assistant manager Scott McGleish and coach Paul Marks making appearances. There were no further goals for the Leverstock side, but they looked solid at the back and dealt with the threat of prolific striker BJ Campbell very well. Five minutes from time the visitors finally forced home an equaliser, with Joe Hankins’ ball across goal going in off a Leverstock defender.

A good performance and result, and with six further friendlies to be played, the squad should be in good shape for the opening SSML Premier Division fixture against Baldock Town on Tuesday 3rd August.

Starting XI: 1. Alfie Bonfield 2. Tom Justin 3. Rio Beach 4. Jamie Ovington 5. George McCluskey 6. Steve Hawes 7. Ethan Mooney 8. Kian Wilkes 9. Rawan Sawle 10. Paplamin Jawara 11. Lewis Collins.
Subs used: Redha Zekri, Karl Beaumont, Harry Bonner, Lewis Nicholls, Ryan Carruthers, Isiah Noel-Williams, Paul Marks, Scott McGleish, Dan Weeks.