Match Report

Leverstock Green continued their pre-season build-up with an excellent 2-1 win over neighbours Hemel Hempstead Town. With Hemel also having a friendly at Berkhamsted later in the afternoon, the side that visited Pancake Lane was largely comprised of trialists, but it was still a strong side and an impressive result for Fergus Moore’s side to come out on top on a very warm afternoon.

After a couple of early efforts at goal, the Green side took the lead in the 13th minute. Hemel failed to clear as the ball was bouncing around the six yard box, and Lewis Collins pounced to shoot home from close range range for his second goal of pre-season.

Three minutes later Leverstock were threatening again, and Adam Wallace was brought down as he ran into the box. The referee pointed to the penalty spot, and Kian Wilkes placed his kick right into the corner of the net to put Leverstock 2-0 up.

Hemel pulled a goal back in the 34th minute as Joe Leslie hit an angled shot past Green keeper Alfie Bonfield. Leverstock almost added a third in first half stoppage time with a neat passing move that ended with Collins shooting into the side netting.

There were fewer chances in the second half as the heat began to take its toll on the players, but the Leverstock defence held out well throughout the half to maintain their lead and claim their first win of pre-season.

Starting XI: 1 Alfie Bonfield 2 Adrian Pitfield 3 Rio Beech 4 Paul Marks 5 Jamie Ovington 6 Ryan Carruthers 7 Ethan Mooney 8 Kian Wilkes 9 Adam Wallace 10 Isiah Noel-Williams 11 Lewis Collins.
Subs used: Scott McGleish, Lewis Nicholls, Paplamin Jawara, James Hall, Ollie Lawford.

Four days earlier, Leverstock drew 1-1 against AFC Hayes in a friendly played at Brunel University, with Steve Hawes scoring the goal.