Match Report

Leverstock Green FC got back to winning ways with a hard-fought win against Arlesey Town in Tuesday night’s SSML Premier Division game. As in the first game against Arlesey back in January, Leverstock had to come from behind to get their win.

It was a game of few clear-cut chances for either side. After an even opening to the game, it was Arlesey who took the lead in the 24th minute. Leverstock were caught on the break after giving the ball away, and as Rory Busby chased a ball forward, Josh Bowler came out to intercept, but slipped in the muddy goalmouth. That gave Busby the chance to get to the ball first, and with Bowler stranded, Busby was able to chip the ball over him and find the net.

It was a frustrating half for Leverstock Green FC, who were struggling to put together any passing moves, but they got back on level terms in the 36th minute. A cross from the right found Lewis Collins, who laid the ball back to find Ryan Carruthers just outside the box, and Carruthers took a touch before striking a fierce shot that flew past keeper Ollie Skinner for the equaliser.

Half time was reached with the scores level from the only two efforts on target in the half. Leverstock Green FC got their noses in front in the 54th minute with a scrambled goal from a corner. Nat Connolly’s cross found Josh Dooley, whose header was blocked, and Luke Beckwith forced the loose ball home. The second half was as short on chances as the first, with a shot from Rio Beach being tipped over the bar by Skinner in the 66th minute.

Guiseppe Delgaudio came off the bench in the 73rd minute to mark his return to the club he last played for in 2020, having played at Tring in the interim, and there was also a first team debut off the bench for promising Development Team player Schilo Mateta Kanda. Bowler had to deal with an awkward low shot from Bowler in the 88th minute, but the Leverstock defence held firm and there was no repeat of Saturday’s last-gasp disappointment as the Green side held out for the 2-1 win and three more points to boost their play-off bid.

Leverstock Green FC (1) 2 (Carruthers 36, Beckwith 54)
1. Josh Bowler, 2. Brad Robinson, 3. Rio Beach, 4. Dan Weeks, 5. Josh Dooley, 6. Ademide Baruwa, 7. Luke Beckwith (14. Schilo Mateta Kanda 90 mins), 8. Ryan Carruthers (15. Paul Marks 83 mins), 9. Rawn Seale, 10. Nat Connolly, 11. Lewis Collins (12. Guiseppe Delgaudio 73 mins). Subs not used: 16. Callum Moore, 19. Scott McGleish.
Arlesey Town FC (1) 1 (Busby 24)
1. Ollie Skinner, 2. Matt Gilbert, 3. Tommy Cooney, 4. Alex Taylor, 5. Steve Sylvester, 6. Isaaq Araba, 7. Eddie Carrington, 8. Montel Brown (12. Joe Abe 60 mins), 9. Rory Busby, 10. Noah Mosanya, 11. Tommy Blennerhassett (16. Bruno Brito 68 mins). Subs not used: 14. Euan Howe, 15. Brandon Beaman, 17. Zach Guafi.