Match Report

Leverstock Green’s great season continued as they booked a place in the final of the Gladwish Challenge Trophy. A single goal in the first half was enough to win Thursday night’s semi-final against Potton United at the Lords Builders Merchants Stadium. Several of the players who had played at MK Irish on Tuesday night were rested, with Gary Connolly making another appearance at the back alongside George Alfieri, dual-registered with Hadley. Guiseppe Delgaudio returned after completing a three-match suspension.

It was a game of few chances, and the winning goal was scored in the 18th minute. Luke Beckwith played a through ball which was chased by two players. Delgaudio was offside, but left it for Curtis Dibley, who was onside. The flag stayed down as Dibley headed for goal, eventually squaring for Beckwith to finish what he started with a shot from close range.

Leverstock had a big shout for a penalty in the 30th minute as a cross from George Mitchell-Gears clearly struck the arm of a defender, but nothing was given.

The closest that Leverstock came to a second goal was in the 51st minute, as Delgaudio got on the end of a cross with a spectacular overhead effort. Keeper James Hoskins made a good save to turn it away, and Mitchell-Gears was unable to get his effort from the rebound on target.

Towards the end of the game the visitors put a lot of pressure on the Leverstock goal, winning a succession of corners, but Josh Bowler and his defence held firm. Bowler only had to make one save of note, turning a low header round the post in the 87th minute. Potton substitute John Sonuga got on the end of the resulting corner but headed over the bar just seconds after coming off the bench.

Leverstock held out to reach the final, where they will face London Lions or Ampthill Town, with the date and venue as yet unknown.

Leverstock Green (1) 1 (Beckwith 18)
1. Josh Bowler, 2. Mikey Havill-Tierney, 3. George Alfieri, 4. Gary Connolly, 5. Josh Dooley, 6. Ryan Carruthers, 7. Luke Beckwith (17. Rawn Seale 69 mins), 8. Nat Connolly, 9. Guiseppe Delgaudio, 10. Curtis Dibley (12. Ademide Baruwa 64 mins), 11. George Mitchell-Gears. Subs not used: 14. Rio Beach, 15. Callum Neal, 16. Jayden Newman.
Potton United (0) 0
1. James Hoskins, 2. Tommy Reynolds (18. John Sonuga 87 mins), 3. Harry Forde (12. Alex Robb 89 mins), 4. Jack Thomas, 5. James Smith, 16. Mike Evans (19. Jamas Batchilly 61 mins), 8. Jordan Stevenson, 9. Shane Fox, 10. Victor Osobu, 11. Lewis Lynn. Subs not used: 14. Jaiden Fitzpatrick, 17. Josh Howard-Dobson.