Match Report

Leverstock Green FC played their fourth game in eight days, and despite the tired legs and a hard, bobbly pitch that was very difficult to play football on, they managed to deliver another crucial three points to bolster their playoff bid. A goal in the first half from Guiseppe Delgaudio was enough to win a scrappy game on a warm afternoon.

Leverstock made a strong start to the game, and had a good chance to take the lead in the 2nd minute. A pass from Delgaudio beat a defender and put Callum Neal through on goal, but his shot from a narrow angle was beaten away by home keeper Charlie Turner. Two minutes later a looping header from Rawn Seale bounced off the top of the crossbar.

In the 23rd minute a long throw from Seale found its way to Dan Pett at the far post, but Pett hit his shot wide. Leverstock thought they had taken the lead in the 28th minute when a cross from Nat Connolly was met with a thumping header home from Delgaudio, but it was ruled out for a very debatable offside decision by the assistant referee. However, three minutes later a pass from Seale put Delgaudio through on goal to hit a shot past Turner and finally put Leverstock into an overdue lead.

Leverstock Green FC led 1-0 at the end of a half in which they had had the only efforts at goal, and the second half saw even fewer chances. Delgaudio was replaced by Luke Beckwith at half time, but despite a lot of possession and a lot of effort the Leverstock side was unable to create anything until the final minutes of the game, often being undone more by the bobbly pitch than their opponents. Other than one moment where Josh Bowler had to make a save late in the game, the Leverstock goal was never under serious threat.

Three minutes from time Stansted were reduced to ten men when John Clarke went sent off for a second yellow card. The game should have been sealed in the 90th minute when a cross from Beckwith found George Mitchell-Gears with what looked like a sitter at the far post, but the ball bounced up awkwardly off the pitch and he could not get a clean touch on the ball, allowing Turner to save.

Leverstock Green FC held on for a win which moves them back up to fourth place, behind Harpenden Town by a single goal. Two more points or any slip-up by Cockfosters in their last five games will ensure a playoff berth. The Green squad now get a welcome few days ‘ break before Thursday’s trip to face Baldock Town.

Stansted FC (0) 0
1. Charlie Turner, 2. Jason Reynolds (14. Joshua Stokes 65 mins), 3. Thando Moyo, 4. Carl Conway, 5. John Clarke, 6. Bill Coyne, 7. Maliq Jiqiemi, 8. George Pullen, 9. George O’Connor (20. Dave Limber 78 mins), 10. James Baughurst (13. Finlay Gregory 69 mins), 11. Jake Davis (12. Emanuel Osei-Owusu 60 mins).
Leverstock Green FC (1) 1 (Delgaudio 31)
1. Josh Bowler, 2. Callum Neal, 3. Rio Beach, 4. Dan Weeks, 5. Paul Marks, 6. Ademide Baruwa, 7. Ethan Mooney (15. Curtis Dibley 79 mins), 8. Dan Pett, 9. Guiseppe Delgaudio (12. Luke Beckwith H/T), 10. Nat Connolly, 11. Rawn Seale (17. George Mitchell-Gears 69 mins). Subs not used: 14. Ryan Carruthers, 16. Josh Dooley.