Match Report

Leverstock Green put up a valiant display against promotion-chasing neighbours Berkhamsted, but came away empty-handed after a single goal in the second half won the game for the home side.

It was a tight game of few chances. The game’s first effort on goal came in the 24th minute, and Alfie Bonfield pulled off a great save to keep out a shot from former Green player Jonathan Lacey. Seven minutes later it was another former Green player in focus as Berko keeper Josh Bowler pulled off a superb save to tip a volley from Rawn Seale over the bar. In first half stoppage time Bonfield saved again, keeping out a low shot from Rayan Clarke.

The second half saw similarly few clear-cut chances. Bonfield comfortably saved a shot from Lacey in the 49th minute, and Ben Walster had an effort from a Berko free kick in the 59th minute which went wide. However, in the 65th minute the game turned in an instant as a long kick from Bowler was flicked on to put substitute Louie Collier through on goal, and Collier slotted the ball past Bonfield to put Berko into the lead.

Leverstock pushed forward for an equaliser, but were unable to seriously trouble Bowler in the remaining minutes.

Berkhamsted (0) 1 (Collier 65)
1. Josh Bowler, 2. Jack Tompkins, 3. Ben Walster, 4. Jordon Frederick (16. Simeon Olarerin 85 mins), 5. Max Rosner, 6. Dan Newton, 7. Roger James (12. Louie Collier 58 mins), 8. Adam Watkins, 9. Matt Bateman (14. BJ Christie 85 mins), 10. Jonathan Lacey, 11. Rayan Clarke (15. Tom Newman 85 mins). Sub not used: 17. Lewis Thorpe.
Leverstock Green (0) 0
1. Alfie Bonfield, 2. Callum Neal, 3. Rio Beach, 4. Ademide Baruwa, 5. Josh Dooley, 6. Dan Pett, 7. Lewis Collins (12. Jamie Breen 58 mins), 8. Nat Connolly (14. Ryan Carruthers 80 mins), 9. Rawn Seale, 10. Luke Beckwith (16. Cem Poyraz 85 mins), 11. Guiseppe Delgaudio. Subs not used: 15. Oliwier Fusiek, 19. Scott McGleish.