Match Report

Leverstock Green are still alive after a superb win at Hertford Town on Good Friday evening. After Kings Langley’s draw against Berkhamsted earlier in the day, this result means that Leverstock’s fate is in their own hands, with two games left to secure Southern League survival.

Dan Pett had Leverstock’s first attempt on goal with a long-range effort just over the bar in the 12th minute. Two minutes later Ryan North produced a spectacular save to tip over a shot from Daniel Kemp from close range, and followed it up a minute later, turning a shot from Marcus Painter round the post.

The game-changing moment came in the 23rd minute. Radu-Mihai Stefanoaica received a pass from Rawn Seale and turned a defender to go through on goal, before being pulled down just outside the box by Ben Herd. Hertford’s player-manager received a straight red card to reduce his side to ten men. Dan Pett took the resulting free kick, which was well-struck and on target, but keeper James Callan turned it round the post.

Leverstock’s crucial goal came in the 28th minute. Rawn Seale received a pass from Aaron Burton and produced a cool finish to slot the ball past Callan from six yards and put his side into the lead. There were chances late in the half for Stefanoaica and Jeffrey Sekyere, but neither could keep their headers on target.

Ten minutes into the second half Leverstock faced a free kick in a dangerous position just outside the box, but were fortunate when Ryan Bernal’s effort struck the post and went wide. Leverstock might have added to their lead in the 66th minute when great work from Callum Neal set up a chance for Sekyere, but he couldn’t keep his first-time shot under the bar.

Other than that there was little goalmouth action in a very tense half, and Leverstock were able to hang onto their lead for a precious three points which takes their fight on to Monday’s home game against Stotfold.

Hertford Town (0) 0
1. James Callan, 2. Ryan Bernal, 3. Liam Crutchett, 4. Albert McGregor (16. Brian Garzon 88 mins), 5. Joe Nardelli (12. Finley Lynch 90+4 mins), 6. Ben Herd, 7. Daniel Kemp (17. Wilson Bernal 71 mins), 8. Billy Mardell-Smith, 9. George Devine (15. Ade Gbolahan 62 mins), 10. Louie Carr (14. Jedediah Brown-Johnson 24 mins), 11. Marcus Painter.
Leverstock Green (1) 1 (Seale 28)
1. Ryan North, 2. Callum Neal, 3. Rio Beach, 4. Dan Weeks, 5. Aaron Burton, 6. Nat Connolly (14. Ryan Carruthers 71 mins), 7. Rawn Seale, 8. Dan Pett, 9. Jeffrey Sekyere (18. Ethan Mooney 78 mins), 10. Marcus Warren, 11, Radu-Mihai Stefanoaica (12. Luke Beckwith H/T). Subs not used: 15. Josh Dooley, 17. Joe McCarthy.