Match Report

Leverstock Green’s run of draws came to an end, but it was with a defeat as they went down 3-1 at Hertford Town on Tuesday night, their second visit to Hertford’s ground in four days. Leverstock matched their opponents all the way, but did not get the rub of the green or of the refereeing decisions.

Leverstock made a good start to the game, and went close in the 9th minute when a shot from Ryan Carruthers was deflected just wide. However, it was the home side that took the lead in the 13th minute as Billy Heaps struck direct from a free kick just outside the box. Tommy Boxer received a yellow card for the challenge that led to the free kick.

The game became scrappy after that, but Leverstock were back on level terms before the break. Marcus Warren made a run into the box and hit a shot that was blocked, but Jeffrey Sekyere netted the rebound for his 8th goal of the season.

Ten minutes into the second half there was action at both ends, as firstly Noah Mosanya hit the post from close range for Hertford, then at the other end Warren’s pass put Joe McCarthy through but his shot was blocked.

Hertford were awarded another free kick in a dangerous position in the 60th minute, and again it proved costly for Leverstock as Ben Herd curled a shot over the wall which Harry Way got a hand to but couldn’t keep out, putting the home side back in front a 2-1.

Carruthers went close again for Leverstock in the 69th minute with a long-range shot that went just wide. Three minutes later there was a controversial moment as Leverstock looked to have a clear shout for a penalty as Iker Noguera Leon was brought down in the box, but the referee gave nothing.

In the 82nd minute Carruthers pulled back a dangerous ball in the box, but both Sekyere and Leon had their shots blocked. Two minutes later a cross from Leon found Jack Allen at the far post, but he couldn’t get his effort on target, and Carruthers had another effort which went over the bar in the 86th minute as Leverstock looked to be finishing the game strongly.

However, in the 90th minute the game was put out of their reach as Billy Mardell-Smith struck a shot from distance into the top corner of the net for a third Hertford goal. In the aftermath of the goal, Boxer was shown a second yellow card for words said. Leverstock’s ten men continued to push over a long period of stoppage time, with Sekyere hitting the bar with a shot, but it was not to be their night.

Hertford Town (1) 3 (Heaps 13, Herd 60, Mardell-Smith 90)
1. James Callan, 2. Albert Mcgregor, 3. Isaac Evans, 4. Nader Zeddini, 5. Joe Nardelli, 6. Ben Herd, 7. Jesus Mendoza (16. Baylin Johnson 54 mins), 8. Billy Mardell-Smith, 9. Noah Mosanya, 10. Billy Heaps (17. Finley Lynch 65 mins), 11. Marcus Painter (14. Zen Cunningham 85 mins). Subs not used: 12. Lene Burden, 15. Fraser Findlay.
Leverstock Green (1) 1 (Sekyere 40)
1. Harry Way, 2. Thomas Georgiou, 3. Rio Beach, 4. Josh Dooley, 20. Tommy Boxer, 6. Nat Connolly (14. Dan Casey H/T), 7. Joe McCarthy (15. Iker Noguera Leon 66 mins), 8. Ryan Carruthers, 9. Jeffrey Sekyere, 10. Marcus Warren (17. Juan Pablo Velasco 63 mins), 11. Aldo Petagine (18. Jack Allen 77 mins). Sub not used: 16. Callum Neal.