Leverstock Green reached the semi-finals of the Gladwish Challenge Trophy with a 4-3 win on penalties over Division Two side Codicote in Thursday night’s quarter-final tie. Goalkeeper Josh Bowler was Leverstock’s hero with two penalty saves. Codicote had beaten two Premier Division sides on their way to this stage of the competition, including leaders Real Bedford. Both sides were playing their third game in five days, and both line-ups were much changed from those that had played on Tuesday night.

It was a game of few chances, particularly in the first half. Radu-Mihai Stefanoaica had the game’s first effort on goal in the 15th minute, shooting over the bar. Leverstock had most of the possession, but neither keeper was seriously troubled during the half.

Leverstock hit the woodwork in the opening minute of the second half, with a cross that bounced on top of the crossbar, but again there were few clear chances. Guiseppe Delgaudio was in with a shooting chance in the 69th minute, but he was challenged as he hit his shot, which was saved by keeper Cameron Groom, and the referee waved away appeals for a penalty. Two minutes later Stefanoaica got on the end of a long kick from Bowler and headed for goal, but his shot was saved by Groom. Stefanoaica had an even better chance in the 83rd minute as he made a great run into the box, but with only Groom to beat he spooned his shot over the bar. The home side had a chance in the 86th minute when Billy Small was put through on goal, but his shot was wide of the target.

With no goals at the final whistle, the game went to penalties. Dan Pett netted Leverstock’s first kick, and Codicote’s first kick by Evans Peprah was saved by Bowler. Delgaudio scored Leverstock’s second penalty, and Liam Tring netted for Codicote. Ethan Mooney’s kick was saved by Groom, and Tom O’Mara hit his penalty in off the underside of the bar to level the shoot-out at 2-2. Ademide Baruwa scored for Leverstock before Logan Burton levelled for Codicote with another effort in off the woodwork. Stefanoaica emphatically scored Leverstock’s fifth kick, and when Bowler saved from Christos Pedrithes it was all over with Leverstock winning the shoot-out 4-3.

Leverstock will be at home to Potton United in the semi-finals after Potton defeated Tring Athletic on penalties in the night’s other tie.

Codicote (0) 0
1. Cameron Groom, 2. Evans Peprah, 3. Tommy Clarke, 8. Tom O’Mara, 5. Grant Macaree, 6. Liam Tring, 7. Christos Pedrithes, 4. Michael Brako (17. Logan Burton 57 mins), 9. Brodie Carrington (15. Jarred Isles 57 mins), 10. Darius Fletcher (16. Billy Small 67 mins), 11. Lewis Kidd (12. Sam Willett 73 mins). Sub not used: 14. Jordan Kinoshi.
Leverstock Green (0) 0
1. Josh Bowler, 2. Mikey Havill-Tierney, 3. Brad Robinson (17. Dan Pett 71 mins), 4. Dan Weeks, 5. Josh Dooley, 6. Thomas Payne (12. Ryan Carruthers 77 mins), 7. Ethan Mooney, 8. Ademide Baruwa, 9. Radu-Mihai Stefanoaica, 10. Nat Connolly (14. Rio Beach 59 mins), 11. Ashraf Musambuko (15. Guiseppe Delgaudio 54 mins). Sub not used: 16. Callum Neal.
Leverstock Green win 4-3 on penalties