Leverstock Green edged through to the quarter-finals of the Herts Charity Shield in an epic penalty shootout following a goalless draw over 90 minutes against newly-promoted neighbours Kings Langley. Although it was the first competitive match of the season for both clubs, the game still had a pre-season feel about it and never really caught fire over the 90 minutes.

Leverstock had the better chances of the first half. In the 11th minute Liam Hind chipped a free kick into the box which Dan Lake flicked sideways into the path of Callum Wright, but Langley keeper Anthony Ladyman saved superbly to turn Wright's shot over the bar. From the resulting corner Damion Cruickshank's shot was cleared off the line. On 15 minutes Billy Smith ran onto a long ball from Mark Shadbolt, but his eventual shot was hit over the bar.Two minutes later the visitors went close when Stuart Deaton headed just wide from Danny Hutchins' free kick. A minute before the break Billy Smith went on another run into the box and looked set to score, but his shot from a narrow angle brought another great save out of Ladyman.

The second half was largely dominated by Kings Langley, who had some very good chances to win the game. On 52 minutes Mitchell Weiss was clean through, but a great sliding tackle from Gavin Smith denied him. Former Green player Nick Jackson had probably the best chance of the game on 73 minutes but shot wide from right in front of goal. Callum Adebayi put the ball across the face of goal and just wide on 84 minutes, and two minutes from time Kieron Jimmy came out to save with his legs from Weiss. Leverstock's only shot on target of a disappointing half was an effort from Lake which was comfortably saved by Ladyman on 78 minutes.

With no goals at the final whistle, the tie went straight to penalties. Both sides were successful with each of their first four kicks, Liam Hind, Chad Pinching, Callum Wright and James Sears scoring for Leverstock with Nick Jackson, Danny Hutchins, Alex Campana and Jack Johnson replying for Langley. However, Tim Salako spooned Leverstock's fifth kick over the bar, leaving Callum Adebayi with a chance to win it, which was denied as Jimmy saved the kick with his legs.

The shoot-out went on into sudden death. Dan Lake and Billy Stevens made it 5-5, Dean Kemp and Jack Stevens made it 6-6, and Green skipper Mark Shadbolt blasted home Green's next penalty with Stuart Deaton replying to make it 7-7. Gavin Smith put Leverstock 8-7 ahead, and that proved to be the winner as Langley skipper Luke Ladyman skied his penalty over the bar.

Leverstock will be at home to Welwyn Garden City in the quarter-finals on a date yet to be decided. Next Saturday they begin their SSML Premier Division season with a home game against Cockfosters.