Leverstock Green got their pre-season schedule under way on Saturday as they entertained a strong Barnet youth side. It was the first game in charge for new Green boss Steve Benitez, and there were many players making their Pancake Lane debut in a much-changed Leverstock squad.

A number of players have chosen to move on over the summer, mostly to either Aylesbury United or Berkhamsted, but Benitez has brought several quality players with him, and Saturday's game was the first chance for them to play together with the remainder of last season's Green squad.

The team gave a very good account of themselves against a Barnet side that was very successful last season. There was plenty of good football to suggest that Benitez's football philosophy of passing and movement and keeping possession of the ball will be carried through.

Barnet won the game 3-2 after a goalless first half. Each side had a penalty in the second half, Green missed theirs but Barnet scored. The Leverstock scorers were second half substitutes Paul Insley and Stefan Owen-Edwards.

The starting line-up was: Luke Midwinter, Kris Tyrell, Alfee Robbins, Ross Miller, Chris Cutler, Alex McCarthy, James Dabbs, Ben Butler, Adam Hallissey, Tobi Akin, Curt Dizon. New skipper Mark Shadbolt was on the bench but did not play due to injury.

Next up for the Green is a visit from neighbours Hemel Hempstead Town on Tuesday night, kick-off 7.30 pm.