Leverstock Green hosted neighbours Hemel Hempstead Town in tonight's pre-season friendly and the honours were shared in an entertaining 1-1 draw on the immaculate Pancake Lane pitch.

Both clubs are under new management this season and both are in the early stages of putting their sides together. Green boss Steve Benitez made a couple of changes from Saturday's opening friendly and his side continued to show promise with their passing game. There were few chances in a goalless first half, with Curt Dizon coming closest with a couple of efforts at goal. At the other end Green keeper Luke Midwinter only had a couple of saves to make.

Having played mostly triallists in the first half, Hemel boss Dean Brennan played a much stronger lineup in the second half with most of his first team on show. Leverstock made three changes at half time including the introduction of forwards Tobi Akin and Mark Brown. It was the Green side who broke the deadlock six minutes into the second half with an impressive goal. An intricate passing move ended with the ball being threaded through to Akin, and he finished well by slotting the ball past the keeper.

The lead only lasted for five minutes as Hemel levelled the scores with a superb goal. Peter Holmes played a ball down the left touchline to Dave Pearce, who struck a first-time volley that gave Midwinter no chance. For a while Hemel were well on top, with Pearce hitting the post and Holmes going close. However, Leverstock played their way back into the game and looked the more likely side to score towards the end.

The Leverstock contingent in the decent-sized crowd certainly seemed impressed by the style of football their side was playing, and this result will be a confidence booster for Benitez's side. Their busy schedule continues with a home game against Ryman Premier side Hendon on Thursday night, before their opening competitive game on Saturday, at home to Welwyn Garden City in the first round of the Herts Charity Shield.

Starting line-up: Luke Midwinter, Adiel Mannion, Kris Tyrell, Ross Miller, Mark Shadbolt, Ben Butler, Alex McCarthy, Alfee Robbins, Paul Insley, Curt Dizon, Adam Hallissey. Second half subs: Tobi Akin, Mark Brown, James Dabbs.