13th July: Pre-season friendly

Leverstock Green 1 Hemel Hempstead Town 8

Leverstock Green manager Steve Benitez could hardly have asked for a tougher opening to his side's pre-season programme. On a swelteringly hot day they entertained neighbours Hemel Hempstead Town, and a strong Hemel line-up put eight goals past his team. The scoreline was a little flattering to Hemel, who ruthlessly finished just about every chance they had in the game. The Leverstock side, containing a number of new faces, played some good football and looked promising going forward.

There were two new signings up front for Leverstock in Stewart King, previously with Hitchin Town and Tring Athletic, and Ben Edwards. Also in the side were Ashley Harewood-Williams, most recently with Kings Langley and Berkhamsted, and youngsters Alex Foster and Tyler Smith. With all his regular centre-backs away for the weekend, Benitez had to play Harewood-Williams and Smith out of position at the back.

Hemel took advantage of an early defensive lapse as Gareth Chendlik put them ahead with just two minutes played. However, the Green side started to play their way into the game. On 12 minutes Alfee Robbins' pass put King through on goal, but his shot went just wide. King was in again three minutes later from a pass by Adrian Colorado, but he was brought down by a shirt pull and Colorado put the resulting free kick just over the bar.

Leverstock had the ball in the net on 27 minutes when King slotted home after Tobi Akin's shot had been parried, but the linesman's offside flag ruled the goal out. Hemel scored their second in the 33rd minute through Kyle Connolly, who netted after Tom Coulton had parried a shot. There was another chance for the Green on 36 minutes when Colorado's pass put Akin through, but he shot into the side netting.

The Leverstock side rather switched off towards the end of the half, allowing Hemel to add two further goals on 40 and 44 minutes for a 4-0 half time lead. The Green pulled a goal back within two minutes of the restart through Curt Dizon, but Hemel replied with a 5th goal in the 49th minute. Further goals were added by the visitors on 61, 66 and 76 minutes, the last one from the penalty spot.

Eight further players were used during the second half by Leverstock, and there were enough moments of promise to suggest that they will fare better in their remaining three friendlies, the next of which is at home to Aylesbury United next Saturday.

Starting line-up: Tom Coulton, Jamie Davidge, Ashley Harewood-Williams, Tyler Smith, Alex Foster, James Dabbs, Adrian Colorado, Alfee Robbins, Tobi Akin, Ben Edwards, Stewart King. Also used: Curt Dizon, Adiel Mannion, Marvin Tabi, David Vacca, Jon Davies, Chad Pinching, Joe Cooper, Sam Lyon.