Report
After the team had failed to take arms against a sea of troubles facing Kettering town in the FA Cup, this game, in the Hertfordshire Senior Cup brought Spartan League Leverstock Green to Top Field on an inclement night. As a matter of interest, had we been successful against Kettering, the draw would have taken us to Derbyshire to play Chesterfield.
The Hitchin team had one or two changes from Saturday, indicating perhaps a need for a restoration of the form that had annihilated Kettering at Latimer Road. It was a stronger selection than some expected.
The wet pitch provided a good pace and an early attack on the right saw Horlock cut out a good cross. Leverstock showed eagerness in the opening minutes and in a counterattack, Wilkinson’s move enabled Eadie to try a shot that was way too high.
This opening spell saw frantic efforts from the visitors whose creativity was good to see but I wondered if such a pace could be sustained, but they were certainly holding their hosts at bay.
It took a quarter of an hour for a well constructed attack from Hitchin that was broken down by the Leverstock defence in an impressive manner. Further moves were in evidence but no direct attempt on goal came from them.
Hitchin were settling however and a first corner from Gleeson was defended without difficulty.
The pace of Stefanoaica and Bradley Robinson was troubling the Hitchin defence and after twenty odd minutes it was the Spartan team that looked the livelier. Their adventurous play deserved a goal and so far, they had been the closer. Some enterprise from Idiakhoa brought a corner and a shot on target from Cotter. The thirty- five minutes of play ought to have yielded more opportunities for Hitchin but they had been effectively subdued and subject to exhilarating counter moves.
Emovon was having a hard time coping with the energetic Stefanoaica, who was seeing a lot of the ball on the right. This notable player let himself down somewhat by overindulging in petty disputes. Wilkinson on his own held up play and won a corner for Hitchin but all that came from it was a determined clearance.
Half time was imminent, and it was Leverstock who deserved the praise for their attacking play and surefooted defence. Three minutes were added, and it was notable for Steve Gleeson being a little upset at an inconclusive move from his colleagues.
There was a quiet agreement that the Spartan side had performed well, and indeed at the resumption they defended a good attack from Hitchin and then very nearly took the lead with a sparkling move. Wilkinson’s fine shot saw Josh Bowler save well as the ball came off the post.
More of this was needed, but it was not forthcoming, and the Green showed no signs of relenting as the rain became more insistent. Aden Newman broke away and his shot was close to success. Tearle’s cross looked good but Bowler was alert to the danger.
Unsurprisingly Hitchin made substitutions and a cross from Eadie provided just a half chance. Leverstock also made a change. Gleeson’s corner provided two direct attempts, both cleared close to the line. It was much better but there was still no goal.
Another corner from Hitchin was sent in by Gleeson whose passing had been precise and then in a super breakaway move from Leverstock, the persistence of Stefanoaica saw him provide a perfect pass for substitute Beckwith,who opened the scoring and then joined in the gleeful celebrations. Make no mistake, this was a deserved lead. A knot of travelling supporters behind the goal were doing their best to exhort their team to further heroics. It was hardly needed.
Both teams had now made four substitutions, and I think five are permitted in this particular competition. The pattern of the game remained unchanged and there remained about ten minutes. Snelus’ assistance provided Galliford with the best opportunity. His shot looked goal bound but Bowler made the save of the match to deny him.
There was a good deal of pressure from Hitchin who were looking before a goal that would probably send the match straight to penalties. Four additional minutes were announced as Galliford shot over the bar.
Then, with very little time to go, Hitchin hit the equaliser with substitute Akinbusoye scoring from close range. Could there be a dramatic winner? This was denied Hitchin with another fine save from Bowler, right at the end and then we went to penalties. It must have been very disappointing for Leverstock Green who were a whisker away from a prestigious win, which they deserved, over senior opposition, away from home as well. To make matters worse for them, they lost the penalty competition.
1 Snelus scores, 1-0 Mooney, shot saved, 1-0.
2 Galliford scores, 2-0 Beckith converts, 2-1
3 Cotter misses, 2-1, Beach hits the bar 2-1
4 Bell misses, 2-1 and number 20 makes it 2-2
5 Akinbusoye scores 3-2 and so does Stefanoaica 3-3
6 Barker scores, 4-3 and Havill-Tierney’s effort is saved and thus
Hitchin win 4-3.
HITCHIN TOWN
Charlie Horlock, captain, Kye Tearle, (Bradley Bell), Layne Eadie, Stan Georgiou, Dan Emovon, Lewis Barker, Kazan Cotter, Stephen Gleeson, Jack Snelus, Dan Idiakhoa, (Temi Akinbusoye – GOAL 90 MINUTES, 1-1), Finley Wilkinson, (Isaac Galliford). Substitutes not used – Chris Khoi and Henry Silver.
LEVERSTOCK GREEN
Josh Bowler, this reporter’s man of the match, Bradley Robinson, cautioned, (Mikey Havill-Tierney), Rio Beach, Dan Weeks, captain, Callum Neal, (number 20), Ryan Carruthers, Radu Mihai Stefanoaica, Dan Pett, (Joe Sadler), Jaden Newman, (Luke Beckwith, GOAL, 77 minutes, 0-1) Ademide Barowa, (George Mitchell- Gears), Ethan Mooney. Other substitute – Scott McGleish.
Referee- Mr J Gibson, assisted by Mr A Tregoning and Mr M Mellor.
Attendance 113
REPORT BY PIPEMAN