Issuu

We utilize Issuu to facilitate the production of these programmes on a weekly basis, providing our spectators with the ability to download them. To support this, we maintain a subscription, and Leverstock Green FC is deeply grateful to Tony Smart for sponsoring this service for the current season and the next. Thank you, Tony, for your generous support.

Welcome to Leverstock Green FC Today we welcome Waltham Abbey Officials and Supporters to the LORDS Builders Merchants Stadium We also welcome our match officials Referee Thomas Kelly, and his assistants Robert Smith and Richard Barlow. We hope you all have an enjoyable day with us. You are all welcome to use the clubs bar and tea bar before, halftime and after today’s game. You will be well look after by Sue and Michelle and our catering staff, Ioana and Nigel.

Club Management also reserves the right to refuse admission to the ground to, or to eject from the ground, any person who refuses to be searched by any steward, servant or agent of the Club or any Police officer. Please use the car parking provided inside the ground, as this will avoid any unnecessary disruption to our neighbours. If you have left your car on ANY of the adjoining roads, please pop outside and bring your car in, the car parking is free. The Club management accepts no responsibility for injury or loss of property. Fixtures, results, and league tables are shown within the programme or visit our web site. http://levgreenfc.co.uk Thank you for your co-operation

Pitching In – Southern League – Division One Central Levy Green - Green Shirt, Shorts and Sock

Waltham Abbey –White Tops, Gold Shorts & White Socks

Ryan North Callum Neal Vladyslav Karuchok George Mitchell-Gears Kombe Kawimbe Ryan Carruthers Ademide Baruwa Nat Connolly Ashton Corder Dan Pett Timi Bada Marcus Warren Enoch Folorunsho Jack Allen Joe McCarthy Iker Noguera Leon Sankou Jabbi George Eldridge Ryan North

Hafed Al Droubi Carlos Velasco Isaac Galliford Charley Barker Jaden Ogwuazor Prince William Jack Blower Bailey Stevenson Lewis Taaffe Max Appauh Charlie Johnson Kaya Hayrettin Benjamin Baker Isaac Pedro Lewis Knight Steve Cawley Sam Robbins Kayden Williams Donnabhan Green

Manager:

Fergus Moore

Manager: Marc Weatherstone

Assistant:

Scott McGleish

Assistant:

GK Coach: Darren Bonfield

Coach:

Aaron Eales

Physio: Amy Kibler

Physio:

Luke Bedford and Ben Jerrams

We provide a range of integrated services, which together form a pathway to support people towards an independent future. Day Centre – A community-based setting, providing expert advice, where anyone is welcome to drop in, have a shower, a hot meal, some clean clothes, as well as some friendly company. Outreach – Working with local rough sleepers to build trust and offer access to any services needed – with a focus on bringing people into safe and stable accommodation. The Elms – A 44-bed hostel providing emergency and short-term accommodation to single, homeless adults. Crash Pad – Emergency overnight accommodation offered to people when we are unable to accommodate them immediately at The Elms. Move On – Providing support for The Elms residents into more independent living in shared accommodation. Resettlement – Supporting clients moving from The Elms or Move On into council, social housing, or private rental. Foodbank – Providing emergency food parcels and household provisions to local individuals and families. In the Community – Supporting people in the community during this cost-of-living crisis and helping reduce the need to visit our Foodbank. Social Enterprises – Developing employability skills and self-confidence in a supportive environment, while also raising income.

We're targeting discrimination in football. Can you help?

We are taking a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination in football. We’re calling on clubs and leagues like your own to report hate, prejudice or discrimination whenever you see it or hear it. For those people who behave in a racist, sexist or homophobic way, the message is clear. Enough is Enough. When we know it has happened, we can take the actions needed to remove discriminatory behaviour. We'll be doing so through a range of punishments: • Players will be removed from play and suspended. • Teams can have points deducted. • Grounds can be closed for repeat offenders. Together we can end hate in football. Spread the word that discrimination of all forms will be punished. Share with your welfare officers, league and club officials, and everyone across your league and clubs. We want everyone across grassroots football to know... ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. TELL US, WE’LL TACKLE IT.

About Us We are a pain management clinic With over 10 years of experience in help relieve stress from within the leading performer within the Injury ourselves on our high standards of aftercare.

based in Apsley, Hemel Hempstead. helping people recover from injury, we muscle and re-energise the body. As a Rehabilitation industry, we pride clinical practice, expertise, and

Why choose Movement In Motion? Our AWARD-WINNING clinicians treat a range of sporting injuries, advise on injury prevention, and support rehabilitation through strength and exercise conditioning. We do this by using a range of physical techniques and therapies to diagnose and treat the root course of your pain. In collaboration with your clinician, this whole view approach allows you to make informed decisions about your training and puts you in control of your rehabilitation. As specialists in pain management, our expert clinicians will assess your injury or site of pain, analyse findings, tailor a course of treatment to suit your lifestyle and ability, and reassess as you continue your journey to living pain-free

our passion for passionate fans has never changed since our journey began in 1998. We’ve always been a community of fans with a shared goal of helping people let their inner fan shine like a beacon of awesome. FOCO is a leading manufacturer of sports and entertainment merchandise, with a product line that includes apparel, accessories, toys, collectibles, novelty items, and more. With major sports and entertainment licenses at our disposal along with a powerful infrastructure, a dedicated team, and a broad variety of products, our company is reaching new heights every day. FOCO’s success is directly related to our ability to bring new and exciting designs, ideas, and manufacturing techniques to categories in need of innovation. We are constantly searching for dedicated and driven professionals to join and help grow our team!

Leverstock Green FC Club Information President – Derrick Williams MBE

Accountants – Coyle & Co

Chairman – Emma Smart Vice Chairman – Dan Swan

Honorary Life Vice-Presidents

General Club Secretary – Alan Lee

Mr. J Baldry, Mr. B Barter, Mr. C Bull,

Football Secretary – Alan Lee

Mr. W Dawes, Mr. J Doble, ,Mr. R Saville,

Treasurer – Tony Smart

Mr. A Smart,

General Officer – Keith Pym, Garry Harvey,

Mr. J Williams, Mr. M Goodson, Mr. .J Lawes

Steve Ypey Web: http://levgreenfc.co.uk General Committee

Twitter: @levgreenfc

Keith Pym, Alan Brett, Steve Ypey, Roger Lipscombe, Garry Harvey,

Facebook: @Leverstock Green F.C.

Dan Swan, Steven Smart

Match Day Secretary - Alan Lee Clubhouse Manager – Tony Smart

Leverstock Green Football Club is a Members Club. All positions below are elected annually by members of the club at the AGM which is held in August of each year as per club rules.

Bar Manager – Sue Hollick Club Welfare Officer/Charter Standard – Garry Harvey Functions & Sponsorship – Kerry Hollick

CLUB OFFICERS: Chairman: Emma Smart Club Secretary: Alan Lee, Treasurer: Tony Smart; Football Secretary: Alan Lee

Groundsman & Team – Craig Ringsell Roger Lipscombe, Keith Pym & Alan Brett

Media Officer/Website – Alan Lee Social Media – Dan Swan Programme Editor – Steven Smart Photographer – Lauren Archer Veo – Garry Harvey

Leverstock Green FC FA League Rule 2.13 Ownership: In accordance with The Football Association Rule 2.13. Publication of Ownership in relation to Step 1 to Step 6 clubs within the football pyramid, we hereby confirm that the Legal Status of Leverstock Green Football Club, takes the form of an Unincorporated Association. It has a constitution which sets out the rules that govern its relationship and membership, and elects a Management Committee to run the organisation on behalf of its Private Members

THE MANAGEMENT TEAMS First Team

Fergus Moore –

Scott McGleish –

Manager

Assistant Manager

Austin Byfield –

Aaron Eales –

GK Coach

Coach

Under 18s

Darren Bonfield – GK Coach

Amy Kilbler Physio

Scott and Ferg’s 250th Game Scott and Ferg’s 250th game in charge was last week. So we would like to thank them for what they have done for the club, and for their continuing efforts to bring the club as far as they can. Dan caught up with Scott after the game and asked him some questions about the time they have been with the club. Q - Your first competitive game in charge was a 1–0 FA Cup defeat away at Stanway Rovers back in August 2021. If you could go back to that dressing room before kick-off, what would you tell yourselves knowing what the next 249 games would bring? A - I would say to trust in the process that we believed we could create from the first training session. Accept the lows and don’t get too exuberant with the highs. Q- When you took the job, did either of you genuinely believe you’d still be here 250 competitive games later? A - I definitely didn’t expect to be anywhere near 250 games. When we first joined we invited all season before squad to pre-season. And from senior players only Dan Weeks actually stayed to give us a chance. Q - Looking back at the club you inherited compared with the Leverstock Green FC of today, what do you think has changed the most? A - ⁠Well the first thing we insisted on was that the bar stays open past 5.30 on a Saturday. We made a conscious effort to make sure

that any player we signed would buy into creating a club environment that everyone can enjoy. That’s committee members, supporters and players. Q- You’ve had some incredible days at the club. If you had to pick one single moment from the first 249 games that stands above everything else, what would it be, and why? A - ⁠That’s an easy one. The play off Final. To have 1000 supporters in Pancake lane. The work everyone had to do in a few days to play the final was amazing and probably something the club will never do again. Then for the players to play the way they did in the final was just incredible. Q - And on the flip side, what has been the toughest moment you’ve experienced as managers? A - ⁠Probably last pre season. After staying at step 4 on last game of the season we hoped that players would want to return and push on the following season. This was not how it happened. We only had a few players willing to stay. Recruiting was hard due to financial constraints. Every player we approached thinks we are step 4 and loads of money like everyone else in the division. What know realised was we got promoted on no budget and stayed up on £15 a week per player. Credit must go to the group of players that stayed because result was hard to come by but they stuck at it and trusted us as staff to get players in and turn it around. Q - Last season saw the club achieve its highest-ever league finish. What did that achievement mean to you personally? A - Finishing in the clubs highest ever position of 12th at step 4 was just unbelievable. As I said last pre season was tough and then to think we entered the bottom 4 of the league around about Xmas. To

then finish 12th. All credit players who stayed and the new recruits we managed to get in. Ferg’s little black book and Aaron’s constant messaging of players really did the trick. Q - You’ve been side-by-side for 250 games. What do you think is the biggest strength of your partnership and what does the other one do that drives you absolutely mad? A- ⁠I would say our biggest strength is that we both hate losing and are passionate about football. We don’t always see eye to eye. Neither of us are yes men. We would say our point on selection of team and tactics and then between us go with what we think is best for the team for that game. As for drive me mad it has to be Ferg on the sidelines. Doesn’t matter if he is praising a player or having a go at them. It’s always in a tone that feels it’s more having a go. There is no difference. I’m sure the players always think he is having a go. Oh also when Ferg decides to show everyone his lucky Paddy power pants. Thats a sight no one needs to see. Q - When your time at Leverstock Green eventually comes to an end, what do you hope people will say about Scott and Fergie’s time in charge? A - As for after we go you hope that supporters and club staff will see that we created that environment we promised in the interview. A club everyone can be proud of. That we also achieved promotion and cup wins during our time with memories for everyone associated with the club. The truth is what people say will not bother me at all. As it will probably mean we have been sacked so people will think that we deserved to go as results not good enough.

Visiting Club History: Waltham Abbey Youth Club, based in Waltham Abbey, first played football at “Capershotts” during the Second World War and in later years the club became known as firstly Waltham Abbey, then Abbey Sports. Both clubs gained numerous honours in the Northern Suburban League. The club was founded in 1944 with a mix of players from Waltham Abbey Youth Club and former juniors from Tottenham Hotspur under the leadership of the trainer and manager Wally Hickman. The secretary was Mo (Maurice) Ward. The President was Capt. Larkin. In their early years they played to a high standard and reached the final of the Herts Junior Cup in three years out of four but lost on each occasion – including a loss to Redbourn Rovers of 4–5 after they had been leading 4–1. Some of the leading players in the early years included left winger Dave Cook who was killed in a road crash, centre-half Robbo Robinson and inside forward Frank Blower. Frank later became a dedicated treasurer of the club with Ray Buck as a similarly dedicated club secretary. Waltham Abbey United emerged in the late sixties and a new clubhouse was built. In 1974 the club amalgamated with the successful Beechfield Sports and joined the Metropolitan League, which later became the London Spartan League. In 1976 the club won the Essex Junior Cup beating Maldon St Mary's 1–0 at Grays Athletics ground. Alfie Hall was the goalscorer. Later that summer the club dropped the Beechfield Sports tag on the advice of The FA. Two years later the club reached the final of the Essex Intermediate Cup (losing 1–2 to Dagenham Reserves at Epping Town FC) and won the league's Division One title, and, having gained Senior Status, were promoted. In their first season they won the title without losing a game and were again promoted this time to the Premier Division where they remained until season 2000–01. In 1990–91 the club were inaugural finalists in the Roy Bailey Memorial Trophy, a competition for local teams including Cheshunt, Ware, and Hertford Town.

It was won for the first time in 1994–95 when they beat Hoddesdon Town. In both 1996–97 and 2005 (in the final held over from the previous season) they beat St Margaretsbury. In 1998–99 they won the London Senior Cup with a fine 3–2 win over Bedfont at Dulwich Hamlet’s ground, Dean Green securing a hat trick to win the cup. They also secured the Spartan South Midlands Challenge Trophy beating Holmer Green 3–0 over two legs. Recent seasons have seen a lot of changes on and off the pitch with floodlights being installed in 1990 and the ground levelled. A great amount of work has been done around the clubhouse and a 200-seater stand built. A number of seats were purchased from Maine Road and these were installed during the summer of 2005 as the club strived to improve facilities on and off the field and move up the non-league pyramid. Season 2001–02 was spent in the Essex & Herts Border Combination to allow them to move across the pyramid. They were elected to the Essex Senior League for season 2002–03. In 2004–05, in addition to winning both the League Cup and the Gordon Brasted Memorial Trophy they finished in their highest position of 2nd. On 2 May 2009, the Abbott's capped off a successful 2008–09 season by beating Concord Rangers 5–4 on penalties, after a 1–1 draw, to win the Isthmian League Division 1 North Play-offs. They played in the Isthmian League Premier Division for the first time in their history in 2009–10. However, despite winning the last two games of their season, they finished 21st and were relegated for the first time in the club's history. After 7 seasons in North Division a league restructure saw the club have been moved into the newly formed Isthmian League South Central League.

Visiting Club Pen Pics:

Club

Sponsor

AYLESBURY UNITED

WESTWICK K9 / CRAIG RINGSELL

BARTON ROVERS

DC JOINERY

BEACONSFIELD TOWN

CARTERS RESIDENTIAL

BIGGLESWADE FC

STEVE AND DORA KIBLER

BIGGLESWADE TOWN

MNM GLASS

DIDCOT

FOCO

FLACKWELL HEATH

MOVEMENT IN MOTION

HADLEY

DECKCHAIR PETE

HARINGEY BOROUGH

SEARS AND CO

HERTFORD TOWN

KITAID AND FAMILY FC / GREEN2CLEAN

LONDON LIONS

ROAMER TV

MARLOW MK IRISH

DENS

POTTERS BAR TOWN

LORDS LINTELS

ROYSTON TOWN

AIRCRAFT ENGINEERS STORE

STOTFOLD

DAN SADLER

THAME UNITED

KERR FAMILY FUNERALS / BREAST CANCER NOW

WALTHAM ABBEY

CLIPSO

WARE

KEITH PYM

WELWYN GARDEN CITY

MINDFUL ENERGY

WINSLOW UNITED

KJC FLOORING

FA CUP (WALTHAMSTOW)

GREENZONE

Player

Sponsor

Fergus Moore Scott McGleish Darren Bonfield Aaron Eales Austin Byfield Amy Kibler Callum Neal Ryan Carruthers Dan Pett Nat Connolly Dan Casey Joe McCarthy Jack Allen Enoch Folorunsho Carmichael Uchenna George Eldridge

FOCO / GreenZone FOCO / GreenZone FOCO / GreenZone FOCO / GreenZone FOCO / GreenZone FOCO / GreenZone MnM Glass / Craig Ringsell GreenZone Dan Sadler Toris’ beauty DC Joinery Mindful Energy / Dens Deckchair Pete KJC Flooring Clipso / Aircraft Engineers Store Keith Pym Green2Clean / Roamer TV / Lens and Launch

Ashton Corder Kombe Kawimbe Ademide Baruwa George Mitchell-Gears Ryan North Callum Donnelly Marcus Warren Sankou Jabbi Finlay Penniston-Walker Ellis Simmons Vladyslav Karuchok Aldo Petagine Malakai Bailey Charlie Clark

Kerr Family Funerals

Movement in Motion Lords Lintels Westwick K9 FOCO Tim Miller / KitAid Westwick K9 Sears and Co

Match Reports

Leverstock Green

2 vs 1

Biggleswade F.C.

Leverstock Green registered their second straight league win with a very impressive performance against thirdplaced Biggleswade F.C., coming from behind to win the game. It was a game which saw the 200th appearance for the club of skipper Dan Pett, and also the last appearance of Carmicheal Uchenna, who gave a man-of-the-match display in midfield ahead of signing a pro contact with Wealdstone this week. After a quiet opening to the game, it was the visitors who had the game’s first chance as defensive hesitation allowed Matteo Perkins to run clean through on goal, but he was denied by a good save from Ryan North. However, three minutes later Perkins was threatening again, this time squaring for Bradley Bell to shoot home and put Biggleswade into a 1-0 lead. Leverstock responded well to going behind and were soon back on level terms. Hesitation by keeper George Rose allowed Joe McCarthy to nip in and take the ball, and as McCarthy tried to get the ball from under his feet to put it

into the empty net, he was brought down from behind. The referee immediately pointed to the penalty spot, and Iker Noguera Leon fired the spot kick into the top corner to make it 1-1 in the 27th minute. Rose was somewhat lucky to stay on the field in the 38th minute as he came out of his area to challenge McCarthy, committing a foul that left both players requiring treatment. Despite McCarthy being clean through, the referee only showed a yellow card to the Biggleswade keeper. Leon took the resulting free kick and his effort went just over the bar. In the final minute of the half Leon delivered a cross to the far post which was headed wide by Uchenna. The second half saw Leverstock well on top with Leon and McCarthy again causing lots of problems for the Biggleswade defence. The visitors rarely threatened, although North produced a great save to tip a header over the bar in the 66th minute. In the 72nd minute McCarthy was again through on goal and again brought down just outside the box, this time by Lawrie Marsh, but again the referee only showed a yellow card, one of six picked up by the visitors. Again the resulting free kick was off target, this time from Uchenna. However, four minutes later a through ball from Marcus Warren gave McCarthy another run at goal, and this time he stayed on his feet and hit an exquisite finish which flew

over Rose into the top corner to put Leverstock into a deserved 2-1 lead. The team kept its discipline and shape to see the game out, successfully defending a corner in stoppage time to add another three points to their total. Leverstock Green (1) 2 (Leon 27 pen, McCarthy 76) 1. Ryan North, 2. Callum Neal, 3. Vladyslav Karuchok, 4. George Mitchell-Gears, 5. Kome Kawimbe, 6. Carmicheal Uchenna, 7. Ademide Baruwa, 8. Dan Pett, 9. Joe McCarthy, 10. Marcus Warren (16. Nat Connolly 82 mins), 11. Iker Noguera Leon. Subs not used: 12. Jack Allen, 14. Timi Bada, 15. Ryan Carruthers, 17. Ashton Corder. Biggleswade FC (1) 1 (Bell 22) 1. George Rose, 2. Michael Simpson (14. Leo Jenkins H/T), 3. Harry Jones , 4. Lawrie Marsh, 5. Jack Empson (16. Adam Hunt 85 mins), 6. Conor Inskip (17. Twariq Yusuf 76 mins), 7. Ethan Kessel (12. William Ademiluyi H/T), 8. Rio Martucci, 9. Daniel Bond, 10. Bradley Bell, 11. Matteo Perkins (15. Jake Bunyan 77 mins).

Leverstock Green

1 vs 2

Didcot Town

It was a heartbreaking last-gasp defeat for Leverstock Green on Tuesday night after they had fought their way back onto level terms against league leaders Didcot Town. The Green side can certainly take plenty of positives from a great performance on the night. Leverstock’s speedy wingers created plenty of problems for the visitors, with Iker Noguera Leon having a run at goal in the 12th minute before hitting a shot wide. However, it was Didcot that opened the scoring a minute with Felix Robertson netting from close range from a cross that should have been dealt with. Dan Pett had a good shooting chance in the 21st minute but sliced his effort wide, and two minutes before the break a cross from Joe McCarthy caused a scramble in the Didcot box in which Jack Allen had a chance to score, but opted to take an extra touch instead of shooting first time and the chance was lost. Didcot could have taken a decisive lead in the opening minutes of the second half. A defensive slip left Owen James with a clear run at goal. Ryan North dived at the striker’s feet and appeared to get the ball, but James

went down and the referee awarded a penalty and showed North a yellow card. James stepped up to take the kick but North saved it and also saved a follow-up effort from James. It was a let-off for the Leverstock side, and they looked to make the most of it as they pushed forward throughout the half. Leon went close to an equaliser in the 73rd minute with a shot that was turned away by the keeper. Timi Bada came off the bench to bolster their attack, and with twelve minutes left a double substitution saw Leverstock switch to a back three. The change appeared to have paid off when Leverstock got their deserved equaliser in the 84th minute. Leon went on another run before laying the ball off to Bada, who struck a superb low shot from just outside the box that beat the keeper’s outstretched arm into the corner of the net. Leverstock might have even gone in front with Allen having another chance from close range but again delaying his shot too long, allowing it to be blocked by a defender. Leverstock would have certainly deserved the point, but it was not to be. In the third minute of stoppage time a free kick was conceded in a dangerous position, and Luke Carnell got on the end

of the free kick with a header into the corner of the net out of North’s reach to win the game for the visitors. Leverstock Green (0) 1 (Bada 84) 1. Ryan North, 2. Ademide Baruwa, 3. Vlad Karuchok (15. Ashton Corder 78 mins), 4. George MitchellGears, 5. Kombe Kawimbe, 6. Ryan Carruthers (14. Nat Connolly 77 mins), 7. Joe McCarthy, 8. Dan Pett, 18. Jack Allen, 10. Marcus Warren (12. Timi Bada 72 mins), 11. Iker Noguera Leon (17. Aldo Petagine 85 mins). Sub not used: 16. Callum Donnelly. Didcot Town (1) 2 (Robertson 13, Carnell 90+3) 1. Leigh Bedwell, 2. Lochlan Colquhoun, 3. Cameron McNeill, 4. Sam Bailey, 5. Luke Carnell, 6. Taylor Bedwell, 7. Connor Barrett (16. JP Nyuysemo 90+4 mins), 8. Felix Robertson, 9. Owen James (15. Kai Bartolo 76 mins), 10. Jenson Wright, 11. Reuben Harry (12. Leo Cole 66 mins). Subs not used: 14. Latham Hawkins, 17. Ben Dodd.

Leverstock Green U18 Green U18

6 vs 0

Crawley

It was another big win for the Under-18s as they continued their 100% league start with a fourth straight win in the SCFYL Corinthian Division. Oscar Roe scored twice in the opening five minutes of the game, and by 20 minutes it was 40 with Sam Dey scoring two goals in two minutes. Ashton Corder added the fifth just before half time, and Lucas Hammer made it 6-0 early in the second half before Crawley Green had two players sent off.

Aylesbury United

2 vs 2

Leverstock Green

It was another heartbreaking ending for Leverstock Green as they were denied a deserved win by a controversial stoppage time penalty decision. Leverstock had dominated the game despite playing with ten men for much of it, but let a two-goal lead slip over the closing minutes. Leverstock were already without their two top goalscorers, with both Joe McCarthy and Iker Noguera Leon missing the game through suspension and injury respectively. The game was played in heavy rain throughout, with the newly-laid pitch at Chesham holding up well, although the ball was being increasingly held up by surface water during the game. The home side could have gone in front in the second minute, but Bakary Daffeh put the ball over the bar from close range. The incident that changed the game occurred in the 14th minute, as both Kombe Kawimbe and an opponent slid in for a 50-50 challenge. Kawimbe got to the ball first and cleared it 20 yards, but his momentum took him through into the opponent. It would have been a harsh yellow card, but the referee showed Kawimbe a straight red card. In the immediate aftermatch both Fergus Moore and Scott McGleish were dismissed from the Leverstock dugout for their protests. The injustice only served to motivate the ten man Leverstock side. In the 23rd minute a ball into the box from Vlad Karuchok just eluded George Mitchell-Gears. Wil Turner shot into the side netting for Aylesbury in the 26th minute, but two minutes later

Leverstock took the lead. A free kick was cleared to the edge of the box, where Ryan Carruthers picked it up and and fired a shot into the top corner of the net. Ademide Baruwa came close to adding a second goal in the 31st minute but his shot curled just wide of the post. Aylebury might have equalised in the 41st minute but Jake Bewley’s long-range shot cannoned off the bar. Leverstock continued to work hard and have the better of the game in the second half. Ashton Corder came off the bench in the 54th minute and within five minutes had made an impact. A back pass was sent back towards keeper Jack Hopwood, but the ball held up and Corder nipped in to get the ball first, taking it around Hopwood before slotting into the empty net from a narrow angle to put Leverstock 2-0 up. There was almost a third goal in the 74th minute. The ball was played forward to Corder and Hopwood came way out of his goal to challenge, but Corder won the challenge and sent a chip towards goal from 40 yards which looked like it was going in but landed inches wide of the goal. Leverstock’s new signing Romari Forde made his debut from the bench and had a chance to score in the 83rd minute from Corder’s pass, but Hopwood came off his line and saved well. At the other end Sonny French was through on goal in the 86th minute, but Ryan North pulled off a save and it looked like Leverstock were heading for a deserved three points. But in the 88th minute a shot from Ike Okwusogu found the corner of the net to pull a goal back for Aylesbury.

Four minutes of stoppage time were signalled but two minutes into stoppages an Aylesbury player was through on goal. North dived at his feet and appeared to win the ball, but the player fell over his outstretched arm. To the disbelief of much of the stadium the referee pointed to the penalty spot, and Finlay Reeves netted the spot kick to earn a point for his side that had looked very unlikely a few minutes earlier. Leverstock were left with only a point to show from a superb performance battling the odds. Aylesbury United (0) 2 (Okwusogu 88, Reeves 90+3 pen) 1. Jack Hopwood, 2. Frankie Bircham (14. Pooya Karimi 64 mins), 3. Jake Bewley, 4. Sonny French, 5. Archie Quinlan, 6. Chase Matthew (16. Ike Okwusogu H/T), 7. Rocko Tamplin (15. Sam Bajaha H/T), 8. Nathan Brown, 9. Finlay Reeves, 10. Bakary Daffeh, 11. Wil Turner. Subs not used: 17. Lee Stobbs, 18. Marvin Emmanuel. Leverstock Green (1) 2 (Carruthers 28, Corder 59) 1. Ryan North, 2. Callum Neal, 3. Vlad Karuchok, 4. George Mitchell-Gears, 5. Kombe Kawimbe, 6. Ryan Carruthers (17. Marcus Warren 77 mins), 7. Ademide Baruwa, 8. Dan Pett, 9. Jack Allen (12. Ashton Corder 54 mins), 10. Nat Connolly, 11. Timi Bada (15. Romari Forde 64 mins). Sub not used: 14. Callum Donnelly, 16. Aldo Petagine.

By Jon Couch THIS week, we at NLP Towers caught up with two of our old contacts who continue to prove that life very much begins at 40 at this level of the game. For years, Justin Bennett swept up Non-League defences in the south, banging in goals for the likes of Andover, Gosport Borough, Oxford City and Salisbury. Now, at the age of 44, the legendary striker has reached another milestone by racking up 700 career goals – not bad considering he supposedly retired four years ago! Bennett achieved the feat while turning out for Step 7 Shrewton United in an 8-2 Wiltshire Premier League win over Bradford Town reserves. “I’ll be honest, this season I’ve not felt as sharp as I used to be,” Bennett admitted. “But I hit a bit of a purple patch. I got two in midweek and then I felt I had a good chance last Saturday.”

Fans’ favourite Bennett was a major part of Gosport Borough’s famous run to the FA Trophy Final back in 2014. He hung his shooting boots up back in 2022 after hitting 55 goals as Bemerton Heath Harlequins to the Wessex League Division One title. But the phone kept ringing. “I was nearly 40, had just won the league with Bemmy so it was a good time – and I was happy, I wasn’t looking to go back and play,” said Bennett, who hit 200 goals on the nose for Andover earlier in his career. “But I am a sucker when the phone rings and someone says, ‘Can you come and help us out?’ For whatever reason it’s, ‘Yeah, alright’. I’ve probably retired about three times! “In my mind, if I am still getting out there and still having an impact on games and scoring then maybe I should keep going. My body tells me otherwise on a Sunday morning.” The same can also be said for former Telford, Tamworth and Altrincham striker Kyle Perry, who has crammed more into his 40 years than many people have in a lifetime. Professional footballer, rock star and podcaster, among other career highlights - Perry is now having a crack at management – at Step 5 Coton Green. Assisted by his brother Todd, he has taken over as manager and assistant of the Midland Football League club following Nic Oakley’s departure to Lichfield City.

“I have always been here, there and everywhere,” Perry told us. “Last season I got a call to go in as assistant manager at Romulus, which is Step 5. “I really enjoyed working with the young lads. I just feel I needed to give back because I’ve got a lot to offer. “My brother has been in Non-League from playing for Kidderminster when he was a kid all the way down to Step 7. It’s a no brainer – let’s go and do it together. “I’m the manager, Todd’s the assistant but it’s definitely a family affair. We’ve signed Mason, Todd’s son, who is 17 and has recently had England schoolboy trials. “Management has been on my radar. It’s tough when you’re navigating getting older as a player. Especially when you’re the type of player I was – or am.” And Justin and Kyle are not alone. A groundhopper’s travels will see them cross paths with a vast number of wily campaigners still playing well into their fifth decade. It’s like an inch you’ve just got to scratch.

Craig Ringsell Sports Pitches & Garden Services!

Trading since 2008. Specialist in winter and summer sports pitches and schools sites. Groundsman to Chesham Utd Fc, Dr Challoners Boys, Chesham Grammar and cover 18 cricket club in Herts, Beds and Bucks. Also do consultancy for a number of local football clubs Leverstock Green, Leighton Town and Amersham Town. Maintenance to general gardens cover mowing , weeding, hedge cutting and lawn treatments.

https://kitaid.net

A few words about KitAid KitAid is a charity set up by, Derrick Williams MBE, who visited Tanzania on a WaterAid supporters’ trip in 1998. Derrick, being a mad footie fan, was amazed at the reception he received from children and adults in remote villages just because he was wearing one of his favourite football shirts (he follows Watford, Liverpool and Chesham Utd). After two weeks in Tanzania, a flame was lit in Derrick’s heart, and he was on a mission to provide kit and equipment to the bare-footed children playing with footballs made of tied string and plastic bags. Twenty-one years on, KitAid has lots of volunteers and to date we’ve sent out 900,000+ kits to children and adults in 55 different countries across the world. How to donate If you’d like to support the KitAid cause, the easiest way to donate your unwanted football kit, in order for us to find it a new home. Alternatively, if you don’t have any unwanted kit, but would still like to support us, we’re very grateful for any donations which will help to fund our annual costs as well as support other partnership charities where possible. We thank you for all your support. In working in some of the most under-privileged countries around the world, The Football Association is no stranger to seeing the impact the donation of something as simple as a shirt or a pair of shorts can make. KitAid has brought an enormous amount of pleasure and enjoyment to young and old alike through the gift of football kit and has shared the spirit of British clubs and the England team with communities in all corners of the globe. We are proud to be associated with KitAid and wish them all the best in their endeavours for the years to come. Jane Bateman, Head of International Relations, The Football Association

Welcome to The Aircraft Engineers Store. We are a family run business based in Bedfordshire, United Kingdom and trade under the name of Jakbowlski Limited. We specialize in all aspects of Aircraft Engineering Tooling and can provide for all your requirements as an Aircraft Maintenance / Sheet metal Engineer. We have over 25 years of experience in the aircraft maintenance Industry and we are more than happy to help you with all your enquiries. We are always sourcing new tooling, so if you do not see what you are looking for in our store please let us know and we will do our best to help you We have over 1000 products in stock which are ready to ship and we can provide a shipping solution to suit all your needs.

Estate and Letting Agents in Hemel Hempstead & Edlesborough 01442 254100

Lords Builders Merchants offers a comprehensive range of steel and concrete lintels for residential, commercial and renovation projects. Designed to provide structural support above doors, windows and other openings, our range includes solutions for cavity walls, solid walls and internal partitions from leading manufacturers including Catnic, IG Lintels and Keystone. Whether you're building an extension, replacing an existing lintel or working on a new build, you'll find a wide choice of standard and heavy-duty lintels to suit your requirements. Available in a range of lengths and load capacities, our products are trusted by builders, contractors and DIY customers across the UK. For specialist advice, bespoke requirements or help identifying the correct lintel, visit our dedicated Lords Lintels division. Lords Lintels is the specialist lintel arm of Lords Builders Merchants, focused exclusively on lintels and supported by experienced product experts. If you cannot find the lintel you need or require assistance with sizing and specification, our team is on hand to help. Need help choosing the right lintel? For specialist advice, bespoke requirements or assistance identifying a suitable solution, click here to contact Lords Lintels. Our dedicated lintel specialists are on hand to help with sizing, specifications and product availability.

First Team Fixture/Results – 2026/27 Date Sat 4th Jul Tue 7th Jul Sat 11th Jul Tue 14th Jul Sat 18th Jul Tue 21st Jul

Venue Away

Opponents Dunstable F.C.

Comp FRD

Result W 2-1

Away

Everett Rovers

FRD

D 2-2

Away

Harpenden Town

FRD

L 1-3

Home

BROADFIELDS UNITED BIGGLESWADE UNITED EGHAM TOWN

FRD

W 2-0

FRD

D 2-2

FRD

W 3-2

Sat 25th Jul Tue 28th Jul Sat 1st Aug Sat 8th Aug Tue 11th Aug Sat 15th Aug Sat 22nd Aug

Home

FRD

D 2-2

Home

HARROW BOROUGH WATFORD U23

FRD

W 3-1

Trialist, Carruthers Allen, Trialist(p) McCarthy, Allen, Warren Allen, Trialist Allen 3

Away

Takeley

FRD

L 0-2

Home

WALTHAMSTOW FAC-xp

W 2-1

Home

LONDON LIONS

SLC

L 1-2

MitchellGears, Allen Neal

Away

Barton Rovers

SLC

D 1-1

Corder

Away

Ware

FAC-p

L 3-5

Sat 29th Aug Mon 31st Aug Sat 5th Sep Tue 15th Sep

Away

Walthamstow

FAT-1q

L 2-3

Home

SLC

D 0-0

Away

POTTERS BAR TOWN Haringey Borough

Uchenna, Folorunsho, Eldridge Neal, Carruthers -

SLC

L 1-3

Folorunsho

Away

Waltham Abbey

SLC

L 1-2

Allen(p)

Home Home

Goalscorers Trialist A, Trialist B Carruthers, McCarthy Trialist

Sat 19th Sep Sat 26th Sep Tue 29th Sep

Home

SLC

D 1-1

Neal

Away

MILTON KEYNES IRISH Hertford Town

SLC

D 1-1

Leon

Home

WARE

SLC

W 5-0

Sat 3rd Oct Sat 10th Oct

Home

BEACONSFIELD TOWN Thame United

SLC

L 1-2

Leon x2, Allen, Bada, McCarthy Leon

SLC

W 3-2

Tue 13th Oct Sat 17th Oct Tue 20th Oct Sat 24th Oct Tue 27th Oct Sat 31st Oct Sat 7th Nov Tue 10th Nov Sat 14th Nov Tue 17th Nov Sat 21st Nov Sat 28th Nov Sat 5th Dec Sat 12th Dec Sat 19th Dec Sat 26th Dec

Home

HSC-1 SLC

W 1-1 (42) W 2-1

Home

TRING ATHLETIC BIGGLESWADE FC DIDCOT TOWN

SLC

L 1-2

Away

Aylesbury United

SLC

D 2-2

Home

SLC

7.45 pm

Away

WALTHAM ABBEY Hadley

SLC

3.00 pm

Home

ROYSTON TOWN SLC

3.00 pm

Away

Ware

SLC

7.45 pm

Home

STOTFOLD

SLC

3.00 pm

Away

Marlow

SLC

7.45 pm

Away

Biggleswade Town

SLC

3.00 pm

Home

HERTFORD SLC TOWN Milton Keynes Irish SLC

3.00 pm

WINSLOW UNITED Flackwell Heath

SLC

3.00 pm

SLC

3.00 pm

WELWYN GARDEN CITY

SLC

3.00 pm

Away

Home

Away Home Away Home

3.00 pm

Leon, McCarty, Pett Allen Leon(p), McCarthy Bada Carruthers, Corder

First Team Statistics Player

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Yellow Cards

Red Cards

Kombe Kawimbe

Ademide Baruwa

Marcus Warren

Vladyslav Karuchok

Joe McCarthy

Jack Allen

Ryan Carruthers

Dan Pett

George Mitchell-Gears

Ryan North

Callum Neal

Ashton Corder

Nat Connolly

Carmicheal Uchenna

Timi Bada

Iker Noguera Leon

Enoch Folorunsho

George Eldridge

Archie Quinlan

Aldo Petagine

Finlay Penniston-Walker

Sankou Jabbi

Lucas Hammer

Romari Forde

Pitching In Southern League Division One Central Table Pos Club

W D L F

Winslow United

11 8

2 1 28 11 17

4-1-0

Didcot Town

12 8

1 3 33 15 18

1-1-3

Potters Bar Town

14 6

5 3 28 19 9

1-2-2

Stotfold

13 5

6 2 16 15 1

2-3-0

Welwyn Garden City

12 6

2 4 27 18 9

2-0-3

Biggleswade F.C.

11 6

2 3 23 15 8

2-0-3

Royston Town

13 5

5 3 24 18 6

2-2-1

Marlow

11 6

2 3 25 20 5

1-2-2

Haringey Borough

12 6

2 4 20 20 0

4-1-0

London Lions

14 6

1 7 25 32 -7

3-1-1

Milton Keynes Irish

14 5

3 6 19 26 -7

2-1-2

Waltham Abbey

2 2 29 19 10

2-2-1

Pts Last 5

Pos Club

W D L F

Pts Last 5

Beaconsfield Town

14 5

2 7 16 29 -13 17

1-2-2

Thame United

1 3 20 17 3

3-0-2

Barton Rovers

14 4

3 7 16 24 -8

3-1-1

Leverstock Green

13 3

5 5 20 19 1

2-1-2

Hertford Town

12 3

4 5 16 23 -7

1-1-3

Biggleswade Town

12 3

3 6 16 17 -1

1-0-4

Aylesbury United

12 3

1 8 21 28 -7

1-1-3

Hadley

13 3

1 9 18 29 -11 10

2-0-3

Ware

11 1

6 4 15 28 -13 9

1-3-1

Flackwell Heath

12 2

1 9 15 28 -13 7

1-1-3

Kerr Family Funerals is based in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire and offer our funeral services across Herts, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire, as well as North West London including areas such as Kilburn, Willesden, Edgware, Wembley, Barnet and Alperton. Our service is personal, and we work hard to ensure that ‘Care and Quality aren’t compromised’. Contact us on 01442 967619 or through our website

U-18’s Fixtures and Results 2026/27 Wed 19th Aug Thu 3rd Sept Thu 10th Sept

Away Home Home

Tring Athletic

FAYCxp BROADFIELDS FAYC-p UNITED DUNSTABLE SCYL FC

W 2-0 W 1-1 (3-2) W 6-0

Thu 17th Sept

Home

RAYNERS LANE

FAYC1q

W 7-1

Mon 21st Sept

Away

SCYL

W 2-1

Thu 1st Oct

Away

Hemel Hempstead Town St Albans City

FAYC2q

W 3-1

Thu 8th Oct

Home

SHEFFORD SAINTS

SCYL

Fri 16th Oct Thu 22nd Oct

Away

Chelmsford City FAYC3q CRAWLEY SCYL GREEN

Thu 29th Oct

Home

AYLESBURY UNITED

SCYL

Henson, Corder Gyamfi Hammer, Brewster 3, Gyamfi, Corder Clark, Brewster 3, Corder 3 Corder, Clark

Brewster 2, Hammer W 5-0 Hammer 2, Clark, Brewster, Corder L 1-1 (1- Clark 3) W 6-0 Roe 2, Dey 2, Corder, Hammer 7.45 pm

U-18’s League Table 2026/27 Pos

Club

Pts

Last 5

Dunstable FC U18

5-0-0

Leverstock Green U18

4-0-0

Chesham United U18

4-0-1

Aylesbury Vale Dynamos U18

3-0-0

Crawley Green U18

-12

1-0-4

Newport Pagnell Town U18

-13

1-1-3

Hemel Hempstead Town U18

1-0-2

Shefford Saints U18

-13

1-0-3

Codicote U18

Aylesbury United U18

-16

0-0-4

U-18’s Players Stats 2025 Player

Appearances

Goals

Ted Wilkin

Charlie Henson

Alex McGinty

Ashton Corder

Oscar Roe

Lucas Hammer

Samuel Dey

Henry Burroughs

Sebastian Kirkup

Ellis Simmons

Finlay Clark

Samuel Brewster

Rehan Khan

Alex Gyamfi

Ben Jackson

Zach Palmer

Gabriel Maragh

Noah Jennings

Praise Awoyemi

Billy Gibbs

Sonny Cawdron

Signed Shirt Auction

GreenZone Cleaning & Support Services is a nationwide commercial cleaning company like no other, challenging all industry preconceptions and delivering the cleanest, most service-focused customer experience, whilst achieving new benchmarks in sustainability. Founded in 2009 and now a £30m business with over 1,000 employees, they strive to be an employer of choice, inspiring their people and driving innovative change to positively disrupt the cleaning services sector. The aim is to ensure that in all its operations, GreenZone leaves a positive legacy on our planet and people. www.gzcss.co.uk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenzonecss/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreenZoneCommercialCleaning Our Twitter handle is @greenZonecss https://twitter.com/greenzonecss?lang=en

Leverstock Green FC Honours Honours 1954-55

Joined Herts County League Division Two Herts County League Division Two runner-up

1955-56

Placed in Division One "B" for transitional season

1962-63

Normal league programme cancelled, emergency competition run instead

1967

Relegated to Division Two

1973-74

Herts County League Division Two runner-up (lost title on goal average) Promoted to Division One

1978-79

Herts County League Division One Champions Promoted to Premier Division

1984

Relegated to Division One

1984-85

Herts County League Division One runner-up Promoted to Premier Division

1985-86

League renamed Herts Senior County League

1987

Relegated to Division One

1988-89

Herts Senior County League Division One runner-up (list title on goal difference) Promoted to Premier Division

1990-91

Herts Senior County League runner-up

1991-92

Joined South Midlands League

1993-94

Joined newly formed Senior Division on league re-organisation

1995-96

South Midlands League Senior Division runner-up

1996-97

South Midlands League Senior Division Champions

1997-98

Founder members of Spartan South Midlands League Senior Division

2001

Senior Division renamed Division One

2002-03

Promoted to Premier Division

2024-25

Promoted to Pitching In Southern League Division One Gladwish Charity Cup Winners,

Hertfordshire Football Association 1991-92

Herts Charity Shield Runners-up Herts Centenary Trophy R-up

2002-03

Herts Intermediate Cup R-up

2006-07 2010-11

Herts Charity Shield Winners

2011-12

Herts Charity Cup R-up

Herts Senior County League 1965-66

Reserve Division Three R-up

1973-74

Division Two Runners-up

1978-79

Division One Champions

1981-82

Reserve Division Two R-up

1984-85 1988-89

Division One Runners-up

1990-91

Premier Division Runners-up

Spartan South Midlands League 1991-92

Reserve Division Two R-up

1993-94

Senior Cup Runners-up

1995-96

Senior Division Runners-up Senior Div Best Playing Surface 1st Equal Best Programme

1996-97

Senior Division Champions Senior Div Best Playing Surface Sportsmanship Cup Winner Fred Crain Award Winner

1999-2000

Senior Div Best Playing Surface Res Div 1 Top Sportsmanship Pts

2000-01

Sportsmanship Cup Winner Senior Div Best Programme

Reserve Division One R-up 2001-02

Sportsmanship Cup Winner

2002-03

Division One Best Playing Surface Promoted to Premier Division

2003-04

Reserve Division One R-up

2004-05

Reserve Division One Champions

2005-06

Premier Division Cup Runners-up

2006-07

Reserve Division One Champions

2008-09

Reserve Division One R-up

2010-11

Premier Division Cup Runners-up

2011-12

Fred Crain Award Winner

2012-13

Sportsmanship Cup Winner

2015-16

Napier English Electric Sportsmanship Cup Winner

Southern Counties Floodlit Youth League 2010-11

Delphian Division Runners-up

2014-15

Corinthian Division Runners-up

2015-16

Brian Hitchings Cup Runners-up Colwyn Cup Runners-up

West Herts FA St Mary’s Cup Winners

2017-18 2022-23

Runners-up

2005-06 2008-09 2010-11 2013-14

Rickmansworth Charity Cup Runners-up 1983-84 1989-90 1990-91 1991-92

Frank Major Trophy Winners 1990-91 1991-92

DC Joinery & Handyman Services - Home Page Looking for a quote? Here at DC Joinery & Handyman Services, we strive to be a Building company you can always rely on. Where our work is renowned for being both of the highest quality while being excellent value for money. We have a strong belief that all great companies are built on a solid base of satisfied clients, so customer satisfaction plays a huge role in the way we operate. With so ... www.dc-joinery.co.uk

Photographs: Taken By Lauren Archer

https://macronstorecardiff.co.uk/football-clubs/leverstock-green

VICE PRESIDENTS CLUB 2025-2026 Leverstock Green Football Club would like to thank the Vice Presidents for their help and assistance pledged for this season. Colin Bull, Peter Dennis, Jim Doble, Peter Frasier, Roger Stokes, Phil Gray As in previous seasons the donations made by our Vice Presidents have assisted us in providing many improvements. Would you like to join, £25 will secure your place.

GOLD Members Club Tony Smart, Alan Lee, Keith Pym Colin Bull and Bill Dawes The Gold Members Club for those who have given significant donations to the club. Leverstock Green FC would like to thank the above which allows the club to have additional resources for their use. If you like to join the Gold Club, please contact Tony Smart

MAIN CLUB SPONSOR SEASON 2026-2027

Unit 66 Spaces Business Centre 15-17 Ingate Place London SW8 3NS