Levertstock Green 2 - 4 Tring Athletic

WE KICK START THE NEW SEASON OFF WITH A WIN

After a hectic schedule of pre-season friendlies with 4 games over 7 days (winning 3 and narrowly losing 1 to Kings Langley) we got down to the real business with a tough away Herts Charity Shield tie at neighbours Leverstock Green. The last time we met our hosts was in the final game of last season when they beat us 1-0 to lift the St Marys Cup so a little bit of local pride was at stake.

For our supporters the game was a chance to see how the team would line up for a competitive fixture and to see in action our new signings some of whom were familiar faces making a welcome return to Athletic, namely Max Hercules, Dave “DOC” O’Connor and Lee Stobbs and its great to see them back in the fold. The team also included new signings Jamie Ovington and Harry Jones but former Berkhamsted player Tommy Smith was unavailable for this game as was Club Skipper George Carbery, highly talented youngster Harrison Mead and experienced midfielder Davide Pobbe.

For this 78th encounter between the two sides the weather was cold, wet and windy making it seem more like winter rather than the height of summer. However, it didn’t spoil the entertainment as both sides produced some lovely football helped by the smooth, fast surface. Both sides had bright starts with Giuseppe Delgaudio having the first real effort on goal with a fizzing shot that was deflected just wide in the 10th minute.

But it was the home side that drew first blood 3 minutes later when the skilful Radu-Mihai Stefanoaica went on a terrific run through our defence before squaring an inviting ball to former Athletic player Chris Blunden who was never going to miss from such close range. Score 1-0. Fortunately for us we only had to wait 2 minutes to respond when Max Hercules latched onto a poor pass back to the keeper and tucked away the ball nicely for the equaliser. Score 1-1.

We went ahead in the 18th minute when a lovely ball sent Josh Chamberlain through the defence and he kept his cool to slot the ball past the keeper. Score 1-2. Both sides looked dangerous in attack and chances were being created at both ends but it was us who got on the score sheet again with our 3rd goal in 12 minutes. Frankie Hercules was the creator with a sublime cross which Doc O’Conner headed home. Score 1-3.

We seemed to be in control of the game but Chris Blunden showed what a lethal goal scorer he is by squeezing home a shot inside the near post despite being surrounded by our defenders and it was game on again. Score 2-3. We nearly restored our 2 goals lead 5 minutes before half time when Giuseppe Delgaudio headed a Lee Stobbs cross against the crossbar, but an enjoyable half of football ended with us holding a slight one goal lead. HT Score 2-3.

After an open first half with 5 goals scored it was perhaps inevitable that scoring opportunities would be harder to create in the second half. Both sides made changes and we brought on new signing Harry Jones as well as Greg Deer, Adam Sawyer, Lenny Armstrong and Luke Peerless and we changed our formation and shape.

We had a lucky escape in the 78th minute when set piece specialist Chris Blunden struck a superb free kick from just outside the box but Eric Negraru was equal to the task producing a magnificent save to tip the shot over the bar. This seemed to spur on Green and they enjoyed a lot of possession but we looked solid and organised. Eric Negraru was called into action again 7 minutes from time producing another good save to deny Rio Beach.

We finally put the game to bed in the 84th minute with a superb goal from Harry Shepherd. He won the ball in his own half and with the opposition defence stretched he ran through and slotted an inch perfect shot past the keeper and into the far corner. It was a brilliant finish from Harry and it was a great way to score his first goal for the club and cap a terrific performance. FT Score 2-4.

It was a good work out for both teams and a chance for both sets of supporters to get a glimpse of how their team may line up for the start of the League season. We have lost some good players with Eli Hearn, Godlove Oppong and Leo Farruch moving onto pastures new but on the plus side we have added some terrific players and personally this writer thinks the squad looks much stronger.

We have 2 more friendlies coming up (Berkhamsted on Tuesday and Berkhamsted Raiders on Thursday) which will give Ryan Sturges and his coaching team further opportunities to work with the players before we kick off the season with a home League game on Tuesday 1st August against Harpenden Town who interestingly we meet at home in the next round of this Cup (date still to be arranged).

Team: Eric Negraru, Harrison Cornick (82 Luke Peerless), Jamie Ovington (71 Lenny Armstrong), Frankie Hercules, Jack Harvey (Capt), Josh Chamberlain (71 Adam Sawyer), Max Hercules, David O’Connor, Lee Stobbs (62 Greg Deer), Giuseppe Delgaudio (59 Harry Jones), Harry Shepherd.

Goals:

LG: Chris Blunden (13,32)

TA: Max Hercules (15), Josh Chamberlain (18), David O’Connor (27), Harry Shepherd (84)

Crowd: 87