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Friday 14 September 2018

Neither Side Flipped At Pancake Lane - Leverstock Green vs. Hadley

Clouds over the club buildings at Pancake Lane
For the latest instalment of early season cup football, I headed to the fantastically named Pancake Lane for The FA Cup First Qualifying match between Leverstock Green and Hadley. Leverstock Green are a team I have seen several times over the seasons, most recently at Cockfosters at the back end of last season. Both sides are in The South Midlands League Premier Division and it was in this competition that I saw Hadley host Biggleswade United a couple of years ago. Going on league form alone, Hadley were favourites having won three and losing only of their league games while Leverstock had lost the same number, they had also drawn two. However in their last three games, Leverstock had score twenty goals including ten in one game against Unite MK in The FA Vase. So there had to be goals right?

Kick off at Pancake Lane
Sadly not. The game never really gets going and while both sides look good in midfield, there isn't too much goal mouth action - you can tell I left my notebook at home and leaving it nearly week to write this wasn't the best idea. Leverstock Green won the replay one nil thanks to a second half free kick to set up a tie with Dorking Wanderers.

Leverstock Green trying to create
To get to Leverstock Green from London, you first need to take a train to Hemel Hempstead from Euston which takes around half an hour. Then from the High Street you take the half hourly 301 bus to right by the ground and this takes ten minutes. There are three pubs in Leverstock Green. The Plough and The Green Man had a couple of ales while The Leather Bottle had BT Sports. After receiving the friendly welcome from the gateman, I went into the clubhouse to discover a broader than usual selection of drinks. A great afternoon out and very glad I finally got round to see Pancake Lane.






Leverstock Green looking for a late winner

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