Honours even between Leverstock Green and Tring in Dacorum derby stalemate

While neither side could be faulted for their commitment or effort, it was a game where the two sides cancelled each other out and there were few clear openings at either end.

The first half in particular was short on goalmouth action, with Leverstock’s first opportunity coming in the 11th minute when Connor Deadman crossed and Alex McCarthy headed over the bar.

Tring’s side featured Chris Blunden, who is still Leverstock’s second highest scorer of this season despite having left the club at the start of the year.

But Blunden was well policed by Joe Horwood and Jack Watts and had no opportunities to score against his former club.

Leverstock had a good spell towards the end of the half. On 39 minutes Deadman passed to Ollie Buckley, who ran along the edge of the penalty area before shooting over the bar.

Within a minute a poor goal-kick from Tring keeper Jack Hopwood was intercepted by Ryan Laville, who was clean through, but instead of shooting early Laville tried to take it round Hopwood, only for the keeper to grab the ball from his feet.

Just before half-time Tring had their best chance when Blunden found some rare space on the edge of the box and laid the ball off to Sam Joliffe, but he shot wide.

The second half continued in a similar vein, with both sides being so efficient at closing down and pressing that there was little opportunity for chances to be created.

On 51 minutes a cross-cum-shot from Curtis Donaldson dropped for Laville in front of goal, but his header was comfortably saved by Hopwood, and Laville was just short of getting on the end of a cross from McCarthy on 65 minutes.

Two minutes later, at the other end, Jack Westlake put the ball across the face of goal, but just too far ahead of the incoming Lee Stobbs.

Leverstock had another good spell towards the end of the match. On 82 minutes Deadman was through on goal but shot straight at Hopwood, and in stoppage time Hopwood did well to keep out Deadman’s fierce shot from a narrow angle.

Leverstock might have won it with the last touch of the game, but McCarthy’s header was cleared off the line immediately before the referee blew the final whistle.

Leverstock Green: 1. Liam Jahn, 2. Ross Adams, 3. Jack Copson, 4. Tommy Walsh, 5. Jack Watts (16. Jon Davies 89 mins), 6. Joe Horwood, 7. Alex McCarthy, 8. Connor Deadman, 9. Ollie Buckley (12. Ashley Addison 70 mins), 10. Ryan Laville, 11. Curtis Donaldson. Subs not used: 14. Dan Griggs, 15. Dan Barnes, 17. Jack Bridges.

Tring Athletic: 1. Jack Hopwood, 2. Kevin McManus, 3. Chris Mason, 4. Luke Dunston, 5. Dan Steadman, 6. Dave O’Connor, 7. Lee Stobbs, 8. Sam Joliffe, 9. Chris Blunden (12. Taylor Collins 77 mins), 10. Kieran Turner, 11. Jack Westlake (16. Jay Caines 72 mins). Subs not used: 14. Ben Seaton, 15. Ryan Sturges, 17. Stuart Stedman.