Spartan South Midlands Football PREMIER DIVISION Harefield United 1 Leverstock Green 2

Harefield United are still eight points clear at the top but a 2-1 defeat at home to Leverstock Green means Chalfont St Peter are beginning to look ominous in third place.

The Hares endured a tough afternoon against Leverstock, conceding two goals and only replying in the 90th minute as they were left with a third defeat in six games.

Chalfont meanwhile, are unbeaten in 12 and although they are still 13 points back, they do have five games in hand on the Hares.

Harefield failed to start well against Leverstock, allowing the visitors to take control and their long ball tactics and quick breaks kept the home defence under constant pressure. An early chance fell to James Armstrong but he shot wide and he sent an even clearer opportunity over the bar from a Dale Sears cross, before on 28 minutes Ben Cowen had a great sight of goal from a wicked cross by Adam Willis only to head at the keeper.

Danny Buckle was off target with a header too as both sides were guilty of failing to test the keepers until in the final 10 minutes of the half the Hares finally showed signs of life.

They continued to improve after the restart but stout defending kept them at bay and Leverstock were gifted the opening goal when a cross by Daniel Weeks found Dales Sears unmarked and he nodded home.

Leverstock sat on their lead but for all their possession the Hares created very few chances, Alex Brown heading a rare one over from a corner while Buckle also headed wide, before in the 76th minute Leverstock doubled the lead. They were awarded a controversial free kick after the referee seemed to signal a dive by the visiting player and although Steve Hawes blasted into the wall the ball came back to him and this time he fired home from a sharp angle.

Harefield piled forward in the last 15 minutes but Leverstock held out until Joe Kelly crossed from the right and Jamie Houliston headed in at the near post, yet despite more late pressure the Hares could not salvage a point. HAREFIELD: Miller, Willliamson, Eldridge, Kirk, Brown, Kelly, A Willis, Gladdy, Buckle, Drake, Cowen. Subs: L Willis, Williams, Haynes, Houliston.

Goals, Hares: Houliston 90. Leverstock: Sears 70; Hawes 76. Attendance: 107. 

* The Reserves lost 3-0 at Suburban League North leaders Hampton & Richmond Borough.