A hat-trick from Fin Gwillim and two goals from Shiyak Sutherland ensured, what in the end, was a well deserved and comfortable victory against Lydney Town for the opening uhlsport Hellenic League fixture for both sides.

Levens arguably started the brighter of the two sides but after the quarter, Lydney grew into the game and began to dominate possession for spells. Their tricky winger proved tough at times down the right flank and hit the crossbar around 20 minutes into the first half.

But it was Levens who scored first. Shiyak Sutherland opening the account for Levens this season with a smart finish on the 30th minute. On the 41st minute, further pressure by Fin Gwillim forced an error at the back for Lydney and he pounced to go one on one with the keeper before making the score 2-0 just before half time.

HALF TIME

At 2-0, both teams knew the next goal would determine the direction of the game. A cagey start to the second half was ultimately broken when Shiyak Sutherland hunted down a lose ball to the Lydney keeper. It was not dealt with and the ball was passed to Fin Gwillim who, despite looking like he lost control of the ball, produced a scorpion kick finish to make it 3-0.

Just a few minutes later, Gwillim pressed forward before squaring to Sutherland who swiftly placed the ball in the back of the net to make it 4-0 on the 66th minute and leaving Lydney looking stunned.

A break by Lydney in the 72nd minute resulted in a lunging tackle by Leven's skipper Ollie Long which was deemed to be a foul by the referee and a penalty to Lydney. Jordi Sheen stepped up and swiftly executed the penalty to make it 4-1.

Just as the game was beginning to fizzle out as time reached the end, Fin Gwillim took control of another loose ball before seeing the Lydney keeper off his line, having a go, and subsequently hitting the back of the net. 5-1.

FULL TIME

The final whistle was blown not long after and it wrapped up a well deserved victory for Levens in the end which puts them top of the uhlsport Hellenic League after 1 game. Final score 5-1.

A mention must go to the match officials - Nathan Charles (referee), Rob Green (assistant) and Eric Edge (assistant) - who did a great job on the night overseeing the game.

Next game is on Saturday 2nd August where we host Fairford Town in the Emirates FA Cup. All support is welcome.

UP THE LEVENS!

Photo Credit - Brian Rossiter