Friday, 29 March 2024 - 8.01 am

WRFC U14 Lions Remain The Team To Beat in SPL Division 2

lion-soccer-joanhesburg-zoo-south-africa-john-liebenberg-_barcroft-media-_fame-picturesAfter a week of players dropping out due to illness and injuries, the Lions made their  way to Epsom for the return fixture with nine fit players and two carrying slight knocks.

Manager Sean Crooke and Coach Phil Gaff had some tough decisions to make about player positions. With the team set up, the senior referee blew for the start of the game, with the Lions starting the game shooting downhill, with the sun on their backs and the management team still in shorts!

With an even start to the game, Jack played a short corner to Archie who quickly returned the pass to Jack to put in a low cross for Lewis to score his 12th goal of the season, putting the Lions 1-0 up.  The game then settled down again with few chances before half time.

The second half started with the Lions shooting uphill, the sun in Liam’s eyes.  With no subs, could this give Alexandra the lift they needed?

Maybe not, as the Lions duo Leo and Matt soon starting to control the midfield area.  Matt’s quick ball out wide left Jack one-on-one with the defender and a cheeky nutmeg saw him beat his man to deliver a low cross, resulting in a calm finish from Luke, making the score 2-0 after 39mins.

Some good defending from Will, Cameron, Finley and Johnny (in his unfamiliar role of centre-half) kept the score at 2-0.  Johnny then intercepted a pass just inside his own half and travelled with the ball, beating two players before unleashing a powerful 20 yard shot….3-0.

Alexandra Utd had nothing to lose at this point, so played with three upfront, forcing a fine save from Liam who tipped the long shot over the bar, keeping the score at 3-0.  After 61 minutes, a fine move down the left saw Luke find Archie, whose shot found Jack with time to get the ball under control, before slotting home the Lions’ fourth.

With time running out, some tired defending led to Alexandra United getting a last minute consolation goal.

Final score 1-4.

A great team performance led by captain for the day and MoM, Johnny.   The Lions stay unbeaten and guaranteed the top spot in SPL Division 2 at Christmas.

 

 

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