Congratulations to the Birthday Boys.......

 

On arrival the popularity of mini football was clear for everyone to see, as the car park was full and today's first challenge against Sporting 77 would be to find somewhere to park!

 

With both Ben and Henry celebrating birthday parties last night, would the Lions start brightly or still be half asleep?

 

On a bitterly cold day, the boys lined up and were ready to go, against a team they have played regularly over the last couple of seasons. With both Tom and Jack away this week, Ben and Henry started together in defence for the first time for a while and they quickly got in sync.  

 

Mike provided cover to the defence from his midfield position, whilst Zach, Sam and Ossie ran at the opposition and tracked back. The first half was a battle on quite a muddy pitch, but the boys still managed to pass the ball well, although the final ball was missing.  

 

The Barracudas attacked dangerously, and on a number of occasions the Lions defensive partnership (Benry or Henjamin, you decide) was called upon for a last ditch block or tackle. As the half went on, a throw from the right bobbled around in the Lions box and the Sporting 77 player reacted quicker and forced the ball in.

 

As we have seen recently, going a goal behind has focused the Lions and a deserved equaliser was scored before halftime, Ben's accurate cross was finished by Mike at the back post. All square at half time.

 

With the scores level it was all to play for and the next goal would be important. Ollie and Isaac had come on, both were quickly into the game, Ollie running with the ball and taking on defenders, whilst Isaac looked for the final pass. Freddie concentrated and in probably his quietest game of the season was still there when his team needed him, making a couple of excellent saves.

 

Ossie chased forward looking for the goal to take the lead and had a couple of chances saved, having taken a number of heavy tackles he was still running into the corners and he managed to get the ball to Isaac, his first time cross landed at the feet of Ollie who calmly scored from around 2 yards...... could they hold out?

 

With just minutes to play a mix up at a throw-in led to a free kick for the Barracudas, they must have been pleased as it allowed them to put into practice all that training. As the ball was laid back the shot found it's way through almost the entire Lions team and into the net....

 

There was still time for one last attack and it was almost an amasing end to an enjoyable game. Sam received the ball on the left and from fully 20 yards out, his right foot screamer smashed against the frame of the goal and rolled to safety.

 

Once again this week, the boys have played really well and more importantly played as a team. It is good to see that the boys continue to pass the ball and support each other.

 

Special mention goes to the midfield boys today, you all ran strongly in both directions and have started to realise defending and tackling can be fun! Although, for Sam and Ossie today your best tackles were on each other! 

 

After a long discussion, the man of the match award went to Mike.

 

Well done today and I hope everyone managed to find their cars!

 

See you at training,

 

Bumble and JB