Lions Reserves Defeat Knebworth
Herts Senior County League Reserve Division
London Lions Reserves 4 Knebworth Reserves 1
Saturday, 15 November, 2008
With several of last week's side given an oportunity in the 1st XI on Saturday, it was a somewhat changed squad that Jacobs sent out in search of a fourth leaue victory in five outings at home to Knebworth.
By kick-off, Lions were down to barely 12 fit men - Piler failing a fitness test on Friday and Klein injuring his back in the build-up. He bravely started the game and was actually involved in the opening goal in just the fourth minute. Leader, playing a holding role, combined with Lazarus to feed Klein breaking forward. A neat pass outside the full back saw Philips outpace his man before cutting inside and striking home into the far corner - the perfect start.
Yet that was it for Klein - Josh Morris on his return to the squad slotting in at right back and performing admirably, with Newman switching flanks. Ben Grossman, back in the side after injury had seen him ruled out for the season to date and Ross Pincus were forming a great partnership in the centre, the latter really excelling in the opening stages with an impressive attacking display.
Knebworth were being run ragged. Reuben, Lazarus and Philips all forced good saves from the home keeper before the second was added from the spot. From a corner Schindler's goalbound header was handled, Lazarus calmly firing home the penalty. Pincus shaved the bar with a stupendous drive while Lazarus uncharectaristically failed when clean through. Philips then did the same - surely then fouled as he was about to tap in the rebound but the referee, perhaps feeling sorry for the visitors, let play continue. Lions weren't to be denied for long though, Philips' strike was again well saved but Reuben was on hand to apply the finish.
Lions though started to get a little cocky and complacent, forgetting the shape and manner of play that had seen them so dominant. Too many touches in the wrong areas and, like the schoolyard, everyone trying to score, saw Knebworth gifted possession. Elvey suddenly had to make a couple of saves as he was left exposed but could do little as Knebworth deservedly got one back right on half time. Schindler fizzed in a back pass that Elvey did well to half clear; the ball though was returned with interest where a man on the line diverted home. Surely offside, but the goal was allowed to stand.
So what should have been a comfortable afternoon was now turned into a battle. The play became stretched as both sides tired in the second period, and as a spectacle the game became little to write home about as the quality of the first 30 minutes became consigned to the history books.
Nonetheless Lions continued to create chances, but strikes from Grossman, Lazarus, Reuben and Philips were all kept out by the overworked visiting keeper while Pincus just lacked the final composure to apply the finishing that a mazy run deserved. At the other end Morris held his own whilst Norman used his pace to great effect to snuff out most of the danger, although Elvey was still required to prove his worth with two fine one-on-one blocks. The fourth goal that really sealed the points came on 75 minutes, this time there was no stopping Schindler's bullet header from a Lazarus corner.
The taker then limped off with a hamstring injury leaving Lions to play with 10 men, and with both Philips and Reuben also struggling with knocks, meant Lions were really out on their feet, but they dug deep and Jacobs was pleased that under pressure in the second half they kept a clean sheet.
So another important three points, with many guys taking the opportunity to show what they can do when called upon. Although several will return to the squad next week Lions will need to take stock of their injuries in the coming days as they prepare to host Sarrat next time round as they look to build on the last two results.
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