Lions Out Of Anagram Trophy
Anagrams Records Trophy
Baldock Town 1 London Lions 0
Saturday, 15 November, 2008
Manager Tony Gold used this cup game against Baldock Town to look at a number of reserve team players who reserve team managers Jon Green and Danny Jacobs felt had been playing well in recent weeks.
Unfortunately a lapse of concentration five minutes into the game at a corner and a lack of composure in front of the home sides goal eventually proved costly.
It was a pleasure to watch the young players in Ben Ellis, Josh Newman, Alex Taylor and Shai Revivo all contribute to a competitive game of football. However, it was clear from the outset that Lions lacked that little bit extra in order to really hurt their opponents although they did miss two excellent chances to actually win the game.
After Baldock Town scored from the corner, Danny Berliner in the Lions goal actually didn't have that much to do as Lions pressed for an equaliser. Adam Stolerman hit a rasping shot from 25 yards but it agonisingly hit the cross bar and went out of play.
Guy Morris organised and controlled the Lions defence superbly with Frank
Hyman having a solid game next to him and Jacob Lew and Alex Taylor both
working hard in the full back positions.
Where Lions seemed to be struggling was in centre midfield with Avi Schwarz, Josh Newman and Ben Lampert far too deep to effect the game positively.
Ben Ellis and Dominique Cheniart were a constant threat throughout but their final ball and end product lacked bite and penetration.
After a few tactical adjustments by coach Steve Grenfell at half-time Lions looked far more dangerous in the second period and should have scored two goals to deservedly be in front.
Lew whipped in a delicious cross which landed plump of Hyman's head but somehow from six yards he failed to connect and the chance went begging. Then a delightful move saw Stolerman get slipped in and just when you thought he was going to pull the trigger and drill the ball home, he tried a delicate chip over the on-rushing keeper only for the latter to scope the ball out of the air and into safety.
Newman, Lampert and Schwarz were now having much more freedom in midfield having adjusted their shape and decision making but still the Lions couldn't find a break through.
Ben Graham, Shai Revivo and Adam Littas were then introduced as Lions reverted to a 4-4-2 but still Baldock held firm and in the end held out for a 1-0 win.
After the game Gold said: "Today shows you how far the club has come in terms of quality when nine players can step up from reserve team football and compete and then more then hold their own against a good side who are doing very well this season.
"Quite simply in the end we didn't take our chances when they presented themselves but over the 90 minutes Steve and I have taken a lot of positives as hopefully have the players.
"Baldock have a great set up and are always very hospitable and we wish them all the best in the next round".
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