U11 Lions win but remain in second place

It was back to the league for the Lions this Saturday with a home match against Travaux Youth U11s at Seafield Park. Without Sam Blythin, their regular keeper, the Lions were forced to press into action one of their outfield players. In fact, the Lions have a number of boys more than capable of playing between the stick so this was never going to be a problem – and indeed it wasn’t because they kept a clean sheet - their fourth of this term so far. The Lions had an early opportunity to take the lead when Harry O’Malley was brought down in the box. However, the resultant kick was missed – the Lions third penalty-miss of the season. It was to have no serious consequences when a few minutes later Kai Sterne opened the Lions account. The Lions were the dominant side throughout the half and further increased their lead from a spectacular goal scored by James Beadell.
 
Travaux threatened sporadically but were well held by the Lions defence. The home side, however, were suffering from a number of offside decisions which was seriously disrupting their flow of play – whether by design or accident, Travaux were using the tactic well. Nevertheless, when the Lions did get forward they always looked dangerous and likely to score. Midway through the second half Harry O’Malley, who was having a good match, latched onto a loose ball and rifled it into the back of the visitors net. The Lions continued to dominate and ten minutes before the end Benjamin Lolljowaheer lashed in a corner to make the score 4-0 to the home side.
 
The Lions had played well but the offside count against them had moved well into double figures so this is something they need to think about. The boys really needed to keep the scoreboard ticking over to close the goal-difference between themselves and Whiteley Wanderers Lions at the top. With Whiteley winning 4-0 too, that didn’t happen, but at least the boys remain in second place equal on points with an away match against them to come, so things are looking okay. Although Gosport FC Arrows, AFC Portchester Castles and Waltham Wolves Giants, are all good teams and with games in hand, cannot be discounted.