Almondbury Lions played their first home game of the season and it turned out to be an emphatic victory over local rivals Lepton Highlanders B.
A change in central midfield, with Matthew Winterbottom partnering Lewis Johnson, was soon producing results. Within two minutes Lions had unlocked the Lepton defence with a move allowing Justin Johnson to confidently finish. However, breathing problems soon forced an early substitution with Regan McDemott coming on for Justin Johnson. This didn't interrupt the Lions confident passing game and they nearly exteneded their lead after a defensive mix up allowed Aidan Smith and Nathan Bentley through on goal. However, the Lepton keeper managed to prevent the final shot. This did not deter Lions and within a minute had gone 2 goals up. Matthew Winterbottom's long range effort gave the keeper no chance after the ball had been tamely cleared from the penalty area.
Lions were now sensing more goals were on offer. Aidan Smith produced a fine display all morning and started his season with a six minute hat-trick. His second was an absolute screamer which the keeper could only watch. Lewis Johnson was unlucky to have a goal disallowed for offside as the first half drew to a close. There was time for one more goal from Matthew Winterbottom though, assisted by Regan McDermott.
Half time 6-0
The second half started with Lepton playing their best football. Alex Dunstan had moved into midfield to help stop Lepton advancing the play. Lepton caused problems at the back and soon scored two quick goals to give the Lions some worries. However, captain Joshua Smith and his back four of Bradley Green, George Smith and Matthew Rigate soon organised and with a few exceptions seemed in control for the rest of the game.
Aidan Smith soon settled the home crowd's nerves with another goal from a Regan McDermott pass. Jamie McCarthy extended the Lions lead with a great run and finish from a pinpoint pass from Lewis Johnson. Johnson himself nearly scored directly from a corner but hit the post. He was unlucky again as the ball fell invitingly for him to strike from outside the penalty box, only for the woodwork to deny him again.
Aidan Smith scored with a thunderous strike as the Lions made sure of all three points. Another passing move allowed Nathan Bentley to turn his marker inside the penalty area only to be brought down unfairly. The ref had no hesitation to award the penalty. Nathan Bentley himself elected to take it and confidently smashed the ball home into the corner, however, the referee decided to make him take it again as Lepton players encroached into the area before the kick was taken. Fortunately, Bentley's second attempt was just as good and the goal stood this time.
Another consolation goal from Lepton could not stop Lions making it 11 as Nathan Bentley scored an individual goal as he beat three defenders before tucking away the goal.
Lions saw out the remaining minutes and claimed the three points. It was a credit to the team that they showed no sign of the nervousness in possession that was evident last weekend. Performances like todays will make them a real force in the division this year.
