Brereton Lion improved their winning record over Belt Road with the Lion proving yet again to be a bogey team for the one time rulers of the Cannock Chase Premier division.
The Lion made the trip to Huntingon to take on Belt Road looking to take away maximum points to continue their charge for the summit of the Premier division and to eradicate last weeks highly disappointing defeat to the table topping Yates Sports.
With the Lions squad being so equipped with quality this season, the Lion could yet again field a very strong starting XI despite the missing Cushen, Chandler, Crutchley, Simpson, Houston, Matyus and Wright. The favoured XI featured a start for star forward Tommy Wright who after a lengthy injury spell was looking to get back into the thick of the action and boost his fitness levels. Also, tricky winger Cunningham returned to the side with a point to prove.
On a slick surface the game got under way and from the early exchanges it was clear that the Lion had the impetus to really go at the hosts and put them under pressure. The hosts offered little other than a direct approach of Sam Allardyce style football aiming for the wiley forward Deakin. Chances fell for the Lion with Baker, Cunningham and Stockhall all guilty of not converting their chances. Recent signing Baker was deployed in the free role behind Dunn and was showing a real threat to the Belt Road defence with some fine link up play with the supersonic Wright and the ever dynamic Dunn. On 20 minutes a punt forward from the Belt Road defence wasn’t dealt with by the Lion defence and the Belt Road winger rounded goalkeeper Bissel to roll the ball into an empty net despite Franklins last ditched efforts. This goal was not at all deserved from Belt Road but the feeling of déjà vu was on the minds of the Lion camp after last weeks missed chances and opposition taking theirs seemed on the cards again. However not to be thwarted the Lion kept their heads up and took the game straight back to the hosts with Stockhall showing his fine dribbling ability in carrying the team forward on many occasions and looked threatening every time he got on the ball. His midfield partner Carter was yet again proving his worth to the Lion side with a typical battling performance, halting any creative influences from the Belt Road midfield. More chances fell for the Lion with Cunningham being put through one on one only to meet the advancing goalkeeper, however ‘Ozil’ kept going and his attitude accompanied with work rate was outstanding at times and a joy to see after a poor pre-season which saw him linked with a move away from the Social. It was only a matter of time before the Lion would have to convert one of their chances and on the stroke of half time Baker collected the ball on the edge of the box and drove at the Belt Road defence, beat the centre back and smashed a ferocious left foot strike into the bottom corner to great applause from the Lion camp. Baker wheeled away in celebration and roared loudly with delight before being mobbed by his team mates. A great moment to score his first goal in Lion colours.
HALF TIME: BELT ROAD 1 – 1 BRERETON SOCIAL LION
Manager Corrigan demanded more work rate from his players at half time knowing that an extra 20% from the side would really give the Lion a brilliant chance of leaving with all 3 points. Only one change was made at half time with Wright being replaced by Cowlishaw.
The second half got under way and the Lion seemed to take their feet off the pedals and allowed Belt Road to play. With the unshakable Cushen and Dutton being in fine form again many Belt Road attacks were thwarted with some timely interceptions, precision heading, outstanding bravery and last ditch defending. Credit to Daley at full back who yet again gave an all action display and was keen to show his ‘Cafu’ reputation with some fine solo runs up the flank alleviating pressure from the Lion defence. Daleys passion for the game is unquestionable however he his finding his name in the book of the referee all too much recently and needs to channel his passion into his play and not let his mouth talk him into trouble. In goal for the day was Bissle aka ‘Bear’ and he played a big part with some fine saves, good handling and a lengthy accurate kick, certainly a strong asset to the Lion squad. The second half had a much more battling feel to it, with some strong tackles being put in by both sets of players and in fairness the referee handled the game well, not being too rash with the cards. On 70 minutes Corrigan rang the changes with Dunn and Cunningham being replaced by brothers Crozier and Grant, both keen to make an impact on the game. As the game came to a close the Lion looked hungry to keep the pressure on and get the winner. With the referees final whistle looming substitute Grants persistence in chasing the keeper down paid off as the keepers clearance cannoned off Grant and fell into the path of Cowlishaw who did very well to control his finish from 20 yards and give the Lion a much deserved lead. A fine finish from Cowlishaw but great work from Grant to engineer the chance.
FULL TIME: BELT ROAD 1 – 2 BRERETON SOCIAL LION
A great result for the Lion who had to dig deep against a well organised Belt Road side. The 3 points lifted the Lion up to second place in the league and really must build from this victory and encounter no more slip ups if they are to really call themselves ‘title contenders’. An overall good solid display with the Lion being good value for the 3 points.
MOM = Bullet. A very busy performance, some brilliant attacking play, linking well and a high work rate across the whole pitch.
