F.C. Lions of Wycombe produced a performance of the highest order this morning against Hithercroft Reserves, running out comfortable victors despite once again being reduced to 10 men, following defender Romario Farquharson's late dismissal.
A spectacular 25 yard own goal was preceded by striker John Tilbury's 12th and 13th goals of what is proving to be a prolific season for the Lions resident number 9.
The Lions welcomed back Jake Sherwin into the squad for the game, following a 6 game absence, and he stepped off the bench in the 63rd minute to replace Dale Why in the Lions midfield before turning emergency centre back when young Farquharson was adjudged to have played man before the ball as he made a last ditch attempt to stop a powerful Aaron Cordice run on 78 minutes, and was dismissed for being the last man, denying a clear goal scoring opportunity.
The Lions however got off to the perfect start in the 7th minute when Scott Sharples, enjoying a more familiar central role, was able to carry the ball out wide before cutting back onto his right root and floating over an inviting ball for Tilbury to head home, unmarked in the 6 yard box.
This was the start of a dominating 90 minute display from the Lions, who heeded manager Carter's pre match demand of a performance and a return to winning ways, after back to back League defeats.
Minutes later Tilbury's strike partner Ben Phippen worked himself a good chance on the edge of the box, cooly throwing a defender with a composed bit of footwork before firing inches wide of the post.
Phippen then thought he had the second when a high looping cross shot deceived the Hithercroft keeper before hitting the inside of the far post and being cleared to safety.
Lions number 7, Sam Jordan, thought he had won a penalty in the 29th minute when he was chopped down after a mesmerizing run - however referee Bingle awarded a free kick right on the 18 yard line. This was confirmed to be the correct decision afterwards.
Tilbury almost extended the Lions lead just before half time when his snapshot looked to be heading into the bottom corner, only for Perrin-Wiggs in the Hithercroft goal, to scramble across and produce a fine one handed save.
Half time came and went with the Lions still holding a slender lead, however looking threatening every time they attacked. Then on 63 minutes, Sherwin made his entrance, replacing Dale Why who had enjoyed another fine game in the middle of the park, and is making strong claims for the Lions number 4 shirt with a strong end of season string of performances, in a like-for-like swap. Two minutes later Simon Thomas replaced Dan Stacey at right back, making his 20th appearance of the season in the process.
Then with 70 minutes on the clock, the Lions added the killer second, again courtesy of Tilbury. Sherwin's fine long, raking ball releasing Sharples down the left hand channel, Sharples beat his man before raising his head and laying the ball across the box for Tilbury to control and place an effort past the onrushing keeper. Goal number 13 for Tilbury, who now moves just 2 goals behind top scorer Phippen.
Phippen was having "one of them days" you get as a striker sometimes, and try as he might, he just couldn't find the net. Even after latching onto a long David Grabe clearance, he rounded the keeper and with the goal at his mercy, proceeded to fire his shot past of the far post.
The on 78 minutes, Hithercroft's 4-3-3 switch paid off and Cordice beat two challenges before being halted by a last ditch Farquharson challenge. The defender received his marching orders, the Lions 5th red card of an undisciplined season, and Hithercroft's number 10 Justin Webb fired the resulting penalty into the top left hand corner past Stevens.
Down to 10 men once more, Carter reshuffled the pack, dropping the impressive Sherwin into central defence, and John Tilbury selflessly filling Sherwins void in centre mid as the Lions prepared for a last 10 minutes backs to the wall job.
They needn't have worried though as Hithercroft's centre back Sean Pulley made it 3-1 with possibly the most spectacular own goal of the season. After cutting out a crossfield Sharples pass - intended for Phippen, Pulley hashed his attempted clearing volley and from 25 yards, sliced the ball over his own keeper and into the top corner.
The Lions continued to dominate and press, and played out the remaining minutes camped in Hithercroft's half, trying to score a 4th.
Man of the Match was John Tilbury. 2 very important goals, and a display of courage and intensity meant he narrowly shades it ahead of some very worthy claimant's in Sharples, Scott West and Sam Jordan.
