A comprehensive win over Cheam Rovers saw the Lions progress into the Division's cup semi-final for the second time in two years. In the absence of the goal machine that is Nelson, Max, Ben, Harry and Rob increased their respective tallies in a game that was by all accounts dominated by the Lions. Paul's still waiting for his first clean sheet though.
Your regular Webmaster wasn't at this game, so Nath has stepped in to provide the match report and goal details...
" A great team performance saw the lions comfortably through to the semi finals. Although we had to endure the disappointment of four last minute drop outs, the team pulled together and got a well deserved win.
After a slow start to the game, we were 1-0 up within 15 minutes following a nice move between Max and Ben. Max got hold of a loose ball down our right hand side, he then cut in and dribbled along the edge of their box, a one two with Ben and Max was in on goal. Max kept his shot low and hard and gave keeper no chance at all.
There wasn't many other chances created in what was a fairly even first half. The most notable fell the the opposition. Following a cross into the box, their striker managed to bring the ball down on the corner of our 6 yard box. He turned our defender, got a shot off but a great save from Paul kept the score 1-0 at half time.
We started the second half much brighter and notched a shot on target in the first minute. Harry's long range effort flashed across the goal but the keeper managed to tip it past the post.
It didn't take long for us to get our second goal, or third and fourth for that matter as we extended our lead with three goals in the first 15 minutes of the second half.
Following a long ball from the back, Ben rose above everyone to flick it on, Harry latched onto it and squared the ball to Max just inside the opposition's box. Max received the ball, swiveled and drove the ball into the bottom right hand corner of the goal making it 2-0.
Minutes later, it was 3-0. We were attacking down the right hand side when the the ball was played to Ben who was brutally taken out. Whilst some looked to the ref, for what was an obvious freekick, Rob was not one of them. Having slotted in at CB the week before and spending most of the game in his own half, his eyes lit up at the opportunity to strike a ball at goal. Without even looking at the goal, he wacked the ball some 25 yards into the top right-hand corner.
Not long after, our fourth came by way of Max repaying the earlier assist and setting up Ben. The move was started by Nick S who received the ball out wide on the left. He whipped in a early cross which just flew over Max's head. Max, not willing to give up on the move, chased the ball down and kept it in play. As the defender closed him down, Max dropped the shoulder and was around the defender with ease. He got his head up and picked out Ben in and around the penalty spot who then slotted the ball into bottom left-hand corner.
Max fancied a rest at this stage and with no strikers on the bench... up stepped Mr versatile and it only took a couple minutes for Kieran to register a shot on target. The ball was crossed in from the right, Kieran rising like a salmon managed to beat two defenders in the air and head the ball towards the goal from 6 yards. Unfortunately for us the keeper was well positioned to gobble it up.
Being 4-0 up and hungry for more, although we looked dangerous going forward, we were a bit open to the counter attack.
The first warning sign came when a long ball was lofted forward towards their striker who found himself inside our box with no defender nearby. Luckily Paul was alert and rushed out to punch the ball clear of danger.
We were not so lucky moments later when following a break, one of their players found himself with the ball at his feet in time and space just outside our box. He shot from range which Paul done well to save but he only managed to palm the ball into the path of their striker who smacked it in from 6 yards out.
At 4-1, we were still reasonably comfortable and managed to get a fifth with the last kick of the game. The ball was played to rob inside their box and seconds later Rob was on the floor. The ref blew up and with Rob already on a yellow card, we were fearful of a second for simulation. However, the penalty was awarded and Harry stepped up with no hesitation. After his last penalty, the pressure was on to right a wrong and he did just that by smacking the ball into the top right corner.
So there you have it... 5-1, never in doubt and we look forward to meeting either Lokomotive Londres or Reigate Hill Reserves in the semi final. "
