Lions can only look forwards after loss

IT IS never easy fronting up for a post-match interview after a loss, but it doesn’t get any tougher than what it was for Leichhardt goalkeeper Nathan Haydon.

Haydon, to his credit, spoke openly about the 9-0 horror show Leichhardt endured at Tiger Park, in what doubled as possibly the longest 90 minutes — and potentially the worst experience — of the goalkeeper’s football career.

There’s not much one can say after such a beating, particularly in a qualifying final between the two top teams in the competition, but Haydon was forthright when asked for his thoughts on the game.

“I don’t think anyone was expecting us to go out there and just be beaten at everything, and there’s really no words to describe it,” Haydon said. “The only thing we can do is come to training on Tuesday and come out firing next week because we have that second chance so it’s not over.”

Edge Hill Utd found their first goal after 11 minutes, led 7-0 at halftime and ultimately romped to a 9-0 victory. Haydon said they got on a roll, one which couldn’t be stopped.

“They found a weakness, and we just couldn’t deal with it in any way, shape or form,” Haydon said. “It was just one after another after another. “There’s no excuses.” Leichhardt duo Cameron Nucifora and Cristian Cuoto Calderon were shown red cards, while Albert Sasplugas was sin-binned for dissent in a horror show the Lions will leave in the rear view mirror as they prepare for a preliminary final at their home ground.

But Haydon said home ground advantage won’t mean a thing if they produce a similar performance.