Austin can drive Lions to the title

FOOTBALL ANDY Landesberg praised the impact of Austin Lipman after the former Arsenal starlet inspired London Lions to a 7-1 demolition of The 61 FC in the Anagram Records Trophy.

The Lions experienced cup delight for a second week in a row after dispatching another Spartan South Midland League side.

The Lions were able to give 20-yearold Austin Lipman his debut after being released from Arsenal in May. He had spent 13 years at the club and also represented England at U15, U16, and U17 level.

Lipman was involved in the opener, combining superbly with Charlie Kasler to set up Josh Kennet who fired home.

Lipman then scored the goal of the game, producing an sublime piece of skill to control Jon Ellis’s pass before rolling his shot into the net.

James Gershfield claimed the third on the stroke of half-time before Kasler cracked home a 25-yarder early in the second half.

Gershfield added another before substitute Adam Burchell completed the scoring with a double.

Lions boss Andy Landesberg said: “Austin was brought to our attention by my assistant-manager and coach Steve Grenfell.

“Since leaving Arsenal, Austin has been on loan at a few clubs but has found it difficult to adapt as for 13 years he only knew one way to play and that was the Arsenal way which is a passing game and which fits into our club’s philosophy.

“He trained with us last week and had a massive impact on debut, scoring one and setting up four goals.

“He has fitted in really well with the lads and I’m delighted to see him in a Lions shirt.”