Landesberg’s Lions find something extra

FA VASE FIRST QUALIFYING ROUND WOOTTON CROSS BLUE 2 LONDON LIONS 3

FOOTBALL EXTRA-TIME goals from Charlie Kasler and Adam Burchell guided London Lions into the next round of the FA Vase following a five-goal thriller against Wootton Blue Cross.

Having lost at the first hurdle last year, Andy Landesberg’s team were determined to have a run in the prestigious competition.

Facing opponents from the Bedfordshire County League, the Lions started as favourites against a Wootton team who had started their season strongly.

Starting with three players from the under-18 squad, Lions opened the scoring midway through the first half when Charlie Rubin played in Burchell who fired home.

Wootton equalised early in the second half to force extra-time. Lions restored their advantage on 97 minutes, with Josh Shack threading a ball through to Burchell who slotted home and Kasler sealed the tie with a third.

Wootton set up a grandstand finish with another goal but the Lions held on to set up a tie at home to Malmesbury Victoria.

LIONS: Jake Lewis, Sam Hamerton, Charlie Rubin, Jake Furman, Jon Ellis, Nick Landesberg, Tyler Smith, Josh Shack, Charlie Kasler, Austin Lipman, Adam Burchell. Sub: Ben Goldberg