Downs Saints’ title bid is blown off course by surprise defeat to Lion
LOWLY Lion took a welcome step towards safety in Division Two of the Downs League, thanks to a shock 3-2 win against leaders St Andrews in atrocious playing conditions, with heavy rain driven down the pitch by strong winds for lengthy periods.
Since being relegated last season, Saints have made a bright start to the campaign under new manager Shaf Sahoor, but they struggled in the first half facing the wind and Lion took a deserved 2-0 lead at the break.
Sam Robertson opened the scoring with a well-struck volley and the same player headed the second as the leaders came under pressure during most of the opening 45 minutes.
It was all change in the second half, with Saints calling the tune, only to be caught on the break when Dan Jones added the third goal for Lion with a fine solo effort in a rare breakaway.
Stung by the setback, Saints dominated the closing stages and Stan Hamblin pulled a goal back with a free-kick, before John Derrick converted a penalty to close the gap and set up a hectic finish.
Only a full-length save by playermanager Luke Brimble in the Lion’s goal prevented a late equaliser from the oldest club on the Downs, whose history dates back to the 1880s.
“We struggled to hang on in the end after making a good start,” said the relieved Brimble. The result disappointed Sahoor, although he admitted that Lion probably had the edge overall in the very testing conditions.
Torpedo Reserves drew level on points at the top with St Andrews after being saved from defeat in a 2-2 draw with Jamaica Bell by late goals from Jaime Garcia and Alex Veale.
Sneyd Park Reserves closed the gap on the pacesetters, after Haffan Masir grabbed the only goal against Old Cliftonians, while Clifton Rockets drew 1-1 with Evergreen.
Sneyd Park surrendered their 100 per cent record at the head of Division One after being held to a 2-2 draw by Portland OB, who were pegged back by late goals from Jacob Towl and Finn Thornton, but Torpedo lost ground after slumping to a surprise 1-0 defeat against Retainers.
Clifton St Vincents moved into second place with a 5-0 win against Ashley, Wellington Wanderers defeated Old Elizabethans 4-1 and Saints OB overcame Jersey Rangers 3-0.
No games were played in Division Three, while the only Division Four game to go ahead saw BS10 FC hit the top with a 4-1 victory against West Town United.
Sneyd Park A and Sneyd Park B both won GFA cup ties postponed from the previous week.
Doubles from Darren Browning and Joe Garvey inspired the A team’s 6-1 Minor Cup romp against Cosmos Reserves, while the B side beat Clifton St Vincents A 3-0 In the Primary Cup, thanks to strikes by Pete Bradshaw, Dave Fitzpatrick and Matt Hewitt.
Downs League clubs enjoyed wins in other rearranged GFA cup ties, including AFC Bohemia (1-0 victors against Henbury Reserves), Saints OB Reserves (2-0 against Westerleigh) and APS (4-0 victors against Phoenix Reserves).
Wick Reserves were unable to raise a side for their Junior Cup visit to Bradley Stoke, who are likely to be awarded a bye to the next round by the GFA.