'Vase run is a bonus,' says Lions boss Landesberg
FOOTBALL ANDY Landesberg reflected on a proud day for the club after London Lions reached the second round of the FA Vase for the first time following a deserved victory over Clapton.
A record crowd of 197 saw the Lions give an excellent account of themselves, both on and off the pitch, according to Landesberg.
The hosts were the sharper team from the start, although they struggled to make their superiority tell due to some strong winds.
Jack Mattey went close early on following good work from Austin Lipman who set up the opener minutes later, with Adam Burchell applying the finishing touch.
Burchell’s pace was causing Clapton no end of problems and the Lions doubled their advantage a minute into the second half, with Charlie Kasler striding forward before firing home.
Clapton halved the deficit on 60 minutes, much to the delight of their raucous following, but substitute Max Kyte helped the Lions restore their twogoal advantage, with Burchell lashing his shot into the bottom corner.
Clapton registered a second deep into stoppage time but the Lions progressed to set up a trip to Leighton Town of the South Midlands Premier next month.
Lions boss Andy Landesberg said: “It was a great day for the club in which everyone involved delivered nicely.
“We’ve had some unbelievably positive comments from the Clapton fans. It was great to have Max Kyte back for the first time this season, although we have now lost Charlie Kasler for a couple of games after he suffered a broken hand.
“There is a great spirit around the club and we are building a strong bond with our supporters. The focus now is on securing three points in the league against Harefield United.”
LIONS: Dan Lipman, Adam Myeroff, Jon Ellis, Nick Landesberg (capt), Charlie Rubin, Adam Lipman, Jake Furman, Charlie Kasler, Adam Burchell, Austin Lipman, Jack Mattey. Subs: Josh Shack, Tyler Smith, Max Kyte