Lions Cup runneth over
FOOTBALL AFTER a four-year absence from FA Cup action, London Lions returned in spectacular style with victory over a team who are a division above them.
Lions defeat of Wembley FC in the first-ever FA Cup match at their Rowley Lane home lifted the spirits of the entire squad, and manager Andy Landesberg, after what had been a disappointing start to their Spartan South Midlands League campaign.
“Now hopefully we can kick on in all fronts,” said Landesberg, after his brave Lions saw off the challenge of the SSML Premier League team.
Back in goal for Lions was David Myers in his first appearance since his return to the club following a spell at Spanish side Hercules.
“David re-signed for us at the end of last season and we hope we can keep him here, but we will have to wait and see what happens,” said Landesberg.
It looked as if Lions would face a daunting afternoon in the opening exchanges as Wembley showed pace and a direct attacking style of play.
But 20 minutes in, man of the match Sam Hamerton was freed by Austin Lipman’s diagonal ball. As the Lions wingback burst towards the edge of the box he was tripped by a Wembley defender and the referee had little option but to show the red card, leaving the visitors to play the rest of the game with 10 men.
But they still took the lead with a headed goal and Lions looked to be in trouble.
“It was frankly poor defending and the sending off actually seemed to lift Wembley. We were struggling for the rest of the half,” said Landesberg.
“But we had a good chat at half-time and I made some changes, bringing on Adam Harvey for Ollie Craig and it made a big difference. We raised the tempo, our passing was more accurate and we had a much better shape, playing with much more confidence. ”
To prove the point, Charlie Rubin hit a low drive into the bottom corner to level the scores and 12 minutes later Jake Furman fired the winner.
“We were not at the races in the first half, but the lads stuck to it and got a deserved win after the break,” added Landesberg, who praised in particular the performances of Hamerton, Adam Lipton and Nathan Schindler.
Lions next FA Cup clash will be away on August 25 at Isthmian League side Chalfont St Peter, who are two levels above the Maccabi side.
Lions came back to earth with a bang following a midweek 1-0 league away defeat at Broadfields United.
LONDON LIONS (FA Cup): Myers, Rinsler, Craig, Schindler, Hamerton, Rubin, Adam Lipman, Furman, Kasler, Austin Lipman, Bolle. Subs: Harvey, Myeroff, Jackson.