Pearson powers Vets to victory

GARSTON VETS LEAGUE

MICHAEL Pearson scored twice as Lions Vets overcame testing conditions at Rowley Lane to crush Rayners Lane and take another step towards the title.

The hosts produced one of their best performances of the season amid blustery conditions and they made an enterprising start, with midfielder Craig Pearl opening the scoring after a sharp turn and shot after 13 minutes.

The lead was quickly doubled when Saul Conway burst past his marker and whipped in a low cross that was diverted into the net by Pearson.

Rayners Lane threatened on occasion but it was Lions who scored again, with Pearson converted on the stroke of half-time, just moments after strike partner Lee Cash had limped off with a torn calf muscle.

Lions’ goalkeeper Brad Lee preserved a clean sheet with two brave stops, one of which left him with a cut lip.

The home side continued to surge forward and Daniel Stanton tucked home a penalty before Conway latched on to a through ball to score the fifth.

Lions were left to reflect on a win that sets them up nicely for a semi-final double-header this weekend.

LIONS: Brad Lee, James Abrams, Guy Morris, Rob Glass, Adam Harvey, Alex Levack, Craig Pearl, Daniel Stanton, Mike Pearson, Lee Cash, Saul Conway. Subs: Hadley Silver, Adam Myeroff, Bradley Lazarus