Clinical Lions see off Raiders

Stephen Levy
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Goals from Oli Craig, Aviel Schwarz and Josh Newman earned title-chasing Lions an ultimately comfortable win over relegation-haunted Raiders at Brunel.

After an enforced three-week break due to the inclement weather, Lions were keen to put memories of a tough defeat to North West Neasden in the Peter Morrison firmly behind them. A trip to Uxbridge, to take on North London Raiders A in the league provided the opportunity to get back to winning ways and to add to an impressive six game unbeaten run in the league.

The away side started brightly, Joel Ross and Oli Craig up top both looking particularly sharp early on. In fact, just 10 minutes into the game, Lions were in front courtesy of an Craig special that saw him turn his defender and curl the ball into the top left hand corner.

Lions continued to exert pressure on the Raiders goal and dominated large spells of possession. With the wind at their backs, Lions were intent on adding to their lead and wouldn’t have to wait too long before they did just that.

From a long Yoav Lebens throw-in, Raiders only managed to clear the ball to the edge of the box, where Aviel Schwarz calmly collected himself before skillfully drilling a half volley into the bottom left hand corner for his third goal in as many games. The goal was just reward for their dominance up to that point but soon the home side were to have a number of good chances themselves.

After going 2-0 down the hosts responded well and began to enjoy more of the ball, whilst creating a number of very good opportunities to reduce the arrears. Lions can count themselves lucky on two particular occasions when sloppy defending first allowed Jamie Wolfson and later Jacob Gold to race through on goal, only for both to find the wrong side of the post.

With those two big let-offs, Lions regained control of the contest. Joey Lazare and Lebens went close to extending the lead, before Ross could only find the keeper's hands when put through one on one.

Despite not converting these chances, Lions felt confident going in two goals to the good at the break, whilst also knowing the job was only half done.

In the second period the back four seemed to grow in confidence as the game went on, Schwarz, Jacob Lew, Ollie Leslie and the outstanding Cameron Most, all crucial in repelling any Raiders’ advances, whilst also beginning numerous Lions’ attacks.

The midfield also began to take control of the game; Alex Bowmans’ work-rate and Lebens’ continual drive, symptomatic of all the good things about Lions’ play.

The front two also worked tirelessly; Ross showing his skill throughout, coming to receive the ball in tight situations and Craig his usual irritant, Balotelli best.

Although the Lions goal was rarely challenged, Castle in the Lions goal was immaculate, handling very well in blustery conditions.

Lions then added a third in somewhat fortuitous circumstances as Cohen in the Raiders goal failed to stop a Newman low drive, which effectively ended the game as a contest.

With a three-goal lead, Lions were content to maintain possession and began to wear out their opponents. JJ Spiro and Morris were added to freshen things up and Lions continued to create a vast number of chances but failed to add to the scoreline.

All in all a pleasing result for the Lions, who see their unbeaten run in the league extended to seven games, as they showed good discipline to register their fifth league clean sheet.

Next week sees another break in the schedule, before two more tricky league games at the beginning of March when they travel to Neasden, before welcoming this Raiders side back to Rowley Lane.

Lions: Sam Castle, Jacob Lew, Aviel Schwarz, Ollie Leslie, Yoav Lebens (capt), Joey Lazare (sub: JJ Spiro), Joel Ross, Josh Newman, Oli Craig (sub: Josh Morris), Alex Bowman

Goals: Craig, Schwarz, Newman