WATFORD FRIENDLY UNDER-16 LEAGUE CUP
MACCABI LONDON LIONS 3 ST ALBANS CITY NORTH 2

A strike from Alex Davis effectively earned Lions U16's victory in their opening match of the season.

The two sides who between them won all three major WFL trophies last season, contested a tough and engaging cup game on the top pitch at Rowley Lane.

St Albans started very brightly and but for a couple of great saves by James Harpin, as well as a last-ditch goal-line clearance, could easily have found themselves two or three goals up within the first 15 minutes.

However just as Lions were beginning to settle, St Albans did strike with a well worked goal down their left hand side of the pitch.

The goal could have knocked Lions confidence, but it actually had the reverse effect and 10 minutes later they were level with a flowing move that led to a measured finish by Nathan Davis.

The game continued to flow from end to end with chances for both teams. Then just before half time, Lions scored a second. Nathan Anders towering header from a free kick crashed off the bar and there to knock in the rebound with his head was Ethan Novak.

The second half was a tighter affair. Lions struck what appeared to be the killer goal after 60 minutes with Alex Rose turning on the edge of the box to strike a great shot low into the bottom right hand side of the goal.

Lions then appeared to be quite comfortable and did waste a couple of good chances to get a decisive fourth. However with 13 minutes remaining a long ball caught out the defence and the St Albans striker finished very well to make it 3-2.

Lions then had to endure a nail biting last 15 or so minutes before the referee blew the final whistle.

A great result and considering the boys have had only one friendly and no pre season training, a pretty good all round performance.