GARSTON VETS LEAGUE
GREENFORD 0 MACCABI LONDON LIONS 9

A four-goal salvo from captain Bradley Lazarus ensured MLL completed their preparations for the Middlesex FA Veterans Cup final in style with a crushing victory over Greenford keeping their title challenge on track.

The hailstorm that greeted the whistle at kick-off served warning to Greenford of what was to be an uncomfortable morning ahead. From the off Lions were on their game, racing into a two-goal lead in the opening five minutes through strikes from Craig Pearl and Lazarus.

It was pretty much one-way traffic, Lenchner on the stretch almost made it three on 20 minutes before he did moments later, heading home Lazarus’ cross. Pearl then reacted quickest after a brilliant piece of skill on the byeline by Daggers and it was four at the break.

Lenchner and Silver combined to present the fifth to Saul Conway before the game was marred from a Lions perspective by a reckless challenge on Myers that left him with a cut and swollen knee and an injury to Hadley Silver that could deprive the side of their services at next week’s cup final.

But the group continued to press, enjoying the space now afforded them by a tiring Greenford side. Max Radford slammed home the sixth from a tight angle before a Lazarus rocket was only half stopped by the keeper, the ball trickling over the line before Pearl made sure.

Conway was then felled in the box, Lazarus notching his hat-trick from the spot, and the skipper added a late ninth and his 4th to cap a resounding victory.

Lions now look forward to Sunday’s final date with old rivals Bushey, sweating though on the fitness of Myers, Silver and Rob Glass.