WATFORD FRIENDLY LEAGUE UNDER 15 CUP SEMI-FINAL
LONDON LIONS 3 EVERGREEN YOUTH 1
Strikes from Nathan Davies, Jack Mattey and Alex Rose steered London Lions under-15 Whites into the final of the Watford Friendly League Cup following a 3-1 win over Evergreen Youth at a packed Rowley Lane.
This was billed as semi-final Sunday, with three other last other ties taking place at the Arkley venue.
Joint-managers Mark Rose and Darryl Lazarus have done a fantastic job with this group over the last four years, winning promotions and reaching cup finals, and this season they have steered the Lions team into second place in the top division of the Watford Friendly League, at the U15 age group, as well as reaching the final.
Lions were sluggish in the first 15 minutes of the match and struggled to control the opening. Evergreen were putting pressure on the Lions back four and created the two best chances early on, and the pressure told as the visitors forged ahead after 25 minutes with a brilliant looping half volley.
Lions were guilty of giving away a needless free-kick close to the area; the delivery was swung in and Lion keeper Jack Rifkin managed to get a punch on the ball but it feel to an Evergreen player who looped the ball over Rifkin into the top of the net.
This was possibly the wake-up call that Lions needed as they hauled themselves level within three minutes following a sweeping move that started inside their own half. Lions were awarded a throw around the halfway line. Sam Hamerton looked up and spotted midfield dynamo Max Misrahi in space. He received the ball and played a sweeping pass to the left. Fantastic wing-play between George Leigh and Ethan Novak saw the ball delivered low and hard into the box for Nathan Davies to get the slightest of flicks over the on rushing keeper.
The Lions were clearly lifted by the equaliser and they gained the initiative five minutes later through the industrious Jack Mattey. He received the ball in a central area and drove at the Evergreen back four, beating two players before sliding the ball home to give the Lions a 2-1 lead at half time.
At the break, Lions' coach Darren Yarlett, who has been training this group all season, demanded more in terms of quality and ball retention; by his standards it wasn't good enough.
The Lions looked like a different side in the second half; the pressing had more intensity to it and the passing was more controlled.
Evergreen could not get hold of the ball and it came as no surprise as the Lions opened a 3-1 lead after 60 minute. The influential Mattey delivered a beautiful ball from a corner for Alex Rose to climb highest and power home a header.
Lions grew in confidence and were now controlling the game. Substitute full-backs Alex Randall and Ben Feldman were excellent, along with Jordan Green, Ollie Light and Aiden Raphael. Nathan Anders was brought on to add some steel in defence, and also made several important blocks.
To their credit, Evergreen did not surrender and they struck the bar with a superb free-kick with 10 minutes remaining, but Lions held firm to reach the final.
There were some big performances from skipper Jordan Green, Max Misrahi, George Leigh, and the hard-working Ben Lazarus.
Lions joint-manager Mark Rose said: "The lads did well today and thoroughly deserved their place in the final.
Co-boss Darryl Lazarus commented: "The first half wasn't pretty but the boys took the instructions on board at the break and showed what a good side they are. We now look forward to a final again Whetstone Wanderers.
Lions coach Darren Yarlett added: "I've been working with this particular group since September and, for me, they are the future of this club. A large chunk make up both the Team Maccabi GB Futsal and Football squads for Berlin which speaks volumes for them and the hard work that Mark and Darryl have done.
"But for me, they still require lots work, but I've now committed to these boys for next season where they will have their first full pre-season over the summer and midweek training during the season will be extended in order to work on their development.
"With not enough young quality Jewish players coming through, it's now time to start the cycle again. Everything is here for the boys in terms of facilities, coaching and advice and I have faith that the majority of this squad can represent the club in Saturday football and future Maccabiah's over the years.
"This is both mine and the club's aim and we will get there, but patience will be needed to succeed.
"In fact I'm probably more excited with this challenge than anything I've achieved whilst coaching Neasden, Lions and at Maccabiahs ... watch this space."
