GARSTON VETS LEAGUE
ABBEY FC 3 MACCABI LONDON LIONS 11
Maccabi London Lions began the season with an emphatic victory against a depleted Abbey side who, despite carrying a real threat going forward, were unable to keep Lions at bay for any lengthy periods of play.
The Lions were ahead within 10 minutes. Having spurned chances to open the scoring already, SAUL CONWAY' neat swivel and strike found the net via both posts. However, having been exposed once or twice already, the loss of possession allowed an Abbey break that resulted in Jon Rayner being penalised for his challenge, the awarded spot-kick drilled home beyond Mark Abrahams.
Despite controlling the game Lions were still thankful that their goalkeeper was in good form, twice out to smother bravely before a tipping away a low drilled effort. This was certainly not one way at this stage.
However, last season’s runners-up managed to get into their stride, and from the 20th minute onward exerted total control on the game. SHADLEY SILVER cut in from the right before curling a beauty into the top corner to restore Lions’ lead before ALEX LEVACK let fly from the edge of the box with the same result.
DANNY DAGGERS then added a brace, the first after brilliant link-up play with Paul Lenchner whose backheel allowed a first time finish, the second bundled home from close range.
5-1 at half time and the game was effectively over. LENCHNER himself added a sixth before sloppy play allowed Abbey two quick goals. But this was no more than a blip. Tony Gold was finding space to use his pace which he did to great effect, playing a part in much of Lions’ attacking threat in the second period.
Having teed up SILVER to stroke in the seventh, GOLD was on hand to accept the return, volleying in right-footed from Silver’s low cross for number eight.
ADAM MYEROFF then slammed home a superb left-footed strike from the edge of the box from a well-worked corner before Gold teed up DAN REUBEN to slide in and make it double figures.
RAYNER had the last word, bursting from right back to smash home.
MLL boss Dan Jacobs said: "It was a shame Abbey were so short – the game not great for either squad."
For Lions though the result they needed and some decent goals scored.
