AFA VETS TROPHY SEMI-FINAL
POLYTECHNIC 4 MACCABI LONDON LIONS 1

Lions relinquished their proud hold on the AFA Vets Trophy, succumbing to their first defeat in two seasons in this semi-final tie away at Polytechnic.

As in most defeats, there are lots of “if only’s”, but in truth, although the opposition were very beatable, on the day this Lions performance simply wasn’t good enough.

The Lions had their chances; Brad Lazarus’ free-kick hit the underside of the bar, Gideon Barnett’s shot hit the post and to the award of a foul that never was that led to the killer third goal. But the overall play lacked the usual determination and hard work that are surely the minimum requirements with a cup final spot on the line.

The pitch was small and the opposition big – the hosts clearly content to sit in, allow Lions possession and hope to use the pace and strength of their front two to cause problems. A bright Lions start saw them create bits and pieces, but confidence was rocked when they surrendered the ball high up the pitch allowing a counter. Although briefly held up, Poly always had a man over, the bright striker’s emphatic finish past Lee putting them ahead.

The pattern of the game remained the same, Lions with the ball but crowded out all too often. Defensive gaps remained unplugged, Poly thus with the clearer sights of goal. The Lazarus free-kick or Barnett shot would likely have changed the game had either/both gone in, but instead it was Poly who doubled their lead before the break.

A hopeful ball out had Lions stretched, the danger averted at the expense of a corner. The ball in was hopeful, the Lions marking non-existing – a free volley, although expertly taken, left fingers being pointed in the visitors defence.

The side were still hopeful they could get back in the game, making changes that included the introduction of Richard Baum. Although both he and Lazarus worked hard to provide Lions with a spark in the second the half, the game was probably put beyond them within five minutes of the restart.

Another Poly break was halted by a fine tackle by Andy Myers who strode out with the ball. From 30 yards away the referee however deemed it a foul. Even so the shot at goal carried little venom, but keeper Brad Lee was caught horribly positioned, the ball bouncing into the corner he had been protecting.

Lions gambled with three at the back in an effort to get back in the game and for a while it seemed to work, especially when Barnett grabbed one back with a fine turn and shot.

Max Radford then blazed over when well placed while both Baum and Barnett had very decent penalty shouts as they were man-handled to the ground.

But on the break Poly remained a constant threat, and despite the best efforts of Lazard, Myers, Craig Henry and Lee to keep them at bay, the killer fourth arrived with 15 to play and Lions’ grip on the trophy was finally wrestled away.