SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS LEAGUE DIVISION ONE

SOUTHALL 5 LONDON LIONS 0

London Lions slumped to a heavy defeat to Southall in a wake-up call to Spartan South Midlands League football.

On the day our opponents played their first game at The Gore, their impressive new home, Lions were unable to spoil the party.

The visitors found themselves two goals down at the break as Southall opened the score on 12 minutes, before a spectacular own goal by Jon Ellis doubled the lead.

Lions had the chance to pull one back minutes before the interval, but Charlie Kasler’s spot kick was saved – Lions' second miss from 12 yards already this season.

The visitors continued to be slack in possession and were undone further by three second half strikes which highlighted why Southall will be one of the favourites for promotion this season.

The bright spot was the introduction of youngsters Tyler Smith and Jack Mattey, who showed no fear and were positive on the ball, but the 5-0 score line highlights the need for 100 per cent focus and strength from Lions as the standard will not allow for anything less.

With more players set to return from injury and absence in the coming weeks, Lions will use this as a good lesson for the future.

LIONS: Jake Lewis, Alex Taylor, Jon Ellis, Ollie Craig, Adam Arnold, Charlie Rubin, Jake Furman, Charlie Kasler, Jake Rinsler, Austin Lipman, Adam Burchell. Subs: Ben Goldberg, Tyler Smith, Jack Mattey