HERTS SENIOR COUNTY LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION
LONDON LIONS 0 STANDON & PUCKERIDGE 3
Champions-elect Standon & Puckeridge put London Lions to the sword with a ruthless performance at Rowley Lane.
were the visitors to the Lane for a rescheduled fixture that had been abandoned earlier this year when sub-zero temperatures made the pitch unplayable with Lions leading 2-1 just before half time.
On a perfect May evening and both teams playing their fourth game in eight days it was going to be a question of which team had the most desire as well as mental and physical strength to overcome the fatigue that no doubt would be setting in.
With little to choose between the teams in the early stages, Will Beresford fell awkwardly after a heavy challenge from the Standon striker and had to be replaced with a suspected dislocated shoulder.
Just after the half hour mark and Lions having had three opportunities were unable to clear the ball from the Standon corner and the visitors took the opportunity to score from close range.
Adam Arnold had two good efforts just miss the target to try and bring Lions back in the game but another defensive error five minutes before half time let S&P double their lead with James Harpin having no chance in the Lions goal.
After the break the next goal was always going to be key and Harpin had to be on his toes to make a great save and tip the ball over the bar from a fine Standon effort; but he could do nothing when poor marking left him and the Lions defence exposed for 0-3.
With Standon reduced to 10 men after a red card with 25 to go, Lions still had chances and the excellent Charlie Kasler continued to probe and find blue shirts with a great range of passing. Max Kyte and Jack Mattey saw good efforts saved by the Standon keeper and Austin Lipman felt that he should have had a penalty having been taken down in full flow.
But this was Standon's night and the comfortable victory secured their Premier Division trophy and they showed why they are the league champions.
The Lions still have two remaining league games and a cup final in 11 days, so there are still cups and places to play for.
