AFA VETS TROPHY LAST 16

MACCABI LONDON LIONS 6 WEST WICKHAM 1

A bright start from the hosts was soon rewarded – a corner was helped on to Andy Myers at the far post, his drilled cross-shot was turned home by the alert Paul Lenchner.

And the Lions striker doubled his and Lions’ tally on the 20 minute mark, the returning Craig Pearl evading two challenges before finding Tony Gold, Lenchner’s deft flick diverting the latter’s cross into the far corner.

Excellent work by Danny Sugarman created further openings, but it took until shortly before the interval for Lions to extend their lead, this time after Adam Kaye was upended 25 yards from goal Gold whipped a free kick into the top corner.

But a careless pass from the Lions left-back saw Lazard dispossessed, the Wickham front man curling a fine looping shot over Lee to reduce the deficit.

However any thoughts this might spark a comeback were soon dispelled, Kaye’s run to the byline saw him pull back for Mark Wagman to slot home at the second attempt.

Lions pretty much controlled the second period, adding two further goals.  Myers planted a trademark header into the net from a corner before Wagman applied a cool finish when sent clear. Both he and Lenchner missed presentable chances to grab their hat-tricks late on as the game became stretched, one fine combination move between the two that ended with a Wagman shot well saved would have been a goal of the season contender.

At the other end only sloppy play gave Wickham any real chances, Brad Lee saving well though more than once to protect his goal.

A good solid performance from the team, but a real tough test in the quarter-finals awaits as the side have been drawn against an Albanians team who knocked them out in the first round last year.

LIONS: Brad Lee, Tony Gold, Jonny Rayner, Andy Myers, Pete Lazard, Matty Kleinman, Dan Piler, Craig Pearl, Paul Lenchner, Max Radford, Danny Sugarman. Subs: Adam Kaye, Mark Wagman, Hadley Silver

SCORERS: Lenchner 2, Gold, Wagman 2, Myers