HERTS SENIOR COUNTY LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION
LONDON LIONS 2 BUSHEY SPORTS 2
Jake Furman was among the scorers as a young Lions team claimed a point against local rivals Bushey Sports at Rowley Lane.
With five first-team regulars missing and 25mph winds gusting, there was a possibility that the Lions could get blown away.
Playing with the conditions at their backs in the first half, the Lions stated brightly and they forged ahead after eight minutes. James Gershfield had an early strike saved by the Bushey keeper, Fred Lapping. The ball bounced back to Gershfield who squared for FURMAN to finish clinically from six yards - this was the second goal in as many weeks for the lively central midfielder.
Defender Josh Pistol, returning at right-back, came close to doubling the lead moments later. He burst forward and ended his strong run with a great turn and shot that was kept out by Lapping.
The Lions were forced into a change midway through the half when centre-half Harry Hatchwell landed awkwardly and was unable to play any further part in the game. He was replaced by 16-year-old Jack Mattey.
With Pistol dropping into the centre of defence and Adam Lipman going to right-back the reshuffle proved seamless and Lions continued to create chances with Gershfield beating the offside trap to be denied by the keeper. Zac Rose then came up for a set-piece but his effort was cleared off the line.
Bushey were forced into some last-ditch defending on the stroke of half-time; Josh Kennet, who had been dominating from the centre of midfield, was denied by the keeper and Adam Burchill followed up only to see his shot from a tight angle hit the post.
Louis Greenham then headed over the bar from a Kennet corner on 44 minutes but the deserved goal came after another great run and cross from Burchill that was turned in by the Bushey defender.
Disaster struck for the Lions deep into first-half injury time as the visitors pulled one back with a stunning 25-yard free-kick that beat the Lions wall and left keeper Ruby Rabstein with no chance.
Bushey came out at the start of the half with their tails up. Rose and Will Beresford had to be at their best defensively but the visitors drew level on 55 minutes with a wind-assisted strike directly from a corner.
Jake Hyman replaced Greenham for his first team debut but the pressure on the Lions goal continued, and Rabstein had to be at this best to make sure Lions remained on level terms.
But with 15 to go Lions seemed to have a second wind and Furman went close with a great left-footed volley after Mattey and Hyman linked up well to pressure the Bushey goal. Rose then saw his header clear the bar after a great ball by Burchill which was soon followed by another chance for Kennet.
Alex Rose replaced the tiring Mattey 10 minutes from time. The game opened up and Rabstein had to be on his toes to deny Bushey and at the other end, Lions had two great opportunities to secure a winner.
A bad tackle on Furman on 90 caused the player to literally see red and was dismissed for airing his disappointment to the referee at failing to caution the Bushey player for the challenge.
Overall, the young Lions showed great resolve with five teenagers in the team and deserved their point.
LIONS: Reuben Rapstein, Josh Pistol, Zac Rose, Harry Hatchwell (sub: Jack Mattey, Alex Rose 80), Will Beresford, Adam Burchill, Josh Kennet, Jake Furman, Adam Lipman, Louie Greenham (sub: Jake Hyman 60), James Gershfield
