A four-goal bonanza from Adam Bolle helped London Lions regain the Herts Senior Centenary Trophy after a 5-1 demolition of Belstone at Hemel Hempstead FC on Tuesday night.
March 20, 2019 10:16
The striker scored the only goal of a tight first-half following excellent play from Austin Lipman but the Lions romped to victory with four second-half strikes. Bolle was simply unstoppable on a night when everything he touched turned to goals.
Playing on an excellent slick surface, Lions made their intentions clear from the outset, with Adam Arnold’s speculative effort from distance whistling just wide.
The lively Lee Goldberg, playing at left-back, produced a strong performance and his dangerous free-kick almost resulted in an own goal, with a miscued Belstone header well claimed by goalkeeper Connor Freeman.
The qualities of Austin Lipman came to the fore, as he became the game’s influential figure in the first half, with much of Lions’ attacking intent coming via the former Arsenal U21 midfielder.
Belstone had a goal ruled out offside after 11 minutes, as the Lions maintained a tight line throughout, with goalkeeper David Myers a spectator for long spells. His kicking from hands and off the deck, however, were first class.
Belstone threatened on occasion and Tighe Hyde fired just over before Lions came close twice in quick succession, with the speedy Liron Mannie causing the Belstone defence problems.
Belstone came close again midway through the half, but Myers was equal to a rasping drive from Jason Puzey, which was arrowing towards the top corner before the Maccabiah stopper arched himself backwards to tip the ball over the bar.
With half-time approaching, the Lions forged ahead following an incisive attack, as Lipman turned sharply before threading a delightful pass into the path of Bolle, who didn’t need to break stride before slotting the ball home. It was a goal of the highest quality.
Whatever manager Andy Landesberg, assistant-manager Steve Grenfell and coach Darren Yarlett said the to the players at half-time worked a treat, as the Lions executed their game-plan to perfection with a ruthless second-half display.
A free-flowing move at the start of the half resulted in a resounding finish by Bolle, who played like a man possessed. He sped down the left before smashing the ball into the top corner before the keeper could even react for the goal of the night. At 2-0, Belstone simply could not handle him on a night when virtually everything he tried came off.
The third goal quickly followed, after a penetrating run down the left by Bolle was crudely ended by a foul in the area. Bolle dusted himself down before sending Freeman the wrong way from the penalty spot.
Bolle was not finished there, and he broke free in the area again minutes later, before rifling a low drive in off the post to make it 4-0.
Lions did not take their foot off the accelerator and Austin Lipman drew a brilliant save from Freeman with a 25-yard free-kick. From the resultant corner, the ball was played to Levenfische – one of the game’s outstanding performers - who cracked home the fifth, with a fine shot into the bottom corner.
The 186 spectators saw a consolation goal for Belstone 10 minutes from time, with Darren Turner’s low penalty just beating Myers.
But that did not dampen the mood on another memorable night for the Lions, who will be looking to complete a cup double when they take on Risborough Rangers in the SSML Division One Cup final at Leverstock Green FC on May 1.
LIONS: David Myers, Jake Rinsler, Lee Goldberg (sub: Max Kyte), Nick Landesberg (capt), Adam Lipman, Levi Levenfische (sub: Adam Myeroff), Adam Arnold, Austin Lipman, Liron Mannie, Dan Creese (sub: Reiss Mogilner), Adam Bolle. Subs: Nathan Bloohn, Adam Harvey
SCORERS: Bolle 4, Levenfische
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PLAYER RATINGS
David Myers (GK) - one brilliant first-half save and unlucky not to keep out the penalty. Kicking was near perfect, both from hands and off the deck
Jake Rinsler (RB/LB) - versatile young defender played with great maturity. Brave and strong in the tackle, won his individual battle and good distribution throughout
Lee Goldberg (LB) - an Andrew Robertston-esque display from a full-back with bags of ability. Never lumped it forward, always played the cultured and right pass to feet. Got up and down well. A proper display from a proper footballer
Nick Landesberg (CB) (capt) - selected ahead of the more experienced Adam Myeroff, led the line superbly, winning important headers and distributed the ball from the back accurately
Adam Lipman (CB) - rock solid alongside Landesberg, won first balls and second balls and made several timely interceptions
Levi Levenfische (CDM) - commanding presence in the front of the defence. Always looking for the ball and played the easy pass. Scored a deserved goal before limping off late on
Adam Arnold (CM) - mature performance from a player who loves his football and plays with a smile on his face. Got through a lot of work on the night
Austin Lipman (CM) - big-match player who turned it on when it really mattered. Outstanding piece of skill and assist for the opener. Kept things ticking and a wonderful free-kick denied by a super save
Liron Mannie (LM/RB) - took the battle Belstone in the first half with some mesmerising runs. A highly-respected member of the team who always puts in a shift
Dan Creese (RW) - got on with his job down the right quietly and efficiently. Rarely lost the ball, even with two or three players around him and put in some telling crosses
Adam Bolle (S) - no words can do his performance justice
SUBS:
Max Kyte - got into the game quickly, at times dropping deep to get on to the ball and threatened down the left
Adam Myeroff - made his 494th appearance for the team, though we can't be sure how he worked up a sweat without touching the ball!
Reiss Mogilner - great to see one of the MSFL's success stories on the big stage. Almost scored a worldie with the last kick of the game