A deadly double from Ollie Craig propelled London Lions into the top ten of the Spartan South Midlands League Division One following a hard-earned 2-1 win over Broxbourne Borough.
November 18, 2019 11:08
ByJC Reporter, JC Reporter
SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
BROXBOURNE BOROUGH 1 LONDON LIONS 2
With a starting line that had an average age of under 23, Lions showed some real grit and determination in a closely contested game. With Max Davis (16) and Nathan Bloohn (17) in the starting 11 they both showed why they warranted their place.
Lions dominated the opening 20 minutes with several chances being created, but not being taken. It took a much more difficult chance from Craig to take the lead after 20 minutes as he smashed a 35-yard left-footed bullet into the bottom left-hand corner of the net.
Several more chances came and went, and on 35 minutes Broxbourne grabbed a soft equaliser. Half-time came with the home team starting to grow in confidence. The half-time break in the Lions dressing room was lively, and some very clear instructions given by manager Andy Landesberg, especially emphasising the need to take the chances that were being continually created.
Lions started very well in the second half, gaining control of the game again. The back four looked strong and comfortable, and Nathan Bloohn in goal was performing extremely well.
Within 15 minutes of the start Benji Weinberger cut in from the right and into the box, where he was taken down by the full-back, penalty for Lions. Max Kyte stepped up and the Broxbourne goalkeeper made a good save down to his left.
Lions responded well to the missed penalty and continued to be very competitive and strong. Central midfielder Levi Levenfiche was solid and powerful and did a magnificent job. With Craig’s legs starting to run out, he was finding himself higher up the park. Lions continued to press for the winner and in the 80th minute a through ball from the middle of the park beat the Broxbourne back four and Craig raced clear, he rounded the keeper well, and from a tight angle slotted home to make it 2-1 Lions and his third goal in two games.
Lions showed some great game-management in the last seven minutes, keeping possession and playing the game in the Broxbourne half of the pitch. Broxbourne became frustrated and some yellow cards were issued, followed by a red for the centre-half for a very heavy challenge on the 16 year old Max Davis.
The final whistle came and Lions took the three points home, in what was a very good game of football.
Lions manager Andy Landesberg was delighted with the overall performance. He told JC Sport: "Today we showed what we can do, dig deep and battle for every single ball. We have to do better in front of goal, missed chances are as bad as goalkeeping or defensive errors. It has to improve.
"Today we saw Max Davis show us what he can really do. He worked so hard, he defended, tackled back, and has set the standard of the level he is capable of. Special mention has to be made for the back four who have now played seven times in succession without a change. The skipper, Nick Landesberg, led the team, Nathan Schindler improves with every game and Adam Lipman and Lee Goldberg have carried on from their Maccabiah performances.
"What we lack is consistency in form and consistency in availability. There isn’t a team in this league we can’t beat, and that is a big frustration for me. Slowly but surely we continue to creep up the league."