A second-half brace from in form Paul Lenchner was enough to help Lions overcome a first half deficit and secure passage into the third round of the prestigious AFA Vets Trophy.
October 21, 2014 14:08ByAnonymous, Anonymous
AFA VETS TROPHY ROUND TWO
LONDON LIONS 2 LATYMER OLD BOYS 1
A second-half brace from in form Paul Lenchner was enough to help Lions overcome a first half deficit and secure passage into the third round of the prestigious AFA Vets Trophy.
Despite missing a few regulars, it was still a talented Lions side that was sent out, but in the opening exchanges they failed to stamp their authority on the game and, with the strong wind against them too, it was a disjointed opening period.
That said, they still created the best of the chances early on, with Tony Gold's cross just evading Brad Lazarus and Lenchner seeing his header beat the keeper but not the back of the covering defender.
But the game was scrappy, and it was thus fair play to Latymer that, with 30 minutes on the clock, they took the lead. A ball over the top was diverted into the path of their forward whose first-time finish on the run was a goal of real quality.
Having lost Gold to a tweaked hammy early in the play, Lions were grateful for Andy Miller's excellent covering tackle to keep the home side in it. Whilst Lions bossed possession it still took superb performances from Jon Rayner and Pete Lazard to repel rare Latymer forays, while Brad Lee in the home goal really earned his corn today with three vital blocks.
With Latymer defending deep and showing great application, it thus became a battle of patience for Lions as they strove to find a leveller. And it came on 65 minutes. DAnny Piler, who had a great game in midfield, was crudely upended on the Lions left. Lazarus swung in the free-kick that the keeper couldn't gather cleanly and Lenchner on hand to blast home the loose ball.
Paul Linger was now getting into the game, and along with Lazarus and Piler kept driving Lions forward. A superb move between the three and then Baum opened up Latymer, but Lenchner wanted an extra touch and saw his shot blocked.
But Lenchner, the Lions front man, wasn't to be denied as, with 10 minutes left he did brilliantly to bring a bouncing ball under control before swivelling and lashing home from 12 yards what proved to be the winner.
Latymer had the odd half chance, but more fine defending ensured Lee wasn't unduly troubled, in fact Lions could and probably should have made things safe as space opened up, but the third goal failed to materialise.
Lions boss Danny Jacobs said: "It was not the best, but a win's a win. A good, hard game played in an excellent spirit and very well officiated."
A week off for Lions then a tough cup encounter with Old Salvatorians as we enter November.