A goal from James Gershfield moved London Lions to within a point of the Herts Senior County League Premier Division title after they beat leaders Wormley Rovers at Rowley Lane.
In what was described as “arguably their biggest game in their history” by manager Tony Gold, the boys from Rowley Lane ran out worthy winners.
A tension filled afternoon saw Tony Gold’s men make a flying start. Top-scorer Adam Stolerman was in the right place at the right time to open the scoring with a smart far post finish.
Gershfield spurned a chance to double the lead. After cutting in from the right, he found himself one-on-one with the keeper who got a vital touch on the ball which was hacked clear.
Rovers came into the match as the half wore on and a misunderstanding in the Lions box gifted them an equaliser with the ball looping in on the stroke of half time.
Nerves played a big part in the second half where the Lions had a goal disallowed for offside. The hosts looked the better team and Gershfield latched on to an exquisite pass from Daniel Stanton, found time and placed an inch-perfect lob into the net.
Rovers rallied late on with home keeper Matt Davis producing a couple of smart saves to spark celebrations at the final whistle.
The Lions hope to wrap up the title at Codicote on Wednesday night. Victory would clinch a place in the South Midlands League Division One for the first time. They complete their season at Bovingdon on Saturday.
Lions: Matt Davis, Danny Cole, Adam Myeroff, Guy Morris, Guy Helman (sub: Ben Lauffer), Craig Ellis, Andy Glynne (sub: Ben Lauffer), Daniel Stanton, Lee Cash, James Gershfield, Adam Stolerman (sub: Dean Nyman). Sub not used: Jonny Ellis
HSCL Prem Div table:
Wormley Rovers Pl. 30, W. 24, D. 0, L. 6, F. 81, A. 34, Pts. 72
London Lions Pl. 28, W. 22, D. 5, L. 1, F. 71, A. 23, Pts. 71
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