Sport
Lions ready for final challenge, says Landesberg
Andy Landesberg is confident London Lions will secure their first piece of silverware of the season ahead of their Herts Centenary Cup final showdown against Wodson Park.
March 20, 2017 09:34
Andy Landesberg is confident London Lions will secure their first piece of silverware of the season ahead of their Herts Centenary Cup final showdown against Wodson Park.
March 20, 2017 09:34The Lions, who remain on course for the treble, require three points from their last seven matches to clinch the HSCL Premier Division title – they face Hatfield Social three days after the final.
But Landesberg’s immediate focus is on next Wednesday’s showpiece match at Cheshunt FC.
He commented: “I am absolutely delighted the way the season has gone so far, I say far, because although we are in a fantastic position to win a potential treble, we have at this moment won.
“It is a message I give to the players before every single game. We have won nothing.”
Striker James Gershfield is on course to break the league’s goal-scoring record, with more than 40 goals already to his name, but Landesberg insists it has been a team effort.
“The truth is this is not a one-man team, far from it,” said Landesberg. “The total team ethic has been instrumental in delivering performances that have been superb.
“Goalkeepers David Myers and Jake Lewis have been outstanding. Along with a defence that is the meanest in the league.
This is a team, and that is what has been our strength.”
Landesberg says he is not surprised by the team’s success so far this season – they have lost just once since September in all competitions. “I have worked so hard to create this one-team environment over three seasons,” he said.
“I have a fantastic relationship with all the players. I treat them like we are a family. There is no room for individuals in this group. This is one team, one family. Between Darren Yarlett, Steve Grenfell and myself we have created this special blend, we all have our strengths and weaknesses, and we know what to do and how to use them.
“So there are no surprises when you put in the work and time we have all done, especially over the last two seasons.”
In reaching the final, Lions crushed Cuffley 6-2 in the opening round, followed by a 4-2 routing of Letchworth Garden City Eagles. But it was the 5-0 win over cup holders Bishop’s Stortford Swifts that pleased Landesberg the most. “They had obviously been told that if you rough Lions up early on they will roll over, that’s not what we are all about anymore,” said Landesberg. “The only team that rolled over was Swifts.”
Landesberg describes finalists Woodson Park of the Spartan South Midlands Division One as a “decent and strong side, strong with a squad of very experienced players”. He said: “We’ve
watched them twice and I expect it to be a physical battle that we need to overcome first, and then we will play with the same style, passion and commitment that we have played all season.
“We know it won’t be easy, but we are there for one reason and that is to bring the Trophy back to Rowley Lane.”
A final is never just another game, it is always special, and it is a chance for the boys to challenge themselves against a team from a higher League. We have the quality and desire to deliver the result the Club and the Community are looking for. I honestly believe we will deliver.”