Goals from Adam Klein and Max Kyte earned Lions Reserves a hard fought victory at Kent Athletic.
October 2, 2012 21:23SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS RESERVE DIVISION ONE
KENT ATHLETIC 0 LONDON LIONS RESERVES 2
Goals from Adam Klein and Max Kyte earned Lions Reserves a hard fought victory at Kent Athletic.
A difficult week availability wise left Lions with a bare 11 at the start of the game, but with hosts Kent Athletic, Lions' bogey side last term, suffering a similar fate it was Lions who this time round came out on top.
Lions welcomed back Matt Stock and Myles Beerman after each had missed the September matches to date with injury. The visitors started the stronger but were unable to translate their territorial advantage into goals, a Goodman header tipped over the closest they came. Their cause was helped when Kent's no. 9 went off injured on the half hour, certainly helping to nullify any threat their hosts may have.
The game was not the greatest, with the pace slow - Lions too often guilty of over complicating things. Kent were solid and organised, and in denying Lions space ensured that they got to half time with the scores goaless and their keeper hardly over worked.
The interval gave Lions the chance to re-group, and with renewed purpose they set about Kent from the off. Hatchwell and Stock both went close while Goodman's near post volley found the side netting. It was one way traffic, but without the breakthrough the home side weren't out of it by any means as one free header from a corner demonstrated.
The Lions goal, when it finally came just past the hour, typified the game. Klein fashioned a yard for a cross that with a little bit of (deliberate!) slice sailed over the keeper's head and found the top corner.
Lions began to keep the ball, and after an excellent and patient build up that must have seen 30 passes, Cohen's cross was met by the bravest of far post headers by Kyte, the ball flying into the net for 2-0 and the game.
A good effort from the committed Lions, with three points at Kent, no matter what the circumstances or the performance level, always most welcome. Next week the side travel to Harpenden in the cup where another really tough game is assured.
Lions Reserves: Danny Berliner, Adam Klein, David Cohen, Myles Beerman, Frank Hyman, Laurence Judah, Harry Hatchwell, Shai Revivo, Guy Helman (sub: Max Kyte), Matt Stock, Nick Goodman
Scorers: Adam Klein, Max Kyte
Man of the match: Harry Hatchwell
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