Lions Vets fill their boots in 2019 opener

From the off it was clear Lions were that little bit quicker all over the pitch, and their use of the ball and sharp passing from early on saw them create at will. Cash was denied by a fine block, but as the loose ball cannoned to the edge of the box Pearson drilled home first time to give Lions the lead.

Pearson then turned provider, firstly for Hakim to slot home and then for Cash to plant a header past the flailing keeper.

Lions created plenty more but some fine goalkeeping kept them at bay, that was as until shortly before the break when Hakim let fly from fully 30 yards, the ball whistling into the top corner; a stunning strike.

TM battled hard at the start of the second period and with Lions a little scrappy the game had little to write home about. But as the visitors began to tire so Lions’ use of the ball improved and saw them begin to fashion chances.

Hakim completed his hat-trick with a calm finish before Rayner and Cash combined well to give Pearson a tap-in. The big man then completed his hat-trick, striding on to Stanton’s through pass to race clear and bury the chance.

Cash added the eighth and his second in similar fashion before a pearler from Craig Pearl, right-footed first time from the edge of the box saw the ball curl right into the top corner.

There was time literally on the final whistle for Cash to complete his hat-trick, Rayner’s run and cross saw him slide into finish from close range, as the Lions registered double figures for the fourth time this season.

LIONS: Rob Abrahams, Jon Rayner, Tony Gold, Josh Bentley, Paul Lenchner, Alex Levack, Craig Pearl, Daniel Stanton, Lee Cash, Paul Hakim, Michael Pearson. Subs: Pete Lazard, Brad Lee

SCORERS: Cash 3, Hakim 3, Pearson 3, Pearl