Magical Max lifts Lions into second place

The hosts were awarded a penalty following a cumbersome tackle after 20 minutes. Max Kyte's shot was comfortably saved by their keeper but an eagle eyes ref had seen him start his positioning a yard off his line. KYTE made no mistake with the retake.

With the bit between their teeth the Lions doubled their lead courtesy of a great solo effort from JAMES GOLD 10 minutes later.

Shortly after the Lions had another penalty appeal turned down by the ref only for minutes later for him to award them another deserved one. KYTE did the rest and they went into the break 3-0 up.

Harmen pulled one back through SAM CASTLE 15 minutes into the second half. "From the touchline view we are not sure if it spun out of our keeper's hands or was kicked. However with Reuben RaBstein only being 16 years of age and making his Premier debut for us, we would easily forgive him that one possible lapse," said a Lions spokesman. "He was exceptional for all of the game and is a real bonus for us as a club."

The "bad luck" that led to them pulling a goal back turned into "good luck" shortly after. A powerful Zac Rose cross was intercepted by a Harman defender who turned it into his own net.

Thereafter as a contest it was over and both sides were probably looking forward to escaping the rain for a bit of warmth inside.

Harmen joint-manager Oli Leslie told JC Sport: "It's very upsetting how a bunch of 30-year-olds can turn up on a Sunday morning and throw in the towel before the game had even started.

"We had a real chance to win a game that would have kept us in the title race, but now it looks over.

"Well done to David and his kids - let me emphasise kids. The future looks bright for Lions."

LIONS: Reuben Rapstein, Brandon Sasoon, Nathan Schindler, Ryan Springer (sub: Adam Klein), Isaac Vishas, Max Kyte, Benji weinberger, Thomas Prias, Will Beresford, James Gold, Zac Rose (sub: David Pollock)

MAN-OF-THE-MATCH: James Gold