A late strike from Charlie Rubin helped Maccabi London Lions A come from two goals down to end the cup aspirations of Lions B in a five-goal thriller.
PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND TWO
MACCABI LONDON LIONS A 3 MACCABI LONDON LIONS B 2
The second round draw of the Peter Morrison Trophy was not a kind one for Maccabi London Lions, as the A and B team were drawn against each other on a crisp Sunday morning at Rowley Lane.
Both sides were fortunate enough to line up with a few players from the Saturday first team squad, ensuring this cup tie was going to be closely contested and the spectators would get their money's worth and they certainly won't be complaining.
The first action point came within the opening few minutes as the A-team attempted to break from a defensive phase to an attacking one; however dawdling on the ball in the middle of the park, led to the B's stealing possession. A quick through ball beat the A-team back-line with ease as Michael Kenley found himself one-on-one with David Sacal, the A team's new Mexican goalkeeper to beat. The striker calmly slotted the ball home, a well taken one on one, 1-0 to the B team.
The energetic youngsters from Lions B continued to pressure the A's and within minutes found themselves with an opportunity to go two ahead. A poorly-timed tackle in the A-team box saw referee Martin Lavender point to the spot. A well-executed penalty from Kenley saw Lions B in dreamland at 2-0 up. The lead was fully deserved and Lions A needed to change their approach quickly if they were going to form any sort of comeback.
With 20 minutes played, Lions A had a player reshuffle with James Gold coming on and injecting some much-needed pace and directness in the side. Adam Burchell swapped wings and Lions A immediately found themselves creating a number of goal threats.
It was Burchell, who after a couple of dangerous dribbles, made the most out of an unsuccessful clearance from the B team defence. He neatly took down an aerial ball and slotted the ball into the far corner of the net, leaving Dan Lipman with no chance. 2-1 half time.
Lions A made another change, this time it was 18-year-old Harry Marlow replacing Richard Gold at right-back. It was only his second appearance for Lions A, but the teenager looked as if he'd been playing at the club for years. He was a constant threat driving down the right channel with great intent, whipping dangerous crosses into the box, as Lions A's confidence was beginning to grow.
With the A-team defence now starting to look more solid the game was about to turn. A Marlow throw-in saw James Gold hold the ball up nicely in the right hand corner and lay it back to Marlow, who delivered a perfect cross to the back post where Burchell rose like a salmon to make it 2-2 as the game entered into the latter stages.
As far as Lions A were concerned this game was theirs for the taking and no one else's - especially some of their senior players, whose legs really didn't fancy the prospect of extra time. With a few minutes left on the clock, a strong run from James Gold towards the penalty box saw the speedster brought down 25 yards out from goal. A curling Adam Arnold free-kick towards the far post was met by Charlie Rubin, who arrowed a bullet header into the corner of the goal. 3-2 to the A team which sparked jubilant celebrations amongst the players and relief for the management.
The A'S closed out the game professionally with Alex Rose and Sam Arghebant putting in tireless midfield performances. However, despite the result it was wonderful to see so many talented young players on display from both sides, as the two Sunday teams fought it out in great spirit, with the full 90 minutes being played in the right manner; a testament to the ethos of Maccabi London Lions.
LIONS A: David Sacal, Richard Gold, Will Beresford, Jon Ellis (capt), Max Hassell, Alex Rose, Sam Arghebant, Charlie Rubin, Adam Burchell, Adam Arnold, Sam Lewis, James Gold, Harry Marlow
MAN-OF-THE-MATCH: Adam Burchell
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