Andy Landesberg believes his London Lions team did enough to earn a point as they produced a battling performance against high-flying Berkhamsted.
January 22, 2014 15:28ByAnonymous, Anonymous
SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION
BERKHAMSTED 1 LONDON LIONS 0
Andy Landesberg believes his London Lions team did enough to earn a point as they produced a battling performance against high-flying Berkhamsted.
Whilst Berkhamsted, who currently sit second in the league had the majority of the first half, a Lions team - with an average age of just under 20 - dug in and made it very difficult for them. With a very strong midfield of Ricky Engleman, Jon Kurrant and new signing James Gershfield, Lions showed signs thatt this team is starting to come together.
The decisive moment of the match saw a back-pass bobbled just as the keeper Jake Doffman went to clear it, leaving the Berko forward an open goal.
The Lions came out remotivated in the second half and turned the first-half tables around, and went close several times. As the Lions got a corner in the third minute of injury time, the ball was beautifully delivered by Benji Weinberger on to the head of the advancing Engelman, as he connected the Ref blew his whistle for the end of the game, simultaneously the header hit the roof of the net. "It would have been at the least, according to Landesberg, "just reward for a much improved Lions team performance".
Landesberg told JC Sport: "Since taking over the team, there has never been a time when any of our teams have put their heads down - they have remained positive and resolute; it has taken a few weeks to start to get things to gel, but it is starting to happen.
"The youngsters have been absolutely fantastic, and the experienced skipper Guy Morris has led the team like a giant. With Gershfield returning, Kurrant playing again and Engelman in his new midfield role, we are building a new exciting team at Lions, littered with quality youngsters.
"Whilst I cannot mention any further signings, all I will say is that the team will continue to get stronger as we include some more experience over the next few weeks. I only want people here who love the Club, play for the badge with 100 per cent commitment and respect what this team represents.
"I am a realist, and know that we have a massive target to achieve, but what I can say is every week, things get better and stronger. The players coming through from our fantastic youth set up are superb. We have about seven or eight, 19-21-year-olds who are currently at University, returning to play whenever possible, but they have all totally bought into the plan and vision that will deliver a very strong squad in 2015/16.
"On top of this, we also have five exceptional 16/17 year olds, who are showing some fantastic promise.
"Everybody is excited by the next game and there is a new air of optimism and sparkle at Rowley Lane. We have begun a new cycle, a new era."