JC MSFL Div 2: Red Sea 0 London Maccabi Lions C 3

A virtuoso performance by Scott Levy gave the Lions a victory in a game dominated for large parts by their impressive opponents who will surely feel hard done by not to have picked up at least a point.

On a pitch that was rutted and dry, the football in the early stages was never going to be pretty. Both sides were forced to play the long ball game as challenges flew in and getting the ball under control was a task in itself. Chances were at a premium in the opening exchanges with much of the play being in the centre of the pitch with Craig Henry and Eddie Zneimer working overtime to keep Red Sea at bay.

It was finally against the run of play that Lions took the lead when a whipped in corner from Levy was whipped in a near post corner, bounced awkwardly for the Sea defence, before finding its way into the net.

Red Sea came out even stronger after this setback with Jason Lindsey proving a willing target man and Ilan Shaki controlling the Lions front men.

For the remaining period of the half Red Sea held most of the possession and came close to scoring were it not for some fantastic saves by Lions keeper James Castle and some resolute defending, notably a goalline clearance from Jon Steinberg.

The second half started much how the first had finished with Red Sea in the ascendancy. The Lions had had a few dicey moments but held firm.

With a change of formation going to three central midfielders and Levy alone up front, Lions started to believe that they could now impose themselves on the game.

The second arrive soon after when a good passing move involving Steinberg and Paul Buxton led to Steinberg drifting forward from this left back berth. He delivered a dangerous far post cross that was met by a stunning Levy header who directed his effort across the keeper giving the Red Sea stopper no chance.

The game was now up for Red Sea and the first time in the game, their head somewhat dropped. It was no surprise when late on, Lions made it three when a defence splitting-pass from Levy was latched onto by Danny Alexander, who slotted under the advancing keeper.

On reflection, Red Sea still look like the team to beat in the division and with the returning Benfredj brothers and Gideon Gold look to have a strong and talented squad.

The Lions go away happy that this three points will go a long way to securing their position in the division for next season.

Lions: Buxton, J. Steinberg (sub: J. Steinberg), Henry, Zneimer, Senchall (sub: F. Steinberg), J. Kyte, Prevezer, Castle, Levy, Schwarz, Dryer (sub: J. Swerner)