CHALLENGE TROPHY ROUND TWO
LONDON LIONS 4 KENTISH TOWN 0
London Lions cruised into the third Round of the Challenge Trophy with a 4-0 home win over Kentish Town.
Ben Ellis showed what he can achieve when he is at his best with a fully deserved hat-trick and man-of-the-match, Sam Sloma scored the other with a lovely finish.
The Lions management used the opportunity to rest several first team regulars, keeping in mind a hectic run of league games shortly approaching and the fact Lions have seven games in hand over current league leaders Harpenden Town.
Lions dominated from the off and didn’t look back. Some decent performances by the likes of Ellis, Josh Kennet and Sloma ensured the home side were never troubled.
The only negative of the night was injuries to Dean Nyman and Craig Ellis both via hamstring pulls.
Lions manager Tony Gold said: “Following two cup games both going 120 minutes and a a packed last month of football, several players were and are starting to look leggy.
“Tonight I was able to give the lads who haven’t played much first team football a run and they did really well given the fact they haven’t worked as a unit and the fact we played with a completely different back-four.
“We had a result on two fronts tonight, firstly we got the win and kept a clean sheet in the process and secondly I managed to rest several influential regulars with four very important league fixtures coming up.
“The rest will do several of the players the world of good and I believe we will go to Cranfield Town on Saturday rejuvenated and ready to put in a top performance. Should we come away from Cranfield, which isn’t an easy place to take anything from, with all three points, then my decision to mix it up tonight will be justified.
“We are now starting to pick up a lot of injuries and unfortunately got another two tonight. This only enforces why it is so important to have a large squad. We still have 30 league games to play and numerous cup games - everyone in this squad will play their part towards the ultimate goal.”
