JC MSFL DIVISION ONE
LONDON MACCABI LIONS B 2 SHIRLEY PARK 3
A double from player-manager Dave Lusman saw Shirley Park boost their title hopes with a thrilling victory in a five-goal thriller at Rowley Lane.
The visitors were helped along the way with two penalties in an epic contest in which Dan Oade got the other.
Joey Lazare bagged a brace for the Lions, with two close-range finishes.
Jubilant Park player-manager Dave Lusman told JC Sport: "It was a good show form Park - each player put in a solid performance and we proved to be tough to break down. I was really pleased with our work-rate and commitment across the field.
"The victory was well deserved, we were the stronger team in the first, and in the second we gave as good as we got.
"It was really frustrating to concede two sloppy goals we could have quite easily avoided. I don't see this as a surprise as we do this every week, regardless we had that little extra going forward which generally means that is unlikely we're going to have another one of those days where we walk away thinking we didn't get what we deserve.
"Lions have got a great set up and are a good bunch of lads. They passed the ball around well from the back but their momentum today broke down as they pressed forward due to the Park hustle. They were a real threat from set-pieces and that's we're there looked most likely from scoring from.
"We're really pleased to be sitting top of the table, but it's far to early to say whether we'll be there by the end of the season. I think were now six points clear, but the teams around us have plenty of games in hand and of course it's likely there be dropping points as there are plenty of decent teams in the division, we face the same threat."
Lions boss Jamie Kyte told JC Sport: "It was an average performance from us this week. Against Shirley Park, who score goals for fun, you've got to make sure you never switch off. We pulled it back twice but gave away soft goals immediately after both times.
"I think a draw would have been a fair result. Lazare had a fantastic opportunity to make it evens in the last couple of minutes but unfortunately couldn't put it in between the posts or under the bar.
"Park are a quality team. I have no doubt they'll be pushing for promotion. Having said that, it's very tight at the top. Camden have got to play them next week and that I'm sure will be a real juicy game.
"We're still shooting for the stars. We've got no game this week so all the boys have been told to rest and take it easy. Next week we have Faithfold and we need to turn up against them."
