SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS PREMIER DIVISION
COCKFOSTERS 3 LONDON LIONS 1

Cockfosters resumed rivalries with former Division One adversaries London Lions and on this occasion came out on top.

The pitch at Chalk Lane was heavy after the recent rain and this allowed a young London Lions team to get a foot hold in this game with their midfield comprising three boys aged under 18 harrying the Cockfosters midfield into mistakes that on other days would have been punished.

For their early tenacity in midfield there was very little from the visitors and the hosts with Adem Ali and Emond Protain seeking to take advantage of space on the flanks the chances started to come Cockfosters way and a shot from the Bowls Club side of the ground deceived the visiting keeper and cannoned off the cross bar to safety.

Cockfosters took the lead and deservedly so as David Ansell ran on to a well weighted pass forcing Dan Lee, the Lions keeper to commit himself, Ansell kept his head and squared the ball to Adem Ali who drilled home from 12 yards out.

The Lions soon levelled when Anthony Stockman capitalised on a mix-up in the Cockfosters defence to run unchallenged into the area and roll the ball into the bottom corner.

With the scores level the game took on a bit more urgency as both sides searched for the next goal and it was the hosts who restored their lead just after the half hour, another high cross, this time from the Cockfosters road side of the ground sailed over everyone to the head of skipper Fergus Moore who headed beyond the static Lee.

The hosts ame out for the second half determined to wrap up all three points for what would be their first victory in seven games against Lions. With better finishing the game would have been sealed a lot earlier but efforts either went wide or into the arms of Lee.

Richard Morton ended Lions' hopes with a third goal midway through the half. Receiving the ball a couple of yards outside the area in central position and having not been closed down, he coolly lobbed Lee.

There was still time for Cockfosters' nerves to be tested and a great point-blank defensive header from Adam Pepera ensured the hosts maintained their two-goal advantage and pick up the points as they look to move to a mid-table position.

A good win by the hosts which sets them up well for the visit of Hertford Town to Chalk Lane next Saturday.

Report written by Adam Rynhold