London Lions boosted their treble hopes with victory in a five-goal thriller against Limassol to move into the last four of the Challenge Cup.
March 5, 2012 10:14WATFORD FRIENDLY LEAGUE UNDER 18 CHALLENGE CUP QUARTER-FINAL
Limassol 2 London Lions 3
London Lions boosted their treble hopes with victory in a five-goal thriller against Limassol to move into the last four of the Challenge Cup.
A great team performance saw each member of the squad, which is also challenging for the WFL Red Division title and League Cup, contribute to this quarter-final win which takes the team into the last four of the competition.
Victory only sealed with a last minute goal following a very good game between two quality footballing sides.
The Lions started the game the brighter and their early efforts were rewarded when Jordan Nathan glanced home a well flighted Charlie Rubin free kick.
The visitors were unable to capitalise on further chances and they received a let-off when Limassol's dangerous striker was clean through but could only fire against the post.
Lions' lead was wiped out early in the second half as Limassol scored twice in quick succession. The first came when their striker found himself free under the bar to head home and the second from when Lions hesitated at the back and a cross across the face of the goal was turned home.
However, there was still 30 minutes to go and all to play for. Both sides missed efforts on goal but when Lions quickly cleared from a corner and Benji Weinberger found himself with a clear run on goal and slotted home to bring the scores level.
The game, which was being very well controlled by the referee Frank Van Der Wens, looked liked it was heading for extra time when in the very last minute Jordan Marks chased down a ball going towards the Limassol keeper and just nicked the ball round him, as he went down Joshua Bloom was in the right place to slot home what proved to be the winner into the empty net.
The referee blew up after a couple of minutes of extra time and the boys and management were elated that the effort on the day had brought them a victory and passage into the semi final.
The Lions still have to play Limassol twice more in the league and if today is anything to go by they are sure to be close affairs.
Lions' Nicky Bloom said: "We can reflect on a job very well done on the day. The best thing about it was the fact that it was a team effort and the boys worked really hard for one another to ensure that we just about came through it.
"We play Alexandra Park from our division in the semi-final (date to be confirmed) following their 7-1 victory over Garston last week."