Lion FC start their Senior Division campaign with a hard fought 3 points against fellow promoted Pucklechurch.
Lion’s first game of the season saw them take last year’s division one champions, Pucklechurch.
Pucklechurch started the game strongly, with superior possession in the opening 15 minutes. Lion struggled to keep the ball and were guilty of being reckless in possession.
Despite this, clear cut chances were limited thanks to some staunch Lion defending, limiting Pucklechurch to long range efforts.
Pucklechurch did strike the woodwork twice though from range, one being a thunderous left footed effort from the Pucklechurch midfielder.
After a stuttering start, Lion FC grew into the fixture and created perhaps the best chance of the game thus far. After a neat exchange of passes between Máté and Ed, Beard was played in behind the Pucklechurch left back. Beard’s left footed cross was pinpoint and was met by Mo, who blazed high and wide with his right foot, with only the keeper to beat.
Lion were on the front foot again shortly after. When Máté’s clipped through ball was met by Jace, Jace laid it off to Ed, whose long ranged left footed effort beat the keeper, but struck the crossbar.
Second half
Once again, Pucklechurch started the half well after the restart and soon found themselves one goal up. After a good through ball, Shaun challenged the advancing Pucklechurch striker, who fell to the ground in the face of Shaun’s imposing physique. The referee adjudged this to be a foul and duly awarded the penalty, which was expertly dispatched.
From this point, Lion showed great character and thanks to clinical finishing soon equalised.
After winning a free kick in the Pucklechurch half, captain Josh’s cross was initially cleared by the Pucklechurch defence. Josh picked up the clearance and delivered the ball again. This time his cross was met by Máté, who volleyed the ball into the top left-hand corner, levelling the game at 1-1.
Within 10 minutes, Lion had the lead, with Josh and Mátéé combining once again. Another set piece
proved to be decisive for Lion, as Josh delivered a corner from the left-hand side and Mátéé rose above his marker, heading the ball home.
Now chasing the game, Pucklechurch understandably made changes and looked to attack. For large parts, Lion defended excellently, dealing well with crosses, and winning their duels with the opposing attackers. Lion also looked dangerous on the counter, with Mo finding increasing space down the right flank and testing the Pucklechurch back line.
Pucklechurch’s best chance to equalise came late in the half, with their striker pouncing on a loose ball after Lion’s keeper, Ross had made a save. The resulting effort only hit the post, however, and the best chance of the latter period was squandered.
Lion were delighted with the three points, especially after two disappointing losses in the league last year. It was a great team performance, full of character, resolute defending and crucially, clinical finishing.
MOM: Everyone’s favourite Hungarian, Mátéé Fodor
Loser: Felix. True to form, he was absolutely knackered running the line and had to rest, hands on knees.
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