An injury-stricken Lion 1st returned to the top of Bristol and District League Division 1 with a priceless three points in tough conditions against a tenacious Lawrence Weston side.
A neat long range finish from Rehad, his first for Brimble’s side, and a second half own goal from a defensive howler ensured Lion took all three points on a blustery Saturday afternoon at Little Stoke Park.
With this fixture requiring a change of venue due to pitch clashes, Lion were under pressure to continue their recent purple patch of form being unbeaten in their last three matches despite last week’s frustrating goalless draw at Hambrook.
The pressure was eased almost immediately as Rehad, finding space on the edge of the box, expertly lifted the ball over the hapless Lawrence Weston keeper within the first 30 seconds from kick-off.
The game became scrappy with only flashes of quality approach play throughout the first half with the wind presenting a real challenge to both sets of players. The wind played a large part in Lawrence Weston’s equaliser on 25 minutes as Callum’s back pass bounced awkwardly in front of goalkeeper Ross whose miskick landed at the feet of the visiting striker to finish into an empty net. That goal was only the 19th goal Lion have conceded in 17 games – the best defensive record in the division.
With the wind firmly behind Lawrence Weston, they continued to probe, particularly down the left flank, regularly halted by an in form Ross between the posts. As the first half continued, Lion remained a threat on the counter with the mercurial Moroccan, Mo, a constant menace once he was moved to the right wing by Brimble.
As the half time whistle blew, Brimble called for calm and patience with the wind expected to aid Lion’s advance in the second period.
Second Half
The play once again flattered to deceive in the second half as the long ball proved ineffective for both sides. That meant the battle in midfield became physical and at times eye-brow raising with some meaty challenges being waved away by the referee. Mo, Beard and Harris in centre midfield began to gain more control as the half went on, with the former, in his debut season for Lion, frequently winning 50/50 tackles.
With an hour gone, Brimble made a substitution that proved to be decisive in the game, introducing Hungarian forward Matee for the impressive Rehad.
Lawrence Weston threatened on occasion, boasting the league’s top goal scorer in their forward line but Lion continued to thwart their advances with man of the match Shaun putting in a typically imposing performance in a Lion shirt at right back.
In a game that was destined to be decided by the conditions, Lion’s winning goal finally arrived on 75 mins as Matee harried the Lawrence Weston back line. The forward forced a back pass to the keeper who could only watch as he miscontrolled the ball, letting it roll under his foot and into his own net.
With another lead to protect, Lion soaked up a wave of late pressure with the prolific Lawrence Weston forward spurning a late chance to equalise. The striker beat two Lion defenders and fired at goal from a tight angle, only for Lion captain, Harris to clear off the line.
Lion held firm to see out the game 2-1, rewarding them with what could prove to be an invaluable three points in their quest for promotion. Next weekend Lion host rivals and fellow title-chasers, Winterbourne who are unbeaten since November.
Full pictures here: https://lionfc.co.uk/25-03-2023-gallery
Report by Josh Armstrong
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