After being eliminated from the cup last week, Lions bring their attentions to their League campaign with Moston Brook standing in their way. A disappointment to lose last week on penalties, but Lions hope to get back on track this week to hopefully kick start their season after the Christmas break.

​

Freddie starts in goal, Alfie and Miller at the back, Alex starts on the right replacing Ronny who was absent from training on Wednesday. Keaton on the left and Theo H and Leighton upfront. 

​

Here we go, an early chance for Leighton as he steams through on goal, but the Moston goalkeeper runs out to clear. Moston beginning to grow into this game as they make use of their number 8 with his formidable footwork, causing lions all kinds of problems, squares to his mate on the edge of the box who fires an effort into the air, Freddie comes to catch but misjudges the bounce, he pounces at the ball as it hits the deck, but the Moston striker is there to capitalize on the error. Its 0-1 Moston Greens! 

​

A tactical switch now as Alex comes off for Ronny, Alfie is also brought off, Theo H sent back into defense to try and cover number 8 alongside Miller, Layton W on upfront, whilst Theo E enters the field in place of Leighton S. 

Keaton gets us back underway and immediately Moston Greens take the ball into the Lions half, Number 8 again proving to be a handful, However Theo is there to the rescue as he hammers the ball up field for his mate Keaton, Ke hits it over the keeper who is off his line and we are back in business its 1-1. Whistle goes for half time and the players walk towards their coaches for a 5 minute rest. 

​

Andy very animated at half time as he tells the players go out, kill the game and keep tabs on the number 8. 

​

back out on the field we go then, Freddie again in goal, Theo H and Ronny defense, Alex comes back onto the left, Alfie over on the right, Leighton S and Keaton up top. Here we go... 

Very much you go we go kind of game this, with both sides cancelling each other out. Lions tested on a few occasions only for Freddie to come to the rescue with some big big saves. Theo H playing a blinder at the back keeping the score at 1-1. 10 minutes to go and finally the break through, Alfie with a great run down the right plays in Alex who touches the ball onto Keaton just inside the box, Keaton fires high into the top right giving Lions the lead, Get in there.....2-1. 

 

7 minutes to go now as Lions look to shut up shop, Moston crafting the ball upto the edge of the Lions box, have a shot.... it comes back off the Leighton S is that a hand there?  the ball struck back in again, this time Freddie to the rescue as the ball is turned round for a Moston corner. 

Wait a minute... the referee has blown for something here.... He has given a penalty to Moston!!! Andy and Chris are going crazy in their technical area, however the penalty stands, Freddie stands tall on his goal line, the powerful shot fired down the middle, Freddie got his hands to it but the power takes it in. It's 2-2! massive late drama here. The referee walks over to Andy and Chris to give his instructions. Chris and Andy furious, it appears the referee had seen the handball, played advantage and because Freddie saved it he the blew up for the penalty, that is absolutely ridiculous. Chris however sees it slightly different as many handballs go un-noticed at this level but for some reason the referee gives it and the goal stands. 

​

Lions take the ball forward with minutes to go, Alfie again proving to be a thorn in the side for Moston as he cannons a shot... HANDBALL!!! PENALTY SURELY?! the referee shakes his head and waves the appeals away, well you have to ask yourself why he didn't give that one if he gave the first, this time the Moston players arms way above his head, literally saves the ball like a goalkeeper but it isn't given, Lions still protesting as Moston take the ball down field, on the right hand side of the box, striker drops his shoulder and finishes into the top right 2-3 to Moston, they have won it in the last minutes of the game here, i do not believe what i am seeing. Full time whistle blows and the game ends in massive drama. Chris walks over to the referee to ask him to clarify what had happened, however the referee very intent on his decisions and its a kick in the teeth for Lions who had fought all game for that. It's disappointing but they have to move forward. Great display and great character from the Lions boys, Theo H scoops man of the match, he has been terrific all afternoon. 2-3 final score. Tune in next week as Lions take on Signol hoping to repeat their victory earlier on in the season.

​