Tony Gold praised wonder kid Nick Barnett as London Lions buried the disappointment of Monday night's defeat at the hands of Bedford, securing a fantastic point against fourth-placed Risborough Rangers.
March 20, 2015 11:48
ByAnonymous, Anonymous
SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
LONDON LIONS 2 RISBOROUGH RANGERS 2
Tony Gold praised wonder kid Nick Barnett as London Lions buried the disappointment of Monday night's defeat at the hands of Bedford, securing a fantastic point against fourth-placed Risborough Rangers.
The 2-2 draw was Lions' fourth draw in five games and quite clearly shows that the resolve and determination is there, when the players that show up work hard and give 100 per cent. Anything less and you end up with results like the one against Bedford on Monday night.
In true Lions fashion, they once again were forced into six changes from the game two days earlier. Rafa Soccairello, Ben Lampert, Sam Shooter, Will Beresford, Nick Barnett and a first start from old boy Jon Ellis completed the changes.
Risborough arrived at Hemel on the back of a terrific win against Southall and would have fancied their chances against a makeshift Lions team. What materialised in the proceeding 90 minutes was a gutsy, hard-fought battle between two sides who both gave their all.
The game was superbly marshalled by all three officials and that helped the game flow from end to end.
In the early exchanges it was tit for tat as one minute the visitors would be on the attack and the next it was the home side pulling away attacking the other goal.
Lions' defensive barrier was excellent on the night. Ross Weinrabe was cool, calm and collected with Soccairello and Ellis in the heart of the defence exemplary, assisted by the guile and astuteness of full-backs Rick Jacobson and Ben Lampert.
Andy Glynne and Tony Gold plugged the midfield gap and their wiliness and shrewd play allowed the excellent Charlie Kasler the freedom and space to craft everything positive going forward.
Max Kyte put in his usual unselfish running up top, supported by young whippets Sam Shooter and Nick Barnett out wide. It was the latter who lit the touchpaper with a goal and finish any seasoned professional would have been proud of and it was a great moment for the 16-year-old fully deserved for his hard work.
The crafty Kasler saw Barnett's late run and freed him with a perfect pass, with still a bit of work to do, Barnett cut in from the right and lashed a tremendous shot past the visiting keeper and into the bottom corner of the goal. It was a great moment for the young lad as his teammates swallowed him up in celebration.
Lions grew stronger as the game moved on, but Risborough always looked capable and threatening going forward. Six minutes before half-time they were level as Lions failed to clear their lines following a scramble outside the box and with Risborough's forward quickest to react to the loose ball he finished well to make it 1-1.
As the second half got well under way, Lions continued to work hard and create chances, although with 30 minutes remaining the three games in five days was starting to take its toll on several players.
Lions then surged in front again and deservedly so, with Lampert this time unleashing a cracking finish 20 yards from goal giving the Risborough keeper no chance.
With 20 minutes remaining Lions needed to find that third goal to kill the game off as they knew Risborough were not finished. Will Beresford replaced the tiring Barnett to add legs and energy in the final stages.
Lions continued to create with Kasler, Shooter, Kyte and Gold all having opportunities to extend their lead, but the visiting goal led a charmed life.
Then Lions paid the price for not allowing a ball to run out of play. The resulting Risborough corner was not dealt with and an unsighted Weinrabe could do nothing as the ball was placed home from 10 yards.
In the final minutes Lions had one last chance to take all three points, but Kasler's rasping shot took a deflection and flew wide.
At the final whistle Lions were elated with the point and it was just deserts for a gutsy performance that deserved nothing less.
Lions manager Tony Gold said: "Given the circumstances, I thought tonight was a fantastic performance, a really professional performance especially given the fact it was another group of players thrown together.
"The group managed the game well and grew into the game as it moved forward. We had a plan and the players executed it to the best of their abilities and we can't ask for more than that.
"I have to praise 16-year-old Nicky Barnett - he's a credit to his family. It's not easy stepping into men's football at such a young age. He has a great manner about him and I was delighted for him when he scored his goal. And what a goal.
"When a group put so much effort into a game and get the minimum they deserve for their efforts it's pleasing, because no-one understands the difficulties and frustrations we go through from game to game.
LIONS: Ross Weinrabe, Ben Lampert, Rick Jacobson, Jon Ellis, Rafi Soccairello, Tony Gold, Sam Shooter, Charlie Kasler, Nick Barnett (sub: Will Beresford), Andy Glynne, Max Kyte
SCORERS: Nick Barnett, Ben Lampert