SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
LONDON LIONS 2 EDGWARE TOWN 3

London Lions went down in a five-goal thriller against local rivals Edgware Town in the SSML.

The result was not one Lions wanted, however, the performance on the other hand, was one which was a 100 times better than the one given on Saturday.

The visitors Edgware Town, who themselves have found life tough recently, had no fewer than eight new signings in their side following a change in management.

The game over 90 minutes was one that could have gone either way, but in the end Lions ultimately paid the price for not being clinical enough in front of goal and not being ruthless enough at the back. It was the small margins at the end of the night that in fact cost Lions all three points.

Lions were competitive and hard working for the entire 90 minutes. In certain spells during the game they also played some excellent football, creating a host of good chances, but those chances were spurned at crucial times and allowed the visitors to remain motivated and in the game.

Lions fell behind from a corner. An unmarked visiting player had a free header which he gratefully accepted. The home side's equaliser would have graced any game at any level and it was well deserved given the endeavour. Adam Myeroff, who surged forward from right-back, must have had a nose-bleed as suddenly he found himself free and in the opposing 18-yard box. Probably out of shock more than anything else he ended up rifling the ball past the exposed Edgware keeper.

The blues were showing character, something that had been missing in recent games. Young Zac Rose was a livewire all night and caused the visitors headaches with his positive running and pace.

Lions could have and almost certainly should have gone 2-1 just before the break. Josh Kennet went on a terrific run and crossed a delightful ball. Max Kyte timed his run perfectly but he couldn't apply the finish the move deserved and the chance went begging.

The game was finely balanced going into the second-half but on 60 minutes the home side went behind for a second time. Following another corner, Lions had four opportunities to clear the danger inside their 18-yard box but failed to take any, and Edgware not needing a fifth invitation somehow bundled the ball home.

Lions then had a 10-minute period where they themselves should have scored two goals but unfortunately for them they didn't convert.

With 15 minutes remaining Lions did eventually level again. Kyte found space and time just outside the box and finished with composure.

The home side pushed for the win and had a further chance late on to take all three points but again Lions failed to hit the target. Then in the closing stages Lions were hit with a sucker punch as Edgware broke from deep inside their half and finished with a cross that was tucked away as Lions tired legs eventually caught up with them.

It was a cruel blow for Lions as their performance and tenacious approach to the game deserved more, but it just wasn't to be.

Lions task doesn't get any easier as this Saturday they face unbeaten and highly-fancied champions Wemwyn Garden City.