SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS LEAGUE DIVISION ONE
LONDON LIONS 5 CHESHAM UNITED RESERVES 0
London Lions scored four second-half goals as they maintained their perfect start with a 5-0 demolition of Chesham United.
A headed goal by Michael Sacks from a Josh Kennet corner after 40 seconds sent Lions on their way. However, it wasn’t until the second half that goals from Guy Morris, Sam Sloma, Daniel Stanton and Aron Barnes did the main damage.
It took just 35 seconds for the Lions to open the scoring with Michael Sacks heading home superbly from a Josh Kennet corner.
That was however as good as it got for the home side in the proceeding 44 minutes. Chesham made good use of the ball and kept Lions pinned back in their half, this was aided by the fact that Lions just kept giving the ball away.
It was still all Chesham by the time the match had reached its quarter point, Lions had yet to register a shot at goal and the visitors almost drew level 15 minutes before half time - only the quick reactions of Mario Cenolli in the Lions goal prevented an equaliser.
The Lions management were becoming increasingly more frustrated by the lack of care there team were showing when in possession of the ball and all three subs were sent to warm up.
Patient build-up play just before the break once again saw another shot registered in the Chesham’s favour. Chesham’s no. 10 hammered a swerving effort at goal which Cenolli pawed away. The shot came on 43 minutes after more good football from the visitors who were looking more confident as the game progressed.
Lions needed to up their game substantially in the second period if they wanted to hold onto the lead and eventually take all three points.
With only one minute of the second half gone Lions dramatically increaed their lead. Kennet’s corner wasn’t exactly the best, but it somehow made its way to Guy Morris at the far stick who headed home forcefully.
The game had changed on its head and Lions now had the bit between their teeth. It was all Lions now and Sam Sloma curled a beautiful strike into the top left-hand corner of the goal to give Lions a three-goal advantage.
On 70 minutes, Daniel Stanton<?b> got in on the act. In the right time at the right place we reacted first to a parry from the Chesham keeper before tucking the ball into the far corner.
Number five arrived for Aron Barnes, his first on the day for Lions. Stanton sent a sweet ball down the centre for Barnes to pounce onto and he coolly slotted home to prove he’s a forced to be reckoned with this season with seven goals from nine games thus far.
The tempo was slowed down as the Lions side were just happy to keep possession with a series of short passes in their own half.
In fairness to Chesham, had they taken advantage of Lions not being at the races early doors this result could have been very different. As it was Lions made it seven league wins from seven and if their performance which they produced in the second half continues for 90 minutes, there will be many more good results to come.
Lions manager Tony Gold said: "Complacency is the biggest disease in football - it can spread like wildfire.
"From the standards we have set this season, our first half performance was disappointing and our lack of discipline could have proved costly.
"I was really frustrated at the break and my players got the message loud and clear. Second half they took on board what areas needed to be improved on and we once again looked like a decent football team.
"At this point of the season nobody can take anything away from us - we're seven games in and unbeaten but can’t afford too get carried away, football has a nasty habit of kicking you when you least expect it.
"We will continue to work hard, continue to drive our philosophy home to the players and hopefully the results will keep doing our talking for us."
