MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
LONDON MACCABI LIONS BLUE 3 CAMDEN PARK 2
LML Blue once again proved that when it comes to the local derby it takes some beating to come away with any points.
Camden have now only managed to get one point from their last four meetings and going 3-0 down after 30 minutes was always going to prove to be an uphill struggle.
After losing to FC Team the previous week, Lions players were under strict instructions to be at Rowley an hour before kick off, unfortunately the same could not be said of Camden who turned up late and will surely receive an FA fine.
Lions started the game like a team possessed - a midfield of Max Kyte, Sam Arghebant and Richard Gold oozed confidence and panache, and only after 10 minutes they took the lead. With Sam Arghebant picking the ball up deep in Camden's half, he pinged an audacious ball (even by his standards) to Will Beresford in the box, who struck the ball first time with his oh so sweet left foot leaving the keeper with no chance - surely a goal of the week contender.
Lions' second goal quickly followed, Arghebant once again the provider. With Oli Sade receiving the ball 30 yards from goal, he nutmegged the defender before calmly placing the ball into the bottom corner, silencing his critics.
Richard 'Goals' Gold then got on the score-sheet after 30. Striding through the midfield, whilst brushing off challenges with ease, he found himself on the edge of the box where he unleashed a shot to the right of the keeper. 3-0 after 30 and Lions were looking comfortable.
Just after the third goal things started to get interesting. Sam Arghebant picked up a knock and was replaced by summer signing Lewis Blitz, and Camden got second wind. The last 15 minutes of the first half were scrappy and Lions were happy to hear the half time whistle.
The second half started very much like the first, but with Camden coming out the blocks flying. Getting goals on 50 and 60, Lions were suddenly on the back foot. However, Lions held out for the rest of the game. Ed Arghebant was brought on for an injured Joel Reuben and in turn sured the defence up, and James Gold came on upfront to stop the Camden defence getting too much time at the back.
Speaking to the JC after the game Lions assistant manager James Gold said: "You saw the lot today - in the first half we showed we can play great football and in the second we showed how much we wanted to win.
"Next week we face Oakwood and we are now fully focused on that game."
