HERTS SENIOR COUNTY LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION
HATFIELD SOCIAL 2 LONDON LIONS 6
Andy Landesberg praised the qualities of hat-trick hero James Gershfield after he helped London Lions return to winning ways with a high-scoring win over Hatfield Social.
Lions braved the tricky conditions to earn an impressive three points away at Hatfield Social, aided by a super hat-trick from Gershfield.
With the winter wind and pitch making football difficult, Lions had to battle hard in the opening 45 minutes.
Skipper JOSH KENNET broke the deadlock after 20 minutes for Lions, netting his 12th goal of the season, but Hatfield, who are struggling just above the relegation zone, fought back to equalise before the interval.
After the break, Lions had the elements in their favour and took full advantage. GERSHFIELD made it 2-1, before a stinging 20-yard finish from South African midfielder JAKE FURMAN doubled Lions advantage.
The moment of the match – and possibly the season – came as Lions went 4-1 up. The Blues scored a goal described by manager Andy Landesberg as ‘something from a FIFA16 game’. Nick Landesberg played a 40-yard ball to Josh Kennet whose control was perfect. His centre was flicked on by Max Kyte to GERSHFIELD whose spectacular overhead-kick flew into the net past a stunned Hatfield defence.
The home team pulled another one back, but Lions kept going forward and netted twice more when GERSHFIELD completed his hat-trick before top-scorer KYTE scored his 15th of the season to round off the win.
Lions manager Andy Landesberg commented: "Firstly, I want to praise our 16-year-old goalkeeper Ruben Rabstein, who was outstanding today. He was also joined by fellow teenagers Adam Burchill and Alex Rose who made his debut at the end; we continue to blood the future stars of the club.
"Credit must also go to Max Kyte who put in a great shift, alongside James Gershfield who was really top drawer.
"I was very pleased as three points away in those conditions is never easy."
On Gershfield’s stunning goal, he added: "It was just unbelievable. Something out of FIFA16 and like Wayne Rooney’s goal against Man City, only I honestly think it was better."
