SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS LEAGUE DIVISION ONE

LONDON LIONS 3 HATFIELD TOWN 1

With the squad still not at full strength and manager Andy Landesberg not yet having a settled team, the youngsters and elder statesmen have been helping win some good points so far this season, and a great win at home to old rivals Hatfield Town was no less than the side deserved today. However, it could have been very different however.

Within the first 10 minutes, ‘keeper Dan Lipman – one of three Lipmans who all had notable days today, saved an early spot-kick after Hatfield were awarded what looked a harsh penalty for handball. He then made a further superb save before eventually being beaten to give the visitors a lead.

Lions responded well though and Lipman number two, Austin, took over. He firstly showed tremendous skill on the ball to create the opportunity for winger Adam Burchell to equalise on 23 minutes.

Just over 10 minutes later the same duo struck again to give Lions a 2-1 lead. This time Lipman flighted a ball beautifully for Burchell to run onto and slot home. This was the young winger’s sixth goal of the season as he looks to be a real threat this term.

Hatfield suffered further woes when on the stroke of half-time they were reduced to 10 men following a nasty tackle on Alex Levack.

The second half saw Lions clinch the game with a third goal in the closing stages. Up stepped Lipman number three; Adam. Returning from his three-game suspension for a red card against Bedford, Lipman found himself marauding forward from his customary defensive position in holding midfield, the Lions man skipped past defender after defender before finishing for a rare goal in true style; only his fourth goal in over 90 games for the side. It was enough to seal the three points.

Offering praise after what was a really solid win, manager Andy Landesberg said: ‘We were excellent today with every player performing to a good level.

"We have a real mixture at the moment, but when players like Alex Levack can come in and play really well, it gives us a good platform for when we have more players to choose from. I was pleased with them all today."

LIONS: Dan Lipman, Sam Hamerton, Charlie Rubin, Adam Lipman, Andy Glynne, Nick Landesberg, Jake Rinsler, Alex Levack, Lee Cash, Austin Lipman, Adam Burchell. Subs: Ben Goldberg, Adam Harvey, Alex Taylor

GOALS: Burchell (2), Adam Lipman