London Lions make it 12 out of 13

Gold's team selection meant starts for Danny Berg, David Souter and Ben Ellis, with Adam Myeroff moving alongside Guy Morris at centre-half. Adam Bolle continued to lead the line supported wide by Josh Kennet and Ellis.

With Souter handed a deep-lying midfield role with Stanton and Sloma, playing just in front, this epitomised the effort expended in meeting Gold's desire to see some 'sweat on the shirt'.

Bolle's lone striking role, with support from Kennet and Ben Ellis, emphasised the Lions' determination not to be a soft touch.

But when the Lions did go in front with the first meaningful attack of the game there was a real touch of quality about the goal. Had the game been a boxing match the referee would have stopped it after 20 minutes.

Wodson Park camped 10 players behind the ball, kept an organised shape and invited Lions to come and break them down. Possession wise Lions had the majority and Wodson Park were happy to try and hit on the counter although Mario Cenolli in the Lions goal had very little to do.

As it was, apart from some excellent build-up play by Lions, which they couldn't quite capitilise on in the final third, there were few other openings for either side as the game reached half-time goalless.

In the second half, Ben Ellis' forward bursts were becoming an increasing feature as the Lions built on their foothold, but tellingly Stanton began to make his presence felt as the half wore on and the result was all too predictable as Lions took the lead.

Having conceded possession, Wodson switched off and Stanton made them pay, giving his marker the slip to rifle home from 20 yards.

Wodson's frustration was evident to see as a fourth player was booked for another cynical foul.

With 17 minutes to go the Lions wrapped up proceedings thanks to another divine finish from Sloma. Following some great build-up play, Sloma reacted first in the box to dink a sublime ball over the keeper to double the home sides lead.

There were further chances to add to the lead as the visitors tired and the game became stretched, but Lions couldn't add the vital final touches.

Lions manager Tony Gold said: "Another clean sheet and an important three points on the board.

"Credit to Wodson Park who had a game-plan which worked for 60 minutes. Eventually our hard work and persistence paid off with two wonderful goals.

"Next Saturday we travel to league leaders Cockfosters in high spirits and confident we can put on a good performance in front of what I expect to be a bumper crowd."

Lions: Mario Cenolli, Danny Berg, Adam Myeroff, Guy Morris, Guy Helman, David Souter (sub: Andy Glynne), Daniel Stanton, Sam Sloma (sub: Dean Nyman), Ben Ellis, Josh Kennet, Adam Bolle

Scorers: Stanton, Sloma