Hakim puts Lions in seventh heaven

Paul Hakim started his first game of the season up top, with Danny Berg, Andy Glynne and Adam Myeroff all starting.

Langford looked bright and pacey in the early stages as the game ebbed and flowed. However, it was Lions who were creating the chances. Kennet was a constant threat down the right but his final ball was just falling short.

Hakim had two good chances to open his account for the season but hurried both efforts.

Ben Ellis, Daniel Stanton and Andy Glynne then added their names to the list of guilty parties when missing in front of goal when well placed and there was a sense that maybe this wasn’t going to be Lions night.

Then on the stroke of half-time and deservedly, Lions went in front. Hakim worked a great space in the box and slipped in Kennet who had the easy task of slotting home from four yards.

In the second half it was six of the best as Lions turned up the intensity and finally found there shooting boots. Jordan Marks, Dean Nyman and David Souter were all introduced early from the Lions bench and all added their names to the scoresheet.

Hakim made it 2-0 five minutes after the restart with a tap in after being given too much space in the box.

Nyman made it 3-0 with a well-taken finish following a tenacious run. Glynne then added number four with a clinical finish.

Then in the following 13 minutes Souter, Hakim and Marks made it 7-0, with the latter scoring goal of the night with a thunderous strike 20 yards from goal.

With another game on Wednesday it would be fair to say that the intensity of the current schedule is starting to take its toll on the squad. Carrying a number of injuries recovery time is not sufficient enough making it harder and harder as the game roll out. However, the Lions have shown an incredible resolve in recent weeks and it will be that resolve that will see them through.

Lions manager Tony Gold told the JC: "Everything is still in our hands with eight games to play and that is all we can ask for.

"On Saturday we produced a performance full of guts and tonight we have simply kept the pressure of the other sides. We entertain Welwyn Garden City on Wednesday and we’ll see where we are at after that.

"At times we have to demand more from ourselves with regards the basics, but when it comes to resilience we’ve shown it in abundance and as a manager you have to be pleased about that.

"The players now have to roll up their sleeves, keep at it and go and win what they fully deserve."

Lions: Mario Cenolli, Danny Berg (sub: Jordan Marks), Adam Myeroff, Michael Sacks, Guy Morris, Andy Glynne, Daniel Stanton (sub: David Soutar), Craig Ellis, Josh Kennet, Ben Ellis (sub: Dean Nyman), Paul Hakim

Scorers: Paul Hakim (2), Josh Kennet, Jordan Marks, David Soutar, Dean Nyman, Andy Glynne

Man-of-the-match: Paul Hakim