ByAnonymous, Anonymous
London Lions's pre-season schedule took a positive step in the right direction on Saturday, with a 3-2 win over higher league opposition Enfield 1893, who play in the Essex Senior League.
On a scorching, hot day, both sides implemented a real competitive edge to the game and it wasn't the weather that nearly ended up boiling out of control.
With the game on grass away from the 3G surface, Lions were able to get into their rhythm far quicker than the previous week against Hadley. Jordan Davidson in the Lions goal was a virtual spectator in the first 45 minutes.
Josh Kennet was lively and a lot of Lions's good work was channelled through him. Michael Sacks, Alex Lee, James Belchak, Max Kyte, Zac Rose and Charlie Rubin all contributed to a good half's work. Rubin opened the scoring when he finished off a well-worked team move.
With one minute of the half left, Lions switched off for a few seconds and paid the price, with Enfield's only effort on goal in 45 minutes being tucked away. A disappointing end to what was otherwise a very encouraging half.
Changes were made, fresh legs introduced and Lions made a blistering start to the second-half. Ben Ellis on for Max Kyte, should have scored 30 seconds into the half having been put clear by Tony Gold, but the keeper managed to get a finger-tip to his crafty little lob which saw the ball go out for a corner.
However, five minutes later Ellis finished off another super move involving Rafi Soccairello and Jake Rinsler to put Lions 2-1 in front.
The game was then held up for 10 minutes following a serious leg injury to Alex Jennings in the Enfield team - all at Lions wish him a speedy recovery.
Once the game recommenced, Lions continued to probe and Kyte reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box turning to smash home past the exposed keeper, with Enfield managing a consolation goal in injury time.
Lions boss Tony Gold said: "Overall it was a really encouraging day's work from everyone involved and nice to get a win under everyone's belt.
"There's still plenty to work on and much to improve but today we made some small steps in the right direction."
Lions: Davidson, Winters (sub: Rinsler), Judah (sub: Gold), A. Lee, Sacks, Kennet, Belchak, Rubin (1) (Bentwood), Shooter (sub: Rafi), Rose (sub: Landesberg, Kyte, (sub: Ellis)
Goals: Rubin, Kyte, Ellis
Wingate & Finchley are the next visitors to Rowley Lane. They take on London Lions on July 31, kicking off at 7pm.