ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro
London Lions ended the season as they had began it - with a draw. Playing Sun Postal Sports, the Lions were down to the bare bones on a hot day and playing on a rock solid pitch, both sides went for the win but nether could find that elusive goal.
Lions have adapted well to life in their new surroundings with the draw ensuring a top half finish a feat the club can be very proud of.
Both sides would have been forgiven for treating the game like an end of season affair. However they showed real intent in winning the game.
Lions started well and for 15 minutes they looked bright and eager but the quality soon dwindled as individual mistakes and lack of concentration crept in.
Danny Berg had a good chance to open the scoring for the visitors put his rifled shot just dipped over the bar. Sun Postal always looked dangerous on the counter but they lacked any real penetration when it mattered.
The second period was better all round for the Lions and the quality was back as they carved out several good opportunities. Darren Yarlett replaced the injured Dean Nyman and within minutes had arguably the best chance of the game but he just failed to make contact at the crucial time as the keeper managed to jump on the loose ball.
Alex Levack, David Soutar and Berg all had chances to score but none could find the finishing touch required. With seconds remaining Sun Postal nearly nicked all three points and would have but for a superb save from Zac Lichman and last-ditch block from Adam Myeroff.
Summing up the teams first season in the South Midlands league, Lions manager Tony Gold said: "ll in all we achieved our main objective which was consolidation, the bonus was finishing in the top eight. Given the fact we have used 61 players this season over 40 games tells you everything you need to know and it's incredible we have done as well as we have.
"The teams who finished in the top four do not possess the quality footballers we have but the reason they occupy those positions is what they do have that we don't is a regular consistency in player availability and training twice a week.
"Without question we have enough quality to have a real go at this league next season but at the end of the day it is going to come down to whether or not the players want to commit the time and effort which will be required."