ByDarren Witcoop, Darren Witcoop
ANDY Landesberg says the battle for London Lions places will drive on his players to scale new heights this season.
Landesberg’s men hit the ground running with a five-star display on their return to the Herts Senior County League.
The Lions demolished Ware Sports 5-2 thanks to Max Kyte’s hat-trick and they will be bidding to follow up their opening-day rout against Hinton this weekend.
Landesberg said: “There is healthy competition for places which spurs on the players.
“You need that rivalry. There are 24 squad members and they are all pushing each other to play. You know if you drop of your game then you will have someone else ready to step in. We saw that against Ware Sports.
“It was great to have five players on the substitutes' bench who could make a difference to the game.
“Charlie Rubin came on, set up and scored a goal himself which shows what we have in reserve.”
On the day the Alan Mattey stand was opened to mark the Lions' return to Rowley Lane, it was Kyte who ensured Ware Sports would not ruin the homecoming.
Kyte stole the limelight with his fine treble. But Anthony Stockman and Rubin, who both weighed in with a goal each, ran him close.
Jack Furman – younger brother of South African skipper Dean – also starred on his debut.
Landesberg said: “There was a big build up to our first game back home and it was a proud day for the club. But you quickly move on.
“This is a new league for us and, despite the result, this will be a learning curve at the start of the season.”
With Landesberg taking a well earned holiday having led Team Maccabi GB’s Open Futsal squad to gold at the European Maccabi Games, assistant Steve Grenfell and coach Darren Yarlett will take temporary charge.
Landesberg, who will be back in the dugout for next Tuesday’s game at Cuffley, added: “I believe we will have strong season. There is a real hunger from the players for us to succeed.”