A Game of Two Halves Lions 1 v 2 Coopers

With no allocated Referee, it was decided that Coopers would Ref the first half and that Lions David Farr would Ref the second half.

Starting Lions eleven: G.French, Collier, Fildes, P.Farr, A.Jefferies, Harrison, Dye, D.Jefferies, Canning, Burnage, Harvey.

The game started with an even tempo and all Lions players getting early touches as the Lions moved the ball across the back and through midfield.

Lions edged the possession but need to turn it into an advantage. Coopers tried the occasional counter attack, but Adam Jefferies was quick enough each time to cut out the threat.

Lions won a free kick on the edge of the penalty box after a foul on Danny Jefferies. Burnage curled the ball up above the wall into the far top corner of the net.

One nil to Lions at half time.

Lions tried to continue where they had left off at half time and Pete Farr went on a run from left back and ended up on the right wing.

Danny Dye moved the ball around midfield. Danny Jeffieries shot from long range rattled the crossbar. John Harvey who had been linking well with Canning hit the post with a header from a Burnage corner.

Coopers fought their way back into the game and Lions keeper Graham French diving full stretch to turn the ball round for a corner. Lions defended another attack but Harrison was judged to of fouled a Cooper's forward with his outstretched leg as the Cooper's player turned.
Coopers scored the penalty although keeper Graham French had guess the right way.

Adam Jefferies suffering from cramp was replaced by Ben Marlow. Graham Crisp replaced Harrison and Collins replaced Canning.

Ten minutes from time Lions failed to clear the ball in a decisive manner and the ball found its way to a Coopers forward inside the Lions box and turn to shoot into the bottom left corner to take all the points for Coopers.

Lions kept on the pressure but were unable to get the clinical finish to get something out of the game after having the majority of the possession for most of the match.

Graham French was the Manager's Man of the Match for keeping Lions in the match with a couple of stunning saves, and wins the meal for two in the Red Lion.

Subs Not used: D.Farr, S.Farr, Pearson, Gardner,Jordan.
Thanks again to all the Village supporters.