It was a sense of deja vu for the Lions on the opening day of the season. The Lions haven't won the first game of the season for at least the last four years. The first game always seem to be at home in brilliant sunshine, but as in previous years there were some players still on holiday, some out with pre season injuries, or even playing tennis! Still the Lions have gone on to have a good season in the last three years so lets hope it's a good omen!
The capable Crisp came in for Harrison who pull out of the team due a an reoccurence of an old knee injury during the warm up. The starting eleven was McNeeley, Jordan, Ian, Fildes, A.Jefferies, Crisp, Dye, D.Jefferies, P.Farr, Canning, Harvey.
The first half started brightly, with the Lions confidently absorbing alot of early pressure from Station. Lions counter attacked with an early chance from Pete Farr saved by the keeper.
Lions pushed up and started to pass and move in the midfield. Then Station counter attacked but with the Station frontman caught two yards offside. But five minutes later he was through and it took a great save from Stefan McNeeley with his feet to deny the Forward No6(Woody?).
The game had quite a high tempo given the heat. The Station No6 got through again but McNeeley was quick off his line and came off the worst as they clashed for a 50:50 ball.
McNeely had to come off and was replaced in goal by Jose Sanchez making his debut and immediately pull off a couple of great saves, tipping the ball round the goal and punching clear, taking command of his area, unfortunately his pulled a muscle with his first goalkick.
Again Lions pushed forward with Danny Jefferies winning headers in the midfield, he then played a great pass down the right to John Harvey who went pass a defender and then cut inside the penalty area but was brought down by the goalkeeper before he had a chance to slot home. Interestingly Referee Brown only gave a yellow card to the Station Keeper. Ian Canning stepped up to take the Penalty. He succeeded in sending the keeper the wrong way but the ball ,narrowly, went the wrong side of the left post. So Nil Nil at half time.
Steve Farr came on to replace Pete Jordan in defence for the second half.
Lions were unable to fully clear a Station corner which fell to their No10(simmo?) who hit the ball into the roof of the net. Lions tried to correct the scoreline with chances falling to Pete Farr and Danny Jefferies. John Harvey worked hard keeping the ball up for the midfield.
Rob Pearson replaced Pete Farr who had worked hard up and down the left. The formation was changed to try and get the equaliser. Unfortunately Station managed a quick counter attack behind the Lions defence with the Station No6 running through to slot home.
Had the penalty gone in before half time it may of been a different game and Lions had their chances that may of been more sucessful on another day. Station may be tipped to win this division but the Lions are confident that they can push them all the way and look forward to the return fixture later in the season.
Adam Jefferies was the Manager's Man of the Match based on his Opta Stats and turning defense into attack and he wins this weeks free meal for two in the Red Lion.
Substitutes not used: Gardner; French, Abrahams.
