This fixture always promised to be a good game, after many Pre Season Friendlies in recent seasons. For extra spice, three former RD old boys now play in their native Breachwood.
This was an away fixture at Hampson Park with Garside as the Referee.
Fourth choice keeper Graham French remained in goal for the Lions, with A.Jefferies, Fildes, Jordan, P.Farr, Harrison, Dye, Burnage, Pearson, Canning and Harvey completing the starting line up.
As usual Lion's started brightly, Jordan fed Pearson who began terrorising the RD defence down the left. Despite early possession Lions failed to capitalise, hard ground not helping the midfield getting the ball down to play. Adam Jefferies and Pete Farr combined on the right side of defence to thwart a couple of RD attacks. Lions only real chance at goal first half fell to Burnage, back from his spell in Spain, whose shot flew over the bar from outside the box after picking a path through the RD midfield. RD's main first half chances came from a couple of Free Kicks in midfield, after Harrison had fouled.
So nil nil at half time and some hard talking from Manager Mickey French stirred Lions into action.
Second half, Lion's Captain Dye was in command and vocal in getting the midfield more organised. Burnage unleashing an early shot from outside the box.
With twenty minutes left to go Lions stilled needed a little more cutting edge and some fresh legs if they were going to claim all the points. Collins, Marlow and Gardner replaced Harrison, Pearson and Jordan.
Straight away there was an extra zip to the Lion's play with Marlow always happy to bomb forward from defence. Gardner's trademark throw in's and corner kick's assisted the attack.
The breakthrough came when defender Fildes went on a jinking run through midfield and threaded an excellent pass through to Collins, who stepped inside the area and made no mistake in putting the ball past Andy Gibb into the RD goal.
With Chris Smith in midfield, RD were going to keep the fight up until the end, One of the RD substitutes forced an outstanding save from Graham French at close range.
The Lion's second goal was a textbook move with Collins picking up the ball in midfield and teasing the defence before releasing the ball to the tireless John Harvey on the edge of the RD box. He unselfishly moved the ball onto Canning who came screaming down the right wing, took the ball to the touch line before picking a cross to the back post where Collins and Harvey had continued their run. Collins slotted home from two yards.
All in all it was a great game and a clean sheet as Lion's continue to put pressure on the Division leaders, Station, who did not play today.
Captain Danny Dye won this weeks Manager's Man of the Match award for a free meal for two in The Red Lion.
Substitute not used: D.Farr
Another big thank you to our travelling supporters: Simon, Julie, Ken and Laura.
