I.Ellis was the referee for today's game at Canterbury Way. With Collins and Harvey still injured and with Turkentine and Danny Jefferies absent, the Lions starting eleven was as follows: Sanchez, A.Jefferies, French, Collier, Dye(C), Fildes,Crisp,Burnage,Gardner, Harrison & Canning.
It was a lacklustre start for the Lion's in the first half against a Marquis of Lorne side that I think had some ETUK players from last season. Lion's lacked their usual fluid passing but still managed to battle for an early corner. It was taken by Gardner,still sporting a red streak in his hair. The ball eventually broke loose to Burnage on the edge of the box, whose square pass found Captain Danny Dye in the middle of the box. Dye spotting the keeper off his line chipped the ball into the back of the net.
Lion's hoped the early lead would help settle them down, but Marquis of Lorne battled every ball forcing the Lion's players to make mistakes. Marquis scored two quick goals from the break down of Lion's possession. Sanchez had to punch clear other Marquis attacks.
Lion's made heavy weather of getting back into the game, but pushing forward left them exposed to a Marquis counter attack which resulted in their third goal.
Lion's started the fight back just before half time in earnest, Harrison narrowly putting the ball over the bar from a Burnage corner that whipped across the six yard box.
Lion's started the second half better organised. French and Collier were stronger at the back. Adam Jefferies worked well with Fildes, playing more forward down the right and feeding balls into Canning and Burnage. Dye and Crisp supported the attack well from midfield with cover from Harrison. Gardner and later Rob Pearson fought for every loose ball on the left.
With dominant possession, Lion's just had to find the end product. It came with a one two between Burnage and Fildes just inside the box. Burnage slotted the ball into the bottom right corner of the net. He is now the Lion's joint top goalscorer with Ali Collins so far this season.
David Farr and Ian Abrahams replaced Harrison and Crisp. Lion's pushed everyone forward to get level but were exposed for another counter attack against the run of play. A long ball fell between the goalkeeper Sanchez and the defence, but the Marquis forward, Thompson was first to the ball to put Marquis 4-2 up. Lion's respond with more attacking play. Fildes anticipated the ball breaking free at the back post and scored his first goal of the season. At 4-3 down, Lion's were still pushing for the equaliser, but had run out of time when Ellis blew the final whistle.
Thompson had been the instrumental player for Marquis of Lorne
Substitute not used:Pete Farr.
Today's Manager's Man of the Match was Andy Fildes for his best display of the season. He win's another meal for two in the Red Lion.
A big thank you to our travelling supporters including : The Jefferies family, Ash, Merg, Paul,Mel and naturally soccerettes Laura & Beanwack
