Stevenage Celtic 0 v 1 Breachwood Lions

Lion's starting eleven: Gardner, French, P.Farr, Painter, Marlow, Burnage, Dye(C), D.Jefferies, Pearson, Harrison, Canning.
Ref: D.Bailey

Breachwood started off with the most attacking threat. Danny Jefferies, tested the Celtic keeper early on from range. Defensively the Lion's seemed assured with a new central partnership of French and Painter. Pete Farr gave Pearson the ammunition to attack down the left wing into space.

However Stevenage Celtic soon looked the most likely team to score as they took advantage of Peartree five's sloping pitch with a succession of corners and free kicks. It was the Lion's defensive teamwork that ensured the scoreline was still level at half time.

Nil Nil at half time.

With the change round at half time, Lion's felt with they now had the advantage attacking with the sloping pitch.
Marlow's pace helped to link the play into the Lion's midfield on a very muddy pitch.
Ian Canning's and dogged determination linked with Dye's movement and Burnage's excellent running on the right wing gave the Lion's the attacking momentum they needed.

Midway through the second half, the Lion's got the breakthrough they needed using route one football. Gardner's big goal kick took advantage of the wind direction to reach well inside the Celtic half. Danny Jefferies anticipated Harrison's headed flick on into space to cut through the Celtic defence with a run into the penalty area and beat the keeper with a side foot shot into the bottom right corner of the net.

Wayne Gardner pulled off a string of excellent saves to keep the Lion's in front as Celtic pushed to get a late equaliser.

David Farr replaced Rob Pearson as Breachwood look to secure the three points at one nil.

Many thanks to our travelling supporters including: The Jefferies, Steve Marlow and the injured Andy Fildes, Ali Colins and John Harvey

Lion's 2 v 1 Stevenage Colt's

Lion's starting eleven: Gardner, French, Fildes, Collier, P.Farr, Dye(C), Harrison, Pearson ,Marlow, Canning, Burnage

Ian Canning set out the Lion's stall early on, testing the keeper from 25 yards to tip the ball round the post.
French and Fildes kept the Lions defensive lines clear, whilst Pete Farr linked well with Rob Pearson on the left.
Captain Dye showed plenty of drive in the middle of the park, feeding the ball into the Lion's attack.

Breachwood found the breakthrough after 20 minutes when Ian Canning intercepted a Colt's clearance and his composed passing found Burnage in space on the edge of the area. Burnage instantly pulled the trigger to fire a right foot shot into the top right hand corner of the net.

Shortly after half time, a sweeping move down the right wing involving Ben Marlow found Ian Canning reaching the touch line before crossing the perfect ball to Captain Dye arriving at the back of the six yard box to slot the ball into the bottom left corner of the net.

Despite being two nil down Stevenage Colts still had the spirit to fight back and won a free kick on the edge of the Lion's penalty area. The free kick curled out of reach of Gardner into the top corner for 2-1.

David Farr replaced the battling Ian Collier.

Despite the mud on a churned up pitch the last twenty minutes was a free flowing game as Colts tried to pull level whilst Breachwood tried to put the game safely out of reach. Lion's keeper Wayne Gardner pulled off a string of flying saves to keep the status quo. At the other end Harrison's header from a Burnage corner was tipped onto the bar by the Colt's keeper.

The game finished 2-1 to the Lion's

Lion's Manager's Man of the Match Rob Pearson.

Thank you to our supporters who turned up to watch including the injured John Harvey & Ali Collins.

Lion's 7 v 0 Aston Athletic

Goals from Canning (2) ,Weeks, Pete Farr,Pearson, D Jeffries and Ben Marlow put Breachwood back to winning ways.

KLM CUP Station 6 v 1 Lion's

Lions starting eleven: Gardner, P.Farr, French, Collier, Fildes, D.Farr, A.Jefferies, D.Jefferies, Bushey, Burnage, Canning.

Lion's started brightly but were 2 nil down at half time.

Harrison replaced David Farr in the second half.
Station scored four more in the second half. Lion's best chance fell to Bushey whose back flick hit the Station post until Adam Jefferies cool stike from a Burnage cross found the back of the net for a consolation goal.
Jordan replaced Pete Farr late on.

The game ended 6 v 1 to Station. Lion's Managers man of the match was Adam Jefferies.

Thanks to our suffering supporters including : the Jefferies family, Laura & Fran

Lion's 1 v 4 Hogshead

Lion's starting eleven: Gardner, French, P.Farr, Marlow, Dye(C), Bushey, D.Jefferies, Marney, Burnage, Harvey, Canning

Referee D.Bailey

Lion' s started the brighter of the two sides but fell behind to a goal from a Hogshead counter attack when Breachwood lost the ball in the middle of the park.

Rob Pearson replaced an injured Ben Marlow.

Ian Canning beat the offside trap from a Danny Jefferies pass to curl the ball into the top right corner to level the scores before half time.

In the second half Hogshead scored again not long after the restart.

Harrison replaced Harvey and Jordan replaced Pete Farr. Despite and number of efforts on goal from Canning, Burnage, Buskey and Jefferies Lion's were unable to get the Lion's level.

Lions pushed forward in a vain attempt to get something from the game but Hogshead were quick to counter attack in the available space to score two more goals, although one was a questionable for offside.

The game ended Lion's 1 Hogshead 4 depsite Breachwood having the Lion's share of possesion.

Subs not used: D.Farr

Thank you to our supporters including: Steve,Fran, Laura & Laura, The Jefferies & many others!

Lion's 0 v 2 Langleybury

Lion's starting eleven: Gardner, French, Fildes, P.Farr, Marlow, Painter, Bushey, Harrison, Burnage, D.Jefferies, Canning. Ref:D.Hucker.

The Lion's reached the quarter finals last year in the Herts Intermediate Cup, and were hoping for a similar run this year starting with today's round 2 tie with Langleybury Cricket Club from Watford.

Breachwood started with the early pressure, with good movement from Jefferies, Canning and Burnage but the Lion's were caught with a sucker punch of goal, when a Lion's attack broke down and Langleybury counter attacked down the right wing and crossed an early ball to the far post for the forward to head past Gardner.

Breachwood continued to attack with strikes at goal from Jefferies and Fildes. French and Farr were solid in defence for the rest of the half, with Farr helping the attacking cause and linking well with Steve Painter.

The Lion's were still in the game at half time and only one nil down.

Early in the second half, substitutes Ali Collins & Dan Dye replaced Harrison and Painter as the Lions pushed to get on level terms. More chances came as Danny Jefferies pass helped Burnage to have a shot at goal. Ben Marlow pushed forward to fire crosses into the Langleybury box.

Gardner easily dealt with Langleybury's shots until late in the game, a cross landed in a crowded Lions penalty area, which the Lion's were unable to clear before a Langleybury attacked found the top left corner of the Breachwood net.

Mark Bushey battled to help Breachwood get something from the game but a scuffle with a Langleybury player after a challenge led to Referee Dave Hucker giving both players a straight red card.

The game finished two nil to Langleybury.

Graham French was the managers man of the match.

Substitutes not used: Page, Jordan, D.Farr

A big thank you to our supporters including: Ken, Laura,Laura, Fran & co, John, Ash, Beeny, Linc&Mel, The Jefferies & many others!

Lion's 4 v 6 Probuild

Lions lost 4 v 6 to second in the table Probuild in what was a exciting and entertaining game. it was 2-2 after fifteen minutes. Ali Collins, John harvey and Ian Canning scored the Lion's goals.

I was away this weekend so unable to give a full report.
Please use the comment link if you can give any more detail.

Pin Green 4 v 1 Lion's

Lion's starting eleven: Gardner, P.Farr, Fildes, French, Dye(C), Bushey, Burnage, Collier, Canning, D.Jefferies, Harvey.

Breachwood were playing Pin Green for the second time this season after losing one nil in their opening game of the season. Today's game was at Canterbury Way. Pin Green had the better start. Lion's keeper Wayne Gardner pull off a great point blank save from the Pin Green centre forward, before another Pin Green player's follow up shot went in off the post after the Lion's failed to clear the danger.
Breachwood responded and had their best period of play in game in the last twenty minutes of the first half. Dye and Bushey were able to dig the ball out of midfield for the attacking runs of Burnage and Canning supporting the forward guile of John Harvey.

Collier and French did well to cut down the counter attacking supply to the quick Pin Green centre forward. Pete Farr was committed as ever to the Breachwood cause in tracking the forward runs of Pin Green players.

Often Danny Jefferies would pick out Andy Fildes in space and the Lion's moved the ball around searching for a way through Pin Green. Just before half time Jefferies made a decisive move to the edge of the Pin Green box and lifted the ball over the defenders leg for Canning to curl the ball into the far corner of the net for 1-1 at half time.

Early in the second half Pin Green regain the lead after attacker was able to find space to pick his shot.

Breachwood made some changes in determination to get something from the game. Pearson,Marlow and Weeks replaced Peter Farr, Collier and Burnage. Despite shots from Jefferies, Bushey, Harvey and Weeks, the Lions were unable to find the killer ball.
Unfortunately the Lions were caught being over committed moving forward, when two Pin Green counter attacks resulted in two goals to give Pin Green a 4-1 win

Managers Man of the Match was Captain Danny Dye

Substitutes not used: D.Farr, Harrison, Jordan, Page

Thank you to our travelling supporters including: Fran, Laura, Laura, Steve, Merg, Ash & the Jefferies

Hogshead 1 v 3 Lion's

Lion's starting eleven: Gardner, P.Farr, Fildes, French, Dye(C), Bushey, Burnage, Weeks, Canning, D.Jefferies, Harvey
Ref: D.Hucker

It was a scrappy start to the game at Chells Park. Pete Farr and Graham French defended well as the Lion's tried to find their normal passing rhythm on a narrow pitch.
Breachwood got the breakthrough they needed when Danny Jefferies pass out of midfield found Ian Canning advancing down the left wing. His early cross found John Harvey arriving in the box in time to score his first goal of the season.

Hogshead battled for the equaliser but Gardner easily dealt with their efforts on goal.

The equaliser came after a succession of long balls. One found the Hogshead centre forward after the bounce went his way past the Lions defender and left Gardner no chance with the shot.

Lion's did the utmost to get back on top. Weeks and Canning having fine efforts on goal.

Not long before half time, Burnage broke away down the left wing to fire a perfect cross into John Harvey's feet. Harvey's composed shot found the back of the net for his second.

2-1 to the Lion's at half time.

In the second half Captain Dye and Bushey were instrumental in driving the Lion's forward sensing more goals.
Harrison and Marlow replaced Burnage and Weeks to help defend the lead as Hogshead battled hard to get something out of the game.

Fildes was outstanding at turning defence into counter attack. Late on in the game Fildes pass found Ian Canning on the right wing, he cut inside and from well outside the box he curled a left foot shot past the outstretched Hogshead keeper into the top corner of the net to ensure Lion's got all the points at 3-1.

Managers Man of the Match was John Harvey

Substitutes not used: D.Farr, Harris, Pearson, Jordan.

Thank you to our travelling supporters including: Fran, Laura, Laura, Steve, Merg, Ash & the Jefferies.

Lion's 4 v 1 Peartree

Lion's starting eleven: Gardner, Fildes, French, P.Farr, Bushey, Dye(C), Weeks, Burnage, D.Jefferies, Canning, Harvey.
Ref: Garside

Breachwood started with the early pressure after Fildes sent several crosses into the danger area.

The first goal came when Danny Jefferies started a move half way inside the Peartree half with a pass to Ian Canning who then cleverly slipped the ball to the left wing for Burnage to cross. Jefferies arrived in the box to volley the ball home into the roof of the net.

The second goal followed not long after when Captain Dye slid the ball behind the Peartree defence to meet the run of Ian Canning. Canning cleverly lifted the ball over the advancing keeper for two nil.

Lions goalkeeper Wayne Gardner easily dealt with a few Peartree counter attacks.Lion's turned defence into attack as French set up a combative Pete Farr on several runs down the left wing.

Late in the first half Gladiator Bushey played a free kick to the back post. The ever present John Harvey was able to cushion the ball down for Canning to claim his second goal of the match from close range.

Three nil to the Lion's at half time.

Early in the second half the Lion's had several chances thanks to the running of Weeks and Burnage on the flanks. Captain Dye sent one shot just over the bar.

The Fourth goal came after further Lion's pressure led to a goalmouth scramble. Andy Fildes nipping the ball off a defenders toes to score from close range.

Peartree got a consolation goal when the Peartree centre forward forced an error out of the Lion's keeper after the ball had zipped off the wet surface.

Late on substitutes David Farr and Pete Jordan came on to help secure the three points.

The game finished 4-1 to Breachwood.

Pete Farr was the Managers Man of the Match.

Substitutes not use: Harrison, Harris, Painter

Thank you to our supporter that included, The Jefferies family, Laura & Laura, Fran, Beeny, Ash, ,Ali, Barry and many others!

Pig & Whistle 2 v 2 Lion's

Lion's starting eleven: Gardner, A.Jefferies, French, P.Farr, Dye(C), Bushey, Harris, Burnage, Painter, Canning, D.Jefferies.

Lion's played a new look Pig & Whistle at Riddlins End.

The started off a bit scrappy until Pig took the lead from a corner. The ball broke to the edge of the Breachwood box where an oncoming Pig midfielder look advantage of the bounce to head the ball back into the top left corner of the Lion's net.

Breachwood came back strongly with Dye, Bushey and Harris playing the ball across the midfield after good support play from Pete Farr and Steve Painter on the left.

Danny Jefferies worked well with Ian Canning before Adam Burnage put Jefferies through with a slide rule pass to beat the keeper from close range for the equaliser.

Lion's had a succession of chances through Danny Jefferies and Ian Canning. Burnage flashed a free kick over the bar.
Adam Jefferies playing his last game for while before going to Uni nearly scored with a long range effort.

1-1 at half time

In the second half Graham French was instrumental in heading the danger from the Lion's defence.

Harrison and Marney replaced Harris and Painter.Captain Dye and Bushey move the midfield up a gear with Brad Marney using his pace down the left to good effect as Breachwood looked for that decisive goal.

The goal came with Goalkeeper Gardner's trademark long clearance finding the head of Harrison. Danny Jefferies anticipated the flick on, beat a defender before finding Ian Canning on the left. Canning beat the keeper from a tight angle with the ball going in off the post to give the Lion's the lead.

However Pig equalised not long after the restart with a speculative shot from range finding the Lion's net.

Substitute Michael Weeks came on as the Lion's tried to regain the advantage. Danny Jefferies and Bushey both having shots just going wide.

The game ended in a 2-2 draw.

Substitutes not used: Fildes, D.Farr, Jordan.
AJ was the Managers Man Of The Match

Thank you to our travelling supporters; the Jefferies family, Fran & Ash

Lion's 2 v 2 Stevenage Celtic Supporter

Lion's starting eleven: Gardner, A.Jefferies, French, P.Farr, Bushey, Page, D.Jefferies, Dye(C), Burnage, Canning, Harvey. Referee: J.Batchelor.

The Lion's started with the better momentum with Bushey, Dye , Danny Jefferies and Burnage working well through the midfield but the Celtic defence managed to stop the efforts of Canning and Harvey. Page on the left had a chance go wide.

French, Farr and Adam Jefferies did well to keep Celtic out of the Lion's half for most of the first twenty minutes as the Lion's pushed for a goal.

The breakthrough came when the midfield threaded the ball into Harvey's feet with his back to goal. He flicked the ball over his shoulder on the turn beat another defender to go one on one with the keeper but hit the post. The ever aware Ian Canning pounce on the gift to slot home from close range.

Lion's should of capitalised further but let Celtic back into the game as the first half came to an end with a pass to the back post that for the forward to equalised.

After the Break, George Harrison replaced Gary Page. The Lion's again tried to push for the advantage but were caught short with a Celtic ball over the top for the forward to hit high over the advancing Gardner who tried to narrow the angle, to give Celtic the lead.

The Lion's had a strong resolve to get back into the game with two quick chances after the restart bringing saves from the Celtic keeper. The Lion's began to up the pressure with a succession of corners and free kicks. Burnage's delivery caused problems for Celtic but Lion's could not quite perfect the final touch. Mark Bushey and Danny Jefferies both fired shots just wide.

The equaliser finally came with a passing move from the right involving the Jefferies, Burnage and Harvey before Captain Dye played a sublime pass through the Celtic defence to the feet of Harrison, who found the top corner past the advancing keeper.

Michael ? and Mark Harris replaced Burnage and the hardworking Pete Farr as the Lion's made an effort to squeeze more points out of the game but ran out of time. The game ended in a draw but the Lion's felt they could of done better with their chances.

Substitutes not used: D.Farr, Painter, Jordan
Thanks to our supporters, including; The Dyes, The Jefferies family, Steve Marlow, Ash & Beeny

Stevenage Colts Old Boys 0 v 9 Lion's

After the disappointment of losing the first game of the season last week to Pin Green one nil, Breachwood Lion's roared back with a convincing display at Shephallbury Park against the Colts.

Lion's starting eleven: Gardner, A.Jefferies, French, Fildes, Bushey,Burnage, Painter, Dye(C), Crisp, Canning, D.Jefferies. Ref D.Wisson

Lion's got off to a good start with Ian Canning having several early shots on goal. The first goal eventually came when the ball broke to Danny Jefferies at the edge of the box and drilled the ball home off the underside of the crossbar.

The Lion's midfield kept a compact shape with Dye, Crisp and Bushey eager to challenge for every ball. Bushey scored his first goal for the club with a majestic strike from the right into the far top corner of the net.

Danny Jefferies was on the end of a flowing move with Burnage and Painter involved, but was brought down before he could pull the trigger.
Up stepped a cool Ian Canning to strike home the penalty for deserved goal.

Lions kept up the pressure with Fildes and Adam Jefferies support the attack play from defence. French's no nonsense approach kept any Colt's attack at bay.

Danny Jefferies playing in a more forward role was involved in most of the Lion's attacks. With a great assist from Burnage Jefferies didn't take long to complete his hatrick in the second half, slotting home two well take goals though he could of had a fourth with a free header at the far post.

Pete Farr replaced Steve Painter, who had great game down the left. It didn't take long before Farr pounced on a through ball to add his name to the score sheet.

Mark Harris replaced the injured and battling Graham Crisp and was in the right place at the right time when the ball came back off the crossbar to head home from close range.

Ben Marlow replaced a battered Adam Burnage with fifteen minutes to go.

Lion's Captain Danny Dye encapsulated the win with a second half double after twice outwitting the Colts offside trap.

The Colt's tried hard for a consolation goal but Gardner's determination ensured he kept a clean sheet.

Final score nine nil to the Lion's.

Substitutes not used: Harrison, Collier., D.Farr.
Thanks to our supporters: Laura, The Jefferies family, Steve Marlow.

PSF Lion's 5 v 3 King Pin

In their last pre-season match the Lion's beat king Pin with goals from Ian Canning (2),Iain Turkentine,Dan Dye(C) and Dan Jefferies.The Lions were one down before hitting back with 3 before halftime. The score was 4-1 after break before conceding a penalty to make it 4-2,then 5-2 and finally 5-3.A good all round performance going into the start of the new season.

Lion's Win Walken 6's

Breachwood lions won the walkern 6's on sunday 21st August in a 17 team tournament from stevenage to win. The Lion's didn't concede a goal and won every game!!!!! special thanks to the fantastic 8 who turned up to make history....Pete Jordon aka Pirate Pete,Wiggy Farr,Graham French,Danny Jefferies,Adam Jefferies,Bradley Marney,Mark B ushey and Adam Burnage. An excellent day made all the better by winning by playing the best football!

Lion's First Fixture of New Season Announced

Breachwood Lion's will play their first game in Division 1 against Pin Green at Home of Sunday 10th September.

The Lion's are also set to play Langleybury Cricket Club in Round 2 of the Herts Intermediate Cup on 5th November.

Pre Season Friendly: Lion's 2 v 4 MBDA

Lion's starting eleven: Gardner, Fildes, P.Farr, French, Turkentine, Crisp, Dye(C), Bushey, Harvey, Canning, Harrison.

Subs used: Mark ?, Painter.

Another PSF where the Lion's started off the stronger with early pressure, causing MBDA some problems down each wing. Unfortuantely MBDA found space on their counter attacks to score twice before half time.

The Lion's came out determind to amend the defecit after the break. Canning drilled the ball into the bottom far corner from outside the box from Bushey's midfield sweeping pass. Harrison headed home from Turk's cross to level the score.

However MBDA took their opportunities well to score twice before the end to win the match 4-2. It was a good game from both sides. Result aside the Lion's had stepped up their performance and improved their play from the previous two PSF's. Another good run out for all the squad.

Pre Season Friendly: Lions 1 v 4 Rising Sun (ex SBS)

Lion's lived to regret missing some early chances when they started off the stronger of the two teams. Rising Sun took a two nil lead at half time after a midfield half volley found a corner of the net and and sucker punch lob over the Lion's keeper on the counter attack after a Lion's attack broke down before half time.

Ali Collins scored a glorious individual goal in the second half, but it wasnt enough to stop Rising Sun take advantage of some tired legs and some rotational team changes in the Lion's side.

Result aside it was all about getting match fit for the Lion's and to give the squad a good airing! A quick and young Rising Sun side should do well in Division 2 next season.

Thanks to Mt Bailey for reffing the game. And thanks to the village supporters, including: The Dyes,Beeny & the girls.

Pre Season Friendly: Lions 3 v 5 Lilley

The Lion's played their annual PSF against Lilley.
Lilley went 3 nil up early in the 1st half. Ian Canning pulled one back before the break from the penalty spot after Ben marlow was brought down.
A change of players at half time led the Lion's to draw level after goals from Harrison and Collin's. As legs began to tire, Lilley scored twice before the final whistle. It was a good game and a chance to blood some new players and a chance for the whole squad to take part in the game.

Thank you to Ash & Beeney and those that came up to watch the game.

Lion's Promoted to Division One Next season

FIRST DIVISION

BREACHWOOD LIONS
COOPERS
HOGSHEAD
MBDA
PEARTREE ( FORMELY RILEYS)
PIG AND WHISTLE ( NEW CLUB)
PIN GREEN
PROBUILD ( FORMELY FCFL)
RAPID SOURCE ( NEW CLUB )
STEVENAGE CELTIC(FORMELY WHITE DIAMOND)
STEVENAGE COLTS

End of Another Season

So another season ends for the Lion's with the disappointment of losing a Cup Final. All that is left is to find out the Player's player, Manager's player, Captain's player, and the most improved player which I'm sure will be revealed at an end of the season bash in early June, and probably not that long before pre season starts for next season :)

Although this year's top goalscorer is Ali Collins with 21 goals in all competitions. Adam Burnage was second in the goal scoring stakes with 19 goals. Interestingly both players were level with 13 league goals each.

The Lion's have enjoyed relative success in recent season's being Divisional Cup Finalists four seasons on the trot and winning the Double three season's ago, success has become expected and so losing two cup finals and feeling "could of done a bit better" in challenging for the title in the last two season's feels disappointing.

However it is true to say not only have the Lion's consolidated we also made progress last season.
The lads went further in the KLM and the Herts County Cup that they had ever done in previous seasons.

In the 2004/05 season the Lion's finished 3rd in Division 2 with 33 points and a goal difference of 34 after 18 games, with 9 wins, 3 losses and 6 draws.

Whilst in the recent 2005/06 season we finished 3rd again,we improved our stats, gaining a further 6 points totalling 39 points with a positive goal difference of 41 goals after winning 13 games and losing 5 and no draws after 18 games.

Breachwood Lions Final Team

Left to Right.
BackRow: Abrahams,Crisp,Harvey,Gardner,Canning,
Fildes,Harrison,D.Farr,M.French
FrontRow :Pearson,D.Jefferies,Collins,P.Farr,
G.French,Dye,Burnage,Collier.
Squad Players Not Shown:
Sanchez,A.Jefferies,Jordan,Turkentine.

If you have been following the highs and lows of these match reports. This season we finished as finalists in the Division 2 Cup. Above are the lads you have been reading about. Injured goalkeeper Jose Sanchez took a few photos at Sunday's final.

Division 2 Cup Final: Lion's 0 Station 4

Last match report of the season!

Mr Richardson was the referee for today's Division 2 Cup Final at Stevenage Borough FC. J.Pratt and C. Hall were the linesmen. J. Batchledor was the fourth official.

Lion's starting eleven: Gardner, Fildes, French, P.Farr, Crisp, Dye(C), D.Jefferies, Burnage, Canning, Collins, Harvey.

This was the fourth successive final for the Lion's and a return to Stevenage Borough after last years final was played at the Herts FA County Ground in Letchworth. The Lion's were back in the Away dressing room where it all started as underdogs four years ago.

Station had beaten the Lion's twice in the league and look set to win the Division Two league title. However the Lion's ran them close last week at 3-2 in the league. So the Final was perfectly poised.

Breachwood were keen to apply the early pressure. Captain Dye showed the St George's Day spirit taking no prisoners in the tackle. Canning struck at close range, but straight at the keeper.

In the first twenty minutes, Station were limited to only a few counter attacks that brought assured saves from Gardner. Pete Farr was up for the battle, and was again adept at passing out of defence to set up Burnage to run with the ball on the right wing. French's no nonsense approach cleared the ball from any danger, Andy Fildes anticipated any long balls from Station with perfect interceptions.

Harvey accelerated past the left full back to the bye line, having spotted Collins and Canning arriving at the back post, crossed for Collins, whose header came back out off the post.

Canning, Jefferies and Crisp all had individual shots at goal from the edge of the box as the Lion's tried to take advantage of their early ascendancy.

Burnage took a free kick from the edge of the box that was saved by the keeper.

Danny Jefferies put in John Harvey who muscled past the defender into the box, only to be brought down in a heap, Lion's appealed for the dead cert of a penalty but the linesman seemed to hesitate in raising his flag, the moment passed and referee Richardson waved play on.

From then on the game started to turn.

With fifteen minutes left in the first half, the Station right winger began to find space, enough to whip in a cross to the back post for a low diving header to give the first sucker punch.

Goals two and three arrived in quick succession before half time and were almost exact carbon copies of each other. The ball played left to right, stretched the Lion's defence. On both occasions two crosses to the far post found an attacker arriving late to head low to score.

Station lead 3 nil at half time.

Collier replaced the injured Pete Farr early in the second half and was quickly into action to interlink with Burnage down the right.

The Lion's tried to pick up their passing game with Dye,Crisp and Jefferies in the midfield. Harvey proved it takes more than a knock to the head to stop him as worked his socks off trying to find the opening. Collins was still proving to be a handful as he attacked down the left and won a couple of corners. Jefferies and Crisp flashed shots over the bar.

Burnage picked up the ball on the half way line and went on a jinking run straight through the midfield. He looked poised to shoot from the edge of the box but passed wide to Collins who was still proving to be a handful attacking down the left and managed to win another corner.

As the Lion's took more risks to push forward, it was inevitable that they would be hit with a counter attack from Station, Gardner tipped one such attack round the post, but had no chance when a Station forward had space inside the box to pick his spot for the fourth goal.

Ten minutes from time Harrison and Pearson replaced Crisp and Canning. Pearson's fresh legs began to cause Station a few problems on the left as the Lion's attempted to get some consolation from the game. Harrison came close with a header at the back post from a Collins corner, but the ball went agonisingly wide of the post.

Station won the game with a convincing 4 nil scoreline but the Station captain was quick to admit the scoreline flattered them a little. In the end it was a game where Station clinically took their chances and the Lion's had the Hoodoo on theirs.

Still there is always next season.....................

Substitutes not used: D.Farr, Abrahams.

Special mention to our injured players who were unable to take part today but who have made a great contribution all season:
Jose Sanchez, Adam Jefferies & Pete Jordan.

A big thank you from the team to all our supporters who made the journey from Breachwood Green to support the Lion's (I don't know all the names!) and especially to those who have supported us all season in all weathers, including: Beeny, Greg, Ash, Merg, Steve, Colin,Laura &The Dyes, The Jefferies.

The team would also like to thank our sponsors this season: The Red Lion Breachwood, Screwfast & Paul Broomfield Aquatics

Station 3 Lion's 2

Mr Gibbs was the referee for this top of the table clash at Peartree Park.

Lion's starting eleven: Gardner, P.Farr, French, Fildes, Collier, Crisp, Dye(C), D.Jefferies, Harvey, Canning, Collins.

The game started with a high tempo with Station trying to put the Lion's under pressure, but the Lion's roared back with some outstanding moves. Canning was the first of the Lion's to test the keeper. Collins was proving to be more than handful for one of the Station centre backs,as he chased down every ball. Pete Farr gave another impressive display of turning defence into attack, finding the feet of Harvey.

The game's opening goal came when a Station attacker came in from the right wing and was able to twist and turn in the Lion's box before firing the ball past an outstretched Gardner.

Lion's got back into the game with a move that went from right to left. Ali Collins pulled out wide on the right and clipped the ball inside to Danny Jefferies. With great vision Jefferies picked out a sweeping pass to John Harvey who was screaming down the left wing. With a delightful first touch Harvey sold the right back with a penetrating run into the box and slipped the ball under the advancing goalkeeper for 1-1.

1 -1at half time.

Station attacked and won a couple or corners, but Collier outjumped everyone to head clear for the Lion's.

Station won a free kick on the edge of the Lion's box. Station's Elliott Bunn managed to curve the ball around the four man Breachwood wall and past Gardner into the net to take a 2-1 lead.

Moments later Bunn had another free kick that rattled off the Lion's crossbar.

As the Lion's pushed forward looking for the equaliser, they risked leaving gaps behind but the Breachwood defence were doing well at keeping Station at bay. Graham French was on top of his game and Andy Fildes slick passes was finding the feet of Harvey and Collins. Unfortunately the attack broke down and a Station forward tried a speculative shot from the left wing that dipped over the head of Gardner into the far top corner of the Lion's net to give Station a 3-1 lead.

Burnage replaced Collier as Lion's went on all out attack. Burnage was quickly into the game, cutting inside from the right wing to whip in his crosses.

The game was flowing end to end when Ali Collins went on a tear down the left wing leaving defenders in his wake, he spotted Ian Canning arriving on queue and whipped in a cross to the edge of the six yard box. In a desperate attempt to stop Canning scoring, a Station centre back lunged with leg but could only fire the ball past his own keeper for an own goal and a life line for Breachwood at 3-2.

With Lion's applying the pressure for the equaliser, Station could only try long balls into the box which Gardner dealt with ease. Station then picked up a succession of yellow cards in their attempt to stop the Lion's. For the whole game Graham Crisp & Captain Dye had been formidable in the centre of midfield. Their steel and gritty competitiveness embodied the Breachwood spirit.

Danny Jefferies was busy picking up passes from Collins and Burnage. With space on the edge of the box, he unleashed a shot goalwards that took a deflection and looped over the Station keeper but came back out off the crossbar. Pete Farr was unlucky in the follow up.

Similar to last weeks game, the Lion's ran out of time when referee Gibbs blew for full time, giving Station a 3-2 win.

Pete Farr was today's Manager's Man of the Match and wins a meal for two in the Red Lion.

Substitutes not used: Harrison, D.Farr

A big thank you to the our travelling supporters including: Beeny, Laura, Ash, Steve, Merg & the Jefferies family.

Coopers 2 Lion's 1

Mr Murrill was the referee for today's game at Hampson Park for this Division 2 top the table clash
The Lion's starting eleven: Gardner, Fildes, French, P.Farr, Crisp, Dye(C), D.Jefferies, Burnage, Canning, Harvey, Collins.

The Lion's started the brighter of the two teams with majority of the play kept in the Coopers half. Harvey and Collins attempting to trouble the Coopers defence. Crisp and Danny Jefferies looked to find a winning thread as they weaved through the midfield.
Danny Jefferies had a good chance early on from just inside the box. A Burnage cross found the head of Ian Canning arriving at the back post but was saved.

Lion's had been able to keep up the early pressure thanks to some sterling tackling from Captain Dye, that just gets better and better. Pete Farr turned defence into attack after winning and then running with the ball down the right. At the back French and Fildes did well from stopping the Cooper's forwards from connecting.

After twenty minutes, Breachwood began to rue their chances in the early pressure as Cooper's began to attack with more menace with a series of flighted corners and free kicks. Gardner made a string of goalstopping saves, keeping the Lion's in the match, including literally saving the ball on the feet of the Cooper's forward.

Five minutes before half time, Breachwood could only clear the ball as far as a Coopers player on the edge of the box,who then hit a low shot through a crowded penalty area. Gardner saw it late and a slight deflection meant the ball found its way into the bottom corner of the Lion's net.

Cooper's led one nil at half time.

Ian Collier replaced an injured Pete Farr for the second half and was soon in the thick of the action. Harvey and Collins worked hard up front to create shooting opportunities from the edge of the box. Canning and Burnage both tried their luck from midfield after linking up with Crisp and Jefferies. Lion's were awarded a free kick on the far side of the six yard box when the Cooper's goalkeeper picked up a back pass. It was almost too close with an overcrowded penalty box. The resulting shot going over the bar.

A defensive Cooper's clearance to the other end found two Cooper's forward in on goal, leaving Gardner no chance to stop Cooper's scoring their second for two nil.

Harrison replaced Crisp, but was soon booked for some over eager tackling.

Captain Dye set an example in his determination to get something out the game. Burnage whipped in a corner but Harrison should of done better with the header at the backpost. Moments later Lion's had a throw in and Burnage whipped in a cross into the penalty area. The cross found the feet of Ali Collins who acted on instinct to thump the ball into the bottom corner of the Cooper's net for 2-1.

Cooper's found attack the best form of defence to stop Breachwood from drawing level, again calling Gardner into action.

Burnage had a free kick on the edge of the Coopers box. It looked like he had scored to bring the game level, with the keeper beaten until a defender headed the ball clear off the line.

Jefferies and Dye set up Collins, Harvey and Burnage on a string of counter attacks, but the Lion's ran out of time with the final whistle. The game finished 2-1 to Cooper's, where Cooper's had taken their chances and sadly the Lion's hadn't. The result meant the end of the Lion's title chances for this season.

Wayne Gardner was todays Manager's Man od the Match and wins a meal for two in the Red Lion.

Substitute not used: D.Farr

Another big thank you to travelling supporters including: Laura, Beeny, Merg and Pete Jordan.

And we all hope Adam Jefferies get well soon.

Lion's Trade Diamond's For Three Points

I.Brown was today's referee at Ridlin's End against White Diamond Security.

Lion's starting eleven: Gardner, A.Jefferies, French, Fildes, P.Farr, Crisp, Dye(C), D.Jefferies, Canning, Burnage, Harvey.

Breachwood started well and had the early chances. Ian Canning, Danny Jefferies tested the keeper with some early shots from outside the box. Burnage went down the right wing after flicking the ball round the defender on the turn whilst running the other side of him to collect the ball. Pete Farr was also able to get forward from defence to get in on the act for a shot at goal. The breakthrough finally came when clever passing from Pete Farr and Danny Jefferies, set off John Harvey into the Diamond box. Not for the first time this season Harvey found himself one on one with the goalkeeper. He dragged the ball wide to open up the angle as the keeper raced off his line to meet him, only for Harvey to place a delicate chip into the back of the White Diamond net for one nil.

Ten minutes later Burnage found space on the right wing to whip in a cross to the edge of the Diamond box. Graham Crisp arrived to meet it. The Lion's supporters watched in awe at his technique as he opened up his body allowing him to thunder a perfect volley into the Diamond net. Real Roy of the Rovers stuff.

White Diamond began to get more into the game as the pressured the Lion's forwards. Turning defence into attack they had several chances down the right wing only for the experienced Andy Fildes to shepherd the ball out to safety. Fildes and French acted on instinct to block shots from close range. It took some dramatic saves from Wayne Gardner to ensure the Lion's kept their two nil lead at half time.

In the second half Ali Collins replaced Pete Farr.

Breachwood let slip a goal to White Diamond when their substitute capitalised on loose ball in the Lion's defence and fire home against Gardner.

Breachwood began to up the tempo again with a sterling performance from Captain Dye winning the ball with superb tackling and then setting up Ian Canning down the left, whose trickery got the better of the full back for a chance at goal. Adam Jefferies was able to support the midfield more as Lion's pushed for more goals. A pass from the left found the feet of Adam Burnage on the right just inside the box. His right foot let fly a low shot that a defending leg couldn't stop from zipping into the back of the net for a three one lead.

As the game wore on Lion's began to find more space as the battling Diamond defence dropped off a little. A perfect scenario for AliCollins who needs little invitation inside the penalty area. He feinted to pass one way before reversing the ball high into the roof of the Diamond Goal for four one.

Lion's won a free kick on the edge of the box. Collins looked set to score his second as he hit a low shot around the wall but the Diamond goalkeeper managed to get down low to prevent the ball from going over the line.

Harrison replaced Crisp and Rob Pearson came on to the left wing.
White Diamond though losing seemed determined to salvage something from the game with a sustained ten minute period of pressure but French and Adam Jefferies were able to head clear. Then Diamond had a number of successive corners. Gardner punched a couple clear, another came out to to a Diamond player on the edge of the box, whose shot rattled off the Lion's crossbar.

White Diamond finally scored a second goal with a low shot from the edge of a crowded penalty area. The sea of players meant Gardner saw it late and was unable to stop it going into the net for four two.

Back at the other end Ali Collins got clear of the defenders as he took the ball to the bye line before cutting a neat cross back into the area for Danny Jefferies to steer home for 5-2 before the final whistle.

Substitutes not used: D.Farr, Collier

John Harvey was the Man of the Match and gets a meal for two in the Red Lion.

Another big thank you to our travelling supporters that included, Ken, Laura, Beeny, Ash & Pete Jordan.

The Mother Of A Win For The Lion's, A First Half Harvey Hatrick In 8 Nil Win Over Marquis Of Lorne

D.Bailey was the referee for the Lion's last home game of the season.

The Lion's starting eleven: Gardner, A.Jefferies, French, Fildes, P.Farr, Harrison, Crisp, Dye(C), D.Jefferies, Burnage, Harvey.

Breachwood Lion's were looking to avenge the 4-3 defeat against Marquis of Lorne last November at Canterbury Way and start with a flurry of attacks down the right hand side, Danny Jefferies and Adam Burnage were quick footed with their early touches. With Collins absent, John Harvey looked sharp in spearheading the attack.

Full back Pete Farr received the ball from Harrison and attacked on the overlap down the left for an early chance.

The first goal of the game came when Harrison won a throw deep in the Marquis half. He took the throw himself, picking out John Harvey on the edge of the box. Harvey shielded the ball well from the defender and flicked it inside to Danny Jefferies, who accepted the invitation to shoot from the edge of the box. A great shot that was low inside the left hand post of the net for one nil.

Moments later, Harvey was through on goal and was brought down by the last defender as he was about to pull the trigger.
Graham Crisp stepped up to take the Penalty. He hit a low shot that looked like it was on its way into the bottom left corner of the net until the goalkeeper just managed to get down in time to make the save.

The Lion's second goal came from another Harvey and Danny Jefferies combination. This time, Jefferies hit a measured pass over the Marquis defence for Harvey to run onto, the confusion between the last defender and the goalkeeper allowed Harvey to slip the ball under the keeper into the goal for two nil.

Marquis of Lorne's only real chance at goal came from a left wing cross that was met by a header from Thompson, but he was ruled offside.

The Breachwood defence defended well to stop the two Marquis forwards from having a chance at goal. A composed Adam Jefferies was able to carry the ball out of defence to start more Lion's attacks with assured passing in the middle of the park.

Playing one of his best games of the season, John Harvey out paced the Marquis defence to pick up another perfect through ball and hit it on the bounce to lob the keeper from range for three nil.

With minutes to half time, Harvey was through yet again in the box and was one on one with the keeper when the keeper brought him down.
Referee Bailey had no choice but to send off the Marquis keeper as the last man, despite the Lion's asking him not too.
Though suffering a knock, Harvey himself stepped up to take the penalty, burying the ball into the net to wrap up a first half hatrick and to give the Lion's a four nil lead at half time.

The second half carried on in a similar vein, Captain Danny Dye and Graham Crisp called the tune in the midfield, as the Lion's attacked first down the right with Burnage and Danny Jefferies and then down the left with Pete Farr again joining the attack.

Breachwood introduced some fresh legs with Pearson and Canning replacing Harrsion and Harvey. Moments later a Burnage cross found Pearson in space at the back post and he made no mistake in slotting the home for his third goal of the season and a five nil lead for the Lion's.

Adam Burnage was increasing finding more space against a ten man opposition and whipped in another cross from the right. With just a flick of a foot Ian Canning diverted the ball past the keeper from close range for six nil.

David Farr replaced gladiator Graham Crisp. The Lion's attacking play was relentless as Danny Dye weaved his magic into the Lion's moves.

It was only a matter of time before Adam Burnage got on the scoresheet, this time he came in from the left, danced past a couple of defenders before firing his shot from a tight angle high across the keeper into the farside of the net.

Although they were down to ten men Marquis of Lorne kept their spirit as they tried to get a consolation goal.Lion defenders French and Fildes had done a good job all game by keeping the Division's top goalscorer Carl Thompson from having a shot at goal. Graham French threw his body in front of the ball to block a fierce Thompson shot. Andy Fildes had an almost faultless game in central defence with intuitive clearances. As time wore on the Marquis hit long balls into the Lion's box. After several comfortable saves Breachwood keeper Wayne Gardner had to literally take the ball off the head of Thompson to keep a clean sheet.

With minutes to go Burnage finished off another Lion's attack by cutting inside from the right before turning and hitting a low shot into the corner of the Marquis goal to wrap the game up at eight nil.

Having played a great game in midfield, Danny Jefferies was the Managers man of the match and wins a meal for two in the Red Lion.

A big thank you to all our home supporters who have been great all season at cheering us on in all weathers, today they included: Beeny, Laura, Sarah, Steve, Ken, Mel & Lincoln, Stevie P, Steve Farr and family, The Jefferies, Barry and injured players Jordan and Sanchez.

Lion's Bowl Over King Pin To Reach Final

The referee for today's Divsion 2 Semi Final at Hampson Park was D.Wisson.

The Lion's starting eleven: Gardner, A.Jefferies, French, Collier, P.Farr, Dye(C), D.Jefferies, Burnage, Crisp, Canning, Collins.

A typical start to a cup tie, with both teams pushing to make an early impression. Although Breachwood had the early possesion, it was King Pin that took the lead. Pin played the ball over the Lion's defence, Gardner, returning to the number spot after the injury to Sanchez last week, raced to clear the ball. The clearance only got as far as a King Pin player arriving on the edge of the box and he returned it goalwards. Gardner was able to dive and get an hand on the ball, but not enough to prevent the ball rolling over the goal line.

Unshaken, the Lion's went back on the attack driven on by a very vocal Captain Dye. The equaliser came when French headed the ball out of defence to Danny Jefferies, Jefferies hit a visionary ball over a King Pin defence who were high up the pitch from their previous attack. The ball bounce behind the last defender as Ali Collins raced in and with one touch lobbed the King Pin keeper from 35 yards.

Moments later Collins nearly got another as his cross from out wide on the left hit the top of the crossbar.

Lion's won a corner. Burnage whipped in the cross, French came close at the near post, but the ball found its way back to Burnage out wide. Burnage delivered a another precision cross into the six yard box. The King Pin keeper made a reflex save from an Ian Canning header at the near post, but Ali Collins was on hand to bury the ball into the back of the net to give Lion's the lead.

Captain Dye ensured Lion's kept the lead by battling back and helping out the defence and allowing Pete Farr to speed off down the left wing with a one two with Ian Canning.

Adam Jefferies and Ian Collier were quick at the back to ensure that King Pin's chances were restricted to corners and the ocassional free kick.

Collins fired a low shot that was saved by the keeper, Ian Canning came in from the left to pick up the loose ball and played it back across the goalkeeper from a tight angle into the far corner of the net to give the Lion's a 3 -1 lead.

Graham Crisp managed to work the space well in midfield and fired a shot from deep to keep up the pressure on King Pin.

Collin's was determined to get a first half hatrick but was brought down on the edge of the box. He took the freekick himself, only for his shot to cannon off the crossbar.

King Pin nearly managed to get back into the game before half time with a headed chance at goal that looked like it was on its way into the top corner, until goalkeeper Wayne Gardner made an athletic save and tipping the ball over the bar.

Breachwood lead 3-1 at half time.

As the second half developed, more space opened up for Danny Jefferies and Danny Dye in the midfield as King Pin were pushing forward to salvage the tie.
Midway through the second half, Andy Fildes replaced Pete Farr and John Harvey replaced Ian Canning.
Harvey proved to be a trick customer for the King Pin defence as he stopped the ball going out of play by the corner flag and then outmanovered two defenders to pick out a cross to the far post for Adam Burnage to score from close range.

With fifteen minutes to go Harrison replaced a hardworking Graham Crisp. Harvey picked up a Harrison pass on the left and further terrorised the King Pin defence.But in the dying minutes of the game King Pin won a free kick on the edge of the area. The free kick found the head of a King Pin forward who directed the ball past Gardner.

Breachwood Lion's won 4-2 and now face Station in the Final

Captain Danny Dye was the Manager's Man of the Match.

Substitute Not used: Rob Pearson

A Big thank you to our travelling supporters and injured players!, including: Beeny, Laura, Ash, Merg, Ken, The Jefferies, Pete & Jose.

Lion's Hit Six in Win Over Triage

The Referee for today's game was B.Hall. A game where the opposition turned up with only ten men and without a kit! So they played the game wearing the Lion's yellow away shirts. One thing was for sure a Lion's shirt was going to be the winner today.

The Lions starting eleven: Sanchez, French, A.Jefferies, Collier, P.Farr, Dye(C), D.Jefferies, Crisp, Burnage, Pearson, Canning.

The Lion's were quick to instil their pass and move game in the Triage half. Captain Danny Dye was very vocal in rousing the Lion's players to take the game to Triage. Ian Canning letting fly an early shot from Pearson's cross. Breachwood attacked from the back. Adam Jefferies found space to cut infield and join the midfield play. The composed passing of left back Pete Farr set up more Rob Pearson runs down the left wing.

Burnage cut inside from the right and clipped the ball to Danny Jefferies on the edge of the box. In one movement Jefferies turned and curled the ball inside the post out of reach from the diving goalkeeper for one nil.

The second Lion's goal came when Danny Jefferies collected the ball inside the Triage half, and having spotted that the Triage goalkeeper was off his line, played a long curling chip over the keepers head into the top corner of the net.

Triage had a good chance to score when their forward managed to turn the Lion's defender and fire a shot across Sanchez's goal, only for it to go inches wide. Lion's began causing Triage more problems when Ian Canning pulled out wide, allowing Burnage to come infield and attack from a more central position. Captain Dye showed nifty footwork, taking on two players before putting in Danny Jefferies again for another chance at goal.

Ian Canning had clearly read Danny Jefferies script. He'd dropped off the defenders and pick up the ball in space halfway inside the Triage half and nonchalantly picked out the top corner of the net with his deadly right foot for three nil. Moments later, Graham Crisp came close when he too tried his luck from range. At the other end French and Collier were able to clear several long balls from Triage.

Lion's fourth came when Burnages deep corner found an unmarked Rob Pearson at the far post. Pearsons shot hit the roof of the net for his second goal of the season.

Danny Jefferies sidestepped a defender to let fly a shot that looked destined to secure his hatrick, but was denied by a valiant save from Ian Agass. However the loose ball fell into the path of Adam Burnage who was determined to add his name to the scoresheet by slotting home his shot.

At half time Lion's lead five nil.

Early in the second half Triage managed to breakaway down the left wing. The forward managed to chip Sanchez but the ball was cleared off the line by Adam Jefferies. But the ball found the feet of another Triage attacker joining the play who was then able to pick his spot in the Lion's goal.

Substitutes Harvey and Collins replaced Collier and Pete Farr. John Harvey made an immediate impact, being strong in the tackle and linking the play between the midfield and the front men.

An injured Rob Pearson was replaced by Harrison on the left, who should or done better with a shooting chance that went straight to the goalkeeper.

With twelve minutes to go Breachwood Lion's were reduced to ten men when goalkeeper Jose Sanchez limped off after landing awkwardly on his knee. Not for the first time this season Graham French found himself with the goalkeeper's jersey. French quickly found himself in the thick of the action.

Graham Crisp took command of a rejigged Lion's midfield with astute tackling and passing that showed there was still more to come from the Breachwood side.

Sure enough late on, Collins was able to break away from the now tiring Triage defence to find himself one on one with the goalkeeper. Not an unfamiliar position for the Lion's striker who knew exactly what to do, hit the ball low past the keeper into the bottom corner to seal the Lion's win at 6 v 1.

Danny Jefferies was today's Manager's Man of the Match for an inspiring performance and gets a meal for two in the Red Lion.

Substitutes not used: Gardner, D.Farr.

A big thank you a good turn out of home supporters including, Ash, Laura, Ken, The Jefferies, Barry, Mr Collins, Lincoln & Mel.

Lion's 2 v 4 Bedwell

A late change to today's fixture meant that Breachwood Lion's were to play Bedwell from the Premier Division in the Invitation Cup.
Lions starting eleven: Sanchez, French, A.Jefferies, Collier, Dye(C) D.Jefferies, Crisp, Burnage, Pearson, Harvey, Collins.

Breachwood started very brightly and looked to make up for last weeks disaster. Captain Danny Dye combined well with Danny Jefferies ,Ali Collins and John Harvey in a sweeping passing move. Rob Pearson developed a good understanding with Ali Collins on the left. Collins had two early shots on goal. Crisp was again pivotal in the midfeld, pushing the ball out to Burnage who was causing Bedwell problems on the right wing.

The Lion's opened the scoring when Ali Collins pulled out wide on the left wing and whipped in the ball to John Harvey, who feinted to shoot and then squared the ball to the right where Adam Burnage arrived to drive the ball into the Bedwell net to put the Lion's one nil up.

The Lion's were takeing more shot on goal from range than they had done in recent matches. The Lion's second goal came when Burnage's pass came off a Bedwell defender into the path of John Harvey who was now one on one with the keeper and scored with a neat and composed strike past the keeper into the corner of the net.

Bedwell began to show signs of their pedigree with several attacks down the left wing but were thwarted by French heading clear critical crosses or Collier and Adam Jefferies intercepting and calmly playing the ball out of defence.

Two nil up half way through the first half, the Lion's had relaxed a little too much when the Bedwell left winger was allowed to break into the penalty box and fire a low strike past Sanchez at his near post. Ten minutes later a Bedwell throw in found the feet of a Bedwell forward inside the penalty area, he was able to turn cleverly and fire a shot past Sanchez to bring the game level for half time.

Pete Jordan replaced the injured Adam Jefferies at half time. Breachwood started brightly again in the second half with Burnage going on another run and Ali Collins firing balls into the Bedwell area.
Bedwell scored a controversial goal when the Lion's failed to clear and Sanchez dived to save with seemingly both hands on the ball, when a Bedwell attacker kicked the ball into the net. Referee Butler had judged that Sanchez didn't have the ball fully under control.

Breachwood were still in the game as Danny Jefferies, Crisp and Captain Dye tried to conjure attacking moves, bringing substitutes Ian Canning and Wayne Gardner into the game, although Crisp picked up his second yellow card of the season.

Bedwell were still in the ascendancy, although Sanchez had punched clear everything Bedwell threw at him in the Breachwood goal until a Bedwell forward turned on the ball just outside the edge of the area, and tried his luck with a high shot that looked like it was going over the bar until it dipped into the top corner of the net.

Having used all substitutes, Breachwood were reduced to ten men when Pete Jordan had to go off with an injured knee. At 4-2 down on the day but even at 4-4 in the tie, Breachwood were still able to fashion chances at the other end. Crisp came close to getting on the end of Burnage cross, Collins rifled a shot straight at the keeper, and Burnage's free kick sailed over the bar.

In the end both teams ran out of time trying to win the tie. The game finished 4-2 to Bedwell but the tie was level at 4-4.

Adam Burnage was the Managers Man of the Match and gets a meal for two in the Red Lion.

Substitutes not used: Harrison, D.Farr.

A big thank you a good turn out of home supporters including, Ash, Gary, Beeny, Laura, Ken, Pete, Steve, The Jefferies, Mr Collins, Stevie P & Lincoln.

Bad Day At The Office

The Lion's Starting Eleven: Sanchez, A.Jefferies, French, Fildes, Dye(C), Canning, Crisp, D.Jefferies, Burnage, Harvey, Collins

A reformed SBS side went on the attack straight from the start. After ten minutes Lion's captain Danny Dye was unlucky, when the Ref judged he had fouled an SBS forward in the penalty box. SBS made no mistake in converting the spot kick to take the lead.

The Lion's were finding it difficult to play their usual football on the bobbly dried out mud of a windy Hampson Park. Captain Dye put the tackles in though. Burnage went on a run down the right. Canning had a shot from range. However things went from bad to worse when SBS were awarded a direct free kick on the edge of the Lion's penalty area. The ball curled round the wall and an outstretched Sanchez dived to save but the ball went to straight into the path of a SBS forward who wasn't going to make a mistake from three yards. SBS were now two nil up.

At the back end of the first half the Breachwood Lion's began to get their game together with Danny Jefferies becoming more lively on the attack from a fine Crisp pass. Harvey linked better with Burnage before Ali Collins lobbed the keeper from the edge of the box but the keeper just managed to scramble back to tip the ball over the bar for a corner.

In the second half the Breachwood had the lion's share of possession although Sanchez was called on to make a couple of fine saves. French and co defenders Fildes and Adam Jefferies managed to thwart most SBS counter attacks as the Lion's pushed forward to get something out of the game. Manager Mickey French used all three subs at once with 30 minutes to go. Harrison, Pete Farr and Pete Jordan came on, with the hope that some fresh legs might help get some decisive play in the final third. But the Lion's cause wasn't helped when Fildes and Canning picked up injuries ten minutes from time.

The game ended as it was at half time two nil to SBS and a bad day at the office for the Lion's.

Today's Managers Man of the Match was Ali Collins for his tireless running.

Substitute note used: D.Farr

Thank you to our supporters today, Wayne, Ash, Karen, Beeny, Laura & Mr Collins.

Lion's Knocked Out Of The KLM Cup

Today's Referee was Currey, for the KLM Quarter Final in Breachwood between the Lion's and Division One Champion's, Mallard.Today's game was the furthest that the Breachwood Lion's had reached in the KLM Cup Competition.

The Lion's starting eleven: Sanchez, A.Jefferies, French, Fildes, Crisp, Dye(C), Burnage, D.Jefferies, Canning, Harvey, Collins.

Lions started by taking the game to the Division One side with plenty of the early pressure, though Mallard were quick on the counter attack. However they were often thwarted by the no nonsense defending of French and Adam Jefferies.

Ali Collins got away an early shot on target. Captain Danny Dye and Danny Jefferies in particular, were committed in winning tackles in the midfield. Lion's had another chance when John Harvey headed just wide from a deep cross.

Halfway through the first half, Mallard countered by forcing a corner. Lion's were unable to clear the corner at the first attempt and a Mallard forward stabbed the ball home to take the lead. Undeterred Lions continued to play attacking football, defender Andy Fildes shooting from range. Graham Crisp was pivotal in the midfield, defying a couple of counter attacks starting from the Mallard defence

The equaliser finally came when Fildes switched the ball from the left to the right wing where Adam Burnage collected the ball. Burnage worked some space by taking on a defender, and chipped the ball into the box where a determined Ali Collins arrived at the near post and headed the ball across the goalkeeper into the far top corner of the net.

The Lion's almost took the lead just before half time when John Harvey successfully gambled on chasing a back pass, pulled the ball back across the penalty area. Canning's shot was just marginally over the crossbar.

1-1 at Half time.

Lion's start second half with a strong sense of purpose and enjoying more possession. But Mallard regained the lead with a shot through a crowded penalty box and the unsighted Sanchez was unable to get down in time to stop the ball from hitting the net.

Mallard had a man sent off for an altercation with Ali Collins.

Lions continued to press the play with balls being whipping into the Mallard area, The Lion's came close when a stretched Ali Collins was just unable to connect with a low cross into the six yard box.

Another quick Mallard counter attack earned them a corner, a loose knock down found the feet of a Mallard forward who hit the ball into the roof of the net to give them a 3-1 lead.

Harrison replaced Harvey and Pete Farr replaced Burnage. Minute's later Pete Farr steamed in at the back post to bury a cross into the roof of the net for 2-3.

Ten minutes from time, Mallard had a second man sent off after a second booking for kicking the ball away.
In the final minute, Lion's won a free kick on the edge of the penalty area when Ali Collins was sandwiched by two defenders, but the Mallard keeper was able to save Collin's shot.

Final Score: Lions 2 v 3 Mallard

Graham French was today's Managers Man of the Match a gets a free meal for two in the Red Lion.

Substitutes not used: Jordan, D.Farr, Collier

A big thank you to a big turn out of home supporters, including: Beeny, Wayne, Laura, Sarah, Ken, Steve, Ash, The Jefferies, Merg, Greg & Gary.

12th Feb. Lions 5 v 2 King Pin

Breachwood Lions are second after a comfortable win. Ali Collins hit a hat-trick, John Harvey and Adam Burnage also netted as they were three-up on the hour. King Pin United replied through Robbie Duckworth and Danny Lingwood’s free-kick

5th Feb. Lions 3 v 1 Triage

Breachwood Lions set up a Division Two Cup semi-final meeting with King Pin United after seeing off Triage. Ian Canning, Ali Collins and John Harvey grabbed the goals, Jim McGarry replying.

Broadhall Reserves 0 v 2 Lion's

Mr Gibbs was to today's referee at Peartree Park, for this Round 2 KLM Cup game.
The Lion's starting Eleven: Sanchez, French, Turkentine, A.Jefferies, Fildes, Crisp, Dye(C), D.Jefferies, Canning, Burnage, Collins.

The pitch had a crisp icy crunch to it, but that didn't stop the Lion's getting straight into the game from the get go. Captain Danny Dye set the example with some solid tackling in the early minutes. The first goal came after 5 minutes. Turkentine pick up the ball midway inside the his own half and hit a precision pass between the Broadhall Centre Backs into the path of the sprinting Ali Collins. Collins took the ball in his stride before firing a right foot shot into the bottom left hand corner of the net.

Goal number two came five minutes later Colins was fouled near the corner flag. Burnage whipped in a free kick as Ian Canning darted in at the near post to head home goal number two.

It took a while for Broadhall to get into the game, their best chances coming from corners. Danny Jefferies cleared at the near post, before the returning ball forced Sanchez to tipped the ball onto the bar.

The Lion's were two nil up at half time.

Straight from the second half kick off the looked to kill off a resurgent Broadhall with early shots from Canning Burnage and Danny Jefferies.

The Lion's defence looked secure playing in front of Sanchez in goal, ever the Master and Commander. Graham French's no nonsense approach ensured every ball was cleared and Turkentine was magnificent in the air. Having moved to left back, Andy Fildes proved adept with his sweeping left foot. Right back Adam Jefferies, found the space to push on into midfield linking well with his brother Danny.

The Lion's had the chance to kill off the game when striker Ali Collins went on another jinking run, only to be brought down in the penalty area. Collins himself took the penalty, a low shot towards the bottom left corner. However the tall Broadhall keeper guessed the right way and diving at full stretch was able to tip the ball round the post for a corner.

As the second half wore on, Graham Crisp had the space to move the ball swiftly across the midfield, allowing the Lion's attacking line to continue to test the Broadhall keeper. Crisp himself fired a long shot just over the bar.

Robbie Pearson replaced Burnage and immediately made an impact on the left with a supply line into Ali Collins.

The game finished two nil to the Lion's and they go into the Quarter Final's to play Mallard from Division One.

Ian Turkentine was today's Managers Man of the Match a gets a free meal for two in the Red Lion.

Substitutes not used: Harrison, Jordan, D.Farr

Another big thank you to our travelling supporters: PETE, Wayne, Laura and the Jefferies family.

Canning's Second Half Brace Seals Lion's Cup Win

After being knocked out of the County Cup at Bedmond last week, the Lion's again had to raise their game against Propak, who are currently third in Division One, in Round One of the KLM Challenge Cup. Today's referee was Mr Dowden.

Lion's starting eleven: Sanchez, A.Jefferies,French, Fildes, Abrahams, Crisp, Burnage, Pearson, Dye(C), D.Jefferies, Canning.

For the first five minutes the ball never got out of the Propak half as the Breachwood Lion's started the most livelier of the two teams. Early shots from Danny Jefferies and Ian Canning were an early warning of what was to come. The Lion's began to play some of their best "Crisp" football of the season. Even Centre Back Andy Fildles tried an audacious overhead kick from a Burnage Corner.

Despite all of Lion's early possession, it was the Division One side that took the lead after several counter attacks down the left wing. The Propak forward stabbed the ball home from six yards after the Lion's failed to clear a crossed ball. Propak threatened most from set pieces. Adam Jefferies cleared a powerful header off the line from a corner. On another occasion Sanchez was able to get down low to save after a shot took a tricky deflection.

Robby Pearson worked hard down the left wing. An inspired Danny Jefferies picked up the ball on the edge of the Propak penalty area. With one turn he was able to curl the ball ,with plenty of lift, into the top right corner of the net to put the Lion's back in the game with the equaliser.

Some fine tackling from both Captain Danny Dye and fullback Ian Abrahams, stopped Propak from finding their rhythm. Lion's took the lead when a quick square pass from Burnage on the right wing, found Graham Crisp in space thirty five yards from goal. Without hesitation he thumped the ball low into the bottom right corner of the net with his left foot to put the Lion's into the lead at 2-1.

Propak managed to show their pedigree on the counter attack and had a penalty claim turned down after an Abraham's tackle, but the Lion's pressure was relentless. A quick thinking Danny Jefferies, who had noticed the Propak defence was positioned high up the pitch, played a defence splitting pass to Adam Burnage on the right. Burnage carried the ball thirty yards before going one on one with the keeper. He kept his nerve to slide the ball into the net to put the Lion's firmly in the lead at 3-1 for half time.

The second half was what good cup tie's are made of. Not long after the restart, Ian Canning saw the Propak keeper off his line and cheekily lobbed the keeper from just inside the Propak half to give the Lion's a 4-1 lead.

Propak were by no means beaten and fought back strongly. They scored their second with a whipped in corner to the back post for a headed goal to make it 4-2.

At the other end Danny Jefferies and Ian Canning kept the Propak keeper busy with several efforts. Jefferies was denied a penalty claim after being simultaneous tackled by three Propak defenders. With fifteen minutes remaining the Lion's looked to shore up the game when Harrison ,with his aerial presence, replaced the young battle weary Rob Pearson.

The game was set for a tense finish with ten minutes remaining. Lion's were unable to properly clear a throw in deep into the penalty area. This time the outstretched leg of Adam Jefferies was unable to keep the shot from going over the line into the net for 4-3.

Experienced defenders French, Abrahams and Fildes thumped clear every ball that Propak pumped into the Lion's penalty area.
Then with minutes to go Adam Jefferies carried the ball out of defence. A fine one two between Danny Jefferies and Adam Burnage on the right gave Burnage the space to whip in a cross to the far post. Ian Canning arrived right on queue with some composed control and eyeballed the keeper before slotting the ball home from six yards to seal the win for the Lion's .

The Lion's now go into Round 2 of the KLM cup for the first time.

Ian Canning was the Manager's Man of the Match and wins a free meal for two in the Red Lion.

Substitutes not used: D.Farr, P.Farr.

Another big thank you to the travelling Lion's Supporter Club who inspired today's performance:The Jefferies Family, Ash, Laura, Mel ,Beeny and Steve.

Bedmond 3 Lion's 2

Breachwood Lion's start the new year playing three cup competition games in three successive weeks. The first was today's County Intermediate Cup game(Round4) away to Bedmond in Hemel. Bedmond play in Division One of the Watford League.

The Lion's starting eleven: Sanchez, A.Jefferies, French, Fildes, Harrison, Turkentine, Crisp, Burnage, D.Jefferies, Canning & Collins.

Breachwood started the livelier of the two teams taking the game to Bedmond, with early chances falling to Ali Collins, Graham Crisp and Danny Jefferies.
The Lion's held their own defensively with composed tackling from Adam Jefferies, French, Fildes and inceptions from Harrison. Breachwood continued to press Bedmond with good passing play particularly with Turkentine attacking through the midfield. Ian Canning came close with a header from a ball whipped in by Burnage, but it went just over the bar. There were initial glimmers of what the Watford Division One side where capable of when their centre back struck a shot from outside the box and hit the outside of the far post. The breakthrough came for Bedmond when Breachwood we unable to clear a loose ball and at the second attempt their right winger managed to get his cross into the Lion's penalty area, but unfortunately the ball deflected off the outstretched leg of Graham French and went in off the post for an own goal.

The Lion's went in one nil down at half time but knew they had the most attempts on goal in the first half.

The game became more stretched in the second half, into a more typical cup tie. Both teams tried to out manoeuvre the opposition. Crisp and Burnage did well on the wings for Breachwood. Bedmond became a little bit more weary of what Collins and Canning could potentially do, Danny Jefferies and Iain Turkentine kept the pace going for the Lion's in midfield. Bedmond got their second goal when their right winger managed to cross the ball into the Lion's box, the centre forward with his back to goal was able to hit the ball on the turn. It looked as if the ball was going over the bar until it dipped just under Sanchez's crossbar. At two nil the scoreline was a little flattering to Bedmond. Breachwood were determined to still make something of the game. Danny Dye replaced Harrison in midfield and straight away he was in the heart of the action.

The Lion's were back in the game when a Sanchez clearance was picked up by Ali Collins on the half way line, he turned with one flick of the ball to beat two players and set himself up to run at the two centre backs. Collins dribbled into the box and shot the ball into the bottom corner of the net pass an outstretched goalkeeper for 2-1

Bedmond seemed to sense that Breachwood were in fighting mode, and attacked as the best form of defence. They had a fifteen minute spell that brought the best out of Sanchez in the Breachwood goal. He got down low to save several shots and turned many more over the bar from close range.

Bedmond's third goal came from a counter attack after the Lions had been pushing hard for the equaliser. A clearance found their right winger and he dug out a cross over the Lion's defence to the far post. A Bedmond forward just managed to turn the ball into the net before it went out of play for 3-1

The Lion's continued to go forward with fresh legs. Substitutes Rob Pearson and Ian Abrahams replaced Burnage and Crisp. Immediately Pearson found space on the right wing and linked well with Ali Collins. Collins managed to get a shot in at goal from an acute angle forcing the Bedmond keeper to parry the shot, but only into the feet of Ian Canning who makes no mistake from six yards.

The final score was Bedmond 3 Lion's 2 but Bedmond's route to the last sixteen was by no means the formality they had anticipated.

Sanchez was the Manager's Man of the Match and wins a meal for two in the Red Lion.

Substitutes not used: Jordan, D.Farr, P.Farr.

Another big thank you to our supporters who made the journey to Hemel Hempstead: Simon & Julie Jefferies, Beeny, Mel, Laura, Merg, Ash, Greg & Wayne.