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.