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Match Report

Lions 1 v California FC United 3

A bitterly cold day, the game was at risk of postponement due to ground frost. However, a late pitch inspection passed it fit to play so the lads prepared for a tough encounter.

With Hope and Josh unavailable for selection and Emily still suffering from flu, the Lions fielded all 3 new signings along with Thomas Preece in a new striking role. A quick pre match discussion saw both managers agree to play 10 a side rather than 7 to ensure the players wouldn't freeze on the sidelines.

So, Lions starting line up was: James (keeper), Dylan and Joe (Buzz) in defence, Sam, Ollie, Joseph, Toby and Jack in midfield with Joe and Thomas in attack.

Lions kicked off and employed the "swarm" tactics to crowd out California from playing their free flowing football. This approach seemed to work although when in possession, Lions enthusiasm got too much for them at times and they tackled each other.

The first half proved to be a midfield battle with Ollie, Joseph and Jack all instrumental in breaking up the opposition attacks. Dylan, Buzz and James in goal were rarely troubled and looked composed. In attack, Thomas, Toby and Joe were making good runs but their team mates were unable to find them. This pattern continued until a good attack by Cali resulted in them opening the scoring. James had no chance with a well drilled shot into the bottom corner. Halftime 0-1 to Cali.

A quick change of tactics in the second half saw Joseph return in goal with James joining the game in midfield. All other positions remained the same.

After last week's tremendous performance by James and Joseph, the team looked more balanced and were confident enough to push on for the equaliser. A couple of close shaves in the Cali defence and eventually the Lions broke through with Joe netting on his debut. What appears to have become Joe's trademark flip soon followed but was missed by the Lions management team. The kids raved about something though!!

In the ascendancy now, the Lions drove forward to find the winner. Some exciting forward runs by the now frozen, Ollie, Sam, Jack, Toby and Joe kept the Lions crowd on the edge of their proverbial seats.

With just 5 minutes remaining and everybody willing the referee to blow the final whistle, Cali broke and had a shot go just wide. From the resulting goal kick, the Lions defence were sleeping and the Cali striker nipped in to net their second.

Nothing to lose now, the Lions went forward in numbers but some excellent defending kept them at bay. With the Lions pushing on, Cali caught them on the counter attack and made the game safe with a well taken goal. Final score 1-3 to California.

MOTM - A difficult decision saw Ollie Dean pick up his first man of the match award for never giving up despite almost turning blue with cold.

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