29th April - Christ the King (A) 5-1 (L)

The night the wheels came off, collectively the Lions did not play well, but it must be stresses not badly, it woud be wring to write off the season just yet. 2-0 down at half-time flattered Christ the King, as did the final score, but credit to Christ the King, they took the chances they created well and the Lions failed to take theirs. The Christ the King keeper rarely being troubled despite the chances the Lions created, power and accuracy for once missing.

We know the players have weaknesses and Christ the King ruthlessly exploited these but we know we have a good team and one bad game should not be allowed to sour what has to now been a good season. Hopefully the management can iron out the few things that are going wrong over the weekend and a rejuvinated team will be ready for Christ the King in the return.

Well done to Nathan for scoring the consolation goal being thrown forward when the Lions attempted to chase the game.

My hope is that we will not see again the Lions so devoid of ideas as to resort to attempting to score directly from a restart.

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26th April - Coventry Sphinx (A)1-2 (W)

The return against Cov Sphinx, good pitch, good weather, good match in prospect. As with the first encounter the Lions had the better of the early exchanges without imposing themselves on the game. The first goal went to the Lions, a well hit free-kick by Jack hit the under side of the bar and bounced down, it could have been over the line but the Lions goal poacher (Sunni) was hand to ensure the ball clearly hit the back of the net. The lead should have given the Lions confidence to take control but the opposite happened, Ryan being the more active of the keepers, one excellent save keeping the Lions in front, Brad and Nathan needing to be on their guard with a number of timely tackles and interceptions.

With Nicola largely anonymous down the right, most out balls from the back going left or down the middle, Declan took her place to beef up the midfield and this seemed to work as Jack and Declan regained control of the middle, Declan’s extra tenacity in the tackle doing the trick, but Sphinx’s defence had control of the Lion’s attackers, so despite the control there were no further scares for Sphinx goal. Then disaster, Sphinx’s star midfield player broke clear down their right and forced a corner, an excellent delivery was met with a thumping header at the far post and the Lions went into halftime back level. There was a certain inevitability about the goal, the Lions paying for not turning their dominance straight after taking the lead into further goals.

A stern team talk at half-time and a further change, Nicola replacing Brendan up front, the team talk appeared to have done the trick as the Lions played with a little more zip. However within minutes of the restart a late tackle on Declan, necessitated Brendan’s speedy return but a slight line-up tweak continued the Lion’s much improved start to the second half (Nicola and Brendan sharing the attacking role with Sunni in a more defensive midfield role than the usual Lion’s formation). A number of opportunities came an went, twice Nicola breached Sphinx final line, one ball cut back along the six yard line crying out to be buried, a couple of long range cross cum shots from Brendan flying only just wide and a shot from Jack, if only it had been hit with the power of the one from the first half, would easily have extended the Lions lead.

Finally the Lions turned pressure into a goal, after a couple of near misses at corners, Brendan met a well flighted corner with an excellent header. The Lions played out the rest of the game for the win, looking the more likely to score, but a couple of scares kept the defence on their toes. This win ensured at least third the double header against Christ the King to decide second.

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15th April - Cov Sphinx (H) 3-1 (W)

Five games to go and finally our first game against Cov Sphinx, results indicate at much improved team from last season, scouting reports suggesting a new recruit who generally plays up front needing to be watched.

After a lacklustre warm-up, the Lions kicked off and very quickly it was evident that the drive that characterised the performance against Copsewood was missing, Sphinx looked the more lively, sharper passing meant they had the better of the opening exchanges. Fortunately, Brad and Ryan were ever alert, snuffing out any chances before they became dangerous. Almost against the run of play the Lions took the lead, Brendan forced left, made room for the cross, Nicola met the ball in the box and steered it wide of the keeper. This seemed to wake the Lions up and rock Sphinx back and the Lions forced a number of corners, from one Nicola hit a powerful shot which the keeper turned onto the bar. Another long range effort from Nathan also bounced off the bar. The Lions preserved their slender lead into the half-time break, at halftime the Lions needed to make a change as Brad, injured, clearing up, had taken a knock to his foot, Declan was on hand to deputise.

Early in the second half, the Lions paid for the lethargy that had so far characterised their performance. The forward we had been warned about, picked the ball up and attacked the defence, his excellent run culminated with an even better finish and Sphinx were back level. From the sides it seemed Sphinx could be the more likely winners, the Lions attacking singularly not making that final pass that could have opened up the defence or shooting from some distance, which against a keeper of the calibre of Sphinx’s keeper was unlikely to bring any reward.

Just goes to show how little I know, the Sphinx keeper cleared the ball to around half way, from just inside the Lions half Brendan shot, he has hit harder, more powerful shots and really this one was from too far out, but it sneaked inside the post. It should not have beaten the keeper, but it did, and the Lions had the lead again. As in the first half, the goal woke the Lions up and rocked Sphinx back, the Lions forced a number of corners going for a third. Possibly the surprise tactic of going for goal direct from the corner being over used a little! Eventually this pressure resulted in a goal, Nicola turned the ball back into the area from the left, and Brendan flicked the ball into the back of the net.

The Lions still had some defending to do to maintain their lead but Declan marshalled the defence and ably supported by Nathan in particular (as usual this season), and also Jack, the Lions protected their lead and held on for the win.

Not the Lions best performance of the season, but a win all the same, still in the hunt for second although with the Lions closest rivals catching up on unplayed matches, their seems a danger the Lions may end up with the season finished and matches still to play. The only sour note being a belief by the Sphinx management and supporters that the Lions had been over physical in some of their challenges, nothing could be seen from the sides, hopefully it is not the case, as the Lions management and supporters encourage the team to be hard but fair.

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9th April - Copsewood (A) 2-1 (L)

With the odds stacked against them the Lions faced Copsewood , in a midweek kick-off, the problem being, no Ryan in goal and no Declan, the squad stripped to the bear minimum. With Sunni deputising in goal and Aaron drafted in, no subs, the likely League Champions would be the last choice of opposition. With Nicola only arriving with minutes to spare returning early from a family holiday in Devon, the Lions almost started the game a player short. This unpromising beginning prepared nobody for what followed, as the Lions put in their best performance of the season.

Having all most watched in awe, as Copsewood had given the Lions a football masterclass in the first game, out playing the Lions in all aspects of the game, only in defence has the Lions proved equal to the challenge posed by Copsewood. This time was different, Jack and Nathan harried in midfield, Brendan made the defenders life uncomfortable, Brad looked solid as the last man, ably supported by Aaron. This time the Lions were not second to every ball, maybe Copsewood were below par but the Lions had certainly knocked them out of their stride.

The only thing missing from the Lions game was that final pass or through ball to create a clear-cut chance, all most against the run of play, Copsewood picked the ball up on the left side and it seemed, for the upteenth time, a well hit strike flew into the Lions net, Sunni had no chance. As in the home game, it cannot be a fluke because they keep doing it! Even outside the area, Copsewood have to closed down quickly, it was only one lapse and the Lions paid the price.

But this time the Lions kept battling, Nicola started to get a little room to work in down the right, if only the Lions could work the ball through to her, finally Nathan did and a well placed pass enabled Brendan to get beyond the final man, his shot came back off the keeper and ricocheted back off Brendan into the net. A suspicion of handball, but no more than the Lions deserved, parity a half time and all to play for.

For ten minutes, maybe even fifteen the Lions took the game to Copsewood, harrying, chasing down everything, and created a number of chances. Through one on one with the keeper, only a top class save from the Copsewood keeper prevented Brendan from scoring his second and the Lions from taking the lead, then it was the inside of the post the kept his strike out. A couple of further good saves from Nicola and from Jack, prevented the Lions from taking a deserved lead. The only strange decision during this period was having been awarded a free-kick midway into Copsewood half for a particularly strong charge into Nicola’s back, Brendan elected to float the ball into the box, when those watching anticipated, even hoped for a trademark thunderbolt. After such a strong display he can be forgiven one aberration.

On another day at least one of the chances that fell to the Lions would have resulted in a goal, but the Lions were to pay unfairly for not taking one of these chances. In the final minute, one of Copsewood class players, who, for him had a quiet game, ghosted past a couple of challenges, created an opening in the box and made no mistake.

In the end, 2-1 to Copsewood, the sign of a good side is to keep collecting the wins, but the Lions have finally shown they can compete with Copsewood, paying dearly for two lapses, losing to two quality strikes on goal. A draw was the least the Lions deserved if not a win. Special mention to Aaron who didn’t look out of place, showing some neat touches and Sunni who again showed unselfish commitment to the team agreeing to cover in goal. But praise to the whole team, who from off, did not allow Copsewood time and space to get into their stride. Before the kickoff feared the worst for the team but ended the game proud of each of them and they deserved to get something from the game, yes they worked hard but also showed a level of skill and application that had been missing from the first game. Maybe those on the side built the first game up too much, as the preparation this time was as far from ideal as it is possible to get and the team responded with their best performance of the season so far.

The Lions have to take this performance and use it to maintain a high position in the League, a repeat of last season’s runners up spot still within the Lion’s grasp.

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5thApril - Christ the King (A) Coventry League Cup 0-1 (W) aet

The semi-final of the cup, away to Christ the King, having had a comfortable draw through to the final last season, progress in the cup this season proving to the exact opposite.

From the off the game proved to be a battle rather than a skilful game of football, a short pitch ensuring the game was end to end with plenty of goalmouth action to keep the spectators on their toes. The only real problem in the game was that, having decided to let the game flow, the referee choose to ignore a number of dubious tackles, by both sides. One such tackle catching Nathan across the foot and leaving the Management pleased that having added Declan to the squad, they had a willing and able sub to hand.

Both keepers pulled off some good saves to ensure the score stayed level, one particular point blank save by Ryan keeping the Lions in the cup. At the other end the Lions had a claim for a penalty turned down when Nicola appeared to be pulled back as she broke clear.

0-0, at halftime, the second half followed the pattern of the first, no clear cut chances, plenty of goal mouth action with defenders needing to make last ditch clearances to preserve the status quo. The battle was particularly fierce in midfield but Jack ably backed by Declan put themselves on the line for the cause, Declan even spilling blood! Late in the second half Nathan returned in place of Sunni, as both sides pushed for the break through. The Lions final throw of the dice was to try Sunni down the right in place of Nicola. Another penalty shout was turned down when a free-kick from Jack was flicked away by a finger tip save from just under the bar, the arm making the save appeared not to be the green of the keeper.

No goals at full-time and with the prospect of penalties looming, Nicola was restored in place of Brad who’d had put in a top-class performance as the last line of defence, the Lions sacrificing a defender for an attacker going for the win. Both teams had excellent opportunities from corners to end the tie, a Sunni header just missing the target. With penalties under a minute away, Nicola latched onto a loose ball in the box flicked the ball goalwards it bounced off the keepers chest and Brendan, to the delight of the travelling support, toe-poked the ball over the line from a yard out.

If it had been a league game a draw would have been about fair, if it had been a boxing match the Lions were probably ahead on points. A word of praise for the Christ the King manager who was very magnanimous in defeat, which after such a pulsating game must have been difficult to do. So, the Lions have a Cup Final to look forward to in May, but before that two very tough league games against Christ the King to fit in.

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1st April - Alvis (A) 0-4 (W)

Within a few days, the return against Alvis, midweek, away at their ground, missed the start and the Lions taking control of the game through two goals from Brendan. Before half-time the Lions added further goals both strikes from the edge of the area, as Alvis failed their clear their lines, one from Jack and the other from Nicola.

Having established a lead, the Lions controlled the second half without really threatening to extend the lead further, Alvis uping their game, which meant the Lions had some work to do to preserve the clean sheet but a couple of top draw saves from Ryan ensured a workmanlike 4-0 win.

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29th March - Alvis (H) 6-0 (W)

As predicted, the weather for the home match against Alvis was much better than it had been for training on the previous day. Through fixture congestion at Weddington School and criticism of the surface there, the Lions elected to play at the Old Eds, a smaller pitch but in better condition.

After back-to-back defeats the Lions started tentatively, a little more deliberate in the build-up play than usual. After a couple of attacks it was apparent that Alvis had a competent keeper, so it was a surprise when he lost concentration for the Lion’s opening goal. Brendan lifted the ball into Sunni, he swivelled and hit the ball goalward, but the Alvis keeper was only alerted to the shot by shouts from the side. Would he have made the save if he’d been following the play, we will never know but the Lions gratefully accepted the lead.

With Alvis struggling to make much impression as an attacking force, most attacks petering out around halfway through good Lions tackling, once again Nathan showing the way, but Jack, Sunni and Nicola helping out when needed. Plus with the Rock mopping up the few balls that came his way, Ryan was left as a virtual spectator for much of the first half.

Secure at the back, the Lions went in search of further goals and but for the Alvis defence being willing to put a foot in when needed and, when concentrating, a very competent keeper, would have scored several more than the three further goals before half-time. The second, finished by Brendan after a slick passing move from Jack, to Nicola, onto Sunni put him in the clear. The third was a headed gaol by Sunni, after Nicola picked him out with a pin-point cross. The fourth a Brendan special, hit with power from outside the box, the keeper could only parry into his own net.

Four to the good a half-time, allowed the management to wring the changes in the second half and Declan made the most of his opportunity up front to open his account for the Lions, his first latching on to a rebound in the box and placing the ball confidently beyond the keeper. His second, he finished with some aplomb, after Sunni had unselfishly squared the ball to him, Sunni spurning his chance of a hatrick. Again the Lions created enough chances to have scored more but Alvis battled away, at no point making it easy for the Lions.

In the final few minutes Alvis would have scored a consolation goal but for an excellent save by Ryan, when after a number of attacks several Lions neglected their defensive duties leaving Declan and Nicola with four against two, but Ryan was up to the challenge and the clean sheet was preserved.

In the end a good win for the Lions against a side who battled through to the end, hopefully a confidence booster for the Lions, whilst the management work on a game plan to counter Copeswood, Christ the King et al.

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22nd March - Copsewood (H) 0-1 (L)

The big games are going to come thick and fast as the Lions enter the business end of the season, after an excellent start, the recent reverse against Leamington has to only be a stumble if the Lions are to continue to challenge in the League and the Cup. So, on a bright and nearly sunny morning, Copsewood were the visitors, who again this season are the team leading the way.

The game started at a frantic pace but despite the Lions being prepared to battle Copsewood clearly had control of the game, although dominating (in particular their central midfielder who seemed to be everywhere) it is credit to the Lions defensively that it is difficult to remember Ryan needing to make a save. A welcome return to form for Bard, ably supported by Nathan and Jack in particular, but Nicola and Sunni needed as well, all hands on deck, as Copsewood relentlessly searched for an opening.
Declan also doing well when he replaced Sunni.

As an attacking force the Lions struggled, another Copsewood player who impressed being the centre back, good strong tackling and timely interceptions dealing comfortably with all the Lions tried. The Lions did manage a couple of shots but failed to get any power behind either.

The first goal, inevitably came from Copsewood, a speculative shot from range given added impetus on the wind dipped under the Lions’ crossbar, little anyone could do to stop it, can not even claim it was a fluke, as suspect the same player scored a similar goal against the Lions last season. To get anything out of the game now, the Lions needed to continue to defend, as they had been, and find away through the Copsewood defence. To prove they could, and give the supporters some hope, Jack finally released Nicola down the right, her cross not only eluded the defenders but unfortunately Brendan’s outstretched boot as well.

For the second half the Lions tried to push two up, in practice this was difficult, as it further stretched the Lion’s defence, Copsewood continuing to dominate the second half as they had the first, only further excellent defending from Brad, Declan and Nathan with support from Jack, ensuring the Ryan still didn’t have that much to do, although certainly the more active of the keepers during the second half.

The Lions probably created the best scoring opportunity of the second half, from wide left Brendan dropped a brilliant ball into Nicola’s path through the middle but before she had been able to get the ball fully under control, the defence swept across and the chance was lost. Copsewood did get the ball into the net again, but the last touch was a shoulder/arm rather than a foot or a head.

For the final five minutes the Lions tried to throw everything at Copsewood, sacrificing Nathan as defender, who had run himself into the ground with the work he had put in, and returning Nicola to the fray. It all most worked, one ferocious shot from Brandan being deflected wide by an outstretched leg.

In the end Copsewood were deserving winners, credit to the Lions that they kept score to one, and at 1-0, an equaliser was all ways possible, to a man the team worked hard but on this occasion were second best. There are things the Lions could try in the return, as to have a chance of challenging for the League a win is needed but first the Lions need to return to winning ways, to continue looking forwords and not looking over their shoulders as to who’s coming up on the rails to nick runner’s up spot.

To be positive, it maybe to the Lion’s advantage that there are more away games than home left, as the pitch, dry and hard, was difficult to play on, the bounce being unpredictable, witness the number of accidental handballs through the game.

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8th March - Brinklow (H) Coventry League Cup 3-2 (W)

Brinklow were the visitor’s to Weddington for a cup quarter-final, after last week’s league defeat nothing could be taken for granted, the Lions usually come out on top against Brinklow but not without a battle first. To make the tie more difficult to predict, since the excellent league game at Brinkow, which the Lions shaded, but only just, Brinklow appear to have finally turned their league form around with back to back wins.

The Lions kicked off, down the slope with the advantage of the swirling wind, the Lions had the better of the early exchanges without getting any decent strikes in on goal. Brinklow looking dangerous on the counter-attack, from one such swift attack they forced a corner, the corner came in, was met with a thumbing header and the ball crashed into the back of the net, as good a headed goal as any likely to seen at this level. Nothing anyone could do once contact had been made, although a challenge might have made it more difficult.

Rocked back on the heels, the Lions continued to press, Jack at the heart of most promising moves, little probing passes giving the attackers half chances to get the equaliser, but as the half progressed it seemed it might not be the Lion’s day. A couple a headers were glanced wide, a shot blasted over from a few yards out, shots scuffed, miss hit when moments composure was needed. Plus Brinklow are a well organised outfit, and so will all ways be difficult to breakdown and will fashion a number attacks themselves, given half a chance. Brad and Nathan having to be ever watchful, but reliably as ever, ensuring Ryan had few further alarms in the first half.

The excellent headed goal separated the teams at the break, the Lions had had enough chances to at least be back level, and surrendering the advantage of the slope and wind for the second half, would the Lions live to regret those missed chances. Within minutes of the restart it seemed so, Brinklow went 2-0 up. A midfielder picked the ball up around halfway, attacked down the middle, with a number of the Lions committed in forward positions, Brinklow had two on one approaching the goal, a slip pass around Brad and the attacker made no mistake. First time this season the Lions have conceded two, an immediate response was needed; a slight tweak to the formation saw Brendan move to left midfield, Nathan come up centre-forward and Sunni drop back to the holding midfield role. The change in formation worked all most straight away, Sunni broke up a Brinklow attack, flicked the ball left, catching the Brinklow defence flat footed, Brendan broke down the left, out pacing the defender and placed the ball beyond the advancing keeper. The Lions had one back, giving themselves a chance to get back in the game, having wobbled, the Brinklow defence reasserted their control and backed by a reliable keeper looked to hold on to their lead. The Lions did force a number of corners, and to the Brinklow management’s annoyance, Jack, the smallest Lion managed to get his head to two or three but was unable to generate the power of the Brinklow header from the first half.

Having weathered the storm, Brinklow had a couple of chances to further extend their lead, on one attack Brad forced the attacker wide but injured himself in the resulting challenge, fortunately the Lions had a sub, Declan, he replaced Brad at the back. Looking for the equaliser, the formation was further tweaked, Nicola going to centre-forward, Sunni moving to right midfield and Nathan returning to the holding midfield position. In the end the equaliser came out of no where, Brinklow half cleared a ball, Brendan picked up and let fly, before anyone had moved the ball was in the back of the net, a fantastic strike nothing anyone could do about that one. Unnerved, the Brinklow defence all most conceded a third, Nicola attacked them down the middle, slipped one and committed a second defender and Brendan was in for his third but the keeper pulled off a fantastic finger tip save to keep Brinklow in the game. It could even have won the game, as at the other end Ryan made two excellent saves to keep the Lions from crashing out of the cup.

Fulltime score was 2-2, 5 minutes each way before going to penalties to decide the contest. Brinklow were caught napping, just after the kickoff for extra time, Brendan threaded the ball through to Nicola in the box, she turned the final defender in the box and hit the ball goalward, the keeper took the speed off the ball but it rolled over the line. For the first time in the game the Lions had the lead, but trying to balance going for a fourth and not losing what they had, allowed Brinklow to try and fashion equaliser for themselves. But there was no way through, Declan continued to have an excellent game, deputising for Brad, tackling well and looking to distribute with purpose, he was supported ably by Jack and Nathan. Relief when the final whistle went, the Lions held on to go into the next round of the cup, tough on Brinklow but being a cup-tie someone had to win!

An excellent win in the end for the Lions, three well taken goals, and but for a slight wobble at the start of the second half, not bad defensively either, the only worry being that at fulltime the game would have been a draw, and despite how well Brinklow played and they did play well (maybe the Lions bring out the best in them), given Brinklow’s league position this would have to have counted as further points dropped.
For the time being though, the Lions should celebrate the victory and look forward to the next round, which five minutes into the second half looked very unlikely.

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1st March - Leamington Hibs (H) 0-1 (L)

A bright sunny (almost) Sunday morning and Leamington Hibs were the visitors to Weddington School, a bit of a bogey team as last seasons away goalless draw is etched on most’s mind and a team who’s form is very difficult to gauge, with a mixed bag of results, some very good results but some poor ones mixed in.

Form the kick off the game was played at a hectic pace, the Lions had slightly the better of the early exchanges, but neither keeper was really troubled, a couple of long range efforts from Brendan and a miss hit shot from Nicola the best the Lions could muster. Although Ryan had little to do, Leamington looked quick and sharp on the counter attack, excellent tackling preventing them getting through, particularly by Nathan (again!).

After about fifteen minutes, Brendan had to leave the fray, a heavy clash with one of the defenders injuring his ankle. Declan went on to deputise, the Lions continued to move the ball well, but for all their endeavour failed to create any further clear cut chances. Leamington defence was certainly well organised, quick and brave; several last ditch challenges preventing the Lions getting in a shot on goal. At half-time there was no score, honours even.

Second half, even up the slope the Lions continued to press, but needing to be ever wary of Leamington on the break, Brad just managing, on several occasions, to keep the quick forward from stealing a sight of goal. The Lions could have scored, may even have scored, a goal mouth scramble and Nicola managed to toe poke the ball goalwards, the keeper dived on the ball and slide into the post, did he take the ball over the line. The referee couldn’t tell and so didn’t give the goal, right or wrong, we’ll never know, but in a tight game, did nothing for the anxiety of those on the sidelines. Further controversy for the ref to deal with, when an excellent run by Sunni saw him cut in toward goal, the keeper bravely dived in at his feet making an excellent save, but taking a knock on the head for his trouble. Funny how two views of the same incident can vary, anxious about his keeper, the Leamington coach accused Sunni of being late into the tackle. To the Weddy side it appeared ball, keeper and Sunni’s foot all arrived in the same place at the same time and were left admiring the keeper’s courage.

Ten minutes into the second period, Brendan was fit enough to return, slotting in on the left with Sunni moving to the right and Nicola taking a breather. Unlike on previous weeks the change, rather than inspiring the Lions, seemed to unsettle them. Leamington had their best spell of the game, and but for two excellent saves from Ryan could have taken the lead. Then disaster, a further shot by Leamington was only half cleared to the edge of the Lions box and the midfielder following up let fly, Ryan, for once, had no chance and Leamington had the lead.

The Lions needed to regroup, Brad took a breather, Declan moved back to central defence and the Lions returned to Sunni down the left and Nicola on the right with Brendan back at centre-forward. The Lions threw everything at Leamington in the final period of the game, finally Jack and Nathan had a degree of control of midfield that had been missing earlier, but the Leamington defenders continued to have an excellent game and held out for the win.

Not the result the Lions wanted, but Leamington took their chance, the Lions didn’t, a reminder, if needed, that there are few easy games in the Coventry League. How the Lions respond to this setback will be the key to the remainder of the season.

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22nd Feb - Bedworth Eagles (H) 5-0 (W)

A bright, chilly Sunday morning but dry, no puddles to clear, pitch looking good, the moles also having had a quiet week, so no hills or holes to unsettle the opposition. Rumour had it the management could have played a cup-tie or a league fixture, given the league fixture congestion that is just around the corner; sensibly the Lions played a league fixture.

Bedworth Eagles were the visitors, seems the Lions are playing home and away against one half of the league first before moving on to the other! As to form, Bedworth, like Brinklow, seem to under performing this season but had a good win last week away at Leamington.

The Lions kicked off, going with the slope and the breeze, within the first minute, twice Nicola dropped crosses into the box causing goal mouth scrambles and Bedworth were grateful to clear their lines. The first goal was a little fortunate, another cross, this one speared into the near post, the Bedworth keeper tried to shovel it around his near post but only succeeded in guiding the ball over the line. A deserved lead, but not one that will be in the mix for goal of the season. With Jack and Nathan first to most things in midfield, as an attacking force Bedworth were living off scrapes, not to say that they did not look good in possession, they put together three or good passing moves, only to find Brad in imperious form at the back, breaking up the few attacks that came his way and his excellent distribution of the ball, quickly turning defence into attack. Two, or even three, excellent balls out of defence turning the Bedworth defence, from one such ball down the left, Sunni cut in, committed the last defender and slipped the ball inside to Brendan and he did the rest, the keeper this time given no chance. The Lions finished the half three to the good, Sunni chased an over hit ball down the middle toward the keeper, a lost cause really, but for what ever reason the keeper failed to collect and Sunni found himself chasing the ball toward any empty net, a reward for his persistence and it gave the Lions control of the game.

With the luxury of a substitute, new signing Declan making his debut, the Management had the opportunity to tweak the team rather than make drastic changes. Having joined primarily as a defender Declan made his debut as centre-forward, Sunni stepping down and Brendan moving to left midfield. Neither the less, it was a promising debut as he picked up the speed of the game, intelligently moving the ball on left and right, linking play, all that was missing was a goal.

The next change saw Sunni return replacing Nicola on the right, and it was from this side the fourth goal came, released by Declan, Sunni cut in and placed an excellent shot to the keeper’s right. The final change saw Nicola take over from Jack in centre midfield, several more good chances were created but none taken, as the Bedworth keeper had his best spell of the game, keeping the Lions at bay.

Bedworth kept battling away and with the slope and wind in their favour, finally testing Ryan, but his handling was exemplary, as we are coming to expect. In the final minutes the teams could have exchanged goals, the Bedworth keeper failed to hold a stinging shot and Brendan was on hand to poke the ball over the line, at the other end Bedworth created a spare player but Ryan pulled off an excellent save to ensure another clean sheet.

A good win by the Lions, comfortable in the end, but the game showed the Lions biggest improvement this season, defensively Brad and Nathan, supported by Jack, backed by Ryan were excellent, between them they missed few tackles/interceptions and throughout calmly covered one another when needed.

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15th Feb - Earlsdon (A) 0-2 (W)

Fortunately, with their pitch unplayable, to get the game played Earlsdon agreed to switch their home fixture to Weddington School. The pitch given the recent weather, had drained well and was in good condition, apart from the one goal area, even if this area dries out it will most likely mean shortening the pitch at that end for the remainder of the season. Unfortunately, the moles had been active again at the other end, so the pitch had to be shortened here too. Once the necessary adjustments to the pitch had been agreed and made, the game was ready to start; all that was needed was a ref and when he finally arrived the game could kick off!

Within a few minutes of kicking off, the Lions took the lead, Brendan picked the ball up in midfield, put through by Jack, the defence were slow to close him down and from the edge of the area lifted the ball into the top left corner of the goal, giving the Earlsdon keeper no chance. Form this early break through, would have expected the Lions to push home their advantage. It was not to be, Earlsdon packed their defence, hoping to hit the Lions on the break and although the Lions passed the ball around neatly, Jack and Nathan effortlessly controlling the midfield, the front three failed to create that move or space for any further good chances. The score was still 1-0 to the Lions at the break, as much down to the Earlsdon keeper as anyone, a couple of good saves plus twice diving in bravely, as feet were flying.

At the start of the second half, the Lions squandered further chances, two good headers from Brendan and one from Sunni threatened the Earlsdon goal but didn’t increase the score. The Lions inability to convert their chances increasing Earlsdon’s confidence that they could get something out of the game and the Management’s frustration that the game hadn’t been finished off.

To try and spark the team, the Management shuffled the pack, switched Sunni from left midfield to right, pushing Brendan out to the left side of midfield and giving Nicola an opportunity at centre-forward. Further goal scoring chances came and went; twice Nicola deflected shots that were going wide back toward goal, only to see the ball pass outside the opposite post. A few shots were made, but not upto the Lion’s usual standard and the Earlsdon keeper continued to command his area. Eventually a crisp passing move between Nicola and Nathan (a couple of quick one-twos) finished with Nathan cutting the ball back to Nicola and she made no mistake, the Lions had doubled their lead.

The Lions still didn’t find their cutting edge, but with Ryan and Brad secure at the back, even a couple of corners late on, for Earlsdon, meant two goals would be enough to win the game, although, maybe, not enough to satisfy those watching. For the final quarter Nathan moved up to centre-forward, but again the Earlsdon keeper, supported by a willing defence, kept the Lions out and the score to two.

In the end, credit to Earlsdon, having leaked a few goals in recent games they had certainly sorted that for this game, their defence and in particular the keeper having an excellent game. On another day, but for the keeper, the Lions might have converted a few more of the chances into goals but the big plus was another clean sheet, the unsung heroes at the back ensuring the Lion’s title challenge remained on track.

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1st Feb - Brinklow (A) 1-2 (W)

Finally a league game in 2009, away to Brinklow, never an easy place to go and so it was to prove, very cold but at least the pitch was playable. Recent form would suggest that the Lions should have the edge, last season the Lions had left Barrs Lane with a lucky draw.

The early exchanges were very even, the Lions perhaps creating the better openings but Brad supported by Nathan and Jack needing to make a number of important tackles and interceptions. The Lions eventually broke the deadlock, with a well worked goal, but not before an initial piece of good fortune. Brinklow broke-up an attack, cleared the ball, it caught the referee taking the pace off the ball and dropping into Jack’s path, he pushed it left to Sunni, his cross found its way across the box to Nicola, who’d ghosted into the box unmarked at the far post and made no mistake.

Within minutes the Lions could have doubled their lead another excellent move and slip pass from Nicola to Brendan resulted in an excellent save from the Brinklow keeper. Brinklow had a couple of opportunities to get back level but good saves by Ryan ensured the Lions had a slender lead at the break.

After the break, the Lions continued to push for the second and Brinklow responded in kind, looking for the equaliser, which made for an entertaining game. Both defences making some good interceptions and tackles, and both keepers needing to make several good saves to keep the scores level. Ryan making light of being under the weather prior to the game, confidently ensuring Brinklow did not add to their tally.

It was Brinklow who made the break through, pushed wide left, the Lions right, a speculative shot was hit goalward, the ball dipping just under the Lions crossbar, nothing anyone could do but admire the shot. This inspired Brinklow, fortunately Nathan and Jack, and particularly Bard (another excellent game as the lynchpin of the defence) and Ryan were up to the challenge, keeping them at bay. With Brinklow looking the more likely to score the management went for Plan C, Nathan moved to centre-forward, Brendan out to left-midfield, Sunni swapping to the right-side, Nicola dropping into centre midfield and pushing Jack back into the defensive role alongside Brad. Attack-wise it gave the Brinklow defence a different set of problems to deal with, defence-wise a risk the Lions could be caught light at the back with the tough tackling Nathan now occupying the Brinklow defence.

The new formation forced a couple of corners, a Sunni header flashed wide of the post. When another attack broke down, the clearance fell to Jack; his shot was beaten out but only to Brendan, his powerful shot flew into the Brinklow net. The Lions had regained the lead, Brinklow now went all out for the equaliser, giving the Lions few chances to increase their lead but the new formation proved the sceptics wrong and held out. One shot almost a repeat of the earlier wonder goal dropping behind rather than in front of the Lion’s crossbar.

Well played Lions, a well earned win, a brave decision to go for Plan C, but it certainly worked. No evidence in this game to support Brinklow’s mid table position, but further evidence if needed of the strength in depth of the Coventry League. The Lions have Brinklow in the next round of the cup and another battle is all that can be expected.

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25th Jan - Firefighters (H) Cov League Cup 8-1 (W)

Finally woke to a Sunday morning when it wasn’t raining, the pitch, apart from the muddy chasm that is one of the goal areas looked OK, round 3 of the Coventry Cup could be played against the Firefighters with the pitch shortened by a few yards at the top end saving either keeper from wallowing in a mud-bath! The Lions first game of 2009.

Unfortunately I missed the first fifteen minutes or so, in which time the Lions moved into a three goal lead, first two from Brendan and the third a fantastic volley from Nicola (or so she claims!) Arrived in time to see Sunni cut in from the left, beat at least a couple of defenders and close in on goal and then very unselfishly slip the ball to his right, having committed the goal keeper, allowing Brendan to complete another hatrick, sliding the ball over from three or four yards out into an empty net. After the ref had attempted to end the half early and the game had to be restarted, Sunni completed the scoring for the half, an excellent well hit shot from inside the area giving the keeper no chance, just deserts for his earlier assist.

A five goal cushion at half-time gave the ‘management’ the opportunity to try plan D, with several of the team finding themselves in unaccustomed positions for the second half and Brendan unselfishly releasing Ryan to have a run out down the left by taking the green jersey. In fact the line-up for the second half had a distinctly back to front look about it, with Sunni and Nicola taking over the defensive duties and the ‘Rock’ Bradley moving wide right and Nathan leading the attack down the centre. It took awhile for the new formation to bed in but Lions continued to keep the Firefighters pinned back in their own half. A couple of well taken corners almost found a Lion’s head. The first goal of the second half arrived when Jack attacked the Firefighters box squared to Bradley, who picked his spot and calmly side footed the ball, from the edge of the area, into the back of the end, to the manor born, who says scoring is difficult. A couple of Brad’s subsequent efforts suggest he’s not mastered the scoring art just yet, but not a bad effort.

Jack was trying hard to get his name on the scoresheet and had a few long range efforts saved. then Nicola showed him how to score from range. The Firefighters cleared their lines, Nicola picked the ball up around the centre circle, spotted, that for some reason the Firefighter’s keeper had been distracted and was not following the play, launched the ball goal ward, the keeper returned his attention to the game, just as the ball bounced into the back of the net.

The final Lions goal was all credit to Nathan, with excellent close control he took the ball from halfway into the Firefighter’s box, having committed the defence and the keeper, unselfishly laid the ball off for Jack to fire home into an unguarded net. With the Lions eight to the good the Firefighter’s finally had some reward for continuing to battle throughout the game, Nicola and Sunni, perhaps getting carried way with their own success as defenders failed to clear their lines, the Firefighter’s persistence resulted in a shot of some power. Cue Brendan’s moment to shine, at the opposite end of the field, but Nicola and Sunni contrived to give him no chance, both getting touches on the ball as it headed goalwards and the Firefighters had opened their account.

In the end a good win for the Lions, the second half worked well, livened several of the players up giving them something different to think about and well played the Firefighters, who battled through to the end of the game making the Lions work for the openings that came their way.

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21st Dec - Chapel Field Colts (H) 4-0 (W)

After a 3 week wait, the Lions finally had a competitive game, the first in the league for a month, the return of the opening game of the season at Chapelfield Colts. Chapelfield are a much improved team this season with some impressive results behind them, so a good game in prospect for the Lions last outing before Christmas.
So it proved, the Lions took the game to Chapelfield, with Chapelfield content to play with a lone striker and hit the Lions on the break, but with plenty of pace and skill, the lone striker certainly caused the Lions a few early scares. However, timely interventions by Bradley and Nathan ensured Ryan only needed to collect the few scrapes that came his way.

The Chapelfield keeper was certainly the busier of the two, but competently handled what ever came his way. Chapelfield’s game plan seemed to be to man mark the Lions’s front three, initially this seemed to work, but with Sunni dropped deeper taking his marker with him, this meant Brendan regularly had space to work into down the Lions left and this was where the Lions first two goals were to come from.
First Jack played the ball into Brendan, the central defender pushed him left, but allowed him to turn, unfortunately for the defender, Brendan is predominantly left footed, he unleashed a thunderbolt from outside the area and the goal keeper had no chance. From a similar move, similar strike perhaps slightly wider, Brendan took his second, this time from a pass provided by Nathan. Without doing a lot wrong Chapelfield found themselves two down, and every attack they attempted floundered, as generally Nathan nipped in with a timely challenge or interception, on the few times they found away around Nathan, there was still Bradley waiting.

With Nathan and Bradley comfortably keeping Chapelfield at bay, Jack was free to prompt the attacks, increasingly this was down the right as Nicola, with increasing confidence took on Chapelfield’s left sided defender, several crosses and corners just needed a final touch to increase the Lion’s lead. The corners a big improvement on those supplied in the Leamington Brakes cup game, having seen several corners come to nothing, Nicola whipped one in from the left and tucked it inside the far post, top corner no touch needed by an attacker, non possible by a defender. A repeat corner minutes later showed it was no fluke as only the post prevented a fourth goal.

But for an excellent save by Ryan, Chapelfield could have pulled a goal back just before half-time, having finally worked their lone striker free in on goal, but Ryan was equal to the challenge and made a very sharp save to preserve the Lions meanness in the goals against column. All the good work was almost undone straight away in the second half, at least four of the Lions were guilty of allowing ball and player to run, the resulting shot only flashing just wide.

Chapelfield stuck to their game plan in the second half, the centre half doing particularly well with several good and timely interceptions, with perhaps the Lions guilty of playing too narrow in attack but continuing to snuff out anything that Chapelfield could muster in attack.

The fourth goal came from the Lions going wide left, Sunni being right footed cut in, as he closed in on goal, the defender showed him the outside, perfect for a right footer and he took the opportunity well. Jack almost had a fifth an excellent header from a corner inches wide.

4-0 to the Lions but there was still some excitement left in the game, Nicola had to leave the field after taking a nasty, although accidental stud injury on the thigh, but Aaron slotted in. Then a moment of controversy, a cracking shot by Chapelfield headed goal ward from about the halfway line, Ryan collected but fumbled, the ball appeared to spin away along the goal line, did it cross the line? Without goal line technology there is no way of knowing. Unsure, no goal was given, the shot and execution probably deserved better, as did Chapelfield’s endeavour. In the end the Lions chalked up another clean sheet and a victory to stay in the title hunt into 2009, although with only 7 games played there is still a long way to go.

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30th Nov - Leamington Brakes (A) Coventry League Cup 0-3 (W)

Second round of the cup away to Leamington Brakes, the Lions were not really sure what to expect, the Brakes are going well in the Blue division, a win would be expected but nothing can be taken for granted.

First impressions were a narrow pitch, playable but likely to be heavy going. With Paul away, and Simon guaranteed to be late, Mike and Rob warmed the team up and didn’t do too bad. The Lions kicked off and forced a succession of corners, and the Brakes keeper showed not only size would make him difficult to beat, pulling off several excellent saves. The Brakes weathered the early storm, and by getting players back behind the ball and putting in the tackles, limited the Lions to a few long range efforts on goal. The Lions kept pressing, with the Brakes few attacks being well marshalled by Bradley, although Ryan had to be alert on a couple of occasions to keep the Brakes out and remind the Lions defence could not be neglected. By the end of the first half the teams had cancelled each other out. Brakes packing the defence getting the tackles in when needed and backed by an excellent keeper. The Lions although concentrating on attack, needing to ensure they were not left light at the back by the Brakes swift counter attacks.

Halfway through the second half and the pattern remained the same, the worry increasing on the sidelines that a Lions goal was never going to arrive and there was that ever present danger that a Brakes counterattack could provide that one goal that could decide the tie. Eventually the management had to shuffle the pack, Nathan moving to centre forward, Sunni dropping back into defence and Brendan moving to left midfield. It certainly changed the pattern of play, and the Lions made the opening, a simple, quick passing move from Nicola, to Nathan, to Brendan, put Brendan in beyond the final defender and an excellent finish, finally, gave the keeper no chance.

This certainly brought the game to life, and, but for an excellent save from Ryan, Brakes could, within minutes, have been level. The next incident probably decided the game, in a challenge down the left, Brendan caught the trailing leg of the defender. The referee, sensibly, asked for Brendan to take five minutes off the field to clam, whist the defender received treatment. With no subs, this left the Lions a player down, but this only spurred the Lions on, twice Nicola, now playing down the middle, turned the final defender and but for further excellent saves from the Brakes keeper would have put the tie beyond doubt. Brendan returned, the Lions returned to plan A, and a second goal ensured the win. Jack released Nicola and her shot across the keeper tucked inside the far post. The third was more than the Lions deserved, Sunni released Brendan, the defender forced him left, he pulled it back, the keeper and defender failed to clear and from all of six inches, Sunni rolled the ball over the line.

Credit to the Brakes, their heads didn’t drop and in the dying moments could have pulled one back but again Ryan was equal to the challenge, and the Lions progressed to the next round, 3 goals to the good and with a clean sheet. A good team performance from the Lions with everyone playing the part against a well organised team, which again showed the strength in depth of the Coventry League, would not be surprised to see Leamington Brakes in the Red division next season.

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23rd November - Ernsford (H) 10-1 (W)

A good win in not the best coditions, Jack opened the scoring with a much deserved goal, and goals followed at regular intervals. Brendan getting a hatful, as Ernsford struggled to deal with the Lion's passing and moving. Credit to Ernsford they continued to battle and scored a late consolation goal, ruining the Lion's run of clean sheets.

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9th November - Cov-Jag (H) 3-0 (W)

On a cold showery day, the much awaited, much rearranged, if not the day the kick-off time, the Lions game against Cov-Jag started. Apart from one stumble, Cov-Jag had made an impressive start to the season, as the Lions had lost the corresponding fixture last season, a good opportunity to measure progress this.

The Lions had slightly the better of the early exchanges, with both attacks having pace but both defences prepared to block and put in the tackles, actual chances were likely to be few, and so it was to prove. The Lions first chance came from a corner; from the left Nicola curled one in on the stiff breeze, causing a scramble just in front of the goal, a defending foot poking the ball away for another corner. This one was lower, again the breeze helped the ball swing in toward the near post, this time a defending foot could only help the ball over the line and the Lions had taken the lead.
Maybe a little fortunate with the first, there was no mistake with the second, Nathan broke up an attack found Jack, onto Nicola, she cut in and pushed the ball to the right of the area, Brendan collected and a right-footed strike, perhaps not as powerful as his favoured left, gave the keeper no chance.

The Lions had a couple of half chances to make it three but Cov-Jag continued to defend resolutely and cleared the danger, at the other end Brad and Ryan had to be alert, keeping the defence organised. Nathan again made some excellent blocks and tackles, but Jack needed to make some key blocks as well, and Nicola and Sunni needed to track back when ever an attack broke down. For the first time in a long time, the Lions had to stand firm against several attacks, but were not found wanting and reached half-time with their lead intact.

With the luxury of a squad, Cov-Jag reorganised at half-time, bringing on a second big, quick forward and pushing the solid, dependable central defender into a defensive midfield role. For long periods of the second half, Cov-Jag had the upper hand but as a defensive unit the Lions stuck to their task, the rock living up to his name as he marshalled those in front of him, and Ryan showing clean, confident handling with anything that found its way through to him. Last season under this amount of pressure, the Lions would surely have crumbled and conceded but they stuck to their task. It was not all one way traffic, as the Lions hit Cov-Jag on the break, but without creating that one chance that would have sealed the game.

Then came the decisive moment of the game, the ball ran lose in the middle of the field, Nicola was the quickest to react, won the challenge, drew the defence and laid the ball off to Brendan. All that was needed was the finish, which Brendan supplied. 3-0 to the Lions and no way back for Cov-Jag.

The game ended 3-0, a very good win for the Lions, the clean sheet, as important, if not more than the goals. To a man the team had worked hard and deserved the win, on another day Cov-Jag may well have scored; their second half display deserved at least one goal. The win keeps the Lions in the hunt but with 19 league games to go there is still a lot that can happen, as last season showed only too well.

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26th October - Southam (H) Coventry League Cup 6-1 (W)

The Lions assembled early for the first round of the Coventry Cup, fortunately, as overnight rain had left a substantial puddle in one goal mouth, which had to drained away using an assortment of containers, but was only a small puddle by the time Southam arrived.

With the promised rain no where to be seen, and thier manager down to watch, on crutches, having missed last weeks game, the Lions were keen to get started. Although not sure what to expect from Southam, who sit just below the top group of teams in the Blue Division of the Coventry league, certainly having started their planning for 11-a-side early with at least 4 subs in attendance.

The Lions kicked off, Southam quickly gained procession, they made the Lions and their supporters sit up and take note, as from a couple of slick passing moves they created at least two long range shooting opportunities. Pushing forwards was to be Southam’s undoing, an attack broke down, Jack picked the ball up in midfield and chipped the Southam defenders. This gave Brendan a three or four yard head start on goal, he made no mistake and the Lions were one to the good. There was then a good 15, or so, minutes of sustained pressure from the Lions, Southam appeared to weather the storm with their defence making some timely clearances and their keeper several confident catches. Bradley, Nathan and Jack had heeded the warning from the first few attacks, breaking up the few attacks Southam could muster in midfield leaving the Southam attack few scraps to build on. Ryan, again, confidently commanding his area, with the few balls that came his way.

Southam could not hold out to half-time, with Nicola tormenting them down the right, several one-twos with Jack, leaving her space to cross into the box, if the defence had not been alert Sunni could easily have had a hat trick, including one mis-timed overhead kick, shots from the edge of the area by Jack and Bradley were well saved by the Southam keeper. The second duly arrived, a cross from the right was not cleared, Sunni had the final touch and the Lions doubled their lead. Minutes later the keeper, for once failing to hold on, a rasping shot from Brendan was spilled, Sunni collected the rebound and steered the ball over the line. Nicola completed the scoring for the half, a shot from the far right cleared the jumping keeper and crept under the bar, from behind it looked if she had picked her spot perfectly, the look on her face betraying the fact it had actually been a cross!

With a four goal cushion at half time, the management were able to shuffle the pack and try plans B, C and maybe D, and give George his debut in the Coventry League. Released from their usual positions, several players showed that the management do have options, Brendan’s strong running down the left, Nicola’s distribution from centre midfield and, Sunni and George’s excellent tackling in defence definite options for future games. Amongst the changes, the Lions scored two further good goals, both to Brendan, the first he cut in from the left and finished a powerful run with an unstoppable shot from the edge of the area, set on his way by Nicola’s header from midfield. The second an excellent header from a corner, the Lions forced a succession of corners from the left which Nicola took, the first was a sighter, the second Brendan headed forceable home, the third Bradley headed just the wrong side of the post.

The Lions were unlucky not to add a couple more, the best an excellent run down the right from George, his well hit shot just clearing the bar. In between Southam continued to plug away and could have had a goal themselves, a couple of top draw saves from Ryan almost preserving a clean sheet for the match and therefore for the season. Finally Southam scored, Ryan could only parry a shot, following up, a Southam attacker buried the chance. 6-1 to the Lions was the final score, a good performance from the Lions, a promising one from Southam, would not be surprised to see them in a promotion position by the end of the season.

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19th October - Brinklow (H) 2-0 (W)

First home game of the season and Brinklow were the visitors, although they have yet to record a victory against the Lions, all previous contests have been tough, as Brinklow are all ways well organised, but the Lions generally have the edge. The suggestion from recent league results was that Brinklow have been struggling to maintain the form of last season, the word on the grapevine was a couple of contentious decisions had turned recent games and that Brinklow were due a bit of luck, hopefully the tide wouldn’t turn until after the Lions game.

The Lions had the better of the early exchanges putting Brinklow on the back foot but although their excellent keeper of last season had moved on the replacement appeared to be more than competent. The first goal went to the Lions, Brinklow half cleared at Lions attack, Jack picked up the clearance just outside the area, one stride to control it, a second to let fly and the ball tucked itself inside top right corner of goal, the keeper had no chance, excellent strike. The Lions just about deserved to be in front. The Lions continued to press, especially down the right, several good runs from Nicola, several crosses causing the Brinkow defence problems, it all ways seemed that a second would, most likely come from an attack down Brinklow’s left. From a throw-in Nicola’s persistence paid off and lobbed the ball into the box, Brinklow for once failed to clear, Sunni, with the slightest touch directed the ball goalwards and the Lions had extended their lead.

Brinkow struggled to make an impression at the other end, good tackling by Jack, and in particular Nathan, ensured Bradley only needed to sweep up occasionally round the back. The confidence Ryan appears to have gained from a run of clean sheets meant Brinklow, despite a couple of well engineered breaks, didn’t look like threatening the Lions goal.

After the break, the Lions continued to press, looking for the third, Brinklow still looking to hit them on the break. Then came the most controversial point of the match, a Lions attack broke down in midfield, this caught the Lions short on numbers in defence, the danger appeared to have been averted but a clearance struck a returning defender, sending the ball goalward, but Ryan swooped and saved. Back pass or not, a difficult decision, both sets of supporters had differing opinions, but the ref decided it had been a back pass and awarded the free-kick. From the resulting free-kick Brinklow should have scored but the Lions survived by the skin of their teeth.
The near miss seemed to inspire Brinklow and rock the Lions back on their heels. A couple of good attacking moves gave Brinklow further chances, but Ryan pulled off a couple of excellent saves. Inspired by Ryan’s good form, the Lions rallied and finished the game looking the more likely to score, a couple of good moves opened by the Brinklow defence, and from one surging run Brendan’s powerful shot clipped the post.

2-0 to the Lions in the end, another clean sheet, hard fought, but because of that more satisfying for Ryan, Bardley and Nathan in particular and shows the Lions have improved as a defensive unit. The second half was tense and frantic and the Lions showed they can battle when required. The downside of the game was that both sets of supporters felt the need to question the referee through the second half, more from Brinklow than the home side, but neither the less both sides. Football is the great game it is, because of the passion it raises in those participating and watching it is very hard to take a step back but without a referee there is no game.

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12th Oct - Bedworth Eagles (A) 0-4 (W)

Into October and the Lions had only their third league game of the season, another away game, this time at Nicholas Chamberlain, home to Bedworth Eagles. Previous encounters between the two teams had generally been tight, with the Lions having the upper hand, but not without a knowing they had been in a game. With the conditions good, both the pitch and weather, expectations of a good game were high.

Within minutes of the kick-off, a frantic Lions clearance found Brendan just inside the Eagles half, hold it up and wait for support or go for it, Brendan went for it, with four defenders in close attendance he made a typically strong run toward the Eagles’ penalty area, at least two defenders attempted to halt the run and were left trailing in his wake. On the edge of the area, a good clean strike gave the keeper no chance and the Lions the lead. In the normal run of events, would expect the Lions to push on from an early lead, but creatively the Lions struggled to breakdown a well organised Eagles’ defence. In fact it is difficult to remember, other than a few long range efforts, any further shots on goal. However, defensively the Lions were also impressive, Nathan making several good interceptions/tackles when needed, Bard and Ryan, cool and calm, sweeping up when needed. With the defences in control, at half-time it remained 1-0 to the Lions, maybe it was a hang-over from the impressive result the day before, but the Lions were definitely struggling going forward, with 1-0 unlikely to be enough, the management and support were more than a little anxious going into the second half.

The Lions took the restart, Brendan passed wide right, an inviting ball for Nicola to run onto, the cross into the box caused, if not panic, certainly a rushed a clearance from the Eagles’ defence, playing with width had certainly been missing from the first half! Within minutes Jack repeated the pass to Nicola, again the cross caused problems in the penalty area and the ball crept inside the far post, 2-0 to the Lions. Now, without playing with their usual fluency, the Lions pressed, the Eagles continued to be well organised in defence, keeping players back and relying on the counter attack to try and threaten the Lions goal. From one of several Lions’ corners the ball bounced around in the box, did a Lion’s foot supply the final touch, could have been Jack’s, either way the Lions had three. The final nail in the Eagles’ coffin was the fourth, Sunni broke down the left, cut in and placed the ball confidently beyond the keeper.

4-0, not a classic, but a win is a win, and as important another clean sheet, a definite plus so far, credit to Brad and Ryan in particular, with good support from Nathan, who’s tackling so far this season has been a revelation, and Jack, reliable as ever. Maybe the slick,sharp passing will return next week!

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11th Oct - Austrey (H) Tamworth Cup 11-0 (W)

Impressive result, well done to all involved, interesting draw for the next round, last years winners!

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28th Sept. - Pro Santos (A) 0-9 (W)

Bright Sunday lunchtime, the Lions assembled at St Thomas More School, Coventry to play Pro Santos, named after the famous Brazilian team of that name, but based in the Stivichall area. The Lions were not sure what to expect, Pro Santos has been unbeaten in the league last season, although in the blue division. Living local to the ground, Sunni gave the team the low down on some of the opposition, first impressions were that Pro Santos would win, if the result was based on height, but then maybe a couple of the Lions are on the short side of average.

Once the management had arrived, slightly later than the 11:45 agreed meet time, and the newly signed Jack B. had also found the ground, the Lions warmed up ready for a 12:30 kick-off. Birthday boy Sunni captain for the game.

The Lions pressed from the start, putting Pro Santos on the back foot, and the first goal was not long in coming, although not from the expected source. Jack C. picked up the ball in midfield, beat one man maybe two (don’t think it was three), and from the edge of the area let fly, top-left and the Lions had the lead.

Goals then followed at regular intervals, Nicola cut in from the right, her first shot hit the keeper but calmly lifted the rebound over the prostrate keeper for the second. Sunni tapped in the third after an excellent passing move opened up the Pro Santos defence. A Pro Santos attack broke down, Brendan collected the clearance, outpaced the centre-back and his powerful shot ensured number 4. Jack took a throw-in near the corner flag, Nicola took one touch to control it, the second to lift it over the advancing keeper, 5-0. Sunni completed the goal scoring for the first half, with another tap-in, from a miss hit shot, square pass from Brendan.

Not that the Lions had it all their own way, it was fifteen minutes before Bradley needed to make a kick, but that was due in no small part to the excellent tackling of the Lions midfield, again with Nathan leading by example. Behind Brad, Jack B. made an assured debut in goal, when called upon his handling inspired confidence, his kicking from floor and hand unerringly accurate.

All credit to Pro Santos, at the start of the second half, they lifted their game and showed glimpses of why they had enjoyed success in previous seasons, all that was lacking was the final incisive ball, but credit to Bradley, they could not find away past. For the final quarter, Jack B. was released from goal, Nicola taking his place, Jack B. moving to centre-forward, Brendan went wide left and Sunni moved to the right. As the Lions readjusted, Pro Santos almost scored, Nicola, struggling to get her gloves on, flapped at a cross, which setup the Pro Santos centre-forward, but she gratefully clutched the resulting shot and the clean sheet was maintained.

The Lions continued to press and finally further goals arrived, Jack B. flicking a cross past the advancing keeper for a goal in his first game, Nathan met a corner with an excellent header for number 8, and Brendan finished a powerful run down the left with a tremendous shot for the ninth.

A good all round performance from the Lions, as they maintained their discipline and structure through to the end, their reward being a hatful of goals and a clean sheet. The other pleasing aspect being six different scorers, and with Bradley’s aerial presence from set pieces, all players offering a threat, albeit different on goal.

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17th Sept. - Chapelfield Colts (A) 0-5 (W)

Finally the Lions had their first league game, Chapelfield Colts away, at the impressive Westwood Sports Centre. A midweek early evening fixture, kick-off at 6:00pm, or for some, maybe only one, more a question of when can you be here for?

Once the Lions were all assembled, the game kicked off, two worries, the Referee looked suspiciously like the referee from the AT7 Blues game last season (although it’s a little unfair to lay the Lion’s below average performance entirely at his door) and the Lions last encounter with Chapelfield, in cup, had been a very tight, the Lions sneaking a 1-0 win. From the kick-off, the Lions went on the attack and forced an early corner, everyone bar Bradley went up, who would score the first goal? It was nearly Chapelfield, they cleared their lines and had two on one in attack, Bradley slowed the attack down and Ryan comfortable dealt with the resulting shot. A collective sigh of relief from the touchline, and a reminder to the Lions that there are no mugs in the ******** Coventry league (Insert an adjective of your choice, depending on who you are).

The game settled into a familiar pattern for Lion’s watchers, the Lions pressing, creating the better chances, and the opposition hitting back on the break, but Nathan was in inspirational form, several crunching tackles ensured the Lions stayed on the front foot. Nicola and Sunni swapped sides; some of the players became edgy as it appeared Chapelfield had weathered the early storm, they swapped back but the score remained 0-0. The close marking of the Chapelfield defenders and the on-field banter appeared to unsettle some of the Lions, although Nicola’s glares to the sidelines where reserved for her chauffer, who had almost made her late for the kick-off rather than events on the field. But glares turned to smiles, when Sunni found Brendan, he flicked the ball onto Nicola, she hit it first time from the edge of the box and the keeper’s first move to the ball was to pick it out of the back of the net. 1-0 and the Lion’s League challenge was up and running.

Chapelfield all most equalised in the dying minutes of the half but an alert Ryan pushed the ball onto the post. 1-0 at the break, the Lions probably deserving their slender lead, but only just. What ever the management said a halftime worked wonders on some. Brendan picked up the ball inside the centre circle, his pass released Sunni, one on one with the keeper, and he flicked the ball to the right of the keeper, 2-0. Within seconds, Nicola turned defence into attack, picked out Brendan, he passed onto Sunni who out paced his defender and slotted the third. In the space of a couple of minutes, the Lions had moved from looking nervously over their shoulders, with a slender lead, to cruising comfortably in front. With Jack and Nathan now working in tandem, several passing moves opened Chapelfield up and, on another day, goals would have resulted, but credit to Chapelfield they kept battling, blocking and tackling. The fourth arrived midway through the second half, Jack released Sunni, he checked back at the by-line and hit the target from a narrow angle. So was it the teamtalk, or what ever was in the new drinks bottles, that turned Sunni into the goal machine of the second half?

Chapelfield, now facing defeat, continued to battle and Bard and Ryan still had to be on their guard, but things all ways seem a little easier from the right side of a 4-0 score line. In the final few minutes the Lions added a fifth, another cross from Nicola into the danger area for the defence, the keeper stretched but failed to gather cleanly and Brendan bundled the ball over the line, not the most spectacular goal he’ll score this season but used his strength to ensure the Lions finished 5 to the good.

In the end a good start for the Lions, Chapelfield, as previously, proved hard to breakdown and if they had had a little more composure in front of goal may have pushed the Lions closer. 5 goals, a clean sheet and all players making important contributions through the game, are the Lions better prepared this season, only time will tell. There is a rumour the management have gone as far as plans C and D for this season, only plan A and possibly B were used for this match, so much to look forward too.

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28th August - Cov-Jag Blue (H) 5-1 (W) Friendly

First friendly of the season and the Lions lined up against Cov-Jag Blue, a decent second division outfit. Reasonable opposition to start the season, no mugs but a team the Lions should beat OK.

The Lions kicked off and attempted to charge forward, the attack broke down, with only Bradley back and the midfield chasing back, the only way to breakdown the attack was likely to be a foul and not surprisingly it came. It gave Cov-Jag a free-kick, outside the box on the Lion’s right, a distance the Lions have proved vulnerable to in the past. The kick was well taken, the Lions defence all most appeared to move out of the way of the ball and it flew into the back of the net. 1-0 to Cov-Jag and only a minute gone, not the start expected. Slightly subdued, the Lions restarted all thoughts of an early season stroll to victory gone, more application and concentration needed.

If last season taught the team anything it is that 25 minutes each way means there is plenty of time to repair the damage, and so it proved. Within minutes a cross ball from Nicola found Sunni, he rolled it into Brendan, free just inside the area, before the goal keeper had moved, the ball hit the back of the net. Next a passing move found Brendan with his back to goal, two defenders covered Brendan, which left Sunni free on the left, Brendan spotted him and the Lions had their second. The third quickly arrived, Sunni to Nicola, she made to shoot stepped inside the defender and the Lions were 3-1 up.

4, 5 and 6 should have arrived but didn’t, but with Bradley mopping up at the back, Jack and Nathan were able to orchestrate several more attacks and Lions should have reached the half-time break out of sight, some good goal keeping and less than accurate shooting by the Lions ensured the halftime score was 3-1.

For once the Lions had the luxury of a sub and George made his Lions debut in the second half, playing the holding role in front of Bradley. With, maybe, the Lions easing back a little, George was soon called into action defensively, as Cov-Jag had their best spell of the game, but was more than equal to the task with several assured tackles. Again 4, 5 and 6 or more should have arrived; however with a sub the management had the chance to mix things up a little. Nathan returned in place of Nicola, but up front, Brendan moved left, Sunni to the right. As a result Brendan could terrorise Cov-Jag down the left and Nathan converted one of his crossed for number 4. Jack took number 5, from a narrow angle burying a loose ball in the box.

In the end a comfortable win for the Lions, plusses, Ryan, after the early setback, looked comfortable in goal. Bradley let nothing past and a promising debut from George, plus 5 good goals from 5 different players with some good passing and movement. The other big plus was the increased confidence on the ball through out the team, which added an extra dimension to the passing game (square and back); it didn’t always work out but will bear dividends in the future.

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