Lions’ final game of the season was at the Lion’s Den, a home game against Stotfold Junior Lilacs. A win for the Lions would secure victory of the U11 Event 3 Plate cup – and would complete the incredible feat of completing the whole season undefeated – taking the crown from the Arsenal invincibles of 2003.
Lions started the game well, putting pressure on the Stotfold defence from the whistle. A number of early attacks were thwarted by the away side’s back line. However, it wasn’t long before the deadlock was broken. Georgia collected the ball in the middle of the park and spread it out wide left to Amber. The winger skipped past her marker before shooting, beating the keeper to give Lions the lead.
Stotfold had some decent players, particularly in the middle of the pitch, and it took a strong foot from Evelyn to stop an advance through the centre. Sienna then mopped up a loose pass before playing the ball into Gracie. A thunderous left footed shot left the keeper no chance – but sadly the whistle had blown for Sienna’s accidental slip and foul on a Stotfold midfielder.
Lions needn’t have worried as moments later Stotfold were picking the ball out of the back of the net after Heidi’s corner reached Tehila in the box. Her shot deflecting off of the upright before going in off of the back of a Stotfold defender’s head.
Tehila could have made it 3 nil seconds later after a long throw from Sienna set the Lions’ attacker off down the wing. However, her big shot was saved by the keeper. Some neat play from Lions set up yet another attack. This time Evelyn starting the move with a long ball out to Amber. Her inside pass finding Tehila in space, but the Stotfold defence were able to get back before a shot could be fired.
Stotfold found themselves in the Lions’ penalty box. Aria stood up strong forcing the attacker into making a loose pass. Georgia collected the ball on the edge of the box, before performing a drag-back to twist her way out of danger.
Once again the communication between players was good with Aria calling Amber back to ‘mark-up’. Stotfold were awarded a free kick in a good position after a handball on the edge of the box. Fortunately, the well-struck kick sailed past all of the players in the box and out for a goal kick.
Another great team move from Lions – this time it was Aria who started it with a ball out wide to Amber. Flo, in the middle of the park, received the cross from Amber. Her shot was well struck but well saved.
Lions’ third came as a result of a wonderful solo effort by Tehila. The striker picked the ball up just inside the Stotfold half, dribbling past two defenders before burying her shot low to the keeper’s right.
A 4th goal came soon after. This time it was Georgia who initiated the attack with a sweeping cross-field pass to Olivia on the right. Her inside pass found Tehila… and Tehila found the back of the net.
A great ball from Flo to Tehila was finished off with a superb strike, bringing the first half to a close with the Lions 5 nil up.
Lions started the second half as they finished the first. With more slick passing and intelligent moving. A wonderful angled pass from Georgia set Tehila off down the right. Her cross almost found Amber at the back post, but she was just unable to get on the end of it. Stotfold pressed, but left themselves exposed at the back and Lions pounced with a quick counter-attack. Tehila carried the ball over the halfway line, drawing the last defender towards her. This created space for Heidi on the right. Tehila found her with a simple pass which Heidi converted with excellent control. A 7th followed not long after. Once again, Tehila found herself on the ball in the middle of the park. A faked pass to the left opened up space to her right – her strong shot lobbing the keeper.
Stotfold continued to press and were enjoying some success through the middle of the pitch. However, a decent through-ball was collected by Lauren after giving a loud shout of ‘Leave it!’
Quite how Lions’ 8th goal went in is something of a mystery. Threading the ball through the eye of a needle, Tehila somehow managed to squeeze the ball between the front post and the keeper after dribbling past the defender, to the byline.
Heidi battled well on the right before crossing into the box. This time the Stotfold defence were able to get a block in. A big clearance from Evelyn eased pressure at the back for Lions as Stotfold upped their efforts. Just as Stotfold looked to be rattling the Lions’ cage, a pass from Amber to Tehila was soon in the back of the net to knock the wind out the Stotfold sails. Although, only momentarily, as the away side were determined to give their fans something to celebrate. A rare lapse in concentration at the back gave them the chance they’d been hoping for. A cross found its way into the Lions’ box and was struck home to make it 9-1. Stotfold could have had a 2nd moments later if it wasn’t for a strong save from Lauren down by the keeper’s feet.
With seconds of the game left to play, Lions had a succession of decent chances. A big shot from Amber sailing just over the bar, and a good pivot and strike from Flo was well blocked by the desperate Stotfold defence, ensuring the game ended 9-1 to the home side.
Whilst it were the two Lions wingers, Amber and Heidi who shared this week’s player of the match award, today’s performance was another fantastic team effort. The team have played like champions all season and thoroughly deserve the plaudits they receive. It’s difficult to believe this is the team’s first season in the league – we can’t wait to see what next season brings!
