Match Report - Men’s League Round 3

The third round of Men’s League matches were play on Sunday 24th March at Fair Game Sports Centre. The Squad was made up of Den, Harry, Mike, Micky, Mark B, Mark P, Simon and Steve. As Mark B was still not well and fit, he would take no part in today’s matches.

First match - Paphos Phantoms v Polis & Latchi Lions. Draw: 2-2
The first match saw the return of Den and Harry into the starting line up. The Lions started this game well, playing good football and keeping their formation well. Mark P deservedly put the Lions 1 nil up by the break but in the second half the Lions lost their composure and shape allowing the Phantoms to get 2 quick goals back. Then with just 1 minute to go Mark P slotted the ball past the Phantoms goalkeeper to level the match after the Lions had played though the Phantoms with good passing and movement. A fair result in the end and credit to the Lions in never giving up in gaining this point.

Second match - Paphos Pirates v Polis & Latchi Lions. Draw: 0-0
Polis went into this match knowing if they played with discipline and keeping their formation they could gain a win but it would be tough. Both teams played with a desire to win and both teams got shots in on each others goal. Yet again another tough match, competitively played out.

Third match - Aphrodite Wanderers v Polis & Latchi Lions. Draw: 0-0
Polis knew they would be in for a hard match and it proved to be just that. A dogged performance by all those that played at the start and subs that came on. Some fine saves from both keepers kept the score level at half time and with Polis maintaining their shape and discipline held out for a deserved draw. Just to note Polis had chances in this match and could have easily walked away with a win. On the day this would be Aphrodite’s only dropped point over their 5 matches just showing what a performance this was by Polis.

Fourth match - ENAD Panthers v Polis & Latchi Lions. Lost: 1-0
Yet again this would prove to be a cagey game with ENAD playing their crisp, slow passing and build up play from start to finish but Polis were up for this and played them in a similar way. My take on it was that the ENAD goalie pulled off a number of fine saves in both half’s and in the end it was a Polis defensive mistake that allowed ENAD in to score the only goal of the game. A game of fine margins.

Fifth match - Akamas Turtles v Polis & Latchi Lions. Lost: 2-1
What looked like the easiest match of the day proved not to be, and the Turtles proved to be well up for this match. Credit goes to the Turtles player who struck a fierce shot from way out that nestled in the top corner of the net with the goal of the day and then the Turtles getting a second from a Lions mistake. The Turtles had a player sin binned but the Lions players just couldn’t make this count in their favour. Their goalkeeper pulled off some good save’s with the Polis players trying to force the draw. Polis did get one back from Mark P but just couldn’t get a second to force the draw. We seemed to lose a bit of shape in this match.

All players in the match squad were used in all of our matches. Yet again a big shout out to the Lions supports who were robust and loud giving great support to the team. It was and is much appreciated as always. Thank you .