Match Report - Men’s League Round 2
It was an early 8.30am meet-up at Fair Game in Paphos. The skies were overcast with a threat of rain but the Lions were ready for a tough round of matches. The squad was made up of Kevin, Mike, Mick, Mark B, Mark P, Simon, Steve, Peter and Moz.
First match - Paphos Phantoms v Polis & Latchi Lions. Draw: 1-1
The Lions started off by going straight on the front foot by taking the game to the Phantoms continually. getting a number of shots in on their goal. Finally one of those shots settled in the bottom corner of the Phantoms net after slow, controlled build up play, well finished by Mark P (Ratty). Unfortunately the Lions couldn’t manage to hold on for a well deserved 3pts allowing the Phantoms to sneak a equalising goal with just 2 mins to go.
Second match - Aphrodites Wanderers v Polis & Latchi Lions. Lost: 1-0
This was thought to be the Lions toughest match of the day but to the Lions credit the Lions played their best game to date. Aphrodities struggled to breakdown the Lions in a tight game and just one lapse of concentration allowed Aphrodites to score. Again we created chances with good play from the back up to the front players. This match showed how much the Lions have improved.
Third match - ENAD Panthers v Polis & Latchi Lions. Lost: 2-0
Well, the score line flattered ENAD. A game of two penalties (both converted by ENAD) and a sending off for the Lions. Before the sending off this was an evenly balanced match with both teams playing some good football and both having goal scoring opportunities and cancelling each other out at other times. Even when the Lions went down a player we were still creating opportunities. To the Lions credit we just got on with the game and put those contentious decisions behind us - a big credit to all the players.
Fourth match - Paphos Pirates v Polis & Latchi Lions. Lost: 2-0
This match saw the Lions lose the composure shown in the earlier matches. To their credit they got back to doing the basics right but were unable to pull the goals back. It shows that we have to go into every match switched on and focussed and bring our ‘A’ game or we get punished.
Fifth match - Akamas Turtles v Polis & Latchi Lions. Won: 0-1
The Lions finally got their reward for the day’s endeavours on the pitch with a well managed performance against Akamas. The Lions had the majority of play in this match. A fine toe poke of a goal from Ratty taken after good build up on the right hand side of the pitch was enough to give the Lions a well deserved 3pts.
Today shows how much the squad has developed in all areas. We were disciplined and when we slowed the pace down, passed the ball to feet and moved the ball up the pitch we created numerous goal scoring opportunities in all the matches. The Lions players were supporting each other at all times, which was good to see and hear. Well done to all.
Yet again the support shown from everyone that came to watch the Lions was superb. It goes to show what the Lions is all about! Football, Fun and Friendship.