Match Report - Men’s League Round 4

The fourth round of Men’s League matches was played on Sunday 14th April at Fair Game Sports Centre. The Squad was made up of Den, Mark B, Mark P, Malcolm, Peter, Mick, Steve, Harry, Simon and Kevin (C)

First match - Paphos United Pirates v Polis & Latchi Lions. Draw: 0-0
To say we were up for this was an understatement. With the Lions being well organised in their play and it would set the tempo and standard for all of the day’s matches, the Lions were keeping good shape with every player willingly supporting each other and creating a number of shots on goal. If only the Lions could have converted one these chances. This match was played against a tough Paphos team. I thought the Lions were the stronger team but it all ended in a draw.

Second match - Enad Panthers v Polis & Latchi Lions. Draw: 0-0
A tight game was expected but the Lions took the game to Enad from the off and didn’t let up once, with the Enad goalkeeper being the far busier of the two goalkeepers. From the off the Lions again demonstrated disciplined and controlled play which was a joy to watch, and the confidence of the players was there to see. Yet again the Lions were getting shots in at the Enad goalkeeper but this was another match that ended in a draw. The Lions were so close to getting that win which would have been well deserved.

Third match - Aphrodite Wanderers v Polis & Latchi Lions. Lost: 1-0
Polis always seem to step up their game for Aphrodities and this game was to be no exception. Polis played with a belief and confidence, and although being pinned back at times, the team stood strong during the first half. In the second half, just one goalkeeping mistake proved to be the difference that allowed Aphrodities to take a one goal lead and after that Aphrodities just shut up shop despite a spirited performance from the Polis team trying to get that goal back.

Fourth match - Akamas Turtles v Polis & Latchi Lions. Draw: 0-0
There was going to be no repeat of the last time the Lions played the Turtles. The Lions showed great character by playing some lovely build-up play and again getting shots in on the Turtles goal. Every player knew their job and delivered in bucket loads. Unfortunately, they just could not get the ball in the Turtles net, with the game ending in a competitive draw. Another game of ifs and buts - so close again.

Fifth match - Paphos United Phantoms v Polis & Latchi Lions. Draw: 0-0
In the morning heat of Paphos you would have thought the Lions would have been feeling the heat but to a man they all came out with a hunger to get that win. Yet again the shape, determination, willingness, passing and support given to each other was a joy to see. They took the game to Phantoms but just came up short in getting that goal with the game ending in a draw.

A big shoutout has to go to Mike who managed the team, substitutions, pep talks superbly from the dugout making all the right decisions on the day getting the best out of every player.

Every single member of the squad played their part today to a man. Football is a team game but the squad today as a whole stepped up to what was asked of them.