Leamington Lions 5 Knowle 0

Report submitted by Russell Davis

17 February 2008, New Windmill Ground.

Hawaii Five-O!

Lions entertained Knowle at home on another glorious Sunday afternoon. Due to injuries and players being away, our squad was reduced to just 13.  The New Windmill Ground pitch was as perfect as usual, making sure the Lions could play their good passing game that we have come to expect.  The Lions started the game with a nice tempo and were soon carving the Knowle defence open.
 
Things soon got worse as far as numbers were concerned with the early loss of striker Sophie Meade through injury.  Abbie Foster was introduced to midfield and Sis was pushed upfront alongside Sam Morris.  Sam soon went close with a good strike which flashed just wide of the post, when maybe another touch into the box would have been the better option. Carly also had a good effort just wide after great build up play from Sis and Stacey. 

The Lions continued to push back the Knowle defence and should have scored after a quick throw–in released Carly, only for the fans see her drive her shot wide again.  Katy Sheffield soon released a great ball down the left to find Sam, whose clever play set up Sis, only to fire her shot over the bar.

Undaunted, Lions continued to press and were rewarded a penalty after a Knowle defender handled the ball in the box.  Up stepped Sharon to slot the ball coolly into the bottom corner, sending the Knowle keeper the wrong way.
 
Knowle had no answer for the continued onslaught, and after a great through ball from Stacey, Sam made it 2-0. Carly was proving to be a constant threat down the right, turning the Knowle defender one way then the other.  Katy Sheffield then produced a quality through ball to Sam, who in turn finished in style, 3-0. 

The Lions continued to move the ball around quickly and, most importantly, kept their shape.  The movement off the ball was also looking good.  Kirsty Lloyd then produced a great goal.  From a throw-in Kirsty whipped the ball across the box, it looked to be going out for a goal kick, but curled in and hit the upright to nestle in the back of the net. 4-0 at the break.

Second half started in similar fashion to the first, the Lions continuing to push on; but gradually the team lost its shape.  Against a better side the Lions would have been punished for the cracks that began to open up in what had been an excellent performance.  Nonetheless, Carly, Sam and Stacey all went close before the Lions introduced Charlotte Davis up front.  Charlotte should have made an immediate impact with a goal, only for the keeper to push the ball away for a corner.  Sharon then whipped in a great ball for Sam to head into net.  A Sam hat trick and 5-0 to the Lions, another clean sheet and the unbeaten run continues. next Sunday's match against championship contenders Worcester City looks set to be a cracker.

Lions previous match, v Headless Cross .

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