Lyonians 3s vs Winchmore Hill 5s
SAL Junior Div 2 North
14 September
Winchmore Hill 5th XI travelled to Old Lyonians for the first game of the 2019/20 season. Captained by Laurens the boys new they had to start the new campaign like they finished last season.
Having no knowledge on the team we were playing we had to make sure that we were ready to put the pressure on as soon as the whistle blew.
Winchmore kicked off first half knowing they had to start fast to have a chance on getting a positive result from the game and start the season with 3 points.
Owain Boffey was pulled into action in the early stages of the game, with Old Lyonians causing problems for the Winchmore defence but with some good saves he managed to keep the scores level. After continuous attacks the centre back pairing of Matt Collier and David Agostini continued doing what they do best and not let anything get past them. After a slow start, Winchmore managed to get into the game and play the way they are known best for. With fast, skilful wingers Winchmore attacked well and created many chances throughout the first half. Jack Terzoli was too hot to handle for the Old Lyonnais defenders beating them on nearly every attack but just lacked the final product the end. But the team new that when he got his next chance Old Lyonnais will be punished.
As a well battled first half came to an end, the scores were level and the boys knew they had a lot more to give in the second half, they were sure they could get a good result out of the match they just had to put the work in.
HT: Old Lyonians 3rd XI 0-0 Winchmore Hill 5th XI
After some substitutions and an inspiring team talk from Laurens, the boys were determined to go out and get the next goal.
Defensive midfielder Max Currie controlled the midfield battle, dominating tackles and winning headers all game, creating chances for the forwards every time he got the ball.
Stefan Gilligan received the ball in his own half and saw the run of striker Jack in behind the Old Lyonians defence and played a tremendous outside the boot through ball only for Jack to take it past the keeper and but the Winch into the lead with around 30 minutes left.
60: Old Lyonians 3rd XI 0-1 Winchmore Hill 5th XI
With the 3 points nearly acquired Winchmore continued to put even more pressure on creating lots of chances hitting the woodwork multiple times and forcing the opposition keeper to make lots of great saves.
For 10 of the last 15minutes Winchmore were down to 10 men due to Matt collier getting sin binned so the boys knew it will be a difficult end to the match.
In the final minute of the match Old Lyonians received a corner and threw all their men forward after failing to clear the ball the Lyonnais defender shot the ball into the top corner with an unstoppable shot.
90+4: Old Lyonians 3rd XI 1-1 Winchmore Hill 5th XI
FT: Old Lyonians 3rd XI 1-1 Winchmore Hill 5th XI
After a difficult, well battled game the points were shared as Old Lyonians scored a last-minute goal due to Winchmore just switching off. But there were many positives for the boys to take from the match as we showed great hunger and determination to keep going and working hard. We knew that they were going to be one of the best teams in the league so was satisfied with the one point but we knew we could’ve got all three. With the game next week, we need to keep the same hunger and fight and we will get the win…