London Lions U14 powered their way into the Champion of Champions final with a dominant 4-2 win over Aylsham — a performance full of quality, control, and attacking intent that deserved an even wider scoreline.

From the outset, ours boys were on the front foot with Aden creating a chance for Zac L in the 1st minute. They all asserted themselves with confident, flowing football. In stark contrast to Aylsham’s long-ball, hit-and-hope approach, our Lions played the game the right way — sharp passing, intelligent movement, and a real desire to build through the thirds. It was a comprehensive victory that showcased just how far this team has come since our EJA start at U13 last season and emphasised exactly why we won our league unbeaten !

The first half, in particular, was outstanding. The midfield quartet of Levi, Jayden, Jasper and latterly Jamie ran the show, dictating play and setting the tempo. Levi delivered a sensational man-of-the-match display, scoring a brilliant hat-trick from midfield and showing his class across the pitch.

His third goal was the pick of the bunch, capping off a sweeping team move in which the ball was played out from the back down the left channel and into Saul centrally who laid it off for Levi to smash home clinically from the edge of the box.

Aylsham’s strategy was to let their keeper punt the ball as long as he could with the hope of getting in behind our defence. Once we had instructed our midfield and centre backs to drop off 10 yards from the goal kicks we won every header and it was clear Aylsham were going to have to try something else, which in the end was lacking in any real quality.

Our first half performance was so dominant that that this game should have been over by the break, and we should have probably been 3 or 4 goals up, but as it was following Levi’s 2 first half strikes, Aylsham nicked a goal on the stroke of half time with a relatively simple pass that cut straight through our back line and into their striker who scored.

It was very frustrating to only be 2-1 up but we knew if we carried on playing the same way, then more goals would come to our boys .

Saul was a constant threat, ending the day with three assists, a reward for his vision and creativity. Out wide, Aden put in a tireless shift down the right-hand side. He was a real outlet in the first half especially, repeatedly driving the ball to the touchline and whipping in dangerous crosses for the forwards to attack. Zac Lissner led the line with real effort and commitment. While it wasn’t quite his day in front of goal, his hold-up play and pressing helped the team maintain pressure high up the pitch.

It was great to see Zachi Landy get some proper minutes out on the pitch & get back amongst the goals, and he tucked away the fourth to round off the scoring — a great moment for the team and for him personally.

Defensively, the starting centre-back pairing of Max and Zach Spillman laid a solid foundation. Max, stepping into an unfamiliar role for Lions at centre-back, adapted superbly and showed real maturity in his performance. Colbie delivered his usual composed and consistent display at left-back, while Charlie and Alfie Cohen were again dependable on the right side, providing energy and balance.

In goal, Blake had little to do in terms of shot-stopping, with the two goals conceded – both at the end of each half – coming from defensive lapses that will be addressed in training this week. Still, Blake’s presence and confidence helped keep things calm at the back.

Importantly, this was another full-squad effort. Every player contributed, with regular rotation throughout the game showing the strength in depth this team possesses. Regardless of who was on the pitch, our attacking flow and control never wavered, and our defensive calmness was key in frustrating Aylsham in the latter stages of the match — a sign of the belief and cohesion in the squad.

In the end a 4-2 win sounds tighter than the game really was, but make no mistake we were incredibly good value for this win and it meant the boys were all in good spirits when it came to receiving their league winners medals and trophy after the match, which Captain Sam lifted to great cheers from the adoring supporters !

It really is amazing what the boys are producing week in week out and yet again we are immensely proud. No one should take this for granted. It is extra-ordinary!

Now, attention turns to the final against Chelmsford City next Sunday, who beat Southend 3-2 this afternoon and have a Cup Final on Tuesday night against Cheshunt, so they will be a stern test.

Next Sunday, yet again will be a huge moment in the club’s history, with a chance to be crowned overall EJA champions for the first time ever.

One last training session awaits on Wednesday, and then it’s all eyes on the Final.

This team goes from strength to strength — and they’re not done yet.