Friendly Win

After Bushey withdrew from the arranged league game as they were unable to raise a side, a hastily arranged friendly saw top of the Garston Vets League take on top of the MSFL 1st Division in what was likely to prove an intriguing battle between 2 sides with 100% records to date.

From the off the Masters side controlled the game, dominating possession and creating numerous chances on top of those they scored. Defensively they dealt well with the threat the NLR pacey forward line posed, with Mannie restricted to few sights of Abrahams’ goal as Myeroff and Glass bossed things. In the centre of the park Levack was at his best, and ably supported as ever by Pearl the two ensured the front 4 saw enough ball to really test the visitors. Dan Lee, guesting in goal for NLR, had to be alert early on but he was powerless to prevent Hakim from slotting home the opener from Cash’s low cross. The Lions hitman doubled his and the side’s tally with an exquisite finish, lofting the ball over Lee from fully 30 yards, but that proved his final action as he was withdrawn with a tweaked hammy.

But there was no respite for the visitors, Summers slotting in to lead the line superbly, linking up with Conway, Cash and Stanton to fashion chances for all. But the side had to wait until moments before the interval for the third. Levack won the ball and found Cash on halfway in space. He turned and released Conway with an inch perfect through pass, the striker holding off his man before slotting home on the run with a fine right footed finish.

NLR used their pace well at the start of the second period and had a little more of the ball, but the hosts worked hard to limit their chances and soon began to regain control with their trademark passing that was at times a joy to watch. A cross from Cash was flicked on by Stanton for Summers turn home before a drilled Levack corner was met by a bullet header from Glass that left Lee grasping at thin air. NLR did pull one back, but Cash was then rewarded for his hard working display when he finished emphatically, curling home Lions’ 6th. The 7th though summed up what this side are so good at. Harvey chased back , sliding in to keep the ball alive on the far touchline. Into Stanton who left two for dead with his trickery, he slipped it to Summers who held off his man before an inch perfect pass for the on-rushing Cash who finished without breaking stride with a quite audacious dink into the corner. A brilliant goal from a team full of confidence.

With the last kick an off-side looking Mannie grabbed a consolation.

A good run out for both sides who will hope to use the exercise to further their real aims for the season. We wish NLR success as they challenge for promotion to the MSFL Prem.