Having been thrashed 9 v 1 in their early season fixture, it was essential that Loxwood started strongly and imposed themselves on the game.  The Magpies did not disappoint, with Tom Lillywhite, Harry Hunter and Ben Hicken pressuring the Dorking side from the off.  Loxwood took an unexpected lead on 5 minutes. Hunter's trickery got the better of his defender and he was felled in the box.  Hunter stepped up and blasted his effort low into the bottom left corner of the net.  Two minutes later, and the visitors found themselves two-up.  Hunter again found space on the left, played in Hicken, who deftly flicked his effort beyond the reach of the Panther's keeper and into the bottom corner.  Loxwood continued to frustrate St Paul's with a solid defensive display from Josh Arnold, Mikey Arlett, Will Dixon and Theo Rawlins.  Keagan Pafford in goal, was equal to the efforts that came his way, while Harry Comber and Louis Horsley battled superbly in midfield, cutting out through-balls and challenging the Panthers' midfield.  But the tide was turning and the pressure gradually began to mount.

The Magpies' defence was finally breached on 20 minutes.  The Panthers left winger showed great skill to break into the box, beat several players, ride Horsley's challenge and bury a shot past Pafford.  Five minutes later, the same player and a similar result, brought St Paul's level.  Loxwood were now completely on the back foot and struggling to get out of their half.  The defence dropped deeper in an effort to combat the deep, searching, wide balls and invited more pressure.  St Paul's finally got their reward, with a third goal minutes before half time.

Still very much in the game, the second half brought renewed impetus from Loxwood.  Suddenly it was the Magpies finding the deep, wide balls and testing the St Paul's defensive resolve once more.  The Panthers proved up to the challenge and the game developed into an end-to-end encounter, both defences cancelling out the attacking play.  Once again, Harry Comber was excellent in the defensive midfield role, breaking up the play and moving the ball and Tom Maybury was very strong at right-back.  Loxwood's efforts were rewarded with a corner from Hunter that fell invitingly, ricocheted around the box, but no one was able to get a strong enough effort on goal to see it in.  The missed opportunity was to prove costly as the Panther's broke down the right, delivered a cross, which eventually fell to the left winger, whose effort went through Pafford's hands and tamely into the back of the net.  It was a disappointingly soft goal to concede, but proved to be the turning point in the match.  With a two goal cushion, St Paul's grew in confidence and Loxwood's ebbed away.  A few minutes later the Panthers extended their lead with a fine effort from the middle of the box. 

Loxwood refused to give up. Hunter again provided a wonderful corner and with a free header, Lillywhite met it with the top off his head and harmlessly over the bar.  With ten minute to go, Loxwood conceded a sixth with a fine effort from the edge of the box.  It was harsh on a spirited Magpies, who now sensed another hefty defeat.  Credit to Loxwood, they held on well and nearly grabbed a third late-on.  Hicken chased a long ball over the top from Toby Chandler, beat his defender for strength and pace, but powered his shot narrowly wide.

It was a great effort by Loxwood, but St Paul's proved the better side and deserved the win.  There were many positives for a rapidly improving Magpies team and the boys can look forward to their next matches with even more confidence.  As for St Paul's, the Club wishes them great luck in next week's final and hope they can put in a creditable performance against top-of-the-table Guildford Saint Hawks.

Team: Keagan Pafford, Josh Arnold, Mikey Arlett, Will Dixon, Theo Rawlins, Harry Comber, Tom Lillywhite, Louis Horsley, Toby Chandler, Harry Hunter, Ben Hicken, Tom Maybury, Tom Pearce, George Lillywhite.
Goals: Hunter, Hicken
​MoM: Harry Comber

After all the recent rain-affected games and the downpour in the week, it was a relief to be playing football.  Massive credit to the Loxwood groundsmen and the investment by the club in our pitch as the Nest has held up incredibly well to the recent deluge.

With both teams playing with ten men, it was Loxwood that started the brighter.  Dorkinians' high defensive line was tested early on, but it took five minutes for it to be broken.  A lovely through-ball by Toby Chandler sent Ben Hicken racing clear, his well struck shot was parried by the Dorking keeper and Hicken tucked home the rebound from close range.  Minutes later, Hicken was through again, but this time the Dorking keeper held his effort.  Continued pressure from the Magpies resulted in a corner, which ricocheted around the box before a shot was adjudged to have been handled and the referee pointed to the spot.  Louis Horsley stepped up and blasted his shot into the top corner and through the net.  At the other end, Loxwood were defensively strong with Josh Arnold, Will Dixon, Mikey Arlett and Tom Maybury dealing with everything that Dorkinians threw at them.  On 20 minutes, Loxwood made it three, with our U13 Hamish Skinner sending Chandler through on goal.  He kept a cool head and deftly slotted his effort past the advancing keeper.  Minutes later, Hicken got his second with a really well taken effort.  But the goal of the game came on 25 minutes.  Hicken was sent through on the left wing, he whipped in a beautiful cross that Horsley couldn't quite reach and was skilfully tucked home by Tom Pearce, racing in at the far post.  It was Tom's first league goal for the club and the result of a superb footballing move.

At five-nil the Magpies looked comfortable and in complete control, so credit to Dorkinians, that they established a foothold in the game, dominating the next ten minutes.  There were a few early warnings before they eventually pulled one back.  Minutes later, they nearly made it two, but the big number 19 dragged his shot just wide.  By the end of the half, Loxwood were relieved to have restricted Dorkinians to one goal.

The second half brought a return to the attacking dominance of Loxwood.  Hicken continually beating the offside trap but unable to convert his one-on-ones.  Credit to the Dorking keeper who made some very fine saves to thwart the Magpies' attacker.  Skinner did well down the left, his cross evading everyone before falling to Nathan Caddock, who blasted his shot over the bar.  Loxwood were to rue those missed chances, when Dorkinians gave themselves hope by scoring a second.  Their big number 19 beat several players before planting his shot past Keagan Pafford in the Loxwood goal.  The next goal would prove crucial, and thankfully it fell to Loxwood.  The ball was worked well down the left and Hicken completed an excellent hatrick from close range. The game was end-to-end, with both keepers being worked and proving themselves up to the task.  It was Dorking who drew blood next, scoring a deserved third goal, before Loxwood sealed the victory with a well taken effort by Mikey Arlett.  Put through on goal, he hit his shot early with the outside of his boot and into the bottom corner.  It was Mikey's first goal for the club and just reward for his excellent defensive displays of recent weeks.

The transformation in this team since Christmas has been great to see and the boys are growing in strength and confidence.  Louis Horsley was exceptional in the centre of midfield alongside Toby Chandler and Harry Comber.  Our two U13s also made a very good account of themselves at this level and Pafford made some great saves to restrict Dorkinians.  It was a thoroughly entertaining, often heart-stopping match and played in great spirit.  Onwards to the cup semi-final against St Paul's.

Team: Keagan Pafford, Josh Arnold, Will Dixon, Mike Arlett, Tom Maybury, Tom Pearce, Hamish Skinner, Toby Chandler, Harry Comber, Louis Horsley, Nathan Caddock, Ben Hicken
Goals: Ben Hicken (3), Louis Horsley, Toby Chandler, Tom Pearce, Mikey Arlett
​MOM: Ben Hicken

A superb hattrick from Hamish Ramsay was not enough to seal victory in an exciting encounter at the Nest, as Mayford Tigers took home all three points.

Team: Keagan Pafford, Josh Arnold, Will Dixon, Ben Hicken, Tom Maybury, Theo Rawlins, Tom Pearce, Toby Chandler, Louis Horsley, George Lillywhite, Harry Comber, Josh Taylor, Max Robertson, Hamish Ramsay
Goals: Hamish Ramsay (3)
​MOM: Louis Horsley

A surprising but very welcome win against an understrength Dorking Wanderers, is an enormous boost for this improving side.

The first half was a very tight affair, with both sides producing few clear chances.  Louis Horsley and Toby Chandler both went close, while Eron Welch in the Loxwood goal was quick off his line on more than one occasion to clear danger.  Loxwood took the lead on the verge of halftime.  A brilliant one-two between Max Robertson and Fraser Ayres sent Robertson through on goal, who cooling slotted past the advancing Wanderers keeper.  A devastating time to score.

Loxwood started the second half slowly and were nearly punished early on, but for smart defending by Mikey Arlett.  Chandler, playing one of his best matches for the Magpies, produced some excellent skill to break into the box, but his near-post effort was well saved.  Soon after, Ben Hicken thought he'd won a penalty, but the referee waved away his protests as he lay in the box.  Dorking were limited to few chances by solid defending and smart goalkeeping, but were unlucky not to get an equaliser when their well struck effort pinged off the bar to safety.  At the other end, Tom Pearce was played in by Hicken, but he hit his shot straight at the keeper.  Minutes later, Tom Lillywhite had an effort that sailed over the bar. 

With the game drawing to a close and with Dorking building pressure, the game saw high drama.  Welch slipped as he took a goal kick, and the ball skewed just a few yards towards the Dorking striker, before Welch blasted the ball clear.  Dorking were awarded an indirect free kick in the box.  With Loxwood players in the wall close to the goal line, Dorking pulled the ball back and sent a pile-driver crashing against the underside of the bar before being hacked to safety.  Goal-line technology might have signalled an equaliser, but it was difficult to be certain and the referee waved play on.  The Magpies held on brilliantly against unrelenting pressure and the points were secured by a battling Loxwood side.

Team: Eron Welch, Joshua Arnold, Mikey Arlett, Ben Hicken, Theo Rawlins, Tom Pearce, Louis Horsley, Toby Chandler, George Lillywhite, Tom Lillywhite, Max Robertson, Harry Comber, Magnus Crook, Fraser Ayres
Goals: Max Robertson
MoM: Mikey Arlett

Loxwood can take a lot of positives from this game, fielding three from our U13 squad and with no substitutes, it was a good performance despite the defeat.

Both sides defended well in the opening twenty minutes, in what was something of a scrappy match.  Ben Hicken and Mikey Arlett were a solid partnership at the centre of defence, Josh Arnold played excellently in an unfamiliar left-back position and young Zach Ferguson did himself proud at right-back.  Loxwood came very close to taking the lead on 25 minutes when Max Robertson was put through on goal.  His well struck shot appeared to be looping over the goalkeeper and into the net, but hit the bar and Horsley were able to clear for a corner.  Five minutes later, the hosts went one up, but it wasn't without a huge slice of luck.  Chasing through on goal the Horsley striker hit a low drive that Keegan Pafford inexplicably fumbled, and Horsley were quickest to react to the loose ball.  Fine margins.

The second half was equally close.  The Horsley number 10 was a handful and nearly scored on several occasions, but Pafford was excellent in atoning for his earlier error.  At the other end, Robertson went close once more and Will Percy nearly got on the scoresheet, but couldn't quite get enough on his shot to put it in the back of the net.  Eventually, the Horsley number 10 got his reward.  Breaking free from both Hicken and Arlett he forced a smart save from Pafford.  The ball parried to Arnold who couldn't get the ball out from under his feet and the Harrier's striker drilled home their second.

Despite the 2 - 0 scoreline, this was a tight match and the improvement in this side is starting to show.

Team: Keegan Pafford, Joshua Arnold, Mikey Arlett, Ben Hicken, Zach Ferguson, Daniel Badger, George Lillywhite, Louis Horsley, Toby Chandler, Max Robertson, Will Percy
​MoM: Joshua Arnold

The opening minutes were scrappy but Loxwood showed early signs of an ability to get behind the Dorkinian's defence.  Harry Hunter broke free on the left but had his shot well saved.  Minutes later, Hunter was put through again, but this time dragged his shot just wide.  Rowan Stewart, joining us from the U13 squad, was relentless in chasing through-balls and pressuring the Dorking defence, but it was Ben Hicken who put the Magpies in front.  Another excellent pass split the Dorkinians defence, Hicken raced through on goal and calmly slotted past the advancing keeper.  Loxwood defended well, but Dorking began to threaten, and Keegan Pafford was forced into a smart save before the Magpies extended their lead.  Louis Horsley, who worked tirelessly in midfield, drove through the defence and was dragged down in the box.  He stepped up and smashed his penalty emphatically into the back of the net to make it 2 - 0.

The second goal injected renewed energy into the Dorkinians and they began to force their way back into the match.  Pafford was forced into another save, before Stewart tested the Dorkinian's keeper at the other end.  The visitors eventually got a goal back before half time.  A fine piece of skill beat two Loxwood defenders and a well struck shot was brilliantly saved, but crept over the line.

The second half went much the same way as the first, with a fairly scrappy start.  Dorkinian's attempted to defend a high line and force the play into the Loxwood half.  It worked on a few occasions, but the pace of Hicken and Stewart proved too much.  Stewart broke through but had shots saved or narrowly missed the target.  Eventually he got his reward.  Hicken beat the offside trap and looked set to score, before feeding Stewart with an easy tap-in to extend the lead.  A minute later, Hicken turned provider again, this time breaking on the right, pulling a cross back across the face of goal for Stewart to sweep home.  Loxwood were in total control and looked to have extended their lead further just a few minutes later.  Stewart was the provider this time and Hicken the beneficiary, but he was deemed to have been offside in the build-up and the goal was disallowed.

To their credit, the Dorkinians never gave up.  Will Dixon pulled off an incredible last-ditch tackle to prevent an almost certain goal and Pafford saved well low and to his right, before Dorkinians got a goal back a minute before the end.

It was an excellent team performance that will have done a lot to boost Loxwood's confidence.  Toby Chandler played very well in midfield and the defence dealt with much that was thrown at them.

Team: Keegan Pafford, Josh Arnold, Will Dixon, Mikey Arlett, Theo Rawlins, George Lillywhite, Tom Pearce, Louis Horsley, Toby Chandler, Harry Hunter, Ben Hicken, Rowan Stewart.
Goals: Rowan Stewart (2), Ben Hicken, Louis Horsley
​MoM: Rowan Stewart

​For the first league match of the new year the Lions travelled away to Cup Final opponents, Wick Dynamos.
The match-day squad this week was Eron; Rory, Joe, Fraser and Magnus; Ben, Harry Freddie, Louis and Tom M; Hamish; Daniel and Tom L.
On a very sticky and very wide pitch the Lions made a quick start. The Lions attacked with quick passes through the Wick midfield and beyond the defence to create early chances on goal..
On 10 minutes Freddie spun away down the left and fired a curling ball into the path of Hamish who took one touch before firing low to the keeper’s left, 1-0 to the Lions..
On 16 minutes great work in midfield by the industrious Louis and Tom M set Harry free and Harry poked it forward to Hamish who struck the shot first time which beat the keeper to his right this time, 2-0 to the Lions..
The Lions pressure was occasionally eased by long balls into the channels for fast strikers to run on to, but Magnus and Rory, and later Tom M and Daniel on the flanks and Fraser and Joe in the middle closed down any danger..
Increasingly Harry and Ben were becoming more dangerous and threatening as the Lions stepped up the intensity, forcing corners and throws as Wick tried furiously to defend. The Lions were not to be denied though and on 25 minutes a great move through the middle resulted in Hamish flicking the ball on for Freddie to run clear of the defence before picking his spot low beyond the struggling keeper, 3-0 Lions.
On 30 minutes Fraser picked the ball up in the middle and slipped past 3 players on a great run which took him deep into the Wick penalty area on the right-hand side. He then fired at goal and the ball deflected into the net off the defender’s leg, 4-0 Lions...
All the goals had been scored despite the attacking players being caught offside regularly..
Wick played much better in the second half with more opportunities to attack the channels. All the Lions defenders did well but Magnus was particularly strong repelling the Wick attacks and winning challenges on his side with his energy and commitment. On 48 minutes a Wick corner was only half-cleared and the Wick player was able to crash the ball home, 1-4. Five minutes later the referee pointed to the penalty spot when a Wick cross from the right was floated into the Lions penalty area. The penalty was struck hard and high to Eron’s right but Eron dives and made a quite spectacular save with his right hand to divert the ball over the bar. The referee later described the sabe as one of the best penalty saves he had seen in his time as a referee. Brilliant! 
The Lions, after a strong first half, struggled to build momentum in the second half, perhaps believing the match was won at half-time and not helped by the sticky and bumpy pitch and the repeated off-sides against an effective Wick high back line. Despite Fraser, Tom L, Louis, Harry, Ben and Tom L all pushing forward with some clever moves the Lions weren’t quite able to create the same chances to score to add to the first half goals.


Player of the match: Great credit to Eron for his penalty save, and to Tom L and Louis in midfield but this week’s award goes to Magnus who battled valiantly particularly in the second half when the Lions came under pressure.

After a run of seven winning league matches, the Lions welcomed Felpham to Loxwood’s home ground, The Nest for the final league match before a well-deserved Christmas break. The challenge for the Lions was to try to maintain the winning run until the break against a confident Felpham side who were buoyed by a great away win the previous week at Bognor Regis.

Unsurprisingly more rain had fallen during the night, and again just prior to the match, which once again made for a very slick surface for the boys. Most other pitches would probably have taken a jet-ski, never mind a full stud, but our pitch, though soft, again stood up very well.

The match-day squad was Eron; Daniel, Rory, Joe and Mags; Harry, Freddie Louis, Fraser and Ben; Hamish, and Josh.

It was the visitors that started more brightly as the Lions soaked up early pressure and played themselves into the game. The Felpham play was punctuated by fast counter-attacks from the Lions with some superb, flowing passing moves which cut though the Felpham defence. It was Felpham, though, who struck first from a corner. The Lions did not deal with the corner initially, and then failed to react quick enough to the second ball, allowing the Felpham striker to fire home from close range. The loud celebrations were an indication of how motivated the visitors were to win the game. Game on.

The Lions realised they would need to match the desire and the commitment of their opponents to fight their way back into the match, and certainly to be able to maintain their perfect league record. Within minutes a fast Lions break resulted in Freddie shooting just wide, and then Harry too. At the other end Rory and Joe were terrific breaking up play and launching attacks, and Mags and Daniel were firing balls forward to maintain momentum.

On 15 miunutes Hamish dropped deep to pick up the ball, and delivered a through-ball between defenders for Freddie to run onto from the left. In five strides Freddie was clear bearing down on goal, and he then fired low beyond the advancing keeper, 1-1. Even louder cheers from the home support..

Five minutes later Joe advanced onto the ball to launch a thumping 30 yard drive, forcing the keeper to make a finger-tip save over the bar. Great effort. And Joe was in the mood to entertain as two minutes later he then back-flicked a ball to a team-mate on the edge of the opposition box.

By now the midfield of Louis, Fraser and Harry, with Ben and Freddie wide, were increasingly taking control of midfield, winning possession, and playing smart passes forward. Players were moving well, finding space and Freddie was stretching play, beating players and flashing balls in from the left. On the right Ben was driving forward and threatening with the ball to maintain the pressure on the visitors. On 26 minutes the Lions gained a throw from another attack down the right. Louis’s throw reached Hamish, who swivelled, and hit a rising half-volley into the top right hand corner of the goal, 2-1 to the Lions.

In the final 10 minutes of the half, with the supporters tucking in to mince pies and mulled wine on the touchline, Josh joined the action and played some terrific passes; Eron made some terrific clearances and then showed his sharp awareness in making a magnificent block on the edge of his area to deny an onrushing striker (winning a free-kick too, as he was first to the ball); he then made two more solid saves from distance, to ensure that the Lions reached half-time in front.

The second half started with Lions dominating possession but Felpham were also pressing for an equaliser from occasional breaks forward. From one of those breaks they forced another corner on the left. The ball was delivered into the 6-yard box, which the Lions only half cleared; the ball was again allowed to bounce loose, and the Felpham striker reacted quickest to nudge the ball home, 2-2 to the delight of the visitors, and the match once again in the balance.

The Lions were now faced with the prospect of chasing a winner in the final 20 minutes. The home support responded by roaring the Lions on as they chased a winning goal.

The Lions surged forward with wave after wave of attacks. Harry, Freddie and Ben skipped past players to open up play, and Fraser and Louis drove forward from central positions to win the ball and keep the pressure on.

At the back Magnus thundered into a 50/50 tackle to send the Felpham player reeling backward, demonstrating the Lions’ absolute commitment to not yield. Josh probed on the right playing good passes to Ben who continued to roar forward. In the middle Rory and Joe were very solid forcing Felpham back.

Freddie now was dancing past players before delivering crosses, and with 10 minutes to go another snaking run took him clear of two defenders; he then cut inside a third defender who reacted slower than the ball and Freddie won the foul and the penalty! Hamish then stepped up to send the ball past the keeper to celebrator cheers from the boys and the sidelines. 3-2 to the Lions.

Could the Lions hold out?

Back came Felpham with a flowing move down their right allowing the Felpham striker to step inside toward the D before hitting a fabulous curling shot with his left foot which was heading just inside the far left bottom corner (exactly like KDB’s against Arsenal hours later, but because Eron is better than the Arsenal keeper, Eron read it, quickly moved his feet, then dived sharply to make a brilliant low save, tipping the ball round the post with a full hand which deservedly won terrific applause from all who witnessed it). Fabulous football all round!

At the other end Freddie then hit a high looping shot which smashed off the bar, and then another great shot which the keeper saved well with his legs, and then Louis, who was now rampaging through midfield winning tackles and driving past players, then unleashed a brutal drive from the right corner of the box which the keeper did brilliantly to tip over the bar..

The referee blew for full-time and the Lions has achieved 8 league wins from 8 to sit proudly at the top of the table with 24 points to set up a fantastically exciting second half of the season which promises lots more hard work (dealing with corners and second balls) and more thrilling matches...

Well done to both Felpham and Loxwood for a well-fought, rip-roaring, exhilarating match; and a perfect way to build up to Christmas! Festive football...you gotta love it!

Player of the Match: All the boys were terrific and made a great contribution to the match with very honourable mentions to Joe and Rory in defence, Mags for that tackle, and Louis for his tireless endeavour in midfield, but this week’s PoM award goes to Freddie in his first full match back, who was a constant threat throughout, topped off by great passes, a super goal and winning the decisive penalty..

It was back to league action this week with a home match against Chichester City.

Despite heavy overnight rain the Loxwood home pitch was again passed fit for action for a 10.00am kick-off, and although the surface was soft, both sides were able to make passes across the slick surface.

Today's match-day squad was Eron in goal; Joe, Fraser, Rory and Mags in defence; Josh, Louis, Harry, Max and Tom M; Hamish up top; and Ben, Daniel and Brodie to come on.

Chichester are a very good side who started the match well with both teams competing hard in the opening ten minutes. Josh did very well on the right as an attacking threat as Loxwood probed for an opening. At the other end Fraser and Rory dominated the opposition strikers in the middle at the back, and Joe and Mags were equally strong on either side. Chichester pursued the central route but were either closed down or restricted to shots from outside the box.
On the two occasions that Chichester did break as far as the edge of the box, they unleashed venomous shots on goal, but each time Eron was on hand to make solid saves, pushing the ball wide.

Loxwood were always a threat at the other end with Harry probing behind Hamish. A through-ball allowed Hamish to wriggle past the last defender and  shoot at the keeper and then he hit a dipping lob just over the bar which ran down the back of the net. Moments later a great long throw from Tom created danger in the box. The ball bounced loose and Harry was first to react to tuck the ball home from 6 yards. 1-0 Lions. The goal seemed to unsettle the visitors and the Lions moved up a gear with Fraser stepping in to beat the strikers and carry the ball forward to launch more attacks. Loxwood forced a  number of corners courtesy of Max and Josh which Harry fired over brilliantly, but each time the Lions couldn't quite capitalise on the dangerous deliveries.

When another long ball found its way to Eron he launched a giant kick forward which bounced deep in the opposition half. Hamish gambled on the shoulder of the last defender who misjudged the bounce; as he broke clear he waited until the last moment before flicking the ball wide of the keeper with the outside of his right boot. 2-0 Lions. Eron with another assist and a facsimile of the goal in the opening match of the season at Felpham.

By now the Lions were in full control and Tom M, Louis, Rory and Fraser were winning the middle of the park with Harry just in front and Max and Josh either side. Another flowing move found Josh wide right. Josh beat his defender and found Hamish with a great pass; Hamish fired at goal and Harry again reacted superbly, leaving defenders behind him, to divert the ball into the corner giving the keeper no chance. 3-0 Lions.

At half-time Ben replaced Hamish, Daniel for Joe at right-back and Brodie for Josh at right-midfield.

Ben was immediately in the action and tore into a defender before charging up the right to force a corner. Minutes later he did the same before being spoken to by the referee for protesting that the defender was fouling him (which he was). Great to see. From the next dangerous corner from Harry, Louis jumped at the near post to beat the keeper to the ball and head home. Another headed goal from a corner! 4-0 Lions.

Max was really coming  in to the game and becoming a real influence. Harry found him with a terrific pass to the left which Max took in his stride but then fired just wide. Louis too was getting stronger alongside Tom M who was superb again. Brodie battled hard on the right to help the team and Daniel made some great passes forward. At the back Fraser was rock solid with Rory and Mags smashed into tackles to keep out the danger.

With 15 minutes to go Louis went down injured and was replaced by Josh with Max tucking inside. Three minutes later Joe replaced Mags with Rory moving to the left, and Hamish replaced Tom M. Loxwood continued to threaten the Chichester goal but on the counter-attack Chichester launched a long ball down the right channel which ran to Eron with a striker lunging for the ball. The referee who was back in the centre-circle awarded a penalty which was duly converted. 4-1 Lions.

The Lions responded immediately with another great pass from Harry which found Max running into the box free. This time Max coolly slotted the ball home to the keeper's right. Superb finish. 5-1 to the Lions. With a couple of minutes to go the Chichester striker ran clear to hit a thumping half-volley in off the post for an eye-catching goal. 5-2 Lions.

Well done to Chichester who played well and will definitely be a top half of the table team.

Another win for the Lions to strengthen their position in top spot. Well done to all the boys for some great football again with some fabulous passing and support. The two late goals though are a reminder to the Lions that you cannot switch off or you will be punished. 

Well done to Ben for a great display full of heart and desire. Josh too had his best game so far in a Lions shirt.

Player of the match: Fraser for backing up a super game last week with another solid show again full of commitment, courage and strength. 

​Next week: Home to Felpham.



  
 

Semi-final Cup Special:

There was an extra-special crackle of excitement in the air this week as the Lions were up against a very solid Littlehampton Town Youth side in the semi-final of the Cup.

The semi-final was played at The Sportsfield at Littlehampton -  home of Littlehampton FC - with its stands and wide, expansive pitch. Both sets of supporters were located in the stand behind the dugouts and once again the Lions were boosted by a fantastic turnout of loyal supporters.

This Sunday’s squad was: Eron; Rory, Mags, Fraser and Joe in defence; Harry, Louis, Max, Ben and Freddie in midfield; Hamish up front; Tom L, Tom M and Daniel to come on.

The match kicked off at 10.00am in cold, crisp conditions and straight away it was apparent that Littlehampton’s tactic would be to utilise the channels for runners on the big, wide pitch, and that players in midfield would need to work very hard to cover additional ground and to close down opposition players in possession. It was noticeable too that the pitch was very soft and heavy in the middle which made it difficult in some areas to move the ball quickly. 

Littlehampton started the match stronger with early attacks down the flanks which Rory and Magnus did well to repel. In the middle Joe was committed and solid and won many vital challenges in the air and on the ground to shut out the Littlehampton strikers. Beside him Fraser was strong and courageous with the ball, shielding the ball in possession, and dribbling past players before distributing the ball effectively through midfield. Eron made a few early blocks and was quick off his line to beat the opposition strikers to the ball.

After a fairly frantic opening 15 minutes, a Littlehampton attack resulted in a shot from just inside the area which Eron saved again to his left, but the striker followed up to smash the ball home low into the corner. 1-0 Littlehampton.

The Lions responded quickly taking the game to Littlehampton and Tom M replaced Freddie in an early change due to an injury. Minutes later Hamish swivelled to hit a pass wide to release Ben who beat the full-back round the outside, before firing over a cross which the Littlehampton keeper palmed out, but no Lions player was able to apply a finishing touch. 

Shortly after the Lions worked the ball on the left through Max; the ball fell behind Harry on the edge of the box but Harry adjusted and turned to hit a high looping shot which sailed through the air, and looked to be going in, but unfortunately bounced off the top of the bar to great sighs of despair. Great effort and quick thinking from Harry.

Louis, Harry, Tom M, Max and Ben were all working really hard to win the ball in the middle of the park and Joe, Fraser, Rory and Magnus were pushing up the pitch to close down the space.

Up front Hamish was a constant danger for the Littlehampton defenders closing them down and holding the ball up to bring others into the game. With a minute to go Harry did well to find Hamish on the edge of the box to the left. Hamish controlled the ball on his thigh, lifted the ball over the defender’s head and then waited for it to drop on the the other side, before hitting a dipping volley over the keeper and into the back of the net. The cheers could be heard as the ball hit the net. Fantastic piece of skill and sublime finish. 1-1. Game on!

Half a minute later the referee blew his whistle for half-time. A great time to score and the Lions ran off the pitch to hit the energy drinks already fuelled by the adrenalin of the equaliser.

The hardy Lions stayed out on the pitch in the cold while Littlehampton opted for the warmth of the changing rooms. A subtle statement of fortitude and doggedness that translated easily. The Lions were lined up ready and waiting for Littlehampton when they returned to the pitch. The key message to the Lions was to match Littlehampton’s physical approach and be faster to second balls. In addition we needed to be calmer on the ball and more creative using width. Tom L replaced Max on the left, Daniel replaced Ben with Tom M moving to the right midfield, with Rory inside and Fraser in midfield.

The first period of the second half was even with both sides working tirelessly to win the ball and launch attacks on goal. Littlehampton broke clear on four occasions but on each time they were halted as either Rory, Louis or Magnus sprinted back to win the ball from the advancing player. Brilliant examples of the Lions' determination and spirit not to yield. On the right Daniel did very well to use his speed and power close down dangerous attacks.

In midfield Fraser, in particular, was making driving runs forward through the middle which inspired those around him. On one occasion he fought off three challenges to make his way up the left before being barged to the floor by frustrated opponents. Tom L followed suit with some great runs off the touchline launching attacks inside, and Louis ran in all directions to track-down opponents and wrestle the ball back for his team. Tom M was now offering more space and increasing options on the righthand side, while Joe continued to shut down any breakaways with solid tackles at the back in a super display. Harry pirouetted away from two midfielders courtesy of a "Maradona turn"  in a show of growing Lions confidence. As we entered the last 15 minutes of normal time there was a growing feeling that the Lions were building towards something and that there could be a goal looming.

Freddie replaced Harry for the final 10 minutes as the Lions chased a winner and 2 minutes later he picked up the ball on the the left, dribbled past two players before rolling the ball to Tom L who had run off his shoulder. Tom L played the ball across the D to Hamish who ran right before slipping the ball between 2 defenders for Tom M to run on to. Tom hit the goal-line before delivering a fabulous, chipped cross to the back-post for Freddie to tap home to ecstatic roars and fist pumps from the Lions' supporters. A brilliantly worked team goal and huge credit to every player involved in the five man move.

Could the Lions close-out the match in the final minutes to secure a place in the cup final? 

Hamish curled a free-kick just wide. Louis somehow ran even faster to smash into tackles. Magnus and Tom L stretched every sinew to head danger away. Corners were forced away from goal. And balls were retained by players with a mixture of strength, intelligence and skill. 

In the final seconds Hamish smashed the ball into the stands and as soon as the ball was back in play the referee blew the final whistle to send the Lions into the final. The players punched the air in delight and the supporters clapped and cheered. The boys had once again come from behind to win with yet another display of character, spirit and substance. What a team! Full credit too to Littlehampton who fought all the way to make it a fantastically competitive and exciting cup semi-final.

Thanks again to our fabulous supporters who were magnificent again - see you at the final!

Players of the match: All the boys were absolutely terrific on the day and the result was achieved by the strength of the fabulous Lions team.
There were two players on the day who deserve a special mention for their boldness, energy and total commitment to the cause from the first minute to the last: Fraser, with a real captain’s display of courage on the ball to lift the players around him, and Hamish, who led the line superbly from the start; a constant threat as illustrated perfectly by that goal.