Match Reports
Two games that epitomised Alvechurch Lions over the last two seasons, travelling to Solihull to play against the bottom of the division side Lions showed little appetite to earn victory against a team desperate for a win to kick-start the season. Even without Miles in goal, there should have been enough strength in depth to secure a win but Lions were second best all over the pitch and Solihull deserved their win with two superbly struck free kicks. This was certainly the manager's 'Croatia' moment.
Rumours of unrest and an emergency meeting of the 'COMMITTEE', a mysterious group led by the Voice of Reason, supported by the banker, the accountant, the medicine man and financed by the Canadian discussed the need for new management. 'Phoenix Steve' was spotted talking to VOR at Shadowbrook - was he being lined up to take over the reins given his recent successes? Rumours of a Foley out campaign gained credibility as several Lion's managers, who wish to remain anonymous, confirmed the rumours.
The Canadian failed to meet the deadline imposed by the COMMITTEE to stump up the cash to pay Foley off, the price of a months supply of Guinness, - the manager was safe for now and looked forward to planning for the Phoenix clash.
Phoenix Borough 4 Lions 2
On a blustery afternoon Lions travelled to PB, unbeaten and table topping Division 4 champions. If the lads had displayed the same commitment levels as the previous week it could be a difficult afternoon. VOR, in a speech of Churchillian magnitude, rallied the troops. Kicking against the wind PB still dominated territorial possession but Lions were clearly up for it. Chances were few and far between but as Garrett raced out to clear PB striker scored from the tightest of angles. Lions now started to take a more attacking focus, Hopwood's pace caused problems and before half time he raced though and fired a shot hard and low across the keeper and into the net, he does listen!! One all.
Half time, no changes but against the wind that was getting stronger by the minute. PB poured forward, a lot of gritty performances from the lads stemmed the attacks. From a long goal kick PB scored a second. Minutes later a gaping hole at the back allowed Hopwood through and this time he chipped the advancing keeper to equalise again. Smashing stuff in front of a large crowd. Can we get a result? Garrett pulled off two brilliant saves to deny PB before a swerving cross shot from the right deceived him, 3-2 PB, Lions survived a series of in-swinging corner kicks before one hit Wightman, a la Ridgewell, to give PB number 4. Beaten but what a performance - at last some Lions grit and determination that I hope will be carried forward. All the boys did well and Garrett was nominated MOM by Steve from PB.
