Almondbury Lions 6 V Westend Tigers 2

<p>GM

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">The sun shone on to the King James pitch as the splendidly attired Lions approached the first home game of the season.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">The team lined up with a new female admirer for Joe Moutell in goals, Aidan, Jack and Luke in the back three, Alex, Briayar, and Jacob in midfield with Harry Smith and Cain up front.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">The three vital substitutes were Harry Baines, Rico and Billy.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">The team started a little sluggishly and after 7 minutes of stalemate were stunned by a well taken goal from Westend leaving Joe with no chance.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">This galvanised the home team and good work by Briayar and Alex resulted in a Cain Wilkinson cross for Harry Smith to equalise. 1-1

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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">This was a lively even contest with Westend looking the more likely to score but a great ball on the left from Alex to Cain resulted in a super run and cross to man of the match Harry Smith in the middle to finish with some style. 2-1

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Luke Broadbent took a knock and was replaced by Rico on the right hand side of defence.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">The second half got under way and within two minutes Westend capitalised on a defensive slip and beat Joe at the near post.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Stung by this the Lions finally got into their stride and with Billy and Harry Baines controlling the right hand side began to dominate. Cain made it 3 2 with a shot that escaped the Westend goalie, and Briayar then sealed the match with a well taken shot 4-2

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Further goals were added against a tiring defence with Harry Baines firing a superb shot into the top corner and Jacob Costello finishing the rout. 6-2

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">With Aidan marshalling the defence and Briayar and Alex fighting for everything in midfield, this was a solid team performance from all 12 boys and I can&rsquo;t stress enough to everybody that TEAM is the most important aspect.

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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">Can I just take the opportunity to thank all parents and helpers for today and the rest of the season as the boys need all of your support. The raffle proceeds will be for the under 11s only so please contribute when you can. GM

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