Cookham Dean Reserves vs F.C. Lions
6 - 1
15 August 2019 · High Wycombe Sunday Football Combination<br>HWSFC Division Three 2024 - 25
Away friendly match played on 15 August 2019.
Kicked off at 6:45 PM
6-1
vs Cookham Dean Reserves
Away friendly match
Lions travelled to Alfred Memorial Park on Thursday evening to face Thames Valley Division One side, Cookham Dean Reserves.
Hit with considerable unavailability for such a game, Lions made no fewer than 6 changes to the squad which had faced Stokenchurch only a matte rof days before, with messrs Ebberson, Heath, Phippen, Jeffers, Baker making the Starting XI and forward Mark Slatter taking a place on the bench for only the second time this season, as he battles to overcome a bout of ear infection.
The game kicked off with Lions playing from right to left, striker Ben Phippen, sporting the number 9 shirt, seeing an early shot saved, before Ollie Heath dragged a shot wide as Lions looked to take a foothold in the game.
This period of pressure was short lived as the possession pendulum swung into the home sides favour, Brandon Boyle being called upon to get down and make a pair of smart saves, before the deadlock was broken in the 33rd minute, a long range shot finding it's way into the bottom corner. 1-0
Lions, in truth, never really looking like clicking into gear, did muster up the best non goal scoring effort of the first half when Phippen's effort crashed against the inside of the post from long range.
Cookham doubled the lead just before half time 2-0
A rousing speech from Carter and Slatter did little to spur Lions into life as the third goal was slotted away following a quick break, moments after the restart.
Defender Dale Why, playing in an unfamiliar right back role, then gave Lions a glimmer of hope when a wayward Kyle Haggis effort made it's way over to Why on the right hand side of the pitch, taking a touch to steady himself, Why then let rip with a low, fizzing effort which nestled into the net. A rare collectors item.
Rather than seize the initiative, Lions conceded almost straight away, ending any hopes of a comeback.
Mark Slatter was introduced from the bench for fellow returnee Ollie Heath, who had worked hard to little avail up front.
Further poor communication and work rate from Lions saw the home side bag another 2 goals, before the referee awarded a penalty. After a bit of confusion as to who the home side was going to entail with the responsibility of the penalty kick, Boyle produced a fantastic save to cap off a Man of the Match display.
We look to bounce back on Sunday when we travel to Holtspur to play FC Beaconsfield Development.