NPLM Round #2: Persistence earns victory in a physical clash at home

RESILIENCE, EFFORT, AND PASSION SEE OUR LIONS MEN SECURE A CRUCIAL 3-2 VICTORY IN A DIFFICULT CLASH AT LUXURY PAINTS STADIUM

Constant pressing and end-to-end energy defined the match as our Lions continued their unbeaten start to the 2024 campaign.

It took less than sixty seconds for our Lions to take the lead as we returned to Luxury Paints Stadium for our first NPL Men home game of the new season.

A sharp team move saw Joe Duckworth lead by example, taking a measured touch from 20 yards out before hooking a perfect left-footed strike into the deepest peak of the top right corner. Jordan Holmes was paralysed to the spot.

Our fast start was misleading, as it was far from an easy ride. Rochedale Rovers applied heavy pressure, forcing Cardiff Pond into several early saves. The pace of this match was unrivalled. Constant running. Constant pressing. Both teams were relentless.

An early yellow card showcased the physicality of the match, before Jack Skinner doubled our lead brilliantly. A blistering ball down the left flank from Joe Duckworth allowed Skinner to burst into open space, driving diagonally inside while holding off a challenging defender. A subtle toe-poke between the keeper’s legs gave us relief.

Our defence were called on to keep the peace, with a crucial goal-line clearance from Jake Minett and a safety clearance from Andy Pengelly preserving our cleansheet amidst an onslaught of corners. Minutes later, however, Michael Roberts rushed in at the back post and recovered a goal for the guests.

The final ten minutes of the first half were frantic and fast-paced, and the first time minutes after the restart were hardly different. Rochedale Rovers were reduced to ten men almost immediately, with a last-man challenge earning a Liam McArthur a second yellow card.

Pengelly forced a fine save from a powerful volley before Matt Ridenton sent a piercing strike eerily wide from 25 yards. After enduring a period of pressure, Andy Pengelly added a second to give us relief. A measured header at the near post following an elegant cross from James Enticknap saw our Lions re-gather their two goal margin.

We almost scored a captivating fourth, with Pengelly sending a back-heel volleyed pass into the path of Josh Brindell-South, but his powerful strike was blocked firmly by Jordan Holmes.

Late drama ensued as a deflected Joshua Moreland strike wrong-footed Cardiff Pond in the final minute of regulation time, leading to a frenetic period of stoppage that our Lions ultimately endured.

MATCH DETAILS

NPL Men 2024 Round #2

Lions FC 3 – 2 Rochedale Rovers

Luxury Paints Stadium, Richlands

NEXT MATCH

NPL Men 2024 Round #3

Lions FC vs. Olympic FC

Goodwin Park, Yeronga

 

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