Final group game and nothing less than a win will suffice

Lewisham 2- 0 Houston Leones


Lewisham started this game knowing that a two goal winning margin was vital if they were to have a chance to progress, and from there it would all come down to the final group game between Solar SC and FC Juventus. Dan Thomas shuffled his line-up for this make or break game, bringing in Manny at centre back for the injured Joe Stephenson, Fabio in at left back pushing Shane forward, and moving Louie to the central position up front with Ishmail now on the right of the familiar Lewisham 4-3-3.

It became apparent early on that Lewisham had the beating of Houston, with Omar Folkes on imperious form in the centre of the park and Lewisham dominating possession and shooting chances in the first half. The rest day made a massive difference to the player’s intensity compared to the lethargic performance in the second game against FC Juventus. Leones’s capable goalkeeper was tested on numerous occasions as his defence struggled to deal with the Lewisham attack. The inevitable breakthrough came shortly before half time with Omar whipping in a fierce cross that the keeper was unable to hold and Louie Theophanous quick to pounce on the opportunity to score.

In the second half, tempers were short as Leones resorted to late and petulant challenges, with Omar and Richard Morgan singled out for the worst of this treatment. Omar diffused the tensions with some highly comical peacemaking, and then went on to start the move that resulted in a penalty for Lewisham as he was chopped down driving into the Leones box. Louie’s penalty was saved superbly by the Leones keeper only for the referee to order it re-taken because Leones players had encroached, and at the second time of asking Louie had no problems slotting home.

Dan Thomas brought on fresh legs in the shape of Alfie and Marvin both of whom continued to pile the pressure on Leones in the search for a third goal. In the dying minutes a superb curling strike from Omar was brilliantly tipped onto the bar by the Leones keeper, and this proved to be Lewisham’s final attempt on goal. The match ended 2-0 to Lewisham, now everything depends on whether FC Juventus can beat or draw with Solar SC tomorrow

MoM: Omar Folkes