| Name | League | Cup | Total |
| Andrew Webster | 21 | 3 | 24 |
| Luke Enderby | 16 | 6 | 22 |
| Nathan West | 9 | 5 | 14 |
| Dave Crawford | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| Lee Campbell | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| John Stockman | 1 | 3 | 4 |
| Darren Brown | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| James Muir | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Andy Stonestreet | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Ashley Holt | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Duncan Biggin | 2 | 0 | 2 |
|
Luke Hunneyball |
2 | 0 | 2 |
| Rob Drown | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Tom Evans | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Jerry Thompson | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 70 | 22 | 92 |
Wednesday 15th August - AFC Melksham 7pm ko CONFIRMED - CANCELLED
Wednesday 22nd August - Bromham Reserves (Away) - 6.30pm ko CONFIRMED- CANCELLED
Sunday 26th August - Corsham Centre (Away) 11am ko. CONFIRMED - WON 3-0. West, Brown, Webster
2nd September - HOME to ROWDE - LEAGUE - LOST 3-1. Webster
9th September - AWAY to AFC CALNE - LEAGUE - LOST 3-2. Biggin, Crawford
16th September - HOME to FORRESTERS ARMS - LEAGUE - Drew 2-2. Brown, Biggin
23rd September - AWAY to Chippenham Sports & Social Club - LEAGUE - Won 5-1, Campbell, Crawford, West, Webster, Enderby
30th September - AWAY to HORSE & GROOM (Eric Hughes Cup 1st Rd) - Won 10-0, West x2, Webster x2, Campbell x2, Stockman x2, Enderby, Drown
7th October - AWAY to SHEILD & DAGGER (Sun) (Swindon) Wiltshire Sunday Cup Round 1. 10.30am KO - Won 3-2, Webster, Enderby, West
14th October - HOME to AFC Calne - Won 2-0, Enderby, West
21st October - HOME to The Ship - Lost 8-1, Webster
28th October - NO GAME
4th November - HOME to Penhill United, Wiltshire Sunday Cup - Round 2 - Won 5-3, Enderby x4, Stockman
11th November - Eric Hughes Knockout cup 2nd Round - AWAY to Biddestone White Horse - Won 4-2, West x2, Muir x2
18th November - NO GAME
25th November - AWAY to Kingfisher - Won 1-0, Webster
2nd December - AWAY to Greyhound - Wiltshire Sunday Cup - Round 3 - Lost 4-0
9th December - HOME to The Ship - Eric Hughes Cup - Round 3 - CANCELLED
16th December - HOME to Christian Malford - Won 3-2
23rd December - NO GAME
30th December - NO GAME
6th January - HOME to The Ship - Eric Hughes Cup - Round 3 - Lost 4-0
13th January - AWAY to Christian Malford - Cancelled
20th January - HOME to Chippenham Sports and Social - Cancelled
27th January - HOME to Coyote FC - Drew 3-3
3rd February - HOME to Biddestone Arms - Won 5-0
10th February - AWAY to The Ship - Lost 3-1
17th February - AWAY to Christian Malford - Won 4-2
24th February - AWAY to Forresters Arms - Won 3-1
2nd March - HOME to Atworth United - Won 4-1
9th March - AWAY to Biddestone Arms - Won 3-0
16th March - HOME to Chippenham Sports & Social - CANCELLED
23rd March - AWAY to Atworth United - Won 7-0
March 30th - Sunday - NO GAME
April 3rd - Thursday- Rowde - AWAY - Drew 1-1
April 6th - Sunday - Potterne - AWAY - Lost 3-0
April 10th - Thursday - Coyote - AWAY - Drew 0-0
April 17th - Thursday - North Bradley - HOME - Won 6-2
April 20th - Sunday - NO GAME
April 27th - Sunday - Chip Sports and Social - HOME - Won 4-0
May 8th - Thursday - Potterne - HOME - Won 5-4
May 11th - Sunday - North Bradley - AWAY - Won 7-0
British Lion 1-3 Rowde
The hosts were looking to continue the impressive run from last season which saw them win all of their 22 league matches which led to them winning the Division Two title by a country mile, but it was not to be as the Lion suffered a 3-1 defeat which will leave Rowde with the bragging rites until the sides meet again later in the season.Both teams had chances in the first 30 minutes and it was Rowde who went close to going in front when Jamie Mullings was only denied by a great save from Mark Stonestreet. Rowde took the lead after 37 minutes courtesy of the imposing Jamie Selby who had a great game.Rowde found themselves 2-0 up early in the second half when Martin Robinson was left unchallenged to head past Stonestreet. Rowde were denied a third goal minutes later when they had an effort chalked off for a marginal offside decision.Lion threw caution to the wind as they went in search of a way back into the game and from a set piece they halved the deficit when Andrew Webster headed home Tom Evans' corner from five yards out.Following the goal a scuffle broke out between Webster and Rowde's Ray Clemence which resulted in Clemence receiving his marching orders for a second yellow card to reduce the visitors to ten men. As often happens with teams down to ten men, Rowde gelled together as their back line kept the now four-pronged Lion attack at bay and the Lion fell for the sucker punch on the break when Mullings was on hand to volley home Rowde's third goal after good work from Nathan Emm.The defeat will hit the Lion hard but with a number of players due back next Sunday they are relishing the prospect of picking up their first points of the season away at AFC Calne.
AFC Calne 3-2 British Lion
AFC Calne opened their home campaign against old sparing partners, British Lion, at Avebury. The Lion were again missing a number of their regular starters but sought to improve on last weeks sub-par performance.
The opening thirty minutes showed little goalmouth action as both sides cancelled each other out. However, on 39 minutes, a momentary lapse in the Lion defence allowed Steve Allison a yard of space and although his 18 yard drive was turned onto the post by Mark Stonestreet. Dean Fry reacted quickest to turn the loose ball into the net.
The Lion started the second period brightly and deservedly drew level on the hour. Luke Enderby’s in swinging corner was met by an unmarked Duncan Biggin who headed home from six yards. Three minutes later, another Enderby corner was met by Dave Crawford at the back post and his header made it 2-1 to the Lion.
The Lion were now showing small signs of their form from last season and although a further extension of their lead looked on the cards, Calne dug in and hung on.
With the game in their hands, The Lion completely self destructed in the last ten minutes. On 83 minutes, Crawford was caught ball watching on a long pass from …… (Liam Westland??) and allowed Allison to run free. Stonestreet was caught in no mans land and the burly striker gleefully chipped home to make it 2-2.
Two minutes the decisive strike came. Biggin was pulled up for a rather soft foul on Allison 30 yards from goal and the resulting free kick was driven home by Fry to make it 3-2.
British Lion 2-2 Forresters Arms
With seven regular starters unavailable for a variety of reasons, it was the third week in a row that British Lion entered their fixture with a patched up side. However, they nearly struck within the first minute, when Tom Evans drilled Andrew Webster’s knock down wide. At the other end Ian Dowell tested Mark Stonestreet’s handling with a 25-yard drive on seven minutes and Mark Pearce’s mirror volley five minutes later dipped wide. Other than the early action, the rest of the half became a midfield stalemate as both sides cancelled each other out.
With goalmouth action rare, it was always likely that it would have to be a moment of magic or a mistake that would break the deadlock. It came on 48 minutes with a goal for the Forresters. The effervescent Luke Turvey’s free kick found striker Steve Peglar who had lost his marker and from six yards his headed finish was clinical. Six minutes later, Peglar turned provider and his crossed somehow hit over from three yards by Dan King.
The Lion without showing any of the fluency of last season, huffed and puffed their way back into the game and it took a brilliant save John Wiltshire on 65 minutes to preserve the lead. Webster nodded Andy Stonestreet’s throw on and Duncan Biggin’s volley was somehow turned over by the keeper.
The save became even more damaging to the Lion as when the resulting corner broke down a swift Forresters break ended up with Peglar crossing for Marc Harewood to despatch at the back post to make it 2-0. Substitute Leon Hartley nearly finished the contest with ten minutes left but his shot from the edge of the box was deflected over.
With game petering out and Forresters win apparently secure, the Lion somehow snatched a point. With four minutes left, the hardworking Lee Campbell pulled the ball back for Darren Brown to smash into the top corner from twelve yards. In injury time, Brown’s freekick was tipped onto the bar by Wiltshire and Biggin was hand to gleefully stab home the loose ball to make it 2-2.
Chippenham Sports & Social 1 - 5 British Lion
After a disappointing start and already written off by some of the pundits, British Lion knew that a win at Chippenham Sports & Social was essential to kick start their season.
Although the Lion welcomed back five regular starters to their line up, they were hurt by another five key players being unavailable. After a rather uneventful first fifteen minutes, it was Chippenham who came closest breaking the deadlock. Andy Flynn’s deft touch left veteran striker Mark Clarke free six yards out but he was denied by a smart block from Lion keeper Mark Stonestreet. The Lion took the lead two minutes later. The tireless Lee Campbell chased down Chippenham keeper Graham Jones and watched his blocked clearance rebound into the empty net.
If Chippenham felt hard done by with the Lion’s opener then they had their own stroke of luck five minutes later. Enderby’s sliced clearance fell between Stonestreet and Chippenham’s Adie White that resulted in the Lion keeper bundling White over for a penalty. Clarke calmly slotted home the spot kick to make 1-1. Flynn then tested Stonestreet’s handling from 25 yards and on the half hour, Scott Leadbeater’s shot across the face of the Lion goal was cleared by Dave Crawford.
Lion playmaker Rob Drown limped off just before half time and was replaced by Gerry Thompson whose input immediately changed the game. However, it was the charismatic Enderby who provided the Lion with the lead on 53 minutes. His precision corner was gleefully met by Crawford who headed home from 8 yards. It 3-1 to the Lion two minutes later. Andrew Webster was fouled on the corner of the penalty area and Enderby’s freekick was turned home by Nathan West.
The Lion effectively killed the contest just after the hour. Andy Stonestreet’s long throw was flicked on to Webster who drilled home from eight yards.
With the Lion showing glimpses of the form of last season, further goals looked likely but Jones saved bravely at Campbell’s feet following a slick Lion move, and then pawed away Webster’s freekick.
Despite his safe hands, the Lion made it 5-1 with four minutes left. Webster this time provider and Enderby heading home at the back post.
Horse & Groom 0 - 10 British Lion
After an indifferent start to the season, British Lion finally showed some of the form of last season in a comfortable win over Horse & Groom at The Leighton Sports Ground.
With several players letting him down, Chris Fenwick knew his side would be up against it and it was within 90 seconds that the warning signs started. Luke Enderby’s precision cross found strike partner, Andrew Webster, and the burly targetman’s diving header zipped over Ben Derrick’s cross bar. The opening goal came on eight minutes from slick Lion counter attack. Mark Stonestreet’s quick throw out gave Mikey O’Donnell the space to release Enderby whose sweet pass allowed Nathan West to slide his shot under Derrick’s dive.
A similar slick passing move allowed West this time to be provider but as Darren Brown finished he was mortified to see his goal harshly ruled out for offside. However, this was soon forgotten on 20 minutes when West’s cross was calmly finished by Webster to make it 2-0. It was 3-0 eight minutes later as West’s cross was clinically driven in by the hardworking Lee Campbell. The game was effectively finished on 32 minutes as Fran Fife’s throw was flicked on by Webster and Campbell this time finished with a sublime chip over Derrick.
The Lion spurned more chances before the break with Webster guilty of hitting the bar when it seemed easier to score and John Stockman flashing his header wide.
Enderby was at his majestical best and his left foot continued to open up the Horse’s defence. On 50 minutes another laser guided corner was met by Webster’s head who made it 5-0. It was 6-0 within a minute, Derrick’s throw out was intercepted by West who calmly slotted home from close range.
The Lion made three substitutions and one of those made an immediate impact. Luke Hunneyball went on a mazy run and when he finally squared the ball, Stockman was left with a tap in from inside the six yard box to make it 7-0. At the other end, Stonestreet had been a virtual spectator but he was forced into action on 70 minutes. New Slovakian signing, Milan Kuzma, had run tirelessly up front for The Horse with little support and his crisp shot from 20-yards was well gathered by the Lion keeper. Two minutes later Kuzma again had a half chance but this time shot wide.
The Lion should have scored more and Dave Crawford will wonder how he missed his kick from three yards after Enderby’s corner had been put on a plate for him. With Fenwick now wearing the gloves, he bravely kept out a series of Lion attacks but was beaten three more times in the last ten minutes.
On 80 minutes, Stonestreet’s long kick went over centre half Tom Crawford and Enderby stole in to lob over Fenwick for the Lion’s eighth. Stockman then finished another smart Lion move with a 20 yard drive into the top corner for 9-0 and Rob Drown’s thirty minute cameo was completed when his 30-yard strike whistled in before Fenwick had a chance to react.
Sheild & Dagger 2-3 British Lion (Wilts Sunday Cup)
British Lion travelled to
After both sides probed each other during the opening exchanges, the Lion took the lead on 13 minutes with the games first real opportunity. Andrew Webster sprung the offside trap and he calmly despatched Nathan West’s through ball past goalkeeper Kirk from twelve yards. Although The Lion were missing influential Rob Drown and Lee Campbell, the trio of Mark Hulland, Darren Brown and John Stockman more than matched a combative home midfield admirably lead by R Cunningham and Tate.
On 25 minutes, the Lion had a scare when centre half Coules was given too much space and his 30 yard drive rattled Mark Stonestreet’s cross-bar. Although Cunningham drilled home the rebound, he was adjudged to have been offside when the initial shot came in.
Webster’s aerial ability had been a constant irritant to the Shield’s defence and it was his hard work five minutes before the break that lead to the Lion increasing their lead. Webster put fullback Bilko under pressure and won possession on the edge of the penalty area. His pass set up Stockman who then unselfishly squared to Luke Enderby to tap into an empty net.
The Lion made it 3-0 on 56 minutes. Mark Stonestreet’s long kick was again won by Webster and Enderby’s deft pass allowed West to crash home a 20 yard drive past Kirk. Webster should have made the game safe on 70 minutes but his close range shot was well blocked by Kirk’s legs. The miss was immediately punished at the other end when substitute L Cunningham tapped home a slick counter-attack from ten yards.
Again the Lion had chances to make the game safe but didn’t take them. Webster split the Shield defence with his pass and West shot wide from 18 yards with just the keeper to beat. Andy Stonestreet then exposed a flat Shield defence and was denied by Kirk when a squared pass to Webster would have allowed a simple tap in for the striker.
A nervous last ten minutes was guaranteed when on 80 minutes the Shield made it 3-2. Bilko thumped Zammitt’s quick throw first time from 30 yards and his cross-cum-shot caught Stonestreet unsighted and curled in.
With four minutes left the Lion were denied a fourth goal by the referee. The tireless Darren Brown again opened up the home team’s back four and Andy Stonestreet went round Kirk and bundled the ball in. The Lion’s relief was short lived as the referee disallowed the goal for a foul on the goalkeeper. West then stung Kirk’s hands from 20 yards as the game went into injury time and the
British Lion 2-0 AFC Calne
However, it was Calne who dictated the early exchanges against a Lion side that was very slow out of the blocks. Surprisingly, it was the Lion who first came closest to scoring in the eighth minute when Luke Enderby jinked past Shaun Ward to deliver a perfect close for his strike partner Andrew Webster. Although Webster met the cross well, he directed his downward header wide of the post. Calne had a chance of their own immediately afterwards but Ryan Kelleher’s close range head was smartly turned aside by Mark Stonestreet.
Calne continued to boss the early exchanges but other than speculative long range strikes from Simon Vowden and Steve Allison, they never really looked like opening up a Lion defence superbly marshalled by Mikey O’Donnell. However, the lively Aaron Clegg did find a yard of space on 20 minutes and only a last ditch tackle from Nathan West prevented the Calne midfielder from getting his shot away.
The crucial opening goal came four minutes later for the Lion. Webster’s teasing cross was inadvertently headed over goalkeeper Aaron Ward by Shaun Ward and Enderby gleefully tapped in the loose ball. The goal seemed to settle the Lion who then started to take control of the game. On the half hour, O’Donnell’s freekick was brought down by Lee Campbell but the midfielder’s close range shot dipped over the bar. A minute late another O’Donnell delivery was met by Webster but the battering ram striker saw his header agonisingly loop over the woodwork.
The Lion’s best move of the half came just before the break and should have produced a second goal. Mark Stonestreet’s early throw to his brother Andy set up a swift counter attack and although Webster beautifully brought down his early cross, his finish was rushed and zipped over the bar.
The crucial second goal came on the hour. Darren Brown’s precision ball in behind Shaun Ward found the raiding West and his chip over the advancing keeper went in via centre half Sam Parrish and the crossbar. Calne immediately replaced Kelleher with Dean Fry as they sought a late recovery similar to the first game. Within three minutes, Fry’s corner fell to Parrish but the Calne defender blasted over from 15 yards. Five minutes later Fry’s freekick from the edge of the Lion area rebounded to Vowden but Stonestreet reacted quickly to beat away his header.
Going into the last quarter, Webster had a chance to seal the points but blasted over from 12 yards and with eight minutes to go Brown curled a freekick against the Calne crossbar. The Lion deservedly grabbed the points by virtue of a 2-0 win and hope to use this to kick-start their season.
British Lion 1-8 The Ship
Report to follow
British Lion 5-3 Penhill United
Penhill started well and immediately sprayed the ball around showing the class that put them top in Swindon but it was the Lion who first tested either goalkeeper on six minutes. Lee Campbell’s rasping 20 yard well clasped by Daryl Simms. It was no surprise when Penhill took the lead on 13 minutes when, left in space, midfielder Lee Bailey’s rifled home from 20 yards. Lee Edgell should have made it 2-0 three minutes later but his hooked shot whistled wide and a minute later Dalton’s six yard header really should have tested Mark Stonestreet in the Lion goal.
Out of nothing the Lion equalised in the 18th minute. Andrew Webster flicked on Stonestreet’s long kick and Luke Enderby tapped home after Simms had blocked the initial shot. The rest of the half saw Campbell, Darren Brown and Mark Hulland more than match their Swindon counterparts in the middle of the park as the Lion started to take the game to the visitors.
It was thus a surprise that Penhill regained the lead on 31 minutes. Steve Bunting’s cross was well met by Darren Smart and Stonestreet acrobatically turned his header over. The resulting corner from Dalton was again by Smart’s header but this time found the back of the net. Any relief that Penhill had was short-lived as within a minute, Enderby had made it 2-2. Campbell’s squared ball leaving the charismatic striker a relatively straightforward finish. Webster could have given the Lion the lead four minutes later but his shot was kicked off the line by centre half Gary Hill.
The second continued to flow from end to end and both Lee Bailey and Chris Flanagan blasted good chances for Penhill over the Lion bar. Penhill keeper, Simms, then denied centre half Duncan Biggin on 67 minutes with a smart block from close range. Penhill took the lead for the third time on 69 minutes when Stonestreet dropped Flanagan’s corner and Hill fired home from three yards. Smart could have extended the lead a minute later but swept wide when well placed inside the Lion box.
Enderby had already teased and tormented the Penhill defence and with game going into the final twenty minutes, the Devizes Town ace then showed what a great player he has become. On 71 minutes he weaved past three players before unleashing an unstoppable 25 yard piledriver to make it 3-3. Seven minutes later a similar mazy run and skip past his marker allowed him to sublimely curl his chip in off the post to give the Lion the lead.
With Hulland’s injury, and all subs having been played, the Lion effectively limped through the last 12 minutes with ten men as Penhill sought an equaliser. However, it the Lion who finished in style in the last minute as John Stockman outpaced Porter from the halfway line to round Simms and score the Lion’s fifth and killer goal.
Biddestone White Horse 2-4 British Lion
British Lion were hit again with selection problems this week with ten regular starters being unavailable through injury or other commitments for a tricky tie against Division Three leaders Biddestone White Horse. The team was further weakened on the morning when it was discovered that another player was ruled out having been detained by police following an incident the previous night.
Biddestone started the better of the two sides but it was the Lion who went close on six minutes as Nathan West’s 25-yard drive whistled past Richard Toehill’s post. At the other end the lively, Tamlyn Goodrich was only denied by Mark Stonestreet’s outstretched leg. While having less of the play, the Lion were starting to have the better chances and Toehill denied West when he latched onto a short back pass. Toehill then saved well at his post when Lee Campbell shot from 15 yards.
After 20 minutes, Peter Dennett flicked Toehill’s long kick on and Goodrich hooked his shot over the bar when well placed. Delvin Keane had so far made a solid debut for the Lion but Goodrich robbed him near the halfway line and Stonestreet was forced into another top quality save to deny the young striker. On the half hour, Stonestreet produced a fine double save to beat away Mark Coles’ 25 yard shot and then block Dennett’s follow up. It was the Lion who made the breakthrough two minutes before the break. James Muir’s turn of pace set him free of the Biddestone defence and he clinically finished from 15 yards.
The second half saw Biddestone again with a lot possession but the Lion defence, admirably led by giant Dave Crawford, held firm. On the hour the Lion should have extended their lead when
With Keane now forced to leave the game, the Lion had to play a half fit Rob Drown for the last twenty minutes and they regained the lead after 72 minutes. Crawford’s long ball found West in a seam and he rifled home from 15 yards. However, the Lion’s relief was short lived as within five minutes Biddestone had made it 2-2. Fleming’s corner hooked into the top corner by Coles from just inside the penalty area.
Straight from the restart, Drown showed some of the skills that has made him a fixture in the
Kingfisher 0-1 British Lion
British Lion 0-4 The Ship Fc
Surprisingly, though somewhat welcome, British Lion were able to play their home game against Biddestone Arms on a soggy and blustery Green lane pitch.
The Lion played with the wind in the first half but initially struggled to find any rhythm against an Arms side sadly missing the influential Jack Goodship and it was 16 minutes before they threatened. Nathan West’s quick throw was touched and Andrew Webster’s sidefoot rolled wide. Two minutes later Luke Enderby’s corner was well met by Dave Crawford but his header flashed wide.
The Lion should have taken the lead on 24 minutes. Enderby’s through ball found Webster and although his shot managed to beat goalkeeper Rob Trevis and seemed destined for the bottom corner, it struck team mate Tom Evans in an offside position and was deflected wide. Two minutes the mercurial Enderby curled a 20-yard strike that just dipped over the Arms crossbar.
Although Trevis’ legs denied Evans on the half hour, the Lion finally broke the stalemate three minutes later. Enderby swung in another pinpoint cross and Webster nodded home from eight yards. The Lion went 2-0 up four minutes later with a goal that either David Beckham or Christiano Ronaldo would have been proud of. Webster was fouled the three yards outside of the penalty area to give the Lion a freekick in a dangerous position. With everyone expecting Enderby to curl it with his left foot, he outrageously crashed it with the outside of his boot and in off the angle of bar and post. With the Arms still reeling, the Lion made it 3-0 on 39 minutes. Webster crossed and although Fran Fife’s initial shot was blocked, Evans was on hand to stab the loose ball home.
With the Lion looking to make the most of the strong wind before the break, there was always the risk of a sucker punch with a swift Arms counter. Just before halftime Chris Mochan broke and squared for Rich Chaffey but with goal gaping the veteran striker just failed to make contact.
The Arms went into the second period looking to take advantage of the wind but were nearly undone but a swift Lion counter attack on 48 minutes. Evans broke from the halfway line but Trevis’s outstretched leg did enough to deflect his shot away for a corner.
The Arms showed their intent on 55 minutes when Dan Box thumped a vicious 25-yard drive that fortunately for the Lion was straight at goalkeeper Mark Stonestreet. Three minutes later Stonestreet again came to the rescue with a smart save from a Mochan shot that he must have seen late as it travelled through a packed penalty area.
The Ship 3-1 British Lion
Despite missing the Percival brothers, The Ship did enough to beat a British Lion side that really should have got something from this game.
The Ship were gifted a great start when on six minutes, the Lion’s Luke Hunneyball brought down Tom Bonsor and up stepped Craig Brown to despatch the penalty. The Lion should have equalised within five minutes. John Stockman’s pressure on the Ship’s defence paid dividends and his squared ball left Andrew Webster in space but the big striker shot wide from 12 yards.
At the other end, Danny Amorouso’s precision ball put Lee Hayward through but the big targetman fired across goal. On 17 minutes, Adam Nunn’s flick again set
The Lion had a good shout for penalty turned down much to the chagrin of the team on 26 minutes when Enderby appeared to be brought down by Glover. As the Lion clawed their way back into the game, John Stockman released Webster but a Ship defender blocked his shot when a goal looked certain.
Despite bring forced onto the back foot the Ship always posed a threat on the break. Adam Nunn latched onto a shot Mikey O’Donnell back pass but clipped his shot wide.
The Lion deservedly equalised straight after the break. Enderby’s corner found Webster and although Brown did well save the initial header and then follow up shot, Andy Stonestreet’s 15 yard strike somehow beat everyone to make it 1-1. The Lion should have used this as a springboard but fell behind on 52 minutes to a slick finish from
The Lion then laid siege to the Ship goal and should have pulled a goal back on 65 minutes. Webster unselfishly squared to Nick Mooney who somehow placed his shot wide from eight yards.
Going into the last ten minutes, an Ashley Bennison corner found Amorouso but his 20-yard drive was deflected over the Lion crossbar. Within two minutes, the Lion wasted another chance when Ashley Holt was brought down in the penalty area. O’Donnell’s penalty being comfortably saved by Craig Brown.
With time running out, Stockman’s through ball found Mooney but the Lion striker lobbed wide when he should have scored. In then last minute, Darren Brown barged Amorouso off the ball and put Webster free but again Craig Brown came to the Ship’s rescue.
Christian Malford 2-4 British Lion
Credit has to be given to both teams and referee Luke Rudman for persevering and getting this game played. A frozen surface and having to remark the pitch meant that it did not kick off until 11.30am.
The Lion certainly were quickest out of the blocks and Nathan West’s fifth minute drive pulled a smart stop out of keeper Tom Collings at his near post. After eleven minutes, it was the turn of Andrew Webster to rattle the home side’s cross bar when his hooked volley from 15 yards bounced over. However, it was only a matter of time before the Lion’s pressure broke the deadlock. On 16 minutes, Luke Enderby caught Malford’s Nanny Singh in possession near the touchline and the young Lion striker didn’t hesitate in sending a sublime chip from 25-yards over Collings and into the net.
Enderby scored his second to make it 2-0 three minutes later. Picking up an over hit corner, he curled his cross back in and with West putting Neil Murray and Collings under pressure, all missed it and the cross went straight in. The Lion were now totally dominating and despite several reshuffles in the home side’s ranks, the Devizes side threatened to run riot. With 26 minutes gone, Lee Campbell’s 25-yard strike brought another good save out of Collings and a minute later the keeper did well to deny Enderby from close range.
The Lion felt they should have had a penalty on 34 minutes when Darren Brown was bundled over but the referee who was well placed felt otherwise. Malford’s ventures into Lion territory were few and far between but Simon Brothwell’s quick feet gave him a yard but he curled his shot over. Webster could have made it 3-0 four minutes before the break when Collings dropped West’s cross but the burly striker slid his shot wide from 12-yards. They did make it 3-0 right on the break. From Enderby’s quick throw, Brown was again bundled over and this time Enderby was given the opportunity to complete his hat trick from the penalty spot, which he duly accepted.
Within a minutes of the restart it was 4-0. Enderby this time provider as his corner found an unmarked Webster who headed home from 12–yards. Shane Holloway then fired wide from 20-yards and it looked like more of the first half was on the cards. However, Malford dug deep and showed plenty of character in the last 40 minutes and promptly pulled a goal back. Matthew Thompson’s diagonal cross was hit first time by Stewart Murray from 20 yards and dipped over Mark Stonestreet to make it 4-1.
Despite Malford now having their share of possession, the Lion were again guilty of not taking their chances. Just after the hour, Dave Crawford’s header was pawed away by Collings and on 76 minutes Webster fired another volley over when well placed. In the last ten minutes, he broke away and chipped Collings only to see the ball clip the bar and go over. Tom Evans was then guilty of missing from close range and the Lion were made to sweat out the last five minutes when Malford made it 4-2. Mikey O’Donnell’s back pass seemed to give Mark Stonestreet time to take a touch and clear but he proceeded to make get the ball stuck under his feet and allow Brothwell to rob him and tap home from six yards.
Forresters Arms 1-3 British Lion
British Lion produced a performance that showed shades of last seasons dominance to defeat an in form Foresters Arms side at Awdry Avenue.
Straight from the kick off the Lion ripped into the home side with Luke Hunneyball’s pace hurting the right side of the Foresters defence. Within two minutes, Hunneyball’s cross found Luke Enderby but the young striker’s first time strike flashed wide. Two minutes later, Rob Drown playing uncharacteristically as a striker, turned his marker and crossed for Hunneyball to fire across the goal. On ten minutes, Drown again found space and his precision cross was hit by Darren Brown but brilliantly blocked by keeper Dan Neale at close range.
With the Lion dictating the play, it was no surprise that they took the lead on 23 minutes. Drown again instrumental, fired against the bar and Lee Campbell was quickest to react to turn home the loose ball.
Just after then half hour, Drown robbed Rich Hemmings and with Neale closing the angle the Devizes Town ace fired over from an acute angle.
John Stockman’s leg injury meant he was unable to start the second half but this unleashed the maverick Nathan West. Immediately the tall, midfielder made an impact and forced the corner that led to the Lion’s second goal. After 50 minutes, Enderby’s inswinging corner was met by centre half Dave Crawford whose header ricocheted home to make 2-0.
On the hour it could have been 3-0 with a mirror image goal but this time, Crawford was probably harshly adjudged to have fouled his marker. The disallowed goal became history within five minutes. Drown’s persistence paid dividends as his cross was sublimely despatched by Nathan West on the volley to make it 3-0.
The Lion should have scored more within the next ten minutes. Again Enderby’s corners found their target and Crawford’s header was cleared off the Forester’s line and within a minute West hooked over over from close range.
Foresters had not hurt the Lion defence of Crawford, Andy Stonestreet and Mikey O’Donnell so far but pulled a goal back on 76 minutes. Leigh Rowles-Hithcock and Greg Wilmot linked to set Chris Turk free and he calmly slotted home to make it 1-3.
The Lion stayed firm and show signs of form that may still give them an outside chance of being in the promotion mixer at the end of the season.
British Lion 4-1 Atworth United
In a fairly dour opening quarter of an hour, neither side made much of an impression. On three minutes Lion’s Andrew Webster crossed and Luke Enderby was only denied an opportunity by an Atworth defender slicing the ball away for a corner. On nine minutes, Atworth’s lively Ross Menghini found a yard of space but drilled his shot over from 15 yards.
The Lion took the lead on 17 minutes. Enderby’s free kick was just over Webster but centre Dave Crawford was totally unmarked at the back post to side foot home from eight yards. The Lion nearly made it 2-0 within two minutes. Ashley Holt’s header set Tom Evans free and Enderby nodded his cross wide. Atworth had a chance to equalise on the half hour when Ashley Wheeler headed Sean Fordham’s corner over. But it was the Lion who scored next four minutes later. Lee Campbell’s through ball seemed to be going nowhere but Nathan West nipped in front of goalkeeper Joe Menghini to pinch the ball, turn and fire home.
Webster should have made it 3-0 just before the break. Evans’ cross found the big striker who teed up his volley but crashed it against the post from 12 yards.
Atworth had so far at times passed the ball well but had made little inroads against a Lion defence. However, the visitors pulled a goal back within a minute of the restart. The impressive Fordham provided the key pass and Steve Lye clinically finished from 15-yards to make it 2-1. Eight minutes later, Lye nearly turned provider as he skipped past Mikey O’Donnell to cross to find Ross Menghini but his shot from 18-yards sailed over.
The miss proved crucial as the Lion extended their lead within two minutes. Enderby’s corner was superbly headed home by West who stole in front of the Atworth keeper. Within two minutes, Atworth had a chance to pull a goal back when a quickly take free kick put Fordham in space but he shot over when he should have tested Mark Stonestreet in the Lion goal.
Just after the hour, another Enderby corner should have produced another Lion goal but this time Crawford’s header was somehow cleared by team-mate West! The miss wasn’t costly as the Lion sealed the points on 66 minutes. Enderby fired a 30-yard pass to Ashley Holt who calmly slotted home from just inside the Atworth penalty area to make it 4-1.
Going into the last fifteen minutes, West had a chance to complete a well deserved hat trick when again nipped in behind the Atworth defence but this time fired his shot across the goal. Atworth threw bodies forward as time ran out but wasted a good position with eight minutes left. A foul at the edge of the Lion penalty area gave Ian Jeffrey a free kick opportunity but his shot struck the wall and Fordham fired the loose ball over. With the Lion tiring, their forays forward became scarcer but Enderby nearly produced a goal from nothing with a 45-yard free kick that Joe Menghini must have been a glad to see drift wide. Atworth were given the opportunity of a consolation in the 87th minute when Tom Evans scythed Fordham down. However, his spot kick was saved by Stonestreet to preserve the Lion’s three goal winning margin.
Biddestone Arms 0-3 British Lion
British Lion completed a league double over Biddestone Arms and with their win continued to put pressure on the leading pack in Division One.
The Lion got off to the best start possible with a goal after only three minutes. Andrew Webster flicked Andy Stonestreet’s long throw on and Luke Enderby scored a rare goal with his head from eight yards. Darren Brown nearly doubled the lead on eight minutes but his 20-yard drive curled just wide of Mark Ogilvie’s goal. Four minutes Enderby set up Nathan West and his cross-cum-shot flew across the goal when only a touch from any of the onrushing Lion players would have resulted in a goal. On 15 minutes Webster crossed for Brown but the midfielder’s shot from 18-yards should have tested Ogilvie more than it did.
Although the Lion had totally dominated the opening exchanges, the Arms showed great character and slowly started to get some foothold on the game. Scott Bowen charged down Mark Stonestreet’s attempted clearance and although he skipped round the Lion keeper, he somehow placed his shot wide of an empty net. Six minutes Stonestreet had to act smart to save well at the feet of Bowen as the Arms’ striker was set free.
Cruelly, the Arms were punished within a minute. Enderby’s pass put Lee Campbell through on goal and although Ogilvie did well to partially block his shot,
The Lion’s goal experienced another charmed escape right on half time. Rich Chaffey crossed and Bowen’s close range shot bounced off the underside of the crossbar to the feet of Jack Goodship who blasted over with the goal gaping.
The first half an hour of the second half became pretty much a stalemate as the Lion seemed happy to sit on 2-0 lead and the Arms while stopping the visitors from extending their lead, were unable to create clear cut opportunities of their own.
However going into the last fifteen minutes, the Lion did start to create more chances as the hosts pushed extra bodies forward. John Stockman and Enderby linked well but an Arms defender did enough to block Webster’s shot. With nine minutes left, substitutes Luke Hunneyball and Rob Drown exchanged passes. Drown’s shot beat Ogilvie but Craig Duff managed to hack the ball away from danger. Drown then went close with an acrobatic strike after Fran Fife and Enderby had worked the ball into the Arms penalty area.
With time running out, Enderby’s long pass found Webster free on goal but as the Lion targetman was about to shoot he was perhaps harshly flagged offside. The decision became academic as in injury time a repeat pass from Enderby left Webster on his own and this time he calmly slotted past Ogilvie to make it 3-0.
Atworth Utd 0-7 British Lion
Atworth United entertained an inform British Lion side with a weakened side and will hope that most of these players are back for next weeks Parr Trophy semi final against Coyote.
With a the wind and slope in their favour, Atworth started well and after six minutes Ross Menghini weaved past four Lion players before sending a rasping left foot drive just wide. Three minutes later, Shaun Fordham found space at the back of the Lion box and his curled effort just missed the far post. After sixteen minutes, right back Craig Rees’ cross-field ball was well met by Rikki Sullivan but his header fizzed over the bar.
The Lion’s first real chance came on eighteen minutes when Nathan West turned Paul Burns but keeper Joe Menghini saved well at his feet. Four minutes later, Lion’s inspirational midfielder Darren Brown blazed over from 25-yards. The Lion slowly adapted to the conditions and look the lead after 28 minutes with a moment of brilliance from Luke Enderby. Seemingly isolated 45 yards from goal, the
The goal stirred Atworth and Steve Lye was denied an equaliser on 33 minutes when Lee Campbell cleared his shot off the Lion goal line. However, it was the Lion who scored next and again it was another superb finish that came from nowhere when the maverick Nathan West unleashed a trademark 25-yard thunderbolt.
Playing against the wind and the slope in the second period, Atworth were always going to struggle and their task was made even harder within a minute of the restart. West’s deft pass released Luke Hunneyball and John Stockman calmly slotted home the cross at the back post to make 3-0 to the Lion. It was 4-0 on 52 minutes. Atworth keeper Menghini had his wall well placed but was powerless to stop Darren Brown’s 25-yard free kick from curling into the top corner.
The Lion were now roaring at their best and it needed smart work from keeper Menghini to prevent Enderby on several occasions from increasing the lead. On 72 minutes, West’s through ball left Hunneyball one on one with the keeper and it was the Lion midfielder who produced the champagne moment of the day when he managed to trip himself up just as he was about to shoot.
The Lion’s central defenders have made a habit of scoring goals from set pieces and it was therefore surprising that Atworth’s defence left Dave Crawford and Andy Stonestreet unmarked on several corners. On 74 minutes Crawford produced a top class save from Menghini who somehow clawed his header out from the top corner. West finished his mornings work a minute later with his second and the Lion’s fifth goal when he swiftly turned home Brown’s pass from six yards out. Hunneyball then made it 6-0 with 12 minutes left when he latched onto Mikey O’Donnell’s pass to calmly rounded Menghini to tap in and put to bed the earlier debacle.
On 85 minutes, Crawford finally got on the scoresheet when Enderby’s corner was powerfully headed home to make it 7-0. Ross Menghini nearly pulled a goal back for Atworth in the dying seconds but his 20-yard strike bent wide of Mark Stonestreet’s goal.
Rowde 1-1 British Lion
OLD rivals Rowde and British Lion met in a crucial match that could go a long way to deciding who will finish runners-up behind champions-elect The Ship.
A crowd of 50 people made the most of the sunshine and the entertainment that was provided by the two sides sides who were fielding a fair share of Devizes Town players and perhaps it wasn't a surprise that the eagerly awaited rematch from the opening day of the season when Rowde beat the Lion 3-1, ended all-square on this occasion with the sides locked at 1-1 after a fantastic 90 minutes of football.
With both sides fielding strong sides, the encounter was always going to be tight and chances were going to be at premium. The Lion shaded the first half and on three occasions had goal bound efforts cleared off Ashley Robinson's goal line, with the best chances falling to Andrew Webster and Luke Enderby.
However, those missed opportunities threatened to come back to haunt the Lion as Rowde came back into the match during the second period.
Robinson reacted very well in the opening minutes of the second half when he somehow turned a wicked bouncing shot from Andrew Webster's drive over the bar.
Rowde took the lead after 70 minutes when Marcus Wallen pounced on a half chance to shot home from 15 yards.
But the lead lasted only six minutes. Nathan West's cross was not cleared by the Rowde defence and Luke Hunneyball gleefully swept home the loose ball to make it 1-1.
With both sides committed to playing open attractive football, the result remained in doubt right up to the end.
The normally lethal Jamie Mullings had a chance to pinch it for Rowde in the 82nd minute, but faced with a one-on-one with the goalkeeper he shot wide from 12 yards.
In the dying minutes, Luke Enderby hit a vicious 20 yard strike drive that thumped against the Rowde crossbar with Robinson stood watching.
The Lion's midfield combination of Lee Campbell and Rob Drown were in fine form throughout the game as was Luke Enderby, who ran the game for the visitors to Sands Lane and between them they were responsible for breaking up most of the Rowde attacks.
The game ended all square with the home side probably the happier with the point but with both teams still having everything to play for during the remainder of the season.
Potterne 3-0 British Lion
Potterne turned in a first class display to effectively end British Lion’s outside hopes of promotion and with it, took another big step towards of an automatic place.
The Lion were weary and under strength after Thursday’s battle with old rivals Rowde but that should take nothing away from a Potterne side who flew out of the blocks. Within six minutes Jamie Bayes fired a drive just wide of Mark Sinclair’s goal as Potterne sought the important first goal. On 18 minutes Bayes again fired in freekick and Sinclair tipped it onto the bar and over.
With a makeshift defence missing giant Dave Crawford and regular keeper Mark Stonestreet, the Lion struggled to cope with the numerous Potterne corners. On 25 minutes, Bayes delivery was well met by Steve House’s head but Sinclair acrobatically beat it away. Four minutes later a mirror image saw Tom Evans clear House’s header off the Lion goal line.
The Lion struggled to construct anything meaningful throughout the first half hour and a limping Andrew Webster too often found himself isolated and chasing hopeful balls. However, on 36 minutes, Luke Enderby rasped a vicious 30-yard drive that was deflected in the side netting of the Potterne goal. The resulting corner ended up with Nathan West’s close range shot being kicked off the line.
Nevertheless, within minutes another Bayes corner saw Ben Giles head over the Lion crossbar when well placed.
For 40 minutes, the Lion goal had led a charmed life but eventually the breakthrough came for Potterne. John Stockman had so far been outstanding for the Lion but it was his foot that brought down Myles Hickton for a penalty. Although Sinclair saved James Campbell’s spot kick, the loose ball fell kindly and he drilled home the rebound. It was 2-0 right on half time. Bayes’ inswinging corner dipped under the bar and Sinclair, partially blocked two of his own players could only palm it into his own net.
The Lion started the second half brighter and within four minutes a good move between West and Enderby saw the latter fire a 25-yard drive just over. Although the Lion were starting to have a little more possession, they made little progress against a resolute Potterne defence in which Steve House and Matt Hale were commanding. On the hour, a swift Potterne break saw Bayes flick Hickton’s cross onto the post and away. The killer third goal came with 20 minutes left. Lee Sander’s long cross-field ball fell to the feet of Hickton who shrugged off Mikey O’Donnell’s challenge to fire past Sinclair.
The Lion then had their best spell of the game and in the 74th minute a half-fit substitute Rob Drown was unlucky to see his shot clip the post. Going into the final ten minutes, firstly Darren Brown ‘s 20-yard strike was comfortably gathered by Mark Goddard and then Lee Campbell’s burst run saw him unluckily guide Enderby’s cross just over the Potterne goal.
The Lion were denied a consolation goal in the final minutes when firstly Steve House somehow blocked West’s goal bound volley and then Drown rounded Goddard but his shot from a tight angle dip over the bar.
Coyote 0-0 British Lion
Chris Carr rested several of his potential starting team in preparation of their cup final against Potterne on Sunday when they entertained a patched up British Lion side licking their wounds from Sunday’s defeat against the same side.
The Lion started well and after only two minutes Coyote centre half Richard Gray turned Luke Hunneyball’s cross onto his own post. The Lion should have taken the lead on six minutes. Darren Brown’s through ball was deftly flicked on by Nick Mooney and Nathan West volleyed over from 20-yards without realising he had time to steady himself.
Despite being on the back foot for most of the first twenty minutes, Coyote came back into the game strongly as the half progressed. On 22 minutes, Tom Berrington rattled a 20-yard drive that Mark Sinclair gathered at the second attempt. Four minutes later, Ross Pike headed over Nathan Flower’s corner from close range.
Flower’s deliveries from set pieces posed a constant threat and seven minutes before break his corner was hit first time by Sam McWeen but went wide. Two minutes later Gray hit another Flower corner and Sinclair somehow managed to get the ball over his crossbar.
Going into the second half, both sides made substitutions with Chris Carr bringing some of his big guns into play and Phil Oliver using some of his walking wounded. On 63 minutes, a throw from Lion’s Tom Evans was intercepted by Berrington and hit the side netting with Sinclair desperately closing the angle. Although the Lion had a little spell of possession, their chances were few and far between and Coyote looked the more dangerous going forward.