Dizzy new heights for the Dutch Lions

Dutch Lions FC 3 - AFC Finchley 0 (Game played at the Lions Den) 

AFC Finchley provided us with a match that if we won, would mean us going second in the league.

The game was not a nasty one with both sides attempting to play in rather slippery conditions. The first half finished a stalemate with both keepers doing enough to keep the score 0-0. Pedro (are relief keeper) did a great job and no doubt Arran will be hearing all about his game next weekend in full stereo. To be fair he handled everything suburb, We always expected our Captain to do his very best and he never let us down, coming off his line well and providing great kicks also.

I felt Ahmed was immense during the second half, Niall and Paulo worked hard, a third goal of the season for Hamzeh (great going) and a well taken debut goal for Tan-Tan. Niall provided the Third to round up a solid 3-0 victory.

With key players absent we grind-ed out this performance which I feel seems to be needed more often than not these days. It was also a game where the squad and importantly the subs played their part.

With some other crazy results (see Mitoo link on the right) the league is wide open. Win our games in hand and we can go top. As well as Colindale keep an eye on FSL, They are the only unbeaten team in Division 3 now.

Getting back to the game, We will focus more on trying to win the game in the first 45 minutes and not the last. Some of us ain’t no spring chickens and my ticker can do without it.

Well Done boys, Next Up, Diadora Away. See you at training, 7:30PM Pitch 1, Vale Farm.

MISSED CHANCES AND LOSS OF CONCENTRATION COST US

Colindale Athletic 2-1 Dutch Lions 

This was a match for the Dutch Lions to show their title credentials against the league Leader Colindale Athletic. Going into the match both teams were unbeaten so something had to give. The first half seemed to fly by, it was a half with few chances in truth. The Dutch lions never really tested the Colindale keeper in the first half. Colindale did have their chances. One noticeable chance was when Peter bought down one of Colindale striker just outside the box, once the free kick was taken it was heading for the bottom corner until a excellent save from Arran turned it away for a corner……Half time (I think I need to take a 5mins break )…

In the Second half the Lions seem too turn up the pressure on Colindale Athletic goal with chances after chances going begging. Colindale Athletic did have their moments on the counter-attack but pressure told on the Colindale Athletic defence when a throw-in found Niall and he found himself in a great position in the box and slipped the ball passed the Colindale keeper. With the Dutch lions taking the lead you would think now that once in the lead we would go on and find the second but unfortunately it was one of those days.

 The danger was as long as the game was at 1-nil there was always a chance for Colindale to come back into the game and boy did they took their chance after a defensive mistake (No names mentioned) and Arran in no mans land it was 1-1. After the Dutch lions continued to press for the winner it did not come. Colindale Athletic were awarded a penalty after someone (Me) gave away a penalty for the second time this season. me personally, I thought it was dive but I’m not the ref. In the end the penalty was missed as he put it over the bar.

As they say a match is not over until the final whistle and boy did we find out the hard way with the last kick of the game Colindale Athletic stole all three points. In truth a draw would have been a fair result but credit to Colindale they battle until the last minute and won. But hell for sure in the return Dutch Lions will be fired up and come out all guns blazing. We will bounce back starting against AFC Finchley this Sunday were nothing less than three points will do.

Report by Noel (da Beast) Jones

Presentation Night Results + Photos

Players Player & Top Goal Scorer awarded to Paulo Ramalho

Dutch Lions 3 Gwalia 0

The league results are out from Sunday and the Lions are now the only team to take maximum points from their opening game. Gwalia were always going to be “Physical” but their number nine took it to a new dimension. The game started with Gwalia poking the outside of the post after a moment of madness from out defense & midfield. It simply took an age for us to get into this game and with us not getting our foot in at the right times we allowed Gwalia to play. To be fair, They did stretch us but we continued to work hard with Carlos, Jabor and Paulo  working the channels. We got our act together and Carlos made some great space for himself to cross a beauty over the entire defence to the far post for Hamzeh to side foot in. won nil going into half time.

Second half kicked off with Gwalia coming out like mad dogs and trust me, they wanted blood, we rolled with it but never got involved, I think that was key in this result. I believe they became their own worse enemy. Some of the baiting from the Away sides following on the sides lines was a OTT (this is well documented) and with such intimidation present it’s no wonder we struggle to get enough referee’s. Big Andy from Gwalia did his best to keep everyone in check. I really believe if this team could start using there energy in a more positive manner they might achieve something.

Gwalia threw everything at us second half but with some good defensive performances from all we kept them out. Arran made a great save with his feet to deny Gwalia an equaliser and O’keeffe cleared one off the line to keep our one goal lead in tact. Clark fouled one of Gwalia’s dangerous subs just outside the box but nothing came of there pressure. Paulo came so very close with almost two identical efforts which both whizzed low past the keepers left hand post. With 15 minutes left Yasser D. made his first appearance and within minutes worked really well to carve out a shot which (with pace) went over the out-coming keeper and into the back of net, 2-0 and now I started to smell victory. With Gwalia pushing forward we worked hard on the counter and Paulo put the game to bed with his second of the season with a low shot into the near post.

In summary, A well deserved victory however 3-o probably flattered us. 

Next week, The Impressive, Unbeaten, League leaders Colindale Athletic. Our objective is simply,  We win and we could go top, Need I say more.

Have you heard of John Sitton? My Hero..