The Lions blew the post Christmas cobwebs away with two performances which show why they are a team to watch in 2016. Playing at Cheslyn Hay, possibly the windiest place in the UK, the battling Lions produced a display that had goals, saves, driving runs and precision corner kicks – in short, total football that Johan Cruyff himself would be proud of!

In the first match, Wyrley Lions played Brewood Juniors. Lewis Titley started the game as captain. His usual excellent defensive work ensured the team kept a clean sheet and he showed leadership by organising his team mates effectively. Also working well in defence was Alex Haywood, more usually to be found in front of goal. His overall performance contained excellent dribbling and passing. Alex continues to show that he works really hard in both defence and attack. The defence played in front of first half goalkeeper Jack Weaver who played soundly and didn’t concede any goals.  The strong defensive performance was completed by Fraser Hinds and Charlie Long. Fraser made some good tackles and also impressed when dribbling with the ball, whilst the returning Charlie showed his increasing awareness of the game and also impressed with his dribbling skills.

The second half saw Joshua Hodson take over the captaincy. Josh played very well defensively and showed good vision to attempt a long range lob that almost saw him on the score-sheet. Joe Iannarilli showed off some competent dribbling skills and tackling, he also took responsibility for, and drove in, some good corner kicks. Oliver Donoghue made precise, effective tackles and was once again strong when he dropped into defence. Lewis Seedhouse took over the goalkeeper gloves in second half. He was unlucky to concede two goals but in reality he could do nothing about either shot as they were powerful and from close range.

The second Match saw the Lions take on Sporting Khalsa in a 12pm kick off. Lewis Titley was the goalkeeper in first half. He was excellent, he didn’t concede any goals and organised his defence well on corners. Alex Haywood was on fire going forward, he scored twice and was unlucky not to score more. Charlie Long also had a great half, showing real effort, he made some good tackles and put across some clinical passes.

Joe Iannarilli played really well and was unselfish in moving out of the way to enable a team mate to score when he could have scored himself. He could have got onto the score sheet himself but just dragged his shot wide. Oliver Donoghue did score a goal, a cracking shot that blasted the top left corner of the net. He was then unlucky not to score more, hitting the post and forcing the keeper into a good save.

Jack Weaver was team captain in the second half.   He lead by example and scored a well taken goal from a corner. With the Lions firing on all cylinders Joshua Hodson also almost bagged himself a goal when he hit the post with a blistering shot. He also put in an excellent corner to assist a goal as well as showing his skills in other areas, including tracking back, dribbling and passing. Finally we had Lewis Seedhouse who had a sparkling all-round performance which combined good tackling, excellent defensive awareness and vision when passing.

The Wyrley Lions showed grit and character with really good effort, enthusiasm and attitude from all the players. They continue to work hard and to support each other, they have a real team spirit and will keep getting better and better with each performance.

It’s an exciting time to be a Lion!