Ark Tavern 0-3 RLWMFC

2016 hasnt really got going for the Lion lads and after a humbling defeat last time out to Newbold a
reaction was required away at Ark Tavern.
Gaffer Lunn returned to the sidelines after two weeks on the weeds with his boys in Jamaica. Luckily,
hed stumbled on three new players whilst away sunning it up, and after early rumours hed poached
them from the Trinidad and Tobabgo u21 squad, it turned out they were all from the not quite as
glamarous Hopflower, and one of them was Nay Lincare for about his seventh stint with the Lion.
Changes afoot, Leigh Brear started between the sticks, Gav Wiley dropped into centre half with
skipper Fletch. New signing Mark Hadfield came in at right back and Bushy reverted to left back. Scott
Taylor made his debut in central midfield with the returning Jack Wilson and Hilly and Olly were on the
wings. The mecurial Macca played in the number 10 role with Nay up top. Controversially, Matt
Chapman was left on the bench with threats of a transfer request heard on the sidelines. Maybe he
wont tattoo RLWMFC on his own arm after all.
Conditions, as ever at Netherthorpe, were hardly conducive to free flowing football, but Lion tried to
get the ball and play. It became quite evident early on that Ark Tavern had no interest in playing
football, typified by the hip high tackle on Macca within 10 minutes. Tempers flared and this was to
continue throughout, not helped by a ref who looks like hes trying to beat the Sunday League
bookings record.
Apart from some dubious defending at times, Tavern never looked like scoring, and Lion with the wind
at their backs were in full control. Some excellent football between the likes of Nay, Olly, Hilly, Jack
and Macca had Tavern chasing and generally trying to kick shadows. The first goal came from a long
ball forward from Brear, and a sublime chest lay off from Macca to put Nay in on goal. He calmly
slotted home in front of his fan club on the sidelines (look out for the NFL bobble hats which they all
went and bought together).
Lion were also getting a lot of joy down the left hand side. The Olly and Bushy bromance making
waves on the pitch as well as off it, a bit like a white Yorke and Cole. It was down that side that the
second goal came. Some good play between Bushy, Jack and Macca made its way to Olly. He turned
inside, leaving the Gypo playing at right back on his arse and whipped a brilliant goal into the top
corner with his right foot. Olly now an impressive 13th in the Division Three goalscoring charts.
Lion were now cutting through the Tavern back line at will. Numerous chances went begging before
Hilly made it 3-0 with a well placed finish after at least three other Lion players decided not to bother
shooting and try and take on the defender a fourth time instead. It should have been 5-0 by half time
with two goals chalked off for offside, one seemingly explicable when Nay played Olly in for an open
net. He looked to have played the pass when Olly was behind him but the protests were to no avail.
The celebration was something to behold though lads!
More of the same required in the second half, a much tougher ask up the hill and into the wind. Tavern
went direct and forced Leigh into a couple of decent saves early on in the second half but generally
Lion were solid with Gav Wiley discovering the ability to head the ball. Again it was Lion who were
creating the better chances but felt the need to walk the ball in. Jack Fletch had a header cleared off
the line, Nay miscontrolled with an open net in front of him and Macca just concentrated on making
the Tavern back line look like mugs rather than actually scoring.
Controversy was to come though with 25 minutes to play when Jack Wilson was shown two yellows in
quick time. The first, for a petulant kick out, was seemingly harsh, especially when you consider the
antics of some of the Tavern players, but the second, for pushing a Tavern player, was always going
to result in a red card, just not the type youd want on 14 th Feb (whhhheeeeyyy, Valentines Day
banter). Surprise surprise the Ark Tavern central midfielder who had been intent on kicking anything
that moved except the ball was invovled again.
Lion saw the remainder of the game out with ease, Tavern comfortably the worst side faced this
season. Lunny rung the changes, Dave Kellys attempted diving header a particular highlight. Lunny

als managed to get Tim on for five minutes so not to face the wrath of Mrs Foggy. No goal bonus for
young Tim unfortunately, lets hope he didnt eat his last 10 worth of jelly babies too quickly.
A much improved performance overall, the new lads making a great impact. With Robley, Cavey, Luke
Matthewman and Jordan (who is in the process of having the worlds longest period) to return, the side
looks strong across the park and the aim should be to go unbeaten for the rest of the season.
MOM Scott Taylor (some concilation for costing himself 7k yesterday)
Match Action

Nay and Olly celebrate before realsing the goal has been ruled out.

The Tavern lads arrive at the game.