The first game of 2026 just got a bit stuck in the mud. The soggy pitch was never going to allow for a free-flowing game and ultimately was decided by a goal from Arthur late in the game.

The boys arrived itching for a go at the second placed team, having had cancelled games the last two weeks and not having won since early November. But it was Hart who went on the attack first and continued like that for much of the first half but the strength of Leo, Ben and Hugo LL plus Aiden working hard against a very persistent left winger, meant that they got very few chances on goal.

There were glimpses of what the Lions could offer. Good interplay between Rommy and Seb made space down the right before giving Ianis a shot from distance. It was dealt with by the keeper but gave Hart something to think about.

There was a scare on 21 minutes when a free kick was given to Hart after the ball was blasted at Hugo L’s arm from about a yard. The striker was offside by about 2m from the free kick but the referee ignored the linesman and allowed play on. He was one on one with Aryan who looked solid and confident all day and did enough to put him off. Not the referees finest decision making period!

The second half was a different story though. Hart still had a few attacks but the Lions started to click. Hugo L was dominating the centre of the park physically, Rommy and Jim were making a nuisance of themselves all day.

Hugo L won possession in mid field and passed to Benji who sent a great ball through to Harrison who beat a couple of defenders and set up Jim. Jim made space for himself to shoot and only a great stop from the keeper denied the Lions their first goal. That sparked a great period for the Lions and it felt like something was coming.

Harrison won another ball on the edge of the box and crossed for Carlos who just couldn’t get enough power on the shot. Then some interplay between Sammy and Ben got Hart frustrated and gave away a free kick. Hugo L shot from 35 yards and the keeper fumbled but the ball went just past the upright.

Then an elbow to Rommy’s head on 65 minutes was ignored by the referee and spurred the Lions on for a final push. From a free kick, Ben sent a long ball forward. Excellent control from Harrison and a turn made him space down the right. His Cross was perfect, Jim stepped over the ball and Arthur tapped in.

Great start to 2026 and puts us in a real position to challenge for second when they come to Shalford Park.