Lea Valley FC turn on the style

Massimo Masella of the Seconds controls the ball before shooting. Photo: Ragi Nor

The matches played by the adult and youth teams of Lea Valley FC (the Swans) during a weather-affected December saw some splendid performances and some stunning goals.

The Firsts played twice. In a tough, even game in the Cup against the University of Hertfordshire, Scott Dawson scored a superb hat-trick, though the opposition equalised minutes from the final whistle to force extra time at 4-4. With chances at either end but no goals, the clock was ticking down towards penalties. Then the ball came out from a goalmouth scramble to midfielder John Kennedy, who hammered it into the top corner from 25 yards to win the game 5-4. This cup classic was followed by a forgettable 4-2 defeat away to Old Minchendenians.

The Seconds played just once, winning 7-0 at Southgate County. Sitting mid-table with games in hand, they should be promotion prospects if they continue to perform in this vein.

The Thirds won in both the cup and the league and top the table – a perfect start to 2011. They won 5-1 in the County Cup against Old Parkonians, and a 7-2 thumping of Old Woodhouseians followed, featuring a magnificent hat-trick from James Briggs.

The under-16s were the worst affected by the weather, playing no games in December. They sit mid table in an open league, so a few good results should see them moving up the table.

The under-10s played just once, in a thrilling match against Angel Islington. After an equal opening few minutes, the Swans pressured the Angel goal, and upon scoring once, two more swiftly followed. The second half saw Angel fight back to score, and after a defensive mix up gifted them their second, they got their deserved equaliser from a free kick.

When once the under-10s heads would have dropped, Lea Valley now gave all they had to clinch a victory, and the winner duly came after a superb flowing move that made use of some great running off the ball. The 4-3 win gives the Young Swans six wins and a draw from their last seven games. This solid record reflects the progress made by the team under the management of Andy Ehiogu, and even better things are expected from this group of lads in 2011.

Many thanks to Hackney Community College and the Princess of Wales Pub for sponsorship and continued support.

For more information about Lea Valley FC, please contact Melvin Sullivan, email melvinsullivan@yahoo.co.uk