The Lions maiden voyage into the Plate saw them into the quarter-finals versus Division 2 side Imperio FC.

Due to a mix-up with schedules, as well as injuries to key players, the Lions were just about to scramble a team together, which on paper, looked very tasty.

However, two players who were supposed to attend the game on trial failed to show up, leaving the Lions in a precarious situation where no subs could be made.

Alas, by the end of the first half, Lions saw themselves 2-0 down with 2 players injured.

Vernon managed to shake off a knock, and took one for the team by battling through and returning to the field at the start of the second half. However, Jeremy who had pulled a hamstring was unable to return, leaving the team with just 10 men for the remaining 40 minutes of the game.

With old friends Moctar and Ryoto combining in attack with vice-captain Goran and captain Viran, the Lions managed to come back into the game.

Moctar scored an absolutely amazing goal from the half-way line, kicking the ball up, spinning around and volleying it. It was no mistake or fluke, and it is not the first time Moctar has scored this kind of goal. The goal completely changed the momentum of the match.

The other debutant, Ryoto equalized with a great finish. Both Lions goals were assisted by vice-captain Goran, who was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet himself in the first half.

Looking forward to the final whistle, the 10 men left on the pitch felt the strain and tried as hard as they could to maintain concentration. Nevertheless, in the dying minutes of the game, the Lions suffered yet another goal from a corner. A player was left unmarked on the edge of the box, and his shot was well placed leaving goalkeeper Yu with no chance. This was a really disappointing end to an epic game, with the Lions deserving better.

As good as the attacking was, this was all based on some terrific defending. Richard did a great job of shielding the defence and mopping up problems. Reece continues to grow in confidence, and it was great to hear him screaming at players to get back. Masaaki was a typically solid presence, and thanks go to Vernon for playing through the pain barrier. There was a good sense of camaraderie on the pitch, and it really felt like a team game, with some great short passes being exchanged up and down the field.

Nevertheless, there is no doubt that the score would have been worse without some amazing snapshot saves from goalkeeper Yu. As an absolutely vital player for the Lions team, Yu is this game’s Adecco BEFC Most Valuable Player.