On a warm night in August, a group of people got together at the A&E Sports center to form the POLIS & LATCHI LIONS WALKING FOOTBALL CLUB.
The initial group of ten people has now grown in numbers where we now have a nucleus of 18 regular players consisting of both men & women.
On Tuesday 3rd November we played our first ever games against Aphrodite Wanderers. It must be said that our opponents were formed two years ago and have a playing team of 40 people, who were vastly more experienced than ourselves.
A match duration of 4 quarters each was agreed and at 19:00 the first competitive match of the Polis & Latchi Lions kicked off.
The initial pace of the game was quite frantic but as our ages began to catch up with us the place quickly slowed, allowing the main two experienced players in the Wanderers team to influence and control the game. After a scoreless 10 minutes the referee awarded a penalty for encroachment into the area to the Wanderers which was duly converted, score 0 -1.
After the first Quarter the Lions substituted 5 players as it was always planned that all players who attended on the night would get a game. The second quarter saw the Wanderers take further control and score a good goal to make the score line 0 -2. The Lions went close on a number of occasions hitting both the post and the bar on separate occasions.
Half-Time 0 -2
The 3rd quarter saw further changes for the lions, the wanderers also made a couple of substitutions but ensured their 2 main protagonists who were running the show remained on the pitch. A further penalty was awarded to the Wanderers which was brilliantly saved by the Lions goalkeeper. The Lions once again were denied by the woodwork before a Wanderers player took his opportunity to smash the ball into the back of the net making the score-line 0 -3.
In the 4th quarter as age and fitness began to take its toll on both teams as the pace slowed and allowed the Lions into the game a little more. With minutes remaining the Wanderers found their upfront unmarked player who put the ball past the Lions goalkeeper giving him little chance.
Final Score 0 -4
After the Match both teams a supporters retired to the A & E Club House for Drinks and refreshments. Both captains agreed that the game was played in a great spirit and the Wanderers captain commented on how well the Lions played having only formed 12 weeks previous. Future matches will be arranged between the teams with Paphos United being added to the mix
.
It was disappointing to lose our first game and with better finishing we could have had 2 or 3 goals. The Wanderers greater experience told in the end!
The Lions have secured sponsorship from CP Home Services & Crazy Cow Gifts and are awaiting delivery of our new playing kit.
We meet every Monday evening at 18:30. The first 30 minutes is skills training and then we play a match from 19:00 – 20:00. We then retire to the club house to rehydrate.
If you would like to join us, just come along on a Monday Evening, or call either Mike (97853077) or John (95708387) for further details. Men over 50 & Women over 40 of any skill levels are welcome. We look forward to seeing you.
