London Lions 2-1 Aylesbury United

Match report by Ben Slater

Back to reality in the league, after the midweek cup triumph, as the Ducks drop points in a crucial relegation six-pointer clash. 

The Ducks travelled to North London last Saturday to play against fellow strugglers, London Lions. The Lions, as they are known, were promoted to step 4 in the 2024/25 season through the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division playoffs. Before kickoff the London-based outfit sat on 9 points after 9 games (three higher than Aylesbury, who were on 6 points but had played two fewer games). 

Aylesbury began the brighter of the two teams and could have gone into an early lead within just two minutes. Finlay Reeves shot from the left side, forcing the home side's goalkeeper, Nathan Bloohn, into an early save. Further pressure led to Aylesbury's second chance. Rocko Tamplin intercepted a poor pass from the lions’ defender, but his shot deflected straight into the keeper's arms. 

The home side did look dangerous on the break, though. A well-worked move down the right-hand side saw a shot go towards the back of the net but for a crucial block on the line from Aaron Onginjo. The first major incident of the game came shortly after when a London Lions player seemingly kicked out at Finley Reeves after a minor scuffle. The referee did not feel the contact was sufficient for a red card and gave the London Lions player a yellow card. On another day the punishment could have easily been stronger. 

The Ducks’ pressure continued as the half wore on. In the 28th minute, some well-worked attacking play saw a flurry of chances for United. The front four of George Cleveland, Reeves, Tamplin and Bakary Daffeh just behind were causing the hosts problems. Reeves had the best attempt, as his effort deflected narrowly wide of the post. A let off for London Lions, who seemingly needed that as motivation to stamp their mark on the game. 

Those chances came back to bite the Ducks just four minutes later, as in the 32nd minute the hosts took the lead. Some well-worked wingplay saw the Lions gain a corner. Which in turn was whipped directly into the danger area, and there was defender James Cohen to head home. 1-0 London Lions.

The goal changed the whole complexion of the game. Lions took more control of the ball, and subsequently it seemed to dampen Aylesbury's spirits a little. A few half chances before half time came close for the hosts, but the second goal was just missing. Aylesbury were thankful for the half time whistle, where they could regain their composure for a big second half. HT 1-0 London Lions. 

However, similarly to previous games, the second half started slowly. Another last-ditch clearance of the line, this time from Kian Henry, prevented the lions from taking a 2 goal lead in the 47th minute. Changes were needed for the Ducks, and they came on the 54th minute. Archie Quinlan and Wil Turner replaced Chase Matthew and Finlay Reeves, respectively. Turner had an immediate impact. A well-worked move down the left saw him square the ball across the box to Sonny French, but he lifted the ball over the bar with the goal wide open. Similarly to last week, a golden chance squandered, and one that fans in the ground were hoping the Ducks didn't rue. 

A further change followed soon after as George Cleveland was replaced by Ike Okwusogu on the 58th minute. Nevertheless, the Lions were still creating chances. Set pieces were targeted as a weakness and they came close to extending their lead on numerous occasions. On the hour mark United scrambled a corner clear, before Jack Hopwood in net made a good save after possession was given up cheaply in midfield. 

The fourth change for the Ducks saw Juwon Akintunde replace Bakary Daffeh in the 66th minute. A constant theme throughout the match saw the Ducks give the ball up carelessly, and this soon proved costly. In the 68th minute, number 7 Jack Mattey doubled the home side's advantage. After Aylesbury gave the ball away, the Lion's attackers moved the ball well, opening up the Ducks’ backline, and converted with fair ease. This left Aylesbury once again with a familiar uphill task.  2-0 London Lions.

To the team's credit, they responded immediately. On the 69th minute mark, Ike Okwusogu halved the deficit. Wil Turner once again with positive attacking play down the left, as he slipped Ike in, and the forwards’ first time finish was hit with enough power to get past Bloohn in net. This gave the Aylesbury travelling supporters faith that the side could get something out of the game. 2-1 London Lions.   

After that point, Aylesbury went for it, and it nearly prevailed. In the 83rd minute, neat passing opened up the Lion's backline, and substitute Akintunde did well to turn his man. However, his shot in turn hit the post. More pressure came from the Ducks, but clear-cut chances after that point came hard to come by. Lions looked to counter as Aylesbury became more open, but they couldn't score the decisive third. Aylesbury huffed and puffed, but it wasn't enough, and soon after the referee blew his whistle. FT 2-1 London Lions.

A frustrating afternoon, particularly after Tuesday night's mammoth performance against a step 2 side. On another day the score line could have seen United come away with the three points, but the cutting edge wasn't there on the day. Loose passing resulting in surrendering of possession, something the team will need to improve in the upcoming weeks, as it can be costly, as seen today. If the standard of performance seen at Slough can be emulated in the coming league games, there is hope things can turn around. Aylesbury's next match is on Wednesday night against Barton Rovers. Another 6-pointer in which points are necessary if we want to get out of the relegation zone. 

Away from the pitch, I and everyone at the club would like to wish club captain Jack Wood all the best in his recovery after it was announced he would need surgery on his knee. Woody went down in the warmup of the Waltham Abbey game, and the resulting impact will see him sidelined for around 9-12 months. Jack embodies everything that Aylesbury is about, and we now ask everyone to support him as best they can, which in no doubt will be a difficult time for him. We are all with you Woody!

Attendance: 92

Aylesbury United: Hopwood, Onginjo, Bewley (C), French, Henry, Matthew, Reeves, Bircham, Cleveland, Daffeh, Tamplin

Subs: Emmanuel, Quinlan, Turner, Okwusogu, Akintunde

Photo Gallery: 2026/2027 London Lions (Photos by Charlie Woodhouse)

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