Lions Make Statement!

Our Lions have gone on to record their ninth win in a row in the new season by coming back from two goals behind against YPOM to win 4-2, making a bold statement in the fast and coming finals playoffs.

The build up to this top of the table clash was intense, with players from both teams firing up before the match had even started, leaving nothing but suspense for the fans as it was going to be a game to remember. From the very first whistle, the game was as physical as can be, with tackles being thrown in from both teams. The deadlock was broken early in the game as our Lions shaky start to the game cost them an early deficit. Soon after, a rare sweeping error from A.Petrovski saw another YPOM player free to attack on goal who put yet another goal in the net, putting our Lions down 0-2. To further add to the deficit, A.Nikoloski picked up a knock which saw him rested for the remainder of the game, and saw the Lions reduced to only one interchange substitute. D.Paunkoski, who had returned from injury was fired up after many fouls not given to fellow team mates and self, and it was evident that this caused a spark within him to encourage and gee up his team mates by commanding all over the field and making sure everything went as planned. D. Paunkoski and D.Jovanovski were combining brilliantly, proving that they are both a combination and force to be reckoned with for the upcoming finals. This combination was soon to se a goal, as D.Jovanovski completed an amazing dribble down the left side of the field finding D.Paunkoski for a cut back and easy tap in to reduce the lead to one goal. Soon after, D.Paunkoski was found to complete a brilliant dribble which replicated D.Jovanoski's, finding him for an easy cut back and goal to equalise the scores sending the fans into absolute chaos. A tackle off the ball to D.Paunkoski from the cutback sparked tensions between him and opposing players and it really showed as the remainder of the game not any less physical. The half ended with scores locked in at 2-2, thanks to brilliant fight and spirit from every single Lion on the pitch.

With the Lions pumped up from their amazing turn-around, they began the second half with the same intensity. Karevski was fired up as always with his brilliant coverage of the field, M.Paunkoski was fighting like a bull at a rodeo, S.Stankovski was like a Jack Russell covering players all over the pitch, and D.Jovanovski and D.Paunkoski continued their amazing combinations. This combination saw another goal which came off the post in the back of the net, but was disallowed and given a penalty which caused mass confusion and anger from the Lions fans. However, D.Paunkoski stepped up and scored after a save from the keeper saw the ball spill out for an easy tap in, who then celebrated with an 'I can't hear you' to the opposing fans. The game was locked in with Lions in the lead 3-2 for the last 10 minutes of the game, with chances coming from both teams. Petrovski made some unbelievable saves to keep his cleansheet in the second half, and every Lions player defended like it was a matter of life and death. But it was only a matter of time until our Lions soon increased their lead and put the game to rest as D.Jovanovski took on the YPOM keeper to score his second of the night. With only seconds to go, the Lions fought till the end and produced one of the most memorable comebacks of all time to extend their lead at the top of the table by 11 points, and recording their 9th win in a row.

On behalf of the social media crew and fans, we would like to praise just how wonderful and amazing the performace that our Lions put on yesterday night. The fight, the hunger and the spirit was second to none and we hope to see this for the remainder of the season. Well done boys, we keep moving forward!

Samo Napred Metalurg!

Round 9 Squad:

33. Alexandar PETROVSKI (GK)

7. David JOVANOVSKI

8. Miki PAUNKOSKI

9. Aleksandar NIKOLOSKI

10. Daniel PAUNKOSKI

17. Steven STANKOVSKI

27. Hristijan KAREVSKI

Goalscorers:

2 - Daniel PAUNKOSKI

2 - David JOVANOVSKI