London Titans Football Club

Titans suffered a mixed day of results today (Sunday 23 September), with our Sportsman League side losing 3-0 to FC Londsale, whilst our LUL team left it late to grab a point away at Phoenix.

On a wet morning at Riverside Lands, our sportsman side were attempting to make it back-to-back victories in the league after a great 7-1 opening win a fortnight prior.

However a very poor first half performance led to us conceding two very soft goals, and struggling to create any notable chances with the little possession we did have.

The second-half was slightly better, but retaining possession proved to be difficult against a well organised opposition. FC Lonsdale then furthered they lead by adding a third goal with the last kick of the game.

Full time Titans 0-3 FC Lonsdale

In the afternoon, the LUL side travelled to Regents Park to take on Phoenix in a London Unity League match.

Titans had some decent spells of possession and chances in a lively, and largely even, first half.

Midway through the half, the referee inexplicably gave a penalty against our goalkeeper Felton for a foul – much to the disbelief of the Titans contingent. Thankfully, justice was done and the resultant penalty was skied over the bar.

Despite both sides creating a number of chances, the first half ended 0-0.

Titans were caught napping at the start of the second half, with Phoenix scoring straight from kick off; a lobbed effort evading the flailing Felton.

10 minutes later, Phoenix doubled their lead. A shot ricocheted off the arm of centre-back Miller in our penalty area, and bounced kindly to their striker.

With Phoenix players appealing for a penalty, and the referee having already blown his whistle, Titans can be forgiven for standing like statues as the Phoenix striker smashed the ball into the net. Puzzlingly, the goal was given.

What was most impressive was the subsequent fightback to salvage a draw.

A free-kick from the left was swung into the keeper’s area, who fumbled and Beal – eventually – poked in a goal from 2 yards. The goal gave us hope and galvanised the team.

Eventually, continued Titans pressure led to another (debatable) penalty in the 89th minute. Tezza made no mistake in slotting home and salvaging a draw.

Final score Phoenix 2-2 Titans