Home loss hits Lemons hopes

A first home defeat of the season looks to have ended FC Leytonstone’s title hopes in the London City Airport League.

They produced one of their weakest performances of the campaign and let a two-goal lead slip to go down by the odd goal in nine.

Manager Munaf Abhram said: “The last three games have been unacceptable. Letting in 15 goals in three games is poor.

“With one game remaining we need to bounce back and hope players who are on the treatment table come fit for the last encounter.”

Mikael Martin and Junaid Tariq struck to give Lemons a perfect start and they went close to a third as Martin broke free, only to pull up with a hamstring injury.

Poplar were let back into the match, though, and netted three times before the break to take control, adding a fourth soon after the restart.

Ahmed Arab hit back for the hosts, only for Poplar to reply with their fifth, and Ahmed Pele’s late effort was not enough to save Lemons from defeat.

Abhram added: “Every player has got to step up and take responsibility and make sure it’s not them who makes another mistake but them who makes a difference in the opposition penalty area.”

FC Leytonstone’s under-14s are still seeking their first win of 2015 in the Hackney Youth League after a 7-3 loss to Unity.

Ahmed Saeed and Zindin Goua found the target for the young Lemons, while Billal Patel gave an exceptional performance with stand-in keeper Mohamed Essa.

But Unity’s extra strength proved crucial and they were able to capitalise on mistakes to take their chances.

SP Leytonstone under-nines could not avoid defeat either, as they went down 3-1 against Place Pro.

The first half proved vital as Place pro netted twice to take control.

The Lemons keeper produced some fine saves to keep the scoreline respectable and a third Place Pro goal after the restart did not dampen spirits.

Nye Bevan’s free-kick was tapped in by Ali for a Lemons consolation, as Saihan Achha took the man of the match award for his strong midfield performance.