Lion roar to keep title dream alive

Chesterfield Sunday League Division Three leaders FC Badger (red) were beaten 3-0 at home by title rivals Red Lion Whitt Moor.

Three goals in 14 blistering first-half minutes helped them maintain their 100% league away record.

Both sides finished with 10 players after two red cards following a goalmouth melee on half-time.

After a tight start Red Lion went in front in the 20th minute when a right-wing corner from Carl White was powered home by the head of Danny Titmus.

On the half-hour the visitors doubled the lead thanks to Chris Cave’s 20-yard drive.

Badger were struggling to stay in the game and White’s 20-yard effort was deflected for a corner before Dean Doquemin just failed to connect with Leigh Brear’s free kick at the far post.

But the game was effectively sealed on 34 minutes as Red Lion made it 3-0.

Badger keeper Steve Hancock excellently turned a Nathan Linacre curler away for a corner.

From the resulting flag kick Cave netted his second with an assist from Mark Hadfield.

The incident that led to the two red cards came after a late challenge on visiting keeper Adam Brear.

Nathan Linacre, of Red Lion, was given a straight red and FC Badger’s Jamie Ringsell received a second yellow card.

The second half was more subdued as the home side performed better but were restricted to few chances.

Jordan Maskery’s header was cleared off the line before Grant Weston went close on 71 minutes.

Red Lion’s win added pressure on FC Badger, who remain top.

However, Birdholme Club also have a chance of lifting the Division Three title after picking up a victory at the weekend.