Albion remain top of the league after win at Lions

PLYMOUTH Albion continued their impressive charge at the top of National League One with a commanding 47-17 victory away to Leicester Lions, extending their winning run to seven matches and ensuring they remain top of the league.

- By PABLO CHEEKS

A ruthless first-half display laid the foundations for another significant result, as Albion combined set-piece authority with clinical finishing to underline their promotion credentials.

The afternoon did not begin entirely to script for Albion, with Leicester striking first inside two minutes through Joseph Plunkett.

Jack Oulton also made a heroic tackle to stop a potential second try moments later.

Albion, however, regrouped and responded, reasserting control and demonstrating the composure that has characterised their recent run of form.

That response came on 12 minutes when sustained pressure close to the hosts’ line resulted in a try for Joseph Bailey.

Albion's forwards had done the hard work, recycling possession and forcing Leicester backwards, before Bailey powered through to level the scores. Iwan Jenkins added the conversion a minute later, nudging Albion ahead and setting the tone for what was to follow.

Albion's dominance began to tell more clearly as the half progressed. Leicester briefly regained the lead when Plunkett crossed again on 17 minutes, but that moment proved to be the home side's last significant success before the interval.

Albion responded with an emphatic spell that effectively decided the contest before halftime.

Jack Oulton’s try on 28 minutes marked the start of Albion's surge. A period of pressure and accurate execution along with Oulton's trademark run allowed the scrum half space to finish well, with Jenkins again converting to swing momentum firmly back in Plymouth’s favour.