WFL

Double delight for Brady Maccabi U9's

Danny Caro — Tue, 14 May 2013 16:33:20 +0100

WATFORD FRIENDLY LEAGUE UNDER-NINE SPRING SHIELD
NORTHWOOD 1 BRADY MACCABI 2

A last-ditch effort from Sam Meisel helped Brady Maccabi under-nine Red’s complete the league and cup double after winning the Watford Friendly League Spring Shield.

A dramatic 2-1 victory over Northwood helped the team end their first season in non-Jewish football on a high.

Cheered on by their biggest crowd of the season, a first-half strike fro Ben Barnett put Brady in front against a Northwood team who play two divisions above them.

Northwood equalised three minutes from time but Brady won the match with the last kick of the game when a goal-kick from Sam Meisel looped over the Northwood keeper and into the back of the net.

Brady joint-manager Wayne Meisel said: “For a debut season, these boys have exceeded all expectations. We’ve beaten three teams from higher divisions to lift the trophy. It’s a big achievement.

"We asked the boys to enjoy the game and give it their all - they certainly did that and more. They are a great bunch of boys and a credit to Brady Maccabi and we all look forward to the challenges of next season.”

Co-manager David Tibber commented: “The boys were amazing. They battled every second of the match. We played a formation to contain the opposition in a game that we knew would be tight It was the perfect ending to the perfect season."

Stonegrove Park bows out on a high

Mon, 13 May 2013 13:11:09 +0100

WATFORD FRIENDLY LEAGUE UNDER 18 GREEN DIVISION
STONEGROVE PARK TIGERS 2 POTTERS BAR 1

Stonegrove Park, established in 2003, ended their season and their existence on a high on Sunday, bowing out with a hard fought victory over Potters Bar.

Founder and Club Secretary, Mark Simmons said: "It has been a great 10 years for Stonegrove Park FC, but along with the other committee members, we have decided that the club has run its course and with the sole remaining team being mainly too old to compete in youth football next year, it seemed a natural time to close the club."

The club's final game was at their home ground at Northwick Park, with a good crowd of well-wishers turning up to support the home team.

Potters Bar started the game well, but it was Stonegrove Park who piled on the early pressure to open the scoring in the 12th minute when the ball broke loose towards the Potters bar goal and Joe Myers was quicker to the ball than the Potters goalie to poke the ball into the back of the net.

It was Potters Bar's turn to apply the pressure and there followed several minutes of sustained pressure, and several corners attacking Stonegrove’s goal, before the pressure paid off for Potters Bar who equalised, and so it remained at half time, one all.

The second half was also a tight affair, with both sides having chances. Stonegrove’s back four of Michael Simons, Mehar Sethi, Ben Kreiger and man of the match Barnaby Powell had a solid performance and some fine saves from Sam Ellard in goal ensured Potters Bar’s second half was unfruitful.

It was the hard-working midfield of club captain Paul Cotter, Alex Chaimo, Ethan Ezra and Scott Greenfield who supported Noah Style when he scored Stonegrove’s winning goal with 10 minutes to go.

Assistant-manager Philip Style was suitably honoured that his son should score the final goal for Stonegrove Park.

So it finished 2-1 to Stonegrove Park, a fantastic way to go out.

Manager Kevin Bernbaum, who was presented with a Spurs shirt by the team at the end of the match, said: "This was a great team performance, with Stonegrove Park exceeding the extra 20 per cent I asked for in the second half.

"A special mention is due to Ethan Ezra and Noah Lachs for playing out of position up front today, and also to those other squad player who were not here today, including my son Joel Bernbaum."

Stonegrove Park started in 2003 with two teams in the now defunct AJY league, and developed to a peak of four teams during its lifetime.

Mark Simmons, the club secretary was the final ever AJY football manager of the year. Stonegrove Park also had teams in the Maccabi Leagues and in the later years the Watford Friendly League, peaking in 2009-10 when the Under-14's won the Watford Friendly League U14s Green Division as managed by Simon Greenfield and Sharon Eskenazy.

Mark Simmons finished by saying: "I am just pleased that we enabled so many boys and some girls to play competitive football over these past 10 years. I hope they remember their time with us fondly."

Double delight for Lions U9's

Danny Caro — Mon, 13 May 2013 13:08:43 +0100

London Maccabi Lions Blue under-nine’s are toasting double delight after finishing their first season in the Watford Friendly League in style.

The team excelled in their first year of competitive football, winning 14 games out of 16 to seal the league title and Spring Cup.

Lions’ success means that three out of five divisions in the WFL under-nine category have been won by Jewish teams.

Lions: Sam Garcia, Adam Hart, Jake Glazer, Joel Lipman, Oliver Rokenson, JJ Rubinoff, Noa Shapps, Richie Abramson, Freddie Kaye, Jonah Horne

Cup final heartbreak for LML U10's

Tue, 07 May 2013 14:08:28 +0100

WATFORD FRIENDLY LEAGUE UNDER 10 CUP FINAL
LONDON MACCABI LIONS A 2 WHETSTONE WANDERERS TIGERS 3 (AFTER EXTRA-TIME)

London Maccabi Lions'S under-10 A team experienced heartbreak as they were edged out 3-2 by the Tigers, losing to a late winner in the last minute of extra-time to Whetstone Wanderers Tigers.

The match was a thrilling contest between the WFL's two best under-10 teams, with the Lions, who had recently become the first under-10 Lions team to achieve runners-up spot in the top WFL Red Division, facing newly-crowned champions Whetstone.

The match was played at the stadium of Harvesters FC in bright sunshine between a crowd of nearly 200, all enthralled at the standard of football being played by boys of this age.

Whetstone, with several professional club academy representatives in their ranks, were immediately pushed on to the back foot by a focused Lions team, who played their way through Whetstone with neat interplay and strong desire.

Whetstone launched quick breaks, but Lions keeper Oli Kent held firm and produced a number of sharp saves.

The Lions forged ahead after 15 minutes as Joseph Sher carried the ball down the Whetstone left before playing in Sam Clarfield on the left-hand side of the box to slip the ball into the far right corner of the net.

A stunned Whetstone tried to strike back pressing Lions down the wings, but a very discipline midfield held firm and Eli Miller and Ethan Myers gave yet another defensive masterclass to see Lions to half time leading 1-0.

The second half saw Whetstone become increasingly frustrated. Lions captain Daniel Misrahi went close from a Ben Lever corner and Harry Dryan hit the post after a superb cross shot volley from outside the box with Whetstone being limited to long-distance efforts.

Ultimately the Lions were punished for not finishing the game off as Whestone equalised after a defensive loss of concentration and a goalmouth scramble 10 minutes from time.

The momentum now shifted to Whetstone and two minutes later Whetstone's outstanding central midfielder, playing his last match before joining QPR's Academy, smashed in a shot from 20 yards to give Whetstone a 2-1 lead.

With time running out, the Lions rallied in search of an equaliser against a well-drilled Whetstone defence and a stunning strike from Jordan Copans took the tie to extra-time. Receiving the ball on the right wing halfway inside the opposition half, he took the ball in his stride to beat the first Whetstone defender before turning inside, beating the second man just inside the box, taking on the final defender and then curling a last gasp spectacular equaliser.

Lions were the stronger team in the first half of extra-time but they were unable to make the breakthrough and the match looked destined for penalties until Whetstone won a late corner. From the whipped in corner the Whetstone centre forward, the WFL's top scorer with 35 goals in all competitions this season, rose to power an unstoppable header into the Lions net.

With just seconds remaining, the Lions threw everything forward, but Whetstone held on to break the young Lions hearts and secure the cup.

The Lions should take great pride from their performance in this match and over the season as a whole and in a few years time these boys - six of whom have now played together for four years - will be looking to form the foundation of future generations of Maccabiah squads.

Hendon United win Watford Spring Shield

Danny Caro — Tue, 07 May 2013 10:03:26 +0100

WATFORD LEAGUE SPRING SHIELD UNDER 18 FINAL
HENDON UNITED 3 ALEXANDRA PARK WEST 2

Hendon United under-18’s won the Watford League Spring Shield with a 3-2 victory over Alexandra Park West.

Yehuda Korman, David Ullmann and an own goal set up the win in a tight encounter at Harvesters FC.

Hendon manager Alan Steuer said: "This was a real team performance and the achievement was all the more impressive with the majority of our team in the under 17 age category."

The team remain in contention for the WFL under-18 Yelllow division title with two games of the season remaining.

Brady U9's win again

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 11:06:33 +0000

WATFORD FRIENDLY LEAGUE UNDER NINE DIVISION
BRADY MACCABI 3 ALEXANDRA PARK 1

Brady's challenge for top spot in the Watford Friendly League Green Division continues with yet another convincing win.

Daniel Dutch hit the post twice before Noah Graft scored the opener for Brady on the stroke of half time after slick passing from Freddie Martin and Jamie Baum.

Sam Meisel in goal made an outstanding save early in the second half to preserve the lead and Jordan Smith and Ben Tibber defended bravely against Alexandra Park's skilful strikeforce who eventually force an equaliser.

But further goals from Benjy Randall and man of the match Ben Barnett, who dribbled half the length of the pitch to clinically slot home the third, sealed the win for Brady.

London Lions round-up: September 16

James Masters — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 12:29:13 +0100

Sam Stead scored twice as London Maccabi Lions Green claimed a 4-1 win in their under-18 Watford Friendly League clash against Croxley Guild Cougars.

Oron Sheldon and Isaac Virchis were also on target as Lions cruised to victory.

Lions White eased to a 3-1 win in their under-15 contest against Chorleywood with Jordan Grundman, Louis Greenham and Dylan Kaye on the scoresheet.

Lions Blue hit Hampstead for six in their under-15 league game.

Jonny Byer, Benjy Katz, Jordan Nathan, Josh Peleg and Adam Burchall got the goals as Lions won 6-0.

In the under-14 section, Lions White carved out a 3-1 win over Harvesters with Josh Feldman, Ben Case and Mikey Perkins the goalscorers.

Nathan Davis hit four as Lions Blue claimed a 7-3 win over Edson Youth in the under-13 division.

Sam Bookman, Sam Martin and Aiden Raphael completed the rout.

Lions White were held to a 3-3 draw by Sandridge in the under-12 division.

Joel Walters, Gabe Yawitch and Jack Miller earned their side a point.

In the under-11 section, Louis Blaire scored twice as Lions Blue overcame Sandridge 5-3.

Eytan Miler, Rafi Zamet and an own-goal completed the scoring.

Lions Green suffered a heavy 14-1 defeat with Joseph Franklin the sole goalscorer.

Zack Francis’ double helped Lions Blue win their under-ten clash against Hadley Rangers.

Matt Harris and Scott Rose helped secure a 4-2 victory.

Lions Green were made to settle for a 2-2 draw against Bushey & Oxhey with Jake Frank and Corey Baskind the scorers.

Lions Blue defeated Enfield Rangers 2-0 in their under-nine clash courtesy of goals from Joel Lipman and Oliver Rokenson.

Lions Green thrashed Whetstone Wanderers 7-0 with Jake Shooter netting four times.

Jake Bernstein, Joseph Davidson and Max Schiller wrapped up the win.

London Maccabi Lions youth round-up: Sept 9

Danny Caro — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 12:05:52 +0100

London Lions White secured a crushing 4-1 victory over Chorleywood in the under-18 section of the Watford Friendly League.

Rob Cohen, Michael Kenley, David Seitler and Zachary Skry were all on target.

Lions Green suffered a 3-1 defeat against Bridgedale Rovers with Adam Lipman the scorer.

In the under-15 section, Lions White drew 1-1 at Harvesters North courtesy of Dylan Kaye’s effort.

Lions Blue were beaten 4-1 by Enfield Rangers in their under-14 clash with Joshua Morgan netting for the home side.

In the under-12 section, Lions Red triumphed 2-1 over Harvesters North with Dylan Bull and Joe Leslie grabbing the goals.

Daniel Mishrahi and Joseph Sher got the goals as Lions White defeated Whetstone Wanderers Tigers in their under-10 match.

Ollie Dagul helped Lions Blue secure a 1-1 draw with Harvesters Yellow, while Lions Green ran out 2-0 winners over Gadeside.

London Maccabi Lions under-9’s White, managed by Nigel Burns and Joel Philips, beat Borehamwood Youth 13-1 in their first-ever competitive match in the League Cup.

A few days later, LML U9's thumped AC Finchley South 11-1 in the team's first-ever midweek match. Dylan Phillips (3), Oliver White (3), Jason Burns (2), Joe Abrahams (2) and one own goal.

Lions Blue saw off Finchley Revolution 4-1 in their latest under-9 match.

Richie Abrahamson, Jake Glazer, Joel Lipman and Joseff Rubinoff were all on the scoresheet.

Lions Green fell to a 2-1 defeat against Oakhill Tigers with Joseph Davidson netting.

Red-hot Lions U18s show off their six packs

Danny Caro — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:41:03 +0100

WATFORD FRIENDLY LEAGUE UNDER 18 DIVISION
London Maccabi Lions 6 Gladstone 1

Lions maintained their treble charge with a 6-1 demolition of Gladstone in a game where Joshua Bloom and Charlie Rubin fired hat-tricks.

But it needed a fine display from keeper Dan Lipman who Lions boss Nicky Bloom named man-of-the-match after an "outstanding display" which featured a number of crucial saves, including one from the penalty spot.

The Lions scored some quality goals but only played well in patches and Bloom acknowledged "that with three games on the spin now against Limassol, we are going to have to play a lot better and more consistently if we are to prevail over them."

Taking the positives out of the result, Bloom went on to say: "A win is a win and this still keeps us very much in touch with the top of the table."

Lions were rewarded for an excellent start with a goal from Bloom produced a clever dinked finish onrushing keeper.

Rubin then claimed the first of his three goals with a rasping effort into the top corner. Bloom made it 3-0 following some good work from Jordan Marks on the left midway through the first half.

Lions appeared to take their foot off the gas and allowed Gladstone to come at them and it needed the reflexes of Lipman as well as the woodwork to take them into the break 3-0 up.

A half-time grilling from the management failed to lift the Lions at the start of the second half as Gladstone continued to press.

Lipman came to the rescue again after some sloppy defending led to a penalty for Gladstone, but the stopper got down sharply to his right to save the spot-kick.

Bloom was first to complete his hat-trick, and 27 goal of the season, with a header following a quality cross from Marks on the left.

And there was still time for Rubin to notch up his third with two more excellent strikes.

Brilliant Bloom puts Lions into Challenge Cup final

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 21:50:57 +0100

CHALLENGE CUP SEMI-FINAL
London Lions U18 Alexandra Park

London Lions came from behind to keep their treble dreams alive with a hard fought win over Alexandra Park.

The game was played in perfect conditions at Rowley Lane, with very little to choose between two quality sides who put on an excellent footballing exhibition.

Chances were few and far between with the match largely being battled out in the midfield. Lions' central two of Charlie Rubin and David Nezri must be mentioned for the platform they provided and the amount of work they got through throughout the full 90 minutes.

After a goalless first half, the visitors forged ahead 10 minutes into the second period from the penalty spot.

Benji Weinberger was becoming a more influential figure and it was he who played an excellent ball through to Josh Bloom for him to slot home nicely with an hour gone to bring the Lions level.

Jordan Marks was always a threat down the left and his attacking play was providing chances as the half wore on. From yet another mazy run from him he put a superb cross into the box for Bloom to get there ahead of the keeper and put Lions 2-1 up.

There was still some 10 minutes to go, but rather than sitting back the Lions carried on taking the game to Alexandra Park and we were able to see the game out and make their second final of the season.

Lions joint-manager Nicky Bloom said: ""It was a simply phenomenal performance from the boys today as they came from behind against very tough and determined opposition to make it through to the final.

"The effort and commitment was immense and the culmination of both a season's and 11 years worth of work from the management team.

"Oli had words of inspiration and praise for the boys at the end and it is a tribute to him that he has got the boys to where they now are."

The Lions will take on Leverstock Green in the Challenge Cup final on May 13.