HMH moved a step closer to securing a Maccabi GB Southern Football League (MGBSFL) league and cup quadruple on Sunday morning after they booked their place into the semi-finals of the Peter Morrison Trophy.
Having already retained the Premier League title, they have a place in the final of the Cyril Anekstein Cup to look forward to and have now also reached the last four of the ‘Jewish FA Cup’.
Felix Shalom’s stunning volley from the halfway line gave HMH an early lead, and although Hendon drew level through Akiva Restan’s equally-impressive free-kick, Billy Lee netted a late winner in the final ten minutes.
Admitting Sunday’s game was more about the final scoreline than the result, joint-manager Jake Norton said: “It wasn’t our best day today, but we managed to come out in the second half and control the game with much more authority. It was a good win in a big game!”
Describing what he felt was pivotal in their win, fellow joint-boss Alex Moss said: “Both squads were without some key players and I think the depth of our squad got us over the line today. A big shout out to all our lads who keep pushing each other week in week out.”
With even more silverware on the horizon, following last season’s trophy-laden campaign, the trio of HMH’s bosses, Eli Wegrzyn added: “We are always proud to be playing in the biggest games and another semi-final is exactly where we want to be. All we can do is turn up and play the HMH way, with fight, with bravery and with a smile on our face. After that let’s see where end up.”
Hendon manager Alex Rosenthal was left to reflect on a ‘disappointing’ result. He said: “Despite the outcome, it was a really impressive performance from all the lads especially considering we only had eleven men. We showed great character and discipline all game and the guys gave everything.”
Saying he felt his side deserved more from the game, he continued: “After conceding early on, we fought our way back into the game and deservedly drew level. It was a very tight game, but we just ran out of steam and couldn't find another equaliser – but I think our overall display deserved a little more. If we'd have had some substitutes, I think we could have come away with the win.”
Despite the loss, Rosenthal still believes his side can end the season on a winning note, with them still being involved in two competitions. He added: “We'll always give our all to win every game so hopefully can still pick up a trophy. But it's been a tough few months with a crazy injury list that’s massively impacted our season, where we were expecting to win on all fronts.”
Stopinsky picked up a much-needed 2-1 win in the group stage of the MGBSFL Super Cup. A sensational first minute lob from Joe Bregaman got them off to the perfect start, and although Yallatasary responded with an equally sumptuous finish from Jonathan Daniel, the visitors took the points thanks to Ben Barnett’s 85th minute penalty. Manager Jacob Brand said: “It was a great team performance and we dug deep to get the win.” Yallatasary boss Buddy Smith said: “Missing key names meant today was always going to be a tough game. They wanted the game more than us and going in 120% for every battle – ultimately this is the reason we lost. It was a game that had many dangerous situations and a lack of conversion from clear-cut chances, I thought their midfield was fantastic and credit to them for coming to us and getting a good result.”
In the same stage of the competition, Temple Fortune grounded out a 4-3 win over 40 Year Wanderers. Adam Grossman scored twice, with Saul Simons and Bailey Stockman scoring their other two.
Sukkotingham Forest booked their place in the last four of the David Wolff Division One Cup as they beat Bochur Juniors 3-1 on penalties, after the sides played out a 2-2 draw. Eytan Millan and Josh Morris scored for Forest. Yedidya Solomon and Chaim Bordon scored for Juniors, for whom manager Joel Ucko said: “For the first 30 minutes of the first half and the last 30 of the second, we were right at it, got after them and limited them to very few clear chances. Either side of half-time, we were slow and sloppy and they punished us with two top finishes. Penalties are a lottery, I feel for the lads who stepped up because neither side deserved to lose, but that is football. We regroup and go again.”
There were also two fixtures played in the Group Stage of the David Wolff Division Two Cup. Chopped Villa edged past Redbridge Jewish Care B as goals from Daniel Mellor and Charlie Dagul helped them on their way to a 3-2 win.
Schlepfield Wednesday and Wolverhampstead Wanderers played out a 2-2 draw. Oliver Rokenson scored twice for Wednesday, with manager Josh Bond saying: “It wasn’t our finest performance today. We started well in the first 10 minutes and then just invited pressure on ourselves. But it was a good fight at the end to secure the point.”
The one match played in the Maccabi Masters League saw Hendon Harriers move up to fourth place in the table as a hat-trick from John Marrace inspired them to a 5-2 win over St John’s Wood Tigers. Leon Wyse, from the penalty spot, and Dan Stock scored their other two goals. Grant Taylor and Paul Herszaft replied for Tigers.
Elsewhere, the Maccabi Masters Over 60’s booked their place into the final of the National Over 60’s Supplementary Cup thanks to a hard-fought 3-2 victory against Kent Over 60’s. After falling behind, Peter Lazard’s long-range strike brought them level, before Sid Shaw gave them a 2-1 lead from the penalty spot going into half-time. Kent rallied after the break and equalised, before Russell Rich slotted home what proved to be the winner with 15 minutes to go.
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