Last weekend’s match of the day in the Maccabi GB Southern Football League (MGBSL) ended in stalemate as two of the sides vying for the Premier Division title played out a goalless draw.
Leaders Hendon United were unable to increase their lead at the top of the table to five points, while the point a piece meant Yalatasary missed the opportunity to finish the day in first place.
Despite the two dropped points at home, Hendon manager Alex Rosenthal was nevertheless delighted with his side’s performance. He said: “I thought we were outstanding. The only thing missing was a goal. I loved the quality of our football, the fight, the togetherness, and the belief, it was a real statement performance from the lads, who all played their part.”
Believing they deserved the win, he continued: “They gave us a proper test and played in the right spirit, but I felt we definitely deserved more, we had a perfectly good goal chalked off, had other massive chances and dominated the game. We’ll take the positives from keeping a clean sheet and the bar we’ve set.”
As to how he feels the first few weeks of the season have gone, he added: “I’m really pleased with the start. There’s a great spirit in the group and if we keep that level of intensity and togetherness, we should definitely be challenging on all fronts this season.”
Admitting his side were fortunate to come away with a point, Yalatasary manager Buddy Smith said: “Whilst we did have moments today, and had a chance where we should have scored, to be honest I believe Hendon were unlucky to not come away with the win. They played very well so credit to them.
“It was an intense and closely-fought battle, it was one of the hardest and most demanding games we’ve played as a team. I’m disappointed not to have had more of the ball and phases of dominance, but whilst I expect more from us, I’m pleased with the work rate and desire I saw from the boys who had to dig really deep to get a point.
“Hendon are a very well drilled and experienced side who have an incredible group and system to go with it. Their midfielders were absolutely fantastic yet still we went toe to toe with them. I think they edged it in terms of chances and possession, we did well to get a point away at their ground.”
Reflecting on his side’s season to date, he added: “We’ve had some tough fixtures, but it looks like every week will be difficult. Eight points from five games isn’t good enough, but it’s clear the league will be full of twists and turns as everyone will take points from each other.
“From what I’ve seen so far, I’m certain we’ll pick up our consistency and certainly be in the mix to challenge across the board on every front, five cups and the league. We’re learning more about ourselves as the season goes by and I’m blessed with an incredible group of boys with bags of ability and huge levels of commitment. Come the back end of the season for the run-in, it’s about being in and around the top and trust me, we will be there.”
Stoke Salmon moved up to joint-fourth in the table thanks to a 4-1 win at Geez Park Rangers.
Division One leaders Sukkotingham Forest saw their lead at the top cut to a point after they were held to a 1-1 home draw by 40 Year Wanderers. Sam Holden put Wanderers in front, only to be pegged back five minutes later by Eytan Millan’s strike. Wanderers’ manager Sam Anderson said: “It was by no means pretty, but effective. The boys were fantastic. To a man, each and every player did their part in an imperious team display.”
Temple Fortune missed the opportunity to close the gap as they lost 3-2 at third-place Mill Hill Minyan, Zack Gluckstein scored twice for Fortune.
Bottom side Brady Maccabi claimed their first league win as two goals from Guy Nehushtan helped them to a 3-1 win over Hampstead Ducks. Mitchell Gerber scored their third goal.
Real Masmid maintained their four-point lead at the top of Division Two as they thumped Wolverhampstead Wanderers 7-0. David Amor scored twice, with Avi Green, Mikey Selby, Akiva Solomon, Eli Shooter and Rafi Abraham all getting on the scoresheet. Manager Aaron Toubian said: “With some key players out, our late defensive recruitments gave us superb stability at the back, meaning we could play our usual, scintillating football.”
Chopped Villa consolidated second spot as Harley Conway and Olly Dagul scored in a 2-0 win at Redbridge Jewish Care B. Interim manager Jack Rodol said: “Delighted with the performance. We showed real grit and determination to compete in a tough battle while also showing our class on the ball, playing some wonderful football throughout the game.” Redbridge manager Dani Sivan said: “The better team won. An early injury to our goalkeeper forced us into changes that shifted the balance of the game, and from there we struggled to regain control. We’ll regroup, recover and bounce back next week.”
Schlepfield Wednesday are up into third as two goals from Samuel Davis helped them to a 5-2 win at Scrabble. Jacob Dobrin, Oliver Krushner and Zack Obrart completed the scoring. Ethan Gold and Zack Morris scored for Scrabble, with manager Ollie Sugarman saying: “We played some good football, but unfortunately they finished off their chances better than we did, on another day we might’ve got the win but unfortunately today was not that day.”
Bochur Juniors are through to the next round of the Middlesex County Cup after they beat Middlesex County Cup side Assyria on penalties. Finishing 1-1 thanks to Yedidya Solomon’s strike, Micah Levi scored the decisive penalty. Manager Joel Ucko said: “With a squad of just 12, three players picking up and managing injuries during the game and given the huge gap in level between the two clubs, our win was a seismic shock.”
HMH were also penalty shoot-out winners, defeating Hackney Borough FC to make progress in the London Sunday Challenge Cup.
In the Maccabi Master League, London Maccabi Lions moved to within three points off top spot as Wayne Davidson’s hat-trick helped them to a 5-0 win at Hendon Harriers. Scott Levy and Bradley Lazarus were also on target. Joining them on six points are EHRS Stonegrove, who thanks to Nick Riesel’s brace, came away from Temple Fortune with a 5-1 win. Jeremy Kornhauser, Martin Seifert and Antony Levinson also scored.
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