Rechnic’s spot-kick save sends jubilant Wanderers into final

40 Year Wanderers are one match away from winning their first-ever silverware after booking their place in the final of the Maccabi GB Southern Football League (MGBSFL) David Wolff Division One Cup.
Their semi-final clash against Rapid Viennas was locked at 2-2 after 90 minutes and the match then went straight to a penalty shoot-out. Ben Conway, Jamie Smith, Sam Holden, Dexter Purton, and Tom Stepsky all converted from the spot for Wanderers, and after Daniel Rechnic saved Viennas’ second penalty, they prevailed 5-3 on spot kicks.
Sam Holden and Dexter Purton scored Wanderers’ two goals in normal time. Their manager Sam Anderson said afterwards: “No one gave us a chance of reaching the final, but we believed. The boys worked tirelessly to be ready for today and that showed on the pitch.”
Max Aston and Jack Miller scored Viennas’ two goals.
Yallatasary produced the most dramatic of comebacks in their stunning 3-2 win over Stoke Salmon in the semi-final of the Peter Morrison Trophy.
Trailing 2-1 with 94 minutes on the clock, Archie Steinberg levelled the scores deep in stoppage time to send the match into extra time. Scott Rose’s 30-yard free-kick in the 117th minute sealed the win. Yallatasary boss Buddy Smith said: “The game was played at times with a really high intensity and I have to give huge credit to our opponents, who we always have a really good game against, and the margins are always incredible small.
“I take so much pride from the team after games like this. Today’s match was won on sheer will, belief and desire. It’s now time for a lot of them to get some proper rest for the last three league games and an upcoming Super Cup semi-final.
“We’re now in two finals, it doesn’t get bigger than that and we’ll be ready.” Zack Cohen claimed their other goal. They will face Geez Park Rangers in next month’s showpiece final, having already secured their place in the final of the Cyril Anekstein Cup.
Premier League champions HMH completed their league campaign with a thrilling 5-5 draw at relegation-threatened Stopinsky.
Zac Summerfield helped himself to a hat-trick while Clark Norton and Joel Walters were also on the scoresheet.
HMH’s Jake Norton said: “We were down to ten men due to injuries by the end, and competed well in an entertaining game.
“It’s great to finish the league campaign – which has seen us come out on top for a second consecutive season – however, we’ve taken our foot off the gas in recent weeks leading to unforgivable losses against Hendon and GPR.
"It’s time for our boys to step up and put on a display of champions against Yallatasary in the Cyril Anekstein Cup final.”
In the group stages of the David Wolff Division Two Cup, Redbridge Jewish Care B claimed a 1-0 win at Scrabble.
Makeshift centre-back Oli Mehlman scored the only goal and played an integral part in his side keeping a clean sheet.
Redbridge manager Dani Sivan said: “We were only able to field a bare 11 due to unfortunate circumstances and forced to play players out of position. But the lads were outstanding and gave absolutely everything for 90 minutes.”
In the competition’s other tie, a sensational five-goal salvo from Oliver Dagul inspired Chopped Villa to a 7-0 win over Wolverhampstead Wanderers. Jack Rodol and Jayen Groden scored their other two goals.
In the Maccabi Masters League, EHRS Stonegrove spurned the opportunity to close the gap on second-placed Scrabble, losing in a five-goal thriller at St John’s Wood Tigers.
Goals from Jason Rich and Dan Forman put the Tigers 2-0 up at the interval, though Jake Masteran’s double drew the visitors level. However, Adam Barton’s deft lob restored Stonegrove’s lead which ultimately saw them to the points.
Elsewhere, and in a dress rehearsal to the upcoming Charity Cup final, Brady and Temple Fortune played out a hard-fought 2-2 draw. Brady took the lead through an own goal, before Paul Franklin brought Fortune level. Brady took the lead after the break through Adam Brand, but Alan Aaronson equalised in the final minute to earn the hosts a point.