Avi Markiewicz believes Faithfold DocMM White's commitment was the deciding factor as they finished the weekend on top of the MGBSFL after thrashing Camden Park 4-0.
January 13, 2020 13:28
MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
FAITHFOLD DOCMM WHITE 4 CAMDEN PARK 0
What a difference between last year and this. Faithfold had several key players away this week. In fact, probably their three best players this season and the spine of our team; Gideon Rabstein (shoulder), Eli Davila (away) and Akiva Solomon (meniscus). Yet they were able to call upon some excellent players to fill those voids. Chaim Gothold, David Clements and just signed veteran Alex Rosenthal came into the fold and were performed with true class. Added to that, regular left-back, Gideon Caller, replaced his namesake in goal and had a perfect match.
With a bunch of new players and a few out of position, Faithfold weren't sure in the build0up quite how the game would unfold. They started well and dominated the first half.
Yoav Kestenbaum, showing true commitment to the team on his brother's wedding day, came along for the first half and he ran Camden ragged. He got his second goal in as many games after strong and skilful wing play got him through and he made no mistake from a tight angle.
Faithfold should really have been four or five goals up at half-time but a lack of composure in front of goal kept it at just one.
After the break Camden started to push forward more and more. This allowed for a more open game. Faithfold's defence were superb on the day and gave the players further forward foundations to build on. Dovi Vogel and Avi Mocton protected the back five, full-backs Lorian Madanes and Joe Cohen, and with a combined age of 78, Martin Smulovitch and Rosenthal at centre-back were all flawless.
The four times that Camden did manage to break through they found themselves up against an inspired Caller. He made one save early in the first that was nothing short of breathtaking. The ball was played across goal, and from just within the six-yard box the ball was smashed towards goal, somehow Caller managed to leap across and turn the ball around the post for a corner.
The other three times he was called into action he made superb one on one saves when Camden looked certain to score. Rabstein may have a tough time getting his spot back.
Faithfold doubled their lead ten minutes into the second half a corner was cleared to player-manager Avi Markiewicz on the edge of the box and in an almost replica of Cantona's 1996 goal in the FA Cup final against Liverpool, he managed to adjust his body, leap back and volley the ball into the corner of the net.
Faithfold continued to press and when the ball was played high into Jamie Davila, he flicked on an outstanding header into the path of David Leiwy who took a touch before blasting the ball into the roof of the net.
The fourth was a real beauty. Faithfold won a free-kick about 30 yards out wide on the left. Vogel hit a sweet strike that found the top right corner, hit the bar and bounced in.
Just before the final whistle there was time for one more Camden attack and just when they thought they had got a consolation,, Hayim denied his old club by sliding in and hooking the ball off the line to preserve Faithfold's clean sheet.
Delighted Faithfold boss Markiewicz told JC Sport: "This was another class all-round performance. We played some really good football at times but what won us the game was our commitment.
"We were first to every second ball and worked tirelessly to close Camden down at every opportunity. The players who stepped in were magnificent and it's great to have such strength in depth. My problem will be keeping them all happy!
The result saw Faithfold leapfrog defending champions Hendon United Sports to go top, but they have played more games.
Markiewicz went on to say: "It's a great feeling to be top of the league but we are certainly not going to get carried away, we are still the same team as last year with a few additions, some positvity a bit of solid commitment.
"We are under no illusions that HMH and Hendon and to some extent Lions and Oakwood are still the teams to beat, we are just enjoying being here for the moment and will take each game as it comes."
FAITHFOLD: Gideon Caller, Alex Rosenthal, Martin Smulovitch, Joe Cohen, Avi Mocton, Dovi Vogel, Lorian Madanes, David Leiwy, Chaim Gothold, Yoav Kestenbaum, Avi Markiewicz. Subs: David Clements, Jamie Davila, Richard Hayim
SCORERS: Yoav Kestenbaum, Avi Markiewicz, David Leiwy, Dovi Vogel
CAMDEN: Dudi Edreyi, David Fialka, David Khalatschi, Gav Krieger, Guy Marks, Jake Saunders, Max James David Saunders, Richard Harris, Johann Jordi, Daniel Orgel. Sub: Sacha Nusenbaum