MGBSFL DIVISION TWO
SCRABBLE FC 2 MACCABI LONDON LIONS B 1
Scrabble extended their winning streak with a vital 2-1 victory over title rivals Lions B.
This was an "absolute classic" of a contest, according to Scrabble FC boss Ray Abrahams, with "two fantastic sides giving 100 per cent commitment to produce a great game".
The opening period saw Lions on top, but it was Scrabble who scored against the run of play after 20 minutes after a superb move and finish by Elliot Espinoza.
Scrabble came forward and their passing game a real threat to Lions who were now on the back foot.
The second half featured a real ding-dong battle, with both teams playing some fantastic football.
Then came the "goal of the day" for Scrabble as Josh Flax lashed an outrageous 35-yard volley into the net to double the lead.
Scrabble boss Ray Abrahams shuffled his pack by replacing one of his full-backs by introducing a third central defender in Adam Newman, and he also brought on Jonathan Perlmutter to beef up the midfield in place of striker Adam Pearlman.
Lions stepped up a gear and were awarded a penalty only to be denied by a brilliant save by Scrabble keeper Ben Law, who was in top form throughout.
Law was eventually beaten by Nick Landesberg eight minutes from time as the Lions threw everything at Scrabble who were forced into a dramatic goalline clearance to ensure maxmimum points and make it seven wins from seven league games amid huge celebrations.
Jubilant Scrabble FC boss Ray Abrahams told JC Sport: "This was a classic - we knew it would be our hardest game of the season to date and all the lads were terrific today and gave everything."
Lions manager Samuel Marchant told JC Sport: "The result today is one that is unjust. The better team lost. We had at least 60/65 per cent possession, created seven or eight clear-cut chances, missed a penalty, and had a goal not given just before the final whistle as a corner was clearly headed in and over the line, the distance over the line reminiscent of Pedro Mendes away at Old Trafford. In other words, we dominated the game from the start, weren’t clinical, and were also unlucky.
"We expected much more from Scrabble who have had a fantastic start to the season, yet they did get the win and that is football after all.
"Scrabble managed to trouble the fantastic and just 16 years old goalkeeper Rabstein once. Their first goal came from sloppy defending from a free kick, and their second a 30-plus yard wonder volley. The ball didn’t run for us today, and on another day, it’s 4-0 at half time.
"It was an unfortunate day for us yet our performance was of top quality, the best we’ve played all season. To play the team in the league with the best record, outplay them on their own pitch and not be rewarded for it is a harsh reality. We pick ourselves up and dust ourselves off and head into next week knowing that if we play like that every week, we will be playing football next season in a higher division."
