MGBSFL DIVISION TWO
HERTSWOOD VALE 1 CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI 4

A deadly double from Jason Shoffman plus one apiece from Jeff Gotch and Tal Cohen eased Catford to a 4-1 success over Hertswood Vale.

Vale went into the game with a host of injuries and unavailability that led them to start the game with a total of eight natural defenders in the starting XI. From today's performance there was absolutely no doubt in the quality of the squad, just a lack of depth on the day.

Despite this, Vales went into the game fired up after questionable comments from the JC's Danny Caro, labelling Hertswood Vale as one of the league's "lesser teams", whilst Catford manager Jeff Gotch's over-confidence could have been deemed slightly disrespectful.

A delayed kick-off didn't dishearten Vale, as they looked to control the game early on. Luck wasn't on the agenda however as Jordan Harris smacked the post two minutes in, a goal which would've had a significant impact on the forthcoming action.

After a solid opening 20 minutes, the game started to switch in Catford's favour. A thumping header put the Cats ahead, and although Vale pushed for an equaliser, it wasn't to be. With five minutes to go, Catford were awarded a stonewall penalty, which debutant Yaacov Goldin was equal to. Just one of many great saves on a truly decent debut for one of the league's most travelled keepers.

1-0 down going into the second half, once again in the first 20 minutes we looked to control the game. A host of "questionable refereeing decisions" impacted the game as Catford managed to get two goals midway through the second half, whilst the referee also remained unmoved as a goal wasn't given to Vale despite the ball clearly crossing the line.

An inspired run on the right from Harry Graham produced an equally inspired cross into the box which was met by Josh Cohen, Hertswood's answer to Peter Crouch, for his second of the season.

Catford grabbed a fourth late on. Once again, not being able to have a full squad to choose from hindered Vale, but co-manager Jack Shulman told JC Sport: "We're a new team still taking time to gel. We may be latecomers in the league, but don't write us off just yet!"

Cats player-manager Jeff Gotch told JC Sport: "It was not a great performance but it was comfy enough. We missed a penalty hit the bar hit the post, but we'll need to improve in front of goal. Anyway on to Mill Hill."

Responding to Shulman's comments: "I have never disrespected anyone in the 18 years I've been involved in Jewish football – it's just my confidence comes from assembling a top squad and positive attitude. All I hear is our rivals have this many players missing etc, etc – they hit the post and scored a well-worked goal. Bar that didn’t have a shot whereas we missed a catalogue of chances."