COUNTY CUP LAST 32
MANCHESTER MACCABI 1st 6 CHEERS 1

Tony Gellman described Manchester Maccabi 1st cup triumph over Cheers as the best display of their season.

It was to prove a sobering day for Tameside League outfit Cheers for six.

Super-sub Olly Grant bragged a quickfire hat-trick to confirm the hosts' place in the last-16 of the competition.

Gellman said: “We made every effort to beat the elements and to get the game on - and it was certainly worth it in the end.

"We put a good side who have been performing well in their league to the sword. We haven’t played better all season. Our passing was crisp, we were organised and we were ruthless. I can’t ask any more from my players."

The Accountants Premier League leaders led 2-1 at the break thanks to goals from Louis Basso and Daniel Rubinstein.
Mark Maynard ensured there would be breathing space before Cheers were given a right headache by Grant’s second-half arrival.

Grant converted two penalties before completing his treble late on to leave Gellman purring.

He added: "Olly is desperate to play every week like all the players. We are all pushing each other and there is strength in depth. That bodes well for the rest of the season."