Defeat will make Manchester Maccabi stronger, says Gellman

Assistant-manager Gellman said: "We don't want to be winning 8-0 every game. Where's the fun in that? You want your games to be competitive. And that's how we have found it. It's a step up but it will only help the players improve.

"It's going to go down to the wire this season. We are one of four teams who can win the league. That's what you want."

Oli Grant's penalty and an own goal was not enough to prevent Manchester Maccabi slipping to just their second defeat of the campaign.

But the only drawback is that league rules prevent them from competing in more than one cup competition.

It meant they could not take their place in the Peter Morrison Trophy, instead settling for a spot in the County Cup.

They face a fourth round tie next month and Gellman said: "The league will look at the situation it next season. Unfortunately rules stipulate that we cannot compete in other competitions this season.

"We would have loved to have taken our place in the Peter Morrison Trophy. With 21 league games to play I understand their stance."