MGBSFL DIVISION TWO
FAITHFOLD C 1 SCRABBLE FC 3
Ray Abrahams saluted his players after Scrabble FC secured the Division Two title at the first attempt after beating Faithfold 3-1 to mark a memorable first season back in the MGBSFL.
Goals from Zak McLeod, Adam Waters and Elliott Espinoza sparked scenes of wild celebrations as the team became the first in the Maccabi League to secure a title this season.
SEE MATCH PHOTOS AND CELEBRATIONS
Scrabble arrived in Finchley knowing that one win from their remaining two games would see them promoted as champions. And they did not disappoint.
With a fair crowd of supporters watching and league Chairman David Wolfe in attendance, the scene was set for a memorable morning
Impressive from the kick-off, they looked in a determined mood to take the game to Faithfold and with a strong line-up they were denied twice in the opening minutes by the Faithfold keeper.
However, it was Ben Law in the Scrabble goal and so consistent all season who pulled off a brilliant save to deny Faithfold the lead. From the clearance McLeod on a mazy run into the Faithfold penalty area saw his shot saved but not held and scored from the follow up to put Scrabble 1-0 up on 17 minutes.
Two minutes later a powerful cross-shot from Adam Waters made it 2-0.
Both teams then had various opportunities to add to the score and on the half hour mark Scrabble's Josh Flax was unlucky when his powerful header went just wide of the post.
Scrabble captain-for-the-day Elliot Espinoza was also unlucky on 35 minutes to have a superb goal ruled out for offside.
The teams went off at half time with the score at 2-0 and Scrabble 45 minutes away from the title.
On 60 minutes Faithfold set up a tense finish to the game when they scored after a superb run into the box by their centre forward. And with the game now flowing end to end any doubts about Scrabble's title credentials on the day were settled on 80 minutes when a superb dipping shot from Espinoza beat the Faithfold keeper to make it 3-1.
Scrabble now had two substitutes on and fresh legs to see out the game and the title was won with a game to spare.
Manager Ray Abrahams told JC Sport: "We were superb today and controlled the game from start to finish. We saw some big performances from my players when it really mattered.Our defence looked really solid today and the midfield did not stop working for 90 minutes.
"We played Elliot Espinoza and Danny Sherman up front and they gave the Faithfold defence a tough time. With what was at stake in terms of the title the guys looked cool in the ball and in control and showed no nerves.
"But all season we have battled and worked hard for each other and I am so proud of the way we have gone about our business.
"It's been an honour to manage this squad and now we've had the taste of some silverware we want more days like this!
"We deserve to be Champions because we have been the most consistent side in the league all season and have beaten every team in this league.
"We are approaching 100 goals for the season and have won 19 of our 21 games so I don't think anybody can say we don't deserve this.
"What has set us aside from the other teams in this league is consistency and a determination to dig out games when they have appeared to be lost. We just don't accept the word 'defeat' easily.
"We've kept to a system that has served us well all season and whoever has been asked to do a job for the team has done so.
"The key factors in our success are the way the group has battled for each other and we've had a tremendous spirit and camaraderie in the squad. We've used something like 20 players this season and whenever players have been out of the side they've shown a superb attitude to win back the shirt. The guys are a close-knit group and have worn the Scrabble shirt with pride.
"We have a rich history and players from Scrabble teams past have shown great interest in what we are doing this season and we're pleased to have revived the club and feel that in winning the title we have perhaps began the journey of reviving the glory days of the past. We like the feeling of winning things and hope that today is just the start.
"Next season will give us a bigger test but we will look to strengthen the squad in the summer and sign the players we need to compete in Division One next year. We will only sign players who will improve the squad and not just because they are available.
"We are not going to be in Division One just to make up the numbers and we want to mount a serious challenge again next season in the league because the prize next time is a place in the Premier League. That is our ultimate goal and we hope to achieve this as soon as we can."
