MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A 2 REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A 3
A last-minute strike from Adam Hakimi moved Redbridge to within two points of leaders Raiders by sealing their ninth league win in game three of these epic encounters, another five-goal thriller.
Redbridge needed to start on the front foot but all the best-laid plans were in tatters after seven minutes. A sloppy corner conceded saw Hendon take the lead after two minutes with confusion from the Redbridge keeper and defenders and a one-yard tap-in.
Hendon were in the ascendency and they doubled their lead following a mazy run and smart finished to leave RJC shellshocked.
The hosts missed a couple of other decent chances as the impressive Zac Lewis was denied by the post after a mesmerising run and then Ari Last was denied what manager David Garbacz described as "a clear penalty" for handball with the ref claiming he was unsighted.
However after that blistering first 25 minute spell Hendon started to defend deeply and take their foot off the pedal as Redbridge pushed them back and slowly but surely they got back into the game
Games turn on marginal decisions Redbridge started to grow into the game and with a free-kick parried by Corin, Dean Nyman snapped up the rebound for a simple finish.
Half-time came and it was Redbridge now on the front foot. Defensively, the recently-retired Darren Brown was looking serene alongside Hakimi who was a major doubt before the game.
RJC dominated for large periods in the second half as we struggled to get any sort of possession. After 15 minutes with Corin looking unbeatable, a driving inside run by Daniel Garfinkle
Redbridge were in total dominance now and it now became Redbridge versus Russell Corin. From a cross on the right, Goldman headed a goal-bound bullet but Corin somehow leapt to his right and fully stretched pulled off a remarkable save. He then kept out two goal-bound shots from Ben Sollosi and a header from Hakimi and it looked to be heading for a draw.
But Redbridge got a corner with one minute left and with the ball rebounding from the tireless Berkley, it fell to the feet of Hakimi and he buried it into the net.
Rafi Kon and Yoav Kestenbaum registered for Hendon.
RJC boss Jon Jacobs told JC Sport: "This was another pulsating thriller with both sets of players a credit to their clubs.
"This sets up nicely game four in the Morrison next week and after 24 goals in the previous three games, it won’t lack excitement for sure!"
Hendon boss David Garbacz told JC Sport: "We were extremely disappointed to lose this match after fighting so hard for so long.
"Redbridge have such quality up front – for me Garfinkle is the player of the year and he has caused us endless problems every time we play them. We have to deal with him much better next week or we will out the Morrison as well.
"I could not fault my players for effort or commitment – we really wanted to come out of this game with at least a point but perhaps their extra incentive in needing the points was psychologically a crucial factor.
"Once again though this was a real classic match between two excellent football teams who are both a huge credit to our under-fire league.
"Although we lost today and at times were under the cosh, we still go into next week’s final chapter of these thrillers against Redbridge confident that we can turn this result around and come out on top. Let me assure you – we will not go out wondering that’s for sure."
