JC MJSL Joan Collins Premier Division
Haroldeans 4 Republic of Mancunia 1st 1
Haroldeans maintained their 100 per cent record with a convincing 4-1 victory over Republic 1st.

An entertaining game saw Republic start the better. They forged ahead in the 20th minute through a Mike Gastwirth strike.

The Merseysiders continued to dominate the game until, against the run of play, Republic's Alistair Goldsmith was brought down in the box. Goldsmith himself stepped up and put the penalty away.

But this was as good as it got for Republic as Cavral Christian restored Haroldeans' advantage on the stroke of half time.

From then on, Haroldeans were in charge. Their third goal, scored by Bobby Abrams, was a wonderful lob over Mike Hershman in the Republic goal.

Abrams then rounded it off with a fourth, his second, to seal the win for Haroldeans.

Haroldeans assistant-manager Fraser Saville told JC Sport: "This was our toughest test so far this season.

"Republic are a very good side and they definitely started the game on top. They deservedly went ahead as we weren’t at the races, but once we got the penalty, we started to take command.

"Overall it was a good performance but what was especially pleasing was coming from behind to win as the guys could easily have let their drop."

"Special mention to Bobby Abrams for his sensational goal past Mike Hershman, who by the way, was undoubtedly their best player as without him, it could easily have been seven or more.”

Republic representative Jamie Lyons said: “We started this game on top, no doubt. However, a very debatable penalty, completely against the run of play, brought them back in it.

"From then on, we were second best. We were second to every ball, second in every 50-50 and just not hungry enough.

"Collectively, we were all very disappointed after the game. However, we have identified the problems and we hope to rectify those swiftly.

"To stress, those problems are not personnel related, more of a team attitude problem.

"We can’t blame the defeat on the referee, but he was not great. Haroldeans deservedly won, but giving the penalty, the referee certainly made it easier for them.”