MGBSFL DIVISION TWO
NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C 0 MACCABI LONDON LIONS B 4

Sam Marchant saluted his Lions after a deadly double from Benji Weinberger helped them B secure the runners-up spot and promotion to end NLR's hopes of a top two finish.

The Lions had a long morning drive to Uxbridge where they faced third-placed North London Raiders C away in the league. With Lions needing one point to secure second place and automatic promotion, there was a lot at stake. The Raiders knew anything but victory would be likely to keep them in the same division for next season.

Lions started the brighter of the teams and were rewarded eight minutes in. A long free-kick was swung in by Sammy Kingston and met by Abadi, however the keeper got down superbly to deny the header. Abadi from the tightest of angles regained possession of the ball and smashed it past the keeper to make it 1-0.

At this point, Lions were in complete control, stringing passes together by the dozen and creating space all over the pitch.

Charlie Cohen, out on the left, was tormenting the Raiders defence and had a couple chances however the Raiders keeper was in fine form to deny him both times. The continued pressure paid off as a fantastic long ball was played over the top to Weinberger who took no prisoners by unleashing the ball into the roof of the net. 2-0 Lions.

It was in the 44th minute that arguably the best move of the game occurred. Some fantastic interplay by A. Lipman, Abadi, Kingston, Fattal and Cohen led to Winters having a tap in at the far post but he was unable to control his shot as it went over the bar. Lions went in at half time two goals to the good.

Lions boss Sam Marchant asked for more of the same from the boys and that is exactly what he got. The Lions again started bright, creating chances but where unable to take them. In the 70th minute, Charlie Cohen went on a typical mazy run and struck a fantastic shot from outside the box which whistle passed the keeper and into the net. 3-0. This goal took all the remaining wind out of the Raiders sails and the Lions knew at this point that the job was virtually done.

Weinberger capped off the fine Lions performance with a stunning left foot half-volley into the top right-hand corner to send Lions into the first division in sheer style.

Celebrations at the final whistle ensued with water being sprayed as if it was champagne. The maltesters were shared round the changing room at the end of the match.

A special mention goes to Zac Rose who made his debut at centre-half, both holding midfielders Adam Abadi and Adam Lipman and Charlie Cohen out on the wing.

Lions boss Sam Marchant told JC Sport: "We are delighted to be promoted. Our target at the beginning of the season was exactly that and it feels fantastic to have achieved it and in such style.

"The football we played at times today was truly sensational. The team knew what today meant and it's importance and they went out with he required hunger and desire.

"Everyone on the pitch was exceptional and we can now relax and celebrate the achievement!"