PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND TWO
MANCHESTER MACCABI 2nd 0 REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A 3
"It is sometimes when you are in adversity that you learn about your squad and today was one of those days". Those were the words of Redbridge Jewish Care boss Jon Jacobs after his team marched into the third round of the Jewish FA Cup following a 3-0 victory at Brooklands.
Up against it with half the team either injured or unavailable, Redbridge pulled all their resources and played half of the boys away at University who showed tremendous committment for the cause by turning up in Manchester for a cup tie.
Adie Kaye, Tony Gellman and Greg Louca had promised Jacobs the game would be on and true to their word, the pitch was boggy but playable.
An even opening 25 minutes, with very little to choose, was changed when Ryan Cole sent in one of his trademark deliveries that saw a towering header from Jordan Sapler from 15 yards out into the back of the net.
At half-time there was very little to choose but with the break came a few tweaks and with the knowledge of roll on/roll off, a chance to take a few risks.
Top-scorer Daniel Garfinkle was taken off and Scott Oldstein moved up front. This played instant dividends with Cole again delivering an assist with a tremendous through ball that saw Oldstein advance and slot the ball home for a 2-0 lead.
Redbridge now relaxed and dominated proceedings with Matt Kemp in the Redbridge goal having precious little to do and the imperious Niman and Sampler dominant at the back.
Danny Berg was rolling back the years and even got involved in "a bit of argy bargy" but the coup de grace came from a superb run by Oldstein that saw the keeper upend him and a penalty awarded. With Ben Sollosi off the pitch after a driving performance, up stepped Berg for a superb penalty and the final nail in the coffin.
Reflecting on the 3-0 scoreline, Jacobs commended his troops for "a very professional performance and a testament to the strength in depth with Redbridge".
He told JC Sport: "We pinned Danny Caro’s prediction up in the changing rooms and enjoyed throwing darts at it after the game.
"The bagels tasted so much better with the victory though I must thank the aforementioned Gellman, Kaye and Louca for their hospitality and for ensuing the game got played."
Jacobs was also keen to comment on the "roll-on, roll-off rule that is a feature of the Peter Morrison Trophy. He said: "The rule was thrown out by the Maccabi league as the teams voted against it. Redbridge were the only team to vote for it and that view has been given more power by today.
"You are able to take a squad of 15 to Manchester and give them all some game time. It keeps teams together and makes everyone feel a part of it. The ref knew who the subs were and was very happy to allow for quick changes so it really added to the occasion. I urge the clubs to consider at this again for next season."
Maccabi boss Greg Louca told JC Sport: "It was a battling performance. We were right in the game without ever creating any meaningful chances. But we never caved in and fought until the end."
