CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP SEMI-FINAL
FC TEAM A 1 NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A 3
A Ben Joseph inspired North London Raiders secured L’Orange a third consecutive trip to the Anekstein Cup final at Wingate and Finchley on a windy morning at the Ark.
The first half was very much one-way traffic, with Raiders creating a number of clear-cut opportunities but unable to take any of them.
First Zaidman pushed David Dinkin’s goal-bound effort on to the post after great wing play by Jordan Marks. Then Oscar Wagner also hit the same post, again after excellent play by Marks.
Dinkin and Ricky Engleman both should have done better when put through on goal as Raiders upped the pressure. Finally, just before half-time, Raiders got the reward they deserved, a super pass from Josh Morris set Wagner away down the right wing, his teasing cross was met by a half clearance that deflected off ENGLEMAN via another FC Team defender and past the despairing Zaidman in goal.
The second half started as the first half finished with Raiders in the ascendency led by the strong midfield trio of Joseph, Engleman and Jonny Kay. The lead was soon double when Dinkin’s ball put Marks away down the left wing and his measured cross was expertly tucked away by the in-form ENGLEMAN, making it five consecutive games in which the midfielder has netted, a very strong start to 2016.
Team did pull one back soon after when a clever free-kick was smashed home by the tall figure of ROB SANFORD at the back post.
Moment later though the two-goal lead was restored after some wizardry from Joseph. Picking up the ball out 30 yards from goal, Joseph effortlessly glided past four defenders and then unselfishly squared for a tap in for ENGLEMAN.
In the closing minutes Raiders had chances to add to their lead with Joseph hitting the bar with a cheeky chip from the edge of the box, Marks seeing a couple of efforts well saved and Wagner missing a couple of other gilt edged opportunities.
But the missed chances were of no concern as soon after Cooper blew full time and Raiders were heading to Wingate again.
Raiders boss Rob Richman told JC Sport: "This was a really superb performance, up there with the best we’ve played all season. To a man we were focused on securing our third consecutive Anekstein cup final and that is exactly what we achieved.
"There were some very good performances with Pistol, Engleman and Marks deserving praise but Ben Joseph was streets ahead of anyone on the pitch. He ran the game from the first minute to the last minute and his ability in creating the third goal was truly brilliant."
Looking ahead to the final showdown, he added: "We’ve faced Oakwood in the semi-final of the Anekstein for the last two years and each year I’ve felt the quality on show would befit a final so I’m very excited for what will be a classic.
"To beat Hendon at Hadley is an achievement in itself but to do it 5-0 is particularly impressive, we congratulate them and look forward to seeing them on April 17."
