MGBSFL DIVISION TWO
HERTSWOOD VALE 3 L'EQUIPE 4
L'Equipe boss Nick Stern admitted he team "got away with one this week".
In an honest assessment to JC Sport, Stern praised Hertswood Vale and said they "deserved at least a point and if they play like that the rest of the season they will cause one or two big upsets along the way".
Stern "is still in a bit of shock how we came away with three points, we said a poor performance was always possible but to have that this week, with a small squad and still come away with three points fills me with Chanukah joy".
L’Equipe’s long, unbeaten run remains intact, but only after a resilient performance in the top against bottom clash. Hertswood’s goals came through Josh Cohen, Adrian Leibovitch and Ollie Brill, but L'Equipe, who trailed 3-2 with five minutes remaining, showed championship qualities, with Andy Smith (2) and Grant Bates their other scorers on the day.
Stern went on to question what he described as a bizarre refereeing decision and said: "We were awarded a penalty for when their defender saved Mark Smith header with his hands when the ball was destined for the top corner. I have been playing football for over 20 years and in all my life I have never seen that not resulted in a red but I guess Sunday was a first for that.
"We were extremely disappointed and it left a sour taste for my team and one I will be following up with Maccabi. It resulted in real bad blood between the two teams but thankfully Andy Smith was able to keep his cool after a 10-minute delay to slot home the penalty.
"However, Sunday was all about the ever growing legend of Jon Kay. After falling behind 3-2 we got back into the game in the 87th minute to tie the game but of course it wasn’t over, not when Jon Kay is around, sprinkled in with the fact that it was his birthday meant that magic was always possible. A long goal-kick was flicked on by Mark Smith, the fans were on the edge of the seat confused as to why John Kay didn’t flick it on, it landed at Andy Smith's feet who played the ball forward and there he was bearing down on goal. Tim Lovejoy appeared out of nowhere to state don’t worry its only John Kay but they haven’t met 2016 John Kay, scorer of five in five and L'Equipe legend award winner 2015. He was, he was composed and he play hit the ball in that perfect sweet spot at the end of his boot into the top corner giving the keeper no chance whatsoever. Carnage ensued; Captain Singer slapped Jon Kay to make sure he was real not an alien after his now 6 in 6 record and L Equipe were able to hang on for a huge victory.
"It’s now nine wins from 10 and we go again next week. As I have said all along, one week at a time and as long as we keep battling then we are in with a real chance the rest of the way."
Hertswood joint-manager Jacob Emanuel told JC Sport: "Well well well ... almost the shock of the day. We have literally thrown away the lead against top of league with five minutes to go. The players are absolutely gutted.
"An exceptional second half performance almost got us our first win of the season but it wasn't meant to be. I'm proud of every single player.
"We're bottom of the league without a win this season and we're gutted to only take a point away from games against the two best teams in the division in the past fortnight.
"I hope FC team C are shaking in their boots at the prospect of coming to Borehamwood next Sunday. We'll be waiting.
