SHONN TROPHY SEMI-FINAL
REICH INSURANCE RANGERS 2 SOUTH MANCHESTER SPORTS CLUB 2nd 1

OVADIA KLYNE was the unlikely hero as Reich Insurance Rangers aim to end their season on a high in the Shonn Trophy.

The Reich left-back – at 50 one of the league’s oldest player – ended a five-year wait for a goal by bagging the semi-final winner to sink South Manchester Sports 2nd.

Gary Freeman opened the scoring before South replied via David Searle. But Klyne popped up by heading home at the far post to earn Reich a final spot at Salford. They will play either Leeds Maccabi or Manchester Maccabi Blue, who shocked Oakhill Lions, next month.

Reich director of football Michael Gaswirth said: "We had a lot of players missing but one constant has been Ovadia.

"So if anyone was to score here then it should be him. It was a big win and it keeps our season alive. We have a final to look forward to. And nobody can begrudge us that."

Reich are still awaiting to discover their opponents but it won’t be Oakhill, who saw their double dream die.

Jonny Rose’s side prop up the MJSL table while table-toppers Oakhill lead the way – but that meant nothing here after inflicting a big surprise in the last-eight clash.

Moishe Hasid and Mark Mann’s penalty put Rose’s men on their way. Mann went from hero to zero when he missed another spot-kick and within minutes Osher Landes threw the students a lifeline.

But there was no way through to leave Ross praising his heroes.

He said: “This is just reward for all the hard work put in this season. People might think this was our cup final but we still have another one to go against Leeds. But it’s a game we will approach with no fear.

"We have shown we are a match for most teams this season. It's just that the results have not matched our performance levels."