closeicon
Sport

Lions have shown great improvement, says Newman

articlemain

London Maccabi Lions A returned to the top of the table after exacting revenge on former boss Eilon Kennet in their final game of the season at Rowley Lane.

Nick Goodman and Jonny Cutter registered for Lions in the 2-1 win against Redbridge Jewish Care at Rowley Lane. Victory takes them a point clear at the top, although Hendon have four games in hand.

Ben Sollosi pulled one back for RJC.

Lions joint-manager Josh Newman told JC Sport: "It was nice to end the season with a victory against last year’s double winners and to guarantee second spot.

"The players, who as Eilon mentioned are largely the same as last year, have been fantastic to show such great improvement.

"Hopefully we will be able to offer more of a challenge next year and progress further in the cup competitions."

RJC boss Eilon Kennet told JC Sport: "I agree with Josh. There has been a big improvement between the old Lions we beat at Fairlop and the new Lions we played last Sunday, but I'm at a loss as to why he didn't praise the eight new players who didn't play for the A team last season. There's no question that they plugged the gaps which where exposed earlier.

However, and with out taking anything away from Lions, losing on Sunday was largely our own fault, as it's not possible to play against teams as good as Lions without any subs.

"As a result, and this has happened to us several times this season, with over 30 minutes to go and comfortably winning 1-0, we were reduced to 10 fit players and it's not possible to compete at this level with 10 men.

Moreover, as players flagged in difficult conditions, we were not able to replace or strengthen.

"Lions, on the other had, were able to use all their subs and finished much stronger than us, eventually scoring their goals.

"Again, I do want to stress that I don't want to take anything away from Lions, but for what it's worth, I remain certain that even with just one sub, we would not have succumbed."

Share via

Want more from the JC?

To continue reading, we just need a few details...

Want more from
the JC?

To continue reading, we just
need a few details...

Get the best news and views from across the Jewish world Get subscriber-only offers from our partners Subscribe to get access to our e-paper and archive