MGBSFL DIVISION ONE

FAITHFOLD A A REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B A (Match abandoned after 70 minutes due to an injury, with Faithfold leading 1-0)

Faithfold led a well-contested match through a penalty from David Leiwy when Cooper fell to the ground in agony after injuring his knee.

Hambling told JC Sport: "The ref was right to call the game off Dan was in immense pain and as I’m currently aware his knee popped out of its joint.

"It’s back in place now but he will obviously need scans and it will be a long road back to recovery."

"With regards to the game itself, after extensive discussions with the A and C team management I felt it was only right that one Redbridge side could save the club from a 3’peat of defeats from this team. We started ok but as the first half went on we couldn’t get our foot on the ball and pass it around efficiently enough making some silly mistakes in possession and giving the ball back to them on too many occasions. They pressed high up the pitch and have some decent individual players notably in midfield and on the wing. 

"Our defence did come under a few waves of attacks but I have to say the way we held our shape and handled the threats were excellent. Yes they had some shots at goal but most went wide or were dealt with by super Bradly Grant. A couple of scrappy moments from corners one of which was a Sunday League special goal-line scramble but 0-0 at half-time gave us a chance to regroup.

"The second half we acquitted ourselves into the game much better and a break by them followed a weak decision to award them a penalty. Our defender being hit full pelt at point-blank onto his arm. I’m sure video replays will need to be examined by Sunday’s finest reviewing panel.

"Just as I was about to take Coops off and bring myself on to win the game scoring four goals he goes and pops his knee out. I’m sure it would of been a frantic finish and we’ll be looking forward to the rematch. They’re definitely a well-drilled team and play some good football I’m sure they’ll be up there come the end of the season..... just behind us."

Faithfold player-manager Avi Markiewicz told JC Sport: "First off I would like to wish their player a speedy recovery, he twisted his knee badly and was clearly in a lot pain so thoughts are with him."

Reflecting on the 70 minutes of action, he continued: "We played exceptionally well from the first until the last. We dominated and were excellent throughout. The scoreline certainly didn't reflect the performance. Redbridge must have cleared the ball off the line on about seven different occasions and yet at the other end I don't believe they had a shot on target."

Faithfold had gone ahead through the excellent David Leiwy after great work down the right he put in a cross and which was handled by a Redbridge player. Leiwy did the honours himself and powered the resultant penalty into the top corner.

Markiewicz was forced into a late reshuffle following two pull-outs last night, which left Faithfold with one recognised centre-back but Avi Garson filled in and was excellent. Johnny Leiwy also came in and made his debut at right-back and had a solid game too.

Reflecting on the incident which resulted in play being abandoned, Markiewicz remarked: "When the injury happened it seemed innocuous at first, I think it was completely off the ball. I saw the man down and told our player to knock it out. As I got nearer it became clear he was in quite a bit of pain and this wasn't a regular injury.

"The ambulances took about 20 minutes to arrive, and then three came at once.Whilst both teams were happy to wait the ref felt that the game should be abandoned which is his prerogative.

"Obviously being the manager of my team and that we were up and bossing the game with only 20 to go I'd like to be awarded the win, I've checked the rules and it is possible but I'm sure Redbridge will feel differently. We're going to have to wait and see what the outcome is."

MGBSFL chairman David Wolff confirmed the situation and said: "The score will not count."