MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A 4 REDBRIDGE JC A 3
Having seen the Cyril Anekstein Cup slip through their fingers at Wingate & Finchley a fortnight ago, Jacobs could only look only helplessly as Hendon won their final match under manager David Garbacz's, to break RJC hearts.
Hendon stormed out of the blocks in a ding-dong affair, with Avi Korman firing them ahead. Zac Neiman hauled Redbridge level before Hendon regained the upper hand through Zac Lewis.
Redbridge turned the game on it's head with two goals via Steve Summers and Sam Sollosi, but there was still time for another big twist as Hendon registered twice via Josh Harris and Yoav Kestenbaum to break RJC hearts and hand the title to Oakwood.
Redbridge boss Jon Jacobs commented: "I am really proud of the boys. They challenged for two trophies and have just come up a little short at the end. I am just so disappointed for them all.
"We played a very good Hendon side, who were probably as good a team as we have faced all season. We needed to be at our best but probably came up a little short today but no excuses.
"I think it shows there are several good teams in the Maccabi League, all capable of beating each other. We lost the league with disappointing performance against Lions and Camden, but we will regroup as a club and be up there again challenging next season.
"We had the League won for 60 seconds, we needed to keep our shape but just switched off and conceded a sloppy equaliser which knocked us right back. The game was an even game and don’t really think either team deserved to win. We didn’t play the style of Football that has served us so well all season but doesn’t deflect from how disappointing the ending of our season has become."
"I would like to congratulate Dan Kristall and his Oakwood squad for winning the league. The table doesn't lie and they have won the league fair and square."
Outgoing Hendon boss David Garbacz told JC Sport: "In a classic game of superb attacking end to end football, we were delighted to come away with the win that ended our season on a high after a disappointing last couple of months.
"We had a lot of incentive today – today was nothing to do with wanting Oakwood or Redbridge more for the league – we had our own agenda, to make up for recent weeks, to make up for that shocking defeat we suffered against Redbridge recently, but overall to show the league that Hendon are still a force to be reckoned with and shouldn’t be written off just yet.
"I think we did that in style today in a brilliantly exciting match that had everything as games between us two usually do, especially at Hadley – it was just a shame we couldn’t play like that in some of our other big games this year."
Looking back on his tenure, Garbacz went on to say: "It was also my last game as manager and it was a magnificent effort by all 11 Hendon players today to make sure I went out with a smile on my face.
"At the end I felt a bit bad for John and Redbridge – they looked so disappointed – overall they have probably been the best footballing team this year but as a unit and with an unbelievable back line Oakwood have just shaded it and deserve all their plaudits.
"Congratulations to them – so often the bridesmaid now at last the bride – I’m expecting a case or two of israel’s finest from Dan and Rik after today but they’ll probably drink it all in their celebrations.
"Hendon will be back next year representing this league – there will be changes – I’m hoping Greg Corin plus maybe one other takes up the reins but time will tell – for me no u turns this time but who knows what the future may hold! it was just a pleasure to go out with a great win in a great game between two great teams."
