PETER MORRISON TROPHY QUARTER-FINAL
NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS A 0 HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A 1

David Garbacz praised his Hendon team after they took a major step towards the treble following a deserved victory over arch rivals Norstar London Raiders.

An early strike of the highest quality from David Seitler was all that separated the teams, although Garbacz insisted were worthy winners.

"We put in a really professional all round performance today," Garbacz told JC Sport. "We played completely as a unit –the defence was superb, brilliantly marshalled by the two Nevies brothers and the midfield matched an extremely talented Norstar midfield.

"Up front Dave Seitler led the line and was bang on target for a great finish as early as the second minute.

"Although we knew Norstar would throw everything at us we thought we held on pretty comfortably and I do not actually remember Russell having a serious save to make.

"It was an exciting game – maybe not in terms of out and out goal-scoring chances, but certainly in terms of quality and tension. Norstar are a great team but we do have a fine record against them and they must be wondering what they need to do to beat us.

"We still have potentially two huge matches to go against them and I’m sure they will come again and be even tougher to beat, but for the moment we march on – into two semis and still with a nice cushion at the top of the league.

"The treble treble is still on but we are well aware how much work there is still to do."

Hendon, who hold an eight-point lead over NLR in the MGBSFL, were dealt a major blow when Yoav Kestenbaum suffered an injury.

"Our brilliant young winger, Yoav Kestenbaum, went down with what looked like an extremely serious ankle injury late in the game – we all hope it is nowhere near as bad as it first looked and we all wish him a very speedy recovery although I’m sure he is now out for the season.

"The assistance and help we got from all the Norstar team and management was fantastic and really well appreciated. It put everything in perspective and thoroughly confirmed what a fine club they are. Two great football teams full of admiration and respect for each other playing Sunday league football the way it should be played. As long as we keep beating them of course!"

NLR's Jonathan Green told JC Sport L'Orange remain upbeat for their chances of silverware at the business end of the season.

Reflecting on the cup tie, he said: "It was a decent performance from us, it was always going to be a tight game with a few moments deciding the outcome - unfortunately for us we gifted them a goal within the first 2 minutes of the game.

"It was always going to be an uphill battle from there. We did create chances throughout the match and with a bit of luck the outcome could have been different, but we move on from here with plenty to play for during the rest of the season. The game was definitely not a classic.

"Conceding a goal within the first two minutes was the decisive blow unfortunately - we knew going in to the match that it was going to be incredibly tight and that’s the way it played out. Thankfully we have two more opportunities to make right the disappointment we’re feeling today."

Hendon and Raiders now look set to battle it out for honours in the league, as well as a possible Cyril Anekstein Cup final meeting, assuming they get past North West Neasden in the semi-finals.

Green added: "I’m not of the belief that this gives them a psychological edge. If we win our remaining league games we go into our meeting at the end of March in an incredibly strong position.

"There is great belief within our team that we will win what’s left on offer this season and we now have six cup finals to make sure that happens.

"Finally, all at NLR would like to wish Yoav Kestaumbaum a speedy recovery, it is never nice to see a player in such distress on a football pitch."