PETER MORRISON TROPHY QUARTER-FINAL
SOUTH MANCHESTER SPORTS CLUB 1st 3 HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A 1 AET
Extra-time strikes from Harvey Kaye and star striker Adam Lavin earned South Manchester a famous victory as they sent holders Hendon tumbling out at the Armitage.
Jack Lee had put South Manchester ahead after 85 minutes but Hendon hit back straight away through Avi Korman to make it 1-1 after 90 minutes.
But it was South who remain on course for an historic double as they built on their impressive league win over Miam Miam last week by defeating reigning MSFL champions.
South, who are currently top of the Manchester Accountants League, look set to retain their title following last week's success against their nearest challengers.
And the confidence of that victory gave them an extra edge as they produced another impressive performance.
South are the only Manchester-based club left in the competition and manager Newman is delighted that his team is restoring some northern pride by making it through to the last four.
"We know Hendon are a really good side and we were missing a few players too, but our tempo, and concentration was excellent particularly the second half," he told JC Sport.
"I felt we were really good value for our win. Thanks to Hendon for making the trip and I wish them well in their remaining league games.
"We are delighted to still be representing Manchester in this competition."
Deflated Hendon boss David Garbacz told JC Sport: "If there were two words I hoped I wouldn't be using they would be brave defeat, but ultimately that was exactly what this was.
"After all the controversy surrounding the scheduling of this game we thought we had got away with it with the weather, but alas Manchester proved to be the only place in the country without snow and so the game went ahead as planned. We travelled without eight regulars and only one sub and we had to blood some Hendon youngsters to make up the numbers.
"In unbelievably cold windy conditions we had much the better of the first half playing against the wind and were confident of turning the conditions in our favour in the second half. For 15 minutes we were camped in their half but just could not force in the opener.
"Then, to be fair, South Mancs had a very dangerous spell where they missed an absolute sitter from six yards and Russell Corin had to pull off two excellent saves. Then following an uncharacteristic mix up at the back they took the lead. Amazingly, we managed to muster another effort and Avi Korman smashed in a cracker from 25 yards to take the game into extra time.
"The decisive moment came after 102 minutes and was a brilliant strike from the Manchester forward from the edge of the area. With only one sub and both Rafi Kon and Ari Last suffering injuries it proved too much for us to recover from.
"I was proud to be associated with Hendon today. We gave it absolutely everything, with all the youngsters and Motti Colman putting in great performances. It was a game that could have gone either way, but ultimately they used 16 fit players in the match and as the game wore on our limited resourses were exposed.
"Well played to South Mancs - they were a good strong team and in a game of very fine margins they got the breaks. We thank them for their hospitality and for providing three quality officials.
"It was actually so cold that a female linesman had to be treated in hospital and replaced as she couldn't quite take the bitterness of the wind - we wish her well and hope she makes a speedy recovery.
"For us, it was not to be this year in the cups - there will be new names on both trophies but we will be back and we now must ensure we win our last three league games and see where that takes us."
Additional reporting by James Masters.
