PETER MORRISON TROPHY FINAL
AFC FLIXTON 0 HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A 2
A deadly double from David Seitler helped Hendon retain the Jewish FA Cup with an impressive 2-0 victory over AFC Flixton at Boundary Park.
A cagey opening saw both teams battling for supremacy. Hendon came out far more aggressive than in the recent Cyril Anekstein Cup final, although goalkeeper Russell Corin was called into action twice early on, producing fine saves from Flixton headers.
Flixton enjoyed some good periods of pressure, peppering Hendon with some long balls into the box but the holders stood firm.
Hendon had an early penalty appeal for handball denied before the ball broke to Seitler in area, but his first-time shot was well saved by Daniel Garman.
Hendon finished the half strongly and Seitler broke the deadlock two minutes before half-time. A good flowing move saw the ball moved out to the overlapping Ben Kon on the right. He produced a superb cross to the far post which was brilliantly met with a diving header by Seitler and into the bottom corner.
An expected onslaught by Flixton failed to materialise in the second half as they were restricted to long balls to their forwards, but they were dealt with by very strong back four, with Tali Nevies excellent at left-back and Ari Nevies, Rafi Kon and Ben Kon tidying dealing with everything thrown at them.
Hendon then enjoyed a good period of pressure, with a great chance falling to Dovi Fehler following a brilliant pass from Simon Peterman, but the former Boca striker fired just wide.
The final was really opening up on the big pitch at Boundary Park and the move of the match saw Seitler and Avi Korman link up superbly, but having raced clean through, Seitler pulled his shot wide of the target.
The pair were involved in another excellent move soon after, with Korman denied following some excellent work from Seitler.
Hendon made the game safe eight minutes from time, with Flixton pressing high up the pitch for the equaliser. Seitler charged down a clearance around the half-way before running half the length of the pitch before slotting a shot under the on-rushing keeper.
Jubilant Hendon boss David Garbacz told JC Sport: "This was one of our biggest games in our history and we treated it as such – we were so disappointed after our recent showing in the Anekstein Cup final when we were nowhere near our best and we came into this match with a completely different attitude.
"You could tell from early on in the week that there was a massive determination to put things right and we made a special point of making sure we were far more aggressive in the tackle and competed strongly for every first and second ball.
Garbacz revealed that his players had done their homework on the Manchester Accountants League champions and were confident of crushing their quadruple dreams.
"From goalkeeper, Russell, to our one substitute, Avishai Kestenbaum, everyone executed the game-plan to absolute perfection.
"We made sure we got off to a decent start – there was no way we were going to come out as poorly as in the last final, and we decided to defend deeper than usual so as to soak up any pressure and not let them get in behind us.
"In midfield Ari and Simon were winning everything and our front four of Avi Korman, Dovi, Greg Corin and David were slowly but surely getting a grip on the match.
"To score just before half-time was a massive moment in the match and we saw out the second half really well and, in truth, could have won even more comfortably."
Asked about how Hendon had set up to deal with Flixton's biggest threats, Garbacz added: "We knew Michael Sacks would eat up anything in the air so we tried to keep the ball on the ground more going forward and use our pace to turn and get in behind.
"We restricted their forwards to channel runs and hopeful crosses through pressing quite high and simply being far more aggressive and tigerish in the tackle.
"Frustration did appear to seep into Flixton’s play and we limited them to only a few chances. There was a period early on when we had to stand very strong but we coped admirably."
"Today we saw the real Hendon – there was a bite about our play and a fantastic determination. We had given away two trophies in recent weeks the second one with one of our weakest performances in years and there was no way that was going to happen again.
"I was incredibly proud of all the team today – we had players missing but everyone stood up to the mark and took on their own responsibilities – Dave Seitler will grab the headlines and rightly so for his match winning performance and goals, but today was a real United Hendon team effort and it was beautiful to watch.
"One final word should go to our opponents Flixton who are a great team, but today they did come up second best.
"They contributed to an excellent game and were always a threat and were extremely generous and gentlemanly in defeat. We wish them all the best in their remaining cup finals but for the moment we are delighted to have brought the Cup back down South with us.
"I'd also like to make special mention of our number one fan Nick Slater who made the long trip up north to come and support us today – the effort was hugely appreciated."
AFC Flixton joint-manager Stuart Delmonte said: "I’ve got to put my hands up and give credit where it’s due. Hendon were excellent. They were quicker, fitter, sharper, played best football and closed us down so quickly that we didn’t have time to play our expansive football.
"We ended up being a long-ball team and it didn’t work for us. Man for man and as a team, it’s one of the worst performances we’ve given in three years. And to happen in the PMT final is not just heartbreaking for Tony and I, it’s heartbreaking for the players too.
"We were all up for it and were waiting for the return game after Hendon beat us in the competition last season. But we were chasing shadows for 90 minutes.
"Ari Last, playing in front of back four, was their best player. We tried to man-mark him, but David Garbacz got his tactics spot on. Every single player for Hendon got 8/10."
FLIXTON: Daniel Garman, Adam Wilson, Stephen Peck, Michael Sacks, Adam Tauber, Daniel Selwyn, Rob Jacobs, Andy Rosenberg, Adam Gilman, Adam Stevens, Leor Sidle. Subs: James Rosenberg, Oshri Amar, Jon Alexander, Michael Warwick
HENDON: Russell Corin, Tali Nevies, Ari Nevies, Rafi Kon, Ben Kon, Simon Peterman, Ari Last, Avi Korman, Dovi Fehler (sub: Avishai Kestenbaum 69(, Greg Corin, Dave Seitler (sub: Dovi Fehler 87)
