Josh Rosenfeld, the manager of Brady Maccabi A, believes that Sunday’s JC Cyril Anekstein Cup semi-final victory over Brixton is just reward for two years of hard work both on and off the pitch.
Second-half strikes from Josh Gordon and Josh Hershman set up a cup final against Premier Division rivals Hendon United Sports Club A at Wingate & Finchley on April 22.
Rosenfeld said: “Over the past two years we have worked so hard and this result shows how far we have come. I want to congratulate my boys as they deserve their place at Wingate.”
Chances were at a premium in a tight first half. Brady marksman Paul Hakim had a shot cleared off the line, while keeper Oliver Colmans reacted well to keep out an effort from Brixton’s Alon Hershkorn. The same player came close again minutes later only to be denied by the woodwork with Colmans beaten.
With defenders Jonny Ellis and Ryan Fox nullifying the threat of Brixton top-scorer Jamie Kent, it was left to industrious George Fierstone to take the game to Brady, who stood firm before stepping up a gear in the second half.
Gordon broke the deadlock on 57 minutes, latching on to an exquisite pass from Steve Field to swivel and lash a half volley back across goal and into the net.
Brady extended their lead four minutes later when Hershman met a free-kick from Ellis with a glancing header.
A late red card for Brady’s Lee Platt, following two bookable offences, could not take the gloss off a proud day for the club.
Rosenfeld said: “Brixton had a 20-minute spell in the first half where they had chances to score and if one had gone in it would have been an uphill battle.
“We came out quick and strong in the second half and our quality showed. Brixton gave us as good a test as anyone this season and we always knew they would be strong and tough to beat.
“We aim to continue to pick up points in the league and there’s still one more final to reach. Spirits are high and confidence is good. Our boys deserve it. Now we have to look forward to the final and enjoy the occasion.”
Brixton’s John Nitka said: “It was a game of two halves. We were the better team in the first half and it could have been a different story if we’d have put our chances away. Brady were better in the second half and good luck to them in the final.
Brixton: Doffman, Blackman, Weisz, Franks, Lee, Posner (sub: Kaye), Fierstone, Weinberg, R. Hershkorn, A. Hershkorn, Kent (sub: Lincoln)
Brady: Colmans, Littas, Fox (sub: Lassman), Ellis, Smith, Hershman, Field (sub: Cohen), Platt, Hakim, Gordon, Green
