Ric Blank described Brad Wine as the best player in the MGBSFL after his two-goal hero steered Oakwood A into the last eight of the Cyril Anekstein Cup following a thrilling victory against former winners Faithfold A.

In what was their last realistic chance of silverware this season, Faithfold forged ahead through Johnny Haik, but Oakwood responded superbly and they drew level in the second half through top-scorer David Woolman.

But their momentum was curtailed when Josh Rubin, who in a lively cameo after 18 months out, went down with what looked like another serious knee injury.

That took the wind out of Oakwood's sails and when Dave Cohen pulled his hamstring, they were forced to play with 10 men - having used all their subs - for the last 10 minutes.

Faithfold looked to have won it with a goal on 87 minutes, but Oakwood rallied superbly and Wine equalised, harrying the Faithfold defence into an error before burying a shot from 25 yards.

Oakwood played the whole of extra-time with 10 men, but they excelled as a unit and their superior fitness enabled them to dictate.

Super-sub Jonny Quinn created the third goal for Guy Helman to smash home from distance. Quinn then set up Josh Rose to clinch the tie, before Wine had the final word.

Oakwood joint-manager Ric Blank said: "It was a roller-coaster of a game, the sort of incident-filled, see-saw of a game you only get in the cup. "How we didn't settle the issue in normal time I'll never know."

Paying tribute to Wine, Blank said: "He's been unplayable this season. If there's a better player in Maccabi football I'd like to meet him ... and sign him."