MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
OAKWOOD A 2 HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A 4
David Garbacz says Hendon will mount an almighty challenge for the treble in the New Year after they finished 2013 in style with a hard-fought victory over Oakwood.
It was a good weekend all-round for Hendon A who capitalised on the top two losing by claiming an important win at Brunel. A double from Avidan Last and one piece from Greg Corin and Rafi Kon clinched the points.
Hendon boss David Garbacz told JC Sport: "We were absolutely delighted to come away from Brunel with 3 massively important points.
"Oakwood are always tough to play and today I thought we outmuscled them out-played them and out-fought them in all departments. They will no doubt point the finger of blame at the ref, but I thought Warwick as ever had an excellent game and it was our football that did all the meaningful talking.
"Yoav Lebens and Ari Last were superb in midfield and hardly gave them a look-in and despite a very determined opposition, we were cruising at 4-0 early in the second half. At that point we did take our foot off the gas and credit to Oakwood for fighting hard to the finish and keeping the score respectable with two late goals, but ultimately it was the three points that mattered most.
"I've just heard the other results today which could not have gone any better and we go into the break still unbeaten in all domestic competitions and ready to launch an almighty assault on all three trophies in 2014."
Oakwood joint-manager Ric Blank told JC Sport: "It's interesting that the first thing David does is mention the ref. I find that revealing. I try not to talk about the ref as football is meant to be about the players. They're the ones who work hard at training, in the gym and on a Sunday whether they win or lose. Everything else is an unfortunate sideshow. We just try and play our football and give it everything to win. It just wasn't to be on Sunday.
"The game itself was odd. On so many levels we are the better side. But at key moments we're not. The first goal was crucial. We missed chances before conceding in farcical circumstances. We were worried about a big decision going Hendon's way and so it was. It seemed inevitable but this is life.
"Good luck to Hendon - they've got some good players looking to bow out on a high. They know how to press home an advantage. I pray we get a shot at redemption later in the season. We'll be ready."