There's a wonderful back-story to RC UK FCs incredible cup victory over Premier Division giants Oakwood.
Written off by most people before a ball had even been kicked, Avi Markiewicz’s men rose to the occasion to blow the Jewish FA Cup competition wide open.
The signs looked ominous when goalkeeper Nethanel Kind phoned Markiewicz an hour before kick-off saying he could not play due to family photo-shoot. Markiewicz rushed home to dust off his gloves, thinking that as manager he was prepared to take one for the team and “do the honourable thing”. However, he breathed a sigh of relief as Kind arrived 10 minutes before kick-off and “never looked back”.
There was certainly a method to the madness for the RC UK boys, with Leor Harel arriving 60 minutes into the tie after “rushing from a family Bris”. Markiewicz praised the former Faithfold player for “adding much-needed legs to the midfield”. He said: “Leor more than played his part in seeing the game out”.
The football gods were clearly looking down on the minnows on the day as Oakwood, who were missing managers Daniel Kristall and Ric Blank, were denied by the woodwork on no less than four occasions.
Reflecting on the best result in their short history, Markiewicz said: “The downside to all this is I’m going to be a fair bit out of pocket having promised to buy the first round of drinks in the pub if we won the tie.”
l It’s been a memorable week for Scott Kashket. Hat-trick hero in the FA Cup and now he has signed a new contract at Wycombe Wanderers. He must be pinching himself …
Kashket has a special talent and although some people may think he is too lightweight for such a physical league, he’s proving an exception to the norm.
For one reason or another, he was never really given a chance at Leyton Orient due to a managerial reshuffle, but Gareth Ainsworth is certainly getting the best out of his mercurial talents. Nine goals in five games, Gareth Southgate are you watching!
l If you have to make a decision between Chanukah shopping or watching a Maccabi football match on Sunday, it’s a no-brainer for me. Rowley Lane will be the place to be for the mouth-watering cup showdown between MLL Masters and holders Hendon United Sports Club A. The battle between Ari Last and Alex Levack will be worth the admission fee alone.
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