Jordan Aspis was the hero of the hour as Maccabi London Lions edged into the semi-finals of the Peter Morrison Trophy following a hard-fought win over Los Camden at Rowley Lane.
February 25, 2019 13:41
PETER MORRISON TROPHY QUARTER-FINAL
MACCABI LONDON LIONS 2 LOS CAMDEN A 1 (AET)
The holders started the better team, having the majority share of possession, but they failed to translate this into chances and were punished on 22 minutes. Against the run of play, Guy Fenton met a corner which was initially saved David Myers, and after a little pinball in the box Gav Krieger was alert to poke home from two yards.
The goal settled Camden, who were able to start creating chances of their own, and at 1-0 up they were left to rue two glaring misses, including an open goal from three yards.
They were made to pay as Lions grew into the second half, despite going down to 10 men, and levelled the scores with 20 minutes remaining when Benji Weinberger held his nerve to convert a penalty following a foul on Aspis.
Lions won it in extra-time Lions when a cross from Adam Hassanali was converted at the far post by Aspis to send Lions through.
Lions joint-manager Sam Marchant told JC Sport: "We knew what to expect today from Los Camden A, who since the winter break have been winning games on the bounce.
But today we showed an incredible hunger and determination to win the game. Overall we are delighted, now we are in two semi-finals and the only remaining team to be in both the Anekstein and Morrison. The hard work that all the boys put in is a huge credit to themselves, the team and the club as a whole."
Los Camden chief Stirling Kay told JC Sport: "Firstly, credit to Lions today who played very well. They disrupted our passing lines and made it very hard for us to play our football we wish them well in the semi final."
"I'm devastated for the lads in a game that went to extra-time when we were missing eight players due to being cup-tied or injured, notably captain Johann Jordi and vice-captain Sacha Nussenbaum). The boys battled through a tough game and if we would have been able to convert an open goal in the first half I don’t think they would have come back from 2-0 in normal time. That shows you the fine margins in the top division this season."
"Even so, the boys understand they are in the semi-final of the Cyril Anekstein Cup and can finish extremely high up the league. These are now our priorities, I am immensely proud of the effort put in today."