Basso sends Maccabi into semis - The Jewish Chronicle

Louie Basso showed just why he is rated as one of the most exciting prospects in Jewish football after firing Manchester into the semi-finals of the Peter Morrison Trophy. The 17-year-old starlet was drafted into Stuart Delmonte's squad following injuries to five key players ahead of the clash with fierce rivals Leeds. And Basso, who normally plays for Manchester's third team, produced a moment of magic to clinch a place in the last four after unleashing a stunning 20-yard volley. "It was a great strike from Louis," said boss Delmonte, whose side will face North London Raiders A for the right to play Faithfold A in the final. "He came into the side and we put him in from the start for his debut and he just made the game look so easy. "He's a lovely guy. He's not flash or in your face at all. He's very laid back and very cultured on the ball. "He's been doing very well playing for Altrincham and he is by all accounts one of their better players. "You can tell that he is going to have an extremely bright future in the game." Manchester were made to fight their way to victory in a game of few chances against their Yorkshire opponents. The match got off to a terrible start for Leeds when playmaker Adam Gilman ruptured his cruciate in the opening minutes. In front of a 150-strong crowd, it was left to Basso to prove the difference between the teams and leave Delmonte dreaming of cup glory. "We played well and they didn't ever really look scoring," he added. "It was a tough game and both sides got stuck but it was played in a really good spirit. "We've now got North London Raiders A in the semi-finals and we know that will be a very difficult game. "You don't get to the last four unless you're a good side so we're expecting a tough encounter." Leeds boss Ian Selwyn paid tribute to his side's conquerors after seeing his hopes of cup glory bite the dust. "I've no complaints about the result because it was a very tight game and it could have gone either way," he said. "I now hope Manchester can go on and bring the cup back up to the north. "They've won away at London Maccabi Lions and against us so I'm sure they'll put on a good show against the Raiders. "It was a pleasure to play against them and there was lot of mutual respect between the teams."