Super-sub Roy Ben Zihou helped England FC climb into fourth in the Sports Direct Olim League following a nail-biting 3-2 victory over local rivals Jaffa.
March 3, 2015 11:40SPORTS DIRECT OLIM LEAGUE
ENGLAND FC 3 JAFFA 2
Super-sub Roy Ben Zihou helped England FC climb into fourth in the Sports Direct Olim League following a nail-biting 3-2 victory over local rivals Jaffa.
On a warm Tel Aviv night, it was England who got out the blocks quickly, taking the lead inside the first minute. Gabi Balulu chased a ball down into the left-hand corner and his hooked cross was only flicked on by the Jaffa defender. Motti Colman anticipated the header and the former Hendon United defender made no mistake, firing the ball on the half volley into the corner.
The game was being played at a frenetic pace, with England's ew signing Zak White proving to be a real handful up front, whilst the returning Tomer 'Rio' Saban looked very assured in defence.
Jaffa equalised within two minutes of the start of the second half. A free-kick floated over the England defence caused confusion, and the unfortunate Yonni Shelmo miscued an attempted clearance back across the keeper and into his own net.
Jaffa were starting to look more dangerous, with Stephen Caffree marshalling the defence superbly. He was also the starting point for all attacks.
England then made a tactical change, with the introudction of Roy Ben Zihou for Gabi Balulu allowing Colman to push into central midfield. The switch paid dividends within minutes as after receiving the ball 35 yards from goal, Colman managed to shrug off the attentions of the ever-watchful Hoffman, before hitting a pile-driver that crashed in off the underside of the bar.
England went on to create a number of good openings but were unable to convert. It was left to Sam Silverberg to make England rue the missed chances. Picking up the ball inside the England half, he skipped past a couple of challenges before rifling an unstoppable shot into the corner of the net from 25 yards to pull the scores level with just eight minutes remaining.
But England picked themselves up and hauled themselves forward in search of the winner. Colman was involved again, turning provider this time. Picking up possession midway inside the Jaffa half, he found a yard of space and sprayed a sumptuous 40-yard diagonal through ball that tempted the keeper off his line. But the onrushing Ben Zihou was first to the ball, lifting his header over the flailing arms of Elias Sandler and into the net to spark wild celebrations from the England bench.
England manager Terry Newman commented: "This is the second time in two weeks that our substitute striker has come off the bench and scored a crucial goal in the last minute of the game. It shows the importance of every member of the squad and the team spirit in our club.
"We are so much more than a football team. We are a family that fights for each other until the last minute. Long may England FC thrive and propser."