ByAnonymous, Anonymous
Brady Maccabi A are just one game away from a title playoff with Glenthorne A after they demolished London Maccabi Lions A 8-0 in the Maccabi Masters League Division One. Mark Wagman (3), Scott Ansher (2), Jonny Cohen, Jon Feldman and David Rose were the marksmen.
Faithfold, who are also the opponents in the Henry Swerner Cup final at Wingate on Sunday evening, lie between Brady and a title decider.
James Bloom, the Faithfold manager, believes that “several quality signings” have helped the team reach their first final. Bloom said: “This has been a much improved season, The new signings have made a massive difference and we have competed in every single game this season.
“We know Brady are a quality team who are challenging for the league title but both of our games against them this season have been very close affairs with the games being settled by narrow margins. We know if we play to our potential it will be a very tight game and we hope with the quality we have we can come out on top.”
James Bloom's run down of the Faithfold squad
James Bloom
Immensely enjoying his first year as ‘head of administration and all general matters no one else wants to deal with’. Was one of the founding players of Faithfold masters and has been ever present. Tough tackling defender who likes to think of himself as Peter Taylor to Lee Rich’s Cloughie but some say he is more Phil Neal to Graham Taylor! Position - right back
Lee Rich
Also immensely enjoying his first year, he is the ‘gaffer’ and despite his reservations has enjoyed every minute of it or so we tell him. A very tough tackling defender but he classes his speciality as heading, he is also responsible for supplying the fact of the day before every match. Very pleased to have a crack at silverware in his first year as gaffer and thinks we should be aiming for Europe next season! Position – centre back
Paul Gold
Head of match day balls and medical kit, it is a role he takes extremely seriously! Ever present left sided player who gets a nose bleed on the odd occasion he crosses the half-way line! He is famed for his last ditch tackles and we have needed several of those this season. Position – left back/left midfield
Mitch Klein
The Phil Neville of the team, not in looks but in versatility. Mitch plays in a calm way in any position he is utilised and does so with a smile on his face. Has a good cup pedigree having played in several Anekstein finals. Position – anywhere except keeper/striker.
Jason Levy
One of the squad’s new signings this season, he is very much in the Tony Adams mould and always gives 100%. He has even chipped in with a few goals this season and is superb in the air. A great addition to the squad other than the fact that he is always last out of the changing room. Position – centre back
Clive Nathan
Team skipper who leads by example. His blood curdling challenges are best admired from afar. Always up for a battle and has adapted very well to his new centre midfield role this season, definitely more Keano than Messi! Position – centre back/centre midfield
Paul Chilton
Another new signing this season and is one of our most creative players. Has had a few injuries this season but when he plays he always makes a big difference. He tells us his body is saying it has had enough of the battle but we know he will carry on playing with us for years to come. Position – centre midfield.
Adam Lustigman
AKA Lusty/ex-gaffer/Stan Flashman. Faithfold masters was his concept and he ran the team up until this season for which we will always be grateful. Our tactical genius being the only one in the squad with a decent coaching qualification! Appearances restricted this season due to a serious ankle injury but we are glad he has made it back in time for the final. Definitely more Molby than Keano. Position – centre midfield
Russell Rich
Russ is our free kick and penalty specialist and his scoring record from set pieces is superb. Think Roberto Carlos but without the power! An excellent all round player whose calm nature belies his competitive streak. His finest moment came when he did a ‘Giggs like’ celebration in last year’s cup when he twirled his shirt around his head after scoring the winning penalty! Position – left or centre midfield.
Joel Nathan
Joel likes his Sunday morning lie-ins so has the odd enforced break from the game but we won’t highlight that too much. When he stays on the pitch his pace and calmness in front of goal are legendary. A great finisher who has a superb goal scoring record this season and whose 4 goal haul in the semi helped us into the final. Position - striker
Danny Goldman
Son of the legendary ref Ken Goldman. Danny is a new signing this season and although we have not seen him as much as we would like has been a superb signing. Always very calm in front of goal and has an excellent scoring record. We hope to have him around far more next season. Position - striker
Darren Gurner
Another new signing this season and his goal scoring record has been superb. A very useful all-round player who despite his ‘Crouch-like’ stature thankfully looks and plays nothing like him! Position - striker
Paul Stern
Another new signing this season who is equally comfortable at right back or right midfield. A versatile player who has been a useful addition to the squad. Position – right midfield.
Paul Gelernter
Paul is multi-talented being a qualified ref, a solid outfield player but this season was persuaded to go in goal after a couple of superb performances there last season. He has had a superb first season in goal and we are very glad we persuaded him. We are hoping he has enjoyed it so much he will be donning the gloves again next season. Position (for now) – Goal keeper
Andy Hearn
Andy has been a revelation this year in his new role at left midfield. He always told us he was wasted at the back and so it has been proved. A ‘Brady-like’ deliverer of set pieces and he has even managed to limit the cards this season. Position – left midfield
Marc Lewis
Another new signing this season, from Hendon masters. Marc brings some religious culture to the team and is a tough tacking defender. A very useful addition to the squad. Position – centre back
Gary Good
Unfortunately for Gary he holds the Faithfold record for the shortest appearance ever, it was around two minutes in a game this season but what a two minutes! He was a new signing this season and injuries have restricted his appearances, we hope to see a lot more of him on the pitch next season. Position - striker