Zevi Saunders praised his comeback kings as Crumpsall rose from the dead to claim all three points in an enthralling contest against Leeds Maccabi 3rd.
After producing one of the greatest shocks in recent MJSL history by defeating reigning champions Manchester Maccabi 3rd, Crumpsall were given a rough ride by winless Leeds.
Alex Ullmann’s side led 2-0 and 3-1 before the visitors hit back after the break to wrap up a 5-3 win and a second consecutive league victory.
Frenchie Freedman’s classy hat-trick and two goals from Gav Bollel ensured Crumpsall edged an end-to-end encounter after a real thriller.
“We knew this was going to be a massive game for both sides and Leeds really came at us in the opening stages,” said Saunders.
“At 3-2 down at half-time I said to the players that it’s easy to go and win a game when you’re well ahead like we were against Maccabi.
“But it’s always more difficult when you have to come from behind and we’ve not come back from two goals down for a very long time.
“I said to the boys that we need to prove to ourselves that we can fight back and win games and they did it.
"In the second half we were excellent but it was a fantastic game of football and both teams were a real credit to the league.”
Freedman was the hero once again for Crumpsall and Saunders paid tribute to the striker after another stunning showing.
Saunders added: "Frenchie has been around with some good teams and although he might be getting a bit older he is still an excellent player.
“He gives us a real boost when he’s in the side and he’s the man who links everything together.
“He has a real football brain and that never disappears. It doesn’t matter how old you are when you’ve got a brain like that.”