Brandon Hamme insists Mill Hill Dons do not fear the big guns of Maccabi football after knocking first division leaders Redbridge Jewish Care A out of the Peter Morrison Trophy to reach the semi-final stage for the first time.
February 25, 2019 16:12
PETER MORRISON TROPHY QUARTER-FINAL
MILL HILL DONS 0 REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A 0 (AET - HMH won 5-4 on penalties)
Defences dominated in normal time and extra-time, and it was the competition outsiders who held their nerve in the shoot-out to progress, with Sam Stead, Adam Isaacs, Zach Cohen, Nick Phillips and Ryan Kramer all converting, and goalkeeper Sam Singer making the crucial save.
Delighted Dons boss Brandon Hammé told JC Sport: "What an incredible result, just sensational. We yet again proved today that we can go up against anyone on our day.
"It was a defensive master-class from both teams and an extremely tight game throughout. We knew Redbridge were a great team and they made us work and we knew only our best would do and today we were at our best.
"The desire, the heart and the passion from the boys was just massive and it drove us through the game. I couldn’t have asked for more and all the credit goes to the boys for putting on a great display."
The Dons joined holders Maccabi London Lions and HMH of the MGBSFL Premier Division in the last four. They will be joined by the winner of this weekend's tie between Haroldeans and Manchester Maccabi 1st in Liverpool this weekend ahead of next Monday's draw.
Hamme went on to say: "We were the lowest ranked team left in the competition in the last 16 round and we are still in come the semi-final stage.
"The boys can feel really proud about what they achieved. There is nothing stopping us going one stage further."
RJC boss Sam Rank described the result as "very disappointing". He told JC Sport: "The boys defended fine, and we had the better chances and should've won the game in 90 minutes.
"However, the most disappointing point was the lack of composure from the midfield and attack.
"Well done to MH Dons, and there keeper Sam Singer, who played very well during the game and penalty shootout. We wish them good luck in the remainder of the competition."
Looking ahead to the rest of the season, Rank commented: "RJC A are still favourites to win the league and should go far in our favourite competition of the Barry Goldstein Trophy."