A hat-trick from Sam Martin helped London Maccabi Lions Under 10s maintain their 100 record in the Watford Friendly White Division after they beat AC Finchley North 5-0.
On a biting cold and overcast afternoon, the brave Lions put up a superb performance on a tacky pitch at Rowley Lane.
The Lions lined up with Ethan Djanogly in goal, Raphi Auret and Sam Fresco in defence, Oscar Cohen, Saul Fenton and Ben Lazarus in midfield, and Sam Martin up front, with the waiting Matthew Stern on the bench.
The match started at a high tempo with both teams demonstrating some high quality and great passing and moving in all areas of the pitch. After a great early move from defence, Fresco found the nimble-footed Lazarus who turned superbly to feed Fenton who shot wide.
The Lions forged ahead after 15 minutes when a beautifully flighted corner from Saul Fenton who put it on a six-pence for Martin who fired home from close range.
Just two minutes later, the same combination joined up with a great Fenton-Cohen 1-2 and an inch perfect through ball to Martin who eloquently fired home for 2-0 to the Lions, and secure his first team brace.
The hosts continued to press and after a great move, Cohen found Stern who fired agonisingly over the bar. 2-0 was the half-time score.
Martin completed his hat-trick in the 34th minute. A great midfield move saw the ball land at his feet. Martin shimmied to the right, found some space, and fired hard and low into the corner.
Cohen added a fourth eight minutes from time. With the Lions pressing, he was sent tumbling in the box. Cohen dusted himself down and fired home the resulting penalty.
Auret finished the job with a fifth to cap a superb display.
To get more from Life, click here to sign up for our free Life newsletter.