It’s incredible how quickly Maccabi League teams can go from a high to a low. L’Equipe were crowned Division Two champions less than six months ago and now they are gone.
December 11, 2017 09:53They celebrated their 10th anniversary in some style, with team spirit and unity key the key components in a fairy-tale success. They had an unbreakable bond over a nine-month period but the jump to Division One meant commitment was even more important and, in the end, manager Nick Stern was forced to concede defeat. Thanks for the memories, lads.
* Faithfold A manager Avi Markiewicz should consider getting me a season ticket as I’ve watched the Superhoops three times this season and they have won every match.
I was blown away by the quality of David Leiwy in Sunday’s win over Scrabble. He inspired a thrilling comeback with a first-half header followed by two stunning individual efforts. It was right up there with the best performances I have seen in Maccabi football.
Leiwy is comfortable with the ball at both feet, which allows him to cut inside or outside at pace and leave defenders in his wake. It’s no wonder Markiewicz was comparing him to Lionel Messi at full-time.
* As a former MGBSFL goalkeeper, I cringe most weeks when watching our match highlights. I try not to be overly critical but the standards appear to have dropped dramatically over the past few years.
Other than some of the top teams, including Hendon, Lions and Redbridge, it appears many clubs are struggling to find a reliable custodian. So the progress of young James Harpin should be shouted about from the rooftops.
Recently installed as the new No. 1 at London Lions in the Spartan South Midlands League, he has a bright future ahead of him and looks set to be a fixture for Maccabi GB at future European Maccabi Games and the Maccabiah Games.
He has a real presence between the sticks and is definitely someone I’d like to have in goal for a penalty shoot-out.
James is my Goalkeeper of the month for November.
The top player award goes to Zac Lewis of Hendon United. He scored a stunning late winner against defending champions Oakwood and has really taken his game to another level this season.
Greg Corin wins the best manager accolade after guiding Hendon to four consecutive victories.
Notable mentions go to Harry Moss, Josh Cinna, Zach Cohen and Brandon Hamme of Mill Hill Dons – another team who enjoyed a successful few weeks.