JC MSFL PREMIER DIVISION
NORTH WEST NEASDEN A 0 HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A 1
Avidan Last was the match-winner as the Hammers completed a quickfire league double over Neasden A and join Faithfold A level on points at the top.
It could have been 2-0 but Greg Corin missed the penalty for Hendon after substitute Yoav Kestenbaum was brought down by the keeper who was then sent off.
Hendon boss David Garbacz told JC Sport: "This was a big win for us in what was a very tough battle. We were able to soak up lots of Neasden possession by defending tremendously as a team.
"For all their undoubted decent football, we were the team who created the five clearest chances in the match including the luxury of a missed penalty and I can't actually recall our goalkeeper, Russell Corin making a difficult save.
"Once again our back four were tremendous, lead superbly by Alex Rosenthal and Josh Lipman with Ari Last immense in midfield as well. His brother Avidan scored the vital winner which lead to the inevitable Neasden complaints.
"As good a football team as they are, I'm not sure if Neasden has ever lost a match without it being the referee's fault. As far as we were concerned, it was another three massive points that puts us in a nice challenging position in the league."
Neasden joint-manager Darren Yarlett told JC Sport: "It was another game we completed dominated. We missed two one-on-ones in the first half and had hendon chasing shadows all game.
"The goal came from a terrible decision from the ref; he was 50 yards of play when the linesman put his flag up after the forward was five yards off. If the ref comes with flags then he should use them. I can never understand officials who think they can see an offside when so far away from the ball. The boys all pay to play and expect things to be done correct, apart from that he had a good game.
"On Hendon - only one team played football in two weeks. If their manager encourages long ball and nothing else then I'd hate to play in a side like that. To me it's anti-football and painful on the eye but that's them.
"I think David should also remember who the most successful Jewish Sunday side has been over the last five years, and who has a bigger trophy cabinet. We will see how they end up come May."
Garbacz added: "The lads from Neasden are all fine friendly chaps until they happen to go behind. Then all their toys tend to come flying out the prams and every official has to bear the brunt of the blame which always mars games between us. It happens every time and we expect it.
"I always think it is a bit of a shame as Darren and Lee have certainly got them playing some good football this year which should be enough to steer them away from all that stuff."
