Jordan Sapler insists the result was all that mattered as goals from Mordy Weiler, Rocky Spitzer and Gav Noe helped Hendon United move into the semi-finals of the Cyril Anekstein Cup after recovering from a goal down to beat Brady Maccabi.
February 17, 2019 21:23
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP QUARTER-FINAL
HENDON UNITED SPORTS 3 BRADY MACCABI 1
In a tie switched to Rowley Lane, it was Brady who made the brighter start and they took a deserved lead through Ben Kohler.
Hendon equalised in controversial circumstances via a hotly disputed free-kick, after the Brady goalkeeper was adjudged to have picked up a back-pass on the edge of the six-yard box from a sliced clearance. Zack Lewis’ shot was blocked and after a goal-mouth scramble, it ended up with Mordy Weiler firing the ball towards goal, where a Brady player handled on the line. After initially giving a penalty, the ref then changed his mind and gave a goal.
The teams went in all square at half-time and the aim for Brady was to keep a tight ship for the start of second half. However, their best-laid plans were undone 10 minutes into the second half when Rocky Spitzer, a half-time replacement for the returning Josh Harris, made his mark almost from a brilliant Simon Peterman through ball as he slotted home with a great finish for 2-1.
Brady carried on pushing for the equaliser and created a few half chances but as they pushed forward they left themselves exposed and Gav Noe, who had replaced Dovi Fehler, battled his way through to finish superbly on 70 minutes, for his first goal since returning from Faithfold.
Brady worked hard to reduce the deficit but they were denied on several occasions by some fine goalkeeping from Russell Corin in the Hendon goal.
Hendon boss Jordan Sapler told JC Sport: "The first thing to say is that today was not a classic at all - it was a scrappy game. We went 1-0 down from Brady’s first attack and overall were quite poor.
"But the important thing is that we made it through to the next round. Brady were strong and well organised all across the pitch but in the end we did enough to make the semi-final.
"We now look forward to playing them in the league next week."
Brady boss Joel Nathan told JC Sport: "We now have only league games left and the boys know that every one is a cup final if we are to stay up."