Herman at the double for Maccabi

Maccabi continued to pressure and after some great work by tireless Sam Hatton on the right, a Herman shot was deflected in for the opener.

It was less than two minutes later when anther deflected shot would grab the headlines only this time in Maccabi’s net, Louie Basso trying his best to avoid the Saints shot.

After a moment of defence laps, Maccabi’s front line was at it again. Hatton, who was causing all sorts of problems down the right, managed to pick out tenacious midfielder Josh Lewis who placed his shot over the keeper's head from 25 yards out with his right foot. Lewis was clearly stunned by the goal as he only thought his right foot was for standing on.

Half-time arrived and news came from the management that despite the early news of Loofe passing his fitness test, he was not ready to make his return. There was clear disappointment in the eyes of the players who now knew they couldn’t let their club captain down.

In the second half, more chance were created from both teams yet none were converted. It was only until the last 10 minutes when up popped Herman to chip the ball over the onrushing keeper to make it 4-1.

Jubilant Manchester boss Martin Simmons said: "To get the three points was the most important thing today. We played some excellent football in parts but need to maintain that for 90 minutes."

When asked about the injury to Loofe, Simmons replied: "When you’re missing your captain, it’s always going to be tough however I feel the sheer presence of Ashley on the side-line really drove the boys forward.

"Just having him in his boots and kit really got the opposition worried. Maybe we’ll adopt this tactic again at some point."

Next week Maccabi play current Manchester Accountants League champions PWC at Brooklands.

MANCHESTER: Pole, Jackson, Lee, Foster, Taylor, Hatton, Lewis, Basso, Rubinstein, Grant, Herman, Louca

SCORERS: Herman (2), Lewis, Own Goal