By
David Gold
Sporting JLGB stunned league leaders Manchester Maccabi 3rd with a dominant display as they over powered the hosts to end their 100% league record.
Max Rose had put Maccabi in front, but three second half goals from Aaron Englander, Jarod Cohen and Adam Schwinger won all three points for Gavin Sharpe’s men. His counterpart, Martin Simons, admitted that Sporting were the better team on the day.
“It was a good game, we got muscled out of it for the first and the opposition deserved their win.
“Maybe if they continue their improvement they could be beating our rivals. It blows the title race open.”
Simons’ side had seemed set to continue their imperious form as they settled into the game quickly and could have gone in front when Louie Basso hit the bar with a header and then saw Josh Hayes miss a good opening. Max Rose finally put them ahead after half an hour when he met a corner and flicked the ball goalwards, which Sporting goalkeeper Akivah Lieberman failed to keep out despite getting a hand to the ball.
Sporting were also creating chances though, and an even game turned round completely in the second period after Englander drew them level with a firm header from Rafi Bloom’s free kick.
It was not long until they went in front, with Bloom again the provider as he sent in a corner which Jarod Cohen rose to head home.
Sporting were now firmly on top, fighting for every ball and outmuscling their smaller opponents, as well as hitting Maccabi on the counter attack as they committed men forward in search of an equaliser.
Hayes had a chance to pull them level but missed from the edge of the box, and the home side were made to pay as another free kick late on found Uri Steinberg, who played in Bloom. Bloom then played a one-two with Danny Jacobs before having a shot pushed out into the path of Schwinger, who gleefully slotted home the crucial third. Sharpe was delighted after the game with his side’s performance.
“We knew we had a chance and we took our opportunities. It was the fight and the passion which won it for us, pushing and pushing for it. Once the equaliser went in the belief was there.”