ByJames Masters, James Masters
Republic of Mancunia 2nd boss Paul Levy is expecting a titanic tussle with league leaders Haroldeans on Sunday.
Levy is back in the routine after jetting home from a romantic honeymoon in Spain and is now plotting to inflict a first defeat of the season on the Merseysiders.
Haroldeans have won six out of six so far this term, scoring 30 goals in the process and smashed four past Republic 2nd without reply earlier in the season.
Anything but a win for Levy’s side will extinguish their faint title hopes and the Republic boss has warned his players it really is boom or bust.
“We have to win the game,” he said. “It’s really as simple as that because if we don’t then it’s all over.
“Haroldeans have had a great start and have walked over everybody but they have to lose sometime.
“They’re a big physical side but I don’t mind that at all. I think we need to use our strength and play them at their own game.
“We were without a few players last time we played them but hopefully we’ll have a few back for this one.
“It’s a must win game and the lads know that.”
The game will see the MJSL’s top scorers Daniel Klapisch and Haroldeans’ Bobby Abrahams go head-to-head with both having netted eight so far this season.
And while Klapisch has been grabbing the headlines for Republic 2nd, Levy is keen to point out he has a plethora of talent at his disposal throughout the squad.
“Dan’s done really well for us this season but there are a lot of other players who have impressed too,” he added.
"Shlomi Friedman is back from injury and he’s been terrific for us. He’s a really, really classy midfield player.
“We’ve got a lot of good players and if we perform then I’m sure we’ve got a chance.”
Haroldeans boss Ivan Gee is hoping his men can continue their perfect start to the season by racking up a seventh consecutive league win.
The likes of Abrahams, Josh Silverberg, Ali Goldsmith and James Harris have been scoring goals for fun and Haroldeans look unstoppable at the moment.
Adam Boyars will miss the game after his red card during the 4-1 win over South Manchester last weekend but Gee is in confident mood.
“We’re playing some great football and the run just keeps on going,” he said.
“Republic 2nd will be a tough game but we’re full of confidence at the moment and looking forward to it.”