In possibly the most intriguing and exciting finish to the Maccabi Masters League Division 1, Brady A moved ominously into the top two after a battling 2-1 win over Southgate Harmen, who will now feel that their title hopes are all but over.
Nick Collins scored both Brady goals, with Alex Bourne replying for Harmen.
Brady are scheduled to play table-topping Glenthorne A on Wednesday evening in a match which might go a long way towards determining the destination of this season’s trophy.
But still not out of it, and one of four teams across the two Divisions chasing a league and cup double, are North London Raiders, who reinforced their credentials with a 6-1 demolition of Scrabble, with goals from Ashley Davidson (3), Gary Cohen, Tony Plaskow and Kevin Lotzof. Steven Moss scored Scrabble’s consolation.
The race for the Division Two title has been equally compelling, and as two more of the double contenders locked horns, EDRS Stonegrove twice came from behind to goals from Glenthorne’s Greg Morris to win 3-2 with goals from Mark Kingston (2) and Phil Silver.
Whilst that defeat put a huge dent in Glenthorne’s title ambitions, London Maccabi Lions took full advantage to hit the front at exactly the right time, and make themselves clear favourites.
A 9-3 victory over Ashlodge was notable for the fact that, for once, Marc Morris wasn’t on the list of scorers, but Lawrence Leigh (2), David Price, Lawrence Swerner (2), Robert Sharpe, Simon Black, Frank Steinberg and Stuart Coutts ensured that they went to the top of the table in style, even if they did concede goals to Steve Bogen, Ian Sumray and Vince Goodman.
Meanwhile, Marshside also came back from a goal down to earn a 4-2 win against Glenthorne C, with goals from Fara Moghim (2), Ashley Marks and Nigel Shaffer.
Goals from Graham Meyer, Jon Dubiner and Paul Herszaft earned Temple Fortune a 3-1 victory over Brady B. Brian Deal registered for Brady.
Hat-trick hero
Ashley Davidson (North London Raiders)
RESULTS
Maccabi Masters Football League Division 1
Brady Maccabi A2 Southgate Harmen 1
North London Raiders 6 Scrabble 1
Maccabi Masters Football League Division 2
Glenthorne United B 2 EDRS Stonegrove 3
London Maccabi Lions 9 Ashlodge CPC 3
Marshside 4 Glenthorne United C 2
Temple Fortune 3 Brady Maccabi B 1
TABLES
Division One
1. NL Raiders A Pl. 14, Pts. 19
2. Brady Maccabi A Pl. 12, Pts. 17
3. Glenthorne Utd A Pl. 11, Pts. 16
4. Southgate Harmen Pl. 13, Pts. 14
5. Scrabble Pl. 15, Pts. 6
6. Waldaf Town Pl. 14, Pts. 6
* South Mancs have folded
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Division Two
1. LM Lions Pl. 15, Pts. 25
2. EDRS Stonegrove Pl. 16, Pts. 24
3. Glenthorne B Pl. 16, Pts. 23
3. St John's Wood Tigers Pl. 16, Pts. 23
5. Glenthorne Utd C Pl. 17, Pts. 14
6. Temple Fortune Pl. 16, Pts. 13
7. Brady B Pl. 17, Pts. 12
7. Hendon Harriers Pl. 15, Pts. 12
9. Marshside Pl. 15, Pts. 11
10. Ashlodge CPC Pl. 17, Pts. 3