Michael Sacks praised his team's professionalism as highly-fancied Manchester Maccabi 1st showed why they are one of the favourites to win this season's Peter Morrison Trophy with a thumping 9-1 win over MGBSFL Division One table-toppers North London Galaxy.
December 2, 2019 17:01
PETER MORRISON TROPHY LAST 16
MANCHESTER MACCABI 1st 9 NORTH LONDON GALAXY 1
Maccabi cruised into the last eight of The Peter Morrison Trophy with a dominant performance over Galaxy at the Oasis Academy 3G in Oldham.
Both teams came into the game undefeated this season, with the papers dubbing this 'The Clash of the Titans'.
But in reality, it couldn't have been further from the truth. Galaxy went a goal up inside the first quarter of the game, but Maccabi replied instantly through, who else but Sam Hatton.
Player-manager Sacks doubled and trebled Maccabi's lead, the first a glancing header from an Adam Jackson throw-in and the second from the penalty spot after Sam Hatton was taken out in the penalty area.
The game was broken up in large parts by Galaxy's ill discipline, which often saw some of the sideline running onto the pitch to berate the referee.
Maccabi added more goals through Sam Hatton, Toby Levy, Aaron Goldman (2), an own goal and Jason Hamburger - to stride into the last eight.
The game saw multiple sin-bins for Galaxy and two red cards, whilst Maccabi went down to 10 men after the final whistle.
Player-manager, Michael Sacks told JC Sport: "If I’m honest, today was one of the most embarrassing games of football I have ever played in.
"Some of the opposition seemed to be more focused on winding us up and accusing the referee of being a cheat than they were on playing football.
"I’m afraid the low-point was someone on the side-line telling his players to chop us down. However, other than a confrontation after the final whistle involving one of our boys, I’m incredibly proud of my players for not falling to their standards and putting yet another team to the sword."
Galaxy boss Luke Lewis told JC Sport: "Our night out was simply far to heavy on the Friday night to ever have been a contender in the game Sunday - a massive learning curve on our behalf.
"We had an amazing bonding experience as a team and have gone 11 games unbeaten, which unfortunately came to an end. To be honest, we couldn't have lost to a better side - fair play to Manchester Maccabi, a class act and a very talented team. We wish them the best for the season ahead and have full confidence they can go all the way and lift that trophy!"