OLIM CUP SEMI-FINAL
ENGLAND FC 0 JAFFA 0 (England won on penalties)
England FC remain on course for the treble as the heroics of goalkeeper Terry Newman took them past Jaffa in a penalty shoot-out.
The tie between the newly-crowned league champions and Jaffa was always going to be a tight affair with both teams finishing the season in good form.
England had the better of things in the first half, with the best chance falling to Chad Waldman, but he was denied by Yochanan in the Jaffa goal from point-blank range.
As is often the case between these two teams, the tackles were flying in as neither side gave an inch, keeping the referee busy.
After the interval England again looked sharp, hitting the woodwork several times and forcing Yochanan into a few good saves. Indeed England forced numerous corners and free-kicks, but just could not find a way through.
Things looked like they were turning in Jaffa's favour when England's keeper recieved a red card for bringing down Eyal Hoffman and was adjudged to be the last man, but they couldnt make the numerical advantage count and the game went to penalties.
Stand-in keeper Terry Newman was to the hero. The coverted full-back, in his 8th year with the team, saved the decisive penalty, diving to his right, to keep England FC's treble dreams alive.
Hero Terry Newman said after the game “The boys deserved it. We fought hard and our belief pulled us through. Now to the final."