By, Danny Caro
4 min read
ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro
Hendon United Sports Club A beat Oakwood A in the Peter Morrison Trophy final last year, while they have taken the scalp of double winners Norstar London Raiders A in the quarter-finals this season and have every right to feel confident ahead of Sunday's showdown.
PEN PICS
RUSSELL CORIN (goalkeeper) - the big man, also the biggest softie in the squad. Like a magnificent claret gets better and better with age. Ultra consistent, superb handling and will not be shy of the limelight if we go to penalties
BEN KON (right-back/midfield) - a Hendon veteran for many years – always lets his football do the talking both in defence and further forward – has a strong eye for goal with some trademark late runs and still leyns the fastest Megilla in North West London
ARI NEVIES (central defender) - established regular now in his second full season. Strong quick and good in the air – been fined many a match fee for late night drunken activities pre match day but still hugely reliable on the day
TALI NEVIES (central defender) - much the more sensible of the two brothers and equally as reliable on the pitch. Older and a touch wiser, promoted from the B’s this year and has made the transition without a hitch. Juggles his Sundays with kids and exams but would never miss it for the world
ALEX ROSENTHAL (central defender) - another one of the older guard, hugely experienced and a great reader of the game. Injuries have slightly restricted appearances this year but still one of the best on his day. Will always be a frustrated centre forward
ETHAN ZONE (left-back) - new signing this season from Raiders, slotted in like he’s been a Hendoner for years, always reliable, one of the most consistent performers all season, brilliant going forward and ultra solid at the back. A fantastic addition to the squad
RAFI KON (midfield) - club treasurer, admin secretary and midfield holder. Loves to play football the simple way it is supposed to be played and does with great effect. If you go on a dribbling run, beating five men, Rafi will not be impressed. Vital to the preferred 4-3-3 formation Hendon like to adopt
ARI LAST (midfield and captain) - club skipper and last season’s MGBSFL Player of the Year. Spent four months out with injury this term, but has returned fully refreshed and on a mission to make up for lost time through leading the club to cup success. An absolute colossus in midfield and one of the best around
AVI KORMAN (midfield/utility) - one of the major contenders for player or young player of the season. Superb in any position, supremely fit and full of energy, can use either foot and no-one quicker. Perfect upbringing as part of the great Korman dynasty and has become a massive player for Hendon this year
SIMON PETERMAN (midfield) - signed off the beach in Tel Aviv in the summer and has had a brilliant debut year. Strong in the air and in the tackle – the perfect midfield foil. Vastly experienced and a cool head in tricky situations – always the first to answer the availability emails – great attitude
BEN LAUFFER (midfield) - has achieved everything in Jewish football and more. Back for a second stint at Hendon this year and a huge mid-season signing. Still worthy of being called the Rolls Royce of midfielders, one of the most naturally-gifted players to play at this level
Greg Corin (left-sided forward) - surely one of the most consistently influential players in this league over the last few years. Amazing touch and technique and will always score big goals in big games. If Greg sees a lot of the ball Hendon will win simple as that – the upper torso is still magnificent as well
DAVE SEITLER (forward/"stroppy teenager") - one of the most exciting young talents to burst on to the scene in years. Incredible pace and skill and a real match-winner. Wants to take all corners, free-kicks, penalties, goal-kicks and drive the team bus! True box-office material and worth the admission money alone
DOVI FEHLER (forward) - another to burst onto the scene this year. Plucked from Division Three obscurity by the Hendon scouts his pace, skill, goals and flying Tzitzit has frightened rival teams all year. Watch out for the finest back-flip goal celebration since Lua Lua if he scores. Favourite for first goal-scorer
AVISHAI KESTENBAUM (forward/utility) - part of four brother combinations in the squad. The Right Honourable Avishai is the ultimate no fuss footballer. Gets on with it and will never let you down in any position – no nonsense, good strength and, as with all Kestenbaums, a great eye for goal
YOAV KESTENBAUM (winger) - last season’s Young Player of the Year, but only a bit-part this time around as a combination of University and a heartbreaking injury has kept appearances to a minimum. Might still be used for pre-match huddle and when fit, one of the best Jewish footballers in the country, without doubt
AVIDAN LAST (forward) - after over 10 years as a Hendon player, time looks to have finally caught up with Avidan who will be hanging up his boots this year. Probably the record Maccabi League goal-scorer having consistently hit 20-plus for over a decade. He’s a true gentleman and a genuine Hendon and Maccabi legend
DAVID GARBACZ (manager/Mourinho lookalike - Ed. his words, not mine!) - no historic treble treble this year, but still on course for an unprecedented double cup double. Loves a quote – often controversial but never dull. Like’s to refer to fellow managers as mate! Record speaks for itself but a runners-up medal will be considered failure
