Sport
PMT final preview: South Manchester pen pics
Meet the South Manchester Sports Club players gunning for glory in the Jewish FA Cup final on Sunday.
May 4, 2017 11:29
Meet the South Manchester Sports Club players gunning for glory in the Jewish FA Cup final on Sunday.
May 4, 2017 11:29ALEX DAVIES - Twenty-year-old goalkeeper has been a giant between the sticks over the past four seasons and is a part of South’s ‘class of 2013’, which saw Davies join the senior set up along with Flax, Krell and Rawlings.
JACK ROWE - an injury-plagued season but continues to come out the other side and give his all to the club. A full-back through and through, Jack is just as strong carrying the ball forward as he is defending – a real all round defender.
DAVE STEWART - younger of the two Stewarts at the club, ‘baby Dave’ continues to impress. Known for arriving to training 25 minutes late in order to miss the 'doggies'. Dave is a real ball playing centre half and has been known to let out a sigh of frustration when his centre back partner, Cantor, hoofs the ball to gain territory.
TOM CANTOR - is a thorn in everyone’s rear; managers, players and most importantly – opponents. Will put his head where others wouldn’t dream and possesses pace and aerial ability that makes him a superb all-rounder; except when he gives away a penalty (usually three or four times a season).
MARK STEWART - ‘The King’ holds the record for South Manchester’s most senior appearances and was recently rewarded with an international call-up at the Maccabiah Games, where he was voted player of the tournament. Comfortable on his left, his right, or his schnoz head, Stewy could round off the perfect amateur Jewish career with success in the Morrison.
JAKE FINESTEIN - Right-back or central midfielder is ‘Mr Reliable’. Jake was only an hour and a half late for the 1/4 final victory over the MJSL XI, cursing modern technology, which ‘ran out of battery.’ That said, he still made it to see the final goal go in and celebrate with the team. South’s very own Philip Neville.
JACK LEE - flourished in the heart of midfield this year, scoring goals and dabbing like there’s no tomorrow. Arguably scored the best goal of South’s season so far, he has got an awful lot in his locker, although we aren’t sure exactly what just yet. Let’s hope the referee has plenty of balls going spare as there may be a few ending up in Chorlton Water Park.
MARK COLLINS - ‘Collo’ takes after his dad, Neil, in more ways than one (although isn’t dressed as well). Captain of rat XI, Mark has slotted into the defence and the midfield this year when called upon and is the definition of South Manchester Football Club.
BEN PEPPI - May – September, there isn’t a better Jewish footballer out there. The smell of freshly mown and presence of pollen in the air really get his creative juices flowing and his football benefits as a result. October to April however, we’ll leave to your imagination.
TOBY LEVY - Levy is competing in his first Morrison final, despite South and Oakwood (his favourite club) making the final in two out of the last five seasons – no coincidence there. He plays on the left, he plays on the right’ is often heard on the terraces of Gatley, although not too sure who he makes look rubbish now a days.
MIKE STRATTON - Captain. Leader. Legend. Often pumps his chest aka Vincent Kompany. Gets his team ticking when he isn’t playing hide and seek with his dog, Bruno. If South were to be victorious, there will no doubt be questions raised as to whether he would lift the trophy or whether he’d let Stewy.
SAUL SHAPIRO - an invaluable part of this year’s team, scoring in both outings to London this year. Joining Collo in the Rat XI, seeing Saul hunt from left to right is a joy to behold and when you think there is nothing left in the tank, he pops up with a top class finish. Great lad. Great player.
ADAM LAVIN - pronounced La-y-vin, has been the talisman for years and years before that at Manchester Maccabi. With a great footballing brain and two feet that seem to listen to it, Lavs continues to put defenders on their backsides and grab important goals for the club, none more so than the winner in the quarter final tie.
NATHAN EZAIR - ‘Twinks’ joins Stewy as an elder statesman and joins Collo in the Rat XI. Often spotted running home from training, Twinks is defying logic and becoming fitter with age, often being selected to ‘neutralise’ the opposition. Local bookies (Andy Cohen) is offering 1,000/1 for Twinks to score anytime in the final.
JAMES JOBLING - training to be a medic in his spare time, ‘Jobbers’ has been short of minutes this year, but when he has played, has been hugely important both defensively and offensively. Fit, strong and good in air, James is an all-round athlete and will be missed at the final thanks to a university exam (they don’t view the Morrison Final to be extenuating circumstances.
JOSH DARCY - has progressed up the club steadily under the guidance of Marc Magid and Paul Kirkham, utilising his raw energy and his pace. First on the training field and second to last off (Stewy is usually panting on all fours), Josh is a shining example of any young South kid wanting to play for the 1st team.
OLLIE GORDON - Ollie only turned 16 in November and is almost young enough to be Stewy’s grandson! The third and youngest Gordon representing the club on a weekly basis, made his debut for the 1st team in March, before playing roles in both the quarter and semi-finals of the competition.
ETHAN KRELL - turns out for the big games but when he’s available, does he turn up. It’s hard to believe the little, nippy 4ft young lad who debuted for the 1st team three years ago would turn out to be a strapping young man who adds some much needed height and physicality to South.
DAVID FLAX - better known for his loyal dad who supports South even when ‘little David’ isn’t playing, David has played a bit-part role this season due to his studies in Nottingham. A crafty little winger in his own right, the cones in the garden routine at the age of 6 is beginning to pay off.
BEN BROWNSON - ‘Who’s Ben Brownson?’… I hear you say. Just wait until you see his throw-ins and you’ll never forget the name again. Enjoyed a good first year in the senior set-up and has had his fair share of bumps and bruises.
ETHAN ISAACS - provided great backup to Davies and has enjoyed a great debut season in his own right in Magid’s 2nd team. Together with his twin brother, Jack, the pair would give up anything for the black and blue stripes of South Manchester – true ambassadors to the club.
JACK ISAACS - Jack’s role with the 1st team this season has also been largely as back-up, but has delivered when called upon, including the winning game in his 1st team debut (topped off with a sliding celebration). The future of South.
NEIL COLLINS (Co-manager) -voted as the best dressed in the club, Neil has enjoyed a successful season on the pitch as South manager, and off the pitch as an unofficial Capri-sun ambassador. Wears his heart on his coaching jacket – the club would be lost without him.
PAUL KIRKHAM (Co-manager) - a former professional in his own right – and he won’t let your forget it - ‘Kirky’ is enjoying his third season at the helm and this will be his first crack at silverware with this South side. Google Paul Kirkham…and you won’t find him!
JONNY DAVIS (Chairman) - A legend in every way. The club wouldn’t exist without him. Loves a cigar.
ROUTE TO THE FINAL
Semi-final: ML Lions U21: 3-0 - (Saul Shapiro 2, Toby Levy)
Quarter-final: Redbridge JC A: 3-3 (won on penalties – Saul Shapiro 2, Jack Lee)
Round three: MJSL: 3-2 - (Adam Lavin 2, Tom Cantor)