Maccabi London Lions Masters roared into the quarter-finals of the Jewish FA Cup after taking another MGBSFL Premier Division scalp, following up their defeat of reigning champions Hendon with this impressive victory over a bright young Brady side.
February 14, 2017 12:06
PETER MORRISON TROPHY LAST 16
MACCABI LONDON LIONS MASTERS 4 BRADY MACCABI 2
A deadly double from Adam Stolerman set up a showdown against second division RC UK FC, the lowest-ranked team left in the competition following an enthralling comeback.
An even start, in which Brady used their energy to put pressure on the Masters high up the pitch, had just started to see the hosts get on top, with Saul Conway and Adam Stolerman both coming close.
But it was Brady who took the lead, against the run of play, when they broke away with pace following a Lions corner through the very impressive Sam Monjack. The former Chelsea academy player evaded challenges and he was away. His low cross was bundled home by top-scorer Reiss Mogilner.
Despite the setback the Lions continued to play their football, and really started to boss things. Alex Levack, Craig Pearl and Sam Sloma were dominant in midfield and chances were coming aplenty. Harry Fine in the Brady goal was doing his best to keep his side ahead, but from a corner Sloma’s fine delivery was flicked home by the head of the towering Adam Myeroff for the equaliser.
The Masters were looking very impressive. Their combination and interplay as they drove forwards was too much for Brady, and thanks to two expert Stolerman finishes, the latter a great spin and strike into the top corner, took the game away from the visitors as they went into the break 3-1 to the good.
It remained much the same through the second period, the Masters spurning several great chances, although again credit Fine as he produced excellent stops to deny Lee Cash, Paul Hakim and Conway.
Hakim then hit the bar and whistled one an inch wide as the fourth goal remained elusive, and this could have been costly when David Soutar was adjudged to have fouled Mogilner in the box. However, Russ Corin had other ideas and expertly turned away the spot kick and then, from the resultant corner, tipped a long ranger over the bar.
Soutar then sealed the tie, getting on the end of a deep free-kick to head home the fourthand with it end any chance of a fightback.
The latter stages were pretty scrappy with both teams over committing bodies forward. The Masters failed to register again despite more good openings.
Brady grabbed a last-minute consolation from the spot after Corin impeded Mogilner. But all in all much to be positive about for the old boys who for much of the game proved themselves a fine footballing outfit.
Lions boss Dan Jacobs told JC Sport: "Brady were a very decent young side, especially with the ball. But across the pitch, once the game settled, I think we were just that bit sharper.
"They scored on the break but from there we were the dominant side and should really have scored several more. Their keeper had a fine game to be fair."
Brady joint-manager Josh Dagul told JC Sport: "It was a superb effort from the boys today and although we lost we can be proud of our performance.
"We had a game-plan and stuck to it. Unfortunately we had a 20-minute spell at the end of the first half that cost us.
"Other than that we were excellent and have plenty of positives to take into next weeks' game against Redbridge. Good luck to the Masters in the next round."
LIONS: Russ Corin, Adam Myeroff, Guy Morris, David Souter, Adam Harvey, Alex Levack, Craig Pearl, Josh Bentley, Sam Sloma, Paul Hakim, Adam Stolerman, Lee Cash, Saul Conway, Danny Daggers, Tony Gold
