Republic still in with a shout, says Bloch

"Looking logically we have played one of the serious title contenders twice in quick succession and have managed to avoid defeat which is always the bottom line in football," said Bloch.

"Having played a game less than Hyde Park and Maccabi, we are now one and seven points behind but in my opinion both have tougher run-ins than we do.

"We also have the massive match against Maccabi to come at the end of the month, which is where I think the title will be won and lost.

"It was another very tight match between us and Hyde Park. Having two matches in three weeks was always going to be interesting, especially as both were so important with regards to the outcome of the MJSL title.

"Strangely enough the matches seemed to have a similar pattern with both of us having good spells and generally cancelling one another out.

"Managing to come from behind on both occasions showed good character on our behalf."

Elsewhere, Manchester Maccabi 3rd got back on track with a comfortable 4-1 win over struggling Crumpsall.

Martin Simons' men had lost their previous two games but looked back to their best following a 5-1 mauling at the hands of struggling Oakhill Lions.

Josh Hayes stole the show once again, registering a hat-trick, with Jonny Rose also on target for the league leaders.

Ben Gardner grabbed a consolation for Crumpsall, who have scored a paltry 11 goals in 11 league games this season.

Ric Hershon grabbed a double as South Manchester 2nd eased to a 4-1 win at Oakhill Lions.

Toby Levy and Jeremy Nivern were also on target for the visitors, who are now six points behind league leaders Manchester Maccabi 3rd.

In the Westdene derby, goals from Ben Rose and Raffi Grosskopf ensured the 1st team came out on the right side of a 2-1 scoreline.

Harry Silverman was on target for the 2nd team, who remain rooted to the bottom of the table with just two wins from 13 games.