MGBSFL DIVISION THREE
NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS C 3 CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI 0
NLR C returned to winning ways as they condemned leaders Catford to only their second league defeat of the season with a handsome 3-0 victory.
A first half strike by Oli Nathan, with two late goals from Will Ufland and Jamie Weinrich ensured that Norstar kept the gap close at the top of the table and laid down a true marker of their ability this season.
Norstar's football at home can be breathtaking a times and felt at half time that 1-0 slightly flattered the visitors. Norstar took the lead on half an hour when a long clearance found Nathan
Norstar felt unlucky not to have been clear at half time, a reoccurring feature of the season so far, but the defence looked extremely solid in the first half. Catford just weren't at the races for the first 45, though two injures in the first 10 minutes didn't help.
The Cats were the stronger team in the second half, but couldn't find a finishing touch - this is not the first time this season that the ever impressive Norstar defence has held out.
A stunning save from Grant Waissel at 1-0 kept the hosts ahead and in the belief that they'd beat the leaders. Time and time again the defence showed it's class, marshalled all game by the ever-excellent Alex Goodman and Dan Polak.
With two minutes left at 0-1 down, they sent everyone forward for a corner. The delivery was poor and Norstar's Jamie Weinrich broke at pace and released Ufland on the left of the box who calmly slotted the ball into the net to put the game to bed.
Then, right at the death, two became three, this time Weinrich got the ball 10 yards out and smashed the ball home, capping a fine team goal.
Norstar have shown this season how good they are at home, playing their passing game on 3G pitches, and the undefeated home record continues, and it will take something special to put an end to it.
"We've shown we mean business and have sent a big statement to the rest of the league," NLR boss Zack Gothelf told JC Sport.
"Today was a truly magnificent team effort and they all deserve to be nominated for team of the week. I'm nominating the whole back five, when I really could nominate all 12 who took part in today's game."
Cats captain Adam Luria told JC Sport: "3-0 was more than a little harsh and not at all reflective of how tight this game was, but we'll put it behind us an get back on track next week."
