PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND THREE
NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A 3 MANCHESTER MACCABI 1st 1
Rob Richman commended NLR's defensive resilience as they moved into the fourth round of the Jewish FA Cup with a 3-1 victory over Manchester Maccabi 1st at Capital City.
The tie was originally scheduled for Hertfordshire Sports Village but overnight snow left the surface unplayable and the match was moved to the 3G in Willesden which had earlier hosted the MGBSFL Division Two clash between Scrabble FC and Boca Jewniors.
JORDAN MARKS and RICKY ENGLEMAN handed Raiders the initiative in a well-contested first half before Manchester hauled themselves back into the game from the penalty spot but NLR remained calm and secured the all-important next goal through another NICK LEWIS stunner.
Raiders boss Rob Richman told JC Sport: "Firstly and most importantly, it was great to be able to get the game played. We had the unfortunate situation of our original pitch being called off at 10.00am and with the Manchester Maccabi squad two hours into their journey it was imperative we sorted an alternative pitch. Somehow we secured a back-up pitch and redirected the Manchester side to Capital City for a really competitive cup tie.
"Over the course of the game I felt we deserved the win, we took our chances really well as we have done throughout the season but just as importantly we looked so secure defensively.
"Since the November 1 we have conceded one goal from open play and today even without our first-choice centre-back pairing from the start of the season we looked so solid and resolute.
"We wish Manchester well, they are an excellent side and we hope they go on to secure the league title this season.
"For us we look forward to welcoming Oakwood this weekend in another vitally important league game."
Maccabi boss Tony Gellman told JC Sport: "We have no complaints at the scoreline. The difference between the two teams was the finishing. They were simply more clinical than us.
"Sometimes there’s not a lot you can do about it. We were 2-0 down at half-time where we could have been level on another day. We changed the formation to go 4-4-2 and although we were on top we came up against an organised and well-drilled team who defended well.
"Losing our goalkeeper David Cohen with a knee injury early on was a setback. But it’s contribute to the defeat as Adam Jackson stepped into the breach and was superb. It was a game that was played in great spirit throughout.
"We selected a strong squad and came down with real hope but it wasn’t to be for us on the day."
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