MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A 2 OAKWOOD A 2
David Garbacz admits his Hendon team have missed the presence of Moses Seitler after he registered in the thrilling 2-2 draw against title hopefuls Oakwood.
Seitler contributed a goal of the week contender and was "a constant menace with his pace and strength" in a game when David Woolman twice helped Oakwood overcome a deficit.
Zac Lewis put Hendon in front two minutes before the break, pouncing on a long ball upfield and slid it under the onrushing keeper.
Oakwood levelled 20 minutes into the second half when a move down the right resulted with a cross into the middle – this resulted in a shot that was parried by Russell Corin but fell to Woolman who smashed it home.
Seitler restored Hendon's lead five minutes later with a first-time shot, wrapping his foot round the ball from 20 yards into top corner.
But Woolman ensured Oakwood came away with a point with an effort similar to his first. The visitors attacked down the right. The ball found it's way to the striker who pounced on the loose ball.
Hendon boss David Garbacz told JC Sport: "This was a vastly-improved performance from us – much better quality and attitude, we battled hard and showed great desire.
"Ultimately though we came off disappointed as we had lead twice in the match only to get pegged back both times, but in truth on the overall balance of play, a draw was a fair result.
"Oakwood were superb down both flanks and gave our full-backs a torrid time – in my opinion they are the best team we have played this year and this was a great advert for our under-fire league, with both teams battling it out in a high quality encounter and refusing to give in.
"For the first time this season we were able to unleash Moses Seitler and he gave us a much-needed boost whilst also showing us how much we have missed him with an always dangerous display and a fine second goal.
"For us we will take this result as a small stepping-stone in our efforts to turn things round, of course we would have loved the win, but it wasn’t to be and we wish Oakwood well for the rest of the season."
Oakwood joint-manager Dan Kristall told JC Sport: "It was a pulsating second half in which we came back twice to take a share of the spoils. It could have gone either way.
"I thought we just edged the game and probably the better of the chances but ultimately gave ourselves too much to do in conceding two poor goals.
"The first goal was a mix up at the back just before half time and their second goal was just after we had worked so hard to get back in the game and equalise for 1-1. It was total panic stations!
"Having now played Hendon twice in the league, wish Hendon all the best for the rest of the league campaign and thank David for his nice post-match words.
"Hendon were a threat all day with their pace on the counter attack and I am quite certain, they will be fighting for trophies at the business end of the season.
"I was delighted with the character of the team to come back twice and pick up the deserved point. We move on to in-form Harmen next week, where we expect another extremely tough game but we fully believe that if we play to our max, we will win the game."
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