PETER MORRISON TROPHY SEMI-FINAL
MACCABI LONDON LIONS UNDER-21 0 SOUTH MANCHESTER SPORTS CLUB 1st 3
Toby Levy added the gloss as South Manchester ran out worthy winners against the youngest team in the Jewish FA Cup.
The carpet-like pitch at Rowley Lane was perfect, the sun was shining - it was a day to enjoy for both teams, who wanted to get on the ball and play.
It was South however who struck first, after Levy dispossessed a Lions defender and delivered to Shapiro, who expertly controlled the ball and finished after a couple of flicks.
And before long, it was two, that man Shapiro again, who clearly enjoys playing in London after a couple of goals previously against Redbridge. This time, Ethan Krell delivered from the other side, with Shapiro expertly slotting home first time, much to the surprise of Lions.
Alex Davies in the South goal had little to do, but was excellent when called upon as were his back four of James Jobling, Tom Cantor, Dave Stewart and Mark Stewart.
After a slack period, either side of half-time, South started playing again, thanks largely to Dave Stewart at centre half. Captain Stratton, Jack Lee and Levy were solid in the middle, with Ethan, Adam Lavin and Shapiro offering a threat further forward.
The game was sealed with 10 minutes to go thanks to a great counter. Adam Lavin did what he did best and drove at the Lions defence, and a determined run by Levy saw him rolled through and finished well across the keeper - cue the celebrations, for a South team who have never won the competition.
South manager Neil Collins told JC Sport: "To come to London twice and win is a huge achievement and shows the character of the boys.
"The teamtalk before the game and at half-time was easy, we didn't need any more motivation - we were in a good place.
"The only 'negative' of the day, if you could call it that, was that the Carmelli delivery obviously didn't arrive on time which was disappointing as I'd been looking forward to a bagel, but the sandwiches did the job.
"In all seriousness, thanks to Lions for the hospitality and the under 21s were a credit to the club - we now look forward to the final Up North!"
South Manchester await the winners of this weekend's other semi-final between Maccabi London Lions Masters and current MGBSFL champions North London Raiders A, which takes place at Rowley Lane at 10pm on Sunday.
This season's Peter Morrison Trophy final will take place in or around Manchester on May 7.
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