Sport
South Manchester silence noisy neighbours
South Manchester went to their noisy neighbours and bought the three points back to the "better side of Manchester", according to joint-player-manager Toby Levy.
February 16, 2015 12:45
South Manchester went to their noisy neighbours and bought the three points back to the "better side of Manchester", according to joint-player-manager Toby Levy.
February 16, 2015 12:45MANCHESTER ACCOUNTANTS LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION
MANCHESTER MACCABI 1st 1 SOUTH MANCHESTER SPORTS CLUB 1st 3
South Manchester went to their noisy neighbours and bought the three points back to the "better side of Manchester", according to vice-captain Toby Levy.
Maccabi dominated the early exchanges. They were rewarded through Ryan Silvester, enjoying a fine opening 20 minutes. However the drop of rain that fell on Ryan's head changed the balance of the game.
South were awarded a penalty, somewhat controversially, after Tom Cantor was pushed. Adam Lavin confidently stepped up and placed the ball into the bottom left corner.
The momentum of the game turned as half-time saw the teams leave he field one apiece.
Maccabi were out of the blocks again quickly in the second half, putting pressure on young Alex Davies' goal - who yet again handled himself superbly throughout.
When Levy was fouled 25 yards from goals, the Maccabi sideline were stunned into silence (thank G-d) by a wonderful Jack Lee strike, leaving the keeper no chance.
South then controlled the game for the remaining time - creating chances going forward, whilst captain Mike Stratton led a composed back four.
Substitute Sam Cantor added a third after more good work from Lavin, cueing celebrations on the South sidelines.
This win was South's fifth in a row against their noisy neighbours. Captain Mike Stratton said "Maccabi set themselves up for defeat from the off".
He said: "When Maccabi manager Martin Simons dubbed themselves and Flixton as the top two teams in the north - it gave us all we needed.
"Hopefully he'll choose his word more carefully next time as we proved people wrong today."
Neil Collins, South's manager was delighted with the victory. He said: "We've worked hard all year and the boys deserved it today.
"Kids like Louis Rawlings and David Flax had a point to prove today having not had a look in at Maccabi last year - and they enjoyed today more than anyone.
"We wish Maccabi the best going forward, but for now we'll carry on with our party."