Sport
Stock guides Raiders A into Morrison Trophy semis
Dan Shafron admitted North London Raiders A were far from their best after reaching the semi-finals of the Peter Morrison Trophy following a 5-2 victory over Raiders B.
February 20, 2017 10:06
Dan Shafron admitted North London Raiders A were far from their best after reaching the semi-finals of the Peter Morrison Trophy following a 5-2 victory over Raiders B.
February 20, 2017 10:06PETER MORRISON TROPHY QUARTER-FINAL
NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A 5 NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B 2
Two goals from Matt Stock steered Raiders A into the last four of the Jewish FA Cup at the expense of their B-team from Division One.
Further efforts from former Player of the Year Liron Mannie, Oscar Wagner and Nick Lewis sealed the win.
Jake Gilbert bagged a brace for Raiders B and he was praised by Shafron for a "tremendous" performance.
The Morrison is the one trophy that has so far eluded Raiders A. With their hopes of defending both the league and Cyril Anekstein Cup over, Shafron was delighted with his team's second-half performance in Wembley.
"Our first half was poor," Shafron told JC Sport. "We were lethargic in possession and gave the ball away far too often. The second half was much improved. We controlled the game and had countless chances to score more.
"It was by no means a vintage performance however we got the job done and are pleased to have booked our place in the semi final.
"Lastly congratulations to the B's who put up a good fight. They set up to frustrate us and Jonny used his knowledge of my boys well. Big praise must go to their striker Jake Gilbert who I thought had a superb game."
Raiders B boss Jonathan Adelman told JC Sport: "It feels odd to say so after shipping five goals in successive weeks and losing both games, but I'm very happy with the performances, especially given our now ridiculous injury and absence list.
"To be honest at 5pm on Saturday we didn't know if we'd be able to raise a team but a couple of the boys played through injuries and another couple worked until the early hours on Sunday morning to make sure we could fulfil the fixture.
"We gave a great account of ourselves - we had a game-plan and executed it really well until we ran out of steam in the closing stages. That's the thing against players of the quality that our A's have, they just keep coming at you and both Liron and Stocky were insanely good today.
"This is the one trophy the club hasn't won yet so I'm hoping that Shaf and the A's can make it back to Wingate and bring home the Cup."
MJSL Rep Team, South Manchester Sports Club 1st, Maccabi London Lions A, Maccabi London Lions U21s, Maccabi London Lions Masters and RC UK FC will be looking to join Raiders in the semis over the coming weeks.