Until last Sunday, Jimmy Bullard's hilarious Phil Brown finger-wagging routine at Eastlands was my favourite goal celebration of the season. But then North West Neasden A player-coach Darren Yarlett told me about his during last weekend's 3-2 victory over Montana Boca United A in the cup.
I'd named Yarlett as the star man in my online preview for the tie but nothing looked further from the truth as Montana forged into a 2-0 lead with Yarlett sitting on the bench.
But cometh the hour, cometh the man. Supersub Yarlett entered the fray like a man possessed. Playing right-back, he gave Neasden a new lease of life, charging down the wing at every opportunity.
After Jake Gottlieb had given the team a lifeline, he ventured forward to capitalise on a wonderful move involving Lee Cash and Ben Ellis. He smashed the ball home from three yards and went bananas, yelling: "The coach has saved you and Caro is the man. He knows his football. I'm the JC star man." After the game, Yarlett said: "The boys wouldn't share my special moment. They are jealous because that's now two in two from the bench. I have to keep coming out of retirement to save them."
● They say that if at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Well, congratulations go to starlet Jordan Segal for his goal of the week. On the opening weekend of the season, Jordan tried an audacious effort from 45 yards for North London Raiders A against North West Neasden B. Had it not been for Ed Bloom, one of the tallest keepers in the league, who leapt backwards at full-stretch to tip the ball over the bar, we'd have been talking about a Goal of the Season contender. From that day, I've encouraged Jordan to keep shooting. Having recently moved to Pinner JFC, he left his new teammates open-mouthed with a stunning free-kick from 60 yards that sailed over the keeper and into the roof of the net. Keep shooting, Jordan!
● There is a mouth-watering Peter Morrison Trophy tie in store in Fallowfield on Sunday as South Manchester Maccabi 1st entertain North West Neasden A in a lunchtime kick off. The hosts, who play in the Manchester Accountants League, warmed up for the clash with a 9-2 win over Accenture. NWN must watch out for star man Ben Peppi while chairman Jonny Davis believes that the team's "crop of exceptionally good young midfielders" could prove a match for the Londoners.
Rowley Lane plays hosts to another tie between cup favourites London Maccabi Lions A and Camden Park. The visitors welcome back manager Justin Rockberger who was otherwise engaged as the team went down 7-1 against Southgate Harmen A last Sunday. Rockberger put veteran Rick Harris in charge but vowed "never again" after his one and seemingly only game in charge in 20 years.
lMitch Hahn has joined Wingate & Finchley on a short-term loan from Bishop's Stortford. The Team GB star has been suffering with tendonitis for the past six weeks and has joined the Blues to get match fit. I understand that Wingate boss Dave Norman is keen to bring Hahn back to the Abrahams Stadium later in the season, if Wingate reaches the Ryman League Division One North playoffs.
● London Maccabi Lions are holding trials for Under 7s to Under 18s from May 23-June 27. For details, email clubsec@londonlions.com.
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