JC CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP SEMI-FINAL
NORTH WEST NEASDEN 2 HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A 4
David Garbacz breathed a sigh of relief after cup holders Hendon were given an almighty scare by Neasden before setting up a final showdown against Raiders.
But in the end strikes from Dovi Fehler, Ari Nevies, David Seitler and Avi Korman earned them a return trip to Wingate.
Neasden were nothing like the team Hendon had played in the league a few weeks ago - they played really well and, at times, had Hendon quite rattled.
At 1-1 midway through the second half, with two-goal hero Adam Arnold registering for NWN, the hosts missed a chance when clean through and two-on-one against keeper Russell Corin. Garbacz described that as "a pivotal turning point" as 10 minutes later a ruthless Hendon were 3-1 up, and NWN pulled one back again, Hendon immediately pulled two goals clear again and the game was over.
Relieved Hendon boss David Garbacz told JC Sport: "This was proper old school Sunday football - shocking facilities, an awful bobbly park pitch and 2 totally committed teams with the end result the great prize of another cup final at Wingate.
"Today was all about the result - we knew the pitch would be quite a leveller and they were also set up in a way which made them very hard to break down.
"We needed to stay focused but eventually our extra class did tell, with Ben Lauffer, Greg Corin and Dave Seitler all putting in fine performances. It was also very encouraging to see Ari Last back to somewhere near his best after his long lay-off.
"Full credit to Neasden though - we raise our glasses to them for a great battling display and we wish them all the best in their fight against relegation for the rest of the season.
"For us, we are all absolutely thrilled to be able to defend our trophy back at Wingate in a few weeks time against Raiders in what should be a cracking game, although our focus immediately now turns to the league decider against them next week.
"Everyone is thrilled, except for my missus, that is as it is her 50th birthday on the bank holiday weekend of the final, and we were supposed to be going away - how do you fancy the Holiday Inn in Wingate, darling, instead?"
NWN boss Stirling Kay was proud of the monumental effort of his players. He told JC Sport: "This was a game we had no right to win for many reasons. On Friday night, we only had seven regualar players available. We ended having four players who don't normally play help us out so we could fullfil our fixture, let alone think of getting to a final.
"We got the boys to the ground early to come up with a game-plan. Well not only did we get them organised, but by the end of the 90 minutes we had come of the pitch knowing we nearly pulled of one the biggest surprises of the season.
"We actually felt disappointed; every player gave everything. They followed our game-plan to the letter and at 1-1 we carved Hendon up and with an open goal and we hit the post. For a 20-minute spell, no question, Hendon were rocking and you could see on their faces the unbelievable could happen, but like all class sides they came out with a great goal.
"But even when they were ahead, we did not give in and with Adam Arnold in fantastic form we continued to battle. He scored two fantastic goals and if it was not for three great saves, he could have had five.
"It was only with five minutes to go, when were chasing the equaliser, Hendon broke and were awarded a penalty which allowed them to think about going to Wingate.
"As a cup tie goes, this was a classic which I was so proud of my players' part in it. They were truly superb and I came off the field proud but sad.
"I would like to wish David and his Hendon team all the best for the final; their attitude and behaviour during and after the game was first-class.
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