We won't get carried away, says Simons - The Jewish Chronicle

Martin Simons, manager of Manchester Maccabi, is refusing to get carried away after his team claimed an eighth successive league victory to open up a three point lead at the top of the MJSL. A hat-trick from Adam Stevens took them three points clear of nearest rivals Republic of Mancunia. "I don't want to be over-confident," Simons warned. "We could suffer injuries or other teams could go on a good run. "What I would say is that if we continue to play as we have been then we stand a very good chance of being there at the death." Despite a convincing victory, it was Hyde Park who gained an early advantage as Oli Grant fired home straight from kick off. Stung by the early setback, Maccabi struggled to get into the game as Hyde Park controlled the opening exchanges, but as the half wore on they came back and discovered their fluency. As half time approached, Stevens brought them level with an excellent free kick from just outside the area into the bottom corner of the net. Hyde Park player-manager Philip Braham felt that it was the turning point in the game, saying that "we would have gone in ahead at half time, and that would have changed the way the second half went". Maccabi then took control and the Hyde Park keeper was forced to make several excellent saves. Despite Maccabi's domination, Hyde Park restored their advantage when Jason Wise rose to head in unchallenged from David James' corner 10 minutes into the second period. Maccabi were level again five minutes later as Stevens showed his predatory instincts with a first-time finish following good build-up play down the right-hand side. Barely another five minutes had passed when Stevens put Maccabi ahead for the first time with the pick of the goals. Impressive passing and interplay led to Max Rose receiving the ball on the right flank. He ghosted past a defender before sending over a superb cross which Stevens half-volleyed home in style. Hyde Park were forced to chase the game and only a brilliant last-ditch tackle from Philip End prevented them from levelling the scores once more. Instead Maccabi again made headway down the right, with Josh Hayes laying the ball into Stevens, whose subsequent back-heel gave Daniel Rubinstein the opportunity to steal in at the far post to seal the three points 15 minutes from time. The defeat left Hyde Park dejected, having taken just one point from nine after a promising start to the campaign, albeit without Bobby Abrahams and Dan Windham. Braham was at a loss to explain the side's form. "We haven't really been playing well. I don't know what's happened. We're off the pace and need to pick it up."