WATFORD FRIENDLY LEAGUE CHALLENGE CUP UNDER-10 FINAL

MACCABI LONDON LIONS WHITE 3 BOREHAMWOOD YOUTH CRUSADERS 0

The build-up to the day was not trouble-free, with MLL captain and defensive rock Max Mandel being ruled out through injury. Unperturbed, he was there on the touchline to rally his team to victory and to lift the cup he had worked so hard to earn for his team in the previous round.

The day began with a semi-final against Borehamwood Youth Knights. Against the run of play the Lions team fell a goal behind. The goal spurred the team on and shortly afterwards a powerful run down the wing from Ethan Gold saw him play a sublime ball to the edge of the box where Charlie Whiteley was waiting to fire home a spectacular equaliser.

More Lions pressure followed and Whiteley soon scored a second. Borehamwood continued to make a fight of it and smart saves from Zack Braverman and a goal-line clearance from Ollie Whiteley kept the Lions in the game.

As half-time approached, Gav Mevorah linked-up with Harrison Davis who slotted home for a 3-1 half time lead.

The Lions continued their march to the final in the second half and a cross from Natan Glatt found Zac Benedick in the box who volleyed home for 4-1. The young Lions were now on their way to the final.

In the final, a powerful Borehamwood Youth Crusaders awaited. Lions were quick from the start and a Benedick chip found Mevorah to give them a lead within two minutes.

Shortly afterwards, David Banin was brought down on the edge of the box. Up stepped Joshua Doctors, captain for the day, to drill home a free kick from the edge of the box for a 2-0 half-time lead.

Borehamwood peppered the Lions goal, but Zack Braverman would not be beaten. Halfway through the second half, with chances aplenty at each end David Banin struck on the half volley to send the young Lions into an unassailable 3-0 lead.

The victory, in the premier Watford Friendly League knockout tournament, was a well-deserved triumph for this Lions team whose passing football has been a joy to watch for all who have had the pleasure. Their attitude and application has been second to none and a fantastic day was had by all.

LIONS: Zack Braverman, Ollie Whiteley, Charlie Whiteley, Harrison Davis, Gav Mevorah, Max Mandel (c), David Banin, Zac Benedick, Natan Glatt, Joshua Doctors, Ethan Gold