MJSL JOAN COLLINS PREMIER DIVISION
REICH INSURANCE RANGERS BLUE 1 LEEDS MACCABI 3
Stuart Delmonte's men knew nothing but a winning end to their league season, combined with slip-ups from Haroldeans and Reich White, would see them crowned champions.
But Leeds hammered the final nail in their coffin.
The Yorkshireman are about to give up their crown but they don't plan on going down with a whimper after goals from Jayden Huglin, Nick Vale an Louis Hewson sunk the hosts.
Rafi Leeker's strike was a mere consolation for Reich Blue and Delmonte said: "We've dropped too many points in games this season. But we still have lots to play for.
"Nobody will be throwing in the towel. There's important games ahead of us."
Stablemates Reich Insurance Rangers White were destroyed 8-2 by Haroldeans who took a giant step towards Shon Trophy glory.
The Merseysiders were in ruthless form as Sean Cooper (2), Max Barnett, Jack Booket, Adam Shiffman, Ben Kersh, Bobby Fishel and an own goal put the quarter-final tie to bed.
There is still a second-leg in Liverpool to come but Reich boss Michael Gaswirth - who saw Jordan Gold bag a brace - refuses to rule out staging a comeback.
He said: "We will have to see what happens. Funny things can happen in football.
"You can't go into the game thinking you have no chance. We play them again in the league on February 26 and that's a big game."
Haroldeans boss Mike Bloomberg said: "We were clinical in front of goal. I couldn't ask much more from my players."
Elsewhere, Maccabi Manchester Yellow sqeezed out South Manchester Sports 2nd 2-1.
Roy Fux and Jordan Kay netted for the Yellows with veteran Phil Gordon grabbing no more than a consolation.
