JC CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND ONE
HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B 1 LONDON MACCABI LIONS B 0

Pinty Baddiel was the matchwinner for Hendon as the Reds edged past Division One rivals Lions B in West Hendon.

The winning strike, which was worthy of settling any match, came against the run of play as the Lions had dominated Hendon for 88 minutes, with keeper David Kosky redundant throughout.

However, the Lions were ultimately punished for failing to turn the pressure into goals, with chance after chance going begging.

Playing with a strong wind away at West Hendon there was only one team in the match but a failure to hit the target and lack of composure meant that instead of turning round at the break four or five goals to the good the game was goalless at the break.

The second half was more of the same but with 88 minutes gone Hendon had their one strike of the game and a 20-yard scorcher from Baddiel left David Kosky with no chance.

After the goal, Lions continued the pressure and Richard Gold hit the crossbar from yet another attack on the Hendon goal.

Hendon joint-player-manager Motty Korman told JC Sport: "We were missing a few key players and came under a lot of pressure, but the back four was excellently marshalled by Alon Blitz."

Co-boss Chaim Gothold told JC Sport: "It was a bit of a smash and grab from us today. We were under pressure for long periods, but defended well and always looked threatening on the counter.

"I'm happy to be in the draw for the next round."

Stand-in Lions player-manager James Gold told JC Sport: "Unfortunately I left my shooting boots at home as on another day could have easily had five or six goals. I missed multiple sitters and apologised to the team after the game.

"We played really well and totally dominated the game, to an extent that all Hendon boys couldn't believe they won. They had one shot the whole game, coming in the last minute which was unsavable.

"It's really hard to take and a horrible way to lose any game, let alone in the cup. We're remember how horrible this feels and use it to make us stronger over the season."