MGBSFL DIVISION ONE
MACCABI LONDON LIONS B 3 SCRABBLE FC 3
Sam Marchant saluted his team's desire and will to win as they came back from the dead to draw against promotion rivals Scrabble in a six-goal thriller.
Two of the best sides in the league went head to head at Rowley Lane in a fantastic game played on the main pitch.
Scrabble were out to halt Lions' 100 per cent league record and succeeded in doing so in a top-drawer contest.
The visitors dominated the first half and limited Lions to just a few chances and were twice awarded penalties when through on goal. Josh Bharier scored from both spot-kicks and when a Lions defender sliced a curling ball into his own net Scrabble went in at half time leading 3-0.
The half-time break could not come soon enough for the Lions and manager Sam Marchant told his players to be calm and go out and win the second half. The message was clear; Lions knew if they scored the 1st goal that the comeback could truly be on.
There was little to separate the teams until Scrabble were dealt a blow as key defender Adam Waters was forced off injured.
Into the last 15 minutes and Lions pushed right up, changing to a 3-5-2 formation, which for most people probably looked like 3-2-5.
With 15 minutes to go and some superb wing play from Charlie Cohen saw him run to the by-line and get a ball in only to see Josh Blooms chance narrowly missed but Cohen, who had continued to his run, finished it off giving Lions some hope.
All the football was now being played on the edge of the Scrabble box, Ben Winters running down the line played a ball into Josh Bloom who turned and executed a superb finish into the bottom right corner. Scrabble 3-2.
It was starting to feel like Istanbul for most people spectating. Marchant and Sammy Kingston on the side-line could hardly watch the last five minutes.
With full-time approaching a ball was played into the box and caught a Scrabble hand. Michael Kenley stepped up and slotted home a beautiful penalty to complete the comeback and the game finished 3-3.
Reflecting on an heroic comeback, Lions boss Sam Marchant told JC Sport: “For us to get a point out of the game being 3-0 down with 15 minutes to go is absolutely terrific. The lads showed a lot of guts and passion to come away with something.
"We were far from at the races in the first half, and some perhaps dubious decisions went against us, most noticeably two penalties; one for a challenge by Ed Brafman and from where I was standing, he clearly won the ball. The second was for a handball from Sammy Kingston when the ball to me looked like it hit his hip, whilst his hands were down by his side. A studs-up, very late challenge half way up Eli Cohen’s leg causing a gash is also usually a straight red but perhaps my view changed the way everything looked.
"To find ourselves 2-0 down was frustrating, and an own goal compiled on the misery heading into half-time. We knew if we could get the next goal we could get something from the game especially with the game always opening up in the final 20 minutes with tired legs.
"Scrabble pressed very high and did it well, but that pressure couldn’t possibly stay at that level for 90 minutes. It was a very tough game out there and I'm sure Scrabble are disappointed they couldn’t see it out.
"All in all, very proud of the boys to come back from a big deficit, highlighting we are not just a talented side but we have passion and desire to succeed.”
Scrabble chief Ray Abrahams told JC Sport: "We are bitterly disappointed not to have taken all three points today as we were the better side.
"We didn't think that the Lions equaliser was a penalty as our defender Josh Bentley clearly chested the ball away but the referee had a decision to make and gave the handball so we accept that decision.
Some of our football in the first half was breathtaking to watch and totally unplayable. When you are 3-0 up you expect to win the game but credit to a very good Lions side for their comeback although they must feel that they had a slice of luck with that late decision.
"The lads gave it everything today and I am extremely proud of the way we went about our business and we are delighted to have ended the Lions winning run.
"It was certainly a great game to watch for the neutral as it had just about everything.
"We had some big performances out there today and we proved that we are now genuine title contenders.
"We have great depth in the squad now and a superb atmosphere in the group who are all playing for each other."
