MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
LONDON MACCABI LIONS BLUE 0 HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A 8
David Garbacz praised his invincibles as Hendon ended a memorable season in style as they clinched the treble with an 8-0 demolition of LML Blue sealing the title at Rowley Lane.
Braces from Yoav Kestenbaum and Greg Corin and further strikes from Yishai Last, Ari Last, Danny Kon and Yehuda Korman sparked scenes of wild celebration.
Only a 4-0 defeat or worse for Hendon would have stopped the Reds from landing the crown, but once the first goal went in, they did not look back, much to the disappointment of long-time leaders Norstar London Raiders A, who were denied what would have been a first-ever top-flight title success.
Garbacz told JC Sport: "We wanted to finish this amazing season off in style and we did. For 55 minutes Lions were well in this game despite us having numerous chances, but once the second goal went in the floodgates opened and we could give our loyal fans some great goals to cheer.
"It was a fitting end to an unbelievable year. We celebrated long and hard into the night last night and thank the Lord for Bank holiday Monday!
"The boys deserve it - from Russell in goal to anyone who has put on a Hendon shirt this year even for a brief sub appearance, they have all been absolutely magnificent. We have combined the experience of people like Russell, Alex,Ari last Greg Corin and Avidan, with precocious and magnificent youthful talent like Avi Korman Ari Nevies Yehuda Korman and Yoav Kestenbaum, with quality like Yoav Lebens Yishai last and all the Kons and it has been a winning formula. Ari Last, since taking over as skipper from Josh Lipman, has been truly inspirational."
The victory over LML was Hendon's 15th of a season in which they have conceded just 10 goals in 18 league games - with 11 clean sheets, including four consecutive ones in the run-in.
Garbacz went on to say: "We have had team spirit that only a team with nine brothers could possibly have and the will and determination to succeed and keep going has been fantastic.
"We congratulate Norstar on a wonderful year. Any other season 45 points would have won them the league so they must be gutted but they set us a huge challenge and I think the fact that they finished their season so early meant that we had to treat every game like a cup final.
"As well as the individual quality, we had this gave us the real determination and drive to succeed. Other teams like Oakwood and Brady will be hot next year and they too have had good years. We scored four last-minute winners in the league and this was no fluke. It was a testament to a great attitude and never-say-die qualities. It also provided some of the most memorable moments we'll have.
"For us, we are most proud of the fact that in winning the treble we have gone the entire domestic season unbeaten. In our lifetimes and in this league that won't happen again and in 20 years time this squad can tell their grandchildren that they were a part of Jewish footballing history.
"We are the only Jewish team to win two trebles and everyone concerned with Hendon can be extremely proud of their achievements. I won't wind up the likes of Darren Yarlett and others by saying we are the best Jewish team of all time, but in terms of what we have achieved we must be pretty close.
"This is a great league, brilliantly run by David Woolf and the committee and we always feel privileged to be a part of it, and I echo Rik Blanks comments in thanking the JC and the Jewish News for making it so special for players and managers in all the divisions.
"It will be impossible to top the enjoyment of this year. We are losing key players in Yishai Last, Danny Kon and Yehuda Korman, who will all be in Israel next year, but we will look to replace them with quality Hendon players and after the hangovers and the World Cup are over, we will go again. The treble treble does have a lovely sound to it don't you think!"
