MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A 2 OAKWOOD A 0
David Garbacz has urged his Hendon team to finish the job in style after they finished the weekend in top spot following a 2-0 victory over Oakwood at Rowley Lane.
Strikes from Avidan Last and Yishai Last helped Hendon leapfrog long-time leaders Norstar London Raiders A as the Hammers registered their 14th league success and they look set to crowned champions and treble winners against LML Blue next weekend.
Hendon manager David Garbacz told JC Sport: "This was another superb performance from the lads as we eventually overcame an excellent Oakwood side.
"We knew this match would be tough - probably the toughest we could have had at this stage of the season and Oakwood did not disappoint. They had good pace especially up front and the first half was pretty even with Russell needing to make two great saves to keep us on level terms.
"At half-time we spoke about keeping the ball better especially in the final third and it paid dividends immediately after the break when the evergreen Avidan finished off a great move.
"From that moment on we were in total control and an excellent finish from Yishai from another superb Greg Corin pass made the game safe.
"We could have scored more but for some fine saves from the Oakwood keeper. Once again Ari Nevies was magnificent, as was the incredible Yehuda Korman, but the whole team played with an assurance and determination that we were simply not going to let anything slip.
"This had been a truly astonishing run. Only two months ago we were 24 points behind the leaders and every week we had win-or-bust scenarios. To have now got to the front with just one game to go is a magnificent achievement and despite what some might say, the standard of the teams we have faced has been top class and they have kept the integrity of the league intact with some great battling performances.
"We now must ensure we finish the job in style next week. We are on the brink of a historic invincible double treble and the parade bus has started to get decked out with red ribbons. We literally cannot wait."
Oaks boss Ric Blank told JC Sport: "We looked good in the first half, with Dave Woolman and Brad Wine causing untold problems. We missed several good chances and went in at half-time 0-0.
"After that, I'm not sure what happened. We conceded a goal straight after the restart from one of several missed clearances and we just couldn't pick ourselves up from there.
The second half we did not do ourselves justice. We have to learn you can't give Hendon cheap and easy goals. Until we do we'll never come out on top.
"Hendon were worthy winners today and we wish them congratulations on an inevitable treble now."
