SHONN TROPHY SEMI-FINAL
MACCABI MANCHESTER 2nd 5 OAKHILL LIONS 4

Irving Modlin praised Oakhill after his treble-chasing Manchester team were given an almighty scare before confirming their place in the final of the Shonn Trophy.

Manchester, who need a point to win the MJL Premier Division title, were made to fight all the way by the students in a see-saw clash Oakhill threatened to turn the league table upside down.

Modlin said: "I have to say Oakhill were superb and ran us close. They never gave up and we really had to battle.

"We were happy to progress in what was a fantastic game to watch for the neutral."

Manchester – also in vying to lift the Harold Feldman Trophy - fell behind to Saul Hoyland’s opener.
Miles Hilton and Ben Gould restored normal service after sending the Manchester in front at the break.

But a double from Oakhill's Max Berg twice hit back in between a Dan Margolis strike as Josh Daniels’ men refused to lie down.

Saul and Jonathan Davies then struck late on before Dan Vandermolen’s long-range effort at the death set up a tense finale.

Oakhill player-boss Daniels said: “It was incredible game and showed just how we have progressed as a side.

"We always knew we were in a false position in the league and we have been showing that in 2014.

"I feel if we had a little more time we would have taken the tie to extra-time and won.

"It wasn’t to be, but this does give us confidence ahead of next season."

Reich Insurance Rangers reached the semi-finals of the Shonn Trophy following a 2-1 aggregate win over Heaton Park Rovers.

Leading 1-0 from the first-leg, Raffy Klyne put the hosts in the driving seat before HPR striker Jonathan Franks levelled with four minutes left.

But after Franks missed a chance late on to send the quarter-final tie to extra-time, Reich held on and will now play Leeds Maccabi 2nd in the last-four.

Report by Darren Witcoop