Stuart Shapiro, manager of South Manchester Sports Club, was left a relieved man after his Under 16 side squeezed past Leeds Maccabi in the last four of the John RubensTrophy.

Despite being a year older than their opponents, South Manchester were made to sweat as Leeds dominated a hard-fought encounter.

And after watching his side pull off an old-fashioned smash and grab, Shapiro revealed his disbelief. "We got our goal with 15 minutes to go but that was the only real chance we had in the game," said Shapiro.

"Their keeper had nothing to do and how Leeds didn't score I'll never know."

South Manchester will now face Manchester Maccabi in the final on April 3 and Shapiro is expecting an even tougher test. "They're a league above us so we know it will be difficult and they'll be huge favourites. But I know the boys will be up for it and we'll give it our best shot."