JC BARRY GOLDSTEIN TROPHY SEMI-FINAL
UJIA 1 Blizzard Storm 0
Jeremy Teacher was the matchwinner as UJIA booked their place in their second consecutive BGT final following a hard fought win over Division Three rivals Blizzard Storm at Chase Lodge.
UJIA went into this game missing key players, including Matt Radstone, Ben Sokel, Tony Plaskow, Paul Shamps and Alex Seligman, however the strength, depth and determination of the squad came through.
UJIA player-manager Darren Rolfe said: "Defensively, we were superb, and 'Captain Marvel' Gavin Sherman organised us from top to bottom.
"Blizzard Storm, under Si Linden, are a fab set of lads and gave us a good game. However, we kept them to long-range shooting and pinned them back into their half.
"We created several chances and unfortunately Assi Avital couldn't maintain his goal in every BGT game ratio, but he certainly worked their keeper who tipped a fine header over on 30 minutes that looked bound for the top corner.
"We created a couple of other chances but our shooting boots were on the wrong foot!"
After a goalless first half, UJIA started the second period on the front foot, creating several opening without the final touch.
Rolfe added: "I could see this fixture going to extra time and penalties when Jerry Teacher swung his sweet left foot 25 yards out and the ball swerved into the top
Left corner.
"As the game drew to a close, the spaces got wider as tiredness crept into our legs. We could have scored another but it wasn't meant to be. 1-0 it stayed which led to jubilant celebrations knowing that we are going back to win it this time."
Blizzard boss Simon Linden told JC Sport: "Defensively our game plan worked and the work-rate from everyone was spot on, but unfortunately we didn't create enough chances and as the game went on UJIA got better and took control.
"Ryan Colet at the back was outstanding, as was Seb Vandermolen. I'm proud of the teams cup run, just wasn't to be our year."
"Good luck to the U's and Neasden at Wingate."
