Tameside League Division Two
Manchester Maccabi 1st 1
Windmill Failsworth 2
Manchester Maccabi boss Stuart Delmonte reckons his side’s defeat by league leaders Windmill Failsworth was a ‘travesty of justice’.
Maccabi dominated the contest and could have had the game wrapped up before half-time, but for some wayward finishing and inspired goalkeeping.
And the home side were made to pay the price as two breakaway goals gave Failsworth all three points and condemned Maccabi to their first defeat in six games.
“I’m gutted because I don’t know how we didn’t win that game,” said Delmonte.
“We played at a high tempo, we won everything, every second ball, but we just couldn’t put the ball in the net.
“We should have been four up at the break because we pummelled them.
“The whole team were outstanding, but the lads will be doing shooting practice in training this week.”
Maccabi dominated the opening 45 minutes with Jake Bentwood, Mike Green and Alex Lee all going close.
A double save by the Failsworth keeper thwarted both Alex Singer and Louis Basso as the home side began to turn the screw.
But they were caught with a sucker punch just five minutes before the break by a wonderful flowing move, which left keeper Josh Samberg with no chance.
Despite the setback, Maccabi rallied and finally got the goal their performance deserved as Adam Stevens’ cross was diverted into his own net by an unfortunate Failsworth defender.
With the teams level at the break, Maccabi continued to look the more threatening but their failure to convert possession into goals was to cost them dear.
And with 15 minutes remaining, Failsworth broke away to score the winner thanks to a wonderful solo effort.
“We had nine shots and one goal,” said Delmonte. “They had two shots and two goals.
“That’s the difference. This is a very tough league with good players and a lot of former semi-professional players.
“We’re holding our own, but we’re just not getting the rub of the green at the moment.
“We’re not making the right decisions in front of goal but we’ll work on that.
“The lads are doing really well and we didn’t deserve to lose that game.”
