JC MSFL rep team 2-1 Turkish Federation

A first-half double from Josh Bentley helped the JC MSFL Rep Team keep alive their hopes of winning the London Inter-League Cup competition after they beat the Turkish Federation League 2-1 at Wingate & Finchley. Having drawn their first two group games, manager Jonathan Kestenbaum went into Tuesday night’s match knowing that only a win would keep his team in contention of reaching the final.

With this in mind, it came as no surprise when his attacking line-up included Lee Cash, Josh Bentley, Mike Pearson, Adam Stolerman and Matt Stock. The visitors went ahead on 13 minutes when Refet Arel capitalised on some defensive hesitation to slot home. The hosts responded well and Pearson was denied a quickfire equaliser when the Turkish keeper produced a stunning save to keep out his header.

Bentley, last season’s JC Player of the Season, put Maccabi on level terms with a speculative effort from the edge of the box. It was no more than the Maccabi boys deserved and things got even better when Bentley latched on to Alex Levack’s free-kick to sidefoot home on the volley in first half stoppage time. The hosts had the better of the second half with Cash spurning a gilt-edged chance to make the game safe, only to head wide from close range.

Maccabi boss Jonathan Kestenbaum said: “I am very proud of the performance and have been delighted with the spirit of the team during the competition.” The MSFL team’s fate rests in the hands of the final game between the Kent and Woolwich Leagues.

JC MSFL:
Berliner 7, Cole 8, Rosenfeld 7, Morris 7, Kennet 7, Levack 7, Cash 7 (sub: McCarthy 7), J Bentley 8 (sub: Levene), Pearson 9, Stolerman 7 (sub: M Korman 7), Stock 7