When I broke the story about Ben Winston being appointed caretaker-manager at Wingate & Finchley, it did not surprise me that criticism of the appointment hit our MSFL messageboard almost immediately.
It’s a sad state of affairs that postings slating the former London MaccabiLions boss started to arrive before he had even been given the chance to prove himself. As expected, Ben answered his critics in the best possible manner, steering the team to a 2-0 victory against a Tilbury team who chairman Aron Sharpe “did not think they would beat”.
It’s worth remembering that Winston is a talented and determined young man. After all, he defied the odds to get the cast of his documentary In the Hands of the Gods to meet Diego Maradona last year. And just a couple of months ago, he was rubbing shoulders with the England squad including David Beckham, John Terry, Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand and David James.
Ben asked to be judged after the remaining eight games of the season and I don’t think that is asking too much.
I cannot let the week pass without congratulating North West Neasden B striker Ryan Sher for his goal of the week, albeit against me. Having been well-beaten in the first part of a double-header, Sher put Neasden ahead early in the second game, finding the top corner from fully 50 yards. His teammate, Adam Harvey, greeted the goal by yelling “stick that in your column”. So I have.
I hope to make my own headlines on Sunday when North London Raiders A host cup holders London Maccabi Lions A in the JC Cyril Anekstein Cup. With the Lions smarting from last weekend’s Peter Morrison Trophy defeat, I expect to be bombarded by the likes of Michael Pearson, Tony Gold, Aviel Schwarz and Max Fieldgrass as the teams attempt to close in on a final at Wingate & Finchley.
I expect to be fit for the tie with a frozen bag of latkes having been applied to heal injuries to my groin and knee following last week’s football marathon.
FC Team B will be looking to clinch the JC MSFL Division Three title when they host Hendon United C.
Later that day, the AJY finals take place at Redbridge FC. Local lads Redbridge Jewish Care feature in three out of four matches. The Under 17s take on HMH in the Trophy Centre final. The Under 14s will play a team for north west London in the Woody’s Cup while Paul Silver’s Under 12 play Alyth Belsize Yellow. HIS Hendon United White look favourites against the Under 10s of Hendon Hawks Broncos.
Former Belmont & Edgware all-rounder Herschel Gutman has been appointed Development Officer of the Israel Cricket Association.
Chigwell Athletic B’s Richard Slater has been ruled out for the season with medial ligament damage.
Having received a glowing midterm report from her school, it appears that my five-year-old daughter, Ella, has her head firmly screwed on. When discussing Mother’s Day last weekend, she asked: “Dad, when is it children’s day?” Sweet and innocent inside and out, she clearly has a business head already.