Oaks to make one final push
TH EJC. C N O O M
FOOTBALL Ric Blank insists Oakwood are on a mission to win silverware after they booked their place in the semifinals of the Cyril Anekstein Cup.
Last season’s Peter Morrison Trophy finalists are now just 90 minutes away from Wingate & Finchley, joining title hopefuls Norstar London Raiders and cup holders Hendon United in the last four.
Doubles from Dan Selwyn and Guy Helmansetupamemorable6-2winover Premier Division rivals Harmen.
“That result has been coming,” said Blank. “Since the new year we’ve played well against two good sides but come away with nothing.
“I told the boys if they stick at it the result will come - and it came in style against a really talented Harmen side.
Oakwood stormed into an early twogoal advantage after a double from Dan Selwyn. Brad Wine was denied a third by the woodwork before James Gershfield gave Harmen a lifeline, pulling one back on the stroke of half-time.
Oakwood stepped up a gear in the second half, with Guy Helman, David WoolmanandWinerunningHarmenragged. SimonDaviesrestoredtheirtwo-goal lead before a quickfire double from Helman sealed the tie. Alex Bowman registered Harmen’s second before Wine completed the scoring.
Having singled out defender Danny Ailion for praise for an excellent marking job on Harmen striker Gershfield, Blank said: “This result keeps our season alive and I have absolutely no doubt we’ll get Raiders in the semi. That will be a great game if so.”
Harmen joint-manager Joel Alterman described the result as “a very bad day at the office”. He said: “Some strong words have been said and we now have to pick ourselves up for the next run of games which is as tough as it comes, starting with Hendon on Sunday.”
Matt Stock (2) eased treble-chasing Raiders through at the expense of Maccabi London Lions Blue. Elliot Moslawy sealed a 3-0 victory, with boss Rob Richman commenting: “We looked solid defensively and strong going forward.”
David Garbacz claims Hendon’s “superior fitness” was key in the 6-3 win over FC Team A. Avi Korman and Avidan Last fired braces, and there were also goals from Ben Lauffer and Avishai Kestenbaum.
Garbacz said: “We now have one more hurdle before yet another Wingate appearance - our grip on this cup is still as strong as ever.”