Lewis steers Raiders into round four
NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A MANCHESTER MACCABI 1ST
FOOTBALL ROB Richman commended NLR’s defensive resilience as they moved into the fourth round of the JewishFACupwitha3-1victoryoverManchester Maccabi 1st at Capital City.
Jordan Marks and Ricky Engleman handed Raiders the initiative in a wellcontested first half before Manchester hauled themselves back into the game from the penalty spot.
NLR remained calm and secured the all-important next goal with a stunning effort from Nick Lewis.
Raiders boss Rob Richman said: “Over the course of the game I felt we deserved thewin—wetookourchancesreallywell as we have done throughout the season but just as importantly we looked so secure defensively.
“Since November 1 we have conceded one goal from open play and today, even without our first-choice centre-back pairing from the start of the season, we looked so solid and resolute.
“We wish Manchester well — they are anexcellentsideandwehopetheygoon to secure their league title this season.”
Maccabi boss Tony Gellman commented: “We have no complaints at the scoreline. The difference between the two teams was the finishing. Raiders were simply more clinical than us.
“Sometimes there’s not a lot you can do about it. Losing our goalkeeper David Cohen with a knee injury early on was a setback. But it’s contributed to the defeat asAdamJacksonsteppedintothebreach and was superb. It was a game that was played in great spirit throughout.
“Weselectedastrongsquadandcame down with real hope but it wasn’t to be.”