Haroldeans turn on style

completed a league double over

thanks to secondhalf strikes from super-sub Sam Simon and Brett Schuman.

Kick-off was delayed after referee Robert Benardout and the respective managers opted to let the frozen pitch thaw out. Play started later than scheduled and the action was halted with six minutes remaining as the pitch booking at Chase Lodge had expired, with two junior teams waiting to play.

Hertswood joint-manager Jacob Emanuel described the outcome as “a terrible injustice to the MGBSFL to not allow all the games to run the full 90 minutes because of poor logistics regarding pitch times”.

Match referee Robert Benardout reflected on his decision. “The game was very competitive and conducted in a wonderful spirit throughout. From my viewpoint there is absolutely no reason for it to be replayed. The teams accepted the time limitations before kick-off and I accept full responsibil- HAROLDEANS REICH INSURANCE WHITE

FOOTBALL HAROLDEANS took another giant step towards the MJSL title following a thrilling victory over rivals Reich Insurance White.

Adam Shiffman’s hat-trick proved the difference as Haroldeans opened a 12-point gap over their opponents.

With an eight-point buffer over second-placed Reich Blue, Mike Bloomberg’s men now have one hand on the trophy.

Bloomberg said: “Considering we came close to folding after last season, it’s a tribute to the attitude of the players shown so far that we are in this position. It’s in our hands but nothing is done and dusted yet.

“We have some tough away games looming and some other teams will be looking to knock us off our perch. But this was another important victory against a strong side who pushed us all the way.

In a topsy-turvy match it was substitute Green who played a key role. Yoni Shadmi had bagged a brace and Andy Shaffer also struck to leave the game in the balance. But Maxim Green scored Haroldeans’ third goal and set up Shiffman to complete his treble.

Bloomberg commented: “Adam will make the headlines but Paul Harris and Adam Boyars were outstanding in midfield while Maxim changed the game for us.”

Strikes from Ben Gould and Joey Castle has all but ended

title bid following a surprise defeat against

Reich led via Rafi Leeker before Gould and Castle struck for Jonny Rose’s men. Ten-goal top-soccer Adam Wilson’s red card made it a day to forget for Stuart Delmonte’s men against their youthful opposition.

Rose said: “We felt we owed Reich after losing to them earlier in the season. Sixteen-year-old Sam Green was absolutely sensational.”