Mighty Leeds crestfallen as Prestfield book final date

FOOTBALL MARCUS Buchanan stunned Leeds Maccabi to book Prestfield a spot in the Tony Cohen Cup final.

Buchanan’s first-half winner saw Zac Marks’ men mastermind a 1-0 away-day surprise.

It means Prestfield could lift silverware in the club’s first year in the MJSL.

Maccabi Manchester Blue — who edged past South Manchester 2nd by the same scoreline - now stand in their way when they clash on May 2.

Marks said: “We have made real progress this season.

“To be in with a chance of silverware is more than we could have hoped for.”

Leeds were clear favourites to progress but player-manager Adam Kristall was left to rue a bad day at the office.

Leeds now have the Shonn Trophy and the Harold Feldman Trophy to focus on and Kristall said: “The treble dream is over.

“We have let ourselves down. The boys need to dust themselves down and concentrate on the two remaining cups we are still involved in.

“That must be our focus between now on and the end of the season.”

Nathan Pitt was Maccabi Manchester Blue’s goal hero against South Manchester 2nd.

Pitt grabbed the all-important firsthalf winner. But it was veterans Nick Yardley and Andy Hatton who played starring roles and they will once again be key to their side’s chances next month.

The venue for the final has still yet to be decided.

Oli Grant led the way as Manchester Maccabi 1st marched into the semifinals of the Stuart Gordon Cup.

Grant struck twice while Adam Stevens and Max Rose also weighed in the last-eight rout.

The Cheshire & Manchester Premier League title looks beyond them this season, but boss Tony Gellman said: “We want to finish the season on a high. And that means winning a trophy.

“There has been a lot of effort put in this season and I think that would be a fitting reward.”