Davidson puts holders to the sword in final

FOOTBALL A second-half header from Ashley Davidson secured an unexpected win for Brady Maccabi A as they defeated holders Chigwell Athletic to lift the Henry Swerner Cup.

Having won the trophy for three consecutive years from 2010 to 2012, Brady turned the tables on the east Londoners courtesy of some clinical finishing.

Adam Stolerman and Steve Summers tested the Brady defence early on, but the underdogs stood firm and were rewarded midway through the first half when Scott Warren broke down the right wing and his far post cross was headed in by Mark Wagman.

Chigwell responded well and a cross from Summers was met by Robert Donn whose header hit the underside of the bar before being cleared. Their pressure was rewarded five minutes later when a rasping drive from Stolerman was brilliantly parried by Paul Gelernter but Russell Yershon was on hand to bury the rebound.

Gelernter produced a series of impressive saves and his efforts were rewarded when Davidson headed in from close range.

Meanwhile, the Nathan Horwitz MMFL Division Two Cup final between Maccabi London Lions and St John’s Wood Tigers will be replayed after it was confirmed Lions fielded an ineligible player in the initial match.

MMFL chairman Stuart Lustigman said:“Both teams have accepted the decision and, notwithstanding any other sanctions that the committee may impose, the final will now take place on May 17 at Silver Jubilee Park.”