Ellis is the real deal
FOOTBALL ALON Pinhas saluted goal-poacher Adam Ellis after his injury-time equaliser kept Bayern Mincha joint-top following what he described as “a proper game” against promotion rivals Real Hendon.
Ellis climbed to the top of the league’s goal charts after scoring two crucial goals which pegged back a spirited Real team.
Adam Hersh’s first-half header had given Real the advantage before Ellis levelled on the stroke of half-time.
Recent arrival Joe Metliss helped Real restore their advantage with a cool finish following an excellent flowing move involving Doron Shooter, Benny Goldberg, Lolu Hibbert, Chaim Gothold and Motty Korman whose defence-splitting through ball was slotted past Joe Nyman.
Bayern pushed hard for the equaliser and their efforts were rewarded in the 96th minute when Akiva Fink released Ellis whose initial effort was parried by Nyman. Ellis was alert to nod home the rebound before peeling off his shirt, wheeling away in delight and being mobbed by his jubilant team-mates.
Pinhas said: “In the end it was a point gained and it could be vital come the end of the season.
“The pitch at West Hendon Playing Fields was probably the worst I have ever seen. Hendon had the advantage as their home pitch was extremely suitable for their style of play. We were unable to play our neat passing game and were slightly uncomfortable.
“Ellis was our man-of-the-match today, he did his job well. Overall I can’t say I’m happy as I know this is the worst we will ever play. But it was a good sign to see my team fighting until the last moment and not losing.
“Next week we are away to Oakwood in the cup and we will definitely be up for it as we want a good cup run.”
Real’s Motty Korman commented: “It was a fantastic performance against an excellent and young Bayern team.
“We were disappointed not to have taken maximum points, especially as we had more chances. We weren’t clinical enough but we still can’t quite work out where the six added minutes came from. We also felt we should have been awarded a goal in the first half when the ball clearly crossed the line and also had a strong penalty claim when Chaim Gothold was bundled over.
“We’re very pleased with our performance against a very good team and probably the best individual players in our division, and will take the positives into our next game.”