Zac’s the way to do it
Hendon hot-shot puts defending champions to the sword with late wonder goal
FOOTBALL GREG Corin described match-winner Zac Lewis as “the most technically gifted player in the league” as Hendon consigned defending champions Oakwood to their first defeat in Maccabi football this season.
Both teams went into the match boasting 100 per cent league records but it was Hendon who took the game to the defending champions in the first half.
Their pressure told when player-manager Corin released Lewis who nonchalantly chipped the ball over Oakwood goalkeeper Joe Botchin.
Oakwood dominated the second half and deservedly drew level when excellent work from midfielder Brad Wine saw him deliver a dangerous low cross that was lashed into the roof of the net by substitute David Woolman.
The hosts finished the stronger but a moment of magic from Lewis secured the points for Hendon, with what was a contender for goal of the season. Receiving a square pass from Ari Last, Lewis flicked the ball up before unleashing a swerving left-foot volley that dipped perfectly into the top corner.
“The goal was a magnificent moment of quality from Lewis, who in my mind is the most technically gifted player in the league,” said Corin.
Victory takes Hendon to within four points of top spot, with four games in hand on leaders Brady Maccabi.
Corin said: “Oakwood are a fit and strong team and really pushed us the whole game, so credit to them. I believe the best team won but their dugout may have thought different.
“It was a great Sunday League game. We’ve needed that. Despite a few players getting well into their 30s, in terms of talent, this was a fantastic Hendon team, which had quality the whole way through.”
Oakwood joint-manager Dan Kristall admitted his team “lacked that bit of patience and quality in the final third”.
Kristall went on to warn Oakwood’s title rivals not to write them off. “We got the better of some close matches against Hendon last season,” he said. “We’ve beaten them on our last four meetings. They got on the right side of it this time but that’s football.
“To go 14 months unbeaten in the league shows what a great team this is. We will bounce back from this.
“As for the league, we know how strong the division is and teams will drop points. I really believe it will be the most open race in years and I am confident we will be in the mix at the end.
“Don’t go writing us off. Many people did that last season and look what happened.”