Magical Moses on a mission
FOOTBALL GREG Corin saluted star man Moses Seitler after the hat-trick hero put the Lions to the sword to set up a last four showdown against Brady Maccabi.
Seitler, who has also been starring for Sedgley Park Celtic in the Manchester Jewish Soccer League this season, was in sensational form as the holders were sent tumbling out.
An action-packed contest saw the Lions add Austin Lipman and Adam Burchell to their squad that had recently drawn 3-3 against Hendon in the MGBSFL. Lions drew first blood when a long-range strike from Tyler Smith came back off the crossbar, allowing Adam Arnold to follow up and beat Russell Corin from close range.
Hendon drew level soon after when a cross from the impressive Zac Lewis fell to Seitler who showed excellent technique to turn sharply and send a sweetly struck volley into the net.
Hendon stepped up a gear and forged ahead when referee Andy Myerson penalised the Lions for handball. Avi Korman stepped up and fired his shot into the bottom corner past Jordan Sharifian.
Lewis was also involved in Hendon’s third goal, his dangerous cross finding Seitler lurking at the far post and he lashed a shot through the legs of Sharifian to make it 3-1.
The next goal was crucial and livewire Lewis put daylight between the teams with a sublime strike. Bringing down a high ball on his chest, he twisted past a defender with the drop of a shoulder and nonchalantly stroked the ball home.
Dovi Fehler was introduced from the bench and his fresh legs enabled him to surge past Jamie Jackson before squaring to Seitler who was scythed down in the area. Myerson had no hesitation in pointing to the penalty spot and Seitler grabbed the ball hoping to complete his hat-trick, but he placed his shot the wrong side of the post.
The visitors did not let their heads drop and the introduction of Lipman and Burchell saw them haul themselves back into the tie. The substitutes linked up to make it 4-2, with Burchell squeezing his shot past Corin. Hendon were being pushed back, with Lipman orchestrating proceedings and it was from his dangerous cross that James Gold bundled the ball over the line to set up a grandstand finish.
However, the final word went to Seitler who ended any hopes of a Lions comeback with a stunning solo effort. Latching on to a pass from Fehler, Seitler accelerated, leaving several defenders in his wake before sliding his shot home from an acute angle.
“It was a huge win for the team,” remarked Hendon boss Greg Corin. “We were facing a good side who drafted in some players of real quality but the strength of our team came through. We were deserved winners in the end.
“The focus will be on the incredible forward ability of Moses Seitler and Zac Lewis who in my opinion are the two best forward players in the league.
“Overall, there were many excellent performers behind them, with special mention to Russ Corin who pulled off a couple of top-quality saves.”
MGBSFL champions Oakwood await the winner of the tie between Los Blancos and Camden Park in the other cup semi-final.