Giants set up final date
BRADY MACCABI 2 HENDON UNITED SPORTS 3
GREG CORIN insists Hendon United cannot wait for their cup final showdown against Oakwood after edging out Brady Maccabi in a five-goal thriller at Rowley Lane.
Yoav Kestenbaum had put Hendon in front, only for top-scorer Reiss Mogilner to draw Brady level early in the second half.
Hendon proceeded to take the game away from Brady with goals from Mordy Weiler and captain Ari Last. Mogilner netted his second of the tie from the penalty spot in the closing stages, but it was Hendon who were celebrating moments later as the full-time whistle sounded.
“This has to be my most pleasing win as Hendon manager,” said Corin . “Apart from the fact we booked our place in the Anekstein final, this was a performance of hard work, competing for the ball as a team and scoring team goals.”
Corin has done well to get the best out of what is ultimately a small pool of players this season, with key men injured or unavailable.
“We struggled to put together a team again today,” he said. “A big thank you goes to Ben Kon and Dan Howard who stepped in and were absolutely superb from start to finish.”
Paying tribute to their opponents, Corin added: “Brady had a very good side out against us and gave it their all but, for me, we were the better team and deserved the victory.”
Corin went on to say: “We always play the game in the right way and in giving such a dedicated performance, it really was a pleasure to manage and I am delighted for the boys. A cup final against Oakwood is the tie we wanted. They’re a strong team and we look forward to the game towards the end of the season.”
Brady boss Joel Nathan remarked: “In a close game, we just came up short against a very good Hendon team.
“We made a couple of defensive mistakes and they proved costly, but we showed great spirit to draw level —when we were on top — and should have taken advantage at that stage.
“But we let Hendon back in again and then we were chasing the game.”
Nathan praised his players for pushing Hendon all the way. “The boys did themselves proud and no one could walk off that pitch without saying they didn’t put a shift in,” he said.
“We’ll be looking to produce an improved performance when we meet Hendon again — this time in the league — and hopefully this time will make it third time lucky.”
LOS BLANCOS 0 OAKWOOD A 1
DAN KRISTALL admits Oakwood made hard work of their semi-final victory over Los Blancos, but he insists it was only the result that mattered as they set up another final showdown against Hendon United.
A first-half strike from striker Leor Sidle was all that separated the teams as First Division Los Blancos pushed league champions Oakwood all the way in St Albans.
“It was a tough game played in difficult conditions,” said Kristall. “Credit to Los Blancos who battled well and stayed in the tie.
“Having said that, we had enough chances to win several games, but we couldn’t quite finish this off. At 1-0 it is always a bit nervy.”
Kristall saluted centre-backs Simon Davies and Dale Bradman as Oakwood preserved their slender advantage to progress.
“We defended well as a unit and kept a clean sheet which is pleasing as we haven’t done that enough this season,” commented Kristall. “I think that has been mainly down to our injuries and changes to our back four.
“In cup football, it doesn’t matter how you win games, as long as you get through. We knew Blancos would be up for it and give it everything — which they did — but ultimately the best team definitely won.”
Looking ahead to the final, Kristall said: “We’re very excited and it should be a good one for the spectators. Our squad has been tested to the max this season, so it is an excellent achievement to be back in the final. We will forget about that one for another day and focus on what are effectively five cup finals in the league, starting with a trip to Lions in a fortnight.”