Hendon standing tall again
FOOTBALL GREG Corin saluted his players as Hendon United sealed the first part of a possible league and cup double after ending the reign of MGBSFL champions Oakwood in some style.
Needing one point from their final two matches to clinch the title, Hendon had been preparing to play Redbridge Jewish Care. However, a late fixture switch saw Oakwood step in at the 11th hour after Redbridge pulled out.
So the stage was set for the clash of the league’s top two teams at Hadley FC.
Oakwood forged ahead early on when Leor Sidle was adjudged onside, despite strong Hendon protests, before going around Hendon keeper Russ Corin and tapping home.
Hendon built up a good head of steam towards half-time and they drew level after a brilliant, free-flowing team move involving Ben Lauffer, Moses Seitler and Yoav Kestenbaum, allowing the impressive Mordi Weiler to slip his shot past Joe Botchin.
With the bit between their teeth, Hendon maintained their momentum to score two more goals in the second half and win the title for the first time since season 2013/14.
A goalkeeping error allowed Zac Lewis’s tame effort to slip into the net before super-sub Dovi Fehler sealed the win with a smart turn and shot to start the title celebrations.
Hendon boss Corin commented: “I’m immensely proud of winning the league title against a competitive and hard-working Oakwood team.
“For me, the score was deserved and I believe we showed today we are the best team in this league by some way.
“The desire, commitment and effort of this performance epitomised our season. We’ve been relentless in trying to win game after game and it’s great for the team that we’ve managed to bring it all together.”
Hendon concluded their league campaign with 37 points from 14 matches — they have been awarded the points from the postponed fixture against Redbridge — and a plus-nine advantage over Oakwood, who have one match left.
“The quality in the Hendon squad is deserving of winning many amateur leagues and we’ve scored some tremendous goals, playing fantastic football throughout the season,” remarked Corin “It’s not been easy taking on the mantle of manager left by David Garbacz. I also believe that I have still a lot to offer the team as a player, but I think I’ve managed to get the player-manager balance right and it’s worked well this season for the club.
“We’ll enjoy today and prepare ourselves for the Anekstein final in two week’s time, where we know Oakwood will be as fired up as ever and they’ll want to ensure we don’t do the double this year. Hopefully we can put in one more big performance.” Oakwood joint-manager Dan Kristall insists his players can “take a lot of positives” from the game. And they will have an opportunity to exact revenge when the teams meet in the Cyril Anekstein Cup final at Rowley Lane on April 29.
Kristall said: “It was an opportunity to use the squad and I felt a draw would’ve been a fair result. We hope to welcome back a few key players for the final.
“I’d like to wish Hendon a big mazel tov on winning the title. They deserve it because they have been the most consistent side in the league this season, so fair play to them.
“We have already started working hard behind the scenes on a charge to regain the league title next season, with some talented players coming in.
“But, for now, we’ll start preparing for the cup final.”