In a league of their own
FOOTBALL MACCABI London Lions White under-13s completed a historic quadruple after winning the County Cup following a 2-0 victory over Hitchin Town Youth.
Having become the first Jewish team to win the tournament last season, the Lions made a successful defence, although it required an inspired display from goalkeeper Sam Jacobs to keep out a speedy Hitchin team in the early stages.
With wing-backs Jesse Tapnack and Ezra Aaron breaking forward with purpose, the Lions held firm with resolute performances from Zack Miller and Shraga Simons ensuring the teams went into the break goalless.
With the wind behind them, the Lions pushed forward in the second half, with Ezra Aaron and Nathan Mann showing great attacking intent on the wings. Charlie Dagul, Amit Waiss and Jesse Tapnack controlled the tempo in midfield, with Zan Appleson-Fidler and Luc Levene tormenting the Hitchin defence.
Charlie Gordon broke the deadlock following a searching pass from Tapnack. Having come through a gruelling series of four matches in seven days, Gordon was forced off with a pulled muscle shortly after.
Appleson-Fidler sealed the game with a great strike after latching on to a lofted pass from Tapnack as the Lions became the first-ever team to defend a Junior County Cup and, at the same time, complete a much-heralded quadruple.
The Lions had secured the Watford Friendly League Red Division title two days earlier, with a 2-1 win over Omonia Gold.
The Lions were indebted to some heroic, last-ditch defending from Miller and the reflexes of
Jacobs as they made a sluggish start.
Gordon opened the scoring in the second half, following up a fierce strike from Tapnack. Appleson Fidler doubled the lead after a flowing team move and although Omonia pulled one back in the closing stages the
Lions held on.
Dagul, Josh Nathan,
Ezra Aaron and Appleson-Fidler were the marksmen as the Lions lifted the WFL Cup following a 4-0 success against Norseman, with a 1-0 victory in the
League Cup final over Harvesters completing their memorable trophy haul.
Joint-manager Andy Miller, who runs the team along with Steve Gordon, described the destruction of Norseman as their “most complete performance of the season”.
Gordon praised the team for a tremendous achievement of “winning four competitions in 11 days”.
SQUAD PROFILES
SAM JACOBS – Goalkeeper known as Mr Safe Hands. A hugely talented stopper and great distributor with both his hands and feet.
CHARLIE GORDON – Selfless rightback who gives his all to the team. Excellent at finding the killer pass. NATHAN MANN – dependable right back is the longest serving player at the club, a real team man and strong in the tackle.
BARR SLAGTER – left back has been solid as a rock and rarely beaten. Very composed and always makes the right pass.
EZRA AARON – left wing-back has had his best season, scoring and assisting countless goals.
JOSH NATHAN – tricky right-winger who can beat any opponent with his vast array of tricks and his two great feet.
SHRAGA SIMONS – Mr Versatile. Excellent pace and physicality.
Centre back is a great finisher with superb heading ability.
ZACK MILLER – centre half is always the first name on the team sheet. Blessed with great pace and stamina. admired for impressive leadership.
AMIT WAISS – holding midfielder is comfortable with the ball at both feet, has popped up with crucial goals and assists, as well as a variety of tricks.
CHARLIE DAGUL – holding midfield adds physicality to help protect the defence.
Technically excellent and allows team to switch play easily.
JESSE TAPNACK – midfield dynamo, aggressive and scores goals for fun without forgetting his defensive duties.
RAFI BURNS – versatile left-winger with a superb left foot. Always gives 100 per cent to the team and unselfish on the ball.
MIKEY SELBY – technically and pacey striker, made brilliant runs and caused mayhem for defenders.
LUC LEVENE – striker with great technical ability. Powerful and has an excellent left foot. Contributed many crucial goals.
ZAN APPLESON-FIDLER – star striker with almost 40 goals and numerous hat-tricks.
The go-to-player for a goal and the man for the big occasion.