It’s all going to plan
MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
Avi Goldberg praised his players for executing his game-plan “to perfection” as HMH continued to set the pace with an emphatic victory over Brady. Two goals from Oscar Wagner plus one apiece from Alex Moss, Dom Feldman, Josh Goldstein and George Goldberg secured the win for the MGBSFL newcomers. Boss Goldberg commented: “I sent the lads out with a very aggressive 2-4-4 game-plan in terrible weather conditions. We created numerous chances with quick, free-flowing football and restricted Brady to three chances. What more can I ask? Just to turn up and repeat this performance every week.” Brady manager Joel Nathan said: “HMH are a very strong team who have come into the league and are serious contenders, if not favourites, for the league.”
Hat-tricks from Zac Lewis, Chaim Korman and Rocky Spitzer helped Hendon United win the battle of the champions after crushing newly promoted Faithfold. Jonti Aremband completed the demolition as Jordan Sapler’s men sent out a title warning. Faithfold’s goals came via Ben Shirbini, Louis Naghten, Johnny Gahan and Chaim Bordon. Sapler remarked: “The pressure was starting to build on the team after a poor first couple of games. I asked for a reaction and for a message to be sent out to the league, and the boys delivered.” Faithfold player-manager Avi Markiewicz praised Hendon’s Chaim Korman and Rocky Spitzer for “making the difference”. He said: “We struggled without our defence of Avi Mocton, Josh Wagner, David Kizneris and Gideon Caller.”
DIVISION ONE
ADAM ELLIS (3) made it eight goals in three games as Bayern Mincha blew Scrabble away. Philippe Auret, Samuel Kanter and Alon Pinhas completed the scoring. Bayern’s Daniel Holder said: “We couldn’t be more satisfied with the performance.” Scrabble boss Ray Abrahams expressed “pride at the way we carried on fighting after the setbacks. We will go again next week and try again to turn around our poor start to the season.” He said: “I feel we are not too far away from getting some points on the board but it’s a tough competitive division this year.” Josh Goldstein of HMH rounds Sam Castle on his way to goal
James Jaconelli fired Fairlop to the top of the division after they edged out Raiders. But it needed an inspired performance from goalkeeper Jake Sanders to keep the visitors at bay. Fairlop manager Aaron Dias said: “As always, the boys showed great character and togetherness in very tough conditions. But what I really liked about the performance was our hard work off the ball. We also had the quality on the ball that in the end proved too much for Raiders.” NLR’s Gideon Gale believes the visitors deserved better and said: “The Fairlop players’ reaction at full-time says it all. They knew they were in a game and were lucky to grab the points. Credit to their boys, they were difficult to break down but it would have been a different game had it not been for the heroics of their goalkeeper.”
JEWDINESE CAME from two goals down to halt Redbridge’s promotion charge. James Berkley and the in-form Alex Paraskeva registered for RJC but strikes from Brad Lander and Ben Berrick earned Jewdinese their third consecutive draw. Redbridge boss Sam Rank enthused: “We played some sensational football in the opening 30 minutes. That should have been enough to kill the game off, but fair play to Jewdinese for battling back.” Jewdinese’s Darren Lawrence admits his team are “desperate” to register a win and was impressed by their “character to fight back”.
DIVISION TWO
Ariel Rahamim’s first goal for Faithfold B condemned Mill Hill Dons to another defeat. Faithfold’s Motty Korman said: “The match was played in very difficult conditions but it was an excellent performance from all the boys against a good opposition.” Dons boss Brandon Hamme reflected on “a very disappointing day out” and remarked: “We didn’t get going and need big improvements as soon as possible if we are to challenge this season.”
James Millet maintained his goal-agame record as Hertswood Vale kept up their winning record as they came from a goal down to earn a 3-1 success at Faithfold C. Jonathan Marrache put Faithfold in front but Vale hit back in style, with Jonny Kaye and Harry Graham making it nine points out of nine. Vale joint-manager Jacob Emanuel commented: “I’m very proud of the lads for a faultless second-half performance in such bad conditions. We showed a great mentality.”
FC Team’s season is finally up and running, thanks in large part to Richard Salmon’s four-goal salvo as they put Temple Fortune to the sword. Mitch Young (2), Eddie Sternberg, Conor Perl and Dave Cohen added gloss. Player-manager Mitch Young said: “After two tough defeats, I told the players in the changing room enough is enough and it’s time we start taking our football and opponents more seriously. Temple Fortune felt the full force of this. We were sensational all across the pitch.” Josh Lewis scored Fortune’s consolation and manager Simon Linden admitted his team “didn’t show up… this is one to forget quickly.” James Cartmell scored twice as Raiders Masters recorded their first win since joining the MGBSFL. Steve Summers netted for the east Londoners in a game where experience overcame youth. Player-manager Cartmell commented: “It was an obviously a very satisfying result, having fought back from a goal down in the closing stages, but it was also an enjoyable game, played in pouring rain. We showed great spirit to overturn a lead for the second week in a row. We defended well and played some really good football on the zippy surface; the centre midfield of Matt Kleinman, Dan Hodes and Nicky Skone were especially instrumental in the second half.”
Brad Lazarus marked his Scrabble debut with a decisive brace as they inflicted a first defeat of the season on SPEC. Jeremy King sealed the win, with Ricky Lawrence replying for SPEC. Scrabble’s Jon Yantin said: “We rolled out the Maccabi legends, with Max Radford and Lazarus making their debuts, alongside stalwarts Lee Levenson, Jonny Summerfield and myself. We ran out worthy winners against a young and energetic SPEC team.” Player-manager Lawrence gave an honest assessment and said: “We have absolutely no complaints and were beaten by the better side.”