‘Not over by a long shot’

MGBSFL DIVISION ONE JEWDINESE 3 NL GALAXY 0

Jewdinese manager Darren Lawrence believes the Division One title race is far from over after the Zebras inflicted a first league defeat of the season on North London Galaxy with a stunning performance.

In a tense and cagey first half, Galaxy created the first opening but Jewdinese ‘keeper Ben Halmer stood up well and blocked the shot with his legs.

Galaxy saw more of the ball but they were incredibly wasteful with it, with a series of long balls failing to hit its target, with Halmer in commanding form.

Jewdinese grew into the game and good wing play from Zack Collins saw him drill the ball towards Reiss Mogilner but his strike was diverted away from goal by Galaxy no. 1 Zack Nathan.

With a minute of the half to go, a delightful ball from Billy Lee found Collins in space. He beat his man and his precision cross was tapped home by topscorer Mogilner.

Jewdinese went on to dominate the second half. With the wind and momentum in their favour, their confident passing game eventually ground Galaxy down. A marauding run from winger Scott Oldstein resulted in a free-kick, which was expertly delivered by Joe Meisel on to the head of defender Brad Dryer who got a vital touch to guide the ball in off the far post. Jewdinese sealed the win with a breakaway goal as Meisel and Collins linked up to release Brin who slotted home.

Lawrence said: “I could not be happier as it was a truly sensational team performance. I’m immensely proud of every single player as the boys listened to my instructions, stuck to the task and thoroughly deserved the win. It’s a great momentum-builder for another big game against leaders Raiders next week. The title race is not over yet.”

JEWDINESE: Ben Halmer, Josh Platt, Brad Dryer, Sim Cohen, Grant Reingold, Adam Dousie, Ben Berrick, Billy Lee, Scott Oldstein, Reiss Mogilner, Zack Collins

GALAXY: Zack Nathan, Nick Barnett, Zac Rose, Joe Bellman, Dan Brennan, Josh Burchhardt, Jordan Freeman, Jordan Grundman, Jamie Murray, James Belchak, Joey Gold. Subs: Adam Feldman, Bailey Snow, Luke Lewis

Jewdinese’s Ben Berrick hurdles a tackle from Galaxy’s Nick Barnett