Sixty goals in a dozen games on opening day of the season
THE NEW Maccabi GB Southern Football League season kicked off on Sunday morning — and didn’t disappoint as the 12 matches played produced nearly 60 goals.
London Bears’ first ever match in the Premier Division saw them defeat HMH 3-2. Zacki Doumou scored twice, with Dan Cheese also on target. Manager James Harpin said: “It was an outstanding performance in our debut Premier Division match. We gave everything over the 90 minutes and could and possibly should have won by a more resounding score line. We will not get too carried away as we know that each game will provide a tough test that we will have to overcome, starting with Lions next week.”
The other fixture in the Division was a clash of the heavyweights as Hendon United beat Maccabi London 4-2.
NWL Azzuri and Stoke Salmon top the Division One table after both claimed thumping 6-0 wins. Azzuri defeated Scrabble thanks to Danny Miracco’s double, plus strikes from Sam Morris, Josh Sarna-Star, Brandon Wolmark and Josh Saffer. Salmon enjoyed the same winning margin over Mill Hill Dons. Alex Bleetman and Nathan Schindler scored two each, with Jack Winton and an own goal completing the rout. Manager Jamie Weiner said: “The perfect start to the new season with a flawless performance on the pitch from the entire squad.”
Goals from Reiss Mogilner and Zack Collins helped steer Borussia Jewdinese to a 2-0 victory over Hampstead Ducks, while Adam Goldman’s double along with Sam Moss’ strike saw FC East London Bees defeat Temple Fortune A 3-0. Manager James Lewis said: “We’re delighted to get the campaign off to such a great start.”
Redbridge Jewish Care Purple claimed a comfortable 4-1 win over Brook farm Rovers. Josh Brody scored twice, with Jimmy Castle and Ari Carmel-Brown. Manager David Castle said: “It was a fantastic performance from everyone. We showed great character after going 1-0 down. The boys worked so hard and I’m really proud of them.” Dan Cohen scored for Rovers, saying: “It was a very frustrating game for us. We somehow went into the break losing and got caught on the
It was an outstanding performance in our Premier Division debut
counter-attack in the second half.”
Division Two saw ten new teams enter the MGBSFL fold, with some of them enjoying their first taste of the league slightly better than others. Geez Park Rangers began life with a 7-1 victory over Hapoel Hampstead. Mikey Perkins scored four times, with Adam Bowman, Jordan Grundman, and Josh Shack also on target. Manager Ben Leslie said: “It was a top performance and perfect way to start our season, lots of positives to take and still room for improvement.”
Sam Kahn, Benji Paling and Josh Abram all scored in Camden City’s 3-0 win over Qarabagel. Manager Joe Levi said: “It was a very even first half. We were slightly fortunate to be ahead at half-time, but stepped up in the second half and played very well.” Qarabagel’s Olllie Reback said: “I’m really proud of our performance. We didn’t get the result we wanted but everyone gave their all and we know where and how we can improve.”
London Athletico ran out 4-2 winners over Temple Fortune B, with Jamie Davila, Rafi Sofizade, Jake Brassey and Saul Fenton all on the scoresheet. Manager Adam Nahum said: “It was a great performance to build on for the rest of the season.”
A late winner from Joey Gold sealed a 3-2 win for Real Madreidel over Millbrook Park Calcio. Zac Summerfield and Nathan Davis were also on target, with Madreidel manager Joseph Jayson saying: “Through strong determination and a never-give-up attitude when things went wrong, we got the three points.” And finally, two goals from Sam Morris saw Redbridge Jewish Care White come away from Oakwood Town with a 2-1 win.