Faithfold have gone from a work in progress to the real deal
MARTIN LUTHER King once told us about his dream. What Faithfold A have achieved so far this season must surely be beyond Zuriel Solomon’s wildest dreams.
Solomon had a vision a few years ago, around the time his team were going through what can only be described as a period of transition.
Indeed, the then fallen giant is making a miraculous recovery. Solomon has rebuilt this team into a reliable robin. Faster, arguably more powerful MSFL teams have come and gone, but the team we are seeing today is made from carefully thought through ingredients.
Every successful teams needs special players in key positions, players who offer something a bit different, that bit of magic. Solomon has sprinkled gold dust all over the pitch. Now is the perfect moment to analysis the why they have set the standard in the JC MSFL this season, as Faithfold look to win their first piece of silverware since 2005.
Goalkeeper Ben Law is about as good as they come. When it comes to commanding his penalty area, there are few to rival him. A former winner of the Safe Hands award, he has cat-like reflexes and pulls off big saves at important moments. He also possesses a monster kick which has provided the odd assist.
Captain Alex Levack has been doing the business for years – in midfield, centre half or even as sweeper. In the eyes of Faithfold fans, he’s a leader, legend and arguably the first name they look for on the teamsheet. Alex Taylor has come on in leaps and bounds in recent times, while Dan Howard has developed into a proper defender.
The list goes on. Midfield general Alex Kaye has turned into one of the hottest properties since joining the Maccabi League from Oakhill Lions. The former MJSL Player of the Year is a Rolls Royce of a player. His combative qualities were sorely missed when he went travelling halfway through last season, but rarely does a week go by when he doesn’t stamp his authority on proceedings.
We are also seeing the best of Jonny Haik this term. He fired a four-goal salvo at Raiders a fortnight ago and gets through a tremendous amount of work over the course of 90 minutes.
Last Sunday we saw Rocky Spitzer play arguably his best game in a green and white shirt. The baby-faced assassin, son of former Golders Green manager Yair, has stepped up his game and will leave big boots to fill when he goes travelling. He is my choice for MSFL Player of the Month for November.
Solomon said: “Rocky has really come into his own and been playing well this season.”
It’s common knowledge that striker Daryl Phillips is an MSFL legend. Already in double figures for the season, he keeps his standards sky high and still has the engine of a teenager.
And with former Player of the Season Michael Pearson having recently returned to the club and midfield maestro Paul Babai back to full fitness, the signs are that 2013 could be a very special year for the club. Solomon has his troops exactly where he wants them and he will keep their feet planted firmly on the ground.
Clearly, nothing is won in December, but rest assured that sometimes, just sometimes, dreams do come true. See Danny Caro’s weekend round-up at thejc.com. Email dcaro@thejc.com and/ or follow Danny on Twitter:@djcaro