One down, two to go for Haroldeans

FOOTBALL HAROLDEANS enjoyed a title party after being crowned MJSL champions.

And boss Mike Bloomberg immediately set his sights on completing a dream treble in the dug-out.

The Merseysiders sealed the first leg after Adam Shiffman’s hat-trick accounted for Prestfield in a 3-1 win.

Only a point was required but all three were achieved.

And Bloomberg are now targeting a clean sweep by winning the Harold Feldman Cup and the Shonn Trophy.

Haroldeans face Leeds Maccabi in the Feldman final and need to edge past Maccabi Manchester Blue in the Shonn semi-final to progress.

Bloomberg said: “To win the league is a great achievement. I don’t think anyone could say we haven’t deserved it. We have been the best side. But as soon as the celebrations finished, we talked about the remaining two cup competitions we are in.

“We would love to win them as well. That would top off an amazing season. We have a lot still to do to achieve that. Leeds will be a tough game in the Feldman while Maccabi Blue will fancy themselves in the Shonn. Teams have been raising their game against us.

“Prestfield gave us a real scare. They have improved massively and that’s the challenge we are facing.”

Haroldeans were in danger of folding as they struggled for numbers last season.

But Bloomberg’s arrival in the hot seat began the transformation.

He added: “We were struggling numbers-wise. But we were helped by a few players, such as Paul Harris, returning. The key has been being able to manage 19 players to perform at the maximum.

“When players have been forced to sit out, they have not moaned or groaned. It’s been a real collective effort. Even on Sunday, we had around 50 people watching in wet weather. It sums it up. Everyone pulling in the same direction.”

Reich Insurance White swept past managerless Reich Blue 6-1. Yoni Shadmi (2), Moshe Cohen, Ben Burton, Simon Kaye and Gary Freeman were all on target. Daniel Warwick bagged a consolation for the home side.

Leeds Maccabi, who have aspirations of finishing third, had to settle for a share of the spoils at Maccabi Manchester Yellow.

Rafi Dines cancelled out Theo Tobias’s strike for the Yorkshiremen in the 1-1 draw.

Teams have been raising their game against us’