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2 6 REICH

SOUTH MANCHESTER 1ST 2 9

THREE GOALS from Roy Fux saw South Manchester serve up a warning that they are genuine MJSL title contenders after a 9-2 triumph over Reich.

Marc Magid’s side ran riot against Reich who had no answer to the home side’s supremacy. Further goals from Michael Stratton (2), Laurence Newman, Jonny Franks, Joe Glaskie and Adam Tauber sealed the victory.

Captain Michael Stratton believes the best is yet to come from his side. “We have aspirations of vying for the title and competing in cup competitions,” he said.

“The first team have not played at this level for a few years but we have found our feet in no time.

“Everyone should be confident that we have the players who can trouble most teams. We have been impressed by the standard of the league. Even Reich, despite our dominance, had their moments and did not drop their heads once.”

The big test for South will come in the next few weeks with champions Haroldeans among the rival teams they are due to face. “We seem to have played some of the lesser sides so far, so it’s hard to judge our progress,” said Stratton.

“Playing games against teams like Haroldeans will be a real test of our chances of battling at the top this season.”

It was the latest heavy defeat suffered by Reich, who netted consolations via Dovi Klyne and Yoni Shadmi.

And it left director of football Michael Gastwirth wondering whether to laugh or cry. He said: “South were the better team and we can’t have any complaints. What the score doesn’t tell you is that in periods during the game, as well as in previous matches, we outplayed them and we should have scored more goals really.

“But we have to be realistic — that South Manchester team have players who have represented Maccabi GB at the Maccabiah Games.

“Matches like this will help our less experienced players when we play the lower positioned teams in the league.

“It’s not all doom and gloom. Andy Shaffer again showed everyone what it means to play for the club and never gave up.

“His level of commitment, fitness fight and desire is a true example for all our new squad members, and what is needed week in week out.

“Debutant Avi Kasmir was superb against Roy Fux, who is one of the better players in the league.

“Sammy Pine also deserves credit in coming up against Jonny Franks so there are positives to take out of a disappointing scoreline.”

SEDGLEY PARK CELTIC LEEDS MACCABI

4 0

LEEDS MACCABI missed a chance to go top after crashing at new boys Sedgley Park Celtic.

Goals from Jake Kelly (2), Jack Berman and Joe Shalom saw Sedgley cruise home.

Sedgley’s Saul Shapiro said: “We’ve been getting better and better with each week as we learn about each other as a group.

“We’ve had difficult opening fixtures but now we seem to be getting there. We’re enjoying ourselves.”

It was a major setback for the Yorkshiremen, who had aspirations of heading to the summit.

Leeds boss Adam Kristall made no excuse for their sorry showing and said: “We just didn’t show up.”