Give that man an Oscar!
MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION ML LIONS DDHMH
Oscar Wagner grabbed the headlines for the second consecutive week as a goal of the season contender put the Lions to the sword as HMH registered their fourth league win.
Adam Abadi and Sammy Kingston of HMH struck either side of a David Dinkin goal in a match shrouded in controversy after the Lions had what they felt was an earlier effort chalked off by referee Andy Myerson who confirmed he “couldn’t award the goal” as he was unsure if the whole ball had crossed the line. But Lions joint-manager Max Kyte was in no doubt, and said: “Whilst there is much talk of whether VAR should be installed into the various stadiums across the MGBSFL, it wasn’t required for this clear-cut situation.” A second-
half double from Wagner included an audacious dipping volley from distance, which left his manager, Avi Goldberg, open-mouthed. “Today we tamed the lion,” said Goldberg. “The first half was difficult and arguably, Lions were the better team, and perhaps it should have been 2-2 at the break. Not for the first time this season VAR at the Hive would have helped. However, there was only one winner in the second half as our imperious midfield of Alex Moss, Eli Wegrzyn and Sam Monjack dominated, backed up by the defence led by Tom Prais, allowing Wagner to continue his ruthless streak with a truly outrageous technically phenomenal strike.” DIVISION ONE FAIRLOP FC NL GALAXY
Jake Sanders insists Fairlop “delivered when it mattered most” as goals from Brad Gayer and Ryan Cole boosted their promotion hopes against fellow highflyers Galaxy. The visitors forged ahead against the run of play through Jordan Freeman but a trademark finish from Gayer, his sixth in six matches, enabled Cole to secure the points late on following great work from James Jaconelli. “After two disappointing cup exits in the previous two weeks, our injury-hit showed exactly what they’re made of,” said Sanders. “Three of our back-four were carrying quite bad ankle injuries, but they got through it and defended excellently.” Sanders was also quick to praise the visitors and said: “Galaxy are a well-drilled, organised and competitive side. I have no doubts they’ll be playing in the top league next season. But our big players proved the difference and earned us a deserved victory.” Galaxy player-manager Luke Lewis bemoaned “one lapse of concentration” as the visitors suffered their third defeat. He went on to say: “In terms of the effort I couldn’t be prouder of my boys. We play Fairlop again in three weeks and I believe they are definitely beatable.”
DIVISION TWO HERTSWOOD VALE NL RAIDERS MASTERS
James Cartmell saluted his golden oldies, who received a little help from a friend, as lowly Raiders dented Vale’s promotion hopes in a seven-goal thriller. Vale had stormed into a two-goal lead through top-scorer James Millet and Josh Gorb. But the introduction of Aviel Schwarz swung the game in NLR’s favour. The super-sub delivered a precise cross that was headed home by Aron Gale before curling a free-kick into the top corner. The momentum was with Raiders and Gale made it 3-2 before Schwarz converted another set-piece. Millet’s 20th goal of the season set up a grandstand finish but Raiders held on, much to the delight of boss James Cartmell. He said: “We raised our performance levels and Aviel was simply outstanding.” Vale joint-manager Jacob Emanuel remarked: “The team Raiders put out today is not one that deserves to be where they are in the league. A special mention has to go to the Aviel Schwarz who was different class in the second half. He’s probably the best technical player we’ve played against this season, and I’m told he’s well into his 50’s. Aviel, alongside Raiders A players Aron Gale and Scott Waissel, absolutely made the difference in the second half.”
MILL HILL DONS FAITHFOLD DOC MM B
Brandon Hamme insists there were several positives to take away as Mill Hill Dons eased into fourth place after blowing promotion seeking Faithfold away. Richard Reback, Zach Cohen, Isaac Virchis and Joseph Reece earned the hosts their fourth win of the season. Dons boss Hamme said: “It was another great performance. I thought we were extremely solid, especially at the back. Everything is now coming together for us and we are now fulfilling our potential. We are taking each game as it comes and are working hard to ensure that complacency and arrogance are a thing of the past. TEMPLE FORTUNE REDBRIDGE JC B
Richard Bronzite insists Redbridge Jewish Care B must be more professional after they kept their promotion dreams alive with a 6-2 win over Temple Fortune. Dan Gordon (2) plus one apiece from Steve Summers, Andy Levy, Sam McCarthy and an own goal earned Redbridge B their sixth league win. Jon Kay and Gab Saul replied for Fortune. RJC boss Richard Bronzite said: “We were at our best in the first half and stormed into a 4-0 lead. The game was as good as won at this point but we became lazy and complacent in the second half, which was disappointing. We need to be more professional but I’m delighted with the win.”
Bayern Mincha, Fairlop FC, Faithfold Doc MM B, Faithfold Doc MM C, FC Team, Hertswood Vale, Jewdinese, Los Camden B, Mill Hill Dons, North London Raiders, North London Raiders Masters, North London Galaxy, Oakwood B, Scrabble FC B, SPEC FC and Temple Fortune have been invited to contest this season’s Barry Goldstein Trophy competition.