In safe hands
FOOTBALL JAKE Doffman is making a name for himself as something of a penalty-saving expert. The HMH goalkeeper made a crucial save in the recent Peter Morrison Trophy quarterfinal win over Oakwood, and he was at it again to boost HMH’s hopes of a league and cup double following a hard-fought win over Lions.
Avi Goldberg praised his team’s powers of recovery as HMH came from a goal down to edge past the in-form Lions and move to within a point of leaders Hendon United.
Lions started strongly and were awarded a penalty early on but topscorer Reiss Mogilner saw his effort superbly saved by Doffman, who dived low to his left to tip the ball on to the post. However, HMH’s reprieve was short-lived as James Gold gave the hosts a deserved lead soon after.
HMH responded well and top-scorer Oscar Wagner was denied from six yards by a wonderful reflex save from Jack Franks.
With George Goldberg a threat on the wing, HMH continued to attack, with Wagner going close again. The equaliser arrived on the stroke of half-time when a cross from Ben Winters found Wagner, whose mistimed shot ricocheted into the path of Leo Berger to smash home.
Both teams went in search of goals in the second half, with HMH winning the territorial battle. Wagner continued to threaten the Lions goal while Dominic Feldman forced Franks into another smart save following excellent work from Alex Moss.
HMH secured the points ten minutes from time when the livewire Wagner produced a dangerous low cross that was deflected into the net by a Lions’ defender.
However, it needed another heroic save from Doffman to hold off the Lions in added time.
Goldberg insists his team “just edged it on a very blustery day at the Lane”. He said: “Both sides created some good chances but both goalkeepers were in fine form”.
He went on to say: “Once again, the lads showed great desire in overturning a one-goal deficit against a strong Lions team.”
Asked about the title race, he responded: “With Hendon not playing for a while, we have the chance to go back to the top of the division if we beat Brady on Sunday. What a prospect that is.”
Lions’ joint-manager Max Kyte gave an honest assessment and said: “It was a deserved win for HMH who just tipped the balance on the day.
“Jake Doffman made key saves and unfortunately not enough of our players turned up, and when that is the case, you can’t expect to win the game.”
Leo Ackerman finished on the losing team as Oxford lost to Cambridge in the 135th Varsity match at the Hive. Having lifted the trophy 12 months ago, Oxford captain Ackerman, who also plays for HMH, helped his team come from a goal down to force penalties, setting up a 60th-minute equaliser for Thomas Actelstetter. But Cambridge ran out winners 5-3 in the shoot-out.