Hertswood are heroes
FOOTBALL JACOB Emanuel declared Hertswood Vale’s MGBSFL Division Two title success is only the beginning of what could be a golden era for the club.
Vale were confirmed champions after Redbridge Jewish Care B forfeited Sunday’s scheduled match against Mill Hill Dons to win the title by three points.
Managed by Danny Hirschberger and Emanuel, Vale won 13 matches out of 18. “It’s been an incredible season for everyone involved with the club,” said Emanuel.
“We’ve finished top of what was a highly competitive league. The first trophy in the club’s history has been duly delivered in just our third ever season.
“Our results against the big teams in the league, including a 4-0 win against runners-up Redbridge, were absolutely quality, and although we dropped points along the way against the lower half of the table, for me, that just shows how competitive the league was.”
Emanuel paid tribute to his loyal band of volunteers. “This title is particularly special for everyone who has been involved in the club from the beginning. Viv Emanuel, Jack Shulman and Danny have all been outstanding
throughout the past three years, whilst Danny and I been privileged to manage an incredible group of lads this season, led by captain James Neidle.”
Vale look set to be rewarded for some stand-out performances at the end of season awards.
Emanuel said: “We’re also very proud to have received a number of nominations in the MGBSFL end of season awards, including Adam Zaidman for goalkeeper of the Year, and James Millet for both Young Player and Division Two Player of the Year. Both players absolutely deserve their plaudits, as do the entire squad who have been immense.
“It’s an even greater achievement when we realise how far we’ve come. You only have to look back to our first season when it took us 12 games to claim our first point on the board. In fact, 11 of the 14 players we took to our final game against Faithfold B have been involved with the club since our first season, whilst five of them played in our first-ever game.
“We’re confident this success is just the start. Planning is already very much under way as we look to push on next season, in what will absolutely be our greatest challenge yet in Division One.”