Bharier steals the show
FOOTBALL JOSH Bharier was typically modest after being crowned MGBSFL Player of the Year – an award he described as “a great honour” and one he received with “great pride”.
Bharier, a 26-year-old accountant from Edgware, scored 20 goals in all competitions in his first season with Oakwood A, who finished runners-up in the Cyril Anekstein Cup and third in the Premier Division.
Asked how he felt about being recognised as the top player in the Maccabi League, Bharier responded: “It’s not bad for a journeyman who has played at a different club every season.”
He described the top-flight as being “a tough standard” in a campaign where he scored three hat-tricks. He said: “I’d like to thank all my team-mates for helping me win this special award, especially Josh Cuby who provided lots of assists.
“Hopefully I can help Oakwood win the league title or a cup next season.”
Oscar Wagner received the Young Player of the Year prize after helping HMH win the Peter Morrison Trophy in their first season in senior football. Wagner contributed 20 goals, including two in the 4-1 cup final win over Haroldeans.
Having led Hendon United to the league and cup double, Jordan Sapler collected the Manager of the Year accolade. “It’s nice to be recognised but I couldn’t have done it without the boys,” he said. There was further success for Hendon who also won the Sportsmanship/Turnout award. Sapler said: “We didn’t forfeit one game across the season and got our rewards for playing football the right way and never looking to get a rival player sent off.”
Sapler went on to say: “Our target for next season is to win the treble. Had we not lost in Liverpool in the Peter Morrison Trophy, I don’t think many teams would’ve stopped us.”
Bradley Gayer of Fairlop FC was named best player in Division One, while Zack Neiman of SPEC FC took the honours in Division Two. Richard Salmon of FC Team collected the Golden Boot as top-scorer and Sam Singer won the Golden Gloves. Other winners saw Jake Erlich of Jewdinese receive the best team secretary prize, while HMH won the new award for best social media. Phil Peters claimed best referee, while Josh Smith won best newcomer referee.