Bradley brothers dazzle in Azzurri’s cup-upset thriller
THE MACCABI GB Southern Football League resumed after its winter break on Sunday and saw NWL Azzurri claim one of the shock results of the season so far as they beat HMH 4-3 in a thrilling Cyril Anekstein Cup clash.
Azzurri, who sit fifth in Division One, travelled to the team who lie second in the Premier Division, but thanks in no small part to their Bradley brothers, turned in a stunning performance to upset the odds. Solly Bradley scored what proved to be the winner, and his elder sibling Sammy produced a manof-the-match performance in goal, saving a penalty and also providing an assist. Zak Jackson scored twice, with Aron Gale also on target.
Manager Spencer Saffer said: “It was an unbelievable cup upset, every single player on the pitch worked their socks off after almost two months without playing a game, it was sensational stuff.”
Also booking their place in the second round of the competition were Division Two side Hapoel Hampstead, who thanks to goals from Gideon Ezra, Matti Brooks, Jordan Conn and Re-em Tal, beat Division One team Scrabble, 4-0.
There was also a cup upset in the second round of the Peter Morrison Trophy as Division Two side Boca Chillers beat Brook Farm Rovers, who play a division above them, 3-2. Jack Davis, Josh Burchhardt and Harrison Baum all on target.
In League action, Maccabi London FC moved up into fourth spot in the Premier Division after Sam Shooter’s header —with the last touch of the match — sealed a 1-0 win over Faithfold White. Lions boss Laurence Judah said: “After a very even first half with very little between the teams and few clear-cut chances, we took control in the second half and got better as the game went on.”
It’s as you were at the top of the Division One table as the top two sides both won. Leaders Stoke Salmon maintained their four-point lead thanks to a 5-2 win at Temple Fortune A, while Borussia Jewdinese keep pace with them following a 5-2 win at Redbridge Jewish Care Purple. Zack Collins helped himself to four goals, with Mitch Gerber claiming their fifth.
Mill Hill Dons took advantage of Brook Farm Rovers’ cup commitments to move up into third spot as a Joseph Reece hat-trick helped them to a 6-1 win over Hampstead Ducks. Zach Cohen scored twice with Mitch Gerber also on target.
Just one game was played in Division Two and it saw London Athletico close the gap on the leaders to six points as they came away from Millbrook Park Calcio with a 6-1 win.
Zacki Doumou scored four of the goals on his debut, with Max Walker and Jess Phillips netting the others. Manager Michael Phillips said: “It was a great performance with two new faces, including debutant Josh Burns who claimed four assists. The own goal was a small setback, but we dominated the entire game and it was sweet revenge on the previous result at the start of the season.”
Ahead of last Sunday’s matches, Maccabi GB teamed up with Jami for their Mental Health Awareness Shabbat by asking all teams who play in their three Football Leagues — the MSFL, Masters and Juniors — to take part in the ‘1 Minute for Mental Health’ initiative. Games were held back by 60 seconds, the minute delay allowing players, managers and spectators to think about their own mental health and wellbeing, or how they can support other people to look after their mental health.