JC MSFL DIVISION TWO
BRADY MACCABI B 5 NORSTAR B 1
Brady Maccabi B were crowned champions of Division Two after claiming maximum points from a double-header against lowly Norstar B.
Two goals from Reiss Mogilner plus one apiece from Dan Hildebrand, Nathan Harrod and an own goal steered them home 5-1 in the opener.
On a pitch bathed in sunshine, Brady wasted no time at all in setting their marker out for the day. Hildebrand fired the Men in Red ahead early, and from this point forward, they never looked like faltering.
Mogilner added a second, sublimely rounding the keeper, slotting home his 23rd of the season in expert style.
Just before half time, Brady had added a third. Hildebrand's shot was parried by the Norstar goalkeeper, ricocheting off of the unfortunate Norstar no. 44 for an own goal.
Brady showed no signs of letting off in the second half. Mogilner added his second of the game, before Harrod tapped in, despite his brother Daniel's insistence that the goal be chalked off for offside.
Leading by five, Brady began to relax, which had the effect of inviting pressure on their goal. Though Norstar failed to create any chances of note, they did manage to pull a goal back before the end of the first game, with a long-range shot beating Sam Singer in the Brady net, leaving the final result 5-1.
There was, however, a moment of concern before the game was out for the Bradonians, with talisman and player-manager Joshua Dagul being clattered moments after coming on as a substitute in what was his return from a dislocated shoulder, landing on said shoulder. After gasps of worry from the crowd, he bravely dusted himself off and, thankfully, was able to continue.
NORSTAR B 0 BRADY MACCABI 8
Needing a win to guarantee them the championship, Brady were understandably tetchy as the second game begun. Norstar, clearly motivated by their humbling in the 5-1 first leg of the double-header, began resolutely, offering very little going forward, but showing no signs of allowing Brady to breach their defences.
Alas, Norstar could only hold out until just before the half time interval, and Daniel Hildebrand swooped low from a corner to nod his side ahead. That goal clearly affected the Oranges, and within moments, Brady added two more, with Reiss Mogilner and Hildebrand tucking home.
Brady's confidence swelled in the second half, and the celebratory mood sweeping across Rowley Lane was clearly rubbing off on the players. Mogilner added three more, taking his total for the day to six, and total for the season to 28, a statistic even more remarkable when one considers that he plays off the wing.
Hildebrand completed his hat trick too, with a superb finish over the onrushing keeper.
With the party mood infecting from the terraces, Brady were able to get slightly sentimental. Fan's favourite Michael 'Justin' Bieber made his long-awaited return from revision/injury, whilst supporters were also able to say what might be a last goodbye to faithful club servant Elli Dagul, who is out of contract in the summer, and rumoured to be considering retirement after an injury-plagued career.
Knowing that the title was moments away, Brady's loyal fan base was treated to yet another delight; left-back Scott Benson gallivanted forward in the manner of a certain Ben Hildebrand, striking home his first ever goal for Brady, cueing rapturous scenes.
Having won 8-0 and secured a second successive championship, a mass pitch invasion ensued, with overjoyed fans sipping on champagne (or more likely, budget sparkling wine) in celebration. There will no doubt be some sore heads come Monday morning, with rumours circulating in the Arkley area that Joshua Dagul was last seen strewn out across the floor, clutching a bottle of Dom Perignon.
Player-Manager, Joshua Dagul told JC Sport: "We did it, and we did it in style. Two great wins to cap off what has been a terrific season. I'd also like to say thanks to our incredible supporters, who have followed us through thick and thin this season, as far away as Borehamwood and Essex. Without them, I don't know if we could have made it.
"But, as they say, on to the next one. We have been promoted, but we want to make an impact at the next level, the journey has just begun. Having said that, championes championes ole ole ole."
Jonathan Meltzer told JC Sport: "This is one the youngest men’s team I have seen in the league, yet they have conducted themselves superbly for two seasons and now they can grow even more character year on year. Hopefully this league title can be a building block for next year."
Chairman of the Brady B Spanish and Portuguese supporters' club, Miguel Hildebrand: "It is a fantastic day for us all. Brady B has a strong fan base in the Hispanic world, and it is fair to say there will be a fiesta or two in the bars in Madrid tonight. Viva la Brady B."
Talisman, James Joseph (tearfully) told JC Sport: "The emotion of the day has caught up with me. What a day for everyone associated with Brady. It's a deserved reward for what has been a pretty decent season."
Club captain, Samuel Frohlich told JC Sport: "We are going up, say we are going up."
Brady veteran, Oliver Kay told JC Sport: "Get in. Have it."
Norstar boss David Lubczanski told JC Sport: "It was a tough couple of games against a very good team, the best we have played this season. We didn't help ourselves at times, but we only had 11 for each of the two games, so we were naturally going to tire and Brady managed to exploit that during the second game.
"Congrats to Brady who are an excellent team with some superb players."
Man-of the match(es): Daniel Harrod - dictated the tempo of not one game, but two. Pulled the strings in what was another midfield masterclass. Demonstrated a diverse and breathtaking range of passing, assisting numerous goals
