ByJames Masters, James Masters
Manchester Maccabi 3rd bosss Steve Bentwood believes his side’s extra experience helped them overcome Haroldeans in a titanic tussle at Brooklands.
Sheldon Lee’s double was enough to give Maccabi all three points and inflict a first league defeat of the season on the visitors.
And Bentwood says the addition of a couple of older heads was the key to his team becoming the first MJSL side to beat Haroldeans this term.
“I think, because we had a few older players, it gave us a bit more experience on how to see the game out,” he said.
“At 2-1 with 25 minutes to go, we had enough about us to see the game out, which we might not have done earlier in the season.
“But I thought it was a really good game and Haroldeans are certainly the best team we’ve faced this season.
“They are a very good side, they’re very strong and it made for a really good game.”
Bentwood also paid tribute to midfielder Rafi Leeker, whose pinpoint delivery set up Lee for both goals.
“Rafi’s come in and done very well,” said Bentwood.
“He’s been with us a month or so and he’s got real quality.
“But it was a complete team performance and now we’re looking forward to playing Haroldeans again in the semi-finals of the Harold Feldman Trophy.”