MJSL JOAN COLLINS PREMIER DIVISION

Haroldeans 4 South Manchester Sports 3rd 0

The Merseysiders continued the year where they left off - putting teams to the sword.

And there were familiar names on the scoresheet with Max Barnett (2), Jordon Brookes and Adam Shiffman on target.

The win extended the leaders advantage at the top to five points over Reich Insurance Blue, with a game in hand.

It appears only Reich White can catch them now. Michael Gastwirth's side trail by nine points but crucially have three games to make up on their rivals.

It's a scenario which has left manager Mike Bloomberg insisting it is not Haroldeans' title to lose.

Bloomberg said: "We are not over the line yet. In fact we are far from it and we will take every game as it comes.

"As soon as you take your eye off the ball and you become complacent then you are danger of slipping up. 

"There's still some good teams who can catch us. It's nice to be in this position with the points on the board. 

"But after all this hard work we don't want to let it slip up."  

Shiffman continued his prolific form with another goal and Bloomberg says his sharp-shooter is one of three league's best strikers.

"We have been scoring goals from all angles and most players have chipped in," he said.

"But when you know Adam is on the pitch he is always liable to pop up with a goal. He has a terrific record.

"He is important for us but is not the only one."

Leeds Maccabi kicked off their Tony Cohen Cup campaign with a 6-2 win move Maccabi Manchester Yellow.

Raphael Kaye and Louie Hendon bagged braces with Max Adler and Jayden Huglin also netting in the opening Group A game.

Bobby Lee and Kai Gibson were on target for the Yellows, who now face an uphill task to qualify for the next stage of the competition.