Leeds Maccabi revel in first MJSL title success

MJSL JOAN COLLINS PREMIER DIVISION
LEEDS MACCABI 5 OAKHILL LIONS 2

LEEDS MACCABI carved out their own slice of history after being crowned MJSL champions for the first time.

The Yorkshire side could finally crack open the champagne as their 5-2 win over Oakhill Lions confirmed their title triumph.

Leeds have led from the summit all season and it was fitting that another five-star display would seal the silverware.

The now defunct Leeds Ajax last brought the championship across the Pennines in 1988.

And after ending the Manchester-Liverpool dominance, boss Daniel Kristall does not plan on stopping there.

"It's a great achievement," said Kristall. "Our consistency and team ethic has won us the title. The goals have been spread around and everyone has played their part.

"Even when we haven’t been at our best we have ground out wins. That’s a sign of a top side.

"I don’t think anyone can argue with this. We have been top all season, scored the most amount of goals and conceded the least."

They will be known as the Invincibles if they can avoid defeat against Heaton Park in their final league game next month.

Kristall added: "We want to finish the job off now and make sure we remain unbeaten all season. That will be a real feat."

Richard Black and Tim Zoltie sent Leeds into cruise control against Oakhill.

Rob Selwyn’s quickfire second-half hat-trick was enough teach the students a lesson in style.

Kristall is now eyeing the treble after wrapping up the first-leg of their trophy hunt.

He added: "Our season does not just stop now. We will enjoy this as a team and then focus on our other goals.

"We were in third gear in the second-half against Oakhill. That is understandable. But we can’t continue in that way as there is still a lot to play for."

Nearest rivals HPR – who still have Leeds to play in the final fixture – claim the best side had won.

HPR chief David Seligman said: "We send our congratulations to Leeds Maccabi. They have been worthy winners. We tried to put pressure on them but they did not crumble."

Roy Scott scored a long-range special, with Jamie Gouldman adding the second.

Oakhill player-manager Max Levy said: "I was delighted by our performances given that we only had 10 men for a significant part of the match.

"I'd like to congratulate Leeds for winning the title. They are definitely the best team we have played this season."