MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
OAKWOOD A 0 HENDON UNITED SPORTS 1
Hendon were forced into a late reshuffle after a couple of pull-outs on the morning of the match, and other players were "really struggling with injury," according to manager Sapler. The list included Jonti Aremband (ill), Simon Peterman had to come off after five minutes with hamstring trouble and Josh Harris was walking wounded on the bench. Ari Nevies started in an unfamiliar right-back role with Jonny Kay at centre-back but after five they had to shuffle Chaim Korman into left-back with Dovi coming on.
However, the defending champions executed their game-plan to perfection to make it 2-1 in the series after a hard-fought win which was settled by a first-half strike from Moses Seitler.
Goalkeeper Russ Corin preserved a clean sheet with a stunning save to deny Oakwood.
Hendon stood firmin the second half and as the game was getting stretched, there were several chances for both teams.
Hendon boss Jordan Sapler told JC Sport: "We learnt our lessons from the last game, playing some really nice flowing moves against Oakwood's high-press but the first half was a very tight and even half with Oakwood having the notable chances. This was until we had our first chance of the game which fell to the returning Seitler. He produced a great finish across the keeper."
"We produced the sort of performance that meant every player today should be proud of themselves. Now on to the winter break and the run-in.”
Oakwood joint-manager Dan Kristall believes his team deserved something from the contest. He told JC Sport: "It was a tight game that could have gone either way. We should have been out of sight after half an hour but unfortunately goals change games and they scored on the break and we didn't really recover. We paid for missed chances."
Kristall insists Oakwood have been hard hit with key players unavailable. "We are carrying some injuries so the New Year break comes at a good time for us," he added. "We were missing up to eight first-team regulars and I think that squad depth ultimately cost us, whereas Hendon were full- strength."
He went on to say: "Unfortunately though, I’ll only really remember this game for two things; 1. Being the handball in the box in the closing stages which I respect the ref didn't see but when all 11 players appeal, you usually know he's missed something. The Hendon managers' smile afterwards told the story. Games as big as this should have linesmen. With a linesman, we have a late penalty. There’s no doubt about that.
"Secondly, the fact that the game was officially abandoned with some time remaining due to the next teams being so impatient that they invaded the pitch. This also didn’t help our chase for an equaliser.
"In general terms, we will regroup after another great calendar year for the club. The year we won the Anekstein for the first time.
"We firmly believe and having shown it three weeks ago, that when we are at full-strength, we are the best side but it’s all about having that side available.
"We are still in two cups and will keep fighting for the title."
