The Maccabi GB Southern Football League 2023/24 season kicked off on September 10. Four new teams entered the league this season, with Club De Chigwell also returning after a year’s absence.
They faced new side 40 Year Wanderers on the opening day, winning 6-0, with Josh Brody scoring a hat-trick, Joe Klein claiming a brace and Oli Silver netting the sixth. Manager Josh Dobias said: “It was a great performance from the boys in tough conditions.
“We’re still a work in progress and will be much better as the season goes on. Good luck to 40 Years for the rest of the season.”
Wanderers’ manager Sam Anderson said: “The boys are improving every week. Training continues to go well and it’s clear to see that a real team is developing. Don’t write us off anytime soon.”
Hampstead Ducks couldn’t have wished for a better opening day, after the disappointment of last season. They enjoyed an 18-0 win over debutants Lads on Torah. Reflecting on their win, Ducks boss Jacob Summerfield said: “It was remarkably one-sided.
"We scored lots of really good goals and defended what was required. Sterner tests will come no doubt but we’re very grateful to our gracious opponents and wish them well in the upcoming seasons.
Zack Collins helped himself to seven of the goals, while Jonathan Stelzer chipped in with a hat-trick. Goals from Shlomo Elijah, Daniel Fattal, Avi Goldberg, Samuel Gottlieb, Alfie Rees, Isaac Zamet, Josh Cohen and Daniel Lewis completed the rout.
Beitar Bushey, who were also making their league debut, put in a superb opening display against David Wolff Division Two Champions Brady but lost out to a 94th-minute winner. Eytan Copitch, Joe Shaw, Jake Aspis, Rafael Jacobs and Ben Myers all scoring in Brady’s 5-4 win. Brady manager Ricky Ansher said:
“At the end of the day, the three points were the most important thing. The overall performance wasn’t up to the standards expected, and despite letting a two-goal lead slip at 4-2, winning ugly is what separates the good teams from the title-winning teams.”
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Chigwell assert their authority over 40 Year Wanderers (Photo: Marc Morris)
The one game in the Premier Division handed Hendon a shock defeat, but Geez Park Rangers a stunning win, as goals from debutants Aron Gale and Sam Morris steered them to a 2-1 victory.
Rangers’ Ben Leslie said: “It was a great win against a top team and was great to see the new signings click and score both of the goals. Some of our football was top-class and hopefully we continue like this throughout the season.”
Akiva Restan scored for Hendon, for whom boss Avi Korman said: “We played very much within ourselves and struggled with that final pass to get in on goal. But credit to them. They played better than us on the day and coped well with the heat.
"It was great to see new signings Avi Mocton, Reiss Mogilner and Akiva Restan integrate well, and they will providing a big boost to us this year.”
Leading the way in Division One on goal difference are Oakwood Town, who recorded a crushing 9-0 win over Temple Fortune. Max Herman and Max Adler scored two each, with Sam Shooter, Joshua Bharier, Louie Fisher, Ben Kohler and Max Lever also all finding the back of the net.
Two goals from Louis Lazarus helped Real Salt Beef to a 4-0 win at Boca Chillers with further strikes from Jack Miller and Joel Walters ensuring an opening-day victory.
Manager Samuel Margo said: “I’m very pleased to get the season underway with a comfortable three points. We controlled the game from the first to last minute, which was very pleasing for a strong start to life in Division One.”
Michael Kenley and Mitchell Gerber, both helped themselves to two goals each on their Mill Hill Dons debuts as their side recorded a 5-2 win over Real Madreidel. Ben Kaufman scored their fifth.
Dons manager Brandon Hammé said: “I’m delighted to start the season off with a win, the boys have been working hard and are getting on board with what we are trying to achieve.
"I think Madreidel played well and created quite a lot of chances, and just didn’t get their luck in front of goal, we got to limit those chances in the games to come but going forward we were superb.”
Gidi Ezra’s double, along with Jack Naftalin’s strike saw Hapoel Hampstead edge past Redbridge Jewish Care Purple 3-2.
