Four-midable Maccabi progress

Hamlet took the lead against the run of play. Garman went down low to his right from a free kick from just outside the box but the ball squirmed from his grasp in the greasy conditions and Bullock tapped in the rebound. Garman responded well and made some outstanding saves throughout the game.

Maccabi came back strongly and it was no surprise when the equaliser arrived. A long clearance from Garman caught out the Hamlet defence and Sidle clipped the ball over the Hamlet centre half before finishing calmly.

A few moments later, Maccabi took the lead. A neat through ball into the Hamlet box found Sidle whose first effort was blocked but Sidle slotted home the rebound.

Within seconds, Maccabi had an opportunity to put the game beyond Hamlet when Leker was brought down in the box. Sidle smashed the penalty against the bar and the home side went in at half time leading by the odd goal.

Hamlet came out in determined fashion and put the Maccabi defence under pressure but centre halves Carl Peters and Michael Sacks stood firm. Full backs Jackson and Greene had good games with both returning to the team after being out all last season.

Maccabi extended their lead when Leker, who was a threat throughout the game, tried a speculative effort from 35 yards out and the ball nestled in the corner of the Hamlet net.

Hamlet responded well and made it a nervous last 15 minutes from Maccabi when Jones went through the Maccabi defence and hit an unstoppable shot past Garman.

Maccabi's nerves were settled though when sub Emile Davidson cut in from the left, pushed the ball across to Fracheboud who rounded the kepper and finished in style from a sharp angle. Fracheboud deserved a goal on his debut for his excellent work-rate.

A very solid performance from Maccabi and they can gain considerable conference after this win against strong and determined opponents.