2 min read
Republic of Mancunia put on an outstanding display to come from 2-0 down against MJSL strugglers Oakhill. The win keeps the pressure on league leaders Manchester Maccabi 3rd.
Republic were quick out of the traps despite not having played in the league for two months, and piled pressure on the Oakhill defence, creating a series of chances and only being denied by the heroics of goalkeeper Tim Leigh.
It could conceivably have been double figures by the time Oakhill scored the first goal, with Moishe Hasid guilty of missing a couple of good chances from close range. Johnny Lewis and Dave Eden had a mix up in the area, passing up the opportunity to open the scoring and Jonny Alexander’s crosses were a constant menace from the right flank with the visitors relying on a combination of Leigh, poor finishing and sheer fortune to stay on level terms.
It was therefore even more remarkable when in the 25th minute, Dan Cohen put Oakhill in front, capitalising on a favourable bounce in the penalty area to fire home after a free-kick which caused a goalmouth scramble.
Completely against the run of play, Oakhill somehow managed to double their lead. There seemed little danger for Republic when Cohen picked the ball up near the halfway line, but he embarked on a fine run and unleashed a fierce effort into the top corner from the edge of the area.
Republic were stunned, but they were still in control and refused to be rattled. They continued to make chances and finally got the goal their performance merited just before half time, and somewhat fittingly it was an Oakhill player who scored it. Darren Loose picked the ball up inside the penalty area, played the ball across the face of goal and it found its way into the net via a defender.
With renewed confidence, Republic emerged for the second period and levelled the scores almost immediately after the restart. Hasid got the goal, partially redeeming himself for missing earlier chances by rounding Leigh after a through ball from Eden.
As Republic’s pressure started to tell with their players looking more clinical in front of goal, Hasid put them in front when he finished right-footed following another brilliant cross from Alexander in the 60th minute.
Though on the face of it Oakhill were still in the game at 3-2 down, they failed to make any headway and never looked like threatening Mancunia’s goal. Paul Basger scored to put daylight between the sides as he struck a superb left foot volley following a cross by Lewis on the right flank.
As Oakhill began to finally crumble, substitute Lee Goldwater won a penalty for Mancunia, giving Hasid the opportunity to complete his hat trick, which he duly took.
Mancunia should have scored more, but with the win assured, they were able to finally relax following an eventful game in which their opponents had scored from the only two shots that they had. Anthony Bloch was relieved with the result and delighted by his side’s performance.
“It was one of our best ever performances at the most important time. It is important for us to keep playing like we are at the moment with two cups and the league to play for. If we play as we did yesterday we can challenge for everything. We are on trial in every game as if we drop points the title is potentially over.”
Bloch’s side now have two games in succession against fellow title chasers Hyde Park, which could make or break either or both side’s hopes of catching leaders Manchester Maccabi 3rd.
Oakhill manager Daniel Berkley admitted his side were second best even when ahead, and acknowledged the host’s superiority.
“Our goals were against the run of play, Oakhill were second best. They got their first just before half time, which got them back in the game and we completely fell apart in the second half. We had a weakened team out and the scoreline flattered us.”