Hatton on target again as 'professional' Manchester Maccabi see off nearest rivals

The game became slightly more open in the second half, with both keepers making good saves. But when Maccabi are struggling, there’s only one man who stands up time and time again – Mr Sam Hatton.

MATCH PHOTOGALLERY

A corner from the left was drilled in by Toby Levy straight onto the head of Hatton, who rose like a salmon to head Maccabi into the lead.

Maccabi then got deeper and deeper, protecting their lead, whilst also possessing a threat on the counter, desperately looking for that crucial second game.

And it came with five minutes to go (in a 55-minute second half). The ball was spread to Levy on the left who whipped in dangerous ball that was turned into the Snipe net by the centre half.

Player-manager Sacks praised his team once again after a vital three points: “I’m running out of superlatives for this team – they continue to do everything I ask for, and more.

“We’re getting into good habits defensively and that puts pressure on our attackers to deliver, which they are.

“We won individual battles; whether that be Matt Ralph winning a colossal header or a last-ditch tackle from Jake Bentwood – the boys should be proud of themselves for this result.”

Maccabi return to County Cup duty next week and they look to extend their unbeaten streak.

MACCABI: Phillip Pole, Carl Peters, Michael Sacks, Greg Jacobs, Jordan Kay, David Herman, Aaron Goldman, Jason Hamburger, Jake Bentwood, Toby Levy, Jacob Huller. Subs: Jake Kelly, Matthew Ralph

SCORERS: Hatton, own goal

SNIPE INN: Jake Ambrose, James Dunn, Aaron Fleming, Daniel Hewitt, Callum Hodgkinson, Callum Holmes, Oliver Holt, Sam Hudson, Alex Lowe, Cameron Matthews, Steven Owen. Subs: Mathew Dunn, Johnny Morgan