By, Danny Caro
2 min read
ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro
With the MGBSFL Division Two title already in the bag, L'Orange go in search of a double, of sorts, hoping their A-team has already clinched the Anekstein Trophy. They will be wearing orange shirts with royal blue shorts and royal blue socks.
DAVID SIMNOCK (Goalkeeper) – Runner-up of the most eligible NLR bachelor in 2011, 2012 and 2013 to A-team skipper David Rhodes, Simnock is hoping that 2014 is his year. Simnock was also awarded the JC MSFL Goalkeeper of the year in 2007/2008.
MAYER SHULTZ (Defence) – Went missing for three years, but finally reappeared two weeks ago, suspiciously close to the cup final. Rumours that he is the German love-child of gaffer Adelman are unfounded at this stage.
ANTHONY GOODMAKER (Defender) – the only NLR player to play under Adelman, Peters and Richman. A hugely committed defender who has had an excellent season to date.
LIAM STEIN (Defence) – Stein is part of the title-winning C-team side who has been an ever-present in the cup competition over recent weeks. Sweet left foot, sour right foot!
MATT GREENE (Defender/midfielder) – has had more injuries than Nicky Woolf has career NLR goals. Always on the verge of retirement. However, once out on the pitch Greene is a hard hitting defensive warrior. Also a published novelist.
ROB SAMUELSON (Midfield) – composed the NLR cup final song which currently sits no. 63 in the national charts. Made a habit of long distance spectacular goals during the 2014 'Invincible' league campaign.
ANDREW MCMASTER (Midfield) - The only footballer with half Iranian and half Kiwi heritage eligible to play Jewish football (although rumour has it he prefers Rugby and Water Polo) "Mouse" is one of the most reliable players, when he turns up on time.
MIKE HERSHMAN (Midfield) – one part of the Esterkin, Elster, Hershman trio who recently completed the London marathon. Pacy midfielder who could be the player to watch in the cup final.
DAVID ESTERKIN (Midfield) – "the Beast" has 13 goals in 14 games this season. Ran the marathon after just two weeks training in three hours 29 minutes. Then ran another marathon straight after just for fun.
JONATHAN SHAPIRO (Midfield) – Shapiro would claim his best position is just off the front man in the no. 10 position. The entire squad now know his best position is actually in goal. Averages 9.37km a game.
ROB RICHMAN (Midfield) - the legendary manager and Club Life Vice-President broke off from his self-imposed sabbatical to make a welcome return to the pitch in the Cup, notching a crucial penalty in the semi- final win over Brady.
WILL UFLAND (Midfield/forward) – Like Stein, a late end of season graduate from the C team. Diminutive forward who scored a thumping 25-yarder against Jewdinese in the group stages.
GILAD KESTENBAUM (Midfield) – "Most talented footballer in the famous Kestenbaum household!" Gilad will be especially motivated today as he will be going up against many friends and family. Likes a pirouette.
NICKY WOOLF (Forward) – The Raiders skipper is the longest-serving player at the club across all three teams. Been in prolific form this season scoring 26 goals in 21 games to take his overall NLR tally to 117. He has scored eight times on the road to Wingate.
JONNY BLAIN (Forward) – Scored the winner in the last Minor Cup final in 2011. Career record reads 207 goals in 425 games across 396 different clubs.
ADAM POSNER (Forward) - Despite a failed transfer move to America, Posner has formed a deadly strike partnership with Nicky Woolf. The pair have netted 30 goals between them this season with Posner chipping in with a gigantic four.
JONATHAN ADELMAN (Manager) – gaffer extraordinaire. His side did the impossible and became the first NLR side to finish a league season unbeaten. Sunday is a very proud day for Adelman with his beloved Raiders in two cup finals.
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ROUTE TO WINGATE
Semi-final: bt Brady Masters 5-3 - Woolf 2, Kestenbaum, Richman, Ufland
Group stages:
bt Jewdinese 3-2 - Woolf 2, Ufland
bt Waldaf Town 4-1 - Woolf, Buchler, Stein
bt NL Raiders Masters - Woolf 2, Blain 2, Posner
