ByJennifer Lipman, Jennifer Lipman
London Maccabi Lions Under 13 WFL team have secured a semi-final berth in the Herts County Cup.
A superb performance all-round saw the Lions recover from a 2-0 deficit to run out 6-3 winners against Echoes Youth.
As they had last week, Lions started very sluggishly and within three minutes of the start found themselves a goal behind after some excellent work from the Echoes striker resulted in a right-foot strike finding the bottom corner of Josh Tray’s goal.
Shortly after it was 2-0 when the same striker finished superbly in a similar fashion to his first.
Kicking up hill, Lions began to dig in and gain some decent possession in midfield and out on the flanks particularly through Jordan Grundman who was having an increasing influence on the game.
The defence also began to take control, with Johnny Byre and Benjy Katz solid in the full back positions. After 25 minutes, Lions were awarded a free kick on the left corner of the Echoes box and Grundman delivered with a great strike into the top corner giving the keeper no chance.
Danny Schindler, the Lions manager, then made three changes bringing on Sam Belchak, Sal Kurer and Dylan Kaye, all of whom had an immediate effect as Lions finished the half on top.
The manager’s words at half time had an immediate effect, as Belchak found some space in the box, only to be brought down from behind. Kaye stepped up to slot the spot kick away confidently.
Lions were soon in front after some excellent team work and a cross-shot, which found Alex Freedman in space who slot the ball home coolly.
Echoes were rattled but soon hit back from a well delivered corner which was converted by their outstanding striker to complete is hat-trick.
Despite this setback, Lions remained in the ascendancy and after some superb work by Grundman down the right, the ball found its way to Saul Kurer inside the box, who took his chance confidently.
Lions continued to press Echoes all over the park and a mazy Kaye run was ended with great strike into the bottom corner.
As Echoes pushed forward to try and get back in the game opportunities opened up for the Lions and Belchak made sure of their route to the semi final with a cool finish after a great cross from the outstanding Kurer.
A great battling performance all over the pitch and deserved place in the County Cup semi final in two weeks time.