ByJames Masters, James Masters
Zack Gothelf insists his Oakhill Lions are ready to roar to the top of the MJSL after moving to within six points of league leaders Haroldeans.
The Manchester students are unbeaten since the opening day and defeated Crumpsall 3-0 on Sunday thanks to goals from Josh Daniels, Eli Gottlieb and Alex Goodman.
Oakhill’s victory, coupled with Manchester Maccabi 3rd’s victory over previously unbeaten Haroldeans, has breathed new life into the title race.
And Gothelf says his players are determined to hunt down Ivan Gee's men and land the club’s first MJSL title since 2006.
“The title race is wide open and I always believed it would be," said Gothelf.
“Haroldeans were always going to drop points eventually and we’re right in it now.
“We’re playing very well at the moment and it’s not like we’re lucky to get these wins, we’re playing some really good stuff.
“The boys are very confident at the moment and the race is very much still on.”
Oakhill do not play Haroldeans until January 22nd but they face difficult games against Republic of Mancunia 1st and South Manchester Sports Club 2nd in the next fortnight.
But after overcoming the absence of ten players during the win against Crumpsall, Gothelf is feeling bullish about his team’s chances.
“We had a lot of players out but we’ve spent the whole season talking about our big squad and how important it is," he added.
“That really showed and the lads who came in did a really good job and put on a very good performance.
“Everybody wants to play for each other and at the moment it’s going really well.”