Manchester Maccabi boss Martin Simons praised his team after they set up a quarter-final clash against Brady Maccabi A following an impressive 2-0 win over a Faithfold team who saw their quadruple hopes derailed.
February 25, 2013 12:17ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro
PETER MORRISON TROPHY NATIONAL ROUND
MANCHESTER MACCABI 1st 2 FAITHFOLD A 0
Manchester Maccabi boss Martin Simons praised his team after they set up a quarter-final clash against Brady Maccabi A following an impressive 2-0 win over a Faithfold team who saw their quadruple hopes derailed.
Strikes fromAshley Loofe and Adam Stevens saw Maccabi become the third northern team to book their place in the last eight of the Jewish FA Cup, and Simons says his troops are relishing taking on another JC MSFL Premier Division team in the coming weeks.
"It was an excellent team performance," Simons told JC Sport. "We were competitive and organised without creating many clear-cut chances against another hard-working team.
"The game had few chances as both defences were disciplined and determined to keep the opposition out.
"I felt that we had the better of the game although scoring the first goal, an excellent header from Ashley Loofe, was crucial.
"Faithfold certainly threatened us at times but were limited to long-range shots as the set-pieces were extremely well dealt with by our young keeper Josh Samberg.
"The second goal, a well taken finish by Adam Stevens, really settled the game although we did threaten to score again in the last 10 minutes as Faithfold committed more players forward.
"Our work ethic and levels of concentration have brought rewards over the last few games as we head into the business part of the season.
"Ben Shalom affected the game positively when he entered the fray just before half time. There were some stand-out performances as all players delivered on the day, but Louie Basso and Ashley Loofe together with Josh Samberg were outstanding.
"We look forward to playing Brady Maccabi in the quarter-finals."
Faithfold manager Zuriel Solomon bemoaned the absence of four midfield regulars in a game where his team lacked a cutting edge. The in-form Dan Perkins, Dan Stock and Sam Reeves did not make the trip, along with star striker Mike Pearson.
"It was a disappointing result in a game of few chances," Solomon told JC Sport. "The first goal was crucial and they got it just before half time. We pushed for an equaliser in the second half, but they hit us on the break a scored the second.
"I can't fault my boys for effort but our creativity was just not there. Well done to Manchester who were very organised and it will take a good team to beat them, and we would also like to thank them for there hospitality."
Manchester: Josh Samberg, Alex Singer, Ashley Loofe, Benjy Loofe, David Herman, Louie Basso, Sam Van Gelder, Ryan Silvester, Michael Greene, Adam Stevens, Oli Grant