ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro
Daniel Rubenstein (2), Harry Myers, Max Rose, Adam Stevens and an own goal helped Manchester Maccabi 3rds maintain their six-point advantage over the chasing pack as they thumped Westdene 2nd 6-2 in the MJSL.
Maccabi controlled proceedings throughout, but Westdene set themselves up defensively in the first half and were able to keep Maccabi largely at bay as a result.
The visitors were playing their first league game for over a month, and it showed as they displayed signs of rustiness in the final third.
Eventually, they broke the deadlock as Adam Stevens netted with a simple header after a cross from the right eluded the Westdene goalkeeper.
In the second period, Westdene opened up and decided to take the game to the league leaders, but whilst a brave move, it allowed Maccabi to extend their lead as a procession of goals soon followed.
The second came after impressive build up play, Daniel Rubinstein firing home to double the advantage.
Having beaten the same opponents 8-0 earlier in the season, Paul Levy’s side could have been forgiven for fearing the worst, but to their credit they made a fight of it, with Phil Wingate slotting home following a through ball with the Maccabi defence believing him to be in an offside position.
Westdene’s hopes of a comeback were short-lived though, as Rubinstein finished first time following a through ball from Adam Stevens after neat play down Maccabi’s right flank.
Following a free kick, Max Rose fired home via a defender to make it four, but again Westdene fought back, with Ben Blackstone back-heeling in a clever finish following a corner with twenty minutes left.
Maccabi were fully in control of the contest though, and soon scored again as Louis Basso played a neat pass to find Rose, who beat a defender before firing home.
Harry Myers got the final goal, rising to beat the goalkeeper and bravely head the sixth goal following a corner
The scoreline could and should have been more emphatic, and failed to really demonstrate the gulf in class between the two sides. Stevens, Rubinstein and Rose were all guilty as Maccabi failed to add to the scoreline, as they combined to miss a series of gilt edged openings.
Manchester manager Martin Simons said: “The conditions were horrendous, there was heavy rain, and it was our first game for two months, so I am just happy to get the three points.”
Paul Levy, the Westdene boss, commented: “I have no complaints. It was a good fair game, but the lads showed heart.”