Oldham calling for Garbacz's glory boys

"Our front three of Greg Corin Dovi Fehler and Dave Seitler were superb and caused endless problems to seasoned and current Maccabiah players. Their pace and movement made them too hot for Lions to handle.

"In midfield, Ari Last was back to his best. We've missed him for most of this season, but he has come back more determined than ever to lead us to these two cup victories."

Hendon made a typically fast start, with the Lions struggling to cope with the pace and movement of striker Dovi Fehler who grabbed the opener.

"There is no doubt we were far more clinical," said Garbacz. "Overall I thought we dominated and were comfortable for the most part, although there was a 10-minute period after they got one back in the second half when we were under the cosh and they were a bit unlucky not to score a second, which could have got us panicking.

"As expected, the Lions put out a strong team, but our early strike was probably the turning point. We were gifted a priceless goal after Dovi's tireless efforts were rewarded as their keeper smashed the ball against a defender and into the net. That really settled us and once we scored the second there was only ever really going to be one winner.

"Lions will come again though, I'm sure of it, as the team is full of excellent players - and credit to them and to Andy for the spirit in which the game was played and for their magnanimous acceptance of defeat.

"Our motivation for this match was huge as despite two trebles in three seasons, Hendon players are constantly overlooked for national tournaments in favour of others and today the incentive, as well as getting to the cup final, was to show that some of these boys definitely deserve far more recognition than they get.

"As far as the cup final is concerned, Stuart Delmonte said he wanted us and now he's got us in what will be a tremendous North versus South shoot-out at Oldham. Up the south - we're coming to get you."

Garbacz also took time to praise Norstar London Raiders following their first MGBSFL title success. "All at Hendon wish them enormous congratulations. They fully deserve it having been the most consistent team this year. We hope they plan their celebrations for the night of May 2 - the day before the Cyril Anekstein final."

Lions boss Andy Landesberg expressed disappointment with the manner of his team's exit.

He said: "Hendon were without question the better team on the day. They were sharper, tougher and far more hungry than we were. The boys let themselves and the club down, and they know that, no question.

"Perhaps one or two things could have gone our way, but they didn't. You make your own luck, and that usually comes from hard work and wanting it more than the other team."