Tameside League Division Two
March Hare F.C. 1
Manchester Maccabi 1st 4
Manchester Maccabi 1st brought down the curtain on their season with a fine 4-1 victory over March Hare FC.
Josh Hayes scored twice, while young goal prodigy Jake Kelly marked his full debut with a fine effort as Maccabi sealed seventh place in Division Two of the Tameside League.
Louis Basso’s stunning 70th minute free-kick finished the job and Josh Samberg’s penalty save ensured an enjoyable afternoon for managers Stuart Delmonte and Tony Rosenberg.
“It was a great way to end the season,” said Delmonte.
“We’ve had a lot of problems with injuries, people being unavailable and having to draft in players from the second and third teams.
“But this was a great result and I thought Jake Kelly really showed that he’s one to watch for the future.
“He’s nearly 17 and he’s big and strong and did really well.”
Maccabi took an early lead when Hayes chased down Basso’s through ball and nipped in front of the onrushing goalkeeper to head the ball home.
Kelly soon added a second, beating two men before burying his effort from 12-yards to give Maccabi some breathing space.
The visitors continued to boss the game and there was no surprise when Hayes added a third with a fine finish after skipping past two challenges.
Maccabi were cruising and although a defensive mistake allowed March Hare to pull a goal back, Basso ended any faint hopes of a comeback by slamming home a rasping free-kick.
There was still time for Samberg to impress by producing a sharp save to deny March Hare from the penalty spot as Maccabi eased to an impressive last day victory.
“With all the injuries we’ve had we’ve done well to finish where we have,” added Delmonte.
“It’s a very tough league with a lot of semi-professional players and perhaps at times we weren’t strong enough or fit enough.
“But we’ll have a rest now and come back next season.”