As well as securing silverware in the club’s potentially last-ever game, Nathan feels a cup final win would be the perfect send-off, especially bearing in mind their lowly league position, which sees them sit in the table’s bottom two. “There's still real togetherness in the squad which I think is pretty rare at this level of football after the season we’ve had”, he says. “We've had some amazing moments over the past six years, but this year has been a struggle at times. We’ve lacked consistency in availability – honeymoons, babies, businesses and weddings have hampered us. To come through all of that and still enjoying playing together with your friends, some silverware would be reward for sticking together.”
Nathan Capaloff-Harris and Bailey Brown both scored penalties for Redbridge, with manager Brandon Levene feeling the final score was unreflective of the game. He said: “Unfortunately we were missing key personnel in midfield, players who are crucial for how we play, and we therefore didn’t have the control on the game we are usually used to and couldn’t get a grip. We really pushed for the equaliser in the latter part of the game and got caught out a couple of times when we were left exposed at the back.
“Everyone’s incredibly disappointed. We’ve had an up and down season, big highs and big lows. This was our best chance at winning a trophy this season and making it to a cup final, but we’ll use this as motivation to make sure we get it right against Hendon in the Cyril Anekstein semi-final.”
Confident though they can cause a massive upset and still reach a cup final this season, he says: “They are the best team in Jewish Football, top of the premier league. Whilst it seems like a mountain to climb, I believe we can climb it. I know we have the quality to do it, and if we have a full-strength squad and execute properly against them, I believe we can make it to the final.”
Rovers will meet Brady in the final, after they overcame Millbrook Park Calcio 3-0 on penalties, after the sides played out a 0-0 draw. Joe Shaw, Ben Feldman and Joel Freedman all converted from the spot for Brady, whilst Jordan Davidson saved Calcio’s second and third penalties after they missed their first. Brady manager Ricky Ansher said: “It was a bit of a game of two halves, but I think overall we deserved to go through. We had multiple golden chances in the first half and also missed a penalty. The second half was a test of our resolve as we faced more pressure and having a squad that contained six U18s, it would have been very easy for us to roll over, but every single player rose to the challenge.”
Sukkotingham Forest remain on course for a league and cup double as the Division Two champions booked their place in the final of the Division Two David Wolff Cup thanks to a 4-1 win over Bocher Juniors. Louis Sherry, Josh Morris, Noah Meszarich and Sam Mallett all got on the scoresheet, with manager Sam Nagioff saying: “It was a very tough game against a strong, side but good to get a deserved win in the end.” David Amor scored for Juniors, for whom manager Joel Ucko said: “I’m proud of the commitment and desire from the team against fantastic opposition.”
There were also group stage matches played in the Barry Goldstein Trophy. HMH B were the most emphatic winners as a hat-trick from Harry Earle helped them to a 7-0 win at Mill Hill Minyan. Sami Hershler scored twice, with Ed Burns and Ben Nyman also on target.
Goals from Jascha Selby and Noah Rosenthal saw Rapid Vienna claim a 2-0 win over 40 Year Wanderers. Manager Josh Novack said: “We did what we had to do, played as a unit and made sure we didn’t switch off. It was a great performance all round from the boys.”
A goal from Mark Pearce wasn’t enough to see Beitar Bushey take anything from their game against Hampstead Ducks, as they were on the wrong end of a 2-1 scoreline. Manager Aaron Conway said: “Despite the result we can hold out heads high, particularly our second half performance.” Elsewhere, HMH Camden beat Temple Fortune 3-0.
In the Premier Division, London Athletico closed in on second spot in the table as a hat-trick from Zacki Doumou saw them beat Stole Salmon 3-1. Athletico’s Jess Phillips said: “It was a decent performance and now onto next week.” Top scorers of the day were Geez Park Rangers, who moved up to fourth spot in the table with a stunning 11-3 win at Hapoel Hampstead.
Brook Farm Rovers celebrate Oli Assor's second of three goals - which was a 35-yard rocket which flew into the top corner! Picture Credit: Georgia Rosenberg.[Missing Credit]