Sports reporter Craig Silver left Israeli footballer Ben Sahar red-faced this week after beating him in a heading competition.
The contest took place at the Israel stand of the World Travel Market at London's Excel Centre on Tuesday. Passers-by were invited to try their luck against the 19-year-old Chelsea striker, currently on loan at Portsmouth. Up stepped the JC's Silver, 22, who had trials at Leyton Orient as a teenager. Silver managed around 40 headers in a one-on-one with the professional footballer, before Sahar lost control and dropped the ball.
"It was incredible. Everyone was cheering me on," said Silver, who played for JC MSFL team Glenthorne United until the summer, when he broke his wrist. He is no longer able to play competitive football. "I couldn't believe I was challenging him and actually making him sweat. It was just fantastic. It's easier playing against a professional, because their technique is so good. The whole thing was incredible. I've never won anything before."
Silver's prize - other than kudos - is a holiday for two at a luxury hotel in Tel Aviv. Who's he taking? He is considering offers. "Everyone's a contender but I might give it to my parents as a gift."
The Israeli stand at World Travel Market broke a world record for the largest plate of hummus on Wednesday by displaying 430kg of the dip - flown in from Tel Aviv by Yarden Foods.