Manchester Maccabi Into Second Round

Paul Rose - Sunday 28th 2007f January 2007

Eccles and District Sunday League
Margaret Piggott Memorial Cup First Round
Manchester Maccabi 1st 4 Staff of Life 1
Sunday, 28 January, 2007

Maccabi made hard work of this cup tie in the first half as they laboured against a team sitting top of the second division, and two divisions below. However with the wind in the second half, they achieved a deserved victory in the end.

Staff of Life were quick in the challenge and coped well with the blustery conditions. Maccabi’s normally solid midfield looked second best and it was no surprise when the visitors took the lead, only the way it occurred could not have been predicted.

After 12 minutes, Gary Brunen’s kick was poor against the wind and Dominic Bailey floated the reply over Brunen’s head into the empty net.

After withstanding a lot of possession from the opposition, Maccabi gradually created some openings, Huller particularly battling well as the half drew towards its conclusion.

The second period meant that the wind was totally in Maccabi’s favour and within 20 minutes it was 3-1. Five minutes after the break, Lavin drilled home from seven yards after a scramble, then Huller drilled a shot on 55 minutes across the opposing keeper who failed to hold the ball, Lavin tapping home.

Chaytow’s corners twice hit the woodwork and then Huller himself shot ferociously into the bottom corner. Game over in reality and minimal chances at the other end. It was left to young Sam Dennison who had come on as sub to grab the fourth and see passage into the second round.