Manchester Mac Hold League Leaders

Paul Rose - Sunday 14th 2007f January 2007

Eccles Premier Division
Manchester Maccabi 2 Irlam 2
Sunday, 14 January, 2007

Sunday saw the Eccles league leaders Irlam visit St Paul’s. The away team had not lost for two seasons in the league and have to date an enviable 100% record. They can call upon some semi professionals that play in the North West Counties League but Maccabi knew that if they could frustrate and get the first goal then they would have a chance.

Indeed, this was the way the game flowed, early on Irlam controlled proceedings but Maccabi stood firm and dealt with everything that was thrown at them, although it has to be said but for a couple of half-hit shots and a poor header, the end product was lacking. With one of Maccabi’s first meaningful attacks, Ben Lauffer hit a superb pass to Adam Lavin whose touch was excellent taking him away from the full back and round the keeper to open the scoring.

This boosted Maccabi’s confidence and almost immediately Loofe and Bentwood began to hold the important midfield area together. Addis was his usual towering strength ably supported by Tucker, Buxton and Manson. Bentwood had two shots cleared off the line and was so unlucky with one of these attempts.

A couple of zealous challenges saw a few individuals get involved with each other but the referee managed the situation with good authority. Irlam seemed to be surprised at how much they had lost control of the game and this lasted till half time. An early goal would be ideal and would put daylight between the teams. Unbelievably it came after 51 minutes, a corner somehow dropped at Lavin’s feet three-yards out and he gleefully accepted an easy opportunity to make it 2-0. The joy did not last too long unfortunately as two minutes later, a hesitant Maccabi defence could not stop Simon Myercroft slotting a low powerful shot past Brunen, who for the most part had been a spectator over the last half hour.

Adam Lauffer replaced Eddie Manson and Buxton swapped from right to left. On the hour, Loofe tried one too many passes on the edge of his area and Sean Whitehead was left with an easy chance to equalize at 2-2. It seemed like Irlam would steamroller their counterparts as shots rained in on Brunen whose handling was faultless. One cross-shot was pulled wide with the goal gaping whilst a cross was punched clear at the far post.

Andy Rosenberg replaced Buxton in the last ten minutes as Huller and Lavin toiled hard trying to stop the Irlam defenders coming forward freely. With two minutes to go, Lavin managed to get in between both centre half’s and poke the ball past the Irlam keeper but agonisingly just wide.

Neither team probably deserved to win, or put in a better way, neither deserved to lose! This was a superb game in heavy conditions and was the first time Irlam had dropped points, they had only conceded five goals up to this weekend. Maccabi may be a little disappointed that they let a two-goal lead slip, but will take a lot of pride and confidence from the performance. The defence was held together superbly by Mark Addis, the midfield worked as a team, in particular Ashley Loofe and the attack fought all causes till the end.