Lions Win U11 National Cup

Richard Reid at The Harry Abrahams Stadium Finchley - Monday 5th 2008f May 2008


Andrew Gilbert Celebrates His Winning Goal

Martin Lane U11 Jewish National Cup Final
London Maccabi Lions 1 Manchester Maccabi 0
Sunday, 4 May, 2008

This long, long cup campaign reached a victorious conclusion on an afternoon that this group of brave boys will remember for a long, long time.

After an early morning get together, the Lions arrived an hour before kick-off to familiarise themselves with the awe inspiring surroundings of the Ryman League Division One South side Wingate & Finchley’s famous home. After a brief teamtalk in the ‘home’ dressing room it was on to the pitch for a quick warm-up.

Manchester soon arrived and thoughts then turned to the match for a true North/South clash! The early exchanges were bossed by the Mancunians but despite plenty of possession there was no serious assault on the Lions goal. It certainly took time for the Lions to adjust to the size of the pitch at the Harry Abrahams Stadium but as we approached the interval, the crowd which had swelled into the hundreds were enjoying a very even encounter.

After half time it was pretty much one-way traffic as Lions started to stamp their authority on proceedings. The first real chance of the final fell to the Lions and only a brave challenge from the Manchester keeper stopped Dan Reuben sliding home the opening goal.

With 10 minutes to go, thoughts were turning towards the possibility of extra time & penalties, but then came the moment that was to decide the destination of the cup! A slick passing move down the wing, left the ball at the feet of Dan Reuben. A fabulous cross was sent into the box and met by the impressive Andrew Gilbert who headed the ball and sent it crashing into the roof of the Manchester Goal! EUPHORIA!

Manchester were shaken but tried a late barrage on the Lions goal but too little too late and after an agonising five minutes of stoppage time the referee signalled full-time and the Lions were confirmed as the best Jewish cup team in the country at Under 11’s.