Collins Delight At Masters Success

MILLET SPORT

Brady Maccabi Masters completed a league and cup double on Sunday morning, leaving player-manager Daniel Collins to insist there’s no reason why they can’t repeat the feat next season.



PHOTOGALLERY

Having claimed the Masters cup last month when they defeated London Maccabi Lions at Wingate & Finchley, Sunday’s league play-off for the title saw them square up to Glenthorne, after both sides finished their league campaigns level on 24 points.

However, with Glenthorne missing some key personnel from their starting line-up, Brady bossed proceedings and went on to win the comfortable style as two goals from Nicky Collins – a superb header and composed finish either side of the break – saw them to the title.

Reflecting back on his side’s efforts over the course of the season, Collins said: "I am immensely proud of my team. We have consistently performed this season and have been rewarded by winning the double again and the league for the third season running. In the five seasons we have played masters football, we’ve now won six pieces of silverware."

Looking back on their win over Glenthorne which secured the hat-trick of league success, he said: "I thought we played exceptionally well and thoroughly deserved our victory. Our goalkeeper Adam Miranda had hardly anything to do and I don't remember him making a save.

"In contrast, I’d say the Glenthorne keeper was their best player. Our two strikers Nick Collins and Marc Wagman ably supported by the midfield terrorised the Glenthorne defence and we could have won by a few more. Our defence has been superb with the signing of Nigel Goldthorpe from men's football being a key factor in our success. The win was a great end to a great season"

With the challenge now to keep on performing at this level in the hope of continuing the flow of silverware, Collins said: "Each season I look to recruit new players who are turning 35 so that we are constantly evolving and improving.

"I realise you can’t stand still but must change and improve whenever possible. I already have a couple of new players for next season and see no reason why my squad can’t repeat the feats of this season."

Commenting on the standard of competition and what the Masters League has to offer, he added: “I would recommend the Maccabi Masters League to anyone turning 35 as the standard of football has improved every season and the feeling of camaraderie in an 11-a-side team cannot be replaced by playing an odd 5-a-side match.”

MILLET SPORT