A tough game, but ultimately we prevailed 3-2, as we kept our position at the top of the table, heading into the Winter break.
We created numerous chances in the first half, and really should have gone in at least a few goals up. Some good saves from the Vine Street stand-in goalkeeper, and the post coming to their rescue twice, meant it was 1-1 at half-time. Gary had opened the scoring, after being fed in by Aron, Vine Street equalising after a strong run.
The second half saw more good work, and a number of saves from Vine Street. We eventually made it 2-1, with a move that started from the back. Gary passed to Sruli from a throw-in, his first-time ball to Aron was chested to Ryan, who returned the ball, and from a narrow angle, Aron fired home.
As Vine Street searched for another equaliser, the game became more physical, but Gary and Darren, along with Sruli, were doing a superb job of keeping them out.
Another good move, Aron playing a first-time ball again to Ryan, ended with Ryan waiting for the goalkeeper to commit himself before slotting past him, to make it 3-1.
Vine Street did then come back to get another goal, to make it a nervous last 5 minutes. Mordy came on to add some energy up front and to try and stretch the game. He did well, including hitting the post, but more great defensive work, including a phenomenal save from Sruli, which turned out to be the last kick of the game, got us over the line.
Results:
Whitefield 3 - 1 Shrubs
Windsor Road 8 - 3 Lubavitch Boys Minyan
Vine Street 2 - 3 Heaton Park
The league will resume on 5th January 2025.