A close game where, on the evidence of the first 20 minutes, we did not deserve to lose. But, ultimately, not taking chances, and some defensive lapses, saw us lose 4-3 in our semi-final against Windsor Road.
After a period of intense pressure, Yaakov bent a volley past the goalkeeper, after a shot from Ryan was saved. Older readers may recall Zinedine Zidane against Bayer Leverkusen, in the 2002 Champions League Final.
We continued to create chances, Yaakov, Ryan and Aron all going close. In between Jared, in goal, pulled off a great double save. But after a 3-on-2 that we could not convert, Windsor Road found an equaliser.
A change in personnel at that point, as an injured Darren was replaced by Yoni, did not slow us down too much, and Ryan made it 2-1.
Unfortunately, we could not see out the half, and with virtually the last kick, Windsor Road equalised again.
The second half started at a slower pace, but, having gone 3-2 up courtesy of Aron, we once more could not hold on to the lead, a first-time shot followed by another goal, gave Windsor Road the lead for the first time in the match.
Jared continued to pull off some phenomenal saves, including a fantastic stop from a 1-on-1, with Windsor Road also hitting the bar and post. We continued to press and came close ourselves. Yaakov’s shot from a clever free kick bounced on the line and out, with the keeper beaten, Aron saw his own 1-on-1 saved, and Ryan slipped at the crucial moment, as we could not force extra-time.
MANAGER’S COLUMN
As the dust settles on this season’s League and Cup endeavours, we can look back on a campaign that can probably best be described as ‘almost’. We were one positive result away from taking the league down to the final game, and indeed the result between Young Lubavitch and Whitefield was one which would have favoured us, had we been in a position to take advantage.
In the Cup, 4 wins from 5 in the group stage, and a close game in the semi-final, put us in sight of the final, but ultimately we just could not get over the line, although the display was far better than last season’s semi-final, when a lack of available players hit us hard.
Talking of players, it was great to have two outstanding goalkeepers in Sruli and Jared, backed as always by the excellent defensive work of Darren and Gary. Yaakov linked defence and attack effectively, contributing as well with goals and assists, with Yossi also showcasing his ability when available. And upfront, Aron and Ryan worked as well together as always, a particular highlight surely being the ‘ghost’ game where, between them, they scored 15 goals, with Mordy also adding his skillset into the mix as well.
So, as much as it is disappointing that we did not collect silverware this season, and although results faded over the last few weeks, we have still improved, from 5th to 3rd in the League, and from being within reach of the Cup Final, where we looked more like the side we are capable of being.