Wanderers Await

Maccabi finally got the better of Winchmore Hill in this keenly contested quarter-final match played at a blustery and sticky Rowley Lane.

The conditions played a part in a scrappy start that saw the hosts with lost of the ball, but some uncharacteristic loose passing saw chances at a premium. The best move of the opening quarter home saw Stanton feed Conway, and his low cross on the run seemed destined for the boot of the on-rushing Hakim, only for a superb bit of defending seeing the ball toed to safety. Hakim's race sadly was soon run, a troublesome calf forcing him from the field, replaced by the energy of Corin. With Bentley dominating the physical battle and Levack buzzing everywhere it really was mostly the home side asking question, but as the half drew to a close Hill reminded of their qualities with a couple of fine breaks, Maccabi indebted to Abrahams who came off the victor in a 1v1 duel with their excellent number 7.

Into the second half and the pattern was the same. An even game that the hosts shaded in terms of possession and openings, yet neither keeper was unduly troubled. Hill a always a threat, especially from set pieces, but on the whole Maccabi defended them well. And it was from a set play of their own that the the home side finally broke the deadlock. Levack's corner was flicked on to the far post where is was only partially cleared to the feet of Stanton. He dragged onto his left foot before lashing home low into the bottom corner.

The lead should have been doubled soon after when Corin found himself in the clear in the centre of the goals, but his strike beat not just the keeper but the far post as well. Myeroff, Glass, Harvey, Berg and then Rayner remained assured defensively, but when the latter was harshly adjudged to have conceded a free-kick when it seemed he won the ball, the punishment was emphatic. The kick from 20 yards curled exquisitely into the very top corner and the scores were level. Heads however didn't drop, and Maccabi responded positively to the steback, and when Rayner burst down the right they were rewarded when the excellent Summers controlled his pass, swivelled and slotted home from 12 yards.

The hosts stood firm to Hill's attempts to get back into the match, Cash and Lenchner giving them renewed energy in the latter stages, the final whistle setting up the exciting semi-final next week at home to a side unbeaten in 3 years.