Good Point

Although Lions started the new year by dropping their first points of the season, having recovered from a 3 goal half-time deficit it is most definitely a point gained rather than 2 dropped against a very strong Shebu side.

A month since their last game showed in a disjointed start – while they looked a threat going forward their passing wasn’t anywhere near its best, possession turnover giving the classy Shebu too much ball in dangerous positions. Both teams passed up early chances, but when Levack was dispossessed the impressive partner to DJ Campbell strode on before driving home past Abrahams from the edge of the box. Maccabi came back quickly, and when Summers’ shot was parried, Cash was on hand to apply a composed finish and level things up. They should have led when Stanton was released, but his lob over the advancing keeper went a foot the wrong side of the post.

Shebu, with their 3 or 4 ex-pro players, are a constant threat going forward. And two super goals in 5 minutes around the half hour mark showcased their abilities. The first a raking 60 yard pass into the left channel saw the wide man deliver a fine ball in that Campbell controlled before sidestepping Morris and planting into the bottom corner. Moments later the same left side route saw Campbell released, great play then bought him a yard to put a pinpoint cross onto the head of his striking partner who made no mistake, 3-1.

Maccabi had plenty of the play though but failed to take their chances. Cash denied at point blank range, Hakim hit the woodwork and Glass sent a diving header from Levack’s fine free-kick just wide. And for this they were punished on the stroke of half-time when a long ball forward saw Glass beaten in the air and Campbell ran onto the flick to coolly lob a stranded Abrahams.

With little to lose Maccabi rang the changes – Corin, Conway and Myeroff providing fresh power and energy that gave the side a lift. Encouraged to continue to take the game to the opposition this they did, and were rewarded inside 10 minutes when Hakim latched onto Corin’s pass, held off his man and applied a calm finish into the corner. It was all the visitor’s now, but despite the openings they found the home keeper in inspired form. He pulled off a string of saved to deny Stanton, Summers, Cash and Conway, saving the best to somehow parry to safety a bullet Glass header. And when he blocked Hakim’s shot, only for the forward to slam the rebound against the post it seemed as if it wasn’t to be their day.

But they stuck to their task, defending excellently as a team to ensure Shebu couldn’t stretch their lead, and with the game entering its final 15 minutes a Hakim lofted cross was volleyed home by Cash. Now it really was game on. They kept pushing and, with just three minutes remaining Hakim slotted through to Corin who was brought down – penalty! Up stepped Stanton only to see his spot kick saved! Corin smashed the rebound goalwards only for the keeper to make another superb save, but as his parry dropped from the sky there was Conway to lash home into the roof of the net to give Maccabi the equalising goal that they surely deserved.

A cracking game against a superb side on a great surface – what Sunday mornings are for.