UCL no match for Lions

MLFC went top of SAL Cup Group B with this comfortable win away at UCL Academicals, setting up a tasty encounter with Wood Green next month with the victor taking the group spoils and with it a home Quarter Final tie.

Despite the rains of the week, the pitch, although a little slow, held up very well and allowed for a decent game. Maccabi were on top in the early exchanges but shots from Silver, Radford and Lazarus all posed more danger to those on the pitch behind than to the UCL keeper. The hosts had good mobility going forward, and it took a couple of smart saves and some good handling from Lee to ensure the early misses weren't punished, although he was a relieved man when an excellent UCL move saw their striker's fierce strike cannon back off the bar.

This prompted MLFC into some changes, and the introduction of the extra pace given to them by Summers, Allen and most notably Gold saw the visitors regain control and almost immediate reward. Silver linked well with Gold to create the initial opening, his cross-shot blocked back into his path. Second time his delivery was more accurate, Summers controlling the cross before rifling into the far corner to give the side the lead.

Although the visitors were in control, with just the one goal in it the game was still in the balance. The half time message to stay on the front foot was certainly heeded as more chances were created, with Gold especially causing all sorts of problems to UCL. The game was effectively decided in a 10 minute spell when the side struck 3 times without reply. Gold was rewarded for his all action display with a clean sight of goal, a composed finish doubled the lead 10 minutes into the second half. Next Piler and Daggers worked the ball through for Silver, and having missed a couple of good 1st half chances he this time made no mistake with a lovely strike. More changes failed to upset the rhythm of the team, Lazarus finding Gold who presented Summers with his second of the game.

While UCL never gave up, it was Maccabi who continued to attack and create, Radford, Gold, Lazarus, Rayner and Allen all coming close, while Summers was denied a hat-trick by the fingertips of the flying keeper with the game's final chance.