Defending Premier League champions Hendon United Sports are three victories away from defending the title.

Rocky Spitzer grabbed the all-important goal in a 1-0 win at home to Faithfold A.

With four games remaining Jordan Sapler’s charges are hot favourites to land back-to-back championships as they sit four points clear of HMH and Oakwood A

Before wrapping up the league though Hendon take on Oakwood in the Cyril Anekstein Cup Trophy final at Wingate & Finchley FC on April 14 (kick off 2pm) in the first leg of a potential league ‘n’ cup ‘double’, a fact not lost on Sapler, who thanked Ari Last for overseeing this latest triumph.

“It was a good win to keep us on track for the ‘double’,” he noted. “We battled hard and despite lacking a little in the final third did enough to get a win and another clean sheet.”

Landing the coveted ‘double’ though will be no easy task.

And Oakwood A warmed up for this month’s grand finale with a fine 3-2 at Maccabi London Lions.

Toby Levy fired home an 88th minute penalty to edge an entertaining clash at Rowley Lane.

Josh Bharier and Kyle Bentwood scored Oakwood’s other goals.

Oakwood boss Daniel Kristall was delighted with the win but felt his side should have been out of sight by half time.

“When you don’t take your chances and only lead by a goal, you can pay for it,” he said.

“We conceded a very sloppy second goal early in the second half when Josh Cuby was in the sin bin, but overall it was a good end-to-end game where both teams had nothing to lose.

“In reality however, it felt like an end of season game, but on the balance of play we deserved the points. We looked like scoring every time we attacked but our problem has been a lack of a ruthless edge in the opposition area of late.”
Kristall added, “Levy tucked away his late penalty and deserved to be the match winner. It is nice to win three games in a row but in the league, we have lacked consistency.”

Looking ahead to the cup final, he noted, “These games are very useful prep. We are getting our players minutes which is vital to ensure we are match sharp for the Hendon test.
“That will be our focus against HMH at the Hive on Sunday.

“We’ve been unlucky in our games with HMH this season so will be hoping to set the record straight this week. But they also have a big final to prepare for with the title race over for both sides, so I am sure we will have the same mindset.”
Brady Maccabi forfeited clash against HMH in the other Premier clash.

In Division One, Fairlop FC completed their promotion campaign with a 2-2 draw at North London Galaxy.

The result saw Redbridge Jewish Care A crowned champions ahead of Fairlop, who came from 2-0 down to earn a share of the spoils with goals from James Jaconelli and Adam Goldman.

Galaxy led through a Josh Shack strike then benefited from an own goal, but boss uke Lewis felt his team deserved more from the match.

“It was a great game, we dominated in terms of chances and possession,” he said.

“I’m really proud of the performance from the boys, had we not gone down to 10 men for the last 10 minutes, then had a lapse of concentration to let them back in at 2-1, we’d have gone on to win. 
“It’s one of those things but there were plenty of positives because our football and combination play was mesmerising at times. Fairlop were chasing shadows at times.

“But fair play to Fairlop, they were efficient with chances and pressed well.”

Lewis added, “This season has been a learning curve for us. All eyes are now on the Barry Goldstein Trophy. Silverware is the focus for any ambitious club. We want to win the trophy and then rest.”

Bradley Lander, Joe Meisel, Scott Oldstein and Sim Cohen were on target for Jewdinese in a 4-2 win against Oakwood B.

Faithfold C came from behind to thump Temple Fortune 6-1 in Division Two in their biggest win of the season.

Fortune opened the scoring with a superb Gab Saul free kick before Sammy Garson struck a hat-trick for the six-hitters.

Jack Goldsmith (2), Zalmy Cohen and an own goal completing the scoring.

“It was a real pleasure seeing the guys battle hard,” commented Faithfold boss Ben Kfir. “We are working hard on and off the pitch and starting to see the results.”

Scrabble B forfeited match versus Redbridge Jewish Care B

 In Barry Goldstein Trophy quarter final clashes Mill Hill Dons defeated Hertswood Vale 4-2 in a thrilling encounter at Goffs Academy.

Zach Cohen set up Sam Stead for the opening goal on nine minutes, but Vale quickly hit back when sharpshooter James Millet was pulled down in the penalty box.

Millet duly slotted home his 20th goal of a terrific season.

The Dons edged ahead when Ryan Kramer crossed for Cohen to strike for a half time lead. And it was soon 3-1 on the resumption when Cohen sent Joe Reece away to slot home.

The contest was all but over two minutes later with Cohen’s second of the game.

Ben Kaye headed a consolation for Vale but Dons are just a step away from the final.

“It was a really dominant performance from the boys, we should have scored more but did what we needed to do,” said Dons boss Brandon Hamme.

“All of the boys put a great shift in, we are playing with confidence and producing some of the best football of my three years in charge. With two semis coming up there are real exciting times ahead.”

Vale manager Jacob Emanuel acknowledged Dons were the better team and his team lacked sharpness.

“Unfortunately, this game came at the wrong time for us, our league season ended four weeks ago and a lack of game time in the past month was obvious,” he lamented.

“Without key players we struggled to convert our creativity into clear-cut chances. It’s a shame as we would’ve liked a real crack at the trophy but best of luck to Dons.

“For a Division Two team to reach two semi-finals is a fantastic achievement.”

For Vale, plans are already afoot for the new season, after a successful Division Two campaign, but they are watching closely remaining fixtures of Redbridge Jewish Care B, who can snatch the title.

“We’re buzzing how our campaign has gone and want to compete in Division One,” Emanuel noted. “Although promotion was the end goal, we want to get our hands on the title. All eyes will be on the remaining fixtures of the season!”

North London Galaxy host Mill Hill Dons while Jewdinese face North London Raiders for a place in the Trophy final.

By David Saffer