Redbridge Jewish Care B clinched promotion to the Premier Division with an emphatic 5-1 win over promotion-chasing Scrabble. Sam Rank’s team can seal the Division One title with a victory against title rivals Maccabi London Lions B at Rowley Lane on Sunday. Playing against the wind, Redbridge opened the scoring midway through the first half when centre back Dan Andrews headed home a corner from skipper Brad Gayer. Dean Ben Yosef set up the second for Gayer, who _ red home a low left drive across the Scrabble goalkeeper. Redbridge celebrations were in full swing when Ben Yosef thundered in a header from a Scott Mckenize free kick for a 3-0 lead. Anthony Cope grabbed goal number four, receiving possession from Daniel Bean, before finishing clinically from 12 yards. Scrabble, shorn of six first team regulars, battled away and grabbed a consolation goal by the skilful Elliot Espinoza. But Jack Van Gelder completed the scoring for Redbridge with a superb solo effort. “The boys were brilliant and it was a fantastic squad performance,” said Redbridge manager Rank. “The boys have come on leaps and bound this season, they have bought into my football philosophy, knowledge and love for the game, and are amazing to be around. “The Lions match is the biggest game of the championship and we cannot wait for the kick-off.” Rank added: “The Scrabble squad and management are great guys. If they get their squad _ t for next season they are my tip for promotion.” Scrabble boss Ray Abrahams praised the victors, saying: “Good luck and well done to the Redbridge boys. The league table doesn’t lie – they have been the most consistent side all season and are worthy champions-elect.” Abrahams added: “We’ve had a ridiculously long-term injury list and I believe this has cost us promotion in the last few weeks. “The lads available gave it their all today but you need your key players available for selection in this type of game. Redbridge had that little bit extra quality needed. “We’ve still had a great season and I’m proud of our squad who have done so well to finish third after gaining promotion last season. We will go again next season and try to win promotion. We all want to be in the ‘promised land’ of the Premier Division but for now we will try to end our season in style with a win at Faithfold next month.” In the day’s other Division One clash, North London Raiders B defeated Athletic Bilbaum 4-1. Matt Leader opened the scoring before Athletic equalised. Jacob Gold restored the lead for Raiders before half time. A defensive mix-up saw Will Ufland extend the lead before Jake Gilbert hit goal number four.
“It certainly wasn’t one for the purest,” said Raiders boss Jonathan Adelman. “The pitch was awful, bobbly and with divots more akin to a driving range. “We couldn’t play our usual passing game but adapted well to being more direct, especially in the second half. Had we been more clinical we probably could have had a hatful, but after a few goal-shy weeks I’m just delighted with the win and goals for some of our strikers.” In the Premier Division, Maccabi London Lions A defeated Hendon United Sports A 1-0. In Division Two, champions L’Equipe lost their first league game of the season to RC UK FC 4-2.
Temple Fortune all but sealed second spot with a 4-0 victory over Boca Jewniors. RC UK can pip them if they win their final six games. Real Hendon conceded two early goals before edging a seven-goal thriller against Hertswood Vale 4-3 with a Gav Noe strike five minutes from time. Chaim Gothold (2) and Benni Sluckis also scored for Hendon. Harry Graham (2) and Jordan Harris hit the Vale goals. Mill Hill Dons and Redbridge Jewish Care C shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw. Elsewhere, in the Cyril Anekstein Cup semi-finals, Redbridge Jewish Care A cruised into the final with a 5-0 win over Division One outfit Finchley City. Russell Goldstein (2), Ben Sollosi (2), Daniel Garfinkle scored for the Premier Division title favourites.
