Cats held by battling Boca

Catford Bromley Maccabi and Boca Jewniors played out a pulsating encounter as two second half goals earned a valuable point for Jewniors, writes Sam Ellard.

MGBSFL Division Three
Catford & Bromley 2 Boca Jewniors 2
Sunday, 23 February, 2014

The hosts started the game off well and found themselves 2-0 up by half-time, but a change of tactics inspired Jewniors to a second half comeback, as an own goal from Steve Keller and a Simon Lindall strike sealed the draw for the visitors.

But Jewniors should have gone on and won the game as they controlled the final stages of the tie that was a stark contrast to the opening of the game. Catford started well having the majority of possession; they took the lead when Joel Isaacs played in Jamie Sinai and he comfortably slotted past Michael Sidoff. It then improved for Lestor Jacobs’ side as they doubled their lead when Issacs scored with a ferocious shot.

Jewniors changed tactics in the second half as they went with two upfront, the young midfielder, Dovey Villa, controlled the game in the middle of the park. Villa was brilliant; he worked hard off the ball and was instrumental on the ball, spraying passes all over the pitch.

Kane Alexander played in striker Dovey Fogoul but he shot straight at Guy Ben Oraya. But Jewniors’ hard work paid off as they pulled a goal back, Fogoul was played in and he whipped a low ball in, which bounced off right back Keller and went in.

That inspired Anni Wimborne’s side as they were soon level, Fogul delivered a raking ball out to Lindall,  he forced a good save from Ben Oraya, but was quickest to react as he, at the second time of asking, slotted home.

The visitors had the momentum and they came close to taking all three points, Medal shot from the edge of the box and Ben Oraya parried, Nyman was first to the rebound and from close range he fired over with no one in the net – he really should have scored. Villa caused a scramble in the box as he whipped in a corner to the near post, and with minutes to go Fogoul forced a great save from Ben Oraya. It finished level.

It was a tale of two halves as Catford dominated the first and Jewniors the second, on the whole, a draw was the right result.