Raiders masters secure historic title

The cream finally rose to the top for North London Raiders swept aside Brady with a dominant second half display to finally win the Maccabi masters first division for the first time in their history.

In windy conditions, Raiders took the lead when Kevin Lotzof headed home a corner, but Brady responded well and equalised soon after. With the wind behind them in the second half, Raiders raised their game and took the lead when Tony Plaskow’s cross deflected in off a Brady player. Minutes later a wonderful strike from Jon Isaacs gave the newly crowned champions a two-goal cushion, which they were in no mood to relinquish. Darren Cohen capped off a fine NLR campaign with the fourth.

So after finishing second on numerous occasions in the past a history making league and cup double now awaits Elan Ovits and his NLR.

Ovits said: “Having been runners-up for the last couple of seasons we knew it was going to be extremely tough to win this highly competitive league. Today’s conquest has been a culmination of hard work, guts and determination from a highly dedicated and quality squad of players. We have stuck together through thick and thin, playing some breathtaking football and today we got our just rewards.

“If you are over 33 years of age and feel that you are coming to the end of your MSFL days and still want to play competitive football then there is nothing better than playing Maccabi Masters football. We hope to see new talent and many more league clubs challenging us next season.

“Finally, having established the club six years ago, I would like to dedicate our league victory today to our past players, our wonderful Player-Chairman Richard Sacks and his beloved father.”