Voice of Jewish Sport

SUNDAY’S match between Redbridge B and Hendon A threatened to erupt like the fireworks which illuminate our sky at this time of the year. The build-up to the game was stoked up by quotes both managers, Hendon’s David Garbacz and Redbridge’s Jon Jacobs, made at the end of their Cyril Anekstein Cup match a fortnight ago. And while there were plenty of people who had plenty to say during the course of the match from the touchlines – both managers were though stationed at opposite ends of the pitch – there was a mutual respect from both bosses at the full-time whistle. Now hoping to draw a line in this episode, Jacobs said: “The game was played in a fabulous spirit between two well matched sides. David was very gracious in victory, banter and passion is what Jewish football is all about, we wouldn’t do it otherwise. Garbacz replied: “I would be amazed if I’m not on Jon’s chanukah list – we shook hands today on a great committed cup tie between two good teams. They are a proper team who are at least as good as a number of Premier Division teams and they deserve to be in the top division. It’s safe to say we have well and truly buried the hatchet – especially since we won!”

GOOD NEWS for Israel ahead of their Euro 2016 qualifier against Bosnia on Sunday night – coach Safet Susic says his side have ‘no hope of winning’ the game. Why the negative outlook? The Bosnians look as if they’ll have to do without the services of Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko, who limped off the pitch during their match with QPR at the weekend. And with no other strikers to call upon, Susic said: “If Dzeko can’t play we will be resigned to playing for a draw against Israel because we have no hope of winning without him.” Let’s hope he’s right and Israel move a step closer to qualifying for France.