Voice of Jewish Sport

AND THEN there were two – at least in the eyes of Hendon manager David Garbacz. Their 2-1 win at Redbridge on Sunday has all but ended the Essex side’s title hopes – according to the Hendon boss anyway. Gracious in how they performed, he couldn’t though resist a sideswipe at them, commenting how “they threw everything at us including a great deal of mouth” – in reference to quotes from the Redbridge boss last week which questioned Hendon’s title nerves. As so often proves to be the case, Garbacz has had the final word, will he though be the boss with a smile on his face come May? You wouldn’t bet against it.

WHAT HAVE Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Sagi Lev-Ari got in common? The answer…all three are set to play Major League Soccer next season. While the first two landing stateside is the result of two successful professionals entering the twilight of their careers, the path of the 25-year-old Israeli isn’t as straightforward. Set to become the first player in the League who’s served for his country’s military, Lev-Ari came through the ranks of his hometown club Maccabi Haifa, though put his career on hold for three years when acting as an infantry soldier in the IDF. Opting to then go to the States for both education and football, the striker scored 42 goals in 64 games over three seasons at Cal St.-Northridge, and now hopes to feature in the top-division. He said: “I’m a good finisher, have good speed, am fast and think I’d fit in at a lot of teams in MLS. I never thought I would be here, but I’m glad I am. It’s a great level, a great atmosphere and I’m really enjoying it, hopefully I can help some teams in the league.” But while Lampard is set to turn out for New York, and Gerrard for Los Angeles Galaxy, Lev-Ari will have to see where he ends up following the League’s SuperDraft.