Young Lions win Watford Challenge Cup

Maccabi London Lions U10s White have won the Watford Friendly League Challenge Cup after they beat Borehamwood Youth Crusaders 3-0.

The build up to the day wasn’t trouble free, with captain and defensive rock Max Mandel ruled out through injury. However, unperturbed, he was there on the touchline to rally his team to victory and to lift the cup he had worked so hard to earn for his team in the previous round.

The day began with a semi-final against Borehamwood Youth Knights, which against the run of play, saw them fall a goal behind. But the goal spurred the team on and shortly afterwards a powerful run down the wing from Ethan Gold saw him play a sublime ball to the edge of the box where Charlie Whiteley was waiting to fire home a spectacular equaliser.

More Lions pressure followed and Whiteley soon scored a second. Borehamwood continued to make a fight of it and smart saves from Zack Braverman, coupled with a goal line clearance from Ollie Whiteley kept the Lions in the game. As half-time approached Gav Mevorah linked up with Harrison Davis who slotted home for a 3-1 half-time lead.

The second half saw the Lions continue their march to the final and a cross from Natan Glatt found Zac Benedick in the box who volleyed home for 4-1 to rubber stamp their place in the final.

Taking on a powerful Borehamwood Youth Crusaders side in the final, Lions were quick from the start and a Zac Benedick chip found Gav Mevorah, who fired them into a second minute lead.The lead was doubled shortly afterwards when David Banin was brought down on the edge of the box, Joshua Doctors, captain for the day, stepped up to drill home a free-kick from the edge of the box.

Borehamwood peppered the Lions goal in the second half, but Zack Braverman would not be beaten. Midway through, with chances aplenty at each end, David Banin struck on the half-volley to seal the win – and trophy.

The victory, in the premier Watford Friendly League knockout tournament was a well-deserved triumph for this band of brothers whose passing football has been a joy to watch for all who have had the pleasure. Their attitude and application has been second to none and a fantastic day was had by all.

Manager James Benedick added: “I couldn’t be more proud of this special group of boys whose friendship and team spirit is there for all to see.

“They have all worked so hard for each other and never stopped playing football the right way. This is a wonderful reward for all of their efforts.”

LIONS: Zack Braverman, Ollie Whiteley, Charlie Whiteley, Harrison Davis, Gav Mevorah, Max Mandel (c), David Banin, Zac Benedick, Natan Glatt, Joshua Doctors, Ethan Gold