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This morning, Hapoel Hyde Park played their sixth game of the season against Medics and Dentists. Despite another strong performance, a controversial decision by the referee meant the game ended in a 2-2 draw.
Hapoel centre-back Jake Lanzkron described today's match as "a daylight robbery", as the pigs had to settle for just a point this afternoon. After a difficult win last week over ChemEng, Hapoel once again found themselves coming into today’s game as the underdogs.
As usual, Hapoel began with a strong start with an early attempt from Joel Walters going out for a corner, followed by a header from Sam Clarfield going out for a goal kick. Helped by the opposition’s lack of substitutes, Hapoel’s plan to exhaust them was set into motion. Despite Walters failing to convert a chance, new signing Ben Gur scored an incredible goal to give the pigs the early lead.
After only a short period of time, Hapoel failed to hold onto their early lead. Following the equaliser, a defensive error led to the pigs conceding a penalty which was thankfully sent wide of the post. According to Jasper van Veen, “Although the signature press was missing, it had been a strong first half from the pigs.”
After a slow start to the second half, some incredible defensive work from Clarfield and Lanzkron kept Hapoel in the game in addition to some great saves from Remy Marsh. Hapoel eventually re-took the lead following a fantastic strike by Joel Walters, looking like Hapoel would have left today with three points. With five minutes until full time, the ref awarded a controversial penalty to the opposition, with Hapoel manager Noah Meszarich claiming he and the other team both thought it was a “good challenge”.
Adding insult to injury, Hapoel’s call for a penalty almost immediately afterwards was denied as Ben Gur was brought down with a red-card worthy challenge in the box at the other end of the pitch.
Hapoel may have had a win stolen today but hopefully the pigs will be back to winning ways in a week’s time. Forza Hapoel!
Player Ratings
Remy Marsh (8/10) Made some excellent saves and often kept Hapoel in the game.
Sam Clarfield (7.5/10) Leading from the back, winning nearly every header in a solid defensive display.
Jason Saidel (7/10) A solid performance today in his new position, no notable mistakes.
Jake Lanzkron (8/10) Fantastic defensive work today getting the team out of a tight situation. A potential future starter.
Oli Simble (7.5/10) Should be the starter in his position, constantly able to get up and down the pitch during the game.
Noah Meszarich (7.5/10) Whilst the manager did have a commanding performance in the midfield today, he also gets extra for calling out today’s disastrous decisions.
Aaron Black (7/10) No complaints here for the Hapoel veteran, another solid week’s display with a great clearance off the goal-line.
Adam Cohen (7/10) Making his return back into the squad today and proved his worth, with a workhorse display in the midfield.
Daniel Bowman (7.5/10) Although the birthday boy was still nursing a small injury, another consistent and reliable performance from Hapoel’s 10 despite not getting on the scoresheet today.
Ben Gur (8/10) Proving to be one of the signings of the season with another goal, and more than a match for any defender.
Joel Walters (9/10) Coming back into the squad with a bang with another great finish and really leading the attack for the side.
Substitutes
Ben Goldstein (5/10)
Jasper van Veen (6.5/10)
Jenson Harris (7/10)
Noah Rosenthal (6.5/10)
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