Hapoel Send Medics to Intensive Care - Hapoel Hyde Park 3-2 Medics&Dentists

After experiencing such a poor run of form recently, the stakes could not have been higher for Hapoel manager Jasper van Veen, needing a win to get back to the highs of last term- and Hapoel succeeded in a commanding performance yesterday to secure their first victory since November. Van Veen’s decision to select a more experienced lineup paid off, especially with important players like Joe Salomon and Sam Baker making their return to the matchday squad.

Switching back to the back 5 which served the team so well last term, Hapoel got off to a much stronger start with an early chance from Joel Walters saved, although man of the match Benjamin Mallandaine was also forced into making the first of many incredible saves yesterday morning. A strong counter-attack from Hapoel followed and Walters put the team ahead, continuing what had seemingly been the perfect start yesterday. Although the Medics did quickly pull back an equaliser following a defensive error, another counter attack led by Baker saw van Veen put the team back in front, making it two goals in as many games for the Dutchman. In addition to the strong attack, Hapoel’s defence had returned to form in the first half with an incredible challenge from Noah Meszarich keeping the team in front. Unfortunately, just before the break, substitute Eytan Millan was forced to come off with an injury shortly after making an appearance, but for the first time in months, Hapoel were leading at half-time.

After such an incredible first half, it was noticeable that the team were struggling for fitness as the game got back underway, with Mallandaine keeping Hapoel in front through more heroics, as it took the team 15 minutes to make an attack in the second half, eventually breaking the deadlock with 20 minutes left in the game, as Daniel Bowman found his name back on the scoresheet, redeeming himself from his penalty miss last week against LUBS, with a second assist from Baker. Although the medics successfully pulled a goal back from a throw-in, Hapoel held onto their lead and secured their first win of the new term, with van Veen successfully embedding his new players into the squad.