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In this week’s edition, the First Grade put their title ambitions on the line in a must-win match against Fairfield Wanderers, whilst the Youth fight the might of Gladesville Ryde Magic. We also have a look at the new culture that is trickling down from the Feds Opens.

Everywhere We Go!! The First Grade Give a Footballing Lesson to Fairfield Report submitted by the Hakoah Feds Committee.

There was no hiding behind the fact that this week the Feds First Grade had everything on the line, up against Fairfield Wanderers, a side that had stunned Hakoah in the first half of the season, beating the boys in blue 2-1.

Fairfield now sat in 2nd place, one position higher than Hakoah and separated by two points. For Hakoah to make a play for the title, they had to win. No other result would suffice.

In this all or nothing game, Coach Mark Robertson sent his side out as follows:

David Helfenbaum

Marc Kacen (c) Joe Vrkic Pat Darvill

Greg Moss Michael Randall

Nathan Kosmina Neil Jablonski

Deklan Gilmartin Adam Joseph Rani Rimmer

Bench: Jon Pillemer, Justin Kosmina, Daan Ranshuijsen, LiamJeffreys.

The match started at a frenetic pace. Under the home lights and with a crowd in force, Hakoah controlled the early period with their fluid passing game.

At just the 7th minute, Hakoah got off the mark. A corner found its way to Captain Marc Kacen, who made no mistake from close range to put away his third goal of the season.

Hakoah were the dominant side in that first half, creating half-chances against a stubborn Wanderers defence. A great move saw Neill Jablonski hit a left-foot drive that missed the post by mere centimetres.

With 1-0 the half time score, there was a distinct feeling that this match had more goals to come.

Not willing to give an inch, Hakoah exploded out of the blocks after the break, attacking with renewed vigour to get that two-goal cushion. A great example of attacking flair found Jablonski one-on-one with the keeper in the 55th minute. However, in a rare sighting, Jablosnki’s shot was saved.

To add insult to injury, off the ensuing attack, a Wanderers midfielder shot from 35 yards out, straight at keeper David Helfenbaum. Helfenbaum mistimed his save, with the ball slithering into the back of the net.

Doubts would have surfaced within the Hakoah side at this point. But Mark Robertson, and his Assistants Hayden Foxe and Alex Robertson, have instilled in this side a self-belief that is invaluable. The side picked themselves straight up and began attacking the Wanderers with a vengeance.

It took until the 75th minute of this siege of the Wanderers goal for the break- through to come. Nathan Kosmina lofted a floating ball into the box. Proving his marquee status is well deserved, Jablonski found a yard of space, soared into the air, and guided his header from 15 yards out into the far corner of the net, stunning the Wanderers keeper.

And with that, the floodgates opened.

In the 83rd minute, Jablonski picked up the ball 30 yards out. With one touch to set himself, Jablonski drove home into the bottom left corner of the net, sealing Fairfield’s fate. Deklan Gilmartin added the final touch in the 88th minute, after substitute Jon Pillemer beat his man cold on the right flank, before selflessly playing the ball across the goal to the unmarked Gilmartin, who finished into the empty net.

The match ended 4-1, with Hakoah taking 2nd place on the ladder. Top side Luddenham lost again, narrowing the gap between Hakoah and the title.

First Grade Table After Round 17 POS TEAM P W L D F A GD PTS 1 Luddenham United 17 11 6 0 41 36 5 33 2 Hakoah 17 8 4 5 45 25 20 29 3 Prospect United 16 9 5 3 30 18 12 29 4 Roosters FC 15 9 5 3 39 27 12 28 5 Fairfield Wanderers FC 17 8 6 3 25 23 2 27 6 Chopin Park Rams FC 16 6 3 7 25 17 8 25 7 Northbridge FC 15 7 4 6 33 27 6 25 8 Hawkesbury City SC 16 6 4 6 27 25 2 24 9 Hurstville City Minotaurs 15 6 7 3 28 32 -4 20 10 Nepean FC 15 5 6 6 18 24 -6 19 11 Springwood 16 4 7 5 24 24 0 17 12 Bathurst 75 16 5 9 3 21 25 -4 17 13 Belmore Hercules 15 1 7 9 17 34 -17 10 14 Gazy Lansvale 16 1 13 3 16 52 -36 5

The Reserves Complete the Comeback of the Year Report submitted by the Hakoah Feds Committee.

The Reserves were up against top-placed Fairfield Wanderers, in a match that their finals hopes were depending on. A win would put them in the box seat to play finals football. A loss could prove costly due to the side’s slow start to the season.

In a tight first half, Hakoah were unable to convert a host of chances, before they fell behind through a defensive lapse.

Stepping out from the sheds at half time, the Wanderers countered and quickly put Hakoah behind 0-2.

Suddenly, despite controlling the play in the first half, the side were 0-2 down and facing a desperate situation.

However, faced with this challenge, the side stepped up to be counted for. Just minutes after conceding, a flowing passing move down the left found Daniel Rabinowitz, who beat his man before playing in Zac Rabin. From just inside the box, Rabin made no mistake.

On the 60th minute, Captain Jamie Marcuson was bundled over by the Wanderers keeper, conceding a penalty. Rabin stepped up to grab his double.

The tide had changed, and with the score 2-2, it was only a matter of time before Hakoah grabbed the lead.

A free kick from the right corner in the 75th minute found Jared Blumberg, who rose high to head back for James Israel to finish from point blank. Israel then grabbed another on the 86th minute after another piercing run from Rabinowitz down the left saw his cross sail across the goal line, for Israel to head home.

The end score was 4-2 Hakoah, and is a testament to the resolve and character of this side. Against a team that has only lost twice this season, the Reserves put their title credentials on the line in this superb performance.

The Reserves are now undefeated in the last past five weeks, with only one draw during that run.

The side now sits in 7th position, just four points off 2nd place.

Hakoah Bring Some Magic Against Gladesville

The Feds Youth sides were up against the trickery and quality of Gladesville Ryde Magic. The Magic have always been the benchmark Club, with all five teams consistently pushing for the title.

In the corresponding fixture, Hakoah took a measly four points from the 15. A lot has changed since that day, and the Youth’s were out for revenge on their home turf of Hensley.

Under 13

The Under 13s put in a stellar performance to take first blood from the Magic, winning 2-1. In a dominant display, Hakoah tore their opposition to pieces for the entirety, with the score-line flattering the Magic. Jordon Koton and Brad Paikin grabbed the goals.

The team is now placed 2nd on the ladder.

Under 14 Match report submitted by Jeff Engleman. Photos by Kevin Berkowitz.

The Under 14s were the only side to win in the first round fixture against Gladesville, and were out to show that it was no fluke. In a dominating first half, Hakoah moved the ball around the park with ease and determination that underlined this side’s worth as a top three team. Greg Ellerine found the net after Simon Rouse made a piercing run down the right flank, before selflessly playing in Ellerine to finish. The second half saw Hakoah drop off the pace, with the Magic throwing caution to the wind in hopes of an equaliser. Some great last ditch defending from Dean Gruskin and another sterling performance from keeper David Booth kept the score line intact at the final whistle. A gritty 1-0 win for the boys.

The side now sits in 4thplace on the ladder.

A great collage of the Under 14s side against Gladesville Ryde Magic. Made by Kevin Berkowitz.

Under 15 Report by Brian Bernard.

In a less than flattering performance, the Under 15s went down 0-3 to an ordinary Gladesville side. Despite the loss, there were positives, with consistent performers Dan Nash, Dale Palte, Kieran Montague and Daniel Shein putting in solid performances.

The side now sits in 7thplace on the ladder.

Under 16 Report by Harry Wrublewski. Photos by Rob Rosen.

It was a shock loss for the 1st placed Under 16s to the 3rd placed Magic. In a tough contest, Gladesville found the net midway through the first half. Hakoah had chances before this, and afterwards, but were unable to find the back of the net. Hakoah kept pushing in the second period, but couldn’t find the elusive equaliser.

The side still remains in 1stposition on the table.

Under 16 Captain Harry Rosen saves a Gladesville shot, with Justin Malek (no. 6) covering.

Under 18 Report submitted by Gary Felsher.

The Under 18s produced their best performance of the season, winning 2-0 against the previously undefeated Magic. It was a match that saw the side finally live up to their potential, with strong performances across the park. Dylan Basger opened the scoring from the penalty spot, before Erez Levy calmly slotted away after a swift passing move tore open the Magic defence.

The side now sits in 8thplace on the ladder.

The Feds Opens Foster the Role Model Culture

For any Club to survive, there needs to be a goal. Youth players need to look to the Seniors as both role models and figures of inspiration. That being said, the Club must be close enough that the Youth players can actually meet the Seniors, get to know them, and thus aspire to be like them.

It’s not an easy task to foster this culture.

However, based on the weekend, this culture is finally being incubated throughout the Feds Club.

The First Grade put on a thrilling display to once again show their credentials as simply astonishing footballers. And this was against a 2nd placed Fairfield Wanderers side that have serious title dreams of their own.

The Reserve Grade completed one of the most incredible comebacks in Hakoah history, scoring four times in a half to come back from 0-2 down to win 4-2 against the top placed Wanderers.

But it wasn’t just the results, but the way in which they were achieved. Both Opens sides won playing a brand of attacking football that was exciting, if not inspirational, for the entire Club. Full credit for this must go to the coaching team of Mark Robertson, Alex Robertson and Hayden Foxe.

But what happens off the field is of equal importance to fostering this culture of unity and aspiration in the Club.

After their win, the First Grade called in as many Youth players and young fans to join in the winning song in the change room. The fevered chant of ‘everywhere we go’ was described as resonating across the Hensley pitch from the sheds.

Key members of this First Grade side also coach the Youth sides in the Academy sessions, such as marquee signing Neil Jablonski. To have a player of this calibre in weekly contact with the Youth sides, giving advice and training the boys under the watchful eyes of Mark Robertson is invaluable to this idea of the unified Club.

The Under 18s now train fully with the Reserves, which has created the idea of one Under 20s squad. This will be instrumental for these players to push for First Grade in the coming years.

For the first time in many, many years, Hakoah has become one Club, with a clear path that starts in the Under 13s, and can lead to a place in the First Grade.

Feds First Grade. Back Row L-R: Adam Sonnabend, Seamus Dowd, Neil Jablonski, Deklan Gilmartin, Simon Weiss, Greg Moss, Adam Joseph, Rani Rimmer, David Helfenbaum. Front Row L-R: Pat Darvill, Moshe Wakil, Nathan Kosmina, Jon Pillemer, Marc Kacen (c), Michael Randall. Absent: Joe Vrkic, Dino D’Agrosa, Daan Ranshuijsen, Justin Kosmina, Terry DalBroi, Coach Mark Robertson.

Feds Reserve Grade. Back Row L-R: Robbie Watson, Daniel Toblib, Ricki Friede, Remy Wolanski, David Helfenbaum, Gil Pollak, Jamie Marcuson (c), Josh Grunfeld, Coach Alex Robertson. Front Row L-R: Justin Wendemuth, Jared Blumberg, Stevie Filler, James Israel, Zac Rabin, Brett Rosenberg. Absent: Daniel Rabinowitz, Haim Ayalon.

You Play the Way You Train …

In a first for the Hakoah Feds Club, an abysmal SIX PLAYERS showed up for a training session this week in the Under 15s.

This was a disgusting turn out, which had Coaching Director Barry Walker and the Feds Committee seething.

Walker has warned the players that any further turnout such as these will result in swift action that could include suspension or even having contracts terminated.

The side went out and lost 0-3 on the weekend, further reinforcing the idea that ‘you train the way you play’.

New Signings for the Title Push

The Feds First Grade have made two major signings this week in Central Defender Joe Vrkic and Goalkeeper Terry DalBroi.

Vrkic has played for Sydney United in the NSW Premier League for many seasons. He also was part of the Young Socceroos, where he played alongside players such as Mark Viduka, John Aloisi and JosipSkoko.

DalBroi is an ex-APIA Leichardt goalkeeper, with superb credentials. He will be a taking over as the Goalkeeper Coach for the entire Feds Club as well as becoming the First Grade keeper.

Hakoah Feds Committee Chairman Jon Marcuson says the signings will give the First Grade a massive boost in their push for the title.

“It’s a massive coup for us. Joe is a huge figure in the backline, and you could see just how big a presence he was for us on Sunday [in the win against Fairfield Wanderers]. Terry will give us that extra safety between the sticks. His class and ability will also be a huge boost for all the keepers in the Club, who he will now train”.

“Overall, these two players will be instrumental in our push for the title and promotion to Division 1”.

Joe Vrkic, pictured playing for Sydney United in the NSW Premier League, and Terry DalBroi are two huge signings for the Feds First Grade.

The Under 18s Change of Coach

The Under 18s Coach Dennis Hoggart has been removed from his post this week due to communication issues with his players.

There is no doubt that Hoggart is a coach of the highest calibre, however his side were struggling through a perceived lack of understanding and communication between the coach and the players.

Hoggart was also the Reserve Grade coach in 2010.

The Committee has yet to replace him formally, with Coaching Director Barry Walker taking the reins in the interim.

We thank Dennis for his contribution and wish him well for the future.

Golden Boot and Golden Glove

Another big week of football saw the lead narrow at the top of the tables for both the Golden Boot and Golden Glove Award.

The Committee has decided to change their earlier plans, with the tallies to be placed behind closed doors only after Round 22.

Here are the rules for both awards:

 The player who scores the most goals across ALL seven Hakoah Feds teams is the winner.  The goalkeeper who concedes the least amount of goals in the season, across ALL seven Hakoah Feds teams, based on the number of games played, is the winner.  The Feds Committee reserves the right to adjust the criteria once they receive all the feedback from the coaches.  The winners will receive $500 worth of sports equipment thanks to Victor Sports.

Here are the current tables for both awards.

The Victor Sports Golden Boot Award:

Rank Team Name Goals 1 U13 Jordan Koton 19 2 U16 Josh Shubitz 18 3 Firsts Neil Jablonski 16 4 U16 Gareth Milner 14 5 U13 Sam Massis-Wolf 9 6 U13 Brad Paikin 8 7 U18 Jack Watts 7 8 U16 Sam Wrublewski 6 9 U16 Robbie Ezekiel 6 10 U14 Simon Rouse 6 11 U13 Harry Buch 6 12 Firsts Rani Rimmer 6 13 Firsts Deklan Gilmartin 6

The Victor Sports Golden Glove Award:

Goals Games Team Name Conceded Played U16 Harry Rosen 16 18 Gil Pollak, David Helfenbaum & Liam Reserves Jeffreys (GP =11, DH =6, LJ =1) 18 17 U13 Brad Sarif 25 18 U15 Max Nightingale 26 18 Adam Sonnabend & David Helfenbaum (AS Firsts =20, DH =5) 25 17 U18 Liam Jeffreys 30 18 U14 David Booth 31 18

Please note that the Victor Sports Golden Glove Award is organised by team. Hence, if two goalkeepers play in one team, they will share the prize if they win.

Awards of the Week

Player of the Week: In a week with some seriously strong team performances, there were a plethora of candidates for the Player of the Week Award. In any other week, the Reserve Grade side would have taken the award in a heartbeat.

However, this week the Award must be given to the best. And the best was Neil Jablonski.

With the pivotal, must-win clash against Fairfield Wanderers on a knife’s edge, Jablonski stepped up to put away two finishes of the highest quality.

The first was a header from 15 yards out, where the cross was falling behind him. Jablonski rose, hung, and then swung his head to place the ball into the far corner of the net.

To try outdo that effort, Jablonski then hit a 30 yard drive into the bottom left corner to seal the win in emphatic style.

Jablonski has been the most consistent performer for the First Grade this year, but his performance this week was his best all season. For this, he is the deserved winner of the ‘Player of the Week’ Award.

Neil Jablonski is this week’s ‘Player of the Week’.

Blunder of the Week: It was a hard task of narrowing out the Blunder winner from this week, with some clear off-field indiscretions making a play for the award. None other than James ‘Sensitive Sally’ Israel, who showed up to the Reserve Grade match with a large bruise on his neck, courtesy of his girlfriend (we hope …)

But this week, the Blunder falls to the First Grade keeper, David Helfenbaum.

Helfenbaum managed to dive “over” the ball as a 30 yard drive from a Fairfield Wanderers player, straight at him, found its way into the back of the net.

One must pity poor Helfenbaum. The last time he received the Blunder was also against the Wanderers, when he was chipped from halfway off the second half kick-off in Reserves earlier this year.

Two blunders against the same team in one season. That’s worthy enough for an Award again!! Congratulations David on winning your second ‘Blunder of the Week’ Award.

Based on his goalkeeping skills that have won him another Blunder Award, David Helfenbaum should not be holding a gun!!

The Upcoming Week

This week, the Feds Opens are back at Hensley Athletic Field, Corner Corish Circuit and Wentworth Avenue, Pagewood, on Sunday 3rd July 2011. They are up against Nepean FC.

First Grade kick off at 7 pm. Reserves kick off at 5 pm.

Get down and support YOUR First Grade side as they push for the title!!!!

The Feds Youths are up against Inter Lions on Saturday 2nd July 2011, at Crest Complex, McClean Street, Georges Hall.

Game details are:

Under 13 – 8.30 am Under 14 – 9.45 am Under 15 – 11.40 am Under 16 – 12.45 am Under 18 – 2.30 pm

That is this week’s edition. For any comments, please email [email protected].

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Written by: Sarah Gill, members of the Feds Committee, and private anonymous contributors.