Chigwell Athletic vs Hendon Utd SC B

Chigwell chief Richard Slater dipped into the January transfer window this week and pulled out with a real cracker.

There is much excitement about Greg Lautman joining the club and it’s no surprise that Slater broke the bank to bring in a player who will boost the club’s promotion hopes.

The former Redbridge Jewish Care player is a class act. He can play as a defender or holding midfielder. Speaking about the signing, a delighted Slater told JC Sport: “Greg will be a great addition. He’s a good ball-player and young legs.”

While Lautman will be keen to one day become a Chigwell legend, Slater took time from his busy schedule to pay tribute to one man that definitely is – keeper Adrian Bourne.

The veteran put on the famous Chigwell shirt in December, when James Swead, Marc Jacobs and Rob Shepherdson were all unavailable. Slater recalled: “At 49, the guy is still a class act. He pulled off three pretty, remarkable saves and you could not tell he hadn’t played for around four years. He’s a proper Chigwell legend.”

The chances are that whoever plays in goal for Chigwell is likely to be fairly busy as Hendon welcome back the free-scoring Chaim Gothold. He and Yishai Last have combined well to keep the Hornets flying high this season.

As for his hopes for Sunday, Slater went on to say: “'The game is in doubt due to the snow and water now on the pitches at Peter May, but we're all hoping it will go ahead. If it does, we're hoping for another solid performance to follow on from the win over Harmen two weeks ago.

“Confidence is back up within the camp and bar a few absentees, we should be in good shape. We know Hendon attack well on the break so we'll be cautious of that … what we don't want is another 6-6 draw!”

Hendon’s last league win came in October. The continue to score and concede on a regular regular basis and guarantee five-star entertainment.

If the game goes ahead, conditions will be tricky for defenders to master which leads me to believe this will be a high-scoring affair.

JC team news: Hendon hope to unleash new signing Ben Wilkinson on Chigwell, while Martin Smulovitch recently penned a new long-term contract. Tali Nevies hopes to play his first game as a married man, but, no doubt, Mrs Nevies will be hoping the match is postponed! Keeper Joseph Corin returns too.

Venue – Peter May, Ref – Alan Russell

JC star man: Greg Lautman (Chigwell)

DC Prediction: Chigwell 3 Hendon B 2