Hendon Utd SC A vs Faithfold A

Andy Fridkin
07973 781604

“I wouldn’t go writing Hendon’s title obituary words just yet.” That was the statement of intent from Hammers manager David Garbacz following last weekend’s stunning 7-0 demolition of Norstar A.

It was vital last season’s champions got back to winning ways last Sunday and they did it in style, with the twinkle-toed Greg Corin leading them home with a hat-trick. Ben Kon (2), Ben Kon, Ari Last and Danny Kon completed the rout.

Gaffer Garbacz was also keen to mention the contribution of goalkeeper Russell Corin, who went about his business with a calm and authorative manner.

The first meeting between the teams finished all square after Ari Last cancelled out a strike from Dan Howard in a game where Faithfold were missing captain Alex Levack. Superhoops boss Zuriel Solomon came away from the match believing his troops had edged it in terms of possession and chances created.

Hendon this week unveiled two new signings ahead of the crunch clash - Oliver Sade and Alex Nadler.

Explaining his decision to dip into the transfer market, Garbacz told JC Sport: “We have veered away from the usual tried and tested old players and have snapped up two unheard of youngsters (in terms of the MSFL).

“Oliver Sade had trials with Maccabi Petach Tikva and is one of the most talented players I have seen at this level. He is not 100 per cent match-fit, but when he is he will be a real handful for most defences.

“Another added bonus is that he is part of the family who owns/runs Solly restaurant in Golders Green which is excellent news for our end of season celebrations! (Ed, I like your style David!)

“Alex Nadler is a youngster originally from Manchester. His father David Nadler managed Maccabiah teams and recommended his son to me a few weeks ago. Alex also played Maccabiah under-18 football and was scouted to play for Shrewsbury Town. Due to religious commitments he decided against that, but we are delighted to have got him on board instead.

“We have been short at full-back this season with Motti Colman back in Israel and Alex Gilbert out for many weeks with a groin injury. Martin Smulovitch has also now picked up an injury. I expect Alex to be a fabulous addition to our defence where we have not been as strong as last season. Both new signings are 22-years-old and we are delighted to welcome them on board.”

As for the match itself, Garbacz had this to say: “It is only November but for us Sunday is potentially a real season defining game. We have just about managed to keep in touch despite some non-ideal results and a win on Sunday and all our early season troubles will be long forgotten.

“We have bolstered up our squad this week with two new signings and I really think they can both take the league by storm and are just what we need to maximise competition for places.

“Last week we found our scoring boots and we will need to take some of that form into Sunday. We will miss Ari Last badly on Sunday who is away but we still have a good strong squad available.

“Faithfold have been ultra- consistent this season and we always have great battles against them. There is never much in it.

“I was delighted last week with Greg Corin’s performance and we have really missed his creativity and goals in the early part of the season. With him now back to his best I believe he could make the difference in a tight game.

“As long as we can shore it up at the back as well, then we hope to totally get our season back on track with massive three points on Sunday.”

Faithfold also hit the target seven times with a sublime 7-1 demolition of North London Raiders. Away. Jonny Haik was the star performer with a fantastic four-goal salvo that earned him the tag of JC Player of the Week. Daryl Phillips (2) and Rocky Spitzer joined the party in a game where Alex Kaye also impressed.

Greens boss Zuriel Solomon know his team will need to refocus as they go in search of what would be their seventh win of the league season.

Looking ahead to Sunday, Solomon told JC Sport: “Two teams with really good results last week should make for a very exciting game. Anyone writing Hendon off doesn’t know much about football. The season is long and they are a very good team with lots of good players so we will not under-estimate them.

“These are the games you want to be involved in which should spur my boys on we have been playing well and last week was probably our best performance this season.

“For us this is another game you have to get yourself up for every game every week no matter who you play so we will have to be on our game to come away with anything.”

The absence of Last will be a blow for Hendon and it will be interesting to see exactly how and where the new boys fit in.

The first goal could be massive on Sunday, but I think it’ll be too close to call a winner.

JC team news: Hendon are missing Alex Gilbert, Yoav Kestenbaum, Martin Smulovitch and Ari Last . Jacob Gold faces a late fitness test and is currently rated 50/50 .

Faithfold are without Dan Howard and Dan Stock, but have an otherwise full-strength squad to choose from.

Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Andy Fridkin

JC star man: Russell Corin (Hendon)

DC Prediction: Hendon 1 Faithfold 1