Brady Maccabi B were one of several new teams in the bottom tier of the JC MSFL. Danny Caro gives his assessment of the champions, along with the best of the rest.
1. BRADY MACCABI B
Record: Pl. 18, W. 15, D. 1, L. 2, F. 77, A. 27, Pts. 46
Best result: 3-1 win vs Bilbaum
Biggest win: 11-0 vs Brixton B
Worst result: 3-1 loss vs Bilbaum
Clean sheets: 3
Games failed to score in: 0
Best signing: Daniel Harrod, Dan Hildebrand
Star men: James Joseph, Reiss Mogilner
Top-scorer: Daniel Hildebrand 25 (includes 7 for Faithfold)
DC Rating: The most goals scored and the highest number of wins, you will do well to find a manager in Division Four who doesn’t agree that Brady were worthy winners of the title. Josh Dagul’s men were like a breath of fresh air, with captain James Joseph leading by example week after week. Flying winger Reiss Mogilner was another star of the show in what was a real team effort. The mid-season signings of Dan Harrod and Dan Hildebrand ensured they got the job done. As and when cool and experienced heads were needed, they came in the shape of Jerome Colmans and Jonny Meltzer. And already, many people are tipping them next season. 10/10
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2. ATHLETIC BILBAUM
Record: Pl. 18, W. 13, D. 3, L. 2, F. 61, A. 25, Pts. 42
Best result: 3-1 vs Brady
Biggest win: 9-2 vs Boca
Worst result: 4-2 vs Raiders C
Clean sheets: 5
Games failed to score in: 0
Best signing: Jake Gilbert
Star men: Simon ‘the Monk’ Roth, Adam Landes, Ed Green
Top-scorer: Ed Green 18
DC Rating: One of the most improved teams this season, the Baums did exceedingly well to stay in the top two virtually all season and pip SPEC FC to second place. Managed by Mark Pasha and Ed Green, they found a level of consistency that had their fans on the edge of their seats week in, week out. Green and Jake Gilbert popped up with vital goals on a regular basis. They finished 15 points better off than last season and made themselves hard to beat, losing 13 games less than the previous campaign. Hats off to all involved on a memorable campaign, where they scored 9, 8 and 7. 9/10
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3. SPEC FC
Record: Pl. 18, W. 12, D. 3, L. 3, F. 44, A. 18, Pts. 39
Best result: 2-1 vs Brady
Biggest win: 5-0 vs Jewventus
Worst result: 1-1 vs Athletico
Clean sheets: 6
Games failed to score in: 3
Best signing: Ashley Burns
Star men: Ashley Burns, Doug Berlin, Nick Wallis
Top-scorer: Ashley Burns 12
DC Rating: Injury problems hampered the best-laid plans of manager Laurence Conway whose team were a breath of fresh air to the MSFL, their match reports in particular. They used a ridiculous number of keepers but remained in pursuit of a top two finish until the very end. Ashley Burns, Doug Berlin and Nick Wallis were the standout performers in an excellent first season back in the MSFL. 8/10
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4. NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C
Record: Pl. 18, W. 10, D. 4, L. 4, F. 53, A. 25, Pts. 34
Best result: 4-2 vs Bilbaum
Biggest win: 7-1 vs Boca
Worst result: 3-0 vs Athletico
Clean sheets: 5
Games failed to score in: 2
Best signing: Michael Israel
Star men: Matt Keston, Marc Fineman, Ben Hart
Top-scorer: Ben Hart 16
DC Rating: Oli Shorts’ Raiders made an incredible start - winning their first eight games – but they were unable to sustain their momentum and eventually had to finish for a credible fourth place finish in a strong division. Up top, Ben Hart and Toby Katz terrorised defences while Michael Israel added quality in midfield. The team can be proud of an excellent season that arguably didn’t get the prize their form merited. 7/10
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5. FC TEAM C
Record: Pl. 18, W. 9, D. 2, L. 7, F. 48, A. 32, Pts. 29
Best result: 2-1 vs Fortune
Biggest win: 10-1 vs Boca
Worst result: 2-1 vs Jewventus
Clean sheets: 2
Games failed to score in: 3
Best signing: Ron Sanford
Star men: David Cohen, Dan Rothman, Jamie Breslaw
Top-scorer: David Cohen 11
DC Rating: Hit 19 goals in two games against Boca and proved a real handful in what was a solid first season. Player-manager Michael Myers brought in two top talents in Raiders old boys Rob Sanford and Matt Sheldon, while David Cohen found his feet, reaching double figures in the goal charts. If they don’t go up this summer, I expect them to challenge strongly next year. 6/10
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6. TEMPLE FORTUNE B
Record: Pl. 18, W. 7, D. 2, L. 9, F. 46, A. 43, Pts. 23
Best result: 3-0 vs FC Team
Biggest win: 11-2 vs Brixton
Worst result: 6-2 vs Athletico
Clean sheets: 1
Games failed to score in: 2
Best signing: Joey Glynne
Star man: Terry Jeffries
Top-scorer: Terry Jeffries 19
DC Rating: Jeffries and Glynne tore up defences on a number of occasions and at one point it looked as though they had the qualities for a top two finish. Failed to win any of their last six games which resulted in an ultimately disappointing mid-table finish. 5/10
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7. JEWVENTUS
Record: Pl. 18, W. 6, D. 2, L. 10, F. 37, A. 48, Pts. 20
Best result: 2-1 vs FC Team
Biggest win: 6-1 vs Brixton
Worst result: 5-1 vs FC Team
Clean sheets: 1
Games failed to score in: 4
Best signings: Ami Wynbourne, Mike Gill
Star man: Nigel Someck
Top-scorer: Nigel Someck
DC Rating: Player-manager Gabriel John was one of the busiest in the transfer market but his team failed to meet his ambitions on the pitch. They punched well below their weight and that is something the gaffer must address over the summer months. 4/10
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8. ATHLETICO FINCHLEY
Record: Pl. 18, W. 5, D. 1, L. 12, F. 40, A. 52, Pts. 16
Best result: 3-0 vs Raiders
Biggest win: 6-2 vs Temple Fortune
Worst result: 8-5 vs Brixton
Clean sheets: 3
Games failed to score in: 2
Best signing: Ben Mandell
Star man: Ben Mandell
Top-scorer: Ben Mandell
DC Rating: There was a dramatic improvement at Athletico during the second half of the season which leaves spectators and pundits alike with plenty of food for thought. Athletico fans had value for money with the silky skills of Ben Mandell keeping them on the edge of their seats. It’s onwards and upwards from here. 4/10
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9. BRIXTON OLD BOYS B
Record: Pl. 18, W. 3, D. 1, L. 14, F. 31, A. 86, Pts. 10
Best result: 4-3 vs Jewventus
Biggest win: 8-5 vs Athletico
Worst result: 11-2 vs Fortune
Clean sheets: 1
Games failed to score in: 6
Best signing: Danny Sherman
Star man: Danny Sherman
Top-scorer: Danny Sherman
DC Rating: Much was expected of Brixton B but ultimately, they failed to deliver. A change of manager failed to have the desired affect and given the success of their illustrious first team, it will be interesting to see what happens next season. 3/10
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10. BOCA JEWNIORS
Record: Pl. 18, W. 0, D. 1, L. 17, F. 21, A. 102, Pts. 1
Best result: 2-2 vs Brixton
Worst result: 10-1 vs FC Team
Clean sheets: 0
Games failed to score in: 4
Best signing: Jamie Weinrich
Star man: Ryan Monk
Top-scorer: Jamie Weinrich
DC Rating: The only team in the league not to win a game and the only side to concede more than 100 goals. It’s back to the drawing board for Sefton Monk and co. 1/10
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JC MSFL SEASON 2011/12 ROLL OF HONOUR:
Peter Morrison Trophy: Winners – Hendon Utd Sports Club A, Runners-up: Oakwood
JC Cyril Anekstein Cup: Winners - Hendon Utd Sports Club A, Runners-up: Brady Maccabi A
JC Barry Goldstein Trophy: Winners - UJIA, Runners-up: NW Neasden C
JC MSFL Premier Division: Champions: Hendon Utd Sports Club A, Runners-up: London Maccabi Lions A
Division One: Champions: Oakwood, Runners-up - Brixton Old Boys A
Division Two: Champions: Hendon Utd Sports Club B, Runners-up - Camden Park
Division Three: Champions: Glenthorne Utd B, Runners-up - Shirley Park
Division Four: Champions: Brady Maccabi B, Runners-up - Athletic Bilbaum
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JC MSFL GOLDEN BOOT WINNER
30 goals - Craig Sandford (Glenthorne United B)