It’s been quite a memorable few weeks for James Gershfield – my MGBSFL Player of the Month for November.
His goals have helped propel Harmen into genuine title contenders and even though he wasn’t 100 per cent fit on Sunday, he still had too much quality for Hendon United.
James started the month with one in the draw against title rivals Redbridge Jewish Care before firing a hat-trick in the cup success over Real Sosobad. A deadly double followed in the Peter Morrison Trophy victory over South Manchester Sports and his partnership with Sam Castle is really blossoming. And with Alex Levack now joining the squad, you write Harmen off at your peril.
But Hendon boss David Garbacz was not impressed about playing against the former Faithfold stalwart over consecutive weeks. He said: “Alex is a great signing for Harmen. Mind you he played against us for Lions last week and then Harmen this week. I presume he’ll be signing for Oakwood in time for Sunday’s match.”
I also commend the ambitions of managers Oli Leslie, Joe Marsh and Joel Alterman at Harmen for attracting some top talent to the club.
SPEC FC have cleaned up in Division One, with striker Zack Neiman and player-manager Ricky Lawrence taking the honours, while Scrabble FC are toasting double delight in the second division after the efforts of Danny Sherman and Ray Abrahams were recognised.
* Woodford Wanderers have paid tribute to former manager Paul Hyams who passed away after losing his battle with cancer. Describing him as a “legend and long-time friend,” a statement from the club read: “Paul led us to back-to-back titles in our first and second seasons as a club, and all the way from Division Five to One when he decided to step down.
“He was an absolute legend among the boys and nobody on earth could replicate his ridiculous, hilarious and motivating team-talks.
“Woodford was his life while he was with us, and he will be greatly missed.”
* England football physio Gary Lewin recently addressed junior managers at Maccabi London Lions about the different physiological needs of youth footballers. From warm-up requirements to the potential dangers of over-training children, there was much to learn from a man with well over 25 years at the highest level of football.
He was also candid about decades of service at Arsenal and England, not least his famous injury at the Brazil World Cup.
* Jamie Vardy has rightly been taking all the plaudits following his record-breaking scoring streak in the Premier League. But it was no surprise to see Steve Feiger piping up on social media to remind his friends of his 24-game goal run for Marshside some 27 years ago. Nice one Steve.
* L’Equipe manager Nick Stern wants North London Raiders C counterpart Zack Gothelf to put his money where his mouth is, in the name of charity.
Gothelf claimed Raiders were the “better team” in the recent Peter Morrison Trophy meeting, but Stern is determined to even things up. He said: “I personally challenge Raiders’ C-team management to have a wager that we will beat them on Sunday. This will be the first challenge of its kind and I propose a stake of £5 per man for the first XI’s with the proceeds going to a charity selected by the winners.”
