Hendon were crowned MGBSFL champions following their recent 3-1 victory over Oakwood — a team they have beaten home and away in the league this season.
Having won the Premier Division title by an eight-point margin, Hendon’s potent attacking threat of Zac Lewis, Moses Seitler, Dovi Fehler and Yoav Kestenbaum will be looking to make their mark in a contest as they look to win the League Cup for the fourth time.
Asked about his hopes for the match, player-manager Corin commented: “I want the boys to show a determination from the first whistle and be clinical when the chances present themselves.
“If possible, we will try and find space on the pitch and play some attacking football for the spectators, but these finals can often be cagey affairs.
“It’s been a long, hard season and hopefully we can show our quality one more time and secure the win which would be fantastic for the players and the club.” Simon Peterman and Dudi Edreyi are “struggling” to make the final squad, according to Corin, who, having won silverware in his first season in charge, described the mood in the squad as “excited”.
Corin insists Sunday will be an opportunity for the “younger players” and “another great occasion for our decorated senior players — who, for some, it could be a last hurrah at this level.
“I’m sure there will be nerves throughout the week and at kick-off as it’s an opportunity for us to test our resolve and ability”. There’s no hiding place in a cup final. We all have to turn up and perform if we want to get the win.”
The Anekstein final offers Oakwood their last chance to win a trophy this season. Last season’s league winners have lost two cup finals in recent times and joint-manager Dan Kristall believes his players have “a huge challenge in front of them against a team deserving of the MGBSFL crown”.
Kristall said: “There is no doubt whatsoever that Hendon are big favourites for the match, especially given their form. We know what they are about and we are fully aware of their strengths.
“We used the game a fortnight ago as preparation for the final, where we learned a lot about both ourselves and our opponents. We were very unlucky in the game, where we had to push for the win to keep our faint title hopes alive.
“Unfortunately, we were caught on the break on a couple of occasions in the latter stages. A draw would have been a fair result, although I accept they caused us lots of problems, especially at the end of the first half.”
But in a one-off game, Kristall is confident Oakwood will rise to the occasion. “We will have to be at our very best both physically and tactically to win this cup. We will thrive on being the underdogs and we are looking forward to it.”
JC team news: Oakwood will give late fitness tests to several players, so "it may not be until an hour before kick-off where the line-up is confirmed. Several key players are battling against the clock to be fit".
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ROUTE TO THE FINAL
HENDON
Semi-final: bt Brady Maccabi 3-2 - Kestenbaum, Weiler, Last
Quarter-final: bt Lions White 5-3 – Seitler (3), Lewis, Korman
Round 3 – bt Fairlop FC – 8-1 – Seitler (2), Lewis (2), Fehler, Corin, Spitzer, Korman
Round 2 – bt L’Equipe – Bye
Round 1 - Bye
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OAKWOOD
Semi-final: bt Los Blancos 1-0 - Sidle
Quarter-final: Bt NL Raiders A 3-1 – Woolman, Cuby, own goal
Round 3 – bt Redbridge JC B 4-0 – Wine, Davies, Quinn, Woolman
Round 2 – bt Boca Jewniors – 12-1 – Levy (4), Cantor (3), Cuby (3), Woolman, Sidle
Round 1 - Bye
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Venue - Rowley Lane, KO - 4pm
Officials: Match referee - Luke Steele, Assistant-referees - Phil Peters and Marc Rister. Fourth Official - Richard Jaye
JC star man: Zac Lewis (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon 2 Oakwood 1
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