There's a mouth-watering top-of-the-table clash in store in Division One featuring Norstar A and Chigwell Athletic in a schedule featuring action in the JC MSFL, Peter Morrison Trophy and JC Cyril Anekstein Cup. Danny Caro looks ahead to all the action on Matchday 10 of the season.
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LATEST NEWS:
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JC CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND 3 DRAW
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JC PHOTOGALLERIES
JC CAC: BRADY MACCABI B vs SOUTHGATE HARMEN A
JC CAC: MONTANA BOCA UTD vs FC TEAM C
JC CAC: CAMDEN PARK vs BRIXTON OLD BOYS A
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PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Alex Hershman (Brady Maccabi A)
MANAGER OF THE WEEK: David Garson (Faithfold C)
REFEREE OF THE WEEK: Aron Djanogly (Hendon Utd SC A vs Glenthorne Utd A)
JC CELEBRATION OF THE WEEK
Gavin Rhodes (UJIA) - scored with his new titanium fluorescent boots. His teammates gave him so much stick in the changing room prior to kick-off for wearing such flamboyant footewear. After scoring the third goal, the whole team celebrated by doing the shoeshine on his new boots. A great team moment
JC QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Ashley Burns (SPEC) - "Make sure you wash the kit at 40 degrees. You must kill the bacteria"
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND TWO
LONDON MACCABI LIONS B vs BLIZZARD STORM
Following their stunning success in the Anekstein last weekend, Lions B are odds-on progressing against a Blizzard team who reached rock bottom last Sunday.
Jamie Kyte’s men were involved in a real thriller against Oakwood last week. Nick Astaire and James Gold scored the goals in a memorable 2-1 win against a team from a division above. There were also excellent performances from Henry Ziff, Will Beresford and Joey Lazare.
After the game Kyte told JC Sport: "That's the performance we've been looking for. The first half was a pleasure to watch, we played fantastic football and every single player pulled their weight.
"I'm looking forward to carrying on our cup for next week against Blizzard Storm in the Peter Morrison Trophy."
It’s been a really tough season for the boys from Blizzard and I can’t see them getting any joy on Sunday. But manager Simon Linden loves to prove people wrong and I’m sure he’ll have his boys up for the challenge.
They were thumped 8-2 by UJIA last weekend and if the first goal goes in early I can see the floodgates opening.
Venue – Rowley Lane
JC star man: Nick Astaire (Lions)
DC Prediction: LM Lions B 4 Blizzard Storm 0
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JC CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND TWO
REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A vs WOODFORD WANDERERS
Cup holders Redbridge will fancy their chances against first division strugglers Woodford at Fairlop on Sunday.
Well-placed to challenge again in the league, they have had plenty of time to reflect on the 2-1 defeat against Raiders A and I expect them to go in all guns blazing here.
Striker Steve Summers, Ben Sollosi, last season’s Young Player of the Year, and Lee Bibring are just three of the players who will be looking to punish the Wanderers in yet another east London derby on the calendar.
Manager Eilon Kennet has a real love affair with the JC League Cup – winning it four times in the noughties with Ben Winston.
Woodford’s only win this season came in this competition but they have also had plenty to think about over the past few days.
Manager Alex Aviram is looking forward to pitting his wits against the double champions and hopes that some of his big name stars turn up here.
It is certainly an opportunity for striker Jerome Marks to put himself in the shop window. Just look where Glenthorne B striker Fabio Revieccio, last season’s Golden Boot winner, ended up!
I can see this being an open and entertaining affair but think that Redbridge’s superior quality will see them home by at least a couple of goals.
Venue – Fairlop
JC star man: Steve Summers (RJC)
DC Prediction: Redbridge JC A 3 Woodford Wanderers 1
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FAITHFOLD A vs LONDON MACCABI LIONS A
It’s the clash of the titans at the Hive and it’s just a shame that one of Faithfold and Lions will bow out at such an early stage.
Faithfold had no game last Sunday but that didn’t stop stalwart striker Daryl Phillips turning out for the club’s Masters team and scoring in a 1-1 draw against Scrabble. Thankfully, he’s not quite ready to play in the Old Boys league full-time just yet.
Beaten by Raiders B last time out, I’m expecting a big display from a Faithfold team that I believe can go all the way in this competition. They last won it in 2003 but after a period of transition, it looks like only a matter of time until they start winning silverware again on a regular basis.
Mike Pearson will be keen to do well against his former club. He has been on top form so far this season and currently sits on top of the Premier Division goal charts. One of if not the best striker in the league, he is capable of destroying defences with his pace, power and movement.
Faithfold know that they will have to bring their A-game to the table on Sunday. Assistant-manager Daryl Phillips told JC Sport: “We currently have a few injuries so this is a chance for the boys who come in to stake a claim for a place in the starting line up.
“We fully respect Lions and know it will be a tough game. But I’m confident that as long as we are on it we will beat all teams.”
The Lions go into the game reeling from the loss of midfield maestro Ben Joseph. Managers Josh Newman and Malcolm Newman will be looking for more leadership on the pitch from experienced pairing Aviel Schwarz and Pete Lazard but the return of Dominic Cheniart comes as a timely lift as you will do well to find a more gifted player in the league.
Sunday will be a real test of character for the Lions. Having lost the captaincy, Joseph wanted a new challenge and it will be interesting to see how the team reacts.
I can see this panning out as a tight and tactical affair but home advantage will be crucial to the outcome.
Venue – The Hive
JC star man: Dominic Cheniart (Lions)
DC Prediction: Faithfold A 2 LM Lions A 1
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JC MSFL PREMIER DIVISION
FC TEAM A vs NORTH WEST NEASDEN A
It doesn’t get bigger than this. That is what FC Team boss Mitch Young will be telling his troops ahead of Sunday’s meeting with former champions Neasden.
Young has fought tooth and nail to get his team into the Premier Division as quickly as possible and now that they are there, he wants to keep them there and push for honours as soon as possible.
Beaten 4-2 by Brady A in the Anekstein last weekend, Young is considering calling his squad in for double training this week to ensure that they are mentally and physically ready for arguably the biggest game in the club’s history.
It’s refreshing to see that both clubs have the utmost respect for one another. In his pre-match programme notes, Young told JC Sport: “Neasden are the best footballing side in the division and we will do our best to try and stop them.”
Neasden welcome back several regulars after resting some big names for last week’s cup clash against fourth division Athletic Bilbaum. A stunning strike from David Fox and a cheeky effort from Danny Daggers set up a third round meeting with Brixton A.
It’s back to the bread and butter of the league for managers Darren Yarlett and Lee Cash who have been busy making a major signing this week. Ben Joseph, the former London Maccabi Lions A captain, has bolstered their squad in a multi-million bagel move that the managers believe will “send shockwaves through the MSFL”.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Yarlett told JC Sport: “We go into the game in confident mood. We’ve played some exciting football over the last few weeks and things are falling into place.
“Our last two league games against Hendon were very close and we definitely deserved something out of it but we can’t dwell on the past and we move onto FC Team A. We are confident we can get the three points needed to start our push up the table.
“We are obviously delighted with our new addition and hope he can fit in straight away.”
Focusing on Sunday’s opponents, Yarlett went on to say: “Mitch has done a great job over the last four to five years, gaining back-to-back promotions as well as testing the club in Saturday football, so whatever side he picks we know they will be organised and hard working.”
Going out of the cup was a big blow for everyone connected to FC Team and they will be looking to give a good account of themselves against a team gunning for glory. I’m sure they won’t let their fans down but the presence of Joseph could lift Neasden to another level on Sunday.
JC team news:- Ben Joseph comes into the squad although it remains to be seen if he starts on comes on from the bench. I know which one my money’s on!) Paul Babai and Jonny Haik miss out but NWN are otherwise are at full strength.
FC Team are still hampered by major injuries with Gideon Moss, Jason Wood, Jules Noti, Richard Salmon, James Korn all rated doubtful.
Venue – Meadow Park, Ref – A. Myerson
JC star man: Ben Joseph (Lions)
DC Prediction: FC Team A NW Neasden A 2
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A
Hendon have the look and feel of champions right now but manager David Garbacz will be taking nothing for granted when North London Raiders A come to town.
The teams contested three thrilling matches last season with the Hammers edging it on each occasion.
Last week Ari Last fired a hat-trick as they eventually broke down the resistance of Glenthorne A. The Reds kept knocking on the door and went on to win 6-0, with Danny Kon (2) and Yishai Last sealing the win.
Having conceded just three goals this season all season, and just two in October, the Reds will arrive quietly confident of registering their sixth league win in seven matches.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Garbacz told JC Sport: “We are playing with a lot of confidence at the moment and are in the middle of a good run.
“Last year, maybe apart from Redbridge, I thought Raiders were the best team that we faced and I cannot fathom their poor start to the season.
“It looks like they are back to something approaching their old form with their recent win against Redbridge and we are expecting a very tough match on Sunday.
“We have enormous competition for places this year which has increased individual performances and our success so far has been built on a very solid back line which has only conceded three goals all season.
“If we are able to keep it tight again this week then I’m sure our firepower further forward will be able to do the business as well. We expect a strong battle but we will be disappointed if we do not come away from Hadley with another three points in the bag.”
The Raiders go into the game having won two on the bounce. Although they are still missing some key players through injury, it’s clear that some players have stepped up their game in recent weeks following a bad start.
But they will need to put in a super-human effort against a Hendon team who recently beat their B team 3-1 and have just completed a league double over Neasden.
Raiders fans were delighted to see Alex Olcot back in action in the 2-0 cup win over Neasden B last week. The promising Toby Katz chipped in with the other.
I have no doubt that this will be a great advert for Jewish football, and may the best team win.
JC team news: Hendon are missing Motti Colman, who is away, as well as Dovid Korman who is injured.
Raiders will give late fitness tests to captain David Rhodes and Jamie Wolfson. Danny Berliner, Joe Tankel, James Fattal and Adam Joselyn remained sidelined with long-term injuries.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – S. Levy
JC star man: Ari Last (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon Utd SC A 2 NL Raiders A 1
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B vs SOUTHGATE HARMEN A
Harmen really looked the business in the Anekstein Cup last Sunday, putting fourth division Brady B to bed without much fuss.
Striker Alex Bourne is in red-hot form and he will be looking to give the Raiders back-line the run-around in Uxbridge.
The media was there in full force last week, hoping to see a famous cup upset but credit to Dan Uzan and co in what looked like a tricky game on paper at least. It was the kind of game they may have lost last season but the emphatic scoreline shows that they have come on in leaps and bounds already this season.
You can sense a real belief about Harmen this season with summer signings Zack White, Nicky Bord, Ben Harris, Adam Velleman, Avi Markiewitz and Nick Gold giving them another dimension quality-wise.
The experience of Grant Taylor will also be a crucial factor. He impressed Uzan last week and he will need another big performance against a Raiders team that has had a 14 day break.
Home fans will be pleased to hear manager Rob Richman announce “a fully-fit squad” to choose from for the first time this season.
Club captain and last season’s Division One Player of the Year, Rik Sherman, returns after missing the opening matches of the season on exam leave. In addition Raiders welcome back Nicky Woolf, Lewis Blitz, David Esterkin and Gilad Kestenbaum who all missed the win against Faithfold.
It will be hard for L’Orange to better their win over Faithfold, but Richman is keen to ensure that his troops don’t under-estimate a Harmen team that recently beat Raiders’ A team.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Richman told JC Sport: “Last time out we had a very good performance and result against the previously unbeaten Faithfold. Despite missing a number of players, the ones who were on show that day really stepped up and in my opinion we deserved the victory. That performance level will be what we are looking to achieve every week.
“Harmen have an excellent manager in Dan Uzan and he has assembled a really top-class side. By all accounts they have been very unlucky this season and not picked up the points they probably have deserved and we fully understand the tough test we are facing.
“This will be the first of three matches we have against Harmen A and we are looking forward to the challenge.”
There will be some intriguing contests all around the park with the ones between Bord and Elliot Espinoza, Taylor and David Dinkin and Bourne and Sherman key to the outcome.
The match will be officiated by JC Referee of the Week Aron Djanogly and it should be a cracker.
Venue – Brunel Uni, Ref – A. Djanogly
JC star man: Rik Sherman (Raiders)
DC Prediction: NL Raiders B 2 Southgate Harmen A 1
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DIVISION ONE
NORSTAR A vs CHIGWELL ATHLETIC
Match of the day in Division One sees leaders Chigwell make the long trip to Wembley to take on a red-hot Norstar team.
With Eli Houri and Josh Green having filled their boots for the B team last Sunday, manager Phil Peters will be confident of proving me wrong once again!
Looking ahead to Sunday, Peters told JC Sport: “Confidence is high in the Norstar camp but we know we're facing our toughest challenge of the season when Chigwell are welcomed aboard the Ark this weekend.
“Unfortunately Sammy Kalms has decided to have his stag weekend during the season which means we'll be missing a few big names but this season we've got great strength in depth and there will be opportunities for others to come in and make their mark on the game.
“We've always admired Chigwell's record as the only club in recent history to achieve promotion from the bottom division to the top in the shortest time possible - a feat we hope to emulate come the end of this season
“Hopefully Chigwell will be a bit worried about us, after all we've done the double over the only team that's beaten them this season. Most of the boys have had a well-deserved week off but Eli Houri and Josh Green had the chance to re-find some form last week by helping out the B's and scoring five goals between them.
“We're raring to go and are confident about making it five wins from five and moving top of the league by Sunday afternoon.”
Chigwell boss Richard Slater has described this as “our biggest game of the season”.
His troops dished out a second consecutive portion of derby delight after knocking local rivals Redbridge B out of the cup.
Glenn Michaels, Daniel Castle and Antony Mendel were the marksmen in a match where the performances of Alex Norman had arguably his best game since joining the club.
With another tough match in store against Brixton next weekend, Slater will be telling his boys that they must not slip up here.
Slater told JC Sport: “We all know a win for us even at this early stage will see either a five or six point lead.
“We're going for the three points, make no mistake about it.”
This match might come a day after Guy Fawkes night but I think sparks will fly.
JC team news: Chigwell star Paul Lenchner misses out with a stress-related ailment after seeing a photo of Daniel Barbanel in a mankini. Rumour has it he will buy his mate a copy of the new The Only Way is Essex fitness DVD for Chanukah! Player-manager Richard Slater is also out with a foot injury. New signing Daniel Warwick, from Brixton A, is named in the squad.
Venue – Ark Academy, Ref – J. Feenstra
JC star man: Eli Houri (Norstar)
DC Prediction: Norstar A 2 Chigwell Athletic 2
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BRIXTON OLD BOYS A vs OAKWOOD
There’s a real treat in store at Clowes when two teams I expect to be challenging for promotion go head to head.
This match will be a high-octane affair and will need a strong referee and it’s no surprise that Referee’s Secretary Martin Fox has appointed Martin Lavender for a game featuring teams who have had players dismissed in recent weeks.
It’s hard to believe that Brixton have only played two games in the league but John Nitka’s men have had bigger fish to fry in the cup competitions and fry them they have.
Striker Jamie Kent is in the form of his life while the likes of Ed Weicz, James Kaye, Jake Doffman and Ben Wineburg are also firing on all cylinders.
The Oaks are going through a sticky patch at the moment but I’m certain that managers Ric Blank and Alex Schock would rather have a blip now than at the business end of the season.
They suffered a double whammy last weekend when they were knocked out of the Anekstein by second division Lions B last Sunday and had Ben Myers sent off.
Messus Blank and Schock will be calling for cool heads on Sunday as they know the importance of keeping 11 men on the pitch.
Given recent results, most people would fancy Brixton to come away with maximum points but you under-estimate Oakwood at your peril. Like Brixton, they have a group of players that could cut it in the top-flight.
It should be a cracker.
Venue – Clowes, Ref – M. Lavender
JC star man: Ben Wineburg (Brixton)
DC Prediction: Brixton OB A 1 Oakwood 1
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NORTH WEST NEASDEN B vs MONTANA BOCA UNITED
Vivian Emanuel, the manager of Montana, has described Sunday’s meeting with Neasden B as “a must-win”.
Having given a run-out to one or two squad players in the cup last weekend, Emanuel will name a full-strength line-up for a match that I expect them to take the points.
Emanuel said: “We need to take our cup victories and turn them into league wins. We have a good strength squad for Sunday’s game.
“Some key old Montana guys are back from injury and they give us much needed experience to get some wins under our belts.
“We cannot under-estimate Neasden B, although they are yet to win this season it doesn’t mean they are going to lose again.
“We played some great football last week and I hope we can make that happen again this week.”
Neasden go into the game on the back of a 2-0 defeat in cup against North London Raiders A.
Manager Daniel Hodes missed the match in favour of a prolonged stay in Vegas,leaving Adam Kern in charge.
The Neasden team features a mish-mash of players with keeper Daniel Beresford, Adam Leveson, Rik Harris, Jamie Lustigman and Jonny Blain offering great experience while youth comes in the form of Ricky Rinder and Adam Paris but it’s vital that they start getting points on the board.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Daniel Hodes told JC Sport: "Although slow, there has been a definite improvement that has come about even though the results don't reflect that. Key players being available will make all the difference but week to week I can never be sure."
But with Trevor Henen, Mike Perkin and Darren Cohen in top form, I think Montana will have too much on the day.
JC team news: Defender Adam Levene is expected to return to C team duty for Neasden despite impressing in the cup last weekend.
Venue – Gosling Sports Park, Ref – M. de la Fuente
JC star man: Trevor Henen (Montana)
DC Prediction: NW Neasden B 0 Montana Boca Utd 2
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SOUTHGATE HARMEN B vs TEMPLE FORTUNE A
How do we recover from a 6-1 battering by a Division Two team. That is the question on the lips of every Harmen B fan right now.
They had no answer to a team that was on top of their game but manager Marc Cohen will be looking for a big reaction on Sunday.
It’s amazing how quickly fortunes can change in football as it wasn’t so long ago that Harmen hit double figures. Cohen is trying to take the rough with the smooth but he knows that his troops face a real test of character here.
Rob Benson filled his boots in an inter-club game last weekend but manager Lee Fegan hopes his star striker can do it when it really matters this Sunday.
Assistant-manager Jack Morris has reported a “full-strength squad for the first time this season - barring long term victims Ben Isaacs and Dan Natoff.
Morris told JC Sport: “We’re pleased to welcome back Ollie Squires to the squad after his liposuction operation in August!”
Consolidation is the name of the game for both sides this season and I can see this fixture producing plenty of goals.
Venue – Ashmole School, Ref – H. Raffe
JC star man: Rob Benson (Fortune)
DC Prediction: Southgate Harmen B 2 Temple Fortune A 3
DIVISION TWO
CAMDEN PARK vs FC TEAM B
Going out of the cup may not necessarily be a bad thing for Camden. That is what manager Josh Marks must tell his players after the 3-0 defeat against Brixton.
Marks learnt a lot about his players last weekend and the sending off of Mike Khalastchi was regrettable.
Camden’s Nick Kagan told JC Sport: “There were positives to take from the game, lessons to learn and they'll be a big reaction next week.”
FC Team B go into the game on the back of a 6-1 defeat against Norstar B. Manager Ben Simon would have been pleased with the first-half display but equally concerned with the way they caved in during the second half.
The teams were involved in a seven-goal thriller two months ago and I can see another epic contest unfolding. But when push comes to shove, I’m tipping Camden to maintain their perfect record in the league.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – P. Dobkin
JC star man: Mike Khalastchi (Camden)
DC Prediction: Camden Park 3 FC Team B 2
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FAITHFOLD C vs GLENTHORNE UNITED A
There is every chance that the JC Manager of the Week curse could strike at the Hive this weekend.
David Garson was hailed ‘the tinkerman’ after masterminding a memorable 6-1 demolition of first division Harmen B.
Ben Simons led the way with a quality treble with strike partner Richard Fogelman giving Faithfold fans a taste of things to come.
Looking forward to Sunday, Garson told JC Sport: “If we can play with the same drive and energy as we did last week it should be a really good game.”
Keeper Brad Grant and Dan Lipman were two of the players who came away last week’s defeat against Hendon A with plenty of credit.
Grant made a couple of stunning saves but not even his best efforts could stop the Hammers running out 6-0 winners.
Many people tipped them for back-to-back promotions at the start of the season and player-manager Lipman knows the importance of three points on Sunday.
He told JC Sport: “We’re looking forward to getting back on track in the league following a difficult match last week.
“Our priority this season was always the league and now we're out of the cup we can concentrate on the job at hand.”
The teams are scheduled to meet again next weekend so victory on Sunday could give one team a clear psychological edge.
JC team news: Faithfold welcome back Jamie Taylor, Matt Smith and the legend that is Scott Ackerman.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – W. Blake
JC star man: Matt Smith (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Faithfold C 2 Glenthorne Utd A 2
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B vs FAITHFOLD B
It could be calculators at the ready as free-scoring Hendon B and Faithfold B lock horns for the first time this season.
The Hornets’ season is going from strength to strength. They have won every game this season and managers Chaim Gothold and Motty Korman have just picked up their JC Managers of the Month award for Division Two.
Last week they hit Los Blancos for six in the cup with Raph Noe (2), Gav Noe, Danny Steel and Gothold (2) the marksmen.
But Korman is expecting a much sterner test on Sunday. He told JC Sport: “Faithfold are a good team and have started the season well.
“I have no doubt this will be our toughest of the game of the season so far and we can't under-estimate them.
“Whilst our strikers have been scoring, we must be more clinical as we won't get many chances against a strong defence on Sunday.
“We hope to stay undefeated but three points may be a step to far for our young team that is still gelling.”
Faithfold B go into the game on the back of their biggest success of the season. Dan Hildebrand helped himself to a fab four-goal salvo in the 6-1 thumping of L’Equipe. Dan Stock finished the job with a double.
But Hildebrand delivered a bombshell after the game, announcing that he was leaving to join Brady B.
That is clearly a big blow but ahead of the game, assistant-manager Ben Lewis had this to say. “We’re hoping for a couple of returnees from injuries. Ben Loftus, who impressed pre-season, Josh Brooks and Adam Grossman, who was on fire up front at the beginning of the season. Otherwise we’re at full strength after an encouraging result last week.”
The stats say that this will be a very close game. I think that’s exactly how it will pan out and we will know a lot more about both these teams come 12.15pm on Sunday.
JC team news: Hendon are without Chanania Engelsman (injured) while Alon Blitz and Eytan Storfer are rated 50-50. Lolu and Simmy Hibbert have returned to Israel.
Venue – West Hendon Playing Fields, Ref – R. Benardout
JC star man: Danny Steel (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon Utd SC B 2 Faithfold B 1
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE C vs NORSTAR B
Revenge is seemingly the name of the game for Dan Gordon’s Redbridge on Sunday.
Going along nicely in the league, Gordon remembers last season’s clashes against Norstar well.
He told JC Sport: “Norstar took four points off us last season so we are certainly looking to put the record straight this time around.
“Confidence in camp is very high with four league victories on the spin. After the defeats at the beginning of the season, I have now found a settled team and we are playing like a side that is going to go out and win a football match.
“There are boys that are on the sidelines that can’t get a game and that is keeping everyone on there toes.
“I’m sure with Norstar winning on Sunday, they are going to be making the trip in full confidence and it is something we will be weary of and I will make my team aware of this before kick off.
“We have a full strength squad and once again, I will have to be letting some good players down.”
Josh Green and Eli Houri were the men behind Norstar’s 6-1 win over FC Team B – their first of the season.
With the monkey finally off their backs, manager Jonny Bunt will be looking for more of the same. Attack could be the best form of defence for the Stars on Sunday, otherwise the in-form pairing of Doron Weinstein and Gordon could rule the roost.
But Sunday’s won’t just be about two players. I will come down to which teams wants it most.
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – B. Pieters
JC star man: Craig Johnstone (Redbridge)
DC Prediction: Redbridge JC C 3 Norstar B 2
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DIVISION THREE
CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI vs UJIA
UJIA have been one of the surprise packages of the season and they go in search of a fifth league win when they travel to Edmonton to take on the Cats.
Darren Rolfe’s men went goal crazy against Blizzard last week with Assi Avital (2), Alex Seligman (2), Matt Radstone, Gavin Sherman, Gavin Rhodes and Nick Russell on target in an 8-2 win – their biggest of the last few years.
The U’s have hit the target 16 times in the last three games and they will be looking to cash in against the Cats on Sunday.
It was squeaky bum time for the Cats last week. They nearly threw away a 4-1 lead in the cup, eventually edging home 4-3 against Raiders C.
But they will have to tighten up at the back no end against a team in red-hot form.
Looking ahead to the game, Catford joint-manager Adam Lewis told JC Sport: “We have something of a small injury crisis this week, with Steve Keller, Joel Berwitz and Elliot Alexson all fighting to be fit for the weekend after picking up knocks.
“However, we do welcome back Ashley Stokes, Eli Baraty, Yonni Bord and Jonny Lee, all of whom can win matches single-handedly on their day.
“To be able to come off the back of a win last week and bring those players back into the squad is really great.
“We had three very good games with UJIA last year and I'm sure this one will be just as close. I'm sure both teams will be aiming to show how far they've come since last season, so it should be a well-contested game.”
There is no more for me to say than may the best team win.
Venue – Norsemen FC, Ref – R. Caplin
JC star man: Nick Russell (UJIA)
DC Prediction: Catford & Bromley Maccabi 2 UJIA 3
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GLENTHORNE UNITED B vs SHIRLEY PARK
It’s round two of Glenthorne B against Shirley Park and I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait.
The Thornes edged an epic in extra time last Sunday when strikes from James Rubin, John Wynne, Jamie Bernstein, Craig Sandford and Elliot Coulton saw them home in the cup.
The Anekstein Cup tie went to extra time and I expect heavy legs to play a part on Sunday.
Looking ahead to the crunch clash featuring two teams that have won all their games in the league, Glenthorne joint-manager Craig Sandford told JC Sport: “Obviously last week gave us a good insight and we know that we will be involved in another battle.
“Both sides like to play the right way and both have the players to create chances and score goals.
“After winning last week, we come into game confident but very focused on the job we have to do.
“The league is our priority and although last Sunday was an important win, this Sunday is massive.
“I am fully aware that Shirley Park will want to right the wrongs of last week but our team is prepared. We don’t mind fighting fire with fire.”
Shirley have scored a ridiculous number of goals already this season. There is every chance they will go on to register 100 times this season but on Sunday, the result will matter more than the performance.
In terms of a prediction, your guess is as good as mine.
JC team news: Glenthorne welcome back Simon Bagel and Paul Block but the injured Adam Shafron misses out.
Venue – London Marathon Playing Fields, Ref – G. Silver
JC star man: Jamie Bernstein (Glenthorne)
DC Prediction: Glenthorne Utd B 2 Shirley Park 2
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NORTH WEST NEASDEN C vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB C
Neasden are expected to welcome back Adam ‘the Doc’ Levene as they go in search of the three points that would see them leapfrog Hendon C.
Levene gave a typically brilliant performance for Neasden’s B team last Sunday but he’ll be looking to get back to business in the league here.
Edged out by Glenthorne B last time out, player-manager Louis Taylor sounded quietly confident in his post-match interview. “We have a full squad to choose from for Sunday's game,” he told JC Sport. “We have had a stop-start season so far, with gaps in between games, but we're ready to mount our promotion challenge this weekend.
“Jonny Franks may get a chance to shine after getting out of bed at the last minute to play in our last game. Simon Levene is away on holiday so that opens up a space in the midfield, with many squad players fighting to take his place.
“We know Hendon from last year and will show them respect, but if we pass the ball as well as I know we can, then we have every chance of a victory.
The Hustlers have failed to score three times this season and that will be music to the ears of Taylor and co. It’s for this reason and this reason alone that I’m predicting a hard earned Neasden win.
Venue – Copthall, Ref – N. Cohen
JC star man: Jonny Franks (NWN)
DC Prediction: NW Neasden C 2 Hendon Utd SC C 1
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TEAM JLGB vs LOS BLANCOS
JLGB hope that it’s a case of seventh time lucky when they welcome Los Blancos to Walthamstow on Sunday.
Rob Silverman’s men have huffed and puffed their way through the season but ultimately, finished empty-handed.
Six straight defeats have not dampened spirits as much as you’d expect – especially as two of them came against Shirley Park – not to mention the 30 goals conceded.
Sunday will be a special day for both teams. As Silverman explains: “JLGB go into the unknown this weekend, facing Ls Blancos for the first time ever.
“Los Blancos come with a strong reputation so we will of course be showing them the respect they deserve.
“JLGB are fielding a strong team this Sunday although Adam Conway and Paul Black will be missed.
“Apart from the two games against Shirley Park, JLGB have been competitive in every game this season, losing by the odd goal on all but one other occasion. We have been getting better and better with every game so surely some points are just around the corner.”
Joel Minsky’s men go into the game on the back of a 6-0 bashing at the hands of Hendon B in the cup.
Bouncebackability is the name of the game after back-to-back defeats during which time 11 goals have flown into the Blancos net.
It could be a case of back to basics on Sunday but with Catford to follow a week later, things would look a lot better if they register a pair of morale-boosting wins.
Los Blancos have not become a bad team overnight and they will go flat out to prove that here.
Venue – Peter May Sports Centre, Ref – A. Lewis
JC star man: Ariel Weinstein (Los Blancos)
DC Prediction: Team JLGB 1 Los Blancos 3
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DIVISION FOUR
BOCA JEWNIORS vs TEMPLE FORTUNE B
Boca have lost seven on the spin but you have to give them an outside chance of coming away from Sunday’s meeting with Temple Fortune B with something to show for their efforts.
Manager Sefton Monk led from the front last week, firing a double including a 30-yard special in the 6-2 defeat against Jewventus.
Bradley Handelaar had a fine game in goal with Alex Newman, Brett Schuman.and Joel Levitt other plus points.
The bottom line is that they must keep believing that an elusive first win is just around the corner. Play their cards right and they could get it here.
Fortune have started blowing hot and cold but as long as Terry Jeffries and Joey Glynne keep banging in the goals, it’s dangerous to write them off.
They were hit for six on Sunday and although they are the top-scorers in the division it’s vital they turn up with the right attitude against Boca.
I believe in fairytales and at odds of 5-1, I’m backing the Boca boys to break their duck.
Venue – South Oxhey, Ref – L. Thorne
JC star man: Brett Schuman (Boca)
DC Prediction: Boca Jewniors 2 Temple Fortune B 2
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BRADY MACCABI B vs BRIXTON OLD BOYS B
High-flying Brady B will be looking to close the gap on table-topping Raiders C when they take on Brixton at the Lane.
Josh Dagul’s men are averaging four goals a game in the league, but they didn’t have things all their own way last Sunday – going down 4-0 to Harmen in the Anekstein.
Dagul told JC Sport: “We are looking to bounce back from our first defeat of the season by returning to winning ways in the league.
“Brixton have improved since Dan Selt took over so we are expecting a tough game but if we perform to our best ability then we should win on Sunday.
“We are looking to unleash new signing Dan Hildebrand, fresh from his four goals in his last appearance for Faithfold B, and Jason Davis is down from uni, although Mike Beaber is still injured.
Brixton have shown signs of clear improvement since Selt took charge but he will have his work cut out on Sunday.
They were well beaten by SPEC FC last Sunday and Selt will be looking for a big reaction from his troops.
Selt told JC Sport: “We look to have a strong squad for the game. We know that Brady, in all likelihood, will be the one of if not the strongest team we will face this season in the league matches.
Josh Dagul is an old friend of mine and to be honest as much as I love him, a win would be terrific especially in front of the whole Dagul clan!
“But I want to see us battle hard and run ourselves into the ground to get a result this week. If we can string everything together then you never know.”
I can see it being fairly even for about an hour on Sunday but ultimately, I think the quality of new boy Hildebrand could be the difference.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – N. Burns
JC star man: Dan Hildebrand (Brady)
DC Prediction: Brady B 3 Brixton B 1
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FC TEAM C vs ATHLETIC BILBAUM
Hats off to the Bilbaum boys. I expected them to get thumped in the cup against the almighty Neasden A, but they came away heads held high after a 2-0 defeat. See, even I get it wrong from time to time!
Manager Mark Pasha came away a proud man. “Despite the loss, it was another performance to be proud of and the Baums could hold their heads high as the left the Bernebaum,” he told JC Sport.
“Every player gave it their all and frustrated the NWN players, who had expected to notch up a cricket score.
“In the end though Neasden had just a little too much but it could have been different had Bilbaum taken a couple of their early chances.
Pasha praised the efforts of Roth brothers – Simon and Sam. Simon’s heroics in goal earned him a place in my Team of the Week while Sam put in a monster display in defensive midfield.
Pasha knows that victory on Sunday would move them to within two points of the leaders. If that isn’t an incentive then I don’t know what is.
FC Team boss Michael Myers will be looking to settle a score on Sunday. Beaten 2-0 in the cup by first division Montana last week, they have now gone more than 180 minutes without scoring.
Myers looked in determined mood when he faced the JC cameras. “Nothing went well for us the last time we met Bilbaum. We had the chance to finish them off in the first half but failed to take anyway.
“We need to convert our possession into goals and stop being caught out on the break.
“Hopefully Sunday will be a well-fought and enthralling encounter.”
A high-quality affair is on the cards. There is very little to separate the teams on paper and I think it will be much the same on grass.
JC team news: Injury has struck the FC Team camp with Matt Sheldon and Adam Aminoff missing out but Mike Myers is able to show off the great depth in squad by calling upon players such as Rob Sanford and Max Worth, hoping they can “control the game”.
Ref – M. Cowan
JC star man: Sam Roth (Bilbaum)
DC Prediction: FC Team C 1 Athletic Bilbaum 2
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SPEC FC vs ATHLETICO FINCHLEY
The Athletico boys are riding on the crest of a wave after claiming their first-ever victory in the JC MSFL.
Amit Dinowitz was the goal-scoring hero in the 6-2 demolition of Temple Fortune B but travelling fans will be gutted to hear that their talisman is missing on Sunday. SPEC FC, meanwhile, will be breathing a huge sigh of relief.
Managers Gideon Rabstein and James Margolin know that SPEC FC will pose a much tougher challenge on Sunday, arguably their toughest of the season.
Looking ahead to the game, Athletico chairman Zach Margolin told JC Sport: “Unfortunately, after a fantastic game last Sunday, Amit is out this week. Dovid Kurzer undergoes a late medical this week after an ankle injury. He is a maybe.
“However, we can welcome back Jak Wagner, Mikey Salem and myself who all missed last Sunday’s game.
“On the back of a great victory last Sunday, we are hoping to start a good run of form. Obviously we are hoping for a win, however we appreciate SPEC are a tough team to beat and we will be in for a good game,”
Captain marvel Ashley Burns helped the SPEC FC boys make it four out of five in the 5-2 victory over Brixton. There were also goals for Daniel Pike, Marc Hecht and Craig Cohen.
Reflecting on the game, a delighted Laurence Conway told JC Sport: “said: “I was very pleased with our overall performance, particularly in the first half. Some of the stuff we played in the first period was terrific and was a joy to watch from the sidelines.
"I think it really shows what we are capable of, even with a continued lengthy injury list.
"We know what we can do, but it is all about transferring that onto the pitch week in and week out and proving that to the rest of the league. We must continue to work hard in training and there is still a lot of improvement to be had. If we continue to work hard, then this squad can go places. Feet firmly on the ground though, and all that we will be concentrating on is the next game on Sunday.”
Athletico will need to pull out all the stops to deny SPEC FC maximum points on Sunday. I think it will be just beyond them as Conway’s troops are gradually going up the gears.
Venue – Hatfield Uni, Ref – Q. Fox
JC star man: Daniel Pike (SPEC FC)
DC Prediction: SPEC FC 4 Athletico Finchley 2
