There's an all-Premier Division clash in the third round of the JC Cyril Anekstein Cup on Matchday 15 of the MSFL season. Danny Caro looks ahead to all the league and cup action.
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PHOTOGALLERY
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DANNY CARO'S MATCHDAY 14 OSCARS
DIVISIONAL GOAL OF THE WEEK
Prem Div - Jonny Haik (Faithfold A)
Div 1 - Michael Goldberg (Temple Fortune A)
Div 2 - Ashley Stokes (Catford & Bromley Maccabi)
Div 3 - Ben Zloof (AC Mill Hill)
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JC QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Adam Luria (Catford & Bromley) - "Against one of the strongest teams in the league, we can be genuinely disappointed not to have taken more from the game"
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JC REFEREE OF THE WEEK
Warwick Blake (Camden Park vs London Maccabi Lions A)
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POLLOCK ANNOUNCES MACCABIAH SQUAD
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CUP DRAWS
PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND 3 DRAW
JC CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND 3 DRAW
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
JC CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND THREE
FAITHFOLD A vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB C
Supporters of Faithfold A will arrive at the Lodge hoping to see the league leaders hit double figures when they host Hendon in a real David and Goliath affair in Mill Hill.
The Superhoops hit top gear last Sunday when they blew Lions A away at Rowley Lane. A memorable first 45 minutes saw them storm into a 4-0 lead and even though their second half showing was slightly less impressive, it was another step towards the title.
Manager Zuriel Solomon has the opportunity to tinker with his line-up and give some of the squad players a run-out.
Ahead of the game, he told JC Sport: “With snow forecast and the weather not meant to be improving, we hope to get the game on. It is a nice break from the league and important we put on a good show against Hendon C.
“We don’t know much about our opponents but will respect them never the less. It will be a good opportunity for me to rotate my squad and give a few players the chance to impress. We have a full squad this week.”
Hendon were beaten by the weather last weekend and manager Craig Miller will be relishing the opportunity to pit his wits against Premier Division giants. However, there’s a fair chance that some of his defenders are running scare.
The Hendon boss was in buoyant mood when I caught up with him this week. He told JC Sport: “This Sunday will be interesting. That’s all I can say. We are playing the best Jewish team in the country.
"It will be a great day out for us. We will go out and have fun as we always do. Whatever happens we will have a go in a cup - losing 15-0 or 1-0 means the same thing."
I'm going for something in the middle.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Laurie Benson
JC star man: Elliot Stern (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Faithfold A 6 Hendon C 0
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CAMDEN PARK vs BLIZZARD STORM
Bouncebackability is the name for first division Camden Park and I expect them to blow Blizzard away this Sunday.
Josh Marks’ men suffered their second home defeat of the season last weekend when Lions B came to town, but I don’t expect them to have any problems against lower division opposition.
Camden's Nick Kagan told JC Sport: "We're still a bit gutted about last week and are looking for a big win to lift the spirits.
"Let's hope our opposition's name doesn't reflect the weather. We would much rather be playing Mild Sunshine FC!"
But that won’t stop Blizzard trying to pull off an upset. Manager Simon Linden loves the cup competition and he’ll be determined to see his boys put on a good show on the 3G surface.
He told JC Sport: "It's a big game, and everyone's up for the challenge. I'm hoping for some of my injured players to return because we don't fear Camden."
Clearly, the conditions will favour Blizzard, but that won’t stop Camden safely booking their place in the hat for the next round.
Venue – Ark Academy, Ref – Andy Myerson
JC star man: Luke Brookner (Camden)
DC Prediction: Camden 3 Blizzard 0
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CHIGWELL ATHLETIC vs BRADY MACCABI B
Experience takes on youth in E17 on Sunday as first division Chigwell look to end the dreams of second division Brady B.
Both teams were frustrated by the weather last weekend, meaning some of the Chigwell boys were able to fine-tune their Chanukah celebrations in Faces.
But manager Richard Slater sounded in determined mood in a competition he feels they can do well in.
Slater told JC Sport: “For the second week in a row, we're in good shape. We’re missing two but are otherwise we're pretty much at full strength.
“It's a great chance for us to reach the quart finals of a cup and I'll make sure my players are 100 per cent focused.”
I’ve waxed lyrical about Brady B over the past 18 months. Their quality is undoubted and many successful years lie in front of them. No doubt, Josh Dagul’s men will be keen to give an ageing Chigwell squad the run-around, but they will need to defend well at set-pieces, an area in which the east Londoners excel.
There will be several mouth-watering battles around the park, most notably Dan Castle against James Joseph.
Looking ahead to the game, Brady player-manager Josh Dagul told JC Sport: "We haven't played for a few weeks and aren't at full strength, but we will go for it.
"It's going to be a tough away day, but if we turn up on the day then we are more than capable of making it through to the quarters."
Sunday will come down to which team wins their individual and collective battles. As long as Chigwell get the rub of the green, I can see them edging through in what some people are calling their cup final.
JC team news: Chigwell are missing experienced duo Richard Baum and Alex Norman.
Venue – Peter May, Ref – Adam Lewis
JC star man: Anthony Mendel (Chigwell)
DC Prediction: Chigwell Athletic 2 Brady B 1
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A
Local pride will be up for grabs on Sunday when the Bs of Division One tackle last season’s treble winners in a tie where a family simcha will weaken both teams.
Both teams enjoyed a lie-in last Sunday after their respective matches were postponed. That gave Jacob Gold’s hamstrings even longer to recover from his recent injury.
Hendon derbies are rarely classics, but as ever, the Bs will be out to try and prove a point and raise their game.
Joint-manager Motty Korman told JC Sport: “We haven’t played for a few weeks and with this weather as it is, we’re not even sure if the game will go ahead. However, preparations will continue on the assumption we will play.
“Everyone loves a derby, especially the underdogs - we have nothing to lose. We know the qualities of Hendon A, especially as we train with them weekly, and on their day they will beat anyone. But with the magic of the cup on a dodgy, icy West Hendon pitch, anything can happen....
“We are looking forward to playing again and hope we can make it an interesting game.”
A-team boss David Garbacz knows that the odds are stacked on his team progressing. He believes the cup holders are closing to finding their best form and will be looking to clinch the tie as early as possible.
Garbacz told JC Sport: “This is never an easy fixture and not one I’m overly looking forward to. On Friday night they are all eating chopped liver and chicken soup together and come Sunday morning we have sets of brothers and best friends facing each other in a crucial cup tie.
“The B’s have been going well this year and they will always raise it a few extra notches against us, so we must be completely focused and put aside all family rivalries to make sure we turn up and do a proper professional job.
“We are the current holders and it is vital we do not let that grip slip in the grass root surroundings of the beautiful West Hendon playing fields.
“We are expecting a tough match between two teams who know each other inside out, but ultimately, whilst they will probably come at us like a rabbit in headlights, our superiority should tell in the end, and hopefully the Sunday roast won’t be too awkward in the Korman and Nevies households.”
As good as the Bs have been over the last few months, I think the As will have too much on the day.
JC team news: The B’s welcome back Tali Nevies, who has finally recovered from his stag, and Gav Noe. Arthur Kaplan also returns and in what will be a massive confidence booster for the team. Korman added: “There’s no doubt prove that he is the clubs no1 keeper.
“We will also be missing Yishai Last, and although the A's will be without Avidan and Ari, who are away on a family trip, I believe Yishai is a bigger loss to us then Ari and Avidan are to them and no doubt their back four will be pleased not see him on Sunday morning!”
Chaim Gothold (suspended) and Danny Steel are both still out.
The Last family are away on a family simcha for Hendon A. This means they are missing Avidan and Ari, but presumably the B’s are missing Yishai . The A team are also missing Alex Rosenthal and long-term injury victim Alex Gilbert. Yoav Kestenbaum is back from University and is available.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Henry Raffe
JC star man: Martin Smulovitch (Hendon A)
DC Prediction: Hendon B 1 Hendon A 2
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A vs LONDON MACCABI LIONS A
The only all-Premier Division tussle sees Raiders A welcome the Lions to Brunel in what could be a real winter warmer.
L’Orange will be pleased to hear that some of Lions’ big-hitters are missing for a game that could turn their season.
Coincidentally, one of Raiders’ best performances came against the Lions in October when Adam Joselyn, Oli Henry and Jamie Wolfson were among the scorers in a famous 4-2 victory at Rowley Lane.
But they were well beaten by league leaders Faithfold last time out and will be determined to put on a good show in front of their fans.
With both teams currently flirting with relegation in the league, this match comes as a welcome distraction, especially with a place in the final at Wingate & Finchley a lucrative proposition in April.
Looking ahead to the game, Raiders boss Rob Richman told JC Sport: “We haven’t had much luck over the past month or so with the weather and we are all looking forward to playing a game of football on Sunday.
“Lions have a strong history in the Anekstein and no doubt will be particularly motivated to do well in the cup.
“They have recruited well over the past few weeks so we will go into Sunday expecting a really tough match.’
The Lions got a rude awakening against Faithfold last Sunday. They found themselves 4-0 down at half-time, and although they improved in the second half, there was no way back. Interim manager Andy Landesberg certainly learned a lot about his team.
He knows his troops will need to be on top of their game from the start at Brunel on Sunday. Landesberg told JC Sport: “It’s going to be a tough match for us. TJ Ketterman is not available and both Lee Cash and Danny Daggers are cup tied, so it will be down to our youngsters to put in a big shift.
“This is a cup match and hopefully some of our youngsters can show us what they can do. There will be six players from last years under 18’s in the squad, which is great news for the future.
“The spirit in the squad is excellent, and we can all sense that slowly but surely the team is starting to take shape.”
Raiders and Lions have had some classic scraps in recent years and Sunday should be no different.
JC team news: Raiders are missing a few players as expected at this time of the year. Dan Grossman, Dave Esterkin and Adam Joselyn are all out. B team sensation Ethan Zone has come into the squad.
Venue – Brunel, Ref – Stuart Ansher
JC star man: Danny Berliner (Raiders)
DC Prediction: NL Raiders A 3 LM Lions A 2 (Raiders to win in extra-time)
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OAKWOOD A P SPEC FC P
Match postponed due to Oakwood’s County Cup commitments
TEMPLE FORTUNE A P WOODFORD WANDERERS P
Match postponed due to Oakwood’s County Cup commitments
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JC MSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
12 - Adam Stolerman, (Redbridge JC A), Lee Cash (LM Lions A - 10 for Neasden A)
10 - Daryl Phillips (Faithfold A)
NORSTAR A vs BRIXTON OLD BOYS
Four months into their first season in the top-flight and Norstar A still awaits what is proving to be an elusive first win.
Manager Phil Peters believes that lady luck could play in part on Sunday as the Oranges look to break their duck in front of their own fans in Harrow.
In a candid interview, Peters told JC Sport: “The opportunity to pit one's wits against John Nitka is always one of the highlights of a manager's season and as we welcome Brixton to John Lyon on Sunday, we'll be hoping to avenge the devastating defeat we suffered on the final day of last season.
“Aside from our own De La Fuente, Brixton have the finest goalkeeper in the league and we know we'll have to be at our absolute best to beat Babyjakes. The defence however is definitely a weak spot and we'll be doing all we can to get at them.
“Ben Weinberg in the Brixton midfield is up there with the best in the division and we're hoping his broken finger is still playing on his mind as he comes up against Jonny Kay in what is sure to be a terrific midfield battle.
“In some ways I'm devastated that I uncovered Rob Blackman's attacking potential in Marseille this summer. Converting him from a defensive utility player to an incredibly competent false 9 or second striker is up there with my proudest managerial achievements and I hope I don't rue that decision on Sunday. It's good to see John continuing to play him there.
“As for my team, we've been struck by injuries and a lads' weekend in Dublin. Deci Spiro will make his debut after joining his brother in signing from Lions, whilst Mark Leader remains suspended and Sammy Kalms, Eli Houri, Sam Isaacs and Danny Bloom are long-term injury concerns.
“We are excited however to welcome back talismanic captain Jeremy Elster after his recent nuptials and subsequent dirty fortnight away.
“We keep believing that the next win is around the corner and if our luck changes who knows what might happen on Sunday.”
Brixton were well beaten by FC Team, although managed to come away with a rather flattering 2-1 defeat. Clowes is no longer a fortress for Nitka and co, and it’s vital they start picking up points on the road or else their league season will fall flat.
One thing is certain though on Sunday, goals are guaranteed. Time for me to stick out my neck. I’m going for the Stars to get the monkey off Peters’ back!!
Venue – John Lyons School, Ref – Neal Cohen
JC star man: Deci Spiro (Norstar)
DC Prediction: Norstar A 3 Brixton A 2
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BRADY MACCABI A vs FC TEAM A
FC Team A could finish the weekend in second place if they take maximum points against a resurgent Brady at Rowley Lane.
The boys in yellow and blue looked the part last weekend when they claimed an impressive victory at Brixton, courtesy of strikes from Richard Salmon and Marc Harris.
In the absence of manager Mitch Young, Jonathan Pearl had the side firing on all cylinders in a contest where Ollie Segal, Simon Peterman and the returning Jon Toby also caught the eye.
Ever the perfectionist, Young said he was disappointed to hear about the number of chances that went begging against Brixton and no doubt, finishing will be top of the list at training this week.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Young told JC Sport: “Brady are a real force. They have strengthened well over the year and I am expecting a really tough game.
“We are going into the game giving them the respect they deserve and know we have to win our individual battles to have any chance.
“Saying that, we are in good form and know a win will take us into second place. This is all the motivation we need. We have beaten Faithfold, we have beaten Hendon and if we can beat Brady we will be considered challengers.”
Brady had far too much for Norstar last week and manager Joel Nathan hopes they can maintain their winning ways against a side and manager he has the utmost respect for.
Nathan told JC Sport: “Mitch is probably one of the most committed managers I have every come across and this is reflected week in, week out by his team.
“They are a very strong outfit with great players all over the park, but we will be ready for them. We now have a lot more confidence going through the squad after being unbeaten in our last three league games and I am expecting that to continue on Sunday in what I imagine will be a very tight game.”
Nathan admitted Brady won last week, although they were not at their best. Jonny Ellis, Jon Green and Josh Hershman will have key roles to play in a game they will little motivation.
As both managers say, I think there will be very little to separate two talented teams.
JC team news: Brady are missing Ben Joseph this week, along with long term injury absentees Nicky smith, Jordan Nathan, Mark Lazare and Joel Lassman.
FC Team welcome back Jason Wood.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Andy Fridkin
JC star man: Jason Wood (Team)
DC Prediction: Brady A 1 FC Team A 1
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
24 - Jamie Kent (Shirley Park)
14 - Yishai Last (Hendon B)
10 - Chaim Gothold (Hendon B)
LONDON MACCABI LIONS B vs GLENTHORNE UNITED A
There’s a mouth-watering top-of-the-table clash in store at the Lane on Sunday morning as joint-leaders Lions B and Glenthorne A meet for the first time this season.
Looking at the table, there is virtually nothing to separate the teams. Glenthorne have scored a few more and the Lions have let in a few less. Other than that, it looks like Sunday’s contest will come down to small details.
The Lions go into the game in buoyant mood following their impressive 2-0 victory over promotion rivals Camden Park. Manager Jamie Kyte got his tactics spot on in a game where Nick Astaire and James Gold scored the goals that clinched their sixth win of the campaign.
Kyte was also delighted with the performance of right-back Matt Green in what was an outstanding team performance.
Glenthorne fell victim to the weather last week, but manager Sam Rosenthal will have his men ready for battle.
He knows his back four will need to keep an eye on Gold whose head-to-head with Thornes top-scorer Craig Sandford could be key to the outcome.
Much will also depend on how much time and space Dan Lassman, Fabio Revieccio and Dan Lipman can get on the ball for the visitors as I feel this match will be won and lost in midfield.
Ahead of kick-off, Rosenthal had this to say to JC Sport: “Rowley Lane is always a tough place to go, but we go there looking for all three points."
It should be a thriller!
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Martin Fox
JC star man: Matt Green (LML)
DC Prediction: Lions B 1 Glenthorne A 1
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SOUTHGATE HARMEN vs NORTH WEST NEASDEN A
I don’t expect there to be much to separate Harmen and Neasden A on Sunday.
Harmen have made a solid start, with a league double over UJIA seeing them start the match in mid-table. They also have a hugely impressive defensive record and have kept two clean sheets in six matches.
Youngsters Alex Bull and Ori Kobi have given the fans something to cheer about and put a big smile on the face of manager Dan Uzan.
Neasden have had time to reinforce their squad since some big name departures and will be competitive whoever is available.
But I fear conditions will prove something of a leveller on Sunday on what is expected to be a testing surface.
Venue – Ashmole School, Ref – Warwick Blake
JC star man: Adam Osper (Harmen)
DC Prediction: Harmen 0 Neasden A 0
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UJIA vs SHIRLEY PARK
It could be fill-your-boots time again for Shirley on Sunday and a long 90 minutes for UJIA.
There’s a big gulf in class between the teams and I think that will be evident come full-time.
If Jamie Kent and Saul Conway play for Shirley, I fear for the home side and can see their keeper being over-worked.
Kent collected the match ball after the first meeting with the U’s on the opening weekend of the season. The Golden Boot leader fired home a hat-trick in a 6-3 victory. There was also double delight for Gideon Gold and one for Nicky Plotnek who is keen to go out with a bang before making Aliyah in the new year.
UJIA manager Ben Radstone must consider parking the bus in front of his goal as damage limitation could be their best bet.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Keith Goodman
JC star man: Gideon Gold (Shirley)
DC Prediction: UJIA 0 Shirley Park 5
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
14 - Adam Hersh (Los Blancos)
8 - Dan Hildebrand (Brady B)
CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI vs ATHLETIC BILBAUM
The Cats came away from last weekend’s cup clash against Premier Division Redbridge with heads held high after playing their part in an epic game.
Captain Adam Luria told me the scoreline didn’t reflect the match as they asked plenty of questions of the east Londoners, especially in the first half.
The performances of Ashley Stokes and Jonny Lee certainly gave manager Lester Jacobs food for thought, not to mention, make some of the giants of Jewish football take note.
This Sunday they will be looking to stop another team going places in the shape of Bilbaum.
Looking ahead to the game, Luria told JC Sport: “It looks like we'll have a strong team. Adam Lister, whose performances were top notch before leaving for uni, is back with us so that's a big plus. We'll have top marksman Jamie Sinai back as well, so he'll be hoping to get back in the scoring mood after missing the big game last week.
“Jonny Lee, Yonni Bord and Ashley Stokes were rampant at times against Redbridge A on Sunday, so we'll be looking to take that into this week's game.
“Our last game with Bilbaum was one of the closest we've had this season and we were gutted to lose with the last kick of the game. They're a good team but we're feeling good at the moment so we're hoping to build on our recent results and performances and start to climb the table.”
The gauntlet has been well and truly laid down by the Cats who, as Luria mentioned, were edged out 2-1 by the Baums in September when Adam Landes and Ben Bell were the marksmen.
Bilbaum played for an hour last weekend but their match was abandoned after a serious injury to a rival player. Manager Mark Pasha hopes that they can get back on course and keep the pressure on leaders Neasden B.
An entertaining affair is on the cards and I think there could be a sting in the tail.
Venue – Norseman FC, Ref – Adam Yuchetel
JC star man: Adam Lister (Catford)
DC Prediction: Catford & Bromley 2 Athletic Bilbaum 2
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GLENTHORNE UNITED B vs FC TEAM B
Glenthorne felt they got a raw deal against SPEC FC last Sunday and the boys are determined to get back on the winning trail against lowly FC Team B this weekend.
Managers Liam Stein and Jordan Sapler cut frustrated figures at the final whistle as they drew their second blank in the league. But had top-scorer Adam Goldman not had a goal ruled out, things could’ve been very different.
Onwards and upwards, that has to be the Glenthorne motto. I managed to caught up with Sapler during the week and this is what he said.
“We need to get back to winning ways after last week's game against SPEC,” Sapler told JC Sport. “We know what we're up against when facing FC Team. It'll be another mix and match squad, but I'm confident in the ability of all the boys in whatever position they play.
“Three points will be a good way to go into our cup game next week. Hopefully the weather doesn't put an end to our hopes of getting back on track."
The Thornes go into the game with a big psychological edge having hit Team for six earlier in the season. Goldman (3), Ryan Cole, Andy Herman and Jay Lawrence did the damage.
The east Londoners made a very fast start in that match and had the game won before half time. Ben Simon’s boys must make sure lightning doesn’t strike twice.
JC team news: Glenthorne’s Jay Lawrence, Simon Bagel, Ash Stanton and Brad Grant miss out through injury, but they hope to welcome back James Berkley.
Venue – Ford Sport & Social, Ref – John Feenstra
JC star man: Ryan Cole (Glenthorne)
DC Prediction: Glenthorne Utd B 3 FC Team B 0
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B
If you’re looking for a home banker this weekend, this could be it. Raiders B are bang in form, while RJC are in freefall.
There is a real buzz are the Raiders camp at the minute, with everyone talking about Ethan Zone following his four-goal heroics last Sunday. Shirt sales have gone through the roof and it’s only a matter of time until he’s invited to light the giant Chanukiah in Uxbridge.
But manager Oli Shorts is determined to keep the squad focused for a game they are expected to win.
Shorts handed over the reins to club chairman Jonathan Adelman last weekend, but he can’t wait to get back into the hotseat on Sunday.
“Following two straight wins, it’s all change again with our line-up,” Shorts told JC Sport. “I’ve always said that our early season form wasn’t a crisis. We are financially secure and have extended our deal with shirt sponsor Nike.
“Yes, we’re out of both cup competitions, but to me finishing fourth is also a trophy and if we can keep up our form there is no reason why we can’t push higher up the league.”
Redbridge start the match in the relegation zone and manager Jon Jacobs will hope some of his boys turn into men on Sunday morning. But there’s a strong chance they will be building snowmen instead.
JC team news: Ethan Zone will join up with the Raiders A team, while Darren Russell has prior engagements. Australian Celebrity Dan Garb is needed in Manchester to report on a game of football. Raiders welcome back Nicky Woolf and Jonny Blain after a week off while Sam Morell rejoins the squad following a long-term injury.
Ref – Steve Russell
JC star man: Jonny Blain (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Raiders B 3 Redbridge B 1
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NORTH WEST NEASDEN B vs LOS BLANCOS
Blancos player-manager Adam Hersh takes his team to Copthall with one thing in mind – three points.
He came away from Uxbridge head bowed last Sunday after seeing his team well beaten by Raiders B on 3G – his least favourite surface.
Now he is looking for a big reaction when they visit the leaders.
“Sunday is a must win as our recent performances have been poor and we haven’t taken the points that we should have,” a dogged Hersh told JC Sport.
“NWN C are an old foe and one the whole team want to finally beat getting us back to winning ways.
“It’s make or break this week in regard to our title challenge and if the boys have learnt anything over the last few weeks, then three points should be in the bag.”
Neasden have gone about their business in a calm and efficient manner. Experience in key positions is standing them in good stead, with manager Adam Levene seeing his players step up to the plate on a regular basis.
I don’t think there will be much to separate the teams, but think Neasden’s strength at set-pieces will sway it.
JC team news: Eddy Nathan (knee) is still sidelined for Blancos, while Josh Cohen is a doubt.
Venue - Copthall, Ref – Steve Levy
JC star man: Simon Cohen (NWN)
DC Prediction: Neasden B 2 Blancos 1
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DIVISION THREE
TOP-SCORERS
16 - Jono Gaon (Tottenham Chutspah)
14 - Ben Zloof (AC Mill Hill)
12 - Terry Jeffries (Temple Fortune B), Richard Fogelman (Jewventus), Alex Elf (Hendon Utd SC C)
10 - Ben Polak (Oakwood B)
AC MILL HILL vs TOTTENHAM CHUTSPAH
Leaders AC Mill Hill go in search of what would be their eighth league win of the season when they entertain Tottenham Chutspah to their Copthall home.
Manager Joe Levy had a big smile on his face last Sunday when they stuck seven past the Chutspah boys, with top-scorer Ben Zloof the chief tormentor.
I’ve heard reports of Zloof signing a five-year contract with the club this week on a double-your-money deal, which should put off some of the Premier Division big boys for a little while longer.
Levy is delighted with the way the season has gone thus far and he’s confident of another three points on Sunday.
“We’re missing one or two but thanks to a great squad of players, we are confident of making it five wins from five,” Levy told JC Sport.
Tottenham have conceded 18 goals in their last three games and an early goal on Sunday would really unsettle them. Several of the goals have been down to individual mistakes and manager Ariel Tamman will ask his troops to take some added responsibility on board.
No nonsense defending will be order of the day and it may be an idea to man-mark Zloof. But such is the quality of this Mill Hill squad, they have several potential match-winners capable of leading the visitors a merry dance.
Venue - Copthall, Ref – Robert Benardout
JC star man: Nick Kershberg (Mill Hill)
DC Prediction: AC Mill Hill 4 Tottenham Chutspah 0
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BOCA JEWNIORS vs JEWVENTUS
One of the division’s most prolific strikers takes on one of the division’s top keepers at the North Herts Arena on Sunday when Boca hosts Jewve.
The battle between Richard Fogelman and Ryan Monk is real MSFL box office.
Gabriel John’s troops could finish the weekend in the top four if they get the right result on Sunday. We’ve seen the best and worst of them in recent weeks, with a 7-0 win followed by a 6-0 defeat.
But they will be licking their lips to take on the league’s bottom team – a side that has conceded 10 goals in the last two games.
On paper, Jewve have the better team and I think it will pan out much the same way on grass.
Venue – North Herts Arena, Ref – Quentin Fox
JC star man: Ami Wynbourne (Jewve)
DC Prediction: Boca 2 Jewventus 4
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FAITHFOLD C vs TEMPLE FORTUNE B
Big Boris vs El Tel. Now that’s a clash I’d pay good money to watch.
Faithfold top-scorer Ben Simons will be looking to earn his team three points against fourth-placed Fortune B.in what will, weather permitting of course, be the first meeting between the teams this season.
Neither team was in action last weekend and Superhoops boss David Garson is hoping his players give the Hive faithful some early Chanukah cheer.
Garson told JC Sport: “In truth, we just hope the weather holds out so we can play. With it being on 3g we are slightly more optimistic!
“We welcome back Josh Sugarbread and first-choice keeper Justin Simons. Jeremy Teacher is also included in the squad having got permission from Mrs T to leave the house and we are hopeful that Ben Portnoi recovers from a particularly nasty Chanukah shopping injury involving eight candles, a box of matches and a luxury latke mix!”
Fortune B have lost their last two away games 4-0 and gaffer Jeffries hopes they are able to rediscover their early season form when they look like a team capable of challenging for promotion.
I think Sunday will be a game of goals and a Faithfold win.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – Martin Lavender
JC star man: Ben Portnoi (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Faithfold C 3 Temple Fortune B 2
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LOUGHTON ORIENT vs L’EQUIPE
Loughton and L’Equipe go in search of more points to help lift them away from wooden spoon favourites Boca.
There’s rarely a dull moment at Loughton Orient these days, with manager Dan Curtis always looking for a bargain at the Chanukah sales. The recent acquisition of Marc Silver really went down well with the fans. The former Redbridge man is just the type of player the club needs to help drive them forward.
There was an injury scare for Dean Silver, Marc’s younger brother, ahead of the game when he broke a finger-nail while moving house. Rumour has it that Deano has asked for a late fitness test, but Curtis has told him to man-up instead.
We’ve yet to see the best of L’Equipe this season, but they’ve failed to score in their last two games and there are few tougher grounds to go to on a cold, wintry Sunday morning that the Peter May.
If Loughton take their chances, I think they will take the points too.
Venue – Peter May, Ref – Alan Russell
JC star man: Dean Silver (Loughton)
DC Prediction: Loughton Orient 3 L’Equipe 1
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NORSTAR C vs FC TEAM C
Norstar C know that they'll be up against it on Sunday as they play a team who quite frankly could and will eventually play at a much higher level within the MSFL.
That being said, Norstar will be more than up for the fight on Sunday, given many of their players’ knowledge of the opposition.
“This is a game that many who proudly play in the orange have been looking forward to since the team came into being,” Stars boss Zack Gothelf told JC Sport.
“We've got no new injury concerns, and long-term absentee Adam Rosenthal is slowly making progress. We've got a nearly full strength squad to choose from and some players will know that Sunday's game is one to pull out the performance that I know they have in them.
“Confidence is high amongst the squad and whereas six weeks ago this was a game that some players feared, good league form has led to a real belief that if we play solidly and as a team we can take something out of Sunday’s game.”
FC Team are on a seven-match winning streak in the league but their title credentials will be put to the test on Sunday. David James Cohen has been their main man this season, but they will need to perform from 1-11 against a confident Norstar team.
Managers Ben Gilbey and Michael Myers have taken many positives from the recent cup matches against higher division opposition and if this match is level going into the closing stages, I’d tip them to come up with a bit of magic to take the points, but they certainly won’t have things all their own way.
Venue – Ark Academy, Ref – Rob Caplin
JC star man: Eitan Ben-Zion (Team)
DC Prediction: Norstar C 1 FC Team C 2
