There are some mouth-watering fixtures in store on Matchday 19 of the MGBSFL, with action schuduled in the Morrison, Anekstein and MGBSFL. Danny Caro brings you his weekly preview and predictions.
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PHOTOGALLERY - MACCABIAH MASTERS vs BRADY MACCABI B
PHOTOGALLERY - BRADY A vs LM LIONS BLUE
PHOTOGALLERY - LM LIONS WHITE vs BOCA JEWNIORS
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CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP QUARTER-FINAL DRAW
Camden Park vs AC Mill Hill
Los Blancos vs Norstar London Raiders A
Oakwood A vs Faithfold A
LM Lions Blue or Woodford Wanderers vs Chigwell Athletic or Hendon Utd SC A
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND TWO
REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A vs CHIGWELL ATHLETIC
There’s lots of spice surrounding the latest encounter of Redbridge against Chigwell.
Anything can happen in a derby but RJC start Sunday’s game as strong favourites. They are going well in the league, with top-scorer Adam Stolerman on fire. There’s just no stopping him right now.
Chigwell’s form has been patchy to say the least, but manager Richard Slater loves a challenge. Keeping the scoreline respectable could be the priority as their local rivals are streets ahead of them at the minute.
It will be cold, it will be raw and the latest east London derby will not disappoint. Take my word for it.
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – Martin Lavender (Games 12, Yellows 5, Reds 0)
JC star man: Danny Berg (RJC)
DC Prediction: RJC 4 Chigwell 1
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CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND FOUR
OAKWOOD A vs FAITHFOLD A
It’s the clash of the titans at Brunel on Sunday as cup hopefuls Oakwood and Faithfold go head-to-head.
The Oaks continued their good run last weekend when they put five past Hendon B in the cup. They just can’t stop scoring at the minute and it could be a busy morning for the Faithfold back-line.
Jonny Quinn was in top form last Sunday. He led the way with a double, with Anthony Kintish on the scoresheet once more.
Faithfold have claimed a pair of 4-2 victories over the Oaks in the league this season and there’ll be an added incentive for the hosts to try and set the record straight. They certainly don’t fear them and have nothing to lose.
Oaks joint-manager Ric Blank told JC Sport: "We're massively looking forward to Sunday’s cup quarter final against Faithfold. This is probably a bigger game for Faithfold given their title defence is over and they’ll expect silverware at the end of the season.
"For us, it’s a chance to chart our progress and see if we can give them a run for their money. We'll approach it like any other game and turn up ready to enjoy it and get stuck in.
"We are under-dogs and have some serious injury concerns, but we’ll give it a good go regardless.
"We've got a big squad to cope with this, but it’s tested to its limit this weekend. Others will have to step up."
Faithfold had no game last weekend which gave one or two the chance to rest niggles. But manager Zuriel Solomon will only accept one thing on Sunday – victory. Nothing else is good enough. He’s setting the bar high.
Solomon told JC Sport: "To date, this has become our most important game. We need to find a bit of luck in front of goal as we have struggled to score.
"Oakwood have had some good results and I know Ric and Alex have been waiting to meet us in the cup and probably feel it is the right time to play us.
"We have struggled a bit to find the same form as last year, but I am not going to moan about injuries, absentees etc it is what it is."
Solomon went on to say: "I also just wanted to clarify some quotes published in one paper last week. I didn’t fully blame the referee for our result. It was the fact that we played the last 20 minutes of the game with 10 men which is when Raiders scored the second goal. My point was the referee has only a few things to confirm - 11 players on each team, a valid first aid kit, receiving his fee and writing the subs in his little black book. Also Phil Peters mentioned if we “had brought on our subs it probably would not have made a difference”, but we played the last 20 minutes with 10 men and had two important player Johnny Haik and Sam Reeves who were not able to come on, so you can draw your own conclusions!”
Faithfold will need to call on all their fighting spirit and character, but in the end not even that may be enough to stop a determined Oakwood team.
JC team news: The Oaks are missing Adam Levine, Bobby Cousins, Dan Geey, Sam Jacobson, Alex Koslover and Oli Gee who are all out away or injured.
Faithfold are missing Alex Kaye while Dan Perkins is rated 50:50.
Venue – Brunel, Ref – Keith Goodman
JC star man: Guy Helman (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 2 Faithfold 1
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PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
10 - Mike Pearson (Faithfold A)
Adam Stolerman (Redbridge A)
DANNY CARO'S PREM DIV TEAM OF THE WEEK
HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A vs BRADY MACCABI A
Hendon will put the division’s last remaining unbeaten record on the line when they welcome title rivals Brady for a game that neither can afford to lose.
The Hammers were missing some of their big guns in the cup against Harmen last Sunday, but strikes from Greg Corin and Yoav Kestenbuam, as well as an excellent performance from Yoav Lebens took them through.
Only four points separate the teams going into the game, although Hendon have a massive five games in hand.
David Garbacz was in philosophical mood ahead of the visit of Brady. He told JC Sport; "It's better to have the points in the bag ... blah, blah, blah! Of course that is true but we can only get the points if we play the games!
"We find ourselves six games behind Norstar and simply have to get this game on this week. We are up against a resurgent Brady team who seem to have turned the corner after a disappointing start to the season and they will be very tough opposition.
"There will be some outstanding young talent on show on Sunday from both teams - the real future of Jewish football - but it might come down to a moment of inspiration from one of the more experienced boys like a Greg Corin or Ari Last to make the difference.
"Make no mistake - we are still well in this title race and three points on Sunday against one of our rivals will increase the belief even further.
"We will be a bit light at the back but hopefully we will make up for that up front. This is Yoav Kestenbaum’s last game for a while as he is back in Uni and he will wanting to go out on a high. As long as we get it on we are confident of getting what will be a massive win."
Brady had an easier time of it against Lions Blue. They ran the show from start to finish, with Mike Kenley adding another two goals to his tally, and Adam Arnold chipping in with the other.
Joel Nathan, the Brady boss, told JC Sport: “We are in for a big test on Sunday against a team challenging for the title, but I know we have the boys who are ready to upset their title charge.
"We have had two good wins in a row but again have to chop and change due to injuries and boys returning to uni."
I can see this game coming down to small details and am tipping Hendon to nick it.
JC team news: Hendon will be missing Josh Lipman (away) and Alex Rosenthal (work). Otherwise everyone else is available.
Brady have lost Ben Goldberg for the season and are still without Jonathan Green, Matt Sofier and Rob Lerner.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Richard Jaye (Games 9, Yellows 11, Reds 0)
JC star man: Yoav Kestenbaum (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon 2 Brady 1
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FC TEAM A vs NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS A
There’s no love lost between Team and NLR, and given that L’Orange are flying high at the top, Mitch Young and his merry men would love nothing better than to damage their title hopes.
David Dinkin, Matt Stock and Jamie Wolfson have been doing the business for NLR so far this season, but manager Phil Peters is planning some big changes on Sunday, and I’ve heard rumours that he and Jonny Blain could be involved. Both found the net in NLR’s big cup win over London Haroldeans last weekend, so all eyes will be on the teamsheet before the game.
Added to that, it’s worth remembering NLR hit Team for six in October, when Wolfson went home with the match-ball after netting a quality hat-trick.
Ahead of the game, Peters told JC Sport: “I have a full squad to choose from and will make decisions about who to leave out depending on whether we end up on a boggy grass pitch or the smoother all-weather surface.
“We demolished Team earlier in the season, but it won't be that easy this time - wherever we play. They're fighting relegation and will be doing everything they can to derail our title challenge - such is the fierce but friendly rivalry between the two clubs.
“As always, we're looking forward to the game and playing some more football after a fairly straightforward cup win this week - our league run-in is going to be rather stop-start over the coming weeks so we must ensure we do the business and I'm confident we can secure three points.”
Team came through what boss Mitch Young described as “a potential banana skin” against Woodford last Sunday, although they needed extra-time to see off the east Londoners. Young must hope that heavy legs don’t play a part, but given the opposition, I don’t see that as being a problem.
Venue – Old Camdenians/Ark Academy, Ref – Andy Myerson (Games 13, Yellows 15, Reds 1)
JC star man: Jake Weiner (Team)
DC Prediction: Team 0 NLR 0 (if on grass) Team 1 NLR 2 (if on 3g)
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LONDON MACCABI LIONS WHITE vs CAMDEN PARK
There’s a tasty relegation six-pointer in store at the Lane as in-form Lions White go in search of their fourth consecutive victory when they take on Camden.
The Lions booked their place in the third round of the Morrison – where they will take on either Redbridge or Oakwood B or Chigwell, climbing out of the danger zone is the priority for the youngest team in the division.
Lions no. 2 Johnathan Meltzer told JC Sport: “Sunday for both Camden and us should be a real eye-opener for the league as both teams have extremely young squads and have proven an asset to MSFL football.
"I have not seen Camden this season but have heard they have been really unlucky in results so I am sure we will have another tough game on our hands.
"For us it is about building foundations for the future, so we will just continue our learning process so this game is just like every other.
"It's a shame we have a few boys missing with injuries, but it gives us all a chance to play and rotate the squad with players who have seen less football than others."
Camden still have time to turn things around. They were ultimately well-beaten by RJC last weekend, but have the players and talented to get out of trouble.
One bad result against one of the top teams in Jewish football isn’t the end of the world, but it’s important they pick up a point or three on Sunday.
Camden boss Josh Marks told JC Sport: "You got it spot on it’s alright not to not pick up the points against the top teams, but three points on Sunday are a must.
"The break didn’t do us any favours and a lacklustre performance last week called for a team meeting in the rain midweek.
"Attitudes sharpened and determination rose. Most importantly Rob Hershkorn became our new captain.
"I've told the boys the ones who want it the most will play and on Sunday - I expect to see a new Camden side who now realise are fighting for their lives in this division."
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Neal Cohen (Games 14, Yellows 15, Reds 2)
JC star man: Guy Marks (Camden)
DC Prediction: LML 1 Camden 2
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
17 - Harrison Midda (Woodford)
13 - Jamie Kent (Shirley Park)
BRADY MACCABI B vs SOUTHGATE HARMEN
Harmen gave an excellent account of themselves against MGBSFL giants Hendon in the cup last weekend. The performance gave them huge belief that they are ready for a return to the big time.
They go into the crunch clash against title rivals Brady five points better off, but they have played three games more, so there will be no margin for error on Sunday.
Sam Castle now looks like the finished article up top. His goals and aerial prowess have been a real bonus this season, and with Lee Greenfield and Alex Bowman full of running, they will turn up confident of recording their eighth league win of the campaign.
Harmen joint-manager Joel Alterman told JC SPort: "Sunday sees us return to league action with over a month since our last Division One fixture.
"We come up against a strong Brady team in what can be described as a promotion 'six-pointer. Brady will still be on a high from their recent cup win and major upset when they toppled the Maccabiah Masters Seniors team, however we are sure that we will not see a repeat of the 3-0 scoreline in Brady's favour that we saw in the first half of the season.
"In our last fixture in the Peter Morrison Trophy, we showed what we are made of and forced a top Premier side to 'park the bus' to hold on to their lead for the last 20 minutes. This week we are looking to be more clinical in front of goal and take the chances when they are presented.
"Family rivalries are renewed in this fixture and the Harmen boys will give their all to make sure Ben Henry comes away with bragging rights over the Daguls."
But Brady will go into the game with a psychological edge having beaten the Southgate team convincingly in November. Reiss Mogilner (2) and Dave Newman inspired the Rowley Lane outfit to one of the results of their season.
And the Brady boys will be buoyed by last week’s thrilling comeback in the Morrison, when Josh Newman’s late winner sent them through against the London Maccabiah Masters.
The battle between Henry Ziff and Castle will be key and it wouldn’t surprise me if it finished honours even second time around.
JC team news: There are two major talking points for Harmen this week. The first is the 4-6 week lay-off of Adam Velleman whose ankle has swollen to the size of a football following ligament damage against Hendon. The second is the departure of Ben Kaye to AC Mill Hill. James Castle is suspended for this fixture.
Harmen squad: Adam Osper, Adam Simon, Alex Bowman, Ben Adaki, Ben Henry, Ben Weinberg, Bradley Fox, Danny Cohen, Harry Fine, James Sandler, Joel Alterman, Jon Morris, Jordan Grant, Jordan Segal, Lee Greenfield, Mitch Green, Oliver Leslie, Ricky Rinder, Sam Castle
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Gary Silver (Games 6, Yellows 19, Reds 1)
JC star man: Ben Hildebrand (Brady)
DC Prediction: Brady 1 Harmen 1
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BRIXTON OLD BOYS vs SPEC FC
SPEC are in deep water right now, just like the rest of us. Laurence Conway’s troops have struggled to make the step up and with match against Brady B and Blancos to follow, three points are essential on Sunday.
Scoring goals on a regular basis has been a real problem this season and Conway is scouring the transfer window to replace Dave Newman who recently joined Brady. But rumours of him signing and converting former Crystal Palace veteran Kevin Phillips are wide of the mark.
Ahead of the game, SPEC FC’s Ricky Lawrence told JC Sport: “Our main hope for this Sunday is that we actually get to play.”
Revenge will be the name of the game for Brixton who went down 5-3 against SPEC FC in their first meeting this season. Brixton chairman Robert Silverman described SPEC as “impressive, well-organised team,” but if one team has stepped up since then it’s Brixton.
They are far from safe themselves, but will certainly fancy their chances against a SPEC FC team leaking goals.
Venue – Clowes, Ref – Neil Cooper (Games 10, Yellows 19, Reds 0)
JC star man: Dean Rosenthal (Brixton)
DC Prediction: Brixton 3 SPEC FC 1
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LOS BLANCOS vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B
Blancos have “selection dilemmas galore” this week. Without a game since December, manager Jonathan Ison reports that “everyone is eager to begin 2014 with a win against Hendon”.
Hendon’s defensive shortcomings have been their achillies heel this season and it’s no surprise that old boy Adam Hersh is looking to score a hat-trick and “dedicate each goal to his new-born triplets”.
Ison went on to say: “Even Josh Cohen has flown back from Israel to keep our new no. 1 Nick on his toes!
“We know Hendon well and we are hopeful that the needed three points will be ours.”
Time is running out for Hendon, and with Shirley Park to follow next Sunday, they must go all out for maximum points. But I have a strong feeling that will only play into Blancos hands.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Teddy Littner
JC star man: Adam Hersh (Blancos)
DC Prediction: Blancos 4 Hendon 1
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WOODFORD WANDERERS vs NORTH WEST NEASDEN
NWN gaffer Stirling Kay sounded troubled when I caught up with him ahead of the big game with promotion rivals Woodford.
“Stirling, what’s up?” I said. “You sound like you have something on your mind. Come on, you can tell your old mate DC anything.” There was a deadly silence, before he confided in me.
“I have two concerns going into Sunday’s game,” said Kaye. “First we have not played for 7 weeks, and we have picked up a number of long-term injuries. We have too many players missing to name them - having said we will go with the players available.
“I know they will give me 100 per cent and with the excellent team spirit, I’m sure we will give a very good account of our selves.
“Wood ford are flying at the moment and they will go into the game as favourites, so bring them on!”
As Kay says, Woodford are flying in the league, but their Morrison dreams were dashed last Sunday by Premier Division FC Team. In extra-time. Now boss Tony Charles is promising big changes and I expect his troops to come out fired up and real to rumble.
Things are in their hands and with several players will be determined to give an improved showing ahead of the games against Hendon A and Chigwell.
We’ll only know the extent of NWN’s injury woes when the teamsheet comes out, but with the Wanderers clearly wounded, I’m tipping home advantage to swing it.
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – David Lazarus (Games 8, Yellows 16, Reds 0)
JC star man: Paul Billar (Woodford)
DC Prediction: Woodford 2 NWN 1
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
17 - Ben Zloof (AC Mill Hill)
15 - Nicky Woolf (Raiders B)
AC MILL HILL vs OAKWOOD B
Mill Hill and Oakwood are currently nearer the bottom than the top of Division Two. I believe both teams are too good to go down, but until they get points on the board they remain in the mix.
With boss Ian Tussie handing over the reins at the end of the season, he would’ve had visions of winning the title Fergie-style and leading the team to back-to-back titles. But his players have let their standards slip and they have dropped points when least expected.
Now it’s payback time. The players owe Tussie – the man whose press conferences I look forward to most!
Here are his latest pearls of wisdom. “Yes, away to AC Mill Hill, a derby of sorts although not officially recognised as one. Due to recent crowd trouble at Chase Lodge, where the Milanese Ultras were last seen throwing white yamulkehs at the referee in protest against a challenge on star striker Ben Zloof that the ref didn’t award a free kick for, the game has been moved to Hatfield 3G and will be played behind closed doors, surrounded by a metal fence that’s just too low to stop stray shots and will inevitably cost both teams at least three balls each.
“We’ve had a good week in the transfer market. We signed Jonathan Pressman who made his debut last week against Raiders. We signed JP because he’s tall and loud. He’s a fighter and that’s what we need - a bit of fight to help us with the fight we’re fighting in. We’re also in talks to sign 80’s heart-throb and one-time-guitarist Cyril (one-named like Aldair) who will give us another option although we’re not clear what that option is yet.
“We remain very active in the market and will be up later on January 31 trying to sign players and we’re looking for the calibre of player who will roll up their sleeves (not literally of course, it’s freezing!) and get stuck into a relegation dog-fight.
“The club has also announced this week the appointment of Ben Polak who has become Conditioning and Tactics Coach and assistant to the manager. It’s a broad role but one that Ben is perfect for. He’s a good egg is Ben and has an encyclopaedic knowledge of football and once read Inverting the Pyramid whilst on a train to Richmond where he was doing pro bono legal work. He is currently undergoing media training sessions with the club to help with his eye contact and will be ready to speak to the press from next week.
“Sunday is so important for us - we’re desperate to win and know it’ll be a tough game. We have to start better than last time and hope we get the rub of the artificial green. We’ve got a few out and a few in.”
Mill Hill go into the game two points ahead of the Oaks, with two games in hand. They lost to Faithfold B last time out and will be looking to give their fans a performance to warm their cockles.
Ahead of the game, Mill Hill boss Joe Levy told JC Sport: "We have moved the game to Hatfield Uni 3G in anticipation of the games at Chase Lodge being called off.
"We are almost back to full-strength and with the addition of some January transfers, we are hopeful of finishing strongly in the league.
"We are confident if we stick to the game-plan, we can claim another victory over Oakwood."
Mill Hill beat Oakwood earlier in the season but have yet to win at home and I suspect that if the visitors play their cards right they can put the smile back on the face of messus Tussie and their fans.
Venue – Hatfield 3g, Ref – Laurie Benson (Games 14, Yellows 26, Reds 1)
JC star man: Oren Hury (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Mill Hill 0 Oakwood 1
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FAITHFOLD B vs NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS B
NLR fans can almost smell the title, but they must take nothing for granted ahead of the trip to Faithfold B.
L’Orange are one of only two teams unbeaten in the league but their proud record will be put to the test when they take on a Faithfold team fighting for survival.
Dave Esterkin displayed his credentials for Division Two Player of the Year last weekend with another outstanding performance, and he’ll be looking to impress the JC Team of the Week panel of judges once more. Esty and Andrew McMaster found the net in the hard-earned win at Oakwood and a similar level of effort, determination and performance will be required on Sunday.
Faithfold lie just outside the danger zone, but they have played more games than the teams below them. Manager Rob Shooman has his team firing on all cylinders and they are showing great spirit every week, fighting for one another.
Ahead of the game, Faithfold no. 2 Dan Yoss told JC Sport: “We’re excited about Sunday’s game against the league leaders. They’re a very good side, especially Nicky Woolf who could play for their A-team.
“I'm challenging Kosky, Gahan, Jaffe, Rosie, Smith and Mossy to keep their first clean sheet on Sunday - if they want it they need to concentrate for 90 minutes.
“It’s a must win for us, staying up will be that much harder if we don’t get at least a point.”
The first 20 minutes will be crucial on Sunday. The longer Faithfold remain on level terms the more belief they will get. It’s all about winning the individual and collective battles, and most importantly, maintaining discipline, focus and concentration for the full 90 minutes.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Steve Levy (Games 10, Yellows 4, Red 1), KO – 10am
JC star man: Dave Simnock (NLR)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 1 NLR 2
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FC TEAM C vs LONDON HAROLDEANS
I won’t spend too much time on this one as Team and Haroldeans are leagues apart. No disrespect lads.
The yellow and blues romped home 8-1 in the corresponding fixture, when David Joseph Cohen (3),
David James Cohen (2), Max Worth, Rob Sanford and Adam Aminoff filled their boots.
Haroldeans have struggled against the division’s top teams and they remain on the look-out for an experienced goalkeeper. With Blizzard and Redbridge to follow, the next 270 minutes are really make or break of them.
Team have been scoring for fun this season and damage limitation could be the best bet for the visitors.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Adam Yuchetel (Games 11, Yellows 15, Red 1)
JC star man: Max Worth (Team)
DC Prediction: Team 4 Haroldeans 2
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DIVISION THREE
TOP-SCORERS
23 - Richard Fogelman (L’Equipe)
18 - Dan Gordon (Faithfold C)
15 - Dovi Fehler (Boca)
CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI vs L’EQUIPE
Match of the day in Division Three sees promotion rivals Catford host L’Equipe – a match that promises high-octane and passionate football.
The home side sit four points off top spot with a game in hand and are keen to make a statement of intention against one of the division’s highest-scoring teams.
Hampers his players who have been inactive for over a month.
Ahead of the game, Cats captain Adam Luria told JC Sport: “We’ve have a good, strong squad this week and everyone's aching to get back to it after not having had a game since the beginning of December.”
Goals are on the cards as L’Equipe take on the Cats for the first time. With plenty of games in hand on their rivals, the visitors know that victory would be a springboard for the second half of the campaign.
Boss Dan Cordell told JC Sport: “We have been waiting all season for this crunch game. I strongly expect a tough and hard fought game between two experienced MSFL sides.
“This is going to be a different type of game compared to those against the kids of Whetstone and Jewdinese as we know Catford aren’t afraid of a few challenges.
“We are confident and having had two weeks off we are ready to get out on the green stuff. In fact we are so confident that we are allowing Fogelman a weekend off for good behaviour. Added to that, he is scared of Edmonton so elected not to venture outside NW London and given he is some way ahead of Dan Gordon, he should be fine in the Golden Boot race.
“We have a few players still out with injuries but we have a strong and combative squad.”
Faithfold marksman Dan Gordon had this to say amid speculation his Golden Boot rival Richard Fogelman will miss the game. “I’m enjoying his mind games and look forward to reading he has scored again on Sunday,” Gordon told JC Sport. He has to play - he will not be able to miss this.”
I’m predicting an end-to-end thriller that finishes honours even.
JC team news: Cats keeper Guy Ben Aroya may miss out this week with a foot injury, but otherwise they're looking to be at full-strength. Adam Luria will be making his comeback after a lay-off with damaged ankle ligaments and Gabriel John's recovery after a knee op could see him return to full fitness.
L’Equipe new boy Jamie Warwick is in line for his debut following his move from Brixton Old Boys for an undisclosed fee.
Venue – Norseman FC, Ref – Martin De La Fuente (Games 7, Yellows 15, Red 1)
JC star man: Jamie Warwick (L’Equipe)
DC Prediction: Catford & Bromley 2 L’Equipe 2
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB C vs AC WHETSTONE
Club stalwart Chaim Strom will take charge of his beloved Hendon this week as manager Adam Glekin is away, and it is a chance for him to stake his claim to take the position on until the end of the season as Glekin continues his training for the London Marathon.
Strom will have an excellent squad with which to select from. The Hustlers haven’t been able to name key men Alex and David Elf in the squad too many times this season, but it is a luxury Strom has at his disposal.
There are a plethora of other options in the midfield, with Jono Nesbitt, Ezra Dulberg, Jaimie Grossman, Gab Saul and Adam Jacobs all vying for spots in the side.
“It is likely to be Ben David's final appearance before he becomes a married man, so he will he hoping to sign off with a goal.
Hendon manager Glekin told JC Sport: “We had a really good game against Whetstone earlier in the season which could have gone either way.
“There’s not much separating us in the table at the moment, so it’s a big game. I think if we want to finish in the top four (does that get us Champions League?) we really need to take all three points.”
Whetstone will be looking to enhance their promotion credentials. With no games next week, managers Clive Nathan and Anthony Cohen can put all their eggs in one basket and go for broke in west Hendon.
The Whetstone youngsters have given their fans value for money this season and have hit the target 14 times in the last 270 minutes, including back-to-back 5-2 wins.
For me, Sunday comes down to how Hendon handle the Whetstone attack in a game of goals.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Barry David (Games 6, Yellows 0, Red 0)
JC star man: Jaimie Grossman (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon 2 Whetstone 3
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TEMPLE FORTUNE vs BOCA JEWNIORS
Boca are looking to get back to business in their bid for a mid-table finish mid table.
Club secretary Viv Emanuel believes the players “gave a good account of themselves” against Lions White in the cup last weekend, “and 4-1 does not show the effort we put it in”.
He went on to say: “At 1-0 down the game was all to play for and two quick goals in the second half was the main issue here. Otherwise Jack and I can look to this week with the confidence of a win.
“Last week saw the debut of ex-NWN player Simon Lindall. It’s great to have him playing for us up top and he will form a good partnership with Dovi Fehler, so expect more goals.
“Dovi has now scored in every game he has played in attack for us this season and I really don't see this week being any different. I predict a minimum of two goals from him this week. All I have to do now is convince to stick around for next year!”
Emanuel went on to say: “We played Fortune in the first game of the season and although we had never played together before in a competitive game, we did very well. If it was not for their goalkeeper, we would have put three or four past them.
“This time around will be different - all the players know each other and we know we can win this. Although it is an away game, we play at Bannister - a pitch we know very well and look to take advantage.
“We have seven games left in the league. I genuinely believe we can pick up at least 15 points in those last games which will give us a healthy mid table finish.”
Gideon Wetrin, Zack Rich and Rob Jay earned Fortune a decent point at King Crown last but they might just find things tougher here.
JC team news: Boca welcome back Adam Kay.
Venue – Roger Bannister, Ref – Alex Smith (Games 7, Yellows 4, Reds 2), KO – 10am
JC star man: Simon Lindall (Boca)
DC Prediction: Fortune 1 Boca 3
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LOUGHTON ORIENT vs JEWDINESE
Jewdinese’s title ambitions could go into over-drive over the next three matches as two games in two weeks against struggling Temple Fortune follow Sunday’s trip to Loughton.
Jake Erlich’s men go into this weekend three points clear at the top and they have a chance to put some real daylight between themselves and their title rivals.
‘Nese were last beaten in mid-October and the signs look good ahead as they go into the business end of their first season.
Erlich told JC Sport: “It’s a big few weeks coming up for us leading to the last few games of the season.
“We will go to Loughton knowing that only three points will do if we wish to win the league this season. However, we know it won't be an easy task.
“I am quite surprised that Loughton are not higher in the league as last time out they gave us a great game and played some good football.
“The aim is to go there and win but we know it will not be an easy task.”
Loughton have produced some excellent results and performances, most notably the recent victories againstt Catford and NLR.
They have experienced players in virtually every position and it will be interesting how they set up against a young Jewdinese team, who will undoubtedly have the fresher legs.
If the pitch is heavy, that could play into Loughton’s hands and really make things interesting …
JC team news: Jewdinese with be missing Zac Brin (injury), along with Sim Cohen who is still suffering from an injury picked up against Faithfold.
Venue – Peter May, Ref – Adam Lewis
JC star man: Daniel Howard (Loughton)
DC Prediction: Loughton 2 Jewdinese 2
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NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS C vs FAITHFOLD C
NLR fans are confident of seeing their heroes perching proudly at the top of the table before long, with home games against Hendon and Loughton to follow Sunday’s visit of lowly Faithfold C.
L’Orange have been the model of consistency this season, with just two defeats in 13 and the signs all point towards them finishing the weekend on 30 points.
Zack Gothelf’s men have played some exhilarating football this season and not many teams get the better of them on their 3g fortress – with tika-taka football ensuring supporters turn up in their droves.
The NLR gaffer had this to say to JC Sport ahead of the game. “We’re hoping after a month off that we can bounce back and maintain our excellent, unbeaten home form so far this season.
“As with every game, the opposition doesn’t matter, provided we play our football we'll come home with three points.”
Faithfold have yet to keep a clean sheet this season and you can get odds of 10-1 on them doing that on Sunday. Manager David Garson this week completed the registration of Adam ‘Shaggy’ Levison who is in line for his debut, so expect an emotional return.
Garson sounded upbeat when he told JC Sport: “With the game on 3G, we are all chomping at the bit.”
The Superhoops have only won once on their travels this season and even though I expect them to huff and puff for 70 or so minutes, I think NLR will have too much, with the battle between Jake Yudelowitz and Dan Gordon key.
JC team news: NLR are without long-term injury victim Harley Patoff and they have been rocked by the news that Luke Goldsmith with miss at least one month with a muscle injury. Nick Haringman is unavailable for selection, so will have to wait until next weekend to make his long-awaited return from travelling. Andy Cohen is also unavailable and Alex Goodman is facing a last-minute fitness test after a re-occurrence of an ankle injury.
Dave Sherman returns from injury for Faithfold, but the treatment room is still busy with Farrell Monk joining the growing list of injured names.
Venue – Brunel, Ref – Steve Russell, (Games 15, Yellows 32, Reds 2), KO – 10.15
JC star man: Liam Stein (NLR)
DC Prediction: NLR 3 Faithfold 1
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ALSO SEE:
JC GOAL OF THE WEEK
Adam Stolerman (Redbridge A) - "a wordly" against Camden
JC SAVE OF THE WEEK
Oli Colmans (Brady A) - made a great point-blank save with the score at 1-0 that coul've changed the game
JC REFEREE OF THE WEEK
Robert Benardout (Oakwood B vs NL Raiders B)
