TEAM OF THE WEEK
YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE: (all matches kick-off at 10am unless stated)
MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP 3
1. HMH Pl. 6, W. 4, Pts. 13
2. Hendon Utd Sports Pl. 5, W. 4, Pts. 12
3. Oakwood Pl. 5, W. 2, Pts. 9
TOP-SCORERS 8 - Josh Cuby (Oakwood A), 6 - Avi Markiewicz (Faithfold DocMM White), Chaim Korman (Hendon Utd Sports)
FAIRLOP FC vs CAMDEN PARK
Shinpads will be needed for Sunday’s basement battle between winless Fairlop and Camden Park.
Fairlop have been struggling with injuries up to now and manager Aaron Dias has been unable to field his first-choice team.
Thrashed 5-0 by first division Raiders in the Anekstein last weekend, Fairlop need to put on a performance for their die-hard fans and make a statement to say ‘we belong in this division’.
The pressure is on following a run of five games without a win. Despite the injuries, they still have enough good players to get a result on Sunday, with Ryan Cole, Brad Gayer and James Jaconelli capable of moments and goals of individual brilliance.
Camden Park go into the game on the back of a hard-fought win over MLFC Red in the cup. Daniel Orgel popped up with a late winner in a game they trailed in. They were under the cosh but manager to hang in, before a clever tactical switch from manager Stirling Kay saw them finish strongly.
The Khalatschi brothers are key men for Camden. They bring physicality to the team and both David and Mike can play in several positions. Orgel is scoring on a regular basis this season, which can only be good news for the team.
But on Sunday I’m predicting a bruising contest that could finish honours even. It won’t be one for the purists.
Venue – 7 Kings
JC star man: Johann Jordi (Camden)
DC Prediction: Fairlop 1 Camden 1
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HMH vs MLFC BLUE
Thomas Prais, Sammy Kingston, Ethan Krell and Oscar Wagner received special praise following HMH’s 2-0 cup success against Faithfold DocMM White last weekend. But now it’s back to the bread and butter of the league as Avi Goldberg’s boys look to extend their lead at the top.
But they can expect another tough test when MLFC Blue come to their Edgware home, as the teams meet for the first time this season.
Last season HMH won two out of three games against MLFC, and they have strengthened considerably since then, especially in attack. Nate Kashket has gelled in superbly, but we’ve yet to see the best of Adam Ellis in an HMH jersey.
Ahead of the game, HMH gaffer Goldberg told JC Sport: "It's the first time we meet Lions this season and from what I hear it’s not clear what team we will see as normally they like to send in the Saturday boys to our match, something we always look forward to.
"We continued our good form last week with another clean sheet and a brace from Wagner which would have been more were it not for some good goalkeeping from Rabstein in the Faithfold goal. including an excellent penalty save.
"For us nothing less than three points will do in our quest to stay top of the Prem, preferably with yet another clean sheet."
MLFC joint-manager Max Kyte spoke highly of Redbridge Jewish Care’s Israeli hot-shot Niv Gur after last week’s 5-2 cup triumph. Gur scored twice and it wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest if Kyte put in an offer in the January transfer window.
MLFC have drawn their last three league games 2-2. They are struggling to keep the goals out this season, and have yet to keep a clean sheet.
This will be music to the ears of Goldberg and co for whom three points would be another big statement in their quest for the title.
JC Team news: Max Foster looks set to returns in defence for HMH, but Jake Norton, Sam Monjack and Josh Goldstein are struggling to shake off injuries.
Venue – The Hive
JC star man: Max Bull (HMH)
DC Prediction: HMH 2 MLFC 1
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OAKWOOD vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS
Oakwood and Hendon have had some fantastic battles over the years and I expect it to be more of the same on Sunday.
Hendon are used to be top of the pile, so it will be interesting to see how they handle playing catch-up, and they go into this game on the back of a 4-2 defeat against HMH.
Jordan Sapler’s men beat Oakwood four times last season – twice in the league and once in the cup – but the Oaks have a different manager in charge this season and he will be keen to put one over the champions. With Sapler absent on Sunday, goalkeeper Russell Corin will be in charge.
Oakwood have made themselves very hard to beat this season. They are the only unbeaten team in the top division and in Josh Cuby they have a player who will ask questions of the Hendon defence.
But when all is said and done, I expect Hendon to edge it.
JC team news: Mordy Weiler and Avi Korman return for Hendon.
Venue – Ark Academy
JC star man: Simon Peterman (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 0 Hendon 1
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DIVISION ONE
TOP 3
1. North London Galaxy Pl. 7, W. 5, Pts. 17
2. North London Raiders Pl. 6, W. 5, Pts. 16
3. Hertswood Vale Pl. ,6 W. 4, Pts. 13
TOP-SCORERS 10 - James Millet (Hertswood Vale), Reiss Mogilner (Jewdinese), Zach Cohen (Mill Hill Dons), 9 - Aron Gale (North London Raiders), Niv Gur (Redbridge Jewish Care)
HERTSWOOD VALE vs JEWDINESE
Jewdinese will be looking to close the gap on third-placed Vale when the teams meet for the first time in the league this season.
The Zebras beat Vale 3-1 in the League Cup last month and they will also be buoyed by last week’s terrific cup win over SPEC FC. Yes SPEC were missing leading marksman Zack Neiman, but ‘Nese were in irresistible form going forward, with running man Grant Reingold produced a eye-catching display in front of the JC cameras.
Adam Gold was another defender who impressed. He was in commanding form at the back and popped up with a goal and a place in JC Team of the Week. He really is a class act.
‘Nese start the game six points behind Vale with two games in hand, and gaffer Darren Lawrence who is expecting a tough test.
Ahead of the game, Lawrence told JC Sport: “We are very much looking forward to Sunday as it has been three weeks since our last league fixture, and we are keen to make up some ground on those above us.
“We go into Sunday on the back of a handsome win, but most importantly a good performance too. With a new formation in place, we played some lovely football, created plenty of chances and looked solid at the back too.
“Based on our previous game with Hertswood Vale, we know they will not be an easy opponent. They ran us close in the first round of the Cyril Anekstein and I'm sure Sunday will be no different.
“We will have to adapt to their pitch size as having played there against Galaxy, we know it is relatively tricky to play how we want to play.”
Vale have had a fortnight off to refresh following the entertaining 2-2 draw against Brook Farm Rovers. They are having an excellent first season in Division One, but joint-manager Jacob Emanuel predicts a tough 90 minutes ahead.
Emanuel told JC Sport: “We’ve been looking forward to this game since we faced Jewdinese in the cup back in October – unfortunately for us, it’s come at the worst possible time with a number of players unavailable for different reasons. Nonetheless, I do expect a very competitive game.
“Having already played Jewdinese once this season, I have to admit I was very impressed by the quality of their squad, and I have no doubt that they’ll give Raiders and Galaxy a run for their money in the league this season.”
Vale will be out to right some wrongs from the cup meeting, and Emanuel said: “We felt hard done by when we faced them after some incredible goalkeeping kept them in front, and in the end they won it on the counter-attack – we’ll be looking for a chance to make things right in the league this time around but we know it won’t be easy.
“With as many as 8 players unavailable for this one, there are rumours of a last-minute dip into the transfer market, with one of our three triallists in last week’s friendly win against Hampstead Ducks looking to get the nod.”
Vale made some astute additions during the summer, so I’m interested to see who they’ve picked up.
The return of Halmer is huge for 'Nese. And with Vale missing key men, I’m tipping ‘Nese to nick it.
JC team news: ‘Nese welcome back Ben Halmer this week, however they are without the suspended James Ross and injured pair Arron Goldberg and Josh Platt.
Venue – East Barnet School, KO – 9.45am
JC star man: Ben Halmer (‘Nese)
DC Prediction: Vale 1 ‘Nese 2
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BROOK FARM ROVERS vs MILL HILL DONS
A close game is on the cards as fifth-placed Brook Farm Rovers host seven-placed Mill Hill Dons.
There’s little to separate the teams on paper, with both sides having won two in seven, but Rovers have been harder to beat. The new boys are unbeaten in six league games.
You may recall Rovers struggled to cope with Mill Hill’s long-throws in the first meeting, which finish 2-2. In the end they came away with a point thanks to an 80th minute goal from Philippe Auret.
And joint-manager Dan Cohen hopes it’ll be Auret on the morning (Ed. apologies, bad gag, I know!). He told JC Sport: “Due to several injuries and players away, we take a very thin squad with us to Capital City for a massive home game against the Dons.
“We should have beaten them in the reverse fixture but just couldn’t quite get the goals we deserved.”
You may recall Rovers struggled to cope with Mill Hill’s long-throws in the first meeting, which finish 2-2. In the end they came away with a point thanks to an 80th minute goal from Philippe Auret.
And joint-manager Dan Cohen hopes it’ll be Auret on the morning (Ed. apologies, bad gag, I know!). He told JC Sport: “Due to several injuries and players away, we take a very thin squad with us to Capital City for a massive home game against the Dons.
“We should have beaten them in the reverse fixture but just couldn’t quite get the goals we deserved.”
Cohen understands the importance of a strong run between now and Chanukah and he went on to say: “We need to start converting our recent draws into wins and this Sunday is a perfect opportunity to do just that.
“We know what they are about and we are confident we have what it takes to halt their threats and get the victory we need to start moving up the table.”
The Dons go into the game fresh-faced and ready to rumble. Jamie Nagioff takes charge in the prolonged absence of Brandon Hamme, and he’s raring to go. “We've now had two weeks in a row without a game, so the boys are really looking forward to getting back out there against Brook Farm this week,” he told JC Sport.
“It was a tight game in the reverse fixture earlier this season and, while we were a tad fortunate to come away with a draw, we know we could have played a lot better that day.
“This time out, we need to be on top form to get the win but confidence is high and we're looking sharp in training. This is a great opportunity for us to get some more points on the board.”
This is another tough game to call. I can’t see there being more than a goal in it and am tipping Rovers to get their noses over the line first.
JC team news: Mill Hill’s injury list is still much the same, although there are rumours of a return for Josh Cinna. Marc Rister is now away for a month so is unavailable for selection.
Venue – Capital City
JC star man: Jake Dayan (Rovers)
DC Prediction: Rovers 2 Dons 1
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MLFC RED vs BAYERN MINCHA
Relegation rivals MLFC Red and Bayern Mincha lock horns at the Lane on Sunday with both sets of teams looking for their first win of the season.
MLFC were 15 minutes away from beating Premier Division Camden Park in the cup, but they were unable to hold on a lead given to them by Charlie Ezra.
Manager Joel Nathan was delighted by the performance and he is confident of getting the monkey off their backs on Sunday.
He told JC Sport: “We have had a tough time as we try to bed in lots of youngsters, but there are great signs that these boys are adapting to men’s football and it will be great for the future. Let’s hope we can get that first win on Sunday.
“I know Bayern Mincha have also had a hard start to the season but am sure they will give us a tough match on Sunday.
“Team news changes hourly but we will have 11 players raring to go on.”
Bayern did not play Mill Hill Dons last week due to a suspension. Let’s hope football is the winner on Sunday.
Venue – Rowley Lane
JC star man: Charlie Ezra (MLFC)
DC Prediction: MLFC 2 Bayern 0
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SPEC FC vs NORTH LONDON GALAXY
Leaders North London Galaxy are the latest visitors to St James’s Park – a ground where SPEC FC conceded six times last week.
But player-manager Luke Lewis is taking nothing for granted against opponents he respects. Indeed he’s predicting a tough morning against a team that can score goals.
“Ten games played, ten unbeaten – I’m so proud of where we’ve come to so far, but we have to make sure this is just the start,” Lewis told JC Sport.
“Having played SPEC a few weeks back, we know they set up well defensively and have a great striker who scores goals.
“We can’t afford to switch off and allow him chances - I’ll be expecting my defence to nullify him on Sunday and make amends for the 4-3 game where ultimately Jake Moss single-handily won us the game.
“We must get another three points and look to go into our away day in Manchester on some good form.”
SPEC were second best against Jewdinese last weekend, and boss Ricky Lawrence will be looking for a big reaction.
“This is the second of three really tough games in a row,” Lawrence told JC Sport. “We’ll be attempting to put in a better performance than against Jewdinese last week and they’ll probably be hoping that we do.
“As always, we’re missing a couple of key players but we also welcome some who couldn’t play last week.”
Galaxy have kept clean sheets in their last two games and conceded just once away all season. I expect them to come through their latest test, but it won’t be one-sided.
JC team news: SPEC fans hope top-scorer Zack Neiman is among the returnees.
Galaxy have Joe Bellman coming into the squad on firing form with Nottingham. Dylan Kaye and Joey Gold are also back in the squad providing quality forward options. Jordan Aspis fates a late fitness test with a hamstring strain.
Venue – St James’s Park, KO - 10.15am
JC star man: Joe Bellman (Galaxy)
DC Prediction: SPEC 2 Galaxy 3
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DIVISION TWO
TOP 3
1. FC Team Pl. 7, W. 6, Pts. 19
2. Temple Fortune Pl. 8, W. 5, Pts. 16
3. Borussia Barnet Pl. 7, W. 5, Pts. 16
TOP-SCORERS 14 - Jono Gaon (Hampstead Ducks), 11 - Danny Sherman (Temple Fortune), 10 - Simon Cohen (Temple Fortune)
FAITHFOLD DOCMM GREEN vs BORUSSIA BARNET
Borussia Barnet have scored 12 goals in their last two games and they are strong favourites to overpower Faithfold on Sunday.
The Borussia boys have kept three clean sheets so far and they will be looking to settle a score against the Superhoops this weekend.
Mike Kenley and Joe Rodney exchanged goals in the first meeting, which finished 1-1. Borussia were far from their best on the day but they kept going until the end to get what could be a crucial point come the end of the season.
“Last time we played Faithfold a few weeks ago, it ended in a bitterly disappointing 1-1 draw where it felt like a loss after,” Borussia joint-manager Brad Papier told JC Sport.
“Honestly it was an awful feeling after, we felt robbed of two additional points. The boys require no motivating this week after the draw as it was quite a heated affair and the lads are looking for revenge.”
It appears Borussia are planning for the longer term, and Papier added: “We have a massive cup week, so some players have been rested but I’m confident in my squad to believe that the boys playing Sunday will get the job done.
“Last week was our best performance of the season and we’re looking to build on that during this run in to Christmas featuring an enormous cup tie against MJSL Rep Side and a potential banana skin against West Hamdillah.
“The boys are ready for Sunday and anything less than three points will be a bitter disappointment. We’re eager to set the record straight against Faithfold.”
Faithfold’s tactics frustrated Borussia last time out and it will be a major surprise if they can go toe to toe with them again, especially with rumours arising they are struggling to get a team out this week.
Could this be mind games … only time will tell.
JC team news: Ollie Smith out with a back injury, Jack Mattey will be a late decision pending travel from Nottingham. Kenley returns to the side.
Venue – Tempsford Green
JC star man: Michael Kenley (Borussia) - desperate to bag past the Faithfold keeper after tempers flared last time
DC Prediction: Faithfold 1 Borussia 3
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NORTH WEST LONDON BEARS vs FC TEAM
If you’re a Bears’ fan, who is the last Maccabi League club you want to play right now? FC Team would have to be up there. Mitch Young’s side have scored 37 goals this season and they go into this game on the back of a 12-1 win.
Richard Salmon, Mitch Young and Jonny Haik have set the division alight, and with Connor Perl set to return imminently, it could be a long morning for the home side.
That said, the Bears held FC Team 2-2 earlier in the season. Joint-player-manager James Harpin has been rummaging around his bedroom looking for that teamtalk. Whatever he said that day worked wonders. But it’s been all downhill from there.
I suggest the Bears get back to basics and adopt a no nonsense approach to defending, giving Harpin the protection he so deserves. The Bears should set up 4-5-1, frustrate the visitors and try to hit them on the break. But I’m not sure if they have the players to do the job on Sunday. Harpin and Sam Fresco need their players to stand up and be counted and prove they have the cojones to live with the best in the division.
Venue – London Academy
JC star man: David Grossman (FC Team)
DC Prediction: Bears 0 FC Team 5
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SCRABBLE FC vs HAMPSTEAD DUCKS
Scrabble have slumped to defeat in their last five matches, and it’s clearly a worrying time for their fans.
With Black Friday sales already upon us, the likes of Nigel Goldthorpe and Alex Bourne must be worrying how much their other halves are planning to spend at Brent Cross, especially with Chanukah around the corner.
They gave an improved showing against Club de Chigwell last Sunday, but have stopped coming up with the answers against the younger teams.
The Ducks thumped Scrabble 7-2 only a couple of weeks ago. League top-scorer Jono Gaon helped himself to a hat-trick on a day when virtually everything he touched turned to goals.
Scrabble’s home form has been erratic, while the Ducks are regularly involved in high-scoring affairs. So a prediction on Sunday is anyone’s guess!
Venue – JCoSS
JC star man: Joel Sandler (Ducks)
DC Prediction: Scrabble 2 Ducks 4
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WEST HAMDILLAH vs PARIS SAINT-JEWMAIN
PSJ gave an excellent account of themselves in the cup last weekend against Division One table-toppers North London Galaxy. And if they can reach those levels again, they could register a handsome win over basement battlers West Hamdillah on Sunday.
Goalkeeper Joni Hirschowitz was rewarded for his super show in goal with a place in my Team of the Week. He was nominated by both managers after an outstanding display.
Now manager Elio Elia hopes his players can do the business against the league’s bottom team. He told JC Sport: “We’re looking to take the positives out of last week’s game and put in a strong performance against West Hamdillah.
“We know we can’t take anything for granted and will need to be at our best to secure the three points.
“We showed we can defend and be resilient last week - this week will be all about attacking football and getting goals.”
I haven’t heard from West Hamdillah all season, which is a shame. The new boys have lost seven on the spin and conceded 56 goals. This includes 12 in their first meeting with PSJ earlier in the season.
Venue –West Hendon playing fields
JC star man: Jack Ottman (PSJ)
DC Prediction: Hamdillah 0 PSJ 5
