Only one of the MGBSFL's table-toppers are in action in the opening round of matches of 2019, with Hendon United Sports looking to extend their lead in the Premier Division, while Redbridge Jewish Care A will look to regain top spot in Division One.
January 3, 2019 09:57
HIGHLIGHTS FROM SEASON 2018/19 SO FAR
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE: (all matches kick-off at 10am, unless stated)
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND TWO
OAKWOOD B vs JEWDINESE
Sunday is effectively Oakwood B’s cup final, as they prepare to do battle with first division rivals Jewdinese.
Out of the Morrison and having lost no less than six league matches, the mighty Oaks were glad to see the back of 2019. They now find themselves in the wrong half of the table, which is hard to believe given the quality of their squad and their ambitions at the start of the campaign.
‘Nese had an excellent first half of the season, with their only league defeat to date coming against table-toppers title favourites. And they will go into this tie with a psychological edge after goals from Zac Brin and James Ross secured a 2-1 win over Oakwood in the recent league meeting. Oakwood struggled to cope with Adam Gold’s long-throws in an open game where both sides created a number of chances.
Visiting boss Darren Lawrence expects a tough test on Sunday. He told JC Sport: "The boys can’t wait to get going again and are looking forward to getting our Cyril Anekstein Cup run underway.
"We know Oakwood are a tough outfit to beat after narrowly scraping through our 2-1 victory over them. Our performance on Sunday will have to be a lot better than it was that day and if it is I am confident of us progressing to the next round."
‘Nese have made themselves hard to beat this season, but Oakwood are due a lucky break and I can see the magic of the cup helping them edge over the line in a tie that could go the distance.
JC team news: "Nese are delighted to welcome back goalkeeper Ben Halmer, however captain Adam Gold is set to miss out through injury. Zack Collins and Sim Cohen are serving their final game of their respective suspensions.
Ref - Phil Peters
JC star man: Max Clynes (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 2 Jewdinese 2 (Oakwood to win on penalties)
SEE HIGHLIGHTS OF JEWDINESE IN ACTION
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MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
LEAGUE TABLE - TOP 2
1. Hendon Utd Pl. 9, Pts. 19
2. Oakwood A Pl. 7, Pts. 12
TOP-SCORERS 16 - Reiss Mogilner (ML Lions), 11 - Rocky Spitzer (Hendon Utd)
BRADY MACCABI vs FAITHFOLD DOC MM A
Brady hope the turn of the year brings with it a change of luck. They clearly struggled to overcome the loss of Reiss Mogilner, who is setting the world alight at Maccabi London Lions, and they are in desperate need of a new goal machine.
Manager Joel Nathan was unable to find one on a recent trip to Budapest, but he assures me his squad are hungry to turn their fortunes around, starting on Sunday.
Faithfold experienced some highs and lows during the first half of the season - at times it was a case of one step forward, two steps back, as they were frustrated by injuries and availability issues.
With a full-strength squad, they have the players to challenge the top teams in the league, but they are still building following promotion last season and need to add some depth.
For example, Ben Shirbini has been a big loss. He scored twice in Faithfold's 5-2 win over Brady early in the season. But he hasn't featured regularly. There are plenty of others too. Player-manager Avi Markiewicz, David Leiwy, Avi Garson, Eli Davila and Lorian Madanes have demonstrated the type of commitment needed and expected by Superhoops' fans, who are preparing for a physical battle for a Brady team in desperate need of some new year cheer.
Venue - Rowley Lane, Ref - Richard Jaye
JC star man: Avi Mocton (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Brady 1 Faithfold 2
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MACCABI LONDON LIONS vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS
Hendon United go into 2019 exactly where they wanted to be. In charge. On top. Pole position. But manager Jordan Sapler and co nothing is won yet.
They finished 2018 in style, with a second league success of the season over arch rivals Oakwood, and a third clean sheet.
Indeed Sapler has plenty of respect for the Lions, and told JC Sport: “We know we will be in for a tough game. We had a close game against Lions last time, that was decided by a piece of magic from Dovi Fehler and we know that it will be a battle again on Sunday.
"Hopefully we won’t have any hangovers after the new year, and any cobwebs will be blown away at training!
"We know how massive the Oakwood result was and with the league being in our hands, we have set a target of being at the very least unbeaten throughout the rest of the season.”
Lions are one of the few teams in Jewish football who can beat Hendon. They pushed the red men all the way in the 3-2 defeat in October and will no doubt be looking to kick on and climb the table.
"We are looking forward to what we know will be a tough game against Hendon," Lions joint-manager Max Kyte told JC Sport.
"Hendon are always organised, passionate and know how to score goals, so we will need to be on our best form this Sunday."
Moses Seitler was Hendon's match-winner last time out, as he has been on so many occasions. And I'm tipping him to swing the result in Hendon's favour on Sunday, ending Lions's three-match unbeaten run in a contest decided by small details.
JC team news: Dovi Fehler, Josh Harris, Yehuda Korman, Yoav Kestenbaum are all still unavailable for Hendon. Simon Peterman and Moses Seitler are both rated 50/50. Zac Garbacz returns and Hendon are "very happy to welcome back Jordan Mizrahi from his travels". The Reds "are also about to make a new signing to act as cover in the attacking department". Watch this space!
Venue - Rowley Lane, Ref - Andy Myerson
JC star man: Moses Seitler (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Lions 0 Hendon 1
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OAKWOOD A vs LOS CAMDEN A
Oakwood have been plagued by injuries which in turn has led to an up and down start this season. Their record currently shows four wins and three defeats from seven league games, of which three were against defending champions and current leaders Hendon United.
The most recent match - a 1-0 defeat - left them seven points behind Hendon, although they have two games in hand, so managers Dan Kristall and Dave Cohen know all is not lost yet. And you can be sure their players will fight until the bitter end.
Ahead of kick-off, Kristall told JC Sport: "It's a big game on Sunday. Our opponents, Camden, caught us out early in the season and deservedly beat us that day. I suppose that makes them favourites for Sunday.
"We have learnt a lot since then but to remain in with a shout, we must win our games. Hendon should go on to win the title from this position but anything can happen in football."
Kristall also had some encouraging news for Oaks fans. He went on to say: "Chairman Ric Blank has backed DC and I over the winter break and found some reserves in the bank to land a couple of key signings. Both may be involved on Sunday but we will leave it close to KO before naming the side."
But they can expect no favours from Los Camden A - one of the teams of the first half of the season. Stirling Kay has won endless plaudits for rejuvenating the club. They claimed a famous 5-2 win over Oakwood earlier in the season and will be determined to prove that result was no fluke.
The recent defeat at Lions dealt a big blow to their title hopes, but they will be looking to bounce back in style and record another statement win.
Kay has this Camden team playing with bags of belief and they will relish the next 90 minutes.
But when all is said and done, I'm backing home advantage to prove decisive in a hard-fought contest.
JC team news: Dave Woolman continues his comeback for Oakwood. Harvey Kaye is to make his first A team appearance in 18 months. Brad Wine is out and Alex Lee is a major doubt.
Venue - Nicholas Breakspear, Ref - Martin Lavender
JC star man: Toby Levy (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 2 Los Camden 1
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DIVISION ONE
LEAGUE TABLE - TOP 4
1. NL Galaxy Pl. 10, Pts. 25
2. Redbridge JC Pl. 10, Pts. 24
3. Fairlop FC Pl. 9, Pts. 23
4. Jewdinese Pl. 9, Pts. 18
TOP-SCORERS 16 - Nate Kashket (Redbridge JC A), 9 - Adam Ellis (Bayern Mincha)
BAYERN MINCHA vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
Redbridge Jewish Care A are one of only two MGBSFL to go into 2019 unbeaten. Their first 10 games went just about as well as Sam Rank and co could've hoped for and they will be looking to start 2019 where they left off in 2018.
Having registered Dean Nyman towards the back-end of 2018, he could be the catalyst to help RJC pull clear of most of their rivals. Nate Kashket was the player everyone was talking about for the first four months, but the qualities of the experienced Nyman will help shift the focus.
Title-winning experience is the one area lacking in this RJC squad, but Nyman brings this vital ingredient to the table. And I expect it to help get the very best out of the squad over the next few months.
Ahead of kick-off, Rank told JC Sport: "Sunday is about one thing and one thing only, getting three points and continuing our objective of winning the MGBFSL Division One title.
"RJC A have played Minich twice and have defeated them. After Sunday it will be three times."
Bayern go into the game with their tails up following a memorable comeback in the cup in their last outing of 2018. The Bayern boys gave RJC a terrific game at the start of the season. They have great confidence in their own abilities and will be hoping the leaders turn up a little rusty after the party season.
But Rank is meticulous in his preparations and planning and I wouldn't put it past him to pull another cracker in the transfer window. And there is some good news on the injury front too.
JC team news: RJC's Russell Goldstein, Alex Paraskeva, Calvin and Kier Dickson are back in training and should be ready to "let loose" on Fairlop next week. The visitors have named a strong squad for Sunday, with the talented Dean Nyman leading the line, with player of the season contender Nate Kashket just behind. Adam 'Tugay' Noble will be out until February following minor surgery.
Venue - Capital City, Ref - Martin De La Fuente
JC star man: Adam Bernstein (RJC)
DC Prediction: Bayern 1 RJC 3
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FAIRLOP FC vs SCRABBLE FC A
2018 was a year of highs for Fairlop FC. Division Two champions and unbeaten in their first season in Division One, so far. But they have a tremendous battle on their hands to secure back-to-back titles, with North London Galaxy leading the way and arch rivals Redbridge Jewish Care also in front of them. But, crucially, they have a game in hand.
Fairlop have built their foundations on a resolute, nonsense defensive, excellent work-rate and great team spirit. They haven't scored as many goals as Galaxy or Redbridge this season, but their goals against record is the envy of the majority of their MGBSFL rivals, HMH and RJC B apart.
Manager Aaron Dias has gone a fabulous job in the midst of a goalkeeping injury crisis, with at least four different players lining up in nets at different stages of the season. Injuries to Jake Sanders and Alfie Rosen has meant left-back extraordinaire Ryan Cole has had to don the gloves on more than one occasion.
Fairlop's midfield is working a treat, with Bradley Gayer, Daniel Bean and Matt Berkley in commanding form, while James Jaconelli has shown his true colours in being a man for the big occasion.
A big home crowd is expected for the visit of a Scrabble team who have lost nine on the spin. Although they were convincingly beaten by Galaxy last time out, manager Ray Abrahams identified some green shoots as they bid to turn their season around.
The bookies have closed the betting on Scrabble to go down. But Abrahams can only hope his players acquit themselves well and don't let the occasion get to them.
But if Fairlop open the scoring early door, I expect the floodgates to open, with Fairlop players lining up to shoot.
Venue - Seven Kings, Ref - David Lazarus
JC star man: Mitch Gold (Fairlop)
DC Prediction: Fairlop 6 Scrabble 0
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DIVISION TWO
LEAGUE TABLE - TOP 3
1. Faithfold B Pl. 13, Pts. 25
2. Hertswood Vale Pl. 11, Pts. 25
3. SPEC FC Pl. 13, Pts. 23
TOP-SCORERS 17 - James Millet (Hertswood Vale), Zac Neiman (SPEC FC), 13 - Richard Salmon (FC Team)
FC TEAM vs FAITHFOLD DOC MM B
I expect there to be plenty more twists and turns in the Division Two title race, starting on Sunday.
Faithfold B go into the new year on top on goal difference, but they've played two games more than Hertswood Vale and have a much tougher looking game on Sunday.
Indeed the Superhoops couldn't have asked for a tougher start to the year, with a trip to Vale Sunday week. But it's important they take it one game at a time, especially following the 5-1 defeat at the hands of Mitch Young's FC Team in late December. A result they are more than capable of producing a second time.
But consistency has proved problematic for FC Team this season. Their front three of Connor Perl, Mitch Young and Richard Salmon would get into most people's Division Two Best XI, but they've been caught short at the back time and again, with only one clean sheet in 11 league games.
Some perhaps attack will be the best form of defence once again.
Venue - Hertswood, Ref - Robert Benardout
JC star man: David Cohen (FC Team)
DC Prediction: FC Team 4 Faithfold 3
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HERTSWOOD VALE vs SCRABBLE FC B
Jacob Emanuel and Danny Hirschberger will guard against complacency ahead of Hertswood Vale's meeting with Scrabble.
They start 2019 joint-top with Faithfold B, who lead on goal difference, with two games in hand, and have been reflecting on the most successful period in the club's history to date.
James Millet has been their main man thus far, with Ben Mandel also producing some outstanding performances. Adam Zaidman has raised the bar in nets and the team are equally as confident at home and away.
But Sunday is a real banana skin against a Scrabble side packed with experience and quality. Yes Vale beat them 3-0 in their second game of the season, but Scrabble could have a very different look and field to the side that lined up that day.
Looking ahead to the game, Emanuel told JC Sport: "We're absolutely buzzing to get back onto the pitch after four weeks without a game.
"Last time out we lost to Temple Fortune - although we were without a number of players on the day, essentially, we didn't turn up, and I've no doubt that if we the same happens on Sunday, we could easily find ourselves with another loss against a well-organised Scrabble team."
Asked about Vale's ambitions, Emanuel went on to say: "The aim for this season was simple - to have a better season than the previous one, and Danny and I are pleased that we find ourselves just two points off our points tally for the whole of last season. A win on Sunday would take us above that threshold and that's the aim.
"We know that Scrabble are a physical side, with a number of experienced players that will be looking to frustrate, and ultimately get the better of us on Sunday. This will absolutely be one of our hardest games left this season."
Jon Yantin's Scrabble have produced some strong performances, notably beating Mill Hill Dons and SPEC FC. Any team with players of the calibre of Lloyd Becker and Bradley Lazarus will always entertain, while they had the luxury of starting with Mark Wagman and Alex Bourne on the bench last time out.
The message I'm sure the Vale management will relay to their squad is to control the controllables. Take it one game at a time and only worry about ourselves. So what happens over the course of the next 90 minutes is key. But I don't think they'll have things all their own way on Sunday.
JC team news: Vale welcome back a number of players that were missing against Fortune, including Adam Zaidman and Josh Gorb, whilst Zach Mandel and Svi Freedman are set to return from long-term layoffs. A number of players have late fitness tests, including Ben Davis and Ashley Hirschberger, whilst James Millet is set to miss out due to exams.
Venue - Ark Elvin Academy, Ref - Stuart Ansher
JC star man: Svi Freedman (Vale)
DC Prediction: Vale 1 Scrabble 1
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MILL HILL DONS vs TEMPLE FORTUNE
Temple Fortune's 50th anniversary celebrations were capped off in style when chairman Nigel Kyte was honoured with Maccabi GB's Lifetime Achievement award.
The club are one of the MGBSFL's success stories and manager Simon Linden hopes the feel-good-factor carries into the new year.
Fortune start 2019 ahead of the Dons who will feel they haven't had many lucky breaks this season.
Brandon Hamme puts an incredible amount of his time into running the club and he is desperate to see them nearer the top. He told JC Sport: "It’s great to finally back in action this Sunday. We are all determined to make 2019 a success and that starts with this Sunday’s game."
Hamme also had nice words on MHD's next opponents. "I wanted to wish Temple Fortune a huge congratulations on their recent 50th year anniversary - it’s an incredible achievement and speaks volumes about the work and effort that has gone into maintaining such a well run club for so many years.
"On the pitch they have improved in recent weeks last seeing off Hertswood Vale before the break. I spoke on multiple occasions during the first half of the season how we didn’t get the rub of the green in the majority of our matches. We need to remove luck as a factor and take things into our own hands.
"I believe our squad is actually more talented than it was last season and we just haven’t reached our full potential as of yet but I remain confident we will continue to improve as the weeks go on.
"I know Sunday’s game will be a challenge but I feel confident that if we are at our best we can get the result we want. We want to turn Goffs Academy into a fortress."
Three points on Sunday would lift them above Fortune, with a game in hand. Dons fans believe they are better than some of the teams above them so victory this weekend is the minimum requirement.
JC team news: Dons star Josh Moses returns from long-term injuries, with Harry Kalms and Adam Diamond just a few weeks away from returning to training. They have no other injury concerns.
Venue - Goffs Academy, Ref - Lee Browne
JC star man: Daniel Lande (Dons)
DC Prediction: Dons 3 Fortune 2
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS MASTERS
Experiencing duo Craig Sandford and Sam McCarthy return to the RJC squad for the visit of Raiders Masters.
Manager Richard Bronzite currently has 16 players available, but two of those are having late fitness tests as they look to avenge an early-season defeat by L'Orange.
Bronzite told me of his concerns regarding his squad's match sharpness following a hectic party season. "We're looking forward to Sunday," he told JC Sport, "but I'm not sure how the team will last the game. Nonetheless the first half should be good!"
Raiders unleashed Avi Schwarz on Division Two pace-setters Faithfold B last time out. The Peter Pan of Jewish football popped up with two goals in a 5-3 defeat. His presence and unprecedented fitness levels will take Raiders up a notch but they will have their work cut out against of the division's meanest defences.
Player-manager James Cartmell will have to ask his players: "Do you still fancy it on a cold, dark morning in Essex?" It'll be interesting to see how many of his players are on it after some quality time with their families.
JC team news: RJC will be missing Max Aston, Ben Sollosi, Lee Cutler, Seth Walker, Danny Hakimi and Daniel Jacobs on Sunday.
Venue - Fairlop, Ref - Josh Smith
JC star man: Adam Shafron (RJC)
DC Prediction: RJC 2 Raiders 1