-----------------------
YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
(Matches kick-off at 10am)
PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND TWO
HMH vs FAIRLOP FC
HMH fans are still talking about the goal that wasn’t given, as they prepare for a Morrison meeting with first division title hopefuls Fairlop FC.
The winner of this tie will enjoy home advantage for the visit of Jewdinese or Oakwood A and an intriguing contest is on the cards.
HMH were left to rue a series of missed chances in last week’s 2-2 draw against Oakwood. Oscar Wagner scored both their goals and had what looked like a third controversially chalked off.
Ahead of kick-off, HMH boss Avi Goldberg told JC Sport: "The Peter Morrison Trophy always warms winter days. We are looking forward to welcoming the MGBSFL biggest club at least in terms of travelling support, to the Hive on Sunday for what should be a tasty fixture.
"Fairlop, by all accounts, are in the wrong division and should be in the Prem. They are apparently littered with talent including ex-pros from Spurs, so we know we will have to be at our best to defeat them.
"The lads know this is a tricky fixture and will be primed ready for a tough encounter against the 'noisy neighbours'. from Essex. We hope to build on last Sunday’s superb performance against Oakwood. Oscar Wagner is still smarting from having THAT goal and his hat-trick disallowed."
Goldberg went on to break some big team news. "It will be our towering goalkeeper Jacob Shapiro’s last outing before he goes off to Germany, so he will want to go on back of a great win. Fortunately we have picked the chairman’s pocket in January transfer window to sign a quality replacement, a man who at 25 will be the oldest in our squad by some distance, and will bring winning mentality. After all, he has already won all honours in Jewish football - his name, Jake Doffman, the former Raiders keeper. Jake has already been started training with us this week and impressed and is raring to go."
HMH remains a work in progress in their first season in the MGBSFL. Adam Abadi and Wagner pose serious goal threats to a Fairlop team looking to avoid back-to-back defeats for the first time in their history. Incredibly, their only defeats in Jewish football have come in the cup competitions.
Josh Goldstein and Tom Prais were outstanding in defence last weekend, while Alex Moss was “phenomenal” in midfield. And his battle against Fairlop talisman Brad Gayer will be worth the admission fee alone on Sunday.
Although the league remains the priority for Fairlop, a good cup run is something they will never turn down. However, Jake Sanders revealed Fairlop are "down to the absolute bare bones and are using their eighth goalkeeper of the season due to injuries.
I can see Fairlop huffing and puffing but on Sunday HMH will be holding the aces.
JC team news: HMH trio Dom Feldman, Clark Norton and Avi Goldberg all picked up injuries last week and may miss the match.
Fairlop will have ex-under-18 Manchester United goalkeeper David Farkash between the sticks. They will be missing seven regulars, including Bradley Gayer, Daryl Rubin and Ryan Cole.
Venue - The Hive, Ref – Richard Jaye
JC star man:
DC Prediction: HMH 2 Fairlop 1
------------------
------------------
MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
LEAGUE TABLE - TOP 2
1. Hendon Utd Pl. 10, W. 7, Pts. 22
2. Oakwood A Pl. 9, W. 6, Pts. 18
TOP-SCORERS 16 - Reiss Mogilner (ML Lions), 12 - Josh Bharier (Oakwood A - includes 2 for B team)
HENDON UNITED SPORTS vs BRADY MACCABI
Top takes on bottom. So there should only be one winner. Surely?
Bouncebackability is the name of the game for Hendon, the MGBSFL’s defending champions, as they look to respond to last week’s Morrison exit in Liverpool. Avi Korman put them ahead with a wonder strike that won him JC Goal of the Week. But came unstuck at two set-pieces, with predator Adam Shiffman sending them tumbling out.
Hendon have a run of games coming up, with Faithfold and HMH to follow, so it’s important they build on their three-point lead over Oakwood, who they won’t play again in the league this season.
Looking ahead to the game, Hendon boss Jordan Sapler told JC Sport: "We’re looking to put last week behind us and get back to winning ways.
"Brady have won a couple of games now and a good result against a strong Fairlop side will see them full of confidence.
"We will need to ensure we’re back to our best to get a result, but I’ve got full confidence in the boys to do that.”
Brady secured a much-needed win last weekend, with Ben ‘Beauty One’ Kohler (2) and Rob Cohen netting in the League Cup win over Fairlop. It had cup shock written all over it, so credit to the Brady bunch for coming through unscathed with a show of their great battling qualities.
No doubt Brady will come with a specific game-plan and try to frustrate, but much depends on how disciplined they can be in sticking to Joel Nathan's tactics. He told JC Sport: "Following last week results spirits are high, but we again have to make numerous changes due to players being unavailable. But that won’t stop us giving it a good go against in my opinion the leagues strongest team.
"We have had some great games against Hendon in the past and they are strong from 1-11. I expect a tough battle as we know they will be smarting from their loss last week.
"We know we will have to be at our best to get a result but that is what we need after our start to the season."
More of the same will be the order of the day from Brady boss Joel Nathan, but when all is said and done, I’m tipping Hendon do the business.
JC team news: Hendon captain Ari Last is a doubt after injuring his knee last weekend. We wish him a speedy recovery! They welcome back Jonny Kay, Simon Peterman and, hopefully, Josh Harris and Yehuda Korman. Chaim Korman is still away, while Greg Corin and Yoav Kestenbaum are remain long-term injuries.
Venue – Hadley, Ref – Lee Browne
JC star man: Mordi Weiler (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon 2 Brady 0
------------------
------------------
LOS CAMDEN A vs FAITHFOLD DOC MM A
Stirling Kay has turned Los Camden into something of a reliable winning machine.
They deserve huge credit for reaching the last eight of both cup competitions and Kay has them playing with no fear.
Camden have big-hitters all over the park. Goalkeeper Steven Murad is one of the best no. 1’s in the league and although they aren’t blessed with a 20-goal a season striker, they are chipping in with goals from all positions. The versatility of players such as Gav Krieger and Sacha Nusenbaum can be relied upon to deliver big performances and big moments when needed.
I caught up with Gav Krieger before kick-off and he told JC Sport: "We know Faithfold are a top side as they have a good points tally, as well some big results this season.
"We know we will have to play well to come away with all three points. After the MGBSFL's dubious fixture list, we are yet to play Faithfold this season so it will be an interesting encounter between two teams that do not know much about each other."
Faithfold are in a bad moment, with manager Avi Markiewicz admitting they are down to the bare bones. They have bigger injury concerns than Spurs at the minute. A shock Morrison exit against mid-table second division opposition last week has done nothing to lift the mood.
Los Camden have their tails up and I’m backing them to register league win no. four.
JC team news: Camden have no new injuries to report on, with Matt Perlman and Dean Rosenthal are in the final stages of their recovery process. Mike Khalastchi will face a late fitness test to see if he can play, Jake Saunders has taken his skills travelling and will be missing over the next couple of weeks.
Venue - Hertswood, Ref – Neal Cohen, KO - 10.15am
JC star man: Johaan Jordi (Camden)
DC Prediction: LC 2 Faithfold 0
------------------
------------------
MACCABI LONDON LIONS vs OAKWOOD A
Oakwood rode their luck against HMH last weekend, but they face a challenge of a different kind when they return to Rowley Lane – scene of their epic cup triumph in April.
Even with a whole host of regulars missing, Oakwood showed great spirit and character to come away with what could prove a precious point. Joint-manager Dan Kristall described Brad Wine as the “best player on the pitch” and he set the standard for the rest of his team-mates.
These are indeed exciting times for Oakwood, who are challenging for silverware on three fronts. They face first division Jewdinese in the last eight of both cup competitions and must keep collecting points to keep up the pressure on table-toppers Hendon United.
Lions occasionally roll out one or two big guns against the cream of the MGBSFL. They lost 3-1 to Oakwood in their opening game and are not always as ruthless as they should be.
That said, Reiss Mogilner is having an outstanding first season with the club, banging goals away for fun. And with players such as Michael Kenley, Adam Arnold and David Dinkin also feeding off the service of Benji Weinberger, they will relish the challenge as they bid to settle a score.
Lions' joint-manager Max Kyte told JC Sport: "We are looking forward to a good battle and we always enjoy playing Oakwood as they are an opponent who are fit, strong and always give 100 per cent. These are the games which determine where you finish in the table!”
Winning league titles is all about ugly 1-0 away wins and I can see that being the case on Sunday in a game that’ll be decided by small details.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Luke Steele
JC star man: Simon Davies (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Lions 0 Oakwood 1
------------------
------------------
DIVISION ONE
TOP 4
1. Redbridge JC Pl. 12, W. 8, Pts. 28
2. NL Galaxy Pl. 11, W. 8, Pts. 25
3. Fairlop FC Pl. 10, W. 7 Pts. 24 (probable 3 points to be added after Scrabble forfeit)
4. Jewdinese Pl. 10, W. 5, Pts. 19
TOP-SCORERS 18 - Nate Kashket (Redbridge JC A), 12 - James Jaconelli (Fairlop FC), Adam Ellis (Bayern Mincha)
JEWDINESE vs NORTH LONDON GALAXY
Sunday is a big day in Division One as the race for the title hots up. Fourth-placed Jewdinese have games in hand, as they are still involved in both cups, as they prepare to take on second-placed Galaxy in what could be one of the games of the season.
‘Nese overcame a tricky hurdle in the shape of Oakwood Old Boys last weekend, when Sam Stern and Scott Oldstein registered. Goalkeeper Ben Halmer and defender James Van Straten received praise from manager Darren Lawrence as the Zebras came from a goal down to progress.
Lawrence told me after the game that ‘Nese “will have to perform much better,” but he was delighted with how his players “dug in”.
Jack Davis and Sammy Huberman came off the bench to rescue a point for Galaxy when the teams met earlier in the season. It finished 2-2 that day and another close encounter is on the cards.
‘Nese boss Darren Lawrence told JC Sport: “We have been looking forward to this game ever since the 2-2 draw back in September.
“We feel we should’ve come away with all three points that day, even with a few key players missing from our squad that day. However, this Sunday we have a full squad to choose from, barring Zac Brin and Sim Cohen who are out in America recruiting for our MLS expansion team.
“We have had a bit of a war of words continuing with Galaxy all season but now it’s time for the football to do the talking and we’re confident going into Sunday.
“Like I’ve said many times before, there’s no room for error in the league any more if we want to get promoted. We know a lot about the Galaxy team so are working on various ways to keep their talented players quiet as well as forming our own attacking tactics.
“With another huge attendance expected (even in this weather), it should be a cracking game.”
Galaxy must recover following a shock defeat at Bayern – a result that saw their four-match winning run in the league come to a shuddering halt.
And with a trip to Fairlop to follow next week, three points are crucial as they look to keep their destiny in their own hands.
JC team news: skipper Adam Gold and star man Billy Lee have been nursing injuries recently. However gaffer Lawrence “expects them to feature this weekend”.
Venue – Queen’s School, Ref – Andy Myerson
JC star man: Zack Nathan (Galaxy)
DC Prediction: ‘Nese 1 Galaxy 2
------------------
------------------
LOS CAMDEN B vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS
I’m expecting Raiders to run out comfortable winners on Sunday when they take on second-from-bottom Los Camden.
L’Orange gave an excellent account of themselves in the cup against Premier Division Los Camden last Sunday – Aron Gale gave them an early advantage and almost took the tie to extra-time, denied only by a wonder save in a 2-1 defeat.
No wins in four is not the best return for a Raiders team packed with raw potential. But if they play to their strengths and take their chances, win number four will only be 90 minutes away.
Ahead of kick-off, NLR’s David Isaacs told JC Sport: “After last week’s cup game, our focus goes back to the league and Los Camden B.
“Having narrowly lost to their A-team last week, we are confident that we will be able to get the three points and extend the gap over the B-team in the table.”
It’s hard to argue with that.
JC team news: Raiders welcome Yarden Sharon back to the squad after his one-match suspension.
Venue – Meadow Park, Ref – Martin Lavender
JC star man: Gav Fox (Raiders)
DC Prediction: LC 1 Raiders 4
------------------
------------------
OAKWOOD B vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
Redbridge’s title credentials will be put on the line when they visit Oakwood B – a team they drew 1-1 against in October.
The east Londoners were buoyed by victory in Manchester – which proved a valuable exercise for team bonding, as well as booking their place in the last eight of the Jewish FA Cup.
Two unfamiliar names on the teamsheet helped them along the way, with goalkeeper Akiva Lieberman and Lewis Rackham impressing. Nate Kashket produced another master-class that left MJSL Rep Team boss star-struck.
Joint-manager Sam Rank led by example in a game where RJC made a disastrous start, conceding twice in the opening eight minutes. But they turned it around to set up a quarter-final trip to Mill Hill Dons. Their treble hopes are well and truly alive.
The weekend took its toll on several squad members, both physically and emotionally, and I've heard rumours one or two were punching above their weight after the pre-match dinner! Rank told JC Sport: "It was one of the most ridiculous trips to Manchester for the last 16 Peter Morrison tie I have been involved in. The videos, photos and stories- memories will be kept for our end of season party for sure.
"However, now we get to back to business as we a league game against a good Oakwood B side." Rank went on to say: "This week has been a very good week for RJC, with the club receiving two very good draws for the Peter Morrison and Cyril Anekstein. We are particularly looking forward to our Anekstein tie against Los Camden A - whose manager Stirling Kay was released by RJC a number of years ago. I am extremely looking forward to showing him what are RJC A are about and locking horns with Stirling.
"This week the boys have trained very well, and their mentality and focus is spot on, especially Dean Nyman. I have not seen a more focused, determined, hungry individual. Dean came back to Redbridge to complete unfinished business from his last stint, and I can say this predator is destined to bring home the gold.
"Over my years of playing against Oakwood, it has always been tight physical games, as Oakwood are a very good side, and their league position does show a true justice.
"However, with the squad available to me on Sunday, I am expecting fireworks at the top of field, with six attacking options available to RJC A this week with - Ben Yosef, Kashket, Summers, Nyman, Fialka and Paraskeva. All six of these players are stunning attackers and this will give myself some headaches in selecting the starting line-up."
No preview would be complete without some title talk. Rank concluded: "Leagues are won with big victories, and on Sunday RJC A will be one step closer to the MGBSFL Division One title.
"I've heard bets have been taken in William Hill for an RJC A for treble. It was 50-1, but the odds have been cut to 14-1!"
Oakwood B don’t need me to tell them they have under-achieved this season. When you look at the names on their team-sheet, they really should be pushing for promotion. Players of the calibre of Daniel Selwyn, Rafi Bloom and Daniel Seligman deserve to be playing on a bigger stage. But on Sunday they have the perfect chance to shine and put the leaders under pressure.
They left it late against Bayern Mincha last weekend but their strong finish tells you fitness levels are good and they have the firepower to capitalise if RJC get complacent.
JC team news: RJC welcome back some big-game players, Steve Summers, Dean Ben Yosef, Alex Paraskeva and Dean Caplin, who will be up against his former club this week. The squad will also include a new face, "with a lot of potential MGBFSL 'Yaya Toure' - Jamie Cooper". However ,players missing out Adam 'Tugay' Noble (stag scouting trip), Mr Consistent Richard Gold (family event), Dave Green (work commitments), Anthony Cope (in Dubai), Adam Bernstein (working and recovering) and Matt Kemp (injury).
Venue - 7 Kings, Ref – David Lazarus
JC star man: Zac Summerfield (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 1 RJC 1
------------------
------------------
DIVISION TWO
TOP 4
1. Hertswood Vale Pl. 13, W. 9, Pts. 28
2. SPEC FC Pl. 15, W. 8, Pts. 26
3. Faithfold B Pl. 15, W. 8, Pts. 25
4. FC Team Pl. 12, W. 7, Pts. 21
TOP-SCORERS 19 - Zack Neiman (SPEC FC), 17 - James Millet (Hertswood Vale)
HERTSWOOD VALE vs FAITHFOLD DOC MM C
Top against bottom means home banker in this instance. Especially with Faithfold's other two teams in action!
It was mission accomplished as far as Vale were concerned last weekend as the 4-1 win over Faithfold B meant they have reached their highest ever points tally since joining the MGBSFL. But they’re not planning any celebrations just yet. That can wait until the end of the season, when they hope to have the mother of all parties.
Although James Millet tops Vale’s scoring charts, they proved in last week’s win that they have many weapons, with Ben Mandel reaching double figures, and Josh Gorb and Zach Mandel also chipping in. And goalkeeper Adam Zaidman produced yet another top-class performance to ensure there was no way back for Faithfold.
Vale's Jacob Emanuel told me his troops cannot wait for kick-off. "As I mentioned after our game last weekend, we're absolutely buzzing to have bettered our points tally from last season and we're looking forward to our remaining five games of the season," he told JC Sport.
"In this league, every game is a difficult game, and despite being at opposite ends of the table, Faithfold C have had some big results against MH Dons and SPEC this season, so we know they're a quality team.
"We beat them 3-1 earlier in the season in a tightly-fought game which saw us go behind early on, and so we'll need to turn up, and start fast just like we did last week against Faithfold B on what is likely to be a freezing cold morning in Wembley."
No doubt C-team boss Ben Kfir will be on the hunt for advice about how to stop Vale from playing, but the home side are playing with the handbrake off and smiles on their faces, so I don’t expect them to have any problems passing the magical 30-point mark.
JC team news: Vale have their biggest squad available of the season, with just short of 20 players available, which Emanuel described as "crazy!" Ben Davis returns for his second appearance of the season, whilst Adam Morrow and Harry Graham are once again available for selection. Elio Elia's "whereabouts are unknown having not been seen at the club since mid-November," whilst Ben Kaye, Ollie Marshall and Andy Gilbert remain out with long-term injuries. This week's game represents the last of the season for Zach Mandel who is off to travel around the world.
Venue – Ark Elvin Academy, Ref – Stephen Levy
JC star man: James Neidle (Vale)
DC Prediction: Vale 4 Faithfold 1
------------------
------------------
NORTH LONDON RAIDERS MASTERS vs SPEC FC
Raiders were involved in a rare MGBSFL goalless draws last weekend as they were unable to breach one of the leakiest defences around.
It’s been a while since they won a game and with table-toppers Hertswood Vale to come the following week, they might have to wait a little while longer.
SPEC FC climbed into second place last week after a thumping 5-3 win over Temple Fortune. Star striker Zack Neiman scored twice to return to the top of the goal charts, and he will be looking for some easy pickings in Wembley.
Indeed player-manager Ricky Lawrence had the luxury of five on the bench and he might want to tweak that starting XI and freshen things up. Josh Green continues to chip in with useful goals and see a front pairing of Green and Neiman causing Raiders endless problems.
Behind them, the Leader brothers will be up against one of their former clubs, and ex-team-mates in the shape of Jonny Blain and Adam ‘Shaggy’ Levenson, so it’ll be interesting if they celebrate if they score.
SPEC's Ricky Lawrence told JC Sport: "After a decent performance last week against Temple Fortune, we’ll be hoping for a repeat performance again on Sunday."
The bottom line is that Raiders’ home form has been poor so if SPEC can execute their game-plan they should come away with maximum points.
JC team news: SPEC are still missing Adam Joselyn, who may have played his last game this season, but Dan Cohen is back after his trip to Marrakech.
Venue – Ark Academy, Ref – Keith Goodman
JC star man: Jeff Gotch (SPEC)
DC Prediction: NLR 1 SPEC 3
------------------
------------------
SCRABBLE FC B vs FAITHFOLD DOC MM B
Scrabble will be on a revenge mission against a Faithfold B team who thumped them 4-1 in October.
Faithfold were a class above that day, when Gav Noe and Doron Shooter were joined on the scoresheet by super-subs Chaim Gothold and Lolu Hibbert.
The visitors have dipped in recent weeks, with defeats against Vale and two against FC Team. They’ve slipped out of the automatic relegation places and are starting to look over their shoulders.
Scrabble have picked up some decent results, with the likes of Brad Lazarus, Alex Bourne and Lloyd Becker rolling back the years to spur them on. A top four finish remains realistic and would be a good achievement.
They recently beat Vale and have the experience to mix it with the best. Under-estimate them at your peril.
Venue – Aycliffe Road, Ref – Bob Caplin
JC star man: Serge Cowan (Scrabble)
DC Prediction: Scrabble 2 Faithfold 2
ALSO SEE:
PLAYER OF THE WEEK Adam Shiffman (Haroldeans)
MANAGER Brandon Hamme (Mill Hill Dons)
GOAL OF THE WEEK Avi Korman (Hendon Utd)
SAVE OF THE WEEK Jared Clein (Haroldeans)
QUOTE OF THE WEEK Fraser Saville (Haroldeans)
-------------------------
PETER MORRISON TROPHY QUARTER-FINAL DRAW
HMH or Fairlop vs Jewdinese or Oakwood A
Mill Hill Dons vs Redbridge Jewish Care A
Haroldeans vs Manchester Maccabi 1st
Maccabi London Lions vs Los Camden A
Ties have been provisionally set for February 24. The semi finals are then due to be played March 31
--------------------------
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP QUARTER-FINALS
Oakwood A vs Jewdinese
Hendon United Sports vs Brady Maccabi
Bayern Mincha vs ML Lions
Los Camden A vs Redbridge JC A
