There are three stand-out games scheduled in the MGBSFL on Sunday, as leaders Redbridge host defending champions Hendon in the Premier, promotion rivals NLR B and Camden Park face off in Division 1 and first versus second tussle in Division 2. Danny Caro brings up his preview and predictions.
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MATCH PHOTOS: RAIDERS A vs REDBRIDGE A
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DANNY CARO'S GOAL OF THE WEEK - DAN BANETH
DANNY CARO'S SAVE OF THE WEEK
Yehuda Fink (Hendon United Sports Club B)
DANNY CARO'S REFEREE OF THE WEEK
Andy Myerson (Norstar London Raiders A vs Redbridge Jewish Care A)
DANNY CARO'S QUOTE OF THE WEEK - ADAM GLEKIN
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PHOTOGALLERIES FROM THE SEASON
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE SEASON
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PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND THREE DRAW
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP QUARTER-FINAL DRAW
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND THREE
MACCABI LONDON LIONS SPARTANS vs OAKWOOD A
The next two weeks could be season-defining as far as Oakwood are concerned. With the title gone, Sunday’s Jewish FA Cup trip to Lions is followed by an Anekstein tie at Harmen.
Joint-manager Ric Blank missed last week’s 2-0 defeat against Hendon, but I’m expecting a big reaction from a team destined for silverware some time soon.
Ahead of the game, Blank told JC Sport: “Each Sunday seems to be bringing a bigger game than the last this season. It's quite incredible. Our last fixtures have been Southgate, Faithfold, Hendon, Hendon and now Lions Saturday (with Southgate next week). It's a pretty tough run.
“We played well for large parts against Hendon on Sunday and another day we'd have got the crucial first goal. But such is life.
“We've been really looking forward to this Morrison game since the draw was made - it's without doubt the toughest draw we could have got. They're obviously a very good side and I know some of their players well. Josh Kennet is the standout player and also a great guy. I'm looking forward to seeing him in action.
“We have been decimated all season with long-term injuries - it's cost us a shot at the title. We still have too many out and go into the game as fairly big under dogs. But equally I know Lions have constantly tried to sign my players over the years so we must be doing something right.”
Andy Landesberg is relishing pitting his wits against one of the MGBSFL’s finest. He told JC Sport: “Everybody at Lions is looking forward to a great Cup game with Oakwood. They are a really good, strong side, with a number of quality experienced players, including some old Lions players.
“This will be my young side’s biggest test, especially after a number of players were involved last night in a great win against Premier League Hertford Town in the Challenge Cup, which will be followed by an away game at Amersham Town on Saturday and then this Cup game on Sunday.
“So my squad/team will very much be determined on how all the players react to this tough three-game stint. Hopefully we will have enough who are left in good shape.
“As I have mentioned on a few occasions, I am very focussed on trying to win this Cup for the Club, and believe that if the youngsters play to their full ability, then we can certainly push Oakwood hard, and perhaps get through into the next round. We are yet to play an easy game, but maybe we have been a little too complacent in the previous rounds. I think the quality of the Oakwood team, will help to get us fully focussed on the job in hand.
“I know all the boys are ready for this, and a win would take them through to the next round and a place in the quarter-finals. It’s not easy to juggle a team/squad that will have to play two games in as many days, but I hope that we can get through Saturday with limited injuries and be ready for what should be a great morning at Rowley Lane.”
There will be very little to separate the teams who have much respect for one another, but ultimately I think Oakwood’s pace and power up top and freshness will prove decisive.
JC team news: Eddie Manson and Dan Geey have been ruled out for Oakwood. Keeper Dan Cohen will bid farewell to his teammates and fans after the game ahead of his latest American adventure. His teammates have promised to give him a good sendoff. The bumps, perhaps, as long as enough of them hang around!
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES
OAKWOOD
CAC – Harmen (a)
MGBSFL – Neasden (a)
MGBSFL – Faithfold (a)
TOP-SCORERS
Oak – David Woolman 13
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Adam Lewis, KO – 10am
JC star man: David Woolman (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: MLL 1 Oakwood 2
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CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND THREE
BRIXTON OLD BOYS vs BRADY MACCABI
A trip to FC Team or North West Neasden awaits the winner of Sunday’s tie between first division rivals Brixton and Brady.
With their promotion dreams over for another season, Sunday is essentially Brady’s cup final – Josh Dagul can really afford to put all his eggs in one basket.
Yet to meet in the league this season, both Brady and Brixton find themselves at the wrong end of the table, but Sunday is the perfect chance for both sets of players to put down their respective markers.
Brady start as slight favourites for me – man for man they have the edge, although with Alan Aaronson having recently returned to the dugout for Brixton, anything could happen.
A bobbly surface is on the cards, which could play into Brixton's hands as Brady are the better footballing team, but with a big performance predicted from visiting keeper Sam Singer, I can see Brady sneaking through, as long as they maintain good discipline.
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES
BRIXTON
MGBSFL – SPEC (h)
MGBSFL – Blizzard (h)
BRADY
MGBSFL – NLR (a)
MGBSFL – Bilbaum (h)
TOP-SCORERS
Brixton - Lee Cutler 4
Brady - Reiss Mogilner 7
Venue – Clowes, Ref – Neil Cooper
JC star man: Sam Singer (Brixton)
DC Prediction: Brixton 2 Brady 3
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MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
17 - James Gershfield (Harmen)
13 - Dave Woolman (Oakwood A)
FAITHFOLD A vs FC TEAM A
Faithfold were glad to see the back of 2014. Now they have eight games left to pick up the necessary points to ensure they steer clear of the relegation zone.
It’s been a tough season so far for Zuriel Solomon and co and FC Team won’t be looking to do them any favours as they are still scratching around for points themselves, although they have three games in hand on the Superhoops.
If the first meeting between the teams is anything to go by, then Sunday should be a cracker. Jonny Haik was Faithfold’s match-winner in the September meeting. He fired a hat-trick in an extraordinary 6-4 success, with Benji Dymant (2) and Sam Lewis adding the gloss.
And it was Lewis who was the hero in Faithfold’s last outing – an 8-2 mauling of the Lions.
Team were thumped 5-0 by Raiders A last time out and I believe we won’t see the best of them until next season. That said, they are capable of taking points off most teams in the division and I expect them to give Faithfold a real run for their money.
Faithfold boss Zuriel Solomon is predicting an interesting encounter. He told JC Sport: “It will be interesting to see from both teams the fitness levels due to the long break, but we expect a tough game having already played FC Team A.
“We know they have some good players so nothing will be taken for granted. We will need to be organised and competitive to get a result.”
Ben Gilbey told me this week his boys “can’t wait” for Sunday’s first game back. He told JC Sport: “After having a significantly weakened team for the Hendon and Norstar games, we come back at full strength and I expect our squad to stay at full strength now for the rest of the season.
“We lost 6-4 to Faithfold in our first game of the season - iInexperience and a lack of match fitness were reasons for us throwing away a 3-1 lead at half-time on that day.
“Now, midway through the season, FC Team A and Faithfold A are very close in the table, however, this time we will not make the same mistakes and will be looking to punish Faithfold A.”
“The game on Sunday is at the 3G pitch in Hatfield and FC Team A do like a 3G pitch, so be ready for plenty of goals in what should be a thrilling game.”
The Lions game apart, Faithfold have struggled on the goal front this season, despite the best effort of Johnny Haik. And with the big guns back for Team, I'm banking on an away win.
JC team news: Faithfold are missing Dan Stock and Nick Green.
The return of Rob Sanford, Max Worth, Adam Aminoff and Jeremy Julius are all eagerly anticipated by Team fans.
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES
FAITHFOLD
MGBSFL - Woodford (a)
MGBSFL - Lions (a)
MGBSFL - Oakwood (a)
TEAM
CAC – Hendon (h)
MGBSFL - RJC (a)
TOP-SCORERS
Faithfold - Johnny Haik 10
Team - David Joseph Cohen 10
Venue – Hatfield Uni, Ref – Andy Myerson
JC star man: Jeremy Julius (Team)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 1 Team 3
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A
Match of the day sees new leaders Redbridge welcome defending champions Hendon in what promises to be an enthralling encounter.
RJC are riding on the crest of a wave after knocking Raiders off top spot. Ben Sollosi was their match-winner, but boss Sam Rosenthal was quick to praise his back four of Danny Berg, Adam Shafron, Adam Hakimi and Sam McCarthy for a typically resolute performance.
Ryan Cole continues to develop, both as a player and personality on the pitch, and his head-to-head with man-of-the-moment David Seitler is definitely one to watch.
Ahead of kick-off, RJC boss Sam Rosenthal told JC Sport: “Three points and another clean sheet are the order of the day.
“We have missed plenty of chances in the previous two games (Hendon and Raiders), so we’ll be looking to be more clinical and build on the solid base our defence has been providing.
“I’m still not really thinking about any title run-in. We’re just enjoying a great spell of form. Everyone's enjoying it of late and a win will keep it all ticking along nicely.”
Hendon go into the game on the back of an important win at Oakwood and manager David Garbacz knows a similar kind of game is on the cards.
It has been a real team effort for Redbridge thus far, while for Hendon, other than Seitler, the influence of Greg Corin and Avidan Last cannot be under-estimated. Both offer goals, work-rate and effort, and as Corin has shown on numerous occasions, he’s a real game-changer.
Garbacz knows his troops must bring their A-game to the table in an early kick-off. He told JC Sport: “We know we will be in for a real battle in south London this week as both teams will be desperate to steal a march on the other. We both cancelled each other out a couple of weeks ago, but we will be going all out for the win this time out.
“It’s interesting that Sam does not regard us as his main threat this year – singling out Raiders as the team to beat – I’m hoping his views might change after Sunday but either way I’d much rather be in our current position as it stands than any other team and as I’ve said many times this season we are as determined and as strong as ever to retain our title and we intend to ram that message home loud and clear come midday on Sunday.
“We love the fact that Redbridge are in it this year – the old battles against them are legendary and this year they are right back where they belong – challenging at the top.
“This one will not be for the faint-hearted – I hope we get a good strong ref – the tackles no doubt will be flying in, but we believe we will have the necessary resolve and skill to ride it out and to then take advantage of our pace and fitness further forward to crack open the Redbridge defence which has been excellent recently. We are looking forward to it – should be a cracker.”
JC team news: Dan Lassman, Brad Gayer, Dan Castle and Dan Lee all back in contention for RJC this weekend, leaving McCarthy with an “almost fully-fit squad”.
Hendon are missing Ari Last and Simon Peterman, and Ben Lauffer is very doubtful having pulled his hamstring last week. Yoav Kestenbaum and David Seitler return.
There will be little to separate two multi-talented teams on Sunday and I can see defences dominated once more.
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES
REDBRIDGE
MGBSFL – Team (h)
HENDON
CAC – Team (h)
MGBSFL – Harmen (a)
MGBSFL – NWN (h)
TOP-SCORERS
RJC - Steve Summers 6
Hendon - Greg Corin, Avidan Last 6
Venue – Seven Kings High School, Ilford, Ref – David Lazarus, KO – 10am
JC star man: Adam Shafron (RJC)
DC Prediction: Redbridge 1 Hendon 1
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MACCABI LONDON LIONS BLUE vs WOODFORD WANDERERS
Lions and Woodford are two teams in need of points.
Woodford hope that new boss Mitch Hahn is able to sprinkle some magic dust against his former club. Scoring goals has been problematic for the east Londoners this season and I’m sure the gaffer is looking to bring in some big-name signings to ensure they avoid an instant return to Division One.
The Lions hit rock bottom last time out when they conceded eight times against Faithfold. Boss Jamie Kyte vowed that they will come back bigger and stronger and he knows the importance of maximum points against one of their relegation rivals.
And if they are at their clinical best, I can see them having enough in their artillery to return maximum points.
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES
LIONS
MGBSFL – Faithfold (h)
MGBSFL – Woodford (a)
WOODFORD
MGBSFL – Faithfold (h)
PMT – Leeds (h)
MGBSFL – Lions (h)
TOP-SCORERS
MLL - James Gold, Dan Green, Connor Perlmutter 5
Woodford - Harrison Midda 4
JC team news: Lions are set to unveil “a couple of new signings from abroad this weekend”.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Martin Fox, KO – 10am
JC star man: David Kosky (MLL)
DC Prediction: MLL 2 Woodford 1
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NORTH WEST NEASDEN vs HARMEN
Sunday promises to be an emotional day for several Harmen players, with James Gershfield, Jake Gottlieb, Max Shields and Brad Sharp scheduled to come up against their former club.
Harmen’s last league outing came in mid-November and it’s important they dust off any cobwebs long before the first whistle, as they look to build on the momentum from excellent performances against Redbridge, Raiders and Oakwood.
With games in hand on the top three, Harmen know that nothing less than three points will do so there will be no room for sentiment from the famous four ahead of their first meeting with NWN this season.
Ahead of kick-off, Harmen joint-manager Joel Alterman told JC Sport: "We are looking forward to our match this weekend against Neasden who we had a couple of tough fought games with last year in Division One.
"Neasden have some good individual players all over the pitch and their league position doesn’t reflect their quality.
"We know that they are going to give us a tough test on Sunday, but one that we know we have the ability to overcome.
"With the team still challenging on three fronts, everyone is chomping at the bit to get three points from this game to set us off on the right track in the second half of this season.
"There is no big team news this week, people seem to have recovered from their injuries that were picked up towards the back end of 2014."
Neasden start the game second from bottom, but they will be far from pushovers, with boss Stirling Kay encouraging his troops to get into Harmen’s faces from the off. That’s the only way forward as if the visitors are afforded time and space, they have the players to tear NWN to shreds.
NWN boss Stirling Kay told JC Sport: “We are very much looking forward to the second half of the season. We ended the year on a high and we want to keep the momentum going starting on Sunday.
“We know they are a much better side than last year, with some top players in there team such as Gersh who is as good as any forward in the league. And they are challenging to break into the top three, so we face a very tough task.
“We will not be afraid to take the game to them and we have a big belief in our squad that we have the ability team spirit and belief to match any side in our division.
“We need a little bit of luck with players availability and injuries, and I know we can climb the league.”
With three huge games against Hendon, Raiders and Oakwood coming up, it’s important Harmen hit the ground running in 2015 and I expect them to take maximum points.
JC team news: NWN are missing midfield veteran Rick Harris through illness but they welcome new signing Zac McCleod from Catford into the squad. Dan Orgel and Craig Edwards will have late fitness tests.
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES
NWN
MGBSFL – Oakwood (h)
MGBSFL – Hendon (a)
HARMEN
MGBSFL – Hendon (h)
MGBSFL – NLR (h)
CAC – Oakwood (h)
Venue – Hazelwood Rec, Ref – John Nitka
JC star man: Alex Bowman (Harmen)
DC Prediction: NWN 1 Harmen 3
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
20 – Daniel Garfinkle (Redbridge JC B – including 3 for RJC A)
14 – Jake Gilbert (NL Raiders B)
BLIZZARD STORM vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B
Redbridge are in pole position to take the title following last week’s hard-fought victory over Blizzard Storm.
With games in hand on Camden Park and Raiders B, Jon Jacobs’ men know exactly what they have to do to cement Premier Division football – keep winning football matches. They even have some margin for error, but knowing Jacobs as I do, he’ll want them to sweep the board in 2015. No, he’ll demand it.
Top-scorer Daniel Garfinkle maintained his excellent run of form with his 20th of the season against Blizzard, with Sam Sollosi, Harrison Grant and Nathan Sollosi finishing the job, although the latter blotted his copybook with a late red card.
A lot of people think Garfinkle was a steal from Hendon - it was an outstanding piece of business by RJC. You've almost got three strikers in one with him. And that will improve under the management of Jacobs.
Redbridge bossed the first hour last week before Blizzard produced an excellent response, before the late fireworks. But with Martin Lavender in charge, I’m not expecting a repeat performance.
Blizzard boss Simon Linden won’t give up on his promotion dream until it’s mathematically impossible, but it’s already looking a tough ask.
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES
BLIZZARD
MGBSFL – Raiders (a)
MGBSFL – SPEC (a)
MGBSFL – Brixton (a)
RJC
MGBSFL – Blancos (a)
MGBSFL – Bilbaum (h)
MGBSFL – Camden (h)
Venue – Hertswood, Ref – Martin Lavender
JC star man: Harrison Grant (RJC)
DC Prediction: Blizzard 1 RJC 3
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LOS BLANCOS vs ATHLETIC BILBAUM
Blancos have been in imperious form since my birthday. No coincidence, I’m sure!
But, alas, it appears it promotion will be too big an ask, even with Simon Moses in such fabulous form.
The goals against column has done them no favours, but there’s no reason why they can’t go out and enjoy their run-in and see where it leaves them.
Ahead of the visit of struggling Bilbaum, Blancos boss Jonathan Ison told JC Sport: “Ending 2014 with a seven-game unbeaten streak was great, and we are looking to continue that good form into the new year.
“We are certainly high on confidence at the moment, and I am hoping the break has recharged batteries and got everyone ready for the final four games of the season, starting with hopefully getting the three points against Bilbaum on Sunday.”
The Baums look a pale shadow of the team that beat Blancos on the opening weekend of the season. Seven straight defeats has seen them plunge into relegation turmoil and time is running out.
With three tough games to follow, Sunday really is a must-win, but I think they will find things tough.
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES
BLANCOS
MGBSFL – RJC (h)
BILBAUM
MGBSFL – Camden (h)
MGBSFL – RJC (a)
MGBSFL – Brady (a)
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Stuart Ansher, KO – 10am
JC star man: Joel Kutner (Blancos)
DC Prediction: Blancos 4 Bilbaum 1
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NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS B vs CAMDEN PARK
Raiders are down to the bare bones for their big promotion clash at home to Camden Park.
Manager Jonathan Adelman revealed they have 10 players missing, and two key men have been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign.
He told JC Sport: “Sadly our injury crisis gets worse with Dan Grossman out for at least six months - he fractured his eye socket and cheekbone scoring against Redbridge in our last game - and Ben Sheldon also won't play again this season.
“We have no less that 10 players missing this week and a similar number for the next few weeks. The injuries are in key areas, it's exceptionally frustrating and realistically it severely dents our push for promotion.
“That said whatever XI we put out we will give our all and see where we end up.”
Camden have done well to haul themselves back into the mix, with Dan Baneth their hat-trick hero against SPEC last week.
That win lifted them above L’Orange and with the bit firmly between their teeth, the visitors will fancy their chances.
Camden’s Max Saunders told JC Sport: “This week’s game is without doubt our most important game of the season, as it looks more and more likely that it will be between us and Norstar to gain promotion alongside Redbridge.
“To put it simply, we have to win. It will not be easy, we are aware of Norstar’s strengths. They are a very good team and beat us last time round. However, we know what wrong that day and what we have to do right this Sunday.
“Morale is good in the squad at the moment and we are finally starting to play as we should, so we are confident that if we continue to play with the right attitude, we will come away with the three points.”
The loss of Grossman is a big blow to NLR. But with the A-team having no game, it wouldn’t surprise me if David Rhodes if drafted in to bolster the ranks, and possibly one or two other squad players.
Camden have yet to beat any of their promotion rivals. What their fans are looking for is a real statement of
intent and if they execute their game-plan, they might just put themselves in the box-seat.
JC team news: Camden’s Luke Brookner, Adam Paris, Max Gordon and David Khalastchi are away. Ben Harris is approaching a return but is still a few weeks away. Richard Silver returns.
Venue – The Ark, Ref – Keith Goodman, KO – 10am
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES
RAIDERS
MGBSFL – Blizzard (h)
MGBSFL – Brady (h)
CAMDEN
MGBSFL – Bilbaum (a)
MGBSFL – Redbridge (a)
JC star man: Rob Hershkorn (Camden)
DC Prediction: NLR 1 Camden 2
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
11 - Adam Stolerman (FC Team C)
9 - Jacob Richler-Kleiman (Oakwood B)
FC TEAM B vs AC MILL HILL
If the season finished today, FC Team B would be crowned champions. But it doesn’t. And Mill Hill hope they can finish the weekend in joint-top spot as they eye revenge on the leaders.
Mitch Young’s boys were different gravy in the early-season meet, with Ben Binder untouchable on the day.
And having got the derby defeats against their C-team out of the way, it’s all systems go as far as Young is concerned. He has his side exactly when he wants them.
Mill Hill haven’t scored the quantity of goals I’d expected them to, but there’s still time. However, dropped points against L’Equipe and Catford could cost them at the business end of the season, unless they go on a long, unbeaten run.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Mill Hill boss Dan Beresford told JC Sport: “We still have a few injury doubts, but I'm hoping we can do better than our previous meeting against them.”
As for a prediction, Team haven’t conceded in their last two and if they score first I can’t see them losing.
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES
TEAM
MGBSFL – Raiders C (h)
MGBSFL – Oakwood B (h)
MILL HILL
MGBSFL – Team C (a)
MGBSFL – Jewdinese (a)
TOP-SCORERS
Team - Richard Salmon 9
Mill Hill - Ben Zloof 8
Venue – Gosling Sports Centre, Ref – Robert Caplin, KO - 10am
JC star man: Richard Sternberg (Team)
DC Prediction: Team 2 Mill Hill 1
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JEWDINESE vs L’EQUIPE
After ending 2014 with a solid result against AC Mill Hill, L’Equipe now intend to start pulling away from the relegation battle.
Joint-boss Josh Lewis was keen to pinpoint the influence of Mark Smith and Andy Smith, who although not regulars, have most certainly added something when available.
Lewis told JC Sport: “They have only been able to play a couple of times this season due to their Saturday team commitments. But when they do play I can see the difference it makes to the team’s confidence and I expect them both to be a handful for the Jewdinese defence.”
“They have always been close encounters between Jewdinese and L’equipe having drawn both games against them 1-1 last season I’m expecting another tight game. But with the likes of Mark Smith, Andy Smith, Nick Stern and James Mandell I think we’ll have enough to pick up the valuable three points.”
The first half of the season was one of frustration for ‘Nese fans. Having overhauled his squad, boss Darren Lawrence is confident his troops will turn things around and he’ll be challenging them to finish in the top half.
'Nese chairman Jake Erlich told JC Sport: "After a very long break, the whole team is ready to play against a strong L'Equipe side.
"Even though we haven't played them this season, we know that this team are technically gifted and could cause us problems which is why we need to be at the top of our game."
As things stand, this is a relegation six-pointer and it will all boil down to which team wants it most.
JC team news: Joint-managers Dan Cordell and Josh Lewis are unavailable this weekend, along with captain Mark Singer and striker Rob Simons. Vice-Captain David Prager will be taking charge for Sunday.
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES
JEWDINESE
MGBSFL – Mill Hill (h)
MGBSFL - Whetstone (a)
L’EQUIPE
MGBSFL – Catford (a)
MGBSFL – Whetstone (h)
Venue – Morris Playing Fields, Ref – Laurie Benson, KO – 10am
JC team news: Mark and Andy Smith are available again for L’Equipe.
JC star man: David Prager (L’Equipe)
DC Prediction: Nese 1 L’Equipe 2
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NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS C vs AC WHETSTONE
Whetstone started very well, but this fixture might be too much for them.
Raiders have clicked into gear and I don’t expect the winter break to affect their momentum one bit.
Having climbed up to fifth, Zack Gothelf’s men are reminding us all why they won the Division Three crown last season. Some of their football in recent weeks has been quick breathtaking.
NLR boss Zack Gothelf told JC Sport: “We should enter the second half of the season with plenty of confidence. Three wins from four games, and we now sit in a position where most probably expected at the start of the season.
“Whetstone are a very good side. They're well organised, have some very good players and a good manager. Last season, on our home pitch, they gave us a real game and I imagine this week will be no different.
“But we've got nearly everyone back from injury, and as I said before the break, the standard has well and truly been set. No excuses any more.”
Whetstone will give most teams a game in Division Two, and they pushed Premier Division Neasden all the way in the cup recently. The people at the club have seen the bigger picture – it’s not just about winning. It’s about playing football, the right way and if that all adds up to a victory, then even better.
But when all is said and done, I think NLR will have too much on the day.
JC team news: Jonny Blain is still out with a knee injury, but otherwise Gothelf and Domb have a full NLR squad to choose from.
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES
RAIDERS
MGBSFL – Team B (h)
MGBSFL – Catford (h)
WHETSTONE
MGBSFL – Oakwood (a)
MGBSFL – L’Equipe (h)
MGBSFL – Jewdinese (h)
Venue – Brunel, Ref – Gary Silver, KO – 10am
JC star man: Josh Bloom (NLR)
DC Prediction: NLR 3 Whetstone 1
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OAKWOOD B vs FC TEAM C
David Gordon hopes that FC Team B can do the C’s a favour against Mill Hill to help them climb back into the promotion zone. But first things first, he’s targeting three points against fourth-placed Oakwood as they go in third of a third consecutive victory.
I managed to seal an exclusive interview with Oaks boss Jason Stein who is looking forward to his first outing of 2015.
"DC, do come in. Sorry my office is a bit of a mess, but I'm only just back from Montecatini where I took the lads for a weekend. I thought it would do them some good. I spoke to Mickey Adams before leaving to get some advice on do's and don'ts and all went well. Just the one charge.
"I've been active in the transfer market, but not as active as I would like. I made a last minute dash for Wilfried Bony, but he wasn't having the lifetime supply of chocolate babka as salary. Shame, as he'd have done a job.
"Jake Ailion has come in as a second keeper and Johnny Pressman bolsters our defensive ranks. We've also seen three players move on. I've got my eye on two more, one a free agent, but one is at another club so it would be unfair of me to say more out of respect to his current team, but we're close with him.
"We’re really looking forward to the game against FC Team C. They look good a good side, but like every team they will chinks in their armour and we'll look to get at them.
"There is no reason to believe we can't pull off what some would deem a shock. As you broke last week, Dave Eden is back from injury, ever present Jacob Richler-Kleiman will start up top and skipper Elliot Jackson will lead the lads out.
"I can't wait for the next seven games, I believe anything is possible with this group of players when they apply themselves, approach the game with the right preparation and play to the level they are capable of doing. We have some wonderful technicians and characters at Oakwood B Football Club
"There were times during the first 56.25% of the season where we didn't quite reach that level, play with the required level of intensity and concentration, but equally there were times when we were hampered by injury after injury. Louis van Gaal has some chutzpah moaning about injuries when you compare his situation to mine.
"I lie awake at night wondering what might have been had we been able to field our best players more often."
David Gordon was in reflective mood ahead of kick-off. With the second-half horror show against Raiders C still haunting him, but the break gave the players the opportunity to focus and refresh.
Gordon told JC Sport: “Following two disappointing results, we need a win to get our season back on track.
“We have three massive games against a couple of our closest rivals this month so we want to kick off with a positive reuslt on Sunday. I’m confident we will do that.”
This is a good moment for Oakwood and I think a point is the least their fans will expect.
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES
OAKWOOD
MGBSFL – Whetstone (h)
MGBSFL – Team C (a)
MGBSFL – Team B (h)
TEAM
MGBSFL – Mill Hill (h)
MGBSFL – Oakwood (h)
Venue – Nicholas Breakspear School, Ref – Martin De La Fuente, KO – 10am
JC star man: Johnny Pressman (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 2 Team 2
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DIVISION THREE
TOP-SCORERS
18 - Avi Markiweicz (London Rovers)
13 - Adam Ellis (Shacharit Donetsk)
12 - Phil Braham (King Crown)
BOCA JEWNIORS vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS GREEN
With seven-games to go, gaffer Gabe John has urged his Boca team to push on and deliver.
He told JC Sport: “It’s been a tough season so far, with injuries and new players, etc. I think my boys could have done better, but we are always improving and getting better.
Boca are near to full strength on Sunday and John added: “I truly hope we finish strong in order to prove our pedigree."
Lions go into the new year in decent shape. Two wins and two clean sheets in their last three outings tells you they are finally heading in the right direction.
They looked the bees knees against high-flying Faithfold B last time out and a repeat performance should be enough to steer them home against Boca.
However, they’re still lacking a goal-poacher and that’s something managers David Pollock and Johnny Meltzer were looking to address during Chanukah.
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES
BOCA
MGBSFL – Shacharit (h)
MGBSFL – Shacharit (a)
MGBSFL – MLL (a)
MLL
MGBSFL – Hendon B (h)
MGBSFL – Boca (h)
Venue – Wycliffe Road, Ref – Henry Raffe, KO - 10am
JC star man: Jerome Colmans (MLL)
DC Prediction: Boca 1 Lions 2
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B vs FAITHFOLD B
The next four games are huge for Faithfold B. After Sunday’s trip to Hendon, they face to journeys to exit, with a visit to leaders London Rovers sandwiched in the middle.
Rob Shooman’s men have two games in hand on the top two and they will be confident of returning to winning ways following the defeat against the Lions – the only blemish to their proud league record.
Leor Harel was Faithfold’s match-winner when they edged past Hendon in November, but Shooman knows they must raise their standards over the second half of the season. Hendon gave a good account of themselves that day and they are certainly a team Hendon must not under-estimate.
Saul Cohen was Hendon’s hero in last week’s epic 6-5 win over Shacharit, even if his late winner had more than a touch of handball about it. There were also magical displays from Glen Turner and Chaim Gothold, while Gideon Barth produced his best display of the season.
Hendon struggled to get to grips with Adam Ellis last week until Glen Turner bolstered the defence, but Faithfold have threats from several areas and I doubt the reds have the nous to stop them.
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES
HENDON
MGBSFL – MLL (a)
MGBSFL – KS Reunited (h)
FAITHFOLD
MGBSFL – KS Reunited (a)
MGBSFL – London Rovers (h)
MGBSFL – Sosobad (a)
Venue – Montrose Park, Ref – Laurence Thorne
JC star man: Jonny Gahan (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Hendon 1 Faithfold 3
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REAL SOSOBAD vs KS REUNITED
Revenge is the name of the game for KS as they look to put a huge dent in Sosobad’s promotion dream.
Recent talk of Sosobad making a move for KS hotshot James Ryan did nothing to smooth the relationship between the east London rivals but I expect nothing more than competitive spirit to be on show on Sunday.
KS will be determined to avoid their noisy neighbours completing the double over them after John Lessem and Adam Goodman earned Sosobad a 2-0 victory in the first ever meeting between the clubs.
But Sosobad Dan Shafron knows that nothing less than three points will do. He told JC Sport: “We are excited to get the second half of our season underway this weekend. There is still a lot to play for and I very much believe that the league can still be won be any of the top four teams.
“We are in a strong position knowing that eight of our nine remaining games are against the teams below us so it is important that we stay focused, continue to play the right brand of football and obtain maximum points.
“This Sunday we welcome KS Reunited. Last time out we beat them 2-0. They were missing a couple of key players and, if they are available this weekend, we know that we will be in for a tough match.
“I do know however that if we play with the same hunger and determination as we did against King Crown in our last game, we will come away with all three points.”
I think KS will huff and puff, but in the end Sosobad will blow their house down.
JC team news: Sosobad’s squad has “picked itself this weekend”. Shafron added: “This is down to the commitment and desire shown by every available player to want to play a game of football.”
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES
SOSOBAD
MGBSFL – Fortune (h)
MGBSFL – Faithfold (h)
KS REUNITED
MGBSFL – Faithfold (h)
MGBSFL – Hendon (a)
MGBSFL – Fortune (h)
Venue – Peter May, Ref – Robert Benardout, KO – 10am
JC star man: John Lessem (Sosobad)
DC Prediction: KS 1 Sosobad 2
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SHACHARIT DONETSK vs KING CROWN
It must’ve felt like a long few weeks for the King Crown boys following the 2-1 defeat against Faithfold B.
Most of the players would’ve wanted a game the next day, but they’ve had to wait a full three weeks for their next outing – a game you’d expect them to win.
An 11-game unbeaten run had put them in pole position for the title, but with London Rovers hitting top gear, they have now slipped four points behind the leaders.
I’ve heard rumours that King Crown had spies at Shacharit’s game against Hendon last week and they would’ve been impressed with what they saw – with Adam Ellis in top form. However, if they put Dom Cheniart on man-marking duties, that might just be enough to stifle them.
And you have to believe that the have the players would will ask questions of the Shacharit defence.
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES
SHACHARIT
MGBSFL – Boca (a)
MGBSFL – Boca (h)
CROWN
MGBSFL – Rovers (a)
MGBSFL – Boca (a)
MGBSFL – Shacharit (h)
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Neal Cohen
JC star man: Dom Cheniart (Crown)
DC Prediction: Shacharit 2 Crown 4
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