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MGBSFL Matchday 2 preview

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Norstar London Raiders A, Harmen, Redbridge Jewish Care and FC Team A make their bow on Matchday 2 of the MGBSFL season, while there's a cracker in store in Division One where Brady Maccabi host Raiders B. Danny Caro looks ahead to all the action.

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TOP-SCORERS

DANNY CARO'S RUMOUR MILL

SEE CARO'S COLUMN

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MATCHDAY ONE HIGHLIGHTS

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: FC TEAM B vs L'EQUIPE

PHOTOGALLERY: FC TEAM B vs L'EQUIPE

PHOTOGALLERY: FC TEAM B vs CATFORD & BROMLEY

MATCHDAY 1 REVIEW

DANNY CARO'S TEAM OF THE WEEK

DANNY CARO'S GOAL OF THE WEEK

DANNY CARO'S QUOTE OF THE WEEK

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PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND ONE DRAW

CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND ONE DRAW

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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:

PREMIER DIVISION

LEAGUE TABLE

RESULTS & FIXTURES

NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS A vs NORTH WEST NEASDEN
It was important Neasden hit the ground running against Woodford last week. They did that, and some, with former Brixton star Danny Sherman in razor sharp form.

But they face a real acid test on Sunday as Raiders make their bow at the Ark.

Sam Franks, Gideon Barnett and Ben Chernoff got Stirling Kay’s men off to a flyer against Woodford, but Raiders on 3G is a totally different proposition.

Ahead of the game, NWN boss Stirling Kay told JC Sport: “Obviously we were delighted with our result against Woodford, however what was even more pleasing was the manner in which we went about it. The football we played has laid down the marker of where we want to be.

“We know it only gets tougher from here, and it does not get any tougher than theRraiders. They finished second last year so we know we are up against a team that will be looking to go one better. What with that and having the massive advantage of playing there home games on their 3g pitch, we know the task in front of us is huge.

“But like every team we play, we will not concern ourselves with who we play, but what we do on and off the ball. We will go into this game trying to put Raiders under pressure from the first whistle for the 90 minutes. We know this will be very difficult but that's our aim.

It’s been a summer of reflection at NLR after falling agonisingly short in the league last season – they missed out on the title by three points despite losing just once in 18 games.

Now Rob Richman will be looking to carry on the good work of Phil Peters after a managerial change and they have dusted themselves down and will be ready to go again come Sunday.

Richman told JC Sport: “It has been a long pre-season and we are looking forward to going out and playing our first competitive game for a long time.

“Neasden had a great start last weekend and will be full of confidence so we know we will be in for a good game.

“We’ve brought in some very good players over the course of the summer and it will be very interesting to see how they can push the team on from what was a very successful season last year.”

Very few teams win at Raiders. With Richman back in charge, his team will be looking to make a statement of intent to their title rivals and I think they will have too much for a hard-working NWN team on the day, with Ben Joseph pulling the strings.

JC team news: NWN hope to welcome back Dan Orgel, Craig Edwards and Josh Tiano to the squad. Rick Harris (hamstring), Kane Gilbery (groin) and Shai Davidi (work commitments) are unavailable.

Ben Joseph, Liron Mannie and Josh Hershman are all set for their NLR debuts.

Venue - Ark, Ref – Neal Cohen, KO – 10am

JC star man: Ben Joseph (NLR)

DC Prediction: NLR 2 NWN 0

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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A vs HARMEN
Shirt sales with Fehler flew out of the window at the Hendon club shop this week after new boy Dovi gave them double delight against Lions last Sunday.

Featured on the backpage of this week’s JC, he might find things slightly tougher against big-spending Harmen who have bolstered with the likes of James Gershfield, Jake Gottlieb and Brad Sharp for their first season back in the Premier.

SEE CARO'S COLUMN

Hendon cruised effortlessly through the gears last Sunday, with Greg Corin scoring a stunner, but they should prepare to come up against even more determined opposition second time around.

Ahead of the game, Hendon boss David Garbacz told JC Sport: “We got off to a very encouraging start last week, with all the new boys slotting in as if they’d been playing together for months. Young Dovi Fehler grabbed the week one headlines and rightly so, but there was equally encouraging performances from Ethan Zone, Simon Peterman, Lee Sieradki and Michael Kenley, and competition for places is clearly going to be very strong this year.

“This week we are delving once more into the unknown – Harmen were promoted last year but apparently have been signing and strengthening like there’s no tomorrow and actually could well be one of the dark horses to emerge this year.

“They will be totally raring to go having not played last week and we will need to grant them full respect.

“We will be expecting an extremely tough match and I wouldn’t be surprised if goals were hard to come by, but overall I would be extremely disappointed not to come away with the three points.”

A visit to the champions could bring the best out of Harmen first up. They have made some truly inspirational signings over the summer and their fans will arrive at Hendon’s new home full of hope.

Ahead of kick-off, Harmen joint-manager Joel Alterman told JC Sport: “The fixtures have thrown us a real test of our ability by giving us an away game against last season’s treble winners in our first game since promotion to the Prem.

“Having built up our squad over the summer, the final piece of the puzzle was secured in the last week with the signing of an old Harmen player, Omri Brinner. Born in Jerusalem, Omri has recently been studying and playing football in San Jose for the San Jose State Spartans and has come back to London to continue studying, and we were delighted to welcome a player of his ability at Harmen.

“Jon Morris was instrumental in bringing him back into the fold and it has created a real buzz amongst the players.

“We know how much of a tough game we are in for on Sunday - with the management team watching Hendon’s victory against London Lions last weekend - but our squad is capable of matching them.

“Hendon’s organisation is second to none in this league, but we are hoping our ability and youthfulness will shine through. We played Hendon A last season in a cup match and we were narrowly defeated by them, but our performance in that game gives us great confidence going into this weekend having improved our squad since that fixture.

“With 19 boys available for this game, we have had to make some tough decisions, but we will be giving the whole squad a chance to impress in the coming weeks.

“Some big names will not be on the teamsheet on Sunday and these players will be raring to go when given their chance, along with the five players who are unavailable through injury.”

Harmen will relish the role of the underdog, but I’m not brave to bet against Hendon.

JC team news: Hendon have a “strong” squad to choose from. Gaffer Garbacz went on to say: “The only absentees would seem to be long term injury victim Dovid Korman and Yoav Kestenbaum . No new signings this week, although we are still looking at one or youngsters, especially with Dovid suffering another injury big set-back .

Harmen squad (from): Alex Bowman, Ben Henry, Ben Weinberg (capt), Bradley Dryer, Bradley Sharp, Danny Cohen, David Ronson, Harry Fine, Jake Gottlieb, James Gershfield, Joey Lazare, Jon Morris, Marc Foster, Max Shields, Oli Leslie, Omri Brinner, Ricky Rinder, Rob Blackman, Sam Castle.

Venue – Mill Hill Village, Ref – Steve Levy

JC star man: Lee Sieradki (Hendon)

DC Prediction: Hendon 2 Harmen 1

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FC TEAM A vs FAITHFOLD A
Bouncebackability is the name of the game for 2012/13 winners Faithfold ahead of the Mill Hill derby against a new-look FC Team A.

Manager Zuriel Solomons is confident his boys can make a statement following their defeat against Oakwood last week.

He told JC Sport: “After a disappointing result, we are looking to put things right come Sunday.

“We are struggling a little on numbers at the moment but hope to have a decent squad Sunday.”

“FC Team must be raring to go and we will respect the newcomers and hopefully come away with a decent result.”

The signings of Yoav Lebens and Alon Hershkorn are sure to give FC Team more bite and with head coach Ben Gilbey expecting big things from Adam Aminoff, David Joseph Cohen and Jamie Breslaw, it’ll be interesting to see where they finish – no doubt they are equipped to take points off the top sides.

Faithfold have some big-hitters missing on Sunday and I think Team will make them pay. It should be a thriller.

JC team news: Sam Reeves, Mike Pearson and Joe Cohen and Matt Sofier are all missing for Faithfold, but Dan Stock and James Taylor return.

Venue - Old Camdenians, Ref – Keith Goodman

JC star man: Alon Hershkorn (Team)

DC Prediction: Team 2 Faithfold 1

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OAKWOOD A vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
Oakwood started the season with a bang and they will be looking to take down another big gun in the shape of Redbridge on Sunday.

The ever-reliable Guy Helman and Carl ‘CCCAAARRRLLL’ Peters fired them to a famous 2-0 win, but it was Dave Cohen and Dave Woolman who grabbed the headlines after powerhouse performance. Keeper Dan Cohen also deserves a mention for “that save”.

It’s a big season for Redbridge. Manager Sam Rosenthal hopes they fulfil their potential following the arrival of several big-money signings. He raided neighbours Chigwell, so don’t be surprised to see a James Jaconelli or a Ryan Cole in the mix.

Ahead of the game, Rosenthal told JC Sport: “We will be going there to win. We will have a handful of new signings on show, including some young lads from Chigwell which helps with our pace in the forward areas.”

There’ll be bags of quality on show on Sunday in a game on 3G – a surface both teams are comfortable on.

Rosenthal expects a fast start from his boys, but I think it’ll be the Oaks who come away with maximum points.

Venue – Nicholas Breakspear, Ref – Martin De La Fuente , KO – 10am

JC star man: Brad Wine (Oakwood)

DC Prediction: Oakwood 2 RJC 1

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DIVISION ONE

LEAGUE TABLE

RESULTS & FIXTURES

LOS BLANCOS vs SPEC FC
Jon Ison got the performance but not the result against Bilbaum last Sunday and he’s confident a similar display will result in Blancos’s first win of the season.

Jono Gaon scored what is likely to be his only goal for the club this season and it wouldn’t surprise me if SPEC had some spies at the airport to make sure he sets foot on the El Al plane once and for all!

Ahead of the game, Ison told JC Sport: “We are looking to bounce back this week with a win. Last week, I was really happy with the display, but unfortunately Bilbaum completed the ultimate ‘smash and grab’ - as quoted by their manager - with a last-minute penalty.

“Once again we have a big squad available, and there is bound to be more disappointment from those missing out.

“If we put in the same performance as last week, I am confident we will come away from the game with three points. Adam Hersh is certainly looking forward to regaining his place up front, and he should be getting excellent service from all those around him.”

SPEC were soundly beaten by Brady on Matchday One, and managers Ricky Lawrence and Michael Rhodes will be looking for a big all-round improvement.

He told JC Sport: “After a very disappointing result last Sunday, we know we have to put in a positive performance against Blancos.

“We are in advanced talks with Oli Presky from AC Mill Hill though it's very unlikely he'll feature this weekend."

Hersh has an excellent record at West Hendon and I can see him and the Blancos boys getting the performance and result they need in a war of attrition.

JC team news: James Lesner and “the man mountain” Simon Bagel are both out for SPEC FC, while Ashley Burns still hasn't recovered from injury. They welcome back skipper Marc Hecht to the squad, “ providing his flight home from Israel isn't delayed".

Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Laurence Thorne, KO – 10am

JC star man: Adam Hersh (Blancos)

DC Prediction: Blancos 2 SPEC 1

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CAMDEN PARK vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B
Sunday will be an emotional day for RJC boss Jon Jacobs who bids farewell to his youngsters after their opener at Camden.

Last season’s Division Two runners-up have a long-term plan to reach the Premier, but with the core of the team preparing for university, Jacobs’s recently told me that his best-laid plans will be on hold this term.

Ahead of Sunday’s trip to Hatfield, he told JC Sport: “We should be fairly strong.”

Camden gave Redbridge A two good games last season so you would expect them to do exactly the same against the Bs. And if their week one exploits are anything to go by, then they should give them a run for their money.

Were saw the best of Jake Saunders last week, with David Khalastchi and Greg Mellor joining him on the scoresheet in the win over Blizzard.

Boss Nick Kagan told JC Sport: “We were delighted to kick off the season with three points despite being down to the bare bones. We’re looking to continue building momentum this weekend.”

A top-notch affair is on the cards and the battle between Saunders and Nathan Sollosi will be worth paying the admission fee.

JC team news: The Marks brothers, Rich Silver, Will Castle and skipper Rob Hershkorn return to the Camden squad this week, making competition for places fierce. Ben Harris, Greg Meller and Josh Toff are on the treatment table.

Venue – Hatfield, Ref – Neil Cooper, KO – 10am

JC star man: Rich Silver (Camden)

DC Prediction: Camden 1 Redbridge 1

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ATHLETIC BILBAUM vs BLIZZARD STORM
The Baums will be looking to make it two on the spin when they entertain a Blizzard team smarting from an opening day defeat.

Dan Perelberg enjoyed a dream debut in the famous green and white colours and I expect there to be a few extra bums on seats as the Bernebaum faithful look forward to the first viewing of the new favourite in his first competitive home game.

But the win over Blancos would not have been possible without the heroics of goalkeeper Simon Roth who will need to be on top form once again, with Ben Ellis and Dean Shaw expected to line up in the Blizzard team.

Simon Linden’s men are smarting from a 3-2 defeat against Camden. Linden came away with lots of ifs and buts, though it’s important they perform for 90 minutes and not just 45.

“It’s very important to bounce back from last week’s defeat,” Linden told JC Sport. “We’ve hHad some great games against Bilbaum over the years, so hopefully this will continue with Blizzard picking up the three points.”

Blizzard are still struggling to find an established keeper and that could be music to the ears of Perelberg and co who will be excused for adopting a shoot-on-sight policy.

JC team news: Aaron Salaman, Rafi Marom and Ben Greenbury are all set to be included in Blizzard’s 14-man squad.

Venue – Regents Park, Ref – Robert Benardout, KO – 10.30

JC star man: Dan Perelberg (Bilbaum)

DC Prediction: Bilbaum 2 Blizzard 1

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BRADY MACCABI vs NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS B
Brady host Raiders on Sunday and it wouldn’t surprise if the teams finish in the top two. In which order is anyone’s guess.

Josh Dagul’s boys thumped SPEC FC 4-0 on Matchday One, with Dan Harrod the star man. He will have a big part to play this season, as will Josh Newman and Reiss Mogilner.

At the other end, keeper Sam Singer is expected to be busier than he was last week against opponents who are quick on the counter.

However, NLR have some injury concerns going into the game. “We have seven players out for Sunday, Jonathan Adelman told JC Sport. “I'm just hoping not to have to pull on my boots on Sunday!”

Given a lengthy injury and absence list that includes no less than 7, including Matt Greene (hamstring, Dec) and Jeremy Elster (knee, unknown) I'm just hoping not to have to pull on my boots on Sunday!

“I gather Brady were impressive in their 4-0 demolition of SPEC so at this stage and after such a disjointed pre-season I just want to see us put in a decent shift on Sunday, any sort of result would be a bonus.”

I tipped NLR for the title last week. David Grossman, Josh Green, Lewis Blitz, Jake Gilbert and Jacob Gold came in over the summer, but it might take them a week or two to settle in the higher division.

JC team news: Matt Greene has been ruled out with a hamstring until December and Jeremy Elster (knee) is also on the list of notable absentees.

Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – John Nitka, KO – 10am

JC star man: Sam Singer (Brady)

DC Prediction: Brady 2 NL 1

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DIVISION TWO

LEAGUE TABLE

RESULTS & FIXTURES

AC MILL HILL vs FC TEAM B
Mill Hill could not have asked for a tougher start. I tipped FC Team B for the title and after one game, I’m sitting here with a big smile on my face!

Four goals, three points and a clean sheet left boss Mitch Young in a very good place, but focus remained high at training this week.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: FC TEAM B vs L'EQUIPE

PHOTOGALLERY: FC TEAM B vs L'EQUIPE

Young is expecting things to be much closer here, with Ben Zloof and Jamie Kent likely to be in the Mill Hill starting XI.

"We are expecting a real test Sunday,” Young told JC Sport. “I have never seen Mill Hill play, but they have done a lot of talking, saying how they should win the title, so we have no reason not to believe them.

“I know a few of their players and they are good players; they have two very dangerous strikers so if we defend well as a Team we should win the game.

“We cannot afford to take any side lightly, but equally I have full confidence in my team to go out and get the three points."

New Mill Hill boss Dan Beresford has had “a lot of injuries to contend with,” but he’s hoping his players “can pull it out the bag with a good performance”.

Lorian Madanes was the star for Team last weekend. They have lots of potential match-winners on paper and I think on Sunday their fitness and organisation will see them home.

JC team news: Team welcome back star striker Richard Salmon, who missed last week’s win. Oliver Segal returns as well, while Andy Sheena could feature. They have no injuries to report.

Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Rob Caplin, KO – 10am

JC star man: Adam Rones (Team)

DC Prediction: Mill Hill 1 Team 3

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AC WHETSTONE vs CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI
The Whetstone wonder kids made the rest of Division Two stand up and take note when they hit Jewdinese for six on Matchday One, but something tells me things will be much closer, and we’ll be hard-pressed to get another nine-goal thriller.

A sparkling performance from Sammy Huberman set up Whetstone’s win. And in their answer to Liverpool’s SAS, Whetstone’s very own CAC delivered – with Rob Cohen and Dan Cohen bagging braces.

But on Sunday they’ll take on a big, strong and committed Catford team licking their wounds following a 4-2 reverse against FC Team C.

PHOTOGALLERY: FC TEAM B vs CATFORD & BROMLEY

A big reaction is expected from the Cats, according to captain Adam Luria. He told JC Sport: “We’re looking forward to the opportunity to get last week out of our system this Sunday.

“We played well in patches against a strong team but made too many mistakes and came up short.

“Last season we traded wins with Whetstone. We can't underestimate them, especially on the dreaded 3G pitch, but we'll look to go out there and regain last season's early form.”

Midfield will be the key area for me on Sunday and I can see Whetstone’s superior fitness pulling them through.

JC team news: Joel Isaacs returns for Catford, but Simon Wolfson, Ryan Kangisser and Gary Conway are all still absent. Luria added: “Still, we've got a strong squad and everyone will be desperate to get a first win.”

Venue - Hertswood, Ref – Martin Fox

JC star man: Alex Wolffenden (Whetstone)

DC Prediction: Whetstone 3 Catford 2

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NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS C vs OAKWOOD B
Oakwood fans got their first glimpse of their revamped team last Sunday – and they loved what they saw.

A 5-0 demolition of Loughton came courtesy of strikes from Jacob Richler Kleiman, Marcus Mann and Marc Hymanson, but it was two-goal hero Max Clynes who grabbed the limelight following an outstanding performance.

On Sunday they take on last season’s Division Three champions. Zack Gothelf is quietly confident this team can push for promotion again, but this looks set to be one of their hardest games of the season.

Oakwood are packed with quality from front to back and they will take no prisoners this season.

Boss Jason Stein told JC Sport: "Our squad is particularly strong this week with 16 of our 19 players declaring themselves available which means the management staff will have tough choices to make."

"The lads don't know the squad or team yet, so I can't pass much comment here, but one certainty is that new captain Elliot Jackson will make his first competitive start of the season at centre half.

“Jacob Richler Kleiman will also be starting and looking to add to his goal tally after being disappointed with just one last week, despite our 5-0 win. It's a very Ruud van Nistelrooy attitude and I'm confident he'll bag loads of goals."

"I'm looking forward to the challenge that I'm sure Raiders C will provide. Yet, our aim is to secure another win, confidence is really high after the weekend and we are chalishing for another victory."

NLR have added Jonny Blain, Josh Bloom, Adam Leveson and Marc Woolfe to their squad and their experience will be needed here.

Boss Zack Gothelf told JC Sport: "We're hoping to start with a good showing and build on some impressive pre-season performances.

"It's the start of the season so we're not sure what to expect from Oakwood, but it'll be a tough test and they'll have their confidence up after last week's win.

"We propelled our title-winning season last year with a great home record and this Sunday we'll look to continue impressive home form and if we play as we know we can, we'll get our first points on Sunday."

I’m predicting an open and entertaining affair. Much depends on how the Oaks adjust to the 3G that all NLR teams excel on.

JC team news: Will Ufland is away, as is Jake Yudelowitz for NLR. Jonny Samuel has a knock and Luke Goldsmith is slowly recovering from surgery.

Venue – Brunel/Ark, Ref – Mark Jacob

JC star man: Elliot Jackson (Oakwood)

DC Prediction: NLR 1 Oakwood 1

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DIVISION THREE

LEAGUE TABLE

RESULTS & FIXTURES

KING CROWN vs REAL SOSOBAD
Sunday’s clash between King Crown and new boys Real Sosobad won’t be one for the faint hearted.

Real fans will be delighted to hear the news that manager Dan Shafron managed to snap up Richard Rosenthal from Redbridge on Deadline Day and he looks set to make his debut.

After thanking chairman Josh Hambling for dipping into his pocket, a delighted Shafron told JC Sport: “Richard was a target of ours throughout pre-season and we are happy that we finally got a deal agreed.”

Team spirit will be a major factor for Real this season and Shafron believes he has his squad exactly where he wants them.

He told JC Sport: “We are looking forward to kicking off our debut campaign this Sunday. We’ve worked hard in pre-season and our preparations have been good, but we are now ready to get going.

“We know King Crown are one of the stronger sides in the division who like to play good football and we expect a tough game. However, it’s important for us play well, continue developing our style and try to get the three points.”

King Crown made a cracking start last weekend, with Ben Retter, Philip Braham and two-goal hero Jake Garfield on target against Lions.

With a full squad available, boss Jacob Kadoch has the bit between his teeth and the Crown boys will go in full of confidence.

Kadoch told JC Sport: “We have a goal to get promoted and as every game passes that goal will hopefully be a reality. We must pick up from last Sunday and get those three points.”

I can see the teams going hammer and tongs for 90 minutes, but there may not be a winner at the end.

JC team news: Shafron has an almost full-strength squad to select from, with Craig Mervish, Andy Levy, Elliott Coulton and Matt Geppert the only noticeable absentees.

Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Mark Jacob, KO – 10am

JC star man: Richard Rosenthal (Sosobad)

DC Prediction: King Crown 2 Sosobad 2

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FAITHFOLD B vs KS REUNITED
KS boss Jason Goldstein has reported a fully fit squad for Sunday’s trip to Faithfold.

“We’re hoping to begin our MSFL adventure with a win,” KS’s Jason Stein told JC Sport.

The club are expected to give a debut to new striker James Ryan as they go for goals against opponents relegated last season.

The battle of the strikers will be one to watch, with Dan Gordon leading from the front for the Superhoops, who did well to keep hold of Josh Barnett.

Manager Rob Shooman will encourage his team to get the ball down and play, but much depends on how they defend against a KS team packed with goals.

My money is on a KS win.

Venue – The Hive, Ref – Henry Raffe

JC star man: James Ryan (KS)

DC Prediction: Faithfold 1 KS 3

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LONDON ROVERS vs SHACHARIT DONETSK
Both Rovers and Shacharit made impressive starts last weekend and a big crowd is expected in west Hendon for a crunch clash that features two of the league’s new boys.

Josh Bharier was the name of the lips of all Rovers fans last Sunday following his heroic hat-trick in the destruction of Hendon.

“We looked great last week,” Rovers chairman Viv Emanuel told JC Sport. “Our new kits from our new sponsor, Benjamin Stevens, looked great and the guys played just as well in them.

“Winning against Hendon B is a great result and may be the difference come the end of the season. But its only game one – there are still 17 to go.

“Hendon are a good team and with new signings, they are looking strong. Saul Cohen made the difference last week and I suspect may be scoring some more.

The win came at a cost though, with Adam Kay ruled out for a month. Boss Jeremy Brown described it as “a massive blow”. He went on to say: “But we have a big squad and I expect everyone to step up.”

Looking ahead to the Shacharit game, he told reporters: "I think this week will be a tough game. I expect Shacharit to be very energetic, with lots of pace. Hopefully our experience and quality on the ball will prove to be the difference.

"After a great result last week, it is vital that we put a run together and set the pace for the division".

Emanuel believes this week’s game “will be entirely different”. He said: “A new team always worries me. They are always an unknown quantity. Beating Fortune on the opening game of the season is a warning to us. They are a very young team and this always is an advantage.

“Many of our players have been together for many years and know how each other play, while Shacharit are a new team and I hope we can take advantage of hopefully a lack of cohesion that LR have. I do believe though that we have a great mix at LR and this will help us win this game.”

Matan Ozin inspired Shacharit to an impressive win over Temple Fortune. A deadly double from striker Joshua Levy plus one from Akiva Fink saw them home.

Boss Elliot Nussbaum was delighted with the way his troops “kept their shape and discipline” in front of league chairman David Wolff.

I’m predicting goals on Sunday and another Rovers win. It should be epic.

JC team news: Rovers are missing Adam Kay (broken toe), Jacob Emanuel (in Amsterdam) and Yehoshua Silverman, who is off to Israel for the year. But they are set to give a debut to new signing Yossi Abraham. Emanuel said: “He will bring a bit of flair to the wing and will add to an already strong squad.”

Paying tribute to Silverman, Emanuel said: "We wish him all the best and, on a personal note, I would like to thank him for his commitment over the last year. He will certainly be missed."

Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Paul Dobkin, KO – 10am

JC star man: Yossi Abraham (Rovers)

DC Prediction: Rovers 3 Shacharit 2

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