Wingate & Finchley will be calling on Sunday as Oakwood A and Norstar London Raiders A lock horns for the third time this season, with NLR hoping that two league wins will count in their favour as they look to cement their place in the Anekstein Cup final for the second year in a row.
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LATEST NEWS:
REF WRONG TO CALL GAME OFF, SAY RIVALS
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PETER MORRISON TROPHY QUARTER-FINAL DRAW
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP SEMI-FINAL DRAW
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SEE MATCH PHOTOS - RAIDERS B vs REDBRIDGE B
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DANNY CARO'S MATCHDAY 23 AWARDS
QUOTE OF THE WEEK - JONATHAN ADELMAN
SAVE OF THE WEEK
BRAD GRANT (Redbridge JC B) - a brilliant save at 1-0 down, vital in every sense
REFEREE OF THE WEEK
Keith Goodman (Harmen vs Maccabi London Lions Blue)
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PHOTOGALLERIES FROM THE SEASON
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE SEASON
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP SEMI-FINAL
OAKWOOD A vs NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS A
Match of the day sees Oakwood and Raiders go head to head for the third time this season, with a trip to Wingate & Finchley the prize for the winner, and probably another meeting with Hendon.
PHOTOS FROM LAST TIME NLR AND OAKWOOD MET
Both clubs made it all the way to the Harry Abrahams Stadium last season and both sets of players would relish the prospect of a return trip, with the hope of going one better.
Raiders go into the League Cup semi with a clear psychological edge over the Oaks, having completed the league double. The recently departed Jamie Wolfson and David Dinkin scored in both meetings, with L’Orange following up a 5-2 home win with a 2-0 success on the road. Liron Mannie and Josh Pistol have also breached the Oakwood defence.
But league form goes out of the window in the cup and the slate would’ve been wiped clean by the time ref Martin Lavender, last season’s cup final man in the middle, blows that first whistle.
With two key matches against Hendon on the horizon, including a Morrison quarter-final, NLR boss Rob Richman believes his team are in a good place going into their biggest game of the season so far.
He told JC Sport: “It was frustrating to have our game called off last minute last weekend but it did allow us to rest some knocks and bruises picked up in our last league outing against Harmen.
“Sunday sees a repeat of last year’s Cyril Anekstein cup semi-final and will be the sixth competitive fixture between our two sides in the last year. To say we know each other well is quite the understatement, Ric and I are quite sick of the sight of one another!
“We have had the better of the two league outings this season, but in both games Oakwood were missing some very important players who will be back and around for Sunday’s semi-final.
“From our point of view, we need to carry on from where we left off two weeks ago as it was arguably our best performance of the season.
“We now have strong competition for places and that is pushing everyone to perform at their best. We know Oakwood will come at us hard and fast so we will have to match that and try to play our own football and win the game. It promises to be a really great game between two of the top sides in the league.”
Having won last year's semi, it's important Oakwood go into the game with no fear. You can be sure they won't leave anything on the pitch.
Ahead of kick-off, Oaks boss Ric Blank told JC Sport: "Sunday may be a semi - but it's a cup final to us. Forget everything that's gone before, any excuses or the hows and whys - we haven't performed against Raiders in the last two years. We've had patches in all our encounters - but we haven't done well enough given the squad we have. We have a chance to start putting that right.
"We believe we are easily a top three side. We want to show it. Raiders have a great squad - they've improved since last year - and we have nothing but respect for them. They are going toe-to-toe with Hendon on all fronts - that's where we want to be. Rob and David Garbacz may think they're going to divvy up all the silverware between them, but we have other ideas.
"I have challenged the boys to bring it all together on Sunday. The commitment, the passion and the ability. It's all there. It's time to show it."
There will be mouth-watering battles all over the park, with the head-to-heads between David Rhodes and David Woolman, Adam Levine and Ben Joseph and David Cohen and Matt Stock key. I'm also predicting a match-winning performance from Jake Doffman, who loves a headline or two!
I think Sunday’s game will come down to small details. Oakwood don’t keep many clean sheets and it wouldn’t surprise me if a moment of magic from the likes of Stock or Mannie settled it.
JC team news: Adam Joselyn is away, but apart from that Raiders should have a full squad to choose from for the semi final.
JC sources have reported that Toby Levy could be in the Oakwood squad. Simon 'Skip' Davies misses out, but Harvey Kaye is back and in contention for a spot.
BIG MATCH SPECIAL ODDS – FIRST SCORER
Stock (NLR) – 3-1
Woolman (Oak) – 7-2
Wine (Oak) – 4-1
Dinkin (NLR) – 5-1
Quinn (Oak) 5-1
Mannie (NLR) – 6-1
Engleman (NLR) – 13-2
Helman (Oak) – 7-1
Joseph (NLR) - 7-1
Green (NLR) - 7-1
Bentley (Oak) - 10-1
Peters (Oak) – 20-1
Rhodes (NLR) - 20-1
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES
OAKWOOD
MGBSFL - FC Team (h)
MGBSFL - Lions (a)
RAIDERS
MGBSFL - Faithfold (a)
PMT - Hendon (h)
TOP-SCORERS
Oakwood - David Woolman 15
NLR - Matt Stock 14
Venue – Nicholas Breakspear, Ref – Martin Lavender, KO – 10am
JC star man: Jake Doffman (NLR)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 1 Raiders 2
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BARRY GOLDSTEIN TROPHY
GROUP A
Camden Park Pl. 0, Pts. 0
L’Equipe Pl. 0, Pts. 0
London Rovers Pl. 0, Pts. 0
Norstar London Raiders C Pl. 0, Pts. 0
CAMDEN PARK vs L’EQUIPE
As one of the top-ranked clubs in the competition, I fancy Camden Park to make a winning start against lower league L’Equipe on Sunday.
Having seen their promotion hopes ended last week, Nick Kagan will have no problems motivating his troops, with a trip to Wingate & Finchley up for grabs if they can do the business.
SEE PHOTOS OF CAMDEN IN ACTION
Sunday’s defeat to Redbridge was the first time Camden have failed to score this season and I can see them dominating on the famous slope at Mill Hill Park.
L’Equipe still have relegation concerns but they are playing well and have nothing to lose on Sunday.
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS OF L'QUIPE IN ACTION
Joint-manager Josh Lewis told JC Sport: “After an encouraging performance against FC Team C last week, I’m expecting the boys to step it up another gear against a good Camden side.
“The last time we competed in the Barry Goldstein Trophy we reached to the semi-finals and lost out to Faithfold, so the team want to go all the way this year.
“We’ve played Camden a few times over the past years and I have a lot of ‘big-game’ players that will up their performance against higher division opponents.”
I can see this being close for 60 minutes, but in the end Camden’s superior fitness and technical ability will see them through.
JC team news: Rob Simons and Adam Wilson are out for L’Equipe this week, but they welcome back Gid Chain and Dan Cordell.
Venue – Ref – Robert Caplin, KO – 10am
JC star man: Luke Brookner (Camden)
DC Prediction: Camden 4 L’Equipe 2
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GROUP B
Catford & Bromley Maccabi Pl. 0, Pts. 0
FC Team B Pl. 0, Pts. 0
Maccabi London Lions Green Pl. 0, Pts. 0
Norstar London Raiders B Pl. 0, Pts. 0
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GROUP C
AC Mill Hill Pl. 0, Pts. 0
Blizzard Storm Pl. 0, Pts. 0
Los Blancos Pl. 0, Pts. 0
SPEC Pl. 0, Pts. 0
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GROUP D
Hendon B Pl. 0, Pts. 0
Jewdinese Pl. 0, Pts. 0
Oakwood B Pl. 0, Pts. 0
Temple Fortune Pl. 0, Pts. 0
HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B vs JEWDINESE
Goals are guaranteed in Sunday’s meeting between third division Hendon B and second division Jewdinese.
Hendon go into the game with their first clean sheet under their belts, courtesy of excellent displays from Yehuda Fink, James Neidle and Ezekiel Jacob.
SEE PHOTOS OF HENDON IN ACTION
The reds have failed to register in three games this season, so as the group’s third-ranked team, it’s important they come away from the match with something to show for their efforts.
Jewdinese were involved in a controversial affair against Catford & Bromley last week. You had to feel sorry for Zack Collins who smashed home five goals before the contest was abandoned.
REF WRONG TO CALL GAME OFF, SAY RIVALS
Avoiding relegation is their primary aim, but there’s no reason why they can’t do well in this competition.
Venue – Ref – Quentin Fox
JC star man: Zack Collins (Nese)
DC Prediction: Hendon 2 Jewdinese 3
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MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
20 - James Gershfield (Harmen)
16 - Johnny Haik (Faithfold A - includes one for B team)
WOODFORD WANDERERS vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A
David Garbacz is hopeful Hendon can turn on the style as they go in search of league win no. 10.
Midfielders Avi Korman and Simon Peterman masterminded last week’s win over FC Team – a result which saw them maintain their proud record of being the division’s top-scorers and meanest defence. Keeper Russell Corin experienced few scares on his way to clean sheet no. 6.
Having beaten Woodford 7-0 in the home leg, Hendon fans expect their heroes to do the business. As does their manager. Garbacz told JC Sport: “Five league games to go and the message will be to keep everything in our own hands up to and including the Raiders game.
“Clearly Woodford must have had a few recent problems as they had to pull out of last week’s match, but we are hoping this one gets played and when it does, we are fully aware that Woodford will be fighting for every possible point they can muster.
“We had a close game against them in the cup earlier on in the year and they do possess a few players who could cause us problems – however the confidence is sky high in the camp and thankfully our team news is better this week with more players back from being away.
“We will as always treat the opposition with the utmost respect, but we would be incredibly disappointed to come away from Fairlop with anything other than three points and with some flair players back in contention this week, we will hope to do it in style.”
Woodford have leaked 14 goals in their last three league games and boss Mitch Hahn knows the odds are stacked against them in this top against bottom tussle.
Hendon have been rock solid on their travels this season and I don’t expect Woodford to pose too many problems.
JC team news: Still out injured for Hendon are Ari Last, Avishai Kestenbaum and Greg Corin – away and unavailable are Ethan Zone and the Nevies brothers.Back into contention come Dave Seitler, Dovi Fehler and Yoav Kestenbaum.
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES
HENDON
CAC SF – NWN (a)
MGBSFL – Lions (h)
PMT – Raiders (a)
WOODFORD
MGBSFL – Lions (h)
MGBSFL – Harmen (h)
TOP-SCORERS
Woodford – Harrison Midda 4
Hendon - Avidan Last 9
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – Gary Silver, KO – 10am
JC star man: Yoav Kestenbaum (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Woodford 0 Hendon 2
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FC TEAM A vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS BLUE
Three points are essential for FC Team A ahead of their third meeting with Lions this season.
It currently stands one win apiece as the boys in yellow and blue go in search of the win that would put daylight between themselves and the bottom two.
Having finished empty-handed against the champions last week, head coach Ben Gilbey is confident that a repeat performance would be enough to tame the Lions.
SEE PHOTOS OF FC TEAM IN ACTION
Gilbey told JC Sport; “Last week against Hendon we were always going to be up against it. However, I actually thought we played pretty well for 80 minutes of the game and I think the 3-0 scoreline is not particularly reflective of the game.
“This week we play Lions who are a team close to us in the league. I expect nothing but a win on Sunday as we are a better team than Lions. This season we have beaten them 5-1 and lost 2-1, dominating in both games. I classify this as one of the biggest games left of the season as we are both towards the bottom of the league battling to make sure we stay up.
“It will certainly be a good game to watch for the mutual with plenty of passion to be shown by the FC Team boys. Keep an eye out this week for David Joseph Cohen and Shim Bensoor who are looking sharp at the moment.”
The Lions probably need one more win to be safe for another season. They were ultimately played off the park by Harmen last week, but I have a feeling things will be a littler closer on Sunday.
Boss Jamie Kyte is certainly expecting a better performance. He told JC Sport: “In a very hit-and-miss campaign, it would be great to find some consistency at the end of the season.
“We've won and lost to FC Team already this season, so anything could really happen.”
The bottom line is that Team need the points more, and I think they will get them.
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES
TEAM
MGBSFL - Oakwood (a)
MGBSFL - Redbridge (a)
LIONS
MGBSFL - Woodford (a)
MGBSFL - Hendon (a)
MGBSFL - Oakwood (h)
TOP-SCORERS
Team - David Joseph Cohen 12
Lions - James Gold 5
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Neil Cooper, KO – 10am
JC star man: Shim Bensoor (Team)
DC Prediction: Team 3 Lions 2
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A vs HARMEN
It’s hard to believe that Redbridge have only lost twice and Harmen three times, but most people have already eliminated them from the title race.
Defeat for either on Sunday would end their hopes for another season and with so much on the line, discipline is key.
RJC did well to come away from a point against Oakwood last week after finishing with nine men.
SEE PHOTOS OF REDBRIDGE IN ACTION
With some players returning, boss Sam Rosenthal is confident his boys will deliver on Sunday. He told JC Sport: “I fancy this one gets decided by the odd goal. With two very good teams on show, expect a cracker.”
Harmen bounced back superbly from the Raiders defeat, with top-scorer James Gershfield and new boy Dan Green bagging brace in the 5-1 demolition of Lions.
The first meeting finished honours even, with RJC squaring things up at 2-2 late on.
Although it’s Valentine’s Day 24 earlier, I don’t think we’ll see too much affection on show between two top-quality teams.
JC team news: Rich Caplin and Steve Gevertz back in contention for RJC.
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – David Lazarus, KO – 10am
JC star man: Brad Sharp (Harmen)
DC Prediction: RJC 1 Harmen 1
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
23 - Daniel Garfinkle (Redbridge JC B – including 3 for RJC A)
18 - Jake Gilbert (NL Raiders B
BRADY MACCABI vs ATHLETIC BILBAUM
It’s hard to believe we’re in February and there’s still talk of Brady Maccabi and relegation.
Promotion was the aim at the start of the season, but things haven’t gone as planned, with consistency an issue. Last week was the perfect example. They took the lead against Premier Division Neasden in the cup, but caved in 5-1.
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS OF BRADY IN ACTION
But it’s not all bad news for Brady fans. Boss Josh Dagul recently announced that Sam Singer, Nathan Dagul and the in-demand Reiss Mogilner have committed themselves to long-term deals.
Bilbaum appear to have forgotten how to win. They have leaked an alarming amount of goals and their fans last had something to cheer about as long ago as October 12.
SEE PHOTOS OF BILBAUM IN ACTION
Only a handful of visiting fans are expected at the Lane, where I believe Brady will run out comfortable winners.
JC team news: Josh Newman is set to return for Brady.
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES
BRADY
MGBSFL – Brixton (a)
MGBSFL – Camden (h)
BILBAUM
No games scheduled
TOP-SCORERS
Brady - Reiss Mogilner 13
Bilbaum - Julius Judah
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – John Nitka
JC star man: Josh Newman (Brady)
DC Prediction: Brady 4 Bilbaum 1
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BRIXTON OLD BOYS vs SPEC FC
Brixton fans are still rejoicing about the return of Jamie Kent. They managed to sneak him into their starting line-up against Los Blancos last week, without me suspecting a thing!
SEE PHOTOS OF BRIXTON IN ACTION
90 minutes later and they come away with a thrilling 5-4 win. The arrival of Kent might yet prove to be a game-changer. They still have plenty to do to avoid going down, but Kent comes with the promise with goals. It’s a clever signing by manager Alan Aaronson, and it’s certainly gives them a chance. And, most importantly, it gives their fans hope.
Sunday’s opponents, SPEC FC, thought they were just about safe, but they could probably do with at least a point against a resurgent Brixton, who really have the bit between their teeth right now.
SPEC FC joint-manager Ricky Lawrence told JC Sport: “It’s a massive game for both teams, a real relegation six-pointer.
“A loss could be disastrous, a victory would almost give cause to celebrate!"
Momentum is key in football and I think the first goal will be crucial on Sunday.
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES
BRIXTON
MGBSFL – Brady (a)
MGBSFL – Redbridge (h)
MGBSFL - Blizzard (h)
SPEC FC
BGT - Blancos (h)
BGT - Mill Hill (h)
TOP-SCORERS
Brixton - Jamie Kent 6
SPEC - Elliot Wallis, Marc Cohen 5
Venue – Clowes, Ref – Stuart Ansher, KO – 10.15am
JC star man: Jamie Kent (Brixton)
DC Prediction: Brixton 3 SPEC FC 1
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LOS BLANCOS vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B
One win from three games. That’s the likely scenario facing champions-elect Redbridge B.
Scott Oldstein’s scrambled effort earned them a point against promotion partners Raiders B last week and I expect boss Jon Jacobs to fill his boot with bubbly in readiness for what will be the party of all parties when they are crowned champions. Failing that, there’s a Sainsbury’s hypermarket opposite the ground, so he can always stock up at the last minute.
RJC showed their true colours last weekend. Missing the talismanic Sollosi brothers, and with star man Daniel Garfinkle drawing a rare blank, it was a real team effort against Raiders, in a game they were denied victory by the brilliance of David Simnock.
Blancos will be looking to play the role of party-poopers on Sunday. They were victims of a major upset against Brixton last week in a game they scored four times but still came away empty-handed. It was a real coupon buster. Simon Moses certainly didn’t deserve to be on the losing side after smashing home a hat-trick.
With boss Jonathan Ison on paternity leave, it was left to chairman Joel Minsky to fulfil media duties this week.
SEE PHOTOS OF BLANCOS IN ACTION
He told JC Sport: “The squad is looking strong for this week, with a couple of players missing from last week returning to the fold.
“Despite the setback last time out, we've come a long way since we last played - and lost - to Redbridge. Whilst in my opinion they will be worthy league winners, we will be doing our utmost to ensure they don't leave NW London on Sunday as champions.”
I suggest one or two of the RJC boys book Monday off and they will have the mother of all hangovers if they play their cards right.
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES
BLANCOS
BGT – SPEC FC (a)
BGT – Mill Hill (a)
REDBRIDGE
MGBSFL – Brixton (a)
TOP-SCORERS
Blancos – Simon Moses 17
RJC – Daniel Garfinkle 23
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Martin De La Fuente
JC star man: Jimmy Castle (RJC)
DC Prediction: Blancos 2 RJC 3
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
16 - Adam Stolerman (FC Team C)
13 - Ben Zloof (AC Mill Hill), Jacob Richler-Kleiman (Oakwood B)
AC MILL HILL vs FC TEAM C
The departure of Jamie Kent must’ve been a bitter pill to swallow for everyone connected to AC Mill Hill, especially ahead of a promotion face-off against FC Team C.
Mill Hill start Sunday’s game two points ahead of Team, but they have played two games more, so losing isn’t really an option.
But Dan Beresford’s boys will go into the crunch clash believing they have enough, even without Kent. Ben Zloof (3) and Jason Shoffman (2) did the damage in the recent 5-4 victory, but I can’t see Team defending as badly this time.
David Gordon’s boys will be looking to set the record straight as they look to keep the title race going another week. Adam Stolerman has accounted for 16 of their 38 league goals this season, and his tussle with Zloof will be worth the admission fee alone.
I’m expecting plenty of goals on Sunday, with Team fans going home the happier.
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES
MILL HILL
MGBSFL – Oakwood (h)
BGT – Blancos (h)
BGT – SPEC FC (a)
TEAM
MGBSFL – Raiders (a)
MGBSFL – Jewdinese (h)
MGBSFL – Whetstone (h)
TOP-SCORER
Mill Hill – Ben Zloof 13
Team – Adam Stolerman 16
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Keith Goodman
JC star man: Mitch Lassman (Team)
DC Prediction: Mill Hill 2 Team 3
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AC WHETSTONE vs NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS C
If you’re looking for five-star entertainment this weekend, get down to Borehamwood for a football extravaganza between Whetstone and Raiders.
The Stones deserved at least a point, according to Mitch Young, in the 3-2 defeat against champions-elect FC Team B. Dan Cohen and Toby Nathan excelled in an enthralling encounter, although they are sure to be tested against a team right at home on 3G.
PHOTOS OF AC WHETSTONE IN ACTION
Raiders chief Zack Gothelf will be looking for a big response following the 4-1 mauling at the hands of Oakwood. They rolled over far too easily and their fans are demanding an improved showing as they look to complete a league double over the Stones.
NLR no. 2 David Domb told JC Sport: “For whatever reason last week, for the most part, we didn't seem up for the battle and we were punished. Oakwood were well organised, tough to break down and punished us for being weak.
“To have any chance of a top four finish, we can't be the same this week against a team we know well and a team that is capable of punishing anyone.
“We’ve had some very entertaining battles with Whetstone in the past, and we’re looking forward to another one on Sunday. They're a really good footballing side, one the league will miss at the end of the season. Clive has them playing a really good brand of football in a superb spirit.
“We’ve thankfully got a good record against them, and with the return of some key players this week, I think we can continue that good run and re-establish our hold on fourth spot.”
Fans are advised to arrive early for what promises to be a great advert for Jewish football.
JC team news: NLR’s Nick Haringman will feature for the first time in a month, as will Josh Bloom and Jake Yudelowitz after missing last weekend's loss to Oakwood.
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES
WHETSTONE
MGBSFL – FC Team C (a)
RAIDERS
MGBSFL – FC Team C (h)
BGT – L’Equipe (h)
TOP-SCORERS
Whetstone – Dan Cohen 9
NLR - Oli Nathan 7
Venue – Hertswood, Ref – Henry Raffe, KO – 10am
JC star man: Toby Nathan (Whetstone)
DC Prediction: Whetstone 3 Raiders 3
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FC TEAM B vs CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI
FC Team showed championship qualities last week as they overcame a very determined AC Whetstone in a five-goal thriller.
Two-goal hero Andy Sheena and keeper David Grossman were their star performers in a hard-earned win.
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS OF FC TEAM IN ACTION
Mitch Young has targeted maximum points from their final two games as they look to cement the title in what looks like an absolute home banker.
28 points separate the sides going into the game and I believe the gulf in class between the pair will be evident right from the start.
Richard Salmon and Sheena bagged braces in the first meeting between the sides this season, a game Team registered a 6-3 win and I can see the boys in yellow and blue filling their boots for a second time.
Adam Luria described last week’s abandonment against Jewdinese as much ado about nothing. No-one will fancy them in a top against bottom tussle and if they try to park the bus it could be all over by half-time.
REF WRONG TO CALL GAME OFF, SAY RIVALS
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES
TEAM
BGT – Lions Green
BGT – Catford (a)
CATFORD
BGT – Raiders C (a)
BGT – FC Team B (h)
TOP-SCORERS
Team – Richard Salmon 10
Cat - Jamie Sinai 5
Venue – Gosling Sports Park, Ref – Mike Cowan
JC star man: Danny Moss (Team)
DC Prediction: Team 4 Catford & Bromley 1
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DIVISION THREE
TOP-SCORERS
22 - Avi Markiweicz (London Rovers)
19 - Adam Ellis (Shacharit Donetsk)
LONDON ROVERS vs FAITHFOLD B
Rob Shooman is promising “a few surprises” as Faithfold bid to delay London Rovers’ title party.
Joe Cohen was the star of their fantastic 6-1 demolition of promotion rivals King Crown, a result that had Shooman beaming from ear to ear.
The Superhoops are brimming with confidence, as they look to avenge the recent 4-2 defeat against Jeremy Brown’s men.
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS OF SOSOBAD IN ACTION
Ahead of the rematch, Shooman told JC Sport: “We had a great result against King Crown last week, where we took them apart - a more reflective result should have been 10-1 and their keeper made one or two very good saves.
“We come up against the leaders of our division - London Rovers - an excellent team of good players, very well coached by Jeremy Brown, so it should be a very good game.
“As the team played well last week, there shouldn’t be very many changes, maybe one or two to give my lot an extra edge and bite. After all, they had representatives watching us last Sunday so we will have to give them a few surprises.”
Rovers know that one more win and they will be land the title, and there’s no better place than doing it in front of your own fans.
The champagne remains on ice, but you can bet your bottom dollar chairman Viv Emanuel will have plenty in the boot of his car if his boys can do the business.
They have been the model of consistency this season – with 13 wins out of 14 games, and just the one defeat. I doubt very much gaffer Jeremy Brown will have to say much to his players before the game who will be expecting an almighty battle against a team desperate to go up with them.
Brown told JC Sport "We were all disappointed not to have played last week. Obviously had we played and beaten KS, we would have been crowned champions. But to be honest, I think making us wait has made the game against Faithfold all the more exciting.
"Our aim is to win every game regardless of whether we are champions or not. We just want to do the very best we can and finish the season with lots of positives.
"We just need to remember what we have been working on all season. Will there be wild celebrations at full-time if we win? You can count on it but we need to remain fully focused and treat the game the same way in which we have treated every other game.
"The boys have been ready for a while and they'll give everything they've got on Sunday.
"They just need to know that whatever the outcome, I'm extremely proud of them and the future of this team is incredibly bright."
Chairman Viv Emanuel is equally as excited. He told JC Sport: "We couldn't have come up against a team in better form. Beating King Crown 6-1 is a massive result for them and I hope it doesn't bite us on the way through!
"I asked Rob Shooman not to spoil our party, but something tells us he won't let us win without a fight!
"Let's hope we can keep Mr. Gordon and co quiet for the game, like we did last time around. As always we are looking to keep Leor Harel quiet - I know what he is capable of and he is a key player.
"Regarding the champagne, we shall see if a sneaky bottle makes it to the pitch, but the rewards will be out on Awards night in six weeks. This weekend is a double celebration my wonderful mother-in-law has her birthday so hopefully there will be twice the excuse to crack open another bottle at lunch.
"The guys have been amazing this year, showing determination and commitment to the cause. Many of the players have put last year's disappointment behind them and have showed real character to come back fighting. Thank you to them all.
"This is not won yet though 90 minutes of hard work ahead of us."
Faithfold were undone by the magic of Avi Markiewicz. His battle with Josh Barnett will be worth the admission fee alone, but don’t be surprised if lightning strikes twice.
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES
ROVERS
BGT - Raiders C (a)
BGT - L'Equipe (a)
FAITHFOLD
MGBSFL - Lions (h)
TOP-SCORERS
Rovers - Avi Markiewicz 22
Faithfold - Dan Gordon 9
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Teddy Littner, KO – 10am
JC star man: Avi Markiewicz (Rovers)
DC Prediction: Rovers 3 Faithfold 2
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REAL SOSOBAD vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS GREEN
There was relief all round as Real Sosobad registered their biggest win since joining the league last week. They hit Boca for six, with Barry Green going home with the matchball.
Shafron hopes that London Rovers can do him a favour and beat Faithfold, thus opening the way for a late push for second place.
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS OF SOSOBAD IN ACTION
He told JC Sport: “It was good to get back to winning ways last week against Boca. It is imperative though that we continue this momentum this weekend against London Lions.
“Their results have improved considerably in recent weeks and they are definitely a stronger group than they were at the beginning of the season.
“The last time we played they made it very difficult for us. They sat deep and invited pressure relying on the counter-attack and although we won, it could have been a different story as they were hard to break down and had a couple of good chances.
“Either way, we know that we have to continue winning to stay in with a chance of promotion and this will be our focus for the coming weeks.”
MLL’s improvement has been there for all to see in recent weeks. The experience of Jerome Colmans has given them another dimension, although realistically seventh place is the highest they will finish.
I can see this being a tight and tense affair, with one goal settling it.
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES
SOSOBAD
MGBSFL - Boca (h)
MGBSFL - Hendon (a)
LIONS
BGT - FC Team B (a)
MGBSFL - Faithfold (a)
BGT - Raiders B (h)
TOP-SCORERS
Sosobad - Barry Green 7
Lions - Jerome Colmans 3
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Joe Burchill, KO – 10am
JC star man: John Lessem (Sosobad)
DC Prediction: Sosobad 1 Lions 0
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KING CROWN vs KS REUNITED
The wheels appear to have come off King Crown at just the wrong time. Promotion looked done and dusted a few weeks ago, but four straight defeats has left them looking worryingly over their shoulders.
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS OF KING CROWN IN ACTION
I’m not quite sure what has happened to Jacob Kadoch’s team in recent week, but it’s important they don’t feel sorry for themselves and put an end to their blip on Sunday.
Last weekend’s 6-1 demolition at the hands of promotion rivals Faithfold B must’ve hurt, so Sunday is all about how they react. There’s nothing wrong with a back-to-basics approach, and ensure KS Reunited don’t come away with what would be an almighty upset.
KS are in the midst of a barren run in front of goal. They were also recently humbled by Faithfold, but manager James Lewis is backing his players to record what would be the result of their season.
He told JC Sport: “After running KC very close last time, we are confident we can get ourselves over the line and pull off a famous away win.
“With a strong squad to choose from minus Ethan Deal and Johnny Pampel who have now jetted off to the beaches of Sydney, we know we have it in us to cause an upset.”
KS will look to pack the midfield, get numbers behind the ball and really try to make things difficult for a nervy KC.
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES
KC
MGBSFL – Shacharit (h)
KS
MGBSFL – Hendon (h)
MGBSFL - Shacharit (a)
TOP-SCORERS
KC – Phil Braham 12
KS - Dom Cheniart, Yoel Deal 6
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Laurence Thorne, KO – 10am
JC star man: Mitchel Ross (KS)
DC Prediction: King Crown 1 KS 1
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TEMPLE FORTUNE vs SHACHARIT DONETSK
Adam Ellis didn’t properly introduce himself against Fortune on the opening weekend of the season, but something tells me he will on Sunday.
Akiva Fink and Joshua Levy (2) guided Shacharit to a 3-1 win on the opening day of the season, but it’s been about the boy Ellis since. Without wanting to label them a one-man team, his goals have helped propel them up the table, and a respectable mid-table finish looks likely.
But they under-estimate Fortune at their peril as Jonathan Cohen’s boys are no mugs. Just ask Real Sosobad. That famous away win and clean sheet will live long in the memory.
Everyone at the club is excited about the Barry Goldstein Trophy. They have some testing games ahead and if they can keep a close eye on Shacharit’s star man, I can see them pinching a point.
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES
FORTUNE
BGT – Hendon B (h)
MGBSFL – Rovers (h)
BGT – Oakwood B (a)
SHACHARIT
MGBSFL – Sosobad (h)
MGBSFL – King Crown (a)
MGBSFL – KS (h)
TOP-SCORERS
Fortune – Darren Zitren 4
Shacharit - Adam Ellis 19
Venue – Roger Bannister, Ref – Robert Benardout, KO – 10am
JC star man: Mike Myers (Fortune)
DC Prediction: Fortune 2 Shacharit 2
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