North West Neasden and holders Hendon United Sports Club A will fight it out in a bid to join Norstar London Raiders A in the final of the Cyril Anekstein Cup in a mouth-watering semi-final clash, while there is also plenty of action to saviour in the MGBSFL and Barry Goldstein Trophy.
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ROVERS CLINCH DIVISION 3 TITLE
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WEEKEND PHOTOS:
ANEKSTEIN SEMI-FINAL - OAKWOOD A vs NL RAIDERS
LOS BLANCOS vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B
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DANNY CARO'S MATCHDAY 24 AWARDS
PREMIER DIVISION TEAM OF THE WEEK
DIVISION THREE TEAM OF THE WEEK
QUOTE OF THE WEEK - JONATHAN COHEN
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CUP COMPETITIONS: LATEST
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP FINAL
Norstar London Raiders A vs North West Neasden or Hendon United Sports Club A - May 3
PETER MORRISON TROPHY QUARTER-FINAL DRAW
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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
NORTH WEST NEASDEN vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A
There’s a real David versus Goliath feel to Sunday’s League Cup clash between Neasden and Hendon.
With Norstar London Raiders awaiting the winner, most people, no make that virtually everyone outside of the Neasden changing room have marked their card for a Hendon win. Indeed, Neasden are 20-1 to win in normal time as they look to avenge their recent 5-1 mauling at the hands of last season’s treble winners.
There can surely only be one winner. No, wait, this is cup football, after all, and, as we know, anything can happen in the cup. No doubt, NWN boss Stirling Kay will give a Churchillian teamtalk, mentioning famous cup upsets of yesteryear, including that epic Wimbledon one over the mighty Liverpool team and that rather amusing one when Birmingham City conquered Arsenal. More recently, we’ve seen Bradford City end Chelsea’s hopes of world domination. That has to be right up there.
Back to Sunday and Hendon warmed-up for the cup clash with a routine 4-0 win over Woodford. David Garbacz unleashed another wonder kid in the shape of Chaim Korman, while David Seitler, another top young talent, also received rave review. It was also great to see Gav Noe roll back the years and help himself to a timely double as the reds put daylight between themselves and the chasing pack.
Looking ahead to the tie, Garbacz told JC Sport: "There have been some almighty Hendon/Neasden scraps in the past and a cup semi-final could well see the old rivalry re-established. We played Neasden a few weeks ago and beat them quite comfortably, but in a one-off cup tie at their home, this will be a totally different kettle of fish.
"We will not even be thinking about Raiders and Wingate until this game is out of the way and if the boys think they only need to turn up to get through, we will be in for a rude awakening.
"Neasden will be fully committed, I’m sure – we will need to match that and keep it tight at the back. We have three big defenders back this week – at one stage last week we had Greg Corin playing at centre half, so there will be no excuses for letting them have too many chances.
"As long as we keep it tight at the back, we should be able to unleash a pretty fearsome looking front three of Greg, Dave Seitler and Dovi Fehler to get us the goals required to get us to the final.
"The big games will now be coming thick and fast – we’ve done well to get ourselves into this position – now we need to use our experience and skill to take it to the next level this season."
You’d have to fancy Hendon to beat Neasden nine times out of 10 – Garbacz’s boys do big matches with their eyes closed these days - but there is great talent and endeavour in this Neasden camp. They are relishing the tag of underdogs.
Looking ahead to the big match, Kay told JC Sport: "The lads cannot wait for Sunday to come around. We know we are going into this game as total outsiders. We are playing a side whom we have total respect for what they have achieved over the past three years.
“They have dominated Jewish football both in league and cups. They play the game in the right way - both football and team spirit and attitude. So we know we have our work cut out to reach the final.
“Having given Hendon the accolade they quite rightly deserve, we will go into this game with no fear of our opposition. We played them a few weeks ago and got beat, although on the day they deserved their win, we came away from the game realising if we improved certain parts of our game we realised we can compete and beat Hendon.
“We feel that Hendon, with such a strong squad, whoever is available, won't get much better. However, we know we have so much improvement left in us that we feel we can defy all odds and cause a major shock.
“We have a very small squad to choose from and this has been our biggest problem this year and we have been hit from day one with long-term injuries, and we have been reliant on part-time players to play the odd game here and there to get teams out.
“So for us to reach a semi-final and quarter-final in the Morrison and still in with fighting chance of avoiding relegation, has been a tribute to every player and shows the team spirit we have within the club.
“Whatever the result we will leave nothing on the pitch. We believe we can put in a big performance and reach the final and that will be nothing more than we deserve.
In terms of a prediction, I think Neasden will put on a strong, brave show. They will huff and puff for 90 minutes, but they are playing a team who has lost only once in Jewish football for nigh on two seasons. Like Neasden, Hendon have had their injury problems. But they keep unearthing talents, old and new, and find ways to win games.
No doubt Neasden will try to get in their faces, but over the course of 90 minutes, given Hendon’s mean defence, I expect Garbacz’s men to book another big cup final date.
JC team news: NWN expect to have their regular 13 players available, but are hoping that one or two part-time players may come available to provide a few different options.
Hendon suffered three new injury blows last week and as a result, Rafi Kon, Alex Rosenthal and Avidan Last all join Ari Last on the treatment table. Returning though are Ben Lauffer, Ethan Zone and Ari and Tali Nevies.
Venue – Hazelwood, Ref – Martin De La Fuente, KO - 9.30am
JC star man: David Seitler (Hendon)
DC Prediction: NWN 0 Hendon 2
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BARRY GOLDSTEIN TROPHY
GROUP A
Camden Park Pl. 1. Pts. 1
L’Equipe Pl. 1, Pts. 1
London Rovers Pl. 0, Pts. 0
Norstar London Raiders C Pl. 0, Pts. 0
CAMDEN PARK vs LONDON ROVERS
Having clinched the Division Three title on Sunday, London Rovers go into their BGT in high spirits.
Jeremy Brown’s boys have absolutely nothing to lose going into what is arguably the biggest game in their history, against a team who were playing Premier Division football last season.
Last week’s meeting with Faithfold B was the perfect preparation for Rovers team looking to make their mark in the competition, with Josh Bharier keen to maintain his inspirational form.
Ahead of kick-off, Brown told JC Sport: "It's been an incredible week. We've all been on a complete high and thankful that our efforts have been rewarded.
"No-one can say that we didn't deserve to be crowned champions because we put the hard work in and stayed consistent. But I need to find a way to bring the squad back down to earth because our season isn't over.
"We start the Barry Goldstein Cup this week against a very good Division One side and we want to try and show that we can compete with them and do as well as we can in the competition.
"Getting to Wingate would be the icing on the cake for this team and it's something the players are desperate to achieve.
"I've been telling the boys that now they are champions, they must build on it and fight to maintain their status. All our focus now will be with the BGT and doing everything we can to play in the final on May 3."
Camden opened their account with a high-scoring draw against L’Equipe. No doubt they will go all out for the win, but a draw probably wouldn’t be the worst result in the world, as long as they can do the business in their final game against Raiders.
DC Prediction: Camden 2 Rovers 2
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GROUP B
Boca Jewniors (replaced 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
FC TEAM B vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS GREEN
With the Division Two title virtually in the bag, I expect FC Team B to turn on the style against the Lions.
Lorian Madanes and Danny Moss fired trebles in the 11-0 demolition of Catford, but I think it'll be the strikers who shine on Sunday.
Team are a good bet to reach the final and I think they'll have far too much fire-power for the Lions who were hit for six by Sosobad last week.
DC Prediction: Team 4 Lions 1
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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
SPEC FC vs LOS BLANCOS
The Group of Death gets under way, with two teams from Division One ready to do battle.
Blancos go into the game with a clear psychological edge, having completed the double over SPEC FC, and running in 10 goals in the process.
The whites go into the game on the back of a terrific result and performances against Division One champions-elect Redbridge. Tim Heynes is a new name to MGBSFL fans and he could be the man to watch on Sunday.
And with Simon Moses banging in the goals, it could be a long morning for SPEC FC>
DC Prediction: SPEC 1 Blancos 3
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GROUP D
Hendon B Pl. 1, Pts. 1
Jewdinese Pl. 1, Pts. 10
Oakwood B Pl. 0, Pts. 0
Temple Fortune Pl. 0, Pts. 0
TEMPLE FORTUNE vs HENDON B
Goals are guaranteed in Sunday’s meeting between Division Three rivals Fortune and Hendon.
Fortune have fond memories of the BGT and club chairman Nigel Kyte believes they have what it takes to get out of the group.
Both teams have registered victories in the league head-to-head, with Saul Cohen, Benni Sluckis and James Neidle guiding Hendon to the points in November.
The reds opened their BGT account with a thrilling 4-4 draw against second division Jewdinese. Benni Sluckis walked away with the matchball after a quality hat-trick, with Gideon Caller, Ezekiel Jacob and Jono Nesbitt also catching the eye.
Fans are advised not to leave before the final whistle and I’m tipping Hendon to nick it.
DC Prediction: Fortune 3 Hendon 4
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MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
DANNY CARO'S PREMIER DIVISION TEAM OF THE WEEK
TOP-SCORERS
20 - James Gershfield (Harmen)
16 - Johnny Haik (Faithfold A - includes one for B team), Dave Woolman (Oakwood A)
FAITHFOLD A vs HARMEN
Faithfold have Harmen firmly in their sights ahead of Sunday’s meeting.
With just a point separating the teams, Zuriel Solomon’s troops will be look to extinguish Harmen’s title hopes once and for all in the name of revenge.
James Gershfield (2), Jake Gottlieb and Joey Lazare fired Harmen to a 4-2 victory in September but they should expect an almighty battle against a Faithfold team unbeaten in five.
JC team news: Faithfold's Alex Taylor will face a late fitness test on a leg injury.
DC Prediction: Faithfold 1 Harmen 2
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OAKWOOD A vs FC TEAM A
Oakwood will be looking to put their Anekstein Cup heartbreak behind them when they host FC Team.
Adam Levine and Danny Ailion didn’t deserve to be on the losing team against Raiders last week, but with Lions to follow, this is the perfect chance to climb the table.
Team claimed an important win over Lions last week, but they’re not safe yet. And Oakwood, who are still in need of some more points, will not be looking to do them any favours.
Mike Myers was in commanding form in nets last week, while Eitan Ben Zion, Rob Sanford and Alon Hirshkorn kept things tight at the back. And going forward, Rocky Spitzer was an absolute joy to watch.
Finishing above Oakwood remains a realistic target for Team, but we’ll know much more about them come Sunday lunchtime.
DC Prediction: Oakwood 2 Team 1
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WOODFORD WANDERERS vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS BLUE
Sunday is a must-win for Woodford. Simple as that. Lose and they can as good as bid farewell to the Premier Division.
Woodford whimpered to a 4-0 defeat against Hendon – their ninth of the season and the signs look ominous.
Connor Perl was Lions’s match-winner when the teams met last month. Jonny Cutter ticked all the boxes too, while James Peter did a marvellous job in keeping Mitch Hahn quiet.
Lions limped to a 3-1 defeat against FC Team last week. Boss Jamie Kyte is sure to put out a strong team, telling JC Sport: “This game is now huge and us staying in the top flight depends on that result.”
DC Prediction: Woodford 1 Lions 3
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
24 - Daniel Garfinkle (Redbridge JC B – including 3 for RJC A)
19 - Simon Moses (Blancos – includes two for Brady)
BLIZZARD STORM vs NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS B
The maths are pretty simple. A Raiders defeat and Redbridge will be crowned champions. A draw would keep them in the mix, while a win would really make things interesting.
Jake Gilbert was NLR's match-winner when the teams met at the start of the month, and on that basis, you have to fancy L'Orange.
Raiders have been the model of consistency this season, losing just once in the league, and sharing the goals around. Ahead of their final league game, I can see boss Jonathan Adelman urging his players to deliver the performance and result that will crank up the pressure on RJC.
Blizzard have little more than pride to play for, though Simon Linden won't allow his troops to go through the paces.
But when all is said and done, I'm going for Raiders.
DC Prediction: Blizzard 1 Raiders 3
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DIVISION TWO
DANNY CARO'S DIVISION TWO TEAM OF THE WEEK
TOP-SCORERS
16 - Adam Stolerman (FC Team C)
13 - Ben Zloof (AC Mill Hill), Jacob Richler-Kleiman (Oakwood B)
AC MILL vs OAKWOOD B
After two epic victories, Mill Hill are ready to go again.
Boss Dan Beresford almost had a coronary after the wins over FC Team C and Jewdinese, and I'm sure he'd take an ugly 1-0.
With two games remaining, only a pair of wins will do if they are to pip Team C to second place.
Beresford's boys won the first meeting - a rather tempestuous affair - but Oakwood will be up for revenge. There's no doubt about that. And with Jacob Richler-Kleiman and Dan Ash in top form, they might just get it.
DC Prediction: Mill Hill 2 Oakwood 3
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L'EQUIPE vs JEWDINESE
L'Equipe were fantastic in the BGT last week. Nick Stern produced a goal of the season contender to cap a top-class display, with Mark Singer in close company.
But it's back to bread and butter of the league and a relegation scrap against fellow strugglers, Jewdinese.
Darren Lawrence's men were held by lower league opposition last week. They are scoring goals but conceding at an alarming rate.
It's a must win for Nese who were beaten 3-1 by L'Equipe in January, but with home advantage, I can see L'Equipe coming away with a point at the very least.
DC Prediction: L'Equipe 2 Jewdinese 2
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NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS C vs FC TEAM C
Team's title hopes will be on the line on Sunday against a Raiders who don't lose many on their own patch.
David Gordon's men know they are in for a big test as Raiders were the first side to beat Team this season, with Will Ufland, Liam Stein, Nick Haringman, Oli Nathan and Alex Goodman on target in the 5-3 win in December.
Another high-scoring contest is on the cards, with L'Orange looking to cement fourth spot.
For me, the clash between Jake Yudelowitz and Adam Stolerman is key.
DC Prediction: NLR 3 Team 2
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DIVISION THREE
DANNY CARO'S DIVISION THREE TEAM OF THE WEEK
TOP-SCORERS
22 - Avi Markiweicz (London Rovers), Adam Ellis (Shacharit Donetsk)
13 - Josh Bharier (London Rovers)
BOCA JEWNIORS vs FAITHFOLD B
Defeat against London Rovers was hard to stomach for Faithfold. Now, even third place is up in the air.
They were unable to live with a talented Rovers midfield in the second half, and now automatic promotion looks a distant dream.
That said, I expect them to take their frustrations out on a struggling Boca team. Man for man, Faithfold are far superior, and it wouldn't surprise me if Dan Gordon goes home with the match ball.
It's clear Boca must strengthen over the summer, in most departments, and Sunday could prove a long 90 minutes.
DC Prediction: Boca 0 Faithfold 4
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SHACHARIT DONETSK vs REAL SOSOBAD
I've run out of superlatives for Adam Ellis - the Shacharit talisman. He's a strong candidate for Young Player of the Season and Division Three star man, and he'll be looking to derail Sosobad's promotion dream as he goes in search of hat-trick number seven of a memorable first campaign in the MGBSFL.
When he scores one, he usually goes on to score three. So Sosobad beware, that's my message. Several teams have had a plan, man-marking hasn't worked. It's just impossible to keep him quiet. The only option really is to keep hold of the ball.
But Sosobad go into the game in top shape. They possess many goal-scoring threats and will fancy their chances.
Dan Shafron's men have been defensively sound this season and I'm predicting a special performance from Josh Hambling following his first-ever red card.
DC Prediction: Shacharit 1 Sosobad 3
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