Cup fever has hit the capital with several David versus Goliath battles in store in the Cyril Anekstein Cup, with holders North London Raiders A marked down as a home banker ahead of the visit of second division L'Equipe, while Redbridge A take on Lions A in one of the games of the day. Danny Caro's has been busy catching up with managers across the league and gives you his predictions.
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DANNY CARO'S SEPTEMBER AWARDS-
LATEST NEWS: LONDON ROVERS FOLD-
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PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND ONE DRAW
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND TWO DRAW
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND TWO
ATHLETIC BILBAUM vs CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI
Catford boss Jeff Gotch announced the arrival of former Harmen star Jordan Grant this week though he’s ineligible to play in Sunday’s cup clash against second division rivals Bilbaum.
Gotch is confident the quality of Grant will give his team another dimension and lift spirits ahead of what promises to be a real test.
“It's been a tricky start for us as a new team and I'm disappointed,” Gotch told JC Sport, “but it's early days and I'm confident we can start moving forward.”
Commenting on new boy Grant, Gotch added: “He will bring a lot of talent and passion to the club. Unfortunately he can't play this week due to the two-week registration rule but he'll be all set to go for our clash with Scrabble next week.
"This week I am rotating the squad and bringing in players who have been unlucky not to have had any game time yet. But as it’s the cup I felt it was necessary to give them the opportunity to prove to me that they should be in the squad every week.
"We have a big and talented squad and it will come good. We are missing a few this week, but we can cope.”
The Baums had a morale-boosting win over Temple Fortune last week. Player-manager Julius Judah led the way with a brace and there were also goals for Ben Bell and Jacob Brunner.
Bilbaum fans were also impressed by eye-catching performances from Nick Shinder and Daniel Goldhill – the latter put in a real shift in midfield.
I can see Sunday’s meeting being an open and entertaining affair. There is no outright favourite in my eyes and home advantage could swing it Bilbaum’s way.
JC team news: Ashley Stokes, Guy Ben-Aroya and Danny Yeshua miss out for the Cats.
Venue – Market Road, Ref – Steve Levy, KO – 10am
JC star man: Daniel Goldhill (Bilbaum)
DC Prediction: Bilbaum 3 Catford 2
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BLIZZARD STORM vs OAKWOOD A
Cup hopefuls Oakwood were hoping for an easier reward for their first-round League Cup win at Woodford, but a trip to Premier Division rivals Blizzard it is.
I believe this Oakwood squad is equipped to go all the way to Wingate and they will be looking to put down their marker with a ruthless performance in Borehamwood.
There was very little to separate them and Hendon last Sunday and managers Dan Kristall, Ric Blank and Alex Schock have done their homework to ensure they come away with the right result.
Kristall told JC Sport: “We expect a tough game and have studied the videos from Blizzard’s game against Camden.
"We are committed to having a big cup run, and having faced a tough test in the first round we will not be taking new Premier Division side Blizzard lightly.
"If we apply ourselves, we’re confident of success."
Blizzard were unable to breach a well-drilled Camden defence and they will find chances even harder to come by on Sunday. With keeper Jonny Blain rapidly turning into a fans favourite, I can see Oakwood prospering in the autumn sun.
JC team news:Dale Bradman is a major doubt for Oakwood with a groin problem. Brad Wine is still away on international duty and will return next weekend. Captain Adam Levine is also an injury doubt.
Venue – Hertswood, Ref – John Nitka, KO – 10am
JC star man: Mark Korn (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Blizzard 0 Oakwood 2
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BOCA JEWNIORS vs FAITHFOLD A
Defeat isn’t an option for Faithfold. Simple as that.
Three straight defeats have consigned them to the foot of the Premier Division table, although manager Dan Beresford is working tirelessly behind the scenes to put things right.
Sunday’s cup clash against minnows Boca will come as a welcome distraction as he considers tinkering with his system to ensure they become harder to break down, having already conceded 20 goals in the league.
Elio Elia was the toast of Boca last Sunday as he inspired the team to their first win of the season. He took both his goals fantastically well and he’ll be relishing the chance to test himself against a top-flight defence.
Boca were excellent from front to back last week, with Anton Nyman, Charlie Hollis, Jacob Emanuel and Adrian Leibovitch also catching the eye and if they play with the same kind of spirit then they can make it an uncomfortable morning for the Superhoops.
However, Boca’s Anton Nyman was keen to play down his team’s chances and told JC Sport: “With a number of key absences this week - if we play better than last week, we still have not a chance.”
I’m not brave enough to predict a Boca win against a Faithfold team returning to their spiritual home but it certainly won’t be for the lack of trying.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Paul Dobkin, KO – 10am
JC star man: Adrian Leibovitch (Boca)
DC Prediction: Boca 1 Faithfold 2
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BRADY MACCABI vs SCRABBLE FC
What a game this should be. Division One leaders Brady Maccabi welcome second division table-toppers Scrabble and I don’t expect there to be an empty seat at Rowley Lane.
Scrabble are flying high following three consecutive wins and they will be looking to show the folk at the Lane just what all the fuss is about.
Zak McLeod, Danny Sherman and Jonathan Peters helped themselves to doubles against Hendon B last week, while Josh Sheridan maintained his excellent form with another.
The acquisition of goalkeeper Ben Law was a real master stroke, but I have a feeling he could be a little busier on Sunday for a game in which boss Ray Abrahams wants his players to go out and enjoy themselves.
"We see Sunday's Cup game as a welcome distraction from the pressure of trying to pick up league points,” he told JC Sport. “And with both clubs having had similar starts to the season and topping our respective divisions, we should be in for a classic.
"My team will be underdogs in this game but we don't mind that as all the pressure will be on Brady, and we've nothing to lose.
"We will pay them great respect but we are playing with a lot of confidence at the moment and don't fear anybody.
"We have a few players with knocks and injuries and will make a late decision on the team just before the game, but fortunately we have a big squad to choose from."
Reiss Mogilner ripped Los Blancos to shreds last week, while Dan Harrod and Josh Newman also impressed.
There appears to be few weak links in Brady this season and manager Josh Dagul believes it’s about time they had a proper run in one of the cups.
The first 20 minutes are key on Sunday. If Scrabble deny Brady time and space their tails will be up. But over the course of 90 minutes, I expect Brady to edge home.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Andy Myerson, KO – 10am
JC star man: Dan Harrod (Brady)
DC Prediction: Brady 2 Scrabble 1
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CAMDEN PARK vs BRIXTON OLD BOYS
Camden have their tails up and they will be confident of progressing against a Brixton team yet to play this season.
JC Player of the Year Jake Saunders was described as “undroppable” following his master-class in the 2-0 victory over Blizzard and he will be looking to dominate against first division opposition again on Sunday.
Castle was waxing lyrical about his team’s performance last Sunday and Camden fans don’t expect their heroes to encounter too many problems this weekend.
"Coming off the back of back-to-back victories confidence is very high in the Camden camp,” Castle told JC Sport.
"There is a lot of competition for places at the moment and the game against Brixton will be a good opportunity to try some new things.
"Brixton are yet to play a competitive match this season so we have nothing to judge them on, however even though they are a division below us, we will not be taking them lightly.
"I said at the beginning of the season we want a decent cup run and I think in this fixture home advantage will be key.
"I'm expecting another big performance from Jake Saunders who has been in outstanding form."
Camden ticked all the boxes last week and they will have too much firepower for a Brixton team who may struggle to last the distance.
JC team news:Ben Harris and Sam Bennett return and expect to slot straight back into the Camden team. However, new signing Yoel Deal is unavailable this week as is Greg Meller. Unfortunately it has been confirmed that Sacha Nusenbaum has dislocated his shoulder and will be out until December. Castle added: “The good news is he doesn't need surgery. We wish him a speedy recovery. Another update from the physio room is Max Saunders is targeting a late October return for the match against Harmen after the news he will not need surgery. Fingers crossed.”
Venue – Capital City, Ref – Darryl Colmans, KO – 10am
JC star man: Jake Saunders (Camden)
DC Prediction: Camden 3 Brixton 0
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FAITHFOLD B vs FAITHFOLD C
With Elliott Bloom looking to unearth a value-for-money European import in Ibiza, Faithfold C will be smelling an upset as they look to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat by FC Team.
Dan Gordon registered his third of the season but that was about as good as it got for Rob Shooman’s boys who tasted defeat for the first time.
Faithfold B have suffered heavy defeats either side of a memorable win over Raiders B and with club bragging rights up for grabs, I’m tipping the C’s to produce one of the shocks of the round in a real nail-biter.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – Neil Cooper
JC star man: Dan Gordon (Faithfold C)
DC Prediction: Faithfold B 2 Faithfold C 3
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FC TEAM A vs SPEC FC
I’m expecting a big reaction from FC Team A when they take on first division strugglers SPEC FC.
As good as they were against Redbridge the previous week, they fell short of the standards set by manager Ben Gilbey and a repeat performance on Sunday simply won’t be permitted.
David Joseph Cohen grabbed two goals on a day when they were held back by some uncharacteristic sloppy defending.
Gilbey wiped the slate clean at training this week and told JC Sport: “After last week’s shock and disappointing result it is time for us to bounce back and when better to do that than in the cup.
"The team have high aspirations this year and a good cup run is certainly high on the list.
"SPEC are a good team and just because they are in Division One does not mean that this will be an easy game. It is important that we do not underestimate them and perform to a high level."
SPEC FC were blown away by Team’s second string last week and I’m sure Mitch Young would have had a word in the ear of Ben Gilbey ahead of Sunday’s showdown.
They were on the back foot after conceding two penalties and must take more care defending in and around their own box.
Most people have this down as a home banker and SPEC FC joint-manager Ricky Lawrence was guarded in his post-match interview. He told JC Sport: “Another week, another FC Team game. We hope we can do better this time around though."
Team owe their manager and fans a performance and I can see them coasting to victory by a couple of goals.
JC team news:Adam Aminoff will be missing for Team with a groin injury, as well as the captain Rob Sanford, but they are otherwise at full strength.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Neal Cohen, KO – 10am
JC star man: David Joseph Cohen (Team)
DC Prediction: Team 3 SPEC FC 0
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FC TEAM B vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A
I believe FC Team B will give it a good go against a Hendon team looking to reaching the League Cup final for the fifth year in a row.
Both teams are flying in the league but I expect Mitch Young’s boys to give Hendon a real test, with Richard Salmon keen to remind one of the top Jewish defences in the land just how good he is. Alex Rosenthal faces a sleepless night and the experienced defender will need to be ready for a battle against a player that is a nightmare to play against.
FC Team are blessed with quality all over the pitch, even goalkeeper David Grossman chipped in with a couple of cheeky penalties in last week’s routine win over SPEC FC.
There will be more than a couple of notable absentees in the Hendon squad this week, though manager David Garbacz was keen not to name them.
He told JC Sport: "Despite a bigger squad than ever this year, we are really struggling for numbers this week with injuries and holidays leading to a number of absentees.
"However, we know we cannot use that as an excuse and come Sunday whoever is available will need to be of sufficient quality to get the job done.
"I've been hearing very good things about FC Team B and they have started the season well in their division.
"We will need to be extremely careful not to find ourselves victims of a cup upset and concentrate fully on the day.
"We have reached the final of this cup for the last four seasons running so have a great reputation which we certainly won’t want to lose.
"It is frustrating to be weakened but I would still be confident that we will have enough nous and expertise amongst those who will play to advance safely through to the next round – but it will be close."
Hendon could not have asked for a tougher draw and it might take the Reds a while to get used to the way the FC Team play.
They will need goalkeeper Russell Corin to put in another inspirational performance and don’t be surprised if it goes to penalties.
JC team news: A combination of the end of Sukkot and injuries have left Hendon with a “very thin squad” this week. In addition to all those unavailable last week, Avi Korman is out for a few weeks with ankle damage which gaffer Garbacz describes as a big blow”. He went on to say: “As of this moment we are struggling for 11.”
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Martin Lavender, KO – 10am
JC star man: Russell Corin (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Team 1 Hendon 1 AET (Hendon to win on penalties)
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HARMEN vs LOS BLANCOS
We saw the real Harmen last Sunday as they produced their best football of the season in putting six past a very capable FC Team.
James Gershfield added another two goals to his tally, while the rest of the goals were shared around between Elliot Stern, Alex Taylor, Sam Castle and Daniel Green which would have pleased JC Managers of the Week Joel Alterman, Oliver Leslie and Joe Marsh.
Ahead of kick-off, Joel Alterman told JC Sport: "Cup games are never easy, even against a team in a lower division, but we will focus on the task in hand which is to progress to the next round."
I am expecting an open game here too, because I don't think Blancos are a team who will try to close games down. That is just not the way they play.
They have yet to register a win this season but they have a good cup pedigree and will be determined to put in a good showing in Arkley.
Ahead of kick-off, Blancos boss Jon Ison told JC Sport: “We had a really disappointing result last week, but we can credit that to the fact that none of the team actually turned up until half time.
"We won the second half 2-1, and it's that second half performance we will be focusing on as the season continues.
"We welcome back our full-backs this week, namely Lewis and Cramer, and will certainly be hoping to have a tighter defence because of it. Due to their illustrious pasts, Jono Gaon and Danny Kon will continue to be named weekly as they continue to increase their sharpness and I am sure they will both be scoring for fun in no time at all, as they both have the ability to beat any defence in the league.
“We know it will be tough this week, but we also know we are due a win... and that is what we are hoping for.”
I can see Blancos setting themselves up to play on the counter-attack and put plenty of men behind the ball when they defend. But they don’t come up against the quality of Gershfield too often and with several members of their squad having already played at Wingate, I fancy Harmen to progress without too many questions asked.
JC team news: Harmen are missing Dom Cheniart who was registered too late to meet the cup deadline. Other than that they look to have a full squad out for Sunday.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Martin Fox, KO – 10.15am
JC star man: Dan Green (Harmen)
DC Prediction: Harmen 4 Blancos 1
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A vs L’EQUIPE
Sunday is effectively L’Equipe's cup final as Nick Stern prepares his players for arguably the biggest game in their history.
Some of the players were hoping the BBC Football Focus crew would pop into training this week, but Stern opted for a behind-closed doors session as his boys attempt to pull off what would be one of the biggest shocks all time.
L’Equipe are expected to take several coaches packed with fans in full party mood and Stern is relishing the opportunity to mix it with the holders.
"What a big week for L’Equipe with excitement running through the camp like never before,” he told JC Sport.
"This is L’Equipe’s chance to compete with the big boys and we can’t wait for the opportunity to take on the reigning Premier League champions in their own back yard.
"I have been showing videos of classic cup upsets from the past - Wimbledon/Liverpool, Wrexham/Arsenal and Hereford/Newcastle - but none would be bigger than L’Equipe beating Raiders A, especially with the backdrop of the famous Wembley arch!
"We have no doubt that we go in as big underdogs and all the pressure will be on Raiders, especially at this early stage of the competition. We have requested to play with 14 men but I understand that this is being denied which is a shame!
"The task is absolutely huge for our team but we will not go down without a fight. This is our chance to show come up against the big boys and I look forward to testing myself against Rob and Jonathan.
"Sadly we have a few absences this week which is a real shame, especially with some very poor excuses attached but we will have 12 warriors available on Sunday and can’t wait for Sunday to come around."
Beating the likes of L’Equipe at home has been part and parcel for a star-studded Raiders team in recent years but manager Rob Richman assures me they won’t take them lightly.
He told JC Sport: “We don't know too much about L'Equipe having never played them in a competitive fixture. They are obviously a couple of divisions below us but we know from our C team that there are decent sides playing in that division so it is important we treat them with the respect they deserve.
"Nick Stern and Mark Singer have made it clear that they are very excited at the prospect of trying to knock us out so it's important we make sure that doesn't happen Sunday morning.
"Our aim on Sunday will be to try to replicate our performance of two weeks ago. We probably have more strength in depth this season than last season and that's pushing people to perform at their best every week and can only help us over the course of the season.”
L’Equipe go into the game buoyed by their victory at Catford last week, but there’s a big gulf in class between the Premier and Division Two and the scoreline should reflect that at the final whistle.
JC team news: Nick Lewis misses out this week for Raiders who otherwise expect to line up with a similar squad to the one that defeated Harmen last time out.
Ref – Quentin Fox
JC star man: Jonny Kay (NLR)
DC Prediction: Raiders 5 L’Equipe 0
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C vs TEMPLE FORTUNE
Raiders C won’t come up against the likes of Nick Landesberg and Benji Weinberger most weeks and I expect them to move into the next round of the cup when they take on Temple Fortune on Sunday.
Zack Gothelf’s boys gave a good account of themselves against a strong Lions team and he knows a similar effort should account for their third division rivals.
"The Lions game last week was a superb advert for the league,” NLR’s David Domb told JC Sport.” Two teams playing a great style of football, and unfortunately we ended up on the losing side.
"The spirit remains high though, it's one loss and again we've proved we can battle with the top teams in the division, which is where we intend to be at the end of the season.
"We got a great result against Fortune two weeks ago, but that games done now. I'm sure their manager will say the same thing.
"A cup run would give us the opportunity to test ourselves against the best across the leagues. Sunday we're going all out for the win."
Domb was referring to the recent 8-3 mauling of Fortune, a match in which Fortune boss Jonathan Cohen admitted his team were “not good enough in any department".
Cohen will want his team to show more fight second time around although they have it all to do without the physical presence and leadership qualities of Dave Sawyer.
But Cohen promised Fortune fans “will look to perform significantly better than we faired last time".
Will Ufland ran Fortune ragged last time and with Alex Gold pulling the strings it will take something special to stop NLR.
JC team news: Alex Elf is out through injury for NLR and Liam Stein is away. David Domb could return after missing the last two games.
Venue – Brunel, Ref – Robert Caplin, KO – 10am
JC star man: Charles Brauntsein (NLR)
DC Prediction: Raiders 3 Fortune 1
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OAKWOOD B vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS B
Oakwood produced a stirring comeback against Raiders B last week – a result that shows their spirit and character.
Jacob Richler Kleiman registered his eighth goal of the season to cap a fine month in which he has won my top MGBSFL player award.
With their unbeaten record intact, Oaks boss Jason Stein was in typically festive mood for his pre-match press conference.
"Afternoon DC, Succah is looking great isn't it? Take a complimentary sports energy drink and grab a seat.
"Really interesting game against Lions B this weekend. I've always been honest about where the cups sit on my list on my priority list: not very prominently. The boys give me some stick but the cups aren't something I think too much about it. As a club we pour our resources into making sure the A team have a good run.
"However, we aren't exactly fielding a weak side on Sunday and we'll still be competitive against a very exciting Lions side. I know a few of the lads who play for them and I even tried to sign a couple of them.
"But the way I see it this game is on the toss of a coin. We've had a terrific start to the season, and so have they, but a few of our key players will be getting a rest this Sunday ahead of our top of the table clash against Brady next weekend."
The Lions flexed their muscles with a 2-1 win over Raiders C, with Team Maccabi GB gold medallists Nick Landesberg and Dan Lipman in their ranks, along with man-of-the-match Benji Weinberger.
Lions boss Sam Marchant knows a similar effort will be needed against an Oakwood team playing with confidence.
He told JC Sport: “Playing away from home against a team who have started the season very well in the division above means we have a real challenge ahead of us.
"Oakwood B are second in their division pushing for promotion and are clearly a strong and organised outfit.
"We know what we need to do to win and as long as we carry it in to the match, we definitely have a chance of causing an upset.
"Our performances so far, especially pre-season against higher division opposition, showed us we are able to battle against the toughest of opponents, and we have no reason why we can’t go out and perform the same way this weekend.
"All of us in the Lions camp are looking forward to this cup tie, and we know, the cup can always produce special things, so let’s hope there’s something special in store for us this Sunday."
Both teams go into the game with momentum but with the Lions expected to put out some big-hitters, I can see them nicking it.
JC team news: Oakwood legend Dan Geey returns while Jacob Richler Kleiman will go in search of more goals after netting eight in just three games. The hosts also have a few players making their first appearances of the season.
Goalkeeper Daniel Lipman looks set to miss this Sunday’s game after a solid debut last week, whilst Douglas Carson looks set to make his second debut for MLL after four years away from the club.
Venue – Nicholas Breakspear, Ref – Elliot Mayer, KO – 10am
JC star man: Ed Brafman (Lions)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 1 Lions 2
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS A
There’s a tasty affair in store at Fairlop Oak as former winners Redbridge and Lions prepare to do battle.
Sunday will be all about the result for both camps, although the mind games have well and truly started.
Asked for his hopes for the crunch clash, RJC boss Jon Jacobs told JC Sport: “I just hope I can get a team out and do justice to the cup competition.”
One definite starter for Redbridge is Jason Goldstein although some big names miss out. But don’t be surprised if they draft in a Dean Nyman or Daran Bern.
The Lions have had plenty of time to reflect on the defeat against Blizzard Storm and with a couple of solid training sessions under their belt, they will be ready to mix it with whichever team Jacobs manages to put out.
Fans of RJC and MLL shouldn’t make any plans for lunch as I can see this going the distance.
JC team news: RJC striker Steve Summers (groin) has been ruled out along with Jimmy Castle, Nathan Sollosi, Scott Oldstein, Richard Gold, Arron Goldberg, Daniel Jacobs, Matt Kemp and Danny Berg.
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – David Lazarus
JC star man: James Gold (Lions)
DC Prediction: RJC 1 Lions 1 AET (Lions to win on pens)
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B vs REAL SOSOBAD
Having survived one almighty east London battle, Redbridge B are ready for another.
Josh Orgel was in top form once against in the 3-3 draw against Woodford and RJC’s Sam Rank believes that opportunity knocks for the boys in blue on Sunday.
He told JC Sport: “The boys are looking forward to Sunday’s cup derby. We showed further improvement in our performance against Woodford and came very close to our first three points of the season.
"We know Real Sosobad very well, and we are aware of the good players they have, but we are confident of another improved performance and winning this cup tie.”
Sosobad have made a promising start to their first season in Division One but manager Dan Shafron is setting his sights high.
He told JC Sport: “We want a cup run this season. It gives us the opportunity to compete against some of the top sides in the MSFL and there is no reason why we shouldn’t aim target a final.
"Our first hurdle is Redbridge B. I am looking forward to coming up against them. We know a lot of their players and no doubt they will want to beat us just as much as we want to beat them.
"Like with all derbies, there is extra passion so it is important that we control our emotions mentally. If we can do that, we will win the game."
And win it they should.
JC team news: Scott Mckenize and Ollie Segal are unavailable for RJC. Dan Andrews will be having a late fitness test, but is hopeful while the rest of the squad is available.
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – Laurie Benson, KO – 10am
JC star man: Gary Tiller (Sosobad)
DC Prediction: RJC 1 Sosobad 2
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MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
6 – Dovi Fehler
5 - Ari Last (Hendon A)
No matches scheduled
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MGBSFL DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
8 - Jacob Richler Kleiman (Oakwood B)
5 - Reiss Mogilner (Brady Maccabi)
NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B vs WOODFORD WANDERERS
Raiders were left kicking themselves after allowing a 2-0 advantage to slip against Oakwood last week.
The lively front pairing of Josh Green and Nick Woolf looked razor sharp in the first half and were rewarded with goals.
But manager Jonathan Adelman would’ve been concerned by his team’s inability to kill the game.
Woodford were also involved in a high-scoring draw, with James Ryan and stalwart Alex Aviram in barn-storming form.
Joint-manager Daryl Kay will call for high levels of concentration and focus as the east Londoners look to extend their unbeaten run in the league.
He told JC Sport: “Last week our pre-match preparation was awful. Poor attitudes cost us dearly in the first half and despite snatching a point with literally minutes remaining, Jerome and I will be making sure our team are 100 per cent focused before KO this week.
"We’re two games behind some teams and have an amazing opportunity to climb the league with games in hand. This should give everyone something to aim for like dangling a carrot in front of a horses eyes!
"Our squad is good shape, remembering we will have key man Harrison Midda back within two weeks as his loan move to South America comes to an end, and Andy Levy continues his rehabilitation on his knee injury.
Whoever wins on Sunday will move up to joint-second. Raiders have an excellent home record under Jonathan Adelman and Woodford will do well to come away with a draw.
JC team news: Ricky ‘5’ Fox has suffered a minor set-back on his way back from injury keeping him out of Sunday’s game, but Martin Sales continues to impress at right-back after his assist for Woodford’s equaliser last week. The visitors welcome back keeper Ben Rosenthal after missing out against Redbridge through injury, meaning they also gain Elliott Gold after he had to play in goal.
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – Callum Foster, KO – 10am
JC star man: David Simnock (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Raiders 2 Woodford 1
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DIVISION TWO
HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B vs FC TEAM C
Team got their first win of the season against Faithfold last week, and I don't think there was ever any doubt that they were going to improve.
I see that improvement continuing, especially now that Josh Cooper has got a couple of goals under his belt.
Hendon are a team packed with goals this season though it will be interesting to see how they react after being destroyed by Scrabble FC.
I’m predicting a good, flowing, end-to-end contest, with Team coming away with the points.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Stuart Ansher
JC star man: Josh Cooper (Team)
DC Prediction: Hendon 2 Team 3
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ALSO SEE:
DANNY CARO'S MATCHDAY 4 AWARDS
DANNY CARO'S GOAL OF THE WEEK
JAMES MANDEL (L'Equipe) - a phenomenal through ball from Grant Bates set Mandell one-on-one with the keeper, and as the keeper was closing him down he had the audacity to lift the ball over the keeper's head and into the back of the net
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DANNY CARO'S SAVE OF THE WEEK
RUSSELL CORIN (Hendon A) - superb save flinging high and wide to his right with the ball looking destined for the top corner from a fine shot from from Josh Rose from the edge of the area
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DANNY CARO'S QUOTE OF THE WEEK
RICKY LAWRENCE (SPEC FC) - "When the opposition goalie scores twice, it's never a good day!"
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DANNY CARO'S REFEREE OF THE WEEK
Callum Foster (Faithfold C vs FC Team C)
