YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE: (matches kick-off at 10am unless stated)
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND ONE
OAKWOOD vs HAMPSTEAD DUCKS
Oakwood are odds-on beating the Ducks … and they should do so by some distance on Sunday.
The Oaks go into their latest cup tie on the back of a defeat in the London FA Sunday Challenge Trophy, where they lost out in heartbreaking fashion against Phoenix Knights.
Somehow, they managed to allow a 3-0 lead to slip in the final 30 minutes, before crashing out on penalties.
Rest assured there won’t be any hangovers here. Man for man, Oakwood are far superior to a new second division team still cutting its teeth. Indeed, it could be a painful learning curve for the Ducks.
Venue – The Ark
JC star man: Tom Cantor (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 5 Ducks 0
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JEWDINESE vs HERTSWOOD VALE
Hertswood Vale are relishing a first-ever meeting with Jewdinese in an all Division One clash.
Vale have made an excellent start to life in Division One, with three wins in four, and they will be looking to put down a marker ahead of the two forthcoming league meetings.
Alex Trup, Daniel Reuben, Harry Graham and Adam Zaidman received plaudits for their performances in last week’s win over SPEC FC, while James Millet was the match-winner with another deadly double, taking his tally to eight goals in four matches.
But it would be fair to say they will need an even stronger performance if they are to progress on Sunday as ‘Nese will ask different questions.
“I’ve no doubt that this week’s game is being billed as a cracker,” Vale joint-manager Jacob Emanuel told JC Sport. “It’s a brilliant cup-tie for the neutrals, and we’re looking forward to facing Jewdinese for the first time in our history.
“With Jewdinese expected to be one of the favourites for the title in our division, it’s a great opportunity for us to test ourselves against a really good side.”
Emanuel went on to describe Sunday as something of a free-hit. He said: “To no doubt the disappointment of many, both Danny and myself view a cup run as a bonus this season, with our focus undoubtedly resting on establishing ourselves in the middle division of Jewish football.
“Despite this, we know we have a quality squad this season, capable of getting us through to the next round of a cup competition for only the third time in our history (if you include last season’s bye against Oakwood B).”
In terms of selection, Emanuel finished by saying: “As with all our fixtures, we continue to rotate each week, as with such a strong squad, the players have set the bar extremely high, and all deserve maximum minutes.
One of the reasons Reiss Mogilner left Brady Maccabi during the summer was for a new challenge. He could repay the faith of Jewdinese fans by scoring the goals that give the team a strong run in the competition. Their fans are demanding silverware of some description, and he could be the player to achieve their goal.
Much like Vale, the league is the priority for ‘Nese, but they have a squad capable of reaching the latter rounds.
Boss Darren Lawrence told me he would've preferred his players to have had more minutes under their belts ahead of what will be a good test for his players. He told JC Sport: "This season has felt very stop-start for us so far. A league game followed by a break, then another league game, then a non-Jewish cup game followed by another break and we now have two consecutive cup games.
"We will go into November having only played three league games, which will put us in a difficult position as I have always said you would rather points on the board than games in hand.
"However, I am not looking to use our schedule as an excuse at all. The bottom line is we have not been able to find our rhythm in our performances so far this season. This is something we need to address quickly and I am confident we can.
"We now have a run of consecutive games coming up and this will enable us to get some momentum going and get back to playing how we know we can."
Lawrence went on to say": We have never played Hertswood Vale before, but by all accounts this will be a tough game for us. I have spoken to my brother for a full scouting report from last week’s game.
"We are aware they have quality up front but we have played with three different centre-back pairings already this season and all have looked as solid as each other.
"I stated at the start of the season that the league is our priority but I am also very keen on a cup run and am hoping we can kickstart that on Sunday."
I don’t expect Lawrence to rotate too much and for this reason and this reason alone think that is what will make ‘Nese victors on Sunday.
JC team news: Adam Dousie and Brandon Sassoon are still sidelined for 'Nese, while keeper Ben Halmer faces a late fitness test.
Vale have “pretty much a full-squad this week, with only long-term injury absentee Zach Mandel, and Harry Marlow unavailable due to university commitments”. Jamie Steinberg and Justin Mullem return to the squad this week after missing out last week.
Venue – University of Hertfordshire
JC star man: Brad Dryer(Nese)
DC Prediction: Nese 2 Vale 1
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MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP 3
1. Hendon Utd Sports Pl. 2, W. 2, Pts. 6
2. Oakwood Pl. 2, W. 1, Pts. 4
3. Faithfold DocMM White Pl. 3, W. 1, Pts. 4
TOP-SCORERS 6 - Avi Markiewicz (Faithfold DocMM White), 4 - Avi Garson (Faithfold White)
FAIRLOP FC vs MACCABI LONDON FC BLUE
Fairlop have major injury concerns ahead of the visit of Maccabi London Blue at Seven Kings.
Aaron Dias is missing eight players from a squad that has yet to feature its strongest starting XI this season.
The news that goalkeeper Jake Sanders has had to hang up his gloves has come as a bitter blow to the team. This is an area they must sort as quickly, especially after a 6-1 bashing in the London FA Sunday Challenge Trophy last week.
Joel Russell’s stunning solo goal was the biggest positive for the Essex boys to take out of the defeat against The Winchmore. And Sanders knows another tough 90 minutes is on the cards against Maccabi.
He told JC Sport: “We’re hoping to get our first victory of the season and put those two heavy defeats behind us, but we know it'll be anything but easy against MLFC, who are always tricky opponents.”
MLFC were in seventh heaven against Faithfold last weekend. Doubles form Ben Kohler and Max Kyte helped them exact revenge on the Superhoops, who had beaten them 4-3 the previous match.
Lions have taken three points out of a possible nine in the league this season and their fans expect more. Indeed a win on Sunday could see them finish the weekend in second place.
But player-manager Max Kyte is taking nothing for granted, and told JC Sport: “The Fairlop boys are a good team and not to be under-estimated. At the prestigious eight-a-side preseason tournament they showed their quality and ability to hold strong in defence and then counter well.
If we don’t bring out A-game, we can’t expect to win.”
If MLFC can silence the home crowd in the first 20 minutes I can see them coming away with a hard-earned win.
JC team news: Fairlop are once again without a “ridiculous amount of players”. Daniel Rosen and Daniel Bean are away in Sofia following England, while Nathan Davis, Arron Rosen, Dean Ben Yosef, Bradley Porter, Matt Berkley and Mitchell Gold all remain sidelined through injury.
Venue – 7 Kings
JC star man: Joe Salomon (MLFC)
DC Prediction: Fairlop 1 Maccabi 2
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HMH vs FAITHFOLD DOCMM WHITE
HMH won two out of three league matches against Faithfold last season – winning 11-6 on aggregate! But I can see them being pushed all the way on Sunday.
In the battle of the Avi’s – messus Goldberg and Markiewicz – HMH will be targeting nine points from their next three games, with Camden Park and Fairlop to follow.
But Goldberg will be looking no further than Sunday as he knows Faithfold will provide a good test of HMH’s credentials, especially on a 3G surface both teams are very at home on.
The Borussia Barnet game was a very good work-out for HMH last week. Their fans were treated by a first competitive goal from record signing Adam Ellis – a strike worth every penny.
Josh Goldstein, Oscar Wagner and George Goldberg added their names to the scoresheet, and if Ellis, Wagner and Nate Kashket are involved on Sunday then Faithfold will have their hands full.
HMH boss Avi Goldberg told JC Sport: "We know Faithfold from last season and they have caused us problems in the past and while we saw that they suffered last Sunday, we know that their previous results were good earlier in the season, so if their top players are available this could be a tight contest.
"Adam Ellis and Oscar Wagner both got off the mark last time out, so both are hoping they will add to their tallies."
Faithfold were well beaten by MLFC last weekend, but manager Markiewicz pointed out their opponents had a very different look and feel to the team they had beaten 4-3 in their previous game.
But there will be no surprises against HMH, a team he knows have plenty of firepower and strength in depth. But Sunday will be a day when Markiewicz hopes it’s his big-match players who call the shots – Avi Garson, Martin Smulovitch, David Leiwy and goalkeeper Joe Nyman, not forgetting the gaffer himself.
I can see Faithfold looking to defend deep and frustrate, and then try to hit HMH on the break. It will be a game of cat and mouse and will come down to small details in the end.
JC team news: HMH hope to welcome back several players from injury, who are now contesting for a place in the matchday squad, in particular Ben Winters who "is raring to go". The midfield will be strengthened by the return of Eli Wegrzyn from a weekend away in Porto. However, "the treatment table is still full of quality so we will not be at full-strength."
Venue – The Hive
JC star man: Dom Feldman (HMH)
DC Prediction: HMH 3 Faithfold 2
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CAMDEN PARK vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS
Bouncebackability is the name of the game for MGBSFL champions Hendon following their LFA cup exit last weekend.
The reds were beaten 8-0 by a Kenningwell United team featuring several semi-pros. Their pride was hurt in what was a big learning curve for manager Jordan Sapler, who saw his team chasing shadows for periods of the game. It was a rare defeat and the heaviest since he took over from Greg Corin.
Sunday cannot come soon enough for last season’s double winners. They have a won three out of three in Maccabi football, without conceding, and are already showing a clear gulf in class between themselves and many of their rivals.
Having Moses Seitler in the squad regularly is a major plus and has turned them into an irresistible force in attack. Rocky Spitzer is another key component, pulling the strings behind the likes of Josh Harris, Dovi Fehler, Zac Lewis and Seitler. A winning formula Hendon fans would not replace.
Ahead of the game, Hendon boss Jordan Sapler told JC Sport: "We're excited to get back to league action this week to face a Camden Park team that have always given us tough games in the past.
"We won by the odd goal in two meetings last year and we know the defensive ability they possess. We know this will be a tough, physical game but one that we always look forward too."
Sapler added: "We're hungry to put right the defeat from last week but that's already out of our minds and we need to remember that we're yet to concede in MGBSFL games this season and have scored 11 in three games. I've yet to have a full squad to choose from this season and that once again continues today, but the squad is so strong that it slowly becomes irrelevant.
"Stirling's teams are always tough to break down but I believe that the quality we have all over the field should see us through. It will be nice to be able to play players in their preferred positions this week too!"
Camden Park have lost two of three in the league and scraped past second division FC Team on penalties in the cup. But that doesn’t mean they won’t be awkward opponents. Stirling Kay’s boys have a habit of upsetting the big guns.
However, other than the MLFC game, Camden have struggled to score freely, which will make things difficult against Hendon. They have also seen players sent to the sinbin too often and keeping 11 men on the pitch at all times on Sunday is a must.
Hendon enjoyed a hat-trick of league wins over Camden and I can see that pattern continuing this weekend.
JC team news: Ari Last, Jonti Arembrand, Avi Korman, Russ Corin, Jordan Mizrahi, Dovi Fehler, Rocky Spitzer are all out due to Injuries and various reasons. Hendon await news to see if Zac Garbacz can play after his red card but they do have Chaim Korman available for the first time this season after injury. They will also see a debut for Jake Doffman in goal and Kiki Levin and Moses Seitler are nearly back to full fitness. Ari Nevies returns to the squad this week.
Venue – Aycliffe Road
JC star man: Jonny Kay (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Camden 1 Hendon 3
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DIVISION ONE
TOP 3
1. NL Galaxy Pl. 3, W. 3, Pts. 9
2. North London Raiders Pl. 3, W. 3, Pts. 9
3. Hertswood Vale Pl. 4, W. 3, Pts. 9
TOP-SCORERS 8 - James Millet (Hertswood Vale), 7 - Zach Cohen (Mill Hill Dons), 6 - Jamie Smaje (SPEC FC)
NORTH LONDON GALAXY vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS
“It’s the one that all the fans have been waiting for, the North London derby,” those were the words of Raiders’ joint-manager David Isaacs ahead of a crunch clash in which a full house is expected in East Barnet.
“We’re expecting a extremely tough game, and after this weekend we are hoping we our the only team left with a 100 per cent percent record,” Isaacs said.
Raiders had last weekend off when their scheduled meeting with Redbridge Jewish Care was postponed due to the referee being cup-tied! The extra rest may have done one or two players carrying niggles some good, but they will be raring to go on Sunday.
Ahead of the game, Isaacs told JC Sport: “Training has been really good the last few weeks and the boys are fully ready for the game.
“Although our record isn't the best against Galaxy, we know a win on Sunday would really put us in the driving seat for the title.”
No derby prep would be complete without some mind games. Cue Isaacs: “Galaxy boss Luke Lewis said at the start of the season that ‘Sunday is just the first three points of 54 points available’ by Sunday at 11.45am – “it’s our aim to make sure 54 points is not possible.”
Galaxy enjoyed a convincing 13-0 win over Bayern Mincha on Matchday Five. They had nine different goal-scorers, with Luke Lewis (2), Zac Rose (2), Nick Barnett (2) and Sammy Huberman bagging braces and Dylan Kaye, Bailey Snow, Zack Nathan, Jordan Aspis and Josh Burchhardt adding the gloss in a mis-match of grand proportions.
Looking ahead to the derby, player-manager Lewis told JC Sport: “Having played Raiders numerous times - including a cup final - we know exactly what they're capable of when they get going.
“Fortunately, we also know where they’re weakest positions lie and will be looking to exploit them.
“They have some great players in Liron Mannie and Aron Gale, who we'll need to neutralise in order to win the game.
“It's going to be one that’s won on fine margins and we need to ensure were 100 per cent concentrated for the entire 90 minutes if we’re going to win the game.
“I think this is the battle for who wins this league - both teams have much more quality than anyone else and it’s going to be a real north London derby.”
Both Galaxy and Raiders have played three and won three, with Galaxy troops scoring five more and L’Orange conceding a goal fewer. Lewis went on to say: “We’re full of confidence as of recent and have been fortunate enough to be able to field roughly the same XI for four weeks now - so partnerships are forming and the way we transition through the thirds is getting better.
“Our training sessions have been excellent as of recent thanks to coach Schindler – he’s taken us up a notch and on Sunday we really began implementing the things he's coach us on. I personally can’t wait for this one and nor can the boys - show time!”
This game is too close to call. Lewis mentioned small margins and he’s spot on.
JC team news: Joey Gold is out with a foot injury and Jordan Freeman with ankle ligament damage - bar that Galaxy are “good to go”.
Raiders are still missing Bradley Lander (recurring groin injury), “however the fans will be extremely happy to be welcoming David Nezri to the squad after a long-term injury”.
Venue – East Barnet College
JC star man: David Nezri (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Galaxy 2 Raiders 2
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BROOK FARM ROVERS vs BAYERN MINCHA
Brook Farm Rovers were the width of the goal-line away from taking the scalp of Mill Hill Dons last weekend. Lady luck was certainly not on their side.
They played some excellent football in front of the JC cameras, but struggled to cope with their opponents’ direct approach, and in particular, a barrage of long-throws to the far post.
Ahead of the game, BPR joint-manager Dan Cohen told JC Sport: "We take a thin squad with us to our first game back at home for a number of weeks due to injuries and exams.
"Nevertheless, we are looking to get back to winning ways after getting unlucky to only draw last week and continue our march up the table."
I don’t expect Rovers to have too many problems against a Bayern team low on confidence. Munich have lost all their games this season and they go into this game on the back of a 13-0 mauling against North London Galaxy.
How do they react from that? They may not have much choice as I think Rovers will hold the aces on Sunday.
Venue – Capital City
JC star man: Gav Nussbaum (BFR)
DC Prediction: BFR 4 Bayern 0
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MACCABI LONDON FC RED vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE
Redbridge Jewish Care make the long trip to Rowley Lane to take on a MLFC team still awaiting their first win.
Having started with a win over Brook Farm, Daniel Jacobs’ RJC have found the going tough, failing to score in defeats against Hertswood Vale and SPEC FC.
They will go into the game fresh-faced following the postponement against Raiders, and feeling they have a point to prove.
Maccabi hope it’s third time lucky following defeats against SPEC and Raiders. The emphasis is on youth in this Red team, with several players determined to show they can make the step up.
A cagey affair is on the cards as although it’s still very early days for both teams, defeat would do nothing for morale.
Venue – Rowley Lane
JC star man: Will Beresford (MLFC)
DC Prediction: MLFC 1 RJC 1
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MILL HILL DONS vs SPEC FC
SPEC will be looking to maintain their two-point advantage over the Dons ahead of the trip to St. Albans.
Boss Ricky Lawrence admitted Hertswood Vale “deserved” their 3-2 victory last weekend, when SPEC didn’t get going until the last 20 minutes.
Ahead of Sunday's trip to St. Albans, Lawrence told JC Sport: "It’ll be a tough game as they have proven to be with MH Dons, but we need to bounce back after defeat last week."
There was nothing scientific about Mill Hill’s approach against Brook Farm last week. Their comeback was down to good, old-fashioned route one football, with their long-throw specialist having a field day on a tight pitch. His delivery was as good as precision crosses to the back post, with Zach Cohen the benefactor.
However, they rode their luck at the end, when the ball somehow stayed out after hitting both posts. I hope boss Brandon Hamme did the lottery!
If there is one team set up to counter Mill Hill’s strengths, it’s SPEC.
A entertaining affair is on the cards, with goals aplenty.
JC team news: SPEC welcome back Craig Cohen for his first appearance of the season.
Venue – Marlborough Science Academy
JC star man: Daniel Pike (SPEC)
DC Prediction: Dons 3 SPEC 3
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DIVISION TWO
TOP 3
1. Temple Fortune Pl. 4, W. 2, Pts. 7
2, FC Team Pl. 3, W. 2, Pts. 7
3, Scrabble Pl. 3, W. 2, Pts. 7
TOP-SCORERS 7 - Connor Perl (FC Team), Jono Gaon (Hampstead Ducks), 6 - Simon Cohen (Temple Fortune)
BORUSSIA BARNET vs PARIS SAINT-JEWMAIN
Borussia Barnet gave an excellent account of themselves in the cup last weekend against Premier Division HMH and they go into the meeting with PSJ with their tails up.
HMH boss Avi Goldberg gave Borussia a glowing review after the game and if they perform to that level again this weekend it will be rewarded with three points.
A Borussia spokesman told JC Sport: “Given the squad this weekend, we know we’re in for a very tough game. However, we have great strength in depth, so we’re still confident the boys are more than good enough to get the three points and make it three league wins on the bounce, well and truly putting the terrible result from the opening game behind us.
“We don’t really know anything about PSJ as another new team, so we’re going in blind which can sometimes be an advantage as you have to assume you’re playing a title favourite based on previous results. I have no doubt this will be an even and tough fought game.”
Reflecting on last week’s cup game against the Morrison holders, he added: “HMH was a great learning experience for us and despite the score line it’s probably the best we’ve played all season, so I’m hoping the boys can carry that over into the league this weekend despite some personnel changes from last week’s squad.
Joint-manager Sam Sharer commented: “After a tough game against HMH, we are looking forward to getting back on track in the league.
“We will be hoping to use all we learnt against a top division side in our quest for promotion this season. We’re expecting a good game against PSJ but hopefully we can pull through the win.”
PSJ have players returning from university to play against Borussia this weekend. Jonathan Myers told JC Sport: “We’re hoping to bounce back from our previous 3-1 defeat away to Scrabble.”
I’m tipping Borussia to take the points, with Oron Sheldon, who had a great goal contentiously disallowed last weekend, the match-winner.
JC team news: Henry Mattey, Jack Mattey, Ben Bellman, Adam Lipman, Ethan Gold, Adam Bowman, Nathan Rose, Deejh & Ollie Lewin all miss out for Borussia. Louis Hart and Yoni Chitiyat are set for competitive debuts.
BORUSSIA (squad): Joe Botchin, Daniel Lee, Louis Hart, Yoni Chityat, Sam Lipton (capt), Ollie Smith, Dan Moses, Joseph Eskenazy, Danny Shina, Mitchell Gerber, Scott Greenfield, Oron Sheldon, Michael Kenley, Ollie Hart, Joe Woolf
Venue – Bridgestone Arena
JC star man: Oron Sheldon (BB)
DC Prediction: Borussia 3 PSJ 1
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FAITHFOLD DOCMM GREEN vs FC TEAM
Normal service should resume on Sunday as joint-leaders FC Team look to get back to winning ways against struggling Faithfold Green.
Mitch Young’s boys were well beaten in the London FA Sunday Junior Cup last weekend, so it’s back to the bread and butter of the league – a competition they are one of the favourites to win.
Speaking at his mid-week press conference, Young told JC Sport: “We are looking forward to getting back to the league and continuing our good run.
“It seems everyone can take points of everyone this season, so we will focus one game at a time and as always if we apply ourselves in the right manner we should win the game.
“I will be looking for us to establish a nice flow of play in this game but we will need to so the basics well first.”
Faithfold have conceded 13 goals in three games and, like FC Team, they are already out of the Anekstein Cup.
Despite having home advantage, they start as underdogs in my eyes, as I don’t think they’ll be able to cope with FC Team’s firepower. oh and I can see their defenders being bullied by the boy Salmon on what could be a long morning for the boys in green and white.
JC team News: Connor Perl is still out for FC Team, but player-manager Mitch Young is hopeful of returning after back injury.
Venue – Tempsford Green
JC star man: Richard Salmon (FC Team)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 1 Team 4
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SCRABBLE vs TEMPLE FORTUNE
Two of the MGBSFL most loyal servants go head to head in Potters Bar, both looking to build on a solid start. The fact that they are both joint-leaders along with FC Team makes it that more exciting.
Fortune have won their last three matches, with defender Grant Bates the model of consistency. A tower of strength at the back, he’s become a fixture in my Team of the Week recently.
Further forward, Simon Cohen and Jacob Kalms are chipping in with goals regularly, while the experience of Ed Bloom in goal has been another key factor.
A 4-2 win over Faithfold DocMM White saw Fortune tick all the boxes and gaffer Simon Linden is hoping for more of the same.
He told JC Sport: “The squad is in good spirits ahead of Sunday’s tough game against Scrabble.
“There’s no doubt about it that this will be a tough game as I’m expecting a good Scrabble side packed with experience and difficult to play against.
“It’s great to see both sides starting the season well – it’s a good advert for the league as we are probably the longest-serving clubs.”
Scrabble have won both their home games and used their experience to good effect. They have a habit of grinding their opponents down, with a spine of Nigel Goldthorpe, Lloyd Becker and Alex Bourne doing the business for Jon Yantin’s men.
But Yantin predicts the toughest game of the season so far on Sunday, and told JC Sport: “It’s a big game - a marker for a real leader of the division. Will experience overcome youth and pace?”
“I expect a tight game with a two-goal winning margin to Fortune.”
I love a bit of reverse psychology but think Sunday will come down to which team takes its chances.
Venue – Furzehill Leisure Centre
JC star man: Ed Bloom (Fortune)
DC Prediction: Scrabble 1 Fortune 2
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WEST HAMDILLAH vs CLUB DE CHIGWELL
Chigwell striker Saul Green described Sunday’s trip to West Hamdillah as “a must-win.”
Chigwell’s match against North West London Bears was abandoned towards the end of the game following a melee between rival players, with the Bears leading 1-0.
But Green, who has yet to score this season, vowed that his team-mates will be on their best behaviour this weekend.
“It was a shame the game last week was abandoned and we are all going to let our football do the talking this Sunday,” he said.
West Hamdillah have lost three on the spin and they on average they have conceded more than seven goals a game. Their most recent defeat was a 4-1 loss at Hampstead Ducks.
They are both struggling to score and deny their opponents goal-scoring opportunities, so it won’t take a genius to tell you which team I’m tipping to come away triumphant.
JC team news: Joe Klein is away at university and Matt Sugar is still out with a toe-related injury.
Venue – West Hendon
JC star man: Saul Green (CDC)
DC Prediction: Hamdillah 1 CDC 3
