HIGHLIGHTS: LOS CAMDEN vs LIONS
HIGHLIGHTS: OAKWOOD B vs BAYERN MINCHA
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP 2
1. Hendon Utd Pl. 4, W. 3, Pts. 9
2. Faithfold Doc MM A Pl. 5, W. 3, Pts. 9
HENDON UNITED SPORTS vs OAKWOOD A
It’s far too early to talk about this being a title six-pointer, and disrespectful to the likes of HMH and Faithfold A too. But it’s certainly a biggie. Let’s just hope it’s more of a spectacle than the recent Premier League showdown between Liverpool and Manchester City.
Hendon have responded superbly to their opening day horror show against HMH, registering three consecutive victories. However, manager Jordan Sapler knows they must tighten up at the back if they are to take some heat off their strikers.
They showed great character to hold off the Lions in a thrilling 3-2 win and look set for another tough test in the shape of Oakwood.
“It’s a guge game on Sunday,” Sapler told JC Sport. “We’re looking forward to this game - it will be a stern year to see where we’re at and our reaction from HMH.
“We’ve been great the last two games but haven’t really got out of second gear, so will need to be at our best to get a result.
“The boys are training hard and well, putting in lots of effort and it’s coming together on the pitch. It will be a cracker.”
Oakwood bounced back from the Los Camden defeat in some style, hitting Brady Maccabi for six.The club has great strength in depth these days, with the likes of Dan Seligman and one or two others more than capable of stepping into the As from the Bs and when needed. And this is what makes them such strong candidates to retain the title.
Ahead of kick-off, Oakwood joint-manager Dan Kristall told JC Sport: “We know how tough it will be. Hendon/Oakwood league games are always great encounters but we also know that to win this one, we will need to be at our very best all over the park.
“We have had a slow start to the season but we look forward to the next few weeks where we have games thick and fast.”
Kyle Bentwood goes into the game on the back of a hat-trick, with Josh Cuby hoping to give Hendon another runaround following his heroics in the cup final last season.
You can be sure Hendon will be ready for Oakwood, but stopping them is easier said than done.
JC team news: Hendon are missing Josh Harris and Yoav Kestenbaum. They welcome back Simon Peterman from injury along with Jordan Mizrahi and Rocky Spitzer, with gaffer Sapler announcing an “otherwise a strong squad to choose from”.
Oakwood are “sweating over the fitness” of Dale Bradman and Joe Botchin. Simon Davies and Dave Woolman remain sidelined, although Woolman “should return” next week. Leor Sidle and Josh Bharier return to the side.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Andy Myerson, KO – 10am
JC star man: Kyle Bentwood (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Hendon 2 Oakwood 3
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LOS CAMDEN A vs HMH
There’s an intriguing contest in store as title hopefuls HMH look to show their MGBSFL bouncebackability skills against an in-form Los Camden.
After eye-catching wins over Hendon and Brady, HMH were halted by Faithfold, but there is huge belief and talent in this HMH squad and they will be looking to turn on the style in Borehamwood on Sunday. A big win in the London FA Sunday Cup means their tails are up once again.
Boss Avi Goldberg told JC Sport: “We’re looking to get back to winning ways in the Prem. However, I am expecting a tough game against a team who have already beaten Oakwood, so we know we will have to be at our best.”
It was important Los Camden hit the ground running this season following the merger and that is exactly what they’ve done. A narrow defeat against Hendon was followed by an emphatic victory over Oakwood and a gutsy fightback against the Lions.
But Sunday poses a challenge of a very different kind. Los Camden’s Gav Krieger told JC Sport: “We know HMH are a threat and we commend the work Avi Goldberg has done as we know the difficulty of being a new team in this league.
“A few words on the game, we know this will be a highly competitive fixture which will be enjoyable for all spectators in attendance and we hope to continue our positive momentum.”
This could be a great game of cat and mouse and will be won and lost in midfield.
JC team news: Los Camden are still without the injured Charles Braunstein, Max and David Khalatschi, but apart from them “all the lads have trained well over the past two weeks”.
Tom Prais will make his full league debut for HMH this Sunday but there are “a few late fitness tests to come” and they will definitely be missing Oscar Wagner through suspension.
SEE LOS CAMDEN/LIONS HIGHLIGHTS
Venue - Hertswood, Ref - Phil Peters, KO – 10.15am
JC star man: Eli Wegrzyn (HMH)
DC Prediction: Los Camden 2 HMH 4
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DIVISION ONE
TOP 2
1. Redbridge JC A Pl. 5. W. 4, Pts. 13
2. Fairlop FC Pl. 4. W. 3, Pts. 10
LOS CAMDEN B vs JEWDINESE
With three solid draws under their belt, Jewdinese go in search of their first win when they travel to Borehamwood to take on Los Camden.
Darren Lawrence’s men know they must start putting wins on the board if they are to stay in touch with their rivals – they certainly have the ambition and players to be in the mix come the business.
Los Camden are improving by the week and the Premier Division experience of brothers Alon and Rob Hershkorn will certainly stand them in good stead. Both were on the scoresheet in the big win over Scrabble last Sunday, with Richard Hayim adding the gloss. And in Sean Ekon, they have a game-changer on the bench. But he must be pushing for a place in the starting XI after his outstanding display last week.
With the monkey off their backs, they can go into the ‘Nese game and go toe to toe with opponents who also have a resilient attitude and battle until the end.
A fourth ‘Nese draw isn’t unthinkable, but it would be frustrating for their supporters.
Venue – Meadow Park, Ref – Lee Browne, KO – 10am
JC star man: Sean Ekon (Los Camden)
DC Prediction: Los Camden 1 ‘Nese 1
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A vs FAIRLOP FC
Fairlop are living up to their pre-season billing of favourites and they will be looking to put down another marker when they visit Raiders on Sunday.
James Jaconelli has stepped up in recent weeks, while goalkeeper Jake Sanders has staked his claim for the Golden Gloves accolade with three clean sheets in four outings.
Back-to-back 1-0s win over Raiders and Oakwood has set them up nicely for a big couple of games, with Bayern Mincha to follow next Sunday.
But manager Aaron Dias continues to take it one game at a time. “Once again we go into Sunday’s game looking to collect 3 points,” he told JC Sport.
“We played Raiders a-few weeks ago so know what to except - they’re a well organised side with a really dodgy centre-back in Wegoda!
“We’ll aim to get at him again, I’m confident that we’ll being putting more than just the one goal past them this time.”
Dias went on a scouting mission on his week off to check out Fairlop’s ‘noisy neighbours’. He said: “It will be nice to get back to playing instead of watching, lasts week’s trip to Redbridge/ Galaxy was disappointing in terms of quality on the pitch, but pure comedy nonetheless. It was good to see Redbridge will be challenging us for the title. We wouldn’t want it any other way.”
Raiders haven’t clicked yet, but it’s surely only a matter of time. They silenced MGBSFL top-scorer Adam Ellis last time out in a hard-fought draw against Bayern Mincha. But until someone steps up as a regular goal-getter, there will be added pressure on the back five. And when all is said and done, I can see Fairlop doing another professional job on them.
Venue – Ark Academy, Ref – Neil Cohen, KO – 10am
JC star man: Daryl Rubin (Fairlop)
DC Prediction: Raiders 0 Fairlop 1
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A vs OAKWOOD B
It’s the clash of the titans at Fairlop as unbeaten leaders Redbridge get ready to rumble with Oakwood.
Sam Rank’s men have been blowing their opponents away with some exhilarating football, with Nate Kashket really making a name for himself in recent weeks. Wycombe Wanderers are you reading??
The left-sided midfielder has bagged two hat-tricks in the opening weeks, while Russell Goldstein is playing with great freedom. Dean Ben Yosef, Carl Dobrin and James Berkley put in big shifts and delighted Rank with their work-force. But he knows discipline will be key against their promotion rivals.
“Sunday’s game with Oakwood is an interesting one,” Rank told JC Sport. “Before the season started, I would have forecasted Oakwood to be in running for the title, but with the defeat against Fairlop, this could provide difficult for them to get back in the running.
“Oakwood teams are always known for being good physical teams, and also being very hard to beat, especially with Elliot Espinoza’s floating ability.”
Rank has great belief in his players and said: “If we are at anywhere near the level they were the last week, there will only be one winner.
“A statement I will make most weeks – it’s about how RJC dictate play, how we control the game, and if we are on it, there is no-one in the division who can cope with us. I’m expecting a compact game but am confident our class will come through with three points for RJC.”
Oakwood impressed in front of the JC cameras last weekend, with the entire squad pulling together in the absence of boss Jason Stein. Louie Libbert and Josh Bharier were among the scorers in the 3-0 win over Bayern Mincha in a display that ticked all the boxes according to stand-in manager Simon Field.
Stein will be back in the hot-seat for Sunday’s big clash. He told JC Sport: “What a massive game this one is. We’ll fly across the night before so the players can spend the evening in the team hotel.
“Redbridge have started the season exactly how I would expect a team who finished high up the Premier table and relegated themselves to have started … extremely well.
“They are unquestionably the team to beat in this division and it would be pretty good if we could do so.
“I make it three draws and a few wins apiece in the last few years between Sam and I, and I’ve no doubt he’ll come armed with a ridiculously strong side capable of beating any Jewish side in the country. It’s a challenge everyone at Oakwood is looking forward to.
“It’s all well and good beating some of the, perhaps, lesser teams. These are the ones you prove your mettle.”
I’m enjoying the mind games on both sides, so may the best team win!
JC team news: RJC are missing Dean Caplin, which means no reunion for the ex-Oak stopper. The hosts are otherwise at full-strength and “ready to continue to fuel the fire rocket performances”.
Oakwood have a “full complement of Dan’s - Seligman, Ash and Selwyn will make up the attack, while King will skipper the side at the back”. New boys Zak Summerfield and Josh Pugh are pushing for their first starts in the attack and midfield respectively.
HIGHLIGHTS: OAKWOOD B vs BAYERN MINCHA
Venue – 7 Kings School, Ref - Josh Smith, KO – 10am
JC star man: Dean Ben Yosef (RJC)
DC Prediction: RJC 2 Oakwood 1
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SCRABBLE FC A vs NORTH LONDON GALAXY
North London Galaxy saw their two-match unbeaten run come to a crashing halt against table-toppres Redbridge last weekend.
But they have the perfect chance to start another run when they take on struggling Scrabble.
NLG
Joint-manager Luke Lewis gave an honest assessment ahead of the Scrabble game. He told JC Sport: “Sunday was a huge learning curve for us - our three at the back system which we'd worked on simply didn't work, nor did the playing out the back.
“We have been analysing our performance and have since come up with an alternative system to suit the personnel when without key players who are integral to the system.
“We are hoping to win big on Sunday - a real confidence booster against Scrabble. However, we will by no means be complacent here - Redbridge brought us back down to earth Sunday and we have a lot to prove.”
Scrabble boss Ray Abrahams is calling for calm following a disastrous start. They’ve leaked 25 goals in just four matches and the manager has been working hard to keep chins off the floor.
Defensive errors are being punished on a regular basis and as long as they continue, any good work will be undone.
JC team news: Tyler Smith, Jordan Freeman and “our Nissan Juke” Bailey Snow return for Galaxy on Sunday. “Unfortunately our depleted squad on Sunday massively under-performed and we're hoping to correct that Sunday”.
Venue - Hive, Ref - Neil Cooper, KO – 10.07am
JC star man: Jordan Freeman (Galaxy)
DC Prediction: Scrabble 1 Galaxy 3
More to follow ...
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DIVISION TWO
TOP 3
1. Faithfold Doc MM B Pl. 5. W. 4, Pts. 13
2. Hertswood Vale Pl. 5. W. 4, Pts. 12
3. SPEC FC Pl. 5. W. 3, Pts. 10
FAITHFOLD DOC MM C vs SCRABBLE FC B
Jon Yantin hopes the dreaded JC Manager of the Week curse doesn’t strike when he takes his band of brothers to Tempsford Green for the meeting with Faithfold C.
Lloyd Becker rolled back the years with a vintage display against Mill Hill Dons – impressively outgunning Golden Boot contender Zach Cohen – in a 2-1 win.
Scrabble will start Sunday’s match against Faithfold C as favourites – a tag Yantin might quite like.
He told JC Sport: “We’ve a strong squad again, with 18 guys vying for a squad place.
“We’ve had four very good performances as we adjust to the division and looking to take three points again - however it’s on grass which is new for us so we have the club chiropractor travelling too!”
Faithfold C have had an incredibly tough start, with a double defeats against their table-topping B-team, plus Hertswood and Redbridge. On paper, this should be their easiest game, but something tells me the golden oldies are about to turn on the style once more.
Venue – Tempsford Green, Ref – Barry David, KO – 10am
JC star man: Lloyd Becker (Scrabble)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 1 Scrabble 3
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B vs FAITHFOLD DOC MM B
Leaders Faithfold B put their title credentials on the line when they make the long journey east to take on Redbridge B.
The early signs all point towards the Superhoops making a sustained promotion challenge. Chaim Gothold was their latest player to step up. He fired a hat-trick as they completed an early season double against Faithfold C. Add to that the win over Mill Hill Dons and the draw against SPEC FC and it appears they are the real deal.
But player-manager Martin Smulovitch has been in Maccabi football long enough to know that a trip to Fairlop is about as hard as they come.
“We anticipate a highly competitive, tight game against one of the top teams in the division,” Smulovitch told JC Sport.
“Confidence is high but complacency is dangerous and we will approach this game with the same professional and enthusiastic attitude as any other.
“We are very much looking to using this game as a barometer of how far our team can go this season and whether we are truly capable of challenging for the title.
“We are missing some regulars this week but hopefully we will still have enough quality to bring the three points back to Hendon.”
Redbridge were hammered 4-0 by Hertswood last time out. They had Steve Summers, Danny Berg, Danny Hakimi, Craig Sandford, Richard Slater and Dan Gordon in the team but they were second best in all departments.
But I believe boss Richard Bronzite won’t need to say much to his players before kick-off. They will look at the table and know that a victory would mean good things when it comes to the next JC Team of the Week.
Venue - Fairlop, Ref – Robert Benardout, KO – 10am
JC star man: Gilad Kestenbaum (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: RJC 1 Faithfold 2
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SPEC FC vs MILL HILL DONS
Having been silenced by the Scrabble defence last time out, Division Two, the Dons will be looking to get back on track when they visit SPEC FC.
Jordan Rinsler will be looking to impress with his birthday celebrations well and truly behind him. Now manager Brandon Hamme will call for focus as his troops take on another team vying for a top two finish.
He voiced frustration at the final whistle against Scrabble, believing the opposition should’ve been reduced to 10 men. It was just one of those days when nothing went right. But the next 90 minutes won’t get any easier.
"We are desperate to bounce back after last week’s disappointment," a determined Hamme told JC Sport. "We wasted possession and switched off for both goals we conceded.
"We have been extremely inconsistent so far, we showed we are capable of when we faced FC Team and Hertswood, dismantling both those teams but have let ourselves down in other matches against teams of similar or less quality than those.
"This week we know we have a tricky test against SPEC; we played them in pre-season and we know they have some good players that we need to watch out for. We struggled to play our game the last time we played at Bushey but I feel that we learnt a lot from that experience and will adapt accordingly on Sunday. We need to get a result to put the pressure back on the teams above us."
SPEC have made a solid start with three wins in five. The addition of Zac Neiman is proving to be a master stroke. His hat-trick fired them to an impressive 5-2 win at FC Team and was the perfect preparation for the match up against the Dons.
"We've won two out of two at home this season so we'll be hoping to continue that good form on Sunday,” SPEC FC player-manager Ricky Lawrence told JC Sport.
I’m predicting a good, old-fashioned game of football where a draw wouldn’t be the worst result in the world for either club.
JC team news: Last week's unsung SPEC hero Rob Murray misses out as he celebrates his 36th birthday in the Cotswolds. Matt Leader, who scored his first goal for the club last Sunday, misses out too with an injury.
Mill Hill have several players out injured for Sunday’s game. Top-scorer Zach Cohen is out and they are "hoping he will be back in time for our Cyril Anekstein Cup tie against HMH in two weeks". Both Harry Kalms and Sam Stead picked up ankle injuries in training last week and remain out for Sunday’s game. Adam Isaacs is a doubt after picking up a knock against Scrabble, but are the club remain hopeful he will be available.
Venue – Queens School, Ref - Bob Caplin, KO – 10am
JC star man: Sam Singler (Dons)
DC Prediction: SPEC 1 Dons 1
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TEMPLE FORTUNE vs FC TEAM
FC Team have given Temple Fortune some brutal batterings this season and last, so it’s hard to believe Simon Linden’s men start the second meeting between the sides a point ahead.
Richard Salmon has been the chief tormentor against Fortune and it appears they are unable to cope with their direct style.
But the 2-0 win over Raiders Masters – their first of the season – has given everyone at Fortune a lift. Jonny Cohen was rewarded for his outstanding performance with a place in JC Team of the Week, with Gab Stone and Simon Cohen also catching the eye.
Fortune’s problem with FC Team isn’t mental. I believe it’s more physical. They must focus 100 per cent at throw-ins, corners and free-kicks and come prepared to soak up lots of pressure and defend for their lives. Then and only then will they earn the right to attack, and perhaps grab something on the break. There you go Simon … your teamtalk is done!
Venue – Silver Jubilee Park, Ref – Martin Lavender, KO – 9.45am
JC star man: Richard Salmon (Team)
DC Prediction: Fortune 2 Team 4
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