Match of the day sees title hopefuls Oakwood A take on Hendon United Sports Club A in a re-run of the 2013/14 Peter Morrison Trophy final, as well as a number of eye-catching contests in Division One and Two as London Rovers prepare for life after Jeremy Brown, with Adam Kay the new man in charge.
LATEST NEWS: JEREMY BROWN STEPS DOWN FROM LONDON ROVERS
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CUP DRAWS
PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND ONE DRAW
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND TWO DRAW
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YOUR WEEKEND REVIEW STARTS HERE:
MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
DANNY CARO'S PREMIER DIVISION TEAM OF THE WEEK
TOP-SCORERS
6 – Dovi Fehler
4 - Ari Last (Hendon A), Rob Hershkorn (Camden Park)
BLIZZARD STORM vs CAMDEN PARK
Blizzard are riding on the crest of a wave following their dramatic win at Rowley Lane last week – their first ever as a Premier Division outfit.
Two-goal hero Shai Revivo and boss Simon Linden scooped the JC’s top awards as a result of a fantastic performance, one they will be looking to build on against fellow new boys Camden.
Linden was also delighted with the displays of former London Rovers pair Avi Markewitz and Aaron Lustig who along with Ben Gardner made their first outings for the club.
Skipper Adam Speck and Adam Levene also came in for special praise and a similar effort will be required on Sunday.
Ahead of Sunday’s visit of Camden, Linden told JC Sport: "We only picked up one point from two tough games against Camden last year so I'm keen for us to get a result, especially after last week’s win.
"I'm hoping to confirm three new players, two will go straight into Sunday's squad. But I'm keeping quiet on the names until I see the signatures!"
Matchday 3 was also a memorable one for Will Castle’s Camden. Rob Hershkorn was the star of their show against Faithfold, which marked their biggest-ever win in the top-flight.
A new formation, carefully devised by assistant-manager Max Saunders and Castle worked wonders and they could be tempted to stick with it ahead of the trip to Borehamwood.
Camden boss Will Castle told JC Sport: "After last week's emphatic win, morale in the camp is very high and we can't wait to play the next game.
"Blizzard Storm came up with us from Division One and therefore if we want to stay in the Premier, they are really a team we should be beating. Having said that, we have heard that Blizzard are a very well organised side who will be able to cause us problems.
"They narrowly lost to last year's champions and confidence will be high having just beaten Lions, so I can assure you we will not underestimate them. I have full faith in my team and if we played like we did last week, I know we are more than capable of getting the three points."
And with the rematch rescheduled only a fortnight later, both teams will be looking to put down what could really be an important marker.
JC team news: Blizzard are boosted by the return of Sean Ladier and Dean Shaw.
Camden have a few injuries and absentees this week, but "due to the strength of their squad it hasn't caused us huge problems". The big news in the camp is that Michael Khalastchi "has returned from honeymoon (looking trimmer than expected!)" and will slot straight back into centre back. Sasha Nussenbaum has recovered from a knock on his ankle and will be expected to make his debut. Rob Hershkorn, who is targeting the Golden Boot this year, will be keen to add to his tally after his four last week. Luke Brookner and Adam Paris are still a couple of weeks away from a return and unfortunately it has been confirmed that vice-captain Max Saunders will have to have surgery on his hand and will be out for a couple of months.
Venue - Hertswood, Ref – Neal Cohen
JC star man: Josh Marks (Camden)
DC Prediction: Blizzard 2 Camden 2
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HARMEN vs FC TEAM A
Harmen’s start to the season has been nothing short of disastrous. Back-to-back defeats and 11 goals against for a team many believed would be challenging for the title.
Striker James Gershfield has registered in both matches against Hendon and Raiders but that’s about as good as it gets. Up against two sides that will most definitely be challenging at the business end, Harmen have looked short.
Like Liverpool, some Harmen fans will say that their new players are still bedding in. Their management team worked hard over the summer with some ambitious targets and they have not yet had the luxury of fielding their strongest XI.
However, with Hendon, Raiders and Oakwood hitting the ground running, the onus is on them getting something from Sunday’s meeting with FC Team.
Ben Gilbey’s troops produced a magnificent comeback against Redbridge last weekend. The manager singled out Adam Zaidman, Jamie Breslaw, Rob Sanford, Ed Weisz, Jon Weisz and
Alon Hershkorn for special praise in what was a real statement of intent.
After the game, Gilbey told JC Sport: “We now go on with confidence and we believe we can beat anybody and everybody.”
Ahead of Sunday's trip to Hadley, Gilbey added: "We have everyone back, up and running this week, with 18 at training the FC Team boys are raring to go and give me a headache in team selection.
"We want to now push on from last week's victory and heap more misery on to Harmen who have had a hard start to the season and there is no doubt that they will be out to try and set that right this week.
"With the likes of Gershfield and Arnold, they are always going to be a tough team to come up against. It certainly promises to be a good game."
This promises to be a thriller and will be settled by which team wins their individual and collective battles.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Neil Cooper, KO - 10.15
JC star man: Jamie Breslaw (Team)
DC Prediction: Harmen 1 FC Team 1
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OAKWOOD A vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A
Hendon face their first real test of the season when they travel to an Oakwood team who have also won their first two games of the season.
Whereas Oakwood have been solid and professional with back-to-back 2-0 victories, Hendon have dominated their opponents and scored 13 times.
Dovi Fehler has backed up his recent tweet, saying that he’s gunning for the Player of the Year and Golden Boot accolades with hat-tricks in both games and he is clearly someone the Oakwood defence will need to focus on pre-match.
Raw pace is something many teams at this level struggle to cope with and with two of Hendon’s two summer acquisitions set to debut, Oakwood will have to approach this game without knowing everything there is to know about the Morrison holders.
Hendon boss David Garbacz told JC Sport: “We are extremely pleased with the start we have made to this campaign but all that will count for nothing if we turn in one poor performance and give points away.
"Even at this early stage it looks like this year could well be a case of two leagues within one and judging by the start Oakwood have made as well, they will be one of the tougher teams we face.
"The title win be won and lost in the matches between the top teams in the division and this is one of those games.
"Oakwood have threatened for years now to have a proper shot at success and this year could well be the one where they go up that extra level.
"Saying that, we have a great record against them in recent years and with the competition for places in our team as strong as ever I do expect us to keep up the performance levels.
"We will be naming a very young fit squad for this match, with new boys looking to make an impression. Look out for new kid Zac Lewis – I expect him to be making headlines this year but he will have to go some to beat Dovi’s start to the season.
"We are looking forward to this one – it should be a decent game of football."
Oakwood followed up their league success over Lions with another battling display against first division Woodford in the cup. David Woolman has made an excellent start – scoring in both games – and they showed great strength in depth last week, when they were missing eight regulars.
Kristall told JC Sport: "We're confident of success, although accept that Hendon are big favourites. The pressure is on them as National Cup winners and especially after the flying start that they have made banging in goals left, right and centre.
"We believe in the squad that we have and believe that on our day, we will be a match for anybody in this league.
"We have made a good solid start to the season keeping two clean sheets. We know that we will have to be at the very top of our game to take the points. The pressure is on Hendon though ..."
The head to head between Fehler and Woolman will be worth the admission fee alone on Sunday in what promises to be an enthralling encounter.
JC team news: Oakwood have a couple of late fitness tests and injury concerns which they will leave until the last minute.
Yoav Kestenbaum, Ben Kon and Dave Seitler are all away for Hendon. Greg Corin is doubtful with an ankle injury plus “his wife has just given birth although that has never usually stopped him!” Their two summer signings, Sami Zerovabeli and Zac Lewis, are now back however and both are in line for their debuts.
Venue – Nicholas Breakspear, Ref – Andy Myerson, KO – 10am
JC star man: Zac Lewis (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 1 Hendon 1
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A vs FAITHFOLD A
Bouncebackability is the name of the game for Redbridge who fell victim to FC Team’s late show last week.
Ben Sollosi continued his excellent start to the season with a goal, but the east Londoners were punished for not taking their chances with two late goals condemning them to their first defeat of the season.
But with Daniel Garfinkle, Sam and Ben Sollosi on the pitch, I can’t see them failing on their own patch against a Faithfold team low on confidence.
Mark Charles has found the net in Faithfold’s two opening matches, but they are short at the back and need to bring in some quality reinforcements sharpish.
Morale must be low after the 8-1 thrashing at the hands of Camden Park and the odds on them to go down have come down big time.
If Redbridge score early, it could be a long morning for Faithfold.
Venue -Fairlop , Ref – Martin De La Fuente
JC star man: Scott Oldstein (RJC)
DC Prediction: RJC 4 Faithfold 0
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
7 - Jacob Richler Kleiman (Oakwood B)
3 – Dan Orgel (Real Sosobad), Andy Sheena (FC Team B), Sam Monjack, Josh Newman (both Brady Maccabi)
BRADY MACCABI vs LOS BLANCOS
Brady Maccabi are reeling at the news that player-manager Josh Dagul faces an operation on his ACL following the 2-2 draw against FC Team.
Dagul was delighted by the character and quality shown by his team, especially young goalkeeper Josh Miller who earned rave reviews from both teams.
With a juicy cup tie against Scrabble next week, Dagul hopes there are no more injury concerns ahead of what promises to be a close encounter against an improving Blancos team.
He told JC Sport: “It's always a tough game against Blancos, but we've had a good start to the season so hopefully we can build even more momentum with a win."
After a decent performance against Sosobad, the Blancos boys go in search of their first win.
I expect them to test the Brady backline, with the likes of Jono Gaon, Joel Kutner, Danny Kon and Adam Hersh in their ranks, but Sunday will be about how they defend.
Blancos boss Jonathan Ison told JC Sport: "We were looking forward to last week, as it was a chance for Kon and Kono to begin their journey to being match fit and sharp, but unfortunately Brixton were unable to get a team together.
"As stated last week, we have plenty of goals in the squad with Hersh, Kutner, Kon, Jono, Belchak and more all capable of scoring at any given moment.
"We know Brady are a good side but so are we so it should be a good game on Sunday."
With home advantage, I’m tipping Brady to keep the points at the Lane.
JC team news: Blancos welcome Benjy Israel back for his first league game of the season.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Steve Russell, KO – 10am
JC star man: Elliott Dagul (Brady)
DC Prediction: Brady 2 Blancos 1
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FC TEAM B vs SPEC FC
I’m not holding out much hope for SPEC FC on Sunday. Indeed this is one of my home bankers.
Although FC Team were left frustrated by Brady last weekend, I think they’ll have too much ammunition for a SPEC FC side who have made a bad start.
Lorian Madanes scored his first goals of the season in a 2-2 draw – a match that Brady approached with one thing in mind, to strangle the supply line to Richard Salmon.
Mitch Young voiced his frustrations about two individual errors costing his side maximum points and I’ll sure we’ll see a return to no nonsense defending on Sunday.
Parking the bus isn’t in Ricky Lawrence’s dictionary but it’s definitely something SPEC FC should consider following defeats against Sosobad, Woodford and London Rovers.
Ahead of kick-off, he told JC Sport: “We know it's going to be a very tough game on Sunday. FC Team look a very strong outfit and we're going to have to be at our best to get anything from the fixture.”
Team will play to their strengths and have this game won without too many questions asked.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Laurie Benson, KO – 10am
JC star man: Richard Salmon (Team)
DC Prediction: Team 2 SPEC 0
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WOODFORD WANDERERS vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B
Redbridge are still without a Premier League win this season, which is a surprise, but do I really fancy them to go Woodford and win? No, I don't.
Derbies are always hard to call but I have a gut instinct for Woodford on Sunday.
Knocked out of the Anekstein by Premier Division opposition last weekend, they gave a good account of themselves and their management team would have come away with some positives.
Co-manager Daryl Kay told JC Sport: “The team learnt a lot about themselves last week against Oakwood, and they proved that they can mix it with the best.
“Redbridge will be a test but we beat them in pre-season comfortably, although we will take nothing for granted come Sunday.
"Our strikers know that goals are required, especially with the imminent return from international duty of fan favourite and leading goal-scorer two seasons ago – Harrison Midda."
Marks added: “We’ll be looking to play the game at pace with a cutting edge, which should be easier for our players after they shed some weight during the fast!"
Redbridge have found things tough thus far following defeats against Raiders and Brady, but Sam Rank insists they will come fully equipped to test their noisy neighbours.
He told JC Sport: "The Redbridge B team are extremely fired up. The spirit in the camp is of a very upbeat nature.
"The improvement from the first to second game was dramatic. Hopefully their will be further improvement in the derby game.
"Some players will be playing against their former club, which will put an extra bite on the game.
"We hope the spirt, determination and quality the squad has, will bring us victory on Sunday."
The first 20 minutes will be crucial against their neighbours who I don’t expect to leave the premises quietly.
JC team news: Woodford’s Darryl Green is an injury doubt with suspected broken rib, and he is joined in the treatment room by Andy Levy, who needs an MRI scan on his knee. Amir Nathan is “ready to rock ‘n roll again” after a week off and there will be a late fitness test for right-back Ricky ‘5’ Fox, although Martin Sales is providing more an adequate cover for now.
Redbridge back David Cohen from his house move and Jason Goldstein from his holiday in Portugal. Adam Noble will be making his debut for Redbridge B who will be at full strength for this game.
Venue - Fairlop
JC star man: Amir Nathan (Woodford)
DC Prediction: Woodford 3 Redbridge 1
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B vs OAKWOOD B
With his team flying high near the top of the table, Oakwood boss Jason Stein never misses a trick.
"Thanks for coming round to the Succah DC. I know it's bit different but I need to finish the building work,” he told JC Sport on my visit to the club’s HQ this week.
The goals of Jacob Richler Kleiman have helped propel the Oaks towards the top of the table, and I can see him having more chances on Sunday because I don't think Raiders are a team who will try to close games down. That is just not the way they play.
Stein told JC Sport; “We're going into this game with loads of confidence - six points out of six with eight goals will do that for a side.
"But we know we've got a tough game coming this weekend. It's flattering to hear on the grapevine that Raiders have a few of the seasoned A teamers in the side. Again, I suppose that's what six points does for the reputation.
"We're strong this week with the core of the squad staying the same. We'll get into their faces and make life hard. Any gap in talent will certainly be made up in effort."
Raiders have plenty of attacking options of their own, arguably more than Oakwood and manager Jonathan Adelman will be happy to fight fire with fire on Sunday.
He told JC Sport: “Every game against Oakwood is a battle, but their impressive start to the season means we could be in for a cracker.
"We know how dangerous they are going forward but with the G men - Gilbert and Green - looking sharp we'll be hoping to cause them some problems too.”
I never predict Raiders to lose on 3G, especially if David Rhodes is assigned to marking the ever-dangerous Richler Kleiman.
JC team news: Jacob Gold and Adam Posner join the list of absentees for Raiders, but Nick Woolf came through 30 minutes against Redbridge and is pressing for a start.
Venue – Ark Academy, Ref – Quentin Fox
JC star man: David Rhodes (NLR)
DC Prediction: Raiders 2 Oakwood 1
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Match postponed - Brixton vs London Rovers - Rovers unable to raise a team
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
4 - Dean Rosenthal (ML Lions B), Will Ufland (NL Raiders C)
3 – Dave Sherman (Faithfold C), Gav Noe, Rafi Noe (both Real Hendon)
CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI vs L’EQUIPE
Jeff Gotch has described Sunday’s meeting with L’Equipe as “a massive game”.
The Catford boys were deep in thought at synagogue this week. Now they are ready to go again and register their first win of the season.
Gotch told JC Sport: “Everyone has had a couple of weeks to reflect on the disappointment of throwing away a two-goal lead in a game we should have been out of sight at half-time. A couple of Rory delap throw-ins and we drop points.
"That's two games in a row we have been ahead to nil at the interval so we need to stop the trend.
"We know L'Equipe very well and we know we're in for a battle this week
"They have some handy players and we will have to be at our best to win the game but I'm confident we can.
"We are missing four or five regulars this week but still had a squad of 20 to choose from so things are not looking to bad."
L’Equipe go into the match in buoyant mood after putting Boca to the sword. Mark Smith and Andy Smith grabbed doubles in a 6-0 victory in which David Prager and Ian Baron kept things rock solid at the back.
But manager Nick Stern told me about “a few issues in the camp this week” in his pre-match press conference.
"It looks as though our team are being too generous with charity and committing to Tough Mudder,” he told JC Sport. “This has meant that we are extremely short this week which is a shame as on a personal level as I would enjoy nothing more than to beat Jeff Gotch- a very close family friend of mine.
"It looks as though I may even need to put on the keeping gloves as our regular keeper Mark Glucksman is away, but Sunday will be a great chance for John Kay to show the world again his flick-ons that caused carnage throughout last season. They will be even more important this week with both Smith brothers being away.
"Despite only have 11 men available, I know that the 11 that I will put out will give it their all and despite being underdogs, we’ll fight till the very end, in the only way L’Equipe know, and try and get a victory that is especially important to keep the momentum after last week’s huge win."
I can see L’Equipe huffing and buffing but can see the Cats blowing their house down.
JC team news: Guy Ben Aroya is still injured for Catford and is joined on the sidelines by DannyYyeshua and Ashley Stokes. Richard Adams and Adam Parker are on holiday while Nick Goodmaker has been ruled out the season with an ACL.
Confirmed absences for L’Equipe include Scotty, Finegold, Rob, Andy Smith and Mark Smith, Mark Glucksman and Scott Bennet, but gaffer Stern is “glad to welcome back Dan Fisher and Grant Bates who will both play critical roles on Sunday”.
Venue – Meadow Park, Ref – Paul Dobkin, KO – 10am
JC star man:
DC Prediction: Catford & Bromley 2 L’Equipe 1
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BOCA JEWNIORS vs REAL HENDON
Boca have had a baptism of fire in the league this year.
Gaffer Gabe John, who has been around the block, is finding it difficult to get the best of a talented bunch.
He told JC Sport: ““I’ll get there and it’s a building process. Cliches I know but with so many new players, it usually takes time."
He's hoping they may get their first points on the board this weekend against a Real Hendon team who registered their first win last week.
The old fox-in-the-box Gav Noe popped up with a hat-trick as they hit Bilbaum for six.
Rafi Noe made it three goals in two games with a double while Gilad Kestenbaum, one of the most outstanding talents in the division, got off the mark.
If this is an open game, I am backing Real to prosper.
Venue – Aycliffe Road, Ref – Mike Cowan
JC star man: Gav Noe (Real)
DC Prediction: Boca 2 Real 4
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FAITHFOLD C vs FC TEAM C
Faithfold felt a little aggrieved not to have picked up maximum points against Hendon last week.
With an inter-club cup derby looming large, manager Rob Shooman hopes to see his players back on the goal trail as FC Team come to the Hive for their first outing of the campaign.
The visitors fielded some big names last season but Ben Graham has been released. Their fans know the importance of a fast start in what promises to be a competitive division and we’ll know much more about their levels of match sharpness come Sunday lunchtime.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – Laurence Thorne
JC star man: Dan Kosky (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 2 Team 1
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MACCABI LONDON LIONS B vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C
Pace-setters Raiders C travel to Rowley Lane for what promises to be a high-quality contest against the Lions.
Both teams have title aspirations and go into the game with an unbeaten record and an open and entertaining affair is on the cards in a game featuring two teams who enjoy playing free-flowing football.
Dean Rosenthal was MLL’s hero in the cup last week, scoring three times against FC Team C in a 7-2 demolition.
Sunday promises to be an emotional day for Josh Bloom against his former club. He scored a stunner last week.
Ahead of kick-off, MLL’s Sam Marchant told JC Sport: “The visit of North London Raiders C will be our toughest challenge yet without a doubt.
"We’re facing a team in our division who have started in fantastic winning form, just like ourselves. They’ve scored 11 goals in two league games, which highlights that we need to be at our defensive best if we are to maintain our 100 per cent winning start to the season.
"This game poses to be great for the neutral, with exciting attacking play, as combined, the two teams have scored 24 goals in just four matches.
"We’re expecting opponents high in confidence, lying second in the league and we need to be both physically and mentally prepared for an intense battle.
"As long as we can pick up exactly where we left off after our second half performance against Team, we should be able to get a result.
"Playing at Rowley Lane, on carpet-like pitches really suits us, and along with the fact that our squad is looking strong again for this game, the Lions camp is relatively confident.
JC team news: The Lions only player unavailable for the game is Sam Cicurel, who has started all their matches so far. In positive team news, they have Daniel Lipman returning in goal after missing the start of the season.
Raiders put down their marker with a big win over a Temple Fortune team that will test the teams challenging for silverware. They didn’t allow them to impose their physical style and won with something to spare.
But they face a challenge of a different kind on Sunday when their all-round qualities will be tested to the max.
"It's been the perfect start to the season,” NLR assistant-manager David Domb told JC Sport. “Two wins and 11 goals scored and the new players have seamlessly fit into the set up.
"But Lions is a tough challenge. Any team with former Raider Josh Bloom up top will always be a threat, but as their results have shown they're about more than just him.
"Many expect a lot from them this season and their start to the season has gone a long way to achieving what will be their expectations.
"But we're a good side too. It's a tough game for us so early in the season but we're ready for the challenge. If we show the same application that we have for the first two games, well give them something to worry about. We're confident of getting a result."
I have picked a few draws already this week but I have a feeling the points will be shared at the Lane too.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Callum Foster
JC star man: Daniel Fattal (Lions)
DC Prediction: Lions 2 Raiders 2
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SCRABBLE vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B
Joint-leaders Scrabble FC host a Hendon B team yet to concede this season.
The “moaning” of manager Adam Glekin is finally paying off. Defenders Gideon Caller, Glen Turner, Ezekiel Jacob received praise from boss Adam Glekin for putting life and limb on the line against a strong Faithfold attack.
Scrabble just seem to get better and better and Josh Sheridan, Jonathan Peters and Mitch Green been outstanding in the first month of the season.
They will be looking to go into next week’s mouth-watering cup clash against Brady Maccabi with their 100 per cent record intact but patience will be key on Sunday.
Venue – Capital City, Ref – Steve Levy
JC star man: Joshua Flax (Scrabble)
DC Prediction: Scrabble 2 Hendon 0
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TEMPLE FORTUNE vs ATHLETIC BILBAUM
Temple Fortune were second best against Raiders C last week but they will be looking to put that defeat behind them when Bilbaum come to Pinner on Sunday.
They were ultimately punished at the back but still had goals from Josh Klepper, Rob Benson and Adam Lenz to show for their efforts.
In Benson and Lenz Fortune have players who will keep chipping in with important goals and they go into Sunday’s game with no fear.
Boss Jonathan Cohen told JC Sport: “We have a big squad available this Sunday and changes will have to be made.
“We have fight hard from the first to last minute or everyone’s position is under threat. I am expecting a big response from my players.”
The Baums have conceded 15 goals in three games and I just can’t see them getting to grips with Fortune’s no nonsense approach.
Venue – Roger Bannister, Ref – Teddy Littner
JC star man: Josh Klepper (Fortune)
DC Prediction: Fortune 3 Bilbaum 1
