There are three north against south ties scheduled in the second round of the Jewish FA Cup on Sunday as last season's runners-up AFC Flixton and South Manchester Sports prepare to make the journey down the M6, while MGBSFL table-toppers Redbridge Jewish Care A travel to Manchester Maccabi.
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WEEKEND MATCH PHOTOS
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DANNY CARO'S PLAYER OF THE WEEK - RICHARD ADAMS
DANNY CARO'S MANAGER OF THE WEEK - NICK SHINDER
WINNER: JOSH PUGH (Athletic Bilbaum)
DANNY CARO'S SAVE OF THE WEEK - BEN DE LA FUENTE
DANNY CARO'S QUOTE OF THE WEEK - JONATHAN COHEN
DANNY CARO'S REFEREE OF THE WEEK
Martin Fox (Temple Fortune vs Catford & Bromley Maccabi)
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PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND 2 DRAW
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND THREE
HARMEN vs SOUTH MANCHESTER SPORTS 1st
It’s the clash of the titans at Hadley FC on Sunday as Harmen host South Manchester.
By their own admission, Harmen know very little about the visitors, although I’m sure one of two would’ve heard of star striker Adam Lavin and Toby Levy.
Ahead of kick-off, Harmen joint-manager Joel Alterman told JC Sport: “We are looking forward to the game on Sunday against South Manchester, it’s always good to test ourselves against new faces but equally difficult in our preparations as we do not know too much about our opponents who seem to stay under the radar in their league.
“We don’t envy the journey that they are making, with reports of an early morning coach journey at 8am to arrive in Arkley for the 1 o’clock kick-off.
“The north-south games always make for interesting viewing, and with the newly erected stand at Hadley we are expecting a decent turn out from spectators on Sunday.
“This is one fixture that no-one wants to lose, one of our targets is to get our hands on this trophy and this is just one of the tough tests that we will face along the way.
“The weather caused our game to be called off last week and our players are chomping at the bit to get going again.
“With strength in all positions throughout the squad and goals coming from all over the pitch, we go into the game in a positive mood.”
South Manchester are one of two Manchester Accountants League Premier Division teams travelling to London this weekend.
Lying fifth in the Accountants League, manager Neil Collins has challenged his team to give Mark Stewart the perfect send-off in his final season.
Collins said: “We came to London last year to play Raiders and matched them over 90 minutes.
"We are underdogs again, but this suits our South side.
"We know some of their players, including James Gershfield, but we have player of the Maccabiah 2013 on our ranks - Mark Stewart
"Mark has never won the Morrison, and this year the lads will play for him - it will top off his fantastic amateur Jewish career.
"The pressure is very much on Harmen, any result is a plus."
The battle between Gershfield and Lavin will be worth the admission fee alone, but I think home advantage will be key and can see Harmen doing just enough to progress.
JC team news: Harmen are still without Bradley Sharp as he begins physio after dislocating his shoulder, while Jake Gottlieb has this week set off to Singapore long term for work and his teammates “wish him all the best”. Darren Stern is another notable absentee this week.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Martin De La Fuente, KO – 1pm
JC star man: Elliott Stern (Harmen)
DC Prediction: Harmen 2 South 1
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FAITHFOLD A vs AFC FLIXTON
Stuart Delmonte is confident his new-look AFC Flixton side can put last season’s cup final heartbreak behind them and go all the way in the Peter Morrison Trophy.
Flixton are well-placed to defend their Accountants League Premier Division title, but joint-manager Delmonte is craving success in the National cup competition. He and Tony Rosenberg steered Manchester Maccabi to the title in 2011 but they were beat at the final hurdle by Hendon United in May.
Flixton have joined forces with MJSL side Oakhill Lions in the Morrison to bolster their ranks as they play several non-Jewish players for league matches.
Ahead of the trip to struggling Faithfold A, Delmonte said: “We are looking forward to the game but we won’t be favourites as we have lost some big players this season. That makes our task difficult.
"We have two or three of Oakhill players coming with us. They train with us on a Wednesday so we know about them and what they can bring.
"I don’t know too much about Faithfold. They are hard-working and I expect them to be strong in defence.
"The competition is important to the players and as a club of course. We want to progress and perform. But this is does not take on big importance as far as Tony and myself are concerned. I’ve won this as a player and a manager. To be honest, I prefer the league and non-Jewish Cup a little bit more.”
Faithfold new boy Yaacov Goldin will have to wait another week to make his debut in goal after joining the MGBSFL Premier Division side.
With seven straight defeats in the league, the cup comes as a welcome distraction for Dan Beresford’s boys.
But Flixton look equipped to go a long way in the competition once more and I expect them to win by at least a couple of goals.
Venue – TBC, Ref – Martin Lavender
JC star man: Yonni Green (Flixton)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 0 Flixton 3
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MANCHESTER MACCABI 1st vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
"It has been really difficult to get a team together for this Sunday ,” RJC boss Jon Jacobs. Not the first time we’ve heard this from an MGBSFL team asked to travel north. But get there they will.
Jacobs has nine players unable to make the trip for one reason or another, although Adam Hakimi is the only one injured.
Daniel Garfinkle kept them a point clear in the league in a hard-fought win over Oakwood last week and they will need a similar effort in the cup on Sunday.
Ahead of kick-off, Jacobs told JC Sport: “I have heard that Manchester consider us favourites which given the players missing is just incorrect.
"We are playing this game with a shadow squad to show respect to the competition. The easy thing would have been to pull out but we will give it a go with a very young squad - the oldest player is Ben Sollosi at 25 and the majority are 19-years-old.
"I have no worries about these boys playing with pride as they are all Redbridge boys through and through and will give their all for the shirt.
Greg Louca’s Manchester Maccabi side are going strong in the Accountants League first division but they are playing down their chances going through.
A Maccabi spokesman told JC Sport: “We are looking forward to testing ourselves against Redbridge.
"They are clearly a very strong team as their league form shows.
"We will be underdogs but it will interesting to see what team they bring up.”
At full-strength, I’d expect RJC to progress, but with a makeshift team it’s Maccabi’s for the taking.
JC team news: Adam Hakimi (ankle ligament damage), Nathan Sollosi, Sam Sollosi, Brad Grant, Darren Brown, Steve Summers, Danny Hakimi (suspended), Richie Caplin and Richard Gold miss out for RJC. Nottingham University duo Scott Oldstein and Arron Goldberg, who is making his first appearance in over a year, come into the squad. Matt Niman, who studies at Nottingham Uni, will make his first appearance of the season as does goalkeeper Matt Kemp who is making the journey from Leeds Uni. Daniel Jacobs joins the squad from his Birmingham Uni to make his first appearance of the season.
Venue – Brooklands, KO – 1pm
JC star man: Sam Modlin (Maccabi)
DC Prediction: Maccabi 1 Redbridge 1 (Maccabi to win on penalties)
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OAKWOOD B vs CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI
Jason Stein didn’t spend too long reflecting on last week’s draw against Redbridge B in his midweek press conference ahead of the visit of second division Catford & Bromley Maccabi.
The plusses were Jacob Richler Kleiman extending his lead at the top of the goal charts and the fact they remain nine games.
Stein has always been one to say the glass is half full and he can’t wait to unleash his players on the Cats.
He told JC Sport: “There’s a great atmosphere at Oaks HQ this week and as you can see we are selling 'Lee 6' shirts faster than we can get them made. We got the deal done just in time for the print deadline on the 2016 calendar too.
"Now let me tell you a story, DC. The darkest day of my professional career was a game against Catford and Bromley 367 days ago. We had 10 men and lost 6-4.
“A bare bones squad wore the maroon that day and some of the players we were forced to use aren't fit for garden football let alone Sunday football. Four of them never played for Oakwood again.
"I went home that night and thought it was all over. You'd have been insane to take #TeamStein over #TeamTussie that night.
"Just four weeks later we beat them 5-1, but I've never ever forgotten that harrowing 6-4 experience and it is spurring me on for Sunday. Indeed it spurs me on every day of my life. Four survivors from the 6-4 side will play again this week.
"From what I have read, Catford are in good shape this year and that 4-1 win over a Lions side we only beat 3-2 sent shockwaves through Jewish football. From Barnet to Be'er Sheva. We are not taking them lightly.
"But make no mistake, the thought of going out of the PMT at this stage is not a pretty one. The last 16 is tantalisingly close and I want us to grab that opportunity. The performance level has dipped the last few weeks, but I'm hugely confident we will be back to our best this coming Sunday.
"I'm doing co-comms on Harmen against South Manchester later in the afternoon and it will not be a happy helicopter ride from St Albans to Enfield if the result has not gone our way."
Jeff Gotch’s Catford go into the tie on the back of four consecutive wins. They were pushed all the way by the 10 men of Temple Fortune last week – a game in which Richard Adams, an old teammate of mine, produced a real master-class.
But Gotch is realistic to know his team will be up against it on Sunday. He told JC Sport: “It’s been a very good five weeks for Catford and I personally am very satisfied with our progression from pre-season till now.
“We now look like a team who have played together for a while and although it’s taken time it’s definitely been worth the wait.
“We’ve won four on the spin and although we know it won’t be easy we are looking to cause an upset and make it five.
“I know Oakwood are an exceptionally well-run club and have two very decent footballing sides so whoever turns out for them will be of the highest grade.
“But on our day we can be a match for most – so as long as my 16 lads selected turn up with the right attitude and commitment we will give a good showing of ourselves.
“With promotion our main target this season I am leaving a couple of players out and bringing in a couple who haven’t really had that chance to shine over the last few weeks as our team has been very stable and similar each game.
“It’s a big opportunity for the boys on the edge of the squad to show me why they should be a mainstay for the coming league games leading up to Chanukah.
JC team news: Skipper Elliot Jackson returns at centre half and they have an experienced spine including Ben Polak, James Abrams and Bobby Abrams.
The Cats are missing Joel Isaacs, Jordan Grant and Mark Wayne but take “a very good squad” of 16 to the game.
Venue – Nicholas Breakspear, Ref – Paul Dobkin
JC star man: Dan King (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 2 Catford 0
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BOCA JEWNIORS vs OAKWOOD A
Bouncebackability is the name of the game for an Oakwood team who had their pockets picked by Redbridge last week.
The Oaks were almost home and hosed after another virtuoso performance and goal from Guy Helman, only to conceded twice in the final 10 minutes. That really hurt.
But Sunday’s trip to Oakwood is exactly what they need right now. “We go into the game on the back of Sunday’s disappointment in Essex and we expect a backlash,” joint-manager Dan Kristall told JC Sport.
“We know we must be smarter in the bigger games and we feel that Sunday has taught us a few lessons.
“We will not be taking Boca lightly on a pitch that is likely to be a leveller. With home advantage, they will have nothing to lose and will fancy their chances at upsetting us. I’m sure they will be very much up for it.
“However, as long as we apply ourselves professionally, we should get the job done and advance to the next round. Our target is a big cup run so there is no room for slip-ups.”
Boca are the league’s bottom ranked team at the minute and they have failed to score in each of their last three games. You can get 10-1 on them breaching the Oakwood defence on Sunday.
Anton Nyman told me Boca have “a fair few players out this week,” something he “doesn’t think is going to change the prediction nor the end scoreline”.
He told JC Sport: “Whilst I'm a firm believer in the flair of the cup, we'll have done a good job keeping the score in single digits."
I can see Boca huffing and puffing but the superior technical ability of Oakwood will shine through come the final whistle.
JC team news: Oakwood have a few doubts and a couple of players away, but they are doing everything possible to ensure that Dan Kristall does not get a run out. He told JC Sport: “My boots are hung up in my garage gathering dust and do not want to come out!” The club are still waiting on international clearance for Alex Lee so he will not make his debut for a couple of weeks.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Luke Eppel, KO – 10am
JC star man: David Woolman (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Boca 0 Oakwood 8
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FC TEAM B vs FC TEAM A
This is the tie that no FC Team fan wanted. But a place in round three of the Morrison is up for grabs.
Club chairman Mitch Young describes “sprit in the club is at an all-time high” following a successful warm-weather break.
Young told JC Sport: "The Cup game comes at an interesting time having just returned from our club European Trip to La Manga.
“There was some banter on the tour but it was all very professional. I have put a lot of faith in Ben and the A-Team to deliver the goods and what better test for them to beat the old A-Team.
“Both teams are packed with outstanding individual talent but it will be who performs best as a Team on the day that progresses. It wouldn't at all surprise me if it goes to penalties.
“As chairman I am proud to have such great quality at the club and not only that all the boys within both squads are top lads. Also as chairman, I want to take this opportunity to publicly back Ben Gilbey as manager - the board has full faith in him and will be supporting him moving forward."
The B’s have looked solid thus far, but they have only played three league games so match sharpness shouldn’t be an issue. But the A’s will be ready for them.
The recent 3-3 draw against Hendon proves they are packed with quality and belief and they won’t want to finish second best on Sunday.
FC Team A boss Ben Gilbey told JC Sport: "It's going to be a tough one on Sunday as we have only 12 boys available and some big names missing. But I am still confident we can perform though.
"As Mitch mentioned, coming off the back of the FC Team tour last weekend, morale within the club is high and for me there is no worse time to play the B's, as every week I want to see them do well and win. However, this week obviously is not the case!
"It's certainly going to be an interesting one on Sunday and a well contested game. Up the TEAM, live the dream!"
Derbies are rarely classics but the result is more important than performance so it will come down to who wins their individual and collective battles.
JC team news: Jon Breger away for FC Team B.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – John Nitka
JC star man: Yoav Lebens (Team A)
DC Prediction: Team B 1 Team A 2 AET
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C vs L’EQUIPE
L’Equipe won’t be best pleased to hear that Raiders A’s tie against Camden Park is off, but manager Nick Stern sounded in determined mood when I spoke to him in the build-up to Sunday’s meeting with Raiders C.
Last week’s defeat against Real Hendon came as a real hammer blow but the L’Equipe camp will be determined to put down a marker ahead of two Division Two league meetings.
Stern told JC Sport: “It’s been another busy week at L’Equipe with our players desperate to put last week behind them and get back to winning ways against Raiders.
“We have been bitten by the cup bug after beating higher league opposition in the last round and we hope that we can use some of that magic to beat Raiders, a team we know very well.
“I must highlight how disappointed we were this week when an email was received into the management committee of L’Equipe detailing how Raiders didn’t have a pitch for this week. For a club that prides itself on excellence, wants to compete with the great likes of Brady, Hendon and Redbridge this was extremely disappointing. I do wonder if the C team is being treated as the little child within the Raiders organisation, something that would very much anger me if I played for the C’s.
“However after pushing the A-team so close in the Cyril Anekstein we are confident in getting a positive result against their C team.
“We have a great rivalry with the C team having played them for a number of years and seemingly in every cup competition, and rest assured unlike their own senior management committee we will show Raiders with the respect that they deserve.”
Raiders have been rather hit and miss so far this season. Oli Nathan and Will Ufland guided them to their third league win last week and they will need to step things up here.
The first goal will be crucial on Sunday in a game where I can see home advantage holding the key.
JC team news: L’Equipe “sadly” have a few injuries this week, namely with Jules Bohm and the Smith brothers are rated “highly doubtful” as well as late fitness test for Dave Prager and Ian Baron. However, Dan Finegold, and Rob Simmons are back to full fitness and L’Equipe look forward to taking advantage of the rolling subs by bringing a full squad.
Venue – TBC, Ref – Martin Fox, KO – 10am
JC star man: Oli Nathan (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Raiders 2 L’Equipe 1
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SPEC FC vs BRADY MACCABI
Ashley Lawrence marked his first appearance in three years with a goal in SPEC FC’s big win over Faithfold B last week, but it will be interesting to see if he makes the starting XI for Sunday’s cup meeting with Division One leaders Brady.
SPEC FC go into the game bang in form having accumulated nine goals since being destroyed by Brady in the league. And player-manager Ricky Lawrence insists they have nothing to fear as they attempt to reach round three.
He told JC Sport: "Since we last played Brady we have won 4-1 and 5-1 so confidence is high. However, we know just how good Brady are and we'll have to be at our best to progress to the next round.
“We've got a decent squad though and we'll be hoping to continue our good form and make it in three in a row."
Josh Dagul, who is on the long road to recovery following ACL reconstruction, told me after the recent league win that “SPEC is always one of the hardest games of the season”.
Although many Brady fans will tell you the league is the priority, it’s also about time they had a strong run in the cup. I’m sure many of them would love to test themselves against one of the big boys from the Premier Division or northern giants.
Reiss Mogilner is among the early contenders for Player of the Year, with Sam Monjack another Brady star on top of his game. If one of them takes the game by the scruff of the neck you’d have to fancy Brady once more.
Venue – Hertswood, Ref – Neal Cohen, KO – 10.15am
JC star man: Adam Kosky (Brady)
DC Prediction: SPEC FC 1 Brady 3
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MATCH POSTPONED
North London Raiders A vs Camden Park - Camden forfeited due to an injury crisis
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MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
12 - James Gershfield (Harmen)
11 - Dovi Fehler (Hendon A)
MACCABI LONDON LIONS A vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A
Hendon will be looking to finish the weekend in top spot as they prepare for the top-flight’s only game at Rowley Lane.
Manager David Garbacz gave an honest assessment of his team following the 3-0 win over Faithfold A which came courtesy of a double from Zac Lewis and one from wonder kid Chaim Korman. Alex Rosenthal was the star of the show, producing a “faultless” display as the team registered a long overdue clean sheet.
“The truth is we are nowhere near the levels we should be playing at,” Garbacz told JC Sport. “It started a few weeks ago when we lost the Sunday Intermediate cup match and has continued since.
“Despite winning our last two matches we need to put in a really good performance similar to those at the beginning of the season to really start believing again.
“Our standards are high and we have fallen below them but until we do start playing like potential champions again, the most important thing is to pick up three points in any fashion to keep tabs on the leaders.
“We know the good form will kick in but we have to keep winning the matches we should be winning even if it is not in our usual style.
“Lions is always a difficult one to call - you never quite know who will turn up for them but whoever does we must take the points, and hopefully in the process, get back to playing something like our old selves again.”
Lions can be best described as a work in progress. Adam Abadi gave them a much-needed victory over Blizzard Storm last week, while Ed Bloom, Richard Gold, Adam Abadi, ,Zak Rose, Benji Weinberger and Brandon Sasoon all caught the eye.
It wouldn’t at all surprise me if the Lions drafted in a Guy Morris or someone if similar experienced stature for the visit of Hendon to ensure they aren’t under the cosh for long periods.
But I firmly believe Hendon have overcome their blip and will come away with maximum points.
JC team news: Yoav Kestenbaum and Ethan Zone both face late fitness tests for Hendon who have reported “everyone else is available”.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Richard Jaye
JC star man: Rafi Kon (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Lions 0 Hendon 2
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
14 - Jacob Richler Kleiman (Oakwood B)
11 - Reiss Mogilner (Brady Maccabi)
BRIXTON OLD BOYS vs FAITHFOLD B
Sunday’s basement battlers promises to be a real war of attrition as Brixton go in search of their first point of the season against Faithfold B.
Robert Silverman’s men have been hit for six twice and seven once this season and they desperately need someone who scores goals on a regular basis.
Faithfold have scored in every game but they have conceded twice as many as they have registered.
I’m expecting a real blood and thunder affair and a game that will be won and lost in midfield.
Venue – Clowes, Ref – Callum Foster
JC star man: Dan Howard (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Brixton 1 Faithfold 2
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B vs LOS BLANCOS
Opportunity knocks for both Raiders B and Blancos who have both failed to win their last two league matches.
Results haven’t gone NLR’s way this season but they retain a strong spine and are capable of beating any team in the division on their day.
Blancos are also packed with quality and they will be all the better for two tough games against teams from Essex.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Laurie Benson
JC star man: Nick Grosse (Blancos)
DC Prediction: Raiders 2 Blancos 3
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REAL SOSOBAD vs WOODFORD WANDERERS
Tickets for the Essex derby sold out several weeks ago, with both sets of players looking to make a real statement in the promotion stakes.
There’s a big incentive for both camps too, and Sosobad boss Dan Shafron admits “this week’s game means a lot to both teams”.
He told JC Sport: “Personally to come up against Woodford at this level is a pleasure and a testament to how far we have come as a relatively new team. I also respect how well Alex and Martin have done to build their well-established club from scratch.
“Both sets of players know each other well and I expect the game to be played in a competitive way, but in good spirit. Nevertheless, we are both competing at the top end of the table with only two points between us so there is a lot to play for other than bragging rights.
“We’ve taken this week’s International break to reflect on our start to the season and areas that we can improve.
“Our last game against Harmen gave the boys belief that with desire, passion and fight, we are a match for anybody and we have to take that mentality in to this game.”
“The Woodford boys know that three points would take them to the summit and managers Daryl Kay and Jerome Marks have a “strong squad” at their disposal.
Kay told JC Sport: “The first half against Blancos was the best I’ve seen us play all season, and the boys have now set the bar high.
“Before the game I told the boys that these are the games we have to win to earn promotion, and the SoSoBad game will be no different.
“We are playing with confidence, our forward line is firing on all cylinders and the boys are playing with smiles on their faces. And as predicted in our pre-season preview, are proving very hard to beat.”
There will be a real cup final feel about this game and I’m just disappointed that my cameras won’t be there to flavour the atmosphere. But if you’re up to date with your Chanukah shopping I urge you to watch it!
JC team news: Ben Rosenthal returns from his Goalkeeper’s training camp in Poland and takes his place between the sticks. Big guns Mitch Hahn and Darryl Green also return to the squad.
Venue – 7 Kings School, Ref – David Lazarus, KO – 10am
JC star man: Darryl Green (Woodford)
DC Prediction: Sosobad 2 Woodford 3
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
8 - Andy Smith (L’Equipe), Dan Gordon (Faithfold C)
7 - Dean Rosenthal (ML Lions B)
ATHLETIC BILBAUM vs TEMPLE FORTUNE
Fortune can go level on points with Bilbaum if they can register their second league win but my money is on a home win.
Jonathan Cohen’s troops won many a fan for their approach against Catford & Bromley, with the 10 men doing the club proud.
But while they were losing 2-1, the Baums became only the second team to beat leaders Hendon, and blow the title race wide open.
Jacob Brunner and Josh Pugh fired the bullets that ended Hendon’s impressive winning streak in the league. And it’s important they push on from here.
Baum boss Nick Shinder told JC Sport: "After our transitional start to the season, we are now back on track.
"We have another strong squad available but expect a tough physical battle from Temple Fortune. We cannot dwell on previous results and have to push forward."
Daniel Magidson and Pugh were the stars last week and if Bilbaum take their chances I expect them to put daylight between themselves and the boys in yellow and red.
JC team news: Once again, there is mixed news coming out of the Bilbaum treatment room. Short-term casualties include right-back Eli Gottlieb (deltoid ligaments - 2-3 weeks) and midfielder Oliver Sharpstone (awaiting operation on his knee). The club hopes Seb Silverman (ACL) and Scott Harisson (muscle injury) will return in the new year. There are late fitness tests for Benjamin Bell and Julius Judah but both are hopeful and eager to start.
Venue – Market Road, Ref – Robert Caplin
JC star man: Jacob Holder (Bilbaum) - has been tantalisingly dangerous on the wing and another frightening performance beckons.
DC Prediction: Bilbaum 3 Fortune 1
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FAITHFOLD C vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B
League leaders Hendon Utd B will be looking to return to winning ways when they travel to The Hive to face Faithfold C.
A heavy loss in the Cyril Anekstein Cup to their A-team was followed by a surprising defeat at home to Athletic Bilbaum, and Hendon manager Adam Glekin is aware of the importance of Sunday's game.
"Last week was really disappointing on our part - it was by far and away our worst display of the season and we got what we deserved from the game.
“There are several teams hot on our heels now and it is imperative we get the three points on Sunday.
“We had a very competitive game first time round against Faithfold - the 0-0 scoreline didn't really do it justice as it was a really good game to watch. I expect it to be another tough encounter.
“I've been busy in the transfer market this week snapping up Eli Shebson and Jacob Nevitt who will hopefully bring some added quality to the squad as well as giving us more competition for places.
“I've also got a potential third new face up my sleeve although he won't be revealed and unleashed until next week."
Faithfold have won their last two and manager Rob Shooman knows his team can move to within three points of Hendon if they get the right result.
The teams are well-matched and I can see them both having something to smile about come the final whistle.
JC team news: Eli Shebson and Jacob Nevitt are both included in the Hendon squad and could be in line to make their debuts. Several players have been carrying knocks the last few weeks - Glen Turner, Gab Saul and Gideon Barth will all face late fitness tests.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – Laurence Thorne
JC star man: Jacob Nevitt (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 2 Hendon 2
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REAL HENDON vs FC TEAM C
Real Hendon played with hunger, fire and confidence against L’Equipe last weekend and manager Chaim Gothold is hoping for a repeat performance against FC Team C on Sunday.
Alex Neiss and Yossi Lubin registered in a result that shocked many, but as we have seen with Real, there’s no guarantees they will complete back-to-back victories.
FC Team C are equally as frustrating results-wise. At full-strength they possess the capabilities to beat the best sides in the division, but saying it and doing it are two very different things.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Barry David
JC star man: Yossi Lubin (Real)
DC Prediction: Real 3 Team 2
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SCRABBLE vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS B
Excitement is building ahead of what promises to be one of the games of the season.
Scrabble FC’s record looks like one of champions – played six, won six and only four goals conceded. The Lions are not far behind, with only one blemish on their record and the chances are that Sunday’s meeting could be decided by small details.
Ben Law, Elliott Espinoza and Zak McLeod have been among the top performers for Ray Abrahams’s Scrabble who have really looked the part thus far.
Scrabble boss Ray Abrahams told JC Sport: "This is a real six-pointer for both teams and we face a tough test.
"But I'm proud of what we've achieved so far this season and we are quietly confident that we can get the result we need.
"They will have our respect but we are looking forward to continuing our run and we have been on fire in recent weeks.It should be a great game."
But Abrahams is wary of who the Lions might be planning to bring in, with Nick Landesberg and Benji Weinberger showing they are happy and committed to playing in Division Two this season.
But Scrabble will show no fear and Abrahams and co will be preparing for a game against the strongest XI Lions have got. It might just inspire them to produce their Sunday best.
Either way, the players who have got their teams to where they are can be proud of their achievements and hope they get the nod in what should be a real thriller.
Venue – Capital City, Ref – Stuart Ansher
JC star man: Ben Law (Scrabble)
DC Prediction: Scrabble 2 Lions 1
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