There are 14 matches scheduled on Matchday 13 of the MGBSFL, with the clash between Harmen and Hendon United Sports Club A in the Premier Division the pick of the bunch on a day when a significant number of players must choose between the team they play for and the one they support.
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SPECIAL REPORT - MGBSFL vs PREMIER LEAGUE
PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND 3 DRAW
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP QUARTER-FINAL DRAW
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WEEKEND PHOTOGALLERIES
MANCHESTER MACCABI 2nd vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
HARMEN vs SOUTH MANCHESTER SPORTS CLUB 1st
FAITHFOLD C vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B
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DANNY CARO'S MATCHDAY 12 AWARDS
PREMIER DIVISION TEAM OF THE WEEK
PLAYER OF THE WEEK - BEN LEWIS
MANAGER OF THE WEEK - DAN BERESFORD
GOAL OF THE WEEK - WILL UFLAND
QUOTE OF THE WEEK - SAMUEL MARCHANT
SAVE OF THE WEEK: - BEN LAW (Scrabble FC) - crucial penalty save against title rivals Lions B - threw himself to the right to punch away
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
DANNY CARO'S PREMIER DIVISION TEAM OF THE WEEK
TOP-SCORERS
12 - James Gershfield (Harmen), Dovi Fehler (Hendon A)
8 - Rob Hershkorn (Camden Park), Zack Lewis (Hendon A)
NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A vs FAITHFOLD A
NLR’s season has been frustratingly stop start through no fault of their own. It’s been impossible for Rob Richman’s boys to get any kind of momentum as opponents keep pulling out.
But on Sunday they face a Faithfold team galvanised by a big result in the cup and Dan Beresford hopes it’s the turning point for the Superhoops.
Ben Lewis and Daryl Phillips rolled back the years to take the green into the next round of the Peter Morrison Trophy after dumping out last season’s runners-up AFC Flixton.
But they face a challenge of a very different kind this weekend against a Raiders team ready to show what they have in their locker.
And with leaders Redbridge A not in action, Rob Richman is confident of his the defending champions finished the weekend top of the pile.
Richman told JC Sport: “As ever we are excited to get back to league action this Sunday. The next four weeks are going to be hugely important and we must continue to try and be as consistent as we have so far this season.
"Faithfold will be on a high after a superb result last week so we know it will be a tough match.
"We have a few important players out this week but we still have a very strong group and if we play to our potential I'm confident we will come away with the three points.”
Raiders are scoring four to every one conceded at the minute and I think they will have too much for Faithfold on the day.
JC team news: Raiders are missing Jake Doffman, Ben Joseph and Ricky Engleman but Oscar Wagner is back down from university and they will give Ben Ellis a belated debut.
Venue - The Ark, Ref – Martin Fox
JC star man: Oscar Wagner (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Raiders 3 Faithfold 1
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CAMDEN PARK vs OAKWOOD A
Oakwood will be looking to finish the weekend above Camden ahead of the trip to Capital City.
They saw off the challenge of second division Boca with minimal fuss in the Morrison last week, although the general feeling is that they were far from their best.
Managers Dan Kristall, Ric Blank and Alex Schock will be looking for an improved performance, although Kristall told JC Sport that they “have plenty of selection decisions to make ahead of Sunday’s game and await for the results of some late fitness tests”.
New boy Alex Lee is available and in contention to make his Oakwood debut and Kristall told JC Sport: “We expect a tough, physical and very difficult game against a really strong Camden side that we will not be taking lightly.
"However, if we are to compete for the title, we must be winning these games."
Camden have failed to win their last three league games. They have also failed to score times this season but Will Castle’s boys are only focusing on the next game.
Castle hopes to have top-scorer Rob Hershkorn back in the new year, but until then it’s a case of finding goals from elsewhere.
The Camden boss told JC Sport: "We still loads of injuries but have made a couple of deadline day signings to boost us."
As for Sunday, I really fancy Oakwood to deliver.
Venue – Capital City, Ref – Keith Goodman
JC star man: Alex Lee (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Camden 1 Oakwood 2
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HARMEN vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A
Several Harmen players have given up their Spurs tickets this weekend to take on a wounded Hendon team.
Most teams have a blip during the season but Hendon don’t quite seem themselves right now, despite Dovi Fehler scoring a top-quality goal in last week’s surprise defeat against the Lions.
It was not just the 2-1 defeat that must have been worrying for manager David Garbacz, it was the fact they lacked killer instinct, something they will very much need on Sunday.
Ahead of Sunday’s Hadley FC derby, Garbacz told JC Sport: “The first thing I wish to clarify is that we agreed to a 9.45am kick-off to accommodate Harmen, despite them going on record saying that we didn't. I’m not quite sure why they did that.
"With regards to this week's match – I’m expecting a no-holds-barred fiery encounter - that is how they play these days and we will be ready.
"I'm glad the league have appointed the best referee in the league for this one in Richard Jaye. I'm sure he will be strong and fair.
"We need a result - last week was a huge setback but we will keep going, believing in our own abilities to turn things round.
"This division is incredibly competitive this year which makes for close exciting games. Sunday will be no different - hopefully we can come out on top.”
Harmen were involved in a real battle against South Manchester last week but the firepower of Adam Arnold and James Gershfield steered them through.
If you had to be ultra-critical of Harmen you could say they concede too many goals, but when you have players like Gershfield and Arnold in the final third you can sometimes get away with it.
The Harmen boys know a win would take them level on points with Hendon – a team they drew 1-1 with last month.
Joint-manager Joe Marsh told JC Sport: “Hendon go into the game favourites as they have earned the right to be wth their exploits over the last few years - wining the amount off silverware they have.
"It's too early to write them off as they are the best team in the league.
"The pressure is off us as we are not expected to win. We have been on a great run and we will definitely test them.”
Marsh makes Hendon the favourite but I can see Harmen finding a way to claim a famous win.
JC team news: Yoav Kestenbaum returns for Hendon but Alex Rosenthal is out.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Richard Jaye, KO – 9.45
JC star man: Elliott Stern (Harmen)
DC Prediction: Harmen 2 Hendon 1
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BLIZZARD STORM vs FC TEAM A
Team traditionally struggle against sides such as Blizzard - they save their best for the best.
Boss Ben Gilbey hopes his players can kick on from last week's important derby win which came courtesy of strikes from both David Cohens and Shim Bensoor.
Gilbey was delighted by the "character" shown by his players and will be looking for a repeat performance in Borehamwood on Sunday.
He told JC Sport: "It's a big game for us this week; we need to get the win against Blizzard and really start to push on in the league now.
"In our last league game we drew 3-3 with Hendon and we won our big derby game against FC Team B last week in the cup, so our recent form has been better.
"We have 13 this week, still with a few missing, but I believe we are well equipped to go out Sunday morning to get the win."
Blizzard are still finding their feet in the division, but I can see them posing Team a few problems.
And if they win their individual and collective battles I can see them coming away with a precious point.
Venue - Hertswood, Ref - Neil Cooper, KO - 10.15am
JC star man: Adam Levene (Blizzard)
DC Prediction: Blizzard 1 Team 1
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
14 - Jacob Richler Kleiman (Oakwood B)
11 - Reiss Mogilner (Brady Maccabi)
LOS BLANCOS vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B
Last week’s 10-goal thriller against Raiders B would’ve taken a lot out of Blancos, both mentally and physically. But manager Jonathan Ison assures me his troops will be ready for the visit of Redbridge B.
The match pretty much summed up Blancos’s season so far – they score a lot and let in too many. But their fans are certainly getting value for money.
Ison told JC Sport: “Our numbers have been poor in recent weeks, and unfortunately we have a number of players away this week too.
"Redbridge and us are very closely-matched, according to the league, so it really is a must-win game.
"I have faith in those available to be able to win, as our performances are getting better week on week, but we need to be able to find a way to grind out the win, which has escaped us in recent weeks.”
Redbridge have conceded the most goals in the division thus far but Sam Rank assures me they “have been training very hard this week, and a lot of discussions have taken place between the squad”.
David Fialka has found his old shooting boots from 12 years when he was dominant force in the under 15 Maccabi League, where he won everything, so expect a big performance from him.
Rank told JC Sport: “Jason Goldstein has been working very hard on tactics this week, and is a confident of good result.
"The spirit in the camp is very high. The boys want to finish the Chanukah campaign with four wins to push them comfortable into mid-table.
"The squad for Sunday is very strong and I feel Los Blancos will be in for a big battle at West Hendon Playing Fields.”
Goals once again look guaranteed on Sunday in what promises to be a great advert for the MGBSFL.
JC team news: RJC’s Jay Lawrence is back from injury and work commitments, but they have “a few other players missing out due to the Spurs/Chelsea game.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Mike Cowan, KO – 10am
JC star man: David Fialka (RJC)
DC Prediction: Blancos 3 Redbridge 3
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OAKWOOD B vs SPEC FC
Jacob Richler Kleiman has already been setting the MGBSFL alight with his goals, but last week Oakwood had another hero in Bobby Abrams who took centre stage in their big cup win.
The prospect of Richler Kleiman and Abrams is enough to get any football fan out of bed on a Sunday morning and it wouldn’t surprise me if there was a scout or two on show.
Jason Stein was in positively upbeat mood at his midweek media conference, sporting one of those lovely Chanukah sweaters.
"Morning, DC. Do come in. Rather cold isn't it? Have some soup to warm your chops.
"Excited to be back in the league this week against SPEC FC. I've been working all week to try and work out what SPEC stands for and when I have the answer I'll report back.
"We're back at full strength this week after being somewhat depleted for the Morrison last week and that's once again meant some very tough selection issues. We're blessed with a big squad but it doesn't make decisions any easier I must say.
"That was some result SPEC had against Brady last week and It's a tough game this - even if a few of that XI are sneaking off to watch Spurs (imagine watching Spurs, Spurs! instead of playing football. Spurs!).
"But we're focusing on ourselves. If we play with a positive attitude and look to get the ball wide then we'll always be okay. I want to see more of that width this week. And seriously, it's only Spurs!"
Things are looking up for SPEC FC right now and long may it continue. Several members of their squad showed great communal spirit on duty at Mitzvah Day the other day, but now they are ready to get back to business and try to stop an equally rampant Oakwood team.
Player-manager Ricky Lawrence told JC Sport: "With confidence high and the fact that we're on somewhat of a roll, it's a shame that our squad will be so depleted on Sunday due to Spurs.
“Saying that, we'll still be able to get a team out and hope we can cause some problems for Oakwood."
The first meeting between the teams this season should be a real classic, but I think home advantage will swing it.
Venue – Nicholas Breakspear, Ref – David Lazarus, KO – 9.40am
JC star man: Bobby Abrams (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 3 SPEC FC 1
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FAITHFOLD B vs WOODFORD WANDERERS
Mark Truman will be looking to register his first win since taking over as manager from Elliott Bloom when high-flying Woodford visit the Hive.
Faithfold cannot be as bad again as they were last week against Brixton, or so their fans would hope. Five defeats in seven has left them in a perilous position and I expect Truman to set them up to be hard to beat.
Woodford produced one of their “strongest performances of the season” in the 2-2 draw against Sosobad last week. Harrison Midda registered another goal, as did Mitch Hahn, but joint-manager Daryl Kay will be looking for a stronger performance in defence.
He told JC Sport: “We’re down to the bare bones again this week, nonetheless, as always we’ll be fielding a strong 11, knowing full well that Faithold are beatable but only if we apply ourselves.
"Last week against Sosobad we conceded two sloppy goals which let them back into the game twice and a draw felt like a loss, but we only had ourselves to blame.
"This week the boys know that we could go top depending on results and they shouldn’t need much more motivation than that."
Woodford have got the momentum – which is a massive thing in football – and that’s why I’m back them to take maximum points.
JC team news: Woodford’s Adam Shafron, Andy Levy and Ricky Shapshak remain out through injury and vice-captain Dave Green misses the game to attend a simcha.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – Stuart Ansher
JC star man: Alex Aviram (Woodford)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 1 Woodford 3
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FC TEAM B vs REAL SOSOBAD
FC Team have games in hand on all of their promotion rivals, including Real Sosobad, so they will be gunning for glory in Mill Hill on Sunday.
Manager Mitch Young always sets the bar high and he won’t accept a similar performance as the one he saw in last week’s Morrison derby defeat against their A-team. He comes down hard on individual mistakes and it wouldn’t surprise me if there’s one or two changes to his starting XI.
Ahead of kick-off, Young told JC Sport: "We now go into a run of back-to-back games leading up to the winter break. Four games and we need four wins as we are playing catch-up.
"As ever I am confident in my squad to deliver a result and I feel some positive momentum is right around the corner.
"We have never played Sosobad so don't know much about them although I do recognise a few ex-Redbridge players in their side so know they have good quality and traditionally Essex teams are always hard to beat so I know it will be a battle."
Sosobad showed great character to earn a point against local rivals Woodford last week. Playing against sides and players with big reputations doesn’t scare them and they are certainly not punching above their weight.
I have no doubt they will make it an uncomfortable morning for Team but can see Young’s big name players stepping up.
JC team news: Team welcome back captain Jon Breger.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Elliot Mayer
JC star man: Danny Moss (Team)
DC Prediction: Team 2 Sosobad 1
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS vs BRADY MACCABI
The only good thing about last week’s 6-0 defeat against SPEC FC for Brady was that it came in the cup.
Josh Dagul tried something, and it didn’t work. Simple as that. Although their confidence would’ve been dented in a big way, they remain unbeaten in the league and if ever there was a day for players to payback their manager then Sunday is it.
Raiders were involved in a real roller-coaster of a game against Blancos last week. They scored some cracking goals but they also showed another side of their game to claim a dramatic late equaliser.
With Toby Katz returning to the fold they have a real crackerjack of a player who comes from a family with great sporting pedigree.
But as good as they are going forward, I can’t see them out-scoring Brady on Sunday.
Venue – Ark Academy, Ref – Steve Russell
JC star man: Josh Newman (Brady)
DC Prediction: Raiders 2 Brady 3
More to follow ...
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DIVISION TWO
DANNY CARO'S DIVISION 2 TEAM OF THE WEEK
TOP-SCORERS
8 - Andy Smith (L’Equipe), Dan Gordon (Faithfold C), Zak McLeod (Scrabble FC)
7 - Dean Rosenthal (ML Lions B), Gav Noe (Real Hendon)
HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C
Table-toppers Hendon B host North London Raiders C on Sunday knowing that they must continue to rack up the victories if they wish to maintain hopes of claiming the Division Two Championship.
Despite returning to winning ways last Sunday with a vital 3-1 victory at Faithfold, Hendon's lead remains at just a single point due to Scrabble's imperious form.
Hendon will be without Gideon Caller on Sunday but fortunately for the home side he is the sole loss due to the Spurs/Chelsea early kick=off. Striker Benni Sluckis will also be missing but it does allow manager Adam Glekin the chance to try out three of his new signings.
Eli Shebson scored and impressed on his debut last week, and Jacob Nevitt also caught the eye in his cameo. Glekin has also secured the transfer of Robert Benson from Temple Fortune to boost the ranks for the remainder of the season.
Glekin told JC Sport: "I've got a real luxury of talent at my disposal now, I'm really excited with the squad we've managed to put together - it is without doubt the best we've had for many years.
"Eli Shebson and Jacob Nevitt both had excellent debuts last Sunday, and Bobby Benson will fill his boots in this team, I have no doubts about that. Hats off to Scrabble for the run they're on, all we can do is focus on ourselves and hope they slip up at some point."
Raiders go into the game buoyed by last week's Morrison Trophy success. They overcame opponents whose direct style posed a very different kind of threat to Hendon, but David Domb believes L'Orange are versatile enough to take on any challenge.
“Nothing about Hendon’s start to the season should surprise anyone," Domb told JC Sport. "The surprising thing for me was how they were out the promotion picture the last couple of seasons.
“I must I was disappointed when DC described us as 'hit and miss' in the build-up to last week. We've got plenty of games in hand in the league and we've built some momentum by going on a good run in the Morrison - a third round tie that already excites the group!
“But first it's back to business in the league. Hendon for me were always a bit of a bogey side - I personally have never been on the winning side against them. I may have to sit this one out!”
A high-quality affair is on the cards and I'm banking on a score draw.
JC team news: Glen Turner and Gab Saul return to the Hendon squad to give Glekin a real managerial headache. Gideon Barth could also return but will face a late fitness test. Robert Benson is set to make his debut for the reds up front. Sammy Barron will play his last game before making Aliyah and will hope to depart with a bang.
Midfield duo Alex Goodman and Marc Woolfe return for NLR after missing the L'Equipe win.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – TBC, KO – 10am
JC star man: Rob Benson (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon 2 Raiders 2
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ATHLETIC BILBAUM vs SCRABBLE FC
There’s a hum-dinger in store here as free-scoring Bilbaum host a Scrabble FC team looking to make it eight on the spin.
Josh Flax was one of many heroes in a Scrabble shirt against Lions B last week. His strike was worth the admission fee alone against one of their title rivals.
But manager Ray Abrahams knows full well that win will count for nothing if they slip up against a dangerous Bilbaum team.
He told JC Sport: “My boys have been on a high after last week’s result but will be focused and back down to earth by the time we kick off on Sunday.
"Bilbaum gave us a few problems earlier in the season when we won 3-0 at home with three first-half goals.
"They gave us problems in the second half of that game and we know they will be a stronger side than we met last time out.
"We will give them the greatest respect but we want to keep our winning run going for as long as possible and will be going there hoping to pick up the three points.
"We've got a few injuries at the moment but have good depth to our squad so should be okay and are looking forward to the game."
There was a huge gulf in class between Bilbaum and Temple Fortune last week on a day when Jacob Holder and Josh Pugh filled their boots in an 11-0 mauling.
The dynamic duo were also on target the previous week in the impressive win over leaders Hendon and manager Nick Shinder will encourage his players to go for the jugular on Sunday.
He told JC Sport: “Although the weekend's 11-goal feast spurred on our infectious goal-scoring bug, Sunday is going to be a different challenge.
"Scrabble are a strong and well-organised team which will require composed defending and a patient build-up. We have a couple of absentees but our large squad are raring to go."
It’s important Bilbaum get to half-time still in the game. Then and only then will they be able to go toe and toe with Scrabble.
JC team news: The Baums are missing striker Ed Green (hamstring), right-back Eli Gottlieb (deltoid ligaments) and centre back Ben Cantopher (knee operation). Elliott Kindler faces a late fitness test, but “is desperate to play”. They also have three long-term absentees in Oliver Sharpstone (awaiting knee operation), Seb Silverman (ACL, hopefully back in new year) and Scott Harisson (muscle injury, back in new year).
Venue – Market Road, Ref – Callum Foster
JC star man: - Jacob Brunner (Bilbaum) - Baum's leading goal-scorer is edging up the charts and gaffer Shinder believes "this is his week to shine!"
DC Prediction: Bilbaum 2 Scrabble 2
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CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI vs REAL HENDON
A high-scoring contest is on the cards in a game where conditions could play a part.
Real Hendon have managed to climb to fourth in the table seemingly unnoticed, but I’m not convinced by them just yet.
Chaim Gothold and Gav Noe have been there, seen it and bought the t-shirt in Maccabi League football and as we have seen, if they get the right kind of service they will deliver (Ed. and lockshen and shmultz herring!)
The Cats have won their last three league games and manager Jeff Gotch isn’t reading too much into last week’s cup defeat.
He told JC Sport: “It’s back to the bread and butter of the league this week and were raring to go after last week’s heavy defeat.
“I changed things about last week but we will be back to full strength for the visit of Real Hendon
“I have no idea about them but I know that if we play our game and concentrate on what were good out we have a very good chance of going home with the points.
“We’ve moved the game to 3g this week so that we don’t get any last-minute cancellations and hope this pays dividends at it will suit our style of play.”
JC team news: The Cats are missing Joel Isaacs, Mark Wayne and Adam Jacobs. Gotch added: “Although it is a massive loss we have ready-made replacements waiting.
Venue – Harefield Academy, Ref – Teddy Littner, KO – 10am
JC star man: Danny Yeshua (Catford)
DC Prediction: Catford 3 Real 3
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FC TEAM C vs TEMPLE FORTUNE
Matchday 12 was a day both FC Team and Temple Fortune would rather forget.
Team conceded five against a Real team, but not the one with Ronaldo and Bale up top, which was just as well.
But with key personnel returning, David Gordon is confident of an improved display and result.
He told JC Sport: “Having lost our last three matches, we know we need a result this weekend if we are to move in the right direction this season.
“We were missing a few players last week, but we should have those players back on Sunday, and I’m expecting us to put in a strong performance.”
Fortune were dealt an almighty blow this week when striker Rob Benson joined Division Two rivals Hendon United Sports Club B. His decision followed a humiliating double digit defeat against Bilbaum.
Manager Jonathan Cohen’s press conference was short and sweet. He told JC Sport: “Last week’s performance couldn’t be further from our mind.” And with that he walked out.
When push comes to shove, I don’t expect Fortune to cause Team too many problems.
JC team news: Goalkeeper David Gordon returns for Team along with centre back Eitan Ben-Zion and veteran striker Freddie Marks. Oli Senchal and Mike Myers miss out.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Paul Dobkin, KO – 10am
JC star man: Freddie Marks (Team)
DC Prediction: Team 3 Fortune 0
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L’EQUIPE vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS B
Promotion six-pointers can often come down to small margins. The Lions found this out the hard way last week when it took a wonder goals to end their hopes against fellow high-flyers Scrabble FC.
But manager Samuel Marchant came away from the ground a proud man, feeling a sense of unjust. His players enjoyed the lions-share of possession, created chance after chance and missed a penalty. The luck just wasn’t on their side as they were victims of a “Pedro Mendes goal”.
“It was the best we’ve played all season,” Marchant told JC Sport after the game. “We pick ourselves up and dust ourselves off and head into next week knowing that if we play like that every week, we will be playing football next season in a higher division.” L’Equipe you have been warned.
Back-to-back defeats have not affected morale in the L’Equipe camp. In fact they can’t wait for kick-off as they look to return to winning ways following last week’s cup defeat against Raiders C.
Captain marvel Mark Singer was one player who could not be faulted, and according to boss Nick Stern, “didn’t deserve to be on the losing team”.
Stern described the visit of Lions as “a huge game” and described them as “an organization I know very well”. He told JC Sport: “They have started brilliantly and for a young team I have only heard good things.
"I am sure they will want to bounce back after some disappointing results but we are the same and it is a must win for both teams.
"Sadly we do not have a big squad this week which is a real shame as I know how tough Lions will be. we are missing Bell, Scotty, Baz, Jules, John kay and myself but welcome back the smith brothers for this critical game as well as Grant Bates who will be sure to try and defeat the team that game him his break in Jewish football.
"I am also still waiting for Raiders C manager to accept my proposal for a charity bet but he is known to disappear when things get challenging. However what is critical is that we take each game as it comes and solely concentrate on the harder task of trying to beat Lions this weekend."
L’Equipe will want Lions to bring all their big hitters but if Nick Landesberg is involved I can’t see my pre-season title tips losing.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Steve Levy
JC star man: Nick Landesberg (Lions)
DC Prediction: L’Equipe 1 Lions 2
