Danny Caro has spoken to both camps ahead of the crunch clash between defending champions North London Raiders A and Peter Morrison Trophy holders Hendon United Sports Club A and he looks at the rest of the final programme of 2015 as Scrabble FC go in search of win No. 11 in the top against bottom tussle against Temple Fortune in Division Two.
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LATEST NEWS: It was confirmed on Thursday that former MGBSFL champions Faithfold A have folded. This season's results have been expunged from the records, having lost 10 out of 10 in the Premier Division.
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MATCH PHOTOS: CAMDEN PARK vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
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DANNY CARO'S MATCHDAY AWARDS
REFEREE OF THE WEEK
Stephen Levy (L'Equipe vs Temple Fortune)
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PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND 3 DRAW
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP QUARTER-FINAL DRAW
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
15 - James Gershfield (Harmen)
12 - Dovi Fehler (Hendon A)
NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A
Raiders will be looking to end a memorable year by stretching their winning run to nine matches when they take on arch rivals Hendon on Sunday.
Rob Richman’s boys have been the model of consistency this season and they will arrive in confident mood ahead of the meeting with a Hendon team they now have a psychological edge over following their double triumph last term.
L’Orange are rock solid at the back – conceding just five in eight matches thus far – and they are like a well-oiled machine going forward, with Jordan Marks a regular source of goals.
In a candid interview with JC Sport this week, Richman reflected on the season so far. He said: “We are delighted to have won our first eight league games, our consistency has been great so far.
"When we have been tested in games we have made sure we have raised our level and the team is functioning really well currently.
"We are, though, fully aware that the tough tests lie ahead, we have a huge and difficult game against Hendon this weekend and then open up the new year with two tricky cup ties against Harmen and Manchester Maccabi. These are the games though we want to be playing, testing ourselves against the very best.
"Our greatest strength is the depth of the squad, we haven’t relied on one individual for the past few seasons and that has helped massively. Two of our more important players last season Matt Stock and Liron Mannie have started just the one game between them this year yet we’ve still looked as strong as ever. Goals have been shared and we are functioning so well as a team."
Richman says it would be foolish to under-estimate Hendon despite their league position. “I know they’ve had a few injuries and that always makes things harder," he said. "However we are gearing up to face a strong Hendon side as normal. You write Hendon off at your peril!
"They have so many good players and such vast experience that I have no doubt come the end of the season they won’t be in fifth place and I wouldn’t be surprised if they got to both cup finals. They’ve pushed us and we’ve pushed them the past two seasons and I know it will be the same this year. "
With home advantage, I make Raiders favourites on Sunday, but Richman was keen to play down their hopes. “Raiders against Hendon for the past three seasons has always been a 50-50 game,” he said.
"Despite our good form I don’t really pay any attention to us being given the tag of favourites. The games between ourselves are always so close and competitive and they always highlight the top quality the league has to offer.
"I expect Sunday to be no different. We’ll focus on our own game and try and cause Hendon problems and see where that takes us."
There have been whispers about Raiders completing the season as ‘Invicibles’ but Richman is adamant they are only focusing on the next game.
He said: “In an ideal world of course we’d love to finish off the year with three points and another win but whether we win, lose or draw we’ve had an exceptional year and we will come back in 2016 ready to fight on all fronts.
"We are hopeful of getting Matt Stock back early into the new year as well as Adam Joselyn as an ankle injury has restricted him to just the two league games this season."
Asked about the biggest challenges facing his team in the second half of the season, Richman said: “We prepare for every game exactly the same as we know that every match in this division is a test and a real examination. We’ve always been a side that takes things one game at a time and we don’t like to look to far ahead.
"We will have a tough run of fixtures starting Sunday and through the new year and that will be a great test for us and one we are looking forward to."
Hendon haven’t had things all their own way this season but they will no doubt do their best to end NLR’s terrific winning run.
Manager David Garbacz has seen “one or two signs” that they are on the way back and they hope to finish the year with a bang.
"We will be hugely motivated for this match – not only to end their 100 per cent record but more to make a statement of intent both to ourselves and to the league that we are still a top team and we need a big result to give us renewed confidence for the new year.
"We will treat the game like any other with regards to our pre-match teamtalk. As it happens I won’t be there on Sunday as I need to be away this weekend but I will have a long prep talk with Greg Corin about tactics, our own team selection and when to use possible subs.
"We will talk about their big dangers and the need to limit their influence but overall we will talk about ourselves and the ability we possess – we strongly believe we will turn in a big performance this weekend and more importantly have the players available to do so."
Reflecting on Hendon’s season to date, Garbacz said: “Our standards have dipped dramatically this year – it has been a combination of injuries, poor availability but also a general dip in attitude and enthusiasm – we have missed big players from last year and some of our top performers have been well off form.
"I think we have taken a good look at ourselves in the last couple of weeks and are more than ready to turn it round – we have been really disappointed with our form but hopefully will be able to rise to the challenge for the second half of the season – I’d still have a few quid on a Hendon trophy if anyone can get me a decent price!
"Other clubs have also improved – I have been really impressed with Oakwood and Redbridge in particular – they are vastly improved from last year and will challenge Raiders for the league."
As for the defending champions themselves, Garbacz has been suitably impressed thus far. “Raiders look strong,” he said, “but I’m not sure how many of the top teams they have faced yet in this early season run – I’d be interested to see how they go against the likes of Redbridge, Oakwood or ourselves – if they continue the streak against that lot yet you have to don your hats and say well done.
"There is no doubt they are the team to beat though – they win a lot of games by the odd goal which says a lot about their character and desire – we will need to match that - they are very well drilled and hard to break down – we are looking forward to the challenge.
"We can’t win or even challenge for the league so it is not only about the win – it's far more important is to lay down a marker against the top team in the league and to make it more interesting for the challengers. For us it will be all about the confidence factor. If we win this week we will be totally ready to go on a long unbeaten stretch for the best part of 2016 especially in the cups."
Garbacz insists he will not be active in the January transfer window. “We have the squad and the talent – we just have to get them all playing together at the same time devoid of injuries.
"We have all our big guns available this week, so there are no excuses. Moses Seitler will play as will Chaim Korman. Sunday will be a cracker – we will be looking to put in a big performance."
I can see Sunday coming down to small details, but Raiders have more potential match-winners for me these days and that’s why I’m tipping them to give Hendon that sinking feeling.
Venue – Ref – Martin De La Fuente
JC star man: Jonny Kay (NLR)
DC Prediction: NLR 2 Hendon 1
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A vs FC TEAM A
The Jon Jacobs hairdryer made its first appearance of the season last week as Redbridge’s title aspirations were dented by a resilient Camden Park team.
RJC took the lead on three separate occasions but they were unable to keep Camden at bay, with the 3-3 draw helping Raiders extend their league at the top.
A repeat performance will not be tolerated by Jacobs on Sunday but they may not have things all their own way against a talented FC Team.
Both sides are keen to get the game on and a 3G back-up pitch has been discussed if the weather around the Fairlop region is unfavourable.
Team go into the game in buoyant mood after thumping Faithfold 5-0. Manager Ben Gilbey told me the arrival of Bar Hariely has given his squad another dimension and they will be going to Essex to win.
He told JC Sport: “We are on a good run - winning four of our last five and are five undefeated. I also feel we are starting to play better and with more confidence, so we go to Redbridge, who i said at the start of the season will be competing for the title, looking to come away with a result.
"As I have said many times before, on our day we can beat any team in this league, Sunday we need to make sure that we are up to that level."
Redbridge are unbeaten at home and I expect Jacobs to play all his big guns. Team are missing two key players and I can see them being edged out in an almighty battle.
JC team news Team are missing Rob Sanford and Adam Zaidman, who Gilbey describes as “two particularly big misses”.
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – David Lazarus, KO – 10am
JC star man: Steve Summers (RJC)
DC Prediction: RJC 2 Team 1
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
18 - Reiss Mogilner (Brady Maccabi)
16 - Jacob Richler Kleiman (Oakwood B)
BRADY MACCABI vs FAITHFOLD B
Table-toppers Brady Maccabi received a timely wake-up call against Los Blancos last week. And that isn’t good news for Faithfold.
Josh Dagul’s troops needed to dig deeper than they have done for some time, with that man Reiss Mogilner reminding everyone, if they needed reminding, why he is the leading candidate for Division One Player of the Year.
He has a great nose for goal and has turned into one of the league’s most reliable marksmen. The manner in which he took his goals last week was a clear warning to Faithfold that they simply have to man-mark him.
Brady remain one of only three teams unbeaten in the entire league. Going the season unbeaten is a big ask, but they certainly have the players to do it.
Faithfold have been inactive since their 7-0 defeat at the hands of fellow relegation candidates Brixton Old Boys and I can’t see things get better quickly.
In terms of a prediction, this has got home banker written all over it and is definitely one of my Super 6.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Keith Goodman
JC star man: Joey Lazare (Brady)
DC Prediction: Brady 4 Faithfold 0
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BRIXTON OLD BOYS vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B
Redbridge B are planning for life after Yoni Fialka and Josh Orgel who have started their travels with best wishes from everyone at the club.
The good news for RJC fans is that “record signing” David Dobrin will make his debut, along with another new face who “will be kept under wraps until Sunday”.
RJC recently beat Brixton 2-1 but the result was overturned this week and points awarded to Brixton following a Management Committee meeting where it was confirmed RJC played ineligible players.
Ahead of Sunday’s rematch, RJC’s Sam Rank told JC Sport: “On reflection, we look upon the recent entertaining draw away to Los Blancos as two points dropped. However after a very hard training session and a few discussions, the spirit in the camp is very high.
"New record signing David Dobrin looked a little ring rusty in training, but still showed he still has it. David Fialka is also finding his goal-scoring boots, and his hopeful to be on the scoresheet for the third consecutive game.
"One special mention must also go to Daniel Alderman, who has been converted from a Fazio-like player to Toby Alderweireld.
"We are not taking Brixton’s league position for granted, but are pumped up to earn the three points."
Brixton have shown big signs of improvement in recent weeks and I was impressed by the fact they registered three times against title-chasing Oakwood last week. That followed the magnificent seven against Faithfold and something in the middle would suit boss Robert Silverman down to the ground on Sunday.
I’m expecting another good old-fashioned scrap in Barrowell Green on Sunday and expect football to be the winner.
JC team news: RJC captain Richie Caplin returns from suspension but Carl Dobrin and Richard Stern have also taken an early winter break.
Venue – Clowes, Ref – Mark Jacob, KO – 10am
JC star man: Stefan Benfredj (Brixton)
DC Prediction: Brixton 3 RJC 2
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B vs REAL SOSOBAD
Sosobad have lost ground in the promotion race in recent weeks with three consecutive draws giving them much to do.
But on Sunday they will be looking to rediscover that winning feeling against a Raiders team in freefall. I’m predicting a game of goals.
Manager Dan Shafron has made his feelings clear about the Woodford game and is ready to move on and I’m expecting a determined effort from his players on Sunday.
Shafron told JC Sport; “We’ve had a week off to recharge our batteries and prepare to finish the year off with a win.
"I’ve told the boys that I want them to express themselves positively this weekend – take more risks in the final third, attack with intent and start taking more chances.
"If we can conserve the amount of wasteful energy we use moaning and apply it to our football only, we will come away happy.
"We can’t afford to drop any more points if we are to compete at the top so a win is imperative."
Raiders have hit the self-destruct button more than once this season but given their firepower, they remain opponents to be feared.
They conceded at the wrong times against SPEC FC last weekend, but manager Jonny Adelman knows they must start to deliver, as like Chelsea they are not too good to be dragged into a relegation dogfight.
Raiders have yet to keep a clean sheet this season and that will be music to the ears of Barry Green and co.
Venue – Brunel, Ref – Martin Fox, KO – 10am
JC star man: Josh Cohen (Sosobad)
DC Prediction: NLR 2 Real 2
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SPEC FC vs LOS BLANCOS
SPEC FC have played more games than their promotion rivals, but they have points on the board and have set the bar high in recent weeks, ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Blancos.
Player-manager Ricky Lawrence has worked his ‘Berlin magic’ on his players this season, but he has huge respect for Sunday’s opponents and is taking nothing for granted.
The SPEC boys were mightily impressive against Raiders last week and they go into Sunday’s meeting in buoyant mood.
Lawrence told JC Sport: "We'd absolutely love to end the year with another victory and continue this fantastic run but we know Blancos are a good side and were reportedly very unlucky against Brady on Sunday.
"We'll have to play better than we did last Sunday to get the win, that's for sure."
Los Blancos were undone by the magic of Reiss Mogilner last Sunday but they came away with a credible point against league leaders Brady Maccabi nonetheless.
They won’t come up against a player of his calibre most weeks and can go into the SPEC meeting full of confidence.
Boss Jonathan Ison told JC Sport: “So our performance last week was top notch, but one of the most in-form strikers in the league denied us the three points.
"We are high on confidence and are really desperate to turn this run of draws into a well-deserved win this coming Sunday.
"As I said earlier this season, we have goals coming from all over the pitch, and that is very hard to defend against. We are looking forward to this Sunday, but know it will be a tough game as always."
Many people expect SPEC FC to slip-up at some point and Sunday will be the classic battle of attack against defence.
Venue – Hertswood, Ref – Neil Cooper, KO – 10.15am
JC star man: Simon Roth (SPEC FC)
DC Prediction: SPEC 3 Blancos 2
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WOODFORD WANDERERS vs FC TEAM B
You might think I’m a little odd to describe this as a promotion six-pointer when you look at the league standings, but don’t read anything into FC Team’s position whatsoever.
Mitch Young’s men have a minimum of four games in hand on some rivals, and as many as seven on SPEC FC. The only way is up in 2016!
But on Sunday they face a clash of the titans against high-flying Woodford Wanderers. The east Londoners are “looking to finish the year in style” after what joint-manager Daryl Kay described as “two disappointing draws against Sosobad”.
Kay told JC Sport: “Jerome and I are happy with our form during the first half the season, but we’ll be looking for the boys to step it up in the new year, and a win on Sunday will send us into the break in a strong league position.
There will be youthful feel to the Woodford team on Sunday in what promises to be a physical battle. It’s a game neither side will want to lose so don’t be surprised if it ends in a stalemate.
JC team news: Competition for places is rife at Woodford, with Darren Hahn returning from a loan spell in Australia, and Ryan Silkman returns from University to join the squad. Connor Silkman has made the step up from the youth team and will be looking to make his first start since his epic display against Faithold. They will be missing Adam Shafron and Andy Levy through injury, and skipper Adam Poole through suspension. Vice-captain Dave Green will be leading the team out in Poole’s absence and “we’ll be looking to him for inspiration”.
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – Daniel Fox, KO – 10am
JC star man: Ryan Silkman (Woodford)
DC Prediction: Woodford 1 Team 1
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
10 - Gav Noe (Real Hendon)
9 - Andy Smith (L’Equipe), Dan Gordon (Faithfold C)
ATHLETIC BILBAUM vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C
Catch-up is the name of the game for Raiders C who harbour strong promotion hopes.
They have a plethora of games in hand on the teams above them and, along with Lions, are well-placed to join Scrabble in Division One next season.
L’Orange have responded well since losing to Faithfold and continue to go about their business in a calm and efficient manner.
Oliver Telvi beat the resistance of goalkeeper Caed Persuad in the first meeting but with attacking threats in several areas I can see them posing a big threat on Sunday.
NLR’s David Domb told JC Sport: “Again we fell to a called off game, meaning we'll have plenty to catch up on after the turn of the year.
"Our league position probably then isn't a fair reflection considering the games in hand. But we can then only focus on doing what we can do to make sure our objectives for the season remain in our hands.
"2016 has a tough start - Scrabble and Faithfold A in the Morrison. Well approach those when we need to, but first it's all about the Bilbaum game. One we have to win if we are to keep our targets in reach."
The Hendon win was the highlight of Bilbaum’s season so far and they will relish the tag of underdogs, especially with home advantage.
They have scored in every game since the opening week of the season and will be keen to impress in a game of many chances.
JC team news: Nick Haringman misses out, otherwise there are no fresh injury worries for NLR.
Venue – Market Road, Ref – Paul Dobkin
JC star man: Liam Stein (NLR)
DC Prediction: Bilbaum 2 NLR 3
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CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B
Adam Glekin was almost lost for words after Hendon’s defeat in last week’s top-of-the-table clash against Scrabble FC.
The Reds created a number of chances but they were unable to get past Ben Law, Josh Bentley, Anthony Goodmaker and Andy Cohen.
A similar effort should be enough to guide them past the Cats on Sunday, with Benni Sluckis and Avi Mocton hoping for better luck in front of goal after being denied by the woodwork.
Climbing the table is the key objective for Jeff Gotch’s Cats between now and May. They certainly won’t have an inferiority complex against the division’s second best team, as things stand, in a game where attack could be the best form of defence.
Gotch and his squad have had time to dust themselves down following the defeat against the other Hendon team and they are ready to go again.
He told JC Sport: “Nothing less than three points will do this week as we look to push on.
"We have taken points off top teams and now it’s time to show we are ready to mount a surge towards the promotion playoffs – we have games in hand and are ready."
Ready they may be but Hendon will hold all the aces on Sunday for me.
JC team news: The Cats have got “a good squad available” but are still missing goalkeeper Guy Ben Aroya, Adam Simon, Ashley Stokes, Jordan Grant and Joel Isaacs. Gotch hopes to receive the all-clear from Yarden Sharon who picked up a nasty injury a couple weeks ago.
Venue – Meadow Park, Ref – Neal Cohen
JC star man: Glen Turner (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Catford 2 Hendon 3
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FC TEAM C vs FAITHFOLD C
A mid-table finish now seems the most likely finish for both FC Team C and Faithfold C.
Team have picked up some useful results, including the 3-3 draw against in-form Real, and many fans are still talking about Eddie Sternberg’s wonder goal.
Ahead of the meeting with the Superhoops, Team’s David Gordon told JC Sport: “Following two good results and performances, we want to sign off the year with a win.
"We know we will have to be at our best to beat Faithfold but confidence is growing in the squad and, with a number of players on good form, we are confident of getting another win on Sunday."
Back-to-back defeats against the top two teams have put Faithfold on the back-foot. But with Dan Gordon approaching double figures in the goals department, it’d be foolish to write them off.
But Team have the momentum so I’ll tipping them to nick it.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Teddy Littner
JC star man: Eitan Ben-Zion (Team)
DC Prediction: Team 3 Faithfold 2
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MACCABI LONDON LIONS B vs BOCA JEWNIORS
Lions were desperately unlucky to bow out of the Herts Intermediate Cup last week when young goalkeeper James Harpin was the star man.
Promotion from the MGBSFL second division was their goal at the start of the season and nothing has changed. And results went their way last week two.
Manager Samuel Marchant won’t allow his young guns to arrive in complacent mood ahead of what looks like a straight-forward outing against struggling Boca.
He told JC Sport: “We’ve had some tough matches in the past few weeks and we are constantly improving as a side.
"We hope to be able to end 2015 on a high and we can do just that as we face Boca at home. No game is easy and we need to be at our best if we are to get the result we want."
The Boca boys are looking to build on the morale-boosting success over Temple Fortune. No doubt that lifted some of the pressure on the manager but they will find things tough at the Lane.
Boca’s Anton Nyman told JC Sport: “We need to kick-on with back-to-back wins. Our squad will be pretty similar to the one against Fortune, although there are a couple of injury doubts.
I expect Lions to storm out of the blocks and leave Boca in their tracks in a game featuring JC Referee of the Week Stephen Levy.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Steve Levy
JC star man: Elias Cohen (Lions)
DC Prediction: Lions 4 Boca 1
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REAL HENDON vs L’EQUIPE
A mouth-watering affair is on the cards as third-placed Real host nearest rivals L’Equipe.
Real are in the midst of an unbeaten run although their winning streak was halted by a resilient FC Team last week.
Yossi Goldberg was the star of the show with two finishes out of the top drawer. But he shouldn’t expect any late Chanukah gifts from the L’Equipe defence on Sunday.
L’Equipe returned to winning ways against Temple Fortune last week in a game where James Bell, as predicted, was their star performer.
Revenge will be the name of the game against a Real team who beat them only last month with strikes from Alex Neiss and Yossi Lubin.
L’Equipe boss Nick Stern told me spirits are high ahead of the rematch. “Our hope is to continue the momentum left over from last week,” he told JC Sport.
"We put in a great team L’Equipe performance against Temple Fortune last week and more will be expected this week.
"No disrespect to Fortune but we expect Real Hendon to be a much harder opponent and really test out our strength in depth as we are sadly missing one or two key individuals.
"However with David Brown making an excellent debut last week and myself and Grant Bates making a return I go into the game confident that we can get a positive result leading into a big 2016."
A high-octane affair is on the cards and I can see both sets of fans going home relatively happy.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Andy Myerson
JC star man: David Brown (L’Equipe)
DC Prediction: Real 2 L’Equipe 2
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SCRABBLE FC vs TEMPLE FORTUNE
The word Invicibles is something Ray Abrahams has banned from the changing room at Scrabble, even after 10 wins.
Hendon B were their latest victims in a game where they, at times, rode their luck and defended like soldiers.
Livewire Zak McLeod was a key figure as Scrabble put their closest rivals to the sword with a result that left Abrahams smiling like a Cheshire cat.
He’s expecting a much easier work-out against Temple Fortune on Sunday and told JC Sport: “We reach the halfway point of the league season top of the table and hope to end the year on a high by taking three more points to extend our 100 per cent league record
"We will be treating this game the same as all the others and we are sure that Temple Fortune will be giving everything to get off the bottom of the table.
"It's up to our lads to make sure we do a professional job and take the three points. We are at home and our surface is good for teams that like to play good football unlike the mudbath at Chase Lodge last Sunday.
"Fortune will have a game-plan and they will be the latest side to try and end our winning run.
"I don't care where they are in the league they will get our greatest respect and we must make sure we are on top of our game as we don't want to be involved in any surprise upsets at this stage of our season where promotion is our target come next May."
Fortune slumped to their 10th defeat of the season against L’Equipe last week. Jonathan Cohen’s men haven’t scored in over 270 minutes but he remains loyal to the cause, although chairman Nigel Kyte must be tempted to bring in Pep Guardiola as Technical Director following the news that he’s unlikely to extend his stay at Bayern Munich.
Asked if he’ll adopt defensive tactics for Sunday, Cohen told JC Sport: “We will dig in for sure, but park the bus, I don’t think so."
JC team news: Scrabble welcome back captain Josh Tiano after a long injury lay-off, but Josh Sheridan and centre back Josh Bentley miss out.
Venue – Capital City, Ref – Callum Foster
JC star man: Josh Tiano (Scrabble)
DC Prediction: Scrabble 6 Fortune 0
