David Garbacz insists Hendon United will use their recent league defeat as motivation to beat Norstar London Raiders in this weekend’s Cyril Anekstein Cup final.
Last season’s treble winners saw their hopes of another clean sweep ended when Raiders, who lifted the MGBSFL Premier Division title on Sunday, beat them last month.
But having crushed NLR’s cup hopes in the Peter Morrison Trophy, Garbacz is confident his troops will deliver at Wingate & Finchley on Sunday.
"We'll go into Sunday’s final full of confidence following last week’s performance again Lions Spartans. Every aspect of our play last week clicked and there should be no reason why we can’t reproduce that this week.
"Raiders will believe they have finally got rid of the Hendon hoodoo after beating us a few weeks ago to win the league, but things just did not feel right for us that day; we were missing big players, had a limited squad available and simply were not up to it on the day.
"This week we will have both Ari Last who was magnificent against Lions, and Tali Nevies, our most consistent defender this season, back and available plus we will have good options on the bench.
"I believe this will make a huge difference both in terms of experience and skill for an occasion like this, and we will play like a totally different team to the one that Raiders beat that day."
The emergence of Dovi Fehler, who played for Boca Jewniors in Division Three last season, has helped propel Hendon into their second final of the season, while the guile of Greg Corin, who has arguably the best left foot in the league, will attempt to unlock the NLR defence. Garbacz has already identified him as a "potential match-winner".
Garbacz, however, predicts a "close game". He said: "In the three matches we have played against each other this term we have each won once with one draw so it will come down to which team turns up with their A game intact and which team manages the occasion better.
"We have been here many times before – we always treat a cup final like any other game – we won’t have any special cup final training tops produced, no big ghetto-blasters in the dressing room. and we will meet up maybe an hour or so before kick-off at the ground – probably 45 minutes in the case of the Kons, and we will go out and perform like any other Sunday.
"I'm expecting a proper, entertaining, highly-committed open match between the two best Jewish sides in the country. Both sides have big match winners who can produce moments of magic, but Sunday will be very much a team and squad effort for us. Everyone needs to take responsibility and perform to their absolute best.
"We are confident we will be able to do that and that sometime late Sunday afternoon we will be lifting that beautiful trophy again just like we did last year. We just need Danny Caro to tip a Raiders win to really swing it our way!"
Rob Richman is confident his players will bounce back from last weekend’s league defeat against FC Team A.
MATCH PHOTOS - RAIDERS A vs FC TEAM A & TITLE CELEBRATIONS
Liron Mannie, Matt Stock and Ben Joseph have been influential figures during their cup run, while Jordan Marks gave Hendon a torrid time in the recent league encounter.
Title celebrations were put on hold with the Anekstein final in mind and Richman believes his players will rise to the occasion on the big stage.
He said: "Sunday is the culmination of what has turned out, thus far, to be a really brilliant season. We wrapped up the league title a fortnight ago and ever since then our attention has been fully focused on the cup final.
"Sunday sees a repeat of last season’s final, but this time we’d like to go one better and win the cup. It would mean everything to us and would be just reward for a really brilliant season.
"We are confident we can get a result on Sunday, we played ever so well a month or so ago to beat Hendon and effectively secure the league title and we will be looking for the same level of performance this time round."
Jonny Kay, Ricky Engleman and Joseph won the crucial midfield battle against Hendon last time, but Richman says his team are ready to go again, with Hendon coming at them even harder.
Hendon pushed us so close this year just as we did to them last year," he said. "Fortunately we ended up at the top this time round. Since we beat them Hendon’s attention has been focused on the two cup competitions and they will be determined to pick up some silverware this season.
"We are well aware of that but our intention is to make sure that it won’t be the Cyril Anekstein cup. It is about time Raiders won this trophy and there is no better time to win it than this Sunday.
"Already this season we have had had three marvellous battles against each other with one win apiece and one draw. The teams know a lot about each other but more often than not the games are open and very entertaining affairs that reflect the good standard of the league. I’m sure Sunday will be no different.
"In my opinion it’s very much a 50-50 game. Both times are blessed with good players throughout and I’m sure it will be a great spectacle. It’s about who delivers the most on the day. We did it last time round and we will be looking to do that again this weekend."
JC team news: Raiders have a fully fit and full-strength squad for Sunday. Hendon will give a late fitness test to midfielder Ben Lauffer, who turned an ankle in training on Wednesday night, and Simon Peterman (calf strain). Long-term injury victims Yoav Kestenbaum and the retiring Avidan Last are the only confirmed absentees.
SQUADS
Hendon: Russell Corin, Ari Last (capt), Ben Kon, Ari Nevies, Tali Nevies, Alex Rosenthal, Ethan Zone, Rafi Kon, Avi Korman, Simon Peterman, Ben Lauffer, Greg Corin, Dave Seitler, Dovi Fehler, Avishai Kestenbaum, Yoav Kestenbaum, Avidan Last
Raiders: Jake Doffman, David Rhodes (capt), Alex Bloch, Josh Pistol, Justin Spiro, Josh Morris, Elliott Moslawy, Elliot Espinoza, Adam Joselyn, Jonny Kay, Ben Joseph, Ricky Engleman, David Dinkin, Josh Green, Liron Mannie, Matt Stock, Jordan Marks, Jamie Wolfson, Rob Richman
ROUTE TO WINGATE
HENDON
Semi-final: bt Neasden 4-2 - Seitler, A. Nevies, A. Korman, Fehler
Quarter-final: bt FC Team A 6-3 – Av. Last (2), A. Korman (2), A. Kestenbaum, Lauffer
Round 3: bt Woodford 1-0 – G. Corin
Round 2: bt Redbridge B 2-1 – G. Corin, A. Kestenbaum
Round 1: Bye
RAIDERS
Semi-final – bt Oakwood 2-1 – Joseph, Mannie
Quarter-final – bt Lions Blue 3-0 – Stock (2), Moslawy
Round 3 – bt Raiders B – 6-1 – Josh Green (2), Stock (2), Rhodes, Joseph
Round 2 – bt FC Team B 6-1 – Engleman (3), Dinkin (2), Josh Green
Round 1 – bt Redbridge A 4-0 – Mannie, Joseph, Joselyn, Josh Green
Venue - The Harry Abrahams Stadium, Wingate & Finchley FC, KO - 2.30pm
Officials - Referee: Neil Cooper, Asst Ref 1: Gary Silver, Asst Ref 2: Steve Levy, 4th Official: Martin Lavender
DC Prediction: Raiders surprised Hendon with their physicality and desire in the recent league meeting, winning the crucial midfield battle, albeit on their favourite surface. They have a superior forward line in Stock, Marks and Mannie, but on Sunday I think Hendon will raise their game, with the power of Ben Lauffer, Simon Peterman and David Seitler holding the key and I can see them exacting revenge on the big, grassy Wingate pitch, running out 2-1 victors
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HENDON PEN PICS
RUSSELL CORIN (goalkeeper) - the big man, also the biggest softie in the squad. Like a magnificent claret gets better and better with age. Ultra consistent, superb handling and will not be shy of the limelight if we go to penalties
BEN KON (right-back/midfield) - a Hendon veteran for many years – always lets his football do the talking both in defence and further forward – has a strong eye for goal with some trademark late runs and still leyns the fastest Megilla in North West London
ARI NEVIES (central defender) - established regular now in his second full season. Strong quick and good in the air – been fined many a match fee for late night drunken activities pre match day but still hugely reliable on the day
TALI NEVIES (central defender) - much the more sensible of the two brothers and equally as reliable on the pitch. Older and a touch wiser, promoted from the B’s this year and has made the transition without a hitch. Juggles his Sundays with kids and exams but would never miss it for the world
ALEX ROSENTHAL (central defender) - another one of the older guard, hugely experienced and a great reader of the game. Injuries have slightly restricted appearances this year but still one of the best on his day. Will always be a frustrated centre forward
ETHAN ZONE (left-back) - new signing this season from Raiders, slotted in like he’s been a Hendoner for years, always reliable, one of the most consistent performers all season, brilliant going forward and ultra solid at the back. A fantastic addition to the squad
RAFI KON (midfield) - club treasurer, admin secretary and midfield holder. Loves to play football the simple way it is supposed to be played and does with great effect. If you go on a dribbling run, beating five men, Rafi will not be impressed. Vital to the preferred 4-3-3 formation Hendon like to adopt
ARI LAST (midfield and captain) - club skipper and last season’s MGBSFL Player of the Year. Spent four months out with injury this term, but has returned fully refreshed and on a mission to make up for lost time through leading the club to cup success. An absolute colossus in midfield and one of the best around
AVI KORMAN (midfield/utility) - one of the major contenders for player or young player of the season. Superb in any position, supremely fit and full of energy, can use either foot and no-one quicker. Perfect upbringing as part of the great Korman dynasty and has become a massive player for Hendon this year
SIMON PETERMAN (midfield) - signed off the beach in Tel Aviv in the summer and has had a brilliant debut year. Strong in the air and in the tackle – the perfect midfield foil. Vastly experienced and a cool head in tricky situations – always the first to answer the availability emails – great attitude
BEN LAUFFER (midfield) - has achieved everything in Jewish football and more. Back for a second stint at Hendon this year and a huge mid-season signing. Still worthy of being called the Rolls Royce of midfielders, one of the most naturally-gifted players to play at this level
Greg Corin (left-sided forward) - surely one of the most consistently influential players in this league over the last few years. Amazing touch and technique and will always score big goals in big games. If Greg sees a lot of the ball Hendon will win simple as that – the upper torso is still magnificent as well
DAVE SEITLER (forward/"stroppy teenager") - one of the most exciting young talents to burst on to the scene in years. Incredible pace and skill and a real match-winner. Wants to take all corners, free-kicks, penalties, goal-kicks and drive the team bus! True box-office material and worth the admission money alone
DOVI FEHLER (forward) - another to burst onto the scene this year. Plucked from Division Three obscurity by the Hendon scouts his pace, skill, goals and flying Tzitzit has frightened rival teams all year. Watch out for the finest back-flip goal celebration since Lua Lua if he scores. Favourite for first goal-scorer
AVISHAI KESTENBAUM (forward/utility) - part of four brother combinations in the squad. The Right Honourable Avishai is the ultimate no fuss footballer. Gets on with it and will never let you down in any position – no nonsense, good strength and, as with all Kestenbaums, a great eye for goal
YOAV KESTENBAUM (winger) - last season’s Young Player of the Year, but only a bit-part this time around as a combination of University and a heartbreaking injury has kept appearances to a minimum. Might still be used for pre-match huddle and when fit, one of the best Jewish footballers in the country, without doubt
AVIDAN LAST (forward) - after over 10 years as a Hendon player, time looks to have finally caught up with Avidan who will be hanging up his boots this year. Probably the record Maccabi League goal-scorer having consistently hit 20-plus for over a decade. He’s a true gentleman and a genuine Hendon and Maccabi legend
DAVID GARBACZ (manager/Mourinho lookalike - Ed. his words, not mine!) - no historic treble treble this year, but still on course for an unprecedented double cup double. Loves a quote – often controversial but never dull. Like’s to refer to fellow managers as mate! Record speaks for itself but a runners-up medal will be considered failure
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NLR PEN PICS
JAKE DOFFMAN (goalkeeper) – his teammates are still not sure if Jake is the joker or the clown of the team but it is definitely not a quiet dressing room when he is around. Exceptional stopper who keeps getting better and better. Made some outstanding saves throughout the season
ALEX BLOCH (full-back) – 80 games and counting, that is how long Blochy has gone without a goal for the club. Always dependable, he has had a fantastic season patrolling the entire left flank of the pitch. Has an unbelievable engine and does everything perfectly, until he gets into the opposition box!
JOSH MORRIS (full-back) – has been a tremendous player for NLR this season and has been excellent in his right-back berth. Think most left-wingers in the league have nightmares about facing Josh and also his dad, Pete, who patrols the side-lines almost as diligently as Josh himself
JJ SPIRO (full-back) – An absolute rock at the heart of defence. No-nonsense defender who never seems ruffled by anything opposition strikers throw at him
JOSH PISTOL (centre-back) – has had another fantastic season for the club. Absolute beast in the tackle and won nearly every single header he has challenged for this season. Questionable match day hat choices!
DAVID RHODES (centre-back) - captain of the side and another key cog in NLR's defence which has been so solid all season. Now one of the elder statesmen of the team in his 11th season with the club and a tremendous leader
ELLIOTT MOSLAWY (midfielder) – 'Lulli Chops' has been an intergral part of the squad since joining a couple months into the season. Always works hard, whichever position he’s playing in, and has chipped in with some important goals too, including a goal of the season contender against FC Team
ELLIOT ESPINOZA (midfielder) – there couldn’t be a greater contrast between his nice persona off the pitch and his crunching tackles on it, but his teammates are very glad that he lines up in Orange! Best man-marker in the game and must have a near 100 per cent pass completion record. Been very unlucky with injuries this year but still a key part of the team
JONNY KAY (midfielder) – STILL has undoubtedly the finest beard in the MSFL. Has been an ever-present this season in the centre of midfield and has been consistently excellent. Has promised to clean shave if NLR win!
ADAM JOSELYN (midfielder) – has fallen victim to ankle injuries this season to the disappointment of his teammates after really impressing early in the season, but has been crucial to our run in over the past six weeks. Box-to-box midfielder with bags of energy and potentially a goal in him
BEN JOSEPH (midfielder) – midfield maestro and the creative fulcrum of the team. Normally turns up late and loves his bagels in the changing room. Has turned any dead-ball situation within 30 yards of goal into a genuine threat with his unbelievable free-kicks this season
RICKY ENGLEMAN – joined NLR at the beginning of the season, but it feels like he has been playing with the boys for years. Strong, classy midfielder who possibly has the hardest shot in the team. One of two Raiders boys representing Great Britain at football in the upcoming European Maccabi Games
DAVID DINKIN (forward) – has had another prolific goal-scoring season with the club, although nothing else would have been expected. Celebrated his 100th start for Raiders with a hat-trick the day they won the league
JOSH GREEN (forward) – been a brilliant option for the team throughout the season. Unfortunately has had to be shared with the B team, but has made invaluable contributions whenever called upon. Also a brilliant graphic designer, see www.joshuasaulgreen.com
MATT STOCK (forward) – was missed for the first three months of the season, but has more than made up for his time away by being exceptional in nearly every outing. Top-scorer for the team this season, Matt has been unplayable in so many matches, it is disappointing when he doesn’t score a hat trick
LIRON MANNIE (forward) – has been sensational this season in any position he has played. At time it seems that the ball is glued to his foot. Another one who has got better and better as the season has progressed. Potential match-winner in cup final
JORDAN MARKS (forward) – only been available for a few games this season due to uni commitments, but has been a brilliant addition to the forward line when he has played. Had a man-of-the-match display in the ‘title-deciding’ game against Hendon and few would bet against him doing so again in the final.
JAMIE WOLFSON (forward) – unfortunately Jamie has left to set up the Hong Kong division of the Raiders fan club. Loved by all in the team it is a real shame he couldn’t leave after the season had finished. All in the team miss the lovable ‘Lego Head’
ROB RICHMAN (manager) – heartbeat of the team and it’s believed he bleeds orange. Commitment has not wavered even as he has faced his final accountancy exams, which shows his true love for the club. Often compared to Messi when he takes part in training and could make an appearance if the game goes to penalties
JONATHAN GREEN (assistant-manager) – The legendary striker moved to the dugout for the first time this season. Loves a moan about a stray pass and also a rant at the officials but has been as important as any of the on field summer signings
JONNY ADELMAN (Chairman) - his association with Raiders is now in its 23rd season. Was the proudest man in north-west London when the side won the Premier League for the first time, just under a month ago
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