Respect is something that some people believe is earned while others see it as something that should be gained. It is a characteristic that is often handed out in small quantities on football fields around the world.
I'm a great believer that players must respect themselves first before they are in a position to respect their teammates and their opponents.
Too often have we seen parents arguing in the junior form of the game, players at the top level overstepping the mark and banter on the terraces going a step too far.
While the JC MSFL has yet to adhere to the FA's RESPECT campaign, it appears that confusion has kicked in. Two league managers sounded off about their disappointment about the standard of referees and their
assistants.
In short, what we used to called a linesman is often a substitute or club official on the mudflats version of the game. I've played in numerous games when the man with the flag in his hand has ruined a game through bias.
Referees handle the situation in different ways to avoid potential flashpoints. Some only use the flagman to adjudge when the ball has gone out of play while others, often those unable to keep up with play, trust the volunteers to call offside. Very rarely do you get a qualified linesman, although it's difficult to suggest a way to overcome the problem in the short-term. But I'm not sure what the league would achieve by joining the campaign.
Dave Snellman, kitman at London Maccabi Lions, was unable to keep his emotions in check in Leicestershire. Celebrating Max Fieldgrass' opening goal against the Duke of Rutland, the Arsenal fan did a ‘David Pleat', running halfway down the pitch only to get slated by the home fans in the process.
The locals raised a smile soon after when Snellman was hit by the ball on the touchline and his glasses ended up in a puddle.
French team FC Marylebone have added much flair since joining the league. Yaniv Ohana has become a fans' favourite after scoring his second goal in as many games. Sections of the Marylebone faithful have started comparing him to Old Trafford legend Eric Cantona. When substituted against Hendon Hawks he left the field to chants of "Ooh aah, Yaniv Ohana!"
Bradley Cohen faces a lengthy spell out after breaking his leg in Faithfold A's London FA Sunday Intermediate Cup victory.
UJS Norstar have signed ex-London Maccabi Lions player Sammy Kalms.
Division One title hopefuls Oakwood EDRS will be the latest team attempting to end North West Neasden As quadruple hopes when they entertain them in the first round of the Peter Morrison Trophy.
The match features a nostalgic return for Neasden joint-manager Jamie Cole who led the Mighty Oaks to their only Premier Division success in season 2002/03.
Neasden include former Wingate & Finchley star Daniel Stanton while Jake Gottlieb, Matt Sofier, Ricky Kennet and TJ Keterman face late fitness tests. Matt Stock and Sammy Ross are out.
"It's a game that I've been waiting for for a long time," said Cole. "We're a strong team this season and go to Parmiters to defend our trophy.
"We will give everything we have as Oakwood are a strong team. I believe they will be quietly confident of causing an upset."
Tie of the round sees Hendon United A go head-to-head with Premier Division rivals Bafana Bafana. Hendon won the recent league encounter 2-1 and another close game is on the cards.
