YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE
PREMIER DIVISION
CAMDEN PARK vs BRADY MACCABI
Sunday is a must-win for a Camden Park team hoping to stay in touch with the teams in and around them, and that includes mid-table Brady Maccabi.
The Camden boys go into the game with a slight psychological edge after beating Brady in the cup thanks to a deadly double from Michael Khalastchi.
Anyone who saw Camden’s recent league win over high-flying Redbridge will be amazed to see them still in the bottom two. Scoring has been the major issue, but that could change with Rob Hershkorn back in the goals.
Brady has a point snatched from them in the final minute against Oakwood last weekend. The second half of 2016 has been a real learning curve from them and had it not been for the goals of Reiss Mogilner, they’d be deep in trouble.
But managers Josh and Eli Dagul will remind their squad of finishing the year with three points.
Sunday will come down to small margins and which team wants it most.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Martin Lavender, KO – 10am
JC star man: Max Gordon (Camden)
DC Prediction: Camden 2 Brady 1
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FC TEAM A vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A
Dan Shafron is taking nothing for granted ahead of NLR’s trip to FC Team.
Shafron’s free-scoring champions hit Woodford for six last week, with David Dinkin looking razor sharp.
L’Orange are the second-top scorers in the divisions and having put another six past FC Team on the opening weekend, they will fancy their chances.
Shafron told JC Sport: “FC Team have improved in recent weeks and go in to this game off the back of a good win against SPEC.
“They have a decent group and although Connor Perl is suspended for them and no doubt will be a big miss, I know they can still cause us problems.
“We are playing some excellent, dominant football and if we continue in this manner, start the game quickly and attack with intent, I am confident we will finish the year in a strong position going in to the second half of the season.”
Perl kept FC Team’s hopes of silverware alive in last week’s Morrison mauling of SPEC FC. He is certainly proving to be an inspired signing by Mitch Young.
But Team will feel his absence, unless Richard Salmon has one of those days. He has terrorised NLR defences in the past and much depends on what type of mood he is in.
But when all is said and done, my money is on Raiders.
Venue – Harefield Academy 3G, Ref – Martin De La Fuente, KO – 10am
JC star man: Adam Gold (NLR)
DC Prediction: FC Team 1 Raiders 3
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MACCABI LONDON LIONS A vs OAKWOOD A
Lions blew a huge hole in Redbridge’s title aspirations last weekend and they will be looking to do exactly the same thing to Oakwood when the teams lock horns at the Lane.
Max Kyte has been on loan at Wingate & Finchley, playing in the Ryman Premier this month, and his presence and quality earned the Lions three points.
However, the Lions have yet to keep a clean sheet this season, and when you look at Oakwood’s attacking options, the chances are they will have to score at least twice to win the game. Co-manager Will Beresford told JC Sport: "Another tough game is expected."
Jonny Quinn popped up with a crucial late winner at Rowley Lane against Brady last week. It was a match in which Oakwood showed tremendous character to come from a goal down to win 2-1. And it has kept them within touching distance of leaders Hendon.
But managers Dan Kristall and Ric Blank know they cannot afford a slow start on Sunday, especially with some more big guns expected to be drafted in.
Ahead of kick-off, Kristall told JC Sport: “We go into our final game of the year with optimism after our narrow and hard fought win over Brady last Sunday.
“Although it wasn't our finest performance, we needed a win and to show a reaction from the disappointment of the Morrison defeat.
“We welcomed back several key players that in truth, had they played the week before, we would be in the next round but that is Sunday league football.
“The Anekstein and Morrison exits have made our season very simple, win every league game and we'll be champions in April.
“We know that Sunday will be a huge test for us against a buoyant Lions team after their excellent victory against Redbridge last week. You can never underestimate Lions as you never quite know what 11 they are going to put out.
“Whilst we know the top two should both win this weekend, it is vital for us to stay in touch with them. We can only do that by taking all three points on Sunday.
“I am confident that if we start taking our chances at the right times in games, we will take a lot of pressure of ourselves. We should have been out of sight by half time last Sunday but it ended up being a struggle in the second half.”
There are some fantastic footballers in both squads. Ben Lauffer and Guy Helman will be looking to impress against their former club in the battle of the big-hitters. He who dares win.
C team news: Oakwood “have a few injury concerns” with both Alex Lee and Harvey Kaye out. Brad Wine returns from his three months in America and is pushing for a starting place. He has been badly missed.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
LIONS: (from) David Kosky, David Slovik, Sam Arghebant, Will Beresford, Ollie Craig, Ben Lampert, James Gold, Sam Hamerton, Max Hassell, Harry Marlow, Max Kyte, Udi Amiel, Richard Gold, Aviel Schwarz, Alex Rose, Alex Taylor, Ryan Springer
OAKWOOD (from): Dan Cohen, Kyle Bentwood, Dale Bradman, Dave Cohen, Rafi Stone, Pete Warner, Ben Warner, Dave Woolman, Luke Brookner, Jonny Quinn, Leor Sidle, Guy Helman, Brad Wine
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Richard Jaye, KO – 10am
JC star man: Leor Sidle (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Lions 1 Oakwood 1
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WOODFORD WANDERERS vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A
Woodford are looking nervously over their shoulders, having played more games than the teams below them. Who is the last team you want to face when you need points … you guessed it, Hendon. Especially on the back of a defeat.
Daryl Kay’s troops were ultimately well beaten by Raiders last Sunday and they face another huge test of their top-flight credentials. The fixture list has been very cruel.
Four consecutive defeats and it wouldn’t surprise me if gaffer Kay has been having sleepless nights. He needs to find some inspiration from somewhere.
Hendon saw their glorious run in the Jewish FA Cup halted by a very strong Lions Masters team last week. But like all great teams, I expect them to bounce straight back on Sunday.
They had their chances to win it, both in normal time and extra-time, and it’s important they recover their mental and physical scars.
“This week has been a difficult one as we came to terms with our Morrison defeat,” Hendon boss David Garbacz told JC Sport. “However when all is said and done it goes to show how hard it is to win a cup three years running in so many one off winner takes all games, as you are always eventually due a defeat like the one we suffered, so we should be proud of our achievement and move on.
“The best way to react of course is in the next game and with a healthy position in the league this is the point we will be emphasising on Sunday morning – the title has always been our number one priority and remains so and three points will soon put the memories of last week to bed.
In football, you often learn more about yourselves in defeat than in victory and Hendon will be ready to go again in Essex.
Garbacz went on to say: “We are heavily depleted with injuries – we will barely have 11 as one by one the boys pulled up with tears and pulls last time out, so we will need to be patient and grab the win in any way we can.
“Woodford have struggled this year but will see this as a chance to hurt a wounded animal – we must make sure we are one step ahead and not let them take it.”
I can see Woodford putting numbers behind the ball in a bid to frustrate Hendon, but the Reds have too much quality to fail.
JC team news: Hendon’s squad is “heavily depleted with injuries” to Simon Peterman, Yoav Lebens Yoav Kestenbaum Josh Harris and Zac Harris. Ben Kon will dust the cobwebs off his boots for his first appearance of the season. Russell Corin is expected to return in goal.
Venue - Fairlop, Ref – David Lazarus, KO – 10am
JC star man: Ben Kon (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Woodford 0 Hendon 3
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A vs SPEC FC
Redbridge will come out of the block like wounded animals and show no mercy on SPEC FC following last week’s late heartbreak against Lions.
With Nate Kashket, Sam Sollosi, Dan Garfinkle and Russell Goldstein in their starting XI, their supporters hoped for the best but Jon Jacobs’s best-laid plans were cut to ribbons. Second best isn’t an option on Sunday.
For SPEC, it’s all about hanging in there, for as long as possible. It’s pointless them trying to go toe-to-toe with some of the leading lights of Jewish football, especially in their own back yard.
I’m so sure RJC will return to winning ways that I’ll have a doughnut eat-off with Ricky Lawrence if SPEC produce the coupon buster result of the weekend.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
REDBRIDGE (from): Jay Jaffa, Daniel Lee, Danny Berg, Sam McCarthy, James Berkley, Zac Neiman, Ryan Cole, Russell Goldstein, Adam Hakimi, Danny Hakimi, Ben Sollosi, Sam Sollosi, Nathan Sollosi, Darryl Rubin, Nate Kashket, Steve Summers, Dan Garfinkle, Dean Nyman
SPEC (from:) Simon Roth, Sam Roth, Marc Hecht, Simon Bagel, Jon Kaye, Elliott Wallis, Nick Wallis, Dave Kendall, Rob Murray, Ryan Fox, Ricky Lawrence, Dan Pike, Dan Amram, Dan Cohen, Ben Kaye
Venue – Old Parkonians, KO – 10am
JC star man: Ben Kon (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Redbridge 4 SPEC 0
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DIVISION ONE
ATHLETIC BILBAUM vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B
It looks like Brixton plus one will go down, and both Bilbaum and Hendon are doing everything within their powers to ensure they don’t slip out of the division.
Hendon have been in freefall since the end of October; they have conceded 17 goals in their last three outings and Sunday will be about the result rather than the performance. It’s crucial they get something from the game.
The Baums were indebted to a brilliant hat-trick from Benjamin Bell in last week’s demolition of Brixton. A 7-2 triumph was the perfect reposte to the humiliation against Oakwood and they will have revenge on their minds following Hendon’s 3-0 success when the teams met earlier in the season.
Momentum is key in football and Bilbaum have it right now
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
HENDON (from): Yehuda Fink, Gideon Barth, James Neidle, Glen Turner, Akiva Fink, Gideon Gale, Oli Garbacz, Adam Glekin, Stuart Harris, Jono Nesbit, Matan Ozin, Gabriel Saul, Ronen Weinstein, Daniel Holder, Adam Ellis, Jamie Nessim, Gavriel Nussbaum
BILBAUM (from): Sam Deaner, Daniel Goldhill, Eli Gottlieb, Jacob Holder, Elliott Kindler, Ben Lewis, Daniel Magidson, Toby Mann, Rob Rodney, Nick Shinder, Seb Silverman, Sam Barr, Jamie Fireman
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Keith Goodman, KO – 10am
JC star man: Jamie Fireman (Bilbaum)
DC Prediction: Bilbaum 3 Hendon 1
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FINCHLEY CITY vs SCRABBLE FC
There’s just a solitary point separating Finchley City and Scrabble going into Sunday’s mouth-watering encounter, and it’s hard to call a winner.
Oli Sade and Dan Polak have earned most of the plaudits for City this season, but last week a new name stepped up in the shape of Jono Gaon, remember him? If all three play, it could be a very busy morning for the Scrabble defence.
With six wins under their belts from eight matches, Finchley have put themselves in a fantastic position to kick on in the new year. But manager Joel Holder knows they couldn’t have asked for a tougher opponent in their final outing of the year.
Holder told JC Sport: “Sunday is without doubt our biggest game of the season to-date. Scrabble are clearly one of the best teams in the division and like us are going into this game on good form.
“I believe the game will be played at a very high intensity. It's going to be a battle all over the pitch, particularly in midfield.
“We have a nice balance to our team at the moment and some of the football we have been playing has been superb. However, it will be vital that we stay defensively disciplined and try to impose our authority on the game.”
A bumper crowd is expected at the Willesden derby and Holder added: “We have been talking about this game for a few weeks and the boys know what they need to do.
“It's going to require a colossal effort to secure the three points on Sunday, but this will be achievable if we play to the same level of intensity, commitment and flair the team has recently shown.”
Scrabble will be looking to end City’s five-match winning run. Ben Law’s suspension, following his red card against Lions, only kicks in in the new year, and he will be looking to make the headlines for the right reasons on Sunday.
This game is a dress rehearsal for the Cyril Anekstein Cup quarter-finals that take place early next year and Scrabble boss Ray Abrahams will be looking to put down a marker on Sunday.
"Last week against Lions was our most complete performance to date this season and we are now on a five-game unbeaten run that has really built confidence in the squad. We are enjoying the run were on and we all want it to continue this week.
“Although we've already beaten Finchley City this season, that counts for nothing on Sunday as we know they are a very good side who will give us problems and we have to raise our game again in this match.
“They are one of our main rivals for promotion so we will be paying them the greatest respect and I'm sure the game will be a classic.
“We also share our ground with them at Willesden so there is no home advantage when we meet for either club.
“Our main aim is to keep winning and picking up points where we can because we are now only three points off top spot and it would be great to finish 2016 in a promotion place in this division which is so close."
Fans are advised to arrive early to avoid disappointment. It will be a cracker.
JC team news: Josh Bentley is expected to come back into the Scrabble squad following an excellent display for the Masters team in the cup against Hendon last week.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
FINCHLEY (from): Yossi Lanning, Simeon Daniel, Eli Davila, Moshe Fehler, Jamie Gurvitz, Sam Kanter, Rafi Kon, Sam Leader, Daniel Sinclair, Ariel Weinstein, Josh Aziz, Josh Gaon, Alon Pinhas Shim Bensoor, Oli Sade, Jono Gaon, Dan Polak
SCRABBLE (from): Ben Law, Dan Green, Josh Tiano, Dan Stock, Zac Summerfield, Brandon Sassoon, Zak McLeod, Josh Bharier, Elliot Espinoza, Josh Bentley, Josh Pugh, Danny Sherman, Adam Waters, Andrew Cohen, Josh Flax, Sam Stead, Adam Newman
Venue – Capital City, Ref – Luke Steele, KO – 10am
JC star man: Jono Gaon (Finchley)
DC Prediction: Finchley 2 Scrabble 2
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LOS BLANCOS vs FAITHFOLD A
The relief on the faces of the Los Blancos players was evident to see after last week’s win over Oakwood B.
A run of seven matches without victory was starting to take it’s toll on manager Nick Grosse breathed a sigh and he was delighted with both the result and performance in a game where Avishai Kestenbaum, Luke Strauss and Joel Kutner scored the goals.
Sunday will pose a similar challenge in the shape of a Faithfold team who take no prisoners. The Superhoops are equipped for a top-half finish and having beaten Blancos 3-2 earlier in the season, they will approach the game with no fear.
I can see this game being won and lost in midfield. It will be a game of cat and mouse and much depends on which team is able to execute their game-plan.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
BLANCOS: Nick Grosse, Joel Barnett, Benjy Israel, Sam Cramer, Elliott Moslawy, Joe Davis, Mitchell Green, Avishai Kestenbaum, James Kutner, Luke Strauss, Tim Heynes, Adam Hersh, Josh Kramer, Svi Freedman, Jeff Gross, Alex Lewis, Josh Landy, Andrew Sarsby
FAITHFOLD: Dan Kosky, James Lee, Mark Charles, Stuart Haring, Ben Portnoi, Dan Yoss, Jonny Gahan, Avi Garson, Elliott Kaye, Jamie Kent, Dan Lowen, Josh Martin, Sam Reeves, Michael Field, Alex Weinfeld, Josh Martin
Venue - Hertswood, Ref – Daniel Fox, KO – 10am
JC star man: Michael Field (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Blancos 1 Faithfold 1
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B vs BRIXTON OLD BOYS
Raiders are odds-on finishing the weekend on top of the table ahead of the visit of Brixton.
Jonny Adelman’s men are technical superior to many teams in the division and Brixton are no exception.
But L’Orange have gone two games without victory and that is something Adelman and co are determined to put right.
He told JC Sport: “After such a good start to the season, we have let ourselves down badly in the last 95 minutes of football.
“Our late lapse cost us two points against Scrabble, combined with our capitulation at Redbridge have given us a mountain to climb in the chase for promotion.
“Zack and I knew this season would be one were we learned about our squad and sometimes the most important lessons are learnt from painful defeats.
On Sunday we'll look to take out our recent frustrations on Brixton - we have to win and win well, nothing less will do.”
Brixton are doing their best on limited resources and having forfeited a couple of matches and failed to score in four, damage limitation looks their best bet against NLR.
Mark this down as a home banker.
JC team news: Nicky Woolf, Josh Goldstein and Simon Buchler return for NLR. Danny Bloom remains out with a knee problem whilst a plethora of others are away. New signing Joe Metliss is set for his debut.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
RAIDERS: David Simnock, Charles Braunstein, Anthony Goodmaker, Alex Goodman, Elad Hertshten, Mark Leader, Jack Roberts, Anthony Shaw, Will Ufland, Jake Gilbert, Josh Alswang, Matt Leader, Toby Katz, Joe Metliss, Nicky Wolff, Josh Goldstein, Si Buchler
BRIXTON: Dave Cohen, Lee Cutler, Ethan Deal, Eli Dias, Mitch Gerber, Josh Kalinsky, Dan Miller, Jacob Nevitt, Oli Segal, Ross Segal, Neil Silverman, Lee Stone, Yafet Asher, Jonny Burchardt
Venue – Ark Academy, Ref – Steven Russell, KO – 10am
JC star man: Joe Metliss (NLR)
DC Prediction: Raiders 5 Brixton 0
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OAKWOOD B vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B
Redbridge B put their outstanding 100 per cent league record on the line when the make the trip round the M25 to Oakwood B.
They are now just one of three teams yet to taste defeat across the whole league and they go into the game on the back of a terrific 3-1 win over promotion rivals Raiders B.
The sit just two points off top spot with four games in hand and it’s no surprise player-manager Sam Rank, a scorer last week, is happy as Larry.
Rank told JC Sport: This Sunday we finish this year with a tough trip to Oakwood B, who on their day can be a challenge for any MGBSFL team, as proved by pushing RJC A team to extra-time in their recent cup game.
“When the sides met earlier on the season, Oakwood B were outplayed, outmuscled and dominated for long parts of the game, and the score line of 3-1, was not a real reflection on the game. If we play with same mentality, intensity, attitude and performance, there will only be one winner.
“Last week, against Raiders B, it took us a long time to settle, but once we did, their only one winner. The fitness levels of the boys have is definitely the highest in the division, by a mile.
“We’re very much looking forward to this game, and keeping the momentum going.”
2017 cannot come soon enough for Oakwood manager Jason Stein. Back-to-back defeats to Los Blancos and Scrabble have hit him hard and I’ve heard whispers that talks of a contract extension have been put on hold until post-Chanukah.
But Stein is determined to prove a point and I expect there to be some activity in the January transfer window.
He told JC Sport: "2016. It was the worst of times and then ever more worse things happened. 2016 has not been a kind year DC.
"Let's face it, the last few weeks have not gone to plan. I've watched the video from the Scrabble match two dozen times and thought about the Blancos match long and hard. I'm hurt. I'm hurt by the repetition of basic errors, both mental and technical. And I hope the lads are hurting as well because we've let ourselves down.
"Redbridge will be a tough opponent, they're a strong team but I continue to believe we are as good as anyone in the league and that we are underperforming. I cannot allow us to give Redbridge an easy day.
"The title is gone but much remains to play for. Pride and places. My doughnuts will taste a little less sweet this year.
"I'll close on a final thought. I never knew Robbie Davidson. But an Oak is an Oak. That's the way it is.
"When Robbie was ill I'm sure he would have given anything to play in an Oakwood shirt for just one more minute. Life never afforded him that chance. This weekend we will hold a minute of silence before the match to mark his sad passing. And then I expect us to play with him in mind and honour him. For he would have given anything to have had the chance we all have on Sunday: one more Oaks game."
This will be a high-octane affair offering five-star entertainment. There will be spells when RJC are under the cosh and it wouldn’t surprise me if an inspired Oakwood team come away with a point.
JC team news: Stein has named a “very similar to the side that lost to Scrabble and Blancos. Oaks “are looking to the same players to get us back to winning ways”. Dan Selwyn, Dan Seligman and Aaron Searle will form a midfield. Dan King will captain the side in defence.
RJC “would like to wish Dan Adleman and Carl Dobrin, a very safe trip on their travels for the next six months. They will be massively missed by the club and squad”. The east Londoners are missing quite a few players for Sunday - injuries keep out Craig Sandford, Ben Chernoff, Seth Walmer, Scott McKenzie. Suspension - keeps out Kane Hopps, who has now gone on his winter break to Thailand, and Alex Chernoff and Anthony Cope are unavailable. However, “due to the strength of RJC football club the team I have to my disposal is very impressive, and a real credit to RJC”.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
OAKWOOD (from): Dean Caplin, James Abrams, Rafi Bloom, Ben Buck, Danni Dennison, James Frener, Dan King (capt), Dan Linton, Ben Loofe, Aaron Searle, Dan Seligman, Dan Selwyn, Ben Annis, Sam Modlin, Jan Katuscak, Bobby Gray
REDBRIDGE (from): Scott Shear, Richard Stern, Dan Andrews, Richie Caplin, Sam Rank, Scott Kay, Daniel Bean, Brad Gayer, Adam Goldman, Joe Jordan, Dan Orgel, Adam Noble
Venue – Nicholas Breakspear, Ref – Robert Benardout, KO – 10am
JC star man:
DC Prediction: Oakwood 2 Redbridge 2
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DIVISION TWO
CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI vs L’EQUIPE
Table-toppers L’Equipe will be looking to make it 11 games without defeat as they close the year with a tough looking trip to Catford.
Max Martin was their two-goal hero when they beat the Cats last month and Nick Stern’s men make the trip to Finchley in simply irresistible form.
That said, they were pushed all the way by Hertswood Vale last weekend. Perhaps they under-estimated their lowly opponents and found it hard to raise their game, but Stern won’t allow that to happen on Sunday against a team who will be out for their scalp.
Looking ahead to the game, Stern told JC Sport: “One more game left in 2016 and I have continued to say to my team it’s one more game against another very good opponent, we cannot take our foot of the gas and must perform to our best ability if we are going to end 2016 unbeaten.
“The first 10 games have been a dream ride for our club especially as it is our 10th year but now we concentrate on game 11.
“We don’t look further beyond that however good the start has been and I want the same attitude and commitment that has been shown throughout the year to continue on Sunday.
“We have a lot of respect for Jeff and what he has done with Catford and it wouldn’t surprise me if they pull off a coupe new signings just in time to play us like they did last time out.
“It is always a good battle and I look forward to locking heads with a dear friend of mine.”
The wheels have come off the Catford bus big time in recent weeks. Promotion now looks a distant dream, unless they have a miraculous second half of the season. But even that looks beyond them.
On paper you would fancy them against most teams, but not even a move to the Macramé Stadium will keep them in the mix.
Yes they will ask questions of L’Equipe, but if they fall behind they have a tendency to fold like a pack of cards.
JC team news: L’Equipe “are still missing a few players,” namely Ian Baron, Mark Korn and Gideon Chain but welcome back Nick Stern and Max Martin to the squad.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
CATFORD (from): Guy Ben-Aroya, Lawrence Bloom, Joe Levy, Adam Parker, Tal Cohen, Gavin Fox, Jeff Gotch, Jordan Grant, Joel Lassman, Callion McGregor, Yarden Sharon, Jamie Sinai, Lioz Tov, Richard Winton, Ben David, Danny Yeshua, Jacob Richler-Kleiman, Jason Shoffman, Adam Simon, Ashley Stokes
L’EQUIPE (from): Oren Hury, Grant Bates, Jon Kay, Josh Lewis, James Mandell, David Prager, Mark Singer, Nick Stern, Max Martin, Andy Smith, Mark Smith, Tamir Grant, Adam Solomon, Scott Bennett, Isaac Lazar
Venue – Christs College, Ref – Martin Fox, KO – 10am
JC star man: Grant Bates (L’Equipe)
DC Prediction: Catford 1 L’Equipe 3
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HERTSWOOD VALE vs FC TEAM B
The X-Factor has returned to the FC Team changing room after a managerial reshuffle. It’s amazing how these things work in football.
New boss David Gordon was the man with the midas touch as they secured their first win in a long time. Now they have their sights set on another, this time against Hertswood.
Eddie Sternberg and Adam Newsome rolled back the years with goals and vintage performances.
Gordon sounded in determined mood when I caught up with him earlier in the week. He told JC Sport: “This Sunday gives us the opportunity to sign off the year with a big win and to put a gap between us and the bottom two.
“We won’t be taking Hertswood lightly and we will have ensure that we apply the same attitude and determination that we showed last weekend if we are to win the game.”
Hertswood remain rooted to the foot of the table with no wins in nine. Having snatched a point off Temple Fortune, they came desperately close to surprising league leaders L’Equipe, only to be caught out seconds before the final whistle.
But it’s clear the players are right behind managers Jack Shulman and Jacob Emanuel. If they perform to that level week in, week out for the rest of the season, they will do the badge proud.
Emanuel told JC Sport: “Sunday has to be a must-win game. There's no tiptoeing around it.
“We've seen a massive improvement in performance and mindset since the Boca game, and the fact that we are bitterly disappointed to come away with just a point from the last two games against Fortune and L'Equipe says a lot.
“Jack and I are determined not to go into the Christmas break holding up the rest of the MGBSFL, and Sunday's game presents an opportunity for us to move up the table.
“We've already played FC Team B in the cup this season, losing 2-1 to a well-oiled team. But I'm confident we've come along way since that game in October.
We head into the game with several enforced changes - the story of our season so far. We're without captain Josh Wood and Jack Shulman to name just a few. On the plus side they welcome back the 'Terrific Treble' of Harry Graham, James Millet and Jordan Harris who have made the long haul down from university.
“To paraphrase Mariah Carey, All I want for Christmas is a win against FC Team B.”
It’s clear Hertswood are playing at a high level. But it’s vitally important they stay switched on and concentrate for the full 90 minutes if they are to get something to show for their efforts.
POSSIBLE SQUADS
VALE (from): Yaacov Goldin, Ollie Brill, Josh Cohen, Sam Cohen, Jacob Emanuel, Simon Englander, Danny Feuer, Josh Gorb, Adrian Leibovitch, Elio Elia, Theo Gluckstein, Ben Mandell, Jordan Harris, Harry Graham, James Millet
FC TEAM (from): David Gordon, Eitan Ben-Zion, Mike Breslaw, Alex Brodkin, Ashley Hirshberger, Gary Hill, Freddie Marks, Michael Marks, Eddie Sternberg, Dave Wexler, Daniel Woolfe, Adam Newsome
Venue – Temsford Green, Ref – Steve Levy, KO – 10am
JC star man: James Millet (Hertswood)
DC Prediction: Hertswood 2 FC Team 2
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MILL HILL DONS vs BOCA JEWNIORS
Mill Hill Dons go in search of a hat-trick of wins, boosted by the arrival of Adam Morrow and Jamie Nagioff.
Manager Brandon Hamme struggled to contain his delight after boosting his squad with two top-notch names who are set to make their debuts against Boca.
Victories over Boca and FC Team mean their tails are up and they will go for the jugular on Sunday.
Hamme told JC Sport: After a two-week break, we are buzzing to get back into the swing of things. “Our last win against FC Team B was by far our best performance of the season and we will look to continue our great recent form into the second and final Mill Hill derby of the season.
“We know how much it means to the fans and I will look towards the home-grown players within our side who know all about the history of this clash.
“Last time we painted Mill Hill gold and we will be looking to do the same again on Sunday. We want to end 2016 in style.”
The odds are stacked against Boca, especially with a whole host of injuries. Indeed Anton Nyman has been trying to remember if he walked under a ladder – they just need a bit of luck.
Asked for his hopes for Sunday, the Boca stalwart told JC Sport: “We know what we need to do against a decent side but let's not tempt Sunday fate!”
I expect the Dons to run out comfortable winners.
JC team news: Zach Perez and Ben Bazini remain out injured for the Dons.
Boca have a squad depleted by injuries this week and other absences. Sam Simon and Oli Kyte are out for personal reasons. Anton Nyman leads the crocked list this week. Ben Lederman and Lee Benson are on the “major doubts” list.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
DONS (from): David Benarroch, Adam Ben-Harosh, Adam Diamond, Jono Gaon, Sammy Hakimian, Richard Hayim, Adam Isaacs, Charles Kahn, Sam Kahn, Jordan Rinsler, Mikey Salem, Joel Sinclair-Horne, Adam Morrow, Jamie Nagioff, Zach Cohen, Harry Kalms, Ryan Kramer, Harry Moss, Joseph Reece, Tommy Lennard, Josh Moses, Yehoshua Benzadon, Nick Phillips
BOCA (from): Will Martyn, Josh Cinna, Ollie Kyte, Anton Nyman, Jamie Leboff, Ben Retter, Michael Rosenthal, Brett Shuman, Sam Simon, Jonny Winton, Tom Wyse, Lee Benson, Matt Davis, Elliott Grant
Venue – Mill Hill Park, Ref – Darryl Colmans, KO – 10am
JC star man: Jamie Nagioff (Dons)
DC Prediction: Dons 4 Boca 0
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C vs REAL HENDON
There’s little at stake for Raiders C and Real, so one can only hope the respective throw caution to the wind and treat their fans to a hum-dinger of a game.
Both teams are capable of mixing it with the finest in the bottom division on their day, but consistency is proving an issue this season.
Raiders were crushed 11-0 by a rampaging RC UK team last week. The nature of the defeat would have taken its toll on the players and managers David Domb and Sam Rose have spent much of the week lifting chins off the ground.
Real go into the game “hoping for a win but have a few key players missing”. They start the game a point ahead of L’Orange, with two games in hand, but fitness levels will be tested on 3G.
Attack could be the best form of defence for Chaim Gothold’s men on Sunday in what will be an end-to-end contest.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
RAIDERS (from): Jacob Ailon, David Domb, Adam Leveson, Dan Grossman, Rob Samuelson, Jason Green, Joel Levitt, Dan Lovat, Eyal Samovich, Alex Sherr, Dan Tann, Nick Haringman, Ricky Zeiderman, Jonny Blain, Josh Daniels, Oli Telvi, Matt Geppert
REAL (from): Dov Owen, Rafi Addlestone, Chaim Strom, Ben Cohen, Richard Cohen, Manny Field, Ben Goldberg, Joe Goldberg, Chaim Gothold, Gilad Kestenbaum, Motty Korman, Hezzie Raymond, Benni Sluckis, Yossi Hoffman, RA Noe
Venue – Brunel, Ref - Robert Caplin, KO – 10am
JC star man: Gilad Kestenbaum (NLR)
DC Prediction: Raiders 2 Real 3
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RC UK FC vs TEMPLE FORTUNE
Simon Linden could be in for a surprise start as promotion rivals Temple Fortune get ready to rumble against RC UK FC.
I remember seeing some fantastic photos of the first meeting between the sides this season – a colourful affair that featured a high tackle as well as a late leveller for the boys in pink. The celebrations were worth the admission fee alone.
Fortune earned an important win over Real Hendon last Sunday, with Jordan Sharifian the chief architect once more. Aron Barnes grabbed the other in a seven-goal thriller and if those two start it will definitely give RC UK something to think about.
But Linden has frustrating news for travelling fans. He told JC Sport: “I'm disappointed to confirm that I have a whole host of players missing this weekend which is a real blow.
“It's only happened twice this season and both times against RCUK, this time being worse.
“It looks like I will be naming myself in the team. As always, I will ensure my team give everything but it's going to be tough against a team that's beaten Oakwood in the cup and thrashed Raiders 11-0.”
On the other hand, Avi Markiewicz has no such selection problems. The RC UK boys are flying at the minute and they built on that incredible win over Oakwood by sticking 11 past Raiders C. Markiewicz led the way with a fantastic five-goal salvo that earned him a place in my Team of the Week.
With games in hand on Fortune, RC UK know victory on Sunday would take them to within a point of Fortune and the gaffer cannot wait.
He told JC Sport: “It seems that we will have almost everyone available this week, so picking it is going to be a very difficult.
“How do you tell guys that have put in everything and have participated in 11-0 wins and beating Premiership teams that never mind not starting, they are not even in the squad? That though is part and parcel of the job, along with the good and the glory comes the tough and the gory.
“Last time RC met Si Linden's team it was a very close affair, ending 2-2, and we know that this week is going to be tight too.
“We believe that this pitch will suit us better than the small and boggy pitch that Fortune play on. We do have Parys Hammond back to hopefully neutralise their aerial threat, but we are taking nothing for granted.
“It will be a top game and we will be hoping to close the gap to Fortune and L'Equipe by taking all three points, maintaining our momentum and continuing our fantastic run into the break.”
I have to take Linden’s ‘mind games’ at face value, although the fact that striker Ben Isaacs has returned to the fold hasn’t escaped me. But on current form, you have to tip RC to edge it.
JC team news: The only notable absentee is Dudi Edreyi for RC UK. Eli Shebson and Dovi Vogel are expected to pass late fitness tests.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
RC UK (from): Nati Kind, David Brown, Gideon Caller, Zalmy Cohen, Dan Ezra, Leor Harel, Parys Hammond, Aaron Luftig, Jonti Aremband, Dovi Vogel, Eli Shebson, Josh Marlow, Avi Markiewicz, Avraham Levy, Josh Shaffer, Jake Lewis, Avi Mocton
FORTUNE (from): Lee Fegan, Rob Jay, Gideon Wetrin, Brett Stead, Aron Barnes, Simon Linden, Gavin Levy, Jake Marks, Eshed Rahav, Adam Speck, Michael Woolf, Jordan Sharifian, Gab Stone, Ollie Squires, Michael Goldberg, Ben Isaacs, Robbie Berwald
Venue – Ludgrove Playing Fields, Ref – Neal Cohen, KO – 10am
JC star man: Parys Hammond (RC UK)
DC Prediction: RC UK 3 Fortune 2
