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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
LEAGUE TABLE
1. Brady Maccabi Pl. 8, W. 5, Pts. 16
2. Oakwood A Pl. 6, W. 5, Pts. 15
3. Hendon Utd Pl. 5, W. 4, Pts. 13
TOP-SCORERS
15 – Reiss Mogilner (Brady Maccabi)
8 - Kiki Levin (ML Lions White)
HENDON UNITED SPORTS vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS BLUE
Hendon made a rip-roaring start to 2018 after securing their place in the last four of the League Cup after a five-star showing against Lions White.
They will start as favourites against the other Lions team who gave defending champions Oakwood a real test last weekend.
Moses Seitler won the JC Player of the Week award on the back of a sensational performance at Hadley FC. He scored a match-winning hat-trick with three excellent finishes, and should have added a fourth from the penalty spot.
The Lions could simply not live with livewire Seitler, who gives Hendon another dimension when he plays. Dovi Fehler also showed flashes of what he can do after coming on from the bench and he will also be a big player for Hendon over the second half of the season. Josh Harris is a willing runner who needs to add regular goals to his game, while Rocky Spitzer fits perfectly into midfield.
Avi Korman had his standard good game, while the partnership between the experienced Ben Lauffer and Alex Rosenthal at the heart of the fence was particularly strong in the first half.
And when Lions did get behind them, goalkeeper Russ Corin pulled out a couple of top saves.
Speaking of which, Hendon will need to get past goalkeeper-of-the-moment James Harpin. He was in inspired form for London Lions in midweek and looks set to have another busy game in the Arkley derby.
Lions Blue will be a very different proposition for Hendon, which the threat of Benji Weinberger, Josh Bloom and Michael Kenley. But Hendon don’t lose many at home and I think they will have the edge on Sunday in a close game.
HENDON (from): Russ Corin, Arthur Caplin, Mordi Weiler, Alex Rosenthal, Josh Bentley, Ari Nevies, Dudi Edreyi, Dan Howard, Ari Last (capt), Yoav Lebens, Greg Corin, Ben Lauffer, Rocky Spitzer, Josh Harris, Zac Lewis, Yishai Last
LIONS (from): James Harpin, Sammy Kingston, Daniel Fattal, Daniel Behar, Ben Winters, Nathan Anders, Jordan Aspis, Nick Barnett, Charlie Cohen, Adam Abadi, Ed Brafman (capt), Benji Weinberger, Jono Gaon, Josh Bloom, Michael Kenley, Zac Linden, Zach Perez
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Martin De La Fuente, KO – 10am
JC star man: Rocky Spitzer (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon 2 Lions 1
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MACCABI LONDON LIONS WHITE vs BRADY MACCABI
League leaders Brady Maccabi have enjoyed an extended break – five weeks to be precise – but that is not something manager Joel Nathan is particularly happy about.
Their last outing was on December 3 – when they put five past Bayern in the cup – but their lead at the top has been whittled down to just a single point. And defending champions Oakwood are now just a point behind, while Hendon are a further two behind with three games in hand.
Reiss Mogilner was the star of the show for Brady during the first half of the season. He averaged more than a goal a game and the team’s hopes rest heavily on his shoulders.
That is not to say they are a one-man team. Far from it. But he is certainly the man with the midas touch in front of goal.
Ben Kohler has also chipped in with some important goals, while Charlie Kasler – a player Lions will be very familiar with – has turned out in some of the big games.
Ahead of the latest Rowley Lane derby, Brady boss Joel Nathan told JC Sport: “After a very long break, the boys are itching to play and continue our season which has been very reasonable so far.
“We know we can still have a say in the league but to do that we have to win our games and we know we will be in for a battle as any other derby between the clubs and they will have the slight advantage of playing last week, despite losing they will be less rusty than ourselves.
“We go into the game with a relatively full squad although we are still missing a couple of long-term injuries but I know the boys who play will not want to walk off the pitch without the three points.”
Sloppy defending was a factor in Lions White’s cup exit at the hands of Hendon last week. Goals three, four and five could have been avoided with better defending.
Not many teams scored three times against Hendon, so there were positives to take away from the game, and for me midfield will be the key area on Sunday.
January is a big month for the Lions, with another home game to follow before an easy looking trip to Division Two opposition in the Jewish FA Cup.
Brady’s fitness levels and match sharpness will be key to the outcome in what promises to be a high-octane affair.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
LIONS (from): Jordan Sharifian, Sam Arghebant, Will Beresford, Ben Lampert, James Gold, Sam Hamerton, Max Hassell, Jamie Jackson, Jack Mattey, Mikey Perkins, Josh Weiner, Conor Perl, Max Misrahi, Jamie Cohen, Tyler Smith, Eshed Rahav, Jonny Ellis, Max Kyte, Austin Lipman, Adam Burchell, Ryan Springer, Josh Shack
BRADY (from): Josh Miller, Harry Fine, Sam Castle, David Cohen, Elliott Dagul, Brad Dryer, Henry Ziff, Matt Sofier, Jordan Nathan, Ricky Rinder, Graeme Grossman, Zac Skry, Marc Rister, Stanley Offord, Ben Kohler, Reiss Mogilner, Clark Norton, Scott Gordon, James Joseph, Charlie Kasler
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Daniel Fox, KO – 10am
JC star man: Jordan Nathan (Brady)
DC Prediction: Lions 1 Brady 1
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OAKWOOD A vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A
Josh Cuby must be pushing for a start for Oakwood following a string of excellent performances from the bench ahead of the crunch clash against Raiders.
Cuby earned a place in Team of the Week following his outstanding second-half performance, capped off by a goal.
The mighty Oaks are well-placed to kick on now, but Dan Kristall knows this will be a big test.
He told JC Sport: "We expect a very tough game against a side that scored eight times against Redbridge.
"They have clearly recovered some players and we know how good Raiders are on their day.
"We will need to be at our best to beat them. I feel we were much-improved last week but still gave away the ball too many times and didn't punish Lions when were 3-1 up.
"We are getting better each week and need to focus on a big run in starting this Sunday."
Alex Moss produced one of the individual performances of the season as L'Orange put Redbridge to the sword. Boss Dan Shafron would've also been delighted to see Josh Goldstein sparkle on the big stage. He started the season with the B's but the top-flight clearly brings out the best in him.
Much depends on how Raiders defend on Sunday. Yes they won and scored eight, but on the flipside they conceded four times. So it's clear they must tighten up at the back.
I can see Shafron adopting cautious tactics, putting five across midfield and one up top to try and hit Oakwood on the break.
Sunday will come down to which team wins their individual and collective battles. Second balls will be vital too.
I can see Oakwood pinching the points in the last 10 minutes in a war of attrition.
JC team news: Oakwood "have a few injury problems so we will leave to the last minute before naming the side". Dale Bradman returns following being with the flu last week. Dean Caplin will play in goal.
POSSIBLE SQUADS
OAKWOOD: Joe Botchin, David Cohen, Alex Lee, Tom Cantor, Lee Warner, Kyle Bentwood, Simon Davies, Brad Wine, Toby Levy, Sam Cantor, Leor Sidle. Subs: Josh Cuby, George Goldberg, Ben Peppi, David Woolman
RAIDERS: Adam Zaidman, Rob Blackman, David Rhodes (capt), Joe Cohen, Josh Goldstein, Adam Joselyn, Ben Joseph, Jonny Kay, Joe Meisel, Alex Moss, Oscar Wagner, Josh Green
Venue – Nicholas Breakspear, Ref – Andy Myerson, KO – 10am
JC star man: George Goldberg (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 2 Raiders 1
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DIVISION ONE
LEAGUE TABLE
1. Faithfold A Pl. 7, W. 6, Pts. 19
2. NL Raiders B Pl. 7, W. 5, Pts. 15
3. Oakwood B Pl. 6, W. 4, Pts. 13
TOP-SCORERS
7 - Simon Moses (Los Blancos)
6 - David Leiwy (Faithfold A), Svi Freedman (Los Blancos), Jake Gilbert (NL Raiders B), , Dan Gordon (Redbridge JC B)
REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE C vs OAKWOOD B
Promotion-chasing Oakwood go in search of what would be their third consecutive away win as they look to complete a league double over Redbridge C.
It finished 5-1 to Jason Stein's men when the teams met in October but I expect things to be far tighter second time around.
Back-to-back wins over Los Blancos and Scrabble show that Oakwood mean business and they have been working hard on their preparations as Stein knows his players are in for a big test on Sunday morning.
Speaking exclusively to JC Sport at the club's training ground during the week, Stein told JC Sport: “Thanks for coming to the Woolboro Homes Centre of Excellence ahead of a huge game for the B team.
“We’ll fly down to Essex after Shabbos and try to acclimatise as quickly as we can. The squad is looking strong this week, which is good because we will need strength and depth for what will be a hugely difficult game.
"It’s never easy flying to Essex and the Redbridge sides have always built their season on the back of strong home records. This will be one of the toughest - if not the toughest - match we’ve had this season.
“We obviously finished 2017 really well with two resounding wins over Los Blancos and Scrabble which has left us in a great spot. We’ve earned that but we want to push on. We’ll start against Redbridge C and we want to board the flight home with some points.”
Fairlop has not been a fortress for Redbridge C this season. But the return to the squad of talisman Mitch Hahn has galvanised the squad.
The Maccabi GB Maccabiah captain scores and creates for fun and his head-to-head with Max Clynes will be one to watch.
Ashley Rubin is also scoring regularly while Josh Kalisky is another threat.
Finding a way to stop Hahn affecting the game is key for Oakwood in a battle that will go to the wire.
JC team news: Daniel Selwyn and Daniel Seligman will provide the firepower for Oakwood this week. Stein added: "We'll want to keep our good defensive run going and centre-half Max Clynes and left-back Ben Loofe have been instrumental in that." Goalkeeper Dean Caplin has been promoted to the As.
POSSIBLE SQUADS
REDBRIDGE (from): Ben Rosenthal, Martin Sales, Martin Zartz, Sam Zartz, Dave Green, Jamie Danan, Jason Patmore, Adam Kemper, Jerome Marks, Darryl Green, Alex Aviram, Lee Cutler, Harrison Midda, Lewis Rackham, Ryan Silkman, Seth Warner, Mitch Hahn
OAKWOOD (from): Ben Buck, Dani Derrison, Ilan Scorah, Max Clynes, Ben Feingold, Jake Frener, Dan King, Dan Linton, Ben Loofe, James Abrams, Dan Seligman, Ben Lewis, Dan Ash, Dan Selwyn, Sam Modlin, Jordan Sherne, Rafi Bloom, Max Clynes, Jacob Richler-Kleiman
Venue - Fairlop, Ref - , KO – 10am
JC star man: Max Clynes, (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Redbridge 1 Oakwood 2
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FAITHFOLD A vs LOS BLANCOS
Los Blancos find themselves somewhere between a rock and a hard place, and their trip to table-toppers Faithfold comes at a bad time.
The Blancos boys will need no reminding Faithfold crushed them 5-2 in November but I know they are working hard to turn their season around.
There's an old Chinese proverb 'peaked too soon' - which possibly reflects Blancos' season so far. They looked like serious title contenders over the first couple of months of the season but were hit hard by L'Equipe folding, with six points and a plus-eight goal difference wiped away overnight.
Faithfold can do no wrong at the minute. Their lead was reduced after Raiders B were awarded points at Monday's management committee meeting, but Avi Markiewicz and co remain fully focused on the task at hand.
The Superhoops have won their last six league games on the spin, with Temple Fortune their most recent victims. Avi Mocton was the star man in a disciplined performance in which they boosted their goal difference to the tune of four more.
I think Blancos will try to contain Faithfold and keep them out, but I don't think they will manage it as the hosts simply have too much attacking flair in their locker.
POSSIBLE SQUADS
FAITHFOLD (from): David Garson, Ben Gabay, Leor Harel, Joe Gordon, Avi Mocton, Gideon Caller, Avi Garson, Jonny Leiwy, Eli Shebson, Dovi Vogel, Aron Luftig, Jonny Gahan, David Leiwy, Louis Naghten, Avi Markiewicz, Sam Zerovabeli, Chaim Bordon, Ben Shirbini, Zalmy Cohen, Akiva Solomon, Gav Lewis, Jonny Blain
BLANCOS (from): Gideon Rabstein, Josh Aziz, Joel Barnett, Marc Woolfe, Jake Doffman, Svi Freedman, Tim Heynes, Gav Krieger, James Kutner, Avishai Kestenbaum, Elliott Maslawy, Joe Davis, Daniel Sinclair, Josh Mizrahi, Alex Lewis, Josh Laurier, Simon Moses, Oliver Sade, Luke Strauss
Venue - Hive, Ref – Mark Jacob, KO – 10am
JC star man: Ben Shirbini (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 3 Blancos 1
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B vs SCRABBLE FC
Injuries, work commitments and illness have denied Scrabble the services of some of their top names in recent games, and that spells bad news against a Raiders team starting to find their stride.
Manager Ray Abrahams is determined to put things right. I believe he is still trying to bring players in - but might have to face up to the fact that this is going to be a frustrating month for him and just get on with things.
NLR's 5-0 demolition of Blancos was the perfect way to bounce back from the heavy defeat at the hands of Faithfold. The partnership up top between Jake Gilbert and David Dinkin is working well, while the work-rate and experience of Danny Bloom, Ricky Lawrence and David Esterkin will be another key factor.
Ahead of kick-off, NLR joint-manager Doron Salomon told JC Sport: "We set a high standard at the club which we haven't always kept up this season.
"Last week we met that standard and the aim is to pick up where we left off."
L'Orange have only lost once at home this season and the form book says they are good value for another victory.
JC team news: NLR are missing a few players from last week but the exciting news is that Josh Bharier has been given the all-clear after a long-term knee injury. Salmon added: "Even if he only takes part in the warm-up it'll be a big boost knowing he's close to a return."
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
RAIDERS (from): Ben Law, Anthony Shaw, Antony Goodmaker, Charles Braunstein, Rob Blackman, Lewis Blitz, Danny Bloom, Elliot Espinoza, Dave Esterkin, Matt Leader, Mark Leader, Ricky Lawrence, Simon Buchler, Brandon Sassoon, Scott Waissel, Josh Green
SCRABBLE (from): Dan Beresford, Jonny Mervish, Oli Richardson, Amit Kahana, Dan Green, Steve Moss, Tony Gold, Ben Cantopher, Lorian Madanes, Adam Newman, Adam Waters, Rupert Wood, Josh Pugh, Rob Rodney, Zac Summerfield, Dan Goldhill, Zac McLeod, Ben Krieger, Ben Bowers, Craig Cole
Ref – Neil Cooper, KO – 10am
JC star man: Lewis Blitz (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Raiders 3 Scrabble 0
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DIVISION TWO
LEAGUE TABLE
1. Mill Hill Dons Pl. 9, W. 8, Pts. 24
2. Bayern Mincha Pl. 10, W. 7, Pts. 22
3. Catford & Bromley Pl. 10, W. 6, Pts. 21
TOP-SCORERS
19 - Adam Ellis (Bayern Mincha)
16 - Zach Cohen (Mill Hill Dons)
BAYERN MINCHA vs FAITHFOLD B
Adam Ellis will see this is a great opportunity to add to his tally and boost his chances of winning the MGBSFL Golden Boot when basement battlers Faithfold visit Bayern's Willesden home.
With 19 goals already to his name in the league and Cyril Anekstein Cup, Ellis will look to pass the magical 20-goal mark which will offset the his first goal bonus of the season (Ed. I'm thinking a schwarma at Sami's or a rack of ribs at the Kitchen!)
There are rumours that Guardiola and Mourinho has been spotted near Bayern's training ground this week, but joint-manager Alon Pinhas is adamant the club's prized asset is going nowhere.
"We only have 13-14 players available this week, so a much smaller group of boys to choose from," Pinhas told JC Sport: "A few of our players in the squad are carrying knocks so we definitely do not have our strongest team this week.
"However, we have a strong enough squad to go out there and bring back those three points. We beat Hertswood comfortably last week and we weren't anywhere near our best. We know that with another solid performance, we could do the same to Faithfold.
"Adam Ellis is excited to get back on to the pitch and add more goals to his tally as well as our other attacking players looking to add a few more goals to theirs.
"All the boys are up for it and we will definitely be putting a lot of pressure on Faithfold on Sunday.
"Promotion was the target at the beginning of the season and now we know we even have a shot at the title."
Faithfold went down 4-1 to Bayern in October. They managed to keep Ellis out for 90 minutes - something very few teams have done this season. However, Akiva Fink, Adam Herzaft and Pinhas breached their defence.
It's not in David Garson's nature to double park the bus but I can't see them stopping a rampant Bayern team.
JC team news: Players out for Bayern this week include injured trio Jake Dayan, Adam Biton and Harry Salter. They will also be missing Joe Nyman, Nicky Cooper and Josh Levy out this week.
JC team news: David Garson returns to the Faithfold squad on the back of an impressive performance and clean sheet for the As.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
BAYERN (from): Rafi Terespolsky, Sam Leader, Josh Levy, Matan Ozin, Akiva Fink, Alon Pinhas, Adam Ellis, Eli Davila, Daniel Holder, Joe Metliss, Shmuel Leader, Allon David, Sam Kanter, Sammy Liebert, Benjamin Albert
FAITHFOLD (from): David Garson, David Garson, Mike Patterson, Josh Barnett, Ben Kfir, James Stanton, Yosef Brownson, Stuart Haring, Josh Martin, Ben Portnoi, Yitzy Hill, JJ Marrache, Rob Cohen, Yidy Gertner, Dan Yoss, David Kerzneris, Moishi Lewis, Nick Roman, Alex Weinfeld
Venue – Capital City, Ref – Bob Caplin, KO – 10am
JC star man: Akiva Fink (Bayern)
DC Prediction: Bayern 5 Faithfold 1
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CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI vs REAL HENDON
Revenge is the name of the game for a Catford team who must ensure they hit the ground running in 2018.
Jeff Gotch's men have had a long rest, which will be good for them. The Cats have seen the division take shape and know what it required over the second half of the season.
Defeated 2-1 by Real earlier in the season, Gotch wants his players to kick on. "We've had no game for six weeks so are all itching to get back out there," he told JC Sport.
"Being third in the division at the halfway stage is good but we are now looking to push on and go for the title.
"I added Sam Reeves and Jon Solomons to the squad over the break and now believe we have more than a good chance of winning the league.
Sam "We entertain a Hendon team I know a lot about - they beat us a few weeks ago at the glorious West Hendon. We didn't turn up that day and didn't deserve anything, so I'm challenging the boys to put in a performance and put the game out of sight early doors. We have a full-strength squad available, with no less than 20 boys wanting in."
Real Hendon have scored 10 goals in their last two matches. They are in a good moment, with Gav Noe bang in form. Joe Metliss recently showed us his quality, while they have weapons across the pitch.
Rafi Addlestone told JC Sport: "Having swarmed to victory over Raiders C last week, the Bees can't wait for Sunday.
"We have a full complement once again, with competition fierce for places.
"Hat-trick hero Gav Noe will be sure to start, with a potential berth for cousin Zvi Noe, RA, the third Noe musketeer, remains stuck on the couch, unwilling to battle the gaffer at home for an opportunity to join his brethren on the field."
Real know they won't have things all their own way on Sunday. Addlestone continued: "We know some of the Catford players well and expect a tough day out. We're particularly looking forward to the player-manager face-off when Jeff Gotch inevitably plays himself up front, facing Martin Smulovitch in a well-matched battled of the aged."
That tussle will be worth the admission fee alone. It should be a cracking contest packed with five-star entertainment.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
CATFORD (from): Guy Ben-Aroya, Richard Adams, Stuart Harris, Loz Bloom, Jeff Gotch, Mitch Green, Alex Jacobs, Joel Lassman, Callion McGregor, Yarden Sharon, Danny Yeshua, Richard Winton, Jason Shoffman, Ashley Stokes, Jamie Sinai, Sam Reeves, Ashley Stokes, Jon Solomons
REAL (from): Raffy Zysblatt, Ben Cohen, Ben Goldberg, Martin Smulovitch, Doron Shooter, Gilad Kestenbaum, Lolu Hibbert, Joe Goldberg, Zvi Noe, Hezzie Raymond, Motty Korman, Chaim Gothold, Adam Hersh, Lloyd Kafton, Gali Kolt, Chaim Strom, Gav Noe, Harley Patoffs, Jono Marks-Bluth, Joe Metliss, RA Noe
Venue – Meadow Park, Ref – Phil Peters, KO – 10am
JC star man: RA Noe (Real)
DC Prediction: Catford 3 Real 3
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FC TEAM vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C
Matches between FC Team and Raiders rarely disappoint.
Sunday is effectively a can't lose for Mitch Young's men following the horror show against Fairlop last week.
The absence of striker Richard Salmon hit them hard while David Grossman's penalty miss was arguably a turning point.
Raiders have conceded 10 goals in their last two games. Sam Rose's troops must pick up their level of performance and consistency - they certainly have the players to test the best in the division.
This is a tough one to call because I am expecting a very close game.
JC team news: Richard Salmon remains suspended for FC Team.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
TEAM (from): David Gordon, Jamie Breslaw, Eitan Ben-Zion, Jon Breger, Dan Breger, Danny Moss, James Milman, Adam Rones, David Grossman, Jamie Breslaw, Eddie Sternberg, Mitch Young, Dylan Young
RAIDERS (from): Joel Macadar, Alex Sherr, Alex Goodman, Matt Keston, David Domb, Adam Levenson, Sam Roth, Eyal Samovich, Joel Levitt, Callum Stein, Ricky Zeiderman, David Esterkin, Liam Stein, Ben Kaye, Nick Haringman, Alex Elf, Robert Samuelson
Venue – Hertswood Centre, Ref – Stuart Ansher, KO – 10am
JC star man: Alex Sherr (Raiders)
DC Prediction: FC Team 1 Raiders 1
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HERTSWOOD VALE vs FAIRLOP FC
Fairlop go into Sunday's trip to Hertswood with their tails up after an outstanding performance against FC Team.
Boss Aaron Dias has challenged his squad to not drop a point between now and the end of the season, and they played like men on a mission.
Adam Goldman, Pierce Prince and James Jaconelli were the stand-out performers and I expect them to turn on the style in Borehamwood again on Sunday.
Dias was keen to share some exciting news ahead of the game. He told JC Sport: "The club record transfer fee has been broken for an eighth time already this season, after a long, hard and toughly fought negotiation process, which left the management team in sweats, we have managed to secure the signing of Daniel Garfinkle.
"Garf has lots of experience within this league and we look forward to him scoring lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of goals for us.
"Other than that, Mitch Gold finally makes it into the matchday squad. He fell just short last week but is raring to go and everyone at the club has seen the hard work he has put in to get match fit.
"Hertswood will make it tough for us to play and conditions will probably favour them but expecting the win and three points again."
Hertswood start the match three points ahead of the east Londoners, but they have played four games more and joint-manager Jacob Emanuel knows his team are in for a testing 90 minutes.
Emanuel told JC Sport: "We're missing a few of the players this week but are confident of putting out a decent squad."
Fairlop beat Hertswood in their opening league match but the result was overturned following an MGBSFL hearing. So Dias and co know they have a point to prove and prove it they will.
JC team news: Theo Gluckstein returns for Vale, whilst Joni Hirschowitz, captain Josh Wood and Ariel Weinstein head up a list of unavailable players.
Scott Shear has left Fairlop.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
HERTSWOOD (from): James Neidle, Gal Alkalay, Josh Cohen, Simon Englander, Yehuda Fink, Theo Gluckstein, Josh Gorb, Harry Graham, Ashley Hirschburger, Sammy Huberman, Adrian Leibovitch, Jonty Schogger, Ben Chiltern, Danny Feuer, Jack Shulman, Josh Cohen, Simon Englander, Jordan Harris, Michael Elia, Isaac Segalov, Edan Dodi, Harry Marlow
FAIRLOP (from): Adam Goldman, Kane Wise, Max Freedman, Ryan Cole, Daryl Rubin, Matt Berkeley, Daniel Bean, Kai Vale, Brad Gayer, Daniel Rosen, James Jaconelli, Brad Porter, Jacob Sanders, Pierce Prince, Joel Russell, Mitch Gold, Daniel Garfinkle
Venue – Tempsford Green, Ref – Steven Russell, KO – 10am
JC star man: Daniel Bean (Fairlop)
DC Prediction: Vale 0 Fairlop 5
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MILL HILL DONS vs TEMPLE FORTUNE B
If you're looking for a home banker this weekend, this could be it. Although Dons boss Brandon Hamme is warning against complacency as the leaders go in search of league victory No. 9.
Harry Moss was their match-winner last week, grabbing both goals in a 2-0 win over the Pirates - their second consecutive clean sheet.
Eyebrows were raised when I named Josh Cinna in my Team of the Season so far over Chanukah. But you show me a more commanding defender in the league. The boy is bang on top of his game. He's the Virgil Van Dyk of the MGBSFL. Given Fortune's struggle for regular goals though, I believe he's in for a pipe and slippers morning.
The Dons have enjoyed the right thus far, boasting a two-point lead with a game in hand. Ahead of kick-off boss Brandon Hamme told JC Sport: "For as good as our run of form is we know we can’t take anything for granted in these upcoming weeks.
"We know that one slip-up gives the chasing pack a chance, so we are going to be going to be making sure complacency doesn’t seek into our any other performances and take one game at a time.
"Last week’s performance we showed our resilient side and showed how much we have improved defensively from last season, as we managed to pick up our first-ever consecutive clean sheets.
"Hopefully we can manage to pick up three in a row but I would take a boring 2-1 win now if it was offered to me because the most important thing is we get all three points.
"Temple Fortune seemed to be have improved a lot since the beginning of the season and we know they will be no pushovers come Sunday.
"I’ve got full faith in our squad to go out there and put in a good performance that will hopefully will be enough to get the win."
Fortune won't mind the tag of underdogs. Steven Black and Darren Zitren have had plenty of time to put together a game-plan, but the first 20 minutes will be crucial.
I think the Dons' social media man will be in overdrive come 10am on Sunday as the leaders go marching on.
Team News: Joseph Reece is still out with a tear to ankle ligament, apart from that we have a clean bill of health
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
DONS (from): Oli Burchell, Richard Reback, Adam Ben-Harosh, Josh Cinna, Sam Demby, Harry Moss, Jamie Nagioff, Nick Phillips, Adam Isaacs, Ryan Kramer, Zach Cohen, Harry Kalms, Brandon Hamme, Joel Sinclair-Horne, Jordan Rinsler, Josh Moses, Adam Diamond, Jason Weldon
FORTUNE (from): Lee Fegan, Anthony Beilin, Jacob Kalms, Josh Klepper, Adam Lenz, Eric Lewis, Gab Saul, Oli Segal, Gideon Wetrin, Darren Zitren, Sam Barth, Adam Jacobs, Josh Taylor, Zach Goodman, James Phillips, Jon Pressman, Dan Krieger, Simon Cohen
Venue – Aycliffe Park, Ref – Laurence Thorne, KO – 10am
JC star man: Nick Phillips (Dons)
DC Prediction: Dons 3 Fortune 0
