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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
PETER MORRION TROPHY
SEMI-FINAL DRAW
Maccabi London Lions under-21 vs MJSL Rep Team or South Manchester
Maccabi London Lions Masters or RC UK FC vs North London Raiders A
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MACCABI LONDON LIONS MASTERS vs RC UK FC
I expect Lions Masters to continue their merciless march towards the Jewish FA Cup in a tie that pits together my competition favourites with the lowest-ranked team in the competition.
The Lions have a wealth of talent in all areas, starting with goalkeeper Russell Corin. In front of him, they have all been there, seen it and got the T-shirt (Ed. although it's a big more fitted for some these days!) There are several former MGBSFL Players of the Year in there. And they are all winners - their passion and desire is as big as it's ever big, especially with a big summer ahead.
In midfield, Alex Levack and Craig Pearl will dictate, giving ammunition to a forward line including Paul Hakim, Lee Cash and Saul Conway.
It’s worth remembering the Lions eliminated two Premier Division team in the competition, including holders Hendon, on their way to the last eight. They are water-tight at the back and packed with goals.
Ahead of kick-off, Lions boss Dan Jacobs told JC Sport: "For us it remains just another opportunity to play together – the result is really not important.
"We'll be missing an entire back four - Morris, Myeroff, Glass, Addis, Newman and Harvey - so we’ll have to deal with their absence just as we would if this were the summer. But those available are looking forward to getting another game under their belts."
At this stage of the season, the cup is a bonus for RC UK FC. They still have seven league matches to play in their pursuit of promotion.
Player-manager Avi Markiewicz knows they have nothing to lose ahead of what is undoubtedly the biggest game in the club's short history.
"We have had a very difficult run so far, playing higher league opposition in every round," Markiewicz told JC Sport.
"We have beaten the best team in Jewish football this year in Oakwood along the way and proved it was no fluke with a dominant win against Camden, so in simple terms, we know we can do it.
"We are under no illusions though, this is going to be a tough tough game. Although we have overcome some amazing teams we have also lost to some terrible opponents too in the league and Lions Masters are a different animal altogether, so we will need to be disciplined and work our socks off.
"We have a strong team but we do have a couple of players away and Jonti is suspended so that's a blow.
"The pressure though is all on them though, we have nothing to loose and hopefully that will allow us to play freely."
With RC UK missing one of their biggest threats, I expect the Lions to progress without too many scares.
POSSIBLE SQUADS
LIONS (from): Russell Corin, David Souter, Alex Levack, Craig Pearl, Josh Bentley, Sam Sloma, Paul Hakim, Adam Stolerman, Lee Cash, Saul Conway, Danny Daggers, Tony Gold
RC UK FC (from): Nati Kind, David Brown, Gideon Caller, Dan Ezra, Leor Harel, Avraham Levy, Jake Lewis, Avi Markiewicz, Avi Mocton, Dovi Vogel, Jake Dayan, Moshi Lewis
Ref - Daniel Fox, KO – 10am
JC star man: Josh Bentley (Lions)
DC Prediction: Lions 4 RC UK 0
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CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP SEMI-FINAL
MACCABI LONDON LIONS B vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS A
One thing is certain on Sunday. One Lions team will reach the final of the League Cup. The only question is, which one?
Lions A were victims of a big upset last weekend when they crashed out of the Morrison against their under-21 team. And I smell another upset ...
The A's have been unconvincing this season. There has been an inconsistency of result and performance. This tie has banana skin written all over it.
The B's, meanwhile, are flying high in Division One. James Harpin has been earning rave reviews, while Benji Weinberger has taken his game to another level. And with Michael Kenley and Josh Bloom up top, they have genuine threats.
I am still not quite sure what to expect from Lions A and I think it will be the B's celebrating at the final white.
Venue - Rowley Lane, Ref – Mark Jacob, KO – 10am
JC star man: Michael Kenley (Lions B)
DC Prediction: Lions B 2 Lions A 1
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MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A vs OAKWOOD A
There’s simply no dress this game up. Simple as that. Dan Kristall labelled Redbridge title favourites in his midweek press conference ahead of what promises to be one of matches of the season. With so much at stake.
Oakwood have passed virtually every test put in front of them so far. But is now the biggest one.
“We go into Sunday’s clash with Redbridge on an excellent run but know that this is altogether different test,” Kristall told JC Sport.
“We face the title favourites who know that a draw for them will be enough. After the Hendon capitulation, it’s clear the Redbridge run in won't be anywhere near as tough as it looked on paper so therefore you would have to make them favourites for the title.
Our task is simple, it’s must-win to hang on in there.”
Redbridge are the only team to have beaten Oakwood this season. Dean Nyman was their match-winner in the opening match of the season. But Oakwood have gone on an incredible run since. They have been the model of consistency and also have the best defence in the league. Dan Kristall and Ric Blank must be applauded for putting together an incredibly strong and close-knit unit. They have the look and feel of champions. And few could argue if they lift the title. But on Sunday they will be up against the league’s most potent strikeforce, with Summers, Garfinkle, the Sollosis, Nyman and Goldstein for company.
Kristall went on to say: “We will play on Sunday with nothing to lose and we definitely will not be leaving anything on the pitch.
“They might be free-scoring, but so were Raiders until they met us a fortnight ago. We stood firm that day and we intend to on Sunday.
“Redbridge are a very good technical side and carry a threat all over the park. They are also unbeaten in Essex in the league all season.
“We played them at a very unfortunate time in September, where we did not have a settled side. Our current team is unrecognisable to the one that played that day.
“We are confident and will relish the test. Playing football is all about these types of games.”
Redbridge warmed-up for the match by putting 10 past SPEC. Daniel Garfinkle is back to his best and they are scoring from all over the park.
But manager Jon Jacobs knows that will count for nothing unless they do a job on Oakwood.
He told JC Sport: This is what it is all about - two top teams playing against each other, both in good form and like a good boxing match.
“Two different styles that make for a potential classic – the strong organised defence of Oakwood versus the swagger and pace in attack of Redbridge. May the best team win and let’s hope that it is Redbridge!
“I have a lot of respect for Dan Kristall and what he has done this season so look forward to hosting his side in what I think will be a repeat of our away game. I just hope that the result is the same.”
The emphasis is on Redbridge being on the front foot and trying to break down a superbly organisers Oakwood defence, packed with leaders. It could be the ultimate game of cat and mouse and I can’t wait.
JC team news: Redbridge have a full strength squad to select from.
Brad Wine faces a fitness test for Oakwood, while Rafi Stone is away. Leor Sidle and Zack Collins return to the side after missing the Raiders league game.
POSSIBLE SQUADS
REDBRIDGE (from): Jay Jaffa, Dan Lee, Danny Berg, Ryan Cole, Zac Neiman, Russell Goldstein, Adam Hakimi, Danny Hakimi, Darryl Rubin, James Berkley, Matt Berkley, Ben Sollosi, Nathan Sollosi, Sam Sollosi, Daniel Garfinkle, Steve Summers, Dean Nyman
OAKWOOD (from): Dean Caplin, Jonny Blain, Harvey Kaye, Alex Lee, Dale Bradman, Lee Warner, Kyle Bentwood, Dan Rose, Guy Helman, Thomas Prais, Dave Woolman, Sam Cantor, Leor Sidle, Josh Cuby, Elliott Jackson, Luke Brookner, Dave Cohen, Jake Norton, Jonny Quinn
Venue - Townmead Park 3G, Waltham Abbey, Ref – Richard Jaye, KO – 10am
JC star man: Alex Lee (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Redbridge 1 Oakwood 1
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A vs CAMDEN PARK
Goals are guaranteed in Sunday’s meeting between Raiders and Camden.
NLR’s focus is on the semi-finals of the Peter Morrison Trophy, and it wouldn’t surprise me if Dan Shafron sent his scouting team to watch Sunday’s tie between Lions Masters and RC UK FC.
They go into the Camden game nice and fresh after a week off as they go in search of their ninth win of the season.
NLR boss Shafron told JC Sport: “At this stage of the season, it’s a breath of fresh air to play against a team we haven’t faced so far.
“Camden have had two very positive results since the appointment of Stirling who I have great respect for.
“Their win against Redbridge earlier in the season also shows that they are a side who can capitalise on any team who take them lightly and so we must be on our game if we are to come away with three points.”
Stirling Kay has had a similar impact as Marco Silva at Hull City since taking charge. His Camden team are playing with a new-found belief and confidence.
They looked dead and buried prior to his appointment, but four points out of a possible six have given their fans hope.
But Kay knows Sunday will be his biggest test. He told JC Sport: “If you go back to last week’s preview, the same applies. The only difference is the opposition which obviously being last year champions.
“This will be a massive test for the boys - Raiders still have the majority of the squad with a new younger manager in Dan Shafron will be wanting to finish the season with a flourish.
“We still need four more points to avoid relegation, so we will be all out to take three points.
“The message to my squad is attack, attack, attack! Fortune favours the brave, and an alcohol ban has been put on the whole squad for the weekend!”
I think Camden will huff and puff but Raiders will punish them on the break.
JC team news: Adam Joselyn returns to the NLR squad after two weeks away.
Rick Harris, Max Gordon, Richard Silver and Josh Marks all return to the Camden squad.
Venue – The Ark, Ref – Martin Fox, KO – 10am
JC star man: Ben Ellis (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Raiders 2 Camden 1
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DIVISION ONE
OAKWOOD B vs FINCHLEY CITY
Back-to-back defeats against Lions B and Redbridge B, lying first and third respectively in the table, mean fourth spot is Finchley's most likely finish.
They have fared well in their first season and with a little strengthening over the summer, they will be even more of a force next season.
You will do well to find a better front three than Sade, Polak and Gaon, but over the remaining six matches one or two players will be looking to impress gaffer Joel Holder to ensure they remain part of his long-term plans.
Oakwood look set to finish below the new boys this season, but manager Jason Stein was in upbeat mood ahead of the game.
“Watch your step DC, Sky Sports Jews have left cables everywhere from when they came in for the pre Redbridge match promo videos for Kyle Bentwood.
“I was so pleased with the performance last week against Raiders. It was a top-class effort from one to 11 against a super strong Raiders 'B'. The lads - especially the ones coming into the side again - have to build on that and do our best to earn a win on Sunday.
“With just three games left, we are playing for our pride and fun and we must give everything.”
Finchley have swatted off the challenge of the teams below them. But I think they are in for a major test on Sunday.
JC team news: Sam Modlin, excellent last week, will start up front for Oaks. Dan Geey, Dan Selwyn and Dan Seligman all return "so competition for places is good".
Venue - Nicholas Breakspear, Ref – Robert Caplin, KO – 10am
JC star man: Sam Modlin (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 2 Finchley 1
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FAITHFOLD A vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B
Hendon have been treading in quicksand for several months now. But there is no reason why they can't give fellow strugglers Faithfold a good game and come away with a win.
The departures of Avi Mocton and Gideon Caller hit them harder than expected last summer and they have struggled to plug the gaps, winning just once in 16 matches.
And there's also the small matter of a revenge mission after Faithfold beat them 3-0 at the start of the season.
Faithfold, who have the best keeper in the division in Daniel Kosky, according to joint-manager Rob Shooman, haven't had too much to sing about either. They haven't won since November and a big clear-out looks on the cards.
They have goals in them, but also concede far too frequently so I can see this being an open game with goals aplenty.
Venue – Christs College, Ref – Stuart Ansher, KO – 10am
JC star man: Gideon Gale (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 2 Hendon 2
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LOS BLANCOS vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B
Raiders are vying with Finchley City for fourth spot, but they will have their hands full against Blancos on Sunday.
Nick Grosse's troops enjoyed their biggest win of the season last time out and they will be looking to turn the tables on a Raiders side who beat them 4-2 in January.
NLR had good attacking options that day, and manager Jonathan Adelman told me they will be even stronger second time around.
Adelman told JC Sport; "Without wishing to jinx it, this Sunday we look like we have a strong squad to pick from.
"Some of our football the last few games has been excellent, we just haven't been clinical enough in front of goal.
"If we can carry on playing like we have been, eventually someone is going to get real hiding!"
I don't think it will be one-sided at all, but Blancos, you have been officially warned ...
JC team news: Raiders will be missing Marc Woolfe, Nicky Woolf, Elad Hertschen and Danny Bloom, but Josh Goldstein is back from Uni for the remainder of the season and both Jake Gilbert and Si Buchler are back, as is Jacob Gold. The Leader wedding/stag season is finally over so Mark and Matt return, as does Ant Shaw.
Venue - Hertswood, Ref – Barry David, KO – 10am
JC star man: Charles Braunstein (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Blancos 2 Raiders 3
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SCRABBLE FC vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B
This is another of the weekend's heavyweight contest, as second placed Scrabble welcome third placed Redbridge B. And there won't be an empty seat in the ground.
The onus is on Scrabble to win as they start the match one point ahead, although Redbridge have two games in hand.
Redbridge tasted defeat in the league for the first time in their last outing against title rivals Lions B. Sam Rank's players have been straining at the least and he assures me they will be ready for Scrabble.
"We are very much looking forward to the next three league games," Rank told JC Sport. "In simple terms we win these league games the league is ours.
"This is something we are very much taking into the next three games. If we perform to the level they can, there will be only one winner on Sunday.
"Scrabble did very well last season, and especially this season. But on Sunday they will not be ready for performances level the RJC will be displaying.
"A technique I have learnt in management this year, is how to get the best out of players. This will be shown on Sunday by taking the points back to Essex and breaking Scrabble unbeaten league record at home this season."
Scrabble welcome back goalkeeper Ben Law after a lengthy spell out injured and should have one or two more returning to the squad after lengthy absences for this top of the table clash at Capital City Academy.
Ray Abrahams told JC Sport: "We won our sixth succesive game on Sunday despite our horrendous injury situation and we've taken 18 points from those matches to propel us into the top two.
"The boys have worked hard to get to where we are and the attitude and level of commitment from everybody at the club recently has been amazing.
"We will look to play with confidence and freedom as we always do and let Redbridge deal with the pressure of travelling over to north-west London on what is forecast to be a rainy morning and the fact that they have slipped down the table recently means they will be anxious to find some form.
"We will be waiting for them with the added incentive of knowing that another win would take us joint-top. It should be another classic at Willesden.
"I've always said that the two promotion places won't be decided until the last kick of the season, but it's been great to be involved in the mix.
"Our first aim is to secure a top two place and then we can turn our attention to the title. But at the moment we just have to keep focused and let our football do the talking."
It's refreshing to see both managers front up and hold nothing back. If their respective teams do the same we're in for a real treat.
JC team news: Redbridge have a full strength squad to select from.
Venue – Capital City, Ref – Robert Benardout, KO – 10am
JC star man: Adam Goldman (Redbridge)
DC Prediction: Scrabble 2 Redbridge 2
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DIVISION TWO
BOCA JEWNIORS vs L’EQUIPE
Boca are desperate to avoid the wooden spoon, but the fixtures have fallen unkindly.
Last week they were beaten against promotion chasing Temple Fortune and now they face champions L'Equipe. I hope they remember to give them a guard of honour.
The Boca boys certainly didn't disgrace themselves last Sunday. Far from it. But if they expect any favours from L'Equipe they can think again.
Andy Smith ripped Boca apart single-handedly when the teams met at the end of January. And I'm predicting more of the same.
L'Equipe boss Nick Stern told JC Sport" "To say we have been on cloud nine for the past two weeks has been an understatement and we have all been reveling in all the media coverage that this fine club deserves.
"Whatever happens from now on, we are champions and no-one can take that away from us.
"However, my team has built their own winning mentality and we want to continue this on Sunday against an ever improving Boca side.
"While all talk of an unbeaten season has been banned, we go into the Boca game wanting to go out there do ourselves proud and continue our winning ways. We look forward to running out through our guard of honour as champions!
JC team news: Mark Smith is out for the champions while Max Martin still suspended. They "also all want to wish Gideon Chain a big mazel tov on his recent engagement and we understand if he never plays again as he makes a move Down Under". Other than that we are at full strength and relishing the chance to be back on the pitch.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Steve Levy, KO – 10am
JC star man: Matt Gilbery (L'Equipe)
DC Prediction: Boca 1 L'Equipe 5
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TEMPLE FORTUNE vs MILL HILL DONS
Temple Fortune go in search of their 10th league win when they host the Dons.
They did what they needed to against Boca last week, when top-scorer Jordan Sharifian fired his 25th goal of what is proving to be a memorable campaign. The new recruits have bedded in nicely and more of the same is the order of the day.
And manager Simon Linden is now eyeing a league double. He told JC Sport: "We beat Mill Hill 2-1 on the opening day, Both teams have improved a lot since that game.
"Brandon at Mill Hill has done a terrific job this season, they have a good group of players so we know this will difficult.
"Promotion is the aim and three wins from our last three is vital. The boys are well up for Sunday."
The Dons have won their last two and continue to score goals for fun.
But they know that Sunday will be a step up in standard and Hamme and co will be keen to prove a point against a Fortune team hoping to play Division One football next season.
Hamme told JC Sport: "It's a great time to be a Dons fan right now - we have won three out of last four games and just sit five points off the promotion places.
"Promotion may be out of our reach but we want to keep going until it's mathematically impossible to not go up.
"We have the chance this week to close the gap to just two points as we face second place Temple Fortune. The last time we faced Fortune was our first ever game back in September. We lost in controversial style that day with what seemed like a perfectly legit late Adam Ben-Harosh goal being ruled out for pushing in the area.
"We saw on the day that Fortune are definitely no pushovers and that's been showcased further by their position in the league.
"It will be a challenging game but like I say to my players every week, when we are at the races we can beat anytime in this league and we should fear no-one. I'm not ready and the rest of the team are certainly ready to give up on this promotion race just yet."
I am going to tip Fortune to win. They are at home, where they always seem to create a lot of chances.
JC team news: Fortune are boosted by the return of Michael Goldberg and Michael Woolfe. brett Stead and Gideon Wetrin remain out.
Harry Moss is out for the rest of the season for the Dons. Hamme added: "He is doing some important ambassadorial duties for the club in New Zealand. Sammy Hakimian also looks likely to miss the rest of the season as he got a serious injury during a hora at a wedding, an unfortunate situation for Sammy and the Dons but mazel tov to the new married couple! Ben Bazini could return to face his first game in 168 days after his long road to recovery seems to have finally come to an end. It's bound to be an emotional day for the Dons firm in which during his time out injured he became a prominent member of.
Venue – Roger Bannister, Ref – Paul Dobkin, KO – 10am
JC star man: Adam Lenz (Fortune)
DC Prediction: Fortune 4 Dons 2
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REAL HENDON vs FAITHFOLD B
Goals are on the cards here as Real tackle Faithfold B.
Faithfold have had a disastrous 2017 - they looked set to feature in the promotion mix but have been unable to maintain the high standards set over the first few months.
The Greens were hoping for one piece of silverware, but now it appears striker Richard Fogelman could miss out on the MGBSFL Golden Boot. Having led for most of the season, the thought be leaving him having sleepless nights.
But he will get two cracks at Real, with a game against Boca sandwiched in between. So don't write him off just yet.
Looking ahead to the game, Faithfold's Avi Garson, who bemoans an injury list "too long to go through," told JC Sport: "As the season comes to a close our hope is obviously to end off on a positive.
"With both teams having very little to play for it's a chance to enjoy ourselves and play without any pressure on our backs.
"Our main aim at this stage though is to help Richard Fogelman win the Golden Boot. With Fogey leading the goal-charts it shows that we've have been doing something right.
"It shows that we've created plenty of chances for our strikers. So I can reveal confidently that if we get a penalty or free-kick it'll be Fogelini taking it."
Real haven't won seen I watched them against Mill Hill Dons. Unfortunately I was unable to accept the kind offer of a season ticket!
But this is the kind of game that will suit them down to the ground. They will have time and space to express themselves and have the weapons to hurt Faithfold.
I'm predicting an end to end affair, like a basketball match. Fogelman will be looking to fill his boots but I can see Real playing their part in one of the games of the season.
FAITHFOLD: David Garson, Josh Barnett (c), David Nenaim, Johnny Mack, Yoss Brownson, Sam Garson, JJ Marrache, Ben Kfir, Alex Weinfeld, Mike Patterson, Dan Lowen, Josh Garson, Jeremy Teacher, Richard Fogelman
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Mike Cowan, KO – 10am
JC star man: Mike Patterson (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Real 4 Faithfold 4
