GOAL OF THE WEEK: Rob Simons (L'Equipe)
SAVE OF THE WEEK: Joel Macadar (NL Raiders C)
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: Josh Hambling (Redbridge JC B)
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND TWO DRAW
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND ONE
CAMDEN PARK vs FC TEAM
FC Team enjoyed a stroll in the park in front of the JC cameras against Temple Fortune B last weekend and they will fancy their chances of springing a surprise against Premier Division Camden Park on Sunday.
Featuring a number of players with top-flight experience, Mitch Young’s men will be confident of taking the scalp of a Camden side that have lost both their league matches.
Richard Salmon showed us another side to his game against Fortune, chipping in with four assists but he could be a marked man as the Khalatschi brothers look to guide Camden into the next round.
Having proved he still has the legs to cut it in midfield, it will be interesting to see if Team keep Marc Hecht in the centre of the park, or if he reverts to defence.
And after splashing all over the backpages of this week’s JC, I just hope Hecht and Young don’t injure their backs purchasing every copy in north-west London!
Sunday is much more than a banana skin for Camden. And their players and fans know it. But a win would really kickstart their season.
Boss Stirling Kay told JC Sport: "I was very encouraged with the attitude shown against Redbridge but one thing for sure we will not be underestimating FC Team.
"We will match ther effort and attitude, and we will go into the game treating them as a premier side and show total respect."
Camden are long over-due a run in the Morrison but league survival has to be their priority.
Ref – Martin De La Fuente, KO – 10
JC star man: Marc Hecht (FC Team)
DC Prediction: Camden 1 Team 2
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FAIRLOP FC vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB
Fairlop boss Aaron Dias has been a busy boy splashing the cash ahead of the big showdown with former winners Hendon United.
“Due to a whopping eight players out with injury, the recruitment team have been working hard to bring in some emergency players, with three new signings” in the pipeline.
Dias is fast-becoming the Roman Abrahamovich of the MGBSFL and you have to admire his ambition to fast-track his team up the ladder.
The arrival of Scott Shear is timely, while James Jaconelli has already proved his quality at “another Essex based Jewish team”.
Dias went on to say: “We have also captured Kane Wise. He will rival Bradley Gayer for the end of season 'Playboy Award'.
“We go into the game full of confidence and are excited to test ourselves against one of the best teams in the Premier League.
“I fully expect the boys to up their game and get us into the hat for the next round.”
Sunday is just another game for a Hendon team who want ‘their’ trophy back. It remains to be seen whether manager Greg Corin has special plans to cope with the threat of Ryan Cole but he knows his players await a cauldron.
Hendon's Russ Corin told JC Sport: "We're very aware that Fairlop have a decent squad with some experienced players who have played at a decent level.
"We won't be taking anything for granted and expect a highly competitive fixture.
"It's a cup game, so it's always potentially dangerous. We'll just be looking to do our job and get through to the next round as we had a disappointing run in the cups last year."
Hendon are gunning to win the competition for the fourth time in five years, and with players of the quality of Russ Corin, Alex Rosenthal, Avi Korman, Dovi Fehler, Zac Lewis et al, I’m not brave enough to predict anything other than a Hendon win.
Venue – Redbridge Sports Centre, Ref – Andy Myerson, KO – 10am
JC star man: Rafi Kon (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Fairlop 1 Hendon 3
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SCRABBLE FC vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
First division Scrabble go into the tie against Premier Division Redbridge with their tails up after an impressive win and clean sheet against promotion rivals Raiders B.
Craig Edwards was their match-winner in a game where boss Ray Abrahams nominated every player for JC Team of the Week.
More of the same will be the order of the day as they look to maintain their solid start.
Having exited the Anekstein at the first hurdle, the Morrison holds even more importance for Redbridge. Defeat would be a real hammer blow and I expect them to give Scrabble the respect they deserve.
Ref – Neal Cohen, KO – 10am
JC star man: Dan Lee (RJC)
DC Prediction: Scrabble 1 RJC 1 AET (RJC to win on penalties)
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STRAW HAT PIRATES vs LOS BLANCOS
First division high-flyers Los Blancos start as strong favourites ahead of the trip to Borehamwood.
Four wins on the spin mean they are playing with confidence and great belief. This is the strongest Blancos squad I can remember, with goal-scoring threats all over the pitch.
Svi Freedman has been the real ace in the pack, with Simon Moses, Josh Aziz, Oli Sade and Tim Heynes among the players looking to cut the Pirates’ defence to ribbons.
Joint-manager Joel Salomon told JC Sport: “We’ve got a lot of our big players back this week and have the luxury of a bigger squad which is welcome news.
“This team has a habit of winning and I see it continuing and I expect us to get through this round of the cup.”
The Pirates won last time out but this will be a real step up in terms of quality and fitness. Aron Gale has received a couple of rave reviews already this season but Sunday will come down to defensive organisation and game management.
The Pirates will do well to still be in it at half-time and I can’t see them causing Blancos too many problems.
Venue – Tempsford Green, Ref – Mark Jacob, KO – 10am
JC star man: Elliott Moslawy (Blancos)
DC Prediction: Pirates 0 Blancos 4
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MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS BLUE
Alex Kaye is the MGBSFL equivalent to Jack Wilshere. About as talented as there is but desperately unlucky with injuries.
Raiders fans have yet to see the best of the midfield maestro who is now hoping for an injury-free run and push L’Orange back towards the top.
NLR boss Dan Shafron praised Kaye last week and told JC Sport: “He adds a lot of tenacity in the middle of the pitch and will be an influential player moving forward.”
Victory over Lions Blue would take Raiders to within two points off top spot. I cannot see them winning the title this season but they certainly have the players to push for a top three finish. Of course, Shafron and co will be wanting better than that.
The Lions have had time to lick their wounds following their third consecutive defeat. Manager Sam Marchant was hoping to field Raiders old boy Liron Mannie but he’s currently tied up in the Far East (not literally, of course … I hope!).
From what I understand, they were short up front against Redbridge last week and that will be something Marchant will need to address ahead of Sunday.
Ref – Martin Lavender, KO – 10am
JC star man: David Cohen (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Raiders 1 Lions 0
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DIVISION ONE
FAITHFOLD A vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B
The clash between Chaim Bordon and Dan Gordon takes top billing as league leaders Faithfold A put their 100 per cent record on the line against a Redbridge B team who have won two on the bounce.
Bordon has been in top form, scoring goals and setting them up for his team-mates who real the real deal.
Player-manager Avi Markiewicz, who is doing a top job in goal, told JC Sport: “We are on a great run at the moment and haven't yet lost.
“But we are taking nothing for granted against Redbridge on Sunday as we are missing a few players.
“We hope that our strength in depth can cover for that and will continue our rich vein against our third Redbridge team of the year.”
Redbridge have stepped up their game, with the boy Gordon playing with a real spring in his step. But they are far from a one man team as they showed last week, even if boss Josh Hambling was critical of keeper Brad Grant for “throwing one in”.
But with their A-team having been swept aside by Faithfold in the cup, they will need to start well and deny Faithfold any time and space in and around their penalty area.
Faithfold start as the favourites and if they play as they have been I can see them coming out on top.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – Luke Steele, KO – 10am
JC star man: Ben Shiribini (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 2 RJC 1
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L’EQUIPE vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B
L’Equipe kept Oakwood rooted to the foot of the table last weekend, although they were just minutes away from securing their first victory of the season but for a late equaliser.
Manager Nick Stern praised goalkeeper Mark Glucksman and Rob Simons for that wonder goal and his upbeat mood continued ahead of the Raiders game, for reasons to be explained.
I was delighted to be able to help Stern fill the big boots of Glucksman ahead of the visit of Raiders – one of the last teams you want to be playing without a recognised stopper.
Stern told JC Sport: “Firstly, I wanted to start by saying a huge public thank you to Marc Brahams, - following a great suggestion from Danny Caro, we have been able to tap into Masters football to ensure we have a keeper this week so again a big thank you to you for the suggestion and for Marc for helping out a team in need.
“As always we are short this week but we proved last week that L’Equipe’s never-say-die attitude is still present throughout the remaining members of the squad and despite only having 11 players again, we will give everything we have to defend our home fortress.”
L’Equipe have had plenty to celebrate since the Oakwood game. Stern continued: “A huge mazel tov to Grant Bates on the birth of his son, as well as Mark Singer whose wife also gave birth. It is now official that not only have we had more children born in the squad than training sessions, we have now had more than games played!
“At this rate we will be able to put out an under-one team before we put out a full men’s squad!
Raiders are looking to bounce back following their first defeat and failure to score in the 1-0 defeat against Scrabble. Having scored 12 goals in their first three matches, Jonny Adelman was at a loss to explain why his players left their shooting boots at home. So don’t be surprised if they adopt a shoot on sight policy on Sunday.
The midfield area will be key on Sunday, with Simon Buchler and Ricky Lawrence looking to provide chances on a plate for Josh Green and Jake Gilbert. Patience will be the name of the game on Sunday in what could be a real game of cat and mouse.
Venue – Old Finchleians, Ref – Steve Russell, KO – 10am
JC star man: Marc Brahams (L’Equipe)
DC Prediction: L’Equipe 1 Raiders 2
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OAKWOOD B vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE C
Jason Stein has promised not to duplicate Jose Mourinho’s anti-football tactics ahead of the visit of Redbridge C.
Stein left the Estadio do Sport Lisboa a proud man after watching his beloved United squeak home 1-0, even if he had to be woken up a couple of times.
Indeed he cut a mightily relieved figure after Oakwood’s late leveller against L’Equipe last Sunday, when Haydon Davidson (2) and that man Dan Seligman were the marksmen.
“We’ve got to win this week,” a determined sounded Stein told JC Sport. “That’s two games we’ve totally thrown away. That must end.
“I’ve banned the lads from talking to the press and I’m only here so I don’t get fined.
“We’ll do the talking on the pitch this week.”
Redbridge were soundly beaten by leaders Faithold last Sunday. They lacked cohesion on the 3G surface at the Hive and that will be music to the ears of Stein and co.
With no substitutes on the bench, they lacked a game changer and became far too predictable. And that will play into the hands of an Oakwood who don’t have a problem finding the net.
JC team news: Dan Ash, JRK and Dan Seligman will form the basis of a strong Oakwood attack.
Venue – Nicholas Breakspear, Ref – Barry David, KO – 10am
JC star man: Haydon Davidson (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 2 RJC 0
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DIVISION TWO
BOCA JEWNIORS vs REAL HENDON
In the most recent edition of When Sunday Comes, I described Real Hendon as the dark horses of Division Two.
Having won one, drawn one and lost one in the league, they have a chance to make a big statement against the division’s whipping boys.
But Martin Smulovitch’s men are taking nothing for granted ahead of kick-off. Real’s Rafi Addlestone told JC Sport: “Boca have been a bit of a bogey team for us in the past, so we are very keen to turn up this week, full of intent and to get back to winning ways.
“We finally see the return of Lloyd Kafton, who has hired live in home help so he can stand a chance of making a Sunday morning kick off.”
The scoring sequence against Boca has gone 12, 5, 9, 5, 8. Confidence must be fragile in the Boca defence and I can’t see things getting better on Sunday, with the Real front men looking to fill their boots.
JC team news: NLR have named a full-strength this week, “with a stacked bench!”
Venue – Aycliffe Park, Ref – Marc Rister, KO – 10am
JC star man: Lloyd Kafton (Real)
DC Prediction: Boca 1 Real 4
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HERTSWOOD VALE vs FAITHFOLD B
Another week and the ongoing injury crisis at Hertswood Vale continues.
They go into what Jacob Emanuel labelled “a must-win game” against Faithfold with a total of 14 players unavailable.
The last three games have been really tough but Emanuel hopes there will be light at the end of the tunnel.
“Moving forward, we will have a flat 11 out for Sunday but one that is more than capable of beating Faithfold,” he told JC Sport.
“Luckily this season we don't have to worry about Richard Fogelman who scored a hat-trick last time the two teams met.”
Reflecting on the 6-0 drubbing by Catford, Emanuel commented: “Last week was an off-day for the club - with so many players out, and having to bring in some last-minute signings, the team never got going, conceded too many sloppy goals and didn't score for the first time this season.
“We're looking ahead to Sunday slightly frustrated with unavailability but with the confidence that we can get back on track with our season with a win.”
Faithfold were tanked 4-1 by Bayern last week. But I believe their players can be more effective on grass, as they showed against Boca. But it’s vital they keep things tight for the first 20 minutes and silence the crowd.
This may not be a classic but I’m tipping home advantage, and the quality of Elio Elia, to swing it.
JC team news: Hertswood’s notable losses include captain Josh Wood, top-scorer Edan Dodi and keeper Joni Hirschowitz. Special mention to Ben Davis who has been forced to pull out of the squad with a back injury that is likely to keep him out for the foreseeable future - we wish him all the best!
Faithfold finally have a full squad available, so there can be no excuses!
Venue – Meadow Park, Ref – Bob Caplin, KO – 10am
JC star man: Elio Elia (Hertswood)
DC Prediction: Hertswood 3 Faithfold 2
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C vs BAYERN MINCHA
This has the makings of one of the games of the season.
Both teams love to attack and play football the right way and I can see it being a great advert for the MGBSFL.
Raiders know they will have must tougher tests than their game against Boca last week. And with matches against FC Team and Catford to follow, this is the start of a crucial part of their season.
Boss Sam Rose told JC Sport: “Whilst we expect a strong looking Bayern side for this week’s game, we’re certainly all still on a high after last week’s result and aim to take that focus and positivity into this week’s game with a strong attacking side in mind.
“Bayern will know they need to win the game to keep chase with the leading pack but we’re confident of turning in a positive result that will only enhance our own credentials come Sunday at the Ark.
The Bayern boys have responded magnificently since the defeat to Fairlop. Seventeen goals have been shared around the team in the four matches since and they are really enjoying their football at the minute.
Joint Bayern boss Daniel Holder told JC Sport: "We have seen that Raiders have had some strong results and they fancy themselves for promotion.
"Nevertheless, with four wins on the trot in all competitions, we go into the game full of confidence and without any fear whatsoever.
"Last week, Eli Davila who was arguably Finchley’s best player in Division One last year made his debut and we have a very powerful squad to choose from. Expect goals in this one."
Victory for either side could see them finish the weekend top of the table and if that isn’t incentive enough then I don’t know what is.
JC team news: NLR welcome back Liam Stein this week to an already strong looking Raiders side for this Sunday’s game. Most of the team that played in the 8-3 against Boca last week are all available.
Bayern are without the in-form Sam Leader but still had as many as 18 players who confirmed themselves available. That means Alon and Daniel Holder have the unfortunate task of having to drop four players.
Adam Herszaft must be pushing for a place in the Bayern starting XI after bagging a brace from off the bench last week.
Venue – Ark Academy, Ref – Robert Benardout, KO – 10am
JC star man: Adam Herszaft (Bayern)
DC Prediction: Raiders 2 Bayern 2
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TEMPLE FORTUNE B vs CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI
Jeff Gotch has warned his Catford team to avoid complacency ahead of the trip to Pinner.
Last week’s 6-0 win over Hertswood was one of the finest performances since Gotch took charge. They now carry a real threat in the final third and look to have the strength in depth to mount a sustained title challenge.
Gotch has been watching our video of Fortune’s 11-2 drubbing against FC Team last week and will be confident his players can get behind the Fortune defence.
“it’s been a pretty good week seeing ourselves at the top of the tree but we know there is still a lot of hard work to put in,” Gotch told JC Sport.
“I have drilled into my squad that we can’t be complacent and have to understand that to keep our run going we have to be at our best and to keep that concentration
“Goals seem to be coming from all over the park this season and that has really made a big difference – Alex Jacobs has added a real dimension to our team and we seem to be improving each week
“We are missing a few this week but we have a big enough squad to cope and are taking a good 14 players to the game.
“Nothing less than three points will do going into the return trip to Essex next week against the team that think the titles is already theirs!”
Fortune didn’t cover themselves in glory but they must wipe the slate clean and get ready to go again.
If there was one positive to take away from the game against FC Team last week, it was the fact they scored the goal of the game – the breakaway second – but the key will be starving the Catford forwards of the ball.
I can only see Catford winning their individual and collective battles and running out comfortable winners.
Venue – Roger Bannister, Ref – Darryl Colmans, KO – 10am
JC star man: Gavin Fox (Catford)
DC Prediction: Fortune 0 Catford 5
