ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro
Josh Rosenfeld, the manager of Brady Maccabi A, says his must not under-estimate the threat of first division Brixton Old Boys A when the team's go head-to-head in the semi-finals of the JC Cyril Anekstein Cup on Sunday.
A bumper crowd is expected for a match that promises to be an enthralling contest. Warwick Blake, the double JC MSFL Referee of the Year, will take charge of the tie, with Quentin Fox and Martin Fox running the line..
Brixton have fired 26 goals in their last four outings. So the message is clear. Brady beware.
The Brady bunch warmed-up for the game with an 8-2 victory over Southgate Harmen A. Striker Jonathan Green excelled for the second consecutive match, while star striker Paul Hakim also appeared on the hat-trick heroes column.
Looking ahead to the early kick-off at the Lane, Rosenfeld told JC Sport: "Sunday is a big game and everyone is looking forward to it.
"Brixton are an excellent side and have already beaten two excellent Premier Division sides in this competition. We cannot under-estimate them.
"We know we can beat anyone on our day if we turn up with the right attitude and play the way we have we have been for the last few weeks."
Rosenfeld describes the absence of TJ Keterman and Zak Presky as "a huge loss," but is confident he has enough weapons at his disposal. Rosenfeld went on to say: "What I have noticed is we have majority of our boys fit and the squad looks much healthier.
"The only problem is picking the side, which is a good problem to have.
"Let's hope the game is played in the right way and it’s the football that does the talking on the pitch."
Visitors Brixton really have nothing to lose going into the game and I expect Nitka’s warriors to give it their all. The Brixton boss was keeping his cards close to his chest ahead of the game.
I managed to get a few words with him out of his car window in Edgware. "As far as my team are concerned is that we have players unavailable and several carrying injuries, but I will put out a team that will give Brady a game," Nitka told JC Sport.
"Yes I would love to win this and get to the final, but it’s a 50-50 chance as I feel both teams are evenly balanced.
"I also do not take too kindly to comments by another manager quoting "good luck in one hand," and then saying "we could really do with Brady knocking the stuffing out of them," bearing in mind we have to play them twice which will affect promotion to the Premiership. I will deal with that issue on the pitch when we play Norstar Sunday week.
Clearly Nitka and co have some big fish to fry over the next couple of weeks, but he will continue to take it one game at a time, especially with the twin towers of Wingate & Finchley only 90 minutes away.
Hendon United Sports Club A await the winner of last four clash at Rowley Lane.