Hendon United Sports, HMH, Redbridge Jewish Care, North London Galaxy and Hertswood Vale took the honours in league and cup in season 2018/19, so now it's time to assess the strengths and weaknesses of all the teams who featured in the MGBSFL.
June 3, 2019 11:45
MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
CHAMPIONS: HENDON UNITED SPORTS
Record: Pl. 18, W. 14, D. 2, L. 2, F. 51, A. 25, Pts. 44
Best win: 3-1 vs Oakwood (Anekstein final)
Biggest win: Cup – 16-0 vs Temple Fortune, League – 10-4 vs Faithfold
Worst result: 2-0 vs Oakwood
Top-scorer: Rocky Spitzer
Star men: Chaim Korman, Rocky Spitzer, Ari Nevies
Games failed to score in: 1
Clean sheets: 8
Matches postponed: 1
Best signing: Gav Noe
DC Verdict: Hendon United do exactly what it says on the tin. New manager Jordan Sapler had a tough act to follow after taking over the reins from Greg Corin, but didn’t he do well. He followed in the footsteps of Lord Kestenbaum, Lord Garbacz and Corin by bringing home the silverware … not just one piece, but two. The comeback in the Cyril Anekstein Cup was real Roy of the Rovers’ stuff, while they held off the challenge of HMH, the new kids on the block, to retain the title by eight points – the same margin as the previous year. Goalkeeper Russell Corin kept the most clean sheets, but he couldn’t have done it without the efforts of his trusty lieutenants – Ari Nevies and Simon Peterman. Youth came in the shape of Mordi Weiler, who spent more time attacking than defending, plus Jonti Aremband, Jordan Mizrahi and Zac Garbacz, who all came of age and never let anyone down. Not forgetting Chaim Korman – a contender for Player of the Season. So if anyone questioned Hendon’s continuity plan, they appear to have all bases covered. Josh Harris enjoyed another solid season, while Dovi Fehler and Zac Lewis scored and assisted virtually every week. Not even an injury to talisman and captain Ari Last could halt them. Jonny Kay, Yehuda Korman and Avi Korman saw to that. Rocky Spitzer had without doubt his best-ever season in the MGBSFL. Both he and Chaim Korman are among the leading contenders for Player of the Year. Both were regular scorers and led by example, to ensure Hendon kept the bar high and held off the challenge of both HMH and Oakwood. Yes the Morrison exit in Liverpool against losing finalists Haroldeans ended their hopes of the treble, but once again, they have plenty to be proud of.
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2. HMH
Record: Pl. 18, W. 10, D. 6, L. 2, F. 39, A. 19, Pts. 36
Best win: 5-1 vs Hendon
Biggest win: 6-0 vs Brady
Worst result: 4-3 vs Faithfold
Top-scorers: Oscar Wagner, Adam Abadi
Star men: Thomas Prais, Josh Goldstein, Sammy Kingston, Oscar Wagner, Jake Doffman
Games failed to score in: 2
Clean sheets: 3
Matches postponed: 3
Best signing: Jake Doffman
DC Verdict: Eyebrows were raised when Avi Goldberg’s ‘boys’ jumped straight into the Premier Division upon joining the MGBSFL. But they needn’t have been. HMH were a breath of fresh air, winning the Jewish FA Cup and finishing runners-up in their first full season in senior football. Much like Jurgen Klopp, Goldberg turned his players and fans from dreamers into believers. They were Hendon United’s bogey team, unbeaten against the league champions in three games. They made their intentions clear from the outset, thumping Hendon 5-1. It was no fluke result believe you me. The perils of a young team, who have come out the other side of university, means they had players who left to go travelling during the business end of the season. But it mattered not. Especially when you can sign a player of the calibre of Jake Doffman, who oozed star qualities back in rightful position! In Thomas Prais, Sammy Kingston and Josh Goldstein, they have three of the best defenders in Jewish football. Prais also did a job in midfield when called upon, with the likes of Teddie Levenfiche and Oxford University captain Leo Ackerman did the business when called upon. George Goldberg, Adam Abadi and Ethan Krell are also worthy of mentions, while that man Oscar Wagner grabbed many headlines with his classy goals, including a pair in the Morrison final. They were unbeaten in front of the JC cameras in a season to remember. HMH fans can look forward to seeing the red-hot Adam Ellis line up in the famous sky blue colours, and his quality will ensure they are pushing for more silverware.
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3. OAKWOOD A
Record: Pl. 18, W. 10, D. 2, L. 6, F. 42, A. 26, Pts. 32
Best win: 2-0 vs Hendon
Biggest win: 6-1 vs Brady
Worst result: 5-2 vs Los Camden
Top-scorer: Josh Bharier
Star men: Josy Cuby, Josh Bharier, Alex Lee
Games failed to score in: 3
Clean sheets: 5
Matches postponed: 4
Best signing: Josh Bharier
DC Verdict: Oakwood were just seconds away from retaining the League Cup, before succumbing in extra-time against arch rivals Hendon United in the final. Likewise, they were within touching distance of eliminating winners HMH in the Morrison. Small details ... the difference between winning and losing. But they failed to hit the heights of recent years in the league where they lost six matches. Injuries to some of their big-hitters meant they could not keep pace with Hendon and HMH, despite the best efforts of the two Josh’s - the prolific front pairing Cuby and Bharier. Alex Lee was in commanding form at the back, while Harvey Kaye enjoyed a purple patch mid-season, but the top two raised the bar so high in terms of consistency they fell just short. Joint-manager Dan Kristall summed things up perfectly after the final game: “We have a busy summer ahead, lots of things to improve on, but don’t go writing us off for silverware next season.”
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4. MACCABI LONDON LIONS
Record: Pl. 18, W. 7, D. 4, L. 7, F. 44, A. 40, Pts. 25
Best win: 3-1 vs Oakwood
Biggest win: Cup – 16-0 vs Scrabble, League – 5-0 vs Los Camden
Worst result: 4-1 vs HMH
Top-scorer: Reiss Mogilner
Star men: Jack Franks, Alex Taylor
Games failed to score in: 1
Clean sheets: 2
Matches postponed: 0
Best signing: Reiss Mogilner
DC Verdict: Lions were one of very few teams across the league not to have a match postponed, for any reason. Having won the Peter Morrison Trophy last season, they started the season with high expectations, especially after luring goal-poacher Reiss Mogilner from stablemates Brady Maccabi. But on the pitch they conceded an alarming number of goals in their opening fixtures. Young goalkeeper Jack Franks helped shore things up, earning some rave reviews for some inspired displays in nets while the experience of Alex Taylor in front of him was vital. Dropped points against the teams below them proved costly and I expect reinforcements to come in to ensure they are once again challenging for honours next season.
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5. LOS CAMDEN
Record: Pl. 18, W. 5, D. 3, L. 10, F. 33, A. 46, Pts. 18
Best wins: Cup - 2-0 vs HMH (Anekstein), League – 2-1 vs HMH & 5-2 vs Oakwood
Biggest win: 5-2 vs Oakwood
Worst result: 6-1 vs Hendon
Top-scorer: Oli Sade
Star men: Oli Sade, Johann Jordi, Guy Fenton, Josh Tiano
Games failed to score in: 3
Clean sheets: 3
Matches postponed: 1
Best signings: Gav Krieger, Ashley Couque
DC Verdict: Los Camden were HMH’s bogey team – beating them in league and the League Cup. But despite adding depth to an already talented squad, they struggled with consistency of result rather than consistency of performances. Striker Oli Sade produced some excellent displays and scored some stupendous goals, while goalkeeper Steven Murad proved himself as one of the most reliable custodians in the MGBSFL. Both players would walk into most teams. At times they were let down by indiscipline, finishing games with less than their full quota, but Stirling Kay got his team playing and playing well. The bottom line is they never give any team an easy game, and with a few quality additions they could be eyeing a top four or five finish next season.
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6. FAITHFOLD DOC MM A
Record: Pl. 18, W. 4, D. 2, L. 12, F. 34, A. 55, Pts. 14
Best result: 3-3 vs Lions
Biggest win: 5-2 vs Brady
Worst result: 10-4 vs Hendon
Top-scorer: Avi Markiewicz
Star man: David Leiwy
Games failed to score in: 5
Clean sheets: 0
Matches postponed: 1
Best signing: Eli Davila
DC Verdict: Like Brady, they struggled for goals, but often saved their best for the top teams. The failure to find a regular and decent goalkeeper was another factor that held them back, despite the best efforts of player-manager Avi Markiewicz, who registered 46 players. Indeed Markiewicz and co will learn much about their first season in the top-flight, especially the need for consistent availability. For instructions, see Hendon.
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7. BRADY MACCABI
Record: Pl. 18, W. 3, D. 1, L. 14, F. 16, A. 48, Pts. 10
Best win: 3-1 vs Los Camden
Biggest win: 3-1 vs Los Camden
Worst result: 5-2 vs Faithfold
Top-scorer: Ben Kohler, Marc Rister
Games failed to score in: 4
Clean sheets: 1
Matches postponed: 4
DC Verdict: The boots of Reiss Mogilner were always going to be big ones to fill, and so it proved. Joel Nathan’s boys failed to score in four games and were unable to produce a cup run of note. They never recovered from a run of five consecutive defeats at the top of the season and fell short in several areas, notably and a goal-scorer, throughout.
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DIVISION ONE
DANNY CARO'S DIVISION ONE TEAM OF THE SEASON
CHAMPIONS: REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
Record: Pl. 16, W. 12, D. 4, L. 0, F.. A., Pts. 40
Best win: 4-1 vs Faithfold A (cup)
Biggest win: 11-1 vs Scrabble
Worst result: 4-4 vs Fairlop
Top-scorer: Nate Kashket
Star men: Nate Kashket
Games failed to score in: 0
Clean sheets: 4
Matches postponed: 3
Best signings: Dean Nyman, Alex Paraskeva
DC Verdict: Set the bar high from the off and kept their noses in front of Fairlop until the end. The title was the aim at the start of the season and under Sam Rank and Johan Simberg, the squad delivered. Nate Kashket lit up the division with some scintillating performances his brother would’ve been proud of. Alex Paraskeva also contributed in the goals department, while Dan Adelman and Dan Andrews were rock solid in defence. Midfield was driven by James Berkley and Jamie Bernstein, with stalwart Carl Dobrin enjoying his best season in the league. The goals and drive of Dean Nyman towards the back-end of the season was another crucial factor. Having finished their league season first, with points in the bag, their prayers were answers as Fairlop dropped points to ensure RJC finished as champions. Used 38 players in total, with the odd appearance from experienced B-team players ensuring they were never short. Ultimately their game-management and will to win got them over the line.
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2. FAIRLOP
Record: Pl.16, W. 11, D. 5, L. 0, F. 34, A.18, Pts. 40
Best result: 4-4 vs Redbridge JC A
Biggest win: 5-1 vs Los Camden
Worst result: 5-1 vs SPEC FC
Top-scorer: James Jaconelli
Goals of the season: Adam Goldman, Brad Gayer
Star men: Daryl Rubin, Aaron Rosen, Brad Gayer, James Jaconelli
Games failed to score in: 1
Clean sheets: 4
Matches postponed: 2
Best signings: Harrison Grant, Aaron Rosen
DC Verdict: The title race was separated by tiny margins. Two points to be exact. The fact it was rivals Redbridge Jewish Care A made it a harder pill to swallow. Like RJC, Fairlop finished unbeaten and both matches against them were drawn. One of the smallest and most tightly-knit squads in the league oozed Premier Division quality and they cannot wait to lock horns with the big guns next season. Rock solid at the back, could probably do with a goal-scoring CAM or striker in the window.
FAIRLOP HIGHLIGHTS - JEWDINESE
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3. JEWDINESE
Record: Pl. 16, W. 9, D. 6, L. 1, F.43, A.20, Pts. 33
Best result: 2-2 vs Redbridge JC A
Biggest win: 14-0 vs Scrabble
Worst result: 1-0 vs Oakwood
Top-scorer: Zac Brin, Zack Collins, Scott Oldstein
Star men: Adam Gold
Games failed to score in: 3
Clean sheets: 2
Matches postponed: 2
Best signing: Adam Gold
DC Verdict: Back in the MGBSFL with a bang. Finished third in the division and reached the semi-finals of the BGT. Adam Gold marshalled his defence superbly and was nominated by several rival clubs for Division One Team of the Season. Hard to find a weakness across the team but needed one or two players to step up and reach double figures in the goals department. Fix that and they will go places next season.
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4. NORTH LONDON GALAXY
Record: Pl. 16, W. 9, D. 3, L. 4, F.36, A.26, Pts. 30
Best win: 4-2 vs Raiders (BGT final)
Biggest win: 9-0 vs Scrabble
Worst result: 7-0 vs Raiders
Top-scorer: Josh Cohen
Star men: Jamie Murray, Zack Nathan, Jordan Freeman, Jack Mattey, Tyler Smith
Games failed to score in: 7
Clean sheets: 1
Matches postponed: 3
Best signings: Josh Shack, Jack Mattey, Tyler Smith
DC Verdict: One season, one trophy. Makes good reading. A top four finish was also respectable for a young and talented team going places. Enjoyed the big stage and delivered in the BGT final. Must build the team around Josh Shack, Jack Mattey and Tyler Smith. Another team who breathed new life into the MGBSFL. Can only see them improving under new boss Sammy Kingston next season.
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5. NORTH LONDON RAIDERS
Record: Pl. 16, W. 6, D. 3, L. 7, F. 21, A.27, Pts. 21
Best win: 4-2 vs Jewdinese
Biggest win: 7-0 vs NL Galaxy
Worst result: 1-1 vs Bayern
Top-scorer: Aron Gale
Star men: Aron Gale, Josh Bloom, Charlie Kasler
Games failed to score in: 3
Clean sheets: 1
Matches postponed: 5
Best signing: Aron Gale, Charlie Kasler
DC Verdict: A mid-table league finish was disappointing when you consider the talent in the squad. The arrival of Charlie Kasler was a big statement of intent, but a moment of madness in the BGT final cost his team. Striker Aron Gale enjoyed an excellent campaign. Together with Scott Waissel, they became one of the most talked about partnerships in the division. The end of season report says should’ve done better.
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6. OAKWOOD B
Record: Pl.16, W. 6, D. 2, L. 8, F. 24. A. 24, Pts. 20
Best result: 1-1 vs Redbridge A
Biggest win: 5-2 vs Bayern
Worst result: 4-2 vs Jewdinese
Top-scorer: Sam Modlin
Star men: Daniel Selwyn
Games failed to score in: 2
Clean sheets: 3
Matches postponed: 5
Best signing: Zac Summerfield
DC Verdict: It was a strange old season for Oakwood B, with a mid-season managerial reshuffle and instances where some of the top players were needed for the A-team, meaning they lost more than they won. They performed well against the teams at the top but couldn’t string victories together.
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7. BAYERN MINCHA
Record: Pl. 18, W. 4, D. 1, L. 11, F. 26, A. 44, Pts. 13
Best win: 3-1 vs NL Galaxy
Biggest win: 6-0 vs Scrabble A
Worst result: 9-0 vs Redbridge JC A
Top-scorer: Adam Ellis
Star man: Adam Ellis
Games failed to score in: 2
Clean sheets: 1
Matches postponed: 1
Best signing: Philippe Auret
DC Verdict: Much was expected from a newly-promoted Bayern team. But they could not deliver. Adam Ellis shouldered much of the goal-scoring responsibility but the team must now plan without him after it was confirmed he will play for HMH next season.
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8. LOS CAMDEN B
Record: Pl.16, W. 3, D. 0, L. 13, F. 13, A.25, Pts. 9
Best result: 1-1 vs Fairlop
Biggest win: 4-1 vs Scrabble
Worst result: 3-2 vs Bayern Mincha
Top-scorer: Rob Hershkorn
Games failed to score in: 3
Clean sheets: 0
Matches postponed: 7
Best signing: Ashley Couque
DC Verdict: Forfeited almost half of their matches and lacked the squad depth to complete the season.
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9. SCRABBLE FC A
Record: Pl. 16, W. 0, D. 0, L. 16, F. 2, A. 53, Pts. 0
Worst result: 14-0 vs Jewdinese
Games failed to score in: 5
Clean sheets: 0
Matches postponed: 9
DC Verdict: Only managed to play seven out of 16 scheduled matches. This was probably the correct decision all things considered.
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DIVISION TWO
DANNY CARO'S DIVISION TWO TEAM OF THE SEASON
CHAMPIONS: HERTSWOOD VALE
Record: Pl. 18, W. 13, D. 1, L. 4, F. 51. A. 30, Pts. 40
Best win: 4-0 at RJC B
Biggest win: 5-2 vs FC Team
Worst result: 4-3 vs Raiders Masters
Top-scorer: James Millet
Star men: James Millet, Adam Zaidman, Josh Gorb, Ashley Hirschberger
Games failed to score in: 0
Clean sheets: 4
Matches postponed: 0
Best signings: Adam Zaidman, Ben Mandel
DC Verdict: Focus, vision and energy is the motto at Hertwood Vale. Managed by Jacob Emanuel and Danny Hirschberger, they played like a well-oiled machine, with new goalkeeper Adam Zaidman helping them go to another level. They had the look and feel of champions, although two defeats against mid-table Mill Hill Dons, their arch rivals, Scrabble and Raiders Masters left them scratching their heads, as they were outstanding against the teams in and around them, with James Millet the heartbeat of the team.
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2. REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B
Record: Pl. 18, W. 12, D. 1, L. 5, F. 36. A. 22 , Pts. 37
Best win: 8-0 vs SPEC
Biggest win: 8-0 vs SPEC
Worst result: 2-1 vs NL Raiders Masters
Top-scorer: Craig Sandford
Star men: Adam Shafron, Raanan Firmin, Craig Sandford
Games failed to score in: 2
Clean sheets: 3
Matches postponed: 3
DC Verdict: “We had seven teams pull out against us, which is a potential 21 points!” That was the rant of frustrated RJC boss Richard Bronzite who some will say lost the title on goal difference. They needed a huge swing in their final game against Mill Hill Dons, but were unable to field a team! Bronzite’s band of brothers featured a Who’s Who of MGBSFL football – they are a side littered with Maccabi League champions, many of whom could and probably should’ve been playing in a higher division. Finished with the best defensive record in the division.
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3. SPEC FC
Record: Pl. 18, W. 11, D.2, L. 5, F. 57. A. 55, Pts. 35
Best win: 5-1 vs Fairlop FC
Biggest win: 5-1 vs Fairlop FC
Worst result: 8-0 vs RJC B
Top-scorer: Zack Neiman
Star man: Zack Neiman
Games failed to score in: 1
Clean sheets: 0
Matches postponed: 1
Best signing: Zack Neiman
DC Verdict: SPEC FC returned to the MGBSFL amid much hype, especially with several seasoned former Raiders’ players in their ranks, notably Adam Joselyn, Danny Bloom, Mark Leader and Matt Leader. And the arrival of Zack Neiman from Redbridge Jewish Care was a real statement of intent. However, as you may have seen in the defeat against RJC B, a lack of squad depth hampered them as they dropped points when least expected. Player-manager Ricky Lawrence has a tough task ahead of him, with consistency of performance, as well as results, key going forwards.
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4. MILL HILL DONS
Record: Pl. 18, W. 8, D. 2, L. 6, F. 40. A. 23, Pts. 26
Best win: 6-1 vs Hertswood Vale
Biggest win: 7-2 vs Faithfold C
Worst result: 2-1 vs Faithfold C
Top-scorer: Zach Cohen
Star men: Isaac Virchis, Zach Cohen
Games failed to score in: 1
Clean sheets: 2
Matches postponed: 0
Best signing: Isaac Virchis
DC Verdict: Had one of the best defensive records across the league but were ultimately made to pay for a sloppy start. An excellent second-half of the season saw them reach two cup semi-finals. Missed Marathon man Isaacs Virchis and goalkeeper Sam Singer in their BGT semi-final defeat against North London Galaxy but manager Brandon Hamme was delighted they showed their quality against some of the big guns.
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5. FC TEAM
Record: Pl. 18, W. 10, D.0, L. 8, F. 77. A. 43, Pts. 30
Best win: 6-3 vs RJC B
Biggest win: 15-0 vs Faithfold
Worst result:3-2 vs Temple Fortune
Top-scorer: Richard Salmon (league top-scorer)
Star men: Richard Salmon, David Cohen
Games failed to score in: 0
Clean sheets: 1
Matches postponed: 2
Best signing: Josh Morris
DC Verdict: Mitch Young’s troops were the top-scorers in the MGBSFL, registering 77 goals in 18 matches. The front three of Connor Perl, Salmon and Young scared the living daylight out of opponents, but they were held back by their inability to beat any of the sides above them. Although they failed to win silverware collectively, Richard Salmon finished as the league’s Golden Boot winner.
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6. FAITHFOLD DOC MM B
Record: Pl. 18, W. 9, D.1, L. 8, F. 49. A. 40, Pts. 28
Best result: 2-2 vs SPEC
Biggest win: 7-0 vs Faithfold C
Worst result: 4-0 vs Mill Hill Dons
Top-scorer: Benny Goldberg
Star men: Benny Goldberg, Martin Smulovitch
Games failed to score in: 5
Clean sheets: 2
Matches postponed: 0
DC Verdict: Started the season impressively before tailing off in disappointing fashion. Only mustered one win after Chanukah which ended their hopes of a top two finish.
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7. TEMPLE FORTUNE
Record: Pl. 18, W. 7, D. 1, L. 10, F. 37. A. 59, Pts. 22
Best win: 2-1 vs Hertswood Vale
Biggest win: 4-0 vs Scrabble
Worst result: 9-1 vs FC Team
Top-scorer: TBC
Star men: Jacob Kalms, Simon Cohen, Gab Stone
Games failed to score in: 2
Clean sheets: 2
Matches postponed: 1
Best signing: Danny Sherman
DC Verdict: A season of frustration for manager Simon Linden and chairman Nigel Kyte, who both felt let down at times by a lack of commitment. Always played with big hearts and the win over promoted Hertswood Vale was the highlight of their season.
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8. SCRABBLE FC B
Record: Pl. 5, W. 3, D. 9, L. , F. 22. A. 40, Pts. 18
Best win: 2-0 vs RJC A
Biggest win: 3-1 vs Hertswood Vale
Worst result: 1-1 vs Faithfold C
Top-scorer: Alex Bourne
Star men: Lloyd Becker, Nigel Goldthorpe, Alex Bourne
Games failed to score in: 3
Clean sheets: 2
Matches postponed: 2
Best signing: Lloyd Becker
DC Verdict: They say you can’t teach an old dog news tricks … Scrabble B disproved this theory. Away form was appalling but under boss Jon Yantin, Scrabble frustrated some of the big boys with their old-school tactics. Striker Alex Bourne was their rampaging bull, while at the back Nigel Goldthorpe took no prisoners, with Lloyd Becker pulling the strings in the middle of the park.
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9. NORTH LONDON RAIDERS MASTERS
Record: Pl. 18, W. 4, D. 3, L. 11, F. 24. A. 44 , Pts. 15
Best win: 4-3 vs Hertswood Vale
Biggest win: 4-0 vs Faithfold C
Worst result: 9-1 vs FC Team
Top-scorer: James Cartmell
Star man: James Cartmell
Games failed to score in: 3
Clean sheets: 3
Matches postponed: 4
Best signing: Aviel Schwarz
DC Verdict: Made a solid enough start but struggled to keep pace, despite registering an excellent win over champions Vale. Player-manager James Cartmell led by example, played 16 out of 18 games and finishing top-scorer.
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10. FAITHFOLD DOC MM C
Record: Pl. 18, W. 1, D.2, L. 15, F. 26. A. 63, Pts. 5
Best win: 2-1 vs Dons
Biggest win: 2-1 vs Dons
Worst result: 15-0 vs FC Team
Top-scorer: JJ Marrache
Games failed to score in: 8
Clean sheets: 1
Matches postponed: 6
DC Verdict: Had a couple of wins chalked off late on for fielding ineligible players, leaving them with just a solitary triumph. Fired blanks in eight matches, which tells you they lacked a goal-poacher.