Hendon United Sports Club A will be flying the MSFL flag in the London FA Sunday Intermediate Cup, while there's also a David versus Goliath clash in the Peter Morrison Trophy on Matchday 14 of the JC MSFL season. There's also a full league programme scheduled. Danny Caro looks ahead to all the action.
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PETER MORRISON TROPHY LAST 16 DRAW
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LAST WEEK'S LOW-DOWN
BRIXTON A vs NEASDEN A IN PHOTOS
DANNY CARO'S PREMIER DIVISION TEAM OF THE WEEK
SUPERSUB OF THE WEEK
Joel Faugh (Redbridge Jewish Care B)
JC CELEBRATION OF THE WEEK
Tony Chadwick (NW Neasden C) - ran to the sideline kissing his badge, before giving his proud father a cuddle and kiss on the forehead. An emotional moment!
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LONDON FA SUNDAY INTERMEDIATE CUP ROUND THREE
LAPTON FC vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A
The Hammers will be flying the flag in the LFASIC when they take on Lapton FC, one of the most successful teams from the Hackney & Leyton Sunday League.
David Garbacz's men warmed-up for the tie with an 8-0 demolition of Montana in the Morrison last Sunday, maintaining their quadruple hopes in the process.
Ben Kon, Danny Kon and Avidan Last bagged braces with Greg Corin and man-of-the-match Yoav Kestenbaum finishing the job.
The performance of Kestenbaum impressed Garbacz in particular, with the ever-reliable Motti Colman not far behind.
The chances are that this could be Hendon's toughest test to date this season as Lapton have hit the target no less than 18 times in the two previous rounds. They started off with an 11-2 thumping of Kensington Athletic followed by a 7-0 routing of Bullers, so any Reds fans expecting a comfortable morning can think again. Added to that, Lapton have won the H&LSL for the last four years.
No doubt, they will need big displays from the likes of Russell Corin, Josh Bentley, Josh Lipman, Ben Lauffer and Danny Kon.
Whatever the outcome, it will be a great challenge for Hendon to tell us all just how far they have come.
Looking ahead to the big clash, Garbacz told JC Sport: "Sunday will be a true test for us and we are all truly looking forward to the challenge.
"The match will be played at Hackney Marshes in a throwback to our youth and the opposition are probably one of the favourites to win this competition.
"They are a very strong team but we will not be intimidated and we will be determined to give as good as we get and let our football do the talking.
"This is just the type of fixture that will prove just how far my team has come and how good we really can be.
"We go into this game full of confidence on the back of a really solid domestic run and we hope to do Jewish football and the MSFL proud."
The winner will be at home to Westminster Wanderers or Sabanoh in round four.
JC team news: Hendon have a few injuries, while the list of players unavailable is starting to mount up. On Sunday, Avidan Last, Yishai Last and Rafi Kon are away, whilst Dovid Korman and Alex Gilbert are injured. Ari Last is doubtful after being on the wrong end of a bad tackle last week.
Venue - Hackney Marshes
JC star man: Motti Colman (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Lapton FC 1 Hendon Utd SC A 2
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PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND THREE
FC TEAM A vs BRADY MACCABI B
A tie at home to first division Chigwell Athletic awaits the winner of this tie as Division Four title hopefuls Brady B prepare for their big day out against Premier Division FC Team A.
Mitch Young's troops have impressed in their first season in the top-flight with star striker Richard Salmon earning rave reviews. His clash against Brady defender Jonny Meltzer will be worth the admission fee alone in an early kick-off in Bushey.
There will be plenty of big clashes across the park with Team looking to unleash the creative genius that is Danny Moss on a Brady back-line that has kept two clean sheets in the league.
Brady had been going great guns up to their last match, and I think Josh Dagul's men will rise to the occasion, with the likes of James Joseph and Reiss Mogliner looking to test debutante keeper Ed Bloom in the Team goal.
I don't expect Brady to freeze on the big stage but think that the home side will have too much about them and book their place in round four without too much of a scare.
Venue - Little Bushey Lane, Ref - L. Benson, KO: 10am
JC star man: Danny Moss (FC Team)
DC Prediction: FC Team A 4 Brady B 1
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JC MSFL PREMIER DIVISION
BRADY MACCABI A vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
Brady will be looking to make it three out of three when they welcome defending champions Redbridge to the Lane.
I was hugely impressed by Josh Rosenfeld's men last Sunday when two goals from Paul Hakim plus one apiece from new signing TJ Keterman and Josh Hershman saw them beat Raiders 4-0 in the cup.
Goalless at half time, the Brady bunch remained patient and took their chances when they came, and I can see the partnership between Hakim and Keterman flourishing between now and the end of the season.
The team have a rock solid spine with keeper Oli Colmans, Jonny Ellis at the heart of defence and Zak Presky ensuring excellent service for the front men. They have quality across the park with Nick Smith and Alex Hershman hugely reliable.
Rosenfeld is relishing the chance to rub shoulders with a star-studded RJC team. He told JC Sport: "We're on a run now and trying to make it three wins in a row.
"Redbridge are the champions and a quality outfit with very talented players and we know this will be a tough game.
"We need to start picking up points in the league and if we can get something out of the game on Sunday it will be excellent.
"This will be tough seeing as we don’t have a full squad, but we looking forward to the challenge and hope to play some of the football we have been doing for the previous two weeks."
RJC boss Eilon Kennet will make an emotional return to Rowley Lane on Sunday and there's every chance the red carpet could be laid out for the man who won a plethora of silverware during his time at London Maccabi Lions.
But Kennet will have no time for sentiment as he goes in search maximum points, which would take the east Londoners back into the top six.
If RJC win their games in hand, they would be just two points behind leaders Hendon, but it's clear they must bring their A-game to the table against an in-form Brady team.
Redbridge cruised into the last 16 of the Morrison last Sunday after doubles from Adam Bolle and Ben Sollosi eased them past Hendon B.
No doubt, Kennet will bring a strong squad to Arkley as his team goes in search of a sixth league win.
It would not surprise me if defences come out on top on Sunday so I'll go for a score draw.
JC team news: Brady are missing Lee Platt, Jordan Grant and Nick Berman while josh Gordon has joined them on the sidelines after breaking his nose last week. Striker Paul Hakim is out due to a wedding so Jon Green could start up top alongside Keterman.
Venue - Rowley Lane, Ref - C. Stupack
JC star man: Oli Colmans (Brady)
DC Prediction: Brady A 1 Redbridge JC A 1
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NORTH WEST NEASDEN A vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B
Raiders boss Rob Richman believes that Neasden can push Hendon all the way for the title as the teams prepare to do battle for the second time this season.
Neasden joint-manager Lee Cash was the match-winner when the teams met earlier in the season and having overcome injury, he is the man that Raiders must watch out for again.
The home side go into the game on the back of a deserved 3-1 victory over Brixton A in the Morrison and victory on Sunday would maintain their treble hopes.
Looking ahead to the clash, Cash told JC Sport: "Sunday will be tough. Pretty much anyone can beat anyone this season, but we hope to continue our recent impressive league form and get the three points."
The Raiders reminded everyone of their quality last Sunday when they sent Faithfold crashing out of the Jewish FA Cup. That was the second time they have beaten the Superhoops this season. Dave Esterkin and top-scorer David Dinkin were the marksmen in a thrilling encounter where keeper David Simnock put in his best performance of the season in a 2-1 win. Now they are looking to take another big scalp.
Like Neasden, they will be missing some key players, with the heart ripped out of their back-line, so attack could be the best form of defence on Sunday.
Raiders boss Rob Richman told JC Sport: "It was good to get back to winning ways last week with the performance and attitude much better than it had been the previous week.
"This week we play Neasden who I can see pushing Hendon really close for the title.
"When we played them earlier on this season, we gave a fairly good account of ourselves but ended up losing 1-0 after we missed a penalty at 0-0 with 20 minutes to go.
"It’s going to be a tough test and one which won’t be helped by the fact we are missing a number of key players.
“Our captain and vice-captain are on a stag do this week and while I don’t promote any sort of violence I do hope Ben Fraser gets what is coming to him for taking two of our most important players away for what is an important league game!”
There's every chance that Richman will be looking to pick the brains of the Raiders A team management in the build up to the game. L'Orange have a decent away record and their squad players will be looking to take their chance in the absence of some big name absentees.
However, Neasden are good at grinding out wins and I can see their big match experience edging them home on the day.
JC team news: Neasden are missing Matt Sofier, Rob Lerner (both have Matt’s sister’s wedding), Jake Gottlieb (injured), Adam Klein (split ends), but they welcome back Paul Babai, Lee Cash and Ben Goldberg from injuries.
Raiders will be without Rik Sherman, Dan Grossman, Gilad Kestenbaum and Shim Bensoor.
Venue - Hadley FC, Ref - S. Levy
JC star man: Lee Cash (Neasden)
DC Prediction: NW Neasden A 2 NL Raiders B 1
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SOUTHGATE HARMEN A vs LONDON MACCABI LIONS A
The Lions have slipped into third position virtually unnoticed and you have to fancy them to pick up three more points when they travel to Harmen on Sunday.
Under new managers Josh Newman and Malcolm Newman, we are witnessing the change of the guard at Rowley Lane, with the father-and-son team starting to make their mark.
They were in seventh heaven in the cup last week when doubles from Michael Kenley, Alex Bowman, Jeremy Julius plus one from Josh Newman eased them home against first division Woodford.
Old stagers Pete Lazard and Aviel 'Peter Pan' Schwarz have helped take some of the youngsters through troubled waters and they have come out on the other side.
The emergence of players such as Kenley and Julius have given the team another dimension, as has the quality of Bowman and Dominic Cheniart.
Kenley, Julius and Stanley Offord were impressive last Sunday and it was good to see some of the club's top youngsters given a run-out in the Jewish FA Cup.
Harmen's season went from bad to worse last Sunday when they were dumped out of the Morrison by third division Shirley Park.
On the flipside, I don't think going out of the cup is the worst thing that could've happened to them as survival is the clear priority.
Seven defeats in eight have left them rooted to the foot of the table but it's important they stick together during what could be a long and dark winter.
Injuries to key players have hit them hard while they continue to struggle for goals.
However you look at it, the Lions have the bit between their teeth right now and I expect them to win by at least a couple of goals.
Venue - Southbury Leisure Centre, Ref - M. Lavender
JC star man: Dominic Cheniart (Lions)
DC Prediction: Southgate Harmen A 1 LM Lions A 3
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JC MSFL DIVISION ONE
BRIXTON OLD BOYS A vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B
Stirling Kay, the manager of Redbridge, is predicting a very open game as the leaders travel to Clowes.
The east Londoners are the last man standing in terms of teams unbeaten in the division and they will certainly have their title credentials tested here, against a team harbouring their own promotion hopes.
Redbridge hit the jackpot against Neasden B last weekend, with star striker Dan Orgel leading the way with a glorious five-goal blast. There was also a brilliant cameo from substitute Joel Faugh, who was left to fight it out with Orgel to see who would take the matchball home.
Keeper Oli Brooks is trying to convince Kay that he should play up front after coming out of goal to play in attack, and score.
But RJC will need a top show from their top cat in nets in what could be their toughest game of the season.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Kay told JC Sport: "I'm expecting a very open game. Brixton have had some great games in the cup and have shown they can compete with the best, so we know we will have to be at at our best to earn any points.
"We go into the game on the back of a great result - scoring 10 against Neasden - so confidence is high. However, as we have seen, any team in this league can beat anyone.
"We have a very young side - between ages 16 and 22 - so I never know what wil happen from game to game." Rumour has it that Kay has also banned his boys from going to Faces on Saturday night. Club chairman Mickey Brown will be spying on Gants Hill roundabout to ensure no-one breaks the curfew.
Brixton came away from their double-header against Neasden A with heads held high. Although they were unable to repeat the heroics of a 2-0 success in the Anekstein, Nitka was proud of his troops following a 3-1 reverse.
Looking ahead to Sunday, he told JC Sport: "After the defeat last Sunday by Neasden, the boys were a bit upset as they felt they should have won the game.
"However, we are still in two cups and now we have to concentrate on the league bearing in mind we have only played four games.
"I have four players from Sunday’s game who are definitely out. However, I have two returning from injuries and hope to give Redbridge their toughest game so far.
"As I said, we are good enough to compete with the best."
I think the outcome on Sunday will come down to minor details. There will be some mouth-watering battles all over the pitch, with all eyes on the one between Brixton hotshot Jamie Kent and Orgel. Only two goals separate the strikers, and Nitka and co will be hoping that home advantage does the trick on Sunday.
I'm not brave enough to call a winner.
JC team news: RJC go into the game with two players suspended. Added to that, Alex Chernoff (hips), Dan Orgel (foot), Jay Lawrence (ankle) will all have late fitness tests, plus two players away on holiday. However, they welcome back Greg Lautman from a bout of alcohol poisoning and Mark Zealander from stunt car racing. There may be a start for new signing Jodie Brooks.
Venue - Clowes, Ref - T. McEvoy
JC star man: George Fierstone (Brixton)
DC Prediction: Brixton A 1 Redbridge JC B 1
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CHIGWELL ATHLETIC vs NORSTAR A
Revenge is the name of the game for Chigwell in an early kick-off against promotion rivals Norstar A in Walthamstow.
They came away empty-handed from the corresponding fixture when two quality strikes from Adam Jason earned Norstar a 2-1 win.
Chigwell player-manager Richard Slater believes the title is still a possibility, but only if they win on Sunday.
"The lads are well aware this Sunday is probably our biggest game of the season," he told JC Sport. "We deserved something from our last meeting with Norstar, if not just for our first half display, but sadly a sloppy 10 minutes cost us the points.
"It's a must win game if we're to stay in the title race. We'll be bang up for it, make no mistake about it."
Chigwell were made to battle in the cup against a spirited L'Equipe last Sunday, with strikes from Adam Goodman, Russell Becker and Jon Swead eventually taking them through. But it's fair to say that things will be much tougher here.
Norstar go into the game two points better off and with a game in hand, but manager Phil Peters is taking nothing for granted.
Without a win in three weeks, Norstar head east for the first time this season and will be hoping to complete a double.
Peters told JC Sport: "Spirits are high despite a shoot-out loss at the weekend where the crossbar once again proved to be our nemesis.
"We're confident of picking up maximum points from our remaining to fixtures in 2011."
Chigwell fans have yet to see the best of recent signing Daniel Warwick but Slater will be confident he puts on a special show on Sunday. The quality and experience of the likes of Paul Lenchner, Russell Brill, Lee Hyams, Dan Castle, Craig Pearl, Antony Mendel and top-scorer Glen Michaels could be key, with Slater asking his team to take no prisoners.
If they take their chances and get a bit of luck, I think Chigwell will finish all smiles on Sunday.
JC team news: Norstar will be without Eli Houri and Jamie Freed, whilst Sammy Kalms and Anthony Goodmaker remain long-term absentees.
Chigwell squad: Marc Jacobs, Dean Michaels, Alex Norman, Paul Lenchner, Lee Hyams, Jonathan Swead, Russell Brill, Daniel Castle (capt), Craig Pearl, Richard Slater, Daniel Warwick, Russell Yershon, Antony Mendel, Jamie Fox, Glenn Michaels
Venue - Peter May Sports Centre, Ref - B. Pieters, KO: 10am
JC star man: Russell Brill (Chigwell)
DC Prediction: Chigwell A 2 Norstar A 1
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MONTANA BOCA UNITED vs WOODFORD WANDERERS
Failure isn't an option. Those will be the words of Woodford boss Alex Aviram in the changing room ahead of Sunday's relegation six-pointer against Montana.
It would be fair to describe this as Woodford's toughest-ever season in the MSFL but I believe they have the quality and players to avoid the dreaded drop.
They beat promotion-chasing Oakwood 3-1 last time out, with goals from Harrison Midda (2) and Mitch Hahn - and if they can get close to reaching those high standards once more, they will certainly give a Montana team low on confidence a torrid morning.
Aviram was oozing with pride after the Oakwood win. In a candid interview, he told JC Sport: "It just goes to show what this football team is all about and what we can do on our day.
"We came together as a team today and we looked strong all over the park.
"Every man worked for his teammates. Hopefully we can build on this performance and raise our confidence.
"If we can do that then who knows what we are capable of."
Montana were crushed by Premier Division leaders Hendon in the cup last Sunday. The match gave caretaker-managers Marc Ziedman and Nick Goodmaker the chance to assess the squad and they have some big decisions to make ahead of the game.
Without a win since early October, Montana have conceded 13 goals in their last two games. They have scored in every league game so it appears that the priority must be on getting each unit to work more effectively and efficiently.
We must remember Montana have some quality and experienced players who are good at grinding out points when not at their best.
4-0 winners over Woodford in the corresponding fixture, when Josh Marlow, Gary Cohen, James Sandler and Simon Lindall saw them home, they should watch out for a big Woodford backlash.
Venue - The Hive, Ref - A. Myerson
JC star man: Harrison Midda (Woodford)
DC Prediction: Montana 1 Woodford 3
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SOUTHGATE HARMEN B vs NORTH WEST NEASDEN B
After last week's horror-show against Redbridge, it's a case of desperate times call for desperate measures for Neasden B.
Manager Daniel Hodes has been forced to splash the cash in a bid to bolster the squad to ensure they don't get dragged into the relegation scrap.
New signings Ricky Engleman, Rick Harris and Jonny Blain have added flair to the team, but Hodes believes they are far from the finished article.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Hodes told JC Sport: "Not to keep my cards too close to my chest, but after last weeks horrific result I've made a couple of signings and with players returning from injury, it should mean that we go into this week's game with much optimism that we can turn things back round straight away.
While Neasden have conceded 14 goals in their last two league games, the Harmen defence has hardly covered itself in glory in recent weeks, and if you offered manager Marc Cohen an ugly 1-0 before kick-off, I'm sure he'd bite off your hand.
As things stand, both Harmen and Neasden require several points for safety. On paper Neasden have the stronger team and I can see them squeezing home on Sunday.
Venue - Ashmole School, Ref - G. Silver
JC star man: Jamie Lustigman (Neasden)
DC Prediction: Harmen B 2 NW Neasden B 3
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TEMPLE FORTUNE A vs OAKWOOD
As Barnet coach Michael Stone will tell you, there is no better feeling than winning a penalty shoot-out, and that could inspire Oakwood to great things at the Hive on Sunday.
They had several players on top of their game in the nail-biting win over Norstar A last Sunday, with keeper Oli Gee, midfield powerhouse Dan Ash and defenders Ilan Scorah and Eddie Manson leading the way. The performance and fire-power of Dan Geey was another big plus and no doubt, they will be looking to do the business here.
Meeting Fortune in the league for the first time this season, the Oakwood boys know that victory on Sunday would put them right in the mix.
Oakwood joint-manager Ric Blank was already looking ahead to the match just minutes after walking off the pitch last Sunday. "It's a massive game," he told JC Sport. It will be a tough one but we're up for it."
The Oaks have had a pretty mixed bag of results on their travels, but they have scored in every away game in the league this season and striker Anthony Kintish will be looking to ask questions of the Fortune defence.
Consolidation appears to be the name of the game for Fortune in their first season back in Division One. The only team to take points off leaders Redbridge B so far this season, Lee Fegan's boys never go down without a fight but they have only won one out of four games in front of their fans.
Fortune have conceded eight goals in their last three outings and I can see the Oaks putting out an attacking formation and try to go for the jugular from the very first whistle.
Jack Morris, Fortune's assistant-manager, had this to say ahead of the game. "We know it’ll be an extremely tough game against a team we know can beat the very best on their day.
"However we have only lost twice all season and are very hard to beat, so we hope to give a good account of ourselves and get back in the promotion mix with a win.
"We have a fairly decent squad available this weekend. We also have two Mancunians in our squad in Benji Mannheim and Daniel Woolfe who I’m sure will both be up for getting one over on Oakwood as they are a team full of Mancunians as well."
I can see the visitors huffing and puffing and eventually doing enough to blow Fortune's house down.
Venue - The Hive, Ref - M. Fox
JC star man: James Abrams (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Temple Fortune A 2 Oakwood 3
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DIVISION TWO
FAITHFOLD C vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B
We won't under-estimate Faithfold C. That is the view of Hendon joint-manager Motty Korman ahead of Sunday's trip to the Hive.
Top of the table a couple of weeks ago, the Hornets have dropped out of the automatic promotion places and they shouldn't expect any favours against a Faithfold team scrapping for their lives.
Hendon's Morrison adventure ended last Sunday, when they were put to bed by Redbridge A, but they are still challenging on two fronts, with the big JC Cyril Anekstein Cup quarter-final against North London Raiders A coming up in the new year.
Beaten just once in the league, the Hendon boys will arrive confident of notching up their seventh league win.
Looking ahead to the game, Korman told JC Sport: "Faithold C have had some very good results in recent weeks, especially last week's draw with Camden.
"We can't take anything for granted and are expecting a physical and tough game.
"We learnt a lot from out defeat last week against Redbridge A and know that we have to be more clinical in front of goal which we have been working on in training.
"We have had a good start to the season and hope we can continue that into the new year."
As Korman said, Faithfold earned an impressive point against leaders Camden Park. Indeed, they may not be looking upon it that way as they led with three minutes to go in a game where player-manager David Garson saved a penalty. Simon Beresford and Joe Levy were their scorers.
However, the bottom line is that they have yet to win a game in the league this season and with nine games to go, the signs look ominous.
Faithfold have reserved their best form for the cup competitions this season but it's clear they need to start getting wins on the board in the league.
They can only rely on the goals of Ben Simons for so long. They must start playing as though their lives depend on it or else face the consequences. If they get into a winning position on Sunday, they must learn how to hold on to a lead and kill the game. I expect Garson to call for a sense of professionalism from his troops.
Garson is calling for calm and he believes that the results will follow. He told JC Sport: "We are certainly starting to play well now and have everyone available. The problem is fitting everyone in."
I can see Faithfold giving a good account of themselves again, but think Hendon will come out on top.
JC team news: Hendon welcome back Alon Blitz from suspension and Arthur Caplan (although Gav Noe has staked his claim for the No. 1 shirt). Striker Chaim Gothold is serving last match of his ban and James Josephs is out until the new year, which Korman describes as "a real blow for the team as James has been superb since signing for us".
Venue - The Hive, Ref - N. Cohen
JC star man: Alon Blitz (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Faithfold C 2 Hendon Utd SC B 4
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FC TEAM B vs GLENTHORNE UNITED A
Promotion chasing Glenthorne go in search of their seventh league win when they make the long trip to Borehamwood on Sunday.
Dan Lipman's men have fared well against teams in the bottom half of the table and I can see them calling the shots against FC Team.
Held by Faithfold B last Sunday, Lipman will ask his boys to make a fast start and impose their game on their hosts.
Looking ahead to kick-off, Lipman told JC Sport: "We need to get back to winning ways this week. The boys will have a tough training session to get them prepared for Sunday.
"If we want to go up every game now is a must win."
FC Team still need a couple of points to ensure safety for another season and they have nothing to lose here.
Ben Simon's troops have scored plenty of goals this season but they might not have too much joy against an in-form Glenthorne defence and keeper Bradley Grant.
I don't expect this to be a one-sided affair by any stretch of the imagination but can see the Thornes doing what they need to come away with maximum points.
Venue - Meadow Park, Ref - Warwick Blake
JC star man: Joe Grant (Glenthorne)
DC Prediction: FC Team B 1 Glenthorne Utd A 3
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L'EQUIPE vs CAMDEN PARK
Top plays bottom in Division Two and it won't take a genius to work out which team I'm tipping to win.
Mike Khalastchi saved Camden's blushes last Sunday when they were given a major scare by struggling Faithfold C. His late equaliser earned them a 2-2 draw in a game they could have won had it not been for a missed penalty.
It's clear that Camden fans will be looking for a reaction as they look to extend their unbeaten run to 10 matches.
Camden's Nick Kagan told JC Sport: "Last week was disappointing. Faithfold went in 2-0 up at half time despite not actually having any possession or an attack.
"They then parked the bus in the second half but we fought hard and escaped with a point in the end.
"We're looking for bouncebackability this weekend."
L'Equipe gave an excellent account of themselves in the cup last weekend. They eventually went down 3-0 but the outcome was not settled until the 85th minute mark.
Manager David Prager will be asking for more of the same in terms of effort on Sunday, but they are struggling on the goal front and will do well to keep Camden quiet.
JC team news: For Camden, Nick Kagan, Josh Marks and Sam Bennett are still injured, but David Khalastchi has really impressed on his return from injury and is pushing for a start.
Venue - Copthall, Ref - Q. Fox
JC star man: David Khalastchi (Camden)
DC Prediction: L'Equipe 0 Camden Park 3
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LONDON MACCABI LIONS B vs FAITHFOLD B
Promotion-chasing Faithfold have failed to win any of their last four league games and I can't see the Lions making it easy for them on Sunday.
Last week they dug deep to finish honours even against fellow high-flyers Glenthorne and they will need to be on top form against a Lions teams battling against the drop.
Adam Grossman added to his growing reputation with another smart finish last Sunday and the Superhoops will be looking to maintain their proud record of scoring in every league game this season.
Grossman and Dan Hildebrand registered for Faithfold earlier in the season, when they beat the Lions 2-0 but the Lions squad is more settled these days and they will be looking to pick holes out of the Faithfold defence.
James Gold has been in the form of his life in recent weeks and if he gets the right delivery, he could fire the goals that could earn the Lions some much-needed points.
With so much at stake for both teams, I don't think a draw would be a good result for either side but that's how I can see it finishing.
Venue - The Hive, Ref - N. Burns
JC star man: James Gold (Lions)
DC Prediction: LM Lions B 1 Faithfold B 1
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NORSTAR B vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE C
There's another intriguing battle involving a team vying for promotion against one fighting for survival here as the Stars welcome the Bridge boys.
The visitors will be confident of wrapping up a league double over the team they crushed 4-1 in early November when a hat-trick from Doron Weinstein and one from player-manager Dan Gordon did the damage.
Weinstein rocketed to the top of the JC MSFL goal charts last weekend after he fired another treble in the 5-2 demolition of FC Team B.
But having played more games than any of their promotion rivals, it's vital that RJC keep winning.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Gordon told JC Sport: "Last Sunday against FC Team was a very professional performance and I feel we need the same again this time around.
"This Sunday sees us travel under the shadows of Wembley Stadium to face a Norstar team we have beat already this season. It seems that everyone is taking points of each other this season so we are taking nothing for granted.
"We have once again been hit by a number of injuries with David Castle the latest to be ruled out until the new year with an ankle injury.
"We welcome back James Ryan to the squad this week and I will once again be moving things around to find the right balance for this Sunday.
"One thing I can say is that as this our last game of the calendar year we are up for it – big time. We are in a good position in the league and want this to continue in 2012.”
Norstar will go into the game nice and fresh after a 14-day break. They won a seven-goal thriller against FC Team B last time out in a game where brothers Josh and Jono Gaon caught the eye.
But the prospect of a red-hot Weinstein could leave them having nightmares. I suggest manager Jonny Bunt adopts a man-marker on the big striker and orders his defence to keep him out of the danger zone. This will be easier said than done.
That said, Redbridge have many strings to their bow these days and I think they will hold all the aces on Sunday.
Venue - Ark Academy, Ref - H. Raffe
JC star man: Josh Barnett (RJC)
DC Prediction: Norstar B 1 Redbridge JC C 3
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DIVISION THREE
CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI vs BLIZZARD STORM
Adam Lewis, the Catford joint-manager, branded his team's performance against Neasden C as unacceptable last Sunday.
He, together with the club's two other managers, will be looking for a big reaction against a Blizzard team they are meeting for the first time this season.
The 5-2 defeat against Neasden came at a cost. They finished with nine men after a hugely frustrating morning that saw Jonny Lee and Yonni Bord sent off.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Lewis told JC Sport; "Hopefully we'll just be able to get 11 fit players out for this week. We've got a massive list of injuries and absentees.
"Having been appalling against a beatable team last week, we'll just have to see which Catford team turns up on the day."
The form of Jamie Sinai has not gone unnoticed in recent weeks but he faces a tough battle against a Blizzard defence that takes no prisoners.
Blizzard started the season full of optimism but they have failed to cut the mustard so far. Not even the signing of Aron Barnes has managed to lift them yet.
Manager Simon Linden feels that his troops owe him a performance and they will be looking to put on a real show in front of a big band of away supporters.
Knowing Linden as I do, I'm sure he's scouring the transfer markets every week in a bid to freshen up the squad.
I believe there is plenty more to come from Blizzard this season but it's clear that failure isn't an option here.
JC team news: Yonni Bord's suspension has yet to be activated, but Jonny Lee will be missing. Ashley Stokes faces a late fitness test on an ankle knock.
Venue - Norsemen FC, Ref - P. Dobkin
JC star man: Aron Barnes (Blizzard)
DC Prediction: Catford & Bromley Maccabi 1 Blizzard Storm 2
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GLENTHORNE UNITED B vs TEAM JLGB
"This will be closer than you expect." That is the rallying call come out of the JLGB camp ahead of a game that many believe will be a mis-match.
The Thornes have won eight out of eight in the league and kept five clean sheets, so it will be fair to say that the JLGB brigade will certainly have their work cut out here.
Although his troops have lost nine out of nine, JLGB boss Rob Silverman believes his team will rise to the occasion. "JLGB take a strong squad to Fairlop on Sunday, in fact the strongest team we have been able to put out all year.
"We know Glenthorne are a good side. But this will be closer than you expect."
Fabio Revieccio, Craig Sanford and Daniel Lassman hit the back of the onion bag last Sunday in Glenthorne's 3-0 win over Los Blancos. They were tipped by many for the title before Revieccio returned to the club and now have a squad that would not look out of place in the top two divisions.
But joint-player-manager Craig Sandford, who runs the team together with Sam Rosenthal, is taking nothing for granted. Complacency will certainly not be an issue.
"We have to go into the game against JLGB more professional than ever," Sandford told JC Sport. "Although it’s top against bottom, it’s still a local derby and bragging rights are at stake which gives the game extra spice.
"I speak to a few of the JLGB boys regularly and am aware that they have taken teams close but then in the latter stages of games they seem to concede soft goals.
"I am also aware that teams want to put a blip in our 100 per cent record and this is a good incentive for any manager to use against us.
"We, however, are playing better and better each week and we deserve to be where we are. Going into the new year top of the league is our incentive and we know we have to be focused and disciplined in every game we play.
"The return of Adam Shafron and Fabio Rivieccio has given the squad another lift and we now have strength in depth."
If this game was played on paper, there would only be one winner. I can't see it panning out any differenlty on grass.
JC team news: JLGB welcome back Ian Levy, Barry Green, Byron Watkins and Paul Black. Rob Silverman misses out again with broken toe and James Lester is still on paternity leave.
For Glenthorne, Simon Bagel is the only absentee. He has a virus.
Venue - London Marathon Playing Fields, Ref - D. Lazarus
JC star man: Dan Lassman (Glenthorne)
DC Prediction: Glenthorne Utd B 4 Team JLGB 0
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SHIRLEY PARK vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB C
They've hit 18, they've hit 12 and they've hit seven, twice. Last week's they dumped a Premier Division team out of the Jewish FA Cup. I fear the worst for Hendon on Sunday.
The Hustlers haven't won since early October and it appears that damage limitation will be the name of their game here.
You can get 100-1 on Hendon keeping a clean sheet and they will be having nightmares about the prospect of old boy Saul Conway, Stefan Benfredj, Nicky Plotnek and Gideon Gold coming to hunt them down.
Clearly, several players in the Shirley Park team would hold their own in the Premier Division. They recently fought off a bid from Faithfold A for Plotnek who was at his brilliant best against Harmen.
Park player-manager Dave Lusman told JC Sport: "We go into this one in good form. However, we know from last year the Hustlers are named the hustlers for a reason and are never easy to break down, as they have proved in our previous fixture so by no means are they going to be underestimated.
"This may not be the best time to encounter Hendon taking into consideration their run of form as I'm sure they have got a point to prove and Park have got to stay strong to fend of a backlash.
"A tight game looks in store at the home of the brave. Hopefully we will come out on top. Park life!"
I can see the home side recording a cricket score and fans are advised to come equipped with calculators at the ready.
Venue - Gladstone Park, Ref - M. Cohen
JC star man: Gideon Gold (Shirley)
DC Prediction: Shirley Park 8 Hendon Utd SC C 0
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UJIA vs LOS BLANCOS
UJIA fans must be pinching themselves right now as they look to keep pace with joint-leaders Glenthorne B, despite having played three games more.
The chances are that they will finish below Glenthorne and Shirley Park but they are hell-bent on proving the bookies wrong. Whatever happens between now and the end of the season, their attitude and approach have been like a breath of fresh and good luck to them I say.
A top three finish would probably be enough to take them up, but they face a battle with Neasden C and Sunday's opponents Los Blancos for that.
Looking ahead to the crunch clash, UJIA player-manager Darren Rolfe told JC Sport: "Sunday is another big fixture for the U's.
"We played Blancos earlier on in the season and beat them 5-1.
"They are a good team and didn't have Joel Kutner playing that weekend. He will be one to watch on Sunday.
"Having said that, we have a very strong squad available Sunday, with our first-choice attack back in place, as well as Matt Radstone and Gavin Sherman.
"We are looking for nothing other than three points to ensure we end this year on a high."
Blancos were well beaten by Glenthorne last week and manager Joel Minsky has absolutely no doubts that the east Londoners will land the title come May.
They start the match eight points behind the U's and will be looking to settle some old scores.
I'm confident it will be much closer this time but think UJIA's added experience will see them come out on top in a thriller.
JC team news: UJIA welcome back Ben Nassim and Tony Plaskow.
Venue - Chase Lodge, Ref - R. Benardout
JC star man: Ben Nassim (UJIA)
DC Prediction: UJIA 3 Los Blancos 2
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DIVISION FOUR
ATHLETICO FINCHLEY vs BRIXTON OLD BOYS B
When Brixton beat Athletico 8-5 in September, the Brixton manager described it as "boys against men". I suggest the Athletico boss uses this line in his team. He may not need many other words.
Brixton were boosted by the appearance of A-team striker Jamie Kent that day, and it was no surprise to see him lead the way with a four-goal salvo.
Athletico will be relieved to hear that Brixton's A team have a match on Sunday, but they might be set for a reunion with left-winger Daniel Bell, who also scored a hat-trick that day.
Max Martin was the name on the lips of Brixton fans last weekend. He hit the target three times in the 6-2 rout over Boca. There were also goals for Danny Sherman (2) and Jason Lee.
Athletico chairman Zach Margolin hopes for an improved showing after the 5-1 defeat against Jewventus a fortnight ago.
Looking ahead to Sunday, he told JC Sport: "We have had a bad run since drawing with SPEC and a lot of it has been down to injuries.
"However, this week we have a lot of players returning and hopefully with a much stronger squad than last time out.
"We can get a result against an in-form Brixton side."
Another high-scoring affair is on the cards and I think that Brixton will come out on top again.
JC team news: Athletico player-chairman Zach Margolin returns from a hamstring injury. Captain Sam Marchant is back and so is Adam Goldstein. Doug Carson returns in goal and David Tamman returns at right back. Sam Collins is injured and Guy Belot can't afford any more taxis so misses out. Isaac Eleini is out with a back injury. Ashley Diamond returns from suspension.
Venue - Copthall, Ref - L. Thorne
JC star man: Ben Nassim (UJIA)
DC Prediction: Athletico Finchley 2 Brixton OB B 4
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BOCA JEWNIORS vs SPEC FC
If you're looking for a coupon breaker, then don't spend too much time focusing on this game.
Fifth-placed SPEC FC have bigger fish to fry than Boca and I can't see the home side causing them too many problems here.
Brothers Ricky Lawrence (2) and Ashley Lawrence were the marksmen in the first meeting between the teams in September and I can see Laurence Conway's troops registering their seventh win of the campaign with minimal fuss.
There's nothing like a good party to get a group of footballers in the mood for a big match and it sounds like SPEC FC have had just enough time to recover from a big night out.
I pressed SPEC FC Media Communications officer and midfield maestro Ricky Lawrence for all the juicy details. This is what he said.
"It's been a good couple of weeks for SPEC," Lawrence told JC Sport. "Results have gone our way and we had a fantastic Chanukah party last Saturday.
"Dan Cohen wasn't distracted by actually having to play some football and organised a great night including some great Secret Shlomi gifts and a great sing song at karaoke.
"We managed to avoid getting ourselves on the front page of the JC fortunately and that is testament to the way the boss has got us behaving off the pitch as well as on it.
"Division 4 is definitely where it's at after Bilbaum have done us, as well as themselves a huge favour with some great results.
"It's looking very exciting at the top now and we will be hoping to keep the pressure on. It's all about strength in depth for us this week.
James Lesner has played his last game of the season as he undergoes an operation on his shoulder this weekend and we have a few others missing so it's time for us to show what a strong squad we've got.
"I'm sure any goal will be greeted with a Adam Lenz - JLS inspired celebration after his fantastic rendition on the mic last week! As he's out though, we may have to turn to Adam 'Daniel Bedingfield' Wilson!"
Boca were also feeling their hangovers last weekend after being hit for six by Brixton.
They had eight players missing though and manager Sefton Monk went easy on his troops in his post-match analysis.
"It was always going to be hard, especially with such a mish-mash team available with many playing out of position. Credit to them the soldiered on for the cause.
His brother, Ryan, came in for special praise after a wonderful display in nets. Sefton said: "Without him, it could have been 15 or 16."
Jamie Weinrich left his shooting boots at home last weekend and rumour has it that the Monks are considering buying him a new pair for Chanukah.
But I think it's SPEC FC who will be getting all the gifts wrapped up on Sunday.
Venue - South Oxhey, Ref - N. Cooper
JC star man: Adam Wilson (SPEC FC)
DC Prediction: Boca Jewniors 1 SPEC FC 5
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FC TEAM C vs ATHLETIC BILBAUM
Unbeaten in seven, the Bilbaum boys will be looking to finish the weekend top of the table when they travel to Hatch End to take on FC Team C.
They go into the game on the crest of a wave after becoming the first team to beat table-toppers North London Raiders C, and they did it in style with joint-manager Ed Green and Josh Greibach setting up a memorable win - arguably the biggest in the club's history.
The result shows just how far they have come and Mark Pasha and Green will have their men champing at the bit ahead of kick-off on Sunday.
Pasha was a very happy man at the final whistle last week, and rightly so. He told JC Sport: "The result says it all. Another unbeaten record falls and the Baums go marching on.
"I can't sing the praises of the team enough as we knew that this was the most important game of the season so far, and we didn't let the occasion get the better of us.
"From the off we were organised and determined and everyone in green and white can be proud of their performance this morning."
Victories over Raiders and Brady have given the squad a huge sense of belief but they must turn up with the right attitude as they look to complete a league double over an FC Team C side they beat 3-0 in October. Sam Roth (2) and Ben Bell were the marksmen that day.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Bilbaum joint-manager Mark Pasha told JC Sport: "We know the pressure is on this game to keep the good form going, and that league position means very little at this stage of the season.
"FC Team C are a dangerous side and will be looking to prove a point after the last meeting. It is crucial that we don't let complacency creep in as this is a pivotal period in the season and if we underestimate out opponents then we'll be letting ourselves and the Bernebaum faithful down.
"With the mud on the Heath looking fresh and well groomed as ever as the winter weather sets, we are geared up for another big game on Sunday."
FC Team also had a decent result against Raiders C last time out but they have struggled to get points on the board in every game.
In the first match against Bilbaum, they missed some glorious chances and they cannot afford to be so wasteful again.
Looking ahead to Sunday, FC Team player-manager Michael Myers told JC Sport: "Bilbaum have had a few good results, however last time we played them, we dominated possession but just couldn't find the back of the net.
"We are hoping to put in a match-winning performance to really shake up Division Four before the winter break."
Myers is predicting big things from Dave Cohen, who bagged a brace against Lions B in the cup last Sunday. Midfield maestro Adam Aminoff will replace the injured Max Worth in midfield.
I can see this being an open and entertaining affair, with chances aplenty at both ends. It will be a great advert for Jewish football so fans are advised to arrive early.
JC team news: FC Team welcome back Rob Sanford and Dan Rothman, who have both had outstanding seasons so far.
Venue - Hatch End Playing Fields, Ref - D. Nathan
JC star man: Josh Greibach (Bilbaum)
DC Prediction: FC Team C 1 Athletic Bilbaum 2
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JEWVENTUS vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C
It would be harsh to describe Raiders' form as a blip. I think wobble would be a better word.
They followed the draw against FC Team C with a 2-0 defeat against Athletic Bilbaum, their first of the season.
Rumour has it that manager Oli Shorts threw the teacups, while assistant-boss Rich Abrahams released the hairdryer, and it would be safe to say that they will come out like wounded animals on Sunday.
The Bilbaum boss told me that L'Orange played some tidy football but ultimately, they lacked a cutting edge as they drew a blank for the first time this season.
Shorts and Abrahams are determined not to hit the panic button yet and are prepared to go with their tried and tested formula. They will be asking top-scorer Ben Hart and Toby Katz to dominate the game and ensure they get back on track.
But they will find the going tough against Jewve, who are starting to pick up form. Recent signing Nigel Someck will be keen to win the clash of the strikers with Hart, while player-boss Gabriel John is working on a special game-plan to get the best out of James Alexander and Gary Conway.
Raiders ran riot in the first meeting between the sides, with Darren Russell, Jonny Sandrov, Matt Keston, Katz and Hart on target in a 5-0 thrashing. I'm sure that result has been playing on John's mind ever since.
Shorts described his team's second-half performance as "a joy to behold". Jewventus pushed them hard for 60 minutes but failed to make the most of their chances. John has acted by strengthening his squad in the meantime, which could lead to a real ding-dong affair.
Mark my words. This one won't finish goalless and it will come down to who wants it more.
Venue - Chase Lodge, Ref - D. Nathan
JC star man: Darren Russell (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Jewventus 2 NL Raiders C 3
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