As players up and down the JC MSFL prepare for a two-week Chanukah break, Danny Caro gives his thoughts on the final round of action in 2011.
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JC PHOTOS:
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JC WEEKLY AWARDS
DANNY CARO'S PREM DIV TEAM OF THE WEEK
DANNY CARO'S DIVISION ONE TEAM OF THE WEEK
DANNY CARO'S DIVISION THREE TEAM OF THE WEEK
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JC SAVE OF THE WEEK
Ryan Monk (Boca Jewniors) - made a magnificent quadruple save, first diving to his top right to keep out an amazing effort from Ricky Lawrence and then to get up immediately and tip another shot away from goal. Applause form both sides followed
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JC MISS OF THE WEEK
Dave Lusman (Shirley Park) - ghosted in unnnoticed, beating the offside trap, from a Plotnek cross, took the ball down with the goal practically empty and managed to lose his bearings, missed the ball and his on my face instead of tapping the ball in to an empty net. The random onlookers and the Park faithful were in fits of laughter
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SUPERSUB OF THE WEEK
Adam Barton (Faithfold C) - two goals helped the Superhoops come from 0-2 down to claim their first win of the season against title-chasing Hendon B
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JC CELEBRATION OF THE WEEK
Ben Mandell (Athletico Finchley) - after completing his hat-trick, Mandell ran the length of the pitch and front flipped before the Athletico players ran to congratulate him
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PETER MORRISON TROPHY LAST 16 DRAW
JC CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP QUARTER-FINAL DRAW
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
JC MSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORER
9 - Danny Kon (Hendon A)
8 - Mike Pearson (Faithfold A)
HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A vs BRADY MACCABI A
Watch out for a Hendon backlash. That is my warning to Josh Rosenfeld, my JC MSFL manager of the week.
The Hammers suffered only their second defeat of the season last Sunday when they succumbed to Lapton in the LFA Sunday Intermediate Cup.
The 7-1 scoreline left manager David Garbacz shell-shocked and he is promising a big reaction from his players on Sunday.
Danny Kon grabbed a consolation in a game they had lots of possession and chances in, and it’s clear that Garbacz is taking nothing for granted ahead of the Brady game.
Garbacz told JC Sport: “It has obviously not gone unnoticed how much Brady have improved over the last few weeks, with last Sunday’s result against Redbridge especially impressive.
“We have several players unavailable or injured this week and our squad will be stretched to the limit .
“Saying that, the importance of this game cannot be under-estimated as we know it is vital to retain a lead in the league going into the Christmas break.
“We need to get back to basics after last week’s defeat in the County Cup where we were far too open defensively, despite playing some great football going forward without being able to turn into goals.
“I predict a much tighter encounter this week and we might need to be patient to break down a very decent outfit.
“A couple of teams have started to creep up on us in the table and a victory this Sunday would be a massive psychological boost going into the new year.
“Home advantage could be key and we are confident we can bounce back from the defeat in the County Cup which was our fourth priority this year to gain three massive points in the quest for what is definitely our first.”
Brady have come on in leaps and bounds in recent weeks with wins over Raiders and Redbridge putting them on the front foot.
But manager Josh Rosenfeld is under no illusions as to how tough things could be on Sunday.
Rosenfeld told JC Sport: “Sunday is another extremely tough game. I tried to get this one cancelled due to many people away on holiday, but unfortunately it was too late notice.
“However, we are full of confidence due to three wins on the trot and we still firmly believe we can go away to Hendon and get something out of the game, and that’s the difference.
“After last week’s solid performance, we know we can go anywhere and be confident of getting something from the game.”
Rosenfeld will miss the game as he’s tied up entertaining clients on a work outing, so Simon Hakim will lead the team on Sunday.
Neither team has been free-scoring in the league and I can see this being a tight and tactical affair. One goal could settle it.
JC team news: Hendon are looking quite stretched this week. Josh Bentley, Motti Colman and Alex Rosenthal are away and there are injury doubts over Dovid Korman, Alex Gilbert, Ben Kon and Paul Bentley. Manager Garbacz added: "I might be getting the boots out myself!"
For Brady, Lee Platt, Josh Gordon, Jordan Grant, Mark Smith, Paul Hakim, TJ Keterman miss out keeper Oli Colmans are away on holiday. Joel Nathan comes in to deputise
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref - A. Myerson
JC star man: Greg Corin (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon Utd SC A 2 Brady Maccabi 1
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A vs NORTH WEST NEASDEN A
It's the clash of the titans at Fairlop as defending champions Redbridge entertain former winners Neasden.
Redbridge's hopes of retaining the title were dealt a huge blow when they went down 2-0 against Brady last week.
They had all their big guns playing, with the exception of Josh Kennet, and manager Eilon Kennet is challenging his team to pull something special out of the bag on Sunday.
The east Londoners have plenty of games in hand, so Kennet and co won't be hitting the panic button just yet, but a third defeat on Sunday would really make things tough.
Neasden go into the game in pretty good shape. They proved too strong for North London Raiders B last Sunday with talisman Lee Cash back on the goal trail with a double.
The dangerous Marc Lazare grabbed another with the ever-reliable Ben Joseph finishing the job.
A fully-fit Cash gives Neasden another dimension and co-manager Darren Yarlett will be trying to keep him wrapped up in cotton wool over the festive period. He remains one of the most prolific marksmen in Jewish football.
Neasden have not conceded in more than 180 minutes and, having climbed into second place virtually unnoticed, they will be looking to boost their title hopes with a famous away win.
Looking ahead to the long trip to Redbridge, Cash told JC Sport: "Sunday will be another huge test for our side. We’re expecting to play against a very strong Redbridge team as they look to bounce back after their result last week.
"We travel to Essex to face the current champions who we have a huge amount of respect for, but having said that, on our current form, we’re confident we can give a good account of ourselves and claim all three points."
There promises to be some enthralling battles all over the park on Sunday, none-more-so than the one in midfield between Danny Daggers and Ben Sollosi.
I think the first game will be crucial on Sunday. If Neasden get it, I can't see them losing.
Update: Sunday's match will be preceded by a minute's silence following the passing of Ian Burns through illness.
JC team news: Neasden have pretty much a full squad to choose from this week, apart from midfielder Matt Sofier, who has a one-match suspension, and Johnny Haik, who is on holiday. Right-bacl David Fox will be putting those very famous gloves as No. 1 Max Shields is unavailable.
Venue - Fairlop, Ref - A. Lewis
JC star man: Sammy Ross (Neasden)
DC Prediction: Redbridge JC A 1 NW Neasden A 2
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A vs SOUTHGATE HARMEN A
It's crunch time in Uxbridge on Sunday as relegation rivals Raiders A and Harmen get ready to rumble in a game neither can afford to lose.
Harmen go into the game with a psychological edge having claimed a deserved 3-1 victory against Raiders on their own 3G in Enfield. Ben Murrell, Zack White and Lee Greenfield were the scorers that day when Harmen were value for money.
After the game, Harmen boss Dan Uzan told JC Sport: "We deserved the win, there’s no question about that.
"With this new squad, we have been unlucky so far not to get any points, but I am quietly confident about our prospects.
"We played on Sunday without James Stanley, Avi Markiewitz, Craig Phillips, Toby Lustigman and Ben Graham. No-one likes being on the bench or being substituted, but as soon as the boys realise that Harmen is about the squad and not the individual then I think you will see us become a great team.
"No disrespect to a well-organised Raiders team but on another day we would have scored more. Adam Velleman and Ben Harris, our two full backs, made all the difference this week with very mature performances, and Zak White showed why we paid so much money to bring him over from Neasden.
"Raiders struggled a bit on Sunday in the heat, but you can tell they are a very good team and will come good soon."
Come good is something Raiders have not done so far, but everyone in the camp is united for the battles that lie ahead.
There is also the small matter of a JC Cyril Anekstein Cup quarter-final coming up in the new year. The hope is that they don't do a Birmingham and win that but still go down.
Raiders looked solid for 60 minutes against Brady last time out, but they offered little in the final third so there's a chance they might throw caution to the wind and try to take the game to Harmen. As the home side, that's the least home fans should expect.
JC team news: Raiders' injury problems show little sign of improvement. Carl Peters will test out his ankle in training this week as he looks to come back after five weeks out. Joe Tankel and Andrew McMaster remain long-term casualties as do Anthony Shaw and James Fattal. Mayer Schultz has returned to Germany until the new year.
Venue - Brunel Uni, Ref - K. Goodman
JC star man: Adam Joselyn (Raiders)
DC Prediction: NL Raiders A 2 Southgate Harmen A 0
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
16 - Dan Orgel (Redbridge JC B)
13 - Jamie Kent (Brixton)
11 - Glenn Michaels (Chigwell)
REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B vs CHIGWELL ATHLETIC
There’s a real treat in store at Fairlop as local rivals Redbridge B and Chigwell go head to head.
Leaders Redbridge have been a real surprise package this season in what has been a real squad effort so far.
Last week they claimed an impressive 4-2 victory over Brixton A, with strikes from danger man Dan Orgel, Scott Kaye, Adam Goldman and Harrison Grant seeing them home.
The form of midfielder David Dobrin has also been a real bonus in recent weeks and manager Stirling Kay will urge his team to get the ball to his midfield maestro at every opportunity.
A high-octane affair is on the cards and it’s clear the Redbridge boys will need few words of motivation from Kay before kick-off.
Looking ahead to the crunch clash, Kay told JC Sport: “Having lost to Chigwell in the cup, we go into the game expecting a very hard game.
“They scored all their goals from set pieces and we simply, for the first time, were not good enough defensively. We must do a lot better on Sunday.
“We also came up against a side who have a lot of very experienced players who know their away around the pitch and they knew how to wind us up, and in our case, stopped us playing our football.
“Frustration got the better of us that day and we had two players sent off. As a very young team, we must learn to concentrate on what we do well and not listen to what is being said on and off the field.
“I hope this game is competitive with football being the winner. Win or lose, let’s hope the game is played in the right spirit, and my players learn from last game.”
Chigwell go into the game on the back of a brilliant 3-0 win over promotion rivals Norstar. A double from star striker Glenn Michaels plus a quality finish from Anthony Mendel moved them back into second place, six points behind RJC, but they have played a game more.
SEE CHIGWELL IN ACTION: VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
SEE CHIGWELL IN ACTION: PHOTOS
Chigwell boss Richard Slater has plenty of respect for Redbridge, but he is confident his men can inflict a first defeat on Kay’s men.
“Full credit to RJC B,” Slater told JC Sport. “For such a young side, they’ve set the standard so far with everyone else playing catch up.
“The league title is theirs to lose. Whether they have the temperament and consistency remains to be seen.
“Hopefully we can go there and repeat our CA 3-1 cup win back in October. The lads are in confident mood after two successive wins and clean sheets and all very much up for the derby. We simply have to win to keep the pressure on.”
There is little left for me to say other than give a prediction. Sunday will come down to which team handles the pressure and which team keeps their discipline. I can see the teams coming away with a point apiece.
Update: Sunday's match will be preceded by a minute's silence following the passing of Ian Burns through illness.
JC team news: RJC have two players out through suspension with Mark Zealander and Jamie Cooper missing out. James Berkley is still out from the corresponding game with fracture after a tackle from behind. Alex Chernoff is away on holiday while Jay Lawrence is rated “very doubtful” as he recovers from a long-term ankle injury. Striker Dan Orgel (knee), Sam Taylor (hamstring) and Manny Simberg also look set to miss out.
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – D. Lazarus
JC star man: Jamie Fox (Chigwell)
DC Prediction: Redbridge JC B 1 Chigwell Athletic 1
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BRIXTON OLD BOYS A vs TEMPLE FORTUNE A
With four, five and in some cases, six matches in hand on their promotion rivals, John Nitka's Brixton will be looking to put last weekend's defeat against leaders Redbridge behind them as they look to finish 2011 with a bang.
Mike Posner and Alon Hershkorn were the scorers in a 4-2 defeat from which Nitka came away a frustrated figure.
He will be looking to put one over the club he served with distinction in the 1980s in what is the first meeting between the teams this season.
Nitka is confident his boys will put on a good show in front of their fans. He told JC Sport: "After two consecutive weeks of losing, we hope to get back to winning ways.
"I still have players unavailable but should be able to field a team strong enough to win the game. Let's wait and see!"
I said a couple of weeks ago that Fortune should achieve their aim of consolidation in their first season back, and even though they haven't won in the league, I think they will achieve their goal. That said, they must start tightening up at the back or else they will continue to look over their shoulders.
Keeping their first league clean sheet of the season against Brixton is highly unlikely, so it's a case of attack being the best form of defence on Sunday.
Fortune assistant-manager Jack Morris told JC Sport: "Last season our rivalry with Brixton was pretty intense to say the least! There were red cards, lots of goals, and a few arguments along the way, but fortunately we managed to come out on top in the race for the title.
"This season I think things are a bit different. We lost three of our title winning team over the summer, and on Sunday we have another couple of players missing so the team we put out will be very different from the one that faced Brixton last year.
"I have seen Brixton have had a mixed bag of results so far, but they beat Neasden A which shows just how strong a side they are on their day.
"As mentioned, we have a couple of players already away for the holidays, but we still aim to put out a decent team capable of giving Brixton a game.
"We are slowly consolidating our position in Division One and the quicker we secure first division football for next season the better, starting with a good performance on Sunday.
Brixton look a long way off the team chasing promotion that we all expected them to be and Sunday will provide a good test of their character and credentials. It's a test I expect them to pass, by a couple of goals.
Venue – Clowes, Ref – P. Gelernter
JC star man: Mike Posner (Brixton)
DC Prediction: Brixton Old Boys A 4 Temple Fortune A 2
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NORSTAR A vs SOUTHGATE HARMEN B
It finished 4-3 to Norstar when the teams met last month and another open and entertaining affair is on the cards.
Phil Peters' troops were well beaten by promotion rivals Chigwell on Sunday and the manager will be looking for a big reaction from his men here.
Although Norstar's promotion hopes remain in their own hands, a hat-trick of defeats have come at a worrying time for Peters and co.
But with home advantage, he believes it's only a matter of time until they click back into gear.
Peters told JC Sport: "After the disappointment of last week, we really need three points to get our promotion push back on track and end the year on a high.
"Let's not forget we won our first six games this season and we just need to rediscover our confidence in the final third.
"Sunday gives us an opportunity to do this and with close to a full squad to choose from, I'm confident that we'll get the result that we need."
I believe this game comes at a good time for Norstar and it could be a long morning for Harmen.
They came away with a creditable point against Neasden B last Sunday, when strikes from Doron Hershkorn and Dan Amram earned them a 2-2 draw.
Both Harmen goals were straight out of the top-drawer and it will take something special to beat home keeper Ben de la Fuente on Sunday.
The return of Anthony Goodmaker means that Norstar have their long-throw threat and centre half Jeff Gotch will be looking to capitalise on the generous 33-1 Paddypower are offering on him as first scorer.
However, the threat posed by Adam Jason, Eli Houri, Simon Perlmutter and Jonny Isbitt in open play will stretch the Harmen back-line.
Whichever way you look at it, it's Norstar for me.
JC team news: For Norstar, Sammy Kalms is getting married on Sunday but should be the only absentee as Anthony Goodmaker returns from three-months away.
Venue – Ark Academy, Ref – S. Levy
JC star man: Anthony Goodmaker (Norstar)
DC Prediction: Norstar A 3 Southgate Harmen B 1
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WOODFORD WANDERERS vs NORTH WEST NEASDEN B
The comeback is on. That is the word coming out of the Woodford camp following back-to-back wins over Oakwood and Montana.
Mitch Hahn was the hero last week, bagging a hat-trick in a thrilling 4-3 win over Montana. That's not forgetting Daryl Kay who cracked home the all-important winner.
The Woodford boys are eyeing a third league win when they entertain a Neasden team who beat them 5-3 not too long ago.
After the game, NWN boss Dan Hodes told JC Sport: "We played some lovely football in patches and took our chances. Without the ball we are still at risk and indeed conceded three.
"Credit to Woodford for fighting back but in the end our good work and neat passing created too many goals for them to come back from.
It's clear Woodford will be up for the challenge. Player-manager Alex Aviram told JC Sport: "Another big win is needed this Sunday. If we can finish the year with nine points then I'll go into the Chanukah period a happy man.
"It's not been the best year for Woodford - with massive injuries to key players and events off the pitch affecting our chances of promotion. As I have always said though on our day- if we turn up - we can beat any team in this league.
"We are going into this game with confidence on back-to-back wins, but will not take anything for granted as we know that every game is our cup final if we want to beat the drop."
NWN were bolstered by Matt Sofier in the corresponding fixture. A-team star Sofier helped them boss the all-important midfield engine room while it's also worth noticing that striker Marc Lazare, a scorer that day, has since moved up to the As.
Experienced forward Jonny Blain is starting to find the net on a regular basis and he could be a thorn in Woodford's side, especially if they switch off at the back. Blain is the kind of striker who only need one chance to score.
Neasden know that if they can silence Hahn, then they'll have a good chance. A man-marker seems the most sensible option but better teams have tried that and failed.
But Aviram is keen to show NWN and the whole of the MSFL that they are not a one-man team so Sunday could be the day for someone to stand up and be counted.
JC team news: Woodford are still without shot-stopper Ben Rosenthal (back), Darryl Green (nose job), Craig Mervish (hamstring) and Nuriel Avhram (away), Harrison Midda (away) and Paul Shone (meeting some bird up north - pathetic!). To add to the list of Aviram's injury woes, Jamie Golding is also out with an ankle injury he picked up during training. Aviram added: "I think Daryl Kaye sat on him!" So who will step up? Aviram commented: "I will be looking for vice- captain Darren Ezekiel to deputise again at centre back and I welcome back the JC MSFL's most technically-gifted footballer Adam Poole to the fold." Woodford's No. 1 Jay Jaffa will be back between the sticks.
Venue - Redbridge Sports Centre, Ref - B. Pieters
JC star man: Daryl Kay (Woodford)
DC Prediction: Woodford Wanderers 3 NW Neasden B 1
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
18 - Doron Weinstein (Redbridge JC C)
13 - Ben Simons (Faithfold C)
12 - Craig Sandford (Glenthorne B)
GLENTHORNE UNITED A vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B
"Promotion is back in our hands." Those were the words of Glenthorne player-manager following the win over FC Team B last weekend.
Lipman was joined on the scoresheet by John Lessem, Jordan Sapler and Jamie Crawford in a 4-2 victory. But clearly, they will have to up the ante against promotion rivals Hendon.
"It's a massive game," Lipman told JC Sport. "After last weekend's results promotion is back in our hands and that's where we intend to keep it with a win against Hendon."
Hendon were victims of one of the shocks of Matchday 14, going down 3-2 against a Faithfold C team who had yet to win a league match this season.
Managers Chaim Gothold and Motty Korman expect their troops to rise to the occasion in what will be a high-quality affair.
Looking ahead to the crunch clash, Korman told JC Sport: "The boys are gutted over last week's defeat, especially after being 2-0 up.
"It's the last game before the break and a massive three points are on offer for both teams."
Glenthorne start the match three points ahead of Hendon, their nearest rivals. However, they have played two games more. Arguably, Hendon go into the game with a slight psychological edge having beaten the Thornes 2-1 on the opening weekend of the season. Parys Hammond and Chanania Englesman on that sunny September morning.
So revenge will be the name of the game for Lipman's warriors. A win here would leave Hendon without a win in three and put daylight between the sides.
Glenthorne have been solid at home but they have lost twice in front of their fans. It's clear they're beatable but I think that if their big guns fire, they'll have just too much on the day.
JC team news: Hendon had five players missing last week and welcome back Chaim Gothold, Parys Hammond and Danny Steel. Motty Korman and Tali Nevies will face last fitness tests.
Venue - London Marathon Playing Fields, Ref - R. Benardout
JC star man: John Lessem
DC Prediction: Glenthorne Utd A 2 Hendon Utd SC B 1
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CAMDEN PARK vs L'EQUIPE
The form-book went out of the window last weekend when lowly L'Equipe halted leaders Camden and although this looks like a home banker on paper, it's definitely one to keep an eye on.
There were cries of oi vey up and down the land last weekend when strikes from player-manager David Prager and Andy Burke an unlikely point, but it's clear they have stepped things up in recent weeks.
Two-goal hero Mike Khalastchi saved Camden's blushes and the home team will be looking to kill off the game as soon as possible second time around.
Camden's Nick Kagan believed that L'Equipe profited from "a phantom penalty" so manager Josh Marks will be encouraging his troops to stay on their feet on Sunday.
Kagan was full of praise for L'Equipe after the final whistle. He told JC Sport: "Credit to L'Equipe though, they gave us a real battle and don't deserve to be bottom of the table."
It may not be straight-forward for Camden on Sunday, as Kagan commented: "Our Squad's been decimated by injuries and holiday-makers.
"We're determined to make up for the last two weeks and we're looking for a reaction from the boys.
"Key decisions have been going against us recently. We could do with lady luck on our side this week. I'll take a win any way it comes."
So revenge is the name of the game for the Camden boys and Prager knows it will be up to his men to match them a prove that it wasn't a fluke result.
Speaking shortly after the final whistle last week, he told JC Sport: "I was really happy with our commitment and work-rate but we can play better."
L'Equipe are quite enjoying the role of the underdog at the moment. Two encouraging draws against teams vying for promotion have clearly lifted the squad. And they will go into this game believing anything is possible.
Venue - The Hive, Ref - A. Djanogly
JC star man: Andy Burke (Camden)
DC Prediction: Camden Park 2 L'Equipe 1
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FAITHFOLD B vs NORSTAR B
Promotion-seeking Faithfold hit rock bottom last weekend when they were put to bed by Lions B, but with their A-team not playing, they could benefit from a leading light coming in to bolster them here.
A striker could be top of manager Rob Shooman's wish-list after they drew a blank at Rowley Lane, in a game where they didn't really threaten going forward.
Norstar B earned an impressive point against high-flying Redbridge C, with Phil Reid, Nick Gilbert and Jono Gaon on target in a six-goal epic.
The form of Gaon has been a real plus for the team this season and manager Jonny Bunt hopes he can turn on the style in front of the onlooking Barnet scouts.
The Stars have taken five points out of their last three games, which included a 2-2 draw against Faithfold's third string. No doubt, Shooman and David Garson will be exchanging ideas over a diet coke this week.
It's difficult to call a winner ahead of kick-off, but one thing looks certain. If Mike Pearson or Daryl Phillips line up for Faithfold, only a brave man would bet against them.
Venue - The Hive, Ref - M. Fox
JC star man: Phil Reid (Norstar)
DC Prediction: Faithfold B 3 Norstar B 2
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DIVISION THREE
TOP-SCORERS
16 - Saul Conway (Shirley Park)
14 - Stefan Benfredj (Shirley Park)
HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB C vs GLENTHORNE UNITED B
Glenthorne managers Sam Rosenthal and Craig Sandford will be looking to make it a perfect 10 when they take their troops to west Hendon on Sunday.
Quite clearly, the Thornes are the real deal this season and they will be looking to make mincemeat out of Hendon again.
Last Sunday, they put nine past Team JLGB with Fabio 'the Italian Stallion' Revieccio leading the way with a four-goal salvo. Sandford had an off-day in front of goal but it mattered little as Dan Lassman, James Rubin (2), Adam Bernstein and Andy Levy saved his blushes.
Glenthorne have been more ruthless at home. In their five away wins, they have notched up 11 goals and they will be looking to add to Hendon's woes.
But Sandford is taking nothing for granted as he expects the Hustlers to give as good as they get.
He told JC Sport: "Every time you come up against a Hendon team, you know what you’re in for. They will be strong and determined all the way to the final whistle.
"We will need to match them in desire and focus. If we do this then our quality should see us through.
"We have a huge incentive to win this game which will be to finish 2011 unbeaten and go into the new year with our 100 per cent record intact.
"Every game in division three is hard and Sunday won’t be any different. In our last two games we have scored twelve goals and conceded none. This gives us great belief that we are solid in all departments.
"I believe we have the best defensive record in all divisions and this is what we base our success so far. Being top at Chanukah will give everyone a lift and the boys can enjoy their turkey!"
Hendon came away from last week's game against Shirley Park with heads held high.
Although they were comfortably beaten, they battled until the end.
Manager Avi Gelley is looking for more of the same on Sunday. He told JC Sport: "I hope that we can build on previous weeks good work and score a couple of goals."
Scoring a goal against Glenthorne B is considered something of a morale victory these days, but I can't see Hendon getting more than one. Unfortunately that won't be enough as the Thornes keep going from strength to strength playing some thrilling football.
It's been a couple of weeks since Josh Wynne was in the headlines and I expect his to take this game by the scruff of the neck and really turn on the style.
JC team news: Glenthorne pair Simon Bagel and Michael Winehouse are out with viruses.
JC star man: Josh Wynne (Glenthorne)
DC Prediction: Hendon Utd SC C 1 Glenthorne Utd B 4
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NORTH WEST NEASDEN C vs SHIRLEY PARK
Double referee of the year Warwick Blake is in charge for what should be a cracker between Neasden C and Shirley Park in Mill Hill.
Dave Lusman's Park go into the game six points ahead of nearest rivals Neasden, who have a game in hand.
Lee Bushall, Gideon Gold and Stefan Benfredj were the goal men in the corresponding fixture in early November when the Park boys ran out 3-0 winners.
Ian Bean, Nicky Plotnek and Gold were on target for Park on Sunday, when they also won 3-0, this time against Hendon C
The top-scorers in the JC MSFL, Park have hit an incredible 60 goals in just nine league games. It will need a keeper of the highest calibre to stop them and NWN player-manager Louis Taylor has been working hard to find an able replacement for Ed Bloom who recently joined FC Team.
Taylor has come up trumps again, bringing in Mike Perkin from first division Montana Boca United.
A delighted Taylor told JC Sport: "It's a coup for the club to bring in a player from a higher division. I believe he is the last piece of our promotion jigsaw!"
Looking ahead to Sunday, he added: "It's a massive one. We aren't really talked about in the league as a promotion candidate, partly because of the fact that we have played less games.
"If we want to be taken seriously, then Sunday would be a great place to start. We were outplayed last time by an excellent Shirley Park side. With over 20 players vying for a place in the squad, I'm putting out the best team that I can. Let's see what we can do against one of the best teams out there."
Basically, Taylor has summed it up perfectly. The best way to put themselves firmly on the map in terms of the promotion picture is to beat a team that has been scoring for fun and registering cricket scores on a regular basis.
On time will tell if they're up to the task. It should be a corker!
Venue - Copthall, Ref - W. Blake
JC star man: Sam Gold (Shirley)
DC Prediction: NW Neasden C 2 Shirley Park 3
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TEAM JLGB vs BLIZZARD STORM
Blizzard boss Simon Linden pulled off a major coup this week when he snapped up experienced striker Stefan Simons.
Until now, the team has been struggling for goals, especially since losing Joel Kutner to Los Blancos.
Simons is a proven goal-scorer and if he can return to full fitness following a serious injury, he could help turn Blizzard's fortunes around.
That said, they did OK without him last week when Oli Simons scored the only goal in a smash and grab raid against Catford.
But it was the performance of young defender Daniel Vandermolen that really turned heads and no doubt, Linden will be looking for more of the same on Sunday.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Linden told JC Sport: "We are expecting a good squad available. We need to get three points.
"I have set my squad a goal of finishing in the top five which means a good run of form."
JLGB's problems have been well-documented, but they continue to enjoy playing the beautiful game the right way, and credit to them for that.
Ten consecutive defeats would leave most teams down and out but no JLGB. These boys are made of sterner stuff.
Manager Rob Silverman praised Matt West, Barry Green, Dave Mitchell, Rob Levene and Dan Levy. They created some good openings in the 9-0 defeat against Glenthorne and they have to keep believing the ball will start rolling for them sooner or later. Last week, Matt West hitting the post and Barry Green had a goal ruled out for offside.
The absence of key players Paul Black and Adam Conway hit JLGB hard last week but Silverman remains optimistic his boys can start picking up points between now and the end of the season.
That said, with Simons looking to impress on debut, it appears that the script is already written.
JC team news: Stefan Simons goes straight into the Blizzard squad for the weekend. Oli Simons misses out.
Venue - Peter May Sports Centre, Ref - L. Thorne
JC star man: Stefan Simons (Blizzard)
DC Prediction: Team JLGB 1 Blizzard Storm 2
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DIVISION FOUR
TOP-SCORERS
15 - Terry Jeffries (Temple Fortune B)
12 - Ben Hart, (NL Raiders C)
JEWVENTUS vs SPEC FC
This is about as close as the mighty SPEC FC will ever get to playing in Europe so I'm sure Laurence Conway's troops will have something special lined-up.
Rumour has it that they are planning to make a weekend of it ahead of the clash against the Old Lady and having hit seven last time out, they will be looking to fill their Chanukah stockings here.
Ashley Burns was the star man for them last weekend, leading the way with a hat-trick in a 7-1 win. Full-back Adam Wilson put another inspired performance while I've received reports that Marc Hecht is finally over his gaff of the week.
Looking ahead to Sunday, SPEC's media guru Ricky Lawrence told JC Sport: "After finally converting a few more chances last week, we will hoping to continue in that manner come Sunday morning though we know that is going to be no easy task against a strong Jewventus.
"Manager Laurence Conway's office door has been knocked on a fair few times this week as his players plea for a chance to impress from the start and no-one has been knocking harder than Dan Cohen. Cohen is the only player in the SPEC squad not to start a game this season and he'll be hoping for his chance this Sunday.
"There is a lot of competition for places in the SPEC squad currently and the boss may be looking to the tinkerman himself, Claudio Raineri, to keep the right balance.
"That competition may be even fiercer soon after two players from North London Raiders A were spotted in the stands at the Boca game. The gaffer refused to reveal the identity of the Raiders players but he did say that both players interest him."
Although there were a few coughs and sniffles in the camp on the eve of the game, Lawrence went on to say: "We got absolutely soaked at training the other night, but we'll be hoping for the three points on Sunday come rain or shine."
Gabriel John, the Jewve boss, is confident his men can cause SPEC some problems on Sunday. He believes his troops owe him after under-performing last time out.
John told JC Sport: "After what was a really disappointing result and turnout (the first in my rein as a manager), I have a full squad and returning midfield dynamos Gab Saul and Aron Taylor. I fancy we could cause SPEC some difficulties.
"As long as we battle hard and dont let the 3g pitch drain us, we should walk away with at least a point."
John always talks a good game but he will be given a run for his money by match referee Steve Feiger - the original voice of Jewish football!
Conway has long been dreaming of a nine-point Chanukah and I think his wish will come true here, but only just.
Venue - Hatfield Uni, Ref - S. Feiger
JC star man: Dan Cohen (SPEC FC)
DC Prediction: SPEC FC 3 Jewventus 2
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ATHLETIC BILBAUM vs BRIXTON OLD BOYS B
Leaders Bilbaum, sounds good doesn't it lads, have been the model of consistency with just one defeat in 11. I expect them to do the business against Brixton on Sunday and move four points clear at the top.
They needed all their battling qualities to edge past FC Team last weekend, with the red-hot Jake Gilbert (2) and Sam Roth finding the onion bag.
Bilbaum joint-player-manager Mark Pasha described it as "our toughest game of the season". He went on to say: "We were, in many ways, fortunate to come out with all three points.
"FC Team C played really well and made it a fight all the way to the final whistle. Their league position certainly doesn't tell the full story.
"Once again though, we are really proud of the performance of all the Baums. It was at times a scrappy affair, but the players attitude, work rate and hunger was exceptional all morning long.
"At such a crucial time of the season, and after such a great run of results, anything less than three points would have been disappointing and we are very pleased to have come out on top this morning."
If the first game is anything to go by then this should be a classic. Bilbaum ran out 8-5 winners with co-manager Ed Green and Adam Bier fighting over the matchball after crashing home hat-tricks. But Bier edged it for his 35-yard wonder goal.
The signs look ominous for Brixton on Sunday. They were thumped 5-1 by fellow strugglers Athletico Finchley and the fear is that if Bilbaum can get good service to their front men, it could be a long 90 minutes for travelling fans.
Venue - Hampstead Heath Extension, Ref - Q. Fox
JC star man: Sam Roth (Bilbaum)
DC Prediction: Athletic Bilbaum 4 Brixton OB B 1
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BOCA JEWNIORS vs ATHLETICO FINCHLEY
Athletico Finchley have the perfect chance to put clear daylight between themselves and wooden spoon favourites Boca Jewniors on Sunday.
They have a golden opportunity to record back-to-back victories for the first time this season, with all eyes on Ben Mandell following his stunning hat-trick against Brixton last week.
It was a memorable morning for club chairman Zach Margolin, with strikes from the impressive Andrew Greenwall-Cohen and Jack Wagner sealing the win.
Rumour has it that Margolin is in talks to get the match put on to a DVD in time for the Chanukah rush in the club shop.
Looking ahead to Sunday, he told JC Sport: "Being new teams to the league, both Athletico and Boca haven't had a good start to the season. However, we feel that even with so many players missing we can certainly get three points on Sunday and would be disappointed with anything less.
"With Athletico on the back of a great victory and Boca on the back of a great loss, the odds will be in our favour, but anything can happen as we have seen in this unpredictable season.
"We are sure that as we are, the Boca lads will be very up for this bottom-two encounter and we are looking forward to what will hopefully be a great game."
As Margolin says, Boca were the victims of yet another heavy defeat and it could have been much worse without the heroics of keeper Ryan Monk.
They were thumped 7-1 by SPEC FC in a game where a header from Jamie Weinrich was the highlight for Sefton Monk's men.
Monk has been busy boosting his squad in recent weeks with Vivian Emanuel and Dean Jordan adding depth.
Visiting keeper Doug Carson is advised to take his pipe, slippers, flask of hot chocolate and a copy of the JC to keep himself warm and entertained in goal, as I can't see Boca getting too much joy in the Athletico half.
Boca started brightly last week, but once they slipped a couple of goals behind, heads started to drop.
I can see the same happening on Sunday with Greenwall-Cohen pulling the strings.
JC team news: Athletico have a few players out this week. Zach Margolin, Sam Marchant, David Tamman, Andrew Greenwall-Cohen, Charlie Hollis and Sam Collins are away. However, Isaac Eleini returns after three weeks out. Dovid Kurzer is back after his ankle injury and Ashley Diamond plays for the first time in three weeks.
Venue - South Oxhey, Ref - A. Yuchetel
JC star man: Andrew Greenwall-Cohen (Athletico)
DC Prediction: Boca Jewniors 1 Athletico Finchley 4
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BRADY MACCABI B vs TEMPLE FORTUNE B
Match of the day in Division For sees third place Fortune travel to the the Lane to take on promotion rivals Brady B.
Josh Dagul's Brady bunch saw their Peter Morrison Trophy hopes terminated last week as they were hammered 5-1 by Premier Division FC Team A.
With games in hand on the top four, it's vital they get back on track after going down 3-1 to Bilbaum in their last league outing.
Brady fans hope that the likes of Dan Hildebrand, James Joseph, Jerome Colmans and Reiss Mogilner put on a good show in their first meeting with Fortune this season.
The Reds have been rock solid at their new home - scoring 18 and keeping two clean sheets.
This week we know its going to be a hard game but we will be going into this match with confidence and a strong team, we would like to think that we will be coming away with at least a point, we have a great squad and think that on our day we will make it hard for most to beat us.
The Fortune boys go in search of their eighth league win. One of the top-scorers in the division, they've had a couple of weeks to recover from the 3-1 win over Jewventus and will look to finish 2011 with a bang.
Fortune player-manager Terry Jeffries has been calling all the shots this term and his partnership with work colleague Joey Glynne up top is the real deal.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Jeffries told JC Sport: "This week we know its going to be a hard game, but we will be going into this match with confidence and a strong team.
"We would like to think that we will be coming away with at least a point.
"We have a great squad and think that on our day we will make it hard for most to beat us."
It's defensively that questions could be asked of Fortune. They have only kept one clean sheet in the league this season and that came on the opening weekend.
Defensive lynchpin Simon Allen will have his hands full trying to keep Hildebrand quiet and that, for me, is the key battle.
At the other end, Brady giant Jonny Meltzer must silence the threat of Jeffries, with Glynne looking to add to his tally.
I'm predicting goals aplenty with Brady squeezing home.
Venue - Rowley Lane, Ref - J. Feenstra
JC star man: Dan Hildebrand (Brady)
DC Prediction: Brady B 4 Temple Fortune B 3
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