The JC MSFL season resumes on Sunday with action in the League Cup, Peter Morrison Trophy and league where the big match sees defending champions Hendon tackle 2011 winners Redbridge. Danny Caro looks ahead to all the action.
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JC CYRIL ANEKSTEIN QUARTER-FINAL DRAW
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PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND THREE
FC TEAM A vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A
Premier Division rivals FC Team A and Raiders will battle it out for a place in round four when they go head-to-head in Borehamwood.
The teams have enjoyed some monumental battles in recent years as two of the league’s top, young managers go head-to-head.
FC Team boss Mitch Young is under no illusions as to just how tough his side’s first game of 2013 will be, especially with some key personnel missing.
Young told JC Sport: “The Morrison represents our only chance of silverware this season so it is a very important game. Coming off the back of the winter break it will be a difficult challenge against a quality Raiders side
“ I am disappointed to be without a number of players however no matter what team I put out I am hoping to progress."
Raiders gaffer Rob Richman believes the rolling substitutes rule could have an influence on the outcome. He told JC Sport: “We always have good, hard fought matches against FC Team. I expect Sunday should be no different.
“I am not sure how much impact rolling subs will have on the game, but I know I can’t be the only one hoping Jonny Pearl dusts off the boots for old times sake.” Now there’s a sight I’d love to see.
As mentioned, Team have some big names missing and Young will be looking for the likes of Ed Bloom and Matt Drage to step up to the plate and lead by example.
I think home advantage will play a part and am tipping the boys in yellow and blue to edge through.
JC team news: FC Team are missing Gideon Moss, Oliver Segal, Jake Weiner, Simon Peterman, Richard Salmon, and Danny Moss.
For Raiders, Elliot Espinoza and Mike Hershman are definitely out, while Alex Bloch is rated doubtful.
Top-Scorers
Team - Richard Salmon 6
Raiders - David Dinkin, Jamie Wolfson 5
Venue – Meadow Park, Ref –Richard Jaye
JC star man: Ed Bloom (Team)
DC Prediction: FC Team A 2 Raiders 1
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JC CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND THREE
WOODFORD WANDERERS vs TEMPLE FORTUNE A
A home quarter-final clash against Premier Division giants Redbridge Jewish Care A awaits the winner of Division One rivals Woodford and Fortune who meet on Sunday.
A mouth-watering affair is on the cards as an in-form Fortune team head east, with two excellent performances against Glenthorne behind them.
It appears Lee Fegan’s troops have turned the corner and look set for a very bright future. The manager has added great quality to the squad this season and it’s good to see them playing with confidence and a smile on their face.
The first half of the season was not great for Woodford, but manager Paul Hyams hopes to turn over a new leaf and they have nothing to lose in the cup this weekend.
The incentive of a last eight clash against local rivals Redbridge would certainly excite the Woodford fans, who have had little to cheer about up to this point.
Jerome Marks was back to his best last time out and I can see him and Mitch Hahn posing a big threat to Fortune hopes, but if the visitors, who have some match-winners of their own, pack the midfield and execute their game-plan they could come away with another big result.
Top-Scorers
Woodford -
Fortune - Craig Edwards 5
JC star man: Scott Kay (Fortune)
DC Prediction: Woodford 2 Fortune 3 AET
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JC MSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
13 - Adam Stolerman (Redbridge JC A)
12 - Lee Cash (LM Lions A - 10 for Neasden A)
11 - Daryl Phillips (Faithfold A)
10 - Josh Green (Norstar A)
HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
There won’t be an empty seat in the house for the clash of the titans in Arkley where 2012 treble winners Hendon host 2011 double kings Redbridge. No doubt, a real new year’s treat is in store.
Hendon boss David Garbacz didn’t want 2012 to end. He led the club to three pieces of silverware and claimed one of his own with the coveted JC MSFL Manager of the Year award.
Garbacz and co will be looking to carry on where they left off, although Hendon fans need no reminding that on Sunday they will come face to face with their bogey team.
Looking ahead to the match, Garbacz told JC Sport: “The serious business starts here . If we are to harbour any hopes of retaining our league we simply have to win on Sunday.
"We finished 2012 off well and to be honest the break came at the wrong time because we were really getting it together in our last couple of games and I am hoping we can continue that form into Sunday.
"Over the last couple of seasons Redbridge have been a real bogey team for us – they are always hard to break down and are excellent at taking chances in what is always a tight fixture. The first goal is always so crucial as there is no-one better than holding onto a lead than Redbridge, but if we were to get in front it could completely ruin their game plan.
"I do not see much changing for Sunday – once again I’m sure it will be tight and we will need to be very disciplined and well-organised. I am expecting a real battle – a draw will play right into Faithfold’s hands so both teams will be desperate for the three points and the extra openness that will cause is an advantage for us.
"We will be stronger than when we played we played them earlier in the season, and with Hadley proving a bit of a fortress recently for us I am confident that we can edge it. It is time to finally rid ourselves of our east London bogey and start the new year with a massive win."
Redbridge go into the game knowing victory would take them above their big rivals and into second place. And with striker Adam Stolerman in top form, travelling fans will make the long journey north hopeful of coming away with something to show for their efforts.
Manager Eilon Kennet admitted that his team got the breaks in the first encounter, when a double from Stolerman proved decisive, and he knows there will be periods when his team will be under pressure on Sunday. Captain Adam Hakimi, who is featured in the Player Profile section in this week's JC, will look to put the block on Hendon and I’ll be interested to see if he goes with three, four or five in midfield.
Both teams have kept three clean sheets in the league this season and I can’t see this being a particularly high-scoring affair. In fact it would not surprise me if it finished honours even.
JC team news: Hendon are expected to be close to full-strength, with the exception of long term injury victims Alex Gilbert and Jacob Gold.
Top-Scorers
Hendon - 5 - Avidan Last
Redbridge - 13 - Adam Stolerman
Form Guide (league only)
Hendon at home - W, D, W, D, W
Redbridge away - W, L, W, L, D
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Andy Myerson
JC star man: Rafi Kon (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon 1 Redbridge 1
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NORSTAR A vs LONDON MACCABI LIONS A
Norstar were one of the batch of clubs who did not want the winter break, but manager Phil Peters hopes they hit the ground running when the star-studded Lions team come to town.
Peters spent much of the festive break analysing footage of the 3-0 win over Brixton and he has been trying to work out how to stop the Lions on Sunday.
With his recent signings bedding in well, Peters has confided in Lions old boy JJ Spiro to find out some of the secrets of the Rowley Lane machine and ensure the Brixton win wasn’t a flash in the pan.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Peters told JC Sport: “We have almost a full squad to choose from after a relaxing Xmas period which came at just the wrong time after our first two wins of the season.
“We lost 3-2 to Lions last time out and should definitely have taken something from that match so will be looking for our revenge.”
Keeper Ben De La Fuente was Norstar’s top performer against Brixton and I can see him having another busy game against a free-flowing Lions team.
Lions interim manager Andy Landesberg told me recently he expects to remain in the dugout for the remainder of the season and his partnership with coach James Gershfield is starting to click.
Indeed, having enjoyed his turkey and trimmings recently, Landesberg’s biggest headache will be trying to trim his squad down for what many Lions fans have down as a cast-iron three points.
Landesberg told JC Sport this week: “It looks like the game against Norstar will be a definite on as Norstar have a 3G alternative available. I think it’s fair to say that they are slowly but surely improving on a week by week basis, and Sunday will not be an easy game, they have some good players.
“It is vital that our squad do not let the holiday break affect us. With Lee Cash and Danny Daggers available as this is a league game and a squad of 20 to choose from, it will be difficult for us to make sure we pick the right squad for this tough game.
“Hopefully we will continue to build on our last few outings, where there was clearly a strong spirit within the group starting to develop. We will be confident for Sunday, but not complacent, if we are not at our best then we will have a tough job on our hands.”
For me, the head to head between Cash and Norstar top-scorer Josh Green will be key, but given that Lions are comfortable and more than competent on 3G, I think they will have too much for Norstar on the day.
Top-Scorers
Norstar – 10 - Josh Green
Lions – 12 - Lee Cash (10 for Neasden A)
Form Guide
Norstar at home – W, L, L, D
Lions away – L, L, D
Venue – John Lyons School, Ref –John Feenstra
JC star man: Danny Daggers (LML)
DC Prediction: Norstar 1 Lions 3
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BRADY MACCABI A vs FAITHFOLD A
Brady are one of the form teams at the minute and with three consecutive home league wins under their belt, they will be looking forward to the visit of league leaders Faithfold A to Rowley Lane on Sunday.
Eight points separate the teams going into the game and Brady boss Joel Nathan knows that a victory of any description would blow the title race wide open against a team who have been the model of consistency so far this season.
But to achieve their goal, Nathan knows that his players will have to play the perfect game, ticking all the boxes in defence, midfield and up top.
Looking ahead to the game, Nathan told JC Sport: “Nothing is easy in this league and we now face the league leaders, but coming on the back of greatly improved performances at the end of last year the lads are looking forward to the challenge against probably the most consistent team in the MSFL for the last decade.
“Zuriel has put together a strong squad and deserve great credit for the job he is doing..”
Having sealed the return of striker Mike Pearson just before Chanukah, the future looks very bright for Faithfold, but they face a real test of their title credentials in their first outing of 2013.
Daryl Phillips led the line superbly over the first half of the season, while Jonny Haik, Rocky Spitzer, Dan Perkins and Dan Howard also chipped in with crucial goals, but manager Zuriel Solomon will encourage other players to try their luck in front of goal.
It’s clear that Solomon is expecting no favours on Sunday. He told JC Sport: “We play Brady for the first time this season and expect a really tough game as they have some good players and have strung some decent results together last year.
“We hope to have a full squad raring to go and will need to be on our game to come away with the right result.
“We need to work hard and make sure we take our chances as both teams haven’t played for a while. We will need to start quick and make sure our football does the talking.”
I’m predicting a high-octane affair on Sunday with neither side willing to give an inch. For me, the key battles lie in midfield and I don’t think a draw would be the worst result for Faithfold, although they will arrive wanting all three.
JC team news: Brady are still without Nicky Smith, while Jordan Nathan is away on a school football tour. They are otherwise at full strength.
Top-Scorers
Brady – 7 Jonathan Green
Faithfold – 11 Daryl Phillips
Form Guide
Brady – W, W, W, L, L
Faithfold – W, W, L
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref –Neal Cooper
JC star man: Jonny Ellis (Brady)
DC Prediction: Brady 1 Faithfold A 1
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
25 - Jamie Kent (Shirley Park)
14 - Yishai Last (Hendon B)
10 - Chaim Gothold (Hendon B)
FAITHFOLD B vs NORTH WEST NEASDEN A
Survival is the name of the game for both Faithfold B and Neasden A in 2013.
One win in nine is simply not good enough by anyone’s standards and Faithfold manager Rob Shooman will be looking to get the best out of his troops on Sunday.
In midfield general Matty Kleinman Faithfold have a real match-winner. He would walk into most teams in the league and is the player who will be looking to pull the strings against a NWN team low on confidence.
It would be fair to describe the first of the season as a real struggle for NWN. Despite the best efforts of manager Dan Hodes, they have had to forfeit a handful of matches through a shortage of players and the Neasden stalwart was hoping to get some Bosmans in his Chanukah stocking. Replacing Jonny Blain up front is key.
The 50 per cent sale down the road at Fenwicks will mean there are not many JWAGs in attendance at the Lodge for what is expected to be a low-key affair.
Top-Scorers
Faithfold – 4 Matty Kleinman
Neasden - N/A
Form Guide
Faithfold – L, W, L,
Neasden – L, D, D, L
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref –Stuart Ansher
JC star man: Matty Kleinman (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Faithfold B 1 Neasden 0
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B vs UJIA
Hendon are already playing down their chances of starting the year in style, but I see this as one of the easier games to predict this weekend.
The Reds are handily placed to push for promotion and I can’t see Ben Radstone’s men giving them too many problems.
With two players already in double figures in the goals department, I can see them grinding the U’s down, and possibly run them ragged in the final 30 minutes.
Hendon joint-manager Motty Korman told JC Sport: “We’re going to be quite depleted this weekend and hope that we can get something out the game and get the new year off to a new start.
“We’re still working on one or two new signings that we will hopefully pull off before the deadline.”
New signings is are area that Radstone has been working on over the winter break. He’s tried virtually every contact in his little, black book and was hoping to pull off a big coup on the eve of the game. Heavens knows UJIA fans need a lift right now, but I can only see Sunday ending one way.
JC team news: Hendon are missing quite a few players this weekend. Tali Nevies getting married next week so hes out for next few weeks. Arthur Caplin is away now for rest of season. Danny Steel injured. Gav Noe, Chaim Gothold and James Josephs all missing too.
Top-Scorers
Hendon – 14 Yishai Last
UJIA – 7 Assi Avital
Form Guide
Hendon at home –L, D, D, W, W, W, L
UJIA away –L, L, L, L
Venue – West Hendon Playing Fields, Ref – Neal Cohen
JC star man: Gav Noe (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon B 3 UJIA 0
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SOUTHGATE HARMEN vs GLENTHORNE UNITED A
Glenthorne will be looking to return to top spot when they make the journey around the A406 to take on an improving Harmen team.
Sam Rosenthal’s troops had a couple of iffy results at the back-end of last year and the manager knows how vital three points will be come the end of the season.
Meeting Harmen for the first time this season, it could be a backs-to-the-wall job for the east Londoners against a team who have proved hard to beat at home.
Harmen boss Dan Uzan has been delighted by the emergence of his young guns this season, but ultimately I can see Glenthorne’s experience and guile earning them a big three points.
Top-Scorers
Harmen – 3 Alex Bull, Connor Perlmutter
Glenthorne – 3 Daniel Lipman
Form Guide
Harmen – W, D, D, D
Glenthorne away – L, W, L, W, W
Venue – Ashmole School, Ref – Laurie Benson
JC star man: Jordan Davidson (Glenthorne)
DC Prediction: Harmen 0 Glenthorne A 1
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
16 - Adam Hersh (Los Blancos)
9 - Ben Bell (Bilbaum)
FC TEAM B vs BLIZZARD STORM
I believe mid-table rivals FC Team B and Blizzard are too good to go down, but both clubs need some more points before they can shake off any lingering relegation fears.
At the start of the season, FC Team chairman Mitch Young told me his B team were dark horses to win the division, but much like Blizzard, they have failed to deliver results-wise.
The first meeting between the sides promises to be an intriguing affair. It’s certainly a game Blizzard can win in the eyes of manager Simon Linden.
“I want a big performance and the start of a good run of form for my team,” a determined Linden told JC Sport.
“We have to go on a run and we’re more than capable of it. However, FC Team have had some great results this year, beating teams at the top, so this will be tough.”
Having beaten Glenthorne and Neasden already this season, FC Team have shown they can mix it with the best, but they have struggled to keep their standards high against the sides around them.
The bottom line is that neither team has covered itself in glory thus far but I can see both sets of fans going happy after an entertaining draw.
JC team news: Blizzard Storm’s Michael Woolfe returns to the fold after two months out, but Zak Presky misses out. Fans favourite Andrey Grayson is hoping to return while Dan Simons has a late fitness test. Dean Shaw also returns to Blizzard squad.
Top-Scorers
Team – 3 Adam Goldsmith
Blizzard – 5 Zack Presky
Form Guide
Team at home– L, W, W, L, L
Blizzard away – L, L, D, D, D, W
Venue – Meadow Park, Ref – Martin Lavender
JC star man: Adam Speck (Blizzard)
DC Prediction: FC Team B 2 Blizzard 2
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GLENTHORNE UNITED B vs SPEC FC
Sunday is a game that neither Glenthorne or SPEC FC can afford to lose if they are to keep pace with the leading pack.
The Thornes start Sunday’s match two points behind the north Londoners, but with a game in hand and managers Liam Stein and Jordan Sapler are looking for a big improvement on their last performance.
Defeats in their last three games has hit them hard and they will be looking to avenge the recent defeat against Laurence Conway’s men.
Looking ahead to the game, Sapler told JC Sport: "We know that we need to get back to our early season form to have any chance of winning the league, which is still a distinct possibility.
"We can discount the Woodford game as our squad was decimated with injuries and poor availability.
"SPEC are the best team we’ve played this season and we can expect another tough game this week, but back to our strongest I’m confident that we can get a result and start the second half of the season the way we know we can."
Ashley Burns was SPEC’s match-winner in November’s meeting, a match in which Sapler believed SPEC got the rub of the green.
Much is expected from Burns over the second half of the season and his head to head with Thornes top-scorer Adam Goldman will be worth the admission fee alone.
SPEC FC won their last two league games of 2012, and kept two clean sheets, and three points on Sunday would certainly put the cat amongst the pigeons.
SPEC's Ricky Lawnrece told JC Sport: "Glenthorne pushed us very hard last time and we were arguably a touch lucky to win in the last fixture. We know we'll have to be at our best again and realistically, only a win will do to keep our promotion hopes alive.
"If Ashley Burns can produce a bit of magic as he did in the home game, then we may finally be leaving Essex with a win to our name after two previously disappointing fixtures."
I can see SPEC FC's momentum carry them through, with only one goal separating the teams once more.
JC team news: SPEC FC's Nick Berman is suspended after picking up his fifth booking of the season against Norstar in the cup.
Top-Scorers
Glenthorne – 8 Adam Goldman
SPEC– 7 Ashley Burns
Form Guide
Glenthorne at home – L, W, L, D, D
SPEC away – L, L, D, W, W
Venue – Ford Sports & Social, Ref – Adam Lewis
JC star man: Ashley Burns (SPEC)
DC Prediction: Glenthorne B 0 SPEC FC 1
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LOS BLANCOS vs BRADY MACCABI B
There has been little to separate Blancos and Brady B this season and I’m expecting a barn-storming affair between two talented teams on Sunday.
Blancos boss Adam Hersh currently tops of the Division Two goal charts and he hopes to lead by example as the whites try to avenge September’s 6-2 mauling at the hands of the Brady bunch in which Daniel Hildebrand (2), Reiss Mogilner, Alex Bowman and James Joseph were the marksmen.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Hersh told JC Sport: “The squad is stretched thin with some newlyweds as well as season long injuries.
“We’re hoping the break hasn’t fattened us up too much and will be looking to carry on where we left off three weeks ago and continue our quest for promotion.”
Brady go into the game bang in form, with four consecutive defeats but they will face a confident Blancos team on Sunday when they will look to end their 100 per cent home league record at fortress West Hendon.
Back-to-back wins over table-toppers Neasden B has lifted everyone at Blancos and will ensure Brady do not under-estimate them.
I think the first goal will be crucial on Sunday and think the battle between Hersh and Hildebrand will be key. It should be a cracker.
JC team news: Blancos are missing talismanic right-back Jules Gertner (fractured foot) and northern rock Eddy Nathan (knee).
Top-Scorers
Blancos– 16 Adam Hersh
Brady – 8 Dan Hildebrand, Reiss Mogilner, James Joseph
Form Guide
Blancos at home – W, W, W, W, W
Brady away – W, D
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Steve Levy
JC star man: Adam Waters (Blancos)
DC Prediction: Blancos 1 Brady B 1
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B vs NORSTAR B
Norstar have conceded 14 goals in their last two games and a long 90 minutes lies in store for David Lubczanski’s troops on Sunday.
With no wins in seven, the Norstar boss was surprisingly upbeat ahead of the trip to Raiders’ 3G pitch in Uxbridge.
“We have a strong squad out for Sunday and I am excited to start turning our season around,” he told JC Sport. It was a very tough first half but I believe we do have the players to start picking up points.
“I know Oli well and sure they will come out with a decent team, but he shouldn't under-estimate us, we are looking for three points.”
I expected Raiders to be higher up the table after 10 games, but manager Oli Shorts and Rich Abrahams are determined to take the team on a long, unbeaten run in 2013. They certainly have the players to do it.
A familiar face will return to the fold on Sunday, which is sure to give L’Orange another dimension and put chances on a plate for the talented Raiders front line.
Ahead of kick-off, gaffer Shorts had this to say to JC Sport: “We have a few players out which isn't great, but we're playing against a team that is struggling and looking for their first win and we don't want to be their first victims.
“I'm confident we can have an excellent 2013 as we've shown to every team this season we can compete and I've always thought our position in the league doesn't match the performances. We've taken points against Blancos, Brady and Neasden which says a lot.”
I think class will ultimately tell come 12.15pm on Sunday.
JC team news: The Fineman brothers are unavailable for Raiders but they welcome back the talented Toby Katz into the squad.
Top-Scorers
Raiders– 5 Ethan Zone
Norstar – 2 Jonny Kay
Form Guide
Raiders at home – L, W, W, D, D, L, L
Norstar away – L, D, L
Venue - Brunel, Ref – Robert Caplin
JC star man: Toby Katz (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Raiders B 3 Norstar B 1
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B vs CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI
Catford & Bromley will go in search of the win that would take them above Redbridge on Sunday.
The form guide tells me this will be a close encounter, but the Cats are doing everything within their powers to get a top quality squad out.
It finished honours even when the teams met in Edmonton in September and Cats skipper Adam Luria sounded quietly confident his men can start 2013 in style.
"Assuming the game goes ahead, we'll be hoping to get out a full team without having to scratch around for players, he told JC Sport.
"So far, a promising season has turned into another relegation battle for the simple reason that we don't have enough committed players to fulfill a team every week.
"We've got a lot of quality in our squad, but we've had injuries to too many of them and when we cant have those players playing together it doesn't make too much difference when you go out with a scratch team and no subs every week.
"With any luck, we'll have had some players make a new year's resolution to be more committed, otherwise it's going to be a long season."
Other than the win over SPEC FC, Catford’s last few results have been bad, but if they turn up at Fairlop with the right attitude and stick to their game-plan then I see no reason why they can’t come away with at least a point.
Jon Jacobs’ Redbridge have struggled for goals of late but he is determined to stick with his kids in the hope they will turn the corner.
The next few months are important for both clubs, and a win on Sunday would be just what the doctor ordered and if they can keep Dan Gordon in check, I’ve got a funny feeling for the Cats this time.
Top-Scorers
RJC– 4 Dan Gordon
Catford – 7 Jamie Sinai
Form Guide
RJC at home– L, L, L, D, D
Catford away– L, L, L, L, L, W
Venue - Fairlop, Ref – Aaron Djanogly
JC star man: Ryan Kangisser (Catford)
DC Prediction: Redbridge B 1 Catford & Bromley 2
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DIVISION THREE
TOP-SCORERS
26 - Ben Zloof (AC Mill Hill)
16 - Jono Gaon (Tottenham Chutspah)
13 - Alex Elf (Hendon Utd SC C)
12 - Terry Jeffries (Temple Fortune B), Richard Fogelman (Jewventus), Ben Polak (Oakwood B)
AC MILL HILL vs LOUGHTON ORIENT
History will be made whatever the result as leaders AC Mill Hill take on Loughton Orient for the first time in the JC MSFL.
The home side, who if you remember were my pre-season tips for the title, have enjoyed an excellent first half of the season and they go into the new year with a four point advantage, albeit having played more games than their promotion rivals.
Joe Levy’s men are one of three teams who have broken away at the top and they know only a win will do on Sunday.
Looking ahead to the game, Levy told JC Sport: “We are missing a few who have selfishly gone on holiday, but are looking to put a near full-strength side out.
“We are looking forward to meeting Loughton for the first time and hope to start 2013 and we finished 2012.”
Dan Curtis’s Loughton boys have enjoyed the break, with brothers Marc and Dean Silver opting to catch some sea air in Brighton. No doubt they would’ve spoken to Gus Poyet at the Amex Stadium in a bid to find out just how their team can turn the corner.
Defeats against basement battlers L’Equipe and Norstar B at the back-end of 2012 and the prospect of 26-goal Mill Hill hotshot Ben Zloof coming in search of an MSFL record fifth consecutive hat-trick is the last thing they need right now.
But gaffer Curtis believes he has the players capable of coming up with a real coupon spoiler.
Curtis told JC Sport: “We practically have a full squad to pick from this weekend which is great news. Jaimie Sinclair has recovered from his ankle injury and we will wait until later on the week to see if he is ready. His return will be a massive boost for us.
“We want a very different second half of the season and are more than capable of putting a good run together.
“Sunday’s game will be very hard against a good team in AC Mill Hill, however it’s the type of game we thrive on and can’t wait to get out there and play.”
In Marc Silver, Curtis has the perfect player to try and stop Zloof in his tracks. It’s just the rest of them I worry about!
Top-Scorers
Mill Hill– 26 Ben Zloof
Loughton – 3 James Lester
Form Guide
Mill Hill– W, W, W, D
Loughton – L, L, L, W
Venue - Copthall, Ref – Nigel Burns
JC star man: Scott Ackerman (Mill Hill)
DC Prediction: AC Mill Hill 3 Loughton Orient 1
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FAITHFOLD C vs JEWVENTUS
Two of the lower league’s most feared strikers are scheduled to go head to head when Faithfold welcome Jewventus to Edgware.
Faithfold talisman Ben Simons continues to defy age and gravity and is loving life in Division Three. No doubt, there will be scouts from the Masters League at the Hive where Simons will go nose to nose with Jewve predator Richard Fogelman – Gabriel John’s jewel in the crown.
Jewventus go into the new year with a happy settled squad and this Sunday sees the return of crowd favourite Fogelman.
John knows the Faithfold side well and is a huge admirer of their boss David Garson. He told JC Sport: “I’ve known David for a while and always find him a true gent. He always fields a strong competitive side and I know Sunday will be a stern test.”
A top four finish is now a realistic goal for the Jewve boys and I can see think they will have too much for the Superhoops in what promises to be an open and entertaining affair.
JC Big Match Odds
Ami Wynbourne to score - 1-4
Richard Fogelman to score - Evns
James Alexander to score - Evens
Ben Simons to score – 5-2
Gary Conway to have a blinder - book closed
Mark Martell to turn up drunk – 1-100
Ben Wulwik to feature - any odds considered
Dan Cohen to keep a clean sheet - 10-1
Dan Cohen to say at least once “I’m playing well below my standard I'm the best Jewish keeper under 25” - Evns
Top-Scorers
Faithfold– 6 Ben Simons
Jewve – 12 Richard Fogelman
Form Guide
Faithfold– L, L, L, W, L, W
Jewve – W, W, L, L
Venue – The Hive 3G, Ref – Henry Raffe
JC star man: Mark Martell (Jewve)
DC Prediction: Faithfold C 1 Jewventus 3
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OAKWOOD B vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB C
Barcelona. Real Madrid. Bayern Munich. Ajax. Manchester City. Juventus. AC Milan. Hendon. Bear with me on this one.
"When it comes to great footballing clubs, no not clubs, institutions, around the world, Hendon is right up there with the best.” Those are the wise words of Oaks player-manager Ian Tussie. He added: “We’ve seen at Oakwood firsthand what Hendon are all about and we approach Sunday’s game with the utmost respect for our opponents Hendon C.
"Like Real Madrid Castilla and Barcelona B, Hendon C is the breeding ground for many of the A team’s future stars and I'm expecting a tough game.
"It's been a great winter break for my squad, we meet again tonight for our first training session where I’ll be looking at the lads' BMI (beer mincepie intake) and checking fitness rates too. It could be a long night!"
The Oaks will be looking to complete a league double over a Hendon team they thumped 5-0 in late September when Ben Polak, Dave Eden, Matt Geey and Ben Myers were among the scorers. It was a game in which Eric Lewis starred and keeper Oren Hury did what he needed to very well.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Tussie shared his mild concerns about several regulars being away. He told me: "Nicky Harris is in the Middle East teaching golf to the daughter of Sheikh Madras al pathia bin Korma. Ben Levy remains AWOL in the Caribbean following a family holiday (thankfully his brother Toby made it back safely) and we are without a few others. Dave Epstein has given me food for thought over the break - unfortunately the food tasted rancid and his involvement on Sunday is still uncertain.
"I’m excited to be back and hope we can kick off 2013 with a win."
Hendon have gone off the boil of late and it would be fair to say they have struggled against the top teams.
I’m sure Oakwood have planned just how to keep Hendon top-scorer Alex Elf in check and expect home advantage to play a part in a routine home victory.
JC team news: For Oakwood, Matt Geey returns as does Dan Broman. Ben Myers is a doubt due to a chipped tooth sustained whilst biting a two penny piece that he thought was chocolate Chanukah gelt.
Top-Scorers
Oak – 12 Ben Polak
Hendon - 13 Alex Elf
Form Guide
Oak at home – W, W, L, W
Hendon away – L, L, W
Venue - Parmiters, Ref – Warwick Blake
JC star man: Dan Broman (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood B 3 Hendon C 0
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BOCA JEWNIORS vs L’EQUIPE
At the start of the season I asked L’Equipe manager David Prager for his hopes. “Consistency” was his answer. His team have recorded back-to-back wins on two occasions so far and on Sunday they have a chance to complete a third straight success when they travel to the North Herts Arena to take on basement battlers Boca.
Going into their first meeting with Boca this season, you have to fancy L’Equipe.
Boca are looking to a brighter start to the year. After showing glimpses at the start of the season, which included their first-ever league win, results have dipped towards the end of 2012, with 16 goals flying past star keeper Ryan Monk in the last three games.
But player-manager Jamie Weinrich returns after his honeymoon, which should provide a much-needed attacking threat which was missing in their last game.
Weinrich told the JC: "My boys are all raring to go and they have all told me that this match is important to them as it will influence who will get selected for next week to play against Judas himself."
So, L’Equipe should be prepared for a pumped up Boca, but if they can silence the crowd and take their chance I can see them giving their fans plenty to cheer about.
JC team news: Boca welcome back Lex Slater from his jazz tour of Italy.
Top-Scorers
Boca - Jamie Weinrich
L’Equipe - 13 Alex Elf
Form Guide
Boca at home –W, L, L, L
L’Equipe away – W, W, D, L, W, L
Venue – North Herts Arena, Ref – Paul Dobkin
JC star man: Anton ‘the flying Jew' Nyman
DC Prediction: Boca 1 L’Equipe 2