There's some cracking contests in store in the Peter Morrison Trophy including two north against south tussles, oh, and the return of Jamie Cole. Danny Caro looks ahead to all the action.
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LATEST:
RAIDERS A vs OAKWOOD A - VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
RAIDERS A vs OAKWOOD A - MATCH PHOTOS
MANAGERS COMMENT ON BGT POSTPONEMENT
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JC MSFL MATCHDAY 20 HEADLINES
JC CAC – Lions & Camden into last four
Prem Div – Raiders end Oakwood's unbeaten record
Div 3 – Mill Hill march on
JC HAT-TRICK HEROES
Div 3 - Ben Polak (Oakwood B)
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DANNY CARO'S MATCHDAY 20 OSCARS
JC PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jonny Hesselberg (North London Raiders A) -
JC MANAGER OF THE WEEK
Rob Richman (North London Raiders A)
GOAL OF THE WEEK - OREN HURY - CLICK FOR DETAILS
JC SAVE OF THE WEEK
Max Shields (LM Lions A) - save in the second half from point-blank against Hendon
QUOTE OF THE WEEK - DAVID GARBACZ - CLICK FOR DETAILS
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
PETER MORRISON TROPHY NATIONAL ROUND
REPUBLIC OF FLIXTON vs CHIGWELL ATHLETIC
First division Chigwell make the long journey north to take on MJSL title hopefuls Republic of Flixton at the Accounts Direct Stadium in Manchester.
Richard Slater’s men know next to nothing about the home side who are managed by former PMT-winning dream team Stuart Delmonte and Tony Rosenberg. The dynamic duo steered Manchester Maccabi to success in the Jewish FA Cup in 2011 and they are loving life since moving to the Flixton club who play on a massive pitch.
Chigwell, who will travel up to Flixton on the morning of the match, are missing several key players for the match and I think they will find the going tough on Sunday.
Looking ahead to the tie, Chigs boss Richard Slater told JC Sport: “We’re going to Manchester on the back of a good win against Harmen. On paper Republic seem a decent outfit. Anyone's who top of their respective league and scored 50+ goals will be a good side, but we're taking a strong squad with us and will give it our all.
“There's quality and experience throughout our squad which will cause any team problems.
If we settle early on and start well we have every chance of being in the quarters.”
Republic reached the national round with an impressive 2-0 victory over dark horses Leeds Maccabi 1st. They will enjoy the home comforts of their new Accounts Direct Stadium, which has a brand new £6,500 playing surface, an all-seater stand, floodlights, as well as a covered terrace and clubhouse bar.
Delmonte and Rosenberg have been doing their homework on Chigwell and certainly won’t under-estimate them. Delmonte told JC Sport: “We don’t know a thing about Chigwell, but we’ll have a full-strength team out. We look forward to greeting them and hopefully we can send them back to London with their tails between their legs.
“We’ll look forward to greeting them and pay them the utmost respect. May the best team win.
“I’m not going to say we can win the competition as there are much better teams left in the competition.”
The Republic squad features a mix of youth and experience. Rob Jacobs has been their star man this season with 25 goals in 11 games, while keeper Dan Garman has been rock solid, conceding just twice in 11 games.
Rosenberg added: “One of the big things to remember is there is a big difference between the Tameside League and the MJSL. We’re not getting the physicality we did in the Tameside, so we’ll be like a boxer going into a fight without sparring. All we can do it give it 100 per cent.”
It’s a tough one to call, but all things considered – with Republic having home advantage and Chigwell making the trip up north on the day of the game, I make Republic favourites to go through.
JC team news: Chigwell welcome back club stalwart Jon Raven along with Darren Kaye, who is also based in Liverpool these days, but Rob Shepherdon, skipper Daniel Castle, Russell Brill, Glenn Davis, Jonathan Swead, Simon Felstein, Lee Hyams & Alex Norman all miss out. Striker Doron Weinstein, who had nine years at the club from 2001-2010 re-signed to this week following an unhappy spell at RJC. He could possibly feature.
Chigwell squad: Marc Jacobs, Russell Yershon, Paul Lenchner, Darren Kay, Jonathan Raven, Richard Slater, Craig Pearl, Richard Baum, Anthony Mendel, Brad Gayer, Greg Lautman, Pierce Prince, Neil Tilley, Dean Ben Yosef, Doron Weinstein
Venue - Accounts Direct Stadium, KO – 2pm
JC star man: Rob Jacobs (Republic)
DC Prediction: Republic of Flixton 3 Chigwell 1
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CAMDEN PARK vs HAROLDEANS
Haroldeans boss Fraser Saville wants his team to fulfil his ambition of claiming glory in the Peter Morrison Trophy.
The MJSL champions are set to take on MSFL Division One side Camden Park on Sunday in the National Round of the competition.
The Merseysiders arrive in the capital having not played for a month after the bad weather put pay to its recent fixtures.
But Saville says his men will be raring to go when they step out for their capital cup clash with Camden.
“It’s always been my ambition to do well in the Morrison and there’s no reason why we can’t get to the quarter-finals,” he said.
“Last year, Hyde Park went down to London and beat Shirley Park so we know it is possible.
“If everyone’s available then we’ll have a strong team out and a really decent chance.”
Haroldeans are currently fourth in the MJSL, eight points off the top with a game in hand.
But with the entire league facing a fixture pile-up, Saville is unsure whether his side can catch Republic of Flixton at the top.
“The weather has left us with the possibility of playing on Sunday, then Tuesday, then Thursday and Sunday again.
“That’s the scenario we might face around March time and it’s very difficult to see whether we can make up the ground on Republic.
“But hopefully we can go to London and put on a good performance and make it through.”
Camden Park go into the match in buoyant mood after booking their place in the last four of the Anekstein with a hard fought 2-1 win over Brady B last Sunday.
Guy Marks and Michael Khalastchi were the goal men in a game that went to the wire. No doubt, manager Josh Marks would’ve been delighted with the resolve shown by his players and they will need more of the same against the Merseysiders on Sunday.
I think Camden will try to make a fast start and blow Haroldeans away. And if they take their chances I can see the cup double being on come Sunday evening.
Venue – Ark Academy, Ref – Gary Silver
JC star man: Guy Marks (Camden)
DC Prediction: Camden Park 2 Haroldeans 1
(James Masters contributed to this match preview)
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BRADY MACCABI A vs LONDON MACCABI LIONS A
Having knocked holders Hendon out of the Anekstein, the Lions will be right up for Sunday’s derby against Brady at the Lane.
Max Shields was the star of the show last weekend in a game where Andy Landesberg’s men were accused of parking the bus and playing for penalties by his Hendon counterpart. No doubt they will be looking for another resilient performance from their back five and hope the other six do the business in the final third.
It's another big game for the Lions for whom silverware is as important for them as it is for Chelsea this season. Looking ahead to the tie, Landesberg told JC Sport: "Forgive for repeating myself, but again we are clearly faced with the biggest game of the season.
"With Daggers and Cash again cup-tied. TJ Ketterman, Jacob Lew, Ollie Craig, Ollie Leslie and James Gershfield all injured, we certainly have a mountain to climb this weekend. In saying that, it’s good to have the experience of Schwarz and Gold back from Maccabiah Masters duty, and also the return of the suspended Cameron Most.
"We won't finalise our squad until Saturday evening when I have had a long discussion with both Tony Gold and Jon Green (reserve team Manager).
"Brady have certainly achieved some great results this season, and there is no question that they have some quality players in their team. Joel Nathan and Josh Rosenfeld have done a great job, and whilst we all see this game as a hard fought derby, I can assure you that when it’s over we will shake hands and be close friends again.
"Brady are a great Club with a tradition that goes back to the start of Jewish football, and I respect that club for everything it stands for.
"In saying that, I can promise you that these Lions are still very hungry for the sweet smell of success and this Cup gives us that opportunity."
The Morrison is Brady’s only hope of silverware this season and they will, no doubt, give it their all.
Both teams have changed fairly dramatically since the early-season meeting, when Michael Pearson (2), Lorian Madanes and Oli Craig steered Lions to a 4-0 win. Pearson has moved on, while Brady have settled down and are going nicely in the league.
Lions featured Adam Myeroff and Andy Glynne last weekend whose undoubted class helped stepped them up a level. There are few more reliable defenders at this level than Myeroff, while Glynne has really stepped up his game over the past few seasons. Expect some more big-hitters to enter the fray on Sunday too.
I doubt the Brady management will have to say much to motivate their troops before the game. Joel Nathan told JC Sport: “Nothing is bigger in Jewish football than the Brady-Lions rivalry and we are so looking forward to the game.
"Lions had a great result last week and it will be interesting to see who is in their line-up as they have a vast number of players to draw from.
"Andy and James came in during the season and have steadied the ship, but we are determined to put a little hole in their hull this weekend.
"The boys haven't played for two weeks and are chomping at the bit to play again and get back to winning ways after our worst performance of the season against Raiders a couple of weeks ago. The PM cup is the competition we are determined to go all the way in and the attitude of the boys in training has been superb."
I think Sunday's game will come down to small details. It could come down to the battle between the Lions defence and Brady attack and I can see the Lions’ new-found confidence helping them sneak through again.
JC team new: Brady are almost back to full strength, with only Nicky Smith on the sidelines.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Warwick Blake
JC star man: Charlie Rubin (Lions)
DC Prediction: Brady 1 Lions 2 AET
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PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND THREE
LONDON MACCABI LIONS B vs MACCABIAH MASTERS
There’s a mouth-watering game in store at the Lane as first division Lions B hosts the Maccabiah Masters dream team.
Led by Jamie Cole and Danny ‘DJ’ Jacobs, the Masters warmed-up for the tie with a trip to the state-of-the-art St George's Park and a good time was had by all. The team were beaten 4-0 in a friendly but no doubt both managers are hoping for a better result on Sunday.
The loss of Paul Miller and Ryan Sher has hurt them hard, but they still have Bradley Lazarus who Lions B will know all about.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Cole told JC Sport: “We like to really keep the team out of the limelight.
“For us, the official line is that this is just an opportunity for us to get valuable game-time under our belts as a squad; preparing for the Maccabiah. It’s just about playing.” But knowing Cole (and Jacobs) as I do, I’m sure that once that first whistle blows, they will go out for the win all guns blazing.
After a successful few months, Lions B have found the going tough in 2013. They have gone out of two competitions in recent weeks, and with manager Jamie Kyte away, top-scorer James Gold will take charge of the team on Sunday.
He told JC Sport: “After losing in the last minute of both the Anekstein and LFA Junior Cup, the Morrison is our last chance of silverware (outside of the league), and everyone is really up for it.
“It will be an extremely tough game against many familiar faces, but one we are all very much looking forward to.
“I hope to give Jamie (Kyte) some good news Sunday afternoon whilst he's sipping his Rose in the mountains!”
The Masters, obviously, ooze experience, but Lions B won’t let a couple of narrow defeats get to them and I expect them to give visiting keeper James Swead a busy morning. I think the Lions will have just enough on the day.
JC team news: Lions B have an almost full-strength squad with the exception of Joel Reuben and Matt Green.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Martin Fox
JC star man: James Swead (Masters)
DC Prediction: Lions B 2 Masters 1
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FC TEAM A vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A
With back-to-back manager of the week awards tucked firmly under his belt, Raiders boss Rob Richman will be looking to make it three out of three as L’Orange go in search of a place in round four when they take on arch rivals FC Team in Borehamwood.
I was hugely impressed by last week’s win over Oakwood A. Goals from Jamie Wolfson and Adam Joselyn saw Raiders become the first team to beat the Oaks in 90 minutes in almost 15 months. It was an excellent performance which pleased Richman immensely, with Jonny Hesselberg, David Rhodes, Elliot Espinoza and Rik Sherman the stand-out performers.
But they are in for another very tough game this weekend, when only similar effort levels and performance will be good enough to take them past a talented and equally determined FC Team.
The sides have enjoyed some titanic battles over the years and Sunday will be no different. Neither side has ever featured in a Morrison final, although Raiders came very close two years ago, and I’d be surprised if there was more than a goal in it.
Richman told JC Sport: “We are very much looking forward to the next two weeks where we play FC Team in back to back fixtures, first in the cup and then in the league.
“The weather hasn’t been too kind over recent weeks so we are pleased that we have the option of moving our game to Brunel should Borehamwood be unplayable. Our contests with FC Team are always decent affairs, well contested affairs and I am expecting the next two weeks to be no different.
“After a difficult start to the season we have found a little bit of form and the boys seem very confident so the aim is to maintain this run for as long as possible.”
Team are doing their best to ensure they are by no means under-prepared for Sunday. They’ve only played one league game since Christmas and they will need to hit the ground running against a Raiders team playing with bags of confidence.
There will be key battles all over the pitch on Sunday, notably the ones between Jamie Wolfson and Ollie Segal, Rik Sherman and Richard Salmon and David Rhodes and Simon Peterman.
Team have an excellent record at home to Raiders and club secretary Jonny Pearl told me they will leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of glory.
“We go in to this game knowing just how important it is,” Pearl told JC Sport. “Everyone wants to do well in the National cup and we believe that we can challenge for it.
“Raiders are an excellent side with some good individual players (and a dodgy manager!) and we know that Rob will have his team well drilled and up for it.
“However, if we play to our strengths and remain focused then we have the players who can win the game and progress.
“We have had some great battles with Raiders over the years and this is one that we want to win more than any other. We are hopeful the game will be played on grass which will hopefully give us the advantage as they have never beaten us on grass.”
Sunday will be like a mini cup final for both sets of players. Having worked at both clubs over the past few season, all that’s left for me to say is may the best side win.
JC team news: FC Team keeper Ed Bloom is out for a few months, James Korn is also a doubt but they welcome back Jake Weiner and Simon Peterman “with open arms”.
Raiders should be at near full-strength on Sunday morning, but Jonny Hesselberg drops out from the win over Oakwood but Lewis Blitz, Alex Bloch and Sammy Ross should all feature.
Venue – Meadow Park, Ref – Rob Caplin
JC star man: David Grossman (Team)
DC Prediction: FC Team A 1 Raiders 1 AET (Team to win on penalties)
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JC MSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
18 - Lee Cash (LM Lions A - 10 for Neasden A)
14 - Adam Stolerman (Redbridge JC A)
11 - Daryl Phillips (Faithfold A), Josh Green (Norstar A)
NORSTAR A vs OAKWOOD A
Bouncebackability is the name of the game for Oakwood this week and I can’t remember the last time I’ve said that.
Co-manager Ric Blank knows that all good things come to an end and he was incredibly proud of his players despite last week’s defeat at Raiders – their first in 90 minutes in almost 15 months. That’s some run if you think about it.
Blank and Alex Schock won’t allow their troops to feel sorry for themselves and will challenge them to go on another good run. It’s vital they get back to winning ways this weekend and start picking up points in the league where they are playing catch-up.
“It’s a case of getting back on the bike this week,” Blank told JC Sport. “We have a lot to prove to ourselves after last Sunday's performance and I hope the boys are going to prove any doubters wrong.
“Norstar are a good side and the fact they are bottom of this league shows how competitive it is. They have got good players all over the park and we will not be under-estimating them.
“Phil may or may not have mentioned that they did the double over us last season. It could possibly have escaped his mind – I’m not sure. We did sneak through on pens on our way to Wingate last season - an experience we will never forget in Jewish football’s most prestigious game. But, it’s fair to say our travails against Norstar over the years make us huge under-dogs. We are comfortable with that.
“Any game away from home is a challenge and a Norstar side who had a week off last week will be fresh and raring to go. We know they’re looking at it as a home banker. We get that. I just hope we can overcome the odds and improve on last week.”
JC team news: Oakwood are still without Bobbie Cousins while Antony Kintish is touch and go to be fit after four months out. Blank added: “Victor Librae is dead (to me).”
Norstar have five games left and gaffer Phil Peters and his players are determined to enjoy them all.
It’s been a tough first season for the Stars in the top-flight, with their only win coming against Brixton. But in the long-run I believe this will be a good learning curve for many of the squad.
Peters knows things will be tough on Sunday. He told JC Sport: “We’d like to beat Oakwood but they are going to be steaming after their recent defeat to Raiders.
“We’ll carry on fighting until it’s mathematically impossible to stay up. And then we’ll probably fight a bit more.”
You can get 12-1 on a Norstar win, but Oakwood will be delighted to be back on grass and I think they will ooze star quality on Sunday.
Venue – John Lyons School, Ref – Andy Myerson
JC star man: Rob Davidson (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Norstar A 1 Oakwood A 3
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
26 - Jamie Kent (Shirley Park)
14 - Yishai Last (Hendon B)
10 - Chaim Gothold (Hendon B)
FAITHFOLD B vs UJIA
There’s a cracking derby in store in Mill Hill on Sunday as Chase Lodge residents Faithfold B and UJIA go head-to-head in a relegation six-pointer.
The U’s were glad to put a nightmare first half of the season behind them and they started 2013 in style with a morale-boosting 3-1 win at Hendon B.
Manager Ben Radstone believes they have turned the corner and with a full-strength squad available, all eyes will be on veteran Israeli striker Assi Avital and Matty Radstone.
Ben Radstone told JC Sport: “I think we stand a good chance at getting our second win of the season.”
It was Avital who earned his team a point against Faithfold earlier in the season, with Josh Brooks on target for Faithfold.
Scoring goals has also been problematic for Rob Shooman’s Faithfold, but you get the feeling a big performance is just around the corner.
As for Sunday, my money’s on UJIA in what promises to be a good old-fashioned battle.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Steve Levy
JC star man: Jeremy Leigh (UJIA)
DC Prediction: Faithfold B 1 UJIA 1
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GLENTHORNE UNITED A vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B
Glenthorne will be looking to finish the weekend in top spot when they tackle the Hornets at Ford Sports & Social.
Sam Rosenthal’s men started 2013 with a solid if unspectacular win over Harmen, their fourth clean sheet of the campaign.
But given that Hendon are traditionally free-scoring, I think they’ll need more than one goal on Sunday.
Rosenthal told JC Sport: "We look forward to welcoming Hendon and owe them one after our early season drubbing - the lads are raring to go."
Of course, Rosenthal was referring to the humiliating 6-3 defeat in north London when Yishai Last ran them ragged. Last went away with the matchball following a sensational hat-trick on a morning when the Thornes didn’t exactly cover themselves in glory. There were also two goals for Chaim Gothold and one for Gav Noe in a five-star Hendon performance.
But manager Gothold and Motty Korman know they start Sunday as big underdogs as their form has gone out of the window. They haven’t won a league game since late October and it appears they’re in for a long 90 minutes.
Korman also believes that rustiness could play a part for the Hendon boys. He told JC Sport: “Like most teams, we haven't played for a few weeks and expect a tough game against league leaders who are favourites to be top come May.
“We had an excellent result against them earlier in season but will have to be at our best to get anything from the game.”
Glenthorne know it’s game such as these they must win if they are to win the pot of gold.
JC team news: Hendon welcome back Gav Noe and Chaim Gothold. They are further boosted by the addition of Gav Krieger to the squad, but Yishai Last and Dovi Vogel miss out.
Venue – Ford Sports & Sports, Ref – David Lazarus
JC star man: Craig Sandford (Glenthorne)
DC Prediction: Glenthorne A 3 Hendon B 1
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NORTH WEST NEASDEN A vs SHIRLEY PARK
Neasden boss Dan Hodes missed training this week as he attempts to negotiate a deal to bring club stalwart Scott Shindler out of retirement.
Numbers have been thin on the ground for NWN in recent weeks, with Hodes needing to call on experienced players such as Adam Kern, Jon Kaye and Phil Smith.
But Hodes has responded to criticism from the terraces and hopes to pull on the emotional heartstrings of the legendary Neasden defender. Reports have reached me of a six-month deal being on the table, as long as Shindler signs before the midnight deadline.
Shirley boss Dave Lusman is still looking for a quality replacement for Nicky Plotnek. Having failed in an audacious bid to sign David Beckham, whose grandpa Joe was Jewish, Lusman was seen in a north London coffee shop on Thursday lunchtime, frantically going through his little black book. Watch this space.
Indeed Plotnek was on the scoresheet the last time the teams met, when Shirley won a nine-goal thriller, in a game where Lee Cash scored all four for NWN but remarkably still finished on the losing side. Stefan Benfredj (2), top-scorer Jamie Kent and Saul Conway did the business for Shirley.
The good thing about Shirley is you know goals are guaranteed and I expect them to have too much in the tank for an ageing Neasden who have been inundated with offers for Adam Klein, not all from football clubs I hasten to add.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Neil Cooper
JC star man: Stefan Benfredj (Shirley)
DC Prediction: Neasden 1 Shirley 3
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TEMPLE FORTUNE A vs SOUTHGATE HARMEN
Although Harmen and Fortune lie sixth and eighth respectively, they are by no means safe and maximum points for one team could be crucial come the end of the season.
Both sides go into the game locked on nine points from nine games. There is clearly room for improvement in both camps, although the stats tell you that Fortune offer much more of an attacking threat in the final third, while the Harmen defence is as tight as glass bottle of ketchup.
While some Fortune fans believe playing on 3G will give them an advantage, they should remember that Harmen played on the same surface last season, so should be right at home.
With home advantage and a plethora of good, attacking options, I can see Fortune trying to take the game to Harmen. It could be a real cat and mouse contest. Fortune have some excellent young players and if they can get behind the tight lines of Harmen, it could be a busy morning for James Castle in the away goal.
Looking ahead to the game, Fortune boss Lee Fegan told JC Sport: “We have a full-strength squad for Sunday who are raring to go.
“We have had some games behind closed doors but we are focused on getting back to winning ways again.
“Sunday is not an easy game but we must start putting points on the board. February is going to be a challenging month with the games we have scheduled, but that’s what we all love and we are very much looking forward to them.”
Staying up in the minimum requirement for season, but the dreaded R word hasn’t even been mentioned. A mid-table finish would given manager Dan Uzan something to build on for next season.
But until they start scoring more regularly, every game is crucial for Harmen. But when all is said and done, I’m tipping Fortune to edge it.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – Richard Jaye
JC star man: Brett Stead (Fortune)
DC Prediction: Temple Fortune A 2 Southgate Harmen 1
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
17 - Adam Hersh (Los Blancos)
11 - Reiss Mogilner, Dan Hildebrand (both Brady B)
ATHLETIC BILBAUM vs SPEC FC
Sunday is a must-win for SPEC FC and they will be looking to end their Bilbaum hoodoo and claim maximum points in NW7.
The SPEC boys have claimed impressive wins over Blancos and Glenthorne twice to keep themselves in the promotion mix, but having lost four games in 11, manager Laurence Conway knows that defeat would really damage promotion hopes.
Conway and co will have revenge on their minds as the Baums thumped them 5-2 earlier in the season. Jake Gilbert was the star man, smashing home four goals, with Ben Bell completing the rout.
Looking ahead to the return, SPEC’s Ricky Lawrence told JC Sport: “We know this is an absolutely huge game for both teams really, though a draw would suit Bilbaum a lot more than it would suit us.
“They've been a bit of a bogey team for us since we restarted the club so we'll be hoping to put that right this Sunday.
“Oli Shorts masterminded a brilliant win for Raiders over them a couple of weeks ago so I'm sure Laurence will be picking his brains for some tips before Sunday.”
The Raiders defeat apart, Bilbaum has been top notch this season. Mark Pasha and Ed Green have really got the best out of their team and although a point would do them on Sunday, I’m sure they’ll send their players out looking for all three.
The Baums are unbeaten at home, winning three out of four in the league, but the signs are that SPEC will give them a good test.
JC team news: James Segal is set to be in the squad again and has vowed to score his first competitive goal for SPEC "sooner rather than later".
Venue – Copthall Ref – Martin Lavender
JC star man: Mike Mirrelman (SPEC)
DC Prediction: Athletic Bilbaum 1 SPEC FC 1
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FC TEAM B vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B
Two teams looking for a mid-table finish are ready to rumble in Borehamwood as FC Team B take on Redbridge B.
Team have shown that on their day they are capable of beating most teams in the division. Just ask Neasden.
A 6-2 win over Catford a fortnight ago followed an impressive win over Glenthorne B and now manager Ben Simon and David Gordon hope they can complete a hat-trick of victories.
Ahead of Sunday’s game, Gordon told JC Sport: “This will be only our third game since the start of December so we're obviously worried about fitness and that we might be a little bit rusty. At the same time everyone is dying to get out onto the pitch and kick a football again.
“Our last two games have produced decent wins and, with Redbridge just one place and two points below us, we want to put a bit of distance between us and them and start climbing the table. We still have 36 points to play for and maximum points is what we are aiming for come May.”
RJC boss Jon Jacobs is looking forward to his team’s first meeting with Team this season. And with a big squad available, the manager believes his players will claim their first league win since December 9.
Jacobs told JC Sport: “My main hope is that the game is played. We have had this fixture postponed three times so far . It is now our home fixture as FC Team don’t have a pitch so hopefully, the weather will allow the game to go ahead.
“The boys have played all the top teams pre-Chanukah and know what to expect in the run-in so physically, they are ready.”
I’ve no doubt RJC’s time we’ll come under Jacobs. His players are young and hungry and their best years lie ahead of them. But in terms of Sunday, I’m edging towards Team.
JC team news: Apart from long-term injury to Josh Taylor and Elliot Castle celebrating his 30th, Redbridge will be at full strength. They welcome keeper Matt Kemp back from warm weather training in Israel and are picking from a squad of 20 , 16 of whom are 18 or younger.
Venue – Meadow Park, Ref – Aaron Djanogly
JC star man: Daniel Woolfe (Team)
DC Prediction: FC Team B 2 Redbridge B 1
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LOS BLANCOS vs CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI
Blancos are one of five teams challenging for one of the automatic promotion slots, but they should expect no favours against a Catford team scrapping for survival.
Thumped 7-1 by leaders Brady B last time out, manager Adam Hersh is desperate to get his players out again in what has been a stop-start schedule.
Hersh, who is the team’s top-scorer, told JC Sport: “We’re hoping to finally play a game after the long break due to the weather.
“Winning is a must so we will be coming out all guns blazing.”
The Cats still have 30 points to play for and manager Lester Jacobs and captain Adam Luria are determined to make things as tough for Blancos as possible.
“We've got a pretty good squad team this week and everyone is raring to go after two weeks in a row with no game,” Luria told JC Sport.
“We've had enough time for injured players to recover and will be going out there knowing that we must get some more points on the board ASAP.
“Of course, with the game being at West Hendon playing fields, we need to pray that not another drop of rain falls for the rest of the week or else it's certain to be called off. If we're lucky, we'll just get away with it being a mud-bath.
“We've had a series of close games with Los Blancos over the last couple of seasons. They've got some decent players and we know all about their pace up front. We've got nothing to fear though and we'll be going out to play some decent football and battle all the way.”
If Blancos play with no fear, I can see them frustrating Blancos and perhaps coming away with a battling point.
JC team news: Blancos are missing some key players this week, including captain Joel Kutner.
The only definite absentee for Catford is Ryan Kangisser who has come up with some lame excuse about a wedding anniversary.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Laurence Thorne
JC star man: Guy Ben-Aroya (Catford)
DC Prediction: Los Blancos 2 Catford & Bromley 2
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NORSTAR B vs GLENTHORNE UNITED B
Norstar chairman Phil Peters is on the hunt for new blood to boost numbers in the club’s B team.
The squad is looking a bit thin on the ground and manager David Lubczanski has been scouring the transfer market in a bid to bring in some bargain deal. There must surely be some players – young or not so young – willing and able to put on the famous Orange colours and help the Norstar cause.
The Stars earned a battling draw against Glenthorne earlier in the season, when Eli Houri found the net in a 1-1 draw. Ryan Cole netted for the Thornes on a day of frustration and managers Liam Stein and Jordan Sapler will be determined to keep standards high on Sunday.
Glenthorne have slipped off the pace and anything less than three points will leave them already thinking about summer holidays. Top-scorer Adam Goldman has just committed his future to the club and he could be the man Norstar need to watch out for on Sunday.
Venue – John Lyons, School, Ref – Paul Dobkin
JC star man: Adam Goldman (Glenthorne)
DC Prediction: Norstar B 0 Glenthorne B 3
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B vs BLIZZARD STORM
Raiders boss Oli Shorts misses Sunday’s match against Blizzard due to his sister’s wedding so on behalf of everyone at the JC, I’d like to wish the Shorts family a big mazel tov.
With Rich Abrahams in charge, Raiders will no doubt be looking to deliver some positive news to the chuppah come Sunday lunchtime.
However, Raiders were dealt a big blow with an injury to record signing Jonny Blain ruling him out for the rest of the season. Paying tribute to the striker, Abrahams told JC Sport: “His presence up front has brought some much-needed momentum and confidence over the past few weeks and hopefully the boys in the starting XI will be able to carry that through to this weekend.
“Back on the 3G we're looking forward to a good match played on the floor, and one that isn't called off by the bad weather.”
The absence of a player of the calibre of Blain would hurt most teams, but with Ben Hart, Nicky Woolf and Ethan Zone in the squad, they still have plenty of goals in them.
The saying “too good to go down” came into conversation this week when talking about Blizzard. On paper, Simon Linden has an excellent group of players but they have only won twice in 10 games and their last win came in late October.
The Blizzard boys have only won once in six attempts on their travels and with Raiders boosted by the recent win over Bilbaum, I think it’s L’Orange who would come away the happier.
Venue – Brunel, Ref – Robert Benardout
JC star man: Nicky Woolf (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Raiders B 3 Blizzard 1
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NORTH WEST NEASDEN B vs BRADY MACCABI B
It’s the ultimate battle of youth against experience as joint-leaders Brady B and Neasden B get ready to do battle.
The teams go into the game locked on 26 points, although NWN have played a game more.
With Bilbaum, SPEC and Blancos breathing down their necks, three points for either side could be crucial at the business end of the season.
Josh Dagul’s men are in top gear right now, with Dan Hildebrand, Reiss Mogilner, James Joseph, Dan Harrod and Nathan Harrod leading by example week in, week out.
Brady have scored the most goals and conceded the fewest in the division and they have been loving life in Division Two. Back-to-back championships is what Dagul wants most although I expect their title credentials to be put to the test on Sunday.
The teams shared the points back in September when Sam Foster and Mogilner exchanged goals and another tight battle looks on the cards.
After that contest, Dagul told JC Sport: "It was a tough game that we probably deserved to win.
"Neasden are very well organised and their keeper was fantastic, so once they went 1-0 up it was always going to be hard to win the game.
"We showed great fight and continued to play our game and deservedly equalised in the last 10 minutes.
"We even had chances to win the game after but it wasn't to be. It could be an important point at the end of the season."
I expect NWN player-manager Adam Levene to instruct his players to get into Brady’s faces from the very first whistle. His team boasts an experienced spine but will need all his players to stand up and be counted to stop a free-scoring team.
Levene told JC Sport: "We've got a good squad for Sunday and we'll be going for the win to try and finish the weekend top of the table. We just hope the Copthall pitch isn't too bad!"
Man for man there shouldn’t be much between the teams but given that Brady have the bit between their teeth right now, I can see them edging it late on.
Venue – Copthall, Ref – Henry Raffe
JC star man: James Joseph (Brady)
DC Prediction: Neasden B 1 Brady B 2
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DIVISION THREE
TOP-SCORERS
26 - Ben Zloof (AC Mill Hill)
16 - Jono Gaon (Tottenham Chutspah), Alex Elf (Hendon Utd SC C), Ben Polak (Oakwood B)
13 - Richard Fogelman (Jewventus)
12 - Terry Jeffries (Temple Fortune B)
AC MILL HILL vs L’EQUIPE
“Get ready for a cricket score.” Those were the words of a confident sounding Joe Levy ahead of Sunday’s meeting with L’Equipe.
Having recorded 10 wins in their first 13 league matches since joining the league, life couldn’t be better for the Mill Hill crew and, averaging more than four goals a game, home fans will arrive expecting to see their heroes fill their boots.
“We are missing a few but will still have a good side out,” Levy told JC Sport. “One player has left on a Bosman claiming that he is as good as Jack Wilshere and refuses to play in the third division anymore.
“We know how much this game means to L’Equipe after blitzing them 5-0 earlier in the season - that was without Ben Zloof. Get ready for a cricket score on Sunday!”
Rob Kleinman (2) led the way in the October 19 meeting, when Harry Waterman, Adam Lenz and Scott Ackerman completed the rout.
But L’Equipe have come on in leaps and bounds since then and will be determined to give the leaders a much better game.
David Prager’s men have won four league games on the spin since that heavy defeat, beating Loughton Orient, Temple Fortune B, Boca and Jewventus and keeping three clean sheets in the process.
Three of those wins came away from home and if you look closely at L’Equipe’s form on the road, you have to say it’s mightily impressive on the whole. But they might just meet their match again on Sunday.
Venue – Copthall, Ref – Neal Cohen
JC star man: Harry Waterman (Mill Hill)
DC Prediction: AC Mill Hill 2 L’Equipe 1
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB C vs TOTTENHAM CHUTSPAH
There’ll be little more than pride at stake when Hendon host Tottenham on Sunday.
An historic affair will see the teams go head-to-head for the first time in JC MSFL history and I’m predicting a high-scoring contest.
The battle between Hendon hotshot Alex Elf and Tottenham terrier Jono Gaon will be worth the admission fee alone.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Barry David
JC star man: Gideon Caller (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon C 3 Tottenham Chutspah 1
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JEWVENTUS vs NORSTAR C
Jewve boss Gabriel John breathed a sigh of relief after the transfer window slammed shut as he managed to keep goalkeeper Dan Cohen at the club.
Cohen was on the radar of at least one Premier Division club, but it was good to see the big man stay loyal to the club who needed a second mortgage to bring him to the club. Peter Odemwingie take note!
On Sunday Cohen will come face to face with one of his besties, Norstar's David Domb. Rumour has it the dynamic duo have been banned from several nightclubs after their antics up north and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top on Sunday.
Jewve will be looking to complete a league double over the Stars, whom they hit for six in September, before Cohen joined. James Alexander (2), Gabriel John (2), Mark Martell and Gab Saul fired the boys in black and white to one of their most emphatic victories of the season.
After the game, John told JC Sport: "Even starting with 11 again, we dominated the first 45, going in at half time 5-1 up. It was a strong performance, only tarnished when we got tired last 20."
Norstar manager Zack Gothelf told JC Sport: "We were left frustrated again by as defensive lapses. We were much better in second half and had we taken the wealth of our chances we could have come away with something from the game."
Jewve's home form has been erratic, while the Stars have won more than they've lost on the road, so this looks like one of those games that could go either way.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – John Feenstra
JC star man: Nick Haringman (Norstar)
DC Prediction: Jewventus 2 Norstar C 2
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LOUGHTON ORIENT vs FC TEAM C
Two more teams meeting for the first time are Loughton and title favourites FC Team C.
Team, the only side in the league that is still unbeaten this season, have games in hand on the top two and will be looking to come away from E17 with their ninth win in 10 games. I have to say the signs look good.
But the Loughton boys are looking forward to getting back on the pitch again after barely playing over the last 2 months.
Manager Dan Curtis told JC Sport: Our squad is extremely strong and I have some tough decisions to make before finalising Sunday's squad. We will be without Barry Green who will me missed for his pace, energy and goals.
"FC Team C are going strong and it will be a difficult match but one we are looking forward to and we will be after all three points at home."
The first 20 minutes will be crucial for Loughton. Team will be looking to silence the home crowd and I can't see them coming out second best.
Venue – Peter May, Ref – Adam Lewis
JC star man: Rob Sanford (Team)
DC Prediction: Loughton Orient 2 FC Team C 4
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OAKWOOD B vs FAITHFOLD C
Oakwood are unbeaten in six and they will be looking to boost their title credentials when they challenge Faithfold in Garston.
They ran out 2-0 winners against the Superhoops on the second weekend of the season, when Vic Librae and Ben Polak saw them home.
But I expect Faithfold, who now have a more settled team, to give them a real test, especially when you hear what Oaks boss Ian Tussie had to say at his press conference this week.
"I'm daaarn to the bare bones, Danny," he told JC Sport. "We're really struggling here. I've had to name three recruitment consultants and an estate agent on the bench the last couple of weeks, that's how short we are.
"I've spoke to the chairman and he's got a list of my targets and he's working hard he is. He's a triffic Chairman is Alex, he's working every hour Hashem sends to make it happen for us before the window closes on Shabbos. Where do we need to strengthen? Everywhere Danny, everywhere. You know if a good player comes up we'd be interested. I'm not going to name any in particular Danny it's disrespectful for other team you know. But I do like Colin Cohen and Gary Goldmanberg, yeah they're both top classssss players but it's not for me to talk about other teams' players you know but if we could sign either of them then yeah it'd be triffic.
"Yeah looking forward to Sunday, another test against a physical team. We beat Faithfold 2-0 earlier in the season on the hottest day of all time. It was so hot that on our player's shinpads melted. Anyway, it'll be another tough game but it's vital we win and keep the pressure on Team and Mill Hill, the favourites for promotion.
Faithfold have won five and lost five. They're a bit like a box of Celebrations this season - you just never know which one you're going to get. However, they have won their last two and will mean business on Sunday.
Oakwood, you have been warned!
JC team news: Oakwood have a few unavailable including Dan Broman, who is going to have his hair lightened, and Jamie Beale, who is still cleaning the mud off his knee following the game with Temple Fortune three weeks ago.
Venue – Parmiters, Ref – Martin De La Fuente
JC star man: Matt Geey (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 3 Faithfold C 2
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