By, Danny Caro
26 min read
ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro
Holders Hendon United Sports Club A and Brady Maccabi A travel north on Matchday 28 of the season as the Peter Morrison Trophy gathers momentum, while there's also a bumper programme in store in the JC MSFL. Danny Caro looks ahead to all the action and goes head-to-head with Brady B boss Josh Dagul in the latest encounter of Challenge Caro.
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LATEST NEWS:
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LIONS vs FAITHFOLD - MATCH PHOTOS
LIONS vs FAITHFOLD - VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
CAMDEN PARK vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE - MATCH PHOTOS
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DANNY CARO'S MATCHDAY 27 OSCARS
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GOAL OF THE WEEK
Josh Tiano (Temple Fortune A) - for someone who can only be describe as a Ben Thatcher-like left-back, scored a magical goal against Neasden, his first for Fortune, skipped past two players Gareth Bale-esque, he laid the ball off to Kane Gilbery in the middle and then latched onto a through ball and smashed it into the bottom left had corner of the goal
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SAVE OF THE WEEK
Dan Lee (Redbridge JC A) - made an exceptional save in the cup semi-final, managing to get his outstretched arm to a free-kick which took a double deflection and would have been Camden's equaliser
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK - ANDY LANDESBERG
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PETER MORRISON TROPHY QUARTER-FINAL DRAW
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CUP FINAL DATES
PETER MORRISON TROPHY FINAL
Sunday, April 28
Venue & KO - TBC
JC CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP FINAL
London Maccabi Lions A vs Redbridge Jewish Care A
Sunday, April 21, KO: 6.30pm at Wingate & Finchley FC
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
PETER MORRISON TROPHY QUARTER-FINALS
MANCHESTER MACCABI 1st vs BRADY MACCABI A
It’s the clash of the titans at Brooklands on Sunday afternoon as Manchester Maccabi of the Thameside League lie in wait for Joel Nathan’s Brady.
The Maccabi boys go into the tie on the back of a terrific victory over high-fancied Faithfold and they are expected to welcome back Team GB Maccabiah defender Michael Sacks for the crunch clash.
Ashley Loofe and Adam Stevens were the chief tormentors against Faithfold, while young keeper Josh Samberg and Louie Basso also caught the eye.
Brady will make the long journey north the day before the game and Nathan is relishing locking horns with the 2011 competition winners.
He told JC Sport: “Again, we go into the game after a weekend off which is not ideal as we are on a good run and just want to keep playing, but the boys are relishing the trip up north.
“We reached the semi-finals last year and are looking to go all the way this season, but first we must overcome a very strong Manchester Maccabi team. I don’t know a lot about them apart from what we have found out from our friends at Faithfold, but I do know they have an excellent keeper in young Josh Samberg who is my under 18 squad for this tears Maccabiah games, as well as Louie Basso who I took to the last Maccabiah games, so I am hoping they both have an off day.
“Yes, they lost last week to the team bottom of their league so I am sure they will be looking to get back to winning ways ASAP, but my guys are determined to stop that happening.
“Despite not playing last week, we go into the game on the back of a resounding win against Brixton and some excellent training sessions where the lads have put 100 per cent effort in as they all want to be in the starting 11. However, roll on, roll off subs being allowed in this season’s competition it does make it that little bit easier keeping everyone happy.”
This is a game that could go either way but whoever progresses will be strong contenders to win the thing.
JC team news: Brady have no injury worries and are all raring to go.
Venue – Brooklands, KO – 2pm
JC star man: Oli Colmans (Brady)
DC Prediction: Manchester 1 Brady 1 AET (Brady to win on penalties)
JD Prediction: Manchester 1 Brady 2
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SOUTH MANCHESTER SPORTS CLUB 1st vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A
Cup holders Hendon have major availability problems but there will be no excuses if the Hammers go out against South Manchester at the Armitage on Sunday afternoon.
Hendon boss David Garbacz isn’t happy about the timing of this quarter-final but he’s been working hard behind the scenes to ensure a highly competitive squad will line-up against the Manchester Accountants League leaders.
The Reds won in South Manchester under the Jonathan Kestenbaum regime but Garbacz knows things will be much tougher this time around.
Garbacz told JC Sport: “As you can tell with our team news, we are totally decimated with unavailabilities due to people going away for Pesach. At this moment we have scrambled 10 players together and it is very touch and go if we will be able to persuade an 11th. We certainly will have no subs and with the Morrison being roll on, roll off there is no doubt that the scheduling of this fixture has put us at an enormous disadvantage.
“We applied weeks ago to have this date free, but I suppose, due to the general bad weather and the fact that Manchester play in a non-Jewish league and could not reschedule their games, we were left with no option but to travel to a Cup quarter final as holders with very limited resources.
“Obviously we are not happy about the situation and we do feel that more might have been done to prevent this, but c’est la vie, it was not to be, and now we simply must get on with it and give it all we can.
For me, the key battle is the one between South Manchester’s star striker Adam Lavin and JC MSFL Player of the 2011/12 Josh Lipman. That will be worth the admission fee alone.
But in a timely boost for Hendon fans, Garbacz added: “There is some good news, however, as Motti Colman is back from Israel and for one week only he will make a very important and welcome appearance and as far as raising the spirits of the troops are concerned - there is no one better.
“In addition we have recruited two young Kormans - Avi and Yehuda - for the occasion and anyone with surname Korman is always quality - these two are no exception.
“We will travel up together early on Sunday morning and I do know that the players who are available are more determined than ever to put in as heroic a performance as possible in order to keep our hands on this most coveted of trophies.
“We know little about our opposition but have no doubt they will be strong and well organised but we will be concentrating on our own strengths to see us through.
“Although depleted, we do still travel with some confidence therefore and no shortage of willpower, and should we return home victorious it will count as one of the sweetest victories of all time, and in the Pesach season of great escapes would make that Matzo taste sweet come Monday evening.”
So Hendon will be strong but not full-strength against a South Manchester team that is flying at the minute. This is definitely one not to miss.
JC team news: For Hendon, Danny Kon,Ben Kon,Dovid Korman,Yoav Kestenbaum,Ari Nevies,Alex Nadler,Martin Smulovitch,Avidan Last, are all away for Pesach, while Alex Gilbert is injured.
Venue – Armitage Centre, KO – 1.30pm
JC star man: Loz Newman (South)
DC Prediction: South Manchester 1 Hendon 0
JD Prediction: South Manchester 1 Hendon 1 AET (Hendon to win on pens)
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
Having cemented their place in one cup final, Redbridge will be looking for a repeat performance on 3G when they travel to Premiership rivals Raiders A in Uxbridge.
Eilon Kennet’s men needed all their experience to beat Camden Park last weekend, when a double from the talented Jack Van Gelder and one from Ben Sollosi sealed a 3-1 victory.
RJC showed great character after Camden levelled, with keeper Dan Lee pulling off Save of the Week to avoid a grandstand finish.
Kennet described it as a “very satisfying victory,” as they overcame a slow start. He told JC Sport: “We got stronger and stronger and got the all important opening goal before half time.
“Everyone won their personal battle and maintained their part of the game-plan, even after conceding a sloppy equaliser. Heads never dropped and we pushed on for the winner. I thought it was thoroughly deserved, but Camden made it hard.”
Kennet singled out JVG and the evergreen Joel Berg for special praise, as well as super-sub Sam Sollosi and old war-horse Danny Sugarman.
Unsure of availability for the trip to Brunel, Kennet is expecting another tough game against a Raiders team they drew 3-3 with in the league on the opening weekend of the season. Jamie Wolfson fired a hat-trick for Raiders, with Adam Stolerman, Ben Sollosi and JVG on target for RJC.
Raiders boss Rob Richman is hoping to finish the week as he start it – celebrating. He became the father for the first time and everyone at the JC wishes him, Mrs R and the new addition a big mazel tov.
Having overcome Oakwood A in the last round, Sunday will be like a cup final for L’Orange and Richman and chairman Jonny Adelman who that their big players are able to pull another big performance out of the hat.
But with key players missing, I think RJC’s strength in depth will take them through.
Venue – Brunel, Ref – Steve Levy (Games 12, Yellows 2, Reds 0)
JC star man: Sam Sollosi (RJC)
DC Prediction: Raiders 1 Redbridge 2
JD Prediction: Raiders 2 Redbridge 3
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JC MSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
18 - Lee Cash (LM Lions A - 10 for Neasden A)
16 - Adam Stolerman (Redbridge JC A)
12 - Jonathan Green (Brady A +1 for B)
NORSTAR A vs FAITHFOLD A
Not so long ago, Faithfold were dreaming about an unprecedented quadruple. Luck, amongst other things, has gone against them and having tumbled out of both Jewish cup competitions, it’s all about the double now.
Having been awarded three points from the recent defaulted match against Brixton, Zuriel Solomon’s men will look to move within a point of leaders Hendon as they play catch-up.
The Superhoops have four games in hand and are strong favourites to win the title, but it’s about getting the job done. The ball is definitely in their court ahead of the trip to the division’s bottom team.
The Faithfold gaffer was in positive mood ahead of the trip to Harrow. He told JC Sport: “We are back to our bread and butter of the league on Sunday. We haven’t played a game in the league for over a six weeks and are glad to finally be playing.”
Faithfold bowed out of the Anekstein Cup after going down 3-2 against the Lions, with Jonny Haik and Dan Perkins finding the net. Solomon praised the efforts of Dan Stock, Sam Reeves and Paul Babai as they fell just short against a strong Lions side.
“We have forgotten about last Sunday we played really well and only from some bad finishing we well could have progressed,” Solomon added.
“Norstar are fighting for their Premier League status and this is a game we won’t underestimate and again respect our opponents. Phil has a young team that’s still learning, but they have a good spirit and that is all you can ask for.
“Saying that, we now are completely focused on Sunday and are raring to go. We have a full squad this week, with key players returning.
The odds are stacked firmly against Norstar as Faithfold are hurting right now. They were edged out 2-1 by the Greens in October when Rocky Spitzer and Alex Kaye found the net, but I think it will be more one-sided second time around.
JC team news: Faithfold welcome back Daryl Phillips, Mike Pearson, Elliott Stern, Alex Levack and Dan Howard. Midfielder Alex Kaye (ankle) is the only injury doubt.
Venue – Armitage Centre, Ref – Martin Fox (Games 16, Yellows 16, Reds 1)
JC star man: Elliot Stern (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Norstar 1 Faithfold 4
JD Prediction: Norstar 1 Faithfold 4
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OAKWOOD A vs BRIXTON OLD BOYS
Quality-wise, Oakwood and Brixton are streets apart right now. However, only two points separate the teams going into Sunday’s encounter, although the Oaks have three games in hand.
While Brixton are desperately scratching around for players and points, the end of the season cannot come soon enough for their fans.
Oakwood came away from last weekend’s scheduled double-header against FC Team incredibly frustrated. The conditions resulted in the action being halted at the end of the part one, after 60 minutes, and the referee ruled that play was unfit for match two. So in the end just one match of 60 minutes was played. You do the maths …
Oakwood joint-manager Ric Blank is not best-pleased with life in the MSFL at the minute, but the hope is that a positive 90 minutes at home against Brixton will improve his mood.
David Woolman showed the MSFL why he is rated so highly with a predatory finish last Sunday, while Sam Jacobson, Adam Levine and Toby Levy looked class, despite the terrible conditions.
Brad Wine was the chief tormentor the last time Oakwood met Brixton. He went home with the match ball after smashing home four goals. Carl Peters and Levy completed the 6-0 demolition.
Given that Brixton were thumped 8-0 last time out, I fear for them on Sunday.
JC team news: Adam Levine has been ruled out for a few weeks after having stitches on Monday following two nasty elbows last Sunday.
Venue – Parmiters, Ref – Andy Myerson (Games 17, Yellows 30, Reds 6)
JC star man: Sam Jacobson (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 5 Brixton 0
JD Prediction: Oakwood 5 Brixton 0
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
34 - Jamie (Shirley Park)
15 - Yishai Last (Hendon B)
13 - James Gold (LML B)
CHIGWELL ATHLETIC vs GLENTHORNE UNITED A (DOUBLE-HEADER)
The mind games have started ahead of the latest east London derby with Thornes boss Sam Rosenthal heaping the pressure on Chigwell by labelling them favourites ahead of the two-hour football marathon.
I’ve heard that sales of shinpads have gone through the roof as the local rivals lock horns with six important points up for grabs.
At the start of play, 16 points separate the teams, although the Chigs have five games in hand on the Thornes.
Rosenthal told JC Sport: “Chigwell will be favourites at the famous Peter May, but we go there on a good run of form looking to take all six points.”
A “worldie” from Adam Bernstein plus one from top-scorer Craig Bernstein earned the Thornes what could prove to be a crucial point against leaders Shirley Park last weekend, in a game they trailed 2-1.
Richard Slater’s Chigwell go into the contest bang in form, although Glenthorne are the favourites in his eyes.
“Hopefully we’re near enough to full strength, although I’m still waiting on a few to confirm.
“We go into the game confident after three big wins and three clean sheets. The lads can't wait for Sunday and, with six points on offer, they are huge games.
“Glenthorne are the favourites and rightly so as they are pushing for the title.”
Sunday will be a day for big hearts rather than football purists as it’s the end product that matters most.
Venue – Peter May, KO – 10, Ref – Alan Russell
JC star man: Adam Bernstein (Glenthorne)
DC Prediction: Chigwell 1 Glenthorne 2/Glenthorne 1 Chigwell 1
JD Prediction: Chigwell 1 Glenthorne 3/Glenthorne 3 Chigwell 2
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LONDON MACCABI LIONS B vs UJIA
If you’re looking for a home banker this weekend, then this has to be it. Surely.
Jamie Kyte’s men know that they will go top if they win their games in hand on the top two and while their destiny is in their own hands he’ll be as happy as Larry.
Will Beresford, Max Kyte and Richard Gold were the goal men for Lions the last time the sides met, when Ben Radstone’s first match as manager of UJIA ended with a 3-1 defeat.
Radstone has found results hard to come by since taking charge, and it will take something special to stop the Lions at the Lane on Sunday.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Laurie Benson (Games 30, Yellows 17, Reds 1)
JC star man: Adam Kosky (LML)
DC Prediction: Lions 4 UJIA 0
JD Prediction: Lions 6 UJIA 0
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NORTH WEST NEASDEN A vs FAITHFOLD B
The chances are that one of Neasden or Faithfold, if not both, will go down this season so to describe Sunday’s meeting as a relegation six-pointer would be an understatement to say the very least.
Neasden were thumped 7-0 by Temple Fortune B last weekend assistant-manager Ben Lewis was called up to the A-team squad. Lewy rolled back the years with a vintage performance, with Zuriel Solomons describing him as “one of the best players on show”.
Rob Shooman’s men could do with a bit of Lewis’ class on Sunday. In fact a team of Lewis’ would suit him right down to the ground. But Shooman hopes that one Ben Lewis, a Matty Kleinman and a big team effort will be enough to take care of Neasden.
Rob Kaplan was NWN’s matchwinner the last time the teams met. He and defensive partner Jon Kaye were the stars of the show. But Dan Hodes’ troops have failed to score in their last three games and it’s hard to see their fortunes changing if that remains the case.
As for Sunday, if you have any last-minute Pesach shopping to do, that could be an option.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Rob Caplin (Games 12, Yellows 9, Reds 2)
JC star man: Jon Kaye (NWN)
DC Prediction: Neasden 0 Faithfold 0
JD Prediction: Neasden 2 Faithfold 1
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SOUTHGATE HARMEN vs TEMPLE FORTUNE A
It was good to see a big smile back on the face of Fortune boss Lee Fegan last Sunday as his team registered their biggest win of the season.
Kane Gilbery was the star of the show in the 7-0 mauling of Neasden. Indeed Fortune’s performance really ticked all the boxes with left-back Josh Tiano scored JC Goal of the Week with a sensational solo effort.
The challenge for Fortune between now and the end of the season is to do exactly what they did last Sunday, every Sunday between now and the end of the season. And although Harmen will pose a sterner test, there’s no reason why they can’t claim back-to-back wins.
Defenders Stuart Haring and Craig Edwards, together with midfielders Benji Mannheim, Shai Davidi and two-goal hero Michael Goldberg also put in good shift and Fegan is challenging his players to keep their first league clean sheet this season ahead of the trip to Southgate.
Revenge will be the name of the game for a Harmen team who were beaten 3-1 in February. Daniel Orgel, Brett Stead and Gilbery found the net in what was one of Fortune’s five victories this season.
But Harmen’s three performances since prove just what a good team they can be and if Fortune allow Sam Castle time and space, he could really hurt them.
Harmen have conceded less than a goal a game and no doubt, they’ll be looking to make life as difficult as possible for Fortune.
Venue – Ashmole School, Ref – Stuart Ansher (Games 17, Yellows 12, Reds 1)
JC star man: Benji Mannheim (Fortune)
DC Prediction: Harmen 1 Fortune 2
JD Prediction: Harmen 3 Fortune 2
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WOODFORD WANDERERS vs SHIRLEY PARK
Jamie Kent was Shirley’s matchwinner the last time these two met and he could be the one to watch in a contest in which goals are guaranteed.
Dave Lusman’s star man cracked home a hat-trick in a 4-3 victory and with matches running out, maximum points are essential for a team chasing promotion.
Lusman hopes that points on the board will put the pressure on Shirley’s promotion rivals. They have won 12 out of 20 games and are the top-scorers in the league, but they will fall short of the magical 100 goals target.
You could say Shirley, who finish their season at home to Camden Park next weekend, deserve a prize for being the first team to finish their season, bearing in mind they don’t play on 3G. They are one of the league’s great entertainers and would really light up the Premier Division should they go up.
Woodford, on the other hand, still have 11 games remaining, and as we’ve seen in the recent games against Shirley and Glenthorne, they play with no fear. But there’s much more at stake for Shirley and it’s for this reason and this reason alone I’m tipping them to win.
JC team news: Woodford have a full-strength squad available with the exception of former boss Alex Aviram, who is away on a business trip to Dubai, and David ‘Pique’ Cohen (holiday).
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – Neal Cohen (Games 14, Yellows 10, Reds 6)
JC star man: Ilan Shaki (Shirley)
DC Prediction: Woodford 2 Shirley 3
JD Prediction: Woodford 3 Shirley 3
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
19 - Reiss Mogilner (Brady B)
17 - Adam Hersh (Los Blancos)
14 - Jake Gilbert (Bilbaum)
11 - Dan Hildebrand, James Joseph (both Brady B)
BLIZZARD STORM vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B
Three points will be the order of the day for Blizzard on Sunday. Manager Simon Linden knows they must pick up some points from somewhere to climb out of the danger zone and with Raiders only having won once on their travels this season, this could be one of them.
However, they must overcome a big psychological hurdle first as L’Orange thumped Blizzard 5-0 only last month. Two-goal hero Simon Buchler was the chief tormentor, with Ben Hart, Nicky Woolf and Ethan Zone completing the rout.
But there’s a chance Zone could be called up into the A team for the big Morrison clash against RJC, and I’m sure that would delight Linden and co.
Adam Speck has been the main man for Blizzard on the goal front in recent weeks, but Linden desperately needs some of his other players to step up before it’s too late.
Venue – Hampstead Heath, Ref – Quentin Fox (Games 10, Yellows 12, Reds 0)
JC star man: Zak Presky (Blizzard)
DC Prediction: Blizzard 3 Raiders 2
JD Prediction: Blizzard 3 Raiders 2
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BRADY MACCABI B vs NORSTAR B (DOUBLE-HEADER)
There was some exciting news for Brady fans in the build-up to the top against bottom double-header as Josh Dagul’s men look to take a big step towards back-to-back titles.
Indeed, Dagul will be looking to complete a hat-trick of celebrations, with two wins over the Stars plus victory over me in Challenge Caro the order of the day.
Looking ahead to the contest, Dagul told JC Sport: “Sunday is a massive weekend for us. All the teams around us are playing each other so we need to take full advantage of that and take maximum points.
“It’s going to be tough but we will give everything to get the six points on Sunday. Our injury list is starting to mount up so we signed the 16-year-old wonder kid Sam Monjack, who will add extra quality in our last five games and hopefully help us in our pursuit of back-to-back titles.”
I’ve heard shirt sales of Chelsea starlet Monjack have already broken all Brady records and Joel Nathan is hoping to get a new batch in ahead of kick-off.
Monjack oozes star qualities and was most probably the first name down on Nathan’s GB teamsheet for the 19th Maccabiah Games. I’m sure Norstar will be sick of the sight of him come midday on Sunday.
The addition of Monjack will turn Brady into an irresistible force on Sunday. Dagul already have an embarrassment of riches, with Reiss Mogilner hoping to become the first player to retain the JC Young Player of the Season title. The boy is enjoying another outstanding campaign, scoring goals for fun.
With captain James Joseph, keeper Sam Singer, midfield maestro Josh Newman, Dan Harrod, Nathan Harrod and Dan Hildebrand also in the ranks, it could be a long morning for Norstar.
Venue – Rowley Lane, KO – 10, Ref – Richard Jaye (Games 14, Yellows 9, Reds 4)
JC star man: Sam Monjack (Brady)
DC Prediction: Brady 5 Norstar 0/Norstar 1 Brady 4
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FC TEAM B vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B
Jon Jacobs has challenged his team to finish the season strongly and I’m backing them to complete a league double over FC Team B.
RJC almost blew it in their last meeting with Team, but up popped Richard Gold with a strike worthy of winning any match. The ever-reliable Dan Gordon and Scott Oldstein were the other marksmen in a 3-2 win.
FC Team keeper David Gordon was impressed with RJC that day. After the game he told JC Sport: “Redbridge deserved their win. They are a good footballing side who are very well organised and played with a hunger. Hopefully the return fixture in a few weeks will be just as exciting."
Jacobs’ juniors are unbeaten in six and, along with Brady, the form team in the division. A 1-0 win over SPEC FC last time out tells you everything you need to know about a team going places.
FC Team B have picked up some decent results and, much like RJC, love being the underdog, but I think that something has to give on Sunday and, ultimately, RJC’s youthful exuberance' will be too much for Ben Simon’s troops.
Venue – Meadow Park, Ref – Keith Goodman
JC star man: Saul Green (RJC)
DC Prediction: FC Team 1 Redbridge 2 (sorry Jon!)
JD Prediction: Team 1 Redbridge 3
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GLENTHORNE UNITED B vs CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI
Consistency is the name of the game for Catford & Bromley Maccabi, according to captain marvel Adam Luria.
And with matches against promotion-chasing Blancos, Neasden and Brady coming up, Sunday is a massive game for Lester Jacobs’ men.
I caught up with Luria earlier this week and he believes the Cats have what it takes to finish the season well.
“We’ve got another strong team out this week with almost every fit player available for us,” Luria told JC Sport. “We know that Glenthorne will be a tough proposition and we're going to need every man to play his part to be in with a chance of getting a win.
“Three points would draw us level with them and give us every chance of finishing the season strongly.
“We’re disappointed with how our season has gone after a promising start, but some very serious injuries to Joel Berwitz, Eli Baraty and David Powell - three of our most committed players and a string of absences has meant it's been a struggle to get a team out some weeks.
“But with two wins on the trot against strong opposition we’ve shown what we can do with our best players on the pitch.
“The addition of Jeff Gotch has brought us some much-needed experience and stability and the return of Joel Isaacs and Oli Hitman from lengthy injury lay offs has helped us get some bite back.
“With Ash Stokes, Jonny Lee and Yonni Bord we've got three top match-winners, so we’re hoping we can keep everyone together and keep everything going until the end of the season to give us the best possible finish.”
Glenthorne managers Liam Stein and Jordan Sapler will know that Catford’s only away win came on the opening weekend of the season, but they are taking nothing from granted ahead of Sunday’s meeting.
The pair believe the team are due some luck as their last win came in November.
I’m predicting an open and entertaining affair, with Catford doing just enough over the course of 90 minutes.
Venue – Ford Sports & Social, Ref – Robert Benardout (Games 17, Yellows 9, Reds 1)
JC star man: Jeff Gotch (Catford)
DC Prediction: Glenthorne 2 Catford & Bromley 3
JD Prediction: Glenthorne 2 Catford 2
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LOS BLANCOS vs ATHLETIC BILBAUM (DOUBLE-HEADER)
Sunday could be a pivotal day in the Division Two promotion race with a precious six points up for grabs for both Blancos and the Baums.
Blancos are handily placed, with games in hand on the teams above them who, Brady apart, have shot themselves in the foot in recent weeks.
Now Adam Hersh’s men have their destiny in their own hands and he knows that the second promotion spot will go to the team who holds its nerve, and dare I say bottle too.
Just a single point separates Blancos and the Baums going into Sunday’s double-header, but the whites have two games in hand.
Hersh sounded in determined mood when he spoke to JC Sport during the week. "We welcome back Julian Gertner who, after finishing the Jerusalem marathon in 3 hrs 41 minutes, is raring to pick up where he left off.
“Sunday’s double-header is really make or break for our season. Winning puts us in the driving seat for second place, and possibly first if Brady do a Spurs-esque finish to the season!
“It’s sure to be a good match and we will be going all out for six points.”
The Baums also go into the clash in high spirits ending their blip with a double-header win over Neasden B. That might just be the season-defining moment for managers Mark Pasha and Ed Green, but they know that bigger tests lie ahead, starting on Sunday.
With striker Jake Gilbert looking to add to his 14 goals this season, the boys in green and white are confident that come the final whistle, club mascot Baum Baum the Elephant will have a big smile on under his trunk.
JC team news: Blancos will be without captain Joel Kutner, the left-back supremo Ben Annis and winger Sami Birmbaum, along with their other long-term absentee Eddie Nathan.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Barry David (Games 9, Yellows 3, Reds 0)
JC star man: Julian Gertner (Blancos)
DC Prediction: Blancos 2 Bilbaum 2/Bilbaum 3 Blancos 2
JD Prediction: Blancos 2 Bilbaum 1/Bilbaum 2 Blancos 1
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NORTH WEST NEASDEN B vs SPEC FC
The double-header defeat against Bilbaum came as a real body blow to Neasden B but they bounced back in perfect fashion last weekend with player-manager Adam Levene and Sam Lewis starring in the 4-1 win over Blizzard.
NWN only have three games left and although they start Sunday’s match a point ahead of SPEC FC, Laurence Conway’s troops have two games in hand. Needless to say, this is a must-win for the home side.
Louis Taylor, James Abrams, Bobby Abrams and Sam Foster were the scorers when NWN beat SPEC 4-2 back in September and, assuming they can find a pitch, Levene and co will be hoping for more of the same on Sunday.
Conway will be looking for something special from his players on Sunday. He will want them to send out a message to their promotion rivals that the recent defeat to RJC was nothing more than a blip. He knows that the NWN game will be a big test of his team’s character and there are still some questions that remain unanswered. An early goal could help ease nerves, but the chances are that they will need at least two goals to win.
Venue – Gosling Sports Centre Ref – Martin Lavender (Games 16, Yellows 15, Reds 0)
JC star man: Marc Hecht (Brady)
DC Prediction: Neasden 1 SPEC 1
JD Prediction: Neasden 1 SPEC 1
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DIVISION THREE
TOP-SCORERS
32 - Ben Zloof (AC Mill Hill)
24 - Jono Gaon (Tottenham Chutspah)
19 – Alex Elf (Hendon Utd SC C)
FAITHFOLD C vs BOCA JEWNIORS
With Jewventus folding earlier this week, Faithfold will look to boost their chances of a fourth place finish when they host Boca in Mill Hill.
Ben Simons and Dave Sherman were the scorers when the teams met earlier in the season and David Garson’s men are 7-1 on to complete the double. Anything other than a comfortable win for the Superhoops would really be a coupon spoiler.
“We are looking for our fourth clean sheet in a row,” Garson told JC Sport. “Farrell Monk will start against his former team, but with Josh B, Boris and Charlie out he is still unlikely to skipper the team with this honour likely to go to Dan ‘Mr Angry’ Lowen as I can’t be player, manager, physio, vice-chairman and captain.”
When Ryan Monk was ruled out of last weekend’s match against Norstar, there were fears the team would suffer another heavy, painful defeat. However, up stepped young Ricky Zeiderman to produce a master-class that even the great Monk would’ve been proud of.
That has left Boca boss Jamie Weinrich with a major dilemma. Demoting Monk to the bench would be unthinkable but given the team’s woeful defensive record, it may have crossed his mind to play both (only joking lads!)
Faithfold would win this game nine times out of 10 and not even the 10 plagues could stop Garson’s giants on Sunday.
JC team news: Faithfold are missing top-scorer Ben Simons (injured), Ben Portnoi and Charlie Resnick (skiing), while and ex-boy band chart-topper Josh Barnett is performing on an over-50's cruise, so ex-French pro farmer Yves Florentin-Lee finally get his first start.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Nigel Burns (Games 4, Yellows 8, Reds 1)
JC star man: Yves Florentin-Lee (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 4 Boca 1
JD Prediction: Faithfold 3 Boca 1
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FC TEAM C vs NORSTAR C
Where there’s a Will there’s a way. That was the motto that served Norstar so well last weekend, but you can get 50-1 on Zack Gothelf’s men completing back-to-back wins on Sunday.
Will Ufland made himself a firm favourite with Orange fans after his match-winning hat-trick against Boca. It was a memorable day for the boy as everything he touched turned to goals.
But when you consider that the Stars were thrashed 7-2 by FC Team C earlier in the season, there’s a chance that Ufland will be starved of service. Brady B boss Josh Dagul certainly believes so.
Dagul believes the Norstar defence will be in for another busy morning. David Joseph Cohen (3), Adam Aminoff (2), David James Cohen and Eitan Ben-Zion blew Norstar away earlier in the season and I’ve spoken to a number of people who believe Norstar will do well to keep the scoreline respectable.
Venue – Aycliffe Road, Ref – Neil Cooper (Games 15, Yellows 10, Reds 0)
JC star man: Ollie Senchal (Team)
DC Prediction: Team 5 Norstar 1
JD Prediction: Team 7 Norstar 2
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L’EQUIPE vs LOUGHTON ORIENT
Josh Lewis was L’Equipe’s hero the last time these two teams met, bagging a brace in a 2-1 victory.
L’Equipe boss David Prager told me after the game in December the margin of victory should have been more emphatic, but for some poor finishing and inspired goalkeeping from Marc Jacobs.
But Loughton Orient have raised their game since then, beating a red-hot AC Mill Hill team last time out, and manager Dan Curtis believes the momentum is with them.
The experience of David Blitz has given the team another dimension
“It’s a massive game Sunday and one which we must take three points from,” Curtis told JC Sport. “We are on our strongest run of the season after winning four out of the last five. We want to keep that run going to the end of the season and put ourselves in with a chance of a top five finish.
JC team news: Loughton’s Adam Conway picked up an injury in training and will be out for two weeks. Other that that Curtis has a full squad to select from.
Venue – Copthall, Ref – Laurence Thorne (Games 14, Yellows 18, Reds 0)
JC star man: David Blitz (Loughton)
DC Prediction: L’Equipe 3 Loughton 3
JD Prediction: L'Equipe 4 Loughton 2
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TOTTENHAM CHUTSPAH vs TEMPLE FORTUNE B (DOUBLE-HEADER)
There’s a big incentive for the Chutspah boys. Two wins would take them above Temple Fortune B and into a highly respectable mid-table position.
That will be easier said than done, however, especially when you hear what gaffer Ariel Tamman had to report from the club’s training ground this week.
“Again we are missing our top striker Jono Gaon as he’s in the midst of his training for Maccabiah futsal this summer. But we do have other striking prospects!
“I would be happy with one win out of the two games, yet the more points we cash in now the closer we get to the top five position.
“This double-header will truly test our fitness and full commitment to the team.”
It’s been another frustrating season for Fortune B fans. Player-manager Terry Jeffries had done his bit up top once again, while strike partner John Kemp has chipped in with some useful goals.
However, consistency remains the biggest issue and it’s for this reason that I’m predicting a win apiece, which would leave Tamman in a good place.
Venue – Regents Park, Ref – Adam Lewis (Games 13, Yellows 8, Reds 3)
JC star man: Terry Jeffries (Fortune)
DC Prediction: Chutspah 3 Fortune 2/Fortune 2 Chutspah 1
JD Prediction: Chutspah 3 Fortune 2/Fortune 2 Chutspah 1
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JEWVENTUS vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB C
Match postponed – Jewventus have folded
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CHALLENGE CARO RESULT
Week 1: Caro 4, Rob Richman 5
Week 2: Caro 14, Mitch Young 10
Week 3: Caro 20 (incl. 2 correct scores), Richard Slater 15 (inc. 1 correct score)
Week 4: DC 15 (incl. 2 correct scores), Phil Peters 5
Week 5: DC 1 LN 8
