Glenthorne United A will be looking to wrap up the JC MSFL Division Three title while Brady Maccabi and Oakwood fight it out for the coveted third place in Division One. Danny Caro looks ahead to all the action.
LATEST NEWS:
NEASDEN NAME NEW MANAGEMENT TEAM
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CUP FINAL REVIEW:
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JC GOAL OF THE WEEK
Dan Lassman (Glenthorne A) - Fabio Revieccio played a ridiculous pass to Lassman who beat keeper and defender like Zidane in the video
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JC MSFL SEASON 2010/11 ROLL OF HONOUR
JC Cyril Anekstein Cup: WINNERS: REDBRIDGE JC A, Runners-up: Hendon Utd SC A
JC Barry Goldstein Cup: WINNERS: FAITHFOLD C, Runners-up: UJIA
Premier Division: CHAMPIONS: REDBRIDGE JC A, Runners-up: Hendon Utd SC A
Division One: CHAMPIONS: NL RAIDERS B, Runners-up: FC Team A
Division Two: CHAMPIONS: TEMPLE FORTUNE A, Runners-up: Brixton Old Boys
Division Three: TBC
Division Four: TBC
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CUP FINAL DATE
May 15 - Peter Morrison Trophy - Faithfold A vs Manchester Maccabi @ Boundary Park, Oldham Athletic
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
JC MSFL PREMIER DIVISION
NORTH WEST NEASDEN A vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A
It’s hard to believe that last season’s champions have won only two league games this season. One of those was against Sunday’s opponents – North London Raiders.
They still have nine points left to play for this season as they look to avoid finishing bottom of the eight-team division.
The build-up to the match has been focused around the appointment of Neasden’s new management team for next season. Click here to see full story
Neasden fans will get their first chance to see their new dream team in action with messus Yarlett and Cash linking up for the first time as Jamie Cole is away.
They will be hoping for a repeat of November’s 5-0 demolition over L’Orange. That was the only match I’ve missed this season but by all accounts, the Raiders failed to recover after Neasden took a first-minute lead. TJ Keterman (2), Danny Daggers, Elliott Stern and Rob Lerner were the scorers for Neasden.
Yarlett was in charge of Neasden that day and after the game, he told JC Sport: “I was very happy with my team’s performance. We played superbly, passed the ball very well and to be honest it should have been a lot more.”
Raiders go into their last game of the season on the back of a 1-0 defeat against Manchester Maccabi in the semi-finals of the Peter Morrison Trophy.
The team will be looking to bow out on a high and ensure that Neasden are not the only team to complete a league double over them this season.
They have experienced plenty of high points in their first season back in the Premier. Like Neasden, they will be missing some regulars but they will arrive hungry to take on more big scalp.
Some have described this game as a dead-rubber but I can’t see that detracting from what should be an open and entertaining affair with chances aplenty.
JC team news: Neasden are missing Jon Ellis, Kyle Bentwood, James Abrams, Jake Gottlieb, George Fierstone and Danny Daggers while Matt Sofier is out for the rest of the season. Lee Cash is rated 50/50.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – A. Lewis
JC star man: Jonny Shapiro (Raiders)
DC Prediction: NW Neasden A 2 NL Raiders A 2
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DIVISION ONE
BRADY MACCABI vs OAKWOOD
Third place went up last season and supporters of Brady and Oakwood hope that lightning strikes twice, especially when you consider that the Premier Division has lost two teams for the second consecutive season.
So Sunday is D-day for both camps in what could be a real winner-takes-all clash.
A few weeks ago, it looked as though one of Brady or Oakwood would claim the runners-up spot, but it just hasn’t happened and FC Team A came up on the blindside to steal their thunder.
Now, it would be fair to say that both camps cannot wait for the season to finish. In the end it could all boil down to the last 90 minutes of a tough campaign.
The Oaks have failed to win any of their last three games. Since beating champions Raiders B, they have failed to see the job through, losing two and drawing another.
It’s been four games since Brady last tasted victory. Like Oakwood, they have had opportunities to go up but failed to take them. You can put it down to nerves or inexperience but now both sets of players will be looking to go out on a high.
Looking ahead to the crunch clash, Brady boss Josh Rosenfeld told JC Sport: “We just got to finish on a high and hope we have a chance of going up still.”
The teams drew 1-1 in February and another close affair is on the cards.
Rumour has it that Rosenfeld was spotted in his local library looking for a copy of Winston Churchill’s autobiography. He’s preparing one final teamtalk that he hopes will do the trick. But I advise him to get Bill Shankly’s book instead.
Brady fans are hoping for one final hurrah from star man Josh Hershman but he will do well to bypass the likes of Adam Levine and Eddie Manson.
A point will be enough for Oakwood to secure third and I can see them grinding out a draw and their seventh clean sheet of the season against a Brady team who look to have run out of legs.
JC team news: For Brady, star goalie Oli Colmans flies back from holiday early at his managers request as he wishes to be a part of the final game. There are also rumours that Rosenfeld will bring his boots with him and take himself out of retirement if Brady are losing.
Venue - The Hive, Ref – N. Burns
JC star man: Matt Geey (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Brady Maccabi 0 Oakwood 0
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DIVISION THREE
FAITHFOLD C vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE C
There will be a real fanfare feel around the Hive on Sunday as Barry Goldstein Cup winners Faithfold C parade the cup.
Manager David Garson was proud of his boys for the effort and attitude displayed on the hallowed turf of Wingate & Finchley.
In the end, two goals from Jonny Blain plus one apiece from Ben Portnoi and Josh Franklin saw them over the line.
But they will need to improve at the back if they are to stop Redbridge from ruining their party.
The Superhoops will be looking to complete a league double over a RJC team they beat 4-2 earlier this month. Garson knows that a nine-point haul in their three remaining matches could strengthen their case in any end-of-season promotion lottery.
But having had such a great weekend in north London last time around, the east Londoners are hoping for more of the same.
RJC manager Richard Bronzite told JC Sport: “We need a point to secure promotion, but we want all three.
“Faithold will be on a high after last week so we will have to be at out best to stand a chance.”
It should be a thriller.
RJC are missing Grant Pomeroy, Marc Silver, Jamie Sinclair and Daniel Howard.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – C. Stupack
JC star man: James Rubin (RJC)
DC Prediction: Faithfold C 2 Redbridge JC A 3
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REAL LIFE vs GLENTHORNE UNITED A
Glenthorne will be taking a huge travelling support to the Hive as they look to wrap up the Division Three title.
The team, managed by David Blitz and Dan Lipman, have worked hard on and off the pitch to climb the MSFL ladder, not for the first time, and they will be looking to make it double delight in Edgware with their neighbours from Redbridge on a nearby pitch. One thing is clear, they all believe the only way is Essex!
It’s roughly a month since Glenthorne last played. They will have two bites at the cherry but the management are confident they will do the business at the first time of asking against relegated Real.
And if the first meeting is anything to go by then Thornes fans will crack open the champagne long before the final whistle.
13-1 was how it finished with young hotshot David Blackman running riot with a five-goal salvo. Danny Shafron (3), Paul Billar (2), Simon Bitton and Jay Scott completed the rout.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Lipman, who is my favourite for Division Three Player of the Year, told JC Sport: “This is what we've worked hard for. The boys have been great this season. There's been a few hiccups along the way but it all comes down to 120 minutes of football over the next couple of weeks.
“As a club we've had a difficult time over the last few years but a win on Sunday will be the first step in getting back on track.
“Real Life are a tricky outfit but even without some key players this week we have a strong squad that I'm confident will do the business.
“A win on Sunday sees us crowned champions - that is motivation enough.”
Real Life are hell-bent on ensuring they do not finish the season without a win. They have two chances remaining although on the surface, it appears that their best chance will come next week against UJIA.
However, they love playing the role of underdog, as Eddie Lewin explains: “We're going out to enjoy the game and give a good account of ourselves on what should be a decent playing surface at the Hive.”
Glenthorne have had the look and feel of champions for some time now. They haven’t conceded in more than 180 minutes and I think they’ll have too much for Real Life on the day.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – L. Thorne
JC star man: Simon Bitton (Glenthorne)
DC Prediction: Real Life 1 Glenthorne Utd A 4
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UJIA vs NORSTAR B
Barnet FC’s Centre of Excellence will be a Hive of activity on Sunday. The fifth game comes here as high-flying Norstar take on Barry Goldstein Cup runners-up UJIA.
Jonny Bunt’s Stars hope that Redbridge do them a favour and take points off Faithfold in their pursuit of a top three finish.
The Stars are unbeaten in seven and they will be looking to claim a 10th victory of the season.
Asked about the run-in, Bunt recently told JC Sport: “With two tough games left it looks like any combination of RJC, Faithfold and us is possible from second to fourth.
“If Faithfold can beat Redbridge and we can win a tough game against UJIA then it does set up a great match between us and Faithfold on May 1 that could decide second place.
“There are plenty of variable though and Redbridge must be favourites to have it sewn up by the time we kick-off on May 1, especially with all their As and Bs available.”
It finished 3-3 in the corresponding fixture when Maurice Franks, Josh Gaon and Josh Green registered for Norstar, while UJIA goals came from Matt Radstone, Assi Avital and Nick Russell.
UJIA showed tremendous character to battle back three times at Wingate last weekend. Rumour has it that Jeremy Leigh still can’t walk after covering so much ground although it hasn’t affected him on Twitter!
A top six finish looks most likely for the U’s but they are a dangerous opponent to write off. As we saw last week, they don’t give up easily and Norstar shouldn’t expect any favours from a team containing the likes of Paul Shamplina.
When push comes to shove, I’m backing Norstar, but only just.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – N. Bloom
JC star man: Dan Polak (Norstar)
DC Prediction: UJIA 2 Norstar B 3
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ZIG ZAG vs CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI
Tears will be shed at White Hart Lane on Sunday as we see the end of an era, and the end of DJ Neal, well in a Zig Zag shirt at least.
The Zed men have done well to see the season through. Having avoided relegation, Cohen was in somewhat reflective mood when confirming that his team will fold unless a last-minute backer, manager and administrator comes in with an 11th-hour rescue package.
Costs of nearly £2,000 are the key to Zig Zag’s demise. Like myself, there are many people who would like to see Zig Zag continue but it appears that the end is nigh.
They go into their last game of the season, and quite probably last-ever match at Cohen’s beloved White Hart Lane (minor detail but it’s the Community Sports Centre rather than the Synagogue of Dreams!). I doubt there has ever been a more fitting venue for a swansong.
The Cats still have one eye on a top six finish and joint-manager Adam Lewis isn’t looking to do Zig Zag any favours or give Cohen a happy ending.
Lewis told JC Sport: “We're looking forward to Sunday's game and hope to have pretty much a full strength squad available.
“We've got three tough games left and will be looking to get a maximum return so we can have the most positive end to what has been a season of transition for us.
“It's quite an honour for us to be a part of Zig Zag's last game. I've got a lot of respect for the way Neal Cohen has run their team and I think the league will be poorer off without them and him.
“We've had some great games with Zig Zag over the years, from the old Catford B team days, through to this season.
“The games are always tough, always hard-fought and always fair. However, there's no room for sentiment on Sunday as we're hoping to send them off with a defeat.”
I can’t see Zig Zag going quietly and if it is their last match, can I say, Neal. Thanks for the memories.
And without further ado, here’s an Ode to DJ Neal.
And now the end is near,
And so I face the final curtain,
My friend I'll say it clear,
I'll state my case of which I'm certain
I've lived a life that's full,
I travelled each and every highway,
And more, much more than this,
I did it my way
Regrets I've had a few,
But then again too few to mention,
I did what I had to do,
And saw it through without exemption
I planned each charted season,
Each careful step along every excuse or reason,
I blamed the ref, that shocking call,
But in the end, we didn’t fall,
And more, much more than this,
I did it my way
Yes there were times I'm sure you knew. When I bit off more than I could chew,
Like trying to get Zig Zag into Division Two,
But through it all when there was doubt,
I ate it up and spit it out, I faced it all,
And I stood tall and did it my way
I've loved, I've laughed and cried,
I've had my fill, my share of losing,
And now as tears subside,
I find it all so amusing,
To think I did all that,
And may I say not in a shy way,
Oh no, oh no, not me,
I did it my way,
For what is a man what has he got,
If not himself then he has not,
To say the things he truly feels,
And not the words of one who (DJ) kneels,
The record shows I took the blows,
And did it my way
Yes it was my way!
Venue – White Hart Land Community Sports Centre, White Hart Lane, Ref – S. Levy
JC star man: Joel Winton (Zig Zag)
DC Prediction: Zig Zag 3 Catford & Bromley Maccabi 2
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DIVISION FOUR
NORTH WEST NEASDEN C vs PINNER
DJ Neal is not the only one bidding farewell on Sunday.
Pinner boss Vivian Emanuel will also say his goodbyes after Pinner’s match against Neasden at the Hive.
Emanuel’s Pinner have won just once in 20 games this season. Nineteen defeats have been hard to take but ahead of his final game, he spoke candidly
Emanuel told JC Sport: “As you know, I’m leaving Pinner after four very hard years. I’ve put my heart and soul into the team and, after struggling to reform the team year after year, I need to leave it to lie for a few years. Though not saying I won’t try again as some point.
“On to Sunday, I am genuinely looking forward to the game. Playing against Neasden last time around was a pleasure. All the players were gentlemen and the game was played in a good spirit.
“A 5-0 loss followed but we again look to improve on what has been an interesting few weeks. Results have all been losses, but in the right direction. I feel this is down to having for the first time this season being able to play pretty much the same squad for three weeks in a row.
“We have had to make only one change to the squad and this has meant we have been able to cut out the mistakes by not changing the squad week in week out.
“Michael Leader David Lubczanski Jack Shulman Jacob Emanuel and Theo Gluckstein have really made the difference over the last few games and I am in the position of again being able to choose from these five again this week.
“Asher Levin is fully fit and good to play this week again after a few weeks out. The winger was on good form last week and I hope to have a similar performance this week. He is a class player and if Pinner carry on next season I really hope he stays.
“All in all I would love a win and with Phil Peters back in the team I am hoping for a goal for the first time in six games. There may be a cameo from me up front with Phil but lets see :)
Louis Taylor’s Neasden are looking forward to playing at the Hive. They are eyeing a top four finish and only a brave man would bet against them.
Unbeaten in seven, Neasden have won their last six and Pinner could not have asked for a tougher last opponent.
Taylor told JC Sport: “We hope to play some attractive football and take the three points. We are aiming for fourth spot and a win against Pinner will put us right where we want to be for our last game of the season against Los Blancos.
“The game has been designated a 'spectator' game with everyone inviting their partners, children and any one else to come and watch and enjoy the sunshine. Rumours of face painting and bouncy castles are yet to be confirmed!
“We have a strong team and will be looking to take all three points.”
I’d like to predict a Pinner win to ensure Emanuel goes out with a bang, but only a tip-top display can stop this Neasden juggernaut.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – A. Djanogly
JC star man: Simon Cohen (Neasden)
DC Prediction: NW Neasden C 4 Pinner JFC 1
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TEMPLE FORTUNE B vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C
Two teams who graced the Barry Goldstein Cup go head-to-head for the second time this season as Fortune B host Raiders C.
The teams managed to avoid one another in the Minor Cup but fans are hoping for more of the same following the four-goal thriller on the second weekend of the season.
Ben Stetson and Joe Bitton registered for L’Orange with Terry Jefferies and Gavin Weir the goal men for Fortune.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Raiders boss Oli Shorts told JC Sport: “We have a few names out for Sunday, however I'm very confident with the 14 players in my squad that they can do the business.
“It's been a mixed season for Raiders C, but I couldn't be prouder.
“We will go out on Sunday to enjoy our final game together this season and we aim to end it on a high.”
It would be fair to say that this has not been an easy season for Fortune. But they have come through it admirably and were unlucky not to reach the final of the cup.
It’s been something of a learning curve for managers Gavin Levy and Rob Jay but they hope to build on the success of the club’s A team and come back bigger and better next season.
Both clubs have enjoyed strong runs in 2011 but I expect Raiders to register their ninth victory here.
Ref – S. Ansher
JC star man: Jonny Sandrove (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Temple Fortune 2 NL Raiders C 3
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