All eyes will be on Wingate & Finchley on Sunday as London Maccabi Lions and Redbridge Jewish Care go head-to-head in the final JC Cyril Anekstein Cup, while Brady Maccabi B will be looking to clinch the Division Two title, and it's the turn of Oakwood B manager Ian Tussie to stand up and be counted in the latest round of Challenge Caro.
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
JC CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP FINAL
LONDON MACCABI LIONS A vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
Eilon Kennet says London Maccabi Lions A are favourites to win Sunday's JC Cyril Anekstein Cup final at Wingate & Finchley.
Kennet takes his Redbridge Jewish Care A team to the Harry Abrahams Stadium in the first major Jewish cup final, with the east Londoners looking to win the competition for the second time in three years.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL CUP FINAL PREVIEW
Venue – Wingate & Finchley, KO - 6.30pm
Officials: Referee - Tony McEvoy, Assistant-referees - Steve Russell, Brandon Pieters. 4th Official: Warwick Blake
JC star man: Ben Sollosi (RJC)
DC Prediction: Lions 1 Redbridge 2
IT Prediction: Lions 3 Redbridge 2 AET
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JC MSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
18 - Lee Cash (LM Lions A - 10 for Neasden A)
17 - Adam Stolerman (Redbridge JC A)
13 - Daryl Phillips (Faithfold A)
12 - Jonathan Green (Brady A +1 for B), Brad Wine (Oakwood)
FC TEAM A vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A
Matches between FC Team A and Raiders rarely disappoint and Sunday should be no different. It’s also a game neither can afford to lose, or want to lose.
It would be fair to say that both Team and L’Orange started the season with high hopes, full of optimism that they would be pushing for a top three finish, if not a title tilt.
However, for one reason or another, things haven’t panned out as they would’ve wanted and instead they find themselves battling for survival.
The sides have enjoyed some great battles over the years and another high-octane affair is on the cards.
“Sunday is the most important game of our season,” FC Team boss Mitch Young told JC Sport. “It’s a must win.
“My players know the importance of the game and I am hoping we can perform to a very high level against a team we know we can beat.
“We aim to attack and take the game right to them. It is our last home game of the season, but if we are not at our best Raiders will punish us.
“We want to keep ahead of Raiders in the table and the only way to do this is to win on Sunday.”
Young hopes that a midweek meeting with Dutch legend Edgar Davids, now manager of Barnet, will give him and his team the eye of the tiger.
Rob Richman’s Raiders still have five games left, and much like Team, they have time to turn things around. Indeed Richman and co will not want to leave Borehamwood without anything to show for their efforts in a game I can see them being under the cosh for long periods.
Raiders won at Brady in their last away game in January, although parity was restored last week in Brunel. But I think we’ll see the real FC Team on Sunday and three crucial points for Mitch Young’s men.
JC team news: Jon Breger is away for FC Team, but keeper Ed Bloom returns.
Venue – Meadow Park, Ref – Gary Silver (Games 9, Yellows 14, Reds 0)
JC star man: Ollie Segal (Team)
DC Prediction: Team 2 Raiders 1
IT Prediction: FC Team A 1 Raiders 4
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NORSTAR A vs FAITHFOLD A
Leaders Faithfold will look to take another big step towards the double when they travel to Norstar in a top against bottom tussle.
There was no cup hangover last weekend for the LFA Sunday Intermediate Cup winners as the Superhoops claimed maximum points from a double-header against Oakwood, with striker Mike Pearson back to his best.
Victory on Sunday would enable Faithfold to go into next week’s big match against defending champions Hendon knowing they could wrestle the crown right there and then.
But first things first, Norstar. Looking ahead to the game, Faithfold boss Zuriel Solomon told JC Sport: “The season is coming to an end and we realise what is at stake. Nothing is won yet and that is the attitude we will take into this week’s game against Norstar.
“The game is a big contrast for both teams at different ends of the table, but we know how well Phil makes sure his team always plays and never gives up. We will have to be on our game to come away with the right result.”
Having beaten Raiders, Norstar were brought back down to earth last time out as they were hit for six by Brixton.
Phil Peters’ men gave a good account of themselves in the first meeting with Faithfold, a game they lost 2-1.
Only a win will keep Norstar alive but I can’t see them stopping a buoyant Faithfold team.
JC team news: Faithfold have both Taylor boys away and Paul Savitz, along with injured absentees Elliott Stern and Alex Kaye.
Venue – John Lyons School, Ref – Martin Fox (Games 20, Yellows 17, Reds 1)
JC star man: Benji Dymant (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Norstar 1 Faithfold 4
IT Prediction: Norstar 1 Faithfold 3
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OAKWOOD A vs BRIXTON OLD BOYS
Oakwood joint-manager Ric Blank told me his team will mean business when they entertain Brixton on London Marathon day.
Beaten in a double-header by champions elect Faithfold last Sunday, the Oaks go in search of the win that will help them guarantee Premier Division football next season.
“This is without question the biggest game of our season - and we're ready,” Blank told JC Sport.
“I said since day one that I don't think Brixton will go down and I still think that. So we have to make sure that it's not us joining Norstar back in Division One.
“We have to perform, do our jobs and take this game by the scruff of the neck. We've been in great form over the past month - whether the results show that or not - and we're really looking forward to the game.
“Brixton score goals for fun and we won't pay any attention to last week's scoreline at Rowley Lane. We got beaten 8-1 ourselves by Lions so know that anyone can have an off day.
“Instead, we expect the Brixton that beat Lions and Redbridge earlier in the season. It'll be a great game - it's what Sunday football is all about."
It’s good to hear one MSFL manager speaking so highly about another club and there’s no doubt Blank and Alex Schock will have their troops ready for the first whistle.
As Blank says, there’s no point reflecting on the 10-3 defeat at Lions last weekend. Brixton boss John Nitka only wants to look forward ahead of their penultimate game of the season.
Like Oakwood, Brixton worked their socks off to get into the top-flight and with another tough battle at Raiders next week, it could be make or break on Sunday.
Sam Jacobson filled the void left by Oakwood skipper Adam Levine superbly last Sunday and he will need to stop the threat of Brixton’s Adam Arnold in one of the game’s key battles.
JC team news: Oakwood are without captain Adam Levine who is “still suffering from the effects of rough treatment at the hands of FC Team”. Anthony Kintish is away, as is Rafi Bloom but Blank told me they’ll “have a strong squad out regardless”.
Venue - Parmiters, Ref – Andy Myerson (Games 18, Yellows 30, Reds 6)
JC star man: Sam Jacobson (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 3 Brixton 2
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
34 - Jamie Kent (Shirley Park)
15 - Yishai Last (Hendon B), Max Kyte (Lions B includes 5 for A)
13 - James Gold (LML B), Gideon Gold (Shirley Park), Richard Silver (Camden)
CAMDEN PARK vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B (DOUBLE-HEADER)
It’s hard to believe Camden still have an incredible nine league games left to play this season.
Manager Josh Marks was disappointed their match against Temple Fortune failed a late pitch inspection and they will be looking to take their frustrations out on Hendon.
The Hornets, meanwhile, produced their result of the season last Sunday when they thumped Lions B 4-1. Midfield maestro Alex Neiss was the star of the show. Hendon’s two-goal hero played like a man possessed as he and his teammates placed a big dent in Lions’ title hopes and they’ll be looking for more of the same against high-flying Camden.
Looking ahead to the game, Hendon joint-manager Motty Korman told JC Sport: “The mood in the camp is positive this week after an excellent result against one of the best sides in the league. We were pleased to win a game after a poor second half of the season.
“This week we are up against another of the top sides in our division. We pipped Camden last season to the Division Two title and they have done extremely well this season and challenging for the title - unfortunately we have struggled a bit. But after last season’s disappointment, I am sure Camden would not want us to prevent their late surge for the title …”
And now for the new Camden fans won’t want to hear. Korman added: “Our C team are not playing this week and we may turn to their top-scorer Alex Elf, who has been firing them in this season, to give him the chance to prove himself in Division One. According to the C team managers, he would easily adapt in the Prem as well ...
“We are expecting a tough two games especially on their 3G pitch... but we are up for the challenge and after last week, are looking forward to enjoying our football again.”
So Camden must be wary of the threat of Elf, and try to tame Neiss, but ultimately, I’m sure gaffer Marks will tell his players to worry about themselves and let the results take care of themselves.
JC team news: Hendon have a strong squad available this week, as they welcome back David Kanter after six months of travelling. Richie Cohen came in last week and had an excellent game at the back, as did Ben Mandell – “a young lad who has impressed in the few games he has played”.
Venue – Ark Academy, Ref – Stuart Ansher (Games 19, Yellows 15, Reds 1)
JC star man: Alex Elf (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Camden 3 Hendon 2/Hendon 2 Camden 2
IT Prediction: Camden 1 Hendon 1/Hendon 1 Camden 1
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FAITHFOLD B vs UJIA
Sunday is pretty much make or break for both teams. The bottom line is that the table doesn’t lie and if the season finished tomorrow both would go down.
But the good news is that the season doesn’t finish tomorrow. Both clubs still have time to get out of the mire but the signs don’t look good.
It finished 1-1 when the teams met in September but that result would be no use to either side on Sunday. For the record, UJIA hotshot Assi Avital and Josh Brooks exchanged goals.
Sunday is a day for big hearts and cool heads as three points could be crucial come the end of the season.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Adam Lewis (Games 16, Yellows 15, Reds 3)
JC star man: Darren Rolfe (UJIA)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 0 UJIA 0
IT Prediction: Faithfold 1 UJIA 1
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LONDON MACCABI LIONS B vs CHIGWELL ATHLETIC (DOUBLE-HEADER)
What’s better than one promotion six-pointer. Two promotion six-pointers (repeat in the tone of the Count from Sesame Street!!!)
It’s the clash of the titans at the Lane on Sunday as the Lions look to bounce back from last week’s humbling defeat at the hands of Hendon B. Whatever could go wrong did go wrong for Jamie Kyte’s men who will be looking to set the record straight over two hours against the Chigs.
Richard Slater’s men are going from strength to strength. They took their winning runs to a magnificent seven with a thrilling 4-3 win over Harmen in a game where defensive lynchpin Lee Hyams played like a beast.
Both games could come down to small details and Slater is delighted to see Anthony Mendel scoring on a regular basis. Every successful team needs an ice-cool penalty-taker and Mendel has shown an excellent temperament by converting some crucial spot-kicks this season.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Slater told JC Sport: “Both games are huge for both clubs. If we are serious about staying in the title race we must leave Rowley Lane with some points.
“We go there confident and on a great run of form. The lads must want it more than Lions.'
I think the absence of some experience, top-quality characters will ultimately hamstring Chigwell.
JC team news: Chigwell are missing a handful of players who are on Maccabiah training duty, but they welcome back a few who missed last weekend’s win over Harmen.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Neil Cooper (Games 18, Yellows 11, Reds )
JC star man: Jonny Cutter (Lions)
DC Prediction: Lions 1 Chigwell 1/Chigwell 0 Lions 1
IT Prediction: Lions 1 Chigwell 0/Chigwell 0 Lions 2
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WOODFORD WANDERERS vs SOUTHGATE HARMEN
The expectation levels have gone up at Harmen since the Castle brothers joined and I expect them to give a good account of themselves when they make the trip to Woodford on Sunday.
Sam Castle has been utility personified since his big money transfer and I’m predicting another quality performance in what will be a hard fought battle – a game in which chances could be at a premium.
Both teams go into the game on the back of defeats last weekend. Harmen pushed promotion-chasing Chigwell to the wire, in a match where Alex Bull scored the goal of the game.
Woodford were blitzed 5-3 by leaders Shirley Park and manager Paul Hyams hopes his players can put in the kind of performance that would extinguish any lingering relegation fears once and for all.
Venue - Fairlop, Ref – David Lazarus (Games 12, Yellows 12, Reds 0)
JC star man: Sam Castle (Harmen)
DC Prediction: Woodford 1 Harmen 1
IT Prediction: Woodford 0 Harmen 3
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
22 - Reiss Mogilner (Brady B)
20 - Adam Hersh (Los Blancos)
14 - Jake Gilbert (Athletic Bilbaum), James Joseph (Brady B)
BLIZZARD STORM vs LOS BLANCOS
There battle for the runners-up spot is really hotting up and Adam Hersh’s Blancos can ill-afford any slip-ups against struggling Blizzard.
Blancos have had two weeks to prepare for the match following the 4-1 win over Redbridge, but they will have some key men missing for a contest in which maximum points would put them in the box seat.
Player-manager Hersh told JC Sport: “We’ll have a much depleted side, with several players off travelling or on work commitments.
“Nonetheless, we still have a strong side capable of beating Blizzard and notching up another three points.
Indeed Hersh was the hat-trick hero when the teams met in October, helping himself to a hat-trick in a 5-2 demolition.
Simon Linden’s Blizzard boys continue to fight for their lives. Two goals from Dan Simmons were not enough to stop them going down 3-2 against SPEC FC last week and they will have their hands full against another team vying for a top two finish.
With Glenthorne, Redbridge, Raiders and SPEC FC to follow, time is starting to run out for Blizzard who I can see falling short again on Sunday.
Venue – Hampstead Heath Extension, Ref – Robert Benardout (Games 21, Yellows 12, Reds 1)
JC star man: Dovid Greenberg (Blancos)
DC Prediction: Blizzard 1 Blancos 4
IT Prediction: Blizzard 0 Blancos 4
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BRADY MACCABI B vs NORSTAR B (DOUBLE-HEADER)
The champagne is on ice and Brady B are ready to finish their season in style. The maths are simple …
“If we win both games in the double header on Sunday we will be crowned champions for the second consecutive season, regardless of results elsewhere,” player-manager Josh Dagul told JC Sport.
“My team knows fully what is expected of them, and that is to go out and complete the job.”
No-one can argue as and when Brady are confirmed as Division Two winners. They have stepped up a level since winning Division Three last season, bringing in some top-quality reinforcements. Sam Singer, Sam Monjack, Nathan Harrod and Josh Newman – the list goes on. Top notch signings to bolster a squad containing the likes of Reiss Mogilner and James Joseph. Dan Harrod – a player who was in a league of his own against the Cats last Sunday - and Dan Hildebrand. And I expect them to turn heads in Division One next year as well.
Norstar’s hopes of avoiding the drop nosedived last weekend when they lost both legs of a double-header against FC Team B.
The were very few positives for manager David Lubczanski to take away from the game, other than Robin Scher’s first goal in an orange shirt in five seasons and over 7,000 minutes of football – a strike the Norstar boss described as “long overdue”.
I can only see Sunday’s double-header going one way. May the celebrations begin …
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Barry David (Games 12, Yellows 5, Reds 0)
JC star man: Dan Goldstone (Brady)
DC Prediction: Brady 4 Norstar 0/Norstar 0 Brady 3
IT Prediction: Brady 3 Norstar 4/Norstar 0 Brady 0
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CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI vs GLENTHORNE UNITED B (DOUBLE-HEADER)
“Massively important is how Catford & Bromley captain Adam Luria described Sunday’s double bubble against the Thornes.
“This is basically our entire season in two games.” As statements go, they don’t get much bigger than that.
Three heavy defeats against teams challenging at the top have come at a bad time for the Cats, but victory in at least one game on Sunday would go a long way to securing Division Two football next season.
“We've got a good squad available, but it's tested our tiny squad to its limits,” Luria told JC Sport.
“We have been left with only 14 or 15 fit players for the last few months and have struggled all season to even get the bare 11 most weeks. This week we've begged everyone to make sure they can play and so far have had a good response.”
The Cats were ultimately well beaten by table-toppers Brady last weekend, with a great hit from Oli Hitman no more than scant consolation.
But on Sunday manager Lester Jacobs will need nothing less than 110 per cent from each and every one of his players who must win their individual and collective battles.
The Thornes are safe after registering their sixth win of the season. Jay Lawrence (2) and Adam Goldman were the goal men in the nail-biter against Norstar.
But the Cats can expect no favours against a Glenthorne team who will be looking ahead to next season and hope to build some momentum in their remaining games.
Glenthorne will be a tough proposition as always but we've got to go out and put in two world beating performances regardless of the opposition. Two wins and we'll set things up to give ourselves the best chance of avoiding the drop.
Venue – Norseman FC, Ref – Quentin Fox (Games 12, Yellows 14, Reds 0)
JC star man: Oli Hitman (Catford)
DC Prediction: Catford 1 Glenthorne 3/Glenthorne 1 Catford 2
IT Prediction: Catford 4 Glenthorne 4/Glenthorne 1 Catford 1
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FC TEAM B vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B
Redbridge can move to within a point of FC Team B as Jon Jacobs’ troops go in search of their sixth win of the season.
The RJC gaffer cut a frustrated figure at the final whistle against Bilbaum last weekend as his men lost 3-1 in a game he was surprised that went ahead, with lots of surface water on the pitch.
FC Team B go into the game on the back of a terrific double-header victory over Norstar B. Mitch Lassman and Freddie Marks were the heroes on the day.
Ben Simon’s boys are now eyeing a top six finish and they will be looking to avenge Janaury’s 3-2 defeat at the hands of the east Londoners, when a stunning strike from Richard Gold separated the teams.
One thing’s for sure on Sunday – five-star entertainment in a game featuring two sides going places.
JC team news: New Redbridge signing Mr Puddle faces a late fitness test.
Venue – Meadow Park, Ref – Neal Cohen (Games 17, Yellows 11, Reds 6)
JC star man: James Milman (Team)
DC Prediction: Team 3 Redbridge 2
IT Prediction: Team 0 Redbridge 5
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NORTH WEST NEASDEN B vs SPEC FC
Defeat isn’t an option for Neasden B. Adam Levene takes his men into battle against nearest rivals SPEC FC, who have two games in hand.
It could be attack against defence as a free-scoring NWN go for goals against the division’s meanest defence.
Oli Joseph and Sam Foster inspired NWN to their 11th win of the season as they edged past Raiders B 2-1. Levene told JC Sport: “The scoreline should’ve been more emphatic but we didn’t take our chances.”
SPEC FC were also winners on Matchday 31 of the season, but James Lesner, who scored in the 3-2 success over Blizzard, told me that no-one stood out.
Three points on Sunday would lift SPEC FC’s above Neasden who will be looking to finish the season on a high.
Looking ahead to the game, SPEC FC’s Ricky Lawrence told JC Sport: “With Laurence Conway still in Manila it’s down to Doug to manage us to victory again. He got us there last week with some tactical tinkering during the game which just about paid off.
“We were pushed all the way by a hard working Blizzard side who probably felt a bit hard done by to end up on the losing side. It was the magic of (Danny Caro’s JC star man) Dave Newman which got us the three points last week, but we’ll be hoping for a better all-round team performance on Sunday.
“If we play how we played in the first half against Blizzard we know we’ll be going home empty-handed. It’s a huge game though, with second taking on third with three points being an absolute must for both teams.”
Revenge will be the name of the game for SPEC FC who were beaten 4-2 by Neasden in September. And with games against Norstar and Blizzard to follow, I think Carson will set up SPEC to be hard to beat.
Ref – Aaron Djanogly (Games 18, Yellows 29, Reds 5)
JC star man: Dan Cohen (SPEC)
DC Prediction: Neasden 2 SPEC 2
IT Prediction: Neasden 3 SPEC 1
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DIVISION THREE
TOP-SCORERS
33 - Ben Zloof (AC Mill Hill)
25 – Alex Elf (Hendon Utd SC C)
24 - Jono Gaon (Tottenham Chutspah)
17 - Ben Polak (Oakwood B)
AC MILL HILL vs OAKWOOD B
Match of the day in Division Three sees the top two get ready to rumble as leaders Oakwood B prepare for a right royal battle against nearest rivals Mill Hill.
The Oaks pulled off a massive result in their pursuit of the title as they squeezed past fellow high-flyers FC Team C last weekend – a result that puts them in pole position.
However, manager Ian Tussie will remind his players their destiny will only stay in their own hands if they do they the business against the division’s top-scorers.
However, Tussie has had some distractions in the run-up to the game, which an Oakwood source told me is the last thing he needed ahead of such a big game.
He told JC Sport: “It's been hard week for me after yet another fall-out with substitute Dave Epstein. Danny - to say I'm fed up of him is an understatement. Here's a guy who was injured for four years with a problematic shoulder and throughout the time the club stayed loyal, paid for his treatment (which included first-of-its-kind injections of sheep placenta into the shoulder joint), paid his wages and even bought him a lovely wedding present (Hagadah and Seder Plate).
“He finally returned in September and enjoyed a run in the team which included his first goal and a new four-year contract. He has since then pretty much stopped playing. He never trains, he picks up small niggles every couple of days - oh don't worry Danny, he's okay to play on a Tuesday night with his mates, but when it comes to training and playing for Oaks he's nowhere to be seen.
“It is frustrating and there have been times when I've wanted to punch him. This week it came to a head and I've officially slapped him on the transfer list and the club has employed football agent Olly Frankl to help shlep Eppy on.”
Back to footballing matters and asked for his thoughts ahead of the trip to Mill Hill, Tussie told JC Sport: “Sunday is a big game for us and we know the victory over Team last week counts for little if we don't then beat AC Mill Hill.
“They're a good team, very good in fact, with an excellent spine - obviously Zloof is class and we'll need to be on our toes to stop him, but there's other good players too. It'll be a battle.
“We have a number of injuries which makes things a bit tough for us but I'm confident we can put out a strong team and go and win the game.”
Tussie and co will recall how first-half strikes from Jason Shoffman and that man Zloof earned Mill Hill a 2-1 win over the Oaks in February.
Sunday will come down to which team wants it most.
Ref – Laurie Benson (Games 20, Yellows 37, Reds 2)
JC star man: Adam Blin (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Mill Hill 1 Oakwood 1
IT Prediction: Mill Hill 3 Oakwood 0
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FC TEAM C vs TOTTENHAM CHUTSPAH (DOUBLE-HEADER
Bouncebackability is the name of the game for FC Team who expect normal business to be resumed following last weekend’s setback against Oakwood.
There was next to nothing separating the sides until a late blunder from the Team keeper gifted the Oaks three points.
Team joint-player-manager Michael Myers told me his players were restricted on a poor surface in a game he said they dominated.
Speaking after the match, he told JC Sport: “We haven't given up hope of the title. Oakwood had a stroke of luck with Jewventus folding as they had dropped points to them.
“I’m hoping our stroke of luck comes in the form of AC Mill Hill defeating Oakwood on Sunday.”
The odds look firmly stacked against the Chutspah boys but stranger things have happened …
Venue – Aycliffe Road, Ref – Adam Yuchetel (Games 9, Yellows 10, Reds 1)
JC star man: Sam Collins (Team)
DC Prediction: Team 4 Chutspah 0/Chutspah 1 Team 3
IT Prediction: Team 2 Chutspah 0/Chutspah 1 Team 1
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L’EQUIPE vs LOUGHTON ORIENT
Josh Lewis was the hero the last time these two met and L’Equipe manager David Prager hopes his troops bring their shooting boots on Sunday.
But consistency has been something of an issue for both sets of players who will be looking to finish the season on the front foot.
The L’Equipe produced a solid performance against title-chasing Mill Hill, but once again they came away with nothing to show for their efforts as they plummeted to their 10th defeat of the season.
Dan Curtis’ Loughton team had last weekend off and they will be fresh and ready to go again.
Curtis knows that victory on Sunday and in their game in hand over L’Equipe would boost their chances of a top six finish, something that seemed impossible not so long ago.
But they have struggled, on the whole, on the road this season and will need to bring their A-game to the table to stop the rot.
Ahead of the game, Curtis told JC Sport: "It will be a tough game. We need all three points and will be going for it. We need to stay solid at the back and convert the chances I'm sure we will create."
It should be a cracker!
JC team news: Loughton are missing Dean Silver and Jaimie Sinclair this weekend. Everyone else is available and Curtis is "pleased to have joint-top-scorer James Lester back from injury".
Venue - Copthall, Ref – Mike Cowan (Games 8, Yellows 0, Reds 3)
JC star man: Josh Lewis (L’Equipe)
DC Prediction: L’Equipe 3 Loughton 2
IT Prediction: L’Equipe 1 Loughton 2
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TEMPLE FORTUNE B vs BOCA JEWNIORS
This one has got home banker written all over as Terry Jeffries’ Fortune B host basement battlers Boca.
The Fortune boys finished in seventh heaven when they handed Boca an almighty battering on the opening weekend of the season but they have registered just a single win since Chanukah.
Jeffries hit the target four times in the early season meeting but the goals have dried up since the turn of the year.
Sunday’s defeat against Norstar C came as a major disappointment to Jeffries and co and they are determined not to finish second from bottom.
Boca have earned plaudits for their attitude over the course of the season more than anything else. Fifteen defeats in 16 games tells its own story and damage limitation could be the name of the game on Sunday.
Looking ahead to the game, Ryan Monk told JC Sport: "After a quite along break due to no fixtures, we return to play, bringing our never-say-die attitude to the MSFL.
"Even though this season has been tough one, the Boca boys have turned out week after week with smiles on their faces and play football in the right spirit. Yes their have been many low points in the season, but also some very high points, including their first ever victory in the MSFL, and also some very good matches, with holding much better teams to very respectable scorelines.
Player manager Jamie Weinrich hopes to continue his streak this Sunday. He has five goals in the past five games. But he told the JC that what will bring him most joy this weekend is the return to the team of keeper Ryan Monk who has been out for six weeks.
"We have all missed Ryan these past weeks. He not only brings sometimes miraculous saves - which have to be seen to believe - but he keeps up the moral for everyone in the dressing room."
JC team news: Boca welcome back star keeper Ryan Monk after illness, but captain Alex Sheer is away in Vegas.
Venue – Roger Bannister Sports Centre, Ref – Laurence Thorne (Games 18, Yellows 19, Reds 0)
JC star man: Ollie Squires (Fortune)
DC Prediction: Fortune 4 Boca 1
IT Prediction: Fortune 4 Boca 0
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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: Caro 15 (incl. 2 correct scores), Phil Peters 5
Week 5: Caro 1 Loz Newman 8
Week 5: Caro 6 Josh Dagul 4
Week 6: DC 9 Motti Korman 14 (incl. 1 correct score)
Week 7: DC 4 Josh Marks 3 (Prem Div and Div 1 predicted only). DC scored 18 points overall (incl. 3 correct scores)
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ALSO SEE:
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DANNY CARO'S MATCHDAY 31 OSCARS
GOAL OF THE WEEK: HAKI ELIAS (Hendon C)
SAVE OF THE WEEK: DAN PIKE (SPEC FC)
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: IAN TUSSIE (Oakwood B)
JC REFEREE OF THE WEEK
Brandon Pieters (Catford & Bromley Maccabi vs Brady Maccabi B)
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PETER MORRISON TROPHY FINAL
South Manchester Sports Club 1st vs Brady Maccabi A
April 28, KO: 3pm at Boundary Park, Oldham Athletic
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