JC MSFL Matchday 35 preview

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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:

JC MSFL PREMIER DIVISION

LEAGUE TABLES

TOP-SCORERS
15 - Mike Pearson (Faithfold A)
12 - Danny Kon (Hendon A), Marc Lazare (Neasden)

HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
It’s seems quite fitting that Hendon could clinch what would be their second-ever Premier Division title against last season’s champions Redbridge.

David Garbacz’s troops will look to clinch the treble in style when they take on Eilon Kennet’s troops for the third time this season.

The teams recently played out a four-goal thriller at Fairlop when the east Londoners came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw. A ‘worldy’ from Stevie Summers and another from top-scorer Adam Bolle earned them a point. Yoav Kestenbaum and Player of the Season contender Greg Corin replied for Hendon.

There was also the famous Peter Morrison Trophy match that RJC won 2-0 at Hadley, only for the result to be overturned after they were found guilty of fielding an ineligible player. They were value for money that day and will be keen to prove that result was no fluke, and help ensure that no celebrations will be done in front of them.

Hendon go into the game with both cups firmly locked in the trophy cabinet in Raleigh Close. They ended their Wingate & Finchley jinx in style with hard fought wins over Brady and Oakwood and now they are hoping to become only the second team in MSFL history to claim the treble – Glenthorne United won all three competitions in 1989.

Looking ahead to Sunday, Hendon gaffer David Garbacz told JC Sport: “We are still recovering from last Sunday’s very tough cup final against Oakwood yet the massive games still keep on coming.

“We need to win to guarantee the league and the treble on Sunday and it would be fantastic to achieve that against last year’s champions.

“I am sure they will be doing all they can to prevent us from winning it at their expense and we are therefore expecting yet another really tough physical match.

“We have come so far this season, however, and do not intend blowing it at this late stage and will be going all out for glory on Sunday.

“The boys had to show some exceptional fighting qualities last week and hopefully this week the match will be more open with both teams determined to put on a bit of a show.

“With Avidan’s stag this weekend as well there might be a chance to utilise the whole squad but that has been our huge strength this year. There is not a single weak link amongst any of the 17 and I would be confident that any 11 could do the job required.

“We are incredibly excited to nail the final piece of the jigsaw and although Redbridge will not make it easy for us we sincerely hope and expect to be celebrating once again come Sunday afternoon.”

I don’t expect RJC to lay out the red carpet treatment and I can see manager Eilon Kennet rocking up with a full-strength squad in a bid to make Hendon wait a few more day. Should the celebrations stay on ice on Sunday, with Hendon needing to win to be assured of the title, they face North London Raiders A at Borehamwood FC on Wednesday night.

I think momentum will help carry Hendon over the line on Sunday. RJC will be the noisy neighbours in Arkley and I can see the band of brothers coming away all smiles.

JC team news: Hendon are missing the influential Avidan Last, a scorer in last weekend’s Morrison final, who is away on his stag weekend. However, gaffer Garbacz told me earlier this week that “only Avidan will be unavailable”. He went on to say: “Ari Last, Josh Bentley and Greg Corin all intend to come back for the match on Sunday morning, although it is fair to say they are unlikely to be in peak physical condition! Apart from that everyone is available.”

Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – M. Lavender

JC star man: Yoav Kestenbaum (Hendon)

DC Prediction: Hendon 2 Redbridge 1

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DIVISION THREE

LEAGUE TABLES

TOP-SCORERS
30 - Craig Sandford (Glenthorne United B)
28 – Saul Conway (Shirley Park)

UJIA vs CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI
UJIA and Catford bring down the curtain on the Division Three season when the teams go head-to-head in Mill Hill on Sunday.

Three points will be the target for Darren Rolfe’s UJIA team who will be looking to round off an excellent campaign with a top three finish.

The U’s will parade the JC Barry Goldstein Trophy in front of their fans before kick-off and I expect there to be a real fanfare atmosphere around the ground.

Goals are on the cards as well, with UJIA top-scorer Assi Avital looking to fill his boots. Avital has been a revelation this season although it was Ashley Freeman and Ben Nassim who found the net in the 2-1 win at Norseman FC in the corresponding fixture.

The Cats have had a tough season but they have done well to get enough points on the board to ensure another season in Division Three next year. That said, several players will be playing for new contracts so I can see them trying to soak up the pressure and hit UJIA on the break.

A point won’t be enough to secure third place for UJIA and with that in mind, I can see Rolfe sending his men out with clear instructions – attack, attack, attack.

Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – N. Cohen

JC star man: Nick Russell (UJIA)

DC Prediction: UJIA 3 Catford & Bromley 1

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ALSO SEE:

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

PETER MORRISON TROPHY FINAL HENDON A vs OAKWOOD

JC CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP FINAL HENDON A vs BRADY A

JC BARRY GOLDSTEIN CUP FINAL UJIA vs NW NEASDEN C

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PHOTOGALLERIES

PETER MORRISON TROPHY FINAL HENDON A vs OAKWOOD

JC CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP FINAL HENDON A vs BRADY A

JC BARRY GOLDSTEIN TROPHY FINAL UJIA vs NW NEASDEN C

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JC MSFL TOP-SCORERS

HENDON WIN MORRISON TROPHY

HENDON WIN ANEKSTEIN CUP

UJIA WIN GOLDSTEIN TROPHY

BRIXTON CLINCH PROMOTION