Match of the day sees pace-setters Faithfold A entertain defending champions Hendon United Sports Club A, while there are also some mouth-watering encounters in Divisions One to Three. Danny Caro flavours all the big-match action.
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PHOTOGALLERY
PREM DIV: LIONS A VS BRADY MACCABI A
DIV 2: BRADY MACCABI B vs SPEC FC
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DANNY CARO'S MATCHDAY 3 OSCARS
PREMIER DIVISION TEAM OF THE WEEK
DIVISION THREE TEAM OF THE WEEK
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JC GOAL OF THE WEEK
Marc Cohen (Southgate Harmen)
JC SAVE OF THE WEEK
Simon Roth (Athletic Bilbaum) - pulled off a truly unbelievable save - at full stretch tipping a curling effort from the corner of the 18-year-box, which was destined to nestle in the far corner, around the post to the dismay of the Catford players and fans who were already getting ready to celebrate
JC SUPERSUB OF THE WEEK
David Cohen (FC Team C)
JC REFEREE OF THE WEEK
Gary Silver (Hendon Utd SC B vs Faithfold B)
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JC TWEET OF THE WEEK
Danny Steel (Hendon B) - "inspirational pre-match teamtalk by Chaim Gothold 'nobody wants to be sitting in shul for two days thinking about how we lost on Sunday'"
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
LONDON FA SUNDAY INTERMEDIATE CUP ROUND ONE
ALBION MANOR vs FC TEAM A
Mitch Young takes his men to Hackney Marshes – which he describes as the home of grass-roots football - on Sunday for a meeting with Albion Manor of the Harrow Sunday Challenge League.
FC Team have made a solid start in the MSFL, but on Sunday they will be targeting their first win of the season as they look to book their place in the next round of the LFA Cup.
Summer signing Mark Harris impressed for FC Team last Sunday in the 2-2 draw against Norstar, with Jon Breger netting his second goal of the season.
But Young believes Sunday pose a different challenge all together. He told JC Sport: “This is a cup full of great Premier Division sides so whoever you play will be difficult.
“That said, we are unbeaten this season and going into a cup game being hard to beat is a good thing.
“I am hoping our strikers can get some goals, in particular I am looking for Richard Salmon to get off the mark.
“The game will be played at the home of grass roots football Hackney Marshes so we go there hoping to perform and progress to round two.
“Make no mistake our expectations are high this season and I am expecting a strong performance from my team."
JC team news: Jon Breger and Simon Peterman are away for FC Team, but they welcome back Dan Silverman from USA and new young signing Declan Selbo into the squad.
Venue – Hackney Marshes
DC Prediction: Albion Manor 1 FC Team A 2 AET
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NORSTAR A vs APOEL
The Stars go into unchartered waters when they take on opponents who have beaten Redbridge Jewish Care A and FC Team A in recent seasons, so manager Phil Peters and co are hoping it's a case of third-time lucky for the Jewish sides.
Peters and Jamie Slavin are delighted the match will be played in Harrow, which Peters says "beats shlepping to Brixton like we had to do this time last year".
Rotation will be the name of the game as Peters tinkers with his line-up and possibly formation. He told JC Sport: "We are without some key players but it will be an opportunity for those who haven't had as much playing time as they'd have liked to stake a claim."
And there will be a new face on board after the Norstar management dug deep to find the funds to bring in another quality addition.
Peters said: "Slav and I have added Jordan Grant to the squad this week, who joins us from Brady. We have a big squad but have always left the door open for the right type of player to join us and we saw a lot of potential in Jordan when we took him to France with the Maccabi squad.
"He'll have to wait for his chance to break into the squad but there's a great opportunity this week with so many players missing."
Looking ahead to kick-off, he added: "It's quite exciting going into a game knowing so little about the opposition. Mitch [Young] described them as strong and physical with some skilful players out wide which doesn't tell us very much, but we'll be giving it everything and have nothing to lose.
"We had a great run in the Junior Cup in our first season and hope to do the same this season."
Good luck lads!
JC team news: Skipper Jeremy Elster - MotM against FC Team - and JJ Spiro are on holiday, whilst Josh Pistol is sailing, Jonny Kay is playing Rugby 7's for his work team and Ben Sheldon has some big exams coming up. Sammy Kalms is nursing the ankle injury he picked up last week and joins Sam Isaacs on the treatment table. Eli Houri is continuing his rehabilitation with a spell in the B team which is music to the ears of David Lubczanski and his troops.
Venue - John Lyon School
DC Prediction: Norstar A 1 Apoel 2
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JC MSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
4 - Lorian Madanes (LML A)
3 - Yoni Raeburn (Faithfold A), Jamie Wolfson (NL Raiders A), Jacob Gold, Avidan Last (both Hendon A)
BRIXTON OLD BOYS A vs LONDON MACCABI LIONS A
The Lions roared to an emphatic victory over Brady last weekend, now managers Malcolm Newman and Josh Newman hope they can get their teeth to a Brixton team that is low on confidence.
There were a plethora of positives to take out of the 4-0 demolition of Brady on Sunday, with the performances of young keeper Sam Singer, the not so young Jacob Lew and David Goldberg the pick of the bunch.
Although the surface at Clowes is no Rowley Lane, the Lions will be confident of overpowering a Brixton team that has conceded nine goals in two games.
I believe this season will provide a tough learning for some of the Brixton boys, with keeper Jake Doffman set for a busy game.
Lions hotshot Mike Pearson has a habit of going on goal-scoring spree’s and Dave Snelman has quotes me 9-1 for the former JC MSFL Player of the Year to go home with the match ball.
Venue – Clowes, Ref – Neil Cooper
JC star man: Mike Pearson (Lions)
DC Prediction: Brixton 1 Lions 3
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OAKWOOD A vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A
“We are expecting a really tough examination when we travel to Parmiters.” Those were the words of Raiders boss Rob Richman who has nothing but respect for the mighty Oaks.
Richman was forced to watch on helplessly as his team suffered a rare drubbing at the hands of defending champions Hendon.
Knowing him as I do, he’ll be working his troops harder than ever on the training ground this week in a bid to iron out some problems and I’m confident we’ll see the real Raiders on Sunday.
L’Orange were simply blown away in the opening 30 minutes and they will be looking to silence the Oakwood crowd for the first 20 minutes in a game they will need to be at the best in defence.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Richman told JC Sport: “Oakwood are a top side and they fully deserve to be playing their football in the Premier League.
“Alex and Rik have done a really good job and their performances for the past year have been first class.
“We have had a hard start to the season but it is early days yet and there are still a lot of points up for grabs.”
Oakwood have made a solid start with back-to-back draws, but messus Blank and Schock are determined to notch up that all-important first win.
"This Raiders game is the start of a huge few weeks for the club," Blank told JC Sport in his midweek press conference. "After this we have Hendon then Brady with the autumn social sandwiched in between. These games are huge challenges for us and we're finding out about ourselves with each and every game.
"As TS Eliot once asked, "how do you know how tall you are until you're in over your head?" So, we're just going to give it everything and see see where we stand compared with the big boys.
"Raiders went up under Rob a couple of years ago and have done brilliantly. They're not dissimilar to us in that they work hard and look to defend as a unit.
"I'm not being fooled by their result last week - they won't be the last team Hendon do that to this season. We're in for a really tough game but that's what it's all about.
"The boys are training well, working hard and fighting fit. We have no Dan Geey this week - he's out for a month with a shoulder injury. Rumours that he did it with one of his famous hand gestures are spurious and unhelpful to the club. Dave Epstein is knocking on the door - he's one we'll consider but Victor Librae is still miles off."
Man for man there shouldn’t be much between the sides and it could all boil down to which team takes its chances.
JC team news: Raiders are boosted by the return of captain Rik Sherman and Oli Henry return, but David Rhodes faces a late fitness test on a sore groin.
Venue – Parmiters, Ref – Gary Silver
JC star man: Rik Sherman (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Oakwood A 1 Raiders 1
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FAITHFOLD A vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A
“We have a lot of respect for Hendon, but we don’t fear them.” That was the message from Faithfold manager Zuriel Solomon ahead of the clash of the titans.
The Superhoops are full of confidence at the minute, with a hat-trick of wins in the bag. Former champions Redbridge Jewish Care were the latest scalp, with Paul Savitz and the in-form Jonny Haik doing the damage in a 2-1 win.
Faithfold fans are almost pinching themselves after such a terrific start, but I think we’ll know a lot more about their credentials come Sunday lunchtime.
“It’s the first time we play Hendon this season,” Solomon told JC Sport. “It should be a great battle between two teams in good form in the early part of the season.
“We have a lot of respect for Hendon’s achievements last season and know Sunday is a tough game. We don’t fear any teams we play and have to be confident in our own ability and these are the type of games we look forward to.”
Hendon showed off their six packs against Raiders last weekend, with new signing Jacob Gold making a dream start against his former club. But as manager David Garbacz was keen to point out, it was far from a one-man show, with Rafi Kon, Greg Corin and Ari Last on top of their games as well.
Garbacz was delighted to see Kon back to his best and he sounded in confident mood ahead of the game.
“Although we are still very early on in the season, this game does have the feeling of a real six pointer,” he told JC Sport.
“Faithfold have gone off to a cracking start and will clearly be a strong challenger to us and the other top teams in the division this year.
“However, after quite a challenging summer, it does look like we have clicked back into gear pretty nicely ourselves, and the effort the boys have put into our first couple of games has been top-class and we are looking fit and strong and very determined.
“Jacob Gold was outstanding last week and our forward line all round is looking very potent and ready to snap up the chances that we create.
“We will be expecting an extremely tough match on Sunday and will be giving Faithfold the respect they obviously deserve. They have danger-men in all areas and we will need to keep them as quiet as possible.
“I am hoping that we can continue our early season form and really set down the gauntlet to our rivals by coming away with the three points which would put us at the summit of the league at this early stage, which could well have a nice psychological effect in our favour.
Faithfold will need a big performance from goalkeeper Ben Law, but the absence of talismanic captain Alex Levack could play into Hendon’s hands.
Pushed for a winner, I’d have to say Hendon, but only just.
JC team news: Faithfold are still without Alex Levack (suspended), James Frener and the injured Paul Babai. They are also waiting on Paul Savitz who picked up a slight hamstring strain last weekend.
Hendon have small doubts over Danny Kon (bruised toe) and Ben Lauffer, but both are expected to be fit. Josh Lipman is on maternity standby as his wife is due any day and Ari Nevies, who is back from Israel, is in line to make his debut. Everyone else is fit and well.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – M. Lavender
JC star man: Rafi Kon (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 1 Hendon 2
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
4 - Craig Edwards (Temple Fortune A), Yishai Last (Hendon B)
3 - Jamie Kent (Shirley Park), Craig Sandford (Glenthorne A)
CHIGWELL ATHLETIC vs CAMDEN PARK
With a win apiece under their belts, both Chigwell and Camden will be looking to kick on in what promises to be an enthralling encounter.
The Chigs go into the game on the back of a hard fought win over Temple Fortune. Player-manager Richard Slater had a hand in both goals in a game where defenders Lee Hyams and Paul Lenchner stood out. The evergreen Richard Baum put in a typically twinkle-toed performance that left the Fortune defence tied in knots.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Slater told JC Sport: “We're expecting a tough test from a young and quick Camden side on Sunday, but as usual we're confident in the ability of our squad to get the win, especially at home.”
We saw the best of Camden last weekend when they put UJIA to the sword 5-1. Ben Harris, Leo Feldman, Luke Brookner, Josh Toff and David Kanzen were the marksmen in a one-sided encounter.
Camden’s younger legs were key to the outcome but I can see their match against an experienced Chigwell team proving a much closer affair.
“Chigwell have made a solid start to the season and so this should be a good test for us,” Camden’s Nick Kagan told JC Sport.
“Fitness and sharpness continues to improve, thanks to the addition of a new Thursday night grueling session.
“If we can pick up where we left off last week and go flying into the game from the first whistle then there's no reason why we shouldn't be able to come back to Camden with three points. Without doubt though, they will be hard-earned.
“Josh Toff has bagged two in two and we hope to finally end the saga of the summer by completing the signing of Rob Hershkorn in time for the game.”
Given that Chigwell will be missing some key players and Camden are jam-packed full with goals, I’m tipping the north London boys to come away with a famous win.
JC team news: Chigwell defender Lee Hyams is touch and go after injuring his back. The east Londoners have five first team players out this week, including captain Daniel Castle.
Venue – Peter May Sports Centre, KO – 10.15am
JC star man: Josh Toff (Camden)
DC Prediction: Chigwell 1 Camden Park 2
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B vs GLENTHORNE UNITED A
The machine that is Glenthorne United A go in search of their fourth consecutive win when they make the long journey north for a mouth-watering meeting against the Hornets.
The east Londoners have started the sequence with WWW, scoring 3, 5 and 5 goals in the process. Confidence couldn’t be higher.
Last weekend they put a good Shirley Park team to bed, with the red-hot Craig Sandford bagging a brace. There were also goals for James Rubin, James Law and pocket rocket Josh Wynne.
Three more points are order of the day, according to manager Sam Rosenthal. He told JC Sport: “West Hendon is never an easy place to go, but we will be going with a full squad looking for all three points."
Hendon returned to winning ways with a thumping 5-1 success over Faithfold B, but joint-manager Motty Korman is under no illusions as to just how tough things will be on Sunday.
Korman told JC Sport: “We had a good performance last week, but we know we face a much tougher game this week against what looks like the team that will be the front runner.
“Our boys know Sunday will be a tough game and of we want anything from it we will all need to give 100 per cent.
We hope the depth in our squad will be able to cope with last year’s Golden Boot winner Craig Sanford.
“Yishai Last will be looking to add to his tally of four in two and Chaim Gothold will be hoping to keep up his record of scoring in every game so far.”
I can see Glenthorne’s big hitters playing a starring role in what should be an exhilarating contest between two of the division’s most talented teams.
JC team news: Hendon will be missing RA Noe and James Joseph. Glenthorne have announced a fully fit squad.
Venue – West Hendon Playing Fields, Ref – Aaron Djanogly
JC star man: James Law (Glenthorne)
DC Prediction: Hendon 2 Glenthorne 3
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FAITHFOLD B vs SHIRLEY PARK
Both Faithfold B and Shirley suffered bitter body blows last weekend so bouncebackability will be the name of the game.
Faithfold were crushed 5-1 by Hendon and manager Rob Shooman will be looking for a big reaction following the team’s first defeat of the season. Supporters certainly hadn’t seen that result coming.
I can’t recall the last time Shirley conceded five times either, and although they did well to score twice against a well-drilled Glenthorne team, deep down manager Dave Lusman will be concerned just how easy his defence was to bypass.
On paper, I think Shirley have the edge. With the likes of household names Nicky Plotnek, Gideon Gold, Stefan Benfredj, Jamie Kent and Ilan Shaki on the warpath at Spurs’ former training ground, I can see the cream rising to the surface.
It’s definitely one to watch.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Warwick Blake
JC star man: Gideon Gold (Shirley)
DC Prediction: Faithfold B 1 Shirley Park 2
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LONDON MACCABI LIONS B vs WOODFORD WANDERERS
Jamie Kyte’s Lions will be looking to make it two out of two when they host the Wanderers of Woodford at the Lane.
It will take a very good team to beat the Lions on their own patch and on the surface, I’ve not sure the east Londoners have enough ammunition. That said, the likes of joint-manager Jerome Marks will be keen to prove me wrong and we know full well that teams rise to the occasion on the big stage at the home of Jewish football.
With hotshot James Gold having had a good, few days to recover from his Dragons Den moment of fame, his gaffer hopes that he is fully focused for 90 minutes in a game where I expect him to pop up with a goal or two.
Woodford impressed Harmen manager Dan Uzan last weekend. He came away from last weekend’s 1-1 draw saying: “Woodford were organised, strong and dominated for large periods.”
But I think it will be the home side who enjoy the lions-share of possession and march on to their second consecutive victory.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Martin Fox
JC star man: Adam Kosky (Lions)
DC Prediction: Lions 3 Woodford 1
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NORTH WEST NEASDEN A vs TEMPLE FORTUNE A
Fortune were left heartbroken when Chigwell scored a last-gasp winner last Sunday and manager Lee Fegan has is looking for a big reaction when they take on a much-fancied Neasden team.
Summer signing Shai Davidi was the marksman in a 2-1 defeat – a game Fegan described as “a reality check”.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Fegan told JC Sport: “We have a very strong squad available for this Sunday. Our players know they have to work that little bit harder to overcome an experienced Neasden
“Fortune will be tweaking a few things at training which will hopefully give us a tactical advantage and make us a little bit sharper for Sunday.
“We are also looking forward to seeing Scott Shindler again.”
Indeed Sunday will be an emotional day for Shindler who is line-up against the club he helped climb into the division. In time-honoured tradition, the big defender has promised not to celebrate should he hit the back of the Fortune net.
Neasden, under manager Daniel Hodes, are still a work in progress. On their day they can beat anyone and I think they will have just too much for a Fortune team eager to impress.
Hodes told JC Sport: "We're just enthused to be back on the pitch after no fixture for two weeks, finally giving us the chance to right the wrongs in our opener."
I'm tipping Neasden to nick it.
JC team news: Neasden are expected to be close to full-strength, with the exception of Danny Daggers who is away.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Andy Myerson
JC star man: Scott Shindler (NWN)
DC Prediction: Neasden 2 Fortune 1
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UJIA vs SOUTHGATE HARMEN
Harmen boss Dan Uzan has been waxing lyrical about Israeli sensation Ori Kobi and his head-to-head with countryman Assi Avital will be key to the outcome on Sunday.
Kobi was at his inspirational best in last weekend’s draw against Woodford - a game Uzan said was tougher than expected.
In the end, it needed a goal from Marc Cohen, following some Kobi magic, and strong performances from Jon Morris, James Sandler, Adam Osper and Josh Franklin to ensure they came away with a point.
Uzan felt his men didn’t get the rub of the green but with some experienced players in his line-up, he’ll be quietly confident of registering win no. 1 on Sunday.
UJIA player-manager Darren Rolfe is happy for his team to play the underdog more often than not. They were well beaten by a young Camden Park team last Sunday, with a goal from Nick Russell and a master-class from stopper Rolfe the main highlights for the boys in black and white.
But Rolfe came out of his corner fighting ahead of the home match against the Southgate boys.
“We are a team capable of beating anyone in this division on our day,” he told JC Sport.
“Having beaten Harmen in pre-season we look to Sunday for our first three points.
“Harmen are a decent team that like to get the ball down and will be aware of there threats. We will keep focused and keep believing in the squad of players we have and show the league that a double promotion isn't a step too far too soon.”
Both teams are packed with experienced but there can only be one winner. And on Sunday I think it’ll be Harmen who will take home three points.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Steve Levy
JC star man: Josh Franklin (Harmen)
DC Prediction: UJIA 2 Southgate Harmen 3
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
6- Adam Goldman (Glenthorne Utd B), Adam Hersh (Los Blancos)
4 - Jamie Sinai (Catford & Bromley), Jake Gilbert (Athletic Bilbaum)
BLIZZARD STORM vs ATHLETIC BILBAUM
The Baums as coming home ... so expect fireworks ... no really expect them, the Baums have a team trip to Chinatown this weekend and we've been saving up for the Apocalypse Kaboomboom 3000 X ... and a box of Hello Kitty sparklers. It’s going to be epic ... and cuddly,” manager Mark Pasha told JC Sport.
Pasha’s troops were made to sweat by Catford & Bromley last week, but they came good in the end, thanks to goals from Ben Bell and Adam Landes.
There were good performances across the board with Rob Rodney dominant in midfield, wing-back Josh Flax displaying great energy in another solid performance, Josh Edjelbaum making several timely interceptions and the goal-scorers playing their part in an important victory.
But I can see the Blizzard boys asking some questions, especially with the likes of summer signing Zak Presky in the mix.
Blizzard boss Simon Linden was disappointed with his team’s conversion rate. He counted 35 chances in a game where his troops converted only twice. It was hoped that a heavy session of shooting practice will do the trick, although they shouldn’t expect any late Rosh Hashanah gifts from a no-nonsense Baums backline.
Match referee Neal Cohen needed much persuasion to cover a game at Hampstead Heath, but Linden has promised him a new phone contract if he arrives in good times for what should be a thrilling encounter.
Venue – Hampstead Heath Extension, Ref – Neal Cohen
JC star man: Josh Flax (Bilbaum)
DC Prediction: Athletic Bilbaum 3 Blizzard Storm 2
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CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B
The Cats huffed and puffed but ultimately failed to get the cream against Bilbaum last Sunday, although manager Lester Jacobs was not complaining about the effort levels shown.
More of the same will be order of the day when they come up against a Redbridge team that, in some places, is still wet behind the ears.
Jaccobs told JC Sport: "We have a couple of key players out either through injury or pro table tennis commitments this week, but it'll be a great opportunity for two or three of our squad players to show me what they've got.
"I would assume Redbridge are going to be a tough proposition so we'll have a good old go at them and see what happens.
"It's just unfortunate that due to our pitch at Norseman being used for cricket we have to play such an important home game on Redbridge's home turf.
RJC boss Jon Jacobs was delighted with his young guns after the thrilling contest against Blizzard Storm in which Ben Binder fired a double to earn the east Londoners a point.
The only thing that disappointed Jacobs is that his men failed to hold on to a two-goal advantage, but he came away describing it as “a fair result”.
Jacobs told JC Sport: “Overall, Redbridge B can only improve as an attacking force with a rock solid defensive unit as the foundation stone.”
The emergence of keeper Matt Kemp was another aspect that pleased Jacobs who believes that in Matt Zartz, they have a player who can lead them bigger and better things.
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – David Lazarus
JC star man: Matt Zartz (RJC)
DC Prediction: Catford 2 Redbridge B 3
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BRADY MACCABI B vs LOS BLANCOS
Beware of the Brady backlash. That is my warning for Adam Hersh’s Blancos.
Brady boss Josh Dagul offered no excuses after the 2-0 defeat against SPEC, but he has threatened to get out the famous hairdryer if there is a repeat performance on Sunday.
Dagul described it as “our worst ever performance” and I expect to see an almighty reaction at the Lane, with captain James Joseph desperate to get his team back on the pitch.
Blancos, meanwhile, are going about their job in a steady fashion. Player-manager Adam Hersh has made a great start and was the star man in last weekend’s 5-1 demolition of Raiders B.
Buoyed by an appearance in my Team of the Week, he knows a repeat performance could be rewarded with the title he really wants – JC Manager of the Week.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Hersh told JC Sport: “Following our dominant performance last week, we will be going into this week’s clash against Brady with a lot of confidence, but a lot of respect for the division’s title favourites.
“We are boasting a full squad, giving the manager a selection headache. If we can perform like we did last week then I believe we can come away with all the points.”
“The Hersh-Kutner partnership up front is causing all kinds of problems for the opposition and with them at full tilt there's no stopping them.”
A great game of football is on the cards. May the best team win.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Tony McEvoy
JC star man: Joel Kutner (Blancos)
DC Prediction: Brady B 2 Los Blancos 2
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GLENTHORNE UNITED B vs NORSTAR B
For me, this fixture has got home banker written all over it. Anything else and Norstar boss David Lubczanski should be nominated for BBC Sports Personality Manager of the Year.
Lubczanski knows the stakes are high, but he also knows he has nothing to lose as his troops attempt to register what would be a famous win.
“We have a strong squad this Sunday and are delighted to welcome Eli Houri into the team to help relieve our striking issues,” Lubczanski told JC Sport.
“It has been a tough opening period of the season for us, a lot of players finding their feet and getting used to the team but there were positive signs against Neasden.
“We held our own for 60-odd minutes, but we need to be more ruthless in front of goal and put our chances away. Hopefully this Sunday, we start to turn the season around.”
Adam Goldman has replaced the promoted Craig Sandford as the main man at Glenthorne B. It must only be a matter of time until Brendan Rogers or Mark Robson try to lure him away from the MSFL.
But manager Jordan Sapler and Liam Stein have said their star man is not going anywhere and they will not welcome any bids.
Looking ahead to kick-off, Sapler told JC Sport: “We’re looking to continue our form going into Sunday. We still haven't had a chance to play our full-strength squad yet, so we’re looking forward to that happening and hopefully keeping out form up.”
Goldman notched up his second hat-trick of the season last weekend, and the boy is hungry for more. At the moment, he is the man with the golden touch and the word from the Glenthorne terraces is long may it continue.
But this Glenthorne team are anything other than one-trick ponies. They are blessed with great quality from front to back and even if Norstar try to double park the bus, I think Glenthorne will have too much on the day.
JC team news: Glenthorne welcome back Ashley Stanton this week and Jamie Crawford has got over his man-flu that kept him out of last week’s game. Zach Forbes and James Berkley are unavailable through injury and Callum Stein has returned to uni.
Venue – Ford Sports & Social, Ref – Brandon Pieters
JC star man: Ashley Stanton (Glenthorne)
DC Prediction: Glenthorne B 4 Norstar B 0
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B vs SPEC FC
“It was probably our best performance since we started the team last season.” Those were the words of SPEC FC’s Ricky Lawrence following the memorable 2-0 win over Brady B.
Goals from Dan Amram and Marc Hecht did the trick in what manager Laurence Conway believes was the complete performance. Really, it doesn’t get much better than that at this level.
Wherever you looked, there where heroes in white and blue colours all over the pitch. To a man, they really looked the part, clearly geed up by my preview!
Nick Wallis, Dan Amram, Laurence Rosenthal, Elliott Wallis, Marc Hecht, Daniel Henig, Nick Berman, Ricky Lawrence and the rest of you, it was time to take a bow.
The million dollar question now though is, can they do it again. Week after week. Lawrence was keen to keep the players grounded by saying, “we have to make sure it wasn’t a flash in the pan”. Wise words indeed.
Ahead of kick-off Lawrence had an important message for the SPEC FC faithful. "Twitter may well be the best place to be come Sunday morning," he told JC Sport. "Instead of schlapping to Brunel Uni, the SPEC FC (@SPEC_FC) twitter page will be keeping fans up to date with goings on against Raiders. Injured keeper Michael Rhodes will be refreshing his feed all the time but he is doing the team a big favour. He his taking Raiders manager extraordinaire Oli Shorts to Manchester with him to see Arsenal take on City. If this even gives us a slight advantage knowing THE Oliver Shorts won't be able to influence his side in person on Sunday then this could give us the edge to take home all three points."
L’Orange were thumped 5-1 by Blancos and with manager Oli Shorts go into hiding in Manchester for the week, it was left to no. 2 Rich Abrahams to deal with press enquiries.
He told JC Sport: “After a couple of disappointing results we'll be looking to get the season up and running against our local rivals.
“We know SPEC are a good side but having played them five times in all competitions over the last couple of years, we know what they're all about and will be well prepared.
“With the squad we have at our disposal for the weekend, there's no doubt in my mind that we can get three points on the board and I'll be hoping to report back to Oli with good news come Sunday lunch time.”
Fighting talk indeed, but now it’s time to see which side can walk the walk …
JC team news: James 'False Number Nine' didn't make the squad this week for SPEC FC, but Rob 'The Twelve Yard Assassin' Murray is in line for his first bit of game time of the season.
Venue – Brunel, Ref – Martin De La Fuente
JC star man: Daniel Henig (SPEC)
DC Prediction: Raiders 1 SPEC 2
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FC TEAM B vs NORTH WEST NEASDEN B
Top takes on bottom in Borehamwood where Adam Levene’s troops will be looking to make it four on the spin.
Sam Foster was the star man in last weekend’s 2-0 victory over Norstar B, in a game where Simon Cohen also found the net.
The performance pleased Levene, but not half as much as the clean sheet and he will be looking for a clinical performance from his front men and a faultless one from his defenders.
FC Team B have had a tough start and they will need to put on a special display to show their fans that it’s no more than a hiccup. But if I was manager Ben Simon, I’d be concerned by the number of goals conceded – 11 in two games is not what the doctor ordered.
Team fans will point to the fact that the fixture list has been hard on them but they will be keen to go into next weekend’s meeting with Camden with a good 90 minutes under their belts.
That said, I fear it could be another tough morning for them as Neasden go from strength to strength.
Venue – Meadow Park, Ref – Laurie Benson
JC star man: Simon Cohen (NWN)
DC Prediction: FC Team B 1 NW Neasden B 3
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DIVISION THREE
TOP-SCORERS
10 Ben Zloof (AC Mill Hill)
6- Jono Gaon (Tottenham Chutspah), Terry Jeffries (Temple Fortune B)
BOCA JEWNIORS vs OAKWOOD B
It could be calculators at the ready on Sunday as basement battlers Boca entertain unbeaten Oakwood B.
Jamie Weinrich, the Boca boss, hopes it’s a case of third time lucky when his team runs out at the North Herts Arena. Weinrich and a thunderbolt from Lex Slater registered in the 9-2 thumping against Tottenham Chutspah, but truth be told, they were never really in the game.
To me, they still look a bit vulnerable down the middle and keeper Ryan Monk needs more protection. There’s only so much he can do.
Oakwood boss Ian Tussie is aiming for six points from the next two games, with a trip to Hendon to follow and he wants his troops to get more goals under their belts ahead of the big meeting with Tottenham at the beginning of next month.
Ahead of kick-off, Tussie had this to say to JC Sport: "Yes, Sunday, big game for us and I'm keen for us to build on our victory against Faithfold.
"Boca haven't started great but I know that means nothing and that everyone is capable of beating one another.
"We've got a strong squad to pick from and have our keeper Oren Hury back from a hamstring strain which he suffered 20 minutes into the first game whilst fleeing from his goal to escape a vicious fly.
"We also have Tim Glass back from wherever he was last week and Dan Broman back from hospital (he's a doctor).
"We're hoping to give a debut to Mike Oxbrown, another new addition from north of the border, but I'm awaiting clearance from the league. He's another one I've signed without having seen much of. I've heard from some of the boys that have played with/against him before that he's filthy in the tackle and like a dog on heat.
"Anyway, we're very excited and hope to come away with the three points."
Tussie’s terriers will be nice and fresh after a 14-day break following the win over Faithfold and I expect the visitors to make a fast start in a game they could have wrapped up by half time.
Venue – North Herts Arena, Ref – Mike Cowan
JC star man: Dave Epstein (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Boca Jewniors 1 Oakwood B 4
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FC TEAM C vs FAITHFOLD C
There’s a good battle in store when FC Team C take on Faithfold C just off the A1.
Mike Myers’ FC Team go into the game on the back of an excellent performance where they simply ticked all the boxes against AC Mill Hill.
The partnership at the back between Adam Aminoff and Eitan Ben-Zion is showing real promise and I heard one FC Team supporter comparing them to Hyppia and Henchoz earlier this week.
Every successful side needs a solid spine and with Rob Sanford and Daniel Rothman in front of them, I can’t see FC Team conceding too many cheap goals this season.
They also have plenty up top with flying Scotsman Gary Hill and the two David Cohen keen to show Myers and co just what they can do in the final third. This really promises to be an exciting season for the boys in yellow and blue.
Faithfold C claimed their first win with the manner of the 4-0 success against L’Equipe making manager David Garson purr like a Cheshire cat.
I bumped into Garson at shul earlier this week and he told me that a strong season is on the cards. Amen to that, I said!
But FC Team are a different animal all together and Garson knows that it will take something special to come away with maximum points.
It’s fair to say that there will be some mis-matches in Division Three but this won’t be one of them. I’m looking forward to a proper game of football between two well-matched and committed teams.
I think Sunday’s game will be decided by small details and there may be only one goal to separate the teams.
Venue – Aycliffe Road, Ref – Barry David
JC star man: Gary Hill (FC Team)
DC Prediction: FC Team C 2 Faithfold C 1
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NORSTAR C vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB C
Norstar C boss Zack Gothelf is a pragmatist and the whole club shares his outlook.
He believes it’s only a matter of time until they click into gear and once they do, they will take some stopping.
But he also knows the table doesn’t lie and three straight defeats is not the start club chairman Phil Peters was hoping for.
However, unlike Roman Abramovich, Peters didn’t storm into training and throw a wobbly, he’s confident that Gothelf is the man who will bring out the best in a talented group still finding their feet in the division.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Gothelf told JC Sport: “We're hopeful that our promising performances in the last two weeks will result in us finally claiming our first points of the season.
“We're on the way back in terms of injuries with a couple of key players starting light training again, but we'll make the most of a week off next week.
“We've got a limited squad at the weekend in terms of numbers, but certainly not in terms of ability and we're slowly learning to play our way. Bring on Hendon!”
Hendon boss Chaim Strom has had plenty of time to reflect on the brutal battering at the hands of a red-hot AC Mill Hill. It may be a case that a tinker here and a tinker there will allow his men to show their true colours when they travel to Wembley. Indeed the mere sight of the Wembley Arch has inspired lesser men.
“We’re hoping to bounce back from defeat against AC Mill Hill,” a determined Strom told JC Sport.
“Injuries to our first-choice keeper William 'Mad-Will' Martyn and centre back Joey Kolorin haven't helped, but Haki Elias is revelling in holding centre midfield role, and we hope to have one or two star signings in the coming weeks.
“Norstar haven't had the best of starts but they will be up for it and this will be a hard fought game.”
Venue – Ark Academy
JC star man: Haki Elias (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Norstar C 1 Hendon C 1
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TEMPLE FORTUNE B vs JEWVENTUS
Jewventus are at rock bottom in terms of confidence and a trip to free-scoring Fortune is the last thing manager Gabriel John needs right now.
John will always back his boys to the hilt, but he’s been scratching his head trying to work out just why they have started the season so badly. Perhaps they need to start thinking about what they are doing on their Saturday night. Just putting it out there, lads!
The goals against column makes hard reading for Jewve fans and rumour has it that they will try to park the bus in front of goal in a bid to stop the likes of Terry Jeffries and John Kemp.
Fortune are flying at the minute and their supporters might well pinch themselves as their heroes just cannot stop scoring.
Jeffries’s promise of sexy football is putting bums on seats and another big crowd is expected at the Bannister Sports Centre in Pinner at the weekend.
I think Jewve’s tactics will help keep the score down on Sunday, but when push comes to shove, I think Fortune will win hands down.
Venue – Roger Bannister Sports Centre, Ref – Keith Goodman
JC star man: John Kemp (Fortune)
DC Prediction: Temple Fortune B 3 Jewventus 1
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TOTTENHAM CHUTSPAH vs LOUGHTON ORIENT
Goals are guaranteed when two of the JC MSFL’s newest teams - Tottenham Chutspah and Loughton Orient – lock horns on Sunday.
Five-star entertainment is on the cards as Ariel Tamman’s troops aim to maintain their proud record of league top-scorers.
Jono Gaon has started the season like a house on fire and he must be pushing for a place in Roy Hodgson’s next England squad.
In all seriousness, I’ve heard only good things about these Chutspah boys who are aiming to emulate the great Faithfold teams and work their way up the league.
“My hope for the weekend’s game is to keep up our high goal rate,” said Tamman, “and play better football than last week’s thriller.
“There is no end to improvement and the Chutspah boys have a long way to go.
“I’m hoping our striker Jono Gaon will get another hat trick to keep up his goal-scoring record and many more goals from attacking play.”
Orient go into the game against Chutspah with confidence having won their first game of the season. However, boss Dan Curtis is fully aware of Chutspah’s early season credentials.
Two goals from Jamie Sinclair helped them on their way in a nail-biting 4-3 win over Norstar C last weekend, with the ever-reliable Dean Silver and Byron Watkins grabbing the others.
This promises to be a classic battle of youth against experience but instinct tells me Tottenham will hold more aces.
JC team news: Barry Green and Mike Marks drop out for Loughton Orient this week, while Rob Silverman and Dan Curtis remain absent. But there are welcome returns though for Nicky Stone and Paul Rich.
Venue – Regents Park, Ref – Harry Raffe
JC star man: Sammy Hakimian (Tottenham Chutspah)
DC Prediction: Tottenham Chutspah 4 Loughton Orient 2
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