There's a full league programme scheduled on Sunday as teams prepare for Matchday Six of the JC MSFL season. Danny Caro looks ahead to all the action.
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JC SAVE OF THE WEEK
Max Shields (NW Neasden A)
REFEREE OF THE WEEK
Robert Benardout (Faithfold B vs London Maccabi Lions B)
JC QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Dan Gordon (Redbridge JC C) - "I think the 48-hour post yom tov drinks ban worked perfectly"
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JC MSFL TRANSFER NEWS:
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
Email team news to dcaro@thejc.com
JC MSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORER
5 - Jamie Wolfson (NL Raiders A)
BRADY MACCABI A vs SOUTHGATE HARMEN A
I was mightily impressed by the new-look Harmen last week.
This time last year they were struggling with a lack of quality but manager Dan Uzan and co deserve a huge amount of credit from freshening up the squad and bringing in some real match-winners.
Ben Harris, Nick Gold, Nicky Bord and Zack White have given the team a new dimension with Adam Velleman back to his best.
They looked and played like a team and had too much for North London Raiders in a 3-1 victory last Sunday.
The quality and experience of Ziggy Lichman, Jon Morris, Grant Taylor, Ben Murrell and Alex Bourne will also bring out of the best in the rest of the team.
That said, I expect Brady to provide a much stiffer test with Josh Rosenfeld desperate to get his team back to winning ways following last week’s narrow defeat against Faithfold.
Rosenfeld believes that it’s only a matter of time until the big decisions start going Brady’s way but he is under no illusions about the task at hand.
“Sunday is probably our biggest game to date so far this season,” he told JC Sport. “We are off the back of two defeats, but have played very well in both and are showing everyone we are more than capable of staying in this division. On Sunday we need to get points back on the board.
“I don’t know much about Harmen, but they won last week so I’m sure they will be in good spirits. However, we intend to end that.
“We are without our only striker Jon Green and obviously without Paul Hakim, who won't be available too often, we will be struggling in that role. However, I believe in the capabilities of my squad and know if we perform as we did last week we will be smiling at the end of the game.”
The battle between Harmen’s Ben Harris and Brady’s Josh Hershman could be worth the admission fee alone.
This should be a cracker.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – N. Bloom
JC star man: Nick Gold (Harmen)
DC Prediction: Brady Maccabi A 2 Southgate Harmen A 2
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FAITHFOLD A vs LONDON MACCABI LIONS A
Table-toppers Faithfold face arguably their toughest game yet when they welcome the Lions to the Hive.
Dan Perkins was their matchwinner in the hard-fought win over Brady and manager Zuriel Solomon will be looking for more of the same here.
Defender Dan Howard has hardly put a foot wrong this season and teams will have to work really hard to score goals against a well-drilled defensive unit in which keeper Ben Law, Alex Taylor and James Frener also play key roles.
Once again, midfield dynamo Alex Kaye, who was my Player of the Month for September, together with Alex Levack, will need to be on top form against a Lions team that has clicked into gear.
Striker Mike Pearson will be out to impress against one of his former club, and he will fancy his chances of putting one over the legend that is Pete Lazard.
Superhoops boss Zuriel Solomon told JC Sport: “We have a full squad to choose from on Sunday. We have a lot of respect for Lions and won’t under-estimate their capabilities.
“They have a good team with a good manager. We will battle hard and try and play our own game which to me is the most important factor going into any game.”
The Lions were involved in a real roller-coaster of a match against FC Team last weekend. They were unhappy that a last-minute equaliser stood, with many in the Lions camp believing it should have been ruled out for offside.
Joint-manager Josh Newman knows that his troops will have to play the perfect game and this will be an acid test.
Joe Zender and Ollie Craig – two recruits from the Rowley Lane conveyor belt of top youth talent - joined captain Ben Joseph and Lazard on the scoresheet last week.
Having worked so hard to put themselves above the Lions in Sunday football, I can see Faithfold edging it on Sunday with Pearson promising to tone down any celebrations Dean Sturridge style.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – D. Lewis
JC star man: Dan Perkins (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Faithfold A 2 LM Lions A 1
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A
There will be more sub-plots in Uxbridge on Sunday than in your average episode of The Only Way is Essex – and lets be brutally honest; most episodes of TOWIE are distinctly average!
The main sub-plot will be provided by Raiders’ Gilad Kestenbaum and Hendon’s dynamic duo of Dovid Korman and Yoav Kestenbaum.
Korman recently married into the Kestenbaum family and there will be a mouth-watering battle to see who is the best footballer in the family.
The Raiders go into Sunday's clash on the back of defeats against Lions and Neasden.
It was indeed Kestenbaum who fluffed his lines from the penalty spot when the game was goalless, before a moment of magic from Lee Cash won it for Neasden.
Rob Richman’s men have now failed to score in two of their first four matches but with one eye on next week’s big derby, the Raiders gaffer sounded positive at his midweek press conference.
"The performance against Neasden was much more encouraging, and on another day we might have got something from the game,” he told JC Sport.
“Hendon will be a really tough match but we are all really looking forward to it. These sort of games are the reason why we were so keen to get into the Premiership."
The Hammers haven’t played for a couple of weeks but I don’t expect them to show any signs of rustiness on Sunday.
They already have two clean sheets to their name with the defeat against the Lions no more than a blip.
Given that they lost 1-0 against a team who thumped Raiders 4-1, you have to fancy their chances.
But manager David Garbacz is taking nothing for granted. He told JC Sport: “We will be treating Raiders B with the utmost of respect. They are a young fit team who have not been at all disgraced since the season began.
“We are expecting a tough encounter and know that unless the attitude and commitment is spot on from the start then we will get punished.
“It looks like there are teams at the top of the table who are already pulling away so it is vital that we remain in touch at this early stage.
“One defeat and the consequences can be very costly. There is also a bit of brotherly rivalry to look forward to on Sunday with the Kestenbaum boys and we fully expect young Yoav to have the bragging rights over his Sunday evening supper.”
Hendon have found memories of their two trips to Brunel last season and I can see them coming away the happier again on Sunday.
JC team news: For Raiders, David Esterkin remains unavailable and Nicky Woolf again is a doubt. Jonny Hesselberg should come back into the squad.
Hendon have a near fully fit squad to choose from this week. The only absentees are Ben Kon, who has nearly recovered from his early season hamstring injury, and Motti Colman who is on GB Futsal duty.
Venue – Brunel Uni, Ref – M. Lavender
JC star man:Josh Lipman (Hendon)
DC Prediction: NL Raiders B 0 Hendon Utd SC 2
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FC TEAM A vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A
FC Team will be looking to make it three games without defeat when they host the Raiders at Meadow Park.
Mitch Young’s men claimed a valuable point at Rowley Lane last weekend when Dan Cohen popped up with a late equaliser. It was clearly a sign of how far the team has come against a team that has also clicked into gear.
Young believes that not even my new lucky socks will be enough to help the Raiders on Sunday.
With striker Richard Salmon in top form, his troops will arrive confident of registering their second win of the season.
Craig Edwards, Richard Salmon and James Korn were Team’s other scorers last weekend and on current form, I have them down as favourites.
Raiders’ start to the season can be described as nothing less than a disaster, results-wise. Confidence is low as the team has conceded goals at an alarming rate but everyone in the camp remains committed to putting things right and they will be working harder than every in training this week.
The absence of key players continues to hit the team hard but there were signs of improvement against Harmen last week.
The club has been working hard to freshen up the squad and there could be a new player or two on Sunday. I can confirm that goalkeeper Dan Cohen has re-joined the club and his battle against Team’s Dan Cohen could have a say in the outcome.
With home advantage, I’m tipping FC Team to edge it on Sunday.
Venue – Meadow Park, Ref – S. Ansher
JC star man: Richard Salmon (FC Team)
DC Prediction: FC Team A 2 NL Raiders A 1
Also read: COHEN REJOINS RAIDERS
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DIVISION ONE
BRIXTON OLD BOYS A vs CHIGWELL ATHLETIC
There’s a tasty affair in store in E17 when title rivals Chigwell take on John Nikta’s Brixton.
Three consecutive victories have taken the Chigs to the top of the table with hotshot Glenn Michaels filling his boots as the team has registered 14 goals in an excellent run.
Beaten by Oakwood on the opening weekend, manager Richard Slater is preparing his squad for what could prove to be their toughest challenge yet.
Nothing less than a win will do for us Sunday, even this early on in the season,” Slater told JC Sport. “We must maintain our good run of form.’”
Slater is pleased with the way the partnership between summer signing Anthony Mendel and Michaels is developing but he will need his midfield to win the all important battle in the centre of the park against a Brixton team that is also going places.
The season has so far has been very stop-start for Brixton but they have managed victories in the league and Sunday FA Cup. On top of that, striker Jamie Kent showed his quality in a run-out for the club’s B team. His head-to-head against Michaels will undoubtedly has a say on the outcome.
Victory at one of their main rivals would certainly help Brixton put down a marker and they will certainly not be coming for a point.
Brixton boss John Nitka told JC Sport: "We have our usual squad less two main players who are not available, however we still have a strong team to compete in what I feel will be a very good game.
"It's only our second league game and see that Chigwell have had a good run which I hope will end and we take the points."
Like Chigwell, they are packed with quality from back to front but I can see defences coming out on top on Sunday with the match finishing in a stalemate.
JC team news: Chigwell will be missing Simon Felstein and Michael Witzenfeld through work commitments, while, Adam Goodman (away) Lloyd Becker, Marc Radzan and Rob Shepherdson (both injured) are also unavailable. Jamie Fox returns to squad after getting hitched last weekend.
Venue – Clowes, Ref – J. Feenstra
JC star man:Alon Hershkorn
DC Prediction: Brixton Old Boys A 0 Chigwell Athletic 0
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NORTH WEST NEASDEN B vs TEMPLE FORTUNE A
I’m tipping Fortune for a narrow win on Sunday when they take on basement battlers Neasden B.
It’s amazing to think that these two teams were separated by two divisions last season but clearly, there has been a shift in the balance of power.
It’s been a tough start to MSFL management for Neasden boss Daniel Hodes.
They have had a particularly tough run of fixtures with defeats coming against Brixton, Oakwood and Chigwell – three of the fancied teams – so you have to give them half a chance on Sunday.
Hodes told JC Sport: “My uni boys are back this week, which should help. I hope that we play like the first half last week for the whole game and manage to get at least a point on the board.”
Fortune have won one, lost one and drawn one. Now manager Lee Fegan is hoping to string together a set of consistent results as well as performances.
Striker Rob Benson has already proved that he can score at this level and with the multi-talented Michael Goldberg pulling the strings, he should have plenty to feed off on Sunday.
But the Fortunites know that they will have to work hard for three points. As Jack Morris explains: “We will not be fooled by Neasden’s position. We played them last season in the cup and narrowly lost 1-0, and although they're a different team this season, any game on the big pitch at Hadley is difficult.
“We have an almost fully fit squad, although I'm sorry to report our vice-captain Daniel Natoff has broken his toe and is now out until the New Year. He joins Ben Isaacs on the long term injury list and we all wish him a speedy recovery.”
This game may not bring five-star entertainment but I can see Fortune doing just enough to snatch a hard-fought win.
JC team news: Neasden welcome back Michael Field and Ricky Rinder.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – M. Cowan
JC star man: Rob Benson (Fortune)
DC Prediction: NW Neasden B 0 Temple Fortune A 1
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B vs WOODFORD WANDERERS
Just hours after repenting for their sins, east London rivals Redbridge and Woodford will be looking to kick lumps out of one another at Fairlop Oak. Only joking lads!
But it will be shinpads at the ready as Stirling Kay takes his high-fliers into battle as they look to complete a hat-trick of wins.
The front pairing Mark Zealander and Dan Orgel have really hit it off and rumour has it that Fabio Capello is sending scouts to the match to see if the dynamic duo can hit it off in a red-hot derby atmosphere.
Although it’s very early days, the signs are encouraging. Kay told JC Sport: “We are expecting to have to work very hard to keep our 100 per cent record going. We know our local derby means a lot to Woodford, but our concern will be to disciplined and get the ball down on the floor and play some exciting football all over the park.
“We look like we will have to make several changes from when we played them first game of the season.”
Revenge is the name of the game for the Wanderers who were put the sword by RJC on the opening weekend.
Manager Alex Aviram has some real worries as not only have they lost three out of three in the league, they have also failed to score.
Firing blanks has never been the name of Aviram’s game but it’s clear that he needs to fill the void left by Mitch Hahn and Andy Levy. After all, Jerome Marks cannot do it all by himself.
“Morale in the Woodford camp is low having not picked up a single point so far,” Aviram told JC Sport. “I’ve been scratching my head thinking how did things turn so bad.
“I don’t think we are playing badly. We have just not been clinical enough in front of goal. One day some poor rival is going to pay for the chances we've missed over the past few weeks.”
There will be several key battles across the pitch but the big one for me is RJC’s Jamie Cooper against Woodford’s Harrison Midda.
Aviram will look to the quality of captain Harrison Midda and Darren Ezekiel to rally the troops but they will need more than words to stop a new-look lean, mean Redbridge machine.
JC team news: Woodford will be going into this match missing several regulars. Brad Gayer is unavailable while Nuriel Avhram and Elliot Gold are away. Striker Jerome Marks, Darryl Green and Jamie Golding all face late fitness tests.
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – A. Lewis
JC star man:Jamie Cooper (RJC)
DC Prediction: Redbridge JC B 2 Woodford Wanderers 1
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SOUTHGATE HARMEN B vs OAKWOOD
There are few better players than Harmen’s Paul Stein at the moment. Last week he ran his socks off against Temple Fortune and was one of the reason they came from behind on two occasions to take a point.
Marc Cohen, the Harmen boss, described Stein as “the best player on the pitch by some distance”.
Harmen will need 11 Paul Steins on Sunday when they take on an Oakwood team smarting from their first defeat of the season.
Looking ahead to Sunday's visit of Oakwood, Cohen said: "There is confidence in the squad and we are now starting to believe that we are capable of beating anyone on our day.
"Oakwood are a good side but we took four points off them last year and we are confident we can beat them again.
"Paul Stein was immense last week and he will be a major threat and we also look forward to the introduction of Daniel Sinai who is set to make his debut following a big money move in the summer.
The Oaks came away hugely frustrated following a 3-2 defeat against Norstar. Trailing 3-0, two cool finishes from set-piece king proved too little, too late.
So with bouncebackability the name of the game, I expect the Oaks to capitalise on any lapses in the Harmen defence.
Looking ahead to the match, Oaks joint-manager Ric Blank told JC Sport: "We can't wait for the big derby on Sunday in Southgate. We lost at home to them last season and drew their so know we will have to up our game to get anything.
"I'm not sure what team I'm going to pick for Sunday - the pitch there is the worst I've played on down south, so that will come into my thinking.
It may not be pretty but I'm tipping Oakwood to take home three points.
JC team news: Eddie Manson is back for Oakwood, as is Anthony Kintish but Dan Rose, Rob Davidson and James Abrams are all out.
Harmen are missing a number of key players this weekend including Bradley Cohen and Ben Rosenblatt, who are away. Doron Hershkorn and Marc Cohen are also out with Nick Kershberg a doubt.
Venue – Ashmole School, Ref – W. Blake
JC star man:Dan Geey (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Southgate Harmen B 0 Oakwood 2
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NORSTAR A vs MONTANA BOCA UNITED
The Stars go in search of a third straight win when they entertain Montana at the Ark.
Captain marvel Jeremy Elster (2) and Josh Green were the goal men in last week’s impressive victory over Oakwood. A similar effort will be required here.
It’s clear that manager Phil Peters has a huge amount of respect for Sunday’s visitors. He told JC Sport: “Montana have been the model of inconsistency in the league this season, so who knows what they're going to throw at us, but hopefully we'll have enough to do the business and make it three wins from three and carry on climbing up the table.
“Viv’s done a good job so far but the fact that they're conceding almost three goals a game is promising from us and our strikers are licking their lips - Greenie got off the mark last week and will be desperate to add to his tally - hopefully our defence will hold strong again as well despite Goodie's absence.”
While the figure in the goals against column comes as something of a concern, Montana keeper Mike Perkin continues to receive rave reviews. One of the most reliable shot-stoppers in the league, he could be in the firing line again on Sunday.
Josh Marlow, Gary Cohen, James Sandler and Simon Lindall were the marksmen as Montana claimed a brilliant 4-0 victory at Woodford last Sunday.
They have turned into the division’s great entertainers with Emanuel fast becoming the Kevin Keegan of Division One.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Emanuel told JC Sport: “We hope to win and continue improving our scoring rate of three goals per game.”
As good as they were last week, I can’t see Montana achieving either of their goals on Sunday, especially with their biggest threat missing.
JC team news: Montana will be without top-scorer Gary Cohen who is out for two to six weeks with a shoulder injury.
Norstar will be missing long-throw specialist Anthony Goodmaker who is off on his travels for a few months and Sammy Kalms is still out injured.
Venue – Ark Academy, Wembley, Ref – S. Levy
JC star man:Josh Green (Norstar)
DC Prediction: Norstar A 3 Montana Boca Utd 1
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
5 - Ben Simons (Faithfold C)
HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B vs NORSTAR B
The Hornets will be looking to wrap up an early season double when they welcome the Stars on Sunday.
Having recently edged a seven-goal thriller, joint-manager Motty Korman is targeting another three points as they go in search of their fourth straight league win.
Raph Noe (2), Chaim Gothold and Gav Noe were the marksmen when the teams met on September 2 and with the race for the team Golden Boot hotting up nicely, it’s no surprise that the trio are all 5-2 to open the scoring on Sunday.
Looking ahead to the big game, Korman told JC Sport: “We had a tight game against Norstar earlier in season and are expecting another tough game on Sunday.”
Norstar have lost their first two league games and manager Jonny Bunt will be praying for a change of fortune over the weekend. That could be easier said that done against a team that scores for fun.
Bunt has confidence in his squad and is not planning to hit the panic button any time soon.
“We have a big squad though and I'm sure we will have a strong side on Sunday looking to avenge a narrow defeat to the red a few weeks back,” he told JC Sport.
“This will be our fourth league and cup game this season and so far they've all been against the two teams that top the division.
“Hopefully we can grab our first win now (or the fixture computer will be kinder in November!).”
I’m expecting more goals to fly in with the boys in red maintaining their excellent record.
JC team news: Hendon will be missing captain Tali Nevies, who is away in Israel, while Parys Hammond is still suspended. They welcome back Pinty Baddiel who was "injured" in the last game but the truth came out when he got engaged later that night!
Norstar have a couple of key absentees in central midfield with Zac Newman laid low by a virus and Daniel Caplan “concentrating on his other career in case he doesn't make it as a professional footballer”. Also missing are Harry Abrams and Jonny Sacker while Ian Weinstein is at the National Conker Championships - looking to conquer all before him.
Venue – West Hendon Playing Fields, Ref – R. Benardout
JC star man: Pinty Baddiel (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon Utd SC B 4 Norstar B 2
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FAITHFOLD B vs FAITHFOLD C
The two Faithfold teams lock horns for the second time this season with the Bs hoping for an easier ride.
The Bs have won two out of two while the Cs have lost three on the spin so it won’t take a genius to decide who I’m backing to win.
Speaking from a nasty recent experience, I can tell you that inter-club derbies don’t always go with the formbook.
Looking back on the first match – when strikes from Adam Grossman (2) and Daniel Hildebrand – steered the Bs to a 3-2 success, assistant-manager Ben Lewis told JC Sport: “It was a hard fought win which at 2-0 looked like we would win comfortably but we let them back in just before half time.
"A great pitch allowed for some good football and a lot of debuts including Jonny Horwitz, Louis Green, Richard Winton, Sam Lewis and Dan Ejdelman all fitted in well to our style of play, and with players like Dan Harris, Leor Harel and Adam Grossman adding experience and class."
Faithfold C player-manager David Garson told JC Sport: "I thought we were worth at least a point, but in the periods where we had large amounts of possession we just couldn’t convert.
"Fair play to our B team they passed the ball around well and having Ben Lewis at centre back gave them a calming edge."
Garson this week drafted in striker Richard ‘Schnitzelman’ Fogelman from Jewventus. I can see him forming an excellent partnership alongside big Ben Simons, who has started the season like a house on fire, but my sources have told me that he could start on the bench on Sunday. I just hope he doesn’t throw a Tevez-style strop!
Looking ahead to Sunday, Garson told JC Sport: "I am expecting another tough game. Hopefully we can get something from this one as I don't feel we have had much luck so far."
I’m sure Schnitzelman will be licking his lips after Yom Kippur but I can’t see past the Bs on Sunday.
JC team news: Faithfold welcome back Ricky Stoltzman but are missing Nic Viola and Ben Portnoi.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – N. Burns
JC star man: Jonny Horwitz (Faithfold B)
DC Prediction: Faithfold B 2 Faithfold C 1
Also read: FOGELMAN JOINS FAITHFOLD
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GLENTHORNE UNITED A vs L’EQUIPE
Dan Lipman, the Glenthorne manager, expects a big reaction from his boys following last Sunday’s derby defeat.
Dan Gordon, the Redbridge boss, told me there was an air of complacency about the Thornes going into the game and the 2-1 loss must serve them as something of a wake-up call.
Having tipped them for the title, they really need to find their shooting boots and I expect them to do that on Sunday.
Lipman warns that home fans shouldn't arrive expecting a walkover. "We have a few players out this week but we're hoping to bounce back following last week's disappointing result.
"L'Equipe are a decent side and we won't be taking them lightly."
The visitors have lost three on the bounce and as things stand, they face a real battle to stay in the division.
Having lost some of their top stars in the summer, they must start playing as though their lives depend on it week in, week out.
It is vital they go into next week’s cup clash against Redbridge C with points on the board but I can only see one winner on Sunday.
Venue – London Marathon Playing Fields, Ref – A. Yuchetel
JC star man: Josh Hambling (Glenthorne)
DC Prediction: Glenthorne Utd A 4 L’Equipe 0
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LONDON MACCABI LIONS B vs CAMDEN PARK
There’s a huge game in store in Arkley as joint-leaders Camden go into the Lions den.
Josh Marks’ boys are living up to their pre-season hype and it’s good to see that they have hit the ground running with three consecutive victories.
Camden will be close to full-strength on Sunday and it’s clear that Marks’s men are up for the challenge.
Looking ahead to the game, Camden’s Nick Kagan told JC Sport: “Beating Lions is always that bit extra special, about 90 per cent of our squad have played for them at some level, so the lads are bang up for it.
“I know that if we play to our potential we'll have a very good chance of taking the sweetest of three points, but Lions are always a hard outfit to beat, especially on their own patch.”
The Lions were rocked back on to their heels last weekend when they went down 2-0 at Faithfold B. It will be interesting to see how they respond to their first defeat of the season.
Manager Jamie Kyte told JC Sport: “This Sunday's game is by far our biggest game of the season, not just because Camden are top of the league, but because of how our games played out last year. Camden are a very well organised side and have a few ex-Lions boys involved.
“We're looking to draft in Alex Springer on a more regular basis after his off-the-field boozing and womanising antics put his dedication to the A-team in question, and hopefully with all our boys ridding themselves of their sins the night before the game lady luck should be on our side.
“It's never easy for travelling teams to come to the Lane and I fully expect our boys to come away with a win."
It’s clear both camps will arrive in confident mood on Sunday, so let the fireworks begin.
JC team news: Camden have Richard Silver is missing again with a hamstring strain, as Nick Kgan, but skipper Max Saunders returns from suspension.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – A. Myerson
JC star man: Max Saunders (Camden)
DC Prediction: LM Lions B 2 Camden Park 3
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE C vs FC TEAM B
Redbridge and FC Team have similar records but I expect home advantage to play a part on Sunday.
A Faces and drinking ban paid dividends for RJC boss Dan Gordon ahead of last week’s derby against Glenthorne.
Gordon and Weinstein fired the bullets that destroyed their local rivals and with the bit between their teeth, they will be looking for a third consecutive win on Sunday.
The Redbridge boss sounded in buoyant mood when I spoke to him. “After two wins from our last two games, confidence is flying high.
“The boys are playing with a huge smile on there face and enjoying there football.
“We look forward to welcoming FC team to fortress Fairlop and are expecting a tough game.
“I have a near full squad to choose from and got some very tough decisions to make to pick the right team.
“I expect another sell-out at the Oak and I advise fans to get in early to avoid disappointment... Free vajazzles are being given out to all away fans to get in the Essex spirit!”
Dave Silver, Adam Goldsmith and Emile Ben-Atar were the goal men for FC Team in last week’s nail-biting win over Faithfold C.
Credit to Ben Simon’s troops who, after flying out of the traps, were pegged back to 2-2 before showing great character to go on and take the points.
Team’s efficiency in front of goal made an impression on Faithfold boss David Garson but I think they will do well to get anything here.
JC team news: For RJC, Brad Porter is out injured for a few weeks with ligament damage but Lee Ballen is back in the squad.
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – J. Burchell
JC star man: Lee Ballen (RJC)
DC Prediction: Redbridge JC C 3 FC Team B 1
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DIVISION THREE
TOP-SCORER
9 - Saul Conway (Shirley Park)
BLIZZARD STORM vs UJIA
Two teams yet to taste victory this season go head to head in NW7.
Not even the Aron Barnes factor could help the Blizzard boys as they came out second best against a red-hot Shirley Park.
Defeats against Los Blancos, Glenthorne and Shirley have left Simon Linden’s men with much to do but you have to fancy them getting something here.
UJIA were put in their place by Neasden C last weekend. They will be glad to see the back of a Neasden team that has beaten them twice this season.
Darren Rolfe’s men have struggled on the goal front so far but he’s confident that the likes of Matty Radstone, Assi Avital and Ben Nassim will help them climb the table.
Looking ahead to the match, Rolfe told JC Sport: "Sunday's game is important to the U’s as we are yet to make a dent in this division. We have the squad and the ability to win Sundays game.
"Blizzard Storm are in the same situation having lost their first three games also. We’re up against an old U’s player in Si Linden and Adam Speck.
"It will be a fierce game on Sunday as both teams have something to prove. Lets hope we can make the bumpy, lumpy, hilly Mill Hill Park work in our favour."
The inclusion of Barnes would put bums on seats at Mill Hill Park, so long as Linden gets help schlepping some benches over and he is given an attacking licence, I can see him doing some damage.
JC team news: Matt Jaffa returns for Blizzard while Shai Revivo is also included. Aron Barnes could miss out.
UJIA have no new injuries ahead of Sunday's game.
Venue – Mill Hill Park, Ref – P. Dobkin
JC star man: Adam Nathan (Blizzard)
DC Prediction: Blizzard Storm 3 UJIA 1
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CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI vs SHIRLEY PARK
The Cats gave leaders Glenthorne B an almighty scare last week and they will have to put in another super-human effort against the Park boys this Sunday.
Strikes from Rafi Marom and Yonni Bord looked to have done enough to earn them a point until they were undone by a moment of magic from Dan Lassman. Keeper Guy Ben-Aroya had another fine 90 minutes between the sticks.
SEE PHOTOS OF THE CATS IN ACTION
SEE VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CATS
Having conceded 17 goals in four games, it appears that Ben-Aroya and his back-line will be in for another tough work-out. Having been blitzed by Glenthorne in match one and Los Blancos, a cautious approach could be required. But you try telling them that!
Here is what joint-manager Adam Lewis had to say. “We're looking forward to getting back on track this Sunday after being very unlucky against Glenthorne last week.
“We've already had a good response this week and we've got a very strong team available. We'll be hoping to finally give a debut to new signing Joel Berwitz and with the likes of Ashley Stokes, Rafi Marom, Yonni Bord and Elliot Alexson all fit and raring to go. We're starting to feel like our season is finally underway.
“We know that Shirley Park are going to be an extremely tough proposition but we feel like we can give anyone a game at this level and perhaps even above, as L'Equipe, Southgate B and FC Team B have all already found out.
“After being perhaps a little overawed and struggling for a team in our first couple of league games, we're really starting to click into place and that winning mentality is finally starting to set in with our players.
“Now our younger players are becoming stronger and stronger, and better and better, there's no reason they should be worried about what other teams are going to do. We've got to take it to the next level and show that we've got what it takes to perform to the same high standard week in, week out.
“A result here would really set out our intentions for the rest of the season, so we'll have to make sure we're at the very top of our game to give Shirley Park a hard fight.”
Saul Conway (2), Shai Shojat and Stefan Benfredj fired Shirley Park to yet another win last week. It was the performance of young Shojat that really caught the eye as he tore an experienced defensive to shreds with an inspirational display of wing wizardry.
There was a slight change to the Shirley management set-up in the run-up to the game with Gideon Gold sharing the responsibility with Dave Lusman after taking over from Dan Oade.
Lusman told JC Sport: “Park would like to thank Dan Oade for his contribution as joint-manager over the years. However, due to long-term commitments swinging his hair, Dan hasn’t got the time to assist in the day-to-day running of the club.
“Oade will off course be playing a pivotal roll throughout our campaign this year as the club’s spokesman/goalkeeper/ and striker when we need a goal or two.”
Park go into this one looking to take maximum points. We’ve got a full squad and all the big names hope to extend their goal-scoring tally.
“However, Catford won’t be under-estimated after their display against Glenthorne last week.
"The big news is safe hands the unpredictable X-box aka the Yukster (also known as Howard Yuchetel) will be in attendance for this one.” Lusman believes he is Park’s secret weapon as he sees things others don't. Lusman added: “We’re good to go ... let the games begin. Park life!”
I can see the Cats huffing and puffing and take Park to the wire but in the end, class will tell. But only just ...
JC team news: Shirley welcome back Gideon ‘the Matchbox kid” Gold to the fold. Si mon Shelley and Ben Bushell remain sidelined through injury.
Venue – Norseman FC, Ref – B. David
JC star man:Dan Oade (Shirley)
DC Prediction: Catford & Bromley 2 Shirley Park 4
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LOS BLANCOS vs GLENTHORNE UNITED B
Match of the day in the division sees joint-leaders Los Blancos take on head boys Glenthorne B.
The Thornes were given a scare at Catford last week but cometh the hour, cometh the man. Dan Lassman popped up with the winner – the JC Goal of the Week. Craig Sandford and James Rubin were the other scorers.
It needed some strong words from player-manager Sandford to get every sinew of energy and effort out of the Thornes.
SEE PHOTOS OF THE CATS IN ACTION
SEE VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CATS
Looking ahead to Sunday, Sandford told JC Sport: "We go into this game off of four straight wins but we know that Los Blancos will be our toughest test to date. They also have 100 per cent record in the league and have scored a few goals in the process.
"We had a slight scare last week as it was the first time we had been behind in a game but the strength, depth and quality showed as we came from behind to win a tough game.
"I was extremely proud of my teams second half performance and they all know what they need to do to get another result on Sunday.
"Once again, I have the belief that will come away with a win but we respect everyone at Los Blancos and are aware of they can do. This result won't win a team the title but it will give everyone a good indication. Neither side will want to lose their record."
The challenge of Los Blancos is a totally different proposition. Manager Joel Minsky was happy to report a full-strength squad and I expect the home fans to be in good voice.
Minsky told JC Sport: “We’re raring to go after having last weekend off. We had two very close games against Glenthorne last year, winning 1-0 at home and losing 2-1 away - and we're expecting an equally tight affair this time around. I fully expect it to be a cracker of a game.”
There is simply nothing left for me to say. May the best team win.
JC team news: Glenthorne are without Adam Shafron (knee) and Paul Block (who is becoming a father). Lewis Walker returns from Manchester, Josh Wynne returns from a prison cell after the North London derby and joint-manager Sam Rosenthal returns after a month in USA. His words of wisdom will be the key.
Venue – South Oxhey, Ref – L. Thorne
JC star man: Dan Jackson (Glenthorne)
DC Prediction: Los Blancos 1 Glenthorne Utd B 1
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TEAM JLGB vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB C
Rob Silverman, the manager of JLGB, believes his troops can register their first win of the season when they welcome the Hustlers of Hendon.
They have been working on defensive shape in a bid improve their goals against column which has leaked 23 goals in three league games.
It’s clear Silverman cannot wait for kick-off. “I’m delighted to be able to put out a strongest side of the season so far this Sunday,” he told JC Sport.
“With Josh Danan, Barry Green and Paul Black in midfield, I expect us to completely control the game.
“If we cut out little mistakes and be positive, I know this game is there for the taking.
“I haven't felt this confident for a long time which is saying a lot considering our poor start to the season.”
I haven’t heard a squeak out of the Hendon camp for a couple of weeks. The last time I did, manager Avi Gelley told me that he “has less resource on offer than Arsene Wenger”.
Once again, Benny Goldberg is the man that JLGB must watch out for. He will have a big role to play for them this season and is the player the Reds must look to get the ball to as often as possible.
But with JLGB’s midfield Toblerone back in business, I think Sunday could be a special day for the JLGB brigade.
JC team news: JLGB will be missing Mike Marks who is serving a one match ban.
Venue – Peter May Sports Centre, Ref – D. Nathan
JC star man: Josh Danan (JLGB)
DC Prediction: Team JLGB 3 Hendon Utd SC C 2
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DIVISION FOUR
TOP-SCORERS
9 - Terry Jeffries (Temple Fortune B)
ATHLETIC FINCHLEY vs FC TEAM C
League newcomers Finchley are still waiting for that elusive first MSFL victory.
Manager Dovid Kurzer is hopeful that he can get the monkey off the team’s back on Sunday when FC Team C come to town.
They have conceded an average of six goals a game and that is something that Kurzer is keen to put right, starting on Sunday.
Team were put in their place by SPEC last Sunday but manager Michael Myers is looking for a positive response.
With this in mind, I think the first goal is crucial and the outcome will come down to which team takes its chances.
Ref – N. Cohen
JC star man: Richard Hayim (Finchley)
DC Prediction: Athletico Finchley 2 FC Team C 2
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JEWVENTUS vs BRADY MACCABI B
Gabriel John, the Jewve gaffer, is still reeling following the loss of star striker Richard Fogelman to Faithfold.
However, he will have no time for sentiment on Sunday as he unleashes new “talismanic” forward James Alexander on high-flying Brady B.
“We will win Sunday,” that is the confident claim made by John. “I have my strongest squad of the season, with good players like Dan Ezra, Guy Orr pulling the strings, I'm confident this could be a turning point.”
Speaking of turning, this could turn into a very good season for Josh Dagul and his Brady bunch.
Last weekend they hit Finchley for six with that man James Joseph helping himself to a dazzling four-goal salvo. But it wasn’t all about the boy Joseph with Reiss Mogilner bagging a brace. At one point, Reiss had the Finchley defence in pieces. Now he’s got the fans eating out of his hands.
If Brady can grab an early goal, I can see Jewve heads dropping and this should lead to another comfortable victory for the Edgware boys.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – M. Fox
JC star man: Jason Davis (Brady)
DC Prediction: Jewventus 1 Brady Maccabi B 4
Also read: FOGELMAN JOINS FAITHFOLD
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C vs BRIXTON OLD BOYS B
This game has home banker written all over it.
Darren Russell, Ben Hart, Toby Katz, Jonny Sandrove and Matt Keston were the goal-scoring heroes for Oli Shorts’ men against Jewventus last Sunday.
A delighted shorts described the team’s second half performance as “a joy to behold” as they ripped the Old Lady to shreds.
Shorts will be demanding more of the same and will insist that his men go for the jugular from the very first whistle. With two clean sheets already to their names, the signs are that this could be a very good season for L’Orange.
"We've had an excellent start the season and we need to keep this mommentum going with a win on Sunday," Shorts told JC Sport. "There aren't many easy games in Division Four and it's difficult to pin point danger men when you've up against unknown quanities.
"We know from last season when we beat teams such as Shirley Park, Los Blancos and NWN that any team no matter what can beat anyone on any day.
"It's my job, alongside Rich Abrahams, to make sure that the players are focused on winning each game and not thinking that on the form we're in that we just need to turn up to win."
Brixton hit rock bottom in an 11-2 defeat against Temple Fortune B last Sunday. The final whistle could not come soon enough and they will do well to keep the scoring down here.
JC team news: Raiders are set to welcome back Matt Bennett who made his debut for the club’s A-team.
Ref – P. Lavelle-Maurice
JC star man: Jonny Sandrove (Raiders)
DC Prediction: NL Raiders C 4 Brixton OB 0
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SPEC vs BOCA JEWNIORS
It appears that there could be light at the end of the tunnel for SPEC FC. They registered their second league victory and clean sheet of the season in a Ashley Burns inspired display against FC Team C.
Manager Laurence Conway came away relieved that his troops came away without any more injuries. The club’s treatment table is almost as busy as Raiders A’s and the challenge is to remain competitive for when the big guns come back.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Conway told JC Sport: “We still have a serious injury crisis, with no fewer than eight players out injured, but it is a testament to the rest of the lads that we have managed to cope and still put in some good performances.
“As for the game on Sunday, I am expecting a very tough game. Boca may currently be bottom of the league but they are a good side, as shown when we had our (now injured) goalkeeper, Michael Rhodes to thank in a narrow 1-0 pre-season win.
“So we will not be taking them lightly by any means. Having said that, on our day, we feel we can beat anyone and I will be expecting a typically strong performance from the SPEC boys and hopefully, the points. Plus no more injuries would be nice!”
New boys Boca have conceded an alarming 26 goals in their first four games and I can only see things getting worse on Sunday.
They might have to wait until the October 23 meeting with Jewve to get points on the board as I can’t see them getting anything in Hatfield.
JC team news: SPEC’s Laurence Rosenthal faces another late fitness test after failing one before last week’s game against FC Team C.
Venue – Hatfield Uni, Ref – R. Caplin
JC star man: Ricky Lawrence (SPEC)
DC Prediction: SPEC 4 Boca Jewniors 0
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TEMPLE FORTUNE B vs ATHLETIC BILBAUM
It’s turned into the Terry Jeffries show for Temple Fortune B this season.
Fortune’s player-manager has made a quite remarkable start to the season and with Joey Glynne joining the party last week, it could be calculators at the ready on Sunday.
The pairing of Jeffries and Glynne would strike fear into most defences in the division but the Baums are quietly confident that if they can win the battle in the midfield engine room, they could put a spanner in the works.
Mark Pasha’s boys have made a marked improvement this season with Julius Judah becoming a favourite with the fans after his treble against Boca last week.
Edward Green and Pasha have also chipped in with some goals and they look a real handful going forward.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Pasha told JC Sport: "We have been preparing this week for perhaps our toughest challenge so far this season. The team have been on a strict diet of lemon rinds, rice noodles and maple syrup and have been spending at least three hours a day training at high altitude (on Primrose Hill) in some very nifty home made oxygen tents.
"We relish the challenge that TFFC present but are confident that all the meticulous planing will pay off come Sunday."
There will be little to separate to talented teams on Sunday. Of that there is no doubt. So if you're looking for top dollar entertainment, get down to Gosling Park.
Venue – Gosling Sports Park, Ref – A. Djanogly
JC star man: Julius Judah (Bilbaum)
DC Prediction: Temple Fortune B 2 Athletic Bilbaum 2
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