JC MSFL Matchday Six preview

BAFANA BAFANA vs FC TEAM B

With aspirations of breaking into the top five in the Premier Division for the first time, Adam Lawrence's Bafana look set to have a stroll in the park against third division FC Team B on Sunday.

The only top-flight team in the prelims, I have no doubt that quality will show and supporters are advised to bring calculators to keep track on the score in case Bafana notch up double figures.

Until this week, it had gone unnoticed that Bafana snapped up former Golders Green striker Assi Avital. I was intrigued as to where Golders' record scorer would end up and it says a lot for Bafana's ambition that he ended up at the South Oxhey club.

Avital hasn't registered for his new club yet, but if he plays I have him down for at least three goals. The Israeli sharp-shooter is one of the most prolific in the JC MSFL and I'm sure that he's rubbing his hands at the prospect of taking on the minnows. He's a good, old fashioned striker who knows where the goal is and doesn't need an invitation to shoot.

I can see him thriving in a Bafana team who have great width this season. With Simon Lawrence due back from a suspension picked up in the last game of last season, Bafana should build on the momentum that has seen them start the season well. On the other wing, Dan Perkins has caught the eye and with Lawrence brothers along with Eyal Fisher, Anthony Jaff and David Ossack, it's no surprise that the team is quietly confident of having their best season.

FC Team B face a daunting task. Freddie Marks and Robbie Blair scored in the recent derby defeat but I can't see them getting any joy against a big and strong Bafana team.

The term men against boys springs to mind and if Bafana don't fill their boots it will be a major surprise.

Venue - South Oxhey

JC star man: Assi Avital (Bafana)

DC Prediction: BAFANA BAFANA 9 FC TEAM B 0

CAMDEN PARK vs FAITHFOLD B

An all-Division One clash sees Camden take on the Superhoops at Chase Lodge.

Camden hotshot Darren Saffer goes into the tie on cloud nine after grabbing the headlines with a five-goal salvo last week.

The hosts have an experienced spine in keeper Phil Caplin, Dave Peters, Lee Levinson and Darren Saffer but even though the average age has dipped marginally over the past couple of seasons, gaffer Rockberger is crying out for an injection of youth. Michael Goldberg achieved great things last term but the weight of expectation at times is a burden he could do without.

Faithfold look set for another promising season and even though the cup is not their priority, manager Rob Shuman knows full well that a nice little run would swell the coffers.

I'm sure that neither team will want this tie to go to extra time, especially Camden giving their ageing limbs and it's for this reason and this reason alone that I'm backing Faithfold to edge it.

Venue - Chase Lodge

JC star man: James Kaye (Faithfold)

DC Prediction: CAMDEN PARK 1 FAITHFOLD B 2

CHIGWELL ATHLETIC B vs HENDON HAWKS

The Chigs have got over their rickety spell. I wasn't worried about them as they have very good players and are a very good team. It can take a while to get into your stride but I think they will now have the bit between their teeth.

Their performances have warranted more so far this season. They have some key absentees but you start to worry that there is something missing from them. With striker Daniel Gordon not back until January, manager Richard Bronzite is keen to show that he hasn't lost his midas touch. But even he knows that his job will be on the line if they lose against the Division Four minnows from Hendon.

Sunday will be a big day out for Stuart Polak's Hawks as this is arguably the biggest match in the club's short history. They have made a solid start in the league but Sunday will be a big step up and a good test to see exactly where they are.

With three teams from East London in their division, the Hawks will know to expect a physical opponent but they certainly won't be overawed.

That said, if Chigwell don't win by at least a couple of goals then Hendon can consider this a job well done. Home keeper Paul Leonard is advised to bring his pipe and slippers as I expect him to be little more than a spectator.

Venue - Peter May

JC star man: anyone apart from Paul Leonard!

DC Prediction: CHIGWELL ATHLETIC B 4 HENDON HAWKS 1

HOLY MOUNT ZION vs HENDON UNITED B

The Hornets are odds-on reaching the first round ahead of their trip to the Rec. Sam Potter's Zionists are looking forward to testing themselves against a team handily placed in Division One, but I can't this affair being a close one.

Hendon maintained their title push with a well earned 3-1 win over Faithfold B last Sunday. Chaim Gothold showed his quality with a brace. The team is well balanced and manager Martin Smulovitch is reaping the rewards of having settled team.

The Zionists got out of jail against Temple Fortune last weekend with the inspirational Yves Florentin-Lee scoring a last-minute equaliser. They showed great character to come from 3-1 down with Andy Mace also getting on the scoresheet.

But Hendon will be a completely different kettle of fish. With Ben Kon having already found the net five times this season, I can see this tie being over by half time. Then it will depend on whether or not the Hornets let up to leave something in the bank for the following week.

Venue - Gibbons Rec

JC star man: Chaim Gothold (Hendon)

DC Prediction: HOLY MOUNT ZION 0 HENDON UNITED B 4

PURE ORANGE FUNCTION BAND vs HENDON UNITED C

This all-Division Three tie looks one-sided, on paper at least. While the Hustlers are going great guns, the same cannot be said about the Tangerines whose season is going from bad to worse.

The teams met in the league only last week with the Hendon boys running out 7-1 victors. Raphael Noe and Ben Russell were left to fight it out over the matchball after scoring hat-tricks. It was good to see Russell back to his best as he terrorised the Pure Orange defence. And I believe the mental scars he left on the POFB defence won't have recovered in time.

The Hustlers have hit the net 21 times. Russell leads the way with seven to his name while Raph Noe is just a goal behind. With Adam Hersh and Aryeh Goldring hold on their heels, there's a case that the Tangerines shouldn't bother turning up.

JC star man: Aryeh Goldring (Hendon)

DC Prediction: PURE ORANGE FUNCTION BAND 0 HENDON UNITED C 5

RAPID BANTA vs WOODFORD WANDERERS

This match is definitely worth keeping your eye on. The Banta boys are riding on the crest of a wave after finally getting their season up-and-running last week.

No-one could've predicted a 2-0 success over Neasden C but that was the result and it was one their performance merited. While Simon ‘Super' Cooper (it's been a while since I've written that one but it's mine!) and Adam Carter took the plaudits for scoring the goals, managers Ben Nathan and Marc Abrahams can feel very hard done by after missing out on the JC Manager of the Week award.

Defenders Dan Edjelman and Simon Tager earned rave reviews for keeping Neasden at bay while keeper Justin Simons put in another solid display in nets.

Meanwhile, over in Essex, the Wanderers beat arch rivals East London Knights 3-1 with birthday boy Andy Levy and the imperious Mitch Hahn doing the damage. Alex Aviram's troops are going great guns in the league but I believe that given the quality of their squad, they can give Banta a game and a half.

The likes of Darren Ezekiel, Darryl Green, Jerome Marks, Harrison Midda and Hahn have played at a higher level so much depends on how the rest of the team fares. Midda will be looking to make amends for last weekend's red card though I'm sure Aviram will give him the chance to show what he is capable of.

It's a match that could swing either way but with home advantage, I'm tipping the Banta boys to complete back-to-back wins.

Possible squads

Banta: J Simons, Ison, Ejdelman, Grossman, Carter, Hill, Mannheim, S Kaye, Gross, Cooper, Gershuny, S Simons

Woodford: Kay, Shafron, Poole, Gold, Levy, Marks, Shone, Winner, Aviram, Hahn, Midda, Ezekiel

Venue - Hampstead Heath Extension

JC star man: Jeff Gross (Banta)

DC Prediction: RAPID BANTA 3 WOODFORD WANDERERS 2

JC MSFL PREMIER DIVISION

CHIGWELL ATHLETIC A vs GLENTHORNE UNITED A

Chigwell and Glenthorne lock horns for the second time in three weeks with the hosts knowing that only a win will be good enough to keep their title dream alive.

That is a drastic statement when you bear in mind that we're only in October but so high is the standard that Neasden A and Hendon A have set, it's the truth.

Unbeaten in four, Russell Green's men have been hard to beat but they need to start beating teams outside of the top four, and beat them well. Steve Summers has continued where he left off last season while Greg Bookman, Aron Barnes and Sam McCarthy have gel in nicely. But lying four points behind Neasden from the same games played, they must starting adopting a win-at-all-costs policy to ensure their destiny stays in their own hands.

They have shown great patience in their approach play and are easy on the eye but despite scoring in every game, they have also conceded in all four so keeping a clean sheet must become a priority.

Alex Lishak and Lewis Walker earned the Thornes a point that surprised many outside Ian Cohen's camp. Four games into the season, Cohen is happy with the way the team's season is going but he knows that there is plenty of room for improvement.

The form of Walker has impressed him but he knows that bigger tests lie ahead. He bagged a brace against Redbridge last Sunday and it's fair to say that the visitors' chances rest on how much their main man sees of the ball.

The Thornes have yet to face Neasden or Hendon but they must continue to take each game as it comes. Keeper Daniel Lee has been another strong performer though the likes of Neil Zeff, Rob Donn and Steve Faye will do their best to protect him.

I can see Glenthorne looking to frustrate the Chigs and trying to nick something on the break. But with the class of Summers, Bookman and Danny Sugarman on show, I expect home advantage to sway it.

Venue - Peter May, Ref - A. Lewis

JC star man: Danny Sugarman (Chigs)

DC Prediction: CHIGWELL ATHLETIC A 2 GLENTHORNE UNITED A 1

FAITHFOLD A vs HENDON UNITED A

The formbook says Hendon and so do I. Jonathan Kestenbaum's men are in the middle of a purple patch with three wins and a draw from their first four games.

Sunday's trip to the Lane could be their toughest to date but with Saul Conway bang in form and Mike Pearson back in business, it'd be foolish to bet against them. As predicted, Pearson netted on his competitve debut in last weekend's 3-1 success over Bafana. And I can see there being similarities here with Faithfold needing to get to grips with Hendon's pace, creativity and movement.

The recent 4-1 hammering by Neasden A would have hurt Faithfold. In the past they were dangerous when wounded but they had more characters in those days with the likes of Rod and Roy Faith taking no prisoners. I'm not saying that they have become a soft touch, and I know how hard they tried to bring in new faces over the summer, but having watched 30 minutes against Neasden, I believe they are still well short of where they want to be.

The addition of Paul Lenchner has already paid dividends but they are missing something at the back. Keeper Bradley Lee is one of the most honest around. His own biggest critic, he was unhappy with a couple of goals he conceded against Neasden. Faithfold must learn to take joint responsibility and when they concede it is not the fault of one or two, it's the fault of all 11 as unless the goal was unstoppable, someone lost concentration or went to sleep and was not doing their job.

With the likes of Lenchner, Ben Lewis, Daryl Phillips, Matt Kleinman, David Lederman, Alex Taylor, Yoni Raeburn and Alex Levack around, I have little doubt that Faithfold will be ok this term. But back to back defeats could lead to a winter of discontent.

Hendon have the bit between their teeth and I can see them ruling the roost again on Sunday.

Venue - Little Bushey Lane, Ref - L. Benson

JC star man: Greg Corin (Hendon)

DC Prediction: FAITHFOLD A 1 HENDON UNITED A 3

NORTH WEST NEASDEN A vs LONDON MACCABI LIONS B

The manager of the month curse did not strike Neasden who last week kept alive their quadruple hopes with a stunning performance in the Sunday Challenge Cup.

The 11-0 win over Maronites FC will have made the rest of the teams in the competition stand up and take note. Lee Cash, who scored for London Lions against Met Police last Saturday, led the riot act with a hat-trick while Daniel Levenfiche showed his quality with a brace. Jake Gottlieb, Daniel Cole, Darren Yarlett, Jon Ellis, Ben Forman and Scott Shindler joined the party.

Having thumped Lions B 5-0 recently, Neasden expect to turn up and receive three gimme points. But managers Daniel Fox and Jamie Cole won't let complacency set in. They have a huge squad, one packed with quality and competition for places. No player can sit in a comfort zone as they are not afraid to tinker or upset their star names. With Cash doing the business week in, week out, it's a case of who plays alongside him. Matt Stock has flitted in and out of the squad, but having signed a contract at French second division side Brest FC, Levenfiche has staked his claim for a regular role. Forman and Ben Ellis will also be key players for the team.

Damage limitation could be the name of the game for the Lions on Sunday. They know that Neasden recently beat their A team and Gavin Stollar's men were simply blown away by Neasden's master class. Cash missed out on the golden boot last season but he's on course to be there or thereabouts come May.

Lions keeper David Kosky has been one of their best players but not even he will be able to deal with Neasden's multi goal threat. Messus Cole and Fox have turned Neasden into a well-oiled dream team and I can't see anyone or anything getting in their way.

Joint Neasden manager Jamie Cole told JC Sport: "We have had a good start to the season but my team will not get carried away."

JC team news: Neasden have full team with the exception of Danny Daggers who is out.

Venue - Hadley FC, Ref - M. Delafuentre

JC star man: Dan Levenfiche (Neasden)

DC Prediction: NORTH WEST NEASDEN A 6 LONDON MACCABI LIONS B 0

REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE vs MONTANA BOCA UNITED A

This game has relegation six-pointer written all over it and Montana player-chairman Raymond Harrod has labelled it a "must-win".

The Montana boys are taking time to settle down in the top-flight. Strikers Gary Cohen and Trevor Henen have done everything asked of them but the defence and midfield know that bigger and better improvements are what is needed. They have huffed and puffed through their first few games but they must knuckle down to business and grind out a victory of any description here.

I tipped Redbridge to go down at the start of the season. But cometh the hour, cometh the man. Anthony Mendel is in the form of his life and has already scored two goal of the season contenders. Last week's strike against Glenthorne was straight out of the top drawer but he has plenty more where that came from.

The departure of Sam McCarthy could've been a blessing in disguise as it has forced the side to raise their game. The fact that RJC are not packed with superstars means that they will fight for one another. Jamie Moss personifies everything good about the team, he's willing to run through bricks walls for the team managed by his dad and Darren Brown.

Commitment is one thing that RJC have never been short of and while the quality isn't always there, they never let their heads drop.

I expect this to be a real blood and thunder affair, it could make the ground shake. I can also see a fair few goals flying in and advise both teams to take the handbrake off and go for goals.

Venue - Fairlop, Ref - H. Gould

JC star man: Jamie Moss (RJC)

DC Prediction: REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE 3 MONTANA BOCA UNITED A 2

DIVISION ONE

BRADY MACCABI vs OAKWOOD EDRS

Title chasing Oakwood are playing with fire in their bellies and I can see them stretching their unbeaten run to three on Sunday. They took 90 minutes to adjust to life in Division One but with the bit between their teeth, I expect them to be there or thereabouts come the end of the season.

Last weekend they beat a very good Neasden B team 4-2. I saw the last 20 minutes of the match and was impressed by how comfortable they looked. Striker Anthony Kintish reminded me of an old fashioned striker, taking up good positions for when his midfielders picked up the ball. I didn't think they made them like that any more! King Kintish can be a handful to mark as like Ruud Van Nistelrooy, he often strays into an offside position only to get in line with the last defender at the last minute.

Last week it was Steven Berke who stole the show with an eye-catching performance. Keeper Alex Krotosky ensured the Northerners picked up their second win with an assured performance. With midfield maestro Dan Geey going into the game with the JC goal of the week under his belt, manager Ric Blank and Jonny Beilin have promised to keep him wrapped up in cotton wool with a 24/7 nightnurse on call.

His strike against Neasden was straight out of the top drawer. He showed great technique to sent a shot arrowing into the top corner. And while gaffer Blank is still trying to claim ‘that goal', the team continue to work hard on set-pieces in training.

The Oaks won't hammer many teams, but from what I saw, they will win plenty more than they lose. They are patient and calculated and have some big tacklers and others with big hearts.

Brady really have it all to do on Sunday, especially when you bear in mind they were crushed 5-2 by Camden Park last week. They succumbed to another predator in Darren Saffer, and I think the boy Kintish will be relishing the prospect.

That's nine conceded in the last two games by Brady and even though the team has its heart set on a top five finish, I believe they must continue to look over their shoulder between now and May.

There is no easy way to break down Oakwood. I advise Brady to play a 4-5-1 formation and adopt a zonal marking policy on Kintish. Last week they came undone against route one and even though Oakwood are more of a footballing team than Camden, I can see this one going much the same way.

Venue - Little Bushey Lane

JC star man: Matt Geey (Oakwood)

DC Prediction: BRADY MACCABI 1 OAKWOOD EDRS 3

 

BRIXTON OLD BOYS vs SOUTH MANX A

Title favourites South Manx have opened up a six-point lead at the top of the table. Four wins out of five has featured 23 goals with the Kent brothers doing the business as ever.

The team has already featured nine different goal-scorers while at the other end, Jeremy Shaw and the defence are holding firm.

Sunday's trip to second-from-bottom Brixton sees them take on a team that has no wins in four so it doesn't take a genius to work out what kind of prediction I'm going to make.

That said, the Brix did really well to come from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 against Chigwell B. Adam Kaye and Jamie Kaye were among the goals in a game which personified their team spirit.

The Brix have had a tough start with matches against Neasden B, Chigwell B and two against Faithfold. The fixture list isn't getting any easier but they wouldn't have it any other way as they look to prove the critics wrong.

Looking at the team news, the Manx have two big players out but I'd be surprised if the visitors don't still have enough.

JC team news: Manx will be missing Jamie Kent and Paul Babai who is out for three weeks as he prepares for the New York Marathon.

Brixton are without Frank Praverman until early December with a metatarsal injury. They hope to welcome back Hadley Vernon from injury but look likely to field a team similar to last week.

JC star man: Elliott Stern (Mancs)

DC Prediction: BRIXTON OLD 1 BOYS SOUTH MANX A 3

NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A vs NORTH WEST NEASDEN B

Two defeats in their first four games is not the kind of start that title-chasing Neasden B were hoping for.

Last week's 4-2 defeat against title rivals Oakwood hurt them. They did well to come from behind twice with Yoni Sidy and TJ Keterman putting them back on level terms but a stroke of bad luck, caused by the boot of midfielder Marc Greene who deflected a free-kick into his own net, left them facing an uphill battle.

Oakwood showed their admiration for Neasden after the final whistle, as Sammy Carr and Ryan Glynne troops bossed the first half, moving the ball around quickly and efficiently. Neasden were afforded too much time on the ball in wide areas, and moved the ball accurately and quickly up to TJ whose excellent movement caused Oakwood all sorts of problems. Drifting left and right, as well as into the hole, he was Neasden's fulcrum and at the centre of all their good work.

A wounded Neasden team spells bad news for a Raiders side with no wins in four. Adam Fegan's men were soundly beaten by leaders South Manx last week and many expect this one to go the same way.

Scoring goals has been a problem for this young Raiders side who have been hampered by the fact that they haven't been able to play their best side consistently. Striker Jonny Blain has been a good source of goals and I have no doubt he'll be keen to do well against his former club.

Raiders have announced that they will be holding a press conference about a new signing as soon as Yom Kippur has gone out but manager Adam Fegan, who celebrated his birthday on Wednesday, described the news as "my best present so far".

I can see Raiders huffing and puffing but Neasden's superiority and cutting edge should prove decisive. I have little doubt they will be there or thereabouts come the end of the season and expect them to get back to winning ways on Sunday.

JC team news: Raiders hope to welcome back Simon Shelley, Adam Posner, Ben Sarner and Adam Jocelyn.

Venue - Croxdale Road, Ref - G. Silver

JC star man: TJ Keterman (Neasden)

DC Prediction: NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A 0 NORTH WEST NEASDEN B 2

DIVISION TWO

FAITHFOLD C vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B

Faithfold and Raiders find themselves in the wrong half of the table with both teams having claimed a win, draw and defeat from their first three games.

Rob Richman's Raiders were on the wrong end of a 3-0 defeat against Red Sea. That was the first time I can remember the team having failed to score for a long time. Having started the season so well, with a 6-1 thumping of FC Heath, the team has slipped off the pace someone and if they are to realise their title dream they need to get on track quick smart.

Sunday's trip to Faithfold gives them that platform as they will be able to play their football at the Lodge. They will get time and space to show their quality with the likes of Nicky Woolf and Steve Silver hoping to penetrate the home defence.

David Garson's Faithfold have been boosted by the presence of former A team player Tony Plaskow. The birth of his second child has hampered his availability but when he's around, he's reveling in a return to the front line. He plied his trade as a centre half for the As and Bs but Garson is happy with his defensive unit and believes that Plaskow's physical presence and experience will help carry the team.

I'm expecting a high quality contest between two teams who likes to play the beautiful game the right way.

Venue - Chase Lodge

JC star man: Tony Plaskow (Faithfold)

DC Prediction: FAITHFOLD C 1 NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B 2

LONDON MACCABI LIONS C vs TEMPLE FORTUNE

Having made a brilliant start, the Lions were brought down to earth last week with a resounding 4-1 defeat against Harmen B. I for one didn't see that one coming.

It was a strange kind of game as the Lions dominated for large part of the game only to be hit by two set piece goals and a couple of late break aways. Having had the rub of the green in their opening fixtures, things went against them as Sam Senchall had a goal wiped out while the team failed to show a killer instinct in front of goal.

I'm sure that result was no more than a blip for the team manager by Frank Steinberg and Paul Buxton. They will continue to keep the team playing football with Senchall, Craig Henry, Buxton and Jimmy Lester driving them forward.

Fortune have made a bizarre start with four consecutive draws. That means that they haven't done enough to win games but have proved a match for some illustrious opponents.

Andy Souber's troops went into the season with high hopes but if they are to go places they must offload their ‘nice-guys' tag. A ruthless streak is what's needed if they are to kill off their opponents.

Last week was the perfect example as Daniel Woolfe and John Fisher had put them in a strong position only for two late goals deny their first win. I believe a clean sheet would do wonders for Fortune's confidence and they must look for one on Sunday in a game where Rob Jay and keeper Phil Small will be important players.

But with Lions A not in action I expect one of their big name stars to bolster the squad and condemn Fortune to their first defeat.

Venue - Rowley Lane

JC star man: Jimmy Lester (Lions)

DC Prediction: LONDON MACCABI LIONS C 2 TEMPLE FORTUNE 1

 

NORTH WEST NEASDEN C vs SOUTHGATE HARMEN B

This could be a bruiser and result in players from both teams needing to return to shul to repent for their sins!

Neasden suffered their first defeat of the season last week when they were beaten by Rapid Banta. The result came as a huge shock to everyone in the team, especially the usually reliable Gary Dymant who failed to provide a match report!

On Sunday they take on a Harmen B team revelling in the joy of a thumping 4-1 win over leaders Lions C. Lloyd Becker, Grant Taylor and Marc Cohen fired the bullets to set up a memorable win but with Becker expected to play for the As, they might not have things all their own way.

There is nothing more menacing that a rampant Neasden mean machine. Manager Mel Beresford has installed a winning mentality and they don't do losing well. Their pride has been hurt and I expect them to adopt a win-at-all-costs policy on Sunday.

Taylor thrives in the physical aspect of the game and his head to head against Dymant will make the ground shake, of that there is no doubt. I can see a few goals flying in with both keepers being busy.

If both teams finish with 11 we will be reflecting on a barnstorming contest. It's one that, like Dale Winton, could swing either way, but I'm backing the Neasden boys to edge it.

Venue - Bricket Wood

JC star man: Gary Dymant (Neasden)

DC Prediction: NORTH WEST NEASDEN C 3 SOUTHGATE HARMEN B 2

SOUTHGATE HARMEN A vs RED SEA

A mouth-watering contest is in store at the Mole where title rivals Harmen A and Red Sea do battle.

Lying third and fifth respectively, the teams will go into the game respecting one another but that could all change once that first whistle blows.

The Seacats put their marker down last Sunday when they claimed a comfortable 3-0 win over a good North London Raiders B team. Jason Lindsay played the lead role while the defensive unit silenced a usually free-scoring team.

Dan Wynne's men got their game-plan spot on but the challenge of Harmen brings with it a very different threat. With the power and pace of Alex Bourne, the guile of Lloyd Becker and Jonathan Hirshler, and the return of Ben Graham, I'm sitting happy in the knowledge I tipped the Southgate boys to win the title just last month.

On top of those stars, Harmen boast the likes of Ziggy Lichman, Ben Nassim, Jon Morris and Richard Segal and I bet they can't wait to test themselves against a Red Sea team that is going places.

The Seacats also have many strings to their bow with the Benfredj brothers, Josh Jacobs, Gideon Gold and Mark Lazarus ensuring that this will be anything from a one-way show.

Midfield will be the key area for me as I believe whichever side comes out on top will take the points.

Venue - Ashmole School

JC star man: Ben Graham (Harmen)

DC Prediction: SOUTHGATE HARMEN A 3 RED SEA 2

DIVISION THREE

FC TEAM A vs AC CRICKLEWOOD

One of the game of the day in the JC MSFL is the top of the table clash between table-topping FC Team A and Cricklewood.

These two sides have had a fierce rivalry ever since they both entered the league and I am guaranteeing another action-packed affair. While the names are the same the make up isn't. FC Team A are managed by Adam Newsome and Darren Freed these days, and the dream team have taken to the role like ducks to water.

Cricklewood, meanwhile, are spearheaded by Elliot Chalmers, though I have no doubt that former boss Rob Wilson will remind him of the history between the teams and importance of this clash.

For a Division Three contest, there will be a lot of talent on show. Adam Goldsmith, Adam Rones and Richard Salmon have been among the stars of the show for FC Team who have started the season in style. But it was keeper Mike Perkin, so often the unsung hero, who came to the fore in a seven-goal thriller against Montana B last Sunday.

He could be busy on Sunday as a solid Cricklewood come to town. Until their last meeting, the Wood were Team's bogey team but that was laid to rest with a 5-0 victory in the Peter Morrison Trophy. Perkin and Matt Kendler are expected to be the only players in the team from that famous victory.

Wood have also made a great start to life in the third, they maintained their good start to the season last week as goals from Mark Wagman, Mark Ratzker and Rob Wilson helped them to a 3-1 away win against Dynamo. Relieved of the stresses and strains of management, Wilson has turned into the William Gallas of the MSFL. A dependable defender, he has also hit the net three times this season.

I am expecting an another titanic tussle in which no quarter is asked or given. It will be interesting to see how the likes of Wagman, Ratzker, Goldsmith and Salmon fair in front of what is expected to be a sizeable crowd.

It will be close, but in the end I can just see the home team snatching victory and home advantage should aid them.

Venue - Harrow Weald

JC star Man Rob Wilson (AC Cricklewood)

CS prediction FC TEAM A 3 AC CRICKLEWOOD 2

 

DYNAMO HENDON vs L'EQUIPE

Oliver Manson's L'Equipe will be looking to get back to winning ways as they travel to West Hendon to face Jeremy Brown's Dynamo, who have only won once in five games, conceding 14 goals in the process.

Before their match with FC Team B last week, L'Equipe had won all four of the opening games but the 2-2 result was achieved against a side bolstered by Mitch Young as Manson's men dropped points for the first time this season. Jason Miller and David Prager, who combined have scored an impressive 13 goals, were on target for the visitors.

Manson said: "Although the boys were gutted, I'm not. I feel a little hard-done-by with the penalty decision, but these things happen and even themselves out over a season.

"They had a fair few of their 'better' players playing and we dealt with them generally very well. Although we didn't win, I think this performance more than any shows how far we've come since last season. You can't win them all."

As for Dynamo, winning is proving harder then ever for them and to add more to their wounds they are conceding goals left, right and centre. Four defeats in five is not what manager Jeremy Brown had in mind but I can't see things improving on Sunday.

It's a game that promises goals but I can only see them going one way.

Venue: West Hendon Playing Fields

JC star Man Jason Miller (L'Equipe)

CS prediction DYNAMO HENDON 2 L'EQUIPE 5

 

MONTANA BOCA UNITED B vs CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI

After getting their second win of the season last week, Lester Jacobs Cats are off to South Oxhey where they hope to inflict more misery on a Montana side who, like Spurs, are still chasing their first league win.

Bobby Major's men know that a win is of great importance this weekend if they are to avoid dropper deeper into another relegation battle. However, they appear to be showing some improvement after losing narrowly 4-3 to FC Team A.

I'm sure Major can take a lot from that performance, and especially to score three times against the league leaders. Adam Lenz (2) and Jamie Rosen scored the Montana goals. Rosen was recently linked with a move away from the club and if he does depart, his strike will be remembered as a parting shot.

The Cats got the cream last weekend; Joel Isaacs (2) and David Powell were on the mark as they grabbed their second win of the season with a 3-0 win over Zig Zag.

Cats boss Lester Jacobs said: "It was a well-fought contest between two sides both of whom had to combat a strong wind with driving rain. However, a pleasing result as the Cats squad are gradually getting back to full strength regaining some players who've missed early season due to injury and journeys overseas."

I can honestly see this one being close, and am not brave enough to select a winner so I am banking on a draw between these two.

Venue: South Oxhey

JC star Man David Powell (Catford)

CS prediction MONTANA BOCA UNITED B 1 CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI 1

SOUTH MANX B vs ZIG ZAG

I think the time has come for both these sides to get their respective acts together. Winning matches has become a major issue for both teams and I have little doubt that both managers would agree with these sentiments.

Even our Schnitzelman, Richard Fogelman, has been unusually quiet, or dare I say gone off the boil, this season. He's grabbed the odd here or there, but nothing as earth shattering which lead him to the JC MSFL golden boot last season. With confidence low in the squad, Fogelman has been left to feed off scraps but you can't keep a good man down for long.

I do have a feeling that this will be the week we see Fogelman go on a goal spree which not even Neal Cohen's men can handle. But we'll see, Cohen will certainly be aware of the threat as he will of former Zeds player Gab Saul.

They will be looking to recover from a resounding defeat against Catford and Bromley. A big performance from Adam Kramer, he is their top goal scorer and will be key to the outcome.

It could be a scrappy affair, but sometimes you have to play ugly to win vital games like this one.

Venue: Aycliffe Road

JC star man Gab Saul (Manx)

CS prediction SOUTH MANX B 1 ZIG ZAG 0

DIVISION FOUR

SEE VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS FROM EL KNIGHTS vs WOODFORD WANDERERS

 

GLENTHORNE UNITED B vs EAST LONDON KNIGHTS

James Ryan's Knights know only a win will do this Sunday as they face their second Essex derby in two weeks against Glenthorne B at the PowerLeague Playing Fields, Fairlop.

It's fair to say that the Knights were mere pawns as they fell to Woodford Wanderers last weekend, however Ryan has thrown the hairdryers and teacups at his men and ensured a better performance is on the cards this Sunday.

He told JC sport: "After the result against Woodford not turning out too good, my team have definitely heard my frustration and anger and I don't think that Sunday will be a good day to play the Knights."

"Although we are playing away from home, Glenthorne can expect a very attacking team and we will come out with all guns blazing

"I just hope that this game will be played in the right spirit and a game between two very mature teams who just want to play and enjoy their football."

Ryan is hoping that Zach Forrest will make it through a late fitness test after he was injured in last week's game.

As for the Thornes, they didn't play last week but are still buoyed by an 8-2 success over UJIA. Paul Silver has announced this week the signing of striker Richard Smith who could make his debut up front alongside top-scorer Jamie Weinrich.

Silver snr told JC sport: "We look forward to welcoming East London Knights to Fairlop, and in particular, I'm keen to seeing first hand the 'Ronaldo' like skills of their player-manager James Ryan.

"I have heard a lot of good things about James and my boys will need to be at their best to cope with him and Michael Konzon, who was the captain of my title winning Glenthorne team a few years back, and it will be good to see again Darryl Rozzelaar, Zach Forrest, Mike Winehouse and Marc Pollack, who have all played under me before."

JC team news Glenthorne manager Paul Silver is the only doubt for the home side, he is hoping to get over his bronciatus to be at the game.

The Knights welcome back Simon Marks and Darryl Rozelaar from injury while Leeds based player Daniel Ullmann is also down for the weekend and Marc Pollack retuns to the squad after being away.

Glenthorne Untied B from: Bradley Grant, Mark Felstein, Joshua Richards, Daniel Simons, Marc Cohen, Adam Kantor, Jason Silver, Matthew Turk, Joshua Hambling (captain), Ashley Stanton, Adam Diamond, Matthew Geppart, Matthew Conway, David Blackman, Richard Smith, Mitchel Ross, Paul Billar, Jamie Weinrich, Richard Cohen

East London Knights from: Jon Labi, Danny Franklin, Justin Bell, Chris Bell, David Sidloff, Josh Danan, James Ryan, Matt West, Simon Marks, Michael Konzon, Michael Marks, Grant Stone, Michael Winehouse, Paul Sanders, Stephen Clements, Daniel Ullmann, Daniel Curtis, Darryl Rozelaar, Marc Pollack, Zach Forest

Venue: Power League Playing Fields, Fairlop

JC star man Ashley Stanton (Glenthorne)

CS prediction GLENTHORNE UNITED 3 EAST LONDON KNIGHTS 3

REAL LIFE vs UJS NORSTAR

With Woodford Wanderers playing in the cup this week, Norstar will be looking to take full advantage - that is if they record a win over Real Life at Edgwarebury Park.

The home side will be hoping to get back to winning ways. After such a promising start to their campaign, they have gone off the boil with consecutive defeats.

It will be a game where defences are tested to their limits with the likes of Charlie Bernstein and Nick Riesel up front for Life. They have scored nine goals between them in five games.

At the other end there's Eli Houri, who has six in three games including two hat-tricks, not forgetting Maurice Franks another prolific striker for the visitors.

It was Houri who led Norstar to victory last weekend, he hit a hat-trick, plus goals from Neil Daniels, Jeremy Elster, Daniel Gilbert and Maurice Franks saw them to a crushing 7-1 win away to UJIA.

Life go into the game on the back of a 2-1 defeat against Team JLGB. David Tropp's men know that if they are serious about promotion then beating Norstar will be a great way to prove it.

Venue: Edgwarebury Park

JC star Man Eli Houri (Norstar)

CS prediction REAL LIFE 1 NORSTAR 4

TEAM JLGB vs FC MARYLEBONE

Team JLGB will look to extend their unbeaten run on Sunday when they entertain FC Marylebone. They go into this clash on the back of two impressive good wins against good opposition.

Marylebone are also in buoyant mood after putting their first win on the board last week. Strikes from Alex Gold, Mikael Benguigui and an own goal helped win a five-goal thriller against Pinner.

Player manager Jonathan Davody said: "We didn't play well and made it hard for ourselves but we are now much stronger mentally and physically. I expect to see better football from my players against JLGB so we can build some momentum."

JLGB will look to the new partnership of Adam Greenberg and Frazer Levy to keep the visitors quiet and young starlet Steven Howard to provide the firepower up top alongside Neil Lux.

Last time these teams met JLGB won 4-1 and deserved all three points however, I can see it being a lot closer then that this time around.

JC team news: The home side will be missing Steve Weller who is out with a broken ankle. Other than that, JLGB will have a full squad to select from.

Venue: Peter May Sports Centre, Ref - B. David

JC star Man Paul Black (Team JLGB)

CS prediction TEAM JLGB 3 FC MARYLEBONE 2

 

UJIA vs PINNER JFC

I hate to use the term basement battle but, I just can't say anything else about two sides that have had nightmare starts to their campaigns.

They are both rooted to the bottom of Division Four and to be honest, a draw will be worthless to both sets of players if that turns out to be the outcome on Sunday.

Lets start with UJIA, played five, lost five, but in those five games have conceded 34 goals and scored just nine. Most of them have come from their star striker Gil Jennings who must be wondering what he can do to inspire his fellow teammates to their first win.

Most recently, they were beat 8-2 and 7-1 by Glenthorne and UJS Norstar which is simply not good enough. However, they will believe that this week is a realistic chance to get their season back on track - if it isn't too late already.

As for Pinner, they know all too well about bad starts and once again this year the team are struggling. They looked to have improved when they picked up a point against promotion contenders Real Life, but last week's defeat to Marylebone has put just a point off the bottom.

I will be looking closely to see which strikeforce prevails against two defences who have leaked goals far too freely. But I am predicting UJIA to steal a crucial home win at the Gibbons Rec with the boy Jennings playing a starring role.

Venue: Gibbons Recreational Ground

JC star man Gil Jennings (UJIA)

CS prediction UJIA 2 Pinner JFC 0