The third round of the JC Cyril Anekstein Cup takes centre stage on Sunday with several mouth-watering ties in store. Danny Caro looks ahead to all the action.
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MATCHDAY 12 ANALYSIS:
DANNY CARO'S PREMIER DIVISION TEAM OF THE WEEK
DANNY CARO'S DIVISION ONE TEAM OF THE WEEK
DANNY CARO'S DIVISION FOUR TEAM OF THE WEEK
JC REFEREE OF THE WEEK
Brandon Pieters (Redbridge B vs Harmen B)
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND THREE
TEMPLE FORTUNE A vs SOUTHGATE HARMEN B
Fortune have worked long and hard to shed the 'draw specialists' tag over the past couple of seasons but they go into this tie having finished honours even after 90 minutes from their last four games.
The boys in yellow and red are looking to become the first team to go into the hat for the fourth round – the first national round.
They were recently involved in a thriller in the Anekstein when stand-in keeper Lee Fegan, who is also their manager, came to the rescue against second division Camden Park.
Last week, they claimed a valuable point against Chigwell following a thrilling 3-3 draw courtesy of a double from summer signing Jason Miller and one from John Fisher. I've also heard great things about recent signing Josh Marks who has been playing out of his skin in recent weeks. No doubt his teammates are expecting another big performance from him here.
The teams have already played out two draws in the league with the 2-2 in October followed by a 3-3 earlier this month. Another close encounter is expected.
Gaffer Fegan was not involved against Chigwell but I managed to catch up with him earlier this week. "By all accounts, we performed really well, especially the first half, and we are aiming to take this into Sunday.
"We are unbeaten in five, but a few of those fixtures have resulted in draws, so we are looking to turn those draws into victories.
"Having drawn with Harmen B twice already this season, we know it’ll be another close game, but we go into it full of confidence.”
"We have a decent squad available and we’re fully expecting to make it through to round four."
Harmen were hit for six by Redbridge B last Sunday, and with Woodford starting to improve, the next few months are very important for manager Marc Cohen and co.
Going out of the cup would not be the end of the world for the Southgate boys and staying up is the clear priority this season.
It’s important they stick together and try to stick to the principles that Cohen has been trying to get across over the last couple of months.
Cohen will be looking for big performances from the likes of Doron Hershkorn, Paul Stein and Josh Sasto as victory on Sunday could lead to bigger and better things.
And with Fortune missing a couple of key players, they may never get a better chance.
But when push comes to shove, I’m backing Fortune to squeeze through.
JC team news: Fortune welcome back captain Paul Walker, but they will be missing striker Rob Benson. They also have three players with weddings on Sunday, so are hoping the early kick off will leave them enough time to be able to play, although it is looking likely that at least two of those three will miss out.
Venue – Ashmole School, KO: 10.15am, Ref – T. Littner
JC star man: Josh Marks (Fortune)
DC Prediction: Southgate Harmen B 1 Temple Fortune A 2
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JC CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND THREE
CHIGWELL ATHLETIC vs BRADY MACCABI A
The phrase ‘coupon breaker’ springs to mind here as Division One promotion hopefuls Chigwell take on Premier Division strugglers Brady at Peter May.
Only four points separated the teams in Division One last season when Brady accepted a place in the top-flight to help turn it back into a 10-team division.
Brady boss Josh Rosenfeld this week boosted his squad with the signing of striker TJ Keterman from North West Neasden. I see this as a quality addition with Keterman following Jonny Ellis out to the Rowley Lane club.
Keterman has become a major player in recent seasons, helping Neasden claim several pieces of silverware and playing an important role for the Team GB squad who won gold at the European Maccabi Games in Vienna.
Indeed, it was Keterman who stopped Brady from going up a couple of years ago, when he scored five goals for Neasden B in a promotion decider.
The addition of Keterman will bring a much-needed goal threat to a Brady team who drew a blank for the sixth time last week, when they went down 2-0 to Neasden A.
Brady boss Rosenfeld is promising to go in all guns blazing. He told JC Sport: "Chigwell on Sunday gives us an opportunity to take our mind off the league for a week, where we can concentrate on reaching the quarter-finals.
"Our squad is still pretty slim with quite a few injuries. We need to start scoring goals and hopefully that will change on Sunday.
"We know going to Chigwell is always tough and thy got the better of us last year so hopefully Sunday will be our day.
"I want to thank Darren Yarlett at Neasden for making the transfer go smoothly and I am sure TJ will become a huge signing come the big games. Obviously he is not available on Sunday as it’s a cup game."
Chigwell have been scoring freely this season, but they have also been conceding at an alarming rate. However, player-manager Richard Slater, who starred for them in the 3-3 draw against Temple Fortune A last Sunday is quietly confident.
"Having played Brady twice last season taking four points off them, we know they’re a decent outfit and both games were very close affairs,” Slater told JC Sport.
"There's a place in the quarter-finals at stake and we want to be in that draw.
"The last two weeks we’ve been hit by people away and injured, which knocked us a bit out of our stride, but battling for a point last weekend with half a squad has given us the lift we needed."
I think this could go the distance.
JC team news: Antony Mendel, Glenn Michaels, Russell Brill, Alex Norman, Simon Felstein and Dean Michaels all return for Chigwell after missing the Fortune game. Jonathan Swead, Adam Goodman and Craig Pearl are away while Daniel Castle remains injured.
For Brady, Lee Platt, Jordan Grant, Jordan Nathan, Nicky Smith, Paul Hakim and Nick Berman are all unavailable for the game.
Chigwell squad: Rob Shepherdson, Dean Michaels, Glenn Davis, Lee Hyams, Alex Norman, Paul Lenchner, Simon Felstein, Daniel Warwick, Russell Brill, Richard Slater, Antony Mendel, Russell Yershon, Glenn Michaels, Jamie Fox, Lloyd Becker
Venue – Peter May
JC star man: Oli Colmans (Brady)
DC Prediction: Chigwell Athletic 2 Brady A 2 AET (Brady to win on penalties)
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A vs CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI
Failure isn’t an option. That is what the Raiders management team will be telling their troops at training this week and again in the pre-match teamtalk ahead of the meeting with third division Catford.
While Catford were beating Team JLGB 4-1, the Raiders were involved in a seven-goal thriller against Faithfold A.
Now Cats joint-manager Adam Lewis and co will be looking to add to Raiders’ league woes and they hope to finish the weekend top of the shocks.
Lewis told JC Sport: “After a decent result last Sunday and a couple of good performances back-to-back, we'll hope to give a good account of ourselves this week.
“We're under no illusions that it will be an incredibly tough task, but if we play at the very top of our game there's always the chance we could come away with a shock result.
“Jamie Sinai has scored five in the last two games and could and maybe should’ve had double that with all of the chances we've created for him.
“Yonni Bord is always a threat from the left and if Eli Baraty can get his shooting boots on we'll hopefully grab a goal and make things interesting.
“The cups are always special and there are quite a few of us who are old enough to have been playing back in 1997 when we got a famous Peter Morrison win over the old Glenthorne Saturday team (myself and Scott Simons scored on that day), so we know that even the Davids of Jewish football are always in with a shout of beating the Goliaths every now and again!
“We'll be well up for it and hoping we can surprise a few people.”
Defensive errors have hit the Raiders hard so far this season. In fact their only clean sheet came in the previous round – a 2-0 win over Neasden B – so they will be looking to keep things simple and keep the ball in the Catford half as much as possible.
If Raiders turn up with their heads-on and show the right attitude throughout, they should have enough on the day. And, on instructions of the missus, this game can’t go to extra time!
JC team news: Carl Peters has joined Raiders’ long list of absentees which also includes Joe Tankel, Andrew McMasters, Jacob Gold and James Fattal. Ben Sheldon and Igal Yahya are absent. Danny Berliner returns to the squad while striker Toby Katz returns for the Anekstein Cup.
Catford are welcoming back a couple of absentees this weekend, although Joel Berwitz is away -sunning himself in Vietnam.
Venue – Brunel Uni, Ref – H. Raffe
JC star man: Adam Posner (Raiders)
DC Prediction: NL Raiders A 3 Catford & Bromley 1
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FAITHFOLD A vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
It’s the clash of the titans at the Hive in a match befitting of the final itself as holders Redbridge visit former cup winners Faithfold.
Meeting for the first time this season, the Premier Division rivals are ready to do battle in a match I can being settled by a moment of pure inspiration.
Faithfold go into the game on the back of a memorable 4-3 win over North London Raiders A. Keeper Ben Law was the star man for me, pulling off save after save as the team held on valiantly in a game they had led 3-0.
Defenders Jamie Taylor and Lorian Madanes also impressed as did Rocky Pearson. The team also scored some goals straight out of the top-draw with Mike Pearson, Sam Lewis and Alex Levack leaving Superhoops fans wanting more.
I was also impressed by the performances of stalwarts Daryl Phillips and Solomons. The manager helped hold things together in the middle of the park while Phillips put in a real shift – even popping up at right back from time to time.
Having knocked Redbridge out of the Morrison last season, I think Faithfold will be scenting blood once more. Well-placed to kick on in the league, Zuriel Solomons’ men know that they will join Hendon at the top of the Premier if they win their games in hand.
Looking ahead to the crunch clash, Solomons told JC Sport; “We welcome Redbridge to the Hive for the first time this season.
“We still have a huge injury list but we have a strong belief within our squad and have shown this in our last few games.
“We know Redbridge will be tough they are always difficult to play against but we respect all teams but fear no-one.
“We hope to play well and battle hard and progress through to the next round.”
Faithfold last won the JC League Cup in 2003 and with all their big guns blazing, they will be looking to wrestle the trophy from the team who lit up the Harry Abrahams Stadium in April.
The season has been very stop-start for RJC up to now and we have yet to see the best of them under new boss Eilon Kennet.
They’ve had a couple of weeks off to prepare for what is undoubtedly the match of the day.
Kennet will look to his big match players to try and take the game to their illustrious hosts.
Steve Summers, Sam Arghebant, Mitch Lassman, Danny Hakimi, Lee Bibring, Sam McCarthy, Joel Berg and Brad Frankel have all won this competition before and with Russell Goldstein now in the team on a regular basis, they remain a real force.
There is also a chance that Kennet will have a trick or two up his sleeve, with Josh Kennet and Dean Nyman possible additions to the squad.
It’s virtually impossible to call a winner but anyone planning to watch the game should count themselves lucky that it will only cost them a pound! Now that’s what I call value for money.
JC team news: Redbridge will give a late fitness test to keeper Dan Lee who suffered a pulled hamstring on duty for London Lions last weekend.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – M. Lavender
JC star man: James Frener (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Faithfold A 2 Redbridge JC A 1
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LONDON MACCABI LIONS B vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A
Quadruple-chasing Hendon A make the short trip to Rowley Lane in a game where manager David Garbacz could rotate his squad.
The Hammers were given a scare last Sunday when they squeezed past FC Team A 3-2 courtesy of strikes from Ben Lauffer, Ben Kon and Avidan Last.
Garbacz admitted after the game that his troops were far from their best but I expect them to have too much for the Lions.
Kon and Greg Corin earned special praise from the manager with the latter still many people’s favourite to win the JC MSFL Player of the Year prize in June. He is Hendon’s go-to man and has got them out of trouble on many occasions. A man-marking job could be the way forward for Lions on Sunday.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Garbacz, who has been in Israel this week, told JC Sport: "We want to give our all to all competitions this season.
"We have a strong squad and feel that we should and could be challenging for honours on all fronts.
"We have been runners-up in this competition two seasons running now and we are desparate to go one step further this time.
"Sunday represents a good chance to rotate the team a bit, but we are pretty confident that any 11 we put out should do the business.
"That said we need to go into the game in the correct frame of mind or else we could set ourselves up for a shock.
"Winning is a good habit, one we hope and expect to maintain. We are looking forward to it."
Lions' season took a turn for the worse last weekend when they were put to the sword by Glenthorne A. A strike from Joey Lazare proved little more than scant consolation and I think they will be chasing shadows for long spells on Sunday.
JC team news: Hendon have a fully fit squad to choose from apart from Yishai Last who is away.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – J. Feenstra
JC star man: Ben Kon (Hendon)
DC Prediction: LM Lions B 1 Hendon Utd SC A 4
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NORTH WEST NEASDEN A vs BRIXTON OLD BOYS A
John Nitka, the Brixton boss, is not scared of anyone and he’ll be relishing the chance to mix it with the best as he takes his stars to Hadley for what should be a great battle against Neasden.
BOBs warmed-up for the tie by booking their place in the last 16 of the London FA Sunday Junior Cup. Stefan Owide and Rob Hershkorn were the scorers in a 2-0 victory – a result that shows just how far the team has come.
Indeed, Nitka nominated nine players - Jake Doffman, Josh Franklin, Ed Weisz, Sam Franks, Jamie Gurvitz, Jamie Lee, James Kaye, Robbie Hershkorn and Michael Posner following a wonderful team display. They’ll need more of the same to live with Neasden here.
Looking ahead to the crunch clash, Nitka told JC Sport: "We have a couple of injury worries and three players who are unavailable. However, we are going for it and hopefully will spring a surprise.
"We are playing them two weeks running and will be up for it for both games."
Complacency won’t be an issue for Neasden on Sunday. Having beaten Brady 2-0 with goals from the impressive Sammy Ross and Jonny Haik, manager Lee Cash and Darren Yarlett will have them ready and focused, knowing that their visitors will be up for what would be a major shock.
Yarlett told JC Sport: “We go into Sunday’s game knowing this will not be easy fixture. Brixton are doing very well in the league and having a great run in the Junior Sunday Cup.
“They have a lot of young, raw talent that should not be under-estimated. Having said that, we are on a good run and four games unbeaten and sitting second in the league.
“I expect a close game with good football being played by both sides.
“The incentive of making it into the last eight is huge and Lee and I would love a good cup run.”
I’ve heard a lot about Brixton No. 1 Doffman. We’ll find out what he’s made of here. Clearly, a big performance in goal is needed.
JC team news: NWN will be without Jake Gottlieb, who suffered a hamstring injury last Sunday, Jamie Shaw (groin) and Scott Schindler (away). They welcome back Danny Daggers, Matt Sofier, Rob Lerner, and Mark Lazare.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – W. Blake
JC star man: Matt Sofier (NWN)
DC Prediction: NW Neasden A 2 Brixton OB A 1
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SOUTHGATE HARMEN A vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B
Bouncebackability is the name of the game for Raiders on Sunday as they look to dump Premier Division rivals Southgate Harmen out of the cup.
Rob Richman’s men go into the tie on the back of a 3-0 defeat against Lions A, but having reached the last eight of the competition last season, I can see them progressing here.
L’Orange will go into the game with a clear psychological edge after Dan Grossman, Dan Polak, Elliot Espinoza and Mike Hershman steered them to a 4-0 win over Harmen in the league on November 1.
Looking ahead to the tie, Richman told JC Sport: “This is our second meeting with Harmen in the month. We got the best of the first encounter but Harmen were missing a number of players on the day.
“Both cup draws haven’t been particularly kind to us but we are keen to try and progress as far as possible.
“Our aim at the outset of the season was to try and better our previous cup exploits, so it is crucial we get a result Sunday.”
A combination of reasons forced Harmen to pull out of last week’s scheduled league match at Redbridge last week. The cup competitions could be a welcome distraction for Dan Uzan and co who are desperate for a change of luck.
Uzan gave an honest assessment after the last meeting. “Raiders played very well and we were very poor,” he said. We have no excuses. They deserved the win and we need to look at ourselves if we are going to turn the season around.
"We are struggling to cope without four central midfielders who are all injured for a lengthy period, but we have a big squad which I still believe can cope.”
Harmen’s only league win this season came at home to Raiders’ A team and they will be looking to come out on top a game in a tie that features two teams who on their day, can be fantastic on plastic.
JC team news: Raiders are missing Dan Polak, Rik Sherman and Mike Hershman but Lewis Blitz and Nicky Woolf return.
Venue – Southbury Leisure Centre,
JC star man: Nicky Woolf (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Southgate Harmen A 1 NL Raiders B 3
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MONTANA BOCA UNITED vs FAITHFOLD C
Having already pulled one big shock this season, David Garson’s men are looking for another and they will be on familiar territory for the meeting with first division Montana.
Top-scorer Ben Simons and Richard Fogelman will be out to claim the scalp of a team who was playing in the Premier not so long ago.
Fogelman and Joe Levy were on target in the 2-2 draw at Norstar B last Sunday when Garson was left to reflect on a series of missed chances.
Chances could be at a premium here against a Montana team for whom keeper Mike Perkin has been on top form so far this season.
The honeymoon period is well and truly over for Montana boss Vivian Emanuel who will be looking to restore confidence for what could be a trick tie.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Emanuel told JC Sport; “We’re hoping to have a strong squad out for Sunday’s match against Faithfold C.
“We played them pre-season and won, so we are hoping we can repeat the same feat again.
“We have a few injuries but wth the few remaining games in 2011, we should be just fine.”
If Montana’s experienced players stand up, they should have too much for Faithfold on the day.
JC team news: Tom Miller will return to the Montana team after a two-week absence.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – K. Goodman
JC star man: Tom Miller (Montana)
DC Prediction: Montana Boca Utd 3 Faithfold C 2
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B vs GLENTHORNE UNITED B
There’s a real treat in store here as Division Two joint-leaders take on Division Three table-toppers Glenthorne B.
Both teams have been going great guns so far but clearly, something must give on Sunday.
The Hornets, by their own admission, are going through something of a sticky spell, and that will be music to the ears of Glenthorne fans.
Joint-manager Motty Korman told JC Sport; “It’s a tough one this week as we were all extremely disappointed after dropping points last week as we didn't play anywhere near our potential.
“We are up against a very good Glenthorne team that haven't lost this season and are obviously not in the correct division.
“They are very good attacking team and have been scoring goals for fun - especially my old mate Craig Sandford who I am looking forward to playing against!”
“We can't take anything for granted, and will need to be at our best if we want to progress and reach the quarter-finals of the cup.”
Sam Rosenthal and Craig Sandford have put together a top-notch squad this season and they will be looking to dump out a Hendon B team who reach the semis a couple of years ago.
Sandford told JC Sport: “We go into this game really fired up as we didn’t have game last weekend. With the way we have been playing and the results we’ve picked up, we look forward to every game.
“We know how all Hendon teams set up. They will be big, strong and determined until the final whistle. We have to match them in all areas and if we do that then I believe we will progress to the next round.
“We were fantastic against Norstar A who we beat 6-1 and we were unlucky against Chigwell. Teams in higher divisions do not faze us and we like going in to the game as underdogs.
“It suits us not having the pressure which lets us express ourselves. No team wants to be knocked out by a lower league side so Hendon have all the pressure.
“Sam and I look forward to locking horns again with our good friend Motty Korman. He terrorised us when we were juniors in the famous Kinnor vs Redbridge days and we have a huge incentive to be victorious. Like ourselves, he is new to management and doing a good job but we hope to put a blip on his CV this Sunday!”
There is little for me to add, other than let the fun and games begin!
JC team news: Hendon welcome back Danny Steel, James Josephs and Ari Nevies - all were missed last week. Chaim Gothold is suspended and Chanania Engelsman is still injured.
Out for Glenthorne are Simon Bagel (virus) and Adam Shafron (injured).
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – A. Djanogly
JC star man: Dan Lassman (Glenthorne)
DC Prediction: Hendon Utd SC B 2 Glenthorne Utd B 3
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JC MSFL DIVISION ONE
OAKWOOD vs NORTH WEST NEASDEN B
The famous Ric Blank hairdryer was witnessed last Sunday as the Oaks were humbled 3-1 by lowly Woodford and he told me this week that the squad are “still getting over last Sunday’s debacle”.
Blank went on to say that the Oaks “let themselves down terribly” and they will be looking to put things right against a rapidly improving Neasden B.
“I've told the boys I’m more interested in the performance and effort right now than the result - so it’ up to them to produce a response,” he told JC Sport.
“Neasden have signed some good players since we last played and will no doubt draft in some A-team players. So this is going to be a really competitive game - reminiscent of our battles with Sammy and Ryan’s Neasden side hopefully.
Oakwood won the first meeting against Neasden hands down, when strikes from James Abrams, Dan Ash and Adam Levine eased them home but he won’t need me to tell him that it will be much tougher second time around.
Blank went on to say: “We have a few injuries this week, but then again, too few to mention. No Anthony Kintish and no Dan Rose who are off gallivanting in distant lands - not together!
“But we welcome back Dave Cohen and hopefully some of the spirit that has always made us such a tough side to beat. Ian Tussie will be having a late fitness test on a strained sinew suffered in training last week.”
Neasden boss Daniel Hodes hopes that the dreaded JC Manager of the Week curse doesn’t strike as it did the previous winner Dan Gordon.
Hodes’ troops were first-class last Sunday as they ran out worthy winners against leaders Norstar. The reality is that virtually every team in this division can beat the other and no-one can be taken lightly.
The emergence of Ricky Engleman as a top player has clearly lifted the squad. Recent signing Jonny Blain has been scoring on a regular basis but they will have to do without Mark Lazare this week – a hat-trick hero in the win over Norstar.
The experience of Adam Kern, Jamie Lustigman, Rick Harris and Blain will ensure that some of the experienced players rise to the occasion, although they know that Oakwood won’t give them an inch on Sunday.
Looking ahead to the game, Hodes told JC Sport: “I very much hope the same group of players are available and that we continue improving and build on the good work we put in last week.”
Oakwood know that another defeat before Chanukah would really damage any promotion hopes and even though they are at home, it’s a game they cannot lose.
Venue – Parmiters, Ref – P. Gelernter
JC star man: Rick Harris (Neasden)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 1 NW Neasden B 1
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NORSTAR A vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B
Sunday is the beginning of a crucial period for Stirling Kay’s Redbridge. Following Sunday’s long trip to Wembley, they face Neasden, Brixton and Chigwell before Chanukah.
The challenge of leaders Norstar is something that will excite Kay as he prepares his men for what could be their toughest test yet. Kay knows that victory on Sunday would take his troops above Norstar and finish the weekend top of the table. And they have a game in hand.
Striker Dan Orgel goes into the game bang in form. He fired his second consecutive hat-trick in the 6-0 demolition of Harmen last week. Further strikes from Mark Zealander (2) and Harrison Grant ensured RJC extended their unbeaten league run to six games.
After the game, a delighted Kay told JC Sport: "This was a good footballing performance which took until the 45th minute to unlock the hard working defence.
"This was a better disciplined display and better passing. The performances are happening because of a back five that gives the team a great backbone.”
Backbone is something that Norstar will need in abundance on Sunday. Manager Phil Peters will be looking for a big reaction from his boys after they were beaten for the first time last Sunday.
Peters believes it was just a bad day at the office and he’s confident his team can get back on track here.
Indeed, these really are exciting time for both clubs and it should be a good one for the neutral.
A point wouldn’t be a disaster for either camp. And watch out for the battle of the hotshots as Adam Jason versus the boy Orgel will be worth the admission fee alone.
Venue – Ark Academy, Ref – M. Fox
JC star man: Harrison Grant (RJC)
DC Prediction: Norstar A 2 Redbridge JC B 2
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DIVISION TWO
GLENTHORNE UNITED A vs CAMDEN PARK
Fans of Glenthorne and Camden will have to tell their respective wives, girlfriends and mistresses to put their Chanukah shopping on hold for a game featuring two very talented teams.
The Thornes certainly have the bit between their teeth at the minute with five straight wins putting them back in the mix.
Manager Dan Lipman has some big selection decisions to make following the 5-1 demolition of Lions B. No doubt, Lipman will be the first name down on the Thornes teamsheet following his four-goal salvo last week.
“We’ve got a full squad this week so I have a tough decision to make. No-one deserves to sit out following the last three wins during which time we’ve scored 16 goals, but on the other hand I'm not a fan of unused subs so I'm not going to be turning up with 16.
"We're going into the game off the back of some great form, so I’m looking forward to what's going to be a tough but entertaining encounter.
“We've been free-scoring of late with goals coming from all over the pitch but I think the key to Sunday will be to not concede.
“If we can keep a clean sheet then I'm confident we can go on and win the game."
Camden have returned to the top of the table although manager Josh Marks will have to watch from the sidelines once again.
They did Glenthorne a huge favour after beating their local rivals Redbridge C 6-4 in a ding-dong affair. A brilliant hat-trick from Richard Silver plus two from David Kanzen and one from Dan Baneth sealed the points.
Victory on Sunday would take them four points clear in what could come down to the battle between Lipman and Silver.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Camden’s Nick Kagan told JC Sport: “it was good to get back to winning ways last week after some slightly below-par performances in the cups and against FC Team B.
“This week Glenthorne represent another tough challenge. They’re in great form at the moment and we need to be fully focused and replicate the hard-working performance we put in last weekend, as well as just being that extra bit safer at the back as Glenthorne, like us, have been scoring freely.
“We’re really looking forward to what promises to be a great game, but I'll be delighted with another three points, however they arrive.”
Fans are advise to arrive early to avoid disappointment. It should be a cracker. May the best team win.
JC team news: For Camden, Nick Kagan and Josh Marks are still injured. Dan Baneth is away this weekend but Leo Feldman returns to the squad.
Venue – London Marathon Playing Fields, Ref –
JC star man: Fabio Revieccio (Glenthorne)
DC Prediction: Glenthorne Utd A 2 Camden Park 2
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FC TEAM B vs NORSTAR B
A 6-1 win over FC Team B has been the clear highlight of the season so far for Norstar. Coincidentally, it was also their only win to date so, no doubt, manager Jonny Bunt has been searching high and low for THAT teamtalk.
A hat-trick from Josh Green, two from Eli Houri and one from Rafi Addlestone did the damage for the Stars last month and with tough games against Redbridge C and Faithfold B, it’s vital they start to get some points on the board.
FC Team have looked nice and solid over the past three weeks. Last week they came away with a hard-earned point against joint-leaders Hendon. And this came on the back of a 4-0 win over L’Equipe and a thrilling 3-3 draw against high-flying Camden.
With matches against the two Essex teams on the horizon, manager Ben Simon knows that three points are essential, especially in front of their own fans.
With Freddie Marks and Adam Goldsmith in tip-top shape an early goal would really test Norstar’s resolve.
Venue – Meadow Park, Ref – M. Cowan
JC star man: Daniel Alfreds (FC Team)
DC Prediction: FC Team B 3 Norstar B 1
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE C vs FAITHFOLD B
Sunday is an important day in the Division Two promotion race although I would not go as far as to call it pivotal.
Having played a game more than Faithfold B, Redbridge player-manager Dan Gordon will be telling his boys that it is a must-win.
Last week they suffered a 6-4 defeat against promotion rivals Camden and they cannot afford another slip-up here.
The deadly Doron Weinstein continued his excellent goal-scoring form with a four-goal blast but it was a day to forget for the defenders.
Now Gordon are co are looking to set the record straight, with home fans asked to turn Fairlop into a fortress.
Looking ahead to the big game, Gordon told JC Sport: “After defeat to Camden Park last week, it is back to the drawing board this week where we take on Faithfold B for the second time in three weeks.
“Last week we were well and truly beaten by the better team and I fully expect Camden to win the league. I think it is a fight for second place which will involve four to five teams, including ourselves and Faithfold.
“We will be going into this game trying to play the way we have done over the last two months. I feel we have enough strength and depth in the squad to get three points.
“After Faithfold lost to us, they also dropped points last week at home to the league’s bottom side so we will be looking to go from the first whistle on Sunday to make sure there winless streak continues in November.
“My boys know they let each other down last week and are chomping at the bit for Sunday’s game to make up for last week.”
As Gordon says, Faithfold slipped up against L’Equipe last weekend, conceding three times. That will be music to the ears of Weinstein and Gordon and I expect the hosts to make a fast start and go on to take maximum points.
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – M. Vandermolen
JC star man: Steve Clements (Redbridge)
DC Prediction: Redbridge JC C 3 Faithfold B 1
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DIVISION THREE
TEAM JLGB vs UJIA
Goals are guaranteed as promotion-chasing UJIA take on a JLGB brigade who have lost eight on the spin.
Darren Rolfe’s men were at their imperious best last Sunday when strikes from Ben Nassim (2), Assi Avital and Ashley Freeman earned them an impressive 4-0 win at Hendon C.
This season, UJIA are blessed with experience in key positions with the likes of Jeremy Leigh, Gavin Sherman and Avital working well with the quality of Matty Radstone and Ben Nassim. Several other players have also been stepping up to the plate on a regular basis.
Indeed, gaffer Rolfe could be spoilt for choice on Sunday with several big names coming back.
He told JC Sport: “We have Matty Radstone back for Sunday. He has been away for the past three weeks but I’m not sure if he’ll get back in the starting line up!
“Paul Shape keeps his place at right-back after a sturdy performance last week. Ben Radstone doesn’t know if he should play as he is getting married in four weeks. (Ed. Yes, four weeks. Come on Ben. Man up!). We’re just waiting for his fiancée’s approval!.
UJIA won the corresponding fixture 3-2 last month when Nassim (2) and Avital saw them home.
JLGB went down 4-1 to Catford last week but they earned a glowing review from rival boss Adam Lewis.
He told JC Sport: “Credit to JLGB. They kept going and they really don't deserve to be down at the bottom. They've got a couple of players with real quality. We've played worse teams this season and not got anything from the game."
The games are coming thick and fast for Rob Silverman’s men right now. Silverman told JC Sport: “At this rate, the season will be over in January with just nine teams in the division!”
The home side have several regulars unavailable but Silverman is confident of “another close game”. He added: “It was tight last time which suggests JLGB have a chance to get some points on the board.”
JLGB continue to gain many new fans for their refreshing approach and love of the game. As mentioned, I will tip them to win one week. Just not this one!
JC team news: UJIA will be missing Nick Russell who is on usher duty at his brother’s wedding.
Paul Black, James Lester, Ian Levy, Byron Watkins and Barry Green are the big misses for JLGB. However, they are boosted by the return of Howie Bowman and James Wright.
Venue – Peter May, Ref – B. Pieters
JC star man: Ashley Freeman (UJIA)
DC Prediction: Team JLGB 2 UJIA 4
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB C vs NORTH WEST NEASDEN C
Only three points will do for promotion-chasing Neasden as they look to pull clear of mid-table rivals Hendon.
Louis Taylor’s men start the match five points clear of the Hustlers, with two games in hand.
They were back to their best last Sunday when some inspired management from Taylor saw them record an impressive 4-1 win over fellow high-flyers Los Blancos.
Taylor had a helping hand in the result, putting three chances on a plate for star man Joel Kanutin who went home with the match ball.
The NWN gaffer was full of praise for his troops after the game, describing Simon Cohen as “our little Luka Modric”. He went on to say: “He ran the game with his passing and calm use of the ball.”
Looking ahead to Sunday, Taylor told JC Sport: “We’re hoping to push on after a great win in our last match.
“If we want to challenge this season, it’s a game where we need to pick up all three points.”
Neasden ran out worth winners when the teams met earlier in the season. Taylor (2), Setyon and Matt Davis were the marksmen in a 4-0 win.
The signs look ominous for Avi Gelley’s men again on Sunday. They haven’t won in weeks and are struggling for goals.
I can only see one winner.
JC team news: Neasden will be missing Elliott Setyon who is out with a bad knee, but Tony Chadwick comes back into the squad after recovering from a groin strain.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – N. Burns
JC star man: Joel Kanutin (NWN)
DC Prediction: Hendon Utd SC C 0 NW Neasden C 3
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SHIRLEY PARK vs LOS BLANCOS
Dave Lusman’s Park Life will be looking to finish the weekend top of the table when they take on Los Blancos.
With leaders Glenthorne B in cup action, they have a perfect chance to flex their muscles again, against a Blancos team that was soundly beaten by Neasden last Sunday.
The Shirley boys have been like a breath of fresh air this season. Some big name signings have hit the ground running and a top two finish looks a certainty right now. In fact, it would be fair to call them the Man City of Division Three.
Striker Saul Conway continues to lead the JC goals charts. But, as with all successful teams, they are chipping in from all over the park with hat-trick hero Gideon Gold joined on the scoresheet by Nicky Plotnik, Dan Beckwith and super Stefan Benfredj.
Conway, Gold, Plotnik and Benfredj would walk into most MSFL teams. All four still have so much to offer but it’s clear the Shirley Sheikh must have them tied down to some serious incentives. Either that or he has something on them!
Whiile the Shirley boys have been the model of consistency, other than two narrow defeats against the Thornes in league and cup, Los Blancos have been struggling to put results together, back-to-back.
The Whites have conceded eight goals in their last two league games and the chances are that they will be under pressure for long spells on Sunday.
I can see Shirley winning this by a couple of goals.
Venue – Gladstone Park, Ref – B. David
JC star man: Dan Beckwith (Shirley)
DC Prediction: Shirley Park 3 Los Blancos 1
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DIVISION FOUR
SPEC FC vs TEMPLE FORTUNE B
Promotion-chasing SPEC FC and Temple Fortune B will be looking to close the gap on the top two when they go head to head in Hatfield.
The teams experienced mixed fortunes (no puns intended) last weekend with the SPEC boys coming away empty-handed against fellow high-flyers Brady B, while Fortune were handing out a 4-1 thrashing to Jewventus. Dean Ingram, free-scoring player-manager Terry Jeffries and the red-hot Joey Glynne were the marksmen.
SPEC FC boss Laurence Conway has labelled this “a huge game”. He has arguably his first real headache of the season as he has never had such a vast amount of players to choose from.
Conway has to make some tough decisions and he'll be hoping they pay off.
SPEC FC’s media guru and midfielder maestro Ricky Lawrence says the team deserved something from the Brady game last week.
Lawrence told JC Sport: “We've hit a bad run of form recently but we know we have to put it right this Sunday.
“We did, however, play fantastically well last Sunday and were desperately unlucky to come away with nothing against Brady.
“We also got a bit of a bonus with being awarded the points from the game against Athletico Finchley. As my Dad always told me, cheats never prosper!
“Dan Cohen is in the squad again, and after coming back from injury has already netted his first competitive SPEC goal, he'll be hoping to add to his tally this Sunday and he is definitely capable of having a huge impact from the bench as he builds up his match fitness.”
Fortune boss Terry Jeffries has been leading by example this season. Fifteen goals have flown of his head and boots so far this season and he’s hungry for more.
Looking ahead to Sunday, he told JC Sport: “This game is really going to test us this week, to see if we have what it takes to beat the teams around us.
“As a team we are getting stronger every week, and really are growing in confidence.
“This season has started so well for us. Last season we were turning up ready to get beat, but this season we are coming together as a team and thinking we can win.
“We do have one of our strikers out this weekend so will be a big loss, but saying that we do have cover in all positions so we will not be using that as an excuse.
“We know SPEC FC have had a good start to the season, so we will not under-estimate them. It should be an entertaining game with lots of goals.”
Victory for SPEC FC would take them level on points with Fortune. The absence of a regular goal-getter is a blow for the visitors and will mean that Jeffries will need to take on extra responsibility as his team goes in search of a record straight fourth win.
This is arguably a bigger game for SPEC FC than it is for Fortune so for this reason I’m tipping Conway’s boys to come out on top.
Venue – Hatfield Uni, Ref – L. Thorne
JC star man: Daniel Pike (SPEC FC)
DC Prediction: SPEC FC 2 Temple Fortune B 1
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ATHLETIC BILBAUM vs BRADY MACCABI B
Josh Dagul’s Brady will be looking to make it eight out of eight when they take to the Bernebaum.
They were pushed all the way by SPEC FC last Sunday in a controversial encounter where two more goals from recent signing Daniel Hildebrand helped them along the way.
It was the performance of centre half Oliver Kay that proved the catalyst behind the win. His unexpected yet memorable strike proved decisive.
Dagul also singled out the displays of keeper Dan Korn and Alex Bosier in what was ultimately a massive win.
The manager will be warning against complacency against a Bilbaum side that is proving hard to beat.
Unbeaten in five in the league, Mark Pasha’s boys have found form and a level of consistency that will make them a match for anyone in the division.
They go into the game on the back of a thumping 8-3 success over Brixton. Adam Bier and newly-appointed club captain Ed Green helped themselves to hat-tricks, with Bier’s efforts rewarded with a place in my Division Four Team of the Week.
Gaffer Pasha was delighted with both his front men. He told JC Sport: “They worked incredibly hard on and off the ball, breaking up play and creating chances for the team as well as taking theirs.”
Bier’s second goal was something a bit special. A wonder strike from 35 yards was described as “glorious” by Pasha.
Pasha could have a dilemma in goal after debutant keeper Nick Grosse pulled a blinder following the late withdrawl of fan’s favourite Simon Roth.
Reflecting on the game, Pasha said: “It was a really another excellent team performance, maintaining good levels of concentration.”
The challenge of a Brady team yet to taste defeat will excite Pasha and co. Like Brady, Bilbaum have quality all over the pitch and they are playing like a team.
I think this game will come down to small details and if Brady can get good service to Hildebrand, I can see them edging it.
Venue – Hampstead Heath, Ref – R. Benardout
JC star man: Alex Bosier (Brady)
DC Prediction: Athletic Bilbaum 2 Brady Maccabi B 3
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ATHLETICO FINCHLEY vs JEWVENTUS
There will be something of a continental flavour on show on show as Athletico and Jewventus look to get back to winning ways on Sunday.
Athletico were beaten 3-0 by FC Team C last weekend while Gabriel John’s Jewve also went down by a three goal margin, eventually succumbing 4-1 against Temple Fortune B.
Zach Margolin’s troops showed their rivals just how dangerous they can be when they recently beat Fortune 6-2.
Ahead of a battle between you and experience, Margolin told JC Sport: “We have three of our key players out this Sunday which is a huge blow. However, we will still fight and play our football, and hope to come out of the game with a result against a Jewventus who also lost last week.”
The pitches at Copthall are holding up well but on Sunday it could come down to survival of the fittest.
JC team news: For Athletico, captain Sam Marchant is out with a hamstring strain. The club hope to have their captain marvel back in two to three weeks. They’ve also lost Adam Goldstein while Ashley Diamond is suspended. It’s not all bad news however as Dovid Kurzer returns to the squad.
Venue – Copthall, Ref – D. Nathan
JC star man: Dovid Kurzer (Athletico)
DC Prediction: Athletico Finchley 3 Jewventus 2
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BOCA JEWNIORS vs BRIXTON OLD BOYS B
The Boca boys will never get a better chance of claiming their first-ever MSFL win. That is what manager Sefton Monk will be saying to his troops ahead of the team’s 11th game of the season.
Scoring goals has been a big obstacle for Boca this season but they are also conceding at an alarming rate and are advised to perhaps adopt more cautious tactics.
Last week they were hit for six by leaders Raiders C. After the game, Disappointed a disappointed Monk told JC Sport: "I can't fault my team's performance as we made no mistakes and played very well.
"We came up against a very good team this week and I can't fault any of their goals.
"We’ve come up against the two best teams in the league over the last two weeks and given a good account of ourselves, but now we can finally look forward to playing a team of a similar level next week."
Brixton were also on the receiving end of a heavy defeat last Sunday, but manager Daniel Selt back in the mix, they will be looking to get back on track following a very tough run.
What this game may lack in quality, it will undoubtedly make up for in excitement.
Venue – South Oxhey, Ref – P. Lavelle-Maurice
JC star man: Matt Tahan (Brixton)
DC Prediction: Boca Jewniors 1 Brixton OB B 2
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FC TEAM C vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C
Table-topping Raiders C have been one of the teams of the season so far with Oli Shorts’ troops having won an incredible eight games on the spin.
L’Orange have been in red-hot form of late, smashing home 18 goals in the last three games in what has been a true team effort with Ben Hart, Darren Russell, Joe Newton, Rob Samuelson, Toby Katz, Matt Bennett, h Graham, Matt Keston and James Sandrove are chipping in in recent weeks.
But Shorts is keen not to get ahead of himself and his squad will show Sunday’s hosts the utmost respect.
“FC Team are an unknown quantity so therefore we can't go into the game on the back of our form and think we just need to turn up to win,” Shorts told JC Sport.
“They’ve lost to some big teams so we know we’ll be in for a tough game.
“Brady are right on our tails so we need to keep on winning.
“We welcome into our squad Raiders legend Richard ‘Jay’ Bloom. His experience at this level is key and I hope that his presence will bring out the best of the players.”
Michael Myers’ FC Team have won five out of eight. But they have yet to beat any of the fancied teams so that is the challenge that the manager will put to his team in his pre-match teamtalk.
3-0 winners against Athletico last week, courtesy of strikes from David Cohen, Dave Wexler and Alex Cooper, Myers had this to say in his midweek press conference.
“I am confident that if my team put in a performance, we will inflict Raiders’ first defeat,” he told JC Sport. “I’m expecting a close game between two footballing sides.”
Raiders have scored 15 goals in their four matches at home this season. They won’t have things all their own way on Sunday but I can see them doing just enough on the day.
JC team news: With Danny Berliner and Nicky Woolf returning to respective A and B team duty, manager Oli Shorts will have to fill the void in goal and midfield. Josh Graham, James Franks, Ben Stetson and Jonny Skolnick are all out, alongside long-term absentees Sam Morell and Matt Greene. The good news for Raiders fans is the return of Matt Bennett and Michael Israel.
Venue – Hatfield Uni, Ref – N. Cohen
JC star man: Richard 'Jay' Bloom (Raiders)
DC Prediction: North London Raiders C 3 FC Team C 2
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