ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro
I don't like losing at anything. Armed with a contacts book almost as large as Pini Zahavi's, I faced a race against time to sign an emergency goalkeeper last week, confident of finding someone to play in goal for North London Raiders A.
Dozens of emails and texts were greeted by one common theme. Any other week and I would be happy to help out, most replies began, but it's Mother's Day … It's good to hear that MSFL goalkeepers are mummy's boys.
Fortunately we beat Camden Park 1-0 with Ben Sheldon excelling between the sticks and enabling us to move clear at the top of the division. Defender Joe Tankel also had a standout game, which was even more impressive given that he played most of the second half with one eye after losing a contact lense. The goalkeeping episode lends further support to the argument that a loan system should be introduced to the league. It operates successfully in the Maccabi Masters League and could help ensure that teams don't pull out at short notice.
● Speaking of which, Highgate & Muswell Hill, the Division Four team, were forced to withdraw from Sunday's double-header against Redbridge C a week early due to a player shortage. Manager Nick Sonenfield was forced to make the call due to several injuries and with 12 players away for Passover. He told me: "I was left with just eight players including myself, and I am well past my sell by date! But he vowed: "We will complete the rest of our fixtures".
● Ran Kadoch, the former Barnet keeper, has signed a four-year deal at Bnei Yehuda. He hopes to become first choice next season following the expected departure of Dele Aiyenugba
l Southgate Harmen striker Lloyd Becker has been ruled out for four months after aggravating a long-standing shoulder injury. Becker said: "My wife and father are begging me too hang up my boots. Never!"
● There was an amusing exchange during Harry Redknapp's Jewish Care Business breakfast in Chigwell. Redknapp was asked by Spurs fan Ben Richman why the team rely on the long ball to Peter Crouch. Harry replied: "We're not a long-ball team." Richman responded by telling the manager how he thought the team should play and said that Gareth Bale should start taking corners.
● It's not every day that the performance of one referee receives praise, let alone two but Gabriel John, joint-manager of Jewventus, commended Daniel Cohen and Alan Robinson following recent matches. He described them as "two young lads who have given exceptional refereeing performances. Daniel and Adam have proved that it isn't just age that gets respect but quality. Assured, strong and top class performances from both".
● It's been a busy week for Ben Winston, the new manager of Team GB. Don't forget to Sky Plus the sketch that he directed and co-wrote on Sport Relief on BBC1 where Smithy, from Gavin and Stacey, takes on some of the sporting greats including Jenson Button and the Manchester United squad. Gabe Turner, who plays for Oakwood, was the producer.