Love it or loathe it, the MSFL messageboard recently returned to the JC.com. This week's major talking points have seen Spurs and Arsenal fans exchanging pleasantries following the derby epic while there has been some debate about who would win a match involving London Lions and North West Neasden A. It's an intriguing proposition as both teams have set their respective leagues on fire.
Hendon United A have been hit by the loss of two key players following the departure of Jonathan Kestenbaum as manager. London Maccabi Lions A pair Michael Pearson and Ben Joseph joined the Hammers during the summer but their return to Rowley Lane has been confirmed after Kestenbaum, as reported, announced his departure to concentrate on Maccabiah duties last week. Ben Graham has also decided to stay at the Arkley club.
Lions A player-manager Andrew Myers said: "I wouldn't want to be playing against us on Sunday."
I have a feeling that if anything, the losses might just be the making of Hendon who excelled as a team unit with few household names prior to Pearson and Joseph joining. It could give a chance for their fringe players to come in and make a name for themselves.
Brady Maccabi have signed Lee Platt from North West Neasden A. The former Marshside & Glenthorne player is the second to join from the league champions in recent weeks following the addition of Josh Rosenfeld.
Former Faithfold defender Andrew Lerner, my brother-in-law, suffered four torn ligaments and a small fracture in his foot during the Sutlu Borek's 10th anniversary match against Boca Barbarians.
Jamie Weinrich is the new player-coach at Glenthorne United B. He will take charge of team training while manager Paul Silver takes more of a backseat to concentrate on team selection and tactics.
I bumped into Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre at the 02 on a family excursion but he was clearly keeping a low profile on the back on poor results against Spurs and Stoke City. Birthday greetings will be in order as I turn 36 on Monday. I know that most people are feeling the pinch so anyone wanting to send me a present is advised that haircare products would go down about as well as a date with Dale
Winton.
Quadruple hopefuls North West Neasden A take on Kenningwell United of the OBDSFL First Division in the second round of the London Challenge Cup on Sunday.
Joint-manager Jamie Cole said: "They are unbeaten this season and have only conceded once so we know that anything we get from the game will have to be earned. We're not going to hide the fact that this will be the toughest test of the season so far but that's what we're in this cup for, to play this sort of football. We've got to be playing somewhere near our best to get something out of it."
Neasden will be missing Matt Stock, Sammy Ross and Ryan Sher. Danny Daggers and Jake Gottlieb face late fitness tests while Lee Bibring returns.
The top Maccabi League game sees Chigwell Athletic A host Hendon United A. There are two inter-club derbies as London Maccabi Lions A plays B and the two FC Team sides go head-to-head.
Second and third clash in Division Two as Southgate Harmen A lock horns with North West Neasden C while there is a mouth-watering contest in store in Division Four as Woodford Wanderers put their 100 per cent record on the line against UJS Norstar. Both teams experienced defeat in the cup last weekend so it will be interesting to see which side can show some bouncebackability.
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