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By, Danny Caro
28 min read
ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro
There's a busy league programme scheduled on Matchday 13 of the MGBSFL, with two key contests in the Premier featuring Redbridge and NLR and Hendon and Faithfold. Danny Caro looks ahead to the action.
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MATCH PHOTOS: LOS BLANCOS vs FC TEAM C
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CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND 3 DRAW
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
10 - Mike Pearson (Faithfold A)
8 - Matt Stock (NL Raiders A)
CAMDEN PARK vs FC TEAM A
Lowly Camden Park meet FC Team A for the first time this season and the emphasis is on Josh Marks’ men getting maximum points from the game.
Camden sit deep in relegation trouble and with home advantage, it’s vital they come away with something to show for their efforts.
Beaten 3-2 at Lions last weekend, they have yet to register a win on their return to the top-flight, but the chances are they will find things tough on Sunday.
FC Team won their last away game and the bookies make them slight favourites ahead of the game.
"After having a week off last week, we can't wait to get back playing again,” Team manager Mitch Young told JC Sport.
“We are in decent form and enjoying our football."
I think Sunday’s game will come down to small details, with Team’s big match experience proving the difference.
Venue - White City Tigers Turf, Ref – Martin De La Fuente
JC star man: Jon Breger (Team)
DC Prediction: Camden 0 Team 2
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A vs FAITHFOLD A
One of the games of the day sees defending champions Faithfold take on title challengers Hendon in what should be an epic contest in Arkley.
The Superhoops returned to winning ways in the cup last weekend, with strikers Jonny Haik (2) and Mike Pearson at their brilliant best in the 3-1 success over second division Oakwood B.
Manager Zuriel Solomon also praised midfield maestro Joe Levy for his excellent performance.
Seven points separate the teams going into the game, although Hendon have three games in hand.
Looking ahead to kick-off, Faithfold boss Zuriel Solomon told JC Sport: “We are back to the league after a week off in the cup and travel to a Hadley to play an in form Hendon. These games are always tough and come down to small margins.
“Hendon have a great record at home and probably are slight favourites being at home and given current form.
“Saying that, we hope to give a good account of ourselves work hard and try to win the game.”
With Faithfold’s top two in great nick, Hendon will need to cut the supply line from midfield, and manager David Garbacz will encourage his big hitters to make a typically fast start in what should be a high-tempo affair.
The Reds are unbeaten in five in the league and it’s important they fire after hitting a brick wall against leaders NLR.
Man for man there is nothing to separate the teams, and it might just take a moment of magic to settle it.
JC team news: Faithfold are without Daryl Phillips and Benjy Dymant, but are full-strength otherwise.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Laurie Benson
JC star man: Russell Corin (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon 1 Faithfold 0
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NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS A vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
The league table says this is the Match of the Day, and I’m sure the teams will not disappoint. Clashes between the top two rarely do.
Both NLR and RJC boast proud unbeaten records, but something tells me one will go on super Sunday.
NLR have been banging in the goals for fun this season, with Matt Stock inspiring them to an 8-0 demolition of first division SPEC FC in the cup last weekend.
David Dinkin is also playing well, while manager Phil Peters is spoilt for choice. I wonder if he knows his best XI yet?
In terms of their record against their potential title rivals, L’Orange have had two draws against Hendon, and a point here wouldn’t be the worst result in the world. That said, Peters believes his boys are more than capable of taking another scalp.
He told JC Sport: “After a comfortable win in the cup last week, we look forward to getting back to league action against Redbridge – another of the division’s form sides.
“Like us, they are unbeaten, and from the sounds of it, playing some excellent football at the same time. They are an experienced side that know how to win and will be right up there at the end of the season.
“Whilst we had to change our style to neutralise Hendon at Hadley, there will be no such deviation from the footballing philosophy that has seen us reach the halfway point in the season several points clear at the top of the league.
“We’ll play with the energy and effervescence that has characterised our game all year, whilst keeping things tight at the back and controlled in the middle.
“We are missing a couple of boys to holidays, but should still have 15 or 16 to choose from and there will be plenty of difficult decisions to make after some impressive performances last time out.
“Despite Redbridge’s impressive record they’ve not been tested much and we hope to provide them with their toughest challenge of the season. They’re still favourites to finish above us, but we are brimming with confidence and are targeting three points and another clean sheet.”
RJC have gone about their business quietly and efficiently – just how manager Sam Rosenthal would want. Richie Caplin put in a big shift in the 3-1 win over LML last weekend, when top-scorer Adam Stolerman and Danny Hakimi were also on target.
There will be key battles all over the park, but the key ones for me are Stolerman against Rhodes, Stock and Danny Berg and Jamie Wolfson and Sam McCarthy.
In the end it could all boil down to how RJC defends. It should be a real cat and mouse affair.
Venue - Brunel, Ref – Gary Silver, KO – 10am
JC star man: Oli Henry (NLR)
DC Prediction: NLR 2 RJC 1
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OAKWOOD A vs LML WHITE
There’s no respite for LML White at the minute, and the signs are that they’ll have it all to do against the mighty Oaks on Sunday.
They lost their first match with David Pollock at the helm against RJC last weekend, with a goal from James Gershfield one of the highlights. They should prepare for another physical contest and I think a 4-5-1 formation could be order of the day as there’s a danger they could be outmuscled in the middle of the park.
With a couple of wins under their belt, it appears there are plenty of green shoots on the horizon for the Oakwood boys. Anthony Kintish and Jonny Quinn were the goal men last Sunday when they knocked Premier Division opposition out of the cup.
"I really hope we've turned a corner after last week's win at Brady,” joint-manager Ric Blank told JC Sport.
“We're disappointed with our start to the season, but one thing we have is character - and it's up to us to display that every week for the rest of the season.
“We play Lions White on Sunday (though Blue seem to think they're playing us) and need to display that concentration and discipline that's seen us keep two clean sheets on the bounce. That's the key for us - building from the back.
“The Lions franchise has had a difficult time in 2013, but looking at the Whites team sheet from last week, they are still full of some excellent players.
“We won't be fooled by the league table and will just get stuck in and do what we need to win the game.”
I think the scoreline could look closer than the match pans out.
JC team news: Oakwood are missing a few, but, according to Blank, “it gives other a chance to step up and perform. Quinny, Guy, Brad and the Rose brothers are all away. Ashy has a suspected hairline fracture of his foot. Suspected by a doctor which means it probably is a hairline fracture”.
Venue - Brunel, Ref – John Nitka
JC star man: Dan Geey (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 2 LML 1
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
12 - Jono Gaon (Blancos)
11 - Jamie Kent (Shirley Park), Mitch Hahn (Woodford)
10 - Harrison Midda (Woodford)
BRIXTON OLD BOYS vs BRADY MACCABI B
Revenge will be on the minds of the Brady bunch on Sunday. They were stunned into submission 5-3 by Scott Smith’s men in September when Ali Aquilina grabbed the headlines.
But it was Alon Hershkorn who turned the tide that day, as Brady simply couldn’t handle his pace or movement, so don’t be surprised if the visitors defend deep this time.
Brixton remain a work in progress under Smith, but with Dean Rosenthal and Sean Ekon firing, they are accumulating wins playing great football.
It’s definitely one to watch.
Venue - Clowes, Ref – Warwick Blake
JC star man: Paul Shamplina (Brixton)
DC Prediction: Brixton 2 Brady 2
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B vs CHIGWELL ATHLETIC
Hendon are bang in trouble, and they know it. The table doesn’t lie, but they still have time to get out of trouble, with nine games remaining. And as we have seen time and again, they are at their most dangerous when you write them off.
With seasoned campaigners such as Chaim Gothold, Martin Smulovitch and Gav Noe in their ranks, Chigwell dare not under-estimate them. For me, the departure of Yishai Last to their A-team has hit them hard, but it’s at the other end of the pitch where they are really struggling.
Chigwell have struggled for consistency as well, but they usually score more than they concede, which if anything gives their season-ticket holders value for money.
Manager Richard Slater blasted his team after the first meeting with Hendon, when they conceded an 88th minute equaliser, and he hopes his defenders adopt a no-nonsense approach this weekend.
Slater told JC Sport: “Hendon have picked up some points recently, and historically all Hendon teams are tough opposition.
“We missing a few this weekend, but welcome back some key players after the Blancos defeat.”
My money is on a narrow Hendon win.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Robert Caplin
JC star man: Dan Castle (Chigwell)
DC Prediction: Hendon 2 Chigwell 3
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LOS BLANCOS vs NORTH WEST NEASDEN
If results go their way, Neasden could finish the weekend top of the table. But first things first, they have to beat Blancos which is easier said than done.
Matchday 12 was a case of the deadly Dans – Orgel and Sherman – as NWN recorded their first win under manager Stirling Kay. Win number four came by way of a 2-1 success over Hendon B and another tight contest is on the cards against an in-form Blancos.
After the game, Kay told me that he is looking to add a quality “attacking player either wide or centre forward” in a bid to ease the goal-scoring burden on the boy Orgel, who is appears can do no wrong at the minute.
Ahead of the trip to Blancos, Kay told JC Sport: “After getting back to winning ways on Sunday, we are very keen to extend this on Sunday. We are still looking for a new forward, but we are awaiting international Clarence on our new signing.
“I think with the conditions liable to be very cold and a very heavy pitch - it will be the team that wants it most that will take the points. I can assure you I have a team of winners and I know my team will be up for this game.
The JC cameras covered the Blancos game sensing a cup upset against Division Two title hopefuls FC Team C last weekend, but ultimately they came away disappointed, much to the delight of manager Jonathan Ison.
Jono Gaon had been the star of the show up to then, but cometh the hour, cometh Adam Hersh – Blancos’ hat-trick hero. More of the same is order of the day, according to Ison.
“This Sunday we hope to continue our run to make it four wins out of four,” Ison told jC Sport.. We are high on confidence at the moment and in Hersh and Jono we have our very own S&S and know they can fire us to a solid position in the league. Having Hersh back feels like a new signing!
Blancos have smashed home 13 goals in their last two games and NWN will need to be on their guard.
JC team news: Blancos remain without several “long-term” injury victory, but are still able to field “a strong squad on Sunday”.
NWN hope to have Michael Field and Jimmy Lee back from injury, but Kane Gilbery is a doubt with a groin injury. Dan Field has been ruled out.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Barry David
JC star man: Adam Hersh (Blancos)
DC Prediction: Blancos 3 NWN 2
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SPEC FC vs SOUTHGATE HARMEN
Bouncebackability is the name of the game for both SPEC FC and Harmen following heavy defeats in cup and league respectively.
SPEC FC were played off the park by MGBSFL table-toppers NLR A. That’s the standard Laurence Conway wants his troops to play and he hopes their latest injury crisis eases sooner rather than later.
Indeed midfielder Ricky Lawrence told me this week that the squad will be ready when Harmen come to town.
"Sunday's game is a big one in the sense that we need to start picking up some points,” Lawrence told JC Sport.
“If it's anything like the first game between us, it will definitely be one for the neutral."
Harmen came off second best against Shirley Park last weekend, with managers Samuel Castle and Joel Alterman devastated they failed to move three points clear at the top of the table.
I managed to catch up with Castle at Harmen’s pre-match press conference and this is what he had to say to JC Sport: “After a disappointing performance last week, we will be looking to bounce back and show our real quality.
“We are still in the running for a top two finish and need to put a run of wins together leading up to the Chanukah break.
“Last time out against SPEC it was a 1-1 draw filled with drama. Hopefully on Sunday we will get all three points and put on a great show for the Harmen faithful who have stuck with us through thick and thin so far.”
With confidence low in the SPEC FC camp, I’m tipping Harmen to pinch the points.
JC team news: SPEC FC were hoping to secure the signing of Marc Cohen in time for him to go straight into the squad against his current club.
Oliver Leslie, Danny Cohen and James Castle are missing this week for Harmen, with skipper Jon Morris and young Ben Henry out injured.
Harmen squad: Harry Fine, Jordan Segal, Ben Kaye, Adam Osper, Brad Fox, James Sandler, Mitch Green, Adam Velleman, Ricky Rinder, Jordan Grant, Ben Weinberg, Lee Greenfield, Sam Castle, Alex Bowman, Ben Adaki, Joel Alterman.
Venue – Ark Academy, Ref – Neal Cohen, KO – 10am
JC star man: Adam Osper(Harmen)
DC Prediction: SPEC FC 1 Harmen 2
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WOODFORD WANDERERS vs SHIRLEY PARK
Shirley’s win over joint-leaders Harmen would certainly have made the Woodford boys sit up and take note.
Sitting pretty at the top of the table, Tony Charles’ boys marched on in the cup last weekend, with Harrison Midda the matchwinner in the easy win at FC Team B.
But it was two defenders who stole the show for Shirley, with two-goal hero Dan Beckwith and recent signing Adam Klein showing their true colours in the stunning 5-2 win over the Southgate boys.
It’s fair to say Woodford’s title credentials will be put to the test in what promises to be a real crackerjack of a football match.
Venue - Fairlop, Ref – David Lazarus
JC star man: Adam Klein (Shirley)
DC Prediction: Woodford 2 Shirley 2
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
15 - Ben Zloof (AC Mill Hill)
12 - Nicky Woolf (Raiders B)
10 - James Joseph (FC Team C), Dan Simmons (Blizzard)
AC MILL HILL vs FC TEAM B
If you’re looking for a home banker this weekend, then look no further. And if you’re feeling really lucky, perhaps stick a couple of shekels on Ben Zloof to go home with another matchball – he’s 5-1 to score a hat-trick at my local bookie.
FC Team B have lost six out of seven and despite the best efforts of David Gordon, they’re already treading water. The finished comfortably second best against first division Woodford last weekend and it’s hard to see the picture getting brighter over the next 90 minutes.
AC Mill Hill, meanwhile, put six past L’Equipe in the same competition. Zloof (3) led the way once more, with Don Nineberg, Jason Shoffman and Mark Truman finishing the job.
But hopes of a money-spinning tie against one of the big boys must be put to one side for a game they should win, as long as they turn up with the right attitude.
Sunday will be a case of feed Ben Zloof and he will score.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Martin Fox
JC star man: Mark Truman (Mill Hill)
DC Prediction: Mill Hill 4 Team 0
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ATHLETIC BILBAUM vs OAKWOOD B
Oakwood B gave a good account of themselves against leader champions Faithfold in the cup last weekend, but manager Ian Tussie is taking nothing for granted ahead of the trip to the Bernebaum.
Josh Marlow scored in a 3-1 defeat, and Tussie is predicting another big test here.
“Yes we play away to Club Athletic de Bilbaum on Sunday,” Blank told JC Sport. “What a club they are. They’ve never been relegated from Division Two since forming in 1929 and are a club that sticks to its tradition of only picking players born in Bilbaum (a small hamlet just outside of Borehamwood).
“Bilbaum's ground is amazing with its steep tiers and raucous atmosphere. I can't wait. I remember visiting once on a family holiday to London in 1991 to see Bilbaum beat Bayern Jewnich B (since gone into liquidation) 2-1 and I'll never forget the crowd when local hero Mordechai Goldbergstein nabbed a late winner. Wow.
“Anyway yes, Sunday, what a big test this will be. We know they will play one way, their shortm passing game - it's their philosophy and I respect it. We have a game-plan which we will look to carry out. The game being on 3G is an issue as it means old our friends 'mud' and 'bath' won't play a part but we will give it our all nonetheless.
Bilbaum bosses Mark Pasha and Ed Greene must’ve been furious after they threw away a 2-0 lead against Blizzard last weekend. Only a consistent run between now and the end of the year will keep their promotion dreams alive.
I can see this being an open and entertaining affair with both sets of fans going home happy.
JC team news: Oakwood are without a number of players, including Ben Buck whose debut is held up due to visa issues (his credit card payment for subs fees was declined), as well as Scouse heart-throbs Eric Lewis and Mark Abrams who are working at a soup kitchen in Liverpool on Sunday morning. However, they hope to welcome back Joey Lazare, Oren Hury and Mike Silverberg, whilst club intern Dan Geller faces a late fitness test.
Venue – Hertswood Centre, Ref – Alex Smith
JC star man: Joey Lazare (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Bilbaum 2 Oakwood 2
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FAITHFOLD B vs LONDON HAROLDEANS
How’s this for sticking my neck on the line? I’m tipping Faithfold B to win their first game of the season this Sunday. There, I’ve said it. They are at home, they’re playing well and it seems the only thing missing is a bit of luck. Watch out Haroldeans!
Dan Yoss sang the praises of club stalwart Rob Shooman after their battling performance against leaders NLR B. Doron Hershkorn was their scorer in a 2-1 defeat.
But with the level of performances improving consistently, it appears that elusive first win is just around the corner.
“We're at full strength for Sunday and raring to go,” Yoss told JC Sport. “I'm challenging new striker Eric Hovelson to score his first goal and for Doron Hershkorn to up his tally after a super-sub appearance last week.
“We're also delighted to have Ben Moss back who made a real difference against Norstar. He’s not only a terrific footballer, but a leader which we were lacking slightly over the first few games.
“Rob and I have put a lot of effort over the past few months, so it’s time for the boys to repay us with a first win on Sunday. We simply can't afford to lose.”
James Abrams has been the star man for London Haroldeans this season and Faithfold will be boosted to hear about his absence.
“Unfortunately, we’re five or six players down due to injuries and pre-planned holidays and a stag party that has ruled out three relatives (one being our captain,” manager Jonathan Abrams told JC Sport.
“Another key absence is James Abrams, who has been our player of the season so far.
“We have a few new faces who will be making their debuts and we are looking to them to inject some energy into the squad.
“We're hoping to continue our winning ways this week, but we will respect the opposition and pay little attention to the league table, which shows them shackled to the bottom with the worst defensive record in the entire MGBSFL.”
So you heard it here first. Faithfold B to win!
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Robert Benardout, KO – 10am
JC star man: Ben Moss (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 3 Haroldeans 2
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FC TEAM C vs NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS B
Both Team and NLR were keeping cards close to their chests ahead of the top of the table meeting.
NLR go into the game three points better off, with both sides having played eight matches. L’Orange moved clear at the top after a battling 2-1 win over Faithfold B, with goals from top-scorer Nicky Woolf and Matt Greene.
With seven wins in eight, Jonathan Adelman’s men put their impressive 100 per cent away record on the line as they get ready to rumble against their title rivals.
Indeed Adelman told me after the first meeting with Team that they were “the best side” NLR have played this season – a contest in which they came from behind three times to earn a point in an eight-goal thriller.
Team were left reeling after the heavy cup defeat at the hands of Los Blancos last Sunday, but managers Mike Myers and Ben Gilbey will remind their troops before kick-off that the league has always been the priority this season.
Both sides have scored an identical numbers of goals, but Raiders have been better defensively.
So if it’s a decision between Chanukah shopping with the missus or an excellent advert for Jewish football on Sunday, I advise you to get down to Mill Hill.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Martin Lavender
JC star man: David Simnock (NLR)
DC Prediction: Team 2 Raiders 3
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B vs BLIZZARD STORM
No doubt RJC will have one eye on what’s going on in Mill Hill, but three points will be the order of the day as they go in search of win number seven in their pursuit of the title.
The east Londoners have responded well since losing to NLR, with four straight victories keeping them in the mix.
Jon Jacobs’ youngsters have been a joy to watch – this was always going to be a big season for them and the biggest factor this season is they have real strength in depth.
Blizzard boss Simon Linden came away a happy man after the thrilling 4-3 win over Bilbaum last weekend.
They showed great character to come from two goals down, with Adam Speck’s late goal proving decisive.
So confidence is high in the Blizzard squad going into the game and it’s clear Linden only wants one thing - three points.
Speaking to Caro, Linden said: “There is no fear - we are going to Essex and only a win will do. It’s a huge match and a victory could be the making of my side. Bring it on!”
It’s one thing talking the talk, Simon, but I believe you and your boys will be brought back down to earth by a quality RJC.
JC team news: RJC welcome back Sam Rank from major nasal reconstruction surgery, Sam Sollosi from England Futsal training and Scott Oldstein from his mid-season break. They also welcome back Darren Brown from compassionate leave in Mexico. RJC are missing Pierce Prince who is on a scouting mission in Leeds, allegedly. Jimmy Castle is still not available following surgery and Dan Wright is a long-term absentee.
Former Neasden treble winner Adam Levene returns to the Blizzard squad after two months out injured.
Venue - Fairlop, Ref – Howard Gould
JC star man: Sam Sollosi (RJC)
DC Prediction: RJC 3 Blizzard 1
More to follow ...
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DIVISION THREE
TOP-SCORERS
19 - Richard Fogelman (L’Equipe)
14 - Dan Gordon (Faithfold C)
DANNY CARO'S DIVISION 3 TEAM OF THE WEEK
BOCA JEWNIORS vs L’EQUIPE
There’s a humdinger in store in Pinner where promotion-chasing L’Equipe take on Boca for the second time this season.
The teams have smoothed over their differences following the first meeting, which L’Equipe edged 4-3, which is great to hear, and visiting fans are preparing to welcome a new face.
Joint-manager Dan Cordell told JC Sport: “We should be able to announce tomorrow - the signing of a proven MSFL Premier League/Division One player.”
Cordell gave an honest assessmen of his team’s heavy defeat in the Anekstein last Sunday. “We’re desperate to get back on the right tracks again. Mill Hill was a real wake-up call as that is the standard we want to play against next year in Division Two.
"We started so slowly and I cannot forgive the boys for that – admittedly Mill Hill were the better team, but against higher opposition we need to make it hard for them and not as easy for someone like Ben Zloof to just waltz through our midfield and defence.
“We know we can beat Boca and we want six points from them this year. We need to bounce back quickly and this is a great chance for us to do so.”
“We are still without a few players, but they are slowly trickling back in – I am back in contention which will mean a lot of shouting on Sunday! I FULLY expect three points this weekend.”
The Boca boys continue to pick up points on a regular basis. They added another one to their tally in a six-goal thriller against Loughton last Sunday, with Dovi Fehler maintaining his purple patch in front of goal. He has given them another dimension this season and is proving to be a really inspired signing. But it was Zalmy Cohen who was their saviour late on last week, much to the frustration of Loughton.
A Boca win would take them level on points with L’Equipe, in a game where goals look guaranteed.
Boca’s Viv Emanuel told JC Sport: “We welcome L'Equipe to the Bannister, and I am hoping it will be a struggle for them, rather than them leaning on us for support!
“In our last game we went down two very early goals from Mr Fogelman, and although we battled well in the second half, we could not get back on level terms.
“This Sunday will be a different affair entirely - we have a strong side out, including a very much missed Adam Kay and Ricky Ziederman at the back. I just hope this week we don’t have any controversial goals and decisions as it ruined what was a good game last time - there were a lot of heated confrontations and I know that L'Equipe also do not want a re-run of some ugly scenes.
“Of the numerous improvements this season, we are scoring a lot more goals. I think we’ve scored three in the last six games – which I think that is more than we scored last season in total - part of which is a very strong Dovi Fehler. He can’t be stopped and is a key player in the squad. It makes such a difference to results when you have a team of attackers who all score goals and when the whole team wants to fight for a result, after being 2-1 up and then 3-2 down we still kept battling and teams really need to watch us in the last 20 minutes of games.
“Jack Shulman is not here this week so I shall be taking up the mantle of manager, you may even see a 10-minute cameo from me! After being out since April, I cant wait to get my boots back on and wear the yellow and blues of Boca Jewniors
“I want to wish this opportunity to wish Sefton Monk (club chairman) a refuah shelemah as he has a stress fracture and has been house bound for the last three weeks!”
The battle between the fella Dovi Fogelman will be worth the admission fee alone.
JC team news: Boca’s Dan Ezra, still injured and unlikely to return before February.
Latest: L'Equipe announced the signing of former player Nick Stern from Brady A on the eve of the game. Dan Cordell told JC Sport: "The wheels were set in motion somewhere over the Atlantic where I saw Nick on a flight back from New York. After returning to the MSFL from a two-year hiatus in NY, he realised that the orange and black of L'Equipe is his true club. Nick universally angers his opponents and team mates alike, but we took the opinion that if you can't beat him sign him!"
Venue – Roger Bannister, Ref – Steve Russell, KO – 10.15am
JC star man: David Prager (L’Equipe)
DC Prediction: Boca 2 L’Equipe 3
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CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI vs TEMPLE FORTUNE
Top plays bottom in Edmonton on Sunday, with Catford fans hoping for a goal bonanza.
22 points from their first nine games is a good return, but manager Lester Jacobs knows they are capable of even better in the second half of the season. Like Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, he would’ve ripped off your right arm if you offered him being top of the table going into Chanukah. Their destiny lies in their hands, which is the main thing.
Tom Prevezer and Eli Baraty fired them to a 2-0 success over Faithfold C last Sunday – their seventh win of the season and they will be going for the jugular from the very first whistle against basement battlers Fortune.
Cats captain Adam Luria told JC Sport: “We're looking forward to the game with another very strong squad available this Sunday. We didn't really do ourselves justice last week, but did enough to get the win.
“Gary Conway and Eli Baraty will be hoping that their good performances as substitutes last week will have been enough to earn them a starting place and, once again, Lester has a very welcome selection quandary.
“Competition for places at Catford is probably the strongest it's been for the best part of a decade and everyone wants to be part of a winning team.
“Temple Fortune will provide a tough physical test and we won't be paying any attention to the league table as there are no easy games in this division. We'll go out there the same as we do every other Sunday and concentrate on playing our own game.”
Scoring goals has been Fortune’s biggest problem this season, but manager Jonathan Cohen hopes the move to bring Michael Goldberg back to the club will pay dividends soon.
Ahead of the game, Cohen told JC Sport: "We have a squad of players who are fully committed to the TFFC cause and, with Michael back in the fold, we are looking at building on encouraging signs to get ourselves out of the mess we find ourselves in. We know that Catford will give us a hard game and won't be doing out any favours."
Cohen admitted his team were “awful” at times in the 3-1 defeat against Hendon C. They were chasing the game after a terrible start and if lightning strikes twice, Catford will punish them big time.
JC team news: For the Cats, Gary Hill is still out while Oli Hitman is also missing, but Jamie Sinai is back. Otherwise, they’re largely unchanged from last week.
Venue – Norseman FC, Ref – Darryl Colmans
JC star man: Tom Prevezer (Catford)
DC Prediction: Catford & Bromley 4 Temple Fortune 0
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FAITHFOLD C vs JEWDINESE
Jewdinese are riding the crest of the wave following their biggest win of the season.
Harry Marks must be pushing for a starting place against Faithfold on Sunday following his super-sub heroics in the 7-1 demolition of King Crown.
Manager Darren Lawrence was beaming from ear to ear after his team produced some sexy football, with the goals going in from every direction.
Brad Dryer grabbed the headlines with his stunning goal of the week, while the deadly Ben Berrick was on the mark again. It was a day when ‘Nese ticked all the boxes, with Jake Erlich, Ashley Lawrence and even Sim Cohen finding the net.
Ahead of the trip to the Lodge, player-chairman Erlich told JC Sport: “We are going into the Faithfold game high on confidence having won four on the bounce and we’re looking to complete our aim which was a 12-point month.
“We know Faithfold have the ability to cause us problems as we saw in our very first game of competitive football where they took a 3-0 lead against us.
“Everyone at the club would love promotion, but to win the league would be even better and we know that is well within our reach. The title is our aim and we hope to boost our chances with a win on Sunday.”
Faithfold gave an improved showing against table-topping Catford last week. Keeper Justin Simons kept them in it, but the team looked more balance and I’m predicting big things from Elliot Bloom who could have a strip or two of Phillip Small’s world-class salt beef hidden away in his boots for a special goal celebration.
Captain Ben Simons told me they gave “a top team a run for their money, playing at a high level and with intensity” but they will need a similar effort to stop a buoyant Jewdinese.
JC team news: Jewdinese’s Jake Erlich is set to miss the game with a back problem.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Mike Cowan
JC star man: Ashley Lawrence (Jewdinese)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 1 Jewdinese 3
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KING CROWN vs HENDON UTD SC C
Hendon will take a strong squad to East Barnet as they attempt to make it three wins on the spin and settle a score over King Crown after the “unsavoury” match between the teams last month.
James Neidle was the star man in the 3-1 win over Temple Fortune last Sunday, with Ben David also on target.
Player-manager Adam Glekin was asked if he plans to dip into the Chanukah transfer window and bolster his squad in the build-up to the game. He told me: “We’ve been approached by several players, but have not taken them on as I'm happy with my squad.” That will be music to the ears of some of the players who may feel they haven’t done themselves justice so far this season.
There was more good news for Hendon fans in the run-up to the trip to Barnet. Glekin said: “I’m delighted to have Gideon Caller back in the squad; he was one of our best players last season and will strengthen us considerably.
“We’ve had some good results in the last couple of weeks, but we need another win on Sunday. There were unsavoury scenes when we played King Crown last month, and I don't think they covered themselves in glory, so I hope we'll have a better game of football this time out.”
Three wins out of 10 is not the start King Crown boss Jacob Kadoch was looking for, but they could make a really big statement against Hendon.
No doubt Kadoch will be looking for a big reaction from his players following the 7-1 mauling at the hands of Jewdinese.
“We are looking to bounce back,” said Kadoch. “Let’s see what the lads can produce after a few disappointing weeks.”
Discipline will be a key factor on Sunday in a game where the first goal is crucial.
JC team news: Alex Elf and Ezra Dulberg return to the Hendon squad to boost the attacking options, which have produced nine goals in two games without them. Gideon Caller also makes his long-awaited return to the squad to leave manager Adam Glekin purring at the options at his disposal.
Venue – Ludgrove Playing Fields, Ref – Quentin Fox, 10am
JC star man: Gideon Caller (Hendon)
DC Prediction: King Crown 1 Hendon C 3
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LOUGHTON ORIENT vs NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS C
NLR C have recovered well since their defeat at Boca. Zack Gothelf’s troops have smashed home 17 goals in four games and their go in search of their fifth consecutive win when they visit E17.
Full-back Dan Tannenbaum produced his best performance in the famous L’Orange shirt in the fabulous 5-0 success at Whetstone last Sunday, with Will Ufland and the ever-reliable Oli Nathan finishing the job.
With leaders Catford to follow next Sunday, maximum points against Loughton would set them up very nicely.
Ahead of the game, Gothelf told JC Sport: “We're missing a few players, but we know that if we play as we've played over the previous few weeks we'll bring home the three points.
“We had a superb result against AC Whetstone and the momentum and confidence around the squad is high.
“We're looking forward to every game and every opposition that puts itself in front of us.”
Loughton failed to record back-to-back wins after conceding late on against Boca last week. Josh Jacobs fired a double in a 3-3 thriller, with Jamie Crawford scoring for the second game on the spin.
Player-manager Dan Curtis is one of three players returning to the squad, with Dan Shafron and Dave Levy giving them a real threat in the final third.
“On top of that,” Curtis told JC Sport, “we have new signings James Law and Josh Jacobs making their second appearances of the season after great debuts last week.
“We know it will be a tough game against a very good Norstar side, but we’re confident at the moment and are beginning to put a run together and show the promise that was evident in pre-season.
“We are at home at Peter May Sports Centre and will be looking to pick up three points to push us up the table and back into a respectable position.”
It’s definitely one to watch.
JC team news: Loughton will be without Barry Green, James Lester, David Blitz, Adam Conway and Marc Silver.
Venue – Peter May, Ref – Neil Cooper
JC star man: Dan Tannenbaum (NLR)
DC Prediction: Loughton 1 NLR 3
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ALSO SEE:
DANNY CARO'S MATCHDAY 12 OSCARS
Player of the Week: Dan Beckwith (Shirley Park)
Manager of the Week: Simon Linden (Blizzard Storm)
Save of the Week: Ben Chernoff (NW Neasden)
Referee of the Week: Andy Myerson (Faithfold A vs Oakwood B)
Goalkeeper of the Week: Guy Ben-Aroya (Catford & Bromley Maccabi)
CELEBRATION OF THE WEEK
Ashley Lawrence (Jewdinese) - after bagging his first of the season, he ran the length of the pitch to celebrate with his son who was unsurprisingly more interested in the climbing frames!
