Matchday Five of the MGBSFL season features some big games, as Faithfold A travel to FC Team and early pace-setters Norstar London Raiders A take on Hendon. Danny Caro looks ahead to all the action.
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CYRIL ANEKSTEIN ROUND TWO DRAW
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CHIGWELL vs WOODFORD MATCH PHOTOS
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND ONE
ATHLETIC BILBAUM vs CAMDEN PARK
Division Two high-flyers Bilbaum will be smelling blood when they welcome Premier Division new boys Camden.
The Baums smashed home nine goals last weekend, with the red-hot Jake Gilbert leading the way with a hat-trick as they put Faithfold B to the sword.
But they will face a challenge of a different kind this weekend as they look to claim a major scalp.
Camden still await their first win in Jewish football this season and they know the Baums will be going for the jugular from the off.
Venue – TBC, Ref – Martin Fox
JC star man: Zak Presky (Bilbaum)
DC Prediction: Bilbaum 2 Camden 3
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PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
5 – Mike Pearson (Faithfold A), Yishai Last (Hendon A), Richard Salmon (FC Team A)
4 - Greg Corin (Hendon A)
3 - Ben Kon (Hendon A), Bobby Cousins (Oakwood A)
FC TEAM A vs FAITHFOLD A
What a match we have in store here as an FC Team side riding on the crest of a wave host last season’s champions.
Team boss Mitch Young was toasting double delight after his boys hit Redbridge for six in the Anekstein and he was rewarded with the JC Manager of the Week award.
Redbridge simply didn’t know what had hit them. Richard Salmon left them bruised and battered after a virtuoso performance up top on a day when Team had a bare 11.
Indeed Young player the no. 10 role to perfection, with Jake Weiner and Simon Peterman providing a rock solid spine.
Setting his sights to the visit of Faithfold, Young told JC Sport: "After last week’s performance we cannot wait to get back on the pitch. We always have great games against Faithfold; we were the only team to beat them last season and we are hoping to do the same against Sunday.
“However they are worthy champions so we know it will be a great test, but we are ready to give them one hell of a game.”
Faithfold were not at their best last weekend as they overcame second division Redbridge B 2-0, thanks to two predatory efforts from record scorer Daryl Phillips.
Manager Zuriel Solomon knows that bigger test lie ahead, starting with Sunday’s Mill Hill derby.
He told JC Sport: “We’re playing Team for the first time this season and I am sure they will be really up for the game.
“We always have a difficult time against them as they are well organised by Mitch and Jon. Their results have been good so nothing will be taken for granted.
“We will have to work and battle hard and make sure we try and play our game.”
The battle between Salmon and Howard will be key. If Team wins the physical battle I can see them claiming another famous win.
JC team news: FC Team welcomes back, Ed Bloom, Oliver Segal, Dan Silverman, Marc Harris, Dave Grossman and Josh Greenham.
Faithfold are without Alex Taylor, James Taylor and Daryl Phillips, but welcome back Sam Reeves and Rocky Spitzer.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Martin Fox
JC star man: Simon Peterman (Team)
DC Prediction: FC Team 2 Faithfold 1
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NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS A vs HENDON UNITED SC A
Both teams will be missing key men in a meeting that has produced goals galore in recent seasons.
Hendon have enjoyed the better of things against Raiders and unlike one or two other teams, they adjust well to the 3G surface.
But as we have seen, the new-look Raiders team have something about them this year. Manager Phil Peters has done well to blend the best players from Norstar and L’Orange and he hopes his winning formula does the trick again on Sunday as they go in search of an unprecedented fifth straight win.
They showed tremendous character to come from behind and beat a good Brady team last Sunday, with David Dinkin and Matt Stock steering them home 2-1. Rob Blackman put in a big shift, with keeper Jake Doffman producing another five-star display that Peters and co have become accustomed to.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Peters told JC Sport: "We’ve had a fantastic start, but Hendon represents our strongest test yet.
"After firing 17 past Boca with only nine players available, it’s scary to think what they might have been capable of with 11!
"It’s just a shame that they showed a complete lack of rachmanus, particularly during chol hamoed, and followed this up with some fairly belittling post-match comments.
"That said, we’ll be aiming to do the same to them on Sunday and you can rest assured that if we have them by the short and curlies, we won’t be letting go!"
Yishai Last was the star man for the Hammers last Sunday. He hit a famous five, with Greg Corin and Ben Kon adding insult to injury for Boca.
Manager David Garbacz has been delighted with the level Avi Korman has been playing at in recent weeks and his team will arrive confident of ending Raiders’ run.
Garbacz told JC Sport: "It is one thing being massively under strength against a lower division side, but another thing altogether against the Premiership league leaders. We are totally decimated this week due to players still being away or injured and we have had to rush through the signings of two 16-year-old’s to make up the numbers neither of whom have I even seen kick a ball!
"After last week inevitably the confidence is up but it is a real shame that we are heavily up against it numbers-wise.
"However, we must be positive and we will have a game plan to combat the strength of Raiders down the flanks whilst looking to feed our boys in form like Greg Corin and Yishai Last further up the field.
"Raiders have made a very eye-catching start and they are clearly a huge threat this year – they have great talent to call upon and they seem to have clicked nicely. However, it is a long old season and whilst they will definitely go into Sunday’s game as strong favourites, we will be looking to at least get something from the game.”
A big crowd is expected for the clash of the titans. Fans are advised to arrive early to avoid disappointment for what will be a open and entertaining affair.
JC team news: Raiders duo Mike Hershman and David Rhodes face late fitness tests ahead of Sunday's game, whilst Adam Joselyn should be back after returning alive and well from Danny Bloom's stag. Oli Henry is injured and misses out whilst Jonny Kay touches down from New York early Sunday morning and is unlikely to make it in time.
The news from the Hendon dressing room is actually worse than last week – unavailable are Russell Corin, Josh Lipman, Danny Kon, Yoav Kestenbaum, Dovid Korman, Alex Rosenthal and Jacob Gold. Garbacz has been forced to raid the Hendon Youth Academy this week and will be handing debuts to two unknown 16 year olds David Ullman and Mordy Weiler.
Venue - Ark Academy, Ref – Barry David, KO - 10.15am
JC star man: Oli Henry (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Raiders 2 Hendon 2
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LONDON MACCABI LIONS WHITE A vs BRADY MACCABI A
It’s derby day at Rowley Lane on Sunday, with bragging rights up for grabs as the Lions go in search of their first win of the season against the Brady bunch.
Eilon Kennet’s return has not gone as planned, but it’s still early days and he’ll have the perfect chance to get the ball rolling on Sunday.
However, news that Oliver Leslie has left the club will hurt Kennet and co. And with several players, including Lee Cash and Michael Kenley jumping ship and moving to the red half of the Lane over the summer, three points would be massive.
Brady are also reeling after letting a 1-0 lead slip against Raiders last weekend. Joint-manager Joel Nathan was pleased with the performance of his young team, with Jake Rinsler and Sam Singer catching the eye once more.
It was a day when several ‘boys’ turned into men, which was much-needed given the absence of Matt Sofier, Josh Gordon and Jonny Ellis.
Ahead of Sunday's crunch clash, Nathan told JC Sport: "It's a local derby, we can’t wait to play it and I know they will be the same.
"The boys will come out all guns blazing as we look to bounce back from last week’s defeat."
There’s plenty at stake for both sets of players, but I’m going with Brady this time.
JC team news: Brady are missing the 'Uni boys' and Alex Hershman, but welcome back Matt Sofier, Marc Lazare and Rob Lerner.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Neil Cooper
JC star man: Jake Rinsler (Brady)
DC Prediction: Lions 1 Brady 2
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
6 - Jamie Kent (Shirley Park)
3 - Dan Pike (SPEC FC), Dave Newman (SPEC FC)
BRIXTON OLD BOYS vs WOODFORD WANDERERS
Both Brixton and Woodford go into this game on the back of excellent results and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top when the teams go head to head on Sunday.
Ali Aquilina became an instant hero after hitting a hat-trick in the shock 5-3 win over Brady B, their first under new boss Scott Smith.
Alon Hershkorn and Guy Berlot also impressed, with David Ronson’s red card the only setback.
The performance and win put a big smile on the face of club chairman Robert Silverman who told JC Sport after the game: “Although our new squad still needs more time to gel, we were are satisfied with our performance, particularly the manner in which we reacted after Brady pulled level.”
It was usual suspect Mitch Hahn who had Woodford fans on the edge of their seats last Sunday as he proved too hot for Chigwell to handle.
Hahn bagged a brace, with Harrison Midda putting the icing on the cake as the Woodford boys played and looked like a team. There were also outstanding performances from the likes of Paul Shone, Adam Poole and Darren Hahn, while player-manager Tony Charles put in a tidy shift.
The battle between Aquilina and Hahn will certainly be one to watch.
Venue - Clowes, Ref – John Feenstra
JC star man: Ali Aquilina (Brixton)
DC Prediction: Brixton 3 Woodford 2
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CHIGWELL ATHLETIC vs HENDON UTD SC B
Bouncebackability is the name of the game for Chigwell, with manager Richard Slater considering big changes following the heavy derby defeat against Woodford.
The Chigs looked a pale shadow of the team who romped to victory 8-3 the previous week and Slater will demand that his players stand up and be counted when Hendon come to town.
Slater told JC Sport: “The performance can’t get any worse than last weekend, so with a fair few changes ahead of Hendon it can only get better.”
Hendon needed three late goals to overcame Faithfold C in the cup. In the end strikes from Daniel Garfinkel, Martin Smulovich,, Gav Noe and joint-player-manager Chaim Gothold got them out of jail.
With matches against Neasden and Woodford to follow, the Reds have a real chance to put some points on the board, starting on Sunday.
Gothold told JC Sport: “We have a slightly depleted squad, but are hoping for our first league win of the season.”
The first 20 minutes will be crucial in a game I’m predicting goals in.
Venue – Peter May, Ref – Andy Myerson
JC star man: Dan Castle (Chigwell)
DC Prediction: Chigwell 3 Hendon 2
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NORTH WEST NEASDEN vs SOUTHGATE HARMEN
Harmen fans are looking forward to getting their first glimpse of record new signing Oliver Leslie who joined the club this week from London Maccabi Lions.
Managers Joel Alterman and Samuel Castle dug deep into the club coffers to complete the move and the versatile Leslie has been drafted straight into the squad looking to get back on track following last week’s heavy defeat against Shirley Park.
Marc Cohen’s second goal of the season was the only highlight of a game they were second best in and Castle sounded in confident mood ahead of the trip to Neasden.
He told JC Sport: “After a disappointing performance in the cup, bouncing back is the name of the game against Neasden. After a way below-par display, the Harmen boys will be looking to put in a good shift for managers.
“The league is our priority and the boys will be putting in a big shift. Debuts will be given to ex Macciabiah boys Oliver Leslie and Danny Cohen. Our in house agent Jordan Segal has been working overtime to get these two signed up.
“Oliver is a brilliant ball player in the middle of the park and would not look out of place in any team in the Prem. He is a true pleasure to manage and watch. Danny Cohen is a flying winger and reminds the Harmen faithful of a young Aaron Lennon. Exciting times at Harmen, that’s for sure.”
After a week off, the NWN lads are chomping at the bit to play again. A NWN spokesman told JC Sport: “Confidence is high and we have a squad of up to 19 available for the weekend, with the only noticeable absentee continuing to be Steven Murad.
Andrew Goldman’s men are unbeaten in three, but he knows that questions will be asked on Sunday. Goldman told JC Sport: “We have a tough game ahead this weekend against a team, who base themselves on a solid foundation and not conceding goals.
“We have a young, passionate and committed squad, improving each week as they get used to playing with one and other. Our attitude has been spot on and were hoping for another confident display this weekend. We are all really looking forward to it.”
There will be some big battles all over the park, with Leslie and Jon Morris having their hands full with Dan Orgel, and, for me, it will all boil down to who wins the individual and collective battles.
JC team news: Harmen are missing Suspended James Sandler. Jordan Grant and Ben Kaye are on the medical table still, while Adam Osper is away.
NWN are boosted by the return of Shai Davidi and Josh Tiano who missed the victory over Woodford.
Harmen squad for Sunday: J Castle, A Velleman, B Fox, J Morris, M Green, J Segal, O Leslie, B Weinberg, B Cohen, M Cohen, D Cohen, L Greenfield, R Rinder, S Castle, J Alterman, A Simon, B Adaki
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Neal Cohen
JC star man: Josh Tiano (NWN)
DC Prediction: Neasden 2 Harmen 1
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SHIRLEY PARK vs SPEC FC
Shirley’s 4-1 cup win over Harmen was a big statement of intent. They managed to tame a well-drilled team who had started the season well and restrict them to one goal.
Going forward Shirley are as good as they come, with players such as Jamie Kent, Saul Conway, Gideon Gold and Stefan Benfredj always posing a threat, but I was particularly impressed with the way they defended. Clearly keeper Rob Abrahams has added something, while the commanding presence of Ilan Shaki means they will be there or thereabouts come the end of the season.
The Shirley boys will be keen to impress against SPEC this weekend. Manager Dave Lusman told JC Sport: “It’s a big game for Park. We’re well aware of the potential threat SPEC FC poses as a team, but come Sunday we be hope to finish the day top the table.
“We’re in good form and are slowly getting to were we want to be as a team. We’re looking sharper as the season progresses.”
Like Shirley, SPEC FC have come a long way in a short space of time. Dan Pike and Dave Newman have started the season like a house on fire and Laurence Conway’s men are confident they can rise to the occasion against a Shirley team that scores for fun.
SPEC FC’s Ricky Lawrence told JC Sport: “Judging from last weekend’s results we know this is going to be a very tough fixture. We know we have the ability we just have to show it when it counts.”
I can see this game being decided by small details and can see one unbeaten record going up in smoke.
JC team news: Having just come back from his stag in Vegas, SPEC FC’s James Segal is a doubt due to being "physically, emotionally and mentally drained”.
Venue – Norseman FC, Ref – Steve Levy
JC star man: Gideon Gold (Shirley)
DC Prediction: Shirley 2 SPEC 1
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
6 - James Joseph (FC Team C), Ben Zloof (AC Mill Hill)
3 - Dan Simmons (Blizzard)
BLIZZARD STORM vs FC TEAM B
FC Team B hope to get back on track when they visit Blizzard in Borehamwood.
David Gordon’s men ultimately finished well beaten against Oakwood B and the manager will be looking for a reaction here.
He told JC Sport: “Last weekend was disappointing and we know we can play much better than that. Unfortunately we were missing seven first team players, all of whom are key to our side, but this weekend we only have five unavailable players so we are getting there, albeit slowly.
“We are a lot better than our results have shown. We need a win to get our season up and running and let’s hope it is this weekend.”
No doubt Gordon will have had a word or two at training with C-team managers Michael Myers and Ben Gilbey who masterminded a 5-2 win over Blizzard.
Dan Simmons continued his excellent start to the season, with the performance of keeper Oli Simons the only other positive to take away from the game for the Blizzard boys.
I can see Matt Davis being the busier keeper as Blizzard get their season back on track.
JC team news: FC Team are without the injured Mitch Lassman, Emile Ben-Atar, Eddie Sternberg and Adam Savitz, along with Dan Alfreds, but Matt Davis and Dan Lederman return. They welcome new signing: Adam Lenz from AC Mill Hill.
Venue - Hertswood, Ref – Laurie Benson
JC star man: Matt Davis (Team)
DC Prediction: Blizzard 3 FC Team B 1
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FC TEAM C vs FAITHFOLD B
I can only see Sunday’s meeting between FC Team C and Faithfold B going one way.
FC Team fired on all cylinders against Blizzard last weekend with summer signing James Joseph doing the business once more. Andrew Hurwitz and Rob Sanford were equally impress for a side that is on top of their game after three wins on the spin.
They look home bankers to me, against a Faithfold team low on confidence. Dan Yoss’ boys were thrashed 9-0 by Mill Hill last weekend and damage limitation could be the name of the game on Sunday.
Yoss told JC Sport: “After last week’s disappointment, we're hoping to put in a competitive performance. I know how good FC Team C are ...and perhaps may even become FC Team B next year. It won't be easy on Sunday.”
Faithfold B are 20-1 to win. My money is firmly on a home win.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Rob Benardout
JC star man: Andrew Hurwitz (Team)
DC Prediction: FC Team C 6 Faithfold 0
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OAKWOOD B vs LONDON HAROLDEANS
“This is our derby.” Those were the words of Ian Tussie who was in reflective mood at his midweek press conference ahead of the crunch clash with Haroldeans.
Dan Rose and Marc Hymanson were among the scorers as they eased home 3-0 against FC Team last weekend, with Dave Cohen also impressing.
With FC Team C setting off at a rate of knots, Tussie knows that his boys must start stringing results together to ensure they keep up with the chasing pack.
He told JC Sport: “So we're playing London Haroldeans at the weekend - a team made up largely of ex-pats from the north ...what a pathetic idea, it'll never catch on.
“This is our derby. This is Dundee vs Dundee United. This is Rosenborg vs Molde. This is Porto vs Boavista. This is Spartak vs Zenit. This is Valencia vs Levante. This is Dynamo Kyiv vs Shakhtar. This is Banfield vs Lanus. This is South Manchester vs Manchester Ma***bi.
“Collectively we know a few of the players at Haroldeans, in particular J* (James Abrams), the scorer of the biggest goal in the history of Oakwood (the winner in the semi-final of the James Morrison 2012). I was devastated when J* left the club, I'd just bought the new Oakwood away kit with J Abrams 10 on the back - I pleaded with the club not to let him leave.
“Despite the off-field friendliness, there are some issues we have with Haroldeans as I know 4-1 that they did 'tap up' a number of my players in the summer which I was furious about. I'm more annoyed however that they didn't approach Dave Esptein. I even sent them his number (mobile and landline) and his email address, but they didn't seem bothered by him and were particularly scathing about him to me.
“Sunday we have a big squad to pick from and the competition for places is starting to hot up. That gives me all sorts of problems in deciding who to pick, but it's a nice problem to have.”
London Haroldeans boss Jonathan Abrams knows that Sunday would be the perfect time to claim their first win. Defeats against Mill Hill and Bilbaum will soon be forgotten about if his men can do the business against their ‘local’ rivals.
“This weekend’s game against Oakwood will be interesting,” a determined sounding Abrams told JC Sport. “The teams know each other well as there's a strong Liverpool/northern connection in both.
“After two defeats in our opening two league games, we’re coming into the game as underdogs. I’m hopeful though that we can break our duck and grind out a result, and that we can find our rhythm. The lads are definitely up for it!”
You'd be foolish to miss it!
Venue - Brunel, Ref – John Nitka
JC star man: Dave Cohen (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 3 Haroldeans 1
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B vs NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS B
I was blown away by the quality of Jon Jacobs’ RJC team last weekend.
Few gave them a chance of knocking the Maccabi League champions out of the Anekstein but they gave an excellent account of themselves.
Nathan Sollosi and Richard Gold were singled out for praise from Jacobs, with Darren Brown not far behind.
Ahead of the game, Jacobs told JC Sport: “We have nothing to fear , only ourselves …”
But they face a challenge of a different kind this weekend in the shape of an unbeaten Raiders team.
Jonathan Adelman’s team is blessed with some top-notch performers who have hit the ground running. Adam Posner has shown his Premier Division class early doors, with Gilad Kestenbaum, Andrew McMaster and Nicky Woolf on top of their game.
This will be a football match of the highest quality. Take my word for it.
JC team news: RJC welcome back Pierce Prince following his secret driving mission and Dan Wright following his biltong bug, plus Matt Niman if he can remember what time the game is! Brad Grant is away so Matt Kemp keeps his place between the sticks . Ben Binder is away too.
Venue - Fairlop, Ref – Adam Lewis
JC star man: Richard Gold (RJC)
DC Prediction: Redbridge 2 Raiders 2
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DIVISION THREE
TOP-SCORERS
7 – Richard Fogelman (L’Equipe)
5 - Dan Gordon (Faithfold C)
4 – Steven Black (L’Equipe), Ben Berrick (Jewdinese)
AC WHETSTONE vs CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI
The all-conquering Cats welcome back some key men for the trip to Whetstone for a game their fans expect them to win comfortably.
A Jamie Sinai double edged them home against Hendon on a day when they restricted the free-scoring Alex Elf to one goal. Reuben John and Steve Keller received praise from Catford boss Lester Jacobs after the game but he will be looking for another big performance this weekend.
Looking ahead to the game, Cats captain Adam Luria told JC Sport: “After a battling performance last week, we welcome back Jeff Gotch, Gary Hill, Joel Isaacs and Darren Hill.
“It’s a mark of our strength in depth that we were able to win without four important players, but the 11 on Sunday dug in and we got the three points.
“This week will be a different test as AC Whetstone look like they’re already taking to life in men’s football. They’re a good side and sooner or later they’re going to start picking up points.
“We just need to make sure we’re on top of our game and concentrate on playing our own to make sure we have the best chance of winning.”
Whetstone produced another solid performance, but they were unable to hold on for a point against Temple Fortune last weekend. A penalty sealed their fate in a contest they finished with 10 men.
Manager Clive Nathan is confident that his boys can turn the corner and it’s important they start this game well.
Complacency won’t be an issue for a Catford team gunning for their fourth win on the spin.
JC team news: Adam Luria, Dave Powell and Ryan Kangisser are away for Catford, but Lester Jacobs has a good squad to choose from.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Adam Yuchetel
JC star man: Darren Hill (Catford)
DC Prediction: Whetstone 0 Catford 3
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HENDON UTD SC C vs FAITHFOLD C
Hendon welcome David Elf back into the fold for Sunday's visit of Faithfold C as they attempt to kickstart their stuttering start to the season.
One point from the opening three games is not the start new boss Adam Glekin had hoped for, but they have shown enough in those three games to suggest a strong run is not far off.
Glekin told JC Sport: “I won't be satisfied with anything less than the three points on Sunday. We've got a strong squad to choose from, and we’re beginning to gel as a team.
“David Elf's return will make us stronger, as long as he remembers which form of football he’s playing after his time in the States."
Faithfold gave an excellent account of themselves for 80-odd minutes in the cup against first division Hendon B last weekend. Dan Gordon scored again and Josh Barnett played another blinder, but they fell just short in the end.
It’s all about the league now as David Garson’s men try to build on the recent win over Boca.
Faithfold ran themselves into the ground last weekend and Garson hopes they kept something in reserve.
JC team news: Ezra Dulberg looks set to miss out after he picked up a knock in last week’s defeat to Catford and Bromley, but he is likely to be the only absentee for Hendon.
Faithfold welcome back five players who missed cup game last week - Lewis Maleh, Nic Viola and Nick Roman and James Stanton, while Ben ‘Boris’ Simons will have a late fitness test.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Henry Raffe
JC star man: David Elf (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon 3 Faithfold 2
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JEWDINESE vs L’EQUIPE
Match of the day in Division Three sees promotion rivals Jewdinese and L’Equipe go head to head.
L’Equipe boss Dan Cordell has labelled it a “must-win” and visiting fans will turn up in their droves for what should be an end to end encounter.
“This is only our fourth league match of the season, but it’s already a crunch game and a must-win for us if we are to stay in touch with Catford.
“Last time we played Jewdinese we had an under strength side - we have a decent squad this weekend with a few regulars out injured - Richard Mail and David Prager are big losses, but needs must.
“I am sure Jewdinese will want to right the wrongs of their cup hammering but we expect experience to prevail over youth in this one
“Richard Fogelman is back chomping at the bit after a two-week rest to recover from a groin problem and I can see him getting a hatful this weekend. We are still without a keeper so I may be donning the gloves again.”
Jewdinese endured a tough 90 minutes against Premier Division opposition last weekend, but they are of the belief that the cup was just a bonus match.
Jake Erlich told JC Sport: “After a hard defeat this weekend in the cup, the players we are now ready to face L'Equipe.”
Co-chairman Zac Brin added: “When setting up the team, Jake, Darren and I all agreed that promotion was the aim so a loss in the cup has not really affected our ambition.”
“We still feel that we can get a result against L'Equipe.”
Jewdinese manager Darren Lawrence felt his team deserved more than a point in the previous meeting and he’s confident his back four, which includes Sim Cohen, can handle the threat of Fogelman and Steven Black.
Lawrence told JC Sport: “We feel confident that we know how they will play and we know they have the ability to cause us problems, although we are all raring to get the three points. We are looking forward to a close game against a strong opposition.”
I can see this being a game of cat and mouse, but if Jewdinese let Fogelman out of their sight, L’Equipe will get the cream.
JC team news: Jewdinese will give late fitness tests to Ben Berrick and Harry Marks.
Venue – Morris Playing Fields, Ref – Rob Caplin
JC star man: Dan Cordell (L’Equipe)
DC Prediction: Jewdinese 1 L’Equipe 2
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NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS C vs BOCA JEWNIORS
“The less said about Sunday the better!” Those were the words of Boca joint-manager Viv Emanuel after the brutal battering at the hands of Hendon.
Kane Alexander fired a consolation for the Boca boys on a day when keeper Ryan Monk did overtime. I just hope his back recovers in time for the Norstar game!
Indeed Emanuel believes lessons can be learnt from the Hendon game. He told JC Sport: "Hendon are a superb team and showed us what can be achieved if we stick together - here-s hoping Boca are that good in seven years!
"Sunday’s game is the big Borehamwood FC derby! We train with Norstar C so know they have a squad to be reckoned with, but with only two points in the bag, we are hoping to take advantage of their lack of goals.
"We have a good strong squad to choose from on Sunday and want to battle hard for each and every ball. We need to make sure their star man Oliver Nathan is marked out the game.
"We also have two former founding Boca players who have moved to Norstar this season. Alex Sherr and Jamie are are players we know very well but I do feel that we have the players to make sure they don’t see much of the ball at all. Last week’s scorer Kane Alexander is raring to go.
"Jacob Emanuel and Chandler Monk are now back at uni and I am very much still injured, maybe a sneaky return in 2013 may be possible, I am yet to play since April. Apart from that we have a full squad to choose from.
"Our manager Jack is looking for a win off the back of last week result and I know we can do it."
As Emanuel says, Raiders are still searching for their first win of the season. Oli Nathan has excelled in their first couple of games and chipped in with a couple of cracking strikes.
No doubt Zack Gothelf will start to feel the pressure if Raiders come away empty-handed but his team is starting to play with confidence and I’m confident the results will come, starting this Sunday.
Venue – Ark Academy, Ref – Martin De La Fuente
JC star man: Oli Nathan (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Raiders 3 Boca 1
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TEMPLE FORTUNE vs LOUGHTON ORIENT
“We need to get our season up and running.” That was the view coming from the Loughton camp this week, with manager Dan Curtis calling for one or two of his experience players to start producing at training this week.
It’s been a pretty low-key start to the campaign for the east Londoners and I can see an experienced Fortune team pushing them all the way in what could be a real war of attrition.
Bottom of the pile after two games, Curtis believes it’s time his players roll up their sleeves and put in a real shift. On a big team effort will be enough to see them home on Sunday.
Curtis told JC Sport: “We need to get our season up and running after a disappointing start to the season.
“We know it will be a tough game against Temple Fortune and we will have to battle hard for the three points.”
Fortune got off the mark last weekend, with a penalty from Dave Sawyer enough to give them maximum points against AC Whetstone.
Manager Jonathan Cohen believes the future looks bright for his revamped team and they will be looking to extend their unbeaten run when Redbridge make the long journey to Pinner.
Tony Hirschstein excelled in goal last Sunday, a performance rewarded with a place in my Team of the Week, while Stan Segal was sensational in his first game for the club.
Ahead of Sunday’s game, Cohen told JC Sport: “We hope to score a few more goals and be a bit more creative in the final third than we have been, as the team is showing signs of gelling.
“I am hoping also for another superb performance at the back after a clean sheet and expect the same level of commitment that we have seen so far.”
Consistency has been a major issue for Loughton, but they are capable of asking questions of the Fortune defence. However, when push comes to shove, I can see Fortune taking the points, as long as they concentrate for 90 minutes.
JC team news: There will be a few changes to the Fortune squad this week, most notably they have Nicky Stone back this weekend and he will be looking to make an impression against his former team. TFFC also have the Leader boys - Matt and Mark - back for selection this weekend.
Loughton’s Dean Silver will have a late fitness test on his ankle, while Perry Kissin is unavailable.
Venue – Roger Bannister Sports Centre, Ref – Steve Russell
JC star man: Terry Jeffries (Fortune)
DC Prediction: Fortune 2 Loughton 1
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DANNY CARO'S MATCHDAY 4 OSCARS
PLAYER OF THE WEEK - YISHAI LAST
MANAGER OF THE WEEK - MITCH YOUNG (FC TEAM A)
GOAL OF THE WEEK - MARC HYAMSON (OAKWOOD B)
QUOTE OF THE WEEK - JON JACOBS (REDBRIDGE JC B)
JC SAVE OF THE WEEK
Sam Singer (Brady A) - great fingertip save that only him and the ref saw...but stopped a certain goal
JC REFEREE OF THE WEEK
Adam Lewis (Redbridge JC A vs FC Team A)
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