There are four more ties scheduled in the second round of the Cyril Anekstein Cup plus action in all four divisions on Matchday 9 of the MGBSFL. Danny Caro looks ahead to all the action.
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PHOTOGALLERY: LM LIONS WHITE vs FC TEAM C
PHOTOGALLERY: LM LIONS BLUE vs BRIXTON OLD BOYS
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: BRADY B vs CAMDEN PARK
PHOTOGALLERY: BRADY B vs CAMDEN PARK
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND TWO
FC TEAM A vs LONDON HAROLDEANS
FC Team boss Mitch Young is eyeing a cup double after his team progressed in the London FA Sunday Intermediate Cup last weekend.
Adam Rones was the star man in the 3-1 win over St Pauls Celtic in a game where Richard Salmon, Simon Peterman and Dec Selbo saw them home.
With three defeats already in the league, the cup competitions appear their most realistic hope in terms of silverware this season.
Young told JC Sport: “After a big cup win last week, we are looking for another win this week. I see the cups as a big chance for us to win some silverware and we are treating them very seriously.
“I don't know much about our opponents - they seem to be of northern origin and so are likely to be physical and hard to beat.
“We will do our best to get an early goal and take it from there and, as always, being the favourites we will need to focus and go about our business in the right manner."
If you look carefully at both side’s league record, you will see there is very little to separate them, but I can see Haroldeans having a bit of a culture shock against an FC Team side who have some really big-hitters.
Man for man, FC Team should win this hands down.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Keith Goodman (Games 2, Yellows 0, Reds 0)
JC star man: Dec Selbo (Team)
DC Prediction: Team 4 Haroldeans 1
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FC TEAM B vs WOODFORD WANDERERS
Division One table-toppers Woodford are going great guns at the minute and they will fancy their chances against FC Team B on Sunday.
Tony Charles has done an excellent job in just a few months at the helm at Woodford. It appears he has galvanised them and given his players a sense of belief.
Mitch Hahn, Darren Hahn, James Ryan, Jerome Marks and Harrison Midda are playing to a consistently high level, while the best of the rest have raised their game. They are definitely a side going places this season.
A confident Woodford is probably the last thing FC Team B want to play right now. But manager David Gordon is keen to put a positive spin on it and believes his boys have nothing to lose. "There is no pressure on us this Sunday but I expect us to give a good performance and account of ourselves," he told JC Sport.
"We’ve got a few more bodies back and hopefully we can just enjoy the game and start to have fun playing football again."
My fear is that Team have been leaking goals left, right and centre and I think the gulf in class will be evident from the off.
JC team news: FC Team are missing long-term injury victims Emile Ben Atar, Eddie Sternberg, Mitch Lassman and Adam Newsome, along with record signing Matt Davis, who is expected to return soon. James Milman and Stuart Haring are both unavailable, while Paul Savitz and Jon Franks return. Adam Savitz is scheduled to make his debut.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Gary Silver (Games 2, Yellows 5, Reds 0)
JC star man: James Ryan (Woodford)
DC Prediction: Team 1 Woodford 5
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A vs SHIRLEY PARK
Goals are guaranteed on Sunday in a game held over from last weekend’s deluge. The Hendon boys have been trying to find a way to keep themselves entertained and I just hope they didn’t suffer any injuries at training this week trying to do a Kasami!
Here’s what manager David Garbacz told JC Sport. “We have been incredibly frustrated to have been left kicking nothing other than our heels in the last two weeks and already in October, this has put us under big pressure to fulfil the fixtures.
“It has also cost us lost momentum at a time when we were building lots of it as well as confidence. However, as long as the weather holds this week I am sure we will be able to pick up where we left off.
“Everything I said last week applies to this as well – we will have to show our opposition respect and we realise that old boy Saul Conway, especially, will be keen to impress – but with Yoav Lebens about to make his long-awaited debut and an otherwise full strength squad to choose from, we would expect to overcome a tough Shirley Park team and progress into the next round.
Shirley team’s of old would’ve headed to the pub as soon as news filtered in that last week’s game was postponed. But with Conway now leading the ship with Dave Lusman, they worked extra hard at training and are determined to make themselves harder to get behind. They will need to be well-drilled on Sunday against a Hendon team that loves to play between the lines.
Hendon are blessed with pace and power from front to back. They are aware of Shirley’s threats, of which there are many, but I just can’t see them slipping up on their own patch in a game that could be first on MOTD2!
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Andy Myerson (Games 4, Yellows 5, Reds 0)
JC star man: Jacob Gold (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon 4 Shirley 2
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OAKWOOD A vs TEMPLE FORTUNE
The Oakwood boys must be feeling a little like caged tigers right now. Three consecutive defeats has set them back a little, but I expect them to notch up a big score against third division Temple Fortune on Sunday.
Josh Bentley and Anthony Kintish were on target in last week’s 4-2 defeat against Faithfold whose manager Zuriel Solomon told me he feels it’s “only a matter of time until they click into gear”. That will start against Fortune. Mark my words.
Ahead of the tie, Oaks joint-manager Ric Blank told JC Sport: “Though we’d rather get back to league action this Sunday, we won't be taking our cup opponents lightly.
“Every time a team plays a Premier side they're looking to make headlines. We were no different and Fortune will be the same.
“We will pick a strong side and look to get the job done. I will be making changes across the squads to give people as much playing time as possible - but not at the expense of a cup run. My record in the CA Cup is atrocious. I hope to improve it this year.”
Fortune boss Jonathan Cohen is preparing his men for what will be a tough 90 minutes. If the wind doesn’t blow them away, Oakwood will!
Cohen told JC Sport: “It will be a tough game for us and we are under no illusions and know that everyone will expect us to lose the match.
“I always hope for the win, but this week I will be looking for a competitive spirit and fighting attitude from my players for 90 minutes and any shock result will take care of itself.”
We can all dream. That’s the beautiful thing about football. But if Oakwood don’t book their place in the next round, I’ll take the Fortune boys out for dinner.
Venue - Brunel, Ref – Stuart Ansher (Games 2, Yellows 2, Reds 0)
JC star man: Josh Bentley (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 6 Fortune 0
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PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
9 - Mike Pearson (Faithfold A)
6 - Richard Salmon (FC Team A), Johnny Haik (Faithfold A)
REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A vs BRADY MACCABI A
Joel Nathan predicts a “big battle” on Sunday when his Brady bunch travels to Redbridge, with three points up for grabs.
The Brady boots filled their boots in the cup last weekend, with Jonny Ellis catching the eye against his former club in a 6-1 victory. But they will find things much tougher at Fairlop.
Ahead of kick-off, Nathan told JC Sport: “It’s back to league on Sunday and we again have a very hard task against an improving Redbridge side.
“Sam is trying to mould a new team and that will take time like we found out last season, but we know we are going to be in for a big battle on Sunday.
“The boys did well last week and won in a very professional manner against a team from a lower division, but they know they will have to step up their game big time on Sunday.
“Fairlop is a big open space and I hope the conditions allow for a great game of football which I know both sides can produce.”
Redbridge go into the game nice and fresh. The chances are that Sam Rosenthal doesn’t know his strongest team giving the resources he has at his disposal. In the league we may not see the best of them until next season.
However, over the course of the next 90 minutes the chances are that he will learn much more about his group who dare not come away from this game with anything less than a point.
JC team news: Brady welcome back Michael Kenley, Sam Monjack and Brad Sharp, who were all missing last week, but have injury concerns over Matt Sofier and Jonathan Green.
Venue - Fairlop, Ref – Laurie Benson (Games 7, Yellows 18, Reds 0)
JC star man: Josh Hershman (Brady)
DC Prediction: Redbridge 1 Brady 2
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CAMDEN PARK vs LONDON MACCABI LIONS BLUE
It’s hard to call a favourite going into Sunday’s clash between Camden and the Lions Blue.
Camden are finally up and running after a 5-2 win over Brady B in the cup – a game many predicted them to lose (I wasn’t one of them!).
It was a job well done in the end, with Rob Hershkorn, Dan Baneth, David Kanzen, Simon French and Josh Toff finding the net.
Now manager Josh Marks has the bit between his teeth. He told JC Sport; "I have to say even though we’ve had some hard times in recent weeks, Camden Park love the Prem. We really love the Prem, but we actually love playing Lions even more. Playing Lions in the Prem ... brilliant.
"We start the mind games now in the preview and then continue our match preparation in to Drury club on Saturday night.
"For some reason Lions have had the better of us head-to-head in the last two years. But it’s still left them looking up at us on both occasions."
Lions Blue did what Lions White failed to – stay in the Anekstein. Jamie Kyte’s men were flying the flag after a 6-0 demolition of first division Brixton. Two-goal hero Will Beresford was the star performer in a good performance from front to back.
Goals had been something of an issue for the Lions until last weekend, but they won’t get many early Chanukah gifts against a Camden team who will go in search of their first league win.
This should be a good one for the neutrals.
Venue – White City Tigers Turf, Ref – Richard Jaye Games 2, Yellows 2, Reds 0)
JC star man: Simon French (Camden)
DC Prediction: Camden 2 Lions 2
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LONDON MACCABI LIONS WHITE vs FAITHFOLD A
Without wanting to rub salt into some already gaping wounds, Lions White remind me a little of the Titanic right now – they’ve hit an iceberg and the signs are that things may get worse before they get any better.
Manager Eilon Kennet was proud of the effort levels of his players in the cup match against FC Team C of Division Two. They arrived with 10 men, including an injured Ricky Kennet in goal, and finished with eight. Oh, and the scoreline finished 6-1 to FC Team after extra-time.
These are indeed very tough times for the Lions, but the presence of Jonny Meltzer will certainly help keep spirits high in the changing room. In all seriousness, Kennet has some experienced campaigners at his disposal – Pete Lazard, Aviel Schwarz and Lee Bibring gave absolutely everything last Sunday, but it wasn’t enough.
They can expect few favours from a Faithfold team who lifted the double in May. The Superhoops have also endured some tough times in recent years, but they have turned things around and returned to the top-notch outfit they are famous for.
It’s clear manager Zuriel Solomon is taking nothing for granted. He told JC Sport: “Whenever we play Lions we are not sure what team we will be playing against.
“They have not had results that they would have wanted, but this is certainly a game we are not taking lightly.
“We always have tough games against Lions and I am sure they will call on a few reserves to come in. We have started to find our feet and have been playing some decent stuff, but will have to be on our game to come away with the right result.”
JC team news: Faithfold are missing the injured Alex Kaye and Alex Taylor, along with Dan Barak and Oren Edry.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – John Nitka (Games 6, Yellows 2, Reds 0)
JC star man: Benji Dymant (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Lions 1 Faithfold 2
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
10 - Jamie Kent (Shirley Park)
8 - Mitch Hahn (Woodford)
7 - Harrison Midda (Woodford)
CHIGWELL ATHLETIC vs SPEC FC
James Jaconelli was the name on the lips of virtually every Chigwell fan I spoke to after the 10-2 cup demolition of the Cats last weekend.
Rumour has it Italy boss Cesare Prandelli has instructed his scouts to check out the Chigwell star and I have a feeling they might like what they see on Sunday.
Chigs overcame an early scare to see off third division Catford in the cup and manager Richard Slater is confident they can continue their good run of form.
He told JC Sport: “After winning our last two we’re now unbeaten in four, it's really important we carry on this good run of form and results.
“SPEC are a decent side, but we're still kicking ourselves for letting a 2-0 lead slip a few weeks ago. Hopefully we will have quite a few players back this weekend and have our strongest squad in some time, so I'm hopeful we can get the three points.”
SPEC were pushed all the way by third division Whetstone in the cup last week. In the end it needed a goal from the ever-reliable Dan Pike to send them through.
Laurence Conway’s boys know that Walthamstow is a tough place to go and they need to hit the ground running on Sunday.
“With injuries galore, it's going to once again be a very tough game against a decent side,” SPEC’s Ricky Lawrence told JC Sport.
“However with James Segal set to return to the squad, the Chigwell defence will have their work cut out.”
I think this game will come down to small details.
Venue – Peter May, Ref – Steve Russell (Games 7, Yellows 8, Reds 0)
JC star man: James Jaconelli (Chigwell)
DC Prediction: Chigwell 2 SPEC 1
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B vs BRADY MACCABI B
Brady boss Josh Dagul hasn’t lost any sleep over last week’s heavy cup defeat against Camden.
It’s all about the league for Dagul and co on Sunday as they go in search of their fifth win in six games. And I have to say the signs look good.
Winton and Mogilner were Brady’s goal-scorers when the teams met last month and they are fancied to complete an early season double.
Hendon B were bounced out of the cup by lower league opposition last Sunday.
Positives have been few and far between for the Hornets and I can’t see things getting any easier here.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Henry Raffe (Games 4, Yellows 4, Reds 0)
JC star man: Benjy Hildebrand (Brady)
DC Prediction: Hendon 1 Brady 4
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LOS BLANCOS vs SOUTHGATE HARMEN
There was a big cheer in the Blancos camp this week when Jonathan Ison announced the immortal words: “We finally have 14 players available for the first time this season.”
Man of the match Jono Gaon and Jeff Gross were their goal-scoring heroes in the vital win over Raiders B that gaffer Ison believes will kick them into gear.
Summer signing Nick Grosse returns in goal and the spine of the team will be shored up by the presence of Yaakov Suissa. His battle against big Sam Castle will be key.
“We have some good competition for places,” beamed Ison. “We’re facing some selection dilemmas which will be tough on some players, but as a manager it’s a good situation to be in.
“We have put in some really good performances over the last few games and we hope to push on this week with three points against the boys from Southgate.”
Harmen are well placed in the table, but they know they will need to execute their game-plan to perfection if they are to come away from west Hendon with maximum points.
This game will boil down to which team takes its chances.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Martin Lavender (Games 7, Yellows 1, Reds 0)
JC star man: Joel Kutner (Blancos)
DC Prediction: Blancos 3 Harmen 2
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
9 - Ben Zloof (AC Mill Hill)
8 - James Joseph (FC Team C)
OAKWOOD B vs FC TEAM C
Sunday is the battle of the cup giantkillers as the Oaks look to build on their stunning success over Hendon B with three points against fellow-high-flyers FC Team C.
Player-manager Ian Tussie popped up the winner that sparked celebrations that David Pleat would’ve been proud of.
However, the focus was off the pitch in the run up to Sunday’s crunch clash. Tussie told JC Sport: “It’s been a tough week for the club with our ex-manager Johnny Beilin releasing his autobiography (ghost written by Gary Bloch).
“JB said a lot of things about the club that have hurt a number of players as well as the board. The things he said about Alex Schock in particular, well that’s a very serious allegation to make about someone.
“I thought the timing was all wrong from him too, there was no need to drag up the past, the stories about Dave Epstein's tantrums and his regular transfer requests, tales of Club Captain Adam Levine turning up half cut on a Sunday, accusing Dan Geey of only passing to his bro Matt during games - it's all a bit crass for me and just an excuse to sell a book before Chanukah.
“Training tonight was difficult, there’s a sour atmosphere across the club. JB’s not tried to reach me or Blanky, but I’m not expecting him to. He used to talk about loyalty when he was manager, well that was the pot calling the kettle black (that’s not racism by the way, it's a well-known saying).”
Three points for Oakwood on Sunday would take them level on points with Team. Tussie continued: “Sunday is a big game against a side that is riding high. Beating Lions is no mean feat and shows the quality they have. But we are a decent team too and I know we will give them a game.
“We have some excellent players and a big squad to pick from and I’m looking forward to it. In terms of availability we have a few out including Mark Abrams who is on holiday and Dave Epstein who is recovering from a poor personality.”
As Tussie said, somewhere amongst that lot, Team will be riding on the crest of a wave after not only beating London Maccabi Lions’ flagship team, but hitting them for six. Jeremy Julius was the star of the show, hitting a hat-trick after coming off the bench. Rob Sanford and Mike Myers were not far behind on a day when every player in a yellow and blue shirt did the club proud.
Myers told JC Sport: "After last week's win, the boys are high on confidence.
"Oakwood were the only team to beat us last year, and we are seeking revenge.
"There could be fireworks at this, I'm expecting a tight game."
But there’s a fear heavy legs could play a part this weekend, after the 120 minutes. It will be all about which side wins its individual and collective battles in a match that promises five-star entertainment.
Venue - Brunel, Ref – Robert Caplin (Games 3, Yellows 5, Reds 0)
JC star man: Oren Hury (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 2 Team 2
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FAITHFOLD B vs ATHLETIC BILBAUM
Faithfold B hope home advantage will help them against the Baums as they go in search of their first win of the season.
Little by little, they’ve been improving week after week and manager Dan Yoss believes that elusive first win is just around the corner.
Ahead of the Bilbaum game, he told JC Sport: “We’re hoping to get our first three points on Sunday.
“We’ve got better every game we've played and feel it’s only a matter of time till that first win. Watch out for Michael Rocha-Keys on Sunday - he's been looking good.
The Baums edged out by Redbridge B last weekend in a game that one of their players would rather forget. It’s important they move on and managers Mark Pasha and Edward Green can’t wait for the first whistle on Sunday.
Most people have this marked down as a Bilbaum win, but it might just end up being the coupon buster.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Paul Dobkin (Games 2, Yellows 3, Reds 0)
JC star man: Michael Rocha (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 3 Bilbaum 2
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NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS B vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B
Redbridge moved to the top of the Division Two table last weekend and manager Jon Jacobs know his team faces a big test of their credentials when they make the long trip to Raiders.
Scott Oldstein and Adam Goldman steered the east Londoners to their fifth win of the campaign in what turned out to be a controversial encounter against Bilbaum.
Goldman was a real handful to the Bilbaum defence and Jacobs will be looking for a similar performance against L’Orange.
Raiders B failed to pull off the cup shock that one or two predicted as they were edged out 2-1 by Blancos. With that in mind, I’m expecting a big reaction here.
“Everyone at Raiders is smarting after our first poor performance of the season last week,” Raiders boss Jonathan Adelman told JC Sport. “Only penalty-save expert David Simnock emerged from that game with any credit, so the boys are all hungry to put things right against Redbridge on Sunday, especially considering the lack of respect shown after we beat them a few weeks ago.
“I won't need to give a pre-match team talk, I'll just put their tweets up on the wall of our changing room!”
This might just be the perfect preparation for Fireworks Night, with a high quality contest on the menu.
JC team news:Rafi Addlestone, Danny Bloom and Mayer Shultz missing are missing for Raiders, but Josh Fineman, Zak McLeod and Andrew McMaster return after missing “the debacle” at John Lyon.
Ref – Neil Cooper (Games 4, Yellows 6, Reds 0)
JC star man: Adam Goldman (RJC)
DC Prediction: Norstar 2 Redbridge 2
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AC MILL HILL vs BLIZZARD STORM
Mill Hill and Blizzard meet for the first time this season with a close contest on the cards.
Blizzard boss Simon Linden was delighted with the effort levels shown by his team in the 4-1 defeat against Faithfold A last Sunday. More of the same is the order of the day as gaffer Linden continues his search for a “fantastic attacking midfielder”.
Dan Simmons maintained his excellent run of goal-scoring form, with keeper Oli Simons, Adam Zecharia and Adam Speck also impressing.
Ben Zloof steered Mill Hill past Faithfold B in the cup. He bagged an early brace in a hard earned 2-1 victory.
Having pulled third division L’Equipe out of the hat for the next round, a cup run is on the cards, but one step at a time.
A draw won’t help either side, but that’s how I can see it finishing.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Laurence Thorne (Games 6, Yellows 8, Red 0)
JC star man: Adam Zecharia (Blizzard)
DC Prediction: Mill Hill 2 Blizzard 2
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DIVISION THREE
TOP-SCORERS
14 - Dan Gordon (Faithfold C)
13 – Richard Fogelman (L’Equipe)
CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI vs KING CROWN
Catford have a massive squad of 17 players available this week, with only Gidi Matlin, Yonni Bord and Joel Isaacs absent from our regular group. Captain Adam Luria told JC Sport: “Everyone is raring to go and put last Sunday's result behind us.”
“Jeff Gotch, Ryan Kangisser and Oli Hitman all return to the fold and Lester Jacobs has a very pleasant selection headache to deal with.”
The Cats started well in the cup against first division Chigwell last weekend, but ultimately came away well-beaten and Luria is predicting a strong reaction from the team.
“We know that King Crown are a team of battlers with a bit of quality in there as well, so we're under no illusions that this will be an easy game,” Luria said. “But with Jamie Sinai on the scoresheet against top opposition last week and Tom Prevezer showing that he is a quality addition, we're hoping that we can put in a performance worthy of our position at the top of the table.
“The return of Jonny Lee and Eli Baraty last week added some pace and skill to an already combative team with, the likes of Gary Hill, Gary Conway and Steve Keller providing the steel in midfield to supplement Gabriel John's passing game.
“The Chigwell result hurt us, but the spirit in the camp is great and rather than lick our wounds we can't wait to go out there and regain our good run of form.”
King Crown were given a wake-up call by Raiders C last weekend and manager Jacob Kadoch kept his press conference short and sweet in the build up to the Catford game. He sat down, said: “One word – bouncebackability,” and was off again, quick as a flash.
Joel Isaacs has good memories of the first meeting with King Crown, who will be at full strength this weekend. But when push comes to shove, I expect the Cats to leave them doubled up.
Venue – Norseman FC, Ref – Adam Yuchetel (Games 8, Yellows 12, Reds 0)
JC star man: Oli Hitman (Catford)
DC Prediction: Catford 3 King Crown 1
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JEWDINESE vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB C
It’s been a week of mixed emotions for everyone at Jewdinese. After losing to Catford and Bromley things were looking dull amongst the squad, but the announcement of the signing of Ben Halmer comes as a real “confidence boost” according to chairman Jake Erlich..
The Jewdinese boys hope to get back to winning ways on Sunday, with almost a full strength squad available to manager Darren Lawrence.
Erlich told JC Sport: “Although we have had a few setbacks, we still believe that promotion is possible and we aim to get things going with three points on Sunday.”
The acquisition of Halmer put a big smile on the face of gaffer Lawrence who praised “reat negotiations between both chairmen Zac Brin and Jake Erlich to bring a player of Bens ability into our team”.
Focusing on the game, he went on to say: “We know Hendon are a good side, but so are we so we expect nothing less than a win on Sunday.”
Hendon will be looking to bounce back from last week’s heavy cup defeat, but will have to do so with a somewhat depleted squad for their trip to Jewdinese.
They remain without the Elf brothers, and will also be unable to call on the services of reliable centre-backs James Neidle and Ezekiel Jacob, so they may need to rely on the in-form Yaacov Goldin to produce another strong display.
The Hustlers are hoping that Jono Nesbitt comes through a late fitness test, and will be grateful that Ben Glekin has recovered sufficiently to take his place in the squad, as well as the crucial news that the important Glen Turner and Ezra Dulberg are back available.
Hendon boss Adam Glekin told JC Sport: “This is a huge game for us, and one we really need the three points. I'm very proud of my several ‘JC quote of the week’ nominations, but as we saw with Ian Holloway losing his job, we're in a results business!
“Ideally I’d like to have had a full squad available for such an important game, but we have other options and I’m confident in the group of lads who’ll be playing on Sunday.”
There could be an early goal or two in this one so get down early as the Hustlers aim to play a bit of leapfrog with their opponents.
Venue – Morrison Playing Fields, Ref – Teddy Littner
JC star man: Ben Halmer (Jewdinese)
DC Prediction: Jewdinese 2 Hendon 2
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BOCA JEWNIORS vs LOUGHTON ORIENT
Winning used to be like gold-dust for the Boca boys, but now it’s turning into something of a habit. Two wins on the spin have left their fans pinching themselves and now they are dreaming of completing an historic hat-trick. Whisper it quietly, but they are the form team and I make them favourites on Sunday.
Last Sunday’s win over Faithfold was wrapped up in one sentence. “Hats off to Boca - they have completely rebuilt the team and are no longer the whipping boys we all love to play." (David Garson’s JC Quote of the Week). This club has taken a beating from the critics in the last two years and joint-manager Viv Emanuel told JC Sport: “Nothing is better than the quote from David Garson - a man of great experience.”
Emanuel went on to say: “Myself and Jack are so proud of the way the players stepped up last week in our absence. Ami Wymbourne took the helm for one week and over the last two weeks all our players have stepped up to the plate and shown how to play football. All the hard work Jack and I put in during the summer has paid off.
“This weeks match vs Loughton is a must win; as midfield maestro Kane Alexander said in his rousing email last week "ceteris paribus" (if all goes to plan) we may be fourth this week!
“We have a full-strength squad available again – it’s great to have such commitment from a team that was only really put together over the summer. All the players attend training when possible and support each other.
“We have formed a close knit group very quickly, mixed with the age of Adam Kay and Ami Wymbourne, to the youth of Hendon recruits Dovi Fehler, Dovi Vogel and Yehoshua Silverman. Saying that though, the old guard have stepped up to perform Ricky Ziederman, Sefton Monk, Ryan Monk, Jacob Emanuel and Anton Nyman are all showing why we chose to keep them in the squad. All in all we are hoping to push up the league and show as David said "we are no longer the whipping boys.
“Of course we have to guard against complacency, its only two win and we know there is a long way to go.
“We beat Loughton Orient last season 2-1 so we will expect a close game from them this year too. They are a good bunch and as long as we work hard as we have I can see us winning our third in a row.”
It’s a big couple of weeks for Loughton who face Faithfold in a fortnight. Manager Dan Curtis believes his troops can come away from maximum points from both.
Momentum is vital in football. It’s with Boca right now and that’s why I’m tipping them to edge home.
JC team news: Loughton are missing the injured James Lester (foot), while Dan Curtis, Ryan Kissin and Daniel Howard are all unavailable this weekend.
Venue – Roger Bannister, Ref – Alex Smith (Games 2, Yellows 2, Reds 0)
JC star man: Jacob Emanuel (Boca)
DC Prediction: Boca 3 Loughton 1
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NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS C vs L’EQUIPE
The league table looked a lot better for Norstar after last week’s thumping victory over King Crown.
Zack Gothelf’s men are now handily placed going into the top of the table clash against an unbeaten L’Equipe.
“We will be looking to build on last week's impressive result against King Crown,” Gothelf told JC Sport. “We know that there's a lot riding on Sunday's game and it's a great chance to close in on Catford's lead.”
Richard Fogelman was L’Equipe’s matchwinner in the cup win over Loughton last Sunday. He and Jon Kay linked up superbly, while keeper Lee Duskwick rolled back the years with a solid performance.
It's clear Fogelman is keen to get his hands on the Golden Boot, and he's started the mind games with current leader Dan Gordon, who is now just one goal in front.
Speaking about the battle, Fogelman told JC Sport: "I believe Flash is starting to fire blanks ... I am now the only player to score in every game I've played this season and I'm aiming to overtake him with a hat-trick this weekend. We may be Facebook friends, but when it comes to the Golden Boot there's no friendship and the boot has my name written on it....
"Good old Mourinho-style psychological tactics, just call me 'the Shnitzel one!"
Responding to those comments, Gordon told JC Sport: "Norstar away is a tough place to go - if Fogelman does well there then fair play to the lad. Orient at home next week then the grudge match in two weeks.... Bring him on!"
Tune in soon for the next episode of 'the Schnitzel One' vs Flash!
On the game, L'Equipe joint-manager Dan Cordell told JC Sport: "We are looking forward to getting back into league action as need to start closing the gap on Catford - if we win our games in hand we will be back up there again.
"Pre-season I had Norstar down as one of our rivals for the title and they have picked up the pace over recent weeks. We have a good little rivalry going on with Peters' boys and I'm sure they'll give us a tough game. But I have challenged the boys for a big zero to stay put in the loss column - we have great momentum after our smash and grab in Essex last weekend and want to keep that going with three points in the league.
"Fogey is literally foaming at the mouth in his anticipation for a hat-trick. It's been three weeks since his last one and he's losing sleep, so as soon as he's off the leash I'm sure hell be tough to stop.
"This is my final game on the sidelines before my NY marathon so if the boys don't do their positions justice I will happily resume normal service in the team.
"We are looking forward to the weekend and will justifiably walk away with three points - we have remembered how to win!"
I can see this being a high-quality contest between two teams going in the right direction. Don’t be surprised if it finishes all square.
JC team news: Norstar welcome back Will Ufland into the squad for Sunday for his first game of the season. They are without captain Jonny Samuel and Ali Gordon this week and Harley Patoff and Sam Cherkas are still out with long-term injuries.
L'Equipe captain Mark Singer is away this weekend as well as right back Richard Alexander, but they welcome back Richard Mail to full fitness and their quality centre back Gav Rhodes who has been "a rock for us this year".
Ref – Robert Benardout (Games 6, Yellows 2, Reds 1)
JC star man: Will Ufland (Norstar)
DC Prediction: Norstar 1 L’Equipe 1
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AC WHETSTONE vs FAITHFOLD C
The Chase Lodge derby is expected to be a close affair, especially if both teams wear their famous green and white colours. Remember the change strip and bids, lads!
The Whetstone wonder kids gave an excellent account of themselves against first division SPEC FC in the cup last weekend. Joint-manager Clive Nathan and Anthony Cohen were rightly proud of their boys in a match settled late on.
Strength in depth is good at Whetstone these days. There was little to choose between them and SPEC last weekend, even though the Stones’ famous rotation policy saw them discard their two leading marksmen. Tomer Tricot was their top performer and no doubt he’ll be looking to impress again.
Faithfold were left to reflect on an opportunity missed against Boca last week. Star defender Josh Barnett got on the scoresheet and things may have ended differently had Dan Gordon not been denied from the penalty spot. He must still be kicking himself over that miss, especially after reading Fogelman’s quotes!
The Superhoops are struggling to find consistency. They will always score goals but keeping them out is, let us say, a “wee problem”.
Neither side has kept a clean sheet this season and I’m predicting an open and entertaining affair with goals aplenty.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Neal Cohen (Games 7, Yellows 11, Reds 1)
JC star man: Tomer Tricot (Whetstone)
DC Prediction: Whetstone 2 Faithfold 3
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DANNY CARO'S MATCHDAY 8 OSCARS
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jeremy Julius (FC Team C)
MANAGER OF THE WEEK
Mike Myers & Ben Gilbey (FC Team C)
GOAL OF THE WEEK - ALEX GOODMAN
SAVE OF THE WEEK
Steve Murad (NWN) - made a great save in the first half, diving full length to tip away a thunderbolt shot from the edge of the box in his first game back after breaking a finger
QUOTE OF THE WEEK - DAVID GARSON
REFEREE OF THE WEEK
Darryl Colmans (AC Mill Hill vs Faithfold B)
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CHALLENGE CARO
Wk 1 - DC 17 (including 3 correct scores), Ben Lederman 14 (including 1 correct score)
Wk 2 - DC 12 (including 1 correct score), Dan Cohen 6
Wk 3 - DC 19 (including 2 correct scores), GJ 11 (including 1 correct score)
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