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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND ONE
BAYERN MINCHA vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
Redbridge can do no wrong in the league. But the cup is a different proposition, and it’s a competition the Essex giants want to do well in.
Unbeaten after eight games in the league, RJC will be looking to overcome Bayern for the second time this season, with Alex Paraskeva (2) and Josh Wynne on target when the teams met in Division last month.
Leading scorer Nate Kashket was on the scoresheet again last weekend as RJC secured an important win over previously unbeaten Jewdinese, but it was the performance of the Dickson brothers that impressed the management team most. Adam Noble and Dan Andrews also caught the eye, while young goalkeeper Matt Kemp reminded everyone of his qualities with one wonder save in particular.
You could sense a steely determination in the voice of joint-manager Sam Rank ahead of kick-off. "The Peter Morrison Trophy is a competition RJC have never won, and this year we hope to put that right," he told JC Sport. "However, we A, of course, have one eye on the gigantic fixture of Fairlop in the league next week.
"But this week it about putting a professional display against an inconsistent Bayern Minich side. When we played them earlier on in the season, the boys produced a below-average performance. But, importantly, we still managed to secure the points, which shows a lot about the character these boys have."
Looking at Mincha, Rank went on to say: "If Adam Ellis does play, this will, of course, improve Bayern's chances, but to be honest, with the squad RJC A have available this week, we are more than capable of winning convincing on Sunday and progressing to the next round, and with the form Nate Kashket is in at the moment I am expecting another hat-trick from talented youngster.
"Overall, if we play the football they can for a small period of the game, this game will be over quickly."
It’s been a tough few weeks for the Bayern boys, who have lost four out of their last five matches. Injuries have hampered their progress, but Alon Pinhas, their joint-player-manager, told me they will come back stronger during the second half of the season.
As for Sunday, although Bayern have won both their home games, I can see RJC doing enough to progress.
JC team news: Russell Goldstein and Alex Paraskeva remain sidelined through injury. James Berkley is attending a training camp in Chicago in preparation for the Fairlop game. Kier Dickson, Calvin Dickson and Dean Ben Yosef are being rested this weekend, while Steve Summers will be brought into the RJC A squad from the Bs.
Venue - Capital City, Ref – Nigel Kyte, KO – 10am
JC star man: Scott McKenzie (RJC)
DC Prediction: Bayern 1 RJC 3
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BRADY MACCABI vs LOS CAMDEN A
Brady's only win to date came in the Anekstein Cup against lower league opposition, but only just. It was far from the smooth ride that Joel Nathan's troops anticipated.
On Sunday they face a tough tie against Premier Division rivals, Los Camden - a team in fine form.
Nathan gave a rallying call ahead of the match, and he's hoping his players bring their A-game to the table.
He told JC Sport: “It was great to get a win under our belt a couple of weeks ago, and hopefully that will give us confidence for Sunday against a much-improved Los Camden team.
“We will not underestimate Los Camden and expect a great battle to get into the next round of the Jewish FA Cup.
“I enjoy our battles against teams managed by Stirling as he is as competitive as they come.
“Our last game, however came at a cost with Jordan Nathan picking up a long-term injury. We go into the game this weekend with a full squad apart from Jordan and our other long-term injury victim Stanley Offord unavailable.
Los Camden are one of the MGBSFL's form teams, with their summer planning coming to fruition. They are more than equipped to beat Brady, but much depends on their ability to finish their chances on Sunday.
Los Camden's Gav Krieger told JC Sport: "We are extremely looking forward to playing our first cup fixture of the season in the prestigious Peter Morrison Trophy.
"We know Brady will be organised and tough, coming into the match off the back of a win, and we expect a highly competitive fixture.
“The club is due a cup run that the fans can get excited about and hope to continue to be in all three competitions entered towards the business end of the season.”
Sunday could be the turning point of Brady's season. Although Camden have the momentum, I can see home advantage playing a part, along with an inspired performance from their keeper in a high-octane affair.
JC team news: Camden fans look forward to the return of Charles Braunstein, who has been injured since the opening day of the season. Striker Dan Orgel is expected to undergo a late fitness check, whilst David Khalatschi and Max Saunders remain sidelined, but are “in the later stages of rehabilitation and are expected back soon”.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Luke Steele, KO – 10am
JC star man: Harry Fine (Brady)
DC Prediction: Brady 1 Los Camden 1 (Brady to win on pens)
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SCRABBLE FC A vs FAITHFOLD DOC MM A
Faithfold were left kicking themselves after failing to secure maximum points against Lions last week. But they will be looking to fill their boots here.
Player-manager Avi Markiewicz led by example with two goals, with David Leiwy maintaining his excellent form with another goal in a 3-3 draw in which they conceded late on.
But, quite frankly, the score could be anything on Sunday, much depends on if Markiewicz rotates his squad and gives some of the fringe players a run-out.
Nothing has gone right for Scrabble this season, and this is arguably the draw they least wanted. I can see Leiwy making hay down the wing, and am tipping Jordan Sharifian for his first hat-trick in the famous green and white hoops.
Ref – Paul Dobkin, KO – 10am
JC star man: Jordan Sharifian (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Scrabble 0 Faithfold 5
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS vs NORTH LONDON GALAXY
First division North London Galaxy go to fortress Hadley with a strong 90 minutes under their belts, ahead of the trip to Hendon United, one of the favourites to lift the Jewish FA Cup.
Player-manager Luke Lewis earned a place in my Team of the Week for his match-winning treble against Bayern. And they take on the former winners with nothing to lose.
"It's a big chance for us to prove our credentials this weekend," an excited Lewis told JC Sport. "We have a lot of respect for Hendon and I personally went to watch their game against HMH, where they were much more dangerous, with an incredible front three.
"We believe we can get a result, but will need to be focused from the first minute until the last.
"Hopefully we can get a result here and build some momentum, but we know Hendon possess incredible strength on the wings - hopefully we can nullify their potent front three."
Hendon bowed out of the London FA Sunday Challenge Cup last weekend, despite strong performances from goalkeeper Russ Corin and midfield general Ari Last. Simon Peterman and Ari Nevies also impressed at the heart of the defence.
Knowing his team starts as strong favourites, Hendon manager Jordan Sapler has this to say ahead of the tie. “We don’t know too much about the Galaxy; they have a strong twitter profile so I’m assuming there able to play the football and their league results show it.
"They look strong and come off the back of a good result in the league. I’m sure it’ll be a tough game. They have some very good players in Jake Rinsler, Jack Mattey and Tyler Smith, so I’m sure it will be an interesting game.
"We want to win the Peter Morrison and will be looking to set those intentions out on Sunday.
"We’re looking forward to a good, high-quality football match played the right way.”
I can see Galaxy contributing to a free-flowing game, but can't see them causing what would be one of the upsets in the season.
JC team news: Yehuda Korman, Yoav Kestenbaum and Greg Corin all miss out for Hendon through injury. Jordan Mizrahi is away (travelling). The reds welcome Josh Harris back from holidays and injury, “otherwise we have a strong squad to choose from. Avi Korman is a doubt after an injury last week”.
Galaxy has selected "We have a strong squad this weekend," with Jake Rinsler and Sam Belchak both in.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Phil Peters, KO – 10am
JC star man: Yehuda Korman (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon 3 Galaxy 1
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HERTSWOOD VALE vs MILL HILL DONS
A healthy crowd is expected for the second clash of the season between old foes, Vale and the Dons.
The Dons won round one 6-1 - Vale's only league defeat to date - in what was a performance inspired by leading marksman Zach Cohen.
Vale recently bowed out of the Anekstein Cup after an heroic performance against top-flight Brady Maccabi. They go into the game top of Division Two, with clear daylight between them and the Dons.
Fireworks have been in the air this week, and Vale co-boss Jacob Emanuel predicts nothing less than a fierce battle on the pitch. Ahead of kick-off, he told JC Sport: "As I mentioned before our Anekstein Cup match, the league is our complete priority following our fairly strong start to the season.
"We want to keep our feet firmly on the ground, and will look at this game as an opportunity to try some different things out before much more important league matches against SPEC and MH Dons respectively. You never know, I may even give myself a few minutes!
It's been something of a strange season so far for the Dons. Other than the big win over Vale, an excellent display in the cup against HMH and the games against SPEC FC and FC Team, they have fallen well below the standard set by boss Brandon Hamme. Last week's 2-1 defeat against basement battlers Faithfold C was proof of that.
"We had an extremely disappointing result last time out," Hamme told JC Sport. "It was another game where we just couldn’t find the net, despite having the majority of the chances and possession especially in the second half. The goals we conceded were extremely sloppy and complete gifts.
"We have shown what we can do on our day, but just haven’t been anywhere near as consistent as we should be. The last time out against our opponents this Sunday, Hertswood Vale marked our best performance of the season. We went to their place and smashed them 6-1. We showed on that day the team we can be.
"We will need to be back to those levels again if we are going to come victorious this week because a performance similar to last week will leave us vulnerable.
"We have never progressed past the first round of a cup competition, we are desperate to break that duck on Sunday."
But with no league points at stake, and Vale set to experiment, I have a sneaky suspicion it will be Mill Hill booking their place in round two.
JC team news: In what has become "commonplace" in the Vale team, they are missing 13 players through injury or unavailability for this Sunday, although they are "excited" about the potential return of Ben Kaye in the next couple of weeks, following a serious knee injury. Emanuel wanred: "The MGBSFL should be concerned!"
Goalkeeper Sam Singer and centre back Adam Lisberg picked up injuries in last week’s fixture. Whilst Josh Moses (shoulder), Jamie Nagioff (hamstring), Adam Freedman (foot) and Harry Moss (ACL) are all out injured. Ethan Gold is set to return from concussion protocol, whilst Isaac Verchis is set to make his debut for the Dons.
Ref – Andy Myerson, KO – 10am
JC star man: Adam Bowman (Dons)
DC Prediction: Vale 2 Dons 3
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HMH vs LOS CAMDEN B
HMH were the only Maccabi League team to win in the London FA Cup competitions last weekend, with Hendon United and Oakwood tumbling out. But attention now turns to the National Trophy, with odds of an HMH quadruple 25-1.
Oscar Wagner was their match-winner last weekend against Tooting Celtic, but they 120 minutes would've taken a lot out of them. So some fresh legs could be order of the day.
HMH boss Avi Goldberg told JC Sport: "The lLads are excited to get their Jewish FA cup run underway. We almost had a nasty surprise in the CA Cup, so we have learned our lesson that despite being 3-0 up, we need to play our game for 90 minutes.
"We don’t know much about Los Blancos B, but we also learned against their A-team in the league not to rest on our laurels, so we will be raring to go come Sunday."
Los Camden have raised their level in recent weeks, drawing with high-flying Fairlop in normal time, before going out of the League Cup on penalties, and taking Division One leaders Redbridge the distance, eventually losing 4-3.
There is a great spirit in the Los Camden squad, and they will be relishing the test against one of the league's big boys.
But I believe this will be a bridge too far, as HMH progress.
JC team news: HMH will give late fitness tests to Tom Prais, Eli Wegrzyn and Adam Abadi, but Dan Hardoon makes his eagerly-awaited bow for the this season., Max Bull returns, Jonny May will play again, "after impressing on his debut last week, and there may be an exciting new talent on display Nyv Bogaire. All of these will be supported by our two rocks at the back," Jake Norton and Sammy Kingston.
Venue – Hertswood, Ref – Robert Caplin, KO – 10am
JC star man: Nyv Bogaire (HMH)
DC Prediction: HMH 4 Los Camden 1
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JEWDINESE vs OAKWOOD OLD BOYS
Darren Lawrence's Jewdinese "welcome the distraction of the cup after an incredibly disheartening result last week".
A 4-2 defeat in the top-of-the-table clash against promotion rivals Redbridge was marred by not one, but two red cards. Needless to say, Lawrence will remind his squad about their roles and responsibilities, and the importance of playing the game the right way before kick-off.
He told JC Sport: Being a Masters team, we don’t know anything about Oakwood Old Boys, so preparation will very much be on ourselves and how we can improve. Firstly, of course, our discipline after two red cards last week. Secondly, has to be our finishing after missing too many chances last week which would’ve put the game to bed.
"We know chances of a league title are slim so are hoping for two long cup runs and maybe even a trophy."
Ric Blank (and possibly Blank jnr, depending on childcare duties) will lead Oakwood OB into battle. He just couldn't stay away!
No doubt, he will put out a competitive team in a bid to prove experience can conquer youth.
"We decided to enter an Old Boys team into the PM this year as a chance to roll back the years, and to pay tribute to Rob Davidson, who as you know, we lost nearly two years ago. Rob would find nothing funnier than watching us old dads lumber around getting skinned by lads ten years younger. So we thought, "why not?
"We are a strictly an over-30's side (most depressingly closer to 40 these days) and we'll be adopting Arrigo Sacchi's 9-0-1 formation complete with a triple pivot in midfield.
"Returning from retirement will be Daniel Geey's hand gestures, Eddie Manson's disdain for his team-mates and Jonny Quinn's shooting addiction. We are under no illusions that we're up against a good side who won't hold back and we are also completely aware of how big an 11-a-side pitch actually is. Mercifully I will be on the sides, doing what I do best - watching."
Sounds like it will be a cracker.
JC team news: #Nese are of course without Zack Collins and Sim Cohen through suspension, whilst James Van Straten faces a late fitness test on his finger (yes, his finger!)
Venue – Queen’s School, Ref – Nigel Kyte, KO – 10am
JC star man: Daniel Geey (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: 'Nese 2 Oakwood 1
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OAKWOOD A vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS VETS
Will lightning strike twice? Only time will tell. Lions Vets knocked Oakwood out of the Morrison last year. And Dan Jacobs' free-scoring team will fancy their chances again.
Oakwood were beaten by strong opponents in the London FA Sunday Challenge Cup last weekend, and they couldn't have asked for a tougher draw.
Manager Dan Kristall believes his Oakwood team will be wiser from last year's experiences and come out on top on Sunday.
“We know how tough this will be," he told JC Sport. "If last year taught us anything, we will have to be far more physically up to a game as big as this.
“Last year, they out-thought and out-smarted us and deserved to advance. I make no excuses for our performance that day (although we were missing a couple of key players).
“One thing is for sure, we won’t be complacent and starting as underdogs for this one, this will only help us.
“We want a run in the Morrison after a few disappointing years but for now we focus all our attention in advancing to round two."
Lions could potentially line up with a front three of Paul Hakim, Lee Cash and Saul Conway. That's Maccabi football's answer to Firmino, Salah and Mane. Enough to frighten the living daylights out of any defence. And that's not forgetting Mike Pearson too. They've scored 54 goals in just seven games this season.
Behind them, goalkeeper Rob Abrahams chould line up with a defence featuring Tony Gold, Russell Brill, Paul Lenchner, Adam Myeroff, Jon Rayner, Alex Norman or Pete Lazard. The midfield isn't bad either, with Alex Levack pulling the strings, along with Daniel Stanton, Craig Pearl, Bradley Lazarus and Hadley Silver. Lots of these boys represented Wingate & Finchley back in the day and have won a plethora of GB caps at the Maccabiah and European Maccabi Games. That's what Oakwood will be up against.
The Morrison is the one competition that has eluded this Oakwood squad thus far. They want it badly, but you can see why it's virtually impossible to pick a favourite. The JC cameras will be out in force to capture the action.
JC team news: Josh Cuby, Sam Cantor, Tom Cantor, Ben Peppi return for Oakwood. David Woolman is set to be named in his first A-team match-day squad for seven months. Dale Bradman will have a late fitness test, as will Rafi Stone following his knock last week against Kocgiri. Brad Wine is out, while Leor Sidle is suspended.
Venue – Ark Academy, Ref – Richard Jaye, KO – 10am
JC star man: Josh Cuby (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 1 Lions 1 (Oakwood to win on penalties)
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OAKWOOD B vs FAIRLOP FC
There was little to separate Division One promotion rivals Oakwood B and Fairlop in the recent league meeting. In the end a goal from James Jaconelli earned the east Londoners victory. And I'm predicting another tense 90 minutes.
This is the start of a big couple of weeks for Fairlop, who might have one eye on the huge derby against Redbridge next weekend.
But manager Aaron Dias knows his players must take it one game at a time. He told JC Sport: "We go into this week with fresh legs after a week off.
"We had a great run in the Morrison last year last year and we are looking to go all the way this year; we would love a trip up north in the latter stages.
We’re are pretty much full-strength and are looking to do the business in 90 minutes, as opposed to relying on our penalty shoot-out saviour and stand-in keeper Ryan Cole."
Oakwood returned to form in the other cup competition last time out. Sam Modlin produced arguably his finest performance in an Oakwood shirt, registering four times. The team's third clean sheet of the season would also have pleased managers Jason Stein and Simon Field.
I'm not expecting either team to enjoy long periods of possession on Sunday. But the law of averages tell me Oakwood could nick it.
Venue – Nicholas Breakspear, Ref – Martin De La Fuente, KO – 10am
JC star man: Dan Selwyn (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 2 Fairlop 1
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS vs TEMPLE FORTUNE
There's a very different look and feel to Raiders these days, but the former Morrison winners will be looking to put down a marker against second division strugglers Temple Fortune.
And if Liron Mannie and Charlie Kasler feature in the Raiders team, then I fear it could be a long morning for the Fortune defence.
Joint-manager Jake Yudelowitz told JC Sport: "The boys are raring to go for Sunday. It is a pity Scrabble could not field a side last week but hopefully they’ll come back stronger.
"Fortune are an unknown entity to us, and as we showed against Galaxy, league standings count for nothing on the day.
"We want to be serious contenders for both cups and a final at the end of the season is one of our objectives."
Fortune's defence can best be described as leaky. And if Raiders score early doors, you can only fear the worst.
Team news: Aron Gale misses out for Raiders, as does Max Wegoda, but Jordan Nathan is welcomed back into the fold. Alex Jacobs will face a late fitness test. Co-player-manager Gideon Gale will make his first playing appearance of the season.
Ref – Stephen Levy, KO – 10am
JC star man: Jordan Nathan (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Raiders 5 Fortune 0
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SPEC FC vs FC TEAM
FC Team are one of the form sides in Maccabi football at the minute, and they are more than capable of mounting a strong run in the Morrison.
With the front three of Connor Perl, Mitch Young and Richard Salmon, they have a wonderful blend of pace, power and movement plus the promise of goals.
And Young hopes that luck plays a part on Sunday. He told JC Sport: "We have played SPEC twice and led both games at half-time, only to lose! We are hoping it is third time lucky.
“No doubt it will be a very even game but we are in good form now, so I am confident we can get another positive result.”
SPEC have turned into one of Maccabi's great entertainers this season. But they have conceding an alarming number of goals that is doing nothing for the stress levels of player-manager Ricky Lawrence.
They were "beaten by the better team" against Vale last weekend, but Lawrence is positive they can recover from their first home defeat of the season.
"After a difficult couple of weeks the cup is a welcome distraction," he told JC Sport. "We've already played FC Team twice this season so we know what they are about, and they've given some teams a hiding.
"We're missing a few this week which makes our task even harder but we'll do all we can to get our name back in the hat!"
JC team news: Jon Breger, Dave Grossman and Josh Morris (suspended) will be missing for FC Team.
Ref – Laurence Thorne, KO – 10am
JC star man: Mike Patterson (FC Team)
DC Prediction: SPEC 1 FC Team 3
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MGBSFL DIVISION TWO
FAITHFOLD DOC MM C vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS MASTERS
Faithfold C are riding on the crest of a wave after securing their first win of the season.
Goalkeeper Oren Hury earned a place in my Team of the Week for his heroics against Mill Hill Dons, while, at the other end of the pitch, JJ Marrache did the business in front of goal to seal a 2-1 victory.
Sunday's match at home to Raiders Masters will be just as tough, in a contest featuring the league's bottom two teams.
Raiders have been busy bolstering their squad following heavy defeats against Hertswood Vale and FC Team, and joint-manager James Cartmell sounded in positive mood ahead of the game.
He told JC Sport: "After last week, we’re very keen to give a good account of ourselves and think our approach will be much better this week.
"We are missing one or two players but still have a strong squad, including brothers Steven Field and Michael Field, who have joined us."
Will this give Raiders the lift they need. Only time will tell ...
JC star man: Steven Field (NLR)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 2 Raiders 2
ALSO SEE:
DANNY CARO'S DIVISION 2 TEAM OF THE WEEK
PLAYER OF THE WEEK: James Millet (Hertswood Vale)
MANAGER OF THE WEEK: Ben Kfir (Faithfold Doc MM C)
GOAL OF THE WEEK: Chaim Korman (Hendon Utd)
SAVE OF THE WEEK: Matt Kemp (Redbridge Jewish Care A)
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: Sam Rank (Redbridge Jewish Care A)
REFEREE OF THE WEEK: Phil Peters (Faithfold Doc MM A)
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