MGBSFL Matchday 11 preview - The Jewish Chronicle

YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:

MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION

FAITHFOLD DOC MM A vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS

The league’s current top two teams go head to head for the first time this season, with goals predicted. You certainly won’t see either team parking the bus Mourinho-style, or sticking three defensive midfielders from the start in the hope of nicking something in the final 12 minutes!

Both Faithfold and Hendon are great ambassadors for the MGBSFL, and a five-star extravaganza is on the cards.

Hendon go into the game as leaders, three points above the Superhoops, having played a game less. They look the real deal under Jordan Sapler, who has bedded in seamlessly since taking charge from Greg Corin.

The reds were at their free-flowing best against North London Galaxy in the cup last weekend, and had the game won inside the opening 15 minutes. It was a rip-roaring start former gaffer David Garbacz would’ve been proud of.

Chaim Korman has been earning rave reviews this season, and his best is yet to come. Dovi Fehler has also been finding the net with great regularity, while CAM Rocky Spitzer has become a pivotal figure. That’s not forgetting talisman Zac Lewis, who will be looking to improve his goal tally on Sunday.

Looking ahead to the big game, Hendon boss Jordan Sapler told JC Sport: "Faithfold are on a strong run of form at the moment and scoring a lot of goals. They have a dangerous winger in David Leiwy who we know has real quality.

"We’re playing very well currently and look strong all over the pitch. We want to carry on our good run and keep developing our game.”

Faithfold go into the clash with a good performance, and seven more goals, against Scrabble in the cup. Lorian Madanes pulled the strings in a game where Jeremy Bornstein got on the scoresheet for the first time this season.

Indeed these are very exciting times for Faithfold fans, with their treble hopes alive and kicking. However, with three league defeats already to their name, back-to-back Maccabi League titles look unlikely, unless they can upset the champions.

JC team news: Faithfold winger David Leiwy faces a fitness test after coming off injured early on in last weekend’s cup match.

Yoav Kestenbaum, Yehuda Korman, Greg Corin and Jonny Kay are unavailable for Hendon this week.

Venue – Capital City, Ref – Luke Steele, KO – 10am

JC star man: Mordy Weiler (Hendon)

DC Prediction: Faithfold 2 Hendon 3

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LOS CAMDEN A vs HMH

Los Camden will be relishing another acid test in the shape of title hopefuls HMH.

Stirling Kay’s men secured another impressive victory in the cup last weekend, displaying tremendous steel to beat Brady Maccabi at Rowley Lane. Goalkeeper Steve Murad earned a place in Team of the Week after another flawless performance, that included a crucial penalty save with the game goalless.

Oli Sade added another goal to his tally, with Elliot Meslawy earning hero status following his late winner. They are a team to avoid at the moment, with their tails well and truly up.

But Kay and co know their credentials will be put to the test by their young and talented opponents. A Camden spokesman told JC Sport: "We look forward to another encounter against our fellow title contenders. If our last game was anything to go by, this will be a high-energy well-contested affair.

"HMH will have the bit between their teeth after our last 2-1 win against them and we know we will have to be at our best to get a result."

HMH has an easier work-out altogether, with Oscar Wagner scoring twice in the 6-1 routing of Los Camden B. Avi Goldberg was missing some key personnel in Eli Wezgryn and Tom Prais, a duo whose qualities will be much-needed this weekend.

Boss Goldberg won’t need to say too much to his players before the game as they will be on a revenge mission. But he had this to tell JC Sport: “We’re hoping to avoid another slip-up against a team we were leading 1-0 against until 70th minute last time, only to lose 2-1.

“The team’s game-management has improved significantly since then, but Sammy Kingston and Adam Abadi have been sidelined due to injury.

Goal-scoring machine Oscar Wagner is raring to go and at the other end, Jacob Shapiro is back between the sticks after Ollie Reback kept goal for last three games.

“We are unbeaten in last four outings, averaging three goals per game, confidence in the squad is high but we are taking nothing for granted in what could be a tricky fixture.”

JC team news: Max Saunders and David continue the latter stages of their rehibilatation, and this game has come a week to soon for them. Dean Rosenthal and Daniel Orgel have joined them on the treatment table and are expected back after the winter break.

HMH are “expecting” George Goldberg, Eli Wegrzyn and Ethan Krell to feature this week after a week out, but will wait for late fitness test on Tom Prais, Sam Monjack and Ben Winters who have been struggling to shake off injury.

Venue - Hertswood, Ref – Andy Myerson, KO – 10am

JC star man: Ethan Krell (HMH)

DC Prediction: Los Camden 1 HMH 3

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DIVISION ONE

LEAGUE TABLE

FORTHCOMING FIXTURES

LOS CAMDEN B vs BAYERN MINCHA

Both Los Camden B and Bayern Mincha saw their hopes of National glory extinguished at the first hurdle last weekend. Los Camden were well beaten by HMH, while Bayern went down fighting against Redbridge A.

Bayern fans were delighted to see the return of top-scorer Adam Ellis, who registered twice against the Division One leaders. And they hope he is able to extend his stay in London for what could be a tricky morning.

Bayern’s Daniel Holder gave an honest assessment ahead of the game. “Things haven’t been going well recently, mainly due to a massive injury list which is now finally calming down,” he told JC Sport.

“Make no mistake about it, Sunday represents the biggest game in the club's short history. With a few losses on the spin, we have been thrown in a position that we weren’t expecting to be.

“Camden are below us and it is vital we get the three points and kickstart our campaign going into the second half of the season.

“Camden are a team we beat 3-2 on the opening day, and they have being struggling since, like us. However, just like us we know, they are a strong side and their league position is a misrepresentation of their quality. They drew 1-1 with league favourites Fairlop in the Cup and almost staged a comeback from 4-0 down against Redbridge A.

“However, whilst the league table doesn’t show it, an in-form and injury-free Mincha side can beat anyone in this league on their day, as will be proven in the coming weeks. We have a strong squad for this one and nothing less than three points is acceptable.”

A Camden win would take them to within a point of Bayern – and they will be eyeing revenge for that opening weekend. And, you guessed it, Ellis was the match-winner that day after helping himself to all three goals.

JC team news: Bayern’s star striker Adam Ellis is out for this one, “which is not ideal with his world-class goal-scoring ability”. He will be joined on the sidelines with Gav Nussbaum, adam Biton, Avi Solomon and Alon Pinhas. However, Philipe Auret, “a fantastic forward who’s been out for a month,” returns to the side. DJ Kanzen also returns, while the “brilliant left-back” Nathan Hanan makes his first appearance of the season. Joseph Kenley will also make his debut in goal, while Simon Zeffertt and Friedman continue their solid partnership at the back.

Venue – Meadow Park, Ref – Keith Goodman, KO – 10am

JC star man: Nathan Hanan (Bayern)

DC Prediction: Los Camden 2 Bayern 2

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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS vs NORTH LONDON GALAXY

The Galaxy boys will be on a revenge mission when they visit Wembley to take on a Raiders side that thumped them 7-0 in the cup only last month.

Luke Lewis’s men were their own worst enemies in the other cup competition last weekend, with some suicidal defending gifting Hendon United two early goals, and there was no way back as they succumbed 6-0.

Lewis gave a bizarre press conference ahead of the game, telling JC Sport: “to be continued" before leaving for the training ground.

Raiders have won their last two – their opponents forfeited their cup game last week – but they are in need of points after a slow start.

Charlie Kasler, Liron Mannie, Aron Gale and Scott Waissel were outstanding in the recent win over Galaxy, and if they feature again the home defence will need to pick up their level of performance big style from last week.

Venue – Ark Academy, Ref – Martin Lavender, KO – 10am

JC star man: Josh Buchardt (Galaxy)

DC Prediction: Raiders 1 Galaxy 2

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OAKWOOD B vs JEWDINESE

Oakwood and Jewdinese are two of a group of teams capable of clinching promotion. But with Redbridge and Fairlop raising the bar so high in terms of consistency, both teams must string together a series of victories to be considered serious challengers.

'Nese have lost just once in the league this season, but three draws have seen points slip by the wayside, and it’s important they find a killer instinct to finish off opponents in games they boss.

Boss Darren Lawrence predicts a tough test on Sunday. "This week we face Oakwood - a team who we have faced in the past and have a bit of history with," he told JC Sport. "Oakwood are more than capable of making a surge up the table as they have a lot of games in hand. It is our job to ensure that doesn’t start on Sunday.

"We know chances of a league title are slim but we are determined to keep fighting until the last day and make a push for second place.

"Nothing less than three points will do on Sunday. And hopefully our good friends at Redbridge can do us a favour in the Essex derby."

On their day, Oakwood are capable of beating any team in the division. But three defeats in six games means they can ill-afford many more. After the recent 3-2 defeat against Raiders, joint-manager Jason Stein questioned whether or not his players “had the stomach for a slog”. We certainly saw signs of that in the extra-time defeat against Fairlop last weekend.

I'm predicting a stellar performance from the Oaks, with the 'Nese's veteran stopper the busiest man on the park.

JC team news: 'Nese are without suspended duo Sim Cohen and Zach Collins, whilst Scott Oldstein, James Van Straten and Jake Erlich all miss out and Josh Platt faces a late fitness test. Nese fans will be very excited to see the debut of goalkeeper Jerome Colmans, who fills the gloves of the inured Ben Halmer.

Venue – Nicholas Breakspear, Ref – Robert Benardout, KO – 10am

JC star man: Jordan Sherne (Oakwood)

DC Prediction: Oakwood 1 Nese 1

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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A vs FAIRLOP FC

The waiting is almost over. It’s all the locals down Faces will be chatting about over a shandy or two on Saturday night. It’s Redbridge versus Fairlop, so let’s be avin ya.

The pre-match hype has been at such epic proportions for several weeks, so there won’t be an empty seat in the house at 7 Kings.

Redbridge completed their preparations for the crunch clash with a hard-fought 4-2 win over Bayern, with Adam Ellis keeping the defence on its toes. Goalkeeper Matt Kemp produced another master-class, pulling off a string of fabulous saves.

Boss Sam Rank rotated his squad to rest several of his big-hitters for the derby, and he was delighted his team progressed in the cup without playing their best.

Ahead of kick-off, Rank told JC Sport: “I could write a book with the history for the build-up of this game, but Sunday is about one major purpose, and that is RJC going seven points clear at the top of MGBFSL Division One.

“Sunday is about demonstrating what RJC A are about. A very hard-working side who have talent in abundance all over the pitch and work for each other."

Rank predicted: “On Sunday, RJC will dictate the play, RJC will set the tempo of the game, RJC will win their individual battles and RJC will win the game.

“I have been asked on a daily basis, what this game means for RJC and I. My response is – no manager will have more committed squad than I have, and the proof on this will be on Sunday, when we get the three points we deserve so much.”

Fairlop start the match four points behind RJC, but they have two games in hand. And Jake Sanders tried to play down the importance of the game, telling JC Sport: “We just see it as another three points against another of the league pretenders.”

The mind games have been in overdrive for some time now, and Sanders cranked up the heat by saying: “We even saw an advert in the JC from Sam Rank touting for players to sign as he clearly doesn’t believe his weekly starting XI are up to the task.

“We know Redbridge don’t want to play football and are just looking for a scrap. We can assure you all we are ready for both!

“With a record attendance expected of 100+, we are looking to our fans being the 12th man and roaring us to yet another victory.

“A win on Sunday will secure the league and Redbridge cup final double, not bad for 90 minutes of work!”

There will be some great battles all over the park –Berkley vs Berkley, Rubin vs Kashket and Andrews vs Jaconelli to name just three.

I’m not brave enough to predict an outright winner but one thing’s for certain … you won’t be able to take your eyes off it for a second.

JC team news: RJC have a “full squad to choose from,” although long-term absentees Russell Goldstein and Alex Paraskeva will be on sidelines in a supporting role. In addition, “there could a few surprises in the squad, as this game has attracted a lot of interest from every possible corner of Jewish football”.

Fairlop will be missing key centre-half Max Freedman, who has an ankle problem, whilst goalkeeper Jake Sanders is still nursing a knee injury. They otherwise have a fully fit squad. Ryan Cole has helped out in goal in recent games, but there are rumours gaffer Dias will look to draft in a goalkeeper, with Alfie Rosen (broken ankle) joining Sanders on the treatment table.

POSSIBLE SQUADS:

RJC: Matt Kemp, Dan Adelman, Adam Kemper, Scott McKenzie, Adam Noble, Dan Andrews, Jamie Bernstein, Kier Dickson, Calvin Dickson, Carl Dobrin, Nate Kashket, Josh Wynne, David Green, James Berkley, Sam Rank, Steve Summers, Craig Sandford, Dean Ben Yosef

FAIRLOP: Ryan Cole, Daryl Rubin, Daniel Bean, Matt Berkley, Brad Gayer, Brad Porter, Harrison Grant, Adam Goldman, James Jaconelli, Kai Vale, Guy Weisselberg, Aron Dias, Arron Rosen, Daniel Rosen, Mitch Gold, Jordan Kara

Venue – 7 Kings, Ref – David Lazarus, KO – 10am

JC star man: Brad Gayer (Fairlop)

DC Prediction: RJC 1 Fairlop 1

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DIVISION TWO

LEAGUE TABLE

FORTHCOMING FIXTURES

FAITHFOLD DOC MM B vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS MASTERS

Faithfold hope to finish the weekend back on top ahead of the visit of Raiders Masters.

Martin Smulovitch’s men have had a week off to rest some bumps and bruises and they will be ready to throw everything at L’Orange.

Raiders enjoyed their biggest and best win since joining the MGBSFL last weekend when they put four past Faithfold C. But it was the clean sheet that would’ve impressed joint-managers James Cartmell and Jonny Blain, who bagged two apiece, the most.

I can see there being chances at both ends on Sunday, with Blain against Smulovitch ones of the key battles. But when all is said and done, it’s Faithfold for me.

Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Paul Dobkin, KO – 10am

JC star man: Alex Goodman (Faithfold)

DC Prediction: Faithfold 3 Raiders 1

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FAITHFOLD DOC MM C vs TEMPLE FORTUNE

Little has gone right for both Faithfold C and Temple Fortune so far this season.

Faithfold did okay in patches in the 4-0 defeat at home to Raiders Masters last weekend, and player-manager Ben Kfir believes his players owe their fans a performance.

JJ Marrache has fond memories of his last outing against Fortune. It finished with silverware as the Superhoops lifted the Barry Goldstein Trophy, but that now seems like a distant memory.

Fortune were forced to forfeit their cup match against Raiders due to a shortage of players. But there will be no excuses if they finish second best against the league’s basement team.

Goals will be on the menu on Sunday, and I’m predicting a thrilling Fortune win.

Venue – Tempsford Green, Ref – Bob Caplin, KO – 10am

JC star man: Simon Cohen (Fortune)

DC Prediction: Faithfold 3 Fortune 4

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HERTSWOOD VALE vs SPEC FC

“We want our money back. We want our money back.” Those were the cries of the SPEC fans following last week’s lacklustre performance against FC Team.

That’s two games on the spin now Ricky Lawrence’s troops have failed to excite their fans, so I urge a change of mindset ahead of the trip to table-toppers SPEC.

SPEC are playing with a lack of confidence and the football simply isn’t flowing. And with big games against Faithfold B, Oakwood and Mill Hill Dons on the horizon, I suggest they start their strongest team and leave impact subs to a minimum.

Ahead of kick-off, SPEC's Ricky Lawrence offered words of praise for Sunday's hosts. “Hertswood are the best team we’ve played this season and James Millet is the probably the best player we’ve faced," he told JC Sport.

"Unfortunately Sunday is a must-win for us and we’re not quite at full-strength. We do however welcome back Simon Bagel to make his first appearance of the season after suffering an injury in pre season.”

Hertswood’s Morrison aspirations are over for another season following a 4-3 defeat against the Dons. Joint-manager Jacob Emanuel struggled to explain the manner of defeat but he would’ve been disappointed with the attitude of one or two of his players who he felt “weren’t up for it”.

Vale are a team destined for bigger things during the seasons to come. But Emanuel continue to take it one game at a time. He told JC Sport: " Two weeks after our eight-goal thriller, we meet SPEC again in the league, but unfortunately in a worse position than when we faced them last.

"I realise that I sound like a broken record but it appears each week that our list of unavailable players continues to grow, rather than shrink. We're now up to 17 players who find themselves either injured or otherwise engaged. Following last week's cup game against the Dons, Danny Feuer and Alex Trup have added themselves to that list.

"One thing our game against SPEC, last time out, taught us was that they don't lack any confidence in attack, and our injury-ridden squad is going to have to be at their best to thwart them.

"We expect an even closer game this time out, and no doubt, another good game for the neutrals."

Only 100 per cent focus and concentration will suffice for Vale on Sunday, as SPEC have a decent record of turning it on against the top dogs.

Venue - Ark, Ref – Stuart Ansher, KO – 10am

JC star man: Ashley Hirschberger (Vale)

DC Prediction: Vale 2 SPEC 1

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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B vs MILL HILL DONS

With a couple of regulars possibly being called up by RJC A, Richard Bronzite has his work cut out in his bid to topple the Dons.

After much good work, Bronzite has RJC where he wants them, bang in the promotion mix and firmly on the heels of Hertswood Vale and Faithfold B.

Consecutive victories over Faithfold B, SPEC FC and Faithfold again tell you everything you need to know about the full-strength Redbridge this season. But now the players must prove they are ready for the next step.

Ahead of the game, Bronzite told JC Sport: "We currently have 16 so will need to trim it down to 14 before Sunday. I’m expecting a tough game.

"MH Dons cannot be under-estimated; they are good footballing side who are on a great run at the moment. The good thing is so are we so Sunday will be a good game to watch I hope.

"We need to be on it from the first minute to come away with a victory."

The Dons beat Division Two leaders Vale for the second time this season, albeit they needed two own goals to help them. Zach Cohen and Ryan Kramer also registered in a win that left boss Brandon Hamme purring.

The Dons showed grit, determination and versatility in a thrilling 4-3 win, in which several players sparkled in new roles.

Redbridge have a 100 per cent record at home in the league but I’m predicting a match-winning display for the Dons on Sunday.

JC star man: Jordan Stein (Dons)

DC Prediction: RJC 2 Dons 3

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SCRABBLE FC B vs FC TEAM

FC Team will be looking for a six-point haul from their matches against Masters teams Scrabble and Raiders over the next fortnight.

The result was all that mattered to boss Mitch Young in the Morrison last weekend, when Dan Breger scored the only goal in a match of low quality against SPEC FC. In fact it was more a war of attrition than a football match.

Victory on Sunday would lift them above Jon Yantin’s Scrabble and it’s a game Young will have marked down as a win before kick-off. He is confident the pace of Connor Perl, the power of Richard Salmon and Young’s own predatory instincts will be enough to knock the old boys over.

But Scrabble have claimed a couple of useful scalps of their own. As a unit they are confident in their own ability, with Nigel Goldthorpe, Andy Miller, Serge Cowan, Alex Bourne and Jeremy King proving they can still cut it on the bigger stage in the Morrison last weekend.

Ahead of kick-off, Yantin told JC Sport: “We have a strong team on a Sunday again. It will be a good test to see if we really are a top half of the table side.

“I actually think FC Team will show us up to just be a bunch of old men and we’ll be chasing the game for the most part.”

The battle between Salmon and Goldthorpe will be key, but my money is on an FC Team.

Venue - Hive, Ref – Lee Browne, KO

JC star man: Dan Breger (Team)

DC Prediction: Scrabble 1 FC Team 4