By, Danny Caro
28 min read
ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro
Matchday 12 features two more inter-club derbies, with the Premier Division and Division One leaders going head-to-head in a sea of Orange, while FC Team B and C are ready to rumble for the third time this season. Danny Caro brings you all the latest team news and reaction, as well as his predictions.
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LATEST NEWS: In the wake of the terror attack in Jerusalem on Tuesday, Maccabi GB have announced that all Maccabi football leagues have agreed to hold a minutes silence as a moment of respect, remembrance and reflection before all games this Sunday.
These will include the Maccabi GB Southern Football League (MGBSFL), Maccabi Junior Football League (MJFL), Maccabi Masters Football League (MMFL) and the Manchester Jewish Soccer League (MJSL).
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MATCH PHOTOS: CAMDEN PARK vs NL RAIDERS B
PHOTOGALLERIES FROM THE SEASON
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE SEASON
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PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND THREE DRAW
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND 3 DRAW
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND THREE
NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS A vs NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS B
There were gasps of anguish at NLR headquarters when the B’s pulled the A’s out of the hat for round three of the Anekstein. Truth be told, this is the draw neither wanted, but sentiment will be put to one side for the next 90 minutes as the teams go hell for leather in the name of the MGBSFL League Cup.
Both teams graced the hallowed turf at Wingate & Finchley last season and club chairman would tear off his right arm for a return visit, preferably with the B’s. Aren’t I right, Jonny?
I recall, during my happy period with the club, the B’s enjoyed the better of inter-club tussles, both at training and in competitive matches, but I’d be surprised if the A’s didn’t progress this time, especially with the B’s a tad light.
Ahead of the big derby, Adelman told JC Sport: “Having helped the A's out in an earlier round, we are without the cup-tied Danny Bloom and Josh Green who were both excellent on Sunday against Camden. We'll wait to see if they appear against us on Sunday!
“Nicky Woolf is still struggling with his back and Jacob Gold is on a big one on Saturday night for his birthday, so with them and Greenie missing, I may look at a 5-5-0 formation to try and contain all the weapons Rob and Jon have at their disposal!
“We know our A's are a formidable side, but we've already won the first big psychological battle: we will be sporting the stunning blue and white away kit!
“Obviously we'll give Sunday our best shot and I know neither set of boys will take the game lightly, but the important thing is that at least one Raiders' team will be in the hat for the next round.”
With Rob Richman locked down in exam mode, I managed to catch up with the brains behind the A-team this season, Jonathan Green (only kidding Roberto!)
He told JC Sport: “We are all excited about taking on our division leading B-team on Sunday. Inter-club games always seem to have an extra edge about them and we know that Sunday will be a very big test for us.
“Jonny has brought together a brilliant squad who are on a great run of form and we know we will need to be at the top of our game to beat them.
“We will be looking to carry our second-half performance from last Sunday against Hendon into this week’s game, as at times we played some simply brilliant football. We have had three very tough league games in the last month and it will be nice to concentrate on the Anekstein this week as there is some unfinished business for a lot of the boys after last season.
“The best thing about Sunday though is that whoever wins, at least one Raiders side will be in the draw for the quarters.”
A good, free-flowing game of fantasy football is on the cards and no doubt, what the outcome, football will be the winner.
JC team news: NLR A have a couple of fitness doubts in Jonny Kay and David Dinkin, plus Ricky Engleman who took a very heavy knock to his ankle on Sunday. However, they have the luxury of welcoming back Josh Green into the squad, with Green adding: “He will undoubtedly be fired up to score on Sunday!”
Venue - Capital City, Ref – Steve Levy
JC star man: Josh Green (NLR A)
DC Prediction: NLR A 2 NLR B 1
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OAKWOOD A vs FAITHFOLD A
As I’ve written in Caro’s Column in this week’s JC, Faithfold will be treating this game like a cup final, or least they should, especially after their early and unexpected Morrison Trophy exit.
Having lost four league matches, I believe the MGBSFL title is already out of reach. Lose on Sunday and they will be have little more than pride to play for between December and May. That thought isn’t even worth contemplating for Zuriel Solomon and his troops.
Without a game last weekend, Daryl Phillips and Solomon had a run-out for the club’s Masters team, but they will be looking to step up the pace and show Oakwood that they remain a force and can still challenge for silverware. After all, they have something of a love affair with the Anekstein.
Looking ahead to the tie, Solomon told JC Sport: "We are not playing badly and are not playing well; we are in between. But inbetween is not where we want to be we need to start getting some consistency.
"We have been struggling this year in terms of fielding a decent team, but it is what it is we just have to make sure we work hard and see where that gets us.
"Oakwood will be up for it and, having beaten us already, I am sure they can’t wait. We know what they are about and we know we will have to match their commitment to get the right result."
But with home advantage, only a brave man would look past a talented Oakwood team. Joint-manager Ric Blank believed his team deserved more than a point against a star-studded Harmen team last week, with Brad Wine, Danny Ailion and Josh Rose in imperious form.
Ahead of the game, Blank told JC Sport: "We had a great training session last night - the boys look totally on it. We weren't perfect against Harmen but that performance has given us something to build on.
“I've seen signs in the past couple of weeks that we're coming back to form. We struggled to deal with the injuries that blighted our start to the season - but we are looking stronger all over the park now.
“Up front we have great options, with the return of Josh Rubin and Bobbie Cousins - two of the league's best strikers when fit. That competition is exactly what we want at Oakwood. We hope it's going to propel us to bigger and better things.
“We have a lot of respect for Faithfold. They're always strong. They clearly miss Mike Pearson but have countless other, experienced players. We know they like a tackle, but we hope the referee will protect our players so we can play our stuff.
“I'm sure it'll be a fair game and we're really looking forward to it. We've beaten Faithfold the past two occasions we've met. If we make it three on the bounce it'll be an incredible achievement."
On paper, Oakwood have the stronger team and I think it will be their fans smiling at the end.
JC team news: There's definitely no Alex Taylor for Faithfold this week, while "a couple of boys are nursing some injuries".
Venue – Nicholas Breakspear, Ref – Andy Myerson, KO – 10am
JC star man: Josh Rubin (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 2 Faithfold 0
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YOUR WEEKEND REVIEW STARTS HERE:
MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
DANNY CARO'S PREM DIV TEAM OF THE WEEK
TOP-SCORERS
17 - James Gershfield (Harmen)
12 - Dave Woolman (Oakwood A)
WOODFORD WANDERERS vs HARMEN
It’s amazing what has happened to both Woodford and Harmen since they went up last season. It’s been a case of slowly, slowly for Woodford, last year’s Division One champions, while Harmen have really thrown the chequebook at their ambitious project to bring in some top-quality names.
The bottom line is that this will be a big test for Harmen who look in for a warm welcome from the home fans, who are relishing the prospect of watching the likes of James Gershfield, Mike Pearson, Jake Gottlieb, Brad Sharp and Alex Bowman in the flesh. And I’ve heard whispers that the spending spree may not be over yet.
It was Gershfield who earned them a point against Oakwood last week, in what was a real test of their credentials. A blast of the three-pronged management team’s hairdryer after the game means they will be ready and waiting ahead of the long trip to Essex.
Joint-manager Oli Leslie pinpointed the “defensive performance in the first half” as being “way below-par and just not good enough for a team that has ambitions of winning a trophy this season”.
But he is backing his boys to learn from their mistakes and “kick us on to an improved performance at Woodford”.
Woodford boss Tony Charles knows his players face the ultimate test and he holds Harmen in high regard.
“We are playing against a team that for me, can lift the championship come May,” he told JC Sport.
“After last week’s unacceptable display, we need to be at our best to get anything out of this game.”
The battle between Mitch Hahn and Gershfield will be worth the admission fee alone.
Let battle commence!
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – Tony McEvoy
JC star man: George Fierstone (Harmen)
DC Prediction: Woodford 1 Harmen 2
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A vs FC TEAM A
“With confidence high in the team, don't be too surprised to see an upset”. Those were the words of FC Team boss Ben Gilbey after his side’s victory over Woodford last week.
David Joseph Cohen was the two-goal hero to cap an impressive performance when Rob Sanford, closely followed by Alon Hershkorn, Yoav Lebens and Eitan Ben-Zion.
Ahead of kick-off, Gilbey told JC Sport: “This is no doubt going to be a big test for our Team, as in my opinion, Hendon are one of the top two teams in the division. However, as I have said before, when we are at our best, we can beat anyone. The boys will be fired up for this one and you can expect to see a good game of football.
“To add a little bit of spice to the game there are going to be a few interesting clashes. Yoav Lebens, who helped Hendon win the treble last year, is now an instrumental part of FC Teams midfield. Simon Peterman, who had played for FC Team his whole life, turned his back on FC Team A two weeks before the start of the season. Don't be too surprised to hear the 'Judas' chant ringing around Mill Hill!
“Tensions will be running high and with two really good teams on that pitch, it is no doubt going to be one to watch.
Hendon salvaged a draw against Raiders A, thanks to a late strike from Yoav Kestenbaum, but only the heroics of the versatile Avidan Last kept them in contention. Having opened the scoring, he was forced to replace Russ Corin in goal and pulled off some fine stops.
Having come through a busy cricket season, it’s clear to me Corin is feeling the after-effects, with the odd niggle here and there. It catches up with the best of us Russy! Indeed I don’t recall him missing many games over the years, and it could also have something to do with the arrival of Corin no. 3, sleepless nights and what not. Perhaps he’s even stubbed his toe on the bed or stepped on a plug in a bleary-eyed state!
Team will be pleased to hear that the champions have some key players missing, but boss David Garbacz told me there will be no excuses if the reds come out second best on Sunday.
Garbacz told JC Sport: “This was a fixture that Ari last in particular was looking forward to – a chance to go head to head (literally) with Yoav Lebens, but unfortunately injury will prevent Ari from playing.
“We have other absentees as well most notably in goal and the strength of the squad will be severely tested this week. However there is no time for excuses – we need to put all that to one side and come out strong against a decent, yet probably slightly inconsistent team and nothing less than three points will do in our quest to go stride for stride with Raiders.
“Yoav will no doubt let his new team-mates know all our inner secrets so we might need to come up with something new – on their day FC team can beat anyone in this division and on most occasions sides tend to raise their game when playing us.
“We need to be fully focused and we should probably look to keep the ball on the deck as much as possible – we welcome back Motti Colman from Israel for this week and we will be hoping that he can inspire those around him to get the right result.”
Commenting on the minute’s silence that all Maccabi football teams will observe up and down the country, Garbacz added: “It seems highly appropriate for the league to recognise the terrible events of the past week in this small way.”
JC team news:Hendon have a number of absentees this week – Russell Corin is out for three weeks so veteran Jeremy Reuben steps in. Also missing are Ari Last, Rafi Kon, Dave Seitler, Alex Rosenthal and last week’s saviour, Yoav Kestenbaum. On the plus side, the great Motti Colman is back in town for his annual appearance which is “a big boost”.
Venue – Mill Hill Village ((ironic name really as it literally is the furthest thing away from a sports village that you can imagine), Ref – Laurie Benson, KO – 10am
JC star man: Motti Colman (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon 2 Team 2
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MACCABI LONDON LIONS BLUE vs NORTH WEST NEASDEN
At the start of the season, both MLL and NWN would’ve looked as this fixture as one they could win. All results are possible on Sunday.
As predicted, the Lions came away from east London with something to show for their efforts thanks to a combination of goalkeeper Michael Casson and James Gold. Casson has received a couple of rave reviews and is the latest from a conveyor belt of talented no. 1’s that Rowley Lane has produced.
No doubt, Lions will approach this game with no fear and I expect them to play on the front foot throughout.
But manager Jamie Kyte has warned against complacency. He told JC Sport: “The last time we played Neasden we got away with a last-minute winner. We also managed a late equaliser against Redbridge last week,” which is proof they fight to the end.
He went on to say: “We need to start quick against Neasden otherwise anything could happen.”
NWN’s league form has been pretty woeful since Matchday One. They picked up an important win in the cup against second division Whetstone, although they were taken the distance and I’m sure it doesn’t need me to tell Stirling Kay and co the importance of three points. It really is a must-win.
I caught up with the NWN gaffer during the week and here’s what he told JC Sport: “Although we went out of the London Intermediate cup last week to a very good Turkish side, we put up a very good display and showed some very good team spirit to stay in the game as long as we did, which if we go into the Lions game with the same attitude we will be very hard to beat.
“It's been a very hard start to the season, losing so many key players through injury. But we have now a very small but determined squad and we are determined to start getting more points on the board.”
Neither team has been prolific in front of goal, but I can see the hosts edging it on the day.
JC team news: Lions are missing Ryan Springer and Rick Jacobson, while Will Beresford remains an injury doubt.
Joe Brooks will make his NWN debut. Sam Franks returns to the squad after missing the last seven games.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Richard Jaye
JC star man: Sam Lipton (MLL)
DC Prediction: MLL 1 NWN 0
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DIVISION ONE
DANNY CARO'S DIV ONE TEAM OF THE WEEK
TOP-SCORERS
14 - Jake Gilbert (NL Raiders B)
10 - Julius Judah (Athletic Bilbaum)
BRIXTON OLD BOYS vs BRADY MACCABI
Mental recovery isn’t always part and parcel of the MGBSFL. Usually a diet coke down the pub followed by a hot soak and a cream cheese bagel, with lashings of smoked salmon, suffice. But that may not be the case as far as the old boys of Brixton are concerned following the 7-2 mauling at the hands of Redbridge B.
The thing is that another long 90 minutes is on the cards against a Brady team who are back in business after hitting Blizzard for six last week.
Paul Shamplina’s men were missing several regulars and they were simply played off the park by the east Londoners last week. But even with some familiar faces returning, they will have their work cut out as Brady clicked into gear last week and their fans went home with big smiles on their faces.
Matt Frohlich “turned on beast mode”. He put in a real shift, enabling Reiss Mogilner and Charlie Kasler the time and space to bag braces.
The best way forward for Brixton’s on Sunday would be to approach this like the away team. I’m not saying they should park the bus but they must be prepared to get numbers behind the ball and soak up pressure, and then try to hit Brady on the counter.
But if they try to go toe-to-toe, they could be chasing shadows.
Venue – Clowes Ref – David Lazarus
JC star man: Charlie Kasler (Brady)
DC Prediction: Brixton 1 Brady 4
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B vs ATHLETIC BILBAUM
Brixton needed another ball last week. Yes, Redbridge were that good, and on current form this has home banker splashed all over it.
RJC boss Jon Jacobs has been working on Daniel Garfinkle’s left peg since last week’s 7-2 demolition. He knew he was signing a good player from Hendon last summer, but the marksman has started the season in prolific form and with the service he is getting these days, he’s turned into a dark horse for the MGBSFL Golden Boot.
With Sam Sollosi and Sam Rank pulling the strings behind him, the Baums must consider double parking the bus as man for man, I just can’t see them living with RJC. They have already conceded 30 goals it’s clearly an area the managers are concerned about.
A 3-1 defeat at SPEC FC was hardly the perfect preparation for what is about to hit them …
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – Adam Lewis
JC star man: Sam Rank (RJC)
DC Prediction: RJC 5 Bilbaum 1
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SPEC FC vs BLIZZARD STORM
I didn’t expect SPEC FC to be higher than Blizzard Storm in the Division One table going into the second half of November, but back-to-back wins have elevated the team managed by Ricky Lawrence and Michael Rhodes.
A 3-1 win over Bilbaum was more than useful, with Marc Cohen and Lawrence in a rich vein of form in front of goal.
SPEC FC are playing well as a collective at the minute and if Daniel Amram can start scoring the goals his performances deserve, a top-half finish is a possibility. But one step at a time, hey lads!
Lawrence told JC Sport: "We've got a few players unavailable this Sunday but we're still hopeful of putting out a strong squad.
“We've got a bit of momentum behind us at the moment and are hoping to build upon it.
“We know Blizzard are a good side, having played them in pre-season, so it should be a decent game. We look forward to seeing old teammate Bradley Cohen too."
Last Sunday was a bad day for Blizzard. Manager Simon Linden hopes it was just an off day and a big reaction is needed on Sunday as they look to preserve their record of scoring in every game.
And it looks to me as though Linden and co want to do their talking on the pitch this week so I’m expecting a determination performance on a morning they simply cannot afford to get beaten.
Venue – Brunel, Ref – Stuart Ansher, KO – 10am
JC star man: Marc Cohen (SPEC)
DC Prediction: SPEC FC 1 Blizzard 1
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LOS BLANCOS vs CAMDEN PARK
Some days you just have to hold up your hands and admit you were beaten by the better team.
However, the Camden management believes that was not necessarily the case as they conceded top spot to Raiders B. “The level of discipline and commitment displayed by the team was close to embarrassing,” Max Saunders told JC Sport after the game. “It was if we just expected to turn up and win.”
Saunders went on to describe it as “probably one of our worst displays as a team since taking over from the old guard three years ago” and he found the fact the dip in performance from the previous week against Harmen as “mind-boggling”.
Needless to say, a blast of the Nick Kagan hairdryer might just do the trick, although they won’t have things all their own way on Sunday as it’s worth remembering Blancos gave the very same NLR team a brilliant game the previous week. They were literally minutes from recording a stunning win.
And boss Jonanthan Ison believes they are capable of more of the same on Sunday. He told JC Sport: “The week off came at a bad time for us as we have just started to hit some decent form. We deserved three points at Rowley Lane two weeks ago, the one point leaving a bitter taste in our mouths.
“Our football has been getting progressively better and I hope the we continue to improve, starting with three points this Sunday.”
Promotion is the target for Camden and they must play as though their lives depend on it. Blancos are desperate to climb out of the relegation zone and we’ll know a lot more about them come Sunday brunchtime.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Neil Cooper, KO – 10am
JC star man: Guy Marks (Camden)
DC Prediction: Blancos 1 Camden 2
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DIVISION TWO
DANNY CARO'S DIV TWO TEAM OF THE WEEK
TOP-SCORERS
9 - Adam Stolerman (FC Team C)
7 - Zak McLeod (Catford & Bromley, Jacob Richler-Kleiman (Oakwood B)
AC WHETSTONE vs OAKWOOD B
Unacceptable was the word Jason Stein used in his post-match analysis, according to one Oakwood insider following the humiliating 6-4 defeat against Catford.
Stein has been keeping a low profile since that dark day, but finally he found his voice just in time for the JC cameras ahead of what is ultimately a must-win against a Whetstone team scrapping for points.
"Thanks again for coming down to the training ground,” Stein told JC Sport. “Watch your head as you come in, as you can see the workmen are busy building an oxygen tent.
"Sorry about not stopping in the mixed zone after last week, but I was particularly vexed.
"So last week. Yeah. Some of our attacking play against Catford and Bromley was majestic and we hit four goals for the first time this season. But the defensive performance from the whole team wasn't up to the required standard. Under no circumstances should we be conceding six.
"It would be easy to blame injuries and suspensions, but I'm not going to do that because I have great faith in anyone who pulls on the deep red, regardless of whether they are 'first choice' or not.
"The Oakwood locomotive has come off the tracks in the last two weeks and perhaps we need to reassess our ambitions and opinions of ourselves, but what I won't reassess is a determination to win on Sunday and focus on our four upcoming games before the winter break.
"They won't be easy - AC Whetstone, FC Team B, L'Equipe and Catford - but I'm targeting a minimum of nine points.
"I'll finish on this note: What do Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush 41, Clinton and Bush 43 all have in common? Well yes, I realise they were all President, but there is something else. They all lost. Lost massively. Presidential elections, congressional elections and governor elections. Yet each one of them came back stronger - well maybe not Carter - and proved the doubters wrong. We are not a team of Jimmy Carters, we are Clinton.”
If the Oaks aren’t inspired after that, they never will be.
JC team news: Oakwood welcome back Ben Buck from suspension this week and winger Daniel Ash is also firmly back in the mix having made his comeback from injury last week after being sidelined since October.
Venue – Hertswood, Ref – Robert Benardout, KO – 10am
JC star man: Dan Ash (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Whetstone 1 Oakwood 3
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CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI vs L’EQUIPE
Catford & Bromley showed their rivals exactly what they are capable of in the 6-4 destruction of Oakwood.
They were quickest to first balls, second balls and even third balls in what boss Lester Jacobs described as their performance of the season.
Sean Preston was excellent, as was Dave Green, while Andrew Charles produced without doubt his best performance in a Catford shirt, with captain Adam Luria telling me he “worked his socks off”, or at least I think he said socks!
And according to the skipper, the signs all point towards a repeat performance on Sunday. He told JC Sport: “Dan Green, Jonny Lee and Zak McLeod give us some real quality in the middle, and there’s strong competition for places throughout the team.
“L'Equipe are a good team, and it's always a difficult game against them. In the away fixture we really deserved more from the game, but they took a late chance to win it whereas we missed a number of similar chances.
“This time round we'll have to work very hard to redress the balance. Either way, with any luck it will be a good game of football.”
Crushed 5-0 at home by leaders FC Team B, Josh Lewis gave a brutally honest assessment of his squad ahead of the trip to Edmonton.
“It’s been a tough few weeks for L’Equipe due to the amount of injuries we’ve had and lack of weekly training because of it,” he told JC Sport.
“It’s definitely shown in our last few results, but there is light at the end of the tunnel and I’m confident we will turn things around from this weekend.
We had a good workout this week in training and we welcome back a host of players, which finally gives Dan and I some tough decisions to make in our squad this weekend.
“We know what Catford are capable of and our last game against them was tight, but with the squad we have available I’m confident we can come away with the victory.”
Scoring goals has been a problem for L’Equipe this season and I think that might just play into Catford’s hands on Sunday.
JC team news: Catford are missing Gary Hill again this week, as well as Sean Preston. However, they have “a very strong squad to choose from” otherwise.
L’Equipe have Mark Glucksman returning in goal, Nick Stern back from holiday, and Dave Prager, Adam Wilson, Rob Simons and James Mandell all returning from injuries.
Venue – Norseman FC, Ref – Henry Raffe, KO – 10am
JC star man: Dan Green (Catford)
DC Prediction: Catford 3 L’Equipe 1
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FC TEAM C vs FC TEAM B
"It is simply a must-win". Those were the words of FC Team B boss Mitch Young. But ask David Gordon and he’s probably say much the same.
The score stands 1-1 as far as Team derbies are concerned, with the C’s claiming a 3-2 victory in the first league meeting, while the B’s exacted revenge in the Morrison, running out 3-0 victors.
The derby defeat was the B team’s only blip in the league this season. They have won their other six, including a 5-0 destruction of L’Equipe last weekend.
With flying full-back Danny Moss driving the side forward, Lorian Madanes has been their star performer over the first 11 weeks of the season. But in fairness, they have no weakness from back to front.
The C’s were indebted to a double from Matt Davis to get them out of jail against Jewdinese. Emile Ben Atar was the standout performer and his battle against Richard Salmon holds the key on Sunday.
Whoever wins on Sunday will finish the weekend top of the table. The prize couldn’t be higher.
JC team news: Oliver Segal is away for the A’s who welcome back Dave Grossman who recently became a father. Mazel tov Grossy!
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Neal Cohen
JC star man: Dave Grossman (Team B)
DC Prediction: Team C 1 Team B 2
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NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS C vs AC MILL HILL
It’s all about picking up points for Raiders C right now, but they are failing, miserably, some would say.
I really expected them to kick on after winning Division Three last season, but they find themselves rooted to the foot of the table and three points are essential on Sunday to ensure they don’t start to lose touch with the teams in and around them.
Failure to score in three out of their four last games tells me they could struggle against the division’s second top-scorers – the very same team who beat them last Sunday via strikes from Joel Lassman, Jason Shoffman, Darren Bloom, Elliott Bloom and Rob Kleinman.
But the 3G surface could be something of a leveller for the Mill Hill boys whose fitness and finesse will be tested to the limit.
The flame-haired Joel Lassman is on fire at the minute, while the acquisition of the Bloom brothers has given them an added dimension.
And boss Dan Beresford sounded in confident mood ahead of the game. He told JC Sport: “After last week, I'm sure they will be up for the game again, so if we focus on the task in hand should come away with all three points.”
There will be mouth-watering tussles all over the park but the one between Jake Yudelowitz and Ben Zloof holds the key for me.
Venue – The Ark, Ref – Barry David, KO – 10am
JC star man: Jake Yudelowitz (NLR)
DC Prediction: NLR 2 Mill Hill 2
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DIVISION THREE
DANNY CARO'S DIV 3 TEAM OF THE WEEK
TOP-SCORERS
9 - Avi Markiweicz (London Rovers)
8 - Adam Ellis (Shacharit Donetsk)
BOCA JEWNIORS vs TEMPLE FORTUNE
Boca’s elation at a first win was somewhat short-lived following the defeat at Hendon B last weekend.
The played well in patches last Sunday, with Jack Goldsmith’s goal a strike to remember, but they were caught with a sucker punch as they went in search of a winner.
Fortune gave a decent account of themselves against table-toppers King Crown and boss Jonathan Cohen believes a similar display will be rewarded on Sunday.
It may not be pretty, at times, on Sunday but only the result is key as far as both managers are ceoncerned.
He told JC Sport: “We know what we need to do and it must be done. Simple as that.”
Venue – Roger Bannister, Ref – Laurence Thorne
JC star man: Jack Goldsmith (Boca)
DC Prediction: Boca 2 Fortune 1
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FAITHFOLD B vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B
With games against Hendon B, twice, Lions Green, Fortune and Boca to follow, Faithfold B will be looking to break into the top three by Chanukah.
A 3-1 win over Shacharit has set them up nice for what, on paper at least, looks like a favourable run of matches.
Dan Yoss, Josh Barnett and Dan Gordon did the damage against Shacharit in a game where keeper Dan Kosky and Matt Smith were the star performers.
It was a result and display that really ticked all the boxes as far as boss Rob Shooman was concerned, especially after four weeks without competitive football.
Hendon are also handily placed after back-to-back wins, but they’ve yet to beat any of the teams above them, so there’ll be a psychological barrier to overcome as well on Sunday.
Boss Adam Glekin was beaming as they were rock solid at the back and have only conceded from set-pieces in the last two games. And at the moment, they look like scoring every time they go forward, with in Gideon 'Roberto Carlos' Caller and Benni Sluckis in magical form.
This promises to be a very close game but I’m tipping the Superhoops to edge home.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – Keith Goodman
JC star man: Matt Smith (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 2 Hendon 1
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KING CROWN vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS GREEN
If you’re looking for a coupon spoiler this weekend, then jog on. There won’t be an upset here. Mark my words.
King Crown are the real deal this season, with Dominic Cheniart keen to impress against his former club. The boy can do no wrong at the minute, he’s scoring goals for fun and his teammates are all chipping in.
There’s a certain versatility about King Crown this season – they can play football and they can also mix in when required. They gave as good as they got against Fortune last week and came through a physical test.
More of the same will be the order of the day from boss Jacob Kadoch, and he’ll be looking to boost goal difference as well against one of the league’s strugglers.
Kadoch told JC Sport: “We have a full squad to choose from after having three late drop-out through injury on Saturday last week.
“We have been working hard to maintain our high level of intensity for 90 minutes. The lads are getting fitter as well.
“We are treating every game with total focus to make sure we get the three points.”
It just hasn’t happened for the Lions under David Pollock and Johnny Meltzer this season. But Meltzer told me last week that they won’t walk away or hit the panic button.
I’d be surprised if they went the season without a win, but I think the Crown boys will be holding all the aces on Sunday.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – John Nitka, KO – 10am
JC star man: Josh Aziz (Crown)
DC Prediction: King Crown 4 Lions 0
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LONDON ROVERS vs KS REUNITED
It wouldn’t be disrespectful to describe London Rovers as one of the surprise packages of the season.
Jeremy Brown’s boys have been the model of consistency, with just one slip-up since September. Not only are they the division’s top-scorers, they are playing sexy football and have made many new friends.
In striker Avi Markeweicz, they have one of the hottest properties around in the MGBSFL and it won’t be long before one of the big boys come cap in hand.
Ahead of the visit of KS, Brown told JC Sport: “This Sunday’s game will be our half-way mark of the season. I think I'm pretty pleased with the way things have gone so far. We've only had one setback but we have shown consistent improvement throughout the season so far and lately the football we have been producing has been first-class.
“Sunday’s game against KS will be very difficult. We know they can score goals and I think they have some good players. At this stage of the season I just ask my players to remain focused and give nothing less than 100 per cent every game.
“We need to make sure that come February/March everything is still in our hands so that we don't need to rely on others in order to finish the season where we want be."
It’s been a strange season thus far for KS. They have matched the top teams in terms of performance, but the results have not always been there. They came close to beating the leaders, but have also drawn with Fortune.
That’s not to say that Rovers shouldn’t under-estimate them, but I cannot see that being the case. A good game is in store on what could be a busy day for the KS keeper.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Alex Smith
JC star man: Aron Luftig (Rovers)
DC Prediction: Rovers 4 KS 2
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REAL SOSOBAD vs SHACHARIT DONETSK
Catch-up is the name of the game for the Sosobad boys as they look to return to the promotion places quick-smart.
Dan Shafron’s troops almost had an adrenalin overload after the big derby against KS Reunited was postponed at the 11th hour.
With four clean sheets already to their name in their first season, they look like an outfit destined for glory. But it’s clear the manager will leave nothing to chance in the battle of the new boys.
Shafron told JC Sport: “It was frustrating that the weather took its toll on our game last week. King Crown, Rovers and Faithfold all won and this has once again put another dent in our hopes to become champions. It is imperative that we continue to work had and get back to winning ways this weekend.
“My mentality remains the same as last week and the squad will be selected based on players who showed the correct attitude and desire against Rovers.
“We have had two blips this season. The first being our opening game when we were short of numbers so I cannot fault the players. The second being two weeks ago which was a million miles away from how we’ve performed in all our other games so far.
“We are a club incorporating new era methods. There is no favouritism, no politics, no preferred XI. I have a squad of 22 players who are all treated equally and all have balanced playing time. Of course there are incentives, but the one thing I expect from whoever plays is the right attitude.
“We welcome Shacharit to Essex this week, a club who we do not know much about. They’ve won a couple and have kept themselves in all but one game so we do not expect an easy time. I understand they are a young team with lots of ability so we must expect them to be hungry and come at us with no fear.
“For us, failure is not an option. Three points is a necessity to stay amongst our rivals. We will continue to play positive, attacking football as we know that goals always come.”
Shacharit have gone backwards since their opening game. They’ve been shipping goals and Sosobad believe they are there for the taking in a game that could be done and dusted long before the final whistle.
Venue – Peter May, Ref – Keith Gold, KO – 10am
JC star man: Josh Jacobs (Sosobad)
DC Prediction: Sosobad 3 Shacharit 0
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ALSO SEE:
DANNY CARO'S GOAL OF THE WEEK - DARREN BLOOM
