YOUR WEEKEND REVIEW STARTS HERE: (matches KO at 10am unless stated)
MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
LEAGUE TABLE (TOP 3)
1. Hendon Utd Sports Pl. 6, W. 5, Pts. 15
2. HMH Pl. 7, W. 4, Pts. 13
3. Faithfold DocMM White Pl. 7, W. 3, Pts. 11
TOP-SCORERS 11 - Josh Cuby (Oakwood A), 7 - Avi Markiewicz (Faithfold DocMM White), Oscar Wagner (HMH), Chaim Korman (Hendon Utd Sports)
CAMDEN PARK vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS
Two points clear with a game in hand, Hendon will look to put daylight between themselves HMH and Faithfold DocMM White when they visit Camden Park.
Bouncebackability is the name of the game for the defending champions who were eliminated from the Jewish FA Cup last weekend, and that’s not a phrase I’ve used about Jordan Sapler’s men often in recent years.
Few predicted they would bow out against first division Hertswood Vale, but they proved they are human, in a tie where Avi Korman scored twice and brother Yehuda Korman the other as it finished 3-3 after 90 minutes. As we know, penalties can be a lottery and it was not their day.
Ahead of Sunday's trip to Borehamwood, Hendon boss Jordan Sapler told JC Sport: "It's back to the league action this week and we'll look to get back to winning ways.
"Camden always provide a tough opponent and the pitch at Aycliffe is a leveller for any team. That being said, our aims now are to win every game from now until the end of the season."
Camden are well aware of Hendon’s strengths. The red men beat them 4-1 in October, when Chaim Korman was the hat-trick hero.
Stirling Kay’s boys have lost six out of eight in the league, and although Daniel Orgel is in excellent goal-scoring form, don’t be surprised if lightning strikes twice.
I expect Camden to huff and puff collectlively but in the end Hendon's individual brilliance will win the day.
JC team news: Jake Doffman is available to play in gola for Hendon this week, which means that Ari Nevies can get back to his natural centre-back position. Yehuda Korman and Josh Harris also return although they will be missing Simon Peterman and Russ Corin, who are unavailable and injured respectively.
Venue – Aycliffe Road
JC star man: Chaim Korman (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Camden 1 Hendon 3
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HMH vs OAKWOOD
HMH were simply too strong for SPEC FC in the cup last weekend.
Avi Goldberg’s boys were set to spank a team sooner or later and it was no surprise to see five different players feature on the scoreline, with goal machine Oscar Wagner lead the way with a five-goal salvo. Midfield maestro Alex Moss was the heartbeat of the team in the 12-0 win, contributing some assists and a hat-trick for good measure.
But gaffer Goldberg knows the next 90 minutes are about to get a lot tougher. He told JC Sport: "Games against Oakwood are ones we always look forward to. We had some great battles last year. Oakwood are a top team who inexplicably managed to lose against Hendon after being 3-1 up! We know them well and given the number of players from Manchester in both teams just adds extra spice!
"We are on a good run, apart from the inexplicable failure to put Lions to the sword, despite all the possession and territory, and once again we have the meanest defence in the Premier Division but I know that Max Foster and co in defence will have to be on top form against Josh Cuby and co on Sunday if we are to keep that record intact.
"Up front we were free-scoring last weekend but Oakwood will be a different proposition, but as we showed against Hendon we know and we practise heavily in training ways how to create ever more goal-scoring opportunities for Wagner and co."
On Sunday they welcome an Oakwood team who have found some form. Josh Cuby has performed to a consistently high level in every game he has played. He scored two in the 5-0 Morrison win over Redbridge last weekend, with Dan Selwyn, Alex Lee and Ben Peppi adding the gloss.
Oakwood start the match four points behind HMH with a game in hand, so the onus is on them to push hard from the start. They have made themselves hard to beat but need to establish that killer instinct if they are to challenge for silverware this season.
The first meeting between HMH and Oakwood this season has all the ingredients for a titanic battle. Out of their three games last season, HMH won one while the other two were drawn. Goldberg’s giants also finished four points better off than Oakwood, and they won the Peter Morrison Trophy. So for some, they will start with a slight psychological edge in what promises to be a high-octane affair decided by small details.
JC team news: Alex Davies, Adam Ellis and Clark Norton definitely miss out for HMH but Jake Norton is fit again and pressing for a place in the matchday squad.
Venue – The Hive
JC star man: Eli Wegrzyn (HMH)
DC Prediction: HMH 2 Oakwood 1
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MLFC BLUE vs FAIRLOP FC
Fairlop have a full-strength squad, with no injury concerns, ahead of the long trip to Rowley Lane on Sunday.
Aaron Dias’s men were ruthless in last week’s big cup win over first division Mill Hill, with star men Ryan Cole and Bradley Gayer bagging braces in a 6-2 win. They both possess arguably the finest left pegs in the MGBSFL, and their goals were a joy to watch.
With Daniel Bean pulling the strings in midfield, what could’ve been a tough away day ended up being a bit of a procession. But they know tougher challenges lie ahead.
Fairlop have yet to win in the league this season, and their players know it doesn’t get better than three points at the home of Jewish football. That’ll be their target.
Benji Weinberger scored twice in the 2-2 draw against Fairlop in October. In the end they were left to rue poor decision-making and match-management, so managers Max Kyte and Laurence Judah will be determined to put that right on Sunday.
MLFC were made to work hard on their way to a 3-1 win over Brook Farm Rovers in the cup last weekend. Adam Hassanali, Sam Hamerton and Mikey Field were their goal-scoring heroes as they set up a mouth-watering clash against Manchester Maccabi in the new year.
The Maccabi boys are going quietly about their business and they will be looking to extend their long, unbeaten run.
Ahead of kick-off, joint-player-manager Max Kyte told JC Sport: “We’re looking forward to this weekend after a four-goal thriller at Fairlop earlier in the season.
“We let off the gas too early and got complacent, so this weekend we need to put it right.”
MLFC have only kept one clean sheet this season but they are consistent and have several threats, so I’m tipping them to edge it on Sunday.
Venue – Rowley Lane
JC star man: Shneur Levin (MLFC)
DC Prediction: MLFC 2 Fairlop 1
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DIVISION ONE
LEAGUE TABLE (TOP 3)
1. NL Galaxy Pl. 8, W. 6, Pts. 20
2. NL Raiders Pl. 7, W. 6, Pts. 19
3. Jewdinese Pl. 6, W. 4, Pts. 13
TOP-SCORERS 12 - James Millet (Hertswood Vale), Reiss Mogilner (Jewdinese), 11 - Zach Cohen (Mill Hill Dons), Aron Gale (North London Raiders), 10 - Liron Mannie (North London Raiders)
BROOK FARM ROVERS vs NORTH LONDON GALAXY
It appears Galaxy did not cover themselves in glory in Manchester last week, but no doubt manager Luke Lewis will be keen to draw a line and set the record straight on Sunday.
Galaxy took a shock lead against a Manchester team that are one of the favourites to win the Peter Morrison Trophy this season, before they collapsed and conceded nine times. To make matters worse, they also had two players sent off and others booked and sin-binned.
The Division One title hopefuls will be looking to get back to business as they look to get back to winning ways – they are unbeaten in eight in the league this season, with six wins under their belts.
Lewis’s men have kept four clean sheets this season and so far 11 different players have scored for them. It’s great that the goals are being shared around but their fans hope that one or two players can step up and finish the season with double figures.
Brook Farm Rovers have already made some new fans in their first season in the MGBSFL. They gave a good account of themselves against Premier Division MLFC Blue in the Morrison last weekend, with Philippe Auret registering again.
Auret has already hit the target nine times this season and has become one of the most accomplished finishers in the division.
Rovers are unbeaten in six in the league and they will relish going toe to toe with the table-toppers. Ahead of the game, joint-player-manager Dan Cohen told JC Sport: "It’s our last game of 2019, so Sunday is a great opportunity to end the year on a high.
"We had a massive win against the Dons a few weeks back but due to the unfortunate Mincha situation, we’ve lost six points and dropped down in the table so we know we need to be picking up points ASAP."
Cohen went on to say: "Galaxy are a top team - their results so far have shown that - and no doubt Sunday will be incredibly tough but we gave Lions Blue a real fright last week in the Cup so we know we can mix it with the best on our day.
"We go into Sunday full of confidence and looking forward to what should be a great game."
I think there will be little to separate the teams on Sunday in a game that will boil down to which teams takes it chances.
JC team news: Rovers welcome back into the squad club captain Toby Nathan after several weeks away, plus a number of players returning from injury. Top-scorer Philippe Auret is touch and go, "but the club physios are doing all they can to make sure he’s fit for Sunday’s game".
Venue – Capital City
JC star man: Zac Rose (Galaxy)
DC Prediction: Rovers 2 Galaxy 3
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HERTSWOOD VALE vs MLFC RED
Hertswood Vale are splashed all over the backpage of this week’s Jewish Chronicle following their sensational cup win over Hendon last weekend.
It was a result that sent shockwaves across Maccabi football and was a wonderful result that has made giant strides in such a short space of time.
James Millet is now on the wishlist of every team in the Premier Division after registering his 16th goal in all competitions this season, but managers Jacob Emanuel and Danny Hirschberger are confident he will extend his contract, which would be the perfect Chanukah gift.
There is a real feel-good-factor around the club at the moment. But it’s equally important the feet of players, officials and supporters of the club remain firmly on the ground ahead of Sunday’s visit of MLFC.
“It's been a brilliant week after beating Hendon - I'm sure I've yet fully processed it,” Emanuel told JC Sport. “Last week's result proved that we have the quality, we've just got to have the mentality and team performance to match.
“Myself and Danny couldn't have been prouder of the boys for sticking to the tactics, and putting in their best individual, and team performance of the season. Let's not forget we only moved up from Division Two last season!
“However, it's time to focus again back on the league. Our priority. Catching up with Joel Nathan this week, I know that we shouldn't underestimate MLFC since we can never be sure which players are going to be playing from the blue and Saturday team. One of the key reasons we beat MLFC in our return fixture was because of a rapid start, and we expect the same from the boys this week.”
In terms of selection, Emanuel went on to say: “As is always the case, after the first couple of months were spent having to narrow down our squad availability each week, the last three weeks have seen us struggle to fill the substitutes bench - this week I fear will be no different.”
MLFC went down 3-1 against Jewdinese last week. They remain without a win in five league games. With two away games on the horizon, things might be about to get harder before they get easier, but it’s important they keep their heads up and take any chances that come their way.
That said, Vale are flying and I expect them to come away with another win.
JC team news: Due to injuries, exams and some incredible philanthropy, Vale will be missing as many as eight players for this week's game including Harry Marlow, Adam Morrow and Josh Gorb, who were so influential in the cup win last week. Adam Zaidman and Ben Brown face late fitness tests.
Venue – East Barnet School
JC star man: Tony Gold (Vale)
DC Prediction: Vale 3 MLFC 1
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JEWDINESE vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE
Jewdinese were among the hardest hit clubs after Bayern Mincha's withdrawal was confirmed. Darren Lawrence's troops lost three points and slipped two places down the table ... hardly the perfect preparation for the visit of RJC - team unaffected in any way.
Last week, Reiss Mogilner (2) and Sam Stern registered as 'Nese beat MLFC Red 3-1. And with games in hand on the teams above them, the thinking is the only way is up.
And gaffer Lawrence is calling for a big performance on Sunday. "With Bayern Mincha unfortunately folding, this is our last game of the year, so we will be desperate to finish 2019 with three points," he told JC Sport.
"We are aware that this Redbridge side is not the same side that won the league last year, however we know that they do possess quality and we should not take them lightly.
"With former Redbridge boys Arron Goldberg and Scott Oldstein in our ranks, we will be hoping for some insight from them about what we can expect. From our perspective, our task for the rest of the season is simple, we have to win every remaining league game. Anything less than three points each week and our title hopes are all but gone."
RJC chief Daniel Jacobs believes his team have performed better than their results have shown. He's confident they will turn the corner soon, but a tough 90 minutes is on the cards against a Zebras team that will go for the jugular from the first whistle.
JC team news: Jewdinese are without captain Adam Gold, while James Van Straten and Scott Oldstein also miss out. Arron Goldberg and Brandon Sassoon are still our long term absentees. They do however, welcome Josh Platt back after injury and Zac Brin after suspension.
Venue – St James' Park
JC star man: Zac Brin (Jewdinese)
DC Prediction: Vale 3 MLFC 1
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS vs MILL HILL DONS
The rejigged league table means Raiders now sit two points clear of Galaxy, but I expect there to be plenty more twists and turns between now and May.
On Sunday Raiders will be looking to complete a quickfire double over a Dons team they crushed 5-1 in November. Aron Gale, Liron Mannie, Matt Warner plus a pair of own goals eased them to victory.
But managers Gideon Gale and David Isaacs expects things to be a little tighter second time around. Ahead of kick-off, Isaacs told JC Sport: "In our last game against the Dons, we started very slow and to be honest we were quite lucky to go in level at half-time. However, we really got going in the second half and the Dons can count themselves lucky that it ended only 5-1. Albeit I know with Brandon away for a few months that they have a new management team, so this game could be a completely different story.
"Last time it was a big surprise to me that Ryan Kramer wasn’t in the squad, especially as everything seems to go through Ryan when the Dons play well, however rumours have it that he will be making the squad this time.
"Training really picked up a gear this week and I can see that the boys are extremely focused which is great to see."
The Dons are due a win, which would be their first under Jamie Nagioff. Brandon Hamme eagerly awaits some good news abroad, a victory over the table-toppers would be a major boost.
Nagioff told JC Sport: "We've had a tough run of fixtures recently and this week will he no different. We've been playing well given the circumstances but now it's time to start picking up points as well as putting in decent performances.
"Last time out against Raiders, we were incredibly disciplined defensively for most of the game, but a lapse in concentration and relaxation for a small period of the second half cost us dearly. We have to ensure our focus and work rate is maintained for the full 90 minutes this week."
Liron Mannie will be gutted to hear his four-goal blast against Bayern Mincha will be chalked off the history books after Bayern folded. So he will be looking to make up for lost time and make it a miserable morning for the Dons.
JC team news: It’s the one the ultra Raiders fans have been waiting for, after a year away out on a loan deal to Exiles FC in Singapore they are welcoming back Jake Yudelowitz to the fold. NLR will also be welcoming back Bradley Lander and Ed Brafman to the squad this week.
The Dons are pleased to be welcoming key man Isaac Virchis back to the squad this week, while captain Nick Phillips returns after a two week absence. Player-manager Jamie Nagioff is a doubt with a groin injury and his role "may be restricted to shouting at players from the sidelines".
Venue – Ark Academy
JC star man: Liron Mannie (NLR)
DC Prediction: NLR 3 Dons 1
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DIVISION TWO
LEAGUE TABLE (TOP 3)
1. FC Team Pl. 7, W. 6, Pts. 19
2. Borussia Barnet Pl. 8, W. 6, Pts. 19
3. Temple Fortune Pl. 9, W. 5, Pts. 16
TOP-SCORERS 14 - Jono Gaon (Hampstead Ducks), 12 - Saul Green (Club De Chigwell), 11 - Danny Sherman (Temple Fortune), 10 - Daniel Garfinkle (Club De Chigwell)
FAITHFOLD DOCMM GREEN vs TEMPLE FORTUNE
Sunday is a must-win for Temple Fortune who were left reeling after a 1-0 defeat against a Scrabble team they crushed earlier in the season.
Having been in the top two for much of the season, they now lie in third place, behind FC Team and Borussia Barnet – teams who many believe have more experience and dare I say individual quality in their side. But one thing Fortune have going for them is their passion, desire and commitment, which remains unrivalled.
Big star names hold no interest to boss Simon Linden who has a talented group of players at his disposal. In Danny Sherman, Ed Bloom, Adam Speck and Grant Bates, Fortune have an experienced spine, while the likes of Daniel Vandermolen, Benjamin Gourgey and Jacob Kalms have been chipping in with important goals.
But they know Faithfold won’t be pushovers. They are dangerous opponents and will be eyeing revenge after going down 4-2 to Fortune earlier in the season. The Superhoops took the lead but goals from Jacob Kalms (2), Simon Cohen and Vandermolen pegged them back.
Faithfold have beaten PSJ, Chigwell and taken a point off a strong Borussia team so Fortune under-estimate them at their peril. Especially with Faithfold’s other team not playing.
Venue – Tempsford Playing Fields
JC star man: Benajmin Bowers (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 3 Fortune 3
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FC TEAM vs CLUB de CHIGWELL
There’s a tasty encounter in store in Edgware on Sunday when joint-leaders FC Team host free-scoring Club de Chigwell.
And with FC Team boasting several top-notch players from Essex, it promises to be a five-star affair.
Connor Perl was FC Team’s match-winner when the sides met at the beginning of the season, and another five-star affair is on the cards.
Mitch Yong’s Team sit level at the summit with Borussia Barnet, but they have a game in hand. They have won their last four league games, smashing 12 past West Hamdillah last time out.
“It’s a very important game for us Sunday, especially as we haven’t kicked a ball for two weeks,” Young told JC Sport ahead of the game.
“We have full respect for Chigwell - they are an excellent team and arguable have some of the best players in their positions in the whole league.
“I am expecting them to be challenging for the title come the end of the season. We will have to play at our best to win the game and my job will be to try and get this level of performance out from my players. If we can perform then we have a good chance of winning the game.”
Revenge is the name of the game for CdC – an upwardly mobile team packed with goals. Saul Green and Daniel Garfinkle are battling it out for the club’s golden boot, while left-back Stanley Offord is another goal-scoring outlet.
CdC have had a nice little break after crushing Hampstead Ducks 13-3, and joint-manager Adam Conway tells me they are raring to go, especially after hearing the JC cameras could be down for what could be a goal fest.
Conway told JC Sport: “This is a good opportunity for us to close the gap between us and the top two.
“It was a closely fought game in the reverse fixture earlier this season, when on another day we could have got something out of the game.
“The lads know they will have to be at it from kick-off as FC Team haven’t got to their position by luck.”
JC team news: Injuries have “eased up” at a good time for CdC. They also welcome back Joe Klein from university as he is now back for the Chanukah break. This is the final game they will be missing Josh Rose, who has been on exam leave, and “we all wish him good luck ahead of those next week”.
Venue – London Academy
JC star man: Jon Breger (Team)
DC Prediction: Team 4 CdC 3
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PARIS SAINT-JEWMAIN vs HAMPSTEAD DUCKS
Where would Hampstead Ducks be without the goals of Jono Gaon. That’s the million dollar question.
Goan scored his fifth hat-trick in all competitions last week, when they were thrashed 13-3 by Division Two rivals Club de Chigwell in the cup. He has scored almost half their goals in the league and is no doubt the man PSJ defenders will need to watch on Sunday.
PSJ start the game locked on 12 points with the Ducks, but they have a game in hand. They have a decent record against the teams in and around them and will go into this game believing they can complete a league double.
Josh Cohen, George Leigh and Joel Citron registered in the 3-1 win in September and although their home form has been mixed, their attack could be the best form of defence on Sunday, as they look to get the Faithfold defeat out of their system.
Venue – Brunel Uni
JC star man: Benji Katz (PSJ)
DC Prediction: PSJ 3 Ducks 2
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SCRABBLE vs NORTH WEST LONDON BEARS
Experience was key as North West London Bears finally secured their first win since joining the MGBSFL.
A 2-0 triumph came courtesy of two goals from George Hagen Levy but it was the contribution of three players who shall we say are in the twilight years of their careers that really made the difference.
Marc Rose and James Levene pulled the strings, while Lee Harpin’s late cameo ensured there was no late panic. The clean sheet also pleased joint-manager James Harpin, who showed off his razor sharp reflexes.
But Sunday’s trip to Scrabble will be one of their tougher tests this season. Nigel Goldthorpe was in sensational form last weekend, when they upset high-flying Temple Fortune.
Goldthorpe played like a man possessed and for a man of 45 years of age, he’s an example to us all. A top bloke off the pitch, he’s an animal on it, making well-timed tackles and breaking up play, as well as bombing forward at every opportunity.
Scrabble know their strengths and weaknesses and they are masters as executing their game-plan.
Yes they will come up against one of the top keepers in the league, but I think they will get the job done on Sunday.
Venue – JCoSS
JC star man: James Cartmell (Scrabble)
DC Prediction: Scrabble 2 Bears 1
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WEST HAMDILLAH vs BORUSSIA BARNET
Borussia fans will arrive in their droves expecting a cricket score when they take on basement battlers West Hamdillah.
Barnet have taken 19 points out of a possible 24 so far, and win no. seven is on the cards. They are odds on to come away from West Hendon with maximum points.
This is a game I can see Michael Kenley scoring a hat-trick in, as the Borussia boys look to boost their goal difference as they look to extend their league run to eight games without defeat.
Borussia joint-manager Brad Papier will remind his squad of the importance of turning up with the right attitude. He told JC Sport: “We all know West Hamdillah have had a poor start for the season, so we have to avoid the banana skin shock result people would love to see by being professional and getting the job done.
“We’re on level points with FC Team but some way behind in terms of goal difference, so the aim for Sunday is to win by as big a margin as possible.
“However, we’re treating this like every other game and turning up with a job to do. The first target for us is always to win the next game. If we can win Sunday it’ll cap and excellent first half of the season, having only lost two games to Chigwell and HMH, with a Peter Morrison quarter-final tie to look forward to in January.
“The boys know that we have to avoid a shock defeat Sunday and our first game on grass might make things tricky, but I’m confident we’ll get the result required to make it 19/21 points since the opening day.
Indeed Papier may even make his MGBSFL debut Sunday, so keep your eyes peeled for that!
West Hamdillah restricted North West London Bears to a 2-0 win last weekend, but that’s now nine games, nine defeats. During that time they have only scored eight goals and conceded a staggering 63 times.
Not even the biggest optimist would give Hamdillah the slightest of chances on Sunday.
JC team news: Borussia have a fully fit squad available, apart from Ethan Gold who is close to returning in 2020.
Venue – West Hendon Playing Fields
JC star man: Michael Kenley (Borussia)
DC Prediction: Hamdillah 0 Borussia 7
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