Harmen will be looking to avoid a potential banana skin in the shape of the Maccabi Masters Rep team in the Morrison, while title-chasing Raiders A, Redbridge A and Hendon are all in action on Matchday 14. Danny Caro looks ahead to a bumper programme.
---------------------------------
---------------------------------
LATEST NEWS:
DANNY CARO'S MONTHLY AWARDS: NOVEMBER
---------------------------------
---------------------------------
MATCH PHOTOS: AC WHETSTONE vs FC TEAM A
---------------------------------
---------------------------------
---------------------------------
---------------------------------
PHOTOGALLERIES FROM THE SEASON
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE SEASON
---------------------------------
---------------------------------
PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND THREE DRAW
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP QUARTER-FINAL DRAW
---------------------------------
---------------------------------
YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND TWO
MACCABI MASTERS FOOTBALL LEAGUE vs HARMEN
Opportunity knocks for both MMFL and Harmen on Sunday.
The Masters Select XI is relishing the prospect of rubbing shoulders with one of the MGBSFL’s big machas, knowing that the backpage of the JC is up for grabs should they pull off what would be a big surprise.
In Tony Plaskow, they have a player on top of his game and his battle in the middle of the park with Adam Harvey will be worth the admission fee alone.
The prospect of facing a fresh, hungry and ultimately talented Harmen team will not strike fear into the home team. It’s a challenge Jon Yantin is relishing.
He told JC Sport: "Harmen are obviously a strong side flying high in the MSFL - however don't underestimate the Masters; players still playing aged 35-42 are the ones that CAN still play and the flat, wide surface of a 3G suits our style.
“We will be adopting a 1-9-2 formation and hoping they don't notice that there are 12 players on the pitch!"
Harmen may not know too much about their opponents, but they will be aware of the type of player in the Masters camp, knowing the roll-on/roll-off rule will nullify the danger of tiredness.
I like the way MMFL play, and encourage all of their players to get on the ball. But with the likes of Jake Gottlieb and Marc Foster snapping away at their ankles, they dreams of reaching the final may have to wait a little longer, though it may need a moment of magic from messus Gershfield or Pearson to win it.
Venue - Parmiters, Ref – Robert Benardout, KO – 9.45am
JC star man: Brad Sharp (Harmen)
DC Prediction: MMFL 1 Harmen 2
----------------------------------
----------------------------------
MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
17 - James Gershfield (Harmen)
13 - Dave Woolman (Oakwood A)
MACCABI LONDON LIONS BLUE vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
Redbridge could finish the weekend in top spot if they play their cards right, and results go their way.
Sam Rosenthal boys produced one of their top performances at Faithfold last week, with Steve Summers credited with JC Goal of the Week after a stunning two-goal salvo. Dan Castle popped up with the other, in a game where Apprentice star Dan Lassman pulled the strings.
Indeed Rosenthal will challenge his men to put in a repeat performance ahead of the visit to the Lane.
He told JC Sport this week: “We had a disappointing draw against Lions a few weeks ago and the boys know they need to be disciplined and take their chances this time round.
“The lads can't wait to get back out there after top win last weekend. The training ground was buzzing this week.”
James Gold filled in for the newly-engaged Jamie Kyte last weekend and his manager would’ve been pleased with the result and performance in the Anekstein, where five different players got on the scoresheet.
But the returning Kyte knows things will be tougher this week and it’s important they keep their standards high for 90 minutes.
Kyte told JC Sport: “We're going to have our work cut out this week. Redbridge are flying high and we only just scraped a win last time.
“The good news is we're in hot scoring form; we just need to keep their strikers quiet.”
JC team news: Top-scorer Steve Summers is out for RJC, but Dean Nyman returns. Dan Castle is “sticking with men's over Vets and Adam Hakimi back in contention”. Having survived another week in the boardroom, Dan Lassman will be looking to impress once more, and his appearance should add one or two more to the attendance.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Gary Silver, KO – 10am
JC star man: Dean Nyman (RJC)
DC Prediction: MLL 1 RJC 2
-------------------------------
-------------------------------
WOODFORD WANDERERS vs NORTH WEST NEASDEN
A big crowd is expected to see Mitch Hahn’s first game in charge as manager of Woodford.
Tony Charles exceeded expectation in his 18 months in the job and chairman Alex Aviram hopes the appointment of a new boss will lift the players over the next few months, ideally playing the kind of fantasy football Hahn demands.
But Hahn isn’t expecting a contest for the purists on Sunday, far from it. He told JC Sport: “I am expecting Neasden to drag us down to their level in to more of a dogfight, but I am confident we have the ability in the side to deal with that.
“I won’t accept anything less than three points.”
Neasden go into the game nice and fresh after last week’s scheduled cup tie against FC Team fell victim to the weather. But manager Stirling Kay and co are ready to go again.
He told JC Sport: “Obviously this is a big game for both teams – three points are a must. We know what Woodford are about and we know we will have to battle for 90 minutes to come away with maximum points.
“Having said that, I expect them to be looking to get the ball down and play a lot more now that Mitch Hahn has taken over the management. I'm sure he we want to manage the way he plays. I wish him luck in his management,but only after they play against us.
“Our squad have a very positive view to the remaining games and we believe if we can get a strong enough side out, we can pull away from the relegation area.
“We have a very small squad of regular players, but everyone of them is 100 per cent committed to each other."
A new manager usually brings with him a big performance, and I'm expecting the other Hahn to deliver in what could be a real rough-and-tumble affair.
JC team news:: Woodford are “missing a few key players, but have enough”.
Joe Brooks (wedding) misses out for NWN, while Kay “doesn't expect any of our long-term injured to return, even though three of them want to come along in case we don't have 11! Now that is commitment”. Rick Harris and Josh Tiano return to the squad.
Venue - Fairlop, Ref – David Lazarus
JC star man: Darren Hahn (Woodford)
DC Prediction: Woodford 3 NWN 2
-------------------------------
-------------------------------
NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS A vs FAITHFOLD A
NLR will be looking to maintain their slender advantage at the summit against an out-of-sorts Faithfold team in Wembley.
L'Orange are unbeaten in domestic football this season, but last weekend suffered a rare defeat in the Challenge Cup on a day when they left their shooting boots at home.
With Redbridge, Harmen and Hendon breathing down their necks, boss Rob Richman is taking nothing for granted against a team he knows is capable of producing a big performance.
Ahead of the game, Richman told JC Sport: “After a fortnight of cup action, we return to the league with a tricky tie against Faithfold this weekend. Faithfold beat Hendon earlier this season so we know that they will provide a stern test.
“For us it is crucial we finish the year off strongly to set us up for an important 2015. We are beginning to get players back from injury and we have a strong squad for Sunday so we must make sure that the squad delivers a good performance and then the result will look after itself.”
Faithfold were well beaten by Oakwood last week and I think it would be fair to say that some of their players are already looking forward to the winter break.
Boss Zuriel Solomon told JC Sport: "We go into the game in not the best form, but we will definitely not be going into the game moping about what has happened in the past.
"Raiders will be firm favourites and we know they have a great squad and have deservedly warranted being a title contender, but we must show that we won’t lie down and turn up with the wrong attitude."
NLR will look to blast out of the blocks on Sunday and I can see them delivering both the result and performance their fans know they are capable of.
JC team news: Josh Hershman has a week away from Tottenham duties and returns to the NLR squad. Alex Bloch also comes back into the squad. Elliot Espinoza, Adam Joselyn and Ricky Engleman all miss out.
Venue - The Ark, Ref – Richard Jaye, KO - 10am
JC star man: Josh Hershman (NLR)
DC Prediction: NLR 3 Faithfold 0
---------------------------------
---------------------------------
HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A vs OAKWOOD
Games in hand is a scenario Hendon are both familiar and comfortable with, but it’s never ideal.
Having played fewer matches than Raiders, Redbridge and Harmen, the champions know that they face an almighty battle in the shape of an Oakwood team for whom a win would see them join David Garbacz’s men on 13 points.
There won’t be an empty seat in the house for the first league meeting between last season’s Morrison finalists, a game in which the Oaks will be out to settle some old scores.
Greg Corin was Hendon’s match-winner as the holders progressed in the cup last week, with Avi Korman and Ethan Zone in top form.
But Garbacz knows his players must be on top of their game, and unlike last week, take their chances against a team desperate to show they are challengers.
Ahead of the game, Hendon boss David Garbacz told JC Sport: “We are still quite heavily depleted as we have been for a couple of weeks now. This week four guaranteed starters are missing, but we did make a conscious effort at the beginning of the season to ensure we have strength in depth and now that is looking a sensible decision.
“Games against Oakwood are always extremely tough – I don’t think there is any team so desperate to beat us, including Raiders, than them so you can absolutely rest assured they will be as up for it as possible.
“I never understand why they are not right up at the top of the league, fighting out the title, as squad-wise they are extremely strong – they also take their football very seriously, train hard and have a good set up. I’m sure their time will come very shortly but we have to make sure they don’t start this week.
“They have some quality players in top form. as Rik likes to constantly remind everyone, but I’m telling you there is no-one in better form than Avi Korman and I’d take Greg Corin over anyone in this league any day of the week.
“We do not want to get into any big aerial battles and we will look to play as much as we can on the deck. That is one of the reasons we made sure we booked a top quality 4G playing surface and not the mudbath that is Mill Hill for this week.
“The league promises to be closely fought out this year – each game is vital and you need a proper game-plan for every team so as not to drop vital points and give others a march.
“I’ve got high hopes about this match up – our absentees will give them a strong chance and it will be extremely competitive both on the pitch, and probably on the touchlines as well.”
Oakwood go into the game on the back of an exceptional result against Faithfold. Their big players are playing well, none more so than Brad Wine and David Woolman. With two clean sheets to his name in the league, keeper Dan Cohen is showing a new-found maturity on the pitch, and on Twitter sometimes too!
Ric Blank knows his men must approach this game like a cup final and I expect them to play like men possessed. Blank told JC Sport: "The two sides know each other extremely well so there'll be no surprises on that front.
"We have outplayed them in two Morrison finals but been on the losing side both times. In the league, though, our performances haven't been good enough. We have had to contend with a couple of awful decisions against them over the years, but we know now that you have to accept that when you play Hendon. The boys have learnt just to get on with it now. It's up to us to make our own luck and I'm confident we can.
"We are improving with each passing game, having endured an injury spell that would have caused other sides to crumble. We have already been without Adam Levine, Sam Jacobson, Anthony Kintish, Bobby Cousins, Rubin, Eddie Manson, Brad Wine, Guy Helman and Dave Cohen for long periods of the season. So to be in the latter stages of both cup competitions (and not a million miles away in the league) is testament to the quality and spirit of the boys.
"All the pressure is on Hendon. We know they'll get their best players available, whatever David tells you. We'd want nothing less - and we'll be ready."
Hendon have a knack of producing results when not at their best, but only their best will do this Sunday as Oakwood will show no fear and be prepared to go toe-to-toe.
JC team news: Hendon are missing Ari Last, Rafi Kon, Ethan Zone and Yoav Kestenbaum. Dave Seitler returns.
There's still no Adam Levine, Bobby Cousins, Eddie Manson or Dave Cohen though Blank hopes to have all of them available in the new year. Anthony Kintish and Rubin are out for the forseeable future.
Venue – Hertford Uni, Ref – Andy Myerson, KO – 10am
JC star man: Josh Rose (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Hendon 1 Oakwood 1
---------------------------------
---------------------------------
DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
14 - Jake Gilbert (NL Raiders B)
12 - Daniel Garfinkle (Redbridge JC B)
BLIZZARD STORM vs ATHLETIC BILBAUM
Blizzard Storm go in search of their first league double of the season when they welcome the Baums to their Borehamwood home.
Dean Shaw and Mitch Green fired doubles in a thrilling 4-3 victory in what is proving a really tight division.
Shaw has been scoring on a regular basis and he'll be looking to fire the Blizzard boys up the table as they currently find themselves just outside the relegation zone.
Ahead of kick-off, Blizzard boss Simon Linden told JC Sport: "It's another important game, arnt they all?
"We need to get six points from the next two games. Bilbaum have pulled off some good results this season and pushed Raiders all the way last week, so we have to perform well. The next two weeks are important and all the boys know that."
The Baums have struggled in recent week, although they pushed joint-leaders Raiders B close last Sunday, with Jacob Brunner firing a double in a 3-2 defeat.
An ugly 1-0 would do the Baums right now, but they're rarely at their best on 3G and I can see Blizzard coming away with the points.
JC team news: Aaron Salaman is back in the Blizzard squad, but Ben Ellis and Adam Levene still out injured.
Venue - Hertswood, Ref – Steve Levy
JC star man: Dean Shaw (Blizzard)
DC Prediction: Blizzard 4 Bilbaum 1
-------------------------------
-------------------------------
BRIXTON OLD BOYS vs CAMDEN PARK
It's been a terrible few weeks for Camden Park who will be delighted to see the back of Los Blancos following back-to-back defeats.
More than halfway through their league campaign, they simply cannot afford any more slip-ups, with Raiders B and Redbridge B setting such a fast pace.
Camden's Max Saunders told me the other day that they have been "desperately unlucky" with injuries and availability over the past few weeks, and that could be what separates them from NLR and RJC come the end of the season.
They were missing 10 players for the second meeting with Blancos, and Saunders and co know promotion "is going to be a tough ask".
That said, he is confident the players "are going to pick themselves up, and hopefully with people coming back, we can pick up some form and go on a run that we believe we are still capable of."
But if they think they will have things all their own way against Brixton on Sunday, they can sink again. Paul Shamplina's men certainly won't lay on the red carpet treatment, and a few juicy tackles will let Camden know they are in a game.
Brixton have put together a good, strong and experienced squad and they are fighting for their lives.
Camden beware!
Venue - Clowes, Ref – Adam Lewis
JC star man: Paul Shamplina (Brixton)
DC Prediction: Brixton 2 Camden 2
-------------------------------
-------------------------------
LOS BLANCOS vs BRADY MACCABI
Blancos' transformation in recent weeks is, as the late and great David Coleman would've said, quite remarkable.
Back-to-back wins over Camden Park was, dare I say, beyond Jonathan Ison's dreams. Now they are in pole position to cement a top-four finish, although Brady might just have something to say about that.
Simon Moses will be keen to impress against his former club. The boy can do no wrong at the minute and his battle with Henry Ziff is key.
Ahead of the game, Ison told JC Sport: "Confidence is high at the moment and we're looking to continue our good form against Brady this week.
"We have one or two missing, but still possess a very strong and dangerous squad.
"With both Los Blancos and Liverpool in form at the moment, I am a happy man - long may it continue!"
Brady were beaten by the weather last weekend, but they were red-hot against Blizzard last time out and boss Josh Dagul will challenge his troops to get the win that would see them leapfrog Sunday's opponents.
Meeting for the first time this season, it should be a real hum-dinger.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Tony McEvoy, KO - 10am
JC star man: Darren Russell (Blancos)
DC Prediction: Blancos 2 Brady 2
-------------------------------
-------------------------------
SPEC FC vs NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS B
There aren't many teams who are equipped to beat Raiders B on 3G, and SPEC FC aren't one of them.
Jonathan Adelman's men registered their fifth league win of the season against Bilbaum last week, but they stopped playing at 3-0 and Adelman will be wary of that. Focus, discipline and concentration is key for a team gunning for the title.
4-2 winners over SPEC FC earlier in the season, both sets of fans came away from the game talking about that Jake Gilbert goal, one of three from the former Bilbaum marksman that day.
Ahead of part two, NLR chief Jonathan Adelman told JC Sport: "We let ourselves down in the first game against SPEC FC - it was by far our worst display since I took over the squad.
"We got out of jail with two late goals and we need to make sure we approach the game with the right intensity.
"SPEC FC are coming into the game off the back of two defeats so I'm sure they will be fired up to get a positive result."
The hosts were convincingly beaten by Redbridge B last week. I know they currently lie fifth, but they still need a few more points before considering themselves safe from relegation. I can't see them getting any on Sunday against a pacy NLR team.
JC team news: NLR are missing eight players on Sunday, including Adam Posner, Ben Sheldon and Anthony Goodmaker. Speed merchants Mike Hershman and Josh Green return to the squad. Nicky Woolf is pushing for a start having recovered from a niggling back problem which has confined him to the bench in recent weeks.
Venue – Brunel, Ref – Henry Raffe, KO – 10am
JC star man: Jacob Gold (NLR)
DC Prediction: SPEC 1 NLR 4
---------------------------------
---------------------------------
DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
10 - Adam Stolerman (FC Team C)
7 - Zak McLeod (Catford & Bromley), Jacob Richler-Kleiman (Oakwood B)
AC MILL HILL vs AC WHETSTONE
Mill Hill boss Dan Beresford is still reflecting on the game that got away after his team missed the chance to go top against Catford last week.
Leading 3-1, they were unable to keep the Cats out and they must soldier on in the shadow of FC Team C and B, knowing every slip-up is likely to get punished.
Ahead of the visit of Whetstone, Beresford told JC Sport: "We're expecting a very tough game after out recent form and are missing a few important players, so I hope we can get the job done.
"Joel Lassman has been great this season, so will be a huge loss, but I feel we still have the players that are more than capable of getting a result."
Whetstone's bowed out of the cup against FC Team A, but they certainly didn't disgrace themselves, with Alex Wolffenden firing a consolation.
They still have 30 league points to play for and can join Mill Hill if they win their games in hand, as well as on Sunday.
Having drawn 4-4 against Beresford's boys last months, and they were indeed just minutes away from recording a famous win, managers Clive Nathan and Anthony Cohen will approach this game believing they can win.
Mill Hill's recent home form has been decent and if they play for 90 minutes and perform to the level they can, I expect them to have too much on the day.
JC team news: Loz Bloom is struggling to shake a off a persistent leg injury for Mill Hill.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Neil Cooper
JC star man: Jason Shoffman (Mill Hill)
DC Prediction: Mill Hill 3 Whetstone 2
-------------------------------
-------------------------------
FC TEAM B vs JEWDINESE
Jewdinese are in a good moment and will be relishing the chance of exact revenge on Mitch Young's troops following an early-season defeat.
Lorian Madanes scored the golden goal that separated the sides, but Team will face a better organised 'Nese team this time, one who thumped Raiders C 4-1 last Sunday.
Boss Darren Lawrence is delighted with the strides his players have made this season and visiting fans will travel to Mill Hill believing their heroes can record one of the results of the season.
'Nese chairman Jake Erlich told JC Sport: "We've got a new formation and are unbeaten in three, things are looking much better for us after our poor start. Not only myself, but everyone who knows the team knew that it was only a matter of time before we would click and that time is now.
"We play to win every game but firstly, win in the right manner. Hopefully three points on Sunday will move us further up the league and put pressure on the teams above us."
Team will be looking to get two derby defeats out of their system. Boss Mitch Young remains confident they will finish above their C team, and a win on Sunday would help them big time.
A high-quality, high-octane affair is on the cards and the first goal is crucial, but in the end I think home advantage will hold the key.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Mark Jacob
JC star man:Ollie Smith ('Nese)
DC Prediction: Team 2 Jewdinese1
-------------------------------
-------------------------------
FC TEAM C vs NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS C
One of only three teams still boasting an unbeaten record, table-toppers FC Team C are confident of registering win number seven on Sunday.
Without a game last week, we've seen their quality in the derbies against their B-team and they will be licking their lips at the prospect of entertaining a Raiders team who were thumped by Jewdinese last Sunday.
Clashes between FC Team and Raiders rarely disappoint, but given this is a top against bottom tussle, it looks fairly straight-forward to predict.
NLR star defender Jake Yudelowitz has received countless rave reviews over the past season and a half, but up against messus Stolerma, Stanton, Davis and Barnes, he might just have his work cut on this weekend.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Robert Caplin
JC star man: Adam Stolerman (NLR)
DC Prediction: Team 3 NLR 1
-------------------------------
-------------------------------
OAKWOOD B vs L’EQUIPE
Jason Stein would probably start swinging for me if I described this as a relegation six-pointer, but as things stand, it is what it is.
L'Equipe are one of Oakwood's two league victims so far this season, with Ben Polak, Nicky Harris and Charlie Cohen guiding them to a 3-0 win not so long ago.
But recent results have not been so good and Stein and co will be looking to make a big statement of intent on Sunday, with another important home game, against Catford, to follow a week later.
No-one in the L'Equipe camp has been surprised by the step up in standard following promotion last season. They have a similar record to the Oaks, though they have conceded more and scored less.
But joint-manager Josh Lewis believes this game is coming at a good time. He told JC Sport: "We had last week off which definitely helped with all the injuries we’ve had.
"You never know what to expect from Oakwood. Last week I heard they were unable to raise a side against FC Team B and I’ve been surprised to see their results the last three weeks losing to Catford, Jewdinese and Whetstone.
"They played some slick football against us before they went on that run and our defeat to them could’ve been a lot worse if it wasn’t for some great goalkeeping that day from Mark Glucksman.
"Luckily for us, Glucksman is available this Sunday, so the spine of the team is looking strong and all the boys are looking forward to getting out there on Sunday.
"The bottom six teams are only separated by a couple of points in Division Two, so it’s really important for us to get a couple of wins before the end of the year to ensure we’re not in a relegation scrap come 2015."
Sunday will come down to which team wants it most and who wins their individual and collective battles.
JC team news: L'Equipe welcome back Nick Stern and Rob Simons who were both important players in their good early-season form.
Venue – Nicholas Breakspear, Ref – Neal Cohen
JC star man: Charlie Cohen (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 2 L'Equipe 1
---------------------------------
---------------------------------
DIVISION THREE
TOP-SCORERS
12 - Avi Markiweicz (London Rovers)
9 - Phil Braham (King Crown)
FAITHFOLD B vs TEMPLE FORTUNE
Faithfold lost ground in the title race last weekend, but manager Rob Shooman was delighted by the character of his team who came from behind to earn a point at Boca.
By all accounts, they were second best in the first half, but stepped things up in the second 45, with Ashley Ilsen ensuring they came away from a tricky fixture with a share of the spoils.
Shooman is taking nothing for granted ahead of Sunday's showdown with an improving Temple Fortune team.
He told JC Sport: "The squad for Sunday’s game will be much the same as last week, but we will play a lot better."
The Fortune camp are in high spirits following Sunday's 2-1 win over Hendon B. Dominic Hallett's party piece saw them get the monkey off their back and boss Jonathan Cohen hopes his troops can produce a repeat performance.
He told JC Sport: "We have a number of injuries which makes our job very tough, but we have a committed bunch that will give 100 per cent on the day."
A enthralling encounter is on the cards in a game featuring two honest and hard-working teams, but it's Faithfold for me.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – Keith Goodman, KO – 10am
JC star man: Ashley Ilsen (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 3 Fortune 1
-------------------------------
-------------------------------
KINGS CROWN vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B
Hendon will be without manager Adam Glekin on the sidelines for the first time this season as they attempt to end King Crown's unbeaten start to the season.
Long-standing Hendon full-back Chaim Strom will be in charge of the squad for the trip to Chase Lodge, and Glekin is confident that Strom's legendary status within the club will be an inspiration to the players.
"Chaim has been at the club longer than anyone else, and epitomises all the wonderful things this club represents," he told JC Sport. "I am sure he'll do an excellent job."
"King Crown are a good team, but we gave them a good run for their money last time out and but for a few refereeing decisions, we'd have taken something out of the game. The last 4-5 games have been a series of hard luck stories, but it's time to start putting some points on the board."
Crown are in pole position to win the title. The only team in the division yet to taste defeat, Jacob Kadoch has a full squad to choose from.
Ahead of the game, he told JC Sport: “The lads have been training well and know exactly what we need to do.
“It’s from now we are looking to go through the gears. The season starts from here as far as we are concerned.”
I can see Hendon matching Crown for 70 minutes, but with an abundance of attacking options and goal threats, I think the hosts will be holding all the aces come Sunday lunchtime.
JC team news: Other than gaffer Glekin, Hendon will also be without Ben Glekin and Benni Sluckis for the clash, but do have Gab Saul back and are “looking to the possibility of bringing in a couple of new faces to freshen things up”.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Laurence Thorne, KO – 10am
JC star man: Adam Nusenbaum (Crown)
DC Prediction: Crown 3 Hendon 1
-------------------------------
-------------------------------
KS REUNITED vs REAL SOSOBAD
Excitement will be at fever pitch as local rivals KS and Sosobad get ready to rumble.
With a match against league leaders King Crown next week looming large, this really is the beginning of a crucial fortnight for Dan Shafron and co.
Ahead of the big derby, Shafron told JC Sport: “We know many of the KS players and we are excited about finally meeting having had our home game postponed against them three weeks ago.
“We have not kicked a ball since our defeat to London Rovers which still sits badly with me. Some of my players would have hoped that time would have healed my frustration at them, but I don’t forget that easily. I accept defeat when it is deserved. Against Rovers, they deserved to beat us. We were the orchestrators of our own capitulation in that game and we now have to rely on a lot of results to go our way in order to meet our objectives.
“KS have had a poor season so far but I still expect them to give a good account of themselves this weekend. They will be keen to take the east London bragging rights so we must step up to the challenge and play with an immense amount of determination and intent.”
Asked about the rumours circulating of a new International signing, Shafron added: “I can confirm that we have come to an agreement to sign former Watford and Israel Maccabiah forward Eshed Rahav. He has now received International clearance from the FA and I am delighted to have him on board.
“Eshed is a player of immense human dimension who will offer us a fantastic options. He has played at the top level both in Israel and in England and he will be an excellent addition to our squad. He is available to play this weekend and I look forward to bringing him in.”
If KS boss James Lewis had to choose one game to win this season, this would be it. But wanting it and making it happen are two very different things.
Defeat against Lions Green was far from ideal and if Sosobad score early, I can see them taking the game away from their noisy neighbours.
JC team news: James Ryan and Joe Sumray faces fitness tests for KS.
Venue – London Marathon Playing Fields, Ref – Keith Gold
JC star man: Eshed Rahav (Sosobad)
DC Prediction: KS 1 Sosobad 3
-------------------------------
-------------------------------
LONDON ROVERS vs BOCA JEWNIORS
Jeremy Brown hopes the dreaded JC Manager of the Month curse doesn’t strike going into an important run of games, with Shacharit and Faithfold to follow.
Rovers ran out 6-3 winners against Boca earlier in the season, but I expect things to be a little closer second time around.
Ahead of the game, Rovers boss Jeremy Brown told JC Sport "We're now at the business end of the season and pretty much where I would have wanted us to be at this stage.
“Our season is in our own hands and I've told the squad that the key is to remain focused at all times. We must continue to treat the division and other teams with the respect that there are no easy games, and anyone can beat us if we don't turn up with the correct mentality - we have the quality but that doesn't always guarantee you a win.
“It’s up to us to make sure we push ourselves right to the very end and not look back thinking ‘what if’. It’s going to be a fantastic climax to the season and we want to be there at the top come the end of it.”
I bumped into Rovers chairman Viv Emanuel in an Edgware eaterie a couple of weeks ago and believe his boys should be rewarded for an excellent first-half of the season with a slap-up meal.
But he is taking nothing for granted and didn’t sound in the mood for celebrating just yet. Speaking to JC Sport this week, he said: “Boca Round 2 and I reckon it’s going to be a cracker. It’s good to see my old club finally getting points on the board - Gabriel has done a great job assembling a good side.
“The unfortunate thing is that we do need to take three points off them to keep our title aspirations alive. Every game will be a challenge, as we saw last Sunday anyone can beat anyone in this league.”
Having frustrated Faithfold at the weekend, Boca face a big test when they travel to Rovers, with much more than pride on the line.
Gabriel John hailed his back five in a game of two halves as they produced arguably their best display of the season, both individually and collectively.
But on Sunday they face a Rovers team playing with great confidence and scoring goals for fun, so parking the bus could be the order of the day, although I'm not sure that's in John's nature.
Charlie Hollis, Dale Bradman, Ben Gardenener, Simon Englander and Anton Nyman were mustard last week, according to gaffer John, but the prospect of Avi Markiewicz and Dovi Vogel will undoubtedly test their mettle.
With injuries mounting up, Boca go into this weeks game with Rovers at less than full-strength. "It's always amazing to welcome back hotshot Jamie Weinrich," John told JC Sport. "But we also have a number of key injuries and absentees from the 11 which has taken a good four points from our last two games.
"It menans there is added pressure on the shoulders of Lioz Tov and Weinrich to produce and also from midfield dynamo Josh Marlow.
"I'm sure it will be a good game - lets hope there not another hat-trick from JC pin-up Avi Markiewicz.
You can get 10-1 on a Boca win, but on this occasion I think you’d be better off spending your money on Chanukah gifts.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Quentin Fox
JC star man: Yehoshua Silverman (Rovers)
DC Prediction: Rovers 4 Boca 2
-------------------------------
-------------------------------
MACCABI LONDON LIONS GREEN vs SHACHARIT DONETSK
David Pollock and Johnny Meltzer breathed a sigh of relief last week as the Lions registered their second win of the season.
The general consensus was that a combination of youth and experience is finally paying dividends, with Ben Winters pulled the strings in the midfield and Jason Green, Scott Ackerman and Dan Reuben all catching the eye.
Strikes from Sam Collins and Faithfold old boy Scott Ackerman did the trick, but it was arguably the clean sheet that pleased the management most.
One point currently separates Lions and Shacharit, but the Lions have the bit between their teeth right now and I expect them to build on the excellent result against Shacharit and take the points.
Adam Ellis has been Shacharit's star man thus far and he will be keen to impress in the company of some of his Team Maccabi GB U16 teammates. But if he doesn't get the service it's virtually impossible for him to deliver so a quality supply line is something that boss Elliot Nussbaum will be demanding.
On paper this looks like a Lions win and I think it will pan out much the same on grass.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Paul Dobkin
JC star man: Dan Reuben (Lions)
DC Prediction: MLL 2 Shacharit 0
---------------------------------
---------------------------------
ALSO SEE
MANAGER OF THE WEEK
Jonathan Cohen (Temple Fortune) - masterminded the team's first win of the season
REFEREE OF THE WEEK
Laurie Benson (SPEC FC vs Redbridge Jewish Care B)
---------------------------------
---------------------------------
DANNY CARO'S GOAL OF THE WEEK - STEVE SUMMERS
DANNY CARO'S SAVE OF THE WEEK - TONY HIRSCHSTEIN
DANNY CARO'S QUOTE OF THE WEEK - ADAM GLEKIN
JC MOMENT OF THE WEEK
BRAD GRANT (Redbridge JC B) - With the sun in his eye, Grant came rushing out took his cap off and tried to throw his cap on the ball, comedy gold
