MGBSFL Matchday 18 preview

CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP QUARTER-FINAL DRAW

North London Galaxy vs Oakwood

Camden Park vs Hendon United Sports

Jewdinese vs HMH

North London Raiders vs MLFC Blue

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YOUR WEEKEND REVIEW STARTS HERE:

(all matches kick-off at 10am unless stated)

PETER MORRISON TROPHY

MLFC BLUE vs MANCHESTER MACCABI 1^st

It's the clash of the titans at the Lane in a lunchtime kick-off on 3G, as MLFC Blue take on a red-hot Manchester Maccabi - a team who remain unbeaten this season, and on course for silverware in no less than five competitions this season.

Maccabi are relishing the crunch fixture, and player-manager Michael Sacks is under no illusions that it will take a monumental effort for the yellow and blues to progress.

"It's been a great season so far for us," Sacks told JC Sport. "We are excited about travelling south of Watford Gap to the infamous Rowley Lane - it beats away days in Mosside, that's for sure - and we will aim to showcase the very best of what northern Jewish football has to offer. We were beaten by this side two years ago, so we know we go into the game as underdogs.

A former Lions player, Sacks, who has represented Team Maccabi GB at numerous international Games, continued: “It's been a busy week at Brooklands, with Maccabi's poster boy Louie Basso finalising his two-year loan deal to Oakwood, however the club can confirm that there is no option to buy."

Sacks, a former Manchester United academy player, added: "It's a huge shame to lose Louie for two years, but we won't stand in his way. We all know his long-term future lies at Manchester Maccabi and we hope he comes back even better.”

MLFC go into the tie on the back of a 2-1 defeat at home to Fairlop. But no-one would be surprised if they drafted in a couple of reinforcements. Prior to that, they had been in good form, beating National Cup holders HMH twice. And you can be sure that, like Manchester, the Morrison ranks highly on their list of priorities.

Joint-player-manager Max Kyte predicts an enthralling encounter. He told JC Sport: “We are really looking forward to hosting Manchester

"Maccabi, and the north versus south games always have a bit of extra passion and flair. They are a great side with great players, so we will need the whole squad to be on form to get through to the next round.

“With a 2pm kick-off at Rowley Lane on the 3G, we hope this can draw out some extra fans who would have been too hungover to make a 10am kick-off.”

Sam Hatton has been in prolific form up front for Manchester this season, and both teams will be keen to settle this in 90 minutes, so the visitors get showered in time to watch United play Liverpool.

Without knowing exactly who will play for MLFC – they are keeping their cards close to their chest – it’s hard to predict a winner.

Manchester have been an immovable object this season. They have an excellent defensive record and have the strength in depth to cover the loss of Basso. MLFC have 33 players registered in the MGBSFL, and quite possibly a fair few more in the Morrison. But winning has become a habit for Manchester this season, so I'm tipping them to nick it.

Venue – Rowley Lane (3G), KO – 2pm

JC star man: Toby Levy (Manchester)

DC Prediction: MLFC 1 Manchester 2

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MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION

LEAGUE TABLE (TOP 3)

1. Hendon United Sports Pl. 8, W. 7, Pts. 21

2. Faithfold DocMM White Pl. 10, W. 6, Pts. 20

3. HMH Pl. 10, W. 5, Pts. 17

TOP-SCORERS 12 - Josh Cuby (Oakwood A), 11 - Akiva Solomon (Faithfold Doc MM White - plus one for Green)

FAIRLOP FC vs OAKWOOD

Fairlop overcame all the odds to win at Rowley Lane last weekend. They produced a show of real cajones, as goals from James Jaconelli and Brad Gayer earned them a 2-1 win – their first league success of the season.

But they will face a very different challenge this weekend when they welcome an Oakwood team who have won just two league games out of ten.

However, as Manchester Maccabi player-manager Michael Sacks revealed, Oakwood have splashed the cash to unleash a big talent in Louie Basso – one of the top midfielders in Jewish football in the country.

Basso has the qualities and all-round game to help take Oakwood to the next level. He has great leadership qualities and is a ball-playing midfielder with a great engine, chipping in with plenty of goals.

But Fairlop will relish going toe-to-toe with him, especially Gayer, who has shown time and again that he is a man for the big occasion.

A physical, high-octane contest is on the cards – and it’s a game I can see defences dominating.

Venue – 7 Kings

JC star man: Louie Basso (Oakwood)

DC Prediction: Fairlop 0 Oakwood 0

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FAITHFOLD DOCMM WHITE vs HMH

Faithfold DocMM White were top for a few hours after crushing Camden Park 4-0. That was until Monday night’s league management committee meeting, which saw Hendon United Sports awarded a win after Camden forfeited earlier in the season.

Yoav Kestenbaum has been a great addition for Faithfold this season. He has a habit of unlocking defences and will be boosted after scoring his first goal for the club. Out wide, David Leiwy’s mesmerising skills will also keep the HMH backline on its toes.

Faithfold will always score goals. But it's the new centre-back pairing of Alex Rosenthal and Martin Smulovitch that excites me. They needed to stop shipping goals and the experience of Rosenthal, alongside fellow former ex-Hendon defender Smulovitch, gives them added solidity. The team has conceded just two goals in the last three games, and they can ask serious questions of HMH.

Sunday is a must-win for HMH if they are to get their title bid back on track. They were unable to breach a well-drilled Oakwood defence last weekend, and I expect extra shooting practice to be on the cards at training this week.

Most of HMH’s remaining league games will be played away from home, so it’s important they rediscover their cutting edge quick-fast. But they will have their work cut out against the old guard of Smulovitch and Rosenthal.

HMH boss Avi Goldberg knows his players must be on point on Sunday. "Last time we met we could not get past their keeper, Gideon Rabstein," a man the hmh gaffer describes as a man-mountain that day.

"This time, we are hoping for the same possession, territory and chances but better conversion rate. We have noticed, however, that Faithfold have quite a few dangerous players, so we need to focused throughout and watch the back door carefullly."

Goldberg went on to say: "The next few weeks marks the start of the business end of the season, with three quarter-finals to play, so the lads are all playing for their places.

"The league may be a stretch but there are still many league games to play, although we will definitely need one or two other teams to join us in taking points off Hendon if we are to stand a chance."

I can see both sides scoring, but there may not be an outright winner.

JC team news: Faithfold hope to welcome back top-scorer Akiva Solomon to the squad after he missed the win over Camden Park.

HMH were keeperless last week, with Josh Goldstein a superb stand-in, but this week they will have one of their keepers, Jacob Shapiro, available. Sam Monjack and Max Foster are "injury doubts" following last week's "exceptional" encounter with Oakwood. Sammy Kingston is pushing for a return having been away on a mission!

Venue – Capital City

JC star man: Alex Rosenthal (Faithfold)

DC Prediction: Faithfold 1 HMH 1

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HENDON UNITED SPORTS vs CAMDEN PARK

Hendon were second on Sunday but then first on Monday after they were awarded three points for a match Camden Park forfeited in early December.

Talent-wise, there is a big gulf between the teams and given that Hendon have an excellent record against Camden, I’ve marked this down as a home banker.

Come kick-off on Sunday, last season’s champions would’ve had a fortnight to recover from the match against Oakwood that finished 2-1.

Danny Kon’s last-ditch strike earned Hendon their seventh win in eight matches. Kon’s cameo was crucial as the red men were missing Dovi Fehler and Josh Harris. Hendon have an embarrassment of riches in attack, with Zack Lewis, Moses Seitler and Chaim Korman reminding me a little of Liverpool’s Mane, Firmino and Salah. Lewis hasn’t been as prolific as in previous seasons, but his work-rate and quality remain undoubted. He has one of the best left pegs in the leagues and can score a goal out of nothing.

Seitler is another major threat. Quick and direct, he has an eye for goal and is very unselfish. Korman has come on in leaps and bounds since starring at the EMG. He produced one audacious piece of skill against Oakwood, although blotted his copybook in the final seconds with his second yellow card.

Hendon boss Jordan Sapler believes his team's attitude will be important if they are to come away with the right result on Sunday. He told JC Sport: "Camden is always a tough game as we never quite know what side they will put out.

"However, we have a lot of confidence and the morale is high after the late winner against Oakwood. We know that we are tough to beat at Hadley and we will look to keep that going."

Camden were second best against Faithfold last Sunday. They’ve failed to score in four matches this season and it’s clear someone must step up in the goals department.

They have given Hendon some good games in recent years, but it’s hard to call anything other than a Hendon win on Sunday.

JC team news: Chaim Korman is suspended for one game following his dismissal against Oakwood. Avi Korman is also out and he joins Josh Harris, Jonti Arembrand and Ari Last as unavailable. Hendon can welcome back Ari Nevies and Dovi Fehler, who both missed last week, along with goalkeeper Russell Corin.

Venue – Hadley FC

JC star man: Danny Kon (Hendon)

DC Prediction: Hendon 3 Camden 0

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DIVISION ONE

LEAGUE TABLE (TOP 3)

1. NL Raiders Pl. 10, W. 8, Pts. 25

2. NL Galaxy Pl. 9, W. 6, Pts. 21

3. Hertswood Vale Pl. 11, W. 6, Pts. 19

TOP-SCORERS 17 - Aron Gale (North London Raiders), 14 - James Millet (Hertswood Vale), Reiss Mogilner (Jewdinese), 12 - Liron Mannie (North London Raiders), 11 - Zach Cohen (Mill Hill Dons)

HERTSWOOD VALE vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE

Bouncebackability is the name of the game for both Hertswood Vale and RJC on Sunday.

Vale suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat against old foes Mill Hill Dons, succumbing to a last-gasp goal. It’s important they get back on the winning trail quickly. Joint-manager Jacob Emanuel told JC Sport: “I'm expecting a huge reaction from our squad after our diabolical performance against MH Dons last weekend.

“I could blame the result on a number of different factors, one of which is probably best not to mention, otherwise I may get a call from David Woolf!  The fact of the matter is that a poor team performance and complete lack of discipline was our downfall, and ultimately we got our just desserts.

“Anyway, onwards and upwards. Our home form this season has been a real dampener on an otherwise incredible campaign so far, and it's about time we got another decent league result to continue to add to our impressive points tally."

A top-two finish will be an uphill battle now, but they will be determined to finish the season as strongly as possible. Emanuel added: "We come up against a very strong team in Redbridge and we know that following their last=minute defeat to Brook Farm last Sunday that they're going to turn up to East Barnet expecting a win on Sunday.

“One thing I can promise is a more disciplined and committed display from the boys regardless of the result. 

Redbridge have found the going tough this season, and manager Daniel Jacobs tried to roll back the years by calling on RJC legend Darren Brown for the game against Brook Farm Rovers. Brown popped up with a goal but his efforts counted for little in the end as Rovers ran out 2-1 victors.

I expect home advantage to play a part on Sunday as Vale return to winning ways.

JC team news: Vale are missing a number of players this week, including Dan Reuben, Jack Shulman and Adam Morrow, while Justin Mullem misses the game “to work hard on his calves at David Lloyd”. They do, however, welcome back captain James Neidle for the first time in 2020, Jamie Steinberg, while rumours of a return for Jack Winton following injury are building. Tony Gold is also nearing a return. 

 Venue – East Barnet School

 JC star man: James Neidle (Vale)

 DC Prediction: Vale 2 RJC 0

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MLFC RED vs BROOK FARM ROVERS

Rovers make their first-ever competitive trip to Rowley Lane in confident mood following their heroics win in Essex last weekend.

Josh Silverman popped up with a vital winner that secured their second league win. His goal added to another from Dan Cohen – the joint-player-manager - who is certainly leading by example in his first season. And they will turn up for this match with no fear.

Ahead of the trip to Borehamwood, Cohen told JC Sport: "We are taking a strong squad with us to Rowley Lane on Sunday as we look to make it back-to-back wins for the first time ever.

"MLFC are scrapping for their lives at the bottom, and it looks like they have a very capable squad available for this game, so no doubt it’s going to be incredibly tough to come away with the three points.

"But we are definitely still buzzing off a massive win last weekend in added time and we go into Sunday full of confidence. We know how good we can be when we’re on it and the boys are raring to go again."

An incredible forty-six players have so far lined up for MLFC Red so far this season. But they have yet to find that winning formula – the win over SPEC in December was reversed after MLFC players unregistered/ineligible players.

But boss Joel Nathan says he is hopeful of doing the business on Sunday. "The guys have had a few weeks off, so are eager to get going on Sunday.

’We don't know too much about Brook Farm but understand they a very good young team and will give us a great test."

Nathan went on to say: "For once, we have a positive selection problem as too many players are around and long may that continue."

Fairlop is traditionally one of the hardest grounds to win at and Rovers have chalked that off their list. Next stop Rowley Lane. History beckons.

 Venue – Rowley Lane

 JC star man: Toby Nathan (Rovers)

 DC Prediction: MLFC 1 Rovers 2

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SPEC FC vs MILL HILL DONS

SPEC will be looking to put a run of three heavy defeat behind them when they entertain the Dons near the RAF Museum in Hendon.

I can smell goals in their first meeting with their opponents whose tails will be up after an impressive victory on the road at Hertswood Vale.

SPEC have struggled to score at home this season and they will be determined to put that right on Sunday. Player-manager Ricky Lawrence told JC Sport: “We've got a few returning players and buoyed by the fact that we have been awarded the three points from the game against MLFC before Christmas, we're hoping to notch up another three points after a difficult run.

“MH Dons picked up a great win last week though so it'll certainly be a tough fixture."

Marc Charles was the two-goal hero for the Dons against Vale last week. His second goal came right at the death, and Vale had no time to recover.

Dons' boss Jamie Nagioff starred on the pitch last week and he is confident back-to-back wins are possible. "We are coming into this game off the back of a huge result last week, and the atmosphere within the squad is as good as it's been for a long time," he told JC Sport.

"We've looked sharp so far in 2020, even in training, so we are looking to pick up another three points this Sunday.

"Last time out against SPEC was a funny game. Two dreadful periods in the match put the game totally out of sight for us, but we have come along way since then and I expect a far better performance and result on this occasion."

The Dons must approach this game the very same way and take their chances when they come in a game I'm predicting goals in.

JC team news: SPEC's injury list merry-go-round continues. Adam Isaacs is the latest addition with an ankle injury, while Zach Cohen, Josh Marks and Olly Goodman all face late fitness tests. Josh Cinna's knee "puts Ledley King's troubles to shame, so he will be out for at least another two weeks". That said, skipper Nick Phillips and goalkeeper Adam Brown are among those available again after missing last week.

Venue – St James’ Park, KO – 10.15am

JC star man: Jamie Smaje (SPEC)

 DC Prediction: SPEC 3 Dons 2

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DIVISION TWO

LEAGUE TABLE (TOP 3)

1. Temple Fortune Pl. 12, W. 8, Pts. 25

2. FC Team Pl. 10, W. 7, Pts. 23

2. Borussia Barnet Pl. 10, W. 7, Pts. 23

TOP-SCORERS 17 - Jono Gaon (Hampstead Ducks), 16 - Daniel Garfinkle (Club De Chigwell), 12 - Saul Green (Club De Chigwell), Danny Sherman (Temple Fortune), 11 - Simon Cohen (Temple Fortune), 10 - Richard Salmon (FC Team), Alex Bourne (Scrabble)

FAITHFOLD DOCMM GREEN vs SCRABBLE

Scrabble are in a good moment following a run of four matches without defeat.

Alex Bourne was the two-goal hero in the win at PSJ last weekend, in a game where Neil Kochane showed remarkable fitness levels to win his duel with Zac Summerfield. Paul Doctors also impressed at left-back in what was an excellent team display.

More of the same will be needed on Sunday against an unpredictable Faithfold team. Scrabble boss Jon Yantin told JC Sport: "We’re just looking forward to continuing our unbeaten run of ten out of 12 points.”

Faithfold manager Ben Kfir was quick to play down talk of any new arrivals during the transfer window. “The news is that I had to break the piggy bank to get this game played,” he told JC Sport.

The Superhoops also claimed a win over PSJ recently and they also gave high-flying Borussia Barnet two good games, either side of victory over the Bears and Chigwell.

Which Faithfold team will turn up. That’ll be the million dollar question on Sunday, which makes it ever so hard to call a winner.

Venue – Tempsford Playing Fields

JC star man: Jeremy Teacher (Scrabble)

DC Prediction: Faithfold 1 Scrabble 2

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NORTH WEST LONDON BEARS vs HAMPSTEAD DUCKS

The battle between the best goalkeeper in the division, James Harpin, and the top-scorer in the division, Jono Gaon, will be worth the admission fee alone on Sunday!

Harpin produced an heroic performance against table-toppers FC Team, including a penalty save. Zacki Doumou (2) and Harry Russell scored the goals that busted coupons up and down the land following a 3-1 win.

On Sunday it's important they avoid any complacency, and arrive with the same focus once again. Joint-player-manager Harpin told JC Sport: "We are now unbeaten four games in the league, which is a great achievement considering the start of the season we had.

"This is great opportunity to make it five this week and then three next week. I know the threat of Jono Gaon, having played with him for Lions a few seasons back. He is a tricky player and it is no real surprise to me that he is top-scorer in the league. If we manage to do a job on him I believe we will win the game."

Harpin went on to say: "We don't have as strong of a squad this week, but there is enough quality in the team to win the game. If we work as hard as have all round the pitch this weekend, we should come away with three points."

The Ducks have lost seven out of 11 and not played since the middle of December. Match sharpness could be a problem, so I'm tipping the Bears to go charging on.

JC team news: Jamie Smith comes in for his NWLB debut. Sam Bookman, Daniel Kingsley and James Levene are back in the squad after their extended Christmas break.

Venue – London Academy

JC star man: Harry Russell (Bears)

DC Prediction: Bears 3 Ducks 1

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WEST HAMDILLAH vs FC TEAM

Top visits bottom as FC Team look to extend their slender advantage over Temple Fortune when they take on West Hamdillah.

Mitch Young's boys suffered their first defeat of the season last weekend, at the hands of North West London Bears - another side at the wrong end of the table.

Young knows they had more than enough chances to come away with maximum points, missing a penalty and a whole host of other chances. So I'm expecting a big reaction.

Ahead of the game, Young told JC Sport: "We are looking forward to the next month of fixtures. We have had two very tough games following which we remain top of the league. However, we have picked up a number of injuries so I am looking for everyone of the squad members to step up.

"We now essentially have seven cup finals to see if we can hold out. We are looking for the next four games to build some momentum into the final hurdle starting, with Sunday's match."

West Hamdillah have lost 11 on the spin. But Rome wasn't built in a day. Having lost 9-1 against Borussia Barnet last time, out they will be looking to give an improved showing against one of the title favourites.

Hamdillah's Sammy Assil told JC Sport: "We are looking to start the new year with a positive result against FC Team, and get some points on the board.

"They are a good side, with experienced players, so it's up to us to put in 110 per cent effort to pay back the Dillah faithful for their constant support."

The first 20 minutes are crucial for Hamdillah. They must hold firm to avoid being over-run by a team with numerous goal-scoring threats. How they mark Richard Salmon at set-pieces will be key.

JC team news: Hamdillah welcome back Sam Chippeckinho from an injury he got putting his body on the line for the Dillahs. Good to have star centre back Etan Kleinman back too, to bring some composure to the defence.

Craig Sandford, Ben Sollosi, Jonny Haik, Adam Shafron and Adam Klein have all been ruled out through injury.

Venue – West Hendon

JC star man: David Grossman (Team)

DC Prediction: Hamdillah 1 Team 4

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PARIS SAINT-JEWMAIN vs BORUSSIA BARNET

Borussia are the main title rivals to leaders FC Team. And having beaten PSJ 3-0 in October, they hold a psychological edge over Sunday's opponents.

It looks as though the title will be decided by small margins, perhaps the odd point dropped here and there. And it would be fair to say Borussia must avoid a repeat of the draw against Faithfold DocMM Green and win the majority of their remaining games. That is something they are more than capable of. And it has to be the target ahead the return match against FC Team, which could turn out to be a title decider.

A spine of players with Premier Division experience has been the foundation for Borussia's strong start. Now it's important they kick on, and go on another long, winning run following their 2-2 draw against FC Team.

PSJ were edged out 2-1 by Scrabble last week. Yes they huffed and puffed but they were unable to break down a solid wall of resistance. They had a golden opprtounity to eek out a draw, only to miss a penalty.

The ante will be raised on Sunday against a Borussia team who boast a 100 per cent win record on the road. They have scored 17 and conceded just twice in three matches, so I expect them do the business against PSJ.

Venue – Brunel Uni

 JC star man: Adam Freedman (Borussia)

 DC Prediction: PSJ 0 Borussia 3

ALSO SEE:

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: NL RAIDERS vs NL GALAXY

PHOTOGALLERY: NL RAIDERS vs NL GALAXY

MATCHDAY 17 REVIEW

MATCHDAY 17 AWARDS

PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Jordan Grundman (North London Galaxy)

MANAGER OF THE WEEK: Luke Lewis (North London Galaxy)

COACH OF THE WEEK: Nathan Schindler (North London Galaxy)

GOAL OF THE WEEK: Dovi Vogel (Faithfold DocMM White)

SAVE OF THE WEEK: Gideon Caller (Faithfold DocMM White)

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: Luke Lewis (North London Galaxy)