Hendon United Sports, Maccabi London Lions, Oakwood A and Los Camden A are preparing for the semi-finals of the Cyril Anekstein Cup, while it's also a big day in Division One of the MGBSFL where Redbridge Jewish Care A are just 90 minutes away from securing the title.
March 14, 2019 10:32
(matches KO at 10am unless stated)
HENDON UNITED SPORTS vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS
Something has to give on Sunday as league and cup double chasing Hendon United host a Lions team that is still on course for a cup double.
Hendon have beaten Lions twice, by single-goal margins in the league this season, but as we know, form goes out of the window in a one-off cup game in a tie featuring two sides who have the utmost respect for one another.
Jordan Sapler’s men have seen their league advantage cut to just a single point by HMH, but they have a game in hand. However, Sapler will tell his troops to focus only on the next 90 minutes as the Reds look to secure their passage in the final, which returns to Wingate & Finchley this year.
Hendon have had a few weeks to recharge and they will need all their big guns out, as they know Lions will come with a game-plan to disrupt their free-flowing football.
Rocky Spitzer has been a key player for Hendon this season. His silky skills and composure on the ball give Hendon a platform to drive forward. Captain marvel Ari Last has been hampered by injury, but in Jonny Kay they have the perfect player to fill his boots, doing all the ugly work in midfield. Goalkeeper Russell Corin is one of the best at this level, while left-back Mordi Weiler has come on in leaps and bounds over the last couple of years.
Ari Nevies and Avi Korman are the heartbeat of the team, while Simon Peterman brings a multitude of experience, and never lets anyone down. Up top, Zack Lewis and Dovi Fehler regularly grab the headlines and pop up with big goals when they matter most.
They also have promising youth and fresh legs in the shape of Chaim Korman, Zac Garbacz and Jonty Aremband – the next generation have not looked out of place and gelled into the team superbly.
Ahead of kick-off, Sapler told JC Sport: “Another week and another huge game. Aside from HMH, Lions have provided us with the toughest tests this season and we expect another huge battle on Sunday.
“They have quality all over the pitch, but so do we. When we play well there is no-one that can get close to us and for 90 minutes on Sunday that’s what we’ll do,
“We want to be in the cup final and we’re determined that come the final whistle on Sunday we’re booking our place at Wingate.”
Lions have saved their best for the cup competitions this season. Drawn against HMH in the last four of the Morrison, they have selected a consistent squad in all competitions this season, with Adam Arnold leading by example.
Reiss Mogilner hit the ground running following his move from neighbours Brady Maccabi, and currently tops MLL’s goal charts. He could’ve had another had it not been for a superb penalty save by Jake Doffman in the 2-1 defeat against HMH last weekend. And if he gets another chance from the spot this weekend, he’ll be facing another spot-kick expert in Russ Corin, so it’ll be interesting to see if he holds his nerve should the opportunity arise.
Jack Franks has been earning rave reviews in nets for Lions in recent weeks, when Jordan Sharifian hasn’t been available. In front of him, Alex Taylor has been there, seen it and bought the T-shirt. Daniel Behar, Ed Brafman and Richard Gold have a good number of games under their belt at this level, while experience comes in the form of Benji Weinberger, Will Beresford and James Gold.
Michael Kenley has started many games on the bench, and it’ll be interesting to see how managers Max Kyte and Sam Marchant use the giant striker and Daniel Green on Sunday.
I’m expecting a cagey affair that will be won and lost in midfield. This is a contest worthy of the final and it wouldn’t surprise me if it went the distance.
JC team news: Chaim Korman, Ari Last, Yehuda Korman, Greg Corin and Yoav Kestenbaum are all unavailable for Hendon through injury. Moses Seitler returns to the squad.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
HENDON (from): Russell Corin, Mordi Weiler, Ari Nevies, Simon Peterman, Avi Korman, Josh Bentley, Jonny Kay, Josh Harris, Rocky Spitzer, Chaim Korman, Zac Lewis, Dovi Fehler, Gav Noe, Moses Seitler, Jonty Aremband, Zac Garbacz, Jordan Mizrahi
LIONS (from): Jack Franks, Jordan Sharifian, Daniel Behar, Alex Taylor, Ed Brafman, Richard Gold, Will Beresford, Adam Hassanli, James Gold, David Dinkin, Joe Salomon, Benji Weinberer, Michael Kenley, Reiss Mogilner, Jono Gaon, Max Kyte, Sam Hamerton, Oli Craig
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Luke Steele
JC star man: Russ Corin (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon 1 Lions 1 (AET – Hendon on penalties)
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OAKWOOD A vs LOS CAMDEN A
Oakwood and Los Camden have claimed a win apiece in their league meetings this season, but given their cup pedigree, I make holders Oakwood favourites to reach the final once again.
Crushed 5-2 by Stirling Kay’s Camden in September, the Oakwood settled the scores with a 4-1 victory in January, with Josh Bharier, Josh Cuby, Toby Levy and Scott Smith the marksmen.
Bharier and Cuby have been Oakwood’s biggest goal threats this season, and they will fancy their chances of unhinging the Camden defence once again.
Oakwood have only played one match in this season’s League Cup to date, following two forfeits. They edged past first division Jewdinese 1-0 – one of three clean sheets this term – but will need to be on top of their game to see off the challenge of a Camden team who are one of the most improved in the MGBSFL this year.
Joint-manager Dan Kristall told JC Sport: "We expect a tough game against a full-strength Camden outfit. We are aware from early in the season how strong they are.
"We will have to be at our best to advance in a cup that we are determined to retain."
Camden warmed up for the tie with an impressive 4-1 win over Brady Maccabi. Louis Coque enjoyed a dream debut – firing a deadly double – while brother Ashley was also selected for my Team of the Week after “the complete performance”.
Camden go into the last four clash in great shape, with victories over HMH and Redbridge JC A along the way. They are playing with freedom, great discipline and, most importantly, no fear. Under Kay, the handbrake has been off this season and they are reaping the rewards.
Up top, Oli Sade has been like a breath of fresh air. He has been a welcome addition to the MGBSFL and Kay has done well to build his team around him.
Camden's Gav Krieger told JC Sport: "We have played Oakwood twice and we have both won a game apiece; they have been one of the most competitive teams in the league for years and we are expecting an excellent spectacle.
"However, with the results we have picked up this season, our brand of football twined with being an unknown quantity as we are new team to the league, we hope to come away with a positive result.
"We are really looking forward to having the JC cameras down on what has the makings of being one of the games of the season."
Camden have 40 players registered this season and the hard work of Kay and co is helping to put the club back in the spotlight. They will relish the next 90 minutes and I’m sure they won’t freeze on the big stage.
I can see a high-octane battle unfolding in a tie decided by small details.
JC team news: Sam Cantor may return following three months out of the first team fold. Ben Peppi is available while Harvey Kaye and Tom Cantor return. Alex Lee is a major doubt
Los Camden will give late fitness checks to players returning from injury, including Johann Jordi, Sacha Nusenbaum and Dean Rosenthal. Elliot Moslawy looks set to return.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
OAKWOOD (from): Joe Botchin, James Hiller, Dale Bradman, Alex Lee, Tom Cantor, Lee Warner, Harvey Kaye, Ben Peppi, Simon Davies, Kyle Bentwood, Luke Brookner, Toby Levy, Brad Wine, Josh Cuby, Josh Bharier, David Woolman, Sam Cantor, Dan Seligman, Zac Summerfield, Josh Gellman, Scott Smith, Dave Cohen
CAMDEN (from): Steven Murad, Oli Brooks, Ashley Coque, Charles Braunstein, Michael Khalatschi, Joel Barnett, Kane Gilbery, Gav Krieger, Josh Tiano, Elliot Moslawy, Joseph Levi, Guy Fenton, Johann Jordi, Jake Saunders, Dan Orgel, Louis Coque, Oli Sade, Sacha Nusenbaum, Dean Rosenthal, Richard Harris, David Kanzen, Alex Lewis
Venue – Nicholas Breakspear, Ref – Richard Jaye
JC star man: Brad Wine (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 2 Camden 1
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MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP 3
1. Hendon Utd Pl. 12, W. 8, Pts. 26
2. HMH Pl. 13, W. 7, Pts. 25
3. Oakwood A Pl. 13, W. 7, Pts. 22
TOP-SCORERS 17 - Reiss Mogilner (ML Lions), 12 - Josh Bharier (Oakwood A - includes 2 for B team)
BRADY MACCABI vs HMH
Top spot is up for grabs for HMH on Sunday when Avi Goldberg’s boys make a quick return to Rowley Lane.
They edged out Lions 2-1 there last weekend and will be looking to produce another high-quality performance against the division’s bottom team.
Goalkeeper Jake Doffman has been grabbing the headlines in recent weeks, but I don’t expect him to be too busy on Sunday, so the spotlight could return to talisman Oscar Wagner as the sky blues go in search of their ninth league triumph of the campaign, which would take them two points clear of long-time leaders Hendon United, who will then have a game in hand.
Leo Berger enjoyed a dream goal-scoring debut for HMH at the Lane last weekend, to cap a commanding performance. Like Doffman, George Goldberg was rewarded for his fine display with a place in my Team of the Week.
Gaffer Goldberg regularly leaves a big name on the bench for impact later in games. He uses the rolling subs well and has tweaked his pack to maximum impact time and again this season.
Looking ahead to the game, Goldberg told JC Sport: "After last Sunday's hard=fought win over Lions at the Lane, we return to the Lane this time to play Brady and looking to secure three points so we can return to the top of the Premiership.
"However, despite Brady’s lowly position and victory last time out against them, we know Brady’s pedigree and we know they need to start winning to avoid relegation, so we are taking nothing for granted.
"Football is littered with the so-called strong being beaten by relegation battlers and we do not want to see that happening. Any Spurs supporter knows how impactful that can be!"
Brady have lost ten out of 11 in the league and are out of both cups. Joel Nathan is calling upon club veterans and the next generation for favours week after week, but still the results have not come.
Can they do it on a cold, wet morning in Arkley? Once again, the odd are stacked against them ... and I think HMH will have too much quality on the day.
JC team news: HMH will be without George Goldberg and Eli Wegrzyn, who have gone off travelling "to enhance their skills for next season on Copacabana". But they will have Clark Norton back and hope Leo Berger "will turn up again with another performance like the one against Lions and we want to see our fearsome strike partnership of Abadi and Wagner back in the goals".
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Barry David
JC star man: Leo Berger (HMH)
DC Prediction: Brady 1 HMH 3
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DIVISION ONE
TOP 2
1. Redbridge JC A Pl. 14, W. 9, Pts. 34
2. Fairlop FC Pl. 14, W. 10, Pts. 34
TOP-SCORERS 18 - Nate Kashket (Redbridge JC A), 13 - James Jaconelli (Fairlop FC)
BAYERN MINCHA vs FAIRLOP FC
Fairlop go into their penultimate game of the season needing to win and then hope they can get a little help from their friends.
Aaron Dias’s men trail local rivals Redbridge JC A on goal difference, but Jake Sanders told me the team must focus on the task at hand.
"The message is clear,”Sanders told JC Sport. “Win here and hope North London Galaxy can help us out elsewhere. But we can only control our jobs, so that's what our focus will be on.”
Results haven’t gone Fairlop’s way in their last couple of games, but the signs look good for Sunday. Sanders told JC Sport: "We've played Mincha three times before and beat them quite comfortably on each occasion, so we will be hoping to record a fourth consecutive win against them."
Sunday promises to be an emotional day for Bayern, who will bid farewell to boss Daniel Holder after the game. With the bottom two places as good as finalised, there will be no pressure on the Bayern boys who will be looking to give Holder the perfect send-off.
“Sunday represents our last game of the season,” Holder told JC Sport. “Unfortunately (as per) we are missing a multitude of players but we will just about get 11 players. This always seems to be the case when we play Fairlop.
“However, we narrowly lost 2-1 last time out against them without many players so we will see how we fare this time.
“It’s a game we will just look to enjoy as no result will impact our league place, but we will aim to pull off a big shock.”
Holder went on to say: “On a personal note, Sunday represents my last game for the team - so hopefully we can end the year on a high.”
Fairlop remain one of only two unbeaten teams in the league this season. Bayern will need to pull out all the stops to give their gaffer the perfect leaving gift, but I don’t expect the visitors to do him any favours.
JC team news: Akiva Fink, Simon Zeffertt, Tomer Tricot, Jake Dayan, Samuel Leader, Philippe Auret, Ben Levene and Adam Bitton are among the players to miss out for Bayern.
Fairlop will take a “fully-fit” squad to north-west London.
Venue – Capital City, Ref – Martin De La Fuente
JC star man: Aaron Rosen (Fairlop)
DC Prediction: Bayern 1 Fairlop 2
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JEWDINESE vs LOS CAMDEN
Jewdinese are joint-favourites to win the Barry Goldstein Trophy after they were drawn at home to second division Scrabble FC B. But manager Darren Lawrence is looking no further than Sunday, and Los Camden B.
The Zebras have lost just once in 13 league games this season and with three home games coming up, they will be targeting a top three finish.
The buzz of an extra-time winner means their tails are up and supporters have been toasting Josh Platt’s cup heroics. Barney Rhodes and goalkeeper Ben Halmer also played their part in a memorable win.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s match in Bushey, Lawrence told JC Sport: “We are hoping to continue our unbeaten home run and pick up the three points on Sunday.
“We are aware that Los Camden are battling relegation, so they will be tough to beat. However, I am confident of my team picking up three points.”
Zach Collins (2) and James Ross registered in the 3-0 win over Los Camden B in October. The strugglers have only managed to get a team out for another four matches since.
They’ve been on the beach since the turn of the year and I can’t see them troubling ‘Nese whatsoever.
JC team news: ‘Nese are slightly depleted this week. Along with their injuries, key defender Adam Gold and Ben Berrick are unavailable.
Venue – Queens School, Bushey, Ref – Stephen Levy
JC star man: Brandon Sassoon ('Nese)
DC Prediction: Jewdinese 4 Camden 0
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NORTH LONDON GALAXY vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
Win on Sunday and Redbridge Jewish Care A will be crowned champions. And I’m sure you’ll be able to hear the celebrations from Faces to Westfield!
Sam Rank’s boys have had things all their own way for most of the season, that was until last week when they were stunned by second division Scrabble B in the BGT. They were missing top-scorer Nate Kashket due to Marathon training, but should’ve had enough to progress, only to succumb 2-0.
Sunday is all about the reaction, against a Galaxy team boasting promotion hopes of their own. Looking ahead to the game, RJC boss Sam Rank told JC Sport: "A win on Sunday will secure the league and unbeaten record in the league.
"The boys know what they need to do, and after the shambles of last three cup games, it is time to show what we can do."
Indeed Luke Lewis’s troops couldn’t have asked for a tougher run-in, with Fairlop to follow. And they also have a home quarter-final against Temple Fortune in the BGT to look forward to.
Josh Cohen and Jack Mattey netted in the 2-0 win over Raiders last weekend, and shortly after the final whistle Lewis confirmed midfield maestro Mattey would feature in the team’s final few games. His head to head against Kashket will be worth the admission fee alone.
JC team news: RJC A have a very strong squad, with a lot of returning star players featuring in Sunday's game. However, Dan Adleman misses out due to injury.
Venue – Ark Elvin Academy
JC star man: Jamie Bernstein (RJC)
DC Prediction: Galaxy 1 RJC 2
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DIVISION TWO
1. Hertswood Vale Pl. 18, W. 13, Pts. 40 (PROMOTED)
2. SPEC FC Pl. 17, W. 10, Pts. 32
3. Faithfold Doc MM B Pl. 18, W. 9, Pts. 28
4. Redbridge JC B Pl. 14, W. 9, Pts. 28
TOP-SCORERS 19 - James Millet (Hertswood Vale), Zack Neiman (SPEC FC), 17 - Richard Salmon (FC Team)
FC TEAM vs SCRABBLE FC B
Jon Yantin hopes the dreaded JC Manager of the Week curse doesn’t strike again when he takes his cup giantkillers to Borehamwood. At least the WAGS will be happy …
Few predicted Scrabble’s terrific victory over Division One title favourites Redbridge JC A last weekend, but that’s exactly what they did. And they were full value for their 2-0 win, which came courtesy of goals from 49-year-old Andy Miller and Jeremy Teacher.
Adam Solomons impressed in goal while nothing got past Nigel Goldthorpe. Lloyd Becker is thriving in central midfield, helping to link up defence to attack for willing runners Alex Bourne and allow Miller to play between the lines.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Yantin told JC Sport: “We turn up, go through an industrial amount of Ibuprofen pills and gel and we hope we can still walk to drive ourselves home after.”
FC Team have nothing more than pride to play for, but manager Mitch Young will challenge his players to complete a league double. Josh Morris (2) led the way in the 5-1 win in November – a game where Connor Perl, Richard Salmon and Young completed the scoring.
Team have been very Jekyll and Hyde this season and like Forrest Gump once said, (on matchdays) you never know which one you’re going to get!
Scrabble have a nice run of games ahead of them and will be looking to maintain good habits ahead of next week’s BGT trip to first division Jewdinese.
Venue – Hertswood, Ref – Nigel Burns
JC star man: Lloyd Becker (Scrabble)
DC Prediction: Team 2 Scrabble 2
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BARRY GOLDSTEIN TROPHY ROUND ONE
FAITHFOLD DOC MM C vs MILL HILL DONS
Faithfold A and B do not have games, but I’m still tipping the Dons to progress. They’ve beaten both Faithfold C and B 4-0 in recent outings and are in a good moment.
I can’t recall a player making such a big impact in a short space of time as Dons’ dynamo Isaac Virchis, who has been described as the jewel in the crown. Sadly for the neutral, he will be out on Sunday, which is a major boost for Faithfold.
However, Dons boss Brandon Hamme is confident his team can do the job without him. "After the game getting called off due to the weather last week, we are now even more eager to get under away with our debut Barry Goldstein Trophy campaign," he told JC Sport.
"It would be fantastic to enjoy another cup run but we know there are some great teams in this tournament, so we will need to put in some great performances to copy over our success in the Peter Morrison.
"Last time we played at Tempsford Green, we struggled to play our style of play. We know we will have to adapt in order to get the win come Sunday. We are also expecting windy conditions but unlike Jurgen Klopp, I won’t be using the wind or the pitch as an excuse come Sunday!"
Faithfold C fans haven't had much to cheer about this season. The draw hasn’t been kind to Faithfold, but Ben Kfir will remind his players they have already claimed one win over the Dons this season.
Their fans hope they will give the Dons a game, but when push comes to shove, Brandon Hamme's men will have too much for them.
The winner of Sunday’s tie will have home advantage against either Hertswood Vale or Oakwood B.
JC team news: After an MRI scan earlier this week, it was confirmed that Josh Moses has a torn labrum and will require surgery. He is expected to be out between 6-9 months. Isaac Virchis looks set to miss out with a grade two hamstring strain. Hamme has confirmed "he should be back in time for next week’s game". Both Adam Bowman (ankle) and Josh Cinna (knee) face late fitness tests. James Segal and Harry Kalms are unavailable for selection.
Ref – Paul Dobkin
JC star man: Richard Reback (Dons)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 1 Dons 3
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HERTSWOOD VALE vs OAKWOOD B
There’s a good game in store here as Hertswood Vale look to continue their fairytale season by knocking out first division Oakwood B.
With promotion already in the bag, second division Vale are praying Redbridge B fail to secure maximum points from their remaining games, as the race for the title hots up.
But it’s all about the BGT for the next 90 minutes as they look to show Oakwood their squad is equipped to handle Division One opposition.
Goalkeeper Adam Zaidman is a contender for the second division Golden Gloves award. Defender Ashley Hirschberger has been another consistent performer, along with James Millet and Ben Mandel.
Ahead of the game, Vale joint-manager Jacob Emanuel told JC Sport: "It feels good to be back in action with what could be our last game of the season - it still feels weird saying that in mid-March!
"We're looking forward to Sunday's game, and I'm excited about the prospect of playing sides such as Oakwood B in Division One next season.
"Having not played a game for three weeks, I'm concerned that the team will have lost some of our momentum that saw us win our last three games - this club has never won four games in a row, so we'll be looking to write ourselves into the history books this weekend."
Emanuel believes Vale will need to bring their A-game to the table on Sunday. He went on to say: "Oakwood B represent our hardest opposition this season, and with the league done and dusted, we'll be looking to progress in a cup competition for the first time since our first season when we beat Finchley City against the odds!
"We don't know too much about them at all, but the quality is there to see and we'll have to be at our absolute best to beat them.
"We'll be trying our best to force a cupset on Sunday!"
Oakwood have had a disappointing league campaign, but if their big guns are available, they will feel they have the measure of Vale.
They have a decent record on their travels this season, and with players such as Rafi Bloom, Dan Seligman and Dan Selwyn in their ranks, it would be foolish to write them off.
Winning has become a habit for the Vale boys this season, and with home advantage, I can see them opening another chapter in their fairytale story.
The winner of this first round clash will travel to Faithfold C or Mill Hill Dons in the quarters.
JC team news: Vale's preparations for this match "haven't been as great" as the management would've liked, with as many as five players who played in their last league game against Faithfold B missing for this one. Josh Gorb, Josh Wood, Adam Morrow, Ben Davis and Harry Graham "will all be big misses," but Svi Freedman, Ben Kaye and Justin Mullen return to fill the void.
Venue - Brunel University, Ref – Keith Goodman
JC star man: Svi Freedman (Vale)
DC Prediction: Vale 3 Oakwood 2
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DANNY CARO'S MATCHDAY 23 AWARDS
PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Jake Doffman (Scrabble FC B)
MANAGER OF THE WEEK: Jon Yantin (Scrabble FC B)
GOAL OF THE WEEK: Josh Platt (Jewdinese)
SAVE OF THE WEEK: Zack Nathan (NL Galaxy)
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: Gav Krieger (Los Camden A) - "The Coque brothers must’ve put red bull in their Weetabix this morning!"
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PETER MORRISON TROPHY SEMI-FINAL DRAW
HMH vs Maccabi London Lions
Haroldeans or Manchester Maccabi vs Mill Hill Dons
Dates TBC
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CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP TROPHY SEMI-FINAL DRAW
Hendon Utd Sports vs ML Lions
Oakwood A vs Los Camden A
- Ties scheduled for March 17
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BARRY GOLDSTEIN TROPHY QUARTER-FINAL DRAW
Faithfold C or Mill Hill Dons vs Hertswood Vale or Oakwood B
Jewdinese vs Scrabble FC B
North London Raiders vs SPEC FC
North London Galaxy vs Temple Fortune
- Ties scheduled to be played on March 24
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