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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE: (all matches KO at 10am unless stated)
MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
FAIRLOP FC vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS
Sunday mornings will not get much tougher than this for defending champions Hendon United. It was former North West Neasden manager Daniel Fox who once famously said: “Maccabi League champions are the team who fancy it on a cold, dark morning in Essex.” Granted it may not be cold or even dark on Sunday morning, but you catch my drift.
Both Fairlop and Hendon warmed up for this crunch clash with victories in non-Jewish cup competitions. Brad Gayer produced another master-class, with two goals in a handsome 4-2 victory – one stunning strike was caught on camera and is a contender for the JC Goal of the Week award, for which voting closes on Friday. (For more details search @JewChron on Twitter).
A big crowd is expected for the visit of Hendon, with Fairlop possibly unleashing summer signings
Dean Ben-Yosef, Joe Jayson, another scorer last week, Nathan Davis and Ashley Rubin.
This scenario has a feel of Norwich against Manchester City last week. Newly-promoted Fairlop couldn’t asked for a bigger first game in the top-flight. They are ready and will be looking to give a good account of themselves, both on and off the pitch this season.
Hendon have won their first two matches and won them well. A 3-0 triumph over HMH was followed by an 11-2 victory in the London FA Sunday Challenge Cup. It was a performance that left boss Jordan Sapler purring. He described it as “one of the best displays” he had seen at this level.
Record signing Josh Bharier enjoyed a dream debut, scoring four times. Rocky Spitzer, one of the silkest players in the league, added another three. These two together with the pace of Dovi Fehler and the creativity of Zack Lewis is enough to frighten the life out of any defence.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Hendon boss Jordan Sapler told JC Sport: "We aren't too sure what to expect from Fairlop - they had a great result in the cup last week and I have personal knowledge of most of their teams due to my time at Glenthorne and Redbridge.
"They have lots of quality in players like Ryan Cole, Brad Gayer and Daniel Bean and we know that they will offer a physical test.
"We will have to be at our best to get a result, especially on a cold dark Essex Sunday morning, but if we play how we've started the season then I can't expect anything other than a win.
"Competition for places in the starting is intense at the moment with strength all over the pitch and picking the starting XI is becoming extremely difficult."
So the scene is set for what could be one of the games of the weekend.
JC team news: Fairlop have got "an injury crisis and have ten players out, including two of our new recruits, our goalkeeper and our striker". Not a good time to be playing Hendon then!
Hendon are missing Avi and Chaim Korman who along with Kiki Levin is still struggling with injury. Ari Last and Jonti Aremband are still long-term injury misses. Josh Bharier is in line for his league debut after his four-goal salvo in the cup last week and Dovi Fehler returns to the squad.
Venue - 7 Kings
JC star man: Zack Lewis (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Fairlop 0 Hendon 2
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HMH vs CAMDEN PARK
HMH are still await their first win of the season and they can expect no favours when they host Camden Park at their Edgware home.
A 0-3 defeat against Hendon United was hard to take but there were encouraging signs in their performance in the London FA Sunday Challenge Cup last weekend, if though they bowed out on penalties.
HMH found themselves 3-1 down but they took the tie the distance after Nate Kashket scored his first competitive goal for the club, along with George Goldberg and Alex Moss also registering.
Avi Goldberg turned the Hive into a fortress last season and an early goal on Sunday would do them the world of good.
Ahead of kick-off, Goldberg told JC Sport: "Not the best of starts to a season but I seem to remember that a certain team called Hendon struggled initially last season and if that’s a precedent for what’s to come, then I will be a happy man.
"After two defeats on the trot we do need to start winning but I have taken quite a bit of heart from our performances, as some of our play has been excellent. We just need to do it for 90 minutes.
"We know Camden. They are well-organised, dogged and hard to break down, so we will have to be careful not to lose goals on the counter. I am expecting another tough encounter."
Camden Park have had a decent start, beating Maccabi London but then going down 1-0 to Oakwood.
Looking ahead to the game, a Camden spokesman told JC Sport: "We hope to build upon our second-half performance last week and remember to put our shooting boots on the day.
"We know HMH well from last season and they have improved throughout the summer, so we know that we will have to play well to beat them."
I can see Sunday being another game decided by small margins.
JC team news: Once again and despite the season being only three weeks old, the HMH squad "is still threadbare, with lads away including Ben Winters and Alex Moss, sitting exams or injured," including Jordan Levy and Clark Norton. The manager may even have to play at this rate!
Josh Tiano and Kane Gilberey miss out for Camden, for whom a few old faces return to the fold.
Venue - The Hive
JC star man: Alex Moss (HMH)
DC Prediction: HMH 2 CP 1
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DIVISION ONE
NORTH LONDON GALAXY vs MILL HILL DONS
Galaxy fans will be excited to hear of the return of “wonder boy” Josh Shack aka ‘Dinho’ for their meeting against the Dons.
Speaking about Kessel junior at his midweek press gathering, Lewis told reporters: “We also have a league debut for another of our golden generation - Ethan Kessel. Having trialled at (sister club) LA Galaxy only last season, we’re delighted to have a player of this calibre on board.”
The bookies have shortened the odds on Galaxy winning the title this season, but Lewis doesn’t want anything to take away their focus ahead of the Mill Hill game.
He told JC Sport: “We know exactly how Dons play, having played them twice last season in the semi-final of the Barry Goldstein. They led twice and quite frankly bottled both games against us last year.
“As for Sunday, we’re expecting the Dons to come wanting revenge and we know we have to start strong against them, coming out the traps flying.
“I couldn’t be happier with my squad at the moment - the numbers at training is excellent. No-one’s position is safe unless they’re working hard and we’re looking to go from strength to strength on Sunday.
“The Galaxy boys can’t wait for the challenge and will be going for the jugular ... in what he predicted would be 'a man’s game!'"
So the gauntlet has been well and truly laid down for Brandon Hamme’s boys. It’s fair to say he won’t need to do much of a teamtalk after reading Lewis’s words. No doubt the likes of Zach Cohen, Harry Moss and Adam Lisberg – all scorers in last week’s 6-0 demolition of Bayern – will do their best to show Lewis and co who is top dog.
Ahead of the game, Dons boss Brandon Hamme told JC Sport: "Last week's result was promising but we know we can't get ahead of ourselves. We are fully expecting a tougher game this weekend, we know what Galaxy possess.
"We had two tightly fought games against them last season, both came down to fine margins and in both we were in the lead. We can't afford to get complacent or sloppy and need to take our chances when they come."
He went on to say: "Our squad has improved over the summer and despite last week's win, I don't think we have truly shown yet what we are capable of.
"We know we will have to dig in and work hard to get a result, the boys are up for the challenge and I think we will have enough to come away with the three points."
The Dons have worked hard to get into the division and will be determined to show they can mix it with the best week in, week out.
It should be a cracker!
JC team news: Jamie Murray returns from his accounting exams and “has looked excellent in training - a contender for player of the year last year - Mr consistent and always delivers”. Rumour has it Joey Gold will also be making his debut for Galaxy, who “want all the belts!”
There has been a set-back for Ben Rodol this week and the Dons' star now looks set to be until January after having to have a second operation on his nose. Josh Marks looks set to be back in training next week as he is recovering from a thigh injury. Sam Singer's cast has come off this week "which is really promising, he now starts physio on rebuilding strength in his arm, we hope to have him back in action early next year". Daniel Lande, Harry Kalms, Isaac Virchis, Sam Demby and Sam Stead are all unavailable.
Venue – East Barnet School
JC star man: Ethan Kessel (Galaxy)
DC Prediction: Galaxy 2 Dons 1
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BAYERN MINCHA vs BROOK FARM ROVERS
Bayern Mincha and Brook Farm Rovers both go in search of what would be their first win of the season when the teams lock horns in NW7.
Bayern were hit for six by the Dons last weekend in a game where they never really got the grips with the pace, power and physicality of their opponents.
Rovers were edged out 1-0 at home to Redbridge, beaten by a penalty, but with players of the calibre of Alon Pinhas and Philippe Auret in their ranks I think it’s only a matter of time until they come good.
Don’t be surprised if nerves play a part on Sunday in what I have down as a score draw.
Venue – Mill Hill Village
JC star man: Jake Dayan (BFR)
DC Prediction: Bayern 1 BFR 1
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS vs JEWDINESE
Darren Lawrence will be missing two of his big guns on Sunday, with both ‘Nese are without Zack Collins and Scott Oldstein ruled out.
The ‘Nese chief describes their absence as “a big blow,” but he remains “confident in every player in our squad” ahead of the trip to Wembley.
The teams enjoyed a couple of almighty battles in the league last season – with 'Nese claiming four points from a possible six following a 3-3 draw and 3-1 victory, although NLR did the business in the cup.
But Lawrence told me his troops are ready to rumble. “We’re all really looking forward to Sunday,” he told JC Sport: “Having such a big game so early on the season has got everyone excited and raring to go.
“In three games against Raiders last season, we won, drew and lost, so it’s clear they’re a very good side and this game could go either way. They arguably won the one we would’ve liked to win most, so we are very much looking for some revenge for our semi-final defeat.
“We looked great in pre-season and even better against Brook Farm Rovers. It’s clear we have added goals to our game which, at times, was our downfall last season.
“I know Raiders have some good players so we will certainly have to play very well to come away with three points. It’s important we get off to a quick start.”
L’Orange hit SPEC for six in their opening game, with new boy Seb Garber and Aron Gale doing much of the damage. They could afford the luxury of Gale coming on for the last 20 minutes, but he was the impact player that gave Raiders another dimension.
Raiders joint-manager David Isaacs knows a tough 90 minutes is on the cards. “So it’s Jewdinese again,” he told JC Sport. “Last year we had some thrilling encounters against ‘Nese. The bookies have made us and them favourites for the league and although it’s the second league game of the season, we know it’s extremely important we get the three points against these boys.
“Last week we scored six in our opening game of the season, however we could have scored about 25, with the amount of chances we had and we know this week we will have to be a lot more clinical if we want to come out with the three-points against a well organised ‘Nese team.”
Sunday will feature a battle between of the hottest strikers in the Maccabi League, with Gale coming up against Reiss Mogilner, who scored four against BFR. That’ll be the main attraction in a battle that will come down to which team wins their individual and collective battles.
JC team news: Bradley Lander will have to wait to the second encounter against Jewdinese for his return match against his old side as the NLR physio has ruled him out with a groin strain. However, L’Orange welcome skipper Joshua Bloom and Tal Cohen back to the squad.
Venue – Ark Academy
JC star man: Dan Lipman (NLR)
DC Prediction: NLR 2 Nese 1
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE vs HERTSWOOD VALE
Bouncebackability is the name of the game for Hertswood Vale, who it would be fair to say felt very hard-done-by in their defeat at home to North London Galaxy.
“It’s been a long week after struggling to get over last week’s controversial loss to Galaxy,” Vale joint-manager Jacob Emanuel told JC Sport. “Believe you me, I’ve spoken in depth with the new referee secretary Richard Jaye about it, and there was no clear decision either way. But that’s football.” (Judge for yourselves here).
Having watched Liverpool’s Champions League defeat against Napoli – and that penalty decision on Andrew Robertson, I share Emanuel’s pain!
He went on to say: “The boys put in a performance that they were proud with last week, and if they put in a similar one this week, I’ve no doubt that we’ll get some success from it. Having said that, we still weren’t at our best last week so there’s a lot more to come.”
Vale should have fond memories of their last trip to Essex, on their way to the Division Two crown last season.
But Emanuel admitted: “I don’t know much about Redbridge at all if I’m honest. It looks like a much-changed team from last year, but we are essentially playing Redbridge A from the Premier, so a result against this lot will put out a strong message. The plan is to get back to winning ways.
“We go into this week’s game without a host of players. As many as nine players involved in last week’s game could be unavailable, but this gives an opportunity for a number of players to make their first starts of the season and a chance to prove the quality of our squad.”
He went on to say: “The club would like to take this opportunity to wish club stalwart Adrian Leibovitch a huge mazel tov on his wedding this weekend - I will be in Israel for that, leaving Danny [Hirschberger] to man the fort alone on the touchline.”
Ross Weinrabe was RJC’s match-winner against Brook Farm Rovers last weekend. The east Londoners defending resolutely and gave nothing away, with the back four of Richard Gold, Matt Niman, Dan Adelman and Jamie Gordon all impressing.
And another tight contest awaits. But with Hirschberger in charge, I can see him executing a smash and grab win.
JC team news: Vale welcome back Harry Graham and Adam Zaidman for this game, whilst a big name could come in for his debut.
Venue - Fairlop
JC star man: Adam Zaidman (Vale)
DC Prediction: RJC 0 Vale 1
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DIVISION TWO
HAMPSTEAD DUCKS vs PARIS SAINT-JEWMAIN
Hampstead Ducks did well to beat a number of rivals to the signing of Jono Gaon – one of the finest goal-poachers in the MGBSFL on his day.
A 5-3 triumph over Faithfold Green was just what boss Daniel Sonn ordered and his players delivered to a man. Indeed there were chants of ‘Nice one Sonny’ from the away terrace after the game.
But the Ducks will be forced into some tweaks to their line-up this week, with several players coming back from injury and holiday.
Sonn told JC Sport: “This rotational structure that we have implemented will allow players to take a well-needed rest and give 110 per cent every time on the pitch and we look forward to seeing this prosper throughout the year.
“We believe Sunday will be a tough game but we know we can come away with three points. Equally, we are looking forward to playing our first-ever home game and turning west Hendon playing fields into a fortress.”
A 5-3 triumph over Faithfold Green was just what boss Daniel Sonn ordered and his players delivered to a man. Indeed there were chants of ‘Nice one Sonny’ from the away terrace after the game.
But the Ducks will be forced into some tweaks to their line-up this week, with several players coming back from injury and holiday.
Sonn told JC Sport: “This rotational structure that we have implemented will allow players to take a well-needed rest and give 110 per cent every time on the pitch and we look forward to seeing this prosper throughout the year.
“We believe Sunday will be a tough game but we know we can come away with three points. Equally, we are looking forward to playing our first-ever home game and turning west Hendon playing fields into a fortress.”
PSJ recorded one of the results of the day on Matchday Two when they edged out Club De Chigwell in a five-goal thriller. One of the most pleasing aspects must have been keeping the dangerous Daniel Garfinkle off the scoresheet, something not many teams will achieve this season.
Boss Jonathan Myers told JC Sport: “I’m happy to report we've got a fully fit squad and no suspensions. Therefore we're coming into this weekend full of confidence in ourselves, especially off the back of a 3-2 victory over Chigwell.
“This weekend will see George Leigh make his debut for the club - potentially one of the best players and central midfielders in the league. He's versatile and assured in his abilities as well as having coaching badges to his name.
“We believe we can continue our winning ways and build on last weekend’s result.”
I’m predicting goals aplenty on Sunday, and both sets of fans going home relatively happy.
Venue – West Hendon Playing Fields
JC star man: George Leigh (PSJ)
DC Prediction: Ducks 3 PSJ 3
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NORTH WEST LONDON BEARS vs SCRABBLE
Two games in, and the Bears are yet to win a game. So it should come as no surprise to hear some fighting talk going into their meeting with Scrabble.
Joint-player-manager James Harpin earned rave reviews from both sides following the 2-2 draw against FC Team. He produced wonder save after wonder save and reminded Bears’ fans just why he’s rated one of the top stoppers in Jewish football.
But it’s clear Harpin is only interested in the bigger picture, and that means three points for the Bears on Sunday. “We are looking forward to game against Scrabble,” he told JC Sport. “W need to turn the draws into wins and hopefully we can build a run of games where we get the results we need.
“At the start of the season we set an aim of 10 victories to achieve promotion, we have 16 games left to get them.
“We know we were not good enough against Temple Fortune in the first game, and we also know we would likely have got three points last week had it not been for the sending off, so the win is coming. The boys know this is a huge game and a must-win.
And Harpin hopes a match against the league’s most experienced outfit will bring out the best from the Bears. “It is good to see teams like Scrabble who have an 'older' squad than most other teams,” he said.
“They have been playing football for a long time and know how to win games against a team like us. Some of their boys have represented Great Britain at the Maccabiah Games and they are top quality players, so we know we are going be in for a difficult game. We have to use the ball well and be clinical when the openings arrive.
Bears’ co-boss Sam Fresco commented: “The first two weeks have not gone to plan so we see this as a must-win game.
“There are no easy games in this league as shown by our season so far, but we will still go into every game expecting to win.
“This week is no different, and despite the obviously quality in Scrabble's team, I expect the boys to get the job done.”
Alex Bourne guided Scrabble to a 4-1 win over West Hamdillah last Sunday. They will be under-estimated by some opponents due to their senior years, but they rarely have a senior moment and are uber organised under boss Jon Yantin.
JC team news: Zacki Doumou is suspended for the Bears “after his competitive spirit got the better of him last week”. James Harpin is 50/50 after picking up a slight back injury last week. Sam Morris may also be missing through injury which would be “a huge loss”. Harry Russell will be making his first appearance of the season and will help to create more chances for the Bears.
Venue - London Academy
JC star man: Andy Miller (Scrabble)
DC Prediction: Bears 1 Scrabble 2
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CLUB DE CHIGWELL vs FC TEAM
Goals are guaranteed in Sunday's game between Club De Chigwell and FC Team.
CDC were unable to build on their impressive 7-0 mauling of Borussia Barnet on Matchday One as they went down 3-2 against Paris Saint-Jewmain. Harrison Grant and Charlie Cohen registered for the Essex boys, but sloppy errors at the back cost them.
Good numbers are predicted on the terraces to see the clash of the titans - Daniel Garfinkle up against Connor Perl. Both players scored hat-tricks on the opening weekend and will fancy themselves to win the Golden Boot.
FC Team fans will believe Perl has made attacking options in and around him and that could ultimately make the difference on Sunday.
Venue – Peter May Sports Centre
JC star man: Adam Rones (Team)
DC Prediction: CDC 2 Team 3
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TEMPLE FORTUNE vs WEST HAMDILLAH
Temple Fortune dropped well below the standards set by manager Simon Linden in the 5-1 mauling at the hands of Borussia Barnet last weekend. It’s fair to say all of the players owe the gaffer a performance.
Max Martin’s consolation papered over the cracks against ruthless opponents who dare I say wanted it more.
Sunday could be the perfect opportunity for the likes of Danny Sherman and Adam Speck to deliver. It’s time they grab the bull by the horns and show West Hamdillah what they are all about.
West Hamdillah are still finding their feet in the division and they had a tough 90 minutes against Scrabble last weekend. Edward Aaronson’s wonder strike was the biggest plus point.
West Hamdillah joint-manager Zachary Amdur told JC Sport: "After suffering loss in our first-ever game as a team, we believe there were a lot of positive signs to take away. With some good attacking spells and a great performance from our goalkeeper, whom was not at fault for any of the goals conceded, we look to push for a better result and at the very least continued development to our team work both in attack and defence.
"We are happy to welcome four fresh faces to our team with the hope they can help us achieve our goals."
Whoever win the physical battle will take the points on Sunday.
JC team news: Josh Ross misses out due to an injury sustained against Scrabble and will be absent for at least four weeks. Daniel Ross and Saul Tiano miss out due to a prior arrangement.
Venue – Silver Jubilee Park
JC star man: Josh Lewis (Fortune)
DC Prediction: Fortune 3 Hamdillah 1
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