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By, Danny Caro
24 min read
ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro
Game of the day on Matchday 3 of the MGBSFL comes in the Cyril Anekstein Cup where Premier Division giants Norstar London Raiders A and Redbridge Jewish Care A go head-to-head. There's also a full league programme in store. Danny Caro flavours the action.
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PHOTOGALLERY: HENDON vs HARMEN
PHOTOGALLERY: BRADY vs RAIDERS A
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DANNY CARO'S MATCHDAY 2 OSCARS
DANNY CARO'S PREM DIV TEAM OF THE WEEK
DANNY CARO'S GOAL OF THE WEEK - STEVE SUMMERS
DANNY CARO'S QUOTE OF THE WEEK
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PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND ONE DRAW
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND ONE DRAW
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND ONE
NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS A vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
It’s the clash of the titans at Capital City in a tie worthy of the final as Premier Division rivals NLR host RJC.
Like RJC, L’Orange were on fire last weekend, thumping Neasden 4-0 without really needing to get out of first gear.
NLR boss Rob Richman told JC Sport: “Last week was a good start and it was encouraging to win comfortably and keep a clean sheet.
“This week we are faced with the unenviable task of a confident Redbridge in the first round of the cup. This fixture could well have been the final at Wingate and I am sure both sides were cursing the luck of the draw.
“It should though be a great game and I wouldn’t be surprised if the winner of the fixture ends up lifting the cup in May.
“Unfortunately we have a couple of other absentees and are a little light on numbers this week, but we have a strong squad and we are confident of being in the draw for round two come Sunday afternoon.”
Silverware of any description is the priority for both teams this season. RJC fell below the standards they have set themselves last season, but if the 3-0 win over Oakwood is anything to go by they should come close.
Josh Wynne and Kane Hopps capitalised on rare starts last weekend, giving boss Sam Rosenthal a selection headache.
It was Dan Lassman (2) and a wonder strike from Steve Summers that saw them home, and although keeper Dan Lee should be a bit busier this week, they will arrive ready to attack in what should be a high-tempo affair.
Ahead of the game, RJC boss Sam Rosenthal told JC Sport: "IF we defend as well as we did last Sunday, with Lassman and Summers firing, we have a great chance of progressing to next round."
RJC are more than comfortable on 3G these days, but I think NLR will have just too much for them on the day in a game of fine margins.
JC team news: Elliott Espinoza, Liron Rutovitz and Josh Hershman all drop out from last week’s victory against Neasden. Adam Joselyn returns to the squad.
RJC are set to hand a debut to James Jaconelli and Brad Gayer, while Sam McCarthy returns to the squad.
Venue – Capital City Academy Willesden Green, KO – 10am, Ref – Stuart Ansher
JC star man: David Rhodes (NLR)
DC Prediction: NLR 2 RJC 1
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OAKWOOD A vs KS REUNITED
Bouncebackability is the name of the game for Oakwood on Sunday and I genuinely fear for Division Three minnows KS who won’t know what’s hit them.
The Oaks were off-colour against RJC last Sunday, but managers Ric Blank and Alex Schock won’t settle for another sub-standard performance. They demand better and I expect them to go for the jugular from the off.
Blank told JC Sport: "It'd be easier to tell you who is available rather than unvailable this weekend. It's been a tough week all round. We were decimated ahead of the Redbridge game, a game we should have won by all accounts and we've lost more players since.
“People may look at this as a gimme, but last season Whetstone gave us the fright of our lives in the Morrison.
“I don't know anything about KS but am not falling into the trap of relaxing because they're a Division Three side. We were a Division Three3 side not so long ago and we fancied ourselves then as we do now.
“The 11 that do feature will be focused and under no illusion that we have to win the game. I don't care how pretty it is or if it's a scrappy 1-0 win we want to be in the hat for the next round."
Double parking the bus could be the best option for KS on Sunday. Their quality and character will be tested to the max, but the bottom line is they have nothing to lose.
Boss James Lewis told JC Sport “We know we are massive underdogs for this fixture but will turn and enjoy the day with the hope of creating a famous giant killing.”
Lewis went on to add: “By the way keep an eye out on our twitter feed later, a big signing to be announced!
David Woolman is the key man for me on Sunday. The former Leeds ace could fill his boots and if they score early doors the floodgates could open.
JC team news: Oakwood have “got a lot away” and with injuries to Adam Levine, Josh Bentley, Brad Wine and Sam Jacobson, “we're short”.
KS are missing key figures in midfielder Jason Goldstein and centre back Ethan Deal who are jet-setting to the big apple. The club were trying to get clearance for new signing Joe Sumray to play.
Venue - Nicholas Breakspear, Ref – Mark Jacob, KO - 10am
JC star man: David Woolman (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 5 KS 0
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BOCA JEWNIORS vs BLIZZARD STORM
Boca boss Gabriel John is fuming that his players have been asked to play a cup match before even playing a league game.
The Boca boys are raring to go, but they’d much rather have had at league a 90 minutes under their belts prior to a potentially money-spinning tie against first division promotion hopefuls Blizzard.
Although Blizzard start as strong favourites, manager Simon Linden is taking nothing for granted, even after last week’s thrilling 4-3 win over Bilbaum.
He told JC Sport: “Any team managed by Gabe will be well and truly up for this game.
“It’s important we do well in the cups this season, especially considering our league has been reduced to nine teams.”
I believe the Blizzard boys will have too much in their locker despite the best efforts of a plucky Boca.
JC team news: Conor Brand returns to the Blizzard squad.
Ref – Henry Raffe
JC star man: Conor Brand (Blizzard)
DC Prediction: Boca 1 Blizzard 3
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FAITHFOLD B vs LONDON ROVERS
Faithfold have the bit between their teeth following last week’s impressive win over KS Reunited, but I'm not sure where they will get their goals from against a well-drilled Rovers team.
Rob Shooman’s boys got off the mark thanks to a strike from man-of-the-match Josh Barnett and Leor Harel and they will go into the game in a good frame of mind.
But Rovers are flying high after back-to-back wins and chairman Viv Emanuel believes the draw has been kind and gives the club a chance to progress.
Ahead of the game, Emanuel told JC Sport: “A cup tie against a non-Premier Division team - halleluyah! I have played for or managed five teams and never got a first round match against a team below the top-flight. I’ve a feeling this one’s going to be a good one.”
Commenting on his team’s terrific start, Emanuel added: “Who'd of thought we’d be sitting here now with two wins from two games? I’m very proud of London Rovers right now - all the players are putting in 100 per cent and the results show this.
“I did tip Faithfold B to do well this year so Sunday will be a nice dress rehearsal for our league tussles.
“I am a big fan of Dan Gordon and Leor Harel - definitely two to watch for what is a cup game we do not want to lose.”
Rovers manager Jeremy Brown has had the midas touch for now but it will be interesting to see how he approaches the game and whether or not he sticks a man-marker on the ever-dangerous Gordon.
"We've had a great start to the season,” Brown said. “Sometimes the cup can be a slight distraction, but I think it's important to keep the momentum.
“I don't like losing any game so we'll go into Sunday to try and win.
“It will be a good opportunity to rest a couple of players who've picked up knocks over the last couple of games and use the squad a bit. It will also be an opportunity for one or two to stake a claim for their position.
“I think it will be a close game, but hopefully we can continue our run and get through to the next round. The chance to play at Wingate on cup final day is an incentive for everyone."
I expect Faithfold to be OK this season, but Rovers have hit their stride and I can see their momentum carrying them through.
JC team news: Adam Kay (broken toe) remains out for another fortnight for Rovers, while Jacob Emanuel (holiday) and Yossi Abraham (ineligible) miss out. Parys Hammond returns at the back.
Venue – De Haviland Campus, Hatfield, Ref – John Nitka, KO – 10am
JC star man: Parys Hammond (Rovers)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 2 Rovers 3
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FC TEAM A vs CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI
Team were left shell-shocked by a spirited Faithfold team last week, but I think this is just the kind of game they need to show what they are made of.
The boy David Joseph Cohen showed his quality once more, but they absence of Yoav Lebens and Ed Weisz hit them hard as they lost the collective physical battles in the second half.
The Cats earned a good point at Whetstone last week. Many expected them to be given the runaround, but Lester Jacobs's boys more than held their own.
Ahead of Sunday's trip to Mill Hill, captain Adam Luria told JC Sport: "We've got a strong squad this week and we're really looking forward to what will be a big test.
"We've been gelling more and more over the past few games so with any luck it'll all finally click into place this week and we can cause something of an upset.
"We're the unfavoured team in this tie, but we relish the underdog tag - it's become something of a Catford tradition over the decades."
The Cats are expected to bring a big travelling support but I don’t think they’ll have too much to cheer about against a side well-equipped to challenge for a mid-table finish in the Premier.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Laurence Thorne
JC star man: Ed Weisz (Team)
DC Prediction: Team 4 Catford 1
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FC TEAM C vs AC MILL HILL
It’s very early days for Team and Mill Hill and I’m predicting a end-to-end game on Sunday.
Team have had a fortnight to recover from their league win over Catford, but player-manager David Gordon knows they will need to be on top of their game against a Mill Hill side packed with goals.
Ahead of the game, Gordon told JC Sport: “I was really pleased with how we started our league campaign, but we know that the cup is going to be a totally different game.
“Both teams are very strong going forward and I expect it to be quite an open and exciting game with both teams going for it from the start.
“To add a bit of spice to the occasion, it is also the first meeting of the Lassman brothers - Mitch and Joel - since they played against each other at Pete Lavelle’s football camp in the 90’s.”
Mill Hill are a much better balanced team than they were last season. They've brought in the likes of Jamie Kent, Loz Bloom, Jeff Gotch, Darren Bloom and Lassman for big money. But it was at the back they were caught short on Matchday One against FC Team B, who rest assured would’ve told Gordon all about their strengths and weaknesses.
I expect them to concede at Camdenians, with Team booking their place in round two.
JC team news: Ben Graham, Ben Radstone and Blake Buckman all miss out for Team, whilst Freddie Marks is still recovering from a back injury. Dan Lederman, Dan Alfreds and Adam Lenz return to the side.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Quentin Fox
JC star man: Dan Lederman (Team)
DC Prediction: Team 3 Mill Hill 1
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NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS C vs L’EQUIPE
L’Equipe made a bad start on Matchday One, and this fixture might be too much for them.
They won one and lost one against NLR in Division Three last season, but fitness will hold the key for me on Sunday in a game where L’Orange are looking to win and win well.
Ahead of the game, NLR no. 2 David Domb told JC Sport: “One thing that has escaped Zack and I since managing this team is a good cup run. We both enjoyed cup success during our time in the MJSL, but progress beyond the first round in competitions here just hasn't happened. We need fix that this season, starting on Sunday.
“We know L'Equipe are a good side, evident by how close they ran us to the title last term. They'll be up for it on Sunday after their tough start to life in Division Two, but we have to build on our good performance from last week and make sure it's us in the hat for the next round.”
Rotation could be the name of the game for the visitors as it’s all about the league for them this term.
Joint-boss Josh Lewis told JC Sport: “We know we are in for a tough game against a Norstar side especially at their home pitch.
“We are using the cup this year to blood some new players and try out a few things – our main priority is the league this year, so do not expect too many fireworks in this game from a new L’Equipe side.
“We are without a number of key marksmen to the name of the game will be keeping a solid defensive shape.
“With the size of the Ark pitch we will need to bring two buses down to park them properly.
I fear two buses may not be enough and expect NLR to win comfortably.
JC team news: Jake Yudelowitz and Will Ufland are set to return to the NLR side after missing the draw with Oakwood. Luke Goldsmith still faces an extended spell on the sidelines, while skipper Jonny Samuel failed a fitness test during the week so misses out.
Venue – The Ark, Ref – Steve Russell, KO – 10am
JC star man: Will Ufland (NLR)
DC Prediction: NLR 4 L’Equipe 1
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OAKWOOD B vs SHACHARIT DONETSK
The Oaks could be without a number of familiar faces for the visit of Shacharit.
Manager Jason Stein gave a brutally honest assessment of his team following the epic 3-3 draw against NLR last Sunday and he admits that a win at all costs mentality will be the name of the game on Sunday.
Stein told JC Sport: "We're really looking forward to the cup game because it's a chance to express ourselves and play without the pressure of a league table hanging over us.
“Realistically, we aren't going to win a cup, so we want to go out, play with a smile on our faces and keep our unbeaten momentum going.
"And if we get a money-spinning tie in the next round against the likes of Raiders A, we’ll be able to use the revenue to purchase some new Sondico bibs.
"The As require three players from us this week, but nonetheless I expect us to win.
"We've got what would be classed as seven or eight of our first choice players available and I'm delighted to say that Haydon Davidson is able to make his long-awaited first appearance of the season for Oakwood in the front four.
“Striker Jacob Nevitt is another one to watch out for after being unavailable since the end of the pre-season and I've got high hopes for his partnership with Jacob Richler Kleiman."
Shacharit gave a good account of themselves against London Rovers last Sunday. They got behind them several times and all that was missing was goals.
But they can expect a totally different game against a team with bags of quality.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Darryl Colmans, KO – 10am
JC star man: Jacob Nevitt (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 3 Shacharit 1
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PREMIER DIVISION
HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A vs FAITHFOLD A
Champions Hendon go in search of their third straight win when they take on 2013 winners Faithfold in their first game at their new Mill Hill home.
The Reds were given a real test by Harmen next week and I expect Sunday to be much the same.
Summer arrival Simon Peterman repaid a chunk of his signing on fee with a crucial winner last Sunday and boss David Garbacz is delighted just how quick he has fitted in.
Speaking to JC Sport before the game, he said: “We have been very satisfied with our start to the season – so far no let down after last year’s success and the new boys have injected fresh enthusiasm into the squad and we appear to be as up for it as ever.
“Last week was a very tough match and we were delighted to come away with the win thanks to a magnificent winner from new boy Simon Peterman. Believe me the JC has got their goal of the week wrong this week – this was one out of the very top-drawer.
“To coin the old cliché, it is very much a case of taking one game at a time and this week we are up against the Jekyll and Hyde that is Faithfold FC. One week they can be brilliant, the next quite ordinary, as their two results this season have already shown. However, we know we always meet them when their incentives are at their highest and on their day they are still one of the top teams in this division.
“We will be expecting another tight game but we do go into this match full of confidence and anything but another win will be a disappointing result.
“We play our first game at our new home in picturesque Mill Hill Sports Village and hopefully it can prove to be as much of a fortress as Hadley.”
We saw the best and worst of Faithfold in 90 minutes against FC Team last Sunday. They were well off the pace in the first 45, but a tactical reshuffle did the trick, with hat-trick hero Johnny Haik leading the way in a thrilling 6-4 win. But manager Zuriel Solomon knows that his troops must perform to the highest level from the first whistle to last on Sunday, or else.
He told JC Sport: “I suppose any team playing Hendon at present has to be the underdog as they have the momentum from last year. We know games are tough but they all are.
“We will just work hard and make sure we give a good account of ourselves. Our squad is thin at the moment and again this week is the same, but we don’t moan and just get on with it.”
The first 20 minutes will be crucial on Sunday. Hendon are traditionally fast starters so the message is clear – Faithfold beware.
JC team news: Simon Peterman is doubtful for Hendon, while Michael Kenley is away . Yoav Kestenbaum faces a late fitness test after falling ill during the week. Ben Kon returns and they are otherwise at full-strength.
Faithfold are missing Alex Taylor, Jamie Taylor and Alex Levack, but they were back Sam Reeves, Dan Stock and Joe Cohen. Alex Kaye and Matt Sofier could also return from injury.
Venue – Mill Hill Sports Village, Ref – Neil Cooper, KO – 10am
JC star man: Ben Kon (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon 3 Faithfold 1
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NORTH WEST NEASDEN vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS BLUE
Neasden were thrashed 4-0 at Raiders last week and it looks as though they will be relying heavily on their home form to steer clear of the relegation zone.
Manager Stirling Kay would’ve learnt a lot about his players last Sunday and he’ll be looking for a big reaction from his men.
Lions also suffered a 4-0 defeat in their last game – at the hands of champions Hendon – and manager Jamie Kyte promised big changes.
Ahead of the trip to Southgate, Kyte told JC Sport: “It’s very tough picking the squad again. We haven't found what our best team is yet and I suspect the opening few games we'll be finding our feet and testing different players in different positions.”
For me, the problem for both NWN and Lions will be scoring goals. However, I'd back them both to find the net on Sunday and I see the points being shared.
Venue – Hazelwood Rec, Ref – Keith Goodman
JC star man: Dan Orgel (NWN)
DC Prediction: NWN 1 Lions 1
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HARMEN vs WOODFORD WANDERERS
Harmen pushed champions Hendon to the wire last Sunday, with Ben Weinberg the star man.
But it’s all good and well performing to the top level against the top teams, but the challenge to the Harmen boys this season is to do it week in, week out, and against the likes of Woodford.
With Jason Goldstein and Joe Sumray moving to KS Reunited over recent weeks, Charles knows his new players have to bed in and bed in fast.
Woodford have been have been pilloried for their performance against Neasden and I expect them to set up to make themselves hard to beat.
Organisation was one of the key factors that helped them lift the Division One title last season and manager Tony Charles will be hoping his players do the club justice on Sunday.
Harmen battled hard last week I think they will be ready for whatever Woodford can throw at them.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Martin Lavender
JC star man: Harry Fine (Harmen)
DC Prediction: Harmen 2 Woodford 1
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DIVISION ONE
ATHLETIC BILBAUM vs BRADY MACCABI
Brady created enough chances to win two games last week, but in the end they had to settle for a draw against Raiders B.
Josh Newman, Reiss Mogilner and Sam Monjack put them into a winning position, but, despite the best effort of Henry Ziff, they buckled late on.
JC team news: Brady’s Ben Hildebrand faces a late fitness test on a hamstring niggle.
Baums joint-manager Julius Judah admitted his team need to “improve their fitness levels” following the 4-3 defeat at the hands of Blizzard.
But with Daniel Perelberg in top form, and the magical Rob Rodney due a goal, this one could go down to the wire. It’s also noting this match features two of the top keepers outside of the top-flight, with Bilbaum’s Simon Roth up against Sam Singer. That’s one of the key battles for me.
Venue – The Bernebaum, Ref – Steve Levy
JC star man: Simon Moses (Brady)
DC Prediction: Bilbaum 1 Brady 2
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B vs LOS BLANCOS
Fairlop has become something of a fortress for Redbridge B and Jon Jacobs hopes that continues when they host promotion rivals Blancos on Sunday.
Nathan Sollosi was their matchwinner against Camden, another promotion challenger, last weekend, but the RJC fans will have to find another hero now that the starlet has moved up north.
“My hopes are that I don’t have to bring myself on,” Jacobs told JC Sport, “but I can promise you that we will give a competitive showing against a very tough side, plus we are playing on grass rather than 3G which will definitely help our boys.”
Blancos got their season up and running last weekend, but they won’t face many tougher tests than Redbridge away this season.
Manager Jon Ison is confident his troops will rise to the challenge in a contest where the dual between Chaim Gothold, last week’s two-goal hero, and Darren Brown is key.
Ahead of the game, Ison told JC Sport: “We're looking forward to this week’s game after our second-half comeback last week.
“The drive to Essex is never fun, but the drive home is always a better journey after a win, so we're hoping for the three points.
“Once again there are plenty of selection dilemmas this week, with virtually the whole squad making themselves available.
“Goals from Russell and Gothold last week are promising signs for the future, as goals need to be spread around the team this season. Hersh was certainly trying to claim a goal last week, but in the record books it will be going down as an OG.
“We are certainly in high spirits going into the game, let's hope we can reproduce lasts weeks second-half performance for the whole 90 minutes this week.”
I often go for draws in head-to-heads involving top teams and that’s what I’ll do again here, as long as Blancos get some luck.
JC team news: RJC have lost Jordan Sapler to a combination of dead leg and a reaction to the poor pitch conditions of Hatfield 3g. Nathan Sollosi, Arron Goldberg, Daniel Jacobs, Scott Oldstein, Harrison Grant , Matt Kemp and Richard Gold-All have started University, while Alex Chernoff is away. Jon Jacobs welcomes back David Castle and Amir Nathan and give a debut to Harry Mednick, “but at this early start, we are already down to the bare bones, as Harry would say”.
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – Steve Russell, KO – 10am
JC star man: Darren Brown (RJC)
DC Prediction: RJC 1 Blancos 1
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SPEC FC vs BRIXTON OLD BOYS
The table looks bleak for SPEC FC fans at the minute, but I can see them smiling come 12 noon on Sunday.
Spirits remain high following heavy defeats against Blancos and Brady and player-manager Ricky Lawrence admits he and "Michael Rhodes have had to make a few tough decisions this week, with quite a few missing out.”
Lawrence went on to say: “We’re seeking our first points of the season, but we've no idea what Brixton will be like to be honest. I can only assume it'll be a tough game."
It’s all been quiet on the Brixton front, with chairman Robert Silverman under pressure to open his purse strings by some of the club’s fans. If he doesn’t, don’t be surprised to see some mass demos – Alan Pardew style!
This game may not offer five-star entertainment, but an ugly 1-0 might just help SPEC turn the corner.
JC team news: SPEC FC are still missing Ashley Burns.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Neal Cohen, KO – 10.15
JC star man: Simon Bagel (SPEC)
DC Prediction: SPEC 1 Brixton 0
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DIVISION TWO
JEWDINESE vs FC TEAM B
Mitch Young’s Team have started the season like a train and it’s difficult to see many sides in the division living with them.
Ben Binder is up and running at the top of the MGBSL goal charts after making it four goals in two games with a quality hat-trick against Mill Hill.
With a forward line of Richard Salmon, Lorian Madanes and Binder, there will be obvious comparisons with Liverpool’s deadly front three of last season - Suarez, Sterling and Sturridge – and the signs all point towards ‘Nese having their hands full.
Ahead of the game, Young told JC Sport: “We want to continue our great start to the league campaign and see this game as a great opportunity to extend our lead at the top of the table.
“I do not know much about our opponents but know we have to start the game in the right frame of mind.
“Our attackers are just starting to kick into gear and I’m expecting more goals from Salmon, Binder and Madanes on Sunday."
The ‘Nese boys have had a fortnight to dust themselves down and reflex on their six-goal bashing at the hands of Whetstone. It’s vital they set themselves up properly and adopt a no-nonsense approach to their defending. Anything else and I fear for them.
‘Nese chief Jake Erlich told JC Sport: “This is the first game we've played in a while where we know almost nothing about the opposition. What we do know is that they are a very good side, backed up by their 4-0 win last week.
“The fact we know nothing about them changes very little and we will still approach the game as we do like every other. Quick and high tempo will be key and I do believe that the three points is more than achievable with the squad we have as I stand by my statement we have the best squad in the league.
“Our 6-3 loss last week has been put behind us and we are determined to bounce straight back with an exciting game.”
The gauntlet has been well and truly laid down and all eyes will be on which side rises to the challenge. It should be a classic.
JC team news: Team welcome back Jon Toby and Adam Rones. Captain Jon Breger is on holiday.
Venue – Napsbury Park, Ref – Paul Dobkin
JC star man: Jon Toby (Team)
DC Prediction: Jewdinese 1 Team 3
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DIVISION THREE
REAL SOSOBAD vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B
Sosobad lived up to their name in their first game – going down 3-0 at King Crown.
They were off the pace and outbattled in most departments. What they could do with a bit of Dougie Freedman magic right now!
Boss Dan Shafron predicts a better 90 minutes on Sunday, and his chairman demands it.
Shafron told JC Sport: “Our performance last week against King Crown collectively and individually was disappointing and the lads know it simply wasn’t good enough.
“However that game is now in the past and we will look to put things right this week against Hendon.
“It will be a very good test because they are a team who want to get off the mark having also lost their opening game.
“We know that that they will make it difficult for us but it’s important we start the game with high intensity and hopefully get an early goal.
"It looks as though we’ve got a few boys coming back in to the fold this week in key areas which will help our balance massively.”
As Shaf mentions, Hendon are also playing catch-up. Five goals against is not what boss Adam Glekin had in mind, but I can see them getting a few chances on Sunday.
Glekin will be without Gideon Caller and Gab Saul for the trip, but believes his troops have enough strength in depth to cause the newcomers problems.
Glekin told JC Sport: "In the last few years, we'd have struggled to replace Gideon and Gab with players of a similar stature, but we have a much stronger squad this year.
"The game against London Rovers was very disappointing, and without another league game for three weeks it is critical we take all three points from this game otherwise we'll have a lot of catching up to do.
"We know they're a decent team - we had a good friendly against them so it should be another very watchable game. I'm sure they'll also be smarting after their somewhat surprising result against King Crown, so it's a big game for both of us even this early in the season."
If Hendon sit back and let Sosobad play then they are asking for trouble.
JC team news: Centre back Ezekiel Jacob is back in the mix for Hendon after missing the opening league game. Ben Glekin also returns back into the fold after some strong showings in recent friendlies. Ezra Dulberg has been banging on the manager's door all week and will be eager to prove his worth if given the chance.
JC team news: Sosobad are missing Joe Grant (ankle) and Matt Geppert (knee), while Elliott Coulton and James Rubin have both been given extended time off.
Venue – Peter May, Ref – Robert Caplin, KO – 10am
JC star man: Josh Hambling (Sosobad)
DC Prediction: Sosobad 3 Hendon 2
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TEMPLE FORTUNE vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS GREEN
Both of these sides had a big turnover of players in the summer and it may be a few weeks until they hit their stride.
You know what you are getting when you go up against a Fortune team - they will play with two up front, have a go at you, be ultra-competitive, tackle you in all areas of the pitch and they are particularly strong at set-pieces.
The big news coming out of Rowley Lane this week is that Phil Peters has answered the call from David Pollock and Jonny Meltzer and agreed a long-term deal to play for Lions.
Peters was unveiled at Rowley Lane this week and vowed to “hopefully score a few goals this season, rather than orchestrating them”.
The Pollock and Meltzer combo struggled in the top-flight last season, but they will be looking to hit the ground running with a new group of kids. Their keeper will need to command his area and not get intimidated by Fortune’s direct game.
If they come prepared to work their socks off, you can see them coming away with a smash and grab result.
Venue – Roger Bannister, Ref – Dean Jorden
JC star man: Michael Goldberg (Fortune)
DC Prediction: Fortune 1 Lions 2
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MATCH OFF
Div 2 - NL Raiders B vs Camden Park - no pitch available
