By, Danny Caro
28 min read
ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro
There are 13 ties in the opening round of the Jewish FA Cup scheduled this weekend, but arguably the match of the day sees title hopefuls Norstar London Raiders A host Oakwood A in the MGBSFL Premier Division. Danny Caro flavours the action.
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PHOTOGALLERY: ATHLETIC BILBAUM vs REDBRIDGE JC B
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: KING CROWN vs BOCA JEWNIORS
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND ONE
FC TEAM B vs SPEC FC
This is my home banker this weekend. I’m so confident Team will progress, I’ll put my mortgage on it. Just don’t tell the missus!
Team boss Mitch Young has been the man with the midas touch thus far and he told me at his midweek press conference that he will adopt the role of Tinkerman on Sunday.
Attack was the best form of defence against Catford last weekend, with virtually no defenders available. Lorian Madanes pulled the strings once more, with Andy Sheena (2), Richard Salmon (2), David Grossman and Dan Breger their marksmen in a 6-3 victory.
Confidence is high in the Team camp these days and after a typically energetic training session, the boys in yellow and blue cannot wait for kick-off.
Young told JC Sport: "I am pleased to have a break from the league - it gives me a chance to rotate the squad somewhat.
“Our priority is the league so will be resting a few players. Obviously SPEC are overwhelming favourites for the tie and we will be showing a lot of respect. My aim is to park the bus and hope for the best."
SPEC were on the wrong end of an 8-3 defeat last Sunday and even though Team are a division below them, I can see them finding things mightily tough.
Joint-player-manager Ricky Lawrence told JC Sport: "We've heard good things about FC Team B so we're expecting a tough game.
“We're looking to enjoy the cup and maybe even get a good run going, but we know Sunday is going to be very difficult and we'll have to be at our very best to get through.
“Without Ashley Burns and James Lesner the task is going to be even harder."
Don’t fall for Young’s mind games one bit. I’m going for a Team win.
JC team news: Team welcome back captain Jon Breger, Rich Sternberg, Ollie Segal, Dan Silverman, Shuey Mirwis and Ricky Shafier who all missed last week’s win over Catford.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Teddy Littner
JC star man: Rich Sternberg (Team)
DC Prediction: Team 3 SPEC 1
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OAKWOOD B vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS SENIORS
Second division Oakwood B will have their hands full on Sunday when they host a star-studded Lions team.
I’m sure Ian Tussie would’ve told Jason Stein all about the history of the Morrison, and he may find a thing or two out about some of the Jewish stars of yesteryear, including Paul Linger and Bradley Lazarus.
The Oaks have great strength in depth on Sunday but I advise Stein to go with his strongest possible team from the start and what will be a strong and organised Lions side.
Ahead of kick-off, Stein told JC Sport: “As expected, the team has been hit by Yom Kippur. But I had a word with a few of our WAGS and secured the release of 12 players for Sunday, including winger Matthew Geey, midfielder Dave Eden and centre-half Stefan Isaacs. Their experience will be key.
"Matt was brilliant on the right-hand side in our 3-3 draw against Raiders B and a repeat goal-scoring performance will be required to beat Lions Masters.
“The league is our priority, but a repeat of the cup performance against Donetsk isn't on the agenda.”
"I'm expecting a well-drilled and competitive Lions team and not a bunch of over-the-hill geriatrics."
There will be several former Morrison winners in the Lions squad on Sunday, but manager Danny ‘DJ’ Jacobs prefers to keep a low-profile in the build-up to cup matches.
Ahead of the game, Jacobs told JC Sport: “Without the legs we usually find it a struggle, moreso as Jonny Rayner and Jonny Kleinman are amongst several missing this week.
"But we enter the comp purely to give ourselves an extra fixture (or two) and will do our best to give Oakwood a game."
Having missed out on gold in Israel last year, there are plenty of Lions boys out for one last swansong and I can see them doing what they need to do to come away with the right result.
Ref – Paul Dobkin
JC star man Bradley Lazarus (Lions)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 1 Lions 2
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B vs LOS BLANCOS
Jon Jacobs has a selection headache ahead of Sunday’s cup meeting with Division One rivals Blancos.
Sam Sollosi, Amir Nathan and Jordan Sapler were the stars of last week’s 2-0 win at Athletic Bilbaum, but Jacobs is delighted to welcome back some of his other young stars, who helped take the team to a new level last season.
He told JC Sport: “Yom Kippur brings back my University exiles to their homes so I welcome back Daniel Jacobs, Arron Goldberg, Nathan Sollosi, Richard Gold and Scott Oldstein to the squad.
“We are looking forward to welcoming Los Blancos back to Fairlop after our recent league encounter and are hopeful of the same result.”
The move to bring in striker Dan Garfinkle is paying handsome dividends for Jacobs, and with him and both Sollosis on board, Blancos will find things tough, and no doubt need to defend in numbers.
But revenge is the name of the game for the whites, according to boss Jon Ison. It appears he is certainly not treating the cup as a distraction. In fact, it’s a game he badly wants to win.
“We're looking to avenge our defeat versus Redbridge from two weeks ago,” Ison told JC Sport. “They caught us out - our lack of scouting on our opposition did not help.
“This time we know what we are coming up against and I have faith that we can produce a better performance and result.
“The selection dilemmas continue with 20 players being available this week, but we have a very strong squad available and I am confident on progressing through to the next round.”
Redbridge will look to make a fast start and it’ll be interesting to see just for how long the north Londoners can keep them out.
JC team news: RJC lose Sam Rank to an overseas engagement and Jordan Sapler due to work, but captain fantastic, Darren Brown returns after his Spanish vacation.
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – Nigel Kyte
JC star man: Arron Goldberg (RJC)
DC Prediction: RJC 2 Blancos 1
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NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS B vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS SPARTANS
Watch out for the Spartans – that’s the word from Rowley Lane. With no fewer than four teams from the club entering the competition, one could say they are hedging their bets somewhat, but this group are arguably the cream of the crop.
Landesberg has an excellent knowledge of the MGBSFL and he is ready to unleash his young guns on the Division Two champions.
Ahead of Sunday’s trip, Landesberg told JC Sport: “The team will be primarily focused on the younger players who are part of our Saturday squad. More than 85 per cent of the squad will consist of players between 17-20 years old, as well as the odd one or two that are slightly older.
“I’m sure that Norstar will be pushing us all the way, and it is important that my team focuses on the task that lies ahead.
“This is a great bunch of youngsters, all who have a great future ahead of them at Maccabi London Lions. I believe that we have the talent to take us into the next round of the Cup, but will take nothing for granted.”
NLR are “decimated by injuries,” according to boss Jonathan Adelman, as they recover from the miraculous comeback that saw them earn a draw from 4-2 down with 20 to play last week.
It was the strikers that saved L’Orange last week, with Nicky Woolf and summer arrival Jake Gilbert bagging braces. But having conceded four against Brixton, Adelman is hoping for a big improvement at the back on Sunday.
“We will do all we can to give a good account of ourselves against what is the highest quality side we will face all season. But realistically, given the opposition and our absentees, we just want to come off the pitch having given our best and will use the game to try some things out in advance of the coming important league fixtures.”
No doubt this will be a great game for the purists and it could go the distance.
JC team news: NLR are missing eight players for Sunday.
Ref – Mark Jacob
JC star man: David Simnock (NLR)
DC Prediction: NLR 2 MLL 2 (NLR to win on pens)
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SHACHARIT DONETSK vs BRIXTON OLD BOYS
Fifteen places separate Shacharit and Brixton but that may count for little come Sunday morning as Elliot Nussbaum’s boys go in search of a major scalp.
Getting last week’s horror show against Faithfold out of their system is the no. 1 priority, but in fairness, they have absolutely nothing to lose.
However, Paul Shamplina’s new-look Brixton will be looking to make waves in the national cup. With several former Shirley Park players in their ranks, I’ve got them down as dark horses – reaching the latter stages of the competition is something they look capable of on paper at least.
Brixton came within 20 minutes of recording a famous win over Raiders B last Sunday, but in the end they had to settled for a draw in a game where Nick Kenton and the evergreen Saul Conway fired doubles.
Ahead of kick-off, Shamps told JC Sport: “My aim is to tighten up the defence this week, so our new signing Dave Ronson, who rejoins us from Harmen, goes straight in at centre back, while I will be right back. (Good luck to Shacharit’s left-winger. That’s all I’ll say!)
“I’m relying on Stefan Benfredj and Nick Skone to dominate the midfield, and hope the skilful Nick Kenton’s scores again. And, I have plenty of faith in my goal machine Saul Conway, especially with the players starting to gel.
A clash of footballing cultures looks on the cards, but I expect Brixton’s up and at ‘em approach do get the job done.
Ref – Robert Benardout
JC star man: Nick Skone (Brixton)
DC Prediction: Shacharit 2 Brixton 4
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NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS C vs L’EQUIPE
Improvement has been the name of the game for L’Equipe, according to joint-manager Josh Lewis, who will accept nothing less than victory against a Raiders team they know inside out.
Somehow, last week’s game finished goalless, with L’Equipe missing a penalty and NLR hitting the woodwork twice.
Indeed NLR boss Zack Gothelf praised the resolute L’Equipe defence, but Sunday’s visitors will hope to prove more of an attacking threat when cup pride is up for grabs.
Lewis sounded in upbeat mood when I caught up with him earlier this week. He told JC Sport: “It’s the final game of the trilogy against Norstar C and we need to walk away from this one with victory. We lost the first won, drew the second one and now I’m expecting my team to walk away with the win.
“Week on week I have seen some big improvements and last week’s point and clean sheet was a step in the right direction. The new players in the squad are starting to gel in with our style of play and I’m expecting some goals this weekend.
“We’ll be taking advantage of the roll on roll off rule and bring down a squad of 15.”
The new faces will certainly give L’Equipe the edge, but I can’t see them getting the better of L’Orange on 3G.
JC team news: L’Equipe will hand debuts to new keeper Mark Glucksman who makes a welcome return to Jewish football. “I’m sure he will turn out to be one of the signings of the season,” said Lewis. Mark Smith, the former Brady player, is also in line for his debut up front.
Ref – Alex Smith
JC star man: Marc Woolfe (NLR)
DC Prediction: NLR 2 L’Equipe 1
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B vs KS REUNITED
Hendon are hoping the cup will be a welcome distraction to their poor start to the league as they host KS Reunited on Sunday.
Manager Adam Glekin has several injury concerns, but says “he planned to make the most of his large squad anyway”.
Indeed gaffer Glekin is looking for an all-round improvement to give KS something to think about ahead of two league meetings over the coming months.
"To be honest, other than defensively in our game against SoSoBad, I don't think anyone can claim to have played well yet,” he told JC Sport.
“This game gives some of the guys who haven't played much as of yet a chance to stake their claim for a starting berth.
The game will see Hendon begin a new era at their grounds in Montrose Playing Fields, and Glekin expects a large turnout. "Similarly to Arsene Wenger, I think I have done magnificently to keep the club competitive whilst the multi-million new stadium was built. Now is the time to kick on, starting with a win on Sunday.”
The KS team are buoyant following the big win over the Lions. James Ryan was the star of the show and he will be looking to get behind the home defence at every opportunity.
Manager James Lewis told me that “competition is fierce” and the east Londoners will be looking to put down their marker in a bid to set up a dream tie against one of the big boys in the next round. Lewis told JC Sport: "We are looking for a good cup run and hope to get it underway on Sunday."
However, anything can happen in the cup and, as we well know, the formbook goes out of the window. And that might well be the case on Sunday.
JC team news: Hendon will be without Ezekiel Jacob, Glen Turner and Gideon Caller. Gab Saul returns to the squad after injury, and Ben Glekin, Jaimie Grossman, Joni Kleiman and Adam Jacobs also return to the fold after playing very little part so far this season.
Last week's hat-trick hero, James Ryan, is missing due to a date with the Red Devils, but KS are pleased to welcome back duo Ethan Deal and Jason Goldstein.
Venue - Montrose Playing Fields, Ref – Martin Fox
JC star man: Ben Glekin (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon 4 KS 3
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CAMDEN PARK vs AC MILL HILL
Goals are guaranteed in what promises to be a mouth-watering contest between first division Camden and second division Mill Hill.
Camden hit the jackpot against SPEC FC last week, with JC Player of the Week Dan Baneth going home with the matchball after smashing home a hat-trick. At times, he seemed a step ahead of the rest – and they only had 10 men.
It was a pivotal day in the history of Camden Park, according to boss Nick Kagan. He told JC Sport: “It was a new year and a new Camden as we put in our first real performance of the season last week. However, we won't be resting on our laurels as we are only too aware of underestimating AC Mill Hill from our cup game last season.
“The boys will have to be focused, hungry and fast from the off to avoid this potential banana skin. Let's hope for a day of atonement at the Hive!
“After a year sabbatical from the PM cup for an ill-fated entry into the Sunday FA cup, we're keen to make our mark on our favourite competition in 2012, when a historic Jake Saunders winner away at AFC Flixton put us into the last four.
Ben Zloof and Jamie Kent were on the scoresheet for Mill Hill for the first time this season. But they will find chances harder to come by on 3G, when Camden’s multi-talented midfield flexes its muscles.
There will be bags of quality on show and even though the visitors will huff and puff for 70 minutes, I think it will be Camden holding the aces.
JC team news: Sam Bennett and Ben Harris remain on the treatment table for Camden. Skipper Rob Hershkorn returns to the squad, otherwise they’re the same as last week, with the lethal Greg Meller looking to make it three goals in three games.
Ref – Darryl Colmans
JC star man: Greg Meller (Camden)
DC Prediction: Camden 3 Mill Hill 1
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FC TEAM C vs BOCA JEWNIORS
David Gordon is expected to shuffle his pack for the visit of the boys from Boca.
With a trio of regulars missing out, Gordon will thrust some of his squad players into the mix so they can gain some match sharpness. A strong bench is expected, with Matt Davis, Aron Barnes, Ben Graham and possibly Daniel Stanton all in contention. The strength in depth of the club is quite frightening these days.
Gordon told JC Sport: “Sunday’s game gives us the chance to rotate the team a little and give players, who haven’t played so much recently, the chance to stake a claim.
“We are still taking the game seriously and we want to try and get as far as possible in a competition that we excelled in last season.”
Boca were their own worst enemies in last week’s defeat at King Crown. Not even my gloves could help player-manager Gabriel John, who was forced to play in goal, and double parking the bus may not be the worst idea, but it’s important they don’t carry any passengers.
Ahead of the game, John told JC Sport: "We're looking forward to a good challenge on Sunday against a really good FC Team side.
"We're starting to get some traction as a team and the last 30 minutes against King Crown was looking positive.
"It's a new season and game-time and match practice is key. We will get better and better and I have no doubt this will be a really successful season."
If you're looking for a prediction, don’t be surprised if this one’s over after an hour.
JC team news: For Team, Mitch Lassman is rested, while Dan Alfreds and Daniel Ledermann both miss out.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Elliot Mayer
JC star man: Dan Stanton (Team)
DC Prediction: Team 5 Boca 0
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KING CROWN vs MMFL REPS
Sunday’s meeting with the Masters is something of a banana skin for Division Three leaders King Crown.
An unblemished league record, a back five on top of its game and a potent strikeforce have manager Jacob Kadoch purring, but he’s determined to keep his feet on the ground until they put trophies in the cabinet.
Kadoch told JC Sport: “I have a full team to choose from and will rotate the squad for the cup.
“We will look to play football with confidence which we have plenty of, and go on a good cup run.”
Gavin Hodes has taken over the reins from Daniel Collins at the helm of the Masters team. Obviously, they will have experience on their side plus there’s the advantage of their players using the roll on/roll off rule.
I can’t see there being much to separate the teams, but am tipping the Crown boys to progress.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Martin Fox, KO – 9.30am
JC star man: James Korn (Crown)
DC Prediction: King Crown 3 Masters 2
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BLIZZARD STORM vs JEWDINESE
Jake Erlich was probably as surprised as I was to see his name splashed across the backpages, predicting an upset in the run-up to Sunday’s trip to Blizzard.
It just hasn’t happened for the ‘Nese boys this season, but with the quality he has at his disposal, I’m confident their luck will change.
Centre back Brandon Sassoon certainly didn’t deserve to be on the losing team against Mill Hill last week. His hat-trick was converted “like an experienced striker,” according to Erlich, although he may not cross the half-way line against a star-studded Blizzard team.
Simon Linden’s squad is bustling with quality these days and the fact they came away from Brady disappointed not to take maximum points speaks volumes.
A cup run would help Linden repay some of the debt he’s accumulated after a summer over-spend and he’s hoping some of his squad players give him a selection headache ahead of next week’s game against Blancos.
“It's a cup match we won't take lightly,” Linden told JC Sport. “I get the impression Jewdinese have been very unlucky in their opening three games, but it's important we keep moving in the right direction and winning this cup tie is vital.”
This could be closer than many expect, but don’t be surprised if one of Blizzard’s big guns breaks ‘Nese hearts late on.
Ref – Rob Caplin
JC star man: Conor Brand (Blizzard)
DC Prediction: Blizzard 3 Jewdinese 2
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BRADY MACCABI vs HMH
You look at this game and you think Brady win. Easy. But exactly how much do you know about HMH? Exactly.
A closer look tells you that they are fresh, packed with quality and have a great inner belief, oh, and they used to have a Barcelona coach, so no doubt they will be a good footballing team.
Brady boss Josh Dagul would’ve punched the air in delight when the draw was made, but if last week’s performance is anything to go by, he should’ve count his chickens.
Had it not been for Sam Singer in goal, they would’ve come away empty-handed and if anything, it might just serve as a wake-up call.
HMH boss Avi Goldberg sits comfortably with the underdog tag. He told me this week: “We have had our best-ever start to a season, though we know Sunday is different.
“We were unlucky to go out on penalties against Shirley last year and will push Brady hard. However, we will need to play to our full potential to progress to the next round.
“We may struggle physically given our youth, but the stage is set for some of my 17-year-olds to demonstrate what I already know.”
The HMH boys have made a rip-roaring start in the Watford Friendly League U18 Premier Division. And if Dagul and co are struggling to do their homework, Maccabiah U16 gold medallists Dom Feldman, George Goldberg, Jake Norton, Ozzy Doron Levenfiche and box-to-box dynamo Teddie Levenfiche are the names to look out for.
The backpages of the JC await if HMH can pull off the result of the weekend.
Ref – Paul Gelernter
JC star man: Reiss Mogilner (Brady)
DC Prediction: Brady 2 HMH 1
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AC WHETSTONE vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS GREEN
Clive Nathan came away from last week’s game against FC Team C shaking his head – not because they lost, but because he firmly believed they deserved something from the game.
The Whetstone boys are still on a learning curve, but they remain on the right path and continue to let their football do the talking. If anything, the visit of the Lions will bring out the best in them.
Lions were taught a lesson in Essex last weekend. They rallied briefly, with Phil Peters making it two in two, but that was about as good as it good for a team from which there is clearly more to come.
If you’re looking for a good advert for Jewish football, then this is your one to watch.
Ref – Stuart Ansher
JC star man: Ben Pollins (Whetstone)
DC Prediction: Whetstone 2 Lions 1
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MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
DANNY CARO'S PREM DIV TEAM OF THE WEEK
NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS A vs OAKWOOD A
Raiders new signing Ricky Engleman goes straight into the Raiders squad ahead of the crunch clash against title rivals Oakwood in Willesden.
Rob Richman’s men have made a perfect start, with an impressive cup win over Redbridge sandwiched in between league victories over Neasden and Lions.
David Dinkin fired a deadly double to down the Lions last week, with the twinkle-toed Jamie Wolfson adding the gloss.
But Richman knows that Oakwood will pose a totally different challenge. He told JC Sport: ““We are all very excited for Sunday - Oakwood clinically beat us in pre-season and their results in the calendar year prove they will be right up there come May time.
“Messus Blank and Shock, the MSFL’s answer to Houllier and Evans, have built a really impressive group of players and we have nothing but the utmost respect for them as a club.
“We enjoyed a good September and the new signings have bedded in nicely, but we know Sunday will be our first proper test. It should be a great game between two very talented sides.
Yes Oakwood have their injury problems, but managers Ric Blank and Alex Schock are confident they have the ammunition to ask questions of a Raiders defence that has conceded just once in 270 minutes.
Ahead of the game, Blank told JC Sport: "We've effectively been licking our wounds for three weeks since the Redbridge defeat. That day we controlled the game but gave away three soft goals. The absences of Levine, Jacobson, Bentley, Helman and Wine were ultimately too much for us. All of the above with the exception of Bentley are liable to miss the Raiders game as well. It's classic Oakwood. The biggest squad in world football decimated come the big games.
“But this is when you learn about the players who are available. We can all mope around and feel sorry for ourselves or stand up and be counted. Teams that moan about absentees hoping for some sympathy will never be winners.
“We will have a strong squad on Sunday and it will have goals in it. We know how to beat Raiders - we did it last season in the Morrison and we think we can do it again.
“They're a really strong, organised side and now with Rob back at the helm they take on a familiar feel. They signed Ben Joseph (who we made a late bid for but his Brady connections took him to Raiders) who's a good player. We'll have to work out how to deal with him along with Stock, Wolfson, Dinkin and all the other threats.
“One result will not a season make and when you see Hendon losing to Faithfold you know how volatile this division could be. Harmen and Raiders are the overwhelming favourites, but we won't go gentle into that. It should be fun."
There’s little more that needs to be said other than I’ll have my cameras there.
JC team news: NLR were rocked by the news that Elliot Espinoza faces 12 weeks out with torn medial ligaments. Richman added: “He will be a big loss, but to counter that we have managed to swoop to secure the signing of Ricky Engleman who goes straight into the squad for Sunday.” Josh Pistol and Josh Morris both return to bolster the squad, but David Rhodes and Matt Stock are still a week away from full fitness.
The Oaks are still missing long-term injury victims Sam Jacobson and Antony Kintish. “There are no return dates for either of them as yet,” advised Blank. Josh Rubin should feature for the B’s in a couple of weeks, as should Eddie Manson. Brad Wine is away so he is unlikely not to feature until November. Adam Levine has cracked a rib, but the club hope “he’ll be fit for Lions in two weeks”. Guy Helman is on holiday, while Josh Bentley will undergo a fitness test before Sunday's game. Blank said: “We're hopeful.”
Venue – Capital City, Willesden, Ref – Neil Cooper, KO – 10am
JC star man Ricky Engleman (NLR)
DC Prediction: NLR 2 Oakwood 1
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A vs FAITHFOLD A
Redbridge and Faithfold have been involved in some ding-dong affairs over the years and I can’t see Sunday being much different.
The east Londoners go into the game on the back of a hard-fought win over Neasden. Patience was the name of the game for Sam Rosenthal’s men who were rescued by strikes from summer arrivals Bradley Gayer and James Jaconelli who are good additions having starred for Chigwell Athletic last season.
With Raiders, Harmen and Woodford to follow, Rosenthal is confident his boys can do the business against the Superhoops. He told JC Sport: “Three points and keeping our 100 per cent record is the goal this week - it’s always good fun welcoming Faithfold to town.”
Faithfold frustrated their fans and manager last season and, after their first four games, it looks a case of more of a same is on the way.
But manager Zuriel Solomon insists his boys can get a result at Fairlop which could be a real turning point.
Solomon told JC Sport: “We have been good and we have been bad and need to start getting more consistency. But that starts with a consistent squad which is where we have suffered. But we still have enough to warrant better results.
“Redbridge away is always tough and we will have to be at our best come Sunday and respect our opponents but make sure we are on it.”
It’s worth remembering Faithfold beat the champions in their last away game, but Redbridge have started the season well and Rosenthal and co know the importance of making Fairlop a fortress this season. It’s for this reason and this reason alone I’m tipping them to take maximum points.
JC team news: RJC’s Adam Shafron and Adam Hakimi return from their Ryder Cup success.
Faithfold have “a few away or injured”.
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – Adam Lewis
JC star man Dan Lee (RJC)
DC Prediction: RJC 2 Faithfold 1
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HENDON UNITED SC A vs WOODFORD WANDERERS
"Is there such a word as bouncebackability? I know the no. 1 Jewish football reporter thinks there is and will probably use it this week when previewing this match!" You took the words right out of my mouth, David!
Indeed gaffer Garbacz probably needn’t bother with a pre-match teamtalk – his team are ready to go again after the heartbreaking loss last time out – their first in Jewish football in over a year.
Garbacz told JC Sport: “The defeat against Faithfold has lingered long in the memory and the recent shofar blasts have not made it any less painful.
“However, there is a genuine belief that this was very much a one-off, a smash and grab raid and the confidence remainshigh in the camp.
“We are perhaps still seeing what our best team is with all the summer comings and goings, but the quality is still very much there and we will be champing at the bit to get back on the field to start setting things right on Sunday.
“As ever we will give our opposition the necessary respect but we will be concentrating fully on our own game and I would expect nothing short of three points to get our challenge back on track.”
Woodford have strengthened since last season, when they were comfortably beaten by Hendon in one of the cup competitions, if my memory serves me correctly.
A draw against Team last courtesy came courtesy of a double strike from Harrison Midda, but manager Tony Charles knows his boys start this game as big underdogs.
Hendon are still settling into their new home in Mill Hill and after Faithfold ruined their house-warming party, I can see Woodford proving any more than noisy neighbours.
JC team news: Hendon have a full squad available bar Yoav Kestenbaum who is yet to appear this season.
Venue – Mill Hill Sports Village, Ref – Andy Myerson
JC star man Avidan Last (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon 3 Woodford 0
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HARMEN vs FC TEAM A
Harmen have done their talking on the pitch as well as off the pitch so far this season and credit to everyone connected to the club from bringing another dimension to the MGBSFL.
They made some bold signings over the summer, although Josh Newman isn’t one of them, and their ambition has been matched by results and some scintillating performances. Now their players and fans cannot wait for Sunday.
With three managers in charge, handling the weigh of expectation is key, with the experience of Jake Gottlieb and James Gershfield as important as the wow-factor they bring on it.
Having finished third in Division One last season, few could’ve predicted that Harmen would’ve already beaten the champions of 2014 and 2013, and the visit of FC Team certainly won’t scare them. But for me, their mindset, focus and application is key against another side on the up.
Ahead of the game, Harmen joint-manager Joel Alterman told JC Sport: “Having beaten two strong teams in recent weeks, we are looking to maintain our momentum with another victory this week.
“The team has performed superbly in each of our fixtures so far and there is no doubt that whoever is picked for the game on Sunday will continue where we left off last week.”
Co-boss Joe Marsh added: “We expect more of the same as the previous weeks....we are starting to play very exciting football and there has been waves made throughout Jewish football, with players now offering their services toward the Harmen cause. “
David Joseph Cohen was at his irresistible best for FC Team in last week’s draw at Woodford. Head coach Ben Gilbey will remind his players that another slow start is unacceptable, especially Harmen have some players who can hurt them.
Adam Aminoff and Yoav Lebens also looked sharp, but on Sunday Team will need all 11 starters to be on their guard for a contest that has all the makings of another classic.
Gaffer Gilbey told JC Sport: "Finally we have a full squad available for Sunday, after only managing to get 11 or 12 in the first few games.
"Harmen have had a good start to the season, they also appear to have put a good team together over the summer.
"We have been working hard in training and gradually getting our numbers back. If we can reproduce the form we showed in the first half against Faithfold and second half against Woodford, Harmen are going to struggle to deal with us.
"The team are looking better and growing stronger each week. I anticipate Harmen against FC Team A to be an absolute cracker and full of goals."
Don't be surprised if one of Harmen's big-hitters does something special to win it.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – John Nitka
JC star man: Joey Lazare (Harmen)
DC Prediction: Harmen 3 Team 2
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DIVISION ONE
DANNY CARO'S DIV ONE TEAM OF THE WEEK
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DIVISION TWO
DANNY CARO'S DIV TWO TEAM OF THE WEEK
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DIVISION THREE
DANNY CARO'S DIV THREE TEAM OF THE WEEK
REAL SOSOBAD vs LONDON ROVERS
With league leaders King Crown involved in the cup, Real Sosobad and London Rovers have the chance to finish the weekend at the summit in the division’s top fixture.
Sosobad responded well since their opening day defeat against the table-toppers, but they face a real test of their promotion credentials against a Rovers team who have won two on the spin.
Scott Jaye was the star man when the Sosobad boys hit the jackpot against Fortune last week, with Richard Rosenthal and Barry Green bagging braces.
Ahead of Sunday’s game, Sosobad boss Dan Shafron told JC Sport: “My team have started to play with the intensity I expect of them, but we are still at the very early stages of our objectives. We cannot get excited about winning the last two games because winning the next two games are of more importance now.
“We know what we have to improve on from our performance against Fortune and this will be in the forefront of my players’ minds if we are to get three points this weekend.
“This week we have a good test against London Rovers. They are one of the form teams in the league so we will approach the game with small caution, but at the same time continue to build on our positive football and look to dominate from the start.
“It is hard to prepare for our opponents when our opponents are a team with no history. We know about two or three key players, but my scouts have also identified a couple of weaknesses which we will look to expose as early as possible.
“They have a good mixture of youth and experience and seem to be compact at the back, only conceding two goals so far, although I do not think they have been tested to their limits yet.
“They have not played for two weeks which is always hard for any team who are looking to compete for a title and this is something we must try use to our advantage.”
Wins over Shacharit and Hendon have given Rovers fans reason for optimism, but chairman Viv Emanuel knows they face a real test ahead of the trip to E17.
Manager Jeremy Brown has great knowledge of the division and he would’ve been doing his homework ahead of the journey around the A406.
"This will be our toughest test yet,” Brown told JC Sport. “We've had a great start to the campaign, but Sunday’s game against Sosobad, who were favourites to win this division, will be a huge challenge.
“They are very experienced with players who've been around for a while and we are a new team with a lot of youngsters just starting their MGBSFL journey.
“I think it will be a very close, tactical game but if we can continue to perform as we did in our first two league games, we can come away with the three points."
The first 20 minutes will be key for Rovers on Sunday, but with Sosobad having clicked into gear, I fancy them to nick it.
JC team news: Shafron is “happy” to welcome back Jamie Crawford and James Rubin this Sunday. Crawford was away last week and Rubin wasn’t included in the squad against Fortune. Shafron added: “I have also made an early decision to leave Josh Jacobs out of the squad who fully understands my rotation policy, but look forward to having him back next weekend.”
Venue – Peter May, Ref – Howard Gould
JC star man: Scott Jay (Sosobad)
DC Prediction: Real 2 Rovers 1
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TEMPLE FORTUNE vs FAITHFOLD B
Faithfold had a terrific win over Shacharit last weekend and I can see their fans having plenty to cheer about in Pinner on Sunday.
Eric Hovelsen inspired the win with two fine finishes and the fact that goal-poacher Dan Gordon was back on the scoresheet is bad news for Fortune – their defenders could be in for a torrid morning.
Fortune boss Jonathan Cohen reports a "big squad" available for the visit of Faithfold. He told JC Sport: "We are missing club captain Lee Fegan as a result of a shoulder operation and we wish him a speedy recovery.
"We have some players looking to make their TFFC debut, and will be looking to bounce back from our disappointing start to the campaign against a team we know very well.
"The thing we absolutely have to correct from last week's performance the effort level as we allowed that to drop and accepted defeat.
"With a big squad available it's up to me to pick the right team and the players responsibility to show they deserve their place."
Fortune were hit for six last weekend and with three straight defeats, the signs all point towards another Faithfold win.
Venue – Roger Bannister, Ref – Laurence Thorne
JC star man Eric Hovelsen (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Fortune 0 Faithfold 3
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ALSO SEE:
DANNY CARO'S SAVE OF THE WEEK
BRAD GRANT (Redbridge JC B) - after his pre-match shower, he was dominant throughout and pulled off a worldie turning the ball over the bar from close range. Simply class!
DANNY CARO'S QUOTE OF THE WEEK - JOSH HAMBLING
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