Matchday 9 features some mouth-watering contests in the Morrison, Anekstein and MGBSFL, including an FC Team inter-club derby. Danny Caro flavours the action as Harmen look to halt Norstar London Raiders A's 100 per cent record.
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CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND 3 DRAW
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MATCH COVERAGE
PHOTOGALLERY: FAITHFOLD A vs JEWDINESE
PHOTOGALLERIES FROM THE SEASON
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE SEASON
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND TWO
PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND 2 DRAW
NORTH WEST NEASDEN vs AC WHETSTONE
Whetstone go in search of another famous cup scalp following their heroics against Athletic Bilbaum, who like Neasden play in Division One.
JC Player of the Week Rob Cohen and Alon Pinhas were their stars last weekend and managers Clive Nathan and Anthony Jacobs will be smelling blood once more against a NWN team struggling to pick up results.
Whetstone created chances aplenty last Sunday, showing great character after falling a goal behind. It’s important they win their individual and collective battles against a NWN team with some big names.
One win in six is not the kind of start NWN boss Stirling Kay was hoping for in the league. They put on a brave performance against Redbridge last week, but a lack of firepower is really holding them back. No doubt, the gaffer is looking for an improved showing on Sunday.
He told JC Sport: “We know we are playing a team in great form and with lots of confidence after a great start to the season, so we will have to start scoring goals or we will be in trouble.
"“I was very delighted with our performance last week , and if we apply ourselves like this every week, I'm sure we can turn our season round."
I expect Neasden to try and make a fast start, but if Whetstone defend properly and take their chances I can see them doing the business again.
JC team news: NWN’s Rob Caplan has been ruled out for three weeks with a calf injury.
Venue - Lay Bridge Gardens, Ref – Adam Lewis, KO – 10am
JC star man: Alon Pinhas (Whetstone)
DC Prediction: Neasden 2 Whetstone 3
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CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND TWO
NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS C vs BLIZZARD STORM
A bumper home draw against Premier Division big-spenders Harmen is the prize that awaits the winner of Sunday’s meeting between Raiders C and Blizzard.
NLR have failed to register a win in four attempts in the league, so a win of any description would be a bonus on Sunday.
NLR no. 2 David Domb told JC Sport: "It's obviously been a tough couple weeks, with some disappointing results and a few injuries.
"We know we're capable of better, and if we want it enough, we can certainly surprise a good Blizzard Storm side on Sunday."
But the Blizzard boys start as favourites given their personnel, with Ben Ellis and Oli Henry keen to impress against their former club.
Simon Linden’s men picked up another useful result on the road against Camden last week, with Mitch Green continuing his free-scoring ways.
Another tough 90 minutes is on the way, according to Linden. He told JC Sport: “I would be well up for a last 16 showdown against Harmen, but first things first - we have to do the business against Raiders which we know won't be easy.”
JC team news: NLR goalkeeper Grant Waissel makes his first appearance of the season following injury that's kept him out since August. Marc Woolfe faces a late fitness test, while Josh Bloom returns to the side after missing the last two matches.
Ref – Henry Raffe
JC star man: Oli Henry (NLR)
DC Prediction: Raiders 1 Blizzard 2
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MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
13 - James Gershfield (Harmen)
11 - Dave Woolman (Oakwood A)
NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS A vs HARMEN
A 100 per cent record going into November is impressive stuff. Raiders have already passed some big tests in the shape of Oakwood and Redbridge and they face another big challenge in the shape of Harmen on Sunday.
Ricky Engleman repaid another chunk of his registration fee with a hat-trick in the 6-1 demolition of FC Team B last Sunday and he has Harmen within his sights.
Manager Rob Richman deserves huge credit to adding great quality to an already multi-talented that were agonisingly close to silverware last season. Unlike Liverpool, there’s no hangover.
Richman told JC Sport: “What a month November promises to be - Oakwood, Hendon, Redbridge and, first up, a revitalised Harmen side this Sunday.
“I think everyone has been impressed with Harmen's start to the season. They have recruited really well and they look like they will be right up there come the end of the season and are a real tough team to face.
“We are all excited for the month ahead, but we know there is no point looking any further than the next game. Sunday should be a really good, enthralling game with both sides packed with ability.
“Our squad is strong this week and confidence is high. Sunday can't come quick enough.”
James Gershfield filled his boots in the Anekstein last weekend, with his thumping five-goal salvo helping them destroy Temple Fortune 8-0. That’s 13 for the season now for the Team Maccabi GB hotshot and Richman won’t need me to tell him who is the one to watch.
There were also excellent performances from Brad Sharpe and Marc Foster, but it will need something really special from the Harmen boys, as well as 90 minutes of focus and application to keep out a Raiders team going places.
Joint-manager Joel Alterman told JC Sport: "Most teams would be looking at this fixture with fear, especially Raiders’ start to the season but we are excited to go there and show one of the top teams of this league that we can match them.
"Raiders have assembled a great squad, but you will only have to look at the teamsheets on Sunday morning to see that we can match them anywhere on the pitch in terms of ability and experience.
"This should be one of the games of the season, the 3G surface will suit both teams and we are really looking forward to Sunday morning."
JC team news:- Ben Joseph is away but other than that NLR have a full squad to pick from.
Venue - Brunel, Ref – Steve Levy
JC star man: Josh Morris (NLR)
DC Prediction: Raiders 3 Harmen 1
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FAITHFOLD A vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A
Hendon will be looking to make one of their traditional fast starts as they seek revenge against the Superhoops.
Zuriel Solomon’s troops ended Hendon’s year-long unbeaten run last month, when Johnny Haik broke their hearts with virtually the last kick of the game.
That result and backs-to-the-wall performance shows just what Faithfold are capable of, although they left Solomon frustrated last week, when they only just about edged past second division Jewdinese in the cup.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Solomon told JC Sport: “I am sure this is a game Hendon are looking forward to as our form has not been great and they must be hurting from our last victory.
“We know what to expect from Hendon and must be prepared to match them for effort and application to come away with the desired result.
“I am not sure on the squad we will have but it should be competitive.”
Hendon were forced to “win ugly,” according to boss David Garbacz who will be looking for maximum points to ensure they remain hot on the heels of Raiders.
He told JC Sport: "I’m not sure we’ve got over the defeat against Faithfold a few weeks ago even now – it really hurt us after such a long unbeaten run and the good news is that we won’t want to be enduring that feeling again in a hurry.
"Faithfold will always raise their game against us and where they have inconsistent results against other teams, you can rest assured than when Hendon are the opposition they come out all guns blazing.
"We know all there is to know about them, and they are tough and experienced with some very dangerous players.
"With Raiders going so well early on the pressure is well and truly on to win practically every match in order to keep in touch.
"This one will be tight and we may need to grind it out but the key will be to score early – if we can get them on the back-foot, having to come at us to chase the game, then I think this will play into our hands.
"If they can keep it tight or get the first goal, we will find it difficult to pick up the points. I’m not bothered about revenge – they won game one fair and square - the important thing is we don’t slip up again."
A combination of an injured Russell Corin, Ari Nevies and Avishai Kestenbaum rescued them against first division Redbridge B last week, and another dogged performance is on the cards in what promises to be an almighty battle.
JC team news: Late fitness tests will be given to Hendon's Russell Corin, Simon Peterman and Dovi Fehler, although all are expected to be fit. Ethan Zone is away.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – Neil Cooper
JC star man: Dovi Fehler (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 1 Hendon 2
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MACCABI LONDON LIONS BLUE vs FC TEAM A
Sunday marks the return of Yoav Lebens to Rowley Lane and Team head coach Ben Gilbey is predicting something special from the midfield powerhouse.
Having helped both Lions and Hendon to silverware over the past couple of seasons, eyebrows were raised when Lebens left the Hammers for a new-look FC Team side, but he’s playing better than ever right now.
Indeed Lebens featured on the scoresheet in the Anekstein win over SPEC FC last Sunday and he’s a tasty 12-1 to register against his former club.
Ahead of the game, Gilbey told JC Sport: “It is a massive game as I believe that Lions is a team that we will be battling this year to finish above in the league.
“They have had a decent start to the season and got a great result against Harmen.
“We have a full-strength squad this week and I expect us to go and get the three points and take our record to four wins in four.
“We have started to find our feet over the last three weeks, with players returning from injuries and summer holidays, the boys has been playing good football, controlling games and looking like a strong force.
“We’ve scored 11 goals in the last three games and I expect the goals to rain in this Sunday as well.”
“Confidence is high” in the Lions camp, according to boss Jamie Kyte, after the 7-1 win cup thrashing of King Crown. Connor Perlmutter was their star man, helping the Rowley Lane outfit recover from a goal down. They played the majority of the tie with 10 men after Joel Reuben was shown red and Kyte will expect another strong showing in a game where his troops have the “chance to push on up the league”.
An away win would lift Team above the Lions and with a jet-propelled Lebens, I’m tipping them to nick it.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Neal Cohen, KO – 10am
JC star man: Yoav Lebens (Team)
DC Prediction: Lions 1 Team 2
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OAKWOOD A vs WOODFORD WANDERERS
Ric Blank admits the next few games are pivotal for Oakwood ahead of Sunday’s meeting against Division One champions Woodford.
Dave Woolman was certainly up for the cup last weekend, maintaining his excellent run of goal-scoring form that makes him both a strong candidate for the Golden Boot and Oakwood a serious contender for the silverware joint-boss Ric Blank craves.
Oaks fans were delighted to see Lee Warner and Simon Davies register their first goals for the club, with war-horse Carl Peters sealing the win.
Ahead of the visit of Woodford, Blank told JC Sport: “November is going to be a season-defining month for Oakwood. We have four huge league games, (including Harmen twice in two weeks), a huge Morrison game against Lions Seniors and, somewhere along the line, we'll be playing Faithfold at home in the CA Cup last 16. It's all to play for.
“September turned into a bogus month for us with the squad stretched too thin, we recovered in October and I'm hopeful November will take us to the next level.
“We are still decimated with injuries, but I'm still able to put good teams out with balance. “That's important as I don't want to be playing players out of position like we had to do at Raiders a few weeks ago.
“Woodford have some good players, but we'll be looking to exploit their weaknesses.
“We're confident, we're raring to go and we're up for a really big month."
With the table starting to take shape, Woodford boss Tony Charles know it’s important his men build on the recent win over Faithfold. But he has plenty to worry about ahead of the game.
“At this stage we have only six players available for Sunday, and no goalkeeper,” he told JC Sport.
“We always knew this season would be a challenge, but so far our biggest obstacle is finding 11 players!“
I’m sure Blank and co will take Charles’s mind games with a pinch of salt and look for a big performance, regardless of who lines up for the east Londoners.
JC team news: Dave Cohen pulled his hammy in the Lions Green game and is out for a month. Lee Warner is up in Manchester “with the other 14 million City fansm,” and Dan Ailion is having his fourth holiday of the season! Brad Wine, Dan Geey and Josh Rose return. Adam Levine, Antony Kintish and Sam Jacobson are out for the foreseeable future.
Venue – Nicholas Breakspear, Ref – Richard Jaye
JC star man: Josh Rose (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 3 Woodford 1
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
8 - Julius Judah (Athletic Bilbaum)
6 - Mitch Green (Blizzard)
ATHLETIC BILBAUM vs NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS B
Who is the last team you want to face after a cup shock? You guessed it, probably Raiders B. But that’s exactly the prospect facing the Baums on Sunday.
The Baums “struggled to get out of the blocks” last week, according to joint-player-manager Julius Judah, despite Sam Roth putting them ahead. In the end they were unable to keep out the second division wonder kids of Whetstone, with Ben Bell and Judah himself giving the scoreline a sense of respectability.
However, if they defend like that on Sunday, it could be a long 90 minutes against a Raiders team in top form. The clever money is on Jake Gilbert coming back to haunt his former club, and it promises to be a busy day for home keeper Simon Roth.
Gilbert was at his imperious best against Blancos last week, winning yet another JC accolade after a wonder strike. And with Dan Grossman and the dangerous Nicky Woolf in the goals, the signs look good for L’Orange.
Boss Jonathan Adelman told JC Sport: “We will lose some important players who are away this weekend, but, helpfully, we also welcome back a few who were away or unavailable for us for the Blancos game.
“It will be a fascinating clash against a good Bilbaum side who have started the season well. No doubt it will be a special day for Jake Gilbert up against his old side.”
With his team at their scintillating best last week, Adelman responded to the comments from the Blancos dugout.
He told JC Sport: “I was surprised by the comments of the Blancos gaffer following our win on Sunday - we take it as a compliment and a sign of how far we've come that he thought our side was packed with A team players!
“In fact not one of our starters has played even one minute the A's this season. We'll look forward to playing the Whites again in a couple of weeks!”
Three points would lift Raiders above a Baums team still looking to turn the Bernebaum into a fortress.
JC team news: NLR welcome back Josh Green, Lewis Blitz, Ben Sheldon and Danny Bloom. Ben Cherkas will continue in goal in the absence of David Simnock.
Venue – Regents Park, Ref – Elliot Mayer
JC star man: Danny Bloom (NLR)
DC Prediction: Bilbaum 1 NLR 3
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CAMDEN PARK vs BRIXTON OLD BOYS
The Division One promotion tussle is hotting up nicely and pace-setters Camden, one of the teams in the mix, must ensure there are no slip-ups against an experienced Brixton.
A point against big-spending Blizzard was considered a fair result last Sunday, but only maximum points will suffice for Nick Kagan’s boys who are relishing their trip to Barnet FC.
Some of the Brixton boys are still recovering from the hard-fought win over Real Sosobad. Player-manager Paul Shamplina was straight back into the gym and he hopes that his players are ready to roll up their sleeves and put in a real shift against a pacy Camden side.
“We have a strong team out for Sunday,” Shamplina told JC Sport. “We know that we will have a tough game with the leaders - I just wanting my players to step up another gear with regard to concentration and ball retention so we can start picking up points and get up the table.”
Ball retention will be key on Sunday and that’s not the only department in which I can see Camden coming out on top in on Sunday.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – Stuart Ansher, KO – 10am
JC star man: Luke Brookner (Camden)
DC Prediction: Camden 4 Brixton 1
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B vs BRADY MACCABI
The big games are coming thick and fast for Redbridge B right now. Boss Jon Jacobs will make sure the changing room doors are firmly on their hinges for the visit of promotion rivals Brady, with Hendon to follow in the Morrison on Sunday week.
Back-to-back defeats have not affected confidence in the Redbridge camp. Indeed Jacobs came away from the first meeting with Brady, which finished 2-4, with regrets – namely “a salutary lesson in not killing a game off when they had the chance”.
However, they left nothing on the pitch against Hendon last Sunday, with the champions knowing they were in a game for the full 90 minutes.
Another big performance will be needed to exact revenge against the Rowley Lane outfit, with Jacobs expected to pay particular attention to the trio of Josh Newman, Sam Monjack andJjames Joseph who turned the aforementioned contest on its head in the second half.
Brady cruised past London Rovers in the Anekstein last week. Reiss Mogilner, Matt Frohlich, Sam Monjack and Malcolm Newman. They are scoring for fun at the minute, though I doubt Newman snr will be involved this time!
A high-octane affair is on the cards on Sunday, especially with RJC having two games in hand on Brady, and being a point better off.
Venue - Fairlop, Ref – Martin De La Fuente
JC star man: Sam Singer (Brady)
DC Prediction: RJC 2 Brady 2
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SPEC FC vs LOS BLANCOS
There’s simply no glossing over the fact that, as things stand, this is a relegation six-pointer.
Hosts SPEC FC start the game three points better off than Blancos, but they’ve played a game more. Managers Ricky Lawrence and Michael Rhodes hope that home advantage proves beneficial for a match with plenty riding on it.
Having bowed out of the Anekstein last Sunday, SPEC fans are hopeful of seeing their heroes register a third league success.
Ahead of the game, Lawrence told JC Sport: “We seek revenge after we threw away all three points earlier on in the season.
“Both teams are evenly matched so it should be another good game. Hopefully we'll have a few players available who missed the FC Team A defeat and we can build on our victory against Bilbaum - even if it means holding the ball up in the corners for 20 minutes!"
Blancos were played off the park against Raiders B last week, with the performance of Simon Moses just about the only positive.
Boss Jon Ison told JC Sport: “After years honing his skills elsewhere, we look forward to him hitting the headlines in future weeks.”
The whites were hampered by poor decision-making and individual errors. No-nonsense defending will be key against a powerful SPEC.
Defeat isn’t an option for either side and in the end it will come down to which team handles the occasion better.
Venue –The Ark , Ref – Paul Dobkin
JC star man: Dan Cohen (SPEC)
DC Prediction: SPEC FC 3 Blancos 2
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
8 - Adam Stolerman (FC Team C)
5 - Brandon Sassoon (Jewdinese), Zak McLeod (Catford), Lorian Madanes (FC Team B), Ben Zloof (AC Mill Hill), Jacob Richler-Kleiman (Oakwood B)
FC TEAM B vs FC TEAM C
There’s no disgrace losing to NLR A and Sunday gives Mitch Young’s B-team the perfect chance to bounce back from their first defeat of the campaign.
Young’s game-plan worked for a while but in the end, NLR blew their house down. So it’s back to the bread and butter of the league, and what a game we have in store.
I sensed a combination of nerves and excitement when I caught up with Young in the run-up to the game.
He told JC Sport: "I hate FC Team derbies and now I have to contend with three in the space of four weeks!
“Gordy [David Gordon] has done a brilliant job and we fully respect him and all the players of the C Team. I am proud of the two squads we have assembled and look forward to testing ourselves against the best player in the MSFL in Daniel Stanton.
“The game should be played in good spirits and may the best team win."
Although Young has identified Stanton as the major threat, Adam Stolerman, another London Lions old boy, has been the star attraction as far as goals are concerned. His treble last week saw him move on to 12 goals in six games – an excellent return at any level, I’m sure you’d agree.
An away win of any description would see Gordon’s glory boys join Sunday’s opponents on 15 points, a point I’m sure he’ll make before kick-off.
He told JC Sport: “There is no denying that this is a huge game and, as the underdogs, we are going to make sure we are fully prepared for it.
“We have players who can cause the B-team plenty of problems and, if we can put in a solid performance as well, I am confident we can get something from this game.”
Both sides have been playing some fantasy football and, regardless of the final outcome, it promises to be a great game for the neutral.
JC team news: Mitch Lassman is still out injured for FC Team C. Daniel Stanton will have a late fitness test. Goalkeeper David Gordon is a big doubt with a hand injury, while Blake Buckman’s availability is rated at 50/50.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Robert Caplin, KO – 10am
JC star man: Adam Lenz (Team C)
DC Prediction: Team B 1 Team C 1
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CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI vs JEWDINESE
Sunday is a must-win, according to Catford captain Adam Luria.
Although no banners or protests have been seen at Norsemen FC aimed at the manager or the board, it’s clear something must change.
But I’ve been told the players are right behind club legend Lester Jacobs who still believes he is the right man to turn around the club’s fortunes.
Ahead of kick-off, Luria told JC Sport: “Regardless of who we have available and who is away, we have just one thing that matters this week: we need a win, any way we can.”
Jake Erlich was a proud chairman after his ‘Nese team gave Faithfold a major scare in the Anekstein. Luke Lewis put them in dreamland with the opening goal, with Oren Sheldon playing the game of his life.
The boys in black and white gave an excellent account of themselves, and, at times, it was hard to tell which was the Premier Division team. That’s the biggest compliment I can give Jewdinese.
However, lying third from bottom, it’s important they replicate that level of performance and get themselves as up for the challenge of Catford as they did for Faithfold.
Then and only then will they climb the table.
Venue – Norseman FC, Ref – Martin Lavender
JC star man: Oren Sheldon (Jewdinese)
DC Prediction: Catford 2 Jewdinese 3
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L’EQUIPE vs OAKWOOD B
L’Equipe are improving at a rate of knots and their fans will arrive in confident mood on Sunday.
Jon Kay put in another excellent shift in the agonising cup defeat against FC Team C last week, with James Bell also catching the eye.
Handily placed to kick on in the league, co-manager Josh Lewis is looking forward to the visit of Oakwood at “fortress West Hendon”.
He told JC Sport: “We felt that we should’ve got more out of the FC Team C game last week, and the team are raring to go against Oakwood to put things right. We’ll be working on some defensive drills this week and look to cut out those small mistakes that cost us on Sunday.
“The competition in the squad is the best it’s been for a couple of years – Dan and I are expecting to have some more tough decisions to make with the likes of Jon Kay and James Bell coming into form.
“Unfortunately it may be a bit too early for James Mandell this week after suffering a hamstring injury against Catford two weeks ago, but there is a small chance that co-manager Dan Cordell will be back from injury.
“With the L’Equipe yearly Bavarian Beerhouse night out this Thursday night, I’m hoping the team will have enough time to get over their hangovers and turn in a solid performance against a tough Oakwood team on Sunday.
Joint-manager Dan Cordell added: “We are still trying to go unbeaten all calendar year at West Hendon and we don’t expect to slip up against Oakwood.”
Oakwood have pooled together a strong squad but manager Jason Stein knows that will all count for nothing unless they start getting results on the board.
He told JC Sport: “"Another week. Another 90 minutes of placing my hopes and dreams into the hands of the 11 I trust to pull the Oakwood B shirt on with pride.
“The camp was buzzing after our 3-1 win against Jewdinese and it was a shame we didn't have a game last weekend, but we're back with a bang this week.
“We've got four matches in a row now so this is the start of a big period of the season for the Bs.”
JC team news: Oakwood have got “one of our most important players, Ben Polak, back in at central midfield, while Rich Angel and Josh Berkley will have the chance to repeat their exceptional performances of a fortnight ago”.
The first goal will be key on Sunday in what is likely to be a real war of attrition.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Mike Cowan
JC star man: Richard Angel (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: L’Equipe 2 Oakwood 2
More to follow ...
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DIVISION THREE
TOP-SCORERS
7 - Adam Ellis (Shacharit Donetsk)
6 - Phil Braham (King Crown)
Josh Bharier (London Rovers
BOCA JEWNIORS vs LONDON ROVERS
Having climbed off the foot of the table, Boca look set for an acid test in the shape of ambitious London Rovers.
Josh Marlow’s strike earned them a deserved draw against KS, something boss Gabriel John believes they can build on.
But they will need to execute their game-plan to perfection against a Rovers team challenging at the top.
Auge âme beckons for Boca this Sunday as they take on London Rovers and a side fielding many of their old team mates.
Boca and Rovers split over the summer and chairmen Vyv Emmanuel and Sefton Monk are desperate to get one over on each other.
This truly is a game filled with emotion and determination to win and its a good job Refs Secretary Martin Fox has decided to give himself this particular game.
Boca manager John could be welcoming back Ash Diamond, a player he beloieves will make Boca tick. The signing of Brad Segal still continues to be a wonder momnent with Segal regularly sealing himself in glory.
"Last week's point was a step in the right direction. That said we had some glaring chances and so did KS. This week we have to clinical and put Rovers to the sword.
"I know some of their players and the likes of Dan Ezra and Nigel SOmmeck re lads i genuinely like and fear.
"Nonetheless they should not underestimate a team which contains striker Jamie Weinrich and midfield dynamos Jack Goldsmith and Josh Marlow. I've got nearly the full squad to choose from and this game could have come at a great time. I'll let you know at 11.45 Sunday!"
Rovers gave an excellent account of themselves in the cup last Sunday, but with a tough run of games coming up, it’s important they return to winning ways here.
Chairman Viv Emanuel told JC Sport: “After last Sunday’s defeat in the CA Cup, and the fact that we did not enter the Morrison, it is now all about the league and this Sunday is not different. We must come away with a win on Sunday to keep up with the pack.
“As I predicted pre-season, Sosobad are up there and we do play them next week, so going into this game with confidence of another win is key. More to come on that next week!
“Boca seem to be coming together quite nicely after picking up their first points of the season, but unfortunately we will not be doing them any favours.
“We will be keeping a tight grasp on their players throughout the game, particularly Josh Webber and Josh Marlow who I know very well as they have both played under me at Pinner.
“There is a strong rivalry between us and Boca and I will making sure all the players will be keeping a cool head and concentrate on playing the football we play so well.
“I wanted to take the opportunity to thank all the players for the effort they have been putting so far this season and that all their efforts will be worth it at the end of the season. Particular mention has to go to Jeremy for being able to get the best out of this team. I couldn’t ask for a more committed manager. Come on Rovers!”
Boss Jeremy Brown told JC Sport: "Last Sunday was a good confidence boost for the team. The result aside, we managed to show that we can match a top side by playing football the right way.
“Had luck been on our side we might have been able to cause an upset - we hit the bar, had a shot cleared off the line and had our final ball been better we could have scored a few more goals."
"But that was the cup and we now have full focus on the league and what we want to achieve.
“King Crown have yet to slip up and Sosobad and Faithfold also look strong so it’s really important that we stay in touch with them.
“We can’t afford to drop points against any of the other teams so that when it comes to facing those three at the top, it should be an opportunity to overtake and get clear of them.
“We don't want to be playing catch up. So that's why it’s vital we come away against Boca on Sunday with nothing less than three points and my players know that in order to do that they need to turn up with the right mentality and stick to the game plan. If we can do that then I'm confident we will win."
Venue – Aycliffe Road, Ref – Martin Fox, KO – 10am
JC star man: Adam Kay (Rovers)
DC Prediction: Boca 1 Rovers 3
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B vs KING CROWN
Hendon will have a strong squad to select from as they host league leaders King Crown on Sunday.
The Reds have struggled in front of goal this season, and come up against the division's meanest defence, but manager Adam Glekin is confident he has the quality at his disposal to cause an upset.
He told JC Sport: “No doubt Mr Caro will look at the table and automatically predict an away win. But we have a much better side than our form suggests, and Sunday is the perfect time to show it.
“King Crown's improvement from last season has been impressive, hopefully they've improved their behaviour as well.
“Benni Sluckis, Jono Nesbitt, and Gideon Barth have been our three best attacking players this season and all of them will be fresh after being rested for last week’s cup clash.
“Defensively we have been decent the last few weeks, and if we can cut out some of the individual errors then we'll be a tough nut to crack.”
Tinker man Jacob Kadoch was impressed by some of his squad players for the cup clash against the Lions last Sunday. They even took the lead against the Premier Division outfit through Ben Garfield, but in the end they were over-powered.
Kadoch welcomes back his A-list players whom he told me will be “looking to make a statement”.
After reporting no injuries, Kadoch told JC Sport: “I am looking forward to seeing the boys on Sunday when nothing less than three points will be acceptable.”
Call me predictable, but all the signs point towards a comfortable Crown win.
Venue – Montrose Park, Ref – Gary Silver, KO – 10am
JC star man: Ben Retter (King Crown)
DC Prediction: Hendon 1 King Crown 3
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MACCABI LONDON LIONS GREEN vs TEMPLE FORTUNE
Temple Fortune received generous praise after their cup humbling at the hands of Harmen last Sunday.
Man-of-the-moment Darren Zitren came closest to a consolation with a long-range cracker striking the woodwork.
With some key personnel returning ahead of the trip to the Lane, manager Jonathan Cohen sounded quietly confident they can register their first win of the season.
He told JC Sport: “We welcome back Lee Fegan, Dave Sawyer, Dean Ingram, Matt Leader and Zack Rich into what should look like a more like a familiar squad and will be looking to build on our first points earned against KS Reunited.
“We have a great spirit and I’m convinced we will begin to put a run of decent performances together.”
Things haven’t gone to plan for Lions Green either. A heavy defeat in the cup against Oakwood did little to improve the mood in their camp and it’s vital they start on the front foot on Sunday.
Attack could be the best form of defence for both teams but it wouldn’t surprise me if they cancelled one another out altogether.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Steven Russell
JC star man: Dave Sawyer (Fortune)
DC Prediction: Lions 0 Fortune 1
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