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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP TWO
1. Hendon Utd Pl. 6, W. 14, Pts. 13
2. Oakwood A Pl. 5, W. 3, Pts. 9
TOP-SCORERS 7 - Josh Bharier (Oakwood A - includes 2 for B team), 6 - Rocky Spitzer, Zac Lewis (BOTH Hendon Utd)
FAITHFOLD DOC MM A vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS
Having secured their place in the second round of the Cyril Anekstein Cup, Faithfold will be looking to finish the weekend in second place ahead of the visit of Lions.
Not for the first time, David Leiwy sparkled in front of the JC cameras, with Faithfold’s talisman helping himself to a hat-trick in the 5-2 win over FC Team.
Jordan Sharifian cut a relieved figure after scoring his first competitive goal for the club, with set-piece king Lorian Madanes sealing the win with yet another stunner from his repertoire of free-kicks.
The Lions have started slowly in the league, but they are more than capable of beating the Superhoops when they bring their A-game to the table.
Daniel Green (2) and Adam Arnold were the marksmen when the Rowley Lane outfit beat Faithfold on the opening day of the season and they will arrive confident of completing an early season double.
Ahead of kick-off, Lions joint-manager Max Kyte told JC Sport: "We are hoping to play some nice football and enjoy the game.
"The last game against Faithfold was filled with goals and hopefully this one can be too, just not as many in our own net!"
Much depends on who plays in goal for Faithfold, for a game in which I can see both teams scoring.
Venue – Capital City, Ref – Phil Peters, KO – 10am
JC star man: Eshed Rahav (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 3 Lions 2
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DIVISION ONE
TOP TWO
1. Redbridge JC A Pl. 7, W. 5, Pts. 17
2. Fairlop FC Pl. 6, W. 5, Pts. 16
TOP-SCORERS 14 - Nate Kashket (Redbridge JC A), 8 - Adam Ellis (Bayern Mincha)
LOS CAMDEN B vs OAKWOOD B
Los Camden produced their finest display of the season so far in the cup against Division One title hopefuls Fairlop.
They were just seconds away from one of the results of the season, after Louis Couque had put them ahead with a stunning strike. But it wasn’t to be … despite the best efforts of outgoing goalkeeper Gideon Rabstein.
Whoever lines up in goal for Camden will be busy, as Oakwood are scoring goals for fun this season. Last week’s 8-0 mauling of second division Faithfold C was assisted by Josh Bharier, who registered four goals in the Premier the previous week. And David Woolman was on the bench as back-up.
Even without the A-team, Oakwood would’ve had too much, with Rafi Bloom, Zac Summerfield, Dan Selwyn and Josh Pugh leading the line, but it was a useful option to have.
Having already lost three games, the Oaks know they can ill-afford many more slip-ups, especially with the two east London teams setting the bar so high.
And with matches against promotion rivals Jewdinese and Fairlop to follow in the next few weeks, it’s already a must-win for the mighty Oaks.
Even if Camden repeat their heroic effort levels from last weekend, I think Oakwood will have too much on the day.
JC team news: Josh Bharier is expected to return to Oakwood A this weekend.
Venue – Meadow Park, Ref – Richard Jaye, KO – 10am
JC star man: Rafi Bloom (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: LC 1 Oakwood 3
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NORTH LONDON GALAXY vs BAYERN MINCHA
It’s gone from the sublime to the ridiculous for North London Galaxy over the past fortnight.
9-0 victors over Scrabble, they were brought back to earth with a big bump as they were on the wrong end of a 7-0 bashing against Raiders in the cup last weekend.
Tyler Smith and Jack Mattey didn’t feature in the end, and the void was too big to fill against inspired opposition.
Bayern have had their fair share of disappointments this season, with last week’s defeat at the hands of Jewdinese making it four games without a win.
So far, they have struggled to replace Adam Ellis, who appears to be enjoying university life, with Alon Pinhas assuming the mantle of regular goal-getter in the meantime.
But joint-manager Daniel Holder is confident they will turn things around. "The last few weeks have been tough," he told JC Sport. "Going from zero injuries to 10 in almost no time has impacted the club.
"This week, slowly the boys are starting to return. We face a Galaxy side who have had a mixed start to the season, and we have to pick up points from this one. Our next three games against Galaxy, Camden and Raiders we need at least seven points from.
"The quality of the performance wasn’t there against Jewdinese last week and myself and Alon will be making several changes.
"We believe we have the quality to win this as will they, which I think will make for a fantastic game. We’re not at full strength this week by any stretch, but we’re definitely stronger then we have been in recent weeks."
The league was always the priority for the Galaxy boys and I expect the big guns to return and fire on Sunday in what should be a tight contest.
JC team news: For Bayern, captain Dayan, DJ and Ben Levene return - all midfield players that have missed the best part of a month with injuries. However, top-scorer Adam Ellis, Philippe Auret, Sam Kanter, Simon Zeffert, Gav Nussbaum, Tomer Tricot and Felix Baptiste will be out.
Venue - Ark, Ref – Martin De La Fuente, KO – 10am
JC star man: Zack Nathan (Galaxy)
DC Prediction: Galaxy 2 Bayern 1
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS vs SCRABBLE FC A
Scrabble’s struggles have been well-documented and their rivals may want to read my column this week to see just how bad things have got.
I fear they could be on the receiving end of another hiding when they visit a Raiders team who featured Charlie Kasler, Liron Mannie and an in-form Scott Waissel and Aron Gale.
Joint-manager Jake Yudelowitz missed last weekend’s thumping win. He told JC Sport: "Yes, Kasler and Mannie have rejuvenated the side but they won’t be around every weekend.
"Yarden Sharon has been sensational for us and is one of the unsung heroes so far.
"We know that Scrabble are a wounded animal and not entirely sure what to expect, we will be extremely cautious going into this game."
Having put a magnificent seven past a decent Galaxy team, Raiders fans will arrive in buoyant mood on what looks set to be a testing morning for everyone connected to Scrabble.
JC team news: Raiders are "a little light on numbers," but they welcome back Gav Fox and Jake Yudelowitz.
Venue – Ark Academy, Ref – Robert Caplin, KO – 10am
JC star man: Yarden Sharon (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Raiders 6 Scrabble 0
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A vs JEWDINESE
Match of the day sees leaders Redbridge host third-placed Jewdinese in what promises to be a mouth-watering affair.
Both teams go into the game unbeaten, with ‘Nese averaging just under five goals per away game.
While the Zebras have been spreading the love in the goals department, Nate Kashket has been the main man for Redbridge.
‘Nese have looked strong defensively, with goalkeeper Ben Halmer and centre-backs Brandon Sassoon and Brad Lander rock solid thus far. Right-back Grant Reingold offers great energy and is an important outlet.
Ahead of kick-off, 'Nese chief Darren Lawrence told JC Sport: "We travel to Essex this Sunday with a full squad to choose from, giving me a real selection headache.
"Knowing how big of a game this is, it will be difficult to leave anyone out. We know the quality that RJC have in their squad, however we feel we can go toe-to-toe with them in all areas of the pitch.
"In the words of Ric Flair, “to be the best, you’ve got to beat the best” and that’s exactly what we intend to do on Sunday.
"The boys know that we’ll have to give it 100 per cent for the full 90 minutes on Sunday in order to get any kind of result. We are desperate to maintain our unbeaten record and coming away with three points will give us a real boost in our push for the title."
Redbridge and ‘Nese drew 2-2 in a cracker in September. James Berkley and Alex Paraskeva put the Essex men in charge but ‘Nese hit back through Lander and Ben Berrick – a result that RJC boss Sam Rank described as “feeling like a defeat”.
But with a strong squad available, he was in upbeat mood at his midweek press conference. Rank told JC Sport: "Sunday sees the first of two very big league game, with the big derby against Fairlop following our trip to north London. If we win these two big league games, I believe we will have one hand on the first division trophy.
"When we played Jewudiense earlier on in the season, the game should've been dead and buried after 30 minutes, but we were wayward with our finishing, and with only a two-goal lead to show for our early superiority, Jewdiense battled back very impressively."
It's clear Rank respects the Zebras. He went on to say: "Jewdinese have a few good players. Scott Oldstein, we all know, has the ability to cause problems and I was impressed by Adam Gold in the earlier game of the season.
"However, with the squad RJC A this week, I am expecting a big performance from the boys. We know with Fairlop not playing this weekend, we could have a four-point cushion going into our very big game with them with a victory on Sunday.
"The boys trained well this week, and are up for the challenge. Nate Kashket is in the form of his life, and I can see him causing Jewdinese a lot of problems.
"I'm expecting RJC A to burst out of the blocks, and with the quality we have this Sunday, there will only be one winner."
It’s hard to spot many weak links in either line-up, so it could all boil down to which teams wants it most on the day.
JC team news: RJC are still missing Russell Goldstein and Alex Paraskeva due to injury. James ' Moussa Demeble' Berkley has gone on an early winter break, but will be back for the Fairlop game. RJC welcome back Calvin and Kier Dickson, and "maybe one more surprise star player".
Venue – 7 Kings, Ref – David Lazarus, KO – 10am
JC star man: Ben Halmer (‘Nese)
DC Prediction: RJC 1 ‘Nese 1
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DIVISION TWO
TOP TWO
1. Faithfold Doc MM B FC Pl. 7, W. 5, Pts. 16
2. Hertswood Vale Pl. 6, W. 5, Pts. 15
TOP-SCORERS 12 - Zac Neiman (SPEC FC), 8 - Conor Perl (FC Team), Zach Cohen (Mill Hill Dons)
FAITHFOLD DOC MM B vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B
Redbridge will be looking to move to within a single point of leaders Faithfold B with a win on Sunday.
If you recall, Richard Bronzite’s troops beat the Superhoops 1-0, thanks to a Steve Summers’ strike last month.
Max Ashton received rave reviews after starring in the win over SPEC FC last weekend, a game in which goal-poacher Craig Sandford scored twice in.
In something of an MGBSFL rarity these days, gaffer Bronzite has a dilemma ahead of kick-off. "I'm currently trying to trim my squad to 14 for Sunday," he told JC Sport. "The team selection is a headache this week as we have too many!
'We know Faithold are a very good team and will be up for this game as they want to revenge. We have to be on our game on Sunday if we want to get anything from it. We have the players who can get a result they just need to show the right attitude."
Faithfold saw their hopes of cup glory extinguished at the first hurdle by Redbridge’s first string. But Doron Shooter took plenty of positives away from the game, citing individual errors for their exit.
The players will feel a similar effort at fortress West Hendon will be enough to topple the Essex boys. Much depends on what side Faithfold put out, and if both Chaim Gothold and Gav Noe are named in the starting XI, I can see them coming out on top.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Andy Myerson, KO – 10am
JC star man: Gilad Kestenbaum (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 3 RJC 1
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FAITHFOLD DOC MM C vs MILL HILL DONS
Sunday is a must-win for the Dons, and with top-scorer Zach Cohen fighting fit, I expect them to canter to victory against basement battlers Faithfold C.
Sam Stead and Cohen found the net in the 4-3 cup defeat against Premier Division HMH – a performance that filled boss Brandon Hamme with pride.
Many teams would’ve folded after conceding two early goals against one of the strongest teams in the league, but not the Dons. They showed tremendous character and played to their strengths.
Hamme knows nothing less than three points will do on Sunday. He told JC Sport: "Despite losing out last week I was happy with our performance. A lot of people were predicting us to get beaten heavily, but we proved them wrong and went toe to toe with HMH.
"On another day we could have taken them to extra-time. We know that HMH are a more solid opposition than any team in our division and I believe if we perform as we did last week, we should be picking up some good results."
Hamme boldly predicts his team will be a force with a full squad available. But for now they will soldier on with what they have. "We have had issues all season with injuries, we have lost several key players for prolonged periods of time, whilst having others miss key games for us during the campaign, he commented. "We are desperate to keep injuries to a complete minimum in the weeks to come.
"We need to start killing off games and taking our chances, that’s been an issue for us in recent weeks in the league but we showed a killer edge last Sunday against HMH and I hope we can take that forward into this game against Faithfold C.
"This is our first time facing the club, we know they haven’t had the best of starts but an impressive draw three weeks back does stand out so we will definitely not be getting over complacent and we will know the game won’t just be a walk in the park.
"We need to start picking up some wins and putting the pressure on the teams above us. If we perform the way we did last week and against FC Team and Hertswood Vale, there’s absolutely no reason we shouldn’t be winning this game.
"We can’t keep letting ourselves down and shooting ourselves in the foot if we are to continue a serious promotion and title challenge."
Faithfold were crushed 8-0 by a strong Oakwood B team in the cup last week. They’ve lost all seven games this season and scored only three times.
I expect the Dons to go for the jugular from the off and they could have the game won by half-time.
JC team news: Ethan Gold misses out due to picking up a concussion in last Sunday’s game. Sam Stead is a currently a doubt and will face a late fitness test. Harry Moss and Josh Moses are out.
Venue – Tempsford Green, Ref – Robert Benardout, KO – 10am
JC star man: Adam Isaacs (Dons)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 0 Dons 5
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FC TEAM vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS MASTERS
FC Team know they won’t come up against a player of the calibre of David Leiwy every week. And it’s just as well. The wing wizard left them in knots after one of the performances of the season, as Team bowed out of the Anekstein.
So it’s back to the bread and butter of the league for Mitch Young’s men as they prepare to take on a Raiders Masters team they are scheduled to face twice this month.
Having seen the highlights, I think Team missed the physical presence of Richard Salmon against Faithfold. Yes, Connor Perl scored a great goal but their failure to keep hold of the ball high up the pitch played into Faithfold’s hands.
Looking ahead to the game, Young told JC Sport: "We hope to build some momentum now in the league with back-to-back wins and push up the table.
"Our aim has to be to out-score teams, and with the firepower we possess, I am confident we can do that."
Young will feel his players should have the measure of Raiders, but as they showed against Redbridge B, you write them off at your peril.
Raiders have scored six goals in six games so far this season, but when you consider FC Team have registered 32 from the same number of matches, it’s easy to see why Young’s warriors start as favourites.
But joint-manager James Cartmell won't mind that. He told JC Sport: "We’re looking forward to a competitive match with FC Team. We’re missing a couple of players, Andy Bloom and Dan Hodes, through injuries from the last game unfortunately. However, we’re still putting out a strong squad and welcome back Oli Kenner and Andrew Wolfin."
JC team news: FC Team will be missing suspended duo Jon Breger and Josh Morris. Striker Richard Salmon should be available after missing last weeks cup tie.
Venue – Hertswood, Ref – Neal Cohen, KO – 10am
JC star man: Adam Rones (Team)
DC Prediction: Team 3 Raiders 1
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SCRABBLE FC B vs TEMPLE FORTUNE
Sunday was a dark day for Temple Fortune. Simon Linden’s team were crushed 16-0 by Hendon United in the cup, while the Fortune’s Masters’ team were beaten 18-0 by Brady. But a new month, a new start and all that.
Linden is a positive kind of guy and he will tell his players opportunity knocks when they travel to the Hive to take on Scrabble.
A leaky defence has held Fortune back this season, but they have started to find the net on a regular basis in the league, so perhaps they should consider tweaking the system to give goalkeeper Lee Fegan better protection.
Scrabble have already picked up a couple of decent wins, with victories over Mill Hill Dons and SPEC FC. But it’s against the likes of Fortune they will be judged, with a mid-table finish on the cards.
Player-manager Jon Yantin told JC Sport: "After falling short last week with no subs, we are taking a strong 14 and unleashing another MSFL legend for his Scrabble debut
"We're hoping to pick up our three points and consolidate our position as mid-table and middle-aged!"
This will be a war of attrition, and one I can see Fortune nicking late on.
Venue - Hive, Ref – Keith Goodman, KO – 10am
JC star man: Mark Singer (Fortune)
DC Prediction: Scrabble 1 Fortune 2
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SPEC FC vs HERTSWOOD VALE
The stand-out game in the division sees second take on third. Vale have two games in hand on SPEC for whom a win would lift them above Sunday’s visitors, albeit they have played two games more.
Vale gave an excellent account of themselves in the cup last weekend against Premier Division Brady Maccabi. Ben Mandel scored twice in a 3-2 defeat and they came away from the game with heads held high, and praise from both Brady boss Joel Nathan and the match official.
November is a huge month for the Vale boys, with a second meeting with SPEC to follow before a mouth-watering clash against arch rivals Mill Hill Dons.
Vale joint-manager Jacob Emanuel sounded upbeat ahead of the trip to SPEC. "Sunday's game represents a challenging period of four exciting games for the club," he told JC Sport.
"We face a double-header against SPEC, which is split by our Peter Morrison Trophy fixture against Mill Hill Dons, before we then face the Dons again in a return league fixture at the end of the month - the fixture Gods (aka Nigel Burns) have not been kind to us!
"Sadly, these games have fallen at a time where we are without a number of first-team players due to injury - ultimately, it doesn't matter how big or how much quality your squad has, if lady luck doesn't shine on you!
"If I'm completely honest, we don't know too much about SPEC. A new team to the league that are absolutely smahing it from the start, and have to be considered title favourites, alongside Faithfold B.
"Everyone is talking about their star no. 9, but we would be foolish to think that they're just a one-man team. I've no doubt that Sunday will be a difficult game, and SPEC will be looking to show their title credentials."
SPEC are unbeaten at home but they will be kicking themselves after losing 4-3 at Redbridge last weekend. Under manager Ricky Lawrence, they offer five-star entertainment, scoring lots of goals, but conceding regularly too. That’s something he’ll be keen to improve on and is a key area if they are to realise his promotion aspirations.
Ahead of kick-off, Lawrence told JC Sport: “After a disappointing result last week, we know we can’t afford to drop many more points.
"Hertswood Vale are obviously a decent team though, so we expect a very tough game.”
Where will this game be won and lost? By the team that handles the occasion better.
JC team news: Harry Graham, Ben Davis, Ben Kaye, Ollie Marshall and Andy Gilbert are just a few of the ever-growing list of players who Vale find themselves without. A number of players also face late fitness tests ahead of Sunday.
Venue – Queens School, Ref – Stephen Levy, KO – 10am
JC star man: Jordan Harris (Vale)
DC Prediction: SPEC 2 Vale 2
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ALSO READ
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PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Charlie Kasler (North London Raiders)
MANAGERS OF THE WEEK: Greg Meller and Richard Harris (Los Blancos B)
GOAL OF THE WEEK: Charlie Kasler (North London Raiders)
SAVE OF THE WEEK: Jack Shulman (Hertswood Vale)
REFEREE OF THE WEEK: Richard Jaye (NL Galaxy vs NL Raiders)
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