MGBSFL Matchday One preview

MGBSFL MATCHDAY ONE (all matches kick-off at 10am)

PREMIER DIVISION

HMH vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS

Match of the day in the MGBSFL sees National cup holders HMH host double winners Hendon United in the clash of the titans.

Both clubs dominated the backpages of the JC last season, with HMH winning the Jewish FA Cup in their first season in senior football and Hendon boss Jordan Sapler leading the red men to double glory to cap a memorable first season in charge.

Both clubs have bolstered their squads, with goalkeeper Alex Davies, defender Max Foster, midfielder Jordan Levy and strikers Adam Ellis and Nate Kashket giving the sky blues added strength in depth and options across the park. Sammy Kingston also retains his place in the backline after his move to take charge at North London Galaxy failed to materialise, which is another major boost for HMH’s hopes of winning more silverware.

Having fielded Jacob Shapiro and Jake Doffman in nets, Davies has big boots to fill but gaffer Avi Goldberg is confident he is the man for the big stage.

But it’s the arrival of Ellis and Kashket that has HMH fans talking most. Ellis is simply a class act – one of the quickest players in the league and he has the fear factor, having plied his trade at Bayern Mincha after impressing in Team Maccabi GB colours at the 2015 European Maccabi Games in Berlin for the juniors.

Kashket earned rave reviews for Redbridge Jewish Care last season. He knows how to score goals and set them up for Ellis and Oscar Wagner – all of whom have looked razor sharp in training.

Ahead of the game, Goldberg told JC Sport: “The Prem returns with a bang as last year’s opening fixture is repeated again this year. Thank goodness for the David Wolff Trophy, so that there was no Charity Shield or we would be playing them two weeks on the trot!

“We stunned Hendon last year as new young team on the block going straight into Prem but we soon proved our worth by the end of matchday one.

“We know Hendon will be up for this and will want to avenge a poor record against us. If the Prem last year had been decided on head to head we would have won, but of course they are not Hendon for no reason. They know how to win a marathon and are seasoned campaigners whilst we are relative novices.

“They have quality throughout the team and have only added to that in the summer window adding, even more established Prem stars. 

“We have opted for a different route adding young rising stars who are untested at this level but just like last year, we expect our new signings to make a massive contribution to our push in all fove competitions. We know about the likes of Josh Bharier, but do they know about our new boys?

“The lads have “trained well” on the beach and clubs in Tel Aviv and Colombia in August so are raring to go but are a little rusty, so if we had the choice we would rather be playing this game in a few weeks but we don’t produce the fixture list. 

“I’m still expecting another high-quality match which will please the neutrals in what is expected to be a sell-out crowd, as these two giants in MGBSFL go head to head.”

Hendon have added Kiki Levin, Jake Doffman and Player of the Year Josh Bharier to their double-winning squad. They have entered four competitions, with aspirations of a clean sweep.

Like HMH, it’s impossible to spot a weakness in this Hendon squad. But they will feel they have a score to settle with Goldberg’s giants – the only team they failed to beat in several attempts last term.

Ahead of kick-off, Hendon boss Jordan Sapler told JC Sport: "The first week of the season probably comes a week too early for us - the Jewish festivals and holidays has meant quite a disrupted pre-season but the boys have been working hard. Imagine our shock when we thought we were playing Fairlop first game of the season, only for it to be changed to HMH within a couple of days!

"Unlike last year, when we also played them first game of the season, we know what they offer and the quality they have. Some people have even installed them as favourites but we know the ability and depth of our squad is unrivalled."

One of Hendon's strengths is their game-management - they know how to win games, even when not playing at their best level. That said, HMH believe they have nothing to fear, so I can see it finishing all square at the end.

JC team news: HMH have “quite a few of the squad away,” according to Goldberg, “so we will be missing a few big names including Leo Ackerman, Max Bull and Leo Berger, together with new boys Adam Ellis and Alex Davies whilst unfortunately Sam Monjack is suspended". Ben Winters and George Goldberg both face a late fitness test and "I’m waiting anxiously to see if Ethan Krell is released from his contract with yeshiva in Jerusalem in time!" Goldberg went on to say: "In addition, I’m waiting to assess a few others who attended the first very gruelling training session post the summer." Eli Wegrzyn and Jake Norton are both back from Latam and Africa respectively, whilst Jordan Levy and Natey Kashket are pushing hard to make their debuts.

Hendon's injury list is "forever growing". Avi Korman (hand), Chaim Korman (ankle), Kiki Levin (groin) are out injured, while Yoav Kestenbaum and Jonti Arembrand (both knee) are working their way back to full fitness. Summer signing Josh Bharier is unavailable.

Zac Garbacz is back after missing pre-season, attending Shalvata, and Jordan Mizrahi is also available after recovering from his shoulder injury late last season.

Venue –  The Hive, Ref – Luke Steele

JC star man: Nate Kashket (HMH)

DC Prediction: HMH Hendon 1

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CAMDEN PARK vs MACCABI LONDON FC BLUE

There could be a derby feel about the place as Camden Park look to hit the ground running against a youthful Maccabi London Blue on Sunday.

Less than two miles separate the teams, with Camden keen to impress against their illustrious rivals from Rowley Lane.

Boss Stirling Kay will be able to call on the experience of former Scrabble boss Ray Abrahams as well as the ageless Rick Harris, who could be his eyes on the pitch. They have managed to keep their squad intact and add Dudi Edri, James Berkley and Ben Brooks – adding some industry and legs.

Lions will be led by Max Kyte and Laurence Judah this season, and their young guns will be determined to put on a good show.

“With our new set up and the merger of Lions and Brady to form Maccabi London FC, we find ourselves in a really exciting position,” Kyte told JC Sport.

“Whilst there was a temptation to only put out one team this year, we have worked hard to ensure we maintained two teams in the top two divisions, and there has been a big influx of youth players coming through.

“Our biggest issue this weekend is now the allocation of players to the MLFC Blue and Red teams, with more than 30 players available this weekend.

"We hope that whichever 14 players make into our MLFC Blue Team can give Camden a great game, and we had some really exciting matches against them last season.”

Camden gave their fans plenty to cheer about last season. They will come out with chests puffed out and if they execute their game-plan they can come away with maximum points.

Venue –  Aycliffe Park, Ref – Phil Peters

JC star man: James Berkley (Camden)

DC Prediction: Camden 2 Maccabi 1

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OAKWOOD vs FAITHFOLD WHITE

Oakwood players were seen celebrating last Sunday afternoon after Dave Woolman tied the knot (Ed. big mazels from all at the JC to Mr and Mrs Wooly!) But with a new manager at the helm, they will be fully focused on the task at hand when Faithfold White come to their new Wembley home.

Several new faces have come in to beef up the squad. I’ve heard great things about goalkeeper Josh Samberg, who has joined on a three-year deal from Altrincham. Other new boys include Louie Fisher, Jake Finestein and Pecelle Ascott, who will be determined to turn an initial loan spell into something more permanent.

Andrea Fraquelli will take charge of the team for the first time, with former boss Dan Kristall moving upstairs to focus on his duties as Director of Football and head of recruitment.

Faithfold will also field some summer signings in a full-strength line-up. They have turned to the wise, old head of Rob Shooman in a bid to turn their fortunes around after a tough 12 months.

Sam Kanter and Jack Josephs look set to make their debuts while Faithfold’s Gideon Caller predicts Avi Markiewicz and Akiva Solomon “will cause problems for any defence in the league,” ably supported by David Leiwy and Avi Garson “who will provide threatening pace on the flanks”.

Caller told JC Sport: “Oakwood away is always a tough fixture, but we come into the game full of confidence and I wouldn’t bet against an upset.”

Unfortunately I don’t share his optimism for Sunday and am calling an Oakwood win.

Venue –  Ark Academy, Ref – Martin Lavender

JC star man: Jake Finestein (Oakwood)

DC Prediction: Oakwood 3 Faithfold 1

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DIVISION ONE

BROOK FARM ROVERS vs JEWDINESE

Sunday is about the battle of the new boys, with Rovers’ sensation Joe Gourgey going head to head against Reiss Mogilner – a player ‘Nese almost broke the bank to bring in. But it's been worth all the hard work already, with shirt sales with Mogilner on the back simply flying in the club shop.

The Zebras finished third in Division One last season, registering nine victories. They were the model of consistency – losing just one league game - but manager Darren Lawrence believes the arrival of Mogilner will help them over the line this time.

“After a successful pre-season, the Zebras are raring to go,” Lawrence told JC Sport. “We opted for quality over quantity in our summer transfer window, bringing in two top talents from Premier Division clubs. The return of Brad Dryer bolsters our already rock-solid defence, whilst Reiss Mogilner is simply a goal-scoring machine.

“Our aim this season is simple; win the league. Having finished third last season, we feel that we are favourites for the title and rightly so.

“The boys know that had we turned some draws into wins last season we would have been promoted. This season is win or bust for us.”

Although it’s early doors, Lawrence spoke of his respect for Rovers and said: “For our first game, we face an unknown quantity in new boys Brook Farm Rovers. I commend their decision to jump in at the deep end by skipping out Division Two and joining Division One straight away.

“They obviously feel their squad is capable to compete at this level. However, our preparations are never based on the opponent and we are solely focussing on ourselves and our own game plan.

“We are still nursing a few back from some pre-season injuries. However, we have a large, talented squad and we are confident of heading home with all three points.”

Ben Pollins, Dan Cohen and Tomer Tricot will have their work cut out as they try to concoct a master-plan to nullify the threat of Mogilner, but I can tell them many have tried and failed.

BPR's Tobias Nathan told JC Sport: "We will be looking to enjoy our first competitive game as a team, put into practice work done on the training pitch and start off the season with a win."

I can see this being a tactical and tense affair settled by a moment of magic from the boy Mogilner.

JC team news: Brandon Sassoon and James Van Straten miss out for ‘Nese this weekend.

ROVERS squad: Aaron Benjamin, Alon Pinhas, Aron Luftig, Ben Levene, Ben Pollins, Dan Cohen, Eli Rose, Joe Gourgey, Josh Silverman, Nathan Steuer, Philippe Auret, Rafi Terespolsky, Toby Nathan, Tomer Tricot, Yosef Brownson

Venue – Capital City, Ref – Martin De La Fuente

JC star man: Reiss Mogilner (Nese)

DC Prediction: BFR 0 Jewdinese 1

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MACCABI LONDON FC RED vs SPEC FC

SPEC go to the Lane with one piece of silverware already in the locker after impressing at the David Wolff Trophy.

Ricky Lawrence’s troops welcome a host of new players, with much expected from Jamie Smaje and Scott Gurvitz.

Consistency will be key for SPEC in their first season in Division One and it’s important they make themselves hard to play against. They didn’t keep a single clean sheet in the league last season, so that’s an obvious area in which they can look to improve.

Ahead of the game, SPEC player-manager Ricky Lawrence told JC Sport: "Sunday will no doubt be a tough game and going up a division is going to prove to be a real test.

"However, we'll relish the challenge are we're excited to get going. We're excited for some players to make their debuts after impressing in pre-season."

Maccabi London Red will be determined to make Rowley Lane a fortress this season and I can see Sunday being a game of cat and mouse.

Don’t be surprised if it finish honours even.

Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Nigel Burns

JC star man: Scott Gurvitz (SPEC)

DC Prediction: MLR 0 SPEC 0

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MILL HILL DONS vs HERTSWOOD VALE

Mill Hill Dons were one of only a handful of teams to beat Division Two champions Hertswood Vale last season.

A 6-1 demolition should have been the springboard for a big season but they failed to reach that standard week in, week out.

“Can we reach that level again?” That will be asked by manager Brandon Hamme ahead of kick-off.

The Dons had one of the best defensive records in the division last season and they reached two cup semi-finals. But consolidation will be the name of the game in their first season in what looks set to be a highly competitive division.

But Dons boss Hamme admits not everything has gone to plan, he told JC Sport: "It’s been a very frustrating pre-season off the pitch. We have lost our home pitch and our training pitch, which the latter has affected our pre-season routine. Loyalty is dead and money certainly talks.

"We also head into this season with no goalkeeper - Sam Singer was expected to be back in training this summer after breaking humerus last season but he has unfortunately been set back significantly. None of this has been ideal for our first season in Division One but I can only praise the boys for how they have reacted to the situation, the attitude and the performances throughout pre-season has been superb.

Ahead to the game, he went on to say: "We beat Hertswood Vale last season with someone who had never played in goal before so there is no reason why we can’t do it again. They may have finished above us last season but we got the better of them on three occasions.

"They struggled when they came up against us and when Jacob came up against me. The mind games got the better of him last time, I’ve been renting out a space on Air BNB in Jacob’s head over the summer holidays and I’ve been living there rent free!

"I have faith that my boys will show why we belong in this division. I have enough faith in our defence to make it irrelevant who is in goal. We are all very much looking forward to getting going.

"Hertswood have moved a fair few players on and drafted in some strong reinforcements."

Goalkeeper Adam Zaidman and James Millet were two of their star performers and they have done well to keep hold of them. Ashley Hirschberger was another stand-out figure and his battle with Dons’ hot-shot Zach Cohen could be key.

Vale joint-manager Jacob Emanuel understands this is now one of the biggest rivals in the MGBSFL, and a healthy one at that. In his pre-match press conference, he started: "Typical - we win the league, and still can't get away from them!

"We're absolutely buzzing for the start of the new season!. After last season's title win, Danny [Hirschberger] and I are keen to take the club from success to success by starting the season as strong as possible with a win on Sunday.

"It's been a really busy summer for us with a total of nine players having signed up to wear the famous maroon and yellow strip, and despite 10 players leaving the club, we've got a squad that is more than capable of competing in Division One this season. We're under no illusions how tough this season is going to be.

"Our only focus is gaining three points, regardless of the opposition. In true early season style, we have a total of 17 players available for selection on Sunday, and with the step up in quality that our new signings have encouraged from our existing squad, it's going to be difficult to leave any behind, but decisions have to be made."

Difficult decisions are part and parcel of Sunday morning football but whichever 11 starts for Vale will be looking to make a statement of intent, knowing they also have some impact players on the bench.

If you're looking for five-star entertainment on Sunday morning, this is your game!

JC team news: Adam Isaacs is out for the Dons as "he is moving house with the Mrs, we would all like to wish him all the best ahead of the move". Ben Rodol, Isaac Virchis and Marc Rister are away. Hamme is" not sure where Daniel Lande is, he’s probably at some G8 summit". Scott Waissel is a doubt after picking up an injury in Shalvalta.

New arrivals Jordan Grant, Charlie Becker, Jack Green, Jamie Steinberg, Jack Winton and Justin Mullem are all available for selection for Vale, while the majority of last season's title-winning squad are ready and waiting for the season to begin. Zach Mandel and Dan Reuben look set to miss out due to other commitments, while Emanuel and Hirschberger are waiting on a couple of late fitness tests from a couple of key figures.

Venue – Marlborough Science Academy, Ref – Neal Cohen

JC star man: Jack Green (Vale)

DC Prediction: Dons 2 Vale 2

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DIVISION TWO

BORUSSIA BARNET vs CLUB DE CHIGWELL

North-west meets east as new boys Borussia Barnet host Club De Chigwell.

Borussia fans can’t wait to see European Maccabi Games gold medallist Jack Mattey line up in their club colours, just a month after helped Team Maccabi GB win in Budapest.

Mattey and goalkeeper Joe Botchin are just two of a number of exciting additions at the ambitious club that is clearly going places.

BB joint-manager Bradley Papier told JC Sport: “The game is at home so we expect a victory. However we know they’re a good team with some real quality so won’t be underestimating them and we know it will be a battle.

“For us we aren’t looking towards the end of the season, all about winning the next game and that’s Chigwell on Sunday.”

Club de Chigwell have put together a strong squad, headed by Daniel Garfinkle. His recent clubs include Fairlop and Faithfold and he remains arguably the quickest player in the league.

Several experts have tipped Borussia for the title, so that's why I'm tipping them to make a winning start.

JC team news: Borussia have a fully fit squad, with no major injuries at the moment. However, they have a “few players still on holiday, plus Jack Mattey is out as he’s in Nottingham for pre-season with university”. Added to that, Adam Freedman, Joseph Eskenazy, Ben Sharer and Daniel Moses have all been rated 50:50.

Chigwell have a near fully-fit squad to choose, assuming no injuries in training.

BORUSSIA squad: Joe Botchin, Louis Hart, Adam Freedman, Ethan Gold, Daniel Lee, Sam Lipton, Ollie Lewin, Joe Freedman, Joseph Eskenazy, Oliver Smith, Scott Greenfield, Ben Sharer, Adam Bowman, Michael Kenley, Josh Pampel, Joe Woolf, Daniel Moses, Ollie Hart

CHIGWELL squad: Josh Dobias, Ben Allen, Sam Stein, Joel Poole, Brad Daniels, Jack PL, Max Persell, Harry Grant, Saul Green, Daniel Garfinkle, Charlie Cohen, Jamie Porter, Nathan Sugar, Adam Cole, Dan Green, Matthew Sugar, Josh Rose, Stanley Offord, Joe Klein, Dean Bernstein, Dan Simons

Venue –  Bridgestone Arena, Ref – Stuart Ansher

JC star man: Jack Mattey (Borussia)

DC Prediction: Borussia 3 Chigwell 2

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NORTH WEST LONDON BEARS vs TEMPLE FORTUNE

James Harpin and Sam Fresco have been working hard over the summer to put together a strong squad capable of pushing for promotion in their first season.

But they face a big test on Sunday against a Fortune team that have brought in a number of new players.

Harpin told JC Sport: "I think we have to start off with three points and set the tone for the season.

“Our aim has to be to remain unbeaten but Fortune an experienced side but we have the creativity and energy to unlock their defence and hopefully have a convincing victory.”

Fortune enjoyed the David Wolff Trophy - denied victory with literally the last kick of the game. Boss Simon Linden has made some astute deals over the summer and they will give the Bears a run for their money.

Ahead of kick-off, Linden told JC Sport: "We're looking forward to the season; there is no doubt about it that this will be the toughest Division Two we will all see - there are a number of teams that perhaps should have put themselves forward for a place in Division One, or even the Prem, and we find ourselves with a big challenge against Bears and Barnet in the first two, games who I have down as the favourites.

"On the flipside, we will be competitive, bar a couple of players I have a good squad for Sunday and on our day we are more than capable.

"It’s just making sure that day happens more than not this season to push for a high finish which I know is possible when on form. It’s a big game and we will be bang up for it."

So the challenge has been laid down to the Bears, but I can see them nicking it by the odd goal.

NWLB squad: James Harpin, Alex Rose, Sam Fresco, Sam Bookman, Simon Lousky, Gabriel Platt, Tommy Lustigman, Matt Davidson, Josh Sarna, Sam Martin, Louis Martin, Nathan Anders, Zacki Doumou, Sammy Letzer, Freddy Kramer

Venue – London Academy, Ref – Robert Benardout

JC star man: Zacki Doumou (Bears)

DC Prediction: Bears 2 Fortune 1

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PARIS SAINT-JEWMAIN vs FC TEAM

One has to believe FC Team will feature towards the top of the division at the end of this season - the simple reason is you know they will score goals.

And the return of the ever-reliabel Oli Segal means they must surely tighten up at the back, and make goals harder to come by for the opposition. And the arrival of Adam Shafron, Craig Sandford and Ben Sollosi looks set to make that happen.

With Connor Perl, Richard Salmon and player-manager Mitch Young, FC Team have the firepower to match any opponent in Division Two. So it will come down to the work-rate and organisation of the rest of the side, and, ultimately, how much service the front three receive.

Young is looking forward to Sunday's opening fixture against PSJ. He told JC Sport: “We have had an excellent pre-season scoring lots of goals so we are excited to start competitive football.

"We know nothing about our opponents so will focus on ourselves and know if we apply ourselves correctly we will win the match.”

PSJ beat off a host of clubs to the signings of Zac Summerfield. He experienced a frustrating season at Scrabble last year, and will no doubt be keen to impress.

The home side must match the physicality of FC Team, especially when it comes to winning second balls. And they will know much more about the task at hand come the 90-minute mark.

I'm predicting a strong season for FC Team, starting with a win.

JC team news: Oliver Segal faces late fitness test for FC Team. Eitan Ben Zion and Jamie Breslaw are away. Full debuts are expected for ex-Redbridge legends Adam Shafron, Craig Sandford and Ben Sollosi.

Venue – Brunel Uni, Ref – Stephen Levy

JC star man: Ben Sollosi (Team)

DC Prediction: PSJ 2 Team 3

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