Attention returns to the Premier Division title race on Matchday 28 of the season as long-time leaders North London Raiders and Redbridge Jewish Care get ready to rumble, while third-placed Oakwood will look to strengthen their challenge against Blizzard Storm. Danny Caro looks ahead to all the action in all three divisions.
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SEE MORE MGBSFL PHOTOGALLERIES
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CUP DRAWS
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN FINAL
North London Raiders A vs Oakwood A
Wingate & Finchley FC
April 17, 2.30pm KO
PETER MORRISON TROPHY SEMI-FINAL DRAW
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
22 - Dovi Fehler (Hendon A), Daniel Garfinkle (Redbridge JC A – including 3 for RJC B)
16 - James Gershfield (Harmen)
BLIZZARD STORM vs OAKWOOD A
Oakwood are expected to close the gap on at least one of their title rivals as they go in search of what would be their eighth league victory.
The decision to throw the ever-versatile Alex Lee into the forward line paid handsome dividends against Lions last week. It was a procession in the end, with Brad Wine and the equally impressed Josh Rose also firing doubles in an impressive 6-0 success.
With key personnel returning, the Oaks look in good shape to claim maximum points, and although it should be easier than the first meeting, joint-manager Dan Kristall is taking nothing for granted.
He told JC Sport: “We look forward to Sunday’s test against Blizzard very aware of the test that they gave us in the reverse fixture at Breakspear where it took us 89 minutes to find a breakthrough.
"Blizzard defended superbly that day and we fully expect a similar test on Sunday.
"As per last Sunday, there is no room for slip-ups as we look to stay in contention for the title. We know that whilst the top two do battle, we are the outsiders but with a huge April against our contenders we know that if we keep winning, we will give ourselves a chance."
Blizzard Storm were relegated weeks ago, so they have little more than pride to play for. But you can be sure than any team managed by Simon Linden will always fight to the end of give 100 per cent.
But that won’t be enough against an Oakwood team challenging for silverware on two fronts.
JC team news: Oakwood are without Kyle Bentwood, the match-winner from the reverse fixture as he recovers from his collarbone injury. Leading scorer David Woolman returns from his winter training camp in Tenerife. Guy Helman and Sam Cantor are pushing for starts whilst Louis Rawlings is in line for his MSFL debut. Dean Caplin will continue to cover for Jonny Blain in goal.
Venue – Hertswood, Ref – Richard Jaye
JC star man: Guy Helman (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Blizzard 0 Oakwood 4
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
Redbridge were left shellshocked by Hendon last week. With their hopes of cup silverware over for another season, Jon Jacobs and co must put all their eggs in one basket and go for glory against Raiders.
The absence of Player of the Year contender Sam Sollosi hurt them really hard. Now Jacobs will be looking for a big reaction and dare I say the word ‘bouncebackability’ will no doubt be bandied around in the changing room before kick-off.
The match against Raiders is a mouth-watering prospect. On paper these are the best two teams in the league this season and I’m expecting top-quality performances on the pitch, with home advantage making Raiders start as slight favourites.
It's clear NLR boss Rob Richman holds Sunday’s rivals and his counterpart in high regards. He told JC Sport: "We have a huge two months of football left this season with some really big games and it all starts this weekend against Redbridge.
"Jon Jacobs has done such an exceptional job over a number of years for Redbridge and I am not surprised they've done as well as they have this season.
"Jon has integrated the boys he’s managed for a number of years with some of the more experienced Redbridge players and it’s pretty clear they have a very talented group of players.
"They've scored more goals than anyone else this season so we know they will be a threat and it will be up to us to make sure we deal with that threat."
The business end of the season starts here, with Raiders well-placed to build on last year’s double success by going one better – the treble.
Richman went on to say: "From our point of view we are excited for a number of big games ahead but focused on what is a really massive game on Sunday.
"We haven't lose a meaningful league game since January 2015 and that was against Redbridge, so it will be a tough test, but with players back and confidence high we are confident we can get a result."
There promises to be key battles all over the park – Josh Morris and Sollosi, Jonny Kay against Ben Sollosi, Jordan Marks against Adam Hakimi and David Rhodes against Steve Summers.
Raiders have also unearthed a couple of real gems this season in Oscar Wagner and Nyv Bogaire. And where Raiders have the edge over their rivals is on the bench. Players of the calibre of Bogaire are real game-changers and that’s why I’m tipping L’Orange to take the points.
JC team news: There is mixed news for NLR fans, with strikers David Dinkin and Matt Stock missing out. Liron Mannie, Alex Moss, Ben Joseph and Oscar Wagner all return.
Venue – Ark Academy, Ref – Andy Myerson
JC star man: Oscar Wagner (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Raiders 3 Redbridge 1
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FC TEAM A vs HARMEN
Harmen still have their sights set on a top-three finish ahead of their trip to FC Team.
Both clubs are hugely disappointed their hopes of challenging for silverware are over for the season and a low-key contest is on the cards.
Indeed joint-manager Oli Leslie admitted they “definitely struggled for motivation” in last week’s 4-1 win over Blizzard Storm which came courtesy of strikes from Daniel Green (2), Bradley Sharp and Sam Castle.
FC Team were also victors on Matchday 27. Shim Bensoor and Bar Hariely – two players who would walk into several Premier Division teams – scored in the 3-1 win over Camden Park, with Alon Hershkorn adding the gloss.
Revenge will be on the minds of the FC Team players who were hit for six by Harmen in September. James Gershfield was the chief destroyer that day in a game where co-boss Joel Alterman told me “everything clicked into gear”.
Given that Harmen’s recent away for has been poor and Team’s home form good, I’m backing the boys in yellow and blue.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Elliott Mayer
JC star man: Alon Hershkorn (FC Team)
DC Prediction: FC Team 2 Harmen 1
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
27 - Reiss Mogilner (Brady Maccabi)
17 - Jacob Richler Kleiman (Oakwood B)
FC TEAM B vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B
Sunday brings down the curtain on Redbridge B’s season, a season most supporters would describe as a mixed bag.
I caught up with joint-manager Sam Rank who has worked wonders since taking charge and he gave an honest assessment of exactly where they are. Rank helped steady the ship and they have registered some excellent results since he became more hands-on.
“The second half of the season has been a complete reverse from the first half of the season,” Rank told JC Sport.
“The commitment, attitude and spirit of the boys is just brilliant, and with combination of management changes the real ability of the RJC B side has been shown.
“The RJC B boys are very much looking forward to Sunday game and finishing off the season in style. FC Team B still have the chance to win league and will be very much up for Sunday game, but in performances the boys have shown over the last few months I am very confident for the points.
“The game is now being played on 3G, which will benefit the boys even more.”
Three points for FC Team would lift them above Redbridge but Mitch Young’s troops will take nothing for granted as RJC beat them 3-1 at Fairlop in February, with strikes from Carl Dobrin, Bradley Gayer and top-scorer David Fialka.
FC Team have reacted well since that shocking performance against Los Blancos, winning the return leg and also thumping Sosobad.
Although they have played the fewest games in the division, FC Team have scored the most goals and they have been defensively sound on the whole, bar the odd game.
Man for man FC Team should have the edge on Sunday although much depends on their attitude, application and focus.
JC team news: RJC have named a full-strength squad for the trip to Harefield.
Venue – Harefield Academy 3G, Ref – Neal Cohen, KO – 10am
JC star man: Dave Grossman (FC Team)
DC Prediction: Team 2 Redbridge 1
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WOODFORD WANDERERS vs BRIXTON OLD BOYS
Second from top plays bottom - you don’t have to be Nostradamus to realise where this is heading.
Woodford have the best record in the division. Simple as that. One defeat in 16 matches is quite some achievement. Their only loss came in early October and they have gone on quite some run since.
Averaging just over two goals a game, the Wanderers have built their foundations upon a solid defence and a great team spirit has put them on the cusp of promotion.
Having missed a significant part of the season, Harrison Midda has made up for lost time and moved on to double figures in the goals department, while players such as Tom Alexander and Alex Aviram have chipped in with some big goals at key moments.
Ahead of the Brixton game, Woodford joint-manager Daryl Kay told JC Sport: “This week we’re up against a team that we know are fully beatable, but that doesn’t mean we’ll be taking it any less seriously just because of Brixton’s league position.
“Jerome and I see this is a perfect opportunity to flex our muscles a bit and be completely ruthless with our opponent.
“We have an almost a fully-fit squad to choose from so the pressure will be on to perform. We’ll be looking for a clean sheet and to be clinical (not comical) in front of goal.
“A professional performance will be required, and that will send us into the FC Team and Brady games full of confidence.”
Brixton are still scrapping for points in their bid for survival. The fact that Faithfold have picked up a couple of wins has added some spice, and made last week’s thrilling win over Sosobad even more crucial. Josh Kalinsky, Joseph Eshkinazi and the ever-dependable Dave Lusman were the marksmen in a 3-2 win.
But Robert Silverman’s troops know they start as big underdogs on Sunday. Ahead of the first meeting of the season, Woodford hold all the aces for me.
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – David Lazarus
JC star man: Ricky Fox (Woodford)
DC Prediction: Woodford 3 Brixton 0
More to follow ...
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
18 - Zak McLeod (Scrabble FC), Josh Bloom (ML Lions B)
17 - Danny Sherman (Scrabble FC)
NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C vs CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI
Raiders C and Catford & Bromley lock horns for the first time this season – a game that has home banker written all over it for me.
NLR’s home form has been mixed this season but I have a feeling they will deliver on Sunday.
Marc Woolfe and Liam Stein registered in the recent 2-0 win over Hendon and I expect them to make a fast start against the Cats in their pursuit of third spot.
NLR’s David Domb told JC Sport: “We need to remain focused on the immediate task at hand and that's making sure we're in the top three.
“Our league form has been a little hit-and-miss over the last month but we're still well placed to achieve that aim. Three points this weekend is too important.
“We've had some entertaining games with Catford in the past, and wins over Scrabble and Lions will tell you just how much of a threat they are.
“Jeff will no doubt have his lot up for this as they were for their games against the top two. We just need to make sure we're not added to that collection.”
It’s been one of those weeks for Catford player-manager Jeff Gotch. He told me he has nine first teamers missing and is struggling to get an 11 out, but he told JC Sport: "We'll be there and give it our best.”
I can see the Cats huffing and puffing for an hour or so but NLR’s impact substitutes will mean there is daylight between the teams at the final whistle.
JC team news: Nick Haringman misses out due to his wedding (Mazel tov!) while Charles Braunstein is among the players absent. Jake Yudelowitz is in line for his first start this season and David Domb returns.
Venue – Capital City, Ref – Steve Russell, KO – 10am
JC star man: David Domb (NLR)
DC Prediction: NLR 3 Catford 1
ATHLETIC BILBAUM vs FC TEAM C
Athletic Bilbaum have hit double figures twice this season, so the message is clear. FC Team C beware.
Ben Bell and Edward Green were on top form in last week’s 11-0 demolition of Boca Jewniors. Rob Rodney, Seb Silverman and Daniel Madgidson also produced eye-catching performances.
They go into their penultimate game of the season in great shape and confident of settling a score against opponents who beat them 3-2 in November.
FC Team C are keen to show they are not the third worst side in the league. They ultimately fell short against L'Equipe this week but they must be confident of finishing above Catford & Bromley, and possible Faithfold C.
Unlike the Baums, goals have been hard to come by but they will be lifted by the fact the greens don’t have the best home record.
But with 16 goals in their last two games, it’s hard to see past Bilbaum.
Venue – Market Road, Ref – Callum Foster
JC star man: Daniel Madgidson (Bilbaum)
DC Prediction: Bilbaum 4 FC Team 2
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FAITHFOLD C vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS B
The Lions won’t concede the title until it’s mathematically impossible. They smashed 10 goals in their last two games and will give it their best shot. Of that there is no doubt.
With Josh Bloom in top form and Benji Weinberger pulling the strings, Sunday mornings cannot come soon enough for Sam Marchant and his merry men.
Adam Lipman has also brought another dimension to the team. He’s a quality customer who has forced his way into the first team at London Lions in the Herts Senior County League.
Lipman starred in the 5-1 win over Hendon B last week. Playing central defensive midfield, he didn’t misplace a single pass and plays the role like a true warrior.
Faithfold were back to their best against Catford last week but they have hardly set the world alight over the second half of the season.
I’m sure they will take stock over the summer months and strengthen in the right areas but don’t be surprised if they’re chasing shadows on Sunday.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – Laurence Thorne
JC star man: Danny Fattal (Lions)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 2 Lions 4
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B vs L’EQUIPE
A Hendon win should see them finish above finish above L’Equipe but that will be easier said than done.
Back-to-back defeats against Lions and Raiders have indicated that Adam Glekin’s men still have it all to do in terms of quality, although no-one can take away Gideon Barth wonder strike last week – a contender for JC Goal of the Week.
Hendon won their first meeting with L’Equipe 4-2, although gaffer Glekin indicated they were a touch fortunate. David Reid was their match-winner that day and it wouldn’t surprise me if Glekin pulls out all the stops to get him involved again.
L’Equipe have won their last three, with boss Nick Stern describing last week’s 4-1 success over FC Team as “probably their best of the season”.
It was something of a feisty contest but they ultimately had the last laugh.
Sunday should be closer though.
Venue – Ref – Mark Jacob
JC star man: Nick Stern (L’Equipe)
DC Prediction: Hendon 2 L’Equipe 2
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REAL HENDON vs BOCA JEWNIORS
Real Hendon’s 10th win is on the cards as they host a Boca team feeling sorry for themselves.
The Boca boys were handed an 11-0 mauling at the hands of Bilbaum, with Anton Nyman describing the performance as a “shambles”.
He sounded a little more positive in the build-up to the second with meeting over a Real team they stunned 2-1 earlier in the season.
"Hopefully we won't be down to the bare bones of the squad like last week - but we're up against a very good side and although we beat them earlier in the season, I think we seem to have gone into reverse and they're cruising in fifth gear," Nyman told JC Sport.
Real have struggled against the top teams but bullied the sides below them, with their experience holding the key.
Sunday could see more of the same.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Barry David
JC star man: Yossi Goldberg (Real)
DC Prediction: Real 4 Boca 0
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DANNY CARO'S MATCHDAY 27 AWARDS
GOAL OF THE WEEK - BENJI WEINBERGER
SAVE OF THE WEEK - DEAN CAPLIN (Oakwood A) - made a superb one-handed penalty save low down to his right to keep Lions at bay
QUOTE OF THE WEEK - JON JACOBS (Redbridge A) - "No excuses offered , we were not good enough today and hope Hendon can keep the Maccabi Southern Football League flag alive in the Peter Morrison Sunday National Cup if and when they inevitably face the Lions Saturday team at Wingate"
REFEREE OF THE WEEK: Martin de la Fuente (Brixton Old Boys vs Real Sosobad)
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