By, Danny Caro
20 min read
ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro
Four teams are in action in the Cyril Anekstein Cup while there's also a mouth-watering programme in the MGBSFL, with FC Team B against Brady Maccabi one of the stand-out matches.
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PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND ONE DRAW
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND TWO DRAW
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND TWO
FC TEAM C vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS B
The Lions made a flying start on Matchday 2 and they will be looking to put down their marker ahead of the league double-header against Division Three rivals FC Team C.
Two of their goals against Bilbaum were of the highest quality - it was a case of take a bow Sammy Kingston and Dean Rosenthal. But I don’t expect them to get as many clear-cut chances on Sunday.
Lions boss Samuel Marchant is hoping for a good cup run, but he knows things won’t be easy against decent opponents.
He told JC Sport: "Our Cyril Anekstein cup fixture poses an interesting challenge for our team as we get to face a league opponent in our first cup fixture of the season.
"Of course, we hope to build on our solid start to the season last week, where our comprehensive victory over Bilbaum gave us a great boost in confidence in both ourselves, our playing style and the squad we have.
"I have faith in our squad and what we can do on the pitch. I expect a tough challenge from a well-established FC Team side however I have no doubt we can win this game if we are at our best.”
It’s never ideal not having played a competitive match before a cup tie and heavy legs could hamper Team who will need to hit the ground running to make round two.
JC team news: Nick Landesberg is a doubt for Lions due to strained back ligaments and therefore faces a late fitness test. Bar Zak Linden is away on family duties, but the MLL have a squad "which resembles last week, and it is vital that we have this consistency week in week out so that we are able to challenge on all fronts".
Ref – Paul Dobkin
JC star man: Daniel Mattey (Lions)
DC Prediction: Team 1 Lions 3
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WOODFORD WANDERERS vs OAKWOOD A
Oakwood are hungry for cup glory this season although they should take nothing for granted when they make the long trip east to take on first division Woodford.
They scored an early goal last time out and will be looking to do the same again to ensure Woodford try to come out and play. Then they will go for the jugular.
A recent Wingate final outing has given some of the Oakwood players a taste. Now they are ready for more.
Joint-manager Dan Kristall told JC Sport: “We’ve got Injury problems but are staying tight-lipped on team news as two or three key players will undergo late fitness tests.
"We've also got a couple of players away but are confident of progressing. We will not be underestimating Woodford who I know all about following last season’s Morrison game against my former team Leeds Maccabi.
"We know they have recruited and we know it will be an extremely tough test. They are a former Premier Division side with lots of quality but if we apply ourselves correctly, we’ll progress.”
Tom Alexander was Woodford’s hero in their win over SPEC FC. Both he and Alex Aviram have carried their excellent pre-season form into the new campaign and Daryl Kay assured me last week that no team will have an easy game against them.
There will be battles aplenty across the park and it will all boil down to which team wins their individual and collective ones.
JC team news: Woodford have Ricky ‘5’ Fox set to make his competitive debut. Andy Levy and Amir Nathan look set to miss out through injury and there will be a late fitness test for Martin Sales, a stand-out performer in last week’s 2-0 victory over SPEC FC.
Venue – Chigwell Police Ground, Ref – Darryl Colmans
JC star man:
DC Prediction: Woodford 1 Oakwood 2
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MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
6 – Dovi Fehler
4 - Ari Last (both Hendon A)
CAMDEN PARK vs FAITHFOLD A
I saw 30 minutes of Faithfold’s defeat at Hendon, but that was enough to know they could struggle.
The departure of Alex Kaye was another almighty blow as he followed in the footsteps of Alex Taylor, Nick Smith and Johnny Haik. They still have players of the calibre of James Taylor and Joe Cohen but it could be a long old season.
I have a good feeling for Camden on Sunday. Home advantage could be crucial as they look to get back on track following a heavy defeat against Morrison holders Hendon.
Boss William Castle is looking for a big reaction from his players. He told JC Sport: “After last week’s thrashing, we have gone back to the training ground and have been working very hard.
"The season can now go one of two ways for us; if we want to stay in this league we really need to be going out to win this game against Faithfold, especially as it is at home.
"Hendon gave them a good hiding too, so both teams will have a point to prove.
"Even after last week, the belief and morale around the squad is high, we know what we are still capable of but the message to the squad is, rather than talking about it the whole time, now it’s time to show it.”
The first goal is crucial on Sunday. If it goes Camden’s way, there’ll be no stopping them.
JC team news: Michael Khalastchi is still away for Camden, Luke Brookner (knee) and Adam Paris (ankle) are still injured. X-rays have shown that vice captain Max Saunders suffered a fractured hand against Hendon. His teammates wish him a speedy recovery. The good news for Camden is Ben Harris should be fit after recovering from a cracked rib and Sasha Nusenbaum and Jordan Silverstone a chomping at the bit to make their debuts.
Venue – Capital City, Ref – Neil Cooper
JC star man: Ben Harris (Camden)
DC Prediction: Camden 2 Faithfold 0
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MACCABI LONDON LIONS vs BLIZZARD STORM
Lions are boosted by the return of Cameron Most as they look to secure back-to-back wins when they take on Blizzard Storm.
Having put FC Team to the sword, joint-manager Johnny Meltzer knows they have an opportunity to finish the weekend near the summit but he and David Pollock know they will be given a real test by Blizzard.
Meltzer told JC Sport: "We go into the game off a back of a good result last Sunday and will be hoping to build on this foundation.
"Looking at Blizzard’s result against Raiders and the feedback about their performance, it looks like they could be favourites for this game. Blizzard are a nice side that have been together for a few years and that should be a big advantage over us.
"We have lost some of our university boys this week and now so it’s a real chance to give our squad a rotation. Hopefully Connor Perlmutter can start getting his goal tally up following last week’s goal.”
Blizzard were terrific last week, led by Adam Speck. Their squad has been boosted by the addition of Ben Gardner. They were involved in a tug of war with Oakwood but Simon Linden came up trumps by flashing the cash when it mattered most.
No doubt Linden will remind his troops that travelling to grounds such as Rowley Lane are what Sunday morning football is all about before kick-off.
He told JC Sport: “It's important we build on last week’s performance against Raiders. I'm missing a couple of players but I have total faith in those coming in to put in a shift.
"We know Lions will be a tough game, I just want the same character and attitude we put in last week.”
The first 20 minutes are key for Blizzard. Meltzer’s mind games will have no impact on how the visitors set up but if they concentrate and focus for the duration they will come away with something to show for their efforts.
JC team news: Lions welcome back Cameron Most.
Blizzard’s Dean Shaw and Sean Ladier miss out through injury.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Martin De La Fuente
JC star man: Cameron Most (Lions)
DC Prediction: Lions 1 Blizzard 1
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A vs HARMEN
Harmen looked short in attack last week, but I’ve been told they have several first-team players returning for their trip to the champions.
James Gershfield gave them an early lead but they had no answer to the pace and power of Redbridge. They will face a very different proposition in Raiders in what I expect to be a high tempo contest.
Harmen were ultimately well beaten long before the final whistle last week but there’s no doubt they will raise their game against a team they beat last year.
"After the disappointment of last Sunday, we will be looking to bounce back against a good Raiders side,” Sam Castle told JC Sport.
"With four or five keys players returning to the squad, the only outcome that will be acceptable on Sunday will be three points."
Raiders were far from their fluent best last Sunday but goals from new boy Alex Kaye and David Dinkin ensured they got off the mark.
Boss Rob Richman knows teams will come harder at them this year and they will have to pull out all the stops to retain their crown.
He told JC Sport: “We were pleased to get the season off and running last weekend after a long summer break.
"The games now start to come thick and fast and we are in for a real test when we play Harmen at the Ark on Sunday.
"We shared a win apiece last season so know we will be in for a tough game Sunday. Harmen have a lot of quality throughout their side and I’d be very surprised if they aren’t competing on all fronts come the end of the season.
"We will go into the game with confidence from last weekend’s win but we know it will be a very different game this weekend so only a good strong performance will do."
David Rhodes against Gershfield will be one of the key battles but I can see Raiders getting plenty of joy playing between the lines on what could be a busy morning for the Harmen defence.
JC team news: It is likely there will be just one change to the Raiders squad this week with Jonny Kay returning to replace Oscar Wagner who heads up to university.
Venue –Ark Academy, Ref – Martin Lavender, KO – 9.45am
JC star man: David Rhodes (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Raiders 2 Harmen 1
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FC TEAM A vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
I was impressed by what I saw of Redbridge last week. Darren Brown bossed things at the back, Ben Sollosi controlled the midfield and Steve Summers and Dan Garfinkle looked sharp up top.
The new-look team had a quality spine, with plenty of pace, power and quality in other areas. They also showed bags of quality to come from behind, with Summers’s equaliser on the stroke of half-time perfectly timed.
The challenge of FC Team brings with it some different questions. I expect this to be a more physical encounter against a side packed with giants.
Team made a bad start against Lions and boss Ben Gilbey will be looking for a response. David Cohen and Dan Perkins registered in a 4-2 defeat and I expect they would’ve tried to have addressed some defensive issues at training this week.
Boss Ben Gilbey told JC Sport: "We know this Redbridge team all too well and they are a young team with a lot of talent who will do well this year.
"We are looking to bounce back from our disappointing defeat last week to Lions and on our day we can beat every team in this league.
"We are without a striker this week but we have a big squad though and certainly the man power to get a result."
A tight, tense and tactical battle is on the cards but I can see RJC edging it.
JC team news: Dan Perkins, David Joseph Cohen and Shim Bensoor are all sidelined for FC Team. Yoav Lebens is also out with tonsillitis.
Steve Summers faces a late fitness test on his groin.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Andy Myerson, KO - 10am
JC star man: Darren Brown (RJC)
DC Prediction: Team 1 RJC 2
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
4 - Jacob Richler Kleiman (Oakwood B)
3 – Dan Orgel (Real Sosobad), Andy Sheena (FC Team B), Sam Monjack, Josh Newman (both Brady Maccabi)
FAITHFOLD B vs OAKWOOD B
Faithfold’s win over Raiders sent shockwaves across the division. But it was arguably one of the worst things they could have done before playing Oakwood.
Elliott Bloom’s boys busted virtually every MGBSFL coupon with a sensational 3-1 victory courtesy of two sublime free-kicks from Sam Reeves and a goal from Dan Cohen.
The million dollar question now is, can they do it again? They were something of an unknown quantity last Sunday but they have shown their hand and Oakwood will not underestimate them.
That said, Faithfold have Ben Zloof fit and “ready to bang in a hat-trick,” according to Bloom.
Oakwood have had a fortnight to recover following their impressive Division One debut. Jacob Richler Kleiman was their star man that day and his head to head with Zloof will be worth the admission fee alone.
Oaks boss Jason Stein enjoyed a nice rest in his homeland and he tells me his boys are raring to go.
"Morning DC, glad to be back after the Simcha break,” he told JC Sport. “I enjoyed my time back in Manchester and it was nice to scout some of the northern sides and pick up the latest transfer gossip.
"Back to business now and I'll tell you this: there isn't much worse than a fast on the back of a loss. All that hunger combined with a loss makes me even more grumpy than usual. If that isn't motivation for the players then I don't know what is.
"We had some testing encounters with Faithfold B (nee AC Mill Hill) last year with both games ending 10 vs 10. I'd like to keep 11 on the pitch this time, though.
"They're a good side and Ben Zloof is a talented striker too. They may have some A-teamers to boost their ranks and if that is the case we know we'll be in for a tough game.
"We've a very strong squad ourselves and confidence is really high at the club following wins for both sides a fortnight ago."
With two top strikers on show, Sunday will come down to which XI defends better as a unit.
JC TEAM NEWS: Debuts are expected for Oakwood pair Rafi Bloom and Dan Geey, while Ben Polak returns to the fold. James Abrams continues as captain from central midfield and the squad is “more or less the same” as the one that beat Los Blancos.
Faithfold key defender Dan Howard is out due to knee injury.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – Neal Cohen
JC star man: Dave Eden (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 1 Oakwood 2
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LOS BLANCOS vs BRIXTON OLD BOYS
I am amazed a bigger club did not try to sign Blancos forward Jono Gaon during the summer, but Whites boss Jonathan Ison will not be complaining.
Gaon and Joel Kutner are a real threat down the wings and, with James Belchak in midfield as well, Ison’s side have lots of different ways of attacking.
The other big news for Blancos fans is the return of striker Danny Kon. His early-season return from Hendon will help add a couple of dozen bums on seats, or park benches as the case may be, in a team packed with goals.
They looked good going forward against Sosobad last week but Ison would’ve been concerned with the number of chances against.
He told JC Sport: “We did well last week and in all honesty, had the chances to win the game, but as is often the case, we didn't take them.
"We go into Sunday's game with confidence and we know we have the ability to do better than previous weeks, so I am confident that our first home game of the season will also be our first three points of the season."
Brixton have been on a strong recruitment drive over the summer. We’ll know much more about them come Sunday lunchtime.
But the signs are that it could be a long 90 minutes.
JC team news: Benjy Israel is returning after being absent for the first couple of games for Blancos.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Mark Jacob, KO – 10am
JC star man: Jono Gaon (Blancos)
DC Prediction: Blancos 4 Brixton 1
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B
Redbridge came up against a very good Brady team last week. And they will not find things much easier here.
Raiders B are not used to losing and bouncebackability is the name of the game for L’Orange for whom the ever-dependable Adam Posner found the net against Faithfold last week.
NLR manager Jonathan Adelamn told JC Sport: "We are once again beset by injuries and absences which compounds an almost non existent pre-season.
"Given how abject we were for 60 minutes last week against Faithfold, we will at least be looking for a more competitive performance."
RJC boss Jason Goldstein will want his players to put on a good show in their first home outing of the season.
He’s named a 14-man squad for the visit of a Raiders team many expect to finish in the top two.
Ahead of kick-off, Goldstein told JC Sport: “We’re hoping for a good start to our home season. There’s lots to look forward to and learn from last week.”
The RJC gaffer is promising “a change of shape as he focuses on width to get a few more opportunities in front of goal”.
I fully expect NLR chief Jonathan Adelman to tinker with his squad Mourinho style and start one or two household names on the bench and the ones given a chance to shine will shine.
JC team news: Goalkeeper Jamie Gordon is also back.
Redbridge squad: > Jim Gordon, Dan Andleman, Eli Dias, Ross Segal, Ollie Segal, Scott McKenzie, Dan Waxler, Richie Chaplin, Daniel Bean, Dan Andrews, Carl Dobrin, Zack Gordon, Josh Orgel, Yonni Fialka
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – David Lazarus
JC star man: Adam Posner (Raiders)
DC Prediction: RJC 1 NLR 3
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SPEC FC vs REAL SOSOBAD
SPEC FC have been hit-and-miss so far this season while Sosobad have been banging away the goals. They’ve taken to Division One football like ducks to water.
That said, manager Dan Shafron was disappointed not to come away from last week’s match against Los Blancos with a win. Nonetheless, they start the game in top spot.
Six different players have already featured on the scoresheet for Sosobad and I can see them adding to their tally on Sunday.
Ahead of the trip to north-west London, boss Dan Shafron told JC Sport: “No game in this league is going to be easy.
"Although I believe we should have maximum points, last week was an example of how concentration levels cannot drop at this level.
"In many ways, I am glad the game wasn’t plain sailing. It was a good lesson learnt and we will now go in to this week knowing that we must be focused from the very first minute.
"I am expecting a tough test against SPEC. I don’t think their first two results are a fair reflection of their quality and they will be keen to put some points on the board.
"However if we play to our optimum level with maximum effort, there is no reason why we won’t come away with three points."
Asked about his squad, Shafron added: “It’s near full strength with only a couple of doubts. I am also hoping to introduce a new signing should the paperwork be completed in time for the weekend.”
SPEC FC have lost their first two matches. Nothing seems to be going their way right now. But player-manager Ricky Lawrence won’t allow his players to feel sorry for themselves and he’ll be looking for a response on the pitch.
He told JC Sport: “Real Sosobad have started the season well whereas we ... well haven't. We know we need to start putting points on the board and Sunday would be a good place to start.”
I can see this being a war of attrition but can see momentum carrying the east Londoners through.
JC team news:SPEC FC welcome back Elliott Wallis on his return from his honeymoon and they also have Paul Harris and Ashley Burns back in the squad. Craig Cohen and Nick Wallis miss out through injury.
Venue – Hertswood, Ref – Elliot Mayer, KO – 10am
JC star man: Elliott Coulton (Sosobad)
DC Prediction: SPEC FC 1 Sosobad 2
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FC TEAM B vs BRADY MACCABI
Brady fans believe this will be their season and going by their opening result, it’s hard not to be impressed.
Sam Monjack and Josh Newman fired trebles but they will find things much tougher altogether on Sunday.
FC Team also finished in seventh heaven, with Andy Sheena going home with the match ball. Manager Mitch Young has huge respect for Brady but, at the same time, he is confident in his squad.
"We got off to the perfect start and know Sunday will be a much tougher test against a well established Division One team in Brady,” he told JC Sport.
“They are very dangerous and score goals for fun, however we are full of confidence and know if we keep it tight at the back we will score goals so we will be going all out for the win.
“It is a very important game for us and know my players will rise to the occasion."
It is very early to be talking about six-pointers but this is a result that in six
months' time could have a massive effect on where both clubs are at.
JC team news: Adam Rones, Jules Noti, Tom MIller all return for FC Team, but Ben Binder is still out. Those are the only changes from last week.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Keith Goodman, KO – 10am
JC star man: Jon Breger (Team)
DC Prediction: Team 1 Brady 1
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
3 - Dave Sherman (Faithfold C)
L’EQUIPE vs BOCA JEWNIORS
Boca are still without a win this season, which is a surprise, but do I really fancy them to go L’Equipe and win? No, I don't.
In Hendon and Scrabble they’ve played two good teams but unless they make a dramatic improvement at the back, I think L’Equipe will pick them off again.
Boca boss Gabriel John told JC Sport: “Last week we showed that we can repel even the best of teams, holding a really talented Scrabble side at 0-0 top half time.
"Granted the parked bus was smashed to pieces, no windows, tyres on bricks, engine stolen, but hey it's just like a Saturday night on Merseyside!
"This week we'll play against L’Equipe who are also a decent side. We're hoping for further improvement this week and given that it's only our fifth time playing as a side, the signs are still encouraging.
"We have lots of good players returning and a full squad to choose from."
L’Equipe finished second best against Faithfold last week but manager Nick Stern assures me they will get off the mark this weekend.
He told JC Sport: “What happened last week was the question doing the rounds at L’Equipe this week with the season officially starting this Sunday after the annual pre-season Thursday night out this week.
"We go into this week against Boca with a full strength team including the return of Mark Glucksman in goal who simply put couldn't turn down the allure of Mark Singer’s teamtalks on a Sunday morning.
"Additionally this week sees the return of the Smith brothers, with Mark especially keen to get his goal-scoring back on track and will once again try and keep up with his brother, Andy. Mark is chomping at the bit to play and warns Boca defenders to be worried about him and his brother.
"As a manager this is my first week where tough selections need to be made, but I know I have the full support of the squad to get our first win of the season and start racking up the points.
"We are also back at the fortress of west Hendon this week with a record crowd of four expected.”
I think L’Equipe will have something to celebrate in West Hendon on Sunday.
JC team news: L’Equipe will have a full squad to choose from with the exception of longer term absences of James Bell and Grant Bates both who could make a surprise return in two weeks.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Rob Caplin, KO – 10am
JC star man: Mark Glucksman (L’Equipe)
DC Prediction: L’Equipe 3 Boca 2
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ATHLETIC BILBAUM vs REAL HENDON
This is an interesting one. Bilbaum were second-best in their defeat against Lions last weekend and it is important that they bounce back.
It appears they are short in the final third having scored just once in 180 minutes. But with home advantage against a new team, they will fancy their chances.
After all the furore, Real Hendon did not make the start they wanted. But in Rafi Noe they have a regular source of goals.
It’s vital the Baums turn the Bernebaum into the fortress it once was and if their fans stick with them, they should finish the day with something to show for their efforts.
Venue – Market Road, Ref – Callum Foster
JC star man: Rafi Noe (Real)
DC Prediction: Bilbaum 3 Real 3
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B vs FAITHFOLD C
Goals are guaranteed in a game featuring two teams who like to play the right way.
Dave Sherman has made a glorious start to the season for Faithfold. He’s scored three goals in two games as the Superhoops and with Leor Harel and Dan Gordon for company, he’s hungry for more.
Hendon have had a fortnight to reflect on their 5-0 success over Boca. Gideon Caller, Jono Nesbitt, Gideon Barth and Ben Blackston all impressed with Barth’s stunning solo effort something boss Adam Glekin won’t forget in a hurry.
But Faithfold is a difficult game though and with so many attacking options I can see them doing the business in a thriller.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Teddy Littner
JC star man: Josh Barnett (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Hendon 2 Faithfold 3
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TEMPLE FORTUNE vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C
Temple Fortune got their 40th anniversary celebrations off to a perfect start with victory in their opening game. And with a lovely spread in this week’s Jewish Chronicle, there is a great buzz around the club.
Adam Lenz was their match-winner last week while Rob Benson marked his return with a goal.
Dave Sawyer was a key figure behind the victory but he faces a spell out on the sidelines following a motorcycle accident. Fortune boss Jonathan Cohen told JC Sport: “Dave is quite badly injured but thankfully nothing serious. We all wish him a speedy recovery.
“But it opens up the opportunity for other players to make their competitive debuts for us in Craig Draper and Charlie Lahyani.” Cohen is also delighted to see TFFC Player of the Year Darren Zitren return to the squad.
Ahead of kick-off, he told JC Sport; “We have to build on last week’s second half display as a poor first half this week could leave us with too much to do.”
Will Ufland, Nick Haringman and Alex Elf fired Raiders to a thrilling win over Real Hendon last Sunday, but they will face a threat of a different kind on Sunday.
Raiders know TFFC’s weapons well from last season and much depends on how they defend.
JC team news: Paul Rich, who as excellent last week, misses out along with Dave Sawyer, but Jeremy Barnett and Gavin Levy return.
Venue – Roger Bannister, Ref – Quentin Fox, KO – 10am
JC star man: Darren Zitren (Fortune)
DC Prediction: Fortune 2 Raiders 2
