Hendon United, Brady Maccabi, Oakwood B and Scrabble FC will all be looking to preserve their unbeaten record on Matchday 6 of the MGBSFL where a bumper league programme includes another Essex derby between Redbridge Jewish Care B and Real Sosobad.
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DANNY CARO'S PLAYER OF THE WEEK - SAM MONJACK
DANNY CARO'S MANAGER OF THE WEEK - NICK STERN
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WEEKEND PHOTOS
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PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND ONE DRAW
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
6 – Dovi Fehler
5 - Ari Last (Hendon A)
CAMDEN PARK vs BLIZZARD STORM
Camden Park will be looking to complete an early-season league double when they welcome a Blizzard Storm they beat late last month.
Brothers Guy Marks and Josh Marks put Blizzard to the sword that day with two clinical finishes in a 2-0 success.
What made the win even more impressive was that Camden played a man light, with Jake Saunders playing the game of his life.
Ahead of the rematch, Castle is taking nothing for granted. He told JC Sport: “Having just played Blizzard, we know to expect another hard fought contest. They are a well-organised side who can cause us problems.
"We are confident, however, as we got the three points last time and we have no fresh injury concerns to worry about. I have the luxury of being able to play the same team as last time, plus a couple of additions on the bench.
"We know it will be hard but anything less than three points will be a disappointment especially as we are at home."
The Blizzard boys will be looking to bounce back from Sunday’s 5-2 cup defeat against Oakwood. Aron Luftig and Avi Markowitz registered but manager Simon Linden would’ve been concerned about the manner of the defeat as his team finished ultimately well beaten.
Linden will point to the fact that they were missing key players but the next 90 minutes are huge for the Blizzard boys as Camden start with a clear psychological edge.
Venue – Capital City, Ref – Mark Jacob
JC star man: Yoel Deal (Camden)
DC Prediction: Camden 2 Blizzard 1
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A vs HARMEN
Having come through a tricky encounter against Division One high-flyers FC Team B, Hendon face another big test in the shape of a Harmen team slowly finding their feet.
Zack Lewis was the name of the lips of Hendon fans after their magnificent second-half comeback. He scored three of the four goals in a 4-1 win, with Team Maccabi GB starlet Chaim Korman adding the gloss.
What would’ve pleased Hendon boss David Garbacz most is the character and versatility shown by his players once he rejigged things with them being 45 minutes away from a rare cup defeat.
Ahead of Sunday's meeting, Garbacz told JC Sport: "I’ve already mentioned this season that the league will ultimately be decided in the matches between the top five clubs in the division and this game is one of them.
"Harmen have been shouting from the rooftops that they will be up there challenging and it is clear that they have a decent enough squad and will certainly fancy their chances against us.
"We have key players missing again, notably Ari Last and Avi Korman, so we will need to adapt accordingly. We showed great qualities last week in coming back when it looked like we were well up against it but this week we will not be able to afford any similar slow starts as this lot will be much tougher to break down.
"I am expecting a decent quality very tough match which may well require a moment of magic to settle. I believe we have the superior magicians so once again anything but a win will be a disappointment despite our injuries.
But Garbacz knows Harmen gave his men two good games last season and having strengthened even further, another tight contest is on the cards in the Hadley FC derby.
Five different scorers featured in Harmen’s first win of the season against Blizzard. James Gershfield was on the mark again and the quality of service he gets will be key to the outcome in a game that will be won and lost in midfield.
Ahead of kick-off, Harmen joint-manager Joel Alterman told JC Sport: “We are expecting a full squad for Sunday which I’m sure will be utilised as we face what will be our toughest test of the season.
"In our first couple of games of the season we weren’t up to standard but a few tweaks to our formation and style have seen a return of the goals which are coming from all areas of the pitch, not just the strikers and we will be taking the winning mentality from our last two fixtures into Sunday. Nothing less than three points for us on Sunday will be acceptable."
If Hendon score first it’s important Harmen do not let their heads drop but they’ve had a couple of weeks to get fitness levels up and they will be looking to make a real statement of intent.
JC team news: Ari Last and Avi Korman are both out injured for Hendon. Chaim Korman is unavailable. Greg Corin and Alex Rosenthal are doubtful and will both face late fitness tests. Yoav Kestenbaum returns.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Laurie Benson
JC star man: Yisroel Lewis (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon 2 Harmen 1
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OAKWOOD A vs FC TEAM A
Oakwood were at their ruthless best in the cup last week, and joint-manager Dan Kristall is hoping for a repeat performance when FC Team come to town.
With striker David Woolman living up to my pre-season billing, they will take points off most teams this season and no doubt eyeing a second league victory against a side they sit level on points with.
Woolman and Guy Helman fired doubles in the impressive cup win at Blizzard Storm last week, with Kyle Bentwood chipping in with the other.
Ahead of the FC Team game, Kristall told JC Sport: “We want to get back to winning ways in the league after the disappointment of the Hendon match two weeks ago.
“Our aim is to win every match that we compete in. We know it will be a tough match against a good FC Team side and we’ll have to be at our very best to beat them.
“If we apply ourselves properly and we play the attacking way that saw us score five times against Blizzard last week, we will be fine.”
FC Team needed extra-time to see off first division strugglers SPEC FC. In the end a double from Shim Bensoor plus another from the free-scoring David Joseph Cohen helped them over the line.
Boss Ben Gilbey told JC Sport: "We are missing players on Sunday but we have a good enough squad to still fill a strong team. We've played four, won two and lost two which by my expectations is still not good enough.
"We know that Oakwood are a strong physical side, but as I have said on many occasions, on our day we can beat every team in this division. We have been working on our consistency and trying to cut out the negative parts in our game.
"This Sunday will definitely be tough but going into it, I won't be happy with anything less than a win."
But heavy legs could hamper their chances in the last 20 minutes in a game where set-pieces could hold the key.
JC team news: Oakwood welcome back Brad Wine and Josh Rose although they will be without Dan Rose for the next fortnight. “He is doing a Charity cycle ride in the Negev Desert travelling over 400km in five days so we wish him and his fiancé the best of luck”.
Venue – Nicholas Breakspear, Ref – Richard Jaye
JC star man: Brad Wine (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 2 Team 1
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS A
Revenge is the name for a Lions team who will have Lee Collins supporting joint-manager Johnny Meltzer in the absence of David Pollock.
The Rowley Lane boys looked on course for extra-time in the cup at Fairlop last week before RJC super-sub Ben Chernoff broke their hearts with a late winner.
But with James Gold registering for the first time this season, they will be confident of faring better second time around.
Meltzer told JC Sport: “We lost to Redbridge in the cup last week so we will be looking for some revenge.
“They are a great side full of youth and it is great to see a young squad also in the Premier.
“Hopefully the spirit of the game will be played in a similar fashion to last week, which was a pleasure to watch and a great advert to the MSFL.”
Redbridge have three key players missing, but manager Jon Jacobs is happy with the strength of his squad, with Ben Sollosi, their other scorer last week, enjoying an impressive start to the season.
The east Londoners were pinned back from the start last week so Jacobs will not doubt be considering tinkering with his 3-5-2 formation.
I can see this being a game of few chances with a moment of magic settling it.
JC team news: RJC will be missing Sam Sollosi (ankle), while Ryan Cole and Steve Summers are both away. Scott Oldstein returns from university.
Dom Feldman is expected to make his debut for Lions while they also welcome back Adam Lipman from uni.
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – Andy Myerson
JC star man: Dan Garfinkle (RJC)
DC Prediction: Redbridge 1 Lions 0
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
11 - Jacob Richler Kleiman (Oakwood B)
8 - Reiss Mogilner (Brady Maccabi)
BRADY MACCABI vs OAKWOOD A
We have a real humdinger in store here as first entertains second.
Brady were at their barnstorming best against second division leaders Scrabble FC last week, with Reiss Mogilner filling his boots and JC Player of the Week Sam Monjack the main attraction.
Josh Dagul’s boys are unbeaten this season and they have scored an incredible 29 goals in five matches in all competitions. Things are looking rosy at the minute.
Oakwood also enjoyed a win in the cup last week, with Jacob Richler Kleinman their hero in the 3-2 win over Lions B. Indeed the battle between the Oaks hotshot and Mogilner promises to be worth the admission fee alone on Sunday.
Jason Stein was in upbeat mood during his midweek press conference. "Come into the office DC,” he said. “It's been a busy week and the boys have been doing double sessions after having Simchat Torah off.
"I've got my war face on today and the match against Brady this weekend has got a big game feel about it.
"A year ago when I took over the ruins from you know who,, we couldn't even contemplate facing a side with the quality of Brady, but now we'll go head-to-head on a level footing. I can't wait.
"It hasn't escaped my attention that we've been on the end of a few dodgy predictions in the press recently. Not having a go DC, just pointing out some fachts. Predicted losses to Raiders B and Lions B spurred us on and I know we'll be viewed as underdogs again this week.
"But once again we'll come and battle, play our 'brand' of football and fight for everything.
"I know the supporters can see what we're trying to do."
Sunday promises to be a busy day for both set of defences and goalkeepers. I can’t see Brady losing but can see the visitors doing enough to come away with a share of the spoils.
JC team news Dean Caplin returns in goal and the squad is “roughly the same as the one that has served Oakwood well so far”.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Neal Cohen, KO – 10am
JC star man: Dean Caplin (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Brady 1 Oakwood 1
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BRIXTON OLD BOYS vs LOS BLANCOS
Alan Aaronson this week eased fears of Brixton folding, and the MGBSFL was delighted to hear it.
The Old Boys are ready to make their bow for the season and a big crowd is expected at Clowes with Los Blancos the visitors in a match refereed by the highly-rated David Lazarus.
Brixton’s squad is expected to have an experienced feel to it and after last year’s trials and tribulations, it’s important they start well.
Los Blancos have not set the world alight in their first few games and manager Jonathan Ison will be slightly concerned. I expected them to kick on this season and a result on Sunday would do them the world of good.
Ison told JC Sport: "We've had a disappointing start to the season, but our second-half performances have been pretty good in recent weeks.
"We actually matched Harmen from a footballing perspective in the second half last week, but lacked the sharpness they had in the final third, and the gulf between a seasoned Premier Division team and us was reflected in the scoreline.
"I have every confidence once we get our first win under our belts, we will be a force to be reckoned with ... and as long as Brixton don't pull out of our game this week, I very much hope this Sunday will give us our first three points of the season."
And with a frontline featuring the tasty pairing of Danny Kon and Jono Gaon it’s hard to see them fail.
JC team news: Joel Kutner misses out for Blancos due to wedding commitments. A big mazel tov from all at the JC!
Venue – Clowes, Ref – David Lazarus
JC star man: Danny Kon (Blancos)
DC Prediction: Brixton 1 Blancos 2
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REAL SOSOBAD vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B
Dan Shafron felt let down by his Real Sosobad players last week and I’m expecting a big reaction for them ahead of the Essex derby part deux.
Only the brilliance of goalkeeper Scott Shear saved them from a cup exit, as well, of course, as coolly converted penalties by Scott Kay, Elliott Coulton, Sam McCarthy and Josh Jacobs.
But there can be no repeat of the sloppiness that plagued an error-strewn performance once that first whistle blows, or else they will be punished.
“Last Sunday disappointed me on so many levels and the boys knew exactly how I felt,” Shafron told JC Sport. “Too many went in to the game with the wrong attitude thinking it was going to be a routine win and it was anything but that.
“Redbridge showed that they have the fight, tenacity and passion to be a real force this season and we must be absolutely prepared and turn up with the correct mentality this weekend if we are going to continue our unbeaten start.
“We have given Redbridge reason to approach the game with positivity thinking they can beat us and it’s up to us to show that last week’s overall performance was a blip and get back to playing the kind of football I know, and the boys know we are more than capable of playing.”
Redbridge have plenty about them this season. They were gutted to lose to their noisy neighbours last weekend and will be determined to set the record straight with bragging rights up for grabs.
RJC's Sam Rank told JC Sport: "The boys are extremely pumped up for Sunday's derby. We felt very hard done by in last week cup result against Sosobad.
"We dominated the play from minute one and hit the woodwork several times, and we're extremely unlucky to be on the losing team.
"This week the boys are determined to get three points."
It should be a cracker.
JC team news: RJC boss Jason Goldstein has a full squad to select from.
Venue – 7 Kings High School, Ref – Robert Caplin, KO – 10am
JC star man: Sam McCarthy (Sosobad)
DC Prediction: Sosobad 2 Redbridge 1
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SPEC FC vs FAITHFOLD B
Ben Zloof was Faithfold’s match-winner in the derby win over Faithfold C last week and the sight of him wheeling away in delight in the famous green and white colours is something their fans hope to get used to this season.
One of the most feared marksmen outside of the Premier, Zloof is hungry to help propel the Superhoops up the table with a second league win top of Elliott Bloom’s agenda.
SPEC FC put in a valiant display against top-flight opponents FC Team last week. Their game-plan worked well although manager Ricky Lawrence may adopt slightly more attacking tactics on Sunday.
Venue – Hertswood, Ref – Paul Dobkin
JC star man: Elliott Wallis (SPEC FC)
DC Prediction: SPEC FC 1 Faithfold 1
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
5 - Will Ufland (NL Raiders C)
4 - Dean Rosenthal (ML Lions B), Julius Judah (Athletic Bilbaum), Andy Smith (L’Equipe)
BOCA JEWNIORS vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B
Boca fans will be delighted to hear that Elio Elia will returning to the starting line-up for the visit of Hendon B.
Anton Nyman isn’t reading too much into last week’s heavy cup defeat by Faithfold A. It was always going to be a bonus match and they will be all the better for 90 minutes against top-flight opposition.
Speaking to JC Sport ahead of kick-off, Nyman said: “We've played twice against Hendon in the last two months, including a pre-season friendly and lost both, but hopefully the confidence of our league win last time out can inspire the troops to achieve the big win, despite Hendon's good form of late.
“If we can see the game through without scoring an own goal or giving away a penalty, we'll probably take something from it points wise and I'll be one happy man Sunday afternoon!"
Braces from Benni Sluckis and Jono Nesbitt lifted Hendon into second place last week as they put FC Team C to the sword with a really strong performance.
Gideon Barth and Nesbitt destroyed the Boca backline in the recent league meeting and the reds will believe their superior passing game will see them home.
JC team news: Club captain Simon Englander and Elio Elia return to the fold for Boca who will give “a couple of late fitness tests so we'll make a call on them around 9.55am on Sunday”.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Stuart Ansher, KO – 10am
JC star man: James Neidle (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Boca 2 Hendon 3
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CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI vs SCRABBLE FC
“Our players now know what standard has to be achieved in the higher division if we reach our goal of promotion this season.” Those were the words of Scrabble FC boss Ray Abrahams following last week’s cup defeat at the hands of Division One leaders Brady Maccabi.
Abrahams doesn’t believe the 8-1 scoreline did justice to the effort levels shown by his team, but he will expect normal service to be resumed as the second division table-toppers look to maintain their perfect league run to four games.
Ahead of Sunday's trip to Borehamwood, Abrahams told JC Sport: "After last weeks Cup exit, I am looking for a positive reaction from my squad.
"We need to take the three points to keep our 100 per cent league record in tact and keep ourselves on course
for promotion which is our priority this season.
"Catford will not make it easy for us and we will have to be on top of our game to get the result we need."
The Cats are licking their wounds after a heavy defeat against Athletic Bilbaum in the cup but manager Jeff Gotch told me his players are ready to go again as they look to secure their first win of the campaign.
He told JC Sport: “So it’s the big one and I’m looking forward to this week.
“I know some of the Scrabble boys and am looking forward to testing ourselves against what I would describe as the favourites for the league
“It’s been a tricky start for us as a new team but we are looking sharp in training and if we can transfer that to a Sunday then there is no reason we can’t beat anyone in this division.
“It’s vital for us to get some points on the board and we will be going for it
“We’re only missing two players this week so we can have no excuses – we know we need to start fast and maintain 100 per cent focus throughout.
“Selection has been difficult again this week as I’ve had to once again leave five players out of the squad completely and with another eight away, we are not short on numbers. But the 15 I have chosen know how important this week is. Let the battle commence!”
Scrabble FC fans expect normal service to be resumed on Sunday, and so do I.
JC team news: Dan Zegze and Guy Ben Aroya miss out for the Cats.
Scrabble welcome back Mitch Green and Adam Newman in defence and Jonathan Peters in midfield - all three top players who were missing from last week's defeat. Dan Green is back in our squad for the first time this season following an injury.
Venue – Meadow Park, Ref – Mark Cowan, KO – 10am
JC star man: Danny Sherman (Scrabble FC)
DC Prediction: Catford & Bromley 0 Scrabble 4
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C vs ATHLETIC BILBAUM
I think Raiders quite like the fact that Scrabble FC and Lions B have been tipped as favourites for Division Two. That has eased the pressure on L’Orange for whom the signs look hugely encouraging.
Winning breeds confidence and with Nick Haringman, Will Ufland and Oliver Telvi on the mark in the cup against Fortune last week.
NLR’s David Domb told JC Sport: “Three wins from four games in all competitions, it's been an excellent start to the season for us. Easily the best in the four years Zack and I have been running this team.
“The boys have hit the ground running in some style so far. We've played some excellent football on the way and there's a really great spirit in the camp at the moment.
“Bilbaum might have stuttered in the early days of this season, but they'll be full of confidence after scoring seven last weekend. There's clearly goals in their team and we've got to be at our best to keep them out.”
Bilbaum have rediscovered their cutting edge in recent weeks. Julius Judah (2), Eliot Kindler, Jacob Brunner (2) and Ben Bell registered in the 7-2 mauling of Catford last week and they go into this game with their tails up.
Manager Nick Shinder told JC Sport: "Following on from back-to-back victories, we are looking to push on in the league.
“Having played NLR B last season we know that they have a strong team and we hope our newfound defensive solidity will dominate what will be a tough and competitive fixture."
The Baums won’t mind being labelled underdogs on Sunday but I think NLR will have just too much on the day.
JC team news: Alex Elf is set to return for NLR after missing the win over Temple Fortune. Nick Haringman is out, while David Domb and Luke Goldsmith face late fitness tests.
Venue – Ark Academy, Ref – Martin Fox, KO – 10am
JC star man: Rob Rodney (Bilbaum)
DC Prediction: Raiders 3 Bilbaum 2
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FC TEAM C vs L’EQUIPE
Nick Stern hopes the dreaded JC Manager of the Week curse doesn’t strike again when his side visits FC Team C on Sunday.
They were outstanding from front to back against double winners Raiders A but the challenge now is to get them playing to that level week in, week out.
Coach Andy Smith, the tactical brains behind last week’s performance, led from the front with both goals in a 3-2 defeat – a result that left L’Equipe fans dreaming, as many had long written them off for a hefty defeat.
Ahead of Sunday’s trip to Mill Hill. Stern told JC Sport: “After a very enjoyable and strong showing against Raiders A in the cup last week, it is back to the grind of the league this Sunday.
“We have had many an encounter with FC Team C before and know that they will be well organised and tough to break down.
“We don’t care how it happens, but all that matters is that we come away from Mill Hill with maximum points this Sunday to make it three on the spin in the league.
“We have a full squad to choose from with the exception of L’Equipe legend Josh Lewis who is getting married on Sunday. Of course Josh will be delighted to tie the knot, but we all know very well that if we get beaten in the morning, his day will be ruined. We’ll be doing everything we can to make sure it’s a day to remember for Josh for more than one reason.”
FC Team fell short against Hendon last week and player-manager Michael Myers is hoping for a big reaction. Their season hasn’t really got started but they will need to be on their game against a L’Equipe outfit who will make their intentions clear from the start.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Barry David
JC star man: Rob Simmons (L’Equipe)
DC Prediction: FC Team 2 L’Equipe 3
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MACCABI LONDON LIONS B vs TEMPLE FORTUNE
Having tipped Lions for the title, I have to back them to win on Sunday.
They put on a good show against Oakwood last week only to be undone by the brilliance of MGBSFL top-scorer Jacob Richler Kleiman. But they won’t be up against someone of his calibre this weekend.
Manager Samuel Marchant told JC Sport: “After last week’s loss, we look to immediately bounce back and continue our winning ways in the league.
“We were unlucky at times last week and with a change of that, along with eradicating errors, there is no reason why we can’t get a victory against Temple Fortune.
“In contrast to us, Fortune arrive at Rowley Lane after three losses in a row, so I’m sure they will be raring to try and turn their ‘fortunes’ around.
“Although it’s very early in the season still, we know that teams lower down the table always push that extra bit harder against teams higher than them in the league, so we will be prepared for a battle at times.
“If we manage to get the ball down and play the football we have been playing over the last couple of weeks, there is no reason why we shouldn’t pick up the three points.”
Fortune’s cup adventure ended at the first hurdle against Raiders C. Adam Lenz maintained his excellent goal-a-game record but they were second best on the day.
The first 20 minutes are key for Fortune on Sunday. The Lions have genuine goal threats in several positions and I can only see one winner.
JC team news: Lions starlet Daniel Mattey remains injured and is expected to be back by the end of the month. Benji Weinberger returns after a week on the sidelines with an ankle injury.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Darryl Colmans, KO – 10am
JC star man: Daniel Fattal (Lions)
DC Prediction: Lions 4 Fortune 1
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FAITHFOLD C vs REAL HENDON
Rob Shooman wasn’t a happy man last Sunday for a couple of reasons. Faithfold bowed out of the cup and against their B team. They certainly haven’t had the luck of the draw in recent seasons.
But Shooman has been in the game long enough to know that it’s only the next 90 minutes that matter. One defeat in four is a solid enough foundation in the league but it’s vital they go on a winning streak if they are to realise their manager’s ambitions.
And with players of the calibre of Dan Kosky, Dave Sherman, Josh Barnett and Dan Gordon, they have a rock solid spine and will provide Real Hendon with a real test.
The Hendon boys will never have a problem scoring goals. But much depends on how they defend. Starting on Sunday.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – Steve Levy
JC star man: Leor Harel (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 3 Real 2
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