Sunday sees the semi-finals of the Cyril Anekstein Cup take centre stage as holders North London Raiders put their treble hopes on the line against FC Team A, while Hendon United Sports Club A host Oakwood A. There is also action in all three MGBSFL divisions.
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DAVID WOLFF ON THE FUTURE OF THE LEAGUE
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VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: RAIDERS C vs SCRABBLE FC
PHOTOGALLERY: RAIDERS C vs SCRABBLE FC
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JC PODCAST - DANNY CARO TALKS TO TONY GOLD ABOUT THE DECLINE OF JEWISH & GRASS-ROOTS FOOTBALL
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SEE MORE MGBSFL PHOTOGALLERIES
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CUP DRAWS
PETER MORRISON TROPHY QUARTER-FINAL DRAW
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YOUR WEEKEND REVIEW STARTS HERE:
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP SEMI-FINALS
FC TEAM A vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A
Rob Richman is ready to unleash former Shacharit Donetsk hot-shot Adam Ellis on to FC Team as Raiders look to reach the final of the League Cup for the third year in a row.
Ellis has returned from a gap year in Israel and is ready to make his mark for the cup holders who remain on course for the treble.
"We’re looking forward to Sunday's semi," Richman told JC Sport. "We were surprised not to draw Oakwood in all honesty as we’ve played them in the last two years at the same stage, but we’re expecting a very competitive game against FC Team.
"I'm very pleased with how our season has gone to date. Consistency has been very good. We’ve been missing our top two goal-scorers – Matt Stock and Liron Mannie - for most of the season, but haven’t really noticed their absence. Everyone has stepped up and we’ve just got on with it."
Reflecting on the 2-1 league win over Team earlier in the season, Richman described it as "a game of two halves". He said: "We went 2-0 up early. They pulled one back with 20 to go and made a good fist of it."
And he is taking nothing for granted ahead of Sunday's showdown. "They have a good mix of strong midfielders and quick forwards," he said. "They’re a good side so it will be a tough examination but one we’re looking forward to.
"They can mix things up as they’re one of the tallest teams in the league. They can go direct but they also have players like Shim Bensoor, Bar Hariely and two David Cohen's.
"But we’ll be concentrating very much on ourselves and if we play to our potential we should have more of the ball and if we take our chances we’re confident we’ll win the game.
"We must treat it like any other game. We’ve played a number of semi-finals over the years and just want to play the game rather than the occasion. FC Team haven’t been in this position before so I will tell the boys not to panic and just go out and enjoy their football."
Asked about squad news for the weekend, Richman added: "We've got quite a long injury list but we’ve coped with that admirably across the season. Captain David Rhodes is expected to return from broken arm towards the end of March. But we're delighted to have secured the signing of Adam Ellis. He scored 30-odd goals for Shacharit Donetsk last season."
Richman is confident his players can handle the label of favourites. He said: "We know we want to reach Anekstein final for third year in a row, but also have the utmost respect for FC Team.
"We’re favourites but that counts for nothing when first whistle blows. We've practised penalties at training this week but hopefully we’ll be able to settle it in 90 minutes."
Richman identified "potential match-winners" as Jordan Marks, "who has been sensational this season" and Ben Joseph. "He really makes things tick for us," said Richman. "It’s his last game for three or four weeks" before he goes on a work trip.
FC Team have nothing to lose on Sunday and although their league form has been up and down, they remain dangerous opponents for anyone in the league.
"Everyone in the camp is feeling quite positive," Team boss Ben Gilbey told JC Sport. "We were hoping for a kinder draw, against Oakwood or Hendon, because Raiders are the best team in the league and we knew we’d have to play them at some point. We’re looking forward to it immensely as it’s the biggest game most of the boys have ever played in.
Team withdrew from the Peter Morrison Trophy last week due to a shortage of players for their scheduled trip to Manchester and Gilbey told me his squad will have an added incentive to reach Wingate & Finchley.
He said: "I was gutted we failed to fulfil the fixture and the boys feel they have a point to prove. Had we beaten Heaton Park we’d have faced a second division team in the next round, with a great chance of reaching another semi-final, so I’ll be reminding the boys of that before the Raiders game."
And Gilbey is confident his players won't freeze on the big stage as they meet NLR for the second time this season. "Raiders in league was a hard-fought game," he commented. "We’ve had some really good games against them. We drew against them last season and I know their players well. It will be a nice game as they are a team who like to get the ball down. Their manager, Rob Richman, is a really nice guy who I’ve got a lot of time for. The recent defeat won’t have any impact on our chances. Sunday is our cup final – a one-off.
Gilbey predicts big things from the dangerous Bar Hariely this weekend. He added: "Bar is having a great season. We’ve only lost one match when he’s played. He’s also captain of the Nottingham University team and is someone who can make a real difference.
"Shim Bensoor is also having an excellent season, scoring important goals, while Rob Sanford is another massive player."
Asked about NLR's main threats, Gilbey said: "We're very wary of Ben Joseph and Matt Stock. We know we have to stop Raiders playing their game. Jon Weisz and Yoav Lebens will get stuck in and try and win the all-important centre midfield battle."
Indeed Gilbey and co may struggle to sleep the night before the game, and the manager predicts a 2-1 FC Team win, with Shim Bensoor scoring the winner against his former club.
As for me, I can't see past Raiders. They will look to impose themselves as early as possible and if they start to dictate a return trip to the famous Harry Abrahams beckons.
JC team news: Team have a full-strength squad of 16, who "are raring to go," with the exception of left-winger Kane Gilbery.
Raiders are missing captain David Rhodes, Alex Kaye, Adam Joselyn and Matt Stock but Adam Ellis has joined the squad. Oscar Wagner returns.
Venue – The Ark, Ref – Neil Cooper
JC star man: Adam Ellis (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Team 1 Raiders 3
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A vs OAKWOOD A
It's virtually impossible to separate Hendon and Oakwood - two absolute power-houses of the Maccabi League.
David Garbacz has been known for his mind games over the years and he was quick to point out that he has never lost to the Oaks during his six-year spell, and he's determined to keep that proud record intact on Sunday.
Garbacz told JC Sport: "We plan to play to our strengths and not get involved in a physical battle. Our confidence is back and we're playing well, and I believe that will help see us over the line.
"Oakwood are fantastic this year. They've given Raiders a couple of strong games and I see Dave Woolman as their biggest threat. Some of the northern boys they've brought in this season have been a step up, and they are particularly strong in defence."
Hendon remain on course for a cup double after beating SPEC FC 5-2 in the Peter Morrison Trophy last week and Garbacz believes they can approach the Oakwood game in confident mood.
"I expect them to try and flood the midfield and it's important we don't give away too many free-kicks in our own half," he said. "If we can emulate any kind of performance from the last few weeks - based on pace - I'm confident we'll progress.
"We've been nowhere near as tight at the back this season so there will be an emphasis on attack.
"If you're bringing the cameras on Sunday, watch out for Zac Lewis - a player with great technique and the potential to be our match-winner."
Oakwood have become one of the dominant forces in Jewish football this season and if they can overcome Hendon that would be a real statement of intent.
Ric Blank, Dan Kristall and Alex Schock have worked tirelessly to bring in some top-notch talent and they have quality and competition for places all over the park.
Now is the time for them to go from nearly men to the real deal. They are hard to beat, don't concede many and have the weapons to hurt Hendon.
Blank told JC Sport: "Sunday is what our season is about. You work hard through the summer, you work hard through the winter and now the big games are coming up. Hendon is a massive game. It’s huge. We have improved so much this season and our attitude and belief is great.
"Hendon realised in our two league meetings this season what they’re up against. The days of a mental edge have gone. It’s about who plays better on the day. The teams are evenly matched. It could be a cracker and it could be one of those semi-finals that we’re talking about for years to come.
"There's no favourite. We're happy as underdog or favourite. It doesn’t bother me or the boys. Hendon will want to win as their league season is effectively over. But we want to get to the Anekstein final, Morrison final and push Raiders all the way in the league."
Striker Dave Woolman was Oakwood's match-winner in the Peter Morrison Trophy last week. Blank added: "Our trip to Leeds took a lot out of the players emotionally. The match was played in a very aggressive environment, but the squad is physically in good shape.
"We look stronger this week. Alex Lee returns to the squad after being cup-tied. He is a great young player – one to look out for - and we hope to have Dale Bradman back – one of the stars of the season."
Oakwood have conceded the fewest goals in the Premier Division this season, with a new man in nets. "Jonny Blain has been a revelation," said Blank. "We lost Dan Cohen when he moved to America last year. He’s a top keeper, who will tell you that himself, and a great guy. It wasn’t an easy task replacing him but Rob Richman recommended Blain. He’s quality and great to have around. He made an unbelievable save in last minute against Raiders in the league."
Blank has the utmost respect for Hendon and he is aware of their major threats. "I’ve got a lot of time for Hendon as a team," said Blank. "They have a lot of pace, even more pace now compared to when they won the treble. We'll be wary of Yoav Kestenbaum, Ben Kon and Greg Corin, who is still a great player, while Ari Last is a great competitor.
"One of the reasons why Hendon have always been successful is as it's always been about the team. Everyone expected them to fall apart when Josh Lipman moved to Israel but they didn’t. They have experience in key areas including Alex Rosenthal in defence. We can’t let them dominate and can’t let Ari Last dictate."
As for how the match unfolds, Blank said: "It could become a bit of a chess match, but Hendon have been involved in some roller-coasters this season. I’m excited for the game and it could swing either way."
So what will messus Kristall, Schock and Blank be saying in the dressing room before kick-off? "Nobody remembers losing semi-finalists," said Blank. "If you get to the final you get a day out at Wingate, you get spectators and you get your name in the Jewish Chronicle.
"Last year we lost a semi-final to Raiders with last kick of game. No-one remembers how well you play and that’s what I’ll be saying to the boys.
"We’ve got an unbelievable spirit and belief this year. Our captain, Adam Levine, was injured 20 minutes into the first game of the season, but we’re still challenging which shows the strength in depth of the squad, and we can play. No-one can play better than us.
"We’re a pretty diverse bunch aged 21-35 from Manchester, Leeds, Cardiff – proud of where we come from, 100 per cent and no-one can take that away from us, but Sunday is about us."
Asked for his prediction, Blank concluded: "Woolman to score the winner. He missed a series of chances at start of year against Camden. But he scored the winner in Leeds which he absolutely loved so if I had to back one man it would be him.
"We practised penalties before the Morrison final two years ago but didn’t make much difference. We’re thinking about winning it in 90 minutes."
As I said at the top, it's impossible to split the teams. I can see it coming down to small details - a defensive slip or a moment of magic.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Martin De La Fuente
JC star man: Alex Rosenthal (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon 2 Oakwood 1 AET
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MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
16 - James Gershfield (Harmen)
13 - Daniel Garfinkle (Redbridge JC A – including 3 for RJC B)
HARMEN vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS A
Harmen will be looking to close the gap on Lions as the teams prepare to do battle for the second time in a month.
The Lions were head and shoulders the better team in the January meeting when Max Kyte fired a deadly double in a 4-1 win.
Joint-manager David Pollock would take a similar result on Sunday. He told JC Sport: “As our season starts to wind down - we only have three games left - it's going to be difficult to motivate the squad.
“We have had great fun this season and made huge progress, we have enough points to avoid relegation but far too few to finish in a top spot.”
“Therefore the message from Kleiny and myself will be to play the final games with a smile on our faces.”
Harmen will be looking to make a statement of intent ahead of their cup replay with Redbridge. They also have high hopes of a top three finish and will be looking to show the Lions just who is top dog.
I’m expecting a tight and tactical affair that finishes honours even.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Keith Goodman
JC star man: Ed Bloom (Lions)
DC Prediction: Harmen 1 Lions 1
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A vs CAMDEN PARK
Redbridge will be looking to move to within five points of leaders NLR when they welcome Camden Park on Sunday.
Jon Jacobs is looking forward to unleashing his “Holy Trinity” of a front three in the returning Dean Nyman and Steve Summers linking up alongside Daniel Garfinkle – a combination that could leave Camden boss Will Castle having sleepless night.
Camden showed great spirit and character in their last meeting with RJC – they trailed three times but came away with an impressive point thanks to goals from Josh Marks, Rob Hershkorn and Jordan Silverstone.
But if RJC score early I can see them running away with it.
JC team news: RJC are missing Danny Berg, while Jordan Sapler is still out. He is “working on being around for the Harmen cup tie on the February 28”. Jason Goldstein faces a late fitness test following injury sustained against Hendon.
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – David Lazarus, KO – 10am
JC star man: Steve Summers (RJC)
DC Prediction: RJC 4 Camden 1
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
27 - Reiss Mogilner (Brady Maccabi)
17 - Jacob Richler Kleiman (Oakwood B)
LOS BLANCOS vs FC TEAM B
FC Team B will be looking to get their promotion bid back on track when they travel to a Jekyl & Hyde Los Blancos.
Mitch Young’s troops were victims of a surprise defeat against Redbridge last week and the FC Team boss will no doubt be looking for a big reaction from his players.
Richard Salmon’s 11th goal in MGBSFL competition was the highlight for the boys in yellow and blue in a game where they were ultimately second best.
This is the start of a run of crucial games for Team – with trips to Woodford and Sosobad to follow before the return leg with Blancos.
Young know the visitors have excellent attacking options but he has weapons at his disposal to punish them at the back.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Callum Foster
JC star man: Jon Toby (Team)
DC Prediction: Blancos 1 Team 3
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OAKWOOD B vs FAITHFOLD B
Emotions will be running high at Nicholas Breakspear on Sunday, when I’m expecting a comfortable home win.
At this point I’ll hand over to Oaks boss Jason Stein. "Afternoon DC, glad to be back in league action in the first of three crunch league games in successive weeks.
“The mini-break has really clarified the title picture and we now know this title is in our hands. But it's up to us to make these games-in-hand count, starting with Faithfold on Sunday.
"But this is more than just any match. Because unfortunately for us, but fortunately for our title rivals, this will be the final appearance by Bobby Abrams before he jets off for pastures new. We wish him all the best of course and he will be missed by everyone at the club. He has 13 goals in his 11 appearances, including his last-gasp strike against Raiders B, a crucial goal against Team A, a simply amazing hat-trick against Brady and five goals in the Morrison on our way to the quarter-final. It's been special.
"Bobby is the type of character who always takes the time to chat to the doorman, the tea lady and the kitman. Never too big for his boots, always staying behind after training for extra shooting practice and the first to volunteer to do shirt signings at the megastore.
"Before the match this week fans will be asked to raise the placard on their seat to form the #ThankYouBobby mosaic. The number 10 shirt he has worn with distinction will not be retired because I want it to serve as inspiration for its next owner.
"Being a Sunday League manager is stressful at times, but players and people like Bobby make it all worthwhile. His goals and assists have been invaluable, his attitude infectious and his contribution nearly immeasurable.
"We want to win this game for him and make sure we can courier a title medal out to the US for him. #ThankYouBobby."
If you recall that infamous meeting between a title-chasing Liverpool, under Brendan Rogers – with Suarez, Sturridge and Sterling – and Chelsea. I don’t need to remind you what happened. But Faithfold must ensure they are not the side-show or Abrams will get the perfect send-off.
JC team news: Bobby Abrams and Jacob Richler Kleiman will tune up the band one more time up front while Dan Geey returns to central midfield.
Venue – Nicholas Breakspear, Ref – Martin Lavender
JC star man: Bobby Abrams (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 4 Faithfold 0
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B vs REAL SOSOBAD
East London bragging rights will be up for grabs on Sunday.
Redbridge go into the derby with their tails up following the terrific win over FC Team. Sam Rank and Richie Caplin are a meeting of minds and they got their tactics spot on against the promotion hopefuls.
The decision to play the Chernoff brothers as wing-backs worked a treat, while keeper Scott Shear excelled on debut.
Dan Shafron’s Sosobad also impressed on Matchday 22, with Fabio Revieccio – a blast from the past – and man-of-the-match Jamie Crawford impressing in the four-goal thriller against Brady.
More of the same will be pre-match shout from Shafron in a game that could go either way.
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – Martin Lavender
JC star man: Fabio Revieccio (Sosobad)
DC Prediction: RJC 2 Sosobad 2
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SPEC FC vs BRIXTON OLD BOYS
SPEC FC made a good fist of their cup match against Premier Division Hendon last week.
Many teams would’ve fallen on their swords after conceding inside the opening few minutes, but Ricky Lawrence’s boys did their manager proud.
With their cup hopes over for another season, it’s all about the league now for SPEC. The teams in and around them continue to drop points and three points on Sunday will certainly keep alive their hopes of automatic promotion.
Daniel Kuber was Brixton’s match-winner in the recent win over SPEC. Robert Silverman would love his troops to complete what would be their first league double of the season and that would banish any talk of relegation once and for all.
But I sense revenge will be in the air for SPEC.
Venue – Hertswood, Ref – Laurie Benson
JC star man: Ricky Lawrence (SPEC)
DC Prediction: SPEC 2 Brixton
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DIVISION TWO
DANNY CARO'S DIVISION 2 TEAM OF THE WEEK
TOP-SCORERS
17 - Zak McLeod (Scrabble FC)
14 - Danny Sherman (Scrabble FC)
FAITHFOLD C vs ATHLETIC BILBAUM
David Garson will lead Faithfold out at the Hive on Sunday on a day when the club will be looking to complete a league double.
Their B-team are massive underdogs against Oakwood, but Garson is relishing a crack at seeing if he’s still got it at Maccabi League level.
Dan Gordon and Dan Lowen return from Masters’ duty. Flash scored a cracker in the draw against Waldaf Town but he’s looking forward to returning to his favoured grass surface.
Bilbaum go into the game on the back of an excellent win over L’Equipe. Ed Green and Jacob Brunner maintained their good goal-scoring form in a game where Ben Cantopher also caught the eye.
I’m expecting an open and entertaining affair with goals aplenty. The teams recently shared four goals but I’m tipping the Baums to edge it second time around.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – Paul Dobkin
JC star man: Ben Cantopher (Bilbaum)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 2 Bilbaum 3
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FC TEAM C vs CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI
Both FC Team C and Catford & Bromley experienced disappointment on Matchday 22. Team were soundly beaten by Lions B while the Cats went down to Real Hendon.
Jeff Gotch put the Cats ahead last week but the player-manager voiced his frustration about his team’s inability to hold on to a lead. Gotch told me he already has one eye on next season and one or two players will be looking to impress to ensure they remain part of his plans.
And the Catford manager sounded in pretty determined mood ahead of kick-off. He told JC Sport: “Thursday morning and I’m still left wondering how we are not challenging at the top end of the league
“We are going to have to start picking up some wins because at the moment we look like we need it to lift things.
“I will be changing things up in terms of starting eleven to try and get a response from the lads and come midday Sunday that is exactly what would have happened.”
The first meeting between the sides was described as a “game of two halves” by FC Team’s David Gordon. The Cats bossed the first half but second-half strikes from Daniel Alfreds and Oliver Senchal ensured Team came away with something to show for their efforts.
Gotch added: “On Sunday we are playing a team we really should have beaten a few weeks ago when we were once again 2-0 up and ended up 2-2 with the last kick of the game.
“If we can take our chances and keep it a bit tighter at the back I have no reason to believe that nothing but a resounding win will come of it.”
A home win would take Team level on points with the Cats and that ultimately has to be the target for Gordon and co.
JC team news: The Cats are without Richard Adams and Joel Isaacs this week who will both be missed but Gotch has “14 who are more than capable of doing a job against any team in the league”.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Barry David
JC star man: Adam Belchak
DC Prediction: Team 2 Catford 3
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B vs L’EQUIPE
Hendon will be kicking themselves after missing the chance to close the gap at the top last week.
Rob Benson was always going to score against his former Temple Fortune teammates – it was written in the stars – but manager Adam Glekin was breathing a sigh of relief after Benni Sluckis got them out of jail with an equaliser in a 2-2 draw.
Indeed Sluckis and co still have fond memories of the first meeting with L’Equipe this season, when a super cameo from David Reid guided them to a 4-2 victory.
Gaffer Glekin was honest enough to admit his team “got lucky” so he will be looking for the result and performance on Sunday.
L’Equipe are on a bad run but manager Nick Stern won’t allow his players to feel sorry for themselves. I expect them to go for the jugular from the very first whistle and go for some early goals.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Neal Cohen
JC star man: James Mandell (L’Equipe)
DC Prediction: Hendon 3 L’Equipe 3
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MACCABI LONDON LIONS B vs SCRABBLE FC
Beat Lions and Scrabble will be the champions. Simple as that.
Ray Abrahams' boys showed real championship qualities against Raiders C last week - coming from two goals down to win a seven-goal thriller.
Goalkeeper Ben Law pulled off several excellent saves to keep them in the game before mercurial midfielder Elliott Espinoza fired a deadly double in a memorable win. Power-house Danny Sherman and livewire Zak McLeod added the gloss as Scrabble completed a notable league double.
More of the same will be order of the day from Abrahams who expects the Lions to put out a very strong XI.
Sam Marchant's troops enjoyed a big win themselves last week, with Josh Bloom maintaining top form.
Revenge will be on the minds of the MLL squad as they were beaten 2-1 by Scrabble earlier in the season.
They have bounced back well since then but they will need to pull out all the stops to put Scrabble's party on hold for a little longer.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Andy Myerson
JC star man: Adam Waters (Scrabble)
DC Prediction: Lions 1 Scrabble 2
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