There's a full programme of league action in store in the MGBSFL, with the game of the day seeing title hopefuls Redbridge Jewish Care A and Harmen going head-to-head.
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WEEKEND PHOTOS
PHOTOGALLERY 1: REDBRIDGE A vs HENDON A
PHOTOGALLERY 2: WOODFORD WANDERERS vs FAITHFOLD B
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DANNY CARO'S QUOTE OF THE WEEK
DANNY CARO'S REFEREE OF THE WEEK
Neil Cooper (Redbridge JC A v Hendon Utd A)
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PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND 2 DRAW
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
SUNDAY CHALLENGE CUP ROUND ONE
NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A vs TRIPIMENI OLYMPIA
Raiders will be flying the MGBSFL flag in the SCC as they look to succeed where Hendon United failed and reach the second round.
L'Orange have been in glorious form thus form but I have a feeling they are in for their toughest test of the season.
Jordan Marks continued his excellent start to the season in last week's hard-fought win over FC Team, while manager Rob Richman was delighted to see David Dinkin on the scoresheet.
Richman told JC Sport: "The start of November and the start of a month jam packed with cup games; we begin with a very tricky Sunday Challenge Cup tie against last year’s finalists Tripimeni- Olympia. They compete in the K.O.P.A Cypriot football league, the same league as our opponents in the first round last year Cetinkaya Cinar.
"We know it’s going to be a really tough examination against a really good side but that’s why we have entered this competition – to test ourselves against the best.
"We managed to get to the second round last year and we hope to go further this year but first we must overcome Trimpimeni."
JC team news: NLR have "mixed news" this week with Ben Joseph and Jordan Marks both absent. Nick Lewis returns as does Alex Bloch.
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MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
CAMDEN PARK vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS A
Camden Park will be keen to prove to the rest of their rivals that they remain a force following a big defeat against Harmen last week.
They finished ultimately well beaten but gave a good account of themselves for periods of the match and will be desperate to return to winning ways.
Boss Will Castle told JC Sport: "Lions is a huge game for us and a real chance to bounce back after a bad display against Harmen.
"We've been working hard all week to make sure we are fully prepared for everything Lions will throw at us.
"It's bad news on the injury table for Camden. Leading scorer and captain Rob Hershkorn will be out until the new year with a broken metatarsal. It's unfortunate but we have good cover for him and I'm sure my players will step up to the challenge."
Lions were the latest team to beat Faithfold, with TJ Keterman and Aaron Spalter guiding them to a 2-0 win.
Managers David Pollock and Johnny Meltzer would've also been pleased with the clean sheet, although I expect Camden to give them a sterner test in a game where the first goal will be crucial.
JC team news: Yoel Deal and Guy Marks will also face late fitness tests for Camden but the good news is they can welcome Max Saunders back for his first start since the opening game of the season.
Venue – Capital City, Ref – Laurie Benson
JC star man: Max Saunders (Camden)
DC Prediction: Camden 2 Lions 1
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FAITHFOLD A vs BLIZZARD STORM
The bottom two go head-to-head at the Hive where three points will be massive for either side. I know we're only in October but some are labelling this a relegation six-pointer in a game where attack could be the best form of defence.
Blizzard produced a brave performance against Oakwood last week, succumbing to an 85th minute goal and manager Simon Linden will set his team up to be hard to beat once more.
Faithfold cannot buy a win at the minute. The Lions condemned them to their fifth straight league defeat and the two goals conceded means they have already leaked 25 times.
Sunday will come down to which team wants it most.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – Martin Fox
JC star man:
DC Prediction: Faithfold 1 Blizzard 2
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A vs FC TEAM A
FC Team beware of the Hendon backlash. That's all I'm saying.
After two tough away days, David Garbacz will be relieved to return to fortress Hadley FC as the Reds look to get back on track against Ben Gilbey's boys.
Hendon have conceded 10 goals in their last two outings and Garbacz has been working them hard on the training ground in a bid to iron out some defensive issues.
He told JC Sport: Just like winning becomes a habit so it would seem, does losing. This is the first time I can ever remembering losing two consecutive games and whilst we have had a shocking injury crisis, it simply has not been good enough and nowhere near up to the standards that are expected.
"Last week our defending was appalling at times and we have severely missed Alex Rosenthal and Ari Nevies in recent weeks, both of whom I hope to be fit for Sunday.
"At the moment any win will do – it doesn’t really matter how it comes as we look to re-build confidence for the rest of the season.
"The trouble with losing a game or two is that it leaves very little margin for error for the rest of the year and we know that only too well. We believe we can turn things round especially as we should have two or three much more experienced players back this week.
"We know FC team will be strong and battle hard but at the moment we need to concentrate on our own performances and if we can get back to anywhere near our proper standards then we should get back to winning ways."
Team gave Raiders a good test last week. They have a habit of raising their game against the big boys and no doubt, with Yoav Lebens up against his former club, they will be looking to get into Hendon's faces and push them to the limit.
But they are conceding a few goals this season and that's why I'm tipping Hendon to edge it.
JC team news: Yoav Kestenbaum should be fit to return along with Alex Rosenthal. Ari Nevies is still doubtful, Ari Last is out.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Mark Jacob
JC star man: Dovi Fehler (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon 2 Team 1
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A vs HARMEN
Match of the day sees new leaders Redbridge welcome title rivals Harmen, with the hosts still buzzing after their fantastic performance against Hendon last week.
Sam Sollosi produced the finest display a RJC player has given in recent history and he will be the man Harmen need to watch on Sunday.
Steve Summers also popped up with a moment of pure genius - give him an inch and he'll take a mile.
Brad Grant also stood firm in goal when Hendon threatened an equaliser, while Adam Hakimi was rock solid, as was Ben Sollosi in front of him.
Harmen are bang in form too. James Gershfield is scoring for fun while Dan Green is proving particularly dangerous, especially coming off the bench.
It's hard to call a winner but don't be at all surprised if this game is settled by another moment of magic.
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – Martin De La Fuente
JC star man: Steve Summers (RJC)
DC Prediction: Redbridge 2 Harmen 1
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
13 - Jacob Richler Kleiman (Oakwood B)
8 - Reiss Mogilner (Brady Maccabi)
TOP-SCORERS
9 - James Gershfield (Harmen)
8 - Rob Hershkorn (Camden Park), Dovi Fehler (Hendon A)
LOS BLANCOS vs REAL SOSOBAD
Bouncebackability is the name of the game for both Blancos and Sosobad following disappointing results last week.
Blancos were stunned into submission by lower league L'Equipe, while Sosobad were hit for six by Oakwood.
I expected more from Blancos this season and manager Jonathan Ison is determined to put things right.
He told JC Sport: "We're having a turbulent time of things at the moment, and we have a point to prove this Sunday.
"We know we can play good football, we know we can score, we know we can even defend... and those are key attributes in football. So long as we do all those three things on Sunday, we know we'll be fine... and then once the confidence starts, I see no reason why we can't recreate our great start to 2015 of eight or so games unbeaten.
"Jono Gaon is still finding his feet after 12 months out the game, and each game his sharpness is improving. With Jono, Adam Hersh et al, we know we should be out-scoring our opponents... and let's hope that starts this week."
Sosobad have been tight at the back this season, up to last week. All teams are allowed a bad day at the office and they have dusted themselves down and are ready to go again.
Manager Dan Shafron told JC Sport: "Our loss against Oakwood was a harsh reality check and the boys are still disappointed with the result.
"Too many goals we are conceding are down to individual errors and this is something we have to eliminate.
"However, we have to look at the positives and one in particular is that the first 45 minutes was the best we’ve played so far this season.
"We have to get back to winning ways this week. We know what Blancos are all about. We had a good game earlier in the season when we drew 3-3, however this was another game where we were the victims of our own downfall. If we want to stay within touching distance of the top, we have to come away with three points."
I'm expecting a high-octane affair and Sosobad to get over their blip.
JC team news: Dan Orgel, Scott Kay, Gary Tiller, Josh Cohen and James Law are back in the Sosobad squad and in contention to start. Richard Rosenthal also returns to make his first appearance of the season after a long injury spell.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Andy Myerson, KO – 10am
JC star man: Dan Orgel (Sosobad)
DC Prediction: Blancos 1 Sosobad 2
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FC TEAM B vs BRIXTON OLD BOYS
I've got this down as a home banker for obvious reasons in a game where I expect there to be a clear gulf in class.
Team have been playing together for a while and it's hard to spot a weakness in their set-up, on or off the pitch.
Richard Salmon was back to his best in the Morrison last week and he'll be looking to give the Brixton defence a torrid morning as Mitch Young's men aim to climb the table.
Ahead of kick-off, Young told JC Sport: "We are playing catch up in the league - having officially only played two league games we are chomping at the bit to build up some wins and start to put the pressure on the top two.
"We are confident on the back of a good victory last week and we cannot wait to get out on the pitch and fight for the three points.
"I was encouraged by the inter link play between Ben Binder, Lorian Madanes and Salmon on Sunday and I'm looking forward to seeing more attacking football on Sunday."
Brixton have only scored once in three games. This game doesn't come at a good time for the visitors who will be glad to hear the final whistle.
JC team news: Team should welcome back Richard Sternberg, Andy Sheena and Dylan Young. Richard Salmon faces a late fitness test.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Callum Foster, KO – 10am
JC star man: Dylan Young (Team)
DC Prediction: Team 4 Brixton 0
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OAKWOOD B vs FAITHFOLD B
The Oaks hope to finish the weekend clear at the top with three points order of the day against the Superhoops.
They have made a strong start and at the moment everything Jacob Richler Kleiman touches turns to goals.
Manager Jason Stein won't have to say much to his players before kick-off. They are raring to go. But he loves a chat with his friends at JC Sport.
"Afternoon DC. Come in please. HQ is quiet this week. With no game this weekend the A's have gone off to Saudi Arabia for the week for warm weather training. Of course they were turned away at passport control so they rocked up at Sherwood Forest instead.
"There's a lovely buzz about the squad at the moment and to go through September and October unbeaten is some achievement. It means we've reassessed our goals for the season and we're firmly gunning for the title.
"We beat Faithfold 4-1 just six weeks ago and we fancy ourselves again this week at Breakspear where our record in 2015 is exceptional.
"Nonetheless, it'll be a hard game. We know that. Ben Zloof is a player of real quality, Sam Reeves as well.
"There is no love lost between the sides and this is our fourth encounter in just 13 months. They came to us last year and grabbed a 1-0 win and the games are usually keenly contested.
"We're playing composed and clinical football at the moment and we're aiming to continue that on Sunday.
Faithfold can count themselves unlucky not to have come away from Woodford with anything to show for their efforts. Elliott Bloom's boys put in a real shift and he hopes his players get the bit of luck they deserve right now.
The key battle for me on Sunday is the one between Jacob Richler Kleiman and former Player of the Year Dan Howard. But I'm banking on another Oakwood win.
JC team news: Dan Ash returns after six weeks out following an injury he sustained against Faithfold last time out while Dean Caplin returns in goal. The rest of the squad is more or less unchanged and Jacob Richler Kleiman will be after goal number 14 (and maybe 15, 16 or 17)
Venue – Nicholas Breakspear, Ref – Neil Cooper
JC star man: Dan Ash (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 3 Faithfold 1
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B
Revenge is the name of the game for Redbridge on Sunday as they look to level the scores against a Raiders team who beat them last month.
Jake Gilbert and Josh Green fired L'Orange to a hard-fought win, but it would be fair to say RJC have picked up since then.
Jonathan Adelman's troops gave a good account of themselves at Brady last week, but they had no answer to the brilliance of Reiss Mogilner.
Adelman told JC Sport: "The story of our season continues with injuries and absences costing us at least a point last week against Brady (I had to play the final 15!) and it's no different this weekend. However, we will have new signing Josh Goldstein involved."
The Redbridge boys were also on the wrong end of a high-scoring affair last weekend, with Josh Orgel (2), Scott McKenzie and Jay Lawerence registering in the 5-4 thriller at SPEC FC.
Ahead of Sunday's meeting, RJC's Sam Rank told JC Sport: "The team are looking to get back on track after last week's two tale of two halves.
"If the can reproduce the first half performance against SPEC, they should be able to cause a big shock.
"The boys are very determined and are up for a big performance."
Man for man Raiders have the edge but if Redbridge defend well, a point is there for the taking.
JC team news: RJC welcome back the famous Richie Caplin to the squad. David Cohen is now out of action until December, with holiday travels. Other then these the the RJC are at full strength.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Neal Cohen, KO - 10am
JC star man: Richie Caplin (RJC)
DC Prediction: Raiders 2 Redbridge 2
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SPEC FC vs BRADY MACCABI
The acquisition of Zack Neiman is proving an inspired one for SPEC FC.
He bagged a brace in last week's epic win over Redbridge that eased the pressure on manager Ricky Lawrence, and put a smile back on his face.
The extra shooting practice also helped as the SPEC FC boys scored five times. But they will find things very different on Sunday.
Lawrence told JC Sport: "After a belter of a game on Sunday, we know Brady are going to be really tough opposition.
"We'll have to be at our best to to get anything from the game as Brady sit pretty at the top of the league.
"We've definitely got the ability now we have to start showing it more regularly."
Brady boss Josh Dagul made a refreshing statement following last week's thriller against Raiders. If you score five, we'll score six. That's certainly bring the fans back to the MGBSFL.
Reiss Mogilner is in the form of his life at the minute and the boys in red will arrive in confident mood as they look to pull clear of the chasing pack.
I think SPEC FC will huff and puff but Brady will blow their house down.
Venue – Hertswood, Ref – Martin Lavender
JC star man: Joel Reuben (Brady)
DC Prediction: SPEC FC 2 Brady 4
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
7 - Dean Rosenthal (ML Lions B)
5 - Will Ufland (NL Raiders C), Zak McLeod (Scrabble FC), Gav Noe (Real Hendon), Dan Gordon (Faithfold C)
CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI vs BOCA JEWNIORS
Goals are guaranteed in Borehamwood on Sunday as the Cats host Boca.
Catford have shown dramatic signs of improvement in their last two matches and they'll be confident of getting that first league win on the board this weekend.
Manager Jeff Gotch told JC Sport: "It's been nice to have a week off after a good victory last time out
"This week is a massive game for us and once again I'm left with a selection headache after no less than 20 players made themselves available.
"I have to say in all my years of being involved in the MSFL I have never met a more committed bunch and after our early-season social last week out in town we are closer than ever.
"So down to the serious business - we are at full strength bar Ashley Stokes - everyone is ready to go. We know it won't be an easy game but we are ready for the fight and nothing less than three points will do.
"We have scored goals a plenty in our fixtures but seem to be leaking them to easily so this week we will be looking to keep it tight at the back and hitting them where it hurts when we go forward.
"I know a bit about Boca and know where there dangers lie but unfortunately for them this week we will up for the challenge and start moving up the table."
Boca are performing at a good level, but they were unable to build on the recent win over Real. Back-to-back defeats to leaders Hendon and FC Team mean the Catford players are rubbing their hands.
Boca's Anton Nyman told JC Sport: "Last Sunday's loss really hurt us and we're determined to battle back from that.
"We have a few illnesses and injury niggles in the camp so hopefully those available will put in the top performance needed."
I'm sure the Cats will be looking to make a fast start and can see them eventually over-running Boca.
JC team news: The Cats are missing Ashley Stokes "who has decided now is a good time to take his summer holiday".
Venue – Meadow Park, Ref – Robert Caplin, KO – 10am
JC star man: Eli Baraty (Catford)
DC Prediction: Catford 4 Boca 2
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FC TEAM C vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS B
Having bowed out of the Morrison against FC Team's second-string, the Lions it's a case of second time lucky this weekend as they look to close the gap on the top two.
I've heard lots of good things about this young Lions pack who won't come up against a striker of the calibre of Richard Salmon every week.
Lions have cruised past tests against Temple Fortune, Bilbaum and Raiders, but joint-manager Samuel Marchant expects them to be pushed to the limit on Sunday.
He told JC Sport: “The great thing about the fixture this Sunday is that we are able to return to the same ground where we lost last week, and try to rid ourselves of our demons and get some sweet revenge.
"Obviously we are facing the C’s instead of the B’s who we faced last weekend, but we expect a very similar and tough task ahead. We faced FC Team C in the first round of the Cyril Anekstein so we know exactly what to expect and if we play like we did last time against them, we shouldn’t have too many problems.
"It’s important we regain some confidence this weekend so that we continue our positive start in the league.”
Team welcome back a couple of regulars to the squad that served them so well against Boca last Sunday.
James Milman and Josh Cooper registered in a hard-fought victory where they played their best football in the second half.
Team's David Gordon told JC Sport: “We want to build some momentum after last week’s result but we will have to be at our very best to take something from a Lions side who are in good form.”
I don't think there'll be more than a goal between the sides but can see the Lions nicking it late on.
JC team news: Daniel Mattey returns for Lions.
Team duo Mike Myers and Jamie Cooper both remain injured. Josh Cooper is unavailable.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Paul Dobkin, KO - 10am
JC star man: Daniel Mattey (Lions)
DC Prediction: Team 1 Lions 2
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B vs TEMPLE FORTUNE
Here is my second home banker of the weekend. Hendon are flying and Fortune are leaking goals, so it's a no-brainer as the league leaders look to continue their impressive run of form at Chase Lodge.
Hendon have won their last four on the spin and they are playing with great confidence and smiles on their faces.
Benni Sluckis is scoring on a regular basis and captain James Neidle is leading a very steady ship and tight-knit group that are going places.
Rob Benson helped secure a point for Fortune against Real, the other Hendon team in the division last week. It was a much-needed result following back-to-back 8-0 defeats.
Hendon manager Adam Glekin told JC Sport: "We're on a good run and playing well at the moment, but I felt we were complacent against Bilbaum last Sunday and that almost cost us dearly.
"Temple Fortune have struggled the last few seasons but we've always had very tight games with them so we won't be taking anything for granted."
Fortune enjoy playing the role of the underdog but I think there'll be no stopping Hendon on Sunday.
JC team news: Hendon's Gideon Barth and Gideon Caller have both passed fitness tests, and Glen Turner and David Reuben are also recalled to the squad. Ben Blackston will miss the game due to his honeymoon, and Ben David remains unavailable. Hendon keeper Yehuda Fink is missing for the first time this season, so player-manager Adam Glekin will fill in at the position - he played many years ago when he won the player of the year and league title with Sunday's opponents Temple Fortune.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Barry David, KO - 10am
JC star man: Jono Nesbitt (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon 4 Fortune 0
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L’EQUIPE vs ATHLETIC BILBAUM
L'Equipe have made real progress under Nick Stern this season and they will be in buoyant mood going into Sunday's meeting against Bilbaum.
Richard Alexander was the star of last week's cup giant-killing against first division Los Blancos. He was in the right place at the right time twice, including the winner in a famous victory.
But it's back to the bread and butter of the league as they look to turn their impressive cup form to the MGBSFL.
Boss Nick Stern told JC Sport: "Without doubt, we have been on one of our greatest runs for a number of years and the key points to stress this week is to keep momentum going.
"I have been stressing all week how important momentum is and we do not want to lose this as we return to league action this week.
"We have no doubt Bilbaum will be a tough test but playing at home, defending the fortress and with the return of a couple of key individuals we go in feeling as confident as ever.
"I just hope our successes over the past month are recognised as too often we are seen as the underdog, and teams now need to wake up and realise L'Equipe are a team on the up and have only one thing in mind and that is to win the league.
"They may seem like lofty expectations but with the phenomenal squad that I have at my disposal and stars throughout the team I feel it is only fair to expect the best from each and every one of my squad."
Bilbaum went down in a five-goal thriller against table-toppers Hendon. They were exceptional for the first 45 minutes but were unable to deliver the killer blow.
L'Equipe know how to play to their strength and if they remain composed in front of goal and can see them registering win number four.
JC team news: L'Equipe have a doubt over David Prager, and sadly two-goal hero from last week Scotty is prioritising his girlfriend and his 30th birthday over L'Equipe which means he will miss this week's game. However, they have both Mark and Andy Smith back from a well deserved rest as well as a return to the squad of the dangerous James Mandel and Jeremy Newton. Captain Mark Singer is also back and all players came through unscathed from last week as well as a midweek 11-a-side game that many played in.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Stuart Ansher, KO - 10am
JC star man: Mark Singer (L'Equipe)
DC Prediction: L'Equipe 3 Bilbaum 2
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C vs FAITHFOLD C
If you're looking for five-star entertainment this weekend, then this is the one to watch.
Both teams love to move the ball forward quickly and there are quality attacking options on both XIs to add the finishing touch.
Grant Waissel had a good day for Raiders last weekend and it's important he concentrates throughout in a game that will be won and lost in midfield.
I can see L'Orange causing the Superhoops problems down the wings but it'd be foolish to write Rob Shooman's troops off as they are packed with some big-hitters.
We've seen the best and worst of Faithfold in recent weeks but I think Sunday will be NLR's day.
Ref – Steve Levy
JC star man: Will Ufland (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Raiders 3 Faithfold 1
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REAL HENDON vs SCRABBLE FC
Scrabble FC go in search of their fifth league win against a Jekyll 'n Hyde Real Hendon.
Having put seven past one Hendon team already this season in Real, Ray Abrahams hopes his players can produce the good once again.
They produced a high-quality performance in the non-Jewish cup last week, a game in which Elliott Espinoza was nicknamed "the Crab".
The former Raiders man was top of the assists, though he came in for some unwarranted criticism as they were mainly sideway passes, a la Michael Carrick.
Zak McLeod has been rampant in front of goal, while Adam Pearlman goes into the game fresh from scoring his first hat-trick for the club.
Real will be disappointed after dropping points against Temple Fortune last week but that won't stop them playing the way they play.
Scrabble have one thing in mind - promotion - and I think they will have too much for Real on the day.
JC star man: The Crab (Scrabble)
DC Prediction: Real 1 Scrabble 3
