With another team folding, it's been a tough week for the MGBSFL, but the crunch Premier Division tussle between Oakwood A and an out-of-sorts Hendon United Sports Club A is expected to lift the gloom. Danny Caro looks ahead to all the action on Matchday 14 of the season.
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LATEST NEWS:
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PHOTOGALLERY: HARMEN vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A
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DANNY CARO’S MATCHDAY 13 AWARDS
PREMIER DIVISION TEAM OF THE WEEK
DANNY CARO'S PLAYER OF THE WEEK: JAMES GERSHFIELD
DANNY CARO'S MANAGER OF THE WEEK: RICKY LAWRENCE
GOAL OF THE WEEK - JOEY LAZARE (Brady Maccabi) - with the score at 1-0, he received the ball on the edge of the area and curled it beautifully into the top right corner to equalise for Brady
CARO'S SAVE OF THE WEEK - DALE BRADMAN (Oakwood A) - a last-ditch tackle in the final minute which was worthy of winning any match
QUOTE OF THE WEEK - DAVID GARBACZ (Hendon Utd SC A) - "Alex Levack is a great signing for Harmen. Mind you he played for Lions against us last week, Harmen this week. I presume he’ll be signing for Oakwood in time for next week’s match!"
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PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND 3 DRAW
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP QUARTER-FINAL DRAW
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
LEAGUE TABLES
DANNY CARO'S PREMIER DIVISION TEAM OF THE WEEK
TOP-SCORERS
15 - James Gershfield (Harmen)
12 - Dovi Fehler (Hendon A)
FAITHFOLD A vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
While his team-mates were having a nice shluff in bed or Chanukah shopping at Westfield, Daniel Garfinkle was doing what he does best - banging home a hat-trick for the club’s B-team.
Garfinkle was a contender for my November Player of the Month award and I expect him to put down his marker for December in Edgware on Sunday.
Indeed RJC’s end-of-year programme features what many of their fans believes are winnable matches against Camden Park and FC Team A, so it really is an important period for Jon Jacobs and his merry men.
And it wouldn’t surprise me if Jacobs puts down a strict curfew and shtups the bouncers at Faces a fiver to ensure his players aren’t out after hours …
Faithfold put their league woes aside last time out when they dumped AFC Flixton out of the Peter Morrison Trophy, but it’s crucial they start producing that level of performance in the league, before it’s too late.
With their B-team folding this week, that might enable Dan Beresford to add some players to his squad which needs bolstering in attack, as four goals in eight games would tell you.
Having come through tricky tests in the shape of Hendon, Harmen and Oakwood unbeaten, I think the east Londoners will prove far too strong on Sunday.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – Andy Myerson
JC star man: Ryan Cole (RJC)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 0 Redbridge 3
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FC TEAM A vs HARMEN
While James Gershfield continues to steal the headlines for Harmen, the acquisition of Alex Levack is real backpage news for me.
Levack has seen it, been there and done it at Maccabi League level and higher and his big match experience and quality can take Harmen to the next level. Indeed it was the perfect reposte to losing Jake Gottlieb.
Silverware is the minimum requirement for Harmen this season, and they now have the squad to achieve their goals. They swept Hendon aside like a team possessed and will be relishing locking horns with a talented FC Team.
Harmen joint-manager Joe Marsh told JC Sport: “After a great Harmen Chanukah party last week, our boys turned up Sunday morning and put in a great performance which was faultless and totally dominated.
"This team is getting stronger and stronger, and with the additions of Dominique Cheniart and Alex Levack, who have performed to the highest of standards which myself and my fellow mangers seek, it has been a pleasure to watch and be a part of.
"We are not getting carried away with our run of form and saying we are going to win this and that, but if you buy a ticket for the raffle you have a chance of winning, as long as we are up there come the latter part of the season we have a chance.
"Sunday is another test for us as we face the ‘Jewish Messi’ from what I have read. Fortunately enough for us our squad is littered with comparables. Max Shields playing like De Gea, our defence is looking like AC Milan’s formidable four of the early noughties, the midfield is in a the same ilk as Les Invincibles - strong , fast and creative - with Gersh playing like the Torres of old, and even Sammy Castle has been compared to Diego Costa, but I think that’s more down to his looks rather than his playing style!
"But with all jokes aside, it’s going to be a very challenging game for us they are going the throw everything they have at us and we will have to be alert and put in the same level of performance we did last week against Hendon. “
But Team won’t be losing any sleep over Harmen. They usually raise their game against the top sides and with David Joseph Cohen bang in form, Ben Gilbey’s boys cannot wait to go toe to toe.
Yoav Lebens was another star performer in the 8-2 demolition of Blizzard Storm last week although he will have his work cut out in a congested midfield engine room on Sunday when it’s a case of he who dares wins.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Martin De La Fuente
JC star man: Alex Levack (Harmen)
DC Prediction: Team 1 Harmen 2
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A vs OAKWOOD A
Oakwood have worked incredibly hard to get to where they are now – both on and off the pitch – although I can’t work out if this a good time or not to be playing Hendon in the clash of the titans.
For the second time this season, Kyle Bentwood was their match-winner in a 1-0 win. His clinical finishes against FC Team and last week Camden Park have put the Oaks in a strong position to kick on, but on Sunday their challenge is arguably more mental than physical as defeats against title rivals Redbridge and Hendon will show you.
But Oakwood expect Hendon to come at them hard from the start. Joint-manager Dan Kristall told JC Sport: “We know how difficult this game will be – Hendon are without doubt the pre-match favourites and will be eager to bounce back after a tricky few weeks.
“They are wounded and although many pundits may think this could be the week to play them, I totally disagree. I think they will approach this game with a point to prove.
“We must start performing on the big stage if we are to compete for trophies and that begins this week. If we bring our A-game, we will have every chance of taking the points.
“We look forward to what will hopefully be a great game.”
Hendon boss David Garbacz must be considering seeking the advice of faith healer Eileen Drewery after a rollicking in one Jewish paper this week. But knowing him as I do, he’ll probably blue-tack it to the dressing room door and order his players to read it word for word before setting foot on the pitch.
Truth be told, standard have dropped in the Hendon camp but the squad will be mightily relieved to see a familiar face back to bolster their ranks.
Ahead of kick-off, Garbacz told JC Sport: “It is now all about proving to ourselves that we are still a top team to be reckoned with.
“Our recent form has been awful but we have often been the architects of our own downfall.
“This week it is positive, positive all the way – we have nothing to lose with the pressure off as far as winning the league is concerned.
“We are absolutely delighted to have Dave Seitler back this week for his season debut – we have really missed his arrogance, pace and skill and hopefully he can lead us to a much needed win.
“We have big players missing yet again and Oakwood will be extremely tough as they always are.
“As long as we can cut out our own errors hopefully this week will be the one when we start to turn things round. “
Looking at Hendon’s absentees, I’m going to put my neck on the line and go for an Oakwood win.
JC team news: David Garbacz lamented “another very bad week for injuries and unavailabilities”. Ari Last, Rafi Kon Ari Nevies and Dovi Fehler have all been ruled out. On the “huge plus-side,” Moses David Seitler is in town and will play his first game of the season.
Oakwood welcome back Sam Cantor from international duty in the States and Alex Lee in contention to make his full debut after making a substitute appearance last Sunday. They also have a couple of injury doubts but they will leave it until as late as possible before making a call on those players.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Martin Lavender
JC star man: Alex Lee (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Hendon 1 Oakwood 2
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MACCABI LONDON LIONS vs CAMDEN PARK
There’s no bigger game than Lions away in the MGBSFL. Getting up on a Sunday morning to play at Rowley Lane is what it’s all about, and that exactly what David Pollock and Adam Klein will be telling their troops pre-match.
Objective number one – securing enough points to end any lingering relegation fears – has almost been achieved. The Lions already have four wins under their belt but slowly, slowly is the attitude.
Camden have a near-identical record to Lions, but the goals have dried up for them a little of late and they have slipped down the table in recent weeks.
But manager Will Castle had some encouraging news from the treatment room during his midweek press conference.
He told JC Sport: “After a run of bad results, the game against Lions is or chance to put that right.
"After going through a major injury crisis the past few weeks, we have some huge moral boosting news in the camp.
"Rob Hershkorn returns to the side after a lengthy spell out with a broken foot, we have desperately missed his goals and leadership.
"To get our season back on track nothing but 3 points against lions will be an acceptable result."
I don’t think there will be much between the teams, but can see the Lions nicking it late on.
JC team news: As well as Hershkorn, Camden also welcome back Ben Harris, Jordan Silverstone, Yoel Deal and Luke Brookner.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Neil Cooper, KO – 10am
JC star man: Adam Abadi (Lions)
DC Prediction: Lions 2 Camden 1
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A vs BLIZZARD STORM
I've got Raiders down as one of my Super 6 this week – and if you’re looking for a coupon buster here you can jog in.
Having moved top of the table with a comfortable 4-0 success over Faithfold last week, I expect Raiders to have the points wrapped up long before the final whistle.
They are sharing the goals around, which is the sign of a good team, and it’s really hard to spot a weakness. Man for man they have clear superiority, but manager Rob Richman is taking nothing for granted.
He told JC Sport: “Back in early September we played Blizzard and narrowly won the game 2-1. They defended expertly that day and we had to remain patient to break them down and win the game.
“I’m expecting more of the same this weekend. Blizzard will look to hit us on the counter so we must be wary of that and we also must make sure we are clinical when chances present themselves.
“Jon Green and I have been delighted with our consistency so far this season and that is going to be crucial for the rest of this calendar year and going forward into 2016.”
Blizzard boss Simon Linden loves a deal and he’s always on the look-out for a bargain. But on Sunday he’ll have more luck finding one in Brent Cross than at The Ark.
JC team news: Ricky Engleman and Ben Joseph return, Nick Lewis faces a late fitness test and Ben Ellis will be pushing for a start after his starring role off the bench last week. Alex Bloch and Josh Pistol both miss out.
Venue – The Ark, Ref – Laurie Benson, KO – 10am
JC star man: David Dinkin (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Raiders 4 Blizzard 0
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
14 - Jacob Richler Kleiman (Oakwood B)
13 - Reiss Mogilner (Brady Maccabi)
BRADY MACCABI vs BRIXTON OLD BOYS
This is game two on my selection – another home banker.
Brady continued their unbeaten run against Raiders last week, with Reiss Mogilner back on the goal trail. No-one is quite sure what happened in the cup against SPEC FC the previous game but they have their mojo back and will go for the jugular from the off on Sunday.
There’s an abundance of quality throughout this Brady team and they will be looking to make a statement of intent against a Brixton team devastated by the news that their recent 7-0 demolition of Faithfold will be tippexed from the record books.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – John Nitka
JC star man: Josh Newman (Brady)
DC Prediction: Brady 5 Brixton 1
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OAKWOOD B vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B
Bouncebackability is the name of the game for Oakwood who are still smarting from a shock defeat against SPEC FC.
On Sunday they face a Raiders B team against whom they ended their hoodoo in their most recent meeting.
It’s clear Jason Stein is a winner and I’m sure his pre-match pearls of wisdom will lift his troops to produce as much as they lift me.
He told JC Sport: "I won't lie DC, it's been a rough week following our first defeat of the season against SPEC. I cancelled the day at the races the lads had planned for Monday and we were all hurting.
"But the beauty of football is you have a quick opportunity to put it right. And as we approach the festival of lights, I'm absolutely certain my lads will light up St Albans on Sunday morning against Raiders.
“We've got the big Chanukah night out later in the week and we want to hit the town on the back of a win.
"Raiders B have had their issues this year, but I never take anything for granted against them. Any team in orange will always be competitive.
"As for us, the squad decisions right now are brutal. Every week some big names are being left out and perhaps that level of chopping and changing played a part in the loss against SPEC.
“However, the focus is clear now: picking a 14 that will us this game on Sunday and keep us in the title hunt."
Raiders B can’t buy a win at the minute. They’re scoring goals but conceding them too, but manager Jonathan Adelman will stay true to his beliefs and keep his team playing on the front foot. It’s the only way he knows …
But that might just play into Oakwood’s hands …
JC team news: Dan Geey will return in central midfield for Oakwood.
Venue – Nicholas Breakspear, Ref – Neil Cohen, KO – 10am
JC star man: Dan Geey (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 3 Raiders 1
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SPEC FC vs FC TEAM B
FC Team B have six games in hand on high-flying SPEC FC but with trips to Hertswood and Woodford before the turn of the year, three points are crucial on Sunday.
The SPEC FC boys are buoyant are ending Oakwood B’s unbeaten record, though manager Ricky Lawrence is aware my JC Manager of the Week curse could strike again.
His team were crushed 4-0 by Team earlier in the season when goalkeeper David Grossman, Richard Salmon and Adam Rones found the net.
So with revenge on their minds, here’s what Lawrence told JC Sport: “We have nearly a full fit squad to choose from and I've got some tough decisions to make.
“Confidence is high in the camp at the moment. Although FC Team haven't played much football, we know what a good side they are and what a tough game it's going to be."
Team are one of the few teams who won’t have goals or points chalked off as a result of Faithfold B folding. This can have a demoralising affect, believe you me.
Team are superior to many sides in the division and SPEC FC will have to pull out all the stops to keep their excellent run going.
Venue – Hertswood, Ref – Martin Fox, KO – 10am
JC star man: Gideon Moss (Team)
DC Prediction: SPEC 1 Team 2
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WOODFORD WANDERERS vs REAL SOSOBAD
Woodford and Sosobad are two teams who will be docked points following Faithfold B’s withdrawal from the league, with Real hot-shot Dan Orgel unfortunate to have a hat-trick chalked off.
The teams drew 2-2 although the Woodford management were incensed they were not awarded a late penalty.
After a weekend off the Woodford boys are feeling refreshed and ready to go for Sunday.
Kay told JC Sport: “Harrison Midda, Tom Alexander, Paul Biller and James Ryan will all be looking to continue their impressive runs in front of goal, and on a bigger, grass pitch we’ll be hoping to inflict some damage on SosoBad.
“We’re joint top of the league and can go up to seven points clear of SosoBad with a win on Sunday, I don’t think the boys should need much more motivation than that, and as you know we sadly lost our friend and legendary ex-manager Paul Hyams last week, so a win would be a fitting tribute for him from the boys.”
Sosobad haven’t won a league game since October 11 but manager Dan Shafron has great confidence in his players and the prospect of another derby is sure to lift them.
They showed great character to come from a goal down twice last time out against Woodford, but they might find things a little tougher second time around.
JC team news: Woodford remain without injured pair Adam Shafron and Andy Levy. Darryl Green returns to the squad after a heated exchange of words with Daryl Kay, but he understands that “the team comes first and he’s not the fastest in the borough anymore!”
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – Daniel Fox
JC star man: Darryl Green (Woodford)
DC Prediction: Woodford 3 Sosobad 1
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
9 - Andy Smith (L’Equipe)
8 - Dan Gordon (Faithfold C)
BOCA JEWNIORS vs TEMPLE FORTUNE
The league’s bottom two teams are ready to lock horns as they look to end an early season points failure.
Little has gone right for both clubs results-wise, but both sets are players are ready to deliver on Matchday 14.
Boca’s Anton Nyman described Sunday’s meeting as a “must-win”. He told JC Sport: “We know we must score more goals. All I can say is thank goodness last season’s form striker is coming back to full fitness now, with Josh Webber back in the mix this weekend.
“We're desperate for the points, and desperate to score goals - we've been creating, just not clinical enough as of yet, so let's hope it all comes together this weekend and put our recent woes all behind us.”
Fortune boss Jonathan Cohen is happy with availability this week as they look to add to their early-season win over Catford.
He told JC Sport: “For the first time in a good few weeks we have almost a full squad to choose from.
“We are on a poor run but we know how big Sunday is from a pride perspective. We will be up for it that’s for sure.”
A win for Boca would lift them off the foot of the table and I am expecting to see a massive improvement from them.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Barry David, KO – 10am
JC star man: Josh Webber (Boca)
DC Prediction: Boca 2 Fortune 1
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CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS B
With games in hand on the top three, the Lions will look to flex their muscles when they take on the Cats in Borehamwood.
Revenge is the name of the game for the Lions who were scratched 4-1 by Jeff Gotch’s men only last month.
Joel Isaacs, Ashley Stokes, Danny Yeshua and Gotch himself fired the bullets that condemned the Lions to only their first defeat of the campaign.
Indeed Gotch was a contender for November Manager of the Month until Catford’s humbling by Real Hendon.
Looking ahead to Sunday, he told JC Sport: “So Danny after last week’s disappointment we are looking to bounce back against a strong Lions side.
“We are severely depleted this week and it has left me wondering what's happened to my players’ commitment.
“We are without six first teamers but still have a good squad and will give it a real good go.
Lions boss Sam Marchant knows Scrabble FC and Hendon United B have raised the bar sky high this season and they can ill-afford any slip-ups on Sunday.
Conditions at Meadow Park could be something of a leveller but I think Lions will have too much on the day.
JC team news: The Cats are missing keeper Guy Ben Aroya (pulled a back muscle), Ashley Stokes (working), Danny Yeshua and Tal Cohen (family commitments) and Daniel Zegze who has to decided to go away to “sunny Leeds”.
Venue – Meadow Park, Ref – Callum Foster
JC star man: Bradley Lander (Lions)
DC Prediction: Catford 1 Lions 4
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FC TEAM C vs ATHLETIC BILBAUM
The first meeting between FC Team C and Bilbaum promises goals.
Bilbaum gave a good account of themselves against leaders Scrabble FC last week and a similar effort could steer them towards win number four.
Team are missing a couple of key players but goalkeeper David Gordon sounded quietly confident of doing the business when I caught up with him earlier this week.
Gordon told JC Sport: “Having disappointingly had our game called off at the very last minute last week, we will be praying for some sunshine this weekend and looking for a good performance.
“We have played better than our results suggest but we need to start picking up points.
“A solid win will get some confidence back and we will be looking to go into the final couple of games before the winter break in a much better position.”
JC team news: Mike Myers and Jamie Cooper are still unavailable for Team, but Josh Cooper returns from a hamstring injury.
Venue – Aycliffe Road, Ref – Stuart Ansher, KO – 10am
JC star man: Elliott Kindler (Bilbaum)
DC Prediction: Team 2 Bilbaum 3
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C vs L’EQUIPE
Nick Stern laid down the gauntlet to Raiders after the recent cup match and the charity wager remains on the table in what some have labelled a bit of a grudge match.
L’Equipe have lost their momentum after three consecutive defeats, but Stern is adamant they can beat anyone on their day.
He told JC Sport: “We’ve had a bit of a lockdown in the L’Equipe camp in advance of what is without doubt our biggest game of the season.
“We have been on a disappointing run, and to be honest I blame your JC Manager of the Month curse on our recent results!
That and some poor discipline has meant we have not tasted success in too long now.
“However I am confident we can turn it around this week against Raiders and get our title push back on track.”
Messus Gothelf and Domb know a Raiders win would lift L’Orange to within two points of L’Equipe and I expect them to kick on in the new year.
Domb told JC Sport: “We may have plenty of games in hand but you don't always want to be playing catch-up.
“We've responded well to recent setbacks and we're starting to replicate the kind of football you'd associate with this team.
“This is just another chapter in the rivalry between ourselves and L'Equipe, and as always it seems to represent a must-win game.
“The boys were really up for the Hendon game last week so it's a shame that lost out to the weather. They've carried that same energy into this week and are determined to make it three wins on the spin.
Sunday will boil down to which team wants it most.
JC team news: Captain Liam Stein, midfielder Alex Goodman and forward Alex Elf all return, but Nick Haringman is unavailable.
Venue – Brunel, Ref – Elliot Mayer, KO – 10am
JC star man: Liam Stein (NLR)
DC Prediction: Raiders 3 L’Equipe 2
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REAL HENDON vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B
Hendon bragging rights are up for grabs on Sunday as former leaders United attempt to show their local rivals just who the real deal are.
The first meeting between the teams was rather one-sided, but I have a sneaky suspicion things will be closer second time around.
Avi Mocton, Benni Sluckis, Sammy Barron and Gab Saul registered in the first derby meeting in October, but manager Adam Glekin ensures me complacency won’t be an issue second time around.
Glekin told JC Sport: "Unfortunately I am unable to attend on Sunday, so I will leave the team in the capable hands of our most experienced player Gab Saul and our captain James Neidle.
“Real Hendon's good form has not gone unnoticed, so we are expecting a very tough game. We are looking forward to returning to our spiritual home at West Hendon Playing Fields and seeing a few familiar faces in the opposition line-up.
“We are disappointed to have lost top spot last weekend having had our game called off, but we are still in with a chance of the title and certainly have a great chance of a promotion spot, but we need to keep winning, it is very tight at the top."
Real have strung together three victories and have climbed up to third seemingly unnoticed.
But form goes out the window in a derby and it’s United for me.
JC team news: Sammy Barron and Josh Richman have both made Aliyah and are no longer available for selection for United. Gideon Barth remains a doubt but he is Hendon's only real injury concern. Bobby Benson should make his debut for the club, with Eli Shebson and Jacob Nevitt both hoping for further chances to impress.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Steve Levy
JC star man: Jacob Nevitt (Utd)
DC Prediction: Real 2 Utd 3
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SCRABBLE FC vs FAITHFOLD C
I have become a big Scrabble FC fan because I love the way they have a real go in games.
The Scrabble forwards do not have any problems with service - they have plenty of width and are vibrant and competitive.
But on Sunday they will face a very determined Faithfold team, possibly boosted by the presence of one or two of the B-team who folded earlier this week. Manager Rob Shooman would tear off his right arm to add the likes of Dan Howard or Ben Zloof up top.
If he could pair Josh Barnett with Howard at the heart of defence and Zloof with Dan Gordon in attack, they would be a totally different proposition all together.
But we can all dream. Scrabble FC did their good work in the summer transfer window and will reap the benefits again on Sunday.
Venue – Capital City, Ref – Robert Caplin
JC star man: Josh Sheridan (Scrabble FC)
DC Prediction: Scrabble 3 Faithfold 1
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