Matchday 20 of the season features some stand-out contests, with Hendon United Sports Club A taking on Redbridge Jewish Care A in the Cyril Anekstein Cup, while there's a mouth-watering double-header in store in Division One title rivals Woodford and Oakwood B go head-to-head and Brady Maccabi host FC Team A.
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JC WEEKEND COVERAGE
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SEE MORE MGBSFL PHOTOGALLERIES
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CUP DRAWS
PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND 3 DRAW
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP QUARTER-FINAL
HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
A bumper crowd is expected for the meeting of two former League Cup winners as Hendon welcome Redbridge.
David Garbacz’s men were back to their best against Blizzard Storm last week, although it took the concession of a goal to wake them up.
The showed good imagination, creativity and patience on their way to a 4-1 victory, with Dovi Fehler back among the goals.
But Redbridge will pose a very different challenge in what I expect to be an open game. Looking ahead to it, Garbacz told JC Sport: “It is no secret that for us it is all out assault on the cups this season, with our league campaign not going according to plan.
"We have a fantastic record in both cup competitions in recent years and we are desperate to keep that going this season.
"Consequently Sunday’s game assumes even more significance than a normal Hendon/Redbridge game would do.
"We are not totally at full strength – if anything we were stronger when the game was originally scheduled but whatever happens we will play this week as there is a 3G booked as a back up to Hadley should the rain kick in hard.
"We need to tighten up considerably – even in last week’s victory we were still far too open at times for my liking, and a team like Redbridge would capitalise on that.
"We were so poor in the first half against them earlier in the season but I really think you will see a different Hendon on Sunday – we have huge incentive – we are all really looking forward to what will no doubt be a highly committed, highly skilled match where hopefully we can show at last this season that we still have what it takes.
RJC haven’t played a competitive game in over a month but Jon Jacobs would have been working his team hard to ensure fitness levels remain high.
Sam Sollosi was the star man when the teams met in October’s seven-goal thriller and his head-to-head with Hendon talisman Greg Corin will be the one to watch.
Steve Summers looked sharp on duty for Chigwell Masters last week, while there is also speculation that Dean Nyman could be involved.
It’s hard to call a winner but Hendon have saved their best form for the cup this season so I will back them to edge it.
JC team news: Rafi and Ben Kon are away – Moses Seitler is unavailable. Everyone else is fit.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Richard Jaye
JC star man: Russell Corin (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon 2 RJC 1
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MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
16 - James Gershfield (Harmen)
11 - Dovi Fehler (Hendon A)
FC TEAM A vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A
Nyv Bogaire got Raiders out of jail last week and manager Rob Richman isn’t expecting things to be much easier against FC Team on Sunday.
The youngster found the net with virtually the last kick of the game to maintain NLR’s unbeaten league record, although their 100 per cent record has gone.
It will be interesting to see just how much the Oakwood match took out of the NLR boys mentally and physically. Having struggled to get to grips with Josh Rose, they could find the going just as tough against opposition featuring Yoav Lebens and the Weisz brothers.
Ahead of kick-off, Richman told JC Sport: “Sunday sees another tough test against a very underrated FC Team side. We very much hope the weather stays fair and we get the game on as it’s been quite a while since we have had back-to-back league games.
"Though we were disappointed not to continue our winning run last weekend we were pleased to stay undefeated. Our aim this week is to better last week’s performance and hopefully the result will then follow."
Team were at their Sunday best at Rowley Lane last week. Shim Bensoor destroyed the Lions defence in a game where Kane Gilbery and livewire Bar Hariely grabbed the goals.
Head coach Ben Gilbey told me they “controlled” the game and he will be looking for a similar performance against the league leaders.
David Dinkin and Jordan Marks registered in NLR’s 2-1 win over Team but Richman will need no reminding that Gilbey’s boys won the corresponding fixture on a day when Raiders lifted the title.
On their day, FC Team can beat anyone in the MGBSFL, but consistency has been an issue. It hasn’t for Raiders who are hard to beat and I expect them to take another big step towards retaining the title.
JC team news: Jonny Kay returns and there could be a debut for Australian Jonathan Rochwerger.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Robert Benardout
JC star man: Jonathan Rochwerger (NLR)
DC Prediction: Team 1 NLR 2
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MACCABI LONDON LIONS A vs HARMEN
Bouncebackability is the name of the game for a Lions team reeling from a below-par performance against FC Team.
A rocket from James Gold could not save them in a 2-1 defeat in which they had Ed Bloom to thank for keeping them in it.
Ahead of their first meeting with Harmen this season, David Pollock and Adam Klein will be looking for an improved performance and hope the defence is back to their best.
Harmen’s last league game was in November. They’ve beaten teams at both ends of the table and can go into Sunday’s tussle full of confidence and belief.
The Harmen boys know maximum points would take them back above the Lions and I can see them turning on the style at the Lane.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Martin De La Fuente
JC star man: Adam Arnold (Lions)
DC Prediction: Lions 1 Harmen 2
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OAKWOOD A vs CAMDEN PARK
It is hard to stop Oakwood at the moment – they were literally seconds away from a famous win at Raiders last weekend, only to have three victory snatched from under their feet.
But managers Dan Kristall, Ric Blank and Alex Schock won’t allow the players to feel sorry for themselves. The performance showed how far they have come and that they have no reason to fear any team in Jewish football.
There were a number of eye-catching performances, including two-goal hero Dave Woolman, man-of-the-match Josh Rose, Dale Bradman, Alex Lee, Lee Warner and Kyle Bentwood.
If anything they should use the display as a springboard to for the run-in, which promises much.
Kristall told JC Sport: “We go into Sunday’s game with a few injury doubts so that squad will be tested to its max.
“As disappointing as last Sunday was, it was a really impressive performance and we were seconds away from beating the league leaders. It must now be used as the platform to move us up the table and we firmly believe that it will.
“We know that Sunday’s clash will be tough against a good Camden side who will be looking to make amends for the cup game from a few weeks ago.”
Camden ended their goal-scoring crisis with three of the best against Redbridge last week, but I can see them being forced on to the back foot for long spells on Sunday.
Oakwood are firing on all cylinders and they will want to go into their Morrison meeting with Leeds with a good win under their belt.
JC team news: Jordan Sherne in line for his debut after his January transfer window signing from Leeds. Dave Woolman is looking to add to his goal tally and Jonny Blain looking to pull off more heroics in goal.
Venue – Nicholas Breakspear, Ref – Neil Cooper
JC star man: Lee Warner (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 2 Camden 0
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
20 - Reiss Mogilner (Brady Maccabi)
17 - Jacob Richler Kleiman (Oakwood B)
BRIXTON OLD BOYS vs SPEC FC
SPEC FC have improved in attack this season and they will be confident of completing back-to-back wins when they visit Brixton.
They have beaten all the teams below them and also picked up a couple of memorable wins against their fellow promotion rivals and they go to Clowes with nothing to fear.
Player-manager Ricky Lawrence told JC Sport: “After a couple of weeks off we'll be hoping to shake off the cobwebs easily enough.
“We're yet to take on Brixton this season so we don't really know what to expect.”
Brixton picked up another useful point against Raiders B last week – manager Robert Silverman was delighted with the intent with which they attacked, but they were hamstrung by some uncharacteristic defence errors.
But they are showing once again enough spirit to avoid relegation and won’t make things easy to SPEC.
But winning has become a habit for Lawrence and co and I although things won’t be straightforward, I can see them doing enough on the day.
JC team news: SPEC are “looking forward” to welcoming Paul Harris back into the squad after a lengthy absence.
Venue – Clowes, Ref – Martin Lavender, KO – 10.15
JC star man: Ashley Burns (SPEC)
DC Prediction: Brixton 1 SPEC 3
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BRADY MACCABI vs FC TEAM B
Josh Dagul isn’t hitting the panic button following Brady Maccabi’s first league defeat of the season.
Few could’ve predicted the severity of last week’s defeat against promotion rivals Oakwood, but Dagul knows that even the best can have an off-day.
But they couldn’t have asked for a tougher next match than FC Team. There’s no time for the physical or psychological scars to heal as they will be in the firing line once again.
Team came through a battle of their own against Sosobad on a shocker of a pitch. By all accounts their opponents missed a sackful of chances, but keeper Yaacov Goldin looked sharp in goal. He could be busy again on Sunday.
Manager Mitch Young faces a big decision about where to play Danny Moss. He has excelled at full-back but last week reminded Team fans just how good he is in the final third as well.
Mossy’s partnership with Richard Salmon will test the meanest defence in a combination of pace and power.
If Brady aren’t up for it they could get another rude awakening in what is effectively a promotion six-pointer.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Andy Myerson
JC star man: Jon Breger (Team)
DC Prediction: Brady 1 Team 2
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REAL SOSOBAD vs FAITHFOLD B
Faithfold infuriated referee Neal Cohen last week with a late no-show and only time will tell how much they fancy a cold, dark morning in Essex.
They haven’t played in over a month and on Sunday they will come up against a Sosobad team smarting from a defeat against FC Team.
Manager Dan Shafron was left to reflect on the fact that striker Jamie Shaw left his shooting boots behind or else they would and probably should have taken at least a point.
But Shaw will have plenty of chances against a Faithfold defence low on confident, and I can’t see him or Real failing second time around.
Venue – 7 Kings High School, Ref – Daniel Fox
JC star man: Jamie Shaw (Real)
DC Prediction: Sosobad 4 Faithfold 1
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B vs LOS BLANCOS
Had RJC beaten Los Blancos in November, that probably would’ve ended relegation fears once and for all.
But a late leveller from Darren Russell in a 10-goal thriller kept the pressure on, and they haven’t quite recovered.
They also gave a good account of themselves against the leaders last week but fell just short.
Manager Sam Rank is confident his boys can do the business on Sunday. He told JC Sport: “The RJC B side felt very hard done by, with last week result against Woodford.
“The team played very well at times, and were unable to produce the final end product.
“The squad are very fired up this week, after another great training session, In the first game away to Los Bloncos the score was an entertaining 5-5. The defence is lot stronger and organised since the previous game, and I believe this game will be a tighter affair. I am very confident of good performance and three well-earned points.
Blancos will be feeling frustrated after last week’s scheduled match against Faithfold was postponed at the 11th hour.
They match Woodford last time out and another trip to Essex won’t scare them.
I am expecting an open game here too, because I don't think Blancos are a team who will try to close games down. That is just not the way they play.
They are dangerous on the counter-attack and I can see them coming away with a point from a thriller.
JC team news: David Dobrin will finally be making his RJC B debut. Carl Dobrin return from his scouting trip from Amsterdam, the squad is at full strength.
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – Keith Goodman, KO – 10am
JC star man: David Dobrin (RJC)
DC Prediction: RJC 2 Blancos 2
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WOODFORD WANDERERS vs OAKWOOD B
Having blown Brady away, it’s league leaders Woodford next for the rampant Oakwood B.
Bobby Abrams repaid a big chunk of his signing-on fee with a quality hat-trick in a wonderful team performance. Dani Dennison, Dan Seligman, Ben Polak, Carl Peters and Dan Geey also put in major shifts in a performance that left Jason Stein purring.
As one would expect, he was in jovial mood at this week’s media gathering. "Ah, DC. Just in time. See that box in the corner? It's the commemorative t-shirts that Alex Schock ordered for the club store. '5OR2Y JOEY, YOU SHOULD HAVE SIGNED FOR A BIG CLUB. A bit provocative but if it helps keep the club on a sound financial footing then I'm all for it.”
Looking ahead to Sunday, he told JC Sport: "Woodford away this week and I know we've had a lot of stick for announcing that we will fly to Essex rather than drive. But it's what is best for the players after a hard week on the training ground.
"We’re also pleased to announce subsidised travel for our vocal away supporters who have been simply terrific this season. Three trips to Essex is a lot of money and we're happy to dig into our pockets and give back.
“We’re confident heading into what will be our first match of the season against Woodford and I’m expecting a tough, physical test on a difficult surface.
“They’ll rightly fancy themselves as title contenders but I have been pinning up some newspaper cuttings this week. Not only did a rival newspaper predict we would lose to Brady, they also declared that "Woodford moved a step closer to securing the Division One title" last week.
“With the gap between us and them standing at just five points, with Woodford having played three games more, I doubt even Jerome and Daryl would be saying they’re close to securing the title.
“This is the second of two massive league games and we know a win would leave us in an amazing position. We’re going for all three points on Sunday, make no mistake."
Woodford’s derby win over Redbridge was much-needed and it has given the squad the perfect tonic ahead of another crunch clash.
Joint-manager Daryl Kay told JC Sport: “This week we have a huge game at home to title contenders Oakwood B.
“After a hard fought win against Redbridge on Sunday, we now have seven very, very tough games in our run-in to the end of season and each game can only described as a cup final.
“We know how good Oakwood are but Jerome and I are confident that we have the team and players to keep us top of the league and strongly in the hunt for the championship.
“Once again we have a full squad available and hopefully the weather holds out so that this ‘blockbuster’ game can go ahead.”
An Oakwood win would take them to within two points of Woodford. The game will come down to small details, but I can see momentum taking Oakwood through.
JC team news: Bobby Abrams misses out which is big blow but we're more or less unchanged from last week. JRK will lead the line and look for at least goal number 18.
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – David Lazarus
JC star man: Danni Dennison (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Woodford 1 Oakwood 2
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
15 - Zak McLeod (Scrabble FC)
13 - Josh Bloom (ML Lions B)
SCRABBLE FC vs L’EQUIPE
Scrabble lead the rest of the pack by 19 points as they aim to move three points nearer to their target of promotion which they set at the start of the season
Scrabble are looking to make it 10 straight wins at home as well this week at fortress Capital City and manager Ray Abrahams is confident his team can build on the excellent performance and result against Real last week.
He told JC Sport: “We are in a great position and one we could only have dreamed of at the start of the season, with eight games to play.
"It's a bit like a marathon runner who is out on his own so we have to constantly set ourselves some targets for the team to keep our motivation at the highest level.
"We've got some tough games ahead in the run-in but we don't look further than our next match and will take it game by game and see where it takes us."
A top four finish now looks L’Equipe’s best bet. They harboured ambitions of automatic promotion a couple of months ago, but an inconsistent run has seen them lose as many as they have won.
Consistency is the key now as they look to finish above both the Hendon teams, but it looks as though the fresh legs of Lions B and Raiders B will make things tough.
Indeed there is a certain symmetry to their record all round, having scored and conceded 33 times. They gave a good account of themselves against Raiders last week but will start as underdogs once more.
Boss Nick Stern told JC Sport: “After the disappointment of last week, we look to bounce back against the best team in the division - Scrabble.
"Firstly I must congratulate them for what they have done so far but what I have told my squad is that anything is possible.
"We only just lost to Raiders A, beat first division Los Blancos and if we play like we did last week (for the first 60 minutes anyway) we DO have a chance.
"Our squad showed brilliant fight and attitude last week but sadly a lack of quality was the difference in getting a well-deserved victory.
"I was extremely frustrated after last week but do believe we have the fight in us for the last 10 games to challenge each and every team in the league.
"We were able to secure the services of a L’Equipe legend this week and am glad to welcome back Daniel Scott who will immediately make a difference to the team. Sadly I am not able to play and Ian Baron is also out as he plans a wedding in Israel, however otherwise we have a very strong squad to choose from and everyone is pushing for a chance to finally beat Scrabble."
I can see L’Equipe huffing and puffing for 60 minutes but in the end Scrabble’s technical superiority will result in win number 15.
JC team news: Scrabble welcome back Andy Cohen from injury and Adam Waters whilst Josh Bentley is unavailable for this one.
Nick Stern and Ian Baron miss out for L'Equipe, but Daniel Scott returns.
Venue – Capital City, Ref – Callum Foster
JC star man: Dan Green (Scrabble)
DC Prediction: Scrabble 4 L’Equipe 1
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CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS B
Sunday sees the Cats and the Lions – there must be a good pun in there something – lock horns for the third time – the original contest was abandoned after 86 minutes due to a nasty injury.
Jeff Gotch cut a frustrated figure at full-time against FC Team last week after his Catford side allowed a two-goal advantage to go to waste. In the end they were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw.
I expect the visit of the Lions to lift the Cats, and Gotch told me they hope to finish the day with their tails up!
"Well after last week’s last-minute giveaway, we look to take our good form into a match with Lions.
"We beat them 4-1 at the Lane and were 1-1 86 minutes into the return leg when one of my boys picked up a nasty injury.
"We are all relishing the chance to lock horns with them again as we enjoy playing the so-called big boys and we know a win would be a massive message to them and the rest of the league.
"We have a full squad this week for the first time this and are really forward to playing against a team that look like they are going places.
"Lions are strong and will be out to cement second spot but we will be making life extremely tough for them.
"I expect the Lions to be tipped to win, but keep your eyes on this one it's set to be a screamer.
The Lions are now in a battle with Raiders for second place. Although the title remains undecided, it’s only a matter of time until the all-conquering Scrabble FC wrap it up, and even though Lions have a game in hand and are two points better off than NLR, boss Sam Marchant will be desperate for the points.
The Lions have won their last three games by convincing margins but I expect things to be a little tighter on Sunday.
JC team news: Catford welcome back Joel Isaacs, Ash Stokes and Jordan Grant, and they will unveil new arrivals Danny Bennaroch from Spain and Adam Balchak from Los Blancos.
Venue – Harefield 3G, Ref – Steve Russell
JC star man: Josh Nagli (Lions)
DC Prediction: Catford 1 Lions 2
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BOCA JEWNIORS vs ATHLETIC BILBAUM
The Baums have hit a bit of a rocky patch but the prospect of their first meeting with Boca will undoubtedly lift spirits.
There are still plenty of seats available for a contest between two of the league’s strugglers, although my sources have informed that Boca will be competitive.
If you think Bilbaum bashed Temple Fortune 11-0, Boca should be scared, but I’m expecting a much more even battle.
Venue – Aycliffe Road, Ref – Stuart Ansher
JC star man: Robert Rodney (Bilbaum)
DC Prediction: Boca 1 Bilbaum 3
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C vs TEMPLE FORTUNE
It could be along 90 minutes for Temple Fortune on Sunday when they make the trip to high-flying Raiders C.
Most people, myself included, have this down as a home banker. In fact it’s part of my Super 6 and damage limitation could be the best bet for Jonathan Cohen’s troops.
Indeed Fortune fans will be jealous of NLR’s fire-power and this is definitely one of those games where they should look to park the bus.
NLR showed great spirit and character to come from a goal down to beat L’Equipe last week. Strikes from Will Ufland,
Oliver Telvi and Marc Woolfe steered them to their sixth win of what has been a good season so far, and they can approach the business end with great optimism.
David Domb told JC Sport: “We need to forget Fortune’s results come Sunday as we have a job of our own to do.
"In a cup tie with them back in September they had us running for over an hour before we finally clicked into gear. That should be enough of a warning to highlight the dangers of what they can do.
"That said, the last few months we've really played some superb football. I can't fault a single member of the squad, they've all played their part and made sure we're well-placed for the second half-of-the-season.”
"Three points is all that matters now, and the aim to achieve our targets for the season continues."
If NLR breach the Fortune defence early on, it’ll be curtains for Cohen and co.
JC team news: Marc Woolfe and Alex Goodman miss out for Raiders, but David Domb could be in line for a return.
Venue – The Ark, Ref – Neal Cohen, KO – 10am
JC star man: Marc Woolfe (NLR)
DC Prediction: NLR 5 Fortune 0
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REAL HENDON vs FAITHFOLD C
Real Hendon were poles apart from Scrabble FC last week. I was expecting a far tighter contest but the gulf in class was clear for everyone at Capital City to see.
Chaim Gothold’s boys will be pleased to be back on grass this week for the visit of Faithfold in what promises to be a good, old-fashioned battle – Sunday morning football at its finest.
Revenge is the name of the game for the Superhoops who were crushed 5-0 by Real in October. The old guard of Chaim Gothold (2), Gav Noe (2) and Martin Smulovitch did the damage that day and Rob Shooman’s lads will be keen to redress the balance.
With games in hand, three points on Sunday will be the perfect laundpad to catch Hendon and show them who the Real deal really are.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Barry David
JC star man: Dan Gordon (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Real 2 Faithfold 3
More to follow ...
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DANNY CARO'S MATCHDAY 19 AWARDS
PLAYER OF THE WEEK - JOSH ROSE
MANAGER OF THE WEEK - JASON STEIN
GOAL OF THE WEEK - KANE GILBERY
SAVE: Jonny Blain (Oakwood A)
REFEREE: Keith Goodman (Hendon A v Blizzard Storm)