The eyes of the Jewish football world will be on Rowley Lane on Wednesday night for the clash of the titans – Lions and Raiders - who are both just 90 minutes away from a trip to Wingate & Finchley to take on holders Hendon United Sports Club.
PETER MORRISON TROPHY SEMI-FINAL
MACCABI LONDON LIONS A vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A
Andy Landesberg will play his strongest possible hand for the visit of the defending MGBSFL champions in what promises to be one of the matches of the season.
Both teams have already secured a place in a cup final this season, albeit with Lions’s in a Saturday competition and treble-chasing Raiders in the Cyril Anekstein Cup – against Oakwood, the very team Lions beat in the last round.
There will be top quality on show in both camps, with NLR’s tried and tested formula up against MLL’s mix of young and experience.
Ahead of kick-off, Landesberg told JC Sport: “It will certainly be our biggest test in this Cup. North London Raiders are a well-organised well-run team, with some very talented players, many of who have played for me over the last few years.
“I can assure you we know this will be a tough test, although I believe we will see some really good football being played, Rowley Lane is in good nick, and the stand and the floodlights will add to the atmosphere of a great night.
“We will continue with the same theme of a number of the younger players in the squad, plus of course our more experienced players. Our squad on Saturday had an average age of 19.5-years-old, and I don’t seeing that being much different on Wednesday, even with the more experienced Andy Glynne and Josh Kennet.
“I hope we really go out and show what we are capable of, because I know North London Raiders will certainly do that.
“Everybody is excited at the prospect of getting to a second cup final this season, and as I have said on several occasions, this Cup is very important to this Club and we are very focused on getting to that important final stage.
“I really think you can expect an exciting night.”
Raiders have passed every test in Jewish football this season. But they are now faced with the biggest challenge of Rob Richman and Jonathan Green’s tenure. They would’ve done their homework and are well aware of the threats posed by former Arsenal star Austin Lipman, Max Kyte and Kennet.
Landesberg was a spectator at NLR’s recent league win over Redbridge Jewish Care, and he would’ve been impressed with what was on show.
Watch out for former MLL stars Ricky Engleman, Jordan Marks, Matt Stock, Ben Joseph, JJ Spiro, Ben Ellis and David Dinkin in the NLR ranks, with the clash between Engleman and Glynne definitely one to watch, as will the one between Jonny Kay and Lipman. It's important Kay is all over the ex-Gunner like a rash.
Richman sounded in determined mood when I caught up with him in the build-up to the tie, knowing his team is flying the flag for the MGBSFL. He told JC Sport: “The business end of the season is well and truly upon us now and for the next six weeks we have some vitally important and really exciting games.
“First up is the national cup semi-final under the floodlights this Wednesday evening. For a good few years now Lions have put out very strong sides in the cup competitions and it will be a great test of our abilities to see if we can match a very strong Lions Saturday side.
“Andy has done such a great job this season rebuilding the Saturday side and it’s no surprise to see them doing so well in the league and, like ourselves, already through to one cup final.
“The chance to play under the floodlights at Rowley Lane in a cup semi-final with hopefully a decent crowd doesn’t come round very often and it is one we are all very excited to be involved in.
“The game pits two of the best Jewish sides in the country together and it promises to be a great spectacle.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if the next Maccabiah squad is made up of a large majority of the boys on show on Wednesday evening so there is clearly no shortage of quality on either side.
“As ever we’ll be aiming to represent the MGBSFL in the correct manner and hopefully with the talent we have within our ranks and the right commitment and effort on the day we can make it through to our first PM cup final.
Lions made a flying start in an earlier round, when Charlie Kasler scored from the half-way line from kick-off, so Jake Doffman beware!
It’s virtually impossible to call a winner here. But I’ll put my neck on the line and tip my former club, Raiders. Two reasons – they have big threats on the counter-attack and the main pitch at the Lane will suit them. Secondly, they play together week in, week out and their spirit will help get them over the line. But Doffman and one or two of the unsung heroes will need to have the game of their lives.
Quite simply, it will come down to which team handles the occasion better, takes their chances and is up for it on the night.
Although PSG play Manchester City in the Champions League, this is the match I’ll be watching on Wednesday night. You’d be foolish to miss it.
JC team news:– Playing the game on the Wednesday evening has allowed Raiders the luxury of naming a full-strength squad. Matt Stock and David Dinkin return after missing the league game against Redbridge. Oscar Wagner is cup-tied.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
LIONS: James Harpin, Nick Landesberg, Zac Rose, Cameron Most, Jon Ellis, Will Beresford, Jake Hayman, Charlie Kasler, Andy Glynne, Max Kyte, Josh Kennet, Austin Lipman, Nathan Schindler, Adam Klein, James Gold, Richard Gold
RAIDERS: Jake Doffman, Alex Bloch, JJ Spiro, David Rhodes, Josh Pistol, Josh Morris, Ben Joseph, Ricky Engleman, Jonny Kay, Nick Lewis, Jordan Marks, David Dinkin, Liron Mannie, Matt Stock, Nyv Bogaire, Ben Ellis
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Andy Myerson
JC star man: Ricky Engleman (NLR)
DC Prediction: Lions 1 Raiders 2
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ALSO SEE:
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WEEKEND COVERAGE:
PHOTOGALLERY: RAIDERS C vs HENDON A
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: ML LIONS vs MET POLICE BUSHEY
PHOTOGALLERY: ML LIONS vs MET POLICE BUSHEY
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SEE MORE MGBSFL PHOTOGALLERIES
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CUP DRAWS
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN FINAL
North London Raiders A vs Oakwood A
Wingate & Finchley FC
April 17, 2.30pm KO
Officials: Referee - David Lazarus, Assistant-referees - Stuart Ansher, Bob Caplin. 4th official (reserve referee): Mark Jacob
PETER MORRISON TROPHY UPDATE
Hendon A will play the winner of ML Lions A vs NL Raiders A (who play their semi-final on April 6, 8pm at Rowley Lane)
FINAL: May 8 at Wingate & Finchley
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