Double cup winners Hendon United Sports Club A will look to seal the treble when they take on North London Raiders A in the JC MSFL Premier Division tonight. Danny Caro looks ahead to the action.
JC MSFL MIDWEEK PREVIEW
NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A
The maths are simple. Beat Raiders and Hendon will be crowned JC MSFL champions.
The Reds last won the Premier Division crown in season 2006/07 and having failed to finish the job against defending champions Redbridge Jewish Care A last weekend, manager David Garbacz is determined to do the business in Borehamwood tonight.
A strike from Adam Bolle saw RJC come away with a deserved victory but Garbacz will be confident his troops can see off a Raiders team they thumped 4-0 in the corresponding fixture.
They also beat Raiders on their way to JC Cyril Anekstein Cup glory, although they left it late, with two wonder strikes from Greg Corin seeing them home.
Hendon finished strongly against Redbridge on Sunday but they looked a little jaded at times and the Hendon boss hopes the return of Avidan Last gives them a new lease of life and finally takes them over the line.
Looking ahead to the big match, Garbacz told JC Sport: “We got given a sharp reminder how competitive this league is with our defeat on Sunday.
“We have no G-d given right to win any game and in order to get ourselves over the finishing line we have to deserve it and play at our best whoever the opposition.
“There was a real disappointment amongst the whole squad with our performance last Sunday where we clearly turned up in bad shape and without the necessary focus. We lacked creativity and urgency and we must put that right tonight.
“Despite their league position, I am sure Raiders will want to go out of the Premiership on a high and show what they are made of and we have to be spot on if we are not to give ourselves some more wobbles.
“I am convinced the attitude will be right tonight and we hope to get off to a fast start and get back to our flowing best.
“We expect quite an open game and once and for all hope that the champagne can finally be taken off the ice come the final whistle. One last big push is required and we will be going for it.”
Raiders go into their final game with nothing to lose. L’Orange will look to enjoy the occasion and play some fantasy football, although the chances are they will be on the back foot for periods. Much depends on how well they defend, keep their shape and soak up pressure, although it’s worth remembering their last match was seven weeks ago.
Keeper Dan Cohen will be relieved to hear that Greg Corin isn’t playing while captain David Rhodes will do his best to ensure the team finishes on a high in my last game in the Raiders dugout.
Rumour has it that the Raiders management are considering replicating the old Spurs famous five formation, although that may turn into a Christmas tree, depending on how brave they feel. But having missed a large chunk of the season, striker Jacob Gold will be keen to impress and remind everyone in the crowd just how good he is.
Several other Raiders stars will be looking to cement long-term contracts with reports coming in that Danny Bloom is close to penning a new deal after an impressive season.
Garbacz’s champagne has been on ice for a few days now and he’s desperate to uncork it to ensure it doesn’t become vintage by next weekend’s match against Brady.
One thing's for sure. It will be emotional.
JC team news: Hendon have a fully-fit squad, with the exception of the injured Greg Corin and Ben Kon.
For Raiders, striker David Dinkin faces a late fitness test, while brothers Mark Leader and Matt Leader miss out. Long-term injury absentees Joe Tankel and Andrew McMasters are aiming to be fit for the start of next season.
Venue – Borehamwood 3G, Ref – M. Fox, KO – 8pm
JC star man: Avidan Last (Hendon)
DC Prediction: NL Raiders A 1 Hendon Utd SC A 2
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JC MSFL SEASON 2011/12 ROLL OF HONOUR:
Peter Morrison Trophy: Winners – Hendon Utd Sports Club A, Runners-up: Oakwood
JC Cyril Anekstein Cup: Winners - Hendon Utd Sports Club A, Runners-up: Brady Maccabi A
JC Barry Goldstein Trophy: Winners - UJIA, Runners-up: NW Neasden C
JC MSFL Premier Division: TBC
Division One: Champions: Oakwood, Runners-up - Brixton Old Boys A
Division Two: Champions: Hendon Utd Sports Club B, Runners-up - Camden Park
Division Three: Champions: Glenthorne Utd B, Runners-up - Shirley Park
Division Four: Champions: Brady Maccabi B, Runners-up - Athletic Bilbaum
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JC MSFL GOLDEN BOOT WINNER
30 goals - Craig Sandford (Glenthorne United B)
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VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
PETER MORRISON TROPHY FINAL HENDON A vs OAKWOOD
JC CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP FINAL HENDON A vs BRADY A
JC BARRY GOLDSTEIN CUP FINAL UJIA vs NW NEASDEN C
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PHOTOGALLERIES
PETER MORRISON TROPHY FINAL HENDON A vs OAKWOOD
JC CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP FINAL HENDON A vs BRADY A
JC BARRY GOLDSTEIN TROPHY FINAL UJIA vs NW NEASDEN C
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CUP FINAL REPORTS
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