PMT final preview: NL Raiders pen pics

ALEX BLOCH – has spent much of this year adapting to a centre back role and what a season he’s had. Athletic, strong and powerful, he’s been a model of consistency and is a hugely respected member of the squad.

DAVID RHODES – Captain and an undoubted leader on and off the pitch. David has endured a frustrating season plagued with injuries from the start. Sporadically in and out, the boys have desperately missed him but he can now look forward to putting his injury woes behind him.

JUSTIN SPIRO – unassuming centre back with a sweet left foot and who deals with anything thrown at him with minimal fuss. Has had a couple of injury setbacks this season but is a terrific defender and an ever present in the squad over the years. 

ADAM GOLD – Uni student and new signing this season and what an impact he has made on the squad. Goldy has everything to be one of the best central defenders in Jewish football in years to come and a name to look out for in the future.

JONNY KAY – Vice-captain and another key player who had a lengthy spell on the side-lines. Tremendous battler and also a calming influence on the pitch. He was also the unexpected scorer of an incredible hattrick this season so don’t rule him out scoring a screamer.

ADAM JOSELYN – at long last, Jos has managed to play much of this season after an injury plagued couple of years. Box to box midfielder who can protect the defence just as well as he can join an attack. Scored the all-important goal against Manchester Maccabi in our last trip up north.

NICK LEWIS – the epitome of elegance with the ball at his feet. Can glide past opponents, has tremendous vision and can pick a 50-yard pass for fun. Set Raiders on their way in the Morrison with two outstanding goals in the third-round fixture.

DAVID NEZRI – Nez has probably been the unluckiest player this year with frequent injury setbacks. He’s slowly working his way back to full fitness and when fit, he provides excellent protection to the defence and leaves nothing in a tackle

ALEX MOSS – another name to look out for in the future with all the makings of captain material. Mossy has shown his class and talent whenever he’s been available. Another current uni student who will hopefully push Raiders on in years to come.

JORDAN NATHAN – youngest member of the squad and a player with a big future, Jordan has had a superb breakthrough season. His raw ability matched with his power, pace and energy makes him a genuine threat to any defence whenever he has the ball.

DAVID DINKIN – one of the longest servants at the club, Dinks continues to do what he does best – score goals. His penalty was the goal that got Raiders to the final and it was a moment he deserved. He’s been ever present and shows incredible commitment and passion week after week. Will go down as one of the great forwards in the MGBSFL.

OSCAR WAGNER – Another member of the uni clan and already Mr Raiders. Oscar continues to improve game on game. Whenever available for selection, he shows outstanding ability and is regularly at the heart of all attacking play with his pace and vision. Like Goldy, Mossy and Nathan, he will be central to Raiders’ future success.  

BEN ELLIS – Ben’s season came to an unfortunate end in February when he suffered an injury setback. He was having a super year with 10 goals in 15 games and is a big loss to the squad. Has so much quality and will be a welcome back next season.

MATT STOCK – One of the most integral members of the squad. Stocky oozes class and is so clinical in front of goal. Just as important to Raiders as Leo Messi is to Barcelona. An absolute joy to watch and gives the team a real edge in the final third.

LIRON MANNIE – another hugely integral member of the side. Liron has had an incredible season with 20 goals and 17 assists in 22 appearances. The Ronaldo of Raiders, he strives to be the best and has the talent to justify it

JORDAN MARKS – Last season’s MSFL Player of the Year and Raiders’ representative for Great Britain at this year’s Maccabiah Games. Jordan is a huge player for Raiders and has been an enormous miss for much of the season. Whenever available, his blistering pace and direct style of play gives any defence a torrid time.

DAVID COHEN – has been one of Raiders signings of the season and has had a superb first season for the club. DC shows versatility all over the pitch and has scored and created some superb goals. A huge asset to the side.

DANIEL SHAFRON (Manager) – Fresh from leading two GB sides last summer in Spain and USA, Shaf was appointed Raiders manager at the start of the season. After several set-backs to key players at the beginning of the campaign, the cup final is just reward for all the hard work he has put in this year.

BEN JOSEPH (midfielder/assistant coach) – side-lined by a knee injury that’s kept him out all year, Ben has stayed involved in the team by assisting Shaf. He has been a huge miss in the side and is looking forward to getting back on the pitch next season.

ROB RICHMAN (Head of Logistics) – Rob is a club legend. He has represented the club across all divisions in the MGBSFL and led the A’s to a historic double-double. He is an invaluable asset to Raiders organising every aspect behind the scenes for all three teams.

JONNY ADELMAN (Chairman) - continues to work tirelessly behind the scenes at a club with three representation in all three MGBSFL divisions. Looking for his first Jewish FA Cup victory, and rather happy with life after the recent north London derby.

ROTE TO THE FINAL:

Semi-final: London Lions Masters: 1-0 (David Dinkin)

Quarter-final: NL Raiders B: 5-2 (Matt Stock 2, Liron Mannie, David Cohen, Oscar Wagner)

Round 3: Manchester Maccabi: 1-0 (Adam Joselyn)

Round 2: Redbridge B: 4-3 AET (Nick Lewis 2, David Cohen, Jack Roberts)

Round one: bye

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