Jordan Marks has been a game-changer for North London Raiders A this season. His inclusion in the squad softened the blow of losing Player of the Year Liron Mannie, who has been restricted to a bit-part role due to university commitments.
The majestic Marks is my choice for 2015/16 MGBSFL Player of the Year. With his team-mates dropping like flies against Harmen, he took on the dual roles of left-winger and striker, and tore the home defence to shreds.
Much like last season, one of the key reasons Raiders are champions once more is due to their strength in depth. But Marks tremendous pace and work-rate have helped take the team to another level, not to mention his goals.
The development of defender Josh Pistol is another factor. He has turned into one of the league’s top stoppers and it’s no surprise to see him also catching the eye in the Herts Senior County League Premier Division with London Lions.
But it has been the midfield area where Raiders have really come into their own this season, with Ricky Engleman, Ben Joseph and Jonny Kay the model of consistency. There are no weak links in there.
A mention too to some unsung heroes in goalkeeper Jake Doffman, Justin Spiro, Oscar Wagner and Alex Bloch, while David Dinkin has popped up with some important goals over the course of the season. And, as we saw in the recent Cyril Anekstein Cup, he’s as reliable as they come from the penalty spot.
With another double in the trophy cabinet, the treble beckons. Raiders are a wonderful example of a Maccabi League team on the up. Chairman Jonathan Adelman together with managers Rob Richman and Jonathan Green deserve plenty of credit too.
They have produced a team and club who play with great flair and class, on and off the pitch. And now their players are just 90 minutes away from being known as the Invincibles.
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