There were some outstanding performances across the MGBSFL during November, so without further ado, I’d like to name my winners for the respective player and managerial awards.
Form-wise, there has been nothing to separate Norstar London Raiders A and Redbridge Jewish Care A. The teams drew 2-2 last month, with Adam Stolerman showing great composure with the conversion of a last-minute penalty.
Raiders have been rampant since the start of the season, while RJC, who have games in hand, have gone about their business in a calm, quiet and efficient manner.
The goals of Stolerman have been a major factor and that is the reason he’s my star man in the top flight. Richie Caplin has also been in top form for the east Londoners since Sam Rosenthal thrust him into the firing line.
So while NLR swept the board honours-wise in September and October, I’m happy to share the love and give the accolades to Stolerman and Rosenthal for ensuring the title race remains interesting.
The prizes stay in east London as we move into Division One. Mitch Hahn has been the star attraction for Woodford Wanderers in recent seasons, but Harrison Midda certainly stepped up to the plate pre-Chanucah. He has taken the weight off the shoulders of the red-hot Hahn, with manager Tony Charles getting the best out of him.
Having opened a five-point lead in Division Two, things are looking rosy in the Norstar London Raiders B camp. Under manager Jonathan Adelman, the team is playing with great freedom and belief, and scoring goals for fun. Nicky Woolf has been at his brilliant best, finding the target from all directions. L’Orange have been in irresistible form, notching up big wins over London Haroldeans and Athletic Bilbaum, as well as crucial points against Faithfold B and FC Team C.
Jewdinese have been unstoppable in Division Three, with Darren Lawrence’s troops are unbeaten since mid-October, with victories over AC Whetstone, King Crown (twice) and Faithfold C. Player-wise, there has been little to choose between NLR C’s duo Grant Waissel and Jake Yudelowitz. Waissel has kept clean sheets in three of his last four games, while manager Zack Gothelf believes Yudelowitz is "possibly the best centre back in the league". But as a member of the keeper’s union, I’m giving it to Waissel.
* This week’s column is dedicated to my father – a man who loved athletics and boxing, but never ran away from a fight. He passed the test of life with distinction and I will miss him dearly.