Much more than bragging rights will be at stake on Sunday when South Manchester Sports Club take on holders Manchester Maccabi in the quarter-finals of the Peter Morrison Trophy.
No sooner had the draw been made than did Maccabi joint-manager Stuart Delmonte start the mind games – describing South as strong favourites to win the competition.
Delmonte has taken a leaf out of the Sir Alex Ferguson book of mind games in recent times. Ahead of last season's trip to Rowley Lane, he told me he'd "park the bus" to win against London Maccabi Lions A. And prior to the tie against North London Raiders B in the previous round, he said "we may struggle to get out a team".
He was in top form, again, ahead of Sunday's big game and I'm sure his boys won't let him down on the big stage.
There are two other mouth-watering Morrison ties in the south-east. Division One title rivals Chigwell Athletic host leaders Oakwood, while Brady Maccabi A take on North West Neasden A at Rowley Lane. It is sure to be an emotional morning for Neasden old boys Jonny Ellis and TJ Keterman along with manager Josh Rosenfeld. Neasden will bring out all the big guns with Matt Davis, Craig Ellis and James Gershfield set to play.
The Jewish FA Cup is Neasden's most realistic chance of silverware and managers Darren Yarlett and Lee Cash are leaving nothing to chance. Yarlett said: "If the lads show the same attitude when we played London Lions then I do not expect many problems."
● Having made a shidduch for my sister-in-law not so long ago, I'm on a mission to help 12 Jewish football meet their perfect match.
To commemorate Valentine's Day, here is my Most Eligible MSFL Bachelor XI: Dan Cohen (North London Raiders), Gideon Moss (FC Team A), Adam Klein (North West Neasden), Adam Levine (Oakwood), Adam Hakimi (Redbridge Jewish Care), Josh Gordon (Brady Maccabi), Lee Platt (Brady Maccabi), Richard Slater (Chigwell Athletic), David Dinkin (North London Raiders), Jon Green (Brady Maccabi), Ami Wynbourne (Jewventus). Manager: Richard Bronzite (Redbridge Jewish Care).
● Gavin Alexander has been appointed manager of the Team GB Under 16 Maccabiah squad. Johnny Meltzer and Darren Yarlett will work alongside him as assistant manager and coach respectively.
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