There are several mouth-watering contests in store on Matchday 3 of the MGBSFL season, with defending champions North London Raiders A hopeful of registering their first three points, while Boca Jewniors are ready for their first outing of the campaign.
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VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS - RAIDERS B vs SCRABBLE FC
PHOTOGALLERY - RAIDERS B vs SCRABBLE FC
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DANNY CARO'S MATCHDAY 2 AWARDS
PLAYER OF THE WEEK - ROCKY SPITZER
MANAGER OF THE WEEK - JONATHAN ADELMAN & ZACK GOTHELF
GOAL OF THE WEEK - NICKY WOOLF
REFEREE OF THE WEEK: Dan Fox (RJC B vs Oakwood B)
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YOUR WEEKEND REVIEW STARTS HERE:
MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
DANNY CARO'S PREM DIV TEAM OF THE WEEK
TOP-SCORERS
3 - Zack Lewis (Hendon Utd SC A)
2 – James Berkley (Redbridge JC A), Sam Cantor (Oakwood A)
NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A vs FC TEAM A
Raiders are in danger of an unprecedented three consecutive defeat when they welcome FC Team on Sunday.
Capital City was a fortress last season but hampered by injuries and availability issues, they have had a real hangover with defeats to title rivals Redbridge and Hendon.
But they haven’t become a bad side overnight and will expect to register their first win on Sunday.
Boss Dan Shafron insists he isn’t hitting the panic button and he expects normal service to be resumed.
“It’s been a frustrating start for us,” he told JC Sport. “Playing against the likes of Redbridge and Hendon is a real test at any stage during the season, but it was made even tougher having missed five regular starters in our first game and seven regulars in our second game.
“It’s easy to make excuses. Yes, we’ve been unlucky with the timings of holidays and injuries but the situation is what it is. What we have to do now is focus on the task in hand and that’s getting back to winning ways ASAP.
Liron Mannie scored twice against Hendon last week but they were undone by a late goal by Yoav Kestenbaum.
Although they face a real threat in Richard Salmon and Ben Binder on Sunday, Shafron is confident his side will rise to the challenge.
“I’m happy that the boys are using the two defeats as motivation,” he said. “They are also seeing the situation as a positive challenge. This group have been used to being at the top early on over the last couple of years and now they have to show that they can get to the top a different way. They are all motivated by this and I wouldn’t expect anything less.
“Most of the boys who have been away or injured are now back and I know they are all up for the challenge and go in to the game against FC Team extremely driven.”
FC Team were hit for six in their opener against Hendon. But manager Mitch Young has been working his team hard and fine-tuning his tactics since.
Young told JC Sport: “We are looking forward to the game and although respect Raiders as champions, we know after two defeats in a row they will be fragile and we hope to exploit that and make it a very uncomfortable morning for them.
“The main challenge to my players is keeping them out defensively because we know we can score goals.
“We are going for our first win of the season and hoping to achieve this against Raiders Sunday.”
I’m predicting goals on Sunday, and a narrow Raiders win, although Young won’t mind the underdogs tag one bit.
Venue – Ark Academy, Ref – Martin De La Fuente, KO – 10am
JC star man: Liron Mannie (NLR)
DC Prediction: Raiders 2 Team 1
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SPEC FC vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A
Top visits bottom. This can only go one way. Surely. The form book says Hendon and I say Hendon.
Wins over FC Team and defending champions Raiders have put Hendon in good stead. Yes they have conceded five in two but they look like out-scoring any team at the minute. JC Player of the Week Rocky Spitzer oozed class against Raiders and I can see him enjoying another profitable morning in Borehamwood.
David Garbacz sat with chest puffed out at this week’s media gathering. “The squad is in an extremely confident mood after our excellent start to the season,” he told reporters.
“We had players away last week and again this week but we can still field a strong team this year, even with absentees which is very encouraging for our long-term prospects.
“We will be focused on keeping our good form going and nothing less than a win will suffice. We don’t know a great deal about SPEC but all Premier League games are tough and we will be expecting a decent battle even though they have had quite a tough opening.
“Two players have shone particularly brightly in early season, Rocky Spitzer and Zac Lewis and if they continue in their current form then we will be hard to beat this week.”
Ricky Lawrence knew this was always going to be a tough season for SPEC FC, and there have been no surprises yet in the matches against Oakwood and Brady who hit them for six last week.
Lawrence will be concerned about where the goals are going to come from. He told JC Sport: “Hendon seem to have hit the ground running whereas it's fair to say we haven't got off to the best start.
“We'll need to be at it on Sunday and need to shape up at the back. Hendon will be confident and we'll have to make life difficult for them."
Hendon are famed for their fast start and if they break through early they should win handsomely.
JC team news: Hendon are missing Moses Seitler, Avi Korman and Simon Peterman. Yoav Kestenbaum and Alex Rosenthal face late fitness tests. Greg Corin, Yoav Lebens and Rafi Kon return.
Venue - Market Road 3G, Ref – Neal Cohen, KO – 10.15am
JC star man: Avi Korman (Hendon)
DC Prediction: SPEC 0 Hendon 4
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WOODFORD WANDERERS vs BRADY MACCABI
Sunday will be a good test of exactly when Woodford are. Brady made an impressive start on their return to the top-flight and an intriguing battle is on the cards.
Woodford gave an excellent account of themselves against Lions on Matchday 1, but it’s the games against the likes of Brady that they must win.
The east Londoners were hard to beat last season but a defeat on Sunday would put them on the back foot.
“Three points is the aim for Sunday,” said joint-manager Daryl Kay in a rallying cry.
Jerome Marks and Kay are realistic about Woodford’s chances this season and they hope home advantage and a boisterous crowd will spur them on to victory.
Kay told JC Sport: “We know that we have to beat the teams that came up with us this year if we’re to have a chance to staying in the Prem.
“We beat Brady twice last season, both times pretty comfortably, but this is a new season a different situation for us both.
“Our last game against Lions was one of the best performances I’ve seen us give, and we will be looking for no less this week, especially on home turf.
“We’re missing a couple of key players this week but Jerome and I have confidence in all of our players and still believe we have enough to win.”
Reiss Mogilner took to the Premier Division like a duck to water last Sunday. He was in a league of his own, leading SPEC FC a merry dance in a one-sided contest.
Skipper Daniel Harrod looked right at home too but managers Josh and Eli Dagul know tougher tests lie ahead.
I think it’s fair to say we’ll know much more about Woodford and Brady come Sunday lunchtime.
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – Martin Lavender, KO – 10am
JC star man: Daniel Harrod (Brady)
DC Prediction: Woodford 1 Brady 1
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CAMDEN PARK vs OAKWOOD A
Both Camden and Oakwood suffered 1-0 defeats last weekend, but I'm expecting the bigger reaction from Oakwood this Sunday.
Managers Dan Kristall and Ric Blank believed they were desperately unlucky not to come away from the Redbridge game with something to show for their efforts. And I can't see Camden keeping them quiet for 90 minutes.
Camden gave an excellent account of themselves against Lions, and they were only denied a point by an inspired goalkeeping display.
But Oakwood are going for the title and they will make their intentions clear from the very first whistle.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Richard Jay, KO – 10am
JC star man: Guy Helman (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Camden 0 Oakwood 2
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DIVISION ONE
DANNY CARO'S DIVISION 1 TEAM OF THE WEEK
TOP-SCORERS
2 - Ben Chernoff (Redbridge JC B)
SCRABBLE FC vs FINCHLEY CITY FC
Champions Scrabble FC got a rude awakening at Raiders last week. They have recruited as well as any MGBSFL team over the summer, but hit the ground with a bump.
Zak McLeod’s equaliser was the highlight of a performance in which they didn’t quite do enough against an equally hungry and experienced Raiders side.
But manager Ray Abrahams fully expects normal service to be resumed against league new boys Finchley City.
'We hope to have two or three of our players back this weekend that were missing in last week's game at Raiders,” Abrahams told JC Sport.
“Having played that game with a makeshift keeper and key players missing we will be looking to pick up our first points of the season this weekend.
Abrahams will remind his players how far they have come in a short time as they were in the newcomers last season. Josh Pugh and Ben Bell looked sharp against Raiders, while mercurial midfielder Elliot Espinoza was here, there and everywhere. Striker Danny Sherman was well marshalled so he will be determined to prove a point and give the Finchley back-line a torrid morning.
Abrahams said: “We know Finchley City will be tough opponents and confident after their opening day win against Los Blancos and we will pay them respect.
“It is important that we continue last year’s home form when we only lost one game at Willesden and we need to make sure that we take the three points to kick start our season.
“We also don't want the gap to open up any more than it is between ourselves and the top two or three teams in our division.”
Finchley have had a decent rest since their dream start against Los Blancos. Josh Aziz, Yoel Deal, Moshe Fehler and Sam Leader were the marksmen in a memorable 4-2 success, but I expect them to find things harder on Matchday 3.
Boss Joel Holder told JC Sport: “We are expecting a tough game against Scrabble on Sunday. Many have tipped them to win the league, so this will be a big test for us against one of the best teams in the division.
“The coaching staff scouted Scrabble on Sunday and believe that the game could of gone either way.
“We are missing a few key players for Sunday. However, I have full confidence that the players who come in will be able to handle the occasion.
“We know Scrabble like to play the ball out of the back and have runners from midfield, so the boys need to be switched on and show the same level commitment and desire they had against Los Blancos.
“At the same time, we know we can cause them problems especially with the return of Oliver Sade and Shim Bensoor. The boys have been buzzing since week one and believe it will be a huge signal of intent to the rest of the league if we get a result on Sunday.”
Sunday is all about which team shows killer instinct in front of goal. I’m tipping Scrabble to edge it.
JC team news: Jamie Gurvitz, Yoel Deal, Yoni Benari and Daniel Polak miss out for City. David Cohen is rated 50/50, while Gav Kreiger is set to make his Finchley debut. Oli Sade and Shim Bensoor return for their first game of the season.
Venue – Capital City, Ref – Robert Benardout, KO – 10am
JC star man: Josh Bharier (Scrabble)
DC Prediction: Scrabble 2 Finchley 1
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OAKWOOD B vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B
Talk of the odds on Jason Stein becoming the first MGBSFL managerial casualty are pure nonsense. I mean how boring would all our Thursday afternoons and Monday mornings be without him. Just nonsense I say.
He didn’t seem quite his chirpy self after the Redbridge defeat, but I’m expecting a big reaction against Hendon on Sunday.
Stein was left shaking his heads after the 3-1 reverse and don’t be surprised if he shuffles his pack.
Speaking exclusively to JC Sport from his north-west London home, Stein said: “Morning DC, this is a week when I have begun to learn more about my players and the mental side of their game.
“I have been sitting in on the sessions with our sports psychologist and it has been very revealing.
"The attitude and response has been what I would call good since last Sunday and what has been a very disappointing start to the season. I see a determination to put things right.
“I think the supporters need to wake up a little bit as well. I see the tweets and listen to the phone-in and I think in this moment they are not realistic.
“Perhaps we overachieved last year and this has raised the expectations. The supporters have no idea just how bad a state the side was in after Ian. We are still rebuilding that. It takes time. Just because the players earn big money does not mean they do not care. Trust me I see that they care. You say that last season, first half of the season, they are a top side.”
Stein then launched a rallying call for home fans to stand up and be counted. “The supporters must get behind the players this weekend against Hendon and support them,” he said. “Even if they do not support me they must support the players. Some of them are on big contracts and will be here longer than I will be.
“This has been a difficult moment for me, my wife, my kids. It is not nice when my children are bullied in the playground because the team lose two games and my wife is not able to walk down Hampstead High Street without a supporter asking her who is playing centre back this weekend. She does not know. She just wants a simple life.” (Note to Editor: All character in this preview are fictitious).
Hendon have also started slowly, losing to Los Blancos and Redbridge. They were down to the bare bones with just 11 players available so don’t be overly surprised if heavy legs play a part against Oakwood.
Jono Nesbitt, Hendon's joint-manager told JC Sport: "We are looking forward to debuting our new away kit, seeing as the home kit still hasn't arrived. We have changed the logo and the sponsor and hoping this change up in kit will kick-start a change up in our performances.
"It was hard to be disappointed with the team last week as we gave a good performance just lacked on numbers. We will have a couple of subs this week, so fitness should not be an issue late on in the game.
"We feel this is a must-win game as we do not want be on the end of a three-loss streak. It's time we started to show the teams in this league why we deserved our promotion and to start playing football."
There’s no guarantees of a five-star contest, but Stein would snap off your right hand if offered maximum points. And I have a feeling his team will deliver. The important thing is they are right behind him.
JC team news: Veteran midfield great James Abrams will return to the side after missing the opening two matches while Rafi Bloom will make his first start of the season up front alongside Jacob Richler Kleiman.
Hendon are again without Adam Ellis and Gid Barth this week so will be looking for other players to step up and bring the goals.
Venue – Nicholas Breakspear, Ref – Robert Caplin, KO – 10am
JC star man: James Abrams (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 2 Hendon 1
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ATHLETIC BILBAUM vs LOS BLANCOS
Bilbaum were soundly beaten by Faithfold last week but they will look at this as a game they can win.
Defeats in their opening two games wasn't the plan but having lost key personnel over the summer it's still taking time for their new players to bed in.
Svi Freedman, Avishai Kestenbaum and Jamie Kutner secured Blancos's first win against Hendon last week.
Joel Minsky insisted the margin of victory should have been far greater and I'm sure they would've practised shooting in training this week.
Manager Nick Grosse is confident of recording back-to-back wins. He told JC Sport: "We expect to win every match this year so nothing changes there.
"We hope to build on last week's win and will be playing at the same venue as last week which will only add to the team's confidence."
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Martin Fox, KO – 10am
JC star man: Svi Freedman (Blancos)
DC Prediction: Bilbaum 1 Blancos 3
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FAITHFOLD A vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B
Raiders B are dark horses to win Division One following victories in their opening two matches.
They have claimed two big scalps in Oakwood and Scrabble and will travel to Finchley with their tails up.
Danny Bloom has made a terrific start, and it was great to see Anthony Shaw back in the mix.
They have great options up top, although joint-managers Zack Gothelf and Jonathan Adelman are delighted the goals have been shared around thus far.
He told JC Sport: "Once again our squad depth will come in to play, and we are very wary of the threat from Faithfold.
"They have some real weapons going forward so we will need to replicate our defensive work from the opening two games if we want to get another positive result."
A new-look Faithfold team looked the business against Bilbaum last weekend. Shai Davidi, Jamie Kent, Craig Cole and Mark Charles took their chances well in a 4-0 win that was as comfortable as it sounds.
Any team with Shai Davidi, Jamie Kent and Craig Cole will always be a threat, but they will have their hands full with a dangerous Raiders team.
Don't be surprised if this finishes honours even.
JC team news: NLR are missing Jacob Gold, Josh Goldstein, Si Buchler and Anthony Shaw. However, David Esterkin and Alex Elf return for NLR as do Marc Wolfe, Will Ufland, Alex Goodman and Richard Bloom. Lewis Blitz is back after helping the A's last weekend.
Venue – Christs College, Ref – Callum Foster, KO – 10am
JC star man: Marc Charles (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 2 Raiders 2
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DIVISION TWO
DANNY CARO'S DIVISION 2 TEAM OF THE WEEK
TOP-SCORERS
4 – Jonti Aremband (RCUK FC)
3 – Richard Fogelman (Faithfold B), Joel Lassman (Catford & Bromley Maccabi)
REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE C vs FAITHFOLD B
After a 7-0 thumping, a long trip to Essex is the last thing Faithfold want right now, but that’s what they must deal with.
Things looked so good on Matchday 1 but they were blown away by the magical Avi Markiewicz against title hopefuls RCUK FC last week. At times they were left chasing shadows.
Redbridge were efficient at both ends of the pitch against Real Hendon last week. Boss Josh Hambling was delighted his players executed his game-plan to perfection, with strikes from Oli Hambling and Jimmy Castle securing the points.
Hambling described his team as winners in his pre-match press conference. He told JC Sport: “After last week’s opening game victory, the lads have been pretty jubilant all week.
“They have a winning feeling inside them all be it one game but as any footballer knows confidence is major part in keeping a winning streak going.
“This week Faithfold come to sunny Essex and apart from Richard Fogelman and one or two other faces, I haven't a clue what to really expect. The only stat in our favour is that the team’s RCUK beat when they score seven we seem to beat the following week!
“We'll just concentrate about our game and I'm looking for a faster start this week as it took us half an hour to realise there was a game on last week.
“It's good to have Jordan Sapler back in the squad as is Daniel Lipman. If Lipman can get even half fit then we have a player that will cause any defender in the MGBSFL problems.
"Special message from the boys looking up in the leagues... "Hi Shaf!"
If RJC score early doors I can only see one winner.
JC team news: RJC have a full-strength squad available, with Jordan Sapler and Josh Cohen Daniel Lipman guaranteed a run-out.
Venue – 7 Kings High School, Ref – David Lazarus, KO – 10am
JC star man: Daniel Lipman (RJC)
DC Prediction: RJC 3 Faithfold 1
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FC TEAM B vs L’EQUIPE
There is a real party mood at L’Equipe right now. The new Mrs Prager has finally made an innocent man of club legend David, and it would be nice if they celebrated a goal with a spot of Israeli dancing on Sunday.
With title rivals RCUK FC, Catford & Bromley Maccabi and Temple Fortune setting the bar high, L’Equipe know they can ill-afford any slip-ups against FC Team following their impressive win over Raiders on Matchday 1.
Boss Nick Stern spoke to JC Sport ahead of kick-off: “We are all very excited to get back onto the pitch this week.
“We have had a break to celebrate the wedding of the legend himself David Prager and all of us at the club wish him and his new wife a huge mazeltov.
“This week has been tricky for me in getting a squad together. Despite having almost 20 players registered we are missing some key personnel this week which is a huge shame after our phenomenal performance in week one.
“However, I am glad to say that a couple of key players are returning which will be a boost to the squad.
What I will say is that whoever gets picked in the squad they all are aware that this season means so much to L’Equipe and it is all about giving 110 per cent for 90 minutes and that will hopefully lead us to victory.”
Team have been tame in their first two outings. Defeats against Mill Hills Dons and Catford have damned their spirits a little, but they won’t hold back on Sunday.
But when push comes to shove I’m going for L’Equipe to come away with maximum points.
JC team news: L’Equipe welcome back Mark Smith, Rob Simmons, Ian Baron and starting keeper Mark Glucksman to the squad but they are missing the midfield trio of Mark Singer, Mark Korn and James Bell, which Stern describes as “a real shame after their winning performance last week”. He added: “New players will be stepping up and filling their shoes and I am really excited to see how people perform, especially as competition for places are so strong. We have had some great battles with FC Team over the years and though disappointed the game is on 3g yet again in pretty much Timbuktu we will give it everything to come away with three points.”
Venue – Harefield Academy, Ref - Stuart Ansher, KO – 10am
JC star man: Ian Baron (L’Equipe)
DC Prediction: Team 1 L’Equipe 3
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RCUK FC vs TEMPLE FORTUNE
Joint-leaders RCUK FC and Temple Fortune are ready to rumble in a much-anticipated encounter in Pinner, but I’m sad to report it won’t be an all-star cast.
Both teams have been shorn of some of their top stars so strength in depth will be key on Sunday.
Avi Markiewicz scored a brilliant hat-trick against Faithfold last week, although I feel reports of his long-range free-kick as “the best ever in the MGBSFL” were way over the top. It was a classy strike and a great piece of quick-thinking with the keeper still lining up his wall, but I’ve seen (and conceded far better!)
Jonti Aremband and Markiewicz are locked in a great battle to win the MGBSFL Golden Boot and they will be looking to add to their already impressive tallies against Fortune.
Player-manager Markiewicz told JC Sport: “We picked up a few injuries last week and we have a few absent. Avi Mocton, who has been the keystone for RC in the past couple of games, is away selfishly raising money whilst doing the Tough Mudder course and Aaron Luftig is also away and both will be huge losses.
“Akiva Zneimer has left us for a while so we are really running low however it's not all bad news. Vice-captain Dovi Vogel is back and the captain and chairman Yisroel Lewis is in line to make his debut which is a massive boost.
“Linden's Fortune have won both their games and are going to be a challenge but there is no hiding the fact that after two games, 14 scored and 1 conceded, nothing but a win will do.”
Under Simon Linden, Temple Fortune have rediscovered the art of making themselves hard to beat and, most importantly, how to win games. The Fortune faithful have taken to their new manager and I’ve heard talk about chairman Nigel Kyte already considering offering him improved terms after he signed a long-term contract during the summer.
However, Linden reported “a nightmare week,” with six players from last week’s starting 11 missing for Sunday's game.
Speaking to JC Sport out of his car window at the club’s training ground, he commented: “We have a number of players away this week but that won't stop us attempting to spoil RCUK's little party.
“They need to be tested and I hope it's this Sunday. I'm expecting a tough game but we have a never-say-die attitude in the squad this year."
When you look at the calibre of player below absent for Fortune, it’s clear they’ll need to pull out all the stops to deny RCUK a hat-trick of wins.
JC team news: Adam Speck could miss out for Fortune, along with Eshad Rahiv, Sean Ladier, Jake Marks, Jonathan Cohen, Aron Barnes and Paul Rich.
Venue – Roger Bannister, Ref – Andy Myerson, KO – 10am
JC star man: Yisroel Lewis (RCUK)
DC Prediction: RCUK 3 Fortune 1
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MILL HILL DONS vs CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI
Second only on goal difference, Catford have their tails up after an impressive start.
Player-manager Jeff Gotch has scored in the wins over FC Team and Hertswood Vale and he's 7-2 on maintaining that record on Sunday.
They ran out comfortable winners last week, despite missing a hatful of chances, although the woodwork came to Vale's rescue on more than one occasion.
Ahead of Sunday's trip to NW7, Gotch told JC Sport: "So Danny we are two from two, and it's been pleasing to see us start with two wins, even though we are not yet playing at our best.
"People forget that we may be CATFORD but we are a new team with only two players remaining from years gone by.
"On Sunday we are playing a team I honestly know nothing about apart from the fact they have won one and lost one so far. I expect my lads to go out there, play how I know we can and boss the game. If we do that then I have no doubt where the points will be come Sunday lunchtime."
The Dons got off the mark against FC Team last week. Wonder kid Ariel Tamman lit up the contest with some marauding runs, with Richard Hayim, Zach Cohen and Nick Phillips adding the gloss in a 4-2 victory.
Boss Brandon Hamme told JC Sport: "We know we are in for a tricky game, Catford are a really good side that have started very well but we aren't scared of the challenge.
"We are getting better and fitter each and every week, seen vast improvements in training. We are expecting a difficult game but I reckon if we maintain our formation and concentrate for 90 minutes, we could pick up a result."
But they will need to step up a few notches against a Catford team who mean business.
JC team news: Ben Bazini comes into the MHD squad after completing a transfer from Hertswood Vale earlier this week. He looks set to make his debut alongside Yehoshua Benzadon who has yet to feature so far. Injuries are still a key issue for the Dons as Jono Gaon, Harry Moss, Adam Isaacs, Zach Perez and Lewis Silver remain out injured. However, they "have a bigger pool of players to choose from this week, so this should help us come Sunday".
The Cats only have 13 available this week, "with nine players apparently deciding now is a good time to go away or get married! Gotch told JC Sport: "Whoever plays knows it's a great chance to cement their starting birth for the following week."
Venue – Mill Hill Park, Ref – Laurence Thorne, KO – 10am
JC star man: Tal Cohen (Catford)
DC Prediction: Dons 1 Cats 3
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C vs BOCA JEWNIORS
Raiders C are wounded right now following two consecutive defeats.
They've been on the wrong end of 3-2 scorelines against L'Equipe and Temple Fortune, and will be hoping for a change of luck on Sunday.
Joint-manager David Domb promised "further recruitment this week" following the Fortune defeat and he's confident the results will come.
"There were flashes that it's coming together," Domb told JC Sport. "I can see a very swift upturn in luck for us."
The Boca boys are relishing a belated first outing in season 2016/17. Anton Nyman and Elliot Grant have been putting the finishing touches to their squad, knowing they have it all to do against NLR.
Nyman told JC Sport; "It's the first game of a new era for Boca - there are a lot of new players to bed in and a tough tough opener against Raiders who have a very good record at home and against us.
"I hope we can put in a good showing but a lot is riding on the late fitness test of Elliot Grant. We're really excited and have high hopes from our pre-season and look to keep things tight.
"Aside from that, we have the sensational return, after a two-year sabbatical of super keeper Michael Sidloff. Benjamin Isaacs and Jamie Leboff are raring to go and ready to cause some damage to defences up and down the league. You will see goals."
I can see Boca huffing and puffing for 65 minutes but it will be a case of third time lucky for Raiders.
Venue - Brunel, Ref – Paul Dobkin, KO – 10am
JC star man: Rob Samuelson (NLR)
DC Prediction: Raiders 3 Boca 1
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