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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND TWO
FAIRLOP FC vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB
Fairlop fans are hoping that lightning strikes twice and they can shatter Hendon United’s comes dreams for the season as the teams prepare to do battle for the second time this season.
The Division Two table-toppers produced the result of the season so far when they eliminated Hendon from the Peter Morrison last month in a rip-roaring tie. It finished 3-3 after 120 minutes and it was the east Londoners who held their nerve to progress.
Scott Shear had the game of his life, saving two spot-kicks in the shoot-out, with Max Freedman, Daniel Bean, Matt Berkeley, Ryan Cole and Brad Gayer having worldies.
The partnership between Bean and Berkeley has been one of the key elements of the team’s early season successes and they will be keen to make their mark against a strong Hendon midfield again.
Manager Aaron Dias is determined to show that result was no fluke. He told JC Sport: “Once again we go into the game as underdogs, and I'm sure just like two weeks ago the papers will write us off! And once again I'm sure the papers will be eating humble pie come midday on Sunday!
“The boys have the belief to beat Hendon again but know it will be a tough game!
“Would like to make a special mention to Kane Hopps, Kane has unfortunately picked up a season-long injury but was officially unveiled as part of the management team this week. Kane brings experience, a loud voice and dodgy hair cut to the management team.”
You can be certain Hendon won’t underestimate Fairlop second time around. Ari Last was their star performer that day in a game where Avi Korman and Last were denied by Shear in the shoot-out.
But they know what they are up against this time, and I have a feeling they will treat this like a match against a top Premier team.
Hendon boss Greg Corin told JC Sport: “Josh Bentley is a big addition for this week with his aerial presence and great experience.
“Rocky Spitzer makes his first start of the season after being away in New York for a number of months. He is a very talented player - one of the best in the league - and we’re delighted to have him back.”
Another thriller is on the cards but I expect Hendon to be better equipped to ensure their double hopes stay intact.
JC team news: The energetic Pierce Prince and Matt Goldreich both return from injury for Fairlop. Dias have lost a few players as well, but he is said to be “happy with the squad overall for Sunday”.
Hendon are again missing goalkeeper Russ Corin, Josh Harris and Ben Lauffer.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
FAIRLOP (from): Scott Shear, Adam Goldman, Kane Wise, Max Freedman, Ryan Cole, Daryl Rubin, James Jaconelli, Matt Berkeley, Daniel Bean, Kai Vale, Brad Gayer, Daniel Rosen
HENDON (from): Arthur Caplin, Mordy Weiler, Rafi Kon, Alex Rosenthal, Josh Bentley, Zac Garbacz, Ari Nevies, Greg Corin, Rocky Spitzer, Avi Korman, Ari Last (capt), Dudi Edreyi, Zac Lewis, Dovi Fehler
Venue – Redbridge Sports Centre, Ref – Richard Jaye, KO -10am
JC star man: Josh Bentley (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Fairlop 1 Hendon 2
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FC TEAM vs CAMDEN PARK
Camden Park go into the game with their tails up after back-to-back victories – I can’t remember the last time I said that, so credit to Stirling Kay and his troops for two terrific team performances.
Having put five past FC Team in the Jewish FA Cup last month, they will start as favourites again but discipline will be a key factor as they put in a real shift with 10 men for the last 25 minutes against Raiders last week.
But they showed tremendous character and good fitness levels to keep Raiders at bay, with goalkeeper Steve Murad coming away from the game with a really solid performance under his belt.
In front of him, centre-back Mike Khalatschi was in commanding form, while Josh Tiano, Johan Jordi and Danny Sherman were all superb. Jake Saunders was excellent as well, until he received his marching orders. Saunders was also outstanding in the first meeting with FC Team and will be determined to ensure Camden aren’t victims of a cup upset.
Ahead of kick-off, Kay told JC Sport: “We’re coming off a really good team performance against raiders and a deserved three points.
“We won two weeks ago against FC Team, however I was really impressed with the way they played and never gave up.
“We will not underestimate them and we will have to show the same determination as against Raiders for us to progress into the next round. We look forward to the challenge.”
Mitch Young cut a frustrated figure after the 3-3 draw against Raiders C last weekend. They were menacing going forward and scored three good goals but they undid all their good work by conceding three times.
Young and co know that any sloppiness at the back will be punished once again and he needs his defenders and midfielders to play the perfect game in what I expect to be another game of goals.
JC team news: Camden will be missing Josh Marks (hamstring), Jake Saunders (suspended), Kane Gilbery (suspended) and Rick Harris (ankle), along with striker Danny Sherman and Ricardo Ercoli, who according to gaffer Kay are “under their partner’s thumb!” David Khalatchi returns.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
TEAM (from): David Gordon, Jamie Breslaw, Eitan Ben-Zion, Jon Breger, James Korn, Marc Hecht, James Milman, Adam Rones, David Grossman, Eddie Sternberg, Mitch Young, Richard Salmon, Dylan Young
CAMDEN (from): Steve Murad, Theo Azouz, Max Gordon, Alon Hershkorn, Scott Kay, David Khalastchi, Guy Marks, Johann Jordi, Greg Mellor, Max Saunders, Danny Sherman, Dan Orgel, Matt Perlman, Max Gordon, David Kanzen
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Martin Fox, KO – 10am
JC star man: Jon Breger (Team)
DC Prediction: Team 2 Camden 1
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MACCABI LONDON LIONS WHITE vs FAITHFOLD A
Having already caused one major cup upset, Faithfold go in search of another at Rowley Lane – the home of Jewish football.
Manager of the month Avi Markiewicz hopes the dreaded curse doesn’t strike on the big stage, as the Superhoops look to extend their brilliant winning streak.
Faithfold really look the part this season – with different players stepping up week on week. David Leiwy has given them another dimension and they are playing with great freedom and smiles on their faces. The 9-1 win over L’Equipe saw them at their free-flowing best.
Faithfold player-manager Avi Markiewicz told JC Sport: "I am positive that with a full strength team we are really going to cause Lions some problems, the question is how close to full-strength we will be come Sunday morning."
MLL boss James Gershfield has been doing his homework on Sunday’s opponents. “I’m expecting a tough game against Faithfold and was given the run down by Redbridge at last week’s game.
“I strongly believe we will have enough to avoid an upset.”
With reinforcements drafted into the squad, the Lions will be looking to rediscover their finest form that saw them storm into an early two-goal lead against Redbridge last Sunday.
Kiki Levin is quickly turning into one of the most fears strikers in the league. He’s confident, quick and doesn’t need a second invitation to shoot.
With key players returning, this is a competition the Lions are desperate to defend and ensure they have plenty to play for at the business end of the season.
JC team news: Sam Hammerton will make his Sunday league debut following a call up from the Saturday side. Conor Perl returns from a three-game suspension, as does Alex Taylor and Max Hassell. Richard Gold misses out due to a broken shoulder sustained in last week’s game at Redbridge. Gershfield and co “wish him a speedy recovery”. Kiki Levin is battling a hamstring injury but should be fit.
Brothers Johnny and David Leiwy will face late fitness test for Faithfold but Markiewicz is pleased to confirm that "we have Yisroel Lewis back from Manchester for a game".
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
LIONS (from): Jordan Sharifian, Will Beresford, Jamie Cohen, Max Hassel, Alex Taylor, James Gold, Richard Gold, Freddie Kramer, Sam Arghebant, Jordan Levy, Max Misrahi, Tyler Smith, Josh Weiner, Conor Perl, Kiki Levin
FAITHFOLD (from): Leor Harel, Joe Gordon, Avi Mocton, Gideon Caller, Avi Garson, Jonny Leiwy, Eli Shebson, Dovi Vogel, Jonny Gahan, David Leiwy, Louis Naghten, Avi Markiewicz, Chaim Bordon, Ben Shirbini, Zalmy Cohen, Akiva Solomon, Gav Lewis
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Neal Cohen, KO – 10am
JC star man: Max Hassell (Lions)
DC Prediction: Lions 2 Faithfold 1
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OAKWOOD B vs BAYERN MINCHA
Jason Stein was in the mood for some mind games ahead of Sunday’s showdown with Division Two joint-leaders Bayern Mincha.
The Oaks go into the game on the back of a comfortable 3-0 win over Temple Fortune, with Daniel Seligman, James Abrams and Sam Modlin easing them home.
Abrams gave a typically classy performance, while Rafi Bloom made an instant impact on his return from injury; it was just as though he hadn’t been away. And the clean sheet came courtesy of flawless displays from James Frener and Ben Loofe.
“Nice to see you DC. Come on in. We are looking forward to welcoming our guests from Bavaria this week,” said Stein in a typically warm welcome to JC Sport.
“Bayern come with a fierce reputation. Juup Hanukkah is a very talented manager and his squad is packed full of talent with Matts Hummous, Chazan Muller and Hametz Rodriguez.
“And, of course, Adam Ellis. Not sure of the Bavarian connection but he’s been the best striker in the bottom division for years now. I still remember when he scored five against us for Shacharit Donetsk years ago. So at that level he’s been absolutely phenomenal and I guess that makes them the favourites.
“I’ve been really encouraged by our start to the season. We’ve scored at least three every game and lost just the once. We are playing some good, simple, patient football and the spirits are high.
“This weekend is a fantastic opportunity for both sides to reach the quarter-final of the Anekstein. As everyone knows Cyril Anekstein followed Oakwood home and away through the 1930s and we always try to honour his memory when we play in this great competition.
“This weekend will be no different. We’re looking forward to the game.”
The Bayern boys were disappointed to only come away from their match against Real Hendon with a point. The boy Ellis came up trumps with a last-ditch rescue package in a performance that spoke volumes about the never-say-die attitude of the squad.
Joint-manager Daniel Holder told JC Sport: “After a very poor performance last week, to still come out with a point shows the fighting spirit of my boys who refused to give up right until the very last seconds.
“This week we play an Oakwood team who are a different proposition to anything we have come up against this season, especially considering their strong start to the division above.
“With these players out, we will be introducing a new formation for this game which we briefly tried in pre-season to try and nullify their threat.
“The last time I came up against this Oakwood side was three years ago also in the second round of the Cyril Anekstein for shacharit Donetsk in a game which we won 5-0 courtesy of five goals from Adam Ellis. We hope that brings promising signs for the upcoming fixture.”
Oakwood B are due a cup run and I think they will inflict a rare defeat on Bayern on Sunday.
JC team news: Oakwood are carrying some injured and will be missing attacking triumvirate Dan Ash, Haydon Davidson and Jacob Richler Kleiman this weekend. However, Jordan Sherne, James Frener and Ben Feingold will form a very tough tackling midfield.
Bayern have a lot of big players missing, including Adam Biton, Josh Levy, Sam Kanter and Alon Pinhas, as well as our keeper Joseph Nyman being a doubt, meaning there’s always the possibility of having to play an outfielder in goal.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
OAKWOOD (from): Ben Annis, Ben Buck, Dani Derrison, Ilan Scorah, Ben Feingold, Jake Frener, Dan King, Dan Linton, Ben Loofe, James Abrahams, Dan Seligman, Ben Lewis, Dan Selwyn, Sam Modlin, Jordan Sherne, Rafi Bloom, Max Clynes
BAYERN (from): Joseph Nyman, Nathan Hanan, Rafi Terespolsky, Sam Leader, Josh Levy, Jake Dayan, Matan Ozin, Akiva Fink, Alon Pinhas, Harry Salter, Adam Ellis, Eli Davila, Daniel Holder, Joe Metliss, Shmuel Leader
Venue – Nicholas Breakspear, Ref – Andy Myerson, KO – 10am
JC star man: Ilan Scorah (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 2 Bayern 1
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MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS BLUE
Lions Blue are like careless dog handlers at the moment. They keep losing leads! (Ed. apologies for the bad day joke!)
They couldn’t keep Brady Maccabi out last weekend after a dream start given to them by Charlie Cohen and Adam Abadi, much to the disappointment of manager Sam Marchant.
After the game he told JC Sport: “Our squad is extremely young, an average age of 20-21 and it sometimes shows. Our technical ability is there, no doubt.
“The issue is this season, in nearly all the games we have lost, we have outplayed the opponents. We have a lot to work on as a group but once it clicks and everything falls into place, we will be a serious force.
“It’s a matter of completing the puzzle and making sure everyone is moulding together to create and go where we need to be."
Redbridge have won four on the spin, with goal machine Daniel Garfinkle at his predatory best against Lions White last week. So the key will be for the Blues to stop him and delivery into him.
The evergreen Craig Sandford was RJC’s other player to sparkle against Lions. Playing at centre-back, he didn’t put afoot wrong and his experience will be crucial against a hungry and committed opponent.
I can see home advantage being a factor as Redbridge march to their fifth win of the season.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
RJC (from): Dan Lee, Jay Jaffa, Danny Berg (capt), Sam McCarthy, Brad Frankel, Danny Hakimi, Richie Caplin, Craig Sandford, Adam Hakimi, Nate Kashket, Russell Goldstein, Sam Sollosi, Nathan Sollosi, Ben Sollosi, Scott Oldstein, Aaron Goldberg, James Berkley, Dan Garfinkle, Steve Summers, Sam Rank
LIONS (from): James Harpin, Adam Abadi, Nathan Anders, Ed Brafman (capt), Nick Barnett, Jordan Aspis, David Nezri, Daniel Behar, Daniel Fattal, Benji Weinberger, Jono Gaon, Josh Bloom, Michael Kenley, Charlie Cohen, Zak Linden, Zach Perez, Ozzy Doron
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – David Lazarus, KO – 10am
JC star man: Sam Rank (RJC)
DC Prediction: RJC 2 Lions 0
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DIVISION ONE
L’EQUIPE vs SCRABBLE
L’Equipe welcome back goalkeeper Mark Glucksman for the visit of Scrabble as they go in search of their first league win of the season.
Elliot Gordon donned the gloves but was helpless as nine goals flew past him in the game against leaders Faithfold.
It’s been a week of achievements as far as boss Nick Stern is concerned – a man whose glass is always half full.
He told JC Sport: “Achievement one - we have a squad. Achievement 2 - we have a keeper… and Glucksman is back. Achievement 3 - no babies born this week so no new pull-outs.
“And even more big news we have someone playing for us that was born in 1997 - a first for our club as our board members cousin Jacob will be wearing the famous orange shirt for the first time.
“We got jealous of being given the run around by all these kids that were fitter than us so we have recruited our own one and are very excited by it.
“Be ready for a surprise striker change, with David Prager potentially leading the line and using all his athleticism to score a hat-trick.
Scrabble are unbeaten in four and manager Ray Abrahams continues to work hard to keep them pushing for promotion.
They fought like warriors to beat Raiders B last time out in the league and know a similar effort will be required against a team who is better than its league position.
But when all is said and done, I think it will come down to small margins on Sunday.
JC team news: Grant Bates (suspended), Max Martin and Andy Smith miss out for L’Equipe.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
L’EQUIPE (from): Mark Glucksman, Mark Singer, David Prager, Nick Stern, , Josh Lewis, James Mandell, Rob Simmons, Andy Smith, Max Martin, Sam Sinclair, Jules Bohm, Gideon Chain, Tamir Grant, Richard Alexander, Jon Kay
Scrabble (from): Jonny Mervish, Oli Richardson, Amit Kahana, Ben Cantopher, Lorian Madanes, Adam Newman, Adam Waters, Rupert Wood, Josh Pugh, Rob Rodney, Zac Summerfield, Dan Goldhill, Zac McLeod, Ben Krieger
Venue – Old Finchleians, Ref – Darryl Colmans, KO -10am
JC star man: Zac Summerfield (Scrabble)
DC Prediction: L’Equipe 0 Scrabble 1
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LOS BLANCOS vs TEMPLE FORTUNE A
Player of the month Svi Freedman has been one of the inspirations behind Los Blancos's excellent start to the campaign.
He scored a cracker in the corresponding fixture, in front of the When Sunday Comes cameras as is 6-1 to open the scoring against Simon Linden's men on Sunday.
Joint-manager Joel Salomon told JC Sport: "After a great win last week, we look to take our form back to the league where the expectations are high. With Simon Moses and Freedman both available you can expect a fair few goals."
Fortune boss Simon Linden hopes Sunday is the day his players end their three-match losing streak.
They were ultimately well beaten by Oakwood B last Sunday and it could be another tough 90 minutes.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
BLANCOS (from): Gideon Rabstein, Josh Aziz, Joel Barnett, Marc Woolfe, Jake Doffman, Svi Freedman, Tim Heynes, Gav Krieger, James Kutner, Avishai Kestenbaum, Elliott Maslawy, Alex Lewis, Joe Davis, Daniel Sinclair, Josh Mizrahi, Alex Lewis, Josh Laurier, Simon Moses, Oliver Sade, Luke Strauss
FORTUNE (from): Lee Fegan, Lee Hyams, Ranana Firmin, Adam Speck, Brett Stead, Michael Goldberg, Michael Woolfe, Eshed Rahav, Connor Brand, Jason Lindsay, Gab Stone, Lloyd Becker, Jonathan Cohen, Simon Linden, Dan Vandermolen
Venue – Hertswood, Ref – Robert Benardout, KO – 10am
JC star man:
DC Prediction: Blancos 3 Fortune 1
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DIVISION TWO
CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C
Top on goal difference, the Cats are "raring to go" in search of their sixth league win of the season.
"After a good week off to recharge our batteries," player-manager Jeff Gotch told JC Sport ahead of kick-off.
Back-to-back wins over Hertswood and Temple Fortune goals have featured 10 goals from the Cats who have the look and feel of a team destined for a top two finish.
Gotch went on to say: "I have a strong squad and we will be looking to maintain our current league form."
Raiders showed tremendous character to come from a goal down to draw in a thriller against FC Team on Matchday Nine.
Boss Sam Rose will show Sunday's opponents respect as they look to seal their first win in five.
"We know Catford are a good side and have had a really impressive start to the season, Jeff runs a great side," Rose told JC Sport.
"Raiders and Catford had some fantastic games last season with goals aplenty and I think we can expect the same on Sunday where we will be looking to cause an upset.”
NLR are capable of beating anyone on their day but they will need to pull out all the stops to deny Gotch's troops glory.
JC team news: Raiders are relatively unchanged from last week’s draw against FC Team. Matt Keston is in line to make his debut this weekend with Ben Kaye, Joel Levitt and Sam Roth shaking off injuries to play this weekend.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
CATFORD (from): Guy Ben-Aroya, Richard Adams, Loz Bloom, Jeff Gotch, Mitch Green, Alex Jacobs, Joel Lassman, Callion McGregor, Yarden Sharon, Danny Yeshua, Richard Winton, Jason Shoffman, Ashley Stokes, Jamie Sinai
RAIDERS (from): Joel Macadar, Joel Levitt, Sam Roth, Liam Stein, Ricky Zeiderman, Adam Levenson, Callum Stein, Dan Lovat, Alex Goodman, David Domb, Alex Elf, Alex Sherr, Ben Kaye
Venue – Aycliffe Park, Ref – Steven Russell, KO – 10am
JC star man: Danny Yeshua (Catford)
DC Prediction: Catford 2 Raiders 1
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FAITHFOLD B vs STRAW HAT PIRATES
Faithfold will be looking to leapfrog the Pirates as the teams prepare to do battle for the first time.
They were well and truly over-run by Mill Hill Dons last weekend but this is a game they will go into believing they can win.
The Pirates enjoyed an unexpected lie-in last Sunday after Boca folded. But manager Elliot Cukier is confident his players can carry on where they left off against Temple Fortune.
They knocked the ball around really nicely at times and with Ben Mandell pulling the strings they will only get better.
I fancy Pirates to go to Faithfold and win.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
FAITHFOLD (from): David Garson, Mike Patterson, Josh Barnett, Ben Kfir, James Stanton, Yosef Brownson, Stuart Haring, Josh Martin, Ben Portnoi, Yitzy Hill, JJ Marrache, Rob Cohen, Yidy Gertner, Dan Yoss, David Kerzneris, Moishi Lewis
PIRATES (from): David Wolinsky, Jake Yudelowitz, Sam Assil, Matt Cohen, Aron Gale, Gideon Gale, Solly Ishack, Ben Mandell, Jono Nesbitt, Joel Newman, Saul Tiano
Venue – The Hive, Ref – Phil Peters, KO – 10am
JC star man: Solly Ishack (Pirates)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 2 Pirates 3
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HERTSWOOD VALE vs TEMPLE FORTUNE B
It's a horrible feeling having a win chalked off - especially by a 5-1 margin. Boca's collapse means Fortune B are bottom but the only way is up - that will be the message from manager Darren Zitren and Steven Black.
This weekend Zitren and Black will be telling their players 'don't get beat at Hertswood because they are down near where we are. Don't give them a boost'.
Ahead of kick-off, Fortune's Steven Black told JC Sport: "This fixture is crucial for us. For varying reasons, we have found ourselves at the wrong end of the league table and Darren and I have marked this game out as a must-win.
"Following the disappointing news about Boca Jewniors withdrawing from the league, this fixture now comes with added importance; we need to reclaim the three points which have now been expunged, as well as climb the league table.
"We are making a few changes from our last couple of outings and have a competitive squad available.
"We know Hertswood will be fired up for this one, so we need to make sure we match their desire, show some grit and pull off the performance we all know we are capable of.
"This is a big month for us and we're hoping that come the end of the season, we will remember, remember the fifth of November."
Hertswood have had a tough run of late, and the fixtures don't get any easier against Fortune.
They have been found out defensively by the division's top teams, although joint-manager Jacob Emanuel told JC Sport: "We're looking forward to the game following last week's break.
"With Boca folding, Fortune will be keen not to be this year's basement club, but we're not looking to do them any favours this week."
I see Fortune filling in the space at Borehamwood and trying to make it difficult for Hertswood, but I don't see them creating any problems.
JC team news: Vice-Captain Adrian Leibovitch returns from injury for Hertswood, Harry Marlow joins us again from university, whilst we've signed former Hendon keeper Yehuda Fink on an emergency four-week loan in the absence of their regular keeper. Captain Josh Wood and top-scorer Edan Dodi lead the injury list, whilst James Neidle will be unavailable for November following his start to married life - "mazel Tov James!"
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
HERTSWOOD (from): Yehuda Fink, Gal Alkalay, Josh Cohen, Jacob Emanuel, Simon Englander, Danny Feuer, Josh Gorb, Jordan Harris, Ashley Hirshcberger, Jonty Schogger, Jack Shulman, Michael Ella, Isaac Segalov, Elio Elia, Sammy Huberman, Jon Myers, Adrian Leibovitch, Harry Marlow
FORTUNE (from): Anthony Beilin, Jonathan Black, Jacob Kalms, Josh Klepper, Adam Lenz, Eric Lewis, Gab Saul, Oli Segal, Gideon Wetrin, Darren Zitren, Sam Barth, Adam Jacobs, Josh Taylor, Adam Blin, Zach Goodman, James Phillips, Jon Pressman, Dan Krieger,
Venue – Tempsford Green, Ref – Stuart Ansher, KO – 10am
JC star man: Adrian Leibovitch (Hertswood)
DC Prediction: Hertswood 3 Fortune 1
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MILL HILL DONS vs REAL HENDON
Brandon Hamme told me there is a "great buzz" around the Dons camp after they hit Faithfold for six last weekend.
That win took them to within four points of top spot, with games in hand.
Zach Cohen has made a habit of scoring goals but I've spoken to a number of Dons' fans who believe it was his best game in the famous gold and black colours.
This is shaping up to be a really big season for Cohen and the Dons who are in a really good place at the minute.
Ahead of their tussle with promotion rivals Real, Hamme told JC Sport: "The boys produced another great performance last Sunday means there has been a great buzz around the training ground this week.
"We looked more confident and calm on the ball than I’ve seen us look before and it’s all looking very promising heading into this weekend’s game.
"We were meant to face Boca this week but with them folding we are now facing Real Hendon in an neutral venue in Potters Bar, we are sure our great fans will still make the trip to support the lads though.
"We had two very tight games against Real last season and we know we are going to be in for a challenging game on Sunday.
"They have started the season decently and we know that we need to getting results in games like this if we are going to get promoted this season.
"Real won’t make it easy for us but we know that we are more than capable of coming away with something from this game."
Real held their own against another team challenging for promotion in Bayern Mincha last weekend. They were unable to keep Adam Ellis out of the headlines (or off the lead sports page of the JC!) but they proved they could mix it with one of the leading lights in the division.
Cohen will give them another test and they must come with a game-plan about how to nullify his threat.
Real's Raffi Addlestone told JC Sport: "This week we travel to division rivals Mill Hill Dons, against whom we had two tough fought battles last season, sharing the spoils.
"Despite a strong performance against Bayern Mincha last week we couldn't quite bring home the win, so are hoping to do one better on Sunday.
"Two new starters this week. First, Jordan Alex returns from his Powerleague induced nose injury. Jordan only joined the Bees for the final game of last season, scoring a wonder strike against then champions L'Equipe. He's sure to be a threat. We also have Zack Amalfo lined up for his debut - another young gun looking to bolster the exuberance of our 'established' side.
"These days the Bees are certainly planning ahead, with Doron Shooter, Raffy Zysblat, Joe Metlis and Amalfo paving the way for a bright future, nurtured by the (incredibly) old guard of Smulovitch, Noe, Goldberg, Goldberg and co."
I'm predicting an open and entertaining affair, with the Dons edging a thriller.
JC team news: Joel Sinclair-Horne is awaiting a MRI scan on an injury he picked up in the cup game against North London Raiders A, the Dons are hoping it’s nothing serious. Otherwise they have a clean bill of health.
Fast improving left-back Gali Kolt will be looking to continue his development for Real and stalwart Chaim Strom will be hoping, once again, to get his name on the scoresheet, or at the very least, able to provide an assist, or an assist of an assist. Most likely, he'll be on the bench.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
DONS (from): Oli Burchell, Adam Ben-Harosh, Josh Cinna, Adam Lisberg, Adam Morrow, Harry Moss, Jamie Nagioff, Nick Phillips, Adam Isaacs, Ryan Kramer, Zach Cohen, Harry Kalms, Brandon Hamme, Richard Reback, Jordan Rinsler, Sam Denby, Josh Moses, Adam Diamond, Joseph Reece, Jason Weldon
REAL (from): Raffy Zysblatt, Ben Cohen, Raffi Addlestone, Ben Goldberg, Martin Smulovitch, Gilad Kestenbaum, Lolu Hibbert, Joe Goldberg, Zvi Noe, Hezzie Raymond, Motty Korman, Chaim Gothold, Adam Hersh, Lloyd Kafton, Gali Kolt, Chaim Strom, Zack Amalfo, Jordan Alex
Venue – Aycliffe Park, Ref – Bob Caplin, KO – 10am
JC star man: Jordan Rinsler (Dons)
DC Prediction: Dons 3 Real 2
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