There are three north versus south ties in the fourth round of the Peter Morrison Trophy, as well as a mouth-watering top-of-the-table clash in the MGBSFL Premier Division involving Oakwood A and long-time leaders Hendon United Sports Club A.
January 26, 2017 12:35
PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND FOUR
CAMDEN PARK vs RC UK FC
You’ve probably seen the footage of Wycombe Wanderers’ players rejoicing when they drew Spurs away in the fourth round of the Emirates FA Cup. There were similar scenes when RC UK pulled Premier Division Camden Park out of the hat in the Peter Morrison Trophy. They will smelling an upset and I expect the away end to be full on Sunday.
Avi Markiewicz and his boys will be hurting following last week’s narrow defeat against Redbridge C. The player-manager admitted RC UK “simply weren't good enough” against the east Londoners.
The performance of goalkeeper Josh Corin was the only real positive. His confidence will be high after winning JC Save of the Week.
Camden know they are on a beating to nothing and they will be on their guard against a strong side. They go into the tie boosted by the 3-1 win over SPEC FC, with Rob Hershkorn firing a deadly double in a good all-round team performance.
The first 20 minutes will be key on Sunday. If RC UK can sense any fear in the Camden side they have the quality to capitalise. But it’s important they win their individual and collective battles.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
CAMDEN: Adam Zaidman, Dan Baneth, Ben Harris, Johann Jordi, Jake Saunders, Nick Kagan, David Kanzen, David Khalastchi, Michael Khalastchi, Joshua Marks, Rob Hershkorn. Subs: Kane Gilbery, Max Gordon, Guy Marks, Greg Meller
RC UK FC: Nati Kind, Josh Corin, David Brown, Gideon Caller, Josh Marlow, Avi Mocton, Eli Shebson, Dovi Vogel, Leor Harel, Aaron Luftig, Avi Markiewicz, Jonti Aremand, Zalmy Cohen, Dan Ezra
Venue – Capital City, Ref – Martin Lavender, KO – 10am
JC star man: Josh Corin (RC UK)
DC Prediction: Camden 2 RC UK 2 (Camden to win in extra-time)
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MANCHESTER MACCABI vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A
Having dominated the Maccabi football scene in London over the past couple of seasons, it’s hard to believe North London Raiders A’s season could effectively end on Sunday. The pressure will be all on Daniel Shafron’s men on Sunday. And they could not have asked for a tougher draw than Manchester away.
Shafron knows exactly what is at stake ahead of the long trip up the M1. The Cyril Anekstein Cup has gone and the MGBSFL Premier Division has gone. And they have just lost back-to-back matches against Maccabi London Lions. The Morrison is the only thing they have left.
But there was a steely confidence in Shafron’s voice ahead when I caught up with him earlier in the week ahead of what is a season-defining contest.
He told JC Sport: “The Peter Morrison Trophy is the one piece of silverware NLR have yet to win and with this now being our only chance of winning something this season, the boys are eager to put all they have into this competition.
“The club have always wanted an away day up north and so it’s a match we are all relishing. It’s a long way to go and so we must be switched on and focused from the second we leave London to the minute the match ends.”
Manchester joint-manager Jonny Rose checked in earlier in the week to get the low-down on Raiders. When I mentioned Liron Mannie, Ben Ellis, Matt Stock, Jordan Marks and Nyv Bogaire, there was a deadly silence for a few minutes. He knows what he’s up against.
Together with Rick Hamburger, Rose has put together an excellent squad, predominantly of youth, with a sprinkling of experience. That very team claimed an impressive victory over Stuart Delmonte & Tony Rosenberg’s Reich Insurance last week. The same pairing who guided Manchester Maccabi to victory over Raiders when Adam Fegan and myself managed the team.
I’m expecting a few early crunching tackles from the home side to remind Raiders they are in a game. And with home advantage … you just never know.
JC team news: David Rhodes and Adam Joselyn return to the first team squad. Jonny Kay faces a late fitness test.
Venue - Brooklands, KO – 1pm
JC star man: David Rhodes (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Manchester 1 Raiders 2
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FC TEAM A vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS A
Sunday is D-day for FC Team A. They have home advantage for their meeting with competition favourites Maccabi London Lions A, but Mitch Young is wary the visitors could bring in some registered players for whom Sunday morning football isn’t the norm.
Austin Lipman was a key figure in MLL’s victory over Hendon United in the Anekstein Cup, but it would not surprise me if they bring in some defensive reinforcements to deal with the threat of Richard Salmon.
Team have drafted in some of their former B and C-team players this season and there is a chance this could be a bit of a mis-match. Perhaps five years ago this would have been more evenly-matched, but with players of the calibre of Josh Kennet, Max Kyte, Adam Burchell, Adam Arnold and Lipman in the mix, it could be all over before half-time.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
TEAM: Ed Bloom, David Gordon, Dan Breger, Andrei Grayson, Gary Hill, James Millman, Danny Moss, Connor Perl, Adam Rones, Richard Salmon, Jason Wood, Mitch Young, Eddie Sternberg
LIONS: Jake Lewis, David Sacal, Adam Lipman, Richard Gold, Will Beresford, Max Hassell, Zac Rose, Nick Landesberg, Andy Glynne, Alex Rose, Sam Arghebant, Charlie Rubin, Adam Burchell, Adam Arnold, Sam Lewis, Austin Lipman, Josh Kennet, Max Kyte, James Gold, Harry Marlow, Jake Furman, Sam Sloma
Venue – Harefield Academy, Ref – Martin De La Fuente, KO – 10am
JC star man: Josh Kennet (Lions)
DC Prediction: FC Team 0 Lions 5
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A vs SOUTH MANCHESTER SPORTS CLUB
Jon Jacobs has labelled his Redbridge A team “underdogs” ahead of their fourth round meeting with South Manchester.
Jacobs welcomes back several players for the visit of South – a team he has plenty of respect for.
He told JC Sport; “We are underdogs for the first time this season against a very good side from Manchester who play at a high level, but we are going to enjoy pitting our undoubted talents against them.
“Neil Collins runs a great side who we look forward to welcoming on Sunday lunchtime and include Maccabi Selly Oak’s star young keeper Alex Davies and Toby Levy who could give Ryan Cole a run for his money as top left-back.
“Given the weather, the game is booked in at Valentines School on their 3G surface .
“The weather will be cold, the bagels will be Shalom’s finest and the welcome will be real Essex hospitality for an intriguing cup tie.”
South Manchester go into the game on the back of a fantastic 5-2 win over Greater Manchester. Adam Lavin marked his long-awaited return from injury with a goal and he’s a player that RJC will be wary of. Jack Lee also registered in a excellent team performance.
South Manchester chairman and club legend Jonny Davis is unlikely to make the trip, but he’s got a hotline to Collins for regular updates.
Redbridge have failed to hit the heights in the Morrison and I think they will make a real statement of intent on Sunday.
JC team news: RJC welcome back Ben Sollosi (paternity leave), Scott Oldstein, (first game back after a year out following anterior cruciate ligament surgery, Steve Summers (first game of the season following leg injury) and Dean Nyman (first game for two months following ankle damage). Russell Goldstein returns from international duty for England Futsal, as does Zack Neiman (hamstring) and Daniel Garfinkle (broken collarbone).
RJC squad: Jay Jaffa, Dan Lee, Danny Berg, Ryan Cole, Zack Neiman, Ben Sollosi, Nathan Sollosi, Sam Sollosi, Scott Oldstein, Dean Nyman, Steve Summers, Russell Goldstein, James Berkley, Matt Berkley, Daryl Rubin, Sam McCarthy, Daniel Garfinkle, Danny Hakimi, Adam Hakimi, Nate Kashket
Venue - Valentines School 3G, Ref – Brandon Pieters, KO – 1pm
JC star man: Steve Summers (Redbridge)
DC Prediction: Redbridge 3 South 1
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MJSL REP TEAM vs HMH OLD BOYS
HMH - the youngest team in the Jewish FA Cup - are relishing their big day out up north when they take on the cream of the Manchester Jewish Soccer League.
Managed by Avi Goldberg, the squad, boasting an average age of 20, comprises some real talent in the shape of Maccabiah winners Ozzy Doron, Dom Feldman, George Goldberg and Jake Norton, along with a few stalwarts from years gone by in goalkeeper Sol Schlagman, defender Tom Prais, midfielders Adam Abadi and Eli Wegrzyn.
There are also a number of newer faces including Jonny Daitz, Clark Norton, the Meir brothers (Julian and Antony), Gabes Arenson, Leo Ackerman, Jack Green, Max Bull, Daniel Hardoon, Leo Berger and Charlie Grossman.
The HMH camp will know little about their opponents, but they will make the long trip to Manchester with a much depleted squad - without a number of key players, including long-term injuries to Wegrzyn and Goldberg "and a number of others who could not make the trip".
Goldberg told JC Sport: "We go up north as underdogs but in high spirits having seen off the last rep team we played 4-0 in the last round."
Venue - Co-op Academy
JC star man: Dom Feldman (HMH)
DC Prediction: MJSL 2 HMH 3
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MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A vs OAKWOOD A
Hendon against Oakwood. It doesn’t get bigger than that in the MGBSFL. This weekend’s Match of the Day features the top multi-talented teams who have set the standard so far. But both camps know nothing is won or lost in January.
For Oakwood, it’s an opportunity to send out a message to the rest of the league that they are capable of beating their rivals. They lost to Redbridge earlier in the season, drew with Raiders and recently beat the Lions – that’s the level they must play to on Sunday.
On paper, Oakwood have gradually accumulated one of the most fearsome squads in the league. They also boast the best defensive record across the MGBSFL, so chances could be few and far between for Hendon on Sunday.
The Oaks have kept eight clean sheets in league and cup this season, and with players of the calibre of Leor Sidle, David Woolman, Brad Wine, Guy Helman and Kyle Bentwood, they are ready for the challenge.
Joint-manager Dan Kristall told JC Sport: “We go into the first of a double-header with title favourites Hendon as the form team in the MGBSFL.
“We know that with the games in hand and the difficulty our run-in, we can barely afford a slip-up, but we are playing some of our best football right now. We seem to have finally managed to find the balance between scoring and keeping clean sheets.
“Hendon are a good side and have been by far the most consistent team in the league so far this season. They score lots of goals and we will have to be at our best at the back to keep them out.
“If we can repeat the performance from almost 12 months ago at Hadley, we will take some beating.”
The league is now the only piece of silverware Hendon can win this season following their early exits in both the Peter Morrison Trophy and Cyril Anekstein Cup.
Sunday is the day when David Garbacz’s big match players must take the game by the scruff of the neck and sparkle. They must be prepared to do the ugly work against an Oakwood team fully focused on winning the title. And Garbacz knows it.
He told JC Sport: “With our interest in both cups over, the pressure on league games from here on in increases further as we are desperate not to end the season empty-handed.
“The big prize has always been the title and despite our excellent league campaign so far, we are only too aware that we are yet to play Oakwood or Redbridge and inevitably the title will be decided in those games.
“The first such blockbuster is this Sunday and we are expecting an almighty tussle against what is bound to be a hugely competitive Oakwood team.
“They have drawn themselves back into the race in style and having come so close to winning silverware for so many years, will be giving it absolutely everything I am sure to turn us over this week.
“We have some big players missing this week which is not ideal, but I am confident enough in the squad as a whole that we will still be good enough to get a result.
“We will have learnt big lessons from our defeat against Lions in the cup which really hurt us, and we must make sure not to repeat. For a totally fully committed all action Sunday league match come down to Hadley this Sunday – it will not be for the feint-hearted and I’m particularly glad that the league have appointed their No. 1 ref for the match.
Hendon have two games in hand on Oakwood who start a point better off. An away win wouldn’t be the end of the world for the Reds, but it could be the start of a new Oakwood era from a team going places.
JC team news: Oakwood are sweating over the fitness of Sam Cantor, whilst Tom Prais and Jake Norton are on duty for their Morrison club.
Russell Corin is unavailable due to Maccabiah commitments so Arthur Caplin will deputise in goal. Avi Korman, Moses Seitler and Yoav Kestenbaum are all unavailable as well. Rocky Spitzer returns.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
OAKWOOD (from): Elliott Jackson, Dean Caplin, Lee Warner, David Cohen, Alex Lee, Kyle Bentwood, Dale Bradman, Guy Helman, Brad Wine, Sam Cantor, Ben Lauffer, Zach Collins, Ben Lauffer, David Woolman, Jonny Quinn, Dan Rose, Leor Sidle, Rafi Stone, Luke Brookner
HENDON (from): Arthur Caplin, Greg Corin, Alex Rosenthal, Zac Garbacz, Ben Kon, , Yehuda Korman, Ari Last, Simon Peterman, Ari Nevies, Dovi Fehler, Josh Harris, Zac Lewis, Rocky Spitzer
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Andy Myerson, KO – 10am
JC star man: Jonny Quinn (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Hendon 1 Oakwood 2
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SPEC FC vs BRADY MACCABI
Brady Maccabi will be looking to finish the weekend in the top four ahead of their short trip to basement battlers SPEC FC.
Managed by Eli and Josh Dagul, they have strung together a hat-trick of victories and go to Borehamwood in good shape.
Sam Castle has hit a purple patch in front of goal, proving he’s more than a useful target man. And with Reiss Mogilner rediscovering his best form, Brady will be confident of completing a league double over a SPEC side they hit for six in October.
SPEC FC went down 3-1 against Camden Park last Sunday. Boss Ricky Lawrence told JC Sport his players “gave a good account of themselves”.
They have enjoyed some classic battles against Brady over the years but I can see them coming out second best on Sunday.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
SPEC (from): Simon Roth, Simon Bagel, Ryan Fox, Marc Hecht, Dan Cohen, Jon Kaye, Ben Kaye, Laurence Rosenthal, Craig Cohen, Rob Murray, David Kendall, Robert Murray, Sam Roth, Dan Amram, Elliott Wallis, Nick Wallis, Ben Kaye, Ricky Lawrence, Daniel Pike
BRADY (from): Josh Miller, Jordan Nathan, Henry Ziff, Dan Cohen, David Cohen, Eli Dagul, Brad Dryer, Reiss Mogilner, Sam Monjack, Ben Kohler, Sam Castle, Ricky Rinder, Dan Harrod, Josh Newman, Casey Sharpe
Venue - Hertswood, Ref – Mark Jacob, KO – 10am
JC star man: Sam Monjack (Brady)
DC Prediction: SPEC 1 Brady 2
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DIVISION ONE
ATHLETIC BILBAUM vs FINCHLEY CITY
5-1 winners over Bilbaum in October, Finchley City will be looking to move to within three points of top spot ahead of the rematch.
Daniel Polak was their star performer that day, leading the Bilbaum defence a merry dance. They simply could not deal with his pace, movement and clinical finishing.
A run of six consecutive victories has put them in a strong position to challenge for promotion in their first season. But manager Joel Holder is taking nothing for granted ahead of their visit to Lodge.
He told JC Sport: “Bilbaum are one of the most-improved teams in the division, so we are expecting a much more difficult game on Sunday.
“The boys have been raring to go since reaching the semi-finals, but it's time now to re-focus on the league. Our next three games – Bilbaum, Raiders and Redbridge - could determine whether or not we can win the league this season.
“We have a very strong squad available as usual. The boys looked really sharp in training this week and know what they have to do on Sunday to get the three points. We are on a superb run at the moment and I hope that continues this weekend.”
The odds are stacked about the Baums who were blown away 4-0 by Scrabble last week. The are a good honest group of players who won’t roll over, but given their abundance of attacking options, I can see Finchley running away with it on Sunday.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
BILBAUM (from): Ben Bell, Jacob Brunner, Ben Cantopher, Sam Deaner, Jamie Fireman, Daniel Goldhill, Jonah Gordon-Boyd, Eli Gottlieb, Julius Judah, Ben Lewis, Rob Rodney, Jamie Fireman, Jay Rosenthal, Nick Shinder, Barnaby Powell
FINCHLEY (from): Yossi Lanning, Josh Aziz, Shim Bensoor, Eli Davila, Josh Gaon, Josh Kanter, Rafi Kon, Gabriel Krieger, Oliver Sade, Daniel Sinclair, Jono Gaon, Dan Polak, Moshe Fehler, Daniel Kozielek, Sam Leader
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Neal Cohen, KO – 10am
JC star man: Josh Aziz (Finchley)
DC Prediction: Bilbaum 1 Finchley 4
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MACCABI LONDON LIONS B vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B
Victory over last season’s Premier Division champions shows you what Lions B are capable, so the message is clear. Hendon beware.
Lions have a number of players who could cut it in the top-flight and that’s credit to manager Sam Marchant who has a young, talented and close-knit group capable of going the distance.
While many teams opt to play one up front, Marchant is blessed with a number of options, with Michael Kenley the pivotal figure. If he goes with Josh Bloom as the second striker then Hendon will have problems, while Benji Weinberger will be pulling the strings a la Coutinho.
Marchant cannot wait to unleash his young guns on Hendon. In an exclusive interview with JC Sport, he said: “It’s been very stop-start for us since the January break. Our first game back lasted 15 minutes before the match was abandoned. We then had a highly intense and competitive cup match against Raiders A, and last weekend our game was cancelled due to a frozen pitch. We are really looking forward to getting back into the swing of things starting this Sunday against Hendon B.
“Although they have been struggling so far this season, Hendon have some really talented players in their squad who can change a game in an instant. This will be something we will be watching closely on Sunday.
“Nothing less than the three points on the day will do, as we need to keep the pressure on the teams around us.
“We feel like we have a great opportunity to get promoted this season and our destiny is in our hands. We hope we will get one step closer to our goal this Sunday."
Hendon have lost 10 out of 11 and they haven’t offered the same type of threat since Benni Sluckis joined rivals Real. That said, the emergence of young Oliver Garbacz has been a big plus and it seems only a matter of time until he is promoted to the A-team.
The Reds are 15-1 to grab glory on Sunday, but I can only see one winner.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
LIONS (from): James Harpin, Nathan Anders, Dan Green, Sammy Kingston, Daniel Behar, Ed Brafman, Charlie Cohen, Daniel Fattal, Dom Feldman, Benji Weinberger, Elia Cohen, Michael Kenley, Josh Bloom, Dean Rosenthal, Adam Abadi, Sean Ekon, Ben Winters, Harry Kurlander
HENDON (from): Yehuda Fink, Gideon Barth, Marc Benamram, Gideon Gale, Oliver Garbacz, Stuart Harris, Ezekiel Jacob, James Neidle, Jono Nesbitt, Matan Ozin, Gabriel Saul, Daniel Holder, Adam Glekin, Ronen Weinstein
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Robert Benardout, KO – 10am
JC star man: Nathan Anders (Lions)
DC Prediction: Lions 5 Hendon 0
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B vs LOS BLANCOS
It’s credit to Raiders B that they remain in the promotion mix despite not having played since December 11. That tells me they set the bar high during the first half of the season. The challenge now is to maintain that level and raise the bar again.
Dropped points in their final two games of 2016 are still hanging over them, but they came against promotion rivals Scrabble and Redbridge, and not teams struggling at the foot of the table.
Ahead of kick-off, NLR boss Jonathan Adelman told JC Sport; “We were very frustrated to have last weekend’s game iced off - it's now close to two months since we played so Sunday feels more like a pre-season fixture for us.
“We have a strong squad available and whilst we are hopefully of getting a result against what we know will be a competitive Blanco's team, most of all we'll just be glad to be playing football again.”
Blancos were crushed 9-0 by table-toppers Redbridge B last time out. This followed three excellent performances but the problem is they may not see much of the ball against some technically superior NLR players.
Ball retention is key for Nick Grosse’s boys on Sunday. They will have to work their socks off to stay with their runners and close down the space. Otherwise the likes of Jake Gilbert, Jacob Gold and impressive recruits Jack Roberts and Josh Alswang will fill their boots.
JC team news: Jonny Kay is included in the squad as he steps up his return from long-term injury. Joe Metliss misses out against his former club as he's not in London this weekend.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
RAIDERS (from): David Simnock, Anthony Shaw, Matt Leader, Charles Braunstein, Jake Gilbert, Anthony Goodmaker, Alex Goodman, Elad Hertshten, Jonny Kay, Mark Leader, Jack Roberts, Josh Alswang, Jacob Gold
BLANCOS (from): Nick Grosse, Joel Barnett, Sam Cramer, Joe Davis, Svi Freedman, Josh Gertner, Tim Heynes, Benjy Israel, Avishai Kestenbaum, Josh Landy, Alex Lewis, Elliott Moslawy, Josh Kramer, Jeff Gross, James Joseph
Venue – Brunel, Ref – Keith Goodman, KO – 10am
JC star man: Alex Goodman (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Raiders 3 Blancos 0
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OAKWOOD B vs SCRABBLE FC
Oakwood will feel they have a score to settle when they take on promotion challengers Scrabble for the second time this season.
They were put to bed 3-1 by goals from Josh Bentley, Josh Pugh and the in-form Danny Sherman at the beginning of December and manager Jason Stein knows what he has to do to redress the balance.
He told JC Sport: “"What a shame it was to see our game called off against Lions last week. We were looking forward to it but that's life.
“With the amount of money MGBSFL teams are earning from television rights these days I believe full undersoil heating should be mandatory.
"Millions of people around the world were looking forward to the clash.
"This week we have another top clash against the top, top, top Scrabble. The millionaires, the galacticos, the ultimate big horse. Elliot Espinoza, Josh Bentley, the biggest horse Josh Bharier - what a player he is. They're the enormous favourites. Two world class managers, world class social media, world class players, world class fans and world class facilities. What a club.
"We will look to compete as best as we possibly can against such a behemoth.
"It was a close first half when we played in December but we performed really badly in the second half. It's something my boys will be determined to put right."
Scrabble will ignore Stein’s mind games, especially after such a competent performance against Bilbaum last Sunday. Danny Sherman has rediscovered his killer streak in front of goal and he is the glue that links the midfield to the attack. His hold-up play is second to none and it allows the willing midfield runners to support him and chip in with goals.
Rob Blackman displayed the kind of spirit that managers crave. He could easily have come off through injury last week but played through the pain barrier, and his goal was fully deserved.
In defence, Brandon Sassoon looks like he has been playing there for years, while it’s only a matter of time until the Premier Division big boys send scalps to look at the energetic Zac Summerfield.
Speaking to JC Sport before the match, Scrabble boss Ray Abrahams told JC Sport: "Last week's 4-0 win has given us something to build on after two defeats and we are in a pretty good situation going into the rest of the season just a point off second place and having played most of the top clubs twice already.
"We know this week's game against Oakwood will test us to the limit as they are a very good side who should be further up the table.
"We beat them 3-1 at home but it was one of our best performances of the season and they will be hurting from that.
"Consistency from now to the end of the season is what we need to achieve if we want to go up and the boys know that it is important to put some wins together now to get to where we want to be."
There’s lots at stake for both teams and that’s why I can see it finishing honours even.
JC team news: Harris Kersh will keep goal as Dean Caplin continues his secondment with the A team.
Scrabble welcome back goalkeeper Adam Zaidman from Camden for this one and "will be looking for back to back wins to stay with the leading pack in Division One all looking for a promotion spot".
POSSIBLE TEAMS:
OAKWOOD (from): Harris Kersh, Danni Dennison, James Frener, Dan Linton, Jan Katuscak, James Abrams, Ben Annis, Ben Buck, Max Clynes, Dan King, Ben Loofe, Sam Modlin, Aaron Searle, Daniel Seligman, Daniel Selwyn, Marc Hyamson, Rafi Bloom
SCRABBLE (from): Adam Zaidman, Josh Bharier, Rob Blackman, Elliott Espinoza, Daniel Green, Brandon Sassoon, Danny Sherman, Sam Stead, Daniel Stock, Zac Summerfield, Adam Waters
Venue – Nicholas Breakspear, Ref – Luke Steele, KO – 10am
JC star man: Daniel Stock (Scrabble)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 1 Scrabble 1
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B vs FAITHFOLD A
Sam Rank's Redbridge go in search of their ninth consecutive win as they welcome Faithfold to Old Parks.
The Essex boys have set the bar sky high this season, with Sam Sollosi and Ryan Cole giving them a helping hands in recent weeks. But the dynamic duo will have bigger fish to fry in the Jewish FA Cup on Sunday, meaning Rank's usual suspects will have to turn on the style.
Joe Jordan has become an instant hit with the RJC fans after scoring some important goals. They are both effective and efficient at both ends of the pitch - they haven't conceded for more than 180 minutes - and will feel they have the measure of Faithfold in what is expected to be a physical affair.
Rank told JC Sport: "The team can't wait to get back to action. The main point that's has been addressed this week in football, to win any type of game, this must be earned, through hard work, commitment and ability.
"These are all aspects that we have in abundance. If we bring our A-game to the table, we know we have the ability to win every game this season, but the key point of this is consistency. We know in Division One, if we are not on our game, teams can cause us problems.
"However, on Sunday the boys will up for it after a good training session. They are raring to go on Sunday."
RJC captain Brad Gayer commented: " To ensure I am ready for this game, I will leaving Faces nightclub an hour early on Saturday night to ensure game-face is on. If we perform to our potential and the mentality is right, their will only be one winner on Sunday."
Faithfold have been very hit and miss this season. They secured a couple of wins in November, but consistency has been a major issue for the team managed by Rob Shooman and John Nitka.
The Greens will have to hunt RJC down in packs on Sunday, that's the only way I can see them stopping them. But I can see them struggling to keep Redbridge at bay.
JC team news: RJC B have a full strength squad to choose from, with assistant-manager Richie Caplin and super cat keeper Scott Shear returning back from C team duty. Ben Chernoff returns from injury, Kane Hopps returns after his winter break, Alex Chernoff is still out with a hamstring injury.
POSSIBLE TEAMS:
REDBRIDGE (from): Scott Shear, Daniel Andrews, Daniel Bean, Matthew Berkley, Richie Caplin, Kane Hopps, Ben Chernoff, Jamie Bernstein, Bradley Gayer, Adam Goldman, Joe Jordan, Scott McKenzie, Adam Noble, Anthony Cope, Sam Moss, Sam Rank
FAITHFOLD (from): Daniel Kosky, Dan Beresford, Josh Martin, Marc Charles, Jonny Gahan, Stuart Haring, Jonny Horwitz, Richard Jaffe, Elliott Kaye, Daniel Kent, James Kent, James Lee
Venue – Old Parkonians, Ref – David Lazarus, KO – 10am
JC star man: Jamie Bernstein (Redbridge)
DC Prediction: Redbridge 2 Faithfold 0
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CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI vs MILL HILL DONS
Catford and Mill Hill Dons have identical records - 13 points from 12 matches played. Four wins, a draw and seven defeats apiece, although the Dons have had by far the leakier defence.
There was relief all round in the Catford camp following last week's 3-2 win over Real Hendon - a team that recently beat the Dons 2-1. Player-manager Jeff Gotch added another goal to his scrapbook, with Jordan Grant and Joel Lassman adding the gloss.
But the Dons will be determined to prove a point against a Catford team who will be confident of completing the double. Craig Edwards was the chief tormentor when Catford spanked the Dons 7-0 in September. However, Brandon Hamme's troops have come on in leaps and bounds since then and they will give Catford a game second time around.
Hamme told JC Sport: "2017 has not started well for us, with two defeats in two games. However, despite not playing at our best we were still unlucky to come away with nothing from both games.
"We are now lacking the clinical edge in front of goal that we had at the end of last season and we have been missing way too many clear cut chances, but it's encouraging that we are creating some chances.
"Defensively we have been decent in the last two games so that's also encouraging, it's not all doom and gloom.
"This week we face a team that we probably had our one of our worst performances of the season against. We are a better team now but we know that Catford will be difficult opponents. If we can recapture our form from the end of 2016, we have a chance but we definitely need to improve on recent weeks."
Jerome Colmans rolled back the years with a classy performance for Catford last week. If gaffer Gotch can get him out of bed again, I can see him being the difference in a thriller.
JC team news: Harry Moss is now injured after a late challenge in our last game, something boss Hamme describes as "a big miss". Sammy Hakimian is missing the game as he is adopting a child, Hamme added: "We wish him all the best with that". Lewis Da Silva has left club as he looks to focus on his snooker career, "we also wish him all the best". Ben Bazini and Harry Cohen also remain out on long-term injuries.
POSSIBLE TEAMS:
CATFORD (from): Guy Ben-Aroya, Tal Cohen, Jerome Colmans, Jordan Grant, Joel Lassman, Joe Levy, Callion MacGregor, Adam Parker, Yarden Sharon, Jason Shoffman, Jeff Gotch
DONS (from): Sam Singer, Zachary Cohen, Adam Diamond, Richard Hayim, Adam Isaacs, Charles Kahn, Adam Morrow, Joshua Moses, Harry Moss, Nicholas Phillips, James Segal, Ryan Kramer, Tommy Lennard, Richard Reback, Jordan Rinsler
Venue – Aycliffe Road, Ref – Robert Benardout, KO – 10am
JC star man: Jerome Colmans (Catford)
DC Prediction: Catford 3 Dons 2
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FAITHFOLD B vs TEMPLE FORTUNE
Goals are guaranteed as promotion seeking Faithfold B and Temple Fortune get ready to rumble.
Both teams go into the crunch clash on the back of defeats and three points are essential if they are to stay within touching distance of the top teams in the division.
Eight goals flew in when the teams met in October, with Faithfold supporters going home all smiles after a 5-3 win.
But despite the goals of Richard Fogelman, who has an excellent record at the Hive, the Greens find themselves three points behind Fortune, albeit with a game in hand.
Mike Patterson was Faithfold's best player in the 4-2 defeat against Raiders C, when Fogelman netted his 25th goal of the season.
Fortune boss Simon Linden will urge his players to go for the jugular. With matches against Boca and Real on the horizon, a nine-point haul would really boost their cause.
The head to head between Fortune's Israeli hot-shot Jordan Sharifian and Fogelman will be worth the admission fee alone in what promises to be an end-to-end contest.
POSSIBLE TEAMS:
FAITHFOLD (from): David Garson, Daniel Abrams, Josh Barnett, Ben Kfir, Sam Garson, David Benaim, Avi Garson, JJ Marrache, Michael Patterson, James Stanton, Jeremy Teacher, Tomer Weider, Oliver Weingarten
FORTUNE (from): Lee Fegan, Brett Stead, Gideon Wetrin, Rob Jay, Robbie Berwald, Michael Goldberg, Adam Lenz, Jake Marks, Adam Speck, Jordan Sharifian, Gab Stone, Ollie Squires
Venue – The Hive, Ref – Laurence Thorne, KO – 10am
JC star man: Gideon Wetrin (Fortune)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 3 Fortune 3
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L’EQUIPE vs BOCA JEWNIORS
L’Equipe expect to continue their merciless march towards the title when they take on in-form Boca.
Nick Stern’s troops were frustrated by the weather last weekend but the manager insists his players should only worry about themselves and continue to take it one game at a time.
He told JC Sport: “We at L’Equipe are raring to go and I would say just desperate to play football on a Sunday morning. After the shambles of last week we are confident that the game will go ahead.
“We know that Redbridge did us a favour last week but I have stressed to my team that looking at the league table and other results is irrelevant as if we win our games the rest of the way we will be champions no matter what anyone else does.
“A ban on looking at the league table has come into effect within the club and we must only concentrate on the upcoming fixture that starts with Boca this Sunday.
“Boca are a team we know very well and have had some great battles with them in the past. Despite the league table - which we are not looking at - we know that they are an extremely well run, committed club that clearly is on the up after two wins on the bounce. One thing is for sure we will not be taking them lightly.
“I have a full squad to choose from and can’t wait to get out there and continue our great run on Sunday at our new fortress.”
Boca have back-to-back wins under their belt. On Sunday they will be looking to end L’Equipe’s unbeaten home record, although they will need to play out of their skins to achieve their goal. Brett Schuman inspired them to a memorable win over Hertswood last week. His decisive strike was straight out of the top drawer.
During the three wins in their last six outings, Boca have only conceded eight goals. Anton Nyman told JC Sport: "We are in fine form and the aim is to be the first team to push L’Equipe all the way. Boca these days rarely have to deal with a shot on target, and thanks their back four, we have become a force to be dealt with.
"We have had goals come from all over the pitch this season, with everyone seeming to be pitching in with goals, even Brett Shuman has a shot on target every game.
"Manager Sefton Monk seems to think that is part of the reason for their revival. Part of it is down to their supremo striker striker who has transitioned from a man who puts the ball in the net, to man who keeps the ball well away from his own goal."
Asked for an insight into the turnaround in form, Nyman went on to say: "Boca’s tactics involve keeping the ball in the opposition's final third for most of the game, which is why we have become so hard to beat. It's a tactic Arsenal seem to deploy week in week out, which involves boring the opposition to death with passes and possession, till eventually they give up.
"Sefton Monk is trying to not get ahead of himself but we can’t get hold of him as his phone forever has the engaged tone, as he is forever fending of interest for every one of his players till the close of the transfer window. But he has however managed to take on three new players in as many weeks."
In terms of team news, "Boca only have one missing this weekend, Sefton himself as he is still recovering after 16 months out, which solves the mystery why Boca have had very little activity in the referee’s book this season."
But they will find chances hard to come by against a well-drilled defence. Man for man L’Equipe hold all the aces and although I can see them Boca huffing and puffing for 60 minutes, L’Equipe will win by at least a couple of goals.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
L’EQUIPE (from): Ian Baron, Grant Bates, James Bell, Marc Glucksman, Josh Lewis, James Mandell, Max Martin, Mark Singer, Andy Smith, Mark Smith, Nick Stern, Jonny Kay, Mark Korn, David Prager, Rob Simons
BOCA (from): Will Martyn, Joshua Cinna, Oliver Kyte, Jamie Leboff, Joseph Leigh, Michael Myers, Anton Nyman, Ben Retter, Michael Rosenthal, Brett Schuman, Jonathan Winton, Matt Davis, Sam Simon
Venue – Old Finchleians, Ref – Daniel Fox, KO – 10am
JC star man: James Bell (L’Equipe)
DC Prediction: L’Equipe 3 Boca 0
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C vs HERTSWOOD VALE
Raiders' decision to go with experience has resulted in a change of fortunes. Jonny Blain's return to the club together with Ashley Davidson's MGBSFL comeback has worked wonders. They have their tails up again.
Having beaten Hertswood 3-0 earlier in the season, in a Nick Haringman inspired victory, the signs look good for NLR fans.
Boss Sam Rose also deserves plenty of credit for turning their fortunes around. He told JC Sport: "After two wins on the bounce we're looking good for a positive result again on Sunday, but are taking nothing for granted against Hertswood this weekend.
"As I said after the game last Sunday, we need to be at our best to get the results we want, anything less than that and we'll be found wanting."
Last week's defeat against Boca left a bad taste in the mouth of every Hertswood player. They lie rooted to the foot of the table, and things could get even worse here.
Joint-manager Jacob Emanuel told JC Sport: "We go into Sunday's game with a bit of an injury crisis in the squad, with as many as 10 players out.
"As such, we're unlikely to be able to raise more than a flat 11. Nonetheless, we're looking forward to the game.
"I haven't got much to say on last week's defeat and the league, because if I did I think i'd probably get into some serious trouble.
"As such, we draw a line under the previous games. The plan for the rest of the season is to pick up as many points between now and May and maintain the enjoyment factor."
It could be a long 90 minutes for Hertswood as NLR go in for the kill.
JC team news: Raiders look set to give debuts to goalkeeper Joel Macador and new centre back Jay Rosenthal for the visit of Hertswood Vale. Sam Rose has “no new injuries to report”.
Hertswood welcome Joshua Goodman into the squad who is set to make his long-awaited debut, whilst co-manager Jack Shulman is set for his first start in the league.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
RAIDERS (from): Joel Macador, Jonny Blain, Adam Leveson, Jay Rosenthal, Ashley Davidson, Jason Green, Adam Leveson, Robert Samuelson, Alex Sherr, Liam Stein, Ricky Zeiderman, Rob Benson, Nick Haringman
HERTSWOOD (from): Yaacov Goldin, Ollie Brill, Elio Elia, Danny Feuer, Ashley Hirschberger, Adrian Leibovitch, Josh Wood, Adam Cohen, Josh Webber, Joshua Goodman, Jack Shulman
Venue – The Ark, Ref – Paul Dobkin, KO – 10am
JC star man: Jay Rosenthal (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Raiders 4 Hertswood 0
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE C vs REAL HENDON
Redbridge Jewish Care are on course to win MGBSFL Club of the Season. They’re A-team are chasing silverware on a couple of fronts, while their B-team have won every league game this season. It’s a tough act to follow for the C’s, but they’re giving it a great crack.
Jimmy Castle’s penalty earned them a crucial win over promotion rivals RC UK last week. What impressed me most is the fact they stopped their opponents playing. It was a defensive master-class Jose Mourinho would’ve been proud of.
But they will face a challenge of a different kind against the direct style of Real. Chaim Gothold was disappointed with aspects of their 3-2 defeat against Catford last week. His players failed to produce the same energy as per the Mill Hill game, but I have a feeling an action-packed encounter could bring out the best in the Hendon boys.
But even that may not be enough to stop a swash-buckling Redbridge team.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
REDBRIDGE (from): Scott Shear, Jimmy Castle, Joshua Cohen, Jacob Kaye, James Law, Rafe Neiman, Ben Oldstein, Craig Phillips, Jordan Sapler, Matt Zartz, Lee Cutler, Dan Lipman, Amir Nathan
REAL (from): Dov Owen, Rafi Addlestone, Ben Cohen, Richard Cohen, Benjamin Goldberg, Chaim Gothold, Yossi Hoffman, Motty Korman, Zvi Noe, Hezzie Raymond, Benni Sluckis, Chaim Strom
Venue – 7 Kings High School, Ref – Steve Levy, KO – 10am
JC star man: Rafe Neiman (Redbridge)
DC Prediction: Redbridge 3 Real 2