MATCHDAY ONE AWARDS
PLAYER OF THE WEEK: ADAM ABADI (HMH)
MANAGER OF THE WEEK: Avi Goldberg (HMH)
GOAL OF THE WEEK: Dom Feldman (HMH)
SAVE OF THE WEEK: Adam Zaidman (Hertswood Vale)
REFEREE OF THE WEEK: Ricky Ansher (FC Team vs MH Dons)
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: Sam Rank (Redbridge Jewish Care A)
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
PREMIER DIVISION
TABLE - TOP TWO
1. HMH Old Boys Pl. 1, W. 1, Pts. 3
2. ML Lions Pl. 1, W. 1, Pts. 3
BRADY MACCABI vs FAITHFOLD DOC MM A
Joel Nathan has been searching the JC archives to find footage of Faithfold A – a team he admits he knows little about.
I can tell him the Division One champions are a good, honest and hard-working bunch who play football the right way. They are blessed with some real talent in the shape of David Leiwy, with Avi Garson, Ben Shirbini and David Kizneris at the heart of everything good. And versatile player-manager Avi Markiewicz is a constant goal threat.
Ahead of kick-off, Brady boss Nathan told JC Sport: “We are really looking forward to our first game of the season but are really not sure what to expect from Faithfold having not come across them before, so it will be interesting. But we won’t be taking them lightly and will be going all guns from the first minute to the last.”
The departure of goal machine Reiss Mogilner means the goal-scoring burden must be shared around, with Ben Kohler targeting a double-figure haul.
Nathan continued: “We have a great mixture of youth and experience and the older guys will lead by example whilst the youngsters will give us those legs we need to compete in all comps this season.
“As you know we lost Stanley Offord during pre-season to a serious knee injury and that has been a massive blow but we have signed a great player in Josh Curtis who we will bed in over the next few weeks. Other than that we have a virtually full squad to choose from with only Rob Cohen still missing.”
The big news coming out of the Faithfold camp on the eve of the game was the arrival of Lorian Madanes and Yarden Sharifian. Boss Avi Markiewicz has worked tirelessly to ensure both deals went through and he was seen going into training this week with a big smile on his face.
Faithfold go in search of their first win in the top-flight after bowing down to the Lions. “Last week was tough to take,” admitted Markiewicz. “Our first game in the Prem, we bossed almost the entire game except 10 minutes before the break and five after, we let in three goals from four shots, had two goals disallowed and two clear penalties turned down too.
“Even without that we could have scored five or six but that’s the way things go in the top division. We finally stated to put away our chances with 10 minutes to go and with another five minutes I’m sure we could have won it but it was not to be.
“This week we take on Brady; I am not too sure about their team as there has been lots of movement at the top and truth is we haven’t played them at all in years. They are in the top division and there are no easy games.”
Brady started well last season but I can see Faithfold changing their shape to ensure they come away with something to show for their efforts.
JC team news: Josh Wagner is away for Faithfold who also have “a few injuries but hopefully we have the squad to compete”.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Neil Cooper, KO – 10am
JC star man: Lorian Madanes (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Brady 1 Faithfold 1
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LOS CAMDEN A vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS
Hendon are still smarting from their 5-1 humbling at home to HMH, and I’m expecting a big reaction on Sunday. Los Camden beware!
Dovi Fehler’s strike and Chaim Korman’s performance were the only positives to come out of Jordan Sapler’s first competitive game as Hendon boss.
But the champions have great characters and experience in their ranks and I’m sure Sapler won’t have to say much in the changing room before kick-off as they look to secure their first win.
“We need to bounce back this week, there’s no doubt about that.” Sapler told JC Sport. “We know what we will get when we play a Stirling Kay team - they will be strong, tough in the battle and extremely well organised.
“Make no mistake it will be a very tough game and we will need to be at our best to get the maximum points, at this stage though there’s no alternative to that.”
Camden boss Stirling Kay has hardly had a day off since the end of last season, with squad strengthening the key issue. Having lost Danny Sherman, a new target man is essential, but a smash and grab is their only hope against what will be technically superior opposition.
JC team news: Hendon will have a “relatively similar” to last week. Simon Peterman has been ruled out for a minimum of four weeks with his injury against HMH last week. Moses Seitler is available again this week which is a huge boost to the whole squad”. And gaffer Sapler has warned: “There may be a surprise come Sunday!”
Venue - Hertswood, Ref – Martin De La Fuente, KO – 10am
JC star man: Moses Seitler (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Los Camden 0 Hendon 4
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MACCABI LONDON LIONS vs OAKWOOD A
Oakwood could not have asked for a bigger test than Lions away in their opening fixture of the campaign.
Having fallen short in the league last term, the mighty Oaks know the importance of three points against a new-look Lions team.
Dan Kristall and Dave Cohen have been putting the finishing touches to their plans and I expect them to unveil some new blood to travelling supporters.
The Lions beat Faithfold 3-2 on Matchday One, with Daniel Green and Adam Arnold helping them over the line. At 3-0 they were in total control but Faithfold tested their nerves with two goals and in the end the Lions were holding on.
The Lions know all about Oakwood’s excellent defensive record, so decision-making and the quality of their final pass will be an important factor.
This is a contest that could end in a stalemate, but it won’t be for the lack of trying.
Venue - Rowley Lane, Ref – Andy Myerson, KO – 10am
JC star man: Joe Botchin (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Lions 0 Oakwood 0
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DIVISION ONE
TABLE - TOP TWO
1. Redbridge Jewish Care A Pl. 1, W. 1, Pts. 3
1. Bayern Mincha Pl. 1, W. 1, Pts. 3
OAKWOOD B vs SCRABBLE FC A
Excitement is building in London Colney as promotion-chasing Oakwood B make their bow – with Jason Stein ready to unleash one of his big new signings for the visit of Scrabble.
Under Stein, Oakwood B have been a work in progress, but I have a feeling this could be a big season for them.
"Welcome back, DC. Make yourself at home, I hope you'll be making a habit of dropping by!
"I've been massively backed by the Board this summer. Ric Blank and Shmads have been nothing but supportive and thanks to them we've been able to bring in Elliot Espinoza and Josh Pugh, both ex-Scrabble players. But now I know the pressure is on us to deliver the success the club wants.
"The club is in a very positive moment. The players are excited, the management are excited. The fans are shouting every week. They are happy fans.
"We're excited to take part in the league this season. There seems to be a lot of new teams, with some loud prognostications coming from all parts of the league. But I think we just want to win this match. If we lose at home I know the fans will not react well, and then there will be pressure next week when we fly to outer space to take on the Galaxy.
"We are heading to Heathrow straight after the game to begin the voyage and we want to do so in good spirits."
Ray Abrahams and co were glad to see the back of season 2017/18. But he tells me they are ready to go again.
“We had a difficult season last time out but the key was to survive in this Division which we did as we picked up enough points to keep clear of trouble,” Abrahams told JC Sport.
We are cautiously optimistic this season and happy with the business we have done.
“Oakwood/Scrabble games are normally classics and again they have a good squad this season masterminded by theleague’s Jose Mourinho in Jason Stein!
“This is our first game of the season and we are looking to get as many points as we can from our games over the next month as we know how important it is to get off to a good start...”
The first 20 minutes will be crucial for Scrabble. No doubt, Oakwood will look to make a fast start and blow them away. And if Plan A fails, they should have a game-changer or two on the bench.
JC team news: Josh Pugh will not be available to face the club he used to captain, but Elliot Espinoza will make his debut. The hosts expect Dan Seligman, Dan Selwyn, Dan Ash, Louie Libbert and Sam Modlin all to feature in a deadly looking Oakwood attack. Dan King will captain the side for the third season in a row at centre-back and Ben Lewis is firmly installed as the No1.
Venue – Nicholas Breakspear, Ref – Darryl Colmans, KO – 10am
JC star man: Sam Modlin (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 3 Scrabble 1
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LOS CAMDEN B vs FAIRLOP FC
Fairlop came away frustrated by Jewdinese last weekend. But I think they will enjoy better luck against Los Camden B in Borehamwood.
Aaron Dias’s troops were solid and organised but the gaffer knows they have several more gears to find. It was a typical early season display from last season’s Division Two champions – fitness levels can be improved and so can their finishing.
We don’t know exactly what to expect from the home side. Greg Mellor and Rick Harris will lead the team into the new campaign and we’ll know much more about them coming 11.45am on Sunday.
Venue – Meadow Park, Ref – Nigel Burns, KO – 10am
JC star man: Mitch Gold (Fairlop)
DC Prediction: Los Camden 0 Fairlop 1
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NORTH LONDON GALAXY vs JEWDINESE
I’ve heard great things about North London Galaxy – no it’s time to see if the proof is in the pudding.
Josh Shack joined the Galaxy squad from London Lions on the eve of the game. A Galaxy statement read: “Absolute baller who will provide excellent control in the midfield with the absence of Jake Rinsler.”
Shack joins summer signings Jack Mattey and James Belchak in an exciting line-up that ticks all the boxes.
Galaxy joint-manager Luke Lewis told JC Sport: “Given the heads-up from the Lions' Sunday manager - now it's just about getting the switch done on whole-game system.
“We want a win at all costs. We're going for the jugular. We've worked incredibly hard all of pre-season, had an excellent session last night and we feel ready.”
Jewdinese earned an impressive point at Fairlop last week – one that joint-chairman Jake Erlich described as the “right result”.
Nothing got past Brandon Sassoon and Adam Gold – a pairing that made my Team of the Week. Indeed manager Darren Lawrence proudly predicted that no strikers in the division will get the better of the MGBSFL’s equivalent of Van Djik and Gomes.
Looking ahead to the game, 'Nese boss Darren Lawrence told JC Sport: "It is expected to be, as it was last week, a tightly contested and cagey encounter, with both teams desperate to not lose.
"We will be looking to our attacking players to play with a bit more freedom and creativity than last week and if they do so, we’re certain we’ll leave “The Jungle” with three points.
"We are wary of the threat Galaxy pose, however Zebras know how to handle themselves in the jungle."
Patience will be key for ‘Nese on Sunday – the longer this game remains level, the more they will believe they will snatch something on the break. They have great pace down the wings and it’s only a matter of time until they convert.
JC team news: Galaxy have announced a fully fit squad, bar Jake Rinsler, Dan Brennan and Gid Moss.
'Nese will be missing captain Adam Gold, whilst Brandon Sassoon and James Ross have been sent to Italy "to do some scouting and have been told to lay off the pizza. A make-shift defence will be put in place in their absence but we are more than confident in the players who will take their place".
Venue – Elvin Ark Academy, Ref – Robert Benardout, KO – 10am
JC star man: Scott Oldstein (Jewdinese)
DC Prediction: Galaxy 2 Jewdinese 2
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A vs BAYERN MINCHA
The battle between Sam Sollosi and Adam Ellis will be worth the admission fee alone on Sunday as Redbridge and Bayern put their perfect records on the line.
Steve Summers gave a master-class in the seven-goal thriller against Raiders – a game in which Nate Kashket delivered arguably his finest MGBSFL performance. Indeed RJC boss Sam Rank described Summers as “the best hold-up player in Jewish football”.
Sam Sollosi needs no introduction. He has had MGBSFL defences chasing shadows for a good couple of years, and Mincha will have their work cut out trying to stop him.
RJC boss Sam Rank was in upbeat mood ahead of the first home game of the season: "A comment I make a lot to the RJC A boys is, it is not how the opposition play, it is how we play, how we dictate the tempo of the game, how we control the game, how we finish our chances and we will the game.
"Everyone is aware Bayern Minich are a one-man team with Adam Ellis, but I will be very surprised if Adam scores the same amount of goals as he did last year, as the quality of teams in Division One are so much higher than Division Two.
"Going into Sunday second league of the season, I am very confident of the win, due to quality we have on offer. I'm expecting a very classy performance from the boys, that will keep us top of the league."
Adam Ellis offers a different kind of threat for Bayern to Sollosi. Whether or not he could cut it in a higher division was never in doubt. Just ask the Los Camden B defenders!
Jake Dayan and Daniel Jacob also caught the eye in a 3-2 victory and the latter must be pushing for a place in the starting XI.
This is a tough one to call but I can see home advantage helping RJC over the line.
JC team news: Missing this week for Redbridge are Adam Noble, Dan Andrews, Adam Kempner and Nate Kashket, while Steve Summers back with his B team this season. But players to come in Sam Sollosi, Dean Ben Yosef and experienced campaigner Danny Berg.
Venue – 7 Kings, Ref – David Lazarus, KO – 10am
JC star man: Sam Sollosi (RJC)
DC Prediction: RJC 2 Bayern 1
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DIVISION TWO
TABLE - TOP TWO
1. Mill Hill Dons Pl. 1, W. 1, Pts. 3
1. Hertswood Vale Pl. 1, W. 1, Pts. 3
FAITHFOLD DOC MM C vs FAITHFOLD DOC MM B
David Garson’s retirement didn’t exactly go to plan. He ended up playing for Faithfold A against the Lions at Rowley Lane, eruv Rosh Hashanah and such was his performance, he’s got a taste for it again.
So don’t be surprised if he turns out for either the B’s or C’s in the eagerly anticipated derby.
Adam Hersh was the Faithfold B hero in the 2-2 draw against SPEC FC last weekend. He put the Superhoops two goals to the good only for their good work to be undone in the second half.
Ben Kfir and Rob Shooman know they will have their work cut out. It’s crucial they keep things tight at the back against a team that plays fast, free-flowing football.
B-team boss Martin Smulovitch whispered “silverware” in his pre-season interview and I expect them to stand head and shoulders above the C’s on Sunday.
Venue - TBC, Ref – Phil Peters, KO – 10am
JC star man: Motty Korman (Faithfold B)
DC Prediction: Faithfold C 0 Faithfold B 3
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MILL HILL DONS vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B
Redbridge B are spoilt for choice in terms of numbers ahead of the long trip to Goffs Academy – the new home of title-chasing Mill Hill Dons.
Richard Bronzite is a manager everyone likes to play for, but he has a selection headache this week as he look to trim his 17-man squad by three players.
Ahead of their first game, Bronzite told JC Sport: “We’re very excited to get the season underway. The boys are chomping at the bit to start.”
Bronzite predicts “a tough game”. He added: “Mill Hill are a younger team so we know we will have to work hard to get something out of the game. We are confident in our own ability.
The Dons got off to a flyer against FC Team – with striker Zach Cohen destroying the home defence. Joseph Reece chipped in with another in an impressive 4-1 win.
The decision to shift Jamie Nagioff alongside Josh Cinna paid dividends, as the Dons kept the dangerous Team forward line at arm’s length.
And with the visitors missing some experienced personnel, it could be another enjoyable morning for Brandon Hamme’s men.
JC team news: RJC are missing Dan Gordon, Danny Hakimi, Andy Levy, Alex Aviram and Daniel Lipman.
Venue – Goffs Academy, Ref – Neal Cohen, KO – 10am
JC star man: Ryan Kramer (Dons)
DC Prediction: Dons 2 RJC 1
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SCRABBLE FC B vs HERTSWOOD VALE
Scrabble legend Adam Solomons lines up between the sticks for the home side for the visit of ambitious Hertswood Vale.
And with player-manager Jon Yantin and Jonny Summerfield expected to start, Scrabble’s average age edges ever closer to 50!
Asked for his hopes for Sunday, Yantin told JC Sport: “To not lose too heavily!”
Hertswood made hard work of seeing off Temple Fortune last week. James Millet and Harry Graham set up the win but it needed a late penalty save from new recruit Adam Zaidman to secure maximum points. Zaidman was playing top-flight football for Raiders and I can see him earning Vale 10-15 points this year.
But managers Jacob Emanuel and Danny Hirschberger were concerned with their second-half performance. The team’s decision-making was snappy in the first 45 but they hesitated and played themselves into trouble on more than one occasion.
Emanuel told JC Sport: "We're really looking forward to this week’s game against Scrabble. However, we know that they’ll be a very different test to the one we faced against Temple Fortune.
"In my experience, what masters teams lack in pace, they more than make up for in experience and strength, whilst their aerial ability will certainly be a big focus for Danny and I this week.
"We’ll be looking for a consistent performance from the boys across both halves this week otherwise we could find ourselves under unnecessary pressure as we were against Fortune."
Where will this game be won or lost? I believe fitness will hold the key on Sunday, with Vale playing between the lines and pulling the Scrabble defence out of position, making it an uncomfortable morning for Solomons and co.
JC team news: Vale have named "a fairly strong squad" for this week’s game - Ben Kaye still awaits his debut following a pre-season injury that will leave him on the sidelines for a couple of months, whilst Josh Gorb is unavailable. Josh Wood and Adam Zaidman face late fitness tests.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – Bob Caplin, KO – 10am
JC star man: Harry Graham (Vale)
DC Prediction: Scrabble 0 Vale 2
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SPEC FC vs FC TEAM
SPEC FC showed great powers of recovery in their opener against Faithfold last weekend, with player-manager Ricky Lawrence and the much-travelled Zac Neiman finding the net in an entertaining 2-2 draw.
Lawrence believe solid foundations have been set ahead of Matchday Two. He told JC Sport: "We're really looking forward to our first home game of the season and hope to give the home crowd a victory to celebrate too.
"We know it's not going to be an easy game against FC Team though and I'm sure after their defeat they'll be hoping to get three points on the board.
"We'll need to play better than last week to get anything out of the game though and we can't just play the second half like we did last week."
Meanwhile, FC Team were on the receiving end of a Zach Cohen master-class in a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Mill Hill Dons. And boss Mitch Young predicts match number two will be no easier.
“We’re in for another tough game against an experienced side,” he told JC Sport. “SPEC have come back signing a number of Raiders players so this will be a strong test.
“I believe we are fairly evenly matched, so it should be a competitive game. If we can apply ourselves in the right manner I am sure we can get a win.”
Both SPEC and FC Team excel at set-pieces, so don’t be surprised if a direct approach is adopted. This certainly won’t be the tikka-takka extravaganza some might be hoping for.
JC team news: Josh Morris is set to make his debut for FC Team.
Danny Bloom, Jason Green and Josh Frey will make their debuts for SPEC FC, while "it's lovely to have club captain Ashley Burns back after making just one pre season appearance".
Venue – Queens School, Ref – Stuart Ansher, KO – 9.45am
JC star man: Zac Neiman (SPEC)
DC Prediction: FC Team 1 SPEC 1
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TEMPLE FORTUNE vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS MASTERS
Five more minutes. That’s all Fortune boss Simon Linden wanted last week. He felt had the game continued, Fortune could’ve snatched a point against Hertswood Vale.
“We were very unlucky to not come away with a point after a very good second half,” Linden told JC Sport.
“This was the first real chance I have been able to the get this new look Fortune side together, so I cannot complain. We battled hard, didn’t give in and pushed them all the way.”
And he vowed his Fortune side “will get better as the weeks go on”. If they start how they finished, I can see them being rewarded.
Ahead of Sunday's match, Linden told JC Sport: "We're looking to bounce back this weekend - Raiders are going to be a tough side to play against as I imagine they have bags of experience."
Raiders Masters laid down their marker in the stalemate against Scrabble last Sunday. James Cartmell and Jonny Blain set their team up to be solid and organised – ingredients which earned them great success in the MMFL.
Cartmell told JC Sport: “We’re looking forward to building on last week and feeling very positive about Sunday’s game.”
My motto for Sunday is he who dares wins!
JC team news: Fortune "have a few missing," including skipper Adam Speck and new signing Nick Stern.
Raiders have lost centre-back Robert Baker and goalkeeper Brian Rubenstein through injury, but David Fox and James Hodari come.
Venue – Silver Jubilee Park, Ref – Barry David, KO – 10am
JC star man: Josh Klepper (Fortune)
DC Prediction: Fortune 2 Raiders 1
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