North London Raiders C will become the first team in the MGBSFL to finish their league campaign when they host Redbridge Jewish Care C, while Danny Caro also looks ahead to important action in the top-flight and First Division.
February 23, 2017 13:14
YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
FC TEAM A vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
Redbridge have a massive few weeks ahead of them that could effectively make or break their season.
There’s the small matter of two crucial league matches against title rivals Hendon United and Oakwood, as well as a cup semi-final against Finchley City, but first they have a job to do on FC Team.
Full-back Ryan Cole is a contender for MGBSFL Player of the Season. He starred once again in last week’s big win over Brady, while Daniel Garfinkle produced arguably his best display of the season. No doubt boss Jon Jacobs will be looking for more of the same in their first meeting of the season with FC Team.
Mitch Young described Maccabi London Lions A as the best defensive unit FC Team have faced after last Sunday’s 1-0 defeat.
It was a big improvement performance-wise from the matches against Oakwood and Brady, though Young knows his boys will start as underdogs.
The problem for FC Team now is they have a number of players who were playing in the lower divisions earlier in the season and they face a real test to see if they can cut it against the big boys.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
FC TEAM: David Gordon, Jamie Breslaw, Andrei Greyson, David Grossman, Gary Hill, James Millman, Danny Moss, Eddie Sternberg, Adam Rones, Richard Salmon, Mitch Young
REDBRIDGE: Jay Jaffa, Dan Lee, Danny Berg, Ryan Cole, Adam Hakimi, James Berkley, Zac Neiman, Darryl Rubin, Ben Sollosi, Sam Sollosi, Dean Nyman, Daniel Garfinkle, Matt Berkley, Danny Hakimi, Nate Kashket
Venue – Harefield Academy 3G, Ref – Mark Jacob, KO – 10am
JC star man: James Berkley (RJC)
DC Prediction: FC Team 1 Redbridge 3
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A vs BRADY MACCABI
The maths are now pretty simple for Hendon United. They effectively have four cup finals left as they look to keep the pressure on table-toppers Oakwood.
Zac Lewis was back to his brilliant best when they put seven past SPEC FC, but they are in for a tougher 90 minutes on Sunday.
Boss David Garbacz told JC Sport: “We gained some much-needed confidence with a decent win last week against SPEC and we will hope to take that form with us into the Brady match.
“We are only too aware how vital it is that we get the three points in order to maintain the pressure on Oakwood and we will be going all out once again to get the win.”
Hendon welcome back some big guns, but they also have two key players out and a question mark over another influential figure. But with home advantage, the Brady game is one they expect to win.
Garbacz went on to say: “There can be no complacency – we believe we can still win this title but to do that we must set ourselves up for the Redbridge match next week with a good win on Sunday.
“On their day, Brady can be extremely dangerous and will have nothing to lose as they don’t really have much to play this season.
“However, with all that is at stake for us I am hopeful that we can produce the required performance.
Brady look set to finish in sixth position and that would be a decent return given the resources of the teams likely to finish above them. They’ve been comfortably beaten by two of them in recent outings – Redbridge and Lions – and I can’t see them causing too many problems to a Hendon team that beat them 4-0 in November.
JC team news: Hendon duo Yoav Kestenbaum and Dovi Fehler are away. Ari Last is doubtful with a dead leg. Moses Seitler, Yehuda Korman and Rocky Spitzer return.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
HENDON (from): Russell Corin, Greg Corin, Zac Garbacz, Alex Rosenthal, Ben Kon, Avi Korman, Yehuda Korman, Ari Nevies, Simon Peterman, Ari Last (capt), Moses Seitler, Rocky Spitzer, Josh Harris, Zac Lewis
BRADY (from): Josh Miller, David Cohen, Henry Ziff, Eli Dagul, Ben Kohler, Brad Dryer, Dan Harrod, Jordan Nathan, Reiss Mogilner, Josh Newman, Ricky Rinder, Ben Henry, Scott Benson, Nathan Harrod, Sam Monjack, Mark Rister, Casey Sharpe
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Daniel Fox, KO – 10am
JC star man: Yehuda Korman (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon 3 Brady 0
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MACCABI LONDON LIONS A vs SPEC FC
Will Beresford waltzed into his pre-match presser, sat down, told JC Sport: “We’re hoping for a win,” and then rushed out. It was quicker than Bolt over 50 yards and almost as breezy as Storm Doris!
The Lions earned plaudits for their defensive master-class against FC Team last week. Harry Marlow was the match-winner in a tight game as the boys from Rowley Lane boosted their hopes of a top four finish.
I expect them to be far more positive against a SPEC FC side consigned to first division football next season. I hear manager Ricky Lawrence has drawn up a list of which players he wants to keep and potential targets, so I don’t expect his troops to go through the motions on Sunday.
SPEC went down fighting when the teams met earlier in the season. They registered twice in the second half against a very different Lions team who will take the field on Sunday.
Ricky Lawrence, player-manager of SPEC FC, told JC Sport: "Confidence is high in the squad after going from losing 12-0 to just 7-0 in a week. We're on the up!"
You can get 10-1 on SPEC FC breaking their goal-drought which spans more than 360 minutes. That’s got to be worth a punt, but gamble responsibly!
POSSIBLE SQUADS
LIONS (from): Dec Green, Will Beresford, Harry Marlow, Nick Smith, Elliot Stern, Brad Sharp, Alex Taylor, Cam Most, Max Hassell, Sam Arghebant, James Gold, Richard Gold, Jamie Jackson
SPEC (from): Simon Roth, Sam Roth, Simon Bagel, Dan Cohen, Marc Cohen, Jon Kaye, Darren Lawrence, Ricky Lawrence, Rob Murray, Daniel Pike, Nick Wallis, Ryan Fox, Marc Hecht, Ben Kaye, Craig Cohen, Elliot Wallis
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Neal Cohen, KO – 10am
JC star man: Elliot Stern (Lions)
DC Prediction: Lions 4 SPEC 0
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WOODFORD WANDERERS vs CAMDEN PARK
The big news coming out of the Camden Park camp this week is that Stirling Kay has taken over as manager.
I’d heard rumours a last-minute approach was made for ex-Barnet boss Martin Allen following his exit from Eastleigh, but his lack of Maccabi football knowledge clearly counted against him.
Camden are in desperate need of points and the experienced Kay will look to hit the ground running on a patch he knows well. He has fond memories of his times leading North West Neasden and at Redbridge Jewish Care and will be keen to make a statement of intent in his debut match.
Outgoing gaffer Max Saunders will focus on playing duties between now and the end of the season. In an emotional final press conference, he told JC Sport: “After a couple weeks away from the action we are really looking forward to getting back on the pitch.
“We’re especially buoyed by the fact that we have appointed Stirling Kay as our new manager. Moving forward I will helping as his assistant, and as a result will be able to focus more on playing.
“It is the end of an era to some extent, as we have always had player-managers from within the original squad, however we felt it was time to get an 'outsider' and we are delighted to have such an experienced manager on board who has impressed us a lot in the conversations we have had so far.
“We are sure Stirling will bring the structure and discipline that this talented squad has never really had, and hopefully we will start to have the impact we should be having.”
Sunday is a must-win for Woodford. They’ve played four games more than Camden who start two points ahead of them. It could be a real psychological lift if they climbed out of the danger zone ahead of next week’s second leg.
There's an added incentive for Woodford boss Daryl Kay. He told JC Sport: "I’m hoping to have near enough a full team for Sunday, as we prepare for what is probably going to be our biggest game of the season so far.
"We all know that beating Camden puts us in a great position heading into our relegation battle, as we play them again and still have to play FC Team. This one is huge!
"It's my birthday today so I’m hoping the boys can give me a late present and get the me three points wrapped up a nice little box."
POSSIBLE SQUADS
WOODFORD (from): Ben Rosenthal, Alex Aviram, Adam Shafron, Martin Sales, Darryl Green, Daniel Wexler, David Green, Adam Kemper, Jerome Marks, Jason Patmore, Tom Alexander, Harrison Midda
CAMDEN (from): Steve Murad, Adam Zaidman, Ben Harris, Dan Baneth, Johann Jordi, Nick Kagan, David Kanzen, David Khalatschi, Mike Khalatschi, Josh Marks, Jake Saunders, Max Saunders, Kane Gilbery, Max Gordon, Guy Marks, Greg Mellor
JC team news: Camden captain Rob Hershkorn is injured whilst Will Castle and Kane Gilbery are suspended. Max Saunders returns from suspension.
Venue - Fairlop, Ref – Martin De La Fuente, KO – 10am
JC star man: Mike Khalatschi (Camden)
DC Prediction: Woodford 1 Camden 2
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DIVISION ONE
REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS B
This game needs no dressing up. It was sold out weeks ago. I’m nervous and excited just writing about it!
It’s a massive 90 minutes for both sets of players, as league leaders Lions B look to extend their slender advantage against a Redbridge side who have three games in hand.
Sam Marchant’s men staged a dramatic recovery against promotion rivals Finchley City last week. Two-goal hero Michael Kenley fired the winner as they showed tremendous character to come from two goals down to edge 3-2. But it would not have been possible without the heroics of JC Goalkeeper of the Week James Harpin.
The next target is to become the first team to beat Redbridge B in the league this season, and gaffer Marchant knows that doing it in their own back yard would be even sweeter.
Marchant told JC Sport: “This Sunday’s game away at Redbridge is arguably our biggest game of the season and is also likely to be our toughest test of the season.
“Redbridge have steamrolled their season so far and although we find ourselves above them in the league, the standing is superficial as they have three games in hand and are only one point behind.
“Redbridge are firm favourites to go on and win the title, and I feel this game is bigger for us than it is for them.
“As it stands, our destiny is in our own hands but things will only remain that way if we win on Sunday. A loss on Sunday will mean Scrabble and NLR B will be able to catch us and then we rely on other teams doing us favours, something we never want to be able to rely on.
Nick Landesberg and Zac Rose could return to the Lions XI as Marchant eyes an improvement defensively.
“A victory for us really puts us in good stead for a promotion spot, and a loss for Redbridge will only put a minor dent in their title hopes as they will still be expected to win the title,” said Marchant.
“It really should be a great spectacle and I’m expecting a physical and talented Redbridge side to give us everything they have.
“No doubt it will be difficult to beat them, something no team in the league has managed this season, but we have a squad capable of anything and if we have the right mentality on the day, anything is possible.”
Sam Rank has done a terrific job at Redbridge B this season. It’s no surprise to hear he’s been offered a contract extension, but talks have been put on hold to enable him to focus on the Lions game.
“Sunday sees the biggest game of the season for both Lions B and RJC B,” Rank told JC Sport. “Both teams have been the dominant force in MGBSFL Division One.
“The boys have been buzzing for this game all season. This is a game that the whole league has been waiting to see, and it will be a game that will not disappoint.
“The RJC B boys trained very hard this week in preparation for Sunday’s game. Their commitment, ability and team ethic is just brilliant. They know if they play to their best ability they will this game.”
It’s clear Rank has the utmost respect for the Lions but his players will go into the game with no fear. Brothers Yoni and David Fialka celebrating their birthdays midweek but the squad will keep the party atmosphere on hold for the next 90 minutes. After all, Kane Hopps is still negotiating image rights on his new contract at the club, but will be boosted by a birthday card from his new bestie, Gary Neville.
“We know Lions have quality all over the pitch, but with the strong defence and super cat keeper Scott Shear Lions will find it hard score.
“Sunday’s game will be classic but if we play to their ability their will only be one winner.”
This game is impossible to predict. Redbridge’s home form has been imperious but something tells me that there could be a late twist and I can see a strong Lions XI coming away with a point.
JC team news: RJC have a full-strength side this week, with Dean Ben Yosef returning to the squad. They will also be boosted by the presence of “wise fox” front man Steve Summers in the squad.
POSSIBLE SQUADS
REDBRIDGE (from): Scott Shear, Adam Noble, Dan Andrews, Daniel Bean, Anthony Cope, Richie Caplin, Adam Goldman, Kane Hopps, Joe Jordan, Scott McKenzie, Adam Noble, David Fialka, Sam Rank, Richard Stern, Nathan Anders, Dan Fattal, Sam Marchant
LIONS (from): James Harpin, Zac Rose, Ben Winters, Adam Lipman, Nathan Schindler, Nick Landesberg, Dan Behar, Ed Brafman, Dom Feldman, Zak Linden, Dean Rosenthal, Benji Weinberger Michael Kenley, Josh Bloom
Venue – Old Parkonians, Ref – Richard Jaye, KO – 10am
JC star man: Nick Landesberg (Lions)
DC Prediction: Redbridge 1 Lions 1
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ATHLETIC BILBAUM vs OAKWOOD B
Oakwood go in search of a league double against a Bilbaum team they thrashed 9-0 in November.
They returned to winning ways after a real battle against Blancos last Sunday, with Dan Dennison the match-winner.
Gaffer Jason Stein told me how Dan Geey "rolled back the years" with a master-class in midfield.
However, Stein was conspicuous by his absence this week, with one or two whispers that he's being lined up for the Leicester City job. But with two wins in his last three, I'd be amazed if he didn't see the season out at Nicholas Breakspear at the very least. That said, we all know how crazy football is.
The Baums have failed to score in their last two and with Scrabble to follow next week, it's vital they start getting points on the board.
But I expect Oakwood to turn up focused and get the job done in a professional manner.
POSSIBLE SQUADS
BILABUM (from): Nick Shinder, Barnaby Powell, Ben Lewis, Elliott Kindler, Jacob Holder, Eli Gottlieb, Daniel Goldhill, Ben Cantopher, Jacob Brunner, Sam Barr, Gal Alkalay
OAKWOOD (from): Danni Dennison, Dan King, Ilan Scorah, Ben Annis, Jonny Beilin, Dan Geey, Ben Loofe, Sam Modlin, Dan Selwyn, Rafi Bloom, James Frener
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Andy Myerson, KO – 10am
JC star man: Jonny Beilin (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Bilbaum 0 Oakwood 2
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FINCHLEY CITY vs FAITHFOLD A
Finchley and Faithfold needs maximum points for very different reasons on Sunday.
February has been a poor month for Joel Holder’s boys thus far, with the 2-2 draw against Raiders followed by defeats against title-chasing Redbridge B and Lions B.
It was all set up for them but they have come unstuck and there was a great sense of disappointment after they allowed a 2-0 lead to slip against the Lions last Sunday.
Now the target has to be to accumulate as many points as possible and see when it leaves them.
Finchley boss Joel Holder told JC Sport: “The last few weeks have not gone to plan, but I cannot fault the level of commitment and desire every player has shown. The boys have made a big effort and deserve a lot of credit.
“We know what to expect on Sunday against Faithfold. They are a good and powerful team. However, we are still in the fight for promotion this season, so I am expecting a very solid performance.
“Morale at the camp is good. However, unfortunately our skipper Josh Aziz suffered a nasty knee injury against Redbridge which has ruled him out for a while. So on behalf of team, we all wish him a speedy recovery.
“I think Sunday will be a very entertaining affair. Both teams will give it a right go. It's going to be vital for us to keep discipline and let our football do the talking.”
Faithfold will be on a revenge mission of sorts after going down to an Oli Sade hat-trick in the first meeting with Finchley. The Greens are still flirting with relegation so must play with the same kind of urgency as they did in the eight-goal thriller against Redbridge.
No-one gave them a chance that day but they were full value for their point. However, managers Rob Shooman and John Nitka will be concerned they failed to score in three out of their last four and I cannot see them out-scoring a quality Finchley team.
POSSIBLE TEAMS
FINCHLEY (from): Yossi Lanning, Eli Davila, Yoel Deal, Shim Bensoor, Jamie Gurvitz, Sam Kanter, Rafi Kon, Gavriel Krieger, Samuel Leader, Daniel Sinclair, Josh Gaon, Jono Gaon, Alon Pinhas, Josh Kanter, Dan Kozielek
FAITHFOLD (from): Daniel Kosky, Stuart Haring, Jonny Horwitz, Josh Martin, Ben Portnoi, Dan Yoss, Richard Jaffe, Elliott Kaye, Craig Cole, Michael Field, Jamie Kent
Venue – Capital City, Ref – Robert Benardout, KO – 10am
JC star man: Daniel Sinclair (Finchley)
DC Prediction: Finchley 3 Faithfold 1
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LOS BLANCOS vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B
History tells me that a Blancos win would make them safe in the battle to avoid the drop.
15 points would be something of a safety net, and Nick Grosse’s boys will be looking to come away with maximum points. He will feel that player for player his squad has the edge.
The Blancos boys have given a good account of themselves in recent outings against Oakwood, Scrabble and Lions. They have rediscovered their hunger and have certainly not looked out of place against teams vying for the top spots.
But it’s important they maintain that level of performance as there is a chance they could take one look at the league tables and under-estimate Hendon – a team they hit for six in October.
But Hendon are at rock bottom. They have failed to score a goal in any of their last four matches and the signs look ominous for Sunday.
I’m banking on a home win.
POSSIBLE TEAMS
BLANCOS (from): Nick Grosse, Joel Barnett, Sam Cramer, Joe Davis, Svi Freedman, Mitch Green, James Hodari, James Kutner, Alex Lewis, Louie Libbert, Elliott Moslawy, Luke Strauss, Josh Cramer, Jeff Gross, Joel Kutner
HENDON (from): Akiva Fink, Gideon Barth, Gideon Gale, Ezekiel Jacob, James Neidle, Jono Nesbitt, Gavriel Nussbaum, Gab Saul, Aron Taylor, Ronen Weinstein
Venue - Hertswood, Ref – Barry David, KO – 10am
JC star man: James Hodari (Blancos)
DC Prediction: Blancos 2 Hendon 0
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DIVISION TWO
CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI vs HERTSWOOD VALE
Goals are guaranteed on Sunday when mid-table Catford & Bromley entertain Hertswood Vale.
Hertswood go into the match with their tails up. But Jacob Emanuel and Jack Shulman hope the dreaded JC Manager of the Week curse doesn’t strike following their phenomenal win over second-placed Redbridge C last weekend, when Cohen was the stand-out performance once again.
Emanuel told JC Sport: “Things are looking a little bit better in Borehamwood on that back of two consecutive wins against opposition sitting comfortably higher than us in the table.
“Having said that, this only frustrates Jack and I more. Having seen us pick up wins against Division One high-flyers Finchley City in the cup, with further victories against FC Team C, MH Dons and Redbridge JC C in the league with a full-strength squad, we can only dream of what might've been had unavailability and injuries not haunted our season.
“This week we face another challenge against Catford & Bromley who I understand are on their own mini-revival with four wins in their last five.
“Catford are looking to end the season well, having failed to hit the title aim that Jeff Gotch promised at the start of the season, and will be up for this game. Having lost to them 4-1 earlier in the season, they'll be expecting another easy victory, but I'm confident of a more resolute display from us when we make the journey to Brunel on Sunday.
“Our hopes of winning three games on the spin have frustratingly been hit very hard this week by a number of unavailable players, so it remains to see what kind of squad Jack and I will have at our disposal.
“We're looking to pick up another couple of wins before the season ends, with Boca Jewniors shaking in their boots!”
Catford are finally showing the form manager Jeff Gotch knew they were capable of. He must be thinking ‘why have we left it so late’.
Ahead of kick-off, the journeyman striker told JC Sport: “We’re on the up and looking to make it five from six when we welcome Hertswood to Brunel.
“Brunel has become a bit of a fortress for us over last few weeks and special praise for Robert Richman for helping me with a pitch
“I have been able to pick the same 11/12 over last few weeks and the consistency has been great. We are again with the same 12 so bring it on.”
With Gotch as their battering ram, I can see the Cats pinching it.
JC team news: Elio Elia, who is profiled in this week’s Jewish Chronicle newspaper, returns, along with Harry Graham and Ashley Hirschberger. Ben Mandel, Ollie Brill, Theo Gluckstein and captain Josh Wood are once again unavailable.
POSSIBLE SQUADS
CATFORD (from): Guy Ben-Aroya, Loz Bloom, Tal Cohen, Gavin Fox, Jeff Gotch, Joel Lassman, Callion McGregor, Yarden Sharon, Ashley Stokes, Lioz Tov, Richard Winton, Jamie Sinai
HERTSWOOD (from): Ollie Brill, Josh Cohen, Ben Davis, Jacob Emanuel, Danny Feuer, Josh Goodman, Adrian Leibovitch, Ben Mandell, James Millet, Jonty Schogger, Jack Shulman, Simon Englander, Josh Gorb
Venue – Christs College, Ref – Paul Dobkin, KO – 10am
JC star man: Lioz Tov (Catford)
DC Prediction: Catford 3 Hertswood 2
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MILL HILL DONS vs RC UK FC
RC UK FC have shot themselves in the foot in recent weeks, but their destiny remains in their own hands.
Avi Markiewicz’s men have lost their rhythm in recent weeks but they remain firm favourites to finish runners-up. Realistically, they are also the only team who can stop L’Equipe from clinching the title.
RC UK are capable of going away from home, playing well and winning - we have seen it happen this season, just not for a while now.
The recent 4-1 defeat to Hertswood came as a real hammer blow to the Dons. And manager Brandon Hamme will be concerned by the number of goals they have conceded in their last three games.
He told JC Sport: “We have been extremely eager to get ourselves back onto the pitch after our disappointing loss two weeks ago.
“We weren’t at our best, had several players out injured but can’t feel too disheartened as we came up against a revitalised Hertswood Vale side, they were superb.
“This week we don't really know what to expect from RC UK, they are the only team we are yet to face and their results don't seem to give a clear indication of how good they really are.
“Judging by their cup run it would seem that they are more than capable of beating some good teams.
“We have some crucial players back this week and if we play at our best there is no reason we can't come away with something from this game.”
The Dons will dig in, of course, but RC UK have got players who can hurt them.
JC team news: Jamie Nagioff, James Segal and Joel Sinclair-Horne return to the Dons side. Sam Cicurel, Zach Perez and Ben Bazini are doubts. Sammy Hakimian, Harry Moss and Jason ‘4 Goals’ Weldon are out. Congratulations to Dons' vice-captain Ryan Kramer who celebrated his 22nd birthday this week.
POSSIBLE SQUADS
DONS (from): Zach Cohen, Adam Isaacs, Sam Kahn, Ryan Kramer, Adam Morrow, Zach Perez, Nick Phillips, Richard Reback, Joe Reece, Jordan Rinsler, Jamie Nagioff, James Segal, Joel Sinclair-Horne, Sam Cicurel, Zach Perez and Ben Bazini, Richard Hayim, Josh Moses
RC UK (from): Nati Kind, Joseph Corin, David Brown, Zalmy Cohen, Dan Ezra, Moishe Lewis, Aron Luftig , Gideon Caller, Josh Marlow, Dudi Edreyi, Jake Lewis, Avi Mocton, Josh Shaffer, Leor Harel, Jonti Aremband, Avi Markiewicz, Akiva Solomon
Venue – Mill Hill Park, Ref – Laurence Thorne, KO – 10am
JC star man: Gideon Caller (RC UK)
DC Prediction: Dons 2 RC UK 4
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE C
Raiders C bring down the curtain on what has been a highly entertaining campaign when they host fellow high-flyers Redbridge C.
They have lost just once since Sam Rose took charge just after Chanukah and they will be looking to finish on a high on Sunday.
Jonny Blain produced a contender for individual performance of the season in the eight-goal thriller against Boca last week, including a Nayim from the halfway line. But I bet he felt it at work the next day!
A big crowd is expected to give NLR a fantastic send-off, although I hope they don’t encounter too much traffic in Wembley ahead of the Mickey Mouse Cup final.
Ahead of kick-off, Rose told JC Sport: "I think we've had a fantastic second half of the season, showing phenomenal improvement.
“Our team spirit has improved boundlessly and we firmly believe if we can carry our form into next season we'll be in the race for promotion.
“In terms of last week we had a disappointing result but as Hertswood proved last week, league positions can mean very little in this league and we'll be looking to finish the season on a high with a positive result against Redbridge."
Back-to-back defeats against Hertswood and Catford have given Redbridge a bit of a reality check. They drew 1-1 with Raiders earlier in the season and another tough 90 minutes is on the cards.
Josh Hambling was shocked by some kamikaze defending last Sunday and he read his team the riot act.
I can see both teams having a right good go on Sunday but think the points will stay in north-west London.
POSSIBLE SQUADS
RAIDERS (from): David Domb, Adam Leveson, Richard Sacks, Jason Green, Rob Samuelson, Alex Sher, Ricky Zeiderman, Eyal Samovich, Ashley Davidson, Jonny Blain, Alex Elf, Nick Haringman, Joel Levitt, Jay Rosenthal
REDBRIDGE (from): Nathan Mehlman, Josh Cohen, Lee Cutler, Scott Oldstein, Seth Walmer, Matt Zartz, Aaron Goldberg, James Law, Rafe Neiman, Jimmy Castle, Barry Green, Jamie Crawford, Josh Hambling, Dan Lipman, Amir Nathan
Venue – The Ark, Ref – Steve Levy, KO – 9.45am
JC star man: Alex Elf (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Raiders 3 Redbridge 2
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TEMPLE FORTUNE vs FAITHFOLD B
Simon Linden launched a rallying call ahead of Fortune’s crunch clash against Faithfold – let’s be ‘avin ya.
No team other than L’Equipe have been consistent since Chanukah and even though Fortune have not produced the results or performances Linden has been looking for week in, week out, they are firmly in the mix.
They still have six games left, 18 points to play for – effectively six cup finals in which they must strain every sinew and give every ounce of everything. Leave nothing on the pitch, lads.
The goals of Jordan Sharifian has kept them in contention but Linden needs several more players to chip in to ensure they finish the season with no regrets.
Faithfold have had a decent season, but managers David Garson and James Stanton know it could have been even better.
The Greens will be eyeing revenge after the recent 3-1 defeat at Fortune but I think they will come out second best in a war of attrition on Sunday.
Faithfold's Avi Garson told JC Sport: "We are slowly reaching the business end of the season and it isn't the way James Stanton and David Garson had predicted it would go for the Hoops.
"Injuries, fitness levels, individual errors and some misfortune have all played a part. But there is still a lot football to be played this season. Six teams are clustered around the 20 point mark which means one week you can be 9th the next 4th and vice-versa.
"It's likely we will opt for a 4-4-2 formation instead of the regular 4-5-1 to provide more support for Richard Fogelman in attack.
The battle between Richard Fogelman and Sharifian will be key.
JC team news: James Stanton is unavailable meaning that Faithfold co-manager David Garson will fill his gloves. David Benaim twisted his ankle last week and Avi Garson is out too with a pulled hamstring. JJ Marrache and Josh Garson have also ruled themselves out. On the positive side, club captain Josh Barnett returns after a month out. Joshua Benzadon comes in too and will be expected to be pulling the strings for Faithfold. Full-back Ollie Weingarten is back as well and will be a constant threat down on the overlap.
POSSIBLE SQUADS
FORTUNE (from): Lee Fegan, Rob Jay, Jordan Jay, Gideon Wetrin, Brett Stead, Gavin Levy, Jake Marks, Adam Speck, Jordan Sharifian, Ollie Squires, Michael Goldberg, Gab Stone, Michael Woolf, Dave Sawyer, Adam Lenz, Zach Rich
FAITHFOLD (from): David Garson, Yosef Brownson, Josh Barnett, Josh Benzadon, Ollie Weingarten, Jeremy Teacher, Sam Garson, Ben Kfir, Dan Lowen, Mike Patterson, Alex Weinfeld, Avi Garson, Tomer Weider, Can Benun, Louis Taylor
Venue – Roger Bannister, Ref – Robert Caplin, KO – 10am
JC star man: Adam Speck (Fortune)
DC Prediction: Fortune 4 Faithfold 2
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ALSO SEE:
MATCHDAY 22 COVERAGE
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: REAL HENDON vs L'EQUIPE
PHOTOGALLERY: REAL HENDON vs L'EQUIPE
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ALSO SEE: LONDON LIONS REACH CUP FINAL - HIGHLIGHTS
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DANNY CARO'S MATCHDAY 22 AWARDS
GOAL OF THE WEEK: Jonny Blain (NL Raiders B)
SAVE OF THE WEEK: Scott Shear (Redbridge JC B)
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: Josh Hambling (Redbridge JC C)
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CUP DRAWS
PETER MORRISON TROPHY QUARTER-FINAL DRAW (Revised)
MJSL Rep Team vs South Manchester Sports Club 1st
Maccabi London Lions A vs Maccabi London Lions U21s
Maccabi London Lions Masters vs RC UK FC
North London Raiders A vs North London Raiders B
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CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP FINAL SEMI-FINAL DRAW
ML Lions B vs ML Lions A
Finchley City vs Redbridge JC A
CUP FINAL DATES
Anekstein - April 23 – Wingate & Finchley FC
Morrison - early May (date and venue TBC)