This weekend features the second Peter Morrison Trophy quarter-final of the season - an all Maccabi London Lions affair - as the A-team takes on the under-21s. Redbridge Jewish Care A will also be looking to close the gap at the top in the Premier Division, while teams chasing promotion in Division One and Two are also in action.
March 9, 2017 13:07
YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
PETER MORRISON TROPHY QUARTER-FINAL
MACCABI LONDON LIONS A vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS UNDER 21
Fresh from one derby win, Lions A go in search of another. With a place in the last four of the Jewish FA Cup up for grabs.
Adam Burchell was the star of their 5-3 triumph over Brady Maccabi and I expect them to bring out the big guns to ensure there is no big upset, as that is what it would be.
The A’s showed terrific character to come from two goals down. A spokesman told JC Sport: “The boys showed no fear and tremendous character.
"Going forward, we created numerous chances in both halves, but were unforgiving in the second half.
“There are some huge games coming up over the next couple of weeks, that will be likely to determine whether this side can win some silverware come the end of the season."
The U21’s cruised past Faithfold B in the last round, with Fred Kramer the star of the show.
They also boast Max Kyte in their ranks and will not be under-estimated.
However, boss Joe Zender told me they “have a weakened team and see themselves as big underdogs, but remain optimistic that Sunday could be another special occasion”.
Zender told JC Sport: “The team are extremely proud of how far they have come and will leave the pitch with their heads held high, regardless of Sunday's result.
“Our focus is on the performance and building for the future.”
The U21’s have done well to reach the last eight but I can see the A’s flexing their muscles to ensure they get the job done.
POSSIBLE SQUADS
LIONS A: James Gershfield, Jon Ellis, Richard Gold, Alex Taylor, Andy Glynne, Will Beresford, Nick Smith Ben Lampert, Harry Marlow, Sam Arghebant, Adam Arnold, Austin Lipman, Josh Kennet, Adam Burchell, Max Hassell, Cam Most, James Gold, Elliott Stern, Brad Sharp, Alex Rose
LIONS U21 (to include): James Harpin, Benji Feldman, Tom Prais, Jack Mattey, Josh Burns, Jamie Cohen, Fred Kramer, Max Kyte
Venue – Rowley Lane, KO – 10am, Ref – Martin De La Fuente
JC star man: Austin Lipman (Lions A)
DC Prediction: Lions A 3 Lions U21 1
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PREMIER DIVISION
TOP THREE
1. Oakwood A Pl. 16, W. 13, Pts. 41
2. Hendon Utd A Pl. 16, W. 12, Pts. 37
3. Redbridge JC A Pl. 12, W. 10, Pts. 30
FC TEAM A vs CAMDEN PARK
The recent appointment of Stirling Kay as manager appears a wise one on the surface.
Their destiny lies in their own hands as they have seven matches left and plenty of time to move clear of the relegation zone.
A point at Woodford was the perfect starting point and they have an opportunity to build on that on Sunday.
The teams have yet to meet in the league this season but with FC Team leaking goals, Camden will fancy coming away with something to show for their efforts.
Kay told JC Sport: "The boys are very much looking forward to this game. Firstly, we get a chance to get a much-needed win and start to pull away from the bottom, and to get momentum to climb up the table and finish the season with a flourish.
"FC Team are one of the sidewe are looking to finish above. They have had very mixed results so we must build on our last performance and continue to be on the front foot. We will look to create more opportunities to score a lot more goals than we have previously and hopefully take all three points.
"The squad of players really want to step up and reach their potential. With the attitude they have shown so far given time this will be achieved. I'm pleased to announce that Gavin Cossen has joined me in running the team and with Will Castle assisting us both the future is bright!
Mitch Young’s Team conceded 10 last time out. Their team looks unrecognisable from the one that started the season but I can’t see the bottom two picking up points, and improving on goal difference sufficiently, to finish above them.
That will be a huge relief to Young who has a big rebuilding job on his hands over the summer.
As for a prediction, if Camden execute their game-plan I can see them coming away with maximum points.
JC team news: Rick Harris and Johann Jordi are not available this week but Camden have a squad of 16 to chose from.
POSSIBLE SQUADS
FC TEAM (from): David Gordon, David Grossman, Dan Breger, Jamie Breslaw, Freddie Marks, James Millman, Danny Moss, Jason Wood, Adam Rones, Richard Salmon, Mitch Young, Alan Aaronson, Eddie Sternberg
CAMDEN (from): Steve Murad, Ben Harris, Dan Baneth, Nick Kagan, David Khalatschi, Mike Khalatschi, Jake Saunders, Max Saunders, Richard Silver, Sasha Nusenbaum
Venue – Harefield Academy 3G, KO - 10, Ref – Richard Jaye
JC star man: Mike Khalatschi (Camden)
DC Prediction: FC Team 1 Camden 2
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A vs BRADY MACCABI
Raiders will look to pull six points clear of Brady when the team’s meet for the second time this season.
L’Orange ran out 8-1 victors in October when Matt Stock (3) came back to haunt his boyhood club. Stocky was untouchable on the day, with Ben Ellis bagging a brace. Dave Cohen, Liron Mannie and Nyv Bogaire added the gloss.
But Dan Shafron’s men go into the game on the back of a narrow defeat against Oakwood. They could find no way through the league’s meanest defence – failing to score for the first time in the league this season.
A team featuring Liron Mannie and David Dinkin huffed and puffed but it was goalkeeper Jake Doffman who earned the plaudits after a top-class performance.
Brady blew a two-goal lead in the Rowley Lane derby last weekend. Reiss Mogilner gave them a flying start but they were pushed further and further back and went on to concede five times.
The schedule has been unkind to Brady in recent weeks, with defeats against Hendon, Redbridge and Lions again, but they have nothing to lose and will look to feed Mogilner in their penultimate game.
I’m predicting goals and a point apiece.
POSSIBLE SQUADS
RAIDERS (from): Jake Doffman, Josh Morris, Alex Bloch, David Rhodes, JJ Spiro, David Cohen, Jonny Kay, David Dinkin, Ben Ellis, Liron Mannie, Matt Stock, Nick Lewis, Oscar Wagner, Jono Rochwerger,
BRADY (from): Harry Fine, Sam Castle, David Cohen, Rob Cohen, Eli Dagul, Daniel Harrod, Ben Kohler, Reiss Mogilner, Sam Monjack, Marc Rister, Casey Sharpe, Dan Cohen
Venue - TBC, KO – 10am, Ref – Daniel Fox
JC star man: Daniel Harrod (Brady)
DC Prediction: Raiders 2 Brady 2
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A vs SPEC FC
March is a massive month for Redbridge Jewish Care A. After Sunday's meeting with SPEC FC, they have a potential title decider against table-toppers Oakwood and then a semi-final against first division Finchley City in the Cyril Anekstein Cup. But manager Jon Jacobs would have it no other way.
The east Londoners are flying at the minute, with JC Player of the Week Nathan Sollosi earning rave reviews after his wonder show against Hendon. It was, in my opinion, his best ever game in a Redbridge shirt.
On Sunday, it's about winning the game first and then trying to boost goal difference. Redbridge are scoring for fun and look solid at the back. Danny Berg, Darryl Rubin, Zac Neiman and Ryan Cole may not always get the plaudits, but they are an excellent unit.
But it's in attack that Redbridge come into their own, with Dean Nyman and Daniel Garfinkle firing. And I expect birthday boy Steve Summers to deliver again.
It really is a huge ask for SPEC on Sunday. However, their spirit levels are up after an excellent draw against Lions at Rowley Lane. It was vital they ended their four-match goal drought and Ben Kaye must be pushing for a start after registering.
SPEC player-manager Ricky Lawrence told JC Sport: "David vs Goliath, it's that kind of game. We upset the apple cart when we got a point at Lions in our last game. I'm sure Oakwood will be hoping we can do it again."
The first 20 minutes are crucial for SPEC on Sunday. They are 20-1 to win but I think they will be chasing shadows for long spells.
POSSIBLE SQUADS
REDBRIDGE (from): Jay Jaffa, Dan Lee, Danny Berg, Ryan Cole, Zac Neiman, Darryl Rubin, James Berkley, Matt Berkley, Russell Goldstein, Ben Sollosi, Nathan Sollosi, Sam Sollosi, Daniel Garfinkle, Dean Nyman, Steve Summers, Sam McCarthy, Adam Hakimi, Danny Hakimi
SPEC (from): Simon Roth, Sam Roth, Simon Bagel, Ashley Burns, Laurence Rosenthal, Nick Wallis, Daniel Amram, Dan Cohen, Ryan Fox, Alex Kaye, Jon Kaye, Daniel Pike, Ricky Lawrence
Venue – Old Parkonians, KO – 10am, Ref – Luke Steele
JC star man: Ben Sollosi (Redbridge)
DC Prediction: Redbridge 4 SPEC 0
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DIVISION ONE
TOP THREE
1. Lions B Pl. 16, W. 12, Pts. 38
2. Redbridge B Pl. 12, W. 10, Pts. 31
3. Scrabble FC Pl. 13, W. 9, Pts. 29
ATHLETIC BILBAUM vs SCRABBLE FC
This is one of those games where you can realistically only see one winner.
Scrabble have won their last five on the spin and won them well.
JC Player of the Month Elliot Espinoza is on top of his game and calling the shots. In front of him, Danny Sherman is bullying defenders and either scoring or creating chances for others. Josh Bharier is another driving force, terrorising defences across the division.
Sherman was the chief destroyer when Scrabble thumped the Baums 4-0 at the turn of the year. It was a game in which they didn't need to shift out of first gear. Every player did their job.
Ahead of kick-off, Scrabble boss Ray Abrahams told JC Sport: "We are looking forward to playing some football again after two weeks without a game.
"The situation at the top of the table couldn't be any tighter and with Lions and Redbridge not playing this week, we've got a great chance to make up some more ground in the promotion race.
"Once the points are awarded from the forfeited games last Sunday then there is nothing in it between the top three.
"The Lions and Redbridge boys are first and second at the moment but that brings with it huge responsibility and both sets of players must be feeling the pressure big time.
"My guys would rather be chasing the top two and we are really enjoying things at the moment after five straight wins.
"However, we know that on their day Bilbaum can be a real threat and we will need to be right on top of our game to take something from this one. But again they will be feeling pressurised not to slip up as they can't afford to lose many more points if they are going to stay up.
"All in all it should be a classic and I just hope we can pick up another win this Sunday which would take us second."
Scoring goals has been a major issue for Bilbaum this season. Finishing above Hendon B is their target, as Brixton folding means the likelihood is that only one team will go down. They must look to get numbers behind the ball, frustrate Scrabble and try to pinch something on the break. But others have tried that and failed miserably. The thing about Scrabble is they have good attacking options and they keep coming at you.
Sunday will be an emotional homecoming for former Baum Josh Pugh and I can see him being the man to do some damage.
JC team news: Scrabble players make history as their latest young star Zac Summerfield is joined in the squad by his uncle Scrabble legend Jonny Summerfield. Scrabble also welcome back new signing Jonathan Peters who starred in their promotion season last term.
POSSIBLE SQUADS
BILBAUM (from): Gal Alkalay, Ben Bell, Dan Goldhill, Eli Gottlieb, Nick Shinder, Julius Judah, Ben Bell, Dan Magidson, Toby Mann, Barnaby Powell, Rob Rodney, Jamie Fireman
SCRABBLE (from): Adam Zaidman, Rob Blackman, Dan Stock, Brandon Sassoon, Josh Bharier, Adam Waters, Dan Green, Adam Newman, Josh Pugh, Zac Summerfield, Elliot Espinoza, Danny Sherman
Venue – Chase Lodge, KO – 10am, Ref – Stuart Ansher
JC star man: Josh Pugh (Scrabble)
DC Prediction: Bilbaum 0 Scrabble 4
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B vs OAKWOOD B
There's been a real party atmosphere in the Raiders camp after Mark Leader got married.
But on the pitch their dreams of a top two finish are as good as over. They were also second best in their recent Morrison derby against Raiders A, so the priority now is to enjoy the remainder of the season and secure as many points as possible.
Jake Gilbert was outstanding against the As. And they will have excellent firepower to ask questions of the Oakwood defence. Alex Goodman is astute on the ball and his head to head with Dan Geey is key to the outcome.
Oakwood boss Jason Stein is be eyeing revenge after Raiders won 3-2 at the start of the campaign. And having seen the team's two-match winning run halted, he sounded in determined mood at the club's training ground this week.
"Morning DC, welcome to Oaks HQ. With the A team abroad on a warm weather training session, I'm once again left all by myself to reflect on a frustrating result last weekend.
"I felt we turned up last week and put in a really good shift. Some basic errors cost us. It's been the story of our season. It's turning me grey.
"I need to see us cut those out this week."
I can see another thriller unfolding, with Raiders nicking it late on.
POSSIBLE SQUADS
RAIDERS (from): David Simnock, Richard Bloom, Charles Braunstein, Anthony Goodmaker, Lewis Blitz, Matt Leader, Anthony Shaw, Danny Bloom, Mark Leader, Ben Cherkas, Marc Woolfe, Alex Goodman, Elad Hertschen, Josh Goldstein, Jake Gilbert, Nicky Woolf, Josh Green, Will Ufland, Jacob Gold
OAKWOOD (from): Harrish Kersh, Dean Caplin, Ben Buck, Max Clynes, Dani Dennison, James Frener, Dan Geey, Dan King, Alex Koslover, Aaron Searle, Dan Seligman, Dan Selwyn, Ben Annis, Rafi Bloom, David Woolman, Ben Feingold, Sam Modlin
Venue - Nicholas Breakspear, KO – 10am, Ref – Martin Fox
JC star man: Alex Goodman (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Raiders 3 Oakwood 2
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DIVISION TWO
TOP THREE
1. L'Equipe (Champions) Pl. 16, W. 14, Pts. 44
2. Temple Fortune Pl. 16, W. 8, Pts. 30
3. Redbridge JC C Pl. 16, W. 8, Pts. 28
REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE C vs CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI
"Let's be avin ya." That what Josh Hambling should say to his Redbridge players before Sunday's meeting with Catford & Bromley.
A run of three games without victory have dented their hopes of a top two finish. Oh, and they owe the Cats who beat them 2-1 last month.
Now they face a real test of character as the Cats travel to Essex looking to secure a league double.
Catford were well beaten at Temple Fortune last week. Player-manager Jeff Gotch hardly got a kick against his former club, but now he will be looking to do them a favour.
And with Redbridge in unconvincing form of late, I can see the Cats coming away with a point.
POSSIBLE SQUADS
REDBRIDGE (from): Scott Shear, Jimmy Castle, Lee Cutler, Aaron Goldberg, Barry Green, Nate Kashket, Dan Lipman, Nathan Mehlman, Rafe Neiman, Jordan Sapler, Seth Walmer, Sam Zarts, Josh Hambling, Matt Zarts
CATFORD (from): Guy Ben-Aroya,
Venue – 7 Kings High School, KO – 10am, Ref – David Lazarus
JC star man: Jeff Gotch (Catford)
DC Prediction: Redbridge 2 Catford 2
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TEMPLE FORTUNE vs BOCA JEWNIORS
Game day cannot come soon enough for Temple Fortune following unwanted off-the-field distractions.
The stage is set for Jordan Sharifian to kick on in his attempts to win the coveted MGBSFL Golden Boot against a Boca team one spot off the foot of the table.
Sharifian will be looking to fill his boots as Fortune try to strengthen their grip on second place. They have two games against Boca sandwiched in between a clash against Mill Hill Dons and the fixtures could not have fallen more nicely.
And with Michael Goldberg back amongst the goals, Fortune will look to fly out of the blocks at Silver Jubilee Park.
Boca produced an outstanding all-round performance at Real last weekend which followed an impressive point against Raiders.
Other than the defeat against champions L'Equipe, they have been on an upward curve and must not be under-estimated.
They will look forward to the test against a team vying for promotion to see how far they have come.
But Fortune are a different team under Simon Linden, in attack as well as defence. He drafted in some much-needed talent last summer and got them playing and believing again.
POSSIBLE SQUADS
FORTUNE (from): Lee Fegan, Rob Jay, Eshed Rahav, Adam Speck, Jake Marks, Michael Goldberg, Ben Isaacs, Jason Lindsay, Brett Stead, Jordan Sharifian, Michael Woolf, Jonathan Cohen, Adam Lenz, Gav Levy, Zach Rich
BOCA (from): Will Martyn, Josh Cinna, Oli Kyte, Jamie Leboff, Ben Lederman, Mike Myers, Anton Nyman, Ben Retter, Michael Rosenthal, Brett Shuman, Sam Simon, Lee Benson, Rob Davis, Ben Isaacs, Alex Kountourides, Josh Ejdelbaum
Venue – Silver Jubilee Park, KO – 9.45am, Ref – Robert Benardout
JC star man: Ben Isaacs (Fortune)
DC Prediction: Fortune 4 Boca 1
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