By, Danny Caro
19 min read
ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro
"Forget Arsenal Spurs, Super Sunday is from Breakspear" - those were the words of Oakwood A joint-manager Dan Kristall ahead of their MGBSFL Premier Division showdown with defending champions North London Raiders A.
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VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: ML LIONS B vs SCRABBLE FC
PHOTOGALLERY: ML LIONS B vs SCRABBLE FC
PHOTOGALLERY: BRADY MACCABI vs NL RAIDERS A
MGBSFL RIVALS LINK UP IN THE NAME OF CHARITY
PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND TWO DRAW
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DANNY CARO'S MATCHDAY 8 AWARDS
MANAGER OF THE WEEK - BRANDON HAMME
GOAL OF THE WEEK - JONNY BLAIN
SAVE OF THE WEEK: Gideon Rabstein (Mill Hill Dons)
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: Jono Nesbitt (Hendon Utd SC B) - "Looks like we can put away the oxygen and breathing apparatus for now as our climb seems to have ended"
REFEREE OF THE WEEK: Martin Fox (Camden Park vs Hendon Utd SC A)
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CUP DRAWS
PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND TWO DRAW
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND THREE DRAW
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
9 - Zack Lewis (Hendon Utd SC A), Reiss Mogilner (Brady Maccabi), Liron Mannie (NL Raiders A)
7 - Matt Stock (NL Raiders A)
OAKWOOD A vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A
Forget the north London derby. This is the clash of the titans as two teams with title ambitious prepare to do battle.
Both teams go into the game in good shape, with Raiders knowing defeat isn’t an option as they look to close the gap on Oakwood.
Their early season jitters are a thing of the past and when you consider the embarrassment of attacking options Dan Shafron has at his disposal, it's no surprise they are aiming high once more. JC Player of the Month Liron Mannie scores and creates, while Dave Cohen, Matt Stock and Ben Ellis has really his their straps.
NLR boss Dan Shafron told JC Sport: “We know it’s going to be a big test against a strong side. We have always had good, competitive games with Oakwood and this weekend I expect nothing less.
"At the moment, we are playing with plenty of conviction and belief. We have goals from so many players all over the pitch. If they’re not scoring, they are creating and that is just as positive to see.
"We are averaging seven a game which is fantastic, however Oakwood probably have the most resilient defence in the MGBSFL and they will no doubt look to nullify our attacking threats and frustrate us.
"We have to remain patient in our build-up play. If the game opens up, I have no doubt we will create plenty of goal scoring opportunities."
But revenge will be on the minds of Oakwood who were denied their first piece of silverware in years at May’s Cyril Anekstein Cup final.
Oakwood find themselves in a similar position to Liverpool in terms of goalkeeping options. Having returned from America, Dan Cohen regained the gloves from Jonny Blain, although both will be relishing the meeting against their former club in a match that promises five-star entertainment.
They go into the crunch clash in confident mood after putting four past SPEC FC, with Rafi Stone in top form.
Joint-manager Dan Kristall told JC Sport: “Raiders go into Sunday’s clash with as big favourites.
"However, we do believe that whatever side we put out, we will give a good account of ourselves as we look to hang in the title race.
"We know that Raiders are back to last season’s best and although their poor first month of the season may cost them any chance of the title, they will fancy their chances.
"Like us, they will have to win almost every match from this position to give themselves any hope of the title in May.
"Forget Arsenal Spurs. Super Sunday is from Breakspear."
My prediction of a narrow NLR win might just inspire Oakwood to find something extra in a contest that will be full of passion and flair.
JC team news: The Oakwood treatment room is getting busier with Rafi Stone now a major doubt. He joins Alex Lee, Sam Cantor, Kyle Bentwood and Guy Helman on the injury list.
Form guide
Oak – WDW
NLR - WWW
Forthcoming fixtures
Oak – Woodford, RJC
NLR – Blancos, Hendon
Venue – Nicholas Breakspear, Referee – Martin De La Fuente, KO – 10am
JC star man: Ben Ellis (NLR)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 1 NLR 2
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WOODFORD WANDERERS vs SPEC FC
I know we’re only a couple of months into the season but it would be foolish to label this match as anything other than a relegation six-pointer.
Both Woodford and SPEC FC have found the going tough thus far. They have played five matches apiece and Woodford have managed only one point more than Sunday’s opponents in that time.
Woodford boss Daryl Kay didn’t mince his words at his midweek pre-conference. “Nothing less than a win will be acceptable this week, and the boys know it,” he told JC Sport.
"After reflecting with the Woodford board, we are taking some heart out of our second-half performance against Redbridge, and we go into Sunday feeling confident.
"Finally, it looks as though I might have a selection headache this week although we’re without Harrison Midda due to injury. That said, we have acquired Maccabi legend and former cup winner, Craig Sandford, on a short-term loan for Redbridge, so we’re hoping he can provide the extra steel needed up front.
"We also have Adam Shafron playing his second consecutive game for the first time this season, he is massive for us on and off the pitch.
"We know SPEC have taken a bit of a beating this season, but we’re due a win and I’m confident of getting it."
Accepting promotion was a gamble in the eyes of many, but you won’t hear SPEC FC players or supporters moaning. Ricky Lawrence loves a challenge and he certainly has a big one on his hands.
He told JC Sport: "With Arsenal versus Spurs kicking off at 12pm, credit to Woodford (and us) for getting the game on, kicking off at 9am.
"There were a few groans when I let the rest of the boys know but hopefully the long early trip to Essex will be worth it."
Do his boys fancy it on a cold, dark morning in Essex? Only time will tell …
It may not be spectacular, it may not be pretty, but only the result matters to both sets of players on Sunday.
Form guide
Wood – LLL
SPEC - LLL
Forthcoming fixtures
Wood – Oakwood, RJC, SPEC
SPEC – FC Team, Woodford
Venue – Fairlop, Referee – Daniel Fox, KO – 9am
JC star man: Adam Shafron (Woodford)
DC Prediction: Woodford 2 SPEC FC 1
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DIVISION ONE
DANNY CARO'S DIVISION 1 TEAM OF THE WEEK
TOP-SCORERS
7 - Adam Ellis (Hendon B)
6 - Nicky Woolf (NL Raiders B)
FAITHFOLD A vs OAKWOOD B
Oakwood have built up a nice little head of steam following a slow start.
The manner of the win over Hendon B last week – when they had four different scorers – has really lifted spirits.
Manager Jason Stein deserves credit for making a few tweaks to get them firing in the second half. But he is taking nothing for granted on Sunday.
"Faithfold. Always a tricky one this,” he told JC Sport. “You never know what sort of Faithfold will turn up so trust me, we'll be on top of our guard. On their day they can be one of the best sides in football.
"I'll address the big elephant in the room - KO time. What I am sharing with you is almost word for word the same correspondence I have shared with Faithfold after they asked for a 9am - and then 9.30 - KO. I will be making no further comment.
"This is not personal against Faithfold. I just fail to see why Arsenal vs Spurs is a reason to change the entire league format. Like Spurs/Chelsea was last year. Next year it will be Spurs/Liverpool.
"If the players want to go to the game great, good luck to them. Go. If they want to play then play. If you can't do both then choose one. I'd love to KO at 11am every week so I could watch Marr. But we don't.
"Raiders A asked us to move the Oakwood A game this week and we said no to them. We said no to SPEC last year too. His is not personal against Faithfold. I just find the whole thing ridiculous.
"I offered Faithfold a 9.45am KO as a gesture of goodwill and nothing more. It wasn't a starting point to a negotiation but an offer to help some of their lads get home to watch the game."
Faithfold’s recent cup win was much-needed. For one reason or another they have struggled against the teams above them and they know they will need to win individual and collective battles to stand a chance against confident opponents.
I can see this game being won and lost in midfield. It’s Oakwood for me.
Form guide
Faith – WLL
Oak - WWW
Forthcoming fixtures
Faith – Hendon, Blancos
Oak – RJC, Lions, Bilbaum
Venue – Christs College, Referee – Martin Fox, KO – 9.45-10am (Jewish mean time)
JC star man: Ben Buck (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 1 Oakwood 3
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FINCHLEY CITY FC vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B
Both Finchley and Hendon are deadlocked on six points although Joel Holder’s boys have a game in hand.
Having had some time to reflect on their first four league matches, the Finchley boys have dusted themselves down and Holder assures me they are ready to go again.
"The past few weeks have not gone to plan,”he told JC Sport, “but the boys are determined to get back to business against Hendon on Sunday.
"We know Hendon very well, so it's important for us to start the game on the front-foot and dictate the tempo of the game.
"We have an almost complete squad available, so there can be no excuses. I make us favourites to win, but that will only happen if we match the same level of commitment and desire we have shown sporadically throughout the season.”
Hendon’s defeat against Oakwood came as a real hammer blow. Joint-manager Jono Nesbitt felt the luck went against his team, but the past is the past and it’s important his players focus only on the next 90 minutes ahead of an important run of games.
Having caught up with him during the week, Nesbitt sounded a little fearful of his team making a slow start on Sunday.
"We have an early kick-off due to the London derby, so I’m hoping our players go to bed half an hour earlier won't be zombies on the football pitch.
"I was very disappointed with the result last week although once again, am finding it hard to find fault in our performance. We’ll look for a similar performance this week and will hope it's enough for some points."
I’m predicting goals, and a Hendon win in a game of goals.
JC team news: Hendon are boosted up front by the return of Adam Ellis, although a big miss will be Glen Turner at right-back who “has been outstanding so far this season”.
Form guide
City – LWW
Utd - LWL
Forthcoming fixtures
City – FC Team, Brixton
Utd – Faithfold, Raiders, Lions
Venue – Capital City, Referee – Daniel Fox, KO – 9.30am
JC star man: Staurt Harris (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Finchley 2 Hendon 3
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MACCABI LONDON LIONS B vs ATHLETIC BILBAUM
Most people have this marked down as a home banker, myself included.
The Lions are on a high after Michael Kenley’s late penalty completed an impressive comeback against Scrabble. But manager
Sam Marchant is more concerned about the first 60 minutes as they were a shadow of the team that has taken Division One by storm.
The Lions were second to the second ball far too often and Marchant will make sure they are on it from the very first whistle on Sunday.
He told JC Sport: “Coming into this weekend off the back of our first points dropped in the league has really shown us that we need to be performing at our best every single week if we are to be challenging for the top spots come the end of the season.
"We will be prepared to get back to winning ways on Sunday, especially playing at home.
"Bilbaum caused us a few problems when we played them on the first day of the season and although we got the victory, we were not so convincing.
"This Sunday we will be ready for the visit of Bilbaum and we must come out of the game with the three points in order to keep the pressure on the teams below, especially those with games in hand."
Josh Bloom – my Division One Player of the Month – is flying in a Lions team that remains unbeaten this season.
Bilbaum reignited their season with a crushing 6-1 success over second division Mill Hill Dons last time out. They were slow out of the blocks and only came into their own in the second half.
In terms of a prediction, not even the dreaded Caro Manager of the Month curse will stop Lions on Sunday.
Form guide
Lions – DWW
Baums – LLL
Forthcoming fixtures
Lions – FC Team, Oakwood, Hendon
Baums – Blancos, Oakwood
Venue – Rowley Lane, Referee – Darryl Colmans, KO – 10am
JC star man: Daniel Behar (Lions)
DC Prediction: Lions 4 Bilbaum 0
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
17 - Richard Fogelman (Faithfold B)
9 – Jonti Aremband (RCUK FC)
FC TEAM B vs REAL HENDON
FC Team have saved their best form for the cup so far this season, but that is something player-manager Mike Myers is trying to put right.
One win in five is not the start he was looking for in the league, but there's no reason why they should approach this game with fear.
It's clear they are struggling to score goals and must find a way of punching their weight against their Division Two rivals.
Attack and finding goals isn't a problem for Real. They will clearly see the Eagles as beatable and you can understand why.
Ahead of kick-off, Real boss Chaim Gothold told JC Sport: "We're a bit short on numbers due to the NLD, but we're hoping for a win."
So form guide says Real and so do I.
Form guide
Team – LWL
Real - WLW
Forthcoming fixtures
Team – RCUK, RJC
Real – Dons, RCUK
Venue – West Hendon, Referee – Stuart Ansher, KO – 9.30am
JC star man: Yossi Hoffman (Real)
DC Prediction: Team 1 Real 3
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MILL HILLS DONS vs FAITHFOLD B
Following last week's thrashing of Boca Jewniors, Faithfold will want to extend their run of wins to six games when they face Mill Hill Dons.
Last week it was all about strikers Chaim Bordon and Richard Fogelman, who scored four apiece. Bordon signed off in style but the Superhoops must now do without him as he has returned to Israel.
Last time Faithfold played the Dons, they ran out convincing winners at the Hive, but coming on the back of a narrow win over NLR C last Sunday, MH Dons will look to give Faithfold a game at their home ground this time round.
Faithfold full back Raphael Meyers told JC reporters: "After last Sunday's comprehensive 9-1 victory against Boca Jewniors, the morale is high in the Faithfold camp.
"We beat the Dons 8-0 this season in the league, but we aren't expecting any sort of pushover this time round.
"They are an improved team, we aren't at home and we all know anything can happen.
"If we hold strong and play like we've been playing these past few weeks."
Mill Hill's win over Raiders C was a big step in the right direction. Not many teams would've been capable of answering their critics in such emphatic style following three heavy defeats where they conceded eight goals twice and seven once.
JC Goalkeeper of the Week Gideon Rabstein had an absolute stormer, while Harry Moss showed great composure to tuck home the winning penalty. And boss Brandon Hamme was delighted with his award too.
Gaffer Hamme believed the scoreline "flattered" Faithfold in the first meeting so he hopes the Dons show their true colours again on Sunday.
Ahead of Sunday's rematch, Hamme told JC Sport: " Last week's game was the best we have played all season, -the boys gave it all and got the result we deserved.
"We know that Faithfold B are a solid team from the last time we played them but I feel like we are much stronger team this time around and could give them a good game if we emulate our performance from last week.
"We are looking to make Mill Hill Park a fortress and this week will be the perfect week to do.
The Dons are clearly on the up, but I think they will get a different kind of examination and I can see being edged out in a thriller.
JC team news: Ben Bazini has been ruled out until Christmas for the Dons and therefore will be out for Sunday's game alongside Harry Cohen, Zach Perez, Mikey Salem, Ben Kreiger and Tommy Lennard, who all also miss out due to injury. Sam Cicurel is set to make his debut for the Dons.
Besides Ben Kfir, who is still away, Faithfold have a full-strength squad available for selection.
Form guide
Dons – WLL
Faith - WWW
Forthcoming fixtures
Dons – Real, L’Equipe, Boca
Faith – Dons, Scrabble, NLR
Venue – Mill Hill Park, Referee – Steve Russell, KO – 10am
JC star man:
DC Prediction: Dons 2 Faithfold 3
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TEMPLE FORTUNE vs L’EQUIPE
Temple Fortune will be looking to move to within a point of L'Equipe when they welcome Nick Stern's boys to Pinner.
A big crowd is expected as Fortune look to make a statement of intent and condemn L'Equipe to their first league defeat.
Simon Linden's troops where just minutes away from what would've been an impressive victory over promotion rivals Catford & Bromley, before conceding twice late on.
That haunted Linden over Halloween, but he's predicting some fireworks this weekend, with Jordan Sharifia and Brett Stead looking to continue their excellent starts to the season.
"Everyone's looking forward to Sunday after events last week where effectively we dropped 2 points against a strong Catford team," he told JC Sport.
"L'Equipe are flying - they have to be considered favourites this season. I know we are capable on our day of matching anyone in this league, it's another big test and we will be up for it."
The visitors registered their fifth consecutive league success last week as they put fellow high-flyers RC UK FC to the sword 4-2.
It is no surprise their results have picked up this season following some bold acquisitions over the summer. They look much better going forward, especially now James Mandell is back among the goals, and they seem to have the bit between their teeth.
Speaking to JC Sport ahead of kick-off, Stern told JC Sport: "We have a huge game this weekend and sadly our squad of 23 has been completely decimated. No mind games here but with Arsenal playing Spurs (we're grateful for an early kick-off), people on holiday and some at weddings abroad, we are struggling to get 11 players!
"This is a bit of a shame as our undefeated run is certainly under threat, but when our backs are against the wall it’s when L Equipe in the past have massively stepped up.
"I will ensure to get 11 players (or so I pray) and I know that each of my players will give everything they have."
Stern went on to describe how Temple Fortune are one of the MGBSFL's great success stories, adding: "I must say a special congratulations to Temple Fortune. I started my men’s career at this wonderful club and what Nigel and others have done throughout the years is something that we all envy and one day wish to copy.
"We have managed to get to 10 years but it shows the strength and sheer will of the Temple Fortune board that they are still going some 25 years later!
"A lot of respect will be shown in the lead up to kick-off but I will tell my players that it’s all about the win on Sunday and keeping our phenomenal run going.
"My team will be ignoring the manager of the month curse and simply be concentrating on once again giving everything for the orange shirt.”
At the moment, everything is going L'Equipe's way. But Fortune have a big point to prove after last week's late collapse and if they can get their noses in front I can see them stretching an under-strength opponent and blowing the title race wide open.
JC team news: Fortune have a few players away, most notably Aron Barnes.
Form guide
Fortune – DWL
L’Equipe – WWL
Forthcoming fixtures
Fortune – Vale, RJC, NLR
L’Equipe – RJC, MH Dons, Catford
Venue – Roger Bannister, Referee – Neal Cohen, KO – 9.45am
JC star man: Rob Jay (Fortune)
DC Prediction: Fortune 2 L'Equipe 1
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE C vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C
Bouncebackability is the name of the game for Redbridge C who are smarting from a shock defeat against struggling FC Team C.
It was a result no-one saw coming and also the first time they've failed to score in the league, but manager Josh Hambling is determined to make sure they return to winning ways on Matchday Nine.
He told JC Sport: "I have pretty much a full squad to choose from and the main objective is to bounce back from that terrible stumble the other week.
"I wasn't at the game due to being highly intoxicated on my stag weekend, but when I eventually woke up to find out the score, all I wanted to do is get the boys back out on to the pitch and prove this kind of display won't happen again.
"I can tell you they're raring to go for Sunday and get back on track as we didn't want to be the team to lose the first league game at the club."
There will be several familiar faces on show at Fairlop on Sunday. Hambling explained: "We know a few of the Raiders boys and I'm sure there's going to be some personal pride at stake for some of the players. I've already told the players to watch out for danger man Matt Geppert, and even though Liam Stein is a little rounder these days, his magic left foot can cause any team problems.
"I'm confident in getting the job done and bagging a few goals in the process I'm sure it will be a good contested game between the two biggest clubs in the MSFL."
Consistency has been an issue for Raiders this season. Just when you think they will go on a run, they lose. They were favourites to beat Mill Hill Dons last weekend but came unstuck.
NLR are never short of goals and it's a result managers David Domb and Sam Rose are keen to put behind them quickly.
Domb told JC Sport: "It's amazing you've found a game this weekend that's got people talking more than the north London derby ... or maybe not.
“I can't put my finger on how we slipped to defeat last weekend. But as I said after the game it's only a matter of time before we click into gear.
“It's been a tough start to the season, but we managed to raise ourselves for Catford and will have to do the same for Redbridge.
“Raiders/Redbridge games rarely disappoint across the divisions. I'm sure masters Stein, Elf and Sapler are buzzing for this one. We’ll dust off the last defeat and go again.”
Rose added: "NLRC hope to bounce back after a disappointing collapse in last week's game and put those demons to bed.”
Goals will be on the menu on Sunday but how it will end I don't know.
JC team news: Matt Geppart returns for Raiders.
Form guide
RJC – WLW
NLR - LWL
Forthcoming fixtures
RJC – L’Equipe, Fortune, FC Team
NLR – Catford, Faithfold, Fortune
Venue – Oakfield Playing Fields, Referee – Robert Caplin, KO – 9.30am
JC star man: Eyal Samovich (NLR)
DC Prediction: RJC 2 NLR 2
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RC UK FC vs BOCA JEWNIORS
The heavens have opened as I write this preview and I have a suspicion it will be raining goals on Sunday.
RC UK FC start as strong favourites, despite last week's 4-2 reverse against L'Equipe - a result that saw them drop down to sixth.
Indeed back-to-back defeats against two of their promotion rivals are a bit of a backward step considering their previous form, but given the attacking options Avi Markiewicz has at his disposal on Sunday, their fans will be expecting them to secure an emphatic victory.
He told JC Sport: "With such high hopes at the beginning of the season, things have stuttered recently, especially in the league. If we are to even think of getting close to our original aims then nothing but a win, and hopefully a big one at that, will do against a team that are bottom.
"As usual we are missing a fair few players, which has really caused us problems, especially in defence but excuses are for losers."
Boca have lost three on the spin in the league and, rather worryingly, conceded 22 goals in that time. But they also have problems in the final third, despite breaking their club record to sign giant striker Benjamin Lederman.
Boss Anton Nyman told JC Sport: "With the North London derby on everyones' mind, the distraction may do us some good in our attempt to get some points on the board.
"And better than that, after the embarrassing scoreline of last week, the return of three key defenders, including Anton Nyman and El Grant couldn't come at a better time!"
"No core players are absent this week but am hoping the fired up Sam Simon will be firing on all cylinders this week!
RC UK will have four or five players at Boca all the time who can all score and create space and opportunities.
Form guide
RCUK – LWL
Boca - LLL
Forthcoming fixtures
RCUK – Boca, Hendon, FC Team
Boca – Vale, Dons
Venue – Ludgrove Playing Fields, Referee – Barry David, KO – 9.30am
JC star man: Dovi Vogel (RC UK)
DC Prediction: RC UK 5 Boca 0
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