The waiting is almost over. Season 2017/18 of the MGBSFL gets under way on Sunday. Two of the league's new boys are in action, with all eyes on Fairlop and Player of the Year Ryan Cole.
August 31, 2017 11:45
FAIRLOP vs HERTSWOOD VALE
I can’t remember the last time there was so much over a new team and I understand some bookmakers have stopped taking bets on new boys Fairlop FC winning the title.
Having had the pleasure of meeting the club’s hierarchy at this week’s MGBSFL meeting, I could see the passion in their eyes, and their ambition in terms of recruitment speaks for itself.
Boss Aaron Dias told JC Sport: “We have a couple of boys missing, but other than that the squad is raring to go.
“I expect nothing less than a convincing win from the boys. All the hard work and tactical training implemented throughout pre-season will play a key role in our performance.
“I have a clear vision of how I want the team to play and the boys know that. We want to play good looking football whilst enjoying ourselves.”
Improvement is the name of the game for Hertswood Vale this season. Danny Hirschberger, who happens to be a distant relative, has joined Jacob Emanuel in the hot-seat this season and I believe his experience will be crucial.
“We’re taking each game as it comes,” Emanuel told JC Sport. Harry Marlow, formerly from Maccabi London Lions, is their marquee signing, while Joni Hirschowitz, James Neidle, Ben Chiltern, Edan Dodi and Gal Alkalay have also bolstered the squad.
Seven players were released and I understand Hirschberger and Emanuel are still in talks to bring in at least one more signing before tonight’s deadline.
Fitness coach Simon Englander has been working the players hard over the summer, while captain Josh Wood and vice-captain Adrian Leibovitch will look to be the driving forces.
Ahead of kick-off, Emanuel told JC Sport: "We go into this week's game with the odds stacked against us before a ball has even been kicked.
"A lot has been said about Fairlop, particularly from our insiders at MH Dons who played them in pre-season a couple of weeks ago - they're expected to trounce the league and the pressure will be completely on them on Sunday morning.
"This isn't a game that we have pinpointed for any points but i'm sure Burnley were in the same mindset when they headed to Stamford Bridge - one thing is for sure, the boys aren't going to want to make the arduous trip to Essex for nothing."
You can get 10-1 on a Hertswood win, but I advise you to keep your money in your pocket this weekend.
JC team news: Fairlop start the season with a number of serious injuries to the likes of Bradley Porter and Jordan Kara. They also have Daniel Bean and Daryl Rubin away on holiday together which opens the door in the middle of the park for others.
Hertswood start the season with a number of their squad appearing to take advantage of some last-minute holiday deals ...Elio Elia, captain Josh Wood and James Millet to name just a few, whilst fans will have to wait another week to see new signings Gal Alkalay and Edan Dodi.
Venue: Redbridge Sports Centre, Ref - David Lazarus, KO: 10 am
JC star man: Ryan Cole (Fairlop)
DC Prediction: Fairlop 3 Hertswood 1
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CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI vs STRAW HAT PIRATES
The Cats have been dealt a major blow ahead of their opener at home to the Pirates following news that player-manager Jeff Gotch has been ruled out for six to eight weeks with a broken foot.
The heartbeat of the team, Gotch suffered the injury on the eve of the season, but told me his squad is otherwise at full-strength for the visit of the new boys.
He told JC Sport: “We’re looking to start the season strongly and show what we can do.”
New arrivals Alex Jacobs, Mitch Green and Ben Adaki are set to make their debuts for Catford.
Gotch went on to say: “Pre-season went well after winning four on the spin and exciting times lie ahead.”
I’m still waiting to find out who the Pirates’ mystery FA Cup goal-scorer is. Answers on a postcard (or tweet please!)
What I can tell you is that they go into the campaign hoping for a mid-table finish. Aron Gale, Jono Nesbitt and Ben Mandell are just three players to look out for.
As they showed last season, the Cats are not a team to be underestimated. And with Gotch on the sidelines, his players have a chance to put on a real show.
Venue – Meadow Park, Ref – Lee Browne, KO – 10am
JC star man: Mitch Green (Catford)
DC Prediction: Catford 2 Pirates 1
