There are two heavyweight contests in store in the MGBSFL Premier Division on Matchday Two as Raiders host Hendon and Oakwood entertain Redbridge. Sunday definitely won’t be one for the faint-hearted. Danny Caro looks ahead to all the action.
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SEE MATCH PHOTOS: RAIDERS A vs REDBRIDGE A
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DANNY CARO'S MATCHDAY ONE AWARDS
SAVE OF THE WEEK: Ben Lewis (Athletic Bilbaum)
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: Nick Stern (L’Equipe)
REFEREE OF THE WEEK: Richard Jaye (Maccabi London Lions A vs Woodford Wanderers)
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
3 - Zack Lewis (Hendon Utd SC A)
2 – James Berkley (Redbridge JC A), Sam Cantor (Oakwood A)
NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A
Daniel Shafron knows there can be small margins between winning and losing in the MGBSFL.
Bouncebackability is the name of the game for the champions on Sunday, but they couldn’t have asked for a tougher game as Hendon hit the ground running against FC Team.
With Matt Stock and Jordan Marks on board, you’d expect Raiders to win most games, but they were undone by the brilliance of Sam Sollosi.
Shafron is looking for a big reaction from his players on Matchday Two and told JC Sport: “Last week was an early wake up call for the boys.
“Whilst the game could have gone either way, we simply weren't good enough overall and didn't play anywhere near our best.
“We were punished by mistakes that can’t be made at this level and there was a blend of complacency and naivety I didn't expect to see which was disappointing.
“Our game against Hendon is going to be another huge challenge. They are an excellent well-drilled side who for their standards, had a disappointing league campaign last year and will want to make a big statement of intent this season
“For us, I know there is still huge disappointment after the last minute Peter Morrison Trophy final loss in May and I know the boys will want to avenge that. The two teams always produce great games of football and I expect nothing less on Sunday.”
Shafron finished with an interesting analysis. “Last weekend, Barcelona and Man United lost. Spurs also got beat last night,” he said. “At any level for football, all the best teams can lose but they also show character to bounce back. We must do exactly the same. We need to show more passion, create more chances and be more aggressive without the ball if we want three points.”
Hat-trick hero Zack Lewis and Greg Corin were the star performers for Hendon last week. Lewis helped himself to a hat-trick while Corin produced a master-class at left-back.
David Garbacz’s teams traditionally try to make fast starts and he knows full well that if Hendon concede three times on Sunday three points will be tough.
He told JC Sport: “It is only week two and our squad strength of depth will be tested to the full for Sunday’s blockbuster.
“We have big players away - notably Yoav Lebens and Greg Corin - both of whom were outstanding last week and we will need to overcome their absence.
“We played some exciting football last week but at times we were a bit too open at the back and against a team like Raiders we will get punished for that so we will need to tighten up that area.
“Raiders will be wounded after losing last week and if we could inflict another defeat on them it would leave them with a mountain to climb after only a couple of games so this game, despite being so early in the season, takes on enormous proportions.
“Despite our ‘unavailables’ we have enough attacking talent on show to cause huge problems, with Zac Lewis especially on fire, and we will go into the game confident of a second win in succession.”
Both teams are packed with match-winners so it all boils down to which teams wins their individual and collective battles. I can see it finishing honours even.
JC team news: Yoav Lebens, Rafi Kon, Greg Corin and Simon Peterman are all away. Late fitness tests for Moses Seitler, Ari Last and Alex Rosenthal. Yehuda Korman (debut) and Russ Corin return.
Venue – Capital City Academy, KO – 10am, Ref – David Lazarus
JC star man: Josh Morris (NLR)
DC Prediction: Raiders 1 Hendon 1
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OAKWOOD A vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
Dan Kristall has warned Oakwood players to beware the threat of Sam Sollosi and brace themselves for their biggest test so far.
Oakwood head into the Redbridge game buoyant after beating champions NLR but Kristall is under no illusion how difficult it will be against an RJC team that he recognises has made significant progress.
Ahead of kick-off, Kristall told JC Sport: "We’re looking forward to Sunday's clash against ‘the team to beat." From some of the post-match comments last week, it would appear that it is their league to lose to lose now (after week 1.)
"After a comfortable start last week, we know what to expect from Redbridge. They’re a very good side both technically and physically and we know it will be an extremely tough game.
"Where I felt we were unlucky to lose at their place last season through basic errors, I felt we were extremely lucky to draw in the return game at Breakspear. We were depleted that day and Redbridge were outstanding. In spells during that game, they were as good as any side I saw last season. Although we dug in deep and got a well-earned point.
"Unfortunately, we also have some concerns with the squad for this Sunday but we are confident in the 16 names that we have chosen.
“We expect a tough game and we know that it will be a very good early test of the squads character.”
James Berkley and Sollosi were the driving factors behind RJC’s terrific victory in Wembley, but they have threats from a number of areas.
Likewise, Jon Jacobs has great respect for Oakwood. Both teams were the closest challengers to NLR last season and will no doubt be looking to lay down a big marker.
Jacobs told JC Sport: “We know that Oakwood will bring that physical presence but have a great deal of respect for their organisation and ability, I really think they are title contenders this season.
“We have a strong squad so are looking forward to doing battle with them in what we know will be a tight game.”
Don’t be surprised if there’s not too much football played in the first 20 minutes in what could be a war of attrition. As for a prediction, it's too close to call and outright winner.
JC team news: New boys Luke Brookner and Louis Rawlings go into the Oakwood squad. Alex Lee and Sam Cantor both available. Jonny Blain returns in goal.
RJC are missing Russell Goldstein (Futsal duty), along with the injured Daryl Rubin, while Adam Hakimi is only fit enough to sit on the bench. They welcome back Dean Nyman from his birthday celebration, as well as the senior Sollosi, Ben, who will join his two brothers in the squad. The visitors will also see the return from his rib injury of captain Danny Berg “who has a lot to live up to following the superb performance of Danny Hakimi last week”.
Venue – Nicholas Breakspear, KO – 10am, Ref – Martin Lavender
JC star man: Alex Lee (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 2 RJC 2
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BRADY MACCABI vs SPEC FC
Brady go into the season buoyed by the news that Sam Monjack and Josh Newman have signed one-year contracts.
This should be a good first game for Josh Dagul’s boys in a battle of the top-flight new boys in a contest that could swing either way.
Ricky Lawrence held up his hands and admitted SPEC FC were beaten by the better team against Oakwood last week.
They huffed and puffed for 45 minutes but the floodgates opened once the first goal went in and there was no way back.
Lawrence gave an honest assessment ahead of the trip to Rowley Lane. He told JC Sport: "After a tough game last Sunday we know that this Sunday is all about getting some points on the board.
“We've climbed the leagues along with Brady since we started six years ago and now we both find ourselves in the Prem.
“We've had some epic battles with them in the past and it's always the one we look out for when the fixtures are released.
“Normally we are both challenging at the top end of the table but I have a feeling this season will be a little different for both teams, it doesn't change just how important the points will be though come Sunday."
I don’t expect there to be too much between the sides but can see home advantage proving decisive.
Venue – Rowley Lane, KO – 10am, Ref – Callum Foster
JC star man: Sam Monjack (Brady)
DC Prediction: Brady 2 SPEC 1
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CAMDEN PARK vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS A
Adam Arnold was the game-changer for Lions last weekend when the Lions used the new rolling substitutions rule to their advantage.
Arnold started on the bench but came on scored while Ricky Rinder went off (injured) before returning to score the winner. It’s a funny old game!
Experienced campaigners Alex Taylor, Will Beresford and Ryan Springer will help make the transition into men’s football smoother for the younger players, including Nathan Schindler, while talented Sam Arghebant, Dominic Cheniart and Alex Bowman guarantee goals.
Woodford were a good test first up, but Camden will bring a very different challenge.
New boss Max Saunders told JC Sport: “After sitting out the first game, we are really itching to get going and couldn't ask for a better opening game than our rivals Lions/Harmen (whoever they are!).
“They have an incredibly large squad with almost 50 per cent of all available Jewish players at their disposal, and we have a very strong squad so I believe it will be a fiercely contested game with good quality.
“It should be a great game to watch. It's a great opportunity for us to lay down a marker for the season and we all cannot wait till kick-off.”
JC team news: Camden are still missing five players, but as Saunders mentioned in his season preview, they have “real strength in depth this year, so that will not be a problem”.
POSSIBLE LIONS SQUAD: Sam Castle, Nathan Schindler, Alex Taylor, Max Hassell, Ricky Rinder, Richard Gold, Sam Arghebant, Alex Rose, David Cohen, Will Beresford, Dominic Cheniart, Alex Bowman, Ryan Springer, Nick Smith, Adam Arnold
Venue – Hadley FC, KO – 10am, Ref – Luke Steele
JC star man: Alex Rose (Lions)
DC Prediction: Camden 1 Lions 2
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORER
2 - Ben Chernoff (Redbridge JC B)
REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B vs OAKWOOD B
Sam Rank got the result he wanted but not the performance he wanted against Hendon last week. Expect an improvement against Oakwood on Sunday.
Rank believes there’s plenty of room for and I expect his players to coming flying out of the blocks against an Oakwood team wounded by a 3-2 home defeat against Raiders.
A hard-task-master by nature, Rank demands the higher standards from his players and he’ll be looking for another 10 per cent from everyone ahead of the visit of Jason Stein’s boys.
“After last week opening season win against Hendon B, the reaction after the games was very mixed,” Rank told JC Sport. “The team were delighted with to gain the opening weekend victory and three points, however the boys know the performance in second half should of been of a higher level, as they know they are a talented squad.
“This week, we have a very hard test against Oakwood B. Scouting missions have been completed through the Caplin family regarding the Oakwood B attacking threats. However, I feel with the strong squad, commitment, passion and ability the boys have, the RJC B squad will earn the three points.
“A big crowd will be there to see us play at the new home ground Old Parkoains. It should be a cracker.”
Jason Stein bemoaned Oakwood’s soft centre as their inability to defend set-pieces came back to haunt them. Man-marking hasn’t worked, zonal marking clearly isn’t the answer, and it’s no surprise to hear that Stein has been researching options as how to keep RJC out.
I managed to find him under a mountain of DVD’s at the club’s plush training base. He said: "Morning DC, just making sure we've got enough currency for the trip to Essex. Don't want to have to pay airport rate do we?
"It's always a hard game away at Redbridge. It's the old Stoke away of the league that is now West Brom away albeit Redbridge away is even harder because Stoke don't have David Fialka and Brad Gayer.
"We'll fly down after Shabbos and get ourselves acclimatised and mentally prepared. The sides played out two very competitive draws last year and I'm expecting a similarly close game this time.
"Rumours are that Daniel Garfinkel can't buy a goal at the moment so I wonder if he fancies a run in the B-team to get himself going.
"We were disappointed by the way last week panned out. It's got to the stage now where we've probably conceded 30-plus goals from corners in two years and we're leaving ourselves a mountain to climb every week just gifting goals away. I've read the riot act this week because to be quite frank, I am sick of it. Absolutely sick to death of it. It's making me even more grey. Now I can see why van Persie went grey playing for Arsenal when you have to watch the same mistakes every week.
"We put hours of work into developing the team and every week we may as well just hand the opposition a two goal head start and agree to no further corner kicks.
"Last year was a case in point. We flew across to Essex and led 1-0 for a large part of the game before succumbing to a corner with five minutes to go. Defend that and we probably get out of Stadio Fairlop with three points.
"This week I've made myself crystal clear: stop being afraid to put your head where it hurts, be so determined to head the ball away that not even the 82nd Airborne could stop you and be braver than the other man.
"It's developed into a full blown mental block at this stage. I can see the panic in them when we concede a corner now, it's just ridiculous and there is no reason for it. They're all capable humans who more than able to head the ball away and this week I am absolutely confident they will do that.
"Other than that I was relatively pleased with how we played last week against Raiders and I'm confident we'll get something this weekend."
RJC have the momentum of the return of Craig Sandford will ensure they are hard to beat.
JC team news: Currently away for RJC are Joe Jordan (on a scouting mission in Europe) and David Fialka is still out for a while. Other than these they have a full squad, with two late fitness test required for Dan Andrews and Dean Ben Yosef. Craig Sandford returns to the squad after A-team duty.
Dean Caplin will line up in goal for Oakwood against in a family affair for him. Dani Dennison returns at right-back. Dan Ash and Dan Seligman will start on the wings.
Venue - Oakfield Playing Fields, Illford, KO – 10am, Ref – Neal Cohen
JC star man: Craig Sandford (RJC)
DC Prediction: RJC 2 Oakwood 1
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BRIXTON OLD BOYS vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS B
Lions B claimed a really good win at Bilbaum last Sunday and they will be looking to register their second away win of the season when they visit Clowes this weekend.
The midfield trio of Nick Barnett, Jake Rinsler and Adam Abadi dominated for Sam Marchant’s troops and I can see target man Michael Kenley enjoying a profitable morning in Barrowell Green.
Marchant told JC Sport; “The match-up on Sunday will certainly be an interesting one. It’s the first time that our squad will have faced Brixton Old Boys and there is not much we know about them, so preparation has had its difficulties.
“From last year, we saw they managed to avoid relegation well and had a few wonderful results, most noticeably against a SPEC FC side which won promotion to the Premier Division.
“With this in mind, we know that on their day they are clearly a very capable footballing side. Assuming they had a successful transfer window, we expect a rejuvenated Brixton side.
Dom Feldman will be pushing for a place in the starting XI after adding another dimension to proceedings in a young Lions team packed with quality, pace and power.
Marchant said: “With it also being their first game of the season this Sunday, I expect they’ll come out raring to go and be at their best to try and get their season off to a good start.
“As we always do, we believe we can beat any side we face. Although Brixton will be tough opposition, we hope to come away with the three points and make it two from two in the league.”
Brixton boss Alan Aaronson, who will be assisted by Saul Kara, could not have asked for a tougher start.
POSSIBLE LIONS SQUAD: James Harpin, Isaac Virches, Edward Brafman, Zac Rose, Daniel Behar, Nick Barnett, Jake Rinsler, Ben Winters, Benji Weinberger, Adam Abadi, Michael Kenley, Dom Feldman, Gabe Arenson, Daniel Green
Venue – Clowes, Illford, KO – 10.15am, Ref – Neal Cohen
JC star man: Ben Winters
DC Prediction: Brixton 1 Lions 4
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FAITHFOLD A vs ATHLETIC BILBAUM
Bilbaum hope to welcome back a number of players who missed the defeat against Lions.
The gave a good account of themselves in a game where goals from two set-pieces killed them.
Toby Mann would’ve been relieved to have broken his duck at the first attempt and he’s definitely one keeping an eye on on Sunday.
Faithfold are hoping to rekindle their glory years after a couple of testing season for the club. We’ll know a lot more about them come Sunday lunchtime.
Venue – Christs College, KO – 10am, Ref – Mark Jacob
JC star man: Toby Mann
DC Prediction: Faithfold 2 Bilbaum 3
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LOS BLANCOS vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B
Nick Grosse is looking for a big reaction from his Los Blancos boys following the 4-2 defeat at the hands of new boys Finchley City.
Grosse is delighted to see competition for places and he’s confident results will come after what he described as “an opening day disaster”.
He told JC Sport: “It is imperative that we bounce back from our opening day defeat. We have a full 16-man squad with every player easily good enough to make the starting XI.
“We’re expecting a tough challenge on our first grass pitch experience as a new-look squad, but victory is still very much expected. The team are not prepared to walk away angry, frustrated and disappointed as was the case last week.
“We will have players making their first appearance for the club. Bradley Segal offers much needed and appreciated cover between the sticks. The former Blizzard keeper has informed me that he wants a clean sheet and it is up to the team, from attack to defence, to make that happen.
“Luke Strauss will also be making his first appearance and my scouts have assured me that he is the perfect man to help control the centre of the park.”
Hendon beat several Premier Division clubs to the signature of goal machine Adam Ellis. It was no surprise to see him get off the mark against Redbridge, and I expect another strong performance on Sunday.
Co-boss James Neidle admitted Hendon were “very poor” during the first half last week and he and Jono Nesbitt will demand a 90-minute performance of pace and power.
However, Nesbitt revealed Hendon "have a lot of absentees this week both due to injury or university starting up again". He told JC Sport: "Saying that we are keen to push on from our second-half performance against Redbridge last week. If we can play like that for a full 90 minutes then we stand a great chance at getting some points on the board.
"We are boosted by the return of Ezekiel Jacob - our ever faithful centre back - we are hoping to nurse him back into 90 minutes slowly.
"It's quite a grudge match for myself with my brother-in-law, Adam Hersh, in the other team, and father-in-law coming along to watch. I hope the Hendon boys do me proud and show them what we are all about."
With early-season “nervous and jitters” out of the way, I’m tipping them to do the business on Sunday.
JC team news: Tim Heynes is expected to be out for a month for Blancos with knee ligament damage.
Venue – Chase Lodge, KO – 10am, Ref – Andy Myerson
JC star man: Adam Ellis (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Blancos 2 Hendon 4
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B vs SCRABBLE FC
This hugely anticipated contest has been sold out for weeks and unlike the Spurs/Monaco Champions League match at Wembley earlier this week, there won’t be an empty seat in the ground.
It’s time for the talking to stop and the teams cannot wait for what I’m predicting to be one of the games of the season.
Jonathan Adelman cranked up the mind games following NLR’s impressive victory at Oakwood. Raiders B were like a Who’s Who of the MGBSFL, with a front-line including Jacob Gold, Jake Gilbert and a Jamie Wolfson.
It’s clear this is a contest Zack Gothelf and Adelman will not want to lose, although I’ve been reliably informed L’Orange are “happy to have our prospects underplayed this season”.
Speaking exclusively to JC Sport before kick-off, Adelman commented: “We know (because Elliot Espinoza has been updating us daily over the summer) how well Scrabble have recruited - and given the number of Whatsapp's this week we know they are itching for this game.
“It will be good to lock horns with ex-Raiders stars Elliot and Josh Green and no doubt they will feel the same way about our skipper Anthony Goodmaker who rejoined from Scrabble in the summer.
“There's a lot of pressure on Ray given their Man Utd-esq summer spending spree - how he juggles and gels all those new signings - and how they adapt to his management style will be interesting to see both on Sunday and as the season unfolds.
“For us, we have some serious improving to do after last weekend. We may have taken the three points from Oakwood but we were well below the quality levels we expect from ourselves.
“We know we will have to step up a few levels if we want to get anything out of the game on Sunday.”
Having tipped Scrabble for back-to-back titles, it will be interesting to see how they cope with the weight of expectation.
Boss Ray Abrahams told JC Sport: “It's been a long wait but we are looking forward to our first game in Division One against a very good Raiders side.
“We've not had the best week for injuries etc but we've got a big squad and hope to give league debuts to our players signed in the summer.
“It's important that we get off to a good start as we did last season as its better than having to play catch up as the season progresses.
“We've had a good pre-season and hope to take the good form that we've shown into the match on Sunday and will be looking to get three points in the bag as soon as possible.”
I didn’t predict Scrabble to lose many times last season, but can see L’Orange doing the business in a humdinger.
JC team news: NLR will be missing some important players, with Mark Leader, Will Ufland, Alex Goodman and David Esterkin all out. However, messus Gothelf and Adelman “believe in the strength and depth of our squad and we will look to be competitive against the stand-out team in the division”.
Venue – Ark Academy, KO – 10am, Ref – Keith Goodman
JC star man: Jamie Wolfson
DC Prediction: NLR 2 Scrabble 1
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
4 – Jonti Aremband (RCUK FC)
3 – Richard Fogelman (Faithfold B), Joel Lassman (Catford & Bromley Maccabi)
FAITHFOLD B vs RCUK FC
Sunday’s featuring a mouth-watering contest between two of the league’s top marksmen outside of the Premier Division.
Faithfold’s Richard Fogelman has been there, seen it and bought the t-shirt in the MGBSFL and it’s no wonder Faithfold were over-joyed when he put pen to paper. His hat-trick against Hertswood was definitely a sign of things to come.
New boys RCUK FC lived up to their pre-season hype with a handsome 7-1 win over Real Hendon. Jonti Aremband enjoyed a dream debut with four superb strikes and has instantly become a favourite with the fans.
His partnership with Avi Markiewicz, who scored goals for fun for London Rovers not so long ago, will surely be the one to watch in Division Two this term.
It will be an emotional home-coming for Leor Harel against his former club. The RCUK new boy will be determined to stop the supply line to Fogelman, with Dovi Vogel and Gideon Caller marshalling things behind.
Akiva Zneimer was in inspired form in Matchday One and he will be a big player for RCUK this season. Mark my words.
Venue – The Hive 3G, KO – 10am, Ref – Paul Dobkin
JC star man: Akiva Zneimer (RCUK)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 1 RCUK 2
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FC TEAM B vs MILL HILL DONS
Mental strength is key for both FC Team B and Mill Hill Dons on Sunday following defeats on Matchday One.
The Dons played well in flashes against Temple Fortune but were unable to build on a lead given to them by Sammy Hakimian. Nonetheless spirits remain high.
Dons boss Brandon Hamme told JC Sport: “After controversially being denied a point last weekend, we hope to bounce back with a solid performance.
“Last week was our first game together as MH Dons and there was some positive signs, as the season goes on we will become stronger and stronger and I hope we showcase our potential this Sunday. Everyone knows Uxbridge is a tricky place to go, but we are prepared for the challenge.”
FC Team were beaten by a very good Catford side last week, but manager Mike Myers assured me it was just a blip. He knows they can play better and will want to see much more for his star players.
Myers told JC Sport: “Team are looking to bounce back after last week's result. Although the score flattered the opposition, more fight and determination is necessary and Team have a point to prove against these newcomers.”
The Dons believe they deserve a lucky break after last week and the law of averages say they will get it on Sunday.
JC team news: In last week's game, Mill Hill’s Zach Perez and Harry Moss both picked up injuries and therefore will be unavailable to play this weekend. Adam Isaacs and Jono Gaon remain out injured, whilst Lewis Silver is a doubt. James Segal, Joel Sinclair-Horne and Ariel Tamman are all set to make their debuts for the club.
Venue – Harefield Academy, KO – 10am, Ref – Steve Russell
JC star man: Joel Sinclair-Horne
DC Prediction: FC Team 1 MH Dons 2
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HERTSWOOD VALE vs CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI
It is hard to stop Catford & Bromley at the moment. They were excellent against FC Team last week, with Joel Lassman producing an inspired performance.
Yarden Sharon and Lassman pulled the strings in what was about a good a performance as you are likely to see at this level.
By their own admission, the Cats struggled against the lesser teams last year. Gotch is determined to put that right and another big performance is on the cards.
He told JC Sport: “So after last week we are raring to go against a team I know little about.
“We controlled the game last week and will be looking to do the same this week. We have quality all over the park and I have a real selection headache in front of me this week as I have 18 lads available and only take 15 – we shall see what happens at training before I make any decisions.
“If we can be a bit more clinical in front of goal early on then it would make my life a little bit less stressed.
“We are looking to send out strong signals to the other teams in the league to show we are not messing around this year. They have been warned!”
Vale came up a ruthless striker in the shape of Richard Fogelman last week. Although they will face a threat of a different kind, joint-manager Jack Shulman believes they can get their first win in the MGBSFL.
He told JC Sport: “We are missing a number of key players this week, but we are still confident of getting a positive result.
“Jacob and I have every confidence in our squad. We showed how raw we still our last week but we are growing together as a squad and will build.”
The first 20 minutes are crucial for Vale. Concede early and there will be no way back.
JC team news: The Cats welcome back Ash Stokes and Joe Levy but they are missing Adam Parker and Alex Newman. They are otherwise at full-strength and “ready to get another three points”.
Venue – Tempsford Green, KO – 10am, Ref – Robert Caplin
JC star man: Joe Levy (Catford)
DC Prediction: Vale 0 Catford 4
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REAL HENDON vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE C
Excitement is building ahead of Redbridge C’s debut outing in north-west London.
The club has worked hard to put together a quality squad that features a combination of youth and experience.
Boss Josh Hambling will encourage them to attack, attack, attack to show Hendon who is the Real deal on Sunday.
Hambo told JC Sport: “The team are raring to go and a cheeky comment in the Whatsapp group about starting people who put extra in at training this week has meant record numbers at Sinclair House.
“The post Dan Shaf era has amazingly breathed fresh life into the (new) club with lots of young faces in and plenty of old faces out.
“We have a good enthusiastic team, with a good mix of youth with the likes of Ben Oldstein and Rafe Neiman, and experience with Barry Green and Amir Nathan who's combined age is probably half the team!
“We know Hendon have some experienced Sunday League campaigners so we won't be taking them lightly, even after last week’s result.
“Facing some of them in the past myself I know they can still be a threat. But I’m confident we can do the job on the luscious pitch that is West Hendon playing fields.
“We have practically a full squad and a good bit of pace in the team so with any luck we can combine that with some good football.
“It’s going to be a long season and quite frankly everyone thinks they can win the league. But come next May I’m hoping we’ll be pushing for that silverware starting with Sunday.”
Real’s 7-1 mauling at the hands of RCUK was a shock to the system. Gav Noe didn’t bother to celebrate his consolation strike in a 7-1 battering and boss Chaim Gothold has been working hard trying to lift chins off the floor.
Gothold told JC Sport: “We picked up a few injuries in last week's defeat and have a few other absentees. But we’re hoping to bounce back from last week's humiliation and will be up for this one.”
Hendon know RJC will come out strong. But I don’t know if they have the weapons to stop them.
JC team news: RJC have “only a few out” for Sunday’s game. Hambling is “nurturing back” Daniel Lipman “from the nurses room so he is our only doubt this weekend unless he nags me for a quick 15 minutes”. Jordan Sapler is away with work and Josh Cohen is too busy washing the father-in-law’s fleet of cars.
Venue – West Hendon Academy, KO – 10am, Ref – Darryl Colmans
JC star man: Rafe Neiman (RJC)
DC Prediction: Real 2 RJC 3
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TEMPLE FORTUNE vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C
Jake Marks started the Simon Linden revolution in style last week with a late winner breaking Mill Hill Dons’ hearts.
Linden’s winning mentality helped Fortune find that little bit extra when many teams would have settled for a point. That’s just the way he is.
Fortune have been boosted by the acquisition of Brett Stead. He was part of the successful Fortune team who competed in Division One several years ago and Linden described him as “a great addition”.
And he returned to the club's training ground punching the air through his car window after recruiting former Lions star Aron Barnes for a new TFFC club record. Linden told JC Sport: "Our business is now complete for the year and I'm delighted Aron will go straight into the squad for Sunday's game."
Ahead of the NLR game, Linden remarked: “NLR came third last year and came up very close against a strong L'Equipe team last week.
“We know that just like last week this will be a tough game. We need to take last week’s second half performance into this week’s game. I fancy us to get the three points but we must start better on Sunday and not concede early.
David Domb was disappointed with how long NLR took to settle in the 3-2 defeat against L’Equipe last Sunday.
But the return of star defender Jake Yudelowitz has lifted everyone at L’Orange and I’m expecting a sharper performance all-round.
Domb is wary of the threat posed by Fortune and told JC Sport: “Fortune clearly mean business this season. That's obvious from their changes within and some very impressive player recruitment.
“But as we saw last weekend, we've been boosted with the return of a real talent. Jake Yudelowitz's decision to come back has given everyone a real lift - it's exciting to have him back.”
Fortune are missing some key men so I can see NLR coming away with a hard-earned point.
JC team news: Adam Speck, Sean Ladier and Jake Marks all miss out for Fortune.
Jake Yudelowitz comes straight into Sunday's squad. Nick Haringman is absent for the next two weeks.
Venue – Roger Bannister, KO – 10am, Ref – Robert Benardout
JC star man: Jake Yudelowitz (NLR)
DC Prediction: Fortune 1 NLR 1
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