ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro
It’s impossible not to dress up what can only be described as a bumper programme of league and cup action in London on Sunday.
It all gets under way at Hazelwood Recreation Ground as Norstar London Raiders A go in search of the point they need to clinch what would be a first-ever MGBSFL Premier Division title against strugglers North West Neasden.
Then national pride is up for grabs in a mouth-watering double-header at Rowley Lane. Holders Hendon United Sports Club A have it all to do in their semi-final against Maccabi London Lions Spartans in a midday kick-off.
The Lions have prioritised the Peter Morrison Trophy this season and are expected to play their big guns from the Spartan South Midlands League.
But Hendon boss David Garbacz would have it no other way and his players will be motivated to bounce back following their crushing league defeat against Raiders.
Then AFC Flixton will be looking to book their place in their second final of the season when they take on Harmen.
Flixton are my favourites to progress, with Harmen’s hopes resting heavily on James Gershfield’s pre-match fitness test. Harmen joint-manger Joel Alterman said: "It's touch and go with Gersh. The swelling has now subsided and he will go on his specialist’s advice later this week as to whether or not he can."
I'll also be keeping an eye on the semi-finals of the Barry Goldstein Trophy. Norstar London Raiders B take on FC Team B, while Los Blancos are targeting a third success of the season against Camden Park. A place at Wingate & Finchley is the prize for the winners.
* Martin Fox has hit back at criticism from Jeremy Brown following London Rovers’ Barry Goldstein Trophy exit at the hands of Los Blancos. After seeing his team concede three hotly-contested penalties, Brown said: "I haven’t complained about referees all season, but I think the referee’s secretary needs to have a careful think about which officials he selects for these important games."
Fox responded: "When Jeremy asks me to pick his team, I’ll ask him to pick my refs!"
* Tributes have been flooding in for Stan Nathan who passed away aged 87. Stan was a former chairman of the London FA and represented London on the Council of the Football Association for several years. He also held the positions of chairman and referees secretary of the Senior Division of the AJY.
MGBSFL chairman David Wolff said: "Stan was a renowned referees’ instructor and no doubt many of our referees passed through his training sessions and encountered his unique manner and support of referees."
* GB suffered a double blow in the Pesach Cup as the footballers followed in the footsteps of the golfers in Israel. Oscar Wagner and David Dinkin registered before, surprise, surprise, they went down on penalties.
* All Maccabi football leagues will honour a one-minute silence before kick-off at matches on Sunday to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day.