ByJames Masters, James Masters
Steve Bentwood is ready to unleash his kids on Crumpsall after revealing his golden oldies have all been ruled out of Sunday’s MJSL clash.
Sheldon Lee, Marc Magid and Mark Sheldon will also miss the game at Brooklands, while Kyle Bentwood has returned to London following a cameo appearance last weekend.
But despite picking up just two points from their last two games, Bentwood is confident his young guns can return to winning ways against lowly Crumpsall.
“Last week’s game against Republic was a really great game and a great advert for the MJSL,” said Bentwood.
“Now we’ve got Crumpsall and it will be a very competitive game because they’ve improved a hell of a lot in recent weeks.
“They’ll be difficult to beat but we’ll go there and give it our best shot. Some people might say we’ve dropped points but I see it as a team who are unbeaten in six.
“My older and more experienced players are all missing through injury or work but the kids will do OK.
“It’s a big game because Haroldeans have made a great start so the pressure is on.”
Meanwhile, Crumpsall boss Zevi Saunders believes his team are a match for anybody – as long as they have their best 11 players on the pitch.
Crumpsall have struggled with a consistent team selection for most of the year and have yet to pick up a single point this season.
But narrow defeats against Republic of Mancunia 1st and Sporting JLGB have given Saunders plenty of encouragement.
“When we get our best players out there then I really do think we can be very competitive and we’ve shown that,” said Saunders.
“We lost 3-2 against Sporting but we had so many chances and really should have won the game.
“Our problem is getting the same team out on a regular basis because there’s been a lack of commitment.”
Striker Frenchie Freedman, who opened his account for the season against Sporting last week, is set to start on Sunday as Crumpsall go in search for their first win.
And Saunders is in confident mood ahead of the meeting with the MJSL reigning champions.
He added: “We’re playing really well at the moment and if we can get our best team out and play well then we have a real chance.”
Venue: Brooklands
JC star man: Jake Bentwood – At the heart of everything good about Manchester Maccabi 3rd
Prediction: Manchester Maccabi 3rd 6 Crumpsall 0
Fact: Maccabi fielded three sets of brothers during last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Republic of Mancunia 1st with Jake and Kyle Bentwood joining Max Lee and Bobby Lee as well as Miles and James Hilton.