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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP
REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B vs BAYERN MINCHA
Redbridge B gave an excellent account of themselves in the recent Morrison meeting against holders Maccabi London Lions, which will give them belief ahead of the visit of first division Bayern Mincha.
Goalkeeper Dan Lee produced an inspired performance for which he was unlucky not to win the Golden Gloves award. Adam Hakimi also rolled back the years and reminded his admirers of his qualities – at times he was running around like a teenager again.
That performance will give manager Richard Bronzite the confidence they can upset the Bayern boys.
“It’s another tough game for us this weekend,” Bronzite told JC Sport. “The squad has been hit by injuries, but we will have 14 this week and I expect the boys in to show the same desire and hunger as the last game.
“We have not played for ages, so it would be nice to have a game this week. We’re looking forward to the cup game to test ourselves against a Division One team. We just need to play our own game and work hard for each other.”
Danny Berg will also be boosted after being selected for the Maccabi GB 35+ squad competing at the Pan American Maccabi Games in Mexico City next year. Arriba!
Bayern have found the going tough this season. They started in style, with a 6-0 drubbing of Scrabble, but it’s been downhill from there. But take top-scorer Adam Ellis and goalkeeper Joe Nyman, who missed last week’s defeat against Raiders, out of any team and most sides would struggle.
Ahead of kick-off, joint-manager Daniel Holder told JC Sport: “Things aren’t going well at the minute. We are on a big losing run but hopefully we can put things right this week against Redbridge in the cup.
"Whilst they are in the division below us, we know they are a very strong team who held out London Lions for 90 minutes last week.
“We should have the quality to come through. I reckon this one could be a tight game.”
Home advantage could be key for RJC, with their fans cheering them all the way into round three.
JC team news: Craig Sandford has been ruled out for several weeks after suffering a fracture in his foot last week. Sam McCarthy and Adam Shafron also miss out through injury, while Max Aston and Daniel Wexler are away.
Ref – Josh Smith, KO – 10am
JC star man: Danny Hakimi (RJC)
DC Prediction: RJC 3 Bayern 2
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MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
LEAGUE TABLE - TOP 4
1. Hendon Utd Pl. 8, W. 5, Pts. 16
2. Oakwood A Pl. 6, W. 4, Pts. 12
3. HMH Pl. 7, W. 3, Pts. 11
4. Los Camden A Pl. 7, W. 3, Pts. 11
TOP-SCORERS 16 - Reiss Mogilner (ML Lions), 11 - Rocky Spitzer (Hendon Utd), 10 - Josh Bharier (Oakwood A - includes 2 for B team)
OAKWOOD A vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS
Jordan Sapler did not mince his words ahead of the clash of the titans.
Oakwood beat Hendon 2-0 a fortnight ago, and having won a game apiece in the league now, the arch rivals are looking to put on an end of year special, with a big crowd expected.
Josh Cuby and Josh Bharier were the star performers for the Oaks in the recent encounter – a game in which they won their individual and collective battles. It was also a result that gave everyone in the Oakwood camp belief, and now they have Hendon firmly in their sights.
Hendon goalkeeper Russell Corin has been in fine form this season. He impressed in last week’s win over Raiders, on a day than he was busier than expected. He will be a key figure once more in a contest where Oakwood will try to hurt Hendon with their incisive counter-attacking and pace in the final third.
Ahead of kick-off, Hendon boss Sapler told JC Sport: “Sunday is the biggest game of the season so far. Oakwood outplayed us last time, and I’m asking for a huge reaction from the boys.
“We know what Oakwood will bring and will need to match the physicality aspect of their game.”
Josh Harris and Jonny Kay come into contention for starts this week, while Simon Peterman will be buoyed by his selection in Team of the Week.
Sapler went on to say: “If we do that and it comes down to footballing ability, then I’m confident in my squad.”
Oakwood’s extended break means that injured players have had time to recover and they will go into the game in high spirits.
They have quality all over the pitch and will go into the game with their tails up after their crucial recent win over the reds. But the home side know they will need to produce an even better performance as Hendon will be bang up for it on Sunday.
However, joint-manager Dan Kristall voiced discontent with how the season has gone so far, not in terms of results, but games played. "I can't remember a more frustrating season than this," he told JC Sport. "We played Hendon three weeks ago and haven't kicked a ball since, even though we had two scheduled games.
"So far this season and after Sunday, we will have had 10 MGBSFL games scheduled. We've had three forfeits and played Hendon three times which means that other than Hendon, we will have only played four other games. Also, we're in the last eight of the Anekstein and we haven't kicked a ball yet!
"I can't remember a season with so many forfeits so early on. I accept it happens more in the later months of a season, but not usually in October, November and December."
As for the game, Kristall added: "Hendon have benefited from playing last week, they are bringing back a couple of big-hitters and so they are definitely huge favourites for the game."
In terms of personnel, Kristall added: "We're stretched on Sunday and will make some last-minute calls on key players, but we always feel that on our day and whatever side we put out, we will give most teams a game."
The battle between Moses Seitler and Cuby will be worth the admission fee alone. Both teams know that nothing will be won or lost in terms of silverware on Sunday, but it will definitely have a cup final feel about it.
JC team news: Kyle Bentwood is expected to return to the Oakwood squad after turning out for the B’s in the defeat against North London Galaxy last weekend. Dave Woolman and Simon Davies are pushing for their first league starts of the season following injuries.
Yehuda Korman came through last weekend unscathed on his return from injury, so he is hoping to start for Hendon. Josh Harris is rated 50/50 due to a niggle, but Moses Seitler returns from university.
Venue - Silver Jubilee Park, Ref – Phil Peters, KO – 9.45am
JC star man: Moses Seitler (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 2 Hendon 2
SEE HIGHLIGHTS FROM OAKWOOD/HENDON PART 1
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HMH P MACCABI LONDON LIONS P
Match postponed – HMH playing in the London FA Challenge Cup
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DIVISION ONE
LEAGUE TABLE - TOP 3
1. NL Galaxy Pl. 10, W. 8, Pts. 25
2. Redbridge JC A Pl. 10, W. 7, Pts. 24
3. Fairlop FC Pl. 8, W. 6, Pts. 20
TOP-SCORERS 16 - Nate Kashket (Redbridge JC A), 9 - Adam Ellis (Bayern Mincha)
FAIRLOP FC vs LOS CAMDEN B
With the top two teams not in action, Fairlop FC have the opportunity to close the gap when they return to action against Los Camden B.
Aaron Dias’s men remain unbeaten after six matches and they are well placed to kick on in the new year, assuming they do the business in what is one of their games in hand.
The rest could be a bit of a blessing in disguise following two super-human efforts against Redbridge and Oakwood B.
Fairlop have great strength in depth and they have made themselves very hard to beat. They also have a number of potential match-winners, with captain marvel Bradley Gayer leading by example week on week.
I’m predicting a big performance from striker James Jaconelli, who has a knack of being in the right place at the right time to score crucial goals.
Looking ahead to the game, Fairlop's Jake Sanders told JC Sport: "We want to end the year with a victory. This is one of two games in hand and there’s no room for error now we’re chasing the two pretenders.
"Avoiding defeat on Sunday would mean we have gone the whole of 2018 without losing in 90 in any competition. Not bad for a side that only started 18 months ago."
Los Camden gave an excellent account of themselves in the recent cup game against Fairlop, before bowing out on penalties. So they believe they have nothing to fear.
And with their A-team not in action, they could be boosted by a tough-tackling defender or a no-nonsense midfielder, who could raise their level for the next 90 minutes.
And with Rob Hershkorn on fire at the moment, they will be looking to get him on the ball in and around the Fairlop penalty at every opportunity. In midfield, Rick Harris is one of the oldest players in the division, but he's still one of the best, with a fantastic touch and he can thread a pass through the eye of a needle.
But when all is said and done, Fairlop's fantastic defensive record speaks for itself. In terms of a prediction, 1-0 to the Fairlop boys is on the cards.
JC team news: Jake Sanders (knee) and Max Freedman (ankle) are Fairlop's only absentees. They have an otherwise fully fit squad.
Venue – 7 Kings, Ref – David Lazarus, KO – 10am
JC star man: Mitch Gold (Fairlop)
DC Prediction: Fairlop 1 Los Camden 0
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS vs JEWDINESE
Victory is essential for Jewdinese if they are to remain within touching distance of the top three.
Yes they have only lost one game in the league, but the draws are adding up and while they remain hard to beat, they must start stringing together victories if they are to put pressure on North London Galaxy, Redbridge Jewish Care A and Fairlop FC.
They travel to Raiders with an excellent record on the road – winning at Oakwood and drawing with table-toppers North London Galaxy and Fairlop, and they have also notched up a good number of goals in the process. But I have a feeling this could be their toughest game of the season.
"It seems like an age since our last game," 'Nese boss Darren Lawrence told JC Sport. "We are raring to go, all we want for Christmas is three points on Sunday.
"It has been hard to gather momentum over the last month due to three games being postponed, but the boys have looked sharp in training and are chomping at the bit to finally step onto the pitch."
Looking at the promotion race, Lawrence went on to say: "We know with the league currently looking how it does, anything less than maximum points from every game just won’t cut it.
"Raiders started the season pretty poorly but have massively improved over the past couple of months, so we know we’re in for a tough game. Having not played them yet this season we aren’t sure what to expect specifically, but their cup result against Galaxy certainly caught our eye."
Raiders gave an excellent account of themselves in the cup against giants Hendon United last weekend. And had it not been for the heroics of Russell Corin, they might just be reflecting on a famous upset.
Joint-player-manager Jake Yudelowitz had his best game in an L’Orange shirt, while very little got past Josh Bloom and Jake Doffman at the heart of the defence.
Matt Warner was in commanding form in the midfield engine room and if Raiders can approach this game as they did the Hendon game then they can be confident of picking up at least a point.
Up top, Raiders will look to Aron Gale and Scott Waissel to up the ante, with Liron Mannie another real threat from the wide areas.
Raiders joint-manager Jake Yudelowitz told JC Sport: "It's a big, big game on Sunday. If we want to break into the top four, we have to win. It’s that simple.
"Sadly this will be my final game before heading out to work in Singapore, so I'm hoping to go out with a bang. There’ll be a debut for Ethan Mooney, so this could be very interesting."
This is one of a number of big games and the JC cameras are looking forward to getting their first glimpse of Raiders this season, for what could be an epic battle.
JC team news: Gav Fox returns for Raiders after a spa weekend away. Scott Waissel is expected to pass a late fitness test and Ben Rosen is back too.
'Nese are without Grant Reingold and Ben Berrick this weekend as they are on a scouting trip in South Africa.
Venue – Ark Academy, Ref – Neal Cohen, KO – 10am
JC star man: Matt Warner (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Raiders 3 Jewdinese 2
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SCRABBLE FC A vs OAKWOOD B
Scrabble deserved plaudits for not forfeiting in the cup against Lions last weekend. Although few predicted a 16-0 mauling against the National Cup holders, a heavy defeat was always on the cards. But they took it in good spirits and played until the end.
Manager Ray Abrahams now has a healthy squad of 16, including Jay Rosenthal, who is a good addition.
Again, they will start as underdogs against an Oakwood team that is hurting after a number of defeats. It would be fair to say things haven’t gone to plan so far this season, with six defeats in nine. But as the old saying goes, they are going to give someone one helluva beating sooner or later.
Oakwood boss Simon Field told JC Sport it’s important his team turns up with the right attitude on Sunday. “We go to Scrabble as favourites, but are well aware that it is important to guard against complacency.
“Scrabble have made a number of signings over the last couple of weeks, so all the scout reports go out of the window.”
On their day, Oakwood are a match for the best teams in this division and if they keep things simple and play to their strengths, then they will beat a developing Scrabble team comfortably.
And it wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest if Zac Summerfield is the stand-out performer against his former club.
JC team news: Oakwood welcome back centre-back pairing Dan King and Max Clynes this weekend. Dan Ash and Dan Selwyn have been ruled out after picking up knocks last weekend.
Venue – Aycliffe Road, Ref – Nigl Burns, KO – 10am
JC star man: Zac Summerfield (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Scrabble 1 Oakwood 4
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DIVISION TWO
LEAGUE TABLE - TOP 4
1. Faithfold Doc MM B Pl. 12, W. 8, Pts. 25
2. Hertswood Vale Doc MM B Pl. 11, W. 8, Pts. 25
3. SPEC FC Pl. 12, W. 6, Pts. 20
TOP-SCORERS 17 - James Millet (Hertswood Vale), 16 - Zac Neiman (SPEC FC), 11 - Richard Salmon (FC Team), Conor Perl (FC Team)
FAITHFOLD DOC MM B vs FC TEAM
An entertaining affair is on the cards as leaders Faithfold put their title credentials on the line against an inconsistent FC Team.
Faithfold start the game level on points with Hertswood Vale, having played a game more. They have a superior goal difference, with Benny Goldberg in the form of his life.
This Faithfold side are packed with goals. They have scored 10 times in their last two games and are hungry for more.
However, there are several similarities between Faithfold and FC Team, who have an outstanding front three of their own. Gilad Kestenbaum will have his hands full with Richard Salmon, Connor Perl and Mitch Young and it’s important his fellow defenders follow his leadership skills, or else it could be a busy morning for Raffy Zylsblat.
The first meeting between the sides promises goals and it will not disappoint.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Keith Goodman, KO – 10am
JC star man: Mitch Young (FC Team)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 3 FC Team 4
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SPEC FC vs SCRABBLE FC B
SPEC FC will be looking to close the gap on the top two when they welcome golden oldies Scrabble to Bushey.
Ricky Lawrence’s boys were involved in a thriller against Mill Hill Dons last weekend, with golden boy Zack Neiman firing home a sumptuous winner.
SPEC showed tremendous character to overhaul a deficit and come back in some style.
They are clearly in a good moment and player-manager Ricky Lawrence told JC Sport: ““With two excellent wins in our last two games we’re hoping to see off the year in style, however we got taught a lesson by Scrabble last time out so we know we’ll have to turn in another excellent performance otherwise we’ll be going home empty-handed.”
Bradley Lazarus was Scrabble’s hero last weekend as he scored the only goal against Faithfold C.
And boss Jon Yantin sounded quietly confident as he team goes in search of a notable league double.
He told JC Sport: “We beat SPEC 3-1 earlier in the season and with a strong squad available, we hope to repeat the effort.”
Revenge will be on the menu for SPEC and I can see them hitting the right notes second time around, although they won’t have things all their own way.
Venue – Queen’s School, Ref – Bob Caplin, KO – 10am
JC star man: Tommy Lustigman (SPEC)
DC Prediction: SPEC 2 Scrabble 1
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ALSO SEE:
PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Reiss Mogilner (Maccabi London Lions)
MANAGER OF THE WEEK: Simon Linden (Temple Fortune)
GOAL OF THE WEEK: Zack Neiman (SPEC FC)
SAVE OF THE WEEK: Oli Misner (NL Raiders)
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: Ray Abrahams (Scrabble FC A)
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: Luke Steele (Hendon Utd vs NL Raiders A)
