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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
PETER MORRISON TROPHY
JEWDINESE vs OAKWOOD OLD BOYS
Darren Lawrence's Jewdinese go into their Jewish FA Cup meeting with Oakwood OB lacking a little match sharpness following a period of inactivity.
A 4-2 defeat in the top-of-the-table clash against promotion rivals Redbridge last time out was marred by not one, but two red cards. Needless to say, Lawrence will remind his squad about their roles and responsibilities, and the importance of playing the game the right way before kick-off.
He told JC Sport: “We have almost forgotten what it’s like to actually play a game, after two postponed games and a week with no game scheduled. We are hoping the rain holds off and we finally get to play!
“We are excited to get our cup run under way and are obviously wary of Oakwood Vets, as we know nothing about them.
“However, with no disrespect intended, we are hoping to be the quicker, fitter and sharper team on the day, and hopefully this will lead us to a victory.
“We are aware of our draw in the next round - Oakwood A - and we are very keen to test ourselves against a team doing very well in the Premier Division, but first we must do the business on Sunday.
Ric Blank (and possibly Blank jnr, depending on childcare duties) will lead Oakwood OB into battle. The league title-winning boss just couldn't stay away!
No doubt, he will put out a competitive team in a bid to prove experience can conquer youth.
"We decided to enter an Old Boys team into the competition this year as a chance to roll back the years, and to pay tribute to Rob Davidson, who as you know, we lost nearly two years ago. Rob would find nothing funnier than watching us old dads lumber around getting skinned by lads ten years younger. So we thought, "why not?
"We are a strictly an over-30's side (most depressingly closer to 40 these days) and we'll be adopting Arrigo Sacchi's 9-0-1 formation complete with a triple pivot in midfield.
"Returning from retirement will be Daniel Geey's hand gestures, Eddie Manson's disdain for his team-mates and Jonny Quinn's shooting addiction. We are under no illusions that we're up against a good side who won't hold back and we are also completely aware of how big an 11-a-side pitch actually is. Mercifully I will be on the sides, doing what I do best – watching!"
Sounds like it will be a cracker.
JC team news: ‘Nese are still without suspended duo Sim Cohen and Zac Brin plus the injured goalkeeper Ben Halmer, whilst James Van Straten’s finger has “miraculously recovered” and he returns to the matchday squad.
Venue – Queen’s School, Ref – Martin Lavender, KO – 10am
JC star man: Daniel Geey (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: 'Nese 3 Oakwood 1
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CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND TWO
HENDON UNITED SPORTS vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS
MGBSFL leaders Hendon United have had a fortnight to reflect on their defeat against Oakwood and they are ready to go again.
Boss Jordan Sapler admitted his team “weren’t good enough” last time out, so expect a fast start from the defending league champions.
Hendon have enjoyed some fantastic battles against Raiders over the years, although they won’t know as much about the current L’Orange squad.
Two players they will recognise are Liron Mannie and Charlie Kasler – the heartbeat of this Raiders team. When the dynamic duo play well, Raiders play well.
Ahead of the tie, Raiders player-manager Jake Yudelowitz told JC Sport: "This is a massive game on Sunday. We’ve been looking forward to it since the draw was made.
"The boys have been watching YouTube videos of Hendon in preparation. They are a quality side and our aim is to stay in the game as long as possible then you never know.
A massive boost is the return of Yarden Sharon from 3 weeks down under, he will be crucial in midfield on Sunday."
For me, you only have to look at the statistics which all point towards a Hendon win. Ultimately, the home team's quality in the final third will be decisive.
JC team news: Yarden Sharon and Jordan Nathan return for Raiders, but Alex Jacobs is still out injured
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Luke Steele, KO – 10am
JC star man: Greg Corin (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon 2 NLR 0
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MACCABI LONDON LIONS vs SCRABBLE FC A
Scrabble’s woes have been well-documented already. The club have worked hard to draft in some new faces, but the losing habit continued as they were crushed 5-0 by Scrabble last week. So, you guessed it, I’m going for a big Lions win.
The Rowley Lane boys halted Los Camden’s good run last weekend, with Reiss Mogilner moving into double figures after bagging a brace in a 5-2 win.
Benji Weinberger is an important player for Lions, both in the changing room and on the pitch. His vision and energy certainly got the midfield ticking last weekend, while goalkeeper Jack Franks was rewarded for a fine performance with a place in JC Team of the Week.
Lions joint-manager Max Kyte told JC Sport: "We're looking forward to what should be an exciting game with lots of goals.
"We saw from our game against Redbridge B that you can’t take anything for granted in the prestigious MGBRSF leagues, so we will be making sure we are fired up and switched on and come out the blocks quickly.
"This is a cup that we have won twice in recent years, and we hope we can go all the way again."
This is effectively a tie between the haves and the have-nots and there's not much more to say.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Neal Cohen, KO – 10am
JC star man: Benji Weinberger (Lions)
DC Prediction: Lions 7 Scrabble 0
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MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
LEAGUE TABLE - TOP TWO
1. Hendon Utd Pl. 8, W. 5, Pts. 16
2. Oakwood A Utd Pl. 6, W. 4, Pts. 12
TOP-SCORERS 10 - Reiss Mogilner (ML Lions), 8 - Josh Bharier (Oakwood A - includes 2 for B team)
FAITHFOLD DOC MM A vs OAKWOOD A
Oakwood were good value for their win over Hendon United last time, and joint-manager Dan Kristall believes the team are in a good place, ahead of their trip to Faithfold.
Josh Cuby and Josh Bharier continue to grab the headlines, but the win over Hendon was all about the defensive qualities Alex Lee, Dale Bradman and Tom Cantor. Along with goalkeeper James Hillier, they became the first side to stop Hendon from scoring this term. Brad Wine and Toby Levy worked their socks off in the middle of the park too, putting in big shifts.
Oakwood will take a big and strong squad to Willesden. David Woolman is getting sharper with every minute on the pitch, and with more key players on the comeback trail, they look a good bet to win more silverware.
Talking to JC Sport in the build-up to the game, Kristall told JC Sport: "Sunday is a big game for us. After the frustration of having the second team forfeit on us in this season's Anekstein, building up momentum has been tough but we have now set the standard. We know the level we need to play at in order to win games.
"We had a good game with Faithfold a couple of months ago and look forward to doing battle with them on Sunday. They have struggled for numbers in recent weeks but we expect them to be up for the game on Sunday.
"As for us, we look forward to a big couple of weeks before we can regroup for the winter break."
Faithfold tumbled out of the Cyril Anekstein Cup against first division Redbridge last Sunday. They unveiled new signing Daniel Garfinkle, who made a goal-scoring debut, before being over-run by the east Londoners.
The arrival of Garfinkle is much-needed as they look for a reliable source of goals. He’s one of the fastest player in the league and is the perfect man to help them when they play counter-attacking football.
However, I fear for Faithfold at set-pieces on Sunday. Oakwood have some of the best dead-ball experts, namely Levy and Wine delivers killer balls. So concentration will be key for the home backline here.
JC team news: Toby Levy and Leor Sidle are away for Oakwood, while Dale Bradman is a doubt. Ben Peppi and Sam Cantor return whilst Dave Woolman and Simon Davies are pushing for their first league starts of the season following injuries.
Venue – Capital City, Ref - Andy Myerson, KO - 10am
JC star man: Sam Cantor (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 1 Oakwood 4
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DIVISION ONE
LEAGUE TABLE - TOP THREE
1. Redbridge JC A Pl. 9, W. 6, Pts. 21
2. Fairlop FC Pl. 8, W. 6, Pts. 20
3. North London Galaxy Pl. 8, W. 6, Pts. 19
TOP-SCORERS 16 - Nate Kashket (Redbridge JC A), 9 - Adam Ellis (Bayern Mincha)
OAKWOOD B vs NORTH LONDON GALAXY
With leaders Redbridge A not in action this weekend, North London Galaxy are setting their sights high ahead of the trip to Oakwood B.
Player-manager Luke Lewis told JC Sport: “We know that a win here takes us into first placed going into the break and every single player on the pitch will do their utmost to ensure we get the vital three points.”
Lewis was one of two two-goal heroes in the big win over Scrabble last weekend, with Jess Alexander (2) and Josh Cohen also registering. Lewis has now scored six goals, while Cohen has hit five. Dan Brennan also impressed, showing off his great engine and energy levels.
However, Lewis is taking nothing for granted ahead of the trip to Wembley. “We haven't played Oakwood yet, but we will be looking to come and dominate the ball from the offset,” he told JC Sport.
“We've played some excellent football at the jungle as of recent, utilising our excellent 'army football' philosophy - moving the ball from left to right.
“We're on great form and looking to get that final crucial win before the winter break.”
Oakwood are “looking forward to putting things right after a disappointing result last time out,” according to co-boss Simon Field.
And he boldly predicted: “We know we are in for a difficult game against a team at the top end of the table, but we are confident that we have the quality to get a result.”
It should be a cracker.
JC team news: The Oaks will be without their captain Dan King and vice captain Max Clynes. They look forward to welcoming back midfield maestro Daniel Seligman and our powerhouse Louie Libbert.
Galaxy’s Jake Rinsler has been ruled out for an unknown period of time. Lewis told JC Sport: “It’s a big loss but we have lots of depth and quality. The golden generation are also not here this weekend.”
Venue – Ark Academy, Ref – Richard Jaye, KO – 10am
JC star man: Dan Brennan (Galaxy)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 1 Galaxy 2
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DIVISION TWO
LEAGUE TABLE - TOP 2
1. Hertswood Vale Pl. 10, W. 8, Pts. 25
2. Faithfold Doc MM B Pl. 11, W. 7, Pts. 22
TOP-SCORERS 16 - James Millet (Hertswood Vale), 13 - Zac Neiman (SPEC FC)
MILL HILL DONS vs SPEC FC
There was a spring back in the legs of the Mill Hill Dons players after their win last weekend.
With the run they've had, many teams would have let their heads drop. But not these Dons. They stuck together, showed tremendous spirit and unlocked an experienced Raiders defence.
And Isaac Virchis's stunning strike was the icing on the cake of what was a thrilling comeback.
Dons boss Brandon Hamme will be back in the dug-out on Sunday, looking to maintain the winning habit. He told JC Sport: "It’s great to finally get a good run of results in the bag. Despite the 3-1 win on Sunday, we know that we could have easily have got more on the day. Our finishing has been one of our key issues this season and we will be continuously work on that in training until we have a clinical edge in front of goal.
"Defensively in recent weeks, we have had some impressive performances, the arrival of Isaac Virchis has helped improved our stability at the back. There are lots of positives from last week’s game to take forward to Sunday.
"Last time we played SPEC, we were as unfortunate as you can get, with even Ricky Lawerence stating that SPEC were very lucky. We can’t continuously use luck as an excuse though, we need to be ruthless and clinical in front of goal this Sunday to get the three points against a strong SPEC side."
SPEC were back to their best last time out, as they put five past promotion rivals Faithfold B. They were like a tidal wave in that second half and their ruthless finishing would’ve delighted boss Ricky Lawrence.
Indeed Lawrence recalled their early-season draw against the Dons at his midweek press conference, and he predicts another close battle.
"We had a decent game with MH Dons last time around and I'm sure Sunday will be very similar," he told JC Sport.
"We had a great second-half last time around, but we'll need to be at our best for the full 90 if we're going to get anything from the game.
"Unsurprisingly, the attendance for Chanukah party is looking healthier than our squad for Sunday, though we are hoping to give a debut to a certain tall relative of a club legend."
In terms of a prediction, it's a tough call as the Dons have yet to win at home in the league, while SPEC have lost three out of five on their travels. This leads me to believe it could end honours even once more.
JC team news: Josh Moses, Harry Kalm, Adam Diamond are all out for the Dons.
Venue – Goffs Academy, Ref – Barry David, KO – 10am
JC star man: Adam Lisberg (Dons)
DC Prediction: Dons 2 SPEC 2
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS MASTERS vs FAITHFOLD DOC MM B
Faithfold B are targeting their eighth league win of the season when they travel to Raiders Masters.
“We are going into this game with a lot of enthusiasm, after last week's great performance," Faithfold's Doron Shooter told JC Sport.
Benny Goldberg's second hat-trick of the season inspired Faithfold to a handsome win over Temple Fortune. Lying just behind leaders Hertswood Vale, they are well-placed to kick on in the new year. But Shooter and co are not looking too far behind the next 90 minutes.
"We know that we will have to be patient to break down this experienced Raiders side and we will have to be on top of our game from the off.
"We know that Raiders are a very physical side, especially with Jonny Blain up top, so myself and Gilad Kestenbaum at the back will have to be prepared for that but we are looking forward to the challenge.
"I’m sure this will be a very competitive game full of meaty challenges so should be a great encounter.”
Raiders will be looking to avenge the 4-1 defeat by Faithfold last month. They were unable to build on Michael Field's penalty last week in the 3-1 defeat against Mill Hill Dons.
Joint-manager James Cartmell will be hoping his players, many of whom are fathers, haven't over-indulged during Chanukah week, as they will need to be mobile to keep up with Faithfold's wide men.
Cartmell told JC Sport: "We are looking forward to the return game with Faithfold B. We felt a bit hard done by in the game at their place a few weeks ago, and hopefully we will give a better account of ourselves this time. We have a good squad for the game at the Wembley Ark."
JC team news: Raiders welcome back Andrew Wolfin and Wayne Davison, who both missed the last few games, as well as Aviel Schwarz, who first is available for the first time this season.
Doron Shooter returns to the Faithfold team after recovering from a hamstring injury, while Raffy Zysblat returns in goal. Jack Joseph misses out.
Venue - Ark Academy, Ref – Nigel Kyte, KO – 10am
JC star man: Benji Israel (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Raiders 1 Faithfold 3
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B vs FC TEAM
It's been a frustrating week for Redbridge B. Manager Richard Bronzite feels a sense of injustice after a League Management Committee decision for last month's postponed match against Mill Hill Dons went against them. So I expect the home side to come out like wounded animals.
On the pitch, Redbridge have won their last three on the spin, and they have games in hand on their promotion rivals. Indeed they start Sunday level on points with FC Team, with two games in hand.
Redbridge's home form has been good thus far. They average three goals a game and have kept things tight at the back, but they face a tough test against opponents looking to get back to winning ways. And a decent crowd is expected, with possibly a scout or two in attendance to check out wonder kid Max Aston, who is featured in the Player Profile section in this week's JC!
"The boys are chomping at the bit to play after last weeks postponement," RJC boss Richard Bronzite told JC Sport.
"We will have at least 14 available for what will be a very tough game. FC Team have been scoring for fun, so we need to be on it if we are to come away with three points."
FC Team were well beaten by table-toppers Hertswood Vale, in front of the JC cameras. Eddie Sternberg and Josh Morris scored in the 5-2 defeat, but manager Mitch Young will expect much more from his players in Essex on Sunday.
Two of the league most feared marksmen are expected to be on show, with the battle between Steve Summers and Richard Salmon worth the admission fee alone. Let battle commence ...
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – David Lazarus, KO – 10am
JC star man: Max Aston (RJC)
DC Prediction: Redbridge 3 FC Team 2
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SCRABBLE FC B vs FAITHFOLD DOC MM C
Scoring goals has been the biggest issue for both Scrabble and Faithfold C this season.
Scrabble have lost their last two, and conceded nine goals in the process. But Jon Yantin's golden oldies relish the challenge of outwitting younger opponents, and they will believe they can do the business against the league's bottom team at the second time of asking.
Faithfold drew 1-1 with Scrabble earlier in the season, when Avi Garson and Neil Kochane exchanged strikes. It's wasn't a classic by any stretch of the imagination but it was a good work-out for both sets of players.
Venue – Aycliffe Road, Ref – Stuart Ansher, KO – 10am
JC star man: Jeremy King (Scrabble)
DC Prediction: Scrabble 3 Faithfold 1
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TEMPLE FORTUNE vs HERTSWOOD VALE
Hertswood Vale have had an outstanding first half of the season. Under Jacob Emanuel and Danny Hirschberger, they have turned into a well-oiled machine who play with no fear.
In James Millet they have a great talent who leads by example week after week. The team are playing like a unit and there is great trust within the side too.
This Vale team also scores all kinds of goals too. Headers, tap-ins, plus the occasional long-range special too.
Ahead of the visit to Fortune, where they are aiming for what would be their ninth win in 11 games, joint-manager Emanuel told JC Sport: "The lads are full of confidence after last week’s enjoyable win against FC Team. It was definitely one of our favourite games of the season, and I thought we were brilliant offensively.
"However, we know that Simon Linden’s Temple Fortune team pose an equally great threat this week, and we’d be stupid to under-estimate them.
"We were lucky to come away with a win against them in the return fixture, our first game of the season - Adam Zaidman bailed us out with his first of three penalty saves so far this year.
"We know they’ve strengthened, and Simon, whom I'm looking forward to coming up against as always, will no doubt use his experience well to try and grab three points for them.
Fortune were well beaten by the division's second best team, Faithfold B, last weekend. They fell short in all department and it's a game gaffer Linden will want to put behind him. After a promising start, they were pulled apart and conceded five times.
I always enjoyed playing on the slick 3G surface at Silver Jubilee Park and I think it will suit Vale's playing style down to the ground.
JC team news: Svi Freedman, Andy Gilbert, Ollie Marshall and Zach Mandel are long-term absentees for Vale, whilst Ashley Hirschberger will be out for this one after breaking two of his fingers in last week’s game against FC Team. Emanuel is "expecting to be without an additional number of players that started last week’s game, but Ben Mandel does return, hoping to continue his recent hot run in front of goal".
Venue – Silver Jubilee Park, Ref – Robert Benardout, KO – 9.45am
JC star man: Ben Mandel (Vale)
DC Prediction: Fortune 1 Vale 4
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ALSO SEE:
DANNY CARO'S MATCHDAY THIRTEEN AWARDS
PLAYER OF THE WEEK: James Millet (Hertswood Vale)
MANAGER OF THE WEEK: Sam Rank (Redbridge JC A)
GOAL OF THE WEEK: Josh Cohen (North London Galaxy)
QUOTE OF THE WEEK Ray Abrahams (Scrabble FC)
REFEREE OF THE WEEK: Richard Jaye (ML Lions vs Los Camden A)
