YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
16 - Zac Lewis (Hendon Utd SC A)
15 - Reiss Mogilner (Brady Maccabi)
13 - Liron Mannie (NL Raiders A)
BRADY MACCABI vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS A
Excitement is building ahead of the Rowley Lane derby as Brady take on Cyril Anekstein Cup semi-finalists Lions A.
The Lions start the match two points better off, although they have played a game more. Managers Ryan Springer and Will Beresford were uplifted by last week’s thrilling comeback against Hendon United – and their fans hope to get another glimpse of young guns Adam Burchell and Adam Arnold who really took the game to Hendon.
Mathematically, the Lions are still in the title race, although three points are vital on Sunday.
Beresford told JC Sport: “We have a few players returning to our squad this week who haven’t been available recently which is promising.”
Brady go into the game in decent form, with three consecutive wins under their belt.
Sam Castle was their star performer last weekend, when they put FC Team to the sword to register their biggest victory of the season.
Managers Josh and Eli Dagul were also delighted to see David Cohen and Nathan Harrod on the scoresheet, while top-scorer Reiss Mogilner chipped in with a double.
Sunday’s match will come down to small details in what will undoubtedly be a high-octane affair. I’m tipping Lions to edge it.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
BRADY (from): Josh Miller, Jordan Nathan, Henry Ziff, Dan Cohen, David Cohen, Eli Dagul, Brad Dryer, Reiss Mogilner, Sam Monjack, Sam Castle, Ricky Rinder, Nathan Harrod, Dan Harrod, Josh Newman, Casey Sharpe, Oli Kenner
LIONS (from): Declan Green, David Sacal, David Slovik, Will Beresford, Alex Taylor, Richard Gold, Ryan Springer, Ben Lampert, Oli Craig, Max Hassell, Jamie Jackson, Harry Marlow, Sam Sloma, Alex Rose, Elliot Stern, Adam Arnold, Adam Burchell, Max Kyte, Adam Stolerman, Sam Arghebant, James Gold, Udi Amiel, James Gershfield
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TOP-SCORERS
LIONS - James Gershfield, Jamie Jackson, Adam Arnold 4
BRADY – Reiss Mogilner 15
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Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Daniel Fox, KO – 10am
JC star man: Harry Marlow (Lions)
DC Prediction: Brady 2 Lions 3
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A vs WOODFORD WANDERERS
Hendon will be looking to put their cup woes behind them as they prepare to take on Woodford Wanderers.
David Garbacz’s troops have had to take a bit of a reality check following their exits from the Peter Morrison Trophy and Cyril Anekstein Cup. On the flipside, it will save the club a few bob in cup final suits.
The Reds can now give the title run-in their full focus. They know they will not come up against the calibre of player such as Austin Lipman every week and gaffer Garbacz will ensure that their recent defeats will be at the back of their minds come Sunday morning.
He told JC Sport: “It will be difficult to lift everyone after Sunday’s cup defeat. We need to come to terms that while there will be no one off cup final this season, what we do have from here on in is eight more individual cup finals and if we go on to win the league then both the recent cup defeats will be a thing of the past
“Woodford gave us a tough match last time around until we took the lead just before half-time and with them scrapping for every point I would expect another one.
“However, it is good to be back at Hadley after our recent Rowley Lane woes and that should work to our advantage.
“Next week against Oakwood is, of course, the real big one as far as the league is concerned, but we simply must set ourselves up for that match with three points this week – nothing else will be anything like satisfactory.”
Woodford’s woes continue. They were outclassed by Oakwood last week and a trip to another title candidate is the last thing they need right now. They conceded early on in their last outing and will come up against a team who traditionally makes fast starts.
I’m predicting a cricket score.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
HENDON (from): Russell Corin, Greg Corin, Alex Rosenthal, Zac Garbacz, Ben Kon, Avi Korman, Yehuda Korman, Ari Last, Simon Peterman, Ari Nevies, Dovi Fehler, Josh Harris, Zac Lewis, Moses Seitler
WOODFORD (from): Ben Rosenthal, Adam Shafron, Jerome Marks, Paul Biller, Alex Aviram, Ricky Fox, Darryl Green, David Green, Jason Patmore, James Ryan, Tom Alexander, Ryan Silkman, Dan Wexler
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Darryl Colmans, KO –
JC star man: Avi Korman (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon 6 Woodford 0
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A
Title-chasing Redbridge return to action after a long break as they look to complete a league double over last season’s champions.
James Berkley was the unlikely hero that day, bagging a brace in a thrilling 3-2 triumph and manager Jon Jacobs knows the importance of maximum points on Sunday, with title rivals Hendon and Oakwood going head-to-head Sunday week.
Ryan Cole and Sam Sollosi have kept themselves match sharp by playing for their B-team in the new year, but the focus will be on the rest of the squad, against a Raiders team that will be hurting from last weekend’s Anekstein exit at the hands of first division Lions B.
NLR boss Dan Shafron gave an honest assessment of his crest-fallen champions in this week’s press conference.
“We’ve had a very difficult couple of weeks and it’s been hard to stomach. I can accept us losing games if the boys have given everything on the pitch and come off knowing that they physically couldn’t give any more. What I can’t accept is players not putting in 100 per cent effort. Work-rate comes at no cost and whilst we have undoubted talent in our squad, it needs to be backed up by everyone giving all they got.
“This week is going to be very tough. Redbridge have a super squad and play fast, attacking football.
“They are still in with a good shout of competing for the league whereas our title challenge is over.
“The pressure is on Redbridge to win to continue their challenge whereas there is no real pressure on us.
“We need to dig deep, work hard and fight for everything if we want to come away with a positive result.
“I expect us to make the game difficult for Redbridge and the only way we can do that is by bettering their desire man for man.”
Several NLR players have a point to prove to both themselves and their manager. RJC have totally different goals on Sunday and it’s a game that will be won and lost in midfield.
JC team news: NLR captain David Rhodes and Jonny Kay will have late fitness tests. Shafron commented: “Both have had a frustrating stop start season and will be a big welcome back to the squad”.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
RJC (from): Jay Jaffa, Dan Lee, James Berkley, Russell Goldstein, Adam Hakimi, Danny Hakimi, Nate Kashket, Sam McCarthy, Darryl Rubin, Nathan Sollosi, Daniel Garfinkle, Steve Summers, Dean Nyman
NLR (from): Jake Doffman, Josh Morris, Alex Bloch, David Rhodes, JJ Spiro, David J Cohen, Joe Cohen, David Dinkin, Adam Gold, Jonathan Rochwerger, Joe Cohen, Nick Lewis, Matthew Stock, Liron Mannie, Nyv Bogaire, Ben Ellis, Jordan Marks, David Nezri
Venue – Old Parkonians, Ref – Brandon Pieters, KO –
JC star man: Darryl Rubin (RJC)
DC Prediction: RJC 2 NLR 2
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SPEC FC vs CAMDEN PARK
This is a relegation six-pointer of monstrous proportions, and it’s a hard one to call.
SPEC claimed their one and only win of the season at the end of 2016, but they were hit for six by FC Team in their opening encounter of this year. On the day they simply had no answer to the brilliance of striker Richard Salmon.
Player-manager Ricky Lawrence will urge his players to treat this clash as a cup final, telling JC Sport: “It's simple. Win or bust. We've got some very tricky fixtures yet to come, though let's face it, all the fixtures look pretty tough right now.
“We'll look to enjoy the game as best we can and what will be, will be. It's most definitely a six-pointer though."
Camden famously beat Redbridge in the cup, but manager Max Saunders is praying his troops can transfer that level of performance to the bread and butter of the league.
They have quality all over the pitch, but Saunders knows the table never lies. They gave a good account of themselves in the recent meeting with Oakwood but having failed to register in more than 180 minutes, they desperately need a goal.
This will be a battle between the SPEC defence and the Camden attack. I’m tipping Camden to nick the points.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
SPEC (from): Simon Roth, Simon Bagel, Ryan Fox, Marc Hecht, Dan Cohen, Jon Kaye, Ben Kaye, Laurence Rosenthal, Craig Cohen, Rob Murray, David Kendall, Robert Murray, Sam Roth, Dan Amram, Elliott Wallis, Nick Wallis, Ben Kaye, Ricky Lawrence, Daniel Pike
CAMDEN (from): Steve Murad, Dan Baneth, Kane Gilbery, Rick Harris, Robert Hershkorn, Nick Kagan, David Kanzen, David Khalastchi, Michael Khalastchi, Alon Hershkorn, Jake Saunders, Max Saunders, Ezra Zipper, Sacha Nusenbaum, Hadrian Darman, Max Gordon, Johann Jordi, Josh Marks
Venue - Hertswood, Ref – Martin De La Fuente, KO – 10am
JC star man: Dan Baneth (Camden)
DC Prediction: SPEC 1 Camden 2
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
10 - Oliver Sade (Finchley City)
9 - Josh Bloom (ML Lions B)
FAITHFOLD A vs FINCHLEY CITY
The feel-good-factor is well and truly with Finchley City right now. Joel Holder’s boys have been like a breath of fresh air to the MGBSFL, and they are targeting the double.
Goalkeeper Yossi Lanning helped keep their cup hopes alive with a brilliant performance in the Cyril Anekstein quarter-final win over Scrabble FC. And the Finchley faithful cannot wait for next month’s semi-final draw, with Lions A, Lions B, Redbridge A and Camden Park also in the hat.
Oli Sade is proving to be one of the sensations of the season. He showed another side to his game last week with two “magical” assists, and he could be the man for Faithfold to watch on Sunday.
But Holder is taking nothing for granted ahead of Sunday’s trip to the Greens. He told JC Sport: “We are expecting a very tough game on Sunday against Faithold who are one of the strongest teams we have faced all season.
“Our previous game against them was a real battle on the pitch. It is important for us to compete physically against arguably the strongest team in the division.
“The reality is that we can’t afford to drop any more points in the league if we want to win the title, especially in light of Redbridge’s form. Every game from now has become a must-win.
Daniel Sinclair enjoyed arguably his finest moment in a Finchley shirt last week, while midfield general Josh Aziz oozed class. Holder is calling for a top performance from 1 to 11.
“Our form over the last few months has superb because we are playing with a lot of freedom and confidence,” he said.
“I usually have around 20 players available to pick every week which shows how high the level of commitment is throughout the squad.
“The boys have started to believe we are in verge of something special, but this can only happen if we replicate the same level of intensity, desire and skill we have shown since November.”
Faithfold were down to the bare bones against Lions last time out, and joint-manager Rob Shooman predicts “a very difficult game” in the Finchley derby.
Shooman has been around the block in MGBSFL terms and it’s clear he holds Sunday’s opponents in the highest regard.
“Finchley have emerged as a top team, who are in form and taking the first division by storm which is contrary to us; we are going through a difficult time at the moment - injuries are rife and we have some players away.
“We will have a team that will be made up of whoever is fit and fringe players who need a run-out, but we will try and give Finchley a game. But with our centre forward playing in goal it may be a long morning.”
Finchley are on fire and even if Faithfold park the bus, I think they will have too much for them on the day.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
FAITHFOLD (from): Dan Kosky, Marc Charles, Jonny Gahan, Stuart Haring, Jonny Horwitz, Richard Jaffe, Elliott Kaye, Daniel Kent, Jamie Kent, James Lee, Ben Portnoi, Sam Reeves
FINCHLEY (from): Yossi Lanning, Josh Aziz, Shim Bensoor, Eli Davila, Josh Gaon, Josh Kanter, Rafi Kon, Gabriel Krieger, Oliver Sade, Daniel Sinclair, Jono Gaon, Dan Polak, Moshe Fehler, Daniel Kozielek, Sam Leader
Venue – Christs College, Ref – Mark Jacob, KO –
JC star man: Josh Aziz (Finchley)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 1 Finchley 4
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B
Raiders B haven’t played in over a month, but they remain firmly in the promotion mix.
The big news is that striker Jacob Gold is fit and raring to go for the first time in five months, so that will certainly give Hendon something to worry about.
NLR boss Jonny Adelman told JC Sport: “It feels like an age since we last played … it’s over a month now since we lost to Redbridge so whilst we have a reasonably strong squad for the Hendon game it's anyone's guess how fit and sharp we'll be.”
Hendon’s home form has been abysmal and managers Jono Nesbitt and James Neidle have been keeping a close eye on the transfer window to see if there is any business to be had. They don’t score enough and have a leaky defence, so clearly some reinforcements are needed at both ends of the pitch.
Jake Gilbert ripped Hendon apart in NLR’s first meeting, when they cruised to a 5-1 victory and I can see them over-powering the Reds again.
JC team news: Anthony Goodmaker is available following the birth of his first child (mazeltov!). Nicky Woolf is on honeymoon and Charles Braunstein is also absent.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
HENDON (from): Yehuda Fink, Gideon Barth, Marc Benamram, Gideon Gale, Oliver Garbacz, Stuart Harris, Ezekiel Jacob, James Neidle, Jono Nesbitt, Matan Ozin, Gabriel Saul, Daniel Holder, Adam Glekin, Ronen Weinstein
RAIDERS (from): David Simnock, Ben Sheldon, Matt Leader, Mark Leader, Lewis Blitz, Anthony Goodmaker, Anthony Shaw, Danny Bloom, Alex Goodman, Elad Hertshten, Jack Roberts, Jake Gilbert, Jacob Gold, Josh Alswang, Toby Katz, Sam Shooter, Will Ufland, Ziv Berreby
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Steve Levy, KO –
JC star man: Jacob Gold (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Hendon 1 Raiders 3
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MACCABI LONDON LIONS B vs OAKWOOD B
The big games are coming thick and fast for Lions B. JC Manager of the Week Sam Marchant knows his players must keep their feet on the ground following last week’s epic cup win over holders North London Raiders A. To a man, they were outstanding, with no weak links.
With Redbridge B setting the bar so high, second place has to be their next target, though they can expect no favours from Oakwood B who beat them earlier in the season via a deadly double from Dave Woolman.
The Oakwood training ground has been quieter than usual this week but manager Jason Stein gave me a typically warm welcome and said: “Please come in to the office. My last press conference during the Obama Administration. By the time people read this the new Administration will be moving in. I want to thank President Obama for everything he has done for the world, for me and for Oakwood.”
"It’s a busy week at Oaks HQ. The A team are off in La Manga for a winter break and they've left me on my own. Blanky and DK locked their office though so I wasn't able to fully take things over. And we’ve also launched our #Selwyn emoji. He's been busy all week promoting it in bars and clubs all over Edgware.”
Looking ahead to Sunday, he went on to say: “The B-lads are working really hard this week and they’re determined to get on a roll. We had a really good 2-1 win against Lions B in November and it’d be fantastic to secure a repeat this weekend.”
I can see Oakwood raising their game at Rowley Lane, but revenge will be on the menu for Lions in a titanic contest.
JC team news: Loads of tough squad selections with Dan Seligman, Dan Selwyn, Aaron Searle, James Frener and James Abrams all available.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
LIONS (from): James Harpin, Nathan Anders, Dan Green, Sammy Kingston, Daniel Behar, Edward Brafman, Charlie Cohen, Daniel Fattal, Dom Feldman, Benji Weinberger, Elia Cohen, Michael Kenley, Josh Bloom, Dean Rosenthal, Adam Abadi, Sean Ekon, Ben Winters, Harry Kurlander
OAKWOOD (from): Harris Kersh, Danni Dennison, James Frener, Dan Linton, Jan Katuscak, James Abrams, Ben Annis, Ben Buck, Max Clynes, Dan King, Ben Loofe, Sam Modlin, Aaron Searle, Daniel Seligman, Daniel Selwyn, Marc Hyamson, Rafi Bloom
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Martin Lavender, KO – 10am
JC star man: Elia Cohen (Lions)
DC Prediction: Lions 2 Oakwood 1
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SCRABBLE FC vs ATHLETIC BILBAUM
Back-to-back defeats in league and cup against Finchley City have really hurt Scrabble.
Ray Abrahams’ boys have lost a little of their attacking luster in recent weeks but he’s confident they have rediscovered their mojos for the visit of lowly Bilbaum.
Scrabble know they can ill-afford many more slip-ups during the run-in if they are to realise their dream of reaching the Premier Division for the first time since reforming.
Abrahams told JC Sport: “We will be looking for a positive reaction from the lads this Sunday after two successive defeats to Finchley City and we will need to show our best qualities after that Cup disappointment last week.
“It's the first time in two seasons that we've suffered back-to-back losses and it hurts.
“We had key players out last week and we will have one or two back hopefully for this one.
“Bilbaum are a useful side who only narrowly lost to leaders Redbridge on Sunday and won before the New Year break so we will not be taking them lightly as they are better than their league form suggests.
Josh Pugh will be keen to impress against his former club and it will be interesting to see if he celebrates should he score.
Abrahams went on to say: “We are very much still in the promotion race and need to win this game to stay there.
“We've still got 10 league games left and there are 30 points to be had and with no Cup distractions we have to target maximum points from our remaining games.
“We are looking forward to this one and the players will be determined to get back to winning ways as soon as possible."
The Baums displayed some new-found resilience against the leaders last week. They battled to the end when other teams would have rolled over. That is credit to the players and management.
I can see them lining up nice and compact, trying to soak up pressure and hit Scrabble on the break.
For me, Scrabble have the edge man for man and their up and at ‘em style will be rewarded on the day.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
SCRABBLE (from): Ben Law, Josh Bharier, Rob Blackman, Elliott Espinoza, Daniel Green, Brandon Sassoon, Danny Sherman, Sam Stead, Daniel Stock, Zac Summerfield, Adam Waters
BILBAUM (from): Gal Alkalay, Jacob Brunner, Sam Deaner, Jamie Fireman, Daniel Goldhill, Eli Gottlieb, Ben Lewis, Rob Rodney, Jay Rosenthal, Nick Shinder, Seb Silverman
Venue – Capital City, Ref – Robert Caplin, KO – 10am
JC star man: Rob Blackman (Scrabble)
DC Prediction: Scrabble 3 Bilbaum 0
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
24 - Richard Fogelman (Faithfold B)
17 - Jordan Sharifian (Temple Fortune), Avi Markiewicz (RCUK FC)
BOCA JEWNIORS vs HERTSWOOD VALE
Opportunity knocks for Boca Jewniors on Sunday ahead of what effectively looks like a wooden spoon play-off against Hertswood Vale.
The Boca boys have fond memories of their first meeting with Hertswood – which featured the comeback of the season as they came from 1-4 down to triumph 5-4. I’m surprised match highlights aren’t available on DVD.
Hat-trick hero Josh Cinna was the star man that day. He has since been called upon for defensive colour, and passed that test with flying colours too.
Slowly, slowly is the plan for the Boca project, although that could be about to change. Anton Nyman told JC Sport: “Sunday is a big, big game in the context of our season - not just a six-pointer at the bottom of the table, but a real chance to get back-to-back wins for the first time this year and showcase our improvements since our epic fight-back win in the reverse fixture.
“Whilst it's still a grudge match of Boca of last year against this one - we proved last time out we can play with discipline in our rigid 4-4-2 formation.”
Hertswood have lost eight out of nine in the league but managers Jacob Emanuel and Jack Shulman believe they have deserved more from some performances.
You need look no further than their most recent outing against L’Equipe, which finished 4-3. Play to that level again this Sunday and they could be in business. But Boca will have very different ideas …
JC team news: Boca look to be without strikers Ben Lederman and “our hero in the middle” of Joseph Leigh and “we'll struggle to replace them, but are working hard on a double-signing who could well make their debuts after impressive performances in a behind-closed-doors friendly trial put on for them last week. More to be revealed soon there”.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
BOCA (from): Will Martyn, Anton Nyman, Jamie Leboff, Anton Nyman, Ben Retter, Michael Rosenthal, Brett Schuman, Michael Sidloff, Jonny Winton, Matt Davis, Oli Kyte, Sam Simon, Josh Cinna
VALE (from): Yaacov Goldin, Ollie Brill, Josh Cohen, Sam Cohen, Jacob Emanuel, Simon Englander, Danny Feuer, Josh Gorb, Ashley Hirschberger, Adrian Leibovitch, Josh Wood
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Robert Benardout, KO – 10am
JC star man: Ben Retter (Boca)
DC Prediction: Boca 3 Vale 2
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FAITHFOLD B vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C
Goals are guaranteed in Sunday’s meeting between promotion-chasing Faithfold B and Raiders C.
The teams drew 2-2 in November, when Greens top-scorer Richard Fogelman registered twice, while Nick Haringman and Dan Tann netted for L’Orange. Another entertaining affair is on the cards.
Faithfold go into the game on the back of a 2-1 defeat against RC UK FC – a result that saw them slip stay in fifth position.
Raiders were much-improved against Catford last time out. Liam Stein has been scoring for fun this season, but manager Sam Rose know they must keep Fogelman in check.
Ahead of kick-off, Rose told JC Sport: “After an excellent performance last week, we're hoping for more of the same on Sunday.
“We spoke last week about taking each game as it comes and proving the doubters wrong and we did just that.
“We'll go again this week in the same vain. Faithfold may be above us in the table, but the game holds no fear for Raiders."
Faithfold have an excellent record at the Hive, but I think Raiders will turn the tables on them this time.
JC team news: Nearing a full strength side with a few players including captain Nick Haringman returning to the Raiders fold this week.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
RAIDERS (from): Jonny Blain, Lewis Blitz, Charles Braunstein, David Domb, Alex Elf, Jason Green, Adam Leveson, Rob Samuelson, Alex Sherr, Callum Stein, Liam Stein, Scott Waissel, Nick Haringman (capt)
FAITHFOLD (from): David Garson, Daniel Abrams, Josh Barnett, David Benaim, Avi Garson, Josh Garson, Raphael Meyers, Michael Patterson, Richard Fogelman, Jeremy Teacher, Tomer Weider, Richard Gibson, Yosef Brownson
Venue – The Hive, Ref – Keith Goodman, KO – 10am
JC star man: Callum Stein (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 2 Raiders 3
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L’EQUIPE vs TEMPLE FORTUNE
There’s a cracker in store in Woodside Park as table-toppers L’Equipe put their unbeaten record on the line against ambitious Temple Fortune.
Respect was evident in both camps for Sunday’s opponents, which is hardly surprising when you recall how the first meeting went earlier in the season.
Fortune were within touching distance of becoming the first side to beat L’Equipe, only to concede a late leveller. And L’Equipe had a depleted team out that day.
Nick Stern continues to do a fantastic job at L’Equipe and he gets the very best out of his players, week in, week out.
He told JC Sport: “After last week’s battling draw against Redbridge we know that every game from here on in a cup final, and if we want to achieve our dreams of winning then league then there really is no margin for error.
“Temple Fortune are a fantastic club and without doubt came the closest to defeating us this season so we know we have to be ready from minute one come Sunday morning.
“We are extremely glad to be back at our home pitch after a number of weeks away and we hope to turn home advantage into three points.
“It’s a big Sunday in the league we know that but all we can do is concentrate on our game because we know and understand that it is all in our hands and if we show the right attitude and desire then we know we are more than capable of beating a very good Fortune side.
Fortune chairman Nigel Kyte told the club’s Facebook followers that “it's a must-win fixture if Fortune are to keep relatively close to the team firmly in the driving seat for the title,” against a L’Equipe team who always battles until the very end.
Simon Linden’s men have been solid on their travels this season, scoring goals for fun. But this could be the day when perhaps they need to be a little more compact at the back, a copy L’Equipe’s no-nonsense approach to defending.
Linden told JC Sport: “We’re looking forward to returning to action after five weeks without a game.
“The league table doesn't lie for L'equipe (Redbridge is another story but I’ll save that for another day - thanks FC Team!)
“L'Equipe have been excellent to date, we picked up a draw last time round but this time will be a harder task as I expect they will have a lot of players around that wasn't available that day.
“We know what we need to achieve in the last eight games, starting with this game. We are more than capable of getting a result on Sunday and everyone is looking forward to it.”
As things stand, L’Equipe are the best team in Division Two. Fortune will need to play out of their skins to prove otherwise.
JC team news: Stern has “pretty much a full squad to choose from. Mark Korn misses out following ankle surgery. “Everyone at the club wishes him well and fingers crossed he will be back before the end of the season”.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
L’EQUIPE (from): Marc Glucksman, Ian Baron, Grant Bates, Nick Stern, James Bell, Josh Lewis, James Mandell, Max Martin, Mark Singer, Andy Smith, Mark Smith, Jonathan Kay, David Prager, Rob Simons
FORTUNE (from): Lee Fegan, Robbie Berwald, Michael Goldberg, Adam Lenz, Jake Marks, Adam Speck, Jordan Sharifian, Brett Stead, Gab Stone, Gideon Wetrin, Michael Woolf
Venue – Old Finchleians, Ref – Neal Cohen, KO – 10am
JC star man: Grant Bates (L’Equipe)
DC Prediction: L’Equipe 2 Fortune 1
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REAL HENDON vs CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI
Real Hendon showed real battling qualities against Mill Hill last week. I sensed a great will-to-win from a close-knit group of players, with the experienced Chaim Gothold and Motty Korman leading by example.
That 2-1 win kept them in sixth position and has laid the platform for them to push for a top five finish.
I was also impressed by goalkeeper Dov Owen. Conditions weren’t the best, but he dealt with everything in a calm and assured manner.
He can expect a bombardment from a Catford team who are always tough opponents and carry a threat from set-pieces.
Real player-manager Chaim Gothold told JC Sport: “We are still nursing aches and pains from our hard fought win against Mill Hill, but hope to have patched ourselves us by Sunday.
“Catford are a good team. It will be tight.”
Jeff Gotch probably has an eye on next season. He thought this was going to be Catford’s year, but after a strong start, they have dipped and dipped.
It would be fair to say several Catford players are playing for their futures. They must show they deserve to play in the famous Catford shirt or else Gotch will have to bring in some reinforcements.
If Real play at the same tempo as last week, I can see them hurting Catford in the wide areas and coming away with maximum points.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
REAL (from): Dov Owen, Rafi Addlestone, Ben Cohen, Richard Cohen, Joseph Goldberg, Chaim Gothold, Yossi Hoffman, Motty Korman, Hezzie Raymond, Benni Sluckis, Chaim Strom
CATFORD (from): Guy Ben-Aroya, Lawrence Bloom, Tal Cohen, Jeff Gotch, Jordan Grant, Joel Lassman, Callion MacGregor, Yarden Sharon, Jason Shoffman, Lioz Tov, Richard Winton, Gavin Fox, Jacob Richler-Kleiman
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Paul Dobkin, KO – 9.45am
JC star man: Motty Korman (Real)
DC Prediction: Real 3 Catford 1
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE C vs RC UK FC
Josh Hambling’s Redbridge know that a win over RC UK FC would see them finish the weekend in second place.
They matched leaders L’Equipe last week, becoming the first league team to stop them from scoring this season.
Jordan Sapler and Josh Cohen produced a defensive master-class at the back, there was simply no way through. In front of them, Craig Phillips and Jacob Kaye put in a huge shift, covering every blade of grass. I’m sure they slept well last Sunday night.
But they face a challenge of a very kind in the shape of RC UK. Avi Markiewicz’s men are blessed with bags of pace and they create a lot of chances. Markiewicz scored one but also missed quite a few in last week’s impressive win over Faithfold B.
RC have got energy and enthusiasm in their team and they have been getting stuck into teams in midfield. But it will be interesting to see how they adapt to a very tight pitch.
They will have a good go at Redbridge in a match that will be decided by which teams takes it chances.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
REDBRIDGE (from): Brad Grant, Josh Cohen, Jamie Crawford, Aaron Goldberg, Barry Green, Jacob Kaye, Dan Lipman, James Law, Rafe Neiman, Craig Phillips, Jordan Sapler, Jimmy Castle, Josh Hambling, Ben Oldstein, Richard Rosenthal, Matt Zartz
RC UK FC (from): Nati Kind, David Brown, Gideon Caller, Josh Marlow, Avi Mocton, Eli Shebson, Dovi Vogel, Leor Harel, Aaron Luftig, Avi Markiewicz, Jonti Aremand, Zalmy Cohen, Dan Ezra
Venue – 7 Kings High School, Ref – David Lazarus, KO – 10am
JC star man: Gideon Caller
DC Prediction: Redbridge 1 RC UK 2
ALSO SEE:
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MATCHDAY 17 AWARDS
GOAL OF THE WEEK: Ben Lauffer (Oakwood A)
SAVE OF THE WEEK: Elliot Jackson (Oakwood A)
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: Joel Holder (Finchley City)
TACKLE OF THE WEEK: Max Hassell (Lions A)
PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Josh Bloom (Lions B)
MANAGER OF THE WEEK: Sam Marchant (Lions B)
REF OF THE WEEK: Luke Steele (RJC C vs L'Equipe)
