Only 11 teams completed the 12-team first division where Camden Park proved to be something of a surprise package, much to the annoyance of Glenthorne United A and Shirley Park.
1. CAMDEN PARK
Record: Pl, 22, W. 16, D. 3, L. 3, F. 53, A. 27, Pts. 51
Best league result:
Biggest league win: 9-2 vs Fortune
Worst result: 4-2 vs Lions
Clean sheet: 2
Games failed to score in: 2
Star men: Michael Khalastchi, Richard Silver, Ben Harris
Best signing: Rob Hershkorn
Top-scorer: Richard Silver 16
DC Rating: Camden Park were something of a surprise package. They started with a defeat but then went on a good run and they clinched the title on the final day of the season. Lions did the double over them and Glenthorne took four points off Josh Marks’ men but they did exactly what was needed in all their other games to win the title by three points. Plus there were also two excellent cup runs. Michael Khalastchi, Richard Silver and Ben Harris were the stars of the show for Camden in a season they will never forget. A talented young team going places. 9/10
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2. LONDON MACCABI LIONS B
Record: Pl, 22, W. 15, D. 3, L. 4, F. 54, A. 23, Pts. 48
Best league result: 4-2 vs Camden
Biggest league win: 6-1 vs Hendon
Worst result: 4-1 vs Hendon
Clean sheet: 9
Games failed to score in: 2
Star men: David Kosky, Nick Astaire, Sam Arghebant
Best signings: David Kosky, Sam Arghebant
Top-scorer: James Gold 13
DC Rating: Left it late but got there in the end. Jamie Kyte’s troops finished the season in style, stringing together win after win to break the hearts of Glenthorne and Shirley Park respectively. Did the double over champions Camden Park and kept the most clean sheets in the division
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3. GLENTHORNE UNITED A
Record: Pl, 22, W. 14, D. 4, L. 4, F. 55, A. 29, Pts. 46
Best league result: 1-0vs Camden
Biggest league win: 6-0 vs UJIA
Worst result: 6-3 vs Hendon
Clean sheet: 7
Games failed to score in: 0
Star men: Jordan Davidson, Dan Lassman, Adam Bernsteni
Best signings: Craig Sandford, Dan Lassman
Top-scorer: Craig Sandford 12
DC Rating: Lots of clean sheet and scoring in every game is usually a recipe for success, but not this time. They looked like champions for much of the season, but results such as a the 6-3 defeat at Hendon proved costly when things got tight at the top. Ultimately, defeat in their final match against arch rivals Chigwell quashed their hopes of automatic promotion, but it was a strong season overall. 8/10
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4. SHIRLEY PARK
Record: Pl, 22, W. 13, D. 4, L. 5, F. 84, A. 59, Pts. 43
Best league result: 3-2 vs Lions
Biggest league win: 11-2 vs Faithfold
Worst result: 4-2 vs Fortune
Clean sheet: 0
Games failed to score in: 0
Star men: Jamie Kent, Saul Conway, Nicky Plotnek, Ilan Shaki
Best signings: Saul Conway
Top-scorer: Jamie Kent 35
DC Rating: The great entertainers scored in every game and conceded in every game. Dave Lusman’s boys won many new fans and looked good at the top of the table for several months. There were scenes of elation when they claimed a famous win at Rowley Lane, but they could only look on as their rivals climbed above them over the closing weeks when they had completed their fixtures. Jamie Kent was the star of the show – winning the Golden Boot – and Saul Conway and Ilan Shaki did well, but they dropped points at a crucial stage after Nicky Plotnek completed a big money move to Israel 7/10
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5. CHIGWELL ATHLETIC
Record: Pl, 22, W. 13, D. 3, L. 6, F. 54, A. 39, Pts. 42
Best league result: 6-0 vs Neasden
Biggest league win: 3-1 vs Lions
Worst result: 6-2 vs Camden
Clean sheet: 5
Games failed to score in: 0
Star men: Brad Gayer, Russell Brill, Dean Ben Yosef,
Best signings: Dean Ben-Yosef, Brad Gayer
Top-scorer: Anthony Mendel 12
DC Rating: “To enjoy, have fun, take one game at a time and see where that takes us.” Those were the words of Chigs boss Richard Slater on the eve of the season. Deep down he’ll be disappointed they didn’t mount a serious promotion challenge. They finished a point off fourth spot in a season where they were hampered by selection issues, with several stars away on Maccabiah duty. They made their intentions clear with some smart business in the transfer market, bringing in Pierce Prince, Brad Gayer, Richard Baum and Dean Ben-Yosef. They all did well, as did the evergreen Russell Brill, but ultimately not well enough. Silly dropped points came back to haunt them. Wins over Glenthorne and Lions stand out but having clawed their way back into the mix, they slipped up. 7/10
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6. SOUTHGATE HARMEN
Record: Pl, 22, W. 8, D. 6, L. 8, F. 35, A. 31, Pts. 30
Best league result: 2-2 vs Camden
Biggest league win: 6-0 vs Faithfold
Worst result: 1-1 vs Faithfold
Clean sheet: 4
Games failed to score in: 3
Star men: James Castle, Sam Castle, Ori Kobi, Adam Osper
Best signings: James Castle, Sam Castle
Top-scorer: Ori Kobi
DC Rating: It was a funny old season for Harmen who saw their spirits lifted by the acquisition of James Castle and Sam Castle. Dan Uzan’s men gave little away at the back, with Adam Osper playing a key role, although, at times, scoring goals proved a problem. But the brilliance of Ori Kobi had fans on the edge of the seats and they didn’t want the season to finish. A new management team is already in place for next season and with a couple of big signings they could go places … 6/10
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7. WOODFORD WANDERERS
Record: Pl, 22, W. 7, D. 5, L. 10, F. 41, A. 41, Pts. 26
Best league result: 4-1 vs Chigwell
Biggest league win: 9-1 vs Hendon
Worst result: 5-1 vs Glenthorne
Clean sheet: 1
Games failed to score in: 1
Star men: Ben Rosenthal, James Ryan
Top-scorer: Mitch Hahn
DC Rating: It was a testing first season in charge for Paul Hyams. Rarely did he get his strongest XI out but the results showed when they did, especially once keeper Ben Rosenthal returned in goal. Four points out of a possible six against local rivals Chigwell pleased their fans no end. Striker James Ryan finished the season strongly and if he and Mitch Hahn play together up top they could challenge for promotion. 5/10
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8. TEMPLE FORTUNE A
Record: Pl, 22, W. 7, D. 5, L. 8, F. 48, A. 53, Pts. 26
Best league result: 0-0 vs Lions
Biggest league win: 7-0 vs Neasden
Worst result: 9-2 vs Camden
Clean sheet: 1
Games failed to score in: 4
Star man: Shai Davidi
Best signing: Brett Stead
Top-scorer: Kane Gilbery 11
DC Rating: A good run in the Morrison was the highlight of the season for a Fortune team who were their own worst enemies on the disciplinary front. This was a great shame as manager Lee Fegan and no. 2 Jonathan Cohen had worked hard to build a talented young squad. The pair are staying on next season, and with some players leaving the club they could be the ones to watch. 5/10
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9. HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B
Record: Pl, 22, W. 6, D. 5, L. 11, F. 52, A. 63, Pts. 23
Best league result: 4-1 vs Lions
Biggest league win: 6-3 vs Glenthorne
Worst result: 9-1 vs Woodford
Clean sheet: 0
Games failed to score in: 1
Star men: Yishai Last
Best signing: Yishai Last
Top-scorer: Chaim Gothold 12
DC Rating: Big things were expected from last season’s Division Two champions but they failed to deliver and were a major disappointment over the second half of the season. Goals were never going to be an issue with the experienced Chaim Gothold and Gav Noe in the team, while Yishai Last enjoyed an excellent first few months. Some new signings were introduced but the fact they conceded at an alarming rate ruined their best-laid plans. With a new management team in place for next season, a fast start is important. 5/10
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10. NORTH WEST NEASDEN A
Record: Pl, 22, W. 4, D. 5, L. 13, F. 35, A. 54, Pts. 17
Best league result:
Biggest league win: 5-0 vs Temple Fortune
Worst result: 7-0 vs Temple Fortune
Clean sheet: 3
Games failed to score in: 4
Star men: Michael Field, Jon Kaye
Best signings:
Top-scorer: Michael Field
DC Rating: Any club would struggle when losing the likes of Lee Cash and Danny Daggers and it was no different for NWN who found the going tough from start to finish. Dan Hodes’ old pals act picked up some useful results, with young gun Michael Field and old boy Jon Kaye their star performers. They were forced to forfeit a handful of games through a lack of numbers and face an important summer, with replacing Hodes of utmost importance. 4/10
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11. FAITHFOLD B
Record: Pl, 22, W. 2, D. 4, L. 6, F. 22, A. 76, Pts. 10
Best league result: 4-2 vs Temple Fortune
Biggest league win: 4-2 vs Temple Fortune
Worst result: 11-2 vs Shirley Park
Clean sheet: 0
Games failed to score in: 8
Star men: Grant Waissel, Leor Harel, Dan Harris
Top-scorer: Doron Hershkorn, Josh Brooks
DC Rating: Not good enough was the verdict given to Faithfold B. They struggled for goals and conceded too many cheap ones, despite the best efforts of keeper Grant Waissel. Leor Harel took his game to another level, while Dan Harris provided some excellent crosses with an attitude to boot. But another big overhaul is needed over the summer to stop the rot. 3/10
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12. UJIA
Record: Pl, 22, W. 1, D. 1, L. 18, F. 15, A. 53, Pts. 4
Best league result: 3-1 vs Hendon
Biggest league win: 3-1 vs Hendon
Worst result: 7-1 vs Shirley Park
Clean sheet: 0
Games failed to score in: 5
Star man: Assi Avital
Top-scorer: Assi Avital
DC Rating: It was a tale of woe for the U’s, with the writing on the wall after Darren Rolfe stepped down. Having won silverware the previous season there were high hopes for one of the league’s most experienced teams, but they failed to see out the season, despite the best efforts of interim boss Ben Radstone. 2/10
