For many, Oakwood were the surprise package in Division One. But an impressive run over the second half of the season saw them win the race.
1. OAKWOOD
Record: Pl. 16, W. 13, D. 0, L. 3, F. 50, A. 23, Pts. 39
Best result: 3-1 vs Brixton
Biggest win: 6-0 vs Chigwell
Worst result: 5-2 vs Norstar
Clean sheets: 4
Games failed to score in: 0
Best signing: Brad Wine
Star men: Jonny Beilin, Adam Levine
Top-scorer: Jason Lindsay 9
DC Rating: Oakwood were the model of consistency in season 2011/12 and ultimately, this is what won them the title. Having flirted with promotion over the past couple of seasons, they got over the line in style, boasting the division’s meanest defence, as well as scoring in every game. They did not lose a league game after November 27. The Oaks also gave an excellent account of themselves in the cup final, taking Hendon the distance and I expect them to hit the ground running in the top-flight next season. 9/10
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2. BRIXTON OLD BOYS A
Record: Pl. 16, W. 10, D. 1, L. 5, F. 60, A. 27, Pts. 31
Best result: 3-1 vs Brixton
Biggest win: 9-1 vs Harmen
Worst result: 4-3 vs Woodford
Clean sheets: 5
Games failed to score in: 1
Best signing: George Fierstone
Star man: Jake Doffman, Ben Weinburg, James Kaye, Jamie Kent, Rob Hershkorn
Top-scorer: Jamie Kent 24 (includes goals scored for Brixton B)
DC Rating: One of the teams of the season. John Nitka’s men provided five-star entertainment on a regular basis, in what was a real team effort. Like Big Sam, he promised promotion and his troops delivered in style. They had leaders all across the pitch and did well to finish second in a gruelling campaign that featured four competitions. The Hershkorn brothers, along with the free-scoring Jamie Kent and so many others impressed week in, week out. Like Oakwood, they will be a credit to the Premier Division next season. 8/10
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3. NORSTAR A
Record: Pl. 16, W. 10, D. 1, L. 5, F. 38, A. 33, Pts. 31
Best result: 5-2 vs Oakwood
Biggest win: 5-2 vs Oakwood
Worst result: 2-1 vs Harmen
Clean sheets: 2
Games failed to score in: 1
Best signing: Josh Pistol
Star man: Josh Pistol, Jonny Kay, Jeremy Elster
Top-scorer: Josh Green 15
DC Rating: It was a case of close but no cigar for the Stars who were left dreaming of what might’ve been after missing out on automatic promotion on goal difference. They were the only team to complete a league double over the Oakwood which tells you what they were capable of. As has always been the case, they played the game the right way, with a smile on their face and made many friends along the way. 7/10
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4. CHIGWELL ATHLETIC
Record: Pl. 16, W. 8, D. 4, L. 4, F. 40, A. 33, Pts. 28
Best result: 5-4 vs Brixton
Biggest win: 5-0 vs Harmen
Worst result: 6-0 vs Oakwood
Clean sheets: 3
Games failed to score in: 2
Best signing: Lee Hyams
Star man: Craig Pearl
Top-scorer: Glenn Michaels 12
DC Rating: Season 2011/12 promised so much for Chigwell Athletic. But in the end a fourth-place finish must be looked upon as a major disappointment. Chairman/manager Richard Slater recruited well last summer, with Lee Hyams and Alex Norman adding quality, experience and brawn, but a poor end to the season left them as also-rans. No doubt, Slater will bring in some new talent over the summer with Faithfold captain Alex Levack once again top of his hit-list. Failure isn’t an option next year. 7/10
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5. REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B
Record: Pl. 16, W. 8, D. 2, L. 6, F. 38, A. 25, Pts. 26
Best result: 4-2 vs Brixton
Biggest win: 10-1 vs Neasden
Worst result: 6-1 vs Brixton
Clean sheets: 4
Games failed to score in: 3
Best signing: Ollie Brooks
Star men: Ollie Brooks, Harrison Grant, Dan Orgel
Top-scorer: Daniel Orgel 18
DC Rating: It was quite some season for Stirling Kay’s RJC. They set off like a train but injuries to key players left them with too much to do. Had Dan Orgel and Mark Zealander played every day, the season could’ve have a happy ending. Redbridge unearthed some excellent young talent and look to have a very bright future. 7/10
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6. NORTH WEST NEASDEN B
Record: Pl. 16, W. 5, D. 1, L. 10, F. 31, A. 50, Pts. 16
Best result: 5-2 vs Norstar
Biggest win: 5-2 vs Norstar
Worst result: 10-1 vs Redbridge
Clean sheets: 0
Games failed to score in: 5
Best signings: Ricky Engleman, Rick Harris, Jonny Blain
Star men: Ricky Engleman, Jonny Blain
Top-scorer: Jonny Blain
DC Rating: It was a funny old season for Neasden B. A 5-2 win over Norstar was arguably the highlight of a frustrating season for manager Daniel Hodes who made some bold acquisitions in the transfer market, most notably Ricky Engleman, who lit up the division. Once striker Jonny Blain was back in the fold - after leaving Raiders – the found goals easier to come by. The experience of Rick Harris ensured they were never in real relegation danger. 4/10
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7. TEMPLE FORTUNE A
Record: Pl. 18, W. 3, D. 5, L. 8, F. 23, A. 40, Pts. 14
Best result: 2-0 vs Redbridge
Biggest win: 5-3 vs Woodford
Worst result: 7-0 vs Brixton
Clean sheets: 1
Games failed to score in: 4
Best signing: Paul Rubenstein
Star men: Benji Mannheim, Matt Gilbery, Brett Stead, Josh Marks
Top-scorer: Michael Goldberg
DC Rating: Consolidation was the name of the game for Fortune and under Lee Fegan and Jack Morris, they achieved their goal, although they suffered from ‘squeaky bum syndrome’ at one point, mainly due to a lack of goals. They were the lowest scorers in the division. There was relief all-round when they beat Woodford in their penultimate game. With a season of Division One football under their belts, there’s no reason why they can’t push on next term, especially if striker Ben Isaacs returns from the treatment table. 4/10
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8. WOODFORD WANDERERS
Record: Pl. 16, W. 4, D. 1, L. 11, F. 29, A. 43, Pts. 13
Best result: 3-1 vs Oakwood
Biggest win: 4-3 vs Brixton
Worst result: 1-0 vs Harmen
Clean sheets: 0
Games failed to score in: 4
Best signing: Ben Rosenthal
Star man: Mitch Hahn
Top-scorer: Jerome Marks
DC Rating: Great going forward, not so good at the back. That was the story of Woodford’s season. Once ‘corner flag-gate’ was behind them, they gave as good as they got, beating champions Oakwood and runners-up Brixton along the way. They failed to score in the first three matches and didn’t keep a clean sheet all season. Manager Aviram has plenty to think about over the summer … 3/10
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Bottom: SOUTHGATE HARMEN B
Record: Pl. 16, W. 2, D. 3, L. 11, F. 26, A. 61, Pts. 9
Best result: 2-1 vs Norstar
Biggest win: 2-1 vs Norstar
Worst result: 9-1 vs Brixton
Clean sheets: 1
Games failed to score in: 1
Best signing: N/A
Star man: Paul Stein
Top-scorer: Ben Rosenblatt 8
DC Rating: What next for Harmen? That is the million dollar question after both their A and B teams finished bottom of their respective divisions. They had the worst defensive record in the division although managed to score in all but one game. 2/10
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JC MSFL SEASON 2011/12 ROLL OF HONOUR:
Peter Morrison Trophy: Winners – Hendon Utd Sports Club A, Runners-up: Oakwood
JC Cyril Anekstein Cup: Winners - Hendon Utd Sports Club A, Runners-up: Brady Maccabi A
JC Barry Goldstein Trophy: Winners - UJIA, Runners-up: NW Neasden C
JC MSFL Premier Division: Champions: Hendon Utd Sports Club A, Runners-up: London Maccabi Lions A
Division One: Champions: Oakwood, Runners-up - Brixton Old Boys A
Division Two: Champions: Hendon Utd Sports Club B, Runners-up - Camden Park
Division Three: Champions: Glenthorne Utd B, Runners-up - Shirley Park
Division Four: Champions: Brady Maccabi B, Runners-up - Athletic Bilbaum
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JC MSFL GOLDEN BOOT WINNER
30 goals - Craig Sandford (Glenthorne United B)
