Matchday 16 of the JC MSFL season throws up a monster pairing as Faithfold A take on London Maccabi Lions A, with striker Mike Pearson up against his former teammates just 10 days after moving.
JC MSFL LATEST NEWS
MGB NAMES EURO GAMES OPEN FUTSAL SQUAD
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JC MSFL PHOTOGALLERIES
PREM DIV: NW NEASDEN A vs LM LIONS A
PREM DIV: FAITHFOLD A vs NW NEASDEN B
DIV 3: FAITHFOLD C vs REAL LIFE
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JC TEAM OF THE WEEK
GK - Darren Rolfe (UJIA)
DEFENDERS - Richie Cohen (Hendon C), Andy Levy (Woodford), Dan Grossman (NL Raiders B), Josh Bentley (Hendon Utd A)
MIDFIELDERS - Steve Field (Brady Maccabi), Roie Spitzer (Faithfold A), Glenn Michaels (Chigwell Athletic)
STRIKERS - Adam Hersh (Los Blancos), Dan Gordon (Redbridge C), Jordan Marks (London Maccabi Lions A)
JC MANAGER OF THE WEEK
Rob Shooman (Faithfold B)
JC REEFEREE OF THE WEEK
REFEREE - Warwick Blake (UJIA vs Zig Zag)
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JC GOAL OF THE WEEK
Ariel Weinstein (Los Blancos) - GOAL 2 - picked the ball up 25 yards out, took a touch and unleashed a ferocious drive into the roof of the net
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JC SAVE OF THE WEEK
Mike Elvey (LM Lions A) - reacted brilliantly to a speculative strike from Rob Lerner. Scrambling backwards, the Lions keeper managed to leap and throw out a strong fist pushing the ball over the bar for a corner. If Paul Merson was commentating he would have called it a worldy!
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JC GOAL CELEBRATION OF THE WEEK
Josh Bentley (Hendon A) - wheeled away in sheer delight gathering a speed not previously seen by Josh for a good 3 years, before hurtling himself into his delighted manager's arms
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EUROPEAN MACCABI GAMES ROUND-UP
WINSTON NAMES 18-MAN EURO SQUAD
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE
PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND THREE
FC TEAM B vs SOUTHGATE HARMEN A
Beaten 3-1 at Redbridge last week, I expect the Harmen boys to bounce back in style, with a few goals to take them into the new year smiling.
Recent form has been a bit iffy but Dan Uzan’s men did not buckle in the same way that many others have at Fairlop last week. Granted they lost against fourth division Shirley Park in the Anekstein, but they will be right up for this game and they know that it’s their only hope of silverware this season.
I can see the likes of Alex Hershman, Ben Murrell and Ben Forman causing Team endless problems while keeper Ziggy Lichman is advised to wear the thermal underwear sent by a secret admirer. (Ed, nothing gets past me, Zig!)
FC Team have lost eight out of nine in the league and it’s fair to say that the season so far has been a real struggle. I hope that there’s light at the end of the tunnel for Ben Simon and co but I think damage limitation will be there best bet here.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref –
JC star man: Ben Forman (Harmen)
DC Prediction: FC Team B 0 Southgate Harmen A 5
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JC CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND THREE
BRADY MACCABI vs CAMDEN PARK
Brady Maccabi are one of the teams of the moment and I don’t expect Camden to cause them too many problems on Sunday.
Josh Rosenfeld’s men have fired 23 goals in their last four games with Josh Hershman, Mark Smith and Steven Field bang in form. Field goes into the game in buoyant mood having bagged the JC Player of the Week award.
Having recently hit Camden for six, the Brady bunch were at it again last Sunday, when they mauled Lions C.
The cup could be a welcome distraction for Camden this week as they’ve lost their last four league games. Manager Justin Rockberger won’t be hitting the panic button just yet though, as he knows that the likes of Luke Brookner and some of the other young guns are more than capable of producing the goods.
But I can see Camden heads dropping if Brady grab an early lead as it’s clear that the odds are stacked in Brady’s favour.
Venue – Little Bushey Lane, Ref –
JC star man: Ben Gershuny (Brady)
DC Prediction: Brady Maccabi 4 Camden Park 1
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A vs CHIGWELL ATHLETIC
One of the games of the day comes at Hadley FC where Premier Division leaders Hendon take on a strong Chigwell team.
Both teams go into the tie on the back of victories. The Hammers proved just too strong for North London Raiders A with Ben Kon and Josh Bentley seeing them home.
Missing Saul Conway, Dovid Korman and Avidan Last, the Hendon boys showed just what a class act they are with the likes of Ari Last and Alex Gilbert happy to stand up and be counted. And they even overcame the loss of keeper Russ Corin in the second half, with replacement Michael Slavinsky showing that not too shabby in nets.
Chigwell laid their Montana A hoodoo to rest with a resounding 5-0 win. Glenn Michaels went home with the match ball after crashing home three of the best while Dan Castle bagged a brace.
Richard Slater, the Chigwell player-manager, knows that they will have to step up a notch or two if they are to live with a Hendon team in top gear. He told JC Sport: “'We're away to the Premier League leaders and at present the best side in the MSFL, so we're all aware of how difficult the game will be for us. But we're on a good run of form at the minute. I believe in my players and it's great to have Jon Raven and Dean Ben Yosef in the squad.
“Confidence is high and the spirit is great, so we'll go there and take the game to Hendon.”
Last week I felt that Hendon’s experience made the difference. I can see that being the case again on Sunday as although Chigwell will huff and puff for about 75 minutes, I think that class will tell in the end, but there may not be more than a goal in it.
JC team news: Chigwell will be missing Simon Felstein (work) Russell Becker (family), Marc Jacobs (cup-tied). Centre back Jon Raven returns to the squad after a spell in Liverpool while forward Dean Ben-Yosef is back from Leeds Uni. Keeper Rob Shepherdson also comes in. Paul Lenchner faces late fitness test over a knock to his knee after the thrashing against Montana.
Chigwell squad (from:) Rob Shepherdson, Dean Michaels, Adam Shafron, Glenn Davis, Jon Raven, Jon Swead (capt), Adam Conway, Sam Rosenthal, Daniel Castle, Richard Slater, Michael Witzenfeld, Mark Conway, Russell Yershon, Glenn Michaels, Doron Weinstein, Paul Lenchner, Dean Ben-Yosef
JC team news: Hendon keeper Russell Corin faces a late fitness test on a shin injury. Dovid Korman and Avidan Last remain sidelined.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref –
JC star man: Rob Shepherdson (Chigwell)
DC Prediction: Hendon Utd SC A 2 Chigwell Athletic 1
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LOS BLANCOS vs HOLY MOUNT ZION
Two lower division teams battling for a place in round four go head-to-head here as Division Four promotion hopefuls Los Blancos welcome Division Three surprise packpage HMZ.
LB warmed up for the tie with a thrilling 4-2 win at Temple Fortune B. Adam Hersh put in an early contender for performance of the season. His display had manager Joel Minsky foaming at the mouth and, dare I say it, ask for a pay rise. The former Hendon front man has been in sparkling form since his big money move over the summer and he is the man I can see taking the fight to the Zion on Sunday.
And where do I start with JC Goal of the Week king Ariel Weinstein. Even proud mum Hilary nominated her little bubula after his sensational strike that was worthy of even more than JC Goal of the Week.It’s fair to say that the Vote for Ariel campaign worked as I received emails even after the voting had closed!
HMZ took advantage of a week off last Sunday with manager Rob Lerner treating the troops to a well-deserved training break in La Manga. I’ve heard rumours that star striker Danny Marti and Mario Mielniczuk were invited to play lead role in a Christmas panto at the team hotel. Local reporters told me that they are more Hoddle and Waddle than Shearer and Sutton., but I guess that better than being Canon and Ball!
Joking aside, the HMZ boys have taken Division Three by storm this season. They were written off at the start of the season but currently lie above a star-studded Redbridge C team.
However, I can smell an upset here with Minsky and co hungry for more JC silverware.
JC star man: Danny Sher (Los Blancos)
DC Prediction: Los Blancos 3 HMZ 2
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NORTH WEST NEASDEN A vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE C
Cup holders Neasden have an easy looking tie against third division promotion hopefuls Redbridge C.
I’ve heard that Redbridge are taking 10 coach-loads to north west London in what is really their cup final.
Jamie Cole, the Neasden manager, is expected to rotate his squad and keep some of his big guns on the bench. Rumour has it that he’s given Lee Cash and James Gershfield the morning off. I've heard reports that the squad has already been to the tailor for a suit fitting with the Neasden boys hungry for another final.
Neasden suffered a heavy defeat against Lions last week, a result that hit them where it hurts. So I’m expecting a big reaction from them, although I don’t expect them to bring in the experienced Danny Daggers for the match.
Redbridge have had a good season so far. Promotion is the clear priority and I think it’s fair to say that come Sunday lunchtime, they won’t have to worry about the cup.
Ref – A. Fridkin
JC star man: Sammy Ross (Neasden)
DC Prediction: NW Neasden A 4 Redbridge JC C 0
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A vs SHIRLEY PARK
It’s David versus Goliath at Fairlop on Sunday where Premier Division title hopefuls Redbridge welcomes Shirley Park of Division Four.
This tie has home banker written all over it and home fans have been encouraged to bring an abacus to keep tabs on the scoreline. After all, the Park boys were hit for six by Glenthorne B last Sunday so Daran Bern, Steve Summers, Lewis Walker and Ben Sollosi will be champing at the bit.
It’s been a great week for Sollosi who has made the GB squad for next summer’s European Maccabi Games squad in Vienna.
It’s worth remembering that Shirley have already beaten one Premier Division side in the cup this season, with Harmen A crashing out. Redbridge put Harmen to the sword on Sunday and I just can’t see them failing.
Gideon Gold, Sacha Benfredj and Jason Lindsay have been the star men for Shirley this season but I can’t see them getting any joy against a strong RJC back line.
It’s vital that Shirley don’t freeze or else they could be on the receiving end of one hell of a beaten with Sam McCarthy promising to play all his big guns.
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – A. Lewis
JC star man: Ben Sollosi (RJC)
DC Prediction: Redbridge JC A 8 Shirley Park 0
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JC MSFL PREMIER DIVISION
FAITHFOLD A vs LONDON MACCABI LIONS A
It’s fitting that the final round of games of 2010 features what many believe could be match of the year.
Both Faithfold and the Lions have been two of the powerhouses of Jewish football over the past 20 years. Faithfold fell into Lions’ shadow in the early noughties but their form this season has led many to believe that silverware is just around the corner.
The Lions have found the going tough this season but they sent out a warning to their rivals last Sunday when they hammered last season’s champions Neasden A 5-0.
Manager Eilon Kennet said: “That’s what we can do when we have everyone available.”
It was a game that featured big displays from Ben Joseph and Lee Bibring, among others, but it was the maturity of Under 18 graduate Jordan Marks that had the Lions faithful purring. He led the Neasden defence a merry dance and capped a stunning display with an excellent goal.
However, the plot thickens … this time last week, Faithfold told me that they were about to land a top-class striker. They did well to keep it quiet for so long and it didn’t take Mike Pearson long to get off the mark. Brought in hastily to replace the suspended Daryl Phillips, Pearson netted on debut against Neasden B. But I bet he didn't have his former club down as opponents number two. Needless to say, he’ll be sure to tone down any celebrates if the unthinkable happens against the club he served so well for a number of seasons.
Clearly, the Lions know Pearson’s game inside out. They know that he’s quicker than Linford Christie in his prime, especially if you put a pair of scissors in front of him! I don’t fancy Pete Lazard’s chances in a 100-yard dash, so it will be interesting to see if Lions play a high line or drop deep in a bid to nullify the Pearson threat.
Aside from Bibring, Joseph, Marks and Pearson, there will be bags of talent across the park including Lions right-back Motti Colman, who was this week confirmed captain for the Maccabi GB Open futsal squad at next year’s European Maccabi Games in Vienna. He joins Open football stalwart Alex Levack who would’ve been one of the first names down on Ben Winston’s teamsheet. Midfield partner Paul Babai was unlucky to have missed out and I’m sure that he’ll be looking to prove a point in front of the onlooking scouts here.
With so much talent on show, it could come down to a battle of the keepers. Mike Elvey, the Lions stopper, reminded Kennet and co just how good he is with a wonder save against Neasden last week. While at the other end, Faithfold’s Ben Law is capable of pulling out save after save.
The reality is that I could write a programme previewing the clash of the titans, but that’s enough from me. May the best team win.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – W. Blake
JC star man: Jordan Marks (Lions)
DC Prediction: Faithfold A 2 LM Lions A 2
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A vs NORTH WEST NEASDEN B
It’s been a while since the Raiders put one over Neasden B, although it’s worth remembering that they pipped them to the Division One crown last season.
If you think that Didier Drogba has a good record against Arsenal, then check out Alex Bowman’s against L’Orange. He popped up with the winner when the teams met earlier in the season, with a rare headed effort all that separated the teams.
Looking back to last season, it finished 4-4 on the opening weekend but Neasden followed that up with a 5-1 demolition at Bricket Wood with Ryan Sher claiming a hat-trick.
So it’s clear that the Raiders have some old scores to settle but managers Adam Fegan and Danny Caro will want their team to focus only on winning the game. Back-to-back league defeats have seen them drop into the pack with Neasden knowing that victory in Uxbridge would put take them to within three points of Sunday’s opponents.
Both teams will be keen to get back to winning ways and finish 2010 on a high. Neasden gave a good account of themselves last Sunday when a strike from Danny Daggers was not enough to stop them going down against Faithfold. And with their A team having an easy tie against lower league opposition in the cup, don’t be surprised if they bring in a Lee Cash, TJ Keterman, Ben Ellis or James Gershfield kind of figure.
This game has all the makings of an absolute thriller and I for one won’t be missing it!
Venue – Brunel Uni, Ref – S. Levy
JC star man: Adam Klein (Neasden)
DC Prediction: NL Raiders A 2 NW Neasden B 2
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DIVISION ONE
LONDON MACCABI LIONS C vs OAKWOOD
Having had a handful of postponements due to the weather, Oakwood’s season took a turn for the worse last week when a family bereavement in the Redbridge camp meant that they had no game again.
Once again they are playing catch-up, although I don’t expect Lions C to catch them on the hop at Rowley Lane on Sunday.
Lions’ season went from bad to worse last week when they were hit for six by Brady. Eight defeats in 10 is not what the doctor or manager Jamie Kyte ordered so it’s no surprise to hear that Kyte’s new year’s resolution is to buy a copy of my new book – How I cracked this management lark at the first attempt!
The barn door and drawing board have made an unwelcome return to Lions’ training sessions of late as it’s clear they must go back to basics.
Meeting for the first time this season, the Oaks hope to have the services of Lions old boy Louis Basger. Last season’s JC MSFL Player of the Season has been in and out of the team, due to work commitments, but if he catches a flight home, I can’t see anything getting past him or Ilan Scorah.
The Lions haven’t had a problem scoring this season but they’ve been conceding at a rate of knots. And that will be music to the ears of Anthony Kintish and Ben Myers.
Stick this down as an Oakwood win.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – L. Benson
JC star man: Anthony Kintish (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: LM Lions C 0 Oakwood 2
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B vs FC TEAM A
Bouncebackability is the name of the game for FC Team on Sunday and I expect a big reaction to last week’s defeat against Raiders B.
Team have now lost three in a row but don’t for one minute think that they have become a bad team overnight. I firmly believe that Mitch Young’s troops would more than hold their own in the Premier, although they have to get there first, and now face a battle to finish in the top two.
But if anyone can do it then Team can. They have the players capable of going on a long unbeaten run and it would not surprise if they now go on a long unbeaten run.
Having set off at such a great pace, and with clean sheets aplenty, it was always going to be a big ask to maintain their high standards in their first season in the division. They now face a real test of character but with players such as Richard Salmon, Jonny Breger, Matt Drage, Ollie Segal and Danny Moss at his disposal, I can see the visitors running out comfortable winners here.
Salmon, Moss and Dan Silverman hit the target in Team’s second game of the season and I can see the Redbridge boys coming off the pitch with a case of déjà vu.
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – A. Myerson
JC star man: Dan Silverman (FC Team)
DC Prediction: Redbridge JC B 0 FC Team A 3
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SOUTHGATE HARMEN B vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B
Rob Richman’s Raiders have been in simply sensational form of late and I expect them to register their eighth win of the season at the Mole.
David Dinkin and Rik Sherman were the marksmen last week in the 2-1 win over FC Team. Dinkin has been a revelation since joining from London Maccabi Lions A earlier this season. He has shown the Raiders fans just what a class act he is. Dan Grossman has also formed a terrific partnership at the back alongside Sherman.
Six straight wins have come at the perfect time for Richman who knows that three more points would set L’Orange up nicely for next week’s end of year party.
Harmen have picked up points in their last two outings against Camden and Montana respectively. Mark Engel’s men have proved hard to beat and Richman will be fully aware that they’ve already beaten high-flying Brady.
Ashmole is never an easy place to go and Raiders will have to remain patient if they are to get the better of the Southgate boys on what is a tight pitch, but if they stick to their principles, momentum should take them over the line.
Venue – Ashmole School, Ref – S. Russell
JC star man: Richard Angel (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Southgate Harmen B 1 NL Raiders B 2
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DIVISION TWO
FAITHFOLD B vs L’EQUIPE
Faithfold blew away table-topping Norstar last Sunday with an exhibition of pace and power and I expect them to blow L’Equipe away this weekend.
Rob Shooman is keeping everything cross that the JC Manager of the Week curse doesn’t strike again. I have to warn him, it already has once or twice this season.
Seth Green, Daniel Hildebrand and Joe Levi sunk the leaders in a thrilling display that clearly impressed Norstar boss Phil Peters. He told JC Sport: “Faithfold deserved the win. They clearly wanted it more than us as the game went on.
"If they can get that team out each week then they'll certainly be up there come the end of the season and will hopefully take some points of the other guys fighting for the title."
High praise indeed, but Shooman and co must not let it go to their heads. I’m sure they won’t. Shooman will tell his team that it’s all good and well beating the team at the top, but the real challenge is doing it against the teams and the bottom.
That is exactly what they did against L’Equipe on the opening weekend of the season when Nick Roman, Daniel Hildebrand (2) and Adam Grossman eased them home.
Scoring goals has not been a problem for Faithfold but Shooman will be the first to admit that there is room for improvement defensively. They have yet to keep a clean sheet in the league which is quite alarming for a team battling for a top two finish.
L’Equipe have found the going tough this season but they eased the pressure on the manager last week with derby day delight against Marylebone. It does not get much better than that but their emotions will take a hit here.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – R. Bernardout
JC star man: Seth Green (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Faithfold B 4 L’Equipe 1
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TEMPLE FORTUNE A vs FC MARYLEBONE
Fortune can do no wrong and the minute and I can see them making it a long morning for the Frenchmen here.
The goals continue to fly in for Andy Souber’s men and the good news for Fortune fans is that they are going in from various positions. Last Sunday, Daniel Natoff and Daniel Woolfe bagged braces in the 6-2 demolition of FC Team B.
Averaging more than four a goals, it’s clear that Fortune will hold all the aces against a Marylebone team fighting for survival.
Come 12.15 on Sunday, the term lambs to the slaughter will spring to mind.
The game also sees Daniel Cohen make a return to refereeing. Cohen, who also plays in goal for Montana A and was recently selected for the JC MSFL Rep Team squad, is one of the best young refs on the circuit. The chances are that he could be a little worse for wear on Sunday morning after four sessions of late night/early morning viewing of the third test.
Venue – Hatch End, Ref – D. Cohen
JC star man: Daniel Woolfe (Fortune)
DC Prediction: Temple Fortune A 5 FC Marylebone 0
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WOODFORD WANDERERS vs BRIXTON OLD BOYS
The JC cameras travel east to Redbridge on Sunday as promotion hopefuls Woodford and Brixton get ready to rumble.
Revenge will be the name of the game for Alex Aviram’s boys who were beaten 3-0 by John Nitka’s men on matchday two of the season when Rob Hershkorn, Danny Sherman and Stefan Owide breached the Woodford defence.
Nitka was beaming shortly after the final whistle. He told JC Sport: “This was a great performance and 100 per cent commitment from a great squad of players.”
Aviram has been in sparkling form this season and he pulled the strings in last week’s vital 2-0 win over Hendon B last Sunday. It was crucial that they bounced back from the 3-2 defeat against Norstar in what is a key part of the season with crunch matches against their promotion rivals.
Brixton have won their last five in the league with impressive wins over Hendon and Faithfold as well as a hard earned point against Norstar.
I can see this being an open and entertaining affair with Aviram looking for big performances from Mitch Hahn, Jamie Golding, Jerome Marks and Elliot Gold. For Brixton, Jamie Kent and James Kaye have been the stand-out men with the battle between Hahn and Kaye key to the outcome.
One point separates the teams going into the game with Brixton a point better off having played a game more.
A point wouldn’t be the worst result in the world for the visitors.
Venue – Redbridge Sports Centre, Ref – A. Yuchetel
JC star man: James Kaye (Brixton)
DC Prediction: Woodford Wanderers 1 Brixton Old Boys 1
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DIVISION THREE
FAITHFOLD C vs NORSTAR B
There’s a good game in store at The Hive where two teams who notched up double figures go head to head in a contest that could leave defenders shaking in their boots.
Simon Beresford led Faithfold’s party against Real Life last Sunday, helping himself to a fab four-goal salvo. But it was new signing Jonny Blain who had the final say, coming off the bench in his first match and scoring three times in no time at all.
Manager David Garson now has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal in terms of strikers and I ask anyone to find me a club with better attacking options. Top-scorer Ben Simons, Adam Barton, Beresford and Blain would strike fear into the meanest defence. Garson has done well to put such a strong squad together and rumour has it that he’s on Daniel Levy’s wish-list should Harry Redknapp take over from Fabio Capello!
Norstar shared the goals around last Sunday with manager Jonny Bunt’s sexy football approach working a treat.
Having reached the summit, there is a weight of expectation on Faithfold to stay there. They have had it tough over the past few seasons so good luck to them I say.
This will be a blink and miss contest, so don’t blink once the first whistle sounds.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – H. Raffe
JC star man: Ricky Stolzman (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Faithfold C 4 Norstar B 2
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REAL LIFE vs HEATH BANTA
Ben Nathan’s Heath Banta were given a reality check by Redbridge C last Sunday but I expect them to get back on the win trail when they take on struggling Real on Sunday.
The manner of the 7-3 defeat would have hurt everyone in the Heath camp. But Nathan is looking to pick the positives out of the result and the goals of Stefan Simons (2) and Dan Sinai will certainly give him food for thought.
At the same time, the Real boys were hit for a perfect 10 by Faithfold C. Manager Jamie Beaumont gave the squad two days off after the match although it’s fair to say that the mood in the camp has been somewhat morbid in the build-up to Sunday.
That’s no wins in eight now for Beaumont’s boys who continue to concede at a rate of knots.
Simons and co will be licking their lips. Of that there is no doubt.
Venue – Edgwarbury Park, Ref – D. Nathan
JC star man: Adam Kaldor (Heath Banta)
DC Prediction: Real Life 1 Heath Banta 4
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UJIA vs GLENTHORNE UNITED A
Darren Rolfe’s UJIA take on title favourites Glenthorne for the first time this season and going into the game unbeaten in two, they will be quietly confident of pulling off an upset.
Last Sunday they completed a quickfire league double over Zig Zag with Tony Plaskow and Ben Sokel on target in a 2-1 victory. But it needed a crucial stoppage time penalty save from Rolfe to cement the points.
It’s fair to say that the U’s have struggled against the fancied teams and were well beaten by Glenthorne’s neighbours Redbridge not so long ago. However, they have the players who can ask some serious questions of Glenthorne’s title credentials.
The Thornes were not in action last Sunday and manager David Blitz and Dan Lipman will be keen to finish the year on a high. They are well-placed and well-equipped to kick on in the new year although the gaffers hope that none of their players over-indulged during the busy Chanukah period.
The Essex boys have won three out of four on the road although they were taken the distance by Zig Zag recently. But when all is said and done, I think that they will edge it.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – L. Thorne
JC star man: Paul Billar (Glenthorne)
DC Prediction: UJIA 1 Glenthorne Utd B 3
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ZIG ZAG vs CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI
I’m predicting a goal-fest at Montrose Park on Sunday as struggling Zig Zag take on the Cats.
Captained by Adam Lewis, the Cats have fond memories of the Zeds as they were their first victims of the season, courtesy of a wonder goal from Ryan ‘Crouchie’ Kangisser. The Maccabiah cricket ace scored a one-in-a-lifetime thunderbolt that had club chairman jumping out of his seat in the directors’ box.
However, it’s been anything but plain sailing since then as the Cats just cannot climb the table. They were played off the park by Norstar B last Sunday, conceding double figures. Lewis and Jacobs have been trying to lift chins off the floor this week but that is easier said than done.
Rumour has it that Kangisser failed to clinch a lucrative goal DVD on to the shelves at HMV in time for Christmas and has been called in for double training in a bid to ensure that it wasn’t a one-off.
The Zeds are rock bottom right now and manager DJ Neal Cohen doesn’t know where his next win is coming from. They have lost nine on the spin although five have been by one-goal margins. Cohen believes that their luck must change and he knows that if he plays his cards right, a Brucie bonus could be just around the corner.
Having pushed Glenthorne, Heath Banta and Redbridge all the way over 90 minutes, Cohen will be telling his troops to maintain that level of performance. Then it will only be a matter of time before their losing streak grinds to a halt.
A Zig Zag source told me this week that Cohen is on the verge of losing the changing room. Giving him some food for thought, I can tell him it’s that big brick building with windows, a door, a carzy, graffiti and dressing rooms!
Good luck lads and may the best team win.
Venue – Montrose Park, Ref – R. Caplin
JC star man: Josh Pater (Catford)
DC Prediction: Zig Zag 3 Catford & Bromley 2
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DIVISION FOUR
GLENTHORNE UNITED B vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B
Leading the way on goal difference, the Thornes are 1-20 on to complete a league double over L’Orange.
Fabio Revieccio and Richard Rosenthal were the goal men when Elliot Coulton’s men clinched the points in the corresponding fixture.
In a mirror image of the Carlos Tevez situation at Eastlands, Coulton has been trying to iron out the future of star man Revieccio who was recently seen chatting to members of the Redbridge Jewish Care board at the Little Chef in Harlow.
The word on the street is that Italian stallion Revieccio will be given life membership at Faces if he puts pen to paper, although Coulton is willing to blow next year’s budget on his star man, offering VIP passes to the notorious nightclub plus 12 sessions at the Turkish baths.
Last week, it was the turn of the ‘Beast from the East’ Daniel Lassman to steer them home.
Raiders C have found the going tough so far, in their first season in the league. But there have been clear signs of improvement in recent weeks.
However, I think that they’ll bite off more than they can chew here.
Venue – The Old Chigwellians, Ref – M. Vandermolen
JC star man: Kenny Ross (Glenthorne)
DC Prediction: Glenthorne Utd B 4 NL Raiders C 1
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ATHLETIC BILBAUM vs INTER BOREHAMWOOD
The Borehamwood boys will be looking to make it five out of five when they take on Bilbaum for the first time this season.
Manager Oluseun Thomas has been dreaming of a nine-point Christmas for some time now and he’s now just 90 minutes away from realising that goal.
Adam Lenz (2), Jerome Colmans and Scott Ackerman were the goal men for Borehamwood last Sunday and they go to Hampstead looking to extend their unbeaten away run to seven games.
Bilbaum’s home form has been mixed this season but manager Josh Ejdelbaum will be concerned by the fact that they have conceded 14 goals in the last 180 minutes.
The Bilbaum boys have conceded 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 goals in various games. All that's missing is the number 3 for a bit of symmetry, for anyone who likes their stats, but Borehamwood's fire-power is quite scary and I can see them having plenty of chances to fill their boots.
With players such as Ed Green and Simon Finkelstein in the team, they will always have a chance but with Borehamwood flying, I just can’t see them stopping them.
Venue – Hampstead Heath, Ref – R. Cahill
JC star man: Scott Ackerman (Borehamwood)
DC Prediction: Athletic Bilbaum 1 Inter Borehamwood 5
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB C vs BLIZZARD STORM
The Blizzard boys will be looking to settle some scores on Sunday as they look to avenge an early season defeat at the hands of the Hustlers.
Both teams were in magnificent goal-scoring form last season with Simon Linden’s troops firing eight. It was a morning for the Stolerman scrapbook with brothers Alex and Joe netting five between them in front of their grandpa.
Blizzard have registered 14 goals in their last three games, and appear to have upped the ante since going down to Hendon. It’s worth remembering that their have a 100 per cent in away games this season and look well-priced to get something here.
Hendon, meanwhile, stuck nine past Bilbaum so it’s fair to say that goals should be on the menu for starters, main and pudding.
The Reds are the form team in the division and on current form will take some stopping.
It should be a thriller.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – T. Littner
JC star man: Zvi Noe (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon Utd SC C 3 Blizzard Storm 3
JEWVENTUS vs TEMPLE FORTUNE B
2-2 was how it finished on October 31 and there is little indication that it will finish much different this time around.
Jewventus’ early season optimism has gone out the window and a top-of-the-table finish is now the priority of manager Gabriel John.
John is set to spend big in the January transfer window but there is no way that they will catch the likes of Glenthorne, Blizzard, Inter, Blancos or Hendon whoever they sign.
It’s hard to know exactly where Jewve have gone wrong. The spine of the team is second to none with keeper Simon Shooter, centre half Serge Cowan, John and strikers Richard Fogelman and Jeremy Kornahuser a class act. So it’s clear that the rest of the squad must stand up and be counted.
Scoring has not been a problem for either team, and this leads me to believe that a high-scoring affair is on the cards.
Jewve have not made Chase Lodge a fortress, and I can see Fortune arriving in confident mood, believing that three points are there for the taking. They have only been battered twice and if they play their cards right, they should have something to show for their efforts.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – M. Fox
JC star man: Gary Simpson (Temple Fortune)
DC Prediction: Jewventus 3 Temple Fortune B 3
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PINNER JFC vs NORTH WEST NEASDEN C
“Can we play you every week?” That was the chant coming off the terraces at Chase Lodge last Sunday as Neasden clinched a league double over Jewventus.
It was another sweet moment for Louis Taylor who struck against his former teammates for the second time this season in a 3-1 victory. But they could not have done it without the brilliance of two-goal hero Richard Braham.
Neasden’s away form has been something of a mixed bag this season, and it’s clearly an area that Taylor is looking to improve on.
You have to give them every chance against a Pinner team that cannot stop conceding. They have only scored three times in six games at home and the only way I can see them getting something here is if they pack the midfield and try to frustrate Neasden.
It will be interesting to see how the loss of Josh Marlow affects them. He played his last game in the 9-1 mauling by Hendon B and game that manager Vivian Emanuel went into saying that he had “a strong team for”.
I’m not saying that Pinner can’t win this game, I’m just saying they won’t. That is my prediction and it’s up to them to prove me wrong.
Venue – Bannister Sports Centre, Ref – M. Cowan
JC star man: Richard Braham (Neasden)
DC Prediction: Pinner JFC 2 NW Neasden C 4
