The quarter-finals of the JC League Cup take centre stage on Sunday, with six teams looking to join Brixton Old Boys A in the hat for the last four. There is also some mouth-watering action to look forward to in the league. Danny Caro looks ahead to all the action.
LATEST: ASK THE REF - KOMPANY vs JOHNSON
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MATCHDAY 18 ANALYSIS:
DANNY CARO'S MSFL TEAM OF THE WEEK
DANNY CARO'S DIV 1 TEAM OF THE WEEK
DANNY CARO'S DIV 2 TEAM OF THE WEEK
DANNY CARO'S DIV 4 TEAM OF THE WEEK
PHOTOGALLERY: NW NEASDEN A vs FC TEAM A
JC REFEREE OF THE WEEK
Martin Lavender (North London Raiders A vs Brady Maccabi A)
JC QUOTE TEAM OF THE WEEK
Darren Yarlett (NW Neasden A) - On Lee Cash - "In my opinion, there is no one better in the division at putting the ball in the back of the net. He was born to score goals"
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PETER MORRISON TROPHY LAST 16 DRAW
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
JC CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP QUARTER-FINALS
BRADY MACCABI A vs SOUTHGATE HARMEN A
Brady boss Josh Rosenfeld is predicting a tough game when his takes his troops into battle against Harmen A in the only all-Premier Division quarter-final.
The Brady bunch were desperately unlucky to only come away with a draw in last week’s match at Raiders A, when they were denied by the brilliance of Danny Berliner.
There were many positives for Rosenfeld to take away from the game. For starters, his keeper Oli Colmans is in top form and I would put him in the bracket of top keepers in the league. He is kicking well, commanding his box and continues to pull off some wonderful saves. Rumour has it that Alex Ferguson is considering a late bid in the transfer window in a bid to solve his goalkeeping crisis.
Nick Smith and Jonny Ellis were rock solid as well. Ellis was menacing at both ends of the pitch and on another day, could have come away with a hat-trick.
But it was up top that Brady impressed me most. In Paul Hakim, TJ Keterman and Jon Green, they have, in my opinion, the best strikeforce in the MSFL. With Hakim returning to South Africa this week, it will give Green the opportunity to remind his manager just how good he is. The full 90 minutes is the least he deserves.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Rosenfeld told JC Sport: “It’s going to be an extremely tough game. Harmen may be sat at the bottom of the table but they are full of quality throughout their team.
“They are tough to beat as it showed last time when we won 2-1 in the league and they had 10 men for 88 minutes.
“League form however goes out the window when it comes to a cup quarter-final. This will all go down to which team wants it more on the day. We are four unbeaten, but I was slightly disappointed we didn’t pick up three points last week.”
Even without Hakim, Harmen start as clear underdogs on Sunday. They go into the game on the back of a 5-3 defeat against Faithfold. Jon Morris, James Stanley and Avi Markiewiz.
Manager Dan Uzan hopes that each and every squad members arrives ready to stand up and be counted. Anything less and it will be a real uphill struggle for them.
“We are actually very short this week with a lot of injuries and a few boys away, which is a shame given we are in the quarters finals of the cup,” Uzan told JC Sport.
“We have been without Craig Ellis and Ben Murrell for a while now and that has shown in our results. We won’t have them back for another two weeks but I'm more concerned with our goalkeeping position.
“What I can say is that we will give 100 per cent and try our hardest to get through to the semis.”
There is talk that Harmen legend Jonathan Hirshler will be asked to come out of retirement in true Thierry Henry style, but Brady have stepped up a couple of notches and I can’t see anything stopping them progressing.
JC team news: Once again, Brady go into the game without Josh Gordon and Lee Platt. Paul hakim is away in South Africa.
Harmen are facing another goalkeeping crisis with both Matt Davis and Ziggy Lichman unavailable this week. Uzan will need to call on Jon Morris as an emergency stopper again.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – S. Levy
JC star man: Jon Green (Brady)
DC Prediction: Brady Maccabi A 4 Southgate Harmen A 2
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B
Hendon B smell an upset. There is absolutely no doubt about that.
The Hornets, co-managed by Motty Korman and Chaim Gothold, are bang in form and they will arrive in Uxbridge quietly confident of taking the scalp of Premier Division Raiders.
They were in red-hot form last Sunday, smashing six past promotion rivals Redbridge C. Tali Nevies and Chaim Gothold fired two apiece with Raph Noe and Ben Kon also on target in a match bossed by the Nevies brothers. Young Ari caught the eye of the JC panel of judges to earn a place in JC Team of the Week.
Looking ahead to the big game, Korman told JC Sport: "Games don't get much bigger for us than a quarter-final against a Premiership team.
"We had an excellent result last week against Redbridge, with captain Tali Nevies excelling once again, but know that we will have to raise our game 10-fold to compete against Raiders.
"Whilst we have enjoyed an excellent cup run, promotion is our priority for the season."
The Raiders are expected to hold a light training session with several players carrying minor knocks and heavy legs following the hard-fought draw against Brady.
JC Player of the Week Danny Berliner will be keen to impress against his former club and captain David Rhodes will remind his troops that the team may never have a better chance of getting to Wingate, especially with holders Redbridge, Neasden and Faithfold already out of the competition.
A home draw is all you can ask for at this stage but it's clear that Raiders under-estimate Hendon at their peril, even on their 3G surface. Already the management has promised that there will be penalty practice at training, just in case. And I'm sure Hendon A boss David Garbacz would've discussed L'Orange over a diet Coke with Korman and Gothold.
A big crowd is expected for the early kick-off at Brunel. League form goes out of the window in cup games and this can only be a good thing for Raiders!
JC team news: Raiders welcome back Mayer Schultz, Adam Posner and Adam Joselyn but long-term absentees Joe Tankel and Andrew McMasters plus Alex Olcot and Richie Reggel are all out. Striker David Dinkin returns to the B team.
For Hendon, Eytan Storfer and Pinty Baddiel will face late fitness tests. Chanania Engelsman may return after being out injured for four months.
Venue – Brunel Uni, Ref – C. Stupack, KO – 10am
JC star man: Mark Leader (Raiders)
DC Prediction: NL Raiders A 2 Hendon Utd SC B 1
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FAITHFOLD C vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A
David takes on Goliath at the Hive on Sunday when JC Barry Goldstein Cup holders Faithfold C entertain treble-chasing Hendon.
You can get 100-1 on the Division Two minnows causing what would be one of the biggest cup sensations in years. Top-scorer Ben Simons is a tempting 20-1 to open the scoring.
It’s been a month since the Hammers last played. That could be the only saving grace for the Superhoops who went down 4-2 against lowly L’Equipe in the league last week.
Adam Barton and Simons found the net and I think the motto that attack is best form of defence is the only way forward for David Garson and co. Trying to double park the bus in front of goal is not an option.
Nonetheless, Garson says that his boys will turn up with no fear. He told JC Sport: "I think if you told me during our first round game against Temple Fortune that we would win that, then thrash two first division teams to play Hendon A in the quarter-final - I would have laughed at you.
"The Cup has been a wonderful distraction from the league and we are all looking forward to Sunday and if our cup team turn up rather than our league hopefully we can give them a game."
There is also a chance that Hendon boss David Garbacz could tinker with his squad, with one eye on next week’s league trip to Southgate Harmen.
Looking ahead to the tie, Garbacz told JC Sport: "We have had a long break since our last fixture and the danger is that we come into this game a bit rusty.
"We have set ourselves up very nicely in the first half of the season in all domestic competitions and we will be very keen to make sure we hit the ground running.
"There have been some strange results in this competition this year and to be honest it has opened itself up for us to have a really great chance of lifting this trophy.
"We never under-estimate anyone and I'm sure that Faithfold will have some very decent players and will have nothing to lose.
"We will be looking to impose ourselves early on and not to give them a sniff of a shock result.
"As long as we go in with the correct attitude I am very confident that we will advance to the semis."
Man for man this won't be a contest. I know Faithfold have already caused one upset in the competition this year but Hendon have raised the bar so high this season, they will canter home without needing to get near second gear.
JC team news: Hendon have big doubts over the fitness of Ari Last, who is nursing an ankle injury, and Josh Lipman.
For Faithfold, Dan Lowen faces a late fitness test and Simon Beresford returns from a fortnight of eating just goji berries in Thailand.
Venue – West Hendon Playing Fields, Ref – A. Myerson
JC star man: Josh Bentley (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Faithfold C 0 Hendon Utd SC A 6
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JC MSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
11 - Mike Pearson (Faithfold A)
10 - Marc Lazare (Neasden)
9 - Danny Kon (Hendon A)
8 - David Dinkin (Raiders B - including 1 for A team)
FC TEAM A vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B
Old rivals FC Team A and Raiders B have been involved in some breath-taking matches over the years and I don’t expect the teams to disappoint on Sunday.
Mitch Young’s troops go into the game on the back of a 5-3 defeat at Neasden in a game where they led 2-0 inside seven minutes.
Team have made a habit of making fast starts this season and Shai Davidi and Richard Salmon will be looking to continue where they left off last week.
Recent signing Ed Bloom will be looking for his first clean sheet in an FC Team shirt and put on a good show in front of the Team faithful.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Young told JC Sport: “This is a huge game. We need a few more points to guarantee our safety and will be looking to pick up some against Raiders B - a team we know very well.
“The games are always very close but I will be disappointed if we don’t get something from the game, even with our injuries"
Raiders have performed well in their first-ever season in the top flight. Five wins in 11 games is a decent return, but manager Rob Richman will be looking to press on from here.
David Dinkin was Raiders’ matchwinner in the corresponding fixture and Richman will be looking for more of the same from his star man, who scored on A team duty last weekend.
Nothing would be sweeter than a league double over their illustrious opponents. Richman told JC Sport: ““As Mitch mentioned last time we played them, the results have always gone in the way of the home team. That has been the case the previous two seasons but we are aiming to stop history repeating itself for the third season in a row.
“We have enjoyed a well-deserved rest but the past week we have stepped up preparations ready for an important second half of the season.
“We know we can’t rest on our laurels. We want to aim to finish as high as possible in the league and that will mean hitting the ground running starting this Sunday.
“Team have been unlucky this season as on a number of occasions they have got themselves in to winning positions but just been unable to see out the game.
“We know they are a decent outfit and that they have some decent attacking players so we will expect a really tough examination.”
The battle between Salmon and Raiders’ centre halves Dan Grossman and Rik Sherman will be key in a match where Raiders look to end their goal drought.
JC team news: For FC Team, Gideon Moss is doubtful, Jon Breger misses out, Dave Grossman is away, Richard Salmon is 50/50 and Dave Ossack remains sidelined through injury.
Raiders welcome back Jonny Hesselberg for the first time since the end of September. Shim Bensoor and Dan Polak both travel down from university but Mike Hershman is away.
Venue – Meadow Park, Ref – L. Benson
JC star man: Gideon Moss (FC Team A)
DC Prediction: FC Team A 2 NL Raiders B 1
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NORTH WEST NEASDEN A vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
Redbridge boss Eilon Kennet will be looking for a big reaction from his troops when they make the long trip to new leaders Neasden on Sunday.
It was a familiar story of missed chances for the east Londoners as they lost their grip on the JC League Cup with a shock 3-2 defeat at the hands of first division Brixton A.
They came from behind to lead 2-1 with goals from Adam Stolerman and Danny Sugarman and they face a real battle to put themselves back in the title race.
Kennet this week launched a rallying call to his men. He told JC Sport: “There’s still a lot to play for.”
Neasden joint-manager Darren Yarlett took a leaf out of Sir Alex Ferguson’s book when he started the mind games after last week’s win against FC Team.
A treble from Lee Cash plus one apiece from Marc Lazare and Jonny Haik helped them come from 2-0 down to win 5-3 down and move two points clear of the Hammers. But they have played two games more.
After the game, Yarlett said: “I think we are good enough to win it but for me it is Hendon's to lose.”
Neasden have been the model of consistency this season, winning seven out of 11. The return of the predatory Cash makes them even more of an ominous proposition and having just announced the pending arrival of his first child, it could be a testing morning for RJC defender Joel Berg.
NWN will be looking to add insult to injury against the team that set the standard last season.
Yarlett told JC Sport: “We are on a good run of form and unbeaten in our last six league games.
“The last match against Redbridge felt like two points dropped but we can put that right on Sunday.
“The boys have nothing to fear and should be confident enough to win the game. Having said that, Redbridge are the champions and they’re very dangerous.
“We must respect them as they have players who can hurt you but they must also be worried about us.
“We have 11 different scorers this season which is remarkable. Everyone seems to be chipping in and playing their part.”
Yarlett will be concerned by the number of goals his teams has shipped in during their past two games but they are scoring for fun and there’s every chance they could finish the weekend five points clear at the top.
JC team news: For Neasden, Paul Babai, Adam Klein and Rob Lerner are missing.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – J. Feenstra
JC star man: Brad Sharp (NWN)
DC Prediction: NW Neasden A 3 Redbridge JC A 2
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LONDON MACCABI LIONS A vs FAITHFOLD A
There’s a top-quality affair in store at the Lane as title challengers Lions A welcome Faithfold A.
The Superhoops started 2012 in style with a 5-3 success over struggling Southgate Harmen but manager Zuriel Solomon will be slightly concerned with the fact they conceded three times.
However, when you have a striker of the quality of Mike Pearson in your team, you are always likely to score more than you concede.
The former Aldershot Town and Farnborough marksman was in stunning form last weekend, blasting home a hat-trick to go with a Dan Perkins double.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Solomon told JC Sport: “We go into the game on the back of a good win and respect a good Lions team who have been doing well of late.
“We need to compete as always and believe in our own ability and show courage, and hopefully come away with the three points.”
Revenge will be the name of the game for Lions who were trounced 5-1 by the Greens in the corresponding fixture. Daryl Phillips led the way with a double against his former Saturday club, with Lorian Madanes, Alex Levack and Pearson also finding the net.
The Lions have done well to recover so quickly and they have made big strides over the winter with manager Josh Newman and Malcolm Newman getting the best out of their squad.
They have done well to blend the new faces with the young and old ones and look good for a top four finish but Sunday will be a real test of their credentials and I can see Faithfold edging home, although it may need a big performance from keeper Ben Law.
JC team news: Faithfold welcome back Alex Taylor from suspension and Daryl Phillips from honeymoon.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – G. Silver
JC star man: Ben Law (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: LM Lions A 1 Faithfold A 2
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
16 - Dan Orgel (Redbridge JC B)
15 - Jamie Kent (Brixton)
12 - Glenn Michaels (Chigwell)
SOUTHGATE HARMEN B vs CHIGWELL ATHLETIC
The Division One title race has turned into such a gripping affair that they’re considering putting it on prime time TV.
It really is all to play for and Chigwell have a great chance to put themselves top of the pile when they travel down the A406 to the Mole.
Goal-poacher extraordinare Glenn Michaels bagged a brace in the corresponding fixture with former Wingate & Finchley star Craig Pearl and talisman Dan Castle completing the scoring in a 4-3 success.
I expect them to have too much for Harmen second time around as well, but clearly manager Richard Slater is taking nothing for granted.
“The last seven league games for us are all cup finals, starting with Harmen B this weekend,” Slater told JC Sport.
“They pushed us all the way back in September, so we know they’re a half decent side and we respect them as a club.
“If we play to our strengths, keep the same desire, attitude and especially work rate as we showed in the last two games, and in fact all season, we’ll be fine.
“Yet again it’s a must win for us to stay in the title race.”
Harmen had a real horror show against Neasden B last weekend. Now manager Marc Cohen is counting the cost in a game they lost 4-2.
Brothers Bradley Fox and Gavin Fox were sent off and Cohen and co will have to do without them in the coming weeks in their bid to avoid the drop.
Cohen compared Bradley’s dismissal to that of David Beckham’s in the World Cup finals against Argentina, but he had no complaints about the other one.
Harmen worrying slump has left chairman Stuart Cohen having sleepless nights. No doubt Cohen will remind his men of keeping their discipline and finishing games with 11 men. They might even try to sneak a 12th player on from the start on Sunday but not even that would be enough to stop Chigwell from rolling them over.
JC team news: The Chigs welcome back striker Neil Tilley from USA for his third loan spell in as many seasons. Slater added: "It's a massive boost to have him back for the league run-in."
Chigwell squad: Rob Shepherdson, Lee Hyams, Alex Norman, Paul Lenchner, Russell Brill, Jonathan Swead, Glenn Davis, Daniel Castle (capt), Craig Pearl, Richard Slater, Anthony Mendel, Russell Yershon, Glenn Michaels, Neil Tilley, Lloyd Becker
Venue – Ashmole School, Ref – M. Cohen
JC star man: Anthony Mendel (Chigwell)
DC Prediction: Southgate Harmen B 1 Chigwell Athletic 3
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MONTANA BOCA UNITED vs TEMPLE FORTUNE A
There has been plenty of new year cheer around Temple Fortune, especially after the memorable 2-0 win over leaders Redbridge B last Sunday.
The challenge now is to maintain that level of performance, week in, week out, and that is what the management team will be drilling into the squad before kick-off at the weekend.
Keeper Steve Murad, Benji Mannheim, RJC old boy Josh Tiano, Matt Gilberry and Michael Goldberg were just some of the stars on show in a red and yellow shirt and manager Lee Fegan expects more of the same here.
It was a massive win in terms of the team consolidating their position in the division, and a level of performance many didn’t think they had in them.
There is talk of Josh Marks and Paul Rubenstein having statues at the club’s Canons Park HQ but Fegan is keen to play down the hysteria to ensure they aren’t left with egg on their faces against Montana.
A relegation six-pointer is how one person described this match to me this week. The RJC result was only one win, but a very big one at that. It featured Fortune’s first shut-out of the season and saw them become the first team to stop Redbridge scoring this season.
The Fortune hierarchy have been scrolling through MSFL handbooks this week to work out roughly how many points they need for safety. I can tell them that Camden Park went down with 17 last season, with the team above them finishing on 19. In season 2009/10, Faithfold B went down on 13 points, while Brixton Old Boys survive with 14, and in 2007/08 Brixton B dropped on 16, with Montana surviving on 17.
So it's clear that Fortune will be pulling out all the stops on Sunday. Speaking at his midweek press conference, Fegan told JC Sport: "After a great win last Sunday, we are will be looking to build on the result and win again.
"Confidence is high but it has been drilled into our players to not get complacent. We have already played Montana this year and we know that they are a hard-working team so they will be respected as we do with any team that we play."
It has been a real team effort on the sidelines at Fortune this season, with assistant-manager Jack Morris never short of an idea (or comment!)
Looking ahead to Sunday, Morris told JC Sport: "We are really looking to push on and build on last week’s excellent result. We’ve not won back-to-back league games this season so it would be a good time to put that record right.
"We know a win here would give us some breathing space from the bottom clubs, but we also will not be taking Montana for granted. They had a poor result last week so we fully expect them to come out fighting to restore some pride on Sunday."
Montana hit rock bottom last Sunday when they were thumped 9-0 by Norstar A.
Asked for his hopes this weekend, Montana chairman Raymond Harrod told JC Sport: "We are aiming to concede less than nine goals this Sunday."
Harrod has spent part of the week trying to find a bargain in the January sales. As yet he’s had no such luck and if they concede early, I can see them sinking to their eighth defeat in 12.
JC team news: Fortune have lost Josh Marks from last Sunday, but other than that they have the same squad available. Morris will also have to make do without Lee on the sidelines as he’s away this weekend. He went on to say: "It will be strange without him there, but I’m looking forward to taking the reigns for the first time on my own!"
Venue – The Hive, Ref – M. Lavender
JC star man: Paul Rubenstein (Fortune)
DC Prediction: Montana Boca Utd 1 Temple Fortune A 3
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B vs OAKWOOD
It’s hold on to your hat time in Division One as long-time leaders Redbridge B take on nearest rivals Oakwood in what should be a cracking contest.
Tickets for this crunch clash have long been sold out as the Oaks look to finish the weekend top of the table.
They were in fine form last week when they notched up their seventh league win in 11 games. James Abrams (2) and Brad Wine (2) and Matt Geey were the marksmen in the 5-1 demolition of Woodford.
It was a game in which the Oaks flew out of the blocks and joint-manager Ric Blank is hoping for more of the same on Sunday. The team is bang in form with 13 goals in their last three league outings.
Looking ahead to the game, Blank told JC Sport: "We go to Redbridge for a massive, massive game. Redbridge are clearly a great side and we will have to be at our very best to beat them.
"But the signs are good and the squad is in rude health leaving us with huge selection headaches. We can't wait for the game."
The RJC squad felt the full force of manager Stirling Kay’s hairdryer after last week’s 2-0 defeat against Temple Fortune A.
It appears that Kay may have sanctioned a media ban following back-to-back defeats. I’ve heard reports that teacups were thrown in the RJC dressing room after the game but there have been clear-the-air talks in an attempt to ensure that there is only positive energy going through the room before kick-off here.
It was inevitable that RJC would have a blip at some point but that doesn’t mean they’ve become a bad team overnight. The fact that the Fortune keeper and backline performed so heroically tells me that it was just a case that it wasn’t their day.
Kay will be asking his players to stand up and be counted in what could be a bruising contest.
It will come down to small details such as which team wants it most and which team takes their chances.
It should be a thriller.
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – B. Pieters
JC star man: James Abrams (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Redbridge JC B 1 Oakwood 2
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NORSTAR A vs NORTH WEST NEASDEN B
Norstar will find the going a little tougher this weekend as they prepare to take on Neasden B.
Phil Peters’ men romped home 9-0 against a Montana team in freefall last weekend in a game they went ahead in after just one minute. Josh Green was the star man, going home with the matchball after a quality hat-trick.
There were also goals for Jeremy Elster (2), Jeff Gotch, Jonny Kay, Adam Kaldor and Jonny Isbitt.
The result sent positive vibes around the camp and Peters was delighted with a third clean sheet of the season.
Now he will be demanding another fast start against another team seemingly on the up.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Peters told JC Sport: "Losing to Neasden back in November kicked off a bad run of form for us but I'm hopeful we've turned the corner and with confidence high again we'll be looking for three points on Sunday."
Neasden climbed into the lofty heights of fifth position following the 4-2 win over Southgate Harmen B. Two goals from Michael Field plus one apiece from Jonny Blain and Ricky Engleman saw them home but they were helped along the way as Harmen had two players sent off including their keeper.
Given that the Stars have much more to play for, I can see them looking to boss the game with the midfield battle between Kay and Engleman key.
Norstar's extra desire should see them home on the day.
JC team news: For Norstar, Anthony Goodmaker and Dan Gilbert are still Stateside, whilst Eli Houri is the only other notable absentee. Simon Perlmutter, David Shamash, Sam Isaacs, Adam Jason and Sammy Kalms could all return to the squad.
Venue – Ark Academy, Ref – K. Goodman
JC star man: Jonny Kay (Norstar)
DC Prediction: Norstar A 3 NW Neasden B 2
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DIVISION TWO
CAMDEN PARK vs L’EQUIPE
League Camden Park are in for another big battle against L’Equipe.
Josh Marks’ troops remain one of only two teams unbeaten in the entire league but it’s worth remembering they were given a major scare by L’Equipe not so long ago.
Going into the game, 22 points separate the teams but David Prager’s boys are in great form and they certainly won’t have an inferiority complex taking on the table-toppers.
Andy Burke and Richard 'Scotty' Alexander were the stars of the show last week, when the team finally got off the mark, beating fellow strugglers Faithfold C 4-2.
Reflecting on a the success, jubilant L'Equipe player-manager David Prager told JC Sport: "I am absolutely delighted to get our first win of the season but there can be no doubt that it’s been on the cards for a while now.
"We didn’t actually play as well as we can but for me that’s a real positive.
"I will be challenging the lads to build on the fact that we are unbeaten in three games and still haven’t reached anywhere near our full potential yet.”
Camden Park haven’t been at their most fluent in recent outings, but they continue to churn out the results.
They go into the game as strong favourites though, with David Kanzen looking to build on his winner in the game against Faithfold B last Sunday.
A second clean sheet was inspired by another giant display from the ever-dependable Max Saunders with Jake Saunders working his socks off in midfield.
A late equaliser from Mike Khalastchi helped Camden deny L’Equipe a famous victory last month and they will need to be on their guard against another team on the up.
Camden's Nick Kagan told JC Sport: "three'equipe have seemingly turned a corner and are unbeaten in their last three games, so we know it's going to be tough going on Sunday.
"In the reverse fixture earlier in the season, we were thwarted by a very disciplined and energetic L'equipe set up, so we know we are going to have to work hard to break them down, whilst maintaining our concentration at the back.
"We have strong competition for places this week and there are definitely going to be a few regulars upset to find themselves on the bench on Sunday.
"The gaffer has done a fantastic job so far rotating our resources, keeping everyone happy whilst still putting out strong line-ups every week. But, it's getting to squeaky-bum time and the success of the team has to come before individual happiness. Hopefully no-one will be complaining come May.
"We're out looking for revenge for the draw in December, expect us back to our explosive best."
If L'Equipe play as they have been, there's every chance this could be the coupon spoiler.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – S. Ansher
JC star man: Mike Silverberg (L’Equipe)
DC Prediction: Camden Park 1 L’Equipe 1
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GLENTHORNE UNITED A vs FAITHFOLD B
It looks set to be a big few months for Glenthorne A. A run of three games without defeat has lifted them into second place and they will take some shifting.
Having comfortably put Norstar B to bed last Sunday, with goals from David Blitz, Jamie Crawford, Scott Jay and John Lessem, Dan Lipman’s troops hope to do what they couldn’t in early December – beat Faithfold B.
Adam Kantor and Adam Grossman exchanged goals in a hard fought draw and Lipman is predicting another tight contest here.
Looking ahead to the big game, Lipman told JC Sport: "It's going to be a tough game this weekend. It was a tight game over at the Hive before Christmas and I'm expecting this week's match to be similar."
Faithfold B continue to flirt with the possibility of promotion. They are one of five teams battling for a top two finish.but having lost four times, they can ill-afford any more slip-ups.
Manager Rob Shooman enjoys the role of the underdog but unless they draft in a proven goal-scorer, I think they will finish short.
I believe they are still a work in progress and we may not see the best of them until next season.
Venue – London Marathon Playing Fields, Ref – A. Lewis
JC star man: David Blitz (Glenthorne)
DC Prediction: Glenthorne Utd A 1 Faithfold B 0
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE C vs LONDON MACCABI LIONS B
Redbridge are counting the cost of last week’s defeat against promotion rivals Hendon B.
A fourth defeat has left them with it all to do if they are to realise Dan Gordon’s promotion aspirations.
The concession of six goals has left them at rock bottom and the chances are that things won’t get any easier here.
Reports that Chigwell Athletic are lining up a big offer to lure RJC top-scorer Doron Weinstein back to Peter May certainly won’t help.
But Gordon is urging his troops to remain focused and concentrate on the task at hand.
He told JC Sport: "With five games to go this season we have to make sure we win every game to have a chance of finishing in the top two.
"We know it's out of our hands but we will try to do all we can.
"Last Sunday was a bad day for us. There is no other way to put it other than we were shocking.
"Fair play to Hendon, but I think our Under 11 team would of beaten us!
"We looked out of shape and you could tell that over the winter break, most of the squad didn’t do any exercise at all.
"The hairdryer treatment came out after the game and the boys know that this Sunday will be even harder.
"We play a Lions team who beat us on the first day of the season and we are looking for revenge.
"Lions had a great result last week and will certainly be up for this game as they are looking to claw some points back on the leaders.
"I'm hopeful of having a 14-man squad on Sunday and getting one or two players back. One thing I can tell you is that we will not stop for the 90 minutes and what ever the score is after 90 minutes, I want my boys to walk off the pitch giving there best."
Lions boss Jamie Kyte was delighted by the character of his team in last week’s match against FC Team B. They came behind to win 7-1 with Henry Ziff, Joey Lazare and Alex Springer catching the eye in particular.
Kyte was pleased to see Ziff take to midfield like a duck to water. With the boy Lazare in top form, the LML gaffer will encourage his boys to take the game to RJC and try to make the most of a defence that is low on confidence after last week’s mauling.
Alex ‘Pyscho’ Springer will be looking to make his mark again after leaving his mark on a Team winger last week. Word has reached me that he’s been seen in Kall Kwik getting some new calling cards printed!
Lazare will have fond memories of the first meeting between the sides when Lions ran out 3-1 winners. Their away form hasn’t been great but now that they’ve broken their duck, anything is possible.
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – J. Burchell
JC star man: Alex Springer (Lions)
DC Prediction: Redbridge JC 2 LM Lions C 3
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BLIZZARD STORM vs NORTH WEST NEASDEN C
There will be pie and mash available for the Southend Jewish Youth Club Reunion of 1992 on Sunday morning. It’s fair to say that there won’t be a dry eye in the house.
Several familiar faces will be on show from that great team, with Oli Simons, Adam Speck, Stuart Muller and Mike Woolf lining up in the Blizzard corner, and Louis Taylor, Adam Levene and Simon Levene in the Neasden ranks.
The star-studded line-up doesn’t end there. Two of the stars of the future will also be on show in Blizzard’s man of the moment Dan Vandermolen and Neasden wonder kid Joel Kanutin.
Other Southenders on show would be Blizzards Nick Rubin, Seb Vandermolen and possibly Adam Zecharia and player-manager Simon Linden.
He told JC Sport: "This looks to set to be a very good game with lots of rivalry on the table."
Linden went on to say: "Neasden will be a tough nut to crack. They are having a good season and have a great squad that can go on and get promotion.
"We remember being in a similar position to them last year and losing this fixture 5-1. Maybe this time round it will be a Blizzard day, who knows.
"It's not an easy fixture but I feel that after a few games undefeated we can go into this fixture with high hopes and give a decent performance against Neasden and get three points."
Everyone loves a bit of nostalgia and there was also some coming out of the Neasden camp. All that's missing now is a guest appearance from Cilla Black!
Neasden player-manager Louis Taylor told JC Sport: "We have a storied history with Blizzard Storm. Many of their players come from sunny Southend-on-Sea as do a few of us, and I played my first season in the MSFL with Simon Linden who I consider one of football’s good guys.
"Last season we lost our first-ever game to them 7-2, but beat them 5-1 in the return fixture.
"I know they haven't been doing as well as they’d have liked this season, but I will not be taking this game lightly. I think it will be a cracker!"
There is little more for me to add than let the fun and games begin.
JC team news: Neasden are missing Oli Joseph but last season's player of the year Richie Braham returns. Benji Gourgey plays his last game before returning to uni “and has even promised to pay some of his subs!"
Venue – Mill Hill Park, Ref – N. Cohen
JC star man: Stuart Muller (Blizzard)
DC Prediction: Blizzard Storm 2 NW Neasden C 2
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CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB C
Any other season, both Catford and Hendon C are fighting tooth and nail to avoid relegation and I can see it being a real dogfight on Sunday.
Both clubs would’ve been glad to see the back of 2011 as half term report read ‘not good enough’.
Sunday is arguably a bigger game for Hendon who have played two games more, and it’s a game where there’s every chance that nerves could play a part.
Scoring goals has been a major problems for Catford and Hendon this season and both sets of fans are crying out for a big name signing to boost their hopes.
Eli Baraty, Guy Ben-Aroya and Joel Isaacs have been among the most consistent performers for the Cats and the management team will be looking for some inspiration on Sunday.
With Shirley up next week, it’s vital for confidence that Hendon come away from this game with something to show for their efforts, but I can see the Cats coming away with the cream.
Venue – Norseman FC, Ref – A. Yuchetel
JC star man: Eli Baraty (Catford)
DC Prediction: Catford & Bromley 2 Hendon Utd SC C 1
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LOS BLANCOS vs SHIRLEY PARK
The reflexes of Blancos No. 1 Josh Cohen will be put to the test on Sunday. Of that there is no doubt.
The big man was in fine form last week and he needed to be as the team came away with a hard earned point against Neasden C. Once again, it was Adam Hersh who popped up with the all-important goal.
The first meeting between the teams was a cracker and another action-packed affair is on the cards.
Shirley player-manager David Lusman is still trying to work out how his team came away empty-handed from the match against Glenthorne last weekend.
The Park boys have played the east London giants three times and on each occasion come away with nothing to show for their efforts, although there has been very little between the teams.
Nicky Plotnek, Stefan Benfredj and wing wizard Simon Shelley caught the eye and Lusman will be hoping for more of the same here.
Shirley broke Blancos’ hearts late on earlier in the season but if they take their chances they should put the game to bed no questions asked.
Venue – South Oxhey, Ref – N. Cooper
JC star man: Simon Shelley (Shirley)
DC Prediction: Los Blancos 2 Shirley Park 4
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TEAM JLGB vs GLENTHORNE UNITED B
The signs are that unless they are taken over by a mega-rich Russian, JLGB will go down, but stranger things have happened …
Joking aside, the difference in class will be evident from the very first whistle on Sunday and Glenthorne fans will make the short trip to E17 expecting a rugby score.
Managers Craig Sandford and Sam Rosenthal breathed a huge sigh of relief when the final whistle blew in the epic against Shirley last Sunday. Strikes from Paul Block and Sandford saw them home but they rode their luck and it needed a wonder show in between the sticks from Jordan Davidson to steer them through.
Sandford will be aiming to finish the weekend top of the JC goals charts. He currently lies a goal behind Redbridge C hotshot Doron Weinstein and is just 6-1 to net a hat-trick on Sunday.
It really could be boys against men with Dan Lassman, Josh Wynne, Adam Shafron, James Rubin and Fabio Rivieccio looking to move the team a step closer to the title.
Complacency won’t be an issue for the Thornes either. They are quite clearly too good for this division and are aiming to finish the season boasting a 100 per cent record. With five games left, only a brave man would bet against them.
It finished 9-0 to the Thornes when the teams met in late November. Fabio Revieccio (3),
James Rubin (2), Daniel Lassman, Andy Levy and Adam Bernstein filled their boots and I think damage limitation is the name of the game for the JLGB brigade.
Once again, Rob Silverman’s men will have to defend for their lives for 90 minutes on Sunday and hope they get all the luck.
They were left to rue a series of missed chances against Blizzard Storm last week, eventually going down 4-1.
Matt West missed a sitter early on before later making amends while talisman Barry Green is still having nightmares about his John Terry penalty moment.
JLGB fell away big time and I fear that if the same happens here, keeper Rob Levene will be picking the ball out of his net with great regularity.
Venue – Peter May Sports Centre, Ref – D. Lazarus
JC star man: Andy Levy (Glenthorne)
DC Prediction: Team JLGB Glenthorne Utd B 5
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DIVISION FOUR
ATHLETIC BILBAUM vs TEMPLE FORTUNE B
Leaders Bilbaum go in search of a sixth straight victory when they welcome promotion rivals Temple Fortune B to their posh Hampstead home.
Winners of my Stadium of the Year award for 2011, player-manager Mark Pasha and Edward Green were delighted to have planning permission granted for a 2,000 stand at the Bernebaum Stadium.
The Baums have not lost in the league since September 18. They are playing as a unit and with a big smile on their faces at the minute.
The boys in green and white have been playing some excellent football this season and they have scored in every league game. And with North London Raiders C going through something of a blip, their efforts could be rewarded again on Sunday.
It finished 2-2 last time the teams met when player-manager Terry Jeffries bagged a brace for Fortune, with Green firing a double for Bilbaum.
The battle between Jeffries and Green will be key again, but it’s Bilbaum who have been sharing the goals around more freely and this could influence who things pan out.
Looking ahead to the match, Jeffries told JC Sport: “Sunday is going to be a very tough game for us we know they are a good team in good form.
“We have a few players out injured so will be a hard test for us.
“We know that they are a great footballing team, but we aim to turn up and try and get the three points we need.”
Bilbaum have turned the Bernebaum into something of a fortress this season and as long as they remain patient, I can see them maintaining their lead at the top.
Venue – Hampstead Heath Extension, Ref – S. Russell
JC star man: Ben Bell (Bilbaum)
DC Prediction: Athletic Bilbaum 3 Temple Fortune B 1
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JEWVENTUS vs SPEC FC
SPEC FC are relishing the opportunity to get back into action and manager Laurence Conway has been drinking Calpol like it's water such is the selection headache he is currently experiencing with so many players declaring themselves fit and raring to go.
5-0 victors against Jewve last time out, Conway will be looking for more of the same on Sunday. Ricky Lawrence, Jack Bookatz, Robert Murray, Craig Cohen and Dan Cohen were the scorers for SPEC in the December 7 meeting.
Looking ahead to part two, SPEC FC spokesman Ricky Lawrence told JC Sport: "We played very well against Jewventus last time around, though it probably helped that we were given a dodgy penalty early on which helped with the nerves.
"We are however expecting a much stronger performance from Jewve, especially if their score last week is anything to go by.
"We know it's going to be a tough game but in simple terms, it's a must-win for us."
Jewventus found their shooting boots against Brixton B last weekend, with Ami Wynbourne (2), Dan Ezra (2), Mark Martell and Jay Ilsen bulging the net in a 6-1 demolition.
Player-manager Gabriel John clearly respects Sunday’s opponents but that does not mean they will stand off them and let them play once that first whistle blows.
John told JC Sport: "We're up against the team I think that are the best in the division. Ricky Lawerence is superb and they have a great set up.
"That being said were coming off the back of a good win and have a relatively settled full squad.
"The return of Jay Ilsen is huge and new signings Mike Gill and Ami Wynbourne have been fantastic.
"My secret tip for MotM is the new unleashed James Alexander. Big things expected."
Gill and Wynbourne have Premier Division experience and they would boost any side, much in the same way Thierry Henry has done at Arsenal. But it’s at the back that has let them down and I can see the visitors pinching it late on.
JC team news: For SPEC FC, only long-term absentees James Lesner, Elliott Wallis and Michael Rhodes have been ruled out through injury for this Sunday.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – L. Thorne
JC star man: James Alexander (Jewentus)
DC Prediction: Jewventus 1 SPEC FC 2
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BRADY MACCABI B vs ATHLETICO FINCHLEY
Title-chasing Brady B face a tricky test when they take on in-form Athletico at the Lane on Sunday.
It needed an inspirational teamtalk from manager Gideon Rabstein to wake the team up last Sunday but it had the desired affect as they claiming a sensational win over North London Raiders C.
Now they are champing at the bit to take on another team near the top. Athletico chairman Zach Margolin told JC Sport: "After three wins in a row and a big win over second of the league last Sunday, there is a lot of belief in the Athletico camp.
"We believe we now have the ability to get a result against any team. That being said, Brady are a very good side, who have only lost one game this season so it will be a very tough game.
"After they beat us 6-2 in the last fixture, Brady might be expecting an easy win. However, we have shocked some of their rivals in recent weeks and will be up for giving them a good game."
Brady finished 2011 with a vital win over Temple Fortune B but they haven’t played for four weeks and lethargy could be a problem, especially if the match gets congested in what I expect to be a busy midfield engine room.
Josh Dagul's men are well-placed to challenge for honours. With games in hand on the teams above them, they face Brixton next week and maximum points from the two games would put them in an even stronger position.
Brady's 100 per cent home record is on the line and they will have to keep an eye on Athletico hotshot Ben Mandell who has become a real fans favourite. Much will depend on how Jonny Meltzer deals with his pace and movement.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Dagul told JC Sport: "We want to start 2012 with a win. Rowley has been a fortress for us so far in the league and we want to keep our 100 per cent record there.
"However, Finchley have improved recently and picked up a fantastic result last weekend, especially for us!
"We cannot afford to under-estimate them and must be up for it from the start. If we do that then we should be strong enough to win the game."
Given Brady's quality from 1-11, I think home advantage will also play a part but they certainly won’t have things all their own way.
JC team news: Athletico have discovered that Andrew Greenwall Cohen will be out for approximately a month after slight damage to ankle ligaments last Sunday. They also lose his centre midfield partner Joel Barnett. Apart from that they have the same squad that beat Raiders last Sunday.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – N. Burns
JC star man: Jonny Meltzer (Brady)
DC Prediction: Brady Maccabi B 3 Athletico Finchley 2
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C vs BOCA JEWNIORS
Raiders C will be looking to get season back on track when they host basement battlers Boca in Hatfield.
Oli Shorts’ troops have hit the buffers in recent weeks with the 3-0 loss against Athletico the low point of their season.
Indeed Shorts will miss the Boca game as he’s on a spying mission in Swansea, or at least that is the mumble I’ve heard (Ed. local knowledge!)
The Raiders gaffer is confident he can snap up a talented Welsh youngster from the club’s Centre of Excellence although he has ruled out wide-scale changes altogether.
So the team will be left in the capable hands of assistant-manager Richard Abrahams. He told JC Sport: "After a great start to the season, the last three results have seen our first blip of the season. However, we've got a strong squad with a great group of lads and myself and Oli have no doubt that we'll be getting back to winning ways for the run in at the business end of the season.
"This starts this weekend against Boca Jewniors and with only seven games left of the season we know we need to get back to our best.
"Boca have found their first season in the league a bit of a struggle but having only seen them off 3-2 in the cup earlier in the season, we definitely won't be under-estimating the challenge they offer.
"We're looking forward to the weekend match-up and confident of putting more pressure on the other teams at the top end of the table."
Boca boss Sefton Monk has spent part of the week trying to keep the vultures away from top-scorer Jamie Weinrich. The January transfer window is an uncomfortable period for manager up and down the land and life without the goal-poacher would be unthinkable.
However, Monk will be relieved to hear that neither Danny Berliner or Nicky Woolf will line-up for Raiders C this time. Woolf feasted on a hat-trick in the 6-0 win while Berliner, this week’s JC Player of the Week, stayed awake long enough to make a penalty save.
Raiders are one of five teams battling for the two automatic promotion slots. They should be seeing teams like Boca off comfortable and playing on their slick 3G surface, I can see them over-running the wooden spoon favourites.
Hotshot Ben Hart has been going through something of a barren spell in recent weeks but I can see him stepping up to the plate filling his boots against a leaky Boca backline.
Venue – Hatfield Uni, Ref – D. Cohen
JC star man: Ben Hart (Raiders)
DC Prediction: NL Raiders C 4 Boca Jewniors 0
nb: all kick-offs 10.30am on Sunday unless stated
