The first major cup semi-final of the season takes place on Sunday as treble-chasing Hendon United Sports Club A take on North London Raiders A, while there is all a full programme in the JC MSFL and JC Barry Goldstein Cup. Danny Caro looks ahead to all the action.
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PETER MORRISON TROPHY SEMI-FINAL DRAW
South Manchester Sports Club vs Oakwood
Brady A vs Hendon A or Hyde Park Rovers
Dates to be confirmed in due course
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WEEKEND PHOTOGALLERIES
PMT BRADY MACCABI A vs NW NEASDEN A
PMT SOUTH MANCHESTER vs MANCHESTER MACCABI
PREM DIV FAITHFOLD A vs HENDON UTD SC A
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LAST WEEKEND'S AWARDS
DANNY CARO'S MSFL TEAM OF THE WEEK
DANNY CARO'S MSFL PREM DIV TEAM OF THE WEEK
DANNY CARO'S MSFL DIV ONE TEAM OF THE WEEK
JC MSFL SAVE OF THE WEEK
Bradley Grant (Glenthorne Utd A) - in the final stages of the game, Grant saved Glenthorne A with an amazing reflex fingertips save at full stretch from a placed low goal bound camden striker's effort when through on goal onto the post ensuring they left with a well-earned point
JC REFEREE OF THE WEEK
David Lazarus (Glenthorne United B vs Los Blancos)
JC MSFL QUOTE OF THE WEEK
James Joseph (Brady B) - having taken his top off to celebrate his goal and on the floor with cramp: The ref came over to book him and said why did you do that, JJ turned round and said "big goal ref".
JC MSFL SUPER-SUB OF THE WEEK
Simon Lindall (Brixton A)
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MACCABIAH UPDATES:
GB FOOTBALL MANAGEMENT APPOINTMENTS
GB FUTSAL MANAGEMENT APPOINTMENTS
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JC CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP SEMI-FINAL
HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A
Hendon are confident of continuing their relentless march towards an unprecedented treble when they welcome North London Raiders A to Hadley FC.
It’s been a great week for David Garbacz’s men who have been reinstated into the Peter Morrison Trophy, after Redbridge Jewish Care were thrown out, and they are in an excellent position to win their second league title.
It would be fair to described Hendon as the most perfectly-balanced team and the team’s summer signings have clearly taken them up a couple of levels.
Right-back Motti Colman is arguably the most consistent in the league, while Ben Lauffer has few rivals to the title of best central midfielder in the Maccabi League. He’s got the lot in his locker. Striker Danny Kon has enjoyed an excellent first season in the top-flight and he will be looking to add to the brace he scored against Raiders earlier in the season.
The Hammers last won the JC League Cup in 2009, but it would be fair to say their squad is much stronger now.
Central defender Josh Lipman remains on course for the JC MSFL Player of the Year accolade, while the fleet-footed Greg Corin is not far behind.
Hendon’s big names have been walking the walk since September, with the likes of Yoav Kestenbaum and some of the other youngsters really stepping up to the plate.
Looking ahead to the big match, Hendon boss David Garbacz told JC Sport: “The boys are full of confidence and full of beans following last week’s defeat of Faithfold and our re-instatement into the Peter Morrison.
“It is all very well talking about a historic treble but at the moment we have won nothing and have a number of huge obstacles in front of us.
“The first one comes in the shape of North London Raiders A on Sunday and I am expecting them to unleash all the big guns.
“We expect the Raiders line up and performance on Sunday to be incomparable to their league disappointments this year.
“We are expecting a big battle and games between the two of us are usually very exciting high quality affairs.
“With all my squad in top form and injury free, team selection will be difficult but that is a good problem to have.
“Semi-finals can be nervy affairs, but if we play to the top of our abilities and repeat last week’s performance then we would hope to be celebrating a third successive Cyril Anekstein final appearance come Sunday night.”
Raiders have saved their best for the JC Cyril Anekstein Cup, but they will need to play the game of their lives to live with a rampant Hendon team.
L’Orange have never reached a major final and everyone in the camp is focused on giving an excellent account of themselves, knowing they are just 90 minutes away from Wingate & Finchley.
Raiders have reached two cup semi-finals in recent times, losing in extra time against North West Neasden A a couple of years ago, and only last season they went down against eventual winners Manchester Maccabi 1st in the Morrison.
It’s clear the Raiders players must put their league woes behind them for 90 minutes and play with no fear.
Captain David Rhodes will undoubtedly rally the troops for one big push in a game where it appears that the odds are firmly stacked against them.
JC team news: Hendon are at full strength.
Venue – Hadley FC, KO – 10am, Officials – Ref – L. Benson, Asst-refs – S. Levy, L. Thorne
JC star man: Motti Colman (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon Utd SC 2 NL Raiders A 0
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JC MSFL PREMIER DIVISION
DANNY CARO'S MSFL PREM DIV TEAM OF THE WEEK
TOP-SCORERS
13 - Mike Pearson (Faithfold A)
12 - Danny Kon (Hendon A)
NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
Mid-table rivals North London Raiders B and Redbridge A lock horns for the first time this season with last season’s double winners still smarting from their shock Peter Morrison Trophy exit.
It’s been a very tough week for everyone connected to the east London club, but their aim now is to finish as high up the table as possible.
Rob Richman, the Raiders boss, is looking forward to welcoming the champions – it’s a moment everyone in the squad has been working towards and waiting for.
L’Orange have done exceedingly well to take 20 points from their first 13 games in what is their first season in the top-flight.
Last weekend they earned a battling draw against a Harmen team that finished with 10 men. Dan Polak and captain marvel Rik Sherman were the goal men.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Richman told JC Sport: “We battled hard last week. We were nowhere near our fluent best and we will look to put in a much improved performance this week.
“Redbridge have had a strong run of results of late and having won the league last year we expect a really good, tough game.
“We only have five games to go and the most important thing now is that the boys enjoy themselves.
“Every week we try to improve our performances and establish ourselves more in the division and we aim to continue this for the last few games which we hope will give us confidence for next season.”
With Raiders’ A team having taken four points out of a possible six off RJC this season, the Bs will believe they can get something from the game.
RJC warmed-up for the game with a crushing 5-1 victory over FC Team A. Adam Bolle banged in another three, with Steve Summers and Daran Bern finishing the job.
The east Londoners are only half way through their league campaign and manager Eilon Kennet will believe they can get another 27 from their remaining games. Now that really would make things interesting.
So Sunday will be a case of the big household names up against some of the new kids on the block. It has all the makings of a thrilling encounter with plenty of intriguing battles around the park.
JC team news: There is no Dan Polak, Shim Bensoor or Jonny Hesselberg for Raiders, but they are hoping to have a larger squad than last week. Dave Esterkin, Gilad Kestenbaum, Nicky Woolf and Lewis Blitz are all set to return.
Venue – Brunel, Ref – A. Djanogly
JC star man: Daran Bern (RJC)
DC Prediction: NL Raiders A 2 Redbridge JC A 3
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DIVISION ONE
WOODFORD WANDERERS vs SOUTHGATE HARMEN B
There’s a big relegation six-pointer in store in Redbridge as Woodford host Harmen B.
The rivals start the game locked on nine points, but the east Londoners have three games in hand. Needless to say it’s a must-win for the Harmen boys.
Marc Cohen’s men are in freefall at the minute and the signs don’t look good. Last weekend they were thumped 7-1 by Brixton and I expect Woodford to have all their big guns out, including Mitch Hahn, Elliot Gold and Jerome Marks.
The Woodford boys had no answer of Norstar’s Josh Green last week, but knowing Alex Aviram’s men as I do, I’m sure they’ll be looking to put on a real show in front of their fans.
Dave Marcus was the matchwinner for Harmen when the teams met in September, but I think that Woodford will hold all the aces on Sunday.
Venue – Redbridge Sports Centre, Ref - B. Pieters
JC star man: Darryl Green (Woodford)
DC Prediction: Woodford Wanderers 3 Southgate Harmen B 1
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BRIXTON OLD BOYS A vs NORTH WEST NEASDEN B
The only way is up. That is the song in the Brixton changing room right now as manager John Nitka looks to rocket his team up the table.
BOBs are flying right now and have hit smashed seven goals in their last two games and just as impressively, they have only conceded one goal in that time.
Brixton have ticked all the right boxes in recent outings and they will be looking to go into next week’s JC Cyril Anekstein Cup semi-final against Brady with a third consecutive league win under their belt.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s match against Neasden, Nitka told JC Sport: “I would be delighted to win and score another seven goals for the third week running, but I imagine this will be a tougher game, especially as I have lost Jamie Kent with tendonitis.
“I also have a couple of other players out due to injur,y however once again we will give it our best shot.
“As I said after last weekend’s result, we have six games left and in order to get a chance of promotion we need to win all six.”
Victory on Sunday would lift Brixton into fifth and leapfrog Neasden. They beat Daniel Hodes’ men 2-0 earlier in the season when Rory Lincoln and Alon Hershkorn were the marksmen. Hershkorn has maintained top form and bagged a brace last week.
But Neasden are a much-changed team from then, with the influential Ricardo Engleman giving them another dimension.
The former Hillingdon Borough midfielder was in glorious form last weekend when he cracked home a hat-trick in the 4-2 win over Temple Fortune A.
Neasden have offered value for money this season, scoring freely but, more worryingly for Hodes, also conceding too many goals.
The return of Neasden legend Jon Kaye. Not only was that a sight for sore eyes, it also added some vital experience to a backline that was in need of freshening up.
Kaye will be relieved to hear that Brixton top-scorer Kent is missing and it would not surprise me if they include Marc Lazare in the squad, especially as their A team have no game.
The objective for Brixton now is to claim every point they can and see where it takes them. With the likes of Hershkorn, James Kaye and Simon Lindall in top form, victory can be achieved, as long as they keep their discipline.
Venue – Clowes, Ref – A. Lewis
JC star man: Simon Lindall (Brixton)
DC Prediction: Brixton OB A 2 NW Neasden B 1
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OAKWOOD vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B
The mighty Oaks will be looking to register a sixth straight league win when they take on former leaders Redbridge B.
Ric Blank and Alex Schock have been the men with the midas touch recently and the double is still on.
Messus Blank and Schock are looking to complete a quickfire league double over a Redbridge team they beat 2-0 last month, with strikes from Josh Rose and Jason Lindsay.
Lindsay has been in excellent form following his move from Neasden and his signing is arguably the last piece in the jigsaw.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Blank told JC Sport: "We're well and truly at the business end of the season and we're delighted to be in the mix.
"We've got huge games each and every week and the boys are relishing it. Over the next few weeks we play Redbridge and Chigwell - two of our closest rivals in the league - and South Manchester in the Morrison.
"It's a great time for the club. But we know there are know such thing as fairytale endings and we'll be focusing on doing the simple things well and letting the rest take care of itself.
"We had a great game at Redbridge back in January that really kick-started the run we're on and we're looking forward to another tight affair at Parmiters.
"They're a good side who will be desperate for revenge so we need to be on it. They could well have some A teamers playing on Sunday, so it's something we need to keep an eye on.
"But we are confident that we can compete with whoever we're against and give them a tough game - especially at home."
Redbridge go into the game as major underdogs. Stirling Kay’s men have lost their last four league games but they remain in the promotion mix.
The east Londoners have been hit hard by injuries to key players, but it’s far too early to rule them out. Kay believes he still has enough quality at his disposal but it’s clear they must start getting the rub of the green. What they need right now is a fluky goal off someone’s tuchas or knee.
JC team news: Jason Lindsay misses out for Oakwood, but Josh Rose returns to the squad.
Venue – Clowes, Ref – M. Cohen
JC star man: Josh Rose (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 3 Redbridge JC B 0
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DIVISION TWO
FAITHFOLD C vs NORSTAR B
With neither Faithfold A, Faithfold B or Norstar A in action, don’t be overly surprised if one if not both of these teams gets a little help from their friends.
Both clubs are fighting tooth and nail to avoid relegation and it’s fair to say they need all the help they can get.
David Garson’s Superhoops haven’t played for the best part of a month and word has reached me that the manager has been working on a new defensive shape in a bid to overcome the fact that they’ve conceded an average of almost four goals a game.
Attack could be the best form of defence for Garson and co, especially if Adam Barton, Ben Simons and Matty Kleinman play.
Looking ahead to the crunch clash, Faithfold player-manager David Garson told JC Sport: "Hopefully my cup side will turn up on Sunday, not my league one!"
Norstar start the game just outside of the relegation zone, but the signs are that they will be dragged into it, especially if they lose on Sunday. Jonny Bunt’s men have played a game more than Sunday’s hosts and but it appears that the Stars gaffer has more pressing matters ahead of the game.
Bunt told JC Sport: “I’ve got a threadbare squad this weekend, but a big chance to get some points on the board.
“I have also broken my phone and only have half the squad’s numbers so it’s hard to know exactly who is available!”
I expect there to be lots of wheeling and dealing in both camps ahead of the game so the ‘Del Boy award’ rather than the JC Manager of the Week accolade could be up for grabs.
JC team news: Faithfold welcome back Scotty Ackerman, Adam Newman and Nic Viola.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – S. Ansher
JC star man: Ben Simons (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Faithfold C 3 Norstar B 2
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B vs CAMDEN PARK
There’s a mouth-watering game in store in West Hendon where title rivals Hendon B and Camden go head to head.
Camden go into the game with a four point lead at the top. They start the match six points ahead of the Hornets but have played three games more.
Josh Marks’ men could find no way through a resolute Glenthorne defence last week. It was the first time they’ve drawn a blank in the league this season, but on the plus side, it was their third clean sheet.
I think Sunday’s game will be more open. Marks returns to the squad which remains intact from last Sunday.
Looking ahead to the crunch clash, Marks told JC Sport: “I think Sunday is going to be a tough match.
“Hendon have done well in the games they have played, but they still have six games to play against the top half of the league.
“We’ve never seen them play, but there is a certain amount of respect as they are our closest challengers to the Division Two title.
“Promotion is the target for us this season, but now that we are so close we have our eyes on the bigger prize.
“The boys know that if we want it then we have to beat Hendon. I think Sunday will be a question of who wants it more. And I can guarantee that nobody wants it more than I do.”
It's clear that Marks isn't the only one in the Camden camp in confident mood. Here's what Nick Kagan had to say: "It's a really big game this weekend. Mainly, we're just looking forward to testing ourselves against the team who have the best reputation in the league.
"As I've said before, we've received a lot of encouragement this season from the powers that be, and that's all well and good. However, at the end of the day, the team's success will get measured and terms of results.
"This weekend we need to get a big result. The squad is completely united and all pulling in one direction and it's a fantastic feeling to have helped create and maintain that attitude.
"We're bang up for it. Bring on Sunday!"
Hendon have been scoring for fun in recent weeks with 19 goals in their last three games boosting their goals-for column.
Like Camden, they have rarely slipped up this season and their fans are delighted with their new-found confidence and consistency. The decision to drop down a couple of divisions is really paying dividends. They are building once more and heading in the right direction.
The Hornets will have experience on their side on Sunday, with the likes of Chaim Gothold, Gav Noe and Motty Korman complementing the free-scoring RA Noe.
Joint-manager Motty Korman can’t wait for kick-off. He told JC Sport: “We have not played in three weeks and no doubt will be rusty ahead of Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash.
“Camden sit at the top of the table and are the team to beat, but if we win our games in hand we still have a chance of winning the league, but a lot will be revealed at 12.30 on Sunday.
“I will be away this week and am leaving the managerial role in the capable hands of Chaim Gothold, but will no doubt be on the phone throughout the game.
“We are expecting a tough game against a young, fit and aggressive Camden team, but with all still to play for this season hope we can get something out of the game.
“We will not under-estimate them but know if we are play our game we are a match for any team in our division. We will need to be clinical in front of goal and take our chances.”
Sounds like it will be a cracker. All that is left for me to say is may the best team win.
JC team news: For Hendon, Arthur Caplin is injured and Pinty Baddiel is getting married in Australia on Sunday. Alon Blitz will face a late fitness test and the Reds are putting a lot of pressure on his physio - sister Dalia Nessim - to pass him fit.
Venue – West Hendon, ref – M. Fox
JC star man: Alon Blitz (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Camden Park 2 Hendon Utd SC B 2
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LONDON MACCABI LIONS B vs GLENTHORNE UNITED A
Jamie Kyte, the Lions manager, believes that all the pressure will be on Glenthorne when the east Londoners make the long journey to the Lane on Sunday.
This will be the third meeting between the teams this season and Kyte has branded it “the decider.”
Glenthorne earned a valuable point against leaders Camden last week, when keeper Bradley Grant was the star of the show. Stand-in boss John Lessem also praised David Levy, Adam Kantor, Joe Grant and Gary Tiller.
The Thornes turned the Lions over 5-1 in November, when Lipman fired a sensational four-goal salvo. I expected this to be much tighter on Sunday.
The Lions go into the game in good form. They’ve won their last two and hit the target eight times. If there is a more dangerous striker in the league than James Gold then I don’t know about him.
The boy Gold has been in red-hot form this season and the visitors will need to pull out all the stops if they are to tame the Lions.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Lions gaffer Jamie Kyte told JC Sport: “This week's game is the big one. We beat Glenthorne in the cup and they beat us in the league, this is the decider. They're pushing for promotion so this is a huge game for them.”
Top cat Grant has kept three clean sheet so far this season. He will be looking for his back four to keep Gold at arm’s length.
I can see the Thornes opting for safety first tactics and putting numbers behind the ball. There’s a chance they will play on the counter-attack and go in search of a smash and grab.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – B. David
JC star man: David Levy (Glenthorne)
DC Prediction: LM Lions B 0 Glenthorne Utd A 1
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DIVISION THREE
UJIA vs SHIRLEY PARK
With several star names missing, Shirley Park player-manager Dave Lusman is predicting a tough outing against UJIA.
Although his team starts the match two points better off with a game in hand, it’s clear Lusman is taking nothing for granted, especially with so many key players missing.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Lusman told JC Sport: “We have a difficult match ahead at Chase Lodge. We’re missing a few keys players, including Saul Conway, Nick Plotnek and Sacha Benfredj to name a few, but on the upside we welcome back a few household names to the fold.
“Park will still rock up with a capable squad to steal the points with Stefan Befredj, Simon Shelley, Dan Beckwith, Gideon Gold and our secret weapon leading the front line hunting for goals.
“As most of the UJIA crew consist of our circle of friends, the Park squad have agreed to take this one easy.
“We've agreed that once we've put past no more then five against Rolfie were lay off! Park life!
Like Newcastle in the Premiership, people have been expecting UJIA to tail off, but with manager Darren Rolfe in charge, I can’t see that happening.
Rolfe will instruct his troops to play with no fear. In they believe in themselves and nullify Shirley’s multitude of attacking threats then you never know.
Rumour has it that Paul Shamplina is also considering a return to the MSFL and I’ve heard that Rolfe has first refusal.
The U’s have beaten all the teams below they but not fared quite as well against the big boys. That has to change on Sunday or else Rolfe and co will be dreaming of what might’ve been.
UJIA player-manager Darren Rolfe has named a 14-man squad for the game. He told JC Sport: "This is a good fixture for us on Sunday off the back of our Barry Goldstein Cup win last week.
"We know a bit about Shirley and they have a good outfit and have depth and weight in their squad.
"I'm keeping my cards very close to my chest this week and I won't be playing games with Lussman, who is already making excuses that he has players missing.
"Nothing but three points is good enough for the U’s on Sunday."
I’m sure the Shirley boys are looking forward to playing on a decent surface at the Lodge and I expect them to come away with maximum points.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – J. Feenstra
JC star man: Dan Beckwith (Shirley)
DC Prediction: UJIA 2 Shirley Park 3
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DIVISION FOUR
ATHLETICO FINCHLEY vs BOCA JEWNIORS
Boca Jewniors go into their final game of their season with one thought. Win. Sefton’s Monk’s men have experience a torrid first campaign in the MSFL but they have one final chance to finish it on a high.
The Boca boys have lost 16 out of 17. Their only point came against Brixton B in November and they will be praying for a clean sheet to avoid become the first, and probably only team to concede 100 goals in the MSFL this season.
Two players that have come out of the season with credit for Boca are keeper Ryan Monk and striker Jamie Weinrich. Bu they might have to double park the bus on their goalline if they are to stop Athletico.
Zach Margolin’s Athletico have enjoyed their first MSFL experience. With three games left, they will go all out to ensure they don’t become Boca’s first scalp. I can see this resulting in an open and entertaining affair.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Margolin told JC Sport: “We have faced some tough fixtures in the past few weeks against the likes of Brady B and UJIA and have not won a game since we beat Raiders 3-0 in early January.
“However, we feel that is all about to change as we face the famous Boca Jewniors. This game could not have come at a better time as it is a chance boost the moral of the squad before our two massive fixtures in the Barry Goldstein Trophy.
“With Boca not having won a single game all season and with us putting up some great fights this year, we won't accept anything less than a victory on Sunday.
“I am sure the Boca boys will be up for this one as it is their last game of the season. However, with the likes of top scorer Ben Mandell out wide and the returning Andrew Greenwall Cohen pulling the strings in midfield, I can't see this one going Boca's way.”
JC team news: Athletico welcome back Adam Goldstein and David Tamman, as well as the long-awaited return of Andrew Greenwall Cohen.
Ref – A. Yuchetel
JC star man: Andrew Greenwall-Cohen (Athletic)
DC Prediction: Athletico Finchley 4 Boca Jewniors 1
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JC BARRY GOLDSTEIN CUP
GROUP A
Table
Shirley Park Pl, 1. Pts. 3
NL Raiders C Pl, 0. Pts. 0
SPEC FC Pl, 0. Pts. 0
FC Team B Pl, 1. Pts. 0
SPEC FC vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C
With players dropping like flies in training on Tuesday manager Laurence Conway looked into registering himself only to realise he had missed the February 1 deadline to play in the cup.
It appears that a mysterious lasagna bug has struck the camp, although on the flipside, Conway has been impression with the team’s acceleration into the toilet at the team’s training ground.
Looking ahead to their opening match in the competition, SPEC’s Ricky Lawrence told JC Sport: “Star striker James Segal managed to pick up cramp in both legs in a matter of minutes during the session, but has promised to inflict pain upon Raiders' cup hopes if given the chance on Sunday.
“Laurence is taking this competition very seriously and wants to lead the team out at Wingate come the end of April.”
I don’t expect there to be much between the sides on Sunday. They have shared a win apiece in the league with a Matty Bennett strike earning Raiders victory in September, while Conway’s warriors exacted revenge as recently as last month, with strikes from Dan Pike and the deadly Dan Cohen.
Raiders have failed to string results together since late November, but manager Oli Shorts and the ever-dependable Rich Abrahams believe they can go all the way in the competition.
They will leave nothing to chance and have A team star Jonny Shapiro in their ranks again on Sunday. Shaps is a calming influence who rarely hits a stray pass. The days of him being a box-to-box player may be behind him, but he never let’s the team down.
The midfield areas will be key on Sunday and Shorts will demand that his bucks up their ideas for a game where man for man, I believe SPEC have the edge.
Venue – Hatfield Uni, Ref – M. Lavender
JC star man: James Segal (SPEC)
DC Prediction: SPEC FC 2 NL Raiders C 1
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GROUP B
Table
Glenthorne Utd B Pl, 1. Pts. 3
UJIA Pl, 1. Pts. 3
Athletico Finchley Pl. 1, Pts. 0
Los Blancos Pl, 1. Pts. 0
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GROUP C
Table
Catford & Bromley Maccabi Pl, 0. Pts. 0
Faithfold B Pl, 0. Pts. 0
Jewventus Pl, 0. Pts. 0
Temple Fortune B Pl, 0. Pts. 0
CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI vs JEWVENTUS
There won’t be a dry eye in the house when Catford & Bromley Maccabi entertain fourth division Jewventus on Sunday.
The match features a hugely emotional return for the brothers John who play their boyhood club Catford in what proves to be an interesting match-up.
With Jewve doing what they always do, start poorly and come good later on, and Catford having some good results of late. It should be a close affair.
Jewve gaffer, Gabriel, the senior of the John boys has a full squad to choose from and is eager to prove his Jewve team are a match for anyone.
He told JC Sport: “I’m desperate to do well in the cup after a disappointing season in the league.
“I know some of the Catford boys and think they are a really good side, better than their league position suggests.
“But with star strikers Ami and Mike looking good, and other players beginning to really shine; including Mark Martell, Gary Conway and Nigel Someck, I think it will be a great game.”
Catford go into the tie on the back of their biggest win of the season. They finished in seventh heaven against Hendon last week and joint-manager Adam Lewis is hungry for more.
He told JC Sport: “We’re really looking forward to this game; Gabriel John is of course an old Catford boy so I’m sure he’ll want to get one over on us, along with his brother Reuben.
“We managed to get seven against Hendon, but still feel like we weren't at our best. We were even without top-scorer Jamie Sinai who'll be back this week and looking to add to his tally I'm sure.
“We’re expecting a tough game but we really want to try and progress and so we'll be aiming to go out and put in an even better performance than last Sunday.”
I think this will be a great one for the neutral. Goals are guaranteed and I expect Jewve’s big match players to make their mark.
JC team news: The Cats have a few players away this week, but a few more coming back who missed the Hendon match.
Venue – Norsemen FC, Ref – D. Lazarus
JC star man: Nigel Someck (Jewventus)
DC Prediction: Catford & Bromley 3 Jewventus 4
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FAITHFOLD B vs TEMPLE FORTUNE B
I expect second division Faithfold to have far too much for Temple Fortune B on Sunday.
The Superhoops currently lie second in Division Two but they will do well to finish in the top three.
But on Sunday manager Rob Shooman can forget about the league for 90 minutes as they look to make a rip-roaring start in the Barry Goldstein Cup.
Faithfold have won their last three games and are many people’s favourites to win the trophy. They are the top-ranked team in the competition after all.
The Green have kept four clean sheets in the league this season and I can’t see Fortune causing them too many problems.
Fortune’s league form has tailed off in disappointing fashion since the turn of the year. But player-manager Terry Jeffries will remind his troops that they reached the last four in this competition last year and they should certainly not have an inferiority complex before the game.
Fortune have enough quality and experience to make a nuisance of themselves, but if they concede early on, then they will be left with a real uphill battle.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – N. Burns
JC star man: Leor Harel (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Faithfold B 3 Temple Fortune B 0
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GROUP D
NW Neasden C Pl. 1, Pts. 3
Athletic Bilbaum Pl. 0, Pts. 0
Blizzard Storm Pl. 0, Pts. 0
Team JLGB Pl. 1, Pts. 0
ATHLETIC BILBAUM vs BLIZZARD STORM
The Baums hope to play Blizzard twice in the league next season, but for now, they will be looking to get off on the right foot in the Barry Goldstein Cup competition on Sunday.
The slate has been wiped clean and the priority is to claim a top two finish in Group D that would boost their hopes of a bumper pay-day and a place in the final at Wingate & Finchley.
The Baums go into the game on the back of a 3-1 defeat against Division Four title rivals Brady B. After the match, club mascot Baum Baum the elephant suffered a bad reaction and has visited the vet to ensure his truck can take another nervy 90 minutes.
Simon Linden’s Blizzard haven’t played in almost a month but the gaffer has been having dreams about reaching the final. A club insider told me he’s even tried on his smartest suit, just in case they get to Wingate.
Looking ahead to the game, an excited Linden told JC Sport: “It’s a big game, with a cup run firmly on the Blizzard mind.
“Bilbaum are going to be very tough to play against. They are top of Division Four and have a much better squad than last time out.
“I just need my team up for a big game, to show plenty of character and if we put in a big performance, I have no doubt we will bag the first three points.”
Sunday could be about the battle of the strikers with Blizzard veterans Oli Joseph and Stefan Simons up against Ed Green and Jake Gilbert. This battle alone should be worth the admission fee.
Points on the board are vital for both teams and it’s for this reason alone I can see it finishing honours even in a contest that promises five-star entertainment.
JC team news: For Blizzard, Seb Vandermolen is away, as are Josh Cowen and Jordan Hurwitz.
Ref – A. Myerson
JC star man: Joe Stolerman (Blizzard)
DC Prediction: Athletic Bilbaum 2 Blizzard Storm 2
