Matchday 25 of the JC MSFL season sees Chigwell Athletic boss Richard Slater go head-to-head with JC Sports Editor Danny Caro in Challenge Caro as Faithfold A look to book their place in the final of the LFA Sunday Intermediate Cup, while there are two big matches in the Morrison and a bumper league programme in store.
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DANNY CARO'S MONTHLY AWARDS: FEBRUARY
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JC FEATURE MATCH COVERAGE:
OAKWOOD B vs AC MILL HILL VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
OAKWOOD B vs AC MILL HILL PHOTOGALLERY
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DANNY CARO'S MATCHDAY 24 OSCARS
MSFL PREM DIV TEAM OF THE WEEK
GOAL OF THE WEEK - WINNER: BEN ZLOOF (AC Mill Hill) - CLICK FOR DETAILS
SAVE OF THE WEEK - WINNER: JAMES GRABINER (AC Mill Hill) - CLICK FOR DETAILS
QUOTE OF THE WEEK - WINNER: IAN TUSSIE (Oakwood B) - CLICK FOR DETAILS
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PETER MORRISON TROPHY QUARTER-FINAL DRAW
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JC CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP SEMI-FINAL DRAW
Camden Park vs Redbridge JC A
London Maccabi Lions A vs Faithfold A or Oakwood A
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
LONDON FA SUNDAY INTERMEDIATE CUP SEMI-FINAL
FAITHFOLD A vs CONVOYS FC
With their quadruple hopes over following last weekend's Morrison defeat in Manchester, Faithfold will be determined to emulate their great team of the 1990's and reach their second LFA Sunday Intermediate Cup final.
A 2-0 victory against Manchester Maccabi 1st was only the second the Superhoops have suffered all season and manager Zuriel Solomon and his men will be determined to right the wrongs of last Sunday.
With four key men, including Mike Pearson, missing, Solomon told me his team lacked a cutting edge against a well-drilled Maccabi defence, but with a full squad to select from, he has genuinely high hopes for their first-ever meeting with Convoys FC at Chase Lodge.
Faithfold fans will be looking for inspirational performances through the spine of the team, with keeper Ben Law, defenders Dan Howard, Alex Taylor and captain Alex Levack, together with Paul Babai and Alex Kaye in midfield, and Mike Pearson, Jonny Haik and Daryl Phillips to take them through.
Solomon told JC Sport: "We have a full squad to choose from this week and hope to put in a good performance. Last week is now forgotten and although we don’t know anything about our opponents we are excited by the tie.
"When you play in this competition you always know that the game will be physical and that we have to compete to get the result we want.
"If my boys are on it we will beat anyone as have proven, so we won’t under-estimate our opponents, we'll work hard and hopefully show a little bit of class which is what is needed in order to progress."
Convoys FC currently lie third in the Metropolitan Sunday Football League Ron Pope Premier Division. They've been beaten just once in seven league games this season and go into the Faithfold game with a 2-1 win over Woodpecker under their belts.
Another tight battle looks on the case so may the best team win.
JC team news: Faithfold's only absentee is Elliott Stern
Venue - Chase Lodge, KO - 10.30am
JC star man: Alex Levack (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Faithfold A 2 Convoys FC 1
RS Prediction: Faithfold A 2 Convoys FC 0 (A Levack double!)
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PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND FOUR
MACCABIAH MASTERS vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
Bouncebackability will be the name of the game for Eilon Kennet's Redbridge on Sunday as they look to set up a quarter-final trip to Raiders or Oakwood.
RJC went down to their fourth league defeat of the season last weekend when they were shot down 2-1 by Lions A in front of their own fans. It was a result that left a bitter taste in the mouth for Kennet and co as he felt that had they taken their chances, they'd have run out comfortable winners.
However, on Sunday they have the perfect opportunity to take their frustrations out on the Maccabiah Masters team at Rowley Lane.
Paul Linger fired the Masters into fourth round and managers Jamie Cole and Danny Jacobs will be looking to the former Charlton Athletic star to do the business again.
However, Jacobs was keen to play down the chances of the golden oldies when he spoke to JC Sport this week: "The Maccabiah Masters side go into this tie with no expectations, simply looking forward to another chance to get some vital minutes on the pitch together as part of their build up to Israel.
"Although missing several of their squad, including the Manchester contingent and Swead brothers due to Jon's wedding, those that are available will use the game to learn more about each other no matter the result.
"Sadly the Junior pitches at the Lane were not available; that would have at least given us a small chance!"
RJC are determined to win some silverware this season, and the cup competitions are definitely their best bet. And with Adam Hakimi, Danny Hakimi, Adam Stolerman, Steve Summers ad at least one Sollosi in the team, I think the travelling fans will have something to cheer about before the long journey home.
Ref – John Feenstra (Games 15, Yellows 24, Reds 3)
JC star man: Danny Hakimi (RJC)
DC Prediction: Masters 1 Redbridge 3
RS Prediction: Masters 2 Redbridge 3
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A vs OAKWOOD A
Sunday is the first of two massive games for Oakwood A. The trip to Raiders is followed by an JC Cyril Anekstein Cup quarter-final against Faithfold A and they have big injury concerns ahead of what could be a season defining couple of weeks.
The Oaks have had a couple of weeks to dust themselves down and recover from the 8-1 humiliation at the hands of Lions A. That result is history now and manager Ric Blank and Alex Schock will have spent the last week and a half trying to lift chins on the ground for the trip to Brunel. There was some good news for their fans in the build-up to Sunday when Blank confirmed they have snapped up Leeds Maccabi top-scorer David Woolman.
If the form book is anything to go by, then the clever money would be on Raiders, who beat Oakwood 2-1 in late January. But as we all know, form goes out of the window in the cup when it all comes down to who wants it more on the day.
Blank told JC Sport: "We resemble something of the walking wounded ahead of our cup tie at Raiders on Sunday. We lost Josh Rose to a head injury at training last night. He joins David Braudes and long-term injury absentees - Josh Bentley and Joshy Rubin - on the sides. Dave Woolman is cup-tied and Brad Wine is away, but we welcome back Dan Geey and Jonny Beilin to the squad.
"We had a phenomenal run in the Morrison last season and are desperate to do it all over again this year. Raiders, at their place, is as tough a game as there is in the MSFL. They know how to use that surface and catch teams by surprise. We are going to have produce one hell of a performance to get anything from the game. But we are up for it.
"February was a fairly miserable month for us. We want to show that we're good enough for this level and aim to put what happened two weeks ago at Lions firmly behind us.
"Those that are fit have trained well and spirit is good. There is no pressure on us. Our aim is to compete and show the resolve that has taken this club so far over the past few years. We remain, as ever, up for the cup."
While Oakwood reached the PMT final 12 months ago, Raiders fell at the semi-final hurdle in 2011 and manager Rob Richman will be keen to go one better. The team had a frustrating first half of the season but have shown great promise in recent weeks, with the likes of Jonny Hesselberg, Jamie Wolfson and Adam Joselyn catching the eye.
And with players such as David Rhodes and David Dinkin popping up with valuable goals, they will be keen to remind everyone how good they are and set up a clash against Redbridge.
Looking ahead to the game, Richman told JC Sport: I’m not sure either side is particularly looking forward to Sunday. Like Oakwood, we have a long list of absentees and will be very much down to the bare bones Sunday.
"Even though both teams are missing key players I know it will be a really competitive game and one that we will give our all to make sure we win."
As in the recent league meeting, I can't see there being more than a goal in it and it wouldn't surprise me if it went to extra time.
JC team news: Raiders' David Rhodes and Elliot Espinoza both picked up injuries last time out against Norstar and they join Lewis Blitz, Sammy Ross and Oli Henry on the sidelines.
Venue - Brunel, Ref – Richard Jaye (Games 12, Yellows 9, Reds 4)
JC star man: Rik Sherman (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Raiders 1 Oakwood 1 (Raiders to win AET)
RS Prediction: Raiders 1 Oakwood 1 (Oaks to win AET)
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JC MSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
18 - Lee Cash (LM Lions A - 10 for Neasden A)
16 - Adam Stolerman (Redbridge JC A)
11 - Daryl Phillips (Faithfold A), Josh Green (Norstar A), Jonathan Green (Brady A +1 for B)
DANNY CARO'S MSFL PREM DIV TEAM OF THE WEEK
HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A vs LONDON MACCABI LIONS A
Hendon have just four games remaining as they try desperately hard to keep hold of their crown and on Sunday revenge will be the name of the game as they look to settle a score with the Lions at Hadley FC.
David Garbacz's men returned to winning ways in the Jewish FA Cup last weekend, with strikes from Alex Rosenthal and Greg Corin enough to see off Woodford and set up a quarter-final trip to South Manchester.
The performance had Garbacz purring after the final whistle, although he felt there was room for improvement when it came to finishing. His men were denied a cricket score by the heroics of Ben Rosenthal in a game where young Yoav Kestenbaum impressed again.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Garbacz told JC Sport: "There is no doubt that the current form team at the moment are Lions. They have enormous resources to call upon, be it an influx of new signings or other Saturday teamers so we will be expecting an enormous challenge on Sunday morning.
"When we played them a few weeks ago it was a game of very few chances, but I do expect this match to be a lot more open as a draw is pretty useless for both teams.
"We need to keep plugging away in the league. Although Faithfold have many games in hand, we do have the points on the board and we have to believe that they will slip up on the way when eventually they play some league games. Our job is to stretch our lead as much as possible and put on as much pressure as we can.
""We have been excellent at home this year and I think Hadley will give us the edge in this one no matter which superstars they decide to call upon. We are also delighted to have Yoav Kestenbaum available this week. He was brilliant last week and really gives us something extra. We will be leaving absolutely nothing behind on Sunday and I’m hoping our extra incentive and desire will see us home."
Meanwhile, the Lions roared once more last Sunday, with young guns Jake Doffman and Nick Landesberg catching the eye in the 2-1 win at Redbridge. But it wasn't just about Andy Landesberg's wonder kids as Tony Gold, Aviel Schwarz and Danny Daggers were also on top form.
Things are really going well now for the Lions, under Landesberg and James Gershfield, and no doubt, they'll be keen to beat last season's treble winners for the second time this season on Sunday.
Landesberg told JC Sport: "It is a very familiar story - we get one huge game out of the way and we get another one waiting for us.
"There isn’t much to say that hasn’t been said about Hendon, a good team, with some real quality players. I hope to be able to play most of the same team as last week, with the exception of Danny Daggers.
"Hendon will certainly be looking to gain revenge for their Anekstein Cup defeat, so our job is to try and get even closer to them at the top of the division.
"I think we are all in store for a great game, the question still remains have Lions started to gain some real consistency. Sunday, and Rowley Lane will answer the question."
While Lions are now aiming for a top three finish, Hendon know that maximum points from their four remaining games would see them top last season's winning points tally by one point. Points on the board could give them a psychological edge so I think they will go for the jugular from the very first whistle in a bid to take the game away from the Lions.
JC team news: Captain Yoav Lebens returns for Lions.
Hendon's Ari Last is extremely doubtful with very imminent baby arrival duties while Greg Corin is also doubtful due to some sad family news.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Laurie Benson (Games 15, Yellows 25, Reds 0)
JC star man: Alex Rosenthal (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon 2 Lions 1
RS Prediction: Hendon 2 Lions 3
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
31 - Jamie (Shirley Park)
15 - Yishai Last (Hendon B)
14 - Richard Silver (Camden)
DANNY CARO'S MSFL DIV ONE TEAM OF THE WEEK
GLENTHORNE UNITED A vs CAMDEN PARK
Sunday is a "mustn't lose" for Camden, according to player-manager Josh Marks. Eight points separate them and second-placed Glenthorne, although Marks' men have three games in hand.
Following last weekend's memorable 5-2 demolition of leaders Shirley Park, in which hotshot Richard Silver was the hat-trick hero, Marks described the next three games as "season defining,' so I'm expect a big performance from his troops.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Marks told JC Sport: "There comes a point in the season where you realise – this is it. We sit here now, looking forward to the three games that could make or break our season. Promotion is already in our hands, but we beat Glenthorne and we can forget about them. We should win in Manchester and reach our second semi-final of the season. And if we beat Redbridge, there’s no way my boys would lose a final.
"I don’t want to choke at the last few hurdles, I want to prove we are winners.
"There is a lot of pressure on at the moment and I don’t want to say that we have to win … but we cannot lose."
Marks has done wonders since taking charge of the club. They have been on a big upward curve and there is no sign of nerves getting the better of them at the minute. If anything, they are raising their game at just the right time.
But they face a big, big test against an experienced Glenthorne team who warmed up for this crunch clash by hitting UJIA for six. Top-scorer Craig Sandford dropped a little deeper but still found the net once in a man-of-the-match performance, where he helped the in-form Dan Lassman and Fabio Revieccio fill their boots.
Manager Sam Rosenthal was delighted to players chip in with goals from all over the park and his players will be determined to complete a league double over a Camden team they beat 1-0 at the Ark, with Lassman hitting the winner.
No doubt, Rosenthal will remind his players they have under-performed in the recent home meetings against Hendon and Temple Fortune and anything less than 110 per cent won't be enough to stop a red-hot Camden team.
I think Sunday's match will be decided by small details. The battle between Lassman and Silver is key. In the end it could all boil down to which team keeps their discipline and wins their individual and collective battles. It should be a cracker.
Venue – Ford Sports & Social, Ref – Adam Lewis (Games 11, Yellows 4, Reds 2)
JC star man: Guy Fenton (Camden)
DC Prediction: Glenthorne 1 Camden 1
RS Prediction: Glenthorne 2 Camden 4
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LONDON MACCABI LIONS B vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B
Purim was no laughing matter for Hendon B this year as they were humbled 4-1 at Temple Fortune. Needless to say, manager Motty Korman and Chaim Gothold hope to put out a stronger team and improved performance.
It looks as though seventh place is the best the Reds can hope for and that would be a major disappointment given how well they started, but they are in freefall right now and must go back to basics ahead of Sunday's trip to the Lane.
And Korman knows things won't get any easier on Sunday as they look to get their first league win on the board since October. He told JC Sport: "Lions are the best team we have faced this season and in my opinion will win the league. They have games in hands over the others and not many go to Rowley Lane and come away with a result.
"Things haven't gone out way over the past few weeks especially last week as we were depleted due to Purim.
"We have players back this week and signed another two, so we're looking forward Sunday's game but we are under no illusion as to how tough it will be against Lions.
With games against Harmen, Woodford and UJIA coming up, this is an important period for Jamie Kyte's men. The manager will be targeting 12 points which would put them right in the mix.
James Gold, Sam Arghebant and Jonny Cutter found the net in the 4-0 win over Faithfold B last Sunday, a performance which Kyte described as "a joy to watch".
The Lions have won five out of six in front of their own fans this season and with the boy Gold in top form, I think it's safe to mark this down as a home banker.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Robert Benardout (Games 16, Yellows 9, Reds 1)
JC star man: James Gold (Lions)
DC Prediction: Lions 3 Hendon 1
RS Prediction: Lions 2 Hendon 0
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NORTH WEST NEASDEN A vs CHIGWELL ATHLETIC
Chigs boss Richard Slater has had a big smile on his boat race this week following the thumping 4-0 win over Neasden and as you can see from his prediction below, he's confident of completing a quickfire league double over Dan Hodes' men.
Ever the perfectionist, Slater told me "there's still room for improvement in the final third" after Dean ben Yosef, Craig Pearl, Paul Lenchner and Russell Yershon eased them home last weekend and with two key players returning to the fold, a fourth league win of the season is on the cards.
Looking ahead to the game, Slater told JC Sport: "Hopefully we can repeat the first half performance and final scoreline from last weeks game against NWN."
The Chigs have an incredible eight games in hand on table-topping Shirley Park. Win them all and they would join Dave Lusman's men on 35 points. That's a big ask, but nothing is beyond this talented Chigwell team for whom Greg Lautman has made a real impact since joining in recent weeks.
Brad Gayer has also turned into a real fans favourite since his summer move and with quality and experience running through the team, the signs are that they will finish the season strongly.
Neasden beware!
JC team news: Lee Hyams and Anthony Mendel return for Chigwell.
Ref – Warwick Blake (Games 15, Yellows 9, Reds 2)
JC star man: Anthony Mendel (Chigwell)
DC Prediction: NWN A 1 Chigwell 3
RS Prediction: NWN 0 Chigwell 3
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SOUTHGATE HARMEN vs SHIRLEY PARK
Shirley boss Dave Lusman is looking to get back to good old terra firma on Sunday as his team makes the short trip to Ashmole.
Despite taking the lead twice against Camden, they were ultimately well beaten as they returned from the 3G surface in Wembley with their tails firmly between their legs.
The only real plus was that striker Jamie Kent moved on to 31 goals for the season. He and Saul Conway have really done the business in the final third this season and Lusman hopes it was just a case of his back five having an off-day.
Looking ahead to the Harmen game, Lusman told JC Sport: "We have a few absentees but we have a decent squad. Harmen proved to be a tough team to play against last time round, and were expecting a similar battle. This one, realistically, could go ether way....park life!"
As Lusman said, Shirley were made to sweat in the previous meeting with Harmen, when strikes from Ran Subaru and the manager himself edged them home 2-1. Indeed Subaru's stunning strike remains in the top 10 for JC Goal of the Season - it was that good.
Harmen keeper James Castle was in top form in that game and he could be a busy man again. Harmen's experienced spine will be put to the test and manager Dan Uzan knows they must improve on their home form which has seen them return just one win from six. I've heard whispers their fans are starting to grow impatient as they continue to struggle for goals. Chairman Stuart Cohen is under pressure to sign a big name striker as they get ready to rumble against a free-scoring Shirley.
Shirley's destiny no longer lies in their hands, but Lusman and co will be determined to ensure promotion doesn't become a pipe dream. Although one or two may not be mentally ready for Premier Division football next season, the majority are and I can see them taking the battle to Harmen and coming out with the right result.
Venue - Ashmole, Ref – Martin Lavender (Games 14, Yellows 10, Reds 0)
JC star man: Saul Conway (Shirley)
DC Prediction: Harmen 0 Shirley 2
RS Prediction: Harmen 1 Shirley 4
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TEMPLE FORTUNE A vs UJIA (double-header)
Lee Fegan's Fortune go in search the six points that would boost their chances of a top five finish when they take on basement battlers UJIA in a two-hour football marathon on Sunday.
The boys in yellow and red gave their fans some Purim cheer as they dished out a 4-1 defeat to nearest rivals Hendon B. There were some excellent performances all over the park, with Josh Tiano, Josh Gilbery and Dan Orgel really catching the eye.
But on Sunday they will face a challenge of a different kind. Ben Radstone's U's are fighting for survival, and there is a weight of expectation on the shoulders of Assi Avital and Matty Radstone - their most reliable source of goals.
The win over Hendon put a big smile on the face of Fegan and he will be encouraging his troops to go for goals from the start.
If Fortune can do the business in part one, the rest should take care of itself in the follow-up.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – Andy Fridkin
JC star man: Josh Gilbery (Fortune)
DC Prediction: Fortune 2 UJIA 0/UJIA 1 Fortune 2
RS Prediction: Fortune 3 UJIA 0/UJIA 1 Fortune 3
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WOODFORD WANDERERS vs FAITHFOLD B (Double-header)
You've heard of a relegation six-pointer, but probably not a relegation 12-pointer. Yes ladies and gents, that's what's at stake for the players from Woodford and Faithfold on Sunday.
Dress it up as you like, a win apiece would be useful for both clubs but any talk of conspiracy theories are twaddle. I have no doubts both teams will go out in search of maximum points they know could help save their season.
We've seen the green shoots of a recovery for Woodford in recent weeks. The return of keeper Ben Rosenthal has turned them into a better proposition and if Mitch Hahn is available, you'd have to make them favourites.
Rosenthal was in top form in last week's cup defeat against Hendon. He pulled off some serious saves that really impressed manager Paul Hyams.
While Hahn is the talisman for Woodford, Faithfold have their own star man in Matty Kleinman, a top-notch experienced player who is determined to help them stay up.
It would not surprise me if Faithfold boss Rob Shooman put a man-marker on Hahn to stop his creative genius inflicting even more pain on a team low on confidence.
I can see Woodford taking it game by game on Sunday, leaving impact subs on the bench to come on and turn the tide in their favour. It's never easy winning both parts of a double-header, but if availability is good, I'm tipping the east Londoners to do the business.
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – Brandon Pieters
JC star man: Mitch Hahn (Woodford)
DC Prediction: Woodford 2 Faithfold 1/Faithfold 0 Woodford 1
RS Prediction: Woodford 2 Faithfold 1/Faithfold 1 Woodford 1
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
17 - Adam Hersh (Los Blancos)
14 - Reiss Mogilner (Brady B)
11 - Dan Hildebrand (Brady B), Jake Gilbert (Bilbaum)
ATHLETIC BILBAUM vs FC TEAM B
The wheels are in danger of coming off for Athletic Bilbaum. The team, managed by Ed Green and Mark Pasha, last tasted success on December 9 and are going through a spell that has wiped the smile off the faces in everyone in the camp other than Baum Baum the club mascot.
Things were going so well for them up until Chanukah but they seem to have found bizarre ways of conceding goals and losing games and need to put that right starting on Sunday.
One point from a possible six was not what the doctor or even Baum Baum ordered in last Sunday's double-header against Norstar B. I dare say it was a case of some players believing all they needed to do was to turn up to take the points against the division's bottom team, but they were left with egg on their faces.
If anything, messus Green and Pasha will use those performances as a wake-up call. They will want to wipe the slate clean and focus on their remaining eight matches knowing promotion is still a distinct possibility. Ben Bell was their matchwinner in the first meeting with FC Team B this season, a performance that Pasha described as "determined and resolute". More of the same will be needed on Sunday.
Team were thumped 4-1 by Blizzard last Sunday and manager Ben Simon knows things won't get any easier on Sunday against a Baums team that will be right up for it.
Four consecutive defeats means confidence has taken a big hit although they have recorded some impressive results against the top teams in the divisions.
The first goal will be crucial on Sunday and if it goes to Bilbaum, I can see there only being one winner.
Venue – Copthall, Ref – Martin De La Fuente (Games 10, Yellows 26, Reds 0)
JC star man: Ed Green (Bilbaum)
DC Prediction: Bilbaum 3 Team 1
RS Prediction: Bilbaum 2 Team 0
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BRADY MACCABI B vs BLIZZARD STORM
Josh Dagul called for calm this week in the aftermath of the 3-0 defeat against SPEC.
Be afraid. That's my message to Blizzard Storm who will face an angry Brady B at the Lane on Sunday. Dagul will be pleased to see the back of a SPEC team who completed a memorable double over the Brady boys.
Sunday's defeat was Brady's third of the season but they remain in charge of their own destiny as they start winning again. In an impassioned post-match interview, Dagul told JC Sport: "SPEC are a decent side, but we simply didn't do ourselves justice out there. They may feel that the league is wide open now, but that defeat has simply made us more determined to do what is necessary to win the league.
"It's still in our hands, and as long as that is the case, we believe in ourselves."
With home advantage, you have to fancy Brady against a Blizzard team who enjoyed their first win of 2013 last weekend. Seb Vandermolen, Michael Woolfe and Dean Shaw registered in the 4-1 win over FC Team B - a result described as "much-needed and well-deserved" by manager Simon Linden.
He went on to say: "We must build on this and start a run of form." However, I'm not sure if he checked the fixture list as Brady are up next and they'll certainly be no pushovers.
Blizzard played well for 75 minutes in the first encounter with Brady, but they were undone by late goals in a 5-1 defeat. Dan Hildebrand (2), Jason Davis, Daniel Harrod and Reiss Mogilner were the marksmen for Brady that day. Mogilner blotted his copybook with a loose penalty last Sunday but he has plenty of credit as far as the Brady fans are concerned and he'll be determined to make the headlines for the right reasons.
As I said at the top, Blizzard beware.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Steve Russell (Games 6, Yellows 17, Reds 0)
JC star man: Reiss Mogilner (Blizzard)
DC Prediction: Brady B 4 Blizzard 1
RS Prediction: Brady 3 Blizzard 1
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LOS BLANCOS vs SPEC FC
There's a mouth-watering promotion six-pointer in store in west Hendon where Blancos put their proud home record on the line against a buoyant SPEC FC.
Laurence Conway's troops claimed their result of the season last weekend when they completed an impressive league double over title favourites Brady B.
That result has lifted morale sky high but they will need similar levels of effort, determination and focus for the trip to Blancos.
Looking ahead to the game, SPEC's Ricky Lawrence told JC Sport: “After an excellent win last week against Brady B, we know it’s just as important to pick up another three points this Sunday against promotion rivals Los Blancos. The scoreline of 3-0 flattered us somewhat last time we played Blancos but promotion is in our hands and we are determined not to let it out of our grasp.”
Ricky Lawrence, Ashley Burns and David Newman earned SPEC a 3-0 win over LB earlier in the season and Burns has maintained an impressive goal-scoring run since. He found the net against Brady last Sunday, with Elliott Wallis and Daniel Amram sealing the team's ninth league win of the season.
That result would've made Blancos boss Adam Hersh stand up and take note. I heard reports Hersh had some scouts in the crowd and the Cinderella Hairena and he's spent the week going through the analysis with a fine tooth comb.
With games in hand on the teams above them, Hersh knows his boys can move to within a point of SPEC with the right result on Sunday.
He told JC Sport: "We have a full squad and are looking forward to our first game in over a month.
"Recent results in the league have gone in our favour so Sunday will see the start of us capitalising on that. Hopefully our match fitness will not be hampered by the long break."
SPEC FC are unbeaten in their last six games and have kept back-to-back clean sheets. Their away form has been solid of late and with Burns and Amram in top form, I'm tipping them to nick it.
JC team news: Unsurprisingly Simon ‘Sicknote’ Lee has pulled out of the SPEC squad with an injury after managing over an hour of football last week, however Craig Cohen and Nick Berman are back in the squad.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Robert Caplin (Games 11, Yellows 7, Reds 1)
JC star man: Nick Berman (SPEC)
DC Prediction: Blancos 1 SPEC 2
RS Prediction: Blancos 2 SPEC 2
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NORSTAR B vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B
All good things come to those who wait. That was what Stars boss David Lubczanski told his troops after they finally got the monkey off their back last weekend.
It was a case of 11th time lucky as they registered their first league win of the season, and a clean sheet to boot noch. Now Lubczanski must hope the dreaded JC MSFL Manager of the Week curse doesn't strike again after he pipped Josh Marks, Andy Landesberg and one or two other worthy candidates to the post.
He will do well to claim back-to-back wins however as Raiders are in good form at the moment and are blessed with attacking options many Division One teams rip off their right arms for.
In Nicky Woolf, Ethan Zone and Ben Hart, L'Orange ooze quality, with Toby Katz another quality customer.
Looking ahead to kick-off, Raiders boss Oli Shors told JC Sport: "SPEC winning was a big blow to our promotion push, however we must stick to our task of winning the remaining games. Norstar picked up four big points last weekend against a very good Bilbaum team and I'm well aware that the management team of Peters, Slavin and Lubz will have something up their sleeves this Sunday.
"My one hope is that Jamie Freed is playing as that will make our jobs alot easier. Aside from that we have for the first time in a while 14 players available.
"Unfortunately there are of course a few absentees, but we're hoping that Jonny Blain will have recovered from last week's knock.
Lubczanski will need no reminding what happened the last time the teams met. Sorry Dave! Dave Esterkin, Ethan Zone, Nicky Woolf, Jonny Blain and Matt Greene set up a 5-0 Raiders win.
But the chances are that it will be closer second time around.
JC team news: Nick Grosse and Rob Samuelson miss out for Raiders along with long-term absentees Marc Fineman, David Shamash and Michael Israel. Raiders are also set to unveil new signing Alex Waiman to their fans before the game. The former FC Heath star returns to the MSFL following a four-year absence.
Venue – John Lyons School, Ref – Stuart Ansher (Games 14, Yellows 8, Reds 1)
JC star man: Dave Esterkin (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Norstar 1 Raiders 3
RS Prediction: Norstar 1 Raiders 3
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NORTH WEST NEASDEN B vs GLENTHORNE UNITED B
Title-chasing Neasden B hope to complete a quickfire double over Glenthorne B when the teams meet in Mill Hill on Sunday.
Summer signing Bobby Abrams popped up with a crucial late winner in January and Adam Levene's men know that nothing less than three points will do second time around.
With SPEC winning last weekend, NWN dropped out of the top two for the first time this season and Levene and co know they must turn Copthall into a fortress in their remaining home games. They have failed to come away with maximum points from their last three outings at the new home of Saracens and with the race for a top two finish having turned into a five-horse race, there's no margin for error.
Glenthorne were unhappy with some of the tactics adopted by NWN in the first match and they will be determined to settle some scores. The east Londoners felt a point was the least they deserved until they were undone by Abrams' moment of magic.
The Thornes have slipped down to eighth in the table but still have time to finish the season strongly.
Looking ahead to the clash, joint-manager Jordan Sapler told JC Sport: "Sunday is a huge game for us and we have a near full strength squad.
"We feel Neasden got lucky in the last game, scoring the only real chance of the game. We know we can beat them and with the players at our disposal we know a win is within our grasp."
Glenthorne's last win came on November 11, a day after my birthday. Four consecutive defeats at Ford Sports & Social have hit them hard and they go to Copthall with nothing to lose. But when all is said and done, I think NWN will have just enough on the day.
JC team news: Glenthorne's Kay Lawrence will undergo a late fitness test and only Michael Winehouse is unavailable.
Venue – Copthall, Ref – Neil Cooper (Games 12, Yellows 7, Reds 0)
JC star man: Louis Taylor (NWN)
DC Prediction: Neasden 2 Glenthorne 1
RS Prediction: Neasden 3 Glenthorne 1
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DIVISION THREE
TOP-SCORERS
27 - Ben Zloof (AC Mill Hill)
16 - Jono Gaon (Tottenham Chutspah), Alex Elf (Hendon Utd SC C), Ben Polak (Oakwood B)
13 - Richard Fogelman (Jewventus), Terry Jeffries (Temple Fortune B)
DANNY CARO'S DIVISION 3 TEAM OF THE WEEK
AC MILL HILL vs BOCA JEWNIORS
Top takes on bottom in Mill Hill on Sunday with Mill Hill fans expecting a cricket score in a contest billed as Zloof vs Monk.
Mill Hill hotshot Ben Zloof certainly didn't freeze in front of the cameras last weekend as he produced a goal of the season contender in the 2-1 win over title rivals Oakwood B. Zloof took his tally for the season to 27 goals and he's expected to fill his boots against the league's worst defence this weekend.
Jason Shoffman showed great predatory instincts to convert Mill Hill's other goals and manager Joe Levy will encourage him to get forward at every opportunity. With Rob Kleinman leading by example, home fans will want their heroes to attack, attack, attack as they come up against a keeper who has earned rave reviews week in, week out this season.
Ahead of the game, Levy told JC Sport: "After the massive victory over Oakwood last week, we are looking to keep this incredible win streak going. We feel that with FC Team faces some tricky double-headers that the title is far from decided and we will aim to continue winning to the pressure up.
"We played Boca recently and they are not as bad as perhaps the table indicates. We will be taking nothing for granted and I am confident that if we play our usual free flowing football that we can ensure victory."
It's something of a miracle Boca have managed to hold on to no. 1 Ryan Monk. He was beaten nine times against Jewventus last Sunday but prevented the scoreline being doubled.
But it appears the Boca stopper had more pressing matters ahead of the game, with a mass debate over the kick-off time.
I sincerely hope this match goes ahead and isn't settled off the pitch.
Venue – Copthall, Ref – Laurence Thorne (Games 12, Yellows 18, Reds 0)
JC star man: James Levy (Mill Hill)
DC Prediction: Mill Hill 7 Boca 0
RS Prediction: Mill Hill 8 Boca 1
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB C vs FAITHFOLD C (Double-header)
Faithfold boss David Garson was broiges that he didn't win JC Quote of the Week and the long-standing veteran didn't hold back at his midweek press conference ahead of the double-header with Hendon C.
Garson's troops claimed four points out of a possible six in last week's two-hour marathon against Tottenham Chutspah, when goal-poacher Ben Simons scored in both matches.
The Superhoops will be confident of doing what is needed to finish the weekend in fourth spot and there could be a legendary figure in their ranks to give them a helping hand.
Garson told JC Sport: "I can confirm that the rumour is true and that Faithfold legend Roland Faith has made the long journey over from Miami and signed in time to make the bench for this massive mid-table Division 3 clash. I am expecting him to be rather slimmer than the rest of us as it has been a milder winter there. I am concerned though as no pictures post 2007 of him can be found anywhere on Facebook!
"The C teams first ever game was at west Hendon and despite the disgusting changing rooms and bumpy pitches we have never lost a double-header there post Purim."
Hendon also have their sights set on fourth place and manager Craig Miller believes his team may struggle in their first-ever double-header.
Asked for his hopes for Sunday, he told JC Sport: "We are a bunch of old men and two hours of football means we will likely need a defib on stand by. My hopes are to not use that defib"
"Six points would be massive but it's a lottery who knows!"
The battle between Ben Simons and Alex Elf will be worth the admission fee alone and I hope the Hustlers remember to give Faith the guard of honour.
JC team news: Garson reports: "Goalkeeper Justin Simons will play and to his relief missus the NCT breast-feeding class, brother Stefan had offered to take his place, but plays instead (once explained what it is) However, Charlie Resnick is now absent ....
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Paul Dobkin (Games 7, Yellows 13, Reds 2)
JC star man: Roland Faith (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Hendon C 2 Faithfold C 3/Faithfold C 2 Hendon C 3
RS Prediction: Hendon C 2 Faithfold C 2
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LOUGHTON ORIENT vs JEWVENTUS (Double-header)
"One more season." Those were the magical words uttered by Jewve player-manager Gabriel John in an exclusive interview earlier this week.
There had been growing speculation that the ambitious John would call it a day at the end of this season but clearly, the 9-3 win over Boca gave him some food for thought.
With Mark Martell rolling back the years to fire a hat-trick, and Dan Ezra adding another three to boot, it capped a momentous morning for John who did everything but score.
The million dollar question now is, will he feel the same around midday on Sunday after a double-header in E17?
The acquisition of goalkeeper-turned-centre-half Dan Cohen is proving to be a terrific piece of business. He has one of the biggest clearances in the league and makes a mean shwarma too (I've been told)!
The Jewve boys are one of a number with their eyes on a fourth place finish and six points would do nicely here.
Asked for his hopes for Sunday, John told JC Sport: "No hopes, but demands for six points. After a really good showing for 75 minutes I'm confident we can do well against a side which has fared all to similar to us this year, good mixed with bad."
Dan Curtis' Loughton claimed their biggest win in MSFL history last time out and Jaimie Sinclair and Barry Green will look to carry on where they left off against Boca.
No doubt they will find things a lot tougher on Sunday, against a Jewve team for whom Gary Conway and Bobsie Cohen are turning into the Ferdinand and Vidic of Division Three.
But Curtis is confident his troops can come away from Walthamstow with something to show for their efforts. He told JC Sport: "We see this as a crucial weekend and it will have a big impact on how we finish the season.
"This double-header could define whether we are pushing for a top five finish or scrambling around the wrong end of the table."
I can see there being plenty of goals and talking points but it would surprise me if one team came away with maximum points.
JC Big Match Odds
Martell hat-trick - 250-1
John goal - 25-1
D. Cohen goal - 50-1
B. Cohen goal - 12-1
James A to deliver as many world-class crosses as last week - Evns
Bobsie and Gary to wind up the gaffer - BOOK CLOSED
Dan Ezra to cover 10 miles+ - 4-1 ON
Aron Taylor to make goal-scoring return - 11-10
JC team news: Loughton welcome back goalkeeper Marc Jacobs from injury. Also back in the squad are Nicky Stone and Matt Conway but James Lester is unavailable.
Venue – Peter May, Ref – Alan Russell
JC star man: Bobsie Cohen (Jewve)
DC Prediction: Loughton 2 Jewve 4/Jewve 2 Loughton 2
RS Prediction: Loughton 2 Jewve 3
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OAKWOOD B vs NORSTAR C
I managed to grab Oakwood manager Ian Tussie for a few words before he left the UK for two weeks for a fact-finding mission. Rumour has it he's off to the Jewish Museum of Sporting Quotes to find some new pearlers to impress me with!
Defeat against Mill Hill was a bitter pill to swallow for the Oakwood boys but Tussie hopes that normal service is resumed. At the back of his mind though, he may fear that if they win and win well on Sunday, he might struggle to get back in the hotseat! As they say, you should never change a winning team ...
A tense Tussie told JC Sport: "It's a big game Danny for sure but unfortunately i won't be there as ive been suspended by the club as they investigate claims made by two of our players that i had dropped them because they are Ashkenazim. To say i am appalled is an understatement Danny and I'd like to go on record and state that I've never judged a player on anything other than their first touch.
"It is well-known that i am a devout Sephardi and have been charged in the past for sectarian/pro-Sephardi chanting but these claims are totally untrue and i am confident the club will side with me and I can return in due course.
"In my absence David Eden will be running things along with club owner Stefan Isaacs. I'm sure they will prepare the lads well for what will be a tough test. I will be ringing the changes following the defeat to AC Mill Hill and am looking for a reaction from the lads and hope Dave and Stefan call me up with good news on Sunday."
Tussie, Eden and Isaacs were in seventh heaven the last time the mighty Oaks played Norstar C. Ben Polak went home with the matchball after firing a hat-trick but it wouldn't surprise me if Zack Gothelf and David Domb have done their homework this time and assign Dan Tannenbaum with a man-marking role.
Gothelf promised Norstar fans after the 7-2 mauling that his players would push Oakwood closer second time around, but after last week's result against Oakwood, that will be easier said than done.
Norstar have claimed four wins in their first season but they have yet to beat one of the big boys. They went down 4-2 against Temple Fortune B last weekend and will find the going just as tough on Sunday.
Venue – Parmiters, Ref – Martin Fox (Games 15, Yellows 16, Reds 1)
JC star man: Charlie 'now that's how to take a pen' Cohen (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood B 3 Norstar C 1
RS Prediction: Oakwood B 4 Norstar C 1
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TEMPLE FORTUNE B vs FC TEAM C (Double-header)
It was no surprise to hear FC Team C joint-manager Michael Myers moaning about double-headers after they dropped points against L'Equipe last Sunday.
Ice baths have been order of the day in the yellow and blue camp this week as they prepare for another marathon in the MSFL's version of the Krypton Factor.
They won part won against L'Equipe 2-1 with goals from Oli Senchal and David Joseph Cohen but could find no way through in part two.
It would not surprise me if Ben Gilbey and Myers left an impact sub or two on the bench and that could mean a super-sub role for one of the David Cohens.
Fortune go into the game on the back of a morale-boosting 4-2 win over Norstar B. Manager Terry Jeffries believes his players are building up a head of steam and can put another dent into Team's title hopes.
Jeffries told JC Sport: "We have a few doubts this weekend but will be hoping to build on last Sundays win."
FC Team have a younger squad, man for man, but Fortune will be fresh and out to cause an upset. Now that would really put the cat among the pigeons.
Venue – Roger Bannister Sports Centre, Ref – Barry David (Games 8, Yellows 2, Reds 0)
JC star man: John Kemp (Fortune)
DC Prediction: Fortune B 1 Team C 2/Team C 2 Fortune B 2
RS Prediction: Fortune B 3 Team C 3
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TOTTENHAM CHUTSPAH vs L’EQUIPE
Just three points separate Tottenham and L'Equipe and Ariel Tamman's men will be looking to close the gap when the teams meet in central London on Sunday.
Indeed it's a big weekend for the people of Tottenham with many fans racing over to White Hart Lane for another London derby straight after the final whistle.
The Chutspah boys went from a high to a low in what was their first-ever MSFL double-header last weekend, as a double from Jono Gaon earned them a point against an experienced Faithfold C team in part one. But the less said about the follow-up the better!
All joking aside, it's been a tough first season for Tamman and co but I'm sure they'll continue to take the positives out of it, especially as they earned a double-page feature in a leading German football magazine.
Tamman is still ruing the fact his team couldn't hold on for a win in the opener last week. He told JC Sport: "We were very unfortunate not to take a win as they scored in the last two minutes of the game. But I was much more impressed with our performance last week as we put in a good fight for our money in the first game. But in the second fatigue got to us and we failed to produce the same amount of effort.
"It is very strenuous for players who play both games in one morning but it is something we are going to have to take as a challenge and improve our fitness.
"Overall though I'm proud of my team and think that we showed fighting spirit and I hope we can do the same against L'Equipe."
David Prager's impressed in their double-header against title-chasing FC Team C last Sunday. A 2-1 defeat was followed by a goalless draw and they can certainly take many positives out of those two hours of football. Not many sides have stopped Team from scoring this year and they will be looking to take six points from Sunday's meeting with Tottenham.
Sunday will come down to a war of attrition, but with Gaon and Andy Burke going head-to-head, it could be a great one for the neutrals.
Venue – Regents Park, Ref – Quentin Fox (Games 9, Yellows 11, Reds 0)
JC star man: Jono Gaon (Tottenham)
DC Prediction: Tottenham 1 L/Equipe 2/L'Equipe 1 Tottenham 1
RS Prediction: Tottenham 1 L’Equipe 2
