It's another big week in the JC MSFL, with the semi-finals of the JC Cyril Anekstein Cup taking centre stage as Lions host Faithfold at Rowley Lane and team-of-the-moment Camden Park entertain 2011 winners Redbridge Jewish Care in Wembley. Danny Caro looks ahead to all the big league and cup action, with South Manchester Sports Club joint-manager Loz Newman stepping forward to Challenge Caro.
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REPUBLIC OF FLIXTON vs CAMDEN PARK - MATCH PHOTOS
BRADY B vs FC TEAM B - MATCH PHOTOS
FAITHFOLD A vs OAKWOOD A - MATCH PHOTOS
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DANNY CARO'S MATCHDAY 26 OSCARS
REFEREE OF THE WEEK
Andy Myerson (Los Blancos vs Glenthorne United B)
GOAL OF THE WEEK - WINNER - SAM REEVES
SAVE OF THE WEEK
James Castle (Southgate Harmen) - a superb reaction to a point-blank header against Lions B
QUOTE OF THE WEEK - WINNER - JOSH MARKS
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PETER MORRISON TROPHY QUARTER-FINAL DRAW
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
JC CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP SEMI-FINALS
LONDON MACCABI LIONS A vs FAITHFOLD A
Faithfold’s treble aspirations will be put to the test when they make the short trip to Arkley to take on Lions A at Rowley Lane in what should be a right royal affair.
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson recently said his team’s Champions League match against Real Madrid would’ve been worthy of the final and the whole of north-west London will come to a standstill as two former Anekstein Cup winners go-head-to-head on Sunday.
Zuriel Solomon’s troops eased into the last four with a thumping 4-1 win over Premier Division rivals Oakwood, but the win came at a cost with veteran striker Daryl Phillips limping off early on. With Mike Pearson cup-tied, Phillips has been undergoing round-the-clock treatment in a bid to make the crunch clash.
One of the reasons Faithfold are still challenging on three fronts is that they have a number of players that have stepped up to the plate week after week. Dan Perkins and Sam Reeves have made a huge impression this season, while the qualities of Alex Kaye and Alex Taylor have been there for all to see.
But they will be asked some big questions by a Lions team that I’m led to believe will be the strongest they’ve fielded this season.
Looking ahead to the tie, Solomon told JC Sport: “We head into the semi-finals very excited and know we are in for a tough game.
“Lions will be looking to avenge a couple of defeats this year and we know they will put out a strong squad Sunday.
“They have had some good results and some bad ones but cup games are different. We will approach the game as we do all of them we will respect our opposition, but will work hard and hopefully progress into the final.”
The Lions warmed-up for the game with an impressive 2-1 win at North London Raiders. Recent signing Jake Doffman showed just why Andy Landesberg forked out so much for him with a superlative performance, but it was defender Dave Nezri who impressed his manager the most.
Faithfold have beaten Lions 5-2 home and away in the league this season but that will count for nothing once referee Martin Lavender blows the first whistle.
“This is our biggest game of the season,” Landesberg told JC Sport, “and to be frank, we will probably have available our weakest team. There are six players who are all cup-tied, so starting with last week’s 13 that takes us back to seven players, and one of those are injured.
“We have a massive task on our hands as a club on Sunday and I am not sure yet what the outcome will be in terms of personnel.
“What I can tell you is that James (Gershfield) and I will put a team together and they will be fired up, as the underdogs, and will take a ‘nothing to lose’ attitude into this game.
“Faithfold are a quality team, and perhaps we can use it as a barometer as to how far we have really come this season.
“I always feel confident that we can get something out of the game, it’s down to us to perform as we can on the day.”
The mind games have started. I have no doubt the Lions will put out a highly competitive XI. Make no mistake about that. I expect the likes of Tony Gold and Gershfield to line-up on the top pitch for what promises to be a top-quality affair.
The momentum is with Faithfold and even though some big names could be drafted in for Lions, I think Faithfold's winning formula will take them through in what will be a tight and tactical affair.
JC team news: Faithfold are without cup-tied duo Mike Pearson and Elliott Stern and they will give late fitness tests to captain Alex Levack, Dan Howard and striker Daryl Phillips.
Venue – Rowley Lane, KO – 10.30am, Ref – Martin Lavender (Games 16, Yellows 13, Reds 0)
JC star man: Dan Perkins (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Lions 1 Faithfold 2
LN Prediction: Lions 1 Faithfold 1 (Lions to win on penalties)
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CAMDEN PARK vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
This tie is one for the romantics as treble chasing Camden Park welcome 2011 winners Redbridge Jewish Care.
As you will no doubt read in Friday’s Jewish Chronicle, Josh Marks has worked wonders since taking over at Camden Park.
He overhauled an ageing squad and freshened things up with some of the finest young Jewish footballing talent. They are on a big upward curve and, as Rafa would say, enjoying a very good moment.
Any team reaching the semi-finals of the two major Jewish cup competitions must have something about them. Last weekend, they claimed a famous win over dark horses Republic of Flixton at Northwich Victoria – keeping the MJSL title favourites at bay for 120 minutes.
Keeper Yossi Lanning was the star of the show in what was a brilliant team performance. There were heroes all over the park, with Jake Saunders popping up with the winner deep into extra-time. Some people believe heavy legs could play a part following 120 tough minutes of football and a return journey to Manchester, but I don’t think they’ll leave anything in reserve when they take on the giants of Redbridge. Quite simply, it’s one not to miss.
Ahead of kick-off, JC Manager of the Week Marks told JC Sport: “Everyone at Camden Park - from the WAGS to the groundsmen - are really geared up for the game this week.
“We’ve never played a semi final before and are relishing the opportunity to play at Wingate.
“I don’t know much about Redbridge – judging from their current position they seem to be a mid table premier division side who have done well to still be in two cups.
“They’ve dropped points against five different teams this season – Hendon, Lions, Brixton, Faithfold and Raiders … which is not very impressive. And they know even less about us which will certainly be used to our advantage.
“Further advantages include playing on our home pitch, as well as our unbeaten run of eight games, on the back of a ridiculous team performance in Manchester, which included a clean sheet and lead our back four plus goalkeeper to be considered one of the best in the MSFL.
“Everyone’s fit, everyone’s playing with confidence and with the wind beneath our wings we back ourselves to send Redbridge back to Essex empty-handed.”
In Eilon Kennet, Redbridge have a manager that has been there, seen it and done it in the Anekstein. And his big match experience will be crucial for the trip to a Camden team in buoyant mood.
RJC will be littered with some big names but that won’t strike into Camden, it will only motivate them. When Steve Summers, Adam Stolerman, Ben Sollosi, Dan Lee, Adam Hakimi and co rock up, they will arrive focused and quietly confident their quality will take them through but they should know Camden have already taken the scalps of some good teams this season, including Haroldeans in the Morrison and Shirley Park.
One thing looks certain, Kennet won’t allow his men to underestimate Sunday’s opponents. He told JC Sport: “Camden are a team in form and, once again, we have to play a big game without a game the previous Sunday.
“It’s been a very frustrating season as far as our fixtures are concerned. This apart, we’ll need to be at our best, physically and mentally.
“However, it is a semi-final and we desperately want to be in the final, so as always, it’s up to us to achieve.”
I think Sunday’s tie will come down to small details. Camden have the wind behind them and an early goal would make things very interesting …
Venue – Ark Academy, KO – 10.30am, Ref – Neil Cooper (Games 14, Yellows 9, Reds 0)
JC star man: Danny Hakimi (RJC)
DC Prediction: Camden 1 Redbridge 1 (RJC to win on penalties)
LN Prediction: Camden 1 Redbridge 3
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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)
12 - Jonathan Green (Brady A +1 for B)
FC TEAM A vs OAKWOOD A (Double-header)
Regrets, they’ve had a few … My Way is definitely not a song on the hitlists of FC Team or Oakwood this season.
OK, the Oaks have had their fair share of injury problems this season, and we’re not just talking split ends, broken toenails. We’re talking proper football injuries – torn cartilage’s and the like. Oh, and they’ve also had a big fixture pile-up but that will ease after Sunday’s double-header.
The Oaks bowed out of the Anekstein when they were beaten 4-1 by Faithfold last Sunday. Joint-manager Ric Blank said the scoreline flattered Faithfold. He told JC Sport: “It's a case of being out but not down for us. We had started the game really well, competing all over the park against an incredibly strong Faithfold side. They have quality players but we felt we more than held our own in that first half and but for the wind would have been level at half time.
“Zuriel Solomon said they ‘got the ball down and played their football’ – I’m not so sure about that. I think Faithfold were better at clearing there lines and taking advantage of the conditions than we were. They have experience combined with real quality - that's what we need to strive for."
When I caught up with Blank this week, he had this to say ahead of the FC Team clash. "Sunday is our first double-header of the season and we're really looking forward to it. FC Team were promoted the year before us and we usually play them in a pre-season friendly so we know a decent amount about one another.
"Both teams have retained their identity (and large parts of the playing personnel over the years which is great to see. Team know how to play together and have obvious strengths up front that we'll have to contend with.
"We have had a tough few weeks - but we're a better team for it. I'm convinced of that. I saw the lads at training last night and they were up for it and determined to play good football and improve. That's enough for me.
"We have huge injury issues but we'll have a good side out come what may and to say we'll be up for it is an under-statement. Double headers are unbelievably tough for any side, but all we want to do is go out and do ourselves justice with our performances over 120 minutes. The rest will take care of itself."
Team have also had some problems but deep down manager Mitch Young will be disappointed by the fact they’ve lost more than they’ve won in the league this season.
They have fallen below the standards he has set although a talk from Barnet boss Edgar Davids this week might just have done the trick.
That’s not to say they haven’t had some highlights – beating Hendon and Faithfold are right up there – but I think that on Sunday they might have to settle for a win apiece.
JC team news: Oakwood look set to give Adam Levine a late fitness test after he hobbled off against Faithfold last weekend. Bobbie Cousins is available and Jonny Beilin is back after missing three of the last four Sundays.
Venue – Meadow Park, Ref – Stuart Ansher (Games 16, Yellows 11, Reds 1)
JC star man: Dave Cohen (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Team 2 Oakwood 1/Oakwood 2 Team 1
LN Prediction: Team 2 Oakwood 2
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A
Raiders will unveil a big new signing on Sunday and I have a feeling he could be the busiest man on the pitch.
L’Orange boss Rob Richman signed Team GB Maccabiah keeper Dec Green from London Maccabi Lions A this week and he will go straight into the firing line against the defending champions.
Green and co will try and stop Hendon moving nine points clear on Sunday. Looking ahead to the game, Raiders boss Rob Richman told JC Sport: “As I mentioned last week, resources are a little stretched for us at the moment, but that should not stop us doing are hardest to get a result against Hendon.
“They deservedly taught us a lesson earlier this season and I am sure they will be expecting more of the same this week.
“Despite losing last week, we were buoyed by our performance and we will be doing our utmost to make it as difficult as possible against an obviously talented Hendon side.”
Indeed Richman is referring to the 2-1 defeat at home to Lions last weekend. Dave Esterkin scored for the second consecutive game, but the heroics of the Lions keeper kept Raiders at bay.
With Faithfold in action in the cup, Hendon boss David Garbacz is looking to put even more daylight between him at their title rivals. The Hammers have only three league games remaining and maximum points will be order of the day on Sunday.
Garbacz told JC Sport: “The league table is so lop-sided at the moment. After Sunday we will have played six games more than Faithfold which is ridiculous. I know teams have cup commitments but even so something should be done to avoid this type of situation in future seasons.
“The danger, of course, is that when eventually they do play catch-up, some of the opposition might have lost a bit of incentive. This week we play Raiders who seem to be a vastly improved side from the first half of the season when we beat them easily at their patch.
“They are going well in the Morrison and have had some vastly improved results in the league so once again we will be treating them with the utmost of respect.
“We know that nothing less than nine points out of nine will be sufficient if we are to pip Faithfold to the title and so we will be going all out for the win from early on.
“I have been delighted with the way we have started matches in recent weeks. I think we have been ahead at half time for five out of the last six weeks and it makes a massive difference to deflate the opposition in that way.
“We have a full squad to choose from this week, which will be vastly different to next week in Manchester, but we will worry about that then. On Sunday we will be looking to fly out of the traps early once again and with home advantage there will be no excuses if we don’t come away with the win.”
Jacob Gold ran Raiders ragged in the first meeting between the sides this season, when Hendon hit Raiders for six. L’Orange don’t have many players in their ranks to keep up with the pace ace who will be keen to show the likes of Rik Sherman and Dan Grossman a clean pair of heels.
But it’s been young Yoav Kestenbaum who has been earning the rave reviews of late and he’s the man Raiders will need to stop on Sunday.
JC team news: Apart from Danny Kon, who is a slight doubt, Hendon have a full squad, apart from Alex ‘Sicknote’ Gilbert. Yoav Kestenbaum returns from University
Club chairman Jonny Adelman will take charge of Raiders on Sunday, with manager Rob Richman unavailable, and Declan Green will make his debut in goal.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Aaron Djanogly (Games 16, Yellows 25, Reds 5)
JC star man: Yoav Kestenbaum (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon 3 Raiders 0
LN Prediction: Hendon 4 Raiders 0
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
18 - Lee Cash (LM Lions A - 10 for Neasden A)
16 - Adam Stolerman (Redbridge JC A)
12 - Jonathan Green (Brady A +1 for B)
FAITHFOLD B vs UJIA
There’s a crucial relegation six-pointer in store at the Lodge on Sunday as the division’s bottom two teams lock horns.
Faithfold start the match two points ahead of the U’s, but they’ve played two games more, so you have to say it’s really a must-win for Rob Shooman’s men.
Faithfold last picked up league points in November but with Dan Stock now doing the business for the club’s A-team, they really need someone else to step up and take responsibility in terms of influencing games.
Scoring goals and conceding goals has been a real issue for both sides, but if you had to pinpoint a match-winner, you should look no further than U’s hotshot Assi Avital who has scored an incredible amount of goals in this division. He scored in the previous meeting which ended 1-1. A similar outcome second time around will do no-one any favours.
With games against Lions B, Neasden and Woodford coming up, UJIA have it all to do which makes three points on Sunday so important.
UJIA boss Ben Radstone told JC Sport: “We have no major injury concerns for what is a big game for both teams.”
It may not be pretty but I’m tipping UJIA to nick it.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Gary Silver (Games 9, Yellows 14, Reds 0)
JC star man: Assi Avital (UJIA)
DC Prediction: Faithfold B 1 UJIA 2
LN Prediction: Faithfold 3 UJIA 3
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GLENTHORNE UNITED A vs SHIRLEY PARK
Match of the day in the league sees the top two lock horns in Division One and there may not be an empty seat in the ground.
Glenthorne will be looking to complete a league double over table-topping Shirley. Craig Sanford, Craig Sanford, James Rubin, Josh Wynne and James Law were the goal men when the Thornes romped home 5-2 in September, but I expect things to be much closer second time around.
The Thornes are unbeaten in five and they staged a dramatic comeback against Camden last time out. They have an excellent record at home and it will take something special from Shirley to beat them.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s meeting, Thornes boss Sam Rosenthal told JC Sport: “We always look forward to our battles against the Shirley boys, but we're focused on coming away with all three points.”
Normal service was resumed last weekend as Shirley Park extended their lead at the top with a nail-biting win over Woodford.
Top-scorer Jamie Kent featured prominently once more, firing a hat-trick to pull clear in the race for the JC MSFL Golden Boot. Saul Conway scored the other in a crucial 4-3 victory on a day that title rivals Lions B slipped up.
Shirley start the game five points clear, but Glenthorne have a massive five games in hand, so this is essentially a must-win for Shirley.
Shirley player-manager Dave Lusman told JC Sport: “We have decent squad capable of giving Glenthorne a run for their money. Let’s see how it pans out.”
The battle between top-scorers Craig Sandford and Jamie Kent will be worth the admission fee alone. It’s definitely one to watch.
JC team news: Park welcome back Stefan Benfredj to the fold after a three-week layoff, but Gideon Gold and Saul Conway are out.
Venue – Ford Sports & Social, Ref – Michael Cohen
JC star man: Andy Levy (Glenthorne)
DC Prediction: Glenthorne 3 Shirley 1
LN Prediction: Glenthorne 2 Shirley 1
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SOUTHGATE HARMEN vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B
Harmen are enjoying a good spell at the moment and I can see them extending their unbeaten run to three games when they host Hendon B at the Mole.
Captain marvel Adam Velleman was their star man last weekend. He showed great composure to convert an ice-cool penalty in the impressive 2-2 draw against Lions B.
Keeper James Castle also contributed to the win with a stunning save in a game where Lee Greenfield scored Harmen’s other goal.
The Harmen boys have taken four points from their last two games and there is a new sense of belief that has galvanised the squad.
Hendon beat Harmen 2-1 in September with goals from Chaim Gothold and Avi Marcowitz but they are going through a bad patch and they have conceded 19 goals in their last three outings.
It’s hard to believe Hendon’s last win came on October 21 and the chances are that managers Motty Korman and Chaim Gothold are feeling the heat.
I can see Harmen crank up the pressure with another fine performance on Sunday.
Venue – Ashmole School, Ref – Martin De La Fuente (Games 12, Yellows 26, Reds 0)
JC star man: Lee Greenfield (Harmen)
DC Prediction: Harmen 2 Hendon 1
LN Prediction: Harmen 1 Hendon 1
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TEMPLE FORTUNE A vs NORTH WEST NEASDEN A
Both Fortune and Neasden still have plenty of points to play for but I think Fortune will hold all the aces when the teams meet on Sunday.
Lee Fegan’s men were ultimately well beaten by Chigwell last weekend in the first outing since the well-documented clash against UJIA.
Neasden remain in deep relegation danger and they can expect no favours from a Fortune team they battered 5-0 earlier in the season. Lee Cash (3) and Zack White (2) were the goal men for NWN that day but the pair have moved on to pastures new and, needless to say, the goals have dried up since then.
Fortune need to give their supporters and gaffer Fegan something to cheer about and I can see their fans going home the happier.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – John Feenstra (Games 18, Yellows 29, Reds 3)
JC star man: Jack Schofield (Fortune)
DC Prediction: Fortune 3 Neasden 1
LN Prediction: Fortune 2 Neasden 0
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WOODFORD WANDERERS vs LONDON MACCABI LIONS B
Jamie Kyte cut a frustrated figure at the end of last week’s match against Harmen.
Nine times out of 10, Kyte would expect his troops to beat the likes of Harmen, but they had to settle for a point thanks to goals from Adam Kosky and the ever-reliable Will Beresford.
On Sunday, the Lions can expect another tough 90 minutes when they make the long trip to Woodford. James Gold, the match-winner last time against the Wanderers, will be a notable absentee from a Lions team looking to close the gap on the top two.
Kyte was honest enough to admit “the scoreline flattered” his team as they came away with a 3-1 win.
Woodford have picked up since then and were unlucky not to come away with anything from their game against Shirley Park last Sunday.
James Ryan, Daryl Green and Darren Ezekiel were their marksmen in a 4-3 defeat and even though the Lions are somewhat “depleted” on Sunday, they have won their last three.
I think Sunday’s game will come down to small margins, the key one being how well Lions defend.
JC team news: James Gold and David Rose are still unavailable for Lions so Daniel Green has been drafted in.
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – Alan Russell
JC star man: Joel Reuben (Lions)
DC Prediction: Woodford 1 Lions 2
LN Prediction: Woodford 1 Lions 4
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
19 - Reiss Mogilner (Brady B)
17 - Adam Hersh (Los Blancos)
11 - Dan Hildebrand, James Joseph (both Brady B), Jake Gilbert (Bilbaum)
CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI vs NORSTAR B
Catford & Bromley did their chances of avoiding the drop a whole lot of good in a Jonny Lee inspired performance against Raiders last Sunday.
In the words of captain Adam Luria, “Raiders just could not live with him”. Lee and Steve Keller were the stars of the show, with Lewis Maleh finishing the job in a 4-1 win.
That timely victory has given the squad a huge lift ahead of Sunday’s relegation six-pointer against Norstar B.
Luria told JC Sport: “We're missing a couple of players but still hoping to have a strong team out this Sunday.
“A third consecutive win is far from a full gone conclusion against Norstar as they've been coming into form recently, but we'll be going out there to put everything into our performance and lift ourselves further to safety.
“We've only conceded once in the last two games and so we'll be looking to build from another solid performance at the back.
Norstar go into the game on the back of a 2-2 draw at Blizzard. Nick Benson and a stunning strike from Alex Goodman put them in pole position but the failure to halt Adam Speck meant they came away with only a point.
Manager David Lubczanski is pleased his team has started firing again but he knows they will be up against it as the Cats go in search of their first league double of the season.
Venue – Norseman FC, Ref – David Lazarus (Games 10, Yellows 11, Reds 0)
JC star man: Steve Keller (Catford)
DC Prediction: Catford 3 Norstar 2
LN Prediction: Catford 1 Norstar 3
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FC TEAM B vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B
With manager Ben Simon away and Darren Freed likely to be on paternity leave, it looks as though David Gordon will probably be picking the team this weekend, and there could be one or two surprises in store for the visit of Raiders B.
I’m sure that doesn’t mean Gordon swapping the gloves for a place up top but I bet that has crossed his mind!
Revenge will be the name of the game for Gordon and co as they take on a Raiders team who beat them 2-0 in mid-November.
But L’Orange suffered a shock 4-1 defeat at the hands of Catford and Gordon is keen to add to their woes.
“We need another couple of wins to pull away from the bottom and hopefully we can get the first of those on Sunday,” he told JC Sport.
“We need to start being more clinical and taking our chances when we are on top. It all came together against Bilbaum two weeks ago and hopefully that will be the case on Sunday.”
Manager Oli Shorts will be keen to put last weekend’s horror show behind him but on Sunday L’Orange will come up against FC Team side determined to bounce back from their six-goal demolition at the hands of leaders Brady.
So bouncebackability is the name of the game for both sets of players, although the emphasis is on FC Team to pick up points to move away from the danger zone.
JC team news: Paul Walker and Daniel Woolfe are unavailable for FC Team.
Venue – Meadow Park, Ref – Steve Levy (Games 12, Yellows 2, Reds 0)
JC star man: Mitch Lassman (FC Team)
DC Prediction: Team 2 Raiders 2
LN Prediction: Team 2 Raiders 3
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NORTH WEST NEASDEN B vs BLIZZARD STORM
Promotion looked in the bag for Neasden B a few weeks ago, but with Brady pulling away at a rate of knots, it’s squeaky bum time as far as manager Adam Levene and co are concerned.
Failure to pick up points in last week’s double-header against Bilbaum has left them in a perilous position meaning that maximum points are essential when they take on Blizzrd on Sunday.
Levene won’t be hitting the panic button just yet but he knows they can ill-afford any more slip-ups. Michael Irving scored all three goals against the Baums last weekend and Levene hopes he brings his shooting boots once again.
Blizzard boss Simon Linden showed his managerial genius to get his team out of a hole against Norstar B last weekend. The decision to move Adam Speck to the forward line paid dividends as he scored both goals in a 2-2 draw.
But chances could be at a premium for the Blizzard boys on Sunday in a game where the experience of Zak Presky will be crucial.
Neasden beat Blizzard 3-1 on the opening weekend of the season and a similar outcome is on the cards.
Venue – Copthall, Ref – Neal Cohen (Games 13, Yellows 10, Reds 6)
JC star man: Michael Irving (NWN)
DC Prediction: Neasden 3 Blizzard 1
LN Prediction: Neasden 3 Blizzard 1
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B vs GLENTHORNE UNITED B
The pressure will be on RJC on Sunday as I do something I don’t do very often – tip them to win.
There won’t be an empty seat in the ground at RJC’s Fairlop Oak ground as the east London rivals lock horns for second time this season.
Revenge will be the name of the game for the RJC boys as they were hit for six by their local rivals in November on a day the Thornes benefitted from the presence of A-team top-scorer Craig Sandford.
It was a memorable day for the team, co-managed by Liam Stein and Jordan Sapler, with Ryan Cole (2), Simon Bagel, Joe Grant and Zack Forbes putting the icing on the cake.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Sapler told JC Sport: “We have a lot of respect for Jon and the Redbridge boys - it's always guaranteed to be a good game and the 6-0 last time won't be repeated.
“They are probably the second best team in the league at the moment based on form and it will be a tough, tough game at the fortress known as Fairlop. We were unlucky last week and will look to rectify that this week."
RJC go into the game on the back of a terrific victory in north west London against promotion-chasing SPEC FC. Saul Green popped up with the only goal in what was a brilliant team performance.
Darren Brown rolled back the years with a vintage display at the heart of the RJC defence, but his qualities will be tested to the limit by Thornes top-scorer Adam Goldman.
Such is the importance of this derby that both teams cancelled their respective training sessions this week due to reports of spies.
It should be an absolute crackerjack of a football match.
JC team news: Glenthorne will be close to full-strength on Sunday. They are missing Jay Lawrence and Andy Herman, but Brad Grant returns in goal. He will take the place of the evergreen Neil Sapler who needs a week off after playing two games in the last 14 days. Jordan Sapler and Simon Bagel return.
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – Adam Lewis (Games 13, Yellows 8, Reds 3)
JC star man: Jordan Sapler (Glenthorne)
DC Prediction: Redbridge 3 Glenthorne 2
LN Prediction: Redbridge 2 Glenthorne 2
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DIVISION THREE
TOP-SCORERS
32 - Ben Zloof (AC Mill Hill)
24 - Jono Gaon (Tottenham Chutspah)
19 – Alex Elf (Hendon Utd SC C)
AC MILL HILL vs FAITHFOLD C
The race for the Division Three title took another twist last Sunday as leaders AC Mill Hill slipped up in a double-header.
Joe Levy’s men went down to only their second league defeat of the season as they were edged out by a spirited Loughton Orient in match two.
That has opened the way for FC Team C and Oakwood B to overtake them and anything less than three points against fourth-placed Faithfold C will lead Levy and co having sleepless nights.
Ben Zloof fired his 32nd league goal of the season as Mill Hill won the opener 2-0, but they start Sunday’s game with a two point lead, having played more games than the teams immediately below them.
Zloof cut Faithfold down to size when the teams met earlier in the season. He registered one of his seven hat-tricks this season.
Looking ahead to the game, Levy told JC Sport: “After disappointment of dropped points last week we will look to bounce back strongly.
“We have no fresh injury concerns so we are confident of getting back to winning ways. Plus it's always nice to beat your old team!”
But Faithfold go into the game in decent shape. David Garson’s men have kept clean sheets in their last three matches and with Ben Simons and Stefan Simons always capable of popping up with crucial goals, an interesting contest lies ahead.
Venue – Copthall, Ref – Robert Benardout (Games 17, Yellows 9, Reds 1)
JC star man: Loz Bloom (Mill Hill)
DC Prediction: Mill Hill 2 Faithfold 1
LN Prediction: Mill Hill 2 Faithfold 0
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BOCA JEWNIORS vs NORSTAR C
When the fixtures came out at the start of the season, the respective Boca and Norstar C camps would’ve marked it down this game as their best bet for a six-point haul.
As the rematch approaches, Norstar will be rubbing their hands, especially after smashing eight past Boca earlier in the season.
Josh Younger was the star of the show that day, firing a hat-trick in what, to date, was Norstar C’s biggest victory since joining the JC MSFL. , Ali Gordon, Alex Goodman, Andy Cohen and Adam Rosenthal were the other goal men.
Norstar were beaten 3-1 by title-chasing Oakwood B last weekend. Zack Gothelf’s men were punished following another slow start but by the end of it the manager came away reflecting on what might have been. On the flipside, he told me it was a big improvement on the 7-2 mauling they suffered at the hands of the same opposition earlier in the season.
Nick Haringman, Younger and goalkeeper Lee Benson impressed and Haringman and Younger will be encouraged to push forward as much as possible and test Boca stopper Ryan Monk.
The visitors have scored in every game since the second match of the season and they will get plenty of chances to test the reflexes of Boca on what could be another long morning for Jamie Weinrich’s men.
Venue – North Herts Arena, Ref – Barry David (Games 8, Yellows 2, Reds 0)
JC star man: Andy Cohen (Norstar)
DC Prediction: Boca 1 Norstar 4
LN Prediction: Boca 2 Norstar 6
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LOUGHTON ORIENT vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB C
The Loughton boys have been riding on the crest of a wave this week after becoming only the second team to beat a red-hot AC Mill Hill team.
Rob Silverman will go down in Loughton folklore for scoring the goal that condemned the title hopes to a rare defeat.
Now manager Dan Curtis is challenging his players to maintain that level of performance, focus and concentration for every game between now and the end of the season.
The midfield pairing of Jamie Sinclair and Josh Hambling worked a treat as they stifled the threat of Mill Hill for 60 minutes.
But Curtis wasn’t expecting any early Pesach gifts ahead of the meeting with Hendon on Sunday.
“We expect a tough game against Hendon who we narrowly beat earlier in the season 2-1. It was a tight game and I expect it to be the same again this weekend.
“Having said that, we feel like we have turned a corner the last few weeks and started to play like we know we can. We have won four out of five and confidence is the best it's ever been. The boys are buzzing after beating AC mill Hill and can't wait for Sunday to arrive.”
Craig Miller’s Hendon registered their fifth league win of the season last weekend with main man Alex Elf doing the business in a 2-0 success.
The performances of Gab Saul and Craig Philips also impressed Miller who had this to say ahead of the trip to E17.
“I enjoyed playing Loughton Orient last time. They were a nice bunch of honest lads. The only issue was we lost last time. Hopefully we can have another great game and take the three points this time.
“They seem to be on a bit of run and I would love to string two wins together for the first time this year.”
I can see Sunday being an open and entertaining affair between two teams who are best going forward.
JC team news: For Loughton, Adam Conway is back, but David Blitz is still out. They have no new injury problems.
Hendon are missing one striker and their regular left back, and are “not looking forward to the trip to Essex”. Miller said: “Luckily there is no spurs game on tele to get back for!”
Venue – Peter May, Ref – Howard Gould
JC star man: Rob Silverman (Loughton)
DC Prediction: Loughton 3 Hendon 2
LN Prediction: Loughton 1 Hendon 3
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OAKWOOD B vs JEWVENTUS
It’s another huge week for Oakwood, especially with Mill Hill losing last weekend, but having drawn 2-2 at Jewve on the opening weekend of the season, player-manager Ian Tussie knows full well that he can take nothing for granted on Sunday.
The Oaks registered their 12th league win of the season last weekend, when last time out and they will be looking to carry on where they left on against Gabriel John’s troops.
“The lads are really fired up for this one and raring to go,” Dave Eden told JC Sport. “Jewve held us to a 2-2 draw on the first day of the season in 30 degree heat, despite us missing 47 chances that day and we are ready to put that right on Sunday.
“Again, there is no Ian Tussie (a blessing on the playing side, but a real loss when it comes to sending funny emails to the squad), Matt Geey (cracked rib), Ben Myers (moved to Hong Kong - unconfirmed reports of escaping the clutches on Interpol) and Nicky Harris (the biggest loss as we are going to need a new linesman).
“Ric Blank was desperate to have Victor Librae involved for the 1sts this weekend, but we managed to fight him off and keep Vic for a place on our bench.
“Club financier Stefan Isaacs has promised the team a trip to Chabad in his personal helicopter on Sunday afternoon, for a lesson in baking matzah if we win. Just when I thought the lads couldn’t be more fired up, he has managed to hatchet it up a level. “
Jewve gaffer John has labelled Sunday as “a huge and immensely challenging game”.
We’ve seen glimpses of how good Jewve can be this season but John has struggled to get his team playing to the max on a regular basis.
He believe they still have a couple of big performances in them. He told JC Sport: “We have a full and strong squad and like the 2-2 earlier on in the season I hope we can give them a game.
“They have gone on from strength to strength and it’s a real shame we haven't.
“If we show we can live with them it might help us finish the season strongly and look towards next year.
“They are a really good side, lets put ourselves to the test ...”
With the business end of the season fast-approaching, Tussie and co know they need to up the ante. I can see them doing just that on Sunday.
JC team news: Eric `it was definitely a cross not a shot` Lewis (Oakwood)
Venue – Parmiters, Ref – Laurie Benson (Games 17, Yellows 30, Reds 1)
JC star man: Eric `it was definitely a cross not a shot` Lewis (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 4 Jewve 1
LN Prediction: Oakwood 5 Jewve 1
To be completed on Friday ...
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L’EQUIPE vs TEMPLE FORTUNE B
Mid-table rivals L’Equipe and Temple Fortune are ready to rumble at Copthall, with David Prager’s men looking to complete a league double.
Josh Lewis and Andy Burke fired L’Equipe to a 2-0 success just before Chanukah – the fifth time Fortune have drawn a blank this season.
L’Equipe recorded their sixth win of the season last weekend, when Julian Bohm, Josh Lewis and Mark Singer helped them avenge the recent defeat against Tottenham Chutspah.
Despite the result, the overall level of performance didn’t please Prager who told me he felt his men “played better the previous week, when they lost”. He’s some hard task-master!
Fortune have played well in patches this season, but they came out second best against Hendon last weekend.
This all points towards another L’Equipe win.
Venue – Copthall, Ref – Robert Caplin (Games 12, Yellows 9, Reds 2)
JC star man: Jules Bohm (L’Equipe)
DC Prediction: L’Equipe 2 Fortune 1
LN Prediction: L’Equipe 2 Fortune 1
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TOTTENHAM CHUTSPAH vs FC TEAM C (Double-header)
FC Team C will be looking to finish the weekend in top spot when they travel to Tottenham for a two-hour feast of football.
Team managers Michael Myers and Ben Gilbey hope Tottenham’s exertions in the Europa League has left them with heavy legs, and I can see David Cohen double tag team having a field day if fatigue plays a part.
Team had no game last weekend and they were delighted to hear that title rivals AC Mill Hill had slipped up in a double-header of their own.
The ball is firmly in FC Team’s court in terms of the title. They have two games in hand on Mill Hill and start the weekend two points behind them.
But Myers is taking nothing for granted. He told JC Sport: “This is the last of our double headers which have proven to be difficult for ourselves, but also for our main rival AC Mill Hill.
“We need to put in two decent performances on Sunday in both games to ensure maximum points. If we achieved this, we will be on course for the Championship.”
Tottenham boss Ariel ‘AVB’ Tamman took the positives out of last weekend’s defeat against L’Equipe. Simon Hakimian had put them ahead and although Adam Morrow found the net for the second consecutive week, they were unable to keep L’Equipe out and went down to their ninth defeat of the season.
After the game, Tamman told JC Sport: “I was delighted with the team's performance. They absolutely ran their socks off and we were very unlucky not to get at least a point.”
I would be surprised if Tottenham get anything from Sunday’s double-header, but you never know …
Venue – Regents Park, Ref – Andy Myerson (Games 17, Yellows 30, Reds 6)
JC star man: Mike Myers (Team)
DC Prediction: Chutspah 1 Team 4/Team 3 Chutspah 0
LN Prediction: Chutspah 1 Team 6
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CHALLENGE CARO RESULT
Week 1: Caro 4, Rob Richman 5
Week 2: Caro 14, Mitch Young 10
Week 3: Caro 20 (incl. 2 correct scores), Richard Slater 15 (inc. 1 correct score)
Week 4: DC 15 (incl. 2 correct scores), Phil Peters 5
