The JC League Cup gets under way with some of the minnows looking to grab the headlines, while the league programme has thrown up some exciting fixtures. Elsewhere, FC Team A will be flying the flag in the Intermediate Cup. Danny Caro looks ahead to all the action.
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JC REFEREES OF THE WEEK
Adam Myerson (Faithfold B vs Faithfold C)
Adam Lewis (Redbridge JC A vs FC Team A)
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JC HERO OF THE WEEK
Rob Richman and David Simnock (North London Raiders C)
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW START HERE
LONDON FA INTERMEDIATE SUNDAY CUP ROUND ONE
FC TEAM A vs APOEL FC
The Intermediate Cup comes at a good time for Mitch Young’s men following back-to-back defeats in the MSFL.
FC Team are not used to losing matches and even though they have given a good account of themselves, and not been over-run, it is clear that adjustments need to be made.
As you’d expect, Young is taking it all in his stride. He told JC Sport: “After playing last year’s champions and runners-up in the first two games, this will be a nice break for the boys.
“I hope the boys have learnt a lot from our first two game. Now it's time to move on.
“Apoel beat Redbridge in this cup last year so it will be difficult but I have learnt we need to attack teams a lot more and we may be trying out a new formation to show this.”
That could be music to the ears of Shai Davidi who has started the season well. He and Danny Moss have the potential to frighten the lives out of teams although keeper David Grossman hopes that the new formation does not leave them short at the back.
For the boys who represented the club in the Middlesex County League last season, this will be a good workout while for those new to the non-Jewish stage, it will be a step up.
JC team news: For FC Team, striker Richard Salmon will be rested as he has been playing nursing an injury. Ollie Segal is still out, while David Ossack could make his debut.
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JC MSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
2 - Adam Bolle (Redbridge A), Jamie Wolfson (NL Raiders A), David Dinkin (NL Raiders B), Jon Ellis
BRADY MACCABI A VS NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B
There’s a cracker in store down the Lane when newly promoted Brady take on Raiders B.
While Josh Rosenfeld’s troops had the weekend off, Rob Richman’s men made a flying start with a 4-2 victory in the derby against their A team.
Strikes from David Dinkin (2), Nicky Woolf and Mike Hershman wrapped up the points in a deserved victory.
I was hugely impressed by the Bs with Hershman looking the part in the top-flight. I have no doubt he will terrorise defences across the division with his pace, while Dinkin, the man dubbed the Kosher Pele, looks a good bet for 20 goals this term.
Added to that, midfield powerhouse Gilad Kestenbaum continues to receive requests for his new Roberto Carlos-style corner routine. Believe me, it’s worth the admission fee alone.
Going by last weekend’s performance, L’Orange are set for a good season with Alex Bloch, Dave Grossman, Stuart Haring, Elliot Espinoza, Dave Esterkin and Jonny Hesselberg giving keeper David ‘Simmo’ Simnock good protection. Oh, and they still have captain Rik Sherman and wonder kid Shim Bensoor to come back.
Rob Richman, the Raiders boss, told JC Sport: "We played Brady three times last season and on each occasion they gave us a really tough contest.
"Since then Josh has improved his squad further and I wouldn't be surprised if they have a very successful season this time round.
"We are pleased we opened our campaign with a victory last weekend but we will need to play better if we are to pick up points on a regular basis."
Raiders got the better of Brady last season, but Rosenfeld has been busy adding quality to his squad.
Brady fans liked what they saw on the opening day of the season – a 3-1 win over Lions – and now they are hungry for more.
Looking ahead to Sunday, he told JC Sport: “I’m expecting a very tough game against a very organised side. They had a great result last week and will be looking forward to the game.
“We are struggling with quite a few away this week. All four are a huge loss for us. We are upbeat and looking forward to playing again after having a week off last week and we are extremely positive.”
Given Brady’s high-profile list of absentees, I can see Raiders snatching it late on.
JC team news: For Brady, Josh Hershman (suspended), Alex Hershman, Jon Ellis and Jon Green miss out, but Danny Cohen returns to the squad.
For Raiders, captain Rik Sherman comes back into the squad after missing last week's victory versus the A team. Gilad Kestenbaum drop's out this week due to his sister's wedding.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – W. Blake
JC star man: Alex Bloch (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Brady Maccabi A 1 NL Raiders B 2
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A vs SOUTHGATE HARMEN A
David Garbacz, the manager of Hendon, will looking for a reaction when the Hammers take on Harmen in Arkley.
Very few people predicted that his team would come a cropper against the Lions, and the bookies had a field day.
I expect the Reds to come out like a wounded animal and pen them into their half for long spells.
Garbacz gave a brutally honest assessment after the Lions defeat."We were never at the races,” he told JC Sport. “We were well beaten by a good young Lions side who looked like they wanted it more than us.
"Perhaps we underestimated them but there are simply no easy games in this division.
"We will hope this acts as a cruel wake up call and we need to re-group quickly.”
That defeat will quickly be forgotten about assuming they get back on the winning trail on Sunday.
"This week we are severely depleted," said Garbacz. "We are missing Alex Rosenthal, Alex Gilbert, Motti Colman, Dovid Korman and Yoav Kestenbaum through a variety of reasons; the only decent one being Dovid Korman who is getting married on Sunday to Lord Kestenbaum's beautiful daughter.
"I suppose Yoav has a half decent excuse as well then. We are also missing Ben Kon, who is injured, and Greg Corin is doubtful.
"We have even had to draft in ex-boss Benjy Wreshner to the squad as we are so depleted.
"Clearly, we are up against it for Sunday. The squad is disappointingly thin on the ground this week plus we need to bounce back from last week's poor performance.
"We will need to regain belief and confidence and the players that are available have a massive job ahead of them.
"Harmen will be very tough but we owe it to ourselves to put in a far better showing if we are to be serious title contenders this year."
On the surface, this game has home banker written all over it, especially when you consider that Harmen have lost their first two games.
However, you may fall over when you hear who they have just signed. If you thought Alex Ferguson bought well over the summer, then get this – Team GB superstars Matt Davis and Craig Ellis have just joined, so this may not be the stroll in the park for Hendon than many would expect.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Uzan, who was reportedly seen chatting to mega-agent Pini Zahavi earlier this week, which could explain a thing or two, told JC Sport: “We know that we are facing tough opposition. Hendon is a team we have a lot of respect for. They are extremely well organised and difficult to break down.
“We know that they will be missing their key man Alex Rosenthal so we will look to exploit that.”
It’s clear that Uzan has done his homework.
Speaking about his two stellar additions, he had this to say. “We are hoping to have our new signing Craig Ellis available to play as well as Matt Davis.
“We have made some great signings recently, but we still have players away and injured, and the players are all getting to know each other.
"I think it's only a matter of time before we start to gel and get some much needed points on the board.”
So, if you were contemplating going to Brent Cross on Sunday to buy the missus a new Rosh Hashanah outfit, think again.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – T. McEvoy
JC star man: Craig Ellis (Harmen)
DC Prediction: Hendon Utd SC A 3 Southgate Harmen A 2
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A vs NORTH WEST NEASDEN A
The mind games have started as Raiders and Neasden lock horns for the first time this season.
The teams shared a win apiece last term but it's Neasden go into Sunday’s clash as the favourites.
Without a game last week, manager Darren Yarlett and Lee Cash made a winning start with new striker Jason Lindsay and Elliott Stern on target in a 2-1 win over Harmen.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Yarlett told JC Sport: “We have 15 players unavailable for the game and will only have enough for a six-a-side.”
The visitors have great quality in their squad with keeper Max Shields one of the best shot-stoppers in the league.
Dave Fox has really made a name for himself since moving from goal to right-back, while the central defensive pairing of Kyle Bentwood and Scott Shindler take no prisoners. They also score their fair share of goals.
Brad Sharp loves bursting forward and could be a thorne in the Raiders side. I’m also looking forward to seeing Adam Klein. He was a real star at the European Maccabi Games in Vienna, and I’m not only talking on the pitch.
In Jake Gottlieb, Neasden have the flexibility to play him at left-back or in the middle of the park. Wherever he plays, it’s common knowledge that he’s a class act, and a real threat at set-pieces. There is no better left peg in the MSFL.
It is hard to find a weak link in the Neasden squad. Summer signings Paul Babai, a player I’m a big fan of, and Jonny Haik will give them another dimension. The prospect of Babai and Gottlieb in the middle of the park could leave some having sleepless nights.
Added to that, there’s Danny Daggers – a player that has been there, seen it and done it – winning every honour in Maccabi football.
There’s a real love-in at Neasden this season with Ryan Glynne looking sexier than ever. The team are really spoilt for choice when it comes to set-piece experts with Gottlieb, Daggers and Glynne all top-notch.
They’re not weak up top either, with Rob Lerner, Haik, Cash and Lindsay providing a combination of power, pace and movement.
It appears that with league chairman David Wolff having tipped them for the title, Raiders are struggling with the weight of expectation.
A draw and a defeat from their first two games is not what the doctor ordered. Failure to claim maximum points in either match at Brunel makes this an even bigger game, especially against a team they were thumped 5-0 by in front of their own fans last season.
The good thing about Raiders is that they will always score. The bad thing, at the moment, is that they look like conceding too freely.
Like all teams they have had injury and availability problems but now it’s time to wipe the slate clean and remind everyone just how good they are.
Granted, last week’s derby defeat hurt everyone in the squad. Individually and collectively, they were second best. So Sunday could be a case of getting back to basics.
Neasden have a great record against Raiders. Only time will tell if they can extend it.
JC team news: Raiders received some welcome news this week when defender Nick Wiseman was given the all-clear by the specialist. Carl Peters returns to the squad and is pushing for a place in the starting XI against his former club. It is hoped that midfielder Alex Olcot will make his first start this season, but Joe Tankel remains sidelined through injury. Danny Berliner, Adam Joselyn and Andrew McMaster face late fitness tests.
Neasden are missing Elliot Stern and Sammy Ross who are both away. Matt Sofier will be with the B’s after returning from five months out.
Neasden: Max Shields, Brad Sharp, Dave Fox, Kyle Bentwood, Scott Schindler, Ben Goldberg, Adam Klein, Jake Gotlieb, Matt Sofier, Paul Babai, Danny Daggers, Ryan Glynne, Lee Cash, Jason Lindsey, Rob Lerner, Jonny Haik
Venue – Brunel Uni, KO: 9.45am, Ref – S. Ansher
JC star man: Brad Sharp (Neasden)
DC Prediction: NL Raiders A 1 NW Neasden A 3
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
3 - Mark Zealander (Redbridge JC B)
2 - Dan Orgel (Redbridge JC B), Gary Cohen (Montana), Michael Goldberg (Temple Fortune A)
MONTANA BOCA UNITED vs OAKWOOD
Viv Emanuel, the Montana manager, has spoken of his respect for Oakwood but he believes that three points is a realistic target going into Sunday’s meeting.
The former Pinner boss was unable to build on a week one win as they suffered a 5-3 defeat against Fortune last Sunday.
Gary Cohen, Jordan Segal and Simon Lindall were the marksmen for Montana against Fortune with Cohen scoring for the second consecutive week.
Things won’t get any easier for his troops on Sunday against an Oakwood team who looked the part against Chigwell last weekend.
“Oakwood are good team but as our performance and win at the end of last season shows they can be beaten,” Emanuel told JC Sport.
“We’ve added many new faces, who have added strength to the squad, and I fully expect us to compete again and show ourselves to have the team spirit and fight that has helped us so far this season.”
Oakwood looked the real deal last weekend but managers Ric Blank and Alex Schock have been here before. The challenge now is to get the team to perform to that level week in, week out. I believe the word complacency will be banned from the changing room this season.
Not only did they show great quality to come from behind against Chigwell last week, they also showed a fair amount of character, with Eddie Manson, Bradley Wine and Jonny Beilin the marksmen in a 3-1 victory.
Focus now moves to Montana on Sunday. Blank told JC Sport: “We’re very much looking forward to the game. It’s always a tough game against Montana and we fully anticipate another one on Sunday.
“We know it’s a very narrow pitch at the Hive so we need to adapt from Sunday’s win at Parmiters. But we’re up for it, in good shape and just happy to be back playing right now.”
It’s never easy bouncing back from a game where you’ve conceded five goals and if the Oaks can score an early goal, I can see them coming away with maximum points.
JC team news: Montana will be missing Zaki Kramer and the injured Raymond Harrod. New signing Danny Jacobs, formerly of Zig Zag, joined the squad this week and goes straight into the squad.
The Oaks welcome back Ilan Scorah to the squad but are still without the suspended Ben Myers and honeymooning Ian Tussie.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – R. Benardout
JC star man: Jonny Beilin (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Montana Boca Utd 1 Oakwood 2
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CHIGWELL ATHLETIC vs SOUTHGATE HARMEN B
There’s an early kick-off in Walthamstow where Chigwell welcome Harmen B.
The season did not start as Richard Slater planned last weekend and the Chigwell boss will be looking to put that right here, in a game they start as favourites. Slater knows that if Chigwell are to challenge for the title, then his troops and fans will have to turn the Peter May into a fortress.
Slater did not mince his words after the final whistle last weekend and his players should not expect too many smiles from the chairman before kick-off. It’s clear that three points will be the order of the day.
Slater told JC Sport: “‘The boys know they owe me and, more importantly, each other a top performance after last week, and I’m confident that’s what we’ll see come Sunday morning.”
Any early season optimism in the Harmen camp is in danger of evaporating following back-to-back defeats. But manager Marc Cohen expects a big reaction from his men when they make the journey east on Sunday.
Cohen told JC Sport: “Following a disappointing 90 minutes last week, Harmen will look to bounce back and pick up their first points of the season.
“The team will be welcoming back a number of players including Dan Amram, Nick Kershberg and Josh Sasto who were all unfortunately missing last week.
“We’re desperately trying to get skipper Bradley Fox fit for Sunday as he and Ben Rosenblatt have already started to form a great understanding at the heart of the defence. They will be crucial to the side this weekend.
“My prediction is a Harmen to edge it 3-2.”
My prediction is 3-1 to Chigwell!
JC team news: Chigwell welcome back captain Daniel Castle, Antony Mendel and Michael Witzenfeld, who all missed the Oakwood defeat. However, Jamie Fox (wedding next week), Glenn Davis (ankle), Simon Felstein (work), Lloyd Becker (ankle) Russell Becker (back) are all out. Richard Slater is rated at 50/50 after picking up a knee injury during Oakwood game.
Chigwell squad: Rob Sheperdson, Alex Norman, Paul Lenchner, Lee Hyams, Dean Michaels, Jon Swead, Daniel Castle, Michael Witzenfeld, Richard Slater, Craig Pearl, Beni Dymant, Marc Radzan, Antony Mendel, Adam Goodman, Glenn Michaels
Venue – Peter May Sports Centre, Ref – K. Gold, KO: 10am
JC star man: Michael Witzenfeld (Chigwell)
DC Prediction: Chigwell Athletic 3 Southgate Harmen B 1
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
4 - Joey Lazare (LM Lions B)
2 - Adam Goldsmith, Freddie Marks (both FC Team B), Adam Grossman (Faithfold C), Ben Menahem, Jono Gaon (both Norstar B), Guy Marks, Joey Marks, Richard Silver (all Camden Park), Raph Noe (Hendon B), James Gold (LM Lions B)
CAMDEN PARK vs FAITHFOLD C
Camden have hit the ground running this season and manager Josh Marks is hopeful that his troops can record a third straight win.
Joey Marks and Guy Marks bagged braces in the thrilling 4-3 success at FC Team C last weekend and having been involved in a 3-2 nail-biter the week before, I’m sure the gaffer would bite off your right hand if offered an ugly 1-0 win.
Entertainment is the name of the game for Camden this season, and I’m expecting more of the same against a Faithfold team that only knows how to play one way.
The Greens come into the game on the back of a 3-2 derby defeat against Faithfold B. Dan Yossman and legendary striker Ben Simons were their marksmen.
Garson told JC Sport: “We were pretty disappointed not to get something from the last game against our B team who will no doubt be challenging this season.
“We have brought in several new players so I was pleased with how they played.
“We have practically everyone available this week so fitting everyone is our only real problem.”
This promises to be an absolute crackerjack of a game.
JC team news: Faithfold welcome back Adam Barton, Rob Phillips, Nic Viola and debutant David Sherman who impressed in pre-season.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – G. Silver
JC star man: David Sherman
DC Prediction: Camden Park 2 Faithfold C 2
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DIVISION FOUR
TOP-SCORERS
4 - Terry Jeffries (Temple Fortune B)
3 - Jamie Weinrich (Boca Jewniors)
2 - Ashley Burns (SPEC), Mark Pasha (Athletic Bilbaum)
ATHLETIC BILBAUM vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C
Two teams boasting 100 per cent records go head-to-head at the Heath as Bilbaum host Raiders C.
Mark Pasha’s Baums made it two out of two last week when they edged past Finchley in a seven-goal thriller in the Athletic derby. Sam Roth, Mark Pasha, Adam Landes and Greibach were their goal-scoring heroes.
There were fewer goals in the match between Raiders and SPEC, but Oli Shorts, manager of L’Orange was not complaining as a memorable strike from Matt Bennett clinched the points.
Although it was a great team effort, Shorts was quick to praise the centre back James Franks plus midfielders Michael Israel and Matt Greene as the team recorded a rare shut-out.
The partnership between Israel and Greene had assistant-manager Richard Abrahams foaming at the mouth, with Israel breaking up play in a tireless display, while Greene got the better of SPEC star man Ashley Burns.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Abrahams told JC Sport: “After our fantastic victory against SPEC last weekend in our opening game of the season, we'll be looking to carry that momentum forward into our game against Bilbaum.
“Having lost to them twice last season, we won’t be underestimating them; however, if we play how we did on the weekend just gone I'm confident of our chances of taking six points from the first two games.
“With the gaffer away on a scouting mission in the USA, I'm hopeful that we can bring him some good news from this side of the pond come Sunday afternoon.
“On a disappointing note, we lost our keeper Alex Kanter to a broken wrist and it looks as if he won’t be back until January, so we'll be bringing in our new signing Martin Leslie in to the fold with the unenviable job of filling AK's boots.
“That injury apart, it seems our squad will have recovered from the contagious cramp that seemed to be going around on Sunday afternoon!”
I’m expecting an open and action-packed affair, with both sets of fans getting value for money.
Venue – Hampstead Heath Extension, Ref – N. Cohen
JC star man: Michael Israel (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Athletic Bilbaum 2 NL Raiders C 2
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BOCA JEWNIORS vs FC TEAM C
Three points are up for grabs in a match featuring two teams that have already tasted defeat this season.
Boca boss Sefton Monk has several key men missing this week as the newcomers look to get their first points on the board.
They were involved in an 10-goal epic against Temple Fortune B last weekend – a game where Jamie Weinrich took home the matchball after scoring a hat-trick.
Monk’s midweek press conference overran due to his mounting injury concerns. He told JC Sport: “Defender James Edelman has been ruled out for up to two months with an ankle injury which leaves a big gap in Boca's defence.
“Sefton Monk has been working tirelessly to replace the centre back but with no luck, as of this time, with an emergency loan move for Tal Ben Haim falling through at the last minute with wage demands far exceeding Boca's capability.
“Also assistant player-manager Farrell Monk has still yet to shake off his ankle injury sustained a few weeks ago.
“Last week’s goal-scorer David Domb is unavailable for the next three weeks which gives new signing Scott Ackerman the chance to shine.
“Midfielders Adam Newman and Alex Newman, who are not related, are still away.
“With keeper Ryan Monk vying for place in the starting XI, which would enable Bradley Handelaar to play outfield, replacing him between the sticks will be a tough job as the youngster has put in some impressive performances, and he could continue in goal.”
Monk is keen for the team to improve at the back. “It's in the defence Boca Jewniors will have to concentrate on as they have leaked nine goals already this season. I’m confident we can stop the leakage and the hard work and training put in lately will pay off.”
Three points in front of the home fans is what the manager wants more than anything else. “After a disappointing start to the season, it is hard to take the loss of last week,” Monk said.
“I'm not usually a man of excuses but my defence failed to cope with the conditions presented to us last Sunday.
“FC Team C this Sunday is a completely different game and I hope Boca will rise to the occasion and turn performances into a win.
“It is also proving a challenge to fill the gap left by James Edelman, but as a manager, it is a situation I have to deal with, and hope that a member of the squad will step forward and take the position and make it their own.”
On to FC Team and manager Michael Myers was kvelling after the 4-1 win over Brixton B. Matt Sheldon, David Wexler, Adam Aminoff and Avi Nejad fired the bullets in a classy display.
Rob Sanford and Jamie Breslaw were the stand out performers, according to Myers, and the acquisition of Sanford from North London Raiders is a real coup.
Myers told JC Sport: "We have big hopes for Sunday after our win last week. We want to carry on the momentum and hopefully secure another three points.
"Debutant Max Worth is the man to watch this week, a creative maestro in the midfield who will be pulling the strings."
The team is packed with goals and Myers will be looking to work more magic against Boca’s leaky defence. I’m confident that a policy of all-out attack would be rewarded with three more points.
Venue – South Oxhey, Ref – L. Thorne
JC star man: Rob Sanford (FC Team C)
DC Prediction: Boca Jewniors 2 FC Team C 4
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BRIXTON OLD BOYS B vs ATHLETICO FINCHLEY
It was a case of close but no cigar for Athletico Finchley who were on the wrong end of a seven-goal thriller in their first-ever MSFL outing.
But if last Sunday’s match was anything to go by they should be great to watch this season. A real breath of fresh air.
Shirt sales with the name Goodman have totally sold out following his opening day hat-trick against Bilbaum.
Athletico’s Dovid Kurzer told JC Sport: “Daniel caused lots of havoc in their defence with his pace and skill.
“We played very well considering it was the first time the team played together and we held strong against a good team.”
Brixton were frustrated by FC Team C last week, eventually going down 4-1. They started the season with high hopes and they will be looking for a change of luck on Sunday.
One goal in two games will not send shivers down the spine of the Athletico defence and they could have their hands full trying to keep the boy Goodman quiet for 90 minutes.
Venue – Clowes, Ref – B. David
JC star man: Daniel Goodman (Athletico)
DC Prediction: Brixton B 2 Athletico Finchley 3
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JC CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND ONE
BLIZZARD STORM vs SHIRLEY PARK
One of the top ties in the opening round of the JC League Cup sees an all-Division Three clash between the Blizzard boys and the superheroes from Shirley Park.
Both teams were in Division Four last season and are aiming for promotion again this year.
Blizzard boss Simon Linden has not hit the panic button despite defeats in the team’s opening two games.
The Blizzard faithful are still holding out for a big name striker to replace Joel Kutner, but as yet the board will not release any funds to sign anyone on Linden’s shopping list.
Speaking after the defeat against Glenthorne, Linden told JC Sport: “I'm confident we can turn it around quickly and do very well.”
There’s a chance that Dan Oade and Dave Lusman, the management team at Shirley, could use the match as an opportunity to rotate their squad and give a run-out to some of their squad members.
However, having had a 14-day break after the 18-0 demolition of JLGB, it’s clear that cup fever is in the camp and all their big guns are hungry for more of the same.
I will put my mortgage on this tie not finishing 18-0 to Shirley, but think that they will have too much firepower on the day.
Sunday will give the Shirley boys the chance to put down another marker and land a psychological blow with two league meetings still to come.
JC star man: Simon Shelley (Shirley)
DC Prediction: Blizzard Storm 1 Shirley Park 3
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CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI vs FC TEAM B
There’s a real chance for one of these teams to progress here and pull out one of the big boys in the second round.
The Cats have started badly but with home advantage, they might just be scenting an upset.
They were hit for six by Los Blancos last Sunday with Steve Keller and Ashley Stokes grabbing a couple of consolations.
Joint-manager Adam Lewis told JC Sport: “Realistically, we're looking to give a good account of ourselves on Sunday. We've gone from having a very strong pre-season against higher-placed opposition to struggling in our first two league games and I'm not really sure what has gone wrong.
“Last week was a case of making individual errors which we'll definitely be hoping to eradicate.
“I think we'll probably change things around this week and go a little back to basics as an adventurous new formation last week really didn't work out so well.
“I'm sure FC Team B will be a tough challenge, but we'll be up for it after a good training session this week.”
After a couple of tough seasons, it’s good to see FC Team B heading back in the right direction.
Adam Goldsmith and Freddie Marks scored for the second week running in the 4-3 defeat against Camden, with Philip Braham grabbing the other.
Although the league is the priority for both teams, I expect there to be a great cup atmosphere at Norsemen FC on Sunday, with both sets of players putting on a treat for the fans.
JC star man: Ashley Stokes (Catford)
DC Prediction: Catford & Bromley Maccabi 3 FC Team B 2
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB C vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B
Club pride is up for grabs on Sunday when the Hustlers and the Hornets lock horns.
The Bs have won two out of two while the Cs won their first game, so one of the teams will have to taste for the first time – even if it’s on penalties.
A derby would take centre stage nine times out of 10 in NW4, but all eyes will be on the big Kestenbaum/Korman wedding in the afternoon so the players will be on the undercard on this occasion.
The Bs continue to go about their business quietly but efficiently. Last week they beat Norstar B 4-3 with Tali Nevies a standout performer once more.
Raph Noe (2), Gav Noe and fox-in-the-box Chaim Gothold were the marksmen in 90 action-packed minutes.
After the game, joint player-manager Gothold told JC Sport: “We were the better team, but only really got going when we switched to 4-4-2 after an hour."
Defeat is unthinkable, although not totally impossible on Sunday. Motty Korman, Hendon’s other manager, knows that the C team are more than just a banana skin.
“We are expecting a tough game against our C team,” he told JC Sport. “It’s a local derby and they have nothing to lose!
“They will want to prove a point and several of their players will want to impress and prove they can make the step up.
“We have a strong squad and have been impressed with our forward partnership of RA and Gav Noe. Tali Nevies has excelled as our captain in midfield and we will be looking to really kick start our season but we won't take anything for granted.”
I assume Benny Goldberg is one of the players Korman is referring to in terms of stepping up. He has scored for fun for Hendon C and if his teammates can give him the right kind of service, the Bs had better watch out.
Goldberg has shouldered the goal-scoring burden in recent times so the signing of Simon Moses is great news for C team followers. I’ve heard big things about Moses and it will be interesting to see if he can part the B team defence.
Expect goals and entertainment at the very least.
Venue – West Hendon Playing Fields
JC star man: RA Noe (Hendon B)
DC Prediction: Hendon C 2 Hendon B 3
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SPEC FC vs LOS BLANCOS
If you remember, Los Blancos reached the semi-finals of the JC League Cup last season, dumping Neasden B out along the way.
My sources have told me that manager Joel Minsky has been away on business this week but is predicting “a tough game on Sunday”.
Having scored back-to-back hat-tricks, summer signing Joel Kutner has won the fans over in an instant and he has turned into LB’s answer to Wayne Rooney.
Adam Hersh (2) and Yosh Radomsky were the other scorers in last week’s 6-2 demolition of Catford last week. The odds on Kutner to finish as the league’s Golden Boot winner have plummeted although the SPEC defence will be somewhat relieved to hear that LB's main man will be absent on Sunday.
Laurence Conway’s troops finished second best against Raiders C last weekend and it appears that an injury crisis may scupper any hopes of an upset against their opponents from Division Three.
As Ricky Lawrence explains: “It's fair to say the footballing Gods aren't smiling down on SPEC at the moment. We are picking up injuries like they are going out of fashion at the moment, and have only 12 available from a squad consisting of over 20 players on Sunday.
“We do have Elliott Wallis back from visiting the pyramids in Egypt.
“Despite our squad being down to its bare bones and the fact we are playing against a team in the division above, it's a cup game and anything can happen.
“We are looking to get back to winning ways after a disappointing loss last week.
Keeper Michael Rhodes went under the knife to repair a cartilage in his knee earlier this week and I’m sure you will all join me in wishing him all the best.
Like Catford & Bromley, SPEC were unsuccessful in trying to get the league to grant permission for a new signing - an emergency keeper in this case - to be given dispensation allowed to play. With the season only three weeks old, they are not the only clubs who believe that the 14-day registration needs reviewing.
The clash between Hecht and Kutner is key to the outcome on Sunday as SPEC attempt to take a leaf out of the LB book and claim an early season upset.
This will be a great game for the neutrals.
JC team news: Los Blancos will be missing Yosh Radomsky and Trevor Silverman while the red-hot Joel Kutner misses out due to a wedding in Manchester. There are also doubts over Marc Benamram and keeper Josh Cohen.
SPEC will be missing Marc Hecht, who is unwell, Rick Lawrence (back) and long-term absentee Michael Rhodes but they the good news is that the squad has been boosted by the return of fitness of right-back Simon Lee.
JC star man: Josh Colman (Los Blancos)
DC Prediction: SPEC 1 Los Blancos 2
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UJIA vs WOODFORD WANDERERS
You can get 20-1 on UJIA causing an upset against first division Woodford on Sunday.
Even with several players returning from summer breaks, most people believe that this will be a complete mis-match at the Hive.
The Woodford boys have had plenty of time to regroup following their opening day defeat and if Mitch Hahn, Jerome Marks and Bradley Gayer, the former Charlton academy player, turn up, they could have this won by half-time.
Director of Football Marks made some impressive signings over the summer and I can see them going along way in this competition.
I expect No. 1 Ben Rosenthal, another summer signing, to keep his first clean sheet for his new club, with Craig Mervish giving him good protection.
Nuriel Avrham, 21, dubbed the “Jewish Adebayor” is unknown to the MSFL. He spent most of last season playing his football in Israel and has now returned to put his mark on the Maccabi League.
Sunday will be a big step up for UJIA, in terms to the calibre of opposition they are used to. They will need all their experienced players to stand up and play for the badge, and, yes Jeremy Leigh, that includes you!
U’s player-manager Darren Rolfe told JC Sport: “Even though Woodford lie two divisions above us, we will not fear them and be up for the challenge.”
The signs are that this will be a landslide for the Woodford boys.
JC team news: For UJIA, Ben Nassim and Assi Avital will be spearheading the attack, whilst Matt Radstone comes back into the midfield.
JC star man: Nuriel Avrham (Woodford)
DC Prediction: UJIA 0 Woodford Wanderers 5
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BRADY MACCABI B vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE C
Fourth division Brady will be eyeing an upset when they take on Redbridge C of Division Two.
There will be some real quality on show with Dan Gordon and Greg Bookman expected to be in the RJC starting XI as Gordon's men look to bounce back from two defeats.
The east Londoners have registered just once in 180 minutes and rumour has it that Gordon will name an attacking line-up against the MSFL new boys.
Josh Dagul's Brady have made an excellent start, with wins over Jewventus and Boca. Clearly they like playing against teams with continental names!
Dagul was the star of the show last week - scoring a stunner in a man of the match display where he ticked all the boxes. Reiss Mogilner also made the scoresheet.
But the Brady boss is clearly expecting a much tougher game here. He told JC Sport: "We are missing some key players but we want to maintain our winning run.
"A cup run would be nice, however, the league is our priority this season."
Winning breeds confidence and although Brady start as underdogs, there is quite possibly an upset in the making here.
JC star man: Reiss Mogilner (Brady)
DC Prediction: Brady Maccabi 2 Redbridge JC C 3
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MATCHES OFF
JC MSFL Prem Div - London Maccabi Lions vs Redbridge JC A - due to a bereavement
JC CAC - Norstar A vs Glenthorne Utd B - due to a bereavement
JC CAC - NW Neasden C vs Glenthorne Utd A - due to a bereavement
Neasden manager Louis Taylor said: “I’d like to pass on the thoughts and condolences from all at Neasden.”
