North London Raiders A were edged out by Manchester Maccabi 1st in the semi-finals of the Peter Morrison Trophy but there was better news for Raiders B who sealed the Division One title. Danny Caro rounds-up the action.
JC MSFL MATCHDAY 30 HEADLINES
PMT – Raiders edged out in semi-final
Prem Div – Hammers overcome Neasden A
Div 1 – Raiders B crowned champions
Div 3 – Cats stun Heath Banta in seven-goal thriller
Div 4 – Blizzard, Glenthorne and Borehamwood win again
JC HAT-TRICK HEROES
Div 3 - Joel Isaacs (Catford & Bromley Maccabi)
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COLE TO STEP DOWN AT THE END OF THE SEASON
JC GOAL OF THE WEEK
Joel Isaacs (Catford & Bromley Maccabi) -intercepted the ball deep in the Catford half and stormed 70 yards into the Banta box before slotting the ball into the far corner on his left foot
JC SAVE OF THE WEEK
Mitchel Ross (Glenthorne Utd B) - one of the saves of the season pushing a close-range volley from Dany Kon onto the bar
REFEREE OF THE WEEK
Martin Lavender (Athletic Bilbaum vs Jewventus)
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JC PHOTOS
MANCHESTER MACCABI 1ST vs NL RAIDERS A
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
JC MATCH REPORT
DIV 1: BRADY vs NL RAIDERS B
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YOUR WEEKEND REVIEW STARTS HERE:
PETER MORRISON TROPHY SEMI-FINAL
ROSENBERG PUTS MANCHESTER INTO THE FINAL
MANCHESTER MACCABI 1ST 1 NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A 0
A second half header from Andy Rosenberg helped Manchester claim a deserved win over the Raiders to set up a final against Faithfold A at Boundary Park on May 15.
Chances were at a premium throughout the first half and the decisive moment saw Rosenberg crash home a bullet header at the far post in off the bar on the hour mark.
Visiting keeper Jack Smith kept Raiders in the game with a couple of fine saves in the closing stages as they went in search of an equaliser.
Raiders' best chance of an equaliser came in the last-minute when substitute Toby Katz was a goal-saving tackle.
Raiders joint-manager Danny Caro said: "The boys are bitterly disappointed as they did not perform anywhere near to the level they know they can.
"We started slugglishly and struggled to string passes together and keep hold of the ball on a difficult pitch but the boys cannot be faulted for effort, determination and character.
"Maybe the occasion got to us as we did not play the Raiders way, and lacked belief and conviction."
"We have set them high standards this season and they can be proud of what they have achieved over the past couple of seasons. And have no doubt, we will be back.
"I was particularly impressed by the performance of keeper Jack Smith who looks set to have a very bright future in the game."
"It was not to be today and congratulations to Manchester who were worthy winners today. They got their tactics spot on, did not let us play and were sharper throughout. We wish them good luck in the final. It should be a great contest between two excellent sides."
Manchester joint-manager Stuart Delmonte told JC Sport: "Both teams wanted to play football, the heat was stifling, the pitch was dry, and on the day we had players who adapted to the conditions better than Raiders."
Co-boss Tony Rosenberg, who is the father of matchwinner Andy, added: "I believe we deservedly won after dominating the second half.
"It was a real cup tie, very committed, but over 90 minutes I felt there was only one team who would win it. I was particularly delighted that Andy scored the winner."
DC Prediction: Manchester Maccabi 1st 2 NL Raiders A 1
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JC MSFL PREMIER DIVISION
NEASDEN UNDONE BY KON JOB
HENDON UNITED SPORTS A 2 NORTH WEST NEASDEN A 1
A brilliant injury time winner from Ben Kon saw Hendon warm up for next weekend's JC Cyril Anekstein Cup final with a hard fought win over Neasden A.
Hendon's other strike came through an own goal from Jonny Ellis as they came from behind with two closing in the final few minutes.
Shai Revivo netted for Neasden.
David Garbacz, the Hendon gaffer, told JC Sport: "We were a bit sluggish to start with and were too complacent against a good young Neasden team who gave everything. We were probably still feeling the effects of last week’s disappointment.
"It was vital that we kept going and when Neasden started to tire we really put them under the cosh. It looked like it was not going to be our day but supersub Yoav Kestenbaum made a telling difference and our perseverance and character was rewarded with two very late goals including a brilliant winner from Ben Kon which sealed a very important morale boosting win.
"We now go into next weeks final with a great late comeback win under our belts which was vital for our confidence."
Neasden manager Jamie Cole told JC Sport: "I had seven players out and we brought in four C team players. The boys did so well today.
"Hendon were lucky in the end, scoring both goals in injury time.
"We wish them luck in their final next week."
Darren Yarlett, the NWN coach, told JC Sport: "We had five C team players and probably the most under strength Neasden side in six years, and nearly won.
"I know Hendon are second and in a cup final but in my opinion, and I have been around the MSFL for seven years, won doubles as a coach, won the rep final last year regardless of Sam Sloma incident, won cups with Lions Saturday side, so am a good judge, but this is by far the weakest division I have ever seen.
"The quality of players is not good enough and Jewish football is falling behind. I'm not sure where all the good players are or young ones coming through but it is a massive worry."
DC Prediction: Hendon Utd SC A 4 NW Neasden A 1
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LAZARE HELPS NEASDEN HIT HEAVEN FOR SIX
NORTH WEST NEASDEN B 6 SOUTHGATE HARMEN A 2
A hat-trick from MARK LAZARE saw Neasden finish in seventh heaven as they hammered Harmen 7-2.
Bradley Sharpe, Jonny Cutter and Zack White were also among the scorers.
Harmen's goals came through Lloyd Becker and Ashley Burns.
The visitors had only 7 A-team players available and no recognised keeper.
NWN joint-manager Ryan Glynne told JC Sport: "It was one of our best performances of the season. We passed the ball very well and took some of the chances we created. Everyone worked hard for each other.
"Both teams were depleted but the game was contested well. We look forward to the last couple of tests in the league and plan for the league next season."
DC Prediction: NW Neasden B 1 Southgate Harmen A 1
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DIVISION ONE
Update: FC Team A's 4-1 victory over Camden Park last week was confirmed at an MSFL Management meeting on Monday night. The table has been updated accordingly.
Title run-in
Brady
April 17 – Camden Park (h)
April 24 – Oakwood (h)
Oakwood
April 17 – Harmen (h)
April 24 – Brady (a)
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RAIDERS CROWNED CHAMPIONS
BRADY MACCABI 0 NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B 3
North London Raiders B have won the title after overpowering Brady at the Hive.
Two goals from Rik Sherman and one from James Foley-Comer helped L'Orange clinch the title in style.
Raiders boss Rob Richman told JC Sport: "The whole squad has given me everything. We have also had a great togetherness which comes from us being friends; last night we all went out for a meal together. I think that winning 10 games in a row between October and February was the key. That’s some achievement in any league.”
Josh Rosenfeld, the Brady manager, told JC Sport: "Raiders are worthy winners of these league and we wish them the best next year. First half we matched them but second period was all them. They battered us and we were awful.”
Brady: Adaki, Berman, Fox, Sears, J. Hershman, Gershuny, Stern, J. Gordon (sub: Levy) Platt, M. Smith, A. Smith (sub: Field)
Raiders: Berliner, Bloch, Haring, Sherman, Foley-Comer, M. Hershman (sub: Angel), Espinoza (sub: Ben-Soor), Hesselberg, Esterkin, Woolf (sub: Rob Samuelson), Dinkin
Remaining fixtures:
Brady
April 17 – Camden Park (h)
April 24 – Oakwood (h)
DC Prediction: Brady Maccabi 2 NL Raiders B 2
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SUPER SHEENA INSPIRES FC TEAM
FC TEAM A 4 CHIGWELL ATHLETIC 2
Two goals from Andy Sheena kept FC Team A on course for a top three finish as they beat Chigwell in a six-goal thriller.
Jake Weiner and Matt Drage completed the job as Mitch Young's men made it 10 wins in the league this season.
Glenn Michaels put the Chigs ahead with Glenn Davis making it 2-2.
Young told JC Sport: "A superb performance from the Team and a great way to end the season. A real great team effort and some of the football and goals we scored were sensational.
"Assuming the Camden match (from last week) stands, we have guaranteed third poition with a big chance of finishing runners-up.
"We have done all we can do now and I am very pleased with the way our last seven games have gone."
Chigs player-manager Richard Slater told JC Sport: "Tough for us going there with 12 players and so many out. It didn’t help our cause having to make our only sub at half time due to injury.
"In truth we didn’t play well enough to win, or play to our strengths. FC Team A owed us a one after we’ve won the last three, so I guess it was coming.
"Their wide men were the main difference today, especially in the second half. It’s been a poor season from us to be honest.
Chigwell: Marc Jacobs, Richard Slater, Adam Shafron, Glenn Davis, Adam Conway, Marc Radzan (sub: Dean Michaels 45), Daniel Castle, Russell Becker, Adam Goodman, Glenn Michaels, Paul Lenchner
DC Prediction: FC Team A 2 Chigwell Athletic 2
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COHEN SINKS OAKS
MONTANA BOCA UNITED A 2 OAKWOOD 1
A Gary Cohen double helped Montana finish the campaign on a high as they dented Oakwood's promotion hopes.
Adam Levine had put Oakwood ahead.
Montana joint-caretaker-manager Raymond Harrod told JC Sport: "We wanted to finish the season on a high and we've done just that.
"The boys showed great character to come from behind. We have finished the season positively and are left to reflect on drops points on the teams below us."
Oaks joint-manager Ric Blank told JC Sport: "It wasn't our day. We just did not get going in the first half - it's the worst first half performance of our season.
"Montana had by far the better chances even if we (me) did miss a pen. Montana were trying long balls forward and we looked comfortable enough, but going forward we just didn't get the ball down enough to test them at the back.
"We had them for pace but just couldn't exploit it. Second half we started much better and got the goal but a combination of substitutions, individual errors and lack of patience with our passing, saw us give away two soft goals.
"We're all disappointed as no-one performed to their level. We massively missed Dan Geey and the suspended Eddie Manson but we should still have had enough to beat Montana.
"All that said, our destiny is still in our own hands and my hope is that this defeat spurs us on to second place. That's the challenge and if I know the boys, they'll be up for it."
Remaining fixtures:
Oakwood
April 17 – Harmen (h)
April 24 – Brady (a)
DC Prediction: Montana Boca Utd A 0 Oakwood 2
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DIVISION THREE
ISAACS ON SONG AS CATS WIN SEVEN-GOAL THRILLER
HEATH BANTA 3 CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI 4
A hat-trick from centre back JOEL ISAACS all but ended Heath Banta's promotion hopes as the Cats won a seven-goal thriller.
Jamie Sinai scored the other as the Cats claimed their fifth win of the season.
Heath Banta's goals came through Stefan Simons (2) and Motti Korman.
Cats joint-manager Adam Lewis told JC Sport: "A hard fought but deserved win for us. We led through Jamie's strike against his old club but two errors led to us going in 2-1 down at half time.
"In the second half we really started to turn the screw and played a lot of the game in Banta's half, although a combination of good last-ditch defending and slightly wayward finishing mean that we didn't punish them.
"Then up stepped Joel Isaacs from centre back, controlling a smashed clearance with his groin and slotting in to equalise, before collecting the ball in our own half, running like a steam train all the way through the Banta midfield and defence and coolly slotting the ball home with his left foot. For his third he poked home after Jamie Sinai had sent a header goalwards following a quick corner.
"A further mistake led to Banta's third, but we were able to soak up the Banta pressure while continuing to be a threat on the counter.
"It's difficult to single out players as everyone played their part: Elliot Alexson and Marcus Jacobs were both superb in the full back positions and Yonni Bord and James Kleinman offered width and quality in midfield. In the middle, Ashley Stokes, Ryan Kangisser and myself felt as though we always had options on the ball."
Remaining fixtures
Heath Banta
TBC – UJIA (a)
Catford
April 24 – Zig Zag (a)
May 1 – Glenthorne Utd A (a)
May 8 – Faithfold C (a)
DC Prediction: Heath Banta 3 Catford & Bromley 3
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REAL MAKE THEIR POINT
REAL LIFE 2 NORSTAR B 2
Real Life came away with a creditable point as they held high-flying Norstar B.
Dan Markeson and an own goal accounted for the Real strikes.
Dan Polak bagged a brace for the Stars.
Norstar manager Jonny Bunt told JC Sport: "Story of the game was a familiar one, but something as a side we had taken strides to remove from our game this season. We switched to a 4-3-3 formation for the game and our early goal had me convinced we would get a rugby score.
"But then Real Life imposed themselves well, defended deep won a lot of headers in the middle and got in the game despite our keeper not making a save first half.
"We were over-elaborate and ambitious but regardless went in 1-0 up at half time and said that as long as we didn't do anything stupid to let them back into the game we were confident that we would win the game.
"Five minutes after saying that I sliced an attempted clearance into our own goal from 20 yards and we were in a game. We then pushed forward and created another bucket load of chances, we were dangerous, from wide through th middle and from set pieces. We regained the lead and failed to extend it.
"The Life equaliser scappy though it was, had an air on inevitability about it as we'd dominated for so long.
"Fair play to Life who battled to the end and robbed a point, which given the gulf between the sides is a good result for them. We are bitterly disappointed, had we won the game it would have been 24 points from 24 against the bottom four which is the kind of consistency we have been targetting.
"With to tough games left it looks like any combination of RJC, Faithfold and us is possible from second to fourth. If Faithfold can beat Redbridge and we can win a tough game against UJIA then it does set up a great match between us and Faithfold on May 1 that could decide second place.
"There are plenty of variable though and Redbridge must be favourites to have it sewn up by the time we kick-off on May 1 especially with all their As and Bs available.
"Will be exciting stuff!"
Remaining fixtures
Real Life
April 24 – Glenthorne Utd A (h)
Norstar B
April 24 – UJIA (a)
May 1 – Faithfold C (h)
DC Prediction: Real Life 1 Norstar B 4
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FAITHFOLD SHOW REDBRIDGE WHAT FOUR
REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE C 2 FAITHFOLD C 4
Doubles from Matty Kleinman and top-scorer Ben Simons earned Faithfold C a famous away win as they denied Redbridge C promotion at Fairlop.
RJC's goals came through Jamie Fox and James Ruben.
Faithfold player-manager David Garson told JC Sport: "I thought we played pretty well today and to come back from two down was superb.
"We are getting stronger and stronger after a little blip. The perfect warm up for next Sunday."
Remaining fixtures
Redbridge
April 17 – Zig Zag (a)
April 24 – Faithfold C (h)
Faithfold
April 17 – JC Barry Goldstein Cup final – UJIA – 2.30pm KO
DC Prediction: Redbridge JC C 3 Faithfold C 1
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JLGB MAKE THEIR POINT
TEAM JLGB 1 UJIA 1
A late equaliser from Assi Avital helped UJIA warm up for next week's JC Barry Goldstein Cup final with a hard-earned point against a spirited Team JLGB in Walthamstow.
UJIA edged the first half, and JLGB edged the second. The ball did not want to go in the net with the woodwork being hit five times betweeen the teams (if it had all gone in, JLGB would have won 4-3)!
Oli Shoffren nearly put JLGB 1-0 from a Silverman flick but his effort struck the post. Matt West then went close with a looping header that came back off the bar.
The breakthrough came with about 20 mins to go when Lee Stone, who was having another excellent game at centre back, rose highest to head home a Matt West corner.
JLGB boss Rob Silverman told JC Sport: "The future of JLGB is still in the balance, but everything possible will be done to keep the team going but this can only happen with a core of 16 players that can commit more or less every week."
UJIA player-manager Darren Rolfe told JC Sport: "We're unbeaten in seven games now which I'm really pleased about. We had so many chances but couldn't finish our dinner.
"We made five changes ahead of next week final. Credit to JLGB who gave us a really good game. Now we focus on the final."
Remaining fixtures:
UJIA
April 17 - JC Barry Goldstein Cup final vs Faithfold C
DC Prediction: Team JLGB 2 UJIA 4
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DIVISION FOUR
The title race is now a three-horse race, but is looking very tight ... if Blizzard Storm beat Inter Borehamwood in Storm's final league game next week, they guarantee second spot, since Glenthorne still have to play Inter Borehamwood on May 8. Glenthorne's other game is next week against Jewventus. Inter B'wood have Storm next week, then a week off before three home fixtures against Shirley Park (May 1), Glenthorne (May 8) and Los Blancos (May 15).
1. Blizzard Storm... Pl 21, GD +32, Pts 47
2. Glenthorne Utd B... Pl 20, GD +51, Pts 45
3. Inter Borehamwood... Pl 18, GD +38, Pts 41
BILBAUM TWO GOOD FOR JEWVE
ATHLETIC BILBAUM 2 JEWVENTUS 0
Strikes from Simon Finkelstein and Edward Green helped Bilbaum moved three points ahead of Jewventus after exacting revenge on an early-season defeat.
Baums boss Josh Ejdelbaum told JC Sport: "It was the best we have played this season. The defence looked assured, and the midfield and attack linked up nicely throughout."
Jewve boss Gabriel John told JC Sport: "We were dreadful and the only thing I want now is next season to start, because this year has been a right off."
DC Prediction: Athletic Bilbaum 3 Jewventus 4
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THORNES IN CHARGE
GLENTHORNE UNITED B 2 LOS BLANCOS 1
Glenthorne boosted their title hopes with a hard fought win over promotion rivals Los Blancos in Chigwell.
They came from behind with top-scorer Fabio Revieccio and Jamie Crawford helping the Thornes register their 15th win of the campaign.
The east Londoners remain two points behind leaders with a game in hand.
Defeat was a huge blow to Blancos' promotion hopes.Yoni Ben-Ari, on his second start for Los Blancos, had put the visitors with a 25-yard lob after 20 minutes.
DC Prediction: Glenthorne Utd B 2 Los Blancos 2
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FOUR-MIDABLE BOREHAMWOOD MARCH ON
INTER BOREHAMWOOD 4 PINNER JFC 0
Borehamwood remain on course to clinch the title after cruising past rock bottom Pinner at the Hive.
Two goals from Jeff Gotch plus one apiece from Jerome Colmans and Jamie Taylor saw them home.
Borehamwood manager Oluseun Thomas told JC Sport: "Another three points was crucial this week and we now look to next week with another must win game."
Pinner boss Vivian Emanuel told JC Sport: "Today's game was a heated affair in which we showed our muscle and battled hard for the ball.
"Inter did not make their chances count and if not for some hard defending and a couple of good saves my yours truly, we may have been 4 or 5 down by the half time whistle. Instead it was 1-0.
"A contentious penalty decison 10 minutes in a well-finished goal meant we were 2-0 down. We battled hard for the next 30 minutes creating a couple of chances ourselves.
"Two goals in the last 10 minutes killed off the game. However many positives to be taken."
DC Prediction: Inter Borehamwood 6 Pinner JFC 0
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THREE CHEERS FOR SHIRLEY
SHIRLEY PARK 3 NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C 0
Shirley Park notched up their 11th win of the season with Jason Lindsay, with his 25th goal of the season, Nicky Plotnik and joint-player-manager Dan Oade the goal men against Raiders C.
Stand-in Raiders boss Richard Abrahams told JC Sport: "After the heartbreak of the semi-final last week, I knew it would be difficult to avoid a cup hangover this weekend and at 3-0 down at half time I was really disappointed with the lack of energy we were showing.
"It was good to see that in the second half the boys came out with a bit more bite about them and created a couple of decent chances.
"The game was played in a good spirit and being honest, the better side won on the day. We've had a great 2011 so far and the lads have showed incredible spirit with some great results and performances to go along with that; hopefully we can finish the season on a high note against Temple Fortune."
DC Prediction: Shirley Park 3 NL Raiders C 2
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JOEL KUTS UP FORTUNE B
TEMPLE FORTUNE B 0 BLIZZARD STORM 1
Joel Kutner was the matchwinner with his third goal in four games as Blizzard maintained their two-point advantage at the top with a hard fought win over Fortune B.
Blizzard boss Simon Linden told JC Sport: "It wasn't easy. Fortune made it very difficult and brought us down to there level. It's a results business and we are three away from promotion.
"Next week's game against Inter is massive."
Linden went on to confirm that Joel Kutner will miss the last match and the manager wanted to confirm to the media that Los Blancos manager Joel Minsky will have to "settle a £30 million bill to land Kutner in the summer".
DC Prediction: Temple Fortune B 1 Blizzard Storm 3
