Matchday 31 of the JC MSFL season promises to be the most exciting yet with Redbridge Jewish Care A and Hendon United Sports Club A taking centre stage in the JC Cyril Anekstein Cup final at Wingate & Finchley in the evening. Prior to that, Faithfold C and UJIA will battle it out in the Barry Goldstein Cup final. Danny Caro looks ahead to all the action.
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LATEST NEWS:
COLE TO STEP DOWN AT THE END OF THE SEASON
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LATEST COVERAGE
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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JC MSFL SEASON 2010/11 ROLL OF HONOUR
Premier Division: CHAMPIONS: Redbridge JC A, Runners-up: Hendon Utd SC A
Division One: CHAMPIONS: NL Raiders B, Runners-up: TBC
Division Two: CHAMPIONS: TEMPLE FORTUNE A, Runners-up: Brixton Old Boys
Division Three: TBC
Division Four: TBC
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CUP FINAL DATES
JC Barry Goldstein Cup
April 17 - Faithfold C vs UJIA @ Wingate & Finchley, 2.30pm KO
JC Cyril Anekstein Cup
April 17 - Hendon Utd SC A vs Redbridge Jewish Care A @ Wingate & Finchley, 6.30pm KO
May 15 - Peter Morrison Trophy - Faithfold A vs Manchester Maccabi @ Boundary Park, Oldham Athletic
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
JC CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP FINAL
HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
David Garbacz goes into Sunday’s JC Cyril Anekstein Cup final against Redbridge Jewish Care A, roaring: “We are the best team in Jewish football.”
The Hendon United Sports Club A manager believes that his troops can deny the newly-crowned league champions the double when the teams go head-to-head at the Abrahams Stadium.
The teams last time:
Hendon: Russell Corin, Martin Smulovich, Alex Rosenthal (sub: Alex Gilbert), Josh Lipman, Paul Bentley, Rafi Kon, Ben Kon, Josh Bentley (sub: Saul Conway), Dovid Korman (sub: Avi Korman), Ari Last, Greg Corin
Redbridge: Dan Lee, Craig Sandford, Joel Berg, Richie Caplin, Daran Bern, Ben Sollosi (sub: Mitch Lassman), Danny Hakimi, Sam McCarthy, Dean Nyman, Steve Summers (sub: Stolerman), Adam Hakimi
Venue – Wingate & Finchley, Kick-off: 6.30pm
Ref – W. Blake, Asst-refs - Steve Levy and Stuart Ansher. 4th official: Gary Silver
JC star man: Dean Nyman (RJC)
DC Prediction: Redbridge JC A 2 Hendon Utd SC A 1
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JC BARRY GOLDSTEIN CUP FINAL
FAITHFOLD C vs UJIA
Cup holders Faithfold C will be looking to make history on Sunday and become the first team to retain the Minor Cup.
The lunchtime clash at the Harry Abrahams Stadium is one not to miss.
Venue – Wingate & Finchley, Kick-off: 2.30pm
Officials - Ref – R. Benardout, Asst-refs: D. Cohen, L. Thorne
JC star man: Matty Kleinman (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Faithfold C 3 UJIA 1
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JC MSFL PREMIER DIVISION
FAITHFOLD A vs NORTH WEST NEASDEN A
Faithfold A will be looking to fine-tune their preparations ahead of next month’s Jewish FA Cup final when they take on last season’s champions Neasden at the Hive.
Zuriel Solomon’s troops will also be looking to cement a third-place finish with players looking to impress the manager in their last competitive outing before the big clash against Manchester Maccabi at Oldham Athletic.
The Superhoops will be looking to complete a league double over a Neasden team they beat 2-0 in September with strikes from Dan Perkins and Paul Babai. It was a bad day all-round for Neasden who had Ben Ellis sent off.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Solomon told JC Sport: "We're still buzzing reaching the final of the Peter Morrison.
"We always go into games with confidence and the team has been playing extremely well in the second half of the season unfortunately the lack of league teams have meant the league programme being finished early.
"Playing Neasden is always a tough game and they have been set the standards high. It will be sad to see Jamie Cole leave. He has been excellent and put together a great Neasden team.
"Sunday should be a good game."
Following the announcement that Jamie Cole will stand down as manager at the end of the season, Neasden have little more than pride to play for, although they will go all out to ensure they don’t finish bottom.
They went down 2-1 to Hendon A last Sunday with Shai Revivo their marksman.
Neasden manager Jamie Cole told JC Sport: "All though we havemissing several key players, we will be no pushover."
It’s hard to believe last season’s champions have won just two league games out of 10. Eight defeats is far from impressive and I can see a confident Faithfold team adding to their woes with striker Mike Pearson looking to off-load his frustration at being cup-tied for the Morrison final on the Neasden defence.
It’s Faithfold for me.
JC team news: Neasden are missing Rob Lerner, Matt Soff, TJ Keterman, Lee Cash, Gersh, Jake Gottlieb, Ben Ellis. They give a debut to Israeli player Tomer.
Faithfold have a few boys away and others coming back from injury. Definitely missing are Alex Kaye, Jonny Haik, Dan Harod, Alex Taylor.
Neasden squad: Shields, Bentwood, J. Ellis, Stern, Ross, Peet, Abrams, Revivo, Daggers, D. Cohen, Bowman, Tomer
Remaining fixtures:
Neasden
April 24 - Raiders (h)
May 1 - Harmen (a)
May 8 - Neasden B (a)
Venue – The Hive, Ref – N. Burns
JC star man: Mike Pearson (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Faithfold A 3 NW Neasden A 1
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DIVISION ONE
BRADY MACCABI vs CAMDEN PARK
Sunday is massive for both clubs for very different reasons.
Only a win will do for Brady who look to have run out of steam, and ideas. Josh Rosenfeld’s men were excellent for the first 13 games but time is running out in their bid to secure automatic promotion.
On Sunday they face a Camden team for whom only three points will do. Anything less and they’re down.
Brady were well below par against Raiders B last weekend and it must have been hard for Rosenfeld and co to watch the celebrations. I was surprised to see Josh Hershman deployed at left-back. It was an attempt to nullify the threat of Mike Hershman but it meant that Brady lost something going forward. They must not make the same mistake twice.
It’s easy to forget what an excellent campaign Brady have had so far. Rosenfeld has turned them from water into wine virtually overnight and deserves all the plaudits.
Ahead of Sunday's match, Rosenfeld told JC Sport: "It's been a really tough for few weeks for us. All we can do is finish the season on a high and win our last two games.
"We need to all stick together when the times are hard. Camden will be fighting until the end and it will not be easy."
Sometimes crossing the line is the hardest part, and Brady are finding that right now to their detriment.
It’s been a tough season for Camden but, as always, I don’t expect them to go down without a fight. They have flirted with relegation on several occasions but I can’t see them escaping this time.
The old guard of Phil Caplin and Rick Harris has helped keep them afloat and rumour has it that manager Justin Rockberger is trying to persuade Darren Saffer to come out of retirement one more time. But I don’t think that even a half-fit, patched-up Saffer will be enough to give through a Brady defence for whom Jason Sears and Nick Stern have been excellent.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Rockberger told JC Sport: “It would be nice to end the season with a win ... but well see.”
It finished 6-2 to Brady when the teams met in November. Hershman and Mark Smith bagged trebles that day and if Hershman is pushed back into the firing line, I can see him and the Reds doing the business.
Remaining fixture
April 17 – Oakwood (h)
Ref – A. Myerson
JC star man: Josh Hershman (Brady)
DC Prediction: Brady Maccabi 3 Camden Park 1
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OAKWOOD vs SOUTHGATE HARMEN B
Oakwood are facing the same kind of problem as Brady Maccabi. They appear to have hit the buffers at just the wrong time as a top two finish looked well within reach.
Now they know that only maximum points from their last two games will be enough to snatch the runners-up spot from FC Team.
The northern boys suffered a shock defeat at the hands of a Montana team playing for pride. Talisman Adam Levine put them ahead but they were undone by a couple of goals from Gary Cohen.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Oaks joint-manager Alex Schock told JC Sport: "Two games to go and we know what we need to do. It's quite simple we're five points off FC Team in second who have no games to play.
"We will have a strong team out this weekend despite losing Eddie Manson to suspension and player-manager Ric Blank who is surfing the waves in Australia.
"Dan Geey is back in midfield after a two-game absence which is a huge boost and given the importance of this fixture we have flown Louis Basger across from Switzerland to give us that extra edge.
"One thing is for sure, we'll be on it on Sunday."
On Sunday they come up against a Harmen team whom they drew with 1-1 a couple of weeks ago. But I expect them to win on their own patch.
Harmen will have one eye on the game at the Hive between Brady and Camden. Anything less than a Camden win would keep Harmen in Division One.
The visitors also have the added boost that their A-team are not playing so there might be one or two able to drop down for one last hurray.
Looking ahead to the clash, Harmen boss Mark Engel told JC Sport: "It's a massive game and we will be really up for this.
"I can’t wait and neither can the players."
The Oaks are unbeaten in eight at home this season and I expect them to do the business do ensure that record stands come Sunday lunchtime.
If I had to make one criticism of Oakwood this season, it would be that they haven’t scored enough goals. That said, I think they will have enough on the day.
Remaining fixture:
Oakwood
April 24 – Brady Maccabi (a)
Venue – Parmiters, ref – A. Lewis
JC star man: Ben Myers (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 2 Southgate Harmen B 1
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DIVISION THREE
ZIG ZAG vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE C
Redbridge are taking a shed-load of fans to north London knowing that victory against the Zed men would as good as send them up.
Some supporters will make a day out of it with 25 buses booked to take them on the Harry Abrahams Stadium afterwards to watch their A team in the JC Cyril Anekstein Cup final.
That said, Richard Bronzite’s men must not turn up complacent as they are playing a Zig Zag team that has hit form.
RJC were second best against Faithfold last weekend and Bronzite locked his troops in the changing room for 30 minutes after the game. He gave them the hairdryer and I’ve heard reports that one or two teacups were smashed following the 4-2 defeat.
Bronzite has told his team in no uncertain terms what is expected between now and the end of the season.
“We need four points for our remaining games to finish second,” Bronzite told JC Sport. “The league title is over. Glenthorne are the deserved winners.
“We have a lot of work to do. We have to work hard and get some desire back in the team. Whave to get over the disappointment and push for second.”
Revenge will be the name of the game for Zig Zag who were beaten 3-1 by RJC in early October, when Dan Gordon bagged a brace.
But DJ Neal Cohen’s men go into the game on the back of two excellent results and the manager is keen to finish a bad week on a high.
With Redbridge B having finished their season, I’m sure the visitors will be as strong as possible and I can see Greg Bookman, Anthony Mendel and Gordon making them too hot to handle.
JC team news: For Jamie Sinclair, Marc Silver, Daniel Howard have been ruled out for the rest of the season. Marc Jacobs not around
Remaining fixtures:
RJC
April 24 – Faithfold C (a)
Zig Zag
April 24 – Catford (h)
Venue – Montrose Park, Ref – R. Caplin
JC star man: Anthony Mendel (RJC)
DC Prediction: Zig Zag 1 Redbridge JC C 3
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DIVISION FOUR
BLIZZARD STORM vs INTER BOREHAMWOOD
MSFL match of the day, other than the two cup finals of course, is this one where title rivals Blizzard takes on Inter.
Simon Linden’s Blizzard boys go into the game with a slight psychological edge as strikes from Alex Rubin and Joel Kutner set up a 2-1 win over Borehamwood a few weeks ago.
While Sunday is the last game of the season for Blizzard, Borehamwood still have four left, all three at home, so if they come away with maximum points it would set them up nicely.
It’s squeaky bum time for both camps who know that Sunday is a day when any mistakes will be punished as they will be bags of talent on show.
While some will no doubt be nervous, Linden is champing at the bit. He told JC Sport: “Who would have thought that my Blizzard team would be 90 minutes away from promotion?
“It’s a very tough game, we know what to expect against Inter. The form guide goes out the window on Sunday,
“We have to be on our game from the kick-off. I’m delighted to have Michael Woolf back in the midfield and with Colet and Speck at the back and Ladier and Rubin solid in the midfield we have the strength to match Inter.
“Whatever the outcome on Sunday, I’m proud of our achievements. No-one mentioned us pre- season. We have gone about our business very quietly with most expecting us to slip up.
“I have a squad that’s a credit to Jewish football. We play the game correctly and always in good spirit. It’s a terrific club to be a part of and everyone cant wait for Sunday. Lets hope we get the three points.”
Linden will tell his boys that victory on Sunday would give them the best possible chance of going up in style. I’ve always been a believer that points on the board are better than games in hand. That’s what I told Raiders B boss Rob Richman and look what happened there. Points on the board equals no ifs or buts. Put down your marker and then see if your rivals playing catch-up have the stomach for a fight and the bottle.
On Sunday the Blizzard boys must go out with bags of belief, show no fear and leave nothing on the pitch.
Borehamwood bounced back well from the Blizzard defeat with Jeff Gotch (2), Jerome Colmans and Jamie Taylor on target in the 4-0 win over Pinner.
Oluseun Thomas’ men have kept five clean sheets in the league and with a crunch class against Glenthorne coming up, they will need to be at their best to get something from the game.
Thomas told JC Sport: "This week we are buoyed by having a full fit squad available.
"We have been intensely focused in our preparation as we felt we did ourselves a major injustice last time we faced Storm.
"We are fully aware of the league standings and how crucial this game is to Blizzard, not only just ourselves.
"There has been all sorts of hot air coming out of the Blizzard camp of this being a walk in the park for them but we are prepared to give them a true fight out there and show our intent this season.
"We know it won't be a simple game but have every confidence we are more than capable of getting the job done."
Let battle commence.
JC team news: Blizzard welcome back star centre midfielder Michael Woolf and keeper Nick Rubin to this “World Cup final” at the Hive. Missing out is Joel Kutner but Blizzard are expected to recall Dan Vandermolen. Lee caplin could be included in a strong 15 man squad.
Remaining fixtures
Borehamwood
May 1 – Shirley Park (h)
May 8 – Los Blancos (h)
May 15 – Glenthorne B (h)
Ref – M. Fox
JC star man: Nick Rubin (Blizzard)
DC Prediction: Blizzard Storm 2 Inter Borehamwood 1
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ATHLETIC BILBAUM vs LOS BLANCOS
A top four finish looks Los Blancos’ best bet now and in the grand scheme of things, that would be respectable.
They looked destined for big things at one point but they have tailed off in disappointing fashion in the last few weeks.
Simon Moses and Danny Sher were the goal men when Blancos beat Bilbaum in October, one of four clean sheets in the league this season.
Joel Minsky’s men still have nine points to play. On the whole their away form has been good and I expect them to come out on top in what should be a high-scoring contest.
Looking ahead to the game, Minsky told JC Sport: "We are missing quite a few players this week due to injuries, the proximity to uni exams and those who have gone to Israel for Pesach.
"We do have a large squad though so there are no excuses for a poor performance.
"After the disappointment of falling out of the title race last week, we need to ensure we continue to pick up points between now and the end of the season to put us in as good a position as possible to get promoted - and that starts with three points on Sunday.
"Whilst automatic promotion is desirable, with games running out we will settle for a top four finish which should be enough to see us in Division Three next year.
Josh Ejdelbaum takes his Bilbaum boys into their last game of the season and he’s promised the fans that they will pull out all the stops in a bid to “end on a high”.
Looking ahead to the game, Ejdelbaum told JC Sport: “Blancos are a good side, but if we play like we played last week we have a chance.”
Striker Simon Finklestein faces a tough decision over whether to play, with a flight to catch that afternoon - expect to see his best aeroplane celebration if he scores. Super-Scotty Harrison is also back.
Two of the best strikers in the division – Dany Kon and Edward Green – will go head-to-head in a clash that will be well worth the admission fee.
Remaining fixture:
Blancos
May 1 – Neasden C (a)
May 8 – Inter Borehamwood (a)
Venue – B. David
JC star man: Scotty Harrison (Blancos)
DC Prediction: Athletic Bilbaum 2 Los Blancos 4
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GLENTHORNE UNITED B vs JEWVENTUS
Josh Cohen has fond memories of Jewventus as they were the opponents when he scored a David Beckham-style Goal of the Week.
Usual suspects Fabio Revieccio and Daniel Lassman were also on the mark in a 3-2 victory and the east Londoners look good for another three points as they close in on a top two finish.
Manager Elliot Coulton is adamant that his team will win the title. They have a massive match against Borehamwood coming up but they must not under-estimate the threat of a Jewve team for whom striker Richard Fogelman is looking to go out with a bang.
Glenthorne have not looked or played like champions in their last three matches but with their A team not in action, they could benefit from the addition of a Dan Lipman or the like.
Jewventus boss Gabriel John has assured his friends at Blizzard, Los Blancos and Borehamwood that his troops will give it a go.
John told JC Sport: “This is the culmination of a really poor season for Jewventus. With so much promise and ability the squad should feel like we have massively under performed.
“A game against title-chasing Glenthorne would not be pick of my choices for last game of the season. But we’ll go there and try and steal something.
“The first meeting was a really close affair only decided by a lucky hoof from their centre back. But they’re a good side and I think we could well struggle come Sunday.”
The clash between Revieccio and Fogelman will definitely put bums on seats and fans are encouraged to arrive early.
Venue – The Old Chigwellians, Ref – K. Gold
JC star man: Josh Cohen (Glenthorne)
DC Prediction: Glenthorne Utd B 3 Jewventus 1
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NORTH WEST NEASDEN C vs SHIRLEY PARK
At a glance, you would think that there is little more than pride to play for, but both sets of managers are keen to put the record straight.
Both camps feel they are capable of mounting a push for a top four finish, so something must give on Sunday.
Laurence Spear and Benji Gourgey were the scorers for Neasden who beat Shirley last month. Manager Louis Taylor hailed his defence that day and he’ll be looking for more of the same against a team for whom Jason Lindsay and Gideon Gold have been the main men.
Taylor is unsure of the make-up of his squad for Sunday. He told JC Sport: “At the moment we’re struggling with a few injuries and availability issues.
“Whatever team I put out there will be determined to get our seventh win in a row.”
On paper, Shirley have one of the strongest squads in the division. The boys up top have been doing the business most weeks and I think that if they can bring in a couple of top players over the summer then they can kick on next season.
Back-to-back wins in their last two games have put a smile back on the face of managers Dan Oade and Dave Lusman.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Lusman told JC Sport: “We’re in good form and expect a competitive encounter with one of the inform teams in Division 4.
“Neasden claimed all three point in our previous fixture and we hope to set the record straight.
“We have a strong squad to chose from, however were missing the in-form Dan Oade who has duties elsewhere. Jason ‘the red mist’ Lindsey hopes to add to his goal-scoring tally and with Gid ‘tiny’ Gold back in the ranks for this one were all guns blazing.
“It’s not beyond us but we hope to finish third by the end of the season. Lets hope that other results work in our favour and we do the business in our remaining fixtures.”
I’m going score draw.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref - L. Benson
JC star man: Tony Chadwick (Neasden)
DC Prediction: Shirley Park 2 NW Neasden C 2
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PINNER JFC vs TEMPLE FORTUNE B
Pinner have failed to score in more than 450 minutes but I’m confident they will break their duck on Sunday.
It’s been another tough season for Vivian Emanuel’s boys who have lost 19 out of 20 and conceded an incredible 122 goals.
In their position, many clubs would have taken the easy option and folded, but not Pinner. Quitting is not an option as far as Emanuel and club chairman Les Conway are concerned.
It’s all about learning curves and Emanuel believes something special will happen in their penultimate fixture.
“Temple Fortune is a game we feel we can really win,” Emanuel told JC Sport. “We played them at Hatch End and lost 2-1. It was a game we knew we should have won so a better performance is urgently needed.
"All we want is a win on Sunday."
Fortune edged home 2-1 in the corresponding fixture and have lost their last seven league games.
They saved their best for the Barry Goldstein Cup but having missed out on the final it will be interesting to see if they suffer a hangover here.
JC team news: Pinner welcome back Asher Levin from injury.
Venue – Bannister Sports Centre, Ref – L. Eppel
JC star man: Asher Levin (Pinner)
DC Prediction: Pinner JFC 2 Temple Fortune B 1
