There's a big weekend of football in store as Brady Maccabi A head north to take on South Manchester in the final of the Peter Morrison Trophy, while Faithfold A will look to complete the double when they take on defending champions Hendon United A in the JC MSFL. Danny Caro looks ahead to all the action on Matchday 33 of the season, as Redbridge Jewish Care's Richard Bronzite goes head-to-head in the latest round of Challenge Caro.
SEASON 2012/13 ROLL OF HONOUR
London FA Sunday Intermediate Cup winners: - Faithfold A
JC Cyril Anekstein Cup winner: - London Maccabi Lions A
Division Two champions: Brady Maccabi B
Division Three promoted: Oakwood B
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DANNY CARO'S PREM DIV TEAM OF THE WEEK
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PETER MORRISON TROPHY FINAL
SOUTH MANCHESTER SPORTS CLUB 1st vs BRADY MACCABI A
Laurence Newman is confident South Manchester Sports Club can finish the season in style as they prepare to take on Brady Maccabi in the final of the Peter Morrison Trophy.
The Manchester Accountants League leaders remain on course for the treble and manager Newman believes his men can step up to the challenge when they take on one of the strongest Sunday teams in London at Oldham Athletic’s Boundary Park stadium on Sunday.
MEET THE TEAMS - SOUTH MANCHESTER
MEET THE TEAMS - BRADY MACCABI
Venue: Boundary Park, Oldham Athletic FC, KO - 3pm
JC star man: Brad Sharp (Brady)
DC Prediction: South Manchester 1 Brady 1 AET (Brady to win on penalties)
RB Prediction: South Manchester 2 Brady 1
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JC MSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
18 - Lee Cash (LM Lions A - 10 for Neasden A)
17 - Adam Stolerman (Redbridge JC A)
14 - Daryl Phillips (Faithfold A), Brad Wine (Oakwood)
HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A vs FAITHFOLD A
While Arsenal will give Manchester United a guard of honour, rest assured Hendon will not until the inevitable happens and Faithfold are crowned league champions.
While Arsenal sold RVP to United, Faithold did the same with their top-scorer Mike Pearson, but he has since returned, via Rowley Lane, and he is the man in form right now.
A point will be enough to see Faithfold crowned JC MSFL champions for the first time since season 2004/05 but they are treating this game like any other.
Pearson was in top form against Norstar last weekend. His hat-trick in a 6-1 win fired him straight into my team of the week and he’ll be looking to show the defending champions exactly what they are missing.
Looking ahead to the game, Faithfold boss Zuriel Solomon told JC Sport: “This is without doubt our biggest game of the season, and also Hendon’s. We are fully aware of all the different scenarios, but that can never be a target you set yourself.
“Our target as it has always been and will always remain is to win games, and that’s the bottom line.
“Hendon have set the benchmark from last season and they are still a great team. We know we will have to be on our game as this will be the two best teams in the league fighting for a win.
“We know they have some dangerous players and we will have to make sure we defend well, but also express ourselves we will treat this game the same we treat all games.”
Hendon boss David Garbacz is not used to coming out second best and he is confident his troops will give a good account of themselves against the champions elect.
Without a match last weekend, they have been virtually helpless in terms of watching the LFASIC winners march towards the double.
“Congratulations to Faithfold who have been the most consistent team this season, and whatever the result on Sunday they will be champions,” Garbacz told JC Sport.
“We desperately needed them to drop points in the double-header against Oakwood, but alas it was not to be and now they have an enormous grasp on the coveted league trophy.
“Saying that we will be aiming to delay their party . The last thing we want to see is for them to wrestle our crown from us at Hadley on Sunday and they only need a point to do so.
“It is unusual that we haven’t played for two weeks at this time of the year, but that is what comes with not making the big cup finals, and consequently they should be slightly sharper than us.
“However, we will be training hard this week and I am convinced that we will put on a top display on Sunday and extend the title race that little bit longer.
“We have a near full-strength squad to choose from and this will be a real test between two top teams.
“Faithfold are strong all over the park, but a few years ago Redbridge won the league on our patch and it was not an enjoyable sight, and we will not be going through that again.
“Expect a classic and also expect a massive Hendon performance.”
An excellent defensive record has allowed Faithfold to build a solid platform for success. The Superhoops have conceded just 14 goals in 15 league games this season, and it’s no surprise that keeper Ben Law is a contender for the JC MSFL Safe Hands Award.
The teams drew 1-1 earlier in the season when Daniel Howard, who has also had an excellent campaign for Faithfold, and Ari Last were the scorers.
Another close battle is on the cards as Faithfold go in search of their fifth and most important away win this season.
Both teams are packed with potential match-winners and it wouldn’t surprise me if a moment of magic could settles it.
JC team news: JC team news: Faithfold remain without long-term absentees Alex Kaye, Elliott Stern, Rocky Spitzer and Joe Cohen. They are otherwise at full-strength.
Ari Last is a slight doubt with a knee injury, otherwise Hendon have a full squad available.
Venue – Hadley FC, KO – 10.30am
JC star man: Jonny Haik (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Hendon 1 Faithfold 2
RB Prediction: Hendon 2 Faithfold 3
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FC TEAM A vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A (Double-header)
Having seen their cup hopes go up in smoke at Wingate last weekend, RJC boss Eilon Kennet will be looking for a big reaction from his players as they look to close in on the runners-up spot.
Redbridge were excellent for the first 40 minutes, but their failure to mark at set-pieces ultimately led to their downfall.
The east Londoners came away deeply frustrated after the red card that never was and they will be determined to put on a good show. But their fans will be disappointed to go a second season without a trophy.
Asked for his hopes for Sunday, manager Eilon Kennet told JC Sport: “Nott to keep conceding five goals a game …”
FC Team earned a vital three points in a five-goal thriller against Raiders last weekend. Strikes from Marc Harris, Simon Peterman and Richard Salmon eased their relegation fears, and they will be looking to make life difficult for RJC this weekend.
Team boss Mitch Young told JC Sport: "Having beaten Raiders last week, and in the process securing our top-flight status, we are looking to finish the season on a high.
"Redbridge are a good attacking side so I am expecting lots of goals. Our aim is to build on last week's victory, have some fun and score lots of goals."
One of FC Team’s strengths are from set-pieces and they will be looking to terrorise the RJC defence from long-throws, free-kicks and corners. It could be a busy couple of hours for keeper Dan Lee.
JC team news: RJC top-scorer Adam Stolerman faces a late fitness test after hobbling off with injury
Jonny Breger returns for FC Team, but Dan Silverman misses out.
Venue – Meadow Park, Ref – Robert Benardout
JC star man: Dan Lee (RJC)
DC Prediction: Team 2 RJC 2/RJC 1 Team 1
RB Prediction: Team 2 RJC 3/RJC 3 Team 1
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OAKWOOD A vs LONDON MACCABI LIONS A
It could be a case of after the Lord Mayor’s Show for Lions on Sunday.
Andy Landesberg’s young team lit up Wingate & Finchley in the JC Cyril Anekstein Cup final last weekend. Although the big decision of the game went their way, they showed great character to come from two goals down to run out 5-2 winners.
But Landesberg believes they may not have things all their own way in a game where they were parade the JC League Cup in front of their fans.
“This game has all the potential of a banana skin for us,” Landesberg told JC Sport. “With five boys already back at university, we are struggling to get a full squad together. Also we have injuries to both David Nezri, and possibly Lee Cash.
“I hope James and I can make sure everybody remains focused and we finish the season in good style.
“There is still a lot of euphoria out there in the Lions camp and with Saturday’s presentation of the League championship, it is so important to make sure we do not take our eye off the road ahead.”
Oakwood are flying at the minute and are looking to finish the season strongly.
There’s injury lists and injury lists and the Oaks are right up there in terms of the worst hit. But managers Ric Blank and Alex Schock have recruited well and look in good shape to give the cup winners a big test.
Oh, and there’s also the little matter of revenge as Lions thumped them 8-1 two months ago in a Max Kyte-inspired performance.
Ahead of kick-off, Blank told JC Sport: "Football, sunshine, beers - Sunday promises to be a super day. The pressure's off after last week's win over Brixton and we can take to Parmiters for our last game of a long, hard season feeling satisfied but remaining hungry.
"Playing Lions, you're never sure what you're going to get. Looking at their teamsheets they played a totally different team in the final of the CA Cup than they did in the semi. They have access to all sorts of talent that is the envy of every club so we assume they'll bring a top class 14 with them.
"Gershfield, Daggers, Cash, Kyte etc are all likely to play - and we welcome that. We want the best players playing every week in the MSFL - that's how we'll measure ourselves and, ultimately, how we'll improve. We just hope next season they do play every week from the start of the season and I'm sure Andy shares my sentiments.
"They're on a high after winning the cup (though not sure about that booking for the keeper!), but we're in good spirits too. We'll take a strong 14 and will see if we can show any improvement from the 8-1 earlier in the season. It won't be easy but we love a challenge.
"Sunday also looks like it'll be Rob Davidson's last game in an Oakwood shirt. Rob has been playing for me since day one. We've seen him grow from a slick haired right winger to a bald headed full-back. He's been the key to team spirit since he joined but feels it's time to call it a day. We'll miss him massively. Robbie D - truly TBOATJIATL."
JC team news: Danny Daggers, Jake Doffman and Ed Weisz return for Lions having been cup-tied for cup the final at Wingate last weekend.
Oakwood are missing Josh Bentley, Eddie Manson, Rubin and Adam Levine.
Venue - Parmiters, Ref – Richard Jaye
JC star man: Josh Rose (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 3 Lions 1
RB Prediction: Oakwood 2 Lions 4
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A vs BRIXTON OLD BOYS
Sunday is last chance saloon for John Nitka’s Brixton Old Boys.
They go into their final game of the season knowing defeat would mean relegation. It’s really that simple.
BOBs start the match one point ahead of a Raiders team who have three games in hand.
The stats say Brixton’s defence has not been good enough this season. They have conceded 68 goals and struggled to fill the void left by keeper Jake Doffman and the Weisz brothers, who left to join the Lions a few months ago.
But I’m sure Nitka will remind his players exactly what happened last time they met Raiders. Alon Hershkorn (2), Rob Blackman and Posner inspired them to a 4-2 win. Blackman has also moved on, but Nitka will believe he has enough talent in the squad to complete a league double over L’Orange.
Raiders are without a win since late January. Three of the four defeats since has been by single-goal margins and manager Rob Richman will demand one last push from a squad that although hampered by injuries, has by and large under-achieved.
The bottom line is Raiders have four potential cup final left. Win on Sunday and the heat will be off.
Venue – Meadow Park, Ref – Robert Benardout
JC star man: Jamie Wolfson (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Raiders 3 Brixton 2
RB Prediction: Raiders 3 Brixton 3
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
35 - Jamie (Shirley Park)
16 - Richard Silver (Camden)
15 - Yishai Last (Hendon B), Max Kyte (Lions B + 2 for A)
FAITHFOLD B vs CAMDEN PARK
Camden Park will look to up the ante on Sunday as they go in search of what would be their 11th league win of the season when they travel to Faithfold.
4-1 winners over Faithfold in October, Josh Marks’s troops warmed-up for the match with an impressive double-header win over Hendon B.
Greg Meller saw them home in part one, while the boys Silver and Hershkorn did the business in match two.
Looking ahead to the game, Marks told JC Sport: “We have a few players unavailable, including myself, so I will have the Facetime connected so that I don’t miss a minute!
“We have a big enough squad to fill the gaps and I hope we can carry on last week’s momentum until the end of the season and really push for one of those promotion spots.”
The draw against UJIA changed little for Faithfold in terms of avoiding relegation. With games against Glenthorne, Neasden and Harmen to follow the future looks bleak and it’s hard to see them surviving.
JC team news: For Camden, Ben Harris returns from holiday. Michael Khalastchi hopefully will not be missed too much.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Teddy Littner
JC star man: Guy Marks
DC Prediction: Faithfold 1 Camden 4
RB Prediction: Faithfold 1 Camden 4
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LONDON MACCABI LIONS B vs UJIA
If you’re looking for a home banker this weekend then this is most definitely it.
Jamie Kyte’s troops will be looking to fill their boots against the division’s bottom team and finish the weekend in second place.
They experienced mixed fortunes in the double-header against Chigwell last weekend, with Dan Green scoring in both games.
Will Beresford, Max Kyte and Richard Gold steered Lions to a 3-1 win over the U’s earlier in the season and with a massive 30 points separating the teams, this should be a stroll in the park for the Lions.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Neal Cohen
JC star man: Dan Green (Lions)
DC Prediction: Lions 4 UJIA 0
RB Prediction: Lions 5 UJIA 0
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NORTH WEST NEASDEN A vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B
Neasden boss Daniel Hodes will have earmarked this game as the one where Division One football is guaranteed for next season.
Lying five points ahead of Faithfold and 10 ahead of UJIA, victory over Hendon would be a huge fillip.
Hendon are determined to stay ahead of Sunday’s opponents and joint-manager Motty Korman told me earlier this week that the feel-good-factor is back in the camp.
“We were unlucky in the first game last week and felt we should have come away with at least a point, but Camden’s fitness showed in the second game and were worthy winners,” Korman said.
“After beating Lions two weeks ago it looks like we have helped Camden who will probably win the league and congratulate them as they are definitely one of the best sides we have played this season.
“We still have four games to play and if the weather continues will surely be an enjoyable game with neither of us having anything to play for.
“After a terrible few months we improved tenfold over the last three weeks and are all enjoying our football again and look forward to the game on Sunday.”
It finished 2-2 last time and I can see both sets of fans going home happy again.
JC team news: Alex Neiss is out for season for Hendon after damaging his ligaments last week against Camden. Danny Steel , Gav Noe and Tange Goldring will also be missing. Richie Cohen and Dave Kanterna are both available after missing large parts of the season, but they are still waiting on Gav Noe who seems to spend more time with his radio glued to his ear than he does with the ball at his feet.....
Neasden are expected to welcome back defensive stalwart Jon Kaye who completed last weekend’s London Marathon in a creditable 5:17. You can still sponsor him at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JonKaye
Ref – Adam Lewis
JC star man: Richie Cohen (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Neasden 2 Hendon 2
RB Prediction: Neasden 2 Hendon 2
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SOUTHGATE HARMEN vs TEMPLE FORTUNE A
Harmen fans hope home advantage plays a part as they go in search of the three points that would lift them above Temple Fortune A.
Both sets of players will be nice and fresh after having last weekend off, and there’s also a chance that they can start working on a tan for the summer months ahead.
Fortune go into the game in decent form. Unbeaten in four, Lee Fegan reminded his squad of his capabilities with a goal on duty for the club’s B-team last weekend.
Attacking midfielder Michael Goldberg will be looking to set the pace as he prepares for the Bupa London 10k.
Kane Gilbery, Daniel Orgel and Brett Stead found the net when Fortune beat Harmen 3-1 in February and the in-form Gilbert is the favourite to opening the scoring on Sunday.
A 20-goal-a-season striker is Dan Uzan’s priority for the summer. As well as his team has defended this season, they have been short at times up top and unable to kill off opponents in games they have dominated.
I can see Sunday’s game being won and lost in midfield and it will all boil down to which team wins the individual and collective battles.
Venue – Ashmole School, Ref – Steve Levy
JC star man: Brett Stead (Harmen)
DC Prediction: Harmen 1 Fortune 1
RB Prediction: Harmen 1 Fortune 1
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WOODFORD WANDERERS vs CHIGWELL ATHLETIC
Chigwell boss Richard Slater is expecting a testing morning when his troops line-up for their second league derby of the season.
Richard Baum earned the Chigs a point back in October when they drew 1-1. Harrison Midda found the net for the Wanderers.
Chigwell suffered their first defeat since mid-February last Sunday as they were beaten in part one of a double-header against promotion rivals Lions B, but Slater was delighted by the character shown as they bounced back to win the follow-up 3-1.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Slater told JC Sport: “'Essex derby games are always tricky. League positions mean nothing and I'm sure Woodford will raise their game against us.
“We just need to make sure we carry on our decent run of form and take three points to keep the pressure on Lions and Camden.'
Woodford have failed to beat any of the teams in the top half of the table this season and I’m sure manager Paul Hyams will use that as motivation in his pre-match teamtalk.
Hyams and co know full well they wouldn’t hear the end of it if Chigwell go out so I expect them to pull out all the stops on Sunday.
But with Chigwell welcoming back three experienced players, I expect them to have too much on the day.
JC team news: Russell Brill, Jamie Fox and Paul Lenchner return for Chigwell.
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – Alan Russell
JC star man: Paul Lenchner (Chigwell)
DC Prediction: Woodford 2 Chigwell 3
RB Prediction: Woodford 2 Chigwell 2
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
28 - Reiss Mogilner (Brady B)
23 - Adam Hersh (Los Blancos)
16 - Dan Hildebrand (Brady B)
14 - Jake Gilbert (Athletic Bilbaum), James Joseph (Brady B)
FC TEAM B vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B
Goals are guaranteed in Sunday’s meeting between mid-table rivals FC Team B and Raiders B.
There’s little more than pride at stake for both sets of players and I think this will result in an open and entertainment affair.
A double-header win over Norstar B the weekend before last allowed Team boss Ben Simon to start planning for next season.
His chairman, Mitch Young, had high hopes for the side at the start of the season and a strong finish might encourage to loosen the club’s purse strings and spend big this summer.
Simon told JC Sport: “We are now mathematically safe so we want to try and finish as high up the table as possible.
“The pressure is off for these last two games so we want to go out and enjoy the games"
Jonny Blain and Ethan Zone were the marksmen when Raiders beat Team 2-0 back in November.
Manager Oli Shorts knows full well that only a win will keep L’Orange ahead of Sunday’s
opponents and he’ll be encouraging his troops to go for it from the first whistle.
Shorts told JC Sport: “This game has a very end of season feel to it.”
JC team news: Raiders duo Matt Leader and Sam Morell miss out through injury, while Dan Garb is away. Jonny Blain returns.
JC team news: Eddie Sternberg is out for Team this weekend, but Robbie Blair should come back into the squad.
Venue – Meadow Park, Ref – Robert Caplin
JC star man: Jonny Blain (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Team 2 Raiders 2
RB Prediction: Team 3 Raiders 3
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SPEC FC vs NORSTAR B
SPEC FC will be looking to get in the headlines for the right reasons on Sunday as they look to put the debacle against Neasden firmly behind them.
“If results go one way we can seal third place on Sunday,” midfielder Ricky Lawrence told JC Sport.
“If they go another way, the push for promotion could go all the way to the final day of the season.”
Lawrence was one of four SPEC FC players who were sent off last weekend, but the point earned in a 2-2 draw may just prove to be a priceless one in the long-term.
“We know we need to win though and throwing away two points last week was exactly what we couldn’t afford to do. Third wouldn’t be a terrible spot to finish the season in though.
“We know where we’ve gone wrong and we just have to make sure we don’t make the same mistakes next season.”
Highlights have been few and far between for Norstar B this season. Their fortunes have improved on the weeks that Rob Blackman has played, but manager David Lubczanski knows the table doesn’t lie. The bottom line is they haven’t been good enough or strong enough.
Ashley Burns and Craig Cohen were the scorers when SPEC FC beat Norstar 2-0 in February and on the 3G in Hatfield, I can see the scoreline being even more emphatic second time around.
Venue – Hatfield Uni, Ref – Andy Myerson
JC star man: Elliott Wallis (SPEC)
DC Prediction: SPEC 4 Norstar 1
RB Prediction: SPEC 4 Norstar 1
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GLENTHORNE UNITED B vs BLIZZARD STORM
Time is running out for the Blizzard boys ahead of the long trip to Glenthorne on Sunday.
Simon Linden’s men have four games left in their bid to avoid the drop. They know exactly what they need to do to finish above Catford & Bromley, although there’s still a chance they could finish bottom.
With Redbridge, Raiders and SPEC FC to follow, this appears to be their easiest game to play, although I’m sure the Thornes will make things as tough as possible.
Indeed the east Londoners beat Blizzard 2-1 in September, when Ryan Cole and Jay Lawrence saw them home. They left it late, in what joint-manager Liam Stein described as “a battling performance”.
With two wins in their last three, Glenthorne will fancy their chances. They have nothing riding on the match and know Blizzard have been poor on their travels this season.
Venue – Ford Sports & Social, Ref – Adam Yuchetel
JC star man: Jay Lawrence (Glenthorne)
DC Prediction: Glenthorne 2 Blizzard 1
RB Prediction: Glenthorne 3 Blizzard 1
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LOS BLANCOS vs ATHLETIC BILBAUM (Double-header)
The champagne remains on ice for Blancos as they prepare to take on Bilbaum for the first-ever meeting in JC MSFL history.
Mathematically the Baums can still go up but Blancos look set to end those hopes once and for all as they look to cement their place in Division Two next season.
Keeper Josh Cohen has been in top form in recent weeks, and together with his defence, has not conceded for more than 270 minutes.
Player-manager Adam Hersh has led the line brilliantly again this season and warmed-up for the Bilbaum clash with a hat-trick in the 5-0 demolition of Blizzard last weekend.
Looking ahead to the weekend, Hersh told JC Sport: “This is a massive double-header for us to secure second place.
“Unfortunately coming top wasn’t to be, and in all honesty Brady deserved top spot.
“We’ve never played Bilbaum and are not taking anything for granted.
“We need two wins from our last four games, but wrapping it up on Sunday is our objective so all available squad members will be turning up on Sunday to do battle.”
Bilbaum looked promotion certainties earlier in the season but six defeats has left them with it all to do.
They must win each and every one of their remaining games and hope everyone else slips up.
I just can’t see that happening.
Ref – Adam Lewis
JC star man: Sami Birnbaum (Blancos)
DC Prediction: Blancos 3 Bilbaum 2/Bilbaum 1 Blancos 2
RB Prediction: Blancos 3 Bilbaum 1
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DIVISION THREE
TOP-SCORERS
33 - Ben Zloof (AC Mill Hill)
25 – Alex Elf (Hendon Utd SC C)
24 - Jono Gaon (Tottenham Chutspah)
17 - Ben Polak (Oakwood B)
16 - Terry Jeffries (Temple Fortune B)
OAKWOOD B vs LOUGHTON ORIENT
Having clinched promotion last weekend, you’d expect there to be a massive buzz around the Oakwood camp in the build-up to Sunday’s meeting with Loughton Orient.
However, news has reached me of some internal problems, and the future of Ian Tussie as manager is now in doubt.
“This week has been an utter nightmare, Danny,” Tussie told me. “I am happy to go on record and state my anger at the club's Chairman (Ric Blank) and Financial Director (Alex Schock) for their appalling behaviour this week. At the start of the season there were promises made to myself, my backroom staff and the players that if we got promoted there would be certain bonuses in place including an all expenses paid night out in St. Albans, a new kit and 6 new Mitre Ultimax balls (plus pump).
“However, Blank and Schock have reneged on the agreement claiming that we've only been promoted due to Jewventus folding. I keep telling them that we would have went up anyway regardless but they won't listen. I am seriously considering my position at the club which is close to untenable. They're acting like Karl Oyston.
“It's put a sour note on things ahead of Sunday. We're desperate to win the league and know we need to win to guarantee it - the lads want their hands on the trophy. Obviously FC Team C got a stroke of luck last weekend when they were given six points when Chutzpah couldn't raise a team. Given Team's struggles in other double-headers this season I'm sure they'll see that as a massive bonus.
“We’re without a few for Sunday, including club captain Stefan Isaacs who is buying real estate and team captain Eric Lewis who is away. Obviously Dave Epstein is in exile still - we've had him on the market for a couple of weeks now and I've spoken to Olly Frankl, - the club's super-agent -who has confirmed this morning that has been more interest in a leftover schwarma (on pitta) that he found in Golders Green than there is in David's signature.
The Loughton boys did well to claw back a two goal deficit to earn a point against L’Equipe last Sunday.
Looking ahead to the game, Loughton boss Dan Curtis told JC Sport: "Of course it will be a tough game against a team looking to wrap up the title. However, we have played superbly well since the turn of the year and I fully believe we can go there and cause a big upset on Sunday."
Oakwood won the first meeting between the teams 2-0 and I think they’ll put all their internal problems to one side for 90 minutes and finish the weekend with the pot of gold.
JC team news: Loughton has a full squad available, as Jaimie Sinclair returns from London Marathon duty, as well as centre half Dean Silver.
Venue – Parmiters, Ref – Aaron Djanogly
JC star man: Jack Sultan (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 2 Loughton 0
RB Prediction: Oakwood 5 Loughton 2
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB C vs NORSTAR C
Craig Miller’s Hendon are looking to cement a top four finish and they will be confident of beating lowly Norstar C in what is their last home game of the season.
They thumped Norstar 9-1 in September when that man Alex Elf was the star of the show. The Hendon hotshot hit the target four times in a stunning individual performance, where further strikes from Daniel Major, Adam Glekin, Craig Phillips, Benny Goldberg and Gideon Caller put the icing on the cake.
Looking ahead to Norstar clash, Miller told JC Sport: “Sunday is our penultimate game, but the last game of the season where people will be playing in their regular positions. For the final match all positions will be pulled out of a hat and I sincerely hope Loughton orient do something similar!
“So we battered Norstar C last time, but they have improved greatly they are scoring freely and have tightened up at the back, so it promises to be a very good game.
“We don’t have David Elf who is in the States and a couple of other guys will be missing due to Lag B'Omer (or at least that is what they have been telling me!)”
Norstar have performed well in their last four games. No doubt they will be well aware of the threat posed by Elf, but they know Hendon are more than a one-man team.
Manager Zack Gothelf told JC Sport: "Having lost 9-1 to Hendon back at the start of the season, when we lost our first six on the bounce, we've certainly got a point to prove.
"It's our last game of what's been a long, tough, challenging but solid first season and we'll be looking to finish in style with victory.
"We've had an injury hit season but Will Ufland is in hot form, as is a solid defence and influential Ali Gordon.
"We're looking forward to this one."
The visitors have only kept one clean sheet this season and they start as underdogs on Sunday.
JC team news: Norstar's Alex Goodman and co-manager David Domb are both sidelined with injury. Luke Goldsmith is away down under and Dan Polak and Joel Levitt are unavailable.
Ref – Neil Cooper
JC star man: Gab Saul (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon 4 Norstar 2
RB Prediction: Hendon 3 Norstar 1
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AC MILL HILL vs FAITHFOLD C
Mill Hill boss Joe Levy was in reflective mood ahead of their final game of the season against Faithfold C.
With FC Team C having been awarded six points after Tottenham Chutspah defaulted, the second promotion slot was confirmed, meaning the Mill Hill boys must settle for third.
It’s hard to believe a team boasting 30-goal hotshot Ben Zloof won’t gain automatic promotion or finish in the top two, but the standard of the top three teams in the division has been that good.
Speaking at his midweek press conference, Levy told JC Sport: “Although we have nothing left to play for and will finish third, we would like to end the season on a high.
David Garson’s Faithfold still hope to finish fourth. They were beaten 3-0 by the Mill Hill boys in December, when that man Zloof helped himself to a hat-trick and I’d be surprised if they put a dent in Mill Hill’s excellent home record.
By my calculations, Zloof needs two goals to join Shirley’s Jamie Kent at the top of the JC MSFL goal charts while three would see him win the coveted Golden Boot award. Ben, it’s over to you.
JC team news: Mill Hill welcome back top-scorer Ben Zloof and look to be at almost full strength.
Venue – Copthall, Ref – Dan Cohen
JC star man: Ben Zloof (Mill Hill)
DC Prediction: Mill Hill 4 Faithfold 2
RB Prediction: Mill Hill 5 Faithfold 2
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L’EQUIPE vs BOCA JEWNIORS
There are still plenty of tickets available to see L’Equipe take on Boca and I understand the home team are offering supporters a buy one season ticket, get a second one free for next season, so you’d be foolish to miss out.
The L’Equipe faithful will arrive expecting to see their heroes fill their boots against a Boca team that has retained the wooden spoon.
The heroics of keeper Ryan Monk restricted L’Equipe to the two goals in the corresponding fixture, with Perry Chaya and Andy Burke grabbing the goals.
L’Equipe boss David Prager will urge his troops to send out a message of encouragement to the fans in what is their last game of the season and it wouldn’t surprise me if Boca tries to double park the bus.
Ref – Quentin Fox
JC star man: Perry Chaya (L’Equipe)
DC Prediction: L’Equipe 4 Boca 1
RB Prediction: L’Equipe 4 Boca 0
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TEMPLE FORTUNE B vs TOTTENHAM CHUTSPAH (DOUBLE-HEADER)
Ariel Tamman takes his Tottenham team to Mill Hill knowing maximum points would take them level on points with Temple Fortune B.
Having gifted FC Team C six points last weekend, Chutspah fans hope Tamman is able to pull together 11 players ahead of a game where goals will be order of the day.
Fortune player-manager Terry Jeffries was back to his best last weekend with a sizzling hat-trick against Boca.
Ever the perfectionist, Jeffries was slightly disappointed the scoreline wasn’t even more emphatic and he hopes his players bring their shooting boots as they look to get one over the boys from Tottingham.
Venue – Copthall, Ref – Dan Cohen
JC star man: Dave Sawyer (Fortune)
DC Prediction: Fortune 4 Chutspah 1/Chutspah 1 Fortune 3
RB Prediction: Fortune 2 Chutspah 1
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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: Caro 15 (incl. 2 correct scores), Phil Peters 5
Week 5: Caro 1 Loz Newman 8
Week 5: Caro 6 Josh Dagul 4
Week 6: DC 9 Motti Korman 14 (incl. 1 correct score)
Week 7: DC 4 Josh Marks 3 (Prem Div and Div 1 predicted only). DC scored 18 points overall incl. 3 correct scores)
Week 8: DC 12 (incl. 1 correct score) Ian Tussie 9 (incl. 1 correct score)
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DC'S MATCHDAY 32 OSCARS
DANNY CARO'S GOAL OF THE WEEK - ADAM LEVENE
DANNY CARO'S QUOTE OF THE WEEK - ADAM HAKIMI
JC SAVE OF THE WEEK
Daniel Lipman (Lions A) - brilliant, agile finger-tip save to push a screamer from Dean Nyman over the bar
REFEREE OF THE WEEK
Laurie Benson (AC Mill Hill vs Oakwood B)
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