There are no less than four derbies on Matchday Seven of the JC MSFL Season as the Peter Morrison Trophy gets under way. Danny Caro looks ahead to all the big match action.
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JC MSFL MATCHDAY 6 AWARDS
JC REPORT OF THE WEEK - SPEC 3 BOCA JEWNIORS 1
JC CELEBRATION OF THE WEEK
Ricky Lawrence (SPEC FC) - after scoring his second goal of the game, Lawrence ran straight to Mr Hodes on the sidelines who promptly shaved a chunk of his 'beard' off (nb: he vowed not to shave until he scored (a goal!))
JC QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Ricky Lawrence (SPEC FC) - "I couldn't celebrate after equalising, but at 3-1 it was razor time!"
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JC PHOTOS:
Prem Div: BRADY MACCABI vs SOUTHGATE HARMEN A
Div 2: LM LIONS B vs CAMDEN PARK
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
JC MSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORER
5 – Jamie Wolfson (Raiders A), Mike Pearson (Faithfold A)
BRADY MACCABI A vs FC TEAM A
Both Brady and FC Team go into Sunday’s meeting on the back of important victories.
Josh Rosenfeld’s Brady bunch played their part in a classic against Harmen where goals from brothers Alex and Josh Hershman earned them a 2-1 victory. Josh’s performance was rewarded with a place in JC Team of the Week.
Rosenfeld will be missing some key men on Sunday and it will be interesting to see what formation he starts with at the Lane on Sunday.
It’s clear he is expecting a titanic tussle.“I’m expecting a very tough game, seeing all the players we have missing,” Rosenfeld told JC Sport.
“We know what FC Team are about having played them twice last year. We are expecting a well-organised, motivated team to come to Rowley who are looking for their third win on the trot.
“We will do all we can do stop them playing and try to play our game.”
FC Team looked like a seasoned Premier Division team last Sunday. They were good value for the three points in a match where strikes from Craig Edwards and Dan Cohen wrapped up a 2-1 success. Jules Noti, Jake Weiner and Danny Moss also put in big shifts, with a sensational first-minute run from Moss putting a chance on a plate for Edwards.
Cohen has fast become the David Fairclough of FC Team. He has scored vital goals in back-to-back games and could be pushing for a place in the starting XI on Sunday.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Young told JC Sport: “It is always a very tough game against Brady who are very hard to beat. We have yet to beat them and I am expecting another very difficult game.
“We hope to get something from the game although it will be tough. Once again, I will put my faith in the squad as we are missing so many key players but we are playing well unbeaten in three so it should be very close.”
I have yet to see Brady this season but have a feeling that there will be little to separate the teams.
JC team news: Brady welcome back striker Jon Green, but Paul Hakim has returned to South Africa. Josh Hershman and Steve Field are away while defender Jon Ellis is likely to be out for several weeks after injuring an arm in the win over Harmen last weekend. Nick Smith is also injured while Nick Berman faces a late fitness test.
For FC Team, Ollie Segal, Matt Drage, Shai Davidi miss out while Danny Moss and Gideon Moss are rated doubtful after picking up knocks. Defender Dave Ossack could return.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – S. Levy
JC star man: Jules Noti (FC Team)
DC Prediction: Brady Maccabi A 1 FC Team A 1
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A vs NORTH WEST NEASDEN A
Lying second and third respectively, the Hammers and Neasden are ready to rumble in the Hadley derby.
The Reds warmed-up for the clash with a hard fought 3-1 win at Raiders B. They were not at their best but they flew out of the blocks, as they have tended to at Brunel in recent times, and came away with three more valuable points, courtesy of a brace from Avidan Last and one from Yishai Last.
It need a big display at the back from Josh Lipman to ensure that things went to plan.
But manager David Garbacz is expecting an even tough battle on Sunday.
He told JC Sport: “With the greatest of respect to the teams we have played so far this season, this is our biggest game up to date.
“Early signs are that the league could well be between us, Faithfold, Neasden and Redbridge so clearly matches involving two of those teams are going to be vital.
“Neasden are obviously a totally different proposition this year to last which can only be a good thing for the league.
“Saying that, matches against them are always very tough with a little bit of needle and we are expecting a tight encounter.
“Our defence has been exemplary this year only conceding two goals and this match could well be won and lost by a moment of individual brilliance. We will be ready and focused and assuming some of our boys have not eaten too much schmaltz herring over yom tov, we are very hopeful that we will be emerging with the vital three points.”
Whereas Hendon have been convincing and resolute at the back, Neasden have not. That said, they have managed to win three out of three and will arrive in confident mood.
It’s been a slowly, slowly approach for Neasden under the new regime of Darren Yarlett and Lee Cash.
But on Sunday they will need to step it up. “We know what we are facing in Hendon and it will be an interesting game,” Yarlett told JC Sport.
“We have two games back to back so what ever the outcome the other side has a chance to put things right the following game.”
As Garbacz says, this game could be settled by a moment of magic or an uncharacteristic defensive error. Only time will tell …
JC team news: Hendon are without both Kon brothers - Rafi and Ben - who are away for Sukkot. They have everyone else available .
Neasden are missing Scott Schindler and Paul Babai. Otherwise they are at full-strength.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – D. Lewis
JC star man: Alex Rosenthal (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon UTD SC A 1 NW Neasden A 1
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B
Sunday is most certainly the day of derbies. There’s the Hadley derby, the Norstar derby and the east London derby. But to supporters of North London Raiders, this is the only one that matters.
Rob Richman’s B team ran out worthy winners when the sides met last month. David Dinkin (2), Nicky Woolf and Mike Hershman were the marksmen in a 4-2 victory.
Hershman was the star of the show on a day when everyone in the B team played out of their skins. The As just had no answer to the pace and movement of Richman’s wing wizard.
Raiders B have not won since that heady September morning but they have a clear psychological edge.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Richman told JC Sport: “A lot of people have been writing off our A team. However, we know exactly how strong they are and I am sure that they will start getting results soon.
“Any team with Posner, Leader, Rhodes, Wolfson, Ellis, Joselyn, Berliner, etc will be a strong outfit and I can see our A’s having a very good second half to the season.
“We are aiming to replicate our performance against Hendon. If we perform like that again, then I’m confident we will go home happy.”
The season has gone from bad to worse for the As, who look a pale shadow of the team that held champions Redbridge on the opening weekend of the season.
The A’s have fallen behind in every game this season and last week, they conceded inside a minute in the 2-1 defeat against FC Team.
Joint-manager Jonathan Adelman came away feeling that the troops “deserved something from the game”. He went on to say: “I was delighted with the grit and determination we showed but we struggled to play our passing game.”
On Sunday, one thing is for sure, only the result will matter.
JC team news: Raiders A have bid farewell to striker Jonny Blain who has joined Neasden B. Danny Berliner, Joe Tankel and Adam Joselyn remain long-term injury absentees while it appears that Alex Olcot has left the club.
Raiders B are missing midfielders Elliot Espinoza, Jonny Hesselberg and Dave Esterkin. Their squad is likely to be very similar to last week’s against Hendon.
Venue – Brunel Uni, KO – 10am, Ref – L. Benson
JC star man:
DC Prediction: NL Raiders A 2 NL Raiders B 1
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SOUTHGATE HARMEN A vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
The season has been pretty stop-start for defending champions Redbridge so far.
With three games in hand on Harmen, they travel to Enfield looking to extend their unbeaten run to four matches.
The new regime under Eilon Kennet and Danny Berg has made a steady start. Wins over Brady and FC Team followed a thrilling 5-5 draw at Raiders A.
I can see Danny Hakimi being a big player for RJC, especially on Sunday. He’s set to come up against a talented Harmen midfield in which Nicky Gold and Nicky Bord have been pulling the strings.
The battle down the wings also look intriguing with Ben Harris and Adam Velleman looking to come out on top against Mitch Lassman and Lee Bibring.
I can warn Harmen that RJC are the real deal on 3G. They flew into a 3-0 lead at Raiders, playing some brilliant, flowing football.
But Harmen are more than capable of holding their own, especially if Craig Ellis plays. And with Zack White finding his shooting boots, RJC underestimate them at their peril.
They came away from Rowley Lane last week believing they deserved something from the game.
Harmen made a disastrous start with captain Jon Morris sent off in the first minute. But their spirit and character ensured that they took it down to the wire.
Matt Davis told JC Sport: “we kept going and really I think both teams will agree that we deserved all three points let alone a draw.
“Unfortunately football is harsh and we didn’t get the breaks but I've told the boys that if we perform like that week in, week out we can start to look at challenging for the league.
“We have some excellent technical footballlers in the team and perhaps we were just lacking a bit of application and graft in previous weeks, but we are now begining to get some key players back from injury and starting to look like a real force.”
But when all is said and done, I think Redbridge will have just too much on the day.
Venue – Southbury Leisure Centre, Ref – M. Lavender
JC star man: Mitch Lassman (RJC)
DC Prediction: Southgate Harmen A 1 Redbridge JC A 3
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DIVISION THREE
HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB C vs LOS BLANCOS
With their title rivals in action in the Morrison, Los Blancos will be looking to finish the weekend top of the pile when they take on local rivals Hendon C.
Joel Minsky’s men go in search of a fourth win in five games as they look to bounce back from last week’s bruising defeat against Glenthorne.
Minsky admitted that the Thornes deserved to win and he’ll be looking for a big reaction from his troops. One player who came away with plenty of credit is keeper Josh Cohen who pulled off several tremendous saves.
Having beaten the Hustlers 3-0 a fortnight ago, you have to fancy the whites to complete an early season double.
It was Adam Hersh who came away with the matchball after a memorable hat-trick.
Hendon returned to winning ways last Sunday, beating JLGB 3-1. One of the things that must have pleased manager Avi Gelley most is the way his team moved the ball about.
The Reds looked particularly threatening on the counter and that is something that the visitors will need to be aware of.
But if Joel Kutner and Hersh line-up for Los Blancos, I can see them edging home.
Venue – West Hendon Playing Fields, Ref – R. Caplin
JC star man: Adam Hersh (Los Blancos)
DC Prediction: Hendon Utd SC C 1 Los Blancos 3
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UJIA vs TEAM JLGB
UJIA go in search of back-to-back wins when they welcome JLGB to the Hive.
Player-manager Darren Rolfe was in top form last week with an inspirational display in nets earning him a place in JC Team of the Week. Defender Gavin Sherman, who popped up with a last-minute winner, and striker Assi Avital also received special praise in last week’s thrilling 2-1 win over Blizzard Storm.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Rolfe told JC Sport: “We are at full strength for Sunday and are very upbeat after last week’s victory.
“If we play like last week, I’m hopeful for the three points. We defended like kings and took our goals very well.
“JLGB are looking for their first three points so they will be up for a battle. It’s got the makings of a good game. “
Rob Silverman’s JLGB went down 3-1 to Hendon C last Sunday. Silverman linked up nicely with Barry Green for the JLGB goal and they were out of luck when James Lester was denied by the woodwork.
It’s clear that Silverman is expecting another tough match on Sunday.
“Games between UJIA and JLGB have been close over recent seasons and I expect Sunday's games to be no difference.
“Luckily, we have a larger squad this year, so having six regular players unavailable doesnit mean we won’t be able to put out a decent squad.
“Whilst we know the results are not going our way this season, there is an encouraging spirit in the camp, and I hope that things fall into place this weekend.”
I’m sure UJIA fans will look at the table and turn up expecting three points. But football is a funny old game and if JLGB get some luck, they might just have something to show for their efforts.
JC team news: Key players Paul Black and Barry Green are available for JLGB, Mike Mark returns from suspension, Dan Levy from injury and Nicky Stone from work commitments. Dave Mitchell and James Lester, who have been impressive for JLGB, are likely to be sidelined through injury. Rob Freedman and Matt West, James Wright and Ryan Kissin also miss out this week.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – N. Burns
JC star man: Paul Black (JLGB)
DC Prediction: UJIA 2 Team JLGB 2
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DIVISION FOUR
BRIXTON OLD BOYS B vs JEWVENTUS
Four games into the season, it’s hard to believe that Jewventus still await their first win.
Defeats against Bilbaum, Raiders and Brady B twice may have left Jewve fans feeling a little flat, especially when you consider that they failed to score in two of those games.
On the flipside, new signing James Alexander scored on debut in the 5-2 loss against Brady last week.
Now manager Gabriel John is trying to put things into perspective. “So we have had a poor start but last week second half we showed we can live with teams like Brady,” he told JC Sport. “We have made a slow start but I have no doubts my players will come good.”
Brixton were edged out at Raiders C last week though manager Daniel Selt came away with many positives.
Centre half Mark Islin had an absolute blinder and Selt will be looking to his troops to rub salt into Jewve’s gaping wounds.
Selt told JC Sport: “This week will be a very similar squad to last. Our aim this week is to keep our first clean sheet of the season and of course win the game.
“I want to see the same application and attitude as we had last week against Raiders and try to display slightly more attacking flair.
“We will hopefully have a couple of debutants this week as well.”
It’s hard to predict the outcome of Jewve games as they have players who are capable of going from the sublime to the ridiculous. But on current form, only a brave man would back them to take the points.
Venue – Clowes, Ref – S. Ansher
JC star man: Mark Islin (Brixton)
DC Prediction: Brixton OB 2 Jewventus 1
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C vs TEMPLE FORTUNE B
Oli Shorts’ men have the opportunity to go three points clear at the top of the table when they welcome promotion rivals Temple Fortune B.
Josh Graham was their matchwinner last Sunday, showing great composure to find the net in a hard fought win over Brixton B.
Sunday will be a good test for Shorts and his men who have bypassed every hurdle to date.
Looking ahead to the crunch clash, Shorts told JC Sport: “It’s going to a be tough to keep our 100 per cent record going on Sunday against a Temple Fortune team who have really impressed this season.
“Obviously the key is keeping Terry Jeffries quiet and we'll do our best. Winning on Sunday will certainly be a marker for the season along with our opening day win against SPEC.
“The players believe and so do I. A win will put daylight between us and Fortune and I fully expect us to put in a performance to be proud of.”
Fortune have found a level of consistency with player-manager Jeffries leading from the front with 11 goals. He bagged a brace in last weekend’s 2-2 draw against Bilbaum.
The top-scorers in the division, they have been particularly threatening from set-pieces and that is something that Raiders must look out for.
Jefferies told JC Sport: "We know that the Raiders have got off to a great start to the season, but we remain unbeaten and will go there and try take the game to them and look to collect all three points".
Assistant-manager Adam Glekin told JC Sport: “We lost a couple of players just before last weekend’s game against Athletico Bilbaum but we hope to be back to full strength this weekend.”
Eleven different names have appeared on the scoresheet for Raiders this season. With that in mind, I’m tipping them to end Fortune’s unbeaten run.
Venue – Hatfield Uni, Ref – D. Nathan
JC star man: Josh Graham (Raiders)
DC Prediction: NL Raiders C 2 Temple Fortune B 1
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PETER MORRISON TROPHY
Holders Manchester Maccabi 1st start their title defence against Oakhill Lions, while there are several David versus Goliath clashes down south. Manchester have lifted the trophy 13 times, with London Maccabi Lions two behind on 11. Brighton & Hove Maccabi were the first winners of the Jewish FA Cup in 1958.
NORSTAR B vs NORSTAR A
Forget the title-deciders against Woodford. Forget the brawls against UJIA. Forget the cup games at Rowley Lane. This is without doubt the biggest match in the history of Norstar Football Club.
Neither side has done anything over the years to suggest that ‘we’re a cup team’ - in fact we’re quite the opposite. But Norstar will have a side in the third round of the Morrison whatever happens on Sunday morning.
League form couldn't be more different – the A’s have won 3 from 3, the B's have lost 3 from 3. But A team boss Phil Peters knows that all of that pales into obscurity at 10am on Sunday when nothing but pride is at stake and he says “we'll be doing everything we can to ensure that the A team are victorious”.
Peters went on to say: “Jonny's done a fabulous job with the B's - securing two successive promotions and has bought well over the summer - the squad will click soon but we hope that doesn't happen this week.
“We have a full squad to choose from and will be showing no mercy. There will be some tasty battles on the pitch carried over from the training ground but the hope is that by 12pm we'll all sit down for a pint of diet coke and perhaps a shwarma in the spirit which we have become accustomed to.
“The way we've been playing this season, I'd fancy us to do the business but the B's have a wealth of talent and the game means a lot to them too so I wouldn't write them off just yet...”
B team boss Jonny Bunt is looking forward to the first-ever game between the two sides in what will be a “proud and poignant occasion”.
Bunt told JC Sport: “The teams meet on a journey that started little more than three years ago and has seen nothing but promotions and we have garnered a reputation for good conduct and civility in that time, it is a good time to take stock of everything we have achieved and pay tribute to Phil and Slav my opposite numbers for their tireless work in pushing the club relentlessly forward.
“As for the game, we start as underdogs, despite rarely losing to the A’s in training over the past couple of years, with their game heads on they have to be favourites. But we have ways of hurting them as we have seen in friendlies past and if we have a strong side anything is possible.
“I have no doubt Slav and Phil – whom I admire very much as managers - will send out a strong motivated side and the game may be a clash of styles as well as a very healthy rivalry. From kick-off we shall not pull any punches and will be looking to exploit any perceived weaknesses in their side.
“We will need to start well, take our chances and have a bit of luck but fingers crossed come 12pm Sunday the bragging rights will be staying in the B half of Norstar and the A’s.
“We haven’t covered ourselves in glory this season, but this is the cup and you just never know, this could be a real turning point in our season.
“I’ll be keeping my cards close to my chest in terms of the squad for Sunday, although Phil does run the website on which the state their availability so he can probably just look at that.”
Speaking from experience, inter-club derbies are no fun. No doubt, the underdogs will try to play out of their skins and the top team are on a beating to nothing.
All I can say is may the best team win.
Venue – Ark Academy, Wembley
JC star man: Josh Green (Norstar A)
DC Prediction: Norstar B 1 Norstar A 3
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MACCABI MASTERS XI vs BRADY MACCABI B
Sunday will be one for the purists as Brady B, one of the youngest teams in the MSFL, travel to the Maccabi Masters Rep Team – undoubtedly the oldest team in the competition (sorry lads!)
It promises to be an intriguing battle between youth and experience.
The Masters are managed by Dan Collins and North London Raiders legend Ashley Davidson and they will be quietly confident of knocking out another MSFL team. Their run was ended by North London Raiders A last season, but not without a scare.
The home team will contain a core of players from the all-conquering Brady Maccabi A team as well as the Raiders Masters.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Collins told JC Sport: “I haven’t had a chance to see Brady B yet but they have started very well and I can see Sunday's game being a very close one.
“We have done well in the last few seasons in this competition reaching the last eight on a couple of occasions and I would like to think we have a good chance on Sunday with hopefully experience overcoming youth.”
As Collins says, Brady have made an excellent start to the Division Four season. Manager Josh Dagul has seen James Joseph and Reiss Mogilner roll out a series of top performances, with Jonny Meltzer and Jerome Colmans orchestrating things.
Four straight league wins have seen them overcome Boca Jewniors, Jewventus twice and Athletico Finchley, but there’s every chance that they will have to step things up a notch or two on Sunday.
“It is going to be a very tough game against the Masters, who are full of ability and know-how and fully expect this to be our most challenging game so far,” Dagul told JC Sport.
“The first round of the Cyril Anekstein cup was a battle against Redbridge C and we expect the same but against a better side. We came through that test so hopefully can make a statement with a win this weekend. However, as I've said before, a cup run would be nice but the league is our priority.”
The midfield battle between the Masters’ Laurence Beck and Joseph will be worth the admission fee along as will be the clash between Team GB hotshot Mark Wagman and Dagul.
Fans are advised to arrive early and goals are guaranteed.
JC team news: For Brady, key defensive midfielder Mike Beaber pulled his hamstring and as a consequence will be out for the next three weeks at least. Josh Dagul looks set to return from the hamstring injury that kept him out for the last two games. Kane Alexander is also a slight doubt but should be fit. Jason Davis is back from uni.
JC star man: Jason Davis (Brady)
DC Prediction: Maccabi Masters 2 Brady Maccabi 3
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CHIGWELL ATHLETIC vs GLENTHORNE UNITED B
There’s a mouth-watering clash in store in Walthamstow when Division One leaders Chigwell entertain Division Three table-toppers Glenthorne B.
The ground could shake in Sunday’s derbies as there are big-hitters in both line-ups.
Sunday will be an emotional day for many with the Chigs welcoming back three club legends in Craig Sandford, Sam Rosenthal and Adam Shafron.
Chigs player-manager Richard Slater told JC Sport: “All served the club superbly well for over five years, and have remained close friends of us all. Had it not been for Sammy Saus’s early football retirement, all three would be wearing a Chig shirt this Sunday, of that I’m sure, as I know they all love the club.
“We’re fully aware they have some real quality amongst their ranks, and will come with confidence, being the underdogs.
“Come 10am the friendships will be put aside, they are our enemies, just another team we want to beat. I will make sure the boys are 100 per cent focused no doubt about that.
“We’ve won our last four matches, our football and movement has been superb, and we’ve learnt how to mix it up when we need to, so I’m confident we’ll be in the hat for round two come Sunday afternoon.
“It will be an emotional morning and we’re expecting a guard of honour from Sandford and Rosenthal!”
Slater was named JC Manager of the Week following last the dramatic comeback against Brixton A. They trailed 4-1 with 15 minutes to go but Slater put defender Paul Lenchner up top and the rest is history.
Craig Pearl also played his part in a famous win with hotshot Glenn Michaels on target once more.
Glenthorne go into the derby bang in form with four league straight wins under their belt. They have kept three clean sheets in four league games but it’s clear that they start as underdogs here.
Sandford’s winning mentality has rubbed off on his troops, and his goals have helped too. He and Simon Bagel found the net against Los Blancos last weekend.
Looking ahead to the tie, Sandford told JC Sport: "This game sees a very emotional return to Chigwell for Sam and I. We had many happy years there, winning back to back to back promotions. We still hold a strong candle for everyone at Chigwell but believe me this also gives us the incentive to get the result.
"There will be a lot of hugging and back tapping but as soon as we cross the white line, all we can think about is winning and progressing to the next round.
"Sam Rosenthal added: "For sure, Chigwell 1-11 are all good and experienced players. However, we have a game plan to ruffle their feathers. They have a weak link in Glenn Davis and have told my players to exploit the blaaaaady idiot.
"Each player will also have a loose button sewn on to their shirt which will send Daniel Castle over the edge as he has a phobia of loose buttons!
"We have already beaten a Division One team in a cup this year and we believe this can be another giant-killing. We come in to this game off six straight victories so our confidence is high. Once again, we have nothing to lose and our boys can enjoy and express themselves."
Truth be told, I’m sure both teams would rather be preparing for a league game - given their excellent starts – but that will not detract from what should be a rip-roaring affair.
JC team news: Glenthorne are missing last year's Chigwell Player and Players' Player of The Year - Adam Shafron, James Rubin who are in Spain. But Lewis Walker returns and as does Paul Block after recently becoming a dad.
Chigwell squad: Rob Shepherdson, Dean Michaels, Glenn Davis, Lee Hyams, Alex Norman, Paul Lenchner, Jonathan Swead, Daniel Castle (capt), Craig Pearl, Richard Slater, Adam Goodman, Antony Mendel, Glenn Michaels, Jamie Fox, Russell Yershon, Russell Becker
Venue – Peter May Sports Centre, KO – 10am, Ref – L. Thorne
JC star man: Jamie Fox (Chigwell)
DC Prediction: Chigwell Athletic 3 Glenthorne Utd B 2 AET
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MONTANA BOCA UNITED vs ATHLETIC0 FINCHLEY
Montana will be looking to fill their boots when they take on Division Four minnows Athletico Finchley.
Manager Vivian Emanuel’s has been frustrated by some inconsistent performances of late but it’s clear that his men will not under-estimate their lower league opponents..
“Sunday’s game is an important game for us,” he told JC Sport. “It doesn’t matter who we are playing, we must put in 110 per cent against Athletico. Yes, they have struggled but it means nothing. Look at some of the FA Cup results of the past.
Emanuel will be missing several regulars on Sunday but anything less than a resounding victory will not please the fans.
The Finchley boys have lost four out of four but I’m sure they’ll make the most of their big day out at the Hive.
Manager Dovid Kurzer will see his men roared on by five coach-loads worth of fans and I expect the atmosphere at Barnet’s training ground to be deafening.
I’ve got this down as one of my home bankers.
Venue – The Hive
JC star man: Simon Hecker (Montana)
DC Prediction: Montana Boca Utd A 5 Athletico Finchley 0
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NORTH WEST NEASDEN B vs BLIZZARD STORM
Neasden B have not had the ideal start to the season but they go into Sunday’s tie on the back of their first win of the season.
A stunning strike from Ricky Rinder led them to a 3-1 victory over Temple Fortune A last weekend. Rob Lerner and Adam Paris finished the job.
Manager Daniel Hodes also makes a point of praising his team and his pool of players has been boosted after signing striker Jonny Blain from North London Raiders.
Blain is a class act, capable of linking midfield with attack, as well as being strong in the air. He’s exactly what Neasden need right now.
Blizzard’s season went from bad to worse last week when they went down 2-1 against UJIA. Simon Linden’s men thought they had done enough to earn a point until a last-gasp strike from Gavin Sherman saw them come away empty-handed.
Linden has forgiven Matt Jaffa for scoring an own goal against his former club although he hopes that lightning doesn’t strike twice here.
I would be surprised if Neasden didn’t win this one by a couple of goals.
JC star man: Jonny Blain (Neasden)
DC Prediction: NW Neasden B 3 Blizzard Storm 1
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OAKWOOD vs ATHLETIC BILBAUM
The away end at Parmiters has long been sold out as the Baums prepare for their first-ever outing in the Jewish FA Cup.
There has been a real fanfare feel about the club this week with club mascot Baum Baum the Elephant interviewed on Football Focus.
Shirt and scarf sales have gone through the roof and player-manager Mark Pasha faces a big job trying to get his troops focusing on the match.
Pasha told JC Sport: “Everyone is fired up for the big occasion. It’s been a great start to the season, our best so far, and we certainly don't intend let Sunday’s opportunity to match up against a team 30 places above us in MSFL go to waste.
“The Baum train is coming Oakwood ... and it is heading straight for the jugular.”
The Oaks are ready for whatever the Baums can throw at them after last week’s heroic comeback against Harmen B.
Dan Abrams certainly had his shooting boots on, with two goals in a 4-2 win in a game they trailed 2-0 in.
Although promotion is the clear priority this season, there’s no reason why they can’t reach the latter stages of the competition.
“We’re really looking forward to our Morrison campaign kicking off,” joint-manager Ric Blank told JC Sport. “Over the years, we’ve been on the end of some terrible luck, poor refereeing decisions, penalty shoot-outs - we even got booted out one year for failing to fulfill a fixture when the entire weekend was rained off. Go figure!
“Anyway, we're hoping this is our year to make an impression on this great competition and we look forward to welcoming Bilbaum to Parmiters.
“I’ll be making various changes to the team but will field a very strong line up, even if we are without captain Adam Levine, Anthony Kintish, Rob Davidson and long-term hamstring injury victim Ian Tussie.
“I've done a bit of research on Bilbaum so we will be keeping an especially close eye on hot-shot goal-scorer Ed Green. In short we are up for the cup.”
This tie should provide five-star entertainment but I can’t see what would be one of the biggest-ever Morrison upsets taking place here.
Venue – Parmiters
JC star man: Dan Rose (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 4 Athletic Bilbaum 1
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B vs SHIRLEY PARK
Lots of people are talking about Redbridge B and Shirley Park right now.
RJC are one of the most improved this season with manager Stirling Kay deserving all the plaudits after helping them turn their fortunes around.
Striker Mark Zealander has been an absolute revelation in what has been a real team effort.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Kay told JC Sport: “Our game against Shirley Park will be our hardest game so far. They have had a great start to the season scoring goals for fun, so we will give them the utmost respect.
“I'm looking forward, to a vey open and attacking game. We will be giving fitness tests to seven players after a very physical game against Woodford. Whichever team I put out we will be hoping to out shoot down Shirley Park.”
The visitors finished in seventh heaven last weekend when Saul Conway moved on to 11 goals for the season. Even though Morrison goals do not count towards the JC MSFL Golden Boot, I’m sure that won’t put him off the scent.
Dave Lusman, the Shirley Park gaffer, was trying to take the focus off his team at his midweek press conference.
“It will be a tougyh test for the Park lads on Sunday,” he told JC Sport. “We’re not expecting miracles but hope to give a good account of ourselves against Redbridge.
“We’re missing a few key players for this one so Redbridge should have an easy ride. As always, if we lose, we’ll go down fighting.”
Shirley would not look at of place in Division One, given their personnel. But with Zealander, Scott Kay and Daniel Orgel in top form, I think that, with home advantage, the Redbridge boys will have too much on the day. Fitness will play a part and it could go down to the wire.
JC team news: Park welcome back Sacha Benfredj and Simon Shelley from injury. Lusman added: “A few of the chaps face late fitness tests over the weekend so it’s not looking good. Let’s see what happens. Park life!”
Venue – Fairlop
JC star man: Scott Kay (RJC)
DC Prediction: Redbridge JC B 4 Shirley Park 3 AET
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SOUTHGATE HARMEN B vs BOCA JEWNIORS
Improving Harmen suffered a blip against Oakwood last week, but I expect them to get back to winning ways here.
They were unable to hold on to a 2-0 advantage against Oakwood, eventually going down 4-2.
But with Dave Marcus and Paul Stein in the form of their life, they will have too much for Boca.
Sefton Monk’s Boca huffed and puffed against SPEC FC last Sunday, but ultimately they had their house blown down in a 3-1 defeat.
Damage limitation could be their best bet on Sunday.
Venue – Ashmole School
JC star man: Bradley Cohen (Harmen)
DC Prediction: Southgate Harmen B 4 Boca Jewniors 1
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SPEC FC vs TEMPLE FORTUNE A
There’s an upset in the making on Sunday when Division Four promotion hopefuls SPEC FC entertain Temple Fortune A in a tie that promises to be a great advert for Jewish football.
If you remember, Fortune knocked Premier Division giants Hendon out of the cup last season, but the boot could be on the other foot here.
Some might say it’s a big ask for team from the bottom division to knock out one aiming for the Premier, but stranger things have happened.
SPEC boss Laurence Conway has been looking into the transfer market in order to try and bolster the squad given the injuries the team has picked up in the beginning stages of this season.
Ricky Lawrence, the SPEC FC midfielder who won virtually every award going last week, told JC Sport: “We can't give away any names yet but we're hoping for a couple of fresh faces to get numbers back up after a couple of season ending injuries.
“Marc Hecht has been hugely important in the middle of the park and we're hoping he can continue his fantastic form that has helped us pick up two wins from his two games in a SPEC shirt.
“We see Sunday as an almost free game. We're playing a team three divisions above us and all the pressure is on them.
“We also have a London Sunday Cup game next Sunday too so we're allowing ourselves to relax somewhat.
“We were set the target of getting six points from our last two league games and we achieved that so we're looking to enjoy the next two games
“ If we win it'll be fantastic, but it'll be a good opportunity to test ourselves against a team who are probably expecting to merely have to turn up to get through to the next round.
“With Arsenal kicking off at 1.30pm, Conway has promised to keep a careful eye on Laurence Rosenthal after rumours spread that he'd consider going all 'William Gallas' and scoring an own goal in order to make it to The Emirates on time. He is quoted as saying "Extra time is not an option"!
Fortune were humbled 3-1 at Neasden B last weekend and manager Lee Fegan faces one or two selection headaches going into the game. He had been hoping to rotate his squad but doesn’t want to be left with egg on his face.
The boys in red and yellow have had something of a mixed bag in terms of results so far this season, but Fegan knows that a win of any description will do on Sunday. After all, a cup run would certainly swell the coffers.
This tie has got goals written all over it. If SPEC FC bring their A-game to the table, you have to give them half a chance.
JC star man: Marc Hecht (SPEC FC)
DC Prediction: SPEC FC 2 Temple Fortune A 2 AET (Fortune to win on pens)
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WOODFORD WANDERERS vs FC TEAM B
What has happened to Woodford. That has been the question on the lips of customers at bagel bakeries up and down the land.
Had it not been for North London Raiders As’ bad start, I suspect there would be more pressure on the head of manager Alex Aviram.
Other than a Jerome Marks-inspired display in the Anekstein, they have found the going tough, failing to score in four league games that have left them pointless.
Aviram has been hit hard by injury to key players and poor availability but he’s not the only one!
On Sunday, they have a match they can win and must win, especially in front of their own fans.
But FC Team B have absolutely nothing to lose. No-one expects them to win, but if they can keep things tight for the first 20 minutes and silence the fans, I can see them getting something on the break.
Chances will be few and far between for the visitors but if the Woodford boys turn up expecting the red carpet treatment then they can think again.
Venue – Redbridge Sports Centre
JC star man: Dave Silver (FC Team)
DC Prediction: Woodford Wanderers 1 FC Team B 1 AET (Woodford to win on pens)
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GLENTHORNE UNITED A vs LONDON MACCABI LIONS B
There’s an interesting all-Division Two clash in store as mid-table rivals Glenthorne A tackle Lions B.
Both teams have virtually identical records and I’m expecting a close encounter.
The Thornes looked back to their best last Sunday with player-manager Dan Lipman on target once more, but the Lions came out second best against Camden.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Lions boss Jamie Kyte told JC Sport: “We've got a lot of boys missing this weekend due to injury and prior commitments (at least half of our regular team).
“Due to this being the Morrison, I'm hoping to give some of our youngsters a run out and hopefully a new signing too.”
I expect the Lions to line-up with a mix of young and experience and it would not surprise me if they came away with a place in the next round.
Venue – London Marathon Playing Fields
DC Prediction: Glenthorne Utd A 1 LM Lions B 2
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FAITHFOLD B vs FC TEAM C
I can see FC Team C giving Faithfold B a run for their money on Sunday in a tie where goals look guaranteed.
Training next to FC Team C every Thursday, I can tell you that they look like an assured and determined group of players.
It’s clear to me that they certainly won’t look out of place on Sunday.
Player-manager Michael Myers told JC Sport: “We face a tough game against a team in a higher division. There is no pressure on the team to get a result so hopefully we will play good possession football and put in a strong performance to see how we measure up to the higher divisions.
“The team has a few changes, Max Worth, our man of the match last week, is staying up a uni and Adam Aminoff is being rested as he has a recurring hamstring problem.
“However, Rob Sanford is back this week which is always a boost for the team. “Hopefully we also have a fully fit Dave Cohen, he came on in the last 10 minutes of last week’s game and grabbed the winner.”
Faithfold beat their C team 3-2 for the second time this season with goals from ard Winton, Jonny Horowitz and Dan Hilderbrand.
I can see this being an end to end affair. Don’t write FC Team off all together.
Venue – The Hive
JC star man: Rob Sanford (FC Team)
DC Prediction: Faithfold B 4 FC Team C 3
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CENTRE B vs FAITHFOLD C
The Hornets should have too much for Faithfold, especially when you consider that they are scoring for fun.
However, the Reds, managed by Motty Korman and Chaim Gothold, are depleted this week due to Succot. Korman told JC Sport: “We’re missing some of our key players and Parys Hammond is still suspended.
“However, our priority is the league this season and a good cup run will be a bonus.”
Cup winners at Wingate & Finchley last season, albeit in the JC Barry Goldstein competition, Faithfold will be looking to put their league woes behind them when they host fourth division FC Team C in the Morrison.
Having missed out on re-signing striker Jonny Blain, manager David Garson is pinning his hopes on top-scorer Ben Simons – a player that has once again raised the bar this season.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Garson told JC Sport: “We welcome back Ben Portnoi and the arrival of Richard Fogelman post his illness so the problem will be fitting everyone in.
“Sunday is a chance for the boys to forget about the league for a week and to just go and enjoy it as they did against Temple Fortune.
“We have been playing well but need to add a bit more endeavour against what should be a strong side.”
If Simons and Fogelman hit it off, I can see them coming out on top against a weakened Hendon team.
Venue – West Hendon Playing Fields
JC star man: Richard Fogelman (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Hendon Utd SC B 3 Faithfold C 4
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NORTH WEST NEASDEN C vs CAMDEN PARK
There’s a mouth-watering contest in store here as Division Two leaders Camden put their 100 per cent record on the line against Neasden C.
Josh Marks’ men looked the real deal in front of the JC cameras last weekend when two goals from Leo Feldman led them to a 3-1 win. But it was striker Dan Baneth who stole the show with an exhibition of real quality.
The Camden boys looked tired towards the final whistle with several complaining of heavy legs and cramp. This could be a factor on Sunday.
NWN player-manager Louis Taylor has reported “a mixed squad” for Sunday.
He told JC Sport: “To be honest right, now we'd prefer to focus on our league campaign as we've only played two matches so far.
“With Adam Levene and Ed Bloom, we always have a chance...but Camden Park are a great team. We'll give it a go and see how we do.”
Levene and Bloom have enjoyed many great experiences in the cup from their Neasden days but I’d be surprised if they can stop a rampant Camden.
It promises to be a high-quality affair.
JC star man: Dan Baneth (Camden)
DC Prediction: NW Neasden C 1 Camden Park 2
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE C vs L’EQUIPE
Flash, ah, ah, master of the universe. That is the new song on the terraces at Fairlop after RJC boss Dan Gordon put in a match-winning display in the league last week.
Gordon bagged a brace in the win over FC Team B. He plays with his heart on his sleeves and his passion and commitment rubs off on his teammates.
You should mark this one down as a home banker as they prepare to take on a L’Equipe side that has lost four out of four in the league.
Looking ahead to the match, Gordon told JC Sport: "We are going into this game full of confidence after winning three on the spin - one of the victories coming against Sunday's opponents.
"We are not going to fool anyone into thinking we will be winning this competition and the league will be our bread and butter this year.
"I will be using full use of our 20 man squad this week and it will be a good opportunity for me to see some of the boys that haven’t seen much football this season.
"We will be treating L'Equipe with the respect they deserve after a tight game only three weeks ago and I think we are in for another tight game this Sunday."
RJC are clearly on an upward curve and the final whistle may not come soon enough for travelling fans.
Venue – Fairlop
JC star man: Grant Pomeroy (RJC)
DC Prediction: Redbridge JC C 4 L’Equipe 0
