Table-toppers Norstar London Raiders A are preparing for what could be an almighty battle against Oakwood A on Matchday 10 of the MGBSFL season, which also features two inter-club derbies, with bragging rights up for grabs at London Maccabi Lions and FC Team. Danny Caro looks ahead to all the action.
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DANNY CARO'S MONTHLY AWARDS: OCTOBER
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WEEKEND GALLERIES
MATCH PHOTOS: AC MILL HILL vs BLIZZARD STORM
MATCH PHOTOS: ATHLETIC BILBAUM vs FAITHFOLD B
MATCH PHOTOS: AC WHETSTONE vs FAITHFOLD C
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CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND 3 DRAW
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
9 - Mike Pearson (Faithfold A)
7 - Yishai Last (Hendon A)
CAMDEN PARK vs BRADY MACCABI A
Bouncebackability is the name of the game for Brady on Sunday as they look to get back on track against Camden.
The Brady boys were eventually well beaten by a rampant Redbridge on a day they left their shooting boots behind.
And having drawn 2-2 against Camden only last month, thanks to a late leveller from Richard Baum, it’s fair to say Brady know what to expect on Sunday.
Joint-manager Joel Nathan told JC Sport: “We have a number of players back this weekend after missing Sunday’s game and we know what to expect against a young Camden team having only played them a couple of weeks ago when we came back from 2-0 down to grab a point.
“The boys know they have to get last Sunday’s disappointing performance and result out of their system and it is great we have the chance straight away this Sunday.”
Camden will go into the game on a high after coming from behind to draw against Lions Blue. Richard Silver bagged a brace including a late equaliser and manager Josh Marks believes it’s only a matter of time until they start winning games.
I’m predicting another close contest, but one that Brady will ultimately win.
Venue – White City, Ref – Robert Benardout
JC star man: Mike Kenley (Brady)
DC Prediction: Camden 1 Brady 2
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FC TEAM A vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
FC Team will be looking to move to within a point of Redbridge as the sides get ready to rumble in Mill Hill.
There will be some intriguing battles all over the park and it’s just as well there’s a strong referee in the vicinity to keep everyone in check.
Redbridge were at their rampaging best against Brady last weekend, with Adam Stolerman their two-goal hero as they kept their unbeaten run going. And it was great to see Danny Berg on the scoresheet. Go on Bergy son!
The first meeting between the sides promises five-star entertainment and it is certainly a match to warm the cockles by way of a Guy Fawkes curtain-raiser.
Sunday will come down to which team wins it’s collective and individual battles. It’s definitely one to watch.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Warwick Blake
JC star man: Danny Berg (RJC)
DC Prediction: Team 1 Redbridge 2
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LONDON MACCABI LIONS WHITE vs LONDON MACCABI LIONS BLUE
Rowley Lane bragging rights will be up for grabs on Sunday as the Whites take on the Blue. Poor Dave Snellman doesn’t know who to support!
The Whites have had a disastrous start to the season. Having lost their grip on the League Cup, they’ve been forced to bolster their ranks with the addition of some talented under-18 players from the club’s academy, but manager Eilon Kennet hopes they hit the ground running in the big derby.
They were some way off the pace last weekend when defending champions Faithfold A put four past them, with keeper Ben Law a mere spectator.
The Blues look strong this season and they are sharing the goals around. Oliver Sade impressed the onlooking David Wolff in last week’s 2-2 draw against Camden Park, as did Cameron Most.
Indeed they are go about their business quietly and efficiently so don’t be surprised if they come away with maximum points.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Martin Fox
JC star man: Cameron Most (LML White)
DC Prediction: LML White 1 LML Blue 2
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OAKWOOD A vs NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS A
A full house is expected for the Brunel derby as the mighty Oaks welcome the leaders.
Harvey Kaye stole the show in last week’s 4-0 cup mauling of Temple Fortune, a game missed by managers Ric Blank and Alex Schock. Adam Levine did superbly filling in as interim-manager, but you can rest assured the dynamic duo will be back in tandem for the visit of L’Orange.
Phil Peters was this week crowned MGBSFL Manager of the Month for October after guiding his team through some testing fixtures unbeaten. He’s been keen to keep a low profile in what could be their toughest game so far, taking some “time out” in Israel.
Ahead of the crunch clash, Peters told JC Sport: “We hope to pick up where we left off before our short break and take advantage of Oakwood’s lack of game time.
“The clubs share a close bond developed at the time of the Jason Lindsay signing a year ago although the talismanic front man has now moved on.
“The mutual appreciation between Raiders striker David Dinkin and Oakwood skipper Adam Levine is known to all and is the closest thing to a bromance since Dan Grossman and Richard Salmon were reacquainted last month. Whilst Dinks would love to get one over on the player he describes as 'the best centre half in Jewish football,' the hope is that Levine hasn't recovered from his latest injury setback.
“The battle between David Rhodes and Josh Bentley in midfield could be key, whilst we're hoping Jake Doffman will again show why we chose to sign him rather than make a move to bring former Raider Dan Cohen back to the club.
“We're missing a few players due to injuries and Danny Bloom's wedding up in Manchester, however Jonny Kay, Dan Grossman, Jamie Wolfson and Adam Jason are all set to return to the match day squad.
This is the MGBSFL’s version of beauty and the beast. Only a brave man would back a winner.
Venue - Brunel, Ref – Gary Silver
JC star man: Jonny Kay (NLR)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 1 Raiders 3
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
11 - Jamie Kent (Shirley Park)
8 - Mitch Hahn (Woodford)
BRADY MACCABI B vs WOODFORD WANDERERS
It’s the clash of the titans at the Lane on Sunday as the best two teams in the division, on current form, go head to head.
Woodford have made an impressive start, so much so that I gave Mitch Hahn and Tony Charles the top accolades in the division. Hahn has been scoring and creating goals, while Charles has turned them into a winning machine.
Brady are still smarting after suffering a shock defeat against basement battles Hendon B. Things looked so good when Josh Newman put them ahead but they eventually came out second best.
Manager Josh Dagul would’ve worked his boys extra hard in training this week and hope they are tucked up in bed nice and early as he won’t settle for second best again.
The battle between the boy Hahn and Reiss Mogilner is key.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Neil Cooper
JC star man: Adam Poole (Woodford)
DC Prediction: Brady B 2 Woodford 3
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CHIGWELL ATHLETIC vs LOS BLANCOS
I get a little nervous when I tip Chigwell to win, but they have clicked into gear and look good for three points on Sunday.
Dan Castle excelled at the heart of defence in the impressive 5-1 win over SPEC FC last weekend, as did Paul Hizer, while summer signing Steve Summers showed he still has the appetite for the big stage. Feed him and he will score!
James Jaconelli was on the mark again, and with Ryan Cole and Brad Gayer finding the net with great regularly it could be a busy morning for the Blancos back line.
Blancos felt they had done enough to earn a point against Harmen last week, only for Samuel Castle to shatter their dreams.
I can see them being under the cosh for large chunks on Sunday and the bookies believe they will buckle.
Venue – Peter May, Ref – Keith Goodman
JC star man: Craig Pearl (Chigwell)
DC Prediction: Chigwell 3 Blancos 1
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SHIRLEY PARK vs BRIXTON OLD BOYS
Dave Lusman will be looking for a big reaction from his Shirley Park boys who were ultimately outclassed by Hendon A in the cup last weekend.
Jamie Kent’s 11th of the season was about the only highlight in an 11-1 battering, but Lusman is confident his boys will get back on track on Sunday against a team they thumped 8-2 only a few weeks ago.
Gideon Gold and Kent terrorised the Brixton defence last time, although Lusman has plenty of respect for the Brixton boys.
Brixton’s only win came against Brady B but manager Scott Smith has no doubt been putting his players through their paces after a week off and they will be ready to go again.
But if Shirley score early, you have to fear for Brixton.
Venue – Norseman FC, Ref – John Nitka
JC star man: Stefan Benfredj (Shirley)
DC Prediction: Shirley 4 Brixton 1
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SOUTHGATE HARMEN vs NORTH WEST NEASDEN
It was important that Harmen picked up three points against Blancos last week and they achieved their goal, thanks to a predatory finish from Samuel Castle.
There are no many strikers around in the league like him and he will be looking to make a nuisance of himself again on Sunday, when Stirling Kay brings his NWN team to the Lodge.
Alex Bowman and Lee Greenfield have the pace and movement to test the best defences in the division, while in Marc Cohen Harmen possess a player capable of picking off that killer pass. I suggest NWN defend deep.
No doubt Steve Murad would’ve told Kaye all about the first meeting between the teams this season. Ricky Rinder was the star man for Harmen, bagging a brace in a 4-2 win.
Since taking over from Andrew Goldman, Kaye has been working on a formation that will get the best out of his players. He knows some of them very well, and believes that Dan Orgel can be a real ace in his pack.
I can’t see there being too much between the teams, as long as NWN defend properly. No nonsense defending will be the order of the day.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Richard Jaye
JC star man: Jon Morris (Harmen)
DC Prediction: Harmen 3 NWN 2
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SPEC FC vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B
Hendon B have always had that surprise element about them, but they gave Brady a real wake-up call last Sunday when they registered their first win.
Manager Aryeh Golding was delighted by the spirit and character shown by his players, who came from behind with strikes from Parys Hammond and Alon Blitz.
But it was Martin Smulovitch who was the star of the show, with stand-in keeper Motty Korman not far behind.
Consistency is now the name of the game for the Hornets, although they will have their work cut out against a SPEC FC team smarting from a 5-1 mauling at the hands of Chigwell.
Oli Levy’s strike was really the only positive manager Laurence Conway could take away from the game.
SPEC FC’s Ricky Lawrence admitted the team was “poor”. He went on to say: “5-1 was provably a bit harsh but we must improve and quick.”
If Hendon play their cards right, they could finish the week a point behind SPEC.
Ref – Martin Lavender
JC star man: Oli Levy (SPEC)
DC Prediction: SPEC 2 Hendon 2
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
10 - James Joseph (FC Team C)
9 - Ben Zloof (AC Mill Hill)
ATHLETIC BILBAUM vs BLIZZARD STORM
Just one point separates Bilbaum and Blizzard going into Sunday’s meeting and it’s expected to be just as close on the pitch.
Adam Bier fired the Baums to their fourth win of the season as they won a war of attrition against Faithfold B.
Blizzard’s resilience is what pleased manager Simon Linden in the draw against AC Mill Hill. Daniel Simons found the net again but it’s important the team starts finding goals from elsewhere too.
A draw will do little to help the teams whose fans believe they are promotion material, but a stalemate is how I can see it finishing.
Venue - Hertswood, Ref – Neil Cohen
JC star man: Oli Simons (Blizzard)
DC Prediction: Bilbaum 2 Blizzard 2
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FC TEAM C vs FC TEAM B
Not even the dreaded Manager of the Month curse will be enough to stop FC Team C from claiming their sixth win of the season ahead of the first inter-club derby.
James Joseph did it again, firing two goals in the 3-2 win over Oakwood last Sunday. The fans love him and so do the managers – Ben Gilbey and Mike Myers. It was a very clever piece of business bringing him into the club and the rewards are there for all to see.
Everyone knows funny things can happen in a derby, but given FC Team B’s crippling injury list, they’ll do well to still be in it at half time.
Which ever way you look at it, this has got home banker written all over it.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Darryl Colmans
JC star man: Max Worth (FC Team C)
DC Prediction: FC Team C 3 FC Team B 0
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NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS B vs LONDON HAROLDEANS
I was asked for a brief on Raiders B this week and sense Haroldeans could be running scared even before kick-off.
Raiders at home, they rarely come out second best. Jonathan Adelman’s men do what it says on the tin. Call it what you like – sexy football, fantasy football, they really do tick all the boxes and no doubt their fans will be hoping for the perfect performance on Sunday.
Nicky Woolf looks back to his best, while Simon Buchler, Andrew McMaster and Gilad Kestenbaum look like a match made in heaven.
But Haroldeans will be no pushovers. Far from it in fact. They are a tough side full of experienced campaigners and manager Jonathan Abrams would’ve been working hard on a game-plan to frustrate L’Orange.
That said, an early goal for the home team could scupper his best-laid plans in a game I can see Raiders going for the jugular from the very first whistle.
Venue – Brunel, Ref – Laurie Benson
JC star man: Gilad Kestenbaum (NLR)
DC Prediction: Raiders 4 Haroldeans 1
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OAKWOOD B vs AC MILL HILL
Ian Tussie will be hurting after last week’s 3-2 defeat against fellow new boys FC Team C.
Not even a “freak goal” from no. 1 Oren Hury could save them in a result that has resulted in Tussie having some sleepless nights.
Mill Hill boss Joe Levy told me his team played “some of our best football of the season” in last week’s draw against Blizzard.
Don Nineberg scored his first competitive goal for the club in a game Levy felt his team were “unlucky not to come away with all three points”.
Levy was honest enough to admit his players “still have a lot to work on,” but he’s confident they are “improving weekly”.
They can expect another tough 90 minutes in the shape of an Oakwood team that takes no prisoners, especially in their own back yard.
Mill Hill’s form on their travels has been pretty solid and I can see them squeezing home if they play their cards right.
Venue - Brunel, Ref – Henry Raffe
JC star man: Don Nineberg (Mill Hill)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 1 Mill Hill 2
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B vs FAITHFOLD B
Jon Jacobs hopes his Redbridge B have recovered from the virus that forced them to pull out of last week’s match against Raiders.
The RJC boss recently returned from a trip to Asia where he was looking to set up a supporters club. Let’s just hope he didn’t get a bout of Delhi belly himself!
The east Londoners had been going great guns and many fancy them to outclass a Faithfold B team that has no wins in seven.
Dan Yoss miss last week’s narrow defeat against Athletic Bilbaum. Rob Shooman took charge of the team and he was impressed by the effort levels shown by the team for whom the only way is up.
Johnny Gahan was one of a number of Faithfold players who put in a big shift, but they will need all 11 and a fair amount of lady luck to keep RJC out here.
Venue - Fairlop, Ref – Martin De La Fuente
JC star man: Sam Rank (RJC)
DC Prediction: Redbridge 4 Faithfold 0
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DIVISION THREE
TOP-SCORERS
14 - Dan Gordon (Faithfold C), Richard Fogelman (L’Equipe)
7 - Philippe Auret (Whetstone)
AC WHETSTONE vs JEWDINESE
There's virtually nothing to separate promotion rivals Whetstone and Jewdinese going into their meeting on Sunday.
Both teams have played seven, won three, drawn two, lost two and scored 17 goals in what has been a solid start to the season.
Tinker men Clive Nathan and Anthony Cohen got their tactics spot on last week as the Whetstone wonder kids romped home 5-0 against an experienced Faithfold C. Phillipe Auret changed the whole complexion of the game after coming off the bench to score a brilliant hat-trick in a wonderful team performance, while the role played by Samuel Leader should not go unnoticed.
But messus Nathan and Cohen won't let their young pack dwell too much on the Faithfold game. Everyone in the camp knows that tougher tests lie ahead and it's vital they get ready to go again as they look to extend their four-match unbeaten league run.
Jewdinese chairmen Zac Brin and Jake Erlich did the damage in the 5-1 win over Hendon C. The win was a big statement of intent in my eyes, as it was crucial they bounced back from the loss against Catford and bounce back they did.
Joe Meisel gave a virtuoso performance in the middle of the park, and with two games against King Crown and one against Faithfold C coming up, manager Darren Lawrence is eyeing a perfect 12-point haul in November.
I'm predicting an open and entertaining affair with chances at both ends. With players on both sides capable of producing a trick or two, the neutrals are in for a real treat.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Andy Myerson
JC star man: Joe Meisel (Jewdinese)
DC Prediction: Whetstone 2 Jewdinese 2
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FAITHFOLD C vs LOUGHTON ORIENT
Faithfold are still picking themselves up after being swept aside by a classy AC Whetstone team last weekend. As player-manager David Garson told JC Sport after the game, "who said you win nothing with kids".
Having played the most games in the division, Garson knows his players can ill-afford any more slip-up, but they must get back to basics in defence and start producing some clean sheets.
There could be a change in goal for the Superhoops who now boast the more generous defence in the division. I believe attack could be the best form of defence on Sunday though, with top-scorer Dan Gordon, Ben Simons and Elliott Bloom encouraged to shoot on sight.
Faithfold were recently beaten by Boca Jewniors, and the Loughton boys were undone by the rapidly improving Boca boys by the same scoreline only last Sunday, so
if you stattos out there are looking for a benchmark, read into that what you like.
Loughton boss Dan Curtis was satisfied with his team's first half showing but deemed the second 45 unacceptable. He'll be looking for a big response from his team, knowing Barry Green is always good for a goal.
The battle between two of the most experienced teams in the league should make good viewing for the neutrals. It's game on at the Lodge.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Laurence Thorne
JC star man: Ben Portnoi (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Faithfold C 3 Loughton 2
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB C vs KING CROWN
King Crown boss Jacob Kadoch was purring over his team's battling performance against table-topping Catford last weekend.
Keeper Ryan Selsdon earned a place in my Team of the Week following his superb performance in nets, with Josh Kadoch, Josh Karpf, Matt Tahan and Ben Garfield all catching the eye.
Up top, striker Benji Greenblatt is really making a name for himself and it won't be too long before some of the scouts from the top two divisions start circling for a player who finds the net on a regular basis.
King Crown looked particularly menacing on the break and Kadoch told JC Sport after the game: "We missed around eight chances, four one-on-ones and going forward the final pass was missing which was unlike our usual selves.
"However, we was solid at the back best defensive performance of the season. I feel we edged it slightly, but a draw was a fair result as we tired in the last 20 after putting a lot in."
Hendon were played off the park by Jewdinese - a performance described by manager Adam Glekin as their "worst of the season". The excellent Ezra Dulberg was the talk of the town after winning JC Goal of the Week for his sublime effort that resulted in him asking for a pay rise.
With Boca, Temple Fortune and King Crown to follow, messus Glekin and co know they have a great opportunity to pick up some points over the coming weeks.
But the toughest test of them all arguably lies in front of them over the next 90 minutes.
JC team news: Hendon's Joni Kleinman faces a late fitness test on a hamstring strain.
Venue –West Hendon, Ref – Stuart Ansher
JC star man: Josh Karpf (King Crown)
DC Prediction: King Crown 2 Hendon C 1
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L’EQUIPE vs BOCA JEWNIORS
Winning has become a habit for those Boca boys who are looking to make it four on the spin when they travel to title-chasing L'Equipe.
Yoshua Silverman, Zalmy Cohen and Dovi Fehler fired them to a memorable 3-1 win over Loughton Orient last weekend, when their class and fitness paid dividends over the final 45 minutes.
Managers Jack Shulman and Viv Emanuel have been busy doing media interviews since winning the JC Managers of the Month award, but they are keen to give the players most of the credit.
There were heroes all over the park last Sunday, but they know they must start to focus on the next game now, knowing maximum points on Sunday would see them leapfrog L'Equipe.
Joint-manager Josh Lewis salvaged L'Equipe's consolation in the 4-1 mauling at Raiders C. And it could have been far worse were it not for the heroics of David Prager in goal. That's looking an inspired decision if ever there was one.
Indeed co-boss Dan Cordell gave an honest assessment of the display. He told JC Sport: "Taking the silver-lining from the result is that it's almost November and we have just lost our first game of the season so we just need to make sure we bounce on from here right."
But L'Equipe are a different animal at home and they will be keen to show Boca just who is top dog on Sunday.
JC team news: L'Equipe's Richard Mail is rated doubtful after picking up an injury last weekend.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Barry David
JC star man: Zalmy Cohen (Boca)
DC Prediction: L'Equipe 2 Boca 2
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TEMPLE FORTUNE vs NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS C
There appears to be no stopping Raiders C right now. Luke Goldsmith was their hero a fortnight ago and Jamie Weinrich stepped up to the plate in last week's sensational victory over L'Equipe. Who is next?
That is exactly the question manager Zack Gothelf will be asking before the game. Who is going to step up? David Domb wants to know too.
Jake Yudelowitz, yes, he stepped up, as did Dan Polak and Alex Goodman - our Division Three Player of the Month. He's making it look so easy at the minute and Fortune boss Jonathan Cohen must be thinking about sticking a man marker on him.
L'Orange are bang in form, with nine goals in their last two games. They really look the part this season, with the club going from strength to strength.
Fortune haven't had the best of starts and it's hard to believe they beat high-flying AC Whetstone early doors. But with the likes of the Leader brothers and Lee Fegan, they still have enough about them to ask Raiders one or two questions.
For me, Raiders would win this contest 99 times out of 100 and I can't see Fortune providing too much of an obstacle on Sunday.
Venue – Roger Bannister, Ref – Quentin Fox
JC star man: Dan Polak (NLR)
DC Prediction: Fortune 1 Raiders 3
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ALSO SEE:
REFEREE OF THE WEEK
Richard Jaye (Camden Park vs London Maccabi Lions Blue)
DANNY CARO'S GOAL OF THE WEEK - EZRA DULBERG
SAVE OF THE WEEK
David Prager (L'Equipe) - pushed a shot from Jamie Weinrich on to the post which left both teams astounded by his Pete Bonneti-esque dive
