Match of the day sees table-toppers Norstar London Raiders A travel to Hendon United Sports Club A, while there's another big derby at Rowley Lane. Danny Caro looks ahead to all the action and goes head-to-head with the man who can do no wrong at present, NLR boss Phil Peters in the latest round of Challenge Caro.
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MATCH PHOTOS: OAKWOOD A vs NL RAIDERS A
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DANNY CARO'S MONTHLY AWARDS: OCTOBER
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)
BRADY MACCABI A vs LONDON MACCABI LIONS WHITE
Another Rowley Lane derby and another Brady win is on the cards.
Goal king Michael Kenley lifted Brady into third place following the 3-1 win over Camden Park. His deadly double, and one from Alex Hershman, earned the Brady their fourth win of the season, but they have plenty of ground to make up on the top two.
The Lions couldn’t stump up an XI for the September 22 clash, but a young squad, with the exception of three or four, will greet the Brady bunch on Sunday.
Looking ahead to the game, Brady joint-manager Joel Nathan told JC Sport: “We are really looking forward to this weekend’s Rowley Lane derby. Yes last time it was unfortunate that LML could not provide opposition, but I know Andy Landsberg and Elon and their managerial board have made numerous changes so that they have a competitive team week in week out. And although I know there will be a lot of youngsters on show, I am sure there will some experienced heads out there on Sunday against us especially as their Saturday Reserves don’t have a game this weekend.
“Brady versus Lions battles are always interesting and this will be no exception, but we come into the game after a good win last week and will be ready for whoever they throw at us. Again, we have a totally different squad to last week as we have some new injuries as well as the uni boys away again, but we have a big squad and will be putting out a strong team as we still feel we can have a say in the title race.
JC team news: Brady are without Matt Sofier and Ben Goldberg who both have injuries which will keep them out for most of November, but they welcome back Brad Sharp from injury and Josh Hershman who has missed the last two games .
As Nathan says, there have been some major changes at LML White over the last week or two. Johnathan Meltzer looks set to lead the team, with new boss David Pollock still in the USA. The club hopes that several teenagers are able to bridge the gap, along with the wise old heads of Aviel Schwarz and Pete Lazard.
Fitness won’t be a problem for LML, but I think Brady’s extra edge in the physical department will prove decisive.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Laurence Thorne
JC star man: Brad Sharp (Brady)
DC Prediction: Brady 3 LML 1
PP Prediction: Brady 3 LML 0
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A vs NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS A
Bring them on. Those were the words of Hendon boss David Garbacz ahead of the visit of league leaders NLR.
The MGBSFL Match of the Day will not disappoint – take my word for it. And surprise, surprise … there won’t be a spare seat in the ground as this contest sold out six weeks ago.
Hendon were on duty in the London FA Sunday Challenge Cup last weekend. Gaffer Garbacz was delighted at just how easy his troops made things look in the 4-0 demolition of Millwall Albion. But he knows that tougher challenges lie ahead, starting this weekend.
“The boys are absolutely champing at the bit for this one and are extremely confident,” Garbacz told JC Sport. “We have been looking very strong in recent weeks and are desperate to get back into league action after a few weeks of cup games and postponements.
“Although we are still in November this looks like a must win for us with Raiders continuing to pick up maximum points and a lot of credit must go to them for their tremendous start.
“However we played them a few weeks back with one of the weakest teams we have ever fielded and still managed to get a good draw at their place. With a near full-strength team and a record at Hadley which has not seen us lose there for nearly two years, I am not only confident we will be stopping them in their tracks this week, but I actually expect us to beat them comfortably.
“This might serve to wind them up but it will make no difference – of course we will be affording them the respect they deserve, but as long as we play anything like to our potential, there can be only one result.”
Although it’s too early to talk about potential champions, everyone knows the eventual winners get a bit of luck along the way, and NLR got a big break against Oakwood last weekend, when Dan Geey blazed a late penalty over the bar. Small details make a big difference at the business end of the season.
Matt Stock and David Dinkin maintained their good run of goal-scoring form in a game where skipper David Rhodes played a major role. He wears his heart on his sleeve, has orange blood running through his veins (and hair roots!) and is certainly playing at the top of his game at the minute.
Ahead of Sunday’s clash of the titans, NLR boss Phil Peters told JC Sport: “Last time out we should have beaten Hendon, albeit both teams were heavily depleted. This time we will almost be at full strength, although we are definitely without Josh Morris who gets married on Sunday afternoon.
“I’m not sure which game Ric Blank was watching last week, but despite the last-minute penalty we looked comfortable throughout the second half and thoroughly deserved our win there.
“Hendon are the only team to have taken a point off us this season and we will be doing everything we can to stop them taking any more. We know Hadley is a difficult place to go and not many teams have won there recently, but I’d be disappointed if our unbeaten record wasn’t intact come 12pm on Sunday.”
There’s little more for me to say than may the best team win.
JC team news: Danny Kon is missing for Hendon (spotted somewhere in Israel last time gaffer Garbacz checked) and he is therefore unavailable. Yoav Kestenbaum will be making a late decision as to whether his priorities lie with Hendon or Arsenal. Otherwise the Hammers are at full strength .
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Martin Lavender, KO – 10.15
JC star man: Dan Grossman (NLR)
DC Prediction: Hendon 1 NLR 1
PP Prediction: Hendon 1 NLR 3
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LONDON MACCABI LIONS BLUE vs FC TEAM A
It’s been a busy old week for FC Team boss Mitch Young and he hopes to finish it in style with a win over Lions Blue at Rowley Lane.
Defeats in three of their first six games is not the start Young had in mind at the start of the season and consistency will be the name of the game between now and Chanukah.
Team were just seconds away from claiming what would have been a crucial three points at Redbridge last week, but they succumbed to a goal from Adam Stolerman. Tom Miller and the ever-versatile Adam Rones were their scorers, with Rones impressing outfield following a 60-minute stint in goal.
Ahead of the trip to the Lane, Young told JC Sport: “"Lions have been on a good run of form recently so we know it will be a tough test away at Rowley Lane, but we are hoping to pick up a result and perform well."
Jamie Kyte’s Lions completed the league double over their stablemates last weekend, but they should prepare themselves for a very different kind of game on Sunday.
Adam Kosky maintained his good run of form, while two-goal hero Daniel Green was equally impressive.
The battle between Nick Astaire and Richard Salmon will be key on Sunday.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Andy Myerson
JC star man: Simon Peterman (Team)
DC Prediction: LML 1 Team 2
PP Prediction: LML 2 Team 2
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OAKWOOD A vs CAMDEN PARK
Ric Blank is dreaming of a nine-point Chanukah. Heavens knows his boys need a change of luck.
They gave leaders NLR an almighty scare last weekend and had Dan Geey’s penalty gone several inches lower, they would’ve come away with the point Blank believes they deserved.
They have a great chance to pick up their first win of the season on Sunday, when Camden are the visitors.
Blank told JC Sport: "As ever, we're just looking forward to getting out there on Sunday and playing some football. We're all disappointed with how the season's started but there's no use moping.
“Apart from the Brady game we have been excellent in spells this season and only rash mistakes or pieces of brilliance have been our undoing. Sooner or later it will click and when it does there'll be no stopping us.
“Camden are an interesting one looking at their results. They're clearly a good side, with pace and make every game a close one. On paper they remind me a lot of us when we came up from Division One looking to rattle cages. They've not had the results, but they're clearly more than good enough for this league. I'm looking forward to playing them and seeing what they're all about.”
Camden came out second best against Brady last weekend. Guy Marks was their scorer in what manager Josh Marks described as “a disappointing result”.
The Camden boys know full well there is a fine line between winning and losing in this division and they will need to pull out all the stops against an Oaks team itching for that first whistle.
JC team news: Oakwood are without Ilan Scorah, Dan Cohen, Josh Bentley and Eddie Manson. Other than that they're in “good shape and ready for the big dance”.
Venue - Brunel, Ref – Steve Levy
JC star man: Dan Ash (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 2 Camden 1
PP Prediction: Oakwood 1 Camden 2
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A vs FAITHFOLD A
Sam Rosenthal breathed a big sigh of relief when fox-in-the-box Adam Stolerman popped up with a very late equaliser against FC Team last weekend.
The RJC boss singled out Scott Kay and Stolerman for special praise in a game he felt they should have gone on to win, having “camped in the Team half for the second period”.
Another big test lies ahead as defending champions head east in the clash of the titans.
Matches between these two clubs are never one for the faint-hearted and the first meeting with be no different.
Faithfold bowed out of the London FA Sunday Challenge Cup at the first hurdle last Sunday. Zuriel Solomon was forced to put out a depleted squad which fell short in a 5-2 defeat at FC Tripeni. Jake Gottlieb scored his first goal in the famous green and white colours, while top-scorer Mike Pearson was on the mark again, but they were ultimately second best.
Ahead of the game, Solomon told JC Sport: “We make the trip to Fairlop to play a Redbridge team who I believe will raring to beat us and confident playing at home. Their results of late have been good so this will be a test for us.
“We have lots of injuries currently but hope to take a good squad to Fairlop.”
As we saw last weekend, RJC keep going until the end. Faithfold are not the kind of team to take the draw, but that’s how I can see it finishing.
JC team news: Faithfold will give late fitness tests to Dan Howard, Elliott Stern, Alex Taylor and Mike Pearson. Alex Kaye misses out.
Venue - Fairlop, Ref – David Lazarus
JC star man: Ben Law (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: RJC 1 Faithfold 1
PP Prediction: RJC 0 Faithfold 2
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
11 - Jamie Kent (Shirley Park)
10 - Mitch Hahn (Woodford)
7 - Harrison Midda (Woodford)
CHIGWELL ATHLETIC vs NORTH WEST NEASDEN A
Richard Slater will be looking for a big reaction from his players ahead of what he describes as a “tough test” against Neasden.
His Chigwell team missed a big opportunity to close the gap at the top when they slipped up against Blancos, but he’s confident they will get the job done this weekend.
Slater told JC Sport: 'With lots of players returning on Sunday we have a much stronger squad. No excuses for last weekend, we were really poor and lacked that cutting edge we've seen in recent weeks.
“Neasden will be a tough test and we'll know what to expect having come across a lot of their players in recent seasons against Redbridge 'B' and Temple Fortune. The lads are determined to get back to winning ways.”
NWN were just seconds away from claiming an impressive win over Southgate Harmen last weekend, but it wasn’t to be. That said, manager Stirling Kay was delighted with his first point since taking over in a game where Jamie Cooper, Rob Kaplan and goal-scorer Dan Orgel impressed.
Kay knows there are no easy games in this division this season but he feels his team are capable of getting something from this game.
“I’m looking forward to a very exciting game,” Kay told JC Sport. “We won't be fooled by last week’s defeat - Chigwell have a lot of very good players.
“We feel we are getting better every game. This is a team put together with friends from east and north west London ,with a lot of potential. The squad is very stretched, but I am very confident the lads who go out will do me proud.”
As Slater says, Chigwell have several key players returning and when you throw the fact that Glenn Michaels is back and scoring, I’m tipping the home side to nick it.
JC team news: NWN are still without their captain and waiting on fitness tests on Kane Gilbery (thigh), Josh Gilbery (splinters) and Dan Orgel (knee) is a major doubt. Dan Field (work) also misses out.
Venue – Peter May, Ref – Darryl Colmans
JC star man: Paul Hizer (Chigwell)
DC Prediction: Chigwell 2 NWN 1
PP Prediction: Chigwell 3 NWN 3
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WOODFORD WANDERERS vs SOUTHGATE HARMEN
Woodford appear to have adopted something of a siege mentality under Tony Charles and there was a hint of the Mourinho factor in his midweek press conference ahead of the meeting with promotion rivals Southgate Harmen.
Mitch Hahn was their matchwinner once again in the excellent win over fellow high-flyers Brady B last Sunday – a result that tells you just what this Woodford team is capable of.
“This isn’t a big match, it’s just a match,” Charles told JC Sport with a steely kind of focus. “Harmen are the team from last season’s Premier who have to prove that they deserve to be back there. We are just Woodford that no one seems to like.”
Samuel Castle rescued Harmen with a last-ditch strike against Neasden last weekend, but they will have to do it all over again and arguably play even better against a Woodford team that is clearly going places.
Looking ahead to the game, joint-player-manager Castle told JC Sport: “After a well fought point last time out, the Harmen boys will be looking for all three, away at league leaders Woodford.
“In the reverse fixture we won a close game 1-0 and we are preparing for the same sort of game. We are three points off them in the league so a win on Sunday and we will be right up there. Ben Weinberg has been a rock in the centre of midfield so far this season, showing his class at every given opportunity. We expect the same on Sunday.
Although it’s hard to keep Castle out of the limelight these days, I believe Woodford will lay down their title credentials and deliver on the big stage. Sunday will be all about which team handles the pressure best.
JC team news: With both James Castle and Harry Fine missing in goal this weekend, pPlayer-manager Castle will swap his shooting boots for his goalie gloves. Sam is no stranger to being in between the sticks winning the JC MSFL goalkeeper of the year two years ago whilst playing for Lions A. The only other absentees this weekend are Brad Fox, Lee Greenfield and Jordan Segal.
Harmen squad: Sam Castle, Adam Osper, Mitch Green, Jon Morris, Adam Velleman, Marc Cohen, Ben Henry, Jordan Grant, James Sandler, Oliver Leslie, Ben Weinberg, Ricky Rinder, Alex Bowman, Joel Alterman, Ben Adaki.
Venue - Fairlop, Ref – Adam Yuchetel
JC star man: Jerome Marks (Woodford)
DC Prediction: Woodford 2 Harmen 1
PP Prediction: Woodford 3 Harmen 1
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BRIXTON OLD BOYS vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B
Both Brixton and Hendon B registered impressive victories last weekend and confidence will be high going into Sunday's meeting.
Brixton claimed arguably their most impressive result under Scott Smith, with Sean Ekon, Paul Shamplina and Dean Rosenthal finding the net in the thrilling 3-2 win at Shirley Park.
Hendon are on a roll right now - making a mockery of SPEC FC's good home defensive record with a 3-1 win and Aryeh Goldring's men will arrive feeling three points are there for the taking.
Venue - Clowes, Ref – Steve Russell
JC star man: Sean Ekon (Brixton)
DC Prediction: Brixton 2 Hendon 2
PP Prediction: Brixton 3 Hendon 1
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LOS BLANCOS vs SHIRLEY PARK
Blancos have the bit between their teeth right now following the brilliant win at Chigwell, but they face another big test in the shape of Shirley Park.
Jono Gaon (2) and James Joseph were their goal-scoring heroes, with Gaon closing in on double figures in the goals department which is a real boost for the team at the foot of the table.
Ahead of the visit of free-scoring Shirley, Blancos boss Jonathan Ison told JC Sport: “We almost had our first full squad of the season a few weeks ago, but someone pulled out last minute which moved us down to 13.
“Finally we are able to name a full squad, including a warm welcome for Adam Hersh, but whether he'll get straight back in the team is another matter.
“Another returning Blancos star is Julian Gertner, with him getting a 20-minute cameo last week, he will be eager to start this week and will certainly strengthen an already strong back four.
“We're looking forward to welcoming Shirley Park to our fortress and the way we are playing at the moment, the three points is definitely well within our reach.”
Shirley boss Dave Lusman told me after last week’s defeat against Brixton that the club are going through a “tough period” as injuries have left them depleted. But he is confident they will “get back to business” this weekend,
If you want five-star entertainment this weekend, forget X-Factor. This is your game!
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Neil Cooper
JC star man: Stefan Benfredj (Shirley)
DC Prediction: Blancos 2 Shirley 4
PP Prediction: Blancos 0 Shirley 3
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SPEC FC vs BRADY MACCABI B
What we know as the Brady B lean, mean winning machine has hit the buffers, or so it seems.
Back-to-back defeats against Woodford and Hendon have been something of a wake-up call for the boys from Rowley Lane, but they are still handily placed in the promotion race.
Results have slipped since Johnathan Meltzer moved to the other side of Rowley Lane, but manager Josh Dagul and his merry men will be keen to stop the slide when they take on SPEC FC.
Laurence Conway’s troops have lost half their games, but a decent crowd is expected for the visit of last season’s Division Two champions – a contest that will be settled by which side wins their individual and collective battles.
Ahead of kick-off, SPEC’s Ricky Lawrence told JC Sport: “It’s a big game against the enemy on Sunday with both teams needing a win.
“We have a few players back, but injuries have hit us hard this season so we know it's going to be another tough game."
I think SPEC will set themselves up to be hard to beat and a clean sheet is the priority.
Venue – The Ark, Ref – Robert Benardout
JC star man: Mark Hecht (SPEC)
DC Prediction: SPEC 0 Brady 0
PP Prediction: SPEC 1 Brady 5
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
12 - Ben Zloof (AC Mill Hill)
10 - James Joseph (FC Team C)
8 - Jake Gilbert (Bilbaum)
ATHLETIC BILBAUM vs NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS B
NLR B will be looking to finish the weekend in top spot when they take on promotion rivals Bilbaum in Borehamwood.
They hit top form against London Haroldeans last weekend, with Nicky Woolf and Dave Esterkin left to fight it out over who would take home the match ball after earning JC hat-trick hero status. Midfield maestro Esterkin has really stepped up this season, while gaffer Jonathan Adelman is happy as Larry to see Woolf back to his best.
L’Orange have strength in depth this season and competition for places all over the park, but it’s also a challenge the Baums are relishing.
Jake Gilbert added two more goals to his tally in last weekend’s superb 5-2 win over Blizzard. Edward Green, Ben Bell and Adam Bier finished the job and managers Mark Pasha and Green are delighted to see so many players chipping in on the goal front.
With both teams on a high, the chances are that football will be the winner on Sunday.
Venue – Hertswood Centre, Ref – Barry David
JC star man: David Simnock (NLR)
DC Prediction: Bilbaum 2 NLR 2
PP Prediction: Bilbaum 0 NLR 4
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FC TEAM C vs OAKWOOD B
FC Team C and Oakwood B have had some right royal battles over recent seasons, but the signs all point towards a home win on Sunday.
Team were pushed all the way by their B-team last weekend, when both David Cohens were on the scoresheet. A man-of-the-match display from midfield dynamo Adam Aminoff helped them over the line.
Oakwood have lost 50 per cent of their matches and it appears they have a bee in their bonnet. Manager Ian Tussie told JC Sport: “Due to the club's recently enforced media strike following on from derogatory comments made by the Camden Journal about some of our players after a night out in Chalk Farm, I am not able to speak to you ahead of Sunday's not-so-crunchy-anymore-after-three-straight-defeats crunch match.”
I can see home advantage helping Team win by a couple of goals.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Warwick Blake
JC star man: Rob Sanford (Team)
DC Prediction: Team 3 Oakwood 1
PP Prediction: Team 4 Oakwood 1
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LONDON HAROLDEANS vs BLIZZARD STORM
Haroldeans keeper Darren Witcoop was fortunate to avoid concussion following last week’s brutal battering at the hands of NLR B.
The stand-in keeper managed to come away with his pride intact after pulling off some fine saves in an 8-0 mauling. Unlike Hugo Lloris, he didn’t receive a knee to the head, but his head was spinning and back a bit iffy after endlessly picking the ball out of the back of the onion bag.
The good news is that there’ll be a recognised keeper in between the sticks for the Blizzard game, and the boy Witcoop will be able to strut his stuff on the pitch.
Consistency has been an issue for the Blizzard boys this season. Their two-game unbeaten run came to an abrupt halt against Bilbaum last weekend. Blizzard have got enough competition for places to freshen things up and manager Simon Linden is threatening some big changes.
He told JC Sport: “It’s a game we have to win if we are to have any chance of promotion this season.
“I would like to go on record and thank Daniel Levy for organising Spurs a 12pm kick off which involves five season tickets in my team.
“We are short on players, but we will be up for it. It’s extremely important we perform and get ourselves three massive points.”
Venue – White City Tigers Turf, Ref – Richard Jaye
JC star man: David Cohen (Blizzard)
DC Prediction: Haroldeans 2 Blizzard 3
PP Prediction: Haroldeans 1 Blizzard 2
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DIVISION THREE
TOP-SCORERS
17 - Richard Fogelman (L’Equipe)
14 - Dan Gordon (Faithfold C)
7 - Philippe Auret (Whetstone)
BOCA JEWNIORS vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB C
Hendon will be looking to get back to winning ways when they travel to in-form Boca Juniors on Sunday.
After a poor run of form, Hendon will have to do it the hard way as they are without attacking duo Ezra Dulberg and Alex Elf. However, manager Adam Glekin believes they still have the firepower to come away from Roger Bannister with all three points.
“The last few weeks have been hugely disappointing, so I’m expecting a big performance on Sunday,” Glekin told JC Sport. “Being without Alex and Ezra means the rest of us will have to chip in with some goals, but we've got more than enough quality to win the game. Boca have had some decent results recently so it won't be easy, but I have full confidence in the lads".
Boca go into the game on the back of a bruising 4-3 defeat against L’Equipe – their first defeat in four. Club secretary Viv Emanuel told JC Sport: “We knew Sunday’s game would be a tough one based on L'Equipe's form so far in the season and this was proven.
“We did play well but it took two good goal from RF to make us realise what we needed to do. We showed great fight for the game in second half and based on a great training session and the team believing in themselves still, we know we can do well against Hendon C.
“Hendon have not had the best season so far and we need to take advantage of that and push from the off.
“We have the strong form of Dovi Fehler (four goals in four) and with Ami Wynbourne, Nigel Someck and David Brown providing a solid, experienced core, we know that we will battle for the game and get our winning form back.
“We still have a strong squad to put out against Hendon on Sunday and each player knows this is a must-win game if we want to push back up the table again and keep up with the leading pack.
“With Loughton again and then L'Equipe and Jewdinese coming up everyone knows that it will be a tough November.”
JC team news: Boca welcome back Yosh Silverman from holiday and Ryan Monk will play in goal for the first time in four games. Dan Ezra is out for a while because of his shoulder and Ricky Ziederman is missing this week.
Hendon are without Ezra Dulberg, Alex Elf and Joni Kleiman, but welcome James Neidle back into the heart of the defence.
Venue – Roger Bannister, Ref – Henry Raffe
JC star man: Nigel Someck (Boca)
DC Prediction: Boca 3 Hendon 2
PP Prediction: Boca 5 Hendon 3
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CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI vs LOUGHTON ORIENT
Dan Curtis looks set to tinker with his squad that impressed against Faithfold C last weekend.
Josh Hambling and Deano Silver registered stunning strikes and I sincerely hope they have bought some lottery tickets this week – strike while the irons is hot lads ;)
Jamie Crawford’s late winner was due rewards for an excellent second 45 minutes, in a game where David Blitz was rewarded for an excellent performance with a place in JC Team of the Week. Jaimie Sinclair wasn’t behind either, in a game where keeper Marc Jacobs was solid and produced one of the best penalty saves you could ever wish to see, even if it was a tad unorthodox, and Dan Howard looked threatening on the right flank.
Ahead of Sunday’s trip to the leaders, Curtis told JC Sport: “We have no fewer than nine players missing this Sunday through injury, suspension and family engagements. It gives me a good opportunity to use my squad and for others to stake a claim.
“I have also been busy in the transfer market this week adding Andy Herman, James Law and Josh Jacobs in time for the weekend.
“We will play to win as always and it's important we build on last weeks result to kick on up the table.”
Catford have won six out of eight and really looked the part this season. Lester Jacobs’ troops were able to put their feet up last weekend and they are ready to go again.
Captain marvel Adam Luria told JC Sport: “There's another selection headache for Lester this week as we've already had 16 players declare themselves fit for Sunday.
“Joel Isaacs and Yonni Bord return after missing the last three games and new(ish) signing Anthony Isaacs will also be pushing for a start.
“We know that LO will be looking for revenge from the first day of the season and that they got a good win last week. It'll be a physical game and it'll no doubt be a close run contest but we'll give it our best shot.
“Of course, this is all reliant on Martin being able to sort out a replacement ref as the original choice has been called into action in a county cup match. Otherwise it could well be an unwanted week off.
This should be a cracker!
Venue – Norseman FC
JC star man: Anthony Isaacs (Catford)
DC Prediction: Catford 3 Loughton 2
PP Prediction: Catford 4 Loughton 2
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FAITHFOLD C vs L’EQUIPE
It’s the battle of the hotshots that many have been talking about on Sunday as Schnitzelman takes on Flash. I want a nice, clean fight, with no rabbit punches, lads!
Richard Fogelman marched to the top of the leaderboard with a fabulous four-goal blast against Boca last Sunday, including two goal-of-the-week contenders. “Feed the Foge and he will score” was the chant from the terraces after each deadly finish.
Ahead of the trip to the Lodge, L’Equipe joint-manager Josh Lewis told JC Sport: “After a hard fought victory on Sunday against Boca, we’re keen to start another good run of form and close the gap on Catford - with a game in hand we could be within two points of Catford and level with Norstar so it’s very close at the top.
“This weekend we nearly have a full squad to pick from after having a few injuries and absentees over the past few weeks. We’re well aware of Faithfold and what they are capable of, with both of their strikers regularly on target. But with Fogelman recently overtaking Gordon in the race for the Golden Boot, I’m sure he will want to increase that advantage like he did last time we played them.
“The back four will have to be switched on and if we can start quickly I’m convinced that we can come away with the victory at Chase Lodge.”
Faithfold marksman Dan Gordon hopes to put last weekend’s match against Loughton behind him and he will be a man on a mission to lift the Superhoops up the table and put a dent in L’Equipe’s title hopes.
David Garson knows his troops are capable of much better. He told JC Sport: “We will have a few extra faces to freshen it up which is good and Dan Gordon is chomping at the bit to get back on terms with Fogelman.”
Goals looks guaranteed in what is expected to be an open and entertaining affair, but I think that come Sunday lunchtime, it will be advantage Fogelman.
JC team news: Faithfold’s injury list continues to grow, with James Stanton joining Dave Sherman, Nic Viola and six others on the treatment table. Danny Caro is unavailable (much to the disappointment of Schitzelman!). Dan Lowen and Nick Roman return for Faithfold, while Elliot Bloom is pushing for a start.
L’Equipe welcome back captain Mark Singer, Jules Bohm and Richard ‘Scotty’ Alexander, which will be a big boost to the team.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Alex Smith
JC star man: Richard ‘Scotty’ Alexander (L’Equipe)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 1 L’Equipe 3
PP Prediction: Faithfold 0 L’Equipe 3
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KING CROWN vs JEWDINESE
High-flying Jewdinese go in search of their third consecutive win when they take on fellow new boys King Crown.
Ben Halmer made a dream debut in the 3-1 win over Whetstone last weekend and shirt sales with his name on the back have gone through the roof, according to the club’s Head of Merchandising. Zack Collins and Barney Rhodes wrapped up the points.
Club chairman Jake Erlich is taking nothing for granted ahead of Sunday’s match. He told JC Sport: “With the absence of many first team players due to Old Trafford commitments, we are short of numbers however the depth in our squad makes it barely noticeable.
“We will look to continue our run of form and aim for the 12-point month which was set as a target last week. After last week’s win, everyone believes promotion can be achieved so we look to boost our chances on Sunday.”
King Crown are on the up as they built on the draw against Catford with an impressive 3-1 win over Hendon C.Hotshot Benji Greenblatt maintained his purple patch in front of goal in a man-of-the-match performance, with Dominic Cheniart and Yoel Deal also finding the net.
KC boss Jacob Kadoch faces a selection headache of a different kind as they go in search of what would be their biggest scalp so far.
“We have a full-strength team to choose from - around 20 need to be narrowed down to 14 this Sunday,” Kadoch told JC Sport.
“We’re looking to get three points and nothing less in the game. We must pick up from where we left off last week. I have players who are on great form and confident, playing their best football to date.”
Sounds like this is one not to miss.
JC team news: Adam Gold is set to make his debut for the Zebras.
Venue – Ludgrove Playing Fields, Ref – Paul Dobkin
JC star man: Zack Collins (Jewdinese)
DC Prediction: King Crown 2 Jewdinese 3
PP Prediction: King Crown 1 Jewdinese 5
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AC WHETSTONE vs TEMPLE FORTUNE
Whetstone will be looking to get back to winning ways when they take on lowly Temple Fortune.
Their good run came to a halt last weekend when they were beaten 3-1 by Jewdinese in the battle of youth.
On paper this looks like a home banker, but much depends on how they handle the physical aspect.
Fortune were ultimately well beaten by NLR C last weekend, with Gavin Levy's first goal of the season arguably the highlight.
The injury to Ollie Squires resulted in a loss of momentum after they went ahead and manager Jonathan Cohen knows his troops must bring their A-game to the table.
He told JC Sport: "We have picked up a lot of injuries recently so will have to be at our best to beat a very Good AC Whetstone team who will be looking for revenge from earlier in the season.
"I am very confident that we will start to pick things up and out some more points on the board."
Instinct tells me that if Whetstone are able to stick to their game-plan, they should have enough to take maximum points.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Robert Caplin
JC star man: Dan Cohen (Whetstone)
DC Prediction: Whetstone 3 Fortune 2
PP Prediction: Whetstone 3 Fortune 1
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MATCHDAY 10 OSCARS
DANNY CARO'S PREM DIV TEAM OF THE WEEK
DANNY CARO'S DIV 2 TEAM OF THE WEEK
DANNY CARO'S DIV 3 TEAM OF THE WEEK
DANNY CARO'S GOAL OF THE WEEK - DEAN SILVER
DANNY CARO'S SAVE OF THE WEEK - MARC JACOBS
DANNY CARO'S SAVE OF THE WEEK - IAN TUSSIE (AGAIN!
REFEREE OF THE WEEK
Warwick Blake (FC Team A vs Redbridge JC A)
