Several teams are in action for the first time this season on Matchday 2 of the MGBSFL season, with the game of the day seeing Faithfold A take on Brady Maccabi A. Danny Caro looks ahead to all the action.
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MATCHDAY 1 HIGHLIGHTS
DANNY CARO'S GOAL OF THE WEEK - GREG CORIN
JC SAVE OF THE WEEK
Jake Doffman (NL Raiders A) - got down to his right and held on to Ricky Engleman's penalty magnificently
DANNY CARO'S QUOTE OF THE WEEK - DAVID GARSON
FAITHFOLD A vs HENDON A PHOTOGALLERY
FAITHFOLD B vs BLIZZARD STORM PHOTOGALLERY
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE
PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
2 – Mike Pearson (Faithfold A)
CAMDEN PARK vs NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS A
There’s a new year’s treat in store here as new boys Camden Park host a red-hot Raiders.
L’Orange go into the game in buoyant mood after blowing the Lions away, but they face a totally different proposition against last season’s Division One champions.
It’s a case of as you were for Camden this season, with manager Josh Marks not adding to the squad that excelled last time around.
Ahead of his first game as a Premier Division manager, he told JC Sport: “I’, not sure how the pros like to do their previews – messus Garbacz and Solomon probably think they’re too cool for school, but I’m really enthusiastic about my Camden side.
“We’re the new boys in town, nobody knows what to expect, we breezed through Division Two, strolled past Division One and this year should be no different. There are a few teams who should compete this year and there’s no reason why we won’t be one of them.
“That being said, we never underestimate our opposition. Norstar Raiders – the best of two teams. Not really fair if you ask me – you don’t see QPR merging with Sunderland after getting relegated. But even if they did, we would beat them!
“They gave us a run for our money in pre-season ... which is exactly what we paid for – but now the boys are back in town, fitness levels are where they should be and the boys are like greyhounds waiting to be released from the traps. Bring on Sunday!”
Ethan Zone and magic man Matt Stock inspired Raiders to a memorable 3-0 win over Lions on the opening weekend of the season and gaffer Peters hopes the dreaded JC Manager of the Week curse doesn’t strike on Sunday.
“I couldn't have asked for a better start to the season,” Peters told JC Sport. “But that means nothing if we don't follow it up with a victory against the new boys this weekend.
“We've been impressed by Camden in pre-season and their results last year speak for themselves, but knowing how tough we found our first season in the Prem, we'll be aiming to make things as uncomfortable for them as possible.”
Fans are advised to arrive early for a game that will tick all the boxes. I can see it finishing honours even.
JC team news: David Dinkin, Jamie Wolfson and Jonny Kay return to the Raiders squad on Sunday after missing the Lions match and “will have to work hard to force their way back into the starting line-up,” but Mike Hershman (hamstring) and Josh Pistol (shoulder) are out injured.
Venue – White City Tigers Turf, Ref – Laurie Benson
JC star man: Jamie Wolfson (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Camden 2 Raiders 2
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FAITHFOLD A vs BRADY MACCABI A
It’s the clash of the titans at the Lodge as defending champions Faithfold welcome National Cup winners Brady.
Brady are reported to have a number of key men missing, but that shouldn’t detract from what will be a top quality affair.
Faithfold were made to sweat by Hendon last weekend, but they did brilliantly to come away with a point after Alex Levack’s red card.
Manager Zuriel Solomon predicts another close contest. “We know we have another tough game. To be honest all our matches will be tough, but it is up to us to stamp our authority on the game.
“We were missing quite a few boys last week against Hendon, but showed we have strength in depth and it is important the boys stay focused against a dangerous Brady team who have some very good players and will be well organised by Joel and Josh.”
It’s been a busy summer for messus Nathan and Rosenfeld but they have made some stellar signings. The started last season slowly and the squad will be determined to fly out of the traps this time.
Rosenfeld told JC Sport: “We are looking forward to the start of the season. We have big aims this season and we expect to do better than last year.
“It’s a great start for us to play against the champions. There is no better incentive for my boys than that. We know their strengths and we know they have quality all over, but then again so do we.
“Sunday we will have a lot of our younger signings on show and they will all be thrown in at the deep end as we are down to our bare bones.”
Mike Pearson was the star man for Faithfold last weekend. Along with Sam Lewis, he gave Hendon a run for their money and Brady will need to do their homework to ensure their fans don’t come away disappointed.
JC team news: Faithfold hope to welcome back Daryl Phillips, Johnny Haik, Dan Stock, Alex Kaye and Ben Ellis. They will be without Sam Reeves who is still injured.
Brady are missing Josh and Alex Hershman, Ryan Fox, Oliver Colmans, Jon Ellis, Young Player of the Year Jordan Nathan and new signing Lee Cash.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Richard Jaye
JC star man: Sam Lewis (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 1 Hendon 1
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FC TEAM A vs LONDON MACCABI LIONS BLUE
It’s a big season for FC Team A and a big crowd is expected as they prepare to start the season against Jamie Kyte’s Lions.
Team boss Mitch Young brought in quality over the summer and home fans are looking forward to seeing his big guns in action.
Young told JC Sport: “We are hoping to start with a positive result, but we know it’s always very difficult to face a newly promoted side, and, as always, any Lions team you face are strong and full of talent.
“That said we have had a good pre-season and I am expecting us to hit the ground running. It should be an exciting game.”
James Gold is expected to be leading the line for the Lions. He has an excellent scoring record over the last few seasons and will be keen to make his mark in the top-flight.
That said, I think home advantage will play a part and can see FC Team registering a hard fought victory.
JC team news: Young is hoping to have a fully fit squad barring James Stanley who is still recovering from a shoulder operation.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Neil Cooper
JC star man: Richard Salmon (Team)
DC Prediction: FC Team A 2 Lions 1
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LONDON MACCABI LIONS WHITE vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
There’s been a major overhaul at Redbridge this summer and I expect the east Londoners to challenge for silverware this season.
New boss Sam Rosenthal has made some great signings and his squad is packed with quality from front to back. Rosenthal used a big chunk of the fee he received for Steve Summers on some young talent, with the likes of Josh Wynne bolstering the ranks.
Preparations for the new campaign have gone well. Rosenthal told JC Sport: “Other than a couple of boys away, the rest of squad seems fit and raring to go.
“An unbeaten pre-season has set us up for a good start and we will be looking for all three points.”
The Lions will be looking to bounce back from last week’s heavy defeat against Raiders. It all went downhill after Ricky Engleman had a penalty saved and Eilon Kennet will be looking for a big reaction from his players.
Kennet will tell them that Rowley Lane must become a fortress once more and, no doubt, they will be looking to make a fast start in a game that could be settled by one goal.
JC team news: Adam Shafron is suspended for Redbridge, while Steve Gevertz is away. Ben Sollosi faces a spell on the sidelines following a double hernia operation.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – John Feenstra
JC star man: Josh Wynne (RJC)
DC Prediction: Lions 0 Redbridge 1
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
2 - Gideon Gold (Shirley Park), Jamie Kent (Shirley Park)
CHIGWELL ATHLETIC vs BRADY MACCABI B
The heat is off for Chigwell. I haven’t tipped them for anything this year. Let’s see what they can do.
Manager Richard Slater made his intentions for the new season crystal clear by bringing in former double winners Steve Summers and Craig Sandford. Added to that, the experience offered by Raanan Firmin, Hadley Silver and versatility of Ryan Cole and Elliot Bloom and you have a very strong group of players.
“The squad is in good shape after an encouraging pre season,” Slater told JC Sport. “I haven't seen them this focused and fired up for a while.
“We know Brady B will be there or thereabouts and bang up for the game, so we must be organised and desire levels at maximum.
“Our attacking players are up there with the best in the MSFL so we must take our chances Sunday.”
Brady B go in search of their third consecutive league title and player-manager Josh Dagul can’t wait to get going. He’s confident they will still challenge for silverware without the services of former captain James Joseph, but only time will tell.
This promises to be a big season in the career of Reiss Mogilner. He’s enjoyed two incredible seasons, but will find things tougher this season, starting on Sunday.
Sam Frolich has been given the captain’s armband, and he will look to the quality of Josh Newman and Daniel Harrod to give Chigwell a run for their money.
It should be a cracker.
JC team news: Jon Swead, Ronnie Firmin, Doron Weinstein, Simon Felstein and Glenn Davis miss out for Chigwell.
Chigwell squad: Rob Shepherdson, Bradley Gayer, Bradley Porter, Lee Hyams, Russell Yershon, Russell Brill, Craig Pearl, Hadley Silver, Daniel Castle, Ryan Cole, Elliot Bloom, Paul Lenchner (capt), Steve Summers, Craig Sandford, Dean Ben-Yosef, Neil Tilley
Venue – Peter May, Ref – David Lazarus
JC star man: Steve Summers (Chigwell)
DC Prediction: Chigwell 3 Brady 2
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NORTH WEST NEASDEN vs SHIRLEY PARK
There’s a real humdinger in store at Hadley FC as Neasden and Shirley look to maintain their perfect starts.
Neasden were pushed all the way by Brixton last Sunday, while the Shirley boys filled their boots against Hendon B.
It was important for NWN to hit the ground running and they did just that, with Michael Field, Craig Edwards and Kane Gilbery all catching the eye.
Neasden’s Steve Murad told JC Sport: “We’re all really looking forward to this weekend after the great result against Brixton, and with players such as Scott Kay, Daniel Orgel, Shai Davidi and Steven Murad getting extra game-time it can only be hugely beneficial to us as they all missed games during pre season.”
Manager Andrew Goldman added: “We had a fantastic opening result against a tough Brixton side and now need to build on the good start. To win without the man everyone expects to score the goals shows the strength and depth we have in the squad.
“You can always expect goals in a game involving Shirley Park, so we will need to keep our wits about us at the back. Luckily we have almost full squad to pick from for the first time.
“Everyone at the club wishes everyone at the JC, in the MSFL, family and friends a happy and healthy new year.”
Gideon Gold and Jamie Kent bagged braces last Sunday and they will be the main threats again for a team that scores for fun. But I can see NWN asking questions of them in defence and manager Dave Lusman believes he has the answers.
“We hope to pick up were we left off,” Lusman told JC Sport. “Last week was a good warm-up, but were expecting Neasden to be a trickery fixture.
“Last season a game against Neasden was a Park banker. However, we’re well aware Neasden have strengthened their squad this season. It’s early doors for their new-look team and I’m sure there be looking to try and rock the Park boat.
“As mentioned last week, we have lot of work to do as team to get back to our best. We’re not far off and will use this fixture to sharpen up. Let’s see how it pans out. Park life!”
The first goal could be crucial in a game between two talented sides and I think we’ll know a lot more about NWN come Sunday lunchtime.
JC team news: NWN are missing Philip Braham.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Keith Goodman
JC star man: Stefan Benfredj (Shirley)
DC Prediction: Neasden 2 Shirley 2
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SOUTHGATE HARMEN vs WOODFORD WANDERERS
With Samuel Castle and Joel Alterman at the helm, Southgate Harmen hope that weeks of preparation will be rewarded when they open up against the Wanderers of Woodford.
A new-look squad features eight new signings and they were “still working late into the night to secure the signing” of a “top quality” player before the match.
Like Liverpool, Harmen did most of their business early and messus Castle and Alterman are confident their team will hit the ground running.
Samuel Castle told JC Sport: “We have been building up to Sunday’s game for eight weeks, and the whole squad are raring to go and hit the ground running.
“Our pre-season has gone very well. The mix of the old and the new have seemed to make a potent mix and expect a big performance from the team on Sunday morning.
“There will be debuts for six or seven boys on Sunday, and I am sure the old guard will be telling the young pups what it means to represent the Harmen badge.”
Joel Alterman is also looking forward to the big kick-off. He told JC Sport: “After six years out of the game I am excited to be back and can’t wait for Sunday. The build-up has been great and looking forward to our opening game against Woodford.
“Like all teams in our division, we are expecting a tough, physical battle, but the boys will be up for it, that’s for sure.”
The chairman Alex Aviram, CEO Martin Sales, aka Ivan the Terrible, along with new manager Tony Charles have been working hard all the season to get the infrastructure right at Woodford and they expect big things.
A club spokesman told JC Sport: “We will be going to win - our aim is to challenge for honours this year.”
Harmen will be looking to make a big statement of intent and I don’t think their fans will go home disappointed on Sunday.
JC team news: Woodford have a fully fit squad to chose from, apart from new signing Daniel Cooper and Paul Shone, both being away on a stag. Adam Poole is having a late fitness test - because he is basically not that fit!
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Steve Levy
JC star man: Ben Weinberg (Harmen)
DC Prediction: Harmen 3 Woodford 0
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SPEC FC vs BRIXTON OLD BOYS
SPEC FC enjoyed a narrow victory, while Brixton suffered a narrow defeat on Matchday 1. I’m predicting more of the same on Sunday.
Dave Newman was SPEC FC’s matchwinner against Blancos, but it also needed a rock solid performance from summer signing Simon Bagel and the energy of Dan Henig to ensure they came away with maximum points.
They will be looking to make it two out of the two on Sunday. SPEC FC’s Ricky Lawrence told JC Sport; “After such a hard fought victory last Sunday, we know we have to build on it this week against a side we're yet to face in any capacity.
“Dave Newman came up with the goods at the right time last week and manager Laurence Conway will be hoping for more of the same.
“We also made the radio this week, with Simon Bagel being mentioned on TalkSport after his heroics in defence last week.”
Brixton didn’t do much wrong against NWN last weekend, and manager Scott Smith was “encouraged” by their overall performance. David Ronson and Gavin Sherman were the standout men, with Ronson bagging a brilliant goal on debut.
Man for man there won’t be much between the teams, but I’m tipping Conway’s warriors to nick it.
JC team news: Newly-engaged Ashley Burns is still suspended for SPEC FC alongside Nick Berman, but James Lesner is hoping to be back after suffering a head injury in our final pre season game. A club spokesman told JC Sport: “His late fitness test will be key such is his importance to the side."
Venue - Brunel, Ref – Martin De La Fuente
JC star man: Dan Henig (SPEC)
DC Prediction: SPEC FC 2 Brixton 1
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
1 - Dave Newman (SPEC FC), Ed Bell (Bilbaum), Ben Bell (Bilbaum), Oli Joseph (Haroldeans), Adam Speck, Dan Simmons, Dan Vandermolen (Blizzard)
ATHLETIC BILBAUM vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B
The Bilbaum boys host Redbridge B in confident mood following their opening day win over London Haroldeans.
Managers Ed Green and Mark Pasha gave their players a big thumbs-up after Ed Bell and Ben Bell got on the scoresheet in a 3-1 win. More of the same is the order of the day.
RJC boss Jon Jacobs hopes some new signings will help them finish in the top half of the table this season. He will be assisted by Peter Sollosi this term, with Bradley Grant an important signing between the sticks.
I sense that Bilbaum confident they can go about their business quietly and confidently – with the title the ultimate goal. Patience will be the name of the name on Sunday as they come up against one of the top keepers in the league. But I think they will have too much ammunition for what might be a long 90 minutes for the visitors.
Venue – Hertswood Centre, Ref – Robert Benardout
JC star man: Ed Bell (Bilbaum)
DC Prediction: Bilbaum 3 Redbridge 1
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FC TEAM B vs FC TEAM C
It’s time to put the apple and honey down and get ready to rumble. Ladies and gentleman, FC Team bragging rights are up for grabs. You won’t be disappointed.
Paul Savitz, Adam Savitz, Ben Radstone, Matt Davis, Jon Franks and Max Graves were brought in by FC Team B boss David Gordon, but he knows his players will need to be on top form against their newly-promoted opponents who are after a big scalp as a statement of intent.
Gordon told JC Sport: “I don’t think we could have asked for a harder start to the season; the C team are very well-organised and would give most teams a good game.
“We will, however, go into the game to try to win and play positively– there won’t be any false no. 9 tactics involved!
“It should be a fiercely competitive game and I am excited to get the season started.”
FC Team C splashed the cash to bring in James Joseph, Matthew Cohen, Jeremy Julius and Andrew Hurwitz over the summer. That was excellent business by manager Michael Myers and Ben Gilbey. Add to that the fact that Max Worth looks sharp on his return from injury and they have a very talented bunch.
Myers told JC Sport: “It should be an interesting match up on Sunday. Both teams know each other well and it’s the first time we have met in a competitive game.
“My boys are eager to get off to a positive start and impress their managers as the competition for places has never been higher.
“Our pre-season has gone well and hopefully we will get off to a winning start and show that we are the ones to watch in this division.”
Club pride is at stake and it’s clear this is a game neither side will want to lose.
JC team news: Daniel Woolfe is away for FC Team B, while Adam Savitz is injured and Paul Walker is serving a suspension.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Teddy Littner
JC star man: Mitch Lassman (FC Team B)
DC Prediction: FC Team B 2 FC Team C 2
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NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS B vs AC MILL HILL
Both Raiders B and Mill Hill are packed with quality and it would be fair to say that neither would look out of place in Division One.
Now is the time for the talking to stop, though, and show their rivals just how good they are. It promises to be an exciting season for both camps, and opportunity knocks.
Ahead of the trip to Brunel, Mill Hill boss Joe Levy told JC Sport: “We are all very excited to be stepping up a level to Division Two and hope to show against Raiders why we should be considered contenders for the title, especially with Ben Zloof promising to improve on last seasons tally.”
I’ll be interesting to see the starting XI under new Raiders boss Jonny Adelman. His squad is packed with quality and he faces some tough decisions, and dare I say sleepless nights, trying to whittle the names down.
Adelman told JC Sport; “We've had a promising pre-season, but a different mentality is required when you cross the white line in anger for the first time.
“We are a new team and will take time to gel fully, nonetheless we will be looking to get a positive result.”
With Zloof in their line-up, a smash and grab could be Mill Hill’s best bet, but I think Raiders’ experience of playing on 3G will give them the edge.
JC team news: For Raiders, Toby Katz is available before his return to University, whilst skipper Josh Fineman is still abroad and Joe Tankel isn't being rushed back from his long-term injury. Andrew McMaster and Richard Bloom do, however, make a welcome return after respective extended absences.
Mill Hill go into our first game of the season at near full strength. Ashley Freeman and Joe Levy remain long term absentees. They are sweating slightly on the fitness of captain Rob Kleinmann and they may have to wait for the results of a pre-match fitness test before naming him in the side.
Venue – Brunel, Ref – Martin Fox
JC star man: Toby Katz (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Raiders 3 Mill Hill 2
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OAKWOOD B vs BLIZZARD STORM
Blizzard Storm’s title credentials will be put to the test when they travel to Division Three champions Oakwood B on Sunday.
Manager Simon Linden was encouraged by the 3-1 victory over Faithfold B last weekend. Adam Speck, Dan Simmons and Dan Vandermolen were the marksmen in a win, that according to Linden, was as a result of “hard work and discipline”.
But he knows his players will be faced with a different challenge in match two. He told JC Sport: “Last week we faced a relegated outfit in Faithfold who need a change of luck so maybe we caught them at the right time.
“This week we face the promoted Oakwood who I expect a very tough 90 minutes from. My team will need to be up for this one. It’s crucial we make it six points from our first two games to set the standard.”
Oakwood boss Ian Tussie was in typically top form at his pre-match press conference and it’s clear his boys can’t wait to get going.
Tussie told JC Sport: “What a week to kick off our season, straight after Rosh Hashanah, one of favourite chagim, the start of a new year and hopefully one that is as equally fruitful for us as 5773 was.
“Also the end of another transfer window, one that was more about quality than quantity for us with the club investing well in signing a few new players.
“We go into the game on the back of a great pre-season in which the boys had some fantastic holidays. Adam Blin had a week camping up in Kilmarnock, Mark Abrams took his girlfriend caravanning in Winnersh, Eric Lewis 'found himself' at T in the Park and Dave Eden spent a week at the all-you-can-eat buffet in Las Vegas. All in all the boys have come back in shape - unfortunately that shape is very round!
“The positive from the summer was the acquisition of some new footballs. I got a great deal at Lilywhites, 8 Champions League replica balls for £64, genuinely one of the bargains of the summer.
“Anyway, Sunday, tough game against a good team, one of the few teams in our league that I know anything about. They beat us 4-0 in last year's Morrison and it was like Cheder for some of the lads to be honest. I think Sunday will be very hard for us and more than anything I'm looking for a performance from my lot.”
Fitness will be a key factor for both teams, but I can see the home side coming away with at least a point as long as they don’t run out of puff.
JC team news: Oakwood are without all their new signings due to registration issues, as well as Stefan Isaacs, who is carrying on from last season on semi-permanent vacation, Jamie Beale, Nicky Harris and Dan Geller are all away and David Epstein is AWL (absent with leave).
Michael Woolfe, Adam Levene, Dean Shaw and Sean Ladier are set to return to the Blizzard squad. Last week’s scorers Adam Speck and Dan Simons miss out.
Ref – Martin Lavender
JC star man: Dave Eden (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 1 Blizzard 1
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DIVISION THREE
TOP-SCORERS
5 – Richard Fogelman (L’Equipe)
4 – Steven Black (L’Equipe)
BOCA JEWNIORS vs TEMPLE FORTUNE
Vivian Emanuel was in typically upbeat mood ahead of Boca Jewniors’ first match of the season.
He is predicting big things from his team in which star man Ryan Monk is hoping for a quieter season between the sticks.
“Our first game of the season is upon us and myself and Jack are very excited,” Emanuel told JC Sport.
“This year will hopefully be a very different year for Boca's fortunes. We are a brand new team, although have retained the services of Ricky Ziederman, Anton Nyman and Ryan Monk.
“We have a full squad to choose from this week which is great. And all the players are raring to go.
“We are going to take every game one at a time, the first against TFFC this week will be a big test for us. We are of course hoping to get that first win of the season, having played against Temple Fortune for many years, I know they have a good squad and we have some key men to look out for.
“We are looking to our new striking pair of Kane Alexander and Yoshua Silverman to get a few goals this season and with a brand new defence not leak as many as in previous seasons.
“Your going to see a different Boca this year!”
It was a case of back to the drawing board for Fortune over the summer, but in Terry Jeffries and Jon Kemp they have two of the hottest properties in the division.
Fortune’s new-look team thrashed their Old Boys in the annual Founders' Shield match by 16-1 last Sunday. Chairman Nigel Kyte told JC Sport: “If the new players sign up, we have a decent enough squad building up for the new season.
“Familiar Second XI players are being blended in with a few good newcomers and we are excited by the challenge ahead.
“Mark Leader is our Ozil signing, adding to Zack Rich who scored four on his debut and a few other fresh faces. Last season our B team beat Boca 8-1 in the opening match and again we play them but we are taking nothing for granted. We are expecting them to have improved so it should be an interesting match.”
A goal fest is on the cards.
Ref – Paul Dobkin
JC star man: Mark ‘Ozil’ Leader (Fortune)
DC Prediction: Boca 2 Temple Fortune 3
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FAITHFOLD C vs KING CROWN
Bouncebackability is the name of the game for both Faithfold and King Crown at the Lodge on Sunday.
Faithfold boss David Garson is still trying to work out just how his team threw away a 3-0 advantage against Jewdinese and he is determined to learn from his mistakes against another new team.
Dan Gordon netted on debut, and, of course, Ben Simons was on target, with Nick Roman adding another.
King Crown can’t wait to get the L’Equipe result out of their system. A 9-1 bashing has hit them hard, with Daniel Elghanian’s consolation goal the only real positive.
Ahead of the game, manager Jacob Kadoch told JC Sport: “Big changes are needed. Desire and hunger will be stronger then ever after last week’s game.
“The boys need to take a good look at themselves and stand up to be counted - new year new start.
“The mental strength of the team will show on Sunday and I will learn a lot more about my players come Sunday. I have players back from injury and holiday and they are needed to inject the belief and confidence back in the team.”
Indeed Kadoch has spent much of the week working on defensive formations in a bid to put things right. But they will find things tough against some of the most experienced players in the league.
JC team news: Faithfold welcome back keeper Justin Simons, Nic Viola and debutant Louis Maleh.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Laurence Thorne
JC star man: Nic Viola (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 4 King Crown 2
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L’EQUIPE vs JEWDINESE
The JC cameras will be down to see exactly what all the fuss is about at L’Equipe and Jewdinese – so shirts tucked in please lads!
Fogelman and Black those are names that Jewdinese fans should fear the most but chairman Jake Erlich recently told me his club “fears no-one”.
They won the JC Comeback of the Week award following their heroics against Faithfold C. They looked dead and buried 3-0 down against an experienced team, but Darren Lawrence’s hairdryer certainly did the trick.
Having got a taste for things, it’s clear they are ready for more. Jake Erlich told JC Sport: “Our aim for Sunday is to settle into the game early and cause problems for a team who are a tough opposition.
“We would like to carry on our winning formula, but team cohesion is the aim this early on.”
Having struggled for goals last season, L’Equipe started the season with a bang on Matchday One, thanks largely to messus Fogelman and Black. A repeat performance is the order of the day here.
Joint-manager Dan Cordell told JC Sport: “The boys are on a massive high after a thumping opening win last week and hope to take that form into a tricky game against another one of the new joiners to the league, Jewdinese, who had a good opening day win as well.
“I am sure they will take a lot of confidence in coming back from 3-0 down to win, but rest assured that if we take that sort of lead, we will be pressing on for another nine- goal haul.
“The boys will be aiming to write themselves into the headlines as well as the converted book of life and another showing like last week will certainly help.
“The new year has left us with a few of the boys heading back home to Scotland so our four-goal hero from last week Steven ‘Blacky’ Black along with, Richard ‘Scotty’ Alexander, Daniel Finegold, Gavin Rhodes and me (running a half marathon for Guys Trust) will be absent from the team sheet.
“The Premier League window may have shut, but we are edging closer to some new top level signings to boost the revolution at L’Equipe – all will be announced in due course.
“We are still on the lookout for a keeper, but if we can score goals for fun who needs one!”
JC team news: Jewdinese central midfielder Joe Perl is rated doubtful, but Jewdinese have an otherwise fully fit squad available to choose from.
Ref – Quentin Fox
JC star man: Gavin Rhodes (L’Equipe)
DC Prediction: L’Equipe 4 Jewdinese 2
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CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI vs AC WHETSTONE
There was a big smile on the face of Catford chief Lester Jacobs last weekend after his men saw off an experienced Loughton Orient team that has been tipped by many to win the title.
It has given the Cats belief, more than anything, hope that they can go places this season and they will be looking for more of the same against Clive Nathan’s AC Whetstone on Sunday.
Defenders Darren Hill and Adam Luria put in real shifts, while the industrious Yonni Board worked his socks off, but it was the performance of Jeff Gotch that had Jacobs purring. He dealt with Loughton’s offensive threats with great calmness and the signs look encouraging.
However, they face a real test in the shape of a Whetstone team lead by double Maccabiah Games Golden Boot winner Laurence Swerner – a Jewish football legend in his own right.
Indeed Nathan fought off a whole host of bids for the services of the Team GB Masters hotshot, both from home and abroad. The manager is confident Swerner is the final piece in the jigsaw as his squads looks to mount a challenge at the top.
Captained by Alex Woffenden, this AC Whetstone team can go places, but they will certainly find the Cats determined opposition. Let battle commence.
Venue – Norsemen FC, Ref – Adam Yuchetel
JC star man: Guy Ben-Aroya (Catford)
DC Prediction: Catford 2 Whetstone 1
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NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS C P LOUGHTON ORIENT P
Match postponed – no pitch available
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CHARITY MATCH
BBYO Friends and Alumni vs Arsenal Ex-Pro's and Celebrities
3pm KO at Belstone FC in Elstree. £10 suggested donation for adults, £5 for members and under-12's free.
Also a couple of spaces in the team still available if anyone's interested. Don't have to be an alumni, just passionate about investing in Jewish youth.
Anyone interested can email phil@bbyo.org.uk
