There are 20 matches scheduled on Matchday 21 of the MGBSFL season, with the pick of the bunch coming in the Cyril Anekstein Cup where Premier Division rivals Oakwood A and Faithfold go head-to-head, looking to book their place in the semi-finals. Danny Caro looks ahead to all the action in league and cup.
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CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP QUARTER-FINAL DRAW
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VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS - BLIZZARD STORM vs LONDON HAROLDEANS
MATCH PHOTOS - LML BLUE vs FAITHFOLD A
MATCH PHOTOS - LOS BLANCOS vs NL RAIDERS A
SEASON 2013/14 VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS - BLIZZARD STORM vs LONDON HAROLDEANS
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND FOUR
OAKWOOD A vs FAITHFOLD A
It’s the clash of the titans at Brunel on Sunday as cup hopefuls Oakwood and Faithfold go head-to-head.
The Oaks continued their good run a fortnight ago when they put five past Hendon B in the cup. They just can’t stop scoring at the minute and it could be a busy morning for the Faithfold back-line.
Jonny Quinn was in top form. He led the way with a double, with Anthony Kintish on the scoresheet once more.
Faithfold have claimed a pair of 4-2 victories over the Oaks in the league this season and there’ll be an added incentive for the hosts to try and set the record straight. They certainly don’t fear them and have nothing to lose.
Oaks joint-manager Ric Blank told JC Sport: "We're massively looking forward to Sunday’s cup quarter final against Faithfold. This is probably a bigger game for Faithfold given their title defence is over and they’ll expect silverware at the end of the season.
"For us, it's a chance to chart our progress and see if we can give them a run for their money. We'll approach it like any other game and turn up ready to enjoy it and get stuck in.
"We are under-dogs and have some serious injury concerns, but we’ll give it a good go regardless."
"We've got a big squad to cope with this, but it’s tested to its limit this weekend. Others will have to step up."
Faithfold had to settle for a draw against Lions Blue last weekend, but manager Zuriel Solomon will only accept one thing on Sunday – victory. Nothing else is good enough. He’s setting the bar high.
Solomon told JC Sport: "Hopefully we can finally get the game on. Everyone knows our form has not been great, but we will keep believing.
"To be honest, defensively we have been OK; we have just lacked goals and hopefully, with a bit of luck, that will be changed. We know what to expect from Oakwood and I am sure they are really up for Sunday's game.
"We have to be organised and focused, but more importantly we have to take our chances."
Faithfold will need to call on all their fighting spirit and character, but in the end not even that may be enough to stop a determined Oakwood team.
JC team news: Faithfold will be without Alex Kaye, Elliott Stern and Dan Perkins.
Venue – Brunel, Ref – John Feenstra (Games 6, Yellows 21, Reds 1)
JC star man: Guy Helman (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 2 Faithfold 1
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PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
10 - Mike Pearson (Faithfold A), Adam Stolerman (Redbridge A), Matt Stock (NL Raiders A)
9 - Richard Salmon (FC Team A), Michael Kenley (Brady A), Johnny Haik (Faithfold A)
FC TEAM A vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
Redbridge will be aiming to finish the weekend in second place when they make the long journey to Mill Hill to take on FC Team.
Sam Rosenthal’s men have won five out of nine and believe they have what it takes to beat a side that held them 2-2 in October. RJC needed an injury-time strike from top-scorer Adam Stolerman to save them that day, and he will be looking to add to his impressive 10-goal tally this weekend.
With Raiders having opened up a big lead at the top, Rosenthal knows the importance of three points on Sunday. He told JC Sport: “We have a fully fit squad that is desperate for a game. We need a win - it's the business time of the season!”
But it’s also an important game for Mitch Young’s men who many believe are too good to go down. And doesn’t he know it? He told JC Sport: “We have a fully fit squad and just hope the game goes ahead.”
Sunday will be a proper game of football, with big individual and collective battles all over the pitch. RJC have been solid rather than spectacular on their travels, but I’m tipping them to nick it.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Warwick Blake (Games 10, Yellows 21, Reds 2)
JC star man: Steve Gevertz (RJC)
DC Prediction: Team 1 RJC 2
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BRADY MACCABI A vs LONDON MACCABI LIONS BLUE
Revenge is the name of the game for the Blue side of Rowley Lane this weekend as Jamie Kyte’s boys look to build on the impressive result against defending champions Faithfold.
A strike from Joey Lazare earned them a 1-1 draw in a resilient performance that showed just how much they want to stay in the top division.
Indeed Kyte is expecting another high-octane affair in the inter-club derby this week. "The Brady rematch" – he told JC Sport. "Spirits are high in the Lions camp following our 1-1 draw against Faithfold and we're looking to take that momentum into this weekend’s game."
Brady know a whole host of clubs are looking to finish above them this season. Last season’s Morrison winners have a number of regulars unavailable this weekend, and manager Joel Nathan told JC Sport: "It will be interesting to see who is around on Sunday to actually start.
"Yes we had a comfortable game a few weeks ago against them, but we know they are up for revenge and had a great result last week against Faithfold, so we are not taking anything for granted.
"Whatever team I get out - will make sure we give a great team performance and maintain our goal of remaining unbeaten until end of season."
It finished 3-1 to Brady last time out but I’m predicting part two is a little closer.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Hadley FC, Ref – Keith Goodman, KO – 10.15am
JC star man: Jamie Kyte (LML)
DC Prediction: LML 1 Brady 1
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A vs LONDON MACCABI LIONS WHITE
Things are starting to look pretty desperate for Hendon right now. Yes they are one of only two teams across the league with an unbeaten record, but they have the mother of all fixture backlogs and must do what they can to get this game on. And if that means conceding home advantage and moving this game to the Lane, then so be it.
David Garbacz’s troops discovered this week they will face Camden Park in the semi-finals of the Cyril Anekstein Cup if they can overcome Woodford Wanderers, while they have an rather tough-looking tough tie in Manchester on the horizon in the Morrison.
Having played leaders NLR A twice and defending champions Faithfold twice, there’s a possibly that double-headers could feature in Hendon’s season – they have yet to play Redbridge, Brady or Camden.
But first things first, they will be looking to complete a Lions team they edged past 2-1 at the beginning of the season thanks to strikes from Danny Kon and Jacob Gold.
There's a danger gaffer Garbacz has turned into a weatherman. He continues looking out of the window 24/7 and was recently in Blockbusters buying a 'Rain Dance' DVD. Ahead of the game, he told JC Sport: "Rain, rain go away - to be honest I'm getting tired and frustrated talking about the weather every week when we should be previewing the football.
"Unfortunately it is still dominating and looks like it's not stopping this week either. Once again we are desperate for a 3G alternative, but presumably Norstar have taken all those in London for the next six months - at least their season will finish in February where as we will still be going in August!
"If by some miracle we do get the game on, we are heavily depleted, especially defensively but I would still rather take my chances with 10 men than get another postponement.
"Lions White are Jekyll and Hyde so we know we will have to be totally on our guard. On paper we should have enough, but due to the unavailbilities any win will do - frankly any game will do. Please stop raining."
The Lions have made big strides since then and another tough game looks on the cards.
Update: The Raiders club secretary Robert Richman had this to say: "Regarding Mr Garbacz’s recent comments, we are a little bemused by his efforts to blame our club for the poor weather over recent weeks. Just like every team in the league we want to play a game of football every Sunday. Over the last two Friday's the club has put in calls to 3g pitches in Harrow, Northolt, Uxbridge, Rowley Lane, The Hive, Hillingdon, White City, Borehamwood and others to try and obtain pitches so all three Raiders teams can get a game of football. Rather than wasting time moaning in the preview, may we suggest Mr Garbacz picks up his phone to some of these pitches and sorts himself a pitch. It's not hard if you actually make the effort.
"Last week was the 20th week where games could have taken place. To have played just seven league games is not great at all and is exactly what happens when you share a pitch with a Saturday team that has no full-time groundsman. May we take the liberty to suggest that in future Mr Garbacz looks for a new home pitch for his side."
JC team news: Hendon are missing Ben Kon Avi Korman Alex Rosenthal and Yoav Kestenbaum.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Robert Benardout (Games 15, Yellows 7, Reds 2)
JC star man: Josh Lipman (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon 2 LML 1
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NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS A vs CAMDEN PARK
This could, and I say could, be a dress rehearsal for the Cyril Anekstein Cup final, although in fairness, the likelihood it that it will be another rung on the ladder towards NLR’s first-ever Premier Division title success.
Phil Peters’s boys have been simply unstoppable on their own patch – be it the Ark or Brunel – and although Camden also play on 3G these days, man for man Raiders have the edge for me.
They reached the last four of the League Cup last weekend, although they needed three late goals to see off a spirited Blancos team. Josh Morris put L’Orange ahead and it was only after the introduction of David Dinkin that they stepped things up after Blancos equalised, with goals from Pistol, Mcleod, who left the club during the week, and Stock.
It’s clear Peters has the utmost respect for Camden and what they have recently achieved, but he will be equally determined to put even more daylight between NLR and the chasing pack.
He told JC Sport: “We had a tough game against Camden last time and we know they’ve got some decent players, but we’re on a bit of a roll at the moment and we hope to keep up our 100 per cent record in 2014 to keep the pressure on Hendon and Redbridge whose games are likely to be off.”
It’s been a busy week off-the-pitch at Camden. Just days after steering the team in the cup semis, manager Josh Marks resigned to concentrate on his “diminishing playing career”. Marks told JC Sport: “Nick Kagan is stepping in as the new gaffer.
Kagan’s could not have asked for a tougher first assignment. NLR have yet to lose in their own back-yard this season and as well as Jake Saunders, Rob Hershkorn and Guy Marks played in the win over Mill Hill last Sunday, they will need numbers 1 to 11 to play out of their skin if they are to live with the champions-elect.
Fans had to wait until the second half for all the goals in the corresponding fixture – when NLR edged home 2-1 – and attack could be the best form of defence for Camden on Sunday. But watch out for those impact subs on the NLR bench once more.
Venue – Ark Academy, Ref – Martin Lavender (Games 13, Yellows 5, Reds 0)
JC star man: Josh Morris (NLR)
DC Prediction: NLR 3 Camden 1
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
17 - Harrison Midda (Woodford)
15 - Jono Gaon (Blancos)
BRADY MACCABI B vs NORTH WEST NEASDEN
It’s tight at the top in Division One and there’s another promotion six-pointer as third-place Neasden visit nearest rivals Brady at the Lane.
The big games keep coming thick and fast for Brady B right now. They had Dave Newman to thank for their point against SPEC FC last week. He claimed the matchball after his first hat-trick for the club, with his third goal earning them a point in a six-goal thriller.
But manager Josh Dagul would’ve been conceded by the manner of some of the goals they conceded and no doubt, no nonsense defending will be order of the day here.
NWN have done well since Stirling Kay took charge. They will go into their first league meeting of the season against Brady in buoyant mood as they look to return to the Promised Land.
It’s important Kay’s troops pick up at least a point as they look to bounce back from the defeat against Woodford.
A draw would benefit Woodford, Harmen and Shirley Park, but I can’t see there being much between the teams on Sunday.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Richard Jaye (Games 9, Yellows 11, Reds 0)
JC star man: Steve Murad (NWN)
DC Prediction: Brady 1 NWN 1
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BRIXTON OLD BOYS vs SOUTHGATE HARMEN
Harmen make the short trip to Edmonton knowing they can ill-afford anything less than maximum points from their second meeting with mid-table Brixton.
BOBs held Harmen 2-2 earlier in the season, when a late strike from the ever-impressive Alon Hershkorn denied the Southgate side three precious points.
Josh Ronson was the star for BOBs that day and brother, Dave, hopes the family has double reason to celebrate on Sunday night, telling JC Sport: "Happy birthday to one of the best, young Jewish keepers – who is turning 18. Joshua has kept us in many of games! when he has been available!"
Indeed Ronson’s heroics left Harmen frustrated in a game Sam Castle told JC Sport they "dominated".
Ahead of Sunday's game, Harmen joint-manager Joel Alterman told JC Sport: "Following postponements in our last two matches, we are hoping for a change of fortune this week to allow us to take to the field and get a game in, especially as we do not have a game after this one until the February 23!
"Ricky Rinder has left the UK to go travelling and he will be a miss but we have plenty of able players who will be able to fill in the gap that has been left.
"Last time out we had a chance to finish the game off within the first 15 minutes, but we did not take our chances on the day and came out with a 2-2 draw. This time, we will be looking to bring the clinical side of our game with us and come out with a much-needed victory to allow us to continue our push towards promotion.
Family rivalry sees Paul Shamplina of Brixton come up against manager Joel Alterman and neither cousin will look to give the other any favours in this match."
With bigger fish to fry, it’s important Harmen get the job done on Sunday and I think they will.
JC team news: James Castle (suspended) and Adam Velleman (injured) miss out for Harmen.
Venue – Clowes, Ref – Steve Levy (Games 11, Yellows 4, Reds 1)
JC star man: Ben Weinberg (Harmen)
DC Prediction: BOBs 1 Harmen 2
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B vs SHIRLEY PARK
Shirley Park hit Hendon for six on the opening weekend of the season and another big scoreline is on the cards.
Gideon Gold (2), Jamie Kent (2), Ben Nassim and Stefan Benfredj smashed the back of the onion bag back in September and the chances are the Shirley boys will add to Hendon’s woes.
Man for man this shouldn’t be a contest.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Teddy Littner (Games 2, Yellows 3, Reds 0)
JC star man: Gideon Gold (Shirley)
DC Prediction: Hendon 1 Shirley 4
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WOODFORD WANDERERS vs CHIGWELL ATHLETIC
Tony Charles was not overly impressed by Chigwell when the teams met earlier in the season and his Woodford boys will arrive confident of claiming their ninth league win of the campaign in their pursuit of Premier Division football.
Charles has turned his team into a class act this season – they are resolute, well-drilled, clever and know how to win and shut-out football matches.
Mitch Hahn and Harrison Midda were the marksmen in a game Woodford won hands down, but I have a feeling the Chigs will be out to redeem themselves in what promises to be a really tasty derby.
Venue –Fairlop, Ref – Adam Lewis (Games 7, Yellows 4, Reds 4)
JC star man: Darren Hahn (Chigwell)
DC Prediction: Woodford 2 Chigwell 1
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LOS BLANCOS P SPEC FC P
Match postponed – waterlogged pitch
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
19 - Ben Zloof (AC Mill Hill)
16 - Nicky Woolf (Raiders B)
OAKWOOD B vs ATHLETIC BILBAUM
Oaks boss Ian Tussie has been pretty elusive this week – and it took me a little time to realise why.
“It’s very difficult to speak this week, am busy with the transfer window,” he told JC Sport.
“We’re working hard to get in some more players, but we’re struggling. We had a yes from Abraham Copperberg, but at the 11th hour a team from Division Three, backed by the owners of Delisserie and with significant financial clout, offered him more money to join their ‘project’ and we lost out. Then there was another player who had been training with us for a few weeks and had been set to sign a short-term deal, but failed a medical (an overweight issue we hadn’t noticed in training) and so we pulled the plug. On Monday we had a bid accepted for Moshe Cohen, but he refused to adhere to club policy and cut his payot and so we had to back out of that one too - like when Passarella refused to pick Redondo in WC98.”
The bottom line is that both Oakwood and Mill Hill must pick up points before they can consider themselves safe. The Oaks must make the most of home advantage, although if Mill Hill can reproduce the level of performance from last week’s cup quarter-final you have to fancy them to get something from the game.
Tussie added: “It’s a big game Sunday, but I’ve not had chance to think about it. We’re going to draw names out of a hat this week to pick the team due to lack of time.” Tussie’s on a scouting mission “up north,” so Ben Polak will lead the team out in his absence.
Discipline is key for Mill Hill on Sunday. They had three men sent off against the Oaks a fortnight ago, although they were back to their best last weekend.
It should be a cracker.
Venue –Brunel, Ref – Robert Caplin (Games 8, Yellows 18, Reds 3), KO – 10.15am
JC star man: Ben Grabiner (Mill Hill)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 1 Mill Hill 2
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BLIZZARD STORM vs AC MILL HILL
Joe Levy has described Sunday’s meeting with Blizzard as a “must-win”.
The Mill Hill boys Camden desperately close to taking Premier Division Camden Park to extra-time in the cup last weekend, but Levy is challenging his players to maintain their high standards as they go in search of their fifth win of the season.
Ahead of the trip to Borehamwood, Levy told JC Sport: “We resume league action on Sunday and will be missing three players who all begin their suspensions.
“Luckily we have a few players returning from injury and hope the changes will not affect us too much.
“We will be looking to replicate the level of performance shown against Camden last week which should us see take all three points.
“We know we are better than the league position suggests and see this as a must-win game.”
Blizzard looked short in goal last week as they were forced to settle for a point against London Haroldeans. Manager Simon Linden read his team the riot act and I expect them to come out all guns blazing on Sunday.
The battle between Blizzard’s Adam Levene and Mill Hill hotshot Ben Zloof will be worth the admission fee alone.
JC team news: Mike Woolf it out for the season which is a blow for Simon Linden. Daniel Simons is expected to come back into the side after missing the last three games.
Venue –Hertswood, Ref – Neal Cohen (Games 16, Yellows 17, Reds 2), KO – 10am
JC star man: Ben Grabiner (Mill Hill)
DC Prediction: Blizzard 2 Mill Hill 3
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LONDON HAROLDEANS vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B
London Haroldeans will give a debut to their new keeper on Sunday and I expect him to be the busiest man on the pitch against high-flying Redbridge B.
Haroldeans played well against Blizzard Storm last week but they will need to step things up big time if they are to live with one of the division’s leading lights.
Boss Jonathan Abrams told JC Sport: “We’ve got a decent squad, Bobby Abrams is on form, new goalie, so you never know, maybe we could pull off a shock!”
The east Londoners are averaging 3.7 goals a game and they will be looking to fill their boots against a side they thumped 4-2 in November.
It’s Redbridge for me all day long.
JC team news: Paul Harris returns for Haroldeans.
Venue –White City, Ref – Martin Fox (Games 11, Yellows 7, Reds 0), KO – 10am
JC star man: Scott Oldstein (RJC)
DC Prediction: Haroldeans 1 Redbridge 3
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NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS B vs FC TEAM B
Another home game for Division Two table-toppers NLR B, and another home win, me thinks.
Much like their A-team, L’Orange have put daylight between themselves and their title rivals – to the tune of 11 points.
Thirteen wins out of 15 is championship form and with Nicky Woolf scoring for fun, there’s simply no stopping them.
Manager Jonathan Adelman told JC Sport; “The boys are really hyped for this game - a win on Sunday all but secures promotion and they are keen to impress Raiders legend Steve Silver who has flown in from New York to see his beloved L’Orange!
Team have done well in their last three outings – against Mill Hill, Blizzard and Haroldeans, but as top against bottom tussles go, I fully expect this to go with form.
“The squad is strong and we are looking forward to renewing acquaintances with FC Team C who proved to be very strong opponents when we met them early in the season.
“I’m amazed at their league position to be honest and as we know any Raiders against Team game will be fiercely contested.”
JC team news: NLR have an injury crisis at centre-back, with Josh Fineman and Matt Greene suffering knee and hamstring injuries in training. Ben Sheldon is away. Fortunately they can welcome back Joe Tankel, David Esterkin, Adam Posner, Gilad Kestenbaum and Anthony Goodmaker.
Venue –Ark Academy, Ref – Stuart Ansher (Games 9, Yellows 6, Reds 3), KO – 10.15am
JC star man: Anthony Goodmaker (NLR)
DC Prediction: NLR 4 Team 1
More to follow ...
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DIVISION THREE
TOP-SCORERS
24 - Richard Fogelman (L’Equipe)
19 - Dan Gordon (Faithfold C)
TEMPLE FORTUNE vs JEWDINESE
Jonathan Cohen says Temple Fortune will complacent following last weekend’s victory over title hopefuls Jewdinese.
A couple of weeks ago you could’ve got odds of more than 20-1 on Fortune doing a ‘Nese double, but the 3-1 win was fully deserved, with goals from Zack Rich, Michael Goldberg and Nick Stone.
Ahead of round two, Cohen told JC Sport: "We know that Jewdinese will be looking exact revenge and will be wary of their quality and a backlash.
"However our players now know what we can achieve if we are disciplined and are prepared to work hard for each other.
"We are looking forward to the game and expect one of our toughest tests so of the season so far."
The Fortune defeat hit ‘Nese hard and chairman Jake Erlich and manager Darren Lawrence would’ve taken no prisoners at training this week. But now they are ready to go again.
Erlich told JC Sport: "This week has been a tough week for everyone at the club as one appalling performance has potentially cost us the league.
"However, everyone at the club is still motivated and believes that anything can happen in this league and we know if we put a strong of results together then the league can still be won.
"Temple Fortune took advantage of a terrible performance by ourselves last week, but rest assured we won't be giving them anything this week and aim to show our true footballing ability."
I believe Fortune surprised 'Nese with their passion and organisation last week, but can't see lightning strike twice.
JC team news: Fortune have all the players who played last week available to them again, and the return of Darren Zitren, Stan Segal and Tony Hirschstein, so “fighting for places will be rife,” according to Cohen.
Nese’s Sim Cohen hopes to be fit for the first time in two months, as well as Ben Halmer who picked up a knock last week.
Venue – Roger Bannister, Ref – Barry David (Games 7, Yellows 0, Reds 0)
JC star man: Joe Perl (Jewdinese)
DC Prediction: Fortune 1 Jewdinese 2
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CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI vs BOCA JEWNIORS
Simon Wolfson was Catford’s saviour against Boca last time around and he’s one of the players the visitors must look out for on Sunday.
It was an absolute crackerjack of a contest, with the prolific Jamie Sinai and Yoni Bord adding their names to the scoresheet, while Dovi Fehler and did the business for Boca.
Having slipped off the pace a little – although they have games in hand – three points are essential in their push for promotion. Captain Adam Luria told JC Sport: “My hopes are just that the game is on! We’ve got a strong squad, but the weather just doesn't want to cooperate.”
Goals look guaranteed as Boca have been scoring a hatful of goals on a regular basis, and they have done ever so well keeping hold of star striker Dovi Fehler thus far.
But there’s tension in the air, as Viv Emanuel told JC Sport: “Sunday’s game is grudge match. We want to avenge our 3-3 draw last time out - after battling hard for the whole game and coming back from 1-0 down, we let in a corner in the very last minute.
“We have a strong squad to choose from this Sunday and we are ready to win. Arsenal may be struggling to sign players and Newcastle are busy again, but we have not only signed two players - Simon Lindall, with the other to be revealed next week.”
And now for the real tear-jerker …. Wait for it … Emanuel continued: “Boca legend Ryan Monk has left the club and Jack and I would like to take this opportunity to wish Ryan all the best with his new team. He has been a key part of the squad now for three seasons - once Boca, always Boca!
“We have six games left and will push for a win in every one of them. You never know, third is possible ... here’s to the dream!”
JC team news: Boca welcome back midfielder Michael Patterson to the squad, but Dovi Vogel and Ricky Ziederman miss out through work commitments.
Venue – Norseman FC, Ref – Laurie Benson (Games 15, Yellows 30, Reds 4), KO – 10am
JC star man: Simon Lindall (Boca)
DC Prediction: Catford & Bromley 2 Boca 2
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FAITHFOLD C vs L’EQUIPE
Yes, you guessed it – it’s time for Flash vs Schnitzelman – and may the best man win.
Dan Gordon trails Richard Fogelman by five goals in the battle for the MGBSFL Golden Boot and the odds look stacked in Schnitzelman’s favour as L’Equipe have three games in hand.
Indeed Fogelman was on the mark only last weekend as he steered his team past Hendon C, but even he was forced to step to one side as Richard Alexander crashed home the goal of the game with a simply stunning effort that drew at least one “wunderbar” from the crowd.
The Chase Lodge pitch will no doubt undergo a rigourous inspection well before Sunday morning, and L’Equipe joint-boss Dan Cordell had this to say before the game.
“To be blunt, we are expecting three points. We have a few players out from last weekend’s game and a few legacy injuries, but everyone in the squad knows that this run in is very important and that we need to win all our games in hand to take one of the top two spots.”
Venue –Chase Lodge, Ref – Laurence Thorne (Games 13, Yellows 13, Reds 1)
JC star man: Josh Kaye (L’Equipe)
DC Prediction: Faithfold C 1 L’Equipe 3
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KING CROWN vs AC WHETSTONE
Whetstone will put their promotion credentials on the line when they take on King Crown in what promises to be an entertaining tussle.
The Whetstone wonder kids go into the game bang in form - having fired home 20 goals in their last four matches. The have adjusted to men’s football admirably, but will certainly be asked questions by a determined King Crown team.
It’s been celebration time in the KC camp recently, and now that someone has made an honest man of the gaffer, I caught up with Dominic Cheniart during the week and he’s been plotting the downfall of the team they lost to 3-2 in October.
“We should have a full squad to pick from and will be focused on delivering a victory in honour of our newly married manager, Jacob Kadoch,” he told JC Sport.
“AC Whetstone are doing well this season, and it will be a tough game, but with our attacking quality and togetherness, I feel we have everything necessary to win the match.”
“Lets hope the rain stays away and the game gets the all-clear.”
This is a tough one to call, but given the number of goals King Crown have conceded, I’m tipping Whetstone to nick it again.
Venue – Ludgrove Playing Fields, Ref – Darryl Colmans (Games 9, Yellows 8, Reds 1)
JC star man: Sam Leader (Whetstone)
DC Prediction: King Crown 1 Whetstone 2
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NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS C vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB C
Hendon hope to give a debut to new signing Avi Mocton as they look to spring a surprise over table-toppers Norstar C.
Fortunes have been rather contrasting for both teams since the early-season meeting which finished 1-1. Jonathan Nesbitt put Hendon ahead only for Dan Polak to equalise.
The Reds have had a couple of bad results and I can’t see them stopping the L’Orange machine on Sunday.
Hendon boss Adam Glekin told JC Sport: “We played Norstar in the opening game of the season and I could see they were a decent side, so I’m not surprised they're at the top of the league. We got a draw that day, and I see no reason why we can’t give them another good game on Sunday.
“Our squad is a bit unsettled at the moment - we haven’t really been able to put out a similar starting XI for many weeks and it’s probably showing - but with five games left I’m looking for a minimum of nine points to give us a decent finishing position.”
NLR go into the game three points clear at the summit. Jamie Weinrich and Will Ufland just can’t stop scoring at the minute, with keeper Grant Waissel in commanding form at the back. Mark this one down as a home banker.
JC team news: Jono Nesbitt's record of having played in every Hendon game this season will come to an end as he is unavailable, and Glen Turner remains out injured. However, Hendon will be delighted to welcome back captain James Neidle into the mix, and Gideon Caller also returns to the fold.
Venue –TBC, Ref – Henry Raffe (Games 11, Yellows 5, Reds 0)
JC star man: Nick Haringman (NLR)
DC Prediction: NLR 4 Hendon 1
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DANNY CARO'S MATCHDAY 20 OSCARS
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Dave Sawyer (Temple Fortune)
MANAGER OF THE WEEK
Jonathan Cohen (Temple Fortune)
GOAL OF THE WEEK
Zach Rich (Temple Fortune)
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Jonathan Cohen (Temple Fortune)
MISS OF THE WEEK
Marcus Mann (London Haroldeans)
REFEREE OF THE WEEK
Neil Cooper (Los Blancos vs NLR A)
