Norstar London Raiders A could be crowned champions on Sunday when they conclude their league campaign against Oakwood, while Hendon United Sports Club A go in search of maximum points in a double-header against relegation-threatened Camden Park. There's also action in the other three divisions, as Danny Caro brings you his preview and predictions.
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RAIDERS CLINCH DIV 2 TITLE - MATCH PHOTOS
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SEASON 2013/14 VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
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CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP SEMI-FINAL DRAW
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
12 - Matt Stock (NL Raiders A)
11 - Mike Pearson (Faithfold A)
DANNY CARO'S PREM DIV TEAM OF THE WEEK
CAMDEN PARK vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A
Sunday is all about the joys of six, according to Hendon boss David Garbacz. Or at least that’s what I think he said!
Gaffer Garbacz knows that the Hammers can ill-afford any slip-ups in their first double-header of the season, as anything less than a maximum points haul would leave their title hopes hanging by a thread.
They lie an incredible 24 points behind table-topping NLR, with a mammoth nine games in hand. On paper, Camden will be one of their easier opponents in their run-in, but Garbacz knows there is absolutely no margin for error, with Raiders setting the bar sky high.
“It's all about the six,” Garbacz told JC Sport. “Nothing less will be acceptable and we will be doing everything we can to make sure we get maximum points from this crucial double-header.
“It will not be easy - Camden have their own agenda and are a decent team who have had their moments this season. We are missing Yoav Lebens on Sunday which is a massive loss - he has been hugely influential lately, but we do have our other Yoav back from uni and Camden will struggle to deal with him.
“It is vital to start fast in both games, otherwise there is much less time to force a winner and from experience we know how hard it is to win two shortened games in a row.
“However if we can pull it off then we genuinely will have the belief that we might be able to pull off the miraculous comeback in the weeks ahead. This will be a highly tense morning, but I am confident we can achieve the max and keep the Norstar party on hold.”
Virtually every Premier Division manager I've spoken to have talked highly about Camden. But manager Nick Kagan knows that only results on the pitch matter now as an immediate return to Division One would be a major setback.
Kagan told JC Sport: "Everything seems to be going against us at the moment. Ahead of the double-header on Sunday, we have basically our whole first team out suspended, injured, on holiday or locked up by their respective WAGs!
"Additionally, most of us have a wedding the night before the game, so we will just about be able to get 11 very hungover men out there for a ludicrously early 9.30am kick-off. We've had to dip into our reserves, youth team and have even considered bring a few of the old guard out of retirement, and with the shape they're in that's drastic measures!
"However, in true Camden style, we'll look to play our passing game and give Hendon a challenge in both games, as we're fighting for our lives."
JC team news: Hendon are without Yoav Lebens and Alex Rosenthal. Avidan Last and Greg Corin are both doubtful. Jacob Gold returns from three months abroad and Yoav Kestenbaum is back from uni.
Venue – White City Tigers Turf, Ref – Keith Goodman, KO - 9.30am
JC star man: Yoav Kestenbaum (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Camden 1 Hendon 2/Hendon 1 Camden 0
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NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS A vs OAKWOOD A
NLR know what they have to do on Sunday – win. Three points would give L’Orange their 13th league win of the season and really pile the pressure on Hendon.
The 1-0 win at Redbridge last Sunday was just the kind of result and performance that champions are made of. Keeper Jake Doffman pulled off a couple of stunning saves to earn NLR their seventh clean sheet of the season, and with David Dinkin doing the business up top, the hosts will want to gain a psychological advantage ahead of the forthcoming Anekstein semi against the Oaks.
Ahead of the game, Peters told JC Sport: “I can't believe it's our final game of the season. Things have been going great, but we'll have to be at our best to defeat a revitalised Oakwood team, although it sounds like half their squad is out so we'll never have a better chance.
“We're missing a couple but it's our strength in depth that has been our biggest asset this season. Expect Ethan Zone and Josh Green to terrorise the Oaks' defence.”
Oaks joint-manager Ric Blank read his team the riot act after they blew a 2-0 advantage against FC Team last weekend. But with one or two places up for grabs ahead of the big cup clash, I expect his team – weak or not – to put in a typically determined performance.
Looking ahead to the game, Blank told JC Sport: “Sunday is a dress rehearsal for the CA Cup semi in two weeks time. It’ll be interesting to see how both teams line up with that game in mind.
“Norstar have pretty much wrapped up the league now. That win at Redbridge was massive. They absolutely deserve it with the results they’ve had and we’ll be the first to congratulate them when the fat lady finally sings.
“But on Sunday we’ve got to do what’s right by Oakwood. This game gives me a good chance to rest some players and let some knocks heal. We’ve got a huge game at Camden next week followed by the semi-final the week after so we’ve got to be sensible.
“We obviously want to win every game, but we’re at the stage where you need to prioritise. We were very disappointed to lose at Brunel to Raiders. Dan Geey’s last second penalty would have brought us a merited draw
“That poor start to our league campaign was inexplicable and has cost us ultimately. At times this season we’ve been unplayable. Other times we’ve given away soft goals. If we can put that right that we’ll end this season on a real high.”
The Oaks still need to pick up points from their remaining games to maintain their top-flight status and they certainly won’t roll over and let NLR tickle their bellies. But when push comes to shove, I’m tipping Raiders to bow out in style.
JC team news: Oakwood are missing Dan Rose (suspended), Jonny Quinn (away) and will “probably look to rest a good five or six others”.
Venue – Ark Academy, Ref – Richard Jaye (Games 11, Yellows 14, Reds 0), KO – 10am
JC star man: Josh Green (NLR)
DC Prediction: NLR 2 Oakwood 1
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LONDON MACCABI LIONS WHITE vs FC TEAM A
The Lions have five games left to save their season as relegation would be a disaster.
A cup exit at the hands of first division Chigwell Athletic has left them in dire straits and they shouldn’t expect any favours from a visiting FC Team side who are also fighting for their lives.
LML no. 2 Jonathan Meltzer is predicting a tough battle on Sunday. He told JC Sport: “We are looking to bounce back from last week’s cup defeat, but know it will be a tough game against an FC Team that has started to pick up points.”
Josh Greenham put in an eye-catching performance for Mitch Young’s men as Team came from two goals down to earn an important point at Oakwood.
Team have rediscovered their mojo and are determined to keep their heads above water, having worked so hard to get into the top division in the first place.
The boys in yellow and blue have eight cup finals left, starting on Sunday, and having taking six points off LML Blue, I fancy them to come away with at least a point here.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Martin Lavender (Games 15, Yellows 6, Reds 0), KO – 10am
JC star man: Josh Greenham (Team)
DC Prediction: LML 1 Team 1
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FAITHFOLD A vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
The likelihood is that both Faithfold and Redbridge are battling it out for third place, although the east Londoners have a clear advantage with three games in hand on the Superhoops.
Mathematically, Sam Rosenthal’s men can still win the title, but that is likely to change on Sunday, whatever the outcome here.
Defeat against champions elect NLR was hard to take last weekend, in a game they lost by the narrowest of margins.
Faithfold, meanwhile, enjoyed a big and much-needed win as they rubber-stamped their place in the next round of the Morrison – beating NLR C 5-2. But with key men missing on Sunday, manager Zuriel Solomon knows a tough task lies ahead.
“It’s back to the league after a good win last week finally scoring some goals,” Solomon told JC Sport.
“Playing Redbridge is always a tough game so we hope to work hard and get the right result.”
Adam Stolerman was RJC’s matchwinner when the teams met back in October and I can’t see there being much between them second time around.
JC team news: Faithfold are missing Johnny Haik, Alex Taylor, Alex Kaye, Elliott Stern, Dan Perkins and Jake Gottlieb.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – John Feenstra (Games 7, Yellows 27, Reds 2), KO – 10am
JC star man: Alex Levack (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 1 RJC 1
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
18 - Jono Gaon (Blancos)
17 - Harrison Midda (Woodford)
DANNY CARO'S DIV 1 TEAM OF THE WEEK
WOODFORD WANDERERS vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B
I could just write the words home banker, and that would be the end of this preview, but after last week’s performance against high-flying Southgate Harmen, Hendon deserve a little more respect than that.
The Hornets have struggled big time this season, and I don’t expect them to get anything from their long journey east, especially with the hosts bang up for it.
Hendon have suffered many trials and tribulations this season, but the bottom line is that the table doesn’t lie. They simply haven’t been good enough. By and large, they have been second-rate defensively and they certainly won’t fancy taking on a Woodford team featuring the likes of Mitch Hahn, Darren Hahn, Paul Billar, Harrison Midda and Jerome Marks.
What Tony Charles has achieved this season puts him in contention for JC Manager of the Year. The defeat against Hendon’s A team in the cup was no more than a blip, and they have dusted themselves down and are ready to go again.
Hendon beware!
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – Dave Lazarus (Games 8, Yellows 16, Reds 0)
JC star man: Darren Hahn (Woodford)
DC Prediction: Woodford 5 Hendon 0
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LOS BLANCOS vs SPEC FC
An in-form Blancos are probably the last thing SPEC FC want right now.
Jonathan Ison’s men have won three on the spin and are looking good for a top five finish.
They ticked all the boxes against Brixton last weekend, with Joel Kutner leading the way with a deadly double in a 4-1 win. Jono Gaon has been scoring for fun this season and the duo will be keen to make it a manic morning for the SPEC defence.
Ahead of kick-off, Blancos boss Jonathan Ison told JC Sport: “We’re looking to make it four wins out of four for 2014 and we’re certainly high on confidence at the moment.
“We have a slightly thin squad this week, with a few regulars missing, but I am confident we haver enough quality to come away with the three points.”
SPEC have it all to do to avoid the dreaded drop, but with five games remaining they still have time to get out of the danger zone.
And if they can reproduce the level of performance that saw them conquer Shirley last time out, the great escape is on the cards.
SPEC’s Ricky Lawrence told JC Sport: “It’s another must-win for us really, but Blancos are in good form and it'll be a really tough game.”
This is a hard one to call as Blancos’ home form has been indifferent, while SPEC have been poor on the road. The visitors need the points more, but Blancos have the momentum so I’m going with them.
JC team news: Blancos are missing captain Adam Waters who is still out injured.
Nick Berman could be making his long-awaited return from injury for SPEC, which Lawrence describes as “a huge boost to the squad," assuming he passes a late fitness test.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Darryl Colmans (Games 7, Yellows 8, Reds 1)
JC star man: Darren Russell (Blancos)
DC Prediction: Blancos 3 SPEC 2
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CHIGWELL ATHLETIC vs BRIXTON OLD BOYS
If Chigwell could replicate their cup form in the league, manager Richard Slater would be a very happy man.
Indeed Slater was desperately unlucky not to win JC Manager of the Week. Had Raiders B not clinch the Division Two title, he’d have been a shoo-in.
But it’s back to the bread and butter of the league for Slater and co on Sunday in what I expect to be a physical contest against Brixton.
Bradley Gayer was Chigwell’s star man against LML last weekend. Together with Paul Hizer, he simply fended off everything Lions threw at the east Londoners, who have now beaten two Premier Division teams this season.
Slater told JC Sport: “Hopefully if we get in front this weekend against Brixton, we can keep the lead and bank a much needed three points.”
Brixton earned a vital point with a late goal frustrating Chigs in a 3-3 draw at the beginning of February. But Slater’s men have a game in hand, and Brixton one-point lead might not count for much come the end of the season.
Venue – Peter May, Ref – Gary Silver (Games 8, Yellows 24, Reds 1), KO – 10am
JC star man: Ryan Cole (Chigwell)
DC Prediction: Chigwell 3 Brixton 1
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BRADY MACCABI B vs SOUTHGATE HARMEN
An almighty battle is on the cards as title rivals Brady and Harmen go head to head.
Seven points separate the teams going into the game, although Brady, who are playing catch-up, have three games in hand, but I’d rather have points in the bag all day long.
Harmen put daylight between themselves and Woodford after winning an extraordinary nine-goal thriller at Hendon B last Sunday. Sam Castle, Jordan Grant, James Sandler and Ben Henry hit the net, but it was the stunning solo effort from the magician that is Ben Weinberg that had everyone talking; just how the JC panel of judges didn’t select that for Goal of the Week is beyond me.
Wherever you look on Sunday, there will be bags of talent on show. Josh Newman has been in prolific form for Brady, and it was his hat-trick that inspired them to a crushing 5-1 win over Division One rivals Shirley in the Morrison last weekend.
But it was the other Newman, Dave, and Reiss Mogilner who were the Brady heroes when they overpowered Harmen 3-0 in the corresponding fixture so, no doubt, revenge is the name of the game for the super Southgate boys on Sunday.
I can see it coming down to small details in the end.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Steve Levy (Games 13, Yellows 4, Reds 1)
JC star man: Nathan Harrod (Brady)
DC Prediction: Brady 2 Harmen 1
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SHIRLEY PARK vs NORTH WEST NEASDEN
Stirling Kay hit the roof when four players no-showed for their acrimonious cup exit against second division FC Team C last Sunday.
One player who didn’t deserve to be on the losing team was goalkeeper Steve Murad who pulled off several stops straight out of the top-drawer. The chances are he’ll be busy again on Sunday.
This game is ultimately a must-win for Shirley. Although they still have seven games remaining, they’re in danger of falling away from the leading pack and must make a statement of intent against NWN.
Goal-poachers Dan Orgel and Jamie Kent netted in the corresponding fixture – a game NWN felt they should have won.
Goals look guaranteed on Sunday in what promises to be a cracking affair.
Venue – Norseman FC, Ref – Andy Myerson (Games 17, Yellows 24, Reds 1)
JC star man: Kane Gilbery (NWN)
DC Prediction: Shirley 2 NWN 3
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
22 - Ben Zloof (AC Mill Hill)
18 - Nicky Woolf (Raiders B)
DANNY CARO'S DIV 2 TEAM OF THE WEEK
FAITHFOLD B vs OAKWOOD B
As relegation six-pointer go, this is a biggie. Both team's form can be best described as patchy, but it's only the result that matters on super Sunday.
The Superhoops have had a little time to reflect and fine-tune on the training ground in recent weeks, and assistant-manager Dan Yoss told me this week that they are raring to go.
"I've spoken to most of the boys and everyone is in confident mood for Sunday," Yoss told JC Sport. "We're prepared and relishing the challenge.
"This season has been a battle but these bunch of boys have a great team spirit and real fight in them.
"I'm sure it will show on Sunday whatever the score. We all can't wait and feel if we win it really puts pressure on Oakwood to stay up."
Oakwood won the corresponding fixture 4-3, when Dave Eden was in charge. Haydon Davidson (2), Charlie Cohen and Vic Librae were their goal-scoring heroes that day and manager Ian Tussie would bite off your right hand for a repeat performance. Fact is, he'd taken an ugly 1-0 at this stage.
Draws in their last two outings tells me they have become hard to beat once again and it will take something special from Faithfold to get the result manager Rob Shooman wants and needs.
JC team news: Johnny Gahan is out, but apart from that Faithfold have announced a full squad.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Robert Benardout (Games 17, Yellows 8, Reds 2)
JC star man: Oren Hury (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 1 Oakwood 2
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FC TEAM B vs ATHLETIC BILBAUM
It has been an incredible turnaround by FC Team B, who are suddenly one of the form teams in the country.
Of all the teams in the relegation dogfight, they look the one best equipped to get out of the danger zone.
David Gordon's boys coasted into the next round of the Morrison last weekend, and with Mitch Lassman and Matt Davis in red-hot form, while player-manager Gordon himself is leading by example.
Ben Radstone and Paul Savitz were the goal men when Team beat the Baums back in November and the bookies fancy Gordon's glory boys to do the business again.
A mid-table finish looks Bilbaum's most likely finish. They have little riding on the game and can enjoy themselves.
But I really fancy Team to go and win this because they are such a potent attacking force at the moment.
A few weeks ago, I don't think anybody expected Team to go the run they have. They have the momentum and I think they'll just edge it on Sunday.
JC team news: Ref Neal Cohen faces a late fitness test after over-indulging during his wife's birthday celebrations, although reports have reached me that his wallet was harder hit than his digestive system!
Venue - Old Camdenians, Ref - Neal Cohen (Games 19, Yellows 24, Reds 2)
JC star man: Oren Hury (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Team 2 Mill Hill 0
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BLIZZARD STORM vs FC TEAM C
FC Team C blew Blizzard away 5-2 earlier in the season and the chances are that we'll see them complete a league double on Sunday.
Co-managed by Ben Gilbey and Michael Myers, Team scalped another big scalp by knocking Neasden out of the Morrison last weekend. The bigger they come, the harder they fall - that always been the FC Team way.
But with one promotion slot already gone, Team are now in a real battle with Redbridge B to join NLR B in Division One next season.
As predicted, James Joseph is proving to be one of the signings of the season. He bagged a brace in the earlier meeting with Blizzard, when Andrew Hurwitz, David and James Cohen completed the scoring in a 5-2 success.
With Faithfold B and Haroldeans to follow, it appears the fixtures have been kind to Team and I don't expect Simon Linden's merry men to cause them too many problems.
Venue – Hertswood Leisure Centre, Ref – Laurie Benson (Games 16, Yellows 30, Reds 4)
JC star man: Edward Benson (Team)
DC Prediction: Blizzard 1 Team 4
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B vs AC MILL HILL
Mill Hill welcome back a trio of suspended players for the long to trip to Redbridge, when they'll be looking to put a spanner in the works of RJC's promotion bid.
Only Raiders and Blizzard have won at Fairlop this season, but manager Joe Levy knows his boys will have to pull out all the stops if they are to extend their unbeaten away record.
Levy told JC Sport: "We would hope to pick up something from the match, but know Redbridge are a strong side."
A top four finish is likely for Joe Levy's men who will be looking to avenge October's 3-2 defeat at the hands of the east Londoners - when Jimmy Castle, James Berkley and Sam Rank were the marksmen.
With the title having gone to Raiders, Redbridge know that realistically, only wins will do if they are to stay above FC Team C so I expect them to make a fast start and go for the jugular right from the off.
It is not just the fact RJC are scoring so many goals, it is the fact they can play at such a terrific pace and the opposition just cannot cope.
Venue – Fairlop , Ref – Adam Lewis (Games 9, Yellows 1, Reds 4), KO – 10.15am
JC star man: Craig Sandford (RJC)
DC Prediction: RJC 4 Mill Hill 2
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DIVISION THREE
TOP-SCORERS
27 - Richard Fogelman (L’Equipe)
22 - Dan Gordon (Faithfold C)
DANNY CARO'S DIV 3 TEAM OF THE WEEK
FAITHFOLD C vs L’EQUIPE
L’Equipe fans were waiting with baited breath this week to find out if top-scorer and talisman Richard Fogelman will make Sunday’s crunch clash against Faithfold C.
The hotshot tweaked a muscle in his match-saving performance against Temple Fortune last weekend and faces a race against time to make kick-off.
Deep down L’Equipe manager Dan Cordell and Josh Lewis would’ve been disappointed with two points dropped, but it’s worth remembering they looked dead and buried at 3-0 down, until Fogelman turned the game on its head.
Nothing less than three points will do on Sunday against a Faithfold team who found their shooting boots last Sunday.
Cordell told JC Sport: “We’re looking forward to finally getting a couple of games in a row again. We should have a decent squad to chose from and David Prager ill be back in the squad as he was missed against Rory Delap and the route one boys.
“Dan Gordon has been given Fogelman a bit of stick about his chances for the Golden Boot, but I fully expect Fogey to hit another hat-trick this weekend.
“We need the three points to keep in touch with the leaders and after a very good second half last week the team needs to keep that momentum going.”
Flash and Boris were on the scoresheet for the Superhoops. It’s been a while since I’ve said that. Even gaffer Garson found the net. It really was a memorable days for the green and white hooped ones.
Ahead of the game, Garson told JC Sport: “Dan Gordon hopes to continue his goals-scoring and our defence looks a lot tighter - we finally have started to play like a team.”
Faithfold have nothing to lose on Sunday when I’m expecting an end to end contest.
JC team news: Jeremy Teacher is the only absentee for Faithfold, he’s off to Wembley. But Charlie Resnick returns and ‘Shaggy’ Levinson has a late fitness test, while Lewis Maleh is pushing for a start.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Laurence Thorne (Games 13, Yellows 16, Reds 3), KO – 10am
JC star man: Charlie Resnick (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 2 L’Equipe 3
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB C vs CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI
Hendon will give a late fitness test to David Elf as they return to league action against the Cats.
Manager Adam Glekin was pleased with the Hustlers’ performance in the cup against last weekend and he’ll feel that a similar display could earn them a point or three at home to the Cats.
Glekin told JC Sport: "It will be all change this week, but with a few new faces and some returning regulars it will be my job to work out the best possible XI.
“Our last meeting with Catford could have gone either way, and we felt aggrieved to take nothing from it so we will be looking to take all three points on Sunday."
The Cats have games in hand on the top two but it’s important they rediscover some good habits, such as holding on to a lead.
Captain Adam Luria told JC Sport: “We’re struggling for a team this week, which is unfortunate after finally getting back into the swing of things last week after nearly three months off.
“The players we do have are all ready and raring to go, but it's just a shame that we won't have our usual strong bench to call on.
“Still, last time out against Hendon we managed to get the win with a scratch team in a very hard fought game, so this time round we'll be looking for more of the same this time round in what will be a tough game on a heavy West Hendon pitch.”
It may not be a classic but a win of any description will do for a patched-up Cats team
JC team news: Alex Elf is out for Hendon, as is central midfield maestro Gab Saul and club stalwart Chaim Strom, though the Hendon faithful will be encouraged by the return of the newly married Ben David. Avi Mocton is in line to make his league debut after impressing in the cup last weekend, and new signing Eli Stone will also be looking forward to pull on the coveted red jersey for the first time. Hendon boss Adam Glekin also confirmed he will have James Neidle and Glen Turner back to bolster his defence, as well as Joni Kleiman who is high on confidence after scoring his first two goals of the season in his last appearance.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Martin De La Fuente (Games 9, Yellows 18, Reds 1), KO – 10am
JC star man: Guy Ben-Aroya (Catford)
DC Prediction: Hendon 2 Catford 3
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KING CROWN vs NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS C
With the B’s crowned champions and the A’s as good as, attention turns to NLR C to see if they can complete a hat-trick of championships for the mighty L’Orange.
Manager Zack Gothelf told me this week that he saw plenty of positives from the cup defeat against Faithfold A, which bodes well for their run-in.
Gothelf told JC Sport: “Despite a 5-2 loss last week in the Morrison, we took a lot of heart from the performance as a team with only 11 players available. If we play with the determination and team spirit that we did last week, it'll take a lot to beat us.
“We have seen all our rivals drop points last week and we know that if we win our remaining games we'll win the title, but the pressure certainly isn't getting to us and we look forward to every opposition that puts itself in front of us.”
Revenge will be the name of the game for King Crown, who were thumped 5-1 by NLR in October. Luke Goldsmith was the hat-trick hero that day, with Alex Goodman and Oli Nathan completing the rout.
With home advantage, the chances are that King Crown will push NLR closer second time around. This season has been a real learning curve for Jacob Kadoch’s boys and with nothing at stake, they can afford to approach this game in gung-ho mood.
Kadoch this week told JC Sport: “We hope the game goes ahead as we have not played for six weeks, so the lads are itching to play.
“Hopefully we can start well and look to finish the season strongly.”
I can see King Crown huffing and puffing for 60 minutes, but in the end NLR will ultimately blow their house down and step another step towards the title.
JC team news: Raiders hotshot Jamie Weinrich looks set to miss out once again following the birth of his son. Alex Sherr sustained a mild concussion last week which is still being monitored.
Venue – Ludgrove Playing Fields, Ref – Quentin Fox ((Games 8, Yellows 10, Reds 1)
JC star man: Jonny Samuel (NLR)
DC Prediction: King Crown 1 Raiders 3
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LOUGHTON ORIENT vs TEMPLE FORTUNE
Goals are guaranteed in the meeting between Loughton and Fortune. Take my word for it.
The Loughton boys will be looking to get that awful result against Faithfold out of their system. Strikes from Josh Jacobs and Jaimie Sinclair were about the only positives they had to take out of the game in what was their heaviest defeat of the season.
Fortune have been looking much better in recent weeks, with the evergreen Dave Sawyer putting some of the youngsters in Division Three to shame. And with Zach Rich enjoying a purple patch in front of goal, they’ll be quietly confident ahead of the journey east.
TFFC boss Jonathan Cohen told JC Sport: “I think the Loughton result last week was a freak one because we know they pose a real threat as we can attest to from earlier in the season.
“That being said, I think we are a different team now to the team they played then and are made of stronger stuff.
“We have an excellent, competitive squad this week and we are going there knowing we can score some goals to put them under real pressure.
“We are recalling Richard Cooper, Rob Jay and Lee Fegan this week, who have been an integral part of the team this year, and are looking forward to the match.”
Avoiding the wooden spoon has to be Fortune’s goal for here on in and a point would keep things ticking over nicely.
Venue – Peter May, Ref – Alex Smith (Games 10, Yellows 9, Reds 2), KO – 10am
JC star man: Rob Jay (Fortune)
DC Prediction: Loughton 2 Fortune 2
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BOCA JEWNIORS vs AC WHETSTONE
We’ll know a lot more about Whetstone’s promotion credentials on Sunday lunchtime as they get ready to rumble with a free-scoring Boca.
The Stone gave Jewdinese a tough going over last weekend, with Tomer Tricot and star man Jonah Gordon-Boyd bulging the back of the onion bag.
Whetstone are unbeaten since mid-November and their fans are hoping for another super show from Philippe Auret – the hat-trick hero in the last meeting with Boca.
Boca’s answer to Auret and Gordon-Boyd comes in the form of Dovi Fehler. He scores when he wants when he plays up top, but last weekend produced a master-class in centre mid against Catford.
This promises to be a great game for the neutral as both teams are enjoying their football this season and are playing some really good stuff.
Venue – Roger Bannister, Ref – Martin Fox (Games 15, Yellows 10, Reds 0)
JC star man: Dovi Vogel (Boca)
DC Prediction: Boca 2 Whetstone 3
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DANNY CARO'S MATCHDAY 24 OSCARS
GOAL OF THE WEEK - RICHARD FOGELMAN
SAVE OF THE WEEK
David Simnock (NL Raiders B) - hot-shot Ben Zloof was put clean through but as he bore down on goal, Simnock spread himself and produced an outstanding save diving at the feet of the striker
QUOTE OF THE WEEK - PHIL PETERS
MISS OF THE WEEK
Lee Greenfield (Southgate Harmen) - blazed over the bar from 1.5 yards out with a completely open goal to aim at
REFEREE OF THE WEEK
Gary Silver (Hendon B vs Southgate Harmen)
