The semi-finals of the Cyril Anekstein Cup take centre stage as relegated Camden Park look to finish their season on a high against Hendon United Sports Club A, while Oakwood A go in search of an upset against Premier Division leaders Norstar London Raiders A. Danny Caro looks ahead to the action which also features a full MGBSFL programme.
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LATEST NEWS - NEW COMPETITION UNVEILED
PETER MORRISON TROPHY QUARTER-FINAL DRAW
MATCH PHOTOS - AFC FLIXTON vs HENDON UTD SC A
MATCH PHOTOS - JEWDINESE vs CATFORD & BROMLEY
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DANNY CARO'S DIV 3 TEAM OF THE WEEK
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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 (Kick-offs 10.30am unless stated)
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP SEMI-FINALS
HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A vs CAMDEN PARK
David Garbacz has named a full-strength squad as Hendon face Camden – a tie they start as huge favourites.
The Reds remain on course for the treble – which would be something quite special given their fixture backlog – and they go into the game in buoyant mood for the win over Flixton in the Morrison last Sunday.
Gaffer Garbacz described the midfield pairing of Yoav Lebens and Ari Last as “the finest midfield partnership in Jewish football” after they came through a testing encounter.
Deep down the Hendon boss would’ve been relieved to have seen Danny Kon back on the scoresheet. The timing of his goal was crucial, while Last showed ice-cool composure to tuck home the winner from the spot.
Having edged past Camden in a double-header a fortnight ago, Garbacz knows his troops will have to remain patient as they look to book another cup final date at Wingate – their second home.
He told JC Sport: “We are now reaching squeaky-bum-time in all competitions and we are desperate to secure our first Wingate appearance of the season.
“We played Camden in a double-header two weeks ago and both games went right down to the wire. They were very competitive and seemed to share a good team spirit and to be honest, they slightly surprised us that day.
“This week we will know more what to expect, but we certainly won’t be under-estimating them or taking anything for granted. The prize is huge so there’ll be equal incentive on both sides.
“With a full strength squad to choose from, however, we will be expected to come out on top and this will be a match between two teams who like to get the ball down and play it around so it should be good to watch
“Midfield could be key and ours are in great form, as are the likes of Yoav Kestenbaum and Greg Corin. The man of the day however will be Josh Lipman - this week really is his last game for us before his Aliyah - he will be unbelievably missed and has already requested a stint up front on Sunday which I flatly refused!
“It was most kind of the Norstar boys to wish him all the best for his Aliyah on Twitter, but if all goes according to form on Sunday, we will still be hoping the sponsors will be flying him back for the final just so he can say goodbye properly!
“But there’s a job to be done on Sunday first though and the goosebumps are already kicking in.”
No doubt nerves will play a part in Camden’s preparations and I don’t envy the job manager Nick Kagan has on Sunday - trying to do what no team in Jewish football has done so far this season. It’s important they don’t freeze on the big stage, but I have no doubt his players will rise to the occasions and do the club proud.
It’s worth remembering Camden have beaten FC Team A twice this season and drawn with Faithfold and Redbridge, and although relegation has hit them hard, they have nothing to lose as no-one expects them to get close to Hendon.
Camden boss Nick Kagan told JC Sport: “After disappointing season, the cup is our one chance to salvage some pride and raise the mood in the camp. Having completed our league program, we're going to give this absolutely everything.”
I didn’t tip Wimbledon to beat Liverpool all those years ago, or Denmark or Greece to win the Euros, and I’m certainly not brave enough to back Camden to overcome all the odds on Sunday.
Venue - Hadley, Ref - Adam Lewis
JC star man: Alex Rosenthal (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon 3 Camden 1
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NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS A vs OAKWOOD A
“Semi-final Sunday will be a belter this year, I promise you.” Those were the words of Oakwood joint-manager Ric Blank ahead of Sunday’s trip to Wembley where they take on treble-chasing NLR.
Indeed the new stadium over the road could inspire one or two on the Oakwood team as they look to put two league defeats behind them against L’Orange. But it’s worth remembering both matches were close – with just one goal separating the teams on both occasions and another tight and tense battle is on the cards.
Brad Wine was the two-goal hero for Oakwood last Sunday as they more or less secured their top-flight status with a handsome win over Camden. Sam Jacobson and Harvey Kaye also found the net in an impressive performance.
Blank knows that his men will have to play the perfect game if they are to upset a Raiders team who start as firm favourites on their favoured 3G surface.
He told JC Sport: “NLR have been the best team this season and are deservedly runaway leaders in the league. But the cup throws form and league positions out the window.
“We’re absolutely buzzing for the game and looking forward to having another crack at a side who beat us a few weeks ago. We didn't turn up in the first half that day - we won’t make that mistake again. We set ourselves a target this year of a top-half finish and at least one semi-final. We've obviously achieved the latter and have some big challenges to overcome, but are confident we’ll be top half come May.
“We’re improving every year and with each game we learn something new about ourselves. The boys are bang up for this one - training was electric last night. We’re not obsessing though - this is the cup. We’ve already beaten Brady and Faithfold to get here. So in the words of a wise man, que sera, sera.”
NLR didn’t have a competitive fixture last week, but manager Phil Peters was keen for his players to stay sharp and arranged a match against their title-winning Masters team. They have been one of the success stories of the season and with David Dinkin, Jake Doffman, David Rhodes and Matt Stock in top form, they will arrive quietly confident of reaching their first major cup final.
“We’re all excited about Sunday’s semi-final against our good friends at Oakwood A. We’ve had two very narrow victories in the league over them this season which probably makes us slight favourites, but there’s a huge amount of work to do if we’re to make it three out of three.
“With our league campaign now over, we know the length of the season is in our own hands and a win on Sunday will mean we’re still playing football into May which is what everybody wants.
“We had a humbling defeat against the Raiders Masters side last week and even though it was a friendly, it reminded us of that horrible losing feeling and we don’t want to experience that again.”
I think Sunday’s game will come down to small details. On paper there’s nothing to separate two top teams. In the end it will boil down to the team that wins its individual and collective battles.
JC team news: NLR welcome Adam Joselyn and Jamie Wolfson back into the squad after missing the last game, whilst Rob Blackman, Oli Henry and Josh Pistol will undergo late fitness tests.
Oakwood are missing talisman Adam Levine (away) and Eddie Manson, who is still a few weeks away from a comeback. Dan Rose completes the final game of his suspension on Sunday. Blank told JC Sport: “He’s been the best player in training over the past month. We hope to give him a final to fight for on his return.”
Venue – Ark Academy, Ref – Andy Myerson, KO – 9.45am
JC star man: Adam Joselyn (NLR)
DC Prediction: NLR 2 Oakwood 1
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PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND TWO
FC TEAM C vs AC MILL HILL
Somehow we’ve got to March and Division Two rivals FC Team C and AC Mill Hill have yet to meet. That will all change on Sunday – with a third round clash against Oakwood A the prize for the winner. Followed by NLR A away. Good luck with that!
But first things first. Team took another step towards promotion last Sunday, but attention turns to the Jewish FA Cup, but they will host a Mill Hill side who have nothing to lose and will by all accounts approach the game without fear.
Mill Hill boss Joe Levy told JC Sport: “We welcome back Ben Zloof after proving we can score goals without him...albeit with some difficulty!
“With little left to play for in the league, we will go all out for the win.”
Team have claimed two big scalps in cup football this season, but they hope the boot isn’t on the other foot on Sunday.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Steve Levy
JC star man: Eitan Ben Zion (Team)
DC Prediction: Team 3 Mill Hill 2
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MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
12 - Matt Stock (NL Raiders A)
11 - Mike Pearson (Faithfold A), David Dinkin (NL Raiders A), Adam Stolerman (Redbridge A)
BRADY MACCABI A vs FAITHFOLD A
Mediocrity is something Brady and Faithfold have never settled for, but that’s about as good as they can hope for in the league this season, with NLR, Hendon and Redbridge likely to finish in the top three.
Faithfold claimed an important win over FC Team A in the Morrison last Sunday. Ben Ellis was their saviour with three goals in a game they trailed in. Jonny Haik caught the eye once again, while Daryl Phillips – aka the Kevin Phillips of the MGBSFL – added another goal to his scrapbook.
The goal for Brady now is to stay above Faithfold. They start the match four points ahead, but the Superhoops have two games in hand.
If the first meeting is anything to go by then this should be a cracker. Alex Kaye, Michael Pearson and Haik fired Faithfold to a 3-2 win, so revenge will be at the back of Brady’s minds.
Manager Joel Nathan told JC Sport: “It’ll be a very tough game on Sunday considering we are missing key players but the guys will give it their best shot.
“Faithfold probably have not had the season they would have liked and we had a great tussle with them on the opening game - since then we have both had our ups and downs, but we both want to end the season on a winning streak.
“From what I am told we were very unlucky against Hendon last time out, but it shows whatever 11 we put out the boys are capable of beating anyone on the day and that is the hope for Sunday.”
I’m going for a high-scoring draw.
JC team news: Brady are missing Jake Rinsler and Sam Singer, who are playing for MGB in an U19 futsal tournament, while they also have injuries to the Hershman brothers and Josh Gordon.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Neil Cooper
JC star man: Dan Perkins (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Brady 2 Faithfold 2
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FC TEAM A vs LONDON MACCABI LIONS WHITE
Johnny Meltzer was in typically diplomatic mood ahead of LML White’s relegation six-pointer against FC Team A in Mill Hill.
The Lions go into the game two points ahead of Sunday’s opponents who have a game in hand. Survival is the name of the game for both sets of place and a high-octane affair is on the cards.
Meltzer told JC Sport: “As David [Pollock] and I have always said, this team is about gain experience of men’s football so they can have the foundations for the future.
“Last time we played FC team it was played in great spirit by both sides and was very enjoyable. They had unfortunately been missing three of their first team players and the scoreline flattered us. We just hope Sunday will be another good advert for the league.”
Team failed to capitalise on a lead given to them by player-manager Mitch Young in last weekend’s Morrison clash against Faithfold. They’ve been hit hard by injuries to key players and will need plenty of that famous FC Team spirit to keep them up over the closing weeks of the season.
Having hit Team for six a fortnight ago, the smart money is on the Lions, but I can see things being closer second time around.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Laurie Benson
JC star man: James Gershfield (LML)
DC Prediction: Team 1 Lions 1
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
22 - Jono Gaon (Blancos)
17 - Harrison Midda (Woodford)
SHIRLEY PARK vs WOODFORD WANDERERS
As I’m sure you know, it’s Purim this week. But I had to double-check when Tony Charles responded to my media interview request as the reply was straight out of the Jose Mourinho book of quotes.
No doubt mind games will play a significant part in the business end of the Division One season and Charles is a master of them – never mincing his words.
The one-time leaders are now five points adrift of Harmen, but they have three games in hand and many would say their destiny lies in their own hands.
One point from a possible six would be described as a blip by some – especially when you consider the opponents were Hendon B and Blancos, but Charles this week preferred to take the focus off his players.
“Some might say its squeaky-bum-time, but we have over-achieved already this season and have surpassed everyone’s expectations,” Charles told JC Sport.
“Our aim at the beginning of the season was to stay in the division, I’m sure other teams around us thought they would be promoted by now.”
Mitch Hahn fired a Goal of the Season contender and while many neutrals were looking forward to his head-to-head with Jamie Kent, the Shirley boys are still reeling from the shock departure of their top-scorer to Division One rivals Neasden.
Shirley have seven games left, but, essentially, not much to play for. And when you consider they were hit for six by Woodford in November, the signs look ominous.
Manager Dave Lusman told JC Sport: “Unfortunately we've struggled to field a decent team predominantly due to heavy or recurring injuries to many key players, as well as absentees due to other commitments - what can you do?
“The last game we fielded our best team was against SPEC in the summer that was our third game of the season. Over the course of the last three or four months our football has subsequently suffered, so Jamie’s moved on, and fingers crossed will rejoin next season. It’s a real shame because were expecting a fair few off our key players back over the next few weeks, but we still have plenty out. We’ll be back soon.”
The bottom line is that Woodford fans would’ve bitten off your right arm if you told them they would be second in the table with five games left. They have been superb this season – to a man – and should only look forward now, and not back. They have five cup finals left. Win the lot and promotion should be theirs.
Venue – Norseman FC, Ref – Keith Goodman
JC star man: Alex Aviram (Woodford)
DC Prediction: Shirley 1 Woodford 4
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SOUTHGATE HARMEN vs CHIGWELL ATHLETIC
Table-topping Harmen go into their penultimate game of the season looking to extend their five-point advantage when they entertain Chigwell Athletic at the Lodge.
The Southgate boys conclude their season at Shirley next Sunday and will be looking to put down their marker with back-to-back wins, with Woodford, Neasden and Brady lying in wait.
A 4-1 win over Brixton was the perfect way to bounce back from the defeat at Brady and revenge will be on the mind of Harmen who were beaten 4-2 by Chigwell in October.
Harmen joint-manager Joel Alterman told JC Sport: “Last week we conceded a goal after going 2-0 up, but rather than letting our heads drop, we pushed on and scored two more and gave Brixton no chance of coming back into it.
“We are looking to take this positive attitude into this week, but we can’t rest on our laurels as we look ahead to our next clash and the last time we face an Essex team this season.”
Alterman went on to say: “In our trip to Chigwell earlier in the season, we were 2-0 up and threw away this lead to draw the game 2-2 on a wet morning and we hope that we do not see a repeat of this as we now know that we have the ability to kill teams off once we have our noses in front.
“We cannot afford any slip-ups as we push to finish the season strongly and keep top spot as our own. This will be a tough challenge against a team whose league position doesn’t do justice to the quality of their players.
Chigwell know they haven’t done themselves justice this season as their squad is packed with quality from back to front. They hit Brixton for six last time out and with six games remaining, manager Richard Slater is urging his troops to finish the season as high as possible
Slater told JC Sport: “Harmen are top of the league and the team to beat at present, which makes us underdogs. We'll go there hoping to continue our good form of 2014.”
Danny Cohen made a dream start for Harmen last week and he could be the man Chigwell need to watch on Sunday, while keeper James Castle will be looking to maintain his impressive form at the other end.
JC team news: Steve Summers, Daniel Castle and Dean Ben-Yosef return for Chigwell after missing the Brixton game.
Harmen are hoping to see a return to action this week of Brad Fox and Ben Henry who missed last week through injury. Adam Velleman remains a doubt. Otherwise they have an unchanged squad from last week:-
Harmen squad: Adam Osper Ben Henry Ben Weinberg Bradley Fox Danny Cohen Harry Fine James Castle James Sandler Jordan Grant Jordan Segal Lee Greenfield Mitch Green Oliver Leslie Sam Castle
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Martin Lavender, KO – 10am
JC star man: Danny Cohen (Harmen)
DC Prediction: Harmen 3 Chigwell 2
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NORTH WEST NEASDEN A vs BRADY MACCABI B
“Five games to go and all to play for.” That what NWN boss Stirling Kay told me at his midweek press conference before the crunch clash with promotion rivals Brady at the Lane.
Both teams have played 13 games and accumulated 23 points, but only three points will do on super Sunday – it promises to be a real thriller.
“It’s simple,” Kay told JC Sport, “we win our last five games and it doesn’t matter what other teams do – it’s good that our destiny is in our own hands. However talk is cheap, action speaks louder than words, so sorry to say this but we will take one game at a time.
“Like SPEC last week we will give Brady the same respect - we will have to match their desire and hunger to win. If we do this hopefully our forward players will give us the edge.
“The signings of Adam Arnold and Jamie Kent has given us that bit extra up front which hopefully see us over the line. The match-up of Josh Newman and Jamie Cooper will be a key part of the game.
“Both teams try to play the ball on the floor and both will give every thing. I think this will be a tight good game off football – one which I’m looking forward to.
As Kay says, I think this game will be won and lost in midfield. Don’t miss it!
JC team news: Scott Kay and Josh Gilbery return to the NWN squad. However, they will be with out Ricky Rinder and Craig Edwards is rated very doubtful with an ankle injury.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – John Feenstra, KO – 10am
JC star man: Jamie Kent (NWN)
DC Prediction: NWN 1 Brady 1
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BRIXTON OLD BOYS vs SPEC FC
Brixton, Hendon and Neasden. That’s the line-up facing SPEC FC over the next few weeks as they bid to avoided the dreaded drop.
Laurence Conway’s men know that every point and every sinew of effort will be needed as they look to secure another season in the division against a Brixton team they beat 5-3 early season. Daniel Pike (3) and David Newman were the marksmen that day.
It will be a case of all hands on deck for the SPEC boys, according to midfielder Ricky Lawrence. He told JC Sport: “This has been billed as the biggest game since SPEC reformed by Laurence. He's taken a gamble by naming three players who have barely played since November in the squad. We know it's simply a must-win."
There’s just as much at stake for Brixton, but they have a game in hand so a point could do them on Sunday.
SPEC’s away form hasn’t been great to be honest and they’ll need a heroic rearguard action to keep Brixton out.
Venue - Clowes, Ref – David Lazarus
JC star man: Simon Bagel (SPEC)
DC Prediction: Brixton 0 SPEC 1
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
22 - Ben Zloof (AC Mill Hill)
18 - Nicky Woolf (Raiders B)
17 - Nathan Sollosi (Redbridge B)
FAITHFOLD B vs FC TEAM B
Faithfold finish the season with not one but two relegation six-pointers, so it would be fair to say that their destiny still lies in their own hands.
They did OK against FC Team C last Sunday, with Ash Ilsen their scorer in a 2-1 defeat. But player-manager Dan Yoss gave a brutally honest assessment at the final whistle, saying that a lack of match sharpness cost them.
There will be no excuses if they go down, as the table doesn’t lie, but they still have time on their side and it’s vitally important they take any chances that come their way on Sunday.
Yoss told JC Sport: “Last week we were out of touch. We hadn't played for five weeks and it took us a while to get going.
“Team B shouldn't be under-estimated despite their poor result last week. As we found out they have some fight in them when they scored in the last minute in our first fixture. If we want to get a result we'll need to step it up from last week. Everything's on the line.”
Of the sides near the bottom, FC Team can be most relaxed about their prospects, given they still have five matches remaining. They were humbled 7-0 by high-flying Redbridge B and it’s important they put that result as the back of their minds come Sunday morning.
Team player-manager David Gordon told JC Sport: “Last Sunday was disappointing and was a result that seemed to come out of nowhere, but we had the bare 11 and it was case of square pegs in round holes in a number of positions.
“Thankfully we have a number of key players returning this weekend and I expect us to compete a lot better.
“This is a massive game for both teams and we know that a win for us will almost certainly ensure our survival.
“We won’t be underestimating Faithfold, and I’m expecting a close game, but if we can put in a performance similar to the weeks before last, then I’m confident we can win this game.”
Team’s recent away form has been solid, while Faithold have struggled at home. The Superhoops need something really special and it’s important they go into their final game at Oakwood next week capable of pulling off the great escape, but I have a strong feeling Team will take something from the game.
JC team news: Matt Davis and Dan Lederman are out for Team.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Laurence Thorne, KO – 10am
JC star man: David Gordon (Team)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 2 Team 2
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DIVISION THREE
TOP-SCORERS
28 - Richard Fogelman (L’Equipe)
22 - Dan Gordon (Faithfold C)
15 - Dovi Fehler (Boca)
AC WHETSTONE vs TEMPLE FORTUNE
Whetstone saw their promotion hopes go up in smoke last weekend, but managers Clive Nathan and Anthony Cohen hope they can finish the season in style with three straight wins, starting with Fortune at home on Sunday.
The 4-3 defeat against Loughton came as a real hammer blow, but Nathan offered no excuses.
He told JC Sport this week: “We didn’t play well at all and got what we deserved. It’s all a learning experience for the boys though.”
There have been many positives for Whetstone this season, but it will be interesting to see how they handle the physical factor against another experienced team in the shape of Fortune.
The absence of the inspirational Dave Sawyer hit Fortune hard against King Crown last weekend and Jonathan Cohen will be without another old head in the shape of Laurence Swerner for the trip to the Lodge.
Cohen told JC Sport: “Sadly, Laurence is unwell for this fixture as I’m sure he would want to play against the team he started against the season with.
“We still have a very good squad which sees the return of Dean Ingram this week for some extra steel. We beat ACW earlier in the season, but both teams seasons have panned out very definitely since then. We know they will give us a very good game, especially on the 3G pitch.
“We look forward to playing some good football and taking something from the game.”
I think the surface will favour Whetstone big time on Sunday. They will be fitter and faster than Fortune and if they can give as good as they get in the physical battle, they should come out on top.
JC team news: Whetstone are missing Josh Silverman and Jonah Gordon Boyd this week as well as long-term injury victims Sam Grossman and David Clements.
Venue - Hive, Ref – Paul Dobkin, KO 10.15am
JC star man: Alon Pinhas (Whetstone)
DC Prediction: Whetstone 4 Fortune 2
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FAITHFOLD C vs NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS C
NLR are sitting pretty at the top of the table and I think they will pick up another win at Chase Lodge on Sunday.
I would expect Zack Gothelf’s troops to bounce back after their defeat by L’Equipe, but this has become a big period now for them – top against bottom, they couldn’t have asked for an easier game, or so you’d think.
Having put eight past the Superhoops earlier in the season, NLR are odds-on to win and with Hendon at home to follow, a six-point haul would take them into the crunch clash at Catford & Bromley in great shape.
Looking ahead to the Faithfold game, Gothelf told JC Sport: “We're looking to bounce back from a tough defeat last weekend. We know that the title is very much still in our hands but we need to show that last week won't have a long lasting impact.
“Having beaten Faithfold 8-2 earlier in the season, we certainly won't be taking anything for granted and we will need to bring our A-game on Sunday.”
Not finishing bottom has to be Faithfold ultimate objective between now and the end of the season. They had no answer to NLR’s pace and movement last time and I’m sure all the players will be looking to give a better account of themselves.
“Fitting everyone in was tough this week following on from our recent win at Loughton,” Faithfold gaffer David Garson told JC Sport.
“Raiders are a good young side and were clinical last time on a pitch that suits their style of play. But the team we’ll have out this time should give them a good game on a proper grass pitch.”
One man that has done well this season is striker Dan Gordon. He’s still gunning for the MGBSFL Golden Boot and had this to say to favourite Richard Fogelman.
In an interview with Faithfold goal machine Flash Gordon, he told JC Sport: “Richard has done very well to lead the charts this season, but I know there is more to come from me in the final few games. If I wasn’t suspended I would be on 30 by now – that’s the fortune he has had …
“It must hurt him and his manager to know that Faithfold have been invited into the end of season tournament..... looks like my season will be extended. GAME ON Escalope!”
Just how much of the ball Gordon sees on Sunday will come down to the Faithfold midfield. Will Garson go 4-4-2, 4-5-1, 4-3-3 or Chanukah Bush. That’s the million dollar question.
JC team news: Charlie Resnick returns to theFaithfold squad and Simon Beresford keeps his place in goal.
Oli Nathan is a fresh injury concern for NLR and is one that will have to be monitored. A few players are still out with longer term injuries and one or two are away.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Barry David
JC star man: Andy Cohen (NLR)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 1 Raiders 3
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KING CROWN vs BOCA JEWNIORS
This is the kind of game you can see King Crown getting something from, especially at home.
Jacob Kadoch knows that a Boca win would lift them above his team who have only won back-to-back matches once this season.
The goals were shared around in last week’s 4-3 victory over Temple Fortune, with Danny Navazesh, Sacha Nusenbaum, Ben Retter and Yoel Deal finding the net.
Elliot Grant, Matt Tahan and Navazesh put in excellent shifts last week and I can see the Crown digging in to make it as difficult as possible for Boca.
Ahead of the game, Kadoch told JC Sport: “We are looking to pick up from where we left off last week. We have three games left and nine points to play for.
“We have a full squad and I think we are peeking as a team now for our first season.
“To finish mid-table for our first season after a terrible start would be very good.”
Boca know they will get chances on Sunday, but truth be told, they’re already setting their sights on next season and looking at some exciting summer target. If they can find 10 more Dovi Fehler’s, they’ll be laughing.
Venue – Ludgrove Playing Fields, Ref – Henry Raffe
JC star man: Matt Tahan (Crown)
DC Prediction: King Crown 3 Boca 3
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LOUGHTON ORIENT vs JEWDINESE
We saw a proper performance from the real Jewdinese against Catford last Sunday. That was the message from manager Darren Lawrence after a sublime performance that ticked all the boxes.
The Zebras have a decent run-in, with matches against Boca and Fortune to follow in the coming weeks, but player-chairman Jake Erlich, a scorer in the 5-2 demolition of Catford, told me this week the club will approach each one like a cup final.
Erlich told JC Sport: “It’s a huge game on Sunday. There are three games of the season left and only nine points will do.
“We know we have the ability to beat Orient, so our aim is to go up to Essex and play some attractive football for the dedicated traveling Zebra fans.”
But if ‘Nese are expecting an easy game then they can think again. Loughton crushed Whetstone’s promotion dreams last Sunday, with Dave Levy, Adam Conway, Jamie Crawford and Josh Jacobs on target in a thrilling 4-3 win.
Conway was immense, and the partnership between Crawford and Jacobs could give the visitors a really testing morning.
Venue – Peter May, Ref – Adam Yuchetel
JC star man: Joe Meisel (Jewdinese)
DC Prediction: Loughton 1 Jewdinese 2
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DANNY CARO'S MATCHDAY 26 OSCARS
GOAL OF THE WEEK - RICHARD FOGELMAN
SAVE OF THE WEEK
Dan Cohen (Oakwood A) - at 1-0 Cohen made a stunning reflex save, low down to his left. It seemed a certain goal until his intervention at close quarters
QUOTE OF THE WEEK - DAN CORDELL
CELEBRATION OF THE WEEK
Richard Fogelman (L'Equipe) - produced an Eto'o-esque celebration after hitting a late winner against NLR - after being told his best years were behind him!
