North London Raiders A will be looking to make it three out of three when they host Lions B, while Oakwood A start their season with a crunch clash against defending champions Faithfold A. Danny Caro looks ahead to Matchday 3 of the Maccabi GB Southern Football League campaign.
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CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND ONE DRAW
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NW NEASDEN vs SHIRLEY PARK MATCH PHOTOS
L'EQUIPE vs JEWDINESE MATCH PHOTOS
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YOUR WEEKEND REVIEW STARTS HERE:
PREMIER DIVISION
PREMIER DIVISION TEAM OF THE WEEK
TOP-SCORER
3 – Mike Pearson (Faithfold A)
NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS A vs LONDON MACCABI LIONS BLUE
The table-topping Raiders go into Sunday’s meeting with Lions Blue as strong favourites, but JC Manager of the Week Phil Peters has warned his players against complacency and they definitely won’t be taking LML lightly.
L’Orange showed great character to come from behind to beat Division One champions Camden last weekend, with Adam Jason and captain fantastic David Rhodes completing the comeback, but there was a price to play with injuries to Matt Stock and Oli Henry. Not many players can fill Stock’s boots, but Peters had a decent replacement in Jamie ‘Messi’ Wolfson.
Confidence is high in the Raiders camp, but Peters was keen to play down any hopes of a title push at his midweek press conference, as he knows Rome wasn’t built in a day.
He told JC Sport: “I’m not sure whether the Lions Blue team are supposed to be better than the Whites, but we won't be taking anything for granted.
“We've had a good start, but this means nothing if we don't follow it up with more great results and strong performances - it's all very well being top of the tree at Yom Kippur and Succot, but it's being there at Shavuot that really counts!”
The Lions felt they were somewhat unfortunate to come away from their game against FC Team empty-handed last Sunday. New signing Lewis Blitz grabbed a consolation, and no doubt, he will be keep to impress against his former club.
Manager Jamie Kyte faces a tough task replacing Henry Ziff at centre-back and he’ll be determined to see his players improve defensively in what will be a high-tempo game.
Kyte told JC Sport: “All we're looking to do this weekend is to improve on our performance from last week.
“The MSFL Premier is a step up from Division One and that applies to fitness and quality.”
I think Raiders will look to make a fast start and for me, they’ll hold all the aces on Sunday.
Venue - Brunel, Ref – Warwick Blake
JC star man: Adam Jason (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Raiders 3 Lions 1
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FAITHFOLD A vs OAKWOOD A
There’s a mouth-watering affair in store at the Lodge as defending champions Faithfold take on an Oakwood team packed with some top-quality new signings.
Ric Blank and Alex Schock have been busy over the summer months, as they look to bring in the calibre of player to match their ambition. They suffered arguably more than most with injuries last season and appear to have real strength in depth.
But Blank knows they face a big test of their credentials right from the off. He told JC Sport: “There's nothing like a gentle start to the season, is there? Faithfold away? post-fast? Crivens hold me. Regardless we're buzzing to be back and desperate to get to the next level.
“Faithfold were hands down the best team we played last season - they have no weak link. They've started this year with two great results and I still think whoever finishes above them wins the league. But this is about us and doing our thing. We're determined to get to Faithfold's level. The boys are ready to show that on Sunday.
“We are also delighted to announce that Dan Cohen will be debuting in goal for us. His northern roots meant the allure of Oakwood was too strong to resist. And with Oli (Gee) away, his signing could not have been better timed.
“I love a guy who rings me up and says 'I'm keen, where do I sign'. That's exactly what happened and he'll give us presence and experience between the sticks against a side who excel from set-pieces.
“We’re also ready to announce the signing of Guy Helman. Guy was an integral part of the Lions’ Saturday side for years, but has decided he can't commit as he used to and has decided to come and join us at Oakwood.
“He's a top player and a good lad - he'll fit right in. He won't be available for a couple of weeks but we'll look to get him involved in October.”
Shortly unveiled being unveiled to the Oakwood faithful, Cohen tweeted: "Other than very excited to return to #MGBSFL with a team who I know fairly well."
Faithfold put their first win on the board against Brady last weekend. They were pegged back from 2-0 up, but then Jonny Haik popped up with a winner straight out of the top drawer. “That’s why we’re champions” sang their fans when the bullet flew in.
A similar effort will be required against an Oakwood team that takes no prisoners and will be looking to make a statement of intent early door.
Looking ahead to the game, Faithfold boss Zuriel Solomon told JC Sport: “Coming away with a win last week really boosted the boys and they showed a great desire and belief.
“This is Oakwood’s first game of the season and they must be raring to go. They are always a threat and will not be treated lightly.
“Ric and Alex will have them well-drilled and organised and will make sure they come out fighting. We haven’t really hit the heights of last year yet, but are starting to show glimpses of the form.”
I think the fact Faithfold have two games under their belts gives them a slight advantage. They are at home, but Oakwood will go all out to spring a surprise and it’s definitely one to watch.
JC team news: Faithfold are almost at full-strength. They welcome back Dan Stock, Dan Perkins, Elliott Stern and Ben Ellis, who were all absent last week, but are still without the suspended Sam Reeves and captain Alex Levack.
Josh Bentley is back from a knee injury for Oakwood and they also include Harvey Kaye and Alex Koslover in the squad for their debuts. They've lost the Rose brothers and Antony Kintish to the north while Dan Geey, Ian Scorah and Dan Ash are suspended. It looks like Dave Cohen will miss out with a rib injury.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref - Adam Lewis
JC star man: Harvey Kaye (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 1 Oakwood 1
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LONDON MACCABI LIONS WHITE vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A
After a week off, both Lions and Hendon are looking to start the new year in style when they prepare to do battle at the Lane.
Lions have had plenty of time to regroup and recover from their defeat against the Raiders and I’m sure Eilon Kennet will put out a very strong XI – the identity of which at the moment I know not.
Hendon made a solid start against Faithfold and it’s clear manager David Garbacz wants his team to kick on.
He told JC Sport: “We will be looking to build on the momentum from our performance against Faithfold . Although we were disappointed with just one point against the champions, we were massively encouraged by the performance.
“The boys are looking very sharp in training and if we continue to play like that, we will be hoping and expecting to bag the first win of the season on Sunday.
“We never know quite what team to expect from Lions and I’m actually not totally sure whether it is the A or the B team we are playing this week! Consequently we will be concentrating on our own game and will be aiming to do the basics right, to play at a good intense pace and to take our chances when they come.
“There is a good, optimistic feel about the squad this year and we need to back up that optimism with three points.
“The only obstacle I could envisage might be an overload of chopped herring and smoked salmon in breaking the fast on Saturday night!”
There promises to be some great battles across the pitch in a match between two teams who have the utmost respect for one another. It could all come down to minor details, but I’m tipping the Hammers to nick it.
JC team news: Hendon are without Dovid Korman (knee), Avidan Last, who is attending the Brit of his new born son, and Paul Bentley (away). Danny Kon returns and they have everyone else available.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Martin Lavender
JC star man: Greg Corin (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Lions 1 Hendon 2
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FC TEAM A vs BRADY MACCABI A
Bouncebackability is the name of the game for Brady following their 3-2 defeat against champions Faithfold last Sunday.
The Morrison holders fielded a number of youngsters who did the club proud and they showed great character to come back from two goals down, but it wasn’t to be in the end.
They face another tough test of their credentials on Sunday when they make the short trip to Mill Hill to take on another talented side in FC Team.
Mike Kenley was in sparkling form on his debut for Brady, while Richard Baum showed that he’s still got it with a top quality finish. Indeed we’re set to see a great battle between two fine strikers in Kenley and Team’s Richard Salmon, one that will be key.
Brady joint-manager Joel Nathan told JC Sport: “After last week’s disappointment of losing in the last minute after nearly winning the game seconds earlier, the boys are really up for Sunday.
“The new, young additions did superbly and will be around again this weekend when we take on a strong FC team who are now established in the Premier Division and will be giving their all.”
The visitors will have some important players missing, but Nathan was quick to add: “The strength in depth is great and I am sure the boys will be coming away with three points.”
FC Team looked the bees knees against Lions in their first game of the season. Simon Peterman, Richard Salmon, Adam Rones and Dec Selbo wrapped up a 4-1 win, with manager Mitch Young praising James Korn, Jon Breger and Salmon for excellent performances.
He told me after the game that he “won’t get carried away with one win” and he knows that his players will have their hands full with a star-studded Brady line-up.
Ahead of the Brady clash, he added: "It will be a big test against a talented Brady side, but we want to win and will be doing ur very best to get the three points."
The battle between Richard Salmon and Jonny Ellis will be worth the admission fee alone. Blink and you’ll miss it.
JC team news: Brady welcome back the Hershman brothers – Alex and Josh - and Lee Cash, but are without Rob Lerner, Ryan Fox, Ben Goldberg, Mark Lazare and Jordan Nathan, who is having a op on Thursday to repair his broken thumb.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Steve Levy
JC star man: Alex Hershman (Brady)
DC Prediction: FC Team 1 Brady 1
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CAMDEN PARK vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
Camden will be determined to get their first Premiership win on the board when they welcome 2011 champions Redbridge to their new home.
Rob Hershkorn gave them the perfect start to life back in the top-flight last weekend, but they eventually came unstuck against Raiders.
Captain Max Saunders was their standout performer and I expect him to have his hands busy with RJC's new-look front-line.
Looking ahead to the game, Camden boss Josh Marks told JC Sport: "Last week’s performance was brilliant – really encouraging. We were almost exactly where we wanted to be for the full 90 minutes. However we literally gave the game to an average Norstar team in the 70th and 71st minute. Not sure they created any chances other than managing to capalize on two fatal errors.
"Onwards and upwards though and we’re relishing the opportunity to get revenge on the team that knocked us out in the cup semis last year. Losing our first two games would be bad. Losing our first two games which I said to everyone we would win would be really bad. Losing this weekend is not an option, and the boys know it."
Sam Rosenthal was frustrated his team didn't play Lions last Sunday and they will be trying to make up for lost time here.
If RJC can silence the crowd early on, I expect them to do just enough and can see them edging home by the odd goal in three.
Venue – White City Tigers Turf, Ref – Richard Jay
JC star man: Adam Hakimi (RJC)
DC Prediction: Camden 1 Redbridge 2
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
3 - Jamie Kent (Shirley Park), Dan Pike (SPEC FC), Dave Newman (SPEC FC)
2 - Gideon Gold (Shirley Park)
LOS BLANCOS vs CHIGWELL ATHLETIC
Early days for Blancos and Chigwell, but three points would be great on Sunday.
Edged out by SPEC FC on Matchday One, Adam Hersh will want a big reaction from his players and they have a perfect chance against a Chigwell team that has lost their first game (and I didn’t even tip them to win it this time!)
However, Hersh’s resources will be tested to the limit this weekend. He told JC Sport ahead of the game: “We are missing a number of players which is stretching us very thin.
"Last week we played some good football and were unlucky to be on the losing side. If we can improve in front of goal then we fancy our chances in most games."
Chigwell boss Richard Slater is refusing to hit the panic button just yet, but it wouldn’t surprise me if his troops got a blast of the famous Slater hairdryer, that my sources have told me came out of the loft this week.
They started well against Brady last weekend, but things went Pete Tong second half.
Slater will want to see what his players are made of. He told JC Sport: "The performance was good for 60 minute last week. This Sunday I'm looking for a reaction to last week and 90 minutes of concentration."
The first goal will be crucial.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Neal Cohen
JC star man: Nick Grosse (Blancos)
DC Prediction: Blancos 2 Chigwell 1
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NORTH WEST NEASDEN vs WOODFORD WANDERERS
Neasden had victory snatched from them against Shirley last Sunday and manager Andrew Goldman will be looking to set the record straight against Woodford at Hadley FC.
Summer signing Dan Orgel repaid a large chunk of his transfer fee with his first goal for the club and Goldman and co are looking for more of the same on Sunday.
Craig Edwards, Scott Kay and Danny Sherman caught the eye against Shirley, but Neasden’s Steve Murad knows they will need to playing their cards right for what is expected to be a close contest.
Murad told JC Sport: “After the frustration of conceding so late against Shirley Park last week, we are all eager to get back to winning ways and everyone is focused on making that happen.
“Woodford are a good team with some dangerous attacking players, but if we want to be challenging for promotion we need to continue our solid start and get the three points on Sunday.”
Ahead of the game, NWN had a goalkeeping crisis with Murad out for six weeks with a broken finger. Gaffer Goldman did well between the sticks, but he’s ready to splash the cash on a new stopper – ideally in time for the visit of Woodford.
Woodford lacked a cutting edge against Harmen last Sunday, but they gave a good account of themselves nonetheless and with players back Tony Charles’ men won’t fear NWN.
The visitors will travel to north London quietly confident they can put points on the board. Woodford’s Martin Sales told JC Sport: “We are not underestimating anyone in this division this year, however we know on our day we can beat anyone.”
Both teams are missing some key men, but I can see NWN doing just enough on the day.
JC team news: NWN have a number of absentees. Josh Tiano, Shai Davidi and Steve Murad are all unavailable and last week's TOTW man Scott Kay is also a doubt.
Harrison Midda, Dan Cooper and Jamie Golding are unavailable for Woodford. They have an otherwise fully fit squad, although “Adam Poole is still having a late fitness test”.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – John Feenstra
JC star man: Josh Gilbery (NWN)
DC Prediction: Neasden 2 Woodford 1
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SOUTHGATE HARMEN vs SPEC FC
Something tells me goals will be at a premium on Sunday as early pace-setters SPEC FC visit Harmen.
Dan Pike and Dave Newman have started the season all guns blazing and with two wins on the bounce, manager Laurence Conway hopes they can complete the hat-trick in Mill Hill.
Slowly, slowly is the Conway way, an opinion shared by Ricky Lawrence. He told JC Sport: “From what we've heard Harmen are going to be an extremely difficult team to beat on Sunday but after a great start to the season ourselves, we're confident that we have the ability to get the win we're after.”
It was all smiles for the Harmen boys at the final whistle last weekend. Joint-manager Sam Castle was delighted with the win and clean sheet and he wants more of the same this weekend. Marc Cohen was their matchwinner, with keeper Harry Fine looking the part between the sticks.
Ahead of the clash against SPEC FC, Castle told JC Sport: “After a rock solid start to the season, we’re looking to build on that success and our next challenge is this Sunday.
“SPEC are in great form - having won two out of two so far this term - and they will be tough to beat. We battled out a 1-1 draw against them in pre-season, however we were missing seven regulars.
“This is a game not to be missed and we feel confident we have the skill, ability and determination to produce the goods again this week.”
It’s impossible to separate the teams on paper and that’s why I’m banking on a score draw.
JC team news: Harmen are almost at full-strength, with the exception of Jordan Grant who is battling back from a foot injury. He is about a week away from playing.
SPEC welcome back Ashley Burns and Nick Berman. Simon Bagel is also expected to return after picking up an injury in the Blancos game.
Harmen squad: H Fine, J Castle, A Velleman, J Morris, B Fox, M Green, A Osper, B Kaye, M Geppert, B Cohen, M Cohen, J Sandler, B Weinberg, J Segal, R Rinder, L Greenfield, S Castle
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Robert Benardout, KO – 10am
JC star man: Sam Castle (Harmen)
DC Prediction: Harmen 0 SPEC 0
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BRADY MACCABI B vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B
Josh Dagul’s Brady made a barnstorming start against Chigwell last weekend to prove to the rest of the league that there is life after James Joseph.
They showed great spirit to come from behind against experienced opposition and really showed their quality in the last 30 minutes.
New signing Henry Ziff capped a dream debut with a rare goal, with Reiss Mogilner, Dan Harrod and Josh Newman finishing the job. My title tips look good.
Hendon have been licking their wounds after being hit for six by those Shirley boys a couple of weeks ago. Managers Aryeh Goldring and Chaim Gothold will be looking for a good performance ahead of next week’s Anekstein Cup clash against third division Faithfold C.
As a club, Brady have made some brilliant signings and I can only see them going from strength to strength.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – John Nitka
JC star man: Dan Harrod (Brady)
DC Prediction: Brady 4 Hendon 1
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
2 – Ed Green (Bilbaum), Ben Bell (Bilbaum), Ben Zloof (AC Mill Hill)
FAITHFOLD B vs AC MILL HILL
I'm predicting a big reaction from newly-promoted Mill Hill on Sunday as they look to restore some pride following their 5-2 mauling at the hands of Raiders B.
That was the heaviest defeat Joe Levy's boys have tasted since joining the league and I can see them calling all the shots against the Superhoops.
Ben Zloof's double was the only saving grace against NLR. He will score goals in this division and Faithfold must be on their guard against a player Mill Hill did well to keep hold of over the summer.
I caught up with Levy before the game and this is what he said. "We have no new injury news so we will be as we were last week. We will be looking to put our first points on the board this week.
"We played Faithfold B in a friendly pre-season, but this was very much an experimental game for both teams.
"We expect a much tougher test than our friendly, but I am confident we have the ability in the squad to take all three points."
Faithfold would have had 14 days to lick their wounds after the 3-1 defeat at the hands of Blizzard. Boss Rob Shuman will have his boys ready to go again, but it's vital they don't concede early on.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Rob Caplin
JC star man: Rob Kleinmann (Mill Hill)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 1 Mill Hill 3
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FC TEAM B vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B
No-one likes losing a derby, especially not David Gordon, so expect a big performance from FC Team on Sunday.
Paul Savitz scored a simply stunning goal, and Eddie Sternberg's wasn't bad either, but that still wasn't enough to stop them going down in a five-goal thriller.
But Gordon would've seen enough from his players to believe that a first win is just around the corner, and with key men back don't bet against them.
The Team boss sounded in determinded mood when he told JC Sport: "We know this is going to be a tough game, but we need to show the same attitude we did against the C team, where we were a little unfortunate to lose.
"Raiders got an excellent result last weekend and we know we are going to have to work hard to beat them.”
NLR chief Jonny Adelman won't have to say much to motivate his troops. Andrew McMaster made a dream return to Maccabi League football, as did Gilad Kestenbaum, in the 5-2 demolition of Mill Hill. But they won't be allowed as much time and space in what will be a high-octane affair.
Adelman told JC Sport: "Any Raiders against FC Team game is big and we'll have no problem getting the boys up for this one!"
Rest assured this will be tasty. Let battle commence!
JC team news: FC Team have Paul Walker back from suspension, while Mitch Lassman will have a late fitness test after missing last weekend’s game with an injury. Ben Radstone in line to make his debut. Eddie Sternberg, Adam Savitz and Matt Davis are all injured.
Experienced Raiders front man Jonny Blain picked up a knock against AC Mill Hill and is doubtful and Sam Isaacs is away. On the plus side Nicky Woolf, Josh Fineman and Simon Buchler are available and return to the squad.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Andy Fridkin
JC star man: Nicky Woolf (NLR)
DC Prediction: Team 1 Raiders 2
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OAKWOOD B vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B
The Oaks drew a blank in their opener last weekend and manager Ian Tussie has threatened to bring the barn door in to training next week if there's a repeat performance.
His team were free-scoring last season and tinkerman Tussie is considering one or two adjustments as his players acclimatise to life in a higher division.
The Division Three champions believe they can follow in Brady B's footsteps and achieve back-to-back promotions, but they will be given a real test by a confident Rebridge team, and Tussie knows that.
He told JC Sport: "Sunday, bloody Sunday. Big game already in the season for us and we could do with a win and maybe a shot or two on goal this week.
"It's going to be a tough one for both teams due to the small matter of Yom Kippur the day before. It's always hard to rehydrate properly after a fast. Our club doctor Dan Broman has recommended we all drink milk and water in equal proportions on Saturday night to rehydrate fully and we'll be carrying out a Dulux colour chart test on the players' urine on Sunday morning to separate the hydrate from the sidrate.
"We go into the game without a few players as always. Ben Polak and Marc Conway are away at a Football League Trivia conference in Taplow, Adam Blin's ankle injury has ruled him out and Marc Hymanson is away. David Epstein is out with shirkitis. Vic Librae's lobotomy has been postponed for another week freeing him up to play. On the plus side we have new signing Mike Silverberg set to make his debut - he'll be like a new signing for us. And the club is hoping to get league ratification for the outside-the-transfer-window signing of Josh Marlow, unattached, in time for him to be involved on Sunday."
A rare headed effort from Sam Sollosi earned RJC an impressive win on the road at Bilbaum. Ben Binder and recent signing Jordan Sapler sealed the win in a Darren Brown-inspired performance.
Jacobs knows that a win could be rewarded with the JC Manager of the Week accolade, so there's plenty at stake for everyone involved.
He told JC Sport: "My main hope is that Ian Tussie is as funny in person as he is in print.
"We will park the bus and put 10 men behind the ball against arguably the best team in the league."
I can see this game providing five-star entertainment, with goals at both ends.
JC team news: RJC are missing Pierce Prince (on a secret driving mission), Sam Rank (busted ribs ), Jimmy and Dave Castle ( away with the Hammers), but Arron Goldberg, Daniel Jacobs and Matt Kemp come in.
Venue - Brunel, Ref – Martin De La Fuente
JC star man: Matt Kemp (RJC)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 2 Redbridge 2
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ATHLETIC BILBAUM vs FC TEAM C
FC Team C are riding on the crest of a wave after their thrilling derby victory and shirt sales with Julius on the back are flying out of the window of the club shop following his winner.
But the news wasn’t so good at the Bernebaum where Bilbaum suffered their first defeat of the season in another game of five goals. Joint-player-manager Ed Green and Ben Bell made the scoresheet for the Baums, but they were undone by the brilliance of young Sam Sollosi.
FC Team are packed with some big-hitters and they will be out to show their hosts just who is top dog on Sunday in what will be an open and entertaining affair.
Venue – Hertswood Centre, Ref – Henry Raffe
JC star man: Shim Bensoor (Team)
DC Prediction: Bilbaum 2 FC Team 3
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FAITHFOLD B vs AC MILL HILL
Mill Hill are ready to go again and manager Joe Levy has selected the same squad as they look to right the wrongs of last week.
Other than Ben Zloof’s double, there were few positives to take out of the 5-2 defeat at Raiders B and I’m sure everyone in the team will be determined to show that it was no more than a blip.
“We will be looking to put our first points on the board this week,” Levy told JC Sport.
“We played Faithfold B in a friendly pre season, but this was very much an experimental game for both teams. We expect a much tougher test than our friendly, but I am confident we have the ability in the squad to take all three points.”
With matches against Bilbaum and FC Team C coming up, it’s vital Faithfold B get something from this game. I’m sure manager Rob Shuman will set his team out with firm instructions to watch the boy Zloof, but the visitors have quality in several positions and I can see them winning by a couple of goals.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Rob Caplin
JC star man: Rob Kleinmann (Mill Hill)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 1 Mill Hill 3
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DIVISION THREE
DIVISION THREE TEAM OF THE WEEK
TOP-SCORERS
5 – Richard Fogelman (L’Equipe)
4 – Steven Black (L’Equipe), Ben Berrick (Jewdinese)
HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB C vs L’EQUIPE
L'Equipe have made an excellent start with four points out of a possible six in what looks set to be a well-contested division.
Managers Dan Cordell and Josh Lewis are delighted with the quality of football their players have made and they will encourage their troops to go for the jugular on the big west Hendon pitch.
Missing their first-choice strikeforce of Richard Fogelman and Steven Black, they were content with a point against a Jewdinese team who look set to challenge them for promotion.
Going into the Hendon game, messus Cordell and Lewis will remind their boys that although Hendon scored for fun last season, they conceded a high number of goals so a shoot-on-sight policy could be order of the day.
Cordell told JC Sport: "We have a completely full-strength team to chose from and unfortunately have had to put a rotation plan in place where a number of players will be rested this week and used in our following match.
"Hendon always provide a stern test and are typically a well-organised and disciplined team. Having taken four points off them last year we want to get off to a winning start against them.
"Our nine-goal first game strikeforce are back together as Fogelman has overcome a hamstring problem and 'Blacky' has returned from Scotland.
"Given our aspirations for the season and a full-strength side this is a perfect test for us. Forget the smoked salmon and a cup of tea – we want to break the fast on three points!"
Hendon will be without last season's top scorer and Player of the Year Alex Elf when they host L'Equipe. Other than that, boss Adam Glekin has pretty much a full strength squad available.
He told JC Sport: "I know L'Equipe filled their boots in their opening game, but they'll have a much tougher task against our new-look defence who were exceptional in our only game.
"We'll need to improve on our attacking display to claim the three points we desperately want, but I'm confident we will do so."
No Elf will hamper the Hustlers but L'Equipe be warned; the best of the rest are determined to prove they are anything but a one-man team.
JC team news: Gavin Rhodes is back at centre-back for L'Equipe and captain Mark Singer will leave the gloves to one side and take up his usual position at centre mid.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Laurence Thorne
JC star man: Mark Singer (L'Equipe)
DC Prediction: Hendon 1 L'Equipe 3
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BOCA JEWNIORS vs FAITHFOLD C
Boca fans were mightily encouraged by their performance against Fortune last weekend when they came away with a deserved point.
Managers Viv Emanuel and Jack Shulman were delighted with how the new signings played, with 9/10 performances from more than half of the team.
“Last week’s result was really pleasing and we are looking to build on it for this week’s match against Faithfold," Emanuel told JC Sport at his pre-match press conference.
“To my surprise Faithfold have lost their first two games, I was sure they would be a team challenging for the league this season. But we know exactly what Faithfold are capable of, they beat us heavily on both occasions last season and we are looking to set the record straight on Sunday.
“They have scored five goals in two games so far, so we know they can score, but hopefully we can take advantage of a poor defensive record so far. Faithfold will be looking for blood this week so we need to be careful.
“I am looking for a good performance this week to follow our battling performance against Temple Fortune last week. We are looking for Adam Kaye and David Brown to give us another good performance at the back, and our strikers to score lots of goals this week.
“I think we turned some heads last week and the pressure is on. Will we get our first win this week? I hope so.”
Sunday will be an emotional day as I make my return to Maccabi League action after a four-year absence. I always said it would take a very good offer to get me out of retirement and Faithfold boss David Garson came up with the goods (that means an undisclosed fee between you and me!)
Indeed gaffer Garson looked very happy with himself, sipping a mojito just seconds after I signed on the dotted line. He told JC Sport: "I'm glad you are there as it makes me not the oldest player!
"We welcome Danny Caro and Avi Garson and hope and expect to get back to winning ways."
I can see Boca getting something from the game, but go easy on me lads, please!
JC team news: Boca have a full-strength squad, with the exception of two players - Kane Alexander and Dovi Fehler – who are away. But the good news for Boca fans is Emanuel has “great back up for them”.
Venue – Roger Bannister, Ref – Quentin Fox
JC star man: Dan Ezra (Boca)
DC Prediction: Boca 2 Faithfold 2
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JEWDINESE vs LOUGHTON ORIENT
Jake Erlich describes the absence of “Jewdinese's Tom Huddlestone-like” midfielder Harry Marks as “a big blow,” but they are almost at full-strength and gunning for glory when they welcome the warriors from Loughton.
Erlich hopes that his players steer clear of injury ahead of next week’s big cup clash against Oakwood A, but he’ll be telling his players that the league is the priority in their first season and they should take each game as it comes.
I was particularly impressed with Sim Cohen last Sunday. He managed to come through the top-of-the-table clash against L’Equipe without a spot of mud on him. Just check out the photos.
I can’t see Jewdinese letting in many goals this season, with Maccabiah starlets Grant Reingold and the better-looking Cohen brother taking no prisoners. Indeed, there is a strong sporting pedigree in the Reingold household, with young Grant related to Doncasters Rovers and South Africa midfield maestro Dean Furman. Unfortunately the same cannot be said of the Cohen household!
Ben Berrick has quickly won over the Jewdinese fans, with quality goals in the first two weeks of the season and he is a man Loughton must surely watch.
Ahead of the game, Erlich told JC Sport: “I’m hope the boys will guide us to a win against a strong Loughton Orient side.
“We look to carry on our unbeaten run and prove to David Wolff that he predicted the right team for the Division Three title.”
Dan Curtis has done a good job at Loughton, but their results have not necessarily reflected that. He could have overhauled the squad over the season, but hopes his players will repay the faith.
Edged out 2-1 by Catford on the opening weekend of the season, Curtis will demand three points ahead of the long trip to west Hendon.
“Sunday’s game will be hard however our objective is clear and that is 3 pts,” Curtis told JC Sport.
“We let ourselves down with the performance in our opening game and as far as I'm concerned, our season starts from now.”
This is a battle between youth and experience and although Loughton will huff and puff, I don’t think it will be enough.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Adam Yuchetel
JC star man: Grant Reingold (Jewdinese)
DC Prediction: Jewdinese 3 Loughton 1
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KING CROWN vs CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI
It’s amazing what a bit of delegation can do for a football club. In days gone by, Cats chairman Lester Jacobs did most things at the club, including washing the kit, organising, making the half-time cuppas, the lot. But now, with the club celebrating it’s 50th year, he can focus on his Sunday mornings as manager. And I will tell you what. It’s working. Like a treat, in fact.
Confidence is sky high after back-to-back wins over Loughton and Whetstone. Yonni Bord is in the form of his life, clearly thriving from the service of the likes of Gabriel John, and, most importantly, everyone is doing their jobs on the pitch too.
And when you have a nippy goal-poacher such as Eli Baraty up top, results can come quite easily.
Ahead of the game, Catford's Adam Luria told JC Sport: "We won't underestimate King Crown after their win last week, but with an almost unchanged squad we're hoping to continue our great start."
But Jacobs knows full well that this game has a habit of slapping you in the face when you least expect it. King Crown will be determined to end Catford's 100 per cent record and they must not arrive complacent as the home side have the bit between their teeth now too. Boss Jacob Kadoch was purring at the performance of striker Benji Greenblatt who will be buoyant after making JC Team of the Week.
Ahead of the game, Kadoch told JC Sport: "We are looking to pick up from where we left off on last Sunday. It the first home game on our home pitch so we’ll be looking to make our pitch a fortress and go unbeaten.
"If we win I believe we will go top of the table, which is a huge incentive."
I think this game will have everything so may the best team win.
JC team news: King Crown are missing Jeremy Kaminsky and Josh Karpf.
Catford are missing Dave Powell and Oli Hitman this week, but welcome new signing (and cousin of right-back Darren) Gary Hill, as well as seeing a potential return for Cats legend Steve Keller.
Venue – Ludgrove Playing Fields, Ref – Martin Fox
JC star man: Jeff Gotch (Catford)
DC Prediction: King Crown 2 Catford & Bromley 3
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NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS C vs AC WHETSTONE
Watch out for a wounded Whetstone. That’s the message from manager Clive Nathan following the heavy defeat against Catford last Sunday.
The Whetstone boss came away from the game “proud” of his players following the 4-1 defeat in what was their first-ever senior game.
“We play the game the right way and will only get better,” Nathan said after the game in which Alex Wolffendon grabbed the consolation.
Don Polak fired Norstar C to a point on the opening weekend, but manager Zack Gothelf is aiming higher ahead of their second game.
He told JC Sport: “We'll be looking to build on our comeback in our only game of the season so far and try to kick off our home games with three points.
“We'll be looking to use our good passing game and technical ability on the flat 3G surface to create a lot, use the space and score more than the opposition.
“We don't know much about AC Whetstone aside from the fact that they're young and have played together for years. We'll hope to out-muscle our opponents and cement a solid start to the season.”
I believe Whetstone’s first win is just around the corner but Norstar will have just too much for them on the day.
JC team news: Will Ufland is a notable absentee for NLR, as he attempts to shake off an ankle injury.
Venue – Ark Academy, Ref – Paul Dobkin
JC star man: Dan Polak (NLR)
DC Prediction: Raiders 3 Whetstone 1
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ALSO SEE
DANNY CARO'S MATCHDAY 2 OSCARS
PREMIER DIVISION TEAM OF THE WEEK
DIVISION THREE TEAM OF THE WEEK
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PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Sam Lewis (Faithfold A)
MANAGER OF THE WEEK
Phil Peters (Norstar London Raiders A)
GOAL OF THE WEEK - PAUL SAVITZ
JC SAVE OF THE WEEK
Sam Lewis (Faithfold A)
