It's the first cup weekend of the season, with the match of the weekend seeing Premier Division rivals Redbridge and FC Team go head-to-head, while league leaders Norstar London Raiders face a big test in the shape of Brady Maccabi A. Danny Caro looks ahead to all the action.
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FAITHFOLD A vs OAKWOOD A - MATCH PHOTOS
FC TEAM A vs BRADY A - MATCH PHOTOS
FC TEAM A vs BRADY A - VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
SOUTHGATE HARMEN vs SPEC FC - MATCH PHOTOS
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND ONE
FAITHFOLD A vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B
There’s an intriguing match in store at the Lodge as defending league champions Faithfold welcome Division Two high-flyers Redbridge.
Faithfold boss Zuriel Solomon knows the east Londoners pose a potential banana skin and his is promising to field a strong XI.
A 4-2 win over Oakwood sets the Superhoops up nicely for watch will no doubt be an entertaining contest. Mike Pearson maintained his good early season form with a double, with Jonny Haik and Dan Stock also on target for the team that is looking to make yet another appearance at Wingate & Finchley at the business end of the season.
Looking ahead to the game, Solomon told JC Sport: “Sunday is a welcome break from the league and we welcome Redbridge B to the Lodge.”
“We don’t know much about them, but will show them the same respect we show all our opponents.
“We are starting to play well, but are still nowhere near where we were last year which can only bode well. Our boys will be on it as will Redbridge so it should be a good game.
Sam Sollosi was the star of the show for RJC last Sunday. A second consecutive victory was all the more impressive given it came at an Oakwood B team who don’t lose many at home. And Ian Tussie words that “RJC deserved” were music to the ears of JC Manager of the Week Jon Jacobs.
The RJC chief appears to have the perfect blend of youth and experience, with the wise, old head of Darren Brown vital on Sunday. Nathan and Sam Sollosi are have Premier Division qualities and they will be looking to impress against the champions.
RJC also have an excellent selection of goalkeepers at the club, with Dan Lee, Bradley Grant, Matt Kemp and Jordan Davidson vying for two positions. Whoever lines up in Mill Hill on Sunday will be asked questions.
When push comes to shove, only a brave man would bet against Faithfold, but I can see RJC making things tough for the majority of the game.
JC team news: Faithfold are without Alex Kaye, James Taylor and Rocky Spitzer, but welcome back Sam Reeves and Alex Levack from suspension, along with Elliott Stern who returns from injury.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Keith Goodman
JC star man: Dan Stock (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 3 Redbridge 1
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A vs BOCA JEWNIORS
There’s a real David against Goliath feel about this tie as Premier Division giants Hendon host minnows Boca.
Home fans probably expect to turn up and see a cricket score, but there are two key factors which lead me to believe this may not happen. Firstly, Hendon’s team news and secondly, Boca are on the up.
I was mightily impressed by the Boca boys when I saw them first-hand for 90 minutes last weekend. And while Yoshua Silverman is adamant his 35-yard effort that looped agonisingly into the top corner was intended, his teammates are not so sure.
Results have been few and far between for Boca since they joined the league, but they play their football in the right way and their summer signings are sure to bring them results, under Jack Shulman and Viv Emanuel.
Although the draw has been unkind to them once again, Emanuel told JC Sport his boys will give it their best shot. “It seems that whatever team I play for, I am doomed to draw a Division One team each and every time. If it’s not been Chigwell it was Neasden or LML. This week is no different as we have drawn Hendon A. Clearly the gods like to challenge us!
“It’s going to be a tough match on Sunday, there is no denying that. We just need to make sure that we defend and show some pride in this game.
“If we battle and keep working for 90 minutes, you never know! Shocks have happened before and this would be a great win if we can get it.
“We will have a full squad to choose from, captain Ami Wynbourne has been a key player for us so far and it has made the difference having someone to push the players on.”
Indeed Wynbourne will have a good knowledge of the Hendon team, but he probably shouldn’t reveal all as it would probably scare one or two of his teammates.
Boca have been quoted 100-1 to win in 90 minutes, but Hendon boss David Garbacz is taking nothing for granted. He told JC Sport: “We’ve had a nightmare on the team news front and only nine A-team players available due to Succot, but there is nothing we can do and we will have to get on with it with what we have.
“I must admit to knowing absolutely nothing about Boca Jewniors, but I presume like all young new teams they will be full of enthusiasm and with the players we have out they will possibly fancy their chances.
“At this stage I do not think we will be able to raise a team of 11 so we will have to play it very carefully on Sunday in order to avoid a major upset. Even with our squad so decimated by un-availabilities, I would still think we should have enough, but I assure you this will not be anywhere near as comfortable as it might look on paper.
“We will expect them to raise their game and we must not be complacent – assuming that we are sensible we should be ok to go through, but I am not really looking forward to this at all.”
The first 20 minutes will be crucial for Boca. They need to stand firm, put numbers behind the ball and take no risks. Then and only then will they give themselves a chance.
This would be the mother of all shocks, but even with key men missing for Hendon, I can only see one winner.
JC team news: Hendon have a big Succot problem in that a number of players are away. The Hammers are without Russell Corin, Josh Lipman, Yoav Kestenbaum, Danny Kon, Paul Bentley and Jacob Gold, while Dovid Korman has been ruled out for the season with a cruciate ligament injury. Garbacz describes this as “a massive blow”. Best wishes Dovid. Golden oldie Jeremy Reuben has been drafted in to play in goal.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Steve Levy
JC star man: Ryan Monk (Boca)
DC Prediction: Hendon 4 Boca 1
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OAKWOOD A vs JEWDINESE
Sunday is all about the return of the king as Ilan Scorah makes his long-awaited comeback for Oakwood.
The Elvis Presley of the mighty Oaks was sorely missed against Faithfold last weekend when his team got off to a nightmare start, falling 2-0 down inside the first 10 minutes.
But there was light at the end of the tunnel in the shape of the performances of Alex ‘Stepover’ Koslover and Bobby Cousins who will be determined to ensure there are no hiccups against the MGBSFL new boys.
Oaks joint-manager Ric Blank told JC Sport: “The cup is a welcome distraction from what has been a hectic league campaign thus far. One game in and we're ready for the break.
“We host third division Jewdinese but won’t be taking anything for granted. Cliches aside, we were a third division side once and know that every team is capable of causing you problems if you don't do your job properly. We have a good side out but Sunday is all about the return of the King as Ilan Scorah makes his long-awaited comeback. He's been out growing his hair at the back and buying every check shirt uniqlo can stock all summer. Scorah's so cool. Remarkably trendy. We just love the things he dooooeees.
“Anyway, we’re looking forward to the cup. I've never been past the last eight in the CA Cup. This season I'd like to do something about that."
Jewdinese have made an excellent start in their first season in the MGBSFL. Unbeaten in three, Darren Lawrence men face their biggest test yet for a game that quite literally could shape their season.
Barney Rhodes, James Ross, Zack Collins and Ben Berrick were the scorers against Loughton last weekend, but club chairman Jake Erlich knows exactly what is on the line here.
He told JC Sport: “As expected, everyone is anxious but excited ahead of our cup game against Oakwood. We know Oakwood are going to be a strong team with a lot of experience at the top-level of Jewish football so we will look to unsettle them early on.
“We know it is going to be a challenge, but with our squad is almost at full-strength so we would like to pose as much as a challenge as possible.
“Overall we know that Sunday will be a hard game, but we will be fighting from the first whistle all the way through to try and grind out some sort of result.
It won’t take Jewdinese long to know they’re in a game. I tipped them to win last weekend but believe Premier Division class will tell, with Oakwood fans singing “The wonder of you” at the final whistle.
JC team news: There’s no Levine, Kintish or Bloom for Oakwood.
Jewdinese face one setback as centre back Harry Brian has soft tissue damage in his knee.
Venue - Brunel, Ref – Laurie Benson
JC star man: Bobby Cousins (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 2 Jewdinese 0
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NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS C vs LOS BLANCOS
If you’re looking for a shock this weekend then stick this down in your ‘possibles’ column as third division Raiders C take on Division One new boys Blancos.
Raiders haven’t set the world alight, with draws against Hendon C and Whetstone, but they’ve been solid and shouldn’t be written off altogether.
Oli Nathan registered last weekend and manager Zack Gothelf is confident L’Orange will give a good account of themselves against higher division opposition.
Gothelf told JC Sport: “We'll be looking to build on our unbeaten start to the season in a game where we will start as underdogs.
“We'll be missing a couple of players, but we've got the strength in depth to ensure we won't miss them too much.
“Cup games are always good fun and we'll use the opportunity to pit ourselves against a team two divisions above.
“We know we can play some great football at times and that we've been solid at the back so far, we're really looking forward to this one.”
A narrow opening day defeat against SPEC FC was followed by a real hammering against Chigwell and it’s vital they turn up to this game with their eye on the ball.
Blancos boss Adam Hersh told JC Sport: “The change in weather has driven half our squad to more tropical climates, so scraping a squad together is proving difficult.
“Nonetheless those available are more than capable of seeing us into the second round.”
The first goal will be crucial on Sunday. Blancos have lost a little of their fear factor now that Josh Cohen has moved to Israel and if Raiders take their chances they have enough quality to spring a surprise.
Venue - Brunel, Ref – Steve Russell
JC star man: Jake Yudelowitz (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Raiders 3 Blancos 2 AET
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B vs FAITHFOLD C
Momentum is the name of the game for Hendon B right now and although they have some men missing, I think they’ll have just too much for third division Faithfold.
The Goldring/Gothold revolution has yet to kick in, but they certainly made Brady work for their victory last Sunday.
Ahead of the visit of David Garson’s men, Hustlers joint-manager Chaim Gothold told JC Sport: “We’re hoping for a good result on Sunday as we need to gain some momentum to take into the league.”
Dan Gordon and Josh Barnett starred for the Superhoops last weekend. Gordon bagged a brace in the 3-1 victory over Boca, with Lewis Maleh coming off the bench to finish the job.
Faithfold boss Garson loves the cup competition, but he knows full well that Hendon have a good record in this competition and there’s a reason why his team will start the game as underdogs.
JC team news: Justin Simons returns in goal for Faithfold, but striker Ben Simons remains sidelined through injury.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Adam Yuchetel
JC star man: Parys Hammond (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon 3 Faithfold 1
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A vs FC TEAM A
Sparks could fly in Sunday’s tie of the round as Premier Division rivals Redbridge and FC Team lock horns at Fairlop.
RJC were happy to come away with a point following a tough workout against Camden, with Adam Stolerman showed nerves off steel from the penalty spot once again.
Manager Sam Rosenthal set a new MGBSFL record for shortest pre-match press conference earlier this week. Asked for his hopes for the game, he told JC Sport: “We hope to win the cup so a win would help!” Then he was off, quick as a flash.
FC Team boss Mitch Young vented his anger after last week’s defeat against Brady. Now he and his men are ready to go again.
"We need to show bounceback ability and there is no better way to do that then to beat a strong Redbridge team,” he told JC Sport.
“We did the double over them last season so we are going there in confident mood. However, with the Glenthorne merger, no doubt they have got stronger and playing away in Redbridge will be a huge test of character.
“If we turn up with the wrong attitude we will get demolished. It will be a good battle with the best team on the day going through.”
I don’t think this will be a classic but the winner won’t care about that.
JC team news: Danny Hakimi misses out for RJC through injury, but keeper Jordan Davidson and Brad Frankel are back in contention.
FC Team have Dave Grossman, Dan Silverman and Marc Harris out injured. There are late fitness tests for Richard Salmon and Jon Breger, while Oliver Segal should return
Venue - Fairlop, Ref – Adam Lewis
JC star man: Brad Frankel (RJC)
DC Prediction: Redbridge 2 Team 1
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SOUTHGATE HARMEN vs SHIRLEY PARK
Something has to give on Sunday as Harmen and Shirley have yet to taste defeat. That’s the beauty of the cup.
Virtually every player in a Harmen shirt ticked a box last Sunday and managers Sam Castle and Joel Alterman will be looking for more of the same against their Division One rivals.
Harmen felt hard-done-by after conceding a late penalty that was scored at the second attempt, but there’s absolutely no reason why they should be feeling sorry for themselves as they already look like a top outfit.
Harry Fine excelled in goal once again, while skipper Jon Morris led by example, putting his body on his line for the Harmen cause. Ben Weinberg was class personified, while Castle put in a “Drogba-esq” performance that would’ve impressed the Special One!
Ahead of the tie, Joel Alterman told JC Sport: “Following the late disappointment in last week’s match, the boys are looking to bounce back with a victory in our first cup game of the season.
“We have several players missing for the fixture, but the strength of our squad really shines through, allowing us to name a team that many others in the league would be envious of.
“Shirley Park have had an identical start to the season as us - with a win and draw after two matches - so both teams will be confident going into the game. Expect lots of action at both ends of the pitch.”
Shirley are also packed with quality, especially in the final third. Jamie Kent and Saul Conway are the best thing since sliced bread, according to the Park life faithful and Morris will have his hands full.
Both teams are big fans of Adam Klein and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him take his place in the VIP area!
Harmen squad: A. Simon, A. Velleman, B. Kaye, B. Weinberg, B. Cohen, B. Fox, H. Fine, J. Alterman, J. Castle, J. Morris J. Sandler, J. Segal, M. Cohen, M. Green, R. Rinder S. Castle
Venue – Chase Park, Ref – Martin Lavender
JC star man: Rick Rinder (Harmen)
DC Prediction: Harmen 3 Shirley 2
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PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
5 – Mike Pearson (Faithfold A)
2 - Jonny Haik (Faithfold A), Richard Salmon (FC Team A)
NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS A vs BRADY MACCABI A
NLR are in dreamland at the minute, and it appears they can do no wrong under manager Phil Peters. A double JC Manager of the Week award was followed by a lovely photo on the frontpage of the paper and his players have been equally impressive with a hat-trick of wins.
But they face a challenge of a different kind this weekend when a new-look Brady come to town. Jonny Kay was NLR’s goal-scoring hero against Lions last time out, although it needed a brilliant display from keeper Jake Doffman and Dan Grossman at the back to seal the points.
Brady go into the game on the back of a hard fought 2-1 win over FC Team. Star man Brad Sharp and Jonny Ellis helped them cancel out a goal from Richard Salmon to claim their first win of the season. Managers Josh Rosenfeld and Joel Nathan know the importance of stringing a series of results together if they are to realise their title dream.
Ahead of the game, Nathan told JC Sport: “We’re looking forward to a great contest against the league leaders.
“Our team showed on Sunday that despite six boys being 18 or under we will not be intimidated.
“They showed great character and maturity in coming from behind for the second week running, but now we have to push on and playing against the league leaders in what will be a tough test as Phil has obviously been working them hard during the summer and it seems to have paid off.
“The two best young keepers in the league will be on show and hopefully theirs will be the busier!”
This game is hard, nigh on impossible in fact to call. Brady know Raiders are packed with quality ballplayers so messus Nathan and Rosenfeld might well adopt Brendan Rogers’ seven second rule and ensure their danger men are closed down as soon as they get the ball.
I think this game will come down to small details and it wouldn’t surprise if it finished honours even.
JC team news: Raiders will give a late fitness test to captain David Rhodes who limped off late on last week with a sore groin.
Brady are without a couple of boys as they head off to uni, but they welcome back Mark Lazare, Rob Lerner Ryan Fox and Alex Hershman who were all away last week.
Venue – The Ark, Ref – John Feenstra
JC star man: Marc Lazare (Brady)
DC Prediction: Raiders 1 Brady 1
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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), Reiss Mogilner (Brady B), Michael Field, Dan Orgel (both Neasden)
CHIGWELL ATHLETIC vs WOODFORD WANDERERS
We saw the best of Chigwell going forward last weekend but manager Richard Slater is keen for them to cut out the errors at the back in his search for perfection.
A 10 out of 10 performance is rarely seen in a derby and it’s really only the result that counts in what is expected to be a passionate 90 minutes against Woodford.
Craig Pearl and Steve Summers were in sparkling form in the 8-3 routing of Blancos and Slater was delighted to see Dean Ben Yosef impress after coming off the bench. He could be pushing for a start on Sunday.
Speaking to JC Sport at his pre-match press conference, Slater told JC Sport: “Woodford are always a tough team for us, but if we cut out the cheap defensive mistakes over the last two weeks I think our attacking quality should be enough to get the three points.”
Woodford went down 3-1 against Neasden last week in a game where they clearly missed the presence of Harrison Midda, Dan Cooper and Jamie Golding.
The visitors know there’s no better place to claim your first win than at the home of your neighbours and that’s exactly what they’ll be looking to achieve on Sunday.
Man for man there won’t be much to separate the teams, but the spine of the Chigwell team have been playing together for some time now. They have boys who have represented their country at Maccabiah level and I think that ultimately this will be the difference.
Venue – Peter May, Ref – David Lazarus
JC star man: Dean Ben Yosef (Chigwell)
DC Prediction: Chigwell 3 Woodford 1
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DIVISION ONE
BRADY MACCABI B vs BRIXTON OLD BOYS
Brady made hard work of beating Hendon last weekend and their fans should prepare for another tough 90 minutes against a Brixton team still finding their feet.
It needed a moment of magic from super-sub Jimmy Winton to break the deadlock. Taking his place on the left of a four-man midfield, his repaid the faith of his manager to pop up with a finish that set up a 2-0 win. Reiss Mogilner added the other late on.
I think Brady will have to knock fairly hard on Brixton’s door to get any joy, but patience will be the name of the game against Scott Smith’s troops.
Defeats against Neasden and SPEC have put Brixton on the back foot, but chairman Robert Silverman is confident the new signings will bed in soon and results will come.
They might have to wait another week though …
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Warwick Blake
JC star man: Jimmy Winton (Brady)
DC Prediction: Brady B 2 Brixton 0
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
3 - Jamie Kent (Shirley Park), Dan Pike (SPEC FC), Dave Newman (SPEC FC)
2 - Gideon Gold (Shirley Park), Reiss Mogilner (Brady B), Michael Field, Dan Orgel (both Neasden)
FC TEAM B vs OAKWOOD B
I’m expecting a big reaction from Oakwood, even though manager Ian Tussie is on derby duty.
The northern boys are not used to losing and they will be determined to get back on track following the 3-2 defeat against Redbridge last week.
With both teams still waiting for their first win, I believe something will give on Sunday.
Tussie told JC Sport: “First things first, Sunday is really important. We need to win and to get our season going as it's not been the most inspiring start.
“Sunday gone was as bad as we've played since I've came into this job and we need to be putting things right what went wrong. Basics like putting your shirt on the right way round, not wearing your shorts inside-out, remembering to use the toilet before the game - if we can do that right this Sunday it'll be a step in the right direction.
“I'm still very optimistic for the season and as Dolly Parton said, "if you want the rainbow, you've got to put up with the rain". And people say she's just got a big rack!
“We are without a number of players for Sunday which makes thing particularly difficult, but i know we've got more than enough still to win the game. As it stands we are missing all five of our centre halves. It's going be a right old battle against Team B but i back my lads to do the job.
FC Team boss David Gordon believes his side has shot themselves in the foot twice. Mitch Lassman was their star man in the 4-3 defeat against Raiders C last weekend.
Gordon told JC Sport: "We've lost two games from winning positions this season and it's something that is a bit of a worry.
“We need to learn to put the game to bed and, with another tough game this weekend, that won't be easy. We really need a result to kickstart our season.
“As you can see, we have a number of injuries and absentees for the third week in a row which is very frustrating.”
Squad depth is the name of the game of Sunday and I can see it finishing honours even.
JC team news: There’s no Adam Savitz, Emile Ben Atar, Mitch Lassman or Eddie Sternberg for FC Team. All four are injured, while Dan Alfreds and Dan Lederman are unavailable.
Oakwood are missing central defenders Stefan Isaacs, Eric Lewis, Mike Silverberg, James Beale, Marc Conway), full-back Adam Blin, centre midfielder Dave Eden, Ian ‘trequartista’ Tussie and Dave ‘permasub’ Epstein, but they do have a few returnees including Ben Polak, who is back from Manchester following extended leave, club intern Gilly Geller and midfield lothario Marc Hymanson who returns from filming an advert for Herbal Essences Shampoo for Thick and Bold hair.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Stuart Ansher
JC star man: Marc Hyamson (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: FC Team 2 Oakwood 2
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ATHLETIC BILBAUM vs FAITHFOLD B
Dan Yoss promises wholesale changes ahead of Faithfold trip to the Bernebaum.
He was happy with his team’s performance for the first 70 minutes against Mill Hill last Sunday, but a lack of fitness proved costly as they went down 4-2.
“It’s been quite a week of ins and outs at Faithfold B,” Yoss told JC Sport. “If we moved on the pitch as well as off it, we'd probably have won the first two games 10-0.
“We are pleased to announce the signing of Elliot Bloom from Chigwell - a former Faithfold player - who is certainly a journeyman of Jewish football. Hopefully this is his chance to make a mark for one team.
“I'm expecting Oliver Telvi and Doron Hershkorn to step up to the plate with a few goals and I'm challenging Ashley Ilsen to get his fitness up. Unfortunately Josh Kaye has decided to leave the club and I wish him all the best with his future endeavours.
“We're bitterly disappointed about the last 20 minutes on Sunday...we're doing everything to ensure it doesn't happen again this Sunday.”
Bilbaum were hit for six by FC Team C last weekend in a game they led 2-1 at half time. There were few positives for managers Mark Pasha and Ed Green to take out of the game in which Jake Gilbert and Josh Flax and Green found the net.
After back-to-back defeats, questions will be asked but I don’t believe the Baums have become a bad team overnight. Far from it in fact. And I can see them setting the record straight on Sunday.
JC team news: Seth Green is out due to a neck injury which could potentially force him out for the season. He joins Joe Levi on the sidelines.
Venue - Hertswood, Ref – Laurence Thorne
JC star man: Jake Gilbert (Bilbaum)
DC Prediction: Bilbaum 4 Faithfold 2
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FC TEAM C vs BLIZZARD STORM
Blizzard welcome back some of their big guns for the trip to table-topping FC Team C.
Adam Speck, Oli Simons, Dan Simons and Alex Gold return to the fold as they look to extend their unbeaten run.
I can see Simon Linden adopting something of a cautious approach for a game in which his team’s promotion credentials will be put to the test.
"I'm expecting a tough game against FC Team," Linden told JC Sport. “They have started the season well, but we're looking forward to a big game."
FC Team made their intentions clear by coming from behind to claim an impressive win over Bilbaum last Sunday. Recent signing James Joseph led the fightback and managers Ben Gilbey and Michael Myers were delighted with the spirit shown by the boys in yellow and blue. Shim Bensoor found the net for the second consecutive week, with David James Cohen adding two more for a team that scores for fun.
"We have an interesting match up on Sunday,” Myers told JC Sport ahead of the game. “We don't know too much about Blizzard Storm, so the boys won't underestimate them.
"With our attacking prowess expect goals and we are hoping to keep a tighter ship at the back as we have leaked too many goals."
I don’t expect Blizzard to try and go toe-to-toe with FC Team. I can see them putting 10 men behind the ball at times and trying to hit them on the counter. A smash and grab would do Linden a treat.
The battle between Blizzard’s Adam Levene and James Joseph will be worth the admission fee alone in what could be a real cat and mouse contest.
JC team news: FC Team captain Jamie Breslaw is expecting to be fit and make the starting XI.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Barry David
JC star man: Jamie Breslaw (Team)
DC Prediction: FC Team 2 Blizzard 2
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LONDON HAROLDEANS vs AC MILL HILL
Back with a bang. That was the story for AC Mill Hill last weekend.
Star striker Ben Zloof was at it again, firing a double in a man of the match performance against Faithfold B.
But it was the debut of Alex Olcot that had Mill Hill fans, and many MGBSFL fans, talking, with the former Raiders ace reminding us all of his class. Depending on how many games he plays, I can see Mill Hill being a real force in the division. I rate the boy that highly. A fit and committed Olcot will give Joe Levy’s team another dimension and take them up a level or two.
The visitors will arrive in west London full of confidence with an unchanged squad. Levy told JC Sport: "We go into the game not knowing much about the opposition, but we are hopeful that if we continue the sort of football we played last week we can come away with the three points."
By Sunday, Haroldeans would’ve had three week to reflect on the 3-1 defeat against Bilbaum. Manager Jonathan Abrams is determined to put things right and he’ll be looking for a big performance from his players.
But match sharpness could be a factor and I expect the Mill Hill boys to do the business.
Venue – White City Tigers Turf, Ref – Neal Cohen
JC star man: Alex Olcot (Mill Hill)
DC Prediction: Haroldeans 1 Mill Hill 3
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DIVISION THREE
TOP-SCORERS
4 - James Joseph (FC Team C)
3 - Ben Zloof (AC Mill Hill)
CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB C
The games can’t come fast enough for the Cats who have started the season like a house on fire.
Confidence is sky high after three wins on the spin and the boys in black and blue will be raring to go when Hendon come to Norseman FC.
Joel Isaacs was the hero against King Crown last Sunday and they will be fancied to register a fourth consecutive win after what has been a fruitful Succot period.
Cats captain Adam Luria told JC Sport: “We're missing a few key players this week, but this is exactly the kind of situation that our squad players will have been waiting for.
“With four or five missing from Sunday's win, now is the chance for those players who haven't had a look-in due to our 100 per cent start to play themselves into Lester Jacobs' plans for the season.
“We've got ready made replacements in pretty much every position this season and it's up to them to give a good account of themselves to give Lester a nice selection headache when everyone is back in contention.”
Hendon were involved in a thriller against L’Equipe. Player-manager Adam Glekin scored the goal of the game, but that wasn’t enough to stave off defeat. He hopes their fortunes change this week.
Glekin told JC Sport: “One point from our first two games is a slightly disappointing return, but I feel there is much more to come from this team.
“We've played well in patches in both games, so it's just about stringing it together now.
“I'm expecting Caro to predict a comprehensive Catford and Bromley victory based on their start to the season, but we look forward to proving him wrong!"
I won’t let you down, Adam!
JC team news: For Catford, Dave Powell returns after missing last week, as does Reuben John. Leo Brownstein and Ryan Kangisser will be hoping to make their first starts of the season. This week could even see the return of secret weapon Jonny Lee, though his teammates will have to see whether he manages to get out of bed in time!
Hendon welcome last season's star man Alex Elf back into the fold for Sunday's trip to Catford after he was forced to miss the agonising defeat to L'Equipe. The Hustlers are grateful for his return, as they will be without fellow strikers Joni Kleiman and Ben David for the game. James Neidle is also out, but other than that boss Adam Glekin has a full squad to choose from.
Venue – Norseman FC, Ref – Robert Caplin
JC star man: Yonni Bord (Catford)
DC Prediction: Catford 4 Hendon 2
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TEMPLE FORTUNE vs AC WHETSTONE
Availability is an issue for a number of teams this weekend and that’s the case for the AC Whetstone as well.
Manager Clive Nathan was delighted with his team’s performance last weekend, with defenders Toby Nathan and Noah Bier catching the eye. Aaron Benjamin was their scorer in the 1-1 draw against Norstar C.
Sunday’s clash against Fortune features a battle of youth against experience. The pitches are still firm enough for fresh legs to come out on top and if Nathan and co play their cards right I can see them coming away with at least a point.
Ahead of the game, Nathan told JC Sport; “After our first point last week, we plan to build from it. The boys are learning fast and now know what they are up against.
“We won’t be making any rash predictions. All we can say is that we will always play the right way and look to improve.
“Whilst the major clubs in the Premier League have players away on international duty, we have players away for Succot, i.e. JFS is closed! We do welcome back our first choice keeper, Ben Polliins, this week and wish his family a long life.”
Fortune have had a chance to refresh after the draw against Boca. At the start of the season they would’ve marked this game down as a home banker, but they know the Whetstone wonder kids will be full of enthusiasm and endeavour. It’s definitely one to watch.
Venue – Roger Bannister, Ref – Quentin Fox
JC star man: Ben Polliins (Whetstone)
DC Prediction: Fortune 2 Whetstone 2
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ALSO SEE:
DANNY CARO'S MATCHDAY 3 OSCARS
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Brad Sharp (Brady Maccabi A)
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MANAGER OF THE WEEK
Jon Jacobs (Redbridge JC B)
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JC REFEREE
Laurence Thorne (Hendon C vs L'Equipe)
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DANNY CARO'S GOAL OF THE WEEK - STEVE SUMMERS
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DANNY CARO'S SAVE OF THE WEEK - JAKE DOFFMAN
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