AC Whetstone will be looking to register their second consecutive victory, while there are some big games in the Premier Division on Matchday 6 of the MGBSFL season. Danny Caro looks ahead to all the action.
The famous 'Challenge Caro' prediction game also returns, with Team GB Maccabiah star Ben Lederman going head-to-head with the JC Sports Editor.
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LANDESBERG EXPLAINS LIONS NO-SHOW
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CYRIL ANEKSTEIN ROUND TWO DRAW
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MATCH PHOTOS: OAKWOOD B vs LONDON HAROLDEANS
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE
MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
DANNY CARO'S PREM DIV TEAM OF THE WEEK
BRADY MACCABI A vs OAKWOOD A
Oakwood joint-manager Ric Blank was in fighting mood at his pre-match press conference ahead of the trip to Brady.
We’re more than a month into the new season, yet the Oaks have only played one league game and that was a 4-2 defeat against champions Faithfold.
No doubt the Oakwood boys are just desperate to play, as Blank explained. “There aren’t many absolutes in this world. The sun rising in the east is one. Oakwood being four games behind everyone else by early October is another. How? Why? I couldn’t tell you. I think Norstar are about to finish their season aren't they? Are they champions yet? Or have Hendon nicked it despite having 75 players out injured or fasting? Either way we're happy to be back playing!
“A trip to Brady is one of the toughest games of the season. I noted all the comments surrounding their match with FC Team, but was not moved by any of it.
“We welcome a physical encounter and the boys will be more than up for it. I also didn’t hear anyone from FC Team moan about the referee when Adam Levine was put in hospital with a reckless, flying elbow. Anyway, that's for another day.
“For now we’re focusing on Brady who will be strong and committed as ever. We know they’ll bring the big guns out and we welcome that. We want to play against the best players in the best sides each week. It's why we get out of bed at silly o'clock on a Sunday morning.
“Another absolute guarantee is that we’ll have players away of a Sunday. But that’s what the squad is for. We may have to put Shocky at centre half. Only messing, he's had a bad back didn't you know?"
Brady also go into the game feeling slightly frustrated. Two early-season defeats are not what the fans expected and they’ll be looking to make a statement at the Lane on Sunday.
Joint-manager Joel Nathan told JC Sport: “After last week’s postponement the boys are itching to play. Oakwood were our bogey team last season, as we failed to beat them in three matches but we are hoping to change that this weekend, plus I don’t want another text from Jonny Davis telling me how I can’t beat all his boys from Manchester!
“Ric and Alex have built a very strong and settled side, and they play for each other until the final whistle, so we know what to expect and will be ready.”
I expect some big tackles to go in very early for what will no doubt be a high-octane affair.
JC team news: Brady are again missing a few faces due to university and holiday, but they welcome back Matt Sofier from injury.
For Oakwood, Ilan Scorah (whose “tracksuit top at training last night was out of this world”), Sam Jacobson, Antony Kintish and Bobbie Cousins are all unavailable. Dan Rose is away while Eddie Manson is still on the road back from recovery. Adam Levine is a major doubt.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Martin Lavender
JC star man: Matt Sofier (Brady)
DC Prediction: Brady 1 Oakwood 1
BL Prediction: Brady 2 Oakwood 0
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FAITHFOLD A vs CAMDEN PARK
Faithfold are licking their wounds following their first defeat of the season and I expect them to come out all guns blazing when they welcome Camden to the Lodge.
Zuriel Solomon won’t need to say much to his players who are keen to get the FC Team result out of their systems and it could be a busy day for the Camden back-line.
Solomon told JC Sport: “Sunday will be the first time we’ve played Camden in the league so we’re not sure what to expect.
“We know that if we don’t perform then we won’t come away with the right result.
“Last Sunday was our first league defeat in nearly a year, so it is up to the boys to make sure we go on a good run and we should have a full squad to choose from.”
Camden’s keeper scored in their 3-1 cup win over Bilbaum last weekend but that result is done and dusted now and manager Josh Marks will be preparing his men for what could be a torrid 90 minutes.
Camden are 10-1 to claim their first league win of the season at the home of the champions, but as highly as I rate them, that’s not a price I’m brave enough to take.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Andy Myerson
JC star man: Elliot Stern (Camden)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 3 Camden 1
BL Prediction: Faithfold 5 Camden 1
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LONDON MACCABI LIONS WHITE vs NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS A
“There’s no need to panic.” That’s what Director of Football Andy Landesberg told me this week after the Lions pulled out of the match against Rowley Lane stablemates Brady.
“It was a one-off,” Landesberg went on to say, “due to Fresher’s Week and some other factors”. So the question on Sunday is exactly who will line up for Lions?
That’s the question JC Manager of the Month Phil Peters will tell his Norstar London Raiders not to worry about the opposition and just to focus on themselves as the leaders go in search of their fifth win of the campaign.
They dropped points for the first time this season, but Raiders fans were delighted with another top-quality performance against a strong Hendon team, with the winning goal all that was missing.
Alex Bloch was the star man for Raiders, centre half with Josh Pistol scoring their goal. Keeper Jake Doffman will no doubt be on a high following his latest JC accolade and he’ll be keen to impress against one of his former clubs.
Ahead of Sunday’s contest, Peters told JC Sport: “Lions are having a tough time of it lately, but we won't underestimate them - it sounds like Eilon's on his way out so there's a level of uncertainty there, but we also know they have some decent Saturday boys who they might be able to turn to.
“Until seeing the team sheet I wouldn't like to predict which way this game will go.
“We should have beaten Hendon Sunday, but left our shooting boots at home. This week they'll be strapped on tightly and we'll be looking to turn our dominance into a convincing three points.”
The bubbly has been popping left, right and centre of late at L’Orange and Peters is hoping for double delight this weekend. He added: “On behalf of the whole club, I'd like to wish mazel tov to former Raiders and Norstar stalwart Jamie Freed who is getting married this Sunday. We've promised him nine points and hope to deliver on.”
All the signs point towards another Raiders win, but I’ve learnt never to write the Lions off, especially at home.
JC team news: Raiders captain David Rhodes should be back after recovering from a hamstring injury, whilst Justin Spiro, Jonny Kay and Adam Jason will also return to the squad. Oli Henry is still injured, whilst Josh Morris and Hendon-target Alex Bloch are out.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Richard Jaye
JC star man: Dan Grossman (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Lions 1 Raiders 2
BL Prediction: LML 1 NLR 6
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A vs LONDON MACCABI LIONS BLUE
“It’s only a matter of time until Redbridge click.” That’s all I’ve been hearing from the east Londoners who will be looking to dish out a brutal battering to the Lions on Sunday.
The Sam Rosenthal revolution will not happen overnight. Several new faces have come in over the summer and even though we have seen some promising signs from the club’s B-team, we may not see the best of them for a few weeks.
The Lions recorded their first win of the season last Sunday, and “spirits are high,” according to manager Jamie Kyte who is predicting a tough 90 minutes.
Kyte told JC Sport: “Going to Fairlop is never easy and the pitch doesn't suit our style of play, but the boys will give their all.
"Having won last weekend's game in the Sunday FA Cup, spirits are high in the dressing room, although we’ve got a couple of players missing this week.”
Confidence is like golddust in football. It’s hard to get and easy to lose. On paper, RJC have the edge for me, but they mustn’t hit the panic button if they don’t score early doors. I believe the Lions will get numbers behind the ball and try to hit them on the counter as Kyte and co go in search of a smash and grab raid.
But when push comes to shove, it’s Redbridge for me.
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – John Feenstra
JC star man: Adam Hakimi (RJC)
DC Prediction: RJC 2 LML 1
BL Prediction: RJC 3 LML 1
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FC TEAM A vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A
It’s been a good, no, brilliant week for FC Team and it appears manager Mitch Young is still celebrating after leading the side to a memorable win over defending champions Faithfold.
The Team gaffer scored his first goal in four years in a game where his backline gave a defensive masterclass. Indeed the boys in yellow and blue ticked all the boxes from back to front.
But Young won’t let them rest on their laurels, especially with former winners Hendon coming to town, with just a single point separating the sides. However, that performance and result has given everyone in the FC Team camp real belief.
Hendon go into the game unbeaten in three and manager David Garbacz told me this week that he believes the league is wide open.
He told JC Sport: “It is clear, even at this relatively early stage of the season, that there are no whipping boys in this division this year. A number of teams seem to have improved considerably and, in addition to early pace-setters NL Raiders, it looks like FC Team are totally rejuvenated as well. They come off the back of a very impressive result against Faithfold and will have to be treated with the utmost respect.
“They seem to base their game around a very strong defence, and it has been proved both with us two years ago and last year with Faithfold that there-in lies a strong recipe for success at this or indeed any level.
“We too are confident though and are buoyed by last week’s draw where we were down to the absolute bare bones.
“This week we have players back, especially in defence, and this will enable us to express ourselves much more up front.
“I would expect a tight close match, but strongly believe that we have an extra resolve about us this year that wasn’t there last year and we will be very tough to beat.
We’ll know a lot more about both teams come 12.15 on Sunday lunchtime.
JC team news: Hendon’s squad looks a lot healthier than it has in recent weeks - returning are Russell Corin, Josh Lipman, Alex Rosenthal and Danny Kon . Missing are long-term injury victim Dovid Korman and Yoav Kestenbaum who is at Uni.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Laurie Benson
JC star man: Alex Rosenthal (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Team 2 Hendon 2
BL Prediction: Team 2 Hendon 2
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
7 - Jamie Kent (Shirley Park)
4 - Ali Aquilina (Brixton), Steve Summers (Chigwell)
NORTH WEST NEASDEN vs LOS BLANCOS
Neasden boss Andrew Goldman is looking for an instant reaction from his men following the heavy defeat against Harmen.
In the end, a goal from Shai Davidi was all they had to show for their efforts. But Goldman is confident his players will step up for the visit of Blancos.
Goldman told JC Sport; “The squad and I were hurting for days after last Sunday’s debacle. Apart from a 15-minute collapse last weekend, we have started the season brightly, built solid foundations to build on and are raring to go for another big league game this weekend against a talented Los Blancos side.
“We need to start taking our chances and not give teams a chance to punish us, but this will come in time with the attacking quality we have at our disposable in the squad.
“It's very exciting to know that we've started the season reasonably well, yet so many haven't reached the top of their game yet.”
Blancos plan to get their season back on track following defeats in their opening two games. With matches against Brady B and Harmen to follow in the coming weeks, it’s vital they get some points on the board.
Goals have been hard to come by thus far and they may not find the NWN defence in generous mood on Sunday.
Blancos’ Jonathan Ison told JC Sport: “It will by no mans be an easy feat, especially with no/ 1 keeper Nick Grosse not around this week, but with a couple of new signings, the boys have reason to be optimistic.
“Jono Gaon may be small in stature, but he plays a big game, and he is certainly planning to continue his impressive start to his Blancos career with more goals this Sunday.”
I think the Harmen result was nothing more than a blip for Neasden, and with home advantage, I expect them to have too much for Blancos.
JC team news: NWN are without Steven Murad (finger), Robert Murad (travelling) and Danny Sherman (travelling), but Goldman is confident his “large and capable squad” is good enough to cope.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – John Nitka
JC star man: Kane Gilbery (NWN)
DC Prediction: Neasden 3 Blancos 1
BL Prediction: Neasden 6 Blancos 0
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SHIRLEY PARK vs BRADY MACCABI B
Goals are guaranteed in Sunday’s meeting between Shirley and Brady B in Edmonton.
The Park life top the table on goal difference and manager Dave Lusman will have them set up to attack Brady.
Saul Conway grabbed the headlines with his double in the win over SPEC FC, with top-scorer Jamie Kent and Gideon Gold joining the party.
But with Brady keen to put their last 90 minutes behind them, it looks set to be an intriguing contest.
Shirley boss Dave Lusman told JC Sport: “We’re looking forward to Sunday, our boys are looking sharper game by game and we hope to continue our good run of form.
“However, Brady wont be taken lightly; they were the high-flyers in the there division last season, and news around the block is that there capable of upsetting the best teams in the league.”
It appears Adam Klein has finally made a decision – and I’m not talking haircare products Kleiny!
Lusman had a big smile on his face as he officially unveiled his record new signing. “We have a good squad available,” added Lusman. “The big news is that Adam Klein in line for his debut appearance at Norseman.
“We also welcome back Dan Beckwith who is available for his first game of the season after getting the nod from his misses, so let’s see out it pans. Park life!”
Brady don’t lose many games, but manager Josh Dagul didn’t see his men conceding five against Brixton. They’ve had a couple of weeks to work hard on the training ground and will be looking to unlock the Shirley defeat.
This could be a real game of cat and mouse.
JC team news: Club captain Simon Shelley misses out through injury, while Josh Franklin is unavailable.
Venue – Norseman FC, Ref – Gary Silver
JC star man: Dan Beckwith (Shirley)
DC Prediction: Shirley 3 Brady 2
BL Prediction: Shirley 1 Brady 1
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SOUTHGATE HARMEN vs BRIXTON OLD BOYS
Harmen make an emotional return to the Mole for one week only for the visit of Brixton.
Oliver Leslie sparkled on his debut, with joint-manager Samuel Castle comparing his impact to that of Mezut Ozil at Arsenal.
The Harmen boys have their tails up at the minute and they added another string to their bow this week when the talented Alex Bowman joined their squad for an undisclosed fee.
Looking ahead to the game, Castle told JC Sport: “After a great performance against Neasden, we will be looking to hit the ground running come Sunday morning. We have a great team spirit at the moment and this was evident in our performance last week.
“Brixton will be another tough test for us, but we know we if we play our best football, are organised and strong we will win. It’s exciting times at Harmen and we want to continue our good run of form in the league.”
Shortly unveiling the boy Bowman to the fans, Castle told JC Sport: “Alex is set to make his debut for the team on Sunday. He’s a very physical, strong boy and as quick as lightening. He is a great addition to the team. He will bring with him assists, goals and 100 per cent commitment to the Harmen cause.”
Harmen co-boss Joel Alterman told JC Sport: “We are pleased to announce the signing of Alex - he has been a player I have admired for some years. Last time out at Harmen it didn’t quite work out for Alex, but myself and Sam Castle are confident he will be a major player for us this season.”
The match also pits together a family head-to-head, with cousins Joel Alterman and Paul Shamplina on opposing sides.”
Brixton boss Scott Smith says his team’s finishing let them down in the 1-0 defeat against Woodford and he’s predicting an entertaining contest.
Smith told JC Sport: “Harmen are obviously a good footballing side and I think it'll be a great game. Two teams that want to play football… however we will look to end their unbeaten run.
“After a full week's training the boys are fit and fresh, with no injuries. We are planning to head abroad during next week for some warm winter training in Dubai which should be good for all the boys.
“Like I have said, this season is all about building and gelling the squad together. Rome wasn't built in a day, however we have a strong squad and I'm confident of a successful season.
“We have employed two scouts this week to look at some fresh talent in the lower leagues in hope to find the Jewish Chris Smalling.”
It should be a cracker.
JC team news: Jordan Grant and Ben Kaye are still out injured. Ben Henry is still about a week away from making his Harmen debut. James Sandler is suspended with Marc Cohen looking after his baby.
Brixton have David Ronson suspended. Other than that manager Smith reports a clean bill of health.
JC team news: J Castle, H Fine, A Osper, J Segal, M Green, B Fox, J Morris, A Velleman, L Greenfield, B Cohen, O Leslie, B Weinberg, R Rinder, A Bowman, S Castle, Joel Alterman, Ben Adaki
Venue – Ashmole School, Ref – Neil Cooper
JC star man: Ben Weinberg (Harmen)
DC Prediction: Harmen 3 Brixton 1
BL Prediction: Harmen 3 Brixton 1
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SPEC FC vs CHIGWELL ATHLETIC
Matchday 5 was one to forget for both SPEC and Chigwell. SPEC were thumped by Shirley Park and missed the chance to go clear at the top, while catastrophic defending cost Chigwell again. Manager Richard Slater must be pulling his hair out!
Laurence Conway’s troops go into unfamiliar terrority on Sunday, but the chances are they might adopt a shoot-on-sight policy as Chigwell’s confidence must be at rock bottom at the back.
SPEC FC’s Ricky Lawrence told JC Sport: “We know absolutely nothing whatsoever about Chigwell. All we can do is play to our best, or at least a lot better than last week.
"We've got to get back to winning ways and hopefully we can do that this week."
Steve Summers was a cut above his teammates against Hendon last Sunday and deserved to be on the winning team. It was a performance par excellence.
Before the game Slater told me “performances couldn’t get any worse,” and I’m expecting his players to step up and if it’s a case of getting back to basics at the back, so be it.
I’m predicting a good, hard, old-fashioned game of football between two honest teams. It’s a game that neither will want to lose and that will be evident when we see the formations.
It’s the kind of game that could be settled by a moment of magic or a set piece.
Venue – Brunel, Ref – Martin De La Fuente
JC star man: Steve Summers (Chigwell)
DC Prediction: SPEC FC 1 Chigwell 1
BL Prediction: SPEC 2 Chigwell 2
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B vs WOODFORD WANDERERS
Three games into the season and Hendon have yet to win. No doubt Hornets fans will be starting to get itchy feet and they hope their heroes in red can produce something special on Sunday.
Over the years Hendon teams have played some great, free-flowing football. But this game isn’t about the performance. It’s about getting points on the board – ideally three.
They took their chances against Chigwell but conceded three and managers Aryeh Goldring and Chaim Gothold hope their players are on their game against a Woodford team that takes no prisoners.
Woodford’s record is won two, lost two, but manager Tony Charles was delighted with the all-round performance and clean sheet against Brixton last Sunday. Paul Billar popped up with a late winner in a determined performance.
Some people have described this battle as beauty against the beast. It could all boil down to which team takes their chances. I've got a funny feeling for Hendon.
Venue – West Hendon Playing Fields, Ref – Steve Levy
JC star man: RA Noe (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon 2 Woodford 1
BL Prediction: Hendon 2 Woodford 3
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OAKWOOD B vs FAITHFOLD B
Going through the coupon, I’d don’t know of many people that don’t have this as a home banker. I’d put my mortgage on it!
Rafi Bloom fired Oakwood to a famous derby win over London Haroldeans and the team rediscovered their mojos, mojitos and, dare I say, mean streak.
Keeper Oren Hury is one of their unsung heroes. He pulled off some vital saves when called upon in what was an important win for the team. But on Sunday. suggest he brings his pipe and slippers and copy of this week’s JC as the chances are he’ll be a spectator for long spells against basement battlers Faithfold.
Manager Ian Tussie is away this week, but that shouldn’t stop the mighty Oaks. Tussie told JC Sport: “Dave Eden will be in charge on Sunday. He has a 6/6 record. In fact every time I've been absent we've won so I suppose the omens are good for us.
“We're up against Faithold B on Sunday at home. Another home fixture. Although it doesn't feel like home yet. I feel a bit Jean Tigana did at Fulham when they were playing at Loftus Road for a few years. The fans aren't happy, they feel like Coventry City fans having to trek 45 miles to watch us play. I just hope the chairman and CEO can resolve the issues with Parmiters for us to make a return to our real 'home' for next season.
“Yeah so Sunday [insert managerial cliche about it being a really tough game, how there are no easy fixtures in the MSFL, how I've never seen them play but I respect them immensely, how we're struggling to score goals but hope this is the week it all changes, how I'm desperate to win]
.“We're without a few but with a few more including Haydon Davidson who has relocated his previously dislocated toe and is fit to play. We hope to have a new signing playing too, but we haven't announced it to the press so it would be wrong for me to do it on here - his name is Joey Lazare.
“We also hope to Eddie Manson available to make his first start since his knee injury and there's Rumours (my second favourite Fleetwood Mac album) that Vic Librae will return having been dropped last week for his awful haircut!”
Faithfold B have endured a very tough start. Dan Yoss’ troops have scored four and conceded 23 in their four defeats and I can’t see their fortunes improving on Sunday.
Venue – Brunel, Ref – Adam Yuchetel
JC star man: Dan Ash (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 5 Faithfold 0
BL Prediction: Oakwood 4 Faithfold 0
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
6 - James Joseph (FC Team C), Ben Zloof (AC Mill Hill)
5 - Dan Simmons (Blizzard)
4 - Jake Gilbert (Bilbaum), Shim Bensoor (FC Team C), Ben Bell (Bilbaum)
BLIZZARD STORM vs NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS B
Raiders are three from three, but they face a real test in the shape of Blizzard Storm this weekend.
Sam Isaacs and Nicky Woolf fired them to a hard-earned win over promotion rivals Redbridge last Sunday, with Woolf’s wonder strike his 94th in the famous L’Orange shirt. He doesn’t do simple tap-ins!
But manager Jonathan Adelman is “down to the bare bones” for the trip to Borehamwood.
He told JC Sport: “After three straight wins, we've picked a bad time to be hit by injury and absence. That said, we have a big squad and it’s a chance for the boys involved on Sunday to step up and help us put another w on the board.”
We saw the best of Blizzard against FC Team last weekend, though the 6-2 win would not have been possible had it not been for the heroics of keeper Oli Simons.
Manager Simon Linden was delighted to see the goals shared around, with Dan Simons(2), Dean Shaw, Stuart Muller, Louis Taylor and Michael Woolfe finding the net.
Now it’s about stringing results together for the Blizzard boys, and no-one knows that more than gaffer Linden. He also knows that three points on Sunday will lift his team above Raiders and there’s no bigger incentive than that.
JC team news: Here is the latest from the Raiders treatment table. “Sam Isaacs is out for a while with the hamstring injury that saw him limp out after half an hour last week. David Simnock and Adam Posner are on usher duty for Jamie Freed (mazel tov to the former Raiders and Norstar lino and some-time left-back!), whilst Anthony Goodmaker (wedding duty) and Joe Tankel (work) are in the US. Nicky Woolf is doubtful following a bad knock on his knee last week. Jonny Blain is likely out for six months with a cruciate injury, Toby Katz is back at Uni and Rob Samuelson is at his nephew's brit (mazel tov!)”
Venue – Hertswood Centre, Ref – Steve Russell
JC star man: Dean Shaw (Blizzard)
DC Prediction: Blizzard 2 Raiders 2
BL Prediction: Blizzard 2 Raiders 1
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LONDON HAROLDEANS vs FC TEAM B
“We must win on Sunday.” Not one, but two managers told JC Sport exactly the same thing at their pre-match press conference, so one of Jonathan Abrams or David Gordon will go home happy, unless, of course, this finishes in a draw.
Defeat in the derby was hard for Haroldeans to take last weekend, but they are boosted by the signing of Bobby Abrams who is just the kind of player they need right now.
Abrams told JC Sport: “I won't beat around the bush here, we need a win this week. Although we are improving and arguably deserved a result last week, we need to grind out a result.
“New signing Bobby Abrams will be starting, which will give us an extra dimension going forward.”
FC Team failed to kill off Blizzard Storm last Sunday. They were eventually hit for six in a game they had by the scruff of the neck and Gordon won’t stand for more of the same.
“There isn’t much to say that hasn’t already been said,” he told JC Sport. “We must get a win this weekend and bounce back from last Sunday.
“Losing from a two-goal cushion happens, but our performance in the last half an hour was not acceptable. We need to show more character and get off the mark this season.”
JC team news: Mitch Lassman, Eddie Sternberg, Emile Ben-Atar, Adam Savitz and now you can add Freddie Marks and David Gordon to the ever growing injury list for FC Team, while Darren Freed and Adam Newsome are unavailable. However, there is some good news as Dan Alfreds returns from holiday and Paul Walker has shaken off an injury.
Venue – White City Tigers Turf, Ref – Quentin Fox
JC star man: Bobby Abrams (Haroldeans)
DC Prediction: Haroldeans 2 Team 1
BL Prediction: Haroldeans 1 Team 1
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AC MILL HILL vs ATHLETIC BILBAUM
Two of the division’s top strikers go head-to-head on Sunday as Mill Hill and Bilbaum go in search of three points.
Ben Zloof has won many fans for his goal-scoring achievements over the past couple of seasons, including several teams in the top-flight. And while his teammates enjoyed a nice, little lie-in last Sunday, Zloof was spotted at the club’s training ground as he tries to repeat his hat-trick heroics from the 6-0 demolition of Haroldeans.
Jason Shoffman has been in good goal-scoring for in the early part of the season, while shirt sales with Olcot on the back have kept the girls in the club shop busy.
But it won’t be all about Zloof on Sunday, as Bilbaum hotshot Jake Gilbert looks to take centre stage. Gilbert is much more than a fox-in-the-box and Mill Hill mustn’t let him out of their sight.
Bilbaum are not a one-man team, however. Far from it, in fact. Joint-player-manager Edward Green has a good goal-to-games ratio, while we saw the very best of Ben Bell last week, with his strike against Faithfold B.
Both teams start the game locked on six points and I can see it being an opening and entertaining affair, with both teams enjoying periods of pressure.
This game will be won and lost in midfield, and I can see the quality of Olcot and the shooting boots of Zloof giving the Baums the edge.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Stuart Ansher
JC star man: Alex Olcot (Mill Hill)
DC Prediction: Mill Hill 3 Bilbaum 2
BL Prediction: Mill Hill 2 Bilbaum 0
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FC TEAM C vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B
There’s a crackerjack of a match in store in Mill Hill this weekend as league leaders FC Team C welcome Redbridge B.
Team managers Michael Myers and Ben Gilbey were worthy winners of the Division Two JC Managers of the Month awards, but they hope the Caro curse doesn’t strike on Sunday.
They ran in seven goals against Faithfold B last weekend, with Jeremy Julius and Shim Bensoor leading the way with doubles. There were also goals for David Joseph Cohen and Sam Collins.
The one area messus Myers and Gilbey are keen to improve, though, is at the back, as they have conceded eight goals in four games.
Redbridge have been licking their wounds after the 2-1 defeat against Raiders B. Manager Jon Jacobs described as a “smash and grab” and he’ll be looking for a reaction from his young team here.
Team will be wary of their talented opponents in what should be a top-quality affair.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Laurence Thorne
JC star man: Sam Collins (Team)
DC Prediction: Team 3 Redbridge 2
BL Prediction: Team 2 Redbridge 0
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DIVISION THREE
DANNY CARO'S DIVISION 3 TEAM OF THE WEEK
AC WHETSTONE vs KING CROWN
Backpage of the JC. It just doesn’t get better than that. The AC Whetstone kids have been partying hard after recording their first-ever win in the MGBSFL, but managers Clive Nathan and Anthony Cohen have ordered their players to put the Diet Cokes away and get ready for Sunday’s match against King Crown.
The boys in green and white were dynamite against Catford & Bromley, inspired by a brilliant performance from Sammy Huberman in the middle of the park. Philippe Auret (2), Jonah Gordon Boyd (2) and Dan Cohen fired them to a famous 5-1 win and a record crowd is predicted as they look to complete back-to-back wins.
Nathan told JC Sport: “We are looking forward to another game at Chase Lodge. As none of our team drive yet, it makes it easier to play at home!
“We have a rotation policy which means we have to leave out two very strong players in Sam Grossman and Toby Nathan this week. I know they will get their heads down, train hard and come back raring to go next week. We are also missing Josh Silverman who has been excellent for us since he was six.”
Fellow new boys King Crown have already tasted victory this season and manager Jacob Kadoch is confident his players can ruin Whetstone’s party.
He told JC Sport: “I have a full squad to choose from and have new players added to the squad who are going to add a lot of value to the squad.
“It is a must win game for us, and we will look to make a statement on Sunday.”
Fans are encouraged to arrive early to avoid disappointment.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Darryl Colmans
JC star man: Jonah Gordon Boyd (Whetstone)
DC Prediction: Whetstone 3 King Crown 2
BL Prediction: Whetstone 3 King Crown 0
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L’EQUIPE vs FAITHFOLD C
I’ve had Sky Sports on the blower what all the fuss is about in a match labelled – ‘Schnitzelman vs Flash’.
Richard Fogelman and Dan Gordon are locked on eight goals and both will be keen to impress in the clash of two of the league’s most-feared marksmen.
AC Whetstone are not the only team that will be rotating this weekend. L’Equipe have great strength in depth and joint-managers Dan Cordell and Josh Lewis have some big decisions ahead of Sunday’s game.
Josh Kaye was the star man for L’Equipe in their second 1-1 draw against Jewdinese and I’d be shocked if he started anywhere other than on the pitch on Sunday.
Cordell told JC Sport: “We are having to enforce a rotation policy due to 16 players available for the weekend – our summer recruits are gelling well so it’s giving Josh Lewis and I a difficult decision on the team to chose and unfortunately who to rest this weekend.
“We are without influential centre-back Gavin Rhodes, but we are pleased to welcome back David Prager after being holed up in Sicily Jonny Depp-style for the past 10 days. Richard Mail and Jonny Kaye will all be big misses, but we have challenged the rest of the boys to step and stake a claim to start for our first cup game of the season against Loughton in a couple of weeks.
“We have both challenged the guys to make amends after making poor starts in the past two games and they know they need to be on the ball from the first whistle against Faithfold.
“We have had some good games against the Hoops over the past couple of years and this one has the makings of a goal-fest between the top two strikers in the MSFL – I’m sure our one will come out on top.
“If the lads can get their heads on straight from the off and get the ball down and play our own game then I am confident of walking away with three points.”
Faithfold showed tremendous character to come back and earn a point against Hendon last weekend, with Gordon in top form.
I am backing Faithfold to take the points in familiar surroundings. L’Equipe are unbeaten but this will be their hardest game of the season so far.
JC team news: Faithfold’s only absentee is Nic Viola. They welcome back Boris Simons, Dave Sherman and Ben Portnoi. James Stanton could make the bench after 12 months out.
Venue – Chase Lodge
JC star man: Ben Simons (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: L’Equipe 2 Faithfold 3
BL Prediction: L’Equipe 3 Faithfold 0
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LOUGHTON ORIENT vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB C
If you’re looking for goals this weekend then I suggest you get down to E17 as Loughton takes on Hendon C.
James Neidle is in like to make his first start of the season, with boss Adam Glekin hoping he will add some much needed leadership to the team.
Glekin told JC Sport: "We have a lot of talented players in the squad, but something that we have missed so far is a commanding leader - I'm hopeful Neidle will bring us that.
"We faced Loughton Orient in the final game of last season, and then in a pre-season friendly this year and both games we were an absolute shambles.
“I'm expecting a lot more on Sunday, but they're a decent team and we'll need to be at our best."
Loughton boss Dan Curtis hopes last week’s 4-1 win over Temple Fortune will “kickstart” their season. Barry Green was the star man with a quality hat-trick and his head-to-head with Hendon hotshot Alex Elf is definitely worth a watch.
I expect Green to get chances on Sunday, but if Hendon stick to the basic principles of defending, they can definitely get something from the game.
JC team news: Hendon will have Ezra Dulberg back in the squad after he made a swift recovery from injury. Ben Glekin missed last week’s draw with Faithfold with a damaged toe, and looks likely to miss out once more. He's joined on the treatment table by Jaimie Grossman who has injured his ankle.”
Venue – Peter May, Ref – Adam Lewis
JC star man: James Neidle (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Loughton 3 Hendon 3
BL Prediction: Loughton 1 Hendon 2
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TEMPLE FORTUNE vs CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI
Catford were going very well up until last Sunday, but I believe the defeat against Whetstone was no more than a blip.
An off-the-field issue meant they lost focus, but they will be looking to right those wrongs with an improved performance against Fortune this weekend.
Fortune were second best against Loughton last weekend and manager Jonathan Cohen offered no excuses.
He told JC Sport: “We’re hoping to bounce back from last weekend’s below par performance.
“The squad available this week will include natural strikers which will make significant difference to our game.
“We lost a lot of players during and after the game against Loughton to injury, but thankfully we have good depth in some areas and will be able to cover it with real quality.”
Even so, I don't think they can realistically expect to get anything against the Cats whose pace will be too much for them.
Venue – Roger Bannister, Ref – Neal Cohen
JC star man: Eli Baraty (Catford)
DC Prediction: Fortune 1 Catford 3
BL Prediction: Fortune 1 Catford 4
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NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS C vs JEWDINESE (Preview written by Ben Lederman)
Both Raiders C and Jewdinese have made solid starts and I can see Sunday's meeting being decided by small details.
Jewdinese, new to the MGBSFL, have looked sharp in their first season, but they will face a tough test against their fellow promotion hopefuls.
Jewdinese's Jake Erlich knows that his side cannot underestimate L'Orange. He told JC Sport: "We know it's a big game and that Norstar are a good team and have the ability to cause us problems, but I feel that we have the squad to safely put the game to bed early on."
The young chairman also backed Simeon Cohen following criticism from L’Equipe after last week’s game. Erlich went on to say: “Sim’s raring to get back on the pitch after negative comments being made about him in last weeks review."
Nick Haringman, Alex Goodman and Jamie Weinrich fired Raiders to their first win last weekend. Weinrich showed great character to score against his former Boca teammates after missing a penalty and he'll be looking to show his quality against on Sunday.
I expect this to be a closely-fought contest, but I fancy Jewdinese’s youthfulness and creativity to edge them past an ever-improving Norstar side.
JC team news: Jewdinese aresweating on the fitness of defender Harry Marks who is still feeling some discomfort from an injury.
JC star man: Barney Rhodes (Jewdinese)
DC Prediction: Raiders 1 Jewdinese 2
BL Prediction: Raiders 2 Jewdinese 3
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MATCHDAY 5 HIGHLIGHTS & AWARDS
PLAYER OF THE WEEK - SAMMY HUBERMAN
MANAGER OF THE WEEK - CLIVE NATHAN & ANTHONY COHEN
QUOTE OF THE WEEK - CLIVE NATHAN
JC SAVE OF THE WEEK
Mike Myers (FC Team C) - a superb one-on-one stop with his feet. The assistant-refereee, Edward Benson, was flabbergasted that he pulled it off
JC SUPER-SUB OF THE WEEK
Lee Greenfield (Southgate Harmen) – was dropped to the bench after going AWOL last week, but game on and showed his class with two assists
