There are three ties in the cup competitions, as we get another look at Andy Landesberg's talented Maccabi London Lions Spartans, as well as a full programme in the MGBSFL. Danny Caro looks ahead to Matchday 7.
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VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: FAITHFOLD B vs REAL SOSOBAD
PHOTOGALLERY: FAITHFOLD B vs REAL SOSOBAD
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MORE PHOTOGALLERIES FROM THE SEASON
PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND 2 DRAW
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND TWO DRAW
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND TWO
MACCABI LONDON LIONS SPARTANS vs BRIXTON OLD BOYS
Going by their first result, Sunday should be an absolute stroll in the park for Lions Spartans.
Andy Landesberg’s boys destroyed Raiders B in the previous round, inspired by the enegetic Zac Rose, who could have a field day against an ageing Brixton back-line.
The Lions pack are littered with Maccabiah stars of the present and very much the future. Benji Weinberger, Jon Kurrant, Max Kyte and James Belchak are likely to be among the star names on show.
But Landesberg told JC Sport this week his talented squad must turn up with the right attitude. “The routine and focus will be the same as the previous round, said Landesberg. “The team will primarily be from our younger players from the Saturday squad.
“I am sure Brixton will come to Rowley Lane with a ‘nothing to lose’ approach, and we will have to be at our most disciplined to get the result we are looking for.
“Although several of our younger boys are now back at their respective universities, it does give a chance to the even younger 17-year-olds to show what they are made of.
“We will take nothing for granted, and hope to be in the hat for the next round by Sunday afternoon, but will at no time be complacent.”
Paul Shamplina blew a gasket as Brixton fell apart last weekend. He gave his players the hairdryer in the changing room and told them in no uncertain terms that heads will roll if there's another lacklustre performance.
Ahead of the game, Shamps told JC Sport: "We have two key men back who will add quality, and I will be making chances from last week, as some players totally switched off last week and we can’t do that with a quality Lions team, who will be putting us under pressure.
"I will try and marshall a defence to sustain that. We have to make sure we don’t give the ball away in dangerous arears or we will get punished, but the players will enjoy the challenge. Rest assured, the squad I pick on Friday, will all be in bed by 10pm on Saturday night.
Brixton’s best bet could be trying to park the bus, but an early Lions goal would smash open the floodgates.
JC team news: Dan Abrams and Nick Skone return for Brixton.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Alex Smith
JC star man: James Belchak (Lions)
DC Prediction: Lions 5 Brixton 0
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ROUND ONE
FAITHFOLD B vs HEATON PARK ROVERS
Faithfold fans hope that home advantage will give them the upper hand against MJSL outfit Heaton Park.
Rob Shooman’s men came up against a brick wall of resistance in the shape of Real Sosobad last weekend, as their 100 per cent record came to a halt. But it wasn’t for the lack of trying.
With Josh Barnett outstanding at the back, Dan Gordon failed to capitalise on one or two openings, but he’s ready to go again and make it a long journey back for David Seligman and co.
Mark Williams snatched a consolation for HPR last week, when they were destroyed 5-1 by Haroldeans. They had been going great guns up until then, and Sunday is the perfect chance for them to bounce back.
Boss Seligman believes they had an off-day last Sunday, as their defence has been “water-tight” during the opening weeks of the season.
This is a good draw for both teams who have the opportunity to progress. It could all boil down to which teams takes their chances.
Venue – The Hive
JC star man: Leor Harel (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 2 HPR 2 (Faithfold to win on pens)
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CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND TWO
FC TEAM C vs LOS BLANCOS
In-form FC Team C are relishing Sunday’s Anekstein Cup clash against first division Blancos.
With Adam Stolerman banging in goals for fun, there’s an upset in the making at Meadow Park. David Gordon’s men are playing with confidence and freedom and have a number of players who have lifted the cup in their ranks.
Matt Radstone and Ben Graham caught the eye, along with Stolerman, in last week’s 4-1 demolition of Catford and a big crowd is expected for a contest that promises to be an enthralling one for the neutrals.
Ahead of kick-off, Gordon told JC Sport: “Sunday will be a very good test for us against higher league opposition, but we want to keep up our winning start to the season.
“The performance and outcome of this game will give us a very good indication of where we are right now, especially with some important games coming up in the next few weeks.”
Blancos suffered a brutal battering at the hands of old foes Blizzard Storm last weekend. Boss Jon missed the game, but he told me that he heard the whites “lost to a very clinical Blizzard, and the scoreline did not show a true reflection of the game”.
Ahead of the trip to Team, Ison told JC Sport: “So far, the main concern has been a lack of goals, but I have every faith in Hersh up top and those around him, and the goals will start flying in soon enough.
“My early-season comparison likening us to Liverpool is holding stead, but I have complete faith that bothLliverpool and Blancos will turn their seasons around have start getting some wins unders our belts!”
Blancos have claimed a couple of big cup scalps in recent seasons, but I think Sunday will be FC Team’s day.
JC team news: Mitch Lassman is still injured for Team, but Emile Ben-Atar has recovered from a groin strain. Aron Barnes returns from vacation, but Josh Kaye and James Milman miss out.
Venue – Meadow Park, Ref – Paul Dobkin, KO – 10am
JC star man: Emile Ben-Atar (Team)
DC Prediction: Team 2 Blancos 1
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MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
NORTH WEST NEASDEN vs FC TEAM A
Ousted in the Anekstein by first division Camden on Sunday, bouncebackability is the name of the game for Stirling Kay and co.
Michael Field registered for NWN, but they were simply swept aside by the skill, hunger and passion of an inspired Camden team. So it’s back to the bread and butter of the league on Sunday. And Kay clearly cannot wait.
He told JC Sport: “This week, as per the last five weeks, we have a number of long-term injuries which show no sign of easing up. Josh Gilbery has been ruled out for six months with knee ligament damage - we all wish him a speedy recovery.
“We know we have a difficult game on our hands as FC Team will try to stretch us to the limit, but with our together ness as a group we will come away with three points.
“We will not go away from our attacking football and we believe that will prove to be what is needed in this league.
Team enjoyed a terrific win in the London FA County Cup last weekend against Asianos. Boss Ben Gilbey told JC Sport: “They had three or four really talented players and we did well to recover after being 1-0 down at half time.
“They were a good team and our boys showed great character to come back and get the win, on top of a great performance as well. Performances from both David Cohen's and Jon Weisz stood out in a good win.
“This week we play Neasden and it is a big game for us. We are still looking for our first league win this season and this weekend we intend to get it. Our squad is back to full strength now and we are looking stronger each week that goes by.
“I am very excited for the weekend’s game, it's going to be a cracker.”
JC team news: NWN welcome back Josh Weiner and Rick Harris to the squad.
Venue – Hazelwood Rec, Ref – Martin Lavender
JC star man: Jon Weisz (Team)
DC Prediction: NWN 2 Team 3
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OAKWOOD A vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS BLUE
The Lions having a habit of saving their best for the best, so Oakwood beware. That’s my message on Sunday.
Few tipped Jamie Kyte’s men to turn in-form Harmen over, but that’s exactly what they did, and in some style too. With James Gold back to his best, questions will be asked of an Oakwood defence missing key personnel.
Sam Lipton and Dan Green are also on fire at the minute, although the fact that Lions have yet to keep a clean sheet will give Oakwood managers Ric Blank and Alex Schock food for thought too.
Looking ahead to the game, Blank told JC Sport: “We've had two weeks to mope after our Raiders debacle. But now it's time to move on.
“Football always gives you the chance to redeem yourself. And that's what the players and the management have to do. We're in this together. Especially as we're walking wounded right now.
“It's always tough preparing for Lions because you never know what team you're going to get. If they had their Saturday players every week they'd probably win the league, but if they don't they're beatable.
“It's impossible for us to know so we just have to go about our business and do our best.
“I have absolute faith in the boys that we'll stick together and drag ourselves through this tough spell. The world will look a lot rosier if we take three points on Sunday. It should be a great game."
As Blank says, Lions can blow hot and cold. They were red-hot last weekend, but with home advantage, I fancy the Oaks to take maximum points.
JC team news: Oakwood could be missing Sam Jacobson, Brad Wine and Adam Levine – “two of those out indefinitely”. Bobbie Cousins took a knock playing for the 2nds last week and Dan Geey is “struggling,” but will have a late fitness test. Oakwood welcome Guy Helman back to the defence, which Blank describes as “a real boost”.
Venue – Nicholas Breakspear, Ref – Laurie Benson
JC star man: Guy Helman (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 2 Lions 1
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HARMEN vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
Bouncebackability is the name of the game for both Harmen and Redbridge on Sunday – a game not to miss.
Harmen hit the self-destruct button against the Lions, before a late rally saw them almost snatch something from the game. James Gershfield claimed his eighth goal of the season, with Joey Lazare doing the business from off the bench again.
There’s likely to be a real pressure-cooker atmosphere at the Lodge on Sunday, with both teams believing they have what it takes to win the title. With that in mind, three points could be priceless.
It’s been a busy week for the Harmen management, but Joel Alterman told me the players cannot wait to get back on the pitch.
He told JC Sport: “The dust has now settled on last weekend’s loss to Lions, and the good thing about this league is that the next fixture is never too far away to rectify our mistakes.
“We face a different challenge this week against Redbridge which is always a tough fixture. The club have been around for many years and have players who have been playing together for a long time in the top flight, and their results so far have shown that they have the experience and ability to win matches against the top teams.
“With Harmen looking to bounce back quickly from our recent defeat, we are expecting a very good match played at a high tempo.”
Redbridge were edged out by Raiders last Sunday, but boss Sam Rosenthal was delighted with their level of performance. All that was missing was goals.
Having survived round one on The Apprentice, Dan Lassman is promising something special, just in case the BBC cameras fancy catching him in action.
Rosenthal knows full well that three points would lift Redbridge above Harmen and that’s the target on Sunday.
He told JC Sport: “You don't get what you deserve in football sometimes, but someone is going to get it!
Harmen, you have been warned!
JC team news: RJC Welcome back Steve Summers, Dean Nyman, Dean Ben Yosef, Richie Caplin
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Neil Cooper
JC star man: Dean Nyman (RJC)
DC Prediction: Harmen 1 RJC 1
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FAITHFOLD A vs WOODFORD WANDERERS
Faithfold have been plagued by injury and poor availability which in turn has resulted in an inconsistent start. But their fans and manager will demand nothing less than three points against a Woodford team rooted to the foot of the table.
Faithfold’s season to date can be summed up by their last three results – they beat Hendon, lost to Harmen and then drew 4-4 against Redbridge. One thing you are guaranteed under any team with Zuriel Solomon at the helm is that they will battle to the very end.
With arguably the strongest pool of talented midfielders in the league, Faithfold look sure to win more than they’ll lose this season, although a lack of goals could come back to bite them in the bum.
Superhoops boss Zuriel Solomon told JC Sport: "The league seems to be a bit up and down this season so we still have lots to play for. But we need to get some continuity with our squad to start getting good results.
"We welcome Woodford for the first time and are not sure what sort of team we will be playing. We will, of course, not take anything lightly and must ensure we discover some form that has been missing."
Woodford have failed to score in three of their four Premier Division games this season, but they are desperate to get the 7-0 annihilation at the hands of champions Hendon out of their system.
Manager Tony Charles gave me a taste of his pre-match teamtalk for Sunday when he told JC Sport: “IIt’s very exciting to be playing against the likes of Faithfold, especially as when Faithfold last won the league Woodford were nowhere near the premier division.
“We hope Sunday’s referee is strong and fair and doesn't have an instant dislike for teams from anywhere but north London.”
Midfield will be the key area for me on Sunday. At times it will be like a real battlefield so much depends on which XI has the stomach for a fight.
Venue – Hatfield Uni, Ref – Tony McEvoy
JC star man: Alex Kaye (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 2 Woodford 1
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DIVISION ONE
DANNY CARO'S DIV 1 TEAM OF THE WEEK
ATHLETIC BILBAUM vs SPEC FC
Top against nearly bottom. There can only be one winner, surely (I’ve told you before, don’t call me Shirley!)
Vlad Zaiko is the new name on the lips of Bilbaum fans following his dynamic debut in the five-star win over Brixton.
Joint-player-manager Julius Judah and Nick Shinder led by example, with one a shining star up front and the other rock solid at the back.
SPEC gave Raiders B a closer game than many people expected and, starting the game as underdogs, they will be out to prove the point once more.
Dan Pike is a tempting 12-1 to open the scoring following his stunning free-kick last week and I might just have some of that.
Looking ahead to the trip to the London Zoo, SPEC joint-manager Ricky Lawrence told JC Sport: “We face a Bilbaum team who are flying at the moment.
“We need to start picking up points and quickly. Hopefully we can start to turn our season round come Sunday."
Having recently made some quality additions to their squad, I’m backing a fresh Bilbaum squad to take maximum points.
Venue – Regents Park, Ref – Robert Benardout
JC star man: Charlie Sassienie (Bilbaum)
DC Prediction: Bilbaum 3 SPEC 1
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CAMDEN PARK vs BRADY MACCABI
Josh Dagul’s Friday press conferences have captivated audiences up and down the land this season. But sadly they are too little, too late for my preview.
That said, he has more important things on his mind following last week’s second-half wonder show against Redbridge – by far the best 45 minutes of football his team have played thus far.
Indeed Dagul’s bold decision to shuffle his pack, with a midfield trio of Sam Monjack, James Joseph and Josh Newman paid handsome dividends, with Sam Singer putting in another quality shift in goal. Now they must, and I mean must, use that result as a springboard for the rest of the season.
But they face the ultimate test in the shape of Camden Park who accounted for Neasden in the Anekstein last Sunday.
Nick Kagan’s troops are on fire right now, with Richard Silver looking razor sharp and Greg ‘Paris’ Meller has also stepped up a level in recent weeks. At the back, Michael Khalastchi is in the form of his life and David Kanzen must be pushing for a starting berth after impressing against Premier Division opposition.
A Camden win would lift them above Brady, but much depends on how they set up as Kagan is well aware of the quality in the Brady team and it could be dangerous going toe-to-toe with them.
A 4-5-1 formation could be order of the day and approaching it like the away team may not be the worst idea in the world.
If you’re looking for a good advert for Jewish football, this will be it – two multi-talented teams going hammer and tongs. I know it’s in White City, I know it’s a bit of a schlep, but it will certainly be worth the petrol money …
Venue – White City, Ref – Neal Cohen
JC star man: Rob Hershkorn (Camden)
DC Prediction: Camden 2 Brady 2
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DIVISION TWO
DANNY CARO'S DIV 2 TEAM OF THE WEEK
L’EQUIPE vs CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI
Interim boss Mark Singer says “it was only a matter of time” until L’Equipe got the monkey off their backs.
Standing in for Josh Lewis and Dan Cordell, Singer cannot wait to unleash his players on the Cats. There are even some home fans who have marked this down in permanent markers as a home banker.
I caught up with Singer during the week and here’s what he told JC Sport. “It has taken a while to get that first win, but it was just a matter of time. One week the defence clicked, one week the attack clicked…things just weren’t clicking at the same time, until our game against Whetstone that is.
“The first victory was always going to be key to our season, but the manner of the win was even more encouraging - four goals and a clean sheet against a good, young side. Now that we have one win under our belt, we are hungry for many, many more, starting with this Sunday at home to Catford.
“We have a few absences this weekend - all on a stag - and Ian Baron (gone to find himself and potentially a wife in Vietnam), but with excellent strength in depth this season, we’ll always be able to put out a strong team.
Keep an eye out for the two James’ – Mandell, who has found his shooting boots with two goals last week and Bell, who is returning from a week out is ready and raring to add to his first goal which he got the week before last.
“This weekend we return to our fortress, West Hendon, for the first time this season. Only a fool would bet anything other than a L’Equipe victory.”
The Cats have been shipping goals in like they’re going out of fashion and keeper Guy Ben-Aroya must be in a state of shock. They were second best in all departments against FC Team C last Sunday and boss Lester Jacobs is looking for a big improvement all round.
Cats skipper Adam Luria told JC Sport: “We're still hurting from last Sunday - a game which we dominated for over 60 minutes and missed enough chances to be in double figures before FC Team C's quality meant that they took the points when we couldn't.
“The fact that Gary Conway made it through 90 minutes on Sunday despite thinking he'd be injured earlier in the week was a big plus for us, so we'll be hoping to put out our strongest side yet.
“The last game of last season against L'Equipe turned unnecessarily ugly and I'm sure they'd like to move past that as much as we would. I'm sure it'll be a competitive game played in a good spirit and with any luck we'll finally find our goal-scoring boots, so it could be an exciting game.
"L'Equipe are a good team, so it'll be tough for us, but now that we've finally got a week when we're not playing FC Team A, B or C, it's a chance to forget about those games and look to get some points on the board.”
The momentum is firmly with L’Equipe and I can only see there being one winner.
JC team news: Josh Lewis, Daniel Cordell, Scott Bennett are missing for L’Equipe.
Joel Isaacs and Simon Wolfson return for the Cats.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Steve Levy
JC star man: James Bell (L’Equipe)
DC Prediction: L’Equipe 3 Catford 1
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AC WHETSTONE vs AC MILL HILL
Last week’s win over Oakwood may not have been pretty, but Dan Beresford and his boys weren’t complaining as it lifted them up to third in the table.
At times, an ugly 1-0 is as good as a handsome 5-0. It’s where you finish at the end of the season that matters most.
Jonny Kaye and Joel Lassman were the star men for Mill Hill last Sunday in a game that showed they mean business.
Ahead of Sunday’s trip to Whetstone, Beresford told JC Sport: “We expect a tough game as they’re young and fit, but I hope our quality shines through and get a result.”
Whetstone were second best against L’Equipe last Sunday but managers Clive Nathan and Anthony Jacobs have faith in their youngsters who will be desperate to show just how good they are.
The concern is they were overrun by the L’Equipe attackers and the bad news is that messus Zloof and Kent will be champing at the bit come Sunday morning.
JC team news: Mill Hill no injury doubts, but they will be missing captain Rob Klienman and Loz Bloom.
Venue – Hertswood, Ref – Richard Jaye
JC star man: Joel Lassman (Mill Hill)
DC Prediction: Whetstone 1 Mill Hill 2
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JEWDINESE vs OAKWOOD B
Jewdinese were fantastic on plastic against Raiders last weekend. Now watch them go.
The performances have been improving week on week, according to chairman Jake Erlich, but all that was missing was the result. Up until last Sunday that was.
With some big names leaving for university, it was always going to take their new players time to gel. But that all came to fruition last week, with summer arrival Jess Alexander capping a sublime performance with a peach of a goal in a 2-0 victory.
Centre backs Brandon Sassoon and Jordan Freedman have forged an excellent understanding and added some steel. A first clean sheet is a sign of the improvement they have made after conceding 11 times in their first three outings.
But the visit of Oakwood throws up something very different. Edged out in a controversial 90 minutes against Mill Hill last Sunday, the visitors will be determined to ensure they come away from London Colney with something to show for their efforts.
I caught up with Oaks boss Jason Stein earlier this week – to present him with his third JC Quote of the Week award, and here’s what he told me.
"Well DC, here we are/ Another game. These last few days have been the hardest of my six weeks in management. I've agonised over whether or not I made the right substitutions in the game against AC Mill Hill and lamented the ill-discipline that allowed the game to go away from us. My Sunday night Sushi tasted sour this week - although that may have had nothing to do with the result.
"But back on the saddle we go. Jacob Nevitt has been sidelined for two months thanks to the abhorrent tackle he was subjected to on Sunday and Ben Buck is unavailable following his red card. On that note, everyone at Oakwood would like to wish Jacob a refuah shlema as he comes to terms with life in an ankle boot.
"We will welcome back forward players Richard Angel and Marc Hymanson this week. Adam Blin will also return from a fishing trip in the Hebrides where he stewed in disappointment after the 'no' vote. Only kidding, but the enigmatic Scot is back in defence.
"I'm looking forward to this away match against Jewdinese. I've heard the Curva Nord make quite a racket at Napsbury Park and if Jonathan Ben Natale is on fire we could have a game on our hands.
"The pressure is on us, but as I've said numerous times, I really have faith in what we are doing and the ability of the players. I'm excited and expectant of a win."
I can see this being a war of attrition, with the magical Alexander giving the ‘Nese boys the X-Factor.
Venue – Napsbury Park, Ref – Andy Myerson, KO – 10am
JC star man: Jess Alexander (‘Nese)
DC Prediction: Jewdinese 2 Oakwood 1
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NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS B vs FC TEAM B
Raiders and Team need no introduction. An almighty battle is on the cards – of that there is no doubt.
It matters little the letters after the names – a feisty 90 minutes of football is guaranteed as Mitch Young’s table-toppers attempt to overcome L’Orange.
Flying high with four wins under their belts, Team have made the start many expected them to, but Sunday will be one of the biggest test of their title credentials. It’s a challenge Young is relishing.
He told JC Sport: “After having a week off, we are raring to go with our next batch of fixtures. We have some very tough games on the horizon and none more so then playing a Raiders side on the astro.
“This will be a great test of our mental strength as we have never beaten Raiders on astro so I am hoping we can break our duck on Sunday. But I’m certainly expecting a very difficult morning.
“Saying that, if we defend well then we should have enough going forward to win the game.”
NLR have yet to win in the league this season, but there would be no bigger scalp in the division than Team. Jake Yudelowitz has earned rave reviews over the past few months, but he will have his hands full with a talented Team attack which I think will have too much ammunition of Zack Gothelf and co on Sunday.
JC team news: Team are missing captain Jon Breger and man-of-the-moment Ben Binder, but they welcome back Andy Sheena, Dan Silverman, Oliver Segal and Shuey Mirwis.
Venue – Brunel, Ref – Quentin Fox
JC star man: Oli Segal (Team)
DC Prediction: Raiders 1 Team 3
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DIVISION THREE
DANNY CARO'S DIV 3 TEAM OF THE WEEK
BOCA JEWNIORS vs KING CROWN
Last week’s loss is still ringing in Boca ears. Despite playing some good football, they were undone by a penalty and great free-kick very late on. However, gaffer Gabe John is still upbeat.
"I know with players like Josh Marlow, Jamie Weinrich, Dale Bradman and Jack Goldsmith, it won’t be long until this new Boca side clicks.
“It’s been a little tough at the start but we've scored regularly and proved we can come from behind. We just need that first win and I'm sure it will gel.”
With John not really covering himself in glory between the two sides at the first meeting, he's hoping he'll have more influence in the middle of the park.
The recent signing of Bradley Segal will also help matters as he proved himself in inspired form last week making a hatful of vital saves.
But it’s hard to see them having much joy against the leaders. Yoel ‘the real’ Deal and Ben Garfield did the business against Fortune last time out, and their fans will arrive in confident mood.
Crown boss Jacob Kadoch told JC Sport: “We have a full squad to choose from and are looking to maintain our record and put in a very strong display after an average performance last week.
“I want three points and nothing less.”
It’s not in John’s nature to park the bus and attack may be the best form of defence on Sunday. But I just can’t see anything stopping the King Crown winning machine.
JC team news: Boca welcome back some important players this week and so will be hoping to give King Crown a much sterner test. The loss of Ash Diamond has also hurt Boca as he’s got “genuine pace and a great eye for goal."
Venue – Roger Bannister, Ref – Steve Russell, KO – 10am
JC star man: Ben Garfield (King Crown)
DC Prediction: Boca 1 King Crown 3
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B vs LONDON ROVERS
Viv Emanuel enjoyed his Sunday roast last week – a day when London Rovers got back to business.
“What a response to our first defeat of the season,” a delighted Emanuel told JC Sport. “We couldn't have asked for a better response.
“Everyone rallied together to prove that the 6-0 loss will be a one-off and will not happy again. Captain Adam Kay came back after four weeks out and had a great game along with every player in the team.”
However, Emanuel has warned his players that they may not have things all their own way this weekend. “This is going to be a tough game as Hendon B are finally on the up.
“We beat them 5-2 in our opening game, with Josh Bharier scoring a hat-trick that day, and I expect him to be smashing them in again. He has now scored 6 in all competitions now and is in great form.
Rovers start Matchday 7 in fourth position as they go into an important period, with matches against Boca and Sosobad on the horizon.
Boss Jeremy Brown told JC Sport: “Last Sunday was a perfect response from the disappointing defeat the week before. My squad now know that anything less than 100 per cent is unacceptable.
“In the main I'm very happy with how we've started the season, winning three out of four league games and through to the second round of the Cyril Anekstein Cup together with three clean sheets. It would have been nice to have remained unbeaten, but that's football.
"Hendon this Sunday will be another huge test. I expect them to have revenge in their minds from when we beat them comfortably in the opening game.
“I think it will be a lot tougher for us this time round. Hendon have some good players, but I think if we continue to play as a team and stick to our job, we should be able to complete an early double.”
Hendon head into Sunday's clash on the back of successive victories, and are further boosted by the return of Alex Elf to the squad.
Having been top-scorer at the club the last two seasons, Elf has been yet to feature this season due to other commitments, but will now provide more firepower for manager Adam Glekin up front.
Avi Mocton returns to strengthen the centre of midfield, and Chaim Kormon will also retain a place in the squad after the youngster made an encouraging debut off the bench during last Sunday's victory over Boca Jewniors. All in all, it leaves Glekin with some real selection issues.
"Last Sunday, we had two late pull-outs and it was a struggle to get 11 out on the pitch,” he told JC Sport. “This week, we have about 17 or 18 available and the squad is as strong as it has been in my time at the club.
“Unfortunately, other teams in the division have also strengthened and it's a very competitive league. We had a tough loss to London Rovers in our opening game of the season - we felt we were slightly unfortunate not to take something out of the game so we'll be out for revenge on Sunday.”
Fans are encouraged to arrive early as it should be a cracker.
JC team news: Ben Glekin, Ezra Dulberg and Gideon Caller are unavailable for Hendon, but Glen Turner should return after a bout of illness.
Venue – Montrose Park, Ref – Henry Raffe
JC star man: Adam Kay (Rovers)
DC Prediction: Hendon 2 Rovers 3
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MACCABI LONDON LIONS GREEN vs REAL SOSOBAD
The signs all point towards another Sosobad win on Sunday, but I’ve learnt over the years never to write off any Lions team, as you never know just who they might throw in.
The east Londoners will arrive at Rowley Lane full of confident and rightly so despite last week’s goalless draw against title rivals Faithfold B. They had their chances, but in the end the performance of keeper Scott Shear ensured they came away with a point.
It’s clear Sosobad boss Dan Shafron is taking nothing for granted. He told JC Sport: “To be up against a team who have had back-to-back bad results will be difficult.
“We fully expect them to go in to this game with a point to prove. Make no mistake about it, this is a team who are part of the biggest club in Jewish football so it’s a game that I expect my team to approach in a professional manner.
“I’ve had time to reflect on last Sunday’s performance against Faithfold and have watched the game back 10 times. We played well, had a majority of the possession and maybe should have won but at times our concentration lapsed and it could have been costly.
“It is important that we start the game this week as quickly as possible and apply immediate pressure. Each week we are playing with higher intensity and I want my team to continue performing to this level.
“I have a big squad available again and I know the players I am bringing back in after resting them last week are thriving to be involved.”
Lions have shipped 10 goals in their last two league games and on current form it will take something special to stop an ambitious Sosobad team.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Laurence Thorne, KO – 10am
JC star man: Elliott Coulton (Sosobad)
DC Prediction: Lions 0 Sosobad 2
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TEMPLE FORTUNE vs KS REUNITED
Fortune are at rock bottom after five consecutive defeats, not exactly the start manager Jonathan Cohen was looking for.
Defeats against Shacharit, Lions, Sosobad, Faithfold and King Crown have put them on the back foot, but Cohen is confident his team will come out fighting on Sunday.
He told JC Sport: “We must pick up some points this week, but given our tough start to the season - having played the top three sides already from our first five games - and we know it will especially hard against a team that beat us in our first pre-season match.
“But we have to start finding the form that we showed in the second-half of last season and I’m confident that will come soon.
“We have a couple of injuries at the moment but I am personally hoping to make my return the team this week.”
Zack Gordon, Joe Sumray and James Ryan found the net for KS last weekend, but they came unstuck in a seven-goal thriller against Shacharit.
Boss James Lewis believes his boys will deliver in the big game on Sunday. He told JC Sport: “We are looking forward to getting back out on the pitch after we managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in our last week, and we’re confident we can bounce back with a win.”
Fortune are lacking a predator at the moment, something KS have in James Ryan who will be licking his lips at the home team’s goals against column.
JC team news: Key centre back David Cohen is a doubt for KS.
Venue – Roger Bannister, Ref – Stuart Ansher, KO – 10am
JC star man: Joe Sumray (KS)
DC Prediction: Fortune 1 KS 3
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ALSO SEE:
DANNY CARO'S MATCHDAY 6 OSCARS
GOAL OF THE WEEK - JAKE GILBERT
SAVE OF THE WEEK
SAM SINGER (Brady Maccabi) - crucial penalty save on the stroke of half-time, with his team trailing Redbridge B 2-0
