There are 15 matches scheduled in the MGBSFL on Sunday, including eight in the Cyril Anekstein Cup as holders North London Raiders A take on first division opponents and there are some importants contests in Division Two.
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: OAKWOOD A vs NL RAIDERS A
PHOTOGALLERY: OAKWOOD A vs NL RAIDERS A
DANNY CARO'S MONTHLY AWARDS - OCTOBER
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
DANNY CARO'S MATCHDAY 9 AWARDS
MANAGER: Nicky Shinder (Athletic Bilbaum)
GOAL OF THE WEEK: Jordan Sharifia (Temple Fortune)
SAVE OF THE WEEK: Mark Glucksman (L'Equipe)
REFEREE: Steve Russell (Mill Hill Dons vs Faithfold B)
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
CUP DRAWS
PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND TWO DRAW
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND THREE DRAW
--------------------------------
--------------------------------
YOUR WEEKEND REVIEW STARTS HERE:
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND THREE
CAMDEN PARK vs BRADY MACCABI
The could be little to separate these two Premier Division rivals on Sunday in what is their first meeting of three this season.
Camden continue to earn the plaudits, despite not yet winning. They have pushed all their rivals close and with the pressure off in the cup, manager Max Saunders will be hoping home advantage holds the key against Brady.
Brady have been unable to maintain their strong start. Three consecutive defeats against Oakwood, Redbridge and Raiders have set them back, but they will certainly go to Hadley FC with no fear.
But when push comes to shove, I’m tipping Camden to get the monkey off their backs for the season and put their name in the hat for round four.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Mark Jacob, KO – 10am
JC star man: Jake Saunders (Camden)
DC Prediction: Camden 2 Brady 1
--------------------------------
--------------------------------
FAITHFOLD B VS SCRABBLE FC
Scrabble welcome back one or two players from long-term injury but it's pretty much business as usual as they attempt to reach the quarter-finals of the Anekstein Cup.
Last time out they were unplayable at times at Rowley Lane against Lions in the league in a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Ahead of Sunday’s trip to Faithfold, manager Ray Abrahams: 'We are putting out a strong side against Faithfold as we don't want any slip-ups.
"We said at the start of the season that a good cup run was important after early exits in both cups last season and we are hopeful that we can reach the last eight.
"Although Faithfold are a Division Two side, we will be paying them enormous respect as they are right up there challenging for promotion and they have some very good players.
"If we can rediscover the form we showed against Lions in our last game we will be delighted and on our day we have been playing some great football.
"We hope to have one or maybe two players back from long term injury this week and we are looking forward to the match positively."
Faithfold are the highest-scoring team in all three divisions, but managers David Garson and James Stanton know it will be very tough to break down a Scrabble defence who have only conceded seven goals in the league so far.
Any hopes of an upset have been dampened by news leading marksman Richard Fogelman is sidelined with a groin problem. He scored in the 4-4 thriller against Mill Hill Dons – a match the Superhoops somehow managed to let slip from 4-0 up.
Faithfold’s Avi Garson told JC Sport: "Last week's second half collapse was shambolic. It's clear we need to work on how to hold onto our lead and stay switched till the final whistle.
"Scrabble have only scored eight goals in the league so if we put in a strong performance at the back I believe we can clinch this game and cause a major upset, If Trump can - we can ..."
Faithfold have made big strides this year but, in the battle of two of my former clubs, I think Scrabble will have far too much on the day.
JC team news: Faithfold will have to do without the injured Richard Fogelman, as well as Dan Abrams and Jon Posener who are away on international duty. They welcome back captain Josh Barnett and Ben Kfir to the starting XI.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – Richard Jay, KO – 9.45am
JC star man: Rob Blackman (Scrabble)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 1 Scrabble 4
--------------------------------
--------------------------------
FINCHLEY CITY vs FC TEAM B
FC Team have produced their Sunday best in the cup competitions this season, but this could be one game too far.
They finished ultimately well-beaten by Real Hendon last week, but must prepare for a step up in class ahead of the visit of Finchley.
Joel Holder’s troops warmed-up for the tie with an important win over Hendon B. Dan Polak (2) and a cracker from Daniel Sinclair set them up for a result that means confidence going into the FC Team game is sky high.
Holder told JC Sport: "The boys know Sunday is our biggest game of the season to-date.
"Ostensibly, the draw has been kind to us, but having lost already to Hertswood this season, we know first-hand the potential of another upset.
"It is important to crack on now following Sunday's win and we will do everything possible to ensure we are in the hat for the quarter-final. The squad is in a good shape and we are delighted to welcome back Shim Bensoor to the squad for his first game of the season.
"It won't be difficult to motivate the boys. Three games away from a final at Wingate will be the message before we kick-off on Sunday."
The first 20 minutes will be crucial for FC Team on Sunday. If Finchley breaks through they will progress without too many questions asked.
Venue – Capital City, Ref – Robert Caplin, KO – 10am
JC star man: Daniel Sinclair (Finchley)
DC Prediction: Finchley 3 FC Team 0
--------------------------------
--------------------------------
FC TEAM A vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS B
Mitch Young was keeping his cards close to his chest ahead of kick-off as FC Team go into what is a massive banana skin in the shape of first division table-toppers Lions B.
We have seen two sides to FC Team already this season – the one that concedes too easily and the one that can penetrate any defence in Jewish football – and that is without some of their leading attackers who remain on the treatment table.
The Lions were rocked by a late Athletic Bilbaum comeback last week – the first time they have dropped points this season.
However, they have nothing to lose in a game that I expect to be played at a 100 miles an hour.
A result either way wouldn’t surprise me in a contest that will be won and lost in midfield.
Venue – Harefield Uni, Ref – Martin Fox, KO – 10am
JC star man: Richard Salmon (FC Team)
DC Prediction: FC Team 2 Lions 1
----------------------------
----------------------------
NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A vs LOS BLANCOS
Dan Shafron told me this week complacency won’t be an issue as North London Raiders look to move a step closer to a return trip to Wingate & Finchley.
Shafron came away disappointed from last week’s clash against Oakwood when they struggled to get the better of a team who played with 10 men for 90 minutes.
No doubt he would have been working them hard in training this week, working on teams who defend deep and pack the midfield – a tactic Blancos may well adopt on Sunday.
Shafron told JC Sport: “This is the first of three cup games in the next four weeks and they are all equally important to us.
"I was frustrated last week for various reasons and this week the boys have to raise their standards considerably.
"We have to come out of the blocks flying and dictate the tempo of the game from the very first minute.
"I don’t care if we are playing one of the very best teams or one of the very worst teams, our mentality has to be at one hundred percent regardless of who the opposition is."
Blancos have caused major cup upsets in the past but I can’t see them getting the better of the holders.
Venue – Ark Academy , Ref – Luke Steele, KO – 10am
JC star man: Matt Stock (NLR)
DC Prediction: Raiders 3 Blancos 0
--------------------------------
--------------------------------
RC UK FC vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A
The warning bells have been ringing in the Hendon camp in the build-up to Sunday’s visit to second division new boys RC UK FC.
In a tie that would be worthy of a feature on BBC Football Focus, manager David Garbacz has been careful not to walk under any ladders or let a black cat cross his path. He genuinely fears an upset.
Speaking exclusively to JC Sport on the eve of the match, Garbacz told JC Sport; “This is a real potential banana skin. I know a number of their players well and the likes of Avi Markiewicz and Jonty Aremband are genuine dangers.
"I managed Jonty last year in the under-18’s and he is definitely a Hendon player in the making – possibly this season was one year too early for him, but he is feisty but a great finisher and any half- chances he will snap up I am sure.
"We have to make sure we are on our game and as with all matches against lower league opposition look to put them out of the game early as they will really fancy their chances if they are in with a sniff after 70 minutes.
"We have a few injuries and a slightly light squad. We were particularly sorry to see Rafi Kon leave us after 10 years of remarkable service both on and off the field. He will be sorely missed and we wish him all the best in his new career with Finchley.
"As of now we are yet to know where we are playing but no doubt the pitch will be a bit of a leveller too so we must approach this game with caution and do a good professional job.
"I too unfortunately will be away this week so Greg Corin will be in charge – I certainly do not want to be coming home from a nice relaxing weekend away to any shock results."
Indeed Aremband and Markiewicz warmed-up for the tie with hat-tricks in the 7-0 demolition of Boca. They will be fine but much depends on the other nine!
Markiewicz told JC Sport: "If Leicester, Brexit and Trump can win then this should be a breeze for us.
"There is not doubt that this is going to be a difficult game but I still expect nothing but a win.
"We have the quality to match and beat Hendon, the question is, is it too soon for us? We are a new team and we haven't quite found our rhythm consistently yet but If we can, RC could really embarrass Hendon."
Commenting on Garbacz's admiration of Aremband, Markiewicz commented: "The only place Jonti is going next year is Yeshiva but when he does get back after five years in Israel, he will have his work cut out getting back into the Prem winning team of RC."
RC UK will huff and puff for 70 minutes but experience will be key as Hendon progress.
JC team news: No Yoav Kestenbaum, Yoav Lebens or Rocky .
Venue - TBC, Ref – Martin De La Fuente, KO – 10am
JC star man: Simon Peterman (Hendon)
DC Prediction: RC UK 1 Hendon 3
----------------------------
----------------------------
REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A vs OAKWOOD B
Jason Stein believes anything possible after a year that has already seen Leicester City win the Premier League, Brexit and a ground-breaking American election ahead of the long trip to Essex.
He has several walking wounded following the bruising encounter against Faithfold and he knows very few people are giving his team a chance against the MGBSFL leaders.
Stein told JC Sport: "Obviously this is a huge task for my side but if Trump can win the Presidency we can beat Redbridge A.
"We had an experience last year against Raiders A where we lost 6-1 but we gave it our best.
"This weekend we will need to be prepared, organised, committed, switched on and hard working. And we'll also need Redbridge to be off their game a bit - let's be honest about that.
"It's a free shot for us with no pressure on us so I hope the lads enjoy it and give it their best."
Redbridge have passed every test put in front of them this season. No doubt Jon Jacobs would have spoken to Sam Rank in the run-up to Sunday after RJC B beat the Oaks 3-1 in September and will know exactly how to approach the tie.
The Oaks were booed off the pitch on their last visit to Essex and although I expect them to give a better account of themselves this time, my money is on RJC going through.
JC team news: Oakwood were rocked this week with the news that star forward Dan Ash will be out for nine months and will soon undergo surgery on a torn ACL. It's a devastating blow that flies in the face of despicable comments that there were no bad tackles in our game last week. That sentiment is beneath contempt. Max Clynes returns in defence and Ben Loofe will make his debut at the back following his signing from Manchester Maccabi.
Venue – Old Parkonians, Ref – Neal Cohen, KO – 10am
JC star man: Zac Neiman (RJC)
DC Prediction: RJC 3 Oakwood 1
--------------------------------
--------------------------------
REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS A
Lions destroyed Redbridge third string in the previous round but I have a feeling they will find things tougher on Sunday.
Things haven’t gone all their way this season, with the recent 10-2 mauling at the hands of Percival in the Herts County Cup rocking them, but they have a former cup winner in their ranks in the shape of Johnny Haik and will be determined to get back on track this weekend.
Redbridge have made giant strides under Sam Rank. Their league form can best be described as merciless and they have already knocked-out one top-flight team in the shape of local rivals Woodford. Craig Sandford, who coincidentally scored the winner for Woodford against SPEC last Sunday, and Adam Goldman were their goal-scoring heroes.
As per the above game, communication will be key to RJC’s chances as gaffer Rank discusses Lions A – a team who RJC A beat 5-0 at the beginning of October.
RJC are capable of winning. But given Lions' cup pedigree, I’m just not brave enough to predict it!
Venue – Old Parkonians, Ref – Neal Cohen, KO – 10am
JC star man: Ollie Craig (Lions)
DC Prediction: RJC 1 Lions 2
----------------------------
----------------------------
MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
9 - Zack Lewis (Hendon Utd SC A), Reiss Mogilner (Brady Maccabi), Liron Mannie (NL Raiders A)
OAKWOOD A vs WOODFORD WANDERERS
The “indefatigable Oakwood spirit” was alive and kicking against Raiders last week, according to joint-manager Ric Blank.
In years gone by, Oakwood would have hit the self-destruct button after what they felt was an injustice when Jonny Blain was sent off in the first minute, but their performance was one of maturity and determination on a day they really pulled together.
JC Player of the Week Lee Warner produced a master-class against Liron Mannie – he didn’t give the former Player of the Year an inch. And at the other end, Sam Cantor ran himself into the ground.
So a match against Woodford should seem like a stroll in the park. But managers Dan Kristall and Blank will prepare their troops in much the same way as they did for the NLR game.
Kristall told JC Sport: "It's been a good week in the Oakwood camp following last Sundays hard-fought point against the free-scoring Raiders. Blanky and I couldn't stop beaming until about yesterday over the fact we had a substitute keeper on the bench. It really must be a first for Sunday league.
"We go into our final league game until mid-December knowing that we must be cautious of our opposition from Essex. They'll come to Breakspear and have a go following their late win in against Spec.
"We need to cut out any of the complacency that we have shown on earlier in the season and make sure we get the job done. A win will put us within a point of the top two and with both Hendon and Redbridge yet to play each other, it will keep us firmly in the mix for the title."
Craig Sandford kick-started Woodford’s season with the winner against SPEC FC last week.
But manager Daryl Kay would’ve been even more delighted with the defensive master-class produced, in which Ricky '5' Fox and Adam Shafron were calmness personified.
Kay has been mindful of the challenge that lies in front of Woodford this season and has bolstered his squad accordingly.
Ahead of the trip to Hertfordshire, Kay told JC Sport: “It felt good to get that winning feeling back last week and we’re confident going into Sunday’s game against Oakwood.
"We know they’re a difficult team to play against and their result against Raiders last week proves to me that it will be as tough a game as any we’ve played so far.
"That said, we’ve made a few additions to the squad this week with Darren Ezekiel returning to the line-up, and goalkeeper Jordan Davidson will keep his place in goal after an impressive performance against SPEC. Our regular No. 1 Ben Rosenthal is obviously unhappy, but I’m sure deep down he understands that the team comes first.
"I’ve heard Oakwood are a physical side but so are we, so it should be an entertaining fixture!"
Oakwood have already played a game more than joint-leaders Redbridge and Hendon. They know they can ill-afford a slip-up on Sunday and I expect them to return to winning ways in some style.
JC team news: Rafi Stone is back in the Oakwood squad after his bug. Guy Helman remains an injury doubt, whilst Sam Cantor is 50/50. Zack Collins has returned to uni.
Woodford are missing Ell Gold and Adam Poole due to long-term injuries and Harrison Midda hasn’t quite recovered from a hamstring strain he sustained against Redbridge.
Venue – Nicholas Breakspear, Ref – Martin Lavender, KO – 10am
JC star man: Dan Rose (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 3 Woodford 0
----------------------------
----------------------------
DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
7 - Adam Ellis (Hendon B)
6 - Nicky Woolf (NL Raiders B), Michael Kenley (ML Lions B)
BRIXTON OLD BOYS vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B
Raiders will be looking to move to within two points of leaders Lions B when they make the trip to basement battlers Brixton.
L'Orange don’t have history on their side but I expect them to turn the tables on a team who had to forfeit their last match due to a shortage of players.
Having put eight past Faithfold, L’Orange fans will travel in numbers to Barrowell Green as their heroes go in search of win No. 5.
Adelman told JC Sport: “We don't have the greatest recent record against Brixton and that's something we have to put right on Sunday if we have any designs on challenging Redbridge, Scrabble and Lions at the top end of the table.
"We have a couple of debutants on Sunday and it will be good to get them some minutes in orange after not having a game last weekend."
This will be a classic battle of cat and mouse but NLR hold all the aces.
JC team news: Adelman told JC Sport: “In what feels like a weekly refrain, we are missing a catalogue of players again this Sunday, this week there is no Jacob Gold, Nicky Woolf, Mark Leader or Danny Bloom."
Venue - Clowes, Ref – Daniel Fox, KO – 10am
JC star man: Lewis Blitz (NLR)
DC Prediction: Brixton NLR 4
----------------------------
----------------------------
HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B vs FAITHFOLD A
Much was made of Faithfold’s approach to their game against Oakwood last week. However, joint-manager Rob Shooman described the criticism as “peculiar” and he cannot wait to get his players back on the pitch.
The Superhoops expect to have several players returning to their squad who missed the Oakwood game due to the north London derby as they look to move clear of the danger zone.
I have good news and bad news for Hendon fans. Being an eternal optimist, I'll start with the good. Managers Jono Nesbitt and James Neidle were delighted to announce the arrival of Marc Benamram.
Nesbitt told JC Sport: "We will look to Marc to being some seniority to the team as well as discipline and hard work.
"We hope his leadership qualities on the pitch will help organise a shaky defence and see us concede fewer goals."
However, Hendon fans may want to log-off now when I tell them top-scorer Adam Ellis will miss the game. Nesbitt added: "Although scoring goals hasn't been a problem for us, unfortunately we have been conceding too many easy ones."
Victory could take Hendon into the top four and with home advantage, they will fancy their chances with or without Ellis.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Robert Benardout, KO – 10am
JC star man: Marc Benamram (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon 2 Faithfold 2
----------------------------
----------------------------
DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
18 - Richard Fogelman (Faithfold B)
9 – Jonti Aremband (RCUK FC)
CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C
Having surrendered top spot, the Cats are determined to return there as quickly as possible.
Jeff Gotch's boys are nice and fresh and he has described this as a game they cannot afford to lose.
"We're back to action after a week off in a must-win game.
"We are confident that we can put In a good show and take the points, but won't underestimate Raiders as they always give us are a good game."
The last two results haven't gone Catford's way, and Gotch doesn't expect his team to have things all their own way.
"We are missing three or four key players, but have one returning at the heart of the defence.
"It should be a cracker."
It's worth remembering these two teams were recently involved in the game of the season so far, with NLR winning a ding-dong affair on penalties following 10 goals in open play.
L'Orange go into the game on the back of a terrific result and performance against high-flying Redbridge and joint-manager David Domb is challenging his players to produce the same level of performance on Sunday.
"Don't expect too many goals, this will be nothing like the cup tie," warned Domb.
"Catford will no doubt be looking for revenge from that day though. They'll be desperate to prove to us what they're all about. I know what Jeff's team are capable of.
"But we need to play with that same belief from the start. That same belief nearly got us three points against Redbridge, and it'll have to guide us again this weekend. The rebuilding continues."
An NLR win would lift them to within three points of Catford and really blow the promotion race wide open. But Gotch's team always play to the bitter end and I expect them to get at least a point.
JC team news: Joel Lassman, Yarden Sharon and Jason Shoffman miss out for the Cats but Joel Isaacs returns.
Nick Haringman is back in the NLR squad after missing the draw with Redbridge. Joel Levitt faces a late fitness test.
Venue – Christs College, Ref – Paul Dobkin, KO – 10am
JC star man: Joel Isaacs (Catford)
DC Prediction: Catford 2 NLR 2
----------------------------
----------------------------
L’EQUIPE vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE C
L'Equipe will put their proud unbeaten record on the line when title rivals Redbridge C visit their new Finchley home.
Sad to see their 100 per cent start in the league go last week, boss Nick Stern expressed pride after his team shared the points against Temple Fortune last week.
He told JC Sport: "Firstly, I wanted to re-iterate what a huge point last Sunday was. The 11 men that stood up against a full-strength Fortune side were absolute warriors and I couldn’t have been prouder.
"As a result and as a reward for the fantastic start we are going out tonight as a team to further enhance the team spirit that this club is renowned for."
The big exams are coming thick and fast for L'Equipe now but Stern has no fear as he believes his squad is perfectly equipped to deal with every challenge.
"Sunday is another huge test in our quest for silverware this year. We know Redbridge are one of our main competitors for the title and we have to be on our game from minute one.
"We have had an unbelievable start but it means nothing if we don’t show the correct attitude, spirit and fighting qualities week in week out.
"I am glad to say that I have most my squad back this week but are missing some key players. But, as always, I know that the people that step up to take their places will mean no drop-off in quality.
"There is a special treat this week for all fans of L’ Equipe and that is the return of the evergreen Jason Miller. Jason has been in and around the club for years and will be making his season debut on Sunday."
RJC were also involved in a tough game last week, drawing 1-1 against Raiders C. Jimmy Castle scored arguably his most important goal of the season and now they go in search of their first win in three matches.
Having already beaten Faithfold and Temple Fortune, RJC boss Josh Hambling knows his boys will relish the challenge of taking on the team at the top.
Much depends on which teams maintains their discipline on Sunday and a contest that promises five-star entertainment. It will be close but I'm willing to stick out my neck and tip L'Equipe to nick it.
JC team news: L'Equipe will be missing Mark Smith, Grant Bates and Scott Bennett.
Venue – Old Finchleains, Ref – Andy Myerson, KO – 10am
JC star man: Jason Miller (L'Equipe)
DC Prediction: L'Equipe 2 RJC 1
----------------------------
----------------------------
REAL HENDON vs MILL HILLS DONS
Chaim Gothold has great belief in his players who know that a draw will be enough to keep them above Sunday's opponents Mill Hill Dons.
Real secured their third success of the season last week, with Benni Slukis, Zvi Noe, Chaim Gothold and Yomi Cohen the goal men in the 4-1 triumph over FC Team B.
Gothold felt his team were, at times, sloppy in the first half, but much-improved in the second, and he will be looking for the perfect 90-minute performance against the Dons.
He told JC Sport: "We have a slightly depleted squad this week but are hoping for our fourth league win in a row.
"We don't know much about Mill Hill but we are a match for anyone in this division on our day so let's see."
The Dons were involved in one of the games of the season last week, with Sammy Hakimian, Zach Cohen, Adam Isaacs and Nick Phillips helping them come back from the dead against Faithfold B.
Brandon Hamme was pride personified at the final whistle, and he had every reason to be as the manner of the performance, especially in the second half, showed that his players are really playing for him.
Ahead of kick-off, Hamme told JC Sport: "It's been a week of shocks and miracles Trump winning the presidency, Toblerone changing the shape of their chocolates and of course the greatest miracle of them all, the Dons coming back to draw after being 4-0 down with just over 20 minutes left to play.
"A lot of the plaudits have gone to myself after my superb tactical decisions for the second week in a row changed the game, but I think the players also played a crucial role, they fought to the bitter end and we could count ourselves unlucky to not get all three points as it was complete and utter domination come the end of the second half.
"In the last two games we have seemed to dominate second half, I think this is because our fitness as a team has improved and I believe we could be one of the fitter teams in the league due to the youth in our side.
"With Real Henson this week, we know it's not going to be an easy game, we can't get complacent after a string of good results but I feel like we should have enough quality to get three points if we play to the best of our ability."
I'm expecting goals on Sunday and both sets of supporters to go home happy.
JC team news: Harry Moss' party unfortunately came to an end last Sunday, the incredible goal streak was brought to a halt after he got injured late in the second half, he's been a crucial player in their resurgence in the last few weeks so he will be missed. Jono Gaon is back in the side this week after returning from his holidays, new signing David Bennaroch will make his debut.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Darryl Colmans, KO – 10am
JC star man: Nick Phillips (Dons)
DC Prediction: Real 3 Dons 3
----------------------------
----------------------------
TEMPLE FORTUNE vs HERTSWOOD VALE
Fortune boss Simon Linden this week told me of his delight at the return of centre midfielder Michael Goldberg to the club on a temporary basis.
On his day, Goldberg was to Fortune what Coutinho is to Liverpool. The boy has gold in his boots and his presence will soften the blow of two key men who have featured heavily in the goals department this season.
Linden knows that Sunday is a game that Fortune should be winning, especially if they are to realise his promotion dream. But he warned that this is by no means a home banker.
"I was surprised to see Hertswood struggle early on this season, especially after a very tight 2-1 win in pre season," he told JC Sport.
"It's been proved that anyone can beat anyone in this league. Sunday is hugely important, we have drawn our last two games and need to get back to winning ways."
Hertswood still await what is proving to be an elusive first-ever league victory in the MGBSFL. They are averaging less than a goal a game and have conceded a minimum of three each time, so it's clear they are still taking time to adjust.
"The hope is always to win, Vale co-boss Jack Shulman told JC Sport. "But unfortunately we are really down to the bare bones, we have a skeleton squad so much so I may even have to start.
"We really let ourselves down in our last match and we want to show more fight and desire this week to do ourselves proud at the ground where a number of our players made their competitive debuts for other clubs.
"We want to get back to the winning feeling and the team on Sunday know that the only way that can come is from hard work.
"We have good players but we just aren't working together seamlessly at the moment. That will come. And when it comes we will be frighting."
It can surely only be a matter of time until managers Jacob Emanuel and Jack Shulman go to the board and demand some cash to bolster the squad.
JC team news: Aron Barnes, Brett Stead and Woolfe all miss out. Club legend Lee Fegan returns and he is expected to wear the No. 1 jersey.
Venue – Roger Bannister, Ref – Barry David, KO – 10am
JC star man: Michael Goldberg (Fortune)
DC Prediction: Fortune 3 Vale 1
----------------------------
----------------------------
ALSO SEE:
