Match of the day sees defending champions North London Raiders A travel to joint-leaders Hendon United Sports Club A, while table-toppers Redbridge Jewish Care A are preparing for the Essex derby against Woodford Wanderers.
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JC MATCHDAY 10 COVERAGE
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: HENDON UNITED SC B vs FAITHFOLD A
MATCH PHOTOS: HENDON UNITED SC B vs FAITHFOLD A
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DANNY CARO'S MATCHDAY 10 AWARDS
PREMIER DIVISION TEAM OF THE WEEK
PLAYER OF THE WEEK - AVI KORMAN (Hendon Utd SC A)
MANAGER OF THE WEEK - SAM MARCHANT (ML Lions B)
GOAL OF THE WEEK: Zac Garbacz (Hendon United Sports Club A)
SAVE OF THE WEEK: Joel Sinclair (Mill Hill Dons)
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: Jonathan Adelman (North London Raiders B)
REFEREE OF THE WEEK: Barry David (Temple Fortune vS Hertswood Vale)
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CUP DRAWS
PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND TWO DRAW
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND THREE DRAW
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISON
TOP-SCORERS
12 - Liron Mannie (NL Raiders A)
11 - Reiss Mogilner (Brady Maccabi)
FC TEAM A vs SPEC FC
Mitch Young is determined to put things right following FC Team’s shock cup cup exit at the hands of first division Lions B.
It’s clear the long-standing manager still has pulling power after he bolstered his squad with two players who would walk into most top-flight XIs.
In fact, his acquisitions have close ties to the Rowley Lane club, with Young promising Conor Perlmutter and James Stanley will “add attacking flair, quality and higher-level experience”.
Indeed Young is keen to paint a rosy picture despite last week’s set-back. He told JC Sport: "Despite all our injury concerns, we had had a string of four games in a row where we have remained unbeaten in 90 minutes, so we go into the game in good form and confident of a result.
"This is a season-defining game for SPEC, so no doubt they will be up for it, but for us we want to look up the table and a win will mean we can start doing that."
SPEC FC are now a third of a way through their first season of Premier Division football, but a first win is proving more elusive than Ricky Lawrence had ever imagined.
He knows his players have nothing to lose and the player-manager is confident his players will rise to the challenge.
He told JC Sport: "Could Sunday be the day? Our first point almost came in Essex a couple of weeks ago. We hope this Sunday will be the day!"
I don't expect this to be a classic by any stretch of the imagination and given the fact both sides benefit from good quality at set-pieces, it wouldn’t surprise me if it finishes honours even.
JC team news: FC Team welcome back Lorian Madanes who has missed the last three matches.
Venue – Harefield Academy 3G, Ref – Neal Cohen, KO
JC star man: Simon Roth (SPEC)
DC Prediction: FC Team 1 SPEC 1
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WOODFORD WANDERERS vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
Excitement is building ahead of this big Essex derby as Woodford prepare to take on league leaders Redbridge.
The Wanderers go into the game on the back of a terrific performance against Oakwood in the cup. They left nothing on the pitch and only went down to an 85th minute goal that curled in direct from a corner.
Manager Daryl Kay was proud of his players and he knows they will have to perform to the same levels if they are to get anything from their local rivals who hit them for six last month.
He told JC Sport: "We're almost at full-strength again this week and I’ll be hoping for a much better performance this time around.
"There’s no doubting that Redbridge gave us the run-around a few weeks back, but as I said in the match report, if our goalkeeper didn’t make those four horrific errors the score-line reads 3-2 and it’s not as bad as it sounds, so I’m hoping we can have a real go at them this time."
"We welcome back James Ryan this week and Harrison Midda will have a fitness test before the game, and we could see skipper Adam Poole return for one final hurrah before his ankles completely caves in.
"Jordan Davidson impressed once again against Oakwood and will keep his place in the team, as will our three centre midfielders – Alex Aviram, Darryl Green and David Green – all three were fantastic last week.
"The only long-terms absentee looks to be Elliott Gold, which is unfortunate because he provides with so much energy on the right, we really notice it when he doesn’t play.
"Martin Sales is slowly making a return to fitness although this might be a game too soon for him, but I’m enjoying having him as a right-hand man since Jerome decided to grace the pitch once again."
Redbridge have been the model of consistency in the league. They have won every match and have match-winners all over the pitch, although they were given a real scare by first division Oakwood B in the cup last week.
But manager Jon Jacobs knows anything can happen in a derby, when form goes out of the window. He will be looking to his big-match players to step up and deal with anything Woodford throw at them.
Then and only then will they earn the right to win this football match.
Venue - Fairlop, Ref – Martin De La Fuente, KO – 10am
JC star man: Danny Berg (RJC)
DC Prediction: Woodford 1 RJC 3
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MACCABI LONDON LIONS A vs CAMDEN PARK
A management reshuffle had the desired effect at Rowley Lane last weekend when Lions overcame a potential banana skin in the shape of Division One high-flyers Redbridge B.
Ollie Craig was the star man in a 3-1 win, with Adam Arnold bagging the other.
It was important Will Beresford and Ryan Springer hit the ground running and I wasn’t surprised to see the pair work their magic quickly.
The return of Ben Lampert gives them another dimension and I can really see them going from strength to strength.
Beresford told JC Sport: “It's currently a period of transition for us, with our squad still taking shape. It's probably a good time for Camden to be playing us ...”
Camden had a good result of their own last week, beating Premier Division rivals Brady Maccabi 3-2. Powerhouse Mike Khalatschi was their match-winner in a game that came down to small margins.
But a trip to Rowley Lane is the real acid step.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Andy Demetriades, KO
JC star man: Ben Lampert (Lions)
DC Prediction: Lions 2 Camden 1
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A
"This will be a true test of our credentials for this season." Those were the words of Hendon boss David Garbacz.
The Reds have won every game in Jewish football this season but the ante will be raised on Sunday as last season’s champions visit their Arkley home.
Yoav Kestenbaum was Hendon’s match-winner when the giants met in September – a five-goal thriller in which the Morrison holders came from a goal down to win. But Garbacz is fully aware NLR will be on a revenge mission – like Chelsea, they have settled well after an indifferent start.
Garbacz told JC Sport: “I felt we played them at a good time early on in the season and we will see a far different Raiders team this week as their recent results would suggest. They were missing key men that day and we took full advantage.
"Saying that, we are more than capable of replicating that performance and are playing with the utmost of confidence all over the pitch."
Garbacz “expects this to be a game full of attacking, flowing football” and went on to say: “Both teams score goals for fun and our forwards, led by Zac Lewis, are in red-hot form.”
The Hendon boss believes there is more than just three points at stake on Sunday. “We know we can’t relinquish any ground at the top to Redbridge and we also know that a win on Sunday would effectively put last year’s champions out of the race before we even reach December.
“As long as we maintain a decent shape at the back and don’t give the likes of Liron Mannie too much space then I am hopeful that we will maintain our run. This game does promise to be a cracker though so make sure the cameras are rolling early!
Raiders warmed-up for the game with a real statement of intent. Jordan Marks, Liron Mannie and Ben Ellis helped themselves to hat-tricks in the 12-0 demolition of Los Blancos.
Although it’s still early days, both Mannie and Zac Lewis of Hendon are contenders for the MGBSFL Player of the Year award. But Andy Murray looks a dead cert for BBC Sports Personality!
NLR boss Dan Shafron won’t need to say much to his players before kick-off. They know they have a big score to settle.
"We've had some good battles with Hendon over the years and I’m sure Sunday will be no different," Shafron told JC Sport.
"I'm looking forward to another eagerly anticipated, well contested game of football."
Sunday will come down to who wins their individual and collective battles. I just have a sneaky feeling for Raiders.
JC team news: Greg Corin and Moses Seitler are unavailable, Yoav Lebens is very doubtful. Rocky Spitzer and Yoav Kestenbaum return.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Andy Myerson, KO – 10am
JC star man: Justin Spiro (NLR)
DC Prediction: Hendon 1 NLR 2
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DIVISON ONE
DANNY CARO's DIVISION ONE TEAM OF THE WEEK
OAKWOOD B vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS B
Sam Marchant hopes the JC Manager of the Week curse doesn’t strike when he takes his Lions to Oakwood.
Charlie Cohen popped up with their champagne moment against Premier Division FC Team last Sunday, with Adam Lipman the star performer.
But Marchant knows any complacency will be punished by a talented Oakwood side who are capable of ending their unbeaten league record.
"The next few games up until the December break are likely to be season defining, and that starts this Sunday,” Marchant told JC Sport.
"Oakwood are a strong side who we faced last season in the Cyril Anekstein Cup and they narrowly edged it 3-2. We expect a battling side and a very tough game.
"Of course we have strong faith in our ability and hope we can take last week’s spirited performance into this Sunday. If we can do that whilst sticking to our game-plan there is no reason why we can't come away with the all-important three points."
Jason Stein has huge respect for the Division One leaders. But knowing him as I do, he will challenge his players to prove they can mix it with the best, on the back of an impressive performance against MGBSFL table-toppers Redbridge in the cup last week.
With James Abrams running the show, I received 11 team of the week nominations from Oakwood, with goalkeeper Dean Caplin getting the nod in the new-look design in tomorrow’s Jewish Chronicle newspaper, while Benj Loofe joined him in my Division One top team.
Stein was in upbeat mood when he returned to the training ground this week.He even high-fived Mavis the tea-lady!
He told JC Sport: "Good morning DC, please have some Viennese biscuits that I brought back from my scouting mission last weekend.
"This is a big game for us there is no question about that. Lions are an excellent side. We won a very tight cup match 3-2 last year and I have every reason to believe they have improved in the 13 months since then too.
"My players all talk about wanting to win the league and believing they can. Well the reality is if you want to win the title then we have to win a game like this on Sunday. It’s really that simple. Lions have been standard bearers so far this season.
"It's not enough to be gallant losers against Redbridge. Because as amazing as that performance was, it will count for little if we then do not follow it up the next week in an important league game like this."
This one is hard to call. I can see it being a game of cat and mouse and it wouldn’t surprise me if the teams share the points.
JC team news: Ben Peppi, under a historic co-ownership deal between our great friends South Manchester FC, will make his long-awaited debut this weekend. The talented midfielder is “a big boost” for Oakwood and comes “with an impeccable CV”. Lining-up alongside him in midfield will be former team-mates Alex Koslover “who returns to the fray after missing the last few matches”. Defender Ben Buck will continue to captain Oakwood while Dan King still recovers from injury. Management hero last week, James Abrams returns to playing duties this week.
Venue – Nicholas Breakspear, Ref – Mark Jacob, KO – 10am
JC star man: Ben Peppi (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 1 Lions 1
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FINCHLEY CITY FC vs BRIXTON OLD BOYS
Finchley City will be looking to extend their winning run to three matches when they welcome basement battlers Brixton.
Joel Holder's troops simply had too much for FC Team B last week, with Oli Sade producing a sensational cameo from the bench. He ended up being a hat-trick hero in a 7-0 mauling, with gaffer Holder describing him as the best player on the pitch.
Indeed I expect Holder to let Sade loose on a Brixton defence that is low on confidence. Both he and Dan Polak will be looking to fill their boots as the Finchley boys look to consolidate their place in the top four.
Holder told JC Sport: “It’s important to always remember that we are a brand new team, but it's clear to see the quality we have throughout the squad.
"Brixton will be tough opposition on Sunday so I hope we play like we did against FC Team.
"We picked up a few injuries on Sunday, so we may need to rejig the team, but I am confident the boys will do their job so we can narrow the gap at the top of the table."
Mitchell Gerber has scored both Brixton goals this season, but their fans have had little else to cheer about.
I’d like to paint a rosier picture about one of my former clubs, but can only see home winner on Sunday. Stick this down as your home banker.
Venue – Capital City, Ref – Darryl Colmans, KO – 10am
JC star man: Daniel Kozielek (Finchley)
DC Prediction: Finchley 4 Brixton 0
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LOS BLANCOS vs ATHLETIC BILBAUM
Failure isn’t an option for Los Blancos on Sunday.
Nick Grosse told me in the build-up to the Bilbaum game he is considering stepping down from his role as manager following a string of poor results.
They conceded double figures against Cyril Anekstein Cup holders North London Raiders A last weekend and Grosse would have been spending much of the week trying to lift chins off the ground.
He told JC Sport: "We haven't tasted victory for quite a few weeks now and it is taking a toll on the squad. The players are down and it is easy to see why.
"We were well beaten by a strong Premiership side on Sunday and the 12-0 scoreline was the result of a second-half meltdown of epic proportions.
"However, we must not to forget that we were only 2-0 down at half-time, and like I told the players on the day, if we could have nicked the next goal, anything would have been possible. Unfortunately, a catastrophic mix-up in defence early on led to their third goal and the rest is history."
But Grosse believes his players have what it takes to turn the corner and come out on top in what is a relegation six-pointer.
"I urge my players to brush off the recent sequence of disappointments, regain their confidence, and draw on the natural and technical talent that they undoubtedly possess.
"Our pride is now at stake and the opponent this week is irrelevant - we must win or I might have to hand over the reins to someone else."
The Baums produced their performance of the season last time out in the 2-2 draw against Lions B. They must approach this game in much the same way in a contest where no-nonsense defending will be the order of the day.
And there was some big news announced by the club on Friday morning. Speaking exclusively to JC Sport, a club statement read: "We are pleased to announce the signing of former Baum, Benjamin Bell who completed his transfer back from Scrabble.
"Bell said that Baum was always his true home and is determined to continue from where he left off.
"We are also pleased to announce the return of Jacob Brunner from the UN in Thailand."
Los Blancos will be a tricky test but we are poised to finally make our mark on the division."
The first 20 minutes are crucial on Sunday. An early Bilbaum goal could really knock the stuffing out of Blancos in a game that could be a real war of attrition.
Venue – Hertswood, Ref – Rob Caplin, KO
JC star man: Jay Rosenthal (Bilbaum)
DC Prediction:Blancos 2 Bilbaum 3
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B
With Lions B tipped to drop points, Raiders B will be looking to finish the weekend top of the pack when they host Hendon.
L’Orange were at their rampaging best last Sunday when they put seven past Brixton.
Joint-manager Jonathan Adelman was delighted to see two new boys - Josh Alswang and Or Shmerling – appear on the scoresheet, alongside Alex Goodman, Simon Buchler, Charles Braunstein and Anthony Goodmaker.
NLR are like the Liverpool of Division One. They are scoring goals from all over the park and don’t just rely on one or two players. Under Adelman and Zack Gothelf, they have come up with a winning formula and are leaving their opponents chasing shadows.
Ahead of their first meeting with Hendon, Adelman told JC Sport: “For the first time this season, we have a squad of more than 16 to pick from.
"The game on Sunday is vital for us - we have had two strong results since losing to Redbridge. A win on Sunday would leave us six wins from seven, with our next two league games after that against title rivals Scrabble and Redbridge.
"The old adage is that the games before Chanukah are key, and starting on Sunday these next three league games will tell us a lot about what we can achieve this season."
Hendon came up short against Faithfold last Sunday. Joint-manager Jono Nesbitt told me that “two late pull-outs” hurt them in a game they “dominated at times and had more chances”.
The Reds have conceded a worrying number of goals since the Bilbaum game and it’s an area messus Neidle and Nesbitt know they must improve.
Nesbitt told JC Sport: "We know it's going to be a tough game this week with Raiders looking to go top of the table.
"Going forward we are still trying to find everyone's best position and know whilst we are creating chances, that we can do better especially with our finishing.
"Stuart Harris has impressed recently with his finishing and will likely start up front as we continue to look for a suitable replacement while Ellis is up in Birmingham."
But NLR have the bit between their teeth right now and I think they will hold all the aces on Sunday.
JC team news: NLR are missing last week’s two-goal debutant Josh Alswang as well as Jacob Gold, Toby Katz and Josh Goldstein. On the plus side they should have Jake Gilbert and Will Ufland back whilst Richard Bloom is back with the B’s after proving his fitness with the C’s last weekend. Another debutant, Jack Roberts, comes into the squad this weekend and he could make his Raiders bow on Sunday.
Hendon welcome the return of Ezekiel Jacob who "will hopefully sure up some of the mistakes we have been making at the back".
Venue – Ark Academy, Ref – Martin Fox, KO – 10am
JC star man: Or Shmerling (NLR)
DC Prediction: NLR 4 Hendon 1
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B vs SCRABBLE FC
Redbridge’s perfect league record will be put on the line when they entertain promotion rivals Scrabble FC.
Sam Rank’s men saw their hopes of Cyril Anekstein Cup glory go up in smoke against Lions A last week, with Ben Chernoff scoring their goal in a 3-1 defeat.
Although they enjoyed their fair share of possession, they lacked a cutting edge against a well-drilled team, but if anything the blip will help them regain their focus.
Rank is fully aware of the dangers that lie ahead when Scrabble come to town. He told JC Sport: “We finally get back into league action with a very hard game against a strong Scrabble side. I have heard good things about Scrabble from a few sources. They are a very strong and physical side, who like to play football in the right way.
“However, I don't think Scrabble will be able to cope with the RJC B boys this weekend. Last week, we were extremely unlucky not to get a result against a strong Lions A side involving a number of Saturday players.
“The boys are very pumped for this week game. The league is the main priority this season, and we want to keep our 100 per cent start to the season going.
“I think Sunday's game will be a tight contest but our ability, commitment and team ethic will mean the home team taking all the points and keeping the 100 per cent start going.”
Scrabble made relatively easy work of beating Faithfold B last week. They were menacing going forward, with midfielders Josh Bharier and Elliot Espinoza bagging braces, and manager Ray Abrahams will be relieved by the fact they won’t be playing at a ground with any overhead wires!
The Scrabble boys know a win would take them to within two points of Redbridge. But they can take nothing for granted as they have yet to keep a clean sheet in the league.
Ahead of kick-off, Abrahams told JC Sport: "There is no doubt about who will be under the most pressure on Sunday. Redbridge may have a 100 per cent record in the league but as we know ourselves from last season it is hard to keep that going week after week and their players will feel the pressure not to make those mistakes which will end their run.
"We have nothing to lose in this game, but they have. We are looking forward to the game and to let our football do the talking on the pitch.
"It's just a shame that we haven't been able to field the same team two weeks running as again this week we have injuries and absences, but our squad is strong and has depth and we are in good form at the moment.
"We've had a difficult run of games as the fixtures haven't been too kind to us in the opening weeks and we've had to take on all the top sides early, but our aim is to stay in the mix until the New Year and then we will make our bid for the promotion places.
"It was a superb display from our lads last week to reach the Cup quarter-finals and we are looking to take that form into this Sunday's game at Redbridge who we know are a decent side but we are ready for them and determined to take the three points."
I can see this being an open and entertaining with chances aplenty. Football will be the winner.
JC team news: RJC B welcome back Craig Sandford after his ‘loan appearance’ for Woodford. A few injuries in the camp after last week, but RJC B have a strong squad for Sunday.
Venue – Old Parkonians, Ref – Robert Benardout, KO - 10am
JC star man: Dan Andrews (RJC)
DC Prediction: RJC 2 Scrabble 2
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
18 - Richard Fogelman (Faithfold B)
10 - Jorden Sharifian (Temple Fortune)
HERTSWOOD VALE vs BOCA JEWNIORS
There will be a derby flavour around Tempsford Green on Sunday when Hertswood Vale take on Boca Jewniors.
Many are labelling this as an unofficial wooden spoon six-pointer but what I would say to those cynics are that it’s still early days and there are plenty of points to play for.
Vale and Boca have played 10 league games between them thus far, but no wins have materialised. That said, the Vale boys did cause a big upset in the cup, although their spirits would have been dented by the crushing defeat to Temple Fortune last weekend.
Joint-manager Jacob Emanuel gave an honest assessment of his Vale team when I caught up with him earlier this week.
He told JC Sport: “Jack and I are treating Sunday as a normal game despite a number of our squad having previous ties with Boca.
"Ultimately, this season hasn’t gone to plan. Unavailability and long-term injuries have halted any plans we’ve had, and as a result we've paid with six straight defeats in the league.
"The only game we’ve had almost a full strength squad, was when we beat Finchley City, a division above, in the cup.
"We're hoping Sunday is going to kick-start our season but we’re viewing it as a standard game. We have a few of the regulars returning and we’re hoping to make a statement. My money is on Josh Cohen to match his brother Zach and grab a hat-trick in the league on Sunday.
"However Jack and I would take a 1-0 win."
Boca have had plenty of time to dust themselves down from the heavy defeat against RC UK FC.
Given the way their season has gone, manager Anton Nyman did his best not to over-play the importance of this game.
He told JC Sport: “I’d go as far as billing it as a must-win against fellow strugglers in the league and the team which is most of last season's team -our season must start here and now with a win.
“The midfield influence of Joshua Cinna, around a full-strength team is going to be pivotal on Sunday and although we may be the underdogs – it’s been a strange old year!”
Boca looked sharp in much of their recent friendly against Temple Fortune. If they can maintain that level for 90 minutes they could get their first points on the board. But much depends on which team get the rub of the green on the day.
Venue – Tempsford Green FC, Ref – Stuart Ansher, KO – 10am
JC star man: Josh Cohen (Vale)
DC Prediction: Vale 3 Boca 2
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MILL HILLS DONS vs L’EQUIPE
Table-toppers L’Equipe have climbed every obstacle placed in front of them in the league and manager Nick Stern is preparing his players for another big one on Sunday.
Sitting pretty at the top after a third of the season, they remain the only unbeaten team in the division following the impressive success over promotion rivals Redbridge C last Sunday.
Max Martin (2), Mark Singer and Jon Kaye fired the bullets in a 4-2 victory, on a day where Stern beamed “we wanted it more than them”. That was ultimately the deciding factor.
Having thumped the Dons 8-2 as recently as last month, it’s clear L’Equipe go into the return leg with a big psychological advantage. But rest assured Stern won’t allow his players to turn up complacent.
He told JC Sport: “The message in the L’Equipe camp is one game at a time, do your job, win your battles and the rewards will come at the end of the season.
“Everyone throughout the squad has shown a brilliant attitude through the first seven games, but I expect this every week and the intensity and the desire to win never to drop as we hit the cold winter months.
“This week we face a very different Mill Hill team to the one we faced a few weeks ago. They gave us quite a scare in the first half before we ran out 8-2 winners. However since then they have gone on a little unbeaten run in the league and we know they are a team that we cannot and must not take lightly.
“They are young and fit and now after seven games have the experience of facing most teams in the league which clearly has helped them pick up crucial wins.
“I have told my players to keep their heads down, work hard, win their battles and together we will win as a team. Our squad is extremely excited to play this Sunday and with an almost fully fit group to choose from I have some real tough decision on my hands.”
Zack Cohen steered the Dons to three precious points against Real Hendon last week. His treble plus one from Adam Isaacs sealed MHD’s third win and made it three games without defeat.
And manager Brandon Hamme is confident his players will rise to the challenge against the leaders.
He told JC Sport: "We are really starting to find our feet in the last few weeks, we are unbeaten in our last three games and it looks like we are really starting to come together as a team.
"I believe we are facing the best team in the league this weekend though so we know it’s going to be a challenge.
"Last time we played them we were ahead twice but capitulated and ended up conceding eight.
"We have been defensively stronger in recent weeks so I will be surprised if we concede that many this time round.
"From that game it was clear to see that they have a very strong big physical side; we will need to be at our best to stand a chance but with the way we are playing in recent weeks, we definitely have a chance of giving them a good game.
"Last time we faced them we didn’t have our top goal-scorer Zach Cohen playing so he could make a big difference this time round."
This promises to be a great advert for Jewish football and the head to head between Cohen and the red-hot Max Martin will be worth the admission fee alone.
I’m tipping L’Equipe to maintain their winning run, but they won’t have things all their own way.
JC team news: Harry Moss, Ben Bazini and Yehoshua Benzadon remain out injured for L’Equipe. Ryan Kramer and Adam Ben Harosh are both doubts for the game this Sunday.
Rob Simmons and Mark Korn are the only absentees for L’Equipe while Mark Smith makes a “triumphant return” after a few weeks away.
Venue – Mill Hill Park, Ref – Mike Cowan, KO
JC star man: Josh Lewis (L’Equipe)
DC Prediction: Dons 2 L’Equipe 3
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C vs FAITHFOLD B
There are few better players than Eyal Samovich in the MGBSFL right now and it appears only a matter of time until he is promoted to one of NLR’s top two teams.
Take nothing away from their C’s, he has been the stand-out performer on numerous occasions and managers Sam Rose and David Domb know they have a real talent on their hands.
Samovich was in absolutely sensational form against former leaders Catford & Bromley last week. Alex Elf continued his purple patch in front of goal with two more, with Liam Stein (2) and Alex Sherr completing the 6-0 triumph.
And the chances are they will get plenty of chances against a Faithfold team who were well beaten last week.
Domb told JC Sport NLR’s pre-season aspirations are still very doable: “This month was always the start of a difficult spell," he commented. "Redbridge, Catford, and then Faithfold and Temple Fortune get added into the list. If there was ever going to be a test of what we want to achieve this season, even after a slow start – this was going to be it.
"It’s gone well so far. Two away games and we’ve come away with four points. With every game that passes the group gains more and more belief; confident the players that surround them have the ability to come away with a result.
"It's that mind-set we need once again. Last week’s result was fantastic, but it’s done now. It’ll be a different game on Sunday. We need to find that consistency if we’re to achieve our objectives for the season, but it’s not beyond us – points on the board is required.”
Faithfold travel to Brunel University aware that a win could potentially take them second whereas a loss could see them slide down the table to seventh.
The Superhoops know L’Orange will be high on confidence but joint-player-manager David Garson has been very clear that they won’t feel intimidated by NLR’s last result and will be going to Uxbridge for the three points.
He told JC Sport: “You never really know who will turn up on the day for Raiders so we are expecting a good opposition.
“But we will be taking a strong squad and we expect nothing less than the three points.”
An open, high-tempo showdown looms.
JC team news: Liam Stein is away on international duty as he continues his preparations for Maccabiah, but Raiders are boosted by the return of Dan Tann and Ricky Zeiderman. Jake Yudelowitz is still a long-term absentee.
Faithfold top-scorer Richard Fogelman is expected to return from a groin injury. My sources tell me he “is raring to get more goals as he chases down his all-time record of 42 goals for L’Equipe”. Louis Taylor is not available for selection this week and defender Jon Posener is suspended after picking up two bookings against MH Dons.
Venue – Brunel FC, Ref – Steve Russell, KO – 10am
JC star man: Ricky Zeiderman (NLR)
DC Prediction: NLR 4 Faithfold 2
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RC UK FC vs FC TEAM B
RC UK FC supporters will be hoping for a scoreline of cricket proportions when they go head-to-head with FC Team B.
Avi Markiewicz’s troops suffered a heavy defeat in the cup against Hendon A last week and the gaffer will be demanding a massive reaction to that result.
Markiewicz admitted his team “weren’t good enough” in the closing stages and I expect them to go for the jugular from the very first whistle.
It's clear the RC UK boys are relishing a return to league action. Markiewicz told JC Sport: "Back again in the league after the disappointing result in the cup against Hendon but hopefully we can banish those feelings and get a good result at FC team. We have two regulars missing but I believe we have enough to get the win."
FC Team were outclassed by Finchley City last week. They do nothing by half-measures and when they lose they usually go down quicker than the Titanic.
That said, they did beat Redbridge recently and are capable of the unexpected but I can’t see this being the coupon buster.
JC team news: Yisroel Lewis returns for RC UK for only his second game so that adds some real quality to the team. Dovi Vogel and Aaron Luftig are both unavailable.
Venue – Ludgrove Playing Fields FC, Ref – Luke Steele, KO
JC star man: Leor Harel (RC UK)
DC Prediction: RC UK 4 Team 1
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE C vs TEMPLE FORTUNE
Josh Hambling was in Mourinho mode in his pre-match press conference ahead of the crunch clash with Temple Fortune.
The defeat against league leaders L’Equipe left a bad taste in his mouth, but he cranked up the heat ahead of another match against a side harbouring top two ambitions.
Hambling told JC Sport: “We haven’t been playing badly, it’s just the way games have gone in the end.
“We know the league is wide open and there’s no way L’Equipe won’t slip up in a few games, so I’m sure most teams feel like they can make ground on them.
“I have pretty much a full strength squad this week and welcome back Dan Lipman. His much-needed experience I think is vital for the squad.
“We beat Fortune 5-2 last time and played some lovely stuff. They were in a purple patch then and they’re in one now so a repeat scoreline would be nice.
“We go into every game thinking we can beat any team. With the quality we have it’s just been frustrating we can’t be closer to top spot.
“I’ll be making sure everyone leaves that pitch Sunday morning with their legs like jelly! Only 100 per cent commitment will do.”
Simon Linden’s Fortune climbed into a lofty second position after their impressive victory over Hertswood.
Gab Stone played like a man possessed while Jordan Sharifian, who is proving to be one of the finds of the season, moved into double figures after securing a brace in a 6-1 win.
Fortune benefitted from a fast start, they were 4-0 up before their opponents knew what had hit them.
Jimmy Castle destroyed Fortune in the first meeting, but Linden told JC Sport: “It's a big game and I'm confident we can go to Essex and the get revenge and three points.”
It’s clear Fortune are improving too because their better players are playing well and Stone, Sharifian and Linden have brought that feel-good-factor.
In terms of a prediction, he who dares wins.
Venue – 7 Kings High School, Ref – David Lazarus, KO
JC star man: Dean Shaw (TFFC)
DC Prediction: RJC 2 TFFC 3
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