Out of the woods! Forest clear a path to glory

Another new entry to the League at the start of the season, they, unlike Sukkotingham Forest, are though sporting a 100% winning recording – claiming maximum points from their opening ten games and showing no signs of letting up. Not getting carried away with what they’ve achieved to date, manager Buddy Smith says: “We’re in a great place and are building more confidence every week. I’m very proud of the entire squad, nobody is getting complacent, and we are taking it game by game.”

The only team who could challenge their chance of a title is Millbrook Park Calcio, who sit five points behind them, though have also played a game more. However, with the teams having already played twice, Calcio need to win their remaining three games and hope Yallatasary fail to pick up four points from their final four games.

The tightest title race of all though is in the Premier Division. HMH A and Geez Park Rangers are level at the top on 13 points, though the former have played two games less. Hendon are two points behind the top two, though have games in hand on both, meaning Alex Rosenthal’s side are well-placed to mount a title challenge. Playing his cards close to his chest, he says: “It’s been a fantastic start to the season, the whole squad has played a massive role putting us in a strong position. It is though one game at a time but we’re definitely going to keep pushing for the title.”

The biggest shock of the season so far has though been the demise of the champions – and one of the biggest names in Jewish football – Oakwood. A dismal start to the season saw them nearer to the relegation zone than challenging to retain their title, though two successive 3-1 wins has lifted them up into fifth place and should they continue their mini resurgence, could still threaten at the top of the table come the business end of the season.

London Lions U18s are making history in this season's Peter Morrison Trophy.[Missing Credit]

In addition to the three league title races, there are also five cup competitions taking place. Arguably the story of all five of them has been the performances of London Lions U18s, who have beaten three men’s teams on their way to reaching the fourth round of the Peter Morrison Trophy, scoring 22 goals in the process. The first time they’ve entered the competition, they are also taking part in numerous others including the FA Youth Cup, their progress in all tournaments has understandably delighted their manager Lee Glassar. He says: “Taking part in the Peter Morrison for the first time is something really special. Testing ourselves against players considerable older is a true examination of where we’re at and for a Jewish Club playing with other Jews is always special. It’s a privilege to be accepted into this competition, we’ll try our very best and see how far we get.” Next up for them is a mouth-watering quarter-final clash against the Division Two champions elect Sukkotingham Forest.