There’s another mouth-watering programme of league and cup action in store as first division Camden Park head north in a bid to book their place in the semi-finals of the Morrison. Danny Caro looks ahead to all the action and goes head-to-head with Norstar manager Phil Peters in the latest round of Challenge Caro.
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LATEST NEWS:
WOLFF SLAMS TEAM OVER GAME OF SHAME
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DC'S PICKS
MACCABIAH MASTERS vs REDBRIDGE JC A - PHOTOGALLERY
FAITHFOLD A vs CONVOYS FC - PHOTOGALLERY
FAITHFOLD A vs CONVOYS FC - VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
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TOP-SCORERS
31 - Jamie Kent (Shirley Park), Ben Zloof (AC Mill Hill)
24- Jono Gaon (Tottenham Chutspah)
18 - Lee Cash (LM Lions A - 10 for Neasden A), Adam Hersh (Los Blancos)
17 - Alex Elf (Hendon Utd SC C), Ben Polak (Oakwood B), Adam Stolerman (Redbridge A)
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DANNY CARO'S MATCHDAY 25 OSCARS
QUOTE OF THE WEEK - JORDAN SAPLER
SUPER-SUB OF THE WEEK
Daryl Phillips (Faithfold A)
REFEREE OF THE WEEK
Richard Jaye (North London Raiders A vs Oakwood A)
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PETER MORRISON TROPHY QUARTER-FINAL DRAW
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JC CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP SEMI-FINAL DRAW
Camden Park vs Redbridge JC A
London Maccabi Lions A vs Faithfold A or Oakwood A
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
PETER MORRISON TROPHY QUARTER-FINALS
REPUBLIC OF FLIXTON vs CAMDEN PARK
With home advantage, I make Republic of Flixton narrow favourites against a red-hot Camden as Josh Marks takes his men north with a place in the semi-finals of the Jewish FA Cup up for grabs.
Marks knows his team will have their work cut out against a side that proved too strong for Division One rivals Chigwell Athletic in the previous round. And it would not surprise me if the Camden gaffer touched base with his Chigwell counterpart Richard Slater in a bid to get the low-down on the Manchester Jewish Soccer League title favourites.
Camden shot themselves in the foot last weekend, as they let a two-goal lead at Glenthorne slip. The sending off of Nick Kagan proved costly as the east Londoners battled back to earn a point.
But that game was the perfect preparation for Flixton in my opinion as the MJSL team are big, physical and strong, and their managers have an excellent record in the Morrison.
"We got kicked in the balls last week and some of us are still hurting," Marks told JC Sport this week. "Our winning streak was ended and our confidence was knocked but I’ve got a team of true professionals …
"Since Sunday, Rob Hershkorn, Luke Brookner and Richard Silver have all stepped up and spoken out to the squad. An extra level of determination has been installed to our team.
"What happened to us on Sunday should be irrelevant in the scale of things. But not winning this week would be a huge blow to our hopes.
"I’ve asked the boys to show everyone what we’re made of."
Hershkorn, Brookner and Silver have been inspirational figures on the pitch for Camden this season, but ultimately it's been a real team effort. Mike Khalastchi was their star man last Sunday, while Ben Harris has also been in top form. Promotion is still in their hands, but on Sunday they can forget about the league and concentrate on making history.
Republic joint-manager Stuart Delmonte told me this week that he and Tony Rosenberg are missing a couple of regulars, but they will be quietly confident of steering a team into the Morrison semis for the second time in three years. The pair took Manchester Maccabi all the way in 2011 and they would love nothing better than a trip to Wingate & Finchley in the coming months.
For Camden to win, they will need to play out of their skins and I think a 4-5-1 formation would benefit them to ensure they don't get outmuscled in midfield. Republic have a fantastic record at their Northwich Victoria FC home and although there may not be much to separate the teams, I can see Republic's direct style taking them through on the day.
Venue - Accounts Direct Stadium, KO – 2pm
JC star man: Rob Jacobs (Republic)
DC Prediction: Republic 2 Camden 1
PP Prediction: Republic 2 Camden 1 AET
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ROUND FOUR
NORSTAR A vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A
A trip to South Manchester is the prize for the winners of Sunday's clash between Premier Division rivals Norstar A and league leaders Hendon A.
League form goes out of the window for the next 90 minutes in a battle which is effectively a top against bottom affair. That is certainly what Norstar fans hope at least. Hendon have smashed 11 goals over two league games against Phil Peters' men - winning 4-2 and 7-0.
Greg Corin fired a hat-trick in front of the Sky Sports cameras last time the teams met at John Lyon School but Peters believes his team has nothing to lose when ref Laurie Benson blows the first whistle on Sunday.
Peters told JC Sport: "We're looking forward to playing again after several weeks without a game. We know Hendon will be tough, particularly as they're playing most weeks at the moment and we haven't had a game since mid-February.
"That said, we've got nothing to lose and it would be great to go further in the cup. We have a couple of big absentees but as usual we'll be going for it.
"It does seem a shame though that the winner of this tie will be forced to play the next round in Manchester on erev-Pesach. I know David's got very few of his squad available and I'm not sure how many of mine are going to be able to do a 400-mile round-trip the day before Seder night, but we'll worry about that once we've won this tie."
Hendon go into the tie on the back of a 2-0 win over Lions that took them seven points clear at the top. Ari Last and Jacob Gold saw them home in a match where Dovid Korman pulled the strings and Yoav Kestenbaum impressed once more.
But Garbacz will be taking nothing for granted ahead of the trip to Harrow. He told JC Sport: "Norstar deserve enormous credit for the way they have battled on all season. They could quite easily have capitulated, but week in, week out they play with belief and hope that they can turn things around and recent results have shown that they are a team most certainly on the up.
"Whilst they almost certainly will not avoid relegation, this cup game gives them a big chance to still enjoy some success this year and we are convinced that they will be up for it probably like no other game this year.
"You can totally put to one side our two convincing wins against them this year as this will be a totally different kettle of gefilte fish. Consequently, we must be at our sharpest and avoid any complacency as that will definitely be punished.
"We are particularly determined to hang onto our trophy, having gone out of the other cup on penalties, and an exciting trip to Manchester awaits, although the league, in their infinite wisdom, have insisted that game should be scheduled for erev Pesach, which is another story should we get through.
"Defensively we are looking very good but further up front, it is a blow to be without Yoav Kestenbaum this week who has been excellent recently. However, I have full confidence in the whole squad and fully expect to be in the next round come Monday morning."
I think this tie will be close for an hour at least, possibly 70 minutes, but ultimately Hendon's class will tell and then we can all long forward to the fun and games over the date for the next round!
JC team news: Yoav Kestenbaum is back in University and Danny Kon is doubtful after picking up an injury last week. Everyone else is available, other than long-term injury absentee Alex Gilbert.
Venue – John Lyons, Ref – Tony McEvoy (Games 9, Yellows 16, Reds 0)
JC star man: Ben Kon (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Norstar 1 Hendon 3
PP Prediction: Norstar 4 Hendon 2
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JC CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP QUARTER-FINAL
FAITHFOLD A vs OAKWOOD A
It's the clash of the titans at Parmiters on Sunday as treble-chasing Faithfold lock horns with Premier Division rivals Oakwood A.
I managed to see about an hour of Faithfold last Sunday as they booked their place in the final of the London FA Sunday Intermediate Cup with an extra-time win over Convoys FC, courtesy of a double from legendary striker Daryl Phillips.
FAITHFOLD A vs CONVOYS FC - VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
I was impressed with Faithfold's organisation, discipline and work-rate on a pitch that was difficult to play good football on, and I hope for both teams they're able to play on the top pitch. Otherwise, this could turn into a real war of attrition.
I think Sunday's game will be won and lost in midfield. It's well-known Oakwood have some big-hitters, even with their injury problems, but Faithfold have a combination that can match them in Alex Kaye and Sam Reeves, with Paul Babai also waiting in the wings. And on the wings, Dan Stock and Dan Perkins offer pace and twinkle-toes that could light up any stage.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Faithfold boss Zuriel Solomon told JC Sport: "We're still buzzing from last Sunday, but we know you can quickly be brought back down to earth if we take this game lightly.
"Oakwood have had to play catch-up and have not had the results they had hoped for, but I am sure they are well up for playing us with the chance to progress into the semi-finals.
"We will take each game as it comes and this one will be no different. We respect all the teams we play and that includes Oakwood.
"We are playing well and will have to play well again to come away with anything."
It will be interesting to see if Solomons opts to replace Mike Pearson with Phillips, which would be a little more like-for-like, or stick Jonny Haik up top in a central role and add Babai to his midfield engine. This decision is key for me. Phillips will be champing at the bit to start, and it's probably what Faithfold fans would want.
Solomon has really matured into a fine manager. He likes to keep an impact sub or two on the bench to change the game in the latter stages and was rewarded for that kind of thinking last Sunday.
It's been a funny old season for Oakwood. They started it like a house on fire but a fixture backlog and a crippling injury list means Sunday will be like a cup final for them. With a trip to London Maccabi Lions the reward for the winner, managers Ric Blank and Alex Schock are confident their big players will rise to the occasion.
Toby Levy has made a real impact in his first season at the club, while they have a real match-winner in Dan Ash.
Ahead of the crunch clash, Oaks joint-manager Ric Blank told JC Sport: "We're excited for Sunday. When we used to talk about promotion we spoke excitedly about the challenge of playing teams like Faithfold and Hendon week in, week out. It isn't easy but we are a competitive, proud bunch - we will fight for the right to play every single week.
"We have leaders and we have heart and we will be showing it from now until the end of the season. Oh - and we can play too. The massive fixture backlog has had a detrimental effect - there's no two ways about it. Had we played all these games when the lads were fit and available we'd be safe by now. But we are where we are and we are not complaining.
"Sunday is a cup quarter-final against the clear favourites. They are an impressive team and I'm pretty certain they only got knocked out of the PM because some of the boys didn't travel.
"We are turning up on Sunday to fight, to play and show Phil Peters that maybe, just maybe, we can get a result. No one is backing us. That's fine with me. We will play without fear and we'll see where it takes us."
Man for man there won't be much to separate the teams in a game where home keeper Ben Law could be busier than expected. The pitch could be something of a leveller but I'm tipping Faithfold to nick it.
JC team news: Faithfold are missing Elliott Stern and Mike Pearson who are both cup-tied.
Oakwood are missing Josh Rubin, Eddie Manson and Josh Bentley through injury. The visitors are also without Bobby Cousins and Anthony Kintish. Benny Polak is pushing for a place following his goal last week, while Rafi 'Bloomy' Bloom is also available. Recent signing Dave Woolman is available having signed before the deadline.
Venue – Parmiters, Ref – Laurie Benson (Games 16, Yellows 28, Reds 0)
JC star man: Ben Law (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 2 Oakwood 1
PP Prediction: Faithfold 5 Oakwood 1
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JC MSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
18 - Lee Cash (LM Lions A - 10 for Neasden A)
16 - Adam Stolerman (Redbridge JC A)
11 - Daryl Phillips (Faithfold A), Josh Green (Norstar A), Jonathan Green (Brady A +1 for B)
BRIXTON OLD BOYS vs BRADY MACCABI A
Brixton boss John Nitka fears that rustiness could play a part on Sunday as his men line up for the first time since January 13.
Nitka has been sniffing around for new players after losing keeper Jake Doffman, Ed Weisz and Jon Weisz to Lions and Rob Blackman to Norstar. He's been wheeling and dealing in the market Harry Redknapp style and it will be interesting to see if any new faces arrive in time for the Brady game.
The Brixton boys last won in mid-November and they will start as the underdogs against a Brady team looking to finish the season strongly.
Jonathan Green was Brady's match-winner when the teams met at Rowley Lane in November. He fired a hat-trick in a 5-2 success, with Jon Ellis and Ben Joseph finishing the job.
Joseph has been in glorious form of late and Brady will look to play through him on Sunday. Ellis, meanwhile, has returned to action for London Lions Reserves and he will be keen to put in another good show in front of the travelling fans.
Ahead of the game, Joel Nathan told JC Sport: "We are looking forward to taking on Brixton who despite losing a few players will be a tough nut to crack and we certainly will not be taking anything for granted.
"We are on a good run and it is a shame we are now having gaps in between fixtures, but we are confident that we can keep the run going and maintain the push to finish in the top three."
There's no doubt that several players in the Brady squad will be keen to impress manager Joel Nathan ahead of the Morrison tie in Manchester as the visitors look to finish the weekend in second place and I think they'll have too much in the tank for Brixton.
JC team news: Brady are missing the injured Josh Gordon but otherwise have a full squad to chose from.
Venue – Clowes, Ref – David Lazarus (Games 9, Yellows 9, Reds 0)
JC star man: Rob Lerner (Brady)
DC Prediction: Brixton 1 Brady 4
PP Prediction: Brixton 1 Brady 5
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FC TEAM A vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
Having safely come through a potential banana skin in the Morrison, Redbridge return to league action with another trip to north-west London when they take on FC Team.
Eilon Kennet's men did a professional job to beat the Maccabiah Masters team 3-0. Former JC MSFL Young Player of the Year Ben Sollosi bagged a brace with Danny Sugarman popping up with the other. Brothers Adam and Danny Hakimi ensured there was no way back for the Masters with typically solid performances.
However, ahead of Sunday's game, Kennet had some worrying news for RJC fans. "Last week we had the perfect balance of youth and experience, but this week we can't even get eleven players," he told JC Sport.
"At the moment we still don't have a team, which is ridiculous and very frustrating, as we need a team on Sunday that can srtill keep us challenging for the league.
"It will be a terrible shame to end our interest in the league as a result of a freak week of lack of availability."
FC Team's last three games have all been high-scoring affairs. But they have come out second best against Brady, Lions and Hendon and I'm sure manager Mitch Young would settle for an ugly 1-0 in his side's first league meeting against the 2010/11 league champions.
In Danny Moss, Richard Salmon and Marc Harris, Young has three players who will be looking to take the game away from Redbridge and no doubt, they will look to hit the ground running.
Young told JC Sport: "It has been too long since our last win and we will be doing all we can to go out and take maximum points.
"We have been conceeding too may goals as of late so I am hoping for a better performance from us defensively as we can always score goals.
"It won't be easy against a great Redbridge side but on our day we can beat them."
It's fitting there's a referee of the calibre of Martin Lavender to take charge of a contest between two well-matched teams.
It should be a cracker.
JC team news: FC Team welcome back Jason Wood, Dan Silverman and Shuey Mirwis.
Venue – Meadow Park, Ref – Martin Lavender (Games 15, Yellows 13, Reds 0)
JC star man: Jack Vangelder (RJC)
DC Prediction: Team 2 RJC 3
PP Prediction: Team 0 RJC 2
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A vs LONDON MACCABI LIONS A
Bouncebackability will be the name of the game for Andy Landesberg's Lions going into Sunday's meeting with Raiders at Brunel.
The Rowley Lane's club excellent run of form came to an end at the home of the champions last weekend as they were put to the sword 2-0 against Hendon.
Landesberg told me they played well, but ultimately not well enough against opposition who had more to play for on the day.
The JC Cyril Anekstein Cup is now the priority for the Lions this season. They await the winner of Sunday's quarter-final between Faithfold and Oakwood, knowing they are only 90 minutes from a dream final at Wingate. And my sources have told me, as you'd expect, they will field a very strong team in that match.
A top three finish is still possible for the Lions but to achieve that they must pick up three points against a Raiders team on a high.
Landesberg told JC Sport: "This will be a very difficult game for us after last week's reality check. The Raiders had a great win on Sunday but as usual, it's all to play for, and you can rest assured the boys will be fired up."
Raiders kept their season alive with a memorable 3-2 win over Oakwood. It was a performance in which Oaks joint-manager Ric Blank described the Raiders centre half pairing of Dan Grossman and Rik Sherman as "the Collins and Dunne of Jewish football". Blank went on to say: "Raiders at Brunel is without question one of the hardest games in Jewish football. They know how they want to play on that surface and make it a horrible game for whoever they play."
But Raiders will have some key men missing against Lions, including two of their scorers from the first meeting this season. Looking ahead to Sunday, Richman told JC Sport: "We were obviously delighted to come away with a decent win against Oakwood last week. The next month though is going to be increasingly tough, our resources are very stretched and we have got some costly injuries at the wrong time of the season.
"That though is all part and parcel of football, so we will turn up Sunday and give it our very best shot against a new and highly talented Lions side.’
Lions are one of the more comfortable teams playing on 3G and they have performed to a high level at Raiders' Uxbridge ground in recent years. For me, both keepers will have important roles to play, with Raiders' David Simnock going head to head with new Lions keeper Jake 'Slimline' Doffman.
I think Sunday's match will come down to small details and am tipping the Lions to exact revenge.
JC team news: Raiders are missing Lewis Blitz, David Rhodes, Elliot Espinoza, Oli Henry, Sammy Ross and Adam Joselyn.
For Lions, Charlie Rubin is out with a groin strain, and so is Lee Cash with a hamstring injury, but Danny Daggers returns.
Venue – Brunel, Ref – Warwick Blake (Games 16, Yellows 9, Reds 2)
JC star man: Ed Weisz (Lions)
DC Prediction: Raiders 1 Lions 2
PP Prediction: Raiders 2 Lions 3
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
31 - Jamie (Shirley Park)
15 - Yishai Last (Hendon B)
14 - Richard Silver (Camden)
CHIGWELL ATHLETIC vs TEMPLE FORTUNE A
It's been a tough few days for every connected to Temple Fortune A. Once again, they made the headlines for the wrong reasons after their match against UJIA was abandoned following a mass brawl and they are facing a misconduct charge.
Chigwell, on the other hand, are going from strength to strength. Russell Yershon propelled them into the top four after firing a hat-trick in the demolition of Neasden.
Although I can't see them finishing any higher than fourth, there's no reason why they can't register their fifth win on Sunday.
The Chigs hope to wrap up a league double after beating Fortune 2-1 earlier in the season at the Hive, when Jamie Fox and player-manager Richard Slater found the net.
Looking ahead to the game, Slater told JC Sport: "We are on a good run of form at the minute, so hope to continue that this weekend against a decent Fortune team who we've had close battles with over the past few seasons."
Chigwell have lost only once at home this season, and with several players coming back in, I believe they have the beating of Fortune.
JC team news: Jonathan Swead, Russell Brill, Brad Gayer and Pierce Prince all return for Chigwell after missing last weekend's 6-0 over Neasden.
Venue – Peter May, Ref – Adam Lewis (Games 12, Yellows 8, Reds 3)
JC star man: Pierce Prince (Chigwell)
DC Prediction: Chigwell 3 Fortune 1
PP Prediction: Chigwell 2 Fortune 3
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GLENTHORNE UNITED A vs FAITHFOLD B (DOUBLE-HEADER)
Glenthorne dug themselves out of a hole against Camden last weekend and manager Sam Rosenthal will be looking for an improved showing against Faithfold B.
The in-form Dan Lassman and Richard Rosenthal helped them come from two goals down to earn a point and they go into this double-header knowing maximum points would see them finish the weekend top of the table.
Looking ahead to the clash, Rosenthal told JC Sport: "This is our first double-header in which we want to pick up nothing less than the maximum six points available."
Faithfold B were left doubled up by Woodford Wanderers last weekend and manager Rob Shooman may have to park the bus on the goalline to avoid his team coming away from east London empty-handed.
It's vital Faithfold start picking up points from somewhere, but with Craig Sandford, Fabio Revieccio, Dan Lipman and Lassman for company, I can't see that starting on Sunday.
Venue – Ford Sports & Social, Ref – Robert Benardout (Games 17, Yellows 9, Reds 1)
JC star man: Dan Lipman (Glenthorne)
DC Prediction: Glenthorne 3 Faithfold 1/Faithfold 0 Glenthorne 2
PP Prediction: Glenthorne 1 Faithfold 1/Faithfold 1 Glenthorne 2
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LONDON MACCABI LIONS B vs SOUTHGATE HARMEN
Matchday 25 was dominated by the Castles. Goalkeeper-turned-central-defender-turned-striker. Is there anything Sam Castle can't do? That's what Lions fans were asking after his stunning double against Shirley Park last Sunday.
One of his strikes was an absolute wordly, he won't hit many better than that and it was no surprise to see the JC panel of judges award him with Goal of the Week.
Meanwhile, his brother James was showing a safe pair of hands to help Harmen record the shock of the day. The team has been struggling for goals and Sam took the pressure off his sibling to earn them the result of their season.
However, they have an even tougher game in store on Sunday when they come up against their former Rowley Lane teammates.
Jamie Kyte's men took another big step towards the title when they hit Hendon B for six. Once again, that man James Gold was the star of the show, firing a top-quality hat-trick, while Joey Lazare, Jonny Cutter and Nick Astaire put the icing on the cake.
Lions have games in hand on the top two but Kyte and co are expecting another testing morning against a team that frustrated them in November.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Kyte told JC Sport: "This weekend's game is going to be a tale of two defences. Last time we played Harmen it ended 0-0 and since then, both back fours have remained solid and let in the least goals in the league.
"This weekend we're without several players, but with such depth in our squad we're fortunate that players can slot right into these vacant positions.
"I said it last time we played Harmen, they're a proper team who should be higher in the league and this game, like all others, will be treated like a cup final.
"Whether their dip in form this season is down to the dismissal of assistant-manager and chief scout Myers or Uzan's lack of passion since becoming a married man is anyone's guess, but we'll take any advantage we can to keep climbing up the league table."
Lions have scored 10 times in their last two home games. Confidence is high and I think they'll bring Harmen back down to earth on Sunday.
JC team news: Lions are without in-form striker James Gold (business), David Rose (injury) and Sam Argehbant (snuggles with the missus!)
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Stuart Ansher (Games 15, Yellows 9, Reds 1)
JC star man: Matt Green (Lions)
DC Prediction: Lions 3 Harmen 1
PP Prediction: Lions 3 Harmen 1
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NORTH WEST NEASDEN A vs UJIA
Last Sunday was a day that both Neasden A and UJIA would rather forget, for very different reasons of course.
Neasden were hit for six by Chigwell Athletic and manager Dan Hodes was far from happy at the final whistle. He told JC Sport: "I'm bitterly disappointed not just in the scoreline but in the way we played. It was our poorest performance I can remember in a while, giving cheap possession away at will and still failing to convert guilt edged chances."
Meanwhile, UJIA were involved in some unsavoury scenes against Temple Fortune. Manager Ben Radstone released a statement this week. He said: "It was very unpleasant what happened on Sunday morning. We will let the MSFL and FA make their own enquiries and assist them if and when required.
"UJIA have had exemplary disciplinary record since its inception in to the MSFL and we will continue to battle for our survival in the first division in the spirit and the manner that Sunday football should be played."
The bottom line is that this is a genuine six-pointer. As Radstone says, his team are focused on picking up points and I think the battle between Assi Avital and veteran NWN defender Jon Kaye will be key to the outcome.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Barry David (Games 8, Yellows 2, Reds 0)
JC star man: Jeremy Leigh (UJIA)
DC Prediction: NWN 1 UJIA 2
PP Prediction: NWN 1 UJIA 1
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SHIRLEY PARK vs WOODFORD WANDERERS
Shirley Park have gone off the rails at just the wrong time. Back-to-back defeats against Camden and Harmen has rocked their promotion hopes, although some inside the camp believe that may not be such a bad thing as they feel they may not quite be ready for top-flight football just yet.
Striker Jamie Kent has already passed the 30-goal mark this season but it's defensively where they have fallen short in recent weeks. That famous win at Rowley Lane now seems like a distant memory and unless they win all their remaining games they will be left to reflect on what might have been.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Lusman told JC Sport: "We were quite poor last week, and, at times, found it hard to cope without Stef, Gids, Jamie, Si Shelly and Ilan. Not only did certain players turn up wit the wrong attitude, but they also cost us the game as they completely lacked sharpness in frunt of goal. It was quite embarrassing."
Sunday's meeting with Woodford comes at a bad time for Shirley. Paul Hyams' men are on top form, and last weekend they helped themselves to six points in a double-header against Faithfold. Captain fantastic Harrison Midda was their star of the show as they climbed into the top six for the first time this season.
The 2-0 win in match two was Woodford's first league clean sheet this season. Keeper Ben Rosenthal will do well to come away from Norseman FC with a shut-out against the league's most potent strikeforce.
In the end, Sunday will come down to how Woodford defends in what promises to be an open and entertaining affair.
JC team news: Park welcome back Jamie Kent, Si Shelley and Ilan Shaki to the fold, and were Lusman hopes Gideon Gold will be fit to start as he's been carrying a persistent ankle injury.
Venue – Norseman FC, Ref – Steve Levy (Games 11, Yellows 2, Reds 0)
JC star man: Saul Conway (Shirley)
DC Prediction: Shirley 3 Woodford 2
PP Prediction: Shirley 4 Woodford 2
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
17 - Adam Hersh (Los Blancos)
14 - Reiss Mogilner (Brady B)
11 - Dan Hildebrand (Brady B), Jake Gilbert (Bilbaum)
ATHLETIC BILBAUM vs NORTH WEST NEASDEN B (DOUBLE-HEADER)
Neasden shot themselves in the foot last Sunday as they were unable to beat the 10 men of Glenthorne B.
In the end, they had to settle for a 1-1 draw against a team with a 48-year-old (no offence Neil!) in goal against a team that produced some gutsy rearguard action.
This Sunday NWN player-manager Adam Levene, the scorer last weekend, won't settle for anything less than four points against a Bilbaum team in freefall.
FC Team B were the latest team to beat the Baums, with Jake Gilbert finding the net in a 2-1 defeat.
I'm not sure quite what has gone wrong for the Baums in recent weeks but they must stop feeling sorry for themselves and perhaps get back to basics.
Managers Mark Pasha and Ed Green know that a six-point haul in Sunday's double-header would put them back in the mix but they face a Neasden team that is hard to beat.
It would surprise me if either side comes away with six points.
Venue – Copthall, Ref – John Feenstra (Games 16, Yellows 29, Reds 3)
JC star man: Louis Taylor (Neasden)
DC Prediction: Bilbaum 1 Neasden 2/Neasden 1 Bilbaum 2
PP Prediction: Bilbaum 2 Neasden 2/Neasden 1 Bilbaum 1
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BLIZZARD STORM vs NORSTAR B
There's still plenty of seats available for this one in what is a must-win for Norstar.
Time is starting to run out for the Oranges - a team that has mustered just one win in 12 and I'm not as optimistic as this week's guest tipster!
Thumped 7-1 by title favourites Brady B last Sunday, Blizzard boss Simon Linden was bitterly disappointed that his players failed to replicate their first performance against the leaders.
They pushed them for 75 minutes in January but were simply blow away by a red-hot Brady team second time around.
Linden told JC Sport after the game: "We found it difficult to cope with Brady, by far the best team in this league. I think we could have put in more of a performance and made it more competitive, however when your missing a few key players against the top team its always going to be difficult."
Linden will be the first to admit his team has under-performed this season, but it's vital they too start picking up points to stay out of the danger zone.
Zak Presky has been a good addition for Brady, but they need more playing pulling their weight as Linden knows a win would give their confidence a much-needed boost.
Venue – Hampstead Heath Extension, Ref – Martin De La Fuente (Games 11, Yellows 26, Reds 0)
JC star man: Zak Presky (Blizzard)
DC Prediction: Blizzard 3 Norstar 1
PP Prediction: Blizzard 3 Norstar 4
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BRADY MACCABI B vs FC TEAM B
I was impressed by the way Brady boss Josh Dagul didn't hit the panic button after the recent defeat to SPEC FC, and true to his word, his team were back in business as they finished in seventh heaven with a classy win over Blizzard last Sunday.
It capped a great weekend for the Brady bunch with other results going their way and their fans will arrive at the Lane confident of witnessing win number 12 when they host FC Team B this weekend.
Doubles from Reiss Mogilner and James Joseph plus one apiece from Josh Newman, Dan Harrod and Dan Goldstone did the trick for a Brady team that has now passed the 60-goal mark.
FC Team have promised their fans they will show no fear ahead of their first meeting with Brady B this season. The boys in yellow and blue earned a terrific result at Athletic Bilbaum last weekend when Freddie Marks and Dan Alfreds steered them to a 2-1 win. Keeper David Gordon excelled, as did Paul Walker, Eddie Sternberg and the industrious Adam Goldsmith.
Looking ahead to the trip to the Lane, Gordon told JC Sport: "We hope to follow up our excellent result and performance last week with another positive one this weekend.
"We know it won't be easy against a Brady team who are flying at the moment. We've surprised a few teams this season and we will have to be at our best to come away from the game with the points."
I think this will be closer than Phil Peters expects!
JC team news: Mitch Lassman should come into the FC Team side again after a spell out for paternity leave.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Laurence Thorne (Games 13, Yellows 18, Reds 0)
JC star man: Dan Goldstone (Brady)
DC Prediction: Brady B 3 Team 2
PP Prediction: Brady B 4 Team 1
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CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B
Goals are guaranteed in Sunday's clash involved Catford & Bromley and Raiders B in Edmonton.
Although the league table would point to a Raiders win, it sounds like it may not necessarily pan out that way.
When I caught up with Catford captain Adam Luria earlier in the week, he told me why. "We're raring to go this week as we have our strongest squad in months.
"Ashley Stokes returns after an absence and Joel Isaacs will be looking to celebrate the birth of his first son with a goal or two. Yonni Bord is back after missing the win again FC Team B and with him and Jonny Lee on either wing, we'll be looking to put in a much needed strong performance.
"We do, however, have some bad news, with Eli Baraty and Dave Powell both missing. Eli suffered a ruptured appendix and has been very ill, but is getting back to full health. Dave Powell was recently involved in a car crash and he's also out. This is our opportunity to go out and get a win that we can dedicate to their continued recovery." Best wishes go to both for me.
Luria added: "It's an important game for us. We beat Raiders last season in the cup but it was a tough game and we know we'll have to continue battling to stop their good run of form."
Jonny Blain steered Raiders to their seventh win of the season last weekend when they won a thriller against Norstar B. In his first game since becoming a dad, he scored two goals, proving sleep is all in the mind! Further strikes from Matt Leader, Darren Russell and Simon Buchler lifted L'Orange into the top five but they will need to tighten up at the back if they are to tame the Cats on Sunday.
Raiders boss Oli Shorts told JC Sport: "It's a good time to play us, that's for sure. We've got a lot of players out injured or away on business or pleasure. We've managed to get a team together which currently involves yours truly. It's a good XI, however you always find that in these situations you never get the players in the right positions so I'm sure there will be players playing in positions they might not be so familiar with.
"We have some great attacking options in Zone, Woolf, Hart and Blain so whatever happens at the back we're hoping that it'll be a case of 'If you score four, we'll score five."
Fans are advised to arrived early to avoid disappointment.
Venue – Norseman FC, Ref – Neil Cooper (Games 13, Yellows 9, Reds 0)
JC star man: Darren Russell (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Catford & Bromley 3 Raiders B 4
PP Prediction: Catford & Bromley 1 Raiders B 3
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LOS BLANCOS vs GLENTHORNE UNITED B
There were few prouder managers in the JC MSFL last Sunday than Glenthorne B duo Liam Stein and Jordan Sapler.
Few gave them a chance when they rocked up at Neasden B with 10, but they rolled up their sleeves, put in a shift and proved why Sunday morning football is so great.
There were heroes all over the park, according to Sapler, and that's exactly how he and Stein will want it again on Sunday, although they hope at least one more turns up!
Looking ahead to the game, Sapler told JC Sport: "After a superb team peformance last week, we will be looking to go one step further and get a win this week. Our last game against Los Blancos was horrifically one-sided - we scored one penalty, missed another and if it wasn't for their keeper, a couple of goalline clearances, the woodwork and our poor finishing the game could have easily been double figures.
"They've improved since then so it will be an interesting test for our boys on what will most likely be a pitch not suited to our passing game. On our day we will win and I'm confident that Sunday will be our day."
By hook or by crook, Blancos remain firmly in the promotion mix. With Neasden B slipping up last weekend, the point they earned against SPEC last Sunday could prove crucial come the end of the season. But it's vital they do the business here.
Aryeh Marks was their scorer last Sunday, and player-manager Adam Hersh spoke about the importance of victory against the Thornes.
Hersh told JC Sport: "After last week's disappointment of dropping two points (against 10 men), we are determined to get all three this week. We have a full squad again which leaves me with a massive team selection headache this week."
A selection headache is not the only thing Hersh need worry about as I feel last week's performance has given Glenthorne renewed belief they can prove more than a match for anyone in the division.
JC team news: Sunday will see the return of Glenthorne's Simon Bagel, the Bernstein brothers and hopefully Jay Lawrence after injuries and other reasons. Neil Sapler will continue in goal in the absence of Brad Grant. Jordan Sapler, Joe Grant and Sam Rank are all unavailable so it will mean a re-shuffle in the centre of defence.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Andy Myerson (Games 16, Yellows 30, Reds 6)
JC star man: Simon Bagel (Glenthorne)
DC Prediction: Blancos 2 Glenthorne B 2
PP Prediction: Blancos 2 Glenthorne B 2
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SPEC FC vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B
A draw at promotion rivals wasn't a bad result on the face of it, but it could have been oh so different had they kept 11 men on the pitch for 90 minutes.
Captain Ashley Burns blotted his copybook with a red card, but manager Laurence Conway was pleased to see his troops come from behind to earn a point courtesy of a strike from Laurence Rosenthal.
On Sunday, the SPEC FC boys enjoy home advantage for the visit of Redbridge B. When they come out of the changing room, Conway's warriors will no exactly what is expected of them.
Looking ahead to the game, SPEC FC's Ricky Lawrence told JC Sport: "After a slight setback last Sunday, we know only three points will do. Redbridge seem to be doing very well this year so we know we will be in for a tough game."
Redbridge have already given SPEC FC one tough game this season and another close contest is on the cards.
Keeper Matt Kemp has earned some rave reviews this season. This week's JC Player Profile man made a rare error in the previous meeting and will be keen to remind everyone just how good he is.
RJC's away form is decent, but SPEC FC have won their last five at home and not conceded in front of their fans in more than 450 minutes. Dan Gordon and Ben Binder will be determined to end that record but chances could be at a premium on Sunday.
JC team news: SPEC FC fans will be delighted to hear the 12-yard assassin, Rob Murray, is in the squad, as is Simon 'Sicknote' Lee.
Venue – Hatfield Uni, Ref – Richard Jaye (Games 13, Yellows 9, Reds 4)
JC star man: Rob Murray (SPEC FC)
DC Prediction: SPEC 2 Redbridge B 1
PP Prediction: SPEC 2 Redbridge B 1
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DIVISION THREE
TOP-SCORERS
31 - Ben Zloof (AC Mill Hill)
24 - Jono Gaon (Tottenham Chutspah), Ben Polak (Oakwood B)
16 - Alex Elf (Hendon Utd SC C), Terry Jeffries (Temple Fortune B)
13 - Richard Fogelman (Jewventus)
AC MILL HILL vs LOUGHTON ORIENT (DOUBLE-HEADER)
Mill Hill are expected to finish the weekend in top spot when they take on Loughton Orient in a double-header on Sunday.
Striker Ben Zloof will be looking to fill his boots against the east Londoners, with manager Joe Levy reporting "no new injury concerns" ahead of the action.
Zloof moved on to 31 league goals for the season with a fab four-goal salvo against basement battlers Boca last weekend, and it could have been a lot more had it not been for the heroics of keeper Ryan Monk.
But on Sunday he will come up against two experienced players in the shape of Marc Jacobs and Marc Silver. The two Marcs - one known as Fishballs, the other a vegetarian, will be given lots of food for thought over the two-hour marathon and they will need plenty of help to keep Mill Hill's main man quiet.
When I caught up with Mill Hill boss Joe Levy during the week, he told JC Sport: "We will look to grab our ninth and 10th consecutive wins to keep up the pressure on FC Team."
The Loughton boys warmed-up for their meeting with Mill Hill with a double-header win over Jewventus. Barry Green, David Blitz and Matt Conway steered them to a 3-1 win in the opener, with Nicky Stone, Rob Silverman and Conway again doing the business in part two.
Loughton boss Dan Curtis was delighted with his team's conversion rate and he know they will need to be on the money from the off on Sunday.
"We expect two very tough games and are looking forward to it," Curtis told JC Sport. "Spirits are high after three wins on the bounce and go into this double-header full of confidence."
The outcome of the first match will impact on the second and the battle between Zloof and SIlver is key for me.
JC team news: James Lester and Marc Silver return to the Loughton squad. Josh Hambling will have a late fitness test, while Adam Conway is unavailable.
Ref – Neal Cohen (Games 11, Yellows 8, Reds 6)
JC star man: Adam Lenz (Mill Hill)
DC Prediction: Mill Hill 3 Loughton 1/Loughton 1 Mill Hill 3
PP Prediction: Mill Hill 4 Loughton 0/Loughton 0 Mill Hill 3
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FC TEAM C vs BOCA JEWNIORS
It doesn't get any easier for Boca and their keeper Ryan Monk. Last Sunday he restricted Ben Zloof to four goals, and this weekend he'll go head-to-head with David James Cohen, the main man at FC Team C this season.
Cohen hit three in the 7-3 win in part one of a double-header against Temple Fortune B last Sunday, but he could find no way through in match two.
Sunday won't be a case of which team will win, more of how many will FC Team C win by. Their will be a big gulf in class evident from the off on Sunday, and, I fear, Boca's lack of match sharpness will come back to haunt them.
FC Team C remain the only unbeaten team in the entire league this season and if Boca beat them, drinks will be on me!
Venue – Aycliffe Road, Ref – Keith Goodman
JC star man: Adam Aminoff (Team)
DC Prediction: Team C 8 Boca 1
PP Prediction: Team C 7 Boca 0
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JEWVENTUS vs FAITHFOLD C
Faithfold C will be aiming to complete a league double over the boys in black and white as they look to nail down a top four finish.
Stefan Simons (2) and Ben Simons were the scorers when the teams met in December on a day when although their passing was crisp and accurate, their finishing could have been more clinical.
The Superhoops made it four games without defeat after coming through a double-header with a win and a draw against Hendon last weekend. Stefan Simons fired another double, with Dave Sherman sealing a 3-0 win in the opener.
Jewve have gone from the sublime to the ridiculous this season. A top five finish will be a big ask but it's certainly not beyond them.
If they bring their A-game to the table they can beat Faithfold, but I fear their following back-to-back defeats against Loughton last Sunday, the signs look ominous.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Aaron Djanogly (Games 16, Yellows 25, Reds 5)
JC star man: Stefan Simons (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Jewve 2 Faithfold C 3
PP Prediction: Jewve 3 Faithfold C 3
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L’EQUIPE vs TOTTENHAM CHUTSPAH
The smile was back on the face of Tottenham Chutspah boss Ariel Tamman last Sunday following the thrilling 3-2 win over L'Equipe and his players will be looking to complete a quickfire league double at Copthall on Sunday.
Hotshot Jono Gaon (2) and the impressive Adam Morrow set up the victory in a match where James Segal also caught the eye.
That victory had been a long time coming for the Chutspah boys and Tamman and co will arrive in Page Street confident they can do the business second time around.
L'Equipe, who have two games in hand on Tottenham, know that they will fall below Tamman's terriers if they lose again. Manager David Prager will be looking for much more from his men this Sunday as they bid to get their season back on track.
Venue – Copthall, Ref – Adam Yuchetel (Games 8, Yellows 10, Reds 1)
JC star man: Adam Morrow (Chutspah)
DC Prediction: L'Equipe 3 Chutspah 2
PP Prediction: L'Equipe 2 Chutspah 2
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TEMPLE FORTUNE B vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB C
A high-scoring contest is on the cards as Terry Jeffries' Fortune B entertain Hendon C.
Jeffries goes into the game on the back of a hat-trick against the league leaders, but it wasn't enough as his troops went down 7-3 in part one of a double-header against FC Team C. They improved dramatically in match two though, with Maccabiah Masters over-45s star Jonathan Dubiner leading by example in a goalless draw.
Going into their first league meeting with Hendon C this season, Jeffries will have high hopes of adding to his tally and steering his boys to what would be their seventh win of the campaign.
Hendon lost won and drew one in a double-header against Faithfold C last Sunday. Player-manager Craig Miller would've been disappointed his team failed to score in two hours of football and he hopes they can rediscover their shooting boots this weekend.
There should be a buzz in the ground, with fans looking forward to the battle of the strikers as Jeffries comes up against Hendon star man Alex Elf. If there was a Division Three Rep Team, both players would be strong candidates and I'll be interested to see who wins the shoot-out.
Venue – Roger Bannister Sports Centre, Ref – Steve Russell (Games 7, Yellows 17, Reds 0)
JC star man: Jonathan Dubiner (Fortune)
DC Prediction: Fortune B 4 Hendon C 3
PP Prediction: Fortune B 3 Hendon C 1
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CHALLENGE CARO RESULT
Week 1: Caro 4, Rob Richman 5
Week 2: Caro 14, Mitch Young 10
Week 3: Caro 20 (incl. 2 correct scores), Richard Slater 15 (inc. 1 correct score)
