Redbridge Jewish Care B, FC Team C and Loughton Orient are in action for the first time this season as team's look to finish the year on a high. Danny Caro looks ahead to what is an action-packed programme.
Wishing all players, clubs, officials, followers and JC readers a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.
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PHOTOGALLERY
CHIGWELL ATHLETIC vs SHIRLEY PARK
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DANNY CARO'S MATCHDAY 2 OSCARS
JC GOAL OF THE WEEK
Assi Avital (UJIA)
SAVE OF THE WEEK
Lee Fegan (Temple Fortune A)
SUPERSUB OF THE WEEK
Dan Goldstone (Brady Maccabi B) - one touch, one 30-yard goal!
REFEREE OF THE WEEK
Neale Cooper (Faithfold A vs North London Raiders A)
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
JC MSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
3 - Yoni Raeburn (Faithfold A), Jamie Wolfson (NL Raiders A)
NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A
Raiders and Hendon have had some incredible matches in recent seasons and David Garbacz believes we’re in for another cracker on Sunday.
The champions started their season in style with Ari Last and Avidan Last bagging braces in the 4-0 demolition of Brixton. They must be thinking this football lark is easy, especially with Dovid Korman and Ben Lauffer on top of their game.
Over the years, Raiders’ 3G pitch has posed few problems to Hendon although Garbacz knows they mustn’t take L’Orange likely, even though they failed to win either of their first two matches.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Garbacz told JC Sport: “We played Raiders in a match pre-season and they were mightily impressive. They seem to have picked up a few decent players from last year’s A team and they strike me as young fit and hungry.
“However, we were missing a number of players that day and it will be vastly different this week.
“We started off in confident fashion last week and have definitely ironed out the pre-season blues.
“I think fans could be in for a treat especially with the exciting forwards that are on show from both teams. Both defences will be under pressure and I can see a few goals in this one.
“I expect them to match us for fitness but I would hope that our superior experience will see us possibly come out on top in what could be a thriller.”
Little went right for Raiders last weekend when they were beaten 1-0 by Faithfold at Chase Lodge. Having used all their subs, Raiders were forced to play the last 20 or so minutes with 10 men after David Rhodes limped off with a groin strain.
Manager Rob Richman knows that things will be tough again on Sunday, but he loves pitting his wits against the best.
“We were disappointed to come away with nothing from last week’s game,” he told JC Sport. “Unfortunately it was just one of those days where the luck went against us.
“This week we are excited to welcome Hendon to Brunel. We are all highly motivated to test ourselves against last year’s treble winners and we will aim to give them a really good game.”
Jacob Gold frightened the life out of defences week in, week out at Brunel in a Raiders shirt. Don’t be surprised to see him playing a lead role in a game I expect Hendon to come away from with their unbeaten record intact.
JC team news: Rik Sherman, David Rhodes and Jonny Hesselberg are all absent for Raiders this week but Elliot Espinoza returns after two weeks away.
Hendon have a full squad available for selection with Greg Corin and Ben Kon both back from being away last week.
Venue – Brunel, Ref – Laurie Benson
JC star man:Jacob Gold (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Raiders 2 Hendon 3
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FAITHFOLD A vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
Faithfold go into their third home game of the season with a 100 per cent record, but the chances are they will be given their toughest test yet by Eilon Kennet Redbridge Jewish Care.
Superhoops boss Zuriel Solomon is happy with the way the season has started, but he knows there is a long way to go. Daryl Phillips was their match-winner in the hard-fought victory over Raiders last weekend.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Solomon told JC Sport: “We are not getting carried away as the season is a marathon and Redbridge always pose a difficult task.
“They are always strong and physical but also technically good.
“Everyone we play we respect.
“However, we have been playing some good football, but we still have lots to improve on so we will take nothing for granted and will work and play hard for 90 minutes.
Redbridge are ready to go again after their six-goal thriller against Raiders. Gaffer Kennet is looking forward to returning to a grass surface as he unleashes some of his big guns on Faithfold.
There will be key battles around the pitch and spectators will be able to see two of the best keepers in the league in Faithfold’s Ben Law and RJC’s Dan Lee.
I’m expecting a high-octane affair between two quality teams and referee Dan Cohen is sure to be a busy man in a contest I can see finishing honours even.
JC team news: Faithfold still have a few short and long-term injuries, including midfielder Paul Babai, but should have a near full squad.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Dan Cohen
JC star man: Adam Hakimi (RJC)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 1 Redbridge 1
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LONDON MACCABI LIONS A vs BRADY MACCABI A
Both Lions and Brady started their season with respective draws last weekend and three points will order of the day on Sunday in the Rowley Lane derby.
Summer signing Marc Lazare sparkled on his Brady debut and impressed his teammates with his energy and work-rate. He is sure to be a key man for them this season.
Brady boss Joel Nathan was disappointed his troops failed to hold on to their advantage against Brady and he knows they will be asked questions against a talented Lions team.
Nathan told JC Sport: “Following last week’s disappointment of conceding in the last minute, I am expecting the boys to bounce back strongly against a very strong Lions outfit.
“Josh and Malcolm have put together a great squad and we know we will be in for a very tough battle on Sunday against one of the favourites for the title, especially as they will also be looking for their first win of the season.”
Lorian Madanes was the star man for Lions last weekend in the 2-2 draw against FC Team. It was good to see young keeper Sam Singer given a chance in goal and he certainly didn’t let anyone down. The boy has a big future ahead of him as he looks to fill the boots of Sam Castle who recently joined Brady B.
Aviel Schwarz was Lions’ most experienced player last Sunday followed by Jacob Lew. After that, it really was a Who’s Who of wonder kids which is refreshing to see.
With Alex Bowman and Mike Pearson on the goal trail, the Lions have two of the quickest players in the league and it will be interesting to see what kind of tactics the Brady backline adopts.
One thing is certain, this will be a top quality affair.
JC team news: Brady are missing Matt Sofier and Rob Lerner, who are away, while they have injury concerns over Bradley Sharp.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – A. Lewis
JC star man: Alex Bowman (Lions)
DC Prediction: Lions 1 Brady 1
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NORSTAR A vs FC TEAM A
Two more teams looking for their first win are Norstar and FC Team. They meet at John Lyons School in Harrow on Sunday in a meeting between two of the league’s top young managers.
FC Team were indebted to excellent displays from Jon Toby and keeper Ed Bloom in the draw against Lions last weekend in a game where Jon Breger and Tom Miller were their scorers.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Young told JC Sport: “ After a solid performance in our first game against Lions we are raring to go.
“I am personally excited to face Norstar A in what will be our first-ever competitive game. I have a lot of respect for Phil and the club and they have had a similar success story to us and our club so it should be a really interesting game.
“For once this leaves me not knowing too much about the opposition, but I am sure from reports they are organised and have some talented players.
“We are looking to get our first win of the season Sunday. It’s very important, going into two weeks of cup games after, to get a win.”
Norstar A didn’t have a game last weekend so manager Phil Peters took charge of the club’s B team and was suitably impressed.
In his midweek press conference, he told JC Sport: “The B team have some great players in their squad but I'm not looking to pinch any of them... I'm having a tough enough time picking from my own 18!”
The Stars are looking to build on a solid 1-1 draw in their opener at Oakwood a fortnight ago and Peters is confident his boys can do the business on Sunday.
He told JC Sport: “We haven't played FC Team competitively before but we know they'll be well-drilled and having drawn with Lions last week they can't be underestimated.
“That said, if we plan on having a successful season they're definitely one of the teams we need to be looking to take points off.”
I've got this marked down as a nailed on score draw.
JC team news: Norstar are expected to have a full squad to choose from with the exception of Eli Houri who is on holiday.
FC Team stalwart Gideon Moss has suffered a broken leg and will be missing for a few months. Wishing him all the best for a speedy recovery. Adam Rosenfeld returns in what is an otherwise full-strength squad.
Venue – John Lyons, Ref – Andy Myerson
JC star man: Jon Breger (FC Team)
DC Prediction: Norstar 1 FC Team 1
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
4 - Craig Edwards (Temple Fortune A)
3 - Jamie Kent (Shirley Park)
CAMDEN PARK vs UJIA
Having disappointed against Lions B last time out, Camden will be looking to get their season back on track when they take on UJIA.
I’m expecting this to be a great battle between a young Camden team and an experienced UJIA team who have made a solid if unspectacular start to their campaign with two draws.
The Camden boys are Josh Marks of putting on a good show in front of their fans.
"We received a big wake-up call last Sunday," Camden's Nick Kagan told JC Sport. "The mentality wasn't good enough - clearly demonstrated by the fact that we conceded straight after both goals we scored. You can never win a game after doing that.
"But, this Sunday is another week, we know little about UJIA but will respect them, they had an impressive record last year.
"We will be refocused and sharper, we need to prove we are genuine promotion contenders.
"UJIA should fear a backlash."
UJIA started last weekend’s match against Faithfold B with nine men after two players turned up late. Manager Darren Rolfe was delighted with the resolute performance of the back five although he believes there is room for improvement in the final third.
Israeli hotshot Assi Avital came to the rescue once more, with a stunning Goal of the Season contender. It was a pure moment of magic from the deadly marksman.
I can see UJIA pushed on to the back foot for long spells as Camden look for a fast start. If they can keep the pitch big and pass and move for 90 minutes I can see them breaking UJIA down.
JC team news: David Kanzen returns to the fold for Camden who have the same absentees - Greg Meller, Max Saunders, Guy Marks, David Khalastchi - as last week.
Venue – Ark Academy, Ref – Richard Jaye
JC star man: David Kanzen (Camden)
DC Prediction: Camden Park 3 UJIA 1
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B vs FAITHFOLD B
Hendon received a nasty surprise against Temple Fortune last Sunday and joint-manager Motty Korman has asked for a big reaction when they take on Faithfold on Sunday.
The Hornets led slip a 2-0 advantage against 10 men as they failed to push home their numerical advantage, going down 5-4 in the end.
Looking ahead to kick-off, Korman told JC Sport: “We’re hoping to bounce back after last week’s defeat, but know we are up against a very good Faithfold team.
“We will have to raise our game and know that we can’t expect to win games if we concede five goals.
“Like previous seasons, we will always score goals but it important we tighten our defence.
“The loss of Parys Hammonds (to Masters) and Ari Nevies (to our A team) was felt last week, but with the experience of Tali Nevies, Alon Blitz and the youth of Dovi Vogel, we can no doubt tighten up at the back.
“We had four difference scorers last week and know we will create chances for RA Noe, Gav Noe and Yishai Last., so we’re hoping to gain at least a point.”
Faithfold have ground out two draws so far with Guy Benaharon and Josh Brooks finding the net in their first two games. Manager Rob Shooman predicts that Sunday could be the toughest test yet but is equally confident his men have what it takes to get three points off Hendon.
Deep down, everyone in the Hendon squad know they owe their managers a result and I think we’ll see a positive reaction and result on the pitch.
Venue – West Hendon Playing Fields , Ref – Gary Silver
JC star man: Dovi Vogel (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon 2 Faithfold 1
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SHIRLEY PARK vs GLENTHORNE UNITED A
There’s a real treat in store in Edmonton on Sunday when first takes on second.
Glenthorne have gone off at a rate of knots and will be licking their lips of taking on a Shirley team who have conceded six goals in their first two games.
The Thornes have smashed home eight goals already, with Italian stallion Fabio Revieccio in top form with two in two. Shirley will also have to look out for the likes of Scott Jay, Adam Bernstein, Daryl Rubin, Richard Rosenthal, Jamie Bernstein and Craig Sandford.
But manager Sam Rosenthal doesn’t think his troops will have things all their own way on Sunday. He told JC Sport: "I’m looking forward to what I expect will be our toughest challenge yet.
“We know them well from last year and is sure to be tight once again."
Shirley have an excellent account of themselves against Chigwell last week. They were denied maximum points after a late strike from Dan Castle and know they will need to concentrate for 90 minutes against a top-quality team.
Already, some people are saying that Glenthorne have the look and feel of champions and if they are given time and space to play, I can see them doing the business again.
Venue – Norseman FC, Ref – Aaron Djanogly
JC star man: Jamie Bernstein (Glenthorne)
DC Prediction: Shirley Park 1 Glenthorne A 2
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SOUTHGATE HARMEN vs WOODFORD WANDERERS
Harmen and Woodford will go into Sunday’s meeting knowing that three points are there for the taking.
Home manager Dan Uzan is looking forward to unleashing two big guns on Harmen’s east London opponents.
He told JC Sport: “There are two big debuts for the club on Sunday. James Sandler is marking his return to the club after a two-year sabbatical. He will be joined by Adam Osper who is looking to revive his career under a manager that believes in him. There may also be a late signing in time for the game... details too follow.”
The Southgate boys were left deeply frustrated in their opener against Faithfold but Uzan is backing his boys to do the business second time around.
He added: “We felt very hard done by last week and I have told the lads that we have to learn our lesson and take our chances when they come.
“We looked solid at the back and just need to show a bit more composure in the last third.”
New Woodford boss Paul Hyams is threatening to make some changes after the hefty defeat against Glenthorne.
I managed to grab a word with star striker Jerome Marks after training and this is what he said. “After a disappointing performance and result last Sunday, Paul could make major changes to the starting XI against Harmen.
“It is rumoured that club captain Harrison Midda could be watching the game from the stands at the weekend after having a Weston against Glenthorne.”
I think Sunday’s game will come down to small details and am backing Harmen to nick it.
JC team news: Harmen welcome back James Stanley who missed the opener with an ankle injury.
For Woodford, Darryl Green is available for selection after missing last week’s game due to international duty, but Adam Poole is sidelined with a foot injury.
Venue – Ashmole School , Ref – Stephen Levy
JC star man: Adam Osper (Harmen)
DC Prediction: Harmen 2 Woodford 1
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TEMPLE FORTUNE A vs CHIGWELL ATHLETIC
Chigwell boss Richard Slater knows that if his team are to claim a top two finish then they will have to go to places like Fortune and win.
With local rivals Glenthorne having set the pace early doors, Slater will demand that his big-match players stand and deliver on what is arguably the biggest surface in the league.
It needed some late magic from captain marvel Dan Castle to salvage a point against Shirley in a game where the Chigs uncharacteristically conceded three times.
Slater told JC Sport: “There were mixed reactions after Sunday's draw with Park. We played some really great stuff in patches but let ourselves down with some cheap goals against.
“We have a strong squad for the trip to Fortune, so we'll go there in positive mood looking for the win.”
Fortune staged the mother of all comebacks against Hendon B last Sunday with Craig Edwards winning my Player of the Week award after scoring a fab four-goal salvo.
It was really a mind-blowing performance when you consider they came back from 2-0 down and only had 10 men. If they finish a man light on Sunday, there’s no way Chigwell will let them off the hook. No doubt about that.
It also needed a super-human effort in goal from player-manager Lee Fegan to keep Hendon at bay, with new boys Stuart Haring and Matt Leader also catching the eye.
Looking ahead to Sunday, the Fortune boss told JC Sport: "Our team are still smiling from last week but I am making sure that our players are not getting carried away and becoming over-confident.
"We still have a lot to work on and there is plenty of room for improvement, but everyone is hungry for success and ready to push themselves.
"We are playing a very organised and hard-working team this Sunday, but we like a challenge and I know this is going to be a cracking game to watch."
I’m predicting a tight first hour on Sunday but think Chigwell’s threat at set-pieces will ultimately prove decisive.
JC team news: For Chigwell, Jonathan Swead, Alex Norman, Genn Davis and keeper Marc Jacobs return this week. Keepers James Swead and Rob Shepherdson are unavailable.
Chigwell squad: Marc Jacobs, Pierce Prince, Lee Hyams, Jonathan Swead, Paul Lenchner, Russell Yershon, Alex Norman, Russell Brill, Craig Pearl, Daniel Castle (capt), Richard Slater, Richard Baum, Anthony Mendel, Glenn Davis, Brad Gayer, Dean Ben-Yosef, Jamie Fox
Venue – The Hive, Ref – Nicky Bloom
JC star man: Paul Lenchner (Chigwell)
DC Prediction: Temple Fortune A 2 Chigwell Athletic 3
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
4 - Jamie Sinai (Catford & Bromley), Jake Gilbert (Athletic Bilbaum)
3 – Adam Goldman (Glenthorne Utd B), Dan Hildebrand (Brady B), Adam Hersh (Los Blancos)
ATHLETIC BILBAUM vs CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI
Catford boss Lester Jacobs believes that every point is crucial as he prepares to his men to Mill Hill to take on the Baums.
Jamie Sinai was the hero in Catford’s last outing – a 4-2 success against Norstar B – and I expect Jacobs to instruct his team to defend from the front against a Bilbaum team smarting from a heavy defeat last weekend.
“I’m hoping to have most of the squad from our last game available, plus two or three who were previously away,” Jacobs told JC Sport. “Four-goal Jamie Sinai could feature though,” he warned.
“I’ve a feeling ours is going to be a tight division this year so we’re expecting every opposing side to be a tough proposition and Athletic Bilbaum equal on points with us are no exception.”
The Baums were hit for six against Brady last Sunday and manager Mark Pasha is confident of seeing a big reaction.
“If you've got cataracts get them fixed before Sunday, as this one is going to be cataclysmic,” he told JC Sport.
“Brush up on your catchphrases, catapult you cattle, clean your catheters and catch the next caterpillar down to the New Bernebaum for a catalogue of categorised awesomeness.
“Fans will be flocking in from a massive catchment for the opening home game of the season. Caterers will be serving catfish in catsup at half time.”
The battle between Jake Gilbert and Sinai should be worth the admission fee alone.
Venue – Copthall , Ref – N. Cohen
JC star man: Eli Lew (Bilbaum)
DC Prediction: Athletic Bilbaum 3 Catford & Bromley 2
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BRADY MACCABI B vs SPEC FC
Don’t panic. That’s the message from SPEC FC boss Laurence Conway following back-to-back defeats.
Although I’ve heard whispers about unrest around the camp, the word is that it’s just early season nerves, no more than teething problems and have been told that normal service should resume shortly.
Conway and co know full well that they are already playing catch-up and they will need something special to stop Brady rolling them over and tickling their bellies on Sunday.
SPEC’s Ricky Lawrence told JC Sport: “We started well last week and we appreciate the kind comments from Louis Taylor at Neasden B about the football we tried to play. However, another poor performance at the back lead to the defence being ordered in for extra sessions with assistant-manager Doug Berlin.
“We know what we are up against on Sunday and we know that we have to be at our best if we are to come away with the three points we so desperately want.
“Josh has got Brady playing some great stuff, but we've beaten them before and there's no reason why we can't beat them again. If previous encounters are anything to go by, it should be a cracker!”
Brady started the season with a bang last weekend, hitting Bilbaum for six. That result would’ve sent shudders down the rest of the division and when you consider they now boast the likes of Sam Castle, James Joseph, Dan Hildebrand, Dan Harrod and Reiss Mogilner, some of their opponents may not fancy turning up. But I certainly don’t put SPEC FC in that bracket as victory on Sunday would be a season-defining moment.
Josh Dagul’s men have quality from front to back. Already they have the look and feel of champions, but Dagul must keen them focused and ready at the task at hand.
The first 20 minutes will be crucial for SPEC FC on Sunday as if they concede early, I can only see one winner.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref –Keith Goodman
JC star man: Reiss Mogilner (Brady)
DC Prediction: Brady B 2 SPEC FC 1
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FC TEAM B vs GLENTHORNE UNITED B
"You can never underestimate any of FC Team's squads." Those were the words of Glenthorne joint-player-manager Jordan Sapler ahead of Sunday’s trip to Meadow Park.
Under Jordan Stein and Sapler, the Thornes have made a solid start with a win and a draw, but they will be taking nothing for granted ahead of the long journey to Borehamwood.
Adam Goldman was the star man for them last weekend in the nine-goal thriller against Raiders B, with Ryan Cole and Jay Lawrence finishing the job.
In Sam Goldman, they have an outlet to ensure they finish strongly although after his cameo last weekend, Sapler and Stein must be considering giving him a start.
Sapler told JC Sport: "FC Team will be looking to bounce back after losing last week, while we need to push on from Sunday.
"We've worked on our defence heavily in training are trying to and eradicate some sloppy mistakes from last week, so hopefully that'll be shown on Sunday."
FC Team were involved in a goal-fest of their own, but in the end strikes from Jon Fisher (2), Mitch Lassman and Freddie Marks were not enough.
Ben Simon is also keen to see a defensive improvement this week in a game I think the boys in yellow and blue will be under the cosh in.
JC team news: Zack Forbes and Joe Grant are available for Glenthorne, but James Berkley (knee) and Ashley Stanton (groin) miss out.
Venue – Meadow Park, Ref – Neil Cooper
JC star man: Sam Goldman (Glenthorne)
DC Prediction: FC Team B 2 Glenthorne B 4
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LOS BLANCOS vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B
If you’re looking for goals this weekend then West Hendon is the place to be as high-flying Blancos entertain Raiders B in a match that guarantees five-star entertainment.
Player-manager Adam Hersh has started the season like a man possessed and he will be gunning for glory when L’Orange come to town.
A wonder strike from Joel Kutner plus one from Sami Birnbaum set them up for a thrilling 5-4 win over FC Team last Sunday.
“Following on from an excellent performance last week and deserved win, this week we are looking to up the tempo even more against a very tough opposition,” Hersh told JC Sport.
Raiders were on the wrong end of another 5-4 scoreline, with Ben Hart carrying on where he left off last season. Hotshot Nicky Woolf and Darren Russell were also on the scoresheet.
With promotion the name of the game once more, Raiders boss Oli Shorts is calling on his defenders to adopt a no-nonsense approach as he knows the importance of clean sheets.
The partnership between Hart and Woolf will guarantee at least 20 goals in my opinion and the key battle on Sunday could be the one between Woolf and Blancos stopper Josh Cohen.
I’m predicting an open and entertaining affair, with both sets of fans going home happy.
JC team news: Tenacious midfielder Daniel Sher returns from a muscle strain whilst player of the season Julian Gertner makes his season debut in the famous Blancos colours.
Venue – West Hendon Playing Fields, Ref – Stuart Ansher
JC star man: Daniel Sher (Blancos)
DC Prediction: Los Blancos 3 Raiders B 3
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NORTH WEST NEASDEN B vs NORSTAR B
This game has home banker written all, even with none other than the great Jonny Blain lining up in goal for Neasden.
No doubt, Norstar will adopt a shoot-on-sight policy as the striker converts to netkeeper for 90 minutes.
With two solid performances under their belts, I can’t see NWN failing on Sunday, especially with former boss Louis Taylor in top form and MJSL Player of the Year Bobby Abrams already on the goal trail. It really was an inspired signing.
NWN overcame a slow start but looked the real deal in the second half and if they hit the ground running in Arkley, it could be a long 90 minutes for David Lubczanski’s boys.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Martin Fox
JC star man: Bobby Abrams (NWN)
DC Prediction: NW Neasden B 4 Norstar B 0
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B vs BLIZZARD STORM
Blizzard boss Simon Linden has been frantically searching for footage of Redbridge B but when searching online, the only thing he came up with was Marc Silver’s stag weekend in Rekjavik. He certainly got more than he bargained for there.
Jon Jacobs takes his young guns into battle for the first time this season and a big crowd is expected at Fairlop.
Looking ahead to the crunch clash, Jacobs told JC Sport: “This Sunday is our first league game of the season and for the majority, it is their intro into men’s football.
“We have a full squad to choose from and are raring to go.
“Players to watch are Matt Berkley and Scott Oldstein - two of our teenagers but both are very skillful and full of pace and trickery. Hotshot and captain is Dan Gordon aiming to shoot us up the table.”
Blizzard made a statement of intent against Norstar last weekend and now Linden is looking for them to kick on.
“It was very important that we won against Norstar last Sunday,” he told JC Sport. “This week we need to make it back-to-back wins.
“I'm sure we are going to be up against a new fresh Redbridge team that means business.
“We will have to be on our game, there's no room for mistakes as we have to get another three points.”
JC team news: Skipper Adam Speck and fans favourite Sean Ladier return to the Blizzard squad, but Josh Mizrahi could be ruled out for up to three weeks.
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – Brandon Pieters
JC star man: Scott Oldstein (RJC)
DC Prediction: Redbridge B 2 Blizzard 2
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DIVISION FOUR
TOP-SCORERS
9 - Ben Zloof (AC Mill Hill)
BOCA JEWNIORS vs TOTTENHAM CHUTSPAH
You’d think Boca would be running scared after seeing the Tottenham Chutspah scoreline last weekend. But they’re not. Bring it on is what manager Jamie Weinrich is saying.
A 7-1 battering at the hands of Fortune B has left their fan-base feeling flat following an encouraging pre-season, but keeper Ryan Monk is promising a big performance on Sunday.
With a bad result last week, Boca Jewniors hope to get the season off a running this Sunday with another home game against new boys Tottenham Chutspah.
Monk told JC Sport: “Even though the game last Sunday was not the best, there was a few positives that could be taken.
“New boy Lex Slater scoring a cracking 25-yard screamer, Sefton Monk's new-found role after giving up management to be a midfield general, Alex Sheer's appointment as skipper and my performance in goal - trying to save as many shots as possible.
“I hope that with some defenders returning from their summer holidays, it should provide me with a bit more cover.”
Tottenham Chutspah’s first-ever match could not have gone much better. Jono Goan and Oliver Done were the hat-tricks heroes in a memorable 8-5 victory over Jewventus.
Manager Ariel Tamman is promising more fantasy football, confident in the knowledge his team will threaten in the final third.
“We are feeling very confident for a win this week,” Tamman told JC Sport. “As a manager I expect my players to deliver come Sunday. I will be very disappointed with anything other than a win.
“The players have shown great, skilled, quality football in our previous match and are hoping to do the same this week.
“Our team is looking very good at the moment with great fitness levels and plenty of confidence.
“One of my hopes for this week is for our team to be stronger in defence yet remain threatening in attack.”
That’s exactly what I’m banking on too.
JC team news: Brett Schuman back from holiday and new signing Nigel Conway making his debut for Boca in the heart of defence.
Venue – North Herts Arena, Ref – A. Yuchetel
JC star man: Oliver Done (Tottenham)
DC Prediction: Boca Jewniors 1 Tottenham Chutspah 5
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FAITHFOLD C vs L’EQUIPE
Both camps are keeping their cards incredibly close to their chests in the run-up to kick-off. Either that or I’ve got old email addresses!
L’Equipe made an excellent start to the season, winning and keeping a clean sheet against Norstar C. It doesn’t get much better than that.
But on Sunday they will come up against a different animal all together, as they take on a Faithfold team with an experienced striker in the shape of Ben Simons.
Spurs fan Ben is determined to hit the 20-goal mark again and the L’Equipe defensive will need to defend the second ball well and try to keep Simons at arm’s length.
Consistency is the name of the game for L’Equipe this season and if they keep things simple, I can see them doing just enough to take maximum points.
Ref – M. Cowan
JC star man: Mike Silverberg (L’Equipe)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 2 L’Equipe 3
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JEWVENTUS vs TEMPLE FORTUNE B
Gabriel John loves a soft centre but his leaky defence has been giving him sleepless nights.
John would rather be smelling of Roses but instead he has very little in the way of Celebrations. That said, with Richard Fogelman on fire, they have bags of Quality (Street) in the final third of the pitch.
The Jewve gaffer has been described as a Drifter by some, but three points would certainly give the boys in black and white a Boost.
He has turned down family invitations to have a Picnic in the park as he’s determined to help his team turn the corner.
However, I don’t expect things to get any easier on Sunday. Fortune hit seven last weekend, with player-manager Terry Jeffries scoring for fun. He’s determined to win the Division Four Golden Boot, although Mill Hill’s Ben Zloof may have something to say about that.
Fortune strolled past Boca last weekend but Jeffries is expecting a much tighter battle in another game that promises goals.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Robert Caplin
JC star man: John Kemp (Fortune)
DC Prediction: Jewventus 3 Temple Fortune B 4
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NORSTAR C vs LOUGHTON ORIENT
Orient go into their first match of the season with a strong squad, although with player-manager Dan Curtis missing out due to his honeymoon, Rob Silverman takes charge for the day.
Big things are expected of Dean Silver, Mark Jacobs, Jaimie Sinclair, Matt Conway and Perry Kissin with the experienced Ryan Kissin named as captain.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Curtis told JC Sport: “Pre-season has shown some encouraging signs and four friendlies will hopefully have prepared the team for the first competitive fixture of the season. Key men to watch are Barry Green and Jaimie Sinclair.”
Norstar C will look to build on last week’s battling performance that saw them come from 3-0 to just fall short of claiming their first points of the season, but will have to do it without captain Alex Goodman who has been ruled out for a while after breaking his foot early on against L'Equipe.
Norstar will build on their style of play and with the team becoming more accustomed to each others playing styles.
Manager Zack Gothelf told JC Sport: “We're confident that if we play like we did last week after going 3-0 down, we'll win on Sunday.”
JC star man: Jamie Sinclair (Orient)
DC Prediction: Norstar C 1 Loughton Orient 3
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AC MILL HILL vs FC TEAM C
AC Mill Hill have started the season like a house on fire but I think FC Team C will test their title credentials on Sunday.
Joe Levy’s troops have smashed home 14 goals in just two games and the odds on them finishing as the JC MSFL’s top-scorers have been slashed.
Striker Ben Zloof is a big reason for the high goal tally. He’s already found the net nine times and FC Team boss Michael Myers must be considering putting a man marker on the in-form forward.
Myers and co will be relieved to hear that Mill Hill are missing a few, but looking at the positives, Levy says it “will give us a chance to experiment with a few different options”.
The Mill Hill player-manager told JC Sport: “We don't know much about FC team and as they haven't played a game yet so they are a bit of an unknown entity.
“However, we are confident if we stick to our game plan and play in the manner we know we are capable of, we are confident of getting our third consecutive win.”
FC Team could not have asked for a tougher first match. They were left frustrated by a pitch problems against Orient last weekend and manager Myers told me that they can’t wait to get started.
“We’re now even more eager to get playing and register our first three points,” he told JC Sport.
“Mill Hill have had a good start to their campaign so it should be a good game but I think our quality will shine through.”
Fans are advised to arrive early for what promises to be a top-quality affair.
Venue – Copthall, Ref – Quentin Fox
JC star man: Oli Senchal (FC Team)
DC Prediction: AC Mill Hill 2 FC Team C 1
