Defending champions Hendon United Sports Club A will be looking to finish the weekend top of the table when they take on Oakwood A, while there are some mouth-watering ties in the first round of the JC League Cup. Danny Caro looks ahead to all the big match action.
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PHOTOGALLERY
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DANNY CARO'S MATCHDAY 4 OSCARS
PREMIER DIVISION TEAM OF THE WEEK
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JC GOAL OF THE WEEK
Conor Perlmutter (Southgate Harmen)
SAVE OF THE WEEK
Dec Green (Neasden A)
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Ian Tussie (Oakwood B) - "But Danny, this be a results business and that's the most important thing at the end of the day"
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
JC CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND ONE
GLENTHORNE UNITED A vs CHIGWELL ATHLETIC
It will be hold on to your hats time in east London on Sunday as arch rivals Glenthorne and Chigwell lock horns for the first time this season.
Both teams go into the game on the back of defeats in a competition they believe they can do some damage in.
Although the league is the clear priority for both, a good cup run could certainly swell the coffers, and Chigs chairman Richard Slater is keen for a big payday so he can buy his new niece something nice and pink.
A 3-1 defeat at home to Camden left Slater feeling slightly deflated last weekend, but he praised his troops for their hard work and effort.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Slater told JC Sport: “We welcomed back six players, including a goalkeeper, who all missed last week’s game.
“Essex derbies are always highly-charged affairs and I expect nothing less on Sunday, cup game or not.
“It's always fun when we're up against former players in the 'Eggs' as they were fondly known during their time with us. They were part of some great times in the clubs history winning three league titles, but on Sunday they will be our rivals and enemies.
“If we use our experience and start well we should be OK.”
Glenthorne were hit for six by Hendon B last Sunday and manager Sam Rosenthal asked his defenders to take a long and hard look at themselves in shul this week. The certainly didn’t cover themselves in glory and it will be interesting to see if he tinkers with his starting XI ahead of the crunch clash.
Rosenthal told JC Sport: "We’re looking forward to the biggest derby of the year. I’m expecting a big crowd and no doubt a lot of goals!"
Form always goes out of the window in derbies. I’m predicting a typically high octane affair in which no-one will pull out of the tackle. Chigwell have experience on their side, but with home advantage, I’m going for Glenthorne.
JC team news: Chigwell captain Daniel Castle is still a few weeks away from a return, while there will be late fitness tests for Dean Ben-Yosef and Richard Baum who picked up injuries last week. Returning to the squad from last week come are Alex Norman, Russell Brill, Lee Hyams, Anthony Mendel, Brad Gayer and Rob Shepherdson.
Glenthorne are expected to have a full-strength squad available.
Chigwell squad: Rob Shepherdson, Simon Felstein, Russell Yershon, Pierce Prince, Paul Lenchner, Lee Hyams, Jonathan Swead, Alex Norman, Russell Brill (capt), Craig Pearl, Brad Gayer, Glenn Davis, Anthony Mendel, Richard Slater, Richard Baum, Neil Tilley, Den Ben-Yosef
Venue – Ford Sports & Social, Ref – Adam Lewis
JC star man: Fabio Revieccio (Glenthorne)
DC Prediction: Glenthorne 2 Chigwell 1
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AC MILL HILL vs FAITHFOLD A
If you want David against Goliath, I can give you David against Goliath. Think Sutton United vs Coventry, think Wimbledon vs Liverpool, they just don’t come much bigger than AC Mill Hill against former cup winners Faithfold A.
The residents of Mill Hill were celebrating like schoolkids after Joe Levy’s men were drawn against the MSFL giants – a match that has been sold out for weeks.
Faithfold more than held their own against Hendon last weekend and manager Zuriel Solomon has assured me they won’t under-estimate the Division Three new boys.
"We welcome a break from the league and are looking forward to our cup game," Solomon told JC Sport.
"Again we are not taking any team lightly and I am sure AC will be well up for the game.
"We have been playing really well but still have a long way to go before we start getting excited. AC have had a good start and will be confident so we will have to be on our game."
AC Mill Hill have scored 16 goals in three games, but their defensive qualities will be tested to the limit by their illustrious Premier Division opponents.
Manager Joe Levy needs to get his troops playing without fear on Sunday as if they show any sign of nerves, Faithfold will sense it and go for the jugular.
Star man Ben Zloof has grabbed the headlines for the team thus far, but on Sunday, only a super-human team effort will be enough, and it’s vital they start well.
JC team news: Faithfold have quite a few away this week, with Yoni Raeburn and Dan Howard celebrating Yoni’s birthday in Newcastle(enough said), Alex Levack still suspended, Paul Babai, Paul Savitz and Dan Cohen injured while Joe Cohen has departed to Argentina for six months.
Ref – Laurie Benson
JC star man: Dan Stock (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: AC Mill Hill 0 Faithfold A 3
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BOCA JEWNIORS vs FAITHFOLD B
Faithfold will be hurting after the brutal battering at the hands of Shirley Park last Sunday and I expect them to steamroll Boca at the NHA on Sunday.
Rob Shooman’s men were led a merry dance by Jamie Kent and they will be keen to redress the balance in a game they should dominate from start to finish.
Goals have been at a premium so far but I expect them to show their true colours against the league’s bottom team.
The Boca boys have had a rough start and I can see this being a long 90 minutes for Jamie Weinrich’s men. No nonsense defending will be order of the day, but not even the reflexes of keeper Ryan Monk will stop them from bowing out.
Venue – North Herts Arena, Ref – Stuart Ansher
JC star man: Jonny Horowitz (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Boca Jewniors 0 Faithfold B 4
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FC TEAM B vs CAMDEN PARK
Seventeen places separate Camden Park and FC Team B, but home manager Ben Simon will be determined to prove his men rise to the occasion on Sunday.
Camden ticked all the boxes last weekend when two goals from Richard Silver and one from Rob Hershkorn set up a 3-1 win at Chigwell.
After the final whistle, Nick Kagan of Camden told me: “The mentality is miles better, the fitness has improved and at times yesterday we were at our free-flowing best.”
David Kanzen, Daniel Needleman and Max Shields came in for special praise in what was almost the complete performance.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Kagan told JC Sport: "The gaffer is once again doing a Wenger and giving the squad players a chance in the cup. The line-up will be a mix of youth and experience.
"We will have to be up for it to avoid a potential banana skin. The team gave us two good games last year and there direct style can cause us problems.
"Frustrated-striker-turned-commanding-centre-back Mike Khalastchi gets his first chance of the season to prove he can lead the line. We've promised that he can keep his place up top if he bags a hat-trick. Unlikely!
"Jake Bernstone and Sam Bennett are in line for their first starts of the season, Dan Baneth returns after root-canal surgery with a packet of sweets and a cheeky smile."
FC Team boss Ben Simon was delighted by the character shown by his men in the magnificent 3-1 win over Division Two leaders Neasden B. Adam Goldsmith (2) and one from Daniel Alfreds wrapped up a memorable success.
Keeper David Gordon showed razor-sharp reflexes, while Freddie Marks ensured things ticked over in midfield.
But on Sunday Team will need to up the ante against a young Camden team who will go until the final whistle.
Man for man Camden have the edge and I can see them winning by a couple of goals.
JC team news: Club captain Max Saunders reported running down the stairs for the first time unscathed, thus inching closer to recovery.
Ref – Martin Fox
JC star man: Daniel Needleman (Camden)
DC Prediction: FC Team B 1 Camden Park 3
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B vs LONDON MACCABI LIONS B
There’s a tasty all-Division One clash in store in west Hendon as Hendon B tackle Lions B.
The Hendon boys go into the tie on the back of a magnificent victory over Glenthorne A – a match in which Yishai Last was at his brilliant best. Victory was cemented with a double from joint-player-manager Chaim Gothold and one from the ever-reliable Gav Noe.
Bottom line is that Hendon destroyed a good Glenthorne side, forcing them into a defensive horror show.
On Sunday they will be looking to do the same against a resolute Lions team who have started the season on the front foot.
Looking ahead to the big match, Hornets joint-player-manager Motty Korman told JC Sport: “Lions have not lost this season and even with a full strength team we know it would be a tough game.
“Matters aren’t helped with a depleted squad due to Succot - we will be missing some important players and hope that our squad players can step up.
“It’s not an ideal week for us to be playing an important cup game on Erev Succot, but we’re hoping our senior players that are available in Yishai Last, Chaim Gothold and Gav Noe will be able to make it a good game.”
With manager Jamie Kyte away, the Lions will be left in the capable hands of assistant-manager James Gold, aka Jimmy Goals.
He swapped the Dragon Den’s cameras for the JC ones when he had this to say after training one day this week. “We have a full squad for Sunday and are aiming to continue our good run of form and put on another winning performance.
“Commitment and determination in the squad really pleasing to see and we would love to go on a good cup run.
“We have a lot of respect for Hendon, we feel they play the game the right way and have no doubts it will be a very tough match.”
Both teams have a good cup pedigree, but given the list of absentees for Hendon, I’m tipping the Lions to progress.
Venue – West Hendon Playing Fields, Ref – Steven Russell
JC star man: Will Beresford (LML)
DC Prediction: Hendon B 1 Lions B 2
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L’EQUIPE vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B
There have been few positives for L’Equipe and Raiders B so far this season. Neither has made the start they would’ve wanted, but I’ve heard encouraging things about L’Equipe from a very reliable source.
Had this tie been played on 3G, I’d have backed Raiders all the way, but grass and the magic of the cup has made me think this could be one of the surprises of the round.
Although the league is the clear priority for both, the L’Equipe camp will believe they have what it takes to match the Raiders over 90 minutes.
By their own admission, it’s been a struggle so far. Bottom of Division Three, they will need to pull out all the stops and click into gear to avoid being victims of a cup upset.
Raiders boss Oli Shorts told JC Sport: “We’ve been competitive in all our games but results have said otherwise. It’s the cup this weekend and it's a nice distraction and hopefully we can get our first win.
“In every match this season there have been really good aspects but we need to put this into a 90-minute match.
“We’re missing a lot of players such as The Fineman brothers, Sam Morell, Si Buchler, Rosey, Hart and the injured Michael Israel.
“However our squad is strong so I'm happy with our starting XI.”
This game will boil down to which team takes their chances and I’m backing the Raiders to get off the mark.
Ref – Mike Cowan
JC star man: Jonny Shapiro (Raiders)
DC Prediction: L’Equipe 2 Raiders B 3
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NORTH WEST NEASDEN A vs BRIXTON OLD BOYS
Neasden are back. That was the chant from the terraces following last week’s 5-0 demolition of Temple Fortune A.
Strikers Lee Cash and Zack White made the headlines after scoring all the goals, with Cash walking away with the matchball. It’s been a while, Lee!
It was also a day when the NWN full-backs starred, with David Fox and Adam ‘you owe me a pint’ Klein on top of their game.
NWN boss Dan Hodes confirmed the news home fans wanted to hear. "No change up top after the front pair scored five between them last week and I am hoping they are on fire again as we enter into a tricky tie with three of the back four not available this week, so changes will have to be made."
On Sunday they welcome a Brixton team who are still revelling in the limelight following their heroic 3-2 victory over Lions A. John Nitka was named JC Manager of the Week on the back of the win, with midfield maestro George Fierstone my Player of the Week.
The decision to throw Rob Blackman into attack paid dividends and it will be interesting to see if Nitka goes 4-4-2 or 4-5-1 for a match that could be won and lost in midfield.
Match referee Warwick Blake will need eyes in the back of his head for what will be a real hum-dinger and the JC cameras will be down nice and early to watch the action unfold.
I fear the dreaded JC Manager of the Week curse could strike, but either way it should be a cracker!
Ref – Warwick Blake
JC star man: David Fox (NWN)
DC Prediction: Neasden 3 Brixton 2 AET
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A vs GLENTHORNE UNITED B
Glenthorne B will feel they have nothing to lose when they take on 2011 cup winners Redbridge A at Fairlop.
The east Londoners were frustrated by Norstar B last weekend but manager Jordan Sapler and Liam Stein will work their troops extra hard as on Sunday they will to stand up and be counted.
“Obviously we know that Sunday is without a doubt the hardest game we’re going to play all season,” Sapler told JC Sport. “Saying that though, we're undefeated so far this year and all the pressure is on Redbridge as one of the best teams in Jewish football.
“It’s going yo be a good opportunity for some of our boys to play against quality opposition and we will tell them to enjoy it and then who knows.”
The RJC XI is like a Who’s Who of Jewish football. If this game was played on paper it wouldn’t be a contest and although I expect the hosts to win comfortably, there could be one or two awkward moments.
But with the likes of Steve Summers and Adam Hakimi in their ranks, superior quality and experience will win the day.
JC team news: Ross Segal, Zack Forbes and Brad Grant return for Glenthorne, but Sam Goldman misses out with a hamstring injury. Jay Lawrence is also 50/50.
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – Dan Cohen
JC star man: Steve Summers (RJC)
DC Prediction: Redbridge A 4 Glenthorne B 0
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SHIRLEY PARK vs NORSTAR B
As good as Norstar B were last weekend, I can’t see them living with a free-scoring Shirley Park team for 90 minutes.
Boosted by the presence of striker Eli Houri, it was a case of square pegs into round holes as manager David Lubczanski used four centre halves in midfield. Jonny Bunt was the pick of the bunch with Adam Seres not far behind.
Lubczanski described it as “a sign of things to come,” but he could play 11 defenders and still not get anything from this game against a star-studded team.
Dave Lusman’s Park life have registered 18 goals in just four games, with the promise of many more. They embarrassed Faithfold B last Sunday, with summer signing Jamie Kent filling his boots. He’s Evens to score against Norstar and only 4-1 for the hat-trick.
Lusman’s pulling power has resulted in a top-notch squad and I can think of one or two Premier Division teams who will want to avoid them in the next round.
Ref – Paul Dobkin
JC star man: Gideon Gold (Shirley)
DC Prediction: Shirley Park 5 Norstar B 0
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SOUTHGATE HARMEN vs ATHLETIC BILBAUM
Harmen boss Dan Uzan described last weekend’s 3-0 victory over UJIA as “a very professional performance.” More of the same will be order of the day against the dangerous Bilbaum.
Conor Perlmutter was the top man for Harmen last Sunday, with one of his strikes a contender for JC Goal of the Season. The early signs are that he and Ori Kobi can help Harmen have a memorable season, but first thing’s first, they must put the Baums to bed.
Home keeper James Castle could be a spectator for long spells, so concentration will be the name of the game for him, with Adam Osper and James Sandler looking to keep things tight in front.
Ben Bell, Jake Gilbert and Ed Green will be the main threat for Bilbaum whose famous mascot Baum Baum the Elephant is looking forward to his first visit to Ashmole School.
There is a medium to low danger of an upset here, as long as Harmen show the right mentality from the off.
Venue – Ashmole School, Ref – Aaron Djanogly
JC star man: Brad Cohen (Harmen)
DC Prediction: Southgate Harmen 3 Athletic Bilbaum 1
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UJIA vs JEWVENTUS
Jewve boss Gabriel John has given himself the dreaded vote of confidence following the 3-0 defeat at Temple Fortune B last Sunday.
Zero wins from four games is not what the chairman-player-manager was aiming for and he received a real dressing down at a fans forum this week.
Having broken the bank to re-sign star striker Richard Fogelman, John believed that this would result in an improved showing, but it appears he needs to sign some experienced defenders to shore things up at the back.
UJIA were well beaten by Harmen last weekend in a match missed by boss Darren Rolfe. The less said about that the better though.
A decent crowd is expected for what promises to be a high-scoring affair. UJIA have a wealth of experience in their ranks and Assi Avital and Matt Radstone will be looking to fire them into round two.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Martin de la Fuente
JC star man: Matt Radstone (UJIA)
DC Prediction: UJIA 4 Jewventus 1
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FC TEAM A P TEMPLE FORTUNE B P
Match postponed - Fortune forfeited with only 8 players available due to a number of injuries, a stag weekend and a house move
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JC MSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
4 - Lorian Madanes (LML A)
3 - Yoni Raeburn (Faithfold A), Jamie Wolfson (NL Raiders A), Jacob Gold, Avidan Last (both Hendon A), Mike Pearson (LML A), Ari Last, (Hendon A) (Hendon A), David Dinkin (Raiders A)
PREMIER DIVISION TEAM OF THE WEEK
HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A vs OAKWOOD A
Champions Hendon are in for a tough test on Sunday with the holiday season leaving manager David Garbacz with a depleted squad
They go into the game on the back of another hard encounter when a goal from Ari Last earned them a point against leaders Faithfold, and Garbacz believes that the depth of the squad will be well and truly tested this week.
Looking ahead to kick-off, Garbacz told JC Sport: “Oakwood were one of my pre-season picks to be challenging for the league this year and although they have started off with a few draws, they have been against top sides, and they will obviously busting a gut to pick up three points.
“Sunday sees a return to Hadley for ex-Hendon great Josh Bentley and he will come out like a man possessed no doubt, but we are well aware that all round they have quality players and a great fighting team spirit as we remember only too well from last year’s Morrison final.
“We have a number of absentees on Sunday but once again we have adopted a policy this year of only accommodating top notch players in the squad as a whole so that we do not get severely weakened when others cannot play.
“With both Lipman and Lauffer returning, we will have no excuses on that front and we should have the capability of getting the upper hand.
“We will need to match their attitude and ambition which will no doubt be at its’ highest but we will all be incredibly disappointed not to continue our decent start to the season with another victory and I believe we will have that extra bit of class to do so.
As Garbacz says, Oakwood have made a solid yet unspectacular start with three consecutive draws. The boy Bentley earned them a point with an excellent header against Raiders last weekend, and I’m sure he’ll be telling managers Ric Blank and Alex Schock about Hendon’s winning formula.
With another Hendon old boy, Ilan Scorah, at the back for the Oaks, they’ll have a rock solid spine, but they will need to match Hendon player for player if they are to come away from the game with something to show for their efforts.
Oaks joint-manager Ric Blank knows his troops will have to play out of their skins on Sunday. "There's no respite in this division and Sunday sees us with our biggest challenge yet," he told JC Sport.
"Hendon are the best team in the division and we go into that game with too many absentees for my liking. It's not ideal but we'll still put a strong side out and try and rise to the occasion.
"Our challenge this season is to match every team we face and accrue points along the way. All the talk of 'being up there' is premature for a side that have played three Premier games. We are just getting started and hope to repeat the form from the final that took us to within a whisker of winning the biggest competition in Jewish football.
"Hendon look to be at full strength to me and they've given some good sides hidings already this season. We've got to be on it otherwise we could find ourselves added to the casualty list.
"Dave Epstein is being touted for a run in the seconds which is a boost to everyone at the club. Adam Levine returns for the firsts as does Oli Gee after the longest summer holiday anyone can ever remember. Up the Oaks."
The midfield battle between Lauffer and Bentley will be worth the admission fee alone.
JC team news: We are without Russell Corin – Masters goalkeeper Jeremy Reuben comes in for his debut and we are also without all 3 Kons, Ben, Rafi and Danny and Alex Rosenthal is very doubtful . On the plus side Josh Lipman returns after the birth of a baby boy as does Ben Lauffer and young Yehuda Korman also makes the squad.
For Oakwood, Daniels Geey and Abrams are both out as are Jonny Beilin and Dave Cohen.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Jon Feenstra
JC star man: Ben Lauffer (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon A 2 Oakwood A 1
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NORSTAR A vs BRADY MACCABI A
The punters at Edgware shul got a glimpse of Norstar boss Phil Peters praying for a first win yesterday ahead of the home match against Brady Maccabi.
With both teams yet to register a win, there will be a lot at stake when that first whistle blows in Harrow.
Peters told JC Sport: “We’re missing some key players but confident of getting a result. I had a good session in shul yesterday so deserve a win I think.
“Most importantly Jamie Slavin will be back in the dugout as we Norstar go in search of their first win of the season.
“We’re looking forward to DC predicting another defeat for us and once again proving him wrong!”
Bouncebackability is the name of the game for the Brady bunch and manager Joel Nathan will be looking for a big reaction after their recent 4-0 bashing at the hands of the Lions.
"Obviously I am hoping for a positive reaction from the lads to our last game when we were on the wrong end of a bad result,” Nathan told JC Sport.
"The guys were very disappointed in the way we conceded four very sloppy goals and know they have to bounce back very quickly.
"Phil has done a great job with Norstar and they fully deserve their place in the Premier Division, and we will not be taking them lightly in any shape or form.
"Yes we haven’t started the season the way I wanted but I know the lads are capable of a lot more."
I’m predicting a close contest but think Brady’s superior quality in the final third will prove decisive.
JC team news: Jeremy Elster, Josh Pistol and Jonny Kay return for Norstar after missing last week’s game and it remains to be seen whether recent signing Jordan Grant will line up against his former club.
Brady have injury concerns over Jonny Ellis and Joel Lassman, but have Ben Joseph is raring go for his first game of the season.
Venue – John Lyons School, Ref – Richard Jaye
JC star man: Ben Joseph (Brady)
DC Prediction: Norstar A 1 Brady A 2
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
6 - Adam Goldman (Glenthorne Utd B), Adam Hersh (Los Blancos)
5 - Jamie Sinai (Catford & Bromley), Dan Hildebrand (Brady B)
BRADY MACCABI B vs NORTH WEST NEASDEN B
Brady B will be looking to finish the weekend top of the pile when they host current leaders Neasden B.
Josh Dagul’s troops were back to their best last weekend when goals from Dan Hildebrand (2), Reiss Mogilner (2), James Joseph and Alex Bowman earned them an impressive 6-2 win over Los Blancos.
The recent acquisition of Bowman was a real statement of intent and he will be keen to impress against his former club. The big match experience of the talented marksman and keeper Sam Castle will no doubt stand the team in good stead for the challenges that lie ahead.
NWN go into the game smarting from a 3-1 reverse against FC Team B. It hit Adam Levene’s men like a bolt out of the blue and ended their three-match winning run.
Levene is demanding that his team picks itself up as he knows that a repeat performance would really hit them in terms of confidence.
When I look at the Brady line-up, I can see winners, leaders and creativity, and with home advantage, I think they will take Neasden down.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Robert Benardout
JC star man: Reiss Mogilner (Brady)
DC Prediction: Brady B 3 Neasden B 1
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CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI vs BLIZZARD STORM
I once told Ryan Kangisser that he’d make a great goalkeeper and he didn’t believe me. Well Kangy son, it needed 90 minutes in goal to convince him that he’s been playing out of position for all these years.
His super show in nets helped his team claim a point in a hard-fought tussle against Redbridge last Sunday. Now manager Lester Jacobs has a selection headache as he decides just who will go in goal for the match at home to Blizzard.
That man Jamie Sinai was on target again in a 1-1 draw, a match in which centre back Joel Isaacs and Adam Luria earned the plaudits.
Cats captain Adam Luria told JC Sport: "We've got a strong squad to choose from yet again, despite losing stand-out left-back Adam Lister to Freshers week at university.
"We were far from our best last week, but still battled to get a point and will be hoping to go one better this week against Blizzard Storm.
"We've played them three times over the last couple of years - winning two and losing one by the odd goal. It'll be a tough game as they have some decent players, but our much-improved spirit and mentality, along with Lester's return, has really made us a tougher, more organised team than last season.
"With the likes of Yonni Bord, Eli Baraty and Ashley Stokes, we've always had the players to challenge anyone at our level, but this time around we're determined to make sure that the winning mentality runs through the whole team."
With the division starting to take shape, this really is an important game for both teams.
Looking ahead to kick, Blizzard boss Simon Linden told JC Sport: “We’ve had some good games with Catford over the years, but it’s important we get three points on Sunday.
“We have shown in the first four matches that we can control games and dominate, however we have to be on our game for the full 90 minutes. There’s no room for any mistakes.”
A slick surface in Edmonton will suit the Blizzard boys down to the ground and as long as they keep their composure in the final third, I can see them edging an entertaining affair.
Venue – Norsemen FC, Ref – Rob Caplin
JC star man: Ashley Stokes (Catford)
DC Prediction: Catford & Bromley 2 Blizzard Storm 3
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B vs SPEC FC
SPEC FC will be looking to complete a hat-trick of wins when they make the long journey east to take on Redbridge B.
Having lost their first two games, Lawrence Conway’s boys have clicked into gear, with Elliott Wallis and Daniel Amram steering them to a 2-1 success over Raiders last weekend.
But on Sunday they go into foreign territory for a contest in which they’ll need to bring their A-game to the table.
As Ricky Lawrence told JC Sport: “Redbridge B are a completely unknown quantity, but we will travel to Essex in high hopes and if we can play like we have done in the last two weeks then there is no reason why we can't pick up all three points.”
RJC are still a work in progress, under Jon Jacobs, but they have made a solid start and cannot be under-estimated, especially on their own patch.
Dan ‘Flash’ Gordon popped up with an important goal that earned them a point at Catford last weekend
Clive Nathan is unavailable for RJC due to warm weather training in Israel for two weeks. They are also missing Ben Binder, who has an ankle injury, so are a bit stretched this weekend. Manager Jon Jacobs is considering naming himself on the bench. He told JC Sport: “That will frighten them (my team not SPEC!)
Still believe that with Saul Green and Dan Gordon up front, there are goals in this team to see us to our first league victory of the season.
Jacobs is still without a win this season and I think the Essex boys will have to wait a little longer as there’s no way SPEC will settle for a draw.
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – David Lazarus
JC star man: Saul Green (RJC)
DC Prediction: Redbridge B 1 SPEC FC 2
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DIVISION THREE
TOP-SCORERS
10 - Ben Zloof (AC Mill Hill)
8 - Terry Jeffries (Temple Fortune B), Jono Gaon (Tottenham Chutspah)
7 - Alex Elf (Hendon Utd SC C)
HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB C vs OAKWOOD B
There’s a good tussle in store in west Hendon on Sunday as unbeaten Oakwood B travel to a rapidly improving Hendon C.
It was with much delight that Hendon boss Chaim Strom unveiled David Elf, the former London Maccabi Lions star. Strom told JC Sport: David will team up with his brother Alex Elf, who has already scored seven in two games, and his cousin Adam Jacobs, who is becoming Hendon C’s most improved player. Fortunately for Oakwood, David Elf isn’t expected to debut until October 7.
Hendon filled their boots against Norstar C last weekend with Alex Elf (4), Gideon Caller, Craig Philips, Benny Goldberg, Adam Glekin and Daniel Major finding the back of the net.
Strom predicts a tough game on Sunday, but is confident his troops can come away with maximum points.
He told JC Sport: “On the back of a superb result last week, Hendon look to extend this form against a good Oakwood team. They seem a good team who are consistent with getting their result.
“We know who to look out for in their squad and we think we can get the measure of them.
“We have good (almost) new signing with Benny ‘Big Ben’ Goldberg and with Craig Philips controlling the park in the middle we expect a good game. We’re also on the verge of announcing a super signing which will really take us to the next level.
Can’t say more!
Ian Tussie’s Oakwood have taken seven points out of a possible nine, but Sunday will provide them with their toughest test yet.
The Oaks weren’t at their best last weekend when strikes from Polak and Adam Blin set up a 2-0 win over Boca, and they will need to step up several notches against an ambitious Hendon team who have made some excellent signings in recent weeks.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Tussie told JC Sport: “It’s a double-ended Hendon versus Oakwood Sunday. We're the curtain-raiser for the big game between the As but I believe the neutrals are looking forward to our game a bit more.
“Hendon have had a strange start to the season with two high-scoring results - winning one, losing the other. They won their last game 9-1 and any team capable of doing that is worth taking note of so we have to be at our best on Sunday.
“I'm really looking forward to the game though and I expect my players to be up for the challenge.
“It's early days for the team but we're doing well so far. I haven't checked the league table though yet, I don't tend to have a look until Chanukah at the earliest!
“For Sunday we've got a big squad to pick from as always, although we are without a few including Adam Blin, who is going back up to Scotland for weekend, Dan Broman, who is going to the theatre (the operating theatre, he's a doctor) and Tim Glass, who is going to a Scouting for Girls concert in Ibiza. We should be able to give a start to Chris Peacock, another newbie who moved down just before Rosh Hashanah.
“It's true that there are lots of rumours that David Epstein is set for his first start for Oakwood in six years. I can neither confirm nor deny this. What I will say is that Dave has looked very sharp in training this week. We've had a chat and I know he knows that I know he is ready.”
Whatever the outcome, five-star entertainment is also guaranteed on the pitch.
Venue – West Hendon Playing Fields, Ref – Keith Goodman
JC star man: Dan Major (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon C 4 Oakwood B 2
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FAITHFOLD C vs FC TEAM C
I know it’s a bit early in the season for a double-header, but for the second week running, the MSFL fixture list has set up a meeting between Faithfold C and FC Team C. C’mon Nigel, sort it out. That fans aren’t happy!
Mike Myers’ Team will look to continue their unbeaten run as they look to build on last weekend’s 5-3 victory in a real thriller.
Oli Senchal was the star man as he helped restrict Faithfold’s dynamic duo of Ben Simons and Stefan Simons down to three goals, and it was left to David Joseph Cohen (2), David James Cohen, Gary Hill and own goal to steer them home.
There were also an excellent display from Adam Aminoff in a line-up missing Rob Sanford, Max Worth and Matthew ‘The Hitman’ Sheldon.
Myers claimed that his men made “hard work” of coming away with maximum points, and their fitness will be tested on Sunday on what is one of the biggest pitches in the league.
Ben Simons already has four goals to his name for Faithfold this season and is the man Team clearly need to stop. He’s thriving on good service from the wings and the Superhoops weapon that is the long throw. At times, it may not please the purists, but it’s certainly effective.
An experienced Faithfold line-up will be keen to right the wrongs, with Ben Portnoi and Charlie Resnick also having key roles to play this season.
Another entertaining game is on the cards in a game where goals will be order of the day.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – Harry Raffe
JC star man: Jamie Breslaw (FC Team)
DC Prediction: Faithfold C 2 FC Team C 3
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LOUGHTON ORIENT vs TOTTENHAM CHUTSPAH
The all-conquering Tottenham Chutspah team go in search of their fourth straight win when they take on the Orient boys in Walthamstow.
Sitting pretty at the top of the table on nine points, alongside Temple Fortune B, they will be looking to leave Loughton doubled up having beaten them 4-1 last weekend.
Jono Gaon (2), Tom Goldstein and Adam Morrow were the marksmen in an exhilarating performance.
Orient keeper Marc Jacobs kept his team in the game with a string of fine saves and the signs are that he will be in for another busy morning.
That said, Dan Curtis’ troops were missing several regulars so they will be keen to settle a score.
But with Gaon in top form, I can only see one winner.
Venue – Peter May Sports Centre, Ref – Adam Yuchetel
JC star man: Adam Morrow (Tottenham Chutspah)
DC Prediction: Loughton Orient 2 Tottenham Chutspah 3
