There's action in league and cup on Matchday 12 of the MGBSFL season, with FC Team A and B looking to progress in the Anekstein competition, while London Maccabi Lions A go in search of their second consecutive win in the Premier Division.
JC Sports Editor Danny Caro brings you his preview and predictions.
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PHOTOGALLERY: REDBRIDGE JC A vs FAITHFOLD A
PHOTOGALLERY: WOODFORD vs HARMEN
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DANNY CARO'S MONTHLY AWARDS: OCTOBER
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND 3 DRAW
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YOUR WEEKEND REVIEW STARTS HERE:
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP
ROUND TWO
FC TEAM A vs LONDON HAROLDEANS
FC Team boss Mitch Young is up for the cup, with confidence sky high after the impressive win over LML Blue last weekend.
Adam Rones and Dec Selbo did the damage at Rowley Lane in a game where Dan Silverman and Jon Breger were the stand-out performers.
With three defeats already in the league, the cup competitions appear their most realistic hope in terms of silverware this season. They certainly have the squad to go places this season.
Young told JC Sport: “We are looking for another win this week. I see the cups as a big chance for us to win some silverware and we are treating them very seriously.
“I don't know much about our opponents - they seem to be of northern origin and so are likely to be physical and hard to beat.
“We will do our best to get an early goal and take it from there and, as always, being the favourites we will need to focus and go about our business in the right manner."
Haroldeans enjoyed their biggest win of the season last weekend, with James Abrams their two-goal hero against Blizzard. But they continue to concede at an alarming rate.
Statistically, the teams have very similar league records, but I can see Haroldeans having a bit of a culture shock against an FC Team side who have some really big-hitters.
Man for man, FC Team should win this hands down.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Martin Fox
JC star man: Dec Selbo (Team)
DC Prediction: Team 4 Haroldeans 1
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FC TEAM B vs WOODFORD WANDERERS
Woodford boss Tony Charles has lost count of the number of times his troops have tried to play this tie against second division FC Team B, but once it does beat the elements, it’s hard to see anything other than a Wanderers win.
The east Londoners came out second best against Southgate Harmen last weekend, with Mitch Hahn’s 11th goal of the season the only real plus.
One fears for FC Team on Sunday, Woodford have made an excellent start but their pride would’ve been hurt against Harmen. Now is the time to set the record straight.
Charles told JC Sport: “This is not the first or even the second time we have tried to arrange this game. The last time, I believe, the game was called off on the Saturday because we were expecting a hurricane on the following Monday!
“Let’s hope this Sunday’s game goes ahead - I heard we are due snow in February!”
A confident Woodford is probably the last thing FC Team B want to play right now. They’ve been leaking goals left, right and centre and I think the gulf in class will be evident from the off. They only seem to perform when they play against their C team!
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – Gary Silver
JC star man: James Ryan (Woodford)
DC Prediction: Team 1 Woodford 5
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ROUND THREE
BRADY MACCABI A vs OAKWOOD A
Revenge is the name of the game for Oakwood when they take on Premier Division rivals Oakwood at the Lane.
The Oakwood boys registered their first league win of the season, with Anthony Kintish (2) and Guy Helman finding the net in a Brad Wine-inspired performance.
“We’re looking forward to a trip to Rowley on Sunday,” Oaks joint-manager Ric Blank told JC Sport.. “Funnily enough we played Brady in exactly the same round pretty much bang on 12 months ago at Rowley. We won that day 4-3 and I’d love a repeat of that performance.
“We hope to use the Camden win as a springboard for bigger and better things this season and we’re still very much smarting from our 93rd minute defeat to Brady earlier in the season.
“I think the referee was tricked into giving a penalty with the very last kick of the game in that match and it cost us a deserved point. But there you have it. Football always gives you the chance to redeem yourself and avenge previous injustices. We play Brady twice between now and new year. That’s two opportunities to put that defeat to bed."
“We are without Bobbie Cousins, Eddie Manson and are monitoring Dan Ash who picked up a knock on his foot playing football on Thursday lunchtime. Not many people play footie during lunch, but Ashy thinks he’s still at school. He hears an imaginary bell in his head at lunch and runs out the office with a ball under his arm, still in his suit for a kickabout in the playground. Pretty normal for a banker that.”
Brady’s league form has been inconsistent to say the very least, but that was inevitable given all the changes they have made over the summer. With Joel Nathan now managing the team on his own, and with the majority of the squad in their teens, they must be careful to ensure momentum is not lost following their outstanding achievement in the Morrison last season.
With Mike Kenley in prolific form, they remain dangerous opposition.
Brady boss Joel Nathan told JC Sport: "There is only one thing on our mind this weekend and that is to put last week’s result to bed by putting in a performance that shows Brady at its best. Our battles against Oakwood are always very close and normally swing either way by the odd goal and I don’t expect anything else on Sunday.
"We know they are a well organised squad who are strong to break down, but as long as we play to our potential we have a great chance of progressing."
I think Sunday’s tie will come down to small details and am tipping the Oaks to nick it in extra-time.
JC team news: Brady have lost Jonathan Green for three months due to a broken leg (roller skating), and have a couple of injury concerns, but they welcome back Zac Skry and Jordan Nathan from Uni.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Martin Lavender
JC star man: Brad Wine (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Brady 1 Oakwood 2 AET
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FAITHFOLD A vs OAKWOOD B
Bouncebackability is the name of the game for league champions Faithfold following the narrow defeat against Redbridge last Sunday.
The Superhoops left their shooting boots behind, much to the regret of manager Zuriel Solomon, and injuries to key players have hit them hard. On the flipside, Solomon is delighted with Jake Gottlieb, who has clearly added another dimension since joining the club.
Solomon told JC Sport: "A welcome break from the league see us play Oakwood - again not sure we know too much about them but wont be taking the game lightly.
"Our form has not been great and we really haven’t hit the ground running this year, but we are not far off and a good win on Sunday should see us start to show some form."
No doubt Oaks boss Ian Tussie would’ve been in the ear of A-team managers Blank and Tussie this week. The Greens won both contests 4-2 so I can see the second division outfit giving them plenty of respect from the off. But there is a danger that they will sit too deep and encourage pressure – a 4-5-1 formation seems the sensible option.
Ahead of the tie, Tussie told JC Sport: “Yes away to Faithfold A in the Cyril Anekstein cup. I read Cyril's autobiography "In it to win it" whilst on holiday in Lanzarote last Succot and it has inspired me ahead of this Sundays game against Faithfold A.
“They are the best (Jewish) team in the country and we know it will be a right old test especially given our recent form but the lads are up for it and can't wait to test themselves against the likes of Pearson, Levack, Phillips, Law and Howard..
“I'm currently advertising for a new player for Sunday on Teletext. Roy Essandoh replied and is keen to play and his lineage is currently under review with the league. Apparently he once made friends with a Masorti Jew when he was doing a charity walk for the RSPCA in Wycombe which is good enough for me!”
Oakwood may struggle to be as entertaining on the pitch as Tussie is off it. One-way traffic is my prediction for Sunday.
JC team news: Oakwood are without a few for Sunday. No Jamie Beale, or Marc Conway. No Joey Lazare either. As for David Epstein he is available but “not required”. They hope to hand a debut to new signing Ben Buck who signed earlier this month on a Bosman and that Champagne Charlie Cohen recovers from a badly strung hamstring in time for the game.
Faithfold are without both Taylors (Alex and Jamie) and Dan Perkins. Otherwise they should have a full squad.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Andy Myerson
JC star man: Dan Perkins (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 3 Oakwood 0
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L’EQUIPE vs AC MILL HILL
“We have an added incentive for victory.” Those were the words of Mill Hill boss Joe Levy ahead of the meeting with third division L’Equipe.
“Sunday sees us face the side that I broke my leg against last season,” Levy told JC Sport.
“We are nearly at full-strength, but will have to do without James Grabiner, our keeper, and possibly the best left-back in the league - Loz Bloom.
“We are confident in the squad we have and although they will be missed, we have plenty in reserve.
“We will be looking to make club history by making it to the next round. I am confident in my players’ ability and think we will be too much for L’Equipe.”
L’Equipe are going along nicely in Division Three, with just one defeat in seven. Managers Dan Cordell and Josh Lewis are relishing pitting their wits against higher division opposition, although neutrals will be disappointed to find out the eagerly awaited battle of the strikers – Zloof versus Fogelman – may not happen. It appears Mrs Fogelman has put paid to that, although the goal-posts could move again before kick-off!
Ahead of the game, an excited Cordell told JC Sport: “We have made a lot of noise about our plans for this year and from the very beginning our core focus has been the league.
“Given we know a lot of the AC Mill Hill players, they have been trying to wind us up about the game this weekend, but we remain focussd on the league and are treating the cup as a chance for us to test out a few different formations and strategies.
“A cup run is always nice, but at the end of the day it is a one-off game. We are, however, still serious about this and have prised Fogelman away from his mandatory week off with the promise of a schnitzel dinner for a hat-trick he is going to score.
“I am sure that Mill Hill will go into the game thinking they have already won it but giving the ball to Jason schoffman and Ben Zloof won’t mean anything when they come up against; David Prager, Gavin Rhodes and Josh Kaye. We have a decent quad available to us but injuries will hopefully not take their toll.
“The pressure is certainly on the visitors as a higher division teams are always expected to march on, but we will be up for the game and looking forward to welcoming our old foe to Hendon. We are expecting a big crowd on Sunday morning and hopefully the two teams will not disappoint in what I am predicting to be the tie of the round.”
JC team news: Richard Fogelman is a serious doubt as ‘Mrs Schnitzelman’ has “had enough with Sunday morning football and would like to plan a family day out for once!” Fogelman added: “I also want to give Flash a chance to play catch up - I feel bad for him as he hasn't scored in over four weeks! Gavin Rhodes is “even more under the thumb and has 100 per cent ruled himself out to focus on nappy changing duties”.
Despite only having three toenails, Dan Cordell returns after running the New York Marathon. Richard Mail, Perry Chaya, Andy Burke, JJ Marache and Dan Cordell miss out.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Robert Benardout
JC star man: Loz Bloom (ACM)
DC Prediction: L’Equipe 1 Mill Hill 2
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LOS BLANCOS vs FC TEAM C
Double-chasing FC Team C are already a round ahead of their respective A and B teams and managers Ben Gilbey and Michael Myers are confident their boys can pull off an upset against first division Los Blancos.
James Joseph has made a better start at his new club than Gareth Bale, and it’s fair to say that messus Gilbey and Myers wouldn’t swap JJ for anyone in the league. It’s clear they fear no-one.
Jono Gaon won JC Player of the Week on Matchday 11 of the season after his stunning five-goal salvo against Shirley Park. Jonathan Ison has kept him wrapped up in cotton wool since Sunday, and he will be desperate to put on another five-star show in a bid to book his team a place in round four.
"We are on a high after last weeks win, especially Jono Gaon after his 5 goal salvo,” Ison told JC Sport. “He is not someone that rests on his laurels, so I believe he will be chasing six this week!”
“FC Team are clearly doing well, but we beat Raiders B in the last round. They now sit top of Division Two, so we know we can win this week if we are on top of our game.
“We're looking forward to Sunday's game and certainly hope our name is in the hat for the draw for the next round come Sunday afternoon.”
Blancos have home advantage, but Sunday will come down to which teams wins its individual and collective battles. It could go the distance.
JC team news: Blancos are “still missing players through long-term injuries, but a strong squad remains.”
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Martin De La Fuente
JC star man: James Joseph (Team)
DC Prediction: Blancos 2 Team 3 AET
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NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS A vs SPEC FC
Referee Laurie Benson is advised to leave his cards at home ahead of the meeting of MGBSFL table-toppers NLR A and first division SPEC FC.
Having spoken to both camps, it could even be a contact-free 90 minutes as the clubs have the utmost respect for one another.
NLR showed a new-found resilience when they played Hendon last weekend. David Rhodes and Josh Pistol were rock solid at the heart of defence, while full-backs Alex Bloch and Rob Blackman showed great focus, concentration and discipline for 90 minutes. Further upfield, Adam Joselyn and David Dinkin ran their socks off to ensure there was no way through for Hendon.
Looking ahead to the tie, NLR boss Phil Peters told JC Sport: “We cannot wait to play SPEC on Sunday. Not only do we share our stadium with them but they are some of the loveliest people in the MSFL and it’s rare we get the opportunity to come up against them in a competitive match. I’m looking forward to finally sharing a bottle of red with Laurence after the game.
“Our relationship with SPEC is so strong that we even loaned them our Honourary Life Vice President and esteemed former manager Rob Richman for a few weeks as they deal with their injury crisis. Fortunately he is cup-tied for this one.
“Adam Joselyn will captain the side in what is probably the biggest game of his career. It’s likely that he’ll be lining up against his big brother as well as some of his closest friends.
“Mark Leader unfortunately signed for SPEC too late to be eligible for what would have been an opportunity to get one over on two of his former clubs, whilst we are hearing SPEC linesman Rob Murray, who played under Raiders boss Phil Peters at NLJFC almost 10 years ago, may not be risked due to his impending nuptials.
“As for our team news, we’ll be fielding a strong side but looking to rotate a little to give some of the boys a much needed rest and bring others back into the fold. Alex Bloch, Rob Blackman, Josh Pistol and Ethan Zone will sit this one out, whilst Josh Green, Josh Morris, Mike Hershman, Dan Grossman and Justin Spiro will rejoin the squad.
“We know it’s unlikely to be easy, but we expect to win this game and secure our place in the next round of the cup.”
SPEC have found things tough this season, but they will be looking to give a good account of themselves – with Dan Pike and Dave Newman keen to impress.
SPEC FC’s Ricky Lawrence told JC Sport: “We're looking forward to taking on our pals over at Norstar A Raiders London FC - even if our seasons have been pretty much the opposite of each others so far.
“It gives us a chance to take our attention off of the league for a week and it is fair to say we are most definitely the underdog on Sunday.
“Adam Joselyn has been training with us for well over a year now and is still hoping to secure a move to SPEC and if he puts in a good performance on Sunday it'll do his chances no harm!
“The fact that he'll be coming up against his bigger, older, better-looking brother may make it difficult for him though. Phil has been trying to get into the head of our manager Laurence ever since the draw was made, but he's wasting his time, the man is simply unflappable!"
I’m looking forward to an open and entertaining affair, with handshakes before, during and after, and am confident that my old team will do the business without too much fuss.
Ref – Laurie Benson
JC star man: Adam Joselyn (NLR)
DC Prediction: NLR 3 SPEC FC 1
More to follow ...
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MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
9 - Mike Pearson (Faithfold A)
7 - Yishai Last (Hendon A)
DANNY CARO'S PREM DIV TEAM OF THE WEEK
LONDON MACCABI LIONS BLUE vs CAMDEN PARK
Matchday 11 was a bad one for LML Blue and Camden – both well beaten and goalless.
Given their current league standings, three points on Sunday could be crucial come the end of the season.
LML have picked up a couple of useful wins this season, but they were well off the pace against FC Team last weekend. Manager Jamie Kyte knows the importance of Sunday’s game.
He told JC Sport: “As always, this weekend's game is massive. After drawing the way we did last time against Camden, we're looking to take all three points this weekend at Rowley.
“We've got a couple of players missing this weekend, but as everyone is so up for it I don't see it making a difference.”
Camden remain in the relegation zone and they must treat this game like a cup final. It’s one they can win if they play their cards right, but they must step up a couple of gears from last week’s match against Oakwood when they were ultimately well beaten.
Manager Josh Marks has confidence in his players and will feel that victory on Sunday can be the launchpad they need.
I have a feeling there won’t be much between the teams, but believe home advantage will benefit the Lions.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Neil Cooper, KO – 10am
JC star man: Will Beresford (LML)
DC Prediction: LML 2 Camden 1
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A vs LONDON MACCABI LIONS WHITE
Redbridge are one of only three teams still boasting an unbeaten record in the top-flight and they will be confident of extending that run against a new-look Lions.
Adam Stolerman was once again their match-winner in the impressive victory over last season’s champions Faithfold. Sam McCarthy and Steve Gevertz were at their Sunday best and will once again be among the first names on Sam Rosenthal’s teamsheet.
Jonny Meltzer steered Lions White to their first win of the season last weekend. Wonder kids Zac Rose and Sam Shooter were on the mark in the impressive derby victory over Brady.
But they will face a very different challenge on Sunday against an RJC team that takes no prisoners.
I can see LML being outmuscled on Sunday as RJC march on, with Stolerman doing what he does best again.
Venue - Fairlop, Ref – Richard Jaye
JC star man: Steve Gevertz (RJC)
DC Prediction: RJC 2 LML 0
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
11 - Jamie Kent (Shirley Park), Mitch Hahn (Woodford), Jono Gaon (Blancos)
7 - Harrison Midda (Woodford), Reiss Mogilner (Brady B)
DANNY CARO'S DIV ONE TEAM OF THE WEEK
NORTH WEST NEASDEN vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B
NWN will be looking to finish the weekend a point off top spot when they welcome Hendon B.
They stuck seven past Hendon at the beginning of October and will be looking for their first win under Stirling Kay.
Shai Davidi (2), Michael Field (2), Dan Orgel, Josh Gilbery and Danny Sherman were on the mark in the recent meeting in what was their only league clean sheet of the season to date.
Ahead of kick-off, Kay told JC Sport: “After a week off, the lads are looking forward to getting up at 8am, then doing their best to turn up on time after shaking off there hangovers!
“We will be looking to get back to winning ways with the squad being strengthened by the return of Dan Orgel and Josh ‘the splinter’. Unfortunately we had to say goodbye to Michael Goldberg, who has left us because we felt we could not turn down the transfer fee of £1 from Temple Fortune. We wish him well!
“I'm sure it will be a good game and Hendon will be all out to beat us.”
Goldberg responded: "I left Neasden on good terms, regardless of handing in a transfer request. That £1 offer from Fortune actually activated a release clause in my contract - therefore it had to be accepted. I was happy to return to Fortune given my past relationship with them."
After back-to-back wins, Hendon were brought back down to earth against Brixton last weekend. RA Noe was on target again, but manager Aryeh Golding believes there were lots of positives to take from the game.
He told JC Sport: “We have a full squad to choose from after three positive performances, and despite Sunday’s defeat - which didn't deserve to lose – we’re getting our season back on track.
“We didn’t do ourselves justice in the first game against Neasden and will be looking to put that right.”
I’m tipping NWN to complete an early season double, but it will be much close than last time.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – John Nitka
JC star man: Josh Gilbery (NWN)
DC Prediction: NWN 3 Hendon 2
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SOUTHGATE HARMEN vs SHIRLEY PARK
The warning bells are ringing at Shirley Park right now and it appears they are in danger of the wheels falling off.
Manager Dave Lusman is determined not to hit the panic button just yet, even though there are already whispers that Adam Klein is unhappy. He was a target of Harmen over the summer, so no doubt the Southgate boys will be keen to put on a good performance and show Kleiny exactly what he is missing. Rumour has it he'll stick around to ensure he gets his Chanukah bonus!
The bottom line is that Shirley are now nearer the bottom than they are the top, but there is still a long way to go. They suffered a brutal battering at the hands of Blancos last weekend and it’s important they paper over the cracks on Sunday, or else Lusman will need to splash the cash in a bid to strengthen the squad.
Lusman told JC Sport: "Only six weeks ago we won are first encounter against Harmen 4-1 in the cup. This time round we're expecting a real battle as we're a long way away from being back to full strength, but we will be travelling to Chase Lodge with a capable team and, more importantly, a 14-man squad.
"It's been a real rough ride for us over the last few week for obvious reasons and this week we hope to put it all behind us. Park life!
Harmen produced arguably the performance of their season when they toppled league leaders Woodford 3-1. It was an excellent all-round performance – with Mitch Green taking man-of-the-match honours, just in front of the ever-dependable James Sandler and Alex Bowman.
A point on Sunday would be enough to take Harmen clear at the top, but managers Samuel Castle and Joel Alterman want all three.
“After a great display last time out against Woodfood, we will be looking to put on a performance of the same calibre again this Sunday,” Castle told JC Sport.
“Last week Shirley Park lost 8-3, however sources from inside the camp revealed that the Park boys had a depleted squad and will have their big guns out against Harmen. We will be take nothing for granted
“We will turn up on Sunday fired up and ready for a battle and I am confident that if we play our football we are more than good enough to take all three points.”
Alterman added: “The only absentee this week is Ben Kaye who has been out for 6 weeks already, therefore we are more or less at full strength with 20 boys to choose from. A headache for sure, but a good one to have and only makes the boys in the squad play even better.”
Harmen have been solid at home and if they can win the all-important midfield battle, I can see their unbeaten record at Chase Lodge remaining intact.
Harmen squad (from): James Castle, Adam Osper, Jordan Segal, Jordan Grant, James Sandler, Mitch Green, Jon Morris (c), Brad Fox, Adam Velleman, Ben Henry, Danny Cohen, Ben Weinberg, Oliver Leslie, Ricky Rinder, Lee Greenfield, Marc Cohen, Alex Bowman, Sam Castle, Joel Alterman, Ben Adaki
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Warwick Blake, KO – 10am
JC star man: Oliver Leslie (Harmen)
DC Prediction: Harmen 3 Shirley 2
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
12 - Ben Zloof (AC Mill Hill)
11 - Nicky Woolf (Raiders B)
10 - James Joseph (FC Team C)
BLIZZARD STORM vs ATHLETIC BILBAUM
Blizzard will be looking to close the gap on Bilbaum on Sunday as they look to bounce back from their late collapse against Haroldeans.
A lack of fitness cost the Blizzard boys, according to manager Simon Linden who cut a frustrated figure at the final whistle. He had 10 men missing, but still felt they had done more than enough to take something from the game.
That will be music to the ears of the Bilbaum management team of Mark Pasha and Edward Green. Their troops also conceded five times against high-flying Raiders B, but having thumped Blizzard 5-2 at the beginning of the month they feel they have a big psychological advantage.
Strikes from Jake Gilbert (2), Edward Green, Ben Bell and Adam Bier took the Baums over the line, in a contest they finished strongly.
Given that Blizzard have conceded 10 in their last two games, I’m banking on a Bilbaum win.
Venue – Hertswood Centre, Ref – Darryl Colmans
JC star man: Ben Bell (Bilbaum)
DC Prediction: Blizzard 2 Bilbaum 4
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NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS B vs FAITHFOLD B
NLR B ticked every box last weekend as they stormed to the top of the table with a 5-0 demolition of Bilbaum.
It was a morning to remember for goal machine Nicky Woolf who became only the second Raiders to join the prestigious 100-club. His next target is to break Guy Sharon’s all-time goal-scoring record and he will fancy his chances against lowly Faithfold B on Sunday.
Jeremy Elster also produced a master-class, with gaffer Jonathan Adelman describing him like “a machine”. The chances are that keeper Dave Simnock will have a quiet morning against a team that struggles for goals, so I suggest he borrows Adelman’s copy of the JC to read all about Woolf’s heroics – or even better, buys a copy himself!
"We're looking forward to getting back to the Ark after a challenging surface last week," Adelman told jC Sport.
"We look in good shape for Sunday - Faithfold are rapidly improving and we will have to be at our best if we want to keep our run going."
Faithfold still have 30 points to play for and although NLR are home bankers on most people’s coupons, manager Dan Yoss believes they are capable of springing one of the shocks of the season.
He told JC Sport: “We've continued to improve week in, week out, but the results haven't gone our way. If we continue playing like we have in recent weeks, it’s only a matter of time until we start getting results.
“Norstar will be a difficult game - they're top of the league and to get something out of this we'll have to concentrate for 90 minutes.”
But I fear that might just be beyond them.
JC team news: NLR’s Matt Greene faces a late fitness test after limping off against Bilbaum last week. David Esterkin is still missing and is joined on the absentee list by Anthony Goodmaker and Simon Buchler. Gilad Kestenbaum, Jonathan Shapiro and Sam Isaacs are back in contention as is newlywed Danny Bloom.
Venue - The Ark, Ref – Stuart Ansher
JC star man: Rob Samuelson (NLR)
DC Prediction: NLR 4 Faithfold 0
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DIVISION THREE
TOP-SCORERS
17 - Richard Fogelman (L’Equipe)
14 - Dan Gordon (Faithfold C)
CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI vs FAITHFOLD C
Leaders Catford are back in action and they will be looking to give manager Lester Jacobs an early Chanukah gift when Faithfold C come to their Edmonton home.
The Cats have been the model of consistency thus far and skipper Adam Luria told j me this week that they are raring to go after six wins in eight matches.
Luria told JC Sport: “After two weeks off, we can't wait to get back in action and play some football. We haven’t played Faithfold for a couple of years, but they’re always a strong team. They've had a mixed start but the results show we can't take anything for granted.
“The division, on the whole, is a very even standard, so every game is a fresh challenge. We’ll try to enjoy the game, play hard and get some goals and go out there to give our all.
“This is possibly the first time since the beginning of September that Lester has had a full defence to choose from so that should put us in good stead.”
There are a couple of timely returns in the Faithfold camp, but player-manager David Garson knows his troops start as underdogs against a team that is flying.
We haven’t seen the best of the Superhoops this season, but until they tighten up at the back, it appears that there will be more frustration for their fans.
JC team news: The Cats are missing Jamie Sinai and Gary Hill this week, but otherwise have “an extremely strong squad” to choose from, with 16 players vying for those precious 11 starting spots.
Faithfold welcome back Dan Breger from his travels, Dan Lowen also returns, along with keeper Justin Simons. Stefan Simons returns at a good time, with Dan ‘Flash’ Gordon starting his ban. Nic Viola and David Sherman are still injured, whilst Danny Canny and James Stanton are on wedding duty.
Venue – Norseman FC, Ref – Mike Cowan
JC star man: Gary Conway (Catford)
DC Prediction: Catford & Bromley 3 Faithfold 1
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AC WHETSTONE vs NORSTAR LONDON RAIDERS C
Promotion rivals Whetstone and NLR C go head-to-head in what promises to be a top quality affair.
L’Orange boast the best defensive record in the division, with Jamie Weinrich doing the business at the other end of the pitch.
NLR boss Zack Gothelf told JC Sport: "We're going into this game brimming with confidence after some very good performances and important wins of late.
"Whetstone are comfortably the best organised team we've played this season and after sharing the points last time out, we know that this will be a tough test.
"That being said, we know that our determination and footballing ability, alongside our extremely strong and impressive defence and boosted by the fact that we're now scoring plenty of goals, means that we can beat Whetstone on Sunday.
Whetstone have fond memories of their first meeting with NLR, which saw them claim their first-ever point in the MGBSFL. Aaron Benjamin put them ahead and it needed a stunner from Oli Nathan to earn NLR a point in what Stones joint-manager Clive Nathan called “a proper football match”.
Ahead of the game, Nathan told JC Sport: "We had a really good game against Norstar last time and they are clearly a strong team. Zack Gothelf tells me that every week at our shul kiddush!
"We are without three top players this week in Noah Bier, Samuel Leader and Dan Weisellberg. They have all been excellent and Noah has probably been our best player. We still have a good 14 and are looking forward to it."
Both teams have kicked on and it’s hard to call a winner.
JC team news: NLR are without Nick Haringman "until the new year as he's off travelling" and Sam Cherkas and Harley Patoff are still long-term injuries, although they should both be back in the new year, if not sooner.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Keith Goodman
JC star man: Andy Cohen (NLR)
DC Prediction: Whetstone 1 NLR 1
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB C vs TEMPLE FORTUNE
Hendon will be looking for back-to-back wins for the first time this season as they host basement boys Temple Fortune at West Hendon on Sunday.
Following last week’s impressive defeat of Boca Jewniors, morale is high in the Hustlers’ camp and boss Adam Glekin has a strong squad to select from.
Full-back Chaim Strom will miss the clash, but for the first time this season Glekin feels he has something of a selection headache.
"A lot of our guys stepped it up last week, so I'm looking for more of the same against my old club,” he told JC Sport. “I'm glad they have a good guy like Jonny Cohen in charge and have got rid of some of the troublemakers, as chairman Nigel Kyte deserves better than what was going on last year.
“Having said that, this is a big game for us and we'll be looking to cut them further adrift at the bottom.”
It’s been a busy week of in’s and out’s a Fortune, with the departure of Mark Leader softened by the re-signing of Michael Goldberg. He’s just the kind of flair player they need if they are to climb the table.
Ahead of the game, Fortune boss Jonathan Cohen told JC Sport: “We hope to be able to able include the new signing Michael Goldberg who makes a welcome return to the TFFC ranks, which should mean more creativity to the squad.
“We are delighted to have back, however we lost Mark Leader to SPEC FC - we thank him for his efforts and wish him all the best.
“We may well miss Tony Hirschstein this week - he has been excellent for us this season as his wife is due to give birth, but we have a good squad of players to choose from this week and we have a feeling that this could be the week where our fortunes change.
“We know that Hendon will give us a tough game, but look forward to the challenge.”
Common sense tells me that if Hendon man-mark Goldberg, they should have too much on the day.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Alex Smith
JC star man: Gab Saul (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Fortune 1 Hendon 4
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JEWDINESE vs KING CROWN
Adam Gold made a dream debut for Jewdinese as his match-winning strike propelled the boys in black and white to joint-second.
Joe Perl was the star performer as Darren Lawrence’s men came away with their first league sheet of the season. More of the same will be order of the day.
Ahead of the game, Jewdinese club chairman Jake Erlich told JC Sport: “We will look to maintain our unbeaten form and get another three points on board as we want to mount a title challenge.
“We have a full-strength squad to choose from, so we hope to make things a little easier for ourselves instead of leaving it until the last minute like last week!”
With matches against Hendon, Loughton and Faithfold to follow, King Crown boss Jacob Kadoch will be targeting nine points from the next four games.
He described last week’s contest against Jewdinese as “a poor game” and will be looking for an improving showing from his men.
“We’re looking to get the luck this time in what will probably be another very tight game, this time sneaking it by at least a goal,” Kadoch told JC Sport.
“We have a few players out, but most are available. Let’s see what reaction the boys can give.”
I can see this being a cagey affair, with Jewdinese nicking it by the odd goal again.
Venue – Morris Playing Fields, Ref – Neal Cohen, KO – 10am
JC star man: Joe Perl (Jewdinese)
DC Prediction: Jewdinese 2 King Crown 1
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LOUGHTON ORIENT vs BOCA JEWNIORS
“Sunday is a must-win.” Those were the words of Boca assistant-manager Viv Emanuel ahead of Sunday’s long trip to Loughton.
The Boca boys were hit for six against Hendon last weekend and Emanuel, who works closely with manager Jack Shulman, knows the players are capable of better.
Yoshua Silverman, Zalmy Cohen and Dovi Fehrer steered them to a 3-1 win over Loughton last month, but you can get 5-1 on an early season double.
Emanuel told JC Sport: “No-one likes to travel further than Golders Green on a Sunday morning, but this Sunday is very different. After the last two defeats, everyone in the team knows that Sunday’s game is a must-win if we want to keep up with the pack.
“Last Sunday’s defeat was very frustrating as we lost to a Hendon team that really didn’t perform that well – we were just worse - hence the loss. I know it sounds like I am bitter, but we didn’t make our chances count, even though we had the lionsshare of the possession.
“We were missing some key players last week and the errors for the goals showed that. We are bringing a strong side to a Loughton that we beat 3-1 the last time we met and I’m hopeful we can do our first double win of the season.
“We have a very much in-form Dovi Fehler playing up front, having scored six in five games - I expect him to get a few this week as well against a team he started his run of form against.
“We also have in mind the return of L'Equipe next week and let’s hope we can use this to push for the win.
Loughton are looking to build on their excellent recent win at Faithfold. Manager Dan Curtis has a “strong squad” to pick from this weekend, despite some players being unavailable.
Curtis told JC Sport: “We played Boca recently and know they are in good form so we will need to be at our best to get the three points.
“We haven’t played since our morale-boosting win over Faithfold and can’t wait to get out there on Sunday and build on that.
“We are at home and it’s up to us to control the game and create chances. Jamie Crawford has come in and looked really sharp up front, so we want to make sure that we provide for him and stay solid at the back.
I can see this being a game of cat and mouse and it wouldn’t surprise me at all if it finished honours even.
JC team news: Boca are still missing Adam Kaye and Dan Ezra (injury), but defender Paul Shinwell has shaken off a niggle and returns.
Venue – Peter May, Ref – David Lazarus
JC star man: Andy Herman (Loughton)
DC Prediction: Loughton 2 Boca 2
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MATCHDAY 11 HIGHLIGHTS
PLAYER OF THE WEEK - JONO GAON (BLANCOS)
MANAGERS OF THE WEEK - SAM CASTLE & JOEL ALTERMAN (SOUTHGATE HARMEN)
GOAL OF THE WEEK - NICKY WOOLF (NL RAIDERS B)
QUOTE OF THE WEEK - JONATHAN ADELMAN (NL RAIDERS B)
JC REFEREE OF THE WEEK
Andy Myerson (LML Blue vs FC Team A)
JC SAVE OF THE WEEK
David Simnock (NLR B) - a sprawling one-on-one save to deny Jake Gilbert
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CHALLENGE CARO
Wk 1 - DC 17 (including 3 correct scores), Ben Lederman 14 (including 1 correct score)
Wk 2 - DC 12 (including 1 correct score), Dan Cohen 6
Wk 3 - DC 19 (including 2 correct scores), Gabriel John 11 (including 1 correct score)
Wk 4 - DC 4, Phil Peters 7 (including one correct score)
