Jami, in collaboration with Maccabi GB, are launching a new initiative to tie in with the Mental Health Awareness Shabbat. Sunday is 1 Minute for Mental Health’ is a 60-second delay at every football match in the Maccabi GB and affiliated leagues and clubs, during which time we will encourage players, managers and spectators to think about their own mental health. This reflects the FA’s ‘Take a Minute’ national campaign earlier this month.
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
(all matches kick-off at 10am unless stated)
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP QUARTER-FINALS
CAMDEN PARK vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS
Holders Hendon United Sports are strong favourites to progress on Sunday when they visit Premier Division rivals Camden Park.
Manager Jordan Sapler cited “injuries and a lack of games starting to take an affect” following last week’s 2-2 draw against MLFC Blue, but he vowed: “We will bounce back.”
Dovi Fehler’s tuchas and quick reactions from Josh Bharier after Mordi Weiler's penalty was saved ensured they were not beaten, but they were second best for spells against opponents who were up for it on the day.
Hendon's big-match experience will be key on Sunday, and Sapler told JC Sport: "We know that we need to improve this week and we’ve had some discussions in the squad about how we are going to do that for the second half of the season, which for us will really start this week.
"We don’t know what to expect from Camden but we know it will be a tough game on a poor pitch so we will need to adapt. All being said though, we are good enough to push on in the cup as we look to retain it.”
Camden’s results up to now have been pretty dire, but in a one-off cup game, I expect them to arrive with a special game-plan in a bid to frustrate Hendon. No doubt denying them time and space will be high on the list. If they can turn it into a physical war of attrition, which may involve parking the bus, this could be the best way forward.
But if Hendon score early on, Camden will need a Plan B. Their back five will need to play the game of their lives and manager Stirling Kay hopes lady luck is on their side.
But when all is said and done, I expect Hendon to come out on top by at least a couple of goals.
JC team news: Chaim Korman, Moses Seitler return for Hendon this week, but their long-term absentees list, which includes captain Ari Last, is still longer than their players available list, and both Jonny Kay and Avi Korman are unavailable again.
JC star man: Josh Bharier (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Camden 1 Hendon 3
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JEWDINESE vs HMH
Having survived yet another penalty shoot-out, HMH go in search of more cup glory when they travel to Division One promotion hopefuls Jewdinese.
Goalkeeper Alex Davies and defender Jake Norton were rewarded for their efforts in last week’s nail-biting win over Oakwood with a place in my Team of the Week.
But the continued lack of goals must be a concern to manager Avi Goldberg as the National Cup holders look to secure a place in their second semi-final of the season.
Ahead of the tie, Goldberg told JC Sport: "To cater for CA rules game has switched to the Hive. We don’t know much about Jewdinese but we know that they are a young team with plenty of energy and spirit who gave us a tough time in pre-season friendly, and up top they have some quality so our defence will have to be on top of their game, something they have been doing regularly this season and with aplomb.
"We know that if league positions are anything to go by, we are favourites but that is only downside! In a cup match the supposed underdogs are always fired up, so we know there is no room for slack. Every match starts 0-0 and we know we will have to earn our victory."
Goldberg went on to say: "Goals may have been eluding us in open play but we finished last Sunday with four goals from four penalties, so the lads know where the back of the the bet is and hopefully we can kick on from there.
"We created some good clear chances last week again, so I’m backing Wagner and co, and perhaps even Adam Ellis who may return from long period out. Nate Kashket has really found his role in the tram and it won’t be long before goalkeepers will be bending down to pick out his fiercesome shots."
Zac Brin was also in sparkling form last weekend, as the Zebras beat in-form Mill Hill Dons – their sixth league triumph. “We were far from our best but still managed to get the win,” said manager
Darren Lawrence after the game. I’m sure he’d settle for that outcome again on Sunday as he knows in cup football, the result is more important than the performance.
Looking ahead to the crunch clash, Lawrence told JC Sport: "We’re really looking forward to Sunday. We relish any opportunity to test ourselves against a Premier Division side, as ultimately our goal is to be playing against them every week.
"A place in the semi-final of the League Cup would be huge for Jewdinese and it would give us a much needed boost going into the final few games of the season."
Lawrence went on to say: "Having played HMH in pre-season and knowing a large majority of their squad, we are aware of the quality they possess.
"We know this will be a huge test for us but we are determined to ensure that we leave the pitch proud and with our heads held high, regardless of the result.
"We have a few issues with selection but I have faith in whoever steps out on to the pitch. And we may also have a little trick up our sleeve!"
Anchored by goalkeeper Ben Halmer, the ‘Nese defence has proved tight to breach this season, with Grant Reingold a consistent performer. In midfield, Billy Lee provides the energy and ammunition for the likes of Scott Oldstein, Reiss Mogilner and Brin to fire. And if Mogilner has a good day, ‘Nese fans will be dreaming.
JC team news: HMH have several key players out through injury or absence. Tom Prais and George Goldberg are facing late fitness tests. Adam Ellis and Clark Norton are however back in the mix after periods out through injury.
Venue – The Hive, KO - 9.45am
JC star man: Ben Halmer (Nese)
DC Prediction: Nese 1 HMH 1 (HMH to win on penalties)
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MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
LEAGUE TABLE (TOP 3)
1. Faithfold DocMM White Pl. 11, W. 7, Pts. 23
2. Hendon United Sports Pl. 9, W. 7, Pts. 22
3. HMH Pl. 11, W. 5, Pts. 17
FAITHFOLD DOCMM WHITE vs MLFC BLUE
Faithfold will be looking to extend their lead ahead of the meeting with MLFC Blue.
Although they didn’t have a game last weekend, player-manager Avi Markiewicz looked sharp, scoring twice for the Greens in Division Two.
Both Akiva Solomon and Markiewicz have scored 11 goals so far this season and they will be looking to impress against an MLFC who have found some form.
Benji Weinberger’s late goal earned MLFC a deserved point against Hendon last weekend. The Rowley Lane team received praise from Hendon boss Jordan Sapler after the game, when he said “they are the best team that we’ve played this season and it’s easy to see why they’ve taken points off the other teams”.
Consistency has been a stumbling block for MLFC in recent years – both in terms of squad and results. But under Max Kyte and Laurence Judah's guidance, they are producing the goods on a regular basis.
Ahead of kick-off, Kyte told JC Sport: “We are really looking forward to our game against Faithfold who we have had some high-scoring games against this year.
“They are doing fantastic this year and we know we will need to be on top form to get a result.”
On Sunday MLFC must treat the Faithfold game exactly how they approached the Hendon game last Sunday. MLFC created some good chances but they were denied what would have been a statement win by an inspired goalkeeping display by Russell Corin. Faithfold no. 1 Gideon Rabstein has earned rave reviews this season and with Martin Smulovitch and Alex Rosenthal in front of him, MLFC fans shouldn’t take anything for granted.
Venue – Capital City
JC star man: Dan Mizrahi (MLFC)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 1 MLFC 1
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DIVISION ONE
LEAGUE TABLE (TOP 3)
1. NL Raiders Pl. 11, W. 9, Pts. 28
2. Hertswood Vale Pl. 12, W. 7, Pts. 22
3. NL Galaxy Pl. 9, W. 6, Pts. 21
NORTH LONDON GALAXY vs BROOK FARM ROVERS
Galaxy will be looking to finish the weekend in second place when they host mid-table Rovers.
Sunday is the beginning of a crucial period of Galaxy’s season – they have matches against Oakwood, Jewdinese and Hertswood Vale to follow in what could be a season-defining spell.
Having drawn 2-2 against Rovers in December, Luke Lewis’s men know what is required in what promises to be another entertaining encounter.
“We go into the game raring with confidence off of the back of that crucial win away at Raiders,” Lewis told JC Sport. “We've proven we can beat anyone on our day - we played Raiders with 12 men a few weeks back and comfortably got the three points.
“We know Sunday will be difficult as BFR always step it up against us - but we've been training hard over this two-week break, both Sundays and Wednesdays..
“We're proud to be the only team in all three division who're unbeaten in the league and we'll be going all guns blazing to continue that on Sunday.”
Rovers were ultimately well-beaten by Raiders last weekend, although joint-player-manager Dan Cohen believes the 5-0 scoreline flattered L’Orange. They matched the leaders for spells but were undone by some clinical finishing.
The visitors are aware of Galaxy’s major threats, but stopping them is another thing altogether. But I expect them to stay true to their footballing principles in a game that will be decided by small margins.
JC team news: Galaxy are waiting on a few late fitness tests, but given they have Oakwood, Nese and Vale coming up over the next few weeks, they “won't be taking any risks”. Dan Brennan returns to the squad, which Lewis describes as “a huge boost”. Jamie Murray is back from his “lie-in” against Raiders. Josh Shack remains in Australia and Harrison Baum is away. Luke Lewis returns following some knee problems.
Venue – East Barnet School
JC star man: Dan Brennan (Galaxy)
DC Prediction: Galaxy 3 BFR 1
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DIVISION TWO
LEAGUE TABLE (TOP 3)
1. FC Team Pl. 13, W. 10, Pts. 32
2. Temple Fortune Pl. 13, W. 9, Pts. 28
3. Borussia Barnet Pl. 11, W. 8, Pts. 26
NORTH WEST LONDON BEARS vs PARIS SAINT-JEWMAIN
The Bears have propelled themselves to the lofty heights of fourth place. They are in a good moment and are one of the league's form teams.
They are one of the MGBSFL's most-improved sides and their excellent recent run has seen them take the scalps of West Hamdillah, Club de Chigwell, Hampstead Ducks (twice) and FC Team (yes, the side who top of the division).
This all appeared a dream scenario during the some testing early months of the season. But now morale is at an all-time high for the team managed by James Harpin and Sam Fresco.
"We are going into this game six unbeaten, and having won four on the trot," Harpin told JC Sport. "This is a huge confidence boost for all involved within the club.
"We know that PSJ are not in the best of form but they will up their levels this weekend to try and beat us. We will not be complacent going into this game as we know a drop in effort will lead to a negative result."
Harpin has been a major player for the team in goal, and his penalty save last weekend laid the foundations for another morale-boosting win. "Fourth place needs to be consolidated and this weekend's game is a perfect game to be able to pull away from those below us," Harpin added.
"We have a lot of boys in our team that are friendly with those in PSJ's squad, but I do not want this to distract our players. I solely want us to focus on winning this game of football."
Looking ahead at the rest of the season, Harpin went on to say: "We have PSJ again next Sunday in the David Woolf Cup which we will be taking extremely seriously but this Sunday is a game to put the wrongs of our previous game with PSJ right first.
"Seven unbeaten would be a great achievement, and I believe it is certainly possible with the squad we have Sunday."
JC team News: The Bears have had "a bit of difficulty getting a squad together," but the signing of Jack Martin will be a huge boost. Sam Martin will look to continue his fine form alongside his brother.
Louis Relevy was among the scorers when PSJ beat the Bears 2-0 in October. But much has changed since then. The team continue to leak goals and a back-to-basics approach to defending will only help them.
I'm predicting an open and entertaining affair, with goals aplenty and another Bears win.
Venue – London Tigers FC 4G, KO - 9:30am
JC star man: Jack Martin (Bears)
DC Prediction: Bears 3 PSJ 2
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DAVID WOLFF DIVISION TWO CUP QUARTER-FINAL
NORTH LONDON RAIDERS vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE
Sunday’s meeting between Raiders and RJC has home banker written all over it. It's the worst possible draw RJC could've asked for. There's no two ways about it.
Raiders returned to winning ways in emphatic style last weekend, with Charlie Cohen and Liron Mannie running riot in a 5-0 triumph at Brook Farm.
And it’s clear L’Orange are intent on lifting two trophies this season, as joint-manager David Isaacs explained. “It’s the divisional cup Sunday and the boys are looking forward to it,”he told JC Sport.
“Last year we got to the final of the equivalent trophy but unfortunately we fell a little short. This time we are looking to go one step further and lift the trophy.
“We played Redbridge earlier on in the season and we won very convincingly, however it is important we stay focused and do the job in hand.”
The RJC defence may still be having nightmares about the 8-0 drubbing at the hands of Raiders in October. Mannie was on a different level that day – scoring four times – and he’ll be rubbing his hands at the prospect of letting loose on the RJC defence.
JC team news: Raiders will once again be missing Bradley Lander, who broke his toe in South Africa. His team-mates “don’t expect to see him again for six weeks”. However, they welcome back into the squad goalkeeper Daniel Lipman and David Nezri.
Venue – Ark Academy
JC star man: Charlie Cohen (NLR)
DC Prediction: NLR 4 RJC 0
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BORUSSIA BARNET vs FAITHFOLD DOCMM GREEN
Brad Papier has told JC Sport of his plans to shuffle his pack and tinker with his squad ahead of the cup clash against Division Two rivals Faithfold DocMM Green.
The Borussia boys are riding on the crest of a wave after securing their place in the semi-finals of the Peter Morrison Trophy last weekend. A 2-0 win over Whitefield Wanderers saw them come through a physical encounter, with Nathan Rosenthal and Ben Bellman earning rave reviews.
But Papier is taking nothing for granted ahead of Sunday. He told JC Sport: “It’s an interesting one for the boys as it’s a cup tournament with only teams from our division.
“As a team fighting for the title, you would expect to get to the final as a minimum. However, we know this is not the case as we’ve played Faithfold twice already and we drew 1-1 followed by a narrow 2-1 win.”
Borussia fans are dreaming of lifting the treble, and with Faithfold’s A-team in action, they don’t need to worry about the likes of Avi Markiewicz, Akiva Solomon or Avi Garson gatecrashing their party.
Papier went on to say: “We know Faithfold always give us a tough game and usually have quite a few Faithfold white players in their squad. None of us are taking this lightly and we know we’re in for a tough game.
“We have a slightly depleted squad Sunday so Sam and I are really looking for the players who haven’t been starting that are getting a chance to step up.
“We want to win the league and this cup, as well as go as far as we can in the Morrison. The treble hopes live on. We know Sunday will be really tough, but the boys are ready.
“Scott Greenfield is a big miss, he’s played every minute so far and has been our best player over the course of the season, so others have to step up in his absence.
That’s not to say the Greens haven’t got threats - they have won their last three matches, but it would be a major surprise if Borussia slip up on Sunday.
JC team news: Borussia will be missing Jack Mattey and Scott Greenfield, while Nathan Rosenthal has returned to uni. However, the squad is “delighted” to welcome Ethan Gold back to the side after a bad injury and Ollie Smith after suspension.
Venue – Bridgestone Arena
JC star man: Ollie Smith (Borussia)
DC Prediction: Borussia 3 Faithfold 0
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CLUB de CHIGWELL vs WEST HAMDILLAH
The David Wolff Cup is perfect for a team like Club de Chigwell. Their fans and players alike thought they were equipped to push for league glory, but their dreams have fallen flat on that front, with FC Team, Temple Fortune and Borussia Barnet raising the bar so high.
Defeats in their last three games have hit them hard, but this is the perfect chance for them to bounce back. Especially with two red-hot strikers in the form of Daniel Garfinkle and Saul Green - who between them have scored 28 goals.
Stanley Offord has also chipped in with goals on a regular basis, including a hat-trick in the 7-0 mauling over Hamdillah in October - a game which showed the gulf between the teams.
That said, Hamdillah's performances have certainly picked up since then. And although they have yet to register a win, they are playing with more belief. So their fans hopes the magic of the cup will bring out the best in them.
JC star man: Joel Poole (CdC)
DC Prediction: CdC 4 Hamdillah 1
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HAMPSTEAD DUCKS vs TEMPLE FORTUNE
Goals are guaranteed on Sunday, when Ducks' top-scorer Jono Gaon goes head to head with Fortune goal machine Danny Sherman.
Gaon had a penalty saved in last week's defeat to the Bears, but it would be fare to say the team's hopes rest on the striker to produce the goods.
Fortune clearly have the momentum going into the game, and they also have a good record in cup competitions such as these, so I'm making them favourites to progress. They beat the Ducks 3-2 in the league in December - when they couldn't handle the power of Sherman - and it wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if lightning struck twice.
JC star man: Rob Samuelson (TFFC)
DC Prediction: Ducks 2 TFFC 3
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SCRABBLE vs FC TEAM
FC Team ran out comfortable 4-0 winners over Scrabble in the league only last weekend. And I can't see too much changing, as Mitch Young's men eye a league and cup double.
With Connor Perl returning to the firing line, it really is a frightening proposition, and it's easy to see why they rolled Scrabble over without too many questions asked.
Man for man, Team are superior to Scrabble, and collectively too. Yes Scrabble may have the more experienced players, but when push comes to shove I can only see one winner.
Sunday will be the second meeting out of three between these two sides and by the end of February, Scrabble will be sick at the sight of FC Team.
JC star man: Connor Perl (Team)
DC Prediction: Scrabble 1 FC Team 4
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