YOUR WEEKEND REVIEW STARTS HERE:
(All matches kick-off at 10am unless stated)
MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
LEAGUE TABLE (TOP 3)
1. Faithfold DocMM White Pl. 12, W. 7, Pts. 23
2. Hendon United Sports Pl. 9, W. 7, Pts. 22
3. MLFC Blue Pl. 12, W. 5, Pts. 19
TOP-SCORERS 12 - Josh Cuby (Oakwood A), 11 - Akiva Solomon (Faithfold Doc MM White - plus one for Green), Avi Markiewicz (Faithfold DocMM White - plus two for Green), 10 - Oscar Wagner (HMH)
HENDON UNITED SPORTS vs FAIRLOP FC
The title looks in the bag for a Hendon United Sports side who were last in action on January 26.
Much has happened since then, including Storm Ciara, but their fans hope some of their injury concerns have been shaken off to ensure they hit the ground running against a dogged Fairlop team.
Hendon manager Jordan Sapler declined the offer of taking his squad on a warm weather camp. Instead, they have put the hard yards in on the training ground, wrapped up to the nines, with virtually every piece of Under Armour and strapping in north-west London!
Speaking from the Hendon training ground, Sapler told JC Sport: "Fairlop had a superb result last week against HMH and I personally know of the quality that they have all across the pitch.
"Their league results so far don’t match up with the ability they possess, so we know we will be in for a tough game."
Sapler added: "It’s been a frustrating few weeks for us where we haven’t had a game due to weather and teams being unable to fulfil. We just want to play football!"
Fairlop’s form has picked up of late, with a win over MLFC Blue followed by draws against Oakwood and HMH. Max Pincus and James Jaconelli scored in the 2-2 draw against HMH last weekend, with the Essex boys snatching a point in the 88th minute.
But Hendon on their own patch is a totally different proposition and although a lack of match sharpness could be an issue, I expect the reds to take maximum points.
JC team news: Hendon have no new injury concerns for this week, but Ari Nevies, Jonny Kay, Jonti Arembrand, Ari Last, Josh Harris and Zac Garbacz are all unavailable.
Venue – Hadley FC
JC star man: Dovi Fehler (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Hendon 3 Fairlop 1
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DAVID WOLFF PREMIER DIVISION CUP QUARTER-FINALS
MLFC BLUE vs HMH
Opportunity knocks for both MLFC Blue and HMH, with the visitors eyeing what would be an unprecedented cup treble.
They were just minutes away from beating Fairlop in the league last weekend, when, once again, manager Avi Goldberg was left to reflect on a game of missed chances. They looked to have turned the corner in that respect in their previous game against Jewdinese, so no guesses for what’s on the menu at training this week!
Looking ahead to the tie, gaffer Goldberg told JC Sport: "HMH were one of the few teams willing to brave the weather last weekend and make the trek to east London. With another storm on the way, HMH and MLFC have already agreed to switch the match to the hive in the hope that this match can also proceed.
"We were very unlucky not to be leading by a cricket score at half-time last week. It's an all too familiar story this season in the league where our football dominance has not translated onto the scoreline."
Goldberg said: "In the cups, however, it has been a different story as the boyshave swatted teams aside with consummate ease so far scoring freely and conceding very little."
He hopes this will continue as they strive for a third cup semi-final spot this season. Goldberg added: "We know that MLFC are a good, dogged team and under their new coach Laurence Judah, have become very organised and difficult to break down on their day and they have demonstrated that to us twice this season already, each time nicking goals against the run of play. I am therefore hoping our cup form is the form that is reproduced on Sunday."
MLFC will go into the game with a psychological edge having beaten HMH twice in the league – by one-goal margins on both occasions – and they will be confident, but definitely not complacent of completing a win treble.
MLFC joint-manager Max Kyte told JC Sport: “We are looking forward to our first venture into the David Wolff Trophy. It’s great to have another cup competition, and if we can win it, we will be able to tell our great grandkids that we were the team to win it for the first time, and that’s something to be proud of.
“HMH are a great side and we know we can’t expect a result without a 100 per cent performance from all players.”
JC team news: Definitely missing this week for HMH are Adam Ellis, Nate Kashket and Clark Norton, while Jake Norton and Sam Monjack face late fitness tests. Tom Prais trained this week, having missed the last few fixtures injured, and is hoping to make an appearance while Leo Berger was in sparkling form at training as he bids for a matchday spot.
Having already beaten them twice this season, MLFC know exactly what it takes to overcome National Cup winners HMH. And in a game where tactics will be key, I can see them completing a hat-trick on Sunday.
Venue – The Hive
JC star man: Max Kyte (MLFC)
DC Prediction: MLFC 2 HMH 1
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OAKWOOD vs CAMDEN PARK
The David Wolff Cup competition might just be Oakwood’s best chance of silverware this season.
Yes they are in the last eight of the League Cup but a win over Camden Park would open a great opportunity to win the cup in its inaugural season.
Oakwood’s league form can best be described as frustrating. Two wins in 11 just isn’t good enough for a squad packed with talent, leaders and winners.
On Sunday they have a chance to right the wrongs of this season and show Camden just how strong they are. They’ve already beaten them 1-0 and 2-1 in the league and with home advantage, they are favourites to progress based on their cup pedigree.
Camden Park are rank outsiders to win the competition. Their squad has fallen short in the league, but manager Stirling Kay knows anything can happen in the cup. If his players can marshall the threat of Josh Cuby and keeps things simple in defence, he will believe they have a chance.
JC star man: Dave Woolman (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 2 Camden 1
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DIVISION ONE
LEAGUE TABLE (TOP 3)
1. NL Raiders Pl. 11, W. 9, Pts. 28
2. NL Galaxy Pl. 10, W. 7, Pts. 24
3. Hertswood Vale Pl. 12, W. 7, Pts. 22
TOP-SCORERS 18 - Zach Cohen (Mill Hill Dons), 16 - Aron Gale (NL Raiders), 15 - James Millet (Hertswood Vale), 13 - Reiss Mogilner (Jewdinese), 12 - Liron Mannie (NL Raiders)
JEWDINESE vs NORTH LONDON GALAXY
Nese boss Darren Lawrence described Sunday’s royal rumble against Galaxy as “season defining” for his men.
The Zebras will aim to do what no MGBSFL team has done this season – beat Galaxy. They are the only unbeaten in all three divisions, and that’s a record they are proud of and will be determined to keep going.
“I don't think this game really needs any hype,” Lawrence told JC Sport. “It is two clubs with big reputations battling it out for a chance to play Premier Division football.
“The past three games have been incredibly hotly contested and fiery affairs. Essentially this is a season defining game for us. Anything less than a win and it is likely we will face another season of Division One football.”
Lawrence respects Galaxy, but he will urge his players to get stuck in and hopes their battling qualities can get them over the line.
“We know Galaxy all too well,” he said. “With a number of former Jewdinese players in their ranks, we are aware of the quality they hold.
“Three games between the clubs have all ended in draws, we have to find a way to turn a draw into a win on Sunday.”
It takes a special team to get to mid-February unbeaten, at any level. But Galaxy chief Luke Lewis knows sides will come at them even harder from here on in.
Ahead of kick-off, Lewis told JC Sport: “Sunday's game will most definitely be a cracker. We've played Nese three times and only claimed three points, despite been the better team on all three occasions.
“Nese managed to score two last-minute equalisers against us in the last two occasions and we know we have to defend the same way we did against Raiders to prevent them from doing so.”
No Galaxy preview would be complete without some mind games! Lewis added: “It seems as though Nese's spirit in the camp has somewhat been lost following their recent signings and their togetherness has been somewhat compromised.
“However, we know that they have dangerous players in Zac Collins and Scott Oldstein, who're capable of scoring goals. Nese have utilised a five-at-the-back system for a while now against big teams and we expect them to be doing the same on Sunday, hence our training tonight will be with that in mind.
“We know everything about Nese and know what we have to do to get the three points - we can't wait for Sunday and are relishing the opportunity of getting our first three points over them and putting us that bit closing to playing Premier level football in the MGBSFL.
“The general, David Wolff, will be in attendance and we'll do our utmost to put on a show for him.”
Galaxy have dug deep to grind out wins in their last couple of games, and I’m predicting another tight affair on Sunday.
JC team news: ‘Nese will be missing skipper Adam Gold, Arron Goldberg and Barney Rhodes. James Ross faces a late fitness test.
Venue – St James’ Park
JC star man: Jordan Freeman (Galaxy)
DC Prediction: Nese 1 Galaxy 2
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE vs MILL HILL DONS
Redbridge were blown away by a Zach Cohen master-class last weekend. Not even Storm Ciara could stop the Dons’ hit-man on a day when everything he touched turned to goals.
Having put clear daylight between themselves and RJC, manager Jamie Nagioff will challenge his players to go on another strong run as they look to pull clear of the relegation zone.
Ben Rodol has also chipped in with a couple of important goals in recent weeks, while Isaac Virchis showed his genius with the JC Goal of the Week.
Ahead of the game, Nagioff told JC Sport: "We may have faced Redbridge last week, but given the ridiculous weather conditions that we played in, we can't read too much into things for the return fixture on Sunday.
"That said, we applied ourselves brilliantly in those conditions and our quality on the ball and defensive organisation meant we dominated the game from start to finish.
"We have the opportunity to make it four wins from five in 2020, and put some real distance between ourselves and our opposition in the league table. That is an exciting prospect and should be incentive enough to deliver another strong performance."
RJC remain a work in progress. But it will need a miracle from here if they are to avoid the division’s wooden spoon. Only hard work and a never-say-die attitude can help them from here.
But their wounds are still open from the 5-1 drubbing of last week and I can only see the Dons adding more woe.
JC team news: Dons' star Joe Reece returns to training this week following his ankle injury, and will hope to be in contention for a place in the matchday squad soon.
Venue – Fairlop
JC star man: Marc Rister (Dons)
DC Prediction: RJC 1 Dons 2
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DAVID WOLFF DIVISION ONE CUP QUARTER-FINAL
HERTSWOOD VALE vs SPEC FC
A quick glance at the league table will tell you Vale are favourites to beat SPEC in the cup on Sunday. But this is the cup, and anything can happen!
James Millet and Harry Graham were among the scorers when Vale beat SPEC 3-2 in October. And I can see more goals on Sunday.
Vale have already secured their place in one cup semi-final this season and they are keen to extend their season, and, of course, hungry for more success.
Some called Millet a one-season wonder last year, but he has answered any naysayers in the best possible fashion, and is on course to have an even better campaign. Last season he broke record after record in Division Two, but his name is now on the lips of most MGBSFL fans, scoring goals at will. He’s a prized asset at Hertswood Vale and manager Jacob Emanuel and Danny Hirschberger wouldn’t swap him for the world.
Looking ahead to the game, Emanuel told JC Sport: “After our league fixture against SPEC was called off last week due to Storm Clara, we're hoping this week's game goes ahead with Storm Dennis on the horizon!
“The prospect at finishing this season with a trophy is an exciting one, and the DW Divisional Cup represents a piece of silverware that we believe we can challenge for. However, as I said last week, we face a huge test to get to the semis first!”
Emanuel added: “The key will be to start as fast as possible on Sunday. Last time out, we went 1-0 down within the first two minutes, and had to battle back to victory, although a late goal saw us hold on in the end.
“SPEC are a team managed well by Ricky and they have absolutely no problem scoring, so we'll have to be at our best to ensure we walk away with the win.”
That all said, I don’t think you can write SPEC off altogether on Sunday. In striker Zack Neiman they have a player that doesn’t need a second invitation to shoot. Jamie Smaje and Josh Green are also in good goal-scoring form, so much depends on what kind of mood the Vale backline are in.
SPEC boss Ricky Lawence told JC Sport: “We’ve had a few of weeks off but it’s fair to say the second half of the season hasn’t been what we wanted so far.
“There’s still time to turn it around, hopefully starting with this Sunday but we’ve got a terrible record against Vale so we know we’ll have to be at our absolute best to change that.”
Vale remain on an upward curve and I can see momentum taking them over the line.
JC team news: Vale have lost Charlie Becker and Jamie Steinberg for the rest of the season as they travel the world, while Dan Reuben and Harry Marlow are unavailable this week. But they welcome back Ollie Brill, Adam Morrow and James Neidle, who have all missed recent games, while Alex Trup faces a late fitness test following a nasty looking injury in training
Venue – East Barnet School
JC star man: Adam Morrow (Vale)
DC Prediction: Vale 3 SPEC 2
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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
TOP-SCORERS 17 - Jono Gaon (Hampstead Ducks), 16 - Daniel Garfinkle (Club De Chigwell), 15 - Danny Sherman (Temple Fortune), 12 - Saul Green (Club De Chigwell), 11 - Richard Salmon (FC Team), Simon Cohen (Temple Fortune), 10 - Connor Perl (FC Team)
CLUB de CHIGWELL vs TEMPLE FORTUNE
Second-placed Temple Fortune travel to Chigwell, well Epping actually … in another crucial league game for Simon Linden’s promotion chasers.
In a season where leaders FC Team and promotion rivals Borussia Barnet have claimed much of the spotlight, Linden’s troops have done superbly to stay in the mix, and they hope to gain a league double over the mid-table opposition.
The first game was a narrow 2-1 win last month. Simon Cohen and Jacob Kalms struck for Fortune in a game which could easily have gone the other way but for Ed Bloom's vital penalty save.
It's a match Fortune must win to stay in touch with FC Team, who have a very difficult contest in store against Borussia.
Fortune’s away form has been excellent in the league this season, and although Chigwell’s home form has been strong, I can see the visitors edging home for a second time.
Venue – Epping St John's School
JC star man: Jacob Kalms (Fortune)
DC Prediction: CdC 2 Fortune 3
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FC TEAM vs BORUSSIA BARNET
Sunday is effectively a cup final for Borussia Barnet. They go into the clash of the titans six points behind leaders FC Team, but with two games in hand.
Having drawn 2-2 against Mitch Young’s men earlier in the season, the Borussia boys will be looking to show what is expected to be a big crowd exactly who is top dog in the division. Promotion would be great, but everyone in the camp knows the title would be even better.
Borussia boss Brad Papier told JC Sport: “After yet another cancellation last Sunday, we now have the most games still to play across all three divisions, so let’s hope this Sunday actually goes ahead (although it’s not looking likely with the weather forecast!).
“Last time out against FC Team, we were missing several key players and had multiple injuries, so this time out we’re stronger. Sam Lipton is fully fit and a big help given the aerial threat they pose.
“We know if we win this game we’re well on our way to the title, even a point keeps it in our hands.”
Papier went on to say: “FC Team like to frustrate, they sit deep and thrive off long throw-ins, set-pieces and long balls. We know what their plan will be and how effective it can be.
“They’re a very physical side but we feel we’re superior in terms of both quality and fitness, so they objective for us is to not give them something to hold on to and we know we will create chances.
“Subject to the game fully going ahead, we know how big Sunday is for us, we’re desperate to win the league and Sunday is a big obstacle in the way in the form of the Jewish football equivalent of prime Pulis’ Stoke. We’re ready!”
Having got the nod for the Team Maccabi GB Masters 35+ at next year's Maccabiah Games in Israel, FC Team player-boss Mitch Young is looking to cap off a memorable week in style.
His troops keep on churning out win after win after win, and it will take a good team to stop them. But he belives Borussia will pose a tough challenge on Sunday and told JC Sport: "We are facing won of the best teams in Jewish Football at the moment.
"Barnet have had an excellent first season and are the best team in our league. They will bring out all their big guns and my players will have to find something special within them in order to take something from the game.
"However we have experience on our side and know that if we can get the best out of 1-11 we can take something from the game.'
Young went on to say: "If we take something from the game then we will have a chance of going on and winning the league. If not the league will be theirs to lose. A big game, with all the pressure on them."
Venue – London Academy
JC star man: David Gordon (Team)
DC Prediction: Team 3 Borussia 3
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WEST HAMDILLAH vs NORTH WEST LONDON BEARS
Fair play to James Harpin, who could have gone into hiding after last week’s cup exit at the hands of PSJ.
His penalty could make Danny Baker’s Chanukah bloopers DVD in a game the Bears would rather forget.
On Sunday they have an opportunity to consolidate their spot in the top four when they visit rock bottom West Hamdillah – a team they beat 2-0 in December, when George Hagen-Levy grabbed both goals.
Harpin took some time off following some close attention from Twitter for that miss, with a trip to Solihull of all places. If there’s one place to take your mind off something, there’s no better place to go than Solihull.
Hamdillah fans hope their prayers for that elusive first win is answered on Sunday, in what some of their most optimistic supporters believe is a winnable game.
They have seen some green shoots sprouting in recent performances and if luck goes their way, they believe they can go toe to toe with the Bears.
Bottom line is that if the Bears lose, messus Harpin and Fresco might have to go a little further than Solihull to hide!
Venue – West Hendon
JC star man: Oscar Cohen (Bears)
DC Prediction: Hamdillah 2 Bears 4
ALSO SEE:
DANNY CARO'S MATCHDAY 21 AWARDS
PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Max Pincus (Fairlop FC)
MANAGER OF THE WEEK: Elio Elia (Paris Saint-Jewmain)
GOAL OF THE WEEK: Isaac Virchis (Mill Hill Dons)
SAVE OF THE WEEK: Adam Brown (Mill Hill Dons)
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: Jamie Nagioff (Mill Hill Dons)
