North London Raiders C are bidding to register one of the biggest shocks in the history of Maccabi football when they take on holders Hendon United Sports Club A in the semi-finals of the Peter Morrison Trophy, with a trip to Wingate & Finchley the reward for the winners, while there's also key matches in all three divisions as the race for the Division One title hots up.
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VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: RAIDERS A vs REDBRIDGE A
PHOTOGALLERY: RAIDERS A vs REDBRIDGE A
SEE MORE MGBSFL PHOTOGALLERIES
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CUP DRAWS
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN FINAL
North London Raiders A vs Oakwood A
Wingate & Finchley FC
April 17, 2.30pm KO
Officials: Referee - David Lazarus, Assistant-referees - Stuart Ansher, Bob Caplin. 4th official (reserve referee): Mark Jacob
PETER MORRISON TROPHY SEMI-FINAL DRAW
FINAL: May 8 at Wingate & Finchley
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
PETER MORRISON TROPHY SEMI-FINAL
NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A
The romance of the cup will be alive and kicking here as second division Raiders C host holders Hendon. But not for too long.
Hendon are a very different team with Moses Seitler in it. Last season’s final match-winner gives David Garbacz’s team a new dimension and I expect them to make their traditional fast start in an attempt to blow Raiders away.
The trio of Yoav Kestenbaum, Dovi Fehler and Seitler brings with it many things to the table – pace, powerful and a terrific cutting edge. That’ll be enough to give the NLR defence some nightmares.
Ahead of kick-off, Garbacz told JC Sport: “We have a job to do on Sunday and we need to do it whilst putting on a good professional performance and making sure we don’t go into this game complacent in any way.
"We will be big favourites to go through but it is a semi- final and the incentive for Raiders will be huge and I am sure they will come at us believing they can pull off a shock.
"However, we have a decent squad available, even if we are due to give late fitness tests to Seitler and Corin, and if we play anything like we played against Redbridge in the quarters then we should get over the line.
"We will aim to start fast – the one thing you don’t want if you are playing a team from a lesser division is giving them a squeak after 70 minutes as then anything can happen.
"We are proud holders of this competition and we are desperate to defend our trophy in May in the final."
Raiders have had a fairly straightforward route to the semis. They showed good character to beat Heaton Park Rovers in the last round, albeit with an element of luck, and they are rightly delighted to have reached the last four of the Jewish FA Cup.
The experience of Adam Levison will be important, as will the versatility of Alex Goodman, in a tie where they mustn't concede early doors.
NLR's David Domb told JC Sport: " ... so it's a semi-final at Wembley!
"I'm sure every young manager or coach dreams of addressing the world's media ahead of an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley...well close enough anyway.
"There's no nerves in the camp for this. The feeling is just one of excitement. It's a wonderful achievement for a team from the third tier to reach the semi-final of a cup competition, and we knew regardless we would be coming up against one of the top sides in the MGBSFL.
"Some may well see this as a bye for Hendon into the final - I doubt they'll be treating it that way. This is the tournament holders and they'll be confident of a third straight Morrison title. I know a former Raider in their ranks won't be taking this game lightly at all!
"But as I said previously, we've got nothing to lose. I've been continuously told in the build-up to this they're a very good team. I know that, they thumped my Hyde Park Rovers team in the quarter-finals of this four years ago. But we look forward to Sunday and there's plenty of talent in our group.
"We're not just turning up to make up the numbers, we'll certainly have a go. They call this the year of the underdog ... who knows."
But the end of the road will come on Sunday. Mark my words.
JC team news: Will Ufland, Marc Woolfe and Alex Goodman all return to the Raiders squad for Sunday after missing the draw with Catford. Charles Braunstein and Nick Haringman are still absent.
Hendon have injury doubts concerning Moses Seitler and Greg Corin. Both will face late fitness tests. Alex Rosenthal is away.
Venue – Ark Academy, Ref – Keith Goodman, KO – 10am
JC star man: Rafi Kon (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Raiders 0 Hendon 4
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MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
23 - Daniel Garfinkle (Redbridge JC A – including 3 for RJC B)
22 - Dovi Fehler (Hendon A)
OAKWOOD A vs HARMEN
Oakwood and Harmen lock horns for the first time this season, with the Oaks looking to pick up maximum points in their bid for second place.
The Oakwood management team haven’t given up on the title yet, but I can’t see Raiders slipping up from here. The runners-up spot, however, would be a worthy reward for their excellent showing this term.
The Oaks go into the game full of confidence following some big wins in the league and the recent defeat at the hands of Lions in the Morrison won’t dampen their spirits one bit. If anything, managers Dan Kristall, Ric Blank and Alex Schock will try to use it to lift them.
Joint-manager Dan Kristall told JC Sport: “We go into our first meeting of the season with Harmen slightly frustrated after last week’s late withdrawal from Blizzard, but it gave some of our players with knocks an extra week of recovery.
"We know that winning every league game is the only way of keeping our title hopes alive and that applies to the next two games.
"We know Harmen will be desperate to bounce back from last week’s disappointing hammering at FC Team and always seem to raise their game when playing us."
Indeed this is the beginning of a key period for Oakwood, who also play Redbridge prior to their big date at Wingate & Finchley in the Anekstein Cup final.
As Kristall mentioned, Harmen, who are only two points behind Oakwood, had a horror show against FC Team last week and managers Joel Alterman, Joe Marsh and Oliver Leslie will be keen to put that episode behind them.
They will already have one eye on next season so I’m expecting Oakwood to do the business here.
JC team news: Guy Helman and Sam Cantor return to the fold, with Dan Ailion set to return for the first time since the cup hammering of Hendon in February. Dave Woolman returns up front looking to get back to scoring ways. There is also strong competition in goal, with Dean Caplin, Dan Cohen and Jonny Blain battling it out for the No. 1 jersey.
Venue – Nicholas Breakspear, Ref – Martin Lavender
JC star man: Dan Ailion (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 2 Harmen 0
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A vs BLIZZARD STORM
Bouncebackability is the name of the game for Redbridge on Sunday, and I fear that they will give Blizzard a good hiding.
They were undone by the magic of Liron Mannie – as you will see on the backpage of this week’s JC – on a day when Jon Jacobs and co met their match.
Second-half strikes from Sam Sollosi and Daniel Garfinkle added a sense of respectability to the scoreline but the result and performance would’ve given gaffer Jacobs food for thought.
The challenge now is to cement the runners-up spot and prove they are the second best team in the league. And on their own patch, you have to fancy them.
Blizzard’s struggles have been well documented this season. They gave a good account of themselves for 45 minutes against RJC in the first meeting. But Redbridge’s quality eventually came through with strikes from Dean Nyman, Sam Sollosi, Danny Hakimi and James Berkley.
The end of the season cannot come soon enough for Simon Linden and co for whom highlights have been few and far between.
Venue - Fairlop, Ref – Daniel Fox
JC star man: James Berkley (RJC)
DC Prediction: RJC 4 Blizzard 0
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DIVISION ONE
TOP-SCORERS
27 - Reiss Mogilner (Brady Maccabi)
17 - Jacob Richler Kleiman (Oakwood B)
SPEC FC vs OAKWOOD B
SPEC FC have what Oakwood B want. Points in the bag. That’s what makes this promotion six-pointer all the more interesting.
There will be a carnival atmosphere around Borehamwood on Sunday as Ricky Lawrence hope to go out with a bang.
Lawrence told JC Sport: “"This is it, the last game of the season and it's an absolutely huge game for us.
"We know nothing but a win will do in our quest for promotion and even that might not be enough, but another three points and who knows....."
11 wins in 19 games is a good return for the SPEC boys whose recent victims include Raiders, Sosobad and Brady.
I’ve heard several clubs are interested in top-scorer Zack Neiman, but Lawrence is keen to keep his squad intact over the summer and give the chairman a big nudge to strengthen.
It was Lawrence who broke Oakwood hearts in November with the only goal and he’s determined to make lightning strike twice.
Oaks boss Jason Stein was in reflective mood at this week’s press conference. They still have five games remaining in their pursuit of a top-two finish but he is only focusing on the next 90 minutes.
He told JC Sport: "You know DC, I've still not worked out what SPEC stands for. I must find out.
"Nice to be back after the Purim break and I was happy to see the lads on the lash dressed up so vibrantly and letting their hair down after a strong season so far.
"But we're into the home stretch now and we want to finish as close as possible to champions-elect Woodford. That means a positive result on Sunday is a must.
"They're a consistently strong side, SPEC, and stalwarts of this division. We're in for a proper game. We played back in November and I've still got no idea how they beat us 1-0 that day. That's still in my mind."
But I fear any planned revenge mission could be ruined by a late leveller in a game that neither side wants to lose.
JC team news: New goalkeeper Harris Kersh will continue behind a strong defence led by captain Elliot Jackson. Jacob Richler Kleiman will lead the line.
Venue – Hertswood, Ref – Andy Myerson, KO – 10.15am
JC star man: Elliot Jackson (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: SPEC 2 Oakwood 2
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FAITHFOLD B vs BRADY MACCABI
With Oakwood and FC Team B blowing hot and cold, automatic promotion remains a realistic goal for Brady.
But they can take nothing for granted against a Faithfold B team they shared the points after a six-goal thriller in December, when Reiss Mogilner, Dan Harrod and Josh Newman registered.
Faithfold have clearly felt the benefit of a handful of former A-team players dropping down into Division One and they mustn’t be under-estimated.
Indeed the clubs have been involved in some fierce battles over the years and Sunday’s won’t be much different.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – Neil Cooper
JC star man: Dan Harrod (Brady)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 1 Brady 2
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FC TEAM B vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B
With nothing to play for, Raiders B could prove tricky opponents for FC Team B.
Mitch Young’s men still have 18 points to play for in their pursuit of promotion but there are no easy games against NLR and given the healthy rivalry, L’Orange would love nothing better than to shatter his dreams.
Young will tell his players to disregard NLR’s position in the table as any team featuring the likes of David Simnock, Danny Bloom, Simon Buchler, Ben Cherkas, Dave Esterkin, Josh Green, Mike Hershman, Jacob Gold, Adam Posner and the Leaders brothers will
The battle between Dan Grossman and Richard Salmon will be key. Don’t take your eyes of it.
Possible squads - FC Team: Yaacov Goldin, Oli Segal, Dan Silverman, Richard Sternberg, Jon Toby, Danny Moss, Dan Breger, Jon Breger, David Grossman, Lorian Madanes, Richard Salmon, Adam Rones, Andy Sheena, Jules Noti
Raiders: David Simnock, Mark Leader, Matt Leader, Anthony Shaw, Dan Grossman, Richard Bloom, Danny Bloom, Simon Buchler, Ben Cherkas, Dave Esterkin, Josh Green, Mike Hershman, Jacob Gold, Adam Posner
Venue – Harefield 4G, Ref – Daniel Fox
JC star man: Danny Moss (Team)
DC Prediction: Team 2 Raiders 1
More to follow ...
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DIVISION TWO
TOP-SCORERS
8 - Zak McLeod (Scrabble FC), Josh Bloom (ML Lions B)
17 - Danny Sherman (Scrabble FC)
BOCA JEWNIORS vs CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI
"Can we play a big team every week?” That was the chant coming out of the Catford end after the draw against Raiders C.
This week Raiders C are playing Hendon A in the last four of the Peter Morrison Trophy, while Jeff Gotch is preparing the Cats for a trip to basement battlers Boca. It just doesn’t get any more glamourous than that!
Danny Bennaroch was their star man against Raiders. He capped a brilliant performance with a goal in a 1-1 draw – a point was the very least they deserved after a high-energy performance.
The Cats have been like a box of chocolates this season. You just never know which one you’re going to get. They have been excellent against the likes of Scrabble, Lions and Raiders but slipped up when least expected. It must be doing Jeff Gotch’s head in.
Ahead of kick-off, he told JC Sport: “We all know what we can do and now we have to start to show that against the so-called lesser teams.
"We are already building towards next season and experimenting with a few things but Sunday really is a must-win game as we want to finish the season with three wins starting this week.
"We outplayed Raiders last week and although we only got a point there were a lot of positives to take from the game.”
"Bouncebackability” is the name of the game this week, according to Boca’s Anton Nyman.
Boca’s prayers were answered last week when hail came to the rescue against Real Hendon. Some fans came away confused it was a mock seder but they were equally concerned just how easily the defence was parted.
But with bolstered ranks for the visit of Catford, the Boca boys are hopeful of putting in an improved showing.
Nyman told JC Sport: "We finally have a returning figure of Jacob Emanuel who has been dearly missed in defence, but again without the injured Elio Elia, Gab Stone, Jack Shulman and Adrian Leibovitch but I'm confident that their stand-ins will step up to the mark."
With several players playing for their futures, I’m predicting big things from the Cats on Sunday.
JC team news: The Cats are almost at full strength this week, with only Ben David and Danny bennaroch away, and Joel Isaacs and Guy Ben Aroya still nursing long-term injuries. They welcome back in Ash Stokes, Adam Parker, Tal Cohen, Yarden Sharon and Mark Wayne and “will look for a fast start”.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Stuart Ansher
JC star man: Adam Parker (Catford)
DC Prediction: Boca 1 Catford 4
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FC TEAM C vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B
Could’ve done better will be the phrase used on both FC Team C’s and Hendon B’s end-of-season reports.
The Reds are due a win and they will fancy themselves here against an FC Team side who were forced to call it quits after an injury left them short against Athletic Bilbaum last weekend.
David Wolff told me during the week that the match will be replayed, meaning Jacob Brunner’s hat-trick will be scrubbed from the history books.
It’s been another solid season for Benni Sluckis. He bagged a brace in the corresponding fixture when Hendon ran out 4-1 victors. Jono Nesbitt (2) sealed the win.
The Raiders game apart, FC Team have been leaking goals and that will be a major concern to player-manager Mike Myers. They have been decent going forward but it’s been a case of one step forwards and two back.
On paper their next two home games are very winnable, but Hendon fans hope their heroes in red step up.
Venue – TBC, Ref – Steve Levy
JC star man: Gab Saul (Hendon)
DC Prediction: FC Team 2 Hendon 3
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MACCABI LONDON LIONS B vs L’EQUIPE
It’s beauty against the beast on Sunday as the promotion-chasing Lions host L’Equipe.
A clash of footballing cultures will be on show as Samuel Marchant’s wonder kids go in search of their 14th win of the season.
My pre-season title tips are still going strong and I expect them to go for the jugular from the very first whistle on Sunday.
Daniel Fattal (2), Josh Bloom, Jake Hyman, Ed Brafman were among the scorers when they hit L’Equipe for six. They have the bit between their teeth and will be thinking a repeat performance is on the cards.
But L’Equipe are made of sterner stuff and boss Nick Stern will have a special game-plan in place to try and ruin MLL’s party.
It’s important they don’t let the Lions play between the lines as if they get behind the L’Equipe defence it will be a long 90 minutes.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Robert Benardout
JC star man: Sam Shooter (Lions)
DC Prediction: Lions 5 L’Equipe 2
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DANNY CARO'S MATCHDAY 28 AWARDS
PLAYER OF THE WEEK - LIRON MANNIE
SAVE OF THE WEEK: Richie Caplin (Redbridge JC B)
SAVE OF THE WEEK: Mark Glucksman (L'Equipe)
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: Rob Richman (North London Raiders A) - "Redbridge, along with Oakwood, are our closest competitors and we have great respect for both sides. Redbridge have a lot of talented players and I am not surprised to see them fighting right at the top of the table. We knew we'd have to be somewhere close to our best today to get a result and our first half performance was really top quality"
