Defending champions North London Raiders are in action for the first time this season when they travel to Premier Division new boys Blizzard Storm, while match of the day sees Harmen up against a new-look Redbridge Jewish Care A. Danny Caro looks ahead to all the action.
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PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND ONE DRAW
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND TWO DRAW
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
BLIZZARD STORM vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A
Defending champions NLR have rebranded over the summer, but I expect it to be business as usual when they travel to newly-promoted Blizzard on Sunday.
Having secured the double last season – winning both the title and Anekstein for the first time – there was anguish on the face of many NLR fans when Player of the Year Liron Mannie announced that he would be departing after just one season. But with Jordan Marks set to don the famous L’Orange on a regular basis, they will continue to be blessed with pace, power and goals in the final third. The prospect of him at Matt Stock in the final third will have Blizzard shaking in their boots.
NLR boss Rob Richman has been working hard over the summer to improve his squad and he’s relishing Sunday’s opener. “It’s been a long four months since we last played a competitive game and we are excited for our first league game of the season this Sunday against Blizzard,” he told JC Sport.
"It’s a new season and we have to hit the ground running as quickly as possible.As per last season our only focus will be preparing correctly and then producing on the pitch. That served us well last year and we’ll approach this season in exactly the same way.
"Blizzard will want to make a mark in their first game in the top division and it will be up to us to produce the better performance on the day.
"With the teams around us all strengthening, it was important we didn’t stay still and we have brought in some very good players who we think will supplement an already talented squad. Nick Lewis has signed after completing his degree at Bath and we believe he can have the same sort of impact that Liron Mannie had last year. He is all set to make his debut this Sunday.
"We also hope to complete the signing of Alex Kaye from Faithfold in the next couple of days. He will add a real presence and goal threat to our midfield. We also have a few other players who we hope to sign in the coming days and weeks.
"There’s a buzz about the start of the season and we can’t wait for Sunday."
Blizzard could not have asked for a tougher first game ahead of their first-ever match in the top-flight. It is a moment manager Simon Linden has been dreaming about ever since receiving that golden phone call from David Wolff.
Linden has been incredibly busy over the summer bolstering the ranks and trying to bring in some added quality.
He told JC Sport: “I'm looking forward to the season. Preparation hasn't been ideal with a bit of a stop start pre-season however this goes out the window on Sunday.
"I would have liked to have made a few extra signings but glad to have a 15 man squad ready for Raiders."
Asked about Raiders, Linden described them as “by far the best team in the league, it's a tough ask in our first game but as long as we show the correct attitude and give it our all I won't complain.”
I fear the worst for the hosts on Sunday in what could be a long 90 minutes.
JC team news: Blizzard’s Oli Henry misses the chance to play his old club through injury and Dean Shaw faces a late fitness test. There will be debuts for ex-London Rovers duo Dovi Vogel and Zalmy Cohen plus keeper Robbie Krupski and former Neasden defender Rob Caplin. Shai Revivo has also been named in the squad.
For NLR, Ben Joseph has missed all of pre-season with a side strain but he is hopeful of coming through training this week and pushing for a start Sunday. Jonny Kay must serve a one-game suspension for his sending off in the last league game last season.Matt Stock misses out this week but he also hopes to be back in the very near future. Everyone else is fit and available – Richman said: “Watch out for Jordan Marks Marks who has been flying in pre season.”
Venue – Hertswood, Ref – Neil Cooper
JC star man: Nick Lewis (NLR)
DC Prediction: Blizzard 0 Raiders 3
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CAMDEN PARK vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS A
There’s another David verus Goliath battle in store when Camden Park host the galacticos of Hendon.
New Camden keeper Steve Murad can expect a busy debut in a game where the hosts must be prepared to defend for long spells. Possession is key for Will Castle’s boys against a Hendon team who will be looking to punish them on the break.
Ahead of kick-off, Castle told JC Sport: “It’s not ideal for our first game of the season; we have a few players missing. We wish Michael Khalastchi a hearty mazel tov on his wedding last weekend, however unfortunately we have now lost him to his honeymoon in The Maldives. We all know he'd rather be playing for Camden on the Magic Carpet!
“Even with several players unavailable we are able to put out a very strong squad showing our strength and depth.
“Hendon were unlucky not to win the league last year and will fancy their chances this season. We know they will be strong however on our home pitch we have the capability to beat anyone. Our pre-season preparations have been very good and now it's time to take that good work on the training ground and convert it into three points.
Hendon made a flying start against Faithfold last week. The concession of an early goal served as something of a wake-up call before they showed their true colours, with Ari Last and Dovi Fehler helping themselves to hat-trick.
Manager David Garbacz was also delighted to see Yehuda Nevies – the latest product of Hendon’s conveyor belt of youth – find the net.
Fehler is a man on a mission this season. I’m sure he’ll have one eye on the Golden Boot or Player of the Year titles as the odds on both have come down heavily following his impressive start.
Hendon boss David Garbacz told JC Sport; “We were very pleased with our start to the season last week. I think that could well be the way of it this year – we will have lots of goals in us but possibly may not be as secure at the back as we have been in the past. It will make for exciting games though.
“Last week the star men were Dovi Fehler and Ari Last and they will both be looking to continue that fine form.
“We are still finalising the squad for the season so there are boys playing for their places which makes competition extra strong – that can only be a good thing.
“At this stage of the season it is impossible to know what to expect from the opposition but I expect Camden to be champing at the bit ready to go and consequently we will be in for a strong tough game.
“I would be confident though that we can carry on where we left off next week and once again we will be going all out for the win.”
As for Sunday, the first 20 minutes are crucial for a Camden team who might try to get into Hendon’s faces and show them no respect. It’s also important they mark tightly at set-pieces as if you give Hendon an inch they will take a mile.
JC team news: Camden have lost Luke Brookner (knee) to injury and both Guy Marks (back) and Ben Harris (ribs) face late fitness tests. New signing Sasha Nussbaum is unavailable this week as is Michael Khalastchi. James Brookner and Rick Harris will be hoping to feature for their debuts. And there’s some “very positive news for Camden fans” as skipper Rob Hershkorn is expected to be fit following a short spell on the sidelines with a wrist injury. New signings Steven Murad and Yoel Deal are set to make their debuts while David Khalastchi fills in for his brother at centre back.
Hendon’s Dave Seitler is away and travelling, also away are Alex Rosenthal and Ben Kon. Yoav Kestenbaum and Avi Korman return and Yisroel Lewis is in line for his debut after last week’s transfer from London Rovers.
Venue – Capital City, Ref – Martin De La Fuente
JC star man: Simon Peterman (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Camden 1 Hendon 4
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FC TEAM A vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS A
FC Team will be looking to build on an excellent season as they prepare to host the Lions.
Ben Gilbey put together an super squad last season who will be looking to make their mark against the big guns again.
When looking through the fixtures, Gilbey would’ve pinpointed this one, knowing it’s important they turn Old Camdenians into a fortress.
Gilbey told JC Sport: “From what I understand, Lions have bolstered their squad and are much improved on last year, so I am expecting a hard game.
“We have added five or six players to our squad this year and we are coming back stronger than ever.
“You can expect plenty of goals and attractive football to be on display from FC Team A throughout the year.
“We are certainly looking to challenge at the top this year and I believe we have the ability and talent to win against any team. Sunday guarantees to be a great game.”
The Lions huffed and puffed against Oakwood last week but they were always struggling after the concession of an early goal.
Ahead of Sunday’s short trip to Mill Hill, joint-manager Johnny Meltzer told JC Sport: “We’re hoping to gain our first points of the season.
Meltzer will be absent on Sunday, leaving David Pollock to run the team on his own. It will be all about the individual and collective battles on Sunday and I can see it finishing honours even.
JC team news: The Lions will be able to call upon several of their university boys so rotation is on the cards following the defeat against Oakwood.Marc Brahams is injured so Ed Bloom returns between the sticks against one of his former club.
Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – John Nitka
JC star man: Ed Bloom (Lions)
DC Prediction: Team 1 Lions 1
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HARMEN vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
Harmen are looking to hit the ground running in our first game of the season.
“After a long pre-season, “the boys can’t wait for the competitive football to begin,” according to Sam Castle.
The club have been busy bringing in top quality over the summer, with Adam Arnold, Alex Taylor, Johnny Haik and Elliot Stern quality additions, as well as the experience of Aviel Schwarz. He brings with him a winning mentality, having recently helped London Maccabi Vale clinch promotion in the Chess Valley (cricket) League.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Castle told JC Sport: “We know Redbridge will be a very tough game. They have a great blend of youth and experience and will be competing for trophies this season.
“With seven boys still on their summer holidays, we will not be at full strength, however our squad is more than capable and I back us to take all three points at Hadley.
Redbridge fans are looking forward to seeing the hat-trick of Sollosi brothers in one team. Boss Jon Jacobs predicts big things from of James Berkley while any team with Steve Summers up top will always be a handful.
If RJC can find a regular supply of goals from elsewhere as well they could be in business but I think it will finish deadlocked on Sunday.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Laurie Benson
JC star man: James Berkley (RJC)
DC Prediction: Harmen 1 RJC 1
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DIVISION ONE
BRADY MACCABI vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B
I’m predicting big things from Brady this season and think it would be fair to say that anything other than a top two finish would be deemed a failure.
Boss Josh Dagul is keeping his cards close to his chest ahead of the visit of defending champions Redbridge who will be much-changed to the team who won the title in May.
Jason Goldstein is at the helm for RJC this season. Things have been pretty hush-hush over the summer but I expect them to do their talking on the pitch.
RJC secretary Richard Bronzite tipped Brady and Raiders to be his team’s biggest rivals and we’ll know a lot more about both teams come Sunday lunchtime.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Paul Dobkin
JC star man: Josh Newman (Brady)
DC Prediction: Brady 2 RJC 0
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LONDON ROVERS vs FC TEAM B
There’s an intriguing match in store here as Division Three champions London Rovers tackle Division Two winners FC Team B in what promises to be a top quality affair.
Mitch Young’s men are my tips for the title. They won their division with plenty to spare last season and have made some astute additions in the transfer window.
Young is as hungry as ever to add more trophies to the cabinet and he’s relishing the prospect of a tough opening fixture.
“I am very excited to get going,” he told JC Sport. “We had a memorable season last season winning the double and this season we want more silverware.
“We know it is going to be difficult up against a team that is not used to losing, but I am expecting nothing less than a win, lots of goals and a performance that sets down a marker in the division.
“This will be Andy Sheena's first full season in years and I have set him a target of 30 plus goals. It should be easy for someone of his quality to achieve that.
“Jake Weiner returns in the heart of the defence and I am expecting big things from him as well. The squad is bigger and better than last year so just watch us fly.”
Rovers made a terrific start against SPEC FC last week. Jeremy Brown won my Manager of the Week accolade after inspiring his team to a magnificent turnaround from 2-0 down at half-time. They did it the hard way, losing a man in the second half as they rallied to score three times, with Josh Bharier firing the winner.
But Brown knows things will be much tougher this week against a side who do not concede cheaply. I’d go as far as saying this will be the hardest history since their arrival.
He told JC Sport: “We should take a lot of confidence from last week, not only winning our first game but the manner in which we did it. There was a lot stacked against us, having so many new players involved for the first time, losing 2-0 at half time and going down to ten men.
“We certainly didn't play as well as I would have liked but our spirit and determination was exceptional. We showed a lot of character.
“This Sunday will be our toughest test as a football club, I'm sure of that. FC Team are a quality side who have been together for a very long time and that shows in the way they play. They know how to play the game the right way.
“I’d be very surprised if they weren't in the top two at the end of the season. Having said that we're not just going to give them the three points, we're going to give them a proper game. We wouldn't bother turning up if we didn't believe we could get a result.”
JC team news:Ben Binder is our for three weeks with an ankle injury for FC Team, while James Korn is on holiday. Team welcome back Jake Weiner, Gideon Moss and rising star Dylan Young into the squad.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Steve Levy
JC star man: Andy Sheena (Team)
DC Prediction: Rovers 1 Team 2
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B vs FAITHFOLD B
Elliott Bloom has vowed to put things right at Faithfold. None of their teams won on Matchday One and the B’s will find things no easier on their road trip to Raiders.
He knows they must improve in all areas of the pitch, although having kept hold of Ben Zloof over the summer, they have a top-notch goal-scorer, something not every team has.
Bloom sounded quietly confident ahead of Sunday’s trip to NLR. He told JC Sport: “We have a couple of key players back that allows us to make some important changes to the side.
“We know it’s going to be a tough game, but I believe we are up to the challenge.”
Many people are tipping Raiders for glory this year. They have very few obvious weaknesses and in Adam Posner they have a player who leads by example every week.
They look full of goals and manager Jonathan Adelman will encourage them to go for the jugular from the first whistle on Sunday.
Venue – Brunel, Ref – Quentin Fox
JC star man: Jake Gilbert (NLR)
DC Prediction: Raiders 3 Faithfold 0
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REAL SOSOBAD vs LOS BLANCOS
Sosobad made a real statement of intent against Faithfold, with new striker Dan Orgel propelling them to the top of the division.
The acquisition of Orgel gives them another dimension and he will be a key figure again on Sunday as Real look for a high-octane performance.
Boss Dan Shafron is confident they can make it two out of two against Blancos. He told JC Sport: “We expect a tough test. We met last season in a friendly and they were well organised and clinical so I fully expect them to pose a similar threat.
“Nevertheless we are going into the game with controlled confidence. The team played well last week but there is still much to improve on if we are to fulfil this season’s ambitions.”
Blancos were slow out of the blocks against Oakwood last week. Manager Jon Ison is looking for an instant reaction from his troops in a game where they must bring their A-game to the table.
Ison told JC Sport: “We're looking forward to the game on Sunday, it's just a shame it's so far away in Essex.
“Last week's result was disappointing after a strong first half performance, but in the end our poor pre-season took its toll, and lack of three substitutes didn't help thing.
“We are looking to bounce back this week in what will be a tough game against Sosobad. They are good team, but we know that we are too. Whilst we wait for Jono Gaon to make his comeback, other members of the team need to step up to the plate even more so, and we have the quality of the likes of Hersh, Kutner, J Belchak (and others) who can get amongst the goals and should all be aiming for double figures this year.
Home advantage will be key as Sosobad maintain their winning start.
Venue – 7 Kings High School, Ref – David Lazarus
JC star man: Adam Goodman (Real)
DC Prediction: Sosobad 2 Blancos 1
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WOODFORD WANDERERS vs SPEC FC
It’s been a busy summer for Woodford, with Jerome Marks joined by Daryl Kay in the dug-out this season.
The dynamic duo are keen to wipe the slate clean and they’re ready to put down their marker against SPEC FC.
Marks told JC Sport: “The boys are champing at the bit and Sunday can’t come soon enough, especially for skipper Adam Poole, who co-manager Daryl Kay has described as “Woodford’s very own Frank McLintock.”
SPEC FC made a bad start against London Rovers. They had the game won at half-time but a lack of concentration in the second half ensured they had nothing to show for their efforts.
Zack Neiman registered on debut while there was also a goal for Paul Harris but it’s important they cut out the mistakes at the back on Sunday.
SPEC’s Ricky Lawrence told JC Sport: “Despite having a pretty big squad, we are being stretched to the max this weekend and may even need to call up SPEC legend Simon Lee from the wilderness.
“We know it's going to be a really difficult game though and we'll have to be at our best to get anything from it."
I think SPEC FC will have a go, but I think the Woodford boys will have too much on the day.
JC team news Woodford have a near fully fit squad to choose apart from Ricky Fox and Harrison Midda who are both away on international duty. There may be a couple of debuts, including one for Amir Nathan, who has impressed with some solid performances during pre-season.
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – Neal Cohen
JC star man: James Ryan (Woodford)
DC Prediction: Woodford 3 SPEC FC 1
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DIVISION TWO
BOCA JEWNIORS vs SCRABBLE FC
Ray Abrahams was happy as Larry after last week’s opener against Bilbaum. Three goals and a clean sheet. Abrahams loves it when a plan comes together.
Zak McLeod, Adam Pearlman and Mitchell Green found the net in the perfect team performance capped by an outstanding shift in goal from the evergreen Adam Solomons. Ben Law faces an almighty battle to win back the gloves upon his return.
Ahead of Sunday’s trip to the Wood, Abrahams told JC Sport: “I will be impressing on my players that we have to keep the momentum going after three wins on the spin and we need to use last week’s first day win as a platform to launch our season.
“Nothing less than three points will be acceptable as we look to keep in with the leading teams in this division.
'We welcome back one or two key players from holiday on Sunday and will give Boca the greatest respect despite their opening day defeat last Sunday.”
It’s clear Boca have the utmost respect for Scrabble. But it’s crucial they don’t show them too much respect once that first whistle blows, or else they will get punished.
Things can only get better following last week’s horror show against Hendon. Or so manager Gabriel John would hope.
He told JC Sport: “Scrabble are a fantastic side, and having watched Zak McLeod play on a number of occasions I know what a talent he is.
“The bus is in neutral, parked and fully stocked up for the long haul.”
Scrabble are on a bit of a roll at the moment, so I'm going to go for them again.
Venue – Aycliffe Road, Ref – Barry David
JC star man: Adam Pearlman (Scrabble)
DC Prediction: Boca 0 Scrabble 4
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CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI vs TEMPLE FORTUNE
James Sinai’s strike gave Catford fans a real lift as they came away from their meeting against a strong Faithfold team with a point.
Player-manager Jeff Gotch put them ahead with a stunning free-kick but we went from seeing the best of Catford to the worst of Catford as they conceded twice to trail before Sinai ruined Faithfold’s celebrations.
Gotch expects a different kind of test against a Fortune team he knows well. He told JC Sport: “Another week, another challenge. I’m expecting no less than 18 players to make themselves available for Sunday, so it’s going to be tricky.
“The boys know we have a good squad and two players for every position, so it’s up to them to show me who should make the matchday 14.
“Unbeaten in my competitive managerial career - albeit one game - I was considering retiring but the thought of three points this week excites me too much to follow it through!
“All the boys are raring to go and know that this Sunday will be no easy game against a well-drilled Fortune side who like to get stuck in.
“I have a lot of respect for Fortune being that they are the first club I ever played for on a Sunday morning some 16 years ago, but we won’t be doing them any favours this week. We fully intend to go into Yom Tov with a well-earned three points.”
This weekend will see a newish look for TFFC with some new signings and renewed optimism.
The first game of the season is more about the result than performance but manager Jonathan Cohen wants both ahead of the team’s 40th season in the league.
He told JC Sport: “We cannot play the way we did against Catford during pre-season in the first half and we know that if they take a lead it will be much harder to turn it around in a competitive match. We hope as always for a win.”
Attack will be the best form of defence on Sunday, and I’m going for a high-scoring draw.
JC team news: Adam Klein misses out with a knee injury for Catford who have lost Nick Goodmaker for the season after he did his ACL, but apart from that they have a fully fit squad.
Venue – Meadow Park, Ref – Stuart Ansher
JC star man: Callion McGregor (Boca)
DC Prediction: Catford 3 Fortune 3
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MACCABI LONDON LIONS B vs ATHLETIC BILBAUM
Bilbaum made a poor start and I don’t expect them to find things must easier against Lions, my pre-season tips.
It’s the beginning of a new dawn for the Rowley Lane side who are expecting a bumper crowd which may or may not include Baum Baum the Elephant.
Samuel Marchant has been putting the finishing touching to his pack and they are ready to turn on the style.
"Sunday's visit of Bilbaum is the true starting point for the journey of this team,” Marchant told JC Sport. “We've had a solid pre-season, with two victories from two against higher league opposition, which has left us with added confidence.
“However, we are aware that we need to be careful in how we approach each match. With a few squad members returning from their holidays last week, we have a near full-strength squad for Sunday.
“We are missing three or four players due to certain private circumstances but otherwise we feel ready.
“We hope to get off to a very positive start on the weekend, and there is no place better to do that than on the top pitch at Rowley Lane, in front of a capacity crowd in the newly built Alan Mattey Stand.”
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Mike Cowan
JC star man: Ed Brafman (Lions)
DC Prediction: Lions 2 Bilbaum 0
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C vs REAL HENDON
NLR are on a mission to finish in the top two and they will make their intentions clear from the off against new boys Real Hendon.
Manager Zack Gothelf told me it’s been “a busy summer at Raiders HQ,” with Josh Bloom and Andy Cohen leaving the club to join division rivals Lions and Scrabble respectively, but they've cushioned the blow of losing two quality players with some excellent additions.
Gothelf was delighted to seal the registrations of Alex Elf, Charles Brauntsein and Jack Lewis. “All impressed for us during pre-season,” he said.
Gothelf will encourage his players to play with freedom as they look to start on the front foot. He told JC Sport: “Obviously the league restructure means we're now in the bottom division despite a very positive season last year, but we've shrugged off that disappointment and had a very good pre-season and we're ready to go again in what will certainly be a very competitive league.
“It's difficult to know what to expect from a new team, but we know there's a few familiar names in the Real Hendon setup who are all good players. It will certainly be a difficult test for us, but we need to set down a marker for this season early and get a good result.”
JC team news: Alex Elf and Jack Lewis are set to make their Raiders debuts.
Venue – Hertswood, Ref – Neil Cooper
JC star man: Jack Lewis (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Raiders 3 Real 0
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FAITHFOLD C vs L’EQUIPE
L’Equipe cannot wait to start their season ahead of what promises to be a big test against Faithfold.
The Superhoops are dark horses to win the title, with Dan Kosky, one of the best keepers in the division, Josh Barnett and Dan Gordon, two outfield players who would walk into the Division Three Rep Team. And if you throw Dave Sherman into the mix you have a very decent team.
They started with a 2-2 draw at Catford in a game they led 2-1 and will be confident of recording their first win of the season.
L’Equipe are under new management this season and things are looking good under Nick Stern.
He told JC Sport: “We’re excited about the new season. We are missing a number of key individuals for Sunday due to holidays and a small fracture of Grant Bates’s arm, but have a great squad of 14 that following a very effective pre-season are chomping at the bit to get going.”
I can see this being an open and entertaining affair. Rob Shooman wouldn’t have been happy about the concession of a late equaliser but I can see Sherman, Barnett and Gordon being key figures as they edge home on Sunday.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – Callum Foster
JC star man: Dave Sherman (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 2 L’Equipe 1
