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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
MACCABI LONDON LIONS WHITE vs MACCABI LONDON LIONS BLUE
Record signing Liron Mannie is expected to go straight into the Blue team for the big derby against the Whites at Rowley Lane.
You can get 7/4 on Sam Marchant’s troops completing the double over a White team they thumped 4-1 last month. Josh Bloom (2 – after a ruling from the controversial goals panel!), Jono Gaon and Charlie Cohen were the goal men that day.
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS FROM MATCHDAY ONE
The focus has been on the Blues this week, with shirt sales with Mannie on the back “going through the roof,” according to one source at the Lane, with queues going into the Dinosaur Safari Adventure Golf!
But Marchant and co know that even with Mannie, things could be much tougher second time around. “I start every weekend saying that 'this week is going to be a tough game’ but the fact is, every game in this division is,” Marchant told JC Sport.
“Coming off the back of two defeats in two separate cups we are desperate to get back to winning ways.
“Lions White will also be desperate, desperate to beat us and get revenge for their loss against us back on the first weekend of the season.
“I expect Gershfield to have a larger squad to choose from this weekend and the game to have a much closer scoreline than last time.
“We are missing three of the starting XI from the last time we played them but we have a fantastic squad in both strength and depth and I know the boys who will be stepping in their boots this week not only are very capable but also have a point to prove as they all want as much game time as possible.
“Although I expect a closer game, I am sure we have enough to make it two wins from two in the league."
Lions White are on a revenge mission. Buoyed by their first win of the season, James Gershfield’s men are good to go.
“We’re really looking forward to the second Lions derby of the season and we have to put things right in the league,” a determined Gershfield told JC Sport.
“We came through a difficult tie last Sunday against a hard-working Real Hendon side, but we got our first win of the season which was massive for us.
“We need to ensure we keep the momentum going and a group we know it’s a must-win for us and we will be doing everything we can to ensure we get the victory and get our revenge on what was a very disappointing performance a few weeks back when we last met. Home advantage will no doubt help us ;-) NOT!
JC team news: The return of Jamie Jackson in the middle of the park is “a massive boost” for the Whites. Jack Mattey also returns to the squad following his first team call-up last weekend. Mikey Perkins also returns to the squad.
Although this is a big call, I believe the Blues are more of a team at the moment and that, plus the Mannie factor, will be decisive in a real thriller.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
LIONS WHITE (from): Dec Green, Sam Arghebant, Will Beresford, Jamie Cohen, James Gold, Richard Gold, Declan Green, Ben Lampert, Kiki Levin, Jack Mattey, Max Misrahi, Connor Perl, Jamie Jackson, Mikey Perkins
LIONS BLUE (from): James Harpin, Adam Abadi, Nathan Anders, Ed Brafman (capt), Zach Perez, Nick Barnett, Daniel Behar, Sammy Kingston, David Nezri, Benji Weinberger, Josh Bloom, Jono Gaon, Liron Mannie, Charlie Cohen, Zak Linden, Alex Rose, Michael Kenley, Zack Linden
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Luke Steele, KO – 10am
JC star man: Liron Mannie (Blue)
DC Prediction: White 1 Blue 2
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A vs BRADY MACCABI
The JC cameras will be out in force to see Raiders’ rematch against Brady – with the hosts knowing maximum points would take them level with the early season pace-setters.
Both teams have been hit hard by major injuries – with Raiders losing defender Alex Bloch in the corresponding fixture while Brady lost Rob Cohen in their win over Lions Blue last Sunday.
PHOTOGALLERY FROM MATCHDAY ONE
I have a feeling NLR chief Dan Shafron won’t have to say much to his players to motivate them before kick-off. He told JC Sport: “Despite our great comeback win against Lions White, we’re still aggravated by our last performance against Brady and more importantly by the terrible injury that Alex Bloch sustained during the game.
“The boys are motivated to put right the wrongs that only we created for ourselves and get the three points for Blochy.”
It will be interesting to see if Shafron opts to replace Liron Mannie following his move to Rowley Lane. “Liron had a superb three years with NLR and we wish him all the best and every bit of success moving forward,” said Shafron.
“He and I spoke many time for around nine months about his ambitions, as has Rob Richman in the past, and we have always supported and urged him to test himself at the highest level possible.”
Brady returned to winning ways last weekend, with Reiss Mogilner maintaining his goal-a-game record in the 2-0 triumph over Lions Blue.
But managers Joel Nathan, Josh Dagul and Elliot Dagul know things could be tougher against the former champions in a big test of their credentials and temperament.
Nathan told JC Sport: “We know NLR will be out for revenge after our previous league meeting a couple of weeks ago so are expecting a very tough game.
“We are missing a Rob Cohen due to his injury last week as well a couple of others being away so we will be stretched but I have no doubt the guys we will be bringing in will do the job required of them.”
I can see Raiders flying out of the traps and if they can pinch an early goal and keep a tight rein on Mogilner, the points could stay at Brunel. For me, the tussle between the in-form Ricky Rinder and Jonny Kay will be key.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
RAIDERS (from): Jonathan Green, David Cohen, Joe Cohen, David Dinkin, Adam Joselyn, Ben Joseph, Jonny Kay, Jordan Nathan, Zack Neiman, Josh Pistol, Jacob Gold, Josh Green, Jake Gilbert
BRADY (from): Harry Fine, David James Cohen, Jordan Nathan, Richard Rinder, Marc Rister, Zach Skry, Henry Ziff, Stanley Offord, Ben Kohler, Reiss Mogilner, Josh Newman, Sam Castle, Brad Dryer, Nathan Harrod, Clark Norton
Venue – Brunel, Ref – Bob Caplin, KO – 10am
JC star man: David Rhodes (Raiders)
DC Prediction: Raiders 2 Brady 1
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A vs CAMDEN PARK
Camden Park beware! That’s my message ahead of Sunday’s long trip to Fairlop.
Redbridge will still be hurting from their shock cup exit at the hands of Faithfold A and with their hopes of Anekstein Cup glory over for another season, they will be out to prove a point on Sunday.
The early dismissal of Ben Sollosi hampered their chances, but managers Jon Jacobs, Craig Sandford and Danny Hakimi would have been shocked about how they were picked apart. In the end goalkeeper Dan Lee saved them from a much heavier defeat.
With Steve Summers and Daniel Garfinkle up top and RJC back on their favoured grass surface, I can see them getting the better of Camden.
No doubt Stirling Kay will come with a game-plan to frustrate, and Dan Orgel will be keen to impress against his former club, but over the course of 90 minutes I think Redbridge have too many options and the players know failure on Matchday Six isn’t an option.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
REDBRIDGE (from): Dan Lee, Danny Berg, Sam McCarthy, Richie Caplin, Adam Shafron, Craig Sandford, Brad Frankel, Russell Goldstein, Danny Hakimi, Nate Kashket, Scott Oldstein, James Berkley, Daniel Garfinkle, Steve Summers, Seth Walmer
CAMDEN (from): Theo Azouz, Max Gordon, Alon Hershkorn, Scott Kay, David Khalastchi, Guy Marks, Daniel Orgel, Jake Saunders, Danny Sherman, Dom Cheniart, David Kanzen
Venue - Fairlop, Ref – David Lazarus, KO – 10am
JC star man: Sam McCarthy (RJC)
DC Prediction: RJC 2 Camden 0
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DIVISION ONE
FAITHFOLD A vs OAKWOOD B
Avi Markiewicz has been in demand since masterminding Faithfold’s epic cup upset over Premier Division Redbridge last Sunday.
His players did him proud, with Luis Nagten rewarded for his outstanding performance with the accolade of JC Player of the Week. The Faithfold board were clearly impressed and I’ve heard the offer of a new two-year contract extension is on the table for Markiewicz.
Their focus returns to the league as they look to extend their unbeaten run to four matches. But Oakwood pose a real threat, as Markiewicz explains.
“This week is tough, usually trying to sort a team by Friday is hard but with the three day chag trying to sort by Wednesday who is available and can play is mission impossible but we've just about managed to do,” he told JC Sport.
“Oakwood B to me are an unknown entity but we hope to be competitive and continue our excellent form.”
Jason Stein was in typically festive mood ahead of the trip to Edgware.
“Morning DC, please make yourself welcome in The Oakwood Succah, sponsored by Woolboro Homes. Big fan of Succot. Blanky not so much. He asked for lemon tea the other day but I sliced up an etrog by mistake. He said it was ‘bitter and wrong....like you.’
“The game this Sunday is like a second season debut for us. We were able to see off Catford 3-0 in the cup and that got us going but we always knew we were then facing a three week break due to yomtov. T’riffic yomtov it was as well DC. Chicken, roasties, veg. The works.
“So now we approach a big series of league matches - probably 5 or 6 in a row - that will likely determine how our season goes. That’s the backdrop for a big game against Faithfold.
“They’re a world-class side Faithfold. They turn up with players of such unbelievable quality and experience. If I was Rob Shooman I’d be sleeping very well after that win against Redbridge. We know we’re facing an amazing unit but believe me I am so, so happy to be here and facing them.
“Our aptitude and attitude will need to be spot on against them. We’re looking forward to the challenge. We’ll need to get the ball down and play, complete our passes, take our chances. You know ... all the normal things required to win football matches.”
I can see this being a real cat and mouse affair.
JC team news: Faithfold will be “a fair bit changed from last Sunday's game as a lot of our lads are away for Succot. A few of the boys are back from Yeshiva so will be drafted in”.
Oakwood have a full squad available, with the exception of Dan Ash and Haydon Davidson. Midfielders Daniel Selwyn, Daniel Seligman and Ben Peppi will all feature in a strong looking side.
POSSIBLE SQUADS
FAITHFOLD (from): Avi Markiewicz, Avi Mocton, Aaron Luftig, Josh Wagner, Leor Harel , Gideon Caller, Luis Nagten, Yossi Gordon, David Leiwy, Avi Garson, Avishai Marcus, Chaim Bordon
OAKWOOD (from): Ben Buck, David Cohen, Ilan Scorah, Ben Feingold, Jake Frener, Dan Linton, Dan Ash, Ben Annis, Rafi Bloom, Ben Loofe, Jacob Richler-Kleiman, Daniel Selwyn, Daniel Seligman, Ben Peppi
Venue – The Hive, Ref – Martin Lavender, KO – 10am
JC star man: Ben Peppi (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 2 Oakwood 2
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L’EQUIPE vs LOS BLANCOS
Both teams are low on numbers, but I’m still expecting a good game of football – so much so the JC cameras will be there (we love a game on grass at the JC!)
Table-toppers Los Blancos have won three on the spin and are going great guns – scoring goals for fun. It’s a throwback to the days of Kevin Keegan!
With players of the calibre of Svi Freedman and Simon Moses, they have a bright future ahead. Don’t be surprised if either of these players are in the mix for top honours at the business end of the season.
But they may not be at their free-flowing best on Sunday. Joint-manager Joel Salomon told JC Sport: We’re low on numbers this week, very low, but with the grit and determination showed in last week’s cup win, we’ll be away on the road looking for another victory.
“This team has heart and a habit of winning.”
L’Equipe boss Nick Stern loves a challenge and will be relishing taking on a team fancied for big things this season.
As for his hopes for Sunday, Stern confidently predicted: “We will win!”
I expect him to watch our footage from Blancos’ opening win over Temple Fortune and prepare his team accordingly. But when all is said and done, I’m tipping Blancos to nick it late on.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
L’EQUIPE (from): Mark Glucksman, Richard Alexander, Erez Noonoo, David Prager, Jules Bohm, Rob Simons, Sam Sinclair, Nick Stern, Grant Bates, Josh Lewis, James Mandell, Max Martin, Andy Smith, Adam Solomon, Jon Kay, James Bell, Max Wolfson, Gideon Chain
BLANCOS (from): Gideon Rabstein, Joel Barnett, Jake Doffman, Joe Davis, Luke Strauss, Marc Woolf, Elliot Moslawy, Daniel Sinclair, Luke Strass, Alex Deal, Svi Freedman, Tim Heynes, Avishai Kestenbaum, Gav Krieger, Alex Lewis, Simon Moses, Oli Sade
Venue – Old Finchleians, Ref - Barry David, KO – 10am
JC star man: Gideon Rabstein (Blancos)
DC Prediction: L’Equipe 1 Blancos 2
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE C vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B
It’s round two of the Redbridge Jewish Care derby, with the C’s going into Sunday’s rematch with the psychological edge.
Ryan Silkman and Dean Ben Yosef were the heroes who secured the 2-1 win on Matchday Three and they will be eyeing a repeat performance.
The C’s are smarting from their first defeat of the season, but for me their squad looks stronger. They have a number of players with top-flight experience and I can see them leaving the B’s doubled up.
POSSIBLE SQUAD:
REDBRIDGE B (from): Brad Grant, Scott McKenzie, Adam Noble, Dan Andrews, Paul Biller, Lee Cutler, Carl Dobrin, Josh Kalinsky, Dan Lassman, Daniel Adelman
REDBRIDGE C (from): Ben Rosenthal, Martin Sales, Matt Zartz, Jerome Marks, Darryl Green, Alex Aviram, Jason Patmore, Dean Ben Yosef, Harrison Midda, James Ryan, Daniel Wexler, Tom Alexander, Jamie Bernstein, Ben Oldstein
Venue - Fairlop, Ref – Neal Cohen, KO – 10am
JC star man: James Ryan (RJC C)
DC Prediction: RJC B 1 RJC C 3
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TEMPLE FORTUNE A vs SCRABBLE FC
Ray Abrahams was locked in negotiations with agents this week when I caught up with him ahead of the trip to Silver Jubilee Park.
The Scrabble boss is still trying to strengthen his squad as they look to get their first win on the board.
Josh Pugh rescued them with a late equaliser against L’Equipe last weekend and Abrahams is aware they need to raise their level of performance on a consistent basis.
He told JC Sport: “I've been really pleased with the way our rebuilding of the squad is going and I can't fault the boys for their attitude and commitment as we've shown in our two league games so far.
“We’ve worked hard as a group to dig out two draws after being behind late in those games.
“We are hoping to have two more new players in the squad for the Temple Fortune game if the deals go through in time and that will be four new signings in a fortnight.
“As long as we keep picking up points we will be up there but we do need to get that first win under our belts as quickly as possible."
Simon Linden breathed a big sigh of relief after Fortune got off the mark at the fourth time of asking. He commended his players for showing “fight and belief” – two things they will need in abundance this season.
They have a solid spine, with skipper Adam Speck, Connor Brand, Brett Stead and Daniel Vandermolen really stepping up.
Having conceded five times in their first home match against Blancos, Linden and co will be keen to tighten up and ensure a quieter morning for goalkeeper Lee Fegan. He will remind his players that attack is the best form of defence and I expect there be to plenty of chances at both ends.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
FORTUNE (from): Lee Fegan, Conor Brand, Ricky Fox, Lee Hyams, Jason Lindsay, Eshed Rahav, Adam Speck, Brett Stead, Gabriel Stone, Daniel Vandermolen, Michael Woolf, Adam Lenz
SCRABBLE (from): Jonny Mervish, Oliver Richardson, Ben Cantopher, Daniel Goldhill, Rob Rodney, Zac Summerfield, Adam Waters, Rupert Wood, Zach McLeod, Josh Pugh, Ben Bowers, Dan Goldhill, Ben Krieger, Lorian Madanes, Tom Prevezer
Venue – Silver Jubilee Park, Ref – Robert Benardout, KO – 10am
JC star man: Gab Stone (Fortune)
DC Prediction: Fortune 3 Scrabble 2
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DIVISION TWO
BAYERN MINCHA vs REAL HENDON
This game will have a real European flavour as Bayern and Real put their promotion credentials on the line.
However, strength in depth will hold the key as both camps are missing a handful of regulars.
Daniel Holder is confident Bayern can maintain their solid start. “We are going into the Real Hendon game in good form,” he told JC Sport.
“The boys have won three out of our four games this season and we are confident of another three points this week against Real Hendon.
“We have some boys missing, however we have great strength in depth and we believe that this is a chance for a couple of the squad players to prove their worth.”
Holder was delighted with Bayern’s battling qualities last weekend, when they came through a five-goal thriller against Hertswood. And they scored two goals of the highest quality, with Samuel Leader and Jake Dayan producing memorable efforts.
“Last week we showed we are by no means a one-man team with goals and assists coming from all over the park.
“Joint player/manager Alon Pinhas returned last week and looked sharp in his cameo and we feel this week will be his chance to announce himself of the big stage.
“While he may not be as rapid as he was back in the day, he is now more of a technical winger, reminiscent of Riyad Mahrez.
“Meanwhile, Manuel Nyman in goal who boasts a 100% win record told me last week he is getting 'bored' in goal and wants opposition teams to up their game and test him a little bit more.
We know a few of the Real Hendon lads and they put in a great performance in their cup tie against Lions so this should be a cracking affair
Real produced one of the performances of the season against Premier Division Lions White last weekend. They came close to recording a major upset against the holders but it’s vital they perform to that level against another of the division’s fancied teams.
"We're expecting a high energy, close encounter against division new boys Bayern Mincha,” Real’s Rafi Addlestone told JC Sport.
“We're confident that building on last week's gutsy performance, we can give a strong account of ourselves this week, and return to our Succah cotbeds with satisfaction.”
Opportunity knocks for a squad player or two on Sunday. So my question to the players of Bayern and Real is who is ready to stand up and be counted?
JC team news: Bayern have a depleted squad this week – player-manager Daniel Holder is in Israel, as well as Benji Albert, Josh Levy, Sam Kanter, Adam Biton and Eli Davila missing while Harry Salter (hamstring) is an injury doubt.
With both player-manager Martin Smulovitch and Rafi Addlestone away, midfield maestro Motty Korman is due to pick up responsibilities for Real Hendon from the sidelines. They welcome back Richie Cohen into the side for his first game this season and Yomi Cohen is back after missing their “glory tie” away to Lions White last week.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
BAYERN (from): Akiva Fink, Nick Cooper, Jake Dayan, Daniel Holder, Samuel Leader, Joe Nyman, Harry Salter, Adam Herszaft, Adam Ellis, Matan Ozin, Alon Pinhas, Rafael Terespolsky, Nathan Hanan
REAL (from): Ben Goldberg, Joe Goldberg, Adam Hersh, Gilad Kestenbaum, Motty Korman, Joel Kutner, Hezzie Raymond, Doron Shooter, Raffy Zysblat, Lolu Hibbert, Gali Kolt, Chaim Strom, Yomi Cohen, Richie Cohen
Venue – Capital City, Ref – Stuart Ansher, KO – 10am
JC star man: Raffy Zysblat (Real)
DC Prediction: Bayern 2 Real 2
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BOCA JEWNIORS vs FAITHFOLD B
There are still plenty of tickets available for the meeting between the league’s bottom two teams – Boca and Faithfold B.
David Garson’s men “ran out of puff” in their cup clash against first division Los Blancos last week, although the gaffer laughed off accusations of too much honey cake during Rosh Hashanah.
JJ Marrache and Solomon Rabson had Faithfold fans dreaming of a big cup upset and a money-spinning draw in the second round, but it wasn’t to be.
Boca’s defensive woes continue. Thumped 9-0 by leaders Fairlop FC, Sefton Monk’s boys were glad to hear the final whistle.
They have only scored one goal in three games, so attack, attack, attack will be the message from Garson.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
BOCA (from): Craig Cole, Craig Edwards, Bradley Handelaar, Tom Houston, Oliver Kyte, Josh Marlow, Chandler Monk, Ben Retter, Sam Simon, Daniel Wolfson, Ami Wynbourne, Lee Benson, Dean Jorden, Anton Nyman, Brett Schuman
FAITHFOLD (from): David Garson, Yiddy Gertner, Stuart Haring, Ben Kfir, JJ Marrarche, Josh Martin, Mike Patterson, Ben Portnoi, James Stanton, Sam Garson, Sol Rabson
Venue – Aycliffe Road, Ref – Paul Dobkin, KO – 10am
JC star man: JJ Marrache (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Boca 2 Faithfold 3
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CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI vs FAIRLOP FC
The top two are ready to rumble as the Cats welcome Aron Dias’s Fairlop.
Both teams have made their intentions clear early doors, setting the division alight with some sensational football.
Catford looked the real deal against Mill Hill Dons last weekend, with Joel Lassman, Jamie Sinai and player-manager Jeff Gotch finding the net.
Gotch was in determined mood in his midweek press conference. “Well Danny, it's a big one again this week against a very strong Fairlop side littered with ex-Premier players.
“As always, we will show them the same respect as every other team and go out there and play how we know we can.
“Both teams are in good form so I'm sure it will be a great game and it all depends on who shows up and wants it more - all I can say is we're in good form and I expect that to continue. I have a good 15 and we're looking forward to it.”
Fairlop were a cut above Boca Jewniors last week. “Can we play you every week” was heard around the ground long before the final whistle.
Kai Vale is on fire and gaffer Dias was delighted with the performance of Daniel Rosen who fired his first MGBSFL hat-trick.
Ahead of kick-off, Dias told JC Sport: “It looks like an early title-decider this weekend. We'll give Catford respect but we'll also give them their first defat of the season.
“It should be a good game, all the lads a raring to go again. The start of the season has hit us hard for injuries with six players currently sidelined, so we need to get through the next few weeks injury free until we get some of the injured players back.
“We should still have more than enough this weekend, as long as we have goal machine Kai Vale at it.”
So hold on to your hats for what promises to be an enthralling encounter.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
CATFORD (from): Guy Ben-Aroya, Richard Adams, Lawrence Bloom, Gavin Fox, Joel Lassman, Callion MacGregor, Yarden Sharon, Jamie Sinai, Richard Winton, Danny Yeshua, Alex Jacobs, Jeff Gotch, Mitch Green, Alex Newman, Matt Bennett
FAIRLOP (from): Daniel Bean, Matthew Berkley, Ryan Cole, Max Freedman, Adam Goldman, Matthew Goldreich, Jordan Kara, Daniel Rosen, Daryl Rubin, Kai Vale, Pierce Prince
Venue – Meadow Park, Ref – Daniel Fox, KO – 10am
JC star man: Lawrence Bloom (Catford)
DC Prediction: Catford 1 Fairlop 1
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FC TEAM vs HERTSWOOD VALE
FC Team are odds-on securing their first league win of the season when they welcome Hertswood Vale.
Mitch Young's men certainly look to have the edge on paper, with their experience squad looking to climb the table quick-smart.
Young told JC Sport: "After a great win in the cup we must get a win in the league to kick-start our league campaign.
"We have seen that in this league the teams are very competitive and if you are not at your best you will lose so hopefully we have learnt from the first two games."
Hertswood joint-manager Jacob Emanuel sounded fearful of an FC Team backlash in his pre-match press conference, with numbers thin on the ground.
"We're currently in the midst of an Arsenal-style injury crisis at the club, whilst a number of players are unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances," Emanuel told JC Sport.
"We'll be able to raise a squad for Sunday but we're unsure which players that squad will consist of. If there's any week to face us, this would be it!
"However, Danny and I still remain optimistic ahead of Sunday. We have more than enough quality in the squad to compete so we'll be looking for a result against a team that look much better than their first two league results of the season would suggest."
JC team news: FC Team will be missing Bradley Jacobs to long-term injury - we wish him well – and Danny Moss (hamstring) but they welcome back player-manager Mitch Young.
Captain Josh Wood, Adrian Leibovitch and Ben Chiltern head up the list of absentees for Hertswood, with Jordan Harris, James Millet and Harry Marlow returning to university.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
FC TEAM (from): David Gordon, Eitan Ben-Zion, Daniel Breger, Jon Breger, David Grossman, Marc Hecht, James Milman, Danny Moss, Adam Rones, Richard Salmon, Mitch Young
HERTSWOOD (from): Joni Hirschowitz, Gal Alkalay, Josh Cohen, Edan Dodi,, Ashley Hirschburger, James Neidle, Bailey Snow, Elio Elia, Simon Englander
Venue - Hertswood, Ref – Phil Peters, KO – 10am
JC star man: Eitan Ben-Zion (Team)
DC Prediction: Team 2 Hertswood 1
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C vs MILL HILL DONS
Raiders were frustrated by the plucky Pirates last weekend and boss Sam Rose predicts another testing 90 minutes when the Dons come to town.
Alex Sherr reminded everyone of his qualities last Sunday but it will need a good all-round performance to put the Dons to bed here.
NLR boss Alex Rose told JC Sport: “We’ve had a decent start to the season, but I think this Sunday we can expect our toughest game of the season so far.
"We’re still smarting from last season’s 7-4 capitulation at their place and will aim to put that right on Sunday at the Ark.”
The Dons are licking their wounds after back-toback defeats in the league. I'm expecting a big reaction, as is their manager.
Boss Brandon Hamme told JC Sport: "Last Sunday's game was disappointing - we didn't play badly but were unable to finish our chances and were outdone by set-pieces on two occasions.
"We will be looking to eradicate these mistakes in training this week. There were positives to take out the game and there was no shame in losing to an unbeaten Catford side.
"This weekend we face another stern test against an another unbeaten side. Despite beating Raiders on both occasions last season, we know it's gonna be a difficult game due to their very strong start to the season.
"When at our best we can beat anyone and with the strong squad available to me this weekend, I'm confident that we can come away with something from Wembley on Sunday morning."
Hamme will tell his players that if a trip to Wembley doesn't get the best out of them then nothing well. Only time will tell if they heed his advice.
One of the reasons they signed defender Josh Cinna was for games such as this. And it will need a stellar display from their star man against a Raiders team packed with goals.
JC team news: NLR welcome back goalkeeper Joel Macadar to the Raiders fold after five weeks out through injury. Others coming back include Eyal Samovich and Sam Roth for this “grudge match” against Mill Hill.
POSSIBLE SQUADS:
RAIDERS (from): Lewis Blitz, Jason Green, Nick Haringman, Ben Kaye, Joel Levitt, Robert Samuelson, Jordan Sapler, Alex Sherr, Liam Stein, Daniel Tann, Ricky Zeiderman, Jacob Gold, Mark Leader
DONS (from): Adam Ben-Harosh, Oliver Burchell, Josh Cinna, Sam Denby, Adam Isaacs, Adam Lisberg, Adam Morrow, Josh Moses, Jamie Nagioff, Richard Reback, Zach Cohen
Venue – Ark Academy, Ref – Steve Russell, KO – 10am
JC star man: Daniel Tann (NLR)
DC Prediction: Raiders 3 Mill Hill 2
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STRAW HAT PIRATES vs TEMPLE FORTUNE B
The Pirates produced their best performance of the season last weekend when they halted promotion-chasing Raiders C.
Boss Elliot Cukier will tell his players that it's all good and well doing against a fancied team, but can they repeat their effort against the likes of Fortune.
After two hefty defeats, Fortune are on a high after detroying Boca. But manager Darren Zitren has warned his players any complacency will get punished by a rapidly-improving Pirates team.
Zitren told JC Sport: "I've told the lads it's important we do not get carried away with the 5-0 win over Boca in our last match.
"We have a fresh approach to each game and we have a strong squad to challenge in this league.
"After having no match last week the lads are looking forward to getting back out there."
Cukier wants the Pirates to turn Tempsford Green into a fortress - a place opponents don't want to visit. It's important they put down their marker against Fortune.
JC team news: Fortune currently have “no reported injuries or absentees for Sunday.
POSSIBLE SQUAD:
FORTUNE (from): Jonathan Black, Steve Black, Adam Blin, Sam Cicurel, Jacob Kalms, Josh Klepper, Gab Saul, Oli Segal, Declan Spiro, Jamie Taylor
Venue – Tempsford Green, Ref – Laurence Thorne, KO – 10am
JC star man: Ben Posen (Pirates)
DC Prediction: Pirates 2 Fortune 1
