ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro
23 min read
ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro
Match of the day in the JC MSFL sees a top-of-the-table clash in JC MSFL Division One where table-toppers North London Raiders B takes on Chigwell Athletic. Danny Caro previews the action.
Latest news:
The Maccabi League Rep Team were beaten 5-0 by the Turkish Federation League in the London Inter-League Cup on Tuesday night.
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nb: Holy Mount Zion have resigned from the JC MSFL. Their records have been expunged.
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JC GOAL OF THE WEEK
Josh Wynne - 25-yard wonder goal - a stunning lob from the 16-year-old
JC REFEREE OF THE WEEK
Aaron Djanogly (FC Team B vs Woodford Wanderers)
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SEE JC MSFL LATEST NEWS & REPORTS
JC PHOTOS: OAKWOOD vs FC TEAM A
JC VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: OAKWOOD vs FC TEAM A
PETER MORRISON QUARTER-FINAL DRAW
JC BARRY GOLDSTEIN CUP PREVIEW
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
JC MSFL PREMIER DIVISION
FAITHFOLD A vs LONDON MACCABI LIONS A
Faithfold are unbeaten in five league games and I expect them to extend that record when they look to complete the double over the Lions.
Deadly Daryl Phillips was their matchwinner earlier in the season and with former Lions star Mike Pearson out to put one over his former club, there chances of a home win look good.
The Lions bounced back from their Morrison exit with a stylish 6-1 win over Harmen A. Wonder kid Jordan Marks and Jon Green fired doubles with Yoav Lebens and Ollie Leslie completing the rout.
Faithfold have an unbeaten record at home this season and I can’t see Lions changing that statistic.
JC team news: Faithfold will give a late fitness test to Rep Team skipper Alex Levack who came off injured in Tuesday night's London Inter-League Cup tie.
JC star man: Daryl Phillips (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Faithfold A 2 LM Lions A 0
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NORTH WEST NEASDEN B vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
We’re almost in March and Redbridge have only lost one game all season. The treble is well and truly alive and I expect them to do the business against struggling Neasden B on Sunday.
The blossoming partnership between Daran Bern and Lewis Walker is improving by the minute. A RJC insider said: “There is clearly some kind of chemistry between them.”
Like NWN B, RJC were frustrated that last week’s match against North London Raiders was postponed at the 11th hour. Their last outing saw them smash 12 in the Morrison when Walker and Bern helped themselves to hat-tricks.
Having beaten Neasden B 3-0 last months with goals from Steve Summers (2) and Walker you have to fancy them once more.
Neasden have won just once in the league this season and they were recently embarrassed in the cup by Division Four minnows Los Blancos.
Although they have quality and strength in depth in every position, I believe that Redbridge will have too much for them on the day.
JC team news: RJC have doubts over Rep Team players Adam Hakimi and Daran Bern.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – W. Blake
JC star man: Sam McCarthy (RJC)
DC Prediction: NW Neasden B 1 RJC A 3
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SOUTHGATE HARMEN A vs NORTH WEST NEASDEN A
Revenge will be the name of Neasden’s game on Sunday as they look to avenge a 4-1 humiliation at the hands of Dan Uzan’s men in October.
Ben Graham was the hero that day as he fired home a hat-trick past Max Shields, with Kane Swerner putting the icing on the cake.
Harmen were done to the bare bones last weekend when they went down 6-1 against Lions A, and with the quality on show, you have to fancy Neasden to warm-up for next week’s big cup clash against Redbridge with three points.
After the mauling at Rowley Lane, Harmen manager Dan Uzan told JC Sport: “Unfortunately we were struggling to field a team and it showed. I thought we competed well for 60 minutes and the score was 2-1. But an injury to Paul Andrews before half time and an injury to Ben Murrell meant we played the last 15 with 10 men.
“It's a shame as i really believe we could have done a lot better. But credit to Lions, they played some great football and were patient in their play.”
You could have got 100-1 on Harmen doing the double over Neasden at the start of the season and even though the odds have shortened, only a brave man would back it now.
Venue – Ashmole School, Ref – A. Lewis
JC star man: Elliot Stern (Neasden)
DC Prediction: Southgate Harmen A 1 NW Neasden A 4
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DIVISION ONE
REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B vs FC TEAM A
Promotion chasing FC Team A still have 21 points to play for but they are pretty much in last chance saloon after last week’s 3-2 defeat against Oakwood.
Mitch Young’s men have now lost their last six but they must not give up hope as I expect there to be plenty of twists and turns in the promotion race between now and the end of the season.
FC Team beat Redbridge 3-0 earlier in the season when goals from Richard Salmon, Dan Silverman and Danny Moss.
But Redbridge are a vastly improved side from that day with new boss Ben Norris getting the best out the team. They have won their last two including the derby against Chigwell.
With home advantage, the RJC fans will arrive confident of seeing their heroes taking a big scalp.
RJC striker James Ryan will be out to impress against his former club and I can see him having an impact in what will undoubtedly be a high-octane affair.
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – S. Levy
JC star man: James Ryan (Redbridge)
DC Prediction: Redbridge JC B 2 FC Team A 1
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BRADY MACCABI vs SOUTHGATE HARMEN B
Everyone at Harmen is reeling from the horrific injury picked up by Dan Henig against Raiders B last week, and we all wish him a full and speedy recovery.
Lloyd Becker and Dave Marcus bagged consolations but clearly, the injury has taken a lot out of the squad who I’m sure will dedicate Sunday’s performance to Henig.
The title is still a possibility for Josh Rosenfeld’s troops. They have been one of the teams of the season and I think the fact that they are out of both cups and can concentrate on the league could be a blessing in disguise.
Brady were another side who had their game postponed last Sunday and the Edgware club will be looking to extend their unbeaten record to eight.
Five straight have kept them flying high and they have certainly been banging in the goals with 29 in the last 450 minutes.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Rosenfeld told JC Sport: “We’re hoping for the game to be played. You never know with the weather this week and our pitch at Little Bushey Lane, but we’re just desperate to get back to playing football.
“We have lost one league game this season and that was to Harmen so its time for our revenge. Regardless of the league table, we know anyone in this division is capable of beating anyone on their day. We need to be 100 per cent focused. Lets hope for a Brady/Arsenal double.”
Venue – Little Bushey Lane, Ref – R. Benardout
JC star man: Rob Kleinman (Brady)
DC Prediction: Brady Maccabi 4 Southgate Harmen B 1
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MONTANA BOCA UNITED A vs CAMDEN PARK
Sunday could be a war of attrition at the Hive as local rivals Montana and Camden meet for the second time in three weeks.
And if the first meeting is anything to go by then this should be a classic.
It finished 4-3 to Montana with Virgil Levy, Simon Wax, Shuey Mirwis and
James Sandler on target.
Camden have plunged into the relegation zone but manager Justin Rockberger knows that three points would go a long way to ensuring Division One football again next season. It would also leave Montana looking over their shoulders.
But Adam Osper, Montana’s joint caretaker-manager, believes that they have turned the corner and he will be confident of leading the team to their fifth win of the campaign.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – M. Fox
JC star man: Simon Wax (Montana)
DC Prediction: Montana Boca Utd A 3 Camden Park 2
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A vs CHIGWELL ATHLETIC
There’s some game in store at Brunel where league leaders North London Raiders B entertain Chigwell Athletic.
The Raiders will be looking to complete a league double over a Chigwell team they beat 1-0 at the end of October, courtesy of a strike from Lewis Blitz.
Blitz has been a key player for L’Orange this season. He has been in fine form as the team has gone on a nine-match unbeaten run in the league, including eight straight victories.
They put Harmen B to the sword last Sunday when David Dinkin and Nicky Woolf blasted home hat-tricks.
Both teams have played 13 games this season and going into the crunch clash, eight points separates them.
Chigwell know they cannot afford any more slip-ups in their run-in. They have points in the bag although Brady, Oakwood and FC Team A have games in hand.
The feeling is that the players owe manager Richard Slater a performance after the derby defeat at Redbridge although with Raiders in top form, that will be easier said than done.
JC team news: Chigwell welcome back Marc Radzan, Adam Conway, Michael Witzenfeld, but Adam Goodman (away), Russell Becker (away) Neil Tilley (returned to USA) Paul Lenchner miss out. The Chigs hope to welcome Lenchner back next weekend.
Chigwell squad: Marc Jacobs, Simon Felstein, Glenn Davis, Adam Shafron, Jon Swead (capt ), Sam Rosenthal, Richard Slater, Daniel Castle, Michael Witzenfeld, Adam Conway, Marc Radzan, Russell Yershon, Glenn Michaels, Doron Weinstein
Venue – Brunel, Ref – L. Benson
JC star man: Nicky Woolf (Raiders)
DC Prediction: NL Raiders B 2 Chigwell Athletic 2
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DIVISION TWO
L’EQUIPE vs FC TEAM B
Revenge is the name of the game for L’Equipe who have suffered defeat in their last two outings.
They were beaten by a strong FC Team B side a fortnight ago and last Sunday, Hendon B inflicted more pain, thumping them 7-3.
Frustration got the better of L’Equipe last Sunday as they had Yoni Conway and Daniel Cordell sent off for two bookable offences.
When the teams met recently, FC Team B had Mitch Young and Richard Salmon at their
disposal and the prolific strikers did not disappoint as they claimed three of the team’s four goals.
The win more or less made Team safe for another season but victory on Sunday would go one step further.
If L’Equipe channel their aggression, I can see them taking Team to the wire.
Ref – P. Dobkin
JC star man: Daniel Caplin (L’’Equipe)
DC Prediction: L’Equipe 2 FC Team B 2
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FAITHFOLD B vs HENDON B
Many people seem to have forgotten about Faithfold in terms of promotion this season, but with games in hand, they could yet have a say.
The Hoops have four games in hands on the Hornets who warmed-up for the clash with a stunning 7-3 win at L’Equipe in which Chaim Gothold (3), Danny Steel (2), Gav Noe and Pinty Baddiel were the marksmen
Consistency has been something of an issue for Faithfold of late so if they can get back to doing the basics well and start keeping some clean sheets, then I can see them climbing the table.
It finished 2-2 between the sides in November when Dan Hildebrand was among the goals for Faithfold and I can see him asking questions of a Hendon defence that rarely keeps clean sheets.
Manager Rob Shooman knows that they must put a winning run together or else season 2010-11 could be a case of so near and yet so far for his merry men.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – L. Thorne
JC star man: Dan Hildebrand (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Faithfold B 3 Hendon B 2
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TEMPLE FORTUNE A vs FC MARYLEBONE
Scott Shindler was the talk of Regents Park a fortnight ago. The strapping centre back left a lasting impression with a goal of the season contender. The quality of the strike almost make the tourists choke on their 99 flakes.
His thunderbolt was the icing on the cake as Fortune flexed their muscles with a 6-0 demolition. Rob Benson (2), Ben Isaacs (2), Scott Shindler and Michael Goldberg completed the rout.
After the game, Fortune manager Andrew Souber told JC Sport: "We put in a decent performance. It was good to see Ben Issacs back amongst the goals. Scott Shindler had a great game and scored a fabulous individual effort.”
Fortune go into the game a point clear of Brixton, with a game in hand. Souber knows that if they win their four remaining games then no one can catch them. That has to be their thinking.
This has been arguably the toughest season in Marylebone history. Damage limitation should be the name of the game, especially with Benson looking to make his mark after leaving his shooting boots behind against Brixton.
A hat-trick awaits …
Venue – Hatch End, Ref – G. Silver
JC star man: Rob Benson (Fortune)
DC Prediction: Temple Fortune A 6 FC Marylebone 0
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WOODFORD WANDERERS vs BRIXTON OLD BOYS
One of the games of the day sees second-placed Brixton make the long trip to Redbridge when they take on a rejuvenated Woodford.
Alex Aviram’s men reminded everyone just how good they can be when they stuck eight past FC Team B. Jerome Marks has ordered a new trophy cabinet after taking home yet another matchball following his five-goal heroics. Elliot Winner, Elliot Gold and Harrison Midda joined the party.
Going into the game, the Wanderers have two games in hand on Brixton, who are eight points better off. Sunday really is last-chance saloon for the home side and I expect their fans to get right behind them and make it an uncomfortable experience for John Nitka’s men.
The battle between Marks and Brixton’s James Kaye could prove decisive. Kaye is an ice-cool customer so it will be interesting to see if Woodford try to ruffle his feathers. He is usually a step ahead of the rest but he will need to be on top of his game to stop a Woodford team who will be going for the jugular.
If Marks, Mitch Hahn and Gold play, only a brave man would bet against Woodford at Fortress Redbridge where they have won four out of five.
Don't forget, Brixton beat Woodford 3-0 early season, with strikes from Rob Hershkorn, Danny Sherman and Stefan Owide, so clearly, revenge will be the name of the game for Aviram and co.
Venue – Redbridge Sports Centre, Ref – A. Myerson
JC star man: Jamie Golding (Woodford)
DC Prediction: Woodford Wanderers 3 Brixton 2
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DIVISION THREE
REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE C vs NORSTAR B
The clash between title-chasing Redbridge C and Norstar B is really a quite mouth-watering prospect.
Richard Bronzite’s men were left frustrated last weekend when their derby against leaders Glenthorne A fell victim to the weather at the eleventh hour.
Bronzite will be telling his men to treat Norstar no different. From here on in, they must treat every game like a cup final.
Bronzite issued a rallying call ahead of the game. He told JC Sport: “We have not played for two weeks so I’m worried we will be slightly rusty.” That’s hardly a rallying call, Rich. Is it?
Well try this. He went on to say: “We have a massive game on Sunday. We drew with Norstar first game of the season and know they are a good side. We will need to be at our best to make sure we get three points.” Now that’s more like it!
Well, what have Norstar got to say? If you want more clichés, then read on!
Jonny Bunt, the Norstar boss, told JC Sport: “It’s a big game this weekend, but one we approach in the knowledge that our competitors for third place also have tough games in their run in.
“Ultimately, the Essex sides have records that suggest they have been a cut above the rest this season, but they are fallible and we are the only north London side to take points of Redbridges so far this season.
“I think we will need to score a few goals in order to have a chance on Sunday as they seem very capable of breaching our defence but I wouldn't be surprised if the game ended up close.
“In terms of availability, exams and the cup final have left us a little light in centre-mid, but we will have a strong squad for Sunday's game.”
Cup finals, smup finals. It’s only the Mickey Mouse Cup, for heavens sake!
Bottom line is, this is a game RJC can win and must win.
JC team news: Redbridge are without Jamie Chapman, Steven Clements, James Ryan, Daniel Howard and Marc Jacobs. Elliot Castle plays his last game before his suspension kicks in.
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – M. Vandermolen
JC star man: Hadley Silver (RJC)
DC Prediction: Redbridge JC C 4 Norstar B 2
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TEAM JLGB vs GLENTHORNE UNITED A
Table-topping Glenthorne A should make hay in the mud when they make the short trip to JLGB.
The gulf in class between the teams will be there for all to see in their first meeting of the season.
And to make matters worse for JLGB, Glenthorne are looking to bounce back from a rare defeat as they went down 2-1 against Catford last time out. They were scheduled to play against Redbridge last week so will have plenty of fuel in the tank to penetrate the JLGB backline.
Joint player-manager Dan Lipman filled his boots on the Division Four stage last Sunday. He has been one of the stars of the season, lighting up the dull mornings in Division Three week in, week out, and I was not surprised to see him torment a usually water-tight Inter Borehamwood team.
Some of his teammates opted to stay in bed but Lippy (I know that for this week’s JC Player Profile), gave the Inter defence nightmares.
Now he’s looking to mastermind Glenthorne’s 10th win of the season.
JLGB enjoyed a rare victory last time out with Paul Black (pen) and Joe Cullum registering against Real Life. But truth be told, they’ll do well to get out of their own half on Sunday.
Not even parking the bus on the goalline will save them here.
Venue – Peter May, Ref – R. Cahill
JC star man: Craig Mervish (Glenthorne)
DC Prediction: Team JLGB 0 Glenthorne Utd A 4
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DIVISION FOUR
ATHLETIC BILBAUM vs INTER BOREHAMWOOD
Borehamwood title dreams were left in tatters last Sunday when they finished second best against leaders Glenthorne B.
By all accounts, they finished a very frustrated and disjointed bunch. Manager Oluseun Thomas has been working hard to ensure that come Sunday, everyone is singing from the same hymnsheet.
Borehamwood fans expect their heroes to get back to winning ways on Sunday, against a team they thumped 9-1 last month. Jerome Colmans will have Wembley on his mind, but he fired a hat-trick in the first meeting, and also grabbed a consolation last Sunday., Dom Hallet, Richard Winton, Richard Benson, Mark Meltzer and Joe Levy were Borehamwood’s other scorers in a record win for the club.
After the game, Thomas told JC Sport: We showed a great team spirit and hunger for the title, with excellent come back cameos from Mark Wayne, Paul Katz and Dan Goldsmith, we feel we are able to push on in our hunt for promotion.
"A number of players really stood up and shone, especially as Jerome had his worst performance of the season, bar his hat-trick!"
Inter did not show great team spirit on Sunday. In fact there was plenty of infighting and if Bilbaum can frustrate them early doors, Borehamwood’s hopes of a top two finish could go up in smoke.
With Seb Silverman and Edward Green for company, the visitors can ill-afford to arrive in complacent mood. But I expect them to have enough on the day.
Venue – Hampstead Heath, Ref – H. Raffe
JC star man: Paul Katz (Borehamwood)
DC Prediction: Athletic Bilbaum 1 Inter Borehamwood 3
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BLIZZARD STORMvs SHIRLEY PARK
Sparks could fly as two teams gunning for a top two finish go head to head in Edgware.
There are some fiery characters on both sides and unless ref Dan Cohen is on top of his game, there could be fireworks. It’s clear that Cohen takes no prisoners and he’ll need a firm hand here.
Last Sunday he sent two off from L’Equipe and the chances are that he could need eyes in the back of his head here.
It would be a shame if this game doesn’t make the headlines for the right reasons as there is so much quality on show in both camps. Alex Rubin has been doing the business for Blizzard most weeks, while Shirley’s ginger gems – Jason Lindsay and Gideon Gold – have been scoring for fun.
The Blizzard boys start the game in second spot, five points ahead of Shirley who have a game in hand.
Simon Linden, the Blizzard boss, is predicting a top-drawer performance from his troops. He told JC Sport: "Blizzard Storm are preparing for what is a huge game. We're still missing Sean Ladier who continues to be hen-pecked, but we're boosted by the return of Michael Woolf, Seb and Dan Vandermolen plus Matt Jaffa and Zecharia.
"This is our strongest squad in weeks. When I was asked the question about Adam Speck's future, I can confirm we did receive an offer in region of £30 million which many would think is good business for a 31-year-old. However, he is too important to let go. I'm hoping he will finish his career at the Storm.
"We have six games remaining, all cup finals so it's a very big couple of months for our squad and to have Speck's experience around could prove vital. Game on."
Dave Lusman had a stormer last Sunday, registering a JC Goal of the Week contender from 35 yards. When he hits them, they stay hit and no doubt, Blizzard boss Simon Linden will tell his troops to close him down at every opportunity.
The Shirley boys earned a crucial win at Los Blancos last Sunday but that will count for nothing unless they do it all over again here.
Mark this down as one to keep an eye on.
Venue – Edgwarebury Park, Ref – D. Cohen
JC star man: Dave Lusman (Shirley)
DC Prediction: Blizzard Storm 0 Shirley Park 1
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GLENTHORNE UNITED B vs JEWVENTUS
The Thornes have answered virtually every question asked of them in recent weeks and I just can’t see Jewventus posing them enough problems over the 90 minutes in Chigwell.
Elliot Coulton’s men have won 12 out of 14, but the Glenthorne gaffer hopes that the JC Manager of the Week curse does not strike here.
He was waxing lyrical following the excellent performance against Inter last Sunday. Rumour has it that he actually thought the Serie A team were turning up, and that’s why he asked Dan Lipman to play. Someone please tell him that the real ‘Old Lady’ won’t be showing up at the weekend, just Gabriel John and co!
The Jewve boys have blown hot and cold this season, but they gave an excellent against the Thornes in November in a game they finished on the wrong end of a 3-2 scoreline. Josh Cohen, Fabio Revieccio and Daniel Lassman were the marksmen for Glenthorne.
Revieccio and Lassman were at the heart of everything good about their performance against Inter last Sunday, and I can tell John now, the JC Manager of the Week award is up for grabs here, even if they win ugly. I know that Oluseun Thomas would buy him a lager shandy for starters.
John is a great believer of the theory; the bigger they come, the harder they fall. They don’t come much bigger than Glenthorne in Division Four, and John is promising to pull out all the stops to ensure his men don’t get steamrolled by the Essex championship bandwagon.
John told JC Sport; “We are with a depleted squad to take the trip to Essex and hand on heart (OTR) I think we will struggle for a result. Even without Dan Lassman playing for them.
“Sunday features an emotional return for Adam ‘Rhino’ Diamant, who will take on goal “freak” Revieccio.”
Rumour has it that John is considering starting with two keepers but if a goal goes in early, I can see things going pear-shaped for Jewventus.
Venue – The Old Chigwellians, Ref – K. Gold
JC star man: Josh Hambling (Glenthorne)
DC Prediction: Glenthorne Utd B 4 Jewventus 0
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LOS BLANCOS vs HENDON UNITED C
There was a huge sense of disappointment in the Los Blancos camp after they came off the pitch with a 3-2 defeat against Shirley Park to their name.
For all the highs they have enjoyed in recent weeks, something tells me that manager Joel Minsky will keep his cards close to his chest and rotate his squad so not to give anything away to Hendon C, ahead of next week’s Anekstein semi-final against Hendon A.
Once again, Dany Kon was the star turn for LB. His brace extended a purple patch that makes him a strong contender for JC Player of the Month for February.
Minsky put it down to “a bad day at the office”. He went on to say.: “In fairness, we probably didn't deserve a huge amount from today's game.
"I was impressed though by the resolve we showed by pulling level twice after going behind, however coming back for a third time seemed beyond us.”
The result halted LB’s winning run at match number four. There is absolutely no chance of any LB players pulling out of challenges to avoid injury ahead of the big cup date against Hendon A, especially with second place still up for grabs.
Minsky will also feel that his troops owe Hendon who beat them 2-1 at the end of October, when Kon was once again the LB scorer.
Hendon go into the game on the back of a terrific 3-2 win over in-form Raiders C. Dov Birnbaum, Benny Goldberg and Haki Elias steered the Hustlers to their ninth win of the season. Manager Avi Gelley knows that a 10th win would equate to a respectable season and give him food for thought for next season.
When push comes to shove, I’d be surprised if Los Blancos fail to take something from this game. And I’m predicting goals.
Venue – South Oxhey, Ref – B. David
JC star man: Ariel Weinstein (LB)
DC Prediction: Los Blancos 3 Hendon C 2
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NORTH WEST NEASDEN C vs TEMPLE FORTUNE B
I’ve got this one down as a home banker and must admit that 8-1 on NWN player-manager Louis Taylor blasting home a hat-trick is a tempting proposition.
It would be fair to say that Neasden have under-achieved this season but there’s absolutely no reason why they can’t finish with a flurry.
Taylor and Laurence Spear are one of the best strike forces in the division and they will be licking their lips ahead of the meeting against a Fortune B side who can’t help but leak goals.
It’s hard to believe that Fortune beat Neasden 2-1 earlier in the season. That is the kind of result that has stop Taylor’s troops from climbing the table. But now that keeper Ed Bloom has pledged to stay with them until the end of the season, it’s hard to see the visitors breaching the Neasden defence.
If Neasden are direct and take their chances, it will be a tough 90 minutes for Fortune.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – A. Djanogly
JC star man: Richard Braham (NWN)
DC Prediction: NW Neasden C 5 Temple Fortune B 1
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JC BARRY GOLDSTEIN CUP
Group A
1. Faithfold C Pl. 0, W. 0, D. 0, L. 0, F. 0, A. 0, Pts. 0
2. Heath Banta Pl. 0, W. 0, D. 0, L. 0, F. 0, A. 0, Pts. 0
3. North London Raiders C Pl. 0, W. 0, D. 0, L. 0, F. 0, A. 0, Pts. 0
4. Real Life Pl. 0, W. 0, D. 0, L. 0, F. 0, A. 0, Pts. 0
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REAL LIFE vs FAITHFOLD C
Faithfold’s nostalgic return to Chase Lodge was ruined by the weather last weekend. Now player-manager David Garson hopes that rain holds and he’s able to unleash his secret weapon on Real.
Garson pulled off a major coup when Matt Kleiman agreed to play for the Superhoops in the competition. He’s a player with a wealth of experience at Premier Division level and is sure to get the best out of Ben Simons, Josh Sugarbread and co.
It’s clear that Garston cannot wait for kick-off. He told JC Sport: “We’ve got a full squad to pick from this week. We are hoping that the weather gets better so we can play.
“Last week was disappointing as we turned up at Chase Lodge for it then to be called off.
“We have enjoyed two wins against Life and are hoping for another. That said, league form doesn’t matter in the cup and the famous Edgwarebury slope is certainly a good leveller.
Real hotshot Charlie Bernstein admitted to a packed audience that the Barry Goldstein Cup had kept the team alive this season. Speaking at the mid-season council meeting, it’s clear that the romance of the cup appeals to the boys in orange and black.
Slope or no slope, I can only see one winner.
Venue – Edgwarebury Park, Ref – A. Yuchetel
JC star man: Matty Kleiman (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Real Life 1 Faithfold C 4
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C vs HEATH BANTA
Rob Richman, the Raiders B manager, this week staked £20 on Raiders C to win the Barry Goldstein Cup at odds of 20-1. Clearly, the shrewd Arsenal fan knows good value when he sees it and he’s got the bookies running scared.
The tag of dark horses is one that suits L’Orange down to the ground in this competition. They go into the match on the back of two straight defeats, but I’ll tell you want, Heath Banta underestimate them at their peril.
It’s fair to say that both sides would grace the final at Wingate & Finchley in a meeting that pits together the youth against experience.
The Raiders have really turned things around in 2011 with the Franks brothers – Jack, Harry and Jamie – the hottest property in town. Rumour has it that manager Oli Shorts recently turned down a four figure offer from a Premier Division club. He was quick off the mark to issue a hands-off warning on the multi-talented trio.
Like Raiders, Heath Banta look well-equipped to go far in the competition. With striker Stefan Simons in excellent form, and Oli Joseph never too far away from the headlines, manager Ben Nathan will feel that if they can stifle the Raiders, top spot is up for grabs.
One division separates the teams going into the game but home advantage could be something of a leveller here.
On the day, I feel that fresh legs could play a part and can see the Raiders taking their biggest scalp of the season.
Venue – Hatfield Uni, Ref – R. Caplin
JC star man: Alex Kanter (Raiders)
DC Prediction: NL Raiders C 2 Heath Banta 1
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Group B standings
1. UJIA Pl. 1, W. 0, D. 1, L. 1, F. 1, A. 1, Pts. 1
2. Zig Zag Pl. 1, W. 0, D. 1, L. 1, F. 1, A. 1, Pts. 1
3. Catford & Bromley Maccabi Pl. 0, W. 0, D. 0, L. 0, F. 0, A. 0, Pts. 0
4. Temple Fortune B Pl. 0, W. 0, D. 0, L. 0, F. 0, A. 0, Pts. 0
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UJIA vs CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI
UJIA got their Barry Goldstein Cup campaign off to frustrating start as they came up against a keeper on top of his game.
In the end, Darren Rolfe’s men were forced to settle for a point against Zig Zag in a game when Israeli veteran Assi Avital grabbed a hat-trick in a 3-3 draw.
As a result, Rolfe knows that his troops must get something from Sunday’s meeting with Division Three rivals Catford.
A close game looks on the cards as the teams have shared a win apiece in the league. Bradley Cohen and Tony Plaskow were on the mark as the U’s came away victorious on the opening weekend of the season.
The rematch also finished 2-1, but this time to Catford and they will come to Edgware with the bit between their teeth having toppled the giants of Glenthorne A last time out.
Rolfe knows that if he is to fulfill his dream of a trip to Wingate, the team must tighten up at the back. They have conceded seven in their last two outings and that will be music to the ears of Ashley Stokes, Eli Baraty and Rafi Marom.
I can see this being an open and entertaining affair and it could all boil down to which team holds their nerve in front of goal.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – D. Jorden
JC star man: Rafi Marom (Catford)
DC Prediction: UJIA 2 Catford & Bromley 3
