JC MSFL Matchday 30 preview

REFEREE OF THE WEEK: THE CONTENDERS Colin Stupack (Hendon Utd SC A vs Redbridge JC A), Steve Russell (NL Raiders A vs Southgate Harmen A), Martin Fox (Jewventus vs Los Blancos)

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JC GOAL OF THE WEEK
Dean Nyman (Redbridge JC A ) - the goal that won the title - rounded Russell Corin in the Hendon goal to fire home and spark jubilant celebrations

JC SAVE OF THE WEEK
Dave Grabiner (Faithfold C) - at 0-0 and down to 10 men, Grabiner produced a point-blank save from a header two yards out, dived low to his right and managed to tip the ball over the bar unbelievable reflex save

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LATEST MSFL HEADLINES

DANNY CARO'S MONTHLY AWARDS

LIONS A APPOINT NEW MANAGEMENT TEAM

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CUP FINAL DATES:

PETER MORRISON TROPHY

Final: Faithfold vs Manchester Maccabi, North London Raiders A - May 15
Semi-final: Manchester Maccabi 1st vs North London Raiders A - April 10

JC CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP
Hendon United Sports Club A vs Redbridge Jewish Care A
April 17 - Wingate & Finchley - 6.30pm

JC BARRY GOLDSTEIN TROPHY
Final - April 17 - Faithfold C vs UJIA
Wingate & Finchley - 2.30pm

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JC MSFL SEASON 2010/11 ROLL OF HONOUR:

Prem Div: Champions – REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A, Runners-up: Hendon United Sports Club A
Div 1: Promoted: North London Raiders B, along with one of Brady Maccabi, FC Team A or Oakwood
Div 2: Champions: TEMPLE FORTUNE A, Runners-up: Brixton Old Boys
Div 3: Glenthorne Utd A or Redbridge Jewish Care C
Div 4: Glenthorne Utd B, Blizzard Storm, Inter Borehamwood, Los Blancos

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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:

PETER MORRISON TROPHY SEMI-FINAL

MANCHESTER MACCABI 1ST vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A
The Raiders will be flying the flag for the MSFL in Manchester on Sunday as they look to set up an all-Maccabi League final against Faithfold A on May 15.

Although they start as underdogs, L'Orange looked in good nick against Harmen last week when Mark Leader, Joe Tankel, Jamie Wolfson and Jacob Gold were on the mark in a 5-0 victory.

Tankel’s stunning individual goal has been the talk of the dressing room although he will do well to get past the rock that is Michael Sacks on Sunday.

Sacksy played for Raiders a couple of years ago, and helped the team get to another Morrison semi-final. They were a Division One team at the time but they gave eventual winners Neasden A a major scare and took them to extra time. They will be looking to go one better here.

Sacks, Adam Lavin and Jacob Richler-Kleiman have been the main men for Manchester this season but it was wonder kid Louie Basso who took them into the last four with an excellent strike against Leeds Maccabi 1st last weekend.

Looking ahead to Sunday, Manchester manager Stuart Delmonte told JC Sport: “We know that will be a very difficult game.

“You don’t get to the last four unless you’re a good side so we’re expecting a tough encounter.”

Sacks will undoubtedly be the first name down on the teamsheet for Manchester and although they have had injury problems of late, I have no doubt they will put out a very strong team.

Ben Tyer, Michael Green and Josh Lewis have also been excellent for the Manchester outfit this season and they go into the game knowing that victory would see the Morrison final being hosted at Oldham Athletic’s Boundary Park.

The Leader brothers – Mark and Matt – hope to bring some magic back from their trip to the Bernabeu this week although they were unable to push through a move to bring Emmanuel Adebayor to the club. It appears that they will have to make do with Igal Yahya instead!

I feel that home advantage will play a big part at Brooklands in a late morning kick-off as Manchester try to close in on another Jewish FA Cup success.

The Raiders have never reached a national final and although they don’t need an added incentive, it will be interesting how they handle the big stage against players such as Sacks and Lavin who represented Team GB in Open football and futsal at the last Maccabiah Games.

I can see Sunday coming down to minor details. May the best team win.

Venue – Brooklands Sports Centre, KO – 11.30am

JC star man: Michael Sacks (Manchester)

DC Prediction: Manchester Maccabi 1st 2 NL Raiders A 1

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JC MSFL PREMIER DIVISION

HENDON UNITED SPORTS A vs NORTH WEST NEASDEN A
The Hammers need a point to cement the runners-up spot but I expect them to take all three as they look to put last week’s defeat against the new champions behind them.

The missed a host of chances against Redbridge last week and they will be looking to fine-tune ahead of next weekend’s JC Cyril Anekstein Cup final at Wingate & Finchley.

David Garbacz’s men were in seventh heaven when the teams met at the end of January. Paul Bentley (2), Josh Bentley, Yishai Last, Greg Corin, Avidan Last and Ben Kon were the marksmen in a 7-2 routing.

Looking ahead to Sunday, Garbacz told JC Sport: "This is an ideal opportunity to get the disappointment of Sunday’s defeat against Redbridge out of our system.

"Everyone is playing for their cup final places and we will be looking for a strong response.

"As ever it is impossible to predict which team Neasden will turn up with but we will expect a tough match whoever happens to show up.

"We want to finish our league campaign strongly and get into a good groove for next week. Our aim is to win and win well our final two league games and by doing so we will end up with more points than last season when we were runners up by one point.

"I expect the players to come back strongly and to put in a decent performance with hopefully a few goals along the way as well."

Neasden still have five games remaining, but given the fact that this will be the first season they have finished empty hands in recent history, Jamie Cole’s motivational skills will be put to the test as they have not won a league match since November.

Another incredible stat is that Neasden have failed to score in three league games this season and have only won two games on their travels.

Mathematically, Neasden could still finish fourth but I can’t see them getting in Hendon’s way.

Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – G. Silver

JC star man: Saul Conway (Hendon)

DC Prediction: Hendon Utd SC A 4 NW Neasden A 1

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NORTH WEST NEASDEN B vs SOUTHGATE HARMEN A
Harmen were soundly beaten by Raiders last Sunday and they will be looking to put on a better show here.

Dan Uzan’s men gave a good account of themselves in the first half before they were swept aside in the second period.

The manager will be looking for a reaction here against the team at the foot of the table.

Ben Murrell was the matchwinner when the teams met in November. His double steered Harmen to a 2-1 victory.

The Southgate boys also recorded a famous victory over Neasden last season that prevented them from winning the Division One title and they will be going all out for a third consecutive win over their arch rivals here.

It’s been a tough first season back in the Premier for Neasden. Their results have not reflected the level of performance although the table never lies.

Having bowed out of the Morrison at the quarter-final stage, they will be going in search of only their second league win of the season in match number 12.

Scoring goals has been the biggest problem for Neasden this season. Between them, Harmen and Neasden have registered 26 goals in 23 games and it’s no surprise to see the bookies have this down as a no score draw.

It’s hard to believe that a team boasting the likes of Danny Daggers and Alex Bowman has struggled in front of goal so it would be foolish to write them off all together.

JC team news: Alex Hershman faces a late fitness test for Harmen after limping off last week.

Venue – The Hive, Ref – R. Benardout

JC star man: Alan Hart (Harmen)

DC Prediction: NW Neasden B 1 Southgate Harmen A 1

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DIVISION ONE

BRADY MACCABI vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B
Sunday is the day of reckoning for the Raiders who go into their last game of the season knowing that victory would see them crowned champions of Division One.

Results went their way last weekend when title rivals Brady were beaten and Oakwood only managed a draw against Harmen B as L’Orange clinched promotion without playing.

Raiders go into the game on the back of two defeats but manager Rob Richman is confident they can go out with a bang at the Hive.

Richman told JC Sport: “Last Sunday was the realisation of a lot of people's dreams at Raiders. The B team was set up in 2004 and in a very short space of time the team has climbed through the divisions and last weekend we secured promotion to the Premier League.

“A lot of credit must go to Jonny Adelman for his support throughout the seven years and to Jonny Cohen who gave the team its winning mentality and made life very easy for me when I took over.

“In addition I will never be able to thank this group of players and all that have represented the B team over the years enough. We have a very special group of players here and I know that although next year will be much more difficult we have the spirit and desire to do well.

“This season Oakwood and Brady have pushed us the whole way and they will continue to do so until the last match is complete.

“I have the utmost respect for Ric's Oakwood side and Josh's Brady team. What Josh has done at Brady this season has been remarkable, to build a new team from scratch as he has done and compete at the very top of the league shows just how good a job he has done. It is the main reason why regardless of where Brady finish I firmly believe Josh deserves to be manager of the year.”

Both clubs have the utmost respect for one another, and I’m expecting a tight encounter between two sides who finished honours even when Nicky Woolf and Lee Platt exchanged goals in a 1-1 draw.

They also met in the Morrison this season when strikes from Lewis Blitz and Woolf earned Raiders a 2-0 win.

As Richman says, Rosenfeld has worked wonders this season but sometimes, crossing the finish line is the hardest part and that is what the Brady bunch have found over recent weeks.

Speaking after the defeat at Chigwell last Sunday, Rosenfeld told JC Sport: "We created chances but couldn't put them away. We were not at our best and haven't been for five games now but we are still confident.

"We still believe and it makes next week's game against Raiders even more important. I think a draw would have been a fair result. We definitely didn’t deserve to lose, but if you don't take your chances we can't expect to win.

"Well be up for it next week though no question about that."

There will be a ridiculous amount of quality on show in Edgware on Sunday. Both teams are blessed with attacking talent but the best player on the pitch could be Brady war-horse Jason Sears, who will always be a threat at set-pieces.

Looking ahead to the crunch clash, Brady boss Josh Rosenfeld told JC Sport: "Sunday is a big game for both of us. Congratulations to North London raiders for promotion. They have deserved it for their performances this year, but they want the championship and we need three points nothing else.

"We need to be on our game. This is their last game of the season and they want to go out winning. Our plan is to give them a tough challenge, but to go out and enjoy ourselves.

"All to play for this week and I'm expecting an exciting game of football with great talent on show at the Hive."

Although Raiders have got half the job done in terms of having clinched promotion, they will want to bow out on a high so it’s fair to say that Sunday will be like a cup final for both camps.

May the best team win.

JC team news: For Raiders Dan Grossman, Lewis Blitz and David Simnock are all out. They are hopeful that Rik Sherman and Stuart Haring should be fit.

Brady will be missing keeper Oli Colmans.

Remaining fixtures:

Brady
April 17 – Camden Park (h)
April 24 – Oakwood (h)

Venue – The Hive, Ref –W. Blake

JC star man: Jason Sears (Brady)

DC Prediction: Brady Maccabi 2 NL Raiders B 2

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FC TEAM A vs CHIGWELL ATHLETIC
Promotion rivals FC Team A and Chigwell lock horns for the second time this season in what is a must-win for both clubs.

The Chigs go into the game on the back of a terrific 2-1 win over fellow high-flyers Brady when top-scorer Glenn Michaels and supersub Adam Goodman saw them home.

Michaels was also on target when the Chigs beat Team 3-2 in January. He fired a double and Dan Castle another in a thrilling contest.

The Essex boys know that if they can finish on 31 points, it would certainly put them in with a shout of promotion. Three points is what player-manager Richard Slater is demanding on Sunday.

He told JC Sport: “It’s Not ideal going to FC Team with so many out. They always give us tough and very close games, but we still have match winners across the squad and are going there to win for sure.

“It’s been a disappointing season, losing some really stupid games to poor sides have cost us, but we need to end with a win and do all we can to force our way to a top three finish which will salvage some pride.”

Truth be told, Young does not want the season to finish as his team are on fire and were 4-1 before last week’s match was abandoned after 81 minutes.

Looking ahead to Sunday, Young told JC Sport: “It is our last game of the season so we are looking to go out and enjoy our football.

“Chigwell are a very strong side and they have gotten the better off us over the past few games so we are looking forward to the test and we are determined to try and beat them for a change.

“All we can do is keep winning and continue to put the pressure on Oakwood and Brady. The pressure is very much on them as they have games in hand but we must make sure we do all we can to finish as high as possible.

“There is a chance we can grab the runners-up spot and with the division so tight you never know what can happen.

“I am happy with the way we have been playing over the past couple of months and whatever league we are in next year it bodes well for next season now we are finally settled.”

It should be a cracker!

JC team news: For Chigwell, Rob Shepherdson, Simon Felstein, Jon Swead, Michael Witzenfeld, Sam Rosenthal, Adam Goodman, Mark Conway and Russell Yershon all miss out

FC Team welcome back Jon Breger and Craig Edwards.

Chigwell squad: Marc Jacobs, Dean Michaels, Adam Shafron, Glenn Davis, Adam Conway, Daniel Castle, Richard Slater, Craig Pearl, Marc Radzan, Glenn Michaels ( c ), Russell Becker, Paul Lenchner

Venue – Old Camdenians, Ref – L. Benson

JC star man:Craig Pearl (Chigwell)

DC Prediction: FC Team A 2 Chigwell Athletic 2

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MONTANA BOCA UNITED A vs OAKWOOD
Second placed Oakwood are right where managers Ric Blank and Alex Schock want them.

The northern boys know they will go up if they win their last three games.

They were left frustrated by a battling Harmen team last Sunday but should find things easier on Sunday against a Montana team with nothing more than pride to play for.

Unbeaten since September 19, the Oaks will be looking to complete a league double over a team they edged past 1-0, courtesy of a strike from Dan Abrams.

Looking ahead to the clash, Blank told JC Sport: “Our point on Sunday has put us right in the mix and we’re fully focused on the task in hand.

“We know all about Montana and expect them to have a very good side out. They’ve got a lot of ability and our games against them are always very tight.

“But the boys are up for the challenge and we intend to fight for every ball and do as much damage as possible.

“We’ve lost Josh Rubin for the season to injury while Ian Tussie and Dave Cohen are unavailable but we will have a strong squad out as always. We can’t wait.”

Montana chairman Raymond Harrod was in relaxed mood during his pre-match press conference.

Having pretty much cemented sixth position, Harrod hopes to end his season on a high.

He told JC Sport: “We’re looking to enjoy the sunshine at the Hive in our last game of the season and are hoping to ruin Oakwood’s promotion hopes.”

Goals have not been free-flowing for Oakwood this season but their defence record is second to none. Adam Levine and Ilan Scorah have been rock solid at the back and I can’t see them being asked too many questions.

I can see Oakwood doing all the running and coming away as deserved winners.

Team news: Marathon runner Adam Osper and, Lee Duskwick (foot) are out but have promised to come to watch. Late fitness test for Gavin Hodes. Chairman Raymond Harrod told me that “he will play even if he doesn’t pass it”.

Remaining fixtures:

Oakwood
April 17 – Harmen (h)
April 24 – Brady (a)

Venue – The Hive, Ref – N. Burns

JC star man:

DC Prediction: Montana Boca Utd A 0 Oakwood 2

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DIVISION THREE

HEATH BANTA vs CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI
It finished 3-0 to Heath Banta the last time the teams met when Stefan Simons (2) and Oli Joseph were on target. I can see it being much tighter second time around.

Injury problems have seen Ben Nathan’s men pick up just two points from a possible nine and it appears that their promotion dreams will go up in smoke.

They drew 2-2 against Zig Zag last week when Jeff Gross and Simons found the net.

Nathan bemoaned the loss of 14 players but applauded the efforts of the remaining 10 who “battled hard for 90 minutes”.

In the end, they were left to rue missed opportunities and they should expect no favours from a Catford team looking to give a good account of themselves.

Looking ahead to Sunday, Catford joint-manager Adam Lewis told JC Sport: “Despite (as ever) a few absentees, we're looking forward to fielding a strong team this week.

“We welcome back Ashley Stokes after a couple of games out who will make a massive difference for us in midfield. There's also the possibility of a true Catford legend perhaps taking to the field for the first time in a good few years, so it will hopefully be a momentous comeback if he does play.

“We're also looking forward to playing on a good quality pitch at the Hive, as Banta's regular pitch at Hampstead Heath Extension isn't available.

“I personally always hate playing there as the quality of pitches tends towards being fairly awful, so this Sunday should at least mean that, win, lose or draw, we'll at least get the chance to pass the ball about a bit.”

I can see this being an open and entertaining affair between two honest, hard working teams. It could go down to the wire.

Remaining fixtures

Heath Banta
TBC – UJIA (a)

Catford
April 24 – Zig Zag (a)
May 1 – Glenthorne Utd A (a)
May 8 – Faithfold C (a)

Venue – Hampstead Heath Extension, Ref – B. David

JC star man: Ashley Stokes (Catford)

DC Prediction: Heath Banta 3 Catford & Bromley 3

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REAL LIFE vs NORSTAR B
There’s every possibility that Norstar will win their last three games but that may still not be enough to help them finish higher than third.

Jonny Bunt’s boys have had an excellent season. They have been scoring for fun and kept things tight at the back. Any other campaign it would have been enough for a top two finish.

Six consecutive victories have come as a result of some excellent attacking football and I can see the visitors putting in another top performance on Sunday.

The Stars have kept four clean sheets and they look good for another one here against a team yet to win this season.

Having lost just one of their seven away games, the chances look good for Norstar, as Bunt explains. “Of our final three games this is the least tough task on paper, especially coming off the back of a great result in a friendly against Brixton Old Boys last week.

“However, you underestimate Real Life at your peril. They ran us close earlier in the season and we threw away the title when playing them in the final game of last season. So we will be well prepared and come out organised and prepared.

“We have a strong squad available, though we are without captain Adam Sandzer and Josh Kleiman, Maurice Franks and Zac Newman. But we understand Real Life have been struggling for players of late so we hope with a full bench to have options to change the game second half.

“The whole club is excited about the various permutations that could see us finish anywhere from sixth to first though our highest ambition is second place and we are confident that we have enough in the side to finish third.

“But who knows, and with games against two of our rivals for default promotion coming next we will need three points on Sunday to set us up for those matches.”

Charlie Bernstein, Paul Franklin and player-manager Jamie Beaumont were the marksmen for Real Life in the corresponding fixture, a match they lost 4-3. The team has lost confidence since that sunny October morning and have eight defeats to their name.

A leaky defence has hampered Beaumont’s best-laid plans and I can see their back five having plenty to do over the course of 90 minutes.

Charlie Bernstein will always score goals but if the rest of his teammates are below par, it could be a long 90 minutes for home fans.

Remaining fixtures

Real Life
April 24 – Glenthorne Utd A (h)

Norstar B
April 24 – UJIA (a)
May 1 – Faithfold C (h)

Venue – Edgwarebury Park, Ref – D. Jorden

JC star man: Danny Pollack (Norstar)

DC Prediction: Real Life 1 Norstar B 4

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REDBRIGE JEWISH CARE C vs FAITHFOLD C
Redbridge remain in hot pursuit of east London rivals Glenthorne but time is starting to run out as they go in search of three points against Faithfold C.

RJC manager Richard Bronzite was seen picking the brains of Jose Mourinho and Harry Redknapp at the Bernabeu during the week but he hopes that ref Adam Yuchetel is more lenient in his handling of the games than the German official at the Real/Spurs game.

With RJC’s A and B teams have finished their league campaigns, Bronzite has a large pool of players to choose from but he told me before flying out to Madrid that the core of Sunday’s team will be C team regulars.

That said, I’m sure David Garson, the Faithfold player-boss, hopes that he’s not man marking Daran Bern. That would be a bit like me against Usain Bolt!

Garson and his merry men have been celebrating reaching another cup final after they moved a step closer to retaining the JC Barry Goldstein Cup with a hard fought win over Temple Fortune B of Division Four.

It needed a goal from Ben Simons to take them through and they have been spending part of the week at the recording studio, rehearsing a cup final song with Chas & Dave in between visits to the tailor to get suited and booted for their trip to Wingate & Finchley Sunday week.

Promotion is the name of the game for Redbridge on Sunday with the club looking to build on the A team’s Premier Division success last weekend.

Garson will do well to get his team focused on their trip to Fairlop as it’s fair to say that several players are already thinking about next week.
What price on the club having a hat-trick of reasons to celebrate come Anekstein Cup final day.

JC team news: For RJC, Marc Silver, Jamie Sinclair, Grant Pomeroy , Marcus Starr are all out.

Remaining fixtures:

RJC
April 17 - Zig Zag (a)
April 24 - Faithfold (a)

Faithfold C
April 17 - UJIA - JC Barry Goldstein Cup final - Wingate & Finchley
April 24 - Redbridge JC C (h)
May 1 - Norstar B (a)
May 8 - Catford & Bromley (h)

Venue – Fairlop, Ref – A. Yuchetel

JC star man: Greg Bookman (RJC)

DC Prediction: Redbridge JC C 3 Faithfold C 1

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TEAM JLGB vs UJIA
Like Faithfold, it’s all about the cup final now for UJIA who will be using Sunday’s game for a bit of fine-tuning ahead of the trip to the Abrahams Stadium next weekend.

They make the long trip to Walthamstow this weekend in what is their last league away game of the season.

The U’s have recorded just win on their travels in the league this term but manager Darren Rolfe has fond memories of their last meeting with JLGB.

Doubles from Matt Radstone and Assi Avital set up a 4-0 victory on a day when JLGB appeared overcome with emotion as it was Jonathan Temerlies’ last match before leaving for the Big Apple.

After the game, JLGB manager Rob Silverman told JC Sport: "We didn't turn up in the first half and, with Matt Radstone on form for UJIA, as well as two or three other very good players, JLGB could not cope.

"In the second half, I was much more pleased with the way we played. Our biggest problem at the moment seems to be converting chances, oh, and conceding goals!”

JLGB go into the last game of the season with one plan and that is to win

Silverman said: “Every member of the team will be up for this one in what could well be JLGB’s last game in MSFL.”

Mananger Rob Silverman will do everything he can to establish a team for next season and is hoping the constitution of the League for next season may mean some players look to move clubs for regular football.

Silverman is hopeful he will have stalwarts Fraser levy, Paul Black, Ian Levy, Oli Shofferen, Justin Freedman and Neil Lux available, although other JLGB legends such as Barry Green and Paul Rich are doubtful.

Silverman added: “We are going to leave nothing on the pitch this week, we will be going for it. A win should hopefully be enough to avoid the wooden spoon.”
The visitors will be looking to extend their good run ahead of the cup final.

Looking ahead to Sunday, Rolfe told JC Sport: “We're looking to make it six without defeat on Sunday and five consecutive wins going in to final.”

Even without Nassim, I think UJIA will have too much on the day, but sincerely hope it’s not the end for the JLGB brigade.

Remaining fixtures:

UJIA
April 17 – Faithfold C - JC Barry Goldstein Cup final - Wingate & Finchley
April 24 – Norstar B (h)
May 1 – Real Life (h)
May 8 – Heath Banta (h)

JC team news: UJIA are missing Matt Radstone (honeymoon) while Ben Nassim and Alex Seligman will be rested ahead of the cup final.

Venue – Peter May Sports Centre, Ref – M. Vandermolen

JC star man: Gary Chajet (UJIA)

DC Prediction: Team JLGB 2 UJIA 4

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DIVISION FOUR

ATHLETIC BILBAUM vs JEWVENTUS
It’s the meeting of the league’s great entertainers on Sunday as Bilbaum entertains Jewventus.

Gabriel John, the Jewventus player-manager, was brutally honest in his assessment of his team this week. Having bigged them up in pre-season, he is more disappointed than anyone that they have failed to hit the heights.

But he’s on a mission to put things right and has promised to bring them back bigger and better next season.

John told JC Sport: “Taking into Sunday’s game my strongest squad of the season, there will still be a good fight for places.

“Even with little left to play for the boys showed real spirit last week until the pen decision.

“We know we have underperformed but with quality players like Mark Simons and Richard Fogelman willing to give it another shot I am sure we will do well next year. Maybe it’s time for the old dogs like me to step aside!

“I’m predicting a good game and one where Fogey and Simons can cause havoc.”

Revenge is the name of the game for the Bilbaum boys. John (2), Jeremy Kornhauser and Fogelman steered Jewve home 5-2 on Matchday Two of the season when Rob Rodney bagged a brace for Josh Ejdelbaum’s men.

The head-to-head between Fogelman and Edward Green is key to the outcome although the Jewve hotshot is kind to remind fans that he remains top dog at the club despite some fans believe that Simons has taken over that mantle.

This has all the ingredients for a sizzling encounter.

JC BIG MATCH ODDS
Fogey to score hat-trick - 8-1
Simons hat-trick - 7-1
John to score from the KO - 100-1
John to try from the KO - book closed
Aron Taylor to score - 25-1
Rhino to moan - 1-1000
Laxy to pick up a mystery injury - Evns
Natie to be on X Factor – 10,000-1
Ref to give pen – Evns

Remaining fixtures:

Bilbaum
April 17 – Los Blancos (h)

Jewventus
April 17 – Glenthorne B (a)

Venue – Hampstead Heath, Ref – M. Lavender

JC star man: Mark Simons (Jewventus)

DC Prediction: Athletic Bilbaum 3 Jewventus 4

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GLENTHORNE UNITED B vs LOS BLANCOS
It was the Weinstein show for Los Blancos last week as Doron and Ariel pulled the strings against Jewventus and manager Joel Minsky will be looking for more of the same against former leaders Glenthorne.

Los Blancos have a real chance to turn the promotion battle into a four-horse race if they can complete a league double over the Thornes.

Adam Hersh was their matchwinner when the sides met earlier in the season and Minsky is hoping for another big performance from his men.

Minsky told JC Sport: “After a poor run of form it was great to get back to winning ways last week against Jewventus, and with a few other results going our way there is still a possibility of winning the league if we win our remaining four games.

“The boys are really up for it, and if they can channel their motivation into a performance on the pitch come Sunday then I'm confident we can pick up three points.

“We beat Glenthorne back in November, and I don’t see any reason why winning again should be beyond us.

“With their recent poor run of form themselves though, I'm sure they're hurting inside so we will be wary of a backlash.”

Glenthorne have hit a blip at just the wrong time. The long-time leaders slipped off top spot when they were stunned by Hendon with Liam Stein getting their goal in a 2-1 defeat.

Rumours have it there is growing unrest in the Glenthorne changing room but with the club’s A team not playing again, I can see a top player coming in to help them turn the corner.

I could’ve understood had they lost to their title rivals in recent weeks but defeats to Hendon and Neasden are not what the doctor ordered, especially with the title within spitting distance. It seems a bit further away now.

Elliot Coulton, the Glenthorne boss, is calling for cool heads and demanding “three wins from our last three games”.

With a superior goal difference the equivalent of an extra point, that should be enough to take them up, but they want to go up in style, as champions.

The clash between strikers Fabio Revieccio and Minsky will be worth the admission fee alone.

It should be a classic!

JC team news: After a few late pull outs last week, the Los Blancos squad is almost at full strength for Sunday's game. Skipper Adam Cohen returns to the team, likewise Dany Kon whilst James Joseph is hoping to finally put his injury problems behind him to make his first appearance since February.

Remaining fixtures:

Glenthorne
April 17 - Jewventus (h)
May 8 - Borehamwood (a)

Blancos
April 17 - Bilbaum (h)
May 1 - Neasden C (a)
May 15 - Borehamwood (a)

Venue – The Old Chigwellians, Ref – A. Lewis

JC star man: Adam Cohen (Los Blancos)

DC Prediction: Glenthorne Utd B 2 Los Blancos 2

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INTER BOREHAMWOOD vs PINNER JFC
Vivian Emanuel, the Pinner manager, has announced that he is stepping down at the end of the season and it will be interesting to see whether or not chairman Les Conway has a new man in mind, and possibly in the stands to see the team take on Borehamwood.

Pinner have failed to score in their last four games and I’m predicting another testing 90 minutes against a team challenging at the top.

They have also conceded 50 goals in their last six matches and the chances are, they will leak a few more on Sunday.

Emanuel has been trying to keep chins up in the build-up to the trip to the Hive. He told JC Sport: “We just want an improved performance on the last game. 7-0 is unacceptable and last week’s loss was expected based on the performance we put out.

“We all have a lot to prove again and David and I will make sure this is put in place.”

Borehamwood have played two games less than Pinner but claimed 35 five more points.

Adam Lenz (2), Joel Lassman, Jeff Gotch, Scott Ackerman and Adam Newman were the goal men when the sides met recently and they will be looking to fill their boots in a bid to get the team back to winning ways following last week’s defeat against Blizzard.

The Borehamwood boys go into the game with the second best goal difference and they will be looking to boost their chances of automatic promotion with a performance that would put a smile back on the face of manager Oluseun Thomas ahead of next week’s crucial trip to Blizzzard.

With meetings against Shirley Park, Glenthorne and Los Blancos on the horizon, Borehamwood have to step it up.

Mark this one down as a home banker and if the first goal goes in early, the floodgates will open.

Remaining fixtures:

Borehamwood
April 17 – Blizzard (a)
May 1 – Shirley Park (h)
May 8 – Glenthorne B (h)
May 15 – Los Blancos (h)

Pinner
April 17 – Temple Fortune B (h)

Venue – The Hive, Ref – M. Cowan

JC star man: Adam Newman (Borehamwood)

DC Prediction: Inter Borehamwood 6 Pinner JFC 0

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SHIRLEY PARK vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C
The dream is over for Raiders C who last week missed out on a place in the Barry Goldstein Cup final with a heartbreaking 5-4 defeat against third division UJIA.

Manager Oli Shorts was rightly proud of his troops but he hopes they don’t suffer a hangover against Shirley Park.

The Raiders boys have been one of the teams of 2011 and they will go to Gladstone Park believing they can get something from the game.

Shirley Park have kept six clean sheets in the league this season but they will do well to silence a free-scoring Raiders attack.

Ilan Shaki is determined to help them finish as high up the table as possible and with Gideon Gold and Jason Lindsay in tandem up top, they will go all out for maximum points here.

With both teams willing to go for broke, I don’t think the fans will be complaining come the final whistle.

Remaining fixtures:
Shirley
April 17 – Neasden C (a)
May 1 – Borehamwood (a)

Raiders
April 24 – Temple Fortune (a)

Venue – Gladstone Park, Ref – A. Djanogly

JC star man: Dan Oade (Shirley)

DC Prediction: Shirley Park 3 NL Raiders C 2

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TEMPLE FORTUNE B vs BLIZZARD STORM
Simon Linden’s Blizzard Storm are coming through with a flying finish and they are expected to pick up maximum points against Fortune B on Sunday.

They looked the business at the Hive last weekend when strikes from Alex Rubin and Joel Kutner earned them a 2-1 win.

It was a stylish performance and one that lefting a lasting impression on the manager. "I'm starting to wonder why we have dropped any points this season,” Linden said at the final whistle.

"The last five games I have seen five of the best performances I will ever see as a manager.

"We deserve to be playing Division Three football next season and I really hope we achieve promotion."

It’s hard to believe that Blizzard went down 4-3 to Fortune in the corresponding fixture, but that is what happened as goals from Marc Herman (2), Dean Ingram and Adam Glekin set up one of the shocks of the season. So one thing is for sure, the Storm won’t be under-estimating their opponents.

Looking ahead to the clash, Linden told JC Sport: “We will be preparing ourselves for a very tough game against opposition that beat us earlier in the season and had a great run in the cup recently.

“I'm hoping we can carry on with the work-rate and first class attitude shown over the last couple of months,

“We want promotion and deserve it. It’s a case of one last push. Two wins and we are up.

Fortune pushed Faithfold C all the way in their Barry Goldstein Cup semi-final last weekend. But they received a piece of good news after it was confirmed that Marc Herman has returned to training having thought that he would be out for the rest of the season.

The team is otherwise than that unchanged from last weeks, with joint-manager Rob Jay saying: “We hope to finish the season well and pick up some points.”

Blizzard have been excellent on the road this season, registering eight victories. I can see them notching up another here in what could be a war of attrition.

JC team news: For Blizzard, Michael Woolf and Nick Rubin miss out. Oli Simons stand-in keeper for the match.

Remaining fixtures:
Fortune
April 17 – Pinner (a)
April 24 – Raiders C (h)

Blizzard
April 17 – Borehamwood (h)

Venue – Hatch End Playing Fields, Ref – M. Cohen

JC star man: Joel Kutner (Blizzard

DC Prediction: Temple Fortune B 1 Blizzard Storm 3

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