By, Danny Caro
30 min read
ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro
There's a bumper programme in store on Matchday 8 of the JC MSFL season with Brady Maccabi A looking to get one over 2011 league champions Redbridge in one of the games of the day. Danny Caro looks ahead to all the action and gives his predictions.
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PHOTOGALLERY
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DANNY CARO'S MATCHDAY 7 OSCARS
DANNY CARO'S JC TEAM OF THE WEEK
DANNY CARO'S PREMIER DIVISION TEAM OF THE WEEK
DANNY CARO'S DIVISION ONE TEAM OF THE WEEK
DANNY CARO'S DIVISION TWO TEAM OF THE WEEK
DANNY CARO'S DIVISION THREE TEAM OF THE WEEK
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JC PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Daryl Phillips (Faithfold A)
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JC YOUNG PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Alex Bull (Southgate Harmen)
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JC MANAGER OF THE WEEK
Zuriel Solomon (Faithfold A)
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JC MANAGER OF THE WEEK
Kane Gilbery
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JC BLOOPER OF THE WEEK
Elliot Castle (Redbridge B)
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JC QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Nick Kagan (Camden Park) - "Everyone put in a good individual and collective performance in front of David Wolff - Jewish football royalty - we wanted to make an impression and I think we did that today"
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JC REFEREE OF THE WEEK
Henry Raffe (Athletic Bilbaum vs North London Raiders B)
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JC CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND 2 DRAW
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE:
PREMIER DIVISION
TOP-SCORERS
7 - Lorian Madanes, Mike Pearson (both LML A)
6 - Daryl Phillips (Faithfold A)
5 - Alon Hershkorn (Brixton A)
DANNY CARO'S PREMIER DIVISION TEAM OF THE WEEK
BRADY MACCABI A vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A
2011 champions Redbridge are clicking into gear nicely and I expect them to give Brady a real test at the Lane on Sunday.
Manager Eilon Kennet left Fairlop with a big smile on his face last weekend after a double from Adam Stolerman plus one apiece from Ben Graham, Sam McCarthy and Jack Vangelder earned them three points following a terrific 5-2 success over Brixton.
Kennet singled out centre back Brad Frankel for special praise and ‘the stubbled one’ will be looking to impress once more against a talented Brady front line.
Looking ahead to kick-off, Kennet told JC Sport: “We hope for a win, but expect another tough game.”
We’ve yet to see the best of Brady this season and manager Joel Nathan is confident his troops can up the ante against the big teams at home, Liverpool-style.
Josh Hershman is never too far away from the headlines and Nathan must be considering giving him a free role to pull the RJC defence around.
It will be interesting to see where the experienced Jonny Ellis is deployed and Josh Rosenfeld must be pressing for a start after scoring in a brief cameo recently.
Ahead of the game, Joel Nathan had this to say to JC Sport: "We are looking to bounce back from the disappointment of losing to Oakwood a fortnight ago.
"The boys are disappointed with the start to the season and know we need to start performing. They have put the effort in during training so they are ready for the challenge of Redbridge who we know are a very strong outfit."
I think this game will be won and lost in midfield, but don’t be surprised if RJC nick the points with a moment of inspiration as Kennet has several aces up his sleeve.
JC team news: Brady welcome back Jonny Ellis from injury, but they have lost Jordan Nathan for a period as he is having a knee op on Friday, while Josh Gordon is still absent due to a chest infection. They will also be missing Jon Green who is away on Maccabi GB futsal duty.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Laurie Benson
JC star man: Danny Hakimi (RJC)
DC Prediction: Brady 1 Redbridge 2
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BRIXTON OLD BOYS vs OAKWOOD A
Brixton are still dusting themselves down after being given a lesson by Redbridge last Sunday.
Manager John Nitka put it down to a bad day at the office and he will be looking for a big reaction from his troops this weekend.
Nitka will have to do without four regulars on Sunday following niggles picked up in east London.
Ahead of kick off, he told JC Sport: "I hope to have a strong team as Oakwood are a strong team but will want to give them a game."
Oakwood go into the match on the back of a thrilling victory in the LFA Sunday Junior Cup. Keeper Darren Zurawel was the hero with three stunning penalty saves against the Railway Arms FC. The talented Toby Levy scored in open play with a sensational strike before the ever-reliable Paul Bentley, Daniel Abrams and Levy netted from the spot.
The mighty Oaks are unbeaten in five in the league, but I have a feeling that this could be their toughest test yet as Clowes is not an easy place to get a result.
Managers Ric Blank and Alex Schock will be encouraging their players to get forward as they know they must convert more chances in the final third to challenge for honours this season.
They know the stakes will be high at the weekend. Blank told JC Sport: "We have yet another massive game this Sunday at Brixton. This is exactly what we signed up for when we got promoted last year - big games each and every week.
"Without doubt there's more to come from us and we hope to show it on Sunday.
"We know Brixton well from last season and it's no surprise to see them doing well. They're my dark horses for a top three finish. They beat Lions and have matched every team they've faced so far.
"They've got some very tidy players and I see one (Fierstone) got JC player of the week for his performance against Faithfold. This is no mean feat.
"We'll have to put in a special performance to come away with anything but we will never shirk a challenge."
"The squad's strong for Sunday - despite missing captain Adam Levine," Blank added. "We welcome back Dan Geey and Josh Rubin, who both missed the County Cup win against Railway Arms FC. Victor Librae is also unavailable on the eve of his three-match ban. I can see why the ref sent him off but, in Vic's defence, he looks like that all the time! Dave Epstein may feature for the firsts after a huge bust-up with second team manager Ian Tussle. But then again - he may not. As the Oakwood fans always sing: “Cheer up curly Dave. Oh what can it mean to an Oakwood striker in the B team...Up the Oaks. TBOATJIATL."
Young keeper Jake Doffman looks set for a busy morning against the big-hitters of Oakwood who will look to put in some testing crosses and see what all the fuss is about.
Man for man there won’t be much to separate the teams, but if they play their cards right, I can see the Oaks doing just enough on the day.
Venue - Clowes, Ref – Robert Benardout
JC star man: Daniel Abrams (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Brixton 1 Oakwood 2
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FC TEAM A vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A
The machine that is Hendon United Sports Club A are unbeaten in five in Jewish football this season, but they face a real test of their title credentials when they make the short trip to Borehamwood to take on FC Team A.
Ben Kon (2), Dany Kon and Avidan Last were the goal men in last weekend’s 4-2 success over Norstar, and game in which left-back Martin Smulovitch produced yet another rock-solid performance.
Manager David Garbacz was waxing lyrical after seeing Kon back to his best. He said after the game: “We were excellent in the first half and took control of the game from very early on.”
There were also pleasing signs from Dany Kon, who scored the opener and had another chalked off for offside.
Ever the perfectionist, Garbacz would have been slightly disappointed to see his troops concede twice in the second half and he will be calling for 90 minutes of focus and concentration in a game where they could be under the cosh in parts.
We are really down to the bare bones for Sunday . Alex Gilbert and Ben Lauffer are both definitely out and Greg Corin Jacob Gold and Dovid Korman are all very doubtful . Danny Kon and Alex Rosenthal also face late fitness tests but should make it .
Garbacz told JC Sport: “One of the main reasons for all our successes last season was the fact that we hardly suffered an injury all year and there was enormous competition for places all throughout the year.
“This season we are only a few weeks in and already we are needing to cope with more injury setbacks than in the whole of last year altogether.
“It could be so bad that I might even have to dust off the old boots myself in a trip down memory lane.
“However, we know we will get no sympathy and we just have to get on with it. The good news is that even with players out we are still more than capable of getting the right result and if anything it might inspire those left to even greater heights.
“We will not be under-estimating FC Team at all – they are now a well-established Premier club and on their day can easily get a result against any team as they proved recently against Faithfold.
“We might need to be patient on Sunday as they are often pretty tough to break down and it could be a game with only a few chances – despite our absentees we should still be able to do the business on Sunday although this could well be one where we might need to be at our grinding best.”
Bouncebackability is the name for Mitch Young’s team. With his 2013 summer holiday booked, the motto will be no carbs for Marbs for the next few months, but I’m sure he’ll allow his troops a bowl of pasta or two ahead of the meeting with the Reds.
From the high of beating Faithfold, they were brought back down to earth last weekend after going down 3-0 to Raiders.
Looking ahead to Sunday, Young told JC Sport: “Having suffered our first defeat of the season last week, we are determined to bounce back this week against last year’s champions.
“Hendon are a great side and we had two great battles last season. That was last season, this season we want to beat them and we know how hard we need to work to achieve it and I believe we are ready.
“Hendon have the confidence and the experience but we are ready to give them one hell of a game on Sunday at home on our pitch. We are going to make it very difficult for them.
“It is an important game, one I feel we need to win if we are to make our mark on this league."
I don’t think there will be much between the teams on Sunday and can see it ending honours even.
JC team news: FC Team welcome back defender Oliver Segal.
Hendon are down to the bare bones for Sunday. Alex Gilbert and Ben Lauffer are both definitely out and Greg Corin, Jacob Gold and Dovid Korman are rated “very doubtful”. Danny Kon and Alex Rosenthal also face late fitness tests but should make it.
Venue – Meadow Park, Ref Warwick Blake
JC star man: Simon Peterman (FC Team)
DC Prediction: FC Team A 1 Hendon Utd SC A 1
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LONDON MACCABI LIONS A vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A
Raiders were in red-hot form last weekend but they will need to be at their best when they take on a Lions team still smarting from last weekend’s battering at the hands of Faithfold.
I can’t remember the last time any Lions team conceded five goals and am expecting a huge reaction from the Rowley Lane team.
Mike Pearson and Yoav Lebens were their scorers on a day when they were terrorised at the back by a young, talented and free-flowing Faithfold team.
Raiders claimed their first league win of the season last Sunday, with Adam Joselyn and Mike Hershman among the scorers. Manager Rob Richman put forward four candidates for team of the week, with captain Rik Sherman, Josh Morris, David Rhodes and Hershman all put forward. Keeper Danny Berliner was commanding as ever to ensure they kept their first clean sheet too.
But Richman doesn’t need me to tell him that only a faultless performance will be enough on Sunday.
“We were very pleased to get our first win of the season against FC Team last weekend,” Richman told JC Sport. “The win was a big boost and we are aiming to push on from here. Sunday sees us travel to Rowley Lane to face a Lions side who historically we have had little success against.
“They are a really top side as per most others in this division and it will be crucial we are at our best if we are to be successful on Sunday.”
For me, there will be two key battles on Sunday. Pearson vs Sherman and Lebens vs Rhodes. That’s not to say the others don’t have important roles to play in what should be an entertaining contest.
JC team news: For the first time this season, Raiders have announced a fully fit squad to choose from.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Andy Myerson
JC star man: Yoav Lebens (LML)
DC Prediction: LM Lions A 3 NL Raiders A 1
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DIVISION ONE
DANNY CARO'S DIVISION ONE TEAM OF THE WEEK
CAMDEN PARK vs GLENTHORNE UNITED A
Match of the day in Division One sees leaders Glenthorne travel to nearest rivals Camden Park.
Both sides have made a flying start and an enthralling counter is on the cards at the Ark.
The Hendon result apart, the Thornes have looked the business this season – they are strong from front to back and certainly don’t carry any passengers.
Last weekend they had far too much for UJIA, with Dan Lassman, Dan Lipman and Jamie Shaw on target in a routine 3-0 win.
Manager Sam Rosenthal has named a full-strength squad for the trip to north-west London and I’ve heard that he will man the door at Faces on Saturday night to ensure his troops are ready for action come Sunday morning.
Rosenthal says: "It’s always exciting to play at Wembley. We're looking forward to the game and hope to come away with all three points.”
Camden looked a class act when they trounced Faithfold B 4-1 last weekend. Two-goal hero David Kanzen led the way, with Rob Hershkorn and Richard Silver.
Club spokesman Nick Kagan was delighted Camden put on a real show in front of the league chairman and he encouraged me to tip Hershkorn to be the star man on Sunday – describing him as “one of the best players in the league, without doubt”.
Ahead of the crunch clash, Kagan told JC Sport: “We’re excited for this Sunday. Glenthorne have been getting rave reviews this season so there should be some good quality football on show.
“We got the better of them last year and we're a far better side this campaign, so if we settle quickly and match their desire we should be taking all three points.
“I don't think any defence in the league is equipped to deal with us when were on song. If I was a Thornes defender, I would be losing sleep already as we go into the match on the back of five straight wins, scoring 19 goals.
As you can tell, Camden are confident in their own ability, but I think we’ll know much more about them after 90 minutes against their promotion rivals.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early as this one should be a cracker!
JC team news: Camden player-manager Josh Marks has returned to full fitness - giving himself a selection headache. Mike Khalastchi faces a late fitness test after missing last week.
Venue – Ark Academy, Ref – Keith Goodman
JC star man: Rob Hershkorn (Camden)
DC Prediction: Camden Park 2 Glenthorne Utd A 2
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CHIGWELL ATHLETIC vs WOODFORD WANDERERS
I was shocked to see what I can only call schoolboy defending from Chigwell Athletic in the extraordinary 6-6 draw against Hendon last Sunday.
The Chigwell I remember where hard-hitting, flew into tackles and loves nothing better than winning man-and-ball crunching tackles, but it was more a case of after you sir as the ball flew past keeper Rob Shepherdson no less than half a dozen times.
Manager Richard Slater came away a relieved man after Neil Tilley popped up with a late leveller. A repeat performance on Sunday will do nothing for Slater’s blood pressure.
The Chigwell gaffer gave a brutally honest assessment after the game and the famous Slater hairdryer could be heard in some parts of the capital.
But what’s gone is gone. Now Slater is only looking forward. He told JC Sport: “We always look forward to derby games at Chigs. Woodford gave us two great battles last season and ran us very close both times, so we're ready for another one on Sunday.
“The way we came out for the second half last week was not acceptable. We switched off and lost our concentration and I made that perfectly clear to the lads on Sunday.
“But I have chosen to focus on the positives, like scoring six away. The first 30 minutes was our best football of the season and the fact we kept clawing ourselves back into the game after being behind three times.”
Woodford were also involved in a high-scoring contest last weekend. They managed to throw away a 3-0 lead against Neasden after a wonder strike from the talented Mitch Hahn, one from Harrison Midda and one from Alex Aviram had put them in the box seat.
Injured striker Jerome Marks summed it up perfectly from the sidelines. “From being in such a comfortable position, we all feel absolutely gutted to have drawn this game.”
The Wanderers also believe they were the victims of a big injustice after NWN were awarded a penalty for an infringement that virtually everyone apart from the ref felt was well outside the box.
They will be hoping for a change of luck on Sunday but must learn how to kill teams off when in front. I’ve heard rumours that Marks has been searching high and low for that copy of the famous Barbara Woodhouse DVD about how to hold on to a lead …
Given the personnel Chigwell have returning, as hard as derbies are to call, I think they will return to winning ways.
JC team news: Chigwell welcome back Daniel Castle, Richard Baum and Simon Felstein. However, they still have a few injuries in the camp at present.
Venue – Peter May, Ref – Dave Lazarus
JC star man: Dan Castle (Chigwell)
DC Prediction: Chigwell Athletic 3 Woodford Wanderers 2
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FAITHFOLD B vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B
Goals are guaranteed in Mill Hill on Sunday when Faithfold host the great entertainers that are Hendon B.
Rob Shooman’s Faithfold were battered into submission by Camden last week and all the signs point towards another tough morning on Sunday.
Hendon joint-player-manager Motty Korman has been getting cold sweats just thinking about last weekend’s 6-6 draw against Chigwell. We saw the good, the bad and the ugly of the team he co-manages with Chaim Gothold, who coincidentally popped up with another two goals. He just needs to work on that celebration now!
When I caught up with Korman earlier this week, he had this to say. “We still can’t get over last Sunday's game and how we managed to concede the lead three times in one half and a last-minute equaliser really dampened our mood.
“However, the boys won’t be dwelling on the game and will be keen to put things right this week.
“Ra Noe has impressed up front and the new found partnership with Yishai Last will create chances. Chaim GOthold has been the start performer this season and has netted in every league game so far. He will be keen to continue his good form.
“One lesson we will have learnt from the Chigwell game is that when the whistle blows at 10.15am, the game kicks off and we hopefully won’t concede early goals like we did last week and only start playing half way through the first half.”
JC team news: Gav Noe is a doubt for Hendon and Motty Korman will be missing, but recent signing David Kanter has impressed coming off the bench in the last two games and is pushing for a start. Danny Steel returns after a few weeks out.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Neil Cooper
JC star man: David Kanter (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Faithfold B 1 Hendon B 3
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NORTH WEST NEASDEN A vs SOUTHGATE HARMEN
Harmen have found goals really hard to come by this season and they won’t be offered any early Chanukah gifts by Neasden on Sunday.
Alex Bull was the star man for them last weekend when they claimed a hard-earned point against Lions B, but he will face an even bigger test on Sunday against a star-studded and experienced Neasden team.
NWN left-back Adam Klein loves to bomb forward and is keen to prove the bookies wrong in their estimation of him being 33-1 to open the scoring.
But while Harmen have struggled to score, NWN have conceded at an alarming rate in recent outings, with keeper Len Bloom a busy man since summer signing Dec Green got injured, and manager Dan Uzan will encourage his troops to shoot on sight once that first whistle blows.
“We have a few boys away this week,” Uzan told JC Sport, “but we welcome back Marc Cohen after he had a baby last week and Josh Franklin. Both will bring a big lift to the game.
“Alex Bull has been filling in at full-back, but will be able to move back to the wing now that Josh is back and give us a bit more in the final third.
“I'm expecting big things from James Stanley this week. He has looked very sharp in training and I don’t think I've seen him so up for a game. I think he could be the difference this week.
“We are solid at the back as our defensive record shows, but I will be looking for Lee Greenfield, Ori Kobi, and Ben Rosenblatt to focus this week on taking their chances.”
The first goal will be crucial on Sunday as NWN look to carry on where they left off against Woodford.
JC team news: Star striker Lee Cash returns for Neasden but defender Scott Shindler is out. Keeper Declan Green but he injured his knee three weeks ago and looks set to be out until the new year (the non-Jewish one!)
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Richard Jaye
JC star man: Len Bloom (NWN)
DC Prediction: NW Neasden A 1 Southgate Harmen 0
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SHIRLEY PARK vs TEMPLE FORTUNE A
Revenge will be the name of the game for Shirley Park who take on Fortune for the second week running.
Dave Lusman’s men went down 4-2 at the Hive last Sunday, but I can see a different outcome on terra firma.
Fortune boss Lee Fegan told me after the game that despite winning, his team “didn’t play the sort of football we are capable”. In the end, their effort levels and focus helped them get a result that proved the pundits wrong.
It was a memorable morning for all the players in a red and yellow jersey, none more so than Kane Gilbery whose stunning strike won JC Goal of the Week.
The team excelled from one to 11, starting from keeper Steve Murad, who is proving a real calming presence. In front of him, Benji Mannheim and Craig Edwards gave him ample protection, while Stuart Haring, Shai Davidi and Craig Cole did the rest.
Defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for Lusman, who left the action after 40 minutes after seeing red. He will be keen to get into the headlines for the right reasons on Sunday as his troops look to break into the top three.
For me, man for man Shirley have the edge and I can see them doing the business second time around, just as long as they’re all tucked up safe and sound in bed by 11pm on Saturday.
However, Fortune's Michael Goldberg begs to differ. Following my prediction, he told JC Sport: "If odds on us to win are so high, it would certainly be worth putting a few quid on us to win."
I think we'll have to agree to disagree, but only time will tell ...
Venue – Norseman FC, Ref – Neal Cohen
JC star man: Dave Lusman (Shirley)
DC Prediction: Shirley Park 4 Temple Fortune A 2
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UJIA vs LONDON MACCABI LIONS B
There was hardly a dry eye in the house last weekend when UJIA gaffer Darren Rolfe stepped down from his post following the 3-0 defeat against leaders Glenthorne.
Rolfe bemoaned defensive errors in a game they had their chances in and he is expected to leave the team in the capable hands of Ben Radstone, starting on Sunday.
No doubt, Radstone will receive a warm welcome from the Chase Lodge faithful, but he faces a tough test against a Lions team playing catch-up.
Jamie Kyte’s boys left their shooting boots at home last Sunday when they drew a rare blank against Harmen. The Lions boss did not mince his words at the final whistle, describing it as “a rubbish game”.
The Lions yet to win on their travels, but I can see them pinching a point at the very least.
Having made such a promising start, questions will be asked if they don’t.
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Martin Lavender
JC star man: David Rose (LML)
DC Prediction: UJIA 0 LM Lions B 2
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DIVISION TWO
DANNY CARO'S DIVISION TWO TEAM OF THE WEEK
BLIZZARD STORM vs CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI
Blizzard and Catford played out a 2-2 draw not so long ago and another entertaining battle looks on the cards.
It would be fair to say that neither side has made the start they were hoping for, but they will have a chance to right some of those wrongs as they go in search of what would be their second win of the season.
The Blizzard boys were second best against an inspired Blancos team last weekend and manager Simon Linden may well shuffle his pack in a bid to come up with a winning formula.
The Cats were also on the receiving end of a 5-2 drubbing last time out and manager Lester Jacobs and captain Adam Luria have been trying to work out how best to block that leaky defence. After all, all the best Polish plumbers are now over here, apparently!
JC Referee of the Week Henry Raffe will be the man in the middle in what should be an end to end contest.
Venue – Hampstead Heath Extension, Ref – Henry Raffe
JC star man: Dean Shaw (Blizzard)
DC Prediction: Blizzard Storm 3 Catford & Bromley 2
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GLENTHORNE UNITED B vs ATHLETIC BILBAUM
Glenthorne B are going from strength to strength under Liam Stein and Jordan Sapler, but those words won’t strike fear into the Baums. If anything, it might just inspire them.
The Thornes are one of only two unbeaten teams in the division and in Bradley Grant they have one of the finest goalkeepers around. He really is a chip of the old block, isn’t he Gary?
Not many teams will win at Rowley Lane this season, but the east Londoners achieved just that, with strikes from Adam Goldman, Jay Lawrence and Ryan Cole taking them past Brady B. Lawrence’s decisive strike was worthy of winning any game.
But Stein is looking forward to some home comforts when they host the Baums. He told JC Sport: “Glenthorne return home after a long spell of away games and it will be important for us to improve on our current home form if we want to stay where we are and ultimately move up the table.
“I will be looking for the boys to give a good performance on Sunday against a good Bilbaum side to continue our great start to the season.”
Baums fans were delighted to see Richard Angel hit the ground running on debut. It was a case of Angel’s delight as he both goals in the 2-1 win over Raiders B.
The boys in green and white have also made a good start, but they will have to pull something special out of the bag to stick one past the boy Grant who can’t be far away from a Maccabiah call-up.
Both teams have acclimatised well to life in Division Two and I can see them having something to show for their efforts come Sunday lunchtime.
JC team news: Sam Goldman and Andy Herman are unavailable for Glenthorne, but Ross Segal returns to the squad.
Venue – Ford Sports & Social, Ref – Tony McEvoy
JC star man: Richard Angel (Bilbaum)
DC Prediction: Glenthorne B 1 Athletic Bilbaum 1
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B vs NORTH WEST NEASDEN B
Top travels to bottom on Sunday as Adam Levene’s Neasden B attempt to be fantastic on plastic.
Neasden fans enjoyed the Oli Joseph show last week as the big man put four past the Cats in a 5-2 victory.
Levene described himself as “delighted” with the team’s start to the season following a game in which they “played well in patches”.
Raiders boss Oli Shorts felt his team deserved more following their performance in a narrow defeat against Bilbaum.
Giant striker Ben Hart added another goal to his tally and his head-to-head against Joseph will be key to the outcome.
It appears that, like one or two other managers in this week’s preview, Shorts is playing mind games as he believes all the pressure is on Neasden.
“Well, it’s safe to say that no one will expect us to get anything from Neasden on Sunday,” he told JC Sport. “Lost 4, drawn 1 doesn’t tell the whole story, but what is apparent is that we’re not scoring enough and conceding too many goals.
“We’ve lost three games by one goal and were 2-1 down to Los Blancos with five minutes to go. We’re not getting spanked every week and we’re competitive in every game so it’s going to click eventually.
“The players have been great so they deserve a win. In every game we’ve lost this season we’ve found ourselves a goal down after 10 minutes, so we need the players to be fully focused from the off.”
A high-tempo match is predicted as well as another Neasden win.
Venue – Brunel, Ref – Martin De La Fuente
JC star man: Oli Joseph (NWN)
DC Prediction: Raiders B 2 Neasden B 3
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B vs BRADY MACCABI B
RJC boss Jon Jacobs claims his team is “down to the bare bones” when they welcome Brady B to Fairlop.
I’ve heard reports of several members of the team celebrating long into the night after they broke their duck and claimed their first win of the season against Norstar B.
There were four different names on the scoresheet, with hat-trick hero Dan Gordon leading the way. Jimmy Castle, Scott Oldstein and Ben Binder put the icing on the cake on a day when they ripped the Stars to shreds with raw pace and trickery.
But on Sunday they will face a challenge of a different kind when Brady come to town. Josh Dagul’s men are still adjusting to Division Two and last weekend they were on the wrong end of a five-goal thriller against RJC’s east London rivals Glenthorne.
Brady know that defeat at Fairlop would allow the Redbridge boys to climb above them. If that isn’t incentive enough to win, then I don’t know what is.
No wins in their last three games isn’t the kind of return that Dagul was looking for, but it appears that the weight of expectation is getting to his men.
I think Sunday’s match will come down to minor details but over the course of 90 minutes I don’t think there will be much to separate the two talented teams.
JC team news: For Redbridge, David Castle and Josh Taylor unavailable, while Brad Rains is away Arron Goldberg and Ben Binder are injured. The evergreen Clive Nathan returns.
Venue – Fairlop, Ref – Michael Cohen
JC star man: Jimmy Castle (RJC)
DC Prediction: Redbridge B 2 Brady B 2
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SPEC FC vs FC TEAM B
FC Team B go in search of a win double when they head up the A1 to take on a SPEC FC team that has already suffered three defeats.
Adam Goldsmith and Freddie Marks were the goal men when the teams met last weekend in a somewhat controversial encounter. It was also the first time SPEC FC have failed to score this season.
SPEC FC’s Ricky Lawrence told JC Sport: "We go into this game smarting somewhat after our defeat last week. Though Team probably edged the game, it was a shame that the match turned on what really was a quite ludicrous penalty decision given in their favour.
“To their credit, they didn't appeal for the pen and Adam Goldsmith almost apologetically tucked it away.
“We however, let ourselves down in the way in which we responded and instead of getting on with things, we ended up just feeling sorry for ourselves and conceded another which ultimately finished the game.
“We look to correct things this week however, and we know only a win will do. If we can play like we played in our last home fixture we'll be hard to beat.
“Suggestions from that game, that we were helped out by anything even close to diving (I'm looking at you Lester Jacobs of Catford) are completely wide of the mark. Especially considering for one of the penalties, Dan Amram even stayed on his feet when others would have gone down."
The three points was just what Team boss Ben Simon ordered. It was the perfect way to follow up the success over leaders Neasden and with two big scalps under their belts, they know sides will show them the utmost respect from here on in.
Defensive frailties appear to have been ironed out and the communication at the back was much improved.
SPEC FC’s home record won’t frighten Team as they have conceded nine times in three games. Simon knows his troops will get chances.
When push comes to shove, it’s hard to call a winner but I think in the end it will all boil down to which side takes their chances.
Venue – Hatfield Uni, Ref – Stuart Ansher
JC star man: Daniel Woolfe (FC Team)
DC Prediction: SPEC FC 1 FC Team B 1
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DIVISION THREE
DANNY CARO'S DIVISION THREE TEAM OF THE WEEK
HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB C vs JEWVENTUS
Well, after a somewhat disastrous start to the season, Jewve are looking to secure only their second win of the campaign against fellow strugglers Hendon.
After last week succumbing a four-goal lead, Gabe John will not be allowing his Jewve side to take their foot off the gas on Sunday.
John told JC Sport: "Unfortunately our biggest strength is also our Achilles heel. We have a lot of attack-minded players who create good chances and score some super goals.
“Last week we scored three really good goals, and yet second half we couldn’t shut up shop. That said L'Equipe scored two belters.
“This week sees the super signing of Ben Wulwik, who is sure to bring a calm and authoritative head to what is already a star-studded (if under performing squad!)
“With Dan Rook ready to fill his left mid berth, a star man performance is expected from him.”
Hendon c are refreshed from there week off. Manager Craig Miller has an almost full-strength squad at his disposal and he is looking for a “big performance” on Sunday.
Hendon fans will be delighted to hear that the Elfs and Phillips will be spearheading what is a potent attack.
Five-star entertainment will be available from around 10.30am on Sunday in a match I can’t see finishing goalless. I just hope the DVD is available in time for Chanukah!
JC Big Match Selected Odds
Gary Conway to win 5+ match-saving headers - 1-3
Bobsie to go on a Messi-esque run and score - 10-1
Gabe John to score 3 weeks running - 100-1
Ami Wynbourne to play left-back - Book Closed
Adam Kay to win MOTM - 5-1
Dan Rook to win MOTM - 10-1
JC team news: Adam Glekin is suspended for Hendon, which Miller describes as “a big loss to the team”.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – David Nathan
JC star man: Dan Rook (Jewventus)
DC Prediction: Hendon C 4 Jewventus 3
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FC TEAM C vs AC MILL HILL
There won’t be a spare seat in the house when promotion rivals FC Team C welcome AC Mill Hill.
Both sides go into the match unbeaten in a game I expect to go down to the wire.
FC Team put down their marker with an inspired comeback against Oakwood B last weekend in a game where Rob Sanford reminded everyone of his qualities. Not only did he boss the game, he also popped up with the winner.
Looking ahead to Super Sunday, FC Team joint-manager Mike Myers told JC Sport: “We hope to continue our brilliant home form and cement our position as the ones to watch in this division.”
Mill Hill have scored more and conceded slightly less than FC Team but manager Joe Levy knows that will count for nothing once referee Paul Dobkin blows that first whistle.
They enjoyed an impressive 3-1 win over Temple Fortune B last weekend when Scott Ackerman, Jason Shoffman and Paul Katz grabbed the goals.
Harry Waterman also played his part in a terrific performance, as did keeper James Grabiner, Loz Bloom and captain fantastic Rob Kleinmann.
It’ll be interesting to see just how the sides line-up as I’m predicting a congested midfield engine room.
Both clubs are packed with quality throughout and it’s next to impossible to call a winner.
Venue – Aycliffe Road, Ref – Paul Dobkin
JC star man: Oliver Senchal (FC Team)
DC Prediction: FC Team C 1 AC Mill Hill 1
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OAKWOOD B vs BOCA JEWNIORS
Joint-leaders Oakwood B take on Boca on Sunday in a match that has home banker written all over it.
The Oaks suffered their first defeat of the campaign at the hands of FC Team C last Sunday but I think that normal service will be resumed in Garston. Indeed, a handsome victory looks on the cards.
Oaks boss Ian Tussie told JC Sport: “After Sunday's collapse against FC Team I'm looking for us to bounce back strongly against Boca on Sunday.
“It's our last league game for a few weeks due to cup commitments so that makes it doubly, no triply important that we win.
“We've got a good squad available despite a number of injuries and absentees including Tim Glass, Vic Librae and our captain Eric Lewis.
“There are doubts over Jack Sultan who injured his back carrying the ball-bag to my car and Marc Hymanson, who stubbed his toe running for the 189 bus.
“I hope to welcome back Adam Blin and Mark Abrams from illness, Dan Broman from doctoring and also Matt Beilin following the tragic loss of his appendices. Dave Epstein returns from the annual Coventry Time Piece Conference where he was a guest speaker.
“We beat Boca earlier this season at their home pitch just outside of Alishvatz and we won't be taking them lightly.
“I expect my platoon to prove a point to me and themselves (and the Jewish community) that we're here for the long-haul this season and that last week was just a blip.”
Boca partied hard after their first-ever win in the Maccabi League and it appears that the club’s press department has gone on leave.
If you’re expecting a close game on Sunday, then think again. Oakwood will mean business from the off and I think it will only be a matter of time until the floodgates open.
Venue – Parmiters, Ref – Aaron Djanogly
JC star man: Adam Blin (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood B 5 Boca Jewniors 0
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TEMPLE FORTUNE B vs LOUGHTON ORIENT
Temple Fortune B slipped down to fifth following their first defeat of the season last week.
Terry Jeffries’ men came out second best against AC Mill Hill and they will look to get back to winning ways when they take on Loughton Orient in Pinner.
Jeffries already has nine goals to his name this season, but it was John Kemp who added another goal to his tally.
Dan Curtis’ Orient boys haven’t won in the league since the opening weekend of the season.
But the manager believes it’s only a matter of time until they start producing the goods on a regular basis.
He told JC Sport: “We haven’t started the season as well as we had hoped to and it's time to start putting that right.
“We have a lot of new players that are starting to gel with the team and we will be looking for all three points on Sunday.”
I’m looking forward to a cracking contest and predict that the points will stay in north-west London.
JC team news: Loughton Orient welcome back into the squad Dean Silver and goalkeeper Marc Jacobs. Paul Rich will have a late fitness test and Rob Silverman is doubtful. Barry Green remains out for at least another four weeks.
Venue – Roger Bannister Sports Centre, Ref – Martin Fox
JC star man: Adam Field (Fortune)
DC Prediction: Temple Fortune B 3 Loughton Orient 2
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L’EQUIPE vs NORSTAR C
Zack Gothelf says he saw the early signs of some green shoots of recovery in last week’s 4-1 defeat against Tottenham Chutspah last Sunday.
Six consecutive defeats have hurt the Norstar manager but he will back his boys to the hilt as they go in search of their first-ever victory in the Maccabi League.
Assistant-boss David Domb scored a real crackerjack of a goal, albeit a consolation, but it was enough to earn him the prize of JC Division Three Goal of the Week.
Having shown his teammates he can shoot, Domb will no doubt be encouraged to get forward at every opportunity and with the bookies offering 14-1 on a repeat performance, I’m sure he’ll be keen to impress.
Gothelf told JC Sport: “We go into Sunday’s game knowing that a point is the absolute minimum we can come away from the game with.
“Having pushed L'Equipe close in the earlier league encounter, Sunday's game is certainly very winnable.
“An improved performance last week is something that the squad must build upon.
“We've got almost everyone available and will choose the strongest squad we can for Sunday's game.”
As Gothelf touched upon, L’Equipe won the first meeting this season and having pulled off the mother of all comebacks against Jewventus last weekend, they will go into the game as favourites.
With Andy Burke in top form, and Steven Black and Richard 'Scotty' Alexander a goal threat, the Norstar defence will be tested to the limit.
Venue – Copthall, Ref – Quentin Fox
JC star man: Steven Black (L’Equipe)
DC Prediction: L’Equipe 3 Norstar C 1
