MGBSFL Matchday 7 preview - The Jewish Chronicle

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PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND ONE

MACCABI LONDON FC RED vs NORTH LONDON GALAXY

Sunday will witness an emotional return to Rowley Lane for several members of the Galaxy squad, with a place in the hat for round two of the National Cup up for grabs.

"It's a big game for us ex-Lions boys, back where it started. A lot of us can’t wait to go back as most have fond memories there," Galaxy player-manager Luke Lewis told JC Sport.

The Galaxy boys remain unbeaten in all competitions this season, they are sitting pretty at the top of Division One and have already bypassed a round in the League Cup.

Last weekend they showed great spirit in coming from a goal down to draw with title rivals Raiders in a high octane North London derby.

Lewis added: "We’re on a total 10 points out of a possible 12 this season and through to the next round in the Anekstein. My boys have impressed me massively and I have full faith we can do big things this season.

"Our squad Sunday was pretty much our full-time team, with no uni boys bar Dean Benzaken and Tyler Smith, who came off early injured. We’re once again raring to go and boys who’ve impressed in recent weeks, but weren’t quite getting the game time desired will once again be given a chance to express themselves and show their credentials."

Lewis went on to say: "This weekend team sees Sammy Huberman return to the squad after his brace against Mincha - rumour has it his performances and attitude have earned him a starting spot. Dan Brennan was excellent against Raiders, breaking up the play in midfield and playing quick. He too has deserved the right to start - both will be looking to impress.

"We don’t know too much about Lions but we know that they’re our opponents and stand in the way of us advancing in the Morrison. Well be looking to start strong, play quick and go for the jugular from the off."

MLFC always put strong teams out in the Jewish FA Cup. I don't expect Sunday to be any different. They have been working hard on the training ground and showed tremendous spirit to comeback more than once against RJC last weekend, with Jamie Jackson's late strike earning them a 4-4 draw. But their defending did nothing for Joel Nathan's blood pressure!

Whichever big guns MLFC put out, I think it'll be Galaxy holding all the aces on Sunday in what promises to be a top-quality affair.

JC team news: "Bailey Snow will be looking for another start on Sunday - been Mr Reliable so far this season, has an eye for a pass from centre and reminds me of a Jewish Connor Coady. As always, we’re blessed to have Josh Shack in the XI. The most creative player in Jewish football. He sees the game like no other. Jayden Tomlinson is also back from uni this week - another excellent winger with bags of talent and pace. He’ll be looking to work his magic for the first time since our pre-season draw against Raiders".

Venue – Rowley Lane

JC star man: Jayden Tomlinson (Galaxy)

DC Prediction: MLFC 1 Galaxy 2

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HENDON UNITED SPORTS vs NORTH WEST LONDON BEARS

Hendon are home bankers when they welcome new boys NWLB to Arkley. You can get 100-1 on a Bears’ win.

Former Morrison winners Hendon go into unknown territory on Sunday. Boss Jordan Sapler told JC Sport: “We don’t know too much about NWL Bears, they’ve had mixed results but they have numerous players who have represented Great Britain at international games, so we know that they have some quality about them.”

But Sapler is aware Sunday’s tie poses a big banana skin for his men. “It’s a cup match, so anything can happen,” he said, “but our form at the moment is really top drawer and I’m confident of us keeping those performance levels up on the carpet that is Hadley.

“This is the only competition that we didn't win last year and we want to get off to a solid start and our first task is to be in the hat for the next round.

“We really enjoy these types of games and there's opportunities for the players such as Kiki Levin and Chaim Korman, who are returning from injuries to get some more minutes under their belts.”

Lesser teams would’ve forfeited when drawing MGBSFL double winners Hendon away. But not the Bears. They’re in it to win it …

I have a feeling joint-player-manager and goalkeeper James Harpin is relishing Sunday’s cup tie. I expect him to be the busiest man on the pitch.

Speaking to JC Sport ahead of the game, he said: “When we got this cup draw, we knew straight away how tough the task was, but looking at Hendon’s start of the season, it’s probably even tougher than we expected.

“We have to go into this game with the mindset that we can make it as difficult as possible for Hendon. They are an exceptional footballing side and we’re going to have to try and nullify them as much as possible.

“For us, the aim has to be to keep them out for as long as possible and if they do find a breakthrough, have a better reaction than the one we had against Faithfold.

“Hendon have been struggling for numbers recently due to injuries and people being away so if they are lacking numbers this week it could give us an opportunity.

Looking further afield, Harpin commented: “We have three very winnable league games to come after this meaning Sam and I need to see good performances all-round the pitch so players can earn the right to play in this games.”

I expect Hendon to run out comfortable winners but expect the Bears to give a good account of themselves and stand up and be counted.

JC team news: Avi Korman, Ari Last, Jonti Arembrand, Russ Corin, Jake Doffman and Dovi Fehler are all out for Hendon. Zac Garbacz is serving the final game of his suspension while Josh Harris, Yehuda Korman and Ari Nevies are rated 50/50. Sapler said: “That's a total of 10 players who may not be available for Sunday, which shows why we're struggling with numbers. However, we do have Yoni Gordon-Teller, who will start in goal, Rocky Spitzer along with Jordan Mizrahi return for this week and I may have to get my kit on again!”

Saul Shimoni will finally make his debut for the Bears. Sam Martin requires a late fitness test after week on his sickbed. Zacki Doumou is still suspended as the recent match against Chigwell was not completed match.

BEARS squad: James Harpin, Matt Spelman, Saul Shimoni, Sam Fresco, Sam Bookman, James Levene, Simon Lousky, Alex Rose, Oscar Cohen, Josh Sarna, Sam Martin, Tommy Lustigman, Harry Russell, Adam Mizrahi

Venue – Hadley FC

JC star man: James Harpin (Hendon)

DC Prediction: Hendon 4 Bears 0

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BORUSSIA BARNET vs CAMDEN PARK

A big crowd is expected in Harlesden as Premier Division Camden Park try to avoid a giantkilling against MGBSFL new boys Borussia Barnet.

The BB boys are flying high in Division Two with three wins out of four and this game comes at a good time for the boys in the team co-managed by Bradley Papier and Sam Sharer.

After losing 4-0 to HMH in the Anekstein Cup, Borussia have a chance to send out a message against another top-flight side, and that is something they are determined to do.

“We’re hoping to pull off a cupset Sunday using everything we learnt from the HMH,” Papier told JC Sport. “I don’t know much about Camden but I expect them to be full of quality and a real tough opponent.

“I think we can give them a really good game. We have the strongest squad Sunday that we’ve had all season and we’re hoping to make a statement. It isn’t going to be easy, but I truly believe we’re capable.”

A 3-0 win over PSJ was the perfect preparation for Borussia, with Oliver Hart (2) and Joe Woolf grabbing the goals.

Papier continued: “We know we’ll have to give everything to get a result Sunday but the boys are more than prepared and I’m confident if we play how we did against HMH we won’t come away with nothing.

“Having two Maccabiah gold medallists in the team is also a big help as they give us real quality and that knockout football experience as well.”

Co-boss Sam Sharer said: “After a stunning performance against PSJ, the boys are raring to go against a top Prem side. That never say never attitude lives strong in our minds and we will be putting all our effort and energy in coming home with a massive cupset.”

Camden were well beaten by Hendon last weekend, with Daniel Orgel’s fourth goal of the season the biggest positive. They have already been taken the distance by FC Team – another second division side – so know what is expected in terms of level of performance.

Camden need their big players to stand up, deliver and match the work-rate of Borussia.

JC team news: Jack Mattey and Adam Lipman return to the side. Henry Mattey, Ben Bellman & Ethan Gold still out. Noah Bergman set to make his debut returning from travelling.

BORUSSIA squad: Joe Botchjn, Daniel Lee, Adam Freedman, Oliver Smith, Sam Lipton, Oliver Lewin, Noah Bergman, Adam Lipman, Scott Greenfield, Mitchell Gerber, Adam Bowman, Jack Mattey, Oliver Hart, Oron Sheldon, Michael Kenley

Venue – Bridgestone Arena

JC star man: Jack Mattey (Borussia)

DC Prediction: Borussia 2 Camden 3

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FAITHFOLD DOCMM GREEN vs SPEC FC

Goals look guaranteed in this tie as first division high-flyers SPEC FC travel to second division strugglers Faithfold DocMM Green.

Ricky Lawrence’s troops go into the game on the back of an impressive 6-3 win over Mill Hill Dons – a result that lifted them into third place in Division One.

They have won three out of five games this season and scored in each one. They are certainly not a team short of confidence or attacking options.

Looking ahead to the game, Lawrence told JC Sport: “As is so often the case with us, fans get value for money.

“Goals have been flying in at both ends this season and I’ll put my neck out and say it’ll be the same again on Sunday.

“We went out of both cups straight away last season so hopefully we can do a bit better this year.”

Faithfold remain a work in progress. They have lost all four games in league and cup this season, although the form of Motty Herzog has been a big plus in recent week.

Can I see them stopping SPEC FC on Sunday. In one word, no!

JC star man: Joel Lassman (SPEC)

DC Prediction: Faithfold 1 SPEC 5

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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS vs HMH

It’s the battle of the Peter Morrison Trophy winners past and present – a tie not to miss.

L’Orange welcome the holders who will be in for a warm reception as there is a feeling of optimism in the home ranks – the bigger they come and all that.

Raiders have acquired a very strong squad for this season and they displayed their credentials in front of the JC cameras last weekend, against title rivals North London Galaxy. Nick Lewis’s wonder strike won JC Goal of the Week. In fairness, it would’ve won most goal competitions.

Managed by Gideon Gale and David Isaacs, Raiders are strong from front to back with no obvious weaknesses. They have great options going forward, with Liron Mannie and Aron Gale the star names. Indeed Mannie’s battle against HMH left-back Josh Goldstein will be worth the admission fee alone.

This is effectively a free-hit for Raiders, and they know the backpage of the JC awaits if they can beat the holders.

Speaking to JC Sport at their pre-match press conference, Isaacs told JC Sport: “In our last-pre season friendly we beat HMH 5-1, so we know Avi’s boys will be out for revenge!

“We still go in to this game as the underdogs, however beating them so convincingly in the friendly does give us confidence that we can knock the holders out.

“But the boys know that friendlies are a different kettle of fish then competitive matches and we have to be focused from minute one if we want to progress into the next round.”

Isaacs went on to say: “We know now that if we want to win the Peter Morrison we will have to beat one or two of the big teams in doing, so it’d be great if this started on Sunday.”

HMH drew a rare blank in their game against Faithfold last weekend. With no recognised goalkeeper available, Sammy Kingston took the gloves and did a fine job, keeping a clean sheet. Max Foster maintained his imperious start to the season, but strikers Oscar Wagner and Adam Ellis endured a morning of frustration. However, I can’t see that sentence being repeated too many times this season.

This is arguably one of the toughest draws Avi Goldberg’s HMH could’ve got. They will need to perform and perform well if they are to deny a talented Raiders team a giantkilling.

Ahead of the trip to Wembley, Avi Goldberg told JC Sport: "We know Raiders a little from pre-season friendly, where they excelled on the break and gave us a wake-up call on our return from the beaches and clubs of Tel Aviv.

"We know they will be very up for this on Sunday and I'm sure will have recruited the likes of Liron Mannie from Lions' Saturday team to help them out just as our last cup opponents did."

Goldberg holds Raiders in high regard, and he said: "They are a very good team with strong players who my sources tell me apparently have yet to taste defeat this season, so we know we will need to be on our top game.

"This could be another test for our defence which has really stepped up recently and not conceded in 270 minutes of competitive football after a poor pre-season and a poor start to the season.

"We will not be giving up our trophy though without a fight (possession it is said is 9/10ths of the law in some circles) and if we play the scintillating football we are capable of and we can find our end product, the Raiders defence might not have faced this sort of relentless barrage in a competitive match yet this season."

And the HMH chief is confident his stars will fire on Sunday. "Faithfold had a taste of it and their goalkeeper, Gideon Rabstein, was not named by the other Avi and JC as man-of-the-match last week without good reason! A tasty fixture in prospect!"

By my estimations, HMH are not firing on all cylinders yet. Which means Raiders have a chance.

For me it will be too close to call, and I can see it going the distance.

JC team news: Raiders will be missing Ed Brafman this week due to tonsillitis, however, Bradley Lander returns to the squad after a few weeks as he has now recovered from his recurring groin injury. They will also be give late fitness tests to Ben Rosen and Yarden Sharon.

Injuries still afflict HMH and on Sunday they will be missing Ethan Krell, Max Bull, Jordan Levy and Sam Monjack while Ben Winters, Eli Wegrzyn and man-of-the-match in last two matches Max Foster all face late fitness tests. On a brighter note, Oscar Wagner called gaffer Goldberg "to say he has already put out the right boots for the weekend at the front door if selected!" While Sammy Kingston deputised in goal very well, last week, top keeper Alex Davies is returns in goal, with Jacob Shapiro - their phenomenal cup final goalkeeper - also back from his travels and in contention. It's a good headache to have, Avi. No?

Venue - Ark Academy

JC star man: George Goldberg (HMH)

DC Prediction: Raiders 1 HMH 1 (HMH to win on penalties)

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HAMPSTEAD DUCKS vs FC TEAM

Attack will be the best form of defence on Sunday in a tie where goals are anticipated.

FC Team are one of the MGBSFL’s top-scorers and even without top-scorer Connor Perl, they will start as favourites against of the league’s newest outfits.

They hardly broke sweat in last weekend’s 6-1 demolition of Faithfold, with the goals shared around between Richard Salmon, Ben Sollosi, Steve Summers, David Cohen and Josh Morris.

Boss Mitch Young spent wisely during the summer, to bring in Adam Shafron, Craig Sandford, Sollosi and Summers – top-notch players who will take them to the next level.

Young told JC Sport: “We are looking forward to the game against a nice attacking side in Ducks.

“They have excellent strikers so I am expecting a high-scoring game and the team which defends best will win.

“I am still yet to see us at 100 per cent this season and we are yet to find out true flow so I am hoping this game will be a step towards that.”

The Ducks earned many plaudits after taking Premier Division Oakwood to penalties in the Anekstein last weekend. Max Lever scored both their goals in normal time but I have a feeling their exertions could mean they find it hard to repeat that effort for the second week in a row.

The matched Oakwood physically and executed their game-plan to perfection. But I have a feeling they will come unstuck against a well-drilled FC Team.

JC team news: Connor Perl still injured, Dan Breger misses out, we welcome new signing Adam Noble from Redbridge.

JC star man: Adam Shafron (FC Team)

DC Prediction: Ducks 1 Team 3

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HERTSWOOD VALE vs CLUB DE CHIGWELL

Home advantage could play a part in Sunday’s tie featuring first division Hertswood Vale and second division Club De Chigwell.

Vale cup exit at the hands of Jewdinese came down to small details last weekend, just as I’d expected. James Millet cancelled out ‘Nese’s opener but they came up against an inspired goalkeeper and once the Zebras scored goals two and three there was no way back.

But managers Jacob Emanuel and Danny Hirschberger were proud of the performance of their squad against quality opposition and they will feel a similar effort will be enough to take them through on Sunday.

Emanuel told JC Sport: This week's game against Club De Chigwell hasn't come along quick enough. After last week's frustrating game against Jewdinese, I've been counting down the days until we get back on the pitch.

"Hertswood Vale have never been good at performing in cups, and Danny and I are working hard to ensure we actually make it to the next stage of a cup competition.

"I don't know much about our opposition, only that they have the potential to rip teams apart if they're up for it, as proven in their early season game against Borussia Barnet - just because they're sitting in Division Two, doesn't mean they're not favourites for this one, and we'll have to be at our best to progress."

Club De Chigwell finished in seventh heaven against West Hamdillah last weekend – a game in which Saul Green and Stanley Offord did most of the damage.

Midfield maestro Harry Grant told JC Sport: “Last weekend was a good result for us in order to get back on track in the league.

“However, we can’t take last week’s result for granted and with Hertswood Vale being in Division One we know it won’t be an easy game at all.

“We will play our football and hopefully will break a few hearts of Hertswood on Sunday!"

JC team news: This game has come at the wrong time for many players in Vale squad. Charlie Becker heads up their largest list of unavailable players they've experienced this season, which includes Dan Reuben, Zach Mandel and Jamie Steinberg, whilst Adam Zaidman and captain James Neidle face late fitness tests.

A lot of injuries are "taking their toll on the Chigwell squad at this point in the season," with their two match-winners from last week – Saul Green and Stanley Offord – both ruled out. Co-gaffer Adam Conway “is having to make his first (and hopefully only appearance) this weekend in order for us to have a substitute!”

Venue – East Barnet school

JC star man: Justin Mullem (Vale)

DC Prediction: Vale 3 CDC 1

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MACCABI LONDON FC BLUE vs JEWDINESE

MLFC are determined to put themselves back on the Sunday morning football map in terms of silverware, and the club sees the Peter Morrison Trophy as the competition to do it.

I expect them to field a strong squad for the visit of Jewdinese – a team they know won’t be out to do them any favours.

Last weekend MLFC drew 2-2 against Camden Park, with Benji Weinberger the star performer.

I’m predicting a squad combining youth and experience for Sunday and joint-player-manager Max Kyte told JC Sport: “We are desperate to get our name back on the Peter Morrison Trophy and it is such a great competition to play in.”

Jewdinese came through a tough test against fellow Division One side Hertswood Vale in the Anekstein Cup last weekend. They handled the in-form James Millet well, limiting him to just one goal, although it needed a top performance in nets by Ben Halmer to help them progress.

‘Nese will love the fact they are underdogs on Sunday. Manager Darren Lawrence won’t be interested in labels – he will just want his players to perform.

Lawrence told JC Sport: “After getting one cup run going last week, we are looking to do the same this week. With no disrespect to Hertswood Vale, we are expecting a tougher game this week.

“With around 10 of our current squad having played for Lions at some point in the past, this could be described as a grudge match of sorts.

“We are familiar with a few of their squad, so are working on a game-plan to keep their influential players quiet and come away from Rowley Lane with the win.

I can see this one being settled by small details.

JC team news: James Van Straten and Sam Stern miss out for ‘Nese, but they back Arron Goldberg and Barney Rhodes. Reiss Mogilner and Brad Dryer will be keen on getting one over on their old team, while Ben Halmer, Billy Lee, James Ross, Sim Cohen and Zack Collins are all “former Lions boys looking for victory on their old stomping ground”.

Venue – Rowley Lane

JC star man: Richard Gold (MLFC)

DC Prediction: MLFC 2 Nese 1

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BROOK FARM ROVERS vs PARIS SAINT-JEWMAIN

Brook Farm Rovers go into this tie undefeated in their last fourth matches, so although the cup may be something of an unwanted distraction for them, it gives them a great opportunity to extend that run.

Eyebrows were raised in some quarters when, as a newly-formed team, they jumped straight into Division One, but they certainly looked the part last weekend when they put eight past Bayern Mincha.

Philippe Auret helped himself to four goals in a wonderful exhibition of free-flowing football. The Rovers team played with smiles on their faces and it was a joy to watch for the ambitious management team.

Dan Cohen chipped in with another, to move on to four goals for the season, and they are playing with great freedom in what is a good moment for the team.

The next few weeks will get tough for Rovers, with league games against SPEC FC and North London Raiders to follow, so they will want to get the job done quickly on Sunday.

Joint-manager Dan Cohen told JC Sport: "No doubt Sunday will be a very tough game against another new team, but we go into it full of confidence following our recent good run and look to get the result we need to march on in the Peter Morrison."

PSJ have lost their last two and the management team understands that they “still have a lot to learn”.

Although “confidence still remains,” it remains to be seen how they react to back-to-back defeats.

JC team news: Rovers welcome Samuel Leader and Alex Woffenden into the squad for their competitive debuts.

JC star man: Josh Silverman (BFR)

DC Prediction: BFR 3 PSJ 1

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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE vs WEST HAMDILLAH

RJC are still trying to work out how they failed to come away from Rowley Lane without maximum points last weekend.

Josh Joseph pulled the strings in a brilliant attacking display, but they were punished for individual errors in a 4-4 draw that was a great one for the neutral.

The club are long over-due a run in the Morrison, so this could be the perfect draw for them.

Nir Guv and Daniel Wexler revelled in the wonderful service provided by Joseph, who will be looking to make his mark against second division West Hamdillah.

Three goals is all West Hamdillah have to show for their efforts in five matches so far. They still await that elusive first win, but it’s clear to me they must strengthen in defence as they have picked the ball out of the net an incredible 44 times to date.

Parking the bus might not help them on Sunday as I can see them being picked apart by a hungry RJC team time and again.

Venue – Fairlop

JC star man: Josh Joseph (RJC)

DC Prediction: RJC 4 Hamdillah 0

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SCRABBLE vs MILL HILL DONS

Jon Yantin will unleash another MSFL legend when the Dons come to town.

Daryl Phillips needs little introduction. Just check MSFL legend or goal machine and you will be inundated with cuttings about one of the finest strikers Maccabi football has produced.

Phillips has been there, seen it and got the t-shirt. He won everything with Faithfold during the club’s golden era and also represented the MSFL Rep team with distinction. He has also represented his country at the European Maccabi Games and Maccabiah Games and over the years he has scored goals for fun.

Putting him alongside Alex Bourne is a tasty proposition, with Lloyd Becker pulling the strings.

Indeed gaffer Yantin has fond memories of the Dons and he told JC Sport: “It promises to be another hard game but we beat them last year so fingers crossed.”

If Scrabble have one of the league’s hall of famers in Phillips, the Dons have the MGBSFL current top marksman in Zach Cohen. His treble against SPEC FC last week was his second of the season and he now tops the goal charts with ten – the first player to reach double figures this season.

However, the Dons have conceded more goals than boss Brandon Hamme would’ve hoped for and that is something they will need to address.

Venue – Silver Jubilee Park

JC star man: Daryl Phillips (Faithfold)

DC Prediction: Scrabble 3 Dons 2

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MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION

LEAGUE TABLE

TOP-SCORERS 6 - Avi Markiewicz (Faithfold DocMM White), 4 – Daniel Orgel (Camden Park), Avi Garson (Faithfold White), Zack Lewis (Hendon Utd Sports), Benji Weinberger (Maccabi London FC Blue), Josh Cuby (Oakwood A)

No matches scheduled this weekend

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MGBSFL DIVISION ONE

LEAGUE TABLE

TOP-SCORERS 10 - Zach Cohen (Mill Hill Dons), 9 - James Millet (Hertswood Vale)

No matches scheduled this weekend

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MGBSFL DIVISION TWO

LEAGUE TABLE

TOP-SCORERS 8 - Danny Sherman (Temple Fortune), 7 - Connor Perl (FC Team), Jono Gaon (Hampstead Ducks), Simon Cohen (TFFC)

No matches scheduled this weekend

SEE MATCHDAY 6 REVIEW