Sport
Premier challengers bid to fell mighty Oakwood
No MGBSFL team managed to beat Oakwood within 90 minutes last season
September 8, 2023 12:29
No MGBSFL team managed to beat Oakwood within 90 minutes last season
September 8, 2023 12:29In the third and final part of our preview of the new Maccabi GB Southern Football League season, attention this week focuses on the Premier Division where last season’s treble-winners Oakwood once more look set to be the team to beat.
No MGBSFL team managed to beat Oakwood within 90 minutes last season — they won the Premier Division, Peter Morrison Trophy and David Wolff Premier Division Cup, but were beaten on penalties in the Cyril Anekstein Cup Final.
Manager Jake Finestein, who signed a one-year contract extension with the club over the summer, said: “We want to pick up from where we left off last season and win as many trophies as possible.”
Happy with how their preparations have gone ahead of the big kick-off, he continued: “Confidence is good, it’s been a long pre-season but we’ve worked hard and are ready to go. We’ve got leaders all over the pitch and we’ll need the whole team working hard together to achieve our goals.”
Hendon United Sports Club manager Avi Korman has big aspirations for his side. He said: “Our aim is to win every competition we set foot in. A season without silverware is a failure for Hendon Utd.”
They’ve dipped into the transfer market after a few injuries and retirements depleted their squad.
“We’ve picked out some top talent for the new season, but remain tight-lipped for now as to who they are,” Korman said.
“Performances and work ethic in training and friendlies has been strong, with the entire squad desperate to rectify last season’s trophy-less campaign.”
Citing Yehuda Korman as the man to see them back among the silverware, he continued: “Yehuda’s been absolutely immense for the last two seasons and we fully expect another magnificent season from him. He likes to keep a low profile, but must be a strong contender for MGBSFL Player Of The Season, he’s one to keep an eye out for.”
He added that anyone watching his team should expect “free-flowing, high intensity football played out from the back. The minimum requirement for us is two trophies and we’re not talking about being runners-up.”
Another team looking to challenge for the title is North London Raiders. Manager Tal Cohen said: “We’re aiming to improve on our third-place finish last season and continue to challenge for top spot under new management since the departure of the one and only David Isaacs.
“The revolutionary change will be like going from Wenger to Arteta.”
Commenting on pre-season preparations, he said: “Fitness has been a key factor, but unfortunately we’ve suffered a few injury setbacks and have had to search deep and far in the Jewish community but believe we’ve uncovered some gems.”
As to what will be deemed a successful season, he added: “To take care of the simple things and results will take care of themself.
“ Defend well as a team, create enough chances and fight for every 50/50. Getting to a cup final last season was considered successful, but this time round we want to bring a trophy home.”
A first-ever season in the top-flight for Brook Farm Rovers has led manager Dan Cohen to say: “It’s a huge step-up for us, we need to stick together as a team and not folding will be a big achievement!
“Avoiding relegation is the ultimate aim, but simply being competitive each week would be a massive success”, he added.
HMH will be hoping to improve on their placing in last season’s table and retain the Cyril Anekstein Cup.
Geez Park Rangers, London Athletico and Stoke Salmon complete the line-up.