By, Danny Caro
24 min read
ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro
Hendon United Sports Club A and Redbridge Jewish Care A will be looking to extend their 100 per cent league records on Matchday 8 of the MGBSFL, while there are also two ties scheduled in the Peter Morrison Trophy.
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DANNY CARO'S MATCHDAY 6 AWARDS
GOAL OF THE WEEK: Johnny Haik (ML Lions A)
SAVE OF THE WEEK: Yehuda Fink (Hendon Utd SC B)
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: Avi Markiewicz (RCUK FC)
REFEREE OF THE WEEK: Neal Cohen (Maccabi London Lions B vs Los Blancos)
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CUP DRAWS
CYRIL ANEKSTEIN CUP ROUND THREE DRAW
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YOUR WEEKEND PREVIEW STARTS HERE: (reminder to all MGBSFL players - the clocks go back an hour on Sunday morning. Don't be the one that forgets!)
PETER MORRISON TROPHY ROUND ONE
FC TEAM B vs REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE B
Sam Rank is predicting a big victory for his Redbridge team ahead of Sunday’s trip to north-west London.
They have been untouchable in the league and a good run in the Morrison would certainly help swell the coffers just in time for Chanukah.
Rank told JC Sport: “The name of game this week is to get revenge for the club, after FC Team B beat the RJC C team last week to be the first team to take points of RJC this year and also to progress to the second round of the Jewish FA Cup.
"We are very much looking forward to getting back on the pitch after the week off. The boys have been training very hard, and players who have not had much game time this season will be given an opportunity to give me selection headaches for the big games coming up in November.
"The RJC C team have informed us that FC Team B will stick 11 men behind the ball the whole game and look for a smash and grab again, but the talented RJC B will be able to break this team down
"We beat FC Team B twice last year, very convincingly and looking for a more emphatically victory this time.
"I think we could be looking at cricket scores this weekend.”
FC Team’s tactics worked a treat last week. They frustrated Redbridge, didn’t give them any space and took their chances when they came.
But the challenge of the B-team is a totally different proposition. They will look to get in Team’s faces and play between the lines. And they have the ammunition to back it up.
Redbridge must earn the right to play their football but once they do then it will be game over, although I’m not
predicting a cricket score.
JC team news: RJC B welcome Alex Chernoff from his long break away from the game. The visitors have a full squad to choose from, with the exception of captain Brad Gayer who is on a northern adventure. RJC No. 1 Scott Shear will be given the captain’s armband for the day.
Venue – Harefield Academy, Ref – Keith Goodman, KO – 10am
JC star man: Scott McKenzie (RJC)
DC Prediction: Team 1 RJC 3
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS B vs LOS BLANCOS
Jonathan Adelman is playing down NLR’s hopes of a cup win on Sunday, but I wouldn’t read too much into that, especially on their favourite 3G.
Although the league is the priority, there’s no reason why NLR cannot go on a good run in the Morrison – their only remaining cup competition this season.
Striker Nicky Woolf is bang in form. I’ve been a fan of his for a long time, and with Jake Gilbert, Jacob Gold and Will Ufland for company, they will fancy themselves to outscore most opponents.
However, Adelman had good reason to be cautious ahead of kick-off. He told JC Sport: “Our injury and absence curse is still in full flow. We're missing at least eight with others 50/50 due to work.
"The only blessing is that it's not a league game this weekend. Hopefully by the time we return to league action in a few weeks we will have some of our absentees back."
Blancos have lost more than they’ve won this season and the fact they have conceded in every game is something that must concern player-manager Nick Grosse.
Boss Nick Grosse told JC Sport: "There's really nothing to add to my post-match summary following Sunday's defeat. We have to improve, it's as simple as that!"
With that in mind, attack could be the best form of defence on Sunday, so expect goals.
Venue - Hertswood, Ref – Darryl Colmans, KO – 10.15am
JC star man: Charles Braunstein (NLR)
DC Prediction: NLR 3 Blancos 2
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MGBSFL PREMIER DIVISION
CAMDEN PARK vs HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB A
Hendon will be looking to complete an early-season league double over a Camden Park team they have plenty of respect for.
The Reds crashed out of the London FA Sunday Challenge Cup last week and the fact they can now give full focus to their pursuit of the domestic treble sits comfortably with manager David Garbacz.
He would have been disappointed his players were unable to give a true reflection of themselves and the MGBSFL against Omonia.
Garbacz told JC Sport: “We were heavily depleted last week in the Challenge Cup and embarrassingly had to play one half with only 10 men whilst at least two others were only half-fit. As a consequence we left the competition once again with our usual regrets of what might have been.
"This week we have a far stronger squad available as players return from sojourns abroad and we will be going all out for our sixth consecutive win in the league. We need it as well as Redbridge are keeping up neck and neck so absolutely no room for any dropped points.
"I was quite impressed with Camden the first time we played them this year and they are a better team than their current league position would suggest.
"They will be desperate for some points themselves but assuming we can regain our focus after last week we will be confident of doing the business."
Dovi Fehler, Ari Last and Zack Lewis were the goal men when Hendon beat Camden last month. It took the Peter Morrison Trophy holders more than an hour to break Camden down, and patience will be key against one of the league’s a team on the up.
That said, Camden boss Max Saunders told me that their preparations have been hit with personnel problems.
"We are a bit short this weekend in the attacking positions with a number of injuries and a suspension,” Saunders told JC Sport.
"Having played Hendon only a few weeks ago, we know their quality and what they have to offer. They are a great team, with a classy manager and we have a lot of respect for them.
"However, if we can replicate our first 45 minutes against them and maintain that for the whole game, we will have a chance of getting a result. It's about time we started picking up some points."
Sometimes, against the top sides, teams must overcome mental as well as physical barriers, but Saunders assured me Camden will leave nothing on the pitch. It’s important they come away with no regrets.
"Although we have played very well in parts, zero points out of four games and second bottom in the table is well below where we should be, although those four games have been against the current top four: Redbridge, Oakwood, Hendon and Lions, so haven't exactly had the easiest start.
"However, I remain optimistic as the quality is there, we just need to click a bit more offensively. Hopefully we can start this weekend and win a point or three, move onto a slightly more manageable fixture list and start moving up the table."
They first 20 minutes will be crucial for Camden on Sunday. Hendon will be looking to make their traditional fast start, and with good numbers I expect them to have too much on the day.
JC team news: Dovi Fehler, Rafi Kon, Ari Nevies and the two Kormans, Avi and Yehuda, all return from last week. Russell Corin is doubtful, as are Josh Harris and Yoav Lebens. Rocky Spitzer is out.
Venue – Hadley FC, Ref – Martin Fox, KO – 10am
JC star man: Ari Nevies (Hendon)
DC Prediction: Camden 1 Hendon 3
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BRADY MACCABI vs NORTH LONDON RAIDERS A
Bouncebackability is the name of the game for Brady Maccabi who have lost two on the spin.
Defeats against Redbridge and Oakwood came on the back of three victories and they can expect another tough 90 minutes against the defending champions.
Matt Frolich bagged a brace in east London last week. 3-0 down at the break, they made a good fist of it in the second half but the question is, can they stifle Raiders?
Dan Shafron’s troops have had a fortnight to prepare for this game. They are playing catch-up, but with Liron Mannie, David Dinkin and Matt Stock in top form, this is a challenge they will relish.
Speaking to JC Sport ahead of kick-off, Shafron told JC Sport: “This is the start of an important run of fixtures for us.
"Our squad is now nearing full-strength with key players back from injury and we are in a period where this is needed. It’s a luxury situation to be in as we need all the squad and all of the players to compete.
"We are playing with plenty of freedom and confidence. It’s been growing over the last few weeks and there is a great feeling amongst the group.
"We may be playing well but I know we can up our level of performance even more. We are still playing big catch-up and so it doesn’t matter who or where we play, we have to win.”
The last couple of weeks have been a good learning curve for Brady. This is a game that will be won and lost in midfield and for me, NLR’s superior technical ability will prove decisive.
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Robert Benardout, KO – 10am
JC star man: David Dinkin (NLR)
DC Prediction: Brady 1 Raiders 3
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OAKWOOD A vs SPEC FC
Oakwood lost ground in the title race last week, but it could have been worse had it not been for a late leveller in the six-goal thriller against FC Team.
David Woolman was back to his bullish best in the 3-3 draw, in a game where Rafi Stone and Jonny Quinn also registered.
However, they paid the price for indiscipline after Max Clynes saw red, and manager Dan Kristall and Ric Blank will remind their players before kick-off about the importance of keeping cool heads and 10 men on the pitch for 90 minutes. That said, it's not too often they are bullied at the back and come up against a striker of the calibre of Richard Salmon.
Ahead of kick-off, Kristall told JC Sport: "It's been a busy week in the Oaks camp. The club doctor is very busy at the moment with several players out injured. We know that Sunday will be another tough test against a SPEC side that have improved in recent weeks.
"After last week's slip-up, we now have to get on a run and with Raiders next week, nothing short of three points will do on Sunday. We know that we have to cut out the individual mistakes that cost us two points last week."
SPEC FC have no points from their first four league games so it is a massive understatement to say they need a win, but I also think they need a bit of luck. They will certainly need it to get anything out of this game.
SPEC player-manager Ricky Lawrence knows the odds are stacked against his team. "We'll be out for revenge after Oakwood thumped us on the opening day of the season," he told JC Sport.
"We know what a tough game it will be though and the job at hand is most definitely to stay in the game for as long as possible."
But it's not all about the football on Sunday. There are times when MGBSFL teams pull together for good causes and Lawrence explained why SPEC FC will play their part this weekend.
He said: "Ric from Oakwood got in touch with all teams in the MSFL regarding former Oakwood player Rob Davidson who has unfortunately been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. On Sunday we'll be donating all of our 'sub fees' to the foundation Rob recently set up to raise money for young couples affected by life-changing illnesses. More information can be found at http://www.mndassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/mnd-association-key-mes... and the Just Giving page is https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Oakwood-Singathon.
"Oakwood are hosting an Oakwood Singathon this Sunday. It will involve singing Oakwood songs for 10 hours and trying to raise as much money as possible. It sounds like a fantastic idea and we hope they are able to raise as plenty, though if we can give them as little to sing about on Sunday for 90 minutes that would be a bonus."
Kristall responded: "We are very touched and thank SPEC for their very generous donation which is much appreciated by everyone at the club to what is a great cause."
Even if they play well against Oakwood, I just don't see SPEC beating them at the moment.
JC team news: Elliot Jackson and Carl Peters will "help out" Oakwood this week. Daniel Davidson returns and Rafi Stone will be aiming to continue where he started last Sunday.
Venue – Nicholas Breakspear, Ref – Mark Jacob, KO – 10am
JC star man: Rafi Stone (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Oakwood 4 SPEC 1
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REDBRIDGE JEWISH CARE A vs WOODFORD WANDERERS
There's nothing like a derby to test the resolve of a team chasing the title.
Redbridge have been simply irresistible this season, and even though Sir Alex Ferguson hasn't tipped them for the title, they tick all the boxes for me.
I think the key to the game will be whether Woodford can stop Redbridge. Jon Jacobs' troops have goal threats all over the pitch, and if one player isn't on top of his game, you can be sure the one standing next to him is.
Strength in depth Redbridge have in abundance this season. That doesn't happen by luck. It comes by having a good structure, organisation and planning in place. Jacobs, together with Sam Rank, Richard Bronzite and Josh Hambling, have put in the hard yards to ensure RJC are punching their weight in all three divisions this season, so full credit to them.
The A-team are capable of achieving something special this season, and Zack Neiman will be boosted by his first competitive goal for the club in the 4-2 win over Brady. It was a game of two halves, but the east Londoners stepped things up and found that bit extra in the second half.
Delight on derby day could arguably proving a game-changer for a Woodford team yet to win in the league this season. But when I caught up with boss Daryl Kay earlier in the week, he didn't paint a rosy picture for Sunday.
He told JC Sport: Injuries are starting to take their toll on the team now, with captain Adam Poole and Ell Gold set to miss out. We have no Darryl Green this week and Martin Sales is still struggling with an ankle injury he sustained against Raiders.
"We do however welcome back Adam Shafron for a second time this season, and Dave Green is back after a few weeks out with a toe injury. Both have been sorely missed this season.
"I don’t want to predict the result, but I’ll be asking for everyone to give 100 per cent."
A full-strength Woodford would give RJC a decent game, but with regulars missing in key areas of the pitch, I think they will be over-run.
Venue – Old Parkonians, KO – 10am
JC star man: Darryl Rubin (RJC)
DC Prediction: RJC 4 Woodford 1
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DIVISION ONE
HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB B vs OAKWOOD B
Hendon are still recovering from one of the games of the century ahead of the visit of in-form Oakwood.
The red men were put on an emotional roller-coaster by RCUK, and in the end goals from Adam Ellis, Gid Barth and Gab Saul were not enough to save them against second division opponents.
And with Lions, Raiders and Redbridge having set off at a rate of knots, this is a game they simply cannot afford to lose.
Joint-manager Jono Nesbitt told JC Sport: “Although I am still disappointed at our exit from the cup, I still cannot fault our performance or effort.
"Last time we lost in the cup we proved our critics wrong with a convincing win in the league the following week and will be hoping to do the same again.
"This is another game that we feel is very winnable and will look to keep our fourth place position in the table. The biggest struggle we might find this week is getting used to the altitude change by keeping our place towards the top end of league."
News that danger man Ellis is out will be music to the ears of Jason Stein. The Oaks go into the game in fine fettle following a 4-0 success over Brixton, which came courtesy of goals from Sam Modlin, Dan Ash, Daniel Seligman and Jacob Richler Kleiman.
They travel to Mill Hill with their tails up. Ahead of kick-off, a typically chirpy Stein told JC Sport: “Morning DC, you know what I always say: the season really starts after Shemini Atzeret.
"We're building momentum and it’s vital we keep it going against Hendon B. We cannot afford many dropped points and I’ve laid down a challenge to the lads that I expect them to embrace. They cannot be complacent as Hendon are a tricky side who we cannot underestimate.
"Any side with Adam Ellis in it can catch a team out. I found that out the hard way more than two years ago when he scored five against us for Shacharit Donetsk (Alaiv Hashalom, Baruch Dayan Haemet).
"I know there are rumours going around that Ian Tussie - sacked already by Maccabi Tashkent I might add - is in London on Sunday and has booked a seat in the executive box at Chase Lodge for a watching brief. I’m not going to give a running commentary on what that man says in the press. But Ian will always be welcome to watch Oakwood and my door is open if he needs some career advice. I would encourage the away supporters to give him the reception he deserves: a rotten one!"
I'm predicting goals on Sunday, and an Oakwood win.
JC team news: Hendon will be without Adam Ellis on Sunday, but they will most likely look to Gid Barth to lead the line. Nesbitt told JC Sport: “He has done well on the wing so far this season and impressed upfront in a few pre-season games."
Venue – Chase Lodge, Ref – Neal Cohen, KO – 10am
JC star man: James Frener (Oakwood)
DC Prediction: Hendon 2 Oakwood 3
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BRIXTON OLD BOYS vs FAITHFOLD A
There’s an almighty basement battle in store in Barrowell Green as Brixton host Faithfold.
Brixton remain without a win this season following their 4-0 bashing at the hands of Oakwood last week and one goal in three games tells you where their problems lie.
Faithfold have been inconsistent thus far, but they avoided an upset against second division L’Equipe last week, with Dan Yoss (2) and Shai Davidi finding the net in a 3-2 win.
This is the beginning of a crucial part of Faithfold’s season, with matches against Oakwood and Hendon to follow.
Sunday might not be one for the purists but I’m tipping Faithfold to nick it.
Venue - Clowes, Ref – Steve Levy, KO – 10am
JC star man: Dan Yoss (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Brixton 1 Faithfold 3
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MACCABI LONDON LIONS B vs SCRABBLE FC
One of the games of the day sees the table-topping Lions go head-to-head with a Scrabble team who got the better of them last season.
Both teams beefed up their squads in the summer, but its the Lions who have hit the ground running - winning six out of six in the league, as well as one in the cup.
Sam Marchant's men are playing for one another, and I expect him to have caught up with Joe Zender at Rowley Lane in the build-up to the game, as it was he who masterminded the Morrison victory over Scrabble last Sunday.
With Michael Kenley, Josh Bloom and Benji Weinberger making an impressive start to the season, I don't expect Lions to change much for the visit of Scrabble. They have great confidence in their own ability.
Attention to detail will be the key for Scrabble boss Ray Abrahams. Their early Morrison exit was a blow, and they will be out to prove a point after two early-season defeats.
I've heard some Scrabble supporters are not happy that the manager has been sunning himself in Tel Aviv in the build-up to such a big match. They would much rather him demand double training to ensure they can earn some bragging right, but with the wonders of technology, it's clear Abrahams is fully focused on the task at hand.
He told JC Sport: "We have picked up nine points from our last three games, even if three of those were awarded to us and we sit there right behind the leaders in the promotion race.
"All the pressure is on the Lions boys because as we know from last season, each game is pressure to keep the 100 per cent record intact. They will be desperate to stay on their run and that can affect your game.
"From our side, my boys are relaxed and have nothing to lose and are looking forward to the game.We know that when we are able to pick our strongest side we can beat anyone in this division, but regretfully we have still got a few injuries to key players which will change the way we approach things.
"We have to show a positive reaction to last week's Cup defeat to the Lions under-21's and we will do all we can to get back on our winning run.
"We also know that Lions will be desperate to get a result and Rowley Lane hasn't been too lucky for us in the past 12 months but we aim to put that right on Sunday."
Scrabble need the points more. Of that there is no doubt. Man for man there is little to separate the teams in a game which will be decided by which team takes its chances.
JC team news: Abrahams told JC Sport: "Our three most recent signings from Lions ... Brandon Sassoon, Zac Summerfield and Rob Blackman are all fit to play and will be in our 15 -man squad for this one."
Venue – Rowley Lane, Ref – Andy Myerson, KO – 10am
JC star man: Isaac Virchis (Lions)
DC Prediction: Lions 2 Scrabble 1
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DIVISION TWO
CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI vs TEMPLE FORTUNE
With their cup dreams over for another season, Catford can now give the league their full focus in their bid for glory.
Jeff Gotch went from hero to villain after scoring in the epic 5-5 Morrison clash against Raiders, only to miss in the resultant penalty shoot-out. But he hasn’t lost too much sleep over it.
He told JC Sport: “We’re looking forward to making a welcome return to league action against a strong Temple Fortune side.
"We're missing a few this week but as always it’s about who we do have and I’m confident the 14 players available will step up."
Having slipped up against Faithfold B in their last league outing, the prospect of three consecutive defeats would be unthinkable to Gotch.
He said: “It looks like every team in the league is capable on their day and it’s going to be a long hard season and we really need to be picking up three points this week and maintaining our good form.
"It's a hard one to call but it should be an entertaining affair and if we can put in a good shift I’m confident we will come away from the game with some points."
Gotch didn’t go as far as to say whether or not he’d tone down any goal-scoring celebrations against of his former clubs, but being the class act he is, it’s definitely something for him to think about.
He said: “Temple Fortune was my first ever men’s football team and Simon has done wonders with them this year bringing in some good quality players and it’s always nice to see them do well. But I’ll be hoping they don’t do to well this week."
Fortune have been keeping themselves busy with behind-closed-door friendlies whenever they haven’t had a game. They have had some tough games under the new regime, going toe-to-toe with Raiders C and RCUK, although the 5-2 loss against Redbridge is a memory gaffer Linden is keen to eradicate.
Victory on Sunday isn’t beyond Fortune in what is expected to be a fast, frenetic and passionate contest.
Venue – Christs College, Ref – Stuart Caplin, KO –10.15am
JC star man: Lawrence Bloom (Catford)
DC Prediction: Catford 2 Fortune 2
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FAITHFOLD B vs BOCA JEWNIORS
Faithfold go into their meeting with Boca with a psychological advantage after last week’s 2-1 triumph in the Jewish FA Cup.
‘Goal machine’ Josh Barnett and Avi Garson guided them to a hard-fought victory, but I have a feeling this will be a little more one-sided.
Faithfold’s Avi Garson told JC Sport: “The bad news for Boca is that our lethal strikeforce of Richard Fogelman and Louis Taylor, who have terrorised Division Two defenders this season are available for Sunday's clash.
"Managers David Garson and James Stanton are going in search of their fifth consecutive victory. In a pre-game conference, they said "confidence is high and because of this winning streak everyone wants to play. The only downside of this success, is that picking the team this week has been a nightmare."
Boca have found goals hard to come by so far this season. But manager Anton Nyman believes history is on their side as they look to register their first points of the season.
He told JC Sport: “We’ve got a pretty decent record away at Faithfold so hopefully we can build on that.
"Having played them last week in the cup, we know exactly what to expect, despite the narrow loss.
"We've been starting too slow in games and that cost us, despite our strong second half showings.
"We need to take the game to them early doors and build from that. Unfortunately we're missing a couple of key players this weekend including myself, but I have no doubt that the likes of Joseph Leigh stepping into the void will be more than ample replacements."
Sunday is all about the battle between the Faithfold attack and the Boca defence. It’s Faithfold for me.
JC team news: Faithfold’s Sam Garson remains sidelined with a rib injury and the ever-present Ben Kfir is away.
Venue – The Hive, Ref – Stuart Ansher, KO – 10am
JC star man: JJ Marrache (Faithfold)
DC Prediction: Faithfold 4 Boca 1
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REAL HENDON vs HERTSWOOD VALE
Jacob Emanuel and Jack Shulman walked into work like The Wolf of Wall Street on Monday morning following their sensational cup win over first division Finchley City.
It's been a week to remember for the best double act in Borehamwood. Just when they thought things couldn’t get any better, they were named JC Managers of the Week.
There were also stand-out performances from Yaacov Goldin, Theo Gluckstein and Harry Graham, and more of the same will be the order of the day.
Vale travel to Hendon with their tails up. Good luck to them, I say. They have put in the hard yards and after four defeats on the spin, it was great to put their name up in lights. After all, good things come to those who wait.
"We've been looking forward to this Sunday's fixture against Hendon since the referee blew the whistle at the end of last week's game,” Emanuel told JC Sport.
"We're hoping to take the momentum we achieved from our ‘cupset’ last week and use it to get our first points on the board in the league.
"We have our largest squad available so far this season, although last week's man-of-the-match Ben Mandel has returned to Manchester.
"Meanwhile the race is on to convince goal-scorer Harry 'Diego Costa' Graham to pull on his boots for a second consecutive week."
Real are past masters in ruining scripts. With players of the calibre of Chaim Gothold, Gav Noe and Martin Smulovitch, they have a habit of knocking teams down when they’re on a high.
So my message is clear. Vale beware.
JC team news: Vale welcome back Elio Elia, Jordan Harris, Josh Cohen and Ashley Hirschberger to their matchday squad.
Venue – West Hendon, Ref – Paul Dobkin, KO – 10am
JC star man: Ashley Hirschberger (Vale)
DC Prediction: Real 2 Vale 3
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L’EQUIPE vs RCUK FC
RCUK travel to promotion rivals L'Equipe full of confidence on the back of last week's dramatic cup upset over first division Hendon.
Player-manager Avi Markiewicz led by example in a wonderful team performance which proves they have the quality to go toe-to-toe with opponents from a higher division.
They go to L'Equipe with all guns blazing, although Markiewicz and co know Sunday will be a big test of their credentials.
Ahead of kick-off, Markiewicz told JC Sport: "RC are still absolutely buzzing after the absolutely thrilling extra-time win against Hendon and we plan to use that monument against L'Equipe this week.
"With two wins on the trot against higher division opposition we fear no-one and nothing but a win will do for my boys this Sunday.
"Although still not at full-strength we do have a few players returning after shaking their lulavs abroad, but after the exhausting efforts of those who played last week it would be unfair of me to begin with anything but a very similar starting XI, whom I have complete trust in."
L'Equipe gave a good account of themselves against Faithfold last week - falling by the odd goal. Having seen some footage, manager Nick Stern will be quick to remind his players in defence and midfield not to allow RCUK's wide men time and space, as that's an area they came unstuck. They must approach this game much the same as they did last week.
If they do beat RCUK on their home turf, it will be another big statement about L'Equipe's prospects of winning the title.
Five-star entertainment is guaranteed on Sunday and I have no doubt football will be the winner.
Venue – Old Finchleians , Ref – Daniel Fox, KO – 10am
JC star man: Dudi Edryei (RCUK)
DC Prediction: L'Equipe 2 RCUK 2
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NORTH LONDON RAIDERS C vs MILL HILLS DONS
NLR have momentum on their side following "the Miracle of Istanbul" comeback against Catford in the cup last week.
Some of the NLR woke up the next day pinching themselves, thinking 'did that really just happen?' It must have been some game to play in.
Now the next 90 minutes cannot come soon enough for a NLR team desperate to climb the table.
NLR joint-manager David Domb told JC Sport: "Three wins from four in all competitions - that's the Raiders C we've all grown to know. It's taken us a little longer than we would have liked to settle, but now we're getting there.
"The comeback last week has given us a huge amount of belief as to what potential there is in this side. We all can't wait to get back on the pitch.
"But consistency is what we're after and we need to continue the winning run in the league. I never know what to make of new sides, but we know they'll have their strengths and we need to keep up our recent run of form."
We saw the best and worst of Mill Hill Dons in the cup last week. They more than held their own in the first 45 against Bilbaum, but all their good work was undone in the second, when they conceded some sloppy goals.
They are hitting the right notes on Twitter, but must sort out defensive leaks to give themselves a chance, having conceded 8, 8 and 6 goals in their last three outings.
Dons boss Brandon Hamme told JC Sport: "We made another good start last weekend when we went ahead and were looking very solid, but as the game went on we became extremely sloppy.
"We need to stay awake to danger throughout this week because we know we are coming up against another strong side. We need to start getting back into winning ways."
All the signs point towards a comfortable NLR win.
JC team news: Alex Sherr misses out for Raiders this week, but Ricky Zeiderman is set for a return.
In classic Dons tradition, they have a huge 23 players out this weekend, so the squad is down to its bare minimum. However, Hamme remains confident "that we can get something from this game with the players we have available to us". Vice-captain Ryan Kramer faces a late fitness test, with new signings Gideon Rabstein and Ben Kreiger set to make their debuts, along with Jono Gaon who has recovered from his injury.
Venue – Ark Academy, KO – 10am
JC star man: Ricky Zeiderman (NLR)
DC Prediction: NLR 4 MHD 1
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