Sunday Preview - Week 19
Weather permitting, there's another full league programme to look forward to on Sunday morning...
**Remember to send in goalscorers, match reports and team-of-the-week nominations to andrews@thejngroup.com----------------------------------------------------
**SIGN UP FOR TJ SPORTSLETTER & GET MSFL REVIEW SENT DIRECT TO YOUR EMAIL INBOX**
----------------------------------------------------
**ALL FOOTBALL VIDEOS CAN BE ACCESSED FROM HERE,
AND HERE**
----------------------------------------------------
**ALL FOOTBALL PHOTOGALLERIES CAN BE ACCESSED FROM HERE**
----------------------------------------------------
GLENTHORNE A HAVE FOLDED FROM THE PREMIER DIVISION - ALL RESULTS HAVE BEEN EXPUNGED, TABLE HAS BEEN UPDATED
----------------------------------------------------
GLENTHORNE 'A' WERE LIKE A RUDDERLESS SHIP
----------------------------------------------------
LEAGUE CHAIRMAN URGES CLUBS TO PLAY GAMES
----------------------------------------------------
MSFL FOOTBALL WIDOW
----------------------------------------------------
LEADING GOALSCORERS - WEEK 18
----------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------
WEEK 18 PHOTOGALLERY:
HENDON B VS GLENTHORNE
----------------------------------------------------
TEAM-OF-THE-WEEK - WEEK 18
----------------------------------------------------
** (D/H signifies a double-header fixture)**
PREMIER DIVISION:
UPDATED PREMIER DIVISION TABLE
FAITHFOLD A VS LONDON MACCABI LIONS B
Zuriel Solomon's side have been going great guns of late, a run which has taken them to the top of the pile. However, their five game unbeaten run was brought to a halt by this Lions side when they fell to a 3-2 defeat. Revenge will be the order of the day.
That may have been the last game for the Green's, but for Daniel Reuben's side, they've been outclassed by the Lions A side, before recording an impressive 3-1 win over Hendon B.
Glenthorne's demise means the Lions can't now rely on them being one of the teams to drop out meaning, depending on how many teams will go down, they are right back in the thick of it again.
Their win over Faithfold earlier on in the season has to go down as one of their highlights to date, though when reflecting back on that game, Reuben was first to admit that "we were holding on towards the end, with some outstanding defending seeing us to the points.
Goalkeeper David Kosky was the key man for them on that day, producing some stunning saves and you feel he will have to once more have a blinder if the Lions are to record a league double.
Two wins from three games under the stewardship of Reuben, he's certainly made a positive impact since taking over at the helm. Faithfold though know the importance of the win as the title race hots up as well as the fact that they've played more games than those sides around them. The Lions have already claimed the honours once this season, it would be a big ask for them to do so again on Sunday.
TJ PREDICTION:
FAITHFOLD A 3 LONDON MACCABI LIONS B 2
----------------------------------------------------
HENDON UNITED B VS LONDON MACCABI LIONS A
Hendon found themselves just one point off the lead last week following their two wins over Glenthorne, though on confirmation of Glenthorne then folding, promptly lost the six points - and three places.
The loss of points notwithstanding, the side still produced two performance which made joint-managers Martin Smulovitch and Ari Birnbaum happy enough. The former said: "The team spirit after the disappointment of the result the week before was very pleasing and we are maturing into a credible premiership side who are a match for anyone on our day
"After not having had a consistent run of games due to the weather our fitness levels are not quite what they should be - but the players knew that no less than 100 % commitment would suffice to achieve six points. Double headers are always awkward but they are something that we just have to adapt to."
And whole they may not be just a point off top, they are still well placed to launch a challenge at the top end of the table, even if Birnbaum is remaining cautious saying: "We're taking each game as it comes with the aim of climbing the table and finishing as high as we can. We're not setting any targets, but will just keep on going one game at a time."
The Lions are seemingly getting better and better with each passing week, with their most recent outing being a 3-1 win over Hendon A, which left manager Eilon Kennet in particular delighted with the youngsters in his squad. He said: "What particularly pleased me was to see how well the youngsters are doing. I thought that Yoav and Sam did exceptionally well and it's definitely starting to feel like a team where everyone is supportive and trusts each other.
"I'm very happy with the squad and we have good strength in depth. The players understand that we need a big squad which means that sometimes we have to rotate players. It's part of my job to try and keep them buoyant and up beat when they are not involved. And it's great to know that Ricky & Ben Joseph are virtually back after long injuries. I'm also thrilled to have David Ossack join us. He will be a great addition to the team."
Reflecting on the league, he said: "That's a lot of football to play between now and May. If we can keep the squad as fit and enthusiastic at they are right now, I would be encouraged."
Hendon shocked the Lions back on the opening day of the season when they won 3-2 at the Lane. That shocked the Lions into action and they've barely looked back since. Hendon themselves are going through a good spell right now, but up against the form team in the league, Kennet's side will get their revenge on Sunday.
TJ PREDICTION:
HENDON UNITED B 1 LONDON MACCABI LIONS A 2
----------------------------------------------------
SOUTH MANX A VS NORTH WEST NEASDEN A
This will be the first league game for a long time and comes on the back of two successive non-Jewish cup defeats for the champions.
The most recent of those was in the Sunday FA Cup last week which saw them crash out 6-4 to Sungate. Goals from James Gershfield, Lee Cash, Danny Daggers and an own goal weren't enough for the side to prevail, and they weren't helped by the fact they finished the game with nine men.
Speaking about the match, joint-manager Jamie Cole said: "We played with ten men for 60 minutes, but played against 12 men as the referee was firmly on their side.
"Unfortunately the referee bottled it in a big game. If it was 11 vs 11, we would be in the next round. However, credit to the team as they gave everything and never gave up."
The fact that we're now in February and Neasden have only played three league games seems ridiculous but such ahs been their other commitments find themselves in this position. However, even with that in mind and having played six games fewer than the Manx, they still have three more points on the board than them.
The Manx go into this game looking for their first win in five and following Glenthorne's demise, now find themselves rooted to the bottom of the table, two points adrift with only five games left.
These sides have already met this season - one of Neasden's three games being a 6-3 win, they'll want to bounce back this weekend after their previous two defeats, and it could be quite a comprehensive win.
TJ PREDICTION:
SOUTH MANX A 2 NORTH WEST NEASDEN A 4
----------------------------------------------------
DIVISION ONE:
UPDATED DIVISION ONE TABLE
BRADY MACCABI VS BRIXTON OLD BOYS
Brady saw their title hopes take a dent in their last outing as they were held to two draws by Montana though will be more than confident of getting back to winning ways when they play host to the bottom side of the division.
They'll be even more confident going into this game bearing in mind they didn't play Brixton such a long time ago and duly put seven goals past them.
Brixton's situation seems to be getting more and more grave with each passing week, with their run reading as six consecutive losses. It won't get any better for them this weekend as Brady resume their promotion charge.
TJ PREDICTION:
BRADY MACCABI 4 BRIXTON OLD BOYS 0
----------------------------------------------------
MONTANA BOCA A VS SOUTHGATE HARMEN A
Montana reignited their promotion challenge as they pulled off a surprising 2-1 win at the leaders Raiders - all the more impressive as they had to achieve it from coming from a goal behind, with strikes from Trevor Henen and Simon Peterman seeing them to the three points.
However, while they find themselves up in fourth spot, they've only won a third of their games and haven't been consistent enough to mount a proper title bid.
Harmen, while they have seemingly come out of their sticky mid-season patch - are now unbeaten in four games - though only two of those were wins. The loss of key striker - and leading goalscorer Alex Bourne won't exactly help their cause, though out for at least a month still, know they will have to overcome his loss if they're to stay up alongside the chasing pack.
The two fought out a 2-2 draw when they met earlier in the season, that wouldn't do either any good this week, though both may have to settle for it.
TJ PREDICTION:
MONTANA BOCA A 2 SOUTHGATE HARMEN A 2
----------------------------------------------------
NORTH WEST NEASDEN B VS NL RAIDERS A
The Raiders had a chance to pull away five points clear at the top of the table last week though having suffered a somewhat surprising 2-1 home defeat by Montana, saw it stay at two points, having now also played a game more than the nearest challengers.
While it would have been even more disappointing given the fact that they squandered a winning position, joint-manager Danny Caro made no excuses for the defeat saying: "We can have no complaints about the result as Montana were worthy winners on the day. They fought harder than us and didn't allow us to play.
"It could have been a different story had we taken our chances but now it's about lifting the boys and bouncing straight back next week."
The job in hand won't be any easier this weekend as they face another side in Neasden who also have their eyes on the title.
Sammy Carr's men are the only unbeaten team left in the division though their last three wins were against the bottom two sides, meaning they'll have to up their game for the standard of opposition on Sunday.
Neasden can lay down a real marker of their title intentions by taking the points here and with home advantage of Bricket Wood will feel they're capable of doing it. Having played out a 4-4 draw back on the opening day of the season, they'll be hoping that the Raiders continue form where they left off last week. If that is the case and the Raiders put in another below-par performance, the home side will take the points.
TJ PREDICTION:
NORTH WEST NEASDEN B 2 NL RAIDERS A 1
----------------------------------------------------
OAKWOOD VS REDBRIDGE B
Redbridge saw their title hopes suffer a knock last time out when they were forced to share the points from their double-header encounter against Camden, a result against a 'struggling' side from whom manager Richard Bronzite would have been expecting a while lot more from.
However, if he was disappointed with that, O's manager Ric Blank wouldn't have exactly been in a happy state of mind given the fact that he saw his side fall to their first loss of the season - even if it was against the leaders at the time.
That solitary loss goes alongside their solitary win - which as a good omen for them came against Redbridge back at the start of the season.
Off the pace in terms of points accumulated but with something to draw back on in the sense that they have plenty of games in hand a late promotion charge could still be in the offering but only if they start picking up the points. Redbridge, having already been beaten once by the Os wont want lightning to strike twice and knowing they have to win to keep alive their title hopes, will just about manage to do that.
TJ PREDICTION:
OAKWOOD 1 REDBRIDGE B 2
----------------------------------------------------
RED SEA VS CAMDEN PARK
Camden's second wind to the season - which saw them string together two successive wins - was brought to a halt in the second half of their double-header against Redbridge and means they're still engulfed in the bottom four of the table.
Red Sea wished they had those problems as they're two places further down in the table having suffered seven losses from their eight games with little sign of that first, elusive win on the horizon.
Camden started their 'run' of form with a 3-2 win over Camden - a game which also featured their first goals of the campaign. At least Justin Rockberger's side can point to some victories of note, expect them to add to their tally on Sunday.
TJ PREDICTION:
RED SEA 0 CAMDEN PARK 2
----------------------------------------------------
DIVISION TWO:
UPDATED DIVISION TWO TABLE
CHIGWELL VS LONDON MACCABI LIONS C
With the leaders, Raiders, not in action this week, the Lions have a chance to close the gap at the top of the table when they play one of their three games in hand this week.
Having lost just the two league games to date, both of which were against the Raiders, Frank Steinberg's side have a nearly 100% winning record, winning five of their other six games.
While the Lions have their sets on the top end of the table, Chigwell are trying to get away from the bottom end and are showing encouraging signs that they may achieve it given the fact that they're now unbeaten in their last three games having lost their opening two.
One of those losses was against the Lions, when the Rowley Lane outfit went to town romping home to a 6-1 victory. Even as inform as Chigwell are right now, you can't look past a Lions win even if it will be a much more closely-fought out affair.
TJ PREDICTION:
CHIGWELL 1 LONDON MACCABI LIONS C 2
----------------------------------------------------
FAITHFOLD B VS FC TEAM A
An indication of where these two sides are heading can be gleamed by the fact that while Faithfold have played six more games than Team, the former are still a place and a point ahead of the Greens in the table.
Barring a shock 3-0 loss at HMZ, Jonny Pearl's side have won their three other games including a 7-1 hammering over Faithfold in their first game of the season. Giving Faithfold's A team a run for their money in the Cup a couple of weeks ago, they proved that on their day they can still mix and match it with the best sides Jewish football has to offer.
With respect to Faithfold B, they're not one of those sides - at least not yet, and that you fear for them will result in a comfortable away win on Sunday. Having lost six of their ten games, they have still produced some shocking results this season - for the right reasons as they put six past Banta and five against Fortune.
Manager Rob Shuman is highly confident that they can pull away from the bottom end of the table and at least enjoy mid-table stability. That may well be the case but that charge up the table will have to wait at least another week.
TJ PREDICTION:
FAITHFOLD B 1 FC TEAM A 3
----------------------------------------------------
FC TEAM B VS HOLY MOUNT ZION
The two bottom sides in the table and from the 16 games both sides have been involved, there's only been one win for either of them, no great surprise being that it came in the reverse fixture when HMZ ran out 6-1 winners.
While it may be scarping the barrel, at least Sam Potter's side can point to that win, as well as another point which they took off Banta when they held them to a 1-1 draw. Team don't even have the faint hope of a point to reflect on having lost all seven of their games, and if you look at their performances to date you can't see how they're going to break their duck.
If they want to find something positive to try and look towards it is the fact that HMZ have a very vulnerable defence - conceding nearly four games a game. That said, it didn't help them out last time when they still shipped in six, both sides will feel that can pick up a win here. If it is to come again, it will do so from the visitors.
TJ PREDICTION:
FC TEAM B 2 HOLY MOUNT ZION 2
----------------------------------------------------
SOUTHGATE HARMEN B VS TEMPLE FORTUNE
While the Raiders may have the points on the board, Harmen still have the games in hand which should they win would see them right in the thick of the title race.
Looking for what would be their fourth consecutive league win they've had to wait to try and get for just under two months with their last league game being a 4-0 win over Faithfold B back on 6 December.
Fortune have played quite a few more games in that time, the most recent of which was a 0-0 draw against Banta last week.
That stalemate was the first time this season Fortune had failed to find the back of the net, which coincidently enough was also their first clean sheet of the season. The former stat meant it was also the first time top striker Roberet Benson had failed to score in eleven games, a scoring feat which had it have continued for another two games would have represented a new club record. Reflecting on the game, Fortune's Andrew Souber admitted that his side didn't deserve anything more than they got, saying: "We battled hard but if anything they deserved to win it. Our goalkeeper and defence played very well. On the balance of chances, we did well to get a point."
This will be the first meeting of the two sides this season and while Fortune are looking steady, Harmen are the team gunning for the title. There won't be much between the sides as the league table suggests going into this game - with Harmen a point to the good - but the home side will probably have just enough to nick it.
TJ PREDICTION:
SOUTHGATE HARMEN B 2 TEMPLE FORTUNE 1
----------------------------------------------------
DIVISION THREE:
UPDATED DIVISION THREE TABLE
HENDON C VS ZIG ZAG
The best thing you can say about Zig Zag's season to date is that it's been either or. Still not having featured in a draw this season, they've won four and lost six of their league games, the latter figure being why they found themselves down in seventh spot.
However, such is the tightness of the league right now, seventh position belies how close they are to the top of the table when you bear in mind they're one point off joint-third spot, three points off second spot, and four off the top.
What isn't in their favour is the fact they've played the most games of any side in the division meaning they have to win their remaining games - or at least the majority of them - if they're to stand any chance of going up this season. That is, or at least was something that manager Neal Cohen felt was attainable, prior to their last league outing anyway which resulted in a 3-1 loss at Zig Zag. Wanting a game to resume their campaign against a side who aren't exactly flying right now, that's exactly what they'll be facing this week when they travel to a Hendon side who aren't exactly enjoying the best of it right now.
Zvi Noe's side will go into this game looking for their first win at four attempts, a run of form which sees them now sitting just two points off bottom spot. On the plus side they do at least have the buffer of having games in hand on the sides around them to fall back on, but given their current form, is not really anything to rely on.
If confidence is going to be the defining factor in this game, then the visitors will win it, but two closely matched sides could see this game ending in a share of the spoils.
TJ PREDICTION:
HENDON C 2 ZIG ZAG 2
----------------------------------------------------
L'EQUIPE VS FC MARYLEBONE
Gideon Chain's L'Equipe side put themselves right back in to the title frame with that win over Zig Zag, a win which Chain felt ilustrates why they will be there or thereabouts come May.
He said: "We proved that sometimes we don't need to play our prettiest football to get the three points - we're confident in our ability and for anyone who was beginning to doubt us, today should make you think twice before writing us off!
"We know we have what it takes to win this title and our determination to succeed is now stronger than ever."
Going into this game they'll be facing a side who will be playing their first game under a new manager in Raphael Bajer - a man who takes over from Jon Davody and Marc Touboul with a glowing tribute. According to the club, "Raphael is one of the most passionate players we have ever seen and he has FC Marylebone in his DNA. He knows each player extremely well and attends training sessions more often which puts him in a better position to make the right decisions."
Marylebone's last game under the old managership saw them record those two wins against Catford which resulted in them shooting up the table into joint-third place.
As a result, they're hoping to become one of the top teams in the division and will be making a real statement of intent should they be able to get a win at a side who they share third spot with.
TJ PREDICTION:
L'EQUIPE 3 FC MARYLEBONE 2
----------------------------------------------------
MONTANABOCA B VS FC HEATH
One win from their last three games may not be title-winning form but given their flying start to the season, Nick Goodmaker's side still sit at the top of the table.
Their last outing was a 2-2 draw against Hendon, a result which wasn't exactly well met by Goodmaker especially when you consider Hendon's recent record.
Heath are currently sitting in mid-table and go into the game on the back of an unbeaten run which now stretches back five games, after they lost heavily at Woodford. Their most recent outing was a double-header against title chasers Norstar and in holding them to two points, manager Ray Bloom can take plenty of positives from his side.
However, if they thought Norstar was a tough encounter, this will be even tougher. Montana aren't top dogs for no reason and they'll have too much for Heath on Sunday.
TJ PREDICTION:
MONTANABOCA B 2 FC HEATH 1
----------------------------------------------------
NORSTAR A VS FAITHFOLD C
Second-from-top hosting second-from-bottom shouldn't pose too many problems for Norstar as they look to keep the pressure on Montana.
While Phil Peters' side may only be a point off top spot, they have hit something of a sticky patch drawing three of their last four games, with the fourth being a slender 1-0 win over Zig Zag.
That said they are still in the shake-up for the title and with an unbeaten record to defend, you can't see that coming unbroken this weekend.
Faithfold have a tendency of being able to pull off seemingly unlikely victories, their 6-3 win over L'Equipe being a case in point. Unfortunately for them though, apart from that triumph and one over Marylebone, they've slumped to defeat in their other eight games, and that will be a ninth loss come Sunday lunchtime.
TJ PREDICTION:
NORSTAR A 3 FAITHFOLD C 1
----------------------------------------------------
WOODFORD WANDERERS VS CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI (D/H)
With six points up for grabs here, Woodford can really muscle in on the top end of the table by recording two wins over the side rooted to the foot of the table.
Last time out, Alex Aviram's side bounced back from a humiliating loss to L'Equipe by putting in a solid performance to defeat Hendon 2-0. Woodford however, have already had too many false dawns this season - and potentially damaging results to take anything for granted, and really have to take maximum points here if they're to keep up their title dreams.
Catford need points to ease their relegation nightmares though with just one win from eight games and having netted a paltry nine goals from their eight games, you can't see them getting much joy from this fixture.
Woodofrd, back to winning ways and at home, six points here.
TJ PREDICTION:
WOODFORD WANDERERS VS CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI (D/H) 3-0/3-1
----------------------------------------------------
DIVISION FOUR:
UPDATED DIVISION FOUR TABLE
BLIZZARD STORM VS REDBRIDGE C
Redbridge boss Michael Winehouse would have been cursing his luck that last week's game against Real Life was called off given how they bounced back from the disappointment of what should have been a morale-deflating loss against Norstar.
Instead, they bounced back with a 3-0 win over Norstar, with Winehouse saying: "We played as a team for the first time in weeks, from goalkeeper to centre forward we gave it all.
"I have done all I could to get the boys going this week and it worked, there was a real buzz in the changing room and when captain Ell Castle put in a hard, crunching tackle in the first few minutes it set the tone for the rest of the team to follow suit."
Storm are looking to avoid finishing in the bottom reaches of the table though two defeats against Bilbaum in their last outing didn't exactly help their cause. Manager Simon Linden said: "I'm gutted we lost both games. We were not at our best but deserved a share of the points."
He would have been equally upset with the performance his side gave when they last took on Redbridge earlier in the season, on that day falling to a 6-3 loss against the East Londoners. They may not let in six this time round, but it will still prove to be a pointless morning for them.
TJ PREDICTION:
BLIZZARD STORM 1 REDBRIDGE C 3
----------------------------------------------------
HMH JYC VS NORSTAR B
Norstar fell to their first league defeat of the season last time out when they fell 3-0 to Redbridge, though manager Jonny Bunt will be hoping that loss will only prove to be blip as opposed to anything more catastrophic.
However, that loss aside, Bunt will also be disappointed with the winning ratio of his side as they've won just 50% of their games. Scoring goals isn't a problem for them, letting them in is though.
On the plus side for them, they travel to an HMH side on Sunday who are rooted to the bottom of the table, still in search of their first win of the season with a defence which has nearly conceded 40 goals to date.
Try as they might, HMH seem unable to win a game, they won't do son on Sunday.
TJ PREDICTION:
HMH JYC 1 NORSTAR B 3
----------------------------------------------------
JEWVENTUS VS GLENTHORNE UTD B (D/H)
Glenthorne signalled their title intentions last time out when they inflicted a first league defeat of the season on fellow title chasers UJIA to move to within a point of leaders JLGB.
Bearing in mind they have six points to play for, they know the rewards two wins will yield and up against a Jewventus side who have spent all season locked in the bottom three.
In a bid to possibly boost their movement up the table, manager Gabriel John have
announced the duel signings of experienced campaigners, Lee Bassin and Serge Cowan, with John saying: "Both are seen as superb additions to a blossoming squad which now hopes to build on its four game loss less streak by causing a huge upset at Glenthorne this weekend."
A huge upset it would be, but with Glenthorne gunning for the title, expect nothing more than two away wins here.
TJ PREDICTION:
JEWVENTUS VS GLENTHORNE UTD B 1-2/0-2
----------------------------------------------------
PINNER VS HENDON UTD D
While Hendon are still mathematically in contention for promotion, realistically you can't see them maintaining that push given their indifferent league form this season.
Having lost half of their league games, they're a hard team to call as they seem to fluctuate on any given week from being capable of beating anyone in the division to struggling against some of the 'lesser lights'.
A hat-trick of wins were scuppered last time out when they lost the best of a five-goal clash against Real Life.and you feel a mid-table position is probably the best they can hope for this season.
Having said that, a win this week beckons for them given the fact that they're up against a Pinner side for whom this year is proving to be another struggle. One win from ten is a stark indication of why they're struggling, their winning ratio won't be improving this weekend.
TJ PREDICTION:
PINNER 1 HENDON UTD D 3
----------------------------------------------------
REAL LIFE VS TEAM JLGB (D/H)
It may only have been Pinner, but two wins against them in two weeks ago propelled JLGB to the top of the table.
The only downside to come from that encounter was the loss of Neil Lux to injury which proved to be damage to his medial knee ligaments, which is set to rule him out for at least a month.
Although they got the points in the bag which is the all-important thing, by their own admission the performances were not up to scratch and they know they'll need to show an improvement this week as they come up against a higher caliber of opposition.
Last time out, Real Life brought to an end three consecutive losses with that win over Hendon though those previous defeats have proved costly in terms of them tumbling down the table, from the higher echelons of a promotion spot to seventh place where they currently find themselves.
Six points here would obviously see them careering back up the table, but to do that against the leaders is a big ask - and will prove to be ultimately a fruitless one.
TJ PREDICTION:
REAL LIFE VS TEAM JLGB 2-3/1-2
----------------------------------------------------
UJIA VS ATHLETIC BILBAUM (D/H)
Three wins from three games has seen Bilbaum move to within three points of top spot and while they may have played more games than most of the sides above them, have played themselves into the promotion frame.
Unfortunately, for Bilbaum this season, whenever they've come up against a side above them they've gone on to lose apart from one 2-2 draw with Norstar.
In fact, UJIA are the only side who are currently above them whom they haven't played yet, but they themselves go into this game on the back of the their first defeat of the season. Losing to one of their fellow title challengers in Glenthorne could prove to be psychologically damaging as well as just three lost points, and manager Darren Rolfe will be hoping his side can show their title mettle by bouncing back by taking the points.
TJ PREDICTION:
UJIA VS ATHLETIC BILBAUM 2-0/2-1
----------------------------------------------------
