Inter March Past Saints

Internazionale produced a scintillating performance in despatching Southampton 4-1 to kick-off Division Two in fine fashion. Creating a host of chances you sensed it was only a matter of how many would they would win by as they defeated a disorganised Southampton easily. Dennis Abrey was to fire in the first from distance before Darren Houghton put the final touch on a clever free-kick to give them a two-goal advantage at the break. The second-half was to be slightly more even but Internazionale always looked the likelier to add to their lead. They duly did this through Henrik Larsson as the promising youngster scored the first of, what is hoped to be, many goals in his career. Southampton briefly rallied when Benos Hardinho displayed his eye for goal with a neat finish but the visitors would have the final say. Stephen Lorimer headed in from a corner to put the exclamation mark on a complete opening day performance.

In another brilliant performance Charlottenburg FC were 3-0 victors over AJ Rovers. The victory added weight behind coach Potsdamerplatz’s belief that his team will be ‘strong all season.’ They were given an early boost by Stan Collymore who hit the goal trail once more after scoring nine last season. David Beckham then headed in on the stroke of half-time as Charlottenburg made the most of their two chances in the first 45. It was an even half all told and AJ might even have felt somewhat aggrieved to be going in behind let alone two goals adrift. The second 45 minutes was a different story, though, as a confident home side dominated. They duly added a third through Teddy Sheringham and the points were safe. Rothion admitted that he needed to make ‘lots of improvement’ if they are to push for ‘Division One’ football next season.

White Hawk FC continued from where they left off last season with a 3-0 win over Carthage FC. Always having a territorial advantage in the first-half White Hawk wore down the visitors so they could take advantage of a tired outfit in the second. So it proved as Adan Donahue hit home after 53 minutes as the chances began to arrive for the hosts. Cianan Cathan opened his account for the club after 80 minutes before the reliable Clyde Nageswar got his season up and running with an effort in injury-time. Last season’s Division Three champions will have been delighted with their start as they look to make it back-to-back promotions while Carthage will quickly seek to improve following their surprise inclusion in Division Two for this campaign.

Another team who benefited from the league revamp were Morley Town F.C. who will also ply their trade a division higher this term. They were to get a wake-up call as to how tough they can expect to find life as an experienced Real Madrid FC side saw them off 2-0. Madrid took a stranglehold on proceedings after a storming opening twenty minutes. Kevin Gabriele put the hosts in a strong position by finishing off a corner delivered by the impressive Varoujan Haigazian. Haigazian then set up Kapo Kachadorian for the second some ten minutes later. With a two-goal lead Madrid allowed Morley to be more competitive in the second period but they couldn’t find a way back in as the home side took the spoils. Neither manager was available for comment as they looked to prepare their sides for the season ahead.

Perhaps the game of the day came at the Staples Center as Los Samgeles Kings edged a five-goal thriller with Belly Tubbies. With expensive new ‘keeper Sahlberg debuting hopes were high among the travelling support that they could get off to a good start. These hopes took an early dent as Dustin Brown gave his own welcome to the new cat by beating him following a swift counter. Tubbies responded well with a breakaway of their own, finished off by Jules Vallade as the game set off at quite a pace. Los Samgeles proceeded to get on top of their visitors and their pressure told at the start of the second 45. Derek Armstrong was the home hero as a header and a long range shot gave them a two-goal advantage which would ultimately prove decisive. Mark Lysenko did pull one back for BT but they couldn’t draw level. The win gives Stripy8 a boost following his appointment last season left him with ‘a lot of work to do’ because of previous bad management.

Two sides who occupied relegation spots in this division last season met as they both secured a reprieve following the readjustments. The news hadn’t pleased Bossebong who feared that being in the division again might ‘damage the team for years to come.’ Hopes were higher in Kensington whose new signings hoped to provide a ‘grand future’ for the club. The game itself was a ding-dong affair as the sides traded goals in each half. Cameron Nowell had put KBC ahead early on only for a penalty to be despatched by Toini Vasama ruined the good work before the half ended. Kroklund seized on their opportunity by going ahead early in the second-half through Aatu Vuokki but Kensington wouldn’t lay down either and earned just reward with a Niles Worthington equaliser with seconds remaining. The draw will surely be seen as a point gained for both sides as they look to fare much better at the second time of asking.