Top Three Thrive on Promotion

The top three in Division Two all won as they secured their respective promotions to Division One for next season.

Kirkbride Strollers had the toughest task on paper, facing a Liverpool side led by the impressive Buttons. It proved every bit as tight as had been anticipated with both sides knowing how much was at stake. The game became more stretched after the interval with chances for both sides. The winning goal wasn't to arrive until the 81st minute, and a brilliant goal it was too. Fraser Symington scoring his fifth goal of an excellent campaign to condemn Liverpool to Division Two football next season and ensure promotion for the Strollers. Buttons was magnanimous post-match, "Oh well, Division Two football next season, had a good run. Well done to all who got promoted."

Manchester United made sure of promotion by outplaying Kroklund Kings 2-0. Kroklund suffered two early setbacks when they had to replace Curt Elliott and Michel de Nostredame because of injuries. United took advantage scoring in the 35th minute after fine work by Jahangir Ridwan allowed Abdul-Salam to head in. United continued to press for more goals and eventually were rewarded after 80 minutes. Exciting young talent Mohammed Khadduri scoring from a free-kick to complete a 2-0 victory. United were promoted as a result of the contest but the fate for Kroklund was at the other end of the spectrum as they were relegated. The news didn't surprise bossebong, "Relegated! But that was expected." the Kroklund manager said simply.

In another promotion-relegation encounter The Vikings won 2-1 against Kensington Boys Club. The Vikings were the dominant side throughout the game, creating many chances as they looked to finish the season as a Division One side in waiting. Kensington shocked them approaching the hour-mark, though, as Algernon Bunbury fired in from a corner to leave them dreaming of an unlikely escape from relegation. The Vikings kept playing their football despite the shock of going a goal behind and equalised shortly afterwards. Forward Justin Portway timing his run to perfection to finish well. Portway was to go on to win the game for the home side when he, again, found space in the area to beat Gardiner and get the party started in Viking Land. Despite winning promotion Eagles had sympathy for Buttons after his was the side to miss out, "I have a lot of respect for Buttons and his team and am sure they will challenge again next season but at the moment I just want to revel in my first promotion."

AJ Rovers took matters into their own hands to avoid relegation by defeating Real Madrid FC 2-1 at Bernabeu. AJ saved one of their best performances for when they needed it most to defeat the home side despite going behind. The goal scorer for Madrid was Willie Rhodes as they took advantage of their only opportunity of the half. Rovers weren't behind for long as Elling Jarnoy delivered a long range shot of some quality to ensure parity at the interval. The winner coming shortly after the break as Gordon Hogg scored only his second goal of the season to ensure survival. FredRizzo clearly has match experience on his mind as Madrid's season winds down with Madrid News reporting, "With survival already assured for next season, the manager can take risks such as these (playing reserves) in order to further develop his players."

Pahang United defeated Los Samgeles Kings by the odd goal in five as two sides with nothing to play for met in an exciting game. Pahang attacked throughout the game and got their reward in the first-half. Jeremias Linderman, Thomas Bienert and Holger Pfitzner all scoring before the break to give Pahang a 3-0 lead. Los Samgeles have been galvanised under Stripy8 and put in an improved effort after the interval. Two late goals from Ricky Hoffman and Ralph Marnoch caused a few late jitters among the home team but it was Pahang who held on for a deserved win.