Honours Even at Top

Hun Haters and Yorkshires Amateurs drew 1-1 in a top of the table clash at Scotlands Shame. Both sides didn’t give an inch in a tense encounter with both sides knowing that a defeat would give the other an advantage in the coming weeks. The goals came after the break with the game opening up in the latter stages. It was the home side who would strike the front as Iain Emery scored his 22nd goal in HH colours, ably assisted by the ever-reliable Finlay MaCleir. Yorkshires Amateurs have grown into a tough outfit under the tutelage of Danlufc13 and struck back almost immediately. Amadeo Caviedes continues to repay his transfer fee and with one fine strike from distance the game was locked up again. Neither side managed to fashion a winner in the remaining time but as both sides sit on 13 points and just two from top spot the draw might well have suited them both.

ThunderCats F.C missed the opportunity to stretch their lead by going down 1-0 in Marseille. Meelas will undoubtedly be massively disappointed by the result as not only was the goal from Marseille’s only chance, it was also a 94th minute penalty and it came after the home side had played almost the entire second-half with 10-men due to their manager’s decision not to name any subs. ThunderCats had the better of the chances throughout the game but just couldn’t find the breakthrough. Marseille were indebted to the quality performance of Cal Beardsley in defence and special mention to young ‘keeper Dion Rossell who belied his years with a quality performance. Petter Lundin was forced off with an injury as it looked Cathal’s decision to go without subs would backfire badly but ThunderCats still could not find a way past the home side’s rearguard. Then, in a slap of the face to all connected with the visitors, Sid Peyton was given the opportunity to slot home from the spot; making no mistake he delivered the three points to Marseille. The result sees the top end of the table become closer than ever with Marseille in fifth on 12 points only three behind ThunderCats’ total of 15 which tops the standings.

Also in the thick of things are AFC Stanley who disposed of St Omer with the minimum of fuss. Stanley did have an unfortunate start to the game as Garry Molseley was taken off injured and will be out until the beginning of next month. They didn’t let it break their concentration, though, and took the lead just four minutes later as Alan Martindale headed home on 15 minutes to deflate a young Omer. Omer really struggled to make an impact on the game as CT continues his rebuilding process but he will surely be heartened by the excellent form his side appear to be in. Whatever the future holds for Omer, though, they found themselves two behind following a Matts Wallman free-kick on 69 minutes and with Hessbo a mere spectator at the other end the game was over as a meaningful contest. The victory sees Stanley move into second and they will surely be sniffing a title challenge as their squad is up there with the best. Omer sit at the foot of the table but have shown already this season they can surprise opponents and may have a few stories to tell yet.

Recording their second win of the season, and in the process bouncing back from their heartbreaking 5-4 loss to Stanley, were Santos who dismissed F.C. Greatness 3-0. The game was one-sided from the start and you feared for the visiting side once chief marksman Martinus Benfari went off injured. Santos took a while to turn their superiority into goals but as Greatness tired the chances were taken. Adriano Ribeiro proved the difference with two headers in a nine-minute spell which rocked the visitors. His first came on 63 minutes to the relief of the home support and when he scored his second on 72 the crowd allowed themselves to relax, if only a little following their previous game. When Patricio Bento added number three the game was over as, unlike Stanley, Greatness were not playing well enough to trouble the home team. Greatness manager DC moaned, ‘Dennis Gyllenhielm suspended, Benfari injured and did I mention I lost 3-0? Can’t get any worse!’ Following the result, just two points separate the sides and with every side showing they’re capable of picking up results all is still to play for.

Reggae Reggae Sauce inflicted a second straight defeat on AC Milan with a 3-1 home win. In truth, Milan had chances in the game too but RRS were more clinical in front of the goal and, therefore, won the day. Derek Acorah netted the first on 20 minutes with a shot in the area and it was quickly two as Eddy Grant showed his class with an effort from some distance. When James Wade delivered a superb free-kick on 59 minutes the points were secure despite Elroy Burns giving Milan some respectability on 73 minutes. ‘Can’t believe it’ was the response from Milan manager MarkieRich who was bemused why his side didn’t take their chances after claiming their ‘form is okay.’ The sides sit on 9 points each in the middle of the table but Xpertelevener will clearly be the happier following this result.

Tranmere Rovers were the latest side to beat Totaalvoetbal as they gave their season a much needed boost. They had to overcome an injury to Leroy Upson but it was to work in their favour as sub Terrence Talbot came on to score the winning goal on 36 minutes following a breakaway move which cut through Totaal. Raymond Putnam had the best of the opportunities that came the visitors’ way but, unfortunately, struck the post with one chance and was caught offside when he did find the net. Tranmere were worthy victors as they continued to create the majority of chances and they will want to build on these three points as the table remains tight. Robin Meeblind expressed his disappointment at a ‘dreadfully poor display’ and will need to get his side going otherwise a long season fighting relegation will be on the cards.