Mafia Master Manchester

Mexican Mafia dominated Manchester United from the outset to run out 3-0 winners and move ominously up to second in the Division One table. Mafia worked tirelessly to ensure United would not have a chance of note in the entire game and created enough themselves to win a couple of games. Hans Bruckner put the finishing touch on a smart free-kick from Eugene Kameni Idriss as the hosts started on fire. It was 2-0 on 27 minutes as Ralf Kron headed in and when Demetrio Delpiano got himself back on the scoresheet after 37 minutes the game was over. United showed nothing after the break in an attempt to get back into the game and only endured further frustration as Darren Fletcher was shown red on 86 minutes. Mafia did encounter some frustrations of their own as Isimaru suffered an injury which has left them a little short of bodies up front. Jimmy announced that he was ‘very happy with the win’ and let everyone know that it’s now an ’11 game unbeaten run’ as Mafia look to take a hold on the division. Manchester United manager Pakya will not be pleased by this performance but seems relaxed to the point in thinking the team may run itself.

West Brom Strollers had to withstand a lot of chances to take a point from The Vikings in Viking Land. The home side, while content to give up possession, created more chances with the ball they had and looked dangerous from the off. Ted Tolley was to give them the lead when he headed home after 16 minutes with the Strollers rearguard caught strangely unawares. The Vikings continued to create the better chances after the interval but were eventually made to pay for their profligate finishing. Bryan Robson produced a captain’s knock with a brilliant free-kick after 81 minutes which kept the leaders’ unbeaten record intact. Eaglesrjh was ‘happy enough with the point’ as he had played youngsters who had gained ‘valuable experience.’ He also pointed out that it was ‘a top quality game all-round!’ with plenty of players being picked for the Xpert11 side. Dinkydave echoed this view when he congratulated Eagles on a ‘good game’ and conceded that The Vikings ‘should have had it won in the first-half.’

Three Lions FC complete the top three but they had to settle for a point at Kirkbride Strollers. In truth it could have been worse for the visitors as, but for a missed penalty and a late equaliser, they could have been staring at a defeat. The missed penalty came early in the piece as Jamie Cole was the guilty party with a soft spot-kick. Kirkbride continued to create the better chances in the opening 45 minutes despite conceding a lot of possession. Ironically, it was from the home side’s only chance of the second-half that they took the lead. Billy Maneater provided an excellent centre for Jordan MacIan to head in. Jamie Cole completed a miserable afternoon for himself personally as he suffered an injury which will mean missing their next game before the late drama cost his side victory. After conceding a free-kick in dangerous territory Robin van Izu proved to be the hero for Three Lions as he beat McLoud with a clever effort. The point was probably deserved for their improved second-half showing but they had ‘keeper Izu Casillas to thank for an outstanding display between the posts. This fact was not lost on Izu who declared Casillas ‘awesome’ as despite his knock he ‘played on and still played above his skill.’ On showings like this Kirkbride won’t be in the relegation zone for too much longer either as they come to terms with Division One football.

Pahang United continued their recent hot streak with a fine 4-1 home win over Goals Aloud. It was an open and entertaining contest at Padang MPK and Goals Aloud might feel a little aggrieved that they only got one goal for their efforts. Henning Gassner scored first for the home side with a shot in the penalty area as chances flowed at both ends. An own-goal two minutes later by Srebrenko Cacic put Goals Aloud firmly up against it and when Gassner added his second of the game on 40 minutes the writing was on the wall for the visitors. There continued to be chances in the second-half of the game and Goals Aloud were to finally receive some reward for their efforts when Erik Gall rounded off a good breakaway move with a classy finish. No sooner had they given themselves a shot at a comeback than their defence went to pieces again, however. They failed to pick up their men properly from a corner and Gassner was on hand to poach his hat-trick goal much to the striker’s delight. With a 4-1 win complete TrueBlue said, ‘This is our third winning game and I’m very proud of them.’ Goals Aloud, meanwhile, will be looking nervously at the table as they remain at the bottom without a point from their first five matches.

Tropical Thunder have been in resolute mood this season despite having three different managers during the course of it. Remaining unbeaten they entertained Liverpool yesterday and extended their streak with a tough 1-0 victory. They got their goal early in the game when Lauro Poggi headed home much to Grobbelaar’s despair. The rest of the contest proved to be very even as both sides created opportunities which they couldn’t take. Dirk Kuyt was sent-off as Liverpool’s frustrations told with this being their fourth defeat in the opening five games. Buttons will want to arrest this run of results when he returns from his holiday while new Thunder boss Jamesfreeman will be excited at what his club might achieve this season as they sit only two points from the top of the table.

Registering their first win of the season were Newry City who beat Juventus 2-1 for a thoroughly deserved three points. Newry created the better chances throughout the game, driven on by inspirational midfielder Antony Cowdrey. To everyone’s surprise, though, it was Juventus who took the lead on 62 minutes. Dante Bergamo pulled the strings to send Raimondo Petruzzi through to beat Wellens in the home goal. Newry remained calm despite this setback and were to find their way level soon after. Santino Petsiara shooting home in the penalty area to bring the home crowd back into the game. There was to be further delight for the fans as Cowdrey capped his own brilliant display with a lovely header which was to give Newry the taste of victory. The result sees the two sides within a point of each other in eighth and ninth respectively but both will want to improve upon their up and down start to the campaign.