Vikings Raid Mafia for Point

Mexican Mafia and The Vikings met in the game of the day in Division One and didn’t disappoint the fans or media who flocked to Sierra Madre. Mahmoud Sherko lit the blue touch paper on 15 minutes when he struck an effort past Lees from distance. The Vikings were level on 46 minutes following a lovely breakaway move which culminated with Vassilis Papakostas beating Sattler in goal. Sattler was to swiftly put this disappointment behind him as he confidently strode up field to take a penalty awarded by George Buske and scored with aplomb. Despite finding themselves behind for a second time The Vikings didn’t lie down and found an equaliser from Clint Bonavia. With the game on a knife-edge everyone was waiting for the next, maybe decisive, move. It was to come from distance once more as Ralk Kron carried on the exceptional finishing in beating Lees again. It wasn’t to prove decisive, though, as Bonavia had the final word in stoppage-time; released by Gourmas he kept his nerve to deliver his side a welcome point. Eaglesrjh spoke of how Sierra Madre ‘is a tough place to come’ and lauded his side’s ‘spirit by coming from behind 3 times.’ Jimmy meanwhile was looking ahead and bemoaning his ‘bad management’ which has left his budgeting for the coming week somewhat out-of-sync and threatens his scouting techniques.

West Brom carried on their merry way with a 3-0 away victory at Goals Aloud, who remain pointless. In a dominant display West Brown took the lead when Bobby Taylor headed home in front of the away faithful after 33 minutes. Their lead was never threatened by Goals as they continued to play with pace and confidence. Cyrille Regis showed his goal instincts after 53 minutes to double the lead and when Taylor added his second after 76 the misery was complete for the home side. Dinkydave spoke of ‘another good win’ before looking forward to their next game with Tropical Thunder where ‘something has got to give’ referring to his teams’ 100% record or Thunder’s unbeaten run.

Tropical Thunder were the day’s most impressive winners as they defeated the in-form Three Lions FC 3-1. In a shock for the home fans Joejnr announced his resignation following the victory thus leading to a merry-go-round which first saw Hardinho in as temporary manager before Jamesfreeman finally took the job on a permanent basis. Joe was able to go out on a high thanks to a no-nonsense performance which was set off by a beautiful header from Horatio Minotti. Three Lions were always in the contest despite the commitment from the hosts and, indeed, silenced the home support when Zlatan Izuhimovic equalised on 37 minutes. Tropical Thunder, though, were not to be denied on this fateful day and when Geovany Dainelli converted a penalty the three points were on their way to Larkfield. This was confirmed when Tryggvi Valsson rose unmarked to head home the third in injury-time to leave the Lions defeated for the first time this season. Izuka bemoaned the fact that Thunder ‘bruised and cheated’ yet got ‘a penalty’ but looked forward to ‘the return leg at my place.’ The final word has to go to Joejnr however who, on leaving Thunder, said ‘Pass on my best wishes to everyone in the league. I hope it keeps going as it has been.’ I’m sure the league will send those best wishes straight back Joe.

Juventus gave Manchester United their first defeat of the season at Old Trafford as they built on their 6-2 win last time out. The winning goal came early in the contest as Mairthin Foley, so often the source of good things for Juve, headed home past van der Sar. Chances came for both sides but neither were to be successful in finding the net as Juventus held on for the three points. Wayne Rooney suffered an injury which will keep him out for 10 days or so as the day went from bad to worse for Pakya’s side. SuperJuve sees his side move up to fourth but with so many tough matches to come will not be resting on his laurels.

Pahang United were also 1-0 winners on the day as Buttons’ Liverpool continued to struggle in the rarefied air of Division One football. Kilian Strongbow struck the killer blow so to speak after just six minutes. Liverpool’s defence was found guilty of not giving enough protection to Grobbelaar in the home goal as Strongbow pounced. Pahang had to withstand pressure as they held onto their lead but they also had chances to extend their advantage. TrueBlue exclaimed himself ‘happy and delighted with my players’ and went on to single out his ‘keeper Hussain who he says ‘is the best goalkeeper I ever had.’ Buttons’ remains focused on the task of getting his side moving in the right direction and has so far not spoken to the press this season.

Newry City and Kirkbride Strollers fought out a 0-0 draw to both gain a much needed point as they look to move up the division in the coming weeks. Newry produced an attacking display of quality in the first 45 minutes but found opposing ‘keeper Ally McLoud in stunning form and, try as they might, couldn’t find a way past him. The second-half saw the Strollers gain an advantage but with Wellens also excelling in the home goal they too could not find a way to the net. Both managers will hope the performances of their Number Ones will serve as inspiration for the rest of the squad in the matches to come.