AJ Show Real Quality

AJ Rovers put in a textbook away performance as they saw off Real Madrid FC at the Santiago Bernabeu. There was to be chances at both ends in an eventful first-half but an injury to Aren Garabedian overshadowed events. Madrid did manage to bounce back from this injury to take the lead through Kevin Gabriele but even at this stage there was enough in Rovers’ play to suggest they were capable of a comeback. This was confirmed as they put their shooting boots on in an impressive second-half. Sonny Vickerman drew them level as he hit an unstoppable shot from distance past Nersesian. Then it was the turn of midfielder Gordon Hogg to take centre stage. He had been putting on a superb display for Rovers and he capped it by finishing off two breakaway moves to give the away side a 3-1 advantage. Gabriele did manage to add his eighth of the campaign to bring a shell-shocked Madrid back to within one but it wasn’t enough for the hosts. Rovers have now gone five games unbeaten and have moved ominously up to fifth just four points off the top of the table. The defeat was Madrid’s second in succession and although they remain in third they will be looking to return to winning ways as soon as possible.

Belly Tubbies also remain upwardly mobile following their 3-0 win at Internazionale. Despite both sides creating a number of chances Tubbies were to win comfortably thanks in the main to some good finishing and the expertise of Gert-Ake Sahlberg. A penalty from Jules Vallade on 14 minutes put the visitors in front and it was just reward for a good opening. They continued to have the better of the opening 45 minutes and duly added a second goal when Vallade netted once more, this time from a breakaway move. Inter were to improve after the break but found themselves coming up against a brick-wall in the shape of 11-bar performing Sahlberg, incredibly still below his potential. To add insult to injury Colin Deary added a third for the visitors who have moved into sixth and are a mere three points from the promotion spots. Meanwhile, Inter news reported that Jmc is ‘close to cracking up’ following the defeat which sees them slip into the relegation zone.

Kensington Boys Club suffered a knock to their promotion hopes as they went down 2-0 at Los Samgeles Kings. The home side belied their lowly league position with a performance of authority and in the end proved good value for their three points. Both sides created chances in an even opening 45 minutes but neither showed the necessary composure to take one and give themselves an advantage. Dustin Brown rectified this, though, four minutes after the restart as he headed in a cross from Michal Handzus to give LAK a 1-0 lead. LAK now had the momentum and, although KBC did have chances to get back into the game, held on relatively comfortably. Indeed, they added a second headed goal from that man Brown again in the last ten minutes to put the finishing touch on an excellent win. Stripy8 has managed to steer his side out of the relegation zone as a result of their victory and with the division remaining extremely tight anything is still possible. Patrik will be happy that his side haven’t lost too much ground despite the defeat and will be looking to avoid more slip-ups as the second-half of the season progresses.

Carthage FC edged Southampton 1-0 at St Marys but should have won by more in a one-sided contest. With Southampton lacking in confidence Carthage looked the more progressive side from the start. They franked this form by taking the lead as Guido Eliseo finished off a free-kick taken by Ad Herbal. Carthage continued to enjoy chances in the game but some lacklustre finishing cost them a more comprehensive score-line. Southampton couldn’t get anything going as they struggled for possession but will once again be grateful for the classy performance of Aaron Winder who continues to impress watching scouts. Carthage have moved onto 17 points as a result of the 1-0 win and are three points from both the promotion and relegation spots meaning a good or bad run over the next four games or so will dictate where their focus is for the remainder of the season. Hardinho’s Saints sit on the bottom but won’t be too concerned as the manager has said it’s ‘all about the match experience’ and with a good couple of development seasons they will then be ready to move on.

The leaders Charlottenburg FC put in an obdurate performance as they took a point away from White Hawk FC in a 0-0 draw. The visitors had to withstand an early blow as Martin Keown suffered an injury to add further complications to a defensive unit already shorn of Sol Campbell. White Hawk had the better of the chances but found David James the equal to whatever they could throw at him and a point was all they could take away from the encounter. White Hawk now find themselves three points from the safety mark and will want to take advantage of another home game when they face Madrid on Friday. Charlottenburg will be happy enough with a point which stretches their lead to two at the head of proceedings and in perfect position as the matches tick by.

Another scoreless encounter saw Morley Town F.C. and Kroklund Kings both add a point each to their tally. Both sides enjoyed a chance each in the opening half as Christopher Love fired wide for Morley and only the woodwork denied Gabrile Galtier a goal following a driving effort. Love and Arnautu went on to miss chances in the second-half as the hosts ended slightly on top but neither side ultimately did enough to win a tough contest. Kroklund remain in fourth and are two points behind Madrid while Morley are a further point adrift and with the squad in fine form, Leeg21 will be looking for his side to press on up the table.