Markie Rich With Points

AC Milan eased their relegation fears with an important 2-0 home win over Reggae Reggae Sauce. Going into the game MarkieRich said his side ‘could do with a win’ and they didn’t disappoint their manager. They did endure some nervy moments, though, not least when Mario Boriello was beset by nerves when taking a 14th minute penalty which, inevitably, ended in disappointment. However, they were dominating proceedings and it wasn’t to take long before they were in front. The goal came courtesy of Damian Tkacz who shot home in the penalty area after receiving a fine pass from Boriello. With Reggae Reggae Sauce struggling, the outcome was never in much doubt after the opening goal; even less so when James Wade was taken off early in the second-half with an injury. After some more missed chances the win was sealed when Humphrey Biehn reacted quickest to a ball from Kaka and beat RRS in goal. It was no more than Milan deserved and the three points takes them up to eighth even though they are only one point above the dreaded zone. Xpertelevener took the defeat on his shoulders as he explained to reporters he ‘forgot to do (his) tactics for tonight’s match.’ With his side just three points above the drop zone he will hope he doesn’t pay the ultimate price for his oversight.

Hun Haters dropped into the relegation zone after suffering a 2-0 defeat at previous incumbents, Yorkshires Amateurs. The Amateurs, buoyed by recent results, began well and a Yogender Amarparm header gave them the tonic they needed to produce a determined performance. Hun Haters were to create as many chances as their hosts but couldn’t make them count and this was, ultimately, to prove costly. Amateurs added a second goal on 62 minutes, also, via a superb header. Murray Davis produced some mesmerising wing play to find the head of Armand Gomah who beat a scrambling Boruc to send ‘We are staying up’ chants round three sides of the ground. Amateurs did have to contend with an injury to Hugo Smallwood late in the game but this couldn’t dampen their excitement at three crucial points gained. The Amateurs saw their win move them up to ninth and, now unbeaten in their last three matches, they will only be concerned with moving further up the standings. The Haters sit in tenth but, with just three points separating them and sixth-placed Reggae Reggae Sauce, they won’t be panicking just yet.

Marseille remain firmly in the relegation zone following a 4-2 defeat at title-chasing ThunderCats F.C. Despite creating six chances each, the home side looked a vastly superior side and fully merited their three points. Juliano Leite began the goal-fest with a 24th minute penalty and the hosts looked to have full control as Leonardo Borja rounded off a fine breakaway with a simple finish on 40 minutes. The lead was stretched to 3-0 in the early stages of the second-half as Borja added his second with a sublime free-kick strike. However, what Marseille were lacking in defensive stability they made up for with attacking intent and pulled a goal back on 70 minutes when Jonathan Boulding raided from the midfield area to head in an Almeida cross. Bernardo Almeida then caused the alarm-bells to start ringing in the home ranks when he deposited a penalty which was awarded for a clumsy challenge. Meelas remained calm on the sidelines, though, and encouraged his side to go forward once more. The result being a clinching goal for Jake Sephton following another breakaway move of real class. Marseille remain down amongst the dead-men with relegation looking certain but the situation is far more appealing for their victors. ThunderCats moved four points clear at the top of proceedings which Meelas declared himself ‘pleased with’ although he added that he will be working ‘on his defence in the coming matches.’

ThunderCats were able to stretch their lead as Santos lost their winning streak to a strong F.C. Greatness side. The home side packed their midfield to try and stifle the creativity of the free-scoring visitors. It proved a successful ploy as Santos couldn’t create an opening in the first 45 minutes and, indeed, only created two chances in the entire game. Greatness, meanwhile, managed six openings and could have won with more to spare if they had shown more composure in front of goal. As it was they left it very late before scoring the winner. With 91 minutes showing on the clock Alvaro Recoba delivered a fine corner which was met perfectly by Martinus Benfari. His header was past Rodenas before the ‘keeper could blink and the three points belonged to Greatness. Darrencalvert, clearly overcome with the victory, could only exclaim, ‘Benfari is back baby!!’ The win sees them remain in fifth and they continue to impress during their first top-flight season. Sean7 will now be keen to see how his players respond to this defeat and their title hopes may depend on the, aforementioned, reaction.

AFC Stanley also dropped points in their quest for the title as they were held 0-0 at St Omer. In a match lacking in any real quality, or talking points, both sides seemed to cancel each other out despite Stanley enjoying much more of the ball. Omer weren’t able to create a chance in the game but restricted Stanley to just two. Of the two chances, Alan Martindale saw an effort saved by the ‘keeper whilst a late lobbed header by Jon MacClintock went just over as the visitors endured a frustrating evening. However, all is not lost for a Stanley side just five points back and Markham33 would, undoubtedly, have been pleased with this position if offered it at the start of the season. The point is just reward for ConyTottee’s willingness to write off a season and rebuild a club patiently. They have gained many an admirer with their efforts in the RM this season.

Totaalvoetbal put in a solid performance to see off Tranmere Rovers 3-0 at the MVB Arena. The hosts won the game in a blistering opening 31 minutes which saw them score three goals and leave the visitors trailing. Johan Juffing scored the first after being teed up by Horacio Metelo from a free-kick on five minutes. Zack Whittal then caused more pain for Rovers as he put through his own goal and when Metelo added a third from the spot a massive score looked on the cards. Tranmere showed great spirit, though, and created some good chances too as they looked to salvage some pride. The closest they came was striking the bar and, unfortunately, they suffered further pain when Leroy Upson went off injured late in the game. The defeat leaves them two points above the drop zone and they will hope for an improved performance against the ThunderCats on Friday. Robin Meeblind explained that his side ‘won the game in the first half-hour’ but bemoaned an injury to Metelo which ‘looks like keeping him out’ for their next game.