Santos Alshammar Milan

Santos showed a fine finishing touch to defeat AC Milan 3-1 and, in doing so, close the gap on ThunderCats to one point. The damage was done in the first-half as the hosts converted two out of their three chances to leave Milan chasing the game. Torbjorn Alshammar did the damage as he struck in the penalty area after 23 minutes to get the Brazilians motoring once more. Alshammar added his twelfth goal of the campaign on 42 minutes to put Milan firmly up against it. Being set through by Hedberg, the front man produced a calm finish to double the lead. Any hopes of a comeback for Milan were buried in the opening minute of the second-half as a penalty, awarded by Al Beback, was converted by Fredrick Winnerljung to give the hosts a 3-0 lead. Not everything went well for the championship challengers, though, as Patricio Bento and Hedberg both suffered injuries to cause disruption. Milan also managed to pull one back through Humphrey Biehn but it wasn’t enough to alter where the three points would end up. Sean7 offered some insight into how Santos are challenging by explaining that their ‘midfield is one of the strongest areas in our squad’ and without it the other areas wouldn’t function. They now sit just a point behind so they must be doing plenty of things right. Milan are, once more, flirting with the relegation area as their up and down season continues. Level on points with the Amateurs, Milan will want to take advantage of a home match against RRS to begin moving in the right direction.

Santos were able to pull to within a point of ThunderCats as they were held at the aforementioned Amateurs. In a tight encounter, chances were few and far between but some of the football was impressive. Despite giving up a lot of first-half possession, ThunderCats did manage to take the lead through their one chance. Following good work from Leonardo Borja, Nelson Queimado had enough room in the area to take stock and beat Vadge with some comfort. Amateurs, though, displayed a fighting spirit they will need to get out of the relegation zone. They were to draw level through Amadeo Caviedes as the expensive forward hit a stunner from distance on 58 minutes. Neither side could force the pace enough to find a winner but a point each was a fair enough outcome from a good game. The ThunderCats will look to extend their lead once more when they face up to Marseille on Tuesday while the Amateurs will look to build upon two successive draws against teams in the top four. They will have to do so without Hans Riegler, though, as he is on his way out of the club. Dan spoke glowingly of Hans being a ‘top player for us’ but certain other factors have forced him out and it is hoped they can perform well enough without him to survive the drop.

AFC Stanley moved to within three points of the top spot as they defeated F.C. Greatness 2-0 at Garden Street. While Greatness had the only two chances of the first-half it was to be remembered for two injuries more than any of the play. Martinus Benfari of the visitors and Thorbjorn Lind of Stanley both suffered knocks which forced them off although both are not expected to be out of action for too long. Stanley also had to overcome an injury to Valporsson as they began to get on top in the game. They made their improved play count with a brilliant free-kick on 68 minutes; Matts Wallman striking a dipping shot which deceived Rachao from the moment it left his foot. Stanley made the game safe when Alan Martindale struck from distance and manager Markham will have been delighted to overcome an old foe to keep themselves in the hunt. They will look to overcome Omer in their next game to keep the heat on before crunch games against the other challengers. Greatness manager Darrencalvert will still be satisfied with his season although his recent challenge has been hindered by unforeseen circumstances.

Totaalvoetbal slipped into fourth by defeating Marseille 3-1. Totaal had taken a grip on proceedings in the first 17 minutes when they scored twice without reply. Ike Dyer scored his first goal for the club with a fine lob and Johan Juffing followed suit to double the advantage. Marseille did enjoy chances in both halves but fell further behind the champions when Juffing headed in his second goal from a van Diemen cross. The hosts did get some reward courtesy of an Andy Hardy penalty but they didn’t really extend the visitors as much as they would have hoped. Robin Meeblind was happy with the win and even more pleased with how his side ‘are navigating (their) way through the season very positively.’ Marseille look to be deep in trouble as they continue to grant their manager leave to concentrate on his other priorities, it is hoped he repays them over the coming seasons.

Tranmere Rovers are Totaal’s next opponents and they produced an excellent home performance in dismissing Reggae Reggae Sauce 3-0 at Prenton Park. They built their foundations by only giving up one chance in the entire game while creating good opportunities at the other end. Akinlabi Iwelumo opened the scoring from one chance on 17 minutes following fine work by Rex Victory. They managed to double their advantage six minutes before half-time as Victor Duvivier shot home in the penalty area after being afforded too much space. The second-half was tighter but still followed the same outline. Iwelumo benefitted from the home side’s fine play once more as he headed home a Leroy Upson corner after a period of pressure. This was enough to see them to a 3-0 success with manager Baz saying he was ‘glad to get the win’ after ‘a tough few weeks.’ It was especially sweet for Rex Victory who will now be leaving the club following two seasons of good service. RRS now find themselves in mid-table and won’t want to drop much further in fear of being involved in another relegation scrap.

Hun Haters managed to return to winning ways as they beat St Omer 2-0. With Omer holding their own in the first-half they suffered a killer blow when Brian Bratseth was sent from the field to give HH a massive boost. They were able to take full advantage during the second-half as they created all the chances with Omer now resigned to defending. Ashton Crosby made the crucial breakthrough on 59 minutes with a calm finish in the box. The match was then won on 83 minutes following a Finlay MacCleir header which left Hamshaw with no chance in goal. The result will have been a relief to Celticchris who had seen his side drop perilously close to the drop zone. While he will hope his side now pull away, Omer are still ticking off the games until the season reaches its end.