Division Two Finale

AJ Rovers clinched the title with a 2-1 success over Charlottenburg FC at AJR Arena. AJ put in a dominating first-half performance but only came out of it one goal ahead due to some poor finishing and stubborn defending by the visitors. Sonny Vickerman, Elling Jarnoy and Eldur Gottskalk had all gone close before Rovers, eventually, took a 1-0 advantage. The goal came courtesy of Vickerman who hit a free-kick past Robinson and inside the far post. The second-half saw AJ remain on top but Charlottenburg provide a much sterner test. With a bit of luck they might have turned the game on its head as Michael Owen hit the woodwork before they also had a goal disallowed. AJ pounced on this misfortune by adding a second goal and sealing the win. Some good wing play by Cirilo Gibernaue gave Gordon Hogg the chance to head home, one that he wouldn’t waste to put the hosts 2-0 up. Although Rob Lee brought Potsdamerplatz’s side back into things with a fine header it would be AJ who finished the stronger to see out the win. Rothion can now enjoy his side’s cup run safe in the knowledge that they will be playing Division One football next season and are only one step away from the top table. Potsdamerplatz, meanwhile, will enjoy his side's quiet off-season and, with the promise of a good change report, is confident that ‘good times await.’

Kensington Boys Club were able to celebrate second-place with a comprehensive 4-0 win over Kroklund Kings. Although AJ winning took the title out of the home side’s reach they put on a champagne performance in front of their adoring fans. They scored within seconds of the start as Samson Lockwood shot home after they had forced a corner from the kick-off. Both sides suffered minor injuries in the first-half as Whitley was taken off for the hosts before Ilmari Jukka hobbled off for bossebong’s side. Kensington had chances to further extend their lead and made one of them pay with half-time approaching. A cross fromo the excellent Dorian Rooney was headed home emphatically by Harry Whitlow. With the visitors looking dispirited, Kensington swiftly put the game beyond doubt at the start of the second-half. Another corner proved the undoing of the Kings defence as they left Aubrey de Vere unmarked to head past Tolvanen for 3-0. Lockwood was soon back to scoring rather than creating as he added the fourth on 56 minutes. Some more dazzling wing play, this time from James Wilde, provided the headed opportunity from which Lockwood made no mistake. Kroklund’s miserable afternoon was completed when Bosse Bong joined the injured list but they can recuperate and look forward to making further strides next season. Kensington manager Patrik Karlsson acknowledged his side’s fortune in starting the season as a Division Two side but added that this time ‘they were destined to exit the right way up.’

Belly Tubbies confirmed their promotion with a 2-1 home success over Los Samgeles Kings. The Tubbies made a positive start and went close through Phil Fieldwick before taking a 25th minute lead. Some good build-up play culminated with Stuart Kendrick sending Colin Deary through to beat Kent in goal. However, the response from the Kings would prove to be instant. A lob from Michal Handzus went over before Ladislav Nagy converted from close range after a Dustin Brown corner. Nagy forced Fitzsimmons into work before half-time. Despite the cat being equal to this effort his evening was to end early when he hobbled off on the hour-mark holding his back. The Tubbies went close through Colin Deary before seeing the Kings reduced to 10-men following a nasty elbow by Handzus. Tubbies then took advantage of this as Fieldwick found his range from distance to send the home fans into party mode. The Kings did try to get back into the game but would waste a late chance to leave the Tubbies celebrating on the pitch at the end. After securing Division One football, next on Fitzy’s agenda is a cup run which starts against Pahang on Friday. Los Samgeles finished their season in sixth but Stripy will be confident of improvement next season and may fancy a cup run of his own as he travels to Newry in the first round.

At the bottom end of the table it would be Carthage FC who would fill the last relegation spot following an incredible game at Carthage City. Going into the match with White Hawk FC, both sides knew defeat would leave them relegated. White Hawk produced a devastating first-half performance which, ultimately, cost Carthage their place in the division. The visitors would score from three of their six chances in the opening 45 minutes to leave Carthage reeling. Charly Chan Jet Soe started the rot with a fine header from a Cianan Cathan cross on 12 minutes. When he scored ten minutes later following a swift breakaway White Hawk were 2-0 up, flying and even coped supremely with a nasty injury to Giovanni Jap A Joe. Adan Donahue added a third for the confident visitors on 37 minutes as he shot home in the penalty area and Carthage’s opening half misery was completed when Delis Eribenne hobbled off disconsolately on 42 minutes. The hosts came out with more purpose in the second-half but despite pulling a goal back through Marcus Spillane they were to soon find themselves three goals behind once more. Matts Perman was to score the goal as he was released in the area to defeat Aurelius. Carthage would respond, though, and fight their way back into the contest. A 73rd minute goal from Spillane breathed new life into them and, although both sides had chances, it would be the hosts who looked the more dangerous. However, their third goal was to come too late in the day to alter the result as Quincy Lansbury headed home in the 92nd minute. The respective off-seasons will be in contrasting moods as Hooraymee plans a more progressive second season in Division Two while Blakey has to plot a route straight back from the basement.

Internazionale finished in fourth after a solid 4-1 home win over Southampton. Despite an injury to Lambert Trott they would make their chances tell in the opening 45 minutes. Henrik Larsson was the player to do the damage as he finished a breakaway move after being put through by Bruce Deary on the half-hour. Four minutes following that it was 2-0 as Larsson continued his impressive season with a long range strike of real quality. Southampton were enduring a frustrating evening which was symbolised by the spate of bookings they found themselves picking up. It was to get even worse for them when Inter extended their lead on 61 minutes. Mortimer Wainman dazzled in the build-up to find, that man, Larsson who finished coolly for his hat-trick goal. Inter endured further injury misery as Cristovao Borba left the field injured but this didn’t seem to unduly worry them. The sides traded goals in the last few minutes as Timoteo Gemeos headed home for the Saints on 87 minutes before Neal Stapleton did likewise for Inter to complete a 4-1 triumph. Jamesmclaughlin will be confident his side can improve upon fourth-place after seeing his signings bed in well during the end of the season. They will have further chance to impress in a cup match against top division Santos on Friday. Southampton, meanwhile, will enjoy their time off before beginning preparations for a successful tilt at a return to Division Two at the first attempt.

Morley and Real Madrid finished the season with a 1-1 draw at Scatcherd Park. The first-half saw five chances but no goals as they misfired in front of the target. Alexander Connely, Kevin Gabriele and Aren Garabedian all had chances for Madrid who also had a goal disallowed for handball while Morley saw Roger Farrell and Vivian Kwekeu fluff their lines. Madrid made a better start to the second-half as Davit Ohanesian headed in on 46 minutes before they nearly extended their lead through Samvel Mortanian. This would prove costly as Madrid scored with their only chance of the half. It came late in stoppage-time as a free-kick was awarded by Ian Hartman. Adolf Munzberg would be the hero for the hosts as he shot past Nersesian for a stunning equaliser. While the point didn’t alter relegation it will have given Leeg21 and the Morley fans a boost before they travel to Reggae Reggae Sauce in the cup on Friday. Madrid finish their season in fifth and will now begin preparations as they hope to go one better next season.