Meelas a Point Away

ThunderCats F.C put in a stunning performance to ensure Stanley would not be wresting the title from their grasp. A scintillating first-half display which saw them create seven chances laid the foundations for a 2-1 victory. They took a fifth minute lead as a Paulino Ornelas corner was headed home by Silvio Falcao. Stanley were stunned once more ten minutes later as Falcao defeated them in the air again, this time from an Alirio Ramalhao cross, to double their advantage. Much to their credit, though, Stanley did have a response in the 22nd minute. Enrico Fuentes freed Olli Kaskinen and the midfielder showed nerves of steel to bring his side within one with a brilliant finish. In truth, though, ThunderCats should have had more goals. Juliano Leite twice struck the woodwork while Rascao also brushed the post with an effort. Stanley, were pushed back for large periods of the opening half but had their moments when going forward. The second-half saw nerves play more of a part but ThunderCats finished the game strongly with further efforts from Falcao and Fabricio Cidade; the latter being very unfortunate to smash an effort back off the bar. In the end, however, the two early goals proved enough as ThunderCats went six points clear with only two games left. Markham, generously said that the ‘ThunderCats were superb and fully deserve the title’ whilst explaining that his side ‘were slow out of the blocks’ and this ultimately cost them. Meelas thanked Stanley for their words before adding with caution ‘the title is not mine yet.’

Santos FC are now the only side who can deny ThunderCats the title after they edged out Totaalvoetbal 1-0 at the MVB Arena. All of the first-half chances came in the opening 13 minutes as the game started quickly. Horacio Metelo hit a free-kick tamely at Rodenas before Santos twice forced Keizer into saves. Adriano Ribeiro and Torbjorn Alshammar both had efforts saved by the ‘keeper before he had his season ended early due to an injury. He was joined on the injury list by Alexis Barrere of the home side and Fredrick Winnerljung of the visitors as the half suffered a disjointed ending. Shivan Preetnav and Winnerljung exchanged chances as the game remained in the balance going into the final ten minutes. Preetnav went on to clip a post for the home team before the game had its decisive moment on 85 minutes. A cross from Helmer Hedberg was headed in by Richardo Ferrari to give the visitors a huge goal in the context of their season. Metelo wasted a last-gasp free-kick as Santos held on for the win which delighted coach Sean7. He must now prepare his side for a must-win encounter against the ThunderCats in a fitting climax to the season. Meanwhile, Robin Meeblind explained that his opposite number ‘out-thought’ him and ‘deserved victory’ as his side finish their season quietly.

At the bottom end of the table, Reggae Reggae Sauce continued their slide into the relegation zone as they lost 1-0 at St Omer. Omer thought they had opened the scoring early but saw an effort chalked off for offside. Creating several excellent chances they suffered further misfortune when Rauscher struck the woodwork in a dominant first-half performance. Both sides suffered injuries as Leopold Frost and Raymond Van-Barneveld saw their games finish early. Omer continued their dominance after the break but, despite creating several good chances, struggled to find the finishing touch. However, it would eventually come on 71 minutes as Cony Tottee put in a super corner for Michael Radley to head home to send the home crowd into delight and dreaming of what might be next season. That is Omer’s fifth game unbeaten as they end the season strongly and full of confidence despite a rebuilding campaign. Reggae Reggae Sauce look like joining Omer in Division One next season following a horror run which has seen them lose their last seven games. It is hard to see them turn their form round despite them only being two-points adrift of safety.

AC Milan gave themselves renewed hope in their fight against the drop as they beat Yorkshires Amateurs 3-0 at the San Siro. Milan put together a complete first-half performance to leave the Amateurs beaten. A second minute goal from Ricardo Kaka sent them on their way as he headed home a Brando Pisano cross. Their half got even better after the half-hour mark as they scored two crucial goals which, effectively, gave them victory. Ron Aldinho produced some mesmerising approach play and set-up Victor Moses who finished with panache to double their lead. It was 3-0 on 38 minutes as Kaka added his second goal of the game. After being awarded a free-kick some 25-yards out he unleashed a stunning strike which left Windass helpless and the visitors forlorn going into the interval. The second-half saw Milan close out the game with the minimum of fuss to take three crucial points in their battle at the bottom. MarkieRich will know that if his side can take advantage of a home game with Marseille on Friday safety should be theirs. The Amateurs look to be safe despite the defeat but their manager will want his side to get these results out of their system as they look for a much-improved campaign next time out.

Hun Haters remain in trouble after being beaten 3-0 at F.C. Greatness. After a quiet opening 45 minutes, Greatness took the game to their struggling opponents after the interval. Creating seven chances in a dominant second-half they managed to net three goals. Mario Balotelli opened the scoring on 65 minutes as he headed in a cross from Agostino Bernardi much to the delight of the home crowd who have taken the young forward to their hearts. A minute later and it was 2-0 as Fabrizio Colluato struck a scorcher from distance to leave Boruc with no chance in goal. With Hun Haters offering no threat at the other end, Greatness capped a fine win on 86 minutes as Alvaro Recoba shot home in the penalty area after being played through by Fabio Cannavaro. The win keeps Greatness in fourth with manager Darrencalvert happy with the ‘awesome’ Recoba, Baloteeli and Cannavaro before adding that he is ‘looking forward to the end of the season.’ Hun Haters are still three points clear of the drop zone despite the defeat although they would want to secure safety on their own terms rather than rely on other results going their way. They can do this with a home win over AFC Stanley on Friday.

Tranmere Rovers look to have secured their own position in the RM Invitational for another season as they were the latest team to take advantage of Marseille by defeating their hosts 3-0. The first-half saw Marseille reduced to 10-men following an injury to Rafele Di Muri which forced him to hobble off. Tranmere finally found their attacking game in the second 45 minutes as they created five chances and scored from three of them to leave Marseille well-beaten. Their opening goal came on 63 minutes as Cristian Campagnolo combined with Rex Victory for the latter to score following a free-kick move. Two minutes later and it was 2-0 as Campagnolo, this time, hit a free-kick straight on goal to leave ‘keeper Rossell with no hope. The finishing touches were put on the victory as Zack Whittall set-up Akinlabi Iwelumo on 79 minutes. A brilliant cross from the defender allowed Iwelumo the easiest of headed opportunities to put them 3-0 up. Tranmere are now five points clear of Reggae Reggae Sauce and can rest easily following an up-and-down season which appears to have ended on an up. Marseille, meanwhile, are clouded in uncertainty after their manager claimed that he ‘should not continue with them.’ Regardless, admin Robin Meeblind has moved to safeguard the club’s future in the league as the first ever RM Invitational winners having already spoken to one manager about the prospect of taking over the illustrious, if troubled, club.