Totaalvoetbal paid the price for early missed chances as they succumbed to a late penalty at Three Lions FC.
The Lions opened with an early set-piece opportunity which resulted in Rex Rimmer catching the ball from a Zlatan Izuhimovic header.
Following a lull in proceedings, Totaalvoetbal exploded into action to create three chances before the half-time whistle.
Horacio Metelo had the opening chance but his free-kick went centimetres wide with the ‘keeper appearing to be beaten.
However, if Casillas was struggling to get to that one he was in fine form to stop a Pierre van Diemen header and was also well-positioned to watch Edwin Hayter fire wide from a tight angle.
This was as good as Totaal could muster on this particular day and the Lions came out to dominate them during the second-half.
Their opening chance of the half came from a Luca Tonizu free-kick but he found Rimmer to be in fine fettle between the sticks.
A precise header by Izu Kaka missed the goal by millimetres before the game had its dramatic conclusion. Alexis Barrere had what only can be described as a brain-freeze and put in a clumsy challenge which left Donald Scott with no alternative but to point at the spot. Casillas wasted no time in running up from the back to take the penalty and made no mistake.
Totaal boss Robin Meeblind was a frustrated man at the final whistle.
“I think it would have been a much different story if we had taken one of our first-half chances,” he opened.
“However, we didn’t and the Lions dominated us in the second-half. It was an excellent victory for them and I wish them the best for the rest of the season.”
Tuesday, 28 July 2009
Stick for the sauce
Xpertelevener is under pressure from both the fans and the club's board after a poor start to the season. Fans expected xpertelevener to get Reggae Reggae Sauce back to the big time after their drop last season.
"I can understand the supporters dissapointment, but I always belive in sticking with the man."
Reporter: To be fair you would say that, your not going to admit to the press that you should be sacked are you?
"I think you should piss off mate. I'm in charge here and i'll be stopping untill the board sack me if need be."
The interview with our reporter didn't last long but I think it illustates the pressure that xpertelevener is under.
Xpertelevener has been reported to have little time on his hands but promises the fans that Reggae Reggae Sauce have the right man and he will do his best to keep RRS up this season.
"I am the right man for the job! I am the special one! There is no other man who can handle the Sauce!!!!" says xpertelevener
"I can understand the supporters dissapointment, but I always belive in sticking with the man."
Reporter: To be fair you would say that, your not going to admit to the press that you should be sacked are you?
"I think you should piss off mate. I'm in charge here and i'll be stopping untill the board sack me if need be."
The interview with our reporter didn't last long but I think it illustates the pressure that xpertelevener is under.
Xpertelevener has been reported to have little time on his hands but promises the fans that Reggae Reggae Sauce have the right man and he will do his best to keep RRS up this season.
"I am the right man for the job! I am the special one! There is no other man who can handle the Sauce!!!!" says xpertelevener
Markham Magic
AFC Stanley produced some excellent finishing to defeat F.C. Greatness 3-2 at Cedar Road. On the back of their loss to Totaalvoetbal in their last match, Greatness started strongly and had two early chances by Faust Baronchelli go close. They would turn out to be the only ones of the half but the second would start in spectacular fashion. Martinus Benfari was the source of the excitement as he launched himself at a Filippinetti corner to put a diving header past Hessbo. Stanley finally emerged as an attacking force moments later but Garry Molseley couldn’t make a header count. Their task became much harder moments later as Filippinetti headed home a Sifredi corner to double the home side’s lead. However, Stanley weren’t done and Molseley responded with a fire-cracker of a shot inside the penalty area. The equaliser would follow quickly as Cal McMac looped a header over Rachao to leave Greatness reeling. Stanley would complete the stunning turn-around with a clever toe-poke from Mitchell Arkwright which would see their fans dancing in the stand. Baronchelli hit a free-kick straight at Hessbo as Greatness struggled to find a way back and were to be left wondering where it had all gone wrong. Stanley news reported that the club was ‘buoyed’ by their comeback as they prepare for the next match against Totaalvoetbal. Greatness manager Darrencalvert has been quiet in recent times following a couple of defeats but they are sure to come back hard in their next game.
ThunderCats F.C remained top of the table but had to settle for a point in a 2-2 draw with Milan. The game would have plenty of openings and Leonardo Borja forced Julian Speroni into an early save. Paulinho Ornelas was the next to have an opening for the hosts but his header went wide and Milan would then stun the leaders as Ricardo Kaka hit a delightful free-kick into the net. This lifted them and Kaka had a headed effort saved as they looked for the second goal. Nelson Queimado did nothing to ease the nerves of the home fans as he headed wide but Milton Alzamendi couldn’t capitalise as he also headed wide at the other end. The home side had further chances to equalise before the break but Nelson Queimado and Fabricio Cidade’s efforts only ended in frustration. Cidade brushed a post at the start of the second-half while Humphrey Biehn underlined the threat posed by Milan by going close with a side-footed shot. The home side finally managed to drag themselves level on 68 minutes as Silvio Falcao produced a flamboyant diving header to leave Speroni helpless. ThunderCats were now looking very confident and Queimado went close with a free-kick before Carlos Partini headed home to complete the home side’s recovery. However, just as they thought they had rescued the three points Milan produced a moment of clinical play. Sean Scannel would deliver a telling cross and Biehn looped a header over Magro to ensure Milan would go home with a point. Meelas won’t have been pleased after their second successive home draw and he will want his side to show a more ruthless streak. MarkieRich’s side have shown they can mix it with everyone in the league but consistency will be the key to whether they can move up the table.
Three Lions put in a tough display to leave Totaalvoetbal pointless at Wembley Stadium. The first-half saw Totaal edge play following a Zlatan Izuhimovic header which was saved by Rimmer. Horacio Metelo hit a free-kick just wide, Pierre van Diemen forced Casillas into a smart save and Edwin Hayter couldn’t quite overcome a tight angle as the visitors looked to break the deadlock. However, the chances went begging and Three Lions emerged the stronger after the break. Luca Tonizu forced Rimmer into an excellent save before Izu Kaka put a header just wide as they looked to up the pressure on the visitors. With the game in injury-time you sensed that both sides would be taking home a point each but a silly challenge from Barrere led to a penalty which Izu Casillas finished clinically. Totaal were disappointed with the defeat but manager Meeblind credited Izuka with ‘an excellent victory’ before wishing him ‘the best’ for the season. Izu paid tribute to his defenders who ‘were in fine form’ and he will hope they can maintain that in the coming weeks.
West Brom Strollers continued to gain in confidence in the top division with a dominant 2-0 home win over Hun Haters. Richard Sneekes laid the foundation for the win with a powerful eighth minute header which flew past Boruc. West Brom were impregnable defensively and might have added to their lead but Willie Johnston could only lob his effort over the bar. They suffered further frustration in their quest for a second goal as a brilliant lob by Cyrille Regis was chalked off due to a doubtful offside decision. The second-half was a similar story as HH couldn’t find any way to get through a strong rearguard while the Strollers continued to find openings. Regis had another lobbed effort but this time could only put it over the bar but they did eventually double their lead. Sneekes was put through by Tony Brown and he rounded the ‘keeper expertly to slot home. Regis missed a late headed chance but West Brom had done more than enough to secure the three points in a 2-0 win. Dinky declared himself ‘really pleased with the performance level’ before adding that the ‘defence has been immense’ in recent times. While everything is going well for West Brom these are worrying times for Celticchris at Hun Haters following a start to the season which has seen them take just one point and they could soon be completely adrift of those around them.
Another side struggling at the wrong end of the table are Yorkshires Amateurs and they fell to a 2-1 defeat at Santos. The Amateurs got off to a dreadful start as Fredrick Winnerljung shot home in the penalty area to give Santos a third minute lead. A free-kick teed up for Helmer Hedberg led to Vadge needing to be alert but the Amateurs would respond with their first chance. Micky Cox would finish expertly through the legs of Rodenas after being slipped in by Fred Franklin and the game was tied. The sides would then trade chances with Richardo Ferrari and Oliver Ambler forcing the respective ‘keepers into smart work before Patricio Bento fired over before half-time for Santos. The hosts would start the second-half in unfortunate fashion as Rogerio Franca hit an effort off the woodwork as they searched for their second goal. However, the Amateurs would have a response and had their own piece of misfortune as Andrew Potts hit the bar with a free-kick before Fred Franklin hit a shot into a post moments later. Santos would re-establish themselves from this point on, though, and Bento fired home from a corner to give them a vital lead. Franca headed over before Ferrari hit the bar with a header as Santos searched for further reward. Bento had a further chance in injury-time but their one-goal lead would be enough to give them the three points and leave Amateurs disheartened once more. Sean is quietly moving his side into a challenging position and if they can get their defence a little tighter they will be a real handful for the rest of the season due to their offensive capabilities. Danlufc13 will need to figure out a way for his side to start scoring as with just three goals in six games it is clear where their problems lie.
New York City had to rely on a late goal to take a point against Tranmere but will wonder how they didn’t take all 3 in a game they dominated. They nearly took the lead in the first minute as Leroy Upson hit his own post and Demetrio Delpiano also went close before Tranmere struck at the other end. Christiano Olias would be the scorer as he netted a penalty following a clumsy challenge. New York would immediately return to the front foot following the goal and shortly after a near-miss from Ralf Kron they had a penalty of their own. Unfortunately for them, though, they couldn’t take advantage as Elvis MacCaran saw Onyszko tip the ball over. The ‘keeper would then save at the feet of Shinosuke Isimaru as Tranmere managed to hold their lead going into half-time. The second-half brought fewer chances and Tranmere might have extended their lead had Olias got more bend on his free-kick. Eugene Kameni Idriss had a free-kick saved at the other end before a dramatic finish saved City. MacCaran was put through by Peng Man and powered in a super shot which Onyszko couldn’t do anything with. The sides remain level on points and both Jimmy and Baz will know they will need to keep picking up wins to keep themselves in touch with the leading teams as the season progresses.
ThunderCats F.C remained top of the table but had to settle for a point in a 2-2 draw with Milan. The game would have plenty of openings and Leonardo Borja forced Julian Speroni into an early save. Paulinho Ornelas was the next to have an opening for the hosts but his header went wide and Milan would then stun the leaders as Ricardo Kaka hit a delightful free-kick into the net. This lifted them and Kaka had a headed effort saved as they looked for the second goal. Nelson Queimado did nothing to ease the nerves of the home fans as he headed wide but Milton Alzamendi couldn’t capitalise as he also headed wide at the other end. The home side had further chances to equalise before the break but Nelson Queimado and Fabricio Cidade’s efforts only ended in frustration. Cidade brushed a post at the start of the second-half while Humphrey Biehn underlined the threat posed by Milan by going close with a side-footed shot. The home side finally managed to drag themselves level on 68 minutes as Silvio Falcao produced a flamboyant diving header to leave Speroni helpless. ThunderCats were now looking very confident and Queimado went close with a free-kick before Carlos Partini headed home to complete the home side’s recovery. However, just as they thought they had rescued the three points Milan produced a moment of clinical play. Sean Scannel would deliver a telling cross and Biehn looped a header over Magro to ensure Milan would go home with a point. Meelas won’t have been pleased after their second successive home draw and he will want his side to show a more ruthless streak. MarkieRich’s side have shown they can mix it with everyone in the league but consistency will be the key to whether they can move up the table.
Three Lions put in a tough display to leave Totaalvoetbal pointless at Wembley Stadium. The first-half saw Totaal edge play following a Zlatan Izuhimovic header which was saved by Rimmer. Horacio Metelo hit a free-kick just wide, Pierre van Diemen forced Casillas into a smart save and Edwin Hayter couldn’t quite overcome a tight angle as the visitors looked to break the deadlock. However, the chances went begging and Three Lions emerged the stronger after the break. Luca Tonizu forced Rimmer into an excellent save before Izu Kaka put a header just wide as they looked to up the pressure on the visitors. With the game in injury-time you sensed that both sides would be taking home a point each but a silly challenge from Barrere led to a penalty which Izu Casillas finished clinically. Totaal were disappointed with the defeat but manager Meeblind credited Izuka with ‘an excellent victory’ before wishing him ‘the best’ for the season. Izu paid tribute to his defenders who ‘were in fine form’ and he will hope they can maintain that in the coming weeks.
West Brom Strollers continued to gain in confidence in the top division with a dominant 2-0 home win over Hun Haters. Richard Sneekes laid the foundation for the win with a powerful eighth minute header which flew past Boruc. West Brom were impregnable defensively and might have added to their lead but Willie Johnston could only lob his effort over the bar. They suffered further frustration in their quest for a second goal as a brilliant lob by Cyrille Regis was chalked off due to a doubtful offside decision. The second-half was a similar story as HH couldn’t find any way to get through a strong rearguard while the Strollers continued to find openings. Regis had another lobbed effort but this time could only put it over the bar but they did eventually double their lead. Sneekes was put through by Tony Brown and he rounded the ‘keeper expertly to slot home. Regis missed a late headed chance but West Brom had done more than enough to secure the three points in a 2-0 win. Dinky declared himself ‘really pleased with the performance level’ before adding that the ‘defence has been immense’ in recent times. While everything is going well for West Brom these are worrying times for Celticchris at Hun Haters following a start to the season which has seen them take just one point and they could soon be completely adrift of those around them.
Another side struggling at the wrong end of the table are Yorkshires Amateurs and they fell to a 2-1 defeat at Santos. The Amateurs got off to a dreadful start as Fredrick Winnerljung shot home in the penalty area to give Santos a third minute lead. A free-kick teed up for Helmer Hedberg led to Vadge needing to be alert but the Amateurs would respond with their first chance. Micky Cox would finish expertly through the legs of Rodenas after being slipped in by Fred Franklin and the game was tied. The sides would then trade chances with Richardo Ferrari and Oliver Ambler forcing the respective ‘keepers into smart work before Patricio Bento fired over before half-time for Santos. The hosts would start the second-half in unfortunate fashion as Rogerio Franca hit an effort off the woodwork as they searched for their second goal. However, the Amateurs would have a response and had their own piece of misfortune as Andrew Potts hit the bar with a free-kick before Fred Franklin hit a shot into a post moments later. Santos would re-establish themselves from this point on, though, and Bento fired home from a corner to give them a vital lead. Franca headed over before Ferrari hit the bar with a header as Santos searched for further reward. Bento had a further chance in injury-time but their one-goal lead would be enough to give them the three points and leave Amateurs disheartened once more. Sean is quietly moving his side into a challenging position and if they can get their defence a little tighter they will be a real handful for the rest of the season due to their offensive capabilities. Danlufc13 will need to figure out a way for his side to start scoring as with just three goals in six games it is clear where their problems lie.
New York City had to rely on a late goal to take a point against Tranmere but will wonder how they didn’t take all 3 in a game they dominated. They nearly took the lead in the first minute as Leroy Upson hit his own post and Demetrio Delpiano also went close before Tranmere struck at the other end. Christiano Olias would be the scorer as he netted a penalty following a clumsy challenge. New York would immediately return to the front foot following the goal and shortly after a near-miss from Ralf Kron they had a penalty of their own. Unfortunately for them, though, they couldn’t take advantage as Elvis MacCaran saw Onyszko tip the ball over. The ‘keeper would then save at the feet of Shinosuke Isimaru as Tranmere managed to hold their lead going into half-time. The second-half brought fewer chances and Tranmere might have extended their lead had Olias got more bend on his free-kick. Eugene Kameni Idriss had a free-kick saved at the other end before a dramatic finish saved City. MacCaran was put through by Peng Man and powered in a super shot which Onyszko couldn’t do anything with. The sides remain level on points and both Jimmy and Baz will know they will need to keep picking up wins to keep themselves in touch with the leading teams as the season progresses.
Pahang Puzzler for Patrik
Pahang United produced a stunning performance to leave Kensington Boys Club crushed following a 6-1 defeat. The first-half saw both sides create chances as the defences were dominated. Pahang netted with their first opportunity as Tom Hording toe-poked home following a corner. Albert Finley and Aubrey de Vere had shots saved as KBC looked to hit back. Hording and Finley had chances at either end as the game continued at an incredible pace and KBC would find their equaliser. Adrian Gray was given too much room in the penalty area and smashed a shot home to give the visitors renewed hope. However, Pahang hit straight back and another corner caused enough confusion in the visiting defence to allow Tajo Cuevas to ghost in and head home. Seymore MacRanald saw red for dangerous play as KBC’s match went from bad to worse although they escaped a Ray Eastwood lob before half-time to go in just a goal behind. Pahang would take advantage of their numerical superiority during a second-half blitz which left KBC well-beaten. Cuevas saw a header blocked before Ray Eastwood chipped the ‘keeper only to hit the bar. Rano Pantow saw a free-kick go close before the third goal finally arrived courtesy of a Jeremias Lindeman header. The visitors would then melt down in the face of a final 10-minute onslaught. Romeo Hogg made it 4-1 with a brilliantly curled shot and it was 5-1 moments later as Hording hit the ball through the ‘keeper’s legs. Lindeman toe-poked in number six following a corner and the visitors couldn’t get off the pitch quickly enough at the end. Despite the win MrT claimed ‘there’s a lot of things I have to learn and improve’ and if he does the league had better watch out on this basis. Meanwhile, Patrik has been seen looking bemused and scratching his head among other things this past week. While he has been ‘depressed’ and at a loss to ‘explain the biggest loss in Kensingtonian history’ there is no doubt that he will have them firing again for their next match.
Eaglesrjh celebrated becoming admin of the league by watching his side defeat St Omer 4-1 in Viking Land. The Vikings were too strong for their inexperienced visitors and saw Vassilis Papakostas give them a seventh minute lead with a header of some quality. Their finishing would be of a high standard throughout the match and Papakostas added the second on 29th minute with another accurate header. In what was turning out into a bit of a benefit match for the striker he then scored his hat-trick goal with a nicely curled effort on 33 minutes which left Omer staring down the barrel of a big defeat. He would, however, then spoil his 100% record when Frost saved his header moments later and Omer would strike back before the break. A successful raid into the penalty area led to a spot-kick being awarded; Cony Tottee making no mistake from the spot to give them some hope for the second-half. As it turned out there would only be one chance during a quiet second 45. It would, however, provide The Vikings with their fourth goal; Ted Tolley adding his name to the score-sheet with an excellent header. Eagles was happy his side won the ‘game in style’ and managed to give ‘match experience to fringe players.’ ConyTottee still has his players in excellent form despite the defeats and the longer he can continue this the more hopeful he can be for future seasons.
Manchester United continued their march towards top-flight football with an easy 2-0 win at Belly Tubbies. Karim Benzema began the game in explosive fashion and narrowly failed to give his side the lead with two excellent efforts in the first three minutes. Wayne Rooney then flicked a header wide as United maintained their attacking superiority. Rooney would see Fitzsimmons save another header before United finally took the lead. Eric Cantona was left in space from a corner and he had no problem in finding the net with a clinical strike. Carrick then saw a header saved as United kept control up until the break. Benzema started the second-half as he did the first and, once more, he would narrowly fail with a header. Belly Tubbies did make a better fist of competing during a more even second-half and Kevin Sheedy forced Kuszcak into fine work in the United goal. Rooney brushed the outside of a post for United before Cahill drove wide at the other end as the game entered a to-and-fro period. It would be United who would emerge from this period in better shape, though, as Michael Carrick headed home a Cantona cross to double their lead. This would effectively end the game as the time was played out with no further chances created. The Tubbies had further turmoil when Fitzy1961 left the site but they have since appointed Whataneejit and it is hoped that he will steer the club into steadier waters. Pakya and United have no such problems as they have opened up a five point gap on fourth spot and look in prime position as the season moves towards its half-way mark.
Villarreal CF continued their improvement with a 2-0 home win over Kirkbride Strollers. It was the visitors who would start the better of the two sides with Billy Maneater and Mark Blacklock forcing Abrey into early saves. Villarreal took advantage of Kirkbride’s profligacy by taking the lead with their first chance; Errol Beddoe placing the ball home after being put through by Shuttlewood. This seemed to give the home side confidence and Beddoe was unlucky not to add a second as his lob struck the bar. It would be Beddoe who would strike again, though, as he produced an accurate header on 25 minutes to double the lead. Rodney Shuttlewood had a further chance before the break but John Orr gathered. The second-half saw an even contest and Blacklock had a lob hit the angle as Kirkbride tried to get a foothold in the game. Beddoe continued to cause problems for the Strollers’ defence and placed a header off the post while Bennington fired over the bar. EL Lapinho for the Strollers and Beddoe for the hosts both had late chances but they didn’t add to the score with Villarreal running out 2-0 winners. Cathal was already turning his attention to their next match against The Vikings following the win and spoke of being ‘quite confident’ ahead of it. Jazza will just be happy to get back to their home ground for the next match following this disappointing result.
Newry City made light work of a disappointing Reggae Reggae Sauce side to win 3-0 a Sauce Bottle Arena. Newry started brightly and took a fourth minute lead with a neat lob by Dylan Toman leaving Phil Taylor stranded. Woody Forrest struck wide for the home side and from this point on it was all Newry. Sebby Cizma was very unfortunate not to double the lead with a super free-kick which struck a post but they didn’t have to wait long for their second goal as Toman headed home powerfully on 23 minutes. The pattern continued into the second-half and RRS escaped going 3-0 down due to Max Challis being flagged offside. A free-kick saw Cizma fire just wide but the same player would make it 3-0 by finishing off a free-flowing breakaway. RRS then lost Torres to a red card as their day went from bad to worse and Cizma had one final chance in injury-time but fired wide. It wasn’t to matter to the away fans, though, as they celebrated a 3-0 triumph but were rocked by news of Mickeymoose’s departure from the club. The club have since brought in Ramsay2009 and the fans will hope he continues their decent start to the season. Xpertelevener continues to baffle his club’s fans with his reluctance to use the full squad and the fact that players are now being put in their wrong positions does not bode well.
AJ Rovers and PSV Eindhoven fought out a tough 0-0 draw at the AJR Arena as both sides had to settle for a point apiece. Sonny Vickerman threatened to give Rovers an early lead but Reina was alert enough to stop the shot. Some poor challenges led to an injury for either side as Manuel Ficuz was kept busy. Eindhoven had their first chance of the game when a lob header from Yang Sheng Nanmeng needed saving. The final chance of the half fell to Daniel Tabaranu of the home side but he got his effort wrong and the sides would go in deadlocked. The second-half would be just as tight but the away side would enjoy two chances to their opponent’s one. The first chance of the half fell to Jeremiah McNally of the visitors but it flew over the bar. AJ’s Elling Jarnoy could do no better with his curled shot and a late free-kick by Jose Fonte didn’t come any closer to finding the breakthrough. Kadri is happy that ‘the team is now starting to take shape’ and everything is pointing towards ‘a positive future.’ Rothion has seen his side slip to seventh and he will want them to improve their form swiftly to be able to reverse this trend.
Eaglesrjh celebrated becoming admin of the league by watching his side defeat St Omer 4-1 in Viking Land. The Vikings were too strong for their inexperienced visitors and saw Vassilis Papakostas give them a seventh minute lead with a header of some quality. Their finishing would be of a high standard throughout the match and Papakostas added the second on 29th minute with another accurate header. In what was turning out into a bit of a benefit match for the striker he then scored his hat-trick goal with a nicely curled effort on 33 minutes which left Omer staring down the barrel of a big defeat. He would, however, then spoil his 100% record when Frost saved his header moments later and Omer would strike back before the break. A successful raid into the penalty area led to a spot-kick being awarded; Cony Tottee making no mistake from the spot to give them some hope for the second-half. As it turned out there would only be one chance during a quiet second 45. It would, however, provide The Vikings with their fourth goal; Ted Tolley adding his name to the score-sheet with an excellent header. Eagles was happy his side won the ‘game in style’ and managed to give ‘match experience to fringe players.’ ConyTottee still has his players in excellent form despite the defeats and the longer he can continue this the more hopeful he can be for future seasons.
Manchester United continued their march towards top-flight football with an easy 2-0 win at Belly Tubbies. Karim Benzema began the game in explosive fashion and narrowly failed to give his side the lead with two excellent efforts in the first three minutes. Wayne Rooney then flicked a header wide as United maintained their attacking superiority. Rooney would see Fitzsimmons save another header before United finally took the lead. Eric Cantona was left in space from a corner and he had no problem in finding the net with a clinical strike. Carrick then saw a header saved as United kept control up until the break. Benzema started the second-half as he did the first and, once more, he would narrowly fail with a header. Belly Tubbies did make a better fist of competing during a more even second-half and Kevin Sheedy forced Kuszcak into fine work in the United goal. Rooney brushed the outside of a post for United before Cahill drove wide at the other end as the game entered a to-and-fro period. It would be United who would emerge from this period in better shape, though, as Michael Carrick headed home a Cantona cross to double their lead. This would effectively end the game as the time was played out with no further chances created. The Tubbies had further turmoil when Fitzy1961 left the site but they have since appointed Whataneejit and it is hoped that he will steer the club into steadier waters. Pakya and United have no such problems as they have opened up a five point gap on fourth spot and look in prime position as the season moves towards its half-way mark.
Villarreal CF continued their improvement with a 2-0 home win over Kirkbride Strollers. It was the visitors who would start the better of the two sides with Billy Maneater and Mark Blacklock forcing Abrey into early saves. Villarreal took advantage of Kirkbride’s profligacy by taking the lead with their first chance; Errol Beddoe placing the ball home after being put through by Shuttlewood. This seemed to give the home side confidence and Beddoe was unlucky not to add a second as his lob struck the bar. It would be Beddoe who would strike again, though, as he produced an accurate header on 25 minutes to double the lead. Rodney Shuttlewood had a further chance before the break but John Orr gathered. The second-half saw an even contest and Blacklock had a lob hit the angle as Kirkbride tried to get a foothold in the game. Beddoe continued to cause problems for the Strollers’ defence and placed a header off the post while Bennington fired over the bar. EL Lapinho for the Strollers and Beddoe for the hosts both had late chances but they didn’t add to the score with Villarreal running out 2-0 winners. Cathal was already turning his attention to their next match against The Vikings following the win and spoke of being ‘quite confident’ ahead of it. Jazza will just be happy to get back to their home ground for the next match following this disappointing result.
Newry City made light work of a disappointing Reggae Reggae Sauce side to win 3-0 a Sauce Bottle Arena. Newry started brightly and took a fourth minute lead with a neat lob by Dylan Toman leaving Phil Taylor stranded. Woody Forrest struck wide for the home side and from this point on it was all Newry. Sebby Cizma was very unfortunate not to double the lead with a super free-kick which struck a post but they didn’t have to wait long for their second goal as Toman headed home powerfully on 23 minutes. The pattern continued into the second-half and RRS escaped going 3-0 down due to Max Challis being flagged offside. A free-kick saw Cizma fire just wide but the same player would make it 3-0 by finishing off a free-flowing breakaway. RRS then lost Torres to a red card as their day went from bad to worse and Cizma had one final chance in injury-time but fired wide. It wasn’t to matter to the away fans, though, as they celebrated a 3-0 triumph but were rocked by news of Mickeymoose’s departure from the club. The club have since brought in Ramsay2009 and the fans will hope he continues their decent start to the season. Xpertelevener continues to baffle his club’s fans with his reluctance to use the full squad and the fact that players are now being put in their wrong positions does not bode well.
AJ Rovers and PSV Eindhoven fought out a tough 0-0 draw at the AJR Arena as both sides had to settle for a point apiece. Sonny Vickerman threatened to give Rovers an early lead but Reina was alert enough to stop the shot. Some poor challenges led to an injury for either side as Manuel Ficuz was kept busy. Eindhoven had their first chance of the game when a lob header from Yang Sheng Nanmeng needed saving. The final chance of the half fell to Daniel Tabaranu of the home side but he got his effort wrong and the sides would go in deadlocked. The second-half would be just as tight but the away side would enjoy two chances to their opponent’s one. The first chance of the half fell to Jeremiah McNally of the visitors but it flew over the bar. AJ’s Elling Jarnoy could do no better with his curled shot and a late free-kick by Jose Fonte didn’t come any closer to finding the breakthrough. Kadri is happy that ‘the team is now starting to take shape’ and everything is pointing towards ‘a positive future.’ Rothion has seen his side slip to seventh and he will want them to improve their form swiftly to be able to reverse this trend.
TCM Halt CFC Bandwagon
These Charming Men produced a stirring comeback to take a point in a 2-2 draw at Charlottenburg FC. The hosts took an early lead through David Beckham as he connected superbly with a driving shot which left Derksen with no chance in goal. Paul Scholes had a curled effort saved by the ‘keeper as Charlottenburg maintained their excellent start to the game. Indeed, they would go 2-0 up as Michael Owen flicked a header home on 34 minutes to leave TCM with it all to do. However, TCM are a tough side and Loran Rajabi immediately gave them hope with a well-placed header. The second-half would see the visitors dominate in the way the hosts did the first. The sides would trade early chances as Lientur Rial and Robert Lee went close for their respective teams. TCM then produced a super equaliser as Scottie Gillan lifted up a free-kick for Juan Pablo Castellano to hit with a half-volley which flew past Robinson. Mauricio Capdevilla then lobbed over the bar before Gerard Caffery had an effort chalked off for offside. Rajabi did see red late on for the visitors but they had done enough to earn a share of the spoils. Charlttenburg news reported that after their side’s unbeaten start to the season they ‘can only throw promotion away now.’ RDCM, meanwhile, rued their disallowed goal before adding that it was ‘a good performance.’
Real Madrid sharpened up in front of goal with a 6-0 home win over Norfolk N Chance as they moved into second. A third minute header from Kevin Gabriele sent them on their way and, despite an injury to Aren Garabedian, they would never look back. His replacement doubled the lead as Mao Wannasathit placed his shot expertly past Fazackerley to make it 2-0 on 11 minutes. The ‘keeper lunged at Davit Ohaneisan’s feet to prevent him scoring before Madrid did get their third goal. It came via an exquisite lob by Samvel Mortanian as he caught Fazackerley completely by surprise. The fourth followed shortly after as Norfolk struggled to cope. Mortanian adding his second goal of the game by placing the ball home following a swift breakaway. The rest of the half was played out in front of the respective goals and Madrid would take a 4-0 lead into the sheds. The second-half was a quieter affair but Stu Mackay did fire wide early on for Madrid. They would have to wait until the 74th minute for their fifth goal but it was worth the wait as Ohanesian hit a stunning volley from a training ground corner. Gabriele would finish the scoring with a brilliant lob on 86 minutes to complete the misery for Norfolk and leave Madrid sitting pretty. FredRizzo will understand that despite their good position at the moment they cannot get carried away in what is always a very tough section. Howemiester would be delighted to see his side score a goal but the more worrying aspect for his them is their seemingly poor form which undermines what they are trying to achieve in future seasons.
Juventus came from behind to take a point in a 1-1 home draw with Kroklund. Juventus would be the stronger side throughout the game but couldn’t make the most of their openings. Jacobo Chacros started the pattern by heading over on just four minutes. The rest of the half saw the home side punished for some cynical play as Seymour Red kept producing the yellows. They did have a further chance through Jorn Fruh but Kroklund ‘keeper Kangashaka was well-placed to gather. The visitors would stun the stadium in the 67th minute as they scored with their first chance of the game. Bosse Bong delivered a dangerous corner and Aatu Vuokki needed only to direct his header onto goal to give them a 1-0 lead. They were lucky not to gift the home side a way back in moments later as Toini Vasama misdirected his kick in front of goal and watched on in hope as it bounced away off the angle. Juventus did eventually get the goal their play deserved, though, as Adalberto Di Cintio produced a textbook diving header to send the home fans wild. SuperJuve will know that his side might have wasted an opportunity to gain three points in a game they had much the better of but will be pleased with their never-say-die attitude. Kroklund remain in a good position following the result but they face a tough match next against These Charming Men.
Internazionale showed no ill-effects of their manager jumping ship as they defeated The Lone Wanderers 2-1 at The Capital Wasteland. Inter put in an impressive first-half display and went close to opening the scoring in the first six minutes. Mortimer Wainman saw his powerful low shot saved by Peyton before Edip Bayrak’s cheeky back-heel went just wide. Stephen Lorimer had a header saved by Peyton and Philip Calderwood shot wide as Inter continued to press up until half-time. The home side did improve after the break with William MacAvish seeing his lob punched away by Ronaldo Mantua. Edip Bayrak didn’t really threaten with a half-volley for the visitors as the half assumed a more even feel. Indeed, as the chances came at both ends MacAvish saw Mantua save with his legs from a free-kick before Inter took the lead. It came from an Elton Hills cross and ended when Stephen Lorimer produced a lovely finish with a diving header. This lead was swiftly doubled as Calderwood found his range from distance and, although MacAvish got his reward with a brilliant free-kick, it was enough to see Inter home. They have since appointed GarethLloyd as their new manager and it may well be an exciting time for fans as he brings with him a reputation as being a ‘football purest.’ HH will hope his coaches can keep the side on the right track while he ‘take(s) a break’ due to illness although he did add that he ‘will be keeping contact with the squad’ during this period.
Cressex picked up an important win with a 2-1 success over Los Samgeles Kings. Torben Kummel nearly lifted the visitors in the third minute with an ambitious lob from distance which was only denied by the crossbar. The hosts would then waste a penalty as Ignacio Castellini saw Cloutier block the ball as the Kings escaped. Cressex gained some dominance but would fail to open the scoring as Lauro Poggi couldn’t net with a free-kick. Douglas Wallberg then saw a flicked header saved before Kummel responded at the other end with a volley which needed watching closely. The second-half saw the Kings also miss a penalty; Michal Handzus being denied by Ikhala. Anze Kopitar then saw a header sail over and they would pay the price as Cressex opened the scoring. Poggi would be the scorer as he picked up the ball in space before drilling a low shot into the goal. This would quickly become a two-goal lead as Poggi proved too hot to handle again; a diving header leaving Cloutier stranded and the home support ecstatic. Poggi nearly made it a hat-trick but failed with a header before Kummel dragged the Kings back into it with a cracking free-kick. Unfortunately, it proved too little, too late for them and Cressex would go home with the three points. The points moved them level with their opponents although Villan_RAS will want them to pick up their form as they look to move up the table. Stripy8 will be looking for his side to stop shipping goals as they always look dangerous enough to score in matches.
In the divisions' other game, Futsal and White Hawk fought out an entertaining draw at Futsal Arena. Graeme Haynes opened the scoring for the home side after four minutes by heading home well from an Alf Ackroyd cross. Both sides would create a host of chances in the game and Clyde Nageswar looked to respond immediately for Hawk but his shot was saved. The chances would continue to be traded as Rick Tuttle saw his header saved for the hosts before Adan Donahue could count himself unfortunate not to equalise as his half-volley came back off the angle. Tuttle did double the lead for Futsal with a brilliant header on 25 minutes and they might have had further joy had Rowley Forrester been more accurate with his free-kick. Nageswar and Donahue both tried to bring Hawk back into it before the break but failed and Tuttle struck a post as Futsal nearly extended their lead further. The visitors got a massive boost at the start of the second-half as Jermaine Asher put through his own net to halve the deficit. Both sides suffered injuries before Bardes headed straight at the ‘keeper and Heskey hit a post as Futsal looked to turn the screw. They would pay for missing these chances, though, as Hawk found an equaliser; Ryan Dharmsingh lobbing home following a dangerous corner which wasn’t cleared. The sides looked to find the winner but Haynes and Forrester failed for the hosts while Dharmsingh and Sparendam missed for the visitors who also saw Jerry Raafenberg hit the post in injury-time. The sides sit in mid-table and Hooraymee will be hoping his troops can find the consistency to move up the table. Jake will still be tinkering with his new side as he looks to find the formula which will take Futsal onto the next level.
Real Madrid sharpened up in front of goal with a 6-0 home win over Norfolk N Chance as they moved into second. A third minute header from Kevin Gabriele sent them on their way and, despite an injury to Aren Garabedian, they would never look back. His replacement doubled the lead as Mao Wannasathit placed his shot expertly past Fazackerley to make it 2-0 on 11 minutes. The ‘keeper lunged at Davit Ohaneisan’s feet to prevent him scoring before Madrid did get their third goal. It came via an exquisite lob by Samvel Mortanian as he caught Fazackerley completely by surprise. The fourth followed shortly after as Norfolk struggled to cope. Mortanian adding his second goal of the game by placing the ball home following a swift breakaway. The rest of the half was played out in front of the respective goals and Madrid would take a 4-0 lead into the sheds. The second-half was a quieter affair but Stu Mackay did fire wide early on for Madrid. They would have to wait until the 74th minute for their fifth goal but it was worth the wait as Ohanesian hit a stunning volley from a training ground corner. Gabriele would finish the scoring with a brilliant lob on 86 minutes to complete the misery for Norfolk and leave Madrid sitting pretty. FredRizzo will understand that despite their good position at the moment they cannot get carried away in what is always a very tough section. Howemiester would be delighted to see his side score a goal but the more worrying aspect for his them is their seemingly poor form which undermines what they are trying to achieve in future seasons.
Juventus came from behind to take a point in a 1-1 home draw with Kroklund. Juventus would be the stronger side throughout the game but couldn’t make the most of their openings. Jacobo Chacros started the pattern by heading over on just four minutes. The rest of the half saw the home side punished for some cynical play as Seymour Red kept producing the yellows. They did have a further chance through Jorn Fruh but Kroklund ‘keeper Kangashaka was well-placed to gather. The visitors would stun the stadium in the 67th minute as they scored with their first chance of the game. Bosse Bong delivered a dangerous corner and Aatu Vuokki needed only to direct his header onto goal to give them a 1-0 lead. They were lucky not to gift the home side a way back in moments later as Toini Vasama misdirected his kick in front of goal and watched on in hope as it bounced away off the angle. Juventus did eventually get the goal their play deserved, though, as Adalberto Di Cintio produced a textbook diving header to send the home fans wild. SuperJuve will know that his side might have wasted an opportunity to gain three points in a game they had much the better of but will be pleased with their never-say-die attitude. Kroklund remain in a good position following the result but they face a tough match next against These Charming Men.
Internazionale showed no ill-effects of their manager jumping ship as they defeated The Lone Wanderers 2-1 at The Capital Wasteland. Inter put in an impressive first-half display and went close to opening the scoring in the first six minutes. Mortimer Wainman saw his powerful low shot saved by Peyton before Edip Bayrak’s cheeky back-heel went just wide. Stephen Lorimer had a header saved by Peyton and Philip Calderwood shot wide as Inter continued to press up until half-time. The home side did improve after the break with William MacAvish seeing his lob punched away by Ronaldo Mantua. Edip Bayrak didn’t really threaten with a half-volley for the visitors as the half assumed a more even feel. Indeed, as the chances came at both ends MacAvish saw Mantua save with his legs from a free-kick before Inter took the lead. It came from an Elton Hills cross and ended when Stephen Lorimer produced a lovely finish with a diving header. This lead was swiftly doubled as Calderwood found his range from distance and, although MacAvish got his reward with a brilliant free-kick, it was enough to see Inter home. They have since appointed GarethLloyd as their new manager and it may well be an exciting time for fans as he brings with him a reputation as being a ‘football purest.’ HH will hope his coaches can keep the side on the right track while he ‘take(s) a break’ due to illness although he did add that he ‘will be keeping contact with the squad’ during this period.
Cressex picked up an important win with a 2-1 success over Los Samgeles Kings. Torben Kummel nearly lifted the visitors in the third minute with an ambitious lob from distance which was only denied by the crossbar. The hosts would then waste a penalty as Ignacio Castellini saw Cloutier block the ball as the Kings escaped. Cressex gained some dominance but would fail to open the scoring as Lauro Poggi couldn’t net with a free-kick. Douglas Wallberg then saw a flicked header saved before Kummel responded at the other end with a volley which needed watching closely. The second-half saw the Kings also miss a penalty; Michal Handzus being denied by Ikhala. Anze Kopitar then saw a header sail over and they would pay the price as Cressex opened the scoring. Poggi would be the scorer as he picked up the ball in space before drilling a low shot into the goal. This would quickly become a two-goal lead as Poggi proved too hot to handle again; a diving header leaving Cloutier stranded and the home support ecstatic. Poggi nearly made it a hat-trick but failed with a header before Kummel dragged the Kings back into it with a cracking free-kick. Unfortunately, it proved too little, too late for them and Cressex would go home with the three points. The points moved them level with their opponents although Villan_RAS will want them to pick up their form as they look to move up the table. Stripy8 will be looking for his side to stop shipping goals as they always look dangerous enough to score in matches.
In the divisions' other game, Futsal and White Hawk fought out an entertaining draw at Futsal Arena. Graeme Haynes opened the scoring for the home side after four minutes by heading home well from an Alf Ackroyd cross. Both sides would create a host of chances in the game and Clyde Nageswar looked to respond immediately for Hawk but his shot was saved. The chances would continue to be traded as Rick Tuttle saw his header saved for the hosts before Adan Donahue could count himself unfortunate not to equalise as his half-volley came back off the angle. Tuttle did double the lead for Futsal with a brilliant header on 25 minutes and they might have had further joy had Rowley Forrester been more accurate with his free-kick. Nageswar and Donahue both tried to bring Hawk back into it before the break but failed and Tuttle struck a post as Futsal nearly extended their lead further. The visitors got a massive boost at the start of the second-half as Jermaine Asher put through his own net to halve the deficit. Both sides suffered injuries before Bardes headed straight at the ‘keeper and Heskey hit a post as Futsal looked to turn the screw. They would pay for missing these chances, though, as Hawk found an equaliser; Ryan Dharmsingh lobbing home following a dangerous corner which wasn’t cleared. The sides looked to find the winner but Haynes and Forrester failed for the hosts while Dharmsingh and Sparendam missed for the visitors who also saw Jerry Raafenberg hit the post in injury-time. The sides sit in mid-table and Hooraymee will be hoping his troops can find the consistency to move up the table. Jake will still be tinkering with his new side as he looks to find the formula which will take Futsal onto the next level.
Town Top Warriors
Morley Town kept in touch with the early season pace-setters with a 3-2 home win over Wiltshire Warriors. They had to survive a couple of early scares to do so as Robert Merson fired over and Wade Fairchild had a goal disallowed for offside for the visitors. Morley would soon find their touch after this and raced into a two-goal lead. The goals would come from two headers as Florian Arnautu flicked one home and Christopher Love then netted with a more powerful effort. Despite the shock of finding themselves behind, Wiltshire were still looking very dangerous and quickly pulled one back. Bob Black was the scorer as he found some space in which to curl a powerful long range shot into the net. Martyn Stamford then nearly put past his own ‘keeper as Morley rocked somewhat and they also had an injury to Ionel Traian to contend with. Angres Kafka did go close with a free-kick for them, though, as the game continued to progress at a serious pace. Arnautu would be the next to miss a chance before Morley doubled their lead once again. Again, it would come from a header as Love rose highest to place an accurate effort beyond Hogg and into the goal. Munzberg had two chances to further extend the lead but one header went just over while Hogg comfortably held his other attempt. It was Wiltshire then who would show their resilience again. A Black cross was met with a stunning diving header from Craig Elliott and a breathtaking first-half had its perfect ending. What followed next was somewhat anti-climactic as the second-half produced no further chances. While remaining tense, neither side could find that edge to their attacking play and it was Morley who would emerge with the points thanks to the opening half drama. Leeg21 has his side nicely placed in fourth and after ‘waiting until a minute before kick-off to reveal the tactics’ he might have found a way to get the best out of his players. Big K will be wanting his side to get back to winning ways quickly after seeing his side lose their last two matches. With his side scoring goals there might be a lot of defensive effort going into the training ground this week.
Just above Morley are Dream Team who put in a professional display to defeat Alsancak 2-0 at Mosquito Alley. The home side did start out quite brightly with Gabriel Baldwin getting a free-kick on target only for Williamson to gather in goal. Rinaldo Lupatelli responded with a free-kick of his own for DT but he couldn’t hit the target. They would, however, hit the front shortly afterwards as Gianmarco Siligardi completed a breakaway move with a well-placed finish. Lupatelli would complete a good period of the game for the visitors when he lobbed Cirkovic to make it 2-0 on 26 minutes although they did suffer a blow with an injury to Paul Ghigo. Lupatelli forced Cirkovic into a save during the early stages of the second-half as Dream Team looked to put the game to bed. John Burston would waste Alsancak’s only chance of the half as they struggled to make an impact and further efforts from Siligardi and Warren Dillin narrowly failed to give Dream Team a bigger win. MrJames has manoeuvred his side into third and they look well set to have a run at promotion this season. Wienersnitzel will be focusing his side on maintaining their form so their improvement will be significant enough to compete in future seasons.
Carthage continue to look the real deal at the top of the league; their latest success being a 5-0 home victory over Glory Hornets. They enjoyed the perfect start to the match as Rhys Gregson lobbed over Rosbotham in the very first minute to open the scoring. Although Lionel Monk nearly equalised in striking the post at the other end the match would end up a one-sided affair. Gregson had another effort well-saved by the ‘keeper before Carthage doubled their lead before half-time. Marcus Spillane would benefit from some neat approach play to slot past Rosbotham and give the hosts a big boost before the break. It was 3-0 on 54 minutes with a well directed Marcus Spillane header; something Eric Fray couldn’t match as he headed wide moments later. The fourth goal would arrive courtesy of a brilliant lob by Gregson and the rout was completed by a looping Ad Herbal header as the game approached injury-time. Blakey looks to have all boxes ticked at the moment as his side are in super form, scoring lots of goals and are tight defensively. GregPerkins will want his side to use Carthage as a role-model as they look to move up the table in the coming weeks.
The Champs sit in second following a 2-1 home win over Southampton. Two early goals proved the key to success in a closely fought encounter. The Champs would come racing out of the blocks with a third minute goal courtesy of a header by Isac Duveborn. Saints had an instant response but Jim Hotte couldn’t get the necessary accuracy on his lob and they would soon find themselves 2-0 behind. Leigh Ellefson proved a torment to the visitors and his pass found Jeff Speakman who, in turn, found the net with a beautifully curled long range strike. The visitors might have felt somewhat aggrieved by the score as they were looking threatening themselves. They were rewarded when Benos Hardinho headed home to halve the deficit. Kyle Lang might even have equalised moments later but his powerful header wasn’t directed well enough and they would go in a goal behind. The second-half remained tight until a couple of late chances materialised; Duveborn missing his chance to seal the game for The Champs before Andres Iniesta hit the crossbar with a chip in injury-time for the Saints. This piece of misfortune seems to sum up their season to date but they can draw confidence from the fact that they are competing strongly against every team. Wylie has navigated his side through the first six games unbeaten and their experience means they are unlikely to falter.
Arsenal put in a precise attacking performance to beat Grey Area 4-2 at Doon The Park. Although Hilario Tostao had put an effort wide for them early on they would have to come from behind due to some less than impressive defending. Humberto Sobrinho inexplicably knocked the ball at speed towards his own net and took Burchell by surprise in goal to gift Area a 1-0 lead. Tostao had a further effort go close as did Huntley with a lob as Arsenal increased their attacking intensity. GA would suffer a major blow on 27 minutes as Stigsson had to go off injured and they were lucky to survive efforts from Tostao and Sobrinho which were only denied by the woodwork. Incredibly, Winston Freestone would double the home side’s lead with a diving header on 39 minutes as it looked like Arsenal would pay for missed chances. However, an Ivo Daniel header before half-time halved the deficit and gave the visitors fresh impetus going. Christian Ros fired an early shot wide at the beginning of the second-half as Arsenal signalled their intent. Moments later they would be level as Shmal Sarzil fired in from a tight angle and they might have taken the lead but Tostao again found the post in his way. Sobrinho and Daniel both missed the target with efforts but Tostao would finally put the visitors in front with an accurate header on 67 minutes. The same player forced Kerrigan into a save moments later but Area did try to respond and had Rossall go close from distance. Sarzil sealed the game in injury-time with a powerful shot following a corner and Area would fail in their bid for a consolation when Isolini saw his shot punched away by Burchell. DomBrown was obviously pleased with what he called ‘a good away win’ and he will no doubt want to build on this in the coming weeks. Trecool will try and pick the positives out of this performance when he tries to lift his players for their next match against Alsancak although the loss of Stigsson might be a big worry for the new boss.
Another side maintaining their decent start to the season were wortley who ran out 2-1 winners at Spartans. Brandon Hiller went close to giving them a fast start with a curled effort which went just over. He would give them the lead on 17 minutes, though, as he toe-poked a corner over the line as the home defence failed to react. Spartans were then rocked by an injury to Gago and might have been further behind but Bowey’s effort missed by inches. The home side would then hit wortley with a sucker-punch as Alexandre Pato shot home in the penalty area just before half-time with what was their first chance of the game. Nevertheless, wortley began the second-half on the front foot although Santos couldn’t make a free-kick opportunity count. They nearly paid for this as Ezquiel Garay hit the post with a free-kick and Pato once more went close. The visitors regained the initiative moments later and forced two quick chances of their own. Curt Pryor saw his header palmed away by Neuer before Hiller shot wide. It would be Hiller who would eventually win the game for the visitors as he shot home in the penalty area on 88 minutes but there was further drama at the other end. Garay was given the opportunity to equalise from the spot on 92 minutes but he saw Cal Jenning pull off a super stop and send wortley home with the three points. While Tommysayshii might have been disappointed with the eventual result he will have seen plenty of pluses in a competitive performance. Thegreatlordbags, meanwhile, will be pleased with where his side are placed at this stage of the season and will expect them to carry on in the same fashion.
Just above Morley are Dream Team who put in a professional display to defeat Alsancak 2-0 at Mosquito Alley. The home side did start out quite brightly with Gabriel Baldwin getting a free-kick on target only for Williamson to gather in goal. Rinaldo Lupatelli responded with a free-kick of his own for DT but he couldn’t hit the target. They would, however, hit the front shortly afterwards as Gianmarco Siligardi completed a breakaway move with a well-placed finish. Lupatelli would complete a good period of the game for the visitors when he lobbed Cirkovic to make it 2-0 on 26 minutes although they did suffer a blow with an injury to Paul Ghigo. Lupatelli forced Cirkovic into a save during the early stages of the second-half as Dream Team looked to put the game to bed. John Burston would waste Alsancak’s only chance of the half as they struggled to make an impact and further efforts from Siligardi and Warren Dillin narrowly failed to give Dream Team a bigger win. MrJames has manoeuvred his side into third and they look well set to have a run at promotion this season. Wienersnitzel will be focusing his side on maintaining their form so their improvement will be significant enough to compete in future seasons.
Carthage continue to look the real deal at the top of the league; their latest success being a 5-0 home victory over Glory Hornets. They enjoyed the perfect start to the match as Rhys Gregson lobbed over Rosbotham in the very first minute to open the scoring. Although Lionel Monk nearly equalised in striking the post at the other end the match would end up a one-sided affair. Gregson had another effort well-saved by the ‘keeper before Carthage doubled their lead before half-time. Marcus Spillane would benefit from some neat approach play to slot past Rosbotham and give the hosts a big boost before the break. It was 3-0 on 54 minutes with a well directed Marcus Spillane header; something Eric Fray couldn’t match as he headed wide moments later. The fourth goal would arrive courtesy of a brilliant lob by Gregson and the rout was completed by a looping Ad Herbal header as the game approached injury-time. Blakey looks to have all boxes ticked at the moment as his side are in super form, scoring lots of goals and are tight defensively. GregPerkins will want his side to use Carthage as a role-model as they look to move up the table in the coming weeks.
The Champs sit in second following a 2-1 home win over Southampton. Two early goals proved the key to success in a closely fought encounter. The Champs would come racing out of the blocks with a third minute goal courtesy of a header by Isac Duveborn. Saints had an instant response but Jim Hotte couldn’t get the necessary accuracy on his lob and they would soon find themselves 2-0 behind. Leigh Ellefson proved a torment to the visitors and his pass found Jeff Speakman who, in turn, found the net with a beautifully curled long range strike. The visitors might have felt somewhat aggrieved by the score as they were looking threatening themselves. They were rewarded when Benos Hardinho headed home to halve the deficit. Kyle Lang might even have equalised moments later but his powerful header wasn’t directed well enough and they would go in a goal behind. The second-half remained tight until a couple of late chances materialised; Duveborn missing his chance to seal the game for The Champs before Andres Iniesta hit the crossbar with a chip in injury-time for the Saints. This piece of misfortune seems to sum up their season to date but they can draw confidence from the fact that they are competing strongly against every team. Wylie has navigated his side through the first six games unbeaten and their experience means they are unlikely to falter.
Arsenal put in a precise attacking performance to beat Grey Area 4-2 at Doon The Park. Although Hilario Tostao had put an effort wide for them early on they would have to come from behind due to some less than impressive defending. Humberto Sobrinho inexplicably knocked the ball at speed towards his own net and took Burchell by surprise in goal to gift Area a 1-0 lead. Tostao had a further effort go close as did Huntley with a lob as Arsenal increased their attacking intensity. GA would suffer a major blow on 27 minutes as Stigsson had to go off injured and they were lucky to survive efforts from Tostao and Sobrinho which were only denied by the woodwork. Incredibly, Winston Freestone would double the home side’s lead with a diving header on 39 minutes as it looked like Arsenal would pay for missed chances. However, an Ivo Daniel header before half-time halved the deficit and gave the visitors fresh impetus going. Christian Ros fired an early shot wide at the beginning of the second-half as Arsenal signalled their intent. Moments later they would be level as Shmal Sarzil fired in from a tight angle and they might have taken the lead but Tostao again found the post in his way. Sobrinho and Daniel both missed the target with efforts but Tostao would finally put the visitors in front with an accurate header on 67 minutes. The same player forced Kerrigan into a save moments later but Area did try to respond and had Rossall go close from distance. Sarzil sealed the game in injury-time with a powerful shot following a corner and Area would fail in their bid for a consolation when Isolini saw his shot punched away by Burchell. DomBrown was obviously pleased with what he called ‘a good away win’ and he will no doubt want to build on this in the coming weeks. Trecool will try and pick the positives out of this performance when he tries to lift his players for their next match against Alsancak although the loss of Stigsson might be a big worry for the new boss.
Another side maintaining their decent start to the season were wortley who ran out 2-1 winners at Spartans. Brandon Hiller went close to giving them a fast start with a curled effort which went just over. He would give them the lead on 17 minutes, though, as he toe-poked a corner over the line as the home defence failed to react. Spartans were then rocked by an injury to Gago and might have been further behind but Bowey’s effort missed by inches. The home side would then hit wortley with a sucker-punch as Alexandre Pato shot home in the penalty area just before half-time with what was their first chance of the game. Nevertheless, wortley began the second-half on the front foot although Santos couldn’t make a free-kick opportunity count. They nearly paid for this as Ezquiel Garay hit the post with a free-kick and Pato once more went close. The visitors regained the initiative moments later and forced two quick chances of their own. Curt Pryor saw his header palmed away by Neuer before Hiller shot wide. It would be Hiller who would eventually win the game for the visitors as he shot home in the penalty area on 88 minutes but there was further drama at the other end. Garay was given the opportunity to equalise from the spot on 92 minutes but he saw Cal Jenning pull off a super stop and send wortley home with the three points. While Tommysayshii might have been disappointed with the eventual result he will have seen plenty of pluses in a competitive performance. Thegreatlordbags, meanwhile, will be pleased with where his side are placed at this stage of the season and will expect them to carry on in the same fashion.
IllHibee
The Lone Wanderers manager, HappyHibee1991, has recently added his thoughts onto the clubs website named 'Bad Illness'. The piece itself was short."I was not at the game as you may well have noticed, however my team knew what tactics I wanted them to deploy. Unfortunately I have fallen ill and have been recommended to take a break from being out and about. My players are continuing to make me feel proud and I will be keeping in contact with the squad during my time of sickness."
Villareal Face Huge Test.
Tomorrow Villarreal CF will travel to play The Vikings in what should be a thrilling encounter. Speaking with confidence Villarreal boss Cathal Brennan had this to say about the upcoming game:
"For some reason I feel quite confident that we will escape with something tomorrow. Fortunately I know that reason. From what I can remember about playing sides better than us is that we have always managed to bring it to them and always tale at least a point out of them. Eagles is a very good and that's what scares me so if you are reading this right now Eagles, please spare us."
"For some reason I feel quite confident that we will escape with something tomorrow. Fortunately I know that reason. From what I can remember about playing sides better than us is that we have always managed to bring it to them and always tale at least a point out of them. Eagles is a very good and that's what scares me so if you are reading this right now Eagles, please spare us."
New manager
The manager of Inter , GarethLloyd, was head hunted and brought in to take this excellent club up to the top of this league. The manager held his first press conference today and revealed that he has already got rid of some extra baggage at the club and brought in some exciting young talent. He is a purest of football, i.e. goal scoring is very important and if you can't do it, you ain't worth having around. So the players now know that they have to sharpen up the scoring skills and their skills in creating of goals and very quickly indeed. No one seems safe in this team as the manager starts building a team that can beat anyone. But he said he has great confidence in his players and has even put out a weak team for the next game, he doesn't seem to think much of the next team Inter play. Confidence, arrogance or plan stupidity? Only the banter from other teams and results will reveal the answer.
League back to full strength!
The league got back to its full compliment of 48 managers as Division 1 side Belly Tubbies employed new manager Whataneejit to take control of first team matters.
Again Whataneejit is a new manager to xperteleven and will be allowed time to settle by the club.
Eaglesrjh said "I'm delighted to already be back to a full compliment of managers. no team has had to go into a game without a coach and this is good news for the competiton as a whole!"
Again Whataneejit is a new manager to xperteleven and will be allowed time to settle by the club.
Eaglesrjh said "I'm delighted to already be back to a full compliment of managers. no team has had to go into a game without a coach and this is good news for the competiton as a whole!"
The Vikings 4 - 1 St Omer
Viking Land News
Vikings get expected win over young St Omer side
The Vikings won this match as expected as St Omer still suffer from the average age rule.
The Vikings took the opportunity to give some match experience to some young players and some fringe players.
Papakostas opened the scoring in the 7th minute as he rose high above the defence to head home a cross from Tassiopoulos. It was essentially the same route that led to the secong goal in 29 minutes. This time it was Branston who crossed the ball in and again Papakostas was too good for the away defence and powered the header home. Papakostas then completed a first half hattrick as young forward Tolley laid the ball off just outside the box and Papakostas curled the ball home with style! Papakostas looked too hot to handle for the young St Omer defence and was unlucky not to get a 4th goal in 36 minutes when he saw his header tapped over by the keeper. St Omer then converted their only chance of the game. They were awarded a 43rd minute penalty that midfielder Cony Tottee slotted home with ease. 3-1 half time with the Vikings in good control
The second half was a quiet affair. Tolley made it 4 in the 55th minute as he headed home a Maladenis cross. There were to be no other chances for either team as the Vikings were content to preserve energy and just play keep ball football. 4-1 full time
Eaglesrjh had this to say after the game. "Well it was a comfortable win with a lot of youngsters and reserves in the team. I've no doubt we could have won by more with the full first team out but I am happy that I got the balance right between winning the game in style and giving match experience to fringe players. However a couple of players took the opportunity today to play their way back into my thinking, Papakostas was especially impressive and has given me a selection dilemma for the next game!"
"Still it's a good problem to have" laughed the manager!
Vikings get expected win over young St Omer side
The Vikings won this match as expected as St Omer still suffer from the average age rule.
The Vikings took the opportunity to give some match experience to some young players and some fringe players.
Papakostas opened the scoring in the 7th minute as he rose high above the defence to head home a cross from Tassiopoulos. It was essentially the same route that led to the secong goal in 29 minutes. This time it was Branston who crossed the ball in and again Papakostas was too good for the away defence and powered the header home. Papakostas then completed a first half hattrick as young forward Tolley laid the ball off just outside the box and Papakostas curled the ball home with style! Papakostas looked too hot to handle for the young St Omer defence and was unlucky not to get a 4th goal in 36 minutes when he saw his header tapped over by the keeper. St Omer then converted their only chance of the game. They were awarded a 43rd minute penalty that midfielder Cony Tottee slotted home with ease. 3-1 half time with the Vikings in good control
The second half was a quiet affair. Tolley made it 4 in the 55th minute as he headed home a Maladenis cross. There were to be no other chances for either team as the Vikings were content to preserve energy and just play keep ball football. 4-1 full time
Eaglesrjh had this to say after the game. "Well it was a comfortable win with a lot of youngsters and reserves in the team. I've no doubt we could have won by more with the full first team out but I am happy that I got the balance right between winning the game in style and giving match experience to fringe players. However a couple of players took the opportunity today to play their way back into my thinking, Papakostas was especially impressive and has given me a selection dilemma for the next game!"
"Still it's a good problem to have" laughed the manager!
Newry City get their man
After the recent unfortunate departure of Mickeymoose, Newry City have moved quickly to appoint a new manager.
The new man in the hotseat is little known manager Ramsay2009. Many are surprised that a 1st division team have appointed an unknown manager but rumours abound that the club has all faith that their new man will have all the skills to succeed in the club.
Admin Eaglesrjh said "I'm delighted to get another manager onboard and the vacancy filled at Newry. Ramsay2009 is a new manager and may take a few games to settle in but with a little advice from the friendly and helpful managers we have in this league I am certain he will soon get to grips with the game and enjoy his time here."
"Remember we were all new once" smiled Eaglesrjh
The new man in the hotseat is little known manager Ramsay2009. Many are surprised that a 1st division team have appointed an unknown manager but rumours abound that the club has all faith that their new man will have all the skills to succeed in the club.
Admin Eaglesrjh said "I'm delighted to get another manager onboard and the vacancy filled at Newry. Ramsay2009 is a new manager and may take a few games to settle in but with a little advice from the friendly and helpful managers we have in this league I am certain he will soon get to grips with the game and enjoy his time here."
"Remember we were all new once" smiled Eaglesrjh
Stanley Update
Stanley were buoyed by there 3-2 away win at FC Greatness on Friday after fighting back from 2-0 down, another tough game coming up with a home match against Totaalvoetbal
Charlottenburg news
We are still at the top of the table after another impressive week with goals galore. Something we struggled with last season. A 5-0 win over Juventus was followed by a highly entertaining 2-2 draw with These Charming Men. Amazingly, we are still unbeaten and can only throw promotion away now.
Doing well
Three Lions FC are doing well in their first season in the top flight of the RM Invitational after defeating powerhouses Totaalvoetbal at the Wembley on Friday by way of an Izu Casillas penalty in injury time.
"We did not expect a win today, but the players, especially the defenders, were in fine form and a few radical changes to the usual tactics caught them off guard. Totaalvoetbal played a good game but we managed to outplay them. Besides that, it's never easy to win away from home, especially not against Three Lions FC," said Izuka with a huge grin after the game.
"We did not expect a win today, but the players, especially the defenders, were in fine form and a few radical changes to the usual tactics caught them off guard. Totaalvoetbal played a good game but we managed to outplay them. Besides that, it's never easy to win away from home, especially not against Three Lions FC," said Izuka with a huge grin after the game.
Long way to go
Even though pahang united celebrating 6 goals at their last matched, and furthermore won the whole money in the pools competition, it didn't show that pahang united is a better team in this division 1.
there's no secret for the huge win last game but there's a lot of things i hv to learn and improve. all players in good form and then suit with the tactics. they controlled everything and nvr waste the 3 points. i don't care we win with 10 goals or a single goal, the important is that we get the 3 points!
there's no secret for the huge win last game but there's a lot of things i hv to learn and improve. all players in good form and then suit with the tactics. they controlled everything and nvr waste the 3 points. i don't care we win with 10 goals or a single goal, the important is that we get the 3 points!
GarethLloyd in at Inter!
Internazionale have wasted no time in appointing a new manager after Jamesmclaughlin was released to go to new pastures on Friday afternoon.
An Inter spokesman said "We are delighted to have GarethLloyd in. He appears to be a very talented manager and we feel he can take the team forward and push for promotion"
League Admin Eaglesrjh was delighted to fill the vacancy. "It was important to try to fill the gap here before the next league game" said Eaglesrjh "GarethLloyd has impressed me during an excellent battle with myself in the xpert league. This battle could still go either way! I'm sure Gareth will take inter forward and be a contender for promotion."
"Welcome to the league Gareth!"
An Inter spokesman said "We are delighted to have GarethLloyd in. He appears to be a very talented manager and we feel he can take the team forward and push for promotion"
League Admin Eaglesrjh was delighted to fill the vacancy. "It was important to try to fill the gap here before the next league game" said Eaglesrjh "GarethLloyd has impressed me during an excellent battle with myself in the xpert league. This battle could still go either way! I'm sure Gareth will take inter forward and be a contender for promotion."
"Welcome to the league Gareth!"
Arsenal pick up an impressive away win
Arsenal manager Brown picked up his first win since taking over the team. An impressive 4-2 away victory over a fellow newcomer.
"It was a good away win and i hope we can build on this and move further up the table"
"It was a good away win and i hope we can build on this and move further up the table"
TCM fightback seals a point
TCM staged a great fightback from 2-0 down to ensure they got a point against league leaders Charlottenburg.
The home side who were on top for much of the first half, were 1-0 up after Scholes set up Beckham to fire in from close range, Michael Owen got the second after sicknote Anderton crossed in a lovely ball without hurting himself.
Everything looked to be going terribly wrong for a TCM side , however within 2 minutes were back in the game through a delightful Loran Rajabi header.
Second half it was TCM’s turn to try to take control, back on level terms through Castellano’s volley after a free kick from youngster Scottie Gillan.
It was nearly 3-2 when TCM had a goal disallowed a few minutes from time.
Loran Rajabi who had a superb game was dismissed for a second yellow card 2 minutes into injury time.
RDCM was proud of his teams fightback and discussed “What could have been”, regarding the disallowed goal. “ In all a good performance against top of the league”
The home side who were on top for much of the first half, were 1-0 up after Scholes set up Beckham to fire in from close range, Michael Owen got the second after sicknote Anderton crossed in a lovely ball without hurting himself.
Everything looked to be going terribly wrong for a TCM side , however within 2 minutes were back in the game through a delightful Loran Rajabi header.
Second half it was TCM’s turn to try to take control, back on level terms through Castellano’s volley after a free kick from youngster Scottie Gillan.
It was nearly 3-2 when TCM had a goal disallowed a few minutes from time.
Loran Rajabi who had a superb game was dismissed for a second yellow card 2 minutes into injury time.
RDCM was proud of his teams fightback and discussed “What could have been”, regarding the disallowed goal. “ In all a good performance against top of the league”
Tight Affair
It was a tight game today against AJ Rovers. Despite them being our superior in terms of player quality, due to their form we felt we could win this game and went for an offensive approach. Unfortunately our strikers arent quite firing yet and we were unable to take our chances so we must settle for the draw. They also had good chances and we had to rely on Daniel Agger and Pepe Reina to both put in stellar performances. The team is now starting to take shape and I'm now knowing who my better players are. All this points to a positive future for us. It would seem having the five experienced lads in the team to guide the young guns is really paying off.
A few Notes
Firstly I’d like to thank the many members who have wished me luck, your messages are much appreciated and I hope that with your continued support this league can continue to grow and be a success.
Activity
I am an active manager and you will find me online a lot. However I will have a number of what appear to be “phantom” logins. This is due to the fact that I often login via a mobile phone where I can read messages,forum,scribble but not respond or act on anything. So if you have sent me a message you may see that I have read it but not replied and this is the most likely reason. I will respond once I am back on a proper computer!
Match Reports
RobinMeeblind has kindly agreed to stay on and do the match reports as I think these are well written and add value to the league. This rounds reports will be delayed however as RM is away for the weekend.
Pools Comps
I will be reviewing how the pools comps are run over the next few days. I still envisage the prizes that were promised being available but may slightly tweak the rules or scoring of the competitions as due to several reasons these have fallen behind schedule and could do with being revised.
Other Comps
Once RM returns I will discuss with him what prizes have been promised so far and between us we will make sure they are available. I will then look into other opportunities for competitions and prizes.
Thoughts/Feedback/Problems
If you have any thoughts or ideas for improving the league do not hesitate to email me. I don’t promise that every idea will be implemented but do promise to give them due consideration. Also if you have any problems or feedback do please mail me and I’ll do my best to sort things out for you.
Think thats all for now
Cheers for reading
Eaglesrjh
Activity
I am an active manager and you will find me online a lot. However I will have a number of what appear to be “phantom” logins. This is due to the fact that I often login via a mobile phone where I can read messages,forum,scribble but not respond or act on anything. So if you have sent me a message you may see that I have read it but not replied and this is the most likely reason. I will respond once I am back on a proper computer!
Match Reports
RobinMeeblind has kindly agreed to stay on and do the match reports as I think these are well written and add value to the league. This rounds reports will be delayed however as RM is away for the weekend.
Pools Comps
I will be reviewing how the pools comps are run over the next few days. I still envisage the prizes that were promised being available but may slightly tweak the rules or scoring of the competitions as due to several reasons these have fallen behind schedule and could do with being revised.
Other Comps
Once RM returns I will discuss with him what prizes have been promised so far and between us we will make sure they are available. I will then look into other opportunities for competitions and prizes.
Thoughts/Feedback/Problems
If you have any thoughts or ideas for improving the league do not hesitate to email me. I don’t promise that every idea will be implemented but do promise to give them due consideration. Also if you have any problems or feedback do please mail me and I’ll do my best to sort things out for you.
Think thats all for now
Cheers for reading
Eaglesrjh
Morley Edge Five Goal Thriller
Town News
In a bold move Morley manager Leeg21 kept his players guessing by waiting until a minute before kick-off to reveal the tactics for tonights game. It seemed to pay off as they ran out winners after a flying start to the match, going two up in 7 minutes.
Wiltshire had a goal disallowed on 5 minutes, Wade Fairchild chipped Gaughan but he was clearly offside when he picked up the ball, Morley went on the attack straight from the resulting free kick, Adolf Munzberg crossed for Arnautu who flicked his header past Hogg.
Only a minute later Morley were two up, Christopher Love headed in Kafka's cross to send the home fans into raptures, two minutes later the home fans were silenced, Bob Blacks long range curler beat Gaughan all ends up to pull one back for the Warriers.
Both teams were creating chances at will and play went from end to end as both teams tried to assert themselves and dominate the game, Wiltshire almost equalised through Martyn Stamford, the Morley defender deflected a wayward shot towards his own goal and only an excellent reaction save by Gaughan spared the defenders blushes.
Val Sheridan burst down the wing and crossed for Love to head in his second of the match, it looked like Morley would go in 3-1 at the break but Elliot was left unmarked to head in on 45 minutes. It was to be the last meaningful action of the game, both teams failed to create another chance in the second half so it was Morley who walked away with three points.
In a bold move Morley manager Leeg21 kept his players guessing by waiting until a minute before kick-off to reveal the tactics for tonights game. It seemed to pay off as they ran out winners after a flying start to the match, going two up in 7 minutes.
Wiltshire had a goal disallowed on 5 minutes, Wade Fairchild chipped Gaughan but he was clearly offside when he picked up the ball, Morley went on the attack straight from the resulting free kick, Adolf Munzberg crossed for Arnautu who flicked his header past Hogg.
Only a minute later Morley were two up, Christopher Love headed in Kafka's cross to send the home fans into raptures, two minutes later the home fans were silenced, Bob Blacks long range curler beat Gaughan all ends up to pull one back for the Warriers.
Both teams were creating chances at will and play went from end to end as both teams tried to assert themselves and dominate the game, Wiltshire almost equalised through Martyn Stamford, the Morley defender deflected a wayward shot towards his own goal and only an excellent reaction save by Gaughan spared the defenders blushes.
Val Sheridan burst down the wing and crossed for Love to head in his second of the match, it looked like Morley would go in 3-1 at the break but Elliot was left unmarked to head in on 45 minutes. It was to be the last meaningful action of the game, both teams failed to create another chance in the second half so it was Morley who walked away with three points.
Sneekes at the Double
Richard Sneekes was the hero for WBS as he bagged a brace in their latest win against Hun Haters.
In a match dominated by the WBS midfield, there was little chance for Hun Haters to make any real impact, the defence again performing well, completely shutting out the Hun Haters strike force.
The win again comes at a cost for West Brom who will be without talismanic striker Bobby Taylor for 3 matches.
The win is the third on the spin for WBS and they sit in 4th position in the league.
Dinky Stated "I'm really pleased with the performance level again. Our defence has been immense the last few matches and thats going to be important as we try to make inroads into this league. I dont like picking out individuals but i have to mention Sneekes as he's mr consistent and deserves his goals today. I'm dissapointed we've lost Superbob for a while, but there's a couple of guys gunning to get a run in the team and now they've got a chance"
Next up WBS face Tranmere Rovers at the Hawthorns
In a match dominated by the WBS midfield, there was little chance for Hun Haters to make any real impact, the defence again performing well, completely shutting out the Hun Haters strike force.
The win again comes at a cost for West Brom who will be without talismanic striker Bobby Taylor for 3 matches.
The win is the third on the spin for WBS and they sit in 4th position in the league.
Dinky Stated "I'm really pleased with the performance level again. Our defence has been immense the last few matches and thats going to be important as we try to make inroads into this league. I dont like picking out individuals but i have to mention Sneekes as he's mr consistent and deserves his goals today. I'm dissapointed we've lost Superbob for a while, but there's a couple of guys gunning to get a run in the team and now they've got a chance"
Next up WBS face Tranmere Rovers at the Hawthorns
Thanks to RobinMeeblind
As you may be aware I am now the new admin of the RM Invitational. For RobinMeeblinds reasons for standing down please see his press release entitled “League Ownership”
My first duty as the new Admin is to say thank you to RobinMeeblind for creating this league and for 3 excellent seasons in charge. The league is in excellent shape and this is hugely due to the work RobinMeeblind has put in over the past seasons.
I’m sure the whole league shares this sentiment with me.
RobinMeeblind has agreed to stay on as an assistant, this means he will still be involved with running the league and along with the other assistant will help to ensure this great league goes from strength to strength. I have no reason to change the current assistants so very little else will change.
I will release some other press releases in due time but will allow everyone time to digest this information before doing anything else.
I will just say I do not have any plans for any serious changes as the league is excellent as is and I do not see any reason to change a winning formula. The league is made great by the quality of managers we have and I hope you can all continue to play and enjoy the game as usual. Though any issues should now obviously be mailed to myself and not RobinMeeblind
Eaglesrjh
My first duty as the new Admin is to say thank you to RobinMeeblind for creating this league and for 3 excellent seasons in charge. The league is in excellent shape and this is hugely due to the work RobinMeeblind has put in over the past seasons.
I’m sure the whole league shares this sentiment with me.
RobinMeeblind has agreed to stay on as an assistant, this means he will still be involved with running the league and along with the other assistant will help to ensure this great league goes from strength to strength. I have no reason to change the current assistants so very little else will change.
I will release some other press releases in due time but will allow everyone time to digest this information before doing anything else.
I will just say I do not have any plans for any serious changes as the league is excellent as is and I do not see any reason to change a winning formula. The league is made great by the quality of managers we have and I hope you can all continue to play and enjoy the game as usual. Though any issues should now obviously be mailed to myself and not RobinMeeblind
Eaglesrjh
Long Season
St Omer suffered another heavy defeat on tuesday when they were beaten 5 - 0 against Kirkbride Strollers.
Cony Tottee expects more of the same for the rest of the season while he continues with his youth policy and hopes the fans aren't getting too angry with him.
Cony Tottee expects more of the same for the rest of the season while he continues with his youth policy and hopes the fans aren't getting too angry with him.
League Ownership
Hello all,
I wanted to inform you all of a change of admin which will take place with immediate effect.
After three and a bit seasons in charge I have found recently that it has been taking up too much of my ‘real life’ so to speak. I have a busy few months upcoming and cannot afford to be distracted by league problems which I have been of late, even to the point of not dealing with these issues as quickly as I might have. More to the point I feel the league will benefit by having a new admin who can devote more time to what has become one of the better leagues on the site thanks to the terrific managers involved.
Let me first off say that I will be staying in the league. I realise a lot of managers joined the league due to conversations with myself and I just wanted to reassure everyone that I remain a committed member of the RM Invitational. The prizes and competitions which have been advertised for this, and future, seasons will remain including the upcoming Fantasy Football. The only real difference will be the change of admin and any further features he chooses to bring in. Indeed, I expect this to be an exciting time to be involved in the league.
I thought long and hard about the new admin and approached Eaglesrjh to see if he would take-over. I wanted to find someone with a vast knowledge of the site, someone who is a keen member of all the leagues he is involved in and someone who will be around to help out the managers when needed. I feel I have found that man and after a series of open conversations between Eagles and myself I am happy to say he accepted the position.
We have spoken at length about the admin role and why I am giving it up and he fully supports my decision which I am appreciative of. He was keen to make sure it was what I wanted 100% before he even considered taking the post. I am certain he will keep the league progressing, obviously with your support and, indeed, improve it in many ways. He has indicated to me that he wants the assistants to remain in place so nothing will change there either and I will be joining them to smooth the process.
I’m sure Eagles will be happy to answer any questions you might have via mail and I hope you support him as you have myself.
Finally, let me thank all of the managers in the league for making it so impressive. You must take the credit for taking it to where it is today.
Here’s to this exciting new step.
Cheers,
Robin Meeblind
I wanted to inform you all of a change of admin which will take place with immediate effect.
After three and a bit seasons in charge I have found recently that it has been taking up too much of my ‘real life’ so to speak. I have a busy few months upcoming and cannot afford to be distracted by league problems which I have been of late, even to the point of not dealing with these issues as quickly as I might have. More to the point I feel the league will benefit by having a new admin who can devote more time to what has become one of the better leagues on the site thanks to the terrific managers involved.
Let me first off say that I will be staying in the league. I realise a lot of managers joined the league due to conversations with myself and I just wanted to reassure everyone that I remain a committed member of the RM Invitational. The prizes and competitions which have been advertised for this, and future, seasons will remain including the upcoming Fantasy Football. The only real difference will be the change of admin and any further features he chooses to bring in. Indeed, I expect this to be an exciting time to be involved in the league.
I thought long and hard about the new admin and approached Eaglesrjh to see if he would take-over. I wanted to find someone with a vast knowledge of the site, someone who is a keen member of all the leagues he is involved in and someone who will be around to help out the managers when needed. I feel I have found that man and after a series of open conversations between Eagles and myself I am happy to say he accepted the position.
We have spoken at length about the admin role and why I am giving it up and he fully supports my decision which I am appreciative of. He was keen to make sure it was what I wanted 100% before he even considered taking the post. I am certain he will keep the league progressing, obviously with your support and, indeed, improve it in many ways. He has indicated to me that he wants the assistants to remain in place so nothing will change there either and I will be joining them to smooth the process.
I’m sure Eagles will be happy to answer any questions you might have via mail and I hope you support him as you have myself.
Finally, let me thank all of the managers in the league for making it so impressive. You must take the credit for taking it to where it is today.
Here’s to this exciting new step.
Cheers,
Robin Meeblind
DT look on with hope.
After an unpleasant start to the season, where two unescessary draws and one fair loss had occured, MrJames as worried. However, the team is now back on target after beating arsenal 4-2.
Now sitting in third place, MrJames can hope for promotion.
"We are playing Alsancak F.C and then Spartans next, who have yet to win a game. These matches should be easy for my highly ranked team, even though the club has financial issues which need to be sorted."
All in all, things look good for DT and promotion hopes are high.
Reporter Brad Gayliss.
Now sitting in third place, MrJames can hope for promotion.
"We are playing Alsancak F.C and then Spartans next, who have yet to win a game. These matches should be easy for my highly ranked team, even though the club has financial issues which need to be sorted."
All in all, things look good for DT and promotion hopes are high.
Reporter Brad Gayliss.
Hope the best
Pahang united will entertain KBC today and the manager, Mr T realized that his players all fit for that match and hopefully jthey can secure the 3 points for the team.
We are unbeaten for 3 matches and i guess we dont have problem to make it four. We have advantage today where the game will be play at Pahang and i know we won't waste it.
i know KBC is strong and unbeaten until today but we also have to win the match. We have better players and I got brilliant tactics today. May god bless us :)
We are unbeaten for 3 matches and i guess we dont have problem to make it four. We have advantage today where the game will be play at Pahang and i know we won't waste it.
i know KBC is strong and unbeaten until today but we also have to win the match. We have better players and I got brilliant tactics today. May god bless us :)
Totaal Just Great
Totaalvoetbal put in one of their best displays for some time to defeat F.C. Greatness 3-0 at the MVB Arena.
The home side started cautiously before Pierre van Diemen fired in the first warning with a diving header.
Greatness were enduring misfortune as Fabian Ostgard was injured on 22 minutes but Rachao kept them level with a good stop from a Shivan Preetnav shot.
Mario Balotelli did engineer himself enough room to head wide for the visitors but they found themselves behind the eight ball moments later. Edwin Hayter would be the source of the goal as he sent in a dangerous cross for Shirsh Vajpayee to precisely head home. Vajpayee would see his evening end there, though, following a crude challenge from Filippinetti.
Faust Baronchelli missed an early chance for the visitors at the start of the second-half before substitute Allan Akerboom ballooned the ball over the bar at the other end. Baronchelli would have another chance as the half progressed but Rimmer was the equal to it.
Despite Greatness’ new-found attacking threat it would be Totaal who would score again. Once more some fine work from Hayter provided the opening as a through ball found van Diemen in enough space to chip over Rachao to double the lead.
Paolo Serena couldn’t match the quality of van Diemen’s strike at the other end as he lobbed over before the Totaal forward struck again to double the lead. Allan Akerboom found van Diemen and he directed the ball past Rachao to seal the game.
Both sides had further chances but the respective ‘keepers denied van Diemen and Martinus Benfari as the match ended 3-0.
Boss Meeblind was a happy man post-match.
“It was a super win, no question,” he began.
“Darren will get a reaction from his team, of that I’m sure but we can move onto our next game with confidence despite the injury to Vajpayee.”
The home side started cautiously before Pierre van Diemen fired in the first warning with a diving header.
Greatness were enduring misfortune as Fabian Ostgard was injured on 22 minutes but Rachao kept them level with a good stop from a Shivan Preetnav shot.
Mario Balotelli did engineer himself enough room to head wide for the visitors but they found themselves behind the eight ball moments later. Edwin Hayter would be the source of the goal as he sent in a dangerous cross for Shirsh Vajpayee to precisely head home. Vajpayee would see his evening end there, though, following a crude challenge from Filippinetti.
Faust Baronchelli missed an early chance for the visitors at the start of the second-half before substitute Allan Akerboom ballooned the ball over the bar at the other end. Baronchelli would have another chance as the half progressed but Rimmer was the equal to it.
Despite Greatness’ new-found attacking threat it would be Totaal who would score again. Once more some fine work from Hayter provided the opening as a through ball found van Diemen in enough space to chip over Rachao to double the lead.
Paolo Serena couldn’t match the quality of van Diemen’s strike at the other end as he lobbed over before the Totaal forward struck again to double the lead. Allan Akerboom found van Diemen and he directed the ball past Rachao to seal the game.
Both sides had further chances but the respective ‘keepers denied van Diemen and Martinus Benfari as the match ended 3-0.
Boss Meeblind was a happy man post-match.
“It was a super win, no question,” he began.
“Darren will get a reaction from his team, of that I’m sure but we can move onto our next game with confidence despite the injury to Vajpayee.”
Manchester United 2 - 0 The Vikings
Viking Land News
Man Utd continue their stranglehold over the Vikings.
The Vikings seem totally unable to work out how to get results against Man Utd. In reality this was a one sided game in which the Vikings rarely threatened.
The games first chance fell to Man Utd when Ronaldo's 17th minute freekick cannoned back off a post. This was to be his last involvement in the game as he was taken off with a serious looking injury in the 22nd minute. The change did not seem to affect Man Utd and Carrick saw a 24th minute lob hit the bar. Carrick then headed straight at the keeper on 42 minutes when well placed. 0-0 half time
The vikings then lost their main midfielder early in the second half when Tassiopoulos limped off. They then had their only chance of the game when Almandis sent a 51st minute freekick well wide. Man Utd then got the goal that they probably deserved when Cantona chipped Raasch on 71 minutes after good work by Berbatov. Carrick then sealed the points with a 75th minute header. The same player saw a 76th minute header saved as Man Utd saw out the rest of the game with no problems.
Eaglesrjh was reflective after the game. "we always seem to have problems against Man Utd, but credit to them they are a very good team and not many teams will come here and take points home so it's not a disaster. We must bounce back and play better in the next game against St.Omer"
Man Utd continue their stranglehold over the Vikings.
The Vikings seem totally unable to work out how to get results against Man Utd. In reality this was a one sided game in which the Vikings rarely threatened.
The games first chance fell to Man Utd when Ronaldo's 17th minute freekick cannoned back off a post. This was to be his last involvement in the game as he was taken off with a serious looking injury in the 22nd minute. The change did not seem to affect Man Utd and Carrick saw a 24th minute lob hit the bar. Carrick then headed straight at the keeper on 42 minutes when well placed. 0-0 half time
The vikings then lost their main midfielder early in the second half when Tassiopoulos limped off. They then had their only chance of the game when Almandis sent a 51st minute freekick well wide. Man Utd then got the goal that they probably deserved when Cantona chipped Raasch on 71 minutes after good work by Berbatov. Carrick then sealed the points with a 75th minute header. The same player saw a 76th minute header saved as Man Utd saw out the rest of the game with no problems.
Eaglesrjh was reflective after the game. "we always seem to have problems against Man Utd, but credit to them they are a very good team and not many teams will come here and take points home so it's not a disaster. We must bounce back and play better in the next game against St.Omer"
Reports for rounds 1,2,3 and 4
Viking Land News
These will be short versions of my usual match reports in order to get back uptodate!
Pahang United 0 - 1 The Vikings
A tight game that the away side maybe just deserved to win for creating more chances. The only goal of the game came in the 56th minute when Clint Bonavia headed home a Gourmas cross. This was to be enough for the Vikings to secure the 3 points as they only allowed the home side 2 chances in the entire game.
The Vikings 2 - 0 Newry City
Another tight game that saw the Vikings gain another early 3 points in the fight for promotion. Home advantage was probably the key as first new signing Ilmari Jukka got his first goal for the club after 22 minutes. Portway then secured the victory in the 89th minute when he headed home a cross from Strachan.
Kirkbride Strollers 2 - 0 The Vikings
Kirkbride used home advantage to gain a win in another tight game. Their task was made easier after just 4 minutes when Symington sent home a special freekick. Billy Maneater then secured victory in the 58th minute when he shot home from a corner. The game was especially bad for the Vikings as Colin Crouch was stretchered off with a serious injury.
The Vikings 3 - 0 Belly Tubbies
The Vikings bounced back from their last defeat with a comfortable home victory against Belly Tubbies. Papakostas opened the scoring after 32 minutes and then Bonavia made the points safe with a goal on 72 minutes. The icing was put on the victory when Maladenis shot home from distance in the 94th minute.
These will be short versions of my usual match reports in order to get back uptodate!
Pahang United 0 - 1 The Vikings
A tight game that the away side maybe just deserved to win for creating more chances. The only goal of the game came in the 56th minute when Clint Bonavia headed home a Gourmas cross. This was to be enough for the Vikings to secure the 3 points as they only allowed the home side 2 chances in the entire game.
The Vikings 2 - 0 Newry City
Another tight game that saw the Vikings gain another early 3 points in the fight for promotion. Home advantage was probably the key as first new signing Ilmari Jukka got his first goal for the club after 22 minutes. Portway then secured the victory in the 89th minute when he headed home a cross from Strachan.
Kirkbride Strollers 2 - 0 The Vikings
Kirkbride used home advantage to gain a win in another tight game. Their task was made easier after just 4 minutes when Symington sent home a special freekick. Billy Maneater then secured victory in the 58th minute when he shot home from a corner. The game was especially bad for the Vikings as Colin Crouch was stretchered off with a serious injury.
The Vikings 3 - 0 Belly Tubbies
The Vikings bounced back from their last defeat with a comfortable home victory against Belly Tubbies. Papakostas opened the scoring after 32 minutes and then Bonavia made the points safe with a goal on 72 minutes. The icing was put on the victory when Maladenis shot home from distance in the 94th minute.
Diemen Shows Greatness
Totaalvoetbal put in a strong home performance to defeat F.C. Greatness 3-0 at the MVB Arena. Greatness had a troubled start to the game as they watched Pierre van Diemen go close with a diving header before Fabian Ostgard had to go off with a serious injury. Shivan Preetnav was denied by Racho from a tight angle before Greatness had their first chance of the game; Mario Balotelli heading centimetres wide. Totaal would respond to this improved play from Greatness by taking the lead. Shirsh Vajpayee would be the scorer as he met Edwin Hayter’s cross perfectly to head past Rachao and put Totaal 1-0 ahead. Unfortunately for Vajpayee he then suffered an injury due to a horrid challenge from Agostino Filippinetti which saw his afternoon cut short. The game would ebb and flow at the start of the second-half with Faust Baronchelli lobbing over the bar for the visitors while Allan Akerboom had a near-miss from a powerful shot on goal. Baronchelli would then find Rimmer in excellent form as the ‘keeper diverted a shot from the striker round the post. One striker who has been in outstanding form this season has been van Diemen and he got his obligatory goal by calmly lobbing Rachao from a swift breakaway to put Totaal 2-0 ahead and looking comfortable. Paolo Serena tried to replicate van Diemen’s finish at the other end but ballooned it over the bar as Greatness became more desperate. It was 3-0 on 87 minutes with van Diemen producing a clinical strike to beat the ‘keeper from close range before narrowly missing the chance of a hat-trick from a header. Benfari would join the list to be denied by Rimmer at the other end as the visitors finished well-beaten. With Calvert unavailable for his usual post-match comment with it being rumoured that the players were given a severe dressing down in the changing rooms at the end of the game. Meeblind, meanwhile, was delighted with what he called ‘a super win.’
ThunderCats F.C returned to winning ways with a managerial master-class from Meelas to boot as they overcame Tranmere Rovers 1-0. A diving header from Silvio Falcao looked like giving the visitors the ideal start but, frustratingly for them, it bounced away off the post. With Tranmere struggling to put anything together it was ThunderCats who would enjoy the only openings. A free-kick by Leonardo Borja needed saving by Onyszko as ThunderCats went into the sheds the stronger team. Another Borja free-kick began the second-half as he aimed it onto the head of Izet Hadzic but his header went over the bar and Rovers escaped. Rovers would emerge from their defensive shackles to win a free-kick of their own but Christiano Olias could only hit it wide of the target. The visitors eventually got their reward as Hadzic powered in a shot from long range on 77 minutes. With the goal safely banked they then shut up shop and ran down time on an excellent performance. Meelas got the response he demanded from his players following their draw last time out and he will be a much happier man following this game. Baz will realise this was a day where nothing went right for them and they will be eager to put this behind them when they take to their home turf again on Friday against New York City.
AFC Stanley edged a tight encounter with Yorkshires Amateurs to return to winning ways at Garden Street. The first-half produced an entertaining fare as Garry Molseley got things going by striking a post with a fizzing long range shot. Thorbjorn Lind wasn’t as accurate, however, as he toe-poked well wide of the target as Stanley continued to force the pace. The Amateurs responded and saw Armand Gomah’s effort need saving by Hessbo before the ‘keeper then watched Hugo Smallwood’s shot slide wide. The final chance of the half went to Stanley but Molseley’s flick header lacked its usual accuracy and the sides went in level. The visitors were quick out of the blocks at the start of the second-half but a Gomah header lacked the power to trouble Hessbo and a Murray Davis back-heel was also easily dealt with. The key moment of the game came on 71 minutes when a corner was delivered by Dijedon Betimaj and met with a looping header by Jon MacClintock to give Stanley a crucial advantage. The Amateurs did think they had struck back following a super lob by Fred Franklin but it was to be disallowed for offside and they would end the evening frustrated. Despite the win Stanley news reported the performance as ‘lacklustre’ and added they would need ‘to be at their best’ for their match against Greatness. The season continues to be one of struggle and misfortune for the Amateurs and they will be hoping for a change of luck against Santos.
West Brom Strollers had some memorable individual performances in an excellent 2-0 win at Three Lions FC. Lee Hughes demanded some early excellence out of Izu Casillas after hitting a superb half-volley on two minutes. Casillas was at it again on 15 minutes when he palmed away a Bobby Taylor header to keep the scores level. West Brom saw Billy Bassett go off injured before Hughes had another effort gathered by the ‘keeper and one go flying over the bar. The half-time whistle didn’t seem to alter the course of the game with Hughes suffering more misfortune by striking the angle straight from the restart. The Lions did manage an effort on goal of their own but Robin van Izu got it all wrong and it went high over the bar. Injury ended Hughes’ frustrating afternoon before the Strollers finally got the goal their play deserved. Bobby Taylor provided the finish with a super header from a Bryan Robson cross on 63 minutes. The lead was extended with a lovely curled finish by Willie Johnston as the visitors ran out comfortable 2-0 winners. DD was delighted with the result and claimed ‘we’d have beaten anyone today’ adding ‘it just all came together.’ Izu will be looking for his side to find their scoring boots after two blank games.
New York City excelled at Hun Haters as they recorded a 3-1 win at Scotlands Shame. An early breakaway for City saw Fagergren hit his shot just wide before they were stung at the other end. A well delivered free-kick by Craig Elliston saw Nigel Bruggink net with his head to leave City stunned. City had the only other chance of the half but Elvis MacCaran could only head at Boruc and the Haters maintained their lead. The second-half saw City, once again, start well. Fagergren hit wide before Demetrio Delpiano equalised with a beautiful header. Haters attempted to re-establish themselves but Elliston missed narrowly from a free-kick and saw Sattler save another one. City were to respond to this and finish the stronger of the two sides. Delpiano continued his excellent game with a well-executed chip which put the visitors in front for the first time. A lob header by Ralf Kron missed extending the lead by inches but he was to get his goal moments later with another well-placed header. Jimmy190 can be proud of his side’s start to life in the top flight and, after securing two wins, they can now look to move on to bigger and better things. Celticchris’s side continue to struggle and a win against West Brom has become even more important.
AC Milan and Santos FC fought out an exciting 2-2 draw at the San Siro in the division’s other game. Santos went close early with a free-kick from Torbjorn Alshammar but the ‘keeper saved well to get the crowd into the game. Milan responded with a power shot by Sean Scannel but once more a ‘keeper was equal to it as Paulo Valdez saved excellently. The game continued its basketball feel as Alshammar had a header saved by Hindle. Alshammar finally got his reward when he struck a beautifully curled free-kick into the net on 21 minutes to give Santos the lead. The visitors continued to produce some good attacking play and a diving header by Asmar Golkas nearly saw the lead doubled. Milan are a resolute side, though, and Humphrey Biehn produced a composed chip over Valdez to level proceedings on 34 minutes. Milan might have taken the lead before half-time but a Kaka free-kick hit the angle of post and bar to the dismay of the home fans. Santos thought they had struck first after the break as Fredrick Winnerljung cheekily back-heeled an effort past Hindle but he was denied by an offside flag. Disaster nearly struck for Santos as the play moved to the other end of the field; Rogerio Franca misdirecting a shot in front of goal only for his ‘keeper to bail him out with an excellent stop. The visitors enjoyed more fortune when another Kaka free-kick struck wood, the look on the face of the Milan player saying it all. The wood was to be struck at the other end as well with Marcelo Afonso the unfortunate player who saw his header denied. Santos eventually paid the price for some dangerous play in front of their own goal as Yogender Pragurd put past Valdez to gift Milan the lead. Milan immediately looked to give their new-found advantage away as Savino Piovanelli saw red for some brutal play which was out of keeping in a well-spirited match. Santos would strike back through that man Alshammar as he got it right from a free-kick once more to leave Hindle helpless and both sides with a point. The point leaves the sides locked on seven after the opening five matches and both Sean and Markie will be looking for more consistency after showing they can mix it with the very best.
ThunderCats F.C returned to winning ways with a managerial master-class from Meelas to boot as they overcame Tranmere Rovers 1-0. A diving header from Silvio Falcao looked like giving the visitors the ideal start but, frustratingly for them, it bounced away off the post. With Tranmere struggling to put anything together it was ThunderCats who would enjoy the only openings. A free-kick by Leonardo Borja needed saving by Onyszko as ThunderCats went into the sheds the stronger team. Another Borja free-kick began the second-half as he aimed it onto the head of Izet Hadzic but his header went over the bar and Rovers escaped. Rovers would emerge from their defensive shackles to win a free-kick of their own but Christiano Olias could only hit it wide of the target. The visitors eventually got their reward as Hadzic powered in a shot from long range on 77 minutes. With the goal safely banked they then shut up shop and ran down time on an excellent performance. Meelas got the response he demanded from his players following their draw last time out and he will be a much happier man following this game. Baz will realise this was a day where nothing went right for them and they will be eager to put this behind them when they take to their home turf again on Friday against New York City.
AFC Stanley edged a tight encounter with Yorkshires Amateurs to return to winning ways at Garden Street. The first-half produced an entertaining fare as Garry Molseley got things going by striking a post with a fizzing long range shot. Thorbjorn Lind wasn’t as accurate, however, as he toe-poked well wide of the target as Stanley continued to force the pace. The Amateurs responded and saw Armand Gomah’s effort need saving by Hessbo before the ‘keeper then watched Hugo Smallwood’s shot slide wide. The final chance of the half went to Stanley but Molseley’s flick header lacked its usual accuracy and the sides went in level. The visitors were quick out of the blocks at the start of the second-half but a Gomah header lacked the power to trouble Hessbo and a Murray Davis back-heel was also easily dealt with. The key moment of the game came on 71 minutes when a corner was delivered by Dijedon Betimaj and met with a looping header by Jon MacClintock to give Stanley a crucial advantage. The Amateurs did think they had struck back following a super lob by Fred Franklin but it was to be disallowed for offside and they would end the evening frustrated. Despite the win Stanley news reported the performance as ‘lacklustre’ and added they would need ‘to be at their best’ for their match against Greatness. The season continues to be one of struggle and misfortune for the Amateurs and they will be hoping for a change of luck against Santos.
West Brom Strollers had some memorable individual performances in an excellent 2-0 win at Three Lions FC. Lee Hughes demanded some early excellence out of Izu Casillas after hitting a superb half-volley on two minutes. Casillas was at it again on 15 minutes when he palmed away a Bobby Taylor header to keep the scores level. West Brom saw Billy Bassett go off injured before Hughes had another effort gathered by the ‘keeper and one go flying over the bar. The half-time whistle didn’t seem to alter the course of the game with Hughes suffering more misfortune by striking the angle straight from the restart. The Lions did manage an effort on goal of their own but Robin van Izu got it all wrong and it went high over the bar. Injury ended Hughes’ frustrating afternoon before the Strollers finally got the goal their play deserved. Bobby Taylor provided the finish with a super header from a Bryan Robson cross on 63 minutes. The lead was extended with a lovely curled finish by Willie Johnston as the visitors ran out comfortable 2-0 winners. DD was delighted with the result and claimed ‘we’d have beaten anyone today’ adding ‘it just all came together.’ Izu will be looking for his side to find their scoring boots after two blank games.
New York City excelled at Hun Haters as they recorded a 3-1 win at Scotlands Shame. An early breakaway for City saw Fagergren hit his shot just wide before they were stung at the other end. A well delivered free-kick by Craig Elliston saw Nigel Bruggink net with his head to leave City stunned. City had the only other chance of the half but Elvis MacCaran could only head at Boruc and the Haters maintained their lead. The second-half saw City, once again, start well. Fagergren hit wide before Demetrio Delpiano equalised with a beautiful header. Haters attempted to re-establish themselves but Elliston missed narrowly from a free-kick and saw Sattler save another one. City were to respond to this and finish the stronger of the two sides. Delpiano continued his excellent game with a well-executed chip which put the visitors in front for the first time. A lob header by Ralf Kron missed extending the lead by inches but he was to get his goal moments later with another well-placed header. Jimmy190 can be proud of his side’s start to life in the top flight and, after securing two wins, they can now look to move on to bigger and better things. Celticchris’s side continue to struggle and a win against West Brom has become even more important.
AC Milan and Santos FC fought out an exciting 2-2 draw at the San Siro in the division’s other game. Santos went close early with a free-kick from Torbjorn Alshammar but the ‘keeper saved well to get the crowd into the game. Milan responded with a power shot by Sean Scannel but once more a ‘keeper was equal to it as Paulo Valdez saved excellently. The game continued its basketball feel as Alshammar had a header saved by Hindle. Alshammar finally got his reward when he struck a beautifully curled free-kick into the net on 21 minutes to give Santos the lead. The visitors continued to produce some good attacking play and a diving header by Asmar Golkas nearly saw the lead doubled. Milan are a resolute side, though, and Humphrey Biehn produced a composed chip over Valdez to level proceedings on 34 minutes. Milan might have taken the lead before half-time but a Kaka free-kick hit the angle of post and bar to the dismay of the home fans. Santos thought they had struck first after the break as Fredrick Winnerljung cheekily back-heeled an effort past Hindle but he was denied by an offside flag. Disaster nearly struck for Santos as the play moved to the other end of the field; Rogerio Franca misdirecting a shot in front of goal only for his ‘keeper to bail him out with an excellent stop. The visitors enjoyed more fortune when another Kaka free-kick struck wood, the look on the face of the Milan player saying it all. The wood was to be struck at the other end as well with Marcelo Afonso the unfortunate player who saw his header denied. Santos eventually paid the price for some dangerous play in front of their own goal as Yogender Pragurd put past Valdez to gift Milan the lead. Milan immediately looked to give their new-found advantage away as Savino Piovanelli saw red for some brutal play which was out of keeping in a well-spirited match. Santos would strike back through that man Alshammar as he got it right from a free-kick once more to leave Hindle helpless and both sides with a point. The point leaves the sides locked on seven after the opening five matches and both Sean and Markie will be looking for more consistency after showing they can mix it with the very best.
Hoodoo Haunts Eagles
Manchester United continued to prove a troublesome opponent for The Vikings as they scored late goals in a 2-0 victory. United set the pace throughout the first-half and saw Cristiano Ronaldo hit the right post with a free-kick. Unfortunately for him this was to be his last act in the game as he was taken off with an injury. Michael Carrick came within inches of scoring as his lob hit the bar and he had a flick header which found Raasch well-placed as the home side continued to press. The second-half would see The Vikings waste a free-kick opportunity with Tassiopoulos firing well wide. United took advantage of this by opening the scoring on 71 minutes; Eric Cantona producing a brilliant chip after being found by Berbatov. This lead would swiftly be doubled with Carrick finally getting his name on the score-sheet with an excellent header. He again showed his aerial threat moments later but would be denied his second goal by Raasch. United wouldn’t be denied the three points, though, which maintains their excellent start to the season. Sitting on top of the table, Pakya will want the side to keep focus, starting with Belly Tubbies on Friday. The pain was evident for Eaglesrjh who admitted that his team ‘just can’t get a result at all against Man Utd!’
Kensington Boys Club kept up their unbeaten start to the season with a 1-1 draw at PSV Eindhoven as both managers fielded young sides. Eindhoven would stun their visitors by taking the lead on 17 minutes as Frans Haggbring produced a moment of quality to lob Ted Sampson. Kensington replied with a couple of quick-fire chances; Aubrey de Vere testing Reina with a volley before getting a free-kick horribly wrong. Eindhoven had a set-piece of their own at the other end but Sampson would produce a fine leg save from Jose Fonte’s effort. The KBC equaliser would come on 33 minutes with de Vere finally getting some reward for his enterprise; picking up the ball from Hepburn some way out he left Reina with no chance with an unerring finish. Fonte did try to put PSV back in front but his free-kick was well-saved and the sides went in level at the break. The second-half would see a quiet opening with Haggbring not being able to reproduce his first-half heroics as he hit a tame effort at Sampson. Predictably, de Vere would have a chance at the other end but his free-kick wasn’t very good as both sides began to struggle. Fonte continued the theme by hitting a set-piece over the bar before Yang Sheng Nanmeng was unfortunate to find only the post in the way of his effort on 86 minutes. PSV would suffer more misfortune when Nanmeng found the back of the net only to be denied by a doubtful offside call, one which infuriated the home fans and led to Warren Peace being given a police escort off the pitch. Kadri will be pleased that his side continue to pick up points despite having a youth policy and the fans are thought to be delighted with their manager. Patrik admitted the draw, and potential loss, might have been his fault admitting that although he ‘pride(s) himself in never underestimating (the) opposition, (he) might have done so today.’
Kirkbride Strollers took advantage of playing an u19’s St Omer side by romping to a 5-0 away win. Billy Maneater set the ball rolling with a brilliant opener on five minutes as he struck from long range. He might have added a second minutes later but hit woefully over the bar. He did provide a perfect corner for Stephen Robinson to power in the second, though, as the Strollers continued to look dominant. Roberto da Luz made John Orr make a save at the other end before Mark Blacklock placed the ball beyond Rain to put the visitors 3-0 up. Rain did manage to make one save from Maneater and watched as the midfielder also put an effort over the bar as the attacks kept coming. The second-half saw Robinson go close with a precise header and then add the fourth goal on 57 minutes with another accurate effort. It was 5-0 when Maneater continued their aerial dominance by looping a header over Rain following a fine centre from Robinson. The chances kept arriving for the visitors; Brian Wills forcing Rain into two saves while El Lapinho cleared the bar with a lob. Robinson tried to add to his tally from a free-kick but saw it brush a post but the away fans were, nevertheless, jubilant following an exciting away day. Jazza will have expected the points and will be keen to keep pace with the leading clubs as the season continues. ConyTottee responded to the defeat by signing 17-year-old forward Timmy Svenson as his youth policy continues unabated.
Belly Tubbies picked up an important win against AJ Rovers as they made more of the fewer chances they created in a 2-1 win. Despite seeing Tim Cahill go down to an early injury the Tubbies took a seventh minute lead as Kevin Sheedy displayed coolness to beat Mortimer from inside the penalty area. With chances at a premium in the first-half, AJ missed their only one as Sonny Vickerman got his header wrong and didn’t trouble Fitzsimmons. The second-half began with Pat van de Hauwe hitting horribly wide from a free-kick as the Tubbies sought to double their advantage. His evening would then be cut short by injury as AJ looked to hit back with an effort from Gordon Hogg going close and Daniel Tabaranu hitting straight at the ‘keeper when well-placed. Vickerman would miss a free-kick chance before redeeming himself with a great volley which looked like pinching a point on 92 minutes. However, the Tubbies launched one final raid and were awarded a dramatic penalty by Frank Redkard; Trevor Steven making no mistake from the spot to give the Tubbies a much needed three points. This win will have eased some of the pressure surrounding Fitzy while he continues to recover from illness. Rothion will, no doubt, rue the cruelness of the defeat after his side showed great character to bring themselves back into the contest so late in the day. He is now charged with the task of ensuring his side suffers no ill-effects from the defeat.
Pahang United picked up a precious victory over Reggae Reggae Sauce in a match of chances at Padang MPK. Pahang had gone close through Ray Eastwood before RRS stunned them by taking a 16th minute lead. Woody Forrest produced an excellent chip to leave Hussain stranded and the leave the away fans in wild celebration. Eddy Grant nearly doubled the lead with a good volley before Pahang also went close through Kilian Strongbow. Pahang enjoyed a brilliant start to the second-half with Romeo Hogg scoring a penalty on 46 minutes. It looked like being even better for them when Timotei Orasan put through his own net but it was disallowed and RRS were reprieved. The visitors would then enjoy a period of superiority in the game but Terry Jenkins and Woody Forrest failed in their attempts to give them a lead and Pahang would fight back. Rano Pantow forced a save from Phil Taylor who also denied Tajo Cuevas as the hosts suffered frustration in front of goal. A crucial moment of the game came on 88 minutes as Eddy Grant was injured by an elbow from Till Gloden and had to be helped off the field. RRS had, once again, not named any substitutions and they were forced to try and see the game out with 10-men. This would prove their undoing as Cuevas arrived unmarked in the area to send a precise header beyond Taylor and into the goal. RRS did try to save the game through a Woody Forrest half-volley and a Christiano Torres strike which hit the bar but they couldn’t manage it and fell to defeat. MrT has his side nicely in mid-table and looking upwards following an impressive three-match unbeaten run. Meanwhile, Xpertelevener has seen his side drop down the table and might see his side embroiled in a familiar relegation battle unless he can pick them up soon.
Newry City and Villarreal CF fought out a 1-1 draw in the day’s other contest. The game started in tough fashion for Newry with an injury to Dylan Toman but Stan Collymore turned things round when he shot home in the penalty area on 17 minutes to give them the lead. Max Challis missed the target with a free-kick before Collymore had to be replaced due to being felled by an elbow from Stanko Marincic. The visitors looked to hit back in the second-half and Errol Beddoe produced a composed finish to round the ‘keeper on 55 minutes only for it to be disallowed by the assistant referee’s flag. Max Challis hit straight at Abrey when he perhaps should have done better before the visitors struck back. A cross from Sid Peyton was headed home precisely by Dudley Bennington and the scores were level. Beddoe would miss a further headed chance but Villarreal were to be hit by the sending off of Marincic for further use of his elbows. Newry couldn’t take advantage of their numerical supremacy as a Clint Dickson chance went begging and the sides had to settle for a point apiece. Mickeymoose will be content with his side’s mid-table position but will want them to produce more as the season progresses while Cathal has now steered his side through three unbeaten games following a rough start to the season. Better things may just be round the corner.
Kensington Boys Club kept up their unbeaten start to the season with a 1-1 draw at PSV Eindhoven as both managers fielded young sides. Eindhoven would stun their visitors by taking the lead on 17 minutes as Frans Haggbring produced a moment of quality to lob Ted Sampson. Kensington replied with a couple of quick-fire chances; Aubrey de Vere testing Reina with a volley before getting a free-kick horribly wrong. Eindhoven had a set-piece of their own at the other end but Sampson would produce a fine leg save from Jose Fonte’s effort. The KBC equaliser would come on 33 minutes with de Vere finally getting some reward for his enterprise; picking up the ball from Hepburn some way out he left Reina with no chance with an unerring finish. Fonte did try to put PSV back in front but his free-kick was well-saved and the sides went in level at the break. The second-half would see a quiet opening with Haggbring not being able to reproduce his first-half heroics as he hit a tame effort at Sampson. Predictably, de Vere would have a chance at the other end but his free-kick wasn’t very good as both sides began to struggle. Fonte continued the theme by hitting a set-piece over the bar before Yang Sheng Nanmeng was unfortunate to find only the post in the way of his effort on 86 minutes. PSV would suffer more misfortune when Nanmeng found the back of the net only to be denied by a doubtful offside call, one which infuriated the home fans and led to Warren Peace being given a police escort off the pitch. Kadri will be pleased that his side continue to pick up points despite having a youth policy and the fans are thought to be delighted with their manager. Patrik admitted the draw, and potential loss, might have been his fault admitting that although he ‘pride(s) himself in never underestimating (the) opposition, (he) might have done so today.’
Kirkbride Strollers took advantage of playing an u19’s St Omer side by romping to a 5-0 away win. Billy Maneater set the ball rolling with a brilliant opener on five minutes as he struck from long range. He might have added a second minutes later but hit woefully over the bar. He did provide a perfect corner for Stephen Robinson to power in the second, though, as the Strollers continued to look dominant. Roberto da Luz made John Orr make a save at the other end before Mark Blacklock placed the ball beyond Rain to put the visitors 3-0 up. Rain did manage to make one save from Maneater and watched as the midfielder also put an effort over the bar as the attacks kept coming. The second-half saw Robinson go close with a precise header and then add the fourth goal on 57 minutes with another accurate effort. It was 5-0 when Maneater continued their aerial dominance by looping a header over Rain following a fine centre from Robinson. The chances kept arriving for the visitors; Brian Wills forcing Rain into two saves while El Lapinho cleared the bar with a lob. Robinson tried to add to his tally from a free-kick but saw it brush a post but the away fans were, nevertheless, jubilant following an exciting away day. Jazza will have expected the points and will be keen to keep pace with the leading clubs as the season continues. ConyTottee responded to the defeat by signing 17-year-old forward Timmy Svenson as his youth policy continues unabated.
Belly Tubbies picked up an important win against AJ Rovers as they made more of the fewer chances they created in a 2-1 win. Despite seeing Tim Cahill go down to an early injury the Tubbies took a seventh minute lead as Kevin Sheedy displayed coolness to beat Mortimer from inside the penalty area. With chances at a premium in the first-half, AJ missed their only one as Sonny Vickerman got his header wrong and didn’t trouble Fitzsimmons. The second-half began with Pat van de Hauwe hitting horribly wide from a free-kick as the Tubbies sought to double their advantage. His evening would then be cut short by injury as AJ looked to hit back with an effort from Gordon Hogg going close and Daniel Tabaranu hitting straight at the ‘keeper when well-placed. Vickerman would miss a free-kick chance before redeeming himself with a great volley which looked like pinching a point on 92 minutes. However, the Tubbies launched one final raid and were awarded a dramatic penalty by Frank Redkard; Trevor Steven making no mistake from the spot to give the Tubbies a much needed three points. This win will have eased some of the pressure surrounding Fitzy while he continues to recover from illness. Rothion will, no doubt, rue the cruelness of the defeat after his side showed great character to bring themselves back into the contest so late in the day. He is now charged with the task of ensuring his side suffers no ill-effects from the defeat.
Pahang United picked up a precious victory over Reggae Reggae Sauce in a match of chances at Padang MPK. Pahang had gone close through Ray Eastwood before RRS stunned them by taking a 16th minute lead. Woody Forrest produced an excellent chip to leave Hussain stranded and the leave the away fans in wild celebration. Eddy Grant nearly doubled the lead with a good volley before Pahang also went close through Kilian Strongbow. Pahang enjoyed a brilliant start to the second-half with Romeo Hogg scoring a penalty on 46 minutes. It looked like being even better for them when Timotei Orasan put through his own net but it was disallowed and RRS were reprieved. The visitors would then enjoy a period of superiority in the game but Terry Jenkins and Woody Forrest failed in their attempts to give them a lead and Pahang would fight back. Rano Pantow forced a save from Phil Taylor who also denied Tajo Cuevas as the hosts suffered frustration in front of goal. A crucial moment of the game came on 88 minutes as Eddy Grant was injured by an elbow from Till Gloden and had to be helped off the field. RRS had, once again, not named any substitutions and they were forced to try and see the game out with 10-men. This would prove their undoing as Cuevas arrived unmarked in the area to send a precise header beyond Taylor and into the goal. RRS did try to save the game through a Woody Forrest half-volley and a Christiano Torres strike which hit the bar but they couldn’t manage it and fell to defeat. MrT has his side nicely in mid-table and looking upwards following an impressive three-match unbeaten run. Meanwhile, Xpertelevener has seen his side drop down the table and might see his side embroiled in a familiar relegation battle unless he can pick them up soon.
Newry City and Villarreal CF fought out a 1-1 draw in the day’s other contest. The game started in tough fashion for Newry with an injury to Dylan Toman but Stan Collymore turned things round when he shot home in the penalty area on 17 minutes to give them the lead. Max Challis missed the target with a free-kick before Collymore had to be replaced due to being felled by an elbow from Stanko Marincic. The visitors looked to hit back in the second-half and Errol Beddoe produced a composed finish to round the ‘keeper on 55 minutes only for it to be disallowed by the assistant referee’s flag. Max Challis hit straight at Abrey when he perhaps should have done better before the visitors struck back. A cross from Sid Peyton was headed home precisely by Dudley Bennington and the scores were level. Beddoe would miss a further headed chance but Villarreal were to be hit by the sending off of Marincic for further use of his elbows. Newry couldn’t take advantage of their numerical supremacy as a Clint Dickson chance went begging and the sides had to settle for a point apiece. Mickeymoose will be content with his side’s mid-table position but will want them to produce more as the season progresses while Cathal has now steered his side through three unbeaten games following a rough start to the season. Better things may just be round the corner.
Hibee Happy Again
The Lone Wanderers responded for their manager HH by defeating Futsal 2-1 in a competitive match-up. Futsal would take the lead on four minutes as Ryan Prisk slid the ball past Ibehre for the opening goal of the contest. The rest of the half would be a tight encounter with a flick header from Nana Adella and a well-placed shot from Mieczyslaw Kostur at either end proving no problem for the respective ‘keepers. The Wanderers would start the second-half on the front foot as Stephen Julius forced Heckingbottom into a leg save before finding an equaliser courtesy of a clinical header from Deano Elmes. Futsal responded by trying to regain the lead but a diving header from Haynes proved no problem for Ibehre. Instead it would be the home team who would grab the initiative as Albert Scully produced a delicate lob from inside the penalty area. Rick Tuttle would miss an opportunity before Samson Heskey looked like he had netted the equaliser for Futsal but was denied by a doubtful offside decision. The Wanderers would have further chances from Adella and Tomlinson, who hit a post, and in between Futsal would suffer the disappointment of seeing Kostur sent-off to effectively end their hopes. Despite bemoaning his side’s injuries, HH thought his side ‘played well enough to deserve a victory.’ Jake, meanwhile, will want his side to return to winning ways soon to keep in touch with the top half of the table.
Charlottenburg FC were in fine attacking form as they dismantled Juventus 5-0 at The SCOTUS Arena. Michael Owen nearly got them off to the perfect start but missed the goal by inches while Mairthin Foley missed with a free-kick at the other end. The hosts would take the lead on six minutes as Rob Lee hit a great volley from distance which had too much on it for Fuentes. The teams would both go close through Matthew Upson and Jacobo Chacros respectively as the game continued apace. The second arrived for the home side did arrive on 21 minutes as Owen got his goal by heading home from an Anderton cross. It would quickly be 3-0 as Alan Thompson smashed home after being teed up by Upson from a free-kick. Thompson missed a further chance before Owen thumped in number four from some distance. This would be the end of the first-half goal action but Charlottenburg’s superiority would continue into the second-half. Juve were hit by an injury to Foley before Owen miscued an effort. Owen continued to search out his hat-trick goal but would miss again before eventually finding it. The goal came following a corner from Sol Campbell as Owen got himself into a poacher’s position before poking the ball home. Paul Scholes had a late goal disallowed but it wasn’t to matter as the hosts ended comfortable winners. They remain unbeaten and in free-scoring form and they look the team to beat after the opening five games. SuperJuve will be disappointed with his side’s performance and will look for them to produce better on Friday against Kroklund.
Kroklund moved up to second with a solid, if unspectacular, win over Cressex at Dont know yet. Sjunne Wenna forced Ikhala into an early save as Kroklund looked to take the initiative from the start. Despite this, the game had an end-to-end feel about it in the early stages and Tomas Tiribocchi might have done better for Cressex but hit his shot wide. Kroklund would take the lead with their next chance as Aatu Vuokki side-footed home following a dangerous corner, delivered by Curt Elliott. Tero Perotie had the chance to add a further goal but couldn’t make the most of his opportunity but, despite giving up the majority of possession for the remainder of the half, Kroklund managed to take a lead into the half. The second-half proved to be a tight and cagey affair with just a chance at either end. Kroklund might have put the game to bed but Vuokki’s header hit a post and Cressex would live to breathe again. Their chance to take something out of the game came on 87 minutes but Lauro Poggi’s free-kick was hit straight at Kangashaka. The win was more impressive due to the young age of the Kroklund side but the excellent form bossebong has them in bodes well for the coming matches. Cressex will look for more offense next time out and they will hope to address that in training this week.
These Charming Men pinched a point at White Hawk FC with a resilient display. They would be given something to hold onto on six minutes as Stuart Cooksey finished a breakaway move clinically following some excellent work from Mauricio Capdevila. White Hawk would recover from this start swiftly and, from their first chance, Anthony Bokland shot home in the penalty area. Both sides were suffering in the injury department but it was the Hawks who would have the only other chance of the half but Cianan Cathan couldn’t get the necessary accuracy and power onto his effort. The second-half saw TCM put in a defensive rearguard which would ultimately yield a point. Hawk had chances through Clarence Ong A Fat and Ryan Dharmsingh but they never really threatened their second goal which would have given them the three points. RDCM declared himself ‘happy’ with the point as he had thought of the game ‘as a bit of a banana skin.’ Hooraymee has his side comfortably set in mid-table but will be looking for a more ruthless streak to add to their good football.
Los Samgeles Kings were the latest side to put five past Norfolk N Chance FC as they enjoyed a successful away day. They signalled their intentions early on as Luc Robitaille hit a post with a powerful low shot on nine minutes. They would then suffer some misfortune as Torben Kummel headed home accurately only to be denied by a dubious offside call. Despite this they would be rewarded for their impressive start as Robitaille hit in from distance to relieve any tension in the side. A minute later and Alexander Frolov smashed the ball home from inside the area and, within a further four minutes, Derek Armstrong hit a powerful low shot past a hapless Olausson to put the Kings 3-0 up. Dustin Brown attempted to make it 4-0 with another powerfully hit strike but he failed narrowly before Anze Kopitar hit home accurately inside the area after a good breakaway. Norfolk did emerge from their defensive duties to produce a shot from Nigel Grady but it was a poor effort and within moments they were on the back foot again. Anze Kopitar netted goal number five as he defied a narrow angle to beat the ‘keeper and end a super first-half for the Kings. The second-half saw no further goal action but did see injuries to Blake for the Kings and Olausson for the hosts to add a sombre note to the game. The win sees Stripy’s side move out of the relegation places and if they can take confidence from this game they could be looking up the table rather than over their shoulder. Howemiester knows what the season holds for his troops but he will continue to look to the future.
Real Madrid FC picked up an excellent away point at Internazionale as both sides maintained their strong starts to the season. Madrid would find themselves up against it as Inter took an early lead through a long range shot by Elton Hills. Inter might have made things worse for the visitors but a Mortimer Wainman free-kick missed and Madrid started to find their rhythm. Kevin Gabriele stunned the home fans with an exquisite finish on 16 minutes to leave Hawke with no hope in goal. Edip Bayrak fired over the bar and Henrik Larsson hit the crossbar with a chip as Inter looked to regain the lead. However, they would have to settle for going into the interval level pegging with the visitors. A further effort from Larsson began the second-half but it would go way over and Madrid would look the likelier from this point. Both Mao Wannasathit and Artin Bedirian came very close to pinching a winner but in the end the sides had to be happy with a point each. FredRizzo knows that if his side can continue to pick up good points on the road they should be able to make a good home record count in their favour. JMc might view this as two points dropped as, in a very tight section, making your home ground a fortress will be key to maintaining a promotion challenge.
Charlottenburg FC were in fine attacking form as they dismantled Juventus 5-0 at The SCOTUS Arena. Michael Owen nearly got them off to the perfect start but missed the goal by inches while Mairthin Foley missed with a free-kick at the other end. The hosts would take the lead on six minutes as Rob Lee hit a great volley from distance which had too much on it for Fuentes. The teams would both go close through Matthew Upson and Jacobo Chacros respectively as the game continued apace. The second arrived for the home side did arrive on 21 minutes as Owen got his goal by heading home from an Anderton cross. It would quickly be 3-0 as Alan Thompson smashed home after being teed up by Upson from a free-kick. Thompson missed a further chance before Owen thumped in number four from some distance. This would be the end of the first-half goal action but Charlottenburg’s superiority would continue into the second-half. Juve were hit by an injury to Foley before Owen miscued an effort. Owen continued to search out his hat-trick goal but would miss again before eventually finding it. The goal came following a corner from Sol Campbell as Owen got himself into a poacher’s position before poking the ball home. Paul Scholes had a late goal disallowed but it wasn’t to matter as the hosts ended comfortable winners. They remain unbeaten and in free-scoring form and they look the team to beat after the opening five games. SuperJuve will be disappointed with his side’s performance and will look for them to produce better on Friday against Kroklund.
Kroklund moved up to second with a solid, if unspectacular, win over Cressex at Dont know yet. Sjunne Wenna forced Ikhala into an early save as Kroklund looked to take the initiative from the start. Despite this, the game had an end-to-end feel about it in the early stages and Tomas Tiribocchi might have done better for Cressex but hit his shot wide. Kroklund would take the lead with their next chance as Aatu Vuokki side-footed home following a dangerous corner, delivered by Curt Elliott. Tero Perotie had the chance to add a further goal but couldn’t make the most of his opportunity but, despite giving up the majority of possession for the remainder of the half, Kroklund managed to take a lead into the half. The second-half proved to be a tight and cagey affair with just a chance at either end. Kroklund might have put the game to bed but Vuokki’s header hit a post and Cressex would live to breathe again. Their chance to take something out of the game came on 87 minutes but Lauro Poggi’s free-kick was hit straight at Kangashaka. The win was more impressive due to the young age of the Kroklund side but the excellent form bossebong has them in bodes well for the coming matches. Cressex will look for more offense next time out and they will hope to address that in training this week.
These Charming Men pinched a point at White Hawk FC with a resilient display. They would be given something to hold onto on six minutes as Stuart Cooksey finished a breakaway move clinically following some excellent work from Mauricio Capdevila. White Hawk would recover from this start swiftly and, from their first chance, Anthony Bokland shot home in the penalty area. Both sides were suffering in the injury department but it was the Hawks who would have the only other chance of the half but Cianan Cathan couldn’t get the necessary accuracy and power onto his effort. The second-half saw TCM put in a defensive rearguard which would ultimately yield a point. Hawk had chances through Clarence Ong A Fat and Ryan Dharmsingh but they never really threatened their second goal which would have given them the three points. RDCM declared himself ‘happy’ with the point as he had thought of the game ‘as a bit of a banana skin.’ Hooraymee has his side comfortably set in mid-table but will be looking for a more ruthless streak to add to their good football.
Los Samgeles Kings were the latest side to put five past Norfolk N Chance FC as they enjoyed a successful away day. They signalled their intentions early on as Luc Robitaille hit a post with a powerful low shot on nine minutes. They would then suffer some misfortune as Torben Kummel headed home accurately only to be denied by a dubious offside call. Despite this they would be rewarded for their impressive start as Robitaille hit in from distance to relieve any tension in the side. A minute later and Alexander Frolov smashed the ball home from inside the area and, within a further four minutes, Derek Armstrong hit a powerful low shot past a hapless Olausson to put the Kings 3-0 up. Dustin Brown attempted to make it 4-0 with another powerfully hit strike but he failed narrowly before Anze Kopitar hit home accurately inside the area after a good breakaway. Norfolk did emerge from their defensive duties to produce a shot from Nigel Grady but it was a poor effort and within moments they were on the back foot again. Anze Kopitar netted goal number five as he defied a narrow angle to beat the ‘keeper and end a super first-half for the Kings. The second-half saw no further goal action but did see injuries to Blake for the Kings and Olausson for the hosts to add a sombre note to the game. The win sees Stripy’s side move out of the relegation places and if they can take confidence from this game they could be looking up the table rather than over their shoulder. Howemiester knows what the season holds for his troops but he will continue to look to the future.
Real Madrid FC picked up an excellent away point at Internazionale as both sides maintained their strong starts to the season. Madrid would find themselves up against it as Inter took an early lead through a long range shot by Elton Hills. Inter might have made things worse for the visitors but a Mortimer Wainman free-kick missed and Madrid started to find their rhythm. Kevin Gabriele stunned the home fans with an exquisite finish on 16 minutes to leave Hawke with no hope in goal. Edip Bayrak fired over the bar and Henrik Larsson hit the crossbar with a chip as Inter looked to regain the lead. However, they would have to settle for going into the interval level pegging with the visitors. A further effort from Larsson began the second-half but it would go way over and Madrid would look the likelier from this point. Both Mao Wannasathit and Artin Bedirian came very close to pinching a winner but in the end the sides had to be happy with a point each. FredRizzo knows that if his side can continue to pick up good points on the road they should be able to make a good home record count in their favour. JMc might view this as two points dropped as, in a very tight section, making your home ground a fortress will be key to maintaining a promotion challenge.
Sixy Carthage Stay Top
Carthage gave Trecool a baptism of fire as he began his reign as manager of Grey Area with a 6-0 home defeat. Carthage were at it right from the start as Svante Jillhed lobbed an effort on goal but got too much power on it and Rhys Gregson also hit a half-volley over the bar. GA did see an effort from Diego Maradona hit the bar but it wasn’t long before Carthage were back on the offensive. A free-kick by Marcus Spillane was directed on target by Eric Fray and the visitors had a 25th minute lead. Carthage looked to add a second before half-time but Gregson found the ‘keeper well-placed and they had to settle for a 1-0 lead. It wasn’t to matter, though, as they quickly added a second after the break on route to a big win. Spillane would be the scorer as he produced a spectacular diving header to leave Snape with no chance. Gregson added number three by cleverly directing a Herbal pass beyond the ‘keeper and it was nearly 4-0 when Spillane saw another header hit the bar. The fourth goal duly arrived via a penalty as Spillane stepped up full of confidence and hit the back of the net. Carthage weren’t done, though, and Gregson rounded off a free-flowing breakaway move by slotting past Snape. Grey Area missed through Allan Bound before Gregson completed his hat-trick in injury-time with another clinical finish. Blakey will be excited at the form his side are showing but will be keen for them to remain focussed as they now look to be the scalp of the division. Trecool will be glad his debut is now out of the way and he can move onto moulding the side.
Another new manager saw his debut end in defeat with Dream Team proving too strong for Arsenal UK by a 4-2 score-line. The game would see numerous chances and from the first came the opening goal of the contest. Rinaldo Lupatelli was the beneficiary of some expert Paul Ghigo wing wizadry and scored with a header. Dream Team looked to add a second but Giovanni Cambiel could only lob over the bar before Arsenal had a near thing when Ivo Daniel hit a free-kick just over. Gianmarco Siligardi would be the centre of attention for the next few moments as he nearly made it 2-0 with a power shot on goal before having better luck with a header from a Warren Dillin cross to double the home side’s lead. Arsenal were showing great enterprise under their new boss, though, and quickly halved the deficit. Shmal Sarzil would be the player to score the first goal under DomBrown by side-footing beyond Williamson. Dudley Barrowcliff failed to re-establish that advantage with a free-kick while Arsenal might have levelled proceedings through a precise Humberto Sobrinho header before Daniel almost produced the perfect lob, only being denied by the crossbar. The second-half would continue in end-to-end fashion and it was Arsenal who started the brighter of the two. They had already fired a warning through Nigel Huntley before Lars Helgesson connected sweetly with a well-placed shot which found its way into the net to level the game. Warren Dillin immediately responded for DT; his first headed effort brushing a post before he made amends by finishing a breakaway on 57 minutes to make it 3-2. Sensing they had the momentum once more Siligardi tried a cheeky back-heel which was saved by Burchell before Dillin struck again to leave Arsenal facing an uphill task. Dillin might have put the game beyond doubt on 66 minutes but came up short before Arsenal responded. Chances for Caetano Cook, Ivo Daniel and Helgesson might have gone in on a different day but they would go begging and Arsenal, ultimately, would fall to a 4-2 defeat. Despite this, DomBrown saw a lot of positives and stated they had ‘learnt a lot from this game and know what areas (they) need to build on for the next game.’ MrJames will be pleased with how his side is shaping up after steering them into the top three on the back of the win.
Glory Hornets and Morley Town F.C. played out a tight 0-0 draw which was lacking in action at Yellow Brick Road. There would be three chances in the opening half as attacking football was at a premium. Jonathon Draper couldn’t make a shot count for the home side before a Florian Arnautu lob required Rosbotham to tip it over at the other end. Toma Popadic couldn’t hit the target for the Hornets as his attempt at a lob went over and the sides would go in deadlocked. If the first-half was quiet the second would be asleep as the sides struggled to make any impact on two strong defences. The only chance that did come went to the visitors but Christopher Love couldn’t direct his header on target and the game inevitably finished goalless. Leeg21 can be pleased that his side have recovered from their defeat last time out but will know that they need to find a cutting edge to continue their progress. GregPerkins will have been delighted with the 9-bar performance of Alex McQuillan who he described as ‘a good centre-half in the traditional Scottish mould’ earlier in the week.
Southampton picked up their second win of the season with a 2-1 success over Wiltshire Warriors. With their boss NorthamSoul sending them out with some strong words ringing in their ears they started off like a house on fire. As early as the third minute Duncan Graeme had shot past Morgan to give them a 1-0 lead. Jim Hotte had a further chance for the home side but couldn’t get his lob header right and the Warriors hit back. From their first chance of the game Graham Potts nearly netted with a toe-poke before Wesley Bird flicked home a header from a corner and the scores were level. Bird, with confidence high, went on to produce a powerful shot which needed saving by Raberg. However, it would be the Saints who would finish the half the stronger. Andreas Iniesta was fed through by Graeme Coote and finished emphatically in the area. A further goal might have been added but Hotte couldn’t find his range from distance. The start to the second-half saw a miss-hit shot on goal at either end. Bird’s effort needed Raberg to be alert before Benos Hardinho saw his brush a post and go safe. Bird would see his afternoon turn sour on 61 minutes as he put in a poor challenge on Tyson Thorington which would see the Saints man go off injured, Wanda Rinn having no hesitation in showing red to Bird for the challenge. Ray Billinger nearly made light of being down to 10-men with a powerful header but saw it bounce off the post and Saints asserted themselves. Sonny Baron saw a header punched away before an Iniesta free-kick was caught by Morgan. Morgan would be kept busy as he held a powerful shot from Graeme before tipping a Baron lob over the bar. Wiltshire did have one final chance to pinch a point but Merson failed with a volley and the Saints were victorious. NorthamSoul made no secret of his delight before adding ‘about bloody time.’ Big K will learn how his side bounce back from defeat for the first time this season on Friday and the manager will, no doubt, make sure his side are well-prepared to take three points.
Spartans were still awaiting for first showing of their new manager as they drew 0-0 with Alsancak in a quiet game. After a very cagey opening the only chance of the opening half would come a minute before half-time and Spartans would be unfortunate not to take the lead. Klass-Jan Huntelaar would create himself enough space to get off a lob of some quality which would hit the bar to the dismay of the home support. Spartans would continue to create the openings as Ezequiel Garay hit a free-kick wide before Andrew Taylor nearly helped them out by putting through his own goal. Alsancak responded in the closing stages; Gabriel Baldwin misfiring with a free-kick on 79 minutes before trying again in injury-time but also not really troubling Jorquera in goal. In truth a 0-0 draw was probably fair after an uninspiring game. Wienersnitzel will see this as a point gained as he continues to give the youngsters their game time. Tommysayshii turned up for duty following the game and immediately started over-hauling his side to give them fresh confidence, watch this space.
The Champs remained unbeaten with an impressive 1-0 win at wortley. It might have been a different story had Salomao Godiz enjoyed more luck with his 12th minute header which struck the bar. However, The Champs started to play some good football and fired a warning with a Fanea Ulm diving header. They would make their next chance count as Jeff Speakman showed great composure in shooting home from a corner. Daley Higson nearly added to the lead at the start of the second-half but his header was too close to Cal Jenning. The home side eventually re-emerged as an attacking force on 56 minutes but Paulinho Santos couldn’t make a free-kick count and the visitors maintained the advantage. Indeed, they would enjoy the next chance but Rod Caunce couldn’t flick his header home and they had to defend their goal-lead for the remainder of the game. They did this successfully, though, and Wylie909 now has his side looking in great shape for the season to come. Thegreatlordbags will be looking to remove the inconsistency from their game in future weeks at wortley.
Another new manager saw his debut end in defeat with Dream Team proving too strong for Arsenal UK by a 4-2 score-line. The game would see numerous chances and from the first came the opening goal of the contest. Rinaldo Lupatelli was the beneficiary of some expert Paul Ghigo wing wizadry and scored with a header. Dream Team looked to add a second but Giovanni Cambiel could only lob over the bar before Arsenal had a near thing when Ivo Daniel hit a free-kick just over. Gianmarco Siligardi would be the centre of attention for the next few moments as he nearly made it 2-0 with a power shot on goal before having better luck with a header from a Warren Dillin cross to double the home side’s lead. Arsenal were showing great enterprise under their new boss, though, and quickly halved the deficit. Shmal Sarzil would be the player to score the first goal under DomBrown by side-footing beyond Williamson. Dudley Barrowcliff failed to re-establish that advantage with a free-kick while Arsenal might have levelled proceedings through a precise Humberto Sobrinho header before Daniel almost produced the perfect lob, only being denied by the crossbar. The second-half would continue in end-to-end fashion and it was Arsenal who started the brighter of the two. They had already fired a warning through Nigel Huntley before Lars Helgesson connected sweetly with a well-placed shot which found its way into the net to level the game. Warren Dillin immediately responded for DT; his first headed effort brushing a post before he made amends by finishing a breakaway on 57 minutes to make it 3-2. Sensing they had the momentum once more Siligardi tried a cheeky back-heel which was saved by Burchell before Dillin struck again to leave Arsenal facing an uphill task. Dillin might have put the game beyond doubt on 66 minutes but came up short before Arsenal responded. Chances for Caetano Cook, Ivo Daniel and Helgesson might have gone in on a different day but they would go begging and Arsenal, ultimately, would fall to a 4-2 defeat. Despite this, DomBrown saw a lot of positives and stated they had ‘learnt a lot from this game and know what areas (they) need to build on for the next game.’ MrJames will be pleased with how his side is shaping up after steering them into the top three on the back of the win.
Glory Hornets and Morley Town F.C. played out a tight 0-0 draw which was lacking in action at Yellow Brick Road. There would be three chances in the opening half as attacking football was at a premium. Jonathon Draper couldn’t make a shot count for the home side before a Florian Arnautu lob required Rosbotham to tip it over at the other end. Toma Popadic couldn’t hit the target for the Hornets as his attempt at a lob went over and the sides would go in deadlocked. If the first-half was quiet the second would be asleep as the sides struggled to make any impact on two strong defences. The only chance that did come went to the visitors but Christopher Love couldn’t direct his header on target and the game inevitably finished goalless. Leeg21 can be pleased that his side have recovered from their defeat last time out but will know that they need to find a cutting edge to continue their progress. GregPerkins will have been delighted with the 9-bar performance of Alex McQuillan who he described as ‘a good centre-half in the traditional Scottish mould’ earlier in the week.
Southampton picked up their second win of the season with a 2-1 success over Wiltshire Warriors. With their boss NorthamSoul sending them out with some strong words ringing in their ears they started off like a house on fire. As early as the third minute Duncan Graeme had shot past Morgan to give them a 1-0 lead. Jim Hotte had a further chance for the home side but couldn’t get his lob header right and the Warriors hit back. From their first chance of the game Graham Potts nearly netted with a toe-poke before Wesley Bird flicked home a header from a corner and the scores were level. Bird, with confidence high, went on to produce a powerful shot which needed saving by Raberg. However, it would be the Saints who would finish the half the stronger. Andreas Iniesta was fed through by Graeme Coote and finished emphatically in the area. A further goal might have been added but Hotte couldn’t find his range from distance. The start to the second-half saw a miss-hit shot on goal at either end. Bird’s effort needed Raberg to be alert before Benos Hardinho saw his brush a post and go safe. Bird would see his afternoon turn sour on 61 minutes as he put in a poor challenge on Tyson Thorington which would see the Saints man go off injured, Wanda Rinn having no hesitation in showing red to Bird for the challenge. Ray Billinger nearly made light of being down to 10-men with a powerful header but saw it bounce off the post and Saints asserted themselves. Sonny Baron saw a header punched away before an Iniesta free-kick was caught by Morgan. Morgan would be kept busy as he held a powerful shot from Graeme before tipping a Baron lob over the bar. Wiltshire did have one final chance to pinch a point but Merson failed with a volley and the Saints were victorious. NorthamSoul made no secret of his delight before adding ‘about bloody time.’ Big K will learn how his side bounce back from defeat for the first time this season on Friday and the manager will, no doubt, make sure his side are well-prepared to take three points.
Spartans were still awaiting for first showing of their new manager as they drew 0-0 with Alsancak in a quiet game. After a very cagey opening the only chance of the opening half would come a minute before half-time and Spartans would be unfortunate not to take the lead. Klass-Jan Huntelaar would create himself enough space to get off a lob of some quality which would hit the bar to the dismay of the home support. Spartans would continue to create the openings as Ezequiel Garay hit a free-kick wide before Andrew Taylor nearly helped them out by putting through his own goal. Alsancak responded in the closing stages; Gabriel Baldwin misfiring with a free-kick on 79 minutes before trying again in injury-time but also not really troubling Jorquera in goal. In truth a 0-0 draw was probably fair after an uninspiring game. Wienersnitzel will see this as a point gained as he continues to give the youngsters their game time. Tommysayshii turned up for duty following the game and immediately started over-hauling his side to give them fresh confidence, watch this space.
The Champs remained unbeaten with an impressive 1-0 win at wortley. It might have been a different story had Salomao Godiz enjoyed more luck with his 12th minute header which struck the bar. However, The Champs started to play some good football and fired a warning with a Fanea Ulm diving header. They would make their next chance count as Jeff Speakman showed great composure in shooting home from a corner. Daley Higson nearly added to the lead at the start of the second-half but his header was too close to Cal Jenning. The home side eventually re-emerged as an attacking force on 56 minutes but Paulinho Santos couldn’t make a free-kick count and the visitors maintained the advantage. Indeed, they would enjoy the next chance but Rod Caunce couldn’t flick his header home and they had to defend their goal-lead for the remainder of the game. They did this successfully, though, and Wylie909 now has his side looking in great shape for the season to come. Thegreatlordbags will be looking to remove the inconsistency from their game in future weeks at wortley.
LSK Out Of Drop Zone!
Last week Los Samgeles Kings defeated Internazionale 3-2 to record their first win of the season. The Kings received the boost they needed when Anze Kopitar flicked a header home on 50 minutes to equalise.Kings then went 2-1 down before Alexander Frolov headed in a cross for the equaliser on 88 minutes and, as Inter struggled to regain their composure, Robitaille shot home after a corner to complete the amazing finish. 3-2 Kings!
Our most recent game was an away 5-0 spanking of Norfolk 'n' Chance.Goals from Anze Kopitar(2), Derek Armstrong, Alexander Frolov and Luc Robitaille were enough to pull the Los Samgeles Kings out of the relegation Zone by 2 points.
We look forward to our next game and hope we can keep up this great form.
Stripy8
Our most recent game was an away 5-0 spanking of Norfolk 'n' Chance.Goals from Anze Kopitar(2), Derek Armstrong, Alexander Frolov and Luc Robitaille were enough to pull the Los Samgeles Kings out of the relegation Zone by 2 points.
We look forward to our next game and hope we can keep up this great form.
Stripy8
Wednesday, 22 July 2009
2 Points Dropped
PSV feel they should have got more out of the game against Kensington. I thought we played really well against quality opposition. We knew it would be tough as so drew up what I feel was a great game plan. Defensively it worked like a treat but also we needed to be clinical and take our chances which is why we have 1 point and not the full 3. So far I think we've had a descent start to the season and the players can keep learning and developing game after game.
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