Champs Begin Defence

The defending champion ThunderCats got their campaign off to a winning start but were made to wait by a determined Three Lions side. The first-half was a relatively subdued affair with Silvio Falcao going closest for the home side. They had to endure a massive scare, though, as Cesc Izukas shot home following a corner for the Lions but had his celebrations cut short by a shocking offside call. The second-half saw ThunderCats come out with much more purpose about them. A lob header by Falcao forced Casillas into a save before Leonardo Borja hit a free-kick just wide. Borja again misfired with a set-piece before he finally made the Lions pay with time running out. Seizing his chance some 30-yards out Borja stunned the visiting team with a thunderous strike which past Casillas before he had time to react. ThunderCats news spoke of a ‘one way encounter’ and that they would be working ‘with the strikers’ in the coming days. Izu Casillas said he thought the Lions ‘performed very well’ and much to their credit there was no complaining about the disallowed goal even if replays showed they had every right to be somewhat upset.

New York City adapted well to life in the top flight with a 3-1 victory over Santos FC. A back heel by Ralf Kron sent the home fans into an early frenzy as he deceived Rodenas with his piece of skill. He may have added a second but sent his header over before Goddard and Franca sent efforts wide for Santos. They were made to pay for this profligacy when Eugene Kameni Idriss headed home an Isimaru cross and it could have been worse had Delpiano’s powerful low shot not hit a post. The second-half saw the action slow down a little but the game was put beyond doubt when Kron shot home from a corner to put the hosts 3-0 up. Not even a header from Marcelo Afonso could dent the mood of the home crowd as they celebrated a 3-1 win to mark their first ever game in the RMI. Sean7 will be keen his side don’t endure a start like last season which ultimately cost them a chance of the title while Jimmy will want to keep his side’s feet on the ground following this success.

AFC Stanley continued where they left off last season with an impressive 2-0 home win over Division One champion West Brom Strollers. Before the Strollers could even settle back into top level football, Stanley had taken the lead. A lovely through ball by Jon MacClintock found Alan Martindale who, in turn, found an exquisite finish to beat Godden in goal. Lee Hughes did look to strike back quickly for the visitors but his diving header went wide and while they enjoyed much of the first-half possession they couldn’t find a way through Stanley’s excellent defence. The second-half saw Stanley repeat the dose as Thorbjorn Lind headed home a Kirk Armitage corner on 48 minutes. The Strollers never looked like getting back into the contest following this goal and they will have learned that life at the highest level can be an unforgiving business. Makrham33 meanwhile declared himself ‘pleased with the performance’ but warned the ‘division looks tough’ with any team capable of beating any other on their day.

AC Milan were 1-0 winners over Yorkshires Amateurs in a close encounter at the San Siro. Milan were the dominant force during the opening half and took the lead courtesy of a Bernard Lormor volley on 25 minutes. Lormor, Kaka and Humphrey Biehn all had chances to extend the lead but the Amateurs held on and were much improved after the break. The visitors put Milan under early second-half pressure and but for some lacklustre finishing by Fred Franklin and Amadeo Caviedes would have found themselves level. Both sides had late chances but couldn’t find the net and it was Milan who would celebrate their first three points of the season. MarkieRich will be encouraged with his side’s start while Danlufc13 will be looking for his side to bounce back quickly as a tough looking division unfolds.

F.C. Greatness picked up three valuable away points with a 1-0 victory at Tranmere to begin their season. Tranmere edged the opening 45 minutes but couldn’t make their two chances count with Mlynarz and Flanagan being found wanting in front of goal. Greatness were a superior side after the break and were very unlucky not to go into the lead as Serena, Recoba and Benfari all hit the woodwork within minutes of each other. Benfari would finally be rewarded, however, as he curled a long range strike into the net on 85 minutes to give Greatness the crucial goal. Tranmere attempted to strike back late in the game but once more found a combination of poor finishing and steady goalkeeping in their way as they succumbed to defeat. Darrencalvert explained that he had forgotten ‘to sort my team out’ and was in debt to Benfari. Tranmere will look to the next game to kick-start their campaign following this opening day disappointment.

The day’s other game saw Totaalvoetbal edge out Hun Haters at the MVB Arena. Horacio Metelo went close with a free-kick as he turned in a virtuoso display for the hosts. He also went close with a header as Totaal dominated the first-half without reward. However, it was Hun Haters who thought they had taken the lead through Prohazska but replays showed the forward was stood yards offside. Totaal then began to reassert themselves and Shirsh Vajpayee shot home in the penalty area for the crucial breakthrough. Craig Elliston did nearly level matters but saw his free-kick brush the post and with it their chance was gone. Metelo and Hayter missed late chances for the home side but they weren’t to be denied a fine start to the season. Meeblind declared himself ‘content’ but nothing more as the division looks ‘a minefield’ this term. Hun Haters won’t panic following their defeat and will know it’s a marathon not a sprint as the season gathers pace.