Cats Back on Track

ThunderCats bounced back from defeat in their last game with a 2-1 away success against F.C. Greatness. Greatness would have their chances in the contest, though, and Fabian Ostgard’s power shot needed saving by Magro as early as the second minute. Magro was then on hand to tip over a Faust Baronchelli free-kick and ThunderCats would take advantage by scoring through a brilliant diving header by Fabricio Cidade. Greatness responded well to this setback, though, with Fabrizio Colluato equalising by placing a header beyond Magro. The second-half would see Carlos Magro score from the spot to put the visitors 2-1 in front with only their second chance of the game. The home side would strike back with a fine effort from Mario Balotelli but the goal was disallowed for handball. Despite this setback Greatness would continue to press for the equaliser. Baronchelli shooting tamely at Magro from distance before they won a 69th minute penalty; however Fabio Cannavaro could only strike the post from his shot and the visitors escaped. Nevertheless the home side continued to press with Baronchelli having two free-kicks saved in quick succession. The three points will have been nothing less than Meelas expected and he will know they cannot afford any slip-ups with West Brom breathing down their necks. Darrencalvert will be disappointed that his side couldn’t make more of the chances they created and they will need to rectify this if they are to survive for another season in the top flight.

West Brom kept the pressure on ThunderCats with a 5-0 thumping of AC Milan. A first minute header by Cyrille Regis gave them the perfect start and the striker might have made it 2-0 but for some fine ‘keeping. Billy Bassett couldn’t make the most of his first free-kick effort of the day and he would fare little better on 19 minutes as he thumped one over the bar. It would be left to Regis to score the second of the game with a powerful header on 24 minutes although he would then go off injured. Bassett would finally curl a beautiful free-kick in for 3-0 and they were well in control despite Savino Piovanelli going close with a diving header at the other end. Richard Sneekes made it four with a clinical strike in the penalty area and although Bassett had a free-kick saved before the break the home side would be very happy with their first-half work. The second-half saw fewer chances but Bassett did think he had made it 5-0 with a fine header only for it to be disallowed for offside. Lee Hughes would net the fifth moments later, though, as he looped in an excellent header. Bobby Taylor and Lee Hughes would have late chances but neither could make them count. Dinky has his side in prime position should ThunderCats show any weakness and with a superior goal difference as well this race is ready to go to the final game. Milan look adrift and set for a stay in Division One of the RMI following a run of nine successive defeats.

New York City remained on the fringe of the title battle with a 3-0 away success at Yorkshires Amateurs. Shinosuke Isimaru would give them the ideal start with a powerful long range shot on five minutes to put them 1-0 up. Carl-Gunnar Fagregren would waste a chance on 21 minutes before Elvis MacCaran lobbed in a header for 2-0 on 35 minutes. The second-half would see the Amateurs have a Micky Cox effort comfortably saved by Sattler before they would also waste a penalty by Murray Davis; the midfielder blasting over the bar. New York would capitalise on this by winning a penalty of their own with David Sattler making no mistake from the spot. Scott Flynn would toe-poke at Bicanco but City had done their hard work in a 3-0 success. Jimmy declared himself happy with his side ‘keeping themselves in the title race’ and he will be hopeful of three more points at Milan on Friday. Danlufc13 will return to a struggling Amateurs side but he will be able to start with a clean slate in Division One next term.

Three Lions kept pace with New York as they defeated AFC Stanley 3-2 at Wembley. Stanley had an early effort by Dijedon Betimaj comfortably saved while a Zlatan Izuhimovic bicycle-kick was saved at the other end. Per-Elvis Granander headed wide for Stanley with the last effort of the half as the sides went in level at 0-0. Granander would make amends with an early powerful strike in the second-half but a toe-poke by Cesc Izukas quickly had the hosts level. The Lions would then strike the front courtesy of a flick header by Robin van Izu but Granander would drag Stanley level with a cool finish following an excellent breakaway. Stanley would look to strike the front but Garry Molseley would hit a free-kick over and the Lions would capitalise as Rodrigo Possebon hit home a long range strike to give them a 3-2 lead. The visitors searched for a point but Granander chipped over and they would go home defeated. Izuka will surely be setting his target for the season a little higher now with the title still not being out of reach. Markham congratulated Izu on a ‘good game’ and will be hopeful of his side ending the season on a high.

Tranmere Rovers continued their good recent form with a 1-0 triumph at Hun Haters. The Haters would have the first chance but Ted Caird’s half-volley went straight to Sjolund. Rovers responded with an effort by Raymond Jillhed but the forward couldn’t find the net. The game continued to ebb and flow with Finlay MacCleir side-footing wide at the other end. After the break the home side had a Don MacArthur header go over before Rovers responded with a header by Sandro Bucchi which went wide. Craig Elliston was unlucky not to give Haters the lead as his free-kick struck the bar and their woes increased when Christiano Olias converted a penalty for Rovers. Elliston would waste a late chance as he put a chip over and the Haters were beaten. The defeat leaves CC’s side just three points above the drop zone and they will realise there is plenty of hard work still to do if they are to survive. Baz’s side appear well-placed in mid-table and with some astute signings next season could offer brighter things for Rovers.

Totaalvoetbal made it two wins from two as they defeated Santos 3-0 at the MVB Arena. Johan Juffing would score from the first chance on 25 minutes and when Pierre van Diemen converted a penalty on 41 minutes things were looking good for the home side. Shivan Preetnav had a fine effort tipped over by Rodenas before Santos finally had a couple of efforts. Unfortunately, though, Fanuco Ufarte and Cesar Duarte both failed to hit the target and Totaal would add a third. The goal would come courtesy of Cal Beardsley as the defender headed home perfectly from a Preetnav corner. Meeblind was hoping that ‘the corner had been turned’ by his side following another good performance. Sean7 might also be concerned with events below his team as they sit just six points above Greatness and they face a crunch match against them on Friday.