Gunners Fire Early Warning

Arsenal are the only side with a 100% start in Division Two as they won 2-0 away to Belly Tubbies. They enjoyed the perfect start as William Gallas headed in their opener from their first chance on 20 minutes. Eduardo da Silva would then waste a chance before demanding a fine save from Michael Fitzsimmons. The forward would get his name on the sheet before half-time, though, as he lobbed over the ‘keeper on 39 minutes. The second-half saw Arsenal maintain their dominance but they couldn’t add a third goal. Chances for Andrey Arshavin, Thomas Vermaelen and Theo Walcott all failed to trouble Fitzsimmons but it would be Arsenal who still emerged victorious. Arsenal News called it ‘an impressive win’ and looked ahead at a ‘thrilling match’ against Juventus next. Fitzy was only half-joking when he said he needed to ‘sign a beach ball’ following two games with no goals. However, the season is young and with the manager looking to enter the transfer market things could pick up very soon.

Carthage maintained their unbeaten start to the season but had to settle for a point in a 1-1 away draw at Reggae Reggae Sauce. The home side had the better of the opening 45 minutes and Alfredo D’Addadzio headed them in front on 39 minutes to give them a massive boost. Todd Osborn had the chance to double the lead but Calum Cumbo was equal to it and gathered at the midfielder’s feet. The second-half saw Carthage immediately hit back as Marcus Spillane rounded off a fine breakaway with a cool finish. Leroy Nugent immediately tried to put RRS back in front but his powerful shot from distance missed the goal narrowly. Carthage would then finish the stronger but Ad Herbal headed off target while Mullen saved well from Spillane. Spillane would have one further chance but his curled shot struck the bar and both sides had to make do with a point each. With Blakey0500 wanting ‘back-to-back league titles’ this will be seen as two points dropped but the signs are that they will cope with the higher level of football this season. Meanwhile, Xpertelevener will be pleased to have a point on the board and will be looking for a better campaign this time round.

These Charming Men picked up their first win of the season with a strong 2-0 away success at Juventus. Maurio Aiardi headed an early chance over the bar for the home side and they also saw Alberto Morante fire a shot wide. They would pay the price for these misses as Loran Rajabi lobbed in the opener for TCM on 19 minutes. Juventus were still presenting a threat and Orlan Canito could count himself very unfortunate as his header crashed off the bar on 37 minutes. TCM would also have another chance before the break but Rajabi’s volley was saved by Fuentes and a one-goal lead would be the advantage they took into the sheds at half-time. The second-half saw TCM put in a very controlled display to nullify Juventus while continue to create chances themselves. Rajabi thought he had made it 2-0 but was disappointed by a dubious offside but he wouldn’t be denied as he headed in to double the advantage on 77 minutes. The striker would be denied a hat-trick by an excellent save from the ‘keeper while Shaun McFadden also saw a header saved as Fuentes kept Juve close. Ultimately, though, it was a deserved three points for TCM and they look well-set for a strong season. RDCM said that he was ‘happy with 4 points out of 6 so far’ with promotion the aim this term. Juventus will look to put this result to one side as they prepare for a tough trip to Arsenal on Friday.

Futsal FC and The Lone Wanderers remained unbeaten after an exciting 2-2 draw at Futsal Arena. Futsal began quickly but Luciano Salvatori’s shot was easily saved by Peyton and the visitors responded with a Frans Fleischer lob which struck the bar. The Wanderers then took a ninth minute lead as William MacAvish volleyed in and although Futsal tried to hit back Rick Tuttle couldn’t make his chance count. Tuttle would level matters on 24 minutes, though, as he netted from distance as the game continued to excite. Niall Hedges would fail to put the visitors in front before half-time as his header lacked the necessary pace and accuracy. The second-half remained tight although Futsal would assume the ascendency as Rowley Forrester netted from the spot. The final ten minutes would see plenty of action as MacAvish missed a chance for the Wanderers before Tuttle was denied by Peyton as he looked to win the game for Futsal. This miss would prove costly as Albert Scully scuffed an 82nd minute shot into the goal to rescue a point for HH’s side. HH will be pleased with the fighting spirit of his side and with four points from their opening fixtures things look good for another successful season. Jake will be disappointed with his side’s defensive display after calling on them to be ‘solid’ but will still be encouraged by a strong opening to their campaign.

Splott Rovers continued their good start with a 2-1 home victory over Los Samgeles Kings. Splott started well as Frank Punisher shot home from distance on five minutes to give them the advantage. The Kings responded in fine fashion, though, as Anze Kopitar showed a coolness in the area to equalise before Michal Handzus demanded a good stop from Roschach. The second 45 minutes was every bit as tight with the Kings seeing a Handzus effort stopped by the ‘keeper. Rovers would capitalise on this as Paul-Phillip Ravage chipped over the advancing Ersberg to give them a 64th minute lead. Splott might even have added a third but Eddie Venom hit the angle of post and bar with his header and they ran out 2-1 victors. Carbonmonoxide praised his side’s ‘character’ after an unbeaten start to the season and warned ‘there is better to come.’ Stripy8 will be eager for his side to post a win soon after this unfortunate defeat but there appear plenty of positives for the manager to work with.

Kroklund Kings enjoyed their evening’s work with a 6-0 home win over the youthful St Omer. They started like a house on fire as Gabriel Galtier rounded Rain to open the scoring on two minutes. Roberto da Luz hit the post with a powerful shot at the other end but it would be Galtier who would net again with a fine lob on eight minutes. Bosse Bong had a free-kick saved by Rain before making his second chance count on 15 minutes to make it 3-0. Arne Seiffert hit the post after beating Kangashaka as Omer continued to suffer misfortune and Curt Elliott rubbed salt into the wounds by making it 4-0 with a powerful header. Omer would see Joe Radley shoot wide before the break as they remained four behind at the interval. The second-half began with the home side on the attack but Galtier shot over. Bong would be denied from another set-piece as Rain made a fine stop while Radley missed the target for Omer in a rare attack. Cony Tottee would also be denied as Omer kept plugging away but an Aatu Vuokki shot added a fifth on 87 minutes. There was still time for Galtier to place home his hat-trick goal to complete a 6-0 home win for Kroklund. Bossbong will have been pleased with the performance and after being left out of the fancied teams for promotion he may feel his side have a point to prove. Omer News reported that they have now lost ‘eighteen on the trot’ but manager Cony Tottee is unconcerned as he has found comfort elsewhere as his side struggles on.