Arsenal Fire Four

Arsenal UK were the big movers and shakers in Division Two as they took advantage of a couple of draws higher up the table to close to within four points of the leaders. Los Samgeles would pose them early problems and took the lead as Torben Kummel headed in from a Rob Blake free-kick. Arsenal were soon into their stride, though, and levelled quickly courtesy of a looping Andrey Arshavin header. Eduardo da Silva would have a chance to put the visitors into the lead but Kent saved from the forward’s curled shot. The lead did arrive on the half-hour with Tomas Rosicky heading in clinically from a corner and a powerful low shot by Gael Clichy would have had them 3-1 up but for a foul in the build-up. The second-half saw Los Samgeles look to strike back but Alexander Frolov headed wide on 54 minutes before a lull in the game. They would then miss a late chance to equalise as Frolov couldn’t make another headed chance count and they would concede late on. A free-kick move saw Samir Nasri fire Arsenal into a 3-1 advantage and they bettered their goal difference still further as da Silva shot through Kent’s legs deep into injury-time. Arsenal News reported that the club hopes to ‘push on and secure back-to-back promotions.’ Due to other priorities Hollik1 had to leave the club after the defeat and the Kings will hope to appoint a new manager in time for the silly season.

Splott Rovers were held to a 1-1 draw at an improved Reggae Reggae Sauce but managed to hold onto top spot of Division Two. Reed Fantastic wasted an early chance for the leaders as he put a free-kick over the bar while Burim Menjdani couldn’t overcome a tight angle at the other end. Shivan Preetnav had better luck for the hosts with a powerful low strike on 29 minutes, though, to give them a 1-0 advantage. Splott’s football would look the more fluent, however, and Frank Punisher might have done better with an opportunity but could only mishit his shot. Matt Daredevil got a better strike when presented with a chance of his own but he couldn’t put it on target. The second-half saw Splott push RRS back and they managed to create a couple of late chances. The equaliser came as Bruce Hulk flicked a header home on 80 minutes and they had a couple of late chances to win it. Daredevil’s powerful shot was ruled out for handball before Steve America’s header was saved by Shay Mullen. Splott News credited RRS and looked forward to the end of the season with ‘it all to play for.’ Xpertelevener will be lifted by the result and will use this as inspiration for his side to regroup next term.

These Charming Men were also held to a 1-1 draw as Belly Tubbies continued to battle on in their manager’s absence. TCM had the first chance of a tight game but Chano Delgado could only place his shot wide. Stuart Cooksey would have better fortune and his lob proved too good for Fitzsimmons to give the visitors a half-time lead. Tubbies fought hard after the break and a header by Adrian Heath immediately had them level. Both sides might have won it with Calum Jeeves going desperately close to scoring an own goal as his back pass struck a post while at the other end Kevin Sheedy’s clever effort beat Derksen but also hit a post. A draw was probably a fair result and TCM News is still firmly a believer that this could be ‘their season.’ Belly Tubbies continue to fight on regardless of their manager’s whereabouts and it is to their credit they remain competitive in games.

Carthage couldn’t take full advantage of the slip-ups elsewhere as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Futsal. Eric Fray did give the visitors a fast start by shooting through the legs of Roberts for the first goal on 16 minutes. However, Futsal too would find a way through the opposition’s defence to create chances of their own. Rick Tuttle powered a low shot wide for the hosts while Fabius Maximus toe-poked straight at Roberts at the other end. Roberts would excel moments later as he saved brilliantly from a Hamilcar Barca half-volley. Futsal responded with a volley from Freddy Kennedy but it was too close to Aurelius and Carthage tried to double their lead before the break but once more Roberts was on hand to deny Barca. Futsal were boosted at the start of the second-half as Kennedy lobbed home an equaliser and the game might have turned round entirely had Graeme Haynes done better with his shot on 52 minutes. The visitors did have a chance to win the game but Delis Eribenne put his header over and the sides had to settle for a point apiece. Blakey now takes his side to Kroklund as they look to ensure another promotion and he will be keen for a morale-boosting three points. Jake won’t have given up hope of winning promotion himself but his side face a crunch match-up against Arsenal on Friday.

The Lone Wanderers 4-0 victory over St Omer moved them to within touching distance of the top three as the section got even tighter. Mart Rosbottom headed in the opener on two minutes as the Wanderers dominated the contest. Rain had to be alert to save from Albert Scully on five minutes but Chano Paya did make it 2-0 on six minutes with a cracking strike from distance. Omer did have a brief flurry into opposition territory on 16 minutes but Peyton was alert to gather the ball at Lucas Ravelli’s feet. The Wanderers were soon on the front foot again but Marco Busquets couldn’t round Rain. However, it would be 3-0 on the half-hour as Rosbottom headed in his second goal and minutes later Frans Fleischer powered in a shot after a corner wasn’t cleared. The second-half had a distinct lack of action as both sides seemed happy to keep the score as it was. HH’s side are now two points from third-placed Carthage and will recognise a strong run to the end of the season will result in promotion. Omer move onto a home game against Splott where it is expected their relegation will be confirmed; however fans are still expected to turn up in support of their future heroes.

Juventus continue to be the division’s stand-out side and they ground out another victory, this time at home to Kroklund. It would take a while for the game to warm-up but Kroklund took advantage of their first chance as Zwonko Fuckala headed in on 32 minutes. Juventus’ response was swift and effective as Joaquin Messi curled in a brilliant shot from distance to level matters before the break. Juve would force the pace in the second-half and had already gone close through a Mairthin Foley free-kick by the time Obadele Eliakwu lobbed in the go-ahead goal on 72 minutes. Foley hit a further free-kick over the bar and Korklund had a late chance to level but Sjunne Wenna couldn’t put his driving shot anywhere near the target. SuperJuve continues his amazing transformation but they face a crunch run of matches against sides in the top five over the next couple of weeks. Bossebong’s side remain clear of the relegation zone and the change report and silly-season will allow us to learn more about Kroklund’s future.