Ben Brace Boosts Bonkers

Bonkers produced the standout performance in Division Two as they edged Smurftastic Smurfs by the odd goal in seven. With both sides having enjoyed a victory in their last outing confidence was high that the contest would be an exciting one. The game enjoyed a breathtaking start as Benjamin Hawke blasted home a penalty to put Bonkers ahead. Ernie Ormondroyd was quickly into the action at the other end, too, but he couldn’t direct his free-kick on target and the chance passed. Meanwhile, Joel Weymouth hit the bar with a fine looping header for the hosts and they paid for this missed chance as Ormondroyd levelled from the spot for the Smurfs on 13 minutes. Jimmy McGinnity would then complete the turnaround by heading home accurately five minutes later although Weymouth quickly shot home for the hosts to square things up once more. Incredibly, Innocenzio Filippinetti would place beyond Bogefeldt to put the hosts 3-2 ahead on the half-hour as the contest showed no signs of slowing down. Finlay MacCleir couldn’t head the Smurfs level a minute later and they would then see Pietro Di Fabio hit a free-kick off a post at the other end as Bonkers threatened once more. The second-half saw Bonkers pushed back for large periods but they would strike first again with Hawke netting his second penalty of the day to open up a two-goal lead. Ormondroyd immediately set about trying to get his side back into the match and he had already put a shot over by the time he cracked home a free-kick to make it 4-3. There was still time for the Smurfs to have chances to level the contest but Ormondroyd headed narrowly wide before Rory Derek mishit his shot when well-placed and saw it trickle off-target. Ultimately, the points belonged to the home side with GarethLloyd admitting his side were ‘in a good stride at the moment.’ Smurfs News declared that the side ‘wasn’t playing like they deserve promotion’ at the moment.

Splott Rovers couldn’t capitalise on the Smurfs slip-up as they were defeated 1-0 at AJ Rovers. With Rovers enduring a two-match winless run they were keen to get one over on the champions-elect and they would deliver a fine first-half performance to earn the points. Their first chance came on 18 minutes and Donovan Bronach wouldn’t disappoint with a clinical strike to give Rovers the lead. Bronach would fare rather more unluckily with his next two efforts as a powerful shot smashed the woodwork before a precise header brushed a post as Rovers had to settle for a one-goal half-time lead. Splott were better after the break and saw Frank Punisher go close with a powerful low shot on 55 minutes. However, they were then stunned by a red card to Kurt Nightcrawler for dangerous play although they would recover to force a couple of late chances. Eddie Venom would shoot wide when presented with an opportunity before Reed Fantastic’s free-kick was gathered by Hodges. This would prove their final chance as Carbonmonoxide’s side slipped to defeat but he will still be in confident mood ahead of the season finale. Rothion will be confident of promotion too as his side sit just three points behind third spot and have shown they are more than a match for anyone in the division on their day.

Pahang United kept hold of third with a 2-0 home win over Carthage FC. With both sides harbouring promotion hopes this match would be crucial to them and both would create chances in a fairly open encounter. Carthage would have the first chances but Amin Mansourian’s header would go wide before Hasdrubal Gisco’s half-volley unfortunately struck the bar. Pahang would then stun the visitors by netting from their first chance; Kilian Strongbow arrowing a free-kick into the top corner to beat Dido. Romeo Hogg would see a volley go over before Strongbow brushed a post with a powerful shot moments later as Pahang looked for more goals. The second-half began with a Strongbow free-kick which Dido caught comfortably although Hamilcar Barca couldn’t capitalise as he put a header off-target at the other end. Caleb Spencer would also put a chance over as he got too much on a lob and their finishing woes would continue with Mansourian’s diving header being tipped over by Hussain. They would be dealt a further blow when Delis Eribenne was sent-off for stamping and Pahang sealed the win when Tom Hording rounded Dido to slot home for 2-0. Dirk Heller would see a late curled shot go wide but Pahang had done more than enough to secure three points. Strongbow met with press following the win to state his belief that they ‘have the better team and player form’ as they enter the stretch. Blakey’s side continue to be marooned in mid-table with the chance to be involved at either end; a home match against AJ might give us more indication as to which it will be.

F.C. Greatness made sure the pressure remained on the sides occupying the promotion slots with a 2-1 away win at Cardiff City. With City needing the points for differing reasons to Greatness a keenly-contested encounter was anticipated but it would be the visitor’s first-half showing which would win the day. A free-kick in the very first minute saw Faust Baronchelli blast Greatness ahead and immediately quieten the home crowd. City would respond with an ambitious bicycle kick by Evandro Lemos but Calvert would save comfortably to ensure the visitors remained ahead. City would have the next chance too with Chano Paya blasting an effort against a post while Peyton saved well from a Dunstan Valenzia chip at the other end. Peyton could do nothing to prevent Greatness from going 2-0 up, though, as Baronchelli powered in another stunning strike on the stroke of half-time. The second-half would start slowly before Osorio Sao headed home to bring the hosts back into the contest on 62 minutes. However, it would be the visiting side who would react better to this goal and Baronchelli was only denied a hat-trick by a good save from Peyton. The striker would be denied once more late on as his powerful shot was kicked away but, nevertheless, he had proved the match-winner for the promotion chasing side. Darren Calvert will be as confident as always that his side will eventually break into the top three and secure promotion but they face a tough match next as the leaders come to town. Uwfb has more concerning problems having slid into the bottom three making their match at Bonkers on Friday crucial to their hopes.

AC Milan renewed hope of beating the drop as they won 2-1 at African Imitators. Having won their last game, Milan travelled in good heart and their confidence would be well-placed as they earned a hard-fought victory. The first-half would be a relatively quiet affair with just a chance each; Gregorio Scalabrini’s mishit shot striking a post for the visitors before a free-kick saw Fabian Delph hit the ball wide of the target for Imitators. After the break Milan took the initiative with Paddy McCarthy flicking a header home although their joy would be short-lived. A penalty was awarded by Al Reddy and Sayeef Handez duly netted to level the contest once more. The Imitators then looked to turn the game on its head but Savo Milosevic saw his powerful low shot strike a post and Milan gained in confidence from this moment. Vittorio Cornacchini would force Handez into a fine save from a powerful header but there was nothing the ‘keeper could do to prevent Lorenzo De Gasperi from looping home a header in injury-time to deliver three critical points to the visiting side. Xmensch will be delighted with his side’s fighting spirit and confidence will be growing in the camp that they can pull off the great escape. The Imitators will still have promotion hopes but Gravitons will know his side need to perform better in the coming matches.

Bumerang picked up a vital point in their battle at the bottom as they shared four goals in an entertaining game with Kensington Boys Club. With Kensington also nervously looking over their shoulder this game took on great importance at the bottom of Division One. A penalty on three minutes gave Rikard Lind the chance to fire Bumerang in front and he wouldn’t disappoint. A period of quiet followed before a breakaway saw Guy Dalton place the ball just wide for the visitors. Dorian Lonsdale would fare better, though, as his excellent effort from distance defeated Stancu to ensure the sides would go in level at the break. There would be more action after the break with Lind putting a free-kick narrowly wide for the hosts before another set-piece effort saw him beat Lorentzen to restore Bumerang’s advantage. However, KBC would fight back and a thumping low drive by Adrian Gray levelled the game on 75 minutes. Yves Vairelles tried to put Bumerang back in front but failed to direct his header well-enough while Lind put a free-kick too close to the ‘keeper. Joseph Heffer would go closest to winning the game for the home side but his half-volley hit the angle and KBC escaped. Indeed, Dalton might have won the game for them but put his chip over the bar and the sides had to settle for a point each. Coolbooy will be relatively pleased with his side’s point but will know they need to keep on performing to give themselves any chance. Patrik has come under increasing pressure recently but the fans retain faith that their talented manager will lead them to the promised land in the not too distant future.