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[Apox]

ANL Season 16 - Preview

The ANL returns and it is quite literally the biggest league around now - yet another good set of performances by Apoxian clubs has meant that the league sits at the very top of the UICA rankings, with Dwile Warriors now up to 7th in the rankings, the club finally coming good internationally.

This season, it looks like FC Endeavour could be the front runners for the title, although the champions Dwile Warriors are always a threat, every season. Barbury Town and Gwinevra Barbarians could both be in with a shout as well, with Barbury tinkering with their squad over the off season, and Gwinevra almost at the stage where they have a title challenging team again.

Down the other end, you'd expect Mona A.F.C and Uxminster Athletic to struggle, even though both sides have capable looking teams. Miners '47 and Oldem Gents Club will likely be in and around that area as well, with Mandon United also struggling a little of late.


Dwile Warriors
Manager: Moon Dust
Home Ground: The APX Sports Stadium, Capacity: 56,000
Line-up: Riordan -- Treloquithack, Belfast (c), St Teath, Jovellanos -- Ibarran, Eljjoy, Kellard -- Carvalho, Tregajorran, D'Oyly
Transfers in:
Transfers out: Olivier Toivainen to Crompton City as a free agent
Preview: The Warriors stormed to a 6th title last season, meaning they now have twice as many titles as the next best team, Gwinevra Barbarians. They have, with all due justification, gone for largely the same line-up this season, with the only change being youth product Adrasta Eljjoy coming into the team to replace the outgoing Olivier Toivainen, who decided against signing a new contract, and thus decided to leave for the Sarian. Hadrian Belfast takes over the captaincy, after his heroics as captain of Nephara in the Eagle's Cup - he's really doing well. Up front, the focus will, as ever, be on Tolgus Tregajorran to lead the strike force, even if he is aged 30 now. This will likely be Kieron Riordan's last season as the starter in goal, with the intensely exciting Halyos Anaximander sitting on the bench this season. They've kept a title winning squad together, but other teams have advanced, and therefore it's hard to see them defending their title.
Last Season: 1st Predicted: 2nd


FC Endeavour
Manager: Petter Aurelias
Home Ground: The Garganaut, Capacity: 42,000
Line-up: Volgisrhaad -- Bjerregaard, Hewn, Graham, Garcia -- Redwood (c), Terán, Ibrox, Tôr -- Kalehmainen, Leighton
Transfers in: Pekka Kalehmainen from AC Sibirskaya Gavan for £14,000,000; Moses Luc Bjerregaard from SK Franz Josef City for £10,000,000; Diandra Ballard from Crisisbless for £7,500,000
Transfers out: Morten Macinko to Fligsive FC for £6,000,000; Jeremiah Pipp to SK Franz Josef City as a swap deal; Oliver Dunbarton to Retired
Preview: They've done it again. Endeavour missed out on the title, but you think that might have been prepared, as they spent last season assembling a mildly terrifying squad, which is now ready to be deployed, and by god, this squad is a scary prospect for other teams in the league. They've splashed the cash in all areas of the pitch, the most eye catching new player is most definitely Moses Luc Bjerregaard, the Polarian superstar now reaching his prime as he continues his tour of the multiverse, his price only being so low due to Jeremiah Pipp, now a capped player himself, heading the other way. Pekka Kalehmainen is a seriously exciting prospect up front for the team, and Diandra Ballard is happy to spend a season on the bench before starring in goal for one of the best teams in the multiverse. In the midfield, Zana Ibrox links up with last season's golden boot winner, Alex Terán, with captain Marcus Redwood and Farf hot prospect Rübéãn Tôr on the wings. Never mind the fact that former Golden Boot winner Danny Leighton is still a major threat up front. It is nigh on impossible to envisage a situation where this team doesn't win the title.
Last Season: 2nd Predicted: 1st


Gwinevra Barbarians
Manager: Jorgen Hauge
Home Ground: The Barbaria, Capacity: 38,000
Line-up: Seabrooke -- Storbrittania, Mata (c), Otkupshchikov, Zezinho -- Monteforth, Boroni, Foloris, Coleman -- Shizuka -- Morriston
Transfers in: Odar Storbrittania from Oldem Gents Club for £3,500,000
Transfers out:
Preview: Gwinevra are so close to the finished product, and their fans will be desperate for some sort of success this season. Their line-up is largely unchanged this season, with no one leaving the club. They continue to shore up their defense, bringing in Odar Storbrittania from Oldem Gents Club to replace the ageing Flavia Benditti at right back. Looking through this team you can feel a quiet sense of optimism about this season, even though it is quite defense orientated, and even though Conor Morriston is a solid player, is he a title winning striker? We'll have to see. They've managed to keep hold of Willem Otkupshchikov, and he is the glue which holds the defense together now, an absolutely indispensable player to their team.
Last Season: 3rd Predicted: 3rd


Barbury Town
Manager: Ken Rickwright
Home Ground: Village Green, Capacity: 32,000
Line-up: Eustathios -- Lerryn, Finn, Balthorst, Maramora -- Mo, de Marisco, Rijshaart, Devold, Hawker -- Curio
Transfers in: Ioghan Balthorst from Halholzer United for £1,250,000
Transfers out: Ardent Neguwa to Colanso City for £4,000,000; Anton Vasilev to Mandon United as a free agent
Preview: It just goes to show how far this league has progressed in recent years that Barbury appear slightly behind the pace this season, despite arguably having a squad which is better than the one which won them the title. Matthias Sindelar has moved to the bench this season, his 37 year old legs probably not having it in him to play twice a week all season. Ken Rickwright spent the off season trimming the fat a little, Ardent Neguwa has gone to Jeckland as the right offer for all sides came in, and Anton Vasilev has had enough of bench sitting, accepting a pay cut to get regular football with Mandon United. Ioghan Balthorst, a very talented player from Mareibat has been found from obscurity and brought in. That midfield pairing of Jody Rijshaart and Sverre Devold still manages to get a lot of people excited. Jack Lerryn takes over the team captaincy this season, with Matthias Sindelar keeping the club captaincy from the bench, Lerryn is now one of the veterans of the team, having been with them as a youth player when they were relegated from the ANL all those years ago.
Last Season: 4th Predicted: 4th


Exton F.C
Manager: Sammie Puskas
Home Ground: River Exe Ground, Capacity: 24,000
Line-up: Bergman -- Matinue, Shahzad, Lunds, Stevens -- Ognevski -- Aviram, Vaarakallio (c), Villa, Gayle -- Zerzubar
Transfers in: Jakob Lunds from Fransborg set Njilkaer for £5,000,000
Transfers out: Ole Jorgensen to Sieburg for £3,7500,000; Jemima Rickwright to Nagelti Rovers for £2,500,000; Ricardo Carvalho to Southwind HC for £2,000,000; Niko Kosbayashi to Wye United for £1,000,000
Preview: After both sides agreed that, despite achieving the teams best finish, a new management team was required to move the club on, Charden Hules has left after 7 successful seasons at Exton. His replacement is something of a wildcard, Sammie Puskas, who has only spent a couple of years in management, even if they were incredibly successful years, gaining the ANL3 title with Bouldertown, scoring a record number of goals and obtaining a record number of points is a good start, but this is still a step up. What probably swung it for her was that she is a club legend, and popular support was definitely behind the decision. She's made some sweeping changes, and as a result, the team is completely different from the one which competed last season; Ole Jorgensen, Jemima Rickwright, Ricardo Carvalho and Niko Kosbayashi have all left the club, with Jakob Lunds of Semarland, a very good player, coming in. She's been unafraid to shake up the team as well, with Branko Tomić, Exton's record goal scorer at just 23 relegated to the bench in favour of the youth academy player Alfreton Zerzubar, who is something of an unknown quality, if incredibly promising.
Last Season: 5th Predicted: 6th


St. George's Creek
Manager: Sanderstal the Almighty
Home Ground: New Alpaca Drive, Capacity: 22,000
Line-up: Vahlen -- Hikari, Forde, Tolliver -- Axe the Dominant (c) -- Kjellsen, Sarmiento, Brave, Paradys -- Balnerii, Charlestown
Transfers in: Melody Sarmiento from Project +90 Nephara for an undisclosed amount; Damian Balnerii from Retatyn GU as a free agent
Transfers out: Maximillion the Codger to Viztourzys Kolektyvinis for £5,000,000; Sam Charlfont to FC Brimstone for £4,000,000
Preview: St George's Creek will most definitely have mixed feelings going into this season. On the one hand, they qualified for Globe Cup football, something that has been a clear aim of the club for some time. However, they have also lost two of their best players in Maximillion the Codger and Sam Charlfont. Maximillion was the highest profile Apoxian player to move abroad this season, as he completed a transfer to Buyanese star team Viztourzys Kolektyvinis, while Sam Charlfont completed a transfer to FC Brimstone in the dying minutes of the transfer window - viewed as a disastrous move by many, as FC Brimstone are very much viewed as a fellow UICA contender. The players they've brought in, Damian Balnerii and Melody Sarmiento, both look to be good players, but it is hard to say exactly how well they'll perform and whether they'll be able to replace those players who have left. You get a sneaking suspicion that they won't, at least, not this season, and therefore, it's hard to see them repeat qualifying for the Globe Cup.
Last Season: 6th Predicted: 8th


FC Brimstone
Manager: John Grigia
Home Ground: FCB Stadium, Capacity: 28,000
Line-up: Howe -- Christos, Hewitt, Nicole, Stockinger -- Zante, Demir, Charlfont, Harper, Spitfire (c) -- McKenna
Transfers in: Sam Charlfont from St George's Creek for £4,000,000
Transfers out: Roy Tobin to Retired
Preview: FC Brimstone continue to consolidate and grow, with John Grigia keeping his squad together this season. They've managed to bring in San Charlfont in an excellent piece of business there. Miriam Spitfire still has the armband at the club, the veteran left mindfielder being one of the stars of the team, along with Catheline Stockinger, who really came of age in the Eagle's Cup, and Corinna McKenna, who had something of a break out season last time around and looks set to become one of the big stars of the league. After a couple of years of rebuilding, this team looks like it could qualify for the Globe Cup this season, after the ANL have yet again tinkered with the qualifying rules which means the top 7 teams will qualify for UICA.
Last Season: 7th Predicted: 7th


Wye United
Manager: Chris Maarsden
Home Ground: JK Stadium, Capacity: 21,000
Line-up: Benthron (c) -- Peel, Jamieson, Kosbayashi, Litchworth -- Leanord, Purrington, Dale, Fronden --
Saucedo, Scherzer
Transfers in: Árbol Saucedo from Avenida Leal for £4,500,000; Niko Kosbayashi from Exton F.C for £1,000,000
Transfers out: Leonhard Mixé to Urbanista for £1,500,000; Pelagia Kranc to Retired
Preview: Wye had a very good season last time, and they look like a settled top flight team now, much to the delight of their fans. They've brought in Guayabalian prospect Árbol Saucedo in a big money signing, and brought in unwanted Exton defender Niko Kosbayashi to replace Leonhard Mixé who has gone to Urbanista. A lot with depend on the partnership between the aforementioned Saucedo and Scherzer up front - for his part, if Cheney Scherzer can have another season like he did last time, then they should remain comfortably midtable this season - even if they might slip a bit from their good finish of 8th. Breaking into the top 8 is a hard feat to maintain consistently, as teams such as Exton F.C, St George's Creek and FC Brimstone have found out, so they shouldn't feel too downhearted if this season is a small step backwards.
Last Season: 8th Predicted: 9th


Wrexton F.C
Manager: Marjatta Olesen
Home Ground: MiXol Ground, Capacity: 22,000
Line-up: Tzion -- Ascot, Kary, Pedersen, Jones -- Gurdon, Cammers, Huff, Ohanna (c) -- Wessel, Olesen
Transfers in: Soren Pedersen from Lusenhagen for £3,000,000
Transfers out:
Preview: There's been very little change at Wrexton in the off season, with only Soren Pedersen, one of the Semarlandic horde that seems to have spread around the multiverse, coming into the club. Wrexton is now fully fan owned, meaning the team may not be able to throw their weight around as much as others financially, but they can forget about the financial troubles which hit them hard in the past. Now all they need to do is make sure they remain in the division - and they've got the players to do so, with strength throughout the team.
Last Season: 9th Predicted: 11th


Urbanista
Manager: Olim Benzari
Home Ground: Lime Ground, Capacity: 36,000
Line-up: Lockwood -- Böhler, Mixé, Faulkner, Hatem -- Troon, Quillisi (c), Kirk, Tyler -- Wolff -- Sandbottom
Transfers in: Mateusz Wolff from FC.1 Bjarneney Flotilla for £16,000,000; Rosie Tyler from Brayntel TU for £13,500,000; Leonhard Mixé from Wye United for £1,500,000
Transfers out: Actor Marsalis to Mandon United for £4,000,000; Alastair Brun to Parrhesia United for £800,000
Preview: Urbanista pressed the panic button a little over the off season, and Olim Benzari lead them on an extreme splurge on new players in an attempt to create a team which could consistently challenge for the title. As a result, they've got an entirely revamped team for this season, with Mateusz Wolff being the most prominent player to join, creating a brutal attack now. Rosie Tyler is a very versatile player, who can play either at left midfield, centre midfield or defensive midfield. Leonhard Mixé and Helena Böhler also join the side, meaning they've actually got something a top squad this side. It doesn't look like they'll manage Champion's Cup football yet, there are likely too many new faces for that, but they'll be close. They'll need to be, after spending that much money, Benzari will need results to keep his job, even if he is a national and club legend.
Last Season: 10th Predicted: 5th


Issington F.C
Manager: Foreman Jones
Home Ground: Dwile Stadium, Capacity: 25,000
Line-up: Steele -- Kazama, Cartwright, Ottilia, Viking -- di Mercurio -- Chapman, Wickaninnish -- Ithamar -- Delvecchio (c), Varano
Transfers in: Joss Wickaninnish from Urbanista Trojans for £500,000
Transfers out: Guus Olsen to Islay Town Mechanical as a free agent; Joe Frost to Retired
Preview: Last season was concrete proof, if any more was needed, of how far Issington have fallen. Th good news is that they've almost stemmed the flood of money leaving the club, and are nearly ready to begin paying back the enormous debts they've accumulated. Joe Frost has retired and Guus Olsen has left, meaning two of the biggest earners have gone. Foreman Jones has implemented a policy of youth, the board simply won't sanction any large transfers, with Joss Wickaninnish being the sole additon from the relegated Urbanista Trojans. Jones has also brought through Jadranka Steele and Wibke Ottilia from the youth ranks as he tries to stabilise the club. They shouldn't fall any further, but UICA football can be forgotten about for now, even with Alessandro Delvecchio having something of an indian summer in terms of his career.
Last Season: 11th Predicted: 10th


Miners '47
Manager: Joe Cunningham
Home Ground: The Pit, Capacity: 16,000
Line-up: Smith -- Greig, Thanathan, Royston, Horatio (c) -- Alton, Sortherner, Alasdia, Haines -- Alex, Wilbrahim
Transfers in:
Transfers out: Bradley Gaspar to Telino FC as a free agent
Preview: The Miners continue to bumble along in the lower midtable, without any serious promise of doing anything massively exciting and without looking like they are going to be safe from relegation any season. This season they look especially vulnerable, as both promoted teams look relatively strong, meaning that, despite having ridden their luck for so long, their time in this division may be up, which would be sad, as they have been one of the great underdog stories of the last few seasons. Anna Wilbrahim most likely won't be sticking around all that long regardless, she had her eye turned during the most recent off season, and it may be a stretch too far to keep her for another season after this - especially if they're relegated.
Last Season: 12th Predicted: 15th


Oldem Gents Club
Manager: Xav the Fast
Home Ground: New Alpaca Ground, Capacity: 22,000
Line-up: Frost -- Neal -- Barton, Wazockry, Dordain, Butler, de Leon -- Brave, Abel, Addario -- Opel (c)
Transfers in:
Transfers out: Odar Storbrittania to Gwinevra Barbarians for £3,500,000; Bersi Foss to P.E.C.S for £900,000
Preview: Oldem have had their squad raided, losing their captain and best player, Odar Storbrittania to Gwinevra during the off season, as well as Bersi Foss. It looks likely therefore, that this is going to be the last season of their brief sojourn in the top tier, as its hard to see where the quality to keep them up is going to come from. Alex Opel and Ivan Addario are decent players up front, as is half Apoxian, half Audioslavian Kevin Wazockry in defense, but the rest of the side look like a set of decent ANL2 players. The drop it is for them.
Last Season: 13th Predicted: 16th


Mandon United
Manager: Quentin O'Leary
Home Ground: Brookside Wharf, Capacity: 20,000
Line-up: Gweath -- Dray, Carson, Vasilev, Santana -- Benson, Babič, Lickett (c), Boadicea -- Karrkka -- Marsalis
Transfers in: Actor Marsalis from Urbanista for £4,000,000; Anton Vasilev from Barbury Town as a free agent
Transfers out: Peter Gray to Setter Trinity as a free agent
Preview: Mandon spent the off season raiding UICA level clubs of players they didn't want, which was actually quite a sound tactic, as they've brought in Anton Vasilev, the very experienced defender from Barbury, and Actor Marsalis, a decent striker for a team like them but sidelined at Urbanista. A striker was especially needed for them after Anna Fortuna rally failed to cut it at this level. They've got a lot of quality in midfield and if they can link up with Marsalis up front, then this inconsistent club could have one of their better seasons. It's quite hard to predict where they'll end up, but it'll likely be anywhere between 8th and 16th, so 12th place seems like a good bet.
Last Season: 14th Predicted: 12th


Mona A.F.C
Manager:
Home Ground: The Old Ground, Capacity: 17,500
Line-up: Anama -- Caspar, Thorn, Richards, Fitzroy -- Sagar, Zavanna, White, van Rossem -- Juquinho, Vigurs
Transfers in:
Transfers out: Tom Cergennan to Pikemouth for £800,000
Preview: Mona are back in the top flight, the current yo-yo club walking easily to another second tier title, mainly through the goals of the newly discovered Alan Vigurs and Tom Cergennan. Cergennan is gone, but Juquinho is back after a season long loan at FC Harpoon, and he continues to develop well into a good striker at this level. Quentrim Anama is still a good keeper, and Stacy Zavanna could turn a few heads this season with her skills in midfield. They should have enough to avoid the drop.
Last Season: 1st, ANL2 Predicted: 13th


Uxminster Athletic
Manager: Clive Dunne
Home Ground: Beachfront Close, Capacity: 18,000
Line-up: -- Roll, Banks, Fowey -- Tolli -- Abbracciabene, Michelakos, Anderssen, Karlsen -- Pope, Fitzpatrick
Transfers in: Trystan Fitzpatrick from Samaj FC for £4,000,000; Daedalus Michelakos from FC Axel Heiburg for £1,000,000
Transfers out:
Preview: Who the hell are Uxminster Athletic you ask? Well, a team with a fair bit of top flight experience as it turns out, as they were known as Sunshine Athletic until last season, when both fans, board and players agreed on a name change, bringing them closer to their home town. They've spent a fair bit in the off season as well, bringing in Trystan Fitzpatrick from Cosumar and the "best Penthesilean footballer ever" in Daedalus Michelakos from Axel Heiburg in the Islandstates. There are other players who could certainly perform in the top tier, such as Alan Pope up front, Erik Abbracciabene in midfield and James Fowey in defense. Those last two could definitely become Apoxian internationals in a couple of years if they continue their development and move away to a bigger club. It might be close, but Athletic should have enough talent on their books to stay up.
Last Season: 3rd, ANL2 Predicted: 14th

Atletico Standard
Barbury F.C
Bouldertown
Calshott Lighthouse
Egloskerry
FC Harpoon
Gurdle A.F.C
Gwinevra Bulls
Lighthouse Coves
Moscva 2k12
Mulhampstead
Oldem Mechanical
Old Licentians
Southtown
Urbanista Trojans - Favourites
Urbanista Young Boys

Armageddon Casuals
Azewyn Royals
Beowulf FC
Cawln Wanderers
Celts
Docklands United
Don't Panic FC
Flotsam & Jetsam
Frewick F.C - Favourites
Kepler United
Kingsford FC
Old Guard Regiment
Project +90
The Dambusters
TP Indians
Yerk United

[Apox]

Super Sixteen Season 15

All change in the Lockwood Cup this season! Montfort Lions are the highest placing team from The Licentian Isles, and therefore they are the team to take part in the Lockwood Cup, against Lockwood Cup stalwarts JK Memorial Squad.

Past Finals History:
I: Colesham City Blues 7-0 Dwile Jerseys
II: Islanders 26–24 JK Memorial Squad
III: Islanders 14–14 JK Memorial Squad
IV: Colesham City Blues 20–7 Dwile Jerseys
V: Dwile Jerseys 7–0 Colesham City Blues
VI: Colesham City Blues 19–0 Dwile Jerseys
VII: JK Memorial Squad 17–17 Colesham City Blues

8th Lockwood Cup
Montfort Lions 5–0 JK Memorial Squad

Definitely cursed for Apoxian teams...

                           Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
 1 Colesham City Blues      30   22   2   7   354  181 +173    90 - CHAMPIONS, SEASOGS
 2 Islanders                30   19   0  11   534  378 +156    76 - SEASOGS
 3 JK Memorial Squad        30   19   0  11   513  364 +149    76 - SEASOGS
 4 Mandon Faithful          30   18   1  11   502  391 +111    73 - SEASOGS
 5 Northern Urbanista       30   18   0  13   335  212 +123    72 - SEASOGS
 6 Dwile Jerseys            30   18   0  12   389  366  +23    72 - SEASOGS
 7 Hudd Trolls              30   15   2  13   446  467  −21    62
 8 Gwinevra Saints          30   15   1  14   362  324  +38    61
 9 The Vikings              30   14   2  14   467  421  +46    58
10 Montfort Lions           30   14   1  15   381  417  −36    57
11 Mona Warriors            30   13   0  17   407  384  +23    52
12 Barbury Exiles           30   13   0  17   331  455 −124    52
13 The Redwood Club         30   12   0  18   399  476  −77    48
14 Celtic Warriors          30    9   3  18   408  501  −93    39
15 Southern Urbanista       30    9   2  19   302  491 −189    38 - RELEGATED
16 Carrington Devils        30    5   0  25   219  521 −302    20 - RELEGATED

Colesham City Blues easily win the title, obtaining a fantastic 90 points along the way, with Islanders and JK Memorial Squad the next closest challengers, Mandon Faithful, Northern Urbanista and Dwile Jerseys round out the Seasogs spots, with Hudd Trolls and Gwinevra Saints some way off in 7th and 8th place. The Vikings have another good season, consolidating their places at the top, while Southern Urbanista and Carrington Devils are the relegated teams - that's the second season in a row where both promoted teams head straight back down.

The Apox Premier League

                           Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD BP  Pts 
1 Exton Heraldrim           14   10   0   4   189  131  +58  3   43 - CHAMPIONS, PROMOTED
2 RFC                       14    9   0   5   149   91  +58  4   40
3 Dwile Rugby               14    8   1   5   269  199  +70  3   36
4 Zealots of the North      14    8   0   6   257  240  +17  2   34
5 Cierbana                  14    6   1   7   184  199  −15  3   28
6 Ecchinswell Saints        14    6   0   8   144  187  −43  1   25
7 Oldem Academicals         14    4   0  10    84  182  −98  2   18
8 Oxshott Exiles            14    3   2   9   179  226  −47  2   16 - RELEGATED

Exton Heraldrim win out to ensure they'll have a quick return to the top tier of Apoxian rugby, while down the bottom, Oxshott Exiles are off again, this league being too small for them to settle into it easily. Oldem Academicals just about survive this season in the second tier, as Skibbereen are promoted from the APL2 for next season.

Apoxian Qualifiers (APX): JK Memorial Squad, Mandon Faithful, Northern Urbanista

Licentian Qualifiers (TLI): Colesham City Blues, Islanders

[Apox]

ANL Season 16 - Part One

27th January - UICA First Preliminary Round
Impact de le Royer (NGL) 0-2 Urbanista

Urbanista begin the Apoxian football season on a cold, dark January night, playing against a team from a nation which none of the visiting fans had heard of before. Luckily for them, they had an exciting new team to watch, and Olim Benzari decided to unveil Mateusz Wolff in this game, Rosie Tyler and Leonhard Mixé not being signed by the club yet. It was a simple win in the end, Armando Quillisi netting in the 30th minute off Moses Uijtdewilligen's rebounded shot, before Mateusz Wolff showed why the club paid 16 million for him, the young Polarian scoring with a spectacularly volley from 30 metres out with 6 minutes left to play, sealing the win for Urbanista.

30th January - UICA First Preliminary Round
Urbanista 4-2 Impact de le Royer (NGL)

Another early game for Urbanista, and another win, with Impact de le Royer providing only slightly more resistance than last time, with Elvis Sandbottom scoring from the spot after 15 minutes, before doubling his goal total 2 minutes later. Impact attempted to get more into the game at this point, but Alexander Kirk was quick to score the 3rd goal of the match, before a lapse in concentration meant John Lockwood let one slip through. The second half was heated, but Urbanista had the early advantage, Elvis Sandbottom completing his hat-trick in the 56th minute, before Impact scored a consolation goal, Benzari taking off a number of key players now that progression was assured.

3rd February - UICA Second Preliminary Round
Urbanista 2-1 Marylebone Invicta (TFI)

Another early game for Urbanista, Olim Benzari already needing to break out the squad rotation in order to prevent his players from becoming tired under the punishing early season schedule for those clubs entering the UICA competition in the early stages. This time they face the more challenging opposition of Marylebone Invicta, with Invicta scoring first, Helena Böhler's poor back pass being leaped on by Invicta. However, Urbanista are quick to strike back, and it is Armando Quillisi who sets up Mateusz Wolff to score his second goal at the club, a scorching strike from just inside the area. It's looking like it could result in a home draw for Urbanista, before Ben Hatem pops up to head the ball in off a corner to hand Urbanista a narrow advantage before they head to the Fallenmark Islands to play again.

10th February - UICA Second Preliminary Round
Marylebone Invicta (TFI) 2-2 Urbanista

Urbanista are still gelling as a squad then, as Invicta push them close, with Urbanista racing into an early 2-0 lead as a result of Elvis Sandbottom and Rosie Tyler's early strikes, before Marylebone get one back just before the break. Urbanista were still too casual in the second half though, and a stupidly conceded penalty by Leonhard Mixé, means that Marylebone are right back into it, although they'd have to score twice to advance due to away goals. Urbanista just hold out, but their defense doesn't look especially strong, something they'll need to improve on if they want to perform well this season.

17th February - UICA Third Preliminary Round
Ibini FC (VAL) 2-0 Barbury Town
Urbanista 2-2 Lahore Ravens (PAT)
St George's Creek 2-1 Borussia Dortmund (FLW)

Something of a mixed set of results there then. Barbury still look like they're on holiday as Ibini FC despatch them with ease, cantering to a 2-0 lead at half time, before Ken Rickwright brought on Matthias Sindelar to organise the defense better and shore up their troubles. Urbanista once again succumb an early lead to the Lahore Ravens of Patistan, while St George's Creek narrowly beat Borussia Dortmund of Fellow Citizens in their first ever UICA match, an Ezekiel Charlestown brace being enough to hand them the advantage going into the second leg.

20th - 21st February - ANL Matchday 1
FC Endeavour 0–0 Oldem Gents Club
Dwile Warriors 3–1 Miners '47
Barbury Town 1–0 Uxminster Athletic
Gwinevra Barbarians 1–2 Mona A.F.C - Sunday game
Urbanista 4–4 Wye United
Exton F.C 0–1 Mandon United - Sunday game
FC Brimstone 0–1 Wrexton F.C
St George's Creek 1–0 Issington F.C

A brilliant set of opening matches to begin the sixteenth season there. Dwile Warriors opened their season with a win, Tolgus Tregajorran scoring the first goal of the season with a volley past Quentrim Anama's head in the second minute, the Warriors eventually trotting out 3-1 winners. Uxminster Athletic's return to the ANL is no better, in fact it's worse, as firebrand Erik Abbracciabene is sent off for fouling Curio in the box - and Jody Rijshaart's penalty seals Barbury a relatively easy first win of the season. It's not the only red card of the opening day, and you'd really expect it to come from Rohan Cammers, who jinked his way through FC Brimstone's increasingly impressive looking midfield to arrogantly chip Fred Howe to score. Just to rub it in to the home fans, he runs over to the season ticket holders and chucks his shirt into the angry crowd, swearing with great gusto all the while, giving the ref little choice but to give Cammers his first red card of the season. FC Endeavour are surprisingly held to a 0-0 draw by the ultra defensive Oldem Gents Club, Oldem looking like a team of 11 defenders for much of the game, causing Petter Aurelias to deride Gents Club as a "team of amateurs" following the game. St George's Creek beat Issington, in a game which showed perfectly the differing directions in which the two teams are heading this season - Alex Paradys the scorer.

24th February - UICA Third Preliminary Round
Barbury Town 0-2 Ibini FC (VAL)
Lahore Ravens (PAT) 0-1 Urbanista
Borussia Dortmund (FLW) 0-4 St. George's Creek

Barbury are dumped unceremoniously out of the Champions Cup by Ibini FC at the first hurdle, not scoring a goal for their efforts and not managing a run in the top competition internationally, as they've managed over the last few seasons. Urbanista, continue to narrowly rush on through the rounds, beating Lahore Ravens 1-0 away from home to win 3-2 on aggregate and continue their never ending journey through the preliminary rounds. St George's Creek dismantle Borussia Dortmund in emphatic fashion, with Damian Balnerii becoming a new fan favourite, scoring two goals and setting up another for captain Axe the Dominant to score.

27th - 28th February - ANL Matchday 2
Oldem Gents Club 1–1 Issington F.C
Wrexton F.C 2–0 St George's Creek
Mandon United 0–0 FC Brimstone
Wye United 1–0 Exton F.C
Mona A.F.C 0–1 Urbanista
Uxminster Athletic 1–2 Gwinevra Barbarians
Miners '47 0–2 Barbury Town
FC Endeavour 3–1 Dwile Warriors - Sunday game

Wrexton F.C manage a win without Rohan Cammers; captain Jack Ohanna and Isidor Wessel scoring against St George's Creek to hand them another win, and thus put them top of the table. Barbury Town are close behind, Miners '47 putting up little resistance to the well organised side Barbury put out. Urbanista are also enjoying a relatively good season so far, and a lone goal from Armando Quillisi is enough to see off Mona A.F.C. Exton F.C, on the other hand, are not enjoying their season so far, they are yet to score a goal, with their young striker Alfreton Zerzubar perhaps being a gamble too far for them, Wye United squeaking past them at home today. However, the biggest game of the weekend is undoubtedly Sunday's clash between FC Endeavour and Dwile Warriors, with the Warriors heading to the Garganaut, and heading home with not a lot to shout about, Pekka Kalehmainen scoring his first goal for the club, before Zana Ibrox, the player of the match, headed one home and set up Alex Terán for the second, with Mateus Carvalho's late goal nothing more than a consolation rather than a serious attempt to regain lost ground.

3rd March - UICA Playoff Round
Avenida Principal (FRF) 1-2 Gwinevra Barbarians
St George's Creek 0-2 Crompton City (TSA)
Urbanista 1-1 Sikaaser United (JKT)
CD Barrio El Niño (SJG) 0-1 Barbury Town

Another set of big games for the teams in UICA. Only Avenida Principal stand between Gwinevra Barbarians and the Group stages of the Champions Cup, and Gwinevra have the upper hand as they beat them away in Farfadillis, with an early headed goal from Willem Otkupshchikov before a spectacular goal from Odar Storbrittania in the second half concludes the win, with the defenders taking centre stage. St George's Creek discover harder opposition in the form of Crompton City, who manage to keep a clean sheet in beating them. Urbanista concede early yet again, but Elvis Sandbottom is on hand to rescue them later on in the game. Barbury Town manage to finally win one, Sverre Devold's tap in from Alex Mo's cross giving them a slim lead going into the second leg.

6th - 7th March - ANL Matchday 3
Dwile Warriors 0–0 Oldem Gents Club
Barbury Town 5–3 FC Endeavour
Gwinevra Barbarians 2–2 Miners '47
Urbanista 0–0 Uxminster Athletic
Exton F.C 1–0 Mona A.F.C
FC Brimstone 2–3 Wye United - Sunday game
St George's Creek 2–0 Mandon United
Issington F.C 1–0 Wrexton F.C

Oldem Gents Club have become something of a jinx team for the higher ranked sides, as Dwile are the latest team to have their efforts stymied by the extreme defending power of Oldem, with Dwile registering a massive 32 shots, 14 of them on target, to Oldem's 1. Nedum Frost, Oldem's keeper, unsurprisingly walks off with the man of the match medal. Barbury Town take part in a goal fest with Endeavour, with a Curio inspired comeback giving Barbury the win, after Barbury were 3-1 down, they eventually win 5-3, Curio's three goals being key there. Wye continue their excellent starts to their seasons, with Wye seeing off Brimstone 3-2, Cheney Scherzer and Árbol Saucedo forging a real understanding in the middle of the park, as they move up to second behind the perfect record Barbury Town. Exton F.C finally manage to score, Alfreton Zerzubar helping to silence his many critics with an absolute firebolt to see off Mona.

10th March - UICA Playoff Round
Gwinevra Barbarians 0-0 Avenida Principal (FRF)
Crompton City (TSA) 0-0 St George's Creek
Sikaaser United (JKT) 1-3 Urbanista
Barbury Town 2-0 CD Barrio El Niño (SJG)

Well, isn't that remarkable, a Farf team failed to score in a match... Although they did have to deal with the star back line of Storbrittania, Mata, Otkupshchikov and Zezinho, with Ettie Seabrooke in goal. As a result, Gwinevra will be joining Dwile Warriors and FC Endeavour in the Champions Cup group stage this season. St George's Creek are frozen out of the Globe Cup by Crompton City, unable to find a way through. Urbanista, for their part, easily despatch Sikaaser United away from home, with Rosie Tyler being the catalyst in that match, scoring one, and then setting up both Mateusz Wolff and Alexander Kirk to score the other two goals. Barbury Town are also through to the next round, Namine Nagatomo and Curio being the scorers in that game.

13th - 14th March - ANL Matchday 4
Oldem Gents Club 1–0 Wrexton F.C
Mandon United 3–4 Issington F.C
Wye United 2–1 St George's Creek
Mona A.F.C 1–1 FC Brimstone
Uxminster Athletic 1–0 Exton F.C
Miners '47 1–1 Urbanista
FC Endeavour 3–2 Gwinevra Barbarians - Sunday game
Dwile Warriors 2–1 Barbury Town - Sunday game

Oldem Gents Club continue to defy all expectations so far this season, and they are as of yet undefeated, their first victory of the season coming against Wrexton F.C. Issington have also had a relatively good season, with Mandon United putting up a stiff challenge, but new captain Alessandro Delvecchio was on hand to score twice, along with Hilde Varano and Michel di Mercurio. Exton F.C continue their terrible start to the season, with Trystan Fitzpatrick of Uxminster scoring his first goal in the ANL to see off their southern rivals.

Sunday is something of an all star occasion, with all four teams finishing in the top four spots from last season facing off against each other. In the first game, FC Endeavour have too much attacking intent for Gwinevra Barbarians, Danny Leighton continuing his good early form, with goals from Alex Terán and Marcus Redwood as well. Also notable was Moses Luc Bjerregaard's spectacular clearance of Conor Morriston's shot off the line in the 90th minute to guarantee the three points for Endeavour. The other game also goes the way of the home side, with Dwile Warriors fighting back from 1-0 down, with Tolgus Tregajorran scoring in the 82nd minute, and Richard D'Oyly grabbing the three points 5 minutes later, right at the death.

20th - 21st March - ANL Matchday 5
Barbury Town 2–0 Oldem Gents Club
Gwinevra Barbarians 1–2 Dwile Warriors
Urbanista 2–0 FC Endeavour
Exton F.C 1–0 Miners '47
FC Brimstone 1–1 Uxminster Athletic
St George's Creek 1–1 Mona A.F.C
Issington F.C 4–1 Wye United
Wrexton F.C 2–2 Mandon United - Sunday game

Issington F.C are up to second in the early season table madness, with Alessandro Delvecchio having probably the best form of his life, this time they despatch previously top side Wye United, Delvecchio grabbing a hat-trick for himself, with Michel di Mercurio scoring the other. In the "Auld Classic", Dwile once again finish on top, Tolgus Tregajorran grabbing a brace, with Morgana Foloris' goal being the lone reply. Gwinevra, after an exceedingly tough opening run in, currently sit 14th, Jorgen Hauge said that the team isn't panicking, saying "there's still 75 points left to play for, if we obtain all of those points, that's a record points score right there". Bold talk. Exton F.C shuffle up the table a little, with Zerzubar being substituted at half time after another uneasy performance, his replacement, Branko Tomić, scoring after 6 minutes on the pitch. Sammie Puskas is walking a very tight line. Urbanista continue their good early form to beat FC Endeavour, Endeavour not having the look of title winners at the moment.

24th March - UICA Qualifying Round
Urbanista 1-1 Bassabrook Old Boys (ZWG)
Barbury Town 3-1 Inter Binar (ZEN)

The final set of games before the UICA group stages then, and it is two home games for both involved teams. Barbury Town have a great game in front of a capacity crowd of baying fans, with Curio opening the scoring, before Namine Nagatomo scored 4 minutes either side of the hour mark to put Barbury in a good position for the second leg. Urbanista struggle once again, with the Zwangzugian side Bassabrook Old Boys freezing them out of quite a dull first half, before Mateusz Wolff, so far the player of the season for them, stepped up to take a penalty due to Elvis Sandbottom not being on the field at the time. A player of his calibre was never going to miss.

27th March - Marshall Cup First Round
Mulhampstead 0-0 Lighthouse Coves (0-0 AET, 3-1 PKs)
Beowulf FC 1-1 Moscva 2k12 (1-2 AET)
The Dambusters 1-1 Celts (2-2 AET, 1-2 PKs)
Oldem Mechanical 2-1 Old Licentians
Gwinevra Bulls 1-1 Southtown (1-1 AET, 1-2 PKs)
Bouldertown 1-0 Yerk United
Barbury F.C 1-4 Flotsam & Jetsam
Cawln Wanderers 2-1 Don't Panic FC
Azewyn Royals 2-1 Old Guard Regiment
FC Harpoon 2-4 Armageddon Casuals
Frewick F.C 1-4 Urbanista Young Boys
Atletico Standard 0-0 Kingsford FC (1-0 AET)
TP Indians 1-1 Docklands United (1-2 AET)
Project +90 1-2 Urbanista Trojans
Calshott Lighthouse 0-2 Egloskerry
Gurdle A.F.C 1-1 Kepler United (2-1 AET)

Thats a helleva lot of games going to penalties or extra time, as the teams from the lower tiers kick off the Marshall Cup adventure. There are a couple of surprises, FC Harpoon losing to Armageddon Casuals is one, as well as Flotsam & Jetsam comprehensively beating Barbury F.C. Last editions cup giant killers, Project +90 are unable to repeat that feat this time around, as Urbanista Trojans prove to be too much for them.

31st March - UICA Qualifying Round
Bassabrook Old Boys (ZWG) 1-3 Urbanista
Inter Binar (ZEN) 0-2 Barbury Town

Two confident away wins there to ensure that Apox has six teams representing the country in the Group stages there. Urbanista face no unwanted comeback from their opposition this time around, with Olim Benzari having Elvis Sandbottom back available, and what a difference he made, scoring twice and setting up Armando Quillisi to head in the third goal of the match. Ken Rickwright's Barbury Town also do well, with Jo de Marisco scoring her first of the season, before Sverre Devold's free kick finds it's mark to double the advantage.

3rd - 4th April - ANL Matchday 6
Oldem Gents Club 1–4 Mandon United
Wye United 2–1 Wrexton F.C - Sunday game
Mona A.F.C 0–0 Issington F.C
Uxminster Athletic 2–0 St George's Creek
Miners '47 0–2 FC Brimstone
FC Endeavour 1–1 Exton F.C - Sunday game
Dwile Warriors 2–0 Urbanista
Barbury Town 1–2 Gwinevra Barbarians

Three big games between top teams this week, with FC Endeavour continuing to struggle for form, much to the chagrin of supporters, Exton F.C finally managing to have something of a good game, as Alfreton Zerzubar opened the scoring in the 3rd minute as Exton started fast, Endeavour only being able to slowly work themselves into the match, Pekka Kalehmainen's goal in the 80th minute gaining them a point, but not the three they'll have wanted. Dwile Warriors go top with a victory over Urbanista in a relatively easy win for Moon Dust's side. Gwinevra Barbarians continue to have a hard time with the fixture list, although this time a Conor Morriston in excellent form is enough to earn them a win against Barbury Town as they start to climb up the table to the half you'd expect to see them in. Elsewhere, St. George's Creek continue to have a torrid time of things, newly promoted Uxminster Athletic netting twice, while fellow former Old Guardian side Oldem slip into the relegation places with Mandon United refinding their swagger until a revitalised Actor Marsalis.

10th - 11th April - ANL Matchday 7
Gwinevra Barbarians 0–1 Oldem Gents Club - Sunday game
Urbanista 0–1 Barbury Town
Exton F.C 2–0 Dwile Warriors
FC Brimstone 0–3 FC Endeavour
St George's Creek 3–1 Miners '47
Issington F.C 3–1 Uxminster Athletic
Wrexton F.C 1–2 Mona A.F.C
Mandon United 1–1 Wye United

Another welcome week without midweek football for the UICA sides, with Barbury once again going top, after Namine Nagatomo's shot skidded into goal past a hapless looking John Lockwood - as Urbanista appear to have lost all form, not a good thing with UICA Group Stages just around the corner. Exton F.C also inflict something of a surprise result on Dwile, with Alfreton Zerzubar appearing to finally hit some form, scoring once and setting up captain Niko Vaarakallio for his sides second goal. FC Endeavour comprehensively beat a FC Brimstone side devoid of form, in a display of what could be if Endeavour managed to click each week, the Dwile club simply blowing a decent Brimstone side out of the water. Oldem Gents Club surprisingly beat Gwinevra as well, Gwinevra really need to start winning some more or the pressure could be very firmly on Jorgen Hauge to turn things around.

14th April - UICA Group Stage
Dwile Warriors 0-0 Bengtsmark IF (BYN)
Mâ Âlâmëómë (FRF) 1-1 Gwinevra Barbarians
FC Endeavour 2-1 Fontvielle Impact (VLD)
Brewers (SVL) 3-1 Barbury Town
Sieburg (FEL) 2-1 Urbanista
Griffin Zebras (JSY) 1-2 Exton F.C

A particularly interesting set of results there, with many teams struggling a little. Dwile Warriors draw a blank against a Bengtsmark side they swept aside last season, as they begin their UICA campaign this season with 10 players for 40 minutes of the match - Richard D'Oyly being shown a red for a professional foul to prevent a goal. Gwinevra Barbarians fight back to obtain a draw against Farf super club Mâ Âlâmëómë, with Apoxian superstar defender Solomon Etezadi being unable to help his side keep a clean sheet, Conor Morriston's scuffed shot rolling into the net. FC Endeavour beat former giants Fontvielle Impact, with Endeavour having an eye on becoming giants in a similar fashion to Impact, Danny Leighton and Moses Luc Bjerregaard the scorers in that game.

In the Globe Cup, Barbury lose spectacularly to the unfancied side from relative newcomers Stvolo Latoli, Matthias Sindelar's late goal being nothing but a consolation goal. Urbanista lose to Sieburg, struggling as well, while Exton F.C enjoy their first UICA Group Stage game, Sammie Puskas breaking from her usual formation to play both Branko Tomic and Alfreton Zerzubar, in an attempt to see which player should be deserving of that starting spot. Neither player helps her, with Tomic netting the opener before Zerzubar scored with a spectacular header to secure the win for Exton.

17th - 18th April - ANL Matchday 8
Oldem Gents Club 1–4 Wye United
Mona A.F.C 1–1 Mandon United
Uxminster Athletic 0–0 Wrexton F.C
Miners '47 1–0 Issington F.C
FC Endeavour 2–3 St George's Creek - Sunday game
Dwile Warriors 1–0 FC Brimstone
Barbury Town 1–0 Exton F.C
Gwinevra Barbarians 2–1 Urbanista - Sunday game

Wye United continue their excellent run of form with a dominant victory over a fairly useless Oldem Gents Club, Scherzer and Saucedo once again linking up excellently, Wye currently outscoring the entire division. Miners '47 get their first win of the season against a previously quite competitive looking Issington side, Issington's youthful defense looking a little ragged there. St George's Creek get a fantastic result against FC Endeavour, with Endeavour's star studded squad looking a little rugged in that game. Dwile Warriors continue to keep up the pressure on the top of the table with a 1-0 victory over FC Brimstone, Tolgus Tregajorran, a player going through a fantastic patch of form, the scorer. Gwinevra Barbarians manage to win a tough game against Urbanista, allowing them to climb up the table a little.

21st April - UICA Group Stage
Ulsa (EUR) 0-0 Dwile Warriors
Gwinevra Barbarians 1-1 Blau-Weiss Pallstadt (BYN)
SK Franz Josef City (PIS) 2-2 FC Endeavour
Barbury Town 1-0 Atteregav Numa (EAR)
Urbanista 1-0 FC Almintora (TUR)
Exton F.C 3-0 Fadron Flight (TAE)

Generally a better set of results this week for the UICA teams, with 3 draws in the Champion's Cup and 3 wins in the Globe Cup. Dwile Warriors are still yet to score in this year's competition, although a 0-0 draw with Ulsa is probably a fair result under the circumstances. FC Endeavour go to SK Franz Josef City, a massive encounter, where the points are shared between the two sides. Barbury Town turn around their woes, Curio's 70th minute strike seeing of Atteregav Numa of Earent, while Urbanista also see off FC Almintora. Exton F.C are flying high so far, easily beating Fadron Flight, this time goals from Niko Vaarakallio, Olim Shahzad and Marius Ognevski seeing them continue their good Globe Cup season.

24th - 25th April - ANL Matchday 9
Urbanista 0–0 Oldem Gents Club
Exton F.C 2–0 Gwinevra Barbarians
FC Brimstone 0–0 Barbury Town - Sunday game
St George's Creek 3–2 Dwile Warriors
Issington F.C 1–2 FC Endeavour
Wrexton F.C 3–1 Miners '47
Mandon United 1–0 Uxminster Athletic
Wye United 0–1 Mona A.F.C

Urbanista share a fairly dull 0-0 draw with Oldem, as they sit mired in mid-table thus far this season, the heat is on for Olim Benzari and his team to turn things around as things stand. Exton F.C move up a very congested mid-table with an impressive 2-0 victory against a Gwinevra Barbarians side who have also struggled thus far this season - Alfreton Zerzubar appearing to have finally come good for them, as he sets up Ayrton Villa for his first goal at the club before scoring the second himself. FC Endeavour complete a fairly routine looking win against Issington F.C as Petter Aurelias appears to be finally bedding in his side. Notable in that game was Alessandro Delvecchio scoring his 7th goal of the season and in doing so becoming the 5th player to score 100 goals in ANL history, the standing ovation he received well deserved. Dwile Warriors surprisingly lose to St. George's Creek, who have remarkably beaten both Endeavour and Dwile by the same scoreline in consecutive weeks - Sanderstal the Almighty being hailed as something of a genius down in Oldem at the moment.

28th April - UICA Group Stage
Dwile Warriors 2-1 Falcus FC (FAC)
Gwinevra Barbarians 1-0 Jungle Strike FC (VIL)
FC Endeavour 1-0 Brinemouth (NPH)
FTC United (ZWG) 1-2 Barbury Town
Turoki Isle (VIL) 2-3 Urbanista
Exton F.C 0-2 La Nueva Avenida (FRF)

Another highly successful mid week set of games for the UICA teams, with everyone gaining a result except for Exton F.C against La Nueva Avenida. Dwile Warriors finally score some goals, Tregajorran and Treloquithack the scorers as they sweep aside Falcus FC. Gwinevra and Endeavour both best their opposition by a single goal scored, while Barbury and Urbanista both head out on the road, with successful results for both, Urbanista finally getting the powerful strike force of Mateusz Wolff and Elvis Sandbottom working together again.

31st April - 1st May - ANL Matchday 10
Oldem Gents Club 0–1 Mona A.F.C
Uxminster Athletic 4–2 Wye United - Sunday game
Miners '47 1–1 Mandon United
FC Endeavour 3–1 Wrexton F.C
Dwile Warriors 1–0 Issington F.C
Barbury Town 2–1 St George's Creek - Sunday game
Gwinevra Barbarians 1–1 FC Brimstone
Urbanista 2–1 Exton F.C

Mona A.F.C have been quietly having a very successful season, and so it shows with a simple 1-0 victory over Oldem moving them up to 5th place in the table. Wye United, after an amazing start, begin to slip a little with Uxminster Athletic putting in a very confident performance indeed, with Alan Pope, Trystan Fitzpatrick, Daedalus Michelakos and Erik Abbracciabene all scoring for the southern side. Issington F.C are another club who's season appears to be in free-fall, with Dwile Warriors beating the latest side to beat them. FC Endeavour win, through the aggression and determination of player of the match Zana Ibrox, meaning they now go up to third, 5 points behind Barbury in first with a third of the season gone. The aforementioned Barbury end St George's Creek's run of impressive victories against the top sides, with Sverre Devold and Matthias Sindelar countering out Damian Balnerii's lone strike for the Creek.

                           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Barbury Town             10    7   1   2    16    8   +8    22
 2 Dwile Warriors           10    6   1   3    14   11   +3    19
 3 FC Endeavour             10    5   2   3    20   16   +4    17
 4 Wye United               10    5   2   3    20   19   +1    17
 5 Mona A.F.C               10    4   4   2     9    7   +2    16
 6 St George's Creek        10    5   1   4    15   14   +1    16
 7 Issington F.C            10    4   2   4    14   11   +3    14
 8 Mandon United            10    3   5   2    14   12   +2    14
 9 Exton F.C                10    4   1   5     8    7   +1    13
10 Urbanista                10    3   4   3    11   11    0    13
11 Uxminster Athletic       10    3   3   4    10   10    0    12
12 Wrexton F.C              10    3   2   5    11   12   −1    11
13 Gwinevra Barbarians      10    3   2   5    13   16   −3    11
14 Oldem Gents Club         10    2   4   4     5   12   −7    10
15 FC Brimstone             10    1   5   4     7   11   −4     8
16 Miners '47               10    1   3   6     8   18  −10     6

In the second tier, desperately trying to remain relevant as more than an opportunity for the relegated teams to head back up again, Urbanista Trojans head up the table with ten games down, Gwinevra Bulls and Atletico Standard right behind them, although Oldem Mechanical are doing well at this early stage of the season. Gurdle A.F.C are defying pretty much everyone's expectations in currently sitting 5th, with record breaking Bouldertown down in 8th at this point in the season.

FC Harpoon, despite beating Gurdle A.F.C 6-0 on Matchday 5, aren't able to maintain a solid promotion push, and sit wallowing in 10th, along with Egloskerry, who have really regressed in recent years to the point where the second tier really looks their level, Egloskerry suffering along with Issington in there being too many top clubs based in Dwile. Down at the bottom of the table, Southtown look completely lost, winless so far, while any one of Urbanista Young Boys, Calshott Lighthouse and Old Licentians could join them at the end of the season.

Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Urbanista Trojans         10    6   3   1    18    7  +11    21
 2 Gwinevra Bulls            10    6   1   3    14   10   +4    19
 3 Atletico Standard         10    5   3   2    15   13   +2    18
 4 Oldem Mechanical          10    5   2   3    11    6   +5    17
 5 Gurdle A.F.C              10    5   2   3     7   12   −5    17
 6 Barbury F.C               10    4   3   3    13   10   +3    15
 7 Lighthouse Coves          10    4   3   3    11   10   +1    15
 8 Bouldertown               10    4   2   4    20   17   +3    14
 9 Mulhampstead              10    4   2   4    10   10    0    14
10 FC Harpoon                10    3   4   3    19   15   +4    13
11 Egloskerry                10    4   1   5    12   10   +2    13
12 Moscva 2k12               10    3   3   4    10   13   −3    12
13 Old Licentians            10    2   4   4    13   19   −6    10
14 Calshott Lighthouse       10    2   3   5     8   11   −3     9
15 Urbanista Young Boys      10    3   0   7    10   20  −10     9
16 Southtown                 10    0   4   6     1    9   −8     4

In the baby of the three divisions - there is carnage as usual. Beowulf FC, in only their second season in the ANL system, top the table after 10 games, with TP Indians, Azewyn Royals (their debut season) and Dockland United all three points behind and currently contesting the play-off spots. Everyone's favourite team with a stupid name, Armageddon Casuals, have been having something of a good season thus far, spurred on by the goals of a certain Keri Ularu, now aged 40 and playing for the club part time for no fee, helping them on. Pre season favourites Frewick F.C sit perilously down in 14th place, showing just how hard it is to predict this league, while the The Dambusters and Flotsam & Jetsam, for many years before the threat of relegation the bottom feeders of the league, return to the bottom this season, although the pressure will be on to avoid that trouble.

Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Beowulf FC              10    6   2   2    24   18   +6    20
 2 TP Indians              10    5   2   3    28   21   +7    17
 3 Azewyn Royals           10    5   2   3    24   20   +4    17
 4 Docklands United        10    5   2   3     9    6   +3    17
 5 Cawln Wanderers         10    5   1   4    24   22   +2    16
 6 Armageddon Casuals      10    5   1   4    21   20   +1    16
 7 Don't Panic FC          10    5   1   4    13   15   −2    16
 8 Kepler United           10    4   3   3    21   16   +5    15
 9 Project +90             10    5   0   5    19   14   +5    15
10 Kingsford FC            10    3   4   3     8   10   −2    13
11 Yerk United             10    3   3   4    20   22   −2    12
12 Celts                   10    3   3   4    12   14   −2    12
13 Old Guard Regiment      10    3   3   4    13   16   −3    12
14 Frewick F.C             10    2   3   5    13   17   −4     9
15 Flotsam & Jetsam        10    2   3   5    10   23  −13     9
16 The Dambusters          10    2   1   7    20   25   −5     7

[Apox]

ANL Season 16 - Part Two

4th May 582 - UICA Group Stage
Bengtsmark IF (BYN) 2-1 Dwile Warriors
Gwinevra Barbarians 0-0 Mâ Âlâmëómë (FRF)
Fontvielle Impact (VLD) 3-3 FC Endeavour
Barbury Town 1-2 Brewers (SVL)
Urbanista 2-3 Sieburg (FEL)
Exton F.C 4-0 Griffin Zebras (JSY)

Hmm. That's the best way to describe this mid-week set of fixtures, with a generally poor showing from Apoxian clubs. Dwile Warriors for some reason are simply unable to handle Bengtsmark, as the usually indestructible defensive pairing of Nicolas St Teath and Hadrian Belfast is broken up this week with St Teath's injury causing the Bengtsmark attack to find ways through worryingly easily. Gwinevra Barbarians defense is fantastic, Willem Otkupshchikov being something of a man mountain at central defense, already more of a leadership figure than Cleto Mata, his partner and captain, and together they keep the attacking Farf might of Mâ Âlâmëómë out, although their attack are unable to capitalise on this, and the game ends a stalemate. Everyone else is average to poor, except for Exton F.C, who have been having a top time in their group - beating top opposition Griffin Zebras with ease, Alfreton Zerzubar scoring twice, with goals also from Marius Ognevski and Ke Gayle.

7th - 8th May - ANL Matchday 11
Exton F.C 1–0 Oldem Gents Club
FC Brimstone 0–2 Urbanista
St George's Creek 2–7 Gwinevra Barbarians - Sunday game
Issington F.C 2–4 Barbury Town
Wrexton F.C 1–1 Dwile Warriors - Sunday game
Mandon United 1–1 FC Endeavour
Wye United 1–0 Miners '47
Mona A.F.C 1–0 Uxminster Athletic

Mona A.F.C continue to have a good season there, Alan Vigurs goal putting them up to 4th in the table. Not as good as Wye, that man Cheney Scherzer scoring for them again, meaning their narrow win over Miners '47 puts them back in second place, overtaking both Dwile Warriors and FC Endeavour as both of those teams draw. Barbury Town can extend their lead to 5 points therefore, with a strong 4-2 win over a rapidly regressing Issington side. However, the big headline is the match-up between St George's Creek and Gwinevra Barbarians, with the Barbarians scoring a massive 7 goals to beat off the Creek, Conor Morriston coming good to score a hat-trick in that game, where Gwinevra seemed to completely change their tactics - perhaps frustration at quite a poor season thus far coming out.

11th May - UICA Group Stage
Dwile Warriors 2-0 Ulsa (EUR)
Blau-Weiss Pallstadt (BYN) 1-0 Gwinevra Barbarians
FC Endeavour 2-3 SK Franz Josef City (PIS)
Atteregav Numa (EAR) 4-1 Barbury Town
FC Almintora (TUR) 2-0 Urbanista
Fadron Flight (TAE) 1-2 Exton F.C

Another generally poor matchday, although not for Dwile, as they begin to reach their stride, a 2-0 victory against Euran giants Ulsa being what was really needed, Tolgus Tregajorran and Aitor Jovellanos scoring in that game. Gwinevra Barbarians are once again unable to score, and the defense has something of an off day, as Blau-Weiss Pallstadt trot out deserved winners, Apoxian teams continuing to be unable to handle Buyanese sides once again. Endeavour lose to SK, something of a disappointment for them as that will have been a massively hyped match, but not as much a disappointment as Barbury would have faced, the experienced side looking just about ready to crash out of the group stage, with 3 points from 4 games, Namine Nagatomo's strike helping to give them some dignity. Urbanista, also struggling at the moment, also lose, while Exton continue their fabulous form with another win, this time against Fadron Flight, Branko Tomic and Niko Vaarakallio scoring.

14th - 15th May - ANL Matchday 12
Oldem Gents Club 0–3 Uxminster Athletic
Miners '47 2–1 Mona A.F.C
FC Endeavour 3–2 Wye United
Dwile Warriors 2–1 Mandon United
Barbury Town 3–0 Wrexton F.C - Sunday game
Gwinevra Barbarians 2–0 Issington F.C
Urbanista 2–1 St George's Creek
Exton F.C 1–0 FC Brimstone

What the fuck has happened to FC Brimstone!?! They were looking for UICA football this season, and instead they're currently looking mired in a relegation battle, dead last, with 1 win from 12 games, next to no goals scored. John Grigia is beginning to feel the pressure in the northern town, and they'll be looking for much better if he is to survive. Barbury, Dwile and Endeavour all win, and they currently complete the top three teams, with Gwinevra winning again, this time against Issington (who are now 12th), to move up to 8th and sit right on the cusp of the UICA spots. Oldem Gents Club have also faded since the beginning of the season, Uxminster Athletic continuing their good season in beating them 3-0, the offense obviously starring there, but the defense as well, with James Fowey having something of a stand-out season at left back, scoring his first of the season for them as well.

18th May - UICA Group Stage
Falcus FC (FAC) 1-2 Dwile Warriors
Jungle Strike FC (VIL) 1-2 Gwinevra Barbarians
Brinemouth (NPH) 0-5 FC Endeavour
Barbury Town 4-1 FTC United (ZWG)
Urbanista 2-1 Turoki Isle (VIL)
La Nueva Avenida (FRF) 1-2 Exton F.C

6 games, six victories, as the best day in Apoxian UICA football yet occurs. Dwile Warriors ease past Falcus FC to move on to the knock-out stages, with Mateus Carvalho and Eneko Treloquithack scoring. Gwinevra Barbarians surprisingly complete the double over Jungle Strike, meaning they finish 3rd instead of 4th, and therefore progress through to the Globe Cup knock-out stages. There is only one place FC Endeavour are heading, and that's onwards, Rübéãn Tôr scoring the team's first, before the second half is an Endeavour masterclass, Danny Leighton bagging a hat-trick, with Zana Ibrox scoring in the middle, as well as setting up two of those goals, Ibrox continuing her incredible form thus far this season and increasing her national team prospects.

In the Globe Cup, Barbury manage a strong win to finish, Curio grabbing a brace, as well as goals from Ioghan Balthorst and Sverre Devold, although it makes little difference, the damage was already done, and they plummet out of the competition, leaving them time to focus solely on the league. Urbanista get through to the next round, just about holding on against Turoki Isle, with Mateusz Wolff scoring in the 82nd minute before the defense, led, surprisingly by Leonhard Mixé held tight against high pressure. Exton F.C are flying as they top the group, Alfreton Zerzubar scoring twice against La Nueva Avenida to see them move on to the knock-outs for the first time in their history.

21st May - Marshall Cup Second Round
Issington F.C 0-1 Urbanista Trojans
Flotsam & Jetsam 0-0 Bouldertown (0-0 AET, 3-1 PKs)
Exton F.C 1-0 Cawln Wanderers
Southtown 1-0 Gurdle A.F.C
Mulhampstead 0-2 Egloskerry
Armageddon Casuals 2-1 Moscva 2k12
Wrexton F.C 1-0 Wye United
Celts 1-2 Miners '47
Oldem Gents Club 0-1 Barbury Town
Dwile Warriors 2-1 Mona A.F.C
Uxminster Athletic 1-1 Azewyn Royals (1-1 AET, 0-3 PKs)
Urbanista 1-2 Mandon United
FC Endeavour 1-0 Docklands United
Atletico Standard 1-1 Oldem Mechanical (3-1 AET)
St George's Creek 0-0 Gwinevra Barbarians (0-0 AET, 3-1 PKs)
Urbanista Young Boys 1-1 FC Brimstone (2-1 AET)

The ANL clubs enter, and my, do a lot of them crash out, with Mona A.F.C, Wye United, Oldem Gents Club, Gwinevra Barbarians and champions Urbanista all crashing out at the first hurdle against ANL opposition. For some, it is even more embarrassing, with Issington F.C losing against ANL2 side Urbanista Trojans, while FC Brimstone succumb to the lowly Urbanista Young Boys, in quite an extraordinary result for them.

25th May - ANL Matchday 13
FC Brimstone 2–0 Oldem Gents Club
St George's Creek 0–2 Exton F.C
Issington F.C 1–0 Urbanista
Wrexton F.C 3–1 Gwinevra Barbarians
Mandon United 0–3 Barbury Town
Wye United 2–2 Dwile Warriors
Mona A.F.C 0–1 FC Endeavour
Uxminster Athletic 1–1 Miners '47

A cheeky set of mid-week fixtures there in the ANL, with Barbury's apparently unstoppable train continuing to roar on, 3-0 this week against Mandon United, as they move seven points clear of FC Endeavour and Dwile Warriors with that result, Endeavour narrowly edging past a still high flying Mona A.F.C, courtesy of Pekka Kalehmainen's goal. Issington F.C surprisingly beat Urbanista, with the surprise star of the season, Alessandro Delvecchio, at 33 years of age, scoring his 8th goal of the season, and keeping himself in contention for the Golden Boot. FC Brimstone win only their second game of the season against Oldem Gents Club, meaning they are out of the relegation zone, something which will be deeply reassuring to their fans and to John Grigia, with Corinna McKenna, so far struggling for goals, scoring twice in that game. In other news, there is a managerial change, with Wrexton F.C deciding that, for the clubs sake, it would be better off if their manager wasn't also a player, and therefore, national legend Dravid Scott returns to management albeit at a much smaller scale than previously.

28th - 29th May - ANL Matchday 14
Oldem Gents Club 4–1 Miners '47
FC Endeavour 4–3 Uxminster Athletic - Sunday game
Dwile Warriors 1–0 Mona A.F.C
Barbury Town 2–2 Wye United
Gwinevra Barbarians 2–0 Mandon United
Urbanista 1–0 Wrexton F.C
Exton F.C 1–0 Issington F.C
FC Brimstone 4–2 St George's Creek - Sunday game

Barbury slip up a little at Wye, with Wye completing a fabulous comeback to earn a point, right at the death. Dwile appear to have switch to less aggressive football thus far this season, although whether that's intentional or not, who knows. Agozti Ibarran scores his second of the season to see Mona lose 1-0 for the second time in two weeks. FC Endeavour on the other hand are back to scoring plenty, with Alex Terán returning to his devastating best to score twice, with the other goals coming from Danny Leighton and an own goal flicked in by Katriona Banks of Uxminster. FC Brimstone seem to have also regained their scoring form of last season, Corinna McKenna scoring another brace to make it 4 goals in two games, with John Harper and Jack Demir also scoring, St George's Creek not being quite able to muster up the firepower to compete on that occasion. Miners '47 lose a game they really cannot afford to, losing to Oldem Gents Club emphatically, meaning they look stranded now down the bottom with nearly half the season gone. The board make a knee-jerk reaction, sacking Joe Cunningham, who did so well last season, replacing him with Flavio the Penguin, previously of Mandon United fame.

5th - 6th June - ANL Matchday 15
St George's Creek 3–1 Oldem Gents Club
Issington F.C 1–2 FC Brimstone - Sunday game
Wrexton F.C 0–1 Exton F.C
Mandon United 2–3 Urbanista
Wye United 1–0 Gwinevra Barbarians
Mona A.F.C 0–0 Barbury Town
Uxminster Athletic 1–1 Dwile Warriors
Miners '47 2–3 FC Endeavour - Sunday game

The last set of matches before both sides head off for the summer break, and there are some interesting ones indeed. St George's Creek finally manage to put in a good shift, beating struggling Oldem Gents Club in a cross town battle, new players Damian Balnerii and Melody Sarmiento both scoring for the Creek, with combative captain Axe the Dominant scoring as well. Issington F.C continue to struggle, losing to a resurgent FC Brimstone side at home - Brimstone have made it three wins on the trot with that result, and while they are still down in 12th, sit only 4 points off the UICA spots. Urbanista continue to haemorrhage goals, but get around it by having one of the most potent attacks in the division, Mateusz Wolff, Elvis Sandbottom and Rosie Tyler all scoring in a fiery match.

Barbury Town make a mistake, drawing with Mona A.F.C, who's turn it is to go through playing all the top clubs in a row, meaning FC Endeavour can gain ground, now being only 3 points behind Barbury as the team begin's to gel. Dwile Warriors aren't so lucky, drawing 1-1 with Uxminster, going into 4th on goal difference with Exton, who have had a remarkably tight defense thus far this season.

*short interlude whilst the summer break occurs*

14th July - UICA First Knock-out Stage
Ulsa (EUR) 1-1 FC Endeavour
Northbrook Diamonds FK (PIS) 1-2 Dwile Warriors
Urbanista 1-2 TAATO (PCG)
Griffin Zebras (JSY) 3-1 Gwinevra Barbarians
Nithgard GU (EAR) 3-0 Exton F.C

Not quite as impressive a set of results there in the first knock-out round, with the abundance of Apoxian teams coming up against some top names. FC Endeavour battle their way to a draw against Ulsa, with Pekka Kalehmainen's goal salvaging them an away goal. Dwile Warriors, champions of Apox, come up against Northbrook Diamonds of the Polar Islandstates, and only bloody win, Hadrian Belfast and Richard D'Oyly the scorers. In the Globe Cup everyone loses, the less said the better.

17th July - 18th July - ANL Matchday 16
Oldem Gents Club 0–1 FC Endeavour
Miners '47 1–4 Dwile Warriors
Uxminster Athletic 2–4 Barbury Town
Mona A.F.C 3–5 Gwinevra Barbarians
Wye United 0–2 Urbanista
Mandon United 0–1 Exton F.C
Wrexton F.C 1–3 FC Brimstone - Sunday game
Issington F.C 3–2 St George's Creek - Sunday game

Well, there were a number of extraordinary things about this weekend. FC Brimstone make it now 4 games on the trot unbeaten, this time beaten a Wrexton side struggling for points so far, with John Grigia - previously under pressure from the fans, now lauded for overseeing a quite incredible comeback, as they are now just 3 points off the UICA spots. This was a day with no upsets really, with the "better" team winning each match, except for St George's Creek vs Issington F.C which was a bit of a toss up on first viewing, and was bitterly close in the end, Alessandro Delvecchio snatching the winning goal right at the death, giving his team the 3 points. Gwinevra Barbarians notably put 5 past Mona A.F.C, with Charlie Boroni being the key player there - it's not everyday a midfield player scores a hat-trick and sets up the other two. I believe his points total was a record on FantasyANL.com. Another talking point is Mateus Carvalho, who has struggled for goals thus far this season scoring his third in Dwile's win, becoming the 6th player to reach 100 goals in the ANL.

21st July - UICA First Knock-out Stage
FC Endeavour 2-2 Ulsa (EUR)
Dwile Warriors 3-2 Northbrook Diamonds FK (PIS)
TAATO (PIS) 1-1 Urbanista
Gwinevra Barbarians 1-1 Griffin Zebras (JSY)
Exton F.C 0-0 Nithgard GU (EAR)

Well, it all went pear shaped very quickly for quite a few Apoxian clubs there. FC Endeavour were looking for a win, any sort of win would have done it. Unfortunately that didn't entirely go to plan, with Ulsa racing into a 2-0 lead. They were slowly able to pull it back, but a draw is not what Endeavour needed, and Ulsa advanced on away goals. Dwile Warriors continued to work Northbrook, Tolgus Tregajorran with a double to bring the game back from 1-2 to 3-2. Three draws in the Globe Cup, but all three teams needed a win, and it isn't good enough for them, Exton F.C in particular feeling hard done by with their early exit, after an excellent group stage.

24th July - 25th July - ANL Matchday 17
Issington F.C 0–0 Oldem Gents Club
St George's Creek 2–0 Wrexton F.C
FC Brimstone 0–0 Mandon United
Exton F.C 3–2 Wye United
Urbanista 1–2 Mona A.F.C
Gwinevra Barbarians 2–0 Uxminster Athletic - Sunday game
Barbury Town 0–1 Miners '47
Dwile Warriors 2–3 FC Endeavour - Sunday game

A big day for the league there. On saturday's earlier kick-off, Barbury face Miners '47, with Barbury playing their skilful, pressing game to begin with. However, the Miners have other thoughts, closing them down and generally playing well, before countering excellently late on in the game, with the Barbury players flagging, for Alex's harmless shot to bounce into Ioghan Balthorst and trickle into goal, sealing the win for the Miners. The next day, in the Dwile derby, the big one of the league, both teams knew that a win would give them a chance to catch right up with Barbury. It was a fierce one, Alex Terán scoring and then limping off after a harsh tackle from Nicolas St Teath minutes later - St Teath getting off with a yellow. Tolgus Tregajorran equalised in the 30th minute, before Aitor Jovellanos, a threat as ever from the wing, added another. However, Endeavour weren't used up yet, and Pekka Kalehmainen drew both teams level in the 80th minute. With a flurry of substitutions, the game was wild, but stop start. However, in the dying seconds, Rübéãn Tôr smashed home the winning goal from a free-kick, curling it expertly past the wall, to give Endeavour the three points, and, more importantly, allow them to draw level with Barbury at the top on points.

28th July - Cygnus Cup First Round
Urbanista 2-0 Hrafninn Knattspyrnufélag (BLK)

Urbanista begin their journey along in the Cygnus Cup, the strength of their squad being too much for the nigh on impronouncible Hrafinn Knattspyrnufélag from Bleak Rock, with a good performance from captain Armando Quillisi being the stand out part of the match, indeed, he was one of the only regular first team players taking part, with second string goalie, Jonas Engerssun playing in goal for this game.

31st July - 1st August - ANL Matchday 18
Oldem Gents Club 0–0 Dwile Warriors
FC Endeavour 3–3 Barbury Town
Miners '47 2–0 Gwinevra Barbarians
Uxminster Athletic 0–1 Urbanista - Sunday game
Mona A.F.C 0–0 Exton F.C
Wye United 0–1 FC Brimstone
Mandon United 1–1 St George's Creek
Wrexton F.C 0–1 Issington F.C

An interesting day weekend of football right there. FC Brimstone win yet again, meaning they are just a point off 7th placed Wye United, who's season has rapidly disintegrated, Corinna McKenna netting the winning goal, her 10th of the season. Urbanista have also turned their season around, albeit more quietly and less spectacularly than Brimstone, their away win over Uxminster is their 9th of the season, they're only 6 points behind Barbury and Endeavour in first place now. Speaking of Barbury and Endeavour, they share the spoils at the top, with Barbury still top on goal difference. Miners '47 and Oldem Gents Club, surprisingly, both pick up points this weekend, and both against top opposition, the Miners using their win against Gwinevra to slingshot them out of the relegation zone.

4th August - Cygnus Cup First Round
Hrafninn Knattspyrnufélag (BLK) 0-1 Urbanista

And Urbanista are through to the Round of 16 with that result, Elvis Sandbottom's lone penalty goal in the 14th minute after Alexander Kirk was brought down in the area being enough to ensure succession for Urbanista - not that it ever really looked in jeopardy after their first leg result - Apoxian clubs have done well in the Cygnus Cup in recent years, and Urbanista will be hoping to continue that with their first bit of international silverware.

7th August - Marshall Cup Third Round
Urbanista Trojans 4-1 Flotsam & Jetsam
Exton F.C 2-0 Southtown
Egloskerry 1-0 Armageddon Casuals
Wrexton F.C 1-1 Miners '47 (1-1 AET, 3-2 PKs)
Barbury Town 1-0 Dwile Warriors
Azewyn Royals 0-2 Mandon United
FC Endeavour 6-1 Atletico Standard
St George's Creek 5-0 Urbanista Young Boys

A few big wins in the third round of the Marshall Cup, with second tier Urbanista Trojans dispatching lowly Flotsam & Jetsam easily, while FC Endeavour and St George's Creek both win by 5 goal margins. One of the bigger spectacles of the day is Barbury Town vs Dwile Warriors, where high flying Barbury manage to edge out three time winners the Warriors courtesy of Namine Nagatomo's strike, as they search for their third Marshall Cup themselves.

10th August - ANL Matchday 19
Wrexton F.C 1–0 Oldem Gents Club
Issington F.C 1–1 Mandon United
St George's Creek 5–2 Wye United
FC Brimstone 2–1 Mona A.F.C
Exton F.C 0–0 Uxminster Athletic
Urbanista 5–3 Miners '47
Gwinevra Barbarians 0–1 FC Endeavour
Barbury Town 3–0 Dwile Warriors

A set of mid-week ANL fixtures, and both Endeavour and Barbury keep time at the top, both beating out top teams to do so, with Danny Leighton's strike mosying past Ettie Seabrooke in goal, after she'd pulled off an excellent double save to prevent a goal. Barbury also win, adding to Dwile's minor struggles, Dwile now down to 5th in the league, the title looking a long way off at the moment. Uxminster gain a very welcome point at Exton, freezing out their offense under Alfreton Zerzubar as Exton do so well to other teams, Exton falling back a bit from Endeavour and Barbury ahead. FC Brimstone continue their remarkable form, beating Mona A.F.C, a team who were challenging for UICA earlier on in the season, something that seems like a distant memory now. Wrexton under Dravid Scott get a welcome win against Oldem, meaning they're out of the relegation zone for now, Isidor Wessel of Zenic the scorer there.

14th - 15th August - ANL Matchday 20
Oldem Gents Club 0–0 Barbury Town
Dwile Warriors 5–2 Gwinevra Barbarians - Sunday game
FC Endeavour 3–4 Urbanista - Sunday game
Miners '47 1–0 Exton F.C
Uxminster Athletic 0–0 FC Brimstone
Mona A.F.C 0–2 St George's Creek
Wye United 2–1 Issington F.C
Mandon United 1–0 Wrexton F.C

The top clubs going through a phase of all playing each other at the moment, meaning some distortion in the table. At least, that's what Gwinevra fans will be hoping for, with Gwinevra dropping out of the UICA spots for now with that loss to Dwile in the "auld classic", Tolgus Tregajorran returning to his notable prominence there, bagging a hat-trick to boost his scoring for this season at least. FC Endeavour suffer only a 4th loss of the season against an Urbanista side who seem to have clicked, each side desperately attempting to outscore the other. Luckily for Endeavour, Oldem Gents Club continue their season long plan of frustrating the top clubs whilst losing hopelessly to those around them with a 0-0 draw against Barbury, meaning Barbury stay within sight of Endeavour. Miners '47 manage to pick up some well needed points against Exton, meaning they're out of the relegation zone for now, while Wye pick up some much needed points with a 2-1 win over an average looking Issington team.

                         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Barbury Town           20   12   5   3    38   18  +20    41
 2 FC Endeavour           20   12   4   4    43   33  +10    40
 3 Urbanista              20   11   4   5    33   23  +10    37
 4 Exton F.C              20   11   3   6    18   10   +8    36
 5 Dwile Warriors         20   10   5   5    32   27   +7    35
 6 St George's Creek      20    9   2   9    35   36   −1    29
 7 FC Brimstone           20    7   7   6    21   19   +2    28
 8 Wye United             20    8   4   8    34   38   -4    28
 9 Gwinevra Barbarians    20    8   2  10    34   33   +1    26
10 Issington F.C          20    7   4   9    24   25   −1    25
11 Mona A.F.C             20    6   6   8    17   21   −4    24
12 Mandon United          20    4   9   7    21   26   −5    21
13 Uxminster Athletic     20    4   7   9    20   24   −4    19
14 Miners '47             20    5   4  11    22   37  −15    19
15 Wrexton F.C            20    5   3  12    17   26   −9    18
16 Oldem Gents Club       20    3   7  10    10   24  −14    16

Urbanista Trojans carry on chilling at the top of the table, although they aren't all that far away from the highly congested section below them, led by Gwinevra Bulls, but with Barbury F.C, Lighthouse Coves, Atletico Standard and FC Harpoon all close behind. Southtown look pretty sunk at the moment, with any one of the relatively "new" teams to the division likely to join them

                            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Urbanista Trojans         20   10   8   2    30   16  +14    38
 2 Gwinevra Bulls            20   10   5   5    28   22   +6    35
 3 Barbury F.C               20    9   6   5    24   16   +8    33
 4 Lighthouse Coves          20    9   6   5    27   20   +7    33
 5 Atletico Standard         20    9   6   5    28   22   +6    33
 6 FC Harpoon                20    8   7   5    34   26   +8    31
 7 Mulhampstead              20    8   5   7    17   16   +1    29
 8 Egloskerry                20    8   3   9    29   24   +5    27
 9 Bouldertown               20    7   5   8    39   36   +3    26
10 Old Licentians            20    7   5   8    29   36   −7    26
11 Gurdle A.F.C              20    7   5   8    12   22  −10    26
12 Oldem Mechanical          20    6   5   9    16   19   −3    23
13 Moscva 2k12               20    5   7   8    18   23   −5    22
14 Calshott Lighthouse       20    5   6   9    15   19   −4    21
15 Urbanista Young Boys      20    5   4  11    15   29  −14    19
16 Southtown                 20    2   7  11    10   25  −15    13

TP Indians have taken the initiative in the third tier, moving on up to first place, with Docklands and Kepler United both close behind. Azewyn Royals are still keeping pace in their debut season, while Frewick F.C have scootled up the league to 5th, and they're right in the promotion battle now. Down the bottom, Flotsam & Jetsam are close, but the real surprise is to see Celts lying bottom, 7 points off the aforementioned Flotsam, as they face the very real prospect of double relegation and expulsion from the ANL system come the end of the season.

                          Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 TP Indians              20   10   6   4    40   31   +9    36
 2 Docklands United        20   10   4   6    23   18   +5    34
 3 Kepler United           20    9   6   5    44   31  +13    33
 4 Azewyn Royals           20   10   3   7    46   42   +4    33
 5 Frewick F.C             20    8   6   6    31   27   +4    30
 6 Beowulf FC              20    9   3   8    36   37   −1    30
 7 Old Guard Regiment      20    8   5   7    31   27   +4    29
 8 Armageddon Casuals      20    8   4   8    43   39   +4    28
 9 Cawln Wanderers         20    7   7   6    33   32   +1    28
10 Don't Panic FC          20    8   4   8    23   25   −2    28
11 Yerk United             20    7   6   7    42   43   −1    27
12 Project +90             20    7   3  10    34   34    0    24
13 The Dambusters          20    7   2  11    36   40   −4    23
14 Kingsford FC            20    5   8   7    15   19   −4    23
15 Flotsam & Jetsam        20    5   6   9    29   46  −17    21
16 Celts                   20    3   5  12    24   39  −15    14

[Apox]

ANL Season 16 - Part Three

18th August - UICA Quarter-Finals & Cygnus Cup Second Round
Dwile Warriors 1-4 Attereg GU (EAR)
Urbanista 2-1 Red Star Severney (PIS)

Dwile Warriors do not get off to a good start in their first leg of their UICA quarter-final, Hadrian Belfast, captain and now one of the best players on the team sitting this game out through injury, leaving the inexperienced Edgar Garay to take his place in defense. Dwile hold up well under a stream of offensive play from the Earadal club, before the floodgates open in the 36th minute, and suddenly they're 3-0 down. Tolgus Tregajorran tries to implement a comeback, scoring in the 46th minute, but Attereg are just too good, and they even score again before the game is out.

In the Cygnus Cup, Red Star take an early lead through Rauno Bickermann's strike, but Urbanista get back quickly, Rosie Tyler setting up Mateusz Wolff for the equaliser, before Moses Uijtdewilligen scores Urbanista's second to seal the advantage going into the second leg.

21st - 2nd August - ANL Matchday 21
Mandon United 1–2 Oldem Gents Club
Wrexton F.C 0–0 Wye United
Issington F.C 4–3 Mona A.F.C - Sunday game
St George's Creek 3–1 Uxminster Athletic
FC Brimstone 1–0 Miners '47
Exton F.C 0–1 FC Endeavour
Urbanista 2–1 Dwile Warriors
Gwinevra Barbarians 0–0 Barbury Town - Sunday game

Well, well now. Gwinevra Barbarians, in desperate need of some good scores to come their way, manage to freeze out Barbury for a game, even with Ken Rickwright going all out and featuring both Curio and Namine Nagatomo, still, no ground could be made. Urbanista seem to have finally gotten over their struggles from earlier on this season, as they win powerfully over Dwile Warriors, Mateusz Wolff, beloved of Urbanista scoring the first, before Armando Quillisi nets them their second. FC Endeavour continue their good form, a win over Exton F.C sees them go top for the first time this season, Petter Aurelias' team finally reaching their stride. Issington F.C put aside their poor form of this season to romp home against Mona, although it was nearly all tears for them, with them sitting comfortably on 4-1 before Mona, inspired by Juquinho, got two back and nearly an equaliser, when Alan Vigurs shot was well saved by Jadranka Steele in goal. Down the bottom, it's interesting to note how Miners '47, Oldem Gents Club, Wrexton F.C and Uxminster Athletic all sit level on 19 points. Painfully close. It's really between those four and Mandon United as to who's going down this season.

25th August - UICA Quarter-Finals & Cygnus Cup Second Round
Attereg GU (EAR) 0-2 Dwile Warriors
Red Star Severney (PIS) 2-2 Urbanista

Dwile Warriors have it all to do going into the second leg of their quarter-final, and they throw everything they have into this game. The aim is simple - goals or nothing. They need to win 4-0 to advance, and they come flying out of the blocks, Tolgus Tregajorran with an early goal, before Aitor Jovellanos scores after a blistering run just before half time. With a win possibly in sight, you'd expect them to press on and score more... but that's not really what happened. Dwile seemed to tire, simply enough, and Attereg managed to keep them out surprisingly easily in the end. A shame.

Urbanista have more success in Cygnus Cup, holding Red Star Severney to a draw to see them march on to the quarter finals of the cup. It's all to play for now.

28th August - Marshall Cup Quarter-Finals
Urbanista Trojans 1-1 Exton F.C (2-1 AET)
Egloskerry 2-0 Wrexton F.C
Barbury Town 2-0 Mandon United
FC Endeavour 0-0 St George's Creek (0-0 AET, 3-1 PKs)

A big set of games there, and a big pair of semi finals set up in the process. Urbanista Trojans contine their good form this season, beating Exton F.C in extra time to progress, while Egloskerry see off a Wrexton team who will probably be secretly pleased to end the distraction of the Marshall Cup to focus on their perilous ANL season, setting up an all ANL2 semi-final. In the other half of the draw, the Barbury Town easily beat Mandon, while FC Endeavour have a few scares against St George's Creek, eventually winning through the lottery of penalties, to set up another semi-final between the teams currently one and two in the table.

4th - 5th September - ANL Matchday 22
Oldem Gents Club 0–2 Gwinevra Barbarians
Barbury Town 4–1 Urbanista
Dwile Warriors 6–3 Exton F.C - Sunday game
FC Endeavour 1–1 FC Brimstone
Miners '47 1–1 St George's Creek
Uxminster Athletic 0–1 Issington F.C
Mona A.F.C 0–1 Wrexton F.C
Wye United 1–2 Mandon United

Gwinevra earn a steady 2-0 win away at Oldem Gents Club, leaving them still stranded in the relegation zone, with Willem Otkupshchikov jumping up to head in a corner for his 4th of the season, before Conor Morriston seals the win with a beautiful strike. Barbury Town confidently beat Urbanista, Ken Rickwright's team sweeping Urbanista aside in a game which highlights their title credentials, seeing them regain the top spot after FC Endeavour were unable to win against Brimstone, conceding late courtesy of a Corinna McKenna strike. Dwile Warriors are back to their imperious best, Tolgus Tregajorran scoring his second hat-trick of the season, with other goals coming from Mateus Carvalho, Aitor Jovellanos and Adrasta Eljjoy, Exton F.C understanding now why Gwinevra fell so quickly, having to play all of the top teams in a row. Wrexton F.C get a good win against Mona A.F.C to see them out of the relegation zone for now, a couple more and they should be safe, while Wye's season that could have been continues to disappear before their eyes, losing to Mandon.

8th September - ANL Matchday 23
Wye United 1–0 Oldem Gents Club
Mandon United 2–0 Mona A.F.C
Wrexton F.C 0–1 Uxminster Athletic
Issington F.C 1–1 Miners '47
St George's Creek 0–1 FC Endeavour
FC Brimstone 3–2 Dwile Warriors
Exton F.C 1–0 Barbury Town
Urbanista 2–5 Gwinevra Barbarians

Another twist in this season long drama at the top, with FC Endeavour creeping to victory over St George's Creek, the seemingly unstoppable train charging on, with Exton F.C hosting Barbury Town and winning, Alfreton Zerzubar, fast becoming a fan favourite at Exton scoring the winning goal in the 68th minute, seeing his team move back into the UICA places. Gwinevra Barbarians move back into the UICA spots, as it's their turn to win big, beating Urbanista soundly, as Urbanista are now dragged through the mill in facing all the top teams. Tough league this. FC Brimstone earn a solid win over Dwile Warriors, pushing them all the way to the finish, as Dwile's title hopes must surely be over now, sitting 9 points behind Endeavour, they must make sure they get a Champion's Cup spot next season. Uxminster Athletic win to move them out of the relegation zone, James Fowey scoring a goal which a forward would have been proud of, before making a number of heroic saves at the back - he's had a sensational debut season, that's for sure.

11th - 12th September - ANL Matchday 24
Oldem Gents Club 0–0 Urbanista
Gwinevra Barbarians 0–1 Exton F.C
Barbury Town 1–0 FC Brimstone
Dwile Warriors 3–1 St George's Creek
FC Endeavour 4–2 Issington F.C
Miners '47 0–0 Wrexton F.C - Sunday game
Uxminster Athletic 1–2 Mandon United - Sunday game
Mona A.F.C 1–1 Wye United

FC Endeavour carry as usual, continuing to win, this week with a 4-2 victory over Issington, with a Pekka Kalehmainen double, and goals from Marcus Redwood and Danny Leighton. That goal, his 12th of the season, puts Danny Leighton too on 100 ANL goals, the third player to surpass that mark this season, and likely the last, with a whole troupe of players crossing the mark this time around. Over in Dwile Warriors, where they win 3-2, Tolgus Tregajorran, the fore runner for his 4th Golden Boot, reaches 160 goals with his goal, he's powering on towards an almost unbeatable 200 ANL goals, and you wouldn't bet against it, he's got enough seasons in the tank to achieve that. Wrexton F.C continue to shuffle to safety in a fraught 0-0 draw with Miners '47, a match in which Rohan Cammers and Nelson Horatio have a pitchside brawl late on in the game, resulting in both players being sent off. Urbanista drop to 5th as they become the latest top club to draw with Oldem Gents Club - a club now specialising in annoying the top teams whilst being hopeless the rest of the time.

15th September - Cygnus Cup Quarter-Finals
Urbanista 3-0 Club Stein-los (PAS)

An easy enough win for Urbanista, who are turning their struggles in the league around in the cup, and they are determinedly forcing their way through whichever opposition gets thrown at them in the Cygnus.

18th - 19th September - ANL Matchday 25
Mona A.F.C 0–1 Oldem Gents Club
Wye United 0–2 Uxminster Athletic
Mandon United 1–2 Miners '47
Wrexton F.C 0–1 FC Endeavour
Issington F.C 2–2 Dwile Warriors - Sunday game
St George's Creek 1–1 Barbury Town
FC Brimstone 1–2 Gwinevra Barbarians - Sunday game
Exton F.C 3–2 Urbanista

The 25th matchday swings around then, and Barbury Town crumble first. I say "crumble", a 1-1 draw against St George's Creek isn't exactly a bad result, but with FC Endeavour easily beating Wrexton, despite what the scoreline might suggest, to go 4 points clear at the top. Oldem Gents club win against Mona, while Miners '47 despatch Mandon as well to make things more tasty down the bottom, where it's still incredibly tight between the bottom 5 clubs. Dwile Warriors draw in a tense encounter with Issington, Dwile still just about holding onto the last Champions Cup spot with Urbanista losing to high flying Exton, who look completely set to make their debut in the Champions Cup at the moment, Sammie Puskas' squad change up seeming to pull off finally, with Marius Ognevski being the star of that match.

21st September - Cygnus Cup Quarter-Finals
Club Stein-los (PAS) 1-2 Urbanista

And they're through to the semi-finals, where they'll face Blau-Weiss Pallstadt from Buyan, a country that Apoxian teams seem to be regularly drawn against these days. Stein-los weren't bad opposition in the end, despite conceding an own goal.

22nd - 23rd September - ANL Matchday 26
Oldem Gents Club 1–2 Exton F.C
Urbanista 0–2 FC Brimstone - Thursday game
Gwinevra Barbarians 3–3 St George's Creek
Barbury Town 2–0 Issington F.C
Dwile Warriors 0–1 Wrexton F.C
FC Endeavour 1–2 Mandon United
Miners '47 0–0 Wye United
Uxminster Athletic 2–0 Mona A.F.C

A midweek set of games there, and down the bottom, Mona fall into the relegation spaces, quite a shock seeing as they looked pretty safe at the midpoint of the season, after Wrexton F.C earn a surprise win against Dwile Warriors, still somehow holding onto their Champion's Cup spot, with Marjatta Olesen being the scorer there. Barbury Town cruise past Issington, narrowing the gap at the top to 1 point after Mandon United surprisingly beat FC Endeavour in a day full of upsets. Uxminster Athletic are the ones dropping Mona A.F.C into the relegation zone, at the same time almost definitely ensuring their survival, having reached 28 points, a total which normally ensures top flight continuation.

25th - 26th September - ANL Matchday 27
Uxminster Athletic 0–0 Oldem Gents Club
Mona A.F.C 3–1 Miners '47
Wye United 1–2 FC Endeavour
Mandon United 2–2 Dwile Warriors - Sunday game
Wrexton F.C 0–1 Barbury Town
Issington F.C 0–1 Gwinevra Barbarians
St George's Creek 2–0 Urbanista - Sunday game
FC Brimstone 0–0 Exton F.C

Mona A.F.C are out of the relegation zone, with a crucial relegation six pointer between them and Miners '47 being played out, the Miners taking an early lead through Nelson Horatio, before their defense suffer something of a collective break down, allowing Mona to ride roughshod over them, Juquinho with a brace along with Nicholas White scoring. Exton F.C draw with FC Brimstone, a rather stale affair, meaning the title will be between FC Endeavour and Barbury Town now. Both teams win, Endeavour outscoring Wye, while Wrexton hold Barbury close, the score staying at 0-0 for most of the game before Matthias Sindelar, a late substitute, pops up with a free-kick to score the winner. Issington F.C's UICA hopes are all but finished with a 1-0 loss at home to Gwinevra, who's UICA hopes are far from guaranteed at the moment.

29th September - Cygnus Cup and Marshall Cup Semi-Finals
Urbanista Trojans 2-1 Egloskerry
Barbury Town 1-3 FC Endeavour
Urbanista 1-1 Blau-Weiss Pallstadt (BYN)

In the Marshall Cup, things get tasty with a spot in the final on the line. Urbanista Trojans score twice through Joey Thompson to beat Egloskerry in an all ANL2 semi final, while FC Endeavour put several past Barbury Town in what could be an ominous omen for the title race, with Pekka Kalehmainen scoring twice either side of a Zana Ibrox strike.

In the Cygnus Cup, Urbanista pull out an unsteady draw against Blau-Weiss Pallstadt as they seek to become the second Apoxian club to lift the trophy, David the Heroic scoring first for Pallstadt, before Elvis Sandbottom pulled one back at the death.

2nd - 3rd October - ANL Matchday 28
Oldem Gents Club 1–2 FC Brimstone
Exton F.C 1–3 St George's Creek
Urbanista 2–1 Issington F.C - Sunday game
Gwinevra Barbarians 4–2 Wrexton F.C
Barbury Town 1–0 Mandon United
Dwile Warriors 2–2 Wye United
FC Endeavour 3–2 Mona A.F.C - Sunday game
Miners '47 0–0 Uxminster Athletic

Well this clears up a few things. Both Barbury and Endeavour win, meaning Endeavour is one point ahead of Barbury on 59 points with two games to play. The title is still all to play for then. Exton F.C lose to St George's Creek, after Alfreton Zerzubar's early goal goes in, Olim Shahzad somehow manages to flick it into his own net, before Ezekiel Charlestown leads a stunning someback to aid the Creek's UICA chances. Exton aren't all that fussed, they only need 2 more points to guarantee Champion's Cup football next season, which would be impressive. Urbanista gain a much needed win against Issington F.C, Olim Benzari's side are currently placed 5th in a very congested Globe Cup fight between them, Gwinevra Barbarians, FC Brimstone and St George's Creek. Down the bottom, Miners '47 and Uxminster Athletic both draw, a perilous result for both teams indeed.

6th October - Cygnus Cup Semi-Finals
Blau-Weiss Pallstadt (BYN) 0-1 Urbanista

Urbanista make history for the club in beating Blau-Weiss Pallstadt away from home to go to their first international final, against Mar Sara FC of Valanora. It is a close, edgy game, with neither side wanting to slip up first. Unfortunately for supporters of the Buyanese side, it is Pallstadt who do that, a defensive error is pounced upon with glee by Mateusz Wolff, who has only the keeper to beat from inside the area. A player of his quality isn't going to miss from there, and so it proved. Credit where credit's due though, the entire of Urbanista's back line should be praised, especially John Lockwood in goal, as he makes a number of crucial saves throughout the game.

9th - 10th October - ANL Matchday 29
Miners '47 1–1 Oldem Gents Club - Sunday game
Uxminster Athletic 0–1 FC Endeavour
Mona A.F.C 3–5 Dwile Warriors
Wye United 1–3 Barbury Town
Mandon United 0–0 Gwinevra Barbarians
Wrexton F.C 1–1 Urbanista
Issington F.C 3–0 Exton F.C - Sunday game
St George's Creek 2–4 FC Brimstone

FC Endeavour win out narrowly against Uxminster, meaning they currently sit top on 62 points with one game left to play. It's this simple - if they win, then they will win their third title. However, Barbury are right behind them, and they will apply plenty of pressure on Endeavour to go all the way, having a simply amazing defensive record thus far this season, their defensive block being simply incredibly thus far. Oldem Gents Club, in a key game against Miners '47, draw 1-1, meaning they are basically sunk. Wrexton F.C, sit sitting in the relegation zone before the final matchday, also draw, although they can be pleased with their efforts against Urbanista, with Jack Ohanna's late free-kick earning them a valuable point. Exton F.C and St George's Creek both lose, Exton to an Issington F.C side with nothing left to play for, but the Creek to an FC Brimstone side with very much everything to play for, as shown by Corinna McKenna's scintillating hat-trick. My God, that girl can play. Dwile Warriors also put aside their iffy form to smash 5 past Mona A.F.C's seemingly non existent defense, Tolgus Tregajorran scoring twice in that game. He's run away with the Golden Boot this season, despite being 30 now.

16th October - ANL Matchday 30
Oldem Gents Club 2–2 St George's Creek
FC Brimstone 1–0 Issington F.C
Exton F.C 0–1 Wrexton F.C
Urbanista 2–1 Mandon United
Gwinevra Barbarians 1–2 Wye United
Barbury Town 1–0 Mona A.F.C
Dwile Warriors 2–0 Uxminster Athletic
FC Endeavour 4–0 Miners '47

What a matchday to end the season! FC Endeavour win in emphatic style, a 4-0 smashing of a Miners '47 side who need at least a point to ensure victory, although in the end, it's simply too much for them. Barbury Town as also win to complete a fabulous season for them, although they will feel devastated to have come so close to a second title with nothing to show for it. Exton F.C lose to Wrexton, allowing Wrexton to escape relegation right at the death, courtesy of Isidor Wessel's strike, and Dwile Warriors 2-0 win over Uxminster means they move up to 3rd in the end. Down the other end, the Miners loss to Endeavour means that, after all these years of struggling to keep afloat in this league, they've gone down. Joining them are Oldem Gents Club, who were tied to the bottom of the table for much of the season, they draw with arch-rivals St George's Creek on the final day of the season, both teams coming away unhappy as the Creek just miss out on the UICA places as a result, with Damian Balnerii opening the scoring for the Creek, before Alex Opel's goal. Ivan Addario then scores to give Oldem a faint glimmer of hope, before Axe the Dominant's goal give the Creek a win, even if he is sent off for a relatively abusive celebration to his goal.

20th October - Cygnus Cup Final
Urbanista 3-1 Mar Sara FC (VAL)

It is a momentous day for Urbanista indeed, as they win their first piece of silverware internationally, ousting Mar Sara in quite a rout to win, with Elvis Sandbottom and Robbie Faulkner scoring within half an hour, before Mara Sara pull one back, only for one of their defenders to accidentally flick the ball into their own net - giving them a final to forget. Urbanista and their fans are jubilant.

21st October - Marshall Cup Final
Urbanista Trojans 0-2 FC Endeavour

Endeavour complete the double, thus denying Urbanista Trojans the chance to complete their double, only their league title would be one lower down than Endeavours! Danny Leighton and Alex Terán are the scorers, as they wrap up an excellent season for them.

Top Scorers:
22 - Tolgus Tregajorran (Dwile Warriors)
17 - Danny Leighton (FC Endeavour)
15 - Mateusz Wolff (Urbanista), Ezekiel Charlestown (St George's Creek), Corinna McKenna (FC Brimstone)
14 - Conor Morriston (Gwinevra Barbarians), Curio (Barbury Town)
13 - Pekka Kalehmainen (FC Endeavour), Alessandro Delvecchio (Issington F.C)
12 - Elvis Sandbottom (Urbanista), Cheney Scherzer (Wye United)
11 - Richard D'Oyly (Dwile Warriors), Alfreton Zerzubar (Exton F.C)

                         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 FC Endeavour           30   20   5   5    62   41  +21    65 - CHAMPIONS, CC, Cygnus
 2 Barbury Town           30   19   7   4    52   22  +30    64 - CC
 3 Dwile Warriors         30   14   8   8    57   44  +13    50 - CC
 4 Exton F.C              30   15   4  11    29   27   +2    49 - CC
 5 FC Brimstone           30   13   9   8    36   28   +8    48 - GC
 6 Urbanista              30   14   6  10    45   43   +2    48 - GC, Cygnus
 7 Gwinevra Barbarians    30   13   5  12    52   45   +7    44 - GC
 8 St George's Creek      30   12   6  12    53   53    0    42
 9 Wye United             30   10   8  12    43   51   −8    38
10 Issington F.C          30   10   6  14    38   41   −3    36
11 Mandon United          30    8  11  11    34   38   −4    35
12 Uxminster Athletic     30    7   9  14    27   33   −6    30
13 Wrexton F.C            30    8   6  16    23   34  −11    30
14 Mona A.F.C             30    7   7  16    29   42  −13    28
15 Miners '47             30    6  10  14    28   49  −21    28 - RELEGATED
16 Oldem Gents Club       30    5  11  14    18   35  −17    26 - RELEGATED

It's a fairly close one, but Urbanista Trojans are heading straight back up to the ANL next season, spurred on by their ability to keep most of their core squad together in the second division. Gwinevra Bulls, Atletico Standard and FC Harpoon are all in the play-off spots. Down the bottom it's pretty clear cut - with Southtown having a truly dreadful season, picking up only 17 points. 13 points ahead of them, Urbanista Young Boys also make the drop - meaning this division will go from 2 to zero Urbanista teams next season.

                            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Urbanista Trojans         30   16  10   4    44   23  +21    58 - CHAMPIONS, PROMOTED
 2 Gwinevra Bulls            30   16   6   8    38   27  +11    54 - PLAY-OFFS
 3 Atletico Standard         30   14   9   7    44   35   +9    51 - PLAY-OFFS
 4 FC Harpoon                30   14   7   9    53   41  +12    49 - PLAY-OFFS, PROMOTED
 5 Mulhampstead              30   13   6  11    30   28   +2    45
 6 Egloskerry                30   12   7  11    40   32   +8    43
 7 Lighthouse Coves          30   11   9  10    38   37   +1    42
 8 Oldem Mechanical          30   12   5  13    26   29   −3    41
 9 Gurdle A.F.C              30   11   8  11    21   32  −11    41
10 Barbury F.C               30   11   7  12    31   29   +2    40
11 Old Licentians            30   11   7  12    47   52   −5    40
12 Moscva 2k12               30   10   8  12    27   31   −4    38
13 Bouldertown               30   10   6  14    53   53    0    36
14 Calshott Lighthouse       30    9   9  12    26   30   −4    36
15 Urbanista Young Boys      30    8   6  16    23   37  −14    30 - RELEGATED
16 Southtown                 30    3   8  19    15   40  −25    17 - RELEGATED

ANL Play-offs
Atletico Standard 0–2 FC Harpoon
Gwinevra Bulls 0–0 Atletico Standard
ANL Play-offs
FC Harpoon 2–1 Gwinevra Bulls

  ANL Play-offs        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 FC Harpoon             2   2  0  0    4   1  +3    6 - PROMOTED
2 Gwinevra Bulls         2   0  1  1    1   2  −1    1
3 Atletico Standard      2   0  1  1    0   2  −2    1

It seems the third division has become the new second division - terrifyingly close, with just 5 points separating 1st from 6th this season, no runaway winner like last time, and it is Frewick F.C who secure a return to the second tier, with one of Dockland United, Kepler United and the very impressive Azewyn Royals joining them. Down the bottom, Flotsam & Jetsam will be relegated, being replaced by the winner of the match between Royal Issington and AFC United of Cierbanor - interestingly both supporter set up and run as protest clubs to their original ones.

                          Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Frewick F.C             30   14   8   8    56   39  +17    50 - CHAMPIONS, PROMOTED
 2 Docklands United        30   14   7   9    33   29   +4    49 - PLAY-OFFS
 3 Kepler United           30   13   8   9    63   47  +16    47 - PLAY-OFFS
 4 Azewyn Royals           30   14   5  11    61   55   +6    47 - PLAY-OFFS, PROMOTED
 5 Old Guard Regiment      30   12   9   9    49   41   +8    45
 6 Armageddon Casuals      30   13   6  11    65   59   +6    45
 7 The Dambusters          30   13   3  14    58   61   −3    42
 8 Project +90             30   13   3  14    49   52   −3    42
 9 TP Indians              30   11   8  11    53   56   −3    41
10 Cawln Wanderers         30   10  10  10    52   53   −1    40
11 Beowulf FC              30   11   7  12    55   58   −3    40
12 Yerk United             30   10   9  11    60   63   −3    39
13 Don't Panic FC          30   11   4  15    45   53   −8    37
14 Celts                   30    9   8  13    48   50   −2    35
15 Kingsford FC            30    8  11  11    27   35   −8    35
16 Flotsam & Jetsam        30    6  10  14    54   77  −23    28 - RELEGATED

ANL2 Play-offs
Kepler United 1–1 Azewyn Royals
Docklands United 2–2 Kepler United
Azewyn Royals 1–0 Docklands United

ANL2 Play-offs       Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Azewyn Royals          2   1  1  0    2   1  +1    4 - RELEGATED
2 Kepler United          2   0  2  0    3   3   0    2
3 Docklands United       2   0  1  1    2   3  −1    1

ANL3 Play-off Match
AFC United of Cierbanor 2-0 Royal Issington

BARBURY TOWN
Name                  NTN Pos Age TGP TGS LGP LGS
Alan Eustathios       APX  GK  24  38   0  26   0
Jack Lerryn           APX  RD  29  40   3  27   2
Amadeus Finn          PIS  CD  21  34   1  23   1     
Matthias Sindelar     APX  DM  37  19   6  12   4
Alex Mo               APX  RM  26  30   2  20   2
Jody Rijshaart        AUD  CM  25  37  10  27   8
Sverre Devold         BYN  CM  27  35  10  28   6
Jo de Marisco         APX  CM  20  30   4  19   3
Isidora Cullen        BRN  RW  23  11   1   7   1
Curio                 PCG  ST  23  39  20  29  14
Namine Nagatomo       NSI  ST  31  16   9   6   5

DWILE WARRIORS
Kieron Riordan        NPH  GK  34  32   0  25   0
Eneko Treloquithack   APX  RD  24  37   3  28   1
Hadrian Belfast       NPH  CD  27  37   3  27   2  
Nicolas St Teath      APX  CD  27  35   1  25   1
Aitor Jovellanos      AUD LWB  20  36   7  26   5
Agozti Ibarran        ASG  RM  26  32   4  25   4
Adrasta Eljjoy        APX  CM  20  30   3  20   2
Mateus Carvalho       NSI  ST  31  33   8  24   5
Tolgus Tregajorran    APX  ST  30  36  28  27  22

EXTON F.C
Steven Worrick        APX  CD  25   9   0   7   0 
Olim Shahzad          APX  CD  23  39   3  29   1
Jakob Lunds           SEM  CD  23  31   1  24   1  
Marius Ognevski       APX  DM  21  35   5  26   3
Niko Vaarakallio      PIS  CM  31  32   7  24   4
Branko Tomić          PAS  ST  23  16   4  10   2   
Alfreton Zerzubar     APX  ST  20  32  16  25  11
 
FC BRIMSTONE
Catheline Stockinger  NPH  LD  23  26   2  25   2 
Jack Demir            APX  CM  29  30   5  30   5
Sam Charlfont         APX  CM  31  21   4  20   4
Miriam Spitfire       BRN  LM  31  27   5  26   5
Corinna McKenna       APX  ST  23  30  16  29  15

FC ENDEAVOUR
Kjn Volgisrhaad       PDT  GK  35  36   0  25   0
Diandra Ballard       NPH  GK  25  11   0   8   0
Moses Luc Bjerregaard PIS  RD  24  37   5  23   3       
Endellion Hewn        APX  CD  29  32   0  21   1
Stan Graham           EUR  CD  29  36   1  23   1
Marcus Redwood        APX  RM  31  35   9  26   5 
Sico Ullsmang         BYN  RM  24  12   0   8   0  
Alex Terán            FRF  CM  27  39  14  27  10 
Nikita Pirinen        PIS  CM  32  14   0  10   1
Zana Ibrox            APX  CM  21  35   8  25   5   
Rübéãn Tôr            FRF  LM  20  32   5  27   2
Danny Leighton        TLI  ST  28  36  24  26  17
Pekka Kalehmainen     SJG  ST  20  34  17  26  13

GWINEVRA BARBARIANS
Ettie Seabrooke       APX  GK  32  38   0  28   0
Odar Storbrittania    APX  RD  24  34   3  25   2 
Cleto Mata            FRF  CD  26  35   2  26   2
Willem Otkupshchikov  PIS  CD  27  38   5  27   4
Zezinho               NSI  LD  19  31   1  23   1
Alice Monteforth      APX  RM  28  34   4  26   3 
Charlie Boroni        APX  CM  29  36   8  29   8
Morgana Foloris       PDT  CM  31  34   6  28   5 
Jesper Lee Coleman    APX  LM  23  35   2  26   2
Sanui Shizuka         NSI CAM  23  32   9  25   8
Conor Morriston       APX  ST  27  37  17  27  14 

ISSINGTON F.C
Erika Kazama          NSI  RD  18  25   1  24   1
Max Viking            APX  LD  26  27   1  26   1  
Michel di Mercurio    YTT  DM  27  23   5  22   5
Joss Wickaninnish     APX  LM  21  25   2  25   2
Alex Ithamar          APX CAM  26  26   3  25   3
Alessandro Delvecchio OSD  ST  33  25  13  24  13

MANDON UNITED
Doug Carson           TLI  CD  26  30   1  28   1 
Saskia Babič          APX  CM  24  27   5  24   4
Harry Lickett         APX  CM  32  29   5  26   5
Radomíra Boadicea     APX  LM  19  25   4  24   3
Ikkon Karrkka         FRF CAM  28  30  11  28  10

MINERS ’47
Nelson Horatio        APX  LD  32  25   3  23   3 
Anna Wilbrahim        APX  ST  27  28  10  25   9

MONA A.F.C
Quentrim Anama        APX  GK  28  28   0  28   0  
Nicolas White         GLX  CM N/A  23   2  22   2
Juquinho              APX  ST  20  26  11  25  10

OLDEM GENTS CLUB
Ryan Butler           GLX  CD N/A  21   1  21   1  
Jason de Leon         APX  LD  33  23   2  22   2

ST. GEORGE’S CREEK
Anna Hikari           NSI  RD  19  30   2  25   2 
Axe the Dominant      OGD  DM  33  32   8  27   6
Melody Sarmiento      NSI  CM  17  29   5  22   5
Marcus Brave          APX  CM  28  32   6  28   5
Alex Paradys          PCG  LM  34  30   2  25   2
Damian Balnerii       BYN  ST  29  33  13  28  10
Ezekiel Charlestown   MBT  ST  25  32  19  27  15

URBANISTA
John Lockwood         APX  GK  28  50   0  26   0
Leonhard Mixé         FRF  CD  22  47   4  27   2
Robbie Faulkner       EUR  CD  25  42   1  23   1 
Ben Hatem             APX  LD  29  52   3  27   1
Armando Quillisi      APX  CM  30  49  10  26   5
Alexander Kirk        AUD  CM  34  40   5  20   2
Rosie Tyler           EQS  LM  22  47   6  26   2
Mateusz Wolff         PIS CAM  22  51  24  24  15
Elvis Sandbottom      PCG  ST  24  50  26  26  12 
Moses Uijtdewilligen  MYT  ST  29  23   4  10   1

UXMINSTER ATHLETIC
James Fowey           APX  LD  20  26   3  25   3
Erik Abbracciabene    APX  RM  22  24   2  23   2
Daedalus Michelakos   AYP  CM  32  25   4  24   4
Trystan Fitzpatrick   COS  ST  27  26   6  25   5

WREXTON F.C
Soren Pedersen        SEM  CD  25  30   1  27   1
Rohan Cammers         APX  CM  28  25   4  23   4
Jack Ohanna           APX  LM  26  26   4  25   3
Isidor Wessel         ZEN  ST  29  25   9  24   8
Marjatta Olesen       APX  ST  31  20   4  19   4

WYE UNITED
Catheline Purrington  BRN  CM  22  26   3  25   3
Alf Dale              APX  CM  26  22   5  21   5
Árbol Saucedo         SJG CAM  21  27   9  26   9
Cheney Scherzer       BRN  ST  26  31  12  30  12

[Apox]

ANL Season 17 - Preview

The biggest league in the multiverse returns for a 17th season, and after a number of big transfers, it's starting to have the swagger of one of the top leagues as well. The race for the title and UICA spots has never been more unpredictable, with all of the big clubs improving and having a solid case. Down the other end, the relegation battle is set to be equally unpredictable. This really is shaping up to be one of the most exciting seasons yet. Let's preview all the clubs hoping to achieve fame and glory this season:


FC Endeavour
Manager: Petter Aurelias
Home Ground: The Garganaut, Capacity: 42,000
Line-up: Ballard -- Bjerregaard, Hewn, Graham, Garcia -- Redwood (c), Terán, Ibrox, Tôr -- Kalehmainen, Leighton
Transfers In:
Transfers Out: Nikita Pirinen released; Kjn Volgisrhaad to retired
Preview: Endeavour have been quite reserved over the off season, perhaps recuperating from their heavy spending last season. The only change to the starting XI is the extremely talented Diandra Ballard replacing the retiring Kjn Volgisrhaad in goal, not exactly weakening the team. Nikita Pirinen, long time stalwart of Endeavour since their early days in the league has also been released. They are still a formidable force to be reckoned with, and have a large amount of talented youngsters coming through their youth academy, and Aurelias hasn't decided to disrupt a winning formula, something which can only be good. However, you look at other teams and wonder whether Endeavour are quite good enough to take it this year.
Last Season: 1st Predicted: 3rd


Barbury Town
Manager: Ken Rickwright
Home Ground: Village Green, Capacity: 40,000
Line-up: Eustathios -- Lerryn (c), Finn, Balthorst, Maramora -- Mo, de Marisco, Rijshaart, Devold, Hawker -- Curio
Transfers in: Joel Barton from Colanso City for £4,000,000
Transfer out: Matthias Sindelar to Magnaeus City as a free agent; Namine Nagatomo to retired
Preview: The legend is gone. Matthias Sindelar has done great things with Barbury Town since his return from the Licentian Isles, and last season nearly led his team to a surprise second ANL title - he now heads off for one last year in the LigAnaia before hanging up his boots. Barbury too haven't changed much in the off season, only bringing in Joel Barton as a squad player. They still have a formidable squad - Curio is now a proven striker at this level, and the team is littered with internationals. A dark horse for the title, however, they may fall a little.
Last Season: 2nd Predicted: 4th


Dwile Warriors
Manager: Moon Dust
Home Ground: The APX Sports Stadium, Capacity: 60,000
Line-up: Anaximander -- Treloquithack, Belfast (c), St Teath, Jovellanos -- Mêndêlöíndçêl -- Ibarran, Hawk, Kellard -- Tregajorran, D'Oyly
Transfers in: Laborius Hawk from Hondo FC for £45,000,000; Yurpá Mêndêlöíndçêl from Mâ Âlâmëómë for £14,000,000
Transfers out: Adrasta Eljjoy to Everfree Forest HC for £8,000,000; Kieron Riordan to Goodfeather FC as a free agent; Mateus Carvalho to retired
Preview: Moon Dust and the Dwile Warrior's team have been busy in the off season. Two enormous incoming transfers were made, Farf legend Yurpá Mêndêlöíndçêl comes in from Mâ Âlâmëómë for £14 million and then of course, there is Hawk. Laborius f**king Hawk. He is without doubt a game changer, and possibly the biggest transfer that will ever happen in this league and it's history. They've still got players like Hadrian Belfast and Tolgus Tregajorran in the side as well. This is like the team Endeavour assembled last season, only more terrified. Nailed on favourites for the title.
Last Season: 3rd Predicted: 1st


Exton F.C
Manager: Sammie Puskas
Home Ground: River Exe Ground, Capacity: 32,000
Line-up: Winterfyll -- Matinue, Shahzad, Lunds, Stevens -- Ognevski -- Aviram, Vaarakallio (c), Villa, Gayle -- Zerzubar
Transfers in: Jakk Winterfyll from Crawford City FC for £9,000,000; David the Heroic from Blau-Weiss Pallstadt as a free agent
Transfers out: Kevin Bergman to Urbanista Trojans for £3,000,000
Preview: Sammie Puskas with her bold team selections powered Exton to their best ever finish of 4th and Champion's Cup football last season, whilst simultaneously taking the team on something of a UICA run. An unqualified success, which she'll want to build on this season. Jakk Winterfyll of Cosumar adds strength to the best defense in the league and David the Heroic gives the squad greater depth, something they desperately need. Alfreton Zerzubar's goals will once again be crucial, and with Branko Tomic leaving the club, he won't feel such intense pressure to keep his starting spot which will either improve or worsen his game. Only time will tell how Exton will do, amongst this most competitive of seasons.
Last Season: 4th Predicted: 6th


FC Brimstone
Manager: John Grigia
Home Ground: FCB Stadium, Capacity: 28,000
Line-up: Caravella -- Shaw, Hewitt, Nicole, Stockinger -- Ingersleben, Demir, Charlfont, Harper, Spitfire (c) -- McKenna
Transfers in: Isadora Caravella from Goodfeather FC for £6,500,000; Callum Shaw from Gwinevra Bulls for £4,000,000
Transfer out: Fred Howe to Rack City Rangers for £2,000,000; Oliver Donovan to Strangers FC as a free agent
Preview: Brimstone went on an extraordinary run last season from the halfway point, finishing an excellent 5th place in the end, with John Grigia being lauded as a hero for it. The defense has been boosted since then, and Corinna McKenna continues to improve at the head of the attack. They should be good for UICA football once more.
Last Season: 5th Predicted: 7th


Urbanista
Manager: Olim Benzari
Home Ground: Lime Ground, Capacity: 36,000
Line-up: Lockwood -- Böhler, Mixé, Faulkner, Hatem -- Troon, Quillisi (c), Krooijmans, Tyler -- Wolff -- Sandbottom
Transfers in: Niek Krooijmans from FC Delare Minon for £8,000,000
Transfers out:
Preview: A much quieter off season for Urbanista this time around, bringing in Niek Krooijmans from Yttribia as a long term replacement for Alec Kirk, who will be seeing this season out from the bench. Urbanista looked much more of a steady ship last season, as they begin to rebuild and break back into the incredibly unpredictable job of challenging for the title. New signing Mateusz Wolff had a exceptional debut last time, and Elvis Sandbottom was as strong as ever. They'll be hoping their defense continues to improve this season, as that had been for so long their weakness. The revival under Olim Benzari continues.
Last Season: 6th Predicted: 5th


Gwinevra Barbarians
Manager: Jorgen Hauge
Home Ground: The Barbaria, Capacity: 50,000
Line-up: Seabrooke -- Storbrittania, Mata, Otkupshchikov (c), Zezinho -- Monteforth, Boroni, Foloris, Kane -- Shizuka -- Wilbrahim
Transfers in: Wesley Kane from Hastmead Diamante for £25,000,000; Anna Wilbrahim from Miners '47 for £3,500,000
Transfers out: Conor Morriston to Fontvielle FC for £12,000,000; Jesper Lee Coleman to Sabrefell Moths for £7,000,000; Halberdian to South Rathia as a free agent
Preview: Last season was a little bit of a step back for Gwinevra, however, they've made offensive improvements since then, and will look to come at teams a lot more. Willem Otkupshchikov has been made the captain by fellow countryman Jorgen Hauge, and he will continue to grow. Wesley Kane has been added from Hastmead Diamante, and he'll be crucial in any title attempt they have this season, while Gwinevra continue their tactic of poaching the stars from lower ranked teams, taking Anna Wilbrahim from relegated Miners '47, with Conor Morriston heading off to the SiegLeague to be a star there. I'm going to be bold and predict that this will be a good year for Gwinevra.
Last Season: 7th Predicted: 2nd


St George's Creek
Manager: Sanderstal the Almighty
Home Ground: New Alpaca Drive, Capacity: 26,000
Line-up: Vahlen -- Hikari, Forde, Nightshade -- Axe the Dominant (c) -- Kjellsen, Sarmiento, Brave, Paradys -- Balnerii, Charlestown
Transfers in: Nightshade from Crystopolis City for £7,500,000
Transfers out:
Preview: St George's Creek have spent big on promising Equestrian player Nightshade, but it's hard to know whether they can get back into the UICA places this season. The other top teams have either improved massively or were better than them to start off with, and St George's Creek are beginning to resemble a very different team to the one which bought them stability in this league in the first place. They'll stay just outside the UICA spots.
Last Season: 8th Predicted: 8th


Wye United
Manager: Chris Maarsden
Home Ground: JK Stadium, Capacity: 21,000
Line-up: Benthron (c) -- Peel, Auk, Kosbayashi, Litchworth -- Leanord, Purrington, Dale, Fronden -- Saucedo -- Scherzer
Transfers in:
Transfers out: Charlie Quinn to Krsthaven for £3,000,000
Preview: Having assembled the Exton F.C defense mk.2, Wye will hope to improve by patching up their previous leaky defense to win more games. In Cheney Scherzer and Arbol Saucedo, they have top calibre strikers, and Catherine Purrington has been very impressive for both club and country recently, so as far as attack goes they have enough talent. They've managed to re-establish themselves comfortably in this division, and they'll be fine in mid-table again.
Last Season: 9th Predicted: 10th


Issington F.C
Manager: Foreman Jones
Home Ground: Dwile Stadium, Capacity: 25,000
Line-up: Steele -- Kazama, Cartwright, Ottilia, Viking -- di Mercurio -- Chapman, Wickaninnish, Ithamar -- Delvecchio (c), Varano
Transfers in:
Transfers out:
Preview: No transfer activity for Issington F.C this season. The board have managed to plug all the holes in this sinking ship of a football club, but that's all they really can do at the moment. Alessandro Delvecchio, an absolute club legend and one of the few players to have scored 100 ANL goals, is retiring following this season, and the club would love to give him a good send-off. Unfortunately, I don't believe that will happen, but they haven't slid far enough yet to worry about relegation, and it'll be another mid-table season for them, something this club are going to have to accept these days - the division has moved on without them.
Last Season: 10th Predicted: 9th


Mandon United
Manager: Quentin O'Leary
Home Ground: Brookside Wharf, Capacity: 20,000
Line-up: Gweath -- Rodwell, Carson, Vasilev, Santana -- Benson, Babič, Lickett (c) -- Karrkka -- Marsalis
Transfers in:
Transfers out: Anna Fortuna to Gwinevra Bulls for £500,000
Preview: Mandon United continue to bumble along in the lower midtable, with a relatively thin squad and no real prospects of improving, making Quentin O'Leary's job prospects not fantastic for the upcoming season. Actor Marsalis has been a bit of a relevation for them since his move from Urbanista, his playing style fitting a club of this size superbly. Harry Lickett continues to be a key presence for them in the centre of the pitch, however, he is now aged 35 and it's hard to say how much longer he'll be playing.
Last Season: 11th Predicted: 13th


Uxminster Athletic
Manager: Clive Dunne
Home Ground: Beachfront Close, Capacity: 18,000
Line-up: Sokolov -- Roll, Banks, Fowey -- -- Holden, Michelakos, Andersson, Karlsen -- Pope (c), FitzPatrick
Transfers in: Timo Sokolov from SK Alekhino Bay for £1,500,000
Transfers out: Erik Abbraciabene to Halholzer United for £2,000,000; Tim Smith to West Gundar FC as a free agent
Preview: Uxminster have been raided in the off season, with Erik Abbracciabene leaving for Halholzer United in Mareibat with Tim Smith and MacArthur Tolli also leaving. James Fowey, their star defender was almost lured away as well, and it will be a struggle to keep him at the club for more than another season, with him gaining a national team call-up. There is still quality in this squad, with Timo Sokolov coming in for Tim Smith, and being a very promising player. They will likely struggle though to stay in the ANL this season.
Last Season: 12th Predicted: 15th


Wrexton F.C
Manager: Dravid Scott
Home Ground: MiXoL Ground, Capacity: 22,000
Line-up: Tzion -- Ascot, Kary, Pederson, Jones -- Gurdon, Cammers, Lunar Shadow, Ohanna (c) -- Wessel, Olesen
Transfers in: Lunar Shadow from Crystal Fair HC for £5,000,000
Transfers out:
Preview: With Dravid Scott, a good manager at the helm, and a slowly improving team, Wrexton F.C's darkest days may yet be behind them. With the club now supporter owned, there is a sense of quiet optimism around the ground, which will only aid the team's performances on the pitch. Rohan Cammers, when he isn't suspended, is a good player and Jack Ohanna has been lucky not to receive a national team call-up during his career thus far. With Lunar Shadow coming in from the Equestrian States in the off season, there is no reason to believe that they won't have a good season this time around.
Last Season: 13th Predicted: 11th


Mona A.F.C
Manager: Will Xasper
Home Ground: The Old Ground, Capacity: 17,500
Line-up: Anama -- Caspar, Thorn, Richards, Fitzroy -- Sagar, Zavanna, White, van Rossem (c) -- Juquinho, Vigurs
Transfers in:
Transfers out:
Preview: Mona A.F.C have had something of a quiet off season so far, and that isn't great news for a side with quality, but perhaps not enough at the end of the season. They started last season very well, before suffering a complete failure in form and ending the season mired in a relegation battle. Juquinho is a talented young player with loads of experience, a very rare thing, and Quentrim Anama in goal is proven at this level. However, there won't be a very large margin for error this season. The bottom of the table will be close.
Last Season: 14th Predicted: 16th


Urbanista Trojans
Manager: Neil Oxfam
Home Ground: Stone Hill, Capacity: 20,000
Line-up: Bergman -- Vettel, Smith, Pinney, Keys -- Branson (c), Thompson, Alaba, Muthier -- Scorboryo, Madison
Transfers in: Kevin Bergman from Exton F.C for £3,000,000; Otis Pinney as a free agent
Transfers out:
Preview: The Trojans shot back up in the ANL last season under new manager Neil Oxfam, and he'll be determined to keep them there. Kevin Bergman was an astute signing and Otis Pinney will help to underpin their defense. Their offensive players, Vina Scorboryo and Chris Madison have never really cut it at this level, and it'll be interesting to see how they do this season. There is real quality in the rest of the squad though, so, they should stay up comfortably.
Last Season: 1st, ANL2 Predicted: 12th

IMAGE STOLEN BY PHOTOBUCKET
FC Harpoon
Manager: Rodin Vidal
Home Ground: The Celebratory Stadium, Capacity: 45,000
Line-up: Scott -- Thornton, Hurstspurr the Bold, Waughton, Azariah -- Jarwood -- Halmiini, Mulberry, Austion -- Norbutt, Faye (c)
Transfers in: Eero Halmiini from Dyatinsk Barbarians for £1,000,000
Transfers out:
Preview: It's everyone's favourite small club with a ludicrously big stadium for their size and they're back, a couple of years wiser and more experienced. The big signing is of course, Eero Halmiini, the Buyanese international choosing FC Harpoon as the place to restart his career and dominate the opposition. They'll be up against it of course, but in Rodin Vidal they have a very intelligent and cunning manager who will win them the games that count. They'll stay up, just.
Last Season: 4th, ANL2 Predicted: 14th

Atletico Standard
Azewyn Royals
Barbury F.C
Bouldertown
Calshott Lighthouse
Egloskerry
Frewick F.C
Gurdle A.F.C
Gwinevra Bulls - Favourites
Lighthouse Coves
Miners '47
Moscva 2k12
Mulhampstead
Oldem Gents Club
Oldem Mechanical
Old Licentians

AFC United of Cierbanor
Armageddon Casuals
Beowulf FC
Cawln Wanderers
Celts
Docklands United
Don't Panic FC
Kepler United
Kingsford FC
Old Guard Reigment
Project +90
Southtown
The Dambusters
TP Indians
Urbanista Young Boys - Favourites
Yerk United

[Apox]

ANL Season 17 - Part One

4th February 584 - UICA Second Preliminary Round
Gwinevra Barbarians 3-0 Abeltfelcos Blizzards (TUE)

Gwinevra are the team who have the honour of beginning Apox's domestic football season, starting against the relatively unknown side of Abeltfelcos Blizzards. Gwinevra's newly star studded squad gets off to a good start as well, Anna Wilbrahim scoring on here debut, grabbing the opening goal of the match after receiving a well weighted through ball from Alice Monteforth on the wings. Charlie Boroni and Morgana Foloris link up well in the middle of the park to create the second goal, a headed goal from Sanui Shizuka up front, before Shizuka is again on hand to head in her second from a corner twnety minutes later, as the game winds towards it's natural closing point.

11th February - UICA Second Preliminary Round
Abeltfelcos Blizzards (TUE) 1-4 Gwinevra Barbarians

The Barbarians are even more on point in the away leg of their tie, Wesley Kane, on his debut for the club pulling all the strings up front, setting up both Anna Wilbrahim and Charlie Boroni to score. A rare defensive error from the all star defensive cast of Cleto Mata and Willem Otkupshchikov leads to the Blizzards scoring a consolation goal, but Otkupshchikov pops up in the box for a corner to score the Barbarians third. Anna Wilbrahim scores her second of the match and her third in her first two games at the club as a result of the Blizzards centreback decking Morgana Foloris in the box - Wilbrahim taking the penalty with flair. Gwinevra might have just found their title ready striker if Wilbrahim can keep up this form over the season.

18th February - UICA Third Preliminary Round
Exton F.C 0-1 Mar Sara FC (VAL)
FC Emerald Springs (SLL) 0-3 Urbanista
Dasalabad Air Force (PAT) 2-2 Gwinevra Barbarians

A mixed set of results in the first leg of the third preliminary round for the competing teams, with Exton facing off against Mar Sara FC, a team Apoxian clubs have come up against a couple of times now. Despite an organised defense and Jakk Winterfyll having a good game for Exton on his debut, Mar Sara manage to slip through and score in the 70th minute.

Urbanista get off to a cracking start against FC Emerald Springs of Super-Llamaland, with Mateusz Wolff, Elvis Sandbottom and Leonhard Mixé being the scorers in that match. Gwinevra Barbarians surprisingly struggle against the previously untouted Dasalabad Air Force of Patistan, Alice Monteforth and a unfortunate own goal from a Patistani perspective giving them a draw in the end.

21st - 22nd February - ANL Matchday 1
Barbury Town 1–0 Wye United
Dwile Warriors 2–0 Wrexton F.C
Exton F.C 1–0 Uxminster Athletic
FC Brimstone 3–0 Urbanista Trojans
FC Endeavour 1–1 Urbanista - Sunday Match
FC Harpoon 2–2 St George's Creek
Gwinevra Barbarians 0–1 Mona A.F.C
Issington F.C 2–2 Mandon United

And so the ANL, the action that everyone really wants to see, kicks off again for another year. The honour of the first goal scored this year goes to Corinna McKenna of FC Brimstone, as she scores in the third minute of a match where Brimstone look utterly dominant against Urbanista Trojans, putting three past the Trojans and reminding them why this division is so hard and competitive to be in. Dwile Warriors give Laborius Hawk his debut, and he is as impressive as you could possibly expect a mega-star to be, scoring Dwile's first goal against a hapless looking Wrexton defense, and setting up Tolgus Tregajorran for Dwile's second. They are going to be an impressive outfit this year, are Dwile.

Gwinevra Barbarians must still have a bit of a UICA hangover, as they surprisingly lose to Mona A.F.C, Juquinho scoring a scorcher of a goal to put them in front in the 16th minute, before Quentrim Anama pulls off an outstanding display in goal to keep them in the match. On Sunday, FC Endeavour and Urbanista are both only able to manage a draw in the most difficult of opening day matches, Danny Leighton showing that he still has it aged 30, by scoring their opening goal, before Urbanista captain Armando Quillisi lofts a free-kick just beyond the outstretched arms of Diandra Ballard to give Urbanista an equaliser.

25th February - UICA Third Preliminary Round
Mar Sara FC (VAL) 2-1 Exton F.C
Urbanista 2-0 FC Emerald Springs (SLL)
Gwinevra Barbarians 2-4 Dasalabad Air Force (PAT)

Exton F.C end their first time in the Champion's Cup rather more abruptly than they would have liked, you can't help but think, as Mar Sara beat them at home to go through 3-1 on aggregate, with Alfreton Zerzubar's late goal little more than a consolation rather than a serious attempt to progress. Urbanista once again easily see off FC Emerald Springs, meaning they are through, while Gwinevra Barbarian's are stunned by the clever counterattacking play of Dasalabad Air Force, as they are hit on the break and are unable to recover, tumbling out of UICA altogether at this early stage in the season.

28th February - 1st March - ANL Matchday 2
Wye United 1–3 Mandon United
Mona A.F.C 3–2 Issington F.C
St George's Creek 3–1 Gwinevra Barbarians - Sunday Match
Urbanista 1–0 FC Harpoon
Urbanista Trojans 1–2 FC Endeavour
Uxminster Athletic 0–1 FC Brimstone
Wrexton F.C 0–0 Exton F.C
Barbury Town 1–0 Dwile Warriors - Sunday Match

Mandon United travel away to Wye United in a battle of the two most mid-table teams in the division. Mandon United are the team who make the most of the match, Actor Marsalis being the key player for them in that game. Mona A.F.C manage to beat Issington F.C, a good result for them, and as Mona are one of the teams tipped for relegation at the start of the season - Juquinho looking increasingly more of a hot product there.

FC Endeavour and Urbanista both ease to victories over the two promoted teams, while the Sunday matches are both interesting propositions - St. George's Creek beating Gwinevra easily at home, Ezekiel Charlestown, now a veteran at the club, scoring twice, condemning the Barbarians to a second defeat and a bad start of the season for them. Dwile Warriors have slipped up, in a massive match against Barbury Town, their expensively assembled squad unable to find a way through a typically organised and structured Barbury side - Curio scoring the goal in that match.

4th March - UICA Play-off Round
Burgess FC (TCU) 2-1 Dwile Warriors
Morto Clube (CPV) 0-2 Exton F.C
Peswick Town (JEC) 2-1 Urbanista

Compared to the levels we've become used to; this isn't the best UICA season so far. Dwile Warriors enter the Champion's Cup fray now and... lose. Can't say I saw that coming, but its just what has happened, and Laborius Hawk's early goal wasn't capitalised on, leading to a loss for them. Exton F.C have found their mark in the Globe Cup, a competition in which they have more experience, Alfreton Zerzubar and Olim Shahzad - their two Apoxian star players, scoring in that game. Urbanista capitulate to a loss against Peswick Town after blasting away their opposition last round. Maybe they're just tired out?

7th - 8th March - ANL Matchday 3
Dwile Warriors 5–1 Wye United
Exton F.C 0–2 Barbury Town
FC Brimstone 1–1 Wrexton F.C - Sunday Match
FC Endeavour 4–0 Uxminster Athletic
FC Harpoon 0–0 Urbanista Trojans
Gwinevra Barbarians 2–1 Urbanista
Issington F.C 2–1 St George's Creek
Mandon United 0–1 Mona A.F.C - Sunday Match

Dwile Warriors blow Wye United out of the water - the win orchestrated quietly from the middle of the field by experienced Farf defender Yurpá Mêndêlöíndçêl, who's signing to the club has been overshadowed by that of Laborius Hawk somewhat. Speaking of Hawk, he's threatening to overshadow Tolgus Tregajorran as the club's primary goalscorer, Hawk with a hat-trick, while Tregajorran must contend himself with only 1 goal. Barbury Town continue their perfect record with a 2-0 win over a tough Exton side, Sverre Devold masterminding the first goal on the counter attack, and Jody Rijshaart breaking away to score the second. Mona A.F.C are the other team still with a perfect record, something more surprising than Barbury, who always start strongly. Gwinevra Barbarians finally pick up some points in a tough game against Urbanista.

FC Endeavour also win strongly, a rounded team performance there, with Danny Leighton, Pekka Kalehmainen, Alex Terán and the very exciting 17 year old young product Alpha Gandhi scoring his first goal for FC Endeavour in the 80th minute having been introduced from the bench for his first team debut.

11th March - UICA Play-off Round
Dwile Warriors 3-2 Burgess FC (TCU)
Exton F.C 2-0 Morto Clube (CPV)
Urbanista 1-2 Peswick Town (JEC)

Dwile Warriors beat Burgess FC at home, and look to have just scraped through, winning 3-1 with 10 minutes left to play, before Eneko Treloquithack scuffs a clearance which leads to a quick goal from Burgess, and Burgess advance to the Group Stages on away goals. Exton F.C have no sure trouble, once again keeping a clean sheet - David the Heroic scores his first for the club since moving from Blau-Weiss Pallstadt in the off season, Marius Ognevski the other scorer. Urbanista needed to overcome Peswick Town at home to advance - somethign they aren't able to do, being hit on the break and conceding either side of halftime, meaning Mateusz Wolff's late goal is worthless.

14th - 15th March - ANL Matchday 4
Wye United 2–1 Mona A.F.C
St George's Creek 3–2 Mandon United
Urbanista 4–1 Issington F.C - Sunday Match
Urbanista Trojans 1–0 Gwinevra Barbarians
Uxminster Athletic 2–1 FC Harpoon
Wrexton F.C 0–1 FC Endeavour
Barbury Town 0–1 FC Brimstone - Sunday Match
Dwile Warriors 5–2 Exton F.C

Wrexton F.C have been having a poor start to this season, and they currently sit bottom, nervous times for the club, they'll be wanting to avoid yet another relegation battle. FC Endeavour, in beating the aforementioned Wrexton, go top of the table with that win, displacing Barbury Town at the top, as they lose their first of the season to FC Brimstone, John Grigia's side impressing in the early stages with some extremely tight defensive work. Dwile Warriors continue to score at a ridiculous rate - another 5 goals going in this time. Here's the surprising thing, it wasn't even Laborius Hawk and Tolgus Tregajorran dominated this time - sure they both scored a goal, along with Aitor Jovellanos, Hadrian Belfast and Richard D'Oyly. It says something about a side when they are able to defeat a top team like Exton so convincingly. Gwinevra lose surprisingly to the overperforming Urbanista Trojans - left midfielder Ala Muthier scoring from a corner to hand the Trojans a win, though much of the credit must go to Kevin Bergman in goal for making a number of excellent saves.

21st - 22nd March - ANL Matchday 5
Exton F.C 0–0 Wye United
FC Brimstone 1–2 Dwile Warriors
FC Endeavour 1–2 Barbury Town
FC Harpoon 1–2 Wrexton F.C - Sunday Match
Gwinevra Barbarians 0–0 Uxminster Athletic - Sunday Match
Issington F.C 1–0 Urbanista Trojans
Mandon United 6–4 Urbanista
Mona A.F.C 1–2 St George's Creek

A large number of away wins occurring this weekend, with Dwile Warriors handing a first loss to FC Brimstone, Brimstone unable to hold back the attacking force thrown at them, even with Tolgus Tregajorran sitting this one out with a hamstring niggle, Yurpá Mêndêlöíndçêl and Sakina Zozula, yes, the sister of Adnan Zozula, at the goalscorers, with Zozula being thrown on as a substitute for Karsten Kellard late on. Mandon United complete a remarkable victory over a previously solid Urbanista in a game where defense doesn't appear to really feature - Actor Marsalis scoring his first ANL hat-trick, he's been on incredible form this season, with Harry Lickett, Ikkon Karrkka and Anton Vasilev scoring the other goals as they beat Urbanista 6-4. Wrexton F.C manage a win over the struggling FC Harpoon, Eero Halmiini's early goal being cancelled out by Isidor Wessel's strike, before some Rohan Cammers fireworks, Cammers scoring a spectacular volley before celebrating by headbutting a hapless Oly Norbutt - Cammers has since picked up a 5 match ban for his actions.

25th March - UICA Qualifying Round
New Southampton (KRN) 1-0 Exton F.C
Dwile Warriors 1-1 New Coastal Soccer Club (GGS)

Hmm. New Southampton are very compact and very good at keeping Alfreton Zerzubar quiet up front, and the problem with Exton is that, when their striker has been constrained, they aren't great at making chances either. With the match seemingly consigned to a draw, Sammie Puskas urges her players to go on the attack - it backfires and they concede a late goal. Dwile Warriors start of confidently against the New Coastal Soccer Club from Gregoryisgodistan but they struggle to correctly read each other's game, meaning Laborius Hawk's early goal is cancelled out and any further attempts stopped.

28th March - Marshall Cup First Round
Yerk United 1-0 Project +90
Docklands United 1-1 Old Licentians (1-2 AET)
AFC United of Cierbanor 1-0 Oldem Gents Club
Barbury F.C 1-3 Frewick F.C
Gurdle A.F.C 0-1 Cawln Wanderers
Mulhampstead 0-3 Egloskerry
Calshott Lighthouse 1-0 Don't Panic FC
Armageddon Casuals 2-0 Old Guard Regiment
Atletico Standard 1-1 Celts (1-1 AET, 2-1 PKs)
Gwinevra Bulls 1-1 TP Indians (2-1 AET)
Azewyn Royals 0-1 Kepler United
Oldem Mechanical 2-0 Kingsford FC
Lighthouse Coves 3-2 The Dambusters
Moscva 2k12 1-0 Bouldertown
Urbanista Young Boys 1-0 Southtown
Beowulf FC 1-2 Miners '47

The lower league clubs set the Marshall Cup rolling this season, with... a lot of average sort of scorelines. No massive upsets and few games going to penalties or extra time. Newly relegated Oldem Gents Club lose to the newly promoted ANL3 side AFC United of Cierbanor in what could be described as the biggest upset of the round.

1st April - UICA Qualifying Round
Exton F.C 2-1 New Southampton (KRN)
New Coastal Soccer Club (GGS) 4-1 Dwile Warriors

Not a great day for Apoxian clubs. Exton F.C become the second club to get knocked out of UICA on away goals this season, as New Southampton score early, leaving them requiring three goals to get out of trouble. They manage two goals, but New Southampton's defense is too good for them to score a third. Over in Gregoryisgodistan, Dwile Warriors suffer complete capitulation to New Coastal Soccer Club, with Tolgus Tregajorran being sent off early, after scoring the opening goal, conceding a penalty in a rash challenge in Dwile's box, something Halyos Anaximander cannot stop. Only 4 minutes later, in the 25th minute, Aitor Jovellanos is sent off as well, this time for bringing down a Soccer Club player from behind. Reduced to 9 men, the Gregoryisgodistani players swarm all over Dwile, with three marking Hawk at any one time, meaning the goals just pile in through a weakened Dwile side. Moon Dust afterwards stated that "it was the worst attempt at a performance by a side I've ever managed".

4th - 5th April - ANL Matchday 6
Wye United 1–1 St George's Creek
Urbanista 6–3 Mona A.F.C
Urbanista Trojans 0–1 Mandon United
Uxminster Athletic 2–0 Issington F.C
Wrexton F.C 1–0 Gwinevra Barbarians - Sunday Match
Barbury Town 2–0 FC Harpoon
Dwile Warriors 2–1 FC Endeavour - Sunday Match
Exton F.C 2–0 FC Brimstone

Let's cut straight to it - Dwile Warriors 2 FC Endeavour 1. That, is one of the biggest matches this season, give Dwile extra impetus in the title race. Dwile begin aggressively against their near neighbours and title rivals, Tregajorran able to play this game, not being suspended domestically, and he makes good use of it, scoring their opener after 10 minutes before Pekka Kalehmainen is able to net one back for Endeavour just before half time. Petter Aurelias then throws the kitchen towel at everything, bringing on Alpha Gandhi in search of an equaliser, opening up spaces for Dwile to penetrate, with Laborius Hawk setting up an incoming Agozti Ibarran to allow Dwile to score the winner.

Elsewhere, Barbury Town are the latest team to beat bottom side FC Harpoon, as they continue their magnificent start to keep up with Dwile, with quite a gap now opening up between the top two and the rest of the table. Gwinevra Barbarians are really struggling thus far, with Wrexton F.C earning a surprise win against the star studded side, new signing Lunar Shadow scoring the key goal in the 60th minute. Oh, and Urbanista thrash Mona A.F.C 6-3, with Mona's current mentality seeming to be to throw all their players at the oppositions goal and hope they score more than they concede. Working to mixed effect so far.

11th - 12th April - ANL Matchday 7
FC Brimstone 3–0 Wye United - Sunday Match
FC Endeavour 1–1 Exton F.C
FC Harpoon 3–4 Dwile Warriors
Gwinevra Barbarians 1–1 Barbury Town
Issington F.C 1–0 Wrexton F.C
Mandon United 0–0 Uxminster Athletic
Mona A.F.C 2–0 Urbanista Trojans - Sunday Match
St George's Creek 2–0 Urbanista

This season is really just one of the most unpredictable, with so many teams able to challenge well for UICA positions, not even including those sides which are able to surprise everyone by doing surprisingly well. Mona A.F.C are just one such team, thy are up to 5th with a 2-0 win over an Urbanista Trojans side who aren't turning many heads with their play at the moment. St George's Creek have been having a quietly exceptional season, and their 2-0 win against a very inconsistent Urbanista means they're now in 3rd place. FC Endeavour continue to struggle for form, and they draw 1-1 with Exton in a tense, turgid encounter at the Garganaut, while Gwinevra Barbarians manage to obtain some points from somewhere, drawing 1-1 with Barbury Town. Barbury's draw means there is room for Dwile to pull away at the top, and that's just what they do - beating a spirited FC Harpoon side 4-3, with Rodin Vidal saying to the assembled media after the match that "we just can't seem to catch a break this season. If only we could play like that every week".

15th April - UICA Group Stage
Crompton City (TSA) 1-2 FC Endeavour
Louargat (KRN) 3-1 Barbury Town
FC Brimstone 4-3 FC Chippenham (TSA)

Really a show of the Apoxian clubs against clubs from The Sarian, with the Apoxian ones just coming out on top. In the Champion's Cup, FC Endeavour begin their UICA campaign strongly, Danny Leighton and Alex Terán the scorers in that game, while in their first ever UICA match, FC Brimstone and more specifically a Corinna McKenna hat-trick (with Miriam Spitfire chipping in with a goal) is enough to see them overcome FC Chippenham. The abysmal form of Apoxian clubs against ones from Kernansquillec continues, Barbury Town capitulating to Louargat away, unable to bring their strong domestic form to the international scene.

18th - 19th April - ANL Matchday 8
Wye United 3–1 Urbanista
Urbanista Trojans 2–4 St George's Creek
Uxminster Athletic 4–0 Mona A.F.C
Wrexton F.C 0–0 Mandon United
Barbury Town 4–1 Issington F.C
Dwile Warriors 1–2 Gwinevra Barbarians - Sunday Match
Exton F.C 1–0 FC Harpoon - Sunday Match
FC Brimstone 3–3 FC Endeavour

Barbury Town retake the lead at the top of the table after an exceeding confident win against an Issington F.C side firmly entrenched in mediocrity, with Curio scoring a brace, backed up by Sverre Devold and Jack Lerryn goals and some resolute goalkeeping by Alan Eustathios. In the "Auld Classic", there is a little bit of an upset from recent years, with Gwinevra beating Dwile on their own turf, Anna Wilbrahim scoring the opener, before a reply from Agozti Ibarran, until, with just 90 seconds of the game left to play, Wesley Kane heads in a much needed winner for a Gwinevra side languishing at the wrong end of the table. Endeavour and Brimstone draw in a spicy 3-3 game which saw 4 bookings and Jack Demir sent off, meaning both sides remain near the top of the table, while poor old FC Harpoon continue to search for their first win of the season, as they lose 1-0 to an improving Exton F.C side.

22nd May - UICA Group Stage
FC Endeavour 4-0 SC Oceanside (NFX)
Barbury Town 2-0 Kagoshima Phoenix (COM)
Jungle Strike FC (VIL) 3-1 FC Brimstone

A good set of results for the teams in the Champion's Cup this week, with FC Endeavour washing SC Oceanside away, their strike partnership of Danny Leighton and the young Alpha Gandhi being pivotal in this game, both players scoring at least once, with Tôr scoring the other goal - Alex Terán and Zana Ibrox once again proving how important their ar to the side, netting up all four assists between them. Barbury Town record a less convincing, but still important win against Kagoshima Phoenix, Jo de Marisco and substitute Isadora Cullen scoring the two goals. FC Brimstone come up against international titans Jungle Strike FC of Vilita, and, despite some heroic defending (especially from Catherine Stockinger, who has grown so much as a player this season), they cannot handle the strength of the Strike, and the floodgates open after 60 minutes, conceding three goals quickly and Corinna McKenna's late goal being nothing but a consolation.

25th - 26th April - ANL Matchday 9
FC Endeavour 3–1 Wye United - Sunday Match
FC Harpoon 0–1 FC Brimstone
Gwinevra Barbarians 0–1 Exton F.C
Issington F.C 3–6 Dwile Warriors
Mandon United 2–0 Barbury Town
Mona A.F.C 0–2 Wrexton F.C
St George's Creek 1–0 Uxminster Athletic
Urbanista 3–2 Urbanista Trojans - Sunday Match

Dwile Warriors retake the lead in the table, with a local derby, one that used to be a tense, close affair, now usually one sided. And one sided it was again, with Dwile Warriors winning very strongly indeed, 6-3, with a Laborius Hawk hat-trick as well as goals from Tolgus Tregajorran, Richard D'Oyly and Aitor Jovellanos. Gwinevra Barbarians continue to struggle down the wrong end of the table, after another close loss to Exton F.C, Jakk Winterfyll having a great game in goal, even though Gwienvra did actually score in the 56th minute, Sanui Shizuka's strike being ruled off-side, unfairly. St George's Creek earn a 6th win of the season in beating Uxminster Athletic, to see them move up to second in the table. In the Urbanista derby, it is the biggest team of the city who come out on top, largely thanks to the heroic's of Niek Krooijmans in the centre of midfield, he had his best game in an Urbanista shirt since his move to the club in the off-season.

29th April - UICA Group Stage
Blau-Weiss Pallstadt (BYN) 2-2 FC Endeavour
CA Paulinthal (PAS) 1-2 Barbury Town
FC Brimstone 3-2 São Perebano (CPV)

Blau-Weiss Pallstadt are a very tricky outfit for Apoxian teams to come up against indeed in recent years, and on this occasion there is no exception, FC Endeavour racing into an early lead through strikes by Danny Leighton and Zana Ibrox, before a Duco Dalmshelf double in the second half rescues a point for the Buyanese side. Barbury Town manage to sneak past CA Paulinthal to continue their excellent form of late. FC Brimstone are having a good go at things as well, and that is shown in their victory against São Perebano of the Capivara Group.

1st - 2nd May - ANL Matchday 10
Wye United 2–1 Urbanista Trojans
Uxminster Athletic 3–2 Urbanista
Wrexton F.C 1–0 St George's Creek - Sunday Match
Barbury Town 2–1 Mona A.F.C
Dwile Warriors 3–0 Mandon United
Exton F.C 1–1 Issington F.C - Sunday Match
FC Brimstone 1–3 Gwinevra Barbarians
FC Endeavour 6–3 FC Harpoon

Well, it is FC Harpoon and Urbanista Trojans, both the promoted teams, who are looking adrift 10 games into the season, with FC Harpoon yet to register a win, being beaten comprehensively by FC Endeavour, yet another team putting 6 goals past another in a poor season for defenses. Gwinevra Barbarians peg FC Brimstone back in their most comprehensive win of the season yet, the scorers being Odar Storbrittania, Willem Otkupshchikov and Sanui Shizuka in that game. Exton are held at home by an Issington F.C side only one place above the relegation zone, even if they have a 7 point buffer in truth. Dwile Warriors make it 8 wins in 10 with another strong performance, this time against the high flying Mandon United, who will be hit by the injury of Actor Marsalis in that game with a hamstring problem which will see him out for 5 weeks, a problem for Mandon who have been relying heavily on his goals thus far. Wrexton F.C have been having a relatively good season under Dravid Scott this time around, and the return of Rohan Cammers to the line-up after suspension is a happy one - he scores their winner against St George's Creek.

                           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Dwile Warriors           10    8   0   2    30   14  +16    24
 2 Barbury Town             10    7   1   2    15    7   +8    22
 3 St George's Creek        10    6   2   2    19   12   +7    20
 4 FC Endeavour             10    5   3   2    23   14   +9    18
 5 FC Brimstone             10    5   2   3    15   11   +4    17
 6 Exton F.C                10    4   4   2     9    9    0    16
 7 Mandon United            10    4   3   3    16   14   +2    15
 8 Wrexton F.C              10    4   3   3     7    6   +1    15
 9 Uxminster Athletic       10    4   2   4    11   10   +1    14
10 Urbanista                10    4   1   5    23   23    0    13
11 Mona A.F.C               10    4   0   6    13   20   −7    12
12 Gwinevra Barbarians      10    3   2   5     9   11   −2    11
13 Wye United               10    3   2   5    11   19   −8    11
14 Issington F.C            10    3   2   5    14   23   −9    11
15 Urbanista Trojans        10    1   1   8    10   21  −11     4
16 FC Harpoon               10    0   2   8    10   21  −11     2

Oldem Gents Club are leading the charge as they seek immediate re-promotion to the top tier, with Egloskerry mighty close behind after they've had an extended period of time in the second tier now, having once finished as high as third in the ANL. Those days feel a long way away now. Gwinevra Bulls and Old Licentians fill out the play-off positions at the moment, although Bouldertown and Frewick F.C are both very close behind. For Miners '47, re-promotion is looking unlikely at the moment, as they currently sit 10th in the table, while the newly promoted Azewyn Royals sit bottom by a fair distance, perhaps another example of too much success too soon. Barbury F.C, Mosca 2k12, Mulhampstead and Oldem Mechanical are all in the relegation scrap at the moment.

                           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Oldem Gents Club         10    7   2   1    12    4   +8    23
 2 Egloskerry               10    7   1   2    15   11   +4    22
 3 Gwinevra Bulls           10    6   2   2    17    9   +8    20
 4 Old Licentians           10    5   3   2    17   10   +7    18
 5 Bouldertown              10    5   3   2    15    9   +6    18
 6 Frewick F.C              10    5   3   2    21   17   +4    18
 7 Atletico Standard        10    5   1   4    11    7   +4    16
 8 Lighthouse Coves         10    4   3   3    10    8   +2    15
 9 Calshott Lighthouse      10    4   1   5    10   11   −1    13
10 Miners '47               10    3   3   4    18   18    0    12
11 Gurdle A.F.C             10    3   2   5    11   12   −1    11
12 Oldem Mechanical         10    2   3   5     7   12   −5     9
13 Mulhampstead             10    3   0   7    16   23   −7     9
14 Moscva 2k12              10    2   3   5    12   19   −7     9
15 Barbury F.C              10    2   2   6    14   22   −8     8
16 Azewyn Royals            10    0   2   8    10   24  −14     2

A highly entertaining start to the season in the bottom ANL tier then, with the league celebrating its tenth season now. Armageddon Casuals currently top the table playing their kamikaze attacking football and it is finally paying off for them. In the other play-off spots, The Dambusters, Kepler United and Docklands United are all close behind. Pre-season favourites Urbanista Young Boys lurk in the lower mid-table at the moment, along with Beowulf FC and new boys FC United of Cierbanor, while Kingsford FC currently sit in the relegation spot, propping up the league system.

                               Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Armageddon Casuals           10    6   3   1    26   22   +4    21
 2 The Dambusters               10    5   3   2    19   14   +5    18
 3 Kepler United                10    5   3   2    25   21   +4    18
 4 Docklands United             10    5   2   3     9    6   +3    17
 5 Don't Panic FC               10    4   4   2    22   20   +2    16
 6 Southtown                    10    4   4   2     8    7   +1    16
 7 Old Guard Regiment           10    4   3   3    13    9   +4    15
 8 Cawln Wanderers              10    4   2   4    21   19   +2    14
 9 Yerk United                  10    4   2   4    21   20   +1    14
10 Urbanista Young Boys         10    4   2   4    11   12   −1    14
11 Celts                        10    3   3   4    14   15   −1    12
12 Beowulf FC                   10    3   2   5    18   20   −2    11
13 AFC United of Cierbanor      10    3   1   6    18   22   −4    10
14 TP Indians                   10    2   3   5    12   17   −5     9
15 Project +90                  10    1   5   4    12   17   −5     8
16 Kingsford FC                 10    0   4   6    11   19   −8     4

[Apox]

Super Sixteen Season 16

Another season of Apoxian/Licentian rugby, and, of course, we must begin it with the Lockwood Cup for it to be properly underway. This season, it is Colesham City Blues, with 5 previous appearances against JK Memorial Squad, who have 4 past appearances in the competition.

Past Finals History:
I: Colesham City Blues 7-0 Dwile Jerseys
II: Islanders 26–24 JK Memorial Squad
III: Islanders 14–14 JK Memorial Squad
IV: Colesham City Blues 20–7 Dwile Jerseys
V: Dwile Jerseys 7–0 Colesham City Blues
VI: Colesham City Blues 19–0 Dwile Jerseys
VII: JK Memorial Squad 17–17 Colesham City Blues
VIII: Montfort Lions 5–0 JK Memorial Squad

9th Lockwood Cup
JK Memorial Squad 18–6 Colesham City Blues

Crumbs! That's a rare win for an Apoxian team, making it only the second out of nine cups in which an Apoxian team has won the pre-season opener. Let's see how the actual league season went:

Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
 1 JK Memorial Squad        30   19   3   8   618  313 +305    79 - CHAMPIONS, SEASOGS
 2 Islanders                30   19   3   8   609  452 +157    79 - SEASOGS
 3 Colesham City Blues      30   19   2   9   458  206 +252    78 - SEASOGS
 4 Hudd Trolls              30   19   1  10   544  487  +57    77 - SEASOGS
 5 Gwinevra Saints          30   16   0  14   415  364  +51    64 - SEASOGS
 6 Dwile Jerseys            30   15   1  14   389  397   −8    61 - SEASOGS
 7 Celtic Warriors          30   15   1  14   503  520  −17    61
 8 Mandon Faithful          30   14   2  14   458  438  +20    58
 9 The Vikings              30   13   2  15   413  452  −39    54
10 Montfort RFC             30   13   1  16   398  489  −91    53
11 Mona Warriors            30   13   0  17   361  432  −71    52
12 Northern Urbanista       30   12   1  17   263  354  −91    49
13 Barbury Exiles           30   11   2  17   342  529 −187    46
14 Montfort Lions           30   11   1  18   374  460  −86    45
15 Exton Heraldrim          30   10   3  17   337  402  −65    43 - RELEGATED
16 The Redwood Club         30    8   3  19   415  602 −187    35 - RELEGATED

Well, that was a hell of a close run thing. JK Memorial Squad pick up yet another title win, although they were pushed close by Islanders, Colesham City Blues and, surprisingly, Hudd Trolls, who make a return to international competition after a few years left out in the wilderness. Gwinevra Saints and Dwile Jerseys make up the representation from the Super Sixteen. Celtic Warriors surprise the league in not doing terrible, while Mandon Faithful and Northern Urbanista will be disappointed with their seasons. Montfort Lions will also be disappointed, especially as they are nearly relegated. Exton Heraldrim head straight back down to the APL, and The Redwood Club are off as well, after a number of seasons in the Super Sixteen.

The Apox Premier League

Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD BP  Pts 
1 Dwile Rugby               14    9   0   5   183  164  +19  1   37 - CHAMPIONS, PROMOTED
2 Southern Urbanista        14    8   0   6   265  200  +65  4   36
3 Oldem Academicals         14    7   1   6   186  178   +8  1   30
4 Cierbana                  14    7   1   6   198  215  −17  1   30
5 RFC                       14    6   1   7   188  149  +39  3   28
6 Zealots of the North      14    6   0   8   223  236  −13  3   27
7 Ecchinswell Saints        14    6   0   8   172  226  −54  1   25
8 Skibbereen                14    5   1   8   154  201  −47  2   23 - RELEGATED

It was a very close season in the APL indeed, but Dwile Rugby are the eventual winners, and they will therefore make the step up to the Super Sixteen for next season, with Southern Urbanista coming very close to instant re-promotion indeed. Oldem Academicals are beginning to rebuild, having a good season for them, and soon they may even be able to make it back into the Super Sixteen. Skibbereen played with gusto, and were unlucky to be relegated in the end, with the bottom half of the table all being very close together. They will be replaced by Northerly United next season.

Apoxian qualifiers (APX): JK Memorial Squad, Hudd Trolls, Gwinevra Saints, Dwile Jerseys

Licentian qualifiers (TLI): Islanders, Colesham City Blues

[Apox]

ANL Season 17 - Part Two

5th May - UICA Group Stage
FC Endeavour 0-0 Blau-Weiss Pallstadt (BYN)
Barbury Town 3-0 CA Paulinthal (PAS)
São Perebano (CPV) 0-2 FC Brimstone

FC Endeavour once again draw a blank against Blau-Weiss, the team from the capital seeming to have run out of puff a little bit during the game, their normally potent attack looking flat, the best chance of the game coming from full back Moses Luc Bjerregaard's speculative shot which grazed the top of the crossbar. Barbury have a lot more to enjoy following on from yet another UICA win, beating CA Paulinthal, the big team of Pasarga 3-0. FC Brimstone travel to the Capivara Group, and once again take all the points against São Perebano.

8th - 9th May - ANL Matchday 11
FC Harpoon 2–1 Wye United
Gwinevra Barbarians 3–2 FC Endeavour
Issington F.C 2–1 FC Brimstone
Mandon United 0–1 Exton F.C - Sunday game
Mona A.F.C 1–2 Dwile Warriors
St George's Creek 2–3 Barbury Town
Urbanista 1–0 Wrexton F.C
Urbanista Trojans 1–3 Uxminster Athletic - Sunday game

First and foremost, FC Harpoon finally manage to win a game, beating Wye United 2-1 at home, moving them into 15th place (even if they're still 6 points behind Wye), with Rodin Vidal hailing the win, and Eero Halmiini's performance during it, as sensational and a big step in the right direction. It's clear they haven't lost hope yet then... Gwinevra Barbarians win a big game against FC Endeavour, who have been on a bit of a poor run of late, with Anna Wilbrahim, Charlie Boroni and Cleto Mata producing the goals for Gwinevra in that game. Dwile see off Mona with ease, thanks to a double from Aitor Jovellanos, and Barbury keep up with them, outscoring St George's Creek and putting more ground between the top two and the rest of the table. It cannot be overstated how close everything is except for at the extremities of the table, there is only a gap of 9 point between 3rd and 14th.

12th May - UICA Group Stage
FC Endeavour 2-3 Crompton City (TSA)
Barbury Town 4-2 Louargat (KRN)
FC Chippenham (TSA) 2-1 FC Brimstone

Not the best of midweek UICA fixtures for Apoxian clubs then, with FC Endeavour's poor run of form continuing as they crumble to a 3-2 loss to bottom seed in Group D, Crompton City of The Sarian, who play tight and aggressive football to prevent Endeavour's star studded side from running off with the three points. A very impressive performance indeed. Barbury Town have a better time against Louargat, losing 2-1 at the break, before a Curio brace, supplemented with a headed Alex Mo goal gives them three points and progression from their group. FC Brimstone continue to struggle a little, losing to FC Chippenham away and meanign any hopes of progression hinge on their game against Jungle Strike FC at home - a tough match.

15th - 16th May - ANL Matchday 12
Wye United 1–1 Uxminster Athletic
Wrexton F.C 0–0 Urbanista Trojans
Barbury Town 2–1 Urbanista - Sunday game
Dwile Warriors 1–0 St George's Creek
Exton F.C 2–2 Mona A.F.C
FC Brimstone 0–0 Mandon United
FC Endeavour 2–1 Issington F.C
FC Harpoon 0–0 Gwinevra Barbarians - Sunday game

Quite a low scoring weekend of matches there - the big scores from earlier one in the season seem to have dried up as we approach the mid point. In one of the "smaller" Dwile derbies, FC Endeavour finally turn their slump around with a 2-1 win of Issington F.C, which was only 2-1 thanks to the heroics of Jadranka Steele in goal for Issington - it could have easily been 4 or 5 goals for Endeavour. However, Barbury and Dwile both grind out wins, meaning the gap between Endeavour in 3rd and Dwile Warriors at the top is 9 points - a hard bridge for the champions to gap. FC Harpoon pick up another point as their mini revival continues - the defensive power of Gwinevra keeping Zebulon Faye and Eero Halmiini at bay, but with Wesley Kane injured this week, Gwinevra are missing that spark they need to get a whole heap of goal scoring opportunities. Wrexton F.C grab another point against Urbanista Trojans, but they've only scored 7 goals so far in the league - and that lack of goals is really hindering them from cracking on and doing well this season.

19th May - UICA Group Stage
SC Oceanside (NFX) 0-3 FC Endeavour
Kagoshima Phoenix (COM) 1-1 Barbury Town
FC Brimstone 1-6 Jungle Strike FC (VIL)

FC Endeavour have left their little blip in form far behind, with Zana Ibrox and Alex Terán operating to devastating effect in the midfield against SC Oceanside of 95X, both players assisting and scoring one goal, the other being a Danny Leighton penalty, as Endeavour win their Champion's Cup group with that result. Barbury Town also win their group with a 1-1 draw against second seed Kagoshima Phoenix of Commerce Heights, while FC Brimstone needed some sort of result against Jungle Strike FC of Vilita. It wasn't to be, as they are blown away, the score being 6-1 to Jungle Strike, and FC Brimstone bow out of their maiden UICA appearance humbled more more experienced, and able to focus on the league for the time being.

22nd May - Marshall Cup Second Round
AFC United of Cierbanor 2-1 Wrexton F.C
Barbury Town 0-1 FC Endeavour
Mona A.F.C 1-0 Urbanista
Calshott Lighthouse 0-2 Lighthouse Coves
Issington F.C 2-2 Frewick F.C (2-2 AET, 3-2 PKs)
Exton F.C 7-0 Yerk United
Cawln Wanderers 0-1 Egloskerry
St George's Creek 3-1 Miners '47
FC Harpoon 1-1 Urbanista Young Boys (1-1 AET, 3-2 PKs)
Kepler United 0-2 Moscva 2k12
Old Licentians 0-6 Atletico Standard
Gwinevra Barbarians 0-0 Urbanista Trojans (0-0 AET, 0-1 PKs)
Gwinevra Bulls 0-1 FC Brimstone
Dwile Warriors 1-2 Oldem Mechanical
Mandon United 5-1 Armageddon Casuals
Wye United 2-0 Uxminster Athletic

THAT IS MORE LIKE IT. The ANL teams enter the Cup in the Second Round, and it is a fantastic set of results all round. Lowly AFC United of Cierbanor, a semi-professional football club edge out Wrexton F.C, while FC Endeavour narrowly beat Barbury Town in one of those matches fans of both clubs wish meant the Marshall Cup was seeded. There are other upsets, with Oldem Mechanical beating currently top of the table Dwile Warriors, in one of the biggest giant killing displays ever. Fact. There are also a good share of large scores, with Exton F.C putting 7 past Yerk United, Mandon beating Armageddon Casuals 5-1 despite Actor Marsalis still being injured and Atletico Standard blowing Old Licentians away.

26th May - ANL Matchday 13
Gwinevra Barbarians 0–1 Wye United
Issington F.C 5–1 FC Harpoon
Mandon United 2–3 FC Endeavour
Mona A.F.C 2–1 FC Brimstone
St George's Creek 4–1 Exton F.C
Urbanista 3–2 Dwile Warriors
Urbanista Trojans 3–2 Barbury Town
Uxminster Athletic 0–1 Wrexton F.C

A set of midweek matches there, and there's big news. Following his sides tame loss to Wye United, a side they should be beating, and with his team sitting 12th in the table with only half the points of top placed Dwile Warriors, Jorgen Hauge has been relieved of his managerial duties at the club - with the club said to be looking at a number of replacements. Urbanista as a city does the double on the top two teams in the table, with Urbanista beating Dwile Warriors, after an inspired performance by the entire team, led by example by Armando Quillisi, and a very welcome result for Olim Benzari, who's job was looking mildly perilous.

The other result is more surprising, with Urbanista Trojans beating Barbury by an identical scoreline, with Joey Thompson showing the promise he had when he moved to the Trojans, at the time a UICA challenging club. Elsewhere, St George's Creek continue to solidify a Champion's Cup place with a 4-1 defeat of Exton, Damien Balnerii and Melody Sarmiento being the key players in that game. FC Harpoon continue to have a poor time, losing 5-1 to Issington F.C, Hilde Varano grabbing a hat-trick in that game, she is looking like a much more accomplished player this season.

29th - 30th May - ANL Matchday 14
Wye United 3–1 Wrexton F.C
Barbury Town 1–1 Uxminster Athletic
Dwile Warriors 4–3 Urbanista Trojans
Exton F.C 1–0 Urbanista - Sunday game
FC Brimstone 2–2 St George's Creek
FC Endeavour 1–1 Mona A.F.C
FC Harpoon 0–1 Mandon United
Gwinevra Barbarians 4–2 Issington F.C - Sunday game

Gwinevra are quick to act, appointing double World Cup winning manager Orophin Anárion, the experienced Vanorian being on paper the perfect candidate to turn their season around. He has an instant impact as well, with Gwinevra blowing Issington F.C away 4-2, Anna Wilbrahim, Wesley Kane, Morgana Foloris and Zezinho the scorers for the side. Despite still sitting 11th in the league, they are in truth only 2 points off the UICA places - that's how close the midtable is this season. Dwile Warriors are back to winning ways, although it is a narrow, high scoring affair, Dwile's attacking might being enough to overpower the Trojans in the end. FC Harpoon continue to look marooned at the bottom of the table, picking up their 10th loss of the season against Mandon United. Barbury Town and FC Endeavour both draw, meaning both teams fall further behind Dwile at the top of the table.

6th - 7th June - ANL Matchday 15
Issington F.C 3–1 Wye United
Mandon United 0–1 Gwinevra Barbarians
Mona A.F.C 0–1 FC Harpoon - Sunday game
St George's Creek 1–1 FC Endeavour
Urbanista 3–2 FC Brimstone
Urbanista Trojans 2–3 Exton F.C
Uxminster Athletic 3–1 Dwile Warriors - Sunday game
Wrexton F.C 3–4 Barbury Town

Gwinevra Barbarians and Orophin Anárion make it two wins out of two going into the mid season break, Anna Wilbrahim chipping the ball past Alex Gweath for their winner in the 70th minute. FC Harpoon drag themselves off the bottom of the table with a 1-0 win over Mona A.F.C, Zebulon Faye with the winner, although they still remain 7 points from safety. Urbanista are into the UICA spots with a battling 3-2 win over FC Brimstone, with Brimstone being on a poor run as of late - something John Grigia will need to turn around asap. Uxminster suprisingly beat Dwile, meaning the gap between them and Barbury decreases to 1 point with the latter team's victory against Wrexton F.C, who have returned to hovering nervously above the drop zone.

*mid-season break comes next*

15th July - UICA First Knock-out Round
Louargat (KRN) 1-0 FC Endeavour
Turoki United (VIL) 0-1 Barbury Town

Two fairly conservative games there to kick off the knock-out stage of the Champion's Cup, with FC Endeavour facing Louargat of Kernansquillec, who gave Barbury a hard time of things in the Group Stage - and they give the champions of Apox a hard time of things as well, Endeavour losing 1-0 from a surprise counter-attack. Barbury Town have more success against Turoki United, Sverre Devold opening the scoring early, before the deadlock between the two teams remains all match.

18th - 19th July - ANL Matchday 16
Wye United 0–1 Barbury Town
Wrexton F.C 0–2 Dwile Warriors
Uxminster Athletic 0–1 Exton F.C
Urbanista Trojans 2–1 FC Brimstone
Urbanista 1–2 FC Endeavour - Sunday game
St George's Creek 2–4 FC Harpoon - Sunday game
Mona A.F.C 0–1 Gwinevra Barbarians
Mandon United 2–2 Issington F.C

That's the second half of the season underway now, and Dwile continue to press on - their victory against Wrexton F.C is another triumph of aggressive and attractive football, while Barbury Town edge out a struggling Wye United side in a game where the second placed team looked remarkably on edge, with Cheney Scherzer and Arbol Saucedo causing the Barbury Town defense trouble all game. FC Endeavour record a good win over Urbanista to move them into 3rd place in the league as they continue to fight hard on all fronts. Gwinevra Barbarians continue their recent good form, narrowly beating Mona A.F.C (on the scoresheet at least) to move up into the UICA positions for the first time since the very early stages of this season. The slump continues at FC Brimstone, with bottom placed side Urbanista Trojans picking up a rare win to beat them, John Grigia's team look like they've just lost confidence in themselves and their ability to play.

22nd July - UICA First Knock-out Round
FC Endeavour 2-0 Louargat (KRN)
Barbury Town 1-3 Turoki United (VIL)

A turnaround of fortunes for both teams there. FC Endeavour easily beat Louargat at home to ensure they'll be through to the Quarter-Finals, a strong performance from the whole team, but particularly Zana Ibrox and Danny Leighton during that game. Barbury Town, on the other hand, go crashing out of the competition to Turoki United, their hard work in the first leg of the tie being utterly undone.

25th - 26th July - ANL Matchday 17
Mandon United 0–0 Wye United
Issington F.C 2–4 Mona A.F.C
Gwinevra Barbarians 2–1 St George's Creek - Sunday game
FC Harpoon 2–3 Urbanista
FC Endeavour 6–4 Urbanista Trojans
FC Brimstone 0–0 Uxminster Athletic
Exton F.C 1–0 Wrexton F.C - Sunday game
Dwile Warriors 2–1 Barbury Town - Sunday game

Well then, that is potentially something of a title deciding match right there, with Dwile Warriors hosting Barbury Town, the top two teams knowing that things are close enough at the top of the table for the winner to be top come the end of the weekend. Dwile Warriors don't trip up, Laborius Hawk opening the scoring, before Barbury reply through Isadora Cullen, starting ahead of the injured Curio, before Tolgus Tregajorran nets one for his 10th of the season. Elsewhere FC Endeavour are drawn into a high scoring game against Urbanista Trojans, with Alex Terán scoring a hat-trick in that game, one of the many scorers in a game that big. St George's Creek, having threatened Barbury and Dwile at the top earlier on in the season, are on something of a small slump, as they lose to Gwinevra Barbarians, resulting in the Barbarians actually being above them in the table in 5th place now.

29th July - Cygnus Cup First Round
Urbanista 1-1 Pajukas Sport (BYN)
FC Endeavour 6-0 La Chapelle-Neuve (KRN)

The Cygnus cup gets underway then, and due to the fact that Urbanista were the winners last season, Apox has two representatives this time around. The defending champions drew 1-1 to Pajukas of Buyan, where Leonhard Mixé brought down Risto Pajari in the box to concede a penalty, one which Pajari then scored. Mateusz Wolff handed Urbanista a point in the dying seconds of the match with an absolute screamer, leaving Urbanista with it all to do in the second leg. The other match-up saw no such problems, with Alpha Gandhi being handed a rare start - and really making the most of it, as he bags a hat-trick against La Chapelle-Neuve of Kernansquillec - the youngster has a big future at the club.

1st - 2nd August - ANL Matchday 18
Wye United 2–5 Dwile Warriors
Barbury Town 0–0 Exton F.C
Wrexton F.C 1–0 FC Brimstone - Sunday game
Uxminster Athletic 2–0 FC Endeavour
Urbanista Trojans 1–0 FC Harpoon
Urbanista 0–2 Gwinevra Barbarians - Sunday game
St George's Creek 1–0 Issington F.C
Mona A.F.C 0–1 Mandon United

Barbury Town can only manage a scoreless draw against Exton F.C, even when Isadora Cullen is brought to augment the already impressive strike power of Curio and Jody Rijshaart, Exton's star defense holding strong, underpinned by a strong performance from Jakk Winterfyll in goal. This slip up by Barbury means Dwile continue to grow the gap at the top of the table, with another strong win, this time over Wye United, who have struggled so far this season. FC Endeavour miss a chance to catch up more with Barbury in second, surprisingly losing to Uxminster Athletic who are still in the UICA spots at this late stage of the season. FC Harpoon are back at the bottom of the table following on from a a 1-0 loss to Urbanista Trojans. Gwinevra's season continues to improve, with Urbanista being the latest team to fall to them, Anna Wilbrahim and Charlie Boroni being the scorers there.

5th August - Cygnus Cup First Round
Pajukas Sport (BYN) 1-2 Urbanista
La Chapelle-Neuve (KRN) 0-3 FC Endeavour

Both teams are through to the next round with a good pair of wins. Urbanista overcome Pajukas in Buyan, with the attacking might of Mateusz Wolff and Elvis Sandbottom being too much for them to handle - despite Niek Krooijmans pulling all the strings in centre midfield and actually being the most important factor. FC Endeavour meanwhile, condemn La Chapelle-Neuve to an eye watering 9-0 aggregate loss, scoring thrice more in the second leg, just to reinforce the fact.

8th August - Marshall Cup Third Round
AFC United of Cierbanor 0-1 FC Endeavour
Mona A.F.C 1-0 Lighthouse Coves
Issington F.C 1-1 Exton F.C (2-1 AET)
Egloskerry 1-2 St George's Creek
FC Harpoon 2-2 Moscva 2k12 (3-2 AET)
Atletico Standard 0-1 Urbanista Trojans
FC Brimstone 3-0 Oldem Mechanical
Mandon United 0-1 Wye United

AFC United of Cierbanor cannot continue their giant killing form, losing 1-0 to an FC Endeavour side starting to feel the pinch of fixture congestion - they are still in 4 competitions and are going to have to play a hell of a lot of matches now. Exton F.C are dumped out of the competition in extra time by Issington F.C, but this round isn't full of all that many upsets, all the teams getting to the quarter-finals being in the top tier.

10th - 11th August - ANL Matchday 19
Mona A.F.C 1–4 Wye United
Mandon United 0–1 St George's Creek
Issington F.C 1–4 Urbanista - Tuesday game
Gwinevra Barbarians 2–0 Urbanista Trojans
FC Harpoon 1–0 Uxminster Athletic
FC Endeavour 1–0 Wrexton F.C - Tuesday game
FC Brimstone 2–1 Barbury Town
Exton F.C 2–4 Dwile Warriors

Barbury seem to be having something of a mini-implosion, although it's telling of how far ahead they were that they are still second in the league despite having a poor run, FC Brimstone expelling some demons to come back from behind at the break with a quickfire Corinna McKenna double to grab a relatively rare three points. FC Endeavour manage to just beat Wrexton, even with a heavily rotated Starting line-up in preparation for their Cygnus Cup second round tie. Dwile Warriors move a staggering 9 points ahead of Barbury in second with their 15th win of the season, it's quite staggering how well they're doing, although not particularly surprising. Gwinevra Barbarians beat the Trojans to move up into 4th in the table, their good run continuing.

12th August - Cygnus Cup Second Round
Urbanista 0-1 Metropolis Alligators (VLD)
International of Tyrellia (LGL) 1-2 FC Endeavour

The Second Round of the Cygnus Cup takes place, with Urbanista and Endeavour having a series of quick matches at this point. Urbanista battle well against Valladar legends Metropolis Alligators, but a quick goal loses it for them just after half time. FC Endeavour take on International of Tyrellia from Legalese and win away from home, Danny Leighton and Alex Terán the scorers in that game.

15th - 16th August
Wye United 0–1 Exton F.C
Dwile Warriors 3–0 FC Brimstone
Barbury Town 4–3 FC Endeavour
Wrexton F.C 0–1 FC Harpoon
Uxminster Athletic 0–2 Gwinevra Barbarians
Urbanista Trojans 1–0 Issington F.C
Urbanista 4–2 Mandon United
St George's Creek 3–2 Mona A.F.C

FC Harpoon move to within two points of Mona A.F.C and safety with a surprising victory over the venerable old club. Wrexton haven't been having a great season so far, and their chronic lack of goals is a serious issue. So serious in fact, that Dravid Scott has been handed the sack, his second spell in management being no better than his first. He vows never to return in his closing statements to the press. Dwile Warriors continue to rack up points at an alarming rate, they've grabbed a massive 48 points from 20 games, if they continue to rack up points at this rate, they'll have 72 at the end of the season - which would be an Apoxian record by 7 points... Barbury Town stop FC Endeavour from creeping closer in a tight game where defense wasn't a massive focus - Pekka Kalehmainen scoring twice for Endeavour but it's unable to prevent his team from losing. Gwinevra Barbarians look completely transformed from the team they were earlier on in the season, cruising to a confident victory over Uxminster. Exton are also back into the Champion's Cup places with a competent win over Wye.

                           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Dwile Warriors           20   16   0   4    56   29  +27    48
 2 Barbury Town             20   12   3   5    34   24  +10    39
 3 Gwinevra Barbarians      20   11   3   6    26   17   +9    36
 4 Exton F.C                20   10   6   4    22   21   +1    36
 5 FC Endeavour             20   10   5   5    44   31  +11    35
 6 St George's Creek        20   10   4   6    36   28   +8    34
 7 Urbanista                20   10   1   9    43   39   +4    31
 8 Uxminster Athletic       20    7   5   8    22   19   +3    27
 9 Mandon United            20    6   6   8    24   26   −2    24
10 FC Brimstone             20    6   4  10    24   28   −4    22
11 Wye United               20    6   4  10    24   34  −10    22
12 Wrexton F.C              20    6   4  10    13   21   −8    22
13 Issington F.C            20    6   3  11    32   44  −12    21
14 Mona A.F.C               20    6   2  12    26   38  -12    20
15 FC Harpoon               20    5   3  12    22   34  −12    18
16 Urbanista Trojans        20    5   2  13    27   42  −15    17

Egloskerry sit top of the pack for a return to the ANL, having amassed a good amount of points with 30 still left to play for. Atletico Standard, Lighthouse Coves, Oldem Gents Club and Miners '47 are all close behind, with the top half of the table containing plenty of teams we've seen in the top tier before, making it unlikely to see any new names grace the top flight next season. At the bottom Azewyn Royals probably were promoted too quickly for their own good, and they've struggled so far this season in this table. Oldem Mechanical are in the relegation zone as well, and it looks likely that one of them, Calshott Lighthouse and Gurdle A.F.C will be heading down to the third tier next season.

                           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Egloskerry               20   12   3   5    28   20   +8    39
 2 Atletico Standard        20   12   1   7    30   22   +8    37
 3 Lighthouse Coves         20   10   5   5    28   20   +8    35
 4 Oldem Gents Club         20   10   3   7    19   14   +5    33
 5 Miners '47               20    9   5   6    46   37   +9    32
 6 Gwinevra Bulls           20    9   4   7    22   15   +7    31
 7 Mulhampstead             20   10   1   9    31   32   −1    31
 8 Bouldertown              20    8   6   6    30   28   +2    30
 9 Old Licentians           20    8   5   7    30   25   +5    29
10 Frewick F.C              20    8   5   7    37   36   +1    29
11 Moscva 2k12              20    6   6   8    23   27   −4    24
12 Barbury F.C              20    7   3  10    31   36   −5    24
13 Gurdle A.F.C             20    6   5   9    20   25   −5    23
14 Calshott Lighthouse      20    6   2  12    15   25  −10    20
15 Oldem Mechanical         20    4   6  10    16   26  −10    18
16 Azewyn Royals            20    3   4  13    24   42  −18    13

Urbanista Young Boys are top of the table as they seek re promotion to the second tier, although Yerk United have surprised pretty much everyone in sitting in second at the moment, having scored a large amount of goals indeed. Armageddon Casuals haven't had as successful a middle third of the season, they're back down in 8th, although it's very close in the division as a whole. Down the bottom, Kingsford FC look pretty sunk, although TP Indians will be nervously looking over their shoulders at being so low.

                               Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Urbanista Young Boys         20   12   2   6    29   21   +8    38
 2 Yerk United                  20   11   3   6    50   36  +14    36
 3 Don't Panic FC               20   10   5   5    38   33   +5    35
 4 Southtown                    20    9   6   5    16   12   +4    33
 5 Docklands United             20    9   6   5    17   14   +3    33
 6 The Dambusters               20    9   5   6    41   37   +4    32
 7 Kepler United                20    9   5   6    41   37   +4    32
 8 Armageddon Casuals           20    8   6   6    41   44   −3    30
 9 Cawln Wanderers              20    8   3   9    38   36   +2    27
10 Celts                        20    7   5   8    27   28   −1    26
11 Beowulf FC                   20    6   6   8    37   38   −1    24
12 Project +90                  20    5   8   7    25   28   −3    23
13 AFC United of Cierbanor      20    6   5   9    42   46   −4    23
14 Old Guard Regiment           20    5   6   9    22   25   −3    21
15 TP Indians                   20    4   5  11    29   38   −9    17
16 Kingsford FC                 20    2   4  14    20   40  −20    10

[Apox]

ANL Season 17 - Part Three

19th August - Cygnus Cup Second Round
Metropolis Alligators (VLD) 4-0 Urbanista
FC Endeavour 3-1 International of Tyrellia (LGL)

Urbanista bow tamely out of the Cygnus Cup, with a battering at the hands of Metropolis Alligators, losing 5-0 on aggregate. FC Endeavour have no such troubles though, and they continue to score lots of goals and progress on in competition.

22nd - 23rd August - ANL Matchday 21
St George's Creek 0–0 Wye United
Mona A.F.C 2–2 Urbanista - Sunday game
Mandon United 2–0 Urbanista Trojans
Issington F.C 1–0 Uxminster Athletic
Gwinevra Barbarians 0–0 Wrexton F.C
FC Harpoon 0–1 Barbury Town
FC Endeavour 2–2 Dwile Warriors - Sunday game
FC Brimstone 1–0 Exton F.C

Wrexton F.C have appointed A.T Snow, formerly with Atletico Standard, as their new manager as they continue to shuffle managers in and out for that winning formula. They draw with Gwinevra, who've had good success out of changing their manager so far this season. Dwile Warriors slip up somewhat, although not particularly significantly, with FC Endeavour holding them to a draw, moving Endeavour into the Champion's Cup places. FC Brimstone get a good result against Exton F.C, but they're still a fair shout off the UICA spots, something they'll likely be very disappointed about. Barbury Town earn an tense win away at FC Harpoon, with Curio heading in a late winner in the 82nd minute.

26th August - UICA Quarter-Finals
Turoki United (VIL) 1-5 FC Endeavour

Endeavour travel to Vilita and Barbury Town's conquerors from the last round in Turoki United, and have no such trouble, with a real team effort in this performance, Petter Aurelias making full use of the pitch and using Marcus Redwood and Rübéãn Tôr to full effect against the Vilitans to blow them out of the water. Anything except an embarrassing home loss will seal progression for them.

29th August - Marshall Cup Quarter-Finals
FC Endeavour 1-2 Mona A.F.C
Issington F.C 1-1 St George's Creek (3-2 AET)
FC Harpoon 1-2 Urbanista Trojans
FC Brimstone 0-1 Wye United

The reigning champs are knocked out of the Marshall Cup by a very tight Mona A.F.C side who managed to contain a relatively weakened Endeavour side beginning to look like they're struggling under the sheer weight of fixtures at the moment. Issington F.C still have a chance for some silverware this season in beating St. George's Creek through a bout of extra time scoring. Urbanista Trojans see off FC Harpoon in a battle of the two ANL teams in the relegation zone, while Wye United quietly cruise past FC Brimstone.

2nd September - UICA Quarter-Finals
FC Endeavour 0-3 Turoki United (VIL)

Christ, that was close. Turoki United came out of the blocks incredibly quickly at the Garganaut, tearing into a 3-0 lead at half time and stunning Endeavour's defense, admittedly not the strongest part of their team. However, Endeavour were ready for them in the second half and, they held on to keep their honour in not losing badly at home and also to advance to the Champion's Cup semi-finals for the first time in the team's history.

5th - 6th September - ANL Matchday 22
Wye United 1–0 FC Brimstone - Sunday game
Exton F.C 2–0 FC Endeavour
Dwile Warriors 1–1 FC Harpoon
Barbury Town 4–2 Gwinevra Barbarians
Wrexton F.C 1–0 Issington F.C - Sunday game
Uxminster Athletic 0–0 Mandon United
Urbanista Trojans 4–0 Mona A.F.C
Urbanista 0–1 St George's Creek

Barbury Town continue to keep pace, after beating Gwinevra Barbarians 4-2 strongly, which is all the more important due to FC Harpoon unexpectedly holding Dwile Warriors to a draw, meaning they're struggling a little bit of late compared to their rampant form of earlier on in the campaign. Urbanista Trojans win surprisingly confidently, although it is against Mona A.F.C, who've been poor since the very beginning of the season. It's getting increasingly close at the bottom now, with many especially with Wrexton F.C beating Issington 1-0, meaning Issington have been drawn into this relegation battle now, the first time this season that it's really been applicable to them.

8th September - Cygnus Cup Quarter-Finals
Jungle Strike FC (VIL) 1-2 FC Endeavour

FC Endeavour win a massive game against Jungle Strike in the Cygnus Cup - Alex Terán scoring the opener before Moses Luc Bjerregaard doubles the advantage just before half-time. Strike come back strong in the second half, but Endeavour remain strong, and it is they who hold the advantage going into the game at the Garganaut.

11th- 12th September - ANL Matchday 23
Urbanista 3–2 Wye United
St George's Creek 1–1 Urbanista Trojans - Sunday game
Mona A.F.C 0–0 Uxminster Athletic
Mandon United 0–0 Wrexton F.C
Issington F.C 3–1 Barbury Town
Gwinevra Barbarians 1–0 Dwile Warriors - Sunday game
FC Harpoon 2–2 Exton F.C
FC Endeavour 1–1 FC Brimstone

Having barely broken stride all season, Dwile's current run of just 2 points from 3 games is astounding. Much like the performance Gwinevra Barbarians' pulled off against them in the second "Auld Classic" of the season, Willem Otkupshchikov walking off with a man of the match performance after he was able to contain Laborious Hawk for the full 90 minutes. In fact, Tolgus Tregajorran looked like the more potent threat throughout the game - although it is credit to the ability of Dwile's line-up that Tolgus Tregajorran doesn't usually look like the biggest threat throughout the match. Thankfully for Dwile, Barbury are unable to win as well, after they succumb to Issington F.C, led by Alessandro Delvecchio, who, even at the age of 34, is still banging them in for the club. Endeavour and Brimstone draw, meaning Endeavour fall to 6th in the table with that result - the pursuit of so many trophies finally beginning to take it's toll on the club - even with it's large and expansive squad. FC Harpoon and Urbanista Trojans both draw to teams in the UICA spots, meaning they keep within touching distance of safety.

15th September - Cygnus Cup Quarter-Finals
FC Endeavour 2-1 Jungle Strike FC (VIL)

There are no slip ups from Endeavour in the second leg either, conceding early on but still heading through on goal difference. In the second half, Marcus Redwood fires in a shot with barely any dip on it, to regain them an advantage on aggregate, before substitute Leigh Oswald scores with second to go on the clock. They push on to a semi final in a second competition this season - it could be a big one for them indeed.

19th - 20th September - ANL Matchday 24
Wye United 1–1 FC Endeavour - Sunday game
FC Brimstone 1–0 FC Harpoon - Sunday game
Exton F.C 0–0 Gwinevra Barbarians
Dwile Warriors 4–2 Issington F.C
Barbury Town 0–1 Mandon United
Wrexton F.C 2–1 Mona A.F.C
Uxminster Athletic 1–0 St George's Creek
Urbanista Trojans 0–0 Urbanista - Sunday game

Dwile Warriors pull back out to a lead of 8 points, after Barbury inexplicably lose to Mandon, meaning the title is all but mathematically their's this season, shown after they beat off Issington F.C with relative ease, Hawk and Tregajorran both scoring twice in that game. The Urbanista derby in the land is as heated as it always is - Armando Quillisi wrongfully sent off in the 30th minute, leading to both Elvis Sandbottom and Vina Scorboryo to be sent of in the 50th minute after a brawl. With all this non football action going on, you forget that the game itself was rather a drab 0-0 draw. Wrexton boost their survival hopes and simultaneously lower Mona's with a 2-1 victory, their strikers finally managing to actually score some goals. FC Harpoon are plucky but cannot prevent a loss to FC Brimstone, who seem to be on a last charge to finish in the UICA places again next season.

22nd September - UICA Semi-Finals
Northbrook Diamonds FK (PIS) 0-2 FC Endeavour

This match is quite literally one of the biggest in international competition of the season as the champion's of two of the biggest associations face off. And what a match it is as well, with Endeavour playing battling combative football to blunt the fearsome attack of Northbrook - with a rare slip from Aapo Nordenberg deflecting Zana Ibrox's shot for the first Endeavour goal, before Danny Leighton smashes in one of those unstoppable goals with a wicked right footed shot from far out.

23rd - 24th September - ANL Matchday 25
Urbanista Trojans 1–1 Wye United
Urbanista 3–0 Uxminster Athletic
St George's Creek 0–0 Wrexton F.C
Mona A.F.C 0–1 Barbury Town
Mandon United 0–2 Dwile Warriors
Issington F.C 1–0 Exton F.C
Gwinevra Barbarians 0–0 FC Brimstone
FC Harpoon 1–1 FC Endeavour - Thursday game

A generally low scoring set of midweek matches - the goals drying up somewhat as they tend to do later on in the season. Not so for Urbanista who gleefully smash three past a tired looking Uxminster sides who's form has slid in recent weeks - Elvis Sandbottom, Rosie Tyler and Helena Böhler the goalscorers in that game. Urbanista Trojans are out of the relegation zone for the first time in a long while with a battling 1-1 draw against Wye United. Dwile Warrior's continue to fire in the goals and pick up the wins, Laborius Hawk scoring his 20th of the season in that match as Dwile now only require two wins and a draw from their last 5 games to be mathematically safe of securing the title. The holders, FC Endeavour, continue to struggle from a heavy schedule, drawing with a defensively tight FC Harpoon side, Alpha Gandhi scoring early for Endeavour, but then Harpoon fill in the holes at the back and Eero Halmiini is able to do the rest.

26th - 27th September - ANL Matchday 26
Wye United 2–3 FC Harpoon - Sunday game
FC Endeavour 1–1 Gwinevra Barbarians
FC Brimstone 5–1 Issington F.C
Exton F.C 1–0 Mandon United
Dwile Warriors 4–2 Mona A.F.C
Barbury Town 2–1 St George's Creek - Sunday game
Wrexton F.C 2–3 Urbanista
Uxminster Athletic 0–0 Urbanista Trojans

Dwile Warriors are the latest side to beat Mona A.F.C - meaning Mona have quietly fallen to bottom in the table, leading them to sack their long term manager, Will Xasper with only 4 games left to play - a baffling decision, and assistant manager Jim Attwood takes over until the end of the season at least. FC Brimstone are pushing for UICA football at the right time, and a powerful win over Issington F.C, complete with a Corinna McKenna hat-trick makes it all the more satisfying for John Grigia after a tough season. FC Harpoon are making their promotion push at the right time, they pick up more crucial points with a 3-2 win over Wye United, Zebulon Faye putting in a captains performance, having a hand in all the goals. Exton move up to third, with the UICA spots between 3rd and 7th being incredibly close at the moment.

30th September - UICA & Marshall Cup Semi-Finals
FC Endeavour 2-0 Northbrook Diamonds FK (PIS)
Mona A.F.C 1-0 Issington F.C
Urbanista Trojans 0-2 Wye United

Endeavour do the ridiculous and book their place in the Champion's Cup final - the first Apoxian club to do so, having made a fantastic run of things so far in the Cup, they were already sitting on a healthy 2-0 lead going into this home leg, and they didn't let up in the second leg, bayed on by a hysterical crowd at times.

In the Marshall Cup, Mona A.F.C put aside their poor league form to beat Issington F.C, while Urbanista Trojans cannot turn home advantage into an advantage on the scoreboard, and Wye glide past them into the final.

3rd - 4th October - ANL Matchday 27
Uxminster Athletic 2–2 Wye United
Urbanista Trojans 1–0 Wrexton F.C
Urbanista 0–2 Barbury Town - Sunday game
St George's Creek 1–2 Dwile Warriors
Mona A.F.C 0–1 Exton F.C
Mandon United 0–0 FC Brimstone
Issington F.C 4–2 FC Endeavour
Gwinevra Barbarians 0–2 FC Harpoon - Sunday game

A lot of big teams playing each other this weekend, and not all the result going exactly as planned. FC Endeavour fall to 7th in the table with a 4-2 loss to Issington F.C, who are safe from relegation now but have little else to play for. Well, except to hurt their close neighbours slim Champion's Cup hopes and also to send Alessandro Delvecchio off on a high note after many years of faithful service to Issington. Dwile Warriors continue to score, they need a draw from any of their next three games to seize the title, still uncatchable despite Barbury beating Urbanista 2-0 away from home. FC Harpoon continue to hurt all the top sides, this week it is Gwinevra Barbarians who are caught off guard by a surprising Harpoon attack. Should the Harpoon be relegated this season, I imagine Rodin Vidal will have a few job offers come flying in.

7th October - Cygnus Cup Semi-Final
Revolutionaries (EUR) 3-1 FC Endeavour

In an amusing turn of circumstance, Endeavour are drawn against their opponents for the final of the Champion's Cup in the Cygnus Cup, and in perhaps something of a foreboding sign, they lose the first leg convincingly to Revolutionaries of Eura.

10th - 11th October - ANL Matchday 28
Wye United 1–0 Gwinevra Barbarians
FC Harpoon 3–3 Issington F.C
FC Endeavour 2–2 Mandon United
FC Brimstone 1–0 Mona A.F.C
Exton F.C 0–0 St George's Creek
Dwile Warriors 2–0 Urbanista - Sunday game
Barbury Town 0–0 Urbanista Trojans - Sunday game
Wrexton F.C 1–0 Uxminster Athletic

Their 21st win of the season, and with that, Dwile Warriors can celebrate the title returning from across town, to sit in their trophy cabinet for the 7th time. Barbury Town can only manage a draw against Urbanista Trojans, but it doesn't much matter, the top of the table is so stretched out that they are guaranteed second now anyway. Wrexton's victory against Uxminster means they'll likely safe for this season, and Mona's loss to the on form Brimstone means their most recent stay in the top tier is over - with FC Harpoon and Urbanista Trojans fighting it out for safety now - the final relegation spot is between them now.

14th October - Cygnus Cup Semi-Final
FC Endeavour 2-2 Revolutionaries

Endeavour sadly aren't able to turn around their aggregate deficit against Revolutionaries and as a result they can now focus all their energies on one objective - winning the Champion's Cup against the same opponents (and making sure that they keep UICA football next season, although that's pretty likely, all things considered).

17th - 18th October - ANL Matchday 29
Wrexton F.C 0–0 Wye United
Uxminster Athletic 0–2 Barbury Town
Urbanista Trojans 0–3 Dwile Warriors
Urbanista 2–0 Exton F.C
St George's Creek 3–0 FC Brimstone - Sunday game
Mona A.F.C 3–4 FC Endeavour
Mandon United 4–2 FC Harpoon
Issington F.C 0–1 Gwinevra Barbarians - Sunday game

Dwile Warriors have officially broken the record points total with their win over Urbanista Trojans, and as a result of the Trojans worse goal difference than FC Harpoon, they are now the team in the relegation zone with one game left to play. FC Endeavour turn around their relatively poor form with a 4-3 victory against Mona, meaning they are still in with a legitimate shout of the final Champion's Cup spot, which is so bloody tight right now. All in all a day of big scorelines going into a final matchday with a bit, but to be honest not much, still depending on those results.

21st October - Marshall Cup Final
Mona A.F.C 1-1 Wye United (1-1 AET, 0-2 PKs)

Mona have the chance to become the first ANL2 team to simultaneously compete in the Cygnus Cup next season (they are confirmed as relegated now) and Wye have the chance to win some silverware to show that this season wasn't as useless as it could otherwise be construed. Mona A.F.C take the early advantage, Juquinho (who else) scoring the crucial opening goal for them, before Catherine Purrington, who has been one of the best players for Wye in this season, volleys the ball triumphantly and spectacularly into the back of the net for the equaliser. Extra time comes and goes and still nothing separates the two sides, who both then show that neither had really bothered practising penalties prior to the game, Wye United walking out winners in the end.

24th October - ANL Matchday 30
Wye United 1–0 Issington F.C
Gwinevra Barbarians 1–0 Mandon United
FC Harpoon 1–1 Mona A.F.C
FC Endeavour 5–2 St George's Creek
FC Brimstone 1–0 Urbanista
Exton F.C 4–0 Urbanista Trojans
Dwile Warriors 1–0 Uxminster Athletic
Barbury Town 0–1 Wrexton F.C

Dwile Warriors become the first team to break the 70 point barrier in a season, with a simple 1-0 victory against Uxminster Athletic, the captain, Hadrian Belfast scoring the only goal from a header there. It is simply astonishing how well they've done this season, they finished a whole 20 points above 3rd place, scoring a monumental 77 goals along the way. Exton seal third place in an emphatic victory over Urbanista Trojans, who are consigned to the second tier next season as a result, FC Harpoon managing a draw against Mona, meaning they stay up to fight again after a strong finish from Rodin Vidal's side. Gwinevra Barbarians grab the Champion's Cup spot at the last minute, literally, after Anna Wilbrahim scores a penalty in the 89th against Mandon, robbing FC Endeavour of the spot they thought theirs until that point, especially after a strong win against St George's Creek, with Moses Luc Bjerregaard being the star in that game both defensively and offensively.

26th October - Champion's Cup Final
FC Endeavour 0-1 Revolutionaries

Die Einundsechzigste in Yttribia is buzzing ahead of a final which sees two teams from two associations never reaching this stage before facing off. It is a nervous and tense affair, with neither side having the better of things in the first half, until the Eurans are able to break away and score just before the break. Although Endeavour ramp up the pressure to enormous levels in the second half, the Revolutionaries defense holds firm and a legion of fans are left to go and lick their wounds until next season at least.

Top Scorers
23 - Laborious Hawk (Dwile Warriors)
18 - Tolgus Tregajorran (Dwile Warriors)
16 - Danny Leighton (FC Endeavour)
15 - Corinna McKenna (FC Brimstone)
14 - Curio (Barbury Town)
13 - Mateusz Wolff (Urbanista), Elvis Sandbottom (Urbanista)
12 - Anna Wilbrahim (Gwinevra Barbarians), Hilde Varano (Issington F.C), Alfreton Zerzubar (Exton F.C), Ezekiel Charlestown (St George's Creek), Actor Marsalis (Mandon United)
11 - Juquinho (Mona A.F.C)

                           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Dwile Warriors           30   23   2   5    77   38  +39    71 - CHAMPIONS, CC
 2 Barbury Town             30   18   4   8    47   32  +15    58 - CC
 3 Exton F.C                30   14   9   7    32   27   +5    51 - CC
 4 Gwinevra Barbarians      30   14   7   9    31   26   +5    49 - CC
 5 FC Endeavour             30   12  11   7    63   52  +11    47 - GC
 6 Urbanista                30   14   3  13    56   51   +5    45 - GC
 7 St George's Creek        30   12   8  10    45   39   +6    44 - GC
 8 FC Brimstone             30   11   8  13    34   34    0    41
 9 Mandon United            30    9  10  11    33   34   −1    37
10 Uxminster Athletic       30    9   9  12    25   29   −4    36
11 Wye United               30    9   9  12    35   44   −9    36
12 Wrexton F.C              30    9   8  13    20   26   −6    35
13 Issington F.C            30   10   4  16    48   61  −13    34
14 FC Harpoon               30    7   8  15    38   51  −13    29
15 Urbanista Trojans        30    7   7  16    34   53  −19    28 - RELEGATED
16 Mona A.F.C               30    6   5  19    36   59  −23    23 - RELEGATED

The Gentlemen of Oldem are back to the ANL next season then, as they seem to have joined the list of those "yo-yo" clubs full time now. Atletico Standard, Mulhampstead and Gwinevra Bulls are all in the play-off places this season, meaning yet another season coming up of no new entrants to the top tier. Egloskerry had been at the top for most of the season - they'll be gutted to miss out on a promotion chance yet again. At the bottom end of the table, Azewyn Royals and Gurdle A.F.C are the two teams who'll be disappearing down a level this season - for Azewyn it seemed like a little too much success too early for them.

                           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Oldem Gents Club         30   16   6   8    29   17  +12    54 - CHAMPIONS, PROMOTED
 2 Atletico Standard        30   16   3  11    54   42  +12    51 - ANL PLAYOFFS
 3 Mulhampstead             30   16   2  12    53   48   +5    50 - ANL PLAYOFFS
 4 Gwinevra Bulls           30   14   6  10    38   28  +10    48 - ANL PLAYOFFS, PROMOTED
 5 Egloskerry               30   14   6  10    40   34   +6    48
 6 Old Licentians           30   13   8   9    54   43  +11    47
 7 Miners '47               30   12   9   9    63   56   +7    45
 8 Lighthouse Coves         30   13   6  11    42   39   +3    45
 9 Bouldertown              30   12   8  10    50   48   +2    44
10 Frewick F.C              30   13   5  12    54   54    0    44
11 Oldem Mechanical         30   10   7  13    31   40   −9    37
12 Barbury F.C              30   10   6  14    50   56   −6    36
13 Calshott Lighthouse      30   10   3  17    26   39  −13    33
14 Moscva 2k12              30    7  10  13    27   37  −10    31
15 Gurdle A.F.C             30    8   7  15    34   45  −11    31 - RELEGATED
16 Azewyn Royals            30    7   6  17    39   58  −19    27 - RELEGATED

ANL Play-offs
Mulhampstead 2–3 Gwinevra Bulls
Atletico Standard 1–1 Mulhampstead
Gwinevra Bulls 0–0 Atletico Standard

  ANL Play-offs        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Gwinevra Bulls         2   1  1  0    3   2  +1    4 - PROMOTED TO ANL
2 Atletico Standard      2   0  2  0    1   1   0    2
3 Mulhampstead           2   0  1  1    3   4  −1    1

Straight back up again for the Young Boys - setting up another Urbanista derby next season, keeping the football romance from that particular city alive at least. Kepler United, Southtown and Docklands United are in the play-offs for next season, with Yerk United and Armageddon Casuals, both teams doing well indeed at various points of the season, just behind. New boys AFC United of Cierbanor achieve a respectable mid-table finish, while Kingsford FC had a fantastically drab season, and are banished from the lands of the ANL as a result. Royal Issington beat Barrabrook United in the promotion play-off, and so it is them who'll join the league next season.

                               Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Urbanista Young Boys         30   17   4   9    43   30  +13    55 - CHAMPIONS, PROMOTED
 2 Kepler United                30   16   5   9    62   53   +9    53 - ANL2 PLAYOFFS, PROMOTED
 3 Southtown                    30   14  10   6    29   16  +13    52 - ANL2 PLAYOFFS
 4 Docklands United             30   13   9   8    28   22   +6    48 - ANL2 PLAYOFFS
 5 Yerk United                  30   14   5  11    70   59  +11    47
 6 Armageddon Casuals           30   12   9   9    64   67   −3    45
 7 Celts                        30   12   8  10    47   42   +5    44
 8 AFC United of Cierbanor      30   12   8  10    59   58   +1    44
 9 Don't Panic FC               30   12   7  11    56   61   −5    43
10 The Dambusters               30   12   6  12    55   58   −3    42
11 Beowulf FC                   30   11   7  12    53   51   +2    40
12 Old Guard Regiment           30   10   8  12    37   38   −1    38
13 Project +90                  30    9  11  10    40   43   −3    38
14 Cawln Wanderers              30   10   5  15    53   54   −1    35
15 TP Indians                   30    5   7  18    35   50  −15    22
16 Kingsford FC                 30    4   5  21    24   53  −29    17 - RELEGATED

ANL2 Play-offs
Southtown 1–4 Docklands United
Kepler United 1–1 Southtown
Docklands United 0–2 Kepler United

  ANL2 Play-offs       Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Kepler United          2   1  1  0    3   1  +2    4 - PROMOTED TO ANL2
2 Docklands United       2   1  0  1    4   3  +1    3
3 Southtown              2   0  1  1    2   5  −3    1

ANL Team Stats
BARBURY TOWN
Name                  NTN Pos Age TGP TGS LGP LGS
Alan Eustathios       APX  GK  25  35   0  28   0  
Jack Lerryn           APX  RD  30  34   3  27   2
Amadeus Finn          PIS  CD  22  30   1  24   1
Joel Barton           JEC  CD  25  10   0   7   0
Alex Mo               APX  RM  27  27   3  22   2     
Jody Rijshaart        AUD  CM  28  35  10  28   8 
Sverre Devold         BYN  CM  28  36   8  28   6
Jo de Marisco         APX  CM  21  31   3  24   2
Isidora Cullen        BRN  RW  24  13   4   8   2
Curio                 APX  ST  24  34  19  27  14

DWILE WARRIORS
Halyos Anaximander    APX  GK  22  33   0  28   0 
Eneko Treloquithack   APX  RD  25  28   1  22   1
Hadrian Belfast       NPH  CD  28  34   2  29   2  
Nicolas St Teath      APX  CD  28  30   2  24   2
Aitor Jovellanos      AUD LWB  21  31   7  27   6
Agozti Ibarran        ASG  RM  27  29   4  26   4
Yurpá Mêndêlöíndçêl   FRF CDM  32  30   6  26   6
Laborius Hawk         VAL CAM 717  34  26  30  23 
Tolgus Tregajorran    APX  ST  31  32  20  28  18

EXTON F.C
Jake Winterfyll       COS  GK  22  36   0  29   0
Steven Worrick        APX  CD  26   9   0   7   0
Olim Shahzad          APX  CD  24  32   2  26   1
Jakob Lunds           SEM  CD  24  34   2  27   2 
Marius Ognevski       APX  DM  22  30   3  25   2
Niko Vaarakallio      PIS  CM  32  35   5  28   4
Alfreton Zerzubar     APX  ST  21  32  15  26  12
David the Heroic      OGD  ST  34   7   3   4   1
 
FC BRIMSTONE
Isadora Caravella     NPH  GK  23  34   0  28   0 
Catheline Stockinger  NPH  LD  24  32   3  27   2
Jack Demir            APX  CM  30  30   5  24   4
Sam Charlfont         APX  CM  32  34   3  28   2
Miriam Spitfire       BRN  LM  32  30   5  25   4
Corinna McKenna       APX  ST  24  34  21  29  15

FC ENDEAVOUR
Diandra Ballard       NPH  GK  26  48   0  29   0 
Moses Luc Bjerregaard PIS  RD  25  45   7  27   4    
Endellion Hewn        APX  CD  30  49   3  29   2
Stan Graham           EUR  CD  30  45   1  26   1
Marcus Redwood        APX  RM  32  44  10  26   5
Sico Ullsmang         BYN  RM  25  11   3   5   2  
Alex Terán            FRF  CM  28  47  13  29   9
Zana Ibrox            APX  CM  22  45  10  25   4  
Rübéãn Tôr            FRF  LM  29  42   8  25   3
Danny Leighton        TLI  ST  29  38  15  21  10
Pekka Kalehmainen     SJG  ST  21  46  26  26  16
Alpha Gandhi          APX  ST  17  14   5   9   2

FC HARPOON
Mikel Azariah         MBT  LD  28  29   2  27   2
Eero Halmiini         BYN  RM  29  27   5  25   4
Zebulon Faye          APX  ST  30  30  11  28  10

GWINEVRA BARBARIANS
Ettie Seabrooke       APX  GK  33  32   0  27   0 
Odar Storbrittania    APX  RD  25  29   1  25   1
Cleto Mata            FRF  CD  27  30   1  26   1
Willem Otkupshchikov  PIS  CD  28  33   2  28   1
Zezinho               NSI  LD  20  28   1  26   1
Alice Monteforth      APX  RM  29  31   4  26   3
Charlie Boroni        APX  CM  33  28   3  24   2  
Morgana Foloris       APX  CM  32  30   1  25   1
Wesley Kane           OSR  LM  26  32   7  28   6
Sanui Shizuka         NSI CAM  24  31   6  26   4 
Anna Wilbrahim        APX  ST  28  32  16  27  12

ISSINGTON F.C
Erika Kazama          NSI  RD  19  28   1  26   1  
Max Viking            APX  LD  27  24   2  23   2
Michel di Mercurio    YTT  DM  28  32   6  28   5
Joss Wickaninnish     APX  LM  22  26   5  24   4
Alex Ithamar          APX CAM  27  30   4  27   4
Alessandro Delvecchio OSD  ST  34  27  10  24   9

MANDON UNITED
Doug Carson           TLI  CD  27  27   1  26   1 
Saskia Babič          APX  CM  25  30   5  29   5
Harry Lickett         APX  CM  35  28   5  27   4
Radomíra Boadicea     APX  LM  20  25   3  23   3
Ikkon Karrkka         FRF CAM  29  29   4  27   4
Actor Marsalis        APX  ST  28  20  13  19  12

MONA A.F.C
Quentrim Anama        APX  GK  29  32   0  28   0
Nicolas White         GLX  CM N/A  28   3  24   3
Juquinho              APX  ST  21  30  13  26  11

ST. GEORGE’S CREEK
Anna Hikari           NSI  RD  20  28   1  26   1
Axe the Dominant      OGD  DM  34  30   6  27   5
Melody Sarmiento      NSI  CM  18  26   5  24   5
Marcus Brave          APX  CM  29  30   3  28   3
Alex Paradys          APX  LM  35  26   2  25   2
Damian Balnerii       BYN  ST  30  30  10  27   9
Ezekiel Charlestown   MBT  ST  26  31  12  28  12

URBANISTA
John Lockwood         APX  GK  29  36   0  27   0
Leonhard Mixé         FRF  CD  23  31   2  29   1 
Robbie Faulkner       EUR  CD  26  28   1  22   1 
Ben Hatem             APX  LD  30  32   2  27   2
Armando Quillisi      APX  CM  31  34   7  28   6
Niek Krooijmans       YTT  CM  24  32   7  27   6
Alexander Kirk        AUD  CM  36  10   3   5   3
Rosie Tyler           EQS  LM  23  35   6  29   6
Mateusz Wolff         PIS CAM  23  32  18  27  13  
Elvis Sandbottom      APX  ST  25  34  15  27  13 

URBANISTA TROJANS
Otis Pinney           GLX  CD  27  30   2  28   2
Joey Thompson         TLI  CM  29  28   5  25   4
Ager Alaba            ASG  CM  24  31   3  27   3

UXMINSTER ATHLETIC
Timo Sokolov          POL  GK  25  28   0  27   0
James Fowey           APX  LD  21  29   1  28   1
Daedalus Michelakos   AYP  CM  33  25   2  24   2
Trystan Fitzpatrick   COS  ST  28  28   5  27   5

WREXTON F.C
Soren Pedersen        SEM  CD  26  28   1  27   1  
Rohan Cammers         APX  CM  29  22   4  21   4
Lunar Shadow          EQS  CM  20  25   1  24   1
Jack Ohanna           APX  LM  27  28   2  28   2
Isidor Wessel         ZEN  ST  30  24   6  23   6
Marjatta Olesen       APX  ST  32  27   4  26   4

WYE UNITED
Catheline Purrington  BRN  CM  23  32   6  28   5 
Alf Dale              APX  CM  27  30   2  26   2
Árbol Saucedo         SJG CAM  22  28   9  26   8
Cheney Scherzer       BRN  ST  27  31  12  27  10

N.B - For statistical purposes, the following players which used to be Paradystopian or one of his puppet's are now considered Apoxian due to the former nation turning into cheese: Morgana Foloris, Kjn Volgisrhaad, Alex Paradys, Curio and Elvis Sandbottom.

[Apox]

ANL Season 18 - Preview

Still on top after an excellent off-season, if not a particularly busy one, the battles for the title, for the Champion's Cup spots, for the Globe Cup spots and in the relegation battle are all going to be incredibly tight and exciting! Let's check out the 16 teams taking part in the ANL.

Player Tribute - Matthias Sindelar

The jolly dance from club to club finally ends for Matthias Sindelar, having had one last season abroad with Magnaeus City of the LigAnaia before retiring now, aged 39.

His football career began relatively late, and as a result he didn't move into the first team of Wrexton F.C, his first club until he was 21, in the 566 season of the ANL. However, once he was put into place, moving from his original preferred position of centre defender to defensive midfielder, he didn't look back, and it wasn't look before an international call-up and move to a bigger club took place, with both occurring in 569 A.T, with Sindelar moving to the growing force of FC Endeavour. He was to only spend 2 seasons at the club moving moving once again - a big money move to Montfort Wanderers in the Licentian Isles. His time there was a mixed success, with Sindelar performing exceptionally well, but his club less so.

With the folding of the Licentian Premier League in 579 A.T, Sindelar, now aged 34 and a veteran of many campaigns, returned to Barbury, continuing to perform exceptionally well there, winning Barbury's first ever ANL title as club captain and having a very successful three year spell at the club, before his move to Magnaeus.


Dwile Warriors
Manager: Moon Dust
Home Ground: The APX Sports Stadium, Capacity: 60,000
Line-up: Anaximander -- Treloquithack, Belfast (c), St Teath, Jovellanos -- Ibarran, Mêndêlöíndçêl, Hawk, Zozula -- Tregajorran, D'Oyly
Transfers in: Ardent Neguwa from Colanso City as a free agent
Transfers out:
Preview: Dwile Warriors were simply rampant last season, with the attacking duo of Tolgus Tregajorran and Laborius Hawk leading the team to a league high points and goals total as they romped to the title last season. Unsurprisingly, Moon Dust has simply kept his team together this season, with the exception of bringing in the young Sakina Zozula for Karsten Kellard. Is there any thing which could prevent them from repeating their title excitements from last season? Well, perhaps, yes. A lot of Dwile's squad is ageing now, especially Tolgus Tregajorran, so it's hard to say if they can win. Having won, yet another title last season, Moon Dust has also declared the Champions Cup trophy, the biggest in the multiverse, for domestic clubs anyway, his main focus this season. However, they're still one of the biggest challengers for the title this season.
Last Season: 1st Predicted: 2nd


Barbury Town
Manager: Ken Rickwright
Home Ground: Village Green, Capacity: 40,000
Line-up: Eustathios -- Lerryn (c), Finn, Balthorst, Maramora -- Mo, de Marisco, Rijshaart, Devold, Hawker -- Curio
Transfers in:
Trandfers out: Titan Vladimirescu to Centre for Excellence on a season long loan
Preview: Barbury seem to have become a specialist second placed team in recent years having yet again finished second last season. The team hasn't changed, the only difference being the intensely promising Titan Vladimirescu heading off for a season of toughening up in the ANL3. They still have the devastatingly good centre midfield pairing of Sverre Devold and Jody Rijshaart, and Curio up front is no slouch in front of goal either. The title race is going to be very open indeed this year, and that makes it nigh on impossible to predict, but for some reason, I just don't think Barbury are gonna get it this season.
Last Season: 2nd Predicted: 3rd


Exton F.C
Manager: Sammie Puskas
Home Ground: River Exe Ground, Capacity: 32,000
Line-up: Winterfyll -- Theutrich, Shahzad, Lunds, Motte-Bailey -- Ognevski -- Aviram, Vaarakallio (c), Villa, Reenberg -- Zerzubar
Transfers in:
Transfers out: Ke Gayle, retired; Jacques Matinue, retired
Preview: Exton F.C under Sammie Puskas are flying. Soaring high. Last season, managing to sneak in for a Champion's Cup place was something of a shock, but this was even bigger - comfortably qualifying in 3rd spot for their third campaign in a row, Jakk Winterfyll presiding over one of the star defence's in the league and Alfreton Zerzubar up front, now totally silencing his critics, having one of the best chance-to-conversion rates in the league. However, the question is - will they be able to maintain this with FC Endeavour and Gwinevra Barbarians having relatively poor seasons by their standards? It hard to see them qualifying for the Champion's Cup for a third straight season, and I reckon they'll "fall" down to UICA spots this season. Even though 5 years ago they were still yet to qualify for this competition...
Last Season: 3rd Predicted: 5th


Gwinevra Barbarians
Manager: Orophin Anárion
Home Ground: The Barbaria, Capacity: 50,000
Line-up: Seabrooke -- Storbrittania, Mata, Otkupshchikov (c), Zezinho -- Monteforth, Boroni, Foloris, Kane -- Shizuka -- Wilbrahim
Transfers in: Sunbar McCoy from Serbury as a free agent
Transfers out: Flavia Benditti, retired
Preview: The Barbarians recovered excellently from their poor start to last season to finish 4th in the end - new manager Orophin Anárion guiding them to a respectible position with an amazing season half of the season. Now he turns his eye to the title, and silverware for a club that haven't won anything for a very long time, despite new managers coming and going and often times splashing the cash. Captain Willem Otkupshchikov and Cleto Mata in centre defence were key to keeping the joint best defensive record last season, and Ettie Seabrooke is ageing but still one of the best in the division. Wesley Kane took most of last season to hit his stride, but he got there, and we can expect him to hit the ground running this time around. The squad are ageing, the first team only has two player aged 25 and under, so this could be their last chance before rebuilding happens.
Last Season: 4th Predicted: 1st


FC Endeavour
Manager: Petter Aurelias
Home Ground: The Garganaut, Capacity: 42,000
Line-up: Ballard -- Bjerregaard, Hewn, Graham, Garcia -- Redwood (c), Terán, Ibrox, Tôr -- Oswald, Leighton
Transfers in:
Transfers out: Pekka Kalehmainen, released; Alpha Gandhi to Maximum City on loan
Preview: Endeavour had a mental number of fixtures last season, as they chased silverware in 4 competitions, coming close in all of them but ultimately winning none - even if they became the first Apoxian team to break the last glass ceiling and reach a UICA final. This season, it will be much simpler for them, being the top seed in the Globe Cup for Apox means they have plenty of season to complete before worrying about that. They've still got a fantastic squad packed with world-class talent: Diandra Ballard, Moses Luc Bjerregaard, Alex Terán, Zana Ibrox (who is becoming increasingly impressive) and Danny Leighton are just some of the names they can rely on. Alpha Gandhi a player with stunning potential is off to get more game time in Nephara for a year, whereupon a spot in the starting XI looks likely, with Pekka Kalehmainen also departing after never really settling in the ANL. I'm saying they'll just miss out on a fourth ANL title - but it'll be close, there's 4 or 5 teams with a genuine shot this season.
Last Season: 5th Predicted: 4th


Urbanista
Manager: Olim Benzari
Home Ground: Lime Ground, Capacity: 36,000
Line-up: Lockwood -- Böhler, Mixé, Faulkner, Hatem -- Troon, Quillisi (c), Krooijmans, Tyler -- Wolff, Sandbottom
Transfers in:
Transfers out:
Preview: Urbanista have a chronic case of a leaky defence, which really lets down their team form and their top drawer attack. They were in really need of some investment in that area over the off season, but it's been eerily quiet on that front - the last time that happened their previous manager, Fred Garcia was sacked early on in the season after a poor start. They haven't looked like true title contenders since Tolgus Tregajorran took his goals to Dwile - despite the goalscoring heroics of Elvis Sandbottom and Mateusz Wolff, seemingly happy to exist happily qualifying for the Globe Cup. I reckon this is a team which could be shaken up a fair bit in the upcoming years, and I'm not seeing them having a particularly happy season ahead either.
Last Season: 6th Predicted: 8th


St George's Creek
Manager: Sanderstal the Almighty
Home Ground: New Alpaca Drive, Capacity: 26,000
Line-up: Vahlen -- Hikari, Forde, Nightshade -- Axe the Dominant (c) -- Kjellsen, Sarmiento, Brave, Paradys -- Balnerii, Charlestown
Transfers in:
Transfers out:
Preview: Another club with minimal development in the off-season, St. George's Creek have still done well with the resources they've had at their disposal - Ezekiel Charlestown continues to bang out the goals, aided by Damian Balnerii. Despite arguably not being able to start a this level for a number of years, the diminutive and aggressive captain Axe the Dominant is still a key part of the team at 35, adjusting his playing with age by dropping further and further back, to the extent that he is almost a centre defender now. Sunrisian Melody Sarmiento in centre midfield continues to grow and this could be a stand-out season for her.
Last Season: 7th Predicted: 7th


FC Brimstone
Manager: John Grigia
Home Ground: FCB Stadium, Capacity: 28,000
Line-up: Caravella -- Shaw, Raynerson, Nicole, Stockinger -- Ingersleben, Demir, Charlfont, Mixolydian, Spitfire (c) -- McKenna
Transfers in: Dorian Mixolydian from Ozkha Rovers as a free agent
Transfers out:
Preview: FC Brimstone's team has improved yet again in the off season, with Dorian Mixolydian joining the club on a free, although at 29 not really lowering the average squad age all that much. One playing coming into the first team who does lower the average age is Eurwen Raynerson, another strong youth product that FC Brimstone seems to pump out these days. For long time servant of the club, Miriam Spitfire, this is set to be her last at the club, and it would be great to have a strong performance to see her off - Corinna McKenna will be key to that, and depending on the antics of Laborius Hawk, good be good to pick up a Golden Boot at last.
Last Season: 8th Predicted: 6th


Mandon United
Manager: Quentin O'Leary
Home Ground: Brookside Wharf, Capacity: 20,000
Line-up: Gweath -- , Carson, Aiken, Santana -- Benson (c), Babič, Eckhart, Boadicea -- Karrkka -- Marsalis
Transfers in: Tiberius Eckhart from Bouldertown for £500,000
Transfers out: Jan Rodwell to Crystal Fair HC for £4,000,000; Anton Vasilev, retired; Harry Lickett, retired
Preview: Mandon have unfortunately been raided a little over the off season, with club legend Harry Lickett and veteran centre defender Anton Vasilev both retiring - both players being crucial to the team and their strong finish last season. Young right back Jan Rodwell has also left, for a better Globe Cup chance in the United Leaue with Crystal Fair HC. They've brought in battling centre midfielder Tiberius Eckhart from Bouldertown, and there's no reason to see why he won't fit in at this level. Key to the team as well is striker Actor Marsalis, their form depended largely on whether he was playing or not last season. 9th place is pretty much the higher water mark at the moment for those team outside the "top 8" and I have a feeling Mandon may just end up getting dragged into a relegation battle this season.
Last Season: 9th Predicted: 12th


Uxminster Athletic
Manager: Clive Dunne
Home Ground: Beachfront Close, Capacity: 18,000
Line-up: Sokolov -- Roll, Banks, Ness -- Caspar -- Holden, Michelakos, Andersson, Karlsen -- Pope (c), Fitzpatrick
Transfers in:
Transfers out: James Fowey to Spartangrad for £7,000,000
Preview: They've lost their star player in James Fowey, and while this squad does have quality elsewhere, namely in veteran players Daedalus Michelakos and Trystan Fitzpatrick, I think they're really going to struggle this season in a packed out relegation battle where quite a few squads will be desperately fighting to stay in the division for next season.
Last Season: 10th Predicted: 15th


Wye United
Manager: Chris Maarsden
Home Ground: JK Stadium, Capacity: 21,000
Line-up: Benthron (c) -- Peel, Auk, Kosbayashi, Litchworth -- Leanord, Purrington, Dale, Fronden -- Saucedo -- Scherzer
Transfers in:
Transfers out:
Preview: Wye look very much like the established ANL outfit now, and despite a relatively poor league finish last season, they managed to win the Marshall Cup, which will have been a big boost for them. They should do well this season, with Exton's defence from a couple of seasons ago in Pompey Auk and Niko Kasbayashi, with the talents of Catherine Purrington and Alf Dale in midfield. Up front they have talented Guayabalian youngster Arbol Saucedo and Brenecian power striker Cheney Scherzer. The only problem is a relative lack of squad depth, but their first team is good enough. The best of the "other" teams certainly.
Last Season: 11th Predicted: 9th


Wrexton F.C
Manager: A.T Snow
Home Ground: MiXoL Ground, Capacity: 22,000
Line-up: Tzion -- Ascot, Kary, Pedersen, Jones -- Gurdon, Huff, Shadow, Ohanna (c) -- Petrov -- Quesadillas
Transfers in: Paaran Petrov from (TAE) Fadron Flight for £12,000,000
Transfers out: Marjatta Olesen to Gwinevra Bulls for £1,200,000; Rohan Cammers to Manechester City as a free agent; Isidor Wessel, retired
Preview: Wrexton have had something of a complete overhaul of their offensive options over the off season break after coming perilously close to relegation last season following a terrible lack of scoring by their attacking options last season. Rohan Cammers is off to Manechester City, in a move which will sadden most neutrals but probably ensure Wrexton have 11 players on the field more often, while Marjatta Olesen is off to see out her career at Gwinevra Bulls, with Isidor Wessel leaving to coach in his native Zenic's second tier. In comes the massive transfer for the club of Paaron Petrov, signed at quite the price, but hopefully worth it as the experienced Cosumar international is thought to be the key to any success this season, with captain Jack Ohanna and youth product Dan Quesadillas being important. That and the fact that their defense is rock-solid, they boasted the second best defensive record last season despite finishing 12th. A definite sense of optimism in the air at the club this season.
Last Season: 12th Predicted: 10th


Issington F.C
Manager: Foreman Jones
Home Ground: Dwile Stadium, Capacity: 25,000
Line-up: Steele -- Kazama, Cartwright, Ottilia, Viking -- di Mercurio (c) -- Chapman, Ithamar, Wickaninnish -- Blekinge, Varano
Transfers in:
Transfers out: Alessandro Delvecchio, retired
Preview: Well, Issington came perilously close to a relegation battle last season, and, truth be told, I can't see them faring any better this time around. Their captain and all round club legend, Alessandro Delvecchio has retired, and as one of only seven players to have scored more than 100 goals in this league, it's fair to say his presence will be missed. Foreman Jones is doing the best he can with the extremely limited resources at his proposal, but Issington could really be in trouble this season.
Last Season: 13th Predicted: 11th


FC Harpoon
Manager: Rodin Vidal
Home Ground: The Celebratory Stadium, Capacity: 45,000
Line-up: Scott -- Thornton, Hurstspurr the Bold, Waughton, Azariah -- Jarwood -- Halmiini, Trevarren, Austin -- Norbutt, Faye (c)
Transfers in: King Trevarran from Sciongrad Rovers for £1,000,000
Transfers out: Ludo Mulberry to Bellight FC for £1,200,000
Preview: Sweet hot damn, they kept it fine last season to stay in the division, but Rodin Vidal and his band of merry men in their ridiculously necessarily large stadium managed to stay up. And Vidal appears to have improved his squad significantly, by bringing in Mareibatian superstar King Trevarren, who was one of the stand out players of the A-League last season, and really the only player to actually do well in Sciongrad Rovers dismal season. Add him to the talents of Eero Halmiini, Zebulon Faye and young Alan Scott in goal, and this looks like a team set to stay up this season.
Last Season: 14th Predicted: 13th


Oldem Gents Club
Manager: Fran Gracie
Home Ground: New Alpaca Drive, Capacity: 26,000
Line-up: Frost -- Neal -- Barton, Burton, Mansion, Dialogue, Paterson -- Brave, Abel, Iddario -- Opel
Transfers in:
Transfers out:
Preview: Fran Gracie takes her first team into the ANL in management, winning the ANL2 title with the Gents Club as they head straight back into the ANL this season, and it's really hard to say how they'll do, with the relegation battle set to be as tight as it is. Etzy Dialogue in centre defence is a good prospect and this team is somewhat overhauled from the one which staggered out of the league two seasons ago. They'll survive, but only just.
Last Season: 1st, ANL2 Predicted: 14th


Gwinevra Bulls
Manager: Cold Flash
Home Ground: Cliff Road Stadium, Capacity: 17,000
Line-up: Howe -- Beauregard (c), Vale, Jelen, Jaarki -- Kowalzcyk, Lovegood, Enigóó, Oiler -- Olesen, Fortuna
Transfers in: Xavier Vale from Woodbed City for £3,000,000; Marjatta Olesen from Wrexton F.C for £1,200,000
Transfers out:
Preview: The lesser known Gwinevra team, back for a third shot at actually lasting more than one season in the top tier, have begun with the interesting tactic of signing strikers who are known to have never really cut it at this level, with their strike partnership of Anna Fortuna and Marjatta Olesen up front. However, this is a team more founded in defence than offence and therefore there may still be hope for them. Their captain, Anna Beauregard, is a strong performer, and Fred Howe has plenty of ANL experience with FC Brimstone. Other key players include Andrian Jaarki (son of Alexi Jaarki, player with Barbury Town many years ago), Cristin Kowalczyk and Farf Michelsen Enigóó. Another relegation battler.
Last Season: 4th, ANL2, Play-off Winners Predicted: 16th

Atletico Standard
Barbury F.C
Bouldertown
Calshott Lighthouse
Egloskerry
Frewick F.C
Kepler United
Lighthouse Coves
Miners '47
Mona A.F.C
Moscva 2k12
Mulhampstead - Favourites
Oldem Mechanical
Old Licentians
Urbanista Trojans
Urbanista Young Boys

AFC United of Cierbanor
Armageddon Casuals - Favourites
Azewyn Royals
Beowulf FC
Cawln Wanderers
Celts
Centre for Excellence
Docklands United
Don't Panic FC
Old Guard Regiment
Project +90
Royal Issington
Southtown
The Dambusters
TP Indians
Yerk United

[Apox]

ANL Season 18 - Part One

5th February 585 - UICA Second Preliminary Round
St George's Creek 0-1 Isabela CF (FLP)

It's often occurred that the first game in which Apoxian teams take part in each season has the Apoxian team looking a little unprepared and distinctly unready for the match. There wasn't much of an exception to this rule this season, with St George's Creek kicking off things for Apox internationally against the quite lowly ranked Isabela CF of the Filopines, and well, tanking. If it wasn't for the spectacular display from 35 year old Axe the Dominant for the Creek, it could have well have been a couple more goals against the Creek.

12th February - UICA Second Preliminary Round
Isabela CF (FLP) 2-1 St George's Creek

The second leg is no different for the Creek and they're out of the competition before the proper season has already begun, with Sanderstal the Almighty, already a pretty renowned firebrand in the league, reportedly having a full on rant against his side following on from the match - with rumours of a bust-up with his captain Axe the Dominant abounding.

19th February - UICA Third Preliminary Round
Gwinevra Barbarians 6-1 1093 Club de Atlantea (TAE)
Klyde (COS) 3-0 Urbanista

Crikey! Gwinevra show no such qualms in their first game of the season, confidently putting 6 past 1093 from Taeshan, Wesley Kane the star in that game with a hat-trick and an assist, with Anna Wilbrahim, Sanui Shizuka and Carlton Clyde with the other goals for the Barbarians. Urbanista on the other hand, pile extra pressure on their already under fire manager Olim Benzari, who hadn't managed to change his squad in the off season. They lose, tamely, to Cosumarite outfit Klyde, putting yet another Apoxian club's progression in this competition in jeopardy already.

22nd - 23rd February - ANL Matchday 1
Barbury Town 3–0 Wye United
Dwile Warriors 2–2 Wrexton F.C
Exton F.C 1–0 Uxminster Athletic
FC Brimstone 3–5 Urbanista
FC Endeavour 3–1 St George's Creek
FC Harpoon 1–0 Oldem Gents Club
Gwinevra Barbarians 1–0 Mandon United - Sunday Game
Gwinevra Bulls 1–0 Issington F.C - Sunday Game

Right! Enough of that pre-season piddling around, let get on with the main competition we're all here for. Its a cracker of an opening set of fixtures, with the most exciting perhaps being Urbanista's 5-3 victory over FC Brimstone, with Mateusz Wolff scoring twice early on, before Miriam Spitfire's cracker of a shot 30 seconds before half time. Brimstone are the faster team out of the blocks in the second half, with Corinna McKenna scoring before Dorian Mixolydian nets on his debut with the club to put Brimstone up 3-2 with 60 minutes played. However, defender Jenny Nicole bringing down Elvis Sandbottom badly, giving Urbanista a penalty, and Nicole a red - with Sandbottom netting the penalty, before Quillisi and then Wolff for his hat-trick bring the score up to 5-3.

Elsewhere, Barbury record a strong opening day win of 3-0 over Wye, while Wrexton's new boy Paaron Petrov is key in a surprisingly 2-2 draw against the champions, despite the mighty Laborius Hawk and the enigmatic Aitor Jovellanos both getting on the scoresheet. Supporters of FC Harpoon have to wait a whole 10 games less to see their side with this season, with Zebulon Faye scoring in the 23rd minute to see them record early points this season. Both Gwinevra teams also win, by the same scoreline against middling sides - a good result for one and a required result for the other if they are to have serious title ambitions this season.

26th February - UICA Third Preliminary Round
1093 Club de Atlantea (TAE) 1-2 Gwinevra Barbarians
Urbanista 2-1 Klyde (COS)

Gwinevra Barbarians didn't even need to win this game, but they did it anyway, winning the tie with an aggregate score, beating Club de Atlantea 8-2 on aggregate and sending them packing back to Taeshan with their tails between their legs. Urbanista have a good go at home against Klyde, but they can only get the score to 2-0 with 80 minutes played, before Klyde score anyway, sending a second Apoxian team packing round international competition in as many rounds.

1st - 2nd March - ANL Matchday 2
Wye United 2–1 Issington F.C
Mandon United 0–0 Gwinevra Bulls
Oldem Gents Club 0–1 Gwinevra Barbarians
St George's Creek 4–2 FC Harpoon - Sunday Game
Urbanista 2–2 FC Endeavour
Uxminster Athletic 2–1 FC Brimstone
Wrexton F.C 0–0 Exton F.C
Barbury Town 3–2 Dwile Warriors - Sunday Game

March heralded the arrival of autumn in Apox, but not for the ANL where this season's action remains as fresh as ever. Gwinevra Barbarians travel to the newly promoted Oldem Gents Club, both teams bloody defensive in their own right, but it is relatively easy for Gwinevra to break through and score against Roman Vahlen in goal, their perfect - and identical - record in the ANL continuing. Urbanista and Endeavour share the spoils, in quite a good result for Urbanista, although it is their defence who is suspect again, with Urbanista sitting 2-0 up courtesy of a Niek Krooijmans brace, before the defence let Endeavour back in with goals from Redwood and subsititute Cullen. A.T Snow has Wrexton playing much more resiliently this season, as they hold Exton to a 0-0 draw. On Sunday's marque game, the top two teams from last season are pitted straight against each other and it is Barbury who come out victors, after Hadrian Belfast's rare defensive error with the score a 2-2 to gift Barbury a goal, courtesy of Sverre Devold's finishing.

5th March - UICA Playoff Round
Exton F.C 2-0 Crisisbless (NPH)
Ponyville United (EQS) 2-1 Gwinevra Barbarians

Exton F.C open their UICA account for the season with a confident win over Crisisbless, a team Apoxian have come to know fairly well in recent cycles, with Niko Vaarakallio and Alfreton Zerzubar the scorers in that game. Gwinevra Barbarians face something of a challenge against Ponyville United, with Charlie Boroni scoring in between goals from Decima and Sonar, giving the top Equestrian club a decisive lead going into the home leg at the Barbaria.

8th - 9th March - ANL Matchday 3
Dwile Warriors 1–2 Wye United
Exton F.C 0–1 Barbury Town - Sunday Game
FC Brimstone 1–0 Wrexton F.C
FC Endeavour 1–0 Uxminster Athletic
FC Harpoon 0–2 Urbanista - Sunday Game
Gwinevra Barbarians 2–3 St George's Creek
Gwinevra Bulls 0–1 Oldem Gents Club
Issington F.C 0–1 Mandon United

Barbury have become something of early season form specialists in recent years, with the club winning a second difficult game in a row, beating Exton 1-0 away from home in a good result for them. For Dwile Warriors on the other hand, it's been a nightmare start to their title defence, with Wye gaining a historic away victory against the champions, Cheney Scherzer and Pompey Auk the scorers in that game. St George's Creek take the fight to Gwinevra Barbarians, with Axe the Dominant scoring one, being sent off, leading his team to concede twice, both goals scored by Anna Wilbrahim, before a heroic Ezekiel Charlestown comeback late in the second half earns the Creek a spectacular win.

12th March - UICA Playoff Round
Crisisbless (NPH) 0-0 Exton F.C
Gwinevra Barbarians 2-2 Ponyville United (EQS)

Exton F.C manage to shut out Crisisbless, with the well known Apoxian face of Osric Keast being unable to find a way through the Exton defence, specifically Olim Shahzad, who sticks to him like glue throughout the match. Gwinevra Barbarians aren't quite as lucky, coming up against the might of Ponyville United, and, despite fighting valiantly, they're only able to get a draw, which isn't enough in this case to see them through after a poor home loss - the Globe Cup it is for them now.

15th - 16th March - ANL Matchday 4
Wye United 0–1 Mandon United
Oldem Gents Club 0–1 Issington F.C
St George's Creek 2–0 Gwinevra Bulls
Urbanista 4–2 Gwinevra Barbarians
Uxminster Athletic 0–3 FC Harpoon
Wrexton F.C 0–3 FC Endeavour - Sunday Game
Barbury Town 2–0 FC Brimstone
Dwile Warriors 0–0 Exton F.C

Remarkably, Dwile Warriors are still yet to win, as for the second match in a row, Exton hold their opposition to a 0-0 draw, with Moon Dust bringing off Tolgus Tregajorran at half time, the Apoxian international going through a bit of a rough patch of form at the moment, with Laborius Hawk not able to carry the team the whole time. Barbury continue their perfect start, confidently beating FC Brimstone, and generally looking the favourites for the title at the moment - they look unstoppable right now. Urbanista seem to have compounded their defensive frailties by going all out offence, scoring at a rate just shy of 4 goals a game right now, as they condemn the Barbarians to another defeat. It looks like the schedulers have set it up so that a team goes through all the top teams at once again - its a bruising run for everyone. FC Harpoon are making a confident start to their season, with King Trevarren scoring twice in their 3-0 win against Uxminster - he's finally kicked into gear having taken a few games to get settled in.

22nd - 23rd March - ANL Matchday 5
Exton F.C 1–3 Wye United
FC Brimstone 0–4 Dwile Warriors - Sunday Game
FC Endeavour 0–0 Barbury Town
FC Harpoon 1–1 Wrexton F.C
Gwinevra Barbarians 2–0 Uxminster Athletic
Gwinevra Bulls 0–1 Urbanista
Issington F.C 1–3 St George's Creek
Mandon United 1–0 Oldem Gents Club - Sunday Game

FC Endeavour and Barbury share the spoils in their match, both sides still unbeaten, allowing Urbanista to go top of the table thanks to a spectacular mis-clearance own goal from Gwinevra Bulls Edita Jelen. Dwile Warriors finally get a win, with Tolgus Tregajorran and Laborius Hawk both heading out with points to prove, and both scoring as a result, Sakina Zozula and Agozti Ibarran the other scorers. Wrexton F.C are the only team yet to win a game in the ANL, however, they aren't in the relegation zone due to the number of draws they've managed to achieve - Paaron Petrov cancelling out Eero Halmiini's earlier strike to give Wrexton their third draw of the season. Mandon United are doing well, beating Oldem Gents Club at home, meaning they're currently 4th, although they've only faced Gwinevra Barbarians at this stage, so that could all change.

26th March - UICA Qualifying Round
Gwinevra Barbarians 3-0 SC Bremen (FLW)

Gwinevra Barbarians will be eager to reach the Globe Cup proper, and therefore, their battering, bruising 3-0 win against SC Bremen from Fellow Citizens will be important to them - Wesley Kane, Morgana Foloris and Sanui Shizuka the scorers in that match.

29th March - Marshall Cup First Round
Lighthouse Coves 1-1 Miners '47 (2-1 AET)
Old Guard Regiment 1-0 Calshott Lighthouse
Moscva 2k12 1-1 Mona A.F.C (1-1 AET, 2-0 PKs)
Mulhampstead 2-4 Old Licentians
TP Indians 0-0 Bouldertown (0-2 AET)
Urbanista Young Boys 2-2 Royal Issington (2-2 AET, 2-3 PKs)
Egloskerry 1-0 Docklands United
Kepler United 1-0 Project +90
Beowulf FC 2-2 Don't Panic FC (2-3 AET)
Armageddon Casuals 2-1 Atletico Standard
Urbanista Trojans 2-1 AFC United of Cierbanor
Southtown 1-1 Barbury F.C (2-1 AET)
Cawln Wanderers 0-3 Centre for Excellence
Azewyn Royals 2-0 The Dambusters
Celts 0-1 Frewick F.C
Oldem Mechanical 1-2 Yerk United

The clubs from the ANL2 and ANL3 get the Marshall Cup underway once again, and it's quite the spectacle all round really, with Royal Issington earning a good result against Urbanista Young Boys, taking them to penalties and then only bloody winning. The Centre for Excellence win confidently against Cawln Wanderers, but their fellow youth team Project +90 can't replicate that, losing 1-0 away to Kepler United.

2nd April - UICA Qualifying Round
SC Bremen (FLW) 0-2 Gwinevra Barbarians

And with that Gwinevra book their place in the Globe Cup group stages this season, Orophin Anarion's experienced team not struggling on the round, meaning that this season there will be 5 Apoxian teams in the group stages of the Champions and Globe Cups.

5th - 6th April - ANL Matchday 6
Wye United 0–1 Oldem Gents Club
St George's Creek 2–3 Mandon United
Urbanista 2–2 Issington F.C - Sunday Game
Uxminster Athletic 1–0 Gwinevra Bulls
Wrexton F.C 1–3 Gwinevra Barbarians
Barbury Town 4–0 FC Harpoon
Dwile Warriors 1–1 FC Endeavour - Sunday Game
Exton F.C 0–0 FC Brimstone

Dwile Warriors continue their indifferent form so far, only managing to draw against Endeavour in the big Dwile derby, with Richard D'Oyly scoring his first of the season, before stand in striker Leigh Oswald pulls back an equaliser, with only the heroics of Hadrian Belfast preventing Moses Luc Bjerregaard from grabbing a late winner. Mandon United are up to 3rd now with an impressive 3-2 away against St. George's Creek, Actor Marsalis scoring twice in that win - he's a crucial player to the club now. FC Harpoon lose to Barbury, who retake the top spot with a strong victory, but the Harpoon can at least be happy that they're far away from the relegation zone at the moment, sitting up happily in 8th, as the early season table madness continues.

12th - 13th April - ANL Matchday 7
FC Brimstone 2–3 Wye United
FC Endeavour 0–1 Exton F.C
FC Harpoon 0–1 Dwile Warriors
Gwinevra Barbarians 1–1 Barbury Town - Sunday Game
Gwinevra Bulls 0–0 Wrexton F.C
Issington F.C 1–4 Uxminster Athletic
Mandon United 1–0 Urbanista
Oldem Gents Club 1–1 St George's Creek - Sunday Game

Barbury drop points but still stay top, due to Mandon United's victory over second placed Urbanista, meaning Mandon themselves go second, Quentin O'Leary being praised for the fantastic job he's doing at the club, where many thought they could well end up being potential relegation candidates this season. Dwile Warriors manage to get another win, over FC Harpoon, which is a game the Warriors should always be winning looking at the disparities between the two squads. Exton also earn a nervous away win, but a win nonetheless, over FC Endeavour, with Petter Aurelias' job already looking a little in jeopardy after Endeavour's patchy form this season after their trophyless last season. The Oldem derby is a typically irritable affair between the two sides, with the Gents Club conceding early from Damian Balnerii's strike, before Flugelhorn Forde is sent off, and Oldem pounce while the Creek are down on players, Etzy Dialogue scoring from a corner.

16th April - UICA Group Stage
AFC Treason (NPH) 2-2 Exton F.C
Sunbirds (SVL) 2-0 Barbury Town
Dwile Warriors 2-1 Real Santa Maria (FEL)
Levadia Narkiv (ESN) 1-1 Gwinevra Barbarians
Haut-Coley (KRN) 2-2 FC Endeavour

A big set of opening Group Stage fixtures for Apoxian teams and, well, if I'm honest, they haven't quite lived up to their billing. Exton F.C will be pleased to have managed a draw against the Nepharim powerhouse of AFC Treason, David the Heroic and Maas Aviram the scorers for Exton after they went 2-0 down against Treason, their goals coming from Puntoriero and Portsmouth. Sunbirds stun Barbury away from home, giving Barbury an instant disadvantage in a competitive group, while Dwile Warriors are the sole winning team of the day, Tolgus Tregajorran and Nicolas St Teath scoring the two goals there. Gwinevra Barbarians and FC Endeavour are both surprisingly held to draws in their games.

19th - 20th April - ANL Matchday 8
Wye United 2–1 St George's Creek
Urbanista 1–0 Oldem Gents Club
Uxminster Athletic 1–3 Mandon United
Wrexton F.C 0–1 Issington F.C - Sunday Game
Barbury Town 1–0 Gwinevra Bulls
Dwile Warriors 2–1 Gwinevra Barbarians
Exton F.C 0–1 FC Harpoon - Sunday Game
FC Brimstone 0–1 FC Endeavour

Mandon United keep pace at the top with a 3-1 victory over Uxminster, the club continuing to defy the critics on their extraordinary run, surely they can't keep this up? Well, maybe they can. FC Brimstone are continue their terrible run, bottom of the table after 8 matchdays, strikers... hang on, we've been here before. It makes you wonder, if Brimstone were actually able to have a good start to a season, they might really do well one day. In the "Auld Classic", Dwile Warriors gain the crucial points, meaning Dwile continue to gain ground on the top teams after their poor start to the season themselves, with Gwinevra being bitterly disappointed to have not won that particular battle - damaging their title hopes significantly. One team who's title hopes remain strong is Barbury Town, continuing their unbeaten record at the top of the table with a simple win over Gwinevra Bulls, they can feel confident, with only FC Endeavour in the top 5 being one of the teams who could really sustain a title challenge in the pre season predictions.

23rd April - UICA Group Stage
Exton F.C 2-0 Race Point (TSA)
Barbury Town 2-0 Mâ Âlâmëómë (FRF)
Jungle Strike FC (VIL) 2-1 Dwile Warriors
Gwinevra Barbarians 2-1 South Coast United (JSY)
FC Endeavour 0-1 Voley (DAI)

A slightly more successful week for those clubs taking part in the UICA competitions, with Exton and Barbury cruising to 2-0 wins, with Barbury's win over Farf superclub Mâ Âlâmëómë being the more important of the fixtures. Dwile Warriors succumb rather tamely to Jungle Strike FC, with the Vilitan club easily beating a Dwile side which just didn't show up, rather like it's done on a couple of times already this season. Gwinevra Barbarians win against South Coast United, captain Willem Otkupshchikov and Wesley Kane the scorers in that game, while FC Endeavour's terrible UICA form continues - the club which went to the final of the Champions Cup looking likely to crash out of the Globe Cup at the Group Stage this season - certainly if their current form continues.

26th - 27th April - ANL Matchday 9
FC Endeavour 2–2 Wye United
FC Harpoon 1–3 FC Brimstone
Gwinevra Barbarians 1–0 Exton F.C - Sunday Game
Gwinevra Bulls 0–2 Dwile Warriors
Issington F.C 0–2 Barbury Town
Mandon United 0–2 Wrexton F.C
Oldem Gents Club 1–0 Uxminster Athletic - Sunday Game
St George's Creek 1–0 Urbanista

Of all the team's who would break Mandon's exceptional run, you wouldn't have expected it to be Wrexton, but Wrexton it is, as they earn their first win of the season thanks to Paaran Petrov's opening goal before the young Calanian Dan Quesadillas scores his first for the club after half time to secure them the win. With St George's Creek taking points off Urbanista, the gap at the top of the table increases, after Barbury continue on their storming run, beating Issington F.C away from home - begging the question, can they be stopped? Not at this rate. FC Endeavour's distinctly "meh" form continues with a 2-2 draw against Wye United (also having a great season), Petter Aurelias is said to be in great danger of losing his position at the club right now. Plenty of extra intrigue offered there.

30th April - UICA Group Stage
Exton F.C 4-2 Northbrook Diamonds FK (PIS)
Bengtsmark IF (BYN) 2-1 Barbury Town
Dwile Warriors 1-1 Ragaman (DAI)
Brewers (SVL) 2-1 Gwinevra Barbarians
SC Cascadia (NFX) 1-1 FC Endeavour

Another mixed set of games. Exton F.C seem to have incredible form in UICA generally, and this season hasn't been an exception, the Apoxian side playing against the giants of recent Polarian football, and then only going and bloody winning! Alfreton Zerzubar was easily the star of the game, scoring a magnificent hat-trick as Exton keep their campaign on track. Barbury Town face off against another big team in Bengtsmark IF, and Dwile Warriors continue Apoxian poor form against Daineri clubs, only managing a 1-1 draw. Gwinevra Barbarians are another team who surprisingly lose to Stvoto Latoli club Brewers, with Zowbowbyuthi and Athey the scorers for the Latoli team, the latter from a penalty, before Anna Wilbrahim's 70th minute strike to earn something back. FC Endeavour continue their poor form, drawing against SC Cascadia, and seeing them winless so far in a group which, frankly, they were expected to cruise through.

2nd - 3rd May - ANL Matchday 10
Wye United 1–2 Urbanista
Uxminster Athletic 1–0 St George's Creek
Wrexton F.C 3–0 Oldem Gents Club
Barbury Town 1–1 Mandon United
Dwile Warriors 4–3 Issington F.C
Exton F.C 1–0 Gwinevra Bulls
FC Brimstone 0–1 Gwinevra Barbarians
FC Endeavour 3–0 FC Harpoon - Sunday Game

Endeavour get their season back on track (was ever really on track, or even "off track" by normal teams standards?), with a strong 3-0 victory over FC Harpoon, Danny Leighton vanquishing his early season poor form with a brace, Marcus Redwood scoring the other. Wrexton F.C have, all of a sudden, decided that this whole "winning" thing that they used to do is actually pretty great, and have managed to beat Oldem Gents Club, the most defensive team in the league, 3-0, their captain and lynchpin setting up all three in a great match for the club. Dwile Warriors and Issington F.C share an entertaining 4-3 match, in which Dwile pull themselves into the UICA spots for the first time this season, thanks largely to Laborius Hawk justifying why the club paid £45 million for him and being an UTTER beast all match long. Barbury Town and Mandon United, two of the form clubs of the division are pitted against each other, with the expectation being that one of their runs will surely end. In that respect, a 1-1 draw is rather disappointing.

                           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Barbury Town             10    7   3   0    18    4  +14    24
 2 Urbanista                10    6   2   2    19   12   +7    20
 3 Mandon United            10    6   2   2    11    7   +4    20
 4 FC Endeavour             10    5   4   1    16    7   +9    19
 5 Gwinevra Barbarians      10    6   1   3    15   11   +4    19
 6 Dwile Warriors           10    5   3   2    19   12   +7    18
 7 St George's Creek        10    5   1   4    18   15   +3    16
 8 Wye United               10    5   1   4    15   15    0    16
 9 Exton F.C                10    3   3   4     4    6   −2    12
10 Uxminster Athletic       10    4   0   6     9   13   −4    12
11 Wrexton F.C              10    2   4   4     9   11   −2    10
12 Oldem Gents Club         10    3   1   6     4    9   −5    10
13 FC Harpoon               10    3   1   6     9   18   −9    10
14 FC Brimstone             10    2   1   7    10   19   −9     7
   Issington F.C            10    2   1   7    10   19   −9     7
16 Gwinevra Bulls           10    1   2   7     1    9   −8     5

Egloskerry have roared into an early lead in the ANL2 - easily the most clear cut lead of any division as they look to finally return to the ANL after many years stuck in the wilderness of the ANL2. Atletico Standard, Old Licentians and Barbury F.C join them in the play off positions, all on equal points. There are some unexpected faces down near the relegation zone, with Mulhampstead and newly relegated Mona A.F.C currently sitting in the bottom two spots, with Lighthouse Coves, having never really recovered from their double relegation, sit just above them.

                            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Egloskerry                10    7   3   0    12    1  +11    24
 2 Atletico Standard         10    5   3   2    17   12   +5    18
 3 Old Licentians            10    6   0   4    18   15   +3    18
 4 Barbury F.C               10    5   3   2    11   10   +1    18
 5 Urbanista Trojans         10    4   3   3     8    6   +2    15
 6 Miners '47                10    4   3   3    14   13   +1    15
 7 Calshott Lighthouse       10    2   7   1     9    9    0    13
 8 Urbanista Young Boys      10    3   4   3    10   11   −1    13
 9 Moscva 2k12               10    3   3   4     7    8   −1    12
10 Oldem Mechanical          10    3   2   5    14   13   +1    11
11 Frewick F.C               10    2   5   3    10   11   −1    11
12 Kepler United             10    2   5   3    17   19   −2    11
13 Bouldertown               10    2   4   4    13   14   −1    10
14 Lighthouse Coves          10    2   3   5     9   14   −5     9
15 Mona A.F.C                10    1   4   5    11   17   −6     7
16 Mulhampstead              10    1   4   5     5   12   −7     7

Armageddon Casuals are putting on the best promotion fight they've ever had, and they're determined to outscore their opposition to the title this season, with only Old Guard Regiment keeping pace with them at this stage. Below that, only 2 points separate 3rd from 10th, in what must be the closest mid table ever. The two youth clubs, Project +90 and Centre for Excellence are struggling a little, perhaps due to the very physical nature of this league, but Yerk United are struggling the most of all, and they sit last in the table at the moment.

                               Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Armageddon Casuals           10    7   2   1    29   16  +13    23
 2 Old Guard Regiment           10    6   2   2    15    9   +6    20
 3 Cawln Wanderers              10    5   1   4    22   18   +4    16
 4 Dockland United              10    5   1   4    14   14    0    16
 5 The Dambusters               10    4   4   2    24   25   −1    16
 6 Azewyn Royals                10    4   3   3    29   27   +2    15
 7 Southtown                    10    4   3   3     9    8   +1    15
 8 Don't Panic FC               10    4   2   4    15   12   +3    14
 9 Beowulf FC                   10    3   5   2    16   15   +1    14
10 AFC United of Cierbanor      10    4   2   4    20   23   −3    14
11 Royal Issington              10    2   5   3    15   17   −2    11
12 TP Indians                   10    3   2   5    14   20   −6    11
13 Project +90                  10    2   4   4    17   17    0    10
14 Centre for Excellence        10    2   4   4    19   21   −2    10
15 Celts                        10    0   7   3    23   27   −4     7
16 Yerk United                  10    1   1   8    15   27  −12     4

[Apox]

ANL Season 18 - Part Two


6th May - UICA Group Stage
Northbrook Diamonds FK (PIS) 2-2 Exton F.C
Barbury Town 1-0 Bengtsmark IF (BYN)
Ragaman (DAI) 2-0 Dwile Warriors
Gwinevra Barbarians 2-2 Brewers (SLV)
FC Endeavour 1-3 SC Cascadia (NFX)

Exton F.C have a heroic second half comeback, after goals from Rodolfo Zelaya and Anders Holzhauser put Northbrook ahead at half time, before Ayrton Villa in the 70th minute and Niko Vaarakallio in the 85th give Exton a point to keep their Round of 16 hopes alive. Barbury Town see off Bengtsmark after a loss in the away fixture, young striker Julienne Eriksen coming on as a sub in the 80th minute and netting her side the winner, while the relatively unfancied Ragaman stun Dwile and the nation in general to record a win over the Apoxian giants.

Gwinevra continue to huff and puff against Brewers, down 2-1 until the 80th minute of the game, when Shizuka is knocked down in the box by Thoymyugu, a red card for the Latoli keeper and a converted penalty for Shizuka as Gwinevra continue to pursue qualification in a tight group. FC Endeavour are all but eliminated by another loss, this time against SC Cascadia, and while it isn't entirely his fault, the board have had enough with long standing Polarian manager Petter Aurelias, and he is sacked following the game. It's been some fall for Endeavour since last season's heroics. Hector Rossizzo, the mastermind behind the Farf national team's best international run and mentor to a young Alex Terán, is brought in to replace him.

9th - 10th May - ANL Matchday 11
FC Harpoon 1–1 Wye United
Gwinevra Barbarians 1–0 FC Endeavour - Sunday Game
Gwinevra Bulls 0–1 FC Brimstone
Issington F.C 2–0 Exton F.C
Mandon United 2–4 Dwile Warriors - Sunday Game
Oldem Gents Club 2–2 Barbury Town
St George's Creek 5–4 Wrexton F.C
Urbanista 2–2 Uxminster Athletic

Dwile Warriors are getting their lives back on track with a confident 4-2 victory over Mandon United, who's good run seems to have been broken after playing the top teams, Laborius Hawk, Richard D'Oyly and an Aitor Jovellanos goal being too much for Mandon's fragile defense to handle. Wrexton F.C have seemed to eschew the defensive outlook on life, with Quentin O'Leary going all out in search of a win, with Wrexton being down 2-0 at half time. 7 goals later, they've still lost, but by God, they've made it entertaining. Barbury see their lead at the top eroded to three points, after Curio is sent off after scoring, the score 2-0, before Oldem Gents Club use the extra player to their advantage to grab a point and keep the relegation battle closely bunched. Hector Rossizzo has a hard opening game as manager of FC Endeavour, away at Gwinevra, who manage to clamp down Endeavour's wealth of attacking options, Charlie Boroni popping up at the far post in a corner in the 60th minute to hand Gwinevra the win, moving them second.

13th May - UICA Group Stage
Exton F.C 2-1 AFC Treason (NPH)
Barbury Town 1-0 Sunbirds (SVL)
Real Santa Maria (FEL) 3-2 Dwile Warriors
Gwinevra Barbarians 3-2 Levadia Narkiv (ESN)
Haut-Corlay (KRN) 2-2 FC Endeavour

Exton F.C secure qualification to the next round with an excellent victory over Nepharim giants AFC Treason, while Barbury Town are also in a good position for the final matchday after a 1-0 victory over Sunbirds, courtesy of a 6th minute Curio strike, they will need anything but a loss to Ma Alameome in their final Group game to advance. Dwile Warriors battle hard but lose again, meaning they'll need a strong final matchday effort to secure qualification to the knock-outs. Gwinevra easily beat Narkiv, their good form domestically transferring to UICA competition, while Endeavour continue to struggle, only picking up a point, even though it doesn't really matter anymore - they can't qualify for the next round anyway.

16th - 17th May - ANL Matchday 12
Wye United 2–0 Uxminster Athletic - Sunday Game
Wrexton F.C 0–1 Urbanista
Barbury Town 3–2 St George's Creek
Dwile Warriors 0–1 Oldem Gents Club
Exton F.C 4–1 Mandon United
FC Brimstone 0–0 Issington F.C - Sunday Game
FC Endeavour 2–2 Gwinevra Bulls
FC Harpoon 2–2 Gwinevra Barbarians

A generally poor day for most of the top clubs, with Barbury of course capitalising, they win out, but only just, over St George's Creek - their unbeaten run continuing to 12 games now. Urbanista's Rosie Tyler sets up Armando Quillisi's goal, giving a surprisingly resurgent Urbanista another win as they continue to chase Barbury, and poor Wrexton sink into the relegation zone, despite a lot of courageous performances so far this season. Oldem Gents Club and Gwinevra Bulls - both promoted clubs and both teams with perhaps a slight lack of quality at this level pull off shock results against two of the biggest teams - Oldem beating Dwile 1-0, away, and Endeavour only managing a draw with the Bulls, the result marring the occasion slightly of Alex Terán becoming the 8th person, and first midfielder, to score 100 ANL goals. The Barbarians also struggle, and are only able to draw with Harpoon, however, Harpoon are slightly more experienced at this level and were at home, so it's not quite as shocking.

20th May - UICA Group Stage
Race Point (TSA) 1-2 Exton F.C
Mâ Âlâmëómë (FRF) 3-4 Barbury Town
Dwile Warriors 3-0 Jungle Strike FC (VIL)
South Coast United (JSY) 0-3 Gwinevra Barbarians
Voley (DAI) 1-2 FC Endeavour

5 wins out of 5, as Apoxian football sees out the UICA Group Stage and UICA until after the winter break with a strong showing from all the clubs. Exton beat Race Point away from home, maintaining their unbeaten run in the Champion's Cup group stage this season, while Barbury manage to out Farf Mâ Âlâmëómë, with the Town knowing the winner from the match will progress to the Champion's Cup knock-out stages. Dwile had something of an average group stage, but they too are through to the next round, laying down a real statement of intent in flattening Jungle Strike 3-0, with Strike being a consistent trophy competitor in recent seasons. Moon Dust has alrady stated his intent that UICA is the most important competition for his team this season - it will only get more intense from here on in.

Gwinevra power past South Coast United to power through a relatively easy Globe Cup group top, with Wesley Kane setting up all three goals in a match in which he confirms his importance to the team. FC Endeavour win only a second group game of the season against bottom placed Voley in a season to forget for the Apoxian giants - Hector Rossizzo marches on.

23rd May - Marshall Cup Second Round
Egloskerry 1-0 FC Harpoon
Armageddon Casuals 5-1 Azewyn Royals
Centre for Excellence 0-2 Uxminster Athletic
Old Guard Regiment 0-0 Southtown (0-0 AET, 4-0 PKs)
Urbanista 1-3 Mandon United
Gwinevra Bulls 0-1 Gwinevra Barbarians
Lighthouse Coves 2-0 FC Endeavour
Wye United 7-2 Royal Issington
Yerk United 0-3 Issington F.C
FC Brimstone 1-0 Oldem Gents Club
Kepler United 2-0 Barbury Town
St George's Creek 3-0 Moscva 2k12
Dwile Warriors 1-4 Exton F.C
Bouldertown 1-0 Don't Panic FC
Wrexton F.C 0-1 Urbanista Trojans
Frewick F.C 2-2 Old Licentians (2-2 AET, 3-2 PKs)

A pretty thrilling set of matches as the ANL clubs enter the mix, with a fair few upsets to beat. The most exciting match though isn't really an upset, but a proper stomping - Wye United absolutely wreck Royal Issington 7-2, Cheney Scherzer netting himself 4 goals in a dominant display by the Brenecian striker. There are a number of all ANL ties, Exton F.C vs Dwile Warriors being the most high profile, and the most surprising, as Exton cruise to a 4-1 win. There is also the added bonus of an extra Gwinevra derby this season, as the Barbarians beat the Bulls 1-0. Their cross town rivals in Armageddon Casuals put on a strong display over Azewyn Royals - their good league form transferring itself to the cup as well.

27th May - ANL Matchday 13
Gwinevra Barbarians 2–0 Wye United
Gwinevra Bulls 0–0 FC Harpoon
Issington F.C 0–0 FC Endeavour
Mandon United 0–0 FC Brimstone
Oldem Gents Club 0–1 Exton F.C
St George's Creek 3–4 Dwile Warriors
Urbanista 1–0 Barbury Town
Uxminster Athletic 0–0 Wrexton F.C

13 turns out to be the unlucky number for Barbury, who lose their first game of the season against Urbanista, Armando Quillisi releasing the potent Mateusz Wolff past Ioghan Balthorst to give Urbanista a crucial, and winning lead. Barbury's lead at the top cut to just the one point. Dwile Warriors battle their way past the Creek, losing 3-2 until the 75th minute when Tolgus Tregajorran rediscovers his mojo and a rapid fire brace seals the win. FC Endeavour are surprisely held to a 0-0 draw by Issington F.C, but they can console themselves as they're not the only ones - with 4 matches ending 0-0 in perhaps one of the lowest scoring ANL matchdays ever. A good week for defence, even if the entertainment value is left wanting somewhat.

30th - 31st May - ANL Matchday 14
Wye United 1–2 Wrexton F.C
Barbury Town 5–2 Uxminster Athletic
Dwile Warriors 1–0 Urbanista
Exton F.C 1–1 St George's Creek
FC Brimstone 0–1 Oldem Gents Club
FC Endeavour 2–0 Mandon United
FC Harpoon 2–1 Issington F.C
Gwinevra Barbarians 5–0 Gwinevra Bulls - Sunday Game

The top two both put 5 past their opposition, with Barbury putting on a fine display against Uxminster Athletic, who are struggling for goals so far this season, while in Sunday's Gwinevra derby, the Barbarians put on a display as ruthless as a killer whale ripping apart a seal, battering Fred Howe's goal posts with shots, him and his defense being pretty hapless to stop them. Endeavour inflict another defeat on Mandon, who's form has definitely tailed off since their terrific early run - in part due to the injury sustained by Tiberius Eckhart, the midfielder signed from the ANL2 being something of a revelation this season. Urbanista are knocked down a peg by a clinical, if slightly underwhelming Dwile Warriors side, Yurpá Mêndêlöíndçêl's free kick giving them the win.

7th - 8th June - ANL Matchday 15
Gwinevra Bulls 0–1 Wye United
Issington F.C 1–2 Gwinevra Barbarians
Mandon United 0–0 FC Harpoon - Sunday Game
Oldem Gents Club 2–1 FC Endeavour
St George's Creek 1–2 FC Brimstone - Sunday Game
Urbanista 1–0 Exton F.C
Uxminster Athletic 1–1 Dwile Warriors
Wrexton F.C 1–3 Barbury Town

With half a season gone, let's take a look at Gwinevra Bulls, and, more specifically, how spectacularly bad they've been this season. 15 games in, 7 points, 3 goals scored, 1 win. 3. Goals. Scored They are cruising to a third relegation in three seasons from the top flight and their lack of goalscoring prowess is simply mind blowing. And terrifying. Elsewhere, Barbury score as many goals as the Bulls have managed this season in one game, easily dismissing Wrexton, and keeping them on top. Gwinevra are staying close though, another team who beat Issington F.C, with Issington looking worrying embedded in the relegation battle this season, which doesn't bode well. Endeavour lose and Dwile draw, meaning Urbanista leap frog the lot following their 1-0 victory over an underperforming Exton, with Olim Benzari stating after the match that "this side can defend as well as attack, you know. We were expected to struggle this season, and we're here to prove just how wrong you were." Fighting talk from a man who knows there's still plenty of games left to play this season.

*Winter break! Yay!*

16th July - UICA First Knock-Out Round
Dwile Warriors 1-0 Forest Hill FC (JSY)
Metropolis Alligators (VLD) 0-0 Barbury Town
Revolutionaries (EUR) 2-1 Exton F.C
SC Cascadia (NFX) 1-1 Gwinevra Barbarians

Dwile Warriors are getting into their stride now, dispatching Forest Hill FC at home, courtesy of a low, driving Richard D'Oyly strike. Barbury Town can probably be satisfied with a 0-0 away draw against Metropolis Alligators, arguably one of the more successful Valladar teams of recent times, while an Apoxian team faces Revolutionaries yet again, Exton just not having enough on this occasion to deal with the Euran superclub. SC Cascadia, from FC Endeavour's group, take on Gwinevra Barbarians, who concede uncharacteristically early, before Anna Wilbrahim strokes in an equaliser late on.

19th - 20th July - ANL Matchday 16
Wye United 1–0 Barbury Town
Wrexton F.C 1–1 Dwile Warriors
Uxminster Athletic 0–0 Exton F.C
Urbanista 3–0 FC Brimstone
St George's Creek 0–2 FC Endeavour - Sunday Game
Oldem Gents Club 0–1 FC Harpoon
Mandon United 0–2 Gwinevra Barbarians
Issington F.C 2–1 Gwinevra Bulls

There is a second managerial change of the season as we restart the ANL - Chris Maarsden, having done a spectacularly good job with Wye in the years since he started managing them, is whisked off to manage the Buyan national team, taking his assistant Adam Kossakovsky with him. Wye take a bit of a punt, appointing former player Ponting Glamorgan as manager, and she manages to shout her way to a fantastic win in her first game in charge - Cheney Scherzer scoring to hand Barbury only their second defeat of the season. With Gwinevra Barbarians beating Mandon away from home, Barbury are usurped from the top of the table for the first time this season, with Urbanista also applying pressure with a strong 3-0 win against a FC Brimstone side still on terrible form, currently in the relegation zone on points difference. Gwinevra Bulls score a goal! They can't get a win though, as they continue to try and beat their all time lowest points score, now bottom by 8 points and as good as relegated already.

FC Harpoon are having a great season, pouncing on the fact that the bottom half of the table is so wide open this season, King Trevarren scoring his third of the season to beat Oldem Gents Club, another side performing a lot better than they were expected to.

23rd July - UICA First Knock-Out Round
Forest Hill FC (JSY) 1-2 Dwile Warriors
Barbury Town 0-0 Metropolis Alligators (VLD) [3-2 on pens.]
Exton F.C 0-2 Revolutionaries (EUR)
Gwinevra Barbarians 1-0 SC Cascadia (NFX)

Dwile Warriors cruise through to the quarter-finals, courtesy of a Laborius Hawk brace. Barbury Town struggle a little against Metropolis Alligator, neither side being able break the deadlock over 210 minutes of football, needing penalties to separate the two sides in the end - Barbury's Alan Eustathios having an absolute stunner in goal. For Exton, it's one stage too far, Revolutionaries flattening them 4-1 on aggregate. Gwinevra Barbarians and more specifically Cleto Mata and Willem Otkupshchikov stay watertight at the back and with Wesley Kane scoring, they're through to the Round of 16 in the Globe Cup.

26th - 27th July - ANL Matchday 17
Issington F.C 3–1 Wye United
Gwinevra Bulls 0–1 Mandon United
Gwinevra Barbarians 1–0 Oldem Gents Club
FC Harpoon 2–5 St George's Creek
FC Endeavour 3–2 Urbanista
FC Brimstone 2–0 Uxminster Athletic - Sunday Game
Exton F.C 1–3 Wrexton F.C
Dwile Warriors 1–2 Barbury Town - Sunday Game

Barbury Town pretty much end Dwile's title retention hopes after beating them away from home, in a big old game. Jody Rijshaart opens the scoring for Barbury in the 10th minute, before Tolgus Tregajorran pegs it back two minutes before half time. With no result apparently forthcoming, there is a sudden scuffle between Aitor Jovellanos and Ioghan Balthorst - Jovellanos given credit for standing up to the heavily built Balthorst, but Jovellanos is sent off, and Barbury capitalise, Curio scoring the winner. Moon Dust mutters grumpily about still being in the title race in the post match interview, but the reality is that they're 9 points adrift, it'll be a tough ask. Gwinevra continue to play well, another win under their belt, while FC Endeavour close the gap between themselves and Urbanista in third with a 3-2 win, looking good at 3-0 before a Elvis Sandbottom brace late on in the game closes it down for them. Exton continue to struggle this season, now losing 3-1 to a Wrexton side struggling to pull away from the relegation battle, Jack Ohanna and a Paaron Petrov brace cancelling out Alfreton Zerzubar's strike.

30th July - UICA Second Knock-Out Round/Cygnus Cup First Round
Wye United 2-1 Somer City and Surrounds (ETM)
AC Izotz Zubia (AUD) 2-0 Gwineva Barbarians

Wye United have a good opening game against Somer City from Electrum, Arbol Saucedo and Catherine Purrington the scorers at the JK Stadium. Gwinevra Barbarians are caught short in Audioslavia, the Zubians being too good for them on this occasion, and the Barbarians will be left with a mountain to climb in the home leg.

2nd - 3rd August - ANL Matchday 18
Wye United 1–0 Dwile Warriors
Barbury Town 0–2 Exton F.C
Wrexton F.C 1–1 FC Brimstone - Sunday Game
Uxminster Athletic 0–1 FC Endeavour
Urbanista 3–1 FC Harpoon
St George's Creek 0–2 Gwinevra Barbarians
Oldem Gents Club 1–0 Gwinevra Bulls
Mandon United 3–2 Issington F.C - Sunday Game

Gwinevra Barbarians maintain the momentum at the top of the table, showing that true trait which title challenging teams seem to have - winning despite playing badly. St George's Creek played well in the first half, and arguably looked the better team, until Axe the Dominant's 50th minute sending off, which reversed the momentum, and Gwinevra struck twice to win. The champion's lose to Wye United, who pull level with them on points as a result - Dwile have looked short of momentum this season so far. Barbury also lose, their form disintegrating a little, as Exton through Olim Shahzad and Maas Aviram win in order to move them closer to the UICA spots (they're still 5 points off Mandon in 7th, mind). Oldem get the customary win against the Bulls, and they almost look safe now - a remarkable achievement for a club expected to struggle before the season started.

6th August - UICA Second Knock-Out Round/Cygnus Cup First Round
Somer City and Surrounds (ETM) 1-0 Wye United
Gwinevra Barbarians 2-2 AC Izotz Zubia (AUD)

It's a sad day for both teams in international competition, Wye United are knocked out on away goals away conceding late on to Somer City and not being able to break the deadlock back. The Barbarians fight valiantly against Izotz Zubia, but they can only manage a 2-2 draw and they are the last Apoxian team to crash out of the Globe Cup. They'll be fully concentrating on the ANL from here on in.

9th August - Marshall Cup Third Round
Egloskerry 1-2 Armageddon Casuals
Uxminster Athletic 1-0 Old Guard Regiment
Mandon United 1-1 Gwinevra Barbarians (1-1 AET, 2-3 PKs)
Lighthouse Coves 3-1 Wye United
Issington F.C 1-1 FC Brimstone (2-1 AET)
Kepler United 2-2 St George's Creek (3-2 AET)
Exton F.C 0-0 Bouldertown (1-0 AET)
Urbanista Trojans 2-0 Frewick F.C

This year's Marshall Cup looks set to be the most open yet, with champions Wye United going out of a second competition in as many matches, they lose to Lighthouse Coves, while Kepler United surprisingly beat St George's Creek in extra time. Exton F.C also have a scare against Bouldertown, but David the Heroic slots in a goal calmly in extra time to ensure they go through, while only penalties separate Gwinevra and Mandon in the end.

12th August - ANL Matchday 19
Mandon United 1–1 Wye United
Issington F.C 2–2 Oldem Gents Club
Gwinevra Bulls 2–1 St George's Creek
Gwinevra Barbarians 0–1 Urbanista
FC Harpoon 0–0 Uxminster Athletic
FC Endeavour 3–0 Wrexton F.C
FC Brimstone 0–0 Barbury Town
Exton F.C 2–2 Dwile Warriors

JESUS! Gwinevra Bulls manage to win a game! Marjatta Olesen and Xavier Vale score the team's 5th and 6th goals of the season respectively, to stun St. George's Creek and bring their points tally to double figures. The sad thing is, they're still 9 points of safety and running out of time to turn their season around. In a top of the table clash, Urbanista sneak past Gwinevra, with Olim Benzari's side beginning to solve their defensive troubles, and looking incredibly good for it, Mateusz Wolff connecting with an Armando Quillisi free kick to score the winner past a stunned Ettie Seabrooke in goal. Mandon and Wye draw, in a result neither team really wanted, both knowing that it's likely only one of them at most will still be in the UICA spots come the end of the season. Exton manage to draw against Dwile Warriors, with the Warriors now setting their sights on either finishing in the top 4 or just winning the Champion's Cup to ensure inclusion in next years competition, with their league form looking patchy at best this season. Exton, for their part, are looking revitalised after a poor first half of the season, still managing to pick up points against the top teams and knowing they'll have a relatively easy end of season run in comapred to Wye and Mandon above them.

16th - 17th August - ANL Matchday 20
Wye United 2–4 Exton F.C - Sunday Game
Dwile Warriors 2–0 FC Brimstone
Barbury Town 1–0 FC Endeavour - Sunday Game
Wrexton F.C 1–2 FC Harpoon
Uxminster Athletic 0–0 Gwinevra Barbarians
Urbanista 0–0 Gwinevra Bulls
St George's Creek 2–1 Issington F.C
Oldem Gents Club 3–0 Mandon United

It's a tough matchday for the top clubs. Gwinevra Barbarians remain on top, but only just, having drawn 0-0 with relegation zone Uxminster, while Gwinevra Bulls continue to pick up points, having remarkably held Urbanista to a 0-0 draw as well. Dwile Warriors move away from Wye United and Mandon below them with a confident win over an FC Brimstone side still miles away from the UICA competition they so crave, while Barbury are back into second and just a point behind Gwinevra with a massive win over FC Endeavour, who have continued to struggle for domestic form. Exton score a massive hit to Wye in beating them confidently 4-2 away from home, meaning they move up to just two points behind Mandon in 7th and 3 behind Wye in 6th, with Alfreton Zerzubar grabbing a brace, before Wye pull themselves back level with goals from Alf Dale and Cheney Scherzer. Pompey Auk manages to concede a penalty, allowing Zerzubar to get his hat-trick, and Niko Vaarakallio in one hand to seal the win in the 88th minute.

                           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Gwinevra Barbarians      20   13   3   4    32   15  +17    42
 2 Barbury Town             20   12   5   3    34   16  +18    41
 3 Urbanista                20   12   4   4    35   21  +14    40
 4 FC Endeavour             20   10   6   4    32   17  +15    36
 5 Dwile Warriors           20    9   6   5    35   25  +10    33
 6 Wye United               20    9   3   8    28   30   −2    30
 7 Mandon United            20    8   5   7    21   27   −6    29
 8 Exton F.C                20    7   6   7    19   18   +1    27
 9 Oldem Gents Club         20    8   3   9    16   17   −1    27
10 St George's Creek        20    8   2  10    38   38    0    26
11 FC Harpoon               20    6   6   8    20   31  −11    24
12 FC Brimstone             20    5   5  10    16   27  −11    20
13 Wrexton F.C              20    4   7   9    22   29   −7    19
14 Issington F.C            20    5   4  11    24   32   −8    19
15 Uxminster Athletic       20    4   6  10    14   26  −12    18
16 Gwinevra Bulls           20    2   5  13     6   23  −17    11

Egloskerry continue their rampage to the ANL2 title, doing unbelievably well in what is normally the tightest division of the three. Below them, it's as tight as it typically is, though Barbury F.C and Old Licentians are somewhat surprise teams to be doing so well. Down the bottom, Frewick F.C and Kepler United aren't surprising in being so low down, but Mona A.F.C is definitely a shock - they finished 10th in the ANL only two seasons ago, to see them decline so quickly is therefore a bit of a shock.

                            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Egloskerry                20   13   5   2    29   13  +16    44
 2 Barbury F.C               20   10   6   4    30   21   +9    36
 3 Old Licentians            20   10   3   7    37   36   +1    33
 4 Atletico Standard         20    9   5   6    36   29   +7    32
 5 Miners '47                20    8   7   5    28   23   +5    31
 6 Urbanista Young Boys      20    8   6   6    23   22   +1    30
 7 Bouldertown               20    8   5   7    33   31   +2    29
 8 Oldem Mechanical          20    7   6   7    30   26   +4    27
 9 Mulhampstead              20    7   6   7    22   22    0    27
10 Lighthouse Coves          20    6   6   8    24   26   −2    24
11 Moscva 2k12               20    7   3  10    14   20   −6    24
12 Urbanista Trojans         20    6   5   9    21   25   −4    23
13 Calshott Lighthouse       20    4  10   6    16   20   −4    22
14 Frewick F.C               20    4   6  10    18   27   −9    18
15 Kepler United             20    4   6  10    29   43  −14    18
16 Mona A.F.C                20    4   5  11    25   31   −6    17

Azewyn Royals are a team determined to get back into the ANL2, although it's bloody close below them, with Armageddon Casuals, Beowulf FC and Don't Panic FC all in the play-off spots at the moment, but realistically, it's bloody close between 2nd and 8th right now. TP Indians are currently bottom, but they're by no means sunk, there are a number of teams in danger of being relegated.

                               Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Azewyn Royals                20   11   3   6    50   41   +9    36
 2 Armageddon Casuals           20   10   3   7    48   38  +10    33
 3 Beowulf FC                   20    8   8   4    34   33   +1    32
 4 Don't Panic FC               20    9   4   7    31   26   +5    31
 5 AFC United of Cierbanor      20    9   3   8    42   45   −3    30
 6 Royal Issington              20    8   5   7    33   30   +3    29
 7 Dockland United              20    8   4   8    23   23    0    28
 8 The Dambusters               20    8   4   8    45   46   −1    28
 9 Southtown                    20    8   4   8    15   16   −1    28
10 Old Guard Regiment           20    7   6   7    23   22   +1    27
11 Cawln Wanderers              20    7   4   9    34   35   −1    25
12 Centre for Excellence        20    6   7   7    31   32   −1    25
13 Celts                        20    5   9   6    37   39   −2    24
14 Project +90                  20    6   5   9    31   33   −2    23
15 Yerk United                  20    7   2  11    41   48   −7    23
16 TP Indians                   20    6   3  11    30   41  −11    21

[Apox]

ANL Season 18 - Part Three

20th August - UICA Quarter-Finals
Dwile Warriors 3-0 Barbury Town

Well then. The final two Apoxian teams left in international competition this season and they're drawn together, a first for Apoxian teams. And, despite their poorer domestic form, it is Dwile who seize the upper hand in their home leg, Sakina Zozula receiving the ball from Yurpá Mêndêlöíndçêl to score the opening goal after just 98 seconds. Tolgus Tregajorran doubles Dwile's advantage after 21 minutes have been played, before Laborius Hawk netting in sensational fashion from 35 metres out after 60 minutes have been played.

23rd - 24th August - ANL Matchday 21
Oldem Gents Club 1–3 Wye United
Mandon United 2–1 St George's Creek
Issington F.C 2–1 Urbanista - Sunday Game
Gwinevra Bulls 0–0 Uxminster Athletic
Gwinevra Barbarians 1–0 Wrexton F.C
FC Harpoon 2–4 Barbury Town
FC Endeavour 2–1 Dwile Warriors - Sunday Game
FC Brimstone 1–2 Exton F.C

With Urbanista losing to Issington, the title race becomes more between Gwinevra Barbarians and Barbury Town, with both teams winning to keep up the pressure at the top of the table. In the big Dwile derby, FC Endeavour inflict a crucial blow to Dwile's hopes of a top 4 finish, Endeavour taking the lead through a Danny Leighton strike, before Hadrian Belfast heads in a late corner to draw things even. The action isn't over yet, with Dwile nearly winning through a Laborius Hawk strike which bounces off the post and into the grateful arms of Diandra Ballard. She's quick to act, and sets up Zana Ibrox on a swift counter-attack, a one-two with Alex Terán, and Ibrox seals the win for Endeavour, and stretches their lead over Dwile in 5th to 6 points. Dwile are still left in the Champion's Cup though... In the battle for 6th and 7th, Wye, Mandon and Exton all win and the status quo remains as a result, although Dwile's loss to Endeavour pulls them into the battle as well.

27th August - UICA Quarter-Finals
Barbury Town 0-1 Dwile Warriors

Dwile are through to the Champion's Cup semi-finals in sensational fashion, beating Barbury 4-0 over two legs in a surprising display of dominance. The second leg was a tight game indeed, but Dwile's defense were aware to the threat that Barbury posed, especially in their star midfield pairing of Sverre Devold and Jody Rijshaart. However, they managed to lock them down well enough, and even made their win more convincing with a cheeky dink from Laborius Hawk. In his post match interview, Moon Dust stated that "the team's entire focus is on the Champion's Cup title now", and that isn't surprising. Retaining their ANL title is out of the question now, getting 4th place and a Champion's Cup spot is going to be an uphill struggle at the moment and they're out of the Marshall Cup. That and going down in history as the first Apoxian team to win a major UICA competition - it would be typical if it were the Warriors to win it, wouldn't it?

30th August - Marshall Cup Quarter-Finals
Armageddon Casuals 0-1 Uxminster Athletic
Gwinevra Barbarians 4-2 Lighthouse Coves
Issington F.C 3-2 Kepler United
Exton F.C 1-0 Urbanista Trojans

It's a sad day for the underdog, as the four remaining ANL teams in the Marshall Cup all dispatch their lower league opponents. Relegation threatened Uxminster Athletic manage to end the fine run of Armageddon Casuals, while Gwinevra Barbarians and Issington both see off middling second tier opposition to progress. Exton squeeze past an Urbanista Trojans side with a lot of fight, but David the Heroic is on hand to head home a goal in the 89th minute, seeing the top tier side go through.

6th - 7th September - ANL Matchday 22
Wye United 1–0 FC Brimstone
Exton F.C 2–1 FC Endeavour
Dwile Warriors 4–0 FC Harpoon - Sunday Game
Barbury Town 1–2 Gwinevra Barbarians
Wrexton F.C 5–3 Gwinevra Bulls
Uxminster Athletic 1–1 Issington F.C
Urbanista 2–2 Mandon United
St George's Creek 2–0 Oldem Gents Club - Sunday Game

What an important matchday. In a top of the table clash, Gwinevra Barbarians win an absolutely enormous game against Barbury Town in second to move 4 points clear at the top - a massive advantage for them now in this incredibly tight season with 8 games left to play. Exton F.C beat FC Endeavour to move themselves into 7th position, displacing Mandon United, with Marius Ognevski and Ayrton Villa scoring the goals there, compared to a lone Danny Leighton strike. Wrexton F.C and Gwinevra Bulls, both known as incredibly defensive teams, take part in an 8 goal relegation 6 pointer, Paaron Petrov netting a hat-trick and setting up Dan Quesadillas for another (with Lunar Shadow scoring the 5th late on) as Wrexton move further away from the relegation zone. Speaking of the relegation zone, FC Brimstone fall back into it with a 1-0 loss to Wye United (who are where they want to be in the table), the club looking completely shot confidence wise, and John Grigia looking on edge. He's been told he has to turn things around in the remaining 8 games, or he is gone in the off season, most likely along with many of the top players Brimstone have managed to acquire in recent years.

9th September - ANL Matchday 23
St George's Creek 2–4 Wye United
Oldem Gents Club 1–2 Urbanista
Mandon United 1–2 Uxminster Athletic
Issington F.C 2–1 Wrexton F.C
Gwinevra Bulls 1–0 Barbury Town
Gwinevra Barbarians 3–4 Dwile Warriors
FC Harpoon 2–0 Exton F.C
FC Endeavour 2–1 FC Brimstone

Two big games during this midweek set of fixtures. First off, there's the "Auld Classic" which is always a top game, with Dwile Warriors and Gwinevra Barbarians both going for kamikaze attack as their main attitude for this game, Hadrian Belfast can be praised for an excellent game where it was largely just him and Halyos Anaximander defending the Dwile goal, the pair of them probably preventing another two or three goals conceded. The other big game, which was only ever big in hindsight, is Barbury Town's remarkable loss to the usually awful Gwinevra Bulls, Marjatta Olesen popping up to score the goal just before half time, in what turned out to be the Bulls only shot on target all game. What is also surprising is how that managed to last the entire second half without conceding, but that is probably explained by the entire team defending for a solid 45 minutes. With FC Endeavour and Urbanista both winning, it makes things at the top very tight again indeed.

12th - 13th September - ANL Matchday 24
Wye United 1–3 FC Endeavour - Sunday Game
FC Brimstone 1–1 FC Harpoon
Exton F.C 1–0 Gwinevra Barbarians
Dwile Warriors 3–1 Gwinevra Bulls
Barbury Town 6–3 Issington F.C
Wrexton F.C 1–0 Mandon United - Sunday Game
Uxminster Athletic 0–1 Oldem Gents Club
Urbanista 3–2 St George's Creek

Crickey, Gwinevra have had a tough set of games recently, eh? They've played all of last years top three in three games, and while Exton are only 7th this season, they manage to freeze out Gwinevra's attack for the full 90, Alfreton Zerzubar being able to poke home a winner from Serena Reenburg's cross. Barbury have no such trouble scoring against Issington, winning in sensational fashion to bring the points difference between them and Gwinevra to a single point, with Urbanista and Endeavour also creeping closer. Brimstone remain in the relegation zone, and the team are roundly booed off after drawing 1-1 tamely with FC Harpoon, although Miriam Spitfire, the only player who could be said to have had a good season, and a definite fan favourite, receives a standard ovation from both sets of fans as she is substituted off in the 76th minute, with Brimstone winning 1-0 thanks to Corinna McKenna's strike - only for Harpoon to draw level just 50 seconds after Spitfire's substitution, King Trevarren linking up well with Eero Halmiini to score his 5th of the season.

16th September - UICA Semi-Finals
Dwile Warriors 3-1 Bengtsmark IF (BYN)

Dwile Warriors go the right away about making sure they reach that Champion's Cup final, with Tolgus Tregajorran (having a relatively poor season but his high standards) has an excellent game, scoring twice and setting up Sakina Zozula for the third goal, as they put up a good score in the first leg. Bring on the second, I say!

20th - 21st September - ANL Matchday 25
Urbanista 2–0 Wye United
St George's Creek 1–0 Uxminster Athletic - Sunday Game
Oldem Gents Club 0–1 Wrexton F.C
Mandon United 0–1 Barbury Town
Issington F.C 1–3 Dwile Warriors
Gwinevra Bulls 0–2 Exton F.C
Gwinevra Barbarians 3–1 FC Brimstone - Sunday Game
FC Harpoon 0–2 FC Endeavour

Another match day, the clubs at the top largely pick up points, the ones at the bottom largely don't. Not that a squad with FC Brimstone's quality should be anywhere near where they are currently, but oh well. With Wye losing to Urbanista and Exton taking the obligatory three points off the Bulls, they move up to 6th, but really, that's about it in terms of significance for the league standings. Axe the Dominant scores a right belter from 25 metres out to confirm that he can't still play, and celebrates by giving the away fans and his manager (who he's been feuding with for most of the season) the finger. And is thus red carded for his "celebration". "Dominant to never play for Creek again" is all over the local papers following the game, showing exactly what his manager thought of that particular display.

23rd September - UICA Semi-Finals
Bengtsmark IF (BYN) 2-2 Dwile Warriors

Dwile go into this game knowing that, providing they don't fuck things up, they'll be heading to the Champion's Cup final in the first time in their history. It doesn't start well for them, as Felipe Maniche scores a spectacular opener in the 8th minute, before Brendan Cook sets up captain Sigurd Tufte for Bengtsmark's second after just 20 minutes have been played, Tufte up that far for a corner. However, Dwile dig in deep and defend out the rest of the half, withstanding Bengtsmark's dominance. They come out of gates roaring in the second half, Aitor Jovellanos flicking a ball through to Richard D'Oyly in the centre for their first goal in the 56th minute, before Laborius Hawk takes on approximately 4 players and somehow battles his way through to score perhaps the best individual goal in the club's history (which is saying something for the current best club in the current best league) to seal Dwile's progression to the Champion's Cup final, the players collapsing exhausted, but vindicated at the full time whistle.

24th - 25th September - ANL Matchday 26
Wye United 3–2 FC Harpoon
FC Endeavour 2–1 Gwinevra Barbarians
FC Brimstone 1–0 Gwinevra Bulls
Exton F.C 4–0 Issington F.C
Dwile Warriors 4–3 Mandon United - Thursday Game
Barbury Town 1–0 Oldem Gents Club
Wrexton F.C 5–2 St George's Creek
Uxminster Athletic 1–1 Urbanista

JESUS CHRIST. The league season takes yet another turn with FC Endeavour winning an absolutely massive game against Gwinevra Barbarians, to go above them into 2nd on goal difference. 2nd? I thought Gwinevra were in first at the moment, I hear you say. They were, but Barbury Town reclaims the top spot after beating the Gents Club 1-0 at home. When you factor in that Urbanista somehow contrived to draw with Uxminster Athletic (their suspect defence letting them down once again, Helene Böhler's mistake is pounced on by Alan Pope to give Uxminster a point), means the top 4 teams are currently separated by just 1 point, with FC Endeavour, Gwinevra Barbarians and Urbanista all level on 51 points at the moment. Dwile continue to not give a shit about defending, beating Mandon 4-3 due to principally that man Laborius Hawk, while FC Brimstone claw themselves back closer to safety with a win over the hapless Gwinevra Bulls, who will now need to win all their remaining games to have even the smaller chance of remaining in this division. This isn't even accounting for Wrexton's 5-2 victory over St George's Creek, which is just extraordinary, seeing as they have been incapable of scoring for many seasons now, Paaron Petrov's inclusion in the side seems to have really turned around their fortunes.

27th - 28th September - ANL Matchday 27
Uxminster Athletic 1–2 Wye United
Urbanista 1–2 Wrexton F.C - Sunday Game
St George's Creek 2–1 Barbury Town - Sunday Game
Oldem Gents Club 1–1 Dwile Warriors
Mandon United 2–1 Exton F.C
Issington F.C 1–4 FC Brimstone
Gwinevra Bulls 1–2 FC Endeavour
Gwinevra Barbarians 1–0 FC Harpoon

It remains incredibly exciting at the top! FC Endeavour face off against Gwinevra Bulls, and unsurprisingly are the victors in that game, meaning FC Endeavour move top with three games left to play. Heartbreak for Bulls fans, as they are now officially relegated, they've simply been unable to create enough goals this season, and they've paid the price for that. Across the city, the Barbarians squeeze past FC Harpoon, with Eero Halmiini and King Trevarren posing legitimate threats to Ettie Seabrooke in goal for much of the game - though Willem Otkupshchikov had things under control, and Wesley Kane powers a ball into the back of the net in the 55th minute to give Gwinevra the lead. Wrexton F.C currently resemble a three ton bull on steroids, and they charge past an Urbanista side who don't seem to fully understand what's hit them - Jack Ohanna and that man Paaron Petrov with the goals against Niek Kroojimans' lone strike. Barbury Town also can't capitalise on how open things are at the top, with Ezekiel Charlestown having possibly the best season of his career and grabbing a brace before his defence, led surprisingly well by Kieron Ugalu, Axe the Dominant's replacement, manage to not concede twice before full time to hand the Creek a deserved win.

1st October - Marshall Cup Semi-Finals
Uxminster Athletic 0-1 Gwinevra Barbarians
Issington F.C 0-3 Exton F.C

Another week set of Marshall Cup fixtures where the higher ranked team wins out. Uxminster sees their hopes of gaining something of worth from this season dashed, courtesy of an Anna Wilbrahim strike, while Exton rest their main striker Alfreton Zerzubar for their remaining league clashes, starting their reserve, 35 year old David the Heroic instead. And what a difference he makes, playing like a man ten years his junior, as he scores all three goals in a 3-0 thrashing of Issington F.C

4th - 5th October - ANL Matchday 28
Wye United 0–1 Gwinevra Barbarians
FC Harpoon 2–0 Gwinevra Bulls
FC Endeavour 3–2 Issington F.C
FC Brimstone 1–0 Mandon United - Sunday Game
Exton F.C 1–0 Oldem Gents Club
Dwile Warriors 4–2 St George's Creek
Barbury Town 1–0 Urbanista - Sunday Game
Wrexton F.C 1–1 Uxminster Athletic

It's still perilously close at the top, and, indeed the bottom. Issington F.C, away losing to FC Endeavour (who remain top with that win), meaning they hover one point above Uxminster Athletic in the relegation zone (who've have thought it 5 years ago?) while FC Brimstone beat Mandon United, meaning the UICA qualifiers are now confirmed (just the order of qualifiers needing confirming now), Brimstone are likely safe now, 5 points above Uxminster, but there's no denying it's been a bad season for them. Expect something of an exodus and clearout at the club for next season. Barbury Town remain one point behind Endeavour and Gwinevra with a crucial 1-0 victory against Urbanista, who they eliminate from title contention with that win, and push down to 5th, with Dwile Warriors storming up after winning another 4 goal rout, this time against St George's Creek.

11th - 12th October - ANL Matchday 29
Wrexton F.C 2–0 Wye United
Uxminster Athletic 0–1 Barbury Town
Urbanista 2–2 Dwile Warriors
St George's Creek 3–1 Exton F.C
Oldem Gents Club 1–0 FC Brimstone
Mandon United 2–1 FC Endeavour - Sunday Game
Issington F.C 2–2 FC Harpoon
Gwinevra Bulls 0–0 Gwinevra Barbarians - Sunday Game

Mandon 2, Endeavour 1. A massive result in the title race, as Endeavour slip down from first to third with that loss, in by far the closest title race in recent memory. Barbury Town push Uxminster closer to relegation, with Jody Rijshaart, who's had a simply fantastic season, scoring to send Barbury top. The Gwinevra derby couldn't have come at a more pivotal point in the season, the Bulls, despite being sunk already, give a heroic performance against the Barbarians, the game ending a stalemate, at 0-0. What's even more impressive is how the Bulls managed to hang on for the final 30 minutes down to 10 players, with Cristina Kowalcyzk being sent off for a rash tackle on Wesley Kane.

Elsewhere outside the title battle, Dwile Warriors and Urbanista cannot best each other over the full 90, and so it is Dwile who remain in the Champion's Cup spots going into the final matchday. Exton F.C lose to a St George's Creek side who have had a poor season by their UICA contender aspirations these days, while Wrexton F.C continue their fine late season form in beating Wye United - both clubs having amazing seasons, with Wrexton banishing their scoring troubles and Wye becoming the most recent first time qualifier for the Globe Cup, in this league which is only growing more and more competitive.

18th October - ANL Matchday 30
Wye United 1–0 Gwinevra Bulls
Gwinevra Barbarians 2–2 Issington F.C
FC Harpoon 2–1 Mandon United
FC Endeavour 0–0 Oldem Gents Club
FC Brimstone 3–1 St George's Creek
Exton F.C 3–1 Urbanista
Dwile Warriors 1–1 Uxminster Athletic
Barbury Town 1–0 Wrexton F.C

The final day of the season, and my word, is it a big one. Three teams can take the title on the final day - any one of Barbury Town, Gwinevra Barbarians and FC Endeavour - the closest the title race has been in 6 seasons. Down the bottom Gwinevra Bulls is sunk and one of either Uxminster Athletic or (scarcely imaginable) Issington F.C will be joining them.

Gwinevra Barbarians take the immediate advantage, with Morgana Foloris scuffing a shot which confused Jadranka Steele in goal enough for it to go in in the 5th minute of the game, pushing them top. So it continued with both Wrexton F.C and Oldem Gents Club holding firm under batterings from Barbury Town and FC Endeavour respectively, until the 22nd minute of play, when Michel di Mercurio, inspirational captain of Issington fired home a free kick to move Gwinevra back behind Barbury into second. It was still 1-1 at half time, but disaster for Barbarians fans, as in the 44th minute, Curio struck a very sneaky ball just under the body of the diving Claire Tzion to hand Barbury the lead - in both the game and title race going into half time.

FC Endeavour, frustrated by the lack of progress against the Gents Club, were the first to slip up, with Alex Terán going in hot headed to a tackle against Etzy Dialogue and flattening her, studs up, both feet. Straight red, and now Endeavour had to battle to stay in the game. Simultaneously there were cheers of joy in the Barbaria, as Anna Wilbrahim had just scored to move them back in front against Issington - all eyes and ears now turned to the game up in Barbury - but they held strong, and the celebrations echoed long and hard at the Village Green, where Barbury clinched their second ANL title, having finished runners-up so many times. There was despair for Gwinevra, as, in the dying seconds, Harold Blekinge scored an equaliser, ensuring Issington's survival for another season, and condemning Gwinevra to a strong second place finish. Uxminster were relegated after drawing 1-1 with Dwile Warriors, who finish 4th despite drawing due to Exton confidently beating Urbanista following an Alfreton Zerzubar brace and a Niko Vaarakallio goal to seal the win, in possibly Vaarakallio's last game for the club, with the captain unsure over his plans for next season and whether he would retire or not.

23rd October - Marshall Cup Final
Gwinevra Barbarians 2-1 Exton F.C

The final between two teams who have waited a long time for silverware and weren't about to succumb this golden opportunity easily. In front of a packed out Royal Stadium crowd, Gwinevra started well, Anna Wilbrahim scored the opener, before Ayrton Villa levelled the score for Exton three minutes later. Both sides held out, and with the game appearing to wind down towards extra time, Gwinevra suddenly struck through the boot of Wesley Kane to take a decisive lead which they didn't let go of, winning their first silverware for 12 seasons - and you can't deny them it, it's richly deserved.

27th October - Champion's Cup Final
Dwile Warriors 4-0 Ibini FC (VAL)

At Cascadia Stadium in 95X, Dwile Warriors, the second Apoxian team in as many seasons to grace the Champion's Cup final, aim to make history and validate Apox's place at the top of the UICA rankings by actually winning a title. Their opponents? Ibini FC, a strong team from Valanora but not one of the powerhouses as Raynor City United and Soldarian FC used to be in days gone by. Dwile have the early pressure, but Ibini are equal to it, and the game is an open, flowing match for the first 20 minutes. Then the floodgates open, Tregajorran scores an impressive volley to open the scoring for Dwile and they don't look back. Laborius Hawk, a fellow Vanorian but not letting up and giving his all for his team, scores the second goal for Dwile, just before half time. Ibini concede shortly after half time s well, Agozti Ibarran rifling a shot home, before Laborius Hawk puts the nail in the coffin with 70 minutes gone, as Dwile Warriors (who else really?) confirm their place amongst the great teams of history in winning Apox the first (of hopefully many) Champion's Cup titles, and by the biggest margin in the competitions history as well. Not bad, that, from the team being hailed by many at the moment as the best to ever play for a domestic team in Apox, despite having only a tepid season this time around.

Top Scorers
21 - Laborius Hawk (Dwile Warriors)
18 - Ezekiel Charlestown (St George's Creek)
15 - Curio (Barbury Town), Danny Leighton (FC Endeavour)
14 - Tolgus Tregajorran (Dwile Warriors), Anna Wilbrahim (Gwinevra Barbarians), Elvis Sandbottom (Urbanista), Alfreton Zerzubar (Exton F.C), Cheney Scherzer (Wye United)
13 - Corinna McKenna (FC Brimstone), Paaron Petrov (Wrexton F.C)
11 - Mateusz Wolff (Urbanista)

                           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Barbury Town             30   19   5   6    51   26  +25    62 - CHAMPIONS, CC
 2 Gwinevra Barbarians      30   18   5   7    46   26  +20    59 - CC
 3 FC Endeavour             30   17   7   6    48   26  +22    58 - CC
 4 Dwile Warriors           30   15   9   6    62   41  +21    54 - CC
 5 Urbanista                30   15   7   8    48   35  +13    52 - GC
 6 Exton F.C                30   14   6  10    36   28   +8    48 - GC
 7 Wye United               30   15   3  12    41   42   -1    48 - GC
 8 Mandon United            30   11   6  13    32   41   −9    39
 9 Wrexton F.C              30   10   8  12    40   40    0    38
10 St George's Creek        30   12   2  16    56   61   −5    38
11 Oldem Gents Club         30   10   5  15    21   28   −7    35
12 FC Harpoon               30    9   8  13    33   49  −16    35
13 FC Brimstone             30    9   6  15    29   39  −10    33
14 Issington F.C            30    7   7  16    40   59  −19    28
15 Uxminster Athletic       30    5  11  14    21   36  −15    26 - RELEGATED
16 Gwinevra Bulls           30    3   7  20    12   39  −27    16 - RELEGATED

Egloskerry end a six year absence from the top flight finally, easily taking the ANL2 title in the end, with a solid 60 points claimed from this season. Below them, only Atletico Standard have been in the top tier before of the play-off teams, opening up the possibility of seeing new teams heading into the top tier next season, with Mulhampstead rueing not taking their chances. The bottom 5 teams are all perilously close in the end, with Urbanista Trojans, not Mona ending up being relegated for successive seasons - a bitter blow to the club, especially with Urbanista Young Boys doing well this season. Kepler United are also relegated, in a result which will surprise few.

                            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Egloskerry                30   17   9   4    43   23  +20    60 - CHAMPIONS, PROMOTED
 2 Old Licentians            30   16   6   8    60   50  +10    54 - ANL PLAY-OFF
 3 Atletico Standard         30   15   8   7    54   40  +14    53 - ANL PLAY-OFF
 4 Oldem Mechanical          30   12   8  10    38   29   +9    44 - ANL PLAY-OFF
 5 Mulhampstead              30   12   8  10    37   36   +1    44
 6 Barbury F.C               30   11  10   9    41   38   +3    43
 7 Lighthouse Coves          30   11   8  11    37   35   +2    41
 8 Miners '47                30   11   8  11    45   46   −1    41
 9 Bouldertown               30   12   5  13    49   53   −4    41
10 Urbanista Young Boys      30    9  10  11    30   35   −5    37
11 Moscva 2k12               30   10   5  15    20   31  −11    35
12 Mona A.F.C                30    9   6  15    44   49   −5    33
13 Frewick F.C               30    8   9  13    35   40   −5    33
14 Calshott Lighthouse       30    7  12  11    27   36   −9    33
15 Urbanista Trojans         30    8   8  14    33   41   −8    32 - RELEGATED
16 Kepler United             30    8   8  14    48   59  −11    32 - RELEGATED

ANL Play-offs
Atletico Standard 3–1 Oldem Mechanical
Old Licentians 1–1 Atletico Standard
Oldem Mechanical 0–1 Old Licentians

ANL Play-offs        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Atletico Standard      2   1  1  0    4   2  +2    4 - PROMOTED TO ANL
2 Old Licentians         2   1  1  0    2   1  +1    4
3 Oldem Mechanical       2   0  0  2    1   4  −3    0

Armageddon Casuals are good enough to win this tightest of seasons in the bottom tier, holding off Azewyn Royals, a late surging Southtown and Beowulf FC for automatic promotion. In the end, it is TP Indians who are relegated, it is sad to see them go indeed. They are replaced by Flotsam & Jetsam, the first team to have been relegated to the conferences and return since relegation from the ANL3 was introduced, after they beat Wofford Town on penalties in the Conference final.

                               Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Armageddon Casuals           30   16   5   9    72   57  +15    53 - CHAMPIONS, PROMOTED
 2 Azewyn Royals                30   15   5  10    68   66   +2    50 - ANL2 PLAY-OFFS
 3 Southtown                    30   15   4  11    27   20   +7    49 - ANL2 PLAY-OFFS
 4 Beowulf FC                   30   13  10   7    57   54   +3    49 - ANL2 PLAY-OFFS
 5 Dockland United              30   14   5  11    35   32   +3    47
 6 AFC United of Cierbanor      30   12   8  10    60   60    0    44
 7 Old Guard Regiment           30   12   7  11    40   34   +6    43
 8 Don't Panic FC               30   11   7  12    46   45   +1    40
 9 Celts                        30   10  10  10    57   59   −2    40
10 Cawln Wanderers              30   10   8  12    55   53   +2    38
11 The Dambusters               30   11   5  14    56   61   −5    38
12 Project +90                  30   10   6  14    51   54   −3    36
13 Royal Issington              30   10   6  14    49   53   −4    36
14 Centre for Excellence        30    8  11  11    43   47   −4    35
15 Yerk United                  30   10   5  15    58   66   −8    35
16 TP Indians                   30   10   4  16    47   60  −13    34 - RELEGATED

ANL2 Play-offs
Southtown 3–1 Beowulf FC
Azewyn Royals 1–0 Southtown
Beowulf FC 1–1 Azewyn Royals

ANL2 Play-offs       Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Azewyn Royals          2   1  1  0    2   1  +1    4 - PROMOTED TO ANL2
2 Southtown              2   1  0  1    3   2  +1    3
3 Beowulf FC             2   0  1  1    2   4  −2    1

BARBURY TOWN
Name                  NTN Pos Age TGP TGS LGP LGS
Alan Eustathios       APX  GK  26  39   0  29   0  
Jack Lerryn           APX  RD  31  37   1  28   1
Amadeus Finn          PIS  CD  23  35   1  26   1
Joel Barton           JEC  CD  26   8   1   7   1      
Alex Mo               APX  RM  28  31   3  20   2     
Jody Rijshaart        AUD  CM  29  38  11  28   9
Sverre Devold         BYN  CM  29  36   5  27   5
Jo de Marisco         APX  CM  22  36   4  28   4
Isidora Cullen        BRN  RW  25  11   4  10   3
Curio                 APX  ST  25  37  18  27  15

DWILE WARRIORS
Halyos Anaximander    APX  GK  23  40   0  28   0
Eneko Treloquithack   APX  RD  26  38   2  25   2
Hadrian Belfast       NPH  CD  29  42   2  29   2     
Nicolas St Teath      APX  CD  29  37   2  24   1
Aitor Jovellanos      AUD LWB  24  39   6  27   5
Agozti Ibarran        ASG  RM  28  35   2  25   1
Yurpá Mêndêlöíndçêl   FRF CDM  33  37   5  26   5  
Laborius Hawk         VAL CAM 718  41  31  28  21
Sakina Zozula         APX  LM  22  34   5  24   3
Tolgus Tregajorran    APX  ST  32  39  20  27  14

EXTON F.C
Jake Winterfyll       COS  GK  23  40   0  27   0
Steven Worrick        APX  CD  27  12   0   7   0
Olim Shahzad          APX  CD  25  39   3  26   2
Jakob Lunds           SEM  CD  25  38   2  27   1 
Marius Ognevski       APX  DM  23  38   3  25   2
Niko Vaarakallio      PIS  CM  33  39   8  28   6
Alfreton Zerzubar     APX  ST  22  40  22  28  14
David the Heroic      OGD  ST  35  12   5   7   1
 
FC BRIMSTONE
Isadora Caravella     NPH  GK  24  30   0  28   0 
Catheline Stockinger  NPH  LD  25  28   2  27   2
Jack Demir            APX  CM  31  22   2  21   2
Sam Charlfont         APX  CM  33  25   2  24   2
Dorian Mixolydian     APX  CM  29  28   3  27   3 
Miriam Spitfire       BRN  LM  33  27   5  26   4
Corinna McKenna       APX  ST  25  30  14  29  13

FC ENDEAVOUR
Diandra Ballard       NPH  GK  27  34   0  30   0
Moses Luc Bjerregaard PIS  RD  26  32   3  26   2    
Endellion Hewn        APX  CD  31  30   1  25   1
Stan Graham           EUR  CD  31  34   2  28   1
Alexis Garcia         FEL  LD  31  33   2  26   2
Marcus Redwood        APX  RM  33  32   4  28   4
Sico Ullsmang         BYN  RM  26  11   1   7   1 
Alex Terán            FRF  CM  29  35  10  27   8
Zana Ibrox            APX  CM  23  33   7  26   6  
Rübéãn Tôr            FRF  LM  22  30   3  24   3
Danny Leighton        TLI  ST  31  33  17  26  15
  
FC HARPOON
Mikel Azariah         MBT  LD  29  27   2  26   2
Eero Halmiini         BYN  RM  30  28   4  27   4
King Trevarren        MBT  CM  29  26   5  25   5
Zebulon Faye          APX  ST  31  30  10  29  10
Alvares Ibbarutzeces  AUD  ST  17   8   2   7   2

GWINEVRA BARBARIANS
Ettie Seabrooke       APX  GK  34  47   0  28   0 
Odar Storbrittania    APX  RD  26  40   2  25   1
Cleto Mata            FRF  CD  28  43   3  27   1
Willem Otkupshchikov  PIS  CD  29  47   4  26   2
Zezinho               NSI  LD  21  42   2  25   2
Alice Monteforth      APX  RM  30  45   7  27   4
Charlie Boroni        APX  CM  34  43   4  25   2  
Morgana Foloris       APX  CM  33  43   6  26   4
Wesley Kane           OSR  LM  27  46  15  27   7
Sanui Shizuka         NSI CAM  25  42  13  25   6
Anna Wilbrahim        APX  ST  29  46  22  27  14

GWINEVRA BULLS
Anna Beauregard       APX  RD  27  29   0  28   0
Xavier Vale           SUS  CD  22  26   1  25   1
Michelsen Enigóó      FRF  CM  20  27   1  27   1
Marjatta Olesen       APX  ST  33  27   5  26   5

ISSINGTON F.C
Erika Kazama          NSI  RD  20  29   3  26   2   
Max Viking            APX  LD  28  30   2  27   2
Michel di Mercurio    YTT  DM  29  31   7  28   7
Joss Wickaninnish     APX  LM  23  28   5  25   5
Alex Ithamar          APX CAM  28  30   4  27   4
  
MANDON UNITED
Doug Carson           TLI  CD  28  28   1  27   1
Saskia Babič          APX  CM  26  30   3  28   2
Tiberius Eckhart      APX  CM  27  28   6  27   5
Radomíra Boadicea     APX  LM  21  22   2  21   2
Ikkon Karrkka         FRF CAM  30  25   6  25   6
Actor Marsalis        APX  ST  29  30  11  29  10

OLDEM GENTS CLUB
Kaja Burton           MBT  CD  25  28   2  27   2
Etzy Dialogue         APX  CD  18  27   2  26   2
Alexi Brave           APX  RM  33  29   2  28   2
Alex Opel             APX  ST  29  25   8  24   8

ST. GEORGE’S CREEK
Anna Hikari           NSI  RD  21  29   1  27   1
Nightshade            EQS  LD  18  28   1  27   1
Axe the Dominant      OGD  DM  35  24   5  21   4
Melody Sarmiento      NSI  CM  18  30   6  27   6
Marcus Brave          APX  CM  30  29   5  27   4
Alex Paradys          APX  LM  36  28   2  25   2
Damian Balnerii       BYN  ST  31  30  12  28  10
Ezekiel Charlestown   MBT  ST  27  31  19  28  18

URBANISTA
John Lockwood         APX  GK  30  31   0  30   0
Leonhard Mixé         FRF  CD  24  28   2  26   2 
Robbie Faulkner       EUR  CD  27  26   1  25   1
Ben Hatem             APX  LD  31  23   2  20   2
Armando Quillisi      APX  CM  32  30   6  27   5   
Niek Krooijmans       YTT  CM  25  28   6  26   6
Rosie Tyler           EQS  LM  23  29   3  27   3
Mateusz Wolff         PIS CAM  24  30  12  28  11 
Elvis Sandbottom      APX  ST  26  28  15  25  14 

UXMINSTER ATHLETIC
Timo Sokolov          POL  GK  26  30   0  28   0
Daedalus Michelakos   AYP  CM  34  28   2  27   2
Trystan Fitzpatrick   COS  ST  29  29   7  27   6

WREXTON F.C
Soren Pedersen        SEM  CD  27  29   2  28   2    
Lunar Shadow          EQS  CM  20  25   4  24   4
Jack Ohanna           APX  LM  28  30   5  29   5
Paaron Petrov         COS CAM  32  27  13  27  13
Dan Quesadillas       TIS  ST  18  26  10  25  10

WYE UNITED
Catheline Purrington  BRN  CM  24  30   7  27   5   
Alf Dale              APX  CM  28  26   4  24   4
Árbol Saucedo         SJG CAM  23  28  11  26  10
Cheney Scherzer       BRN  ST  28  29  19  26  14

[Apox]

ANL Season 19 - Preview


Barbury Town
Manager: Ken Rickwright
Home Ground: Village Green, Capacity: 40,000
Line-up: Eustathios -- Lerryn (c), Finn, Balthorst, Maramora -- Mo, Rijshaart, Devold, Vladimirescu -- McKenna, Cullen
Transfers in: Corinna McKenna from FC Brimstone for £25,000,000
Transfers out: Curio to Sabrefell Moths for £15,000,000; Jo de Marisco to Eastweald for £4,000,000
Preview: Ken Rickwright finally has that second ANL title - the clear focus of his team for quite some time now. Only days after securing the title, he announced that this season, his 12th with Barbury, would be his last at the club, having transformed them from relegation battlers to one of the best teams in the world. He's brought in Corinna McKenna, which is a massive boost for the club, as she had plenty of clubs interested in her, offloading Curio to Sabrefell Moths, as Barbury look to add extra bite up front to complement their excellent defence. The midfield partnership of Sverre Devold and Jody Rijshaart is growing older, but they still remain two of the most dangerous players in the division and hold the key to unlocking many defences.
Last Season: 1st Predicted: 3rd


Gwinevra Barbarians
Manager: Orophin Anárion
Home Ground: The Barbaria, Capacity: 50,000
Line-up: Seabrooke -- Storbrittania, Mata, Otkupshchikov (c), Zezinho -- Monteforth, Xoka, Foloris, Kane -- Shizuka -- Rodreguez-Torrejon
Transfers in: Weverton Rodriguez-Torrejon from KT Koroatuz for £20,000,000
Transfers out: Charlie Boroni, retired
Preview: It was so nearly the end to their problems last season, with the Barbarians coming closer to a 4th ANL title than they have for a long time. They missed out on their two main striking targets - Corinna McKenna and Ace Newman - in the off season and so they've brought in the scarcely known, but undoubtedly talented Weverton Rodriguez-Torrejon from KT Koroatuz for a hell of a lot of money. They'll need to hope he's every bit as talented as promised if he's going to live up to his transfer total and if the team are going to challenge for the title this season. They've still got talent spread throughout the team, even if quite a lot of it is ageing now - goalkeeper Ettie Seabrooke is 35 this season for example, even if she still remains one of the best keepers in the league. I have a feeling that maybe, just maybe, this is going to be Gwinevra's year...
Last Season: 2nd Predicted: 1st


FC Endeavour
Manager: Hector Rossizzo
Home Ground: The Garganaut, Capacity: 42,000
Line-up: Ballard -- Bjerregaard, Hewn, Graham, Garcia -- Redwood (c), Terán, Ibrox, Tôr -- Gandhi, Leighton
Transfers in: Alpha Gandhi from Maximum City returned from loan
Transfers out:
Preview: A relatively quiet off season for FC Endeavour, with the only change to the Starting XI being Alpha Gandhi's return to the club - and after his brilliant spell with Maximum City of Nephara, he now looks ready to start for Endeavour, and that alone is a mildly terrifying prospect, he's probably the most promising striker to emerge in the ANL since the arrival of Tolgus Tregajorran. Elsewhere, the team remains very strong; Diandra Ballard is one of the best keepers in the league and the midfield is as brilliant as ever. However, this is a team near the end of it's tenure, as Endellion Hewn, Stan Graham, Felix Garcia, Alex Terán and Danny Leighton are all over 30 now, not to mention their long standing captain, Marcus Redwood, now being 34, and presumably only having a season or two left in him - he's been with the club since they were reformed, the only constant in the team in that time.
Last Season: 3rd Predicted: 4th


Dwile Warriors
Manager: Moon Dust
Home Ground: The APX Sports Stadium, Capacity: 60,000
Line-up: Breeze -- Treloquithack, Belfast (c), St Teath, Jovellanos -- Ibarran, Mêndêlöíndçêl, Zozula -- Tregajorran, Hawk, Wolff
Transfers in: Gentle Breeze from Northbrook Diamonds FK for £35,000,000; Mateusz Wolff from Urbanista for £20,000,000
Transfers out: Ardent Neguwa to Urbanista for £5,000,000; Edgar Garay to Atletico Standard for £550,000
Preview: The Warriors have continued to splash the cash, having seemingly endless reserves of money to call upon, paying a staggering £35 million for Gentle Breeze, the Equestrian keeper opting to move from the Polar Islandstates for the second highest transfer fee the league has seen, with the club also stealing Mateusz Wolff from Urbanista for a fair bit of money. They've offloaded from fringe players in the process, and now, having won the Champion's Cup last season, they can turn their attention to the league and an 8th title for this season. The team continues to be packed full of star names, with Tolgus Tregajorran certain to be seeking more silverware as his career winds down, Hadrian Belfast is still a force in defence. This is without even mentioning Laborius Hawk, who continues to be ridiculously good for the side - now the central striker in a 4-3-3 formation that Moon Dust is trying out this season.
Last Season: 4th Predicted: 2nd


Urbanista
Manager: Olim Benzari
Home Ground: Lime Ground, Capacity: 36,000
Line-up: Lockwood (c) -- Böhler, Mixé, Faulker, Hatem -- Troon, di Mercurio, Krooijmans, Tyler -- Newman, Sandbottom
Transfers in: Michel di Mercurio from Issington F.C for £12,500,000; Ace Newman from Cassandra City for £12,000,000; Ardent Neguwa from Dwile Warriors for £5,000,000
Transfers out: Armando Quillisi to Sabrefell Athletic for £20,000,000; Mateusz Wolff to Dwile Warriors for £20,000,000; Alexei Ahmejankov to FC Brimstone for £1,100,000
Preview: Urbanista have certainly been busy this off season, but the sad reality is that they've become a team which is a tier below the top 4 from last season - they just can't compete for silverware on that same level as those teams. Michel di Mercurio is brought in as the experienced but still relatively Yttribian will be helpful for the team. Mateusz Wolff is sold off for a large amount, which then finances the arrival of Ace Newman from Cassandra City in Cosumar, Newman thought to be the future of the Cosumar national team. Armando Quillisi appears to have also caught onto the fact that Urbanista isn't going to seriously challenge for the title again whilst he's still playing, and with his place in the Starting XI in doubt due to di Mercurio's arrival. He transfers out to Sabrefell Athletic in a big money move, searching for more silverware in another highly competitive league in the last few years of his career. Urbanista's midfield and attack seem as strong as ever, but you get the feeling their defence might hold them back a bit this season, and it's hard to guess how the loss of club legend Armando Quillisi will affect the team.
Last Season: 5th Predicted: 6th


Exton F.C
Manager: Sammie Puskas
Home Ground: River Exe Ground, Capacity: 32,000
Line-up: Winterfyll -- Theutrich, Shahzad, Lunds, Motte-Bailey -- Ognevski (c) -- Aviram, Townsend, Villa, Reenburg -- Zerzubar
Transfers in: Faruk Asim Townsend from Pilgrimage for £3,000,000
Transfers out: Niko Vaarakallio, retired; David the Heroic, retired
Preview: Exton are in a similar position to Urbanista - they just can't break into the title chasing pack. However, with Alfreton Zerzubar up front, they no longer struggle for goals like they used to, and their defence, containing seasoned internationals in Jakk Winterfyll, Olim Shahzad and Jakob Lunds, remains one of the strongest in the league. Niko Vaarakallio's retirement will hit them hard, of that there is no doubt, but Faruk Asim Townsend has done very well indeed at Pilgrimage in the A-League over the last few seasons, and is an astute buy indeed.
Last Season: 6th Predicted: 5th


Wye United
Manager: Ponting Glamorgan
Home Ground: JK Stadium, Capacity: 21,000
Line-up: Benthron (c) -- Peel, Mills, Kosbayashi, Litchworth -- Leanord, Purrington, Dale, Fronden -- Saucedo -- Scherzer
Transfers in: Jack Mills from Project +90 on a free
Transfers out: Pompey Auk, retired; Sapphire Jamieson, retired
Preview: Wye had a brilliant season last time, reaching the UICA spots which is a great achievement for a team which was in the second tier only 6 years ago. The lack of addition to the squad begs the question of how well they'll do juggling both league and UICA competitions, as, while aspects of their first team are very good players indeed, it is questionable as to whether they have enough depth to sustain a UICA or league run at this level. We'll see.
Last Season: 7th Predicted: 9th


Mandon United
Manager: Quentin O'Leary
Home Ground: Brookside Wharf, Capacity: 20,000
Line-up: Sokolov -- Aiken, Carson, Hackett, Santana -- Benson (c), Babič, Eckhart, Boadicea -- Karrkka -- Marsalis
Transfers in: Timo Sokolov from Uxminster Athletic for £2,000,000
Transfers out:
Preview: An 8th placed finish is very good for a Mandon team expected to struggle last season, and they've stolen Timo Sokolov from relegated Uxminster Athletic in the off season. Tiberius Eckhart was a revelation for the team in his first ANL season, he's filled the gap vacated by Harry Lickett's retirement very well indeed. Mandon are one of those teams who you're never really sure how well they're going to do - I reckon they won't be quite as strong this time around.
Last Season: 8th Predicted: 10th


Wrexton F.C
Manager: A.T Snow
Home Ground: MiXoL Ground, Capacity: 22,000
Line-up: Tzion -- Duarte, Kary, Pedersen, Babič -- Gurdon, Huff, Shadow, Ohanna (c) -- Petrov -- Quesadillas
Transfers in:
Transfers out: Katie Ascot to Hellenic Rouge for £500,000
Preview: The lower mid table was incredibly congested last season - and despite looking like they might be in for another relegation battle at time, Wrexton finished strongly and finished a very respectable 11th in the end. Paaron Petrov was simply outstanding last season, and while a few eyebrows were raised when he was given the player of the season award, it cannot be denied that he was the individual who had the biggest impact on his team last season. They've got strength in this team now, and shouldn't have to worry too much about relegation this season, though, if the midtable is as close as it was last time out, then nothing can be guaranteed.
Last Season: 9th Predicted: 11th


St George's Creek
Manager: Sanderstal the Almighty
Home Ground: New Alpaca Drive, Capacity: 26,000
Line-up: Vahlen (c) -- Hikari, Hogg, Nightshade -- Ugalu -- Kjellsen, Sarmiento, Wallis-Iqbal, Paradys -- Balnerii, Charlestown
Transfers in: Christian Hogg from Oslo Klub for £4,500,000
Transfers out: Marcus Brave to CD FAS for £1,350,000; Axe the Dominant to Falkner United for £1,000,000; Flugelhorn Forde to Peynol-Lunas for £900,000
Preview: It was a poor season for the Creek last time out, the team stagnant and tensions high in the camp - notably between the manager Sanderstal the Almighty and club captain Axe the Dominant. Since then, Sanderstal has seen a large overhaul of the team, with many players sent packing, and a fresh look to the team. Christian Hogg is a battering ram in defence, and could be ready to take over in the "enforcer" role that Axe the Dominant fulfilled for many years. Promoted from the youth team, joint Apoxian-Eastfield Lodge national Methuselah Wallis-Iqbal is a very talented youngster and he has been given plenty of room to express himself in defence this season. Probably not UICA standard, but not far off either.
Last Season: 10th Predicted: 8th


Oldem Gents Club
Manager: Fran Gracie
Home Ground: New Alpaca Ground, Capacity: 26,000
Line-up: Frost -- Neal -- Barton, Burton, Mansion, Dialogue, Paterson -- Brave (c), Abel, Addario -- Opel
Transfers in:
Transfers out:
Preview: Nothing of note to report in the off season for Oldem Gents Club, which is mildly worrying as how they survived so comfortably last season is a mystery to most. This is a team with simply not enough talent to stay in the league, and it's not a particularly youthful either. Injuries could rip open their survival hopes and it's not looking particularly great for the Gentlemen of Oldem this season, to be honest.
Last Season: 11th Predicted: 15th


FC Harpoon
Manager: Rodin Vidal
Home Ground: The Celebratory Stadium, Capacity: 45,000
Line-up: Scott -- Thornton, Hurstspurr the Bold, Waughton, Azariah -- Jarwood -- Halmiini, Trevarren, Radovan -- Ibbarutzeces, Faye (c)
Transfers in:
Transfers out: Hugh Austin to Hellenic Rouge for £300,000
Preview: FC Harpoon have now established themselves relatively well in the ANL - which is largely credit to their brilliant manager, Rodin Vidal, who may not be the head coach of the team for much longer to be honest, and the brilliant team ethic of this squad. In Eero Halmiini and King Trevarren, they have players of real quality and young Alvares Ibbarutzeces is a promising striker, who can spend a couple of seasons learning from his experienced strike partner and captain of the team, Zebulon Faye. They should be safe for this season.
Last Season: 12th Predicted: 12th


FC Brimstone
Manager:
Home Ground: FCB Stadium, Capacity: 28,000
Line-up: Caravella (c) -- Shaw, Raynerson, Weiss, Stockinger -- Ingersleben, Demir, Palmisano, Mixolydian, Ahmejankov -- Colfer
Transfers in: Rook Colfer from Vermillion Wanderers for £5,000,000; Jessica Weiss from Peynol-Lunas for £4,000,000; Alexei Ahmejankov from Urbanista for £1,100,000
Transfers out: Corinna McKenna to Barbury Town for £25,000,000; John Harper to Bellight Wanderers for £700,000; Miriam Spitfire to Guilder as a free agent; Sam Charlfont, retired
Preview: Last season was an utter disaster for FC Brimstone, and John Grigia, while he did guide the team miraculously to safety having spent a lot of the season in the relegation zone was sacked two days after the season ended. Larissa Garrotte, formerly of Brinemouth in the Nepharim Premiership was appointed to the team, and given the task of taking this set of UICA standard player back into the UICA places. Corinna McKenna could not be dissuaded, she had spent enough season skulking in a low position in the table with FC Brimstone and Urbanista Trojans before that, and she completed a big money move to the champions, Barbury Town. Garrotte has since overhauled the team, bringing in Rook Colfer, Jessica Weiss and Alexei Ahmejankov to create a strong side which will certainly hope to be challenging for UICA once again. Garrotte will hope it can, as a lot of the key players might not hang around for long if Brimstone continues to underachieve. Big things expected from this team this season.
Last Season: 13th Predicted: 7th


Issington F.C
Manager: Foreman Jones
Home Ground: Dwile Stadium, Capacity: 25,000
Line-up: Steele -- Kazama, Cartwright, Ottilia, Viking (c) -- Chapman, McKirkley, Ithamar, Wickaninnish -- Blekinge, Varano
Transfers in: Kasey McKirkley from Samaj FC as a free agent
Transfers out: Michel di Mercurio to Urbanista for £12,500,000
Preview: They were very nearly relegated last season - something which five years ago would have been unthinkable in Issington. The truth is though, that Issington isn't the club it once was, fan support is low, funding is even lower - Michel di Mercurio's sale was used to attempt to pay back the mountains of debt the club is in, and they were resorted to bringing in Kasey McKirkley on a free transfer to plug the gap. Who knows, they may well end up being the first former champions to be relegated this season - that's the end of the table the fans will be looking at this season rather than the other.
Last Season: 14th Predicted: 14th


Egloskerry
Manager: Oliver Dunbarton
Home Ground: Eggcentric Arena, Capacity: 26,000
Line-up: Abujamal -- Orani (c), Jelah, Jacobs, Firebrace -- Hircain, Răducioiu, Desidiero, Haight -- Visser, Parks
Transfers in: Combo Răducioiu from Shamrock Cathair for £2,600,000; Chris Orani from Blau-Weiss Pallstadt as a free agent
Transfers out:
Preview: Egloskerry are finally back in the ANL, and they're expected to do alright this season, they've rebuilt their squad over the last few seasons, this season bringing in experienced former player Chris Orani from Blau-Weiss Pallstadt, he returns to his former club to see out his career, as well as Audioslavian Combo Răducioiu who could potentially be very good. Some of the older members of this team are around from when they were in the ANL before, and there's a strong chance they'll stay up.
Last Season: 1st, ANL2 Predicted: 13th


Atletico Standard
Manager: Jacob Clevedon
Home Ground: Stadia XL, Capacity: 18,000
Line-up: Mawthorne -- Plumbo, Arkwright, Duperron, Garay -- Ug, Hoth, Somerset, Slazak -- Welter, Jones
Transfers in: Edgar Garay from Dwile Warriors for £550,000; Ug as a free agent
Transfers out:
Preview: It's something of a surprise to see Atletico Standard back in the ANL, and, I'll be honest, I'll be surprised if this isn't more than a quick outing in the top tier. They've made some reinforcements, but Daineri player Ug is untested at this level, and sub player at Dwile Warriors, Edgar Garay, only made 19 appearances for the club in the 5 seasons he was there. It's definitely hard to see them hanging around for long.
Last Season: 3rd, ANL2 Predicted: 16th

Armageddon Casuals
Azewyn Royals
Barbury F.C
Bouldertown
Calshott Lighthouse
Frewick F.C
Gwinevra Bulls
Lighthouse Coves
Miners '47
Mona A.F.C
Moscva 2k12
Mulhampstead - Favourites
Oldem Mechanical
Old Licentians
Urbanista Young Boys
Uxminster Athletic

AFC United of Cierbanor
Beowulf FC
Cawln Wanderers
Celts
Centre for Excellence
Docklands United
Don't Panic FC
Flotsam & Jetsam
Kepler United
Old Guard Regiment
Project +90
Royal Issington
Southtown
The Dambusters
Urbanista Trojans - Favourites
Yerk United

[Apox]

ANL Season 19 - Part One

13th February - UICA Third Preliminary Round
Wye United 1-0 Dortmund Schwarz (FLW)
Exton F.C 2-0 CSKA Quebec (QUE)

Due to the smaller number of entrants, for this season there is no UICA action for Apoxian teams until the third preliminary round. And both Apoxian teams have no trouble in their opening fixtures, with Wye United seeing off Dortmund Schwarz in their first ever Globe Cup match courtesy of a raging volley from Catherine Purrington and her right boot. Exton F.C ease to victory over CSKA Quebec, Alfreton Zerzubar opening the scoring in the 10th minute with a well directed header, before Maas Aviram doubles their advantage with twenty five minutes left to play.

15th - 16th February - ANL Matchday 1
Atletico Standard 2–3 Wye United
Barbury Town 4–0 Wrexton F.C
Dwile Warriors 1–0 Urbanista
Egloskerry 3–1 St George's Creek
Exton F.C 2–1 Oldem Gents Club
FC Brimstone 2–1 Mandon United
FC Endeavour 1–0 Issington F.C - Sunday Game
FC Harpoon 1–3 Gwinevra Barbarians - Sunday Game

The league is back and there are no draws on the first weekend, everyone keen to get all three points. Corinna McKenna opens her account for Barbury in dominant fashion, netting twice against Wrexton F.C, with Jody Rijshaart and Amadeus Finn getting the other two goals, as Barbury start the season strongly, as they've done since time immemorial. Dwile Warriors win out against Urbanista in the highest profile encounter of the first matchday, Tolgus Tregajorran proving that at 33, he still has what it takes. Egloskerry return to the ANL comfortably, Oliver Dunbarton's well drilled side sweeping a St George's Creek side who are still getting used to playing with each other, aside. It's not quite as rosy for Atletico Standard, who put up a valiant fight against Wye United, but Wye and namely Cheney Scherzer have other things on their mind, in a game where defence seems not to be the primary concern.

20th February - UICA Third Preliminary Round
Dortmund Schwarz (FLW) 1-0 Wye United
CSKA Quebec (QUE) 1-1 Exton F.C

Wye United find it a little bit more challenging on the return journey to Fellow Citizens, as Dortmund Schwarz hold on to win 1-0, Wye needing penalties to move past Schwarz, triumphing 3-2. Still getting used to midweek fixtures clearly. Exton draw in Quebec, but cruise through to the playoff round thanks to a strong opening leg win, Sammie Puskas stating to the assembled press "I think we've got enough talent in this team to make a serious impression in this competition". Combative talk there indeed from the Exton manager.

23rd - 24th February - ANL Matchday 2
Wye United 2–1 Gwinevra Barbarians
Issington F.C 3–1 FC Harpoon - Sunday Game
Mandon United 2–1 FC Endeavour
Oldem Gents Club 0–1 FC Brimstone
St George's Creek 2–3 Exton F.C
Urbanista 1–1 Egloskerry
Wrexton F.C 0–2 Dwile Warriors
Atletico Standard 1–1 Barbury Town - Sunday Game

Atletico Standard miraculously hold reigning champions Barbury Town to a draw to pick up their first points of the season - Isidora Cullen opening the scoring for Barbury, and Corinna McKenna coming close only minutes later, as people settle in for a demolishing. They are to be disappointed however, as Atletico Standard hold firm, and then in the 85th minute, they grab a sneaky point from nowhere following a Tim Hoth wonder goal, which even Hoth looked surprised at. FC Endeavour look strong going into their game against Mandon United, and Alpha Gandhi uses his spicy pace to unlock the Mandon defence with ease and score his 1st goal of the season. However, Endeavours defence, well, it kind of crumbles from then on, and Tiberius Eckhart and Actor Marsalis are able to slip through the gaps to hand Mandon an unexpected win. FC Brimstone seem to have vanquished their poor form of last season under new manager Larissa Garrotte, and Jack Demir's excellent free kick allows them to take a deserved 3 points against Oldem Gents Club.

27th February - UICA Playoff Round
Xistrumbigonça (DAI) 3-1 FC Endeavour
Blue Coast 1981 (PCR) 0-2 Exton F.C
Aleta Rozkoton (SAR) 1-2 Wye United

FC Endeavour suffer a shock loss to Xistrumbigonca of Dainer, who take advantage of Endeavour's wobbly defence early on to put them 2-0 up after twenty minutes. Endeavour recover, and get one back thanks to a Zana Ibrox strike just before half time, but the Daineri side scores with 11 minutes left to play to cement a win for them. In the Globe Cup, it's more straight forward, with both Exton and Wye beating their opposition in the away legs of their ties to put them in a strong position for the home legs.

2nd - 3rd March - ANL Matchday 3
Barbury Town 0–0 Wye United
Dwile Warriors 1–3 Atletico Standard
Egloskerry 2–2 Wrexton F.C
Exton F.C 3–2 Urbanista - Sunday Game
FC Brimstone 0–1 St George's Creek
FC Endeavour 2–2 Oldem Gents Club - Sunday Game
FC Harpoon 1–1 Mandon United
Gwinevra Barbarians 1–0 Issington F.C

Barbury Town are held to a draw by Wye United in a game lacking in much creativity from both sides, Barbury looking a little lost due to Corinna McKenna and Sverre Devold sitting on the sidelines for the game - both with minor injuries. Atletico Standard, somehow, beat Dwile Warriors in a simply staggering result, meaning the Warriors drop their first points of the season. Exton F.C are now top of the table after a confident 3-2 victory against Urbanista, Alfreton Zerzubar scoring twice, with Faruk Asim Townsend netting his first for the club. Elsewhere, Weverton Rodriguez-Torrejon seems to be living up to the hype so far, scoring his second of the season in sensational style - a bicycle kick no less - to hand Gwinevra the win over Issington F.C, although perhaps the defensive pairing of Willem Otkupshchikov were more important in that game, as they hold firm against a surprisingly strong Issington attack.

6th March - UICA Playoff Round
FC Endeavour 4-1 Xistrumbigonça (DAI)
Exton F.C 4-2 Blue Coast 1981 (PCR)
Wye United 1-0 Aleta Rozkoton (SAR)

FC Endeavour respond to their loss in the first leg of their Champion's Cup playoff round by picking Xistrumbigonca up and shaking them around a bit until 4 goals roll out, two for Alpha Gandhi, one for Danny Leighton and one for Alex Terán. Exton F.C are similarly dominant in their game against the plucky team from Port Christopher, slotting goal after goal past a fairly hapless looking defence and ending the tie with a 6-2 aggregate win. Wye United continue to do well for their first foray into UICA competition, Cheney Scherzer's lone goal being enough to hand them the win.

9th - 10th March - ANL Matchday 4
Wye United 3–1 Issington F.C
Mandon United 2–3 Gwinevra Barbarians - Sunday Game
Oldem Gents Club 0–3 FC Harpoon
St George's Creek 5–4 FC Endeavour
Urbanista 1–1 FC Brimstone
Wrexton F.C 3–1 Exton F.C
Atletico Standard 2–1 Egloskerry
Barbury Town 0–2 Dwile Warriors - Sunday Game

Wye United remain the only unbeaten team in the ANL, winning easily against Issington F.C and seeing them currently placed top in the table. However, they've had a relatively easy slate of teams to play against so far this season, it'll be interesting to see how they stand after they've faced the top teams. St George's Creek and FC Endeavour take part in an entertaining goal fest, where, somehow, the Creek come out on top, thanks largely to the skill of Ezekiel Charlestown, who nets a hat-trick, in doing so scoring his 99th, 100th and 101st ANL goals, becoming the tenth player to reach the landmark. There is a high profile clash already, and in Sunday's game, Dwile Warriors put a dent in Barbury's title hopes, winning a key game 2-0, Laborius Hawk and Aitor Jovellanos the scorers in that game. Meanwhile, Urbanista continue their terrible opening form with a lacklustre 1-1 draw, they simply haven't looked sufficiently up for this season yet at all, and it shows - they're currently 15th in the league.

16th - 17th March - ANL Matchday 5
Dwile Warriors 3–2 Wye United
Egloskerry 0–1 Barbury Town
Exton F.C 3–0 Atletico Standard
FC Brimstone 3–0 Wrexton F.C - Sunday Game
FC Endeavour 3–2 Urbanista - Sunday Game
FC Harpoon 1–1 St George's Creek
Gwinevra Barbarians 1–0 Oldem Gents Club
Issington F.C 4–1 Mandon United

Exton are back on top with a strong 3-0 win over newly promoted Atletico Standard - they've looked particularly potent this season, especially Alfreton Zerzubar who has now scored 5 in 5 games. Wye United are finally defeated, Dwile Warriors winning a much more easily than the scoreline suggests, a couple of defensive errors leading to both Wye goals. Urbanista are still winnless, but they've had an exceptionally hard start to the season, playing 4 of last season's top 6 already after only 5 games. FC Brimstone win against Wrexton F.C, another strong win, as they look revitalised now, Zlata Ingersleben, Dorian Mixolydian and Rook Colfer the scorers in that game.

20th March - UICA Qualifying Round
Wye United 3-2 Phalanx AF (CEN)
Trojana Condommakers FC (QUE) 1-1 Exton F.C

Both Apoxian teams in the Globe Cup start well in order to give Apox as an association a record 7/7 teams heading through to the Group Stages of both competitions - Wye in a nervy home win over Phalanx AF of Ceni, drawing 2-2 until a late Alf Dale goal hands them the advantage going into the home leg. Exton F.C face the biggest Quebecois team in the famous Trojana Condommakers FC, and while a draw isn't particularly great, as it's the away leg, it does put them at a slight advantage for the home one.

23rd March - Marshall Cup First Round
Gwinevra Bulls 3-1 Don't Panic FC
Bouldertown 1-3 Miners '47
Celts 3-0 Yerk United
AFC United of Cierbanor 4-0 Centre for Excellence
Lighthouse Coves 0-0 Uxminster Athletic (1-0 AET)
Urbanista Trojans 5-2 The Dambusters
Calshott Lighthouse 0-3 Frewick F.C
Old Licentians 1-3 Mulhampstead
Cawln Wanderers 1-1 Docklands United (1-3 AET)
Urbanista Young Boys 2-2 Armageddon Casuals (2-3 AET)
Flotsam & Jetsam 2-2 Mona A.F.C (2-2 AET, 1-2 PKs)
Southtown 1-0 Kepler United
Moscva 2k12 1-1 Royal Issington (2-1 AET)
Old Guard Regiment 2-2 Barbury F.C (2-2 AET, 4-1 PKs)
Project +90 1-0 Oldem Mechanical
Azewyn Royals 5-0 Beowulf FC

It's the usual foray into madness with the first round of the Marshall Cup. Azewyn Royals smash Beowulf FC 5-0, which is remarkable, and shows how quick the Royals ascent up the footballing ladder has been. Urbanista Trojans may be plying their trade in the lowly third tier this season, but that doesn't stop them smashing The Dambusters aside, 5-2.

27th March - UICA Qualifying Round
Phalanx AF (CEN) 0-2 Wye United
Exton F.C 2-1 Trojana Condommakers FC (QUE)

And it's confirmed - both Exton and Wye win to make it a clean sweep of all 7 Apoxian teams entered into the Globe & Champions Cup's make it to the Group Stages. Both with confident wins as well to see them through.

30th - 31st March - ANL Matchday 6
Wye United 1–0 Mandon United - Sunday Game
Oldem Gents Club 2–1 Issington F.C
St George's Creek 1–2 Gwinevra Barbarians - Sunday Game
Urbanista 4–2 FC Harpoon
Wrexton F.C 2–3 FC Endeavour
Atletico Standard 2–0 FC Brimstone
Barbury Town 0–0 Exton F.C
Dwile Warriors 1–0 Egloskerry

Atletico Standard surprisingly get another win, this time over FC Brimstone, putting Atletico far away from the relegation zone, where many predicted they would sit for most of the season. Not so, clearly. Barbury Town draw in a tense, turgid game with Exton F.C, only really notable for Ayrton Villa sort of completely losing the plot midway through the game and punching Jody Rijshaart in the face after he thought he trod on him. Straight red for Villa, and Rijshaart is subbed quickly off, with a broken nose. Elsewhere, Urbanista finally record a win, over FC Harpoon, with Ace Newman and Elvis Sandbottom being on point for the club today, all 4 goals involved them in someway. Wrexton continue a familiar mantra of their's - putting in a bloody good show, but not really getting anything to show for it, as they're the latest team to probe Endeavour's wobbly defence, Paaron Petrov and Lunar Shadow with the goals for them. However, it's a shame that Endeavour's attack is potent, with Alpha Gandhi, Zana Ibrox and Rübéãn Tôr all finding the net.

6th - 7th April - ANL Matchday 7
Egloskerry 1–2 Wye United
Exton F.C 0–2 Dwile Warriors
FC Brimstone 0–1 Barbury Town - Sunday Game
FC Endeavour 1–0 Atletico Standard
FC Harpoon 1–4 Wrexton F.C - Sunday Game
Gwinevra Barbarians 3–2 Urbanista
Issington F.C 3–0 St George's Creek
Mandon United 0–0 Oldem Gents Club

Dwile win again, as do Gwinevra, meaning they're both still level on points at the top of the table, separated by just a single goal conceded at the moment (this title race thus far is almost a direct replica of title races from 15 seasons ago). Weverton Rodriguez-Torrejon, widely mocked at the time of his transfer, could end up being a hidden gem for Gwinevra this season, he grabs two of those goals in the victory over Urbanista. Urbanista, for their part, continue to play harder teams, but, in fairness to them, if they want to be competing at a high level, they need to be beating some of these teams. Wrexton get a strong win against FC Harpoon, consigning Harpoon to bottom place in the table, while rocketing them up to tenth. FC Endeavour complete a relatively easy win over Atletico Standard, substitute Sico Ullsmang the scorer there.

10th April - UICA Group Stage
Lisda Lokado Goji Salamjĭ (JSY) 1-1 Dwile Warriors
Sabrefell Athletic (NPH) 2-2 FC Endeavour
SC Cascadia (NFX) 2-1 Barbury Town
Gwinevra Barbarians 1-1 Telino (YTT)
Real Cintore (TRB) 1-0 Wye United
Urbanista 0-1 Bassabook Old Boys (ZWZ)
Vezhidrupa (SVL) 0-2 Exton F.C

A generally unhappy week for Apoxian teams in international football. Most of them, look a little out of practise their opponents, many of whom have had a few qualifying games to warm up for all this. In fact, Exton F.C are the only Apoxian side to win, beating Vezhidrupa away from home. Dwile Warriors, FC Endeavour and Gwinevra all draw, though Endeavour's opposition in Sabrefell Athletic are the most prestigious of their opponents, and the match is an entertaining free flowing one for the neutrals, if supporters of Endeavour aren't particularly happy with it. Barbury Town continue to have a bit of a poor season, losing against SC Cascadia of 95X, a surprise result there, and one which put more pressure on the players to deliver an outstanding final season for Ken Rickwright as manager.

13th - 14th April - ANL Matchday 8
Wye United 0–0 Oldem Gents Club
St George's Creek 2–0 Mandon United
Urbanista 5–1 Issington F.C
Wrexton F.C 1–0 Gwinevra Barbarians
Atletico Standard 2–5 FC Harpoon - Sunday Game
Barbury Town 3–2 FC Endeavour
Dwile Warriors 3–1 FC Brimstone
Egloskerry 1–2 Exton F.C

A very entertaining weekend of football indeed. There is a big game between Barbury Town and FC Endeavour, although neither club are really in the title race yet this season. It's a game which revolves around the midfield battle, Jody Rijshaart and Sverre Devold eventually prevailing against Zana Ibrox and Alex Terán, although both teams find enough gaps to feed the "primary" strikers of both teams in Alpha Gandhi and Corinna McKenna. FC Harpoon pump Atletico Standard, a result we thought we'd see more of this season, Alvares Ibbarutzeces, dual Apoxian-Audioslavian national, scores a delightful hat-trick in their dissembling of Atletico. Another team to score five is Urbanista, who's recent run has clearly left them feeling exasperated, and they rip apart a fairly hapless Issington side - Issington's keeper Jadranka Steele, spends most of the game shouting at her useless defenders, something which probably affected her own performance. Wrexton F.C grind a win out of Gwinevra Barbarians, Dan Quesadillas' strike in the 15th minute largely the only exception to them furiously defending for the entirety of the game.

17th April - UICA Group Stage
Dwile Warriors 2-3 Fligsive FC (TCU)
FC Endeavour 0-1 Revolutionaries (EUR)
Barbury Town 1-1 Magnaeus City (TCU)
Yuba United (COM) 3-3 Gwinevra Barbarians
Wye United 3-1 Lobyuseistvooshu (SVL)
Medoria Löwen (COM) 2-1 Urbanista
Exton F.C 2-0 Rozelle (BRE)

Exton F.C must be the most consistent UCIA Group Stage performers ever - they always, season after season, perform very well, shown yet again by a 2-0 victory against Rozelle of Brenecia. Wye United also do well, their 3-1 win over the commentator's nightmare of Lobyuseistvooshu of Stvolo Latoli keeping their UICA hopes alive in their debut season. FC Endeavour continue to live up to Revolutionaries being their bogey team, another game, another loss. Dwile Warriors also lose to LigAnaia powerhouses in Fligsive FC. If they don't seriously raise their game, they could embarrassingly be knocked out of UICA as defending champions in the group stage. Gwinevra Barbarians draw with long time UICA powerhouses Yuba United in a good result for them. Urbanista lose and they've frankly just looked behind the pace in all competitions they've taken part in this season.

20th - 21st April - ANL Matchday 9
Exton F.C 1–0 Wye United
FC Brimstone 2–1 Egloskerry
FC Endeavour 1–0 Dwile Warriors - Sunday Game
FC Harpoon 0–1 Barbury Town
Gwinevra Barbarians 3–0 Atletico Standard
Issington F.C 1–1 Wrexton F.C - Sunday Game
Mandon United 0–2 Urbanista
Oldem Gents Club 0–1 St George's Creek

Dwile Warriors succumb to FC Endeavour this week in the capital derby (sorry Issington F.C and Egloskerry, but they're just the two biggest teams) - with Alex Terán slotting home a winner from 20 metres out in the 20th minute. Dwile's loss allows Gwinevra to creep up into joint first with both teams having identical records thus far - Gwinevra demolishing Atletico Standard, thanks yet again to the goals of Weverton Rodriguez-Torrejon who is turning into one of the best signings of the season at this rate. Urbanista win as they look to slowly turn around their early season form, while the Oldem derby is as tempestuous as ever - Etzy Dialogue is sent off for Oldem, before Ezekiel Charlestown ends a bit of a goal drought with a simple header from a corner.

24th April - UICA Group Stage
Sonoma Centre Panthers (COM) 1-1 Dwile Warriors
Burgess FC (TCU) 2-1 FC Endeavour
Mierton Manatees (TAE) 1-1 Barbury Town
Gwinevra Barbarians 4-0 Liberty Rodriguez (SJG)
Wye United 1-2 Griffin Zebras (JSY)
Urbanista 2-1 Prinslig Veelhaim (SOL)
Aturra SC (YTT) 0-0 Exton F.C

Gwinevra Barbarians are the stand out Apoxian team in competition this week, with sub Anna Wilbrahim coming on in the 70th minute and then scoring twice to move the result firmly beyond the reach of Liberty Rodriguez and thus give the Barbarians hopes of progression a boost. Dwile Warriors and FC Endeavour seem determined not to progress at this rate, with FC Endeavour losing to Burgess FC 2-1, admittedly a hard game in a hard group. Dwile, on the other hand, have a relatively easy group to navigate by their standards, but halfway through the group stage they still haven't managed a win, and Moon Dust will have plenty to ponder with their hopes of progression slipping away, Laborius Hawk ensuring they get at least one point against Sonoma Centre Panthers. It's a mixed bag in the Globe Cup, Urbanista finally getting a win against Prinslig Veelhaim, while Exton draw a blank against Aturra SC and Wye look a little out of their depth at this level, and they lost to Griffin Zebras.

26th - 27th April - ANL Matchday 10
Wye United 3–2 St George's Creek
Urbanista 2–0 Oldem Gents Club
Wrexton F.C 1–0 Mandon United - Sunday Game
Atletico Standard 0–0 Issington F.C
Barbury Town 2–1 Gwinevra Barbarians - Sunday Game
Dwile Warriors 1–0 FC Harpoon
Egloskerry 2–2 FC Endeavour
Exton F.C 1–0 FC Brimstone

Wrexton F.C beat Mandon courtesy of a Paaron Petrov goal, and while Wrexton have looked pretty comfortable this season, Mandon have largely looked terrible, and they're bottom with a third of the season gone, having picked up a paltry 5 points thus far this season. They do have a reputation as the most inconsistent side in the league after all... Urbanista, in contrast, have turned things around from their early season terrible form, with another win, this time over Oldem Gents Club, Ace Newman and Niek Krooijmans the scorers. In another big game, Barbury Town once again come out on top, Corinna McKenna and Sverre Devold scoring Barbury's goals to Wesley Kane's solitary goal for Gwinevra.

                           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Dwile Warriors           10    8   0   2    16    7   +9    24
 2 Exton F.C                10    7   1   2    16   11   +5    22
 3 Gwinevra Barbarians      10    7   0   3    18   11   +7    21
 4 Barbury Town             10    6   3   1    13    6   +7    21
 5 Wye United               10    6   2   2    16   11   +5    20
 6 FC Endeavour             10    5   2   3    20   18   +2    17
 7 Urbanista                10    4   2   4    21   15   +6    14
 8 Wrexton F.C              10    4   2   4    14   17   −3    14
 9 FC Brimstone             10    4   1   5    10   11   −1    13
10 St George's Creek        10    4   1   5    16   19   −3    13
11 Issington F.C            10    3   2   5    14   15   −1    11
12 Atletico Standard        10    3   2   5    12   18   −6    11
13 FC Harpoon               10    2   2   6    15   20   −5     8
14 Egloskerry               10    1   3   6    12   16   −4     6
15 Oldem Gents Club         10    1   3   6     5   13   −8     6
16 Mandon United            10    1   2   7     7   17  −10     5

Miners '47 are well out in front in the ANL2 after 10 matches have been played, although behind them it is as traditionally close as ever. Down the other end, Frewick F.C and Gwinevra Bulls surprisingly find themselves in the relegation zone, with Gwinevra Bulls desperately hoping to avoid the past examples of Lighthouse Coves and Urbanista Trojans in facing successive relegations. Azewyn Royals have certainly impressed so far with their all out attack approach to this league, they're still in the fight for promotion and they currently boast the best goal difference. Impressive for a newly promoted side.

                            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Miners '47                10    8   0   2    16    9   +7    24
 2 Oldem Mechanical          10    5   4   1     9    4   +5    19
 3 Bouldertown               10    5   2   3    22   16   +6    17
 4 Barbury F.C               10    4   4   2    17   12   +5    16
 5 Mulhampstead              10    5   1   4    15   12   +3    16
 6 Calshott Lighthouse       10    4   4   2     8    8    0    16
 7 Azewyn Royals             10    5   0   5    23   14   +9    15
 8 Uxminster Athletic        10    4   3   3     8    7   +1    15
 9 Moscva 2k12               10    4   2   4    11   22  −11    14
10 Old Licentians            10    4   1   5    23   21   +2    13
11 Lighthouse Coves          10    3   4   3    10    8   +2    13
12 Mona A.F.C                10    4   1   5    16   18   −2    13
13 Armageddon Casuals        10    3   1   6    19   23   −4    10
14 Urbanista Young Boys      10    2   3   5    10   13   −3     9
15 Frewick F.C               10    1   3   6    10   18   −8     6
16 Gwinevra Bulls            10    1   3   6     2   14  −12     6

At the moment, surprisingly, it is Southtown and Project +90 who lead the way in the ANL3, clear on points from the rest of the division. It's then a rapid tail off, with 3rd and 15th being separated by just 5 points. There are a couple of shocks in store, with Kepler United being another team who would face successive relegations based off todays tables. Urbanista Trojans are the other major shock, they were expected to demolish this divison, but instead they sit 9th, with an incredibly average record thus far indeed.

                               Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Southtown                    10    6   3   1    12    7   +5    21
 2 Project +90                  10    5   4   1    22   17   +5    19
 3 Docklands United             10    4   3   3    12   11   +1    15
 4 Cawln Wanderers              10    4   2   4    23   19   +4    14
 5 The Dambusters               10    3   5   2    16   13   +3    14
 6 Beowulf FC                   10    4   2   4    18   19   −1    14
 7 Flotsam & Jetsam             10    4   2   4    22   25   −3    14
 8 Don't Panic FC               10    3   4   3    19   16   +3    13
 9 Urbanista Trojans            10    3   4   3    16   15   +1    13
10 Celts                        10    3   4   3    17   17    0    13
11 Royal Issington              10    3   4   3    14   14    0    13
12 Yerk United                  10    3   3   4    24   24    0    12
13 Old Guard Regiment           10    3   2   5    14   18   −4    11
14 Centre for Excellence        10    3   2   5    19   24   −5    11
15 AFC United of Cierbanor      10    2   4   4    12   15   −3    10
16 Kepler United                10    1   4   5    15   21   −6     7

[Apox]

ANL Season 19 - Part Two

30th April - UICA Group Stage
Dwile Warriors 0-0 Sonoma Centre Panthers (COM)
FC Endeavour 0-2 Burgess FC (TCU)
Barbury Town 5-1 Mierton Manatees (TAE)
Liberty Rodriguez (SJG) 0-2 Gwinevra Barbarians
Griffin Zebras (JSY) 2-0 Wye United
Prinslig Veelhaim (SOL) 1-1 Urbanista
Exton F.C 2-3 Aturra SC (YTT)

Dwile Warriors progression hopes hang by a thread - they currently sit bottom in Group C on three points and only two strong wins would seal it for them. It's going to be difficult, and what is more worrying is how Moon Dust hasn't managed to get a team full of brilliant internationals through a comparatively easy group. FC Endeavour fair little better - ever since their Champion's Cup final appearance two seasons ago they've had a fairly rubbish time of things - admittedly this season they've been drawn into a difficult group, but still. Barbury Town show no such troubles against Mierton Manatees, Corinna McKenna dispelling her average-to-poor form of the early season in scoring a blazing hat-trick, backed up by goals from Isidora Cullen and Joel Barton. In the Globe Cup, no team manages to end the day with a win. Enough said there really.

2nd - 3rd May - ANL Matchday 11
FC Brimstone 2–1 Wye United
FC Endeavour 1–2 Exton F.C - Sunday Game
FC Harpoon 0–1 Egloskerry
Gwinevra Barbarians 2–1 Dwile Warriors - Sunday Game
Issington F.C 0–1 Barbury Town
Mandon United 1–0 Atletico Standard
Oldem Gents Club 0–1 Wrexton F.C
St George's Creek 2–2 Urbanista

A few big games this weekend, most notably the "Auld Classic" between Dwile Warriors and Gwinevra Barbarians. Gwinevra steal some momentum from Dwile and go above them in the table, with Weverton Rodriguez-Torrejon scoring the opener for Gwinevra, before Laborius Hawk pulls one back for Dwile just before the break. It looks like the game is heading towards a draw, before Morgana Foloris sweeps a ball to an incoming Alice Monteforth, who bloody destroys it into the back of the net. Exton F.C grab a win against a mis-firing FC Endeavour, as they continue their strong season, the win takes them top of the table. Another team having a good thus far is Wrexton F.C, Mertian Dan Quesadillas' strike meaning Wrexton go 7th in the table, and into the UICA places. Barbury Town are beginning to improve upon their early season poor form, Corinna McKenna coolly putting one away for the champions as they move back into the Champion's Cup places.

7th May - UICA Group Stage
Dwile Warriors 2-3 Lisda Lokado Goji Salamjĭ (JSY)
FC Endeavour 2-1 Sabrefell Athletic (NPH)
Barbury Town 3-1 SC Cascadia (NFX)
Telino (YTT) 2-2 Gwinevra Barbarians
Wye United 0-2 Real Cintore (TRB)
Bassabook Old Boys (ZWZ) 1-0 Urbanista
Exton F.C 0-3 Vezhidrupa (SVL)

5 matches of the UICA Group Stages up, and, to be honest, it's looking better for some than it is for others. Dwile Warriors needed a win against LLGS of Jasiyun, and, they were pipped at the post by a last winner, having only been sitting on a draw anyway. This result means that the defending champions will be out of the Champions Cup in the Group Stage, and may struggle to reach qualification for the Globe Cup as a third placed team. Highly embarrassing. FC Endeavour managed to keep their progression hopes alive by a sliver, with a 2-1 victory over Sabrefell Athletic, Danny Leighton and Zana Ibrox the scorers in that game. Barbury Town and Gwinevra Barbarians are on cruise control into the Round of 16 at the moment. In the Globe Cup, all three teams lose, putting Wye United and Urbanista both out of the Globe Cup. This wasn't particularly surprising for Wye, who have done incredibly well just to make it this far, but it is a blow for Urbanista, and now Olim Benzari is in hot water, out of the Globe Cup and with a fairly poor position in the league. Exton lose to Vezhidrupa, meaning they must rely on not losing to Rozelle next week to qualify.

10th - 11th May - ANL Matchday 12
Wye United 1–2 Urbanista
Wrexton F.C 0–1 St George's Creek - Sunday Game
Atletico Standard 0–0 Oldem Gents Club - Sunday Game
Barbury Town 4–0 Mandon United
Dwile Warriors 2–1 Issington F.C
Egloskerry 1–1 Gwinevra Barbarians
Exton F.C 3–0 FC Harpoon
FC Brimstone 2–1 FC Endeavour

Endeavour lose for a second time in a row, and suddenly, there are lots of nervous faces at the club. They plunge outside the UICA spots, with Alpha Gandhi giving the impression post match that "this was not what I signed up for". Sorry laddie, sometimes you gotta work for it. Atletico Standard and Oldem Gents Club take part in one of the most delightfully dull matches ever, which doesn't do much to help the Gents Club fans feel better about their current position - glued to the bottom of the league. Barbury Town seem to have rediscovered their stagger now, and confidently despatch Mandon United, who continue to womble worryingly close to the wrong end of the league. Exton F.C continue to stay top of the pack, this week it is FC Harpoon who are sent running, an Alfreton Zerzubar brace and then a single goal from Jakob Lunds seeing them off.

14th May - UICA Group Stage
Fligsive FC (TCU) 3-2 Dwile Warriors
Revolutionaries (EUR) 1-0 FC Endeavour
Magnaeus City (TCU) 0-1 Barbury Town
Gwinevra Barbarians 3-0 Yuba United
Lobyuseistvooshu (SVL) 3-0 Wye United
Urbanista 2-1 Medoria Löwen (COM)
Rozelle (BRE) 0-2 Exton F.C

So Dwile Warriors bow out of UICA competition with a whimper, their loss to Fligsive FC meaning they finish last in their group and close their international account for this year, hands on knees, thoroughly beaten up. FC Endeavour have lost count of the number of times they've played Revolutionaries now, but they still cannot win, and they too are out for the count in the UICA group stages - though maybe having no other distractions will help them as they struggle in the ANL. Barbury Town cruise through their group in first, after Isidora Cullen's goal scoops them a win, and Gwinevra Barbarians are surprisingly rampant over Yuba United, meaning they qualify for the next round in first as well. Wye United put up a brave fight, but were a bit outclassed overall, especially against the commentators nightmare of Lobyuseistvooshu of Stvolo Latoli. Urbanista wait until it literally doesn't matter to actually win a game, and therefore end the group stage on more than one paltry point, while Exton F.C beat Rozelle in a crunch match to ensure they go through to the Round of 32.

17th May - Marshall Cup Second Round
Wye United 0-2 Oldem Gents Club
Old Guard Regiment 1-1 Miners '47 (1-2 AET)
Atletico Standard 1-0 Egloskerry
Gwinevra Barbarians 2-1 Celts
FC Brimstone 1-3 Mona A.F.C
FC Endeavour 3-0 Urbanista Trojans
Exton F.C 0-1 Urbanista
Dwile Warriors 2-0 Wrexton F.C
Gwinevra Bulls 2-2 Lighthouse Coves (2-3 AET)
Project +90 1-2 St George's Creek
AFC United of Cierbanor 1-1 Frewick F.C (1-2 AET)
Issington F.C 2-5 Mandon United
FC Harpoon 1-0 Docklands United
Azewyn Royals 0-3 Barbury Town
Southtown 1-2 Armageddon Casuals
Moscva 2k12 0-1 Mulhampstead

Right then second round, let's see what we've got here then. A fair few top flight teams crash out, although all but FC Brimstone are at the hands of other top tier opposition. Last years finalists, Exton F.C, are drawn against Urbanista in probably the most high profile fixture of the round, and it's Elvis Sandbottom with the winner in the 31st minute. Other than that, its largely as predicted, which is a bit boring to be honest.

21st May - ANL Matchday 13
FC Endeavour 0–0 Wye United
FC Harpoon 2–3 FC Brimstone
Gwinevra Barbarians 0–0 Exton F.C
Issington F.C 1–0 Egloskerry
Mandon United 3–4 Dwile Warriors
Oldem Gents Club 0–3 Barbury Town
St George's Creek 2–3 Atletico Standard
Urbanista 1–2 Wrexton F.C

With a cheeky set of midweek fixtures, FC Endeavour continue their dodgy form, a drab 0-0 draw the result for the team when both their front line strikers, Alpha Gandhi and Danny Leighton are out with injuries. Their backup striker, Leigh Oswald, does little to impact a firm Wye defence, although Zana Ibrox does draw a couple of saves from the experienced Hannah Benthron in goal. Dwile Warriors and Mandon United take part in a scoring fest, Laborius Hawk eventually putting the game to rest in the closing stages, two goals in the 80th and 83rd minutes transforming a loss into a win. Barbury Town crack on, and decimate an Oldem Gents Club side looking completely devoid of inspiration this season, while Wrexton F.C earn a surprise win over Urbanista, allowing an outperforming Wrexton to overtake Urbanista into 7th and the UICA spots.

24th - 25th May - ANL Matchday 14
Wye United 2–1 Wrexton F.C
Atletico Standard 2–5 Urbanista
Barbury Town 3–1 St George's Creek - Sunday Game
Dwile Warriors 4–0 Oldem Gents Club
Egloskerry 1–0 Mandon United
Exton F.C 0–0 Issington F.C
FC Brimstone 1–2 Gwinevra Barbarians - Sunday Game
FC Endeavour 3–1 FC Harpoon

Plenty of big scores in this weekends matches. Urbanista look at their recent form, utter a solid "nah, fuck that", and go on a bit of a rampage against Atletico Standard, with Elvis Sandbottom back to the imperious form he showed a couple of seasons ago, aided by the "Yttribian connection" of Niek Krooijmans and Michel di Mercurio in midfield, and surprisingly by Lucan Palmisano, brother of FC Brimstone's James, who scores on his debut with the club. Dwile Warriors score 4 for the second time in a week, with Aitor Jovellanos starting in his preferred position on the left wing and tearing apart Oldem's lacklustre defence, scoring a hat-trick and teeing up Tolgus Tregajorran for his 4th goal of the season. Now, 4 goals in a season may not be much for Mr. Tregajorran, but it is a highly significant one for him, as that goal was his 200th in the ANL - a simply incredible record, truly bringing out Tregajorran's greatness. FC Endeavour return to winning ways with victory over a misfiring FC Harpoon, no one expected them to be doing this badly at this stage.

1st - 2nd June - ANL Matchday 15
FC Harpoon 4–1 Wye United
Gwinevra Barbarians 3–0 FC Endeavour
Issington F.C 1–0 FC Brimstone
Mandon United 1–0 Exton F.C - Sunday Game
Oldem Gents Club 1–2 Egloskerry
St George's Creek 0–2 Dwile Warriors - Sunday Game
Urbanista 6–4 Barbury Town
Wrexton F.C 4–0 Atletico Standard

Quentin O'Leary at Mandon is the first sacking of the season, sacked two days after the last match, with assistant manager Tim Hughes taking over on a temporary basis until a new manager is found. It seems to have an effect on the team as they win for only the third time this season, Actor Marsalis beating Jakk Winterfyll in goal. FC Harpoon dismantle Wye United, with Rodin Vidal feeling that his job might perhaps be under pressure, goals from Alvares Ibbarutzeces, Zebulon Faye, King Trevarren and Danny Waughton. Urbanista and Barbury take part in the first properly high scoring game of the season, with both Ace Newman and Corinna McKenna getting hat-tricks, Barbury losing for just the second time this season to allow Dwile Warriors to overtake them into 1st place. Gwinevra Barbarians win a big game against FC Endeavour, inflicting further misery on Endeavour's many supporters this season and putting Gwinevra firmly back in the title race.

*The summer break comes here. Insert holidays and furious training sessions in order to help whip sides into shape*

10th July - UICA First Knock-out Round
SC Oceanside (NFX) 0-1 Gwinevra Barbarians
Real Atlantea (TAE) 1-1 Barbury Town
Exton F.C 2-0 Bassabook Old Boys (ZWZ)

The first clubs back are, as usual, the UICA clubs, and this time it's those slugging it out in the first knock-out stage. It's a pretty tense set of matches, with the experienced Morgana Foloris scoring for Gwinevra away against SC Oceanside, handing them a narrow victory and an advantage going into the second, home, leg of the pair. Barbury Town find it surprisingly hard to overcome a tricky Real Atlantea side, Valjean opening the scoring for Real Atlantea, before Juliette Eriksen pulls one back for Barbury. Exton have no such trouble in their match against famous Zwangzugian side Bassabook Old Boys, Alfreton Zerzubar and Maas Aviram the scorers for them.

13th - 14th July - ANL Matchday 16
Wye United 1–1 Atletico Standard
Wrexton F.C 0–1 Barbury Town
Urbanista 1–1 Dwile Warriors
St George's Creek 0–0 Egloskerry
Oldem Gents Club 1–0 Exton F.C - Sunday Game
Mandon United 0–0 FC Brimstone
Issington F.C 2–2 FC Endeavour
Gwinevra Barbarians 4–0 FC Harpoon - Sunday Game

Gwinevra Barbarians roundly beat FC Harpoon in the most entertaining game of the weekend by far, Wesley Kane the key there to unlocking FC Harpoon's fragile defence. Mandon United draw against FC Brimstone in their first game under new manager Jennie Scott (yes, the former NT player and sister of Dravid), to move above FC Harpoon and out of the relegation zone in god knows how long. Oldem also manage a rare win, only their second of the season to be fair, against an Exton who are doing fantastically in UICA competition, but poorly in the league at the moment. FC Endeavour's defence lets them down yet again, as they concede two goals to a very average Issington attack, Hector Rossizzo looks very under fire there at the moment.

17th July - UICA First Knock-out Round
Gwinevra Barbarians 2-1 SC Oceanside (NFX)
Barbury Town 0-1 Real Atlantea (TAE)
Bassabook Old Boys (ZWZ) 1-0 Exton F.C

Gwinevra Barbarians win again, this time that man Weverton Rodriquez-Torrejon and Anna Wilbrahim score the important goals, as Gwinevra progress smoothly through to the quarter-finals. Barbury are shocked by a stubbornly defensive Real Atlantea side, who catch them on the break, scoring a top counter attacking goal before going back to ultra-defensive. Barbury are surprisingly out, and now left to attempt to defend their title. Exton F.C lose the away leg to Bassabook, but advance thanks to their strong home win.

20th - 21st July - ANL Matchday 17
Gwinevra Barbarians 1–0 Wye United
FC Harpoon 0–0 Issington F.C
FC Endeavour 3–2 Mandon United - Sunday Game
FC Brimstone 2–0 Oldem Gents Club
Exton F.C 5–1 St George's Creek
Egloskerry 2–3 Urbanista
Dwile Warriors 4–0 Wrexton F.C - Sunday Game
Barbury Town 0–1 Atletico Standard

Well then. Atletico Standard complete a remarkable victory over reigning champs Barbury Town, pushing Barbury down to 3rd in the table, 4 points behind current first place team Dwile Warriors. Exton F.C soundly beat a poorly achieving St George's Creek in dominant fashion, goals coming from all over the pitch. FC Endeavour put a bad patch of form behind them, beating Mandon United, although there are still defensive frailties in their game, they were 3-0 up, before conceding twice - luckily they just manage to hold on.

24th July - UICA Second Knock-out Round/Cygnus Cup First Round
Exton F.C 1-0 Northern Union (BRE)
Rivet (SMB) 2-3 Gwinevra Barbarians

Exton F.C earn a narrow victory over Brenecian powerhouse Northern Union in the Globe Cup, putting them at an advantage for the away leg, which will undoubtedly be a difficult one. The Cygnus Cup returns for another year, and Gwinevra Barbarians face the debuting Sameban team Rivet in their first round match - in a difficult away game in front of baying fans, second choice striker Anna Wilbrahim scores twice either side of a Xoka goal to ensure Gwinevra will have an advantage going into the home leg. An advantage they'll surely press home.

27th - 28th July - ANL Matchday 18
Wye United 1–0 Barbury Town - Sunday Game
Atletico Standard 2–5 Dwile Warriors
Wrexton F.C 2–2 Egloskerry
Urbanista 1–0 Exton F.C
St George's Creek 3–2 FC Brimstone - Sunday Game
Oldem Gents Club 0–0 FC Endeavour
Mandon United 2–3 FC Harpoon
Issington F.C 0–3 Gwinevra Barbarians

FC Endeavour endure a terminally dull 0-0 draw against bottom side Oldem Gents Club, meaning they still remain mired in 8th place in the table. The team trudge off to boos and jeers from around the pitch - this is not what the board were expecting at all. Dwile Warriors continue to blaze past and through pretty much all opposition, Atletico Standard not proving too much of a barrier to them, Laborius Hawk, as ever, is sublime, with Mateusz Wolff also putting in a shift and being rewarded with a goal. Gwinevra Barbarians keep pace at the top of the table with a resolute 3-0 victory over Issington F.C, which Wye United pull out a spectacular victory over the defending champions Barbury Town, Arbol Saucedo with the winning goal, though the real stars of the game were Jack Mills and Niko Kosbayashi in central defence, they were essential in getting a result.

31st July - UICA Second Knock-out Round/Cygnus Cup First Round
Northern Union (BRE) 1-0 Exton F.C
Gwinevra Barbarians 5-0 Rivet (SMB)

Exton F.C lose narrowly in Brenecia, and, unable to get any away goals in, the match goes to penalties. After a couple of misses, captain Marius Ognevski sensationally skies his penalty to see Exton plunge out of the Globe Cup for this season. Gwinevra Barbarians have no such trouble in their Cygnus Cup game, putting 5 past Rivet in a comprehensive thrashing, winning 8-2 on aggregate, all things told.

3rd August - Marshall Cup Third Round
Oldem Gents Club 1-1 Miners '47 (1-1 AET, 3-1 PKs)
Atletico Standard 0-0 Gwinevra Barbarians (0-2 AET)
Mona A.F.C 1-2 FC Endeavour
Urbanista 1-0 Dwile Warriors
Lighthouse Coves 2-2 St George's Creek (2-5 AET)
Frewick F.C 1-2 Mandon United
FC Harpoon 0-2 Barbury Town
Armageddon Casuals 2-2 Mulhampstead (3-3 AET, 3-4 PKs)

A disappointing lack of upsets in the Third Round of the Marshall Cup, with Lighthouse Coves pushing St George's Creek to extra time, before the Creek opened the taps and scored three in quick succession. A couple of games go to penalties, with Armageddon Casuals nearly heading into another quarter finals, with Miners '47 also nearly besting Oldem Gents Club.

6th August - ANL Matchday 19
Issington F.C 3–6 Wye United
Gwinevra Barbarians 0–1 Mandon United
FC Harpoon 0–1 Oldem Gents Club
FC Endeavour 2–2 St George's Creek
FC Brimstone 0–2 Urbanista
Exton F.C 2–1 Wrexton F.C
Egloskerry 1–1 Atletico Standard
Dwile Warriors 1–1 Barbury Town

A quickfire set of midweek fixtures, and there a couple of interesting results. Wye United put 6 past Issington F.C, who aren't so goal shy themselves, Cheney Scherzer, who's had mediocre form thus far this season opening up the taps with a cheeky hat-trick. The bottom two teams both win, Mandon pulling off a heroic defensive effort against Gwinevra Barbarians in order to win, courtesy of Tiberius Eckhart's 72nd minute headed goal. Oldem Gents Club beat FC Harpoon in a potential relegation six pointer to make things all a lot more interesting down at the bottom. FC Endeavour pull themselves into the UICA places after drawing with a very average looking St George's Creek side, thanks to FC Brimstone losing. At the top of the table, Dwile Warriors face Barbury Town in on of the biggest clashes of the season. It's a cagey affair, Barbury opening the scoring through Corinna McKenna in the 15th minute, before Dwile reply quickly with Aitor Jovellanos scoring just 4 minutes later. Hadrian Belfast and Gentle Breeze pull off some outstanding defending to prevent Barbury going 2-1 up, just as Dwile come close in the second half, Tolgus Tregajorran's thundering shot leaving the bar rattling.

10th - 11th August - ANL Matchday 20
Wye United 0–1 Dwile Warriors - Sunday Game
Barbury Town 3–0 Egloskerry
Atletico Standard 0–1 Exton F.C
Wrexton F.C 0–1 FC Brimstone
Urbanista 4–2 FC Endeavour
St George's Creek 5–2 FC Harpoon - Sunday Game
Oldem Gents Club 2–3 Gwinevra Barbarians
Mandon United 1–1 Issington F.C

Dwile Warriors are marching towards yet another title at the moment, with Farf sensation Yurpá Mêndêlöíndçêl scoring the only goal in their victory over Wye United, their 15th of the season. Gwinevra Barbarians, for their part, are also having a stunning season, with their young Audioslavian striker, Weverton Rodriguez-Torrejon, who's had a bit of a quiet spell recently, scoring twice against bottom placed Oldem Gents Club. Mandon United move out of the relegation zone for the first time in bloody ages with a 1-1 draw against fallen giants Issington F.C, thanks to St George's Creek spanking FC Harpoon in their game. FC Endeavour are back down to 8th after losing to Urbanista in spectacular style, ending with 9 players after red cards to Zana Ibrox and Alpha Gandhi after an exciting mid match brawl between the two teams, beginning with Ibrox and Sandbottom coming to blows over something.

                           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Dwile Warriors           20   15   2   3    41   17  +24    47
 2 Gwinevra Barbarians      20   14   2   4    37   17  +20    44
 3 Barbury Town             20   12   4   4    33   16  +17    40
 4 Exton F.C                20   12   3   5    29   17  +12    39
 5 Urbanista                20   11   4   5    48   31  +17    37
 6 Wye United               20    9   4   7    29   26   +3    31
 7 FC Brimstone             20    9   2   9    23   23    0    29
 8 FC Endeavour             20    7   6   7    34   36   −2    27
 9 St George's Creek        20    7   4   9    33   40   −7    25
10 Wrexton F.C              20    7   3  10    25   31   −6    24
11 Issington F.C            20    5   6   9    23   30   −7    21
12 Atletico Standard        20    5   5  10    22   38  −16    20
13 Egloskerry               20    4   7   9    22   28   −6    19
14 Mandon United            20    4   4  12    18   33  −15    16
15 FC Harpoon               20    4   3  13    27   43  −16    15
16 Oldem Gents Club         20    3   5  12    10   28  −18    14

Oldem Mechanical currently sit top of the pile, and by some way too, the rather unfancied team from Oldem surprising just about everyone by doing so well this season. Behind them, Mulhampstead, Bouldertown and Miners '47 all sit in the play off positions, with it being a very close midtable indeed this season. Down the bottom, Gwinevra Bulls look set to do the unlikely and follow Urbanista Trojans, and more distantly, Lighthouse Coves in performing a double relegation, as the Bulls have just collapsed this season - with unpaid wages, falling attendances, mass walkouts - all the signs of a club in crisis. Above them, it's a very close battle to avoid the second relegation spot. Currently, Azewyn Royals are the unlucky team in that position, but Armageddon Casuals, Moscva 2k12 and Frewick F.C all hover worryingly closely above.

                            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Oldem Mechanical          20   11   7   2    22   12  +10    40
 2 Mulhampstead              20   10   4   6    37   32   +5    34
 3 Bouldertown               20   10   3   7    41   30  +11    33
 4 Miners '47                20    9   5   6    34   30   +4    32
 5 Old Licentians            20    9   3   8    45   42   +3    30
 6 Uxminster Athletic        20    8   5   7    15   13   +2    29
 7 Lighthouse Coves          20    7   6   7    25   16   +9    27
 8 Mona A.F.C                20    7   6   7    41   37   +4    27
 9 Barbury F.C               20    6   8   6    35   33   +2    26
10 Urbanista Young Boys      20    7   5   8    25   27   −2    26
11 Calshott Lighthouse       20    6   8   6    13   17   −4    26
12 Frewick F.C               20    6   7   7    28   31   −3    25
13 Moscva 2k12               20    7   4   9    20   37  −17    25
14 Armageddon Casuals        20    6   5   9    37   43   −6    23
15 Azewyn Royals             20    7   1  12    39   37   +2    22
16 Gwinevra Bulls            20    3   5  12     6   26  −20    14

There are ten points between 1st and 16th in the ANL3 this season. Wtf. Urbanista Trojans have risen quickly from their poor start to sit in first place at the moment, while Southtown, Kepler United and Beowulf FC are all also in the playoff places. It's so tightly placed though, that anything could change between now and the next matchday. Old Guard Regiment are currently in the relegation spot in the league, but once again, it's so tightly placed that almost anything could happen between now and the end of the season. It took Urbanista Trojans 4 matches to move from 14th to 1st in the table, thats how ridiculous this league is this season.

                               Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Urbanista Trojans            20    8   7   5    38   32   +6    31
 2 Southtown                    20    9   4   7    22   23   −1    31
 3 Kepler United                20    8   6   6    41   37   +4    30
 4 Beowulf FC                   20    8   6   6    41   40   +1    30
 5 Project +90                  20    7   8   5    38   35   +3    29
 6 Royal Issington              20    7   8   5    34   31   +3    29
 7 Cawln Wanderers              20    8   4   8    39   34   +5    28
 8 AFC United of Cierbanor      20    7   7   6    30   30    0    28
 9 Yerk United                  20    7   6   7    45   46   −1    27
10 Docklands United             20    7   6   7    21   23   −2    27
11 Centre for Excellence        20    8   3   9    35   40   −5    27
12 The Dambusters               20    5   9   6    31   31    0    24
13 Celts                        20    6   6   8    39   42   −3    24
14 Don't Panic FC               20    6   5   9    39   38   +1    23
15 Flotsam & Jetsam             20    6   5   9    36   44   −8    23
16 Old Guard Regiment           20    5   6   9    26   29   −3    21

[Apox]

ANL Season 19 - Part Three

14th August - UICA Quarter-Finals
Real Atlantea (TAE) 2-1 Gwinevra Barbarians

It's not looking good for Gwinevra, as the final Apoxian team in UICA competition looks unlikely to continue through, after travelling to Taeshan and facing against Real Atlantea, the side who knocked out Barbury Town in the Round of 16. Gwinevra's defence holds firm until the second half, and, unable to capitalise in the first, they first themselves crumbling against a determined attack, Sanui Shizuka's late goal might help them out in the second match, but won't raise their spirits this time around.

17th - 18th August - ANL Matchday 21
Mandon United 0–1 Wye United
Issington F.C 1–0 Oldem Gents Club
Gwinevra Barbarians 3–2 St George's Creek
FC Harpoon 3–1 Urbanista
FC Endeavour 3–1 Wrexton F.C
FC Brimstone 0–0 Atletico Standard
Exton F.C 0–2 Barbury Town - Sunday Game
Egloskerry 1–1 Dwile Warriors - Sunday Game

Gwinevra Barbarians close the gap at the top to just a single point with a 3-2 victory over a plucky St George's Creek side, Weverton Rodriguez Torrejon on target yet again for their opener, with Alice Monteforth and Anna Wilbrahim supplying the other goals. They move closer to Dwile by virtue of Egloskerry drawing the current leaders. In a clash of the other top teams, Barbury Town drag themselves away from Exton in 4th and closer towards retaining their title, while at the bottom, FC Harpoon move back out of the relegation zone with a surprising win over 5th placed Urbanista, captain Zebulon Faye being the inspiration for that win. A positively glowing Rodin Vidal (who's tipped for bigger jobs next season) announced to the press afterwards that "we are here to stay, be prepared to see some seriously big things from this team in the final third". Bold talk from the diminutive but no doubt inspiring coach.


21st August - UICA Quarter-Finals
Gwinevra Barbarians 2-2 Real Atlantea (TAE)

That's it for Apox in UICA competition for this season, Real Atlantea in the end proving too much for another Apoxian team - with that the prospect of a third different Apoxian team in the Champion's Cup final in as many seasons disappears - always next season to come back again though.

24th August - Marshall Cup Quarter-Finals
Oldem Gents Club 0-1 Gwinevra Barbarians
FC Endeavour 1-2 Urbanista
St George's Creek 4-0 Mandon United
Barbury Town 2-1 Mulhampstead

Boooooooooring. Based off this season's form and league positions, all the expected team's win. Gwinevra Barbarians continue in yet another competition, somehow managing to remain competitive in 4 competitions up until their elimination from the Champion's Cup in midweek. St George's Creek have moved from "on-edge" to full on "inner-implosion" this season, but they turn up against Mandon, Methuselah Wallis-Iqbal just being fucking fantastic, scoring twice and distributing the ball around the pitch at will, setting up Ezekiel Charlestown with a beautiful ball splitting open Mandon's defence which he made look just too easy.

28th August - ANL Matchday 22
Wye United 3–2 Egloskerry
Dwile Warriors 2–1 Exton F.C
Barbury Town 2–0 FC Brimstone
Atletico Standard 2–3 FC Endeavour
Wrexton F.C 1–0 FC Harpoon
Urbanista 0–2 Gwinevra Barbarians
St George's Creek 1–2 Issington F.C
Oldem Gents Club 2–3 Mandon United

Looking at the table at this point, it really becomes apparent how much of a two horse race the title is this season between Dwile Warriors and Gwinevra Barbarians, with both teams just looking a cut above the rest so far this season. Dwile narrowly beat 4th placed Exton F.C, thanks to the work of Laborius Hawk and Agozti Ibarran, with Alfreton Zerzubar's lone reply. Gwinevra Barbarians in turn beat 5th placed Urbanista, Willem Otkupshchikov being a pillar of strength in defence for them in that game as they remain just one point off Dwile in second. Elsewhere, Mandon United beat Oldem Gents Club in a scrappy relegation six pointer, moving Mandon back out of the relegation zone and dragging Egloskerry and Atletico Standard back into the relegation dogfight in the process. FC Endeavour labour to victory over Atletico Standard, mainly thanks to the pace and skill of Alpha Gandhi leading the line, with Alex Terán being as valuable in attack and useless in defence as ever. Really, their defence is going to need some serious work for next season if they ever want to lift the ANL title again.

31st August - 1st September - ANL Matchday 23
Oldem Gents Club 0–0 Wye United
Mandon United 0–3 St George's Creek - Sunday Game
Issington F.C 1–3 Urbanista
Gwinevra Barbarians 4–0 Wrexton F.C
FC Harpoon 5–2 Atletico Standard - Sunday Game
FC Endeavour 2–5 Barbury Town
FC Brimstone 3–3 Dwile Warriors
Exton F.C 3–1 Egloskerry

Oh crumbs, someone hold me, this season is too much! Right, I'm going in.

Gwinevra Barbarians and Dwile Warriors, kicking off at the exact same time on Saturday, both attempting to just score as much as possible, start their games against good opponents well, Rodriguez-Torrejon and Wolff both scoring early in their respective games to put their teams in front. It was very different from then on out though, with Rook Colfer and James Palmisano combining to score against the Warriors, before Brimstone went ahead just before half time thanks to Eneko Treloquithack sensationally mis clearing a corner into his own net. Over in Gwinevra, they were 3-0 up at half time, thanks to goals from Wesley Kane and Xoka, the game already wrapped up. In Brimstone though, it was only just getting going with Zlata Ingersleben losing her cool after a Laborius Hawk challenge, and starting a bit of a fight, resulting in her being sent off. This allowed the Warriors to capitalise, Tolgus Tregajorran with a headed goal, before Aitor Jovellanos with a wonderfully struck shot from far out. Just as Dwile were cruising towards a win, a rare mistake from captain Hadrian Belfast allowed Alexei Ahmejankov to sneak in a late equaliser.

It was similarly exciting elsewhere, Barbury Town sensationally reducing FC Endeavour to a heap of defenceless rubble, Hector Rossizzo raging to the media afterwards in great depth about the apparent "cheating" methods Barbury used that were apparent to nobody except himself. FC Harpoon hand Atletico Standard their second thrashing in a week to move Harpoon from 15th to 12th as they look to fight their way out of the ultra close relegation battle. St George's Creek finally seem to have clicked amongst Sanderstal the Almighty frequently rotating his team - unlikely youth product Willem Ajax starring in their 3-0 victory over Mandon United.

3rd September - Cygnus Cup Second Round
Gwinevra Barbarians 1-0 Turoki United (VIL)

Anna Wilbrahim starts for Gwinevra due to their recent fixture congestion, and she proves that despite not starting this season she still has it, scoring from Morgana Foloris' excellent chipped through ball. Advantage Gwinevra going into the next round.

6th - 7th September - ANL Matchday 24
Wye United 2–2 Exton F.C
Egloskerry 2–0 FC Brimstone
Dwile Warriors 3–3 FC Endeavour
Barbury Town 5–2 FC Harpoon
Atletico Standard 0–3 Gwinevra Barbarians
Wrexton F.C 0–1 Issington F.C
Urbanista 3–0 Mandon United - Sunday Game
St George's Creek 1–2 Oldem Gents Club - Sunday Game

FC Endeavour put in a strong performance against Dwile Warriors, two of the strongest attacks in the country coming up against each other, Alpha Gandhi scoring twice as he's appeared to regain his scoring form of the early season after a lull in the middle, while all of Dwile's front three score - the result, a draw. This puts Dwile now 3 points behind Gwinevra Barbarians, who have yet another clean sheet against Atletico Standard, scoring three times despite having to rotate their line-up heavily, Alice Monteforth, Anna Wilbrahim and Odar Storbrittania scoring the goals. St George's Creek spectacularly implode against Oldem Gents Club, Kieron Ugalu being sent off for punching Alexi Brave in the 30th minute, Ezekiel Charlestown and Snaderstal the Almighty having a shouting match in the 70th minute (Ezekiel Charlestown has looked really unsettled lately, maybe a move away from the Creek is on the cards next season?) before Sanderstal the Almighty is sent to the stands two minutes later after pushing an official over after the Creek went 2-1 down. Not surprising about the rumours abounding that he may end up getting the sack after the glorious inconsistency of this season. Urbanista have employed the tactic of "furiously outscore everyone" this season, and a 3-0 win over Mandon means they move above Exton into the Champions Cup spots this week.

10th September - Cygnus Cup Second Round
Turoki United (VIL) 2-3 Gwinevra Barbarians

After a couple of rested games, Weverton Rodriguez-Torrejon comes back rejuvenated, scoring all three goals in Gwinevra's win against Turoki United, he's really transformed the team this season, being the one missing piece in that Gwinevra have craved. At the moment, they look every bit like title winners - with 6 matches to go in the ANL at least, only time will tell. In the Cygnus Cup, Gwinevra continue through to the Quarter Finals.

13th - 14th September - ANL Matchday 25
St George's Creek 3–2 Wye United
Oldem Gents Club 0–0 Urbanista
Mandon United 1–0 Wrexton F.C
Issington F.C 2–1 Atletico Standard
Gwinevra Barbarians 1–2 Barbury Town
FC Harpoon 1–2 Dwile Warriors
FC Endeavour 4–1 Egloskerry - Sunday Game
FC Brimstone 1–0 Exton F.C - Sunday Game

Eek! Barbury Town are the first team to actually Gwinevra in christ knows how long, and that makes the title race suddenly look a lot more tasty indeed. Corinna McKenna has been magnificent for Barbury this season, she and Jody Rijshaart score the goals which earn them a win over Gwinevra, catapaulting them back into the title race, just one point behind Gwinevra now. Dwile Warriors beat FC Harpoon away to put them equal on points with Gwinevra, only behind on goal difference at the moment. Issington are the latest team to beat a hapless Atletico Standard, they haven't won in literally a third of the season, and their long standing coach Jacob Clevedon is replaced with 5 games to go by Jon Quillisi (who's stated he'll only lead the team until the end of the season). FC Endeavour maintain their frail grip on 7th place with a strong win over Egloskerry, who've been distinctly average all season; Centre for Excellence graduate Gwinevra Harmonium scoring her first (and then second) goals with the club.

18th September - ANL Matchday 26
Wye United 2–0 FC Brimstone
Exton F.C 0–1 FC Endeavour
Egloskerry 1–1 FC Harpoon
Dwile Warriors 1–3 Gwinevra Barbarians
Barbury Town 3–0 Issington F.C
Atletico Standard 0–0 Mandon United
Wrexton F.C 2–0 Oldem Gents Club
Urbanista 3–2 St George's Creek

What a time to have the "Auld Classic" eh? Dwile Warriors, drawn on points with Gwinevra Barbarians, host the current leaders in a totally crucial game. Dwile Warriors start off aggressively, but can't find a way through - Gwinevra soaking up their attacks like they've done so well all season. A couple of strong counter attacks and Gwinevra have a 2-0 lead, seemingly against the run of play. Laborius Hawk scores one back shortly after half time, but sub Sunbar McCoy sets up Sanui Shizuka for Gwinevra's 3rd of the game. Barbury Town are therefore up to second with their strong 3-0 win over Issington F.C. Wye United have been quietly having a brilliant season, even through Cheney Scherzer's slightly lower goalscoring rates by his standards, and they're currently 6th in the table, and closing on guaranteeing themselves Globe Cup football again next season. FC Endeavour makes more of a gap between them and FC Brimstone in 8th with a strong win over Exton F.C - they can now focus on closing the 7 point gap between them and Urbanista in 4th. It's unlikely, but not impossible, something Hector Rossizzo stressed in his post match conference.

21st - 22nd September - ANL Matchday 27
Urbanista 1–0 Wye United
St George's Creek 0–1 Wrexton F.C - Sunday Game
Oldem Gents Club 1–1 Atletico Standard
Mandon United 0–0 Barbury Town
Issington F.C 2–1 Dwile Warriors - Sunday Game
Gwinevra Barbarians 0–0 Egloskerry
FC Harpoon 1–1 Exton F.C
FC Endeavour 2–0 FC Brimstone

Well well then. An off day of sorts for the top clubs this weekend it seems. Dwile Warriors lost out in the lesser "Dwile derby" to Issington F.C, a result that I'll wager hasn't happened for a fair few seasons. Barbury Town and Gwinevra Barbarians can't capitalise on Dwile's loss - both drew 0-0 with Mandon and Egloskerry respectively. Elsewhere in the relegation battle, Oldem Gents Club and Atletico Standard, both in the relegation spots, draw 1-1 in a game that might as well be a loss to both teams, they're running out of time to address their league position with only 3 games left.

25th September - Marshall Cup Semi-Finals
Gwinevra Barbarians 0-1 Urbanista
St George's Creek 1-2 Barbury Town

A couple of big semi-finals there. Urbanista score early against Gwinevra, before somehow managing to defend and keep out Weverton R-T for the rest of the game. Out-Gwinevring Gwinevra, it seems. Barbury Town look like they're cruising to victory, 2-0 up at 56 minutes, before Ezekiel Charlestown turns on the style, flicking the ball over the head of a bemused Alan Eustathios before hitting the post two minutes later. However, Barbury hold on and they are through to yet another final.

28th - 29th September - ANL Matchday 28
Wye United 0–5 FC Endeavour
FC Brimstone 1–0 FC Harpoon
Exton F.C 0–0 Gwinevra Barbarians - Sunday Game
Egloskerry 0–0 Issington F.C
Dwile Warriors 1–2 Mandon United
Barbury Town 0–1 Oldem Gents Club
Atletico Standard 1–2 St George's Creek - Sunday Game
Wrexton F.C 0–1 Urbanista

Well, the forces that be are certainly determined to ensure there is a photo finish at both ends of the league this season. Gwinevra Barbarians cannot breach the impenetrable wall that Exton erect for the duration of their game, which is amazing considering the brilliant defence of Gwinevra up until now. However, despite this slip up, Gwinevra actually gain ground on Dwile and Barbury, as Dwile manage to lose to Mandon United, ensuring Mandon are almost safe from relegation now, with Barbury losing to at the time bottom placed Oldem Gents Club, the Gents now above Atletico Standard in 15th, with both those two teams and FC Harpoon all on 23 points at the bottom. FC Endeavour beat Wye to move above Exton into 5th, although Urbanista's victory over Wrexton now means that Champion's Cup football is out of the question for Endeavour now, though they are now guaranteed Globe Cup football.

2nd October - Cygnus Cup Quarter-Finals
Gwinevra Barbarians 3-1 Vezhidrupa (SVL)

Gwinevra continue to barge on through the Cygnus Cup, swatting Stvoto Latolisi club Vezhidrupa aside in the home leg, the game almost an aside compared to the tension and excitement unfolding in the ANL as it draws to a dramatic conclusion.

5th - 6th October - ANL Matchday 29
Wrexton F.C 2–0 Wye United - Sunday Game
Urbanista 2–0 Atletico Standard
St George's Creek 2–1 Barbury Town
Oldem Gents Club 0–1 Dwile Warriors
Mandon United 1–2 Egloskerry
Issington F.C 1–0 Exton F.C
Gwinevra Barbarians 0–0 FC Brimstone
FC Harpoon 3–4 FC Endeavour - Sunday Game

Christ! Having been imperious all season, Gwinevra seem almost determined to through away the title at the end, this time it's another 0-0 draw, against FC Brimstone this week. Mandon United lose to Egloskerry, but thanks to the bottom three all losing, Mandon United are now safe from relegation for this season. Issington F.C beat Exton F.C, meaning that, it is still possible for Issington to qualify for UICA competition next season, which is remarkable, considering their unfancied squad were tipped relatively strongly for relegation at the start of the season. Dwile Warriors beat Oldem Gents Club, moving equal on points with Barbury in second - still three teams in with a chance of the title then, though the Barbarians are in pole position right now.

9th October - Cygnus Cup Quarter-Finals
Vezhidrupa (SVL) 4-1 Gwinevra Barbarians

Never underestimate your opponent... though perhaps Gwinevra have more pressing concerns than the Cygnus Cup right now, as they field an almost entirely second string Starting XI for the away leg against Vezhidrupa, and, well, they are absolutely destroyed. In a massive loss for the club, Vezhidrupa run riot for 90 minutes. Gwinevra now, have only one competition they're left fighting for, and only 90 minutes of football left to survive. Anything but a loss and they're guaranteed the title.

12th October - ANL Matchday 30
Wye United 3–4 FC Harpoon
FC Endeavour 3–0 Gwinevra Barbarians
FC Brimstone 3–2 Issington F.C
Exton F.C 1–2 Mandon United
Egloskerry 2–0 Oldem Gents Club
Dwile Warriors 1–1 St George's Creek
Barbury Town 1–1 Urbanista
Atletico Standard 2–0 Wrexton F.C

The final matchday... Having done so brilliantly all season, none of Dwile Warriors, Barbury Town or Gwinevra Barbarians manae to actually win, Dwile Warriors winning in their match against St George's Creek until an Ezekiel Charlestown equaliser in the 82nd minute denies them an 8th ANL title. After the match, Ezekiel Charlestown does a full lap of the pitch applauding the fans, looking highly emotional - it's almost certain that that was his last match for the club due to a massive rift between him and manager Sanderstal the Almighty.

This draw and Barbury's against Urbanista means, that despite losing 3-0 against a resurgent FC Endeavour, Gwinevra Barbarians have their 4th ANL title, their first one since 569, a full 13 seasons ago now. It has been a brilliant team effort in the end, and it's good to see such sensational players such as Ettie Seabrooke, Morgana Foloris and captain Willem Otkupshchikov all gain an ANL title in the end. At the bottom of the table, Oldem lose to already safe Egloskerry, dooming them to relegation, though few are surprised at that result. Elsewhere, FC Harpoon heroically win against Wye United, the score 3-3 with 5 minutes left to play before Zebulon Faye, their inspirational captain nets a penalty to ensure they have ANL status for another season. Atletico Standard, despite beating Wrexton F.C, are left rueing a dismal middle and end to the season, and for them it is a brief sojourn in the top flight - they're heading back down to the ANL2 again next season.

17th October - Marshall Cup Final
Urbanista 1-1 Barbury Town (1-2 AET)

The final match of the Apoxian football season, and it's between two former winners of the Marshall Cup. Urbanista won their only title in the 582 season, 5 years ago, while Barbury Town, seasoned finalists, will be aiming to draw level with Dwile Warriors for most Marshall Cups won. It is Urbanista's attacking might which originally dominates, and Cosumarite striker Ace Newman nets Urbanista's goal in the 15th minute, before hitting the post 5 minutes later. Barbury manage to hold on until half time however, and after the break, the momentum is firmly with them. Corinna McKenna, winner of the Golden Boot this season, scores their goal in normal time, before substitute Juliette Eriksen, comes on in extra time to win them the game, and the trophy. Ken Rickwright is clearly emotional in his final ever game for the club - he's perhaps the most iconic manager in the ANL's history and his spell with Barbury has been legendary. It's only fit and proper therefore, that his last act should be lifting yet another trophy with the club.

Top Scorers
18 - Corinna McKenna (Barbury Town)
15 - Laborius Hawk (Dwile Warriors), Alpha Gandhi (FC Endeavour)
14 - Weverton Rodriguez-Torrejon (Gwinevra Barbarians)
13 - Ace Newman (Urbanista), Elvis Sandbottom (Urbanista), Ezekiel Charlestown (St George's Creek)
12 - Alfreton Zerzubar (Exton F.C)
11 - Cheney Scherzer (Wye United), Alex Terán (FC Endeavour)

                           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Gwinevra Barbarians      30   19   5   6    53   25  +28    62 - CHAMPIONS, CC
 2 Barbury Town             30   18   6   6    54   25  +29    60 - CC
 3 Dwile Warriors           30   18   6   6    57   34  +23    60 - CC
 4 Urbanista                30   17   6   7    63   40  +17    57 - CC
 5 FC Endeavour             30   15   7   8    64   51  +13    52 - GC
 6 Exton F.C                30   13   6  11    37   30   +7    45 - GC
 7 Wye United               30   12   6  12    42   45   −3    42 - GC
 8 FC Brimstone             30   12   5  13    31   36   −5    41
 9 Issington F.C            30   11   7  12    35   42   −7    40
10 St George's Creek        30   11   5  14    50   56   −6    38
11 Wrexton F.C              30   11   3  16    32   43  −11    36
12 Egloskerry               30    7  11  12    34   41   −7    32
13 Mandon United            30    8   6  16    27   46  −19    30
14 FC Harpoon               30    7   5  18    47   64  −17    26
15 Atletico Standard        30    6   8  16    31   56  −25    26 - RELEGATED
16 Oldem Gents Club         30    5   8  17    16   39  −23    23 - RELEGATED

A competitive season in the ANL2, but unfortunately not the best season - falling attendances have lead a number of clubs, especially those trying to chase promotion to experience serious financial difficulties. One such club was Bouldertown, who spent massively to get promoted this season. They did well, finishing second on merit in the table, but on Matchday 22 they entered administration, and were docked 10 points, meaning they fell from second to fifth, just outside the play-offs. However, the winners were perhaps a touch surprising, Oldem Mechanical ensuring there will still be an Oldem derby in the ANL next season, the tiny club somehow defying the odds to win the league by quite some margin. Miners '47, Mulhampstead and Mona A.F.C join them in the play-off spots. Down the other end, Gwinevra Bulls are also a club in free fall, and they are the second club to experience successive relegations from the ANL to the ANl3 in consecutive seasons. Moscva 2k12 join them in being relegated.

                            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Oldem Mechanical          30   17   8   5    36   20  +16    59 - CHAMPIONS, PROMOTED
 2 Miners '47                30   13   9   8    54   45   +9    48 - ANL PLAY-OFFS
 3 Mulhampstead              30   14   6  10    46   42   +4    48 - ANL PLAY-OFFS
 4 Mona A.F.C                30   13   7  10    64   55   +9    46 - ANL PLAY-OFFS
 5 Bouldertown               30   16   5   9    59   42  +17    43*
 6 Barbury F.C               30   10  12   8    53   46   +7    42
 7 Lighthouse Coves          30   10  11   9    36   25  +11    41
 8 Urbanista Young Boys      30   11   7  12    33   39   −6    40
 9 Calshott Lighthouse       30   10   9  11    26   32   −6    39
10 Uxminster Athletic        30   10   8  12    20   21   −1    38
11 Old Licentians            30   11   5  14    52   54   −2    38
12 Armageddon Casuals        30   10   8  12    59   65   −6    38
13 Azewyn Royals             30   11   3  16    57   55   +2    36
14 Frewick F.C               30    7  12  11    47   54   −7    33
15 Moscva 2k12               30    8   8  14    34   60  −26    32 - RELEGATED
16 Gwinevra Bulls            30    6   8  16    19   40  −21    26 - RELEGATED

*Bouldertown deducted 10 points for entering administration.

ANL Play-offs
Mona A.F.C 0–0 Mulhampstead
Miners '47 0–1 Mona A.F.C
Mulhampstead 0–2 Miners '47

  ANL Play-offs              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Mona A.F.C                   2   1  1  0    1   0  +1    4 - PROMOTED TO ANL
2 Miners '47                   2   1  0  1    2   1  +1    3
3 Mulhampstead                 2   0  1  1    0   2  −2    1

Urbanista Trojans go straight back up, unsurprisingly, although they struggled in this division far more than they were expected to. Centre for Excellence and Project +90 both had sensational seasons finishing 2nd and 3rd respectively. However, in the ANL constitution, it is written that the highest division youth clubs can participate in is the ANL3, meaning they're both denied play-off spots. Therefore Kepler United, AFC United of Cierbanor and Beowulf FC will participate in the play-offs. Down the other end, the usual trio of Flotsam & Jetsam, Don't Panic FC and The Dambusters are in the relegation battle, but former ANL2 club Celts is the team who are relegated out into the wilderness of non-ANL play and the conferences. Wofford Town are the team replacing them, they come up after a record play-off victory of 7-1 against former ANL3 team Barrabrook United.

                               Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Urbanista Trojans            30   14  11   5    50   34  +16    53 - CHAMPIONS, PROMOTED
 2 Centre for Excellence        30   16   5   9    61   55   +6    53
 3 Project +90                  30   13  10   7    58   48  +10    49
 4 Kepler United                30   14   7   9    66   57   +9    49 - ANL2 PLAY-OFFS
 5 AFC United of Cierbanor      30   12   9   9    50   47   +3    45 - ANL2 PLAY-OFFS
 6 Beowulf FC                   30   12   9   9    62   61   +1    45 - ANL2 PLAY-OFFS
 7 Southtown                    30   13   6  11    33   35   −2    45
 8 Yerk United                  30   11  10   9    69   68   +1    43
 9 Old Guard Regiment           30   10  10  10    47   44   +3    40
10 Royal Issington              30   10   9  11    56   56    0    39
11 Docklands United             30    8  11  11    29   36   −7    35
12 Cawln Wanderers              30    9   7  14    59   61   −2    34
13 Flotsam & Jetsam             30    8   9  13    58   67   −9    33
14 Don't Panic FC               30    8   7  15    52   60   −8    31
15 The Dambusters               30    7   9  14    46   54   −8    30
16 Celts                        30    6   9  15    54   67  −13    27 - RELEGATED

ANL2 Play-offs
AFC United of Cierbanor 2–0 Beowulf FC
Kepler United 1–3 AFC United of Cierbanor
Beowulf FC 0–1 Kepler United

  ANL2 Play-offs             Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 AFC United of Cierbanor      2   2  0  0    5   1  +4    6 - PROMOTED TO ANL2
2 Kepler United                2   1  0  1    2   3  −1    3
3 Beowulf FC                   2   0  0  2    0   3  −3    0

ATLETICO STANDARD
Name                       NTN Pos Age TGP TGS LGP LGS
David Duperron             QUE  CD  17  26   2  25   2
Ug                         DAI  RM  27  24   2  23   2
Baruch Slazak              APX  LM  21  27   4  26   4
Sam Jones                  APX  ST  33  28   9  28   9

BARBURY TOWN
Alan Eustathios            APX  GK  27  40   0  28   0  
Jack Lerryn                APX  RD  32  36   2  25   1  
Amadeus Finn               PIS  CD  23  35   1  24   1  
Joel Barton                JEC  CD  27  12   1   7   0      
Alex Mo                    APX  RM  29  38   2  25   1     
Jody Rijshaart             AUD  CM  30  38   9  26   7
Sverre Devold              BYN  CM  30  35   8  26   6  
Titan Vladimirescu         APX  LM  19  37   4  25   4
Isidora Cullen             BRE  RW  26  35  12  24   9  
Corinna McKenna            APX  ST  26  38  23  27  18  

DWILE WARRIORS
Gentle Breeze              EQS  GK  28  34   0  28   0 
Eneko Treloquithack        APX  RD  27  32   1  25   1
Hadrian Belfast            NPH  CD  30  34   1  28   1     
Nicolas St Teath           APX  CD  30  30   1  24   1
Aitor Jovellanos           AUD LWB  25  33   8  27   7
Agozti Ibarran             ASG  RM  29  32   2  24   2 
Yurpá Mêndêlöíndçêl        FRF CDM  34  31   5  25   4
Sakina Zozula              APX  LM  23  30   4  23   3
Laborius Hawk              VAL  ST 719  33  20  27  15  
Tolgus Tregajorran         APX  ST  33  29  12  23  10
Mateusz Wolff              PIS  ST  25  33  11  26  10

EGLOSKERRY
Ulysses Abujamal           APX  GK  19  25   0  25   0
Chris Orani                APX  RD  34  28   1  27   1
Combo Răducioiu            AUD  CM  25  25   4  24   4
Tom Desidiero              MRT  LM  17  26   4  25   4

EXTON F.C
Jake Winterfyll            COS  GK  24  41   0  28   0  
Steven Worrick             APX  CD  28  16   1   8   1
Olim Shahzad               APX  CD  26  39   1  26   1
Jakob Lunds                SEM  CD  26  40   3  28   2 
Marius Ognevski            APX  DM  24  38   6  27   3
Faruk Asim Townsend        MBT  CM  27  40   8  25   5  
Alfreton Zerzubar          APX  ST  23  41  18  27  12  
   
FC BRIMSTONE
Isadora Caravella          NPH  GK  25  27   0  27   0
Jessica Weiss              PAS  CD  19  25  1  24  1
Eurwen Raynerson           APX  CD  20  25   1  24   1  
Catheline Stockinger       NPH  LD  26  28   2  27   2  
Jack Demir                 APX  CM  32  27   3  26   3  
James Palmisano            APX  CM  17  24   3  23   3  
Dorian Mixolydian          APX  CM  30  26   4  25   4
Rook Colfer                NPH  ST  30  27  10  26  10  

FC ENDEAVOUR
Diandra Ballard            NPH  GK  28  35   0  27   0 
Moses Luc Bjerregaard      PIS  RD  27  37   3  26   2     
Endellion Hewn             APX  CD  32  33   1  24   1  
Stan Graham                EUR  CD  32  36   2  27   2 
Alexis Garcia              FEL  LD  32  31   1  24   1  
Marcus Redwood             APX  RM  34  32   6  22   5
Sico Ullsmang              BYN  RM  28  13   1   8   1 
Alex Terán                 FRF  CM  31  34  13  28  11
Zana Ibrox                 APX  CM  24  32   8  26   6  
Rübéãn Tôr                 FRF  LM  23  33   4  24   4
Alpha Gandhi               APX  ST  19  34  18  27  15
Danny Leighton             TLI  ST  32  32  13  25  10
  
FC HARPOON
Mikel Azariah              MBT  LD  30  28   1  27   1  
Eero Halmiini              BYN  RM  31  29   6  27   5  
King Trevarren             MBT  CM  30  26   6  26   6 
Zebulon Faye               APX  ST  32  27   9  25   9  
Alvares Ibbarutzeces       AUD  ST  19  26  10  25  10   

GWINEVRA BARBARIANS
Ettie Seabrooke            APX  GK  35  42   0  27   0   
Odar Storbrittania         APX  RD  27  43   3  26   2
Cleto Mata                 FRF  CD  29  45   2  29   1
Willem Otkupshchikov       PIS  CD  30  43   3  27   2
Zezinho                    NSI  LD  22  40   2  25   1  
Alice Monteforth           APX  RM  31  42   7  26   4  
Morgana Foloris            APX  CM  34  43   5  26   3  
Wesley Kane                OSR  LM  28  43  12  25   7  
Sanui Shizuka              NSI CAM  25  41  15  26   9  
Weverton Rodriguez-TorrejonAUD  ST  20  42  22  27  14  
Anna Wilbrahim             APX  ST  29  18  11   7   4   

ISSINGTON F.C
Jadranka Steele            APX  GK  21  28   0  27   0
Erika Kazama               NSI  RD  20  25   1  24   1
Imhotep Jekyll             APX  CD  18   7   1   6   1 
Max Viking                 APX  LD  28  25   1  24   1
Kasey McKirkley            COS  DM  26  27   2  25   2
Joss Wickaninnish          APX  LM  23  26   5  26   5
Alex Ithamar               APX CAM  28  24   4  23   4
  
MANDON UNITED
Timo Sokolov               POL  GK  27  29   0  27   0
Doug Carson                TLI  CD  29  26   1  25   1  
Saskia Babič               APX  CM  27  28   3  25   2  
Tiberius Eckhart           APX  CM  28  27   5  25   5  
Radomíra Boadicea          APX  LM  22  26   2  24   2  
Ikkon Karrkka              FRF CAM  31  29   5  26   4  
Actor Marsalis             APX  ST  30  26   8  24   8 

OLDEM GENTS CLUB
Kaja Burton                MBT  CD  26  29   1  26   1  
Etzy Dialogue              APX  CD  19  27   2  26   1
Alexi Brave                APX  RM  34  29   1  26   1  
Alex Opel                  APX  ST  30  27   7  24   6  

ST. GEORGE’S CREEK
Anna Hikari                NSI  RD  21  30   1  28   1
Christian Hogg             POL  CD  33  29   2  25   2  
Nightshade                 EQS  LD  19  27   1  25   1 
Melody Sarmiento           NSI  CM  20  31   6  28   5
Methuselah Wallis-Iqbal    EFL  CM  18  30   7  27   7
Alex Paradys               APX  LM  37  28   3  25   3
Damian Balnerii            BYN  ST  32  30   9  28   9  
Ezekiel Charlestown        MBT  ST  27  27  14  25  13

URBANISTA
John Lockwood              APX  GK  31  37   0  29   0  
Leonhard Mixé              FRF  CD  25  34   2  28   2  
Robbie Faulkner            EUR  CD  28  34   3  26   2
Ben Hatem                  APX  LD  32  35   2  27   2  
Michel di Mercurio         YTT  CM  29  36   7  26   6    
Niek Krooijmans            YTT  CM  26  34   8  25   7
Rosie Tyler                EQS  LM  24  32   7  25   5  
Ace Newman                 COS  ST  25  35  15  27  13  
Elvis Sandbottom           APX  ST  27  33  14  26  13   

WREXTON F.C
Soren Pedersen             SEM  CD  28  26   1  25   1   
Lunar Shadow               EQS  CM  21  28   2  27   2  
Jack Ohanna                APX  LM  29  28   4  27   4
Paaron Petrov              COS CAM  33  25   8  25   8  
Dan Quesadillas            TIS  ST  20  27   9  26   9  

WYE UNITED
Jack Mills                 APX  CD  21  34   2  27   1
Catheline Purrington       BRE  CM  25  33   7  26   6     
Alf Dale                   APX  CM  29  31   5  25   4
Árbol Saucedo              SJG CAM  24  34  14  26  10  
Cheney Scherzer            BRE  ST  29  33  14  27  11

[Apox]

ANL Season 20 - Preview

Holy milkstains, we've reached it! 20 seasons of the ANL, and what season's they've been, both in terms of ANL action and league action outside the ANL. We've seen legends born, made and ended in the ANL, and we've seen Rohan Cammers headbutt an opposing team's player in celebration of a goal.

The ANL continues to be the top league in the multiverse, and looking at the quality in squads all the way through the league, you could quite easily believe it these days. Before we get on with the usual preview rigmarole, there are a few extra special additions to the league this season, and not only in this post! Let's see if I can do a Buyan/Cammers level league RP and not retire myself as a result. Onwards!

All-Time ANL League Table

Pos  Club                     Sns Pld  W   D   L   GF   GA  GD  Pts
 1   Dwile Warriors            19 502 284 112 105 1088 733 +351 964
 2   Gwinevra Barbarians       19 502 267 123 120  857 626 +231 924
 3   Urbanista                 19 502 244 105 155  947 769 +178 837
 4   Barbury Town              18 480 228 105 147  824 668 +156 789
 5   Issington F.C             19 502 220 108 173  837 761  +76 768
 6   FC Endeavour              14 382 207  98  89  784 540 +219 719
 7   Exton F.C                 18 480 180 121 179  553 540  +13 661
 8   FC Brimstone              19 502 174 118 212  653 730  -77 640
 9   Wrexton F.C               18 472 153 119 200  537 603  -66 578
10   Mandon United             15 414 129 112 173  533 659 -126 499
11   Wye United                14 368 119  86 163  513 601  -88 443
12   St. George’s Creek        10 296 112  59 125  509 514   -5 395
13   Egloskerry                11 278  84  67 127  409 517 -108 319
14   Urbanista Trojans          8 228  64  57 107  310 393  -83 249
15   Uxminster Athletic         7 190  49  47  94  179 254  -75 194
16   Mona A.F.C                 8 204  47  43 104  205 319 -114 184
17   Atletico Standard          6 160  41  36  83  173 272  -99 159
18   Miners ’47                 5 150  34  40  76  194 275  -81 142
19   Oldem Gents Club           5 150  33  41  76   94 168  -74 140
20   FC Harpoon                 4 120  29  25  66  153 232  -79 112
21   Dwile Central              3  66  25  13  28  110 110    0  88
22   Cierbana United            3  74  21  20  33   62  84  -22  83
23   Mulhampstead               3  86  21  12  53  102 152  -48  75
24   Gwinevra Bulls             3  82  13  16  53   69 136  -67  55
25   Southtown                  2  44  13   6  25   74  98  -24  45
26   Lighthouse Coves           1  26   5   2  19   28  51  -23  17
27   Oldem Mechanical           0   0   0   0   0    0   0    0   0

Well, Dwile Warriors top. I'm not even going to pretend I'm surprised, the 7 time Champions have been the only team to consistently challenge for the title, season after season, since the league began. It is fun to notice that all the team's to have won the title fill the top 6 places in the table, with Exton leading the non-title winning pack. Urbanista in third are a little higher than you'd expect, but then you have to remember that in early seasons, they were consistently finishing in the UICA spots, and that consistency pays off.

Dwile Central and Cierbana United, in red, have both folded since the league began. But, we should also remember that Apoxian clubs have been fairly successful in UICA competitions. Below is a league title of those 13 clubs who have participated in either the Champion's Cup or Globe Cup since the ANL was founded.

Club                    Pld  W  D  L  GF  GA  GD  Pts
Dwile Warriors          137 58 34 45 197 176 +21  208 CC Winner 58
Urbanista               131 61 23 49 199 157 +42  206 CygC Winner 56
Barbury Town            113 55 17 39 169 137 +32  206 CygC Winner 54, YC Winner 58
Gwinevra Barbarians     135 57 35 42 212 182 +30  206
FC Endeavour            103 45 26 32 176 131 +45  173 
Issington F.C            98 42 24 32 148 147  +1  150
Exton F.C                44 23  9 12  69  46 +23   81
Wrexton F.C              16  9  3  4  25  23  +2   30
Egloskerry                8  4  2  2   9   8  +1   14
Wye United               14  6  1  7  15  17  -2   19
FC Brimstone              8  3  0  5  14  20  -6    9
St George’s Creek         6  2  1  3   7   5  +2    7
Dwile Central             2  0  0  2   1   3  -2    0

Dwile Warriors are full of swag in another table, this time being the international games table. Urbanista are a surprising second despite never really having much of an impression on tournaments (except that one time they won the Cygnus Cup). They are joint second with Barbury and Gwinevra, both team you'd be less surprised to see up that high, while FC Endeavour and Issington F.C lurk behind, their respective forms going different ways of late. Let's have some more tables!

These are individual player stats tables, detailing those players with the highest number of games played and goals scored for Apoxian clubs in their careers. These stats include all ANL, Marshall Cup and international games for these players:

Games Played:
Marcus Redwood (FC Endeavour) - 432
Ben Hatem (Wrexton F.C, Urbanista) - 430
Armando Quillisi (Urbanista) - 411
John Lockwood (Urbanista) - 402
Jack Lerryn (Barbury Town) - 398

Goals Scored:
Tolgus Tregajorran (Sunshine Athletic, Urbanista, Dwile Warriors) - 266
Danny Leighton [TLI] (Issington F.C, FC Endeavour) - 195
Rancisc Tenian [FRF] (Gwinevra Barbarians) - 188
Keri Ularu (Dwile Warriors) - 170
Alex Terán [FRF] (FC Endeavour) - 144


Gwinevra Barbarians
Manager: Orophin Anárion
Stadium: The Barbaria, Capacity: 50,000
Line-up: Seabrooke -- Storbrittania, Mata, Otkupshchikov (c), Zezinho -- Monteforth, Xoka, Monrazón, Kane -- Shizuka -- Rodriguez-Torrejon
Transfers in: Jadranka Steele from Issington F.C for £9,000,000; Ruy Monrazón from Avenida Leal for an undisclosed amount
Transfers out: Jadranka Steele to Issington F.C on a one year loan; Morgana Foloris, retired
Preview: Last season was a tour de force for Gwinevra Barbarians, as they finally climb back to being the pinnacle of the league, for the first time in 13 seasons. It's been a while. Unsurprisingly, Anárion has made only minimal changes to the team since last season, the two changes being Ruy Monrazón, a highly talented Farf midfielder, brought in for the retiring Morgana Foloris and Jadranka Steele being bought from and then loaned back to Issington F.C - a purchase for next season when national legend Ettie Seabrooke retires. Willem Otkupshchikov continues to be a beast in defence, the now captain of Polar Islandstates easily the top dog defender in the league now, overtaking Hadrian Belfast into that position. Overall a top team unit, with a great manager, and one which can challenge for the title again.
Last Season: 1st Predicted: 1st


Barbury Town
Manager: Rodin Vidal
Stadium: Village Green, Capacity: 40,000
Line-up: Eustathios -- Lerryn (c), Finn, Balthorst, Maramora -- Mo, Rijshaart, Devold, Vladimirescu -- Wittevrongel -- McKenna
Transfers in: Augen Wittevrongel from C.D. Spikers for £1,600,000
Transfers out:
Preview: Despite having a barely changed line-up, it's all change at Barbury. Ken Rickwright is off after 12 seasons at the club, and straight into another job - at SK Franz Josef City in the Islandstates no less. His successor, Rodin Vidal, the man who engineered FC Harpoon's rise from third tier to ANL staple, is a bold choice who is as of yet untested at this level. Minimal change in the Starting XI, Augen Wittevrongel of Cosumar is a bit of a punt to replace the now experienced Isidora Cullen. This team is beginning to look a bit old with a strong core now only a season or two off retiring: Sverre Devold, Jody Rijshaart and club captain Jack Lerryn all amongst them. But then there is Corinna McKenna, the best Apoxian striker in the ANL in the side, who is FIRE in front of goal. It'll be interesting to see how it pans out for Barbury, but I feel the change in backroom staff may cause a little bit of a dip for a team so used to a talismanic manager.
Last Season: 2nd Predicted: 5th


Dwile Warriors
Manager: Moon Dust
Stadium: APX Sports Stadium, Capacity: 60,000
Line-up: Breeze -- Treloquithack, Belfast (c), St Teath, Ångstrom -- Ingersleben, Mêndêlöíndçêl, Zozula -- Tregajorran, Hawk, Jovellanos
Transfers in: Iosef Winter from SK Aasiaat Harbour for £8,000,000; Zlata Ingersleben from FC Brimstone for £5,000,000; Antwan Wangsgard, signed as a free agent
Transfers out: Mateusz Wolff to East Franz Athletic for £20,000,000; Agozti Ibarran to Krsthaven for £5,000,000; Karsten Kellard to Marque for £500,000; Alex Richworth, retired.
Preview: Dwile have been busy again this season, and there is no reason to suggest extending their record to 8 ANL titles this season can't be achieved. They've brought in a far bit of depth and youth in the off season, Zlata Ingersleben from FC Brimstone going straight into the starting XI, while Iosef Winter and the unheard of Antwan Wangsgard sit on the bench for this season. The fact that this looks like a relatively "weak" team to outsiders just go to show how terrifying Dwile teams of late have been - the team still contains two international captains in Hadrian Belfast and Yurpá Mêndêlöíndçêl; arguably the best goalkeeper in the world in Gentle Breeze; Apoxian national team legend and all time high scorer Tolgus Tregajorran and then a player arguably in the top 2 or 3 of all time in Laborius Hawk. Yep, they could still win it. A few oddities have happened though, such as Mateusz Wolff back off to the Islandstates just one season after arriving. Tolgus Tregajorran has also announced that this will be his last season at the club - whether he moves elsewhere or retires at the end of this season is unknown.
Last Season: 3rd Predicted: 3rd


Urbanista
Manager: Gavin Hughes
Stadium: Lime Ground, Capacity: 36,000
Line-up: Lockwood (c) -- Böhler, Mixé, Faulkner, Hatem -- Troon, di Mercurio, Krooijmans, Tyler -- Newman, Sandbottom
Transfers in:
Transfers out: Lucan Palmisano to RSK Longyearbyen Town for £2,500,000
Preview: Urbanista did fantastically well to get into the Champion's Cup spots last season, probably propelling Olim Benzari into the Apox job. The question is now, can they build on it? Probably not, based off their transfer strategies, which seemed to be "sell off exciting young striker, buy no players". Yes, there's talent in the squad, especially in Ace Newman, Michel di Mercurio and John Lockwood - however, you look at the other teams, and it's just not quite the same. Not a title winning side. Gavin Hughes returns from the Apox job with his reputation much enhanced, but Urbanista are notoriously inconsistent and their defence is still dodgy at best.
Last Season: 4th Predicted: 7th


FC Endeavour
Manager: Hector Rossizzo
Stadium: The Garganaut, Capacity: 42,000
Line-up: Ballard -- Bjerregaard, Rickwright, Argyle, di Calania -- Rivers, Terán, Ibrox (c), Tôr -- Strand -- Gandhi
Transfers in: Giacomo di Calania from 1830 Cathair for £15,000,000; Marc Strand from FC Jansberg for £15,000,000; Brendan Rivers from Bengtsmark IF for £7,000,000; Imhotep Jekyll from Issington F.C for £3,400,000; Jakob Argyle from Franz Josef Young Boys for £3,000,000
Transfers out: Endellion Hewn to Oldem Mechanical for £1,200,000; Stan Graham, released; Alexis Garcia, released; Marcus Redwood, retired; Danny Leighton, retired
Preview: It's all change at the Garganaut this season, as the team gets a serious shake-up after a couple of years of stagnation in the ranks, with Hector Rossizzo still having the confidence of the board. And what a set of transfers he's brought in, almost entirely rebuilding the defence, adding the super promising Semar youngster Marc Strand to supplement the scarily talented Alpha Gandhi up front. They've lost a fair bit of experience though, with Endellion Hewn, Stan Graham, Alexis Garcia moving elsewhere. The two biggest losses to the team will be Danny Leighton - second highest goalscorer for an Apoxian team ever - and Marcus Redwood, their brilliant captain who's been with the team since they reformed in 568 A.T (20 years ago now!) and the player with the highest number of appearances for an Apoxian team in all competitions, 432 in total. They're nearly the finished product, but how well they'll do is dependent on how quickly this new team gels.
Last Season: 5th Predicted: 2nd


Exton F.C
Manager: Sammie Puskas
Stadium: River Exe Ground, Capacity: 32,000
Line-up: Winterfyll -- Theutrich, Shahzad, Lunds, Motte-Bailey -- Ognevski (c) -- Bardsen, Townsend, Villa, Reenburg -- Zerzubar
Transfers in: Yevhen Bardsen from SC Martinsberg for £4,000,000
Transfers out: Maas Aviram to Molsbik Arkjet for £7,000,000
Preview: Exton are an oddity. They've pulled themselves into regular UICA qualification and occasional Champion's Cup qualification, but, they've never really kicked on from there. To be fair, they're a small club who continuously manage to overachieve and the highest echelons of the ANL are harder than ever to break into. However, that said, this would be the year to do it. Sammie Puskas has been growing a great team for a while, and, suddenly, this is a team which could do really well this season - they have a goalkeeper and two centrebacks who are international starters and striker Alfreton Zerzubar is in his prime and in the form of his life - a potential Apoxian national team striker there as well. All I'm saying is expect this title race to be close, any of the top 6 from last season could potentially get it this season.
Last Season: 6th Predicted: 4th


Wye United
Manager: Ponting Glamorgan
Stadium: JK Stadium, Capacity: 21,000
Line-up: Kirilaunen -- Peel, Mills, Kosbayashi, Norregaard -- Leanord, Purrington, Dale, Chiemeka -- Saucedo -- Scherzer (c)
Transfers in: Rasmus Norregaard from FC Nuholm for £6,000,000; Iulian Kirilaunen from FC.1 Surtsey Island Gulls for free; Reto Antema from Fontvielle FC B for free
Transfers out: Hannah Benthron, retired
Preview: Wye United have pushed through the pack of likely UICA candidates such as FC Brimstome and St George's Creek to qualify for UICA two seasons running. And now they're strengthened their team, bringing in Polarian legend Iulian Kirilaunen in goal and Semar defender Rasmus Norregaard, adding extra bite to an already ferocious defence. Catherine Purrington continues to be a bit of a beast in midfielder and Arbol Saucedo is a strong attacker. Captain Cheney Scherzer is now tailing off, but he can still grab goals, and as captain of the team is a vital presence on the field. They should be good for UICA again.
Last Season: 7th Predicted: 6th


FC Brimstone
Manager: Larissa Garrotte
Stadium: FCB Stadium, Capacity: 28,000
Line-up: Caravella -- Shaw, Raynerson, Weiss, Stockinger -- Zante, Zaran, Palmisano, Mixolydian, Ahmejankov -- Colfer
Transfers in:
Transfers out: Zlata Ingersleben to Dwile Warriors for £5,000,000; Jack Demir, retired
Preview: FC Brimstone, having looked ready to impress and finally reach UICA a couple of seasons ago, now, well, don't. They've lost yet another good player in Zlata Ingersleben to Dwile Warriors, and have simply replaced her with academy graduate Fran Zaran. They struggled a little at times last season, Rook Colfer not managing to match Corinna McKenna's rapacious goalscoring, and the defence just didn't seem to click at times, despite all the players in it being actually good. Recent academy revelations have been Eurwen Raynerson, now internationally capped and James Palmisano, who had an excellent debut last season in the league. Both players will need to inspire this team to great heights if they're realistically going to be hanging around.
Last Season: 8th Predicted: 9th


Issington F.C
Manager: Foreman Jones
Stadium: Dwile Stadium, Capacity: 25,000
Line-up: Steele -- Kazama, Cartwright, Ottilia, Viking (c) -- Chapman, McKirkley, Ithamar, Wickaninnish -- Blekinge, Varano
Transfers in: Jadranka Steele from Gwinevra Barbarians on a one year loan
Transfers out: Jadranka Steele to Gwinevra Barbarians for £9,000,000; Imhotep Jekyll to FC Endeavour for £3,400,000
Preview: Issington overperformed wildly last season, finishing 9th in the end, all with a squad which is frankly not good enough any more. The few remaining loyal fans are angry: at the board for their horrendous mismanagement; at the team for their failing performance; at FC Endeavour for simply existing and luring supposed "Issington fans" away. They've sold their two most promising players in Jadranka Steele and Imhotep Jekyll away to bigger sides, although they at least get Steele back on loan for this season. I'm sorry to say it, but I'm not sure Issington will survive another season in the top tier. Oh how the mighty fall...
Last Season: 9th Predicted: 15th


St George's Creek
Manager: Sanderstal the Almighty
Stadium: New Alpaca Ground, Capacity: 26,000
Line-up: Gull -- Hikari, Hogg, Nightshade -- Ugalu -- Kjellsen, Sarmiento, Wallis-Iqbal, Rembrandt -- Balnerii, Laccona
Transfers in: Salvatore Laccona from Fairbanks Royals FC (DRV) for £7,500,000
Transfers out: Ezekiel Charlestown to Halholzer United for £7,000,000; Willem Ajax to FC Axel Heiburg for £4,000,000; Roman Vahlen, retired; Alex Paradys, retired; Lee Miller, retired
Preview: St George's Creek continued their usual theme under the reign of the divisive Sanderstal the Almighty - being a bit of a trainwreck. Last season they were inconsistent, Sanderstal's rebuilt team struggling to be that really - a team. The manager destroyed his relationship with their best striker Ezekiel Charlestown last season, and now he's packed off to Halholzer United in the rapidly improving A-League for regular UICA football. They've also lost promising youngster Willem Ajax to FC Axel Heiburg which will be a blow for the side. And to this many of their experienced players retiring, and you have a side which doesn't really know where it stands anymore. They've brought in the talented Salvatore Laccona to replace Charlestown, and their midfield pairing of Melody Sarmiento and Methuselah Wallis-Iqbal could one day be legendary. It's too much to say they'll get UICA football this season though, they'll find some way to fuck it all up.
Last Season: 10th Predicted: 10th


Wrexton F.C
Manager: A.T Snow
Stadium: MiXoL Ground, Capacity: 22,000
Line-up: Tzion -- Duarte, Finnan, Pedersen, Babič -- Gurdon, Resolute, Shadow, Ohanna (c) -- Petrov -- Quesadillas
Transfers in: Karl Finnan from Starling for £1,600,000
Transfers out: James Kary to Mona A.F.C for £400,000; Britannia Huff, retired
Preview: There are always a couple of teams in the lower midtable who you look at and think "they'll be wildly inconsistent and likely finish anywhere between relegation and UICA spots". Usually, Wrexton is one of those teams. NOT THIS SEASON. They actually look like a together side, and A.T Snow has been slowly adding additions to the team in his time at the club, with Paaron Petrov and Karl Finnan being international veterans and Jack Ohanna still being a great player at 31. This team look like they can actually achieve something this season. Admittedly, qualifying for UICA again after god knows how long might be a bit of a stretch, but they'll likely be the best of the "also-rans" this season.
Last Season: 11th Predicted: 8th


Egloskerry
Manager: Oliver Dunbarton
Stadium: Eggcentric Arena, Capacity: 26,000
Line-up: Abujamal -- Southshore, Jelah, Harm, Firebrace (c) -- Fyre, Răducioiu, Desidiero -- Haight -- Adela, Parks
Transfers in: Xavier Vale from Gwinevra Bulls for £1,000,000
Transfers out: Chris Orani, retired; Michelle Jacobs, retired; Karen Hircain, retired; Thomas Visser, retired
Preview: Egloskerry stayed up fairly comfortably last season, to their credit. However, their experienced spine have all retired, leaving a gap for 4 new players to come in. They've mainly promoted youth products, including the promising Solomon Harm, son of former Nepharim national team player Rook Harm, who also played at Egloskerry. There is also clear potential in their young goalkeeper Ulysses Abujamal, who has been touted for bigger clubs and potential the national team if his development keeps up. It's hard to say how Egloskerry will do, and much depends on how they fair without their experienced spine. I don't reckon they'll be relegated this season.
Last Season: 12th Predicted: 12th


Mandon United
Manager: Jennie Scott
Stadium: Brookside Wharf, Capacity: 20,000
Line-up: Sokolov -- Aiken, Quinto, Hackett, Redmond -- Benson (c), Babič, Bardsley, Boadicea -- Karrkka -- Marsalis
Transfers in: Darwin Quinto as a free agent
Transfers out: Tiberius Eckhart to Vermillion Rage for £5,000,000; Doug Carson to AFK Hans Island Pioneers for £1,000,000; Alisa Redmond to Dí Maozöxê for an undisclosed fee; Arcon Santana, retired
Preview: Well. Last season was a bit of a battle for Mandon, after they spent the majority of it in the relegation zone, only dragging themselves out after a confident finish to the season. And then they lost their best player in Tiberius Eckhart, with Eckhart moving to the Nepharim Premiership in search of UICA football, leaving the club with a hole in their midfield again. There is promise in this side, with Aliser Redmond in defence (with his sister Alisa leaving as well), but many of the players, such as Saskia Babič and Radomira Boadicea, they haven't fulfilled their impressive potential. Others who have disappointed slightly have been Ikkon Karrkka and Actor Marsalis, both experienced players who folded really under the pressure of last season. Mandon have become a staple in the ANL, and while Oldem Mechanical and Mona A.F.C might look a bit weaker on paper, I'm going to go with a surprising decision and say they'll be relegated this season.
Last Season: 13th Predicted: 16th


FC Harpoon
Manager: Chris Maarsden
Stadium: The Celebratory Stadium, Capacity: 45,000
Line-up: Scott -- Mordaunt, Hurstspurr the Bold, Waughton, Azariah -- Jarwood -- Halmiini, Trevarren, Radovan -- Ibbarutzeces, Faye (c)
Transfers in:
Transfers out: Polly Thornton, retired
Preview: FC Harpoon have an experienced squad at this level, and talent in it as well. Admittedly, some of that talent is ageing a little, but no massive transfer investment was made this season and frankly it didn't need to be made. Eero Halmiini and King Trevarren are both internationals, and young Audioslavian striker Alvares Ibbarutzeces is now beginning to regularly score at this level. Zebulon Faye is just a beast of a beast of a man, and even though his pace has dried up at 34, he is still bloody good at getting the ball into the oppositions net - a proper lurker poacher these days. They've lost their inspirational manager in Rodin Vidal - who is off to bigger and better things; but their signing of Chris Maarsden is a real coup for the club, Maarsden fresh off success with Buyan prior to their withdrawal from international tournaments.
Last Season: 14th Predicted: 11th


Oldem Mechanical
Manager: Jorge Guardia
Stadium: BRAAAGH Ground, Capacity: 12,000
Line-up: Hodges -- Richardson, Hewn, Koskinen, Marshall -- Hatrim -- Trevalyan, Enigóó, Quickley, Cornwall -- Conmara
Transfers in: Allen Cornwall from Halholzer Spitfires for £1,400,000; Endellion Hewn from FC Endeavour for £1,200,000; Michelson Enigóó from Gwinevra Bulls for £1,000,000; Alec Koskinen from 1830 Cathair on a free
Transfers out:
Preview: Oldem Mechanical probably weren't expecting to get promotion last season, let alone sweep one of the closest divisions aside. However, they did, and now they're here. They've spent most of their limited resources on getting new players, with Endellion Hewn and Alec Koskinen offering them experienced, if bloody old, options in defence, while the mercurial Michelson Enigóó is a welcome site back in the division, while Allen Cornwall is a bit of a punt. With regards to their title winning players from last season, captain Eneka Hatrim is such a talisman, think of a female Axe the Dominant, guarding her defence like a broody hen might protect her nest. And she'll fuck you up if you come too close to her as well. Squire Trevelyan is super promising and also apparently Brenecian, though I think he was even a bit surprised to find that out. Blodeuwedd Conmara is one of the more lethal strikers to have hit the ANL2 in recent years, and she'll be ready to make an impact on this division this season. You know what? I'll back Mechanical to stay up this season.
Last Season: 1st, ANL2 Predicted: 13th


Mona A.F.C
Manager: Jim Attwood
Stadium: The Old Ground, Capacity: 17,500
Line-up: Anama (c) -- Caspar, Kary, Richards, Farnham -- Ishizuka, Sagar, Zavanna, Vernon -- Kristin-Hendrikje, Vigurs
Transfers in: Taiji Ishizuka from Halholzer Spitfires for £700,000; James Kary from Wrexton F.C for £400,000
Transfers out:
Preview: Mona A.F.C are back in the top tier. Yawn. The frequently yo-yoing side are back, with a slightly different squad although all the usual suspects are still there. However, both the top and bottom of the table look like they're going to be bloody close this season, so they might not actually be instantly relegated for once. Or maybe they will. Probably will, actually, knowing them.
Last Season: 4th, ANL2 Predicted: 14th

[Apox]

The second tier is set to be as close and unpredictable as usual, with a sprinkling of teams with average looking squads both from those with past top tier experience and those without. A tier full of potential yo-yo teams, no one here looks like they're really ready for promotion at the moment. However, someone will be promoted, and Mulhampstead are looking like one of the most likely teams for that right now. Down the other end? AFC United of Cierbanor are newly promoted, and they'll likely struggle to stay up, along with relative newcomers to the division Armageddon Casuals and Azewyn Royals might also struggle, alongside perennial division hoppers Frewick F.C. But then again, who expected Gwinevra Bulls to be relegated last season, so who knows what will happen?

AFC United of Cierbanor
Armageddon Casuals
Atletico Standard
Azewyn Royals
Barbury F.C
Bouldertown
Calshott Lighthouse
Frewick F.C
Lighthouse Coves
Miners '47
Mulhampstead - Favourites
Oldem Gents Club
Old Licentians
Urbanista Trojans
Urbanista Young Boys
Uxminster Athletic

The third tier has a surprising candidate for automatic promotion. Wofford Town. Yes, Wofford Town, the newly promoted team from the conferences. Why? Well, this is a team that's going places, having been the marquee team of the rapidly growing southern city (more on that in the asterisked section below), and they are managed by none other than NT legend Matthias Sindelar, with former Nepharim Premier striker Delicious Johnson and former ANL striker Fred Barnett on their books. Top stuff. Other teams who could go up are Gwinevra Bulls, Royal Issington and Kepler United, while teams such as Flotsam & Jetsam, The Dambusters and Don't Panic FC are expected to struggle somewhat. Don't forget youth teams Project +90 & Centre for Excellence as well.

Beowulf FC
Cawln Wanderers
Centre for Excellence
Docklands United
Don't Panic FC
Flotsam & Jetsam
Gwinevra Bulls
Kepler United
Moscva 2k12
Old Guard Regiment
Project +90
Royal Issington
Southtown
The Dambusters
Wofford Town* - Favourites
Yerk United



What, the ANL has expanded? Well, no, the conference has existed for bloody ages (OOC: It has I've just never scorinated it). Well, here's a whole load of new names for you all to become aquainted with, as the two regional Conferences have become affiliated members of the ANL this season, whilst also retaining close links with the AFB. As has previously happened, the winner of the Conference North will play the winner of the Conference South to determine who is promoted to the ANL3 next season. Skjoll Premier are the favourites to go up this upcoming season, the team being the only team in the pyramid not located on the mainland - they are located in the nearby semi-independent Skjoll Islands.

Barbury Youth
Barrabrook United
Bolventor
Celts
Clackmannage
Cliffpass United
Conferencium
Conurbation
Doka United
Etchilhampton
Gardenwall
Gwinevra Youth Project
Kingsford FC
Landfall
Oxshott Wardens
Serious Platypus
Skibbereen United
Skjoll Premier - Favourites
Thornton
Torridge



The southern version of the conference contains some rare oddities - Jabberwocky Xanadu's and Ballathistleturndarn just being two of those teams. The favourites in this division are nominally Witchunt - the team from a remote southern town of just 15,000 inhabitants going strong thus far, although others such as Dwile Warriors Youth & TP Indians could push them all the way.

AFC Blockade
Avenida Apox
Ballathistleturndarn
Ballykinegg
Chardon Ministry
Communadi Cougars
Dreesus
Dwile Warriors Youth
Exmouth FC
Greenfields
Hempshott Royals
Huring FC
Issington Tykes
Jabberwocky Xanadu's
Jakkar Town
Plains
TP Indians
Urchfont Aggressors
Wallwatch FC
Witchunt - Favourites

* - Who the fuck are Wofford Town and why are they suddenly relevant?
To get the answer to this question, you have to go back years. To the fall of Old Guard in 580 A.T (8 years ago). With Old Guard destroyed, Apox took in some 600,000 refugees from their former colony, with the vast majority of these refugees going to two places. The first was the new county of Old Guard in the previously empty section of southern Apox, mainly centred around the city of Oldem, which now has a population of 500,000. The other main area of concentration was in the hills above the capital of Dwile, with the previously sleepy town of Wofford being the focal point. In just 4 short years it's population ballooned from just 20,000 to 350,000 as it became the centre for people looking for a new start (it's population currently stands at just over 400,000, making it the 9th biggest city in Apox.

In a footballing sense, this is significant for Wofford. Up until this point, Wofford Town had been happily floating along moving between the Conference South and the Southern Regional league below it. However, as people poured into this city, the team became more and more important. A new stadium was build for it on the edge of the new city, now 4 miles away from where it had been before. Investment poured in as the number of fans wanting to watch increased by up to 100% each year, and the club secured new backers and management. All this has contributed to a club with the resources and support of a team midway between the ANL and ANL2 being, up until three years ago in the Southern Regional. This is a team that's going places, and it's going to be a proper ride to get to those places.

(OOC: I broke the character limit! First time ever! I feel like doing it on this was only appropriate)

[Apox]

ANL Season 20 - Part One

10th February - Marshall Cup Preliminary Round
Jakkar Town 2-2 Avenida Apox (2-2 AET, 4-1 PKs)
Barrabrook United 1-1 Dreesus (1-1 AET, 1-0 PKs)
Cliffpass United 1-1 Issington Tykes (2-1 AET)
Conferencium 0-4 Doka United
Barbury Youth 2-0 Ballykinegg
Communadi Cougars 0-1 Torridge
Thornton 1-0 The Dambusters
Skjoll Premier 2-1 Kingsford
Ballathistleturndarn 5-1 Dwile Warriors Youth
Plains 0-2 Celts
Landfall 1-0 Skibbereen United
AFC Blockade 2-0 Wallwatch FC
Oxshott Wardens 0-1 Witchunt
Greenfields 2-1 Hempshott Royals
Huring FC 1-0 Conurbation
Docklands United 2-0 Chardon Ministry
Gardenwall 1-1 Etchilhampton (1-2 AET)
Flotsam & Jetsam 2-2 Serious Platypus (3-2 AET)
Bolventor 0-1 Gwinevra Youth Project
Jabberwocky Xanadu's 0-1 Cawln Wanderers
Old Guard Regiment 1-0 Clackmannage
Wofford Town 2-0 Royal Issington
Don't Panic FC 1-1 Urchfont Aggressors (1-1 AET, 2-3 PKs)
Exmouth FC 1-1 TP Indians (1-1 AET, 1-2 PKs)

To accomodate the increased size of the ANL, the Marshall Cup has expanded as well to include the Conference teams, with the two conferences and the bottom 8 from the ANL3 taking part in the Preliminary round of the Cup. There are some banging games as all the teams want to advance to the next round and make their stamp on this tournament for the first time, hopefully dragging out some big names along the way.

17th - 18th February - ANL Matchday 1
St George's Creek 1–3 Urbanista
Sandbottom 6', Newman 25', Wallis-Iqbal 41', Newman 77'
Exton F.C 2–0 Oldem Mechanical
Lunds 33', Ognevski 51'
Egloskerry 1–3 FC Endeavour
Desidiero 13', Gandhi 19', Tôr 46', Gandhi 80'
FC Harpoon 1–2 Wrexton F.C
Resolute 32', Quesadillas 70', Trevarren 72'
Gwinevra Barbarians 6–3 Mona A.F.C - Sunday game
Weverton R-T 5', Weverton R-T 11', Vigurs 16', Kane 40', Weverton R-T 42', Weverton R-T 59', Ishizuka 66', Mata 68', Zavanna 77'
Mandon United 1–0 Barbury Town - Sunday game
Karrkka 30'
Wye United 1–1 Dwile Warriors
Chiemeka 22', Hawk 34'
FC Brimstone 2–2 Issington F.C
Palmisano 39', Viking 56', Colfer 60', Ithamar 69'

Old Licentians 5–2 Frewick F.C - ANL2
Don't Panic FC 5–5 Project +90 - ANL3
Flotsam & Jetsam 0–1 Wofford Town - ANL3
Plains 5–8 Avenida Apox - Conference South

Due to a different arrangement of UICA seedings and standings, there actually isn't any pre season UICA nonsense this season, meaning the very first matchday for all club falls on either the 17th or 18th of February. The most notable headline is Gwinevra putting 6 past Mona, the champions doing so very well to despatch Mona so easily, Weverton Rodriguez-Torrejon with 4 goals but ably backed up by his strong midfield. Urbanista and FC Endeavour both win, while Mandon United surprisingly beat Barbury Town in Rodin Vidal's first game as manager of the club - a very odd sight to see Vidal striding around the touchline instead of the familiar face of Ken Rickwright. The highest scoring game of the opening week is all the way down in the Conference South, with Avenida Apox and their ultra aggressive style of play meanign they put 8 past Plains whilst conceding 5 themselves. Absolute madness down there.

25th - 26th February - ANL Matchday 2
Urbanista 2–1 Issington F.C
Tyler 41', Tyler 64', Varano 76'
Dwile Warriors 3–1 FC Brimstone - Sunday game
Tregajorran 7', Mixolydian 16', Jovellanos 35', Own Goal 56'
Barbury Town 4–1 Wye United
McKenna 16', McKenna 37', Rijshaart 66', Purrington 68', Mo 85'
Mona A.F.C 1–1 Mandon United
Marsalis 50', Kristin-Hendrikje 88'
Wrexton F.C 0–0 Gwinevra Barbarians
FC Endeavour 4–4 FC Harpoon - Sunday game
Gandhi 20', Faye 23', Ibbarutzeces 33', Waughton 40', Strand 46', Ibrox 50', Bjerregaard 67', Halmiini 75'
Oldem Mechanical 3–0 Egloskerry
Conmara 36', Enigóó 67', Conmara 75'
St George's Creek 1–1 Exton F.C
Wallis-Iqbal 3', Zerzubar 80'

Azewyn Royals 4–1 Oldem Gents Club - ANL2
Centre for Excellence 1–0 Moscva 2k12 - ANL3
Wallwatch FC 4–0 Plains - Conference South

Round 2 of the ANL this season, and once again there is excitement all around the division. Urbanista go top of the table with a confident win against Issington F.C, Equestrian international Rosie Tyler with both the goals. Barbury Town brutalise Wye United with a strong display of total football, Rodin Vidal has got Corinna McKenna playing at her best, and it shows, as she scores the opening two of the goals in that game. On Sunday, FC Harpoon and FC Endeavour take part in an thrilling draw, Alpha Gandhi opening the scoring for the home side, before FC Harpoon manage to drag it to 3-1 at half time. However, Endeavour come out and play a blinding second half, scoring three, their only lapse in concentration being Jakob Argyle's scuffed clearance allowing Eero Halmiini to score past an out of position Diandra Ballard. All the way down in the Conference South, we return once again to Plains, who take on Wallwatch FC in as close to a derby game as you can get in the thinly populated area both clubs hail from. Plains are smashed 4-0, meaning they've already conceded 12 goals this season - only two games in.

1st March - UICA Playoff Round
Ibini FC (VAL) 1-1 Urbanista
Sabrefell Moths (NPH) 2-1 Dwile Warriors
Manechester City HC (EQS) 2-1 Wye United

Mixed fortunes in the "opening" rounds of UICA competition. Opening for Apoxian clubs anyway. Urbanista concede early and score late, maximum thrill and least competence their way of showing they want to progress in this competition. Dwile Warriors have a hiccup against Sabrefell Moths, the goals against the Warriors coming from Pryor and Apox's own Curio, with Aitor Jovellanos scoring the sole reply for the capital's club. Wye United, back in the Globe Cup after another 7th placed finish, come up against heavyweight dickheads in Manechester City HC, which makes their 2-1 loss all the more infuriating.

4th - 5th March - ANL Matchday 3
Exton F.C 2–0 Urbanista
Zerzubar 11', Zerzubar 31'
Egloskerry 2–3 St George's Creek - Sunday game
Laccona 4', Wallis-Iqbal 14', Adela 22', Răducioiu 38', Sarmiento 79'
FC Harpoon 0–0 Oldem Mechanical
Gwinevra Barbarians 3–2 FC Endeavour
Weverton R-T 41', Terán 52', Gandhi 55', Monrázon 62', Shizuka 70'
Mandon United 1–0 Wrexton F.C
Benson 84'
Wye United 0–0 Mona A.F.C
FC Brimstone 0–0 Barbury Town
Issington F.C 2–4 Dwile Warriors - Sunday game
Blekinge 22', Varano 23', Hawk 34', Hawk 40', Jovellanos 55', Hawk 63'

AFC United of Cierbanor 2–0 Urbanista Young Boys - ANL2
Torridge 2–0 Skjoll Premier - Conference North
Dreesus 2–4 Urchfont Aggressors - Conference South

Week 3 of football, and it's a very mix and match day in the ANL, with 4 teams playing out boring 0-0 draws (though FC Harpoon and Oldem Mechanical's game seems to be just two teams trying to rip each other apart instead). However, there is still some excitement in the league, with St George's Creek and Egloskerry trading blows throughout the match before Melody Sarmiento's lofted goal in the 79th minute confirms the win. Mandon United and Wrexton F.C play out a scoreless draw... until Jack Benson's freak wondergoal right at the death. Dwile Warriors are caught somewhat unawares by Issington F.C, two quick goals putting them 2-0 goal after 23 minutes. Then they fully unleash Laborius Hawk, and, well, the rest is largely history. Speaking of which, most of the usual golden boot contenders are all on blistering form going into the start of the season - Weverton Rodriguez-Torrejon on 5 goals, Hawk and Gandhi on 4. Once Corinna McKenna picks up her (and Barbury's) game, we'll have completed the set.

Shoutout to the brilliantly named Urchfont Aggressors in the Conference South who top the table with a perfect record after 4 games, and they blow away a poor Dreesus side in their last conquest.

8th March - UICA Playoff Round
Urbanista 0-0 Ibini FC (VAL)
Dwile Warriors 4-0 Sabrefell Moths (NPH)
Wye United 2-2 Manechester City HC (EQS)

Urbanista hold out in a nervy 0-0 draw and scrape through into the group stages as a result - besting Ibini only by the merit's of Elvis Sandbottom's away goal in the first leg. Dwile Warriors take the Moths to the sword to power through the group stage, a Tregajorran brace with goals from Hawk and Ingersleben send them packing. Wye United nearly take their match with Manechester to extra time, before conceding in the 85th minute. Their outing in UICA was definitely on the short side this time around then...

11th - 12th March - ANL Matchday 4
Urbanista 3–1 Dwile Warriors
di Mercurio 14', Sandbottom 22', Jovellanos 29', Mixé 37'
Barbury Town 4–2 Issington F.C
Wittevrongel 2', Devold 14', Vladimirescu 40', Varano 51', Varano 55', McKenna 67'
Mona A.F.C 0–1 FC Brimstone
Mixolydian 80'
Wrexton F.C 4–3 Wye United - Sunday game
Kosbayashi 10', Scherzer 12', Ohanna 17', Petrov 22', Saucedo 70', Petrov 77', Shadow 90+2'
FC Endeavour 3–0 Mandon United
di Calania 30', Ibrox 41', Harmonium 66'
Oldem Mechanical 0–1 Gwinevra Barbarians - Sunday game
Monrázon 66'
St George's Creek 1–0 FC Harpoon
Balnerii 21'
Exton F.C 2–0 Egloskerry
Zerzubar 24', Shahzad 56'

Urbanista Trojans 3–4 Azewyn Royals - ANL2
Oxshott Wardens 0–2 Clackmannage - Conference North
Witchunt 5–2 Huring FC - Conference South

This week, christ, there were goals. Dwile Warriors drop points against a rampant Urbanista attack, with Elvis Sandbottom and Ace Newman looking lethal on the end of anything their expensively assembled midfield can supply them with. Dwile Warriors look a little out of touch with Laborius Hawk sat on the sidelines - even the great can pick up minor niggles it seems. Has the greatest club in Apox become reliant on their superstar? Barbury Town blow away Issington F.C with a frantic beginning of the game, new signing Augen Wittevrongel scoring his first for the club, before an early second half scoring blitz, Hilde Varano showing her pedigree with a quick brace past Alan Eustathios in goal.

Wye United and Wrexton F.C, in a battle of the UICA 7th place contenders, play a game which was low on defensive talent, Wye taking an early lead before Wrexton battled back, Paaron Petrov the key as he so often is, dragging them level in the 77th minute before Lunar Shadow scores an injury time winner to give Wrexton the three points. Wye, awkwardly, sit 13th and are yet to win.

Exton F.C vs Egloskerry turns into a game between the top and bottom of the table at this early stage, Exton winning comfortably, Jakk Winterfyll not having to deal with a shot on target all game as Egloskerry continue to look utterly drab and lifeless so far, yet to pick up a point. Oliver Dunbarton spends most of the match screaming at his players before turning that into a screaming match with a surprised looking fourth official over the colour of the match ball - he's promptly sent off for his troubles. Man under pressure or what.

18th - 19th March - ANL Matchday 5
Egloskerry 2–3 Urbanista
Sandbottom 34', Parks 36', Firebrace 44', Hatem 56', Krooijmans 69'
FC Harpoon 0–1 Exton F.C
Townsend 60'
Gwinevra Barbarians 3–6 St George's Creek
Laccona 8', Ugalu 13', Otkupshchikov 16', Monteforth 20', Laccona 36', Hikari 50', Shizuka 52', Laccona 60', Rembrandt 67'
Mandon United 2–0 Oldem Mechanical
Marsalis 47', Quinto 68'
Wye United 3–2 FC Endeavour - Sunday game
Saucedo 33', Strand 39', Purrington 53', Norregaard 67', Rivers 71'
FC Brimstone 0–0 Wrexton F.C
Issington F.C 3–1 Mona A.F.C
Blekinge 11', Wickaninnish 30', Farnham 61', Ottilia 76'
Dwile Warriors 3–0 Barbury Town - Sunday game
Hawk 20', Mêndêlöíndçêl 25', Ingersleben 60'

Moscva 2k12 1–3 Wofford Town - ANL3
Conferencium 3–6 Gardenwall - Conference North

Well let's start with the match at the Barbaria. St George's Creek have probably been one of the more combustible and mental sides in the league since registered nutter Sanderstal the Almighty took over a few seasons ago. Salvatore Laccona, the new Osarian forward brought in to replace Ezekiel Charlestown after the latter's complete breakdown in relations with the gaffer, has clearly had enough of this shit, and goes on a rampage against the reigning champions, who are renowned as being good defensively and only won a title once they sorted out their forward going game. Once the dust had settled, the final score? 6-3 to the Creek. Over at the Eggcentric Arena, Egloskerry continue to be shit, losing their 5th on the bounce. Oliver Dunbarton seethes from the stands. Carry on.

For poor old Oldem Mechanical, adjusting to life in the ANL is proving difficult, they have currently only 1 win and 3 goals to their name, this week it is a 2-0 loss to a Mandon United side barely above them in skill level. One of the first big "title derbies" of the season takes place in Dwile, with the Warriors taking an early lead through the returned Laborius Hawk with big Yurpá Mêndêlöíndçêl doubling it 5 minutes later, before Zlata Ingersleben opens her account at the club to seal the deal 3-0.

22nd March - Marshall Cup First Round
Flotsam & Jetsam 0-1 Wofford Town
Centre for Excellence 0-1 Urchfont Aggressors
Gwinevra Youth Project 0-0 Gwinevra Bulls (0-1 AET)
Oldem Mechanical 2-1 Etchilhampton
Docklands United 1-1 Urbanista Trojans (2-1 AET)
Thornton 2-0 Cliffpass United
AFC United of Cierbanor 4-1 Celts
Doka United 1-0 FC Brimstone
Moscva 2k12 2-0 Ballathistleturndarn
Bouldertown 2-0 Frewick F.C
Witchunt 1-0 Wrexton F.C
Landfall 1-1 Uxminster Athletic (1-1 AET, 1-3 PKs)
FC Harpoon 3-1 Barrabrook United
Exton F.C 0-0 Beowulf FC (1-0 AET)
Mandon United 3-0 Huring FC
Cawln Wanderers 1-0 Yerk United
Greenfields 0-0 Mona A.F.C (0-0 AET, 2-0 PKs)
Calshott Lighthouse 0-2 Gwinevra Barbarians
Lighthouse Coves 0-1 FC Endeavour
Old Licentians 0-1 Old Guard Regiment
Egloskerry 0-2 Dwile Warriors
Urbanista Young Boys 1-1 St George's Creek (1-1 AET, 0-2 PKs)
TP Indians 0-1 Issington F.C
Kepler United 2-6 Barbury F.C
Armageddon Casuals 0-1 Azewyn Royals
Urbanista 1-0 Mulhampstead
Oldem Gents Club 1-1 Barbury Town (1-2 AET)
Wye United 3-1 Project +90
Jakkar Town 4-2 Skjoll Premier
Torridge 0-1 Southtown
Atletico Standard 1-1 AFC Blockade (2-1 AET)
Miners '47 1-1 Barbury Youth (2-1 AET)

64 teams take part in the first round of the Marshall Cup, and my are there some upsets, with FC Brimstone and Wrexton F.C crashing out to conference opposition in Doka United and Witchunt respectively. Exton F.C need extra time to beat Beowulf FC while Mona A.F.C crash out on pens to Greenfields who currently ply their trade in the Conference South. Also worth mentioning is Barbury F.C's 6-2 away win over Kepler United, which is really quite the feat.

1st - 2nd April - ANL Matchday 6
Urbanista 4–3 Barbury Town
Newman 15', di Mercurio 17', Lerryn 20', Cullen 67', Rijshaart 70', Klim 72', Krooijmans 86'
Mona A.F.C 4–2 Dwile Warriors
Kristin-Hendrikje 28', Vernon 34', Jovellanos 40', Sagar 56', Vigurs 70', Zozula 76'
Wrexton F.C 1–0 Issington F.C
Finnan 30'
FC Endeavour 3–2 FC Brimstone
Tôr 15', Ullsmang 30', Stockinger 39', Terán 46', Colfer 85'
Oldem Mechanical 0–1 Wye United
Scherzer 50'
St George's Creek 0–1 Mandon United
Babič 6'
Exton F.C 0–3 Gwinevra Barbarians - Sunday game
Kane 13', Zezinho 18', Monrázon 60'
Egloskerry 1–1 FC Harpoon - Sunday game
Harm 30', Ibbarutzeces 52'

Armageddon Casuals 1–0 Calshott Lighthouse - ANL2
Don't Panic FC 5–2 Flotsam & Jetsam - ANL3
Skibbereen United 3–9 Conferencium - Conference North

A week which shows the volatility of the ANL. Last week, Dwile Warriors were triumphantly beating Barbury Town 3-0. This week, they succumb meekly to Mona A.F.C 4-2, with the Nicolas St Teath having a howler in the centre of defence, begging the question as to whether he's still up for it at this level. His replacement, Antwan Wangsgard, is little better.

Last week, St George's Creek stunned the champions 6-3. This week actually mental second string striker Alexander Crewe roundhouse kicks the referee and is obviously sent off as the Creek saunter to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of an at times laughably average Mandon United. Crewe is later given a 10 game ban, and community service, ironically working in an anger management centre.

This week on Egloskerry watch, they draw against FC Harpoon and pick up their first point of the season! We'll ignore the fact that that point is against the only other team still winless in the league.

Also, just look at Conferencium in the Conference North - last week the 18th team in the league were being spanked 6-3 by Gardenwall, this time they wrench Skibbereen United's dignity from them and thrash it about, before defecating it on it and returning it to poor Skibbereen's mother. Brutalised. A week of change indeed.

8th - 9th April - ANL Matchday 7
FC Harpoon 0–0 Urbanista
Gwinevra Barbarians 2–0 Egloskerry
Weverton R-T 51', Wilbrahim 67'
Mandon United 0–0 Exton F.C
Wye United 0–2 St George's Creek
Balnerii 13', Kjellsen 37'
FC Brimstone 1–2 Oldem Mechanical - Sunday game
Ahmejankov 15', Trevelyan 30', Koskinen 56'
Issington F.C 2–1 FC Endeavour
Chapman 14', Gandhi 18', Ithamar 55'
Dwile Warriors 3–2 Wrexton F.C
Belfast 33', Petrov 51', Quesadillas 57', Tregajorran 60', Treloquithack 70'
Barbury Town 1–1 Mona A.F.C - Sunday game
Vigurs 14', McKenna 46'

Miners '47 2–3 AFC United of Cierbanor - ANL2
Centre for Excellence 2–4 Wofford Town - ANL3
Skjoll Premier 5–2 Clackmannage - Conference North
TP Indians 7–4 Huring FC - Conference South

A fairly drab day in the ANL - most of the games weren't pretty. Barbury against Mona was simply, both teams rocked up, both teams primary strikers scored, then both teams shook hands and pissed off home. Oldem Mechanical finally bagged themselves another win, playing some nice football as well, which is always a bonus. Dwile Warriors managed to beat a Wrexton side who've been surprisingly competitive thus far this season, keeping them in pace with the top of the league, three points behind Gwinevra Barbarians at the top. Egloskerry lost again. No change there then.

12th April - UICA Group Stage
Iskara Daii (STB) 1-0 Gwinevra Barbarians
Dwile Warriors 1-0 Directus (EUR)
Barbury Town 2-3 Sabrefell Athletic (NPH)
Yuba United (COM) 2-1 Urbanista
Eendracht Garifunya (GAR) 2-0 Exton F.C
Bridgewall City FC (NOV) 2-1 FC Endeavour

All around its a pretty shit start for Apoxian teams to the Group Stages of UICA competitions, with Dwile Warriors being the only team to get a result - Laborius Hawk with a spot kick in the 60th minute. Everywhere else there is just a straight set of wipeouts, with Barbury Town losing to Nepharim juggernauts Sabrefell Athletic after a strong start from Corinna McKenna, before conceding thrice to a team which is very much on the up in international standings. Urbanista are the usual mess, Gavin Hughes an animated figure on the touchline, bringing off a number of key players and playing a large amount of youth team in the second half, slumped in his seat despairingly. FC Endeavour continue to have a strong squad but somehow contrive to look like an Under-9s side in international competition, Alpha Gandhi cutting a frustrated figure at the pinnacle of the attack, scoring the opening before watching as his defence collapse behind him.

15th - 16th April - ANL Matchday 8
Urbanista 7–3 Mona A.F.C
Newman 1', Newman 6', Mixé 10', Vigurs 14', Sagar 28', Sandbottom 40', Newman 55', Tyler 66', Richards OG 70', Zavanna 88'
Wrexton F.C 0–0 Barbury Town
FC Endeavour 2–2 Dwile Warriors - Sunday game
Gandhi 50', Jovellanos 57', Ibrox 79', Belfast 88'
Oldem Mechanical 3–1 Issington F.C
Conmara 15', Hewn 50', McKirkley 56', Cornwall 66'
St George's Creek 1–2 FC Brimstone
Raynerson 22', Colfer 34', Sarmiento 67'
Exton F.C 1–2 Wye United
Zerzubar 39', Dale 55', Saucedo 66'
Egloskerry 2–0 Mandon United
Adela 30', Parks 34'
FC Harpoon 0–1 Gwinevra Barbarians - Sunday game
Xoka 70'

Cawln Wanderers 3–4 Royal Issington - ANL3
Barrabrook United 1–1 Skjoll Premier - Conference North
Exmouth FC 5–6 Chardon Ministry - Conference South

"BOIZ BOIZ BOIZ BOIZ BOIZ" is the chant going round Lime Ground at the end of the 90 as Urbanista continue their fine tradition of just trying to score as many as possible against their opponent and pray they don't concede too much. A stunned Mona A.F.C are 3-0 after 10 minutes courtesy of two Newman strikes and Leonhard Mixé's headed corner. Mona stabilise the ship a little to bring the score back to 3-2, before Urbanista continue their mental scoring, with Ace Newman completing his hat-trick after 55 minutes, the score being 7-2 before Stacy Zavanna's late consolation. Mona? Completed it mate.

After struggling to adapt to life in the ANL, Oldem Mechanical seem to have got a good run going, winning their second on the bounce, this time against Issington F.C, Bloudeuwedd Conmara netting a stunning opener to get the scoring going. Elsewhere, Egloskerry win one at last, with manager Oliver Dunbarton, well, just losing his shit at the final whistle. That will have probably postponed the sacking by a couple of weeks in any case.

On Sunday, champions Gwinevra Barbarians leave it until quite late to beat 15th placed FC Harpoon, while in the Dwile Derby, Dwile Warriors and FC Endeavoru draw a blank against each other, FC Endeavour looking like they might take it until captain fantastic, Hadrian Belfast smashes a header in at the death.

19th April - UICA Group Stage
Gwinevra Barbarians 4-1 Northbrook Diamonds FK (PIS)
Lisda Lokado Goji Salamjĭ (JSY) 1-0 Dwile Warriors
Brigham (EUR) 1-0 Barbury Town
Urbanista 3-1 Madruguinha Buneco Clube (CPV)
Exton F.C 1-1 Northern Union (BRE)
FC Endeavour 3-2 Mierton Manatees (TAE)

Fresh from the embarrassment of last weeks defeat, Gwinevra Barbarians blow former Polarian giants Northbrook Diamonds out of the water, Weverton Rodriguez-Torrejon being absolutely deadly in front of goal, and coming away with a hat-trick accordingly. Dwile Warriors and Barbury town both lose by 1-0 margins, Barbury manager, Rodin Vidal, who's struggled to adequately replaced Ken Rickwright this season labelling the match "bollocks" to the awaiting media post game. Urbanista continue their kamikaze attacking policy and sweep Madruguinha Buneco Clube aside with ease. Exton F.C draw with Northern Union, Marius Ognevski scoring early, but Jakk Winterfyll was out of position for Dani Pendragon's shot later on. FC Endeavour toil past a Mierton Manatees side that was in truth, no match for their squad. How they struggled so is just beyond me.

22nd - 23rd April - ANL Matchday 9
Gwinevra Barbarians 2–1 Urbanista
Weverton R-T 20', Sandbottom 29', Kane 55'
Mandon United 1–5 FC Harpoon
Ibbarutzeces 6', Faye 12', Halmiini 17', Marsalis 22', Ibbarutzeces 33', Trevarren 60'
Wye United 1–0 Egloskerry - Sunday game
Scherzer 30'
FC Brimstone 1–1 Exton F.C
Villa 31', Palmisano 40'
Issington F.C 0–1 St George's Creek
Laccona 61'
Dwile Warriors 2–1 Oldem Mechanical
Hawk 14', Enigóó 22', Hawk 50'
Barbury Town 3–3 FC Endeavour
McKenna 20', Tôr 22', Bjerregaard 30', Strand 41', Balthorst 55', Cullen 70'
Mona A.F.C 1–0 Wrexton F.C
Ishizuka 7'

Calshott Lighthouse 5–0 Urbanista Young Boys - ANL2
Docklands United 0–1 Project +90 - ANL3

The first match of the weekend is a big one as far as the title race is concerned, with Gwienvra Barbarians taking on Urbanista. Weverton Rodriguez-Torrejon nets his 7th of the season as he continues to dominate teams in the 20th minute, before Elvis Sandbottom receives an excellent through ball from Ben Hatem to score one for himself in the 29th. However, Wesley Kane with a glorious free kick in the 55th seals the win for Gwinevra and puts them back at the top of the table.

Dwile Warriors draw closer to Urbanista in second with a simple win over Oldem Mechanical were Dwile didn't play particularly badly, they were just Hawked on that occasion. Mandon United, after a surprisingly good start to the season, might have been found out a bit, with FC Harpoon getting their first win of the season against them, and my, in style too! A 5-1 rout relieves the pressure on Jorge Guardia and moves Harpoon out of the relegation zone on goal difference with Issington F.C

Both FC Endeavour and Barbury Town have struggled so far this season, with Endeavour in 8th and Barbury in 10th, so neither side will be particularly pleased with a high scoring 3-3 draw, which sees the top of the table move further away from them.

26th April - UICA Group Stage
Burgess FC (TCU) 1-4 Gwinevra Barbarians
Dwile Warriors 0-1 Haut-Corlay (KRN)
Barbury Town 3-3 Marinos Metropolis (VLD)
Urbanista 0-2 AC Izotz Zubia (AUD)
Crystal Mertagne (TCU) 1-0 Exton F.C
Brinemouth (NPH) 3-2 FC Endeavour

Another mixed set of results, showing the rising international competition to the ANL compared to a couple of seasons ago. Gwinevra Barbarians continue to storm their way through their group, besting Burgess FC 4-1, with Anna Wilbrahim scoring twice and generating an assist in that match. Lowly Haut-Corlay cause Dwile all sorts of trouble, leaving them with just 3 points from the first half of the group stage, while Barbury labour to their first point of the group stage in what is already looking like a disastrous season for them. None of the other teams can manage a win either, though Urbanista's capitulation to AC Izotz Zubia is the least culpable, with the Audioslavian giants sweeping them aside with relative ease.

28th - 29th April - ANL Matchday 10
Urbanista 2–3 Wrexton F.C
Quesadillas 20', Hatem 31', Neguwa 40', Petrov 59', Pedersen 60'
FC Endeavour 4–2 Mona A.F.C - Sunday game
Gandhi 9', Terán 16', Terán 19', Rickwright OG 30', Kristin-Hendrikje 50', Kipling 58'
Oldem Mechanical 0–1 Barbury Town - Sunday game
Devold 30'
St George's Creek 2–2 Dwile Warriors - Sunday game
Tregajorran 15', Balnerii 20', Mêndêlöíndçêl 37', Laccona 58'
Exton F.C 2–1 Issington F.C
Zerzubar 5', Townsend 22', Ithamar 50'
Egloskerry 0–1 FC Brimstone
Stockinger 33'
FC Harpoon 2–2 Wye United
Azariah 10', Ibbarutzeces 50', Saucedo 52', Leanord 58'
Gwinevra Barbarians 1–1 Mandon United
Monteforth 22', Benson 35'

Miners '47 4–2 Old Licentians - ANL2
Beowulf FC 6–3 Centre for Excellence - ANL3
Dreesus 2–5 Avenida Apox - Conference South

With a third of the season gone, we have our first sacking! To be honest, it wasn't much of a surprise and with a grand total of 4 points from 10 games, it was clear that the job Oliver Dunbarton was doing at Egloskerry simply wasn't enough, in the eyes of the board and fans, especially after a particularly drab and lifeless loss to FC Brimstone. What is seen as just complete madness is the signing they bring in to replace him - none other than one Rohan Cammers, who is brought in as player manager having spent a few years wandering around the multiverse, most recently with Manechester City HC of Equestrian States and Cazadores Cathair of Audioslavia. Should be interesting to see what the hell he does there.

Urbanista lose ground on Gwinevra Barbarians at the top after a spirited performance by Wrexton F.C and in particular Paaron Petrov sees them beat Urbanista, meaning Dwile Warriors are now just one point behind them in 3rd after a combustible St George's Creek side manage to actually perform as a team for once and hold them to an entertaining 2-2 draw. For their part, Gwinevra Barbarians can only draw against a now rapidly slipping Mandon United side, but their lead at the top is now 4 points, which should give them confidence as they head into the next part of the season.

                           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Gwinevra Barbarians      10    7   2   1    22   13   +9    23
 2 Urbanista                10    6   1   3    25   18   +7    19
 3 Dwile Warriors           10    5   3   2    23   18   +5    18
 4 Exton F.C                10    5   3   2    12    8   +4    18
 5 St George's Creek        10    5   2   3    18   14   +4    17
 6 FC Endeavour             10    4   3   3    27   22   +5    15
 7 Wrexton F.C              10    4   3   3    12   11   +1    15
 8 Wye United               10    4   3   3    14   16   −2    15
 9 Mandon United            10    4   3   3     8   12   −4    15
10 Barbury Town             10    3   4   3    16   15   +1    13
11 FC Brimstone             10    3   4   3    11   12   −1    13
12 Oldem Mechanical         10    3   1   6     9   11   −2    10
13 Mona A.F.C               10    2   3   5    16   25   −9     9
14 FC Harpoon               10    1   5   4    13   13    0     8
15 Issington F.C            10    2   1   7    14   21   −7     7
16 Egloskerry               10    1   1   8     8   19  −11     4

                               Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Lighthouse Coves             10    6   3   1    15    8   +7    21
 2 Atletico Standard            10    6   2   2    17    7  +10    20
 3 Miners '47                   10    5   4   1    23   15   +8    19
 4 Calshott Lighthouse          10    4   4   2    14    8   +6    16
 5 Barbury F.C                  10    5   1   4    13    9   +4    16
 6 Urbanista Young Boys         10    5   1   4    11   12   −1    16
 7 Old Licentians               10    4   3   3    18   17   +1    15
 8 Bouldertown                  10    4   3   3    14   17   −3    15
 9 Azewyn Royals                10    4   2   4    22   21   +1    14
10 Armageddon Casuals           10    3   5   2    18   17   +1    14
11 Mulhampstead                 10    2   5   3    15   13   +2    11
12 AFC United of Cierbanor      10    3   2   5    14   19   −5    11
13 Oldem Gents Club             10    2   3   5     9   17   −8     9
14 Urbanista Trojans            10    2   2   6    14   17   −3     8
15 Uxminster Athletic           10    1   4   5     3   10   −7     7
16 Frewick F.C                  10    1   2   7    12   25  −13     5

                             Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Wofford Town               10    7   1   2    22   17   +5    22
 2 Cawln Wanderers            10    6   1   3    19   19    0    19
 3 Beowulf FC                 10    4   4   2    21   16   +5    16
 4 Kepler United              10    4   4   2    22   21   +1    16
 5 The Dambusters             10    4   3   3    26   17   +9    15
 6 Moscva 2k12                10    4   3   3    15   11   +4    15
 7 Old Guard Regiment         10    3   5   2    18   13   +5    14
 8 Southtown                  10    4   2   4     8    8    0    14
 9 Royal Issington            10    3   4   3    23   19   +4    13
10 Project +90                10    2   7   1    16   14   +2    13
11 Gwinevra Bulls             10    3   4   3     7    7    0    13
12 Docklands United           10    2   6   2     8    8    0    12
13 Don't Panic FC             10    3   3   4    20   23   −3    12
14 Yerk United                10    2   1   7    11   23  −12     7
15 Flotsam & Jetsam           10    1   3   6    15   23   −8     6
16 Centre for Excellence      10    1   3   6    14   26  −12     6

                              Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Gwinevra Youth Project      13   10   2   1    18    6  +12    32
 2 Barbury Youth               13    7   3   3    17    9   +8    24
 3 Landfall                    13    7   3   3    23   20   +3    24
 4 Thornton                    13    7   2   4    20   10  +10    23
 5 Barrabrook United           13    5   8   0    15    8   +7    23
 6 Torridge                    13    6   4   3    11    6   +5    22
 7 Gardenwall                  13    6   4   3    16   12   +4    22
 8 Celts                       13    6   3   4    20   15   +5    21
 9 Etchilhampton               13    5   5   3    14   10   +4    20
10 Skjoll Premier              13    5   4   4    24   16   +8    19
11 Skibbereen United           13    5   3   5    22   26   −4    18
12 Serious Platypus            13    5   1   7    15   16   −1    16
13 Kingsford FC                13    4   4   5    12   14   −2    16
14 Doka United                 13    4   4   5    14   17   −3    16
15 Clackmannage                13    4   2   7    12   17   −5    14
16 Bolventor                   13    3   3   7    12   21   −9    12
17 Oxshott Wardens             13    2   3   8    14   22   −8     9
18 Conurbation                 13    2   3   8    10   27  −17     9
19 Cliffpass United            13    1   5   7     5   11   −6     8
20 Conferencium                13    1   4   8    22   33  −11     7

                            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Witchunt                  13   11   1   1    34   12  +22    34
 2 Avenida Apox              13    9   2   2    34   19  +15    29
 3 TP Indians                13    7   5   1    24   10  +14    26
 4 Wallwatch FC              13    8   2   3    15    7   +8    26
 5 Urchfont Aggressors       13    6   5   2    34   18  +16    23
 6 Dreesus                   13    6   3   4    20   20    0    21
 7 Ballathistleturndarn      13    5   3   5    10    7   +3    18
 8 Exmouth FC                13    4   4   5    19   22   −3    16
 9 AFC Blockade              13    4   4   5    16   20   −4    16
10 Plains                    13    4   4   5    16   26  −10    16
11 Jakkar Town               13    3   6   4    18   19   −1    15
12 Greenfields               13    4   3   6    17   23   −6    15
13 Communadi Cougars         13    3   5   5    17   14   +3    14
14 Dwile Warriors Youth      13    4   2   7    18   22   −4    14
15 Huring FC                 13    3   5   5    24   30   −6    14
16 Issington Tykes           13    3   4   6    14   18   −4    13
17 Hempshott Royals          13    3   4   6     7   14   −7    13
18 Ballykinegg               13    2   6   5     8   15   −7    12
19 Chardon Ministry          13    3   3   7    11   27  −16    12
20 Jabberwocky Xanadu's      13    1   3   9     3   16  −13     6

[Apox]

ANL Season 20 - Part Two

2nd May - UICA Group Stage
Gwinevra Barbarians 3-1 Iskara Daii (STB)
Directus (EUR) 1-1 Dwile Warriors
Sabrefell Athletic (NPH) 1-0 Barbury Town
Urbanista 1-1 Yuba United (COM)
Exton F.C 2-0 Eendracht Garifunya (GAR)
FC Endeavour 1-0 Bridgewall City FC (NOV)

In the Group Stages of UICA, it's a fairly good matchday for Apoxian clubs. Gwinevra Barbarians take revenge on Iskara Daii at home, 3 goals to 1 the better, Weverton Rodriguez-Torrejon looking absolutely lethal upfront - he's really morphed into a world class striker this season. Dwile Warriors gain a point in Directus, which is ok, but doesn't improve their slim hopes of making the Round of 16, while Barbury Town and Urbanista continue to toil away. In the Globe Cup, it's a happier story, with Exton and FC Endeavour both getting wins in their respective groups, which makes a nice change from the other dismal results they've managed to garner thus far.

5th - 6th May - ANL Matchday 11
Mandon United 1–1 Urbanista
di Mercurio 39', Redmond 56'
Wye United 0–0 Gwinevra Barbarians
FC Brimstone 4–3 FC Harpoon - Sunday game
Shaw 14', Jarwood 16', Ibbarutzeces 49', Ahmejankov 53', Ibbarutzeces 60', Colfer 62', Zaran 67'
Issington F.C 1–1 Egloskerry
Varano 18', Fyre 66'
Dwile Warriors 1–2 Exton F.C
Bardsen 41', Shahzad 56', St Teath 69'
Barbury Town 2–0 St George's Creek
McKenna 50', Wittevrongel 58'
Mona A.F.C 1–1 Oldem Mechanical - Sunday game
Conmara 13', Hatrim 30'
Wrexton F.C 2–4 FC Endeavour
Petrov 18', Gandhi 20', Argyle 25', Terán 50', Quesadillas 52', Terán 60'

Azewyn Royals 4–3 Mulhampstead - ANL2
Centre for Excellence 5–1 Kepler United - ANL3

With neither Dwile Warriors or Urbanista being able to pick up points, Gwinevra Barbarians 0-0 draw with Wye still leaves them three points out in front. Exton F.C beat an embattled looking Dwile, with Aitor Jovellanos out with a knock for this game, really losing them pace down the left side of the field, allowing Yevhan Bardsen to exploit the space (and Peter Ångstrom's relative inexperience) to score the first, before two defenders, one from each side, score off a corner for each team. Barbury Town begin to sort their lives out following on from a poor first 10 games, with Rodin Vidal noting after their 2-0 win that "this is a team that can win the title, based off that performance." Steady on Rodin, you're not even back in the UICA spots yet.

9th May - UICA Group Stage
Northbrook Diamonds FK (PIS) 0-3 Gwinevra Barbarians
Dwile Warriors 2-2 Lisda Lokado Goji Salamjĭ (JSY)
Barbury Town 2-3 Brigham (EUR)
Madruguinha Buneco Clube (CPV) 2-1 Urbanista
Northern Union (BRE) 3-0 Exton F.C
Mierton Manatees (TAE) 3-1 FC Endeavour

Gwinevra Barbarians are cruising to the next round, they smash the once mighty Northbrook Diamonds FK 3-0 (a 7-1 aggregate win over the two legs), perhaps just them announcing that Gwinevra are back, bitches. Laborious Hawk and Tolgus Tregajorran are on hand to save Dwile against Lisda Lokado Goji Salamjĭ after they went 2-0 down at half-time, while Halyos Anaximander can still taunt the Barbury attackers from afar, as he is crucial in allowing Brigham to hold onto their slender lead - knocking out Barbury for this season. It's sad to say, especially as they were once the finest midfield engine room in the league, but Sverre Devold and Jody Rijshaart just can't seem to provide the service Barbury need at international level. Urbanista are also out, with their kamikaze offense tactic not quite working as well for them internationally as it does in the ANL. The less said about this set of Globe Cup games, the better, I feel.

12th - 13th May - ANL Matchday 12
Urbanista 2–0 FC Endeavour
Tyler 22', Newman 79'
Oldem Mechanical 0–0 Wrexton F.C
St George's Creek 1–3 Mona A.F.C
Laccona 15', Vigurs 27', Kristin-Hendrikje 45', Kary 58'
Exton F.C 0–1 Barbury Town - Sunday game
Devold 36'
Egloskerry 0–5 Dwile Warriors - Sunday game
Tregajorran 10', Hawk 16', Zozula 30', Hawk 46', Hawk 55'
FC Harpoon 2–1 Issington F.C
Faye 17', Trevarren 28', Wickaninnish 44'
Gwinevra Barbarians 0–0 FC Brimstone
Mandon United 1–2 Wye United

Lighthouse Coves 5–1 Armageddon Casuals - ANL2
Landfall 3–6 Gardenwall - Conference North
TP Indians 1–2 Witchunt - Conference South

Let move straight to the Egloskerry - Dwile Warriors match on Sunday, fuck chronological storytelling. This is the first example of why appointing Rohan Cammers as player-manager, or being in charge of anything really, can result in general carnage. It was all going so well for Egloskerry for the first.... 8 minutes. However, after captain and all around solid bloke, Emmanuel Firebrace is a fault for Tolgus Tregajorran's opening goal, Cammers takes offence to this, leading to a heated verbal exchange, which becomes physical, eventually ending in a mass brawl between only Egloskerry players, the team apparently divided between loyalty to their captain or their manager. Eventually it's broken up and both Firebrace & Cammers are sent off. This ends just as badly as you'd expect, with the game finishing 5-0 with Hawk scoring a hat-trick (and Egloskerry still rock bottom on 5 points).

Elsewhere, Barbury are up to 5th with a win over Exton F.C, Sverre Devold's free-kick in the 36th being just too good for Jakk Wintefyll in goal - though credit should also go to Ioghan Balthorst and Amadeus Finn in the centre of defence from holding back a rampaging Faruk Asim Townsend from scoring - the closest he could get was the post.

16th May - UICA Group Stage
Gwinevra Barbarians 0-0 Burgess FC (TCU)
Haut-Corlay (KRN) 2-2 Dwile Warriors
Marinos Metropolis (VLD) 2-1 Barbury Town
AC Izotz Zubia (AUD) 3-0 Urbanista
Exton F.C 1-0 Crystal Mertagne (TCU)
FC Endeavour 0-1 Brinemouth (NPH)

So that's it for the Group Stage for another season and its been... well, rather under inspiring for Apoxian clubs this season, with only Gwinevra Barbarians and Dwile Warriors progressing, and Dwile to the Globe Cup at that. Barbury Town in particular have looked disgraceful at times this season, and Rodin Vidal must be glad the league form is picking up otherwise his stay at Barbury could end up being very short indeed.

19th May - Marshall Cup Second Round
Wofford Town 2-2 Urchfont Aggressors (2-2 AET, 2-0 PKs)
Gwinevra Bulls 0-0 Oldem Mechanical (1-0 AET)
Docklands United 0-1 Thornton
AFC United of Cierbanor 0-1 Doka United
Moscva 2k12 0-1 Bouldertown
Witchunt 1-0 Uxminster Athletic
FC Harpoon 3-1 Exton F.C
Mandon United 4-0 Cawln Wanderers
Greenfields 1-3 Gwinevra Barbarians
FC Endeavour 2-1 Old Guard Regiment
Dwile Warriors 2-3 St George's Creek
Issington F.C 3-4 Barbury F.C
Azewyn Royals 1-1 Urbanista (1-2 AET)
Barbury Town 0-2 Wye United
Jakkar Town 2-0 Southtown
Atletico Standard 1-0 Miners '47

It's the second round of the expanded Marshall Cup and already the lower league teams are beginning to fade from the ranks. Wofford Town struggle to overcome Urchfont Aggressors, eventually needing penalties and the decisive boots of Delicious Johnson and Matthias Sindelar to settle the score. Dwile Warriors and Barbury Town (both 3 times winners of the competition) are out, although both to UICA fringe ANL teams, so it's not too much of an upset.

23rd May - ANL Matchday 13
Wye United 0–2 Urbanista
Böhler 15', Newman 22'
FC Brimstone 2–2 Mandon United
Zante 22', Boadicea 26', Karrkka 47', Weiss 61'
Issington F.C 0–0 Gwinevra Barbarians
Dwile Warriors 2–1 FC Harpoon
Jovellanos 15', Ångstrom 33', Halmiini 61'
Barbury Town 1–1 Egloskerry
Cammers 16', Harwell 29'
Mona A.F.C 1–3 Exton F.C
Zerzubar 37', Reenburg 40', Vernon 51', Motte-Bailey 60'
Wrexton F.C 2–2 St George's Creek
Balnerii 16', Ohanna 20', Hogg 30', Lunar Shadow 57'
FC Endeavour 4–3 Oldem Mechanical
Gandhi 3', Strand 10', Trevelyan 20', Quickley 26', Cornwall 41', Tôr 52', Strand 60'

Wofford Town 5–2 Beowulf FC - ANL3
Skibbereen United 5–0 Landfall - Conference North

Gwinevra's draw to relegation threatened Issington F.C means that Urbanista go top of the table with their 2-0 victory over Wye United, Ace Newman scoring yet again as he continues to show the league just how lethal he is this season. Rohan Cammers is back on the pitch, and it is a slightly stilted Egloskerry who manage to draw with Barbury Town, thanks to Cammers' goal and Corinna McKenna having a bit of an off day up front. FC Endeavour struggle to victory against Oldem Mechanical - this blamed on the team still gelling, according to manager Hector Rossizzo post-match - with Marcus Strand being the key component for them that game, scoring twice and setting up Alpha Gandhi for the opener. Squire Trevelyan puts in another solid performance up front, adding further to his credentials fo an international call-up, apparently attracting interest from both the Brenecian and Apoxian national teams.

In the ANL3, Wofford continue to rampage, this week besting Beowulf FC 5-2 to carry on at the top of the table.

26th - 27th May - ANL Matchday 14
Urbanista 2–0 Oldem Mechanical
Troon 15', Sandbottom 38'
St George's Creek 2–0 FC Endeavour
Crewe 19', Ugalu 59'
Exton F.C 2–1 Wrexton F.C
Villa 17', Townsend 41', Babič 62'
Egloskerry 2–0 Mona A.F.C
Harm 55', Parks 69'
FC Harpoon 0–1 Barbury Town - Sunday game
McKenna 22'
Gwinevra Barbarians 2–1 Dwile Warriors - Sunday game
Weverton R-T 19', Jovellanos 21', Shizuka 55'
Mandon United 1–0 Issington F.C
Bardsley 81'
Wye United 6–2 FC Brimstone
Purrington 10', Saucedo 11', Palmisano 19', Colfer 28', Scherzer 41', Saucedo 55', Dale 62', Mills 73'

Old Licentians 4–0 Calshott Lighthouse - ANL2
Beowulf FC 3–1 Project +90 - ANL3
Doka United 0–3 Celts - Conference North
Witchunt 1–1 Dwile Warriors Youth - Conference South

We stand on the precipice of the half way point, and things are beginning to become more defined. Egloskerry pick up only their second win of the season against a Mona A.F.C side currently looking just as much of a mess as they do - though young Solomon Harm in defence has many of the same characteristics of his father, a real bruiser. He picks up a goal for his troubles as well. Wye United put FC Brimstone to the sword, with goals spread all around the team in a 6-2 rout, FC Brimstone still failing to live up to their promise and deliver UICA football, they sit 10th in the table at this point.

The Auld Classic is a real chess game this year, with both sides starting quite warily. Rodriguez-Torrejon strikes first, before an almost instantaneous reply from Aitor Jovellanos brings a return to the tension. Willem Otkupshchikov puts in a real captains performance at the back to keep the marauding Laborious Hawk in check and the scores level, before Sanui Shizuka slips one past Gentle Breeze in the 55th to hand Gwinevra the win and put Dwile Warriors 5 points behind the Barbarians and Urbanista, who currently lead the pack.

3rd - 4th June - ANL Matchday 15
FC Brimstone 2–1 Urbanista
Mixolydian 15', Newman 27', Ahmejankov 50'
Issington F.C 1–1 Wye United
Kazama 51', Chiemeka 72'
Dwile Warriors 1–3 Mandon United
Marsalis 6', Hackett 22', Tregajorran 31', Babič 61'
Barbury Town 3–1 Gwinevra Barbarians
Vladimirescu 18', Maramora 55', Kane 61', Cullen 78'
Mona A.F.C 1–0 FC Harpoon
Vigurs 60'
Wrexton F.C 3–1 Egloskerry
Quesadillas 18', Gurdon 36', Cammers 58', Finnan 71'
FC Endeavour 1–0 Exton F.C
Ibrox 27'
Oldem Mechanical 2–4 St George's Creek - Sunday game
Conmara 16', Laccona 19', Wallis-Iqbal 31', Kjellsen 38', Marshall 58', Balnerii 77'

Oldem Gents Club 0–1 Urbanista Trojans - ANL2
Moscva 2k12 3–3 Yerk United - ANL3
Avenida Apox 2–1 Jakkar Town - Conference South

A good weekend for the "middling" teams, with Gwinevra Barbarians, Dwile Warriors and Urbanista all losing. Gwinevra have had a bit of a tough set of fixtures recently, and despite besting the old foe last week, in a big clash against Barbury Town, they come up short, with Titan Vladmirescu scoring the opener, before Martin Maramora pokes one in during a messy box scuffle. Wesley Kane gets one back, bless him, but sub Isidora Cullen rockets one past an Ettie Seabrooke who's reaction just aren't quite what they once were to put the result beyond reach.

FC Endeavour have largely just tried to get on with things this season, and they beat a so far high flying Exton side 1-0, Zana Ibrox doing a rather fancy diving header to score that one. There is a new Oldem derby this season, although you can barely call it that, as this is actually the first time Oldem Mechanical and St George's Creek have played a competitive match against each other. Mechanical put in a more complete team performance and even open the scoring, but unfortunately the Creek are just more talented and it shows as Mechanical's ageing defence aren't enough to hold back the pace of players such as Salvatore Laccona, Methuselah Wallis-Iqbal and Melody Sarmiento.

*mid-summer break*

12th July - UICA First Knock-out Round
Fligsive FC (TCU) 1-1 Gwinevra Barbarians
Dwile Warriors 2-1 Eendracht Garifunya (NOV)

UICA football is the first thing to return following on from the break, with Gwinevra coming up against the Mertian powerhouses Fligsive FC, the game ending in a draw, Weverton Rodriguez-Torrejon opening the scoring before Hazel van Robben equalised late on in the game. Dwile Warriors overcome Eendracht Garifunya (something Exton struggled with) to strengthen their case for advancing.

15th - 16th July - ANL Matchday 16
Urbanista 2–2 St George's Creek
Krooijmans 17', Sarmiento 22', Nightshade 27', Mixé 51'
Oldem Mechanical 2–1 Exton F.C
Hewn 11', Bardsen 17', Conmara 71'
FC Endeavour 3–0 Egloskerry - Sunday game
Tôr 17, Rivers 33', Gandhi 79'
Wrexton F.C 2–2 FC Harpoon
Radovan 3', Quesadillas 15', Pedersen 25', Faye 61'
Mona A.F.C 3–4 Gwinevra Barbarians
Kristin-Hendrikje 15', Caspar 21', Monrazón 28', Storbrittania 37', Zezinho 51', Zavanna 57', Weverton R-T 70'
Barbury Town 1–0 Mandon United - Sunday game
Rijshaart 43'
Dwile Warriors 1–0 Wye United - Sunday game
Hawk 73'
Issington F.C 1–2 FC Brimstone
Blekinge 16', Palmisano 28', Weiss 56'

Urbanista Trojans 5–1 Urbanista Young Boys - ANL2
Wofford Town 4–0 Flotsam & Jetsam - ANL3
Serious Platypus 0–6 Doka United - Conference North

Gwinevra go top with a leaky win over a struggling Mona A.F.C, with 7 different goalscorers in that match. Egloskerry look as disjointed and as confused as ever as they sink to a 3-0 loss to an FC Endeavour side finally beginning to pull themselves together. Brendan Rivers is a pillar in that game, scoring one himself and generally being a nuisance to Emmanuel Firebrace all game. Elsewhere, Dwile Warriors and Barbury Town both win by a single goal against opponents who will always fancy themselves to get an upset - not so today. FC Brimstone go down early against Issington F.C, but the defence pulls themselves together and with James Palmisano continuing to make the case for himself for national team selection with another strong performance, they eventually get the win. Issington have looked pretty hapless all season, and currently sit in the relegation with only 10 points so far - this season could seriously be the one which sees the former champions relegated - a sad day in Apox indeed if that turns out to be the case.

12th July - UICA First Knock-out Round
Gwinevra Barbarians 2-2 Fligsive FC (TCU)
Eendracht Garifunya (NOV) 0-0 Dwile Warriors

Gwinevra Barbarians go out on away goals, which will be a disappointment to them as they were 2-1 up until Odar Storbrittania's late mistake handed Morten Macinko and Fligsive an equaliser and therefore progress to the Quarter-Finals on goal difference. Dwile Warriors take part in the drabbest of 0-0 draws where Laborious Hawk and Aitor Jovellanos look unusually subdued up front, though they're still good for progression after their first leg win.

22nd - 23rd July - ANL Matchday 17
Issington F.C 2–1 Urbanista
Ithamar 15', Chapman 28', Cartwright OG 66'
FC Brimstone 2–3 Dwile Warriors
Jovellanos 5', Ingersleben 17', Colfer 37', D'Oyly 67', Mixolydian 78'
Wye United 1–0 Barbury Town
Scherzer 37'
Mandon United 1–0 Mona A.F.C
Boadicea 18'
Gwinevra Barbarians 1–0 Wrexton F.C
Monrazón 90+2'
FC Harpoon 0–1 FC Endeavour
Strand 26'
Egloskerry 3–1 Oldem Mechanical
Southshore 18', Hatrim 27', Desidiero 41', Adela 63'
Exton F.C 2–1 St George's Creek - Sunday game
Zerzubar 25', Rembrandt 33', Reenburg 51'

Uxminster Athletic 0–1 Barbury F.C - ANL2
AFC Blockade 0–7 Dwile Warriors Youth - Conference South

It's a good day for the Champions, as they cruise fairly easily to victory over a Wrexton F.C side in a bit of a rut whilst seeing Barbury Town and Urbanista lose, extending their lead at the top to 5 points. Dwile Warriors and Exton both win, with Exton's win occurring in messy circumstances at St. George's Creek, young striker Alexander Crewe being handed his first start since his antics earlier in the season and, well, not really acquitting himself any better after flooring Ayrton Villa in the 36th minute and being shown a red - opening up time for Serena Reenburg to score in the 51st minute. This means that from 2nd and 6th are only separated by a single point at the moment as the top clubs all vie for position to usurp Gwinevra as champions. Egloskerry are out of the relegation zone, probably for the first time this season! They somehow manage to put in a vaguely convincing performance and trot out 3-1 victors in that game.

26th July - UICA Second Knock-out Round/Cygnus Cup First Round
Dwile Warriors 2-1 Bridgewall City FC (NOV)
Honneur (ZEN) 0-2 Barbury Town

Dwile acquit themselves well against Bridgewall City, another team who've faced Apoxian opposition this season already in the form of FC Endeavour. Dwile make shorter work of them, Tolgus Tregajorran and Richard D'Oyly doing the business. In the Cygnus Cup, Barbury are able to take their league momentum into the game against Honneur and get a 2-0 victory as a result.

29th - 30th July - ANL Matchday 18
Urbanista 1–3 Exton F.C
Ognevski 17', Villa 22', Krooijmans 51', Zerzubar 57'
St George's Creek 1–0 Egloskerry
Crewe 16'
Oldem Mechanical 1–2 FC Harpoon
Ibbarutzeces 17', Trevelyan 22', Trevarren 81'
FC Endeavour 3–0 Gwinevra Barbarians - Sunday game
Rickwright 15', Gandhi 17', Strand 56'
Wrexton F.C 1–0 Mandon United
Ohanna 73'
Mona A.F.C 1–3 Wye United
Vernon 18', Saucedo 24', Kosbayashi 47', Scherzer 57'
Barbury Town 2–0 FC Brimstone
Finn 16', McKenna 41'
Dwile Warriors 2–3 Issington F.C - Sunday game
D'Oyly 15', Varano 17', Ottilia 33', Varano 39', Mêndêlöíndçêl 59'

Frewick F.C 3–0 Oldem Gents Club - ANL2
Southtown 2–2 Gwinevra Bulls - ANL3
Gwinevra Youth Project 0–0 Serious Platypus - Conference North
Avenida Apox 1–8 Witchunt - Conference South

Issington steal headlines for battling bravely (with Clive Dunne's job apparently on the line) to beat Dwile Warriors and move themselves out the relegation zone and up to 12th in the crowded lower table, Richard D'Oyly starting instead of Tolgus Tregajorran and perhaps not being able to apply the same pressure up front, despite scoring the opener. FC Endeavour are up to second with a victory over Gwinevra Barbarians, the front two combination of Alpha Gandhi and Marcus Strand really hitting their stride now and playing without fear to despatch Gwinevra, though the revamped defence, in particular Jakob Argyle, deserves praise for not buckling under the weight of Gwinevra's attack pressing on them. Oldem Mechanical have been struggling with the intensity of this league recently, and FC Harpoon's victory over them drags Mechanical into the relegation spots, behind Harpoon on goal difference.

2nd August - UICA Second Knock-out Round/Cygnus Cup First Round
Bridgewall City FC (NOV) 1-1 Dwile Warriors
Barbury Town 1-0 Honneur (ZEN)

Dwile progress on a good first leg performance yet again, happy to keep a Bridgewall City side at bay after scoring, although they do add a bit of tension into the game with a late equaliser. Barbury saunter past Honneur at home, Corinna McKenna sticking it in early and then the defence finds it easy enough to keep them out for the rest of the game.

5th August - Marshall Cup Third Round
Wofford Town 1-1 Gwinevra Bulls (3-2 AET)
Thornton 0-1 Doka United
Bouldertown 2-2 Witchunt (2-2 AET, 3-2 PKs)
FC Harpoon 0-4 Mandon United
Gwinevra Barbarians 1-0 FC Endeavour
St George's Creek 2-0 Barbury F.C
Urbanista 2-0 Wye United
Jakkar Town 1-1 Atletico Standard (1-1 AET, 3-2 PKs)

Things are getting serious now, with each team playing for a quarter-final place. Gwinevra Barbarians overcome another difficult opponent in FC Endeavour. However, their side of the draw isn't looking great, with St George's Creek and Urbanista in it (and Conference team Jakkar Town making an appearance as well). On the other side of the draw, Doka United are also through to the Quarters after winning an all Conference tie against Thornton, as well as Wofford Town seeing off Gwinevra Bulls in a goal filled extra time to progress to their first quarter-final finish.

8th August - ANL Matchday 19
Dwile Warriors 1–3 Urbanista
Newman 22', Hawk 27', Treloquithack OG 37', Sandbottom 56'
Issington F.C 1–2 Barbury Town
Viking 27', Wittevrongel 36', Eriksen 56'
FC Brimstone 2–1 Mona A.F.C
Colfer 17', Richards 23', Zaran 44'
Wye United 0–1 Wrexton F.C
Petrov 26'
Mandon United 1–2 FC Endeavour
Tôr 16', Rivers 18', Marsalis 78'
Gwinevra Barbarians 1–1 Oldem Mechanical
Weverton R-T 7', Cornwall 74'
FC Harpoon 4–3 St George's Creek
Trevarren 9', Balnerii 16', Laccona 20', Ibbarutzeces 22', Mordaunt 26', Azariah 56', Wallis-Iqbal 61'
Egloskerry 1–0 Exton F.C
Cammers 44'

AFC United of Cierbanor 3–7 Mulhampstead - ANL2
Etchilhampton 1–2 Skjoll Premier - Conference North
Jakkar Town 6–4 Issington Tykes - Coference South

Oldem Mechanical somehow manage to hold the champions to a draw, Alec Koskinen in particular rolling back the years in defence to thrice deny Wesley Kane with clearances off the line, while keeper Erika Hodges also puts in an admirable performance, Mechanical equalising on the counter, with Allen Cornwall's curved shot floating in. As a result of this, FC Endeavour go top after beating Mandon United 2-1 - Rübéãn Tôr and Brendan Rivers both clearly competing for club player of the season, after both put in strong performances yet again. Dwile Warriors lose out to Urbanista as they slide a little further down the table, while Exton also somehow lose to a broken Egloskerry, player-manager Rohan Cammers bicycle kicking that one, showing flexibility no one thought he had. Either a madman or a genius, that Rohan Cammers, though we suspect he may actually be both.

12th - 13th August - ANL Matchday 20
Urbanista 1–2 Egloskerry
Krooijmans 15', Adela 22', Parks 65'
Exton F.C 0–2 FC Harpoon
Faye 16', Theutrich OG 34'
St George's Creek 2–1 Gwinevra Barbarians
Sarmiento 33', Hikari 41', Xoka 56'
Oldem Mechanical 2–0 Mandon United
Conmara 26', Quinto OG 77'
FC Endeavour 2–0 Wye United
Gandhi 15', Gandhi 46'
Wrexton F.C 2–2 FC Brimstone
Duarte 12', Resolute 16', Zante 17', Palmisano 71'
Mona A.F.C 2–1 Issington F.C
Ishizuka 65', Ithamar 68', Sagar 76'
Barbury Town 3–3 Dwile Warriors
McKenna 16', Mo 22', Zozula 28', Hawk 45', Balthorst 66', Jovellanos 76'

Bouldertown 2-1 Calshott Lighthouse - ANL2
Kepler United 6-3 Flotsam & Jetsam - ANL3

Barbury Town and Dwile Warriors both take part in a gruelling 3-3 draw which leaves both sides exhausted and doesn't really help either, they're both still chasing FC Endeavour up the front. Endeavour carry on at the top beating a Wye United side who seem to have lost their momentum a bit so far. One team who haven't lost any momentum are St George's Creek who are the latest team to inflict trouble on a suddenly rudderless and confused Gwinevra Barbarians side who've now picked up just 1 point in their last three games, having looked in similar form to last season prior to that. Egloskerry are now actually threatening to look vaguely competent, beating Urbanista(!) to pull themselves above a hapless Issington F.C side and just one point off safety.

                           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 FC Endeavour             20   12   3   5    47   32  +15    39
 2 Barbury Town             20   10   6   4    32   22  +10    36
 3 Gwinevra Barbarians      20   10   6   4    32   26   +6    36
 4 Urbanista                20   10   3   7    41   31  +10    33
 5 Exton F.C                20   10   3   7    25   20   +5    33
 6 Dwile Warriors           20    9   4   7    43   37   +6    31
 7 St George's Creek        20    9   4   7    36   32   +4    31
 8 Wye United               20    8   5   7    27   27    0    29
 9 Wrexton F.C              20    7   7   6    26   25   +1    28
10 FC Brimstone             20    7   7   6    29   33   −4    28
11 Mandon United            20    7   5   8    18   24   −6    26
12 FC Harpoon               20    5   6   9    29   29    0    21
13 Oldem Mechanical         20    5   4  11    22   29   −7    19
14 Mona A.F.C               20    5   4  11    29   43  −14    19
15 Egloskerry               20    5   3  12    19   35  −16    18
16 Issington F.C            20    4   4  12    25   35  −10    16

Lighthouse Coves are seeking a long awaited return to the top tier, with other unexpected teams such as Old Licentians, Atletico Standard and Bouldertown in the play-off positions at the moment. Pre-season favourites, Mulhampstead are currently in 9th, 13 points off the top and at this point unlikely to gain promotion next season. Frewick F.C and AFC United of Cierbanor have struggled thus far, and it therefore isn't a surprise to see them occupy the relegation spots.

                               Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Lighthouse Coves             20   11   6   3    31   16  +15    39
 2 Old Licentians               20   11   4   5    39   28  +11    37
 3 Atletico Standard            20   11   3   6    33   23  +10    36
 4 Bouldertown                  20    9   5   6    26   26    0    32
 5 Calshott Lighthouse          20    8   6   6    23   20   +3    30
 6 Urbanista Young Boys         20    9   3   8    21   25   −4    30
 7 Barbury F.C                  20    9   2   9    30   27   +3    29
 8 Urbanista Trojans            20    8   3   9    28   25   +3    27
 9 Mulhampstead                 20    6   8   6    41   31  +10    26
10 Miners '47                   20    7   5   8    40   39   +1    26
11 Armageddon Casuals           20    6   7   7    37   43   −6    25
12 Oldem Gents Club             20    6   6   8    16   25   −9    24
13 Azewyn Royals                20    6   5   9    37   40   −3    23
14 Uxminster Athletic           20    5   7   8    15   20   −5    22
15 AFC United of Cierbanor      20    5   3  12    25   41  −16    18
16 Frewick F.C                  20    4   5  11    26   39  −13    17

Wofford have pulled themselves out a bit of a gap at the top, and, I'll be honest, I can't see anyone challenging them for the title at the moment. Cawln Wanderers, Kepler United and Royal Issington are in the play-off spots at the moment, but it's very close from 4th onwards. Gwinevra Bulls are in 8th at the moment, and are in danger of become the first double relegated team never to be immediately promoted back up to the ANL2. That would spell trouble for them. Yerk United have looked, frankly, terrible this season, with a number of off the pitch issues circling the club this season, and they sit below the usually awful Flotsam & Jetsam in the relegation spot.

                             Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Wofford Town               20   15   2   3    52   33  +19    47
 2 Cawln Wanderers            20   11   5   4    35   28   +7    38
 3 Kepler United              20    9   6   5    41   38   +3    33
 4 Royal Issington            20    8   6   6    42   34   +8    30
 5 Old Guard Regiment         20    7   9   4    32   24   +8    30
 6 Beowulf FC                 20    8   6   6    39   34   +5    30
 7 Moscva 2k12                20    8   6   6    32   27   +5    30
 8 Gwinevra Bulls             20    8   5   7    23   20   +3    29
 9 Docklands United           20    6   9   5    19   17   +2    27
10 Southtown                  20    7   5   8    16   18   −2    26
11 Don't Panic FC             20    6   4  10    34   41   −7    22
12 Project +90                20    4   9   7    25   29   −4    21
13 Centre for Excellence      20    5   6   9    36   47  −11    21
14 The Dambusters             20    4   8   8    39   39    0    20
15 Flotsam & Jetsam           20    4   5  11    31   46  −15    17
16 Yerk United                20    2   5  13    20   41  −21    11

The youth are currently those in with the best shout of promotion, with Gwinevra Youth Project and Barbury Youth in the top two spots, with Gardenwall equal on points with Barbury Youth. Pre season favourites Skjoll Premier are struggling a little, in 6th and 10 points behind the top spot, at least they're doing better than Serious Platypus at the bottom of the league.

                              Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Gwinevra Youth Project      26   15   5   6    31   17  +14    50
 2 Barbury Youth               26   14   6   6    35   17  +18    48
 3 Gardenwall                  26   14   6   6    34   22  +12    48
 4 Etchilhampton               26   13   6   7    35   27   +8    45
 5 Celts                       26   12   7   7    37   27  +10    43
 6 Skjoll Premier              26   11   7   8    45   30  +15    40
 7 Barrabrook United           26   10  10   6    24   18   +6    40
 8 Skibbereen United           26   11   7   8    43   40   +3    40
 9 Kingsford FC                26   11   7   8    29   27   +2    40
10 Thornton                    26   12   3  11    27   22   +5    39
11 Landfall                    26   10   7   9    39   46   −7    37
12 Bolventor                   26   10   6  10    33   36   −3    36
13 Clackmannage                26    9   6  11    23   26   −3    33
14 Doka United                 26    9   5  12    34   39   −5    32
15 Torridge                    26    7   7  12    12   20   −8    28
16 Conurbation                 26    8   4  14    28   46  −18    28
17 Oxshott Wardens             26    7   6  13    26   31   −5    27
18 Conferencium                26    5   8  13    42   53  −11    23
19 Cliffpass United            26    4   9  13    10   20  −10    21
20 Serious Platypus            26    5   4  17    25   48  −23    19

Withunt have been absolutely dominant so far, 10 points ahead with 12 games to play, and a terrifying goal difference of +42. At this rate, they're going to set a BIG points total that may not be broken in Conference League play for some time to come. Also near the top are those other fairly respectable sides of Avenida Apox, TP Indians and the brilliantly named Urchfont Aggressors. Down the bottom, Jabberwocky Xanadu's currently have the dubious honour of the worst team in the league system.

                            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Witchunt                  26   20   4   2    61   19  +42    64
 2 Wallwatch FC              26   17   3   6    33   14  +19    54
 3 Avenida Apox              26   16   5   5    58   35  +23    53
 4 TP Indians                26   14   8   4    36   18  +18    50
 5 Urchfont Aggressors       26   12   8   6    50   34  +16    44
 6 Dwile Warriors Youth      26   12   7   7    40   28  +12    43
 7 Dreesus                   26    9   9   8    28   28    0    36
 8 Jakkar Town               26    9   9   8    36   38   −2    36
 9 Ballathistleturndarn      26    9   7  10    18   17   +1    34
10 Huring FC                 26    8   8  10    41   47   −6    32
11 Exmouth FC                26    8   7  11    35   40   −5    31
12 Hempshott Royals          26    7   8  11    12   20   −8    29
13 Plains                    26    8   5  13    25   43  −18    29
14 Communadi Cougars         26    5  13   8    27   27    0    28
15 Greenfields               26    7   7  12    31   42  −11    28
16 Chardon Ministry          26    6   8  12    32   43  −11    26
17 AFC Blockade              26    6   8  12    27   49  −22    26
18 Issington Tykes           26    6   7  13    28   41  −13    25
19 Ballykinegg               26    4   9  13    14   28  −14    21
20 Jabberwocky Xanadu's      26    4   6  16     6   27  −21    18

[Apox]

ANL Season 20 - Part Three

16th August - UICA Quarter Finals/Cygnus Cup Second Round
Crisisbless (NPH) 0-0 Dwile Warriors
Barbury Town 4-0 Estrela d'Alva (DAI)

RP to come

19th - 20th August - ANL Matchday 21
Barbury Town 1–3 Urbanista
Sandbottom 21', Devold 37', Finn OG 51', Troon 57'
Dwile Warriors 2–0 Mona A.F.C
Hawk 18', Mêndêlöíndçêl 55'
Issington F.C 1–2 Wrexton F.C - Sunday game
Chapman 8', Quesadillas 18', Resolute 55'
FC Brimstone 2–2 FC Endeavour
Mixolydian 17', Bjerregaard 24', Terán 27', Raynerson 43'
Wye United 0–1 Oldem Mechanical
Richardson 21'
Mandon United 0–3 St George's Creek - Sunday game
Sutherland 61', Laccona 65', Sarmiento 77'
Gwinevra Barbarians 2–0 Exton F.C
Monrazón 16', Kane 54'
FC Harpoon 4–2 Egloskerry
Norbutt 14', Norbutt 25', Fyre 41', Hurstspurr the Bold 51', Harm 56', Radovan 67'

RP to come

23rd August - UICA Quarter Finals/Cygnus Cup Second Round
Dwile Warriors 1-0 Crisisbless (NPH)
Estrela d'Alva (DAI) 0-1 Barbury Town

RP to come

26th August - Marshall Cup Quarter Finals
Wofford Town 1-0 Doka United
Bouldertown 0-0 Mandon United (0-0 AET, 3-4 PKs)
Gwinevra Barbarians 0-0 St George's Creek (2-0 AET)
Urbanista 3-2 Jakkar Town

RP to come

2nd - 3rd September - ANL Matchday 22
Urbanista 1–0 FC Harpoon
Newman 17'
Egloskerry 1–1 Gwinevra Barbarians
Adela 16', Weverton R-T 55'
Exton F.C 1–0 Mandon United
Townsend 71'
St George's Creek 2–2 Wye United - Sunday game
Balnerii 16', Saucedo 22', Mills 82', Ugalu 88'
Oldem Mechanical 1–2 FC Brimstone
Colfer 41', Stockinger 67', Cornwall 75'
FC Endeavour 3–1 Issington F.C
Harmonium 15', Gandhi 25', Varano 28', Ibrox 65'
Wrexton F.C 0–1 Dwile Warriors - Sunday game
Tregajorran 19'
Mona A.F.C 2–4 Barbury Town
McKenna 19', Devold 22', Richards 31', McKenna 42', Vigurs 54', Cullen 80'

RP to come

6th September - ANL Matchday 23
Mona A.F.C 0–2 Urbanista
Sandbottom 16', Krooijmans 27'
Barbury Town 3–0 Wrexton F.C
Lerryn 18', Vladimirescu 31', Rijshaart 61'
Dwile Warriors 4–2 FC Endeavour
Hawk 5', Strand 16', Tregajorran 41', Jovellanos 52', Tôr 58', Jovellanos 72'
Issington F.C 0–0 Oldem Mechanical
FC Brimstone 4–1 St George's Creek
Ahmejankov 17', Palmisano 31', Ugalu 36', Southwold 56', Mixolydian 66'
Wye United 0–1 Exton F.C
Zerzubar 41'
Mandon United 1–2 Egloskerry
Adela 80', Marsalis 85', Cammers 90+1'
Gwinevra Barbarians 2–2 FC Harpoon
Monrazón 19', Trevarren 43', Wilbrahim 76', Ibbarutzeces 80'

RP to come

9th - 10th September - ANL Matchday 24
Urbanista 2–1 Gwinevra Barbarians
Shizuka 54', di Mercurio 60', Troon 64'
FC Harpoon 3–1 Mandon United
Faye 24', Redmond 43', Halmiini 53', Jarwood 61'
Egloskerry 1–2 Wye United
Scherzer 33', Parks 54', Purrington 65'
Exton F.C 0–1 FC Brimstone
Zante 17'
St George's Creek 1–1 Issington F.C
Blekinge 54', Laccona 67'
Oldem Mechanical 1–2 Dwile Warriors
Jovellanos 32', Hawk 54', Conmara 63'
FC Endeavour 2–2 Barbury Town - Sunday game
Gandhi 17', McKenna 22', Gandhi 43', Wittevrongel 65'
Wrexton F.C 2–3 Mona A.F.C - Sunday game
Vigurs 43', Zavanna 54', Ohanna 55', Kristin-Hendrikje 67', Quesadillas 76'

RP to come

13th September - Cygnus Cup Quarter Finals
Barbury Town 4-0 Francisca Orient (BRE)

RP to come

16th - 17th September - ANL Matchday 25
Wrexton F.C 3–2 Urbanista
Quesadillas 15', Newman 22', Pedersen OG 26', Petrov 51', Gurdon 63'
Mona A.F.C 4–2 FC Endeavour
Vigurs 22', Vigurs 33', Strand 51', Sagar 53', Vigurs 67', Gandhi 74'
Barbury Town 3–0 Oldem Mechanical
Wittevrongel 42', Mo 54', Finn 67'
Dwile Warriors 4–2 St George's Creek - Sunday game
Tregajorran 16', Sarmiento 27', Hawk 46', Zozula 56', D'Oyly 64', Wallis-Iqbal 89'
Issington F.C 1–1 Exton F.C
Shahzad 17', Wickaninnish 54'
FC Brimstone 0–0 Egloskerry
Wye United 4–1 FC Harpoon
Purrington 4', Chiemeka 16', Jarwood 33', Saucedo 54', Leanord 65'
Mandon United 0–2 Gwinevra Barbarians - Sunday game
Weverton R-T 43', Storbrittania 48'

RP to come

19th September - Cygnus Cup Quarter Finals
Francisca Orient (BRE) 1-1 Barbury Town

RP to come

20th - 21st September - ANL Matchday 26
Urbanista 2–0 Mandon United
Tyler 43', Faulkner 56'
Gwinevra Barbarians 3–3 Wye United
Scherzer 5', Weverton R-T 16', Xoka 22', Monteforth 45', Peel 52', Dale 64'
FC Harpoon 0–2 FC Brimstone
Colfer 16', Waughton OG 76'
Egloskerry 3–0 Issington F.C
Cammers 25', Cammers 43', Firebrace 56'
Exton F.C 3–6 Dwile Warriors
Hawk 2', Zerzubar 14', Jovellanos 19', Ognevski 51', Ångstrom 56', Hawk 60', Bardsen 67', Mêndêlöíndçêl 76', Hawk 79'
St George's Creek 2–3 Barbury Town - Thursday game
Wittevrongel 21', Laccona 25', McKenna 29', Hogg 60', Devold 67'
Oldem Mechanical 1–0 Mona A.F.C
Conmara 40'
FC Endeavour 2–0 Wrexton F.C
Gandhi 18', Terán 47'

RP to come

23rd - 24th September - ANL Matchday 27
FC Endeavour 4–2 Urbanista
Ibrox 18', di Mercurio 22', Gandhi 35', Strand 54', Sandbottom 61', di Calania 67'
Wrexton F.C 1–0 Oldem Mechanical
Quesadillas 50'
Mona A.F.C 1–1 St George's Creek - Sunday game
Kristin-Hendrikje 10', Balnerii 41'
Barbury Town 1–0 Exton F.C
Wittevrongel 22'
Dwile Warriors 2–2 Egloskerry
Tregajorran 13', Desidiero 20', Fyre 47', Ingersleben 71'
Issington F.C 3–3 FC Harpoon
Ibbarutzeces 16', Radovan 19', Varano 42', Waughton 47', McKirkley 56', Chapman 77'
FC Brimstone 1–2 Gwinevra Barbarians
Palmisano 20', Kane 35', Weverton R-T 57'
Wye United 1–1 Mandon United - Sunday game
Boadicea 6', Scherzer 21'

RP to come

27th September - Cygnus and Marshall Cup Semi Finals
Barbury Town 2-0 Parrhesia United (NPH)
Wofford Town 0-2 Mandon United
Gwinevra Barbarians 1-4 Urbanista

RP to come

30th September - 1st October - ANL Matchday 28
Urbanista 2–1 Wye United
Newman 22', Dale 46', Kosbayashi OG 56'
Mandon United 4–1 FC Brimstone - Sunday game
Marsalis 2', Ahmejankov 17', Marsalis 15', Benson 70', Babič 77'
Gwinevra Barbarians 3–1 Issington F.C
Monrazón 18', Blekinge 22', Otkupshchikov 33', Shizuka 77'
FC Harpoon 2–1 Dwile Warriors - Sunday game
Ibbarutzeces 19', Hawk 44', Halmiini 67'
Egloskerry 1–0 Barbury Town
Răducioiu 30'
Exton F.C 0–0 Mona A.F.C
St George's Creek 2–2 Wrexton F.C
Ohanna 10', Nightshade 14', Rembrandt 31', Quesadillas 62'
Oldem Mechanical 1–2 FC Endeavour
Conmara 11', Terán 70', Gandhi 78'

RP to come

4th October - Cygnus Cup Semi Finals
Parrhesia United (NPH) 0-3 Barbury Town

RP to come

9th - 10th October - ANL Matchday 29
Oldem Mechanical 0–0 Urbanista - Sunday game
FC Endeavour 2–3 St George's Creek
Laccona 30', Gandhi 31', Wallis-Iqbal 37', Balnerii 51', Strand 71'
Wrexton F.C 2–2 Exton F.C
Townsend 11', Lunar Shadow 19', Petrov 33', Zerzubar 82'
Mona A.F.C 0–1 Egloskerry
Adela 18'
Barbury Town 2–0 FC Harpoon
McKenna 18', Lerryn 20'
Dwile Warriors 3–1 Gwinevra Barbarians - Sunday game
Jovellanos 19', Monrazón 33', Jovellanos 50', Mêndêlöíndçêl 61'
Issington F.C 1–1 Mandon United
Varano 17', Karrkka 44'
FC Brimstone 3–0 Wye United
Colfer 17', Peel OG 51', Zante 61'

RP to come

16th October - ANL Matchday 30
Urbanista 3–2 FC Brimstone
Newman 19', Tyler 22', Mixé OG 28', Stockinger 54', Faulkner 67'
Wye United 0–1 Issington F.C
Ithamar 66'
Mandon United 2–5 Dwile Warriors
Hawk 17', Marsalis 22', Jovellanos 28', Hawk 46', Zozula 67', Boadicea 70', Tregajorran 78'
Gwinevra Barbarians 1–3 Barbury Town
Shizuka 56', McKenna 60', Cullen 67', Vladimirescu 76'
FC Harpoon 0–2 Mona A.F.C
Zavanna 18', Hurstspurr the Bold OG 90+1'
Egloskerry 0–1 Wrexton F.C
Quesadillas 22'
Exton F.C 1–0 FC Endeavour
Villa 73'
St George's Creek 0–1 Oldem Mechanical
Conmara 6'

RP to come

18th October - Cygnus Cup Final
Fontvielle Impact (VLD) 1-0 Barbury Town (1-0 AET)

RP to come

19th October - Marshall Cup Final
Mandon United 2-1 Urbanista

RP to come

Top Scorers
23 - Laborious Hawk (Dwile Warriors)
20 - Alpha Gandhi (FC Endeavour)
14 - Aitor Jovellanos (Dwile Warriors), Weverton Rodriguez-Torrejon (Gwinevra Barbarians), Corinna McKenna (Barbury Town), Ace Newman (Urbanista)
13 - Salvatore Laccona (St George's Creek)
11- Marc Strand (FC Endeavour), Dan Quesadillas (Wrexton F.C), Alvares Ibbarutzeces (FC Harpoon), Blodeuwedd Conmara (Oldem Mechanical)

                           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Barbury Town             30   17   7   6    54   33  +21    58 - CHAMPIONS, CC
 2 Dwile Warriors           30   17   5   8    73   52  +21    56 - CC
 3 Urbanista                30   17   4   9    60   43  +17    55 - CC
 4 FC Endeavour             30   16   5   9    68   52  +16    53 - CC
 5 Gwinevra Barbarians      30   14   9   7    50   42   +8    51 - GC
 6 FC Brimstone             30   12   9   9    47   46   +1    45 - GC
 7 Exton F.C                30   13   6  11    34   33   +1    45 - GC
 8 Wrexton F.C              30   11   9  10    39   41   −2    42
 9 St George's Creek        30   11   8  11    53   52   +1    40
10 Wye United               30   10   8  12    40   43   −3    38
11 Egloskerry               30    9   6  15    32   46  −14    33
12 FC Harpoon               30    8   8  14    44   49   −5    32
13 Mandon United            30    8   7  15    28   45  −17    31
14 Oldem Mechanical         30    8   6  16    28   39  −11    30
15 Mona A.F.C               30    8   6  16    41   58  −17    30 - RELEGATED
16 Issington F.C            30    5   9  16    35   52  −17    24 - RELEGATED

                               Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Lighthouse Coves             30   17   7   6    46   33  +13    58 - CHAMPIONS, PROMOTED
 2 Miners '47                   30   15   7   8    65   47  +18    52 - ANL PLAY-OFFS, PROMOTED
 3 Bouldertown                  30   14   9   7    50   40  +10    51 - ANL PLAY-OFFS
 4 Atletico Standard            30   14   7   9    48   38  +10    49 - ANL PLAY-OFFS
 5 Mulhampstead                 30   12  10   8    65   44  +21    46
 6 Calshott Lighthouse          30   11   8  11    35   35    0    41
 7 Old Licentians               30   12   5  13    51   53   −2    41
 8 Barbury F.C                  30   12   4  14    43   44   −1    40
 9 Armageddon Casuals           30    9  13   8    57   59   −2    40
10 Urbanista Young Boys         30   11   6  13    33   40   −7    39
11 Urbanista Trojans            30   11   4  15    38   40   −2    37
12 Uxminster Athletic           30    9   9  12    26   32   −6    36
13 Azewyn Royals                30    9   9  12    52   60   −8    36
14 Oldem Gents Club             30    9   8  13    23   33  −10    35
15 Frewick F.C                  30    6  11  13    44   56  −12    29 - RELEGATED
16 AFC United of Cierbanor      30    7   7  16    40   62  −22    28 - RELEGATED

ANL Play-offs
Bouldertown 1–0 Atletico Standard
Miners '47 1–1 Bouldertown
Atletico Standard 0–3 Miners '47

  ANL Play-offs         Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Miners '47              2   1  1  0    4   1  +3    4 - PROMOTED TO ANL
2 Bouldertown             2   1  1  0    2   1  +1    4
3 Atletico Standard       2   0  0  2    0   4  −4    0

                             Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Wofford Town               30   22   4   4    80   50  +30    70 - CHAMPIONS, PROMOTED
 2 Kepler United              30   15   7   8    60   55   +5    52 - ANL2 PLAY-OFFS
 3 Cawln Wanderers            30   15   5  10    54   50   +4    50 - ANL2 PLAY-OFFS
 4 Old Guard Regiment         30   13  10   7    53   44   +9    49 - ANL2 PLAY-OFFS, PROMOTED
 5 Gwinevra Bulls             30   14   6  10    43   32  +11    48
 6 Moscva 2k12                30   13   6  11    51   42   +9    45
 7 Beowulf FC                 30   13   6  11    61   55   +6    45
 8 Royal Issington            30   11   9  10    60   51   +9    42
 9 Southtown                  30   11   7  12    25   26   −1    40
10 Docklands United           30    9  10  11    28   30   −2    37
11 Centre for Excellence      30    9   7  14    53   69  −16    34
12 Don't Panic FC             30    9   6  15    47   59  −12    33
13 The Dambusters             30    6  13  11    48   49   −1    31
14 Project +90                30    6  12  12    37   47  −10    30
15 Flotsam & Jetsam           30    7   7  16    50   68  −18    28
16 Yerk United                30    5   9  16    32   55  −23    24 - RELEGATED

ANL2 Play-offs
Cawln Wanderers 1–2 Old Guard Regiment
Kepler United 0–0 Cawln Wanderers
Old Guard Regiment 1–0 Kepler United

  ANL2 Play-offs        Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Old Guard Regiment      2   2  0  0    3   1  +2    6 - PROMOTED TO ANL2
2 Cawln Wanderers         2   0  1  1    1   2  −1    1
3 Kepler United           2   0  1  1    0   1  −1    1

                              Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Barbury Youth               38   22   8   8    49   24  +25    74 - CHAMPIONS, PROMOTION PLAY-OFF
 2 Gwinevra Youth Project      38   21  10   7    51   29  +22    73
 3 Skibbereen United           38   20   8  10    66   50  +16    68
 4 Gardenwall                  38   19  10   9    49   32  +17    67
 5 Skjoll Premier              38   19   8  11    71   45  +26    65
 6 Celts                       38   18  10  10    51   38  +13    64
 7 Etchilhampton               38   17  12   9    53   36  +17    63
 8 Kingsford FC                38   16   7  15    37   39   −2    55
 9 Landfall                    38   16   7  15    58   66   −8    55
10 Doka United                 38   15   8  15    52   54   −2    53
11 Bolventor                   38   14  10  14    47   57  −10    52
12 Barrabrook United           38   11  14  13    27   31   −4    47
13 Thornton                    38   14   3  21    32   36   −4    45
14 Clackmannage                38   12   9  17    29   34   −5    45
15 Torridge                    38   11  10  17    23   30   −7    43
16 Oxshott Wardens             38   10  11  17    39   46   −7    41
17 Conurbation                 38   10  10  18    45   69  −24    40
18 Conferencium                38    8  10  20    58   81  −23    34
19 Serious Platypus            38    9   7  22    40   66  −26    34
20 Cliffpass United            38    7  10  21    17   31  −14    31

                            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Witchunt                  38   28   7   3    83   27  +56    91 - PROMOTION PLAY-OFFS
 2 Avenida Apox              38   22   8   8    86   57  +29    74
 3 Urchfont Aggressors       38   21  10   7    75   44  +31    73
 4 Wallwatch FC              38   20   9   9    45   25  +20    69
 5 TP Indians                38   19  12   7    49   30  +19    69
 6 Dwile Warriors Youth      38   19   8  11    60   41  +19    65
 7 Jakkar Town               38   16  10  12    52   54   −2    58
 8 Huring FC                 38   16   9  13    68   58  +10    57
 9 Ballathistleturndarn      38   15   9  14    32   27   +5    54
10 Plains                    38   14   9  15    40   53  −13    51
11 Communadi Cougars         38   12  14  12    38   35   +3    50
12 Dreesus                   38   12  14  12    33   40   −7    50
13 Hempshott Royals          38   11  11  16    23   29   −6    44
14 Chardon Ministry          38   10  13  15    46   59  −13    43
15 Exmouth FC                38    9   9  20    41   63  −22    36
16 Greenfields               38    9   9  20    42   66  −24    36
17 AFC Blockade              38    8  11  19    34   61  −27    35
18 Ballykinegg               38    7  11  20    24   44  −20    32
19 Issington Tykes           38    6   9  23    35   63  −28    27
20 Jabberwocky Xanadu's      38    5  10  23     7   37  −30    25

Conference Play-off
Barbury Youth 2–0 Witchunt

BARBURY TOWN
Name                        NTN Pos Age LGP LGS TGP TGS
Alan Eustathios             APX  GK  29  28   0  40   0    
Jack Lerryn                 APX  RD  34  24   3  36   4
Amadeus Finn                PIS  CD  24  25   2  35   3 
Joel Barton                 JEC  CD  28   7   0  12   0     
Alex Mo                     APX  RM  31  25   3  36   4     
Jody Rijshaart              AUD  CM  35  22   4  32   5
Sverre Devold               BYN  CM  31  26   6  37  10  
Titan Vladimirescu          APX  LM  21  25   4  35   6
Augen Wittevrongel          COS CAM  22  27   7  40  11
Isidora Cullen              BRE  RW  27  11   5  18   9  
Corinna McKenna             APX  ST  28  26  14  38  20  

DWILE WARRIORS
Gentle Breeze               EQS  GK  28  27   0  41   0   
Eneko Treloquithack         APX  RD  29  25   1  37   1
Hadrian Belfast             NPH  CD  33  25   2  36   3       
Nicolas St Teath            APX  CD  32  26   1  36   2 
Iosef Winter                PIS  CD  20   6   0  10   0
Zlata Ingersleben           APX  RM  24  25   3  37   6
Yurpá Mêndêlöíndçêl         FRF CDM  35  24   6  37   7 
Forlock Pentameter          APX  CM  18   1   0   2   0 
Sakina Zozula               APX  LM  25  26   5  39   6
Laborius Hawk               VAL  ST 720  28  23  41  28 
Tolgus Tregajorran          APX  RW  35  22  10  33  14
Aitor Jovellanos            AUD  LW  27  27  14  40  18 

EGLOSKERRY
Ulysses Abujamal            APX  GK  21  25   0  26   0 
Xavier Vale                 SUS  CD  24   9   0   9   0
Solomon Harm                NPH  CD  20  24   2  25   2   
Combo Răducioiu             AUD  CM  25  26   2  27   2
Rohan Cammers               APX  CM  32  19   6  19   6
Tom Desidiero               MRT  LM  19  26   3  27   3  

EXTON F.C
Jake Winterfyll             COS  GK  25  28   0  34   0    
Steven Worrick              APX  CD  30   5   0  10   0
Olim Shahzad                APX  CD  28  27   2  33   2
Jakob Lunds                 SEM  CD  27  26   1  31   1   
Marius Ognevski             APX  DM  26  28   3  35   4 
Yevhan Bardsen              POL  RM  22  25   3  31   4 
Faruk Asim Townsend         MBT  CM  28  25   5  32   6  
Alfreton Zerzubar           APX  ST  25  27  10  33  11    
   
FC BRIMSTONE
Isadora Caravella           NPH  GK  26  27   0  28   0  
Eurwen Raynerson            APX  CD  22  26   2  27   2
Jessica Weiss               PAS  CD  20  26   2  26   2    
Catheline Stockinger        NPH  LD  27  27   4  28   4    
James Palmisano             APX  CM  19  26   7  27   7    
Dorian Mixolydian           APX  CM  32  26   5  27   5  
Rook Colfer                 NPH  ST  31  28  10  29  10    

FC ENDEAVOUR
Diandra Ballard             NPH  GK  29  26   0  34   0   
Moses Luc Bjerregaard       PIS  RD  28  25   3  34   3
Jakob Argyle                PIS  CD  20  26   1  33   1
Giacomo di Calania          AUD  LD  20  25   2  34   3       
Sico Ullsmang               BYN  RM  28   7   1  10   1   
Brendan Rivers              NPH  RM  26  24   3  30   4
Alex Terán                  FRF  CM  32  27   9  32  10  
Zana Ibrox                  APX  CM  26  26   6  32   7    
Rübéãn Tôr                  FRF  LM  24  27   7  33   9  
Marc Strand                 SEM CAM  20  26  11  32  13
Alpha Gandhi                APX  ST  21  27  20  35  23  

FC HARPOON
Mikel Azariah               MBT  LD  31  26   2  28   2    
Eero Halmiini               BYN  RM  32  25   5  28   6    
King Trevarren              MBT  CM  31  27   6  30   7   
Zebulon Faye                APX  ST  34  25   6  27   7   
Alvares Ibbarutzeces        AUD  ST  21  27  11  29  12     

GWINEVRA BARBARIANS
Ettie Seabrooke             APX  GK  37  25   0  35   0     
Odar Storbrittania          APX  RD  29  27   2  36   2  
Cleto Mata                  FRF  CD  31  26   1  35   2  
Willem Otkupshchikov        PIS  CD  31  26   1  38   2  
Zezinho                     NSI  LD  22  24   1  34   1  
Alice Monteforth            APX  RM  33  26   3  34   4 
Ruy Monrazón                FRF  CM  20  27   7  38   9      
Wesley Kane                 OSR  LM  29  27   5  37   7   
Sanui Shizuka               NSI CAM  26  26   6  36   8    
Weverton Rodriguez-Torrejon AUD  ST  22  27  14  39  21    
Anna Wilbrahim              APX  ST  32   6   2  11   5     

ISSINGTON F.C
Jadranka Steele             APX  GK  23  26   0  28   0 
Erika Kazama                NSI  RD  20  25   1  26   1  
Max Viking                  APX  LD  30  25   2  27   2  
Kasey McKirkley             COS  DM  27  24   2  25   2  
Joss Wickaninnish           APX  LM  25  26   3  26   3  
Alex Ithamar                APX CAM  30  26   5  28   5
  
MANDON UNITED
Timo Sokolov                POL  GK  28  26   0  31   0 
Darwin Quinto               AUD  CD  21  25   1  28   1
Aliser Redmond              APX  LD  18  24   2  27   3  
Saskia Babič                APX  CM  28  25   3  30   6       
Radomíra Boadicea           APX  LM  24  26   3  30   3    
Ikkon Karrkka               FRF CAM  32  25   3  29   4    
Actor Marsalis              APX  ST  31  26   9  30  11

MONA A.F.C
Quentrim Anama              APX  GK  33  27   0  27   0
Taiji Ishizuka              NSI  DM  21  25   2  26   2
Cherryl Kristin-Hendrikje   ESI  ST  19  25   6  25   6

OLDEM MECHANICAL
Endellion Hewn              APX  CD  34  26   2  27   2
Alec Koskinen               AUD  CD  39  22   1  23   1
Squire Trevelyan            APX  RM  18  24   3  25   4
Michelson Enigóó            FRF  CM  22  26   2  27   2
Allen Cornwall              MBT  LM  22  25   4  26   4
Blodeuwedd Conmara          APX  ST  22  27  11  28  12   

ST. GEORGE’S CREEK
Anna Hikari                 NSI  RD  22  25   2  28   2  
Christian Hogg              POL  CD  34  24   2  26   3    
Nightshade                  EQS  LD  19  24   2  27   2 
Melody Sarmiento            NSI  CM  20  26   6  28   7
Methuselah Wallis-Iqbal     EFL  CM  19  25   7  28   7  
Damian Balnerii             BYN  ST  33  23   9  25  10
Salvatore Laccona           OSR  ST  26  27  13  29  14    

URBANISTA
John Lockwood               APX  GK  33  27   0  40   0    
Leonhard Mixé               FRF  CD  27  25   2  36   3    
Robbie Faulkner             EUR  CD  29  26   2  39   3  
Ben Hatem                   APX  LD  34  24   2  35   2   
Michel di Mercurio          YTT  CM  30  25   5  35   6      
Niek Krooijmans             YTT  CM  27  26   6  38   7  
Rosie Tyler                 EQS  LM  24  24   6  35   8     
Ace Newman                  COS  ST  26  27  14  38  18    
Elvis Sandbottom            APX  ST  29  25  10  35  12     

WREXTON F.C
Soren Pedersen              SEM  CD  29  26   2  27   2 
Karl Finnan                 NPH  CD  36  24   2  25   2  
Lunar Shadow                EQS  CM  21  26   3  27   3   
Jack Ohanna                 APX  LM  31  27   5  27   5  
Paaron Petrov               COS CAM  34  24   7  25   7    
Dan Quesadillas             TIS  ST  22  27  11  28  11    

WYE UNITED
Iulian Kirilaunen           PIS  GK  34  26   0  26   0
Jack Mills                  APX  CD  23  27   2  30   2 
Rasmus Norregaard           SEM  LD  25  26   1  29   1 
Catheline Purrington        BRE  CM  26  25   5  27   6       
Alf Dale                    APX  CM  31  26   4  29   5  
Árbol Saucedo               SJG CAM  26  26   9  30  11    
Cheney Scherzer             BRE  ST  30  26   9  29  10

[Apox]

The Return of Apoxian Rugby

There has been no form of domestic rugby in Apox for 4 years - since the end of the 17th season of the Super Sixteen. Since then, there have been extended contractual arguments with Licentian clubs, who had been struggling to get fans into stadiums in a country attempting to rebuild itself. Then there were disputes about how rugby in Apox should continue. Would there be a return to the Apox Rugby Ten of 12 seasons ago? Or would there be attempts to fit in greater number of clubs into a new format.

Eventually, two leagues, of equal significance split into the North & Dwile and the South were created, merging the 10 Apoxian Super Sixteen teams with the 8 APL teams and several other invitees. There would be no relegation in this system, and the winner of each league of 12 would play for the overall title at the end of each season, with the top two from each league qualifying for international competition.

Apox North
JK Memorial Squad
Gwinevra Saints
Dwile Jerseys
Mona Warriors
Barbury Exiles
RFC
Cierbana
Northerly United
Dwile Rugby
Zealots of the North
Oxshott Exiles
Skibbereen

Apox South
Northern Urbanista
Hudd Trolls
Mandon Faithful
Southern Urbanista
Oldem Academicals
The Vikings
Ecchinswell Saints
Exton Heraldrim
Cawln Rovers
Greenfields
Victory Corinthians
Wofford Chiefs

The Results

APOX NORTH SEASON 1
   Apox North               Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD BP   Pts 
 1 JK Memorial Squad         22   17   0   5   403  245 +158  7   75 - CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYOFF, SEASOGS
 2 Gwinevra Saints           22   15   0   7   300  189 +111  3   63 - SEASOGS
 3 Dwile Rugby               22   15   1   6   366  256 +110  2   63
 4 Dwile Jerseys             22   14   1   7   348  214 +134  4   61
 5 RFC                       22   13   0   9   299  236  +63  5   57
 6 Zealots of the North      22   12   0  10   387  341  +46  6   54
 7 Mona Warriors             22   11   1  10   311  317   −6  4   49
 8 Barbury Exiles            22    9   2  11   296  324  −28  4   42
 9 Cierbana                  22    9   0  13   317  367  −50  2   38
10 Northerly United          22    6   0  16   305  459 −154  3   27
11 Skibbereen                22    4   2  16   201  341 −140  3   21
12 Oxshott Exiles            22    3   1  18   182  426 −244  2   15

APOX SOUTH SEASON 1
   Apox South               Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD BP   Pts 
 1 Mandon Faithful           22   19   0   3   509  233 +276  6   82 - CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYOFF, SEASOGS
 2 Hudd Trolls               22   14   0   8   389  258 +131  6   62 - SEASOGS
 3 North Urbanista           22   13   1   8   254  220  +34  5   58
 4 Ecchinswell Saints        22   13   0   9   325  295  +30  3   55
 5 Southern Urbanista        22   12   1   9   391  334  +57  4   53
 6 Exton Heraldrim           22   11   3   8   344  292  +52  3   50
 7 The Vikings               22   11   1  10   352  368  −16  1   46
 8 Oldem Academicals         22   10   0  12   333  346  −13  4   44
 9 Greenfields               22    8   2  12   244  383 −139  1   35
10 Wofford Chiefs            22    6   1  15   344  433  −89  1   26
11 Cawln Rovers              22    5   1  16   304  503 −199  4   25
12 Victory Corinthians       22    4   2  16   315  439 −124  4   22

The Championship Play-off
JK Memorial Squad 22–9 Mandon Faithful

Fairly conclusive there. JK Memorial Squad are the first champions of the new format.

Apoxian (APX) qualifiers: JK Memorial Squad, Mandon Faithful, Gwinevra Saints, Hudd Trolls

[Apox]

ANL Season 21 - Preview

Barbury Town

Manager: Rodin Vidal
Home Ground: Village Green, Capacity: 40,000
Line-up: Eustathios -- Lerryn (c), Finn, Balthorst, Maramora -- Mo, Devold, Vladimirescu -- Farías, Wittevrongel -- McKenna
Transfers in: Angelo Farías from Ajax Carloburgo for £18,000,000; Lars Britsen from FC Jansberg on a free
Transfers out: Joel Barton to (MAT) DMLK for £1,250,000; Jody Rijshaart, retired
Preview: No one expected Barbury to come out and win last season, so it was quite a surprise when they did top the table, especially as the club had a distinctly average first half to the season. However, Rodin Vidal proved that there was life after Ken Rickwright for the club and he looks set to press on this season, bringing in Valladar international Angelo Farías to give the team something of a more attacking dimension, as well as bringing a young Semar talent, the already capped Lars Britsen as a replacement for club captain/legend Jack Lerryn who retires after this season. Farías will hopefully bring some much needed drive to the midfield, with Jody Rijshaart retiring and Sverre Devold past his peak, it's been in need of an injection of life for a while. Corinna McKenna, upfront, had another brilliant season for the club last time and continues to battle with Laborius Hawk for the Golden Boot each season.
Last Season: 1st Predicted: 4th


Dwile Warriors
Manager: Moon Dust
Home Ground: The APX Sports Stadium, Capacity: 60,000
Line-up: Breeze -- Treloquithack, Belfast (c), St Teath, Ångstrom -- Ingersleben, Pentameter, Holt, Zozula -- Hawk, Jovellanos
Transfers in: Isaac Holt from Lajuno for £16,000,000; Enzo Bianchi from Trothwands Evolution for £13,500,000; Jhon Mercurier from Centre for Excellence for £650,000
Transfers out: Tolgus Tregajorran to Real Azuris for £7,000,000; Yurpá Mêndêlöíndçêl to Mâ Âlâmëómë for an undisclosed amount
Preview: Dwile are, as ever, a force in the Apoxian game, and this season looks to be no exception, with a busy transfer season. Moon Dust has transitioned the team to a more defensive 4-4-2 formation, though with Laborius Hawk in the side, goals are guaranteed, with Hawk still doing well playing at striker as opposed to his international position of midfielder. Isaac Holt, a very promising player from Eura, comes into the side in centre midfield, along with youth product Forlock Pentameter, who is a mercurial talent and one who's development will have to be closely watched. Enzo Bianchi and Jhon Mercurier will sit on the bench this season, with Bianchi almost guaranteed a starting spot next season. Hadrian Belfast is reaching the tail end of his career now but is still impressive in defence. The club have had to adapt to two legends leaving this season, with both Tolgus Tregajorran and Yurpá Mêndêlöíndçêl moving elsewhere to finish their careers. Tolgus Tregajorran will be missed by the club, and by the league in general, as this is the first season in 17 years where he doesn't make an appearance, while Mêndêlöíndçêl had a big impression on the club, being the final piece of the "Incredibles" team that won the ANL with a record points score.
Last Season: 2nd Predicted: 1st


Urbanista
Manager: Gavin Hughes
Home Ground: Lime Ground, Capacity: 36,000
Line-up: Lockwood (c) -- Böhler, Mixé, Faulkner, Redmond -- Troon, di Mercurio, Krooijmans, Tyler -- Newman, Sandbottom
Transfers in: Aliser Redmond from Mandon United for £3,000,000
Transfers out: Ben Hatem, retired
Preview: Urbanista did well last season with their kamikaze attacking techniques backed up by offensive talent, as Elvis Sandbottom and Ace Newman continue to tear up the league. They've lost Ben Hatem in defence this season, but have swooped for Mandon's very talented Aliser Redmond as their new left defender, making the defence also look pretty good this time around. The top of the table will be close again this season, so while the team is about as strong as last time, they may actually fall down a couple of positions.
Last Season: 3rd Predicted: 5th


FC Endeavour
Manager: Hector Rossizzo
Home Ground: The Garganaut, Capacity: 42,000
Line-up: Ballard -- Bjerregaard, Jekyll, Argyle, di Calania -- Rivers, Terán, Ibrox (c), Tôr -- Strand -- Gandhi
Transfers in:
Transfers out: Ursula Rankin to Wye United for £3,000,000; Ina Kipling to Francisca Orient for £1,500,000
Preview: FC Endeavour haven't added anyone to their line up this season, but their spending spree from last season was sufficient to ensure they'll do well this time around. In the starting XI, Imhotep Jekyll is into the first team after spending last season captaining the Centre for Excellence to continue his development. Diandra Ballard is still ridiculous in goal, while up front Alpha Gandhi is becoming ever more terrifying while Marc Strand is growing into a great addition to their strong attack of Tôr, Ibrox, Rivers and Terán. Very nearly favourites for the title this season.
Last Season: 4th Predicted: 2nd


Gwinevra Barbarians
Manager: Orophin Anárion
Home Ground: The Barbaria, Capacity: 50,000
Line-up: Steele -- Storbrittania, Mata, Otkupshchikov (c), Zezinho -- Adams, Xoka, Monrazón, Kane -- Shizuka -- Rodriguez-Torrejon
Transfers in: Mike Adams from Honeybadgers on a one year loan; Jadranka Steele from Issington F.C, end of loan
Transfers out: Alice Monteforth to Harmonica Tundra for £4,000,000; Ettie Seabrooke, retired; Sunbar McCoy, retired
Preview: Last season would probably have been judged a disappointment in Gwinevra, as they fell from title winners to 5th place and must content themselves with Globe Cup football this season. The team is largely unchanged and is a mix of superstars (Wesley Kane, Willem Otkupshchikov and Weverton Rodriguez-Torrejon) and squad players who might not even be good enough at this level. Ettie Seabrooke and Alice Monteforth, both seasoned internationals have moved on, Seabrooke retired and Monteforth to finish her career in Mareibat. Mike Adams on loan is an interesting signing, and there's no doubting that he'll do well, and Jadranka Steele should tend the goal well, even after being relegated with Issington last season. You'd hate to think how bad they would've been had Gwinevra not loaned her back to them...
Last Season: 5th Predicted: 3rd


FC Brimstone
Manager: Larissa Garrotte
Home Ground: FCB Stadium, Capacity: 28,000
Line-up: Caravella (c) -- Shaw, Raynerson, Weiss, Stockinger -- Gryphon -- Zante, Palmisano, Mixolydian, Ahmejankov -- Colfer
Transfers in: Catherine Gryphon from South Rathia for £7,500,000
Transfers out:
Preview: Brimstone had a good season last time out, finally putting aside the years of mediocrity to return to the UICA places, Larissa Garrotte's team managing to string together a good series of wins and climb into 6th place come the end of the season. This persuaded many of the internationals to stay, and attracted Brenecian Catherine Gryphon to the club in the holding midfield. This is a team which could very much end up in the UICA spots again, and will vie with Exton & Wye for the final two UICA spots.
Last Season: 6th Predicted: 8th

Logo Link Not Working. Gonna get it fixed.
Exton F.C
Manager: Sammie Puskas
Home Ground: River Exe Ground, Capacity: 32,000
Line-up: Winterfyll -- Theutrich, Shahzad, Lunds, Motte-Bailey -- Ognevski (c) -- Bardsen, Townsend, Villa, Wickaninnish -- Zerzubar
Transfers in: Joss Wickaninnish from Issington F.C for £3,000,000
Transfers out:
Preview: Another season, another UICA place for Exton. They're firmly in the "chasing pack" of teams who regularly qualify for UICA but aren't able to sustain a title push. Last season 7th place was slightly disappointing, but it is a better team which lines up this season. They've been part of the great Issington F.C player raid, and brought in Joss Wickaninnish, a talented player with a couple of international caps who's development slowed down at Issington in his later years there, filling in part of the missing midfield. They're good for the Globe Cup, but don't be surprised if they also make the Champion's Cup.
Last Season: 7th Predicted: 6th


Wrexton F.C
Manager: A.T Snow
Home Ground: MiXoL Ground, Capacity: 22,000
Line-up: Tzion -- Duarte, Barwegen, Pedersen, Babič -- Gurdon, Resolute, Shadow, Silvestra, Ohanna (c) -- Quesadillas
Transfers in:
Transfers out: Paaron Petrov to Na'Masille Mariners for £2,000,000; Karl Finnan, retired
Preview: Last season was a good surprise for Wrexton F.C, and they very nearly saw a return to the Globe Cup. However, are they likely to do this well this season? No... unfortunately. They've sold Paaron Petrov, who was the driving force of their recent success but now ageing, and lost Karl Finnan in defence. This is a team which should be safe from relegation, but they'll likely return back to mid table mediocrity this season.
Last Season: 8th Predicted: 11th


St George's Creek
Manager: Sanderstal the Almighty
Home Ground: New Alpaca Drive, Capacity: 26,000
Line-up: Gull -- Hikari, Ottilia, Nightshade -- Ugalu -- Kjellsen, Sarmiento, Wallis-Iqbal, Rembrandt -- Balnerii, Laccona (c)
Transfers in: Wibke Ottilia from Issington F.C for £750,000
Transfers out:
Preview: St George's Creek - traditionally the most insane, inconsistent team in the league - spend all of last season oscillating wildly, having more than enough talent to finish in the UICA spots but never really looking like a proper team. Sanderstal the Almighty is on relatively thin ice having forced out the team captain and star striker to the A-League in recent seasons, although he did manage to avoid forcing anyone out this season. Salvatore Laccona up front is actually very good and Methuselah Wallis-Iqbal in midfield could one day be world class. Wibke Ottilia was stolen from Issington F.C to shore up the defence somewhat.
Last Season: 9th Predicted: 9th


Wye United
Manager: Ponting Glamorgan
Home Ground: JK Stadium, Capacity: 30,000
Line-up: Kirilaunen -- Peel, Mills (c), Kosbayashi, Norregaard -- Leanord, Purrington, Dale, Chiemeka -- Saucedo -- Rankin
Transfers in: Ursula Rankin from FC Endeavour for £3,000,000
Transfers out: Cheney Scherzer to Kingsgrove for £3,500,000
Preview: Wye United definitely had a poor season last time out, and will definitely be hoping for serious improvement this time around. They've swapped out the excellent but old Cheney Scherzer for the excellent and young Ursula Rankin who's accepted that she isn't going to get meaningful first team football with FC Endeavour. The young centre defender Jack Mills has taken the captains armband as he's really filled into the role in recent years. This is a side which should be good for UICA football again this season.
Last Season: 10th Predicted: 7th


Egloskerry
Manager: Rohan Cammers
Home Ground: Eggcentric Arena, Capacity: 26,000
Line-up: Abujamal -- Southshore, Jelah, Harm, -- Fyre, Răducioiu, Cammers (c), Desidiero -- Adela, Varano
Transfers in: Hilde Varano from Issington F.C for £900,000; Andrian Jaarki from Gwinevra Bulls for £300,000
Transfers out: Emmanuel Firebrace to Mandon United for £850,000; Richard Parks to Urbanista Trojans for £500,000
Preview: Egloskerry are trying to wrest St George's Creek title of the most disfunctional football team in the league off them. But then again, they were kind of asking for that when they appointed Rohan Cammers as their player-manager. After a spectacular spat with last seasons captain, Cammers has ruthlessly sold him to a rival and instated himself as captain-manager. Dictatorship ftw. They've stolen Hilde Varano and Andrian Jaarki from lower league or relegated teams in a fairly sporadic transfer policy by Rohan Cammers. This is a team very much not resembling a coherent team, and while they'll definitely be entertaining this season, how well they'll actually do is another matter entirely.
Last Season: 11th Predicted: 13th


FC Harpoon
Manager: Chris Maarsden
Home Ground: The Celebratory Stadium, Capacity: 45,000
Line-up: Scott -- Mordaunt, Hurstspurr the Bold, Waughton, Azariah -- Jarwood -- Halmiini, Trevarren (c), Radovan -- Ibbarutzeces, Norbutt
Transfers in:
Transfers out: Zebulon Faye, retired
Preview: Harpoon have become fairly solid in the ANL but never comfortable - and this season may test them once more. They have talent in the side, but unfortunately most of that talent is ageing. The academy hasn't produced a great deal of young players to replace the older talent, so they'll need to invest, something they didn't do this season. It might be a real struggle for Harpoon this season.
Last Season: 12th Predicted: 14th


Mandon United
Manager: Jennie Scott
Home Ground: Brookside Wharf, Capacity: 20,000
Line-up: Sokolov -- Aiken, Quinto, Uffington, Firebrace -- Benson (c), Babič, Bardsley, Boadicea -- Michelin, Marsalis
Transfers in: Emmanuel Firebrace from Egloskerry for £850,000
Transfers out: Aliser Redmond to Urbanista for £3,000,000; Ikkon Karrkka to Danielson City on a free
Preview: Mandon United are another of those sides who have been stagnating for a while, selling off their best players and not really being able to replace them to the same extent. This season is was internationally capped Aliser Redmond flying the roost to Urbanista, bringing in the older and slightly less talented Emmanuel Firebrace from Egloskerry in. Up front, Actor Marsalis was only ever a 1 in 3 striker at best, and age is blunting him, while Haapo Michelin is completely untested at this level. Sorry to say it, but after 10 years in the ANL, Mandon's most recent spell may be soon over.
Last Season: 13th Predicted: 15th


Oldem Mechanical
Manager: Jorge Guardia
Home Ground: BRAAAGH Ground, Capacity: 12,000
Line-up: Hodges -- Richardson, Hewn, Nkrumah, Marshall -- Hatrim (c) -- Trevelyan, Enigóó, Quickley, Cornwell -- Conmara
Transfers in: Kwame Nkrumah from FC Slatslo for £2,500,000
Transfers out: Alec Koskinen, reitred
Preview: Oldem Mechanical are a youthful, fresh side, and we reckon they'll be able to kick on after a season where they were adjusting to the top flight and in the end only narrowly survived. They have a strong defence, with Endellion Hewn offering experience from the highest level, while new signing Kwame Nkrumah and recently capped Helios Richardson show youthful promise. Eneka Hatrim in defensive midfield is a powerful controller in the mould of such players as Matthias Sindelar and Luxulya St. Cleer, while Squire Trevelyan, Michelson Enigóó and Allen Cornwall are all fringe internationals for their respective nations. Blodeuwedd Conmara has taken her prolific scoring form in the ANL2 and converted to a decent 1 in 3 rate in the ANL. This is a team which will do well this season.
Last Season: 14th Predicted: 10th


Lighthouse Coves
Manager: Sto Southwald
Home Ground: Tim Betjecourt Ground, Capacity: 17,000
Line-up: Vadas -- Reverend, Arsenius (c), van Breda, Waldvogel -- Okwelume, Aquino, Reeve, Hatman -- Maná, Stawski
Transfers in: Chinedu Okwelume from Jansberg Laguna for £1,500,000; Cheney Reeve from Chatswood on a free; Maná from Project +90 on a free
Transfers out:
Preview: Lighthouse Coves haven't been in the ANL for a long, long time. To reflect this fact, they have bought in a lot of fresh faces to deal with this campaign and bolster the talent their squad already had. Hercules Arsenius, their captain in defence, is a big strong player as they come, while the midfield are a compact unit, aiming to press high and out pass their opposition, with Semar Chinedu Okwelume protecting the defence behind them. It's hard to say how their strike force will do this season, with Maná a bit of a punt from Project +90, while Rosaline Stawski only rose to prominence last season, her goals propelling the Coves to the title. The bottom 6 teams or so is going to be incredibly close, but Lighthouse Coves probably has what it takes to stay up.
Last Season: 1st, ANL2 Predicted: 12th


Miners '47
Manager: Jacob Walters
Home Ground: The Pit, Capacity: 16,000
Line-up: Marsalis -- Jones, Thanathan, Royston, Winship -- Leslie, Voss, Bohn, Haines (c) -- Alex, Holgerson
Transfers in:
Transfers out:
Preview: Miners '47 have been at the approximate level where they could come up through the play-offs for a while now, so it's not massively surprising to see them up again this season. Most of the team from the last time they were here have retired or moved by now, so it's a relatively youthful line-up. Surprisingly, they didn't opt to bring anyone in during the off-season and that decision may hurt them. Mareibatian cousin of Mandon's Actor, Victor Marsalis is good in goal, while other team highlights include Ihsan Winship at left defence and Eneka Holgerson in attack. Sadly, though, I can't see them staying up.
Last Season: 2nd, ANL2 Predicted: 16th

Armageddon Casuals
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