This was evenly true for Jottnar Kallsmudden, but the knowledge that they would need to score twice wasn’t that much of a threat to Urbanista. Elvis ‘Sandybum’ had shown previously that he needed little space to score and for youngsters like Niederkirchner and Giertych, the trip to Lime Ground presented itself as quite a task. In front of thirty-five thousand wild Apoxians, manager Freddi Ulvan once again adopted a rather defensive 5-4-1 system, in which Jurgis Venclova should cut short the heart of the team, the seldom visible yet all-important captain Armando Quillisi. One could hardly say that the result was inspiring football, but fact was that Sandbottom and Marsalis didn’t receive the ball too often. Quite frustrated with this evolution, both Ben Hatem and Ahmejankov attempted to break the deadlock from far out, but Remer was in good form. The same goes for Camden Stacks, as the Sariani gave Jottnar the necessary breathing space by rushing along the wing. No wonder that he almost scored, but John Lockwood wasn’t here to be surprised. With this, the one-time victor of the ANL hadn’t managed to do away some of the damage from the first leg and even the most ardent Urbanista fans started to question what was going on.
As a result, Mytanar Moses Uijtdewilligen entered the pitch and he immediately showed why he is considered a gifted fellow. Only an outstretched leg from Czovlap kept the goal out, but it seemed only a matter of time. The pressure on the goal of Remer was mounting, Sandbottom hit the post and Marsalis managed somehow to miss on a perfect assist from Troon. With twenty minutes left, the Jottnar dam seemed to brake when Remer booted it upfield desperately. Herbjornsrud more or less headed the ball further upfield, over the head of Anaru the Bold and the vivid Camden Stacks suddenly saw a free route to goal. The man of the match for Jottnar didn’t hesitate and his goal broke the spine of the Urbanista offense. Only Elvis Sandbottom got near a consolation goal for the Apoxians, but after the score from Stacks, it was money in the bag for Jottnar. “I know some might not have expected this,” the goalscorer proclaimed, “but this shows our strength.”
April 2020
April 1 – Thursday
Globe Cup
Third Preliminary Round (second leg)
Old Haven (ICM) - Tjelberg Forening (BYN) 0-0
North Bury (HUT) - Blau-Weiss Pallstadt (BYN) 0-0
Third Preliminary Round (second leg)
Old Haven (ICM) - Tjelberg Forening (BYN) 0-0
North Bury (HUT) - Blau-Weiss Pallstadt (BYN) 0-0
With the goals from Ostergaard and Harde in mind, Tjelberg wasn’t too eager to opt for an offensive stance when making the trip to the cold regions of The Icemark. For Old Haven on the other hand, there was no other choice but to opt for the attack. Dejan Heibye had opted to let Kjetil Harde on the side, slightly surprising but the manager considered it wise to let their young striker get a bit of rest. “He’s only nineteen and already played every minute so far. You can’t keep on expecting that from such a fellow if he was only a bench player last year.” In his spot, it was Trygve Andresen who should lead the attack but his complete miss in the opening minutes - instead of a screamer it was a pass to Halvor Sigurdson - showed his lack of capacity to fill the gap.
Old Haven tried to alter the balance with a few stinging attacks, Brian Ibrahim almost offered the home crowd a goal but Palle Angst reinforced a very fine start of the season. The possession was now for the team from The Icemark, Forening limited themselves to keeping the nil and did a fine job with that. One dangerous situation was headed away by Jonas Englund, who has become a real pillar for the Ravnarian side in ample time, and so they reached the break with no worries. With the clock reaching minute ninety, the hope from Old Haven started to decline. They did dominate the game, but Forening did little attractive. In the whole second half, Tjelberg only once worried the opposing goalkeeper but Kondrashov couldn’t keep his shot low. It didn’t matter, Angst kept his net clean and Tjelberg qualified for the next round.
As self-assured as Tjelberg had looked to this game, as nervous were the guys from Blau-Weiss. Indeed, they entered the second encounter with the team from Hutt River with a minor advantage but going on an international away game with two points out of nine in the competition, the pressure was rising. This not in the least towards Duco Dalmshelf, who had long struggled to find the good rhythm, but should be liberated after making an important goal against Sparta Torspeda, which had secured his side with a point. North Bury entered the arena with a clear target to score an early goal but Heffernan and Lawlor had trouble escaping the excellent, and now almost experienced, defensive duo Maurer and Milosevici. Therefore, the danger rather came from the attacking midfields and not in the least Max Sainsbury.
His first shot ended at the wrong side of the stake, an infiltration was cut short by an attentive Erhardt and only a reaction on the line - or behind it, according to the lads from Hutt River - from Christopher Orani prevented that Boyle scored on an assist from Sainsbury, the gifted midfield. The knowledge that with a single goal, North Bury could ensure a next round, forced Kullersdorf to push his boys forwards from time to time. They got no further than a kick from far out by Kauppi straight in the arms of Wijnter. Blau-Weiss remained the lesser team and in the last fifteen minutes, they had to hang on to all they had. An invisible Dalmshelf was replaced, so good old Hueppe could enlarge the screen before Erhardt. Erich Hall got a shot in the wrong side of the net trembling with his shot and even despite a red card from Vrintz for a desperate tackle, Pallstadt ensured another couple of international duels.
April 4 – Sunday
League Cup
Duel Two
Group North: Seura Pohkakunti 1-1 Bengtsmark IF
Group West: Thor Rellhovn 2-1 Tjelberg Forening
Group East: Viztourzys Kolektyvinis 1-0 Sparta Torspeda
Group South: Garbarnia Hoyersko 1-1 Slask Pruzniwczo
Duel Two
Group North: Seura Pohkakunti 1-1 Bengtsmark IF
Group West: Thor Rellhovn 2-1 Tjelberg Forening
Group East: Viztourzys Kolektyvinis 1-0 Sparta Torspeda
Group South: Garbarnia Hoyersko 1-1 Slask Pruzniwczo
The League Cup saw the second encounter and for quite a few teams, this was an occasion to attempt an alternative tactical scheme or to give some young guys a chance to prove themselves. A bit of a disappointment for the fans, by example the nearly twelve-thousand visitors of the Novas Pylimasstadion in Viztourzys. A visit from Sparta Torspeda should always provide some excitement and the home guys almost got a nasty surprise when Moga made a sneaky action through an astonished defence. Fortunately for them, Vincas Daukas was evenly surprised and send his ball to reach the stratosphere. Recollected from the first shock, Viztourzys took over the game, but it did take them over seventy minutes before Ansas Kairys could finish off a splendid interaction between the foreign masterminds of the midfield, Pfiffydghoerraks and Delafuente.
Another star of the Top Division who has his passport stamped abroad is most certainly Tullio Schi, the Zwangzugian linchpin of Bengtsmark IF. With the tiring midweek double in the Presidents Cup against eternal rivals Haljo Vannarby and a match in the CEdC, Derrik Markushovn judged it wise to keep his diamond on the bench. But it resulted in a Bengtsmark that had difficulties to connect defence and attack with creative solutions and when right defender Isak Hjortsberg missed a ball completely, Risto Pajari could present Gudaitis his first goal in the shirt of the White Kids. With time running out, Schi had to go on and save the day. His first touch was a splendid assist on Lindelöf but Ruhvianen could save this time. Not enough, as Schi could isolate Felipe Maniche and the Paulista did not hesitate to save at least a point for Bengtsmark.
Delafuente and Maniche are known names, in other places it were underdogs that had their brightest moment. Garbarnia Hoyersko had gone through a fine first few games, which was the cause that Lotthar Szylarsz only had his first playing minutes. For a long time, the oldest of the Szylarsz brothers had been the backbone of the Hoyersko offense, now his time appeared over and done with. A minor injury at half-time for Zigmund Kaczor did give him a new chance - after scoring only three times last year. Garbarnia was one goal down against a Slask that capracious yet physical as always, but Szylarsz could mark with something that could be located between a volley and a bicycle kick. And important one as well, as it did take a point out of a difficult game.
Last but not least, there was the Ravnarian minor derby, as Thor and Tjelberg would cross their swords in Mellem to Strome. For Forening, the difficult match against Old Haven seemed to be in their legs and it was a vivid Rellhovn that dictated the law. In the opening half, they managed to amass opportunities at the dozen, but somehow the woodwork, Palle Angst and a pincher of bad luck prevented the goal. Ironically, it wasn’t but when the pressure became lower that the deserved opening goal fell, Ib Abrahamsen was at the canon. Four minutes later, Hans Thorup doubled up after a free kick and Rellhovn had ensured a good start in the League Cup, something that couldn’t be prevented by a late own-goal from Thomsen. It might not be the most important of duels, but some sides had picked up confidence for the Presidents Cup.
April 7 – Wednesday
Presidents Cup
Second Round (first leg)
Fiarsdal Forening 1–2 Sparta Torspeda
Tillsamman Stensund 1–1 Hattrick Zeimgava
Blau-Weiss Pallstadt 0–0 Siklapaa Jalkapallo
Hretha Somlhus 0–1 Feldhammer Havik
Phonix Darvell 0–2 Gornik Wladica
Tjelberg Forening 0–0 Ciegnalki Motor
Grephel Gryphionen 1–2 Thor Rellhovn
Jottnar Kallsmudden 3–1 22. Czerwiec Grozno
Welanduz Vadshult 0–0 Linnameeskond Harseni
JX Jurbiskis 3–3 Slask Pruzniwczo
Haljo Vannarby 2–1 Bengtsmark IF
Kuinopi Club 1–2 Onwards Hollkoping
Ernesse Stahl 0–0 Pajukas Sport
Pelta Union 0–2 Seura Pohkakunti
Garbarnia Hoyersko 1–0 IFK Pollmarnang
AA Vadshult 0–3 Viztourzys Kolektyvinis
Second Round (first leg)
Fiarsdal Forening 1–2 Sparta Torspeda
Tillsamman Stensund 1–1 Hattrick Zeimgava
Blau-Weiss Pallstadt 0–0 Siklapaa Jalkapallo
Hretha Somlhus 0–1 Feldhammer Havik
Phonix Darvell 0–2 Gornik Wladica
Tjelberg Forening 0–0 Ciegnalki Motor
Grephel Gryphionen 1–2 Thor Rellhovn
Jottnar Kallsmudden 3–1 22. Czerwiec Grozno
Welanduz Vadshult 0–0 Linnameeskond Harseni
JX Jurbiskis 3–3 Slask Pruzniwczo
Haljo Vannarby 2–1 Bengtsmark IF
Kuinopi Club 1–2 Onwards Hollkoping
Ernesse Stahl 0–0 Pajukas Sport
Pelta Union 0–2 Seura Pohkakunti
Garbarnia Hoyersko 1–0 IFK Pollmarnang
AA Vadshult 0–3 Viztourzys Kolektyvinis
The teams from the highest flight joined the dance for the most beautiful of domestic cup trophies and that always provides some added excitement. Often, an encounter is staged between an underdog and a clear favourite, which gives the chance to minor sides to outdo themselves and slay a dragon whom would be too large over the whole season. Of course, not every Cup game becomes an instant classic. Sometimes, the bigger team just does what it has to do. Viztourzys, Rellhovn, Torspeda, Pohkakunti... Even on pitches unknown to them, they managed to secure a victory that placed them with one leg amongst the last sixteen. However, very few duels were already decided after the first ninety minutes and the six draw only could underline them. It would take us to far to discuss all games, but some special attention for Haljo Vannarby - Bengtsmark IF. For decades, this game in the Holmarena would be the greatest confrontation of the year for both sides. However, losing players like Stown, Hammund, Goretzka and not in the least Hulsvist - who received a hostile reception against his ex-team - had turned them into a ghost of their former glory. But at occasions as this, Haljo that relies more than ever on home-grown guys could do something extra. Against a lacklustre Bengtsmark, they pushed with all they had and before thirty minutes, Ove Jeppson and Daniel Ostlund had placed Vannarby two goals in the lead. An enraged Markushovn forced him team forward and the Yellows sieged the goal from Haljo. But good old Bruno Hawke had a glorious day and as only Harald Naess could get the better of the 35-year old Nepharim, Hawke was lifted on the shoulders by the crowd in the A. Holmarena while the Bengtsmark players murmured something about a minor game against the press.
With this said, we’ld like to point to a few remarkable performances from teams from the second division. First of all, there is Hattrick Zeimgava, probably one of the sides that has gathered the least praise over five years of Buyanese organised domestic football. But the squad from the small island of Kausola managed to pull a draw, a not to be underestimated result against TIlsamman that showed its form in the SBCC. It would be a bit too soon to call Siklapaa the winner of the day, but their scoreless draw on the field of Pallstadt was noteworthy, especially as goalie Erhardt earned more airtime than the two attackers of Blau-Weiss combined. A similar score in Den Dam, although Tjelberg dominated against Ciegnalki, they couldn’t put their dominance on the scoreboard. Ernesse Stahl shows that their group is not only strong in terms of offense, considering the presence of Livorski and Pelzner, but also in the last line as Pajukas couldn’t break through their wall. IFK Pollmarnang might not have won, but they made a nice mark as they almost got away with a draw from the Aleja Lipowa, but a clever goal from captain Martinek gave Hoyersko the victory. Last but not least, we would like to point to the most interesting game of it all. JX Jurbiskis is always alright in the Presidents Cup and scored thrice against an enthused Slask, with two lines behind the name of Barilius but in the last minute, through an incredible scrimmage, Marcos Pérez got an important touch of the ball.
April 8 – Thursday
Campionato Esportivano di Campeones
First Round (first leg)
Bengtsmark IF (BYN) - Mortsey (JEC) 0-1
Viztourzys Kolektyvinis (BYN) – Samcastle United (BRP) 4-1
First Round (first leg)
Bengtsmark IF (BYN) - Mortsey (JEC) 0-1
Viztourzys Kolektyvinis (BYN) – Samcastle United (BRP) 4-1
Only thirty-six hours after a disappointing loss against Haljo Vannarby, Bengtsmark IF received another punch to their self-esteem. But on the other hand, Mortsey is not the kind of team one will get around in a second. The Shells have won the last two titles in Jecklandish football and remain the biggest name of their domestic quadropoly. In their fashionable red outfits, they had proven their worth this season already in the Champions’ Cup by eliminating FC Nassau, TAATO and most importantly Racing Xinghua Baoyam, the Barangayan powerhouse. Obviously, the team from Nicholas Swift entered the arena with a good deal of self-assurance and immediately laid down the law. While some of the fans of the Yellows were still searching their seat, Ollie Watson received a pass from the left wing Nytnanga, rushed past Niemela and scored in the furthest corner. An uppercut of which Bengtsmark hardly recovered. Of course there were a few good chances – Maniche with a chip, a shot from Lindelof and a free kick by Schi that licked the crossbar – but the same could be said by Mortsey that played attractive, gutsy football. Eventually, Saldlund became the man of the match for Bengtsmark, diving into the feet of Watson when he was on his way to a second goal and saving a spectacular volley by Jonathan Gardner. Even Maxim Kolo found Saldlund on his way, the former Apoxian international – an old teammate of Devold over in Barbury – had a marvellous dribble in store but Saldlund was in the right corner.
Those recalling the first time Samcastle and a Buyanese team faced one another – a clear victory for Jottnar back in 2015 – might tell you that Viztourzys had the easy draw but it would be underestimating the Sulsana Premier League, a competition where Samcastle still had to accept the dominance of Empilot United FC but has grown over the years into the number two of Paradisian football. A fine amount of internationals amongst their ranks would do the trick as well, but it seemed as if Zarnevidis had very well observed their Globe Cup encounter with Netenju’he’ny from Allanea. Pushing well through the heart of the defence and with a bit of luck, goalie Nathan Pili had to turn around twice in the opening minutes – goals by Hostmann and Pfyffydghoerraks. Samcastle wasn’t overwhelmed too long, they started to dominate the midfield and a wide shot by Raiyaan Malik was the first warning. Before the break, they turned that into result – a screamer from Malik was stopped but Sammy Groves was attentive and pushed it past Schmidt. After the break, the game could balance both ways. There was a good chance for Hishaam Ali to score but the same could be said about Matias Delafuente. Eventually, it tilted towards the Kolektyvinis when Jochen Ptak got through the offside – Jones lifted it up – and pushed the leather below Pili. United kind of caught off guard and Jochen Ptak had brought his torinstinct to the pitch today, 4-1.
April 10 – Saturday
Top Division
Match Day Four
Blau-Weiss Pallstadt 2–2 Slask Pruzniwczo
Welanduz Vadshult 0–0 Garbarnia Hoyersko
Thor Rellhovn 0–1 Pajukas Sport
Sparta Torspeda 2–0 Jottnar Kallsmudden
Match Day Four
Blau-Weiss Pallstadt 2–2 Slask Pruzniwczo
Welanduz Vadshult 0–0 Garbarnia Hoyersko
Thor Rellhovn 0–1 Pajukas Sport
Sparta Torspeda 2–0 Jottnar Kallsmudden
The fourth game of the season and the moment where you can’t get rid of a lesser result anymore with the excuse of ‘a bad day’, but will wake up with the morning papers filled with crisis rumours. Changes are at a premium that Herman Kullersdorf will have had such a difficult breakfast on Sunday morning as his side once again could not convince us in their own stadium. Slask Pruzniwczo, one of the sides that hasn’t missed the opening month of the year at all, did not hesitate to take the initiative in their own hands with creative attacks and harsh yet fair defending. Nonetheless, it was Blau-Weiss who got in front when Evgueni Dziuba badly handled a crosspass by Kauppi and beat his own goalie. Slask did not give up and fought back with a lot of enthusiasm. With result, as Norkus made it even just before the break and Dziuba corrected his mistake when he headed one past Jan Erhardt on a corner kick. Still, Lady Fortune had opted to favour Pallstadt today as their sole top-class attack of the evening ended in the net. Kluszak and Riesling took care of the preparation and who else than David The Heroic scored.
The Old Guardian was harsh on his teammates after the last whistle: “We are not playing like a side that goes for a Champions’ Cup ticket. If three or four of us don’t reach the bar, we’re not making it.” It seems that more specifically Maurer, Hueppe, Dalmshelf and Wladecki were singled out here, as they are not the backbone this team so desperately needs. Another side that started the season with worries, at their level, is Welanduz Vadshult. Hanging at the last spot already, they are looking at a difficult season and coach Ellering considered it wise to opt for a point in their Lyckastadion. Opponent Garbarnia struggled in personal, with three players booked and a similar amount injured. With three guys from the U19 squad, the Tanners were not really able to threaten the five-man defence. Captain Jaro Martinek got close, but goalie Widforss saved Vadshult with an ultimate save and ensured a dry nil-nil.
Mellem to Strome was the venue for what could be an interested confrontation. The newcomers in the highest tier had so far managed to outdo the expectations, both in domestic and international football. Pajukas Sport on the other hand still struggled to get the scoring machine in the right rhythm but the composure they so missed the last two years showed that they found themselves on an upwards curve. The result was a game that deserved more goals considering the quality of the spectacle. The opening fifteen minutes were for Pajukas and the Boys in Green should have gotten in front as well. However, Aatos Sihvola could not refute that he’s not in best shape yet, he missed two great opportunities eye-in-eye with an inspired Egas Valadius who wanted to show that Pajukas was mistaken to replace him. But his opponent on the other end of the pitch did great as well, denying both Hovbjard and Paulas the opening goal. Eventually it remained close till the very end, but then Pajukas saw their force exchanged for goals. A free kick by Amundsen was headed goalwards by Salnikov, Valadius got a glove against it but Pilypas Petricius was attentive and secured the points for the visitors.
The Valnedan neighbours of Pajukas, Sparta Torspeda, had finally been able to secure a first victory last Wednesday and although it had only been against Fiarsdal Forening, it visibly had sparked their enthusiasm. Even against a Jottnar that had picked up quite some confidence in the Champions’ Cup, they dominated from the opening minute on. Emmanuel Moga was once again sensational and even the experienced Slawko Konarski had plenty of trouble to keep him out of the danger zone. More importantly, the attackers hadn’t missed the date as well and both Daukas and Pentanen were torturing the back four of the Giants. No wonder that it was a slick pass from the Mytanar to the former topscorer that allowed the latter to open up, his second one already this year. Vincas Daukas even got close to doubling up, but the crossbar refused to stand down. The second one nonetheless would come before half-time, Tomas Karosas scored his first goal ever for Sparta with a screamer over twenty-five meters. After the break, Jottnar did courageous attempts to alter the balance, but the defence of Torspeda, led by a splendid Juan Matias Somoza, did not give them a chance. Jottnar with a dent in their self-assurance and Sparta on the right trail. “I’m not surprised,” manager Sakalauskas smiled, “our last few games were already on a good level, now we’re adding results to it.”
April 11 – Sunday
Top Division
Match Day Four
Seura Pohkakunti 1–2 Viztourzys Kolektyvinis
Tjelberg Forening 1–2 Bengtsmark IF
Match Day Four
Seura Pohkakunti 1–2 Viztourzys Kolektyvinis
Tjelberg Forening 1–2 Bengtsmark IF
David and Goliath clashed in the first Sunday game of the fourth match day. For Viztourzys, dropping points was not an option with the knowledge that one victory in three games so far was not considered enough. The Red Machine was bringing their best eleven between the lines with the sole exception of Firecrest, slightly injured at the right hind leg. With an unseen combination of the 17-year old Vytautas Paksas and Felixian Alexis Sanchez in the heart of the defensive compartment, the fans of the reigning champion feared for the goal but the duo seemed to click quite well. Even more, it was the youngster who send Jochen Ptak into space with a long ball in the twenty-first minute. Quicker than Kai Ruutu, he managed to lift it over an astonished goalie and get the opening goal. Zarnevidis clearly indicated that one was not enough and pushed his side to the Seura goal. The last twenty minutes before the break, Pohkakunti didn’t get anywhere near Manuel Schmidt anymore, yet they seemed to be able to make half-time only one goal behind. That was before ‘Foskar’ Pfyffydghoerraks left his mark on the game, the ‘Mad Mousebaner’ as he is called by the press. With his magnificent reaction speed, he intercepted a moderate pass on the midfield, dribbled for over forty meters and send a torpedo in the furthest corner, ending all Seura hope. The second half seemed to become a walk in the park for a self-assured Viztourzys but a silly mishap between Hulsvist and Paksas did allow Risto Pajari to score his goal, Seura tried for more but couldn’t keep a point at home. “It’s disappointing that we make it difficult on ourselves the last fifteen minutes of the game,” Zarnevidis sighed, “that costs us much energy.”
Their major opponent for the title, Bengtsmark IF, was slightly pushed off their cloud this week. But when one saw the squad perform in Den Dam, it rather appeared that it had been the perfect wake-up call to bring forth a highly motivated side. The Yellows were dominant both in the air and on the ground, but a strong Palle Angst kept the scoreline low. A stinging shot from Schi was held, Zunzarren saw his free kick end up on the wrong side of the post and the kick from Mattisson after a scrimmage was insufficient. Nonetheless, the opener fell when Felipe Maniche could dribble past his former teammate Jonas Englund. An agitated Englund tackled the Paulista in the box and Harald Naess scored the subsequent penalty kick. Tjelberg wasn’t having much fun in the competition so far and this certainly didn’t help, but they did get par when Sil Moen got a free kick past Saldlund in the retake. With one each, Bengtsmark would have to accept Viztourzys along with them in the first spot and that was not to be accepted. Eventually, it was a rather strange situation that brought them the three points. Whilst his teammates indicated to the ref that Frank Berg was lying injured, Relling send a deep pass to Tegner. The youngster did not hesitate and launched it past Angst, who fulminated to the assistant referee when that man indicated that Berg had lifted up the offside. Despite the drama, a deserved threepointer for Bengtsmark, that holds on to the first spot. “We simply played better,” Naess spoke, “so we deserved it.”
April 14 – Wednesday
Presidents Cup
Second Round (second leg)
Sparta Torspeda 2–3 Fiarsdal Forening (aggr. 4-4, Fiarsdal on away goals)
Hattrick Zeimgava 0–3 Tillsamman Stensund (aggr. 1-4)
Siklapaa Jalkapallo 2–2 Blau-Weiss Pallstadt (aggr. 2-2, BW on away goals)
Feldhammer Havik 2–2 Hretha Somlhus (aggr. 3-2)
Gornik Wladica 2–2 Phonix Darvell (aggr. 4-2)
Ciegnalki Motor 2–0 Tjelberg Forening (aggr. 2-0)
Thor Rellhovn 2–0 Grephel Gryphionen (aggr. 4-1)
22. Czerwiec Grozno 1–1 Jottnar Kallsmudden (aggr. 2-4)
Linnameeskond Harseni 1–3 Welanduz Vadshult (aggr. 1-3)
Slask Pruzniwczo 3–0 JX Jurbiskis (aggr. 6-3)
Bengtsmark IF 1–0 Haljo Vannarby (aggr. 2-2, Bengtsmark on away goals)
Onwards Hollkoping 2–0 Kuinopi Club (aggr. 4-1)
Pajukas Sport 3–4 Ernesse Stahl (aggr. 3-4)
Seura Pohkakunti 5–1 Pelta Union (aggr. 7-1)
IFK Pollmarnang 1–0 Garbarnia Hoyersko (2-4 Pen.)
Viztourzys Kolektyvinis 1–1 AA Vadshult (aggr. 4-1)
Second Round (second leg)
Sparta Torspeda 2–3 Fiarsdal Forening (aggr. 4-4, Fiarsdal on away goals)
Hattrick Zeimgava 0–3 Tillsamman Stensund (aggr. 1-4)
Siklapaa Jalkapallo 2–2 Blau-Weiss Pallstadt (aggr. 2-2, BW on away goals)
Feldhammer Havik 2–2 Hretha Somlhus (aggr. 3-2)
Gornik Wladica 2–2 Phonix Darvell (aggr. 4-2)
Ciegnalki Motor 2–0 Tjelberg Forening (aggr. 2-0)
Thor Rellhovn 2–0 Grephel Gryphionen (aggr. 4-1)
22. Czerwiec Grozno 1–1 Jottnar Kallsmudden (aggr. 2-4)
Linnameeskond Harseni 1–3 Welanduz Vadshult (aggr. 1-3)
Slask Pruzniwczo 3–0 JX Jurbiskis (aggr. 6-3)
Bengtsmark IF 1–0 Haljo Vannarby (aggr. 2-2, Bengtsmark on away goals)
Onwards Hollkoping 2–0 Kuinopi Club (aggr. 4-1)
Pajukas Sport 3–4 Ernesse Stahl (aggr. 3-4)
Seura Pohkakunti 5–1 Pelta Union (aggr. 7-1)
IFK Pollmarnang 1–0 Garbarnia Hoyersko (2-4 Pen.)
Viztourzys Kolektyvinis 1–1 AA Vadshult (aggr. 4-1)
The Presidents Cup has and always will be the field where giants dwindle and dwarfs overcome the odds. The opening leg had already set up a few interesting instances for that, but it’s even more beautiful when it comes out of the blue. Fiarsdal Forening, once founded as a cooperative club to Tjelberg Forening, started with little chances in Pergale Stadionas and standing at two-one halfway, Sparta felt the qualification was in the bag. A confident manager saw it the right time to sub off Moga and Kubinskis, both vital in the lead, but that would alter the game. 24-year old Anders Jorn could put one past goalie Sakalauskas and three minutes before the last whistle, Jorn scored once more, knocking Torspeda out. But Torspeda wasn’t the only one to receive a painful result at home, their neighbours from Pajukas couldn’t bring home a two-nil lead against second divisionist Ernesse Stahl. Although the fact that Aatos Sihvola can be glad he found a new form, scoring twice, it all disappeared in the shadows compared to the performance of Kurt Livorski, the Ernesse striker who scored thrice. The third Top Division side for whom the adventure in the domestic cup is over is Tjelberg Forening. The enthusiasm for their splendid Globe Cup track starts to be replaced by disappointment over their local landmarks as they simply were the lesser side on the field of Ciegnalki. Motor, with a splendid Marcin Diczowski as key player, showed more creativity, willpower and cool in front of goal.
And if some details would have gone a different way, they would have been joined by a few fellow sides from the highest flight. The price for closest escape goes without any doubt to Hoyersko. It would be a lie to say that they played bad, but IFK was at their best and managed to balance the scales when it came to creating opportunities. Even more, the Korfaltet Arena could cheer as Kare Hult scored after a free kick. The Hikers, forgetting for a moment the departure of their star player Stefan Ladsell to Taeshan, even survived the extra-time, but on penalties, Garbarnia and national goalie Ulle Seber came out victorious vis-à-vis his colleague Lasse Falk. Blau-Weiss fans similarly had little left of their fingernails after the confrontation on the field of Siklapaa Jalkapallo. Jalka could get in front twice, but Blau-Weiss could come back twice. It was no surprise there was nothing but a sigh of relief when the last whistle came as Jan Erhardt had been vital to secure a ticket. But the most tense encounter was in the Havssidan, where Haljo and IF had a rematch for the amazing encounter one week ago. Bengtsmark staged their best players, another shameful loss would be a problem and the Yellows showed their difference in divisions at once with a goal, Yakobe Zunzarren was the name. But after thirty minutes, the pressure dropped and Haljo knew that with only one goal to go, nothing was decided yet. Ove Jeppson played what is possibly his best match ever and whenever Bengtsmark seemed to finish off their archenemies, Bruno Hawke stopped the ball. Eventually, young Stef Jonson got the opportunity, but Mamontovas could wipe the ball off the line. Bengtsmark goes on, but by a close margin. “It was possible,” Jeppson realised, “and if we had done it, no one could say we didn’t deserve it. But this is it, now we must focus on the title. But it hurts.”
From the previous overview, one would almost assume that all Top Division clubs were in trouble, but that’s a bit too far-fetched. Welanduz Vadshult corrected their less good first game, Sture scored twice. In Paraati Areenalla, it even became a goalfest with Ivan Gudaitis marking three times and another hattrick was for Gerolf Poluceck who single-handedly pushed JX Jurbiskis out of the race. Viztourzys seemed to be stumbling, but considering the fact that the average age of the fielded team was twenty, they did sufficiently well and a similar story could be told about their fellow Champions’ Cup participant Jottnar Kallsmudden, where 16-year old debutant Knut Dahle scored the opening goal. Last but not least, Thor Rellhovn joined the circle of qualifiers with a victory at home against the Gryphionen. Only nine Top Divisionists left, that means that seven sides from the second flight survive and apart from giantslayers Fiarsdal, Ciegnalki and Ernesse, those are Tillsamman Stensund – continuing their SBCC form -, Gornik Wladica, Onwards Hollkoping and the most surprising name Feldhammer Havik. Against Somlhus, they protected a slim lead with the duo Rino Muller and Gottlieb Rieglberg as prime players.
April 15 – Thursday
Campionato Esportivano di Campeones
First Round (second leg)
Mortsey (JEC) – Bengtsmark IF (BYN) 0-2 (AET)
Samcastle United (BRP) – Viztourzys Kolektyvinis (BYN) 0-3
First Round (second leg)
Mortsey (JEC) – Bengtsmark IF (BYN) 0-2 (AET)
Samcastle United (BRP) – Viztourzys Kolektyvinis (BYN) 0-3
With ninety tiring minutes against Haljo Vannarby in the legs, a long plane trip behind them and the knowledge that they needed to rectify a defeat against a motivated opponent, Bengtsmark IF knew that it would be very harsh to grab a qualification for the next round in the Grislip Arena. The Shells were very well-prepared for this encounter and despite numerous attempts, Tullio Schi couldn’t punch a hole in their wall. Even to the contrary, the home side was more dangerous and Apoxian Kolo could’ve defined the game if Niemela had not been just in time to scoop his shot over the crossbar. It remained a difficult task for Bengtsmark to produce their game, the midfield trio Zunzarren – Naess – Schi was pretty well guarded by the troops of Swift. Eventually, they would have to bank on an individual mistake and that one came from Joe Harnett. The youngster completely missed his control on a simple pass from Zenic international Leon Gaspare Rosso and who but Felipe Maniche made clever use of it. Heading towards extra time, Mortsey took over the initiative but Saldlund was the better one when needed and it sapped a lot of energy from the home side. In the first extra time, Bengtsmark slowly started to rule but it wasn’t until minute 113 that the decisive goal hit the net. Carter tried to punch a crosspass from Zunzarren out of danger, Niemela chipped it back in the box and there was Tullio Schi with a shot that bounced off O’Neill passed the flailing hands of Carter. A qualification but very close. “I’m really satisfied with the guts and vigour my team showed today,” Markushovn told.
For Viztourzys, the challenge in Boratio Park could be considered a lot less challenging. After all, the ticket for the round of sixteen seemed to be punched after a clear victory in the Novas Pylimas but Samcastle United entered the arena with a clear target, taking that last chance. Key player in that effort was once again Raiyaan Malik, who formed a constant threat in front of the goal and only Schmidt and the post could keep the Borisian international away from the opening goal. For over fifty-five minutes, Samcastle had the game in their hands but they lacked that little bit of luck necessary for a surprise comeback. One clever counterattack, where Delafuente and Ptak made the most of the available space, would mean the end for them as the Farf superstar had a splendid finish in store. This goal kind of broke the knees of the home team and what followed was a rather one-sided festival in which a few replacements for the Kolektyvinis tried to demonstrate why they should get a spot in the starting line-up. Stasys Mirvellas made the best case for it with a beautiful goal and an assist to Alexis Garcia, allowing the Felixian to score his first for the Red Machine.
April 17 – Saturday
Top Division
Match Day Five
Bengtsmark IF 0–0 Sparta Torspeda
Viztourzys Kolektyvinis 1–1 Thor Rellhovn
Garbarnia Hoyersko 0–2 Seura Pohkakunti
Slask Pruzniwczo 0–2 Welanduz Vadshult
Match Day Five
Bengtsmark IF 0–0 Sparta Torspeda
Viztourzys Kolektyvinis 1–1 Thor Rellhovn
Garbarnia Hoyersko 0–2 Seura Pohkakunti
Slask Pruzniwczo 0–2 Welanduz Vadshult
While we reach the middle of April, one could say that Bengtsmark IF hasn’t missed their start. Looking out to their first confrontation in the Globe Cup, they have reached the leading spot in the domestic competition and even a slight hick-up in the Presidents Cup was rectified with a goal by Yakobe Zunzarren. The Yellows looked forward to continue that drift against a Sparta still flustered by the loss at home against Fiarsdal Forening and it was the home side that dominated in the first half. However, Sakalauskas was at the right place when both Mattisson and Schi attempted to get one between the stakes and while the clock was counting down, the leader lacked the punch to finish off their trembling opponent. If one man could deliver that blow it was Felipe Maniche, but the Paulista didn’t have his day and missed two great opportunities. Eventually, Sparta Torspeda almost tiptoed to a victory but a chip from their Anglican key player Moga was pushed over the crossbar by Steinar Niemela. “I think we did everything right till at the box,” the young Polarian spoke after the last whistle, “but some days that’s just the way it is. I’m already feeling quite at home in this club.”
Who also starts to feel quite at home in the cosy nation of Buyan is without any doubt Pfyffydghoerraks. Although the position of club superstar is still firmly in the hands of Matias Delafuente, the Farf attacking midfielder of Viztourzys, ‘Foskar’ has grown in the kind of hero/antihero who leaves no true supporter untouched. At certain days, he brings out the very best and saves the day with an amazing infiltration and/or shot. At other ones… Well, let’s just say that today was such a game. Lacklustre, uninterested and just before he was pulled off, snoozing in the middle of the field, it was a miracle it was only 0-1 after thirteen minutes – a clever touch behind the supporting leg by Ramunas Paulas. “It’s my biorhythm,” the Paradystopian cat explained. Either way, back at full force the Kolektyvinis took over the game with vigour but couldn’t really restore the damage. Only Stefan Hostmann, scoring already his third one of the still fresh season, could find a way past Egas Valadius and although the lesser team, Thor Rellhovn had another fine performance.
After the first two games of Garbarnia Hoyersko, the papers had discussed whether this was the beginning of a new bloom for the Tanners. After some difficult years in the bottom of the league with unattractive football, they showed guts, creativity and even found the way to the goal. New additions like Stown and Konopka were lauded but those chants had died down by now. The difficulties in the Cup against a lower ranked Pollmarnang did not aid. The contrary could be said about everyone’s sweethearts, Seura Pohkakunti, who placed the crown on a good form with a 5-1 victory Wednesday. The White Kids continued that stint with a fine victory at the Aleja Lipowa, where Risto Pajari was the key to success. Pajari managed to score the opener and in the second half, he presented the decisive one to his teammate Vehvilianen. The 23-year old scored so far no less 28 goals in the Top Division, no wonder that despite it only being April, the managers are already trying to tie him to a different team. “I’m not silly, of course there are options. But right now, my focus is on Seura,” he said.
Last but not least, there was a surprising result in the game between Slask Pruzniwczo and Welanduz Vadshult, but the home team certainly did help the underdogs to accomplish it. Slask is widely known as a side that prefers crashing into the wall over breaking too early and that’s something you definitely shouldn’t try with referee Peter Nilsen. Before the break, four guys in fluorescent green were booked and Cyryl Schulewski was sent off already. With the numerical advantage, Welanduz started to raise the pressure and eventually it paid off. Dan Gelson, connected to the national team on a blue Monday placed a screamer past Bogusz. In the protests over a potential offside situation, Nilsen kindly invited Gerolf Poluceck to join his teammate in the showers and against nine men, Johan Hammargren showed he’s not too old yet. “It’s good for the atmosphere in the group to get that first win,” the veteran explained, “even if it is in such a way.”
April 18 – Sunday
Top Division
Match Day Five
Pajukas Sport 0–0 Tjelberg Forening
Jottnar Kallsmudden 3–3 Blau-Weiss Pallstadt
Match Day Five
Pajukas Sport 0–0 Tjelberg Forening
Jottnar Kallsmudden 3–3 Blau-Weiss Pallstadt
Two clubs at the brink of a minor depression and with this result, none is pushed in yet – but the level of play should definitely worry them. The spectacle in the Bokstasstadionas never was worthy of that name as neither side really endangered the opposing goalie. It is significant that the best two opportunities were placed from very wide out. For Tjelberg, it was Frank Berg but his shot his the outside of the post. On the other end of the pitch, Apoxian Noel Amundsen almost lead his side to three difficult points like a true captain, but Palle Angst doesn’t share in the lesser form of his squad and saved it with his fingertips. Knowing as well that his time for the Apoxian national side is over after not being selected for the Eagles Cup, this wasn’t the most happy Amundsen we’ve ever spoken. “I respect the decision of Gavin Hughes as it is, but of course I would have loved to defend our colours once more. But he’s pulling the card of the youth and that’s how it should be. It allows me to focus on my team, Pajukas, and we can’t hide yet that there is still work to do.” But even more grim is the situation for Tjelberg Forening. In the Globe Cup, the Forening has ran a flawless course but domestically they’ve gathered exactly one draw in the last five games against domestic opponents, but lost in the rematch of the Cup against Ciegnalki Motor. “We’re at thirteen games already this year and I feel it weighs on the boys,” manager Heibye looked for excuses, but one feels that only a continued adventure in the UICA competitions could keep him at his stool.
But the major confrontation of the fifth match day was the encounter between Jottnar Kallsmudden and Blau-Weiss Pallstadt. Admittedly, neither side has so far lived up to the promises left by last year’s performance – respectively a second spot in the competition and the most exciting team of the second round. For Blau-Weiss, the poor match in the Presidents Cup against Siklapaa Jalkapallo had been a wake-up call. Kullersdorf had made a few harsh conclusions, placing Maurer, Hueppe and Dalmshelf on the bench and one couldn’t deny that it brought more live in the team. Despite a full Vingardarena backing Jottnar, it was Blau-Weiss that opened the scoreline when David the Heroic wisely headed back to Christopher Orani and the Apoxian scored with a beautiful shot. A second goal was just around the corner, Riesling with the assisting pass and the first goal ever in the blue and white shirt from Klaus Siebel. However, the Giants wouldn’t accept such an evolution and Camden Stacks, the best player from Jottnar in 2020, brought new life in the game when he passed the right touch to Herbjornsrud. One-two and everything to play for, but Jottnar slowly started to dominate. It wasn’t but in the 78th minute that they capitalised it, Slawko Konarski scored in the rebound. And things got worse for Pallstadt when a moment of confusion between Erhardt and Orani on a high ball was detected by Niceforski, who profited perfectly. Manager Kullersdorf pulled out a defender and placed Duco Dalmshelf on the field. “I don’t know,” the striker of the national team later said, “maybe that spot on the bench was what I needed to realise that I should work more. It may not be a winning goal, but it feels like one to me.” A draw, indeed, but after excellent football.
April 20 – Tuesday
Series B Champions’ Cup
Play-off Round (first leg)
Thor Rellhovn (BYN) - Filites Madrid (WFH) 2-0
Tilsamman Stensund (BYN) - Seansburgh Cougars (COM) 1-3
Play-off Round (first leg)
Thor Rellhovn (BYN) - Filites Madrid (WFH) 2-0
Tilsamman Stensund (BYN) - Seansburgh Cougars (COM) 1-3
Mellem to Strome welcomes the victor of the last Siroka Championship, the second division of the Westfieldian pyramid. Filites Madrid never has been a major name domestically and slowly sled down out of the highest flight but being pushed back in the lower tier, they managed to reinvent themselves with a title. Last year, their run in the SBCC ended against Assertham TU from Earent but this year they showed a fine form against Audax Romano and were assured to continue to the group stage. Rellhovn quickly discovered that they would do all they could to get there and had to struggle to get through the first half. But after the break, the tables turned and when Arnold Rootare found an unmarked Sigmund Dalby in front of goal, Rellhovn took the lead. It would break the spirit of the visitors and only a strong Madrid goalie could prevent a goal from Hovbjard or Ohlin. The storm died down and when one-nil seemed to be the final score, a late corner kick heavily altered the result. “One-nil would have been very difficult to defend in Westfield House,” scorer Edvald Castberg knew, “so I’m really satisfied to have made my first one for Thor. Things are going great for us and a spot in the group stage would be a unique moment for Buyan.”
According to some druids, a cat must have nine lives and it seems that the same goes for the big kitties that go under the name of Cougars. Seansburgh, a side from Capitalizt SLANI, is seldom noted amongst the manifold of greats presented by the Elite League. Somewhere in the far past, they were a respected name in the top division. In the days of the illustrious defender Karlomanga Logambina, 1983 in our time account - 2178 in theirs, they even featured in the group stage of the Champions Cup. In the following decades, they became what one would call an elevator team. The Cougars exchanged the first and second flight of the Elite League as swift as their socks with as glory moment a title in 2223 – in the Elite League Two of course. The start of their second-best appearance in the SBCC, a round of 16 ticket that missed out to tie their quarterfinal against South Barrier United back in 1997.
But history often counts for nothing and in the same season they appeared in the Globe Cup against Royal Rumaitzi, they were one of the biggest victims of a transformation of the Elite League One with a relegation to the Promotion League, the third tier. The start of a dark period as a victory in the South West League Division One is rather a mark of shame than something you’ld put on your resume. But they reappeared at the surface with a promotion to the Elite League Two and at once grabbed the title there! No wonder that Tilsamman Stensund suffered the same faith as Etaulse Club from Yttribia had. The Cougars immediately took the lead and before the break, Jon Ingeson had seen three goals disappear behind him. It wasn’t but late in the game that 16-year old Jannick Brems put a silver lining to this game as he was the quickest to set his head against a crosspass of Sven Bramlinger, his first goal in the SBCC.
April 21 – Wednesday
Champions’ Cup
Play-off Round (first leg)
Ozkaar Roevres (PDT) - Viztourzys Kolektyvinis (BYN) 1-0
Dwile Rovers (APX) - Jottnar Kallsmudden (BYN) 2-0
Play-off Round (first leg)
Ozkaar Roevres (PDT) - Viztourzys Kolektyvinis (BYN) 1-0
Dwile Rovers (APX) - Jottnar Kallsmudden (BYN) 2-0
Amongst the circles of Viztourzys fans, one could hear muted cheering when the name of the opponent in the last hurdle to the group phase was announced. Indeed, the Cats do not hold the same reputation as some of the more experienced opponents that could have awaited them but it would be a fault to underestimate the last winners of the Paramount Division. Having quickly moved up in the fascinating and sometimes confusing world of Paradystopian football, Ozkha Rovers moved out of vehicles such as the Onyx Championship League Two to the FLPC. With success, as they made their first Globe Cup run in 2018 and repeated the same feat last year until Lac-Drouin Saint-Pierre cut short the road to glory. The club can bank on a myriad of foreign stars, not in the least their Barangayan striker Daren Corsiga and it was this fellow who opened the score before someone in the stadium could figure out how many nationalities the different teams in the Paramount Division had. Dorian Mixolydian, the Apoxian who had been a great addition ever since he came over from Wye United, presented the assist and Corsiga towered over Garcia to score in the fifth minute.
Viztourzys had to present something as well now as no one likes the pressure to need a win in the second leg, but the 5-3-2 from manager Oudie stood like a block of concrete. Even more, only a great reflex from Schmidt prevented a second goal, this time that other Barangayan Keith Khan came close. For the Red Machine, it continued to be difficult to pierce a hole in the wall. There were some claims for a penalty when Dicro touched Hostmann in the box, but the referee correctly presented a yellow card for a Schwalbe to the young Viztourzys striker. It wasn’t but in the last fifteen minutes that the Roevres started to suffer under the pressure, but a free kick from Delafuente was pushed out of danger by Irina Vasilyev and Jochen Ptak waited so long to push the button that Peetre Gof could come in with a last-second tackle. “I know…” Ptak sighed when confronted with that phase, “but the pressure was high. But one-nil, nothing is lost.”
There is a whole lot we can say about the team from manager Moon Dust, but saying that they are simply the greatest of the Apoxian Greats probably covers it pretty well. Their mantelpiece is suffering from serious strain problems considering it has to keep up with no less than five ANL titles and three Marshall Cups. On top of that, they’ve become a regular name amongst the sides that survive the international group phase over the last few years. But Dwile Warriors is one of those teams where a second place in the league and a cup victory is not enough and with that in mind, they spend no less than £26 million – even in Apox a national record – for Aitor Jovellanos, the Audioslavian super talent. On the side, they also brought in Eneko Treloquithack to ensure a defence that is both defensively and offensively to be feared. The 56,000 fans in the APX Sports Stadium were already in the mood for a slaughtering, especially as Jottnar missed an injured Niceforski but as the opponent had Tolgus Tregajorran staying one out, it would be silly to cry open that.
Even without Apox’ most feared striker, Dwile showed they are still a level above Urbanista. At no point in the game, Jottnar could dream of endangering Nepharim goalie Riordan and only a splendid performance by Rafal Giertych and Klaus Niederkirchner in the heart of defence halted the score from being higher. But even they could not prevent that Mateus Carvalho slalomed through the left wing of Jottnar before placing it gracefully behind the back of Andreas Remer. But even with one up, the Warriors refused to hold back. Ibarran saw his shot splintered on the crossbar and an amazing chip from forty yards out by Jovellanos was tipped over by Remer. Eventually, it would be the promising Adrasta Eljjoy who split the Kallsmudden wall for the second time. The talent even wasn’t selfish and presented the goal to his teammate Richard D’Oyly. We would have liked to tell something about Jottnar opportunities, but that wild shot from Venclova that got somewhere around the corner flag doesn’t deserve to make the recap. “It’s a different level I guess,” captain Slawko Konarski confessed, “there wasn’t much to do about them. I have to congratulate our defence, they’re all young lads and many knees would’ve gotten wobbly. But they didn’t and only taking two against this side… Not bad.”
April 22 – Thursday
Globe Cup
Play-off Round (first leg)
Bengtsmark IF (BYN) - Wolfenstade Ehrgeiz (KDE) 4-0
Serebii Arceus (KDE) - Blau-Weiss Pallstadt (BYN) 0-3
Yellow Stars (SCV) - Tjelberg Forening (BYN) 0-0
Play-off Round (first leg)
Bengtsmark IF (BYN) - Wolfenstade Ehrgeiz (KDE) 4-0
Serebii Arceus (KDE) - Blau-Weiss Pallstadt (BYN) 0-3
Yellow Stars (SCV) - Tjelberg Forening (BYN) 0-0
With the loss of points against Sparta Torspeda and the difficult qualification against Haljo Vannarby in the Cup, the results would say that Bengtsmark had a troubled few weeks behind them but all in all, they had the best start of all Buyanese sides and were very eager to continue that streak against Wolfenstade Ehrgeiz. Their opponents from Kitsunia-Déesse travelled to the Havssidanstadion with a team that was – as usual for Ehrgeiz – filled with basswulfs, a particular species to say the least. Wolfenstade could be considered as the eternal runner-up of the Première Division of the LMF-K as they were the best loser for the second season in a row. Last season, their Globe Cup adventure was quickly cut short by Crisisbless with our Espen Knutsen in a glamorous role but taking their first step in the 53th edition of the second UICA Cup, Ehrgeiz was eager to prove their worth.
Bengtsmark visibly had prepared themselves for this game and took the initiative already in the opening minute. A clever pass from Schi reached Lindelof, but he darted the wrong side of the post. The Kitsunians did not hesitate to react, a screamer from their top striker Helena Marti found its faith on the post. Back to the other side of the pitch where in the nineteenth minute, Zunzarren found Edvald Mattisson and the veteran of many wars towered above Malin Raviouse, placing it in the lowest corner. Ehrgeiz a bit surprised and before they had recovered, a second one was hanging in the net, Felipe Maniche could uphold the Sunrisian honour. Two goals up, Bengtsmark slowed down a little, also because the opening twenty minutes were at an incredible pace. The game seemed to float to the end, until Daphné Lilian made a rare mistake and Felipe Maniche could put his second one in. The Sunrisian was in a truly inspired form and when Raviouse tackled him at the edge of the box, he single-handedly scored the questionable penalty. “A magical day,” the hattrick man exclaimed, “but I must thank the whole team.”
Blau-Weiss Pallstadt trod the field against an opponent of the same nationality, but while Ehrgeiz was filled with basswulfs, Serebii Arceus usually recruited their stars from the ranks of the ‘Les Marilles’, Pokémons that gained citizenship back at the Empire. It hadn’t prevented them from picking up a slightly surprising title in the LMF-K with a dominant form. The Champions Cup had been less successful as Industus from Gloriax showed stronger over two legs, but the clear victory over Covington United in the third round only was proof to their capacity. For Blau-Weiss, the heroic draw seemed to have spurred new life in their ranks, especially as it had seen the rebirth of Duco Dalmshelf. “I’m not going to hesitate,” the former Haljo and Jottnar striker showed confidence, “I think a more mature Dalmshelf will take the field from now on.”
And damn right he did. David the Heroic, the noble Old Guardian who had kept Blau-Weiss afloat during the difficult opening month of the season, resumed his role as assist king and his cross pass in the third minute found Dalmshelf who scored with ease. Only six minutes later, Dalmshelf could escape the attention of Domitille Carole once more and before Arceus really knew what was going on, the team from the Lorei-to region already saw their chances on a next round walking out the door. It didn’t stop them to push for more. If it weren’t for a good glove from Erhardt against a kick from Elise Sioux and a save on the line by Giertych, Serebii might have been back in the game. But seconds before the half-time whistle, Piotr Kluszak walked through the midfield and placed the decisive strike in the net. After the break, both Sioux for Arceus and substitute Klaus Siebel for Pallstadt could have scored but the nil-three stayed on the board. “Magnificent,” a triumphant Dalmshelf concluded, “this is the best Pallstadt we’ve seen all season.”
Lastly, there was Tjelberg Forening that made the trip to Schiavonia. They were the second Buyanese team to set foot on The Field, as Viztourzys played Monarchs there a few cycles ago. But today, the opponent was Yellow Stars, the last champion of the SchiavOne. The Stars had managed to wrestle their way through two rounds of Champions’ Cup football until Tanrisal from Pasarga was too strong, but they certainly showed that they had stepped up in comparison with their two previous appearances in the Globe Cup, where Mar Sara and The Ables And The Ordinaries were a bit too strong. Manager Heibye looked to the occasion with certain fear, as the UICA successes are the only thing that keep his employment assured considering the poor domestic form the Forening displayed. No wonder he fielded five defenders against the 4-3-3 of the opponent.
The Yellow Stars dominated the opening of the game and it was the young Kelly O’Henry who earned the first chance. But Angst was having an inspired day – necessarily, one later would realise – and saved it as well as he did on later shots from Charlotte Chester and Alexa Leau. Although the first danger died down, Tjelberg seldom reached the goal from Julio Howard but the goalie had little trouble with a poor shot from Kondrashov. The chances continued to be for Yellow Stars and the pressure rose. Tomasson had two great opportunities but both before and after the break, the woodwork refused to yield. In the sixty-seventh minute, Tjelberg finally seemed to break. With a rash tackle, Refshauge brought down Leau but Angst could save the penalty from captain Tony Cueto. Eventually, as time went by, Tjelberg managed to stumble to a goalless draw but only due to a splendid Palle Angst, who held a screamer from Chester in the last minute.
April 24 – Saturday
Top Division
Match Day Six
Seura Pohkakunti 1–4 Slask Pruzniwczo
Thor Rellhovn 0–3 Garbarnia Hoyersko
Sparta Torspeda 0–1 Pajukas Sport
Match Day Six
Seura Pohkakunti 1–4 Slask Pruzniwczo
Thor Rellhovn 0–3 Garbarnia Hoyersko
Sparta Torspeda 0–1 Pajukas Sport
With the Globe Cup games of Thursday, only three games on Saturday for the sixth match day of the season. Slask Prozniwczo missed out on three of their key players, Schulewski, Poluceck and Evgueni Dziuba were suspended for the visit to Pohkakunti. But that didn’t halt them to use their physical prowess on the youngsters in white and as Seura could be considered one of the more technical sides, it ensured us a tense game. The visitors managed to get ahead when Vincas Norkus got his foot against a pass from Razevli but at half-time, everything was to be redone as Ivan Gudaitis got past Bogusz in third instance. The clash of styles continued but an injury for Vaino Kuusi slowly dragged the life out of Seura and Slask Pruzniwczo took over control. Seura seemed to hold a point at home until Marcos Pérez broke the deadlock with a magnificent bicycle kick. The Guayabalan even became the star of the evening with a splendid second goal and he finished it off with an assist to Maxim Dziuba for the final score. “I don’t know either why Pastelainen hasn’t considered me yet,” Pérez said afterwards, “but I think he prefers player in more prestigious competitions.”
For Thor Rellhovn, the pressure was rising for the second leg against Filites Madrid and as a consequence, Stig Ellering opted to keep Rootare, Gundersen and Abrahamsen on the bench, with Thomas Hovbjard picking up the role of pivot. But as much as he tried, he did not manage to escape the grasp of Jaro Martinek, who was the linchpin along with Zooey Stown in every offensive threat from the Tanners. No wonder that it was a doublepass of this duo, that seems to click on and off the pitch, that allowed Zigmund Kaczor to score the opening goal. Ample seconds after the break, there was a second scoring moment, this time for Mariusz Czarny who remained cool. In the dying minutes of the game, there even came a third one when Thorkildsen hampered his own goalie on a corner, giving Bytnar an opportunity he couldn’t refuse to score. Garbarnia finds back some confidence and can look to the upcoming weeks with enthusiasm.
But the headliner of the weekend was the Valnedan derby between the representative sides of two of the largest cities of the island. The Boys in Green visiting the Orange Brigade always has been a tense occasion and today was no different. Both Sparta and Sport came close to an opening goal but Juha Pentanen nor Jonas Anselm could trick the goalie in the opening minutes. The first half was for Torspeda where Emmanuel Moga did amazing efforts to get underneath the attention of the Apoxian captain Amundsen – and sometimes even managed to – but his best effort bounced away at the wrong side of the post. Another try came from Vincas Daukas, whom we are almost getting used of seeing in orange instead of red-and-black. But the best chance was missed by Vaisvila as the right back was too astonished to score when left isolated. After the break, the pressure from Pajukas rose but few real changes were procured. A great one was sent into the outer ring of the stadium by Valeri Salnikov and just when the game was bleeding towards a nil-nil, Sigi Prinsen showed his hint of magic. Dribbling his way past Karosas and Somoza, the match winner left no chance to Sakalauskas.
