Matchday seven - twelve
SPL
Port James Athletic 3–2 Marionville
Lammerton 3–3 Port Sebastian
Willox Street Pirates 3–1 New Belfast Warriors
Port Patrick United 0–1 Cornellians
San Marco Storm 2–2 FC Soessch
Kings Park 1–0 Dundee
Central Stars 2–1 Handon United
West Holbrookdale 3–3 Blue Coast 1981
Lammerton played host to Port Sebastian this weekend, in a fascinating top of the table clash. Neither side were much fancied as title contenders in the run up to this season, but have been on superb form so far. In what was a real back and forward clash, we saw no fewer than six yellow cards, as tempers flared over on more than one occasion. With the visitors 3-2 up with eight minutes left to play, Avi Renning had a chance to put the tie to bed from the penalty spot, after Emil Kempner was felled by a rash Grant Carlin challenge. However, with the ball rattling back of the post, the Cenian’s head was still in his hands, as the Hornets raced up the pitch to score a late equaliser. Mars Alexandersson picked out the forward run of Francisca Beckett, who in turn, played the ball into the path of the onrushing Kaytlyne Victoriane who finished low into the far corner of MG Grumbla’s goal.
It was cheerio to Judy Scott this week, as the Warriors lost a seventh game on the bounce. The manager was handed her sandwiches wrapped in a road map, following a limp defeat to the Pirates in The City of Port Christopher. Reay Cnocstanger chipped in a double, as the young winger continued her fine scoring form in what was a comprehensive 3-1 win. There was also a person of the match performance from Alyss Driver, who was involved in the build up to all three Pirates goals.
Speculation will now be mounting as to who could replace Judy Scott, with up and coming managers, Johnny McDonald and Chris Okywä, both in the frame. The coaches, who are currently with Berwick United and NBB respectively, are far more likely to get the nod, ahead of foreign candidates at this stage.
Cornellians were back up into the top half of the table, after finally showing a bit of grit in their 1-0 win away to Port Patrick United. A clean sheet will have given the Eagles defenders a huge confidence boost after what had been a very difficult bedding in period. Robert Craig is a player who has come under a lot of fire this season, but the former Vale midfielder put in a performance, which will give the fans some hope that he won’t be the first to be offloaded in the summer. Jon Fotan’s side thoroughly deserved their three points, with Sumireko Karuizawa’s 50 minute strike enough to deliver.
Elsewhere: Handon United’s revival was put on hold, as the team crashed to a 2-1 defeat at Central Stars. A peach of a Robbie McSuol goal, gave West Holbrookdale a late equaliser as they hosted Blue Coast. And Kings Park recorded a pivotal result, as Lucy Curren gave them a 1-0 win over fellow strugglers, Dundee.
SPL
Marionville 1–1 Blue Coast 1981
Handon United 0–0 West Holbrookdale
Dundee 1–0 Central Stars
FC Soessch 3–0 Kings Park
Cornellians 5–1 San Marco Storm
New Belfast Warriors 2–1 Port Patrick United
Port Sebastian 0–2 Willox Street Pirates
Port James Athletic 4–3 Lammerton
Suddenly confidence seems to be through the roof at Lochend Stadium, as the Eagles thumped San Marco Star in their first real showing under Jon Fotan. John Fyfe score his first goal in eight games this season, as the big striker broke the deadlock for the seven-time champions, rewarding the incredible faith his manager had shown in his ability. Mirka Shitakuari also performed exceptionally well under the watchful eye of opponent, Lucy Del Arango. The Sunrisian born attacker gave the Storm defence the slip time after time, as she found the back of the net twice. Thomas Still was another player who looked vastly improved, and the young midfielder had a big hand in the goal from midfield counterpart, Johannas Ünterhausen. Sumireko Karuizawa had the final say, as the darting young forward pounced on a Robert Craig pass, to stab home Cornellians’ fifth.
Soessch were also back to winning ways, inflicting a heaving defeat on Kings Park, just as they looked to have turned a corner. James Inescourt was immense in the centre of the pitch, and crucially, got the better of the contest with his opposite number Sendoa. This match also produced a real goal of the season contender, as Melanie Ünterhausen drifted a thirty metre cross-field ball onto the boot of Jonte Besttater, who riffled his volley home into the roof of the net. It was an impressive team performance, and it’s quite possible that Die Rote Teufel look better this season than they did under Barry Gorman.
New Belfast Warriors might be managerless but they finally have three points on the board. The Club have been struggling for points and performances this season, with a real absence of players willing to stand up and be counted. The Whalers took the lead against Port Patrick after seven minutes, as Teon Blaanka got a horn to the ball, to drive a Joey Bia corner past the keeper. The Breakers levelled shortly before the break, when Chase Ziegenhorn converted, after a great forward run from Whitney Kelly. The match was finely balanced, but much to the relief of the home fans, it was big Leigh Tudor who connected with yet another Bia corner, for a near carbon copy goal.
In other results: Lammerton were edged out in a seven goal thriller, as a stoppage time goal from Jack Hobbs saw them slump to defeat at Athletic. The Pirates put down a real marker, as they ruthlessly put Port Sebastian to the sword at Dyerton. And Handon United were left frustrated by an uncharacteristically resolute Dale defence.
Player and Manager of The Month Awards -- Month Two
Player: Mirka Shitakuari-- Cornellians
The former Dale attacker has been the driving force for Cornellians this season, putting in some great performances even when the players around her seemed to crumble. Now that the team have the wind back in their sails, we are finally starting to see the best of Shitakuari.
Young Player: Olivia O’Quinn
Typical Christopheran midfielder, who makes up for her lack of height with grit and flair in equal measures. There were concerns that Coast might have struggled to adjust to the pace this season, but players like O’Quinn have really helped with that transition.
Manager: John McCann
The Seasiders look good this season, and since switching to McCann’s 4-4-2 formation, they have really started to rack up some points. If they keep this up, then their target of top half football should be in reach.
SPL
Lammerton 1–3 Marionville
Willox Street Pirates 1–0 Port James Athletic
Port Patrick United 3–1 Port Sebastian
San Marco Storm 4–1 New Belfast Warriors
Kings Park 0–1 Cornellians
Central Stars 2–0 FC Soessch
West Holbrookdale 1–3 Dundee
Blue Coast 1981 3–2 Handon United
Blue Coast had waited a long time for what was a chance to avenge their Champions’ Cup semi final defeat to Handon United. The contrast between these sides couldn’t have been greater, with the battle hardened United going up against an inexperienced Coast, which had been rebuilt extensively over the past five or six season. It was, however, the hosts who won the day, in a result, which will turn the heat back up on Jane Gullie. Olivia O’Quinn put in a standout performance, going toe-to-toe with Line Stenberg in the midfield. The 20-year-old was involved in the build up play leading to two of Coasts goals, and was unlucky not to get on the score sheet herself, as her shot was tipped over the bar by Anna Kurovski. Solomon Johnson’s individual effort made it 3-2 with ten minutes left on the clock, setting up a frantic finish. But despite the visitors’ best efforts, they were unable to salvage a point.
The changeable nature of this current SPL line-up was further demonstrated this week, with Lammerton convincingly beaten at home by Marionville. The Hornets were easily the best side during the opening exchanges this season, but they looked a very different team, as they went down to three second half goals. Lammerton took the lead through Elspeth Glendenning, but in truth, they were always hanging on. The Old Boys went up through the gears in the second half, with Dawn Morham and Magnus Kellur highly impressive. With Handon United to play next week, this will have been the perfect warm up for Jack Cordoba’s side, who, on this kind of form, will be looking at another top-four finish.
It seemed unthinkable a month ago, but Cornellias now have a run of three wins on the bounce, following a hard ground-out result at Kings Park. The difference that some confidence can make to a side is incredible, and earlier in the season this game could have easily ended in a draw. The Eagles’ superior quality came to the surface though, and John Fyfe made it two goals in two, as he got a knee to a Sumireko Karuizawa ball played across the face of goal.
Elsewhere: The Warriors are in real need of leadership right now, and a Lyie Lerwick double contributed to their heavy defeat at the hands of San Marco Storm. Port Patrick got the upper hand in the North Handon derby, thanks to a stunning performance from Suzanne Tremblay. And Central Stars inflicted another upset on a goal-shy FC Soessch.
SPL
Marionville 0–2 Handon United
Dundee 0–2 Blue Coast 1981
FC Soessch 2–0 West Holbrookdale
Cornellians 1–1 Central Stars
New Belfast Warriors 3–2 Kings Park
Port Sebastian 1–1 San Marco Storm
Port James Athletic 2–0 Port Patrick United
Lammerton 3–0 Willox Street Pirates
Under-fire manager, Jane Gullie, gave herself a little breathing space this week, as United won 2-0 at Marionville. There are already signs that the United board are running out of patience, following a string of inconsistent results. The side dug deep this weekend, however, and probably just about deserved the three points, given the balance of play. Line Stenberg scored the first, arriving late in the box, to blast a Magdalen Demetrius cross into the roof of the net. Isaiah Vaught really should have equalised for the Old Boys, but after doing well to out muscle Eri Karasawa, the Schottia international fired his shot just wide of Anna Kurovski’s near post. United put the result beyond any doubt in the second half, as Madeline Donaldson responded quickest to a long ball from Laurence James, before side-footing it past Donald Bone.
Going into this round of fixtures, the formbook should have predicted a straightforward win for the Pirates as they travelled to the Mainland to face Lammerton. The Hornets were more like their old selves, however, as they controlled the match from start to finish. John van Cleef got a solid head to a Jasper Valaran corner for 1-0, and with the Pirates in disarray, a clever long ball from Roberts Kalniņš picked Sett Horn out, allowing the Cosumarite to double the home side’s lead. The visitors tried to get back into the match in the second half, but their normally industrious midfield seemed to lack a little steam. Kaytlyne Victoriane calmly converted a third goal, from the penalty spot, after Mars Alexanderson was floored.
Johnny McDonald perhaps wasn’t the glamorous choice Warriors fans would have wanted as manager, but they will have been cautiously optimistic following their 3-2 win over fellow strugglers, Kings Park, in the former Berwick man’s first game in charge. The Whalers were twice pegged back, as it looked increasingly like the Royals were going to take something from the game. In the 88th minute though, Leigh Tudor took the ball down well on her chest, before unselfishly setting up on loan Pirates girl, Lauren Beridze, for a vital equaliser.
In other matches: Dundee were plunged into further relegation trouble, as they trudged to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Coast. Port Sebastian’s rotten run continued, as they could only manage a draw at home to San Marco Storm. And Port James Athletic moved up into the UICA spots, as goals from Nenzi-Frolt Erv and Anna Meyreani gave them the win over the Breakers.
SPL
Willox Street Pirates 4–2 Marionville
Port Patrick United 2–1 Lammerton
San Marco Storm 1–2 Port James Athletic
Kings Park 2–2 Port Sebastian
Central Stars 2–2 New Belfast Warriors
West Holbrookdale 1–5 Cornellians
Blue Coast 1981 2–5 FC Soessch
Handon United 1–1 Dundee
Massive news on Monday morning was that Jane Gullie had left Handon United by mutual consent. The development came following the side’s draw at home to Dundee, which left the early favourites ten points from the top of the table. In a statement, the former Warriors and Schottia boss said that the “time was clearly right to move on.” And felt she was “no longer the right person to lead the club in the new chapter of Schottic football.” The match in question was a frustrating affair for the United fans. After taking the lead early on through Ava Rose Donaldson, the capital side failed to make their territorial superiority count, and were predictably picked off. You could feel the palpable tension in Harbour Hill Stadium, as Jane Schramm bundled home an equaliser for the Panners, with United fan increasingly frustrated at the lack of progress.
United might not be the international superpower they once were, but the job should still attract some interest. In terms of wages, resources, and sheer history, they would represent a step up for any manager currently working in the SPL. Names in the frame thus far are: Former NT assistant Colin Donaldson, Marionville boss, Jack Cordoba, and the highly rated, Davy Keates who played for United at youth level. Another name in the frame is former Vermillion Rage gaffer, Alexis Spurlock, who is still out of work following her departure last season.
There were no such worries at Cornellians, who seem to have got over their own early grumbles, as they continued their revival. Composure, and steady, crisp passing saw them comprehensively dismantle a tired looking West Holbrookdale, with Mirka Shitakuari returning to haunt her former charges. The 26-year-old scored one and directly set up another two, in what was a dazzling performance. Johannas Ünterhausen and Thomas Still looked solid in the centre of the park throughout, and in addition, John Fyfe seems to have finally rediscovered his scoring form with a well-taken double.
In a big scoring weekend, FC Soessch showed us that they are going nowhere, as they rallied from 1-0 down to put five past Blue Coast at the Ocean Shores Arena. It seems that when the Teufel’s front-three can click together, they are all but unstoppable at the moment, and teams who try to sit-in against them are particularly vulnerable. That is exactly what Coast did, and an Allie Vacek hattrick was their comeuppance, as the Angliatan ran riot.
In other matches: The Pirates moved clear of Lammerton at the top of the table, as impressive performances from Alyss Driver and Lena Kiefer helped them to a 4-2 win over Marionville. New Warriors Boss, Johnny McDonald, continued to see some improvements in his side, as they scraped a 2-2 draw away to Central Stars. And Port James continue their strong run, beating Storm 2-1 in San Marco.
SPL
Marionville 2–1 Dundee
FC Soessch 1–0 Handon United
Cornellians 4–3 Blue Coast 1981
New Belfast Warriors 0–1 West Holbrookdale
Port Sebastian 0–0 Central Stars
Port James Athletic 1–1 Kings Park
Lammerton 0–0 San Marco Storm
Willox Street Pirates 6–0 Port Patrick United
The Handon United board moved swiftly and decisively to snap up former Bishop and Rage boss, Alexis Spurlock. The Nepharim was sitting in the stands at Gannon Park, undoubtedly unimpressed, as she watched her new players stumble to a 1-0 defeat. In a finely balanced match, Soessch just edged things, with United far too sloppy in the final third. Ariadne Shroveday wasted the visitors’ best chance, heading a Marc-André Onasi shot into the side netting. Jonte Bestatter scored the goal which kept Soessch in second place, stretching to get a toe on the end of a Emery Calvyn cross.
It’s the Pirates who stay top however, as they continue to lay waste to the rest of the SPL field. It will probably end up being the story of the season – just how easy it was for the Christopheran side to spend their way to title contention - taking advantage of a depleted Schottic league. Goals from Cenian, Sasha Falkenrath, either side of half time, took his tally to twelve in twelve for the season. Reay Cnocstanger also tucked one away, following a stunning, mazy run. For the Breakers it was backs to the walls for the full ninety minutes, as a midfield trio of Bear, Driver, and Artîn took full control.
Match of the day however, was Coast’s visit to Lochend, where we saw seven goals and very nearly witnessed a stunning comeback. Cornellians have been swiftly climbing the table this month, and at half time, it looked like they were en route to another comfortable win. First half goals from Sumireko Karuizawa (2) and Robert Craig should have had Coast all but buried. The San Marco side came back strong though, with Eleni Melas, Jralv-Nexev Pec, and Olivia O’Quinn levelling the match. There was to be one last twist, however, with Johannas Ünterhausen finding the back on the net with a distance effort.
Elsewhere: Marionville kept themselves in UICA contention, with Niccolo Rubio and Ana Aytoun putting in strong performances in their 2-1 win over Dundee. Porty rounded off a bad month at the office with a 0-0 draw to the Stars, which saw them lose further ground at the top. And on form Port James missed the chance to go fourth, after failing to beat struggling Kings Park.
Player and Manager of The Month Awards -- Month Three
Player: Reay Cnocstanger
Quite possibly Schottia’s hottest talent at the moment, Cnocstanger has the pace and trickery to cause any defence problems. The winger is key to the way the Pirates set up and looks to have already formed a strong partnership with right-back, Lena Kiefer.
Young Player: Inga Oòlansa
There was very little expected of the Vormsian midfielder, who was decent last season, without being outstanding. However, the young player has been instrumental in Port James’ climb up the table.
Manager: Jon Fotan
Who would have predicted this two months ago? The bookies were probably close to playing out on Fotan being the first manager to get the sack, after the Eagles boss found his team languishing in the bottom half. Cornellians’ turn around has been incredible, and they have somehow put themselves back into title contention.
. Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Willox Street Pirates 12 8 2 2 33 16 +17 26
2 FC Soessch 12 7 3 2 24 11 +13 24
3 Cornellians 12 7 2 3 21 11 +10 23
4 Lammerton 12 6 3 3 28 20 +8 21
5 Blue Coast 1981 12 6 3 3 27 21 +6 21
6 Marionville 12 6 2 4 21 16 +5 20
7 Port James Athletic 12 6 2 4 18 22 −4 20
8 Port Sebastian 12 4 6 2 19 14 +5 18
9 Central Stars 12 4 3 5 16 17 −1 15
10 Port Patrick United 12 4 2 6 17 26 −9 14
11 Handon United 12 3 4 5 19 17 +2 13
12 San Marco Storm 12 2 5 5 17 22 −5 11
13 West Holbrookdale 12 3 2 7 17 30 −13 11
14 Dundee 12 2 4 6 15 26 −11 10
15 Kings Park 12 2 4 6 10 21 −11 10
16 New Belfast Warriors 12 2 1 9 15 27 −12 7
Schottic Cup - Round of 32
New Blefast Warriors 1–0 New Island
Marionville 1–2 Kelsy Merchants
Blue Coast 1981 0–0 Port James Athletic (0–0 AET) (4–5 pen.)
Port Sebastian 1–2 West Coast Warriors
D'Itille 0–0 Kings Park (0–0 AET) (3–4 pen.)
Central Stars 5–3 FC Döller
La Gorlions 1–1 Cornellians (2–1 AET)
San Marco Storm 3–0 New Dundee Star
Lammerton 2–1 West Holbrookdale
Willox Street Pirates 5–2 Mucusia
Hollin 1–0 Bara Waves
Dundee 2–1 Lammerton City
Kirk Preston United 3–0 Hillstreet
Handon United 1–0 Granton Vale
Port Patrick United 4–1 New Belfast Blues
Kirston Union 3–2 FC Soessch
There were shocks galore as the Schottic Cup reached the last 32 stage. Cornellians were stung by an extra-time winner, as La Gorlions’ high altitude Danu Parc continued to cause issues. Port Sebastian failed to turn up, and were soundly beaten by an Archers side who could have won by more. And much fancied, Soessch, were left stunned as Kirston Eagles came from 2-0 down to knock their SPL rivals out the tournament.
Meanwhile: Handon United were safely through following a 1-0 win over Granton Vale. A Lilou Reid hattrick sent the Pirates coasting through against Mucusia, and Lammerton edged an all-Premier League clash against the Dale.
–– Handon United
-- Cornellians
-- Handon United
Handon United
(SCT) >
