Crescent News Network Sports Channel (Abanhfleft & Co.)

[Abanhfleft]

2028 SFA Community Shield

Played @ May 26 Revolution Memorial Stadium, Riuwiee

Riuwiee United 0–1 Wanda Island Wanderers
                   Arthur MacAlistair (83')

Referee: Basilio Levinson (Bytuch Feld)

Congratulations to Wanda Island Wanderers, your 2028 SFA Community Shield winners!

---

NOTE: Games are not necessarily played in the order that they are listed.

Premier League Matchday One Scores
Rosenpfelblatz North End 1–2 Arsenal de Releinthi
Xemlice Rovers 2–2 Sarvusdalamoive
All-Inclusive Haranguer 2–1 Paulsen FC
Admiral Porcusces 2–2 Thereisnogodistan
Malabon SC 1–4 Rosenpfelblatz City
Locomotive Imgortur 0–1 Fleftic Air Force
Gyouza Young Lads 2–1 Bananas FC
Sporting Ceneisis 0–1 Ludogorets Markovsky
Fleftic Army 2–1 Riuwiee United
Wanda Island Wanderers 0–0 Marinos Thimpodopoulos

Wanda Island's title defense campaign gets off to an inconclusive start after they get a 0-0 draw with recently promoted Marinos Thimpodopoulos. Riuwiee United, still smarting from their defeat in the Community Shield, are dealt another blow by another recently promoted side in Fleftic Army. Rosenpfelbaltz City are the biggest winners of the matchday, literally. Their 4-1 win over Malabon SC gives them a two-goal cushion over the rest of the league to start off the new season.

Matchday Two Scores
Arsenal de Releinthi 0–0 Marinos Thimpodopoulos
Riuwiee United 3–0 Wanda Island Wanderers
Ludogorets Markovsky 5–3 Fleftic Army
Bananas FC 0–2 Sporting Ceneisis
Fleftic Air Force 2–1 Gyouza Young Lads
Rosenpfelblatz City 1–0 Locomotive Imgortur
Thereisnogodistan 2–3 Malabon SC
Paulsen FC 0–0 Admiral Porcusces
Sarvusdalamoive 5–1 All-Inclusive Haranguer
Rosenpfelblatz North End 3–3 Xemlice Rovers

Riuwiee finally get their revenge for the Community Shield loss on Wanda Island, whose title defense is really not unfolding the way Wanderers fans would have wanted it. And at the moment, Marinos Thimpodopoulos appear to be specialists in the scoreless draw. Two games does not a pattern make, of course, but everyone is enjoying the memes while they last. Sarvusdalamoive quickly takes the title of biggest win of the season with their 5-1 drubbing of All-Inclusive Haranguer, while the game with the most goals goes to Ludogorets Markovsky's 5-3 victory over Fleftic Army.

Matchday Three Scores
Xemlice Rovers 4–5 Arsenal de Releinthi
All-Inclusive Haranguer 2–3 Rosenpfelblatz North End
Admiral Porcusces 2–2 Sarvusdalamoive
Malabon SC 3–1 Paulsen FC
Locomotive Imgortur 3–1 Thereisnogodistan
Gyouza Young Lads 4–2 Rosenpfelblatz City
Sporting Ceneisis 4–2 Fleftic Air Force
Fleftic Army 2–2 Bananas FC
Wanda Island Wanderers 2–3 Ludogorets Markovsky
Marinos Thimpodopoulos 3–3 Riuwiee United

So Marinos are capable of scoring goals after all. Now the only thing left to learn is if they can win or lose games and not just draw them. Wanda Island, meanwhile, is dearly hoping for some sort of reset button to be pressed in order for the campaign to begin anew because their title defense is really turning into a shambles. Meanwhile, the Wanderers' rivals Arsenal de Releinthi have done some work in exorcising the ghosts of last season by tallying a 5-4 away victory over Xemlice Rovers, the new highest-scoring game of the season. Sure, it's nothing compared to what Wanda Island did to the Gunners on the final day of the last season, but the Releinthi club are doing what they can to heal the wounds.

Matchday Four Scores
Arsenal de Releinthi 3–2 Riuwiee United
Ludogorets Markovsky 0–1 Marinos Thimpodopoulos
Bananas FC 0–2 Wanda Island Wanderers
Fleftic Air Force 3–2 Fleftic Army
Rosenpfelblatz City 4–6 Sporting Ceneisis
Thereisnogodistan 2–2 Gyouza Young Lads
Paulsen FC 2–4 Locomotive Imgortur
Sarvusdalamoive 3–1 Malabon SC
Rosenpfelblatz North End 0–0 Admiral Porcusces
Xemlice Rovers 1–0 All-Inclusive Harangue

Finally, Wanda Island Wanderers have their first win of the season. For Wanderers fans, the win came three matchdays too late, but at least they finally had three points to add to the current tally. The Armed Forces derby didn't disappoint, with Fleftic Air Force emerging triumphant over Fleftic Army after a 90-minute thrilling encounter filled with goals. Once again, the record for most goals scored in a game has been broken, with Rosenpfelblatz City and Sporting Ceneisis finding the back of the net ten times in a 6-4 Blues victory. If this is a sign of things to come then by the end of the season, the highest-scoring game might well look more like a game of rugby or gridiron football.

Fleftic Premier League Table After Matchday Four

   FPL                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Arsenal de Releinthi        4    3   1   0    10    7   +3    10   Champions League qualification
 2 Sporting Ceneisis           4    3   0   1    12    7   +5     9   Champions League qualification
 3 Ludogorets Markovsky        4    3   0   1     9    6   +3     9   Challengers' Cup qualification
 4 Fleftic Air Force           4    3   0   1     8    7   +1     9   Challengers' Cup qualification
 5 Sarvusdalamoive             4    2   2   0    12    6   +6     8   Challengers' Cup qualification
 6 Gyouza Young Lads           4    2   1   1     9    7   +2     7
 7 Locomotive Imgortur         4    2   0   2     7    5   +2     6
 8 Marinos Thimpodopoulos      4    1   3   0     4    3   +1     6
 9 Rosenpfelblatz City         4    2   0   2    11   11    0     6
10 Malabon SC                  4    2   0   2     8   10   −2     6
11 Xemlice Rovers              4    1   2   1    10   10    0     5
12 Rosenpfelblatz North End    4    1   2   1     7    7    0     5
13 Riuwiee United              4    1   1   2     9    8   +1     4
14 Admiral Porcusces           4    0   4   0     4    4    0     4
15 Fleftic Army                4    1   1   2     9   11   −2     4
16 Wanda Island Wanderers      4    1   1   2     4    6   −2     4
17 All-Inclusive Haranguer     4    1   0   3     5   10   −5     3
18 Thereisnogodistan           4    0   2   2     7   10   −3     2   Relegation to Unang Liga
19 Paulsen FC                  4    0   1   3     4    9   −5     1   Relegation to Unang Liga
20 Bananas FC                  4    0   1   3     3    8   −5     1   Relegation to Unang Liga

Arsenal de Releinthi are top of the table while Wanda Island Wanderers are hovering just above the relegation zone. For Gunners fans, all is right with the world. But for real though, Abanhfleft's improved coefficient in the IFCF now means that the top five places are up for grabs. While that may be one more spot than last season, everyone is still sure to fight tooth and nail for those five places, most especially the second Champions' League slot. Who says second place is only for losers?

[Trans-Dniesters]

2028 PFS-SuperKubok

Played @ New Army Stadium, Tiraspol, Transnistrian Socialist State

         Dinamo Bender 3–0 Dinamo Vitebsk
     Armin Geiss (23')
Gennadiy Savelov (28')
Ostap Bondarchuk (65')

Referee: Göker Marangoz (Göbekli Tepe)

Congratulations to Dinamo Bender, your 2028 PFS SuperKubok winners!

---

NOTE: Games are not necessarily played in the order that they are listed.

Pridnestrovian Super League Matchday One Scores
Rotor Dnistrosh 0–2 Derinkuyuspor
Fortuna Novonikolaysk 1–0 Szigetszentmiklos
Sheriff Tiraspol 0–0 FC 23 August
Chernomorets Bratsk 0–2 Metallurgist Beledor
Admiral Novorossiysk 2–3 Ufa Verkhovyansk
Torpedo Yeralenko 2–0 Dinamo Macaresti
Dnistro Dnistropavlovsk 1–1 Dinamo Bender
Union Rheinburg 1–0 Lokomotiv Novosverdlovsk
CSKA Tiraspol 3–2 Shakhtar Rheinburg

After winning the PFS-SuperKubok in dominant fashion over Dinamo Vitebsk, Dinamo Bender get their league season started on a bit of a bitter note after they dropped two points against Dnistro Dnistropavlovsk. Dinamo held the upper hand for all of ninety minutes and, were it not for a very late equalizer, would have certainly taken all three points from a Dnistro team that barely survived relegation last season. Little in the way of notable results however, aside from Admiral Novorossiysk absolutely dropping the ball and letting Ufa Verkhovyansk come back from a 2-goal deficit to win 3-2. But this is Admiral after all; their fans must surely be used to their team choking all the time.

Matchday Two Scores
Derinkuyuspor 1–4 Shakhtar Rheinburg
Lokomotiv Novosverdlovsk 2–1 CSKA Tiraspol
Dinamo Bender 2–0 Union Rheinburg
Dinamo Macaresti 4–0 Dnistro Dnistropavlovsk
Ufa Verkhovyansk 2–2 Torpedo Yeralenko
Metallurgist Beledor 3–0 Admiral Novorossiysk
FC 23 August 2–2 Chernomorets Bratsk
Szigetszentmiklos 0–1 Sheriff Tiraspol
Rotor Dnistrosh 1–0 Fortuna Novonikolaysk

Dinamo Bender finally get their title defense back on track, and to boot they also dealt a blow to the title hopes of fellow challengers Union Rheinburg. This matchday it is CSKA Tiraspol's turn to be humiliated by a team that had battled relegation from the Super League last season, but high and mighty as the fans of the Army Team might act like, they are also used to their team choking at inopportune moments, so this at least doesn't come as that big of a surprise for them. As long as it happens now at the beginning of the season and not during the home stretch.

Matchday Three Scores
Fortuna Novonikolaysk 1–2 Derinkuyuspor
Sheriff Tiraspol 2–1 Rotor Dnistrosh
Chernomorets Bratsk 2–1 Szigetszentmiklos
Admiral Novorossiysk 5–1 FC 23 August
Torpedo Yeralenko 1–0 Metallurgist Beledor
Dnistro Dnistropavlovsk 1–1 Ufa Verkhovyansk
Union Rheinburg 1–2 Dinamo Macaresti
CSKA Tiraspol 4–3 Dinamo Bender
Shakhtar Rheinburg 6–2 Lokomotiv Novosverdlovsk

The biggest match on this day undoubtedly has to be the Derby of All Derbies between CSKA and Dinamo. Some might question the wisdom of staging such a massive fixture this early into the season, when nobody really knows yet what is at stake for both clubs, but someone apparently forgot to tell the fans as they still flocked to the New Army Stadium in their droves to watch this particular Derby of All Derbies. And it is the fans of the Army Team who will leave more satisfied thanks to the result, although Dinamo fans still have good reasons to be happy with their team's performance. If the result had gone the other way though, sure as the sun rises that CSKA fans will criticize their team for every single little fault they could find.

Matchday Four Scores
Derinkuyuspor 2–1 Lokomotiv Novosverdlovsk
Dinamo Bender 2–2 Shakhtar Rheinburg
Dinamo Macaresti 0–0 CSKA Tiraspol
Ufa Verkhovyansk 1–1 Union Rheinburg
Metallurgist Beledor 1–0 Dnistro Dnistropavlovsk
FC 23 August 1–0 Torpedo Yeralenko
Szigetszentmiklos 1–2 Admiral Novorossiysk
Rotor Dnistrosh 2–1 Chernomorets Bratsk
Fortuna Novonikolaysk 0–1 Sheriff Tiraspol

Nothing much of note to report on Matchday Four of the PSL. Dinamo Bender did the job against Union Rheinburg, but they failed to get the game across the line against Shakhtar, Once again, despite dominating for the whole 90 minutes, two defensive lapses on the part of Dinamo allowed Shakhtar Rheinburg to twice come back from behind and keep the defending PSL champions on level terms. There was seemingly no explanation for Dinamo's faltering form; they had retained most of their key players, they still played much of the same tactics they did last season, they still had the same manager. Truly no explanation at all.

Pridnestrovian Super League Table After Matchday Four

   Super League              Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Sheriff Tiraspol            4    3   1   0     4    1   +3    10   Champions League qualification
 2 Metallurgist Beledor        4    3   0   1     6    1   +5     9   Challengers' Cup qualification
 3 Derinkuyuspor               4    3   0   1     7    6   +1     9   Challengers' Cup qualification
 4 Shakhtar Rheinburg          4    2   1   1    14    8   +6     7   Challengers' Cup qualification
 5 Dinamo Macaresti            4    2   1   1     6    3   +3     7
 6 Torpedo Yeralenko           4    2   1   1     5    3   +2     7
 7 CSKA Tiraspol               4    2   1   1     8    7   +1     7
 8 Admiral Novorossiysk        4    2   0   2     9    8   +1     6
 9 Ufa Verkhovyansk            4    1   3   0     7    6   +1     6
10 Rotor Dnistrosh             4    2   0   2     4    5   −1     6
11 Dinamo Bender               4    1   2   1     8    7   +1     5
12 FC 23 August                4    1   2   1     4    7   −3     5
13 Chernomorets Bratsk         4    1   1   2     5    7   −2     4
14 Union Rheinburg             4    1   1   2     3    5   −2     4
15 Fortuna Novonikolaysk       4    1   0   3     2    4   −2     3
16 Lokomotiv Novosverdlovsk    4    1   0   3     5   10   −5     3   Relegation playoff
17 Dnistro Dnistropavlovsk     4    0   2   2     2    7   −5     2   Relegation to NPFL
18 Szigetszentmiklos           4    0   0   4     2    6   −4     0   Relegation to NPFL

Everyone has been so busy keeping up (or trying to keep up) with the campaigns of the PSL's two heavyweights (Dinamo Bender and CSKA Tiraspol) that barely anyone has paid any attention to the rest of the teams in the league. And while both Dinamo and CSKA have been busy dropping points left and right, Sheriff Tiraspol have quietly staked their claim at the top of the table. The Sheriffs' opening day draw against FC 23 August was quickly followed by three wins out of three that put the other team from Tiraspol at the top of the heap. Teams like Metallurgist Beledor and Shakhtar Rheinburg also find themselves near the top thanks to good results, but whether they can maintain their places is left to be seen. New boys on the block Derinkuyuspor are currently doing well for themselves, sitting high and pretty in third place in the table at the moment. Down at the bottom, Szigetszentmiklos have failed to get their season going at all; zero points out of a possible twelve is the worst possible result any team can have in the PSL, and it certainly does not bode well about the Saints' chances of remaining in Pridnestrovia's top flight.

[Abanhfleft]

Matchday Five Scores
All-Inclusive Haranguer 2–3 Arsenal de Releinthi
Admiral Porcusces 2–3 Xemlice Rovers
Malabon SC 1–2 Rosenpfelblatz North End
Locomotive Imgortur 0–1 Sarvusdalamoive
Gyouza Young Lads 2–1 Paulsen FC
Sporting Ceneisis 1–2 Thereisnogodistan
Fleftic Army 2–2 Rosenpfelblatz City
Wanda Island Wanderers 1–3 Fleftic Air Force
Marinos Thimpodopoulos 3–6 Bananas FC
Riuwiee United 2–4 Ludogorets Markovsky

Just as soon as Wanda Island fans were finally able to celebrate their first win of the season, they were brought down to earth soon afterwards by Fleftic Air Force. The Golden Eagles are well and truly aiming for the Challengers' Cup places, and their cause can only be helped by their victory over the Wanderers. The epic clash between RIuwiee United and Ludogorets Markovsky at the May 26 Stadium saw the Foresters emerge from the capital with all three points, thanks in part to Damian Selikov's hat trick. The Markovskite Golden Boot winner from last season (alongside Malabon's Arthur Supratno) had failed to find the back of the net for the past four games, leading once again to questions whether he really is fit to lead this Ludogorets frontline, but sometimes Selikov's goals are like taxis: you wait for eternity for one, and then three come along at the same time. Consistency truly is the only thing Selikov needs to add to his repertoire before he can be considered among the greats in Fleftic football.

Matchday Six Scores
Arsenal de Releinthi 3–3 Ludogorets Markovsky
Bananas FC 3–5 Riuwiee United
Fleftic Air Force 1–6 Marinos Thimpodopoulos
Rosenpfelblatz City 2–0 Wanda Island Wanderers
Thereisnogodistan 2–2 Fleftic Army
Paulsen FC 0–1 Sporting Ceneisis
Sarvusdalamoive 1–3 Gyouza Young Lads
Rosenpfelblatz North End 4–4 Locomotive Imgortur
Xemlice Rovers 0–1 Malabon SC
All-Inclusive Haranguer 3–1 Admiral Porcusces

That is not the way to qualify into the international football places, Fleftic Air Force. You can't just go beat the defending champions one matchday and then let yourselves be hit for six by a newly promoted side while only being able to score one goal yourself. Air Force fans are understandably upset by this turn of events. But not so upset as those who support Wanda Island, who saw their team succumb yet again to defeat, this time to another title challenger in Rosenpfelblatz City. The Citizens appear to be in a little resurgence after opting not to extend Joe Churchill's contract after next season, but there will be certainly those who support the sky blue side of Rosenpfelblatz who will wonder how come their team could only challenge for the title now.

Matchday Seven Scores
Admiral Porcusces 0–1 Arsenal de Releinthi
Malabon SC 1–1 All-Inclusive Haranguer
Locomotive Imgortur 1–0 Xemlice Rovers
Gyouza Young Lads 2–3 Rosenpfelblatz North End
Sporting Ceneisis 3–2 Sarvusdalamoive
Fleftic Army 1–0 Paulsen FC
Wanda Island Wanderers 2–2 Thereisnogodistan
Marinos Thimpodopoulos 2–2 Rosenpfelblatz City
Riuwiee United 2–3 Fleftic Air Force
Ludogorets Markovsky 2–3 Bananas FC

This really is a dreadful start to the season for Wanda Island Wanderers. Not only are they in the midst of a relegation battle so early into the season, but their deadly Capital Islands rivals from across the Strait of Carrizozo, Arsenal de Releinthi, are on top of the league. And so far, it looks like there is no team capable of keeping up with them. Five wins and two draws out of seven games; it's the dream start for Gunners fans. And the fact that the Wanderers are lingering at the bottom of the table is only icing on the cake for the fans of the Releinthi side.

Matchday Eight Scores
Arsenal de Releinthi 4–0 Bananas FC
Fleftic Air Force 1–2 Ludogorets Markovsky
Rosenpfelblatz City 0–1 Riuwiee United
Thereisnogodistan 0–0 Marinos Thimpodopoulos
Paulsen FC 0–2 Wanda Island Wanderers
Sarvusdalamoive 2–3 Fleftic Army
Rosenpfelblatz North End 0–1 Sporting Ceneisis
Xemlice Rovers 3–2 Gyouza Young Lads
All-Inclusive Haranguer 1–0 Locomotive Imgortur
Admiral Porcusces 0–1 Malabon SC

Two derbies for the price of one, although only one of these is a "real" derby, as in one determined by location. The other one happened because they began chasing the same objectives as each other. Can you guess which is which? Yes, the Fhulghamous Derby between Thereisnogodistan and Marinos Thimpodopoulos ended in a stalemate, but Maksim Shinkarenko managed to lead Riuwiee United to a one-goal victory over Rosenpfelblatz City. None of the fans of these four teams care if they're all stuck in the middle of the pack trying to move up; when it comes to derbies they will come out in force and support their side. But they also want their side to win. And judging by the results of MD8, only United fans are truly happy with their side right now.

Matchday Nine Scores
Malabon SC 1–2 Arsenal de Releinthi
Locomotive Imgortur 0–0 Admiral Porcusces
Gyouza Young Lads 2–3 All-Inclusive Haranguer
Sporting Ceneisis 3–3 Xemlice Rovers
Fleftic Army 0–0 Rosenpfelblatz North End
Wanda Island Wanderers 5–6 Sarvusdalamoive
Marinos Thimpodopoulos 1–1 Paulsen FC
Riuwiee United 5–5 Thereisnogodistan
Ludogorets Markovsky 1–1 Rosenpfelblatz City
Bananas FC 0–0 Fleftic Air Force

History has been made in the Fleftic Premier League yet again. Wanda Island Wanderers are the first defending champions in FPL history to score five goals in a single game and still lose. Denise Crawford and Sarvusdalamoive have produced both a stunning masterclass and also a Premier League match that will be surely remembered for decades and maybe even centuries to come, while Artemio Peres is a bit shocked (and miffed) that he has been on the wrong side of history for once. The match also broke the record of most goals scored in a single match for the current season which was once held by Rosenpfelblatz City 4–6 Sporting Ceneisis. The breaking of that particular record this season may have slowed down somewhat but we're still in the running for a potential rugby score within this season.

Fleftic Premier League Table After Matchday Nine

   FPL                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Arsenal de Releinthi        9    7   2   0    23   13  +10    23   Champions League qualification
 2 Sporting Ceneisis           9    6   1   2    21   14   +7    19   Champions League qualification
 3 Ludogorets Markovsky        9    5   2   2    21   16   +5    17   Challengers' Cup qualification
 4 Fleftic Air Force           9    5   1   3    16   18   −2    16   Challengers' Cup qualification
 5 Sarvusdalamoive             9    4   2   3    24   20   +4    14   Challengers' Cup qualification
 6 Gyouza Young Lads           9    4   1   4    20   18   +2    13
 7 Rosenpfelblatz North End    9    3   4   2    16   15   +1    13
 8 Fleftic Army                9    3   4   2    17   17    0    13
 9 All-Inclusive Haranguer     9    4   1   4    15   17   −2    13
10 Malabon SC                  9    4   1   4    13   15   −2    13
11 Marinos Thimpodopoulos      9    2   6   1    16   13   +3    12
12 Rosenpfelblatz City         9    3   3   3    18   17   +1    12
13 Xemlice Rovers              9    3   3   3    19   19    0    12
14 Riuwiee United              9    3   2   4    24   23   +1    11
15 Locomotive Imgortur         9    3   2   4    12   11   +1    11
16 Thereisnogodistan           9    1   6   2    18   20   −2     9
17 Wanda Island Wanderers      9    2   2   5    14   19   −5     8
18 Bananas FC                  9    2   2   5    15   22   −7     8   Relegation to Unang Liga
19 Admiral Porcusces           9    0   5   4     7   12   −5     5   Relegation to Unang Liga
20 Paulsen FC                  9    0   2   7     6   16  −10     2   Relegation to Unang Liga

"And stay there!" Gunners fans yell at their Wanda Island-supporting friends and acquaintances at the end of Matchday Nine with regards to their rivals' position on the table. Arsenal de Releinthi have really taken the 2028-29 season by storm. It's another case of everyone focusing on the Wanderers' title defense (or whatever it is that they call this current shambles of a campaign), leaving the team from Releinthi enough room to slip under the radar and sneakily lay their claim on top spot. It also helps that all of their other title rivals are more busy taking points off of one another rather than focusing on chasing down Arsenal de Releinthi.

What a fall from grace that is for Admiral Porcusces. It appears as if international football has taken a huge toll on this squad, and Bruce White has stated time and again that he needs money to sign the players that he needs to keep competitive in both domestic and international football, which in turn gives the club the money it needs to spend on players to keep them competitive, and so on and so forth. This is, for lack of a better term, a shameful display from the team from southern Ceneisis Province. Zero wins from nine games, and only five draws. At least they're not Paulsen FC. The team from Dorfdifving Province only has two points to their name. Forget about their great escape last season; this time Paulsen may have run out of luck.

And Xemlice Rovers are apparently perfectly balanced, as all things should be.

[Trans-Dniesters]

Matchday Five Scores
Sheriff Tiraspol 1–0 Derinkuyuspor
Chernomorets Bratsk 0–1 Fortuna Novonikolaysk
Admiral Novorossiysk 2–3 Rotor Dnistrosh
Torpedo Yeralenko 1–2 Szigetszentmiklos
Dnistro Dnistropavlovsk 1–3 FC 23 August
Union Rheinburg 0–2 Metallurgist Beledor
CSKA Tiraspol 0–0 Ufa Verkhovyansk
Shakhtar Rheinburg 1–0 Dinamo Macaresti
Lokomotiv Novosverdlovsk 0–3 Dinamo Bender

Today is the day that Dinamo Bender finally get their campaign back on track. Or at least that's the hope. It's always a good feeling when your team wins 3-0, even if it is against relegation fodder. It probably also helped that Dinamo Bender were playing away from home, as this matchday has not been a good one for the home teams. Only Sheriff Tiraspol and Shakhtar Rheinburg won in front of their home fans, and only by a single goal as well. One hopes that this trend does not hold true for the entirety of the rest of the season because then this is sure to disrupt all of those best-laid plans of mice and men.

Matchday Six Scores
Derinkuyuspor 0–2 Dinamo Bender
Dinamo Macaresti 3–2 Lokomotiv Novosverdlovsk
Ufa Verkhovyansk 1–0 Shakhtar Rheinburg
Metallurgist Beledor 1–0 CSKA Tiraspol
FC 23 August 0–1 Union Rheinburg
Szigetszentmiklos 4–3 Dnistro Dnistropavlovsk
Rotor Dnistrosh 5–3 Torpedo Yeralenko
Fortuna Novonikolaysk 0–2 Admiral Novorossiysk
Sheriff Tiraspol 1–0 Chernomorets Bratsk

As predicted, Derinkuyuspor's time at the top of the top flight has proved to be short-lived. But is it just a matter of their luck running out, or have their top flight opponents cottoned on to their tactics? Or maybe Dinamo Bender are just back to their usual dominant selves, and their victory over the Hatay side has propelled the defending champions to fourth place. However, there's still one team resolutely hanging on, and that is Metallurgist Beledor. Fluke start to the season? Maybe not this time, not after the Blacksmiths just beat the record champions of Pridnestrovia. This is shaping up to be one of the most interesting title races in the history of the Super League.

Matchday Seven Scores
Chernomorets Bratsk 0–0 Derinkuyuspor
Admiral Novorossiysk 2–2 Sheriff Tiraspol
Torpedo Yeralenko 0–2 Fortuna Novonikolaysk
Dnistro Dnistropavlovsk 0–1 Rotor Dnistrosh
Union Rheinburg 3–2 Szigetszentmiklos
CSKA Tiraspol 1–0 FC 23 August
Shakhtar Rheinburg 1–1 Metallurgist Beledor
Lokomotiv Novosverdlovsk 0–0 Ufa Verkhovyansk
Dinamo Bender 2–3 Dinamo Macaresti

"There is no such thing as form in the Super League." Thus says the immortal quote. And it appears to have been proven true once again in the Dinamo Derby between Bender and Macaresti. The defending champions once again took an early lead and then sat back and watched as their opponents from the Ixanian Socialist State's capital first scored one goal, then two, and finally three to snatch away all three points from the Stadionul Dinamo. Aside from that game though, there is not much else to report from MD7.

Matchday Eight Scores
Derinkuyuspor 0–1 Dinamo Macaresti
Ufa Verkhovyansk 0–0 Dinamo Bender
Metallurgist Beledor 1–0 Lokomotiv Novosverdlovsk
FC 23 August 0–0 Shakhtar Rheinburg
Szigetszentmiklos 1–2 CSKA Tiraspol
Rotor Dnistrosh 1–0 Union Rheinburg
Fortuna Novonikolaysk 0–1 Dnistro Dnistropavlovsk
Sheriff Tiraspol 2–2 Torpedo Yeralenko
Chernomorets Bratsk 3–2 Admiral Novorossiysk

Things are beginning to get really messy in the Super League. For one thing, Metallurgist Beledor have leapfrogged Sheriff Tiraspol to take top spot in the table after the Sheriffs dropped two points to recently promoted Torpedo Yeralenko. Dinamo Bender's struggles continue with a scoreless draw against Ufa Verkhovyansk. And Chernomorets Bratsk have triumphed over Admiral Novorossiysk in the Port Cities Derby. Yet another disappoint to the long list Admiral fans have written up about their club. For some, the pain always hits home despite everything they might say. For others, the only thing they say is that what is dead may never die. Of course, the secret hope of Admiral fans is that they rise again stronger and harder after all of these.

Pridnestrovian Super League Table After Matchday Eight

   Super League              Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Metallurgist Beledor        8    6   1   1    11    2   +9    19   Champions League qualification
 2 Sheriff Tiraspol            8    5   3   0    10    5   +5    18   Challengers' Cup qualification
 3 Rotor Dnistrosh             8    6   0   2    14   10   +4    18   Challengers' Cup qualification
 4 Dinamo Macaresti            8    5   1   2    13    8   +5    16   Challengers' Cup qualification
 5 CSKA Tiraspol               8    4   2   2    11    9   +2    14
 6 Shakhtar Rheinburg          8    3   3   2    16   10   +6    12
 7 Dinamo Bender               8    3   3   2    15   10   +5    12
 8 Ufa Verkhovyansk            8    2   6   0     8    6   +2    12
 9 Admiral Novorossiysk        8    3   1   4    17   16   +1    10
10 Derinkuyuspor               8    3   1   4     7   10   −3    10
   Union Rheinburg             8    3   1   4     7   10   −3    10
12 Fortuna Novonikolaysk       8    3   0   5     5    7   −2     9
13 FC 23 August                8    2   3   3     7   10   −3     9
14 Torpedo Yeralenko           8    2   2   4    11   14   −3     8
15 Chernomorets Bratsk         8    2   2   4     8   11   −3     8
16 Szigetszentmiklos           8    2   0   6    11   15   −4     6   Relegation playoff
17 Dnistro Dnistropavlovsk     8    1   2   5     7   15   −8     5   Relegation to NPFL
18 Lokomotiv Novosverdlovsk    8    1   1   6     7   17  −10     4   Relegation to NPFL

This PSL table is truly an utter mess. There are eleven teams within nine points of each other at the top, some of them more capable than others of surmounting the points gap and edging themselves closer to the summit. Metallurgist Beledor are top dog in the PSL at the moment, a place they have not occupied since winning the old Pridnestrovian Football First Division in 1976-77. It's not a question of if Beledor will win the title though, but of how long they will remain on top with the likes of Sheriff and CSKA Tiraspol and Dinamo Bender breathing down their necks.

At least Szigetszentmiklos finally have points on the board. But they're not out of the woods just yet; their haul of six points is only enough to put them in the relegation playoff place. And lucky survivors Dnistro Dnistropavlovsk and Lokomotiv Novosverdlovsk aren't looking so lucky right now.

[Abanhfleft]

Matchday Ten Scores
Arsenal de Releinthi 2–2 Fleftic Air Force
Rosenpfelblatz City 4–3 Bananas FC
Thereisnogodistan 1–2 Ludogorets Markovsky
Paulsen FC 1–4 Riuwiee United
Sarvusdalamoive 3–0 Marinos Thimpodopoulos
Rosenpfelblatz North End 0–1 Wanda Island Wanderers
Xemlice Rovers 1–1 Fleftic Army
All-Inclusive Haranguer 0–1 Sporting Ceneisis
Admiral Porcusces 0–1 Gyouza Young Lads
Malabon SC 4–1 Locomotive Imgortur

Wanda Island have finally taken a step in the right direction; namely, upwards through the table. Sporting Ceneisis also took advantage of a rare Arsenal de Releinthi mishap to slash the gap between these two teams to just two points. Both Paulsen and Admiral Porcusces are still looking for their first wins of the season, and while Paulsen were never really likely to get it against Riuwiee United, Porcusces surely must have thought that they had a fighting chance against Gyouza Young Lads. Except it didn't pan out the way the Foxes would have wanted it.

Matchday Eleven Scores
Locomotive Imgortur 2–1 Arsenal de Releinthi
Gyouza Young Lads 3–2 Malabon SC
Sporting Ceneisis 0–1 Admiral Porcusces
Fleftic Army 0–1 All-Inclusive Haranguer
Wanda Island Wanderers 0–2 Xemlice Rovers
Marinos Thimpodopoulos 1–0 Rosenpfelblatz North End
Riuwiee United 1–3 Sarvusdalamoive
Ludogorets Markovsky 1–3 Paulsen FC
Bananas FC 0–0 Thereisnogodistan
Fleftic Air Force 3–5 Rosenpfelblatz City

And just as soon as we mention both Paulsen and Admiral Porcusces' inability to take all three points, they both get their first W of the season on MD11. And up against two top teams as well. Perhaps Porcusces' victory over Sporting Ceneisis in the Mereilles Derby wasn't that big of a surprise. It is a derby after all, and we all know what happens to form in derbies. On the other hand, Paulsen simply had no business outclassing Ludogorets Markovsky the way they did, and at the Stadium of the Old Forester as well. And thanks to Locmotive Imgortur, there are no longer any undefeated teams in the FPL this season. Oh well. Arsenal de Releinthi are still top of the league at this point.

Matchday Twelve Scores
Arsenal de Releinthi 0–0 Rosenpfelblatz City
Thereisnogodistan 1–0 Fleftic Air Force
Paulsen FC 0–2 Bananas FC
Sarvusdalamoive 3–2 Ludogorets Markovsky
Rosenpfelblatz North End 1–2 Riuwiee United
Xemlice Rovers 4–2 Marinos Thimpodopoulos
All-Inclusive Haranguer 1–0 Wanda Island Wanderers
Admiral Porcusces 0–3 Fleftic Army
Malabon SC 0–1 Sporting Ceneisis
Locomotive Imgortur 2–4 Gyouza Young Lads

It seems as if Wanda Island just can't get a break this season. Their defeat to All-Inclusive Haranguer brings the Wanderers their seventh loss of the season and the worst MD12 record for a defending Premier League champion. Whatever it was that had carried them through to the title last season is seemingly not there anymore. This Wanda Island team is more reminiscent of the one from 2026-27, the one that almost got relegated. But how about that Gyouza Young Lads side though? Nobody paid them any attention at the start of the season; everyone expected the Lads to be right in the middle of the table, but now here they are in fourth place making an assault on some of the established sides of the Prem. But how much longer can Gyouza maintain this momentum? And can anyone in the top three put a stop to the black-and-gold juggernaut coming their way?

Matchday Thirteen Scores
Gyouza Young Lads 2–1 Arsenal de Releinthi
Sporting Ceneisis 2–3 Locomotive Imgortur
Fleftic Army 5–3 Malabon SC
Wanda Island Wanderers 4–1 Admiral Porcusces
Marinos Thimpodopoulos 2–3 All-Inclusive Haranguer
Riuwiee United 0–1 Xemlice Rovers
Ludogorets Markovsky 3–2 Rosenpfelblatz North End
Bananas FC 3–2 Sarvusdalamoive
Fleftic Air Force 0–1 Paulsen FC
Rosenpfelblatz City 0–0 Thereisnogodistan

Nope, not even the current Premier League leaders were able to put a stop to the black-and-gold army. And with Sporting Ceneisis also dropping points against Locomotive Imgortur, Gyouza Young Lads are now second in the table, below Arsenal de Releinthi only on goal difference. All that needs to happen now is for Gyouza to win and for Arsenal to draw or lose and the Young Lads will be at the top of the table, something they have never done before, even during the days when the Unang Liga was still Abanhfleft's top flight. Imagine the scenes if Gyouza not only climb to the top but also manage to stay there for the rest of the season.

Matchday Fourteen Scores
Arsenal de Releinthi 0–2 Thereisnogodistan
Paulsen FC 1–4 Rosenpfelblatz City
Sarvusdalamoive 1–2 Fleftic Air Force
Rosenpfelblatz North End 2–0 Bananas FC
Xemlice Rovers 2–2 Ludogorets Markovsky
All-Inclusive Haranguer 1–1 Riuwiee United
Admiral Porcusces 4–3 Marinos Thimpodopoulos
Malabon SC 1–1 Wanda Island Wanderers
Locomotive Imgortur 2–0 Fleftic Army
Gyouza Young Lads 2–2 Sporting Ceneisis

And there it was. The impossible had finally happened. Gyouza Young Lads are the Fleftic Premier League leaders after securing a 2-2 draw with Sporting Ceneisis. This, coupled with Arsenal de Releinthi's shock 2-0 loss to Thereisnogodistan, means that both the Lads and the Blues have leapfrogged the Gunners to lay claim to the IFCF Champions League places. Admiral Porcusces also claimed a hard-fought victory over Marinos Thimpodopoulos, but could that be a case of too little too late for Bruce White's men?

Fleftic Premier League Table After Matchday Fourteen

   FPL                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Gyouza Young Lads          14    8   2   4    32   25   +7    26   Champions League qualification
 2 Sporting Ceneisis          14    8   2   4    27   20   +7    26   Champions League qualification
 3 Arsenal de Releinthi       14    7   4   3    27   21   +6    25   Challengers' Cup qualification
 4 Ludogorets Markovsky       14    7   3   4    31   27   +4    24   Challengers' Cup qualification
 5 Sarvusdalamoive            14    7   2   5    36   28   +8    23   Challengers' Cup qualification
 6 Rosenpfelblatz City        14    6   5   3    31   24   +7    23
 7 Xemlice Rovers             14    6   5   3    29   24   +5    23
 8 All-Inclusive Haranguer    14    7   2   5    21   21    0    23
 9 Fleftic Army               14    5   5   4    26   24   +2    20
10 Locomotive Imgortur        14    6   2   6    22   22    0    20
11 Fleftic Air Force          14    6   2   6    23   28   −5    20
12 Riuwiee United             14    5   3   6    32   30   +2    18
13 Thereisnogodistan          14    3   8   3    22   22    0    17
14 Malabon SC                 14    5   2   7    23   26   −3    17
15 Rosenpfelblatz North End   14    4   4   6    21   22   −1    16
16 Marinos Thimpodopoulos     14    3   6   5    24   27   −3    15
17 Wanda Island Wanderers     14    4   3   7    20   24   −4    15
18 Bananas FC                 14    4   3   7    23   30   −7    15   Relegation to Unang Liga
19 Admiral Porcusces          14    2   5   7    13   23  −10    11   Relegation to Unang Liga
20 Paulsen FC                 14    2   2  10    12   27  −15     8   Relegation to Unang Liga

How does it feel to be making history for all of the wrong reasons? Best ask a Wanda Island Wanderers fan about that; they know a thing or two about one of the worst title defenses the FPL has ever seen. And Admiral Porcusces aren't doing any better right now. The team that never placed lower than third the previous season, has never gone higher than eighth this season, and that's only because they got eighth at the very first matchday. It's been a scary slide downwards for the Foxes, and time is running out on them to escape the slippery slope leading from the relegation zone down to Unang Liga. Maybe it really is the IFCF football affecting them this time.

[Trans-Dniesters]

Matchday Nine Scores
Admiral Novorossiysk 1–0 Derinkuyuspor
Torpedo Yeralenko 0–2 Chernomorets Bratsk
Dnistro Dnistropavlovsk 1–3 Sheriff Tiraspol
Union Rheinburg 0–0 Fortuna Novonikolaysk
CSKA Tiraspol 1–0 Rotor Dnistrosh
Shakhtar Rheinburg 6–1 Szigetszentmiklos
Lokomotiv Novosverdlovsk 1–2 FC 23 August
Dinamo Bender 0–2 Metallurgist Beledor
Dinamo Macaresti 1–1 Ufa Verkhovyansk

Metallurgist are taking no prisoners whatsoever. The Blacksmiths are not just content in taking top spot in the Super League; they want to beat everyone else in their way, including the defending champions Dinamo Bender. This could very well be the only chance that Beledor may have in bringing the Super League trophy to the island of Karavatsenin, and they will be damned if they don't take that chance.

Matchday Ten Scores
Derinkuyuspor 2–0 Ufa Verkhovyansk
Metallurgist Beledor 1–0 Dinamo Macaresti
FC 23 August 3–1 Dinamo Bender
Szigetszentmiklos 1–1 Lokomotiv Novosverdlovsk
Rotor Dnistrosh 2–1 Shakhtar Rheinburg
Fortuna Novonikolaysk 0–3 CSKA Tiraspol
Sheriff Tiraspol 1–4 Union Rheinburg
Chernomorets Bratsk 2–3 Dnistro Dnistropavlovsk
Admiral Novorossiysk 2–1 Torpedo Yeralenko

Incredible, just incredible. Metallurgist have actually built up a four-point gap between them and their nearest challengers. In the case of Sheriff Tiraspol, it certainly doesn't help that they let themselves get beaten 4-1 by Union Rheinburg. It appears that the situation developing in the Super League is going to be similar to the one happening in the Fleftic Premier League with their incredibly tight title race and an unlikely team sitting pretty on top of the pile. But again it's a question of whether Beledor can hold on to their perch or if they will get knocked away by another club sometime in the future.

Matchday Eleven Scores
Torpedo Yeralenko 0–3 Derinkuyuspor
Dnistro Dnistropavlovsk 2–2 Admiral Novorossiysk
Union Rheinburg 3–3 Chernomorets Bratsk
CSKA Tiraspol 0–1 Sheriff Tiraspol
Shakhtar Rheinburg 0–0 Fortuna Novonikolaysk
Lokomotiv Novosverdlovsk 1–1 Rotor Dnistrosh
Dinamo Bender 2–1 Szigetszentmiklos
Dinamo Macaresti 0–0 FC 23 August
Ufa Verkhovyansk 1–0 Metallurgist Beledor

CSKA Tiraspol have been hard at work dispelling the notion that their fans are such sore losers, always complaining about anything and everything whenever their team loses. But there are always a few of those crazy and downright ignorant fools who make things difficult for everyone else because of their actions. Who knows what went on in the minds of those three so-called "fans" of CSKA when they went and ganged up on that poor elderly Sheriff fan at the end of this particular Tiraspol derby? Losing to your city rivals is no reason to let go of all social mores and behave like animals on the streets. That is the lesson everyone hopes these three hooligans will learn during their respective jail terms.

Matchday Twelve Scores
Derinkuyuspor 0–1 Metallurgist Beledor
FC 23 August 0–1 Ufa Verkhovyansk
Szigetszentmiklos 0–2 Dinamo Macaresti
Rotor Dnistrosh 0–1 Dinamo Bender
Fortuna Novonikolaysk 1–1 Lokomotiv Novosverdlovsk
Sheriff Tiraspol 0–1 Shakhtar Rheinburg
Chernomorets Bratsk 2–2 CSKA Tiraspol
Admiral Novorossiysk 1–1 Union Rheinburg
Torpedo Yeralenko 0–1 Dnistro Dnistropavlovsk

Metallurgist have increased their lead to four points once again after a scrappy win away to Derinkuyuspor, and after Dinamo Bender beat Rotor Dnistrosh 1-0. And this, for some strange reason, has pushed Sheriff Tiraspol up to second place even though they lost to Shakhtar Rheinburg as well. At this point no one wants to make any more predictions about the Super League anymore. It's just not worth the effort of trying to account for all the variables that need to be in place.

Pridnestrovian Super League Table After Matchday Twelve

   Super League              Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Metallurgist Beledor       12    9   1   2    15    3  +12    28   Champions League qualification
 2 Sheriff Tiraspol           12    7   3   2    15   11   +4    24   Challengers' Cup qualification
 3 Rotor Dnistrosh            12    7   1   4    17   14   +3    22   Challengers' Cup qualification
 4 Dinamo Macaresti           12    6   3   3    16   10   +6    21   Challengers' Cup qualification
 5 CSKA Tiraspol              12    6   3   3    17   12   +5    21
 6 Shakhtar Rheinburg         12    5   4   3    24   13  +11    19
 7 Ufa Verkhovyansk           12    4   7   1    11    9   +2    19
 8 Admiral Novorossiysk       12    5   3   4    23   20   +3    18
 9 Dinamo Bender              12    5   3   4    19   16   +3    18
10 Union Rheinburg            12    4   4   4    15   15    0    16
11 Derinkuyuspor              12    5   1   6    12   12    0    16
12 FC 23 August               12    4   4   4    12   13   −1    16
13 Chernomorets Bratsk        12    3   4   5    17   19   −2    13
14 Fortuna Novonikolaysk      12    3   3   6     6   11   −5    12
15 Dnistro Dnistropavlovsk    12    3   3   6    14   22   −8    12
16 Torpedo Yeralenko          12    2   2   8    12   22  −10     8   Relegation playoff
17 Lokomotiv Novosverdlovsk   12    1   4   7    11   22  −11     7   Relegation to NPFL
18 Szigetszentmiklos          12    2   1   9    14   26  −12     7   Relegation to NPFL

This is most definitely not how Dinamo Bender envisioned their title defense campaign to play out. Sure as hell they didn't count on being all the way down in ninth place and watching as everyone else scrapped for the honor of dethroning the Dinamo from their perch. Meanwhile, the struggle for survival goes on, with Szigetszentmiklos, Lokomotiv Novosverdlovsk, and Torpedo Yeralenko looking most likely to fall victim to the drop. However, despite all of this, this is still pretty much everyone's league.

[Abanhfleft]

Matchday Fifteen Scores
Sporting Ceneisis 1–4 Arsenal de Releinthi
Fleftic Army 3–1 Gyouza Young Lads
Wanda Island Wanderers 1–2 Locomotive Imgortur
Marinos Thimpodopoulos 2–0 Malabon SC
Riuwiee United 0–0 Admiral Porcusces
Ludogorets Markovsky 3–2 All-Inclusive Haranguer
Bananas FC 3–5 Xemlice Rovers
Fleftic Air Force 0–1 Rosenpfelblatz North End
Rosenpfelblatz City 3–4 Sarvusdalamoive
Thereisnogodistan 1–3 Paulsen FC

Well, it was fun while it lasted. That's what Gyouza fans are going to tell themselves after the Young Lads' loss to Fleftic Army meant that they gave up top spot back to Arsenal de Releinthi. Such is the closeness of the current title race that that one loss saw Gyouza drop all the way down to fifth place. And, as far as Admiral Porcusces are concerned, a goalless draw against Riuwiee United is not going to help them get out of the relegation zone at all. Any other season and 0-0 against the capital club would be celebrated in the city in southern Ceneisis Province. Not today.

Matchday Sixteen Scores
Arsenal de Releinthi 3–4 Paulsen FC
Sarvusdalamoive 0–0 Thereisnogodistan
Rosenpfelblatz North End 1–1 Rosenpfelblatz City
Xemlice Rovers 2–2 Fleftic Air Force
All-Inclusive Haranguer 1–2 Bananas FC
Admiral Porcusces 1–2 Ludogorets Markovsky
Malabon SC 0–0 Riuwiee United
Locomotive Imgortur 5–3 Marinos Thimpodopoulos
Gyouza Young Lads 3–4 Wanda Island Wanderers
Sporting Ceneisis 3–2 Fleftic Army

And now even Arsenal's time at the top is over, for the meantime at least. Ludogorets Markovsky are the new Premier League leaders courtesy of a 2-1 victory over Admiral Porcusces that puts the Foxes right at the bottom of the table and in real danger of relegation. There now appears to be a thing in the FPL in which one of the teams which could be considered as a "big" club almost always finds themselves mired in a relegation battle every season. First it was Malabon, then it was Marinos Thimpodopoulos, then Athletic Dorfdifving, and now it's Admiral Porcusces' turn to look in fear at the drop zone. Oh, and the first Rosenpfelblatz Derby in a few seasons sees both clubs share the points after a 1-1 draw.

Matchday Seventeen Scores
Fleftic Army 3–3 Arsenal de Releinthi
Wanda Island Wanderers 3–3 Sporting Ceneisis
Marinos Thimpodopoulos 3–2 Gyouza Young Lads
Riuwiee United 1–0 Locomotive Imgortur
Ludogorets Markovsky 1–0 Malabon SC
Bananas FC 1–1 Admiral Porcusces
Fleftic Air Force 1–1 All-Inclusive Haranguer
Rosenpfelblatz City 3–3 Xemlice Rovers
Thereisnogodistan 2–6 Rosenpfelblatz North End
Paulsen FC 2–1 Sarvusdalamoive

Ludogorets Markovsky have now increased their lead to three points after Sporting Ceneisis failed to close out their game against Wanda Island Wanderers. And as the Challengers' Cup takes up more and more of Malabon's focus, it appears the Crows are letting their Premier League status hang in the balance yet again. There's no way that a club of Malabon's stature couldn't build a squad that can challenge on both fronts, and yet here they are, just five points away from bottom club Admiral Porcusces. A few more poor results and Malabon and Porcusces could find themselves right beside each other in the one place in the table they both don't want to be.

Matchday Eighteen Scores
Arsenal de Releinthi 3–3 Sarvusdalamoive
Rosenpfelblatz North End 1–0 Paulsen FC
Xemlice Rovers 1–2 Thereisnogodistan
All-Inclusive Haranguer 3–3 Rosenpfelblatz City
Admiral Porcusces 0–2 Fleftic Air Force
Malabon SC 2–2 Bananas FC
Locomotive Imgortur 2–4 Ludogorets Markovsky
Gyouza Young Lads 0–2 Riuwiee United
Sporting Ceneisis 2–2 Marinos Thimpodopoulos
Fleftic Army 2–1 Wanda Island Wanderers

Could this be the very first season of the FPL where we see three of the "big" sides fall victim to the drop? Fans from Wanda Island, Malabon, and Porcusces all certainly hope not. But everyone knows that at the end of the season, the three worst teams have got to be relegated, and if the Wanderers, the Crows, and the Foxes don't get their act together then those three teams could very well be them. Oh, and also Ludogorets' lead over Sporting Ceneisis is now five points.

Matchday Nineteen Scores
Wanda Island Wanderers 1–0 Arsenal de Releinthi
Marinos Thimpodopoulos 1–1 Fleftic Army
Riuwiee United 1–0 Sporting Ceneisis
Ludogorets Markovsky 1–0 Gyouza Young Lads
Bananas FC 1–1 Locomotive Imgortur
Fleftic Air Force 3–3 Malabon SC
Rosenpfelblatz City 1–0 Admiral Porcusces
Thereisnogodistan 0–1 All-Inclusive Haranguer
Paulsen FC 1–2 Xemlice Rovers
Sarvusdalamoive 1–1 Rosenpfelblatz North End

They may be having the worst title defense in the history of the FPL but that won't stop Wanda Island Wanderers from claiming victory on the pitch against their great rivals Arsenal de Releinthi. It's the only thing keeping Wanderers fans going; the opportunity to rub the superiority of recent results in the face of the hated (from their perspective) Gunners. Also, Ludogorets Markovsky are now eight points clear of everyone else. This title race has gotten so confusing even Xemlice Rovers have turned themselves into a title "contender". And that's never supposed to happen, barring those two seasons where Xemlice actually properly challenged for the Premier League.

Fleftic Premier League Table After Matchday Nineteen

   FPL                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Ludogorets Markovsky       19   12   3   4    42   32  +10    39   Champions League qualification
 2 Xemlice Rovers             19    8   7   4    42   35   +7    31   Champions League qualification
 3 Sporting Ceneisis          19    9   4   6    36   32   +4    31   Challengers' Cup qualification
 4 Arsenal de Releinthi       19    8   6   5    40   33   +7    30   Challengers' Cup qualification
 5 Sarvusdalamoive            19    8   5   6    45   37   +8    29   Challengers' Cup qualification
 6 Rosenpfelblatz City        19    7   8   4    42   35   +7    29
 7 Riuwiee United             19    8   5   6    36   30   +6    29
 8 Fleftic Army               19    7   7   5    37   33   +4    28
 9 All-Inclusive Haranguer    19    8   4   7    29   30   −1    28
10 Rosenpfelblatz North End   19    7   6   6    31   26   +5    27
11 Locomotive Imgortur        19    8   3   8    32   32    0    27
12 Gyouza Young Lads          19    8   2   9    38   38    0    26
13 Fleftic Air Force          19    7   5   7    31   35   −4    26
14 Marinos Thimpodopoulos     19    5   8   6    35   37   −2    23
15 Wanda Island Wanderers     19    6   4   9    30   34   −4    22
16 Thereisnogodistan          19    4   9   6    27   33   −6    21
17 Bananas FC                 19    5   6   8    32   40   −8    21
18 Malabon SC                 19    5   5   9    28   34   −6    20   Relegation to Unang Liga
19 Paulsen FC                 19    5   2  12    22   35  −13    17   Relegation to Unang Liga
20 Admiral Porcusces          19    2   7  10    15   29  −14    13   Relegation to Unang Liga

Halfway through the 2028-29 season and it appears that there is a new contender for Fleftic Premier League champion: Ludogorets Markovsky. It is never wise to count the Foresters out of any title race until all 38 matchdays have been played, and this season appears to be no exception at all. Markovsky's eight-point gap with their nearest rivals is the widest it has ever been this season, and if the Foresters' form continues as it is then they will have wrapped up the title in no time at all. Malabon SC have joined Admiral Porcusces in the relegation zone; the combined campaigns in the IFCF Challengers' Cup and their respective FFI competitions very noticeably putting a strain on these clubs' seasons. There is still a way out of this predicament for the Crows and Foxes, but time is about to run out on them to do exactly that.

[Trans-Dniesters]

Matchday Thirteen Scores
Dnistro Dnistropavlovsk 4–3 Derinkuyuspor
Union Rheinburg 5–2 Torpedo Yeralenko
CSKA Tiraspol 2–2 Admiral Novorossiysk
Shakhtar Rheinburg 2–1 Chernomorets Bratsk
Lokomotiv Novosverdlovsk 4–2 Sheriff Tiraspol
Dinamo Bender 1–2 Fortuna Novonikolaysk
Dinamo Macaresti 1–0 Rotor Dnistrosh
Ufa Verkhovyansk 0–1 Szigetszentmiklos
Metallurgist Beledor 2–1 FC 23 August

Metallurgist Beledor are truly determined to win the Super League this season, and for once, they are actually going about it the right way; namely, by winning games no matter the opponent. The manner in which the Blacksmiths acquired all three points against FC 23 August was not the prettiest (both penalties, both awarded under controversial circumstances) but all they and their fans care about is that they got the job done. And for that Beledor now have a seven-point gap to their nearest challengers.

Matchday Fourteen Scores
Derinkuyuspor 1–1 FC 23 August
Szigetszentmiklos 1–2 Metallurgist Beledor
Rotor Dnistrosh 1–0 Ufa Verkhovyansk
Fortuna Novonikolaysk 0–0 Dinamo Macaresti
Sheriff Tiraspol 3–3 Dinamo Bender
Chernomorets Bratsk 3–2 Lokomotiv Novosverdlovsk
Admiral Novorossiysk 3–1 Shakhtar Rheinburg
Torpedo Yeralenko 1–0 CSKA Tiraspol
Dnistro Dnistropavlovsk 4–1 Union Rheinburg

And now the gap has increased to nine points. Maybe this really is Beledor's season. At the very least it's their season to tlose. And at the moment it appears that losing is not in the Blacksmiths' vocabulary. On a trip to a Szigetszentmiklos side looking for three points that could potentially save their top flight status, Beledor were really made to show their mettle, and boy did they do it. Sure, this win was also surrounded by some controversy, most notably the game-winning penalty awarded to Beledor, but Metallurgist's fans don't care at all. Not one bit.

Matchday Fifteen Scores
Union Rheinburg 0–0 Derinkuyuspor
CSKA Tiraspol 1–0 Dnistro Dnistropavlovsk
Shakhtar Rheinburg 4–4 Torpedo Yeralenko
Lokomotiv Novosverdlovsk 1–2 Admiral Novorossiysk
Dinamo Bender 2–1 Chernomorets Bratsk
Dinamo Macaresti 0–1 Sheriff Tiraspol
Ufa Verkhovyansk 2–3 Fortuna Novonikolaysk
Metallurgist Beledor 0–1 Rotor Dnistrosh
FC 23 August 1–0 Szigetszentmiklos

Ah, now, the first cracks in the armor of Beledor have been opened a little by Rotor Dnistrosh. Perhaps the Blacksmiths aren't so infallible after all. Or maybe the Dnistrosh Bratva have made "donations" to the Referees' Union bigger than that made by Governor Foma Gadilenko of Karavatsenin Province. Believe in what you will. The fact of the matter remains that Beledor have been beaten, if only for the third time this season, and their lead has been cut to six points. And who should the team behind them be but none other than their opponents themselves, Rotor Dnistrosh? So who truly benefited the most from this turn of events? You decide...

Matchday Sixteen Scores
Derinkuyuspor 0–1 Szigetszentmiklos
Rotor Dnistrosh 0–1 FC 23 August
Fortuna Novonikolaysk 1–1 Metallurgist Beledor
Sheriff Tiraspol 2–0 Ufa Verkhovyansk
Chernomorets Bratsk 1–1 Dinamo Macaresti
Admiral Novorossiysk 1–0 Dinamo Bender
Torpedo Yeralenko 4–2 Lokomotiv Novosverdlovsk
Dnistro Dnistropavlovsk 1–0 Shakhtar Rheinburg
Union Rheinburg 1–0 CSKA Tiraspol

Thus six points became four. Some would claim that Fortuna Novonikolaysk were lucky to claim even a point against both Metallurgist Beledor and the referee. Believe what you want to believe. What everyone knows, as opposed to claims, is that this title race has been very much a fun experience. Maybe not so fun for the likes of Dinamo Bender, but for everyone else who doesn't support Torpedo Yeralenko, Szigetszentmiklos, and Lokomotiv Novosverdlovsk, this season has been quite the enjoyable one.

Matchday Seventeen Scores
CSKA Tiraspol 2–2 Derinkuyuspor
Shakhtar Rheinburg 1–0 Union Rheinburg
Lokomotiv Novosverdlovsk 3–0 Dnistro Dnistropavlovsk
Dinamo Bender 3–1 Torpedo Yeralenko
Dinamo Macaresti 3–1 Admiral Novorossiysk
Ufa Verkhovyansk 1–3 Chernomorets Bratsk
Metallurgist Beledor 0–1 Sheriff Tiraspol
FC 23 August 0–2 Fortuna Novonikolaysk
Szigetszentmiklos 0–3 Rotor Dnistrosh

Here's a quick reminder that there are still other teams in this title race other than Metallurgist. Sheriff Tiraspol are quite literally knocking on the steps of the top spot in the Super League, and now one has to wonder how long Beledor's reign at the top will last before another team like Sheriff or Rotor Dnistrosh dethrones them. Dinamo Bender finally get another win under their belts, but they're still nowhere near where they want to be in terms of places in the table. They could still get up there, Dinamo. It's not a particularly tough ask of them. But if their patchy form is any indication then don't expect an actual challenge from them anytime soon this season.

Pridnestrovian Super League Table After Matchday Seventeen

   Super League              Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Metallurgist Beledor       17   11   2   4    20    8  +12    35   Champions League qualification
 2 Sheriff Tiraspol           17   10   4   3    24   18   +6    34   Challengers' Cup qualification
 3 Rotor Dnistrosh            17   10   1   6    22   16   +6    31   Challengers' Cup qualification
 4 Dinamo Macaresti           17    8   5   4    21   13   +8    29   Challengers' Cup qualification
 5 Admiral Novorossiysk       17    8   4   5    32   27   +5    28
 6 Shakhtar Rheinburg         17    7   5   5    32   22  +10    26
 7 CSKA Tiraspol              17    7   5   5    22   18   +4    26
 8 Dinamo Bender              17    7   4   6    28   24   +4    25
 9 Union Rheinburg            17    6   5   6    22   22    0    23
10 Fortuna Novonikolaysk      17    6   5   6    14   15   −1    23
11 FC 23 August               17    6   5   6    16   18   −2    23
12 Dnistro Dnistropavlovsk    17    6   3   8    23   30   −7    21
13 Chernomorets Bratsk        17    5   5   7    26   27   −1    20
14 Derinkuyuspor              17    5   4   8    18   20   −2    19
15 Ufa Verkhovyansk           17    4   7   6    14   19   −5    19
16 Torpedo Yeralenko          17    4   3  10    24   36  −12    15   Relegation playoff
17 Lokomotiv Novosverdlovsk   17    3   4  10    23   33  −10    13   Relegation to NPFL
18 Szigetszentmiklos          17    4   1  12    17   32  −15    13   Relegation to NPFL

Metallurgist Beledor are still on top of the Pridnestrovian Super League, but their grip on top spot has grown more tenuous by the matchday. Sheriff Tiraspol are breathing down on the Blacksmiths' necks, with Rotor Dnistrosh and Dinamo Macaresti honestly not that far behind. Lokomotiv Novosverdlovsk and Szigetszentmiklos are holding up the rest of the league on 13 points each, Lokomotiv only above the Saints on goal difference. Torpedo Yeralenko aren't home clear either; they're still in the relegation playoff place. But just one win will be more than enough to steer them clear of at least this part of the table. It's still in the air who will win and who will fall victim to the drop though.

[Abanhfleft]

2028-29 SFA Cup Third Round Scores

Locomotive Imgortur 3-0 Tutschkill Town
Rosenpfelblatz City 1-0 Imperial Markovsky
Koob Rovers 0-2 Effelenendro FC
Gyouza Young Lads 1-0 Pawwazim
Dynamo Ja 0-3 Real Mikkaleth
Rosenpfelblatz North End 1-1 Marinos Thimpodopoulos (1-1 AET, 2-3 PKs)
Thereisnogodistan 2-0 All-Inclusive Haranguer
North Iboyie Albion 2-1 Tefel FC
Pilken Kickers 3-1 Berezovsky United
Athletic Bergson 0-3 Keklavik United
Sporting Ceneisis 0-0 Sporting Mykorrigan (0-0 AET, 0-1 PKs)
Kimmirut Panhandle 3-0 Pamunas
Sarvusdalamoive 2-0 Wanda Island Wanderers
Verrokib South End 0-3 Bananas FC
Mannerheim Sports 0-0 Khimik Ogovlich (0-0 AET, 3-1 PKs)
Tentenaraya Rovers 1-7 Electric Yugal
Admiral Porcusces 2-0 West Releinthi City
Antslinngs Islands 2-0 Sporting Tiembabkh
Uranium City Radiation 0-1 Reyes United
Onghawesk East End 2-4 Ludogorets Markovsky
Wabash River 2-2 El Horizonte (2-2 AET, 0-2 PKs)
Porcusces Tsunamis 0-2 Buscargill Town
Atletico San Sebastian 4-3 Bartunna United
Xemlice Rovers 2-0 Niraza Rovers
Riuwiee United 2-0 Paulsen FC
Malhall United 0-3 Chevaliers de Motonou
Nou Constantinopoli 0-4 Athletic Dorfdifving
Pazugas 0-2 Vikrant Rovers
Olistan Presbyterians 1-2 Miroz Old Boys
Arsenal de Releinthi 0-2 Fleftic Army
Inseparables 1-1 Eielo Sunlight (1-2 AET)
Fleftic Air Force 0-0 Malabon SC (0-0 AET, 2-3 PKs)

And now, time for a little break from Premier League action by way of the SFA Cup. Once again, we take a peek at the Cup from the third round, the round where Premier League and Unang Liga teams enter the competition for the first time this season. Quite a few clubs out there are sure to put many eggs into the Cup basket as they all know the effects winning the Cup can do to resuscitate an otherwise flagging campaign. Unfortunately for some teams though, the Third Round will be as far as they will go in the competition until the next edition rolls around.

Take for instance Sarvusdalamoive versus Wanda Island Wanderers. The Wanderers' campaign to defend the Fleftic Premier League title has been nothing short of disappointing, and Artemio Peres was surely thinking and hoping that a deep cup run could help take Wanderers fans' minds away from their disaster in the league. Enter Sarvusdalamoive. The Pinks still have one eye on the title, but seeing as Ludogorets Markovsky have once again turned into an unstoppable juggernaut in the league, it seemed best for Sarvus to focus their attention and efforts into something that the Foresters have been known to suck at: the SFA Cup. And so it was that Conrado Azucarrera and Toumain Vincelot netted in front of a sold-out Sarvus home crowd to knock Wanda Island out of the Cup and heap more misery upon Artemio Peres and his men.

And what is it about the SFA Cup that just brings out the attacking side of Electric Yugal? Last season the Bolts scored 8 unanswered goals in the fourth round of the SFA Cup, and while today Yugal have only scored seven (and conceded one) against Tentenaraya Rovers, it's still a credible achievement. So credible in fact that it has overshadowed the elimination of Sporting Ceneisis from the competition. Maybe it's for the better. No one really wants to hear about a penalty shootout where only one kicker scored from six yards. Maybe Mykorrigan fans, but not much else outside of that group.

Matchday Twenty Scores
Arsenal de Releinthi 0–2 Rosenpfelblatz North End
Sarvusdalamoive 3–3 Xemlice Rovers
Paulsen FC 2–1 All-Inclusive Haranguer
Thereisnogodistan 1–0 Admiral Porcusces
Rosenpfelblatz City 1–0 Malabon SC
Fleftic Air Force 2–0 Locomotive Imgortur
Bananas FC 1–2 Gyouza Young Lads
Ludogorets Markovsky 2–5 Sporting Ceneisis
Riuwiee United 0–1 Fleftic Army
Marinos Thimpodopoulos 3–3 Wanda Island Wanderers

Is it still too early to call Admiral Porcusces the first team to go down to Unang Liga at the end of the season? Perhaps. But things really are not looking so good for the Foxes. Porcusces are now eight points adrift of safety, and their goal difference also leaves something to be desired. The situation in southern Ceneisis Province couldn't be any more different from what is happening in the provincial capital. Sporting Ceneisis are not going to give up the Premier League title without a fight, and they fired warning shots across the bow of Ludogorets Markovsky as the Blues took home all three points in a 5-2 victory over the Foresters. Forget about the gap between Markovsky and Ceneisis still being five points; the title race has never been this tight.

Matchday Twenty-one Scores
Marinos Thimpodopoulos 2–1 Arsenal de Releinthi
Wanda Island Wanderers 0–0 Riuwiee United
Fleftic Army 4–3 Ludogorets Markovsky
Sporting Ceneisis 3–3 Bananas FC
Gyouza Young Lads 2–4 Fleftic Air Force
Locomotive Imgortur 2–2 Rosenpfelblatz City
Malabon SC 1–1 Thereisnogodistan
Admiral Porcusces 4–3 Paulsen FC
All-Inclusive Haranguer 0–1 Sarvusdalamoive
Xemlice Rovers 2–2 Rosenpfelblatz North End

When Ludogorets Markovsky suffered a shock defeat at the hands of Fleftic Army, Sporting Ceneisis thought that this was their chance to narrow the gap even further. The Blues were up against a Bananas FC side struggling against relegation; easy three points, right? Eh, not so much. Bananas are really determined to stay in the top flight, and they don't care who they have to beat in order to remain in the Premier League. Yes, the Plantains didn't exactly beat the Blues, but they still dealt Ceneisis a blow to their title challenge. Instead of the gap between Markovsky and Ceneisis now being reduced to two points, it's on four. Not that big a gap, sure, but should the Foresters find their form again that gap is only going to get bigger and bigger.

Matchday Twenty-two Scores
Arsenal de Releinthi 2–2 Xemlice Rovers
Rosenpfelblatz North End 0–1 All-Inclusive Haranguer
Sarvusdalamoive 0–0 Admiral Porcusces
Paulsen FC 4–4 Malabon SC
Thereisnogodistan 1–1 Locomotive Imgortur
Rosenpfelblatz City 2–2 Gyouza Young Lads
Fleftic Air Force 1–0 Sporting Ceneisis
Bananas FC 4–4 Fleftic Army
Ludogorets Markovsky 0–2 Wanda Island Wanderers
Riuwiee United 0–1 Marinos Thimpodopoulos

What a strange day for Fleftic football. With so many draws happening throughout the league, should it really come as any surprise that both Fleftic Army and Fleftic Air Force have now thrown their names into the hat for the title race? Let us all forget for the moment forget everything that has been happening in the league and appreciate the fact that the two Armed Forces clubs in the league, the only two sides who have voluntarily limited the number of foreign players in their rosters to a maximum of three, are managing to keep up with clubs stacked to the gills with foreign talent like Markovsky and Ceneisis? Sure, this state of affairs probably won't last long, but while it lasts, let us take a moment to appreciate it all the same.

Matchday Twenty-three Scores
Riuwiee United 3–0 Arsenal de Releinthi
Marinos Thimpodopoulos 3–4 Ludogorets Markovsky
Wanda Island Wanderers 2–1 Bananas FC
Fleftic Army 4–4 Fleftic Air Force
Sporting Ceneisis 5–1 Rosenpfelblatz City
Gyouza Young Lads 3–1 Thereisnogodistan
Locomotive Imgortur 0–3 Paulsen FC
Malabon SC 0–0 Sarvusdalamoive
Admiral Porcusces 1–1 Rosenpfelblatz North End
All-Inclusive Haranguer 0–0 Xemlice Rovers

Perhaps it's fair to say that Arsenal de Releinthi are, for all intents and purposes, out of this title race. They had a good start, as is often the case with the Gunners, but now that we have entered the second half of the season, their form has expectedly faltered and sputtered, and on a trip to their Capital Islands rivals Riuwiee United, Maksim Shinkarenko and his men put Releinthi's title challenge out of its misery. It's an undignified end to a story that had started off so full of hope and dreams of the future, a future that will not be realized come May 2029. The title race is now between Ludogorets Markovsky and Sporting Ceneisis, with both Fleftic Army and Fleftic Air Force on the outside looking in after a spectacular eight-goal thriller of an Armed Forces derby.

Matchday Twenty-four Scores
Arsenal de Releinthi 1–0 All-Inclusive Haranguer
Xemlice Rovers 0–3 Admiral Porcusces
Rosenpfelblatz North End 2–3 Malabon SC
Sarvusdalamoive 2–0 Locomotive Imgortur
Paulsen FC 1–0 Gyouza Young Lads
Thereisnogodistan 0–1 Sporting Ceneisis
Rosenpfelblatz City 2–1 Fleftic Army
Fleftic Air Force 1–1 Wanda Island Wanderers
Bananas FC 3–0 Marinos Thimpodopoulos
Ludogorets Markovsky 4–5 Riuwiee United

Finally, Sporting Ceneisis are able to take advantage of a Ludogorets Markovsky slip-up. Although, strictly speaking, Ceneisis won their game against Thereisnogodistan before Markovsky and Riuwiee United locked horns at the Stadium of the Old Forester. And what a cracking clash that turned out to be. The score seesawed between the two teams; fans were left on the edge of their seats. There was no rest at all to be had for anyone watching this game in the stadium itself and on their televisions and computers. There was action all the way to the 90th minute and even beyond that, with both Markovsky and Riuwiee scoring in injury time to truly make for an exciting ending to this game. But only Riuwiee fans will be truly happy with the result as this means the Foresters are now within striking distance of at least four other teams. Truly a very exciting season indeed.

Fleftic Premier League Table After Matchday Twenty-four

   FPL                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Ludogorets Markovsky       24   13   3   8    55   51   +4    42   Champions League qualification
 2 Sporting Ceneisis          24   12   5   7    50   39  +11    41   Champions League qualification
 3 Sarvusdalamoive            24   10   8   6    51   40  +11    38   Challengers' Cup qualification
 4 Rosenpfelblatz City        24    9  10   5    50   45   +5    37   Challengers' Cup qualification
 5 Fleftic Air Force          24   10   7   7    43   42   +1    37   Challengers' Cup qualification
 6 Riuwiee United             24   10   6   8    44   36   +8    36
 7 Fleftic Army               24    9   9   6    51   46   +5    36
 8 Xemlice Rovers             24    8  11   5    49   45   +4    35
 9 Arsenal de Releinthi       24    9   7   8    44   42   +2    34
10 Gyouza Young Lads          24   10   3  11    47   47    0    33
11 Rosenpfelblatz North End   24    8   8   8    38   33   +5    32
12 All-Inclusive Haranguer    24    9   5  10    31   34   −3    32
13 Wanda Island Wanderers     24    8   7   9    38   39   −1    31
14 Marinos Thimpodopoulos     24    7   9   8    44   48   −4    30
15 Locomotive Imgortur        24    8   5  11    35   42   −7    29
16 Paulsen FC                 24    8   3  13    35   44   −9    27
17 Malabon SC                 24    6   8  10    36   42   −6    26
18 Bananas FC                 24    6   8  10    44   51   −7    26   Relegation to Unang Liga
19 Thereisnogodistan          24    5  11   8    31   39   −8    26   Relegation to Unang Liga
20 Admiral Porcusces          24    4   9  11    23   34  −11    21   Relegation to Unang Liga

Every day Admiral Porcusces seems to stray further from the light of top flight status. It's more than fair to say that nobody wants this to happen, but for every poor performance on the part of the Foxes, the sooner and sooner this is going to turn into a bleak reality. Bananas FC aren't faring much better. What happened to all that talk of challenging for the UICA, and now IFCF places? Once again, simply buying players isn't the solution. There needs to be chemistry between players and chemistry between players and coaches and understanding of tactics to turn a regular team into a contender for international football. Yet we are still no closer to crowning a Premier League winner than when this season started. Will Ludogorets Markovsky maintain their grip on first place or will Sporting Ceneisis or some other club pip the Foresters to take the trophy this season?

[Trans-Dniesters]

2028-29 PFS-Kubok First Round

Traktor Bender 2-2 Elektrik Admiralnaya (2-2 AET, 2-3 PKs)
Vorpommern Nyqvist 0-1 Admiral Tuzla
Eintracht Pfalz 2-1 Larnakaspor
CSKA Apollinarov 1-1 Derinkuyuspor (1-2 AET)
Bryan Bryansk 1-2 Union Rheinburg
Admiral Novorossiysk 3-1 Wormatia Wewelsburg
Antakyaspor 1-4 Palatine Opals
Atom Zheleznogorsk 1-0 Renechev Revolution
Dinamo Bender 2-1 Raketa Palatinsk
Bierburger SV 3-0 Latakiaspor
Dinamo Macaresti 4-0 Universitate Vanatori
Chernomorets Bratsk 6-1 FK Beledor
Volhynia Bilohodar 3-3 Avtozavod Pecineaga (3-4 AET)
CSKA Muktarbariyeo 1-2 Kesselburger Kickers
Torpedo Yeralenko 1-4 Submarin Admiralnaya
Neptunas Neptun 1-3 Ufa Verkhovyansk
Lokomotiv Novosverdlovsk 5-0 FK Sonolovichyrevko
Incirlikspor 1-1 Amzaceaspor (1-2 AET)
Sheriff Tiraspol 5-0 FK Pridnestrovskaya Gavan
Fortuna Novonikolaysk 1-0 Spartak Tiraspol
Opalgebirbe Kesselburg 0-4 Avion Topraisar
Submarin Yeralenko 1-0 Gobekli Tepespor
FK Rotor Renzev 0-2 Spartak Sonolovichyrevko
Shakhtar Rheinburg 2-0 Masyafspor
VfL Philippe-Ceausescu-Stadt 0-3 Metallurgist Beledor
Dinamo Vitebsk 2-0 Tennis Dacia Althaus
CSKA Tiraspol 1-0 1895 Lekhwiya Pepuza
Szigetszentmiklos 0-1 Rotor Dnistrosh
Baltika Belgorod 1-1 Dnistro Dnistropavlovsk (2-1 AET)
Poveda Vlaha 2-2 Olimpia Strebsk (2-3 AET)
Star City FC 2-1 FC 23 August
Zenit Vladiyug 2-0 Politehnica Pecineaga

Welcome to the PFS-Kubok, the premier knockout competition in the Democratic People's Republic of the United Socialist States of Pridnestrovia. On the surface the PFS-Kubok is supposed to be a cup for all teams in Pridnestrovia, but in reality only those teams who are in the top three tiers of the Pridnestrovian football pyramid (Super League, National Professional Football League, and Top League) along with selected teams from the fourth tier ever actually make it as far as the First Round. That doesn't mean that there aren't any surprises at this stage of the competition though.

As far as big clashes go, that honor has to go to Shakhtar Rheinburg vs Masyafspor. This match was a replay of the 2023 PFS-Kubok, back when it was still called the Pridnestrovian Cup. Back in 2023, it was Masyafspor who won the game and the cup, but in 2029 it was the turn of the Gasmen from the orange side of Rheinburg to celebrate victory in the PFS-Kubok. Jochen Mueller and Hryhoriy Naumyk sent their regards to Masyaf to follow the team which Shakhtar sent packing back to their fortress on the hill.

Some teams also aren't too shy to let it loose in the PFS-Kubok. Chernomorets Bratsk, Lokomotiv Novosverdlovsk, and Sheriff Tiraspol are the three teams to have scored at least five goals against their opposition in the cup, but one of them is not like the others. Can you guess which one it is? If you guessed Sheriff Tiraspol because they're the only team among the three not in a relegation scrap then you would be correct. But if you guessed Chernomorets Bratsk because they scored six goals and conceded one while the others scored five and kept clean sheets then you would also be right. Lokomotiv Novosverdlovsk would also be a correct answer because only they had two players (two!) sent off. So in reality there was no wrong answer.

Matchday Eighteen Scores
Derinkuyuspor 2–2 Rotor Dnistrosh
Szigetszentmiklos 0–1 Fortuna Novonikolaysk
FC 23 August 0–2 Sheriff Tiraspol
Metallurgist Beledor 3–1 Chernomorets Bratsk
Ufa Verkhovyansk 2–1 Admiral Novorossiysk
Dinamo Macaresti 1–1 Torpedo Yeralenko
Dinamo Bender 3–0 Dnistro Dnistropavlovsk
Lokomotiv Novosverdlovsk 2–3 Union Rheinburg
Shakhtar Rheinburg 1–0 CSKA Tiraspol

And now we return to Super League action. Metallurgist Beledor are hellbent on bringing that Super League trophy to the island of Karavatsenin, but they have to hold off stiff competition in the form of capital city club Sheriff Tiraspol, and all signs point to the second half of the season bearing witness to a two-horse race. This is perhaps a strange situation where a neutral fan may have to choose between, for lack of a better term, the lesser of two evils. Sheriff are the textbook definition of a "new club"; a previously struggling team that was bought by multimillionaires who pumped their money into the club to literally buy their way to success. Metallurgist, on the other hand, are backed by the corrupt and dictatorial Governor Foma Gadilenko of Karavatsenin Province, and you would be hard-pressed to find anyone living outside of Karavatsenin voluntarily supporting Metallurgist. What a crazy title race this is turning out to be.

Matchday Nineteen Scores
Shakhtar Rheinburg 0–0 Derinkuyuspor
CSKA Tiraspol 3–3 Lokomotiv Novosverdlovsk
Union Rheinburg 5–5 Dinamo Bender
Dnistro Dnistropavlovsk 2–3 Dinamo Macaresti
Torpedo Yeralenko 1–3 Ufa Verkhovyansk
Admiral Novorossiysk 2–2 Metallurgist Beledor
Chernomorets Bratsk 2–2 FC 23 August
Sheriff Tiraspol 2–1 Szigetszentmiklos
Fortuna Novonikolaysk 1–1 Rotor Dnistrosh

Metallurgist Beledor have finally been dethroned, at least for the moment. In a matchday that saw seven out of nine matches end in draws, Sheriff Tiraspol pulled the win against bottom side Szigetszentmiklos out of their asses because, when Sheriff see a chance to go on top, they take it. Dinamo Bender finally appear to have their season back on track, but they're still a far cry from breaking into the top two. Maybe they're just waiting for a chance to pounce on both Sheriff and Metallurgist before announcing their return to title contention in style. Or however Dinamo want to do it.

Matchday Twenty Scores
Derinkuyuspor 0–2 Fortuna Novonikolaysk
Rotor Dnistrosh 1–1 Sheriff Tiraspol
Szigetszentmiklos 1–2 Chernomorets Bratsk
FC 23 August 1–0 Admiral Novorossiysk
Metallurgist Beledor 3–0 Torpedo Yeralenko
Ufa Verkhovyansk 0–2 Dnistro Dnistropavlovsk
Dinamo Macaresti 2–1 Union Rheinburg
Dinamo Bender 2–6 CSKA Tiraspol
Lokomotiv Novosverdlovsk 2–2 Shakhtar Rheinburg

Forget about the title race for a moment and just feast your eyes upon the Derby of All Derbies. This was a no-holds-barred contest; anything and everything goes. It had goals, penalties, yellow cards, red cards, hat tricks, goalkeeping masterclasses and goalkeeping blunders. Should someone ask just what exactly the Derby of All Derbies means to those to partake in it, perhaps this match could be a great example to show to them. This match truly lives up to the motto of the Pridnestrovian Super League: "The passion of football for football."

Matchday Twenty-one Scores
Lokomotiv Novosverdlovsk 1–2 Derinkuyuspor
Shakhtar Rheinburg 2–3 Dinamo Bender
CSKA Tiraspol 1–5 Dinamo Macaresti
Union Rheinburg 1–1 Ufa Verkhovyansk
Dnistro Dnistropavlovsk 0–0 Metallurgist Beledor
Torpedo Yeralenko 2–1 FC 23 August
Admiral Novorossiysk 3–1 Szigetszentmiklos
Chernomorets Bratsk 1–3 Rotor Dnistrosh
Sheriff Tiraspol 2–0 Fortuna Novonikolaysk

For the moment it appears that Sheriff and Metallurgist are swapping first place in the league like it was a hot potato. One gets the impression that maybe neither of them really actually wanto the win the Super League. But surely not. A team like Sheriff will surely want to win the league because it's proof that their method of player and staff recruitment works, and Metallurgist will surely want to win the league because they haven't done it in over five decades. That's a long, long trophy drought. Whoever doesn't want to break such a drought must be crazy.

Pridnestrovian Super League Table After Matchday Twenty-one

   Super League              Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Sheriff Tiraspol           21   13   5   3    31   20  +11    44   Champions League qualification
 2 Metallurgist Beledor       21   13   4   4    28   11  +17    43   Challengers' Cup qualification
 3 Dinamo Macaresti           21   11   6   4    32   18  +14    39   Challengers' Cup qualification
 4 Rotor Dnistrosh            21   11   4   6    29   21   +8    37   Challengers' Cup qualification
 5 Admiral Novorossiysk       21    9   5   7    38   33   +5    32
 6 Dinamo Bender              21    9   5   7    41   37   +4    32
 7 Shakhtar Rheinburg         21    8   7   6    37   27  +10    31
 8 CSKA Tiraspol              21    8   6   7    32   29   +3    30
 9 Fortuna Novonikolaysk      21    8   6   7    18   18    0    30
10 Union Rheinburg            21    7   7   7    32   32    0    28
11 FC 23 August               21    7   6   8    20   24   −4    27
12 Ufa Verkhovyansk           21    6   8   7    20   24   −4    26
13 Dnistro Dnistropavlovsk    21    7   4  10    27   36   −9    25
14 Derinkuyuspor              21    6   6   9    22   25   −3    24
15 Chernomorets Bratsk        21    6   6   9    32   36   −4    24
16 Torpedo Yeralenko          21    5   4  12    28   44  −16    19   Relegation playoff
17 Lokomotiv Novosverdlovsk   21    3   6  12    31   43  −12    15   Relegation to NPFL
18 Szigetszentmiklos          21    4   1  16    20   40  −20    13   Relegation to NPFL

It's still a two-horse race for the Super League title, and those two horses are Sheriff Tiraspol and Metallurgist Beledor. There are only so many times that these words can be said before writers go crazy, but it's the truth of the situation. And there are some truths that just cannot be bent, unlike other truths. But this is not the time or place to discuss that. The bottom three sides appear to be more set in stone, however. Unless one of Torpedo Yeralenko, Lokomotiv Novosverdlovsk, or Szigetszentmiklos suddenly discover a vein of good form and ride it all the way to safety.

[Abanhfleft]

2028-29 SFA Cup Fourth Round Scores

Marinos Thimpodopoulos 1-1 Sporting Mykorrigan (1-1 AET, 2-4 PKs)
Mannerheim Sports 1-1 Thereisnogodistan (2-2 AET, 1-3 PKs)
Locomotive Imgortur 0-1 Antslinngs Islands
Pilken Kickers 1-3 Buscargill Town
Malabon SC 4-2 Keklavik United
Athletic Dorfdifving 1-1 Rosenpfelblatz City (2-1 AET)
Real Mikkaleth 1-0 Kimmirut Panhandle
Ludogorets Markovsky 6-0 Reyes United
Electric Yugal 0-1 Effelenendro FC
Eielo Sunlight 5-2 Atletico San Sebastian
Fleftic Army 2-1 Bananas FC
Miroz Old Boys 0-2 Chevaliers de Motonou
Riuwiee United 1-0 El Horizonte
Sarvusdalamoive 11-1 North Iboyie Albion
Vikrant Rovers 0-3 Gyouza Young Lads
Xemlice Rovers 2-0 Admiral Porcusces

Can we all just sit back and take a moment to realize what in the world just happened at the Stadio della Citta de Sebet? Twelve goals in one game is not that unheard of in Abanhfleft, but usually that's in terms of a 7-5 game. Never an 11-1. Denise Crawford and her men have just created history, history that doesn't look likely to be broken, repeated, or even approached anytime soon. This is the biggest margin of victory ever tallied in the history of the SFA Cup, breaking the record of 10-0 once set by Riuwiee City (the predecessor of Riuwiee United) over Calfragilis SC. It also marked the first time a player has scored five goals in the SFA Cup. That player? Surprisingly enough, it's Efren Elia and not Conrado Azucarrera. Meanwhile Rosenpfelblatz City fans are busy congratulating Sarvus fans hoping no one will notice that their team got knocked out by Athletic Dorfdifving (formerly of the FPL and currently of Unang Liga).

Matchday Twenty-five Scores
Ludogorets Markovsky 3–6 Arsenal de Releinthi
Riuwiee United 2–0 Bananas FC
Marinos Thimpodopoulos 4–2 Fleftic Air Force
Wanda Island Wanderers 2–0 Rosenpfelblatz City
Fleftic Army 2–0 Thereisnogodistan
Sporting Ceneisis 2–2 Paulsen FC
Gyouza Young Lads 2–0 Sarvusdalamoive
Locomotive Imgortur 0–1 Rosenpfelblatz North End
Malabon SC 1–1 Xemlice Rovers
Admiral Porcusces 0–0 All-Inclusive Haranguer

Arsenal de Releinthi fans will hate to think that their club has just done a favor to their rivals Sporting Ceneisis, but that is pretty much what happened after the Gunners defeated Ludogorets Markovsky 6-3 at the Stadium of the Old Forester, no less. Blues fans were probably hoping or even praying for a Foresters slip-up after Paulsen came back from 2-0 down to snatch a point against Ceneisis, and it appears that their prayers were answered. Now Ceneisis will have to hope that Releinthi won't cash in on this favor in a future matchday, however such a thing could be done.

Matchday Twenty-six Scores
Arsenal de Releinthi 2–2 Admiral Porcusces
All-Inclusive Haranguer 0–0 Malabon SC
Xemlice Rovers 2–3 Locomotive Imgortur
Rosenpfelblatz North End 3–3 Gyouza Young Lads
Sarvusdalamoive 6–3 Sporting Ceneisis
Paulsen FC 0–1 Fleftic Army
Thereisnogodistan 2–2 Wanda Island Wanderers
Rosenpfelblatz City 0–3 Marinos Thimpodopoulos
Fleftic Air Force 1–1 Riuwiee United
Bananas FC 3–4 Ludogorets Markovsky

Now it's Sporting Ceneisis' time to rue a 6-3 result after it was handed to them by Sarvusdalamoive. There are no particular feelings of enmity between the Pinks and Ludogorets Markovsky so neither set of fans will probably be too fussed that Sarvus pretty much handed the league back to the Foresters. And there's the matter of the other four teams still within striking distance of the top. Can any of them add their names to the title race at this stage of the season, or will it remain a contest between Markovsky and Ceneisis?

Matchday Twenty-seven Scores
Bananas FC 2–2 Arsenal de Releinthi
Ludogorets Markovsky 4–2 Fleftic Air Force
Riuwiee United 1–0 Rosenpfelblatz City
Marinos Thimpodopoulos 3–3 Thereisnogodistan
Wanda Island Wanderers 0–1 Paulsen FC
Fleftic Army 2–2 Sarvusdalamoive
Sporting Ceneisis 2–1 Rosenpfelblatz North End
Gyouza Young Lads 1–0 Xemlice Rovers
Locomotive Imgortur 0–2 All-Inclusive Haranguer
Malabon SC 4–1 Admiral Porcusces

The race marches on, with Ludogorets Markovsky still on top of the table for the time being. But now there are also three teams who are just three points adrift of the Foresters' nearest challengers, and they're looking to get a piece of the action. Riuwiee United, Fleftic Army, and Sarvusdalamoive all want to get in on the Premier League title race, but there's just no telling for how long these three teams will be able to keep up with the likes of Markovsky and Sporting Ceneisis. And Admiral Porcusces are staring ever closer at at least one season in Unang Liga. Such a shame that it had to end like this, but their form has just been ghastly this season. A relegation at this point is more than deserved for these Foxes.

Matchday Twenty-eight Scores
Arsenal de Releinthi 2–1 Malabon SC
Admiral Porcusces 0–2 Locomotive Imgortur
All-Inclusive Haranguer 3–1 Gyouza Young Lads
Xemlice Rovers 0–1 Sporting Ceneisis
Rosenpfelblatz North End 0–1 Fleftic Army
Sarvusdalamoive 2–3 Wanda Island Wanderers
Paulsen FC 2–2 Marinos Thimpodopoulos
Thereisnogodistan 0–3 Riuwiee United
Rosenpfelblatz City 2–2 Ludogorets Markovsky
Fleftic Air Force 3–2 Bananas FC

Ludogorets Markovsky suffer another hiccup, but despite their draw against Rosenpfelblatz City the Foresters still maintain their lead over Sporting Ceneisis. The bad news is that Markovsky's lead over the Blues is down to one point. Riuwiee United and Fleftic Army are also edging ever closer to getting a bite of the title race, and so far both these sides are holding their mettle. Sarvusdalamoive are still a ways back, but they and Arsenal de Releinthi could still be a factor come the end of the season. And we might as well just kiss Admiral Porcusces goodbye at this point. They are a lost cause. What a damned shame.

Matchday Twenty-nine Scores
Fleftic Air Force 1–2 Arsenal de Releinthi
Bananas FC 3–4 Rosenpfelblatz City
Ludogorets Markovsky 3–4 Thereisnogodistan
Riuwiee United 0–2 Paulsen FC
Marinos Thimpodopoulos 0–1 Sarvusdalamoive
Wanda Island Wanderers 3–0 Rosenpfelblatz North End
Fleftic Army 1–1 Xemlice Rovers
Sporting Ceneisis 0–1 All-Inclusive Haranguer
Gyouza Young Lads 2–2 Admiral Porcusces
Locomotive Imgortur 2–2 Malabon SC

The sheer unpredictability of the Fleftic Premier League rears its ugly head yet again with both Ludogorets Markovsky and Sporting Ceneisis succumbing to defeat at the hands of Thereisnogodistan and All-Inclusive Haranguer, respectively. However, there must be some higher power up there with a sick sense of humor because the other title challengers (Fleftic Army and Riuwiee United) have not been given the results they need to take advantage of the Foresters' and Blues' slip-ups. But despite all that, there's still only enough room for one team at the top, and there's still no telling which team that is going to be.

Fleftic Premier League Table After Matchday Twenty-nine

   FPL                       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Ludogorets Markovsky       29   15   4  10    71   68   +3    49   Champions League qualification
 2 Sporting Ceneisis          29   14   6   9    58   49   +9    48   Champions League qualification
 3 Fleftic Army               29   12  11   6    58   49   +9    47   Challengers' Cup qualification
 4 Riuwiee United             29   13   7   9    51   39  +12    46   Challengers' Cup qualification
 5 Sarvusdalamoive            29   12   9   8    62   50  +12    45   Challengers' Cup qualification
 6 Arsenal de Releinthi       29   12   9   8    58   51   +7    45
 7 All-Inclusive Haranguer    29   12   7  10    37   35   +2    43
 8 Wanda Island Wanderers     29   11   8  10    48   44   +4    41
 9 Gyouza Young Lads          29   12   5  12    56   55   +1    41
10 Rosenpfelblatz City        29   10  11   8    56   56    0    41
11 Fleftic Air Force          29   11   8  10    52   55   −3    41
12 Marinos Thimpodopoulos     29    9  11   9    56   56    0    38
13 Xemlice Rovers             29    8  13   8    53   52   +1    37
14 Rosenpfelblatz North End   29    9   9  11    43   42   +1    36
15 Locomotive Imgortur        29   10   6  13    42   49   −7    36
16 Paulsen FC                 29   10   5  14    42   49   −7    35
17 Malabon SC                 29    7  11  11    44   48   −4    32
18 Thereisnogodistan          29    6  13  10    40   52  −12    31   Relegation to Unang Liga
19 Bananas FC                 29    6   9  14    54   66  −12    27   Relegation to Unang Liga
20 Admiral Porcusces          29    4  12  13    28   44  −16    24   Relegation to Unang Liga

How Admiral Porcusces wish that things are as tight at the bottom of the league as they are at the top. The Foxes practically need nine points, or three wins, to just get out of the relegation zone. It could still happen. There have been more amazing escapes through the years. But do Porcusces even have the motivation to do it at all? Now that is another question entirely.