BURCHADINGER TIMES
DIE ADLER SHOCK VALANORA
A controversial late goal by Wilhelm Sigmundson handed Burchadinger a 2-1 victory over a Valanoran side who saw two men sent off in a gripping opening game in Group F. Char Sara FC's Rosertan Hiatt was sent off in the 85th minute after hauling down Leonid Brstov, although the offence took place just outside the penalty area. It was rough justice on Valanora who impressed with their commitment and skill, and led at half-time thanks to Ardaugien Ealomiel's expertly-struck injury-time goal. But early in the second half, Markus Klogh capped his impressive display with the equalising goal as he converted Sigmundson's cross. Burchadinger enjoyed the majority of the chances, but committed Valanora held out, only to blot their copybook with late indiscipline which saw Tandion Aeraglinaeth also red-carded for petulantly kicking the ball at Maximillian Fischer.
Burchadinger started brightly, and on seven minutes Hans-Mayer Hansen's audacious 23-yard chip was just too high, with Valanoran goalkeeper Belltarion Nartalhûn stranded. But the Valanorans weathered Burchadinger's early pressure and almost took the lead on 19 minutes. Ironically, Valanora had made an utter hash of a free-kick 20 yards from goal, but amid the confusion, Raynor City United's Faeron Soldarian lashed in a powerful drive which deflected off Elias Becker and shaved Burchadinger's crossbar. A scrappy spell followed, but a fierce Fischer strike on the half-hour brought the crowd to life, as it whizzed just over. Yet the half ended in dramatic fashion with a flurry of chances for Burchadinger, and a Valanoran goal. A brilliant save by Nartalhûn stopped a Klogh header on 40 minutes, the Dynamo Dresden striker latching on to Sigmundson's great cross. Hiatt was fortunate to escape with a yellow card after tripping the lively Klogh as he was racing on to Alexander Schmidt's pass. That was after Nartalhûn had saved from Fischer, and the keeper was again in action in injury time as Hansen's intricate skill fashioned a chance which the Valanoran keeper stopped with his legs. Yet with just seconds remaining of the half, Valanora scored. Elarwen Tallaion crossed from an unthreatening midfield position, but Ardaugien Ealomiel had nipped in behind the Burchadingan back line and thrashed the ball past Klaus DIefenbaker to give Valanora the lead. It was a surprise which delighted their insane fans, but the joy was short-lived as Deval Enke's half-time team talk paid instant dividends for Burchadinger.
After a fine block prevented Klogh, the Dynamo Dresden striker did score on 50 minutes, expertly diverting Sigmundson's cross past Nartalhûn. A sublime piece of trickery four minutes later gave Klogh another chance, although Nartalhûn was alert to his curling shot. The second half continued in gripping fashion. Klogh, then Daniel Felkan both came close for Burchadinger, before Valanora's Morronuth Neltanta caught all the Burchadingan defenders off guard with an amazing curler. Burchadinger were doing most of the attacking, however, substitute Marko Autmen seeing Nartalhûn save a close-range header, and Sigmundson seeing a header ruled out for offside. Goalscorer Klogh made way for Walter van Fredstein on 73 minutes, Enke opting to rest the star. Burchadinger's threat remained, however, and a thunderous drive from Sigmundson whistled inches over the top, and Felkan wayward right foot shot flying high. But with five minutes remaining, there was high drama as Hiatt was red-carded for hauling down Brstov. Referee Janus Argerre rightly sent Hiatt off, but awarded Burchadinger a penalty despite the fact the offence was just outside the area. Sigmundson had no worries, however, as he slotted home the spot-kick with neat composure. There was still time for late drama, as Aeraglinaeth received a second yellow card for kicking the ball at captain Fischer at a corner kick.
