Sylestone Domestic Sports Newswire

by **Sylestone** » Fri Aug 18, 2023 1:09 am

Matchdays 21-25

The race for IFCF spots is on! With Avondale City’s pair of triumphs over 1830 Cathair (!!!!!) in the Challengers’ Cup round of 32 ahead of the Lime Greens’ eventual loss to Daremni outfit MTK Kingsville United, the League Number One has confirmed itself as one of the best 32 leagues in the multiverse and as a result, a second team will qualify for the IFCF Champions League, while fifth place will also play IFCF football. This means that a team finishing as low as seventh will have the opportunity to play in the CEdC, further incentivising mid-table clubs to put more effort into building a squad capable of playing midweek games. With five wins on the trot after their new manager bounce wore off for a couple of months, Capitol Athletic have climbed all the way up into fifth place from tenth five rounds ago, whilst Dodle have done the exact opposite and recorded a grand total of zero points over the same period of time. For a side that was at one stage challenging for a Champions League place - although they didn’t know it at the time - to fall to seventh so quickly is rather disappointing no matter the fact they were only promoted last year. Joining them in mediocrity are Cleorough, who have dropped back down to eighth after being mere points off a top four berth not so long ago, although they are still firmly in the race for CEdC qualification - with a gap of five points to the Maroons, top five looks a step too far at the moment, even with their current form. Also in contention for sixth and seventh place are Avondale Beach and Kirkham Sentients, both of which will snap at the opportunity to play more games with their deep squads but in order to reach that mark, they will need to dethrone one of Dodle or AFC Droves, the latter of whom appear incredibly solid at this point in time. While Tahlia Dawson’s side may not be performing quite as well as they were a couple of years ago when they were in genuine title races, there is no doubt that they are well and truly overperforming considering their budget and current squad. If you’d told any fan of the Burgers four years ago that they would be expecting international football every season in a few years’ time, they would have laughed at you and walked away. For a side who has spent so much time in the League Number Two before being promoted, why would you believe anyone who said that?

At the top of the table, Avondale City surely have the title wrapped up - they currently hold a whopping twelve point lead over the second-placed Pesfield Trees - and considering their performances on the international stage as well, there should be no doubt that they are currently the best club in the nation. However, their heroics have opened up an opportunity for those in the tier beneath them to also qualify for the Champions League, with the Trees, Chamberley City and Betham FC all a point apart from second to fourth place. Considering Hugo Beland’s Pesfield currently hold a point lead over their rivals and have the added advantage of having already faced Avondale City twice, they appear the obvious favourites for second place. At this stage of the season, though, one upset can completely change the dynamic and as a result, no one can afford to take any minute of any match for granted. Meanwhile, down the bottom, Fridge FC have officially been relegated to the League Number Two and are still stuck with the six points they’ve been on for the past half year, while Halpenley United are still sticking with Graeme Lee-Morris despite relegation being all but assured - the gap to Dunkirk Athletic in fourteenth now lies at eleven points. As for that unenviable playoff spot, anyone from Mid-Capital in eleventh down are fighting to stave off the possibility of relegation for despite the fact that each and every one of Mid-Capital, Marbury FC, Kirkham Appliances and Dunkirk Athletic boast significantly stronger squads than any League Number Two team, anything can happen in the heat of the moment. It’s not like being a League Number One team makes you automatically better than any second division team anyway - one look at Fridge FC’s recent performances tells you that they’ll probably struggle in the fourth division. Not good signs for next season, even with significantly easier opposition. Not even some local suburban under-12 division five team are going to concede four goals to Piper Brombie’s Marbury FC. To concede three more goals after your opponents completely shut up shop is… not very good to say the least.

The demise of the Sentients is here. Will we ever see them return to their former glory?

   League Number One      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Avondale City           25   20   2   3    60   10  +50    62
 2 Pesfield Trees          25   14   8   3    30   10  +20    50
 3 Chamberley City         25   15   4   6    53   29  +24    49
 4 Betham FC               25   14   7   4    32   17  +15    49
 5 Capitol Athletic        25   13   1  11    34   24  +10    40
 6 AFC Droves              25   12   2  11    21   19   +2    38
 7 Dodle                   25   10   6   9    26   35   −9    36
 8 Cleorough               25    9   8   8    26   24   +2    35
 9 Avondale Beach          25   11   2  12    40   50  −10    35
10 Kirkham Sentients       25    9   6  10    29   34   −5    33
11 Mid-Capital             25    8   7  10    22   27   −5    31
12 Marbury FC              25    8   5  12    11   15   −4    29
13 Kirkham Appliances      25    8   4  13    14   21   −7    28
14 Dunkirk Athletic        25    7   5  13    25   38  −13    26
15 Halpenley United        25    3   6  16     7   25  −18    15
16 Fridge FC               25    1   3  21    15   67  −52     6

   League Number Two         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 FC Conton                25   15   5   5    41   24  +17    50
 2 Whitepool                25   15   4   6    30   11  +19    49
 3 Western Avondale         25   14   3   8    54   31  +23    45
 4 Breakfast Bowl FC        25   12   7   6    31   21  +10    43
 5 Katham                   25   12   6   7    20   15   +5    42
 6 Felton Island            25   12   4   9    39   23  +16    40
 7 Emacuton FC              25   10   9   6    23   16   +7    39
 8 Kitchen Sink FC          25   11   5   9    28   23   +5    38
 9 Emacuton United          25   11   5   9    17   16   +1    38
10 Northampton Olympic      25   11   4  10    29   28   +1    37
11 Excelsior                25   11   3  11    16   15   +1    36
12 Hageling Town            25    8   3  14    22   32  −10    27
13 Bayville                 25    5   7  13    10   27  −17    22
14 Grafton Albion           25    5   6  14    22   39  −17    21
15 Westminster              25    4   6  15    18   44  −26    18
16 Southern Beaches         25    2   7  16    19   54  −35    13

by **Sylestone** » Sat Aug 19, 2023 11:55 pm

Matchdays 26-30

Ever since that 6-0 away drumming of their bitter rivals on the opening night of this season’s League Number One, Avondale City have appeared a class above all others and with four games still to play, have turned their title defence into a success. A blistering 4-0 thrashing of Avondale Beach saw the Lime Greens climb to a 15-point lead over their only remaining mathematical title challengers, Pesfield Trees, and with Hugo Beland’s side only scraping a point out of their game in hand at the Chamberley City, there became no physical way for any League Number One club to catch them in first place. However, with one Champions League spot still up for grabs, there are still massive honours on the line for what was once the chasing pack, with draws to each of Chamberley City, the Trees and Betham FC keeping them all within a point of each other. Previously, the existence of only one Champions League slot in the League Number Two would have rendered this battle inconsequential but now, every single point is vital. With every team still yet to play fifth-placed Capitol Athletic, their results against Dzvezdan Kitanchev’s in-form outfit on a seven game winning streak may prove to be pivotal.

Elsewhere, Dodle have finally snapped their streak of losses stretching all the way back to matchday nineteen, all hell breaking loose at Sentient Oval as Harry Sanderson’s men and women stuck a whopping seven goals past an uninspiring Fridge FC outfit, winger Ego Giles and forward Sofia Arnold leading the way with braces to each of their names. The result has seen them make up for a few heavy losses over the past month or two, hanging onto seventh place by a thread amongst pressure from the Kirkham Sentients, Cleorough and Avondale Beach just a few points beneath them. Keep up those kind of performances and scaling the four-point gap to the fifth-placed Capitol Athletic may be a possibility, particularly with their run-in from here on but with AFC Droves also in the way, there’s every chance that race has already run its course. But anything can happen in the final month and with so many tense battles towards the upper end of the table playing out, everyone is on the edge of their seat.

Is that Betham FC’s Champions League hopes over? A devastating 3-2 loss away from home against the Pesfield Trees, with three killer encounters against Chamberley City, Avondale City and Capitol Athletic on the horizon and surely, with the gap to second now sitting at four points, it’s got to be out of their reach. Interestingly enough, the Pandas’ best shot from here out may well be against Avondale City themselves, the two champion sides meeting at the Bay Reserve on matchday twenty-nine but with the crowned champions playing a rotated lineup, there is every chance that they will be nowhere near full strength. But with the Stars fresh off defeating the Lime Greens 5-4 (disgraceful I know, eject both from the league), they will be brimming with confidence, even considering the fact that their fate is no longer in their own hands. At the Chamberley Institute of Sport in the country’s largest city, Elmyian striker Elisa Gabbiadini led the way with a stunning hat trick, terrorising an Avondale City back four of Isabella Cross, Annabelle Lynes, Abbey Elphinstone and Brodie Deckman as the Stars increased the amount of goals the side from Avondale’s inner west has conceded this season by fifty percent. And yet, it still wasn’t enough, and they’re still chasing a firing Pesfield Trees outfit…

As for the fight for that final Challengers’ Cup opening and CEdC qualification, a shock result or two has opened up a series of opportunities, with Capitol Athletic in fifth only separated from Cleorough in ninth by five points now. Right on the Maroons’ tail are Dodle after their 1-0 win against Marbury, while the Burgers’ shock 3-0 home loss to the Kirkham Sentients leaves them reeling in seventh, their Sentient opponents still well in the frame in eighth place. Even Cleorough are in with a shot but with their history… let’s be real here. They’re not finishing higher than eighth.

Another round, another set of results that have all but turned the table upside down. Most notably of all, Kirkham Sentients have made the remarkable jump into seventh spot after chilling around tenth or eleventh throughout the entire season, handing the now eighth-placed Dodle a crushing blow, the Sentients winning 5-1 at Sentient Oval - the same ground where just two weeks ago, the Mountaineers put seven past a forlorn Fridge FC that appeared destined to become the first team in Sylestonean top flight football history to record less than ten points throughout a season. However, hope is far from lost for this season’s surprise packets, with games against Avondale Beach and Dunkirk Athletic still upcoming, although with the latter being an away game against a side that could have all to play for, it will be far from easy to make that jump. However, two wins will take them to 48 points and with both Capitol Athletic and AFC Droves on 44 points and lying in fifth and sixth, Dodle aren’t quite out of spot for a shock IFCF Challengers Cup berth.

Five teams. One IFCF spot. Two CEdC spots. Who will get them? Capitol Athletic and AFC Droves are currently the favourites even though both are struggling to perform in the present, while the Sentients, Dodle and Cleorough are all dark horses. The five teams could finish in any order. And it’s impossible to guess how it will pan out.

In other results, Alyssa Burgoyne’s goal for Marbury sent Halpenley United spiralling down to the League Number Two - a result that had been a long time coming, even if it was not confirmed until now. It proved to be a pivotal win for Piper Brombie’s side, too, as it put them five points over fourteenth-placed Dunkirk Athletic, with the Wolves now needing a miracle to avoid a relegation playoff. At the top, Betham FC are all but mathematically out of contention for that fresh second Champions League qualifying slot as goals to Madeline Bostock and Kastas Rossi saw the Stars defeat the Pandas at the Bay Reserve by two goals to one and at the same time, lifted the club coached by Heldir Zaman into second place courtesy of Capitol Athletic’s efforts in holding the Pesfield Trees to a draw at the Avondale International Sports Stadium. With one point still separating the two rivals, though, Chambelrey City cannot afford to slacken ahead of fixtures against Capitol Ahtletic and at Mid-Capital to round out their season - while two wins will seal an inaugural Champions League berth, anything less will leave the door wide open for a very strong Pesfield Trees outfit.

So many unanswered questions two games out from the season’s conclusion. The title might already be decided but boy, do we have some battles on our hands.

Dodle have done it! They’re back in fifth spot and with just one game to go, a triumph over Dunkirk Athletic away will be all they need to qualify for the Challengers’ Cup in their return to the League Number One after two previous unsuccessful outings that have resulted in automatic relegation. While victory is likely necessary for a Challengers’ Cup berth, a draw will be enough to secure CEdC football for certain, and even a loss requires some rather unlikely permutations to occur for Dodle to drop to eighth or ninth place. No matter the result at the Ground of Dunkirk, though, a midtable finish is simply remarkable from this Dodle outfit that seemed heavy relegation candidates before matchday one and although they have absolutely fallen off (they were second at the halfway mark!!!), the Mountaineers had already sent their word of warning. They weren’t here as a joke - not at all. They were here to challenge the very best. While Avondale City may be about to break all sorts of records if they manage to defeat AFC Droves at Kitchener Stadium on matchday thirty and have already broken many, Dodle have quietly completed a simply remarkable double over John Lawson’s side, defeating them 2-1 on matchday two in front of an expectant home crowd fresh off a 6-0 thrashing of their biggest rivals away from home, only to leave empty-handed before the Mountaineers put three past a seriously impressive back line in the return leg in the city located on the shores of Lake Acondo. Also qualifying for the Challengers’ Cup are Betham FC, whose 1-0 triumph over Avondale City was not enough to see them maintain pace with Chamberley City and the Pesfield Trees fighting it out for second place and a Champions League berth. The Stars, currently holding a one point lead over their rivals, will play tenth-placed Mid-Capital at the Walgabba Dome to round out their season, with everyone certain victory is a necessity considering the Trees will face off against a Fridge FC team that has not recorded a point for roughly six months. Next season, the Fridges will have to fight it out in the League Number Two alongside Halpenley United, while Dunkirk Athletic have to hope Kirkham Appliances slaughter Marbury while they do the same to a determined Dodle - even if the Wolves record victory, they still need to overcome a goal difference deficit of nine, which may as well be ten considering the Cockatoos have only conceded seventeen times this season. It seems impossible but this season, almost every single team has shown that anything is possible with dedication, or the lack thereof. Can they avoid that relegation fixture?

Like everything this season, it’s pretty safe to say this is not what we expected. But bloody hell, what a finish! From minute one to minute ninety plus whatever, the League Number One’s matchday thirty did not fail to entertain, with several sides putting in blistering performances to complete shock upsets - in many cases, even the games that did not matter quite so much were just as good. Even so, though, there are two clubs that are on the tip of everyone’s tongue.

Dodle. Simply surreal.

And Cleorough. Who would’ve thought?

Who can’t be happy for them? While Dodle could not defeat a wilful Dunkirk Athletic side determined to put in a thrilling performance in what might be their final League Number One home game in a while if they lose to Katham, Capitol Athletic’s inability to apply the finishing touch in a topsy-turvy encounter with Betham FC and AFC Droves’ leadened show at Kitchener Stadium have seen the Mountaineers qualify for the CEdC, finishing in seventh place - ahead of the Burgers and Sentients, the former of whom have to deal with the lack of international football for the first time in three years, while the Sentients’ drought on the international stage will continue. For just when it mattered, they faltered big time.

And that’s where we get to Cleorough.

Cleorough, the midtable nobodies. Always too good to be relegated, but never good enough to challenge the IFCF spots. With almost unarguably their club’s best ever performance over ninety minutes, Dan Antoninsson’s side have completed the impossible. The results have gone their way and for the first time ever, they will be competing in the IFCF Challengers Cup.

5-0 was the final scoreline. Incredibly, come half time, the match was evenly poised at 0-0, both sides having their fair of chances, but with neither able to convert. A goal to Quebecois left back Emmeline Harris just thirty seconds after the break opened the doors, though, before all hell broke loose after Jack Moseley made it 2-0 with twenty minutes to go. As the hosts began to commit more numbers forward, the Toucans began to counter, with Jody Barnes making it three with a sensationally powerful strike past the Saucepan in the 88th, but at 3-0, Cleorough were not done. Ten years of hurt were released in a ten minute hellfire, with Moseley and Samuel Quinn chipping in with classy finishes throughout stoppage time as the bay of away fans broke into chaos - somehow, Dodle, AFC Droves and Capitol Athletic had all failed to win, and it was over.

Fifth place was theirs. And finally, they would be playing international football in the IFCF Challengers’ Cup.

Meanwhile, at the top of the table, Mid-Capital's valiant effort has seen Chamberley City fall yet again at the final hurdle, with Lee Sang-Myun’s stoppage time penalty sending a dagger into the hearts of all of Chamberley, equalising the game at 3-3 and letting the Pesfield Trees pip them for second place and a Champions League spot. Because on the back of six goals from six different players, Hugo Beland’s side had absolutely zero troubles in handing Fridge FC an absolute beating, taking their final point tally to 61, ten behind Avondale City in first - but one ahead of Chamberley City. They would be playing Champions League football again after a disaster of a season last time around despite their stunning IFCF run, it’s a massive relief for their fans, while the Stars have to deal with the Challengers’ Cup again.

And finally, Avondale City. A 2-0 home victory has ensured that they have defeated their cross-town rivals’ record for the most points in a season with 23 wins and two draws form thirty matches. Add that alongside a berth in the Challengers’ Cup round of 16 and the fact that their cross-town rivals have to settle for CEdC, and one might think that most fans will be pretty happy with how they’ve played this year. Because for now, no one is assured of stopping the Lime Greens. Just how far could they go this season?

   League Number One      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Avondale City           30   23   2   5    71   16  +55    71	Champions; IFCF Champions League
 2 Pesfield Trees          30   17  10   3    41   13  +28    61	IFCF Champions League
 3 Chamberley City         30   18   6   6    66   39  +27    60	IFCF Challengers Cup
 4 Betham FC               30   15   9   6    39   25  +14    54	IFCF Challengers Cup
 5 Cleorough               30   12   9   9    35   25  +10    45	IFCF Challengers Cup
 6 Capitol Athletic        30   14   3  13    38   29   +9    45	Campionato Esportiva di Campeones
 7 Dodle                   30   13   6  11    37   43   −6    45	Campionato Esportiva di Campeones
 8 AFC Droves              30   14   2  14    25   25    0    44
 9 Kirkham Sentients       30   12   6  12    39   42   −3    42
10 Kirkham Appliances      30   11   5  14    19   23   −4    38
11 Mid-Capital             30   10   8  12    27   32   −5    38
12 Avondale Beach          30   11   4  15    41   60  −19    37
13 Marbury FC              30    9   6  15    12   18   −6    33
14 Dunkirk Athletic        30    9   6  15    29   41  −12    33	League Number One Playoff
15 Halpenley United        30    5   7  18    11   28  −17    22	Relegation to League Number Two
16 Fridge FC               30    1   3  26    16   87  −71     6	Relegation to League Number Two

   League Number Two       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Felton Island            30   17   4   9    51   25  +26    55	Champions; Promotion to League Number One; Liga B Champions Trophy
 2 FC Conton                30   16   6   8    48   36  +12    54	Promotion to League Number One; Liga B Champions Trophy
 3 Katham                   30   16   6   8    24   16   +8    54	League Number One Playoff; Liga B Champions Trophy
 4 Western Avondale         30   16   5   9    63   38  +25    53
 5 Whitepool                30   16   5   9    33   17  +16    53
 6 Breakfast Bowl FC        30   15   8   7    39   25  +14    53
 7 Excelsior                30   15   4  11    23   17   +6    49
 8 Kitchen Sink FC          30   12   8  10    33   26   +7    44
 9 Emacuton FC              30   11  10   9    24   19   +5    43
10 Northampton Olympic      30   12   5  13    37   38   −1    41
11 Emacuton United          30   11   7  12    19   21   −2    40
12 Hageling Town            30   10   5  15    25   34   −9    35
13 Grafton Albion           30    8   7  15    25   41  −16    31
14 Bayville                 30    6   7  17    11   32  −21    25	League Number Two Playoff
15 Westminster              30    5   7  18    20   51  −31    22	Relegation to League Number Three
16 Southern Beaches         30    3   8  19    22   61  −39    17	Relegation to League Number Three

by **Sylestone** » Sun Aug 20, 2023 7:23 am

   League Number Three    Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Bunbury                 38   23   7   8    70   34  +36    76	Promotion to League Number Two
 2 Jeaniara                38   21   9   8    54   28  +26    72	Promotion to League Number Two
 3 Freeman City            38   21   8   9    58   36  +22    71	League Number Two Playoff
 4 Cleorough Fire          38   21   3  14    56   49   +7    66
 5 Pesfield Bees           38   18   8  12    34   28   +6    62
 6 Garretty Wanderers      38   17  10  11    54   33  +21    61
 7 Tartontaton             38   17   8  13    35   30   +5    59
 8 Freeport                38   16   8  14    34   28   +6    56
 9 Ketonley Town           38   16   8  14    33   33    0    56
10 Paradise Coast          38   15   9  14    46   46    0    54
11 Pilbury Eaton           38   15   8  15    33   35   −2    53
12 Damminton Sands         38   15   6  17    39   43   −4    51
13 Acondo FC               38   14   8  16    42   42    0    50
14 Piltonmouth             38   14   7  17    21   27   −6    49
15 FC Aerorum              38   13   8  17    37   51  −14    47
16 Balinmone               38   12   7  19    21   34  −13    43
17 Hatford                 38   11   6  21    36   60  −24    39
18 Betham Park             38    9  10  19    22   40  −18    37	Relegation to League Number Four
19 Copeland AFC            38    8  10  20    23   38  −15    34	Relegation to League Number Four
20 Mount Vermont           38    5  10  23    35   68  −33    25	Relegation to League Number Four

   League Number Four         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Chilseamers Town            38   25   8   5    56   28  +28    83		Promotion to League Number Three
 2 Salisbury                   38   23  10   5    76   29  +47    79		Promotion to League Number Three
 3 Stapleton Albion            38   19  10   9    54   34  +20    67		Promotion to League Number Three
 4 Rockefeller Promontory      38   18  11   9    63   36  +27    65
 5 Bolton Eagles               38   18   8  12    59   50   +9    62
 6 Oslolihul City              38   18   8  12    41   34   +7    62
 7 Milneford FC                38   17   7  14    65   45  +20    58
 8 Betham Rascals              38   15  11  12    54   55   −1    56
 9 Rangers AFC                 38   14  11  13    45   53   −8    53
10 Cashambe                    38   15   7  16    35   35    0    52
11 Terraville                  38   11  15  12    40   39   +1    48
12 Watrid-Farinle              38   13   9  16    26   32   −6    48
13 Exninley                    38   13   8  17    35   42   −7    47
14 Pali                        38   13   6  19    29   32   −3    45
15 Carrington                  38   12   7  19    27   34   −7    43
16 Harbourside                 38   11   9  18    31   47  −16    42
17 Mutiyara                    38   10   8  20    35   54  −19    38
18 Botesbury                   38   10   6  22    31   50  −19    36		Relegation to League Number Five
19 The Lakes                   38    9   8  21    21   38  −17    35		Relegation to League Number Five
20 Chistone FC                 38   10   5  23    30   86  −56    35		Relegation to League Number Five

   League Number Five                 Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Percival Coast                      38   24   6   8    70   28  +42    78		Promotion to League Number Four
 2 Halton                              38   22   5  11    41   28  +13    71		Promotion to League Number Four
 3 Marbury Athletic                    38   21   7  10    66   44  +22    70		Promotion to League Number Four
 4 South Cable                         38   21   6  11    74   45  +29    69
 5 Mossman United                      38   20   9   9    75   52  +23    69
 6 Midford City                        38   20   8  10    48   23  +25    68
 7 Cliford City                        38   18  10  10    70   51  +19    64
 8 Mulgoa                              38   18   8  12    61   46  +15    62
 9 Gordon                              38   17  10  11    64   38  +26    61
10 Tarminra                            38   16  12  10    64   45  +19    60
11 Banksia FC                          38   16   7  15    63   54   +9    55
12 Boronia                             38   15  10  13    55   47   +8    55
13 Masaltonton                         38   16   6  16    58   56   +2    54
14 Pesfield City Rovers                38   14  10  14    57   53   +4    52
15 Sutherland-Hursham                  38   14   9  15    40   38   +2    51
16 Hornsby Tigers                      38   10   6  22    52   76  −24    36
17 Vildomia                            38    8   9  21    25   46  −21    33
18 Maleholes United                    38    7  10  21    25   51  −26    31
19 Bumfuck Nowhere                     38    3   5  30    28  113  −85    14
20 Cricketers' Union of Sylestone      38    2   3  33     7  109 −102     9

by **Sylestone** » Mon Oct 23, 2023 6:38 pm

SEASON THREE: PART ONE

AFC Droves

Squad Changes:

In:
Matthew de Kerilleau  ← Chamberley City  ($0)
Yohimar de Siches  ← Leaside Lions  ($2,500,000)
Amber Kotai  ← Academy

Out:
Bianca Ding  → Knetyohai  ($3,000,000)
Jeremy Duras  → Grafton Albion  ($250,000)
Charlotte Mee  → Retirement

Overview:

City: Betham
Stadium: Burger Oval (cap. 26,000)
Team Colours: Red and White
Nickname: The Burgers
Rivalries: Betham FC, Chamberley City, Whitepool
Previous Seasons: 8th - 5th - 3rd
Play Style: Defensive, counter-attacking
Formation: 3-4-1-2
Predicted Finish: 8th
Manager: Tahlia Dawson (F) - 53

Squad List:

GK: Georgia Dale (F) - 24 
GK: Matthew de Kerilleau (M) - 26 
GK: Kivash Moreton (M) - 31 
CB/LB: Leah Kelynack (F) - 25 
CB: Kayla Williamson (F) - 29 
CB: Paige Nibbi (F) - 21 
CB: Mitch Deering (M) - 31 
CB/CDM: Lucy Mills (F) - 35 
CB: June Gilbert (F) - 28 
CB: Lola Talbot (F) - 22 
RCB: James Isobar (M) - 31 
LB/LWB: Gabriel van Brabant (M) - 26 
LB: Amber Kotai (F) - 22 
LM/CM/CDM: Jacklyn Chung (F) - 30 
DM/CM/LB: Yohimar de Siches (M) - 20 
CM/CDM: Jesse Wetherspoon (M) - 27 
RM/CM: Jamie Wells (M) - 28 
RWB/RB: Harvey Martin (M) - 25 
RB/RWB: Jasmine Prior (F) - 32 
CAM: Errol Lìos (M) - 22 
CAM/CF: Koby McNeil (M) - 35 
CF: Rungayindo Gatabazi (M) - 25 
CF: Evan Strathfield (M) - 27 
CF/CAM: Finn Freeling (M) - 21 
CF: Sienna Robinson (F) - 34 
CF: Seth Game (F) - 31

After several seasons of punching well above their weight, the downfall of AFC Droves is surely only a matter of time now. Last season’s eighth-placed finish marked the first time the Burgers had failed to qualify for international football since the return of the League Number One, whilst the season before that saw Tahlia Dawson’s side finish fifth and only qualify for the CEdC on the back of two straight seasons in the IFCF Challengers Cup. However, with other teams seemingly finding ways around the Burgers’ “terrorism football” tactics, this season will prove to be Dawson’s most testing yet - if she can find a way to keep her side challenging for those top 4-5 spots, then it will absolutely prove her mettle as quite possibly one of the best managers Sylestone has ever produced, or ever will produce. Even though there are a few stars - overseas youngsters Yohimar de Siches and Errol Lìos are the two notable ones alongside former Freeman City youth Paige Nibbi - the team, on paper, is absolutely no better than mid-table and a lot will be reliant on old heads such as centre back James Isobar and Chromatik midfielder Jacklyn Chung to scrape out the results. For a team that plays such a classic Sylestonean style, a lot is also reliant on the front pair of Rungayindo Gatabazi and Evan Strathfield to convert their chances. With an emphasis on counter-attacking football, wingbacks Gabriel van Brabant and Harvey Martin fit well into the group due to their pace up the wings and cut back in to provide the assists the front two or Lìos sitting a little further back. While it might seem like a safe tactic to keep the Burgers where they are and no lower, it has also paid its dividends over the past few seasons and if they can pull it off, then there’s no reason why they can’t make that jump up to the international slots.

Avondale Beach

Squad Changes:

In:
Jens Kirsch  ← Barossia United  ($3,000,000)
Ruben Pellenaars  ← Sandfjell Football  ($1,000,000)

Out:
Charlie Barrett  → Marbury FC  ($0)
Gabriel Oldaker  → Halpenley United  ($1,000,000)

Overview:

City: Avondale
Stadium: Connolly Oval (cap. 29,000)
Team Colours: Cyan and Orange
Nickhame: The Pigeons
Rivalries: Avondale City, Capitol Athletic
Previous Seasons: 12th - 12th - 9th
Play Style: High Press
Formation: 4-3-3
Predicted Finish: 10th
Manager: Keira Walcott (F) - 48

Squad List:

GK: Jens Kirsch (M) - 26 
GK: Brooke Evenden (F) - 28 
GK: Jonathan Beet (M) - 33 
LB/LWB: Leon Mazza (M) - 25 
LB: Caleb Dakin (M) - 26 
CB: Corneille Ochulo (M) - 24 
CB: Kyle Bryan (M) - 25 
CB: Ruben Pellenaars (M) - 27 
CB: Michell Stevenson (M) - 33 
CB/CDM: Richard Hill (M) - 28 
RB: Jasmin Deloir (F) - 25 
RB: Hudson Moreton (M) - 24 
CDM/CM: Eliza Tyler (F) - 31 
CDM/CM: Daniel Stedman (M) - 23 
CM: Amelia Ibsdottir (F) - 34 
CM: Sofia Houtman (F) - 25 
CM/CAM: Flynn O’Shea (M) - 24 
CM/RM: Toby Mackey (M) - 29 
RM/CM: Marvin Harland (M) - 35 
LW: Jamal Mustafason (M) - 23 
LW/RW: Charlie May (M) - 30 
RW: Alice Murtagh (F) - 24 
RW: Blair Clark (M) - 36 
CF: Cassidy Dwyer (F) - 31 
CF: Sophia Buchanan (F) - 26 
CF: Isabella Bernacchi (F) - 24

After two twelfth-placed finishes in a row, surely it’s time something gives for the Pigeons, whether it be for good or bad. Player by player they’re certainly no worse than AFC Droves, a side that have recently managed to qualify for consecutive IFCF Challengers Cup berths and additionally, should be comfortably defeating last season’s shock seventh-place finisher, Dodle. However, for several seasons now, Avondale Beach have simply been unable to make that breakthrough and now simply exist in the League Number One midtable, earning themselves the nickname “the new Cleorough'' after the team that finished eleventh in five of the first six seasons of the league. Even though time is running out for Keira Walcott to make her impact at the club, her transfer business certainly brings positive signs for Pigeons all around the country, fixing two big holes at goalkeeper and centre back after last season saw them concede sixty times in half that many games - unacceptable even at the worst of times. With former Sentient keeper Charlie Barrett having his worst season yet and being shipped off to Marbury within days of the Transfer Window opening, former Zenith starter Jens Kirsch has signed as his replacement, the 26-year-old playing a surprisingly key role in ensuring Barossia United’s successful fight against relegation that came right down to the wire. Meanwhile, the experienced Ruben Pellenaars has come in to add some much needed ferocity to the Avondale Beach back line and while they still lack that player in the back region with the remarkable distribution, it’s certainly an improvement of the out of form Mitchell Stevenson from last season. As an aggressive-minded side, though, Avondale Beach are just as guaranteed to score goals as any other League Number One outfit with the experienced Cassidy Dwyer up front and young bucks Jamal Mustafason and Alice Murtagh patrolling the wings with their youthful bursts of energy. The chances will come for the three through the midfield, over the top or down the wings, and the Pigeons’ season will rest on the ability of their forward line to convert those chances - by the end, it could well be the difference between fifth and fifteenth.

Avondale City

Squad Changes:

In:
Phillipp Kohl  ← Mar Sara FC  ($3,500,000)
Arseni Stamenkovski  ← Nk Dyka  ($5,000,000)

Out:
Kyle Miller  → Felton Island  ($0)
Alice Weston  → Dunkirk Athletic  ($1,500,000)

Overview:

City: Avondale
Stadium: Kitchener Stadium (cap. 65,000)
Team Colours: Lime Green and Yellow
Nickname: The Lime Greens
Rivalries: Capitol Athletic, Avondale Beach
Previous Seasons: 1st - 1st - 2nd
Play Style: Aggressive, Build-up
Formation: 4-2-2-2
Predicted Finish: 2nd
Manager: John Lawson (M) - 56

Squad List:

GK: Edward Khan (M) - 26 
GK: Jett Gibbes (M) - 26 
GK: Arlo Cameron (M) - 33 
LB/CB: Isabella Cross (F) - 28 
LB: Natalie Mein (F) - 23 
CB: Annabelle Lynes (F) - 29 
CB/CDM: Abbey Elphinstone (F) - 24 
CB: Guo Xiawei (M) - 35 
CB: Arseni Stamenkovski (M) - 19 
CB: Xavier Watson (M) - 32 
RB/RWB: Aoi Kyouka (F) - 27 
RB: Brodie Deckman (M) - 24 
CDM: Mikayla Ramsden (F) - 33 
CDM: Pyo Seung-Hye (F) - 27 
CDM: Maya Whiddon (F) - 25 
CDM/CM: Jacob Farrow (M) - 24 
CDM/CM/RM: Jack Lawson (M) - 24 
AM/CM: Perry Oosterhuis (M) - 32 
LAM: Phillipp Kohl (M) - 24 
AM/CF: Brayden Wilson (M) - 25 
CAM/RW: Rustik Koshelev (M) - 29 
CF: Harrison Reynolds (M) - 33 
CF: Ryan Cecil (M) - 24 
CF: Menguy Tirel (M) - 20 
CF/CAM: Charlotte Eastwood (F) - 23 
CF: Lara Bayldon (F) - 27

Dubbed “The Revolutionaries”, Avondale City’s team last season broke all sorts of records in their 71-point season, recording numerous top flight records - most points ever, most goals scored and highest goal difference just to name some of the main ones. Not even during Capitol Athletic’s glory days did any team ever dominate as surely as the Lime Greens did last season, defending their title with ferocity and now, look to go and join their bitter rivals as the only Sylestonean clubs to go three in a row. With the big name signings of Arseni Stamenkovski and Phillipp Kohl over the off season, Avondale City appear stronger than ever before but with Pesfield Trees, Capitol Athletic and Chamberley City all sniffing at that title as well, the Lime Greens are going to need to put in every shred of effort they did last season to wrap that up again. And even then, in the instance of injuries, things may very well go pear shaped. So much of Avondale City’s success has occurred on the back of the performance of their double pivot of Pyo Seung-Hye and Jack Lawson and if one were to get injured, then it would spell serious trouble to their defence, even if the likes of Jacob Farrow and Mikayla Ramsden would start in the majority of other teams. Once again, Charlotte Eastwood is a favourite for the Golden Boot after a strong Campionato Esportiva that announced her presence on the international stage, even though she’s been outstanding domestically for several years prior. Recently, performances from players such as Isabella Cross, Guo Xiawei and Rustik Koshelev have seen them earn callups to their respective national teams after dominating the league despite all (and particularly Guo) being well past that younger stage. After their performances last season, John Lawson’s usual reserves have proven themselves to be more than capable - the fact that Menguy Tirel, Annabelle Lynes, Perry Oosterhuis and Jacob Farrow all start on the bench at full strength is simply incredible. Even with the Champions League to deal with, expect Avondale City to be right back up there again and challenge for the title.

Betham FC

Squad Changes:

In:
Rachel Doyle  ← Sturrey Athletic  ($4,000,000)
Yasmin Chandler  ← Academy

Out:
Natasha Murray  → Capitol Athletic  ($500,000)
Kieran Satis  → FC Conton  ($1,000,000)

Overview:

City: Betham
Stadium: The Bay Reserve (cap. 68,420)
Team Colours: Red and Orange
Nickname: The Pandas
Rivalries: AFC Droves, Halpenley United, Whitepool
Previous Seasons: 4th - 4th - 5th
Play Style: Aggressive, High Press
Formation: 3-5-2
Predicted Finish: 6th
Manager: Thomas Cadilia (M) - 64

Squad List:

GK: Frank Johnson (M) - 30 
GK: Luca Yali (M) - 24 
GK: Madison Mitchell (F) - 34 
LB/CB: Sofia Gunson (F) - 28 
CB/LB: Owen Ewing (M) - 32 
CB: Albert Legget (M) - 29 
CB: Oscar Conway (M) - 23 
CB: Bethany Johns (F) - 31 
CB/RB: Liam Kernot (M) - 27 
RB/CB: Katarzyna Heaney (F) - 24 
LW: Samuel Holmes (M) - 25 
LW: Marie-Louise Ayotte-Beaudin (F) - 36 
CM/LM: Rachel Doyle (F) - 26  
LCM/CM: Blandina Milton (F) - 30 
CM/CDM: Jayden Higgins (M) - 33 
CM: Spencer Waddell (M) - 32 
CM: Ben Lloyd (M) - 34 
CM: Thomas Hellyer (M) - 22 
CM/RCM: Eva Knowles (F) - 24 
RW: Crystle Tracy (F) - 25 
RW: Alexis Middleton (F) - 29 
CF: Nicolette Lemay (F) - 22 
CF:  Niamh Miller (M) - 24 
CF: Amelia Robson (F) - 22 
CF: Destiny Arias (F) - 37 
CF: Yasmin Chandler (F) - 23

They just keep on getting it done. Even when their squad is, on paper, not actually all that crash hot, Betham FC always seem to find a way to reach the IFCF spots and qualify for those midweek games, even if they are almost always thoroughly exposed by their reserves in the first few qualifying rounds. However, the Pandas do always seem one poor season away from having to undergo a complete regrouping - many regular starters, such as Sofia Gunson, Samuel Holmes and Blandina Milton probably don’t quite cut it at the level Thomas Cadilia wants his side to be playing at and although they can hold their own, if things take a turn for the worst they may find themselves in a bit of a hole. All three of the aforementioned players are more left-sided and often, if a team is strong down the right wing, they can prove to be a very major issue to the Pandas’ defence - for a recent example, think back to how Chamberley City were able to put six past Frank Johnson in both the home and away legs due to the pace and strength of Lilah Buchanan and Kostas Rossi down the right before they fed the ball in up top. However, against most sides, any weaknesses on the left are balanced by the strength of the right - Thomas Hellyer and Crystle Tracy have both been fortunate enough to receive caps for Sylestone and Chromatika respectively, while right-sided centre back Katarzyna Heaney is a developing with every passing year. Up top, Nicolette Lemay’s signing last season has added to the clique of Tikariotian forwards at Sylestone’s top clubs, with the theory being that if they can score against some of the world’s best defences then they can score against anyone on the international level. So far, it has been an unsuccessful ploy as despite the successes of Harriuson Reynolds and Theofilos Stearas at Avondale City and Pesfield Trees respectively, neither have been rewarded with caps. One to keep an eye on is Amelia Robson, whose breakout season last year has seen her rewarded with regular starts at just 22 years of age - at the rate she’s going, she may well prove to be a long-term challenger for Charlotte Eastwood’s place as Sylestone’s striker. It’s still too early to tell, though, and Cadilia and his counterparts will be carefully managing her workload to ensure she lives up to her full potential.

by **Sylestone** » Sun Oct 29, 2023 6:57 pm

SEASON THREE: PART TWO

Capitol Athletic

Squad Changes:

In:
Matthew Easterby  ← Academy
Santeri Matinpalo  ← Fort Viljan Northern FC  ($5,000,000)
Natasha Murray  ← Betham FC  ($500,000)
Shin Joo-Yeong   ← Urrheddiao State University  ($0)
Victoria Thesselborg  ← Columbia City  ($4,500,000)
Drystan Tudor  ← CF Outineau  ($4,000,000)

Out:
Aaron Dodge  → Retirement
Adalburto Furtado  → Pesfield Trees  ($3,500,000)
Kayla Johnstone  → Santraginus  ($1,500,000)
Tyler Pickett  → Hanai Breakers  ($5,000,000)
Noah Smythe  → Norreborg 59  ($1,300,000)
Chris Tipple  → FC Inter Nantwich  ($4,000,000)

Overview:

City: Avondale
Stadium: Avondale International Sports Stadium (cap. 86,500)
Team Colours: Maroon and Black
Nickname: The Maroons
Rivalries: Avondale City, Avondale Beach, Pesfield Trees
Previous Seasons: 6th - 3rd - 7th
Play Style: Balanced
Formation: 4-4-2
Predicted Finish: 3rd
Manager: Dzvezdan Kitanchev (M) - 53

Squad List:

GK: Iñaki Pena (M) - 24 
GK: Oscar Murray (M) - 34 
GK: Anthony Leggo (M) - 26 
LB/LM/LWB: Arnaud Francoeur (M) - 27 
LB/CB: Alexander Stable (M) - 33 
CB: Santeri Matinpalo (M) - 25 
CB: Henry Tulaba (M) - 25 
CB: Jake Blackall (M) - 21 
CB: Mary Levy (F) - 31 
CB/CDM: Joseph Tasserton (M) - 37 
RB: Shin Joo-Yeong (M) - 21  
RB/RW: Matilda Molineux (F) - 23 
LW: Cameron Milligan (M) - 24 
LW: Matthew Easterby (M) - 23 
CM: Jackson Hodge (M) - 25 
CDM/CM: Helena Watson (F) - 26 
CDM/CM: Jason Williams (M) - 34 
CM: Drystan Tudor (M) - 29 
CM: Natasha Murray (F) - 24 
RW: Nkunda Kyemwa (M) - 26 
RW: Arizhel Illioth (F) - 32 
CF: Finlay Westgrove (M) - 24 
CF: Oscar Umbridge (M) - 31 
CF: Levin Voigt (M) - 22 
CF: Eva Stevenson (F) - 25 
CF: Victoria Thesselborg (F) - 28

After so many years of dominance, it’s Capitol Athletic’s turn to be suffer the consequences of being the “second Avondale team”, after Avondale City’s recent obliteration of the league that saw them defend their title and encroach on the Maroons record of holding the top flight trophy for three cycles in a row. Still the league’s richest club, the sacking of club icon Brian Mur[hy af6ter a 2-0-6 start to last season has seen Dzvezdan Kitancheve from Mytanija take over at the helm, guiding a broken squad to the CEdC with a sixth-placed finish - still not acceptable considering the club’s prestige. With the backing of the owners, Kitanchev has rung the changes at the Avondale International Sports Stadium, most notably bringing in the star signings of Tikariotian internationals Santeri Matinapalo and Victoria Thesselborg on opposite ends of the pitch, as well as that of Delaclav midfielder Drystan Tudor, who is expected to play a very similar role to that Gemma Rodway plays in the Sylestonean national team alongside the more defensive-minded Helena Watson. Kitanchev also has an eye on the future as despite his selling of Noah Smythe to Cap Nord, signing Natasha Murray from Betham FC was a priority, while academy graduate Matthew Easterby is expected to receive minutes on the left wing behind another upcoming star in Cameron Milligan. With all of these changes, one can expect that this season may be a little rocky but given time, they should be back again challenging for the title come season four of the League Number One.

Chamberley City

Squad Changes:

In:
Oliver Cleveland  ← Academy
Alex Falleni  ← Academy
Rhys le Besco  ← CF Outineau  ($6,000,000)
Marc Westond  ← Latrobe Athletic  ($4,000,000)

Out:
Sarah Anthon  → Dunkirk Athletic  ($1,000,000)
Vincent Cranwell  → Emacuton United  ($500,000)
Matthew de Kerilleau  → AFC Droves  ($0)
Alannah Ulm  → Hageling Town  ($0)

Overview:

City: Chamberley
Stadium: Chamberley Institute of Sport (cap. 109,300)
Team Colours: Blue and Green
Nickname: The Stars
Rivalries: AFC Droves, Katham, Northampton Olympic
Previous Seasons: 3rd - 2nd - 4th
Play Style: Aggressive, Crossing
Formation: 4-2-4
Predicted Finish: 4th
Manager: Heldir Zaman (M) - 67

Squad List:

GK: Rhys le Besco (M) - 28 
GK: Steven Heinrich (M) - 33 
GK: Sophia Rumble (F) - 23 
LB: Juan Francois (M) - 34 
LB: Alexis Tuskie (F) - 22 
CB: Nizar Muhammad (M) - 29 [OKN]
CB: Marc Westond (M) - 29 
CB: Rowan Harry (M) - 25 
CB: John Hedley (M) - 33 
CB/RB: Matthew Goethe (M) - 20 
RB: Dae-Jung Sokol (M) - 31 
RB: Lilah Buchanan (F) - 32 
CM/CDM: Max Paterson (M) - 33 
CM: Abbey Schenk (F) - 25 
CM/CAM: Leslie Black (F) - 31 
CM: Remus Vettel (M) - 25 
CM: Hayden Reel (M) - 25 
LW: Neil Fraser (M) - 33 
LW: Sophia Grant (F) - 25 
RW: Kostas Rossi (M) - 25 
RW/RM: Oliver Cleveland (M) - 25 
CF: Lucy Currey (F) - 25 
CF: Madeline Bostock (F) - 23 
CF: Elisa Gabbiadini (F) - 21 
CF: Alex Falleni (M) - 21 
CF: Dex Greeley (M) - 34

Over the years, Heldir Zaman has transformed Chamberley City from a club languishing in the midtable at the best to league contenders and regular IFCF qualifiers - after last season’s third-placed finish, they have now done just that three years in a row and at this point in time, an inaugural title appears only a matter of time. With probably the best attack in the league or if not, second only to Avondale City, the Stars are one of the teams that defy Sylestonean norms and play a more aggressive style of play, scoring 66 and conceding a frankly disgusting 39 goals in thirty matches last season, albeit part of that is due to the injury of key defender Rowan Harry for the majority of the year. With him back, Marc Westond signing from Kelssek’s Latrobe Athletic and Mertagne international Rhys le Besco replacing Steven Heinrich as Chamberley’s first choice goalkeeper, Zaman has stepped the Stars’ defence up a notch, although the left and right back positions are probably the weakness at the moment. Playing a 4-2-4 formation, the likely midfield duo of Max Paterson and Remus Vettel will need to work their arses off - if one or both gets injured, it will absolutely spell trouble as both are such reliable players. After scoring 2.2 goals per game last season, it shouldn’t be of any surprise that Zaman has left his forward line largely unchanged, with the linkage of Elymians Elisa Gabbiadini and Kostas Rossi a critical part of the Stars’ plans yet again, while former Tumbran international Neil Fraser will continue to quietly ply his trade on the left wing as he looks to be the league’s best player in his position for the 562nd season in a row. It’s a star studded lineup, that’s for sure, but the Stars will need more than that to get across the line this year, especially due to the strength of several other teams going around.

Cleorough

Squad Changes:

In:
Seth Baldwinson  ← Halpenley United  ($1,000,000)
Sophia Pearson  ← Pesfield Trees  ($2,000,000)
Charlotte Ritchie  ← Serrapince  ($3,000,000)

Out:
Antonio Jordan  → Excelsior  ($0)
Tahlia Freeling  → Felton Island  ($1,000,000)
Jack Moseley  → Dodle  ($1,000,000)

Overview:

City: Cleorough
Stadium: Carson Stadium (cap. 80,000)
Team Colours: Yellow and Orange
Nickname: The Toucans
Rivalries: Freeport, Mid-Capital, Pesfield Trees
Previous Seasons: 5th - 12th - 10th
Play Style: Balanced, possession-based
Formation: 4-3-3
Predicted Finish: 8th
Manager: Don Antoninsson (M) - 47

Squad List:

GK: Johannes Marzinn (M) - 26 
GK: Charlie Bailey (M) - 24 
GK: Sophie Burdett (F) - 31 
LB: Emmeline Harris (F) - 22 
LB/LWB: Josh Pearson (M) - 32 
CB: Igor Baris (M) - 23 
CB: Josh Cole (M) - 25 
CB: Beau Corlette (M) - 25 
CB: Sophia Pearson (F) - 33 
CB: James Porree (M) - 29 
RB: David Robb (M) - 32 
RB: Seth Baldwinson (M) - 22 
LM/CM: Dalah Oder (M) - 27 
LM/CM: Jade Davies (F) - 34 
CM: Jody Barnes (M) - 32 
CM/CDM: Matthew Threlfall (M) - 24 
CM: Molly Evans (F) - 25 
RM/RW/CM: Kate Fullers (F) - 29 
RM/CM: Rose McCaughey (F) - 31 
LW: Oscar Sheppard (M) - 24 
LW: Adam Bolton (M) - 24 
RW: Charlotte Ritchie (F) - 28 
RW/RM: Abigail McNair (F) - 34 
CF: Peter Gann (M) - 29 
CF: Samuel Quinn (M) - 23 
CF: Jacob Black (M) - 25

After aeons of suffering in the midtable, the people of Cleorough took to the streets as their city’s premier football team finally broke the shackles and qualified for IFCF last season, a 5-0 triumph at home over the Kirkham Sentients proving the difference in a tussle for the ages as five teams gunned over the one remaining IFCF spot and two in the CEdC. with the budget they have, it was realistically only a matter of time until the Toucans finally broke through but after so many seasons of failure, there was no reason for fans to truly believe that until it happened. In his first full season in charge, Don Antoninsson has completed the impossible and for the first time in their history, things are looking bright. Despite losing youngsters Jack Moseley and Tahlia Freeling to the promise of regular starts at Dodle and Felton Island respectively, they have more than made up for it with Sophia Pearson eager to return to her home club after years in Nephara before returning to Sylestone with Betham FC and the Pesfield Trees, while Licentian winger Charlotte Ritchie was coerced across from Tumbra to booster the Toucans’ forward line. Once again, Cleorough’s spine will be formed by their midfield, even though their defence has taken it up another notch again this year by adding depth, while their youngsters have that one extra year of experience. Unlike with previous managers, Antoninsson trusts his players to sit on the ball and break down an opposition - like with many Sylestonean clubs, the philosophy is that just one goal is enough to seal the victory in many circumstances. They have the players with the skills to do just that and if they can do it well, then there’s no reason why Cleorough’s goals will be just top five again this season.

Dodle FC

Squad Changes:

In:
Mikayla Buntine  ← Bunbury  ($1,000,000)
Thomas Davis  ← Flames of the West  ($1,000,000)
Neil Lees  ← Khalgarh Valley FC  ($2,000,000)
Aliyah McEwen  ← Whitepool  ($1,750,000)
Jack Moseley  ← Cleorough  ($1,000,000)

Out:
Adam Birch  → N/A
Emmanual Butler  → FC Conton  ($500,000)
Harrison Curmi  → St John’s Arsenal  ($2,000,000)
Mackenzie Grainger  → N/A
Luke Marshall  → Retirement

Overview:

City: Dodle
Stadium: Fiery Stadium (cap. 37,500)
Team Colours: Aqua and Green
Nickname: The Mountaineers
Rivalries: Acondo FC, Pesfield Trees, Western Avondale
Previous Seasons: 7th - 1st (LN2) - 6th (LN2)
Play Style: Fast Tempo, Direct
Formation: 4-3-3
Predicted Finish: 10th
Manager: Harry Sanderson (M) - 62

Squad List:

GK: Fred Ennis (M) - 25 
GK: Stella Mason (F) - 28 
GK: Timothy Gerstaecker (M) - 31 
LB: Thomas Davis (M) - 33 
LB: Timothy Bosanquet (M) - 21 
CB: Lawrence Butler (M) - 26 
CB: Lillian Kirkpatrick (F) - 29 
CB: Isabel Beahan (F) - 31 
CB: Oliver Owen (M) - 26 
CB: Aliyah McEwen (F) - 28 
RB: Ella Lowe (F) - 29 
RB: Madeline Ansell (F) - 21 
CDM: Isla Bradfield (F) - 27 
CDM: Taylah Pollard (F) - 25 
LM/CM: Neil Lees (M) - 24 
CM/LM: Twater Harring (M) - 32 
CM: Amy Cory (F) - 22 
CM: Mikayla Buntine (F) - 29 
CM/RM: Savannah Murray (F) - 33 
LW: Ego Giles (M) - 32 
LW: Scott Henderson (M) - 34 
RW: Jack Moseley (M) - 21 
RW: Walter Martin (M) - 25 
CF: Sofia Arnold (F) - 28 
CF: Jonathan Stevenson (M) - 23 
CF: Annabelle Beck (F) - 30

While Cleorough’s breakthrough season has only seemed a matter of time for quite a while now, Dodle’s seventh-placed finish and resulting CEdC qualification has been anything but. With a squad that seemed capable of avoid relegation if they played well, to finish inside the top half and secure their first ever season of international football… you can’t put it into words. To think that at the halfway mark, the Mountaineers were in second place behind Avondale City’s Revolutionaries with just one loss to their name - there have been many doubts over why Harry Sanderson is still coach of this team, but they all dissipated as soon as his tactics saw Dodle home on matchday two at Kitchener Stadium just a week after their opponents had dismantled Capitol Athletic away from home and sent a statement to everyone else. In the end, Sanderson’s side would become the only one in the League Number One who took all six points off the Lime Greens, while also being the only club to defeat the eventual champions at Fortress Kitchener. This season, they have further bolstered their stocks by signing former Syklestonean international Thomas Davis from Flames of the West as he returns to his homeland after over ten years abroad in South Newlandia and Chromatika and in the attack, picking up young prodigy Jack Moseley from Cleorough to develop their strength on the wings. On the back of an outstanding year, Dodle had to push to keep hold of Isla Bradfield for this season before adding Neil Lees and Mikayla Buntine to further strengthen their midfield - if they can both perform, there is absolutely no reason why Dodle can’t push even higher this season. The only real weakness is that forward line - Ego Giles is ageing and while Sofia Arnold was an elite League Number Two striker, she might not quite be cut out for this level. She did well last year, but this season will tell us so much more.

by **Sylestone** » Wed Nov 01, 2023 7:21 am

SEASON THREE: PART THREE

Dunkirk Athletic

Squad Changes:

In:
Sarah Anthon  ← Chamberley City  ($1,000,000)
Sadie Middleton  ← Southern Chromatik University  ($0)
Park Hyun-Jung  ← Felswyr State University  ($0)
Alice Weston  ← Avondale City  ($1,500,000)

Out:
Sean Keating  → Felton Island  ($0)
Archie Kleeberg  → Whitepool  ($750,000)
Gabriel McGrath  → Bunbury  ($500,000)
Holly Statton  → Perce Town  ($4,000,000)

Overview:

City: Dunkirk
Stadium: Ground of Dunkirk (cap. 43,000)
Team Colours: Blue and Black
Nickname: The Wolves
Rivalries: Grafton Albion, Avondale Beach, Emacuton FC, Emacuton United
Previous Seasons: 14th - 9th - 13th
Play Style: Balanced, Direct
Formation: 4-3-1-2
Predicted Finish: 15th
Manager: Isaac Loewenthal (M) - 43

Squad List:

GK: Vera McKinnon (F) - 28 
GK: Lily Grover (F) - 22 
GK: Annabelle Fenner (F) - 33 
LB: Samuel Torrance (M) - 28 
LB: Abbey Woodhouse (F) - 30 
CB: Oscar Simpemba (M) - 26 
CB: Sarah Anthon (F) - 22 
CB: Fiona Edwards (F) - 33 
CB: Alice Weston (F) - 23 
CB: Brock Ferrari (M) - 22 
RB: Park Hyun-Jung (F) - 23 
RB: Scarlett Copland (F) - 29 
LM/CM/DM: Travis Chalbaud (M) - 32 
LM/CM/DM: Scarlett Haines (F) - 25 
CDM/CB: Mitchell Lee (M) - 26 
CDM/CM: Sean Pryce (M) - 25 
CM/CDM: Sadie Middleton (F) - 22 
RM/CM/DM: Ryan Armit (M) - 28 
RM/RW/CM/DM: Alexandra Cayley (F) - 26 
CAM: Ann-Sofie Hansdottir (F) - 24 
CAM/CF: Eve Geach (M) - 32 
CF: Paul Jorgensen (M) - 31 
CF: Max Imlay (M) - 26 
CF: Charlie Adams (M) - 30 
CF: Ryan Paschke (M) - 27 
CF: Poppy Lockyer (F) - 22

After only just fighting off the threat of relegation last season, the incredible rise of the League Number One has seen Dunkirk Athletic struggle to maintain their position there and this season, appear genuinely threatened once again even with all of the strong signings they have made. To many, this will be seen as a make or break season for the Wolves and manager Isaac Loewenthal, with fans of the club fully prepared to make their return back to the League Number Two if things do not go to plan. In the defence, it appears as though Loewenthal has made a complete change in the centre, with The Shambia’s Oscar Simpemba now sitting on the bench, while former captain Archie Kleeberg has departed for Whitepool. Now, former Avondale City Revolutionary Alice Weston has joined on a deal that will likely see her return to the capital city if Dunkirk cannot survive, while fellow youngster Sarah Anthon’s deal is more permanent. In addition, Loewenthal has managed to steal a couple of free agents from Chromatik universities, with Sadie Middleton and Park Hyun-Jung making the switch to Esportiva after several years of hard work in the world’s best university competition. Utilising a slightly different formation from last season, Loewenthal’s 4-3-1-2 will likely turn into a 3-2-3-2 going forward, with Park Hyun-Jung moving inwards to form a back three while left back Samuel Torrance and midfielder Alexandra Cayley joining the attack and attack directly. It’s a risky strategy - if they can outpace the defence then it will absolutely reap the rewards but against the better sides in the league that have the resources and players to deal with it, the Wolves may be in for some tough times.

FC Conton

Squad Changes:

In:
Emmanuel Butler  ← Dodle  ($500,000)
Emily Charlton  ← Mid-Capital  ($1,000,000)
Jessica Cunningham  ← Academy
Jayden Hackett  ← Avondale City  ($250,000)
Arnol Rouchamps  ← Birivistice  ($1,000,000)
Kieran Satis  ← Betham FC  ($1,000,000)
George Skeyhill  ← Avondale City  ($900,000)
Jack Townsend  ← Bikarish  ($1,000,000)
Billie Valls  ← Sporting Noordende  ($1,500,000)
Zara Wheals  ← Shearwater  ($3,000,000)

Out:
Shoka Chang  → Cleorough Fire  ($250,000)
Bryce Cole  → Retirement
James Davey  → Hageling Town  ($500,000)
Jack Goodchap  → Jeaniara  ($0)
Ryan Mitchell  → Western Avondale  ($500,000)
Steve Walker  → N/A
Kye White  → Pesfield Trees  ($1,250,000)

Overview:

City: Conton
Stadium: Ebril Gardens (cap. 22,300)
Colours: Red and Black
Nickname: The Bombers
Rivalries: Halpenley United, Mid-Capital
Previous Seasons: 2nd (LN2) - 11th (LN2) - 7th (LN2)
Play Style: Progressive, Passing
Formation: 4-2-1-3
Predicted Finish: 16th
Manager: Zoe Sanders (F) - 46

Squad List:

GK: Emily Charlton (F) - 24 
GK: Matthew Hope (M) - 33 
GK: Luke Sharpe (M) - 25 
LB/LWB: Jesse Rose (M) - 27 
LB: Ellie Espie (F) - 29 
CB: Jessica Cunningham (F) - 23 
CB: Arnold Rouchamps (M) - 25 
CB: Maybury Charleston (F) - 33 
CB/CDM: Olive Resch (F) - 32 
CB: Callum Dorrington (M) - 24 
RB: Jack Townsend (M) - 34 
RB: Amelia Lundie (F) - 29 
LM/CM: George Skeyhill (M) - 23 
LM/CM: Joseph Boothby (M) - 25 
CM: Elliot Wilson (M) - 30 
CM/RM: Charlotte Woodfull (F) - 23 
RM/CM: Megan Francis (F) - 24 
CAM: Ashlea Young (F) - 30 
CAM/RW/CF: Zara Wheals (F) - 28 
LW: Angus Stainforth (M) - 31 
LW: Indiana Cockram (F) - 31 
RW: Billie Vallis (F) - 23 
RW: Emmanuel Butler (M) - 33 
CF: Kieran Satis (M) - 31 
CF: Jayden Hackett (M) - 20 
CF: David O’Meara (M) - 29

After they finished fifteenth in what was then known as the Poo League just one season after facing relegation from the top flight, many could have been excused for thinking that FC Conton would never truly find their way back up. And for many years, it did look they way as they languished alongside fellow former top flight regulars Northampton Olympic in the League Number Two midtable, recording seventh- and eleventh-placed finishes in the two preceding last. However, something finally clicked under Zoe Sanders as, with her job on the line, the Bombers sorted their shit out, finishing one point behind Felton Island in first place and securing promotion for the first time since the league’s hiatus. But with such a similar squad to the one that was going absolutely nowhere, those in charge at the club were not going to mess around and find out - instead, they went absolutely batshit during the transfer window, signing nine players from elsewhere, including big names such as Billie Valls, Zara Wheals and former international Jack Townsend to increase their squad strength and depth that much. However, for (almost) every signing, someone has to go - James Davey, for one, has departed to the ever improving Hageling Town after so many years playing his heart out and becoming a Conton legend, while young prodigy Kye White has unsurprisingly made the move to giants Pesfield Trees to develop his skills and knowledge of the game. From a midtable League Numnber Two squad at best, the fact that the Bombers management could even pull together a squad that should be more capable of holding their own in the League Number One is simply applaudable - yes, while on paper it’s probably the worst, if they can string a few good games together there’s every chance of survival. It will be an intriguing season for an exciting club and if you’re a new fan, it’s definitely one worthwhile in getting behind.

Felton Island

Squad Changes:

In:
Tahlia Freeling  ← Cleorough  ($1,000,000)
Madison Hayes  ← Pesfield Trees  ($2,000,000)
Kai Henderson  ← Pesfield Trees  ($500,000)
Sean Keating  ← Dunkirk Athletic  ($0)
Lara Mikluho-Maklai  ← Mid-Capital  ($500,000)
Kyle Miller  ← Avondale City  ($0)
Sam Sheppard  ← Halpenley United  ($0)
Kevin Spiteri  ← Crimsonhawke FC  ($1,000,000)

Out:
Eva Knight  → Emacuton FC  ($1,000,000)
Ralph Manga  → Marbury FC  ($500,000)
George McDonald  → N/A
Elizabeth Rose  → N/A
Anthony Simmons  → Jeaniara  ($0)

Overview:

City: Crelis
Stadium: Arena of Pythons
Colours: Green and Red
Nickname: The Pythons
Rivalries: Midford City, Chamberley City
Previous Seasons: 1st (LN2) - 4th (LN2) - 3rd (LN2)
Play Style: Possession-based, Pressing
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Finish: 14th
Manager: Nicholas Holland (M) - 52

Squad List:

GK: Leo Maguire (M) - 25 
GK: Gabriel Warren (M) - 29 
GK: Ethan Lamb (M) - 23 
LB: Edward O’Brien (M) - 26 
LB: Lara Mikluho-Maklai (F)  -23 
CB: Emily Smart (F) - 23 
CB: Samantha Potter (F) - 33 
CB: Madeline Bisdee (F) - 29 
CB: Tahlia Freeling (F) - 22 
CB: Sean Keating (M) - 29 
RB/RWB: Madison Hayes (F) - 22 
RB: Kieran Knight (M) - 29 
CDM: Oliver Stokes (M) - 30 
CDM: Chloe Hunter (F) - 22 
CDM: Kai Henderson (M) - 24 
CDM: Taylor Bradley (M) - 35 
CDM/RM: Alexandra Kennedy (F) - 31 
LW: Kevin Spiteri (M) - 26 
LW: Liam Collins (M) - 26 
CAM: Joe Black (M) - 23 
CAM: Kyle Miller (M) - 35 
RW: Poppy Cuming (F) - 27 
RW: Elise Tyler (F) - 35 
CF: Sophia Buchanan (F) - 26 
CF: Shannon Pickering (F) - 28 
CF: Sam Sheppard (M) - 23

The second and final promoted team from last season, Felton Island’s remarkable rise through the ranks has seen them climb from not even existing on a professional level until after football’s hiatus in Sylestone and then from the third division right up to the League Number One in just four or five seasons. After earning promotion to the League NUmber Two in their first season as a professional club, the Crelis-based outfit went onto finish third and lose a playoff - perhaps for the best considering they would’ve been out of their depth both financially and resource wise back then - before remaining right up their with a fourth placed finish the season after to further build on their foundations. Last season they really went for it, earning their second trophy after winning the League Number Three by finishing with 55 points, finishing first and earning that sought after spot in the top flight of Sylestonean football. Felton Island play a relatively exciting style of play under Nicholas Holland - at least, exciting in Sylestonean terms - and are not afraid to press oppositions and capitalise on mistakes. In possession, they’re willing to take their time, though when they get on the attack, attack they do. To prepare their squad for their first season in the League Number One, Holland has made several class signings, picking up their first international player in Kevin Spiteri from Tikariot, while also signing one of Sylestone’s future centre back dynast in Tahlia Freeling from Cleorough, alongside Madison Hayes and Kai Henderson from the Pesfield Trees. Considering both have playing time in the Champions League, both will be vital additions as the Pythons look to shrug off their first serious relegation threat in their history.

Kirkham Appliances

Squad Changes:

In:
None

Out:
None

Overview:

City: Kirkham
Stadium: Sentient Oval (cap. 29,275)
Team Colours: Purple and Black
Rivalries: Kirkham Sentients, Fridge FC, Breakfast Bowl FC, Kitchen Sink FC
Nickname: The Appliances
Previous Seasons: 10th - 11th - 8th
Play Style: Defensive
Formation: 5-4-1
Predicted Finish: 9th
Manager: Pressure Washer

Squad List:

GK: Brick Wall GK: Oven 
GK: Freezer 
LB: Vacuum Cleaner 
LB/CB: Nokia 
CB: Microwave 
CB: Baby Wipes 
CB: Washing Machine 
CB: Water Heater 
CB: Electric Blanket 
RB/CB: Dishwasher 
RB: Boiler 
RB: Printer 
LM: Juicer 
LM/CM: Stove 
CDM/CM: Air Conditioner 
CM: Food Processor 
CAM/CM: Coffee Maker 
CM/RM: Telephone 
RM/CM: Spiderwebs 
RM: Electric Knife 
CF/CAM: Mixer 
CF: Heater

Even with the Appliances splurging on players from Sentient clubs that have been relegated, they have continued to really press the top few spots in the League Number One ever since the return of domestic Sylestonean football - in fact, over those years, the side widely regarded to be Kirkham’s best alongside the Sentients has not finished inside the top seven once. For a squad filled with so many ex-internationals and one or two current ones, you’d expect them to play far better football but all in all, it just goes to show the increasing strength of humans within the league. Unsurprisingly, the only remaining Sylestonean regular in the side, the Brick Wall, is the team’s best player and in front, the Pressure Washer has stacked the defence with the likes of the Washing Machine and Dishwasher directly in front of it, while the Nokia on the left is certainly a tough player to get past for any winger. With such a defensive-minded strategy, pressure is heaped on the five-strong back line to be at their pinnacle, while the midfield and lone striker are just as important to ensure that the goals do come and mistakes at the back are not costly to the highest degree. The players are there, they’ve just got to get their act together and actually perform, unlike they’ve been able to in previous seasons. Will we see a Sentient resurgence this season from the Appliances, or will they continue their decline?

by **Sylestone** » Thu Nov 02, 2023 7:28 pm

SEASON THREE: PART FOUR

Kirkham Sentients

Squad Changes:

In:
None

Out:
None

Overview:

City: Kirkham
Stadium: Sentient Oval (cap. 29,275)
Team Colours: Beige and Orange
Nickname: The Sentients
Rivalries: Kirkham Appliances, Fridge FC, Breakfast Bowl FC, Kitchen Sink FC
Previous Seasons: 9th - 10th - 10th
Play Style: Balanced, Counter-attacking, Crossing
Formation: 4-3-3
Predicted Finish: 11th
Manager: Puzzle Board

Squad Changes:

GK: Saucepan 
GK: Fruit Bowl 
GK: Backpack 
LB/LWB: Ironing Board 
LB: Blender 
CB/CDM: Sofa 
CB: Sewing Machine 
CB: Frying Pan 
CB: Pencil Case 
RB: Drawer 
RB: Pencil Sharpener 
LM/CM: Colander 
LM/CM: Music Stand 
CM: Container 
CM/CAM: Bar Stool 
CM/RM: Speakers 
RM: Doorknob 
LW: Scissors 
LW: Coffee Cup 
RW/LW: Kettle 
RW: Lawnmower 
CF: Tumble Dryer 
CF: Gluestick

As one of the two surviving League Number One Sentient clubs, even fans of Kitchen Sink FC, Breakfast Bowl FC and Fridge FC are all gunning the Sentients on - after all, if all five Sentient clubs were to drop out of the top flight, it would undoubtedly kill football in Kirkham after so many years of prosperity. The good players would find other clubs in the league or abroad to join while the rest would stay at the same five and languish in the lower leagues until the end of time. Despite their late challenge for their first season of international football since they won the first edition of the SFA Cup that granted them an IFCF Challengers Cup slot last year, a devastating 5-0 loss at Cleorough left them squandering in ninth place and with each non-Sentient club stepping it up another notch during the transfer window, relegation appears an imminent threat for the Puzzle Board’s side. Simply, they no longer have the squad that saw them put up a genuine title charge four years ago for two thirds of the season - in fact, the only one in with a genuine chance at playing for Sylestone at the moment is the Bar Stool in the central midfield. Even with the threat of relegation looming large, though, the club’s history may finally be on their side as even in previous situations like this, they’ve managed to fairly comfortably avoid dropping below the mark, even if the cost of that is a lack of genuine chances at the top of the table. Can they perform when the pressure’s on?

Marbury FC

Squad Changes:

In:
Stella Atkinson  ← Emacuton FC  ($750,000)
Charlie Barrett  ← Avondale Beach  ($0)
Flavia Catepan  ← Z’ai’ai  ($2,000,000)
Ralph Manga  ← Felton Island  ($500,000)
Roberto Montoya  ← Sportivo Soluca  (Undisclosed)

Out:
Donald Dean  → N/A
Lola Dollery  → Retirement
Amy Lycett  → N/A
Abby Rouse  → N/A
Benjamin Rose  → Halpenley United  ($0)

Overview:

City: Marbury
Stadium: Marbury Stadium (cap. 31,000)
Team Colours: Green and Black
Nickname: The Cockatoos
Rivalries: Oslolihul City
Previous Seasons: 13th - 7th - 2nd (LN2)
Playstyle: Defensive, Counterattack
Formation: 5-4-1
Predicted Finish: 12th
Manager: Piper Brombie (F) - 46

Squad List:

GK: Roberto Montoya (M) - 23 
GK: Charlie Barrett (M) - 33 
GK: Maddison Woodhouse (F) - 27 
LB: Ryan McDonald (M) - 25 
LB: Matthew Coburn (M) - 32 
LCB: Ngurah Agung Rai Putra (M) - 29 
CB: Zachary Lay (M) - 31 
CB: Milla Hemmant (F) - 32 
CB: Sean Carr (M) - 34 
CB: Ralph Manga (M) - 32 
CB: Piper Horrocks (F) - 25 
CB/RB: Liberio Mantini (M) - 21 
RB: Stella Atkinson (F) - 24 
RB/RWB: Ella Kirkhope (F) - 29 
LM: Nicole Fosse (F) - 25 
LM: Jacob O’Dermot (M) - 35 
CDM/CM/CB: Adam Seekamp (M) - 24 
CM: Amber Woodward (F) - 31 
CM: Jonah Keller (M) - 23 
CM: Dean Cabena (M) - 25 
CAM/CM: Hayden Schwarz (M) - 28 
RM: Alyssa Burgoyne (F) - 28 
RM/RW: Lincoln Delamothe (M) - 27 
CAM/CF: Clarence Harris (M) - 35 
CF/CAM: Gordon Bowes (M) - 28 
CF: Flavia Catepan (F) - 26

After so many years playing so many years without a proper striker, it appears as though Piper Brombie’s Marbury have switched tact and finally employed a proper striker, signing Nepharan Flavia Catepan from Z’ai’ai for a handy fee of two million NSD to bolster that forward line and actually allow them to score goals. A side that is very strong in the centre with a solid centre back trio and the likes of Adam Seekamp and Hayden Schwarz patrolling the middle of the park, the Cockatoos' strength in terms of player individual ability is undoubtedly through the centre but with Brombie employing wide fullbacks in a back five and two wingers, she’s expertly opened up another method of attack to score that one goal that will so often be enough given their defensive abilities. This season, that line in front of their goal appears stronger than ever, with Sargossan international Roberto Montoya joining the club as a replacement for the retired Lola Dollery, while 24-year-old right back Stella Atkinson has made the shift to the League Number One after several simply sublime seasons under tutelage at Emacuton FC. Backups Charlie Barrett in between the sticks and Ralph Manga at centre back will add handily to Marbury’s depth problems from last season so in the case of injuries, the Cockatoos won’t necessarily be struggling to put forward a team that won’t be absolutely decimated by oppositions. Even so, relegation looms for this club if they can’t make it work out but if they can, then top half is certainly not out of the question.

Mid-Capital

Transfer Roundup:

In:
Nicholas Candy  ← Cazadores Cathair  ($500,000)
Archie Edwin  ← Academy
Morgan Gallagher  ← Halpenley United  ($1,000,000)
Claudia Hynes  ← Pesfield Trees  ($2,000,000)
Kiarra Yates  ← Oriannor Mountaineers FC  ($2,500,000)

Out:
Emily Charlton  → FC Conton  ($1,000,000)
Austin de Satg  → Jeaniara  ($0)
Melissa Houghton  → Jeaniara  ($1,500,000)
Victoria Korner  → Alexandria United  ($2,000,000)
Mark Turner  → Retirement

Overview:

City: Kirton
Stadium: Walgabba Dome (cap. 39,000)
Team Colours: Orange and Black
Nickname: The Trains
Rivalries: Cleorough, FC Conton
Previous Seasons: 11th - 10th - 11th
Playstyle: High Press, Crossing
Formation: 3-5-2
Predicted Finish: 7th
Manager: Niko Draganić (M) - 59

Squad List:

GK: Timothy Jameson (M) - 30 
GK: David Clarke (M) - 31 
GK: Archie Edwin (M) - 22 
LB/CB: Zoe Jessop (F) - 25 
LB/CB: Vic Richardson (M) - 33 
CB: Zac Tucker (M) - 24 
CB: Lily Park (F) - 27 
CB: Jude Nugan (M) - 32 
RB/CB: Kiarra Yates (F) - 29 
RB/CB: Jordan Simonetti (M) - 34 
LM/LW: Claudia Hynes (F) - 22 
LW: Brian Fulton (M) - 25 
LM/CM: Jamieson Wilson (M) - 35 
LCM: Page Resch (F) - 32 
CDM/CM: Grace Coveny (F) - 24 
CM/CDM: Bethany Cunningham (M) - 29 
CM: Bradley Poole (M) - 23 
CM: Morgan Gallagher (M) - 24 
CM/RM: Lucas Jackson (M) - 30 
RW: Nathan Ekpetita (M) - 30 
RW: Jeremy Smith (M) - 35 
CF: Lee Sang-Myun (M) - 25 
CF: Harrison McLean (M) - 25 
CF: Nicholas Candy (M) - 32 
CF: Alexandra Zadow (F) - 33 
CF: Liam Martin (M) - 22

Many thought Draganić was done at the end of last season but somehow, despite Mid-Capital administrators actively looking out for potential new managers, the decorated Rekan has kept the post for the fourth season running, even on the back of three incredibly ordinary seasons where they only finished either tenth or eleventh. For the first time in a while, though, fans of the ridiculously named Kirton-based outfit may finally be looking forward to football atb the Walgabba Dome this season, with many pundits placing them as genuine IFCF and CEdC contenders for the first time in a very long time as they search for their first season of international football with seven slots now there for the taking. Their signings this season are certainly a notch or two up from previous seasons and even other clubs around them, with former Ko-orenite international Nicholas Candy headlining the transfer window for fans. In addition, Tikariotian Kiarra Yates will more than fill in the void left by the retirement of Mark Turner and while the loss of Victoria Korner is a big one, Claudia Hynes has made her way over from Pesfield to contest backup Brian Fulton for that spot. After last season’s horror show, Draganić has promised his side will show much more intent this season but what that will translate to no one will know. One thing is for sure, though, and that is that he is on very thin ice, and only successful qualification for international football via a top seven finish will save his job. If at any point that does not appear a likelihood, then he will be gone. An intriguing season awaits.

Pesfield Trees

Squad Changes:

In:
Adalburto Furtado  ← Capitol Athletic  ($3,500,000)
Maddy Howell  ← Academy
Krševan Novak   ← Academy
Lili Marinca  ← Chromatik  ($3,500,000)
Slavenka Pavić   ← Academy
Blasko Titov  ← Megabrantid  ($5,000,000)
Kye White  ← FC Conton  ($1,250,000)

Out:
Madison Hayes  → Felton Island  ($2,000,000)
Kai Henderson  → Felton Island  ($500,000)
Eden Holt  → Ararat Severyan  ($3,000,000)
Claudia Hynes  → Mid-Capital  ($2,000,000)
Lester King  → Excelsior  ($500,000)
Sophia Pearson  → Cleorough  ($2,000,000)
Liney Vano  → Retirement

Overview:

City: Pesfield
Stadium: The Trees (cap. 62,000)
Team Colours: Green and Blue
Nickname: The Trees
Rivalries: Capitol Athletic, Cleorough, Western Avondale, Dodle
Previous Seasons: 2nd - 6th - 1st
Playstyle: Possession, Tiki-taka
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Finish: 1st
Manager: Hugo Beland (M) - 44

Squad Changes:

GK: Ryan Macleay (M) - 25 
GK: Emma Zimpel (F) - 21 
GK: Jesse Symons (M) - 31 
LB: Jade Wettenhall (F) - 24 
LB: Maddy Howell (F) - 22 
CB: Ja Dishwasher (M) - 22 
CB: Blasko Titov (M) - 32 
CB: Adalburto Furtado (M) - 23 
CB: Maya Glasgow (F) - 26 
CB: Liam Strutt (M) - 22 
RB: Anastasis Kastrinakis (F) - 23 
RB: Krševan Novak (M) - 18  
CDM/LWB/LM/CM: Annabelle Larkins (F) - 34 
CDM/CB: Norbert Kasparíusarson (M) - 19 
CDM: Slavenka Pavić (M) - 19  
CDM: Fermin Melis (M) - 26 
CDM/CM: Caitlin Bolton (F) - 25 
LM/LW: Luisa Johnson (F) - 23 
LW: Lili Marinca (F) - 32 
CAM: Hella Veensma (F) - 26 
CAM: Kye White (M) - 21 
RM/RW: Jeremy Onus (M) - 22 
RW: Max MacIntosh (M) - 33 
CF: Theofilos Stearas (M) - 25 
CF: Alyssa Hightower (F) - 34 
CF: Migual Williams (M) - 25

If you’d told any Sylestonean around the time of football’s return to the nation that they’d have Lili Marinca in their league within the coming years, not one soul would have believed you. Yet here we are, with the star-studded Nepharan playing in a team that ultimately, isn’t that much worse overall than she is individually is a testament to the recent growth of football over the last few years across the nation. Similarly, the growth of individual players in the club has been remarkable - a few years ago when he signed, Theofilos Stearas was an absolute nobody, and now he’s vying for a spot in the most stacked position in the Tikariotian national team, while Ryan Macleay has risen from some scrawny teenager to Sylestone’s first choice goalkeeper in just three or four years. Unafraid to spend money, the Trees have made smart signings over the years and especially, have specialised in ensuring they have the next generation developing through the likes of Norbert Kasparíusarson, Jeremy Onus, Slavenka Pavić, Krševan Novak, Emma Zimpel, Kye White and Maddy Howell just to name a few of those that have already broken through. Such as the way the club is run that the Trees’ second team is by itself a top eight League Number One outfit, allowing Quebecois manager Hugo Beland to rest his key players and know that there are safe backups out there ready to take charge at any given opportunity. This season, the Trees will look to challenge Avondale City for the title after they took the league by storm last year and broke all sorts of records, but they’ve also got to keep an eye behind them, for Capitol Athletic, Chamberley City and Cleorough just to name a few all have the squads to push for a surprising charge. Despite their tiki-taka playstyle, don’t expect many goals from the Trees due to the quality of opposition defences but when they do score, expect those leads to hold. Not many can break past that back four, even if many are still new to the club and may take a little while to get used to playing.

by **Sylestone** » Sat Nov 04, 2023 5:06 pm

Matchdays 1-15

Perhaps unsurprisingly, one of the multiverse’s most defensive leagues had an incredibly high proportion of draws played out, with 30% of games (36 out of 120) ending with neither team able to break the deadlock. This included seventeen glorious games finishing scoreless, all the way up to one between Avondale Beach and Chamberley City being disgustingly entertaining with four apiece. The Pigeons in particular were masters of churning out those draws, with nine (!) in fifteen to go alongside four wins and two losses, the latter of which has seen them drop down the table after they were the last team to lose come matchday twelve when they fell to Marbury FC of all teams, and at home as well. Dunkirk Athletic are the other team to pick up an atrocious number of draws with seven and unsurprisingly, when the two teams met on matchday fifteen, both teams remembered at the last moment that they had to share the points as Avondale Beach collapsed late on, allowing for the Wolves to score late goals in the 86th and 90th to neutralise the two goal deficit and turning a regular match into one of the best so far this year. Elsewhere, we had some other thriller, most notably on matchday three when Dex Greeley’s stoppage time winner for Chamberley City took down the Pesfield Trees in what would eventuate to their only loss in the first half of the season, while mere hours earlier than that, as Billie Valls hat-trick that included an absolute screamer in the 100th minute was only enough to share the spoils at the Walgabba Dome in a hectic 3-3 draw.

But despite all the chaos, the table has shaped up and the Trees are on top, with 34 points from fifteen games. With only seventeen goals, they have shown that just scoring the one goal is often good enough to seal the points, while a rejuvenated Capitol Athletic have done just the same as they sit in second place on 32 points with a goal per game. However, hard times are ahead for fans of the Maroons as Drystan Tudor, Cameron Milligan, Matilda Molineux, Oscar Umbridge and Jake Blackall were all injured in a shock incident with the training bus after their matchday fifteen fixture with Marbury. Avondale City sit in third place despite seeming to win every game they play swimmingly, with Charlotte Eastwood making stat padding goals in the League Number One look easy as a transfer for a fee of as much as upwards of ten million NSD looms a likelihood. The three teams at the top are separated by only three points and with Chamberley City sitting five points off third in fourth spot, a lot has to go wrong for one of those three to not win the title.

But the surprise of the season has got to be Dodle. After their heroics last year that saw them steal a place in the CEdC, the stress of expectation and injuries to several key players has crippled the Mountaineers as they sit in dead last with just four points. Having three players do their ACL within the first month of the season is never a good sign but when the three are Isla Bradfield, Lawrence Butler and Thomas Davis, you know you’re in for a rough ride. In addition, the absolutely terrible form of Ego Giles, Sofia Arnold and Twater Harring hasn’t helped whatsoever and so despite the likes of Neil Lees, Jack Moseley, Mikayla Buntine and Ella Lowe giving everything 100%, there’s just nothing there to support them. It’s of no surprise Harry Sanderson has been sacked after a dreadful 3-1 loss to the Kirkham Sentients on matchday nine but since then, the results have not improved. The only other team to go through that process is the Kirkham Appliances, who are also on the market looking for a new gaffer after their 1-5-9 start to the season - especially dreadful considering their decorated squad. Simply no one’s performing, particularly in the midfield and up front considering they’ve only put the ball in the back of the opposition net five times all season, with two being ruled out. With the future of Sentient football in Sylestone now sitting in the balance, they are going to need to improve heavily if they wish to stay afloat.

It means that Felton Island and FC Conton, the two newly promoted teams, are not in the relegation zone and instead sit pretty in tenth and thirteenth respectively. Both sides have looked good this season and at their current trajectory, both will more than comfortably stave off the drop. With such paper thin squads, though, any injuries may prove critical so they’re going to need to keep churning out those results. Let’s hope for the sake of the League Number One and both teams that they do manage to do so as we enter the second half.

   League Number One      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Pesfield Trees          15   10   4   1    17    6  +11    34	IFCF Champions League
 2 Capitol Athletic        15    9   5   1    15    4  +11    32	IFCF Champions League
 3 Avondale City           15    9   4   2    31   11  +20    31	IFCF Challengers Cup
 4 Chamberley City         15    7   5   3    29   20   +9    26	IFCF Challengers Cup
 5 AFC Droves              15    7   3   5    12    8   +4    24	IFCF Challengers Cup
 6 Betham FC               15    6   5   4     9    8   +1    23	CEdC
 7 Mid-Capital             15    6   5   4    20   20    0    23	CEdC
 8 Cleorough               15    6   4   5    20   11   +9    22
 9 Avondale Beach          15    4   9   2    21   19   +2    21
10 Felton Island           15    5   2   8    14   19   −5    17
11 Dunkirk Athletic        15    3   7   5    10   13   −3    16
12 Kirkham Sentients       15    4   4   7    11   18   −7    16
13 FC Conton               15    4   4   7    15   23   −8    16
14 Marbury FC              15    3   2  10     7   15   −8    11	League Number One Playoff
15 Kirkham Appliances      15    1   5   9     3   16  −13     8	Relegation to League Number Two
16 Dodle                   15    0   4  11    11   34  −23     4	Relegation to League Number Two

   League Number Two       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Halpenley United         15   10   2   3    19    6  +13    32		Promotion to League Number One; Liga B Champions trophy
 2 Whitepool                15   10   1   4    21   10  +11    31		Promotion to League Number One; Liga B Champions Trophy
 3 Emacuton FC              15    9   4   2    18   10   +8    31		League Number One Playoff; Liga B Champions Trophy
 4 Excelsior                15    7   3   5    12    8   +4    24
 5 Kitchen Sink FC          15    6   5   4    17   14   +3    23
 6 Northampton Olympic      15    5   5   5    15   15    0    20
 7 Western Avondale         15    6   2   7    18   21   −3    20
 8 Hageling Town            15    3   9   3    10    8   +2    18
 9 Emacuton United          15    5   3   7    10   11   −1    18
10 Katham                   15    5   3   7     9   10   −1    18
11 Bayville                 15    4   5   6     9   10   −1    17
12 Grafton Albion           15    5   2   8    13   21   −8    17
13 Fridge FC                15    5   2   8    14   23   −9    17
14 Jeaniara                 15    4   4   7     6   13   −7    16		League Number Two Playoff
15 Breakfast Bowl FC        15    3   5   7    21   24   −3    14		Relegation to League Number Three
16 Bunbury                  15    3   5   7    13   21   −8    14		Relegation to League Number Three

by **Sylestone** » Sun Nov 05, 2023 6:59 am

Matchdays 16-25

The threepeat. It’s on. It’s really on. Over the last ten rounds, the Lime Greens have secured another 22 points - more than any other club over the same period of time to steal top spot on the table from the Pesfield Trees, who have somewhat fluctuated from their stunning start to the season. However, Avondale City fans will still be slightly miffed that despite sitting a point above their now only proper title challengers (third-placed Chamberley are eight points behind John Lawson’s side on 45 points), they have not been able to defeat either of their local rivals this season, succumbing to defeats to the Pigeons across both legs, while the Avondale derby itself featured two entertaining draws that featured as many scuffles in the crowd and on the pitch as passes. The Lime Greens nearly bottled their lead, though, with a shock loss relegation bound Kirkham Appliances over at Sentient Oval a couple of weeks ago and despite appearing back against wooden spooners Dodle at home, a late flurry almost saw them settle for a point apiece as Sofia Arnold finally scored a goal and Jack Moseley substitute Walter Martin cut inside, nutmegged Arseni Stamenkovski and nailed the ball past Edward Khan into the back of the net.

At the bottom of the table, Dodle are all but relegated with a paltry fourteen points, sitting ten behind FC Conton in the playoff spot, while the Appliances are on twenty even in spite of their astonishing victory over the reigning champions. Even though they’ve played quality football this year and have everyone (not Halpenley United fans) wanting them to stay up, the Bombers are currently on the verge of relegation straight back down to the League Number Two, although with Marbury FC and top flight newcomers Felton Island within three points of them, they’ve still got everything to play for and the time to achieve the results they so desire. In the midtable, Capitol Athletic’s recent struggles that are by no means the fault of manager Dzvezdan Kitanchev have seen several sides gun for those IFCF spots but even so, they still sit in fourth place with a six point lead over the sixth-placed Betham FC and a second straight CEdC qualification. Surprisingly, it is Keira Walcott’s Avondale Beach who have scrounged their way into fifth place despite only recording just above 1.5 points per game and at the rate they’re going, their early draws may well be their saviour. Their fixture run-in isn’t even the hardest, either - although they are yet to play Betham FC and Cleorough, both games are at home, while they also have to play a relegation-threatened Marbury, an average looking Kirkham Sentients and Dunkirk Athletic on matchday thirty. The points are there for the taking and if they can do that, then their first season of IFCF football is just around the corner.

But Betham, AFC Droves, Mid-Capital, Cleorough - four very good clubs with squads all capable of participating in international competition - they’re all right on the Pigeons’ heels if they make a meal of it. With a six point gap between the Trains in seventh and Dunkirk Athletic in tenth, anyone below them is very unlikely to really challenge for those spots, leaving the aforementioned four and Avondale Beach to fight over one IFCF slot and two in the CEdC - that is, if Kitanchev can keep his squad together and keep the results trickling in as players still recover. Thankfully, all have been cleared of serious physical harm but even so, the harm done to Jake Blackall and Cameron Milligan’s World Cup chances are just as bad for the two, while Matilda Molineux may be out heading into next season. The event did allow for Avondale City and Capitol Athletic fans to stand as one ahead of their derby on matchday twenty to wish the players and staff all the best for their recovery but as soon as that first whistle was blown, all goodwill was lost between the two fiercest rivals in the nation.

The charge to the title appears as follows:

Avondale City (16-5-4): Kirkham Sentients (a), AFC Droves (a), Mid-Capital (h), Chamberley City (a), Pesfield Trees (h)

Pesfield Trees (15-7-3): Felton Island (a), Capitol Athletic (h), Kirkham Appliances (a), Dodle (h), Avondale City (a)

Yes, you’ve read that correctly. Avondale City vs Pesfield Trees. Matchday thirty. Be there.

   League Number One      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Avondale City           25   16   5   4    46   20  +26    53		IFCF Champions League
 2 Pesfield Trees          25   15   7   3    25    9  +16    52		IFCF Champions League
 3 Chamberley City         25   13   6   6    48   27  +21    45		IFCF Challengers Cup
 4 Capitol Athletic        25   11   9   5    26   15  +11    42		IFCF Challengers Cup
 5 Avondale Beach          25    9  11   5    32   31   +1    38		IFCF Challengers Cup
 6 Betham FC               25   10   6   9    27   24   +3    36		CEdC
 7 Mid-Capital             25    9   9   7    31   33   −2    36		CEdC
 8 AFC Droves              25   10   5  10    19   17   +2    35
 9 Cleorough               25    7  11   7    26   19   +7    32
10 Dunkirk Athletic        25    7   9   9    18   20   −2    30
11 Kirkham Sentients       25    7   8  10    21   33  −12    29
12 Felton Island           25    7   6  12    23   35  −12    27
13 Marbury FC              25    7   5  13    12   19   −7    26
14 FC Conton               25    5   9  11    24   36  −12    24		League Number One Playoff
15 Kirkham Appliances      25    4   8  13    10   23  −13    20		Relegation to League Number Two
16 Dodle                   25    2   8  15    23   50  −27    14		Relegation to League Number Two

   League Number Two       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Whitepool                25   16   3   6    29   12  +17    51		Promotion to League Number One; IFCF Liga B Champions trophy
 2 Emacuton FC              25   14   6   5    25   14  +11    48		Promotion to League Number One; IFCF Liga B Champions trophy
 3 Halpenley United         25   14   5   6    27   12  +15    47		League Number One Playoff; IFCF Liga B Champions trophy
 4 Western Avondale         25   12   4   9    36   33   +3    40
 5 Northampton Olympic      25   10   8   7    34   25   +9    38
 6 Excelsior                25   11   5   9    18   15   +3    38
 7 Katham                   25    9   6  10    17   18   −1    33
 8 Hageling Town            25    7  10   8    16   14   +2    31
 9 Kitchen Sink FC          25    7   9   9    25   27   −2    30
10 Jeaniara                 25    8   6  11    18   25   −7    30
11 Bunbury                  25    6  11   8    23   31   −8    29
12 Fridge FC                25    8   5  12    28   39  −11    29
13 Grafton Albion           25    8   4  13    20   38  −18    28
14 Bayville                 25    6   9  10    14   16   −2    27		League Number Two Playoff
15 Breakfast Bowl FC        25    6   7  12    39   44   −5    25		Relegation to League Number Three
16 Emacuton United          25    7   4  14    16   22   −6    25		Relegation to League Number Three

by **Sylestone** » Sun Nov 05, 2023 7:04 pm

Matchdays 26-30

MATCHDAY TWENTY-SIX
Kirkham Sentients 0–7 Avondale City
none -

Kyouka 7’;

Eastwood 14’ (p), 40’;

Reynolds 50’;

Pyo 67’;

Tirel 81’, 90+2’

Dodle 1–3 AFC Droves

Arnold 32’ -

Giles 21’ (og);

de Siches 55’;

Gatabazi 60’

Kirkham Appliances 2–0 Mid-Capital

Spiderwebs 51’, 70’ - none

Capitol Athletic 4–0 Chamberley City

Buchanan 36’ (og);

Shin 50’;

Voigt 76’;

Matinpalo 90+1’ (p) - none

Felton Island 0–1 Pesfield Trees
none -

Hightower 45+3’

Dunkirk Athletic 1–0 FC Conton

Adams 65’ - none

Avondale Beach 2–0 Betham FC

Mackey 16’;

Clark 45+1’ - none

Cleorough 2–0 Marbury FC

Sheppard 5’, 29’ - none

One point is still all that separates the Lime Greens from the Trees, as both clubs emerged victorious in vastly different ways. Other than both playing away from home against sides in the bottom half of the table and keeping clean sheets, that was where the similarities ended. In Felton Island’s largest city, Crelis, Pesfield pulled out one of their classic Pesfield performances, Alyssa Hightower scoring the only goal of the game late in the first half before they shut up shop and did not let the Pythons break through their tight defence. Over in Kirkham, however, John Lawson’s men and women were absolutely ruthless. From the inch perfect Perry Oosterhuis cross that landed at Aoi Kyouka’s feet before rattling the net in the seventh minute, there was no looking back as they smashed a whopping seven goals past the forlorn Sentient outfit - the most number of goals a team has scored in a single game all season long. A Charlotte Eastwood brace headlined the day, but two to Gouvanarchais substitute Menguy Tirel and goals to Harrison Reynolds and Pyo Seung-Hye as well as Kyouka ensured that a convincing triumph turned into an absolute shellacking.

1 Avondale City           26   17   5   4    53   20  +33    56
2 Pesfield Trees          26   16   7   3    26    9  +17    55

Elsewhere, Capitol Athletic were ruthless against Chamberley City as they stuck four past reserve goalkeeper Steven Heinrich, putting forward probably their best performance of the season as players began to return from the horror bus incident of a few months ago. Avondale Beach also made a single step closer to IFCF qualification thanks to Toby Mackey and Blair Clark’s goals against Betham FC, the Kirkham Appliances have thrown a spanner in the works of the relegation battle thanks to the Spiderwebs’ brace against Mid-Capital. Now, they sit only one point behind FC Conton and a relegation playoff spot with four games to go. With the two teams facing each other on matchday 29, it could well and truly be a do or die fixture.

MATCHDAY TWENTY-SEVEN
Cleorough 6–2 Kirkham Sentients

Barnes 17’, 42’, 83’;

Baldwinson 25’;

Ritchie 47’;

Davies 90+2’ -

Tumble Dryer 71’, 89’ (p)

Marbury FC 1–1 Avondale Beach

Schwarz 17’ -

Mustafason 78’;

Tyler 81’

Betham FC 1–2 Dunkirk Athletic

Doyle 20’ -

Copland 41’;

Jorgensen 57’

FC Conton 2–0 Felton Island

Hackett 54’;

Wheals 61’ - none

Pesfield Trees 1–0 Capitol Athletic

Johnson 90’ - none

Chamberley City 1–0 Kirkham Appliances

Currey 85’ - none

Mid-Capital 4–1 Dodle

Lee 6’, 10’;

Gallagher 70’;

Smith 90’ -

Moseley 16’

AFC Droves 1–0 Avondale City

McNeil 44’ - none

You blink your eyes, and bam, the script has been flipped. AFC Droves are Pesfield’s new saviours as Avondale City’s trip to Betham turns out to be fruitless, with Koby McNeil sealing the points in the first half with a tap in at the back post. The 1-0 triumph for the hosts meant that the Trees would maintain the two point lead at the top of the table they took earlier on the weekend when they defeated the Maroons at home, courtesy of Luisa Johnson’s 90th minute strike that sent the packed 62,000-seater into raptures. After a closely fought game that could have gone eigher way, it was just what the Trees neededm, but the game was done with giving just yet. Just three minutes later, Victoria Thesselborg was awarded with a penalty after Adalburto Furtado’s deadset handball in the box, only for Ryan Macleay’s trailing hand to deflect The Tikariotian’s resulting shot into the crossbar and away for Maddy Howell to clear. But three points is three points and at this stage of the season, every point the Trees can muster may prove to be decisive, particularly with a goal difference inferior to that of Avondale City’s.

1 Pesfield Trees          27   17   7   3    27    9  +18    58
2 Avondale City           27   17   5   5    53   21  +32    56

Cleorough’s 6-2 triumph over an insipid Kirkham Sentients outfit still reeling from the Lime Greens sticking seven past them has seen them stay firmly in the race to clutch an IFCF spot, particulrly with Avondale Beach only mustering a point in Marbury as well as a suspension until the end of the season for Poafmer defensive midfielder Eliza Tyler. With their victory, the Burgers are now only one point behind in sixth spot, while Mid-Capital are a victory away from pipping the Pigeons, too. Betham FC are all but out as they sit on 36 points in tenth place - they can still mathematically make it if every single result goes their way - as pressure heaps on Thomas Cadilia during the off season, although most believe he’ll stay into the start of next season. If the Pandas can’t find that winning form quickly, though, the doors will almost certainly close on him after he returned them to IFCF football a few years back. Finally, down the bottom of the table, things are looking hopeless again for the Appliances, with FC Conton winning at home to Felton Island and Marbury also picking up a point, as the former champions now sit four points behind a relegation playoff berth. A miracle is necessary.

MATCHDAY TWENTY-EIGHT
Kirkham Sentients 0–1 AFC Droves
none -

Freeling 45+2’

Avondale City 0–0 Mid-Capital
none - none

Dodle 0–1 Chamberley City
none -

Bostock 84’

Kirkham Appliances 1–0 Pesfield Trees

Heater 77’ - none

Capitol Athletic 1–1 FC Conton

Watson 56’ -

Skeyhill 21’

Felton Island 0–1 Betham FC
none -

Lemay 24’

Dunkirk Athletic 2–0 Marbury FC

Jorgensen 23’;

Geach 36’ - none

Avondale Beach 0–0 Cleorough
none - none

That could’ve been it there and then if the Kirkham Appliances hadn’t come along like they did a few weeks earlier against the Lime Greens and put up one of their performances of old. With Avondale City unable to score at home against a Mid-Capital side playing for a scoreless draw to keep themselves in the fight for an IFCF berth, the Trees had the opportunity to expand the gap to four points if they were able to defeat Dodle at home next week - one of the easiest games in the league at the moment - then the title would be theirs and there would be no Avondale City threepeat. But no, the Appliances showed resolve and held on and in the end, it was the out of form Heater who secured the points for the Sentient club as they maintained pressure on the likes of Felton Island and co. sitting just above the relegation zone. One point is all the gap is now, and with only three to the Sentients in eleventh, the race is truly heating up. Back at the top, the Trees still hold the lead but unless Avondale City in their crunch match away in Chamberley next week and they defeat Dodle, then the league will come down to the last day.

1 Pesfield Trees          28   17   7   4    27   10  +17    58
2 Avondale City           28   17   6   5    53   21  +32    57

In the fight for international spots, AFC Droves have pipped the Pigeons as they make it three in a row since they lost in Avondale against Capitol Athletic, now jumping to fifth and placing serious pressure on the Maroons themselves, who are no longer safe with just a three point buffer to Avondale Beach in sixth spot. It appears to be those three fighting over three slots now - Mid-Capital could technically do it if they win their last two games but they’d also be relying on a series of results to fall the right way now they sit four points behind the Burgers. The three teams on 39 points - Cleorough, Dunkirk Athletic and Betham FC - are also mathematically capable, but it just won’t happen. Better for them to fight with Md-Capital over one CEdC spot.

MATCHDAY TWENTY-NINE
Avondale Beach 2–2 Kirkham Sentients

Ibsdottir 7’;

Dwyer 34’ -

Scissors 74’;

Bar Stool 74’

Cleorough 1–0 Dunkirk Athletic

Quinn 32’ - none

Marbury FC 3–1 Felton Island

Mantini 18’;

Delamothe 32’;

Catepan 65’ -

Spiteri 20’

Betham FC 0–1 Capitol Athletic
none -

Milligan 66’

FC Conton 2–0 Kirkham Appliances

Valls 12’;

Dorrington 59’ - none

Pesfield Trees 1–1 Dodle

Kaprasíusarson 38’ -

Murray 90+4’

Chamberley City 0–0 Avondale City
none - none

Mid-Capital 1–0 AFC Droves

Gallagher 72’ - none

It’s going down to the final day. Avondale City have managed the draw away, although the fact that they haven’t scored since they stuck seven past the Sentients is a worrying sign now they’re coming up against the best defence in the league and need at least one point to win the title. Nevertheless, they’re still the side with the most goals scored for the second season running, which adds even more intensity to the matchday thirty fixture everyone will have their eyes on. The Trees really should have lengthened the gap to three points but a late goal to Mikayla Buntine in stoppage time sealed a point for the already relegated Dodle - they just weren’t ready for the CEdC commitments and with literally half the squad injuring themselves for at least some period of time, things just didn’t go their way. They’ll probably be back the season after next if they can keep hold of most of their good players and with the squad they have, there’s every chance that Northampton Olympic’s record points tally in the League Number Two might be in genuine danger. Especially if they can perform like they did in Pesfield against such a star studded team.

1 Pesfield Trees          29   17   8   4    28   11  +17    59
2 Avondale City           29   17   7   5    53   21  +32    58

In the relegation battle, FC Conton are officially going to fight another day in the League Number One as their triumph over the Appliances at Ebril Gardens has seen them climb four points clear of Felton Island in fourteenth, meaning there is no way for them to be relegated this season bar some sort of penalty they won’t receive. Marbury may as well be free due to their goal difference even though the Pythons can catch them on points but instead, it is the Sentients who are now fighting against relegation. If they lose to Mid-Capital and Felton Island defeat Cleorough, it will be the Sentients finishing fourteenth, leaving the future of Sentient football in Sylestone in jeopardy. A victory for the Pythons will also send the Appliances packing for certain as they sit a single point behind fourteenth and a relegation playoff, albeit with a superior goal difference. Can they pull it off?

And then there’s the fight for the international spots. We said last week that Mid-Capital were all but done for - not the case. Sure, they need AFC Droves to not win their home fixture with Chamberley City, the same for Avondale Beach away in Dunkirk all while defeating the Sentients in Kirkham, but it’s now possible. Capitol Athletic may have sealed their IFCF qualification for next season but the fight is well and truly on - hell, even Cleorough are in with a chance to somehow replicate their heroics from last season, particularly with a goal difference better than everyone’s but the top four on their side. Anything can happen.

MATCHDAY THIRTY

Dead Rubbers
Dodle 1–0 FC Conton

Davis 38’ - none

One of Dodle’s best performances of the year, shame it came when it didn’t matter. Still going to get that wooden spoon either way.

Relegation Battle
Kirkham Sentients 0–1 Mid-Capital
none -

Ekpetita 75’

Kirkham Appliances 0–1 Betham FC
none -

Robson 35’ (p)

Capitol Athletic 4–0 Marbury FC

Kyemwa 18’, 83’;

Murray 21’;

Westgrove 48’ - none

Felton Island 0–0 Cleorough
none - none

It is done. The Kirkham Appliances are no longer a League Number One outfit. For all of their star studded players at the end of the day, they have simply not been good enough this season. Despite their recent home form, a relaxed Betham FC were too good in the goals column despite being dominated elsewhere, with Amelia Robson’s classy penalty in the 35th minute sealing the fate of the inaugural top flight champions back a decade and a half ago. In Crelis, Felton Island were unable to secure the three points from a tricky fixture against Cleorough, the game finishing goalless as the hosts now look to Avondale and League Number Two third-placers Emacuton FC to retain their spot in the League Number One for the second season running. It means Marbury and the Kirkham Sentients can both breathe a sigh of relief after each lost today - ultimately a good thing for Sentient football as now, Kirkham clubs do have a lifeline in the form of the Sentients. It is expected that many Appliances players will now shift allegiance to create a Sentient superteam not unlike the one that would regularly participate in World Cup Qualifying back in the day, albeit with rather limited success other than that one third place finish in the Cup of Harmony.

IFCF/CEdC Race
Kirkham Sentients 0–1 Mid-Capital
none -

Ekpetita 75’

AFC Droves 0–0 Chamberley City
none - none

Felton Island 0–0 Cleorough
none - none

Dunkirk Athletic 5–3 Avondale Beach

Jorgensen 9’ (p), 88’;

Woodhouse 38’;

Lockyer 60’;

Pryce 74’ -

Mustafason 28’;

Dwyer 57’ (p);

Dakin 90+4’

How we eat our words sometimes. Not long ago, Mid-Capital were considered all but out of the race for the IFCF spot. And now, the results have gone their way, and fifth place is theirs. With AFC Droves unable to score at home against Chamberley City and Avondale Beach unable to stop conceding at the Ground of Dunkirk, Nathan Ekpetita sealed the points for the Trains in the 75th minute with a sublime finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the box, leaving the Saucepan with absolutely zero chance of stopping the shot. The three extra points has seen them climb onto 46, while the Burgers end on 45, Pigeons 44 and Toucans 42, leaving them with no international football for the next season. Perhaps it’s for the best, though - it gives Dan Antoninsson another year to build his squad and with the team they have, potentially challenge for more than just IFCF or CEdC spots. For Avondale Beach, despite conceding five in Dunkirk and only scoring three themselves, results elsewhere have seen them clinch seventh place and a CEdC berth for the very first time. With many of the rich people living on the coastline in Avondale banding together to obtain a stake in the club and pour extra money into their finances, the future in Connolly looks bright under Keira Walcott. It’s taken her time to get the club to where it is but now that it’s on the way to potential greatness, there might not be looking back.

Title Race:
Never before has the League Number One witnessed this. First vs second on the final day, with the title on the line. Whoever wins gets the trophy but in the case of a draw, it will be Avondale City’s to celebrate in front of an adoring home crowd. Kitchener Stadium’s 65,000 seats are packed out, with tens of thousands more watching on the big screen outside the stadium and millions at home across the nation, but particularly concentrated in Avondale’s west and the southeast of Pesfield by the Brogham River. With the Trees Stadium broadcasting the game live, the 62,000 seats there are just as packed as the ones a few hundred kilometres away, except these have a lime and blue hue to it instead of the green and yellow of Avondale.

In team news, Harrison Reynolds is unfortunately out for the game after contracting a fever, allowing for Gouvanarchais youngster Menguy Tirel to have a look in and start for just the fifth time this season. Annabelle Lynes and Lare Bayldon also remain out due to injury. For Pesfield, Max MacIntosh is also battling illness, but is expected to be okay as a late substitute if needed and Anastasia Katrinakis is still recovering from her foot injury, allowing for teenage dual Mytanar-Sylestonean national Krševan Novak his fourth League Number One start.

Starting Lineups:

Avondale City (4-2-2-2): Khan; Cross - Guo - Stamenkovski - Kyouka; Pyo - Lawson; Oosterhuis - Koshelev; Tirel - Eastwood
Subs: Gibbes, Mein, Elphinstone, Deckman, Farrow, Whiddon, Kohl, Bayldon, Cecil

Pesfield Trees (4-2-3-1): Macleay; Wettenhall - Titov - Furtado - Novak; Kaprasíusarson - Melis; Marinca - Veensma - Onus; Stearas
Subs: Zimpel, Howell, Dishwasher, Strutt, Larkins, Johnson, White, MacIntosh, Hightower

5th minute - Avondale City 0-0 Pesfield Trees
Marinca advancing down the wing, Kyouka by her side. The Chromatik’s not budging, buying time to allow teammates to get ba- oh, she's through. Kyouka’s been nutmegged, to Veensma… you can’t get much closer than that! Khan was scrambling and he will be very glad to see that just feather outside of his right post. Good start from the visitors.

17th minute - Avondale City 0-0 Pesfield Trees
A nice little piece of defending there from Novak to deflect Cross’s ball into the box out for a corner, and Jack Lawson standing over it. He’s done it from this exact same spot before but no, it’s back post, Arseni Stamenkovski has a free header! The angle’s tight, though, and Macleay’s got it covered. First proper chance for the Lime Greens all game.

20th minute - Avondale City 1-0 Pesfield Trees
Here’s Onus on the charge, he’s got Veensma open on his left and Melis behind him. Looking to dummy Cross, but she’s got the ball, and here’s an opportunity to counterattack! Long ball over the top to Tirel, it’s a two on two, he’s found Eastwood! Nineteen goals this season, two defenders shutting her down, out comes Macleay… GOOOOOOOALLLLL!!! Three Trees players on her including goalkeeper Ryan Macleay, but he’s only able to get a finger on that shot as it’s powered into his bottom left corner! Make that twenty for Eastwood and right now, the Lime Greens are League Number One champions.

26th minute - Avondale City 1-0 Pesfield Trees
Lawson’s got to be careful there. Such a key player for the Lime Greens, they can’t be losing him right here and now and going down to ten - then the advantage would be with the Trees. Bit of a reckless tackle on Veensma but thankfully she’s alright and Lawson gets away with a yellow, the second booking of the game.

44th minute - Avondale City 1-0 Pesfield Trees
A good tight pickup there from Ryan Macleay and a quick kick, that! It’s over everyone, Khan;s thought about coming out, but it’s fallen to Stearas! Stamenkovski’s right on him, but no teammate in sight. Really good defending this from the Mytanar youngster, but aStearas still has the ball. To his right… and what a save from Khan! The chip was a good move with Stamenkovski still adjusting to the movement, but the South Newlandian’s read that supremely well to glove that away to safety. Amazing goalkeeping to keep the game at 0-0.

45+5th minute - Avondale City 1-0 Pesfield Trees
Rough tackle there by Guo on Veensma, and here’s Kaprasíusarson standing over it. He’s scored from this distance - probably about 25-26 metres out - already this season, can he do it again to equalise in what’s probably going to be the last play of the first half? Over the wall, but Khan’s got a big glove on that and that will be half time, advantage Avondale City. Other than Eastwood’s goal they haven’t had too many golden chances but at the other end of the field, Edward Khan’s had to be proactive to defend four shots on target and several not far off. Join us in fifteen minutes as we await the second stanza of this enthralling contest.

48th minute - Avondale City 1-0 Pesfield Trees
Here’s Marinca on the wing, ducking in and out like she’s done all season with the Trees. Stearas is in the middle, the ball’s been cut back… we’re going to have to check that. Stamenkovski’s brought out his inner Mytanar there, and that’s a bit rough as the ball’s cut across goal without touching a soul. Referee Damian Jacobson’s going to have to take a look at this… and that, friends is going to be controversial to the away portion. It looks as though there might have been an element of elbow there, but Jacobson - one of the League Number One great refs - has ruled it legal. Play on, and it’s still 1-0.

65th minute - Avondale City 1-0 Pesfield Trees
Here come the Trees again, on the break, with what must feel like fifty green and yellow shirts behind them. Wettenhall’s on the ball, up to Marinca and it’s forward for Veensma! Still at range but they’re blocking the runs of Stearas and Marinca. Onus is free on the right but it’s on Veensma’s right, Veensma… top of the crossbar! Khan’s done heaps today but he was not getting anywhere near that, and it’s just not the Trees’ day today.

68th minute - Avondale City 1-0 Pesfield Trees
Here’s Tirel with the ball, the Trees just beginning to push a little forward so he’s got a bit of room. To Eastwood, and it’s back to Tirel! One defender, two defenders, Eastwood… she’s already got one, but Furtado was quick in shutting that down. To her left, and through for Oosterhuis… WHAT A SAVE! Oosterhuis should be scoring that, he’s free on the left and Macleay’s scrambling, but the goalkeeper has somehow found a way down there to deflect that onto the post, the rebound falling generously to Novak who’s booted that well clear. Could’ve been two there, but that’s great work from Macleay.

87th minute - Avondale City 1-0 Pesfield Trees
Pesfield with 85% possession the past ten minutes, I think this is a back six now from the Trees with Pyo’s substitution for Elphinstone and Lawson dropping back. Howell, for Melis, to Furtado. Furtado launches long, White, that is crisp from White. Really crisp, he’s around Elphinstone, Cross’s gone flying, around the outside of Guo, and that is not far off. So close from the 21-year-old, Johnson thinks she was a chance there at the back post but Kyouka’s on her pretty heavily there. Really good from the youngster, though, but time’s running out.

90+3rd minute - Avondale City 1-0 Pesfield Trees
Here’s Wettenhall at the corner, she’s gone over with a straight one, and Johnson’s free at the back! Onto her non-dominant right foot, cutting inside, here’s Johnson… and that is some great defending from Lawson. Proper body on the line stuff from the Avondale City midfielder. Khan’s had a great game but even he’s not getting to that shot if Lawson doesn’t get to that. Stick out the leg and hope it hits it, and it’s another corner.

Full Time - Avondale City 1-0 Pesfield Trees
We’re into the twelfth minute of stoppage now, Wettenhall’s corner into a dangerous area, but that’s good from Elphinstone to head that away. Referee checks his watch and the whistle is in his mouth, and that’s it! A deafening roar that will be heard all the way over in Pesfield envelopes the ground as those in the blue and grey of Pesfield’s away kit slump to the ground, stunned, while the other eleven are, well quite the opposite. Charlotte Eastwood was the goalscorer in the twentieth minute with a sublime finish, but Edward Khan’s the true hero of the day with two otherworldly stops to ensure the triumph. The threepeat is Avondale City’s, and the League Number One is officially a farmer’s league. See you all next season!

Avondale City 1–0 Pesfield Trees

Eastwood 20’ - none

   League Number One      Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Avondale City           30   18   7   5    54   21  +33    61		IFCF Champions League
 2 Pesfield Trees          30   17   8   5    28   12  +16    59		IFCF Champions League
 3 Chamberley City         30   15   8   7    50   31  +19    53		IFCF Challengers Cup
 4 Capitol Athletic        30   14  10   6    36   17  +19    52		IFCF Challengers Cup
 5 Mid-Capital             30   12  10   8    37   36   +1    46		IFCF Challengers Cup
 6 AFC Droves              30   13   6  11    24   19   +5    45		CEdC
 7 Avondale Beach          30   10  14   6    40   39   +1    44		CEdC
 8 Cleorough               30   10  13   7    35   21  +14    43
 9 Dunkirk Athletic        30   11   9  10    28   25   +3    42
10 Betham FC               30   12   6  12    30   29   +1    42
11 FC Conton               30    7  10  13    29   39  −10    31
12 Marbury FC              30    8   6  16    16   29  −13    30
13 Kirkham Sentients       30    7   9  14    25   50  −25    30
14 Felton Island           30    7   7  16    24   42  −18    28		League Number One Playoff
15 Kirkham Appliances      30    6   8  16    13   27  −14    26		Relegation to League Number Two
16 Dodle                   30    3   9  18    27   59  −32    18		Relegation to League Number Two

   League Number Two       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Halpenley United         30   19   5   6    38   14  +24    62		Promotion to League Number One/Liga B Champions Trophy
 2 Whitepool                30   19   4   7    37   13  +24    61		Promotion to League Number One/Liga B Champions Trophy
 3 Emacuton FC              30   17   7   6    30   15  +15    58		League Number One Playoff/Liga B Champions Trophy
 4 Katham                   30   13   7  10    21   18   +3    46
 5 Western Avondale         30   14   4  12    40   43   −3    46
 6 Northampton Olympic      30   11  10   9    37   30   +7    43
 7 Jeaniara                 30   12   6  12    31   29   +2    42
 8 Excelsior                30   12   6  12    21   22   −1    42
 9 Kitchen Sink FC          30    9  11  10    28   28    0    38
10 Fridge FC                30   10   7  13    32   44  −12    37
11 Hageling Town            30    8  10  12    19   21   −2    34
12 Bunbury                  30    7  11  12    29   44  −15    32
13 Grafton Albion           30    9   5  16    26   43  −17    32
14 Bayville                 30    7   9  14    15   22   −7    30		League Number Two Playoff
15 Emacuton United          30    8   6  16    18   25   −7    30		Relegation to League Number Three
16 Breakfast Bowl FC        30    7   8  15    42   53  −11    29		Relegation to League Number Three

by **Sylestone** » Sun Nov 05, 2023 10:55 pm

Team of the Season

by **Sylestone** » Mon Nov 06, 2023 7:11 am

   League Number Three    Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Pesfield Bees           38   25   6   7    52   18  +34    81		Promotion to League Number Two
 2 Acondo FC               38   23   4  11    65   38  +27    73		Promotion to League Number Two
 3 Freeport                38   20   8  10    33   20  +13    68		League Number Two Playoff
 4 Cleorough Fire          38   19  10   9    70   47  +23    67
 5 Southern Beaches        38   16  10  12    64   51  +13    58
 6 Freeman City            38   16   9  13    44   40   +4    57
 7 Ketonley Town           38   16   8  14    43   40   +3    56
 8 Westminster             38   15  10  13    57   54   +3    55
 9 Paradise Coast          38   14  11  13    62   51  +11    53
10 Damminton Sands         38   14  11  13    48   46   +2    53
11 Tartontaton             38   14  10  14    53   42  +11    52
12 Chilseamers Town        38   13  11  14    39   41   −2    50
13 Garretty Wanderers      38   13  10  15    41   43   −2    49
14 Hatford                 38   13  10  15    49   60  −11    49
15 Piltonmouth             38   13   7  18    24   27   −3    46
16 FC Aerorum              38   11  10  17    42   50   −8    43
17 Pilbury Eaton           38   10  12  16    39   54  −15    42
18 Balinmone               38    7  13  18    22   36  −14    34		Relegation to League Number Four
19 Stapleton Albion        38    8   9  21    26   54  −28    33		Relegation to League Number Four
20 Salisbury               38    8   5  25    37   98  −61    29		Relegation to League Number Four

League Number Four         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts[/b]
 1 Oslolihul City              38   23   7   8    36   20  +16    76		Promotion to League Number Three
 2 Copeland AFC                38   21   9   8    38   20  +18    72		Promotion to League Number Three
 3 Harbourside                 38   21   6  11    45   28  +17    69		Promotion to League Number Three
 4 Bolton Eagles               38   19   8  11    62   46  +16    65
 5 Milneford FC                38   17   8  13    60   43  +17    59
 6 Rockefeller Promontory      38   16  10  12    53   50   +3    58
 7 Betham Park                 38   14  15   9    33   25   +8    57
 8 Halton                      38   16   8  14    41   33   +8    56
 9 Percival Coast              38   15   8  15    50   45   +5    53
10 Cashambe                    38   14  11  13    33   33    0    53
11 Watrid-Farinle              38   14   9  15    28   25   +3    51
12 Mount Vermont               38   14   9  15    52   49   +3    51
13 Exninley                    38   12  11  15    29   34   −5    47
14 Mutiyara                    38   13   8  17    38   44   −6    47
15 Betham Rascals              38   13   8  17    35   43   −8    47
16 Marbury Athletic            38   13   6  19    38   56  −18    45
17 Pali                        38   13   5  20    29   33   −4    44
18 Terraville                  38    9  11  18    23   46  −23    38		Relegation to League Number Five
19 Carrington                  38    9   8  21    18   38  −20    35		Relegation to League Number Five
20 Rangers AFC                 38    5  13  20    31   61  −30    28		Relegation to League Number Five

   League Number Five                 Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Banksia FC                          38   23   8   7    84   41  +43    77		Promotion to League Number Four
 2 Gordon                              38   21  10   7    88   41  +47    73		Promotion to League Number Four
 3 Cliford City                        38   22   4  12    79   52  +27    70		Promotion to League Number Four
 4 South Cable                         38   20   8  10    76   42  +34    68
 5 Midford City                        38   18  14   6    44   18  +26    68
 6 Chistone FC                         38   20   8  10    61   45  +16    68
 7 The Lakes                           38   20   5  13    43   32  +11    65
 8 Botesbury                           38   17  11  10    53   36  +17    62
 9 Tarminra                            38   17  10  11    48   38  +10    61
10 Sutherland-Hursham                  38   17   8  13    51   37  +14    59
11 Masaltonton                         38   14  12  12    58   51   +7    54
12 Mulgoa                              38   13  12  13    56   51   +5    51
13 Maleholes United                    38   12  11  15    36   46  −10    47
14 Vildomia                            38   13   7  18    35   38   −3    46
15 Mossman United                      38   10  11  17    41   51  −10    41
16 Pesfield City Rovers                38   12   5  21    45   69  −24    41
17 Boronia                             38   10  10  18    39   57  −18    40
18 Hornsby Tigers                      38   10   3  25    42   67  −25    33
19 Bumfuck Nowhere                     38    5   6  27    28  128 −100    21
20 Cricketers' Union of Sylestone      38    2   5  31    21   88  −67    11

by **Sylestone** » Mon Dec 18, 2023 1:31 am

SFA CULLS TO 48 TEAMS, THREE DIVISIONS AS SFA CUP RETURNS

It’s a case of too little money, spread too widely. While the Sylestonean Football Association (SFA) may be wealthy, they simply do not have the funds to support 92 teams and five divisions of football anymore, with the current football climate and the ever-improving state of the league - now twenty-second on the world stage and looking to climb well within the top twenty with one more zeroed cycle still left to fill up - there’s simply too much stretch. If the SFA wishes to keep their pedigree in the years to come, they need to invest more in the top flights rather than in places where teams and players are going nowhere, else the best players will look abroad where they can receive better pay for their efforts. From there, the league will drop back again, and there will be no more success on the international stage.

Five leagues, two of sixteen and three of twenty, were simply too much. In a meeting held at the beginning of last season, the SFA opted to reduce the number of professional clubs across the nation to 48 in a similar move to what it did back in football’s early days across the nation. This time, though, the 48 clubs will be condensed into three tiers - still known as the League Number One, League Number Two and League Number Three - with the promotion-relegation system staying the same.

For 41 of the 44 ex-professional teams, they will return to local semi-professional football, with many serving as feeders for some of the nation’s top clubs - Capitol Athletic, Pesfield Trees and Chamberley City are three teams that are well-known for using this system. The Cricketers’ Union of Sylestone, which had a very unsuccessful outfit in the old League Number Five, will no longer continue funding its team, dissolving it and focusing on their primary sport. With the Sentient Football Federation (SFF) also stretched in recent years, they have taken this opportunity to dissolve former League Number One club Breakfast Bowl FC, focusing on their sole competitor in the League Number One, the Kirkham Sentients, while Kirkham Appliances, Fridge FC and Kitchen Sink FC all languish in the second division. The other club to not return to semi-professional level are Pesfield City Rovers, who have officially gone bankrupt, and were not going to be able to field a team in the League Number Three this season even if the five-tier system had remained implemented. Is it a case of good timing on the SFA’s part, or did they purposefully align this announcement with the bankruptcy? We may never know.

On more exciting news, the new system has resulted in the long sought after return of the SFA Cup after a three year hiatus. With 48 teams, clubs from the second and third tiers will play off in a two-legged clash, where the sixteen winners will progress to the second preliminary round, which is where the League Number One sides join the fray. From there, three more preliminary rounds, quarterfinals and semifinals will follow - all two-legged fixtures - before the final at the Chamberley Institute of Sport a little over a month ahead of matchday thirty in all leagues. The champion of the SFA Cup will qualify for the IFCF Cup Winners’ Cup, as well as take up one of two CEdC qualifying spots, if the club is positioned outside of the top six in the League Number One. If they do finish within the top six, though, then they will maintain whatever competition they are already qualified for plus the Cup Winners’ Cup, and seventh place will be awarded the second CEdC spot.

League Number One IV Clubs: AFC Droves, Avondale Beach, Avondale City, Betham FC, Capitol Athletic, Chamberley City, Cleorough, Dunkirk Athletic, Emacuton FC, FC Conton, Halpenley United, Kirkham Sentients, Marbury FC, Mid-Capital, Pesfield Trees, Whitepool

League Number Two IV Clubs: Acondo FC, Bayville, Bunbury, Dodle, Excelsior, Felton Island, Fridge FC, Grafton Albion, Hageling Town, Jeaniara, Katham, Kirkham Appliances, Kitchen Sink FC, Northampton Olympic, Pesfield Bees, Western Avondale

League Number Three IV Clubs: Chilseamers Town, Cleorough Fire, Copeland AFC, Damminton Sands, Emacuton United, FC Aerorum, Freeport, Freeman City, Garretty Wanderers, Ketonley Town, Mutiyara, Paradise Coast, Pilbury Eaton, Rockefeller Promontory, Southern Beaches, Westminster

AFC DROVES DOCKED TEN POINTS FOR UPCOMING SEASON AFTER SQUAD BREACH

Eagle-eyed fans of the League Number One will have noticed that last season, AFC Droves locked in a 27-player squad instead of a 26-player one. Although many questions were raised about this and many presumed it to just be an error, the SFA would not allow it to change, giving Tahlia Dawson one extra option than every other team to fall to.

Despite AFC Droves administration calling out the error as it seemed to be - an error - the fact that the squad could not be changed led to a lengthy court case over the course of the year, with the verdict in line so any form of punishment could be made in time for the following year.

Despite one player, June Gilbert, not receiving any minutes over the course of the season despite being reportedly fit, the SFA could not take this into account over the course of the court case.

Earlier this week, the judge ruled the final verdict - a ten-point deduction for the Burgers’ in the following season. It means that for the first time in Sylestonean football history, a team will start on negative points.

There has been expected outcry over the club’s social media, with many fans calling the decision “a disgrace” and “far too harsh”, but manager Tahlia Dawson simply sees the need to move on, sharing that she will not let the news affect her and the team too much, as they still have thirty games of football to rectify themselves. “Maybe it will make this season a little harder,” she said, “but we will look past it and focus on ourselves and see what we can do.”

AFC Droves administration has declined to comment as of yet.

by **Sylestone** » Thu Dec 28, 2023 3:45 pm

SEASON FOUR: PART ONE

AFC Droves

Squad Changes:

In:
Caleb Collings  ← Dunkirk Athletic  ($500,000)
Jurek Jurson  ← UD Rawa  ($1,000,000)
Flynn Lawlor  ← Academy
Raphael Willow  ← Central Heights High School  ($0)

Out:
June Gilbert  → Western Avondale  ($0)
Lucy Mills  → Retirement
Sienna Robinson  → Grafton Albion  ($0)
Evan Strathfield  → Dunkirk Athletic  ($2,000,000)
Kayla Williamson  → Mid-Capital  ($1,200,000)

Overview:

City: Betham
Stadium: Burger Oval (cap. 26,000)
Team Colours: Red and White
Nickname: The Burgers
Rivalries: Betham FC, Chamberley City, Whitepool
Previous Seasons: 6th - 8th - 5th
Play Style: Defensive, counter-attacking
Formation: 3-4-1-2
Predicted Finish: 13th
Manager: Tahlia Dawson (F) - 54

Squad List:

GK: Georgia Dale (F) - 25 
GK: Matthew de Kerilleau (M) - 27 
GK: Kivash Moreton (M) - 32 
CB/LB: Leah Kelynack (F) - 26 
CB: Paige Nibbi (F) - 22 
CB: Raphael Willow (M) - 19 
CB: Mitch Deering (M) - 32 
CB: Caleb Collings (M) - 20 
CB: Lola Talbot (F) - 23 
RCB: James Isobar (M) - 32 
LB/LWB: Gabriel van Brabant (M) - 27 
LB: Amber Kotai (F) - 23 
LM/CM/CDM: Jacklyn Chung (F) - 31 
DM/CM/LB: Yohimar de Siches (M) - 21 
CM/CDM: Jesse Wetherspoon (M) - 28 
RM/CM: Jamie Wells (M) - 29 
RWB/RB: Harvey Martin (M) - 26 
RB/RWB: Jasmine Prior (F) - 33 
CAM: Errol Lìos (M) - 23 
CAM/CF: Koby McNeil (M) - 36 
CF: Jurek Jurson (M) - 21 
CF: Flynn Lawlor (M) - 20 
CF: Rungayindo Gatabazi (M) - 26 
CF/CAM: Finn Freeling (M) - 22 
CF: Seth Game (F) - 32

Imagine being an AFC Droves fan - the joy of finishing sixth in the League Number One last season and achieving international football again after a year off, even if it is only the CEdC and not an IFCF tournament, only to find out a mere two weeks later that you’re club is probably going to be battling to stay in the top flight after being handed the SFL’s first ever point deduction. After listing a 27-player squad for last season by accident and then proceeding to somehow lock it in, there was nothing club administration could do other than sit back and wait to see what would happen. Now, the club have been struck with a ten-point deduction for this season and all of a sudden, they’re now staring down the barrel of potential relegation if they can’t get their act together instead of a potential IFCF finish.

It’s a bit of a sticky situation, really. On one hand, if the club really wants to secure international football for next season, they could put all of their effort into the CEdC and probably win it or come close to doing so, but that will leave them almost at odds with relegation. Then there’s the other side of the spectrum, where they can put all of their focus into the league to ensure they remain a League Number One club. It’s hard to tell what they’re going to do, but we think that a thirteenth-placed league finish is currently the most likely, staving off the threat of relegation by maybe a point or two. Those five points will still make a huge difference, though - otherwise, they probably would’ve been a good shout for IFCF qualification, if not CEdC.

The Burgers have made some solid signings over the off-season, though, but not without departures of key players. After so many years with the Strathfield duo up front, both have now moved on, with Evan Strathfield making the move from his childhood club to Dunkirk Athletic two years after twin brother Riley pursued his career with Nephara’s Chardonnay Rangers. With striker Rungayindo Gatabazi out with injury for the first two months of the season, this has prompted Tahlia Dawson to invest in young Dod Ravan striker Jurek Jurson, who will lie deep while another young prospect, academy product Finn Freeling, looks to bring the ball up to him. Last year, Freeling was one of the club’s biggest finds, capitalising on an increase in playing time, creating and finishing that many more opportunities and without him, the Burgers would’ve found it much more difficult to finish in a spot that has seen them qualify for international football after a year off.

But aside from Jurson, there have been no massive inclusions in the squad. Despite all of the success AFC Droves have had in recent years, the club owners are very tight on money, trusting Tahlia Dawson with a squad that should be closer to the League Number Two than IFCF football to consistently bring in good results. It’s a risky strategy, for when Dawson inevitably leaves for higher honours such as the Sylestonean national team once Mojmir Anac secures a job in Mytanija, there’s a very real chance they will plummet but for now, it’s certainly working. They have, though, invested in a lot of youth, with Chromatik 19-year-old Raphael Willow and former Dunkirk Athletic prodigy Caleb Collings both adding depth to the already strong back line the Burgers boast. Other youngsters include Kelssekian playmaker Errol Lìos, holding midfielder Yohimar de Siches from Quebec and Shingoryeo, and local products Amber Kotai, Flynn Lawlor and Paige Nibbi. Lìos for one is a key man this season, while Dawson is also heavily reliant on wingback Harvey Martin to continue the form that saw him called up to the Sylestonean national team for a couple of pre-World Cup friendlies. Even if he didn’t make that squad, it is a testament to the improvements he has made to his game as of recent, and adds another genuine goalscoring or creating option Dawson didn’t have before.

Even if that doesn’t pay off, though, the Burgers may not be in much more trouble than they already are. When injuries occur and players slump into bad form, it likely won’t mark the end of the road, for the AFC Droves B team is honestly not much worse than their starting outfit. Whether those differing teams can gel, however, might make the difference in the end if they are unable to successfully protest their points deduction.

Avondale Beach

Squad Changes:

In:
Roy-Allan Butterfield  ← Anchors FC  ($2,000,000)
Jacob Farrow   ← Avondale City  ($3,000,000)
Madison Hayes  ← Felton Island  ($2,500,000)
Menguy Tirel  ← Avondale City  ($3,000,000)
Lara Welch  ← Betham FC  ($0)
Ryder Yelverton  ← Bunbury  ($1,500,000)

Out:
Isabella Bernacchi  → Katham  ($1,500,000)
Kyle Bryan  → Dunkirk Athletic  ($0)
Blair Clark  → Retirement
Marvin Harland  → Retirement
Hudson Moreton  → Emacuton FC  ($1,000,000)
Alice Murtagh  → Sporting Club November City  ($2,000,000)

Overview:

City: Avondale
Stadium: Connolly Oval (cap. 29,000)
Team Colours: Cyan and Orange
Nickhame: The Pigeons
Rivalries: Avondale City, Capitol Athletic
Previous Seasons: 7th - 12th - 12th
Play Style: High Press
Formation: 4-3-3
Predicted Finish: 9th
Manager: Keira Walcott (F) - 49

Squad List:

GK: Jens Kirsch (M) - 27 
GK: Brooke Evenden (F) - 29 
GK: Jonathan Beet (M) - 34 
LB/LWB: Leon Mazza (M) - 26 
LB: Caleb Dakin (M) - 27 
CB: Corneille Ochulo (M) - 25 
CB: Ruben Pellenaars (M) - 28 
CB: Ryder Yelverton (M) - 21 
CB: Michell Stevenson (M) - 34 
CB/CDM: Richard Hill (M) - 29 
RB: Jasmin Deloir (F) - 26 
RB: Madison Hayes (F) - 23 
CDM/CM: Jacob Farrow (M) - 25 
CDM/CM: Eliza Tyler (F) - 32 
CDM/CM: Daniel Stedman (M) - 24 
CM: Amelia Ibsdottir (F) - 35 
CM: Sofia Houtman (F) - 26 
CM/CAM: Flynn O’Shea (M) - 25 
CM/RM: Toby Mackey (M) - 30 
LW: Jamal Mustafason (M) - 24 
LW/RW: Charlie May (M) - 31 
RW/SS: Roy-Allan Butterfield (M) - 24 
RW: Lara Welch (F) - 20 
CF: Menguy Tirel (M) - 21 
CF: Cassidy Dwyer (F) - 32 
CF: Dean Throssel (M) - 20

Things could not be going better right now at Avondale Beach. After so many years languishing between the IFCF/CEdC qualification slots in the League Number One and those that indicate relegation to League Number Two, things are finally breaking for the Pigeons. Last season, a final day loss at Dunkirk Athletic may have prevented Keira Walcott’s side from their first ever IFCF Challengers Cup berth, but instead they were treated to seventh place and regional travel over the course of this season. That, coupled with the announcement of the sharing of stakes within supporters - many being rich due to the area in which the club operates on the northwest beaches of the city - adds so much wealth that in the long run, may just make a big enough difference.

However, there’s a massive difference between wealth and results. Even with a gazillion trillion dollars, the players still need to perform when it matters. If they cannot, then what’s the point? However, after several years of persistence, it appears as though the club is finally headed in the right direction. Keira Walcott’s begun to find her feet but even so, a return to the relegation battles and lower midtable finishes this year might spell an end to her time in Connolly. But with the extra fixtures on the calendar for the first time since LBCT way back before the league was known as the Toilet League, let alone the League Number One, Walcott has had to invest heavily in preparation for the injuries, soreness and weariness that is to come. The retirements of stalwarts Blair Clark and Marvin Harland - the latter of whom played at the club all of his career - has provided a massive hole and critically, one Walcott has not been able to fill with all that much experience, her oldest signing in the off season being 25 years of age. However, as you’d expect, the bonus of that is plenty of talent and skill to be nurtured and in one or two years, it might well be enough to mount a serious challenge for top five.

Undoubtedly the signing of the summer, though, is that of Brook winger and playmaker Roy-Allan Butterfield. Signed in the days leading up to the kickoff of the World Cup, he and the rest of the Brook national team proceeded to go on and reach the quarterfinals, where they were knocked out by a Farfadillis side who used up the last of their reserves before they were ran aground by Tumbra in the semifinal. Picked up for only $2.5 million NSD from Anchors FC, the signing of the winger has been a stroke of genius and will more than fill the hole left by Blair Clark and Alice Murtagh.

The right side of the Avondale field has undergone more changes than just Butterfield, though. With Hudson Moreton departing for an Emacuton FC outfit desperate to avoid relegation, Madison Hayes has joined her third club in two years as she looks to finally settle down somewhere, aiming to contend Jasmin Deloir as a more attacking right back option. Meanwhile, Lara Welch has signed as Butterfield’s deputy after the youngster had a falling out with Betham FC, the explosive winger looking to take her terrorising game from youth levels at Betham to the League Number One at Avondale Beach. Even if she’s an exciting prospect with a brilliant future if she can develop her game from raw talent and confidence into an element of level-headedness, Welch is still one to watch. She’s not the only Under-21 the Pigeons have signed for first team or bench purposes, either, with centre back Ryder Yelverton’s promise being acknowledged after he singlehandedly kept Bunbury afloat in the League Number Two. Bunbury’s loss is Avondale Beach’s gain, though, with Yelverton boasting experience beyond his years, although the adaptation from a three at the back system to four might prove a tough ask as he looks to join an aggressive Ruben Pellenaars in the centre of the defence. It’s still not going to be the best in the league, but it just brings that much more to the side, and should be well and truly worth the $1.5 million they spent on him.

It’s in the middle of the park, though, where Avondale Beach’s most expensive signing is. With $3 million going down the drain to Avondale City, Walcott now has defensive midfielder Jacob Farrow at her whim. After many years playing just behind Pyo Seung-Hye and Jack Lawson and receiving regular minutes, particularly off the bench for Pyo, he’s made the move across town - as soon as Avondale Beach registered interest in him, he was gone, as he wanted to stay in the city with family while not going to Capitol Athletic nor lower division sides that he would’ve been far too good for - and here, he will play a starring role. In a midfield with big name Amelia Ibsdottir, the Pigeons are certainly not ones to sleep upon this season, for if you let those two control a game, things can go pear-shaped very quickly. The other $3 million signing Walcott pushed for was another from the Lime Greens, with Gouvanarchais wonderkid Menguy Tirel lured by the prospect of regular starts and with delivery from the likes of Jamal Mustafason on the left, Butterfield on the right and Ibsdottir in the middle, he will not be short on chances to capitalise. Player by player it’s a strong squad - particularly up front and in the midfield - but whether they can gel like they did last year with extra games on the schedule is another concept completely. It’s entirely possible they finish top five, just as it’s entirely possible for them to finish twelfth or thirteenth. Definitely ones to watch.

Avondale City

Squad Changes:

In:
Jayden Clarke  ← Jaguar Moreda  ($0)
Leon Jones  ← Ousevale Borough  ($2,500,000)
Mesud Kozar  ← JK Ebor  ($2,000,000)
Warda Nakouzi  ← Yassaca  ($2,000,000)
Edward Maddison  ← Kingsbury United  ($9,000,000)
Theophile-Corneille Poulin  ← Santraginus  ($6,500,000)

Out:
Brodie Deckman  → Felton Island  ($1,000,000)
Charlotte Eastwood  → Lakewood United  ($13,500,000)
Jacob Farrow  → Avondale Beach  ($3,000,000)
Jett Gibbes  → Daedonggang 3.26  ($1,000,000)
Gup Xiawei  → Retirement
Menguy Tirel  → Avondale Beach  ($3,000,000)

Overview:

City: Avondale
Stadium: Kitchener Stadium (cap. 65,000)
Team Colours: Lime Green and Yellow
Nickname: The Lime Greens
Rivalries: Capitol Athletic, Pesfield Trees, Avondale Beach
Previous Seasons: 1st - 1st - 1st
Play Style: Aggressive, Build-up
Formation: 4-2-2-2
Predicted Finish: 1st
Manager: John Lawson (M) - 56

Squad List:

GK: Edward Khan (M) - 27 
GK: Mesud Kozar (M) - 21 
GK: Arlo Cameron (M) - 34 
LB: Natalie Mein (F) - 24 
LB/CB: Isabella Cross (F) - 29 
CB/CDM: Abbey Elphinstone (F) - 25 
CB: Leon Jones (M) - 22 
CB: Annabelle Lynes (F) - 30 
CB: Arseni Stamenkovski (M) - 20 
CB: Xavier Watson (M) - 33 
RB/RWB: Aoi Kyouka (F) - 28 
RB: Jayden Clarke (M) - 32 
CDM: Mikayla Ramsden (F) - 34 
CDM: Pyo Seung-Hye (F) - 28 
CDM: Maya Whiddon (F) - 26 
CDM: Warda Nakouzi (F) - 19 
CDM/CM/RM: Jack Lawson (M) - 25 
AM/CM: Perry Oosterhuis (M) - 33 
LAM: Phillipp Kohl (M) - 25 
AM/CF: Brayden Wilson (M) - 26 
CAM/RW: Rustik Koshelev (M) - 30 
CF: Harrison Reynolds (M) - 34 
CF: Edward Maddison (M) - 23 
CF: Ryan Cecil (M) - 25 
[b]CF: Theophile-Corneille Poulin (M) - 21 
CF: Lara Bayldon (F) - 28

Another season, another title. Another transfer window, another gajillion big names added to their stocks. Will there be any stopping Avondale City this season?

Look, the answer is probably not, but we can hope.

Even though they’ve sold the two-time League Number One golden boot winner Charlotte Eastwood to Lakewood United in the off-season, the whopping $13.5 million extra John Lawson had to play with from the Tumbran club gave him so many more options. Now, an Avondale City dynasty appears to be on the cards, with the club investing in some brilliant youth to bring through the ranks over the next few years - out of their six signings, only one is older than the age of 23. That was 32-year-old Jayden Clarke, who has made his long awaited return to the familiar shores that he left at just the age of 23, moving abroad to Kelssek to further his career away from a Dunkirk Athletic outfit that had been found out in the top flight under Marietta Stevenson. From Mazinaw Vanorian in the Independent nation, Clarke jumped abroad in his prime to move to Jaguar Moreda in Vilita - home of one of the best leagues in the world at the time - before the nation was accused of several charges and proceeded to remove themselves from the football sphere for the time being. Now, Clarke is returning to his homeland in search of more starts but with Aoi Kyouka also occupying the right back role, it’s not going to be easy.

It’s not the only change John Lawson has made to the defence. With Yue stalwart Guo Xiawei announcing his retirement from all football, a gaping hole emerged in the centre of the back line, both literally and figuratively considering his wealth of experience the youngsters could tap in on. Now, the likes of Arseni Stamenkovski, Abbey Elphinstone and new signing Leon Jones are relying on reserve defenders Annabelle Lynes and Xavier Watson to help with that experience off the field - on the pitch, though, they’re probably on their own, at least once they become used to Lawson’s system. For the Lime Greens, the back two are critically important to provide a central line of defence between the star double pivot and goalkeeper Edward Khan. Even with their (relative) attacking mindset on the field of play, stopping goals is such an important facet of Sylestonean football and without that, teams will run all over you.

However, scoring those goals can be just as critical - in the League Number One, one goal more often than not can seal you the game. Most of these goals will be created at the core from the club’s famous double pivot of Pyo Seung-Hye and Jack Lawson that has terrorised countless midfields over their years, Avondale City preferring to control possession and wear down an opposition with creativity, catching them off their toes with intricate set plays and the deadly accuracy of passes. A lot of that creativity comes from wingers Phillipp Kohl and Rustik Koshelev, with Koshelev in particular being a stunning playmaker in his own right. Kohl is backed up on the left wing by Cordian Perry Oosterhuis, who has suffered a little bit of a form slump over recent years, even if he’s still regularly available as a backup starting option with experience, or even as a burst of experience from the bench in tricky times. Out of possession, Lawson expects them to drop back in line with the defensive midfielders but as soon as the threat is thwarted, to push up and attack the back line. It might be a 4-2-2-2 on paper, but in reality it’s a bit more of a shift between 4-4-2 and 4-2-4 depending on the situation.

Up front, though, is where the biggest changes have come. With Charlotte Eastwood moving abroad to Tumbra for a sum of money nearly twice the previous record for a Sylestonean player, the club all of a sudden had plenty of money to use on more prolific striking options. 21-year-old Quebecois wonderkid Theophile-Corneille Poulin was the direct replacement for the academy graduate turned national team first choice forward but with Harrison Reynolds wearing with age, that wasn’t all John Lawson had in mind. Fending off massive offers from clubs such as Port Rhovanyon AFC, Tihon and Wirr Tsi, the former Kingsbury United support striker will be moved into a similar role with the Lime Greens, although with Reynolds still in the squad he’ll absolutely have to prove his worth. It’s a rather surprising choice on Maddison’s behalf - despite the success of Avondale City, their owners are far from the richest in the league and for someone who is so well known for his desires in expenses, it only seems a matter of time until he and the club come to a head, just like he did in Kingsbury. For the short term, though, he appears a brilliant option for a club in need of a striking upgrade as they seek a historic four consecutive league titles.

With the Pesfield Trees hot on their tail and the likes of Capitol Athletic, Chamberley City and Betham FC all not too far behind, though, it’s not going to be easy. Can they pull it off?

Betham FC

Squad Changes:

In:
Charlie Adams  ← Dunkirk Athletic  ($2,000,000)
Kaytlyn Jean-Baptiste  ← Egren Elite Academy  ($0)
Neil Lees  ← Dodle  ($2,000,000)
Logan Persse  ← Katham  ($2,000,000)
Katerina Stylianou  ← Chaniakos  ($1,500,000)
Christien Vermaak [VWD] ← Dynamo Eteksiville [VWD] ($1,500,000)

Out:
Destiny Arias  → Retirement
Marie-Louise Ayotte-Beaudin  → Retirement
Sofia Gunson  → Emacuton FC  ($2,500,000)
Liam Kernot  → Northampton Olympic  ($500,000)
Ben Lloyd  → Retirement
Amelia Robson  → Gracemeria Flyers  ($1,750,000)

Overview:

City: Betham
Stadium: The Bay Reserve (cap. 68,420)
Team Colours: Red and Orange
Nickname: The Pandas
Rivalries: AFC Droves, Halpenley United, Whitepool
Previous Seasons: 10th - 4th - 4th
Play Style: Direct
Formation: 3-5-2
Predicted Finish: 4th
Manager: Thomas Cadilia (M) - 65

Squad List:

GK: Luca Yali (M) - 25 
GK: Frank Johnson (M) - 31 
GK: Madison Mitchell (F) - 35 
CB/LB: Owen Ewing (M) - 33 
CB: Katerina Stylianou (F) - 21 
CB: Logan Persse (M) - 22 
CB: Albert Legget (M) - 30 
CB: Bethany Johns (F) - 32 
CB: Oscar Conway (M) - 24 
RB/CB: Katarzyna Heaney (F) - 25 
LW: Christien Vermaak (M) - 23 [VWD]
LW: Samuel Holmes (M) - 26 
LM/CM	: Neil Lees (M) - 25 
CM/LM: Rachel Doyle (F) - 27  
LCM/CM: Blandina Milton (F) - 31 
CM/CDM: Jayden Higgins (M) - 34 
CM: Spencer Waddell (M) - 33 
CM: Thomas Hellyer (M) - 23 
CM/RCM: Eva Knowles (F) - 25 
RW: Crystle Tracy (F) - 26 
RW: Alexis Middleton (F) - 30 
CF: Nicolette Lemay (F) - 23 
CF:  Niamh Miller (M) - 25 
CF: Kaytlyn Jean-Baptiste (F) - 19 
CF: Yasmin Chandler (F) - 24 
CF: Charlie Adams (M) - 31

After the disaster that was last season, it has come as a surprise to many that Thomas Cadilia has kept his job, with the owners opting to trust the process and backing him to bounce back with a rejuvenated squad. Injuries to key players such as Albert Legget and Crystle Tracy didn't help their cause, but it was not enough to make up for their eventual 12-6-12 record that saw the Pandas slump to tenth by the end of the season. Rather surprisingly, Cadilia and his staff haven’t made many massive exclusions - with Ben Lloyd, Destiny Arias and Marie-Louise Ayotte-Beaudin all retiring, though, there were plenty of holes in the second string team to fill up. Interestingly, Cadilia looked to tap into the club’s vast cash reserves instead of the academy to fill these spots up in a bid to bring success back to the southern shores of Sylestone without hesitation. With depth on their side - Sofa Gunson and Amelia Robson were the only regular starters that left the club at the end of last year - they now have the ability to throw absolutely everything at the league due to the lack of international commitments, although the SFA Cup is also returning for off weekends. Yet, despite this, Betham were unable to make any massive signings over the off season, with the bargain pickup of Vdaran international Katerina Stylianou probably the most impactful after her country’s shock qualification for the World Cup from 236th in the KPB ranks. She wasn’t the only defender, either - with Gunson going to Emacuton and Kernot making the move over to the west with Northampton Olympic in search of regular game time, albeit in the League Number Two - the doorway opened for another big signing. Although many fans questioned the logic behind scouring the second division of Sylestonean football for a quality defender, Betham have admittedly had their eyes on 22-year-old Logan Persse for some time now, who will likely receive a significant amount of game time even if he doesn’t immediately make the starting XI. With an eye for distribution and accurate long balls, Persse can come on if the Pandas are second best and look to steal a goal from nothing with a chip over the entire field to a striker up front - something he did so well with Katham and along with his other defensive attributes, saw him labelled as Defender of the Year in the League Number Two last season. If he can bring that up a division, the boost it will give the Pandas is not something to laugh at.

Playing a 3-5-2, Cadilia relies heavily upon his wingers as they provided the sole attacking and defensive options on the far sides of the field, and can easily be overpowered - it’s why, out of possession, protecting a lead or struggling against a strong opposition, they often resort to a more defensive 5-3-2 or even sometimes a 5-4-1. The latter formation is presumably part of the reason why they invested so much into Persse, for his signing adds extra quality in that centre back role, allowing Katarzyna Heaney to move closer towards the wing, with Crystle Tracy pushing inside a little bit more to assist the 5-4-1. It’s also why Neil Lees, who has played a lot on the left wing over his career, was signed after Dodle’s relegation last year, allowing the wingers themselves to drop back into the back five. With Ayotte-Beaudin’s retirement, Vilwandian prodigy Christien Vermaak has become one of the first players from the nation that debuted in the Baptism of Fire to make the move from home, signing to Betham from Dynamo Eteksiville for $1.5 million NSD. With so much space to cover, it is pivotal that he is able to adapt to the strategy quickly and continue playing his best football, particularly considering Samuel Holmes isn’t quite at it right now. The right wing has a similar issue - as good as Crystle Tracy is, if something happens to her as it did last season then Alexis Middleton simply isn’t the player Betham are looking for if they wish to seriously challenge top four, if not even more.

Elsewhere, though, the Pandas are seriously strong. Up front, Nicolette Lemay will lead the front line as she continues to press for a spot in the Tikariotian national team, although it’s a tough task considering the quality and depth in that role amongst her nationality. Whilst she will lead the attack, she has the experience of Sylestonean stalwart Charlie Adams on her side too, now, the 31-year-old jumping at the chance to move from a potentially sinking ship in Dunkirk. With the goalscoring experience on his side after mercilessly punishing League Number Two defences with Whitepool, Adams is a reliable option if Cadilia’s talented youngsters don’t quite nail it - although Lemay, Niamh Miller and Tasmin Chandler all have grown a bit more into their game over the years, they still have that side to them that threatens to show itself, particularly when the Pandas are down. But it’s Chromatik Kaytlyn Jean-Baptiste, the youngster who is said to have the world at her feet, who is the real talking point. At only 19 years of age, Jean-Baptiste was lured by the promise of starts at Betham, opting to further her career on foreign shores rather than with a club such as Anomalies back in her homeland. With a calm composure in front of goal beyond her years, if she finds that spark that led her to so much success at youth levels, then who knows how impactful she can be for the Pandas?

And finally, there’s the midfield three - Betham’s stronghold. Despite all of the experience in the group, it is led by 22-year-old Thomas Hellyer, who is already trying to push his way into the Sylestonean outfit and despite being only third or fourth choice right now, could well and truly be a more creative option in Jack Lawson’s role - that’s how good he has the potential to be. It’s unfortunate that both occupy the same area of the pitch, else they’d be a killer pairing in the central midfield. Alongside Hellyer, Neil Lees has a bit of an attacking streak as well - he can play as a winger as well, though, so that’s not all that surprising - while the likes of Rachel Doyle, Blandina Milton and Spencer Waddell are all a bit more defensive in nature, but are key distributors of the ball. It’s a midfield with excellent depth, with that spark ignited by the threat and reliability posed by Hellyer, making it one of the very best in the league. If they can live up to their potential as they were unable to do last season, then Betham will be a very potent threat this season.

by **Sylestone** » Fri Jan 05, 2024 2:53 am

SEASON FOUR: PART TWO

Capitol Athletic

Squad Changes:

In:
Ashton Ackman  ← Halpenley United  ($600,000)
Hayden Blamey  ← Hesham  ($2,500,000)
Nimue Culpepper  ← Sabrefell Athletic  ($4,500,000)
Ella Lowe  ← Dodle  ($3,000,000)

Out:
Arizhel Illioth  → Retirement
Alexander Stable  → Katham  ($300,000)
Oscar Umbridge  → Emacuton FC  ($1,000,000)
Finally Westgrove  → Whitepool  ($1,000,000)

Overview:

City: Avondale
Stadium: Avondale International Sports Stadium (cap. 86,500)
Team Colours: Maroon and Black
Nickname: The Maroons
Rivalries: Avondale City, Avondale Beach, Pesfield Trees
Previous Seasons: 4th - 6th - 3rd
Play Style: Balanced
Formation: 4-4-2
Predicted Finish: 3rd
Manager: Dzvezdan Kitanchev (M) - 54

Squad List:

GK: Iñaki Pena (M) - 24 
GK: Oscar Murray (M) - 34 
GK: Anthony Leggo (M) - 26 
LB: Nimue Culpepper (F) - 30 Nimue Culpepper 
LB/LM/LWB: Arnaud Francoeur (M) - 27 
CB: Santeri Matinpalo (M) - 25 
CB: Henry Tulaba (M) - 25 
CB: Jake Blackall (M) - 21 
CB: Mary Levy (F) - 31 
CB/CDM: Joseph Tasserton (M) - 37 
RB: Shin Joo-Yeong (M) - 21  
RB/RW: Matilda Molineux (F) - 23 
LW: Cameron Milligan (M) - 24 
LW: Matthew Easterby (M) - 23 
CM: Jackson Hodge (M) - 25 
CDM/CM: Helena Watson (F) - 26 
CDM/CM: Jason Williams (M) - 34 
CM/CAM: Drystan Tudor (M) - 29 
CM: Natasha Murray (F) - 24 
RW: Nkunda Kyemwa (M) - 26 
RWB/RW: Ella Lowe (F) - 30 
CF: Levin Voigt (M) - 22 
CF: Eva Stevenson (F) - 25 
CF: Victoria Thesselborg (F) - 28 
CF: Hayden Blamey (M) - 28 
CF: Ashton Ackman (M) - 19

For the first time since Kitanchev was secured as manager by the Capitol Athletic owners, the Maroons were genuine competitors last year. For the first half of the season they could even be said as title challengers, finishing the first half of the season just two points behind the Pesfield Trees and critically, a point ahead of their biggest rivals and threepeat seekers Avondale City. However, from there it went downhill, with Capitol Athletic failing to win again until matchday twenty-two. From there on, they got back to their usual ways, but only enough to secure 52 points - twenty in the second half - to finish fourth.

After ringing the changes last year, though, Kitanchev is largely satisfied with the squad he has built but in the areas he has improved, he has signed some serious quality. With Santeri Matinpalo and Jake Blackall doing a tidy job at the back last season - of course, Iñaki Pena performed well in goals yet again to keep the likes of Oscar Murray and Anthony Leggo on the bench for another season - Kitanchev is convinced that he’s found a potentially league winning combination in those two. On their left, though, is the club’s most expensive signing of the summer - Brenecian national team fullback Nimue Culpepper. With Arnaud Francoeur’s attacking tendencies causing problems on the left side of the Capitol Athletic field, signing a more defensive option in that role was a must and with Culpepper in search of a new home, the Maroons jumped at the opportunity. Now of the calibre to attract someone of her quality, Culpepper has 80 caps to her name and will add an important layer of experience to the group, with her main attributes being in the field of anticipation and intelligence. Despite being only 31, however, this may be her last transfer as she looks to have aged beyond her years, with retirement expected in the not too far future.

Like the defence, the Capitol Athletic midfield has only had one change. With four members, perhaps that comes as a surprise but when you take a closer look at the group Kitanchev has assembled, it becomes more and more apparent what the Mytanar’s plan is. No member stands out from the rest - hell, none even featured at any point during World Cup 95, including qualifying. But they’re all workhorses, and shine bright in the maroon and black of their (mostly) beloved club. Cameron Milligan is still racking up the goals and assists on the wing, making his debut for the Sentients in a friendly against Vdara close to a year ago now and reportedly coming very close to pipping Victoria Korner for selection in the team that brought so much success to the shores of the nation only very recently. Ella Lowe, who will likely receive significant game time on the right wing - previously, she’s been used by Dodle as a wingback, but she definitely has an excellent attacking side to her game that Kitanchev is looking to exploit - is another player who was looking to break into the side, but injury and her age both went against her. In the centre are two under-recognised players, with Drystan Tudor and Helena Watson slotting into their roles as metronomic midfielders, keeping the tempo of play going and sliding under the radar with their work. Natasha Murray adds a layer of creativity - something Tudor can support if the need is dire - while Jason Williams has excelled as a defensive midfielder back in his younger years at the club. Now 35, he still puts in 100% whenever he receives an opportunity, but he is undoubtedly wearing down just a little bit after all of the years in the Sylestonean humidity.

Finally, up front but doing critical off-the-ball work in dropping back when defending and often even while holding the ball in the defence and midfield. Last season, Victoria Thesselborg finished as the club’s top scorer with her rocket of a left foot but this season, she has a new partner up front. With Hayden Blamey failing to impress in Tumbra, he’s made the return to familiar soil to rejuvenate his career after being dropped from the Sylestonean national team. Regarded as a “small game player” by many - he could only perform against the weaker League Number One oppositions back in his time with Chamberley and never against any quality defences - this might be Blamey’s last chance to prove himself in a league that is far better now than it was a couple of years ago when he left. Hell, there’s even pressure on his starting spot if Levin Voigt, Eva Stevenson or new signing Ashton Ackman can impress Kitanchev. An out and out striker, he’ll probably lie up front while Thesselborg does a lot of the off the ball work, with midfielders and defenders pinging long balls over the top to him. He’s got a good touch and a sublime shooting boot if he’s in good form - not as good as Thesselborg’s, but it’s not bloody far off - but when he’s not quite at the races, it’s very obvious.

If the team can click, they can challenge for the title. If not, well, we’ve seen enough of that over the past few years to know it could end very badly indeed.

Chamberley City

Squad Changes:

In:
Miriam Bartlett  ← Pyathora Mariners FC  ($1,700,000)
Naohiro Enokida  ← Advance Alara  ($4,000,000)
Hank Stevenson  ← Khalgarh Valley FC  ($2,000,000)

Out:
Juan Francois  → Dunkirk Athletic  ($1,000,000)
Hayden Reel  → Bunbury  ($0)
Kostas Rossi  → Alameda Desperados  ($6,000,000)

Overview:

City: Chamberley
Stadium: Chamberley Institute of Sport (cap. 109,300)
Team Colours: Blue and Green
Nickname: The Stars
Rivalries: AFC Droves, Katham, Northampton Olympic
Previous Seasons: 3rd - 3rd - 2nd
Play Style: Aggressive, Crossing
Formation: 4-2-4
Predicted Finish: 5th
Manager: Heldir Zaman (M) - 68

Squad List:

GK: Rhys le Besco (M) - 29 
GK: Steven Heinrich (M) - 34 
GK: Sophia Rumble (F) - 24 
LB: Alexis Tuskie (F) - 23 
LB/CB: Hank Stevenson (M) - 25 
CB: Nizar Muhammad (M) - 30 [OKN]
CB: Marc Westond (M) - 30 
CB: Rowan Harry (M) - 26 
CB: John Hedley (M) - 34 
CB/RB: Matthew Goethe (M) - 21 
RB: Dae-Jung Sokol (M) - 32 
RB: Lilah Buchanan (F) - 33 
CM/CDM: Max Paterson (M) - 34 
CM: Abbey Schenk (F) - 26 
CM/CAM: Leslie Black (F) - 32 
CM: Remus Vettel (M) - 26 
CM/RM: Miriam Bartlett (M) - 19 
LW: Neil Fraser (M) - 34 
LW: Sophia Grant (F) - 26 
RM/RW: Naohiro Enokida (M) - 30 
RW/RM: Oliver Cleveland (M) - 26 
CF: Lucy Currey (F) - 26 
CF: Madeline Bostock (F) - 24 
CF: Elisa Gabbiadini (F) - 22 
CF: Alex Falleni (M) - 22 
CF: Dex Greeley (M) - 35

They’re always up there challenging these days… but aside from that one year when they bottled an eight-point lead with only ten or so games remaining to lay the title on a plate to Avondale City to begin their dynasty, Chamberley City have never been in a true race for the trophy. If they’d held on three years ago, it would have marked a brilliant climax for the club that was battling relegation back in the early days of the league, before they worked they way up through the midtable and right to the very pinnacle of the Sylestonean football pyramid. Alas, it was not to be and now they’ve entered a period of stability near the top of the league but now, with Heldir Zaman backing his team from last season to perform. However, with improvement all around the field, many are concerned that the Squornshelan has not quite kept up with the run of the mill and it will come back to bite him.

Unlike many other teams that have very obviously improved their stocks, Chamberley City have not. Naohiro Enokida, their biggest signing of the off season, could almost be considered a downgrade from Elmyian World Cup squad member Kostas Rossi. Although Rossi evidently struggled last season, it’s debatable whether Enokida will necessarily provide more to the team. Yes, he’ll be of importance tracking back and can also play in midfield, but whether he can attack like Rossi used to is yet to be seen.

From the remaining two transfers Zaman made, only one, Hank Stevenson, is likely to start most games. A left back or centre back by trade, Stevenson’s versatility is highly desired but again, is he really that much better than the man he replaced, Juan Francois? Sure, he’s a lot younger and has a better offensive record, but that offensive record is a bit dubious considering he does not have the pace to track back on time and if caught on the counter, the right wing will be left wide open to be exploited. Hence, Zaman will probably tell him to hang back a bit more than he would like, leaving the other designated left back in the squad, Alexis Tuskie, to be the more attacking substitute or rotation player. The rest of the defence is quite strong, though, with Rowan Harry the biggest name there, although Matthew Goethe is another young, up and coming centre back with an immense potential if he can tap into it.

The Stars’ might only be two strong by the formation, but the wingers do often drop back to double those numbers and add a layer of support to Max Paterson and Remus Vettel. Over the past few years, both have worked wonders at the club but with Paterson ageing and Vettel’s contract expiring in a couple of years, both might be on the way out rather soon. 19-year-old Miriam Bartlett, who signed from Khalgarh Valley FC in the off season, is expected to receive some game time, as is the more aggressive option in Leslie Black. Despite being reliable on a rotational basis as a more creative option, Black has never really troubled Paterson or Vettel for a starting spot in big games - unfortunately, she has never lived up to the hype around her in her days at Northampton Olympic. Still, she’s a good player, and a genuine midfield threat when she’s on.

Finally, there’s the Chamberley City forward line. Regularly composed of four members - the most of any team in the League Number One - they have the ability to run away with it when they’re on song. Last season, Madeline Bostock was the most impressive, with the centre forward scoring goals for fun while her regular counterpart Elisa Gabbiadini struggled a bit more, earning the Chamberley local her national debut against Vdara. The Elymian Gabbiadini has several caps at just 22 years of age, and even was a member of the squad to Sylestone for the World Cup in the off season. On the wings, the experienced Neil Fraser will join Enokida, with his lively understudy Sophia Grant also an option. Sure, it’s a good squad and one easily good enough to play IFCF football as they have done over the past few years, but whether they can hold out against their ever improving league opponents is yet to be seen.

Cleorough

Squad Changes:

In:
Georgina Gardner  ← Mid-Capital  ($0)
Joao Peres  ← US Remeno  ($5,000,000)
Kevin Spiteri  ← Felton Island  ($1,500,000)

Out:
Adam Bolton  → Marbury FC  ($0)
Jade Davies  → Retirement
Dalah Oder  → Whitepool  ($1,500,000)

Overview:

City: Cleorough
Stadium: Carson Stadium (cap. 80,000)
Team Colours: Yellow and Orange
Nickname: The Toucans
Rivalries: Freeport, Mid-Capital, Pesfield Trees
Previous Seasons: 8th - 5th - 12th
Play Style: Balanced, possession-based
Formation: 4-3-3
Predicted Finish: 6th
Manager: Don Antoninsson (M) - 48

Squad List:

GK: Johannes Marzinn (M) - 27 
GK: Charlie Bailey (M) - 25 
GK: Sophie Burdett (F) - 32 
LB: Emmeline Harris (F) - 23 
LB/LWB: Josh Pearson (M) - 33 
CB: Igor Baris (M) - 24 
CB: Josh Cole (M) - 26 
CB: Beau Corlette (M) - 26 
CB: Sophia Pearson (F) - 34 
CB: James Porree (M) - 30 
RB: Seth Baldwinson (M) - 23 
RB: David Robb (M) - 33 
LM/CM: Joao Peres (M) - 23 
LM/CM: Georgina Gardner (F) - 21 
CM: Jody Barnes (M) - 24 
CM/CDM: Matthew Threlfall (M) - 25 
CM: Molly Evans (F) - 26 
RM/RW/CM: Kate Fullers (F) - 30 
RM/CM: Rose McCaughey (F) - 32 
LW: Oscar Sheppard (M) - 25 
LW: Kevin Spiteri (M) - 27 
RW: Charlotte Ritchie (F) - 29 
RW/RM: Abigail McNair (F) - 35 
CF: Peter Gann (M) - 30 
CF: Samuel Quinn (M) - 24 
CF: Jacob Black (M) - 26

They had one season of promise but now, fans are concerned that Cleorough will slump back into the mediocrity that has highlighted almost their entire history as a club. Five eleventh place finishes in the first six seasons of the Sylestonean top flight football league and after the hiatus, were unable to capitalise on the squad they had built and continued to finish outside of the top eight or so, if more or less safely warding off relegation each time. Finally, in the tenth season after the inaugural season of professional domestic football in Sylestone, Græntfjaller manager Dan Antinonsson finally broke the shackles, guiding the Toucans to a fifth place finish and with the association’s fresh status inside the top 32 in the world, it gave them their first ever shot at IFCF football.

Up until now, it would be the only high in over a decade of hurt for the Toucans, though. They were knocked out as early as possible by Koronavian side FC Sögelmaister - 4-0 over two legs - and could only muster an eighth-placed league finish. Yet with fans desperate for a return of the success that was so cruelly cut short, Antoninsson hasn’t really looked to improve his team, instead backing them to perform and simply filling in the gaps.

On paper, it’s still a good squad, though, and one that is certainly capable of challenging for a top five finish. Particularly if one of the so-called “big five” drop off - that way, the path may simply clear for them to steamroll through if they can take the chances they receive. Many of their players have the ability to start in any League Number One team out there, but simply have not been able to click together for a long period of time to genuinely show off their prowess. Obviously, there have been times where they’ve gone ballistic - that second half in a 5-0 home triumph over the Kirkham Sentients on the final day a couple of years back to send them into an IFCF berth is one - but there’s been very little in the way of consistency. A lot of their strength comes from the midfield, an area they have improved in by replacing Dalah Oder with Juven superstar Joao Peres, the club even considering chasing Simon Carstensen in a bid to bolster their burgeoning Capnordic stocks, but never submitted a bid. Peres will join the critical Jody Barnes in the centre of the park, with Kate Fullers usually the player to round out the trio. Another new signing, Georgina Gardner, provides an element of creativity and youthful spring, while Rose McCaughey is on the opposite end of that spectrum, with the experience and reliability, although she’s more of a specialist on the right side of the field compared to Gardner’s left. Matthew Threlfall is a handy reserve, too, and will threaten for some starting minutes in games where a more defensive option in the midfield is necessary. This is particularly prevalent when Antoninsson reverts from his usual 4-3-3 to a 4-5-1, playing a more progressive style of football than his typical holding, possession-based style. It does leave Peter Gann up front alone without much support on a regular basis, but if they are able to pass the ball up the field it has the potential to become very dangerous. Oscar Sheppard will continue to try and tap into the ability everyone knows he has but as the years go by, it becomes less and less likely that he’s going to be able to do that - if he doesn’t shine this year, surely a move out of the club is on the horizon. This is doubly so now that Cleorough have a second genuine left winger to tap into in the form of Kevin Spiteri, the Tikariotian who had a decent year with Felton Island despite their eventual relegation back to the League Number Two. The right wing is much more dangerous, with Charlotte Ritchie terrorising fullbacks left, right and centre last year, while Abigail McNair is every bit as dangerous as she used to be despite her years. And yet, the finishing product simply wasn’t there last year, and it infuriated many Cleorough fans to no end to see that regular lack of goals.

As you’d expect from any semi-decent Sylestonean club, though, their defensive unit is strong. Johannes Marzinn is in no hurry to leave the club that has led him to Cap Nord’s number one between the sticks, and the depth in the position is good - Charlie Bailey would probably start for most other League Number One sides. In front of him, Igor Baris has the potential to be one of the league’s best defenders if he can come into his own, with the Squornshelan international such an important player with his positioning and tackling. Even so, many fans of the Toucans are keen to see more in the centre back compartment - outside of old head Sophia Pearson, there’s really not much there. Beau Corlette is capable but not really of the quality a team of Cleorough’s calibre is looking for, while James Porree and Josh Cole haven’t lived up to what they could have been in their younger years. The fullback positions are more promising, though - on the left, 23-year-old Emmeline Harris from Quebec has a great future, while cult hero Seth Baldwinson has made the transfer from League Number Two regulars Halpenley United to the top of the Sylestonean football pyramid so seamlessly, and is even considered by Antinonsson to be the preferred option to David Robb. If those two can continue to impress, the Toucans will be a serious powerhouse in the coming years before better clubs come along and cruelly steal them away from familiar shores.

On paper, it’s a good team. If they can perform, it’s a really good team. But only one thing matters, and that’s how they gel on the pitch. Can they bring success back to Cleorough again, or will it be another year of pain for their loyal fans?

Dunkirk Athletic

Squad Changes:

In:
Kyle Bryan  ← Avondale Beach  ($0)
Juan Francois  ← Chamberley City  ($1,000,000)
Morgana Carrillo Munguia  ← Deportivo Zaracas  ($0)
Evan Strathfield  ← AFC Droves  ($2,000,000)

Out:
Charlie Adams  → Betham FC  ($2,000,000)
Brock Ferrari  → Austin City  ($1,000,000)
Ann-Marie Hansdottir  → Serrapince  ($3,000,000)
Abbey Woodhouse  → Pesfield Bees  ($150,000)

Overview:

City: Dunkirk
Stadium: Ground of Dunkirk (cap. 43,000)
Team Colours: Blue and Black
Nickname: The Wolves
Rivalries: Grafton Albion, Avondale Beach, Emacuton FC, Emacuton United
Previous Seasons: 9th - 14th - 9th
Play Style: Balanced, Direct
Formation: 4-3-1-2
Predicted Finish: 12th
Manager: Isaac Loewenthal (M) - 44

Squad List:

GK: Vera McKinnon (F) - 29 
GK: Lily Grover (F) - 23 
GK: Annabelle Fenner (F) - 34 
LB: Juan Francois (M) - 35 
LB: Samuel Torrance (M) - 29  
CB: Oscar Simpemba (M) - 27 
CB: Sarah Anthon (F) - 23 
CB: Fiona Edwards (F) - 34 
CB: Alice Weston (F) - 24 
CB: Kyle Bryan (M) - 26 
RB: Park Hyun-Jung (F) - 24 
RB: Scarlett Copland (F) - 30 
LM/CM/DM: Travis Chalbaud (M) - 33 
LM/CM/DM: Scarlett Haines (F) - 26 
CDM/CB: Mitchell Lee (M) - 27 
CDM/CM: Sean Pryce (M) - 26 
CM/CDM: Sadie Middleton (F) - 23 
RM/CM/DM: Ryan Armit (M) - 29 
RM/RW/CM/DM: Alexandra Cayley (F) - 27 
CAM: Morgana Carrillo Munguia (F) - 24 
CAM/CF: Eve Geach (M) - 33 
CF: Paul Jorgensen (M) - 32 
CF: Max Imlay (M) - 27 
CF: Ryan Paschke (M) - 28 
CF: Poppy Lockyer (F) - 23 
CF: Evan Strathfield (M) - 28

Even though they had a good time out last year, Dunkirk Athletic might be in for a fair bit of trouble this season. It’s not necessarily a bad squad, but when you try to put it up against a team like Chamberley City, Cleorough, even Mid-Capital, there’s very little comparison player by player. Sure, Isaac Loewenthal has forced some brilliant signings - albeit there are rumours of disagreements between him and the Director of Sporting Operations, Luke Glauert, regarding the release of Ann-Marie Hansdottir and not that of Eve Geach. Even so, the Wolves’ work last season saw them finish on the verge of the top half, leaving them another good season off being a genuine League Number One outfit - if they can consolidate with another placement inside the top ten, it will leave them in an excellent position to really make a push for IFCF or CEdC placement next year. Under Loewenthal’s defensive block that often involves sticking seven or eight behind the ball (not including the goalkeeper) and being very direct on the counter, utilising the one attacking midfielder and defensive midfielders to create chances up front. In need of goals, Loewenthal’s 4-3-1-2 can either become a 4-4-2 diamond or even a 3-2-3-2, with one of the defensive midfielders dropping back alongside Alice Weston and Sarah Anthon while the fullbacks press up as wingers. It’s rather unnatural for the more defensive minded players to complete that role, which is why Samuel Torrance and Scarlett Copland are such valuable assets for the Wolves, with both more than happy to utilise their attacking strengths and play in the same line as the attacking midfielder.

Under regular circumstance, though, Juan Francois and Park Hyun-Jung are Loewenthal’s first choice fullback options, with youthful defenders Alice Weston and Sarah Anthon his regular starters inside them at the centre of the defence. Despite both appearing relatively lean and are far from the most physical defenders out there, they are good enough as a partnership - Weston has the added bonus of being a sublime distributor, with several assists to her name and even a few goals, mainly from set pieces when she goes up to help out with the attack. It’s what the Wolves specialise at - once they win those set pieces, their conversion rate is amongst the highest in the League Number One, right up there with Chamberley City and Avondale City. Aside from that, the majority of the goals will likely come from Paul Jorgensen, with Evan Strathfield filling in as a more supporting striker while the Flavovespian does the work up in behind - still as a striker, but one that drops back a bit more than his counterpart. With Hansdottir being picked up by Serrapince in the off-season, Dunkirk Athletic have a new playmaker in Morgana Carrillo Munguia from Montana Verde, someone of whom is regarded for her strength on the ball, even if she doesn’t have that creative spark. Sure, someone with that ability is something that the club have desired but now it’s difficult to see where that creativity will come from. Without the set pieces or counters, where are the goals going to come from?

It might be on the trio of defensive midfielders Loewenthal has assembled to take their chances up the pitch when in possession and see if they can add that spark. Alexandra Cayley has done that numerous times before - both at the club and with Pilbury Eaton back as a teenager - but its been a while since that skill has been tapped into. The same goes for Travis Chalbaud, a winger in his younger years, but even he has settled rather comfortably into his role. Did Loewenthal miss a trick by not signing a true creative midfielder over Morgana, or as well as the Verdean? We’ll have to wait and see.

by **Sylestone** » Wed Jan 10, 2024 4:20 pm

SEASON FOUR: PART THREE

Emacuton FC

Squad Changes:

In:
Sofia Gunson  ← Betham FC  ($2,000,000)
Vinicio Juapuala  ← Zhayao  ($1,500,000)
Harry Love  ← Riverside City FC  ($2,000,000)
Hudson Moreton  ← Avondale Beach  ($1,000,000)
Bryan Moulden  ← Katham  ($1,100,000)
Alen Rugeau  ← Pontmeosont  ($500,000)
Oscar Umbridge  ← Capitol Athletic  ($1,000,000)

Out:
Nia Bates  → Retirement
Callum Beauchamp  → Mid-Capital  ($1,750,000)
Eloise Collins  → Acondo FC  ($0)
Emilia Roberts  → Retirement

Overview:

City: Emacuton
Stadium: Evergreen Arena (cap. 15,000)
Team Colours: Blue and Red
Nickname: The Stripes
Rivalries: Emacuton United, Dunkirk Athletic, Grafton Albion
Previous Seasons: 3rd (LN2), 9th (LN2), 5th (LN2)
Playstyle: Holding, Counterattack
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Predicted Finish: 16th
Manager: Billy Wallace (M) - 65

Squad List:

GK: Victoria Blackburn (M) - 25 
GK: Hugo Ramsay (M) - 36 
GK: Lily Fielding (F) - 33 
CB/LB: Sofia Gunson (F) - 29 
CB: Benjamin Moreton (M) - 27 
CB: Lily Magarey (F) - 35 
CB: Kate Leeper (F) - 25 
CB: Vinicio Juapuala (M) - 32 
CB/RB: Audat Agani (F) - 33 
RB/CB: Brandon Burton (M) - 32 
LB/LWB: Billie Nicholson (F) - 32 
LWB: Grace Bowen (F) - 33 
LM/CM/DM: Cooper Lane-Poole (M) - 29 
CDM: Ashton Browning (M) - 25 
CDM: Olivia Lee (F) - 26 
CM/CDM: Maddy Latimer (F) - 25 
CDN/RWB: Rory Humphrey (M) - 22 
RB/RWB: Hudson Moreton (M) - 25 
RWB/RB: Eva Knight (F) - 23 
CAM: Cameron Jackson (M) - 33 
CAM: Harry Love (M) - 28 
CAM: Alen Rugeau (M) - 28 
CAM: Maya Young (M) - 33 
CF: Oscar Umbridge (M) - 32 
CF: Bryan Moulden (M) - 24 
CF: Imogen Sheppard (F) - 29

A club making their first ever foray into League Number One football, Emacuton FC are almost completely in the dark about what awaits them in the year ahead. A club that not long ago, was wallowing down in the lower midtable of the League Number Two, under excellent ownership and even better management from local football fanatic Billy Wallace - a man who was originally employed in the club’s first season simply because he seemed to know the most about the sport in the local area - they have risen and finally made the jump to the best league in Sylestonean football. The rise has been slow but steady and with Callum Beauchamp’s first half goal against Felton Island in the playoff a couple of months ago, they sealed their long-term goal while becoming the first third-placed League Number Two team to ever achieve promotion. Unfortunately for the club, they could not keep ahold of Beauchamp after his siumply surreal season with the Stripes, with Mid-Capital picking him up for a fair price of close to two million NSD, but have still been able to make enough notable signings and changes that their fans have hope of survival.

It might be a faint hope, but at least it’s still one. This season, they will undoubtedly be every fan’s darling side - the team with a tiny home stadium, the one that surely stands no chance and yet, they will go into each week putting in no less than 110%. But with all of these new players around the club and the likelihood of a bit of a tactical switcheroo, Emacuton already face relegation staring them in the face without having played a single game. In previous years, Wallace has gotten away with playing an apocalyptic, terrorist 5-1-2-1-1 formation, where they would just hoof the ball from the back up to Callum Beauchamp and hope he could outwit the defenders, while every now and then they’d use the midfield for a change, but only when desperate as what’s the fun in that. But up a level in the League Number One, Emacuton will be torn to pieces if they attempt the same strategy, with skilled midfielders and forwards feasting on their low block, while the defenders are, as expected, taller, faster, more athletic and more physical. Instead, rumour is that Wallace will look to transform to more of a 3-4-2-1 out of possession, still keeping most of the team behind the ball but also allowing for more progressive options and a genuine chance at scoring goals. A lot of those opportunities will come via Alen Rugeau, a man who was last year named the Auprussian Lige 1 Playmaker of the Season, and will look to regularly release another new face in Oscar Umbridge up front, giving the former Capitol Athletic, Stonehouse Athletic and Sylestonean national team forward a red hot crack at goal. Just as often, Rugeau may look to the wings where wingbacks will make a run forward, or next to him, where Harry Love will reside for an opportunity to continue the play. Love, who has finally overcome a series of injuries that limited his playing time in the Commonwealth of Baker Park and all but ruined his prime, will see this as his final chance to prove himself in front of Sylestonean crowds before the former wonderkid who was tipped to make a three figure number of caps finally gives up his hope of regularly representing his nation in the sport he so loves. A creative player at heart, he simply was not able to tap into his potential but now, with Wallace giving him a licence as a playmaker alongside Rugeau, this is his chance to shine.

Somehow, Wallace has provided this group of “no-hopers” (according to former Betham FC striker, pundit and general asshole Lucas Cunningham) with a decent setup up front. The problem, though, is whether the defence and back portion of the midfield can regularly find balls up to them to actually give them a go. Sure, with three central defenders, two defensive midfielders and two wingbacks, the Stripes are going to be absolutely infuriating to break down - and then you have to get back goalkeeper Victoria Blackburn in the form of her life to actually score - but there’s simply no consistent forward product. On the right wing, Eva Knight has the potential to provide that, but her counterpart in the position, Hudson Moreton, is a more well-rounded player and is likely to start over her in most instances and especially against teams that possess a genuine threat down that wing. The same goes with the left wing, for while Billie Nicholson is far better than her career suggests, even she is more of a fullback than a wingback. Instead, the key lies with 25-year-old Ashton Browning - a man who was widely regarded as the best defensive midfielder in the League Number Two last season - to run that section of the field alongside his partner - probably Maddy Latimer or Cooper Lane-Poole - and provide the playmakers and lone forward with the chances they need to score their goals. It’s not the best system to use, but with the players Wallace has at his disposal, it’s all he can do.

With their entire setup relying on the sublime performances of a few players, Emacuton’s season teeters on a knife’s edge. Even so, Wallace is confident others are capable of stepping up and taking over in the case of injuries or suspensions, while crediting the group’s versatility to changing tactic after tactic at the drop of a hat on the field. If they can continue to do that, then there’s every chance we’ll be seeing Emacuton FC back here in twelve months' time.

FC Conton

Squad Changes:

In:
Rika Abganerova  ← Grenadiers  ($1,500,000)
Lawrence Butler  ← Dodle  ($3,000,000)
Avarice Province  ← AFC Treason  ($2,000,000)

Out:
Maybury Charleston  → Excelsior  ($0)
Indiana Cockram  → Grafton Albion  ($0)
Ellie Espie  → Bayville  ($0)

Overview:

City: Conton
Stadium: Ebril Gardens (cap. 22,300)
Colours: Red and Black
Nickname: The Bombers
Rivalries: Halpenley United, Mid-Capital
Previous Seasons: 11th - 2nd (LN2) - 11th (LN2)
Play Style: Progressive, Passing
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Finish: 10th
Manager: Zoe Sanders (F) - 47

Squad List:

GK: Emily Charlton (F) - 24 
GK: Matthew Hope (M) - 33 
GK: Luke Sharpe (M) - 25 
LB: Avarice Province (F) - 31 
LB/LWB: Jesse Rose (M) - 27 
CB: Jessica Cunningham (F) - 23 
CB: Lawrence Butler (M) - 27 
CB: Arnold Rouchamps (M) - 25 
CB/CDM: Olive Resch (F) - 32 
CB: Callum Dorrington (M) - 24 
RB: Jack Townsend (M) - 34 
RB: Amelia Lundie (F) - 29 
LM/CM/CDM: George Skeyhill (M) - 23 
LM/CM: Joseph Boothby (M) - 25 
CM/CDM: Elliot Wilson (M) - 30 
CM/CDM/RM: Charlotte Woodfull (F) - 23 
RM/CDM: Megan Francis (F) - 24 
LW: Rika Abganerova (F) - 29 
LW: Angus Stainforth (M) - 31 
CAM: Ashlea Young (F) - 30 
CAM/RW/CF: Zara Wheals (F) - 28 
RW: Billie Valls (F) - 23 
RW: Emmanuel Butler (M) - 33 
CF: Jayden Hackett (M) - 20 
CF: Kieran Satis (M) - 31 
CF: David O’Meara (M) - 29

Not long ago FC Conton were the most typical League Number Two outfit you could think of - they would finish midtable, never really being threatened by relegation but also never really getting the results against the big names or at least, the big names of the league, such as fierce rivals Halpenley United, Dodle, even Felton Island and Whitepool. Promoted two seasons ago, most everyone expected the Bombers to go straight back down like they had done so almost every other time they have found themselves in the top flight of Sylestonean football. Yet, they found themselves avoiding immediate relegation by five points, finishing with seven wins and ten draws to seal eleventh place - sure, eleven points behind Betham FC in tenth, but still comfortably safe at the end of the day. One lucky season, one might say, but they’ve strengthened yet again and now, may well be a genuine midtable force to contend with.

That strength is particularly prevalent in defence. While a rough 4-2-3-1 formation is typically a sign of an attacking-minded strategy elsewhere in the multiverse, here it’s one that’s more focused on wearing down an opposition and striking with a brutal attack just when it’s least expected. This year, their defence appears more assured than ever, with the huge signing of Lawrence Butler - someone who would start for Avondale City or Pesfield Trees - meaning that quality players such as Callum Dorrington will be left on the bench in an ideal scenario. If Butler and fellow centre back Arnol Rouchamps can have good seasons, FC Conton all of a sudden pose a very potent threat and if they can get the goals coming, then their defensive assurance may well see them finish inside the top half of the table.

And that’s only the start. Everyone who watched the League Number One last year saw how capable Jack Townsend still is even with limited playing time during his best days with Bikarish, while manager Zoe Sanders has signed a bargain deal for Avarice Province - a Nepharim with three caps for her country - on the left, someone who can make brilliant attacking runs down the flank with impeccable timing. Then, in goals behind this lot, Emily Charlton will look to continue to stake her claim as one of the league’s best up and coming keepers - already, many are convinced she’s a better option than Bianca Ding or even the Brick Wall as Ryan Macleay’s backup.

And if that isn’t enough, then consider how well the Bombers’ midfield has the potential to perform. Sure, in the case of injuries or suspension they might fall into trouble - Joseph Boothby and Elliot Wilson are the best reserves in stock for fuck’s sake - but if they can get lucky, then anything can happen. Despite being more box-to-box central midfielders at heart, both George Skeyhill and Charlotte Woodfull adapted expertly to their roles in Conton’s double pivot, and could even be on the verge of national team talks if they can have another strong season controlling the middle of the park. They will provide a key cog in the Bombers’ strategy, keeping possession while creating opportunities for the attacking group. Most of the creativity will come in the shape of Billie Valls - someone of whom Sanders knows performs best when he can do his own thing on the right wing, whether that be making devilish runs and cutting back inside or even getting into the box for the finish - and while Rika Abganerova isn’t quite so potent on the left, she’s definitely a huge step up from the club’s options in the position last season Angus Stainforth and Indiana Cockram doing literally nothing in their portion of the field. As wingers, though, they will generally be looking to play in young Jayden Hackett up front or even attacking midfielder Zara Wheals to create goal scoring opportunities, whittling down oppositions with inch-perfect passes through them until they get into a position where a goal is an imminent threat.

The signs are promising for the Bombers but if they fail to adjust, there may be serious repercussions. With the club in the best position they've probably ever been in, now is the time to assert themselves well inside the top sixteen in Sylestonean football. This year is pivotal. Do they have what it takes?

Halpenley United

Squad Changes:

In:
Nikolai Brown  ← Austin City  ($3,000,000)
Eden Crommelin  ← Capitol Athletic  ($1,000,000)
Tatiana Kovalenko  ← AFK Savojagrad  ($1,500,000)

Out:
Ashton Ackman  → Capitol Athletic  ($600,000)
Tony Antonieff  → Hageling Town  ($0)
Cody Perkins  → Acondo FC  ($0)

Overview:

City: Halpenley
Stadium: Sunlife Stadium (cap. 52,000)
Team Colours: Purple and Violet
Nickname: The Royals
Rivalries: FC Conton, Whitepool, Damminton Sands
Previous Seasons: 1st (Poo) - 15th - 2nd (Poo) - 15th - 10th
Play Style: Defensive
Formation: 5-3-2
Predicted Finish: 11th
Manager: Graeme Lee-Morris (M) - 47

Squad List:

GK: Michayla Paxton (F) - 34 
GK: Fred Jennings (M) - 22 
GK: Grace Farmer (F) - 26 
LB: Ambra-Katharina Dalla-Mitchell (F) - 22 
LB: Thomas White (M) - 35 
LCB: Jonathan Beavis (M) - 26 
CB: Nikolai Brown (M) - 30 
CB: Georgia Buring (F) - 26 
CB: Gabriel Oldaker (M) - 23 
CB: Mitchell Lynn (M) - 30 
CB: Chloe Thornton (F) - 24 
CB/RB: Amar Kataria (M) - 28 
RB: Lauren Archer (F) - 28 
RB: Benjamin Rose (M) - 26 
LM/CM: Daniil Popo (M) - 25 ]
LCM/CM: Toby Smith (M) - 31 
CM: Pavel Zelmanov (M) - 19 
CM: Eden Crommelin (F) - 21 
CM: Jamie Khan (M) - 21 
CM/RM: Michael Eames (M) - 21 
RM/CM: Brock Sayers (M) - 23 
CF: Mukkhali Ratnasingham (M) - 32 
CF: Tatiano Kovalenko (M) - 29 
CF: Aimee Thompson (F) - 22 
CF: Sophia Piguenit (F) - 25 
CF: Gilbert Wright (M) - 31

This is Halpenley United’s season. The one they’ve been working towards for such a long time. After replacing long-time manager Andrew Burnside over three years ago, Graeme Lee-Morris’s instructions were clear: become a regular League Number One outfit within four years. Under the Quebecois, the Royals have never stayed in the same league, proving to be far too good for their second division opposition but not quite making it against the big boys. Last time they were up here, constant injuries to Sophie Piguenit played a massive role in ensuring they would only just score a double figure number of goals, while Mukkhali Ratnasingham’s atrocious form saw him struggle in a completely different manner. Enforcing an ultra-defensive mindset (a few years ago, they conceded SEVEN goals across an entire season in the League Number Two), it is of integral importance that they are able to take their chances at the opposite end of the park to where the ball will usually be. Last season, Piguenit’s first season in forever where she actually played most of the games ensured that the Royals would be safe in this regard as the club recorded 38 goals in thirty games, better than anyone but two teams that hilariously finished with a negative goal difference - fifth-placed Western Avondale and even funnier-ly, sixteenth-placed Breakfast Bowl FC, who scored the most goals of anyone and still finished bottom of the table.

That, readers, is why defence is so important in Sylestonean football. If you try to be cool and quirky and focus on attack instead of what’s at the back, then it will come back to bite you. Unless you're Avondale City, that is, but they’re a special case.

But for a former regular top flight club before the country’s hiatus from professional football desperate to return to where they believe they belong, this is the year they’ve been waiting for. With the squad Lee-Morris has assembled, there’s no wonder that they killed the League Number Two last year - only Whitepool and Emacuton FC really gave them a run for their money - and this season, it’s only stronger as they’ve added some big names while getting rid of some of the crap (sorry to those players I hope your feelings aren’t hurt). Undoubtedly, Nikolai Brown is the signing of the summer, bolstering the Royals’ already rock solid defence and adding a necessary layer of experience that will make survival that much easier. Looking at their squad, Brown will probably start as the left centre back of the trio, while Gabriel Oldaker and Amar Kataria are likely Lee-Morris’s best options elsewhere at the back. With centre back Mitchell Lynn - formerly a starter at Avondale City for a little while in his youth - on the bench for a club that spends half of its time in the League Number Two, it tells you all you need to know about the astonishing rise of the league ever since its return. It’s no longer some mickey mouse league to be chortled at, but rather a genuine contender and an excellent place for players to come to improve their game in exotic conditions.

While there’s plenty of experience at the back, though, the midfield has very little of that. With only two members of the seven aged over 23 (including four under-21s), it has the potential to be a dealbreaker both ways in the Royals’ bid this year. If they can perform in their youthful exuberance there may well be no stopping Halpenley, but if the pressure of the occasion gets to them… well, it just won’t be pretty, will it? A lot relies upon the skill of Brock Sayers, a wonderkid who if he can perform this year, then he will absolutely not be far off a national callup. Admittedly, he has lost a little of his creativity over the past few years, but there’s still plenty of flair there to tap into. Capitol Athletic youth product Eden Crommelin is another certified playmaker after she made the move over with the promise of playing time but aside from those two, there’s a real lack of spark that may become a bit of an issue. Mytanar Pavel Zelmanov is a proper find after impressing in the League Number Two last year - enough to earn a starting spot - but now the 19-year-old is a small fish in a gigantic pond, and the entire team is reliant on him to put in a shift. Is it too much pressure on the young blokes shoulders?

Player by player it’s a League Number One squad. But you look into it deeper and it becomes increasingly obvious that there are elements of strain within the team, with some players bearing too big a load for them to carry, and their quality becomes questioned. Lee-Morris himself admits it, but insists it is a necessary risk considering the current position of the club. If it pays off, he will undoubtedly be the tactician of the year and truly treated as the mastermind he deserves to be named? If not, then he’ll be without a job.

Seems pretty simple to me.

Kirkham Sentients

Squad Changes:

In:
Brick Wall  ← Kirkham Appliances  ($0)
Fridge  ← Fridge FC  ($0)
Mixer  ← Kirkham Appliances  ($0)
Spoon  ← Fridge FC  ($0)
Stove  ← Kirkham Appliances  ($0)
Washing Machine  ← Kirkham Appliances  ($0)

Out:
Coffee Cup  → Fridge FC  ($0)
Doorknob  → Fridge FC  ($0)
Fruit Bowl  → Kirkham Appliances  ($0)
Gluestick  → Kirkham Appliances  ($0)
Music Stand  → Kirkham Appliances  ($0)
Pencil Case  → Kirkham Appliances  ($0)

Overview:

City: Kirkham
Stadium: Sentient Oval (cap. 29,275)
Team Colours: Beige and Orange
Nickname: The Sentients
Rivalries: Kirkham Appliances, Fridge FC, Kitchen Sink FC
Previous Seasons: 13th - 9th - 10th
Play Style: Balanced, Counter-attacking, Crossing
Formation: 4-3-3
Predicted Finish: 8th
Manager: Coffee Table

Squad Changes:

GK: Brick Wall 
GK: Saucepan 
GK: Backpack 
LB/LWB: Ironing Board 
LB: Blender 
CB/CDM: Sofa 
CB: Sewing Machine 
CB: Frying Pan 
CB/RB: Washing Machine 
RB: Drawer 
RB: Pencil Sharpener 
LM: Stove 
LM/CM: Colander 
CM: Container 
CM/CAM: Bar Stool 
CM/RM: Speakers 
CM/RM: Fridge 
LW: Scissors 
RW/LW: Kettle 
RW: Spoon 
RW: Lawnmower 
CF/CAM: Mixer 
CF: Tumble Dryer

All of a sudden, everyone in Kirkham is a Sentients supporter. Even those who were considered diehard fans of the Appliances in seasons gone and hated the Sentients with the very fibre of their body, they have had to consider their affiliations in order for the good of football in Kirkham. It was only a decade ago did all-Sentient squads travel to World Cup Qualifiers, the Cup of Harmony and the Campionato Esportiva but in the time since, they have been shown up by mixed squads that went from half-half to almost entirely human-based in just five or six short years. Perhaps if the results hadn’t been so glaringly obvious there would’ve been questions asked of manager Mojmir Anac but no, with every cycle bringing about a new sort of success and improvement, there could be absolutely no doubts that the Mytanar was doing a wonderful job. Recently, he has only been using the one Sentient in his squad - the Brick Wall as a backup goalkeeper to Pesfield’s Ryan Macleay - and as a result, even it hasn’t seen much game time. Now, with only one team left in the League Number One out of four (previously five) and with both prior champions now relegated to the League Number Two, it’s about time the Sentient Football Federation did something about it with their entire history and prestige on the line.

So they’ve done basically the only thing they could do. Make a Sentient superteam.

Obviously, not everyone they asked was prepared to make the switch. But what did happen was the transfer of half a dozen elite of the elite Sentient athletes completed a switcheroo with some of the Sentients’ backup players, increasing their squad strength by that much. Judging from the downhill trajectory of Sentient clubs over recent times, the club would have been staring relegation in the face if they hadn’t gone to such drastic measures - finishing thirteenth last season and dropping a couple of places to account for the general improvement of other human-based squads around them and boom, they finish fifteenth and are in the League Number Two next season along with their fellow Sentient counterparts. Not good.

So shout out to the Brick Wall, Washing Machine, Stove, Fridge, Spoon and Mixer for all taking it upon themselves for preserving the future of Sentient football short term.

The other change the SFF made was to remove the Puzzle Board after so many years and reinstate the Coffee Table, former Kirkham Appliances and Sylestone manager to take over tactics. Surprisingly, the defence-loving Sentient hasn’t really looked to change much of what the Puzzle Board already in place despite the exodus and arrivals of new players, not even reverting to its favoured back five and instead backing the players to shine under new tutelage. It’s an uncommon strategy, particularly in such a changed outfit, but the Coffee Table is confident it will back off and the Sentients will once again push for international honours.

Because that’s the other thing that they always seem to fall short of. In fact, after the inaugural season of football in Sylestone where they made the IFCF Challengers’ Cup via a cup triumph over Betham FC on penalties, back when the knockout competition was considered a pathway into the second most prestigious international tournament there is, they have not ventured beyond Sylestonean waters. There were several seasons in a row there where they’d on and off challenge for top four and often finish fifth or sixth, but only up until the new CEdC qualification rules were introduced - from then on, they became a midtable to lower midtable team who bottled their best chance in the last five years (as in, not including the time they were title challengers alongside Capitol Athletic and Pesfield Trees during the first season back from hiatus when they recorded a 2-4-4 record in the final third to finish fifth on 51 points) by inexplicably collapsing in the second half at Cleorough to keep their fans in misery. Now, with only the top six guaranteed to play international football next season with the seventh entirely dependent on what happens in the SFA Cup, their chances appear just as slim as ever even considering their vastly improved squad.

It’s crazy to think that this team, five years ago, would have smashed the League Number One. Now they’re going to need to work incredibly hard to finish top eight.

by **Sylestone** » Tue Jan 23, 2024 10:29 pm

SEASON FOUR: PART FOUR

Marbury FC

Squad Changes:

In:
Adam Bolton  ← Cleorough  ($0)
Kim Kearnes  ← Clyde Park [TMB] ($1,000,000)
Harrison McLean  ← Mid-Capital  ($850,000)

Out:
Alyssa Burgoyne  → Excelsior  ($500,000)
Clarence Harris  → Acondo FC  ($0)
Jacob O’Dermot  → Retirement

Overview:

City: Marbury
Stadium: Marbury Stadium (cap. 31,000)
Team Colours: Green and Black
Nickname: The Cockatoos
Rivalries: Oslolihul City
Previous Seasons: 12th - 13th - 7th
Playstyle: Defensive, Counterattack
Formation: 5-4-1
Predicted Finish: 15th
Manager: Dominic McCarten (M) - 53

Squad List:

GK: Roberto Montoya (M) - 24 
GK: Charlie Barrett (M) - 34 
GK: Maddison Woodhouse (F) - 28 
LB: Ryan McDonald (M) - 26 
LB: Matthew Coburn (M) - 33 
LCB: Ngurah Agung Rai Putra (M) - 30 
CB: Zachary Lay (M) - 32 
CB: Milla Hemmant (F) - 33 
CB/CDM: Sean Carr (M) - 35 
CB: Ralph Manga (M) - 33 
CB: Piper Horrocks (F) - 26 
CB/RB: Liberio Mantini (M) - 20 
RB: Stella Atkinson (F) - 25 
RB/RWB: Ella Kirkhope (F) - 30 
LM: Nicole Fosse (F) - 26 
LW/LM: Adam Bolton (M) - 25 
CDM/CM/CB: Adam Seekamp (M) - 25 
CM: Amber Woodward (F) - 32 
CM: Jonah Keller (M) - 24 
CM: Dean Cabena (M) - 26 
CAM/CM: Hayden Schwarz (M) - 29 
RM/RW: Lincoln Delamothe (M) - 28 
RW/ST: Kim Kearnes (F) - 30 
CF/CAM: Gordon Bowes (M) - 29 
CF: Flavia Catepan (F) - 27 
CF: Harrison McLean (M) - 26

After many years of playing without an out and out forward and relying on a very, very slow buildup of momentum to score their goals, Marbury have finally decided that the tactics imposed by Piper Brombie won’t be enough to keep them up - while the League Number One is widely renowned for its defensive football and sheer lack of goals - it’s also not so much that relentless defence is going to work against some still fairly powerful midfield and forward outfits out there. The Pesfield Trees for one would find a way to nail delicate passes in the final third, making it only a matter of time before one would beat Roberto Montoya, while more attacking minded strategies imposed by managers such as Keira Walcott or even Thomas Cadilia at times could tear open the heart of the Cockatoos. From having zero proper strikers in their squad two years ago to now having two fairly strong options up front in Flavia Catepan and Harrison McLean shows how desperate Marbury needed someone in that role but even so, it’s not looking like it’ll be enough.

Even with Brombie implementing a 5-4-1 formation for a large portion of last season - the same as what new manager Dominic McCarten is expected to line up with - the underlying strategy just wasn’t there as Marbury stared relegation in the face for the majority of the season, only barely finishing above the drop. Although McCarten is still widely regarded as a defensive coach after his time as assistant coach at the club alongside his successful stint at Rockefeller Promontory prior to this gig even by Sylestonean coach, but at least he seems to understand the necessity for strength going forward in this league. It’s why Kim Kearnes will play a massive role after the former under-21 Sylestonean representative was finally released by Clyde Park after nearly a decade with the Tumbran club, the winger/striker looking to slot into the role previously inhabited by the likes of James Barclay and Lincoln Delamothe in previous seasons and provide more aggressive threat going forward. Aside from her, though, there’s been very little in the way of attractive signings and even with players such as Flavia Catepan, Roberto Montoya and Hayden Schwarz contracted to the club, there’s simply nothing that inspires any proper confidence heading into this season. After their first season after coming up where they finished seventh and were a point off pipping the Pesfield Trees for a spot in the CEdC, relegation has only appeared a matter of time for Marbury. Can they shake it off for another season and regroup again?

Mid-Capital

Transfer Roundup:

In:
Lachlan Beasley  ← Academy
Callum Beauchamp  ← Emacuton FC  ($1,750,000)
Lars Canazlar  ← Pforzbronn FC  ($2,000,000)
Lucas Grimstone  ← Hageling Town  ($1,000,000)
Mia van Vuuren [VWD] ← Jonk Vilwandia FC [VWD] ($1,000,000)
Kayla Williamson  ← AFC Droves  ($1,200,000)

Out:
Morgan Gallagher  → Couno Rangers  ($3,000,000)
Harrison McLean  → Marbury FC  ($850,000)
Jude Nugan  → Retirement
Jeremy Smith  → Dodle  ($500,000)
Zac Tucker  → Dodle  (LOAN)
Jamieson Wilson  → Dodle  ($0)

Overview:

City: Kirton
Stadium: Walgabba Dome (cap. 39,000)
Team Colours: Orange and Black
Nickname: The Trains
Rivalries: Cleorough, FC Conton
Previous Seasons: 5th - 11th - 10th
Playstyle: High Press, Crossing
Formation: 3-5-2
Predicted Finish: 7th
Manager: Niko Draganić (M) - 61

Squad List:

GK: Timothy Jameson (M) - 31 
GK: David Clarke (M) - 32 
GK: Archie Edwin (M) - 23 
LB/CB: Zoe Jessop (F) - 26 
LB/CB: Vic Richardson (M) - 34 
CB: Kayla Williamson (F) - 30 
CB: Lily Park (F) - 28 
CB: Mia van Vuuren (F) - 18 [VWD]
RB/CB: Kiarra Yates (F) - 30 
RB/CB: Jordan Simonetti (M) - 35 
LM/LW: Claudia Hynes (F) - 23 
LW: Brian Fulton (M) - 26 
LCM: Page Resch (F) - 33 
CDM/CM: Grace Coveny (F) - 25 
CM/CDM: Bethany Cunningham (M) - 30 
CM: Lucas Grimstone (M) - 21 
CM: Bradley Poole (M) - 24 
CM: Lars Canazlar (M) - 24 
CM/RM: Lucas Jackson (M) - 31 
RW: Nathan Ekpetita (M) - 31 
RW: Lachlan Beasley (M) - 20 
CF: Lee Sang-Myun (M) - 26 
CF: Callum Beauchamp (M) - 30 
CF: Nicholas Candy (M) - 33 
CF: Alexandra Zadow (F) - 34 
CF: Liam Martin (M) - 23

How on earth Niko Draganić has remained Mid-Capital manager for so many seasons now may as well be beyond comprehension. In fact, at one point a couple of years ago he was literally sacked, only for the club to hire him again in preparation for the new season as they were unable to secure an upgrade of any sort. Last season seemed destined to be his last after middling results all around the park for years now, only to pull his squad together and secure them IFCF Challengers Cup football for the first time in their history, finishing in fifth place on the back of some star individual performances from players such as Morgan Gallagher, Nathan Ekpetita and Lily Park amongst others. Unfortunately for the Trains, their newfound success has resulted in the poaching of Gallagher, but their other transfers have all been very purposeful as the relegated Dodle was found as a pretty bloody good home for the likes of Jeremy Smith, Jamieson Wilson and Zac Tucker - three players who were not receiving much game time. In replacement, though, Draganić has made some very clever signings, headlined by that of Baptism of Fire winner Lars Canazlar, who will look to fill the gigantic shoes of Morgan Gallagher in the central midfield. Lucas Grimstone is another notable signing amongst the midfield group in Kirton, the 21-year-old maestro signing on from Hageling Town after a dominant year in the League Number Two, proving his worth there as he looks to adapt his game. Another young gun is that of Vilwandian teenager Mia van Vuuren and while, like Grimstone, won’t necessarily be considered a starting centre back - particularly amongst the likes of Lily Park, Kiarra Yates, Kayla Williamson and Zoe Jessop - but the experience she will gain will be priceless for her future and the future of her nation. With Harrison McLean departing for more regular game time in the southeast for Marbury, Mid-Capital have had to sign another forward and have done so well, with former Emacuton man Callum Beauchamp more than happy to jump ship despite his club’s first ever promotion to the League Number One. he will play behind Nicholas Candy and Lee Sang-Myun up front and particularly when defending a lead, as his work off the ball has been absolutely instrumental as of recently. Last season, it was Lee who finished as the club’s top scorer for the third year in a row, with Candy playing more of a supporting role when fit - half the time he was on the bench injured. Previously, an injury to the Chromatik striker would have been a death knell but now with Beauchamp also amongst the ranks, there’s another reliable player who is just as capable at scoring those goals.

In fact, you could argue that Mid-Capital are again, a genuine shot at top five if not greater honours. Every position seems to house a more than capable player and although none will generally blow you away, on each of their good days they can produce any kind of performance. It’s just that it’s not often that they all click. But when they do, Draganić’s high press style of play is enough to scare many an opposition and in those cases, they do not stop. If only those kinds of performances came with regularity…

Pesfield Trees

Squad Changes:

In:
Adebayo Adeyemi  ← Grenadiers  (Undisclosed)
Andrea Kirby  ← Bergholz Caledonian FC  ($3,500,000)

Out:
Max MacIntosh  → Felton Island  ($1,500,000)
Slavenka Pavić   → Dodle  (LOAN)

Overview:

City: Pesfield
Stadium: The Trees (cap. 62,000)
Team Colours: Green and Blue
Nickname: The Trees
Rivalries: Avondale City, Capitol Athletic, Cleorough, Western Avondale
Previous Seasons: 2nd - 6th - 1st
Playstyle: Possession, Tiki-taka
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Finish: 2nd
Manager: Hugo Beland (M) - 45

Squad Changes:

GK: Ryan Macleay (M) - 26 
GK: Emma Zimpel (F) - 22 
GK: Jesse Symons (M) - 32 
LB: Jade Wettenhall (F) - 25 
LB: Maddy Howell (F) - 23 
CB: Ja Dishwasher (M) - 23 
CB: Blasko Titov (M) - 33 
CB: Adalberto Furtado (M) - 24 
CB: Maya Glasgow (F) - 27 
CB: Liam Strutt (M) - 23 
RB: Anastasis Kastrinakis (F) - 24 
RB: Krševan Novak (M) - 19  
CDM/LWB/LM/CM: Annabelle Larkins (F) - 35 
CDM/CB: Norbert Kasparíusarson (M) - 20 
CM/CDM: Andrea Kirby (F) - 25 
CDM: Fermin Melis (M) - 27 
CDM/CM: Caitlin Bolton (F) - 26 
LM/LW: Luisa Johnson (F) - 24 
LW: Lili Marinca (F) - 33 
CAM: Hella Veensma (F) - 27 
CAM: Kye White (M) - 22 
RM/RW: Jeremy Onus (M) - 23 
RW: Adebayo Adeyemi (M) - 23 
CF: Theofilos Stearas (M) - 26 
CF: Alyssa Hightower (F) - 35 
CF: Migual Williams (M) - 26

The only team to have consistently challenged Avondale City the past three years, the fact that the Trees have not been able to win a title is a complete testament to the strength of the league nowadays and particularly those of their archrivals. Their best chance came last year but with the Lime Greens only needing a draw on the final matchday at Kitchener Stadium, the Trees simply could not break down their opponents to mark the first time two teams playing one another were still in with a chance at the title on matchday thirty in Sylestonean top flight history. They have the team and the manager to pull it off - the only thing stopping them is that as good as they are, there’s just another team better than them. Just.

And like last year, the year before and the year before that, they’ve gone up a notch this year. Even though only two changes have been made to their 26-player squad from last year, Hugo Beland wholeheartedly trusts the group of players he has either assembled or inherited from Gordon Henry to finally pull off what appears to be an impossible task right now - that is, to pip Avondale City and win the League Number One title. Despite impressing every single time he played last year, Mytanar-Sylestonean dual national Slavenka Pavić has been offered to Dodle on a season-long loan, albeit without an option to buy as the Trees view him as a sublime long term option in their defensive midfield. In his place, Beland has picked up arguably the steal of the transfer window with Baker Park’s Andrea Kirby - a central midfielder by trade, but one more than capable of playing a more defensive role in a double pivot with Græntfjaller prodigy Norbert Kaprasíusarson or Annabelle Larkins. However, as good as those two have the potential to be, the Trees’ strength comes from elsewhere. On the wing, Lili Marinca is one of the biggest names to ever sign to the League Number One and last year, did not disappoint with nine beautiful goals to her name. Hella Veensma has been superb in the central midfield - it’s unfortunate her national team, Cap Nord, don’t generally play with a classic no. 10, else she may as well be a shoo-in to their starting lineup. Her substitute, Kye White is right on her heels, though and even has a couple of national caps, often utilised by Beland as an impact substitute in the final half hour of a game to provide that little bit of extra oomph necessary. On the right wing, Max MacIntosh’s story appears all but ended as the failed prodigy has moved to Felton Island in the League Number Two, to be replaced by an impressive youngster in Adebayo Adeyemi from Dantopia. Already with national team caps to his name, Adeyemi may well go a long way towards threatening Jeremy Onus for his starting spot, particularly if he gets injured as he did for such a large portion of last season that cost him a chance to make his national debut in friendlies. There’s still plenty of time, though, for the 23-year-old, as many more opportunities will present themselves further down the line.

Someone who has taken their opportunities, though, is one particular left back Jade Wettenhall. After debuting in the 36th Campionato Esportiva, she has very quickly fallen into favour with coach Mojmir Anac - so much that he even selected her over Isabella Cross for the Sentients’ sublime World Cup 95 campaign. Also participating in the tournament was Adalberto Furtado for Cabo Azure, Anastasia Kastrinakis for Elmyia and of course, Ryan Macleay, while Blasko Titov was a member of one incredibly unlucky Squornshelan Remnant States side that couldn’t even reach the playoff despite their ridiculous 11-1-2 record in World Cup Qualifying. It’s a team of big names, that’s for sure. They’ve also proven they can gel incredibly well together - almost well enough to steal the League Number One from Avondale City’s clutches.

Is this their year?

Whitepool

Squad Changes:

In:
Alexandra Arnold  ← Twin Saints  ($2,000,000)
Luke Bartić  ← Brisara FC  ($500,000)
Natasha Dellit  ← Academy
Albert Hood  ← Clachonoch Rovers  ($800,000)
Dalah Oder  ← Cleorough  ($1,500,000)
Arnaud Siefert  ← Hapbo Koreana  ($1,000,000)
Finlay Westgrove  ← Capitol Athletic  ($1,000,000)

Out:
Cameron Bentley  → N/A
Oscar Booth  → Felton Island  ($2,200,000)
Anthony Brookes  → N/A
Kennedy Farrell  → Bunbury  ($500,000)
Cooper Hill  → Retirement
Lauren Wall  → Retirement
Seth Wilson  → Retirement

Overview:

City: Betham
Stadium: Gordon Stadium (cap. 28,565)
Team Colours: Grey and White
Nickname: The Whirlwinds
Rivalries: AFC Droves, Betham FC
Previous Seasons: 2nd (LN2) - 5th (LN2) - 15th
Playstyle: Defensive
Formation: 5-2-3
Predicted Finish: 14th
Manager: Hugo Porter (M) - 69

Squad List:

GK: Patrick Marr (M) - 26 
GK: Edward Hickney (M) - 31 
GK: Georgia Reid (F) - 30 
LB: Jacob Kater (M) - 27 
LB: Kayleigh Jervis (F) - 26 
CB/LB: Erin Gardner (F) - 34 
LCB: Arnaud Siefert (M) - 26 
CB: Gillian Lang (F) - 35 
CB: Albert Hoog (M) - 27 
CB: Molly Carey (F) - 25 
CB: Archie Kleeberg (M) - 31 
CB/RB: Natasha Dellit (F) - 19 
RB: Mohammad Lloyd (M) - 30 
RB/RWB: Ethan David (M) - 26 
LM/CM: Dalah Oder (M) - 28 
CM: Liam Bradley (M) - 26 
CM: Jude Hills (M) - 31 
CM: Christian Wilson (M) - 35 
CM/RM: Harper Weiss (M) - 31 
LW/LWB: Luka Bartić (M) - 28 
LW: Ryan Eastern (M) - 34 
RW: Alexandra Arnold (F) - 24 
RW: Isla Ives (F) - 33 
CF: Finlay Westgrove (M) - 25 
CF: Emma Tisdall (F) - 29 
CF: Ryder Thompson (M) - 34

They’ve been a bit of a yo-yo club as of recent - too good for the vast majority of the League Number Two, but simply not up to scratch when they reach the top flight. Both times they’ve been up they were straight back down and although they have never suffered the humiliation of a sixteenth-placed finish, finishing fifteenth is no better. This year, though, it appears that they’ve managed to put together a squad that will give them their best chance of survival ever, now with four overseas players and some in critical positions, too. Even though Hugo Porter hasn’t been able to sign any truly big names, there’s plenty of experience amongst the group, as many hail as rejects from clubs either due to attitude or for the fact of simply not being good enough to receive regular starts. So yes, while it’s entirely possible that they may struggle, they just have something this year that gives you the impression that they will not be going down without a red-hot fight.

However, the headline signing is not someone who was simply “not good enough”. Titled as the “next young prodigy” during her time as a teenager with the Pesfield Trees, Alexandra Arnold has simply failed to develop her game during her time in Brenecia and now, at just 24 years of age, is returning to her homeland in an attempt to salvage what was such a promising career. However, there is a vast gulf of quality between the quality of the Sylestonean top flight now compared to how it was back in the day, and whether she can still cut up defenders with her excelling pace and talent on the right wing is a different question altogether. It’s part of a massive risk Hugo Porter is taking by going for a completely new look front line including Luka Bartić - a more than capable player considering he literally just came from the Red League - and former Capitol Athletic striker Finlay Westgrove, one of the many aforementioned players who couldn’t quite cut it at the big clubs in the nation. Also on that list is fellow striker Emma Tisdall (Mid-Capital), winger Isla Ives (Chamberley City), Dalah Oder (Cleorough) and Archie Kleeberg could even be argued to fill that role, with the former Chamberley City defender and then Dunkirk Athletic captain rejuvenating his vanquishing career in Betham. He will help form the backbone of Whitepool’s greatest strength - their defence - with Arnaud Siefert and Albert Hoog arriving from overseas to help bolster those stocks and maximise the club’s chances of survival. If those three can perform, then the entire team will work around their stability with Porter’s slow-going style of play, breaking down an opposition with sideways passes before capitalising on any weariness, catching opponents off guard just when they fall into a rhythm. In the League Number Two the strategy was more than effective but against oppositions of far greater quality, Porter may have to adjust his strategy as it is far less likely they will play directly into his hands. With only two midfielders, long balls may well come in handy but against any team with for or even five players in the middle of the park, Whitepool may find the going very tough indeed.

Player by player it’s a team that might just be able to make it in the League Number One, even if the tactics are just a little on the scratchy side. Can Whitepool play two years in a row in the Sylestonean top flight in their history?

by **Sylestone** » Fri Jan 26, 2024 5:48 pm

SFA CUP

by **Sylestone** » Fri Jan 26, 2024 5:54 pm

Matchdays 1-15

What on earth is going on over in Chamberley? Of all the teams to fall to pieces, no one would’ve picked the regular IFCF qualifiers to undergo a disasterclass so easily. Sure, there have been plenty of mishaps - injuries to key players like Elisa Gabbiadini and Neil Fraser really hurt a team - but more often than not, they’ve got back up and played around the holes well enough. Not Chamberley City, though. As of matchday ten, when they were sitting thirteenth with a 2-4-4 record, Heldir Zaman has been removed from the club as they set about immediately looking for replacements to fix their reputation. Their saviour - or so the fans thought, that is - came in the form of one Quebecois manager named Radko Vujadinovic, leaving his job over at Daedonggang 3.26 to snap up the opportunity at one of Sylestone’s richest clubs, in time for their matchday thirteen home game against the Kirkham Sentients.

An improved performance did follow against one of the form teams of the league and in fact, the resulting 1-1 draw and one point was enough to rescue them from fifteenth spot (sixteenth on points) and place them above the drop but ever since that, Vujadinovic has not been able to work his magic. A 3-1 loss at Connolly against an Avondale Beach side sitting in fifteenth after sacking their own manager a couple of rounds earlier was anything but a good sign, but FC Conton’s dominant performance in front of the uproarious expectation of a 100,000-strong crowd was simply humiliating.

If it wasn’t for AFC Droves’ ten-point penalty, Chamberley City would be sitting in last place in the League Number One.

It was a sad month for Sylestonean football. Heldir Zaman and Kiera Walcott - two managers who have been around their clubs for seemingly forever (Walcott was assistant at Avondale Beach before she replaced Norman Selby) sacked in the space of two weeks. Also on the brink are Don Antoninsson, whose apparently stacked Cleorough side languish in eleventh place with only sixteen points, Graeme Lee-Morris, who is well aware that if Halpenley United do not survive this season he will be gone and even Tahlia Dawson of the penalised AFC Droves who, after responding to their crimes with a 4-2-0 start, have only recorded five points over the next nine games. Not great for the woman who is expected to take over the Sylestonean national team once Mojmir Anac departs, presumably on his own accord as it’s seemingly impossible for him to put a foot wrong these days.

In fact, it could be argued that one of the only things keeping Dawson alive is the fact that, despite all of their struggles, the Burgers are still in contention for the SFA Cup. After rather comfortably shoving off Northampton Olympic in the second round, they produced one of the biggest cupsets of the year by coming from 1-0 behind in the first leg to score thrice in front of their home crowd in the second round - including once to seal the deal in extra time - to eliminate an Avondale City side most expected to win the entire thing after they quite literally told the Pesfield Trees to fuck off in the second round tie. That, and the fact that Dawson has a history of bouncing back from these situations. But sitting in last place with just nine points - even though they would be eighth if not for the penalty - this is fairly uncharted territory.

While those stories have been circulating surrounding the relegation battle, the top end of the table is quietly going about with its business, with no one quite noticing just what the hell is happening up there. In fact, you take one look at the top five and you would be excused for thinking you’d returned to the early days of Sylestonean football, when the quality was nowhere close to as good and Capitol Athletic won every domestic trophy in sight before inevitably violently shitting the bed as soon as they played IFCF football.

Yes, that’s right. Sitting at the pinnacle of the league are the Maroons, going about business as (what was then) usual, having only conceded three goals in fifteen games. The kings of the 1-0 win - they’ve recorded seven of them this season - Dzvezdan Kitanchev’s men and women have shone, with their defence in particular a cut above everyone. The signing of Nimue Culpepper has so far proven to be a masterstroke on the club’s part, while Jake Blackall and Santeri Matinpalo have been indestructible at the back, even outplaying Avondale City’s new forward pairing of Edward Maddison and Theophile-Corneille Poulin so much that both were subbed off after just an hour in the Avondale derby on matchday fourteen, Blackall winning player of the match in a 1-0 triumph across the river at Kitchener Stadium. However, that has not meant the Lime Greens have to fight an uphill battle to achieve history with the four peat - right now, they only sit one point behind their archrivals and at the moment, it looks as though we might have an all-Avondale title race for the first time in a very, very long time.

For Pesfield Trees, after demolishing the Lime Greens 3-0 in Pesfield on matchday one to become early favourites for their third top flight trophy, have slumped to sixth, having won only seven out of fifteen games en route to 26 points. Although they’ll still probably finish top three - third-placed Betham FC are only two points ahead of the Trees - their title chances right now appear slimmer than ever. Simply, they have been unable to string together consistent wins and at one point even drew three at home in a row, always dominating play but simply not finding that finishing product behind stacked defences. Aside from the 3-0 triumph on matchday one, their best performance of the season has been a 3-0 away win at Emacuton last week, with Kye White continuing to impress with his first brace for the club, while Krševan Novak made the most of his chance by finishing the game of in the 76th minute with a cool finish off Lili Marinca’s cross. If they want to keep their faint title hopes alive, then a victory next week over the Lime Greens in Avondale is a must - if they can’t do that, then they may well find themselves fighting the likes of FC Conton and Dunkirk Athletic for a top five berth.

All in all, it’s shaping up to be a belter of a season. The title race is heating up, the relegation battle is simply astonishing, and you have clubs like Kirkham Sentients, FC Conton and Dunkirk Athletic all fighting for IFCF or CEdC football for the first time ever, or first time in a very, very long time next year. Stay tuned.

   League Number One     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Capitol Athletic       15   10   3   2    15    3  +12    33		IFCF Champions League
 2 Avondale City          15   10   2   3    24   12  +12    32		IFCF Champions League
 3 Betham FC              15    8   4   3    21    9  +12    28		IFCF Challengers Cup
 4 Kirkham Sentients      15    8   3   4     9    7   +2    27		IFCF Challengers Cup
 5 Pesfield Trees         15    7   5   3    16    7   +9    26		IFCF Challengers Cup
 6 FC Conton              15    6   3   6    13   12   +1    21		CEdC
 7 Dunkirk Athletic       15    5   5   5     9   10   −1    20
 8 Marbury FC             15    5   4   6     7   10   −3    19
 9 Emacuton FC            15    5   3   7     8   20  −12    18
10 Avondale Beach         15    4   5   6    14   18   −4    17
11 Cleorough              15    4   4   7    15   16   −1    16
12 Mid-Capital            15    4   3   8    15   22   −7    15
13 Halpenley United       15    4   2   9    10   13   −3    14		
14 Whitepool              15    3   4   8     8   14   −6    13		League Number One Playoff
15 Chamberley City        15    2   6   7    12   23  −11    12		Relegation to League Number Two
16 AFC Droves*            15    5   4   6    12   12    0     9		Relegation to League Number Two

   League Number Two       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Dodle                    15   10   3   2    27   13  +14    33		Promotion to League Number One; Liga B Champions Trophy
 2 Northampton Olympic      15    9   3   3    27   14  +13    30		Promotion to League Number One; Liga B Champions Trophy
 3 Hageling Town            15    8   5   2    22    7  +15    29		League Number One Playoff; Liga B Champions Trophy
 4 Katham                   15    9   2   4    18    5  +13    29
 5 Excelsior                15    9   2   4    18   13   +5    29
 6 Western Avondale         15    8   2   5    28   22   +6    26
 7 Kitchen Sink FC          15    7   3   5    16   19   −3    24
 8 Jeaniara                 15    6   4   5    20   22   −2    22
 9 Fridge FC                15    7   1   7    17   22   −5    22
10 Felton Island            15    5   4   6    20   14   +6    19
11 Grafton Albion           15    6   0   9    26   34   −8    18
12 Kirkham Appliances       15    5   2   8    11   11    0    17
13 Bunbury                  15    4   3   8    15   25  −10    15
14 Acondo FC                15    3   4   8     7   17  −10    13		League Number Two Playoff
15 Pesfield Bees            15    2   1  12     7   22  −15     7		Relegation to League Number Three
16 Bayville                 15    1   3  11     3   22  −19     6		Relegation to League Number Three

   League Number Three        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Emacuton United             15   11   2   2    19    6  +13    35		Promotion to League Number Two
 2 FC Aerorum                  15    8   5   2    22   12  +10    29		Promotion to League Number Two
 3 Cleorough Fire              15    8   3   4    30   11  +19    27		League Number Two Playoff
 4 Damminton Sands             15    7   3   5    16   14   +2    24
 5 Chilseamers Town            15    7   3   5    21   20   +1    24
 6 Pilbury Eaton               15    7   2   6    18   16   +2    23
 7 Freeport                    15    5   7   3    11    8   +3    22
 8 Freeman City                15    6   3   6    17   16   +1    21
 9 Westminster                 15    5   5   5    17   16   +1    20
10 Copeland AFC                15    5   5   5    12   15   −3    20
11 Garretty Wanderers          15    3   8   4    18   18    0    17
12 Paradise Coast              15    4   5   6    19   22   −3    17
13 Mutiyara                    15    4   2   9    10   21  −11    14
14 Ketonley Town               15    3   4   8    10   22  −12    13
15 Rockefeller Promontory      15    2   6   7     6   16  −10    12
16 Southern Beaches            15    1   5   9    14   27  −13     8

by **Sylestone** » Sun Jan 28, 2024 5:42 am

SFA CUP

Matchdays 16-25

It’s all but confirmed - for the next six weeks, Avondale will be split in two as we await the result of what shapes up to be one of the most vicious title races yet. Both Capitol Athletic and Avondale City have really come into their own over recent fixtures and despite blips here and there, have been far away the best two teams in the competition. It’s scary enough to consider that notwithstanding the second half against Mid-Capital last week, the Lime Greens haven’t even appeared at their best all season. Instead, they’ve just been racking up the 1-0 wins and like the Maroons, have been relying on their world class defence to keep opposing strikers and wingers at bay. All of that while making a run to the IFCF Champions League group stage and seemingly playing two games every single week and yet, they’re still where they are without ever quite hitting their straps. The signing of Warda Nakouzi has been a John Lawson masterstroke, the 19-year-old Squornshelan filling the massive boots of Pyo Seung-Hye or Jack Lawson whenever one of the two has been absent. Another standout performer has been Aoi Kyouka, the Chromatik full back causing all sorts of problems to opposing left wingers and wingbacks whenever they come up against her. Adding to her defensive heroics is the fact that she has scored four goals this season in the league alongside two in IFCF football to throw her into contention for player of the season. While the new-look front two at Avondale City haven’t quite gelled as of yet, the signs have been there and instead, Lawson has been forced to rely on his more defensive players to get them the wins rather than just telling them to give the ball to Charlotte Eastwood and let her dribble through a gajillion defenders and score like they have done so over the past few years.

And yet, they still lie three points behind Capitol Athletic, albeit with what may shape up to be a winner-takes-all fixture at the Avondale International Sports Stadium on matchday thirty still on the way. The only team remaining to have conceded a single digit number of goals in the League Number One all season - a statistic they’ve held ever since Cleorough put four past the Sentients on matchday twenty-one - they are an incredibly tough team to defeat and with some serious names amongst the midfield and forward groups, they’re not easy to stop either. Finally, it seems as though Dzvezdan Kitanchev has got them playing their best style of football and boy, what a joy it is to watch. All they need to do is keep playing it and the title is theirs for the taking. Hence, it should not come as a surprise if they lose in Chamberley against Whitepool in the final of the SFA Cup, for this team have far greater things on their mind.

It’s been years since they’ve participated in Champions League football, going all the way back to the season after they won their fourth league trophy. That trophy was five years ago now, and marked the end of Capitol Athletic’s dynasty, right when Avondale City hit their straps.

Is this the season where they begin their ascent to former glory?

Capitol Athletic (17-5-4) run home: Whitepool (H), Marbury FC (A), Halpenley United (H), Emacuton FC (A), Avondale City (H)
Avondale City (16-4-5) run home: AFC Droves (A), Kirkham Sentients (H), Avondale Beach (A), FC Conton (H), Capitol Athletic (A)

But while the title race is shaping up to be an absolute thriller, there are plenty of other things going on as well. As of right now, Halpenley United (7-5-13) and established League Number One outfit Cleorough (6-6-13) are facing the drop - something that has the potential to destroy both clubs. For the Royals, this season was supposed to be the one where they would finally return after a long period of rebuilding that was caused after their relegation the season before football’s hiatus across the nation and if they return back to the League Number Two, then they will almost certainly face a massive exodus. Same goes for Cleorough - a side of whom have never been relegated from the top flight and as of matchday twenty-four, are searching for a new manager after sacking Don Antinonsson - and considering how much quality their squad has, it’s difficult to believe that they won’t also face significant hardship in the off season for the club that only last year was participating in IFCF football. Even for AFC Droves, who sit in fourteenth on 26 points after their deduction, are still in serious danger if the Royals or Toucans can get going and with players from Chromatika, Quebec, Kelssek and Tikariot in their squad, it's easy to see how relegation could go really pear-shaped for them.

Not even the shitshow that is Chamberley City are totally safe. Even though Radko Vudjadinovic has led them to a streak of five games without a loss, they are only one point off fifteenth and with their squad in all sorts of mayhem right now, it’s entirely conceivable that they could drop once more. An inspired triumph at home against Avondale City a couple of weeks ago will boost the confidence that much, however, but it won’t be enough to stop the Quebecois from undergoing a squad turnover in the off season as they look to rebuild from this horror show.

It’s not only them in the relegation race, either - Dunkirk Athletic are currently in torrid form, Avondale Beach have changed their manager twice this season, Whitepool and Emacuton FC are desperately hanging on for dear life and even eighth-placed Marbury sit just three points clear. Somehow, Mid-Capital’s topsy-turvy season has seen them jump well clear of the bottom two or three and are now even with the Kirkham Sentients, a team that appears destined for another stanza in their IFCF bottlejob history as they stumbled from a 10-3-4 record after matchday seventeen and ever since, have only recorded a singular point. Even so, sixth place is still a CEdC spot, and that’s better than nothing.

Yet, we still haven’t talked about arguably the story of the season. While five points separate the bottom five and the top two are yet to play each other for a second time, we’ve been ignoring the success of one FC Conton.

They are one point off third-placed Pesfield, equal on points with Betham FC and nine points away from sixth. With 22 points from their last ten games, form-wise they are currently the best team in the entire league, Charlotte Woodfull and George Skeyhill in the midfield playing at such a ridiculous level that they almost appear equals to the other great double pivots amongst the league in Pyo Seung-Hye and Jack Lawson, or Andrea Kirby and Norbert Kaprasíusarson. Everything has gone right for them so far and although they aren’t in a title race, to be comfortably shaping up for an IFCF berth is spectacular enough for the club that was in the League Number Two just a couple of years ago.

It’s peak League Number One - every team seems to be doing something, whether it be good or bad. Anything can happen from here. The question is, just what?

   League Number One     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Capitol Athletic       25   16   5   4    29    8  +21    53		IFCF Champions League
 2 Avondale City          25   15   5   5    35   16  +19    50		IFCF Champions League
 3 Pesfield Trees         25   12   8   5    27   12  +15    44		IFCF Challengers Cup
 4 Betham FC              25   12   7   6    29   12  +17    43		IFCF Challengers Cup
 5 FC Conton              25   13   4   8    23   19   +4    43		IFCF Challengers Cup
 6 Kirkham Sentients      25   10   4  11    13   17   −4    34		CEdC
 7 Mid-Capital            25   10   4  11    27   36   −9    34
 8 Marbury FC             25    8   5  12    11   17   −6    29
 9 Dunkirk Athletic       25    7   7  11    15   21   −6    28
10 Avondale Beach         25    7   7  11    26   36  −10    28
11 Whitepool              25    7   6  12    12   19   −7    27
12 Chamberley City        25    6   9  10    20   29   −9    27
13 Emacuton FC            25    7   6  12    11   26  −15    27
14 AFC Droves*            25   10   6   9    21   18   +3    26		League Number One Playoff
15 Halpenley United       25    7   5  13    14   19   −5    26		Relegation to League Number Two
16 Cleorough              25    6   6  13    23   31   −8    24		Relegation to League Number Two

   League Number Two       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Dodle                    25   16   6   3    50   19  +31    54		Promotion to League Number One; Liga B Champions Trophy
 2 Excelsior                25   13   7   5    24   16   +8    46		Promotion to League Number One; Liga B Champions Trophy
 3 Northampton Olympic      25   13   6   6    39   27  +12    45		League Number One Playoff; Liga B Champions Trophy
 4 Fridge FC                25   13   4   8    47   41   +6    43
 5 Katham                   25   12   5   8    22   11  +11    41
 6 Kitchen Sink FC          25   11   7   7    27   26   +1    40
 7 Hageling Town            25   10   9   6    29   19  +10    39
 8 Western Avondale         25   11   5   9    39   41   −2    38
 9 Jeaniara                 25    9   8   8    36   35   +1    35
10 Felton Island            25    7  10   8    32   25   +7    31
11 Kirkham Appliances       25    8   7  10    19   15   +4    31
12 Grafton Albion           25    9   3  13    37   50  −13    30
13 Acondo FC                25    6   8  11    22   32  −10    26
14 Bunbury                  25    6   6  13    24   42  −18    24		League Number Two Playoff
15 Pesfield Bees            25    4   5  16    12   32  −20    17		Relegation to League Number Three
16 Bayville                 25    1   6  18     7   35  −28     9		Relegation to League Number Three

   League Number Three        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Cleorough Fire              25   13   4   8    42   24  +18    43		Promotion to League Number Two
 2 Emacuton United             25   12   7   6    26   16  +10    43		Promotion to League Number Two
 3 Damminton Sands             25   13   4   8    27   26   +1    43		League Number Two Playoff
 4 Pilbury Eaton               25   13   3   9    37   23  +14    42
 5 Freeport                    25   10  10   5    19   13   +6    40
 6 Freeman City                25   12   4   9    27   21   +6    40
 7 Paradise Coast              25   10   7   8    36   29   +7    37
 8 FC Aerorum                  25    9   9   7    28   27   +1    36
 9 Westminster                 25   10   5  10    30   27   +3    35
10 Chilseamers Town            25   10   5  10    27   28   −1    35
11 Copeland AFC                25    9   7   9    24   30   −6    34
12 Mutiyara                    25    8   6  11    20   30  −10    30
13 Rockefeller Promontory      25    7   6  12    14   24  −10    27
14 Ketonley Town               25    6   5  14    19   35  −16    23
15 Garretty Wanderers          25    4  10  11    21   30   −9    22
16 Southern Beaches            25    4   8  13    24   38  −14    20

by **Sylestone** » Sun Jan 28, 2024 10:09 pm

SFA CUP

Up until now, Whitepool’s trophy cabinet only consisted of that sole League Number Two title back leading up to their first foray into national top flight football but after a splendid performance by long-time manager Hugo Porter’s men and women, it will be opened up again and refurbished with the shiny silver and gold of the SFA Cup.

Against a full-strength Capitol Athletic outfit keen to try and confirm their first trophy in five years despite the simultaneous title race going on in the League Number One, the Whirlwinds held steadfast at the back to cause one of the greater cup final upsets we have seen. Up there with Dunkirk Athletic’s unbelievable win over an Avondale City side back in the days when they were allergic to trophies and were the laughing stock of Sylestonean football, it was a devastating counterattack that broke the deadlock between the two sides in the 68th minute.

Of course, Alexandra Arnold was at the centre of it all again. Having failed to find her feet in Brenecia for so many years now, her return to Sylestonean shores posed one question - could the former teenage wonderkid still cut it. Anyone who watched the League Number One back before football’s hiatus across the country would vividly remember the way she tore defences apart from the Pesfield Trees bench, and it would please many fans to all ends to see that she’s still got it.

Not those sporting Capitol Athletic colours in the crowd, though, and definitely not Brenecian fullback Nimue Culpepper. It all started with Cameron Milligan’s corner at the opposite end of the pitch - one that would be headed away by Harper Weiss to the feet of Jacob Kater. Spotting Arnold’s run up the opposite flank, he cut short his run and switched her the perfect ball - right to her feet, where an immaculate touch sent Culpepper scrambling. With Jake Blackall and Santeri Matinpalo tracking back to prevent the run of former Capitol Athletic striker Finlay Westgrove, Arnold proceeded to catch them off guard and leaving Westgrove with a clear shot. A desperate slide from Matinpalo almost got a touch on the shot but from the edge of the box, Westgrove was simply never going to miss as a diving Iñaki Pena could only stare as the ball smashed into the top left corner of the net.

It would be one of Whitepool’s two shots on target during the entire game - the first being a fairly tame one from Dalah Oder inside the opening fifteen minutes of the fixture, and only one of eight chances they had all game. At the other end, the Maroons peeled off 23 - including eight on target - as goalkeeper Patrick Marr swept up the player of the match honours with some unreal glovework, particularly during second half stoppage.

And now, Hugo Porter and Whitepool will be going to the CEdC. All while staring the prospect of relegation in the face - they’re a single point clear as of right now - and having never survived a season of League Number One football before. And while their run wasn’t the hardest - Kitchen Sink FC and Jeaniara are pretty tame opponents for the second preliminary round and quarterfinal respectively, FC Conton fresh off taking down Chamberley City in the round 16 is not an easy match whatsoever, while a Betham derby that finished 0-0 after 210 minutes of football in the semifinal really saps you.

All of that while putting everything into the league.

What a fucking team.

Matchdays 26-29

MATCHDAY TWENTY-SIX
Betham FC 3–1 Cleorough

Jean-Baptiste 3’;

Tracy 5’;

Adams 75’ -

Barnes 32’

Pesfield Trees 3–1 Dunkirk Athletic

Stearas 45’, 72’;

Wettenhall 87’ -

Strathfield 48’

Capitol Athletic 1–0 Whitepool

Blackall 56’ - none

FC Conton 0–1 Marbury FC
none -

Carr 68’ (p)

Avondale Beach 2–0 Halpenley United

Tirel 17’;

Welch 58’ - none

Kirkham Sentients 1–0 Emacuton FC

Drawer 53’ - none

AFC Droves 0–1 Avondale City
none -

Cecil 19’

Mid-Capital 0–0 Chamberley City
none - none

There’s nothing like revenge is there? After losing the cup final to Whitepool in Chamberley last week, Dzvezdan Kitanchev has rallied his troops in preparation for another hard-fought encounter against one of the league’s better low blocks (this is seriously saying something) in Avondale but this time, Jake Blackall’s header rose above all else as they returned the dosage with a 1-0 triumph. The result keeps them three points clear of their archrivals and fierce opponents for the league title, with Avondale City sending an uproarious AFC Droves fanbase closer and closer to relegation - points-wise they sit seventh and without the penalty they’d be in a battle for CEdC qualification, but now they’re battling it down at the bottom of the table. Yet, Ryan Cecil’s 19th-minute finish broke them, the Lime Greens once again the better team as they subjected themselves to the average League Number One tactics of scoring and parking the bus. Not exactly the stuff of prime Avondale City, but whatever.

1 Capitol Athletic       26   17   5   4    30    8  +22    56
2 Avondale City          26   16   5   5    36   16  +20    53

Elsewhere, an early blitz from Betham has all but assured them of an expected return to IFCF football this season, a 3-1 home victory over Cleorough sending the Toucans another step towards relegation. Thankfully for them, they still remain a win’s distance from safety (albeit reliant on other results), but they’re really going to need to get their act together under interim coach Noah Collett if they wish to avoid that. Either way, it appears an established League Number One outfit will go down, with AFC Droves, Dunkirk Athletic and even Chamberley City still hanging around those spots amongst the likes of newly relegated Whjitepool, Halpenley United and Emacuton FC. Whilst resistance was expected from the Whirlwinds and Royals, Emacuton has been one of the stories of the season, knocking off giant killers with their sheer desperation and determination, their signings playing a huge hand in their success. Vinicio Juapuala has led the defence with assurance, Hudson Moreton has been absolutely unreal on the right wing, while their new-look attacking group have found the back of the net with enough regularity to keep them well and truly in the hunt for survival. Can they hold on for long enough?

MATCHDAY TWENTY-SEVEN
Mid-Capital 4–0 Betham FC

Beauchamp 7’, 29’;

Lee 31’;

Hynes 89’ - none

Chamberley City 4–0 AFC Droves

Enokida 22’;

Fraser 44’ (p), 77’;

Greeley 48’ -

Isobar 76’

Avondale City 2–0 Kirkham Sentients

Lawson 30’;

Maddison 83’ - none

Emacuton FC 1–0 Avondale Beach

Love 24’ - none

Halpenley United 0–0 FC Conton
none - none

Marbury FC 1–0 Capitol Athletic

Shin 15’ (og) - none

Whitepool 2–0 Pesfield Trees

Arnold 18’;

Weiss 59’ - none

Dunkirk Athletic 2–2 Cleorough

Morgana 29’, 39’;

Fullers 45+4’;

Gann 48’ (p)

And with that, the baton is in Avondale City’s hands as they surge closer and closer towards an unprecedented four-peat. A Shin Joo-Yeong deflection off Afam Seekamp’s strike at goal sunk the Maroons in Marbury as they were unable to perforate the ultra-stacked back line that Dominc McCarten builds whenever his team take any lead whatsoever, no matter how slender. For the Maroons, it’s the first nail in the coffin for them as the Lime Greens overtake them on their slender goal difference lead arising from a 2-0 triumph at home to the Kirkham Sentients, Edward Maddison shining from the bench in his return from suspension with a late goal to seal the three points for the reigning champions. With both clubs now level on 56 points with three games to play, anything could happen.

1 Avondale City          27   17   5   5    38   16  +22    56
2 Capitol Athletic       27   17   5   5    30    9  +21    56

Elsewhere, Chamberley City’s battle with relegation appears to be over on the back of a 4-0 triumph against rivals AFC Droves with their best performance of the year thus far, increasing their streak of games without a loss to seven and sending the Burgers down into the bottom two alongside Cleorough. It was only last season when both teams were challenging for IFCF spots but now - one through awful play and the other through penalty - we might be seeing them in the League Number Two next year. If that happens, then we may well see an absolutely stacked second division consisting of sides such as Felton Island and Katham, who both have players that could easily cut it in the top division, three Kirkham teams and of course, those two and maybe even a side like Halpenley United or Emacuton FC. If that is to happen, then consider yourselves warned, fans - it will not be as easy as you think. But one team that was expected by many to face the drop and won’t is Marbury, whose triumph over the league leaders has sent them back up into the top half of the table and into an unprecedented fight alongside Mid-Capital and Kirkham Sentients for CEdC qualification. Intriguing stuff.

MATCHDAY TWENTY-EIGHT
Betham FC 0–0 Dunkirk Athletic
none - none

Cleorough 3–0 Whitepool

Gann 40’;

Spiteri 44’’;

Baldwinson 71’ - none

Pesfield Trees 1–0 Marbury FC

White 86’ - none

Capitol Athletic 2–0 Halpenley United

Blamey 39’;

Murray 58’ - none

FC Conton 0–0 Emacuton FC
none - none

Avondale Beach 1–4 Avondale City

Ibsdottir 49’ -

Stamenkovski 3’;

Poulin 25’;

Koshelev 56’;

Reynolds 90+5’

Kirkham Sentients 0–0 Chamberley City
none - none

AFC Droves 0–1 Mid-Capital
none -

Ekpetita 29’

It’s staying tight at the top - if Capitol Athletic can win big in Emacuton next week, there’s every chance that we will witness two teams level on points and level on goal difference go head to head for the title, the only difference being the Maroons’ inferior number of goals conceded providing them with the advantage. For yes, even at this stage of the season, they have only conceded nine goals. This weekend, it was Hayden Blamey and Natasha Murray that provided the necessary goals for Dzvezdan Kitanchev’s side as they maintained pace with Avondale City, only for the Lime Greens to stick four past the Pigeons to go two goals clear at the top. From now on, it seems as though every goal counts, fo - particularly if one of these two drops points next round - which is why we saw a more aggressive style of play adopted over in Connolly. Once again, it was Edward Maddison who starred, coming back from suspension with a point to prove and after scoring last week off the bench, provided two assists and led countless other attacks that could well have been scored. The resulting 4-1 scoreline was an accurate reflection on the fast pace of the game, but it could’ve been more for either team had they been perfect with their chances. Menguy Tirel in particular seemed a little hesitant against his former club, missing one golden chance, but he almost made up for it on the hour mark with a brilliant shot from outside the box, only for Mesud Kozar to get a fingertip to it and parry it over the crossbar. With wins to both Avondale City and Capitol Athletic, they remain even on points heading into the final two weeks of the season, the reigning champions with the slight advantage on paper considering thor two goal cushion in difference.

Every neutral is hoping for a win for both teams, just so we can see a showdown. The question for them is - who do they support? Avondale City, one of the good guys of the league before they went on a charge, or a Capitol Athletic side determined to return to former glory, but still a club that has a bit of a poor reputation regarding their fans and antics off the field. Three years ago it wouldn’t have even been a decision but now… a change would be nice, y’know?

1 Avondale City          28   18   5   5    42   17  +25    59
2 Capitol Athletic       28   18   5   5    32    9  +23    59

Down the bottom of the table, Cleorough have picked up a massive three points with a dominant home display over Whitepool, propelling them above both Halpenley United and AFC Droves to fourteenth. Now, it is the Burgers and Halpenley who are appearing helpless, four and three points respectively from certain safety, the penalty almost certain to come back and nip the Burgers. It’s still on their poor form, though - they’ve lost each of their last four matches - but they;’ve gone from another comfortable season to staring the drop in the face. Now, it’s almost 50-50 whether Tahlia Dawson is sacked at the conclusion of the season, as while they might want to keep her around to ensure that the path back up is smooth, a new face in charge of the club couldn’t hurt. It hasn’t even appeared to be her fault, either, for the pressure of the situation has got to this group of players. The tactics are there, but they just haven’t been able to execute them. Expect changes next season no matter the final outcome.

MATCHDAY TWENTY-NINE
AFC Droves 1–0 Betham FC

Gatabazi 90+2’ (p) -

Yali 87’

Mid-Capital 3–1 Kirkham Sentients

Candy 40’, 64’;m

Canazlar 53’ -

Fridge 83’

Chamberley City 1–1 Avondale Beach

Gabbiadini 25’ -

Butterfield 18’

Avondale City 2–1 FC Conton

Kohl 47’;

Maddison 75’ -

Hackett 90’

Emacuton FC 1–0 Capitol Athletic

Umbridge 32’ - none

Halpenley United 0–1 Pesfield Trees
none -

Adeyemi 90’

Marbury FC 0–1 Cleorough
none -

Threlfall 87’

Whitepool 2–0 Dunkirk Athletic

Bartić 13’, 42’ - none

Oh no no no. Capitol Athletic, what are you doing? What a time to pull out your worst performance of the season. All credit to Emacuton, of course - they played well and thoroughly deserved the three points that will do so much in their bid for survival - but the Maroons were simply nowhere to be seen. No matter what Dzvezdan Kitanchev did, they would struggle to just two shots on target from ten attempts as Emacuton’s rigid defensive structure forced them into constant sideways passes. To make things worse for the dominant maroon portion of Avondale, a late burst from FC Conton was not enough as Avondale City cruised to a 2-1 triumph and a three-point lead on the back of yet another Edward Maddison masterclass up front.

A three-point gap and a goal difference of four between the two sides in favour of the Lime Greens, and you’d think that the title was wrapped up. Not so, though - for the top two do face off next week at the AISS in front of a sea of maroon, the hosts needing a two-goal victory to seal the title on number of goals conceded. Anything less, and it would be a Lime Green party in the inner east of Avondale - just what Capitol Athletic fans don’t want.

The title race is alive and well with just one game to go. Who will come out on top?

1 Avondale City          29   19   5   5    44   18  +26    62
2 Capitol Athletic       29   18   5   6    32   10  +22    59

In Kirton, Mid-Capital have somehow confirmed international football for next season, with a now-struggling FC Conton all of a sudden in perilous danger of losing their IFCF position. Over this season, the Trains have been remarkably inconsistent and with emphasis on all of their atrocious results, everyone would’ve been expecting to see them in the lower half of the table, even battling an outside chance of relegation. But no, now they sit on 44 points with a 13-5-11 record, as the Kirkham Sentients bottled international football yet again, going from part of a genuine title race on matchday seventeen to out of IFCF or CEdC contention just twelve rounds later after a 3-1 loss in Kirton. Mid-Capital, however, now have the rare opportunity to make it a second successive IFCF qualification if they can defeat Avondale Beach in Connolly and the Bombers can’t take down an in-form Chamberley City outfit at home.

And then there’s the relegation battle. The deep, dark relegation fight gripping the League Number One. Cleorough’s triumph in Marbury has seen them jump into thirteenth, ahead of Dunkirk Athletic - a team of whom have only recorded four points in their last ten games and appear on the verge of sacking Isaac Loewenthal, especially if they are relegated. Now, they rely on a result against Marbury and other results to go their way if they wish to finish outside the bottom three. It’s more likely than you might think, however - Marbury are now officially going to survive another season in the League Number One, as are Emacuton FC, the team with the worst goal differential in the league. Yet, they sit above teams of far higher quality that are still in at least some danger of facing the drop - Cleorough, Avondale Beach, Chamberley City and Whitepool are all far from safe if results don’t go their way. Even though for a playoff is the worst the Stars or Whirlwinds could face, it’s just so much to be completely clear of all that shit, y’know?

   League Number One     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Avondale City          29   19   5   5    44   18  +26    62		IFCF Champions League
 2 Capitol Athletic       29   18   5   6    32   10  +22    59		IFCF Champions League
 3 Pesfield Trees         29   15   8   6    32   15  +17    53		IFCF Challengers Cup
 4 Betham FC              29   13   8   8    32   18  +14    47		IFCF Challengers Cup
 5 FC Conton              29   13   6  10    24   22   +2    45		IFCF Challengers Cup
 6 Mid-Capital            29   13   5  11    35   37   −2    44		CEdC
 7 Kirkham Sentients      29   11   5  13    15   22   −7    38
 8 Marbury FC             29   10   5  14    13   19   −6    35
 9 Emacuton FC            29    9   7  13    13   27  −14    34
10 Chamberley City        29    7  12  10    25   30   −5    33
11 Whitepool              29    9   6  14    16   23   −7    33		CEdC; Cup Winners Cup
12 Avondale Beach         29    8   8  13    30   42  −12    32
13 Cleorough              29    8   7  14    30   36   −6    31		
14 Dunkirk Athletic       29    7   9  13    18   28  −10    30		League Number One Playoff
15 AFC Droves*            29   11   6  12    22   24   −2    29		Relegation to League Number Two
16 Halpenley United       29    7   6  16    14   24  −10    27		Relegation to League Number Two

   League Number Two       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Dodle                    30   19   8   3    57   21  +36    65		Promotion to League Number One; Liga B Champions Trophy
 2 Excelsior                30   17   7   6    32   19  +13    58		Promotion to League Number One; Liga B Champions Trophy
 3 Hageling Town            30   14   9   7    36   22  +14    51		League Number One Playoff; Liga B Champions Trophy
 4 Northampton Olympic      30   14   8   8    44   32  +12    50
 5 Fridge FC                30   15   5  10    50   45   +5    50
 6 Kitchen Sink FC          30   14   7   9    31   28   +3    49
 7 Katham                   30   14   6  10    24   13  +11    48
 8 Western Avondale         30   13   7  10    43   42   +1    46
 9 Felton Island            30   10  12   8    39   26  +13    42
10 Jeaniara                 30    9  10  11    37   40   −3    37
11 Kirkham Appliances       30    9   8  13    21   19   +2    35
12 Acondo FC                30    9   8  13    27   39  −12    35
13 Bunbury                  30    8   7  15    29   48  −19    31
14 Grafton Albion           30    9   4  17    41   63  −22    31		League Number Two Playoff
15 Pesfield Bees            30    4   5  21    14   41  −27    17		Relegation to League Number Three
16 Bayville                 30    3   7  20    12   39  −27    16		Relegation to League Number Three

   League Number Three        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Cleorough Fire              30   17   5   8    56   27  +29    56		Promotion to League Number Two
 2 Paradise Coast              30   15   7   8    48   31  +17    52		Promotion to League Number Two
 3 Emacuton United             30   14   9   7    30   19  +11    51		League Number Two Playoff
 4 Freeman City                30   15   5  10    33   24   +9    50
 5 Freeport                    30   12  13   5    25   13  +12    49
 6 Damminton Sands             30   14   7   9    32   31   +1    49
 7 Westminster                 30   14   5  11    41   34   +7    47
 8 Pilbury Eaton               30   13   4  13    40   32   +8    43
 9 Copeland AFC                30   11   7  12    26   39  −13    40
10 FC Aerorum                  30    9  10  11    31   36   −5    37
11 Chilseamers Town            30   10   7  13    28   35   −7    37
12 Rockefeller Promontory      30    9   7  14    17   27  −10    34
13 Garretty Wanderers          30    6  13  11    25   32   −7    31
14 Mutiyara                    30    8   7  15    23   39  −16    31
15 Southern Beaches            30    5  11  14    32   46  −14    26
16 Ketonley Town               30    6   7  17    20   42  −22    25

by **Sylestone** » Mon Jan 29, 2024 3:13 am

Matchday 30

Dead Rubbers
Pesfield Trees 2–1 Emacuton FC

Hightower 7’;

Onus 19’ -

Lane-Poole 90+1’

Relegation Battle
Betham FC 0–1 Whitepool
none -

Westgrove 78’

Dunkirk Athletic 1–0 Marbury FC

Morgana 72’ - none

Cleorough 1–0 Halpenley United

Peres 90+3’ - none

FC Conton 3–4 Chamberley City

Valls 34’, 86’ (p);

Townsend 79’ -

Fraser 4’ (p), 89’;

Bostock 21’, 71’

Avondale Beach 4–3 Mid-Capital

Tirel 5’, 27’, 90’;

Hayes 37’ -

Beauchamp 22’;

Resch 62’;

Beasley 79’

Kirkham Sentients 0–1 AFC Droves
none -

Jurson 45’

If anything, no one was expecting every single team placed from tenth to fifteenth to win. Yep, you’ve read that right. Chamberley City, Whitepool, Avondale Beach, Cleorough, Dunkirk Athletic, AFC Droves, they all won.

Just.

You can imagine the anxiety of Cleorough fans, though. A technical malfunction at half time meant that after seven minutes of stoppage time, by the time they hit the ninetieth minute of the match, almost every other game would be completed.

So with AFC Droves and Dunkirk Athletic wrapping up respective 1-0 wins, they were just about to get relegated.

For many years, Cleorough were the “midtable mandems” but as of recent, there have been promising signs from the club. During those times, many regarded the squad Don Antinonsson had assembled as “comfortably the sixth best in the league”. Two years ago they reached IFCF football and last season, could not cope with it as they went out early and slumped back into the midtable.

This year, with an improved squad with better depth and more strike power, there was much hope of a return to foreign shores.

But now, the next time they get to do that may not be a couple of years time in the Liga B Champions Trophy.

The stadium was almost empty when the assistant referee signalled an extra four minutes of stoppage time. Halpenley United had long given up, the results of other games knocking the wind from their sails. They would be relegated. Graeme Lee-Morris would be sacked. Many of their players would be shipped off to other clubs in a rebuilding process.

If the result held, as it looked to, Cleorough would face the same fate. One point was not going to be enough to survive relegation. The Burgers had a better goal difference, and that would prove the difference between a straight drop and a playoff.

Most of the players had given up, too. In truly un-Sylestonean manner, pretty much everyone was walking around in front of a close to empty stadium. The away fans had gone first, realising pretty quickly that with Tatiano Kovalenko injured and Sophie Piguenit not receiving a single ball up front, they had zero chance whatsoever of scoring. Then, with the other results filtering in, the home support gradually left. Who wanted to wait around to see the final whistle that would confirm the relegation of such a storied club?

The minutes ticked down, throw in after throw in as the ball repeatedly entered and exited play. Then from one of them, Seth Baldwinson - one of the very few players still actually giving a shit - decided to boot it long.

It was not what the Royals’ defence was expecting. Which is why they let Jody Barnes in behind.

All of a sudden, there was a spring in their step. Fans exiting stopped and turned at a faint, cautiously optimistic noise emitting from the remaining fans left in the stadium.

Barnes, a player who had shone for the Toucans for so many years now, loped easily towards the goal, easily ahead of the defence.

And then she slipped.

She could not get back up, not in time.

A footrace was on.

Joao Peres, who had spotted Baldwinson’s intentions before everyone else, had made his way up the field, using up those last reserves of energy in a final attempt at salvation. He, or Michayla Paxton, who was exiting the goalmouth, ready to scoop the bal up and call it a day.

Peres won the battle. Sliding the ball past her outstretched arm and into the empty goal.

Cleorough 1-0 Halpenley United.

They were safe.

And didn’t the couple of thousand fans left in the stadium love it.

Hugs, cheers, everything. Sure, it was embarrassing they even had to do it in the first place, but it was something.

They would live to fight another day.

And AFC Droves, copping that penalty on their chin, would face the consequences of their actions. Halpenley United would join them in League Number Two next season, while Dunkirk Athletic would face off against Hageling Town in the playoff.

IFCF/CEdC Race
FC Conton 3–4 Chamberley City

Valls 34’, 86’ (p);

Townsend 79’ -

Fraser 4’ (p), 89’;

Bostock 21’, 71’

Avondale Beach 4–3 Mid-Capital

Tirel 5’, 27’, 90’;

Hayes 37’ -

Beauchamp 22’;

Resch 62’;

Beasley 79’

What a set of games. While most people were tuned into the title race or Cleorough’s desperate escape, neither FC Conton nor Mid-Capital could get the points they wanted as two clubs with an outside shot at relegation received the vital points to keep them safe. Mid-Capital had to face the wrath of an angry Menguy Tirel, while Neil Fraser’s late goal sunk FC Conton - not that it really mattered. The Trains’ loss meant they would finish fifth and for the club in the League Number Two just two years ago, they were on the road to international football.

And not against some shitty second division opponents, no, this would be against some of the best sides in the world. Just how far can they go?

Title Race

Starting Lineups:

Capitol Athletic (4-4-2): Pena; Culpepper - Matinpalo - Blackall - Molineux; Milligan - Watson - Murray - Lowe; Voigt - Thesselborg

Avondale City (4-2-2-2): Khan; Cross - Jones - Stamenkovski - Kyouka; Pyo - Lawson; Oosterhuis - Koshelev; Maddison - Poulin

2nd minute - Capitol Athletic 0-0 Avondale City
City have begun this game well - here’s Kyouka up the right hand side, weaving in and out, cutting inside now, Culpepper in her wake. The cross is in, Koshelev has left it for Maddison, here’s Maddison… he just didn’t get the purchase. It’s straight at Pena, who will snap that up more than happily. A great run from Kyouka, though - she’s been one of the players of the season. A shout for the award? Who knows?

8th minute - Capitol Athletic 0-0 Avondale City
Here’s a second corner of the game for the visitors, whose fans have been absolutely brilliant so far. Definitely the dominant ones - although that’s to be expected considering their team have been by far the better of the two sides. It’s nice to see the Lime Greens play with free spirit considering they only need a point or even a 1-0 loss to lift the trophy on their archirvals’ turf. Anyway, Cross’s corner, and is that a hand there in the box. The referee thinks so, yes, and it’s a penalty to Avondale City! Helena Watson and Capitol Athletic aren’t happy, but the replays show, yes, that decision will absolutely not be overturned.

10th minute - Capitol Athletic 0-1 Avondale City
Poulin to take, the 21-year-old having had a blistering season so far. Sure, it’s been nowhere as good as the insane standard set by Charlotte Eastwood but for his experience, he’s absolutely killed it. He steps up and it's in! There is absolutely no stopping that. Poulin is absolutely not one for mind games, and that has been sent straight into the top corner of the net, Pena left helpless. Talk about silencing a stadium - the only noise is the jubilation coming from the Avondale City camp. One hand is on that trophy, and the Maroons need three.

17th minute - Capitol Athletic 0-2 Avondale City
17 minutes, and the trophy is surely wrapped up. They’ve dropped off just at the wrong time here, have Capitol Athletic. Kitanchev is helpless on the sidelines, for his masterful defence has been breached with another piece of Avondale City ingenuity. It’s Poulin again with the finish, with Maddison’s deft touch on setting him up perfectly after Lawson’s ball over the top. It’s just too good a finish for Pena, whose just read that a little bit wrong and hasn’t adjusted in time. The celebrations on the streets are already getting going in the west of the city, and now the Maroons need two.

18th minute - Capitol Athletic 0-2 Avondale City
And they’re still going. The maroons outnumbered at the back here as Oosterhuis takes it up, finding the advanced run of Pyo in the middle. Slotting it through for Maddison and he shoots… it’s a good block, a real good block from Jake Blackall. What a season he’s having. But the ball’s not away, it’s back at Oosterhuis, cutting back in to the edge of the box… that’s not a bad shout at all there in all honesty. Pena wasn’t expecting it as the Cordian curls it through the cluster of defenders around him and thankfully, it’s missed the near post by about a foot. Good effort.

31st minute - Capitol Athletic 0-2 Avondale City
All Avondale City, still. The foot is not off the pedal, even if the defending has significantly improved. A foul on Maddison there, and the victim will take this free kick. 30 metres out, and with several players on the edge of the box to hit. It’s floated in from the Tumbran, it’s on the head of Stamenkovski and that’s a good save from Pena. The Mytanar’s header was absolutely on target, but Pena had it well covered in the end as he collects it up. No counterattack here, though - City have enough back. But it’s a look at the ball for the Maroons, which is better than before.

34th minute - Capitol Athletic 1-2 Avondale City
Jones, Stamenkovski, out for Kyouka, back for Stamenkovski. Pyo’s in space up forward, but she can’t break through, as it’s back to Jones. Lowe pressing here and, oh no! Here’s Ella Lowe, Stamenkovski right on her heels, Lowe to shoot… and not even Khan can reach that! What a finish from the new-look winger! Jones caught lacking on the ball and she just gone and taken it from him. A rookie mistake in such an important game, and do Capitol Athletic have a lifeline?

38th minute - Capitol Athletic 1-2 Avondale City
A corner here for Cameron Milligan and Capitol Athletic. Inswinging from the far touchline, into the box… is that an attempt at the Olimpico? Khan definitely wasn’t expecting that as it sails right over his head and onto the roof of the net. Interesting, very interesting.

44th minute - Capitol Athletic 1-2 Avondale City
Other than the goal, it’s been Avondale City’s half for sure, and is this another chance to re-establish that two goal cushion. Lawson taking it up, out for Koshelev and back inside, ooh, this is a great chance! Maddison’s free and he’s cutting in, the cutback for Poulin and oh, that’s very good defending. Blackall’s just got a boot on that to prevent the tap-in, sending it straight to Pena. close, very close. Maroons playing with fire as they chase goals!

61st minute - Capitol Athletic 1-2 Avondale City
Ever since the break, the hosts have been putting absolutely everything into it but the Lime Greens have held steadfast in their defence, taking the brunt of everything they can throw. Drystan Tudor’s been substituted on for Helena Watson and here he is, taking the ball up. Here’s Tudor, he has options but solo he goes! Into the box and there’s the lay off. Natasha Murray following up behind… and WHAT A SAVE! Edward Khan saves the day yet again!

68th minute - Capitol Athletic 1-2 Avondale City
Here come Capitol Athletic again, looking to break down this high line set out by Avondale City, but time’s running out. Culpepper up the wing, into Murray. Beautiful football there for Murray, and she’s spotted a run! The chip over the back line to Thesselborg and surely! Here’s Thesselborg… and it’s another brilliant save from Khan! Thesselborg’s looked to let it run in an attempt to outwit the South Newlandian, but his dive is equal to the task. That’s great reflexes and excellent movement. Is that the title sealed for City?

73rd minute - Capitol Athletic 1-2 Avondale City
Maroons are still pressing here - they’re definitely not the kind to give up. But the chances have been few and far between and when they’ve come, the visitors have been just good enough to keep them at bay. The offsides have been numerous, particularly in this second half, but one of these days they’ll time a run well. And just as I say that, here’s Voigt, it’s a one on one as he breaks past Jones’ outstretched tackle, Stamenkovski and Cross aren’t letting up though! He’s gotta shoot here, and once again Khan is to the rescue. Another top save from the South Newlandian - just how valuable is he to this Avondale City team? Always seems to shine just when they need him to.

80th minute - Capitol Athletic 1-2 Avondale City
It’s been all Maroons this half, but here’s a rare spell of possession for City, just trying to control the ball for a bit here. It’s Kyouka, into Lawson and here’s Kyouka again, making the run up the wing. Kohl’s available with fresh legs in the centre. Kohl with the ball here, laying it off to Maddison. Maddison shoots… and that deflection could’ve gone anywhere. The cheers of relief from behind the mouth of the goal tell you just how close that was as Maddison’s shot rebounds off Molineux’s foot there. Playing with fire as they search for an equaliser here.

90+1st minute - Capitol Athletic 2-2 Avondale City
Here’s Easterby with the fresh legs in a last ditch attempt up the left, plenty of bodies in the box. Even with the title all but wrapped up Avondale City are defending their hearts out for the points. Easterby with the cross… and it’s Blamey! No it’s not, Stamenkovski’s there, there’s five of them there! Reynolds’ turn and it’s Voigt who gets it into the back of the net! So many bodies in such a small area, a goalmouth scramble, but it’s into the back of the net as the Maroons equalise! This game has had everything - you can’t put another couple of goals in the next eight or nine minutes beyond it now!

90+5th minute - Capitol Athletic 2-2 Avondale City
They need two goals - one will not be enough to pip their fiercest rivals. Back on the attack they are through Blackall and Murray, laying it off to Tudor and he’s hit that SO CLOSE. Inches away from Tudor as the half volley strike splits the Avondale City defence in half and careens into the outside of the post, sending it out for a goalkick. They were that close to forcing the game’s final minutes into absolute chaos. Time’s running out and with two goals still needed… it’s still possible as Tudor has just shown, but it’s looking unlikelier and unlikelier by the second.

Full Time - Capitol Athletic 2-2 Avondale City
And there it is! The death whistle for the hosts as they are forced to be satisfied with second place, but the one that confirms the first-ever four-peat in Sylestonean history! The Maroons gave it everything to defend their record but ultimately, they took too long to get into the game and the Lime Greens were not about to let them get away with that. They’ve only really just managed to hit their straps, too, but they’ve done more than enough to finish with 63 points and top the table for the fourth year in a row. It’s been Pesfield Trees who have been the hardest to shake off in recent years, but this year they’ve had to go above and beyond with their very own archrivals chasing their tails and even leading them for such a long period of time. Five in a row seems an impossibility out of the mouth but it’s so close for John Lawson’s men and women… can they do it and cement their status as the greatest club team Sylestonean shores have ever seen? We’ll have to find out in twelve months’ time!

Capitol Athletic 2–2 Avondale City

Lowe 34’;

Voigt 90+1’ -

Poulin 10’ (p), 17’

   League Number One     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Avondale City          30   19   6   5    46   20  +26    63		IFCF Champions League
 2 Capitol Athletic       30   18   6   6    34   12  +22    60		IFCF Champions League
 3 Pesfield Trees         30   16   8   6    34   16  +18    56		IFCF Challengers Cup
 4 Betham FC              30   13   8   9    32   19  +13    47		IFCF Challengers Cup
 5 FC Conton              30   13   6  11    27   26   +1    45		IFCF Challenger Cup
 6 Mid-Capital            30   13   5  12    38   41   −3    44		CEdC
 7 Kirkham Sentients      30   11   5  14    15   23   −8    38
 8 Chamberley City        30    8  12  10    29   33   −4    36
 9 Whitepool              30   10   6  14    17   23   −6    36		CEdC; IFCF Cup Winners Cup
10 Marbury FC             30   10   5  15    13   20   −7    35
11 Avondale Beach         30    9   8  13    34   45  −11    35
12 Cleorough              30    9   7  14    31   36   −5    34
13 Emacuton FC            30    9   7  14    14   29  −15    34
14 Dunkirk Athletic       30    8   9  13    19   28   −9    33		League Number Two Playoff
15 AFC Droves*            30   12   6  12    23   24   −1    32		Relegated to League Number Two
16 Halpenley United       30    7   6  17    14   25  −11    27		Relegated to League Number Two

by **Sylestone** » Sun Feb 04, 2024 9:35 pm

League Number One Team of the Year + Awards

Golden Glove: Iñaki Pena

(Capitol Athletic) (Ryan Macleay 2nd, Luca Yali 3rd, Roberto Montoya 4th)

Best Defender: Aoi Kyouka

(Avondale City) (Jake Blackall 2nd, Katerina Stylianou 3rd, Arseni Stamenkovski 4th)

Best Midfielder: Jack Lawson

(Avondale City) (Thomas Hellyer 2nd, Charlotte Woodfull 3rd, Kye White 4th)

Golden Boot: Theophile-Corneille Poulin

(Avondale City) (Callum Beauchamp 2nd, Madeline Bostock 3rd, Kaytlyn Jean-Baptiste 4th)

Best Young Player (U23): Theophile-Corneille Poulin

(Avondale City)

Player of the Year: Aoi Kyouka

(Avondale City)

by **Sylestone** » Sun Apr 28, 2024 5:18 am

Squads can be found here

SFA CUP

by **Sylestone** » Sun Apr 28, 2024 5:25 am

Matchdays 1-15

Chaotic. It’s the only word that can even somewhat sum up the first half of the fifth League Number One season. We should’ve known it from game one, when John Lawson’s four-peating Lime Greens were undone in front of a packed Kitchener Stadium by Excelsior of all teams - a club playing their very first game in top flight football and expecting to get hammered by the best team the nation had ever seen. When Theophile-Corneille Poulin, last season’s golden boot award winner with sixteen goals, put the hosts up just seven minutes in, it appeared over. But Excelsior had other ideas. Despite conceding a whopping 77% possession over the course of the game, stalwart Cameron Keyes broke away just over the half hour mark to draw it all up before, in second half stoppage time, Ben Childers - the same bloke who first got Excelsior promoted to the League Number Two four years ago - decided to replicate his screamer from the edge of the box to give the visitors the three points on their top flight debut.

It would’ve been peak League Number One if Avondale City had gone on a rampage (of 1-0 wins of course) and finished the first half 14-0-1 or 12-1-2 or something like that. What actually happened, though, was probably the second funniest outcome. Unless you’re a Lime Green, of course.

Not once have they sat top of the table after a matchday.

Currently, John Lawson’s side is sitting in fifth place with 26 points, four points behind their arch rivals Capitol Athletic, who are leading Avondale Beach by one point. Yes, Avondale Beach. I did warn that there would be a lot to unpack, and we’ll get to them later.

For the Lime Greens, it’s the results from matchdays eight, nine and ten that really sum up their season, one that has thus far been riddled with inconsistency. On matchday eight against a Mid-Capital side who had just sacked manager Niko Draganić after an awful home loss to the Kirkham Sentients the week before - they would go on to replace the Rekan with former Chamberley City winger Lucy Sergeant, who had played a key role in bringing Jeaniara up through the divisions - the Lime Greens comfortably dealt with their opponents in a 3-0 triumph. Two weeks later, on matchday ten, they returned home after a week away from home and trounced Emacuton 4-0. Between those two games, on matchday nine? They travelled to Betham and were demolished by the Pandas, five goals to nil, in their worst loss since the country’s return to domestic football.

In their absence, it is Capitol Athletic who sit atop the table after matchday fifteen for the first time all season, dethroning Avondale Beach after the Pigeons drew 1-1 with Cleorough at home, allowing for Dzvezdan Kitanchev’s side to pounce. And pounce they did, tearing an abysmal Marbury with no goalscoring threat whatsoever apart at the seams, Levin Voigt, Jonathan Bagshaw and Ella Lowe scoring the goals needed for a comfortable victory at home. The Maroons in particular appear a handful to deal with for the second half of the season as with every game, they seem to be more organised and if they can keep it up, then perhaps a first league title in six years could be on the cards, bringing an end to Avondale City’s dynasty. But with so much competition, it will be far from easy.

Some of that competition includes surprise packets Avondale Beach and Cleorough, alongside Betham FC, Chamberley City and Pesfield Trees who all sit within five points of the Maroons. On 23 points sit the Kirkham Sentients, rounding out the top eight and leaving a five point gap to ninth. Although it’s bound to change as form fluctuates, right now the table seems rather organised… in a way, I guess, with eight clubs still potentially in the battle for the title, while the other eight fight off relegation prospects. So amongst all the chaos, maybe there might just be shred of normality.

But there can’t be much of it - there never is when you’ve got a side like Avondale Beach in the title race, one that has been top of the table at the end of nine of the fifteen matchdays so far. Under Denise Pinkney, everything seems to be clicking just right. Even with Jamal Mustafason injured for most of the opening half of the season, leaving teenager Brock Wootton as the club’s only out and out left winger for the time being, they’ve barely put a foot wrong. The new centre back partnership of Nikolai Brown and Ryder Yelverton has flourished, while Madison Hayes has been one of the league’s best fullbacks in what is currently appearing a breakout season for the 24-year-old after showing previous signs of potential at the Pesfield Trees and Felton Island. Jacob Farrow has slotted perfectly into the defensive midfield, but it’s Brock Sayers who has really taken this team to the next level. Despite joining from a struggling Halpenley United following their relegation last year, Sayers has found his potential under Pinkney’s free-flowing style of play, and has teamed up well with the likes of Farrow, Daniel Stedman and Amelia Ibsdottir, creating a truly tremendous midfield partnership that has become the core of their success.

Cleorough are another side who have been at the top of the table for a couple of weeks here and there as Eric Varsteeg has certainly got the most out of his players during his first full season in charge. Riley Strathfield in particular has shone, particularly whenever the Toucans face off against Dodle in an attempt to one up his twin brother Evan, who plays as a forward for the Mountaineers. Once again, Seth Baldwinson has stood out after being rather surprisingly snubbed by Mojmir Anac for Harvey Martin in Sylestone’s World Cup Qualifying campaign but like the Pigeons, it’s Cleorough’s midfield that has taken a step in the right direction. Even with the loss of Kate Fullers, Matthew Threlfall has filled in her role superbly, playing more defensively than the creative sparks Joao Peres and Jody Barnes both possess. Even though there’s still plenty of work to be done for the first time in a while, the future looks bright for the football fans of Sylestone’s fourth largest city (apart from those who support Freeport. Proper fans them).

But for every team punching above their weight, there are those who haven’t quite been able to hit their stride. One of those teams are the Pesfield Trees - a team capable of defeating anyone else in the country, home or away, on their day. Yet, they just haven’t been able to link up, with the likes of Lili Marinca struggling to get her season going while Andrea Kirby is still fitting in. Aomoca Aenenolin appears a definite striking upgrade from Theofilos Stearas, while Xavier Moreau has replicated his international form on the club stage all year, to the point where he’s directly challenging Hella Veensma for her spot in the starting XI. Adebayo Adeyemi’s shown plenty of quality up the wing, but is still a bit still mercurial. Injuries to players such as Jade Wettenhall, who has been brilliant when fit, Adalberto Furtado and Norbert Kaprasíusarson have thrown a spanner in the works for Hugo Beland but even so, have still been able to finish a matchday atop a couple of weeks ago, going from fourth, to first, and back down to fifth in the span of about a fortnight. Crazy stuff.

Another side not going so well are FC Conton who, despite being eliminated early on in their inaugural IFCF Challengers Cup berth, simply have not found their rhythm this season. They were always going to struggle with Charlotte Woodfull’s departure, but an injury to George Skeyhill left him out for a couple of months and really left that midfield open. Then there’s Mid-Capital, the only team to have sacked a manager thus far after releasing Niko Draganić following a disastrous start to the season, the club quickly replacing him with Lucy Sergeant from Jeaniara. Since then, they’ve noticeably improved and have been able to string together a few wins, lifting themselves clear of the relegation zone. Now, it’s Marbury and Hageling Town who sit in the danger zone but with several teams within only a few points of them, anything can happen. Which of them can get their acts together?

   League Number One     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Capitol Athletic       15    9   3   3    22    7  +15    30		IFCF Champions League
 2 Avondale Beach         15    9   2   4    21   17   +4    29		IFCF Champions League
 3 Betham FC              15    7   6   2    25    6  +19    27		IFCF Challengers Cup
 4 Cleorough              15    7   6   2    16   13   +3    27		IFCF Challengers Cup
 5 Avondale City          15    8   2   5    21   11  +10    26		IFCF Challengers Cup
 6 Chamberley City        15    7   4   4    20   13   +7    25		CEdC
 7 Pesfield Trees         15    8   1   6    15   11   +4    25
 8 Kirkham Sentients      15    7   2   6     9   13   −4    23
 9 FC Conton              15    6   0   9    13   15   −2    18
10 Dodle                  15    5   2   8    12   20   −8    17
11 Mid-Capital            15    3   6   6    14   17   −3    15
12 Whitepool              15    3   6   6     9   13   −4    15
13 Excelsior              15    3   5   7     7   11   −4    14
14 Emacuton FC            15    3   5   7     8   18  −10    14		League Number One Playoff
15 Hageling Town          15    4   2   9    10   25  −15    14		Relegation to League Number Two
16 Marbury FC             15    3   4   8     3   15  −12    13		Relegation to League Number Two

   League Number Two       Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Halpenley United         15    9   4   2    24   12  +12    31		Promotion to League Number One/Liga B Champions Trophy
 2 Kitchen Sink FC          15    8   4   3    28   12  +16    28		Promotion to League Number One/Liga B Champions Trophy
 3 AFC Droves               15    8   4   3    15    7   +8    28		League Number One Playoff/Liga B Champions Trophy
 4 Dunkirk Athletic         15    7   4   4    20    9  +11    25
 5 Felton Island            15    8   1   6    22   11  +11    25
 6 Acondo FC                15    8   1   6    13   14   −1    25
 7 Grafton Albion           15    6   3   6    13   23  −10    21
 8 Katham                   15    6   2   7     9   10   −1    20
 9 Jeaniara                 15    5   4   6    17   19   −2    19
10 Northampton Olympic      15    5   4   6    18   20   −2    19
11 Fridge FC                15    6   1   8    18   29  −11    19
12 Kirkham Appliances       15    5   3   7    10   12   −2    18
13 Cleorough Fire           15    4   4   7    19   26   −7    16
14 Paradise Coast           15    5   1   9    19   32  −13    16		League Number Two Playoff
15 Bunbury                  15    4   2   9    14   18   −4    14		Relegation to League Number Three
16 Western Avondale         15    2   6   7    12   17   −5    12		Relegation to League Number Three

   League Number Three        Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Pesfield Bees               15   11   3   1    29    8  +21    36		Promotion to League Number Two
 2 Pilbury Eaton               15   10   3   2    18    9   +9    33		Promotion to League Number Two
 3 Southern Beaches            15    7   5   3    15   12   +3    26		League Number Two Playoff
 4 Rockefeller Promontory      15    7   3   5    10    6   +4    24
 5 Copeland AFC                15    6   5   4    16   16    0    23
 6 Damminton Sands             15    6   3   6    15   19   −4    21
 7 Westminster                 15    4   8   3    17   15   +2    20
 8 Freeport                    15    5   4   6    15   12   +3    19
 9 Garretty Wanderers          15    4   6   5    12   14   −2    18
10 Mutiyara                    15    5   2   8    10   16   −6    17
11 Emacuton United             15    4   5   6     5   11   −6    17
12 Ketonley Town               15    4   4   7    12   14   −2    16
13 Chilseamers Town            15    3   6   6     7   13   −6    15
14 Bayville                    15    4   2   9    12   14   −2    14
15 Freeman City                15    2   7   6     6   10   −4    13
16 FC Aerorum                  15    2   6   7     8   18  −10    12

Sylestone Domestic Sports Newswire

Who is online