Don't Look Bac in Anger...

displaced_seagull · December 16, 2003

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Peacemaker7:

Fairway's shortest ever story post <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

- I'm more disapointed that nobody picked up on my 'brilliant' James Beattie pun

Peacemaker7 · December 16, 2003

I dont really have a clue who James Beattie is tbh, so it probably went right over my head, sorry

Oh and I forgot to mention I used manage Licartovce.

displaced_seagull · December 16, 2003

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Peacemaker7:

I dont really have a clue who James Beattie is tbh, so it probably went right over my head, sorry

Oh and I forgot to mention I used manage Licartovce.

A vauge knowledge of The Jam would be all you need - 'Beat leads to Poland Surrender'

displaced_seagull · December 16, 2003

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>

Bratislava-today.sk - Football - Thursday 26/2/04

'Duo come Bac'

" Maros Puchner and Jozef Pukalovic , loaned from Slovan Bratislava to Second Division outfit FC Druzstevnik Bac at the start of the season, have returned to the capital early. Both loan deals were to run until the end of the season, but Bac manager Stuart Fairway has decided to terminate the loans early.

"It's nothing personal" he said. "After our dealings in the January Transfer Window, we had gone over our wage budget by Â£160 per week, and sending Maros and Jozef back has freed up space for any late additions on free transfers. It was purely a financial consideration".

Defender Puchner, 27, had the best time of the two loanees - starting six times and making a further six substitute appearences, while 24-year old midfielder Pukalovic came off the bench seven times, but failed to start once for the club. Bac have retained the third of their loanees from Slovan, defender Pavol Mikulec , a player Fairway is keen to sign permanently. They also have Marian Tomcack on loan from Slovan's city rivals Inter Bratislava , though his has been an injury-hit spell. Both players are currently nursing minor injuries sustained during their loan spells.

Bac v FK Zeleziarne Podbrezova - League

Unavailable

Marian Tomcak - Injury (Chest, 3 Weeks)

With Puchner and Pukalovic returned to Slovan Bratislava in midweek, Stuart Fairway would go into the game making just a solitary change from the side who lost at Licartovce in midweek. After picking up a late knock in that game Milos Glonek, though fit enough for the bench, would be rested, with Matt Hillyer making his debut alongside the improving Tomas Albert. After a shaky start - 10 minutes in Ernest Lopu picked up a booking for diving - Bac improved, and on 22 should have taken the lead - Cisar drawing a fine save from 'keeper Hanak. On 29 Podbrezova's poor start would take a turn for the worse - Milan Kuspal, a striker picked up in the January transfer window, going off injured after an accidental collision with Tomas Albert. After almost constant pressure, Podbrezova broke on 36 - Spulica doing well to spot a loose pass, and taking the ball of Benko's toes before passing into the middle. Though Peter Horvath, an early sub for the injured Kuspal, curled his shot past Gardosik with impressive power and pace, the effort was ruled out for a borderline-at-best offside call. After the break the visitors would again loose a player - this time not to be replaced. A hopeful Solotruk chip forward caught the Podbrezova defence flat-footed - but any hopes of a Bac chance were dashed when Roman Chudik tangled with ex-Team mate Robert Patras, catching the striker with an elbow to the face. Referee Straka had no doubt over the intent, and send Chudik from the field. Bac would fail to make their man advantage count - Hanak forced into action on several occasions - but to no avail - Pavol Mikulec's late injury - He was still recieving treatment as the final whistle went - would only add to Fairway's woes.

Bac 0 - Podbrezova 0

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Mikulec, Albert, Hillyer, Cisar, Benko, Svoboda (Replaced Solotruk 45), Horky*, Lopu (Replaced Patras 45), Marek

Bac Position After Game; 5th

LeytonOrient212 · December 16, 2003

Quality stuff, well done.

displaced_seagull · December 17, 2003

Cheers

With Pavol Mikulec's injury confirmed as a hairline fracture of a toe on Sunday, Fairway learnt that his left back would be out of action for two weeks.

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Bac-Online.sk - Football - Monday 1/3/04

'Fairway offers Trials to Three'

" Bac manager Stuart Fairway has offered three players a second shot at the big time after they were released by their clubs last month. Turkish-born Dutch playmaker Othman Bakkal is 19, and an attacking midfielder. He left Dutch Eredivisie leaders PSV Eindhoven three days ago, and is already attracting interest from England and Spain, as well as Bac.

Both 20, Slovakian duo Michal Filo and Marek Javroek represent possibly more realistic targets. Filo, a striker, was handed a free by First Division Dubnica after a solitary substitute appearence this season. He played five times last year for his hometown club, failing to score in senior football. Right Winger Javroek meanwhile was released by Bac's Second Division rivals Presov without making an appearence for the club.

All three have been offered a week to prove themselves at the Bac-Stadion.

Friday would go down as a mixed day. Though Michal Filo arrived on a week's trial, winger Albert Balasz would be out for around a week after picking up a gashed leg in training. Filo's arrival made a positive impression on everybody - Head Coach John Durnin in particular rating the young striker.

Bac v Rapid Bratislava - League

Unavailable

Marian Tomcak - Injured (Chest - 2 Weeks)

Albert Balasz - Injured (Leg - 1 Week)

Pavol Mikulec - Injured (Foot - 5 Days)

With Mikulec, Balasz and the distinctly unreliable Tomcak on the treatment table, manager Stuart Fairway would deliver some light relief to Bac supporters on the pitch before the game - announcing that his assistant Tibor Nemeth, Scout Stefan Simko and Physio Martin Suchy had all signed new contracts in the morning before the game, and that potential new striker Michal Filo would be watching the game from the directors box. For the team he would make a solitary change - Mikulec replaced by Tamas Nagy, again filling in at left back. After all the theatre - and a bright start - Bac recieved another boost on 12 minutes when Rapid's Lubomir Horochonic was dismissed for a mistimed, high tackle on Cisar. 12 minutes later the man advantage paid off, and Marian Marek made the most of a glorious, flighted long pass from Tomas Albert to score Bac's first league goal since before the Winter break. On the half hour mark it would be two - Marian Marek taking advantage of a shocking defensive mix-up between Marian Hodulik and 'keeper Peter Holec to poke the ball into an unguarded net and double Bac's lead. The second half saw Rapid continuing to struggle, and on 70, they finally registered their first shot - a Zolak effort posing no danger to Gardosik's clean sheet, which just about summed up an ineffective day. After both a clinical finish and a horrendous defensive error in the first 45 minutes, the Second Half was something of a disapointment, categorised by solid midfield play and the the odd, ineffective shot. Bac though will just be glad to get back to winning ways.

Bac 2 - Rapid 0 (Marek 2)

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Nagy, Albert, Hillyer, Cisar, Benko, Svoboda (Replaced Solotruk 45), Horky*, Lopu, Marek

Bac Position After Game; 4th

displaced_seagull · December 17, 2003

With his side's win taking them to Fourth, Fairway made up his mind. Marian Tomcak's injury-hit loan deal would be terminated early, with trialist Michal Filo signed permanently as his replacement.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>

Bac-Online.sk - Football - Tuesday 9/3/04

'EXCLUSIVE! - Mixed News on Trialists as Tomcak goes'

" FC Druzstevnik Bac manager Stuart Fairway has exclusivley confirmed to BO.sk that he has agreed terms with trialist striker Michal Filo over a permanent deal. Filo, 20, will sign on Wednesday morning after Fairway fought off Second Division rivals Kys. Lieskovec for his signature. The deal will give Bac four strikers - Marian Marek, Ernest Lopu, Robert Patras and Filo - with Marian Tomcak returning to Inter Bratislava early.

His spell at Bac didn't start out well, with an injury in preseason keeping him out of the team, before a further injury upon his return kept him out for another month. After a couple of unsuccessful starts, Tomcak again cracked ribs in training, and with an estimated 2 weeks before he is set to return to training, Fairway has decided to send him back to the capital.

The news is also not good for the clubs' other trialist - Marek Javorek not impressing enough to earn a contract, while Othman Bakkal has signed for Spanish side Pontevedra.

Thursday's training session would bring mixed injury news - Pavol Mikulec fit enough to resume training and get back into contention for a Saturday recall, Albert Balasz the same, but reserve 'keeper Andrej Bombiak out for a week after twisting a knee. As stated on Tuesday, Marek Javorek would leave the club on Friday at the end of his week's trial.

Slovan Dulso Sala v Bac - League

Unavailable

Andrej Bombiak - Injured (Knee, 1 week)

With only a goalkeeper who's not been involved at all this season unfit, Bac manager Stuart Fairway would make two changes to the side who beat Rapid Bratislava 2-0 last week - bringing back Mikulec for Nagy, and bringing Marian Solotruk in for his first start. No place for new signing Filo - Robert Patras preferred to the youngster. Sala began brightly, and after just five minutes, took the lead - a fine pass from Vencel allowing Andodi to put a low ball in behind the defence - perfect for Jozef Hrivnak to roll the ball past Gardosik from close range. Bac's problems would continue - on 22, Gabriel Sikorjak would make it two, nodding home a corner from his captain Pruchny. If it hadn't been for some brave defending from Matt Hillyer, Bac - who had a woeful first half - would have been further behind at the break. With Benko largely ineffective on the left, and a solitary effort from the busy Solotruk before the break to get excited about, Fairway made two changes to his struggling charges at half time. They started the second half well - Cisar twice making probing runs into the danger area, both times being a little too intricate for his own good, leaving Marek with a difficult angle from which to score. With Hillyer seemingly fighting a lone - and losing - battle in the heart of the Bac defence, it was no suprise when Sala added a third on 72. Horvath's free kick just about summed the game up - a deep cross into the middle found Mikulas Lorinc completely unmarked to power a header into the roof of the net. He had slipped away from Mikulec - who made no attempt to follow - giving Gardosik no chance from 12 yards out. For all it was worth, Bac could have pulled a consolation back on 83 - Cisar clipping the bar with a shot from a most ridiculous of angles - again the winger taking the ball too far before attempting to cross. It would be the closest Bac came all game - a disapointing result, with an easy win for the home side.

Dulso Sala 3 - Bac 0

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Mikulec, Albert, Hillyer, Cisar, Benko, Solotruk (Replaced Svoboda 45), Horky*, Lopu (Replaced Patras 45), Marek

Bac Position After Game; 5th

displaced_seagull · December 18, 2003

A total media blackout would follow. Furious at his sides' inability to perform against Dulso Sala, Fairway brought them in for further training every day in order to gee his troops up for their next game.

On Wednesday, that intensive training would cause an injury - Ernest Lopu out for 2 weeks after a shoulder injury. Fairway, on the advice of assistant Tibor Nemeth, took the hint - his players would be back to their normal schedules for the remainder of the week.

DAD Dunajska Strada v Bac - League

Unavailable

Ernest Lopu - Injury (Shoulder - 2 Weeks)

After a harsh week on the training pitch, many would be expecting numerous changes. Fairway wouldn't oblige - his side keeping the same shape, and with mainly the same players too - new boy Filo the only addition, replacing Lopu, injured in training, in attack. After seeing a marked attitude improvment throughout the week, Fairway would again be fuming after just 3 minutes - Jozef Nemeth having time to turn and beat the 'keeper from inside the area to put Dun. Strada ahead. By 26 - after Nemeth had saw a second ruled out for the most obvious offside of the day - Bac drew level. Skipper Marcel Horky slipped the ball wide to Benko, who's pass into the box gave Marian Marek a fairly simple task from close range. On 36 though the Bac machine would get another spanner in the works. A Bac corner was comfortably cleared, and with Gabriel Majoros chasing after it for all he was worth, there was always going to be trouble. His run was brought to an earth-shattering end in the centre circle - Bac's Matt Hillyer dismissed for a rather crude bodycheck. Though the foul would have earned a Yellow Card most days, Hillyer was the last man - a professional foul, and a straight red. Nemeth would get a valid second on 51 - after Nagy's knock through Milos Glonek played a comfortable backpass to Gardosik. The 'keeper dwelt on the ball, then decided to take on the winger - and lost - Nemeth charged with the simplest of tap-ins to put Dun. Strada back ahead. Their lead - perhaps undeservedly - wouldn't last long. On 58 Jozef Olejnik caught Marian Marek - who seemed unaffected by the incident - with an elbow inside the area. Olejnik followed Hillyer into the book for a professional foul, shortly before joining him in the changing rooms - another straight red. Marek's penalty was despatched with textbook quality into the bottom right hand corner. For a while, Bac looked threatening - new signing Filo showing fine skill - but little awareness - to bury another plainly offside pass into the roof of the net on 71. The young striker was lucky to get away without a booking for kicking the ball away - protesting his innocence worked, and referee Jaska let him off with a stern warning. Seven minutes later the home side would get the winner they frankly deserved - Bognar again provifing the ammumition for a chance - this time, substitute Durica guiding a header home to win it. Dismal for the visitors.

Dun. Strada 3 - Bac 2 (Marek 2)

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Mikulec, Albert, Hillyer, Cisar, Benko, Solotruk, Horky*, Filo, Marek

Bac Position After Game; 8th

| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 1st | | Rim. Sobota | | 20 | 12 | 5 | 3 | 29 | 10 | +19 | 41 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 2nd | | Kys. Lieskovec | | 20 | 11 | 4 | 5 | 35 | 30 | +5 | 37 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 3rd | | Licartovce | | 20 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 32 | 24 | +8 | 34 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 4th | | Duslo Sala | | 20 | 9 | 5 | 6 | 28 | 18 | +10 | 32 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 5th | | Humenne | | 20 | 9 | 4 | 7 | 27 | 19 | +8 | 31 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 6th | | Senec | | 20 | 10 | 1 | 9 | 24 | 25 | -1 | 31 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 7th | | Dun. Streda | | 20 | 9 | 3 | 8 | 29 | 30 | -1 | 30 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 8th | | BAC | | 20 | 8 | 5 | 7 | 32 | 25 | +7 | 29 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 9th | | Kosice | | 20 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 24 | 19 | +5 | 28 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 10th | | Prievidza | | 20 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 27 | 28 | -1 | 27 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 11th | | Rapid Bratislava | | 20 | 7 | 5 | 8 | 25 | 27 | -2 | 26 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 12th | | Presov | | 20 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 27 | 26 | +1 | 23 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 13th | | Senica | | 20 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 14 | 22 | -8 | 22 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 14th | | Nitra | | 20 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 21 | 30 | -9 | 21 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 15th | | Podbrezova | | 20 | 5 | 3 | 12 | 17 | 37 | -20 | 18 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 16th | | Vranov | | 20 | 3 | 3 | 14 | 12 | 33 | -21 | 12 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

</pre>

displaced_seagull · December 19, 2003

With Matt Hillyer handed a One Match ban by the Slovak FA for his dismissal, Fairway decided his young defender had suffered enough punishment. Despite the blow to his defence, Fairway was more worried by his misfiring strikers - though the succesful Lopu/Marek partnership would return in time for the Senec tie a week on Saturday.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>

Slovakia-Today - Football - Wednesday 31/03/04

'Ruzemberok sack Vukusic as 5-Game losing streak continues'

" MSC SCP Ruzemberok have sacked manager Jozef Vusukic after falling to their fifth defeat in a row last night against Puchov.

Berok have struggled this season, and currently lie ninth in the First Division, though Banska Bystrica still have 10 points to make up if they are to retain the top flight place they only won last season.

With no game on Saturday due to International Freindlies, Fairway gave his players the weekend off. Slovakia certainly didn't - they beat Scotland 4-2 in Glasgow - while England's victory over Paraguay by the same scoreline would ensure their manager and Head Coach would return to work in a good mood on Monday morning.

Bac v VTJ Koba Senec - League

Matt Hillyer - Suspended (1 of 1)

With the banned Hillyer replaced by Milos Glonek, and Filo dropped for the returning Ernest Lopu, Fairway went into the game against Senec hoping for no injuries - with his side potentially three games away from next season's UEFA Cup, he knew his side had to get back on winning ways. They certainly wouldn't in an awful first half - neither side registering so much as a shot - on or off target. Bac finally came close for the first time on 54, still the first chance of the game - Marek setting up his captain Marcel Horky, who got under the ball too much and fired his shot into the stands. Their best chance of the game would come on 82 - Marek bringing a fine save from 'keeper Kakas - before Senec broke at the other end. With the Bac support fearing a sucker punch, Radoslav Gardosik completed his hero act - just getting enough on Kusalik's diving header from a Sykora cross to turn it round the post in injury time. Despite playing their part in a poor game, Bac will be pleased with a clean sheet - their first in 3 games - and with no injuries, everyone should be fit for Tuesday night.

Bac 0 - Senec 0

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Mikulec, Albert, Glonek, Cisar, Benko (Replaced Svoboda 45), Solotruk, Horky*, Lopu, Marek

Bac Position After Game; 7th

displaced_seagull · December 21, 2003

No obstacle would now be in Fairway's - and Bac's - way. His side were fully focussed - for perhaps the first time in a long while - the FA Cup Semi Final.

Bac v FK Zeleziarne Podbrezova - Slovakian FA Cup Semi Final - First Leg

With everybody fit, and Matt Hillyer back from suspension, Fairway would make no changes to the side who returned to form - of sorts - with a valuable point on Saturday. 0-0 was the score the last time Bac faced Podbrezova, who lost 3-0 at the weekend, and will miss six-goal hitman Horvath after injury in that defeat. Exactly a month since their last home goal, Bac supporters would soon see one. After just two minutes the home side took the lead - a bright start culminating in a Pavol Mikulec near-post header from Cisar's corner making it 1-0. With Podbrezova quiet, it was a genuine suprise on 17 when Juraj Lestak rattled the post with a raking drive from the edge of the area, Gardosik beaten, but the ball skinning wide to safety. On 34 they would go one better - Pancik's free kick guided home by Patrik Konusek at the far post. Two minutes before the break Bac retook the lead - with a brilliantly worked goal. Ernest Lopu's 40-yard pass dipping over two defenders for Andrej Cisar to bring the ball into the area and beat 'keeper Hanak with a deft chip into the roof of the net. After the break Podbrezova again drew level - on 54 Stefan Voronek finishing with a clinical volley from close range after good work by Spiluca. Marian Marek should have made it 3-2 on 69 - only finding the side netting after turning on a sixpence - but 3 minutes later Ernest Lopu did. Matt Hillyer - on as a half time sub for the disapointing Albert - played a long, hopeful pass towards Marek, who's little flick on put Lopu away behind the defence. Fruitless offside calls went up, but it was by then far too late - Lopu curling a shot past Hanak into the bottom of the net from just inside the area. It could have been four late on - Lopu blazing over after Cisar had done the hard work in injury time - but Stuart Fairway will gladly take a goal advantage into the Second Leg, back at Podbrezova in a week's time.

Bac 3 - Podbrezova 2 (Mikulec, Cisar, Lopu)

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Mikulec, Albert (Replaced Hillyer 45), Glonek, Cisar, Benko, Solotruk, Horky, Lopu, Marek

displaced_seagull · December 21, 2003

With First Division strugglers Ruzemberok appointing Milan Sip as manager on Friday morning, Fairway would allow himself a quick look at the top flight's league table. Though his side - lying 7th - were unlikely to make the solitary promotion spot, a good run in the last nine league games of the season could certainly be a boost ahead of next season. With all going well in the Cup, there could be a lot more to celebrate.

Bukocel Vranov nad Toplou v Bac - League

With the home side without a win in an incredible 16 games, Bac went into the game as clear favourites. Perhaps as a result of this - or, more likely, that all four players would need one more booking to get a one-game ban - Fairway made three changes, leaving out 'yellow peril' men Tomas Albert, Marian Marek and Ernest Lopu for Matt Hillyer, Robert Patras - earning a first start - and Michal Filo. Bac's 'second string' attack took a while to get going - something not helped by Patras needing lengthy treatment after a collison on 22. For a side without a goal in five games, Vranov looked sharp, and Hajduk should have done better with a shot on 28. On the half hour Bac would take the lead - Cisar's cross knocked back by Benko for skipper Marcel Horky to rocket into the roof of the net from 25 Yards. As expected, the floodgates opened after the first - but in a totally different way to what might have been expected. A Vranov penalty on 35 - Radoslav Homola making no mistake - put the home side back on level terms, two minutes before Robert Patras fired home from Cisar's headed through ball. On 43 the balance swung again - Homola again on target for Vranov after a Vozny pass - before Robert Patras turned to drill home Cisar's cross in injury time at the end of the first half. After the break - and a much needed rest for everyone - Matt Hillyer blotted his copybook in a big way. After skipper Horky had tripped Bumbera, and paid the price with something of a confrontation, Hillyer waded in to defend his captain, kicked out at Kupec and paid the price with a dismissal. 12 minutes later Vranov would take advantage. A Jencko ball into the middle caught veteran John Durnin unawares, and Ratislav Kupec stooped to guide a header past Gardosik to make it 3-3. Though chances for both sides followed, after five goals in 15 first half minutes, legs inevitably became tired - and though Vranov will value a point, for Bac, the result will be a big disapointment.

Vranov 3 - Bac 3 (Horky, Patras 2)

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Mikulec, Hillyer, Glonek (Replaced Durnin 45), Cisar, Benko, Solotruk (Replaced Meszaros 45),Horky, Patras, Filo

Bac Position After Game; 9th

displaced_seagull · December 22, 2003

With Matt Hillyer handed the standard one-match ban - plus an appearence in front of the discaplinary committee to explain himself - Fairway came down on his countryman harshly, handing the youngster a fine of a week's wages. Their meeting was short - and ended with Hillyer furiously slamming the door on his way out of Fairway's office. Great - all he needed before the midweek Cup Semi...

Typically, it wouldn't be all. Robert Lovegrove tried to catch a wayward shot in training on Monday - and broke his wrist. Robert Patras would also miss the game - a damaged shoulder reckoned to force the striker out for a fortnight - a hangover from his knock against Vranov. It never rains...

FK Zeleziarne Podbrezova v Bac - Slovakian FA Cup Semi Final - Second Leg

Unavailable

Matt Hillyer - Suspended (1 of 1)

Robert Lovegrove - Injury (Wrist - 2 Weeks)

Robert Patras - Injury (Shoulder - 2 Weeks)

With his side falling to their lowest position since July, Fairway was glad to have the Cup to take his mind off the league. However - if Bac failed to win against an injury-hit Podbrezova, they would have only the league to concentrate on - and based on recent weeks, it would be a hard last few months of the season. All thoughts of the final would have to be banished early on - Kuspal twice coming close for Podbrezova in the first five minutes. The game gradually settled down, and on 14, Bac took the lead. A Solotruk darting run was too much for Kuspal - tripping the midfielder around 45 yards from goal. Tomas Albert's free kick was headed back by Ernest Lopu, and Solotruk turned provider, prodding the ball through for Vlastimil Benko to hammer past Hanak and into the roof of the net. The goal put the aggregate score at 4-2 - Bac now looking comfortable for progression to the final. On 26 they could have added a second - Lopu's acrobatic overhead kick from a Cisar corner hooked off the line with Hanak beaten - and a further few minutes later, Solotruk came close to opening his Bac account with a shot well blocked by Hanak. After the interval the visitors would get that second goal they plainly wanted. On 68 Ernest Lopu flicked on a chipped Horky through ball, and Andrej Cisar took one touch to bring the ball down before rifling the goal his efforts deserved. Bac were crusing - but with it, came complacency. On 80 Podbrezova, in front of their record crowd for the season, pulled one back - in freak circumstances. Pancik's ball out to the right didn't seem to represent a threat, and only when Milan Kuspal took it forward and attempted a cross were Bac supporters even the slightest bit worried. The ball never swung in - Gardosik, expecting a near-post header, scrambled frantically back across goal but to no avail - from the acutest of angles - and a fair distance - Kuspal's cross hit the far post and nestled in the back of the net. Podbrezova went for it - throwing on three subs - and with the clock showing 89, scored again. From Jancik's punt forward Kostar cut inside to pull the ball back - Milan Kuspal taking advantage of a slow-to-react Bac defence to slot home from a slightly more conventional position. The striker followed the ball into the net himself - one more, and the home side would force penalties. As it was - and probably deservedly, for Bac's better play over the two legs - they wouldn't. Kuspal sank to the ground, Podbrezova's season ended - and Bac reached the Cup Final. With progression came some bad news - a late knock for goalscorer Benko would see him out for a few days - but more importantly, out of buying the celebratory drinks!

Podbrezova 2 - Bac 2 (Benko, Cisar) - Bac win 5-4 on Aggregate

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Szijjarto, Mikulec, Albert, Glonek, Cisar, Benko, Solotruk, Horky, Marek, Lopu

Peacemaker7 · December 22, 2003

Is this now your longest ever CMS story

Its certainly up there with your best, but then you've never really written a poor one. Which is annoying

displaced_seagull · December 22, 2003

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Peacemaker7:

Is this now your longest ever CMS story

Its certainly up there with your best, but then you've never really written a poor one. Which is annoying <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

The first three seasons of the Sarfend one all got to 4 pages, but that was with less posts on page IIRC.

Cheers

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>

Slovakia-Today - Football - Wednesday 14/4/04

'Minnows meet Holders in Cup Final'

"Second Division minnows FC Druzstevnik Bac will meet holders FK Matador Puchov on Saturday 8th May at Slovakia's national stadium, Tehelne Pole, for a place in next season's UEFA Cup - as well as the prestige of becoming the 11 side to lift the FA Cup.

While Bac edged out Second Division rivals Podbrezova 5-4 over two legs, Holders Puchov made tough going of their Semi-Final - beating another Second Division side, Rapid Bratislava, 2-0 at home in the Second Leg to reach their third final in as many years.

Puchov are - inevitably - odds on favourites, with 1/2 available on the First Division side. Bac are rated at 9/2, while the draw is 13/5. See Slovakia-Today on Friday 7th May for a Cup Final Special"

His side had done it - the minnows, as the nation's best-selling Paper put it, had reached the Cup Final - and would be one game away from a place in Europe. With the game coming up in four Saturday's time, Fairway knew he had to get his players back from the Semi-Final euphoria to the bread and butter of the league. It was all very well reaching the Cup Final - but with Bac down in 9th, form wasn't exactly the best in the division.

One player he would have to do without for Saturday's home game against league leaders Rim. Sobota was Marian Marek - the striker picking up a booking that would see him suspended for a solitary game. He would also be without Matt Hillyer - the discaplinary commitee extending his ban for a further two games - and Albert Balasz , another broken wrist victim - this time not through foolish behaviour in training - an fall after a quick turn - one of the wingers' trademarks - on a wet training pitch. The break, though needing attention, was only a hairline crack, and would keep him out for around a week.

Bac v FC Rimavska Sobota - League

Unavailable

Matt Hillyer - Suspended (1 of 3)

Marian Marek - Suspended (1 of 1)

Robert Lovegrove - Injury (Wrist - 1 Week)

Albert Balasz - Injury (Wrist - 1 Week)

Robert Patras - Injury (Shoulder - 2 Weeks)

Vlastimil Benko - Injury (Shoulder - 3 Days)

With the League leaders in town, and six first team players down, Fairway was down to bare bones. He made two changes from the side who had reached the Cup Final in midweek - Solotruk moving to the left in place of the injured Benko, with Svoboda recalled, and up front Michal Filo handed another chance in place of suspended Marek. On the bench was a different matter - both Bugar and Nincz brought in from the cold to fill gaps - with player/coach Durnin as the only plausible replacement for either of the two strikers. Predictably, Bac struggled early on - a flurry of chances for the visitors before the break, with Stas' chip over both 'keeper and crossbar on 24 probably their best. For their troubles Bac would create one stand-out chance of their own - Filo, who still looks a little hesitant and lightweight, heading back across goal on 41 when a pass back out to Cisar looked the better option. After the break Bac would improve, and on 51 take the lead - Ernest Lopu's free kick creeping through a crowd to catch 'keeper Bratislav Benko unawares. The lead wouldn't last long. Four minutes later Attila Pinte chased a long clearance into the area. Defender Mikulec and 'keeper Gardosik both went for the same ball, Pinte got the touch and Marian Stas' measured tap-in from the edge of the box rolled into the ungarded net. After shooting themselves in the foot somewhat, Bac responded admirably - and restricted the leaders to long range efforts, Pinte in particular busy, for the remainder of the game to earn a valuable point. A knock for goalscorer Lopu - who struggled to complete the match, looking very lethargic late on, will undoubtedly cause more worries for Fairway, who's injury problems are well documented.

Bac 1 - Rim. Sobota 1 (Lopu)

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Szijjarto, Mikulec, Albert, Glonek, Cisar, Solotruk, Svoboda, Horky (Replaced Nagy 45), Filo, Lopu

Bac Position After Game; 9th

displaced_seagull · December 22, 2003

With his beloved Brighton & Hove Albion beating Peterborough 2-0 to secure promotion to the English First Division, there would be at least some cheer for Stuart Fairway as he surveyed the wreckage of his injury-hit squad on Monday morning. Ernest Lopu would, as feared, be out for a week - a sprained ankle against Rim. Sobota the cause - while Tomas Albert would also join him on the sidelines after picking up a booking against the leaders to take his tally to four, and an automatic 1-Game ban.

Going into the week with 8 players out, by Saturday Fairway would have six on the sidelines - Vlastimil Benko returning in midweek, and Marian Marek back after a ban. Neither would have long to rest - straight back into the squad for Saturday's leauge trip to Presov.

Tatran Presov v Bac - League

Unavailable

Matt Hillyer - Suspended (2 of 3)

Tomas Albert - Suspended (1 of 1)

Robert Lovegrove - Injury (Wrist - 2 Days)

Albert Balasz - Injury (Wrist - 1 Day)

Robert Patras - Injury (Shoulder - 1 Day)

Ernest Lopu - Injury (Ankle - 4 Days)

With his squad still at threadbare levels, Fairway would at least be able to call on his leading assist provider and second top goalscorer - though he would again miss leading scorer Lopu and the usually reliable Albert. The Chairman's Son has had a fine season to date - keeping Peter Marinic - in for his first start today - out of the side. Benko would replace Solotruk on the left, with Marek coming in up front for Lopu. Bac started poorly, and after seeing Kocis hit the bar in the first 30 seconds, the scene was set. Bac were woeful - Peter Hatok opening the scoring on 14 - he would score twice more in the second half. Though Martin Jakubko saw an early penalty saved, he would score on 63 to make it 4-0. Frankly, it could have been 8 - Stuart Fairway had seen enough, retiring to the changing room with 15 minutes to go. His side would stay there for a further hour after the game - a simply shocking performance. Not Cup Final form - and Szijjarto's dismissal would just make things worse.

Presov 4 - Bac 0

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Szijjarto, Mikulec, Marinic, Glonek, Cisar, Benko (Replaced Nagy 64), Svoboda (Replaced Meszaros 45), Horky, Filo (Replaced Durnin 45), Marek

Bac Position After Game; 10th

displaced_seagull · December 24, 2003

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>

Bac-Online.sk - Football - Monday 26/4/04

'Fairway furious at abysmal performance'

'Bac manager Stuart Fairway has carpeted his side after seeing them capitulate to Presov on Saturday. "I had to walk away for the last quarter of an hour, I was so angry with them" he said. "We were second in everything - the only chances we did get we totally wasted - some players out there don't deserve to be pros on this performance. I won't be afraid to make changes before the Cup Final" he added.

With Szijjarto out for Saturday's League clash with Kys. Lieskovec - the last game before Bac's biggest game in decades, the Slovakian FA Cup Final, Tuesday's news that the full back would be forced to serve an extra two-game ban would not go down well. Worse still was to come...

Thursday - not a good day for Bac or manager Stuart Fairway. Marcel Horky , club captain, and Marian Solotruk , another midfielder, would both be out for a week with calf strains. The Kys. Lieskovec match - though important - suddenly took a back seat. Would his skipper be fit for the Cup final? - or would his squad be hit with further devastating injury blows on Saturday?

Bac v REAMOS Kysucky Lieskovec - League

Unavailable

Matt Hillyer - Suspended (3 of 3)

Ladislav Szijjarto - Suspended (1 of 3)

Marcel Horky - Injury (Calf - 1 Week)

Marian Solotruk - Injury (Calf - 1 Week)

With Lopu, Lovegrove, Albert and Patras all fit or available again after suspension, changes were inevitable. Fairway certainly rang them - Durnin, Patras, Albert and Lovegrove all returning with Szijjarto, Horky, Filo and Marinic all losing their places. Though fit, Fairway would chose not to risk Ernest Lopu - needing one more booking for a ban - before next week's Cup Final. Bac showed a much better performance in the first half than against Presov - though spending most of it under the cosh, there was at least some fight, and when the visitors opened the scoring on 42 it came from a set-piece - a position Bac have not been comfortable with this season. Jozef Privarcak's touch at the far post was enough - and the Bac faithful feared the worst. Three minutes later, a second - Peter Spanik rounding Gardosik to make it 2-0. Despite the scoreline, you felt sorry for Bac at the break - Kys. Lieskovec just getting the lucky breaks. After a slow start to the second half Bac would come close on 75 - Marek wasting a one on one - but on 78, they would pull one back. Good play from Mikulec and Patras put Marian Marek through to score with a cracking, rising drive into the top corner to make it 2-1. It would then be all hands to the pumps - both Svoboda and Durnin coming close in the dying moments. Defeat yes - but the perfomance would at least give some hope. Cup Final next up...

Bac 1 - Kys. Lieskovec 2

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Mikulec, Albert, Glonek, Cisar, Benko, Svoboda, Durnin, Patras, Marek

Bac Position After Game; 11th

displaced_seagull · December 24, 2003

For Peter Svoboda the Cup Final would be something to watch in a suit. Fairway's young prodigy - a player the Englishman rates highly - missing the showpiece occasion after picking up a fourth booking in the defeat at home to Kys. Lieskovec.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>

Slovakia-Today - Football - Friday 7/5/04

'Cup Final Preview'

"The 11th Slovakian FA Cup Final will take place tomorrow at Tehelne Pole - with minnows FC Druzstevnik Bac of the Second Division facing up against holders FK Matador Puchov .

The team in 30 Seconds - Everything you need to know about Puchov

With manager Stefan Zatko apparently under pressure, Saturday's Cup Final could be a crucial game for him and his side. He will go into the game with two key players missing to boot - and with the neutral hoping for a giant killing, this can only be good for Bac. Playmaker Almir Gegic , A Turk with Italian dual nationality will probably be missed the most. A lynchpin of the Puchov midfield, with 9 goals to boot, the missing midfielder will be a big loss. Slovakian international Pavol Vavrik also misses out - the twice-capped defender is suspended - as will centre-half partner Robert Ovad . A shock on the cards?

The team in 30 Seconds - Everything you need to know about Bac

Englishman Stuart Fairway has seen his side struggle in recent weeks - but is a hero in Bac for his efforts this season. In and up and down year, Bac have not only reached the Cup Final, but also the dizzying heights of Third in the League - not bad for a club only promoted last season. One of his key men is also a doubt - Marcel Horky , club captain, faces a late fitness test tomorrow morning on a calf injury. Though his squad have been hit hard by injuries and suspension in recent weeks, all is finally coming together - Marian Marek and Ernest Lopu , the strikers with 34 goals between them are both fit to return - and will start against Puchov. They are without a doubt Bac's best and perhaps only - chance of causing an upset.

Road to the Final - Puchov

As holders, Puchov went into the Competition as one of the favourites - and disposed of Dun. Streda 2-0 in the Second Round, to ensure progression to the Quarter Finals. In the first leg of the last 8, the holders struggled - losing 1-0 Away to Rim. Sobota, before a 1-0 win back in Puchov - a game in which Puchov finished with 9 men after a Sending Off and three injuries - set up a tense penalty shoot out. After missing one in the First Leg, Miroslav Nemec kept his head to score the first - 3-2 to the home side the final score on spot kicks. In the Semis, again featuring Second Division opposition, Puchov finally got into their stride, beating Rapid Bratislava 2-0 over two legs.

Road to the Final - Bac

Second Division Bac went into the Cup in the First Round - and needed penalties to beat Non-League FK Cana after a 3-3 draw. It was a similar story in the Second Round, with Bac beating Senec on Spot kicks after a 2-2 draw. Bac destroyed Senica in the Quarter Finals - a superb 6-0 win on aggregate putting the minnows into the Semis. Things were tighter in the last 4 - Bac beating struggling Podbrezova 5-4 on aggregate - with a close Second Leg keeping Bac sweating all the way.

Latest Betting Odds

Bac; 13-2

Puchov; 2-5 (Fav)

Draw; 11-4

Bac v FK Matador Puchov - Slovakian FA Cup Final

Unavailable

Ladislav Szijjarto - Suspended (2 of 3)

Peter Svoboda - Suspended (1 of 1)

With both Horky and Solotruk passing - or at least, not allowing physio Suchy to fail them, in pre-game fitness tests, Bac would go into the game with three changes - Horky, Solotruk and Ernest Lupo all returning as predicted, with the suspended Svoboda, Durnin and Patras making way. Bac began brightly, and after just 4 minutes, shocked Tehelne Pole - a Robert Lovegrove throw-in turned across the box by Marek - Marcel Horky hammering a shot in off the underside of the bar on the turn to give Bac the lead. Puchov immediatley pushed forward, with strikes from Nemec, Breska and an ambitious Jambok effort all sailing wide. On 22, they would get it right. Civrik combined well with Talda, the latter playing a fine pass to Mario Breska. The striker looked to take the ball too deep into the area, but on 22, pulled it back across the face of the goal to nestle in the far corner, and draw the scores level. On 35 Puchov would suffer a further blow. A collision between goalkeeper Tomas Bernady and Bac midfielder Solotruk left the 'keeper on the floor, rubbing his neck. Presov's physio - despite Bernady's protests - called for a substitution, and Martin Miscik was called on as his replacement. After more Puchov pressure, the replacement 'keeper would have his first test on 57 - responding admirably to a Marek header from Benko's deep cross. Puchov continued to attack, and when Peter Vavrik hit the bar on 66, it looked like a goal was inevitable. It never came - Nemec and Breska both busying Bac 'keeper Gardosik, having a fine game, with chances on 68 and 71. With Puchov making changes on 77, there was an immediate response - from Bac. On 78, Milos Glonek picked up the ball on half way and floated a fine ball between two Puchov defenders. Vlastilav Benko nipped onto it - and beat Miscik with a shot from the edge of the six-yard box to put the minnows ahead. Puchov fell apart - Lopu fired over for Bac on 81, before on 83 Marian Marek sidefooted a third into an empty net after Lopu's running had drawn 'keeper Miscik away from goal. A defender went with him - and Marek's simple tap-in made it three to put Bac's name on the Cup. Though Breska hit the side-netting in injury time, Puchov had been killed off with two goals in six minutes - and Bac had achieved the unachievable.

Bac 3 - Puchov 1 (Horky, Benko, Marek)

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Mikulec, Albert, Glonek, Cisar, Benko, Solotruk (Replaced Meszaros 45), Horky*, Lupo, Marek

Peacemaker7 · December 24, 2003

Well done

displaced_seagull · December 25, 2003

Cheers - Well, I think so - awaiting utter humilation in Europe next season

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>

Slovakia-Today - Football - Sunday 9/5/04

'Puchov shocked as Minnows lift Cup'

"Second Division FC Druzstevnik Bac shocked First Division Cup Holders FK Matador Puchov yesterday to lift the FA Cup in front of nearly 12,000 at Tehelne Pole. Bac, struggling in the Second Division - after yesterday's league results they lie one place and three points above the relegation zone - have really turned it on in the Cup this season, and will be one of Slovakia's Three representatives in Europe next season.

Bac manager Stuart Fairway said; "I'm over the moon - I can't believe we've done it. When Marcel (Horky) put us ahead, it was such a suprise - and then to come back and win it made it superb. All the lads were excellent, they all fought so hard for the team, and I'm just delighted. Representing Slovakia in Europe next season will be a massive honour".

Fairway came from England to manage Bac at the start of the season, and has brought in three English-born players to the side. Full back Robert Lovegrove was the only non-Slovak to start for Bac - Matt Hillyer and Player/Coach John Durnin both unused substitutes. "Rob, Matt and John have been great" Fairway said, before adding; "But the Slovakian lads have done ever so well too. Marcel Horky and Marian Solotruk started today in pain - they both needed fitness tests - but neither of them thought of crying off. Radoslaw Gardosik has been superb this season - we signed him on a free at the start of the season, and the way he's responded to that has been awesome. All of them have made me very proud"

More reaction and full match report inside - plus news on MSK Zilnia's Third First Division Title in as many seasons

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>

News of the World - Football - Sunday 9/5/04

'Englishmen deliver in Slovak Cup Success'

'Minnows FC Druzstevnik Bac have shocked Slovakian football this season by lifting the FA Cup - and owe it all to an Englishman. Manager Stuart Fairway arrived at the start of the season, and brought with him Robert Lovegrove - signed on a free from Oxford United, Matt Hillyer from Farnborough Town and Accrington Stanley veteran John Durnin.

Though Lovegrove was the only one to start in yesterday's final, to bring three from his home country who - with the possible exception of ex-Liverpool, Oxford, Portsmouth and Port Vale utility man Durnin - are not exactly household names and make them Cup winners is a great achievement - and makes you wonder how long Fairway it will be before Fairway is spotted by an English club keen to bring him home.

Bac, who will be in the UEFA Cup next season, won the game 3-1, beating First Division side Puchov in the final.'

What with newspaper reports in two countries, Bac supporters hailing him as a hero and plans afoot to dedicate a statue to him outside Bac-Stadion, Stuart Fairway was a happy man on Monday morning. The League table wasn't however - down to 12th, his side three points above the drop zone. He knew that without significant league improvement, all Saturday's efforts would have been in vain. The Â£30,000 prize for winning the Cup would also help - though not enough to lift the club out of debt, it would certainly be a start.

Bac v HFC Humenne - League

Unavailable

Ladislav Szijjarto - Suspended (3 of 3)

The League Game after the Cup Final before - and a Cup Victory parade around Bac-Stadion before kick off to boot. With no changes expected, or made, from his Cup Winning side, Fairway made it clear that he expected a performance equal to Saturday's in this crucial league clash beforehand. After just 3 minutes, he would get exactly what he didn't want - Although Marcel Bazik needed two bites at Peter Budzak's Cherry (A corner sent down the byeline), he would stick the ball away at the third attempt, and put the visitors ahead. It would take Bac a further quarter of an hour to start to get going - skipper Horky thundering over before Ernest Lopu finished up his own shot to power home the loose ball and make it 1-1 on 21. On 38, Marian Marek made it 2-1 - Vlastimil Benko just kept running after picking up the ball in his own half, and Marek's bullet header finished off a fine move. There was no denying it - Bac were in their stride now - and after the break, the goals continued to flow. On 56 Marian Marek turned provider - a raking pass which gave Andrej Cisar the chance to prod the ball into the far corner. A minute later Pavol Mikulec clipped a sensational 40-yard pass from halfway into the area - and Marian Marek was on hand to hammer number four, with a first-time shot on the volley into the top right hand corner. With Humenne a spent force, Marian Marek netted the fifth - and his hatrick - on 73. Though 'keeper Zajoros got a hand on his header from Lopu's cross, he couldn't get up in time to block the loose ball, Marek gleefully lashing home his fifth goal in three games. Coming after a barren spell of none in six, the striker was clearly delighted - as was Bac manager Fairway.

Bac 5 - Humenne 1 (Lopu, Cisar, Marek 3)

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Mikulec, Albert (Replaced Hillyer 45), Glonek, Cisar, Benko, Solotruk, Horky*, Lupo, Marek

Bac Position After Game; 9th

| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 1st | | Rim. Sobota | | 26 | 16 | 7 | 3 | 41 | 13 | +28 | 55 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 2nd | | Kys. Lieskovec | | 26 | 16 | 4 | 6 | 46 | 34 | +12 | 52 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 3rd | | Duslo Sala | | 26 | 12 | 7 | 7 | 37 | 22 | +15 | 43 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 4th | | Licartovce | | 26 | 11 | 7 | 8 | 39 | 34 | +5 | 40 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 5th | | Humenne | | 26 | 11 | 6 | 9 | 38 | 29 | +9 | 39 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 6th | | Kosice | | 26 | 9 | 11 | 6 | 33 | 25 | +8 | 38 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 7th | | Dun. Streda | | 26 | 11 | 4 | 11 | 38 | 40 | -2 | 37 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 8th | | Senec | | 26 | 10 | 6 | 10 | 27 | 30 | -3 | 36 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 9th | | BAC | | 26 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 42 | 36 | +6 | 35 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 10th | | Rapid Bratislava | | 26 | 10 | 5 | 11 | 35 | 35 | 0 | 35 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 11th | | Prievidza | | 26 | 8 | 10 | 8 | 33 | 36 | -3 | 34 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 12th | | Presov | | 26 | 7 | 11 | 8 | 39 | 32 | +7 | 32 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 13th | | Senica | | 26 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 17 | 32 | -15 | 29 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 14th | | Nitra | | 26 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 27 | 38 | -11 | 29 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 15th | | Podbrezova | | 26 | 5 | 5 | 16 | 18 | 45 | -27 | 20 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 16th | R | Vranov | | 26 | 3 | 5 | 18 | 16 | 45 | -29 | 14 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

</pre>

displaced_seagull · December 25, 2003

With their positive form carried on from the Cup Final, Fairway was pleased to welcome Ladislav Szijjarto back from suspension on Thursday, a return that would give him a full squad to select from on Saturday.

SH Senica v Bac - League

With a fully fit squad, and two wins on the bounce, Stuart Fairway would - for once - be in a positive mood ahead of the game. Senica, a side who provided no opposition to Bac in the Cup Quarter Finals, came into the game like Bac, with two wins on the bounce behind them. With both sides in such positions, an evenly balanced game was poised. It certainly didn't start that way - Marian Marek's injury the only real note of any importance in a poor first half. Senica started the Second Half the better side, and Horvatovic volleyed over on 46 before Jaroslav Hilek hit the bar on 54. With Bac resisting Senica to the last, a draw looked inevitable - until the 85th minute. As Senica pushed for victory, Bac held on - before Solotruk found Vlastimil Benko on half way. The winger surged forward, seeing his initial shot from the edge of the box blocked by 'keeper Hodal, who could do nothing about the rebound - Benko firing home his first League goal for Bac with five minutes remaining. In injury time Ernest Lopu fired home from the penalty spot to complete the win - and after the Cup Final success, Bac seem back on form.

Senica 0 - Bac 2 (Benko, Lopu)

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Mikulec, Albert, Glonek, Cisar, Benko, Solotruk, Horky*, Lupo, Marek (Replaced Patras 37)

Bac Position After Game; 7th

displaced_seagull · December 25, 2003

With Ernest Lopu picking up a booking - taking him to four and an automatic one-match ban - and knocks for Andrej Cisar and Marian Marek , Fairway wouldn't hold on to a fully available squad for very long. Though the two injury victims would return for Saturday, it would be between Patras and the misfiring Filo for the final striking spot.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>

News of the World - Football - Sunday 14/5/04

'Gunner Wiltord fires Arsenal to title'

'Sylvain Wiltord's brace in Arsenal's 3-0 win over Leeds has sent the Premiership title to Highbury. Wiltord, who scored twice after Thierry Henry had made it 1-0, confirmed what had looked likely for a long time, despite a tight title-race. Manchester United, who face Inter Milan in the Champions League final, also won - but despite hammering Wolves 4-0, finished three points behind the Londoners.

In an equally tight race for Third, Middlesborough have pipped Newcastle after Chris Riggott's 89th minute winner against Man City brought success to Steve McLaren's men'

For full reports and reaction, see Score!

With Newcastle pipping Glasgow Rangers on penalties to win the Battle of Britan in the UEFA Cup Final in midweek, Fairway felt reassured that his side had just three games left to play in the League. Next season would be - make no bones about it - massive for both club and manager. The UEFA Cup for a Second Division Slovakian side? - the stuff only dreams are made of.

Bac v HFK Prievidza - League

Unavailable

Ernest Lopu - Suspended (1 of 1)

With only Lopu out, Fairway would make just the one change to his rapidly improving side. Up front, Robert Patras replaced the suspended hitman, with young Michal Filo recalled to the bench. Bac began brightly - Solotruk and Robert Patras both having chances inside the first quarter of an hour. With the visitors struggling, Bac imposed themselves on the game - though wasted chances throughout the first half. The second half began better, with Bac opening the scoring on 54. A fine run from Cisar took him past Panis and into the area, before he pulled the cross back for Robert Lovegrove to rifle a first goal in senior football - a stunning right-footed volley into the top corner from the edge of the box. Minutes later it should have been two - Horky's piledriver - a repeat of his Cup Final effort - grazing the bar on it's way over the top. Prievidza finally began to get into the game when it was almost too late. Peter Keller should have done better on 75, before Papaj wasted a chance in injury time - firing over from the edge of the area with the goal practically at his mercy. Though the visitors could - and perhaps should - have at least levelled in injury time, it would have been hard on Bac - defender Matt Hillyer and goalscoring Right Back Robert Lovegrove in particular performing immensely to deny Prievidza late on.

Bac 1 - Prievidza 0 (Lovegrove)

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Mikulec (Replaced Nagy 79), Albert, Glonek (Replaced Hillyer 45), Cisar, Benko (Replaced Svoboda 45), Solotruk, Horky*, Patras, Marek

Bac Position After Game; 6th

displaced_seagull · December 25, 2003

Meanwhile back in England, Chelsea wrapped up the domestic season - a 2-0 win over Southampton in Cardiff keeping the FA Cup in the capital for the Second Year in a row following Arsenal's win over the same opponents last season.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>

Bac-Online.sk - Football - Wednesday 26/5/04

'Fairway - we want Kascak'

' FC Druzstevnik Bac manager Stuart Fairway has revealed his side are interested in signing Dubova defensive midfielder Marian Kascak . Kascak, 22 next month, broke into the Dubova side at the start of the season, and came to the attention of Bac after a string of impressive performances.

"We've been tracking him for a little while, and hopefully we'll be able to tie up a deal in the transfer window", Fairway told BO.sk. It's thought that such a signing would involve a nominal fee, if anything - with a sell-on clause most likely the only cost for Bac.'

While Fairway was busily telling the media of his intention to sign Kascak, in Germany Inter Milan completed the treble of Serie A, Italian Cup and European Champions League - a 2-1 victory over Manchester United giving the Italians victory. After seeing Roy Keane sent off on 20 minutes for an elbow on Kallon, United took the lead on 35 through a brilliant individual Christian Ronaldo strike. In the second half, Recoba equalised on 54 for Inter, before Javier Zanetti won it just four minutes before the end of Extra Time.

1.FC Kosice v Bac - League

With Fairway again able to choose from a fully fit squad, there would be just the one change as Bac aimed for a fifth win in a row. Ernest Lopu, back after suspension, would return - Robert Patras making way for the young striker up front. Kosice started brightly, and on 21, took the lead. After a great Lukac pass, Milos Glonek tripped Ivan Lapsansky inside the area, giving Slavomir Lukac the chance to make it 1-0 from the penalty spot. Kosice had the best of the first half, with Bac restricted to a solitary - and wild - Solotruk effort that sailed into the stands. Bac continued to struggle after the break, and indeed their only chance of the second half would come just before Kosice's winner - Horky curling a shot into the arms of 'keeper Rodak. A great pass from Jencik caught the visitors cold, and Lapsansky's header made it two to seal the win for the home side. Though Bac didn't play too badly, they just had no answer to a determined Kosice side, who seemed that bit keener to fight for every 50/50 ball.

Kosice 2 - Bac 0

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Mikulec, Albert, Glonek, Cisar, Benko (Replaced Svoboda 45), Solotruk, Horky*, Lupo, Marek

Bac Position After Game; 8th

Peacemaker7 · December 25, 2003

So, unless I've mis-counted, a decent midtable finish on the cards then?

displaced_seagull · December 26, 2003

Couldn't get much more mid-table if we tried

With Rim. Sobota beating Prievidza on Saturday, the League Leaders sealed the promotion that has looked likely for a long time. They will replace Banska Bystrica in the First Divison, who have struggled since going up last season.

Monday morning, and the departure of Peter Kolosani . The young goalkeeper, on loan from FC Nitra, would return a few weeks earlier than planned - Nitra face Bac in the final game of the season next week, with Kostolani unavailable for the game.

Bac v FC Nitra - League

With the visitors occupying a relgation zone spot, and needing a victory to have the chance to avoid the drop, Nitra's big day would have to wait. An emotional Alexander Meszaros appeared on the pitch before kickoff - announcing his retirement at the end of the season after a long career. Meszaros would though have one last start, replacing Solotruk in Fairway's only change ahead of the game. Who said all the sentimentality has gone from football? After the pre-match festivites the game itself started slowly, with only the retiring Meszaros coming close to scoring early on - a shot from distance that curled wide away from goal. On 22 however his Bac side would take the lead - as a Lopu pass dipped in between Ernest Lopu and two defenders, Svorad headed blindly clear. Andrej Cisar needed no second invatation, crashing home a deflected volley which caught the 'keeper out of position from the edge of the box. On 37 it was two, and Meszaros would see his name up in lights for a final time. Picking up a pass from Mikulec, he hit a ranged, 30-yard pass into the area - Marian Marek able to run on and round 'Keeper Peskovic before netting from an acute angle. On 45 Nitra - who for a side facing relegation if they didn't win looked lacklustre - won a penalty - Cisar pushing Kyselica in the box, and Michal Uhrik slotted home from the spot. Things took another turn for the worse for Bac just after the break - Robert Lovegrove sent off on 48 for a high arm on Hazucha. 90 seconds later, Nitra drew level - Marian Datko's free kick taking a wicked deflection off Tomas Albert, wrongfooting 'keeper Gardosik and nestling in the bottom right hand corner of the net. For a team playing for their lives, Nitra had been poor - but suddenly started to show their true ability. Kovan came on as a late sub, and immediatley saw a header clawed off the line by Gardosik. His addition on 78 proved too little, too late. With the clock showing 94, Cisar booted a loose ball in to touch - the throw-in was never taken, Nitra's players sank to the floor in despair, and were relegated to the minor divisions, bringing an unfortunate end to a real rollercoaster first season for Stuart Fairway in Slovakia.

Bac 2 - Nitra 2 (Cisar, Lopu)

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Mikulec, Albert, Glonek, Cisar, Benko, Meszaros, Horky*, Lupo, Marek

Bac Final League Position; 8th

| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 1st | C | Rim. Sobota | | 30 | 19 | 8 | 3 | 46 | 15 | +31 | 65 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 2nd | | Kys. Lieskovec | | 30 | 18 | 5 | 7 | 54 | 38 | +16 | 59 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 3rd | | Duslo Sala | | 30 | 14 | 8 | 8 | 41 | 27 | +14 | 50 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 4th | | Licartovce | | 30 | 14 | 8 | 8 | 48 | 36 | +12 | 50 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 5th | | Humenne | | 30 | 13 | 8 | 9 | 44 | 32 | +12 | 47 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 6th | | Kosice | | 30 | 12 | 11 | 7 | 39 | 26 | +13 | 47 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 7th | | Rapid Bratislava | | 30 | 13 | 6 | 11 | 43 | 38 | +5 | 45 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 8th | | BAC | | 30 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 47 | 40 | +7 | 42 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 9th | | Prievidza | | 30 | 9 | 11 | 10 | 36 | 40 | -4 | 38 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 10th | | Dun. Streda | | 30 | 11 | 5 | 14 | 41 | 47 | -6 | 38 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 11th | | Senec | | 30 | 10 | 7 | 13 | 27 | 35 | -8 | 37 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 12th | | Presov | | 30 | 7 | 14 | 9 | 44 | 39 | +5 | 35 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 13th | R | Nitra | | 30 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 30 | 40 | -10 | 35 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 14th | R | Senica | | 30 | 8 | 8 | 14 | 19 | 36 | -17 | 32 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 15th | R | Podbrezova | | 30 | 5 | 5 | 20 | 18 | 53 | -35 | 20 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 16th | R | Vranov | | 30 | 3 | 6 | 21 | 16 | 51 | -35 | 15 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

</pre>

displaced_seagull · December 26, 2003

2003/04 - End of Season Review

Slovakian First Division Winners ; MSK Zilinia

Runners Up; AS Trencin

Relegated; Dukla Banska Bystrica

Slovakian Second Division Winners ; FC. Rimavska Sobota

Runners Up; REAMOS Kysucky Lieskovec

Relegated; Bukocel Vranov nad Topulu, FK Zeleziarne Podbrezova, SH Senica, FC Nitra

Slovakian Cup

Winners; FC Druzstevnik Bac

Runners Up; FK Matador Puchov

Slovakian Super Cup

Winners; MSK Zilinia

England

Premiership; Arsenal

Division One; WBA

Division Two; Brighton

Division Three; Cheltenham

Conference; Barnet

FA Cup; Chelsea

League Cup; Arsenal

FA Trophy; Shrewsbury

LDV Vans Trophy; Plymouth

Scotland

SPL; Celtic

FA Cup; Celtic

League Cup; Dundee

Germany

First Division; Dortmund

Cup; Dortmund

League Cup; Hertha Berlin

Holland

Premier Division; PSV

Cup; PSV

Super Cup; PSV

Italy

Serie A; Inter

Cup; Inter

Super Cup; Juventus

Spain

Primera League; Celta Vigo

Cup; Deportivo

Super Cup; Real Madrid

Europe

Champions League; Inter

UEFA Cup; Newcastle

Super Cup; Milan

Worldwide

Intercontinental Cup; Milan

New Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland - Micheal Howard (Conservative)

Percentage of Vote;

Tory; 76%

Lab; 12%

Lib Dem; 8%

Others; 4%

December 26, 2003

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by displaced_seagull:

[CUT]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>

_ Bac-Online.sk - Football - Thursday 7/8/03

"Fairway gets his man - Striker signs for Bac" _

" _ FC Druzstevnik Bac _ manager Stuart Fairway has finally pulled off a signing he has been aiming for since taking the reigns at the club - that of a striker. Though numerous deals - including an audacious bid for international _ Slizard Nemeth _ on loan from his English side, Middlesborough, collapsed, looking closer to home has proved fruitful. With no money to spend, Fairway has had to be prudent, and as such, _ Robert Patras _ is perhaps not the biggest name supporters had expected.

Patras, 22, is a Slovakian, and joins on a free from his hometown club FK Zeleziarne Podbrezova, where he has failed to appear in two seasons as a professional. A pacey, right-footed player, Patras is noted for his vision and anticipation - an asset which convinced Fairway to make an approach. He will link up with his new teammates for the first time tomorrow, and is expected to go straight into the squad for Saturday's game. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[CUT]

What does it mean? he joins on a free, but he is in a team? Is he on loan?

displaced_seagull · December 26, 2003

Cost Â£0k, so essentially it's a free transfer.

displaced_seagull · December 26, 2003

Chapter 3 - Here We Go Again...

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>

www.bbc.co.uk/football - Thursday 24/6/04

'Review of Euro 2004 - So far'

"With the Group Stages being wrapped up yesterday, BBC Football takes a look at Euro 2004, and how it's gone so far. After a lavish opening ceremony, holders France took just 18 seconds to score the opening goal of the tournement - David Trezuget shooting himself into the record books. France would go on to dominate Group B, winning all 3 of their games without conceding a goal, and go into the Quarter Finals in top spot. England follow them - despite losing 1-0 to Italy and 2-0 to France, Sven Goran-Eriksson's men scrape through on goal difference after a 2-0 victory over Czech Republic. While criticism of Sven's tactics and selections has been predictably voiceiferous, Italy and Czech Republic are out, with England through.

In Group A, England's quarter-final opponents Germany won the group with wins over Belgium , who qualify in Second place and Turkey, who finished bottom without a single point. Croatia, who held the Germans to a 0-0 draw, finished third.

Group C saw Romania finish in top spot, with Norway in Second. Seeds Sweden were suprise strugglers, finishing in third with just two points, while at the bottom, Slovenia's solitary point came courtesy of an entertaining draw with the Swedes.

Finally in Group D hosts Portugal only just scraped through on goal difference. With Group winners Switzerland just edging out the hosts on Goals scored, Third placed Scotland were the unlucky party, going home by virtue of conceding one more goal than the Portugese. Greece finish bottom without a point"

Quarter Final Draw;

England v Germany

France v Belgium

Romania v Portugal

Norway v Switzerland

While Europe - and indeed Fairway - were mainly concentrating on the Euro 2004 Championships, he was needed in Bac on Thursday 1st July. The night before, he had watched England beat Switzerland with a Silver Goal to reach the Final of Euro 2004, where they would face France - and was in jubilant mood. By lunchtime on Tuesday, he wasn't. The annual meeting with the board, and chairman Julias Albert, had not gone too well. Though delighted with his performance, overwhelmed with reaching the UEFA Cup, and offering his upmost support, Albert had given grim news on the financial front. Though the club were back in credit, there would be no transfer funds for the season - and Fairway would only be allocated 20% of any monies he raised through the sales of players.

With John Durnin retiring and Pavol Mikulec returning to Slovan Bratislava at the end of his loan deal, Fairway's squad would also look a little weaker ahead of the transfer window. He would recieve some good news though - Alexander Meszavros deciding to postpone his retirement for another season, taking him up to the end of his Bac contract. With the midfielder agreeing to stick around, it was in a slightly better mood that Fairway arranged four preseason friendlies - trips to Second Division newcomers Bardejov , a second away game against Slovak non-leaguers Topolcany , before finally a 'glamour' tie - at home to First Division Trnava , a week before the start of the League season. By far the biggest test though would come on Saturday 10th July - 4 Days after the Bardejov friendly, it would be Slovak champions MSK Zilina in the Super Cup, the Slovakian equivelent of the Charity Sheild in England.

Fairway also took time out on Friday to fax the league's new clubs. Devin, Cana, Bardejov and Zlate Moravce would need Division Two standard players, and though in his eyes Ivan Bugar, Arnold Bodrogy, Andrej Bombiak and Marian Nincz aren't, he would still offer the four to all four new clubs.

With the squad number list due at Slovak FA HQ on Saturday morning, Fairway decided it was time to produce 'the list' - his musings on his current squad. If it turned out anything like last season, the musings would change dramatically over the season.

Goalkeepers

1 - Radoslaw Gardosik - Slovakian - 25

13 - Adrian Porszek - Slovakian - 22

30 - Andrej Bombiak - Slovakian - 29

With Gardosik firmly establishing himself as Number One last season, between the sticks there will again only be one choice this season. Porszek steps up to Number Two with the departure of loanee Kostolani, and again, Bombiak finds himself on the transfer list.

Defenders

2 - Robert Lovegrove - English - 21 - DR

17 - Matt Hillyer - English - 22 - SW/DC

6 - Milos Glonek - Slovakian (25 Caps) - 35 - SW/DC

12 - Tomas Albert - Slovakian - 24 - DC

16 - Ladislav Szijjarto - Slovakian - 24 - D/MRC

21 - Peter Marinic - Slovakian - 27 - DC

31 - Marian Nincz - Slovakian - 21 - DC

Young Lovegrove will go down as one of the discoveries of last season - several fine performances perhaps marred by a dismissal on the final day that will see him banned for three games this season. After joining in September, he usurped Szijjarto , a handy and versatile backup, from the team. With Mikulec returning to Slovan Bratislava, a left back is top priority in the summer. In the middle Albert and Glonek have formed a useful partnership, with another ill-discaplined Englishman, Hillyer , a more than able backup. He's certainly better than Marinic , a backup at best, and the transfer-listed

Nincz .

Midfielders

4 - Marcel Horky - Slovakian - 30 - DMC

7 - Andrej Cisar - Slovakian - 26 - D/DMR

8 - Peter Svoboda - Slovakian - 24 - AMC

11 - Vlastimil Benko - Slovakian - 30 - ML

14 - Marian Solotruk - Slovakian - 30 - MLC

15 - Alexander Meszaros - Slovakian - 31 - AMRC

20 - Albert Balasz - Slovakian - 21 - MR

22 - Tomasz Nagy - Slovakian - 23 - AM/FL

32 - Ivan Bugar - Slovakian - 21 - MR

33 - Arnold Bodrogy - Slovakian - 29 - MR

Without a doubt one of our players of last season was Horky , who quickly earnt a reputation for scoring spectacular goals - including one in the Cup Final worthy of a captain. Alongside him in central midfield Svoboda is not without his fans, but lacks consistency, while Solotruk certainly has an eye for a great pass - and a great shot. Meszaros reconsidered his retirement in the summer, but is principally a backup these days. On the right Cisar has seen it all - from transfer listed at the start of the season to a regular at the end of it, the winger combines pace with the ability to take on and beat players, and is a crucial weapon in our armoury. Equally vital is Benko on the left, who shone after signing for the club last summer. His form has kept Nagy out of the team, while Bugar and Bodrogy are nothing more than transfer-listed backup material.

Attackers

9 - Marian Marek - Slovakian - 22 - SC

10 - Ernest Lopu - Slovakian - 23 - FC

19 - Robert Patras - Slovakian - 23 - FRLC

23 - Michal Filo - Slovakian - 20 - FC

Marek and Lopu are without a doubt our main attacking force, with the strikers contributing 41 goals between them last season in all competitions. Both will continue to be our first choice attacking lineup - Patras an able backup - domestically at least, while young Filo had a poor first season, and will need to improve. We definatley need more up front for the domestic campaign, let alone the UEFA Cup.

Peacemaker7 · December 26, 2003

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR> New Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland - Micheal Howard (Conservative)

Percentage of Vote;

Tory; 76%

Lab; 12%

Lib Dem; 8%

Others; 4% <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

ROFL, that is such wishful thinking

Good luck in Europe

displaced_seagull · December 26, 2003

I have to have my fun now and again - Cheers

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>

The Sun - Front Page - Monday 5/7/03

'11 Heroes - England beat France to win Euro 2004'

"It has been the double success we were promised! - After England's famous Rugby World Cup win last winter, their footballers once again took centre stage on Sunday with a 2-1 win over France to become Champions of Europe. Liverpool star Micheal Owen scored both England goals, before David Trezeuget scored in injury time to give the French a consolation goal.

More on Pages 2,3,Centre Pages,54,55 and Back Cover

Coming as it did a day after England's superb victory, Bac's first freindly of 2004/05 wouldn't exactly be huge news in the footballing world. With no new signings, Fairway made the decision to rest most of his better players before Saturday's Super Cup game - giving rare chances to the likes of Nincz, Marninc, Bugar, Balasz and Filo.

BSK Bardejov v Bac - Preseason Friendly

With several players involved that Fairway himself considered not good enough for the Second Division, A defeat looked inevitable from the start. Bardejov began well, and on 23, Jan Meszaros put the home side ahead with an angled drive past Porszek into the far corner. Immediatley after the interval - one marked with no changes by Bac - Martin Sovic made it two, slotting home after a static Nincz had handed him the ball on a plate on 52. Two minutes later Michal Filo poked home at a corner to draw the scores closer - but Bac would soon fall further behind, Sovic glancing home a header on 63. On 75, Marian Solotruk , easily the best player on show for Bac, crashed home a shot from the edge of the area to again peg Bardejov back to the single goal - but a leveller just wouldn't come.

December 26, 2003

KUTGW d_s, excellent stuff. After Danny Webb, super Jakey and Adam "I know his sister" Virgo, are you after any more Albion players? Good luck in the UEFA - i fear you may need it!

displaced_seagull · December 26, 2003

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by samparish:

KUTGW d_s, excellent stuff. After Danny Webb, super Jakey and Adam "I know his sister" Virgo, are you after any more Albion players? Good luck in the UEFA - i fear you may need it!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Simon Rodger wouldn't come - and Gary Elphick rejected the offer of a trial

Great win today, COME ONE THE BOYS

Cheers for the support - we'll need a miracle to even get past the qualifying round I reckon. Depends on who we get, of course.

displaced_seagull · December 26, 2003

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>

Bac-Online.sk - Football - Thursday 8/7/04

'Two defenders set to sign as Fairway bolsters squad'

"Bac manager Stuart Fairway, set to lead his team into Saturday's Super Cup game against League Champions MSK Zilina, has this morning announced two new signings. Left Back Andrej Ernak arrives tomorrow after signing on a free from Dubova, while Eddie Forrest , a Scot, follows two days before the start of the League Season on July 22nd.

Ernak, 25, will go into the season as Bac's only left-sided defender - and as a result, carries a huge responsibility. Forrest, 25, signs from Partick Thistle, relegated to the Scottish First Division at the end of last season. He will also join on a free, when his contract with the Jags expires - and has been guarenteed a 'starting' squad number - 5. Ernak too will feel confident of his chances based on that most tenous of status symbols' - taking over the number 3 shirt, which loanee Mikulec wore last term.

Preparing for the Super Cup game, Stuart Fairway told BO.sk; "Both Andrej and Eddie will add a lot to the squad - with the UEFA Cup this season to compete in as well, and that Cup to defend - hopefully! - the more options we have, the better".

MSK Zilina v Bac - Slovakian Super Cup

Unavailable

Robert Lovegrove - Suspended (1 of 3)

Vlastimil Benko - Suspended (1 of 1)

With Lovegrove and Benko both carrying suspensions over from last season, Bac manager Fairway would go into the showpiece game with to players missing from his preferred lineup. New boy Ernak, (wearing Number 3) would get the chance to start, despite only having one training session before the game, while on the left, Marian Solotruk won the race to stand in for the suspended Benko, Szijjarto filling in at Right Back. The gulf in class between the two sides became apparent early on. Zilina started with seven players with international experience - and certainly played like it. Hardly allowing Bac a kick in the first half, chances for Barzik and Fabus both could have put the home side ahead before the interval. On the stroke of half time, Miroslav Barzik came even closer - rounding 'keeper Gardosik, only to hit his shot against the post before Milos Glonek thundered in to clear with a hoof of the most uncultured variety. When Zilina finally broke the deadlock on 59, there was nothing uncultured about it. It may still be preseason officially, but Michal Gottwald's brilliant curling free kick from the edge of the box may well be one of the best we'll see all year - a fine effort keeping Gardosik guessing all the way before curling into the bottom right hand corner. If the floodgates were then supposed to have opened, the script wasn't reading properly. Zilina definatley dominated - Putik missing a sitter on 76 - but Bac were by no means just there to make up numbers, and in injury time both Patras and Cisar could have equalised for the Second Division side.

Zilina 1 - Bac 0

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Szijjarto, Ernak, Glonek, Albert (Replaced Hillyer 62), Cisar, Solotruk, Svoboda (Replaced Meszaros 62), Horky*, Marek, Lopu (Replaced Patras 62)

displaced_seagull · December 27, 2003

After what amounts to a glorified preseason friendly, it's back to the real preseason on Tuesday - after a brief sojurn to watch international developments. After faliure in Portugal, Germany have called on Dortmund manager Matthias Sammer to replace Rudi Voller. Meanwhile, Italy, who went out in the First Round, have appointed Marcello Lippi , and finally Turkey have moved to appoint Fatih Terim to replace Senol Gunes.

On Tuesday morning, Bac's fellow Second Division side, newcomers SK Devin, appointed Robert Paldan as manager.

MFK VTJ Topolcany v Bac - Preseason Friendly

With several of his first teamers still needing match practice, Fairway chose to start with a full-strength side for the trip to Non League Topolcany. The game started slowly, with a typical preseason feel. On 27, new siging Ernak showed a big flash of ability for Bac - crossing in behind the defence for Ernest Lopu to fire over the bar. While Bac certainly had the best of the First Half play, on 44 Topolcany took the lead. Vladimir Czinege crossed, and though Miroslav Papranec got something on it, Milos Glonek was able to clear. Czinege again got the ball back in, and this time Papranec was on target - rifling home on the half volley to make it 1-0. With Bac making four changes at the interval, Fairway's side came close to an immediate reply. On 48, one of those subs, Robert Patras, raced on to a bad Duris backpass, but could only fire a shot against the post. With Bac continuing to pressurise, a goal looked inevitable, and on 64 two of the subs combined to produce one. A great ball from Tamas Nagy let Robert Patras slide the ball through - Ernest Lopu running on to shoot past 'keeper Gajdos. On 69 it was two - Marcel Horky's chipped pass flicked on by Ernest Lopu - Robert Patras able to run on and round the 'keeper to put the visitors ahead. However on 81 Topolcany again broke through, and again scored - Papranec meeting Vladimir Nemeth's cross with a stunning volley to equalise. One further twist would come - despite seemingly struggling with an injury, Marian Solotruk picked out Lopu with a fine pass, before the young striker flicked on to Patras. This time, the sub delayed his shot - defender Horvath got in a block - and Andrej Cisar found the goal at his mercy from an acute angle. With the 'keeper caught out by the deflection, and scrambing for position, Ernest Lopu had the simplest of tap-ins at the far post to make it 3-2. Who said Preseason games are just for the hardcore?

Topolcany 2 - Bac 3

The season was only three games old, but already, Bac had one in the treatment room. Marian Solotruk did indeed pick up a knock against Topolcany - a damaged elbow keeping him out for three or four days.

On Thursday, such minor injury worries paled into insignificance. No less than 16 Bac players would be out of contract by this time next year - including Svoboda, Marek, Lopu, Glonek, Cisar and Albert. By Saturday morning, Fairway had offered new deals to Svoboda, Szijjarto, Marek, Lopu, Glonek, Cisar, Albert and Porszek - Nincz, Bugar, Bodrogy, Bombiak, Marinec, Balasz, Meszaros and Nagy not offered deals at the moment. In all probability, Nagy, Meszaros and Balasz would be offered new deals by the end of the season - Fairway holding fire with some of his backup players at this early stage.

Bac v Spartak Trnava - Preseason Friendly

With a final preseason friendly before the start of league hostilities next week, Fairway would again name his strongest side in an effort to get his starters in tip-top condition ahead of that opener agaisnt Prievidza. He would again pick Robert Lovegrove - banned for those first two league games - at right back, with the young Englishman still needing match practice if he would be fit to join in again after his ban. Bac began well, despite the visitors starting with two current internationals, and on 8, opened the scoring. A fine ball from skipper Horky caught the Trnava defence napping, and Vlastimil Benko was able to square for Marian Marek to rifle past 'keeper Cerny. After their early shock, top-flight outfit Trnava came forward with intent, and Kozuch in particular had two fine chances to score before the break. After half time - and with another shedload of Bac substitutions - the game continued at pedestrian pace. On 62 though Bac would double their lead - Trnava sub 'keeper Hodulik on just 30 seconds before picking Marian Marek's near-post header from a Meszaros corner out of his net. With Bac in charge, Trnava were restriced to potshots for the remainder of the game - Slovakian international Vladimir Kozuch easily their best player on the night. However there would be more to come - on 80, sub Robert Patras powered a header at goal, saw it blocked, only for the striker to gleefully lash home the rebound and make it 3-0. 8 minutes later Marian Marek sealed his hatrick - racing on to a glorious Meszaros pass to hit Trnava on the counter with a low shot past Hodulik into the corner. The humilation would be complete deep in injury time - Robert Patras guiding a header home from Meszaros' corner. 5-0 Bac - a successful season on the horizon?

Bac 5 - Trnava 0

Janz · December 27, 2003

just finished reading thru the whole thing...great story you've got here KUTGW!!

displaced_seagull · December 27, 2003

Cheers - much appreciated

By Sunday, Andrej Cisar had continued the good mood in the Bac camp - signing on till 2007, while on Monday, teammates Milos Glonek, Peter Svoboda, Adrian Porszek and - crucially perhaps - Ernest Lopu and Marian Marek all signed their new deals.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>

Bac-Online.sk - Football - Tuesday 20/7/04

'Bac at 25/1 for Title'

" Stuart Fairway's FC Druzstevnik Bac have been given odds of 25/1 for the Slovakian Second Division title this season - with Bansnka Bystrica 2/1 favourites to return to the top flight at the first attempt"

On Wednesday morning, Tomas Albert and Ladislav Szijjarto followed their teammates in agreeing new deals, while on Thursday Eddie Forrest arrived in time for a first training session - he would go straight into contention for Saturday's game.

Bac v HFK Prievidza - League

Unavailable

Robert Lovegrove - Suspended (2 of 3)

Ah, July - the start of the football season - back after just over a months' break. Bac would go into their first game of the season with one notable absentee - young Robert Lovegrove still suspended after his dismissal agianst Nitra at the end of last season. They would also field two debutants - Andrej Ernak at left back, and Eddie Forrest at centre-half. Bac started brightly, and on 10 minutes took the lead - Marcel Horky playing through Ernest Lopu , who spun before firing past 'keeper Susko. Though the visitors furiously appealed for offside - and to the neutral observer it did look a close call - but according to the referee, Prievidza midfielder Igor Ferenczy played Lupo onside. Ferenczy's day would soon get worse - on 21, the 24-year old recieved his marching orders after a push on Albert. Despite going a goal - and a man - behind, Prievidza equalised on 34. A superb ball from Cernak drifted just behind Eddie Forrest - and Peter Keller volleyed the scores level. On 41, Bac would score for a second time - Marian Marek left totally unmarked from Peter Svoboda's through-ball to slide the home side ahead. Four minutes later, Ernest Lopu lashed home a third - Vlastimil Benko's deflected cross catching the defence unawares, and Lopu's finish would make it 3-1 at the break. After the interval - and a pulsating First Half - Marcel Loj headed home a Pavlus free kick to continue the goals - his 48th minute strike the fourth goal in 14 minutes. It wasn't over - on 49, sub Alexander Meszaros restored the two-goal advantage for Bac, beating 'keeper Susko from the penalty spot after goalscorer Loj turned from hero to villan, tripping Marian Marek inside the box. With Prievidza beaten, Bac had several chances for a fifth before Marian Marek slotted home on 85 - left with a one-on-one after Lopu had robbed Papaj to flick a neat pass into the box. Nice to be Bac? - you betcha!

Bac 5 - Prievidza 2 (Lopu 2, Marek 2, Meszaros)

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Szijjarto, Ernak, Forrest, Albert, Cisar (Replaced Meszaros 45), Benko, Svoboda, Horky*, Marek, Lopu

Bac Position After Game; 2nd

[This message was edited by Peacemaker7 on 29 December 2003 at 14:36.]

Peacemaker7 · December 27, 2003

Hurray up and get to the UEFA draw, I'm quite excited about it

displaced_seagull · December 27, 2003

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Peacemaker7:

Hurray up and get to the UEFA draw, I'm quite excited about it <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

So was I, until I saw it. Excitement turned to worry quickly [/tease]

Terk · December 27, 2003

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by displace_seagull:

Nice to be Bac? - you betcha!

bad puns but a top story

displaced_seagull · December 27, 2003

Cheers Terk

While their first result of 2004/05 would be a great win, Bac would - inevitably - suffer on Sunday morning. Skipper Marcel Horky struggled to complete the game after tweaking a groin muscle, and would be ruled out for a week, putting him as a doubt for Saturday's first away trip of the season, to Duslo Sala.

By Wednesday, the Bac injury list had increased further - Albert Balasz ruled out for a week after picking up a neck injury in training. With Lovegrove still banned on Saturday, could the injury problems which last season robbed Fairway of some of his more consistent performers on regular occasions be back with a vengeance?

By Friday, Marcel Horky was back in training - a quiet week the ideal build-up for the second game of the season.

Slovan Dulso Sala v Bac - League

Unavailable

Robert Lovegrove - Suspended (3 of 3)

Albert Balasz - Injured (Neck - 3 Days)

With 13 goals in their last three games - albeit two of them freindlies - Bac went into the game as 6/4 favourites, with the bookies doing no favours despite the date - still July. With Horky again fit, Bac manager Fairway would need to make no changes for the trip - and saw his side fall behind after just five minutes. With Tomas Albert slow to react to a chipped through pass, Ladislav Vencel raced on to slide the ball past the desparing Gardosik and give the home side the lead. After that early disapointment, Bac had two fine chances in quick succession - Benko volleying over after Lopu had created an opening on 18, and then a minute later Ernest Lopu himself wasted a golden opportunity - thumping a shot well wide after Svoboda's fine pass. With almost constant pressure, Bac would finally equalise on 42 - Cisar's deflected cross eventually falling for Marian Marek to poke it over the line from a few yards out. With the travelling Bac fans jubilant, their side, bouyed by enthusiastic support, attacked incessently throughout the early part of the Second Half - but Lopu and Marek both wasted chances. It would be a sucker punch to win it - Bac forgetting how to defend on 81, allowing Miroslav Andoni all the time in the world to guide home a header from Lalak's inswinging corner. Bac though can have no complaints - Fairway's side had more than enough chances to put the game beyond doubt - but in the end, they only came away with a scrappy Marek goal, and their tails between their legs. Disapointing.

Dulso Sala 2 - Bac 1 (Marek)

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Szijjarto, Ernak, Forrest, Albert (Replaced Glonek 45), Cisar, Benko, Svoboda, Horky*, Marek, Lopu

Bac Position After Game; 10th

displaced_seagull · December 27, 2003

and by special request...

Despite league defeat, there would only be one thing on Stuart Fairway's mind come Sunday lunchtime. The draw - the Qualifying Round of the UEFA Cup was taking place at UEFA HQ in Switzerland. It would result in a tough - but mouthwatering - clash for Bac.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>

The Sun - Football - Monday 2/8/04

'UEFA Cup Draw - The Brits are Coming'

"It may only be a couple of days into August, but European Club Competitions wait for no man, and seven British and Irish sides begin their UEFA Cup campaign in the qualifying round;

Red Star Belgrade (SCG) v TNS (WAL)

AA Gent (BEL) v Shamrock Rovers (IRE)

Shelbourne (IRE) v Pobeda (MKD)

Bac (SVK) v Dundee (SCO)

Portadown (NIR) v G.Antepspor (TUR)

Coleraine (NIR) v Sarejevo (BIH)

Bangor City (WAL) v CSKA Sofia (BUL)

While the ties for TNS, Shamrock Rovers, Portadown and Bangor City will be tricky, Dundee and Coleraine may well fancy their chances of reaching the First Round proper.

Dundee's game against Bac will be of added interest - the Slovakian minnows - in the UEFA Cup after a shock Slovakian Cup win last season - are managed by an Englishman, Stuart Fairway, and field three Brits in their side - two Englishmen, and Scotsman Eddie Forrest, an ex Partick, Motherwell and Stirling Albion defender.

Fairway smiled at the prospect - Dundee would be an immense test, and in all probability, his side would get soundly thrashed - but it would certainly be a good opportunity, and a good showcase - not to mention a probably moneyspinner. With the side Â£45,000 in the black - a first since his arrival - he had been disapointed to note that there were still no transfer funds - and this game could certainly prove the incentive the board would need to release some.

Peacemaker7 · December 27, 2003

Could be a good draw, Scots clubs are notorious for losing early and for once I'll be hoping they do. Go Bac! erm no, hang on, I dont mean... oh bugger it. Good luck

displaced_seagull · December 28, 2003

hehe - we'll see. Not confident myself, but we'll see. Cheers for the continued support

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>

Bac-Online.sk - Football - Friday 6/8/04

'Fairway in Preston Link'

FC Druzstevnik Bac manager Stuart Fairway has refused to confirm or deny reports that he has been invited to apply for the managers job at English First Division side Preston North End .

Reports from England suggest that Fairway, 36 - who has led Bac into the UEFA Cup this season after an astonishing Slovakian Cup victory - has been asked to consider putting his name forward for the post. However Fairway himself has been cagey - making no comment on the subject'

By Saturday morning, Preston had recieved a job application from him - Though reports of a 'done deal' seemed at best premature - and at worst mindless optimisim on Fairway's part.

Bac v BSK Bardejov - League

With the suspended Lovegrove returning at right back, Milos Glonek in for Tomas Albert, and with rumours surrounding their manager's future, Bac would go into the game against Bardejov in a mixed state of mind. That was very quickly improved - Benko having an early 'goal' ruled out for a push on 17. Bac pushed on from this - Ernest Lopu hit the bar on 33 - and it looked as if they were putting any problems, or doubts, firmly behind them. Bardejov - who won in a preseason game between the two sides - were still holding firm at the back though, and on the stroke of half time, fired a warning shot - Duris heading a corner straight at Gardosik. After a quiet start to the second half, the game exploded into life with less than 10 minutes to go - Cisar teeing up Marian Marek on 84, only for the striker to pull his shot wide of goal - and when sub Tomas Nagy blasted well wide in a good position on 89, a draw looked inevitable. However on 93 minutes Peter Svoboda picked up on a loose ball, and hit it into the area. As 'keeper Ilizi came out, Marian Marek nipped into the 'No Mans Land' between 'keeper and defender - and with the last kick of the game, prodded the ball home to give Bac a most deserved three points.

Bac 1 - Bardejov 0 (Marek)

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Ernak (Replaced Nagy 78), Forrest, Glonek, Cisar, Benko, Svoboda, Horky* (Replaced Solotruk 78), Marek, Lopu (Replaced Patras 78)

Bac Position After Game; 6th

Terk · December 28, 2003

ah, you should beat scÃ¼mdee no problem, if you haven't taken the stupid PNE job that is

displaced_seagull · December 28, 2003

Tuesday morning, and Dundee arrive in Slovakia - and bring their passionate supporters with them. With the Scots making freinds and painting the town Blue, Fairway would see Arnold Bodrogy - who's chances of starting the game would still be minimal - return from his calf strain.

By Thursday morning, there would be a further injury - Marian Nincz - in all honesty, no great loss - would miss his chance of being involved against Dundee after picking up a Hamstring strain in training.

Bac v Dundee - UEFA Cup QualifyinG Round - 1st Leg

Unavailable

Marian Nincz - Injured (Hamstring, 1 Week)

With the day no Bac fan thought they would ever see finally arriving, manager Stuart Fairway would, for the third game in a row, leave his side unchanged. Dundee, for all their pedigree, would too only miss one player - Trinidadian Brent Sancho on international duty. The Scots - 2/5 favourites for the tie with the bookmakers - would take just six minutes to take the lead, with Nacho Novo heading home from a corner. On 12, Steven Milne doubled Dundee's lead - in similar circumstances, powering home a Hernandez corner at the near post to make it 2-0. On 18 it was Bac's turn to break - and skipper Marcel Horky did well, hitting the side netting with a trademark rasping drive from the edge of the area. The chance rattled Dundee, and Bac pushed on - on 26, Ernest Lopu drew a fine save from Dundee's Argentinean 'keeper Speroni, after racing on to Marek's flick. 10 minutes later, all optimisim was effectlivley crushed - Dundee's other Argentinean, ex-Arsenal striker Fabian Cabellero, scored his 50th goal for the club - firing home from the edge of the area after Novo's shot came back off Gardosik. After the break, Bac came out brightly - Ernak and Marek both having early chances, before Marcel Horky smashed another drive over the bar on the hour. In front of an almost full house, bac shone in the second half, with Speroni the busier of the two 'keepers, certainly earning his Man of the Match award with some fine stops - an 88th minute save to deny Ernest Lopu in particular standing out. The defeat - though throughly expected - wasn't as bad as many had feared - and though it's almost non-existent, Bac will travel to Dens Park with something resembling hope.

Bac 0 - Dundee 3

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Ernak, Forrest, Glonek (Replaced Albert 45), Cisar, Benko (Replaced Solotruk 45), Svoboda, Horky*, Marek, Lopu

Peacemaker7 · December 28, 2003

Gutted. Ah well...

Digre · December 28, 2003

I love this story. Especially the use of newspaper articles. Excelent.

displaced_seagull · December 28, 2003

Still a second leg to go, he said optimistically - Cheers Digre

With a record attendance - and record gate receipts to celebrate, Stuart Fairway would find his side Â£51,000 in the black on Friday morning - but there was still nothing to spend.

FK Cana v Bac - League

Unavailable

Marian Nincz - Injured (Hamstring, 5 Days)

With Bac returning to domestic action after their European adventure, a game against Cana, promoted from Non-League last season, would perhaps be an ideal chance for a return to winning ways. After a slow start, Cana took the lead with the game's first chance - Lubomir Puhak following up Kostelnik's shot on 16 to put the home side ahead. Bac have a history of poor results against Cana - a preseason defeat when Stuart Fairway first took charge was followed up with a shaky Cup win on penalties - and with Puhak, Pazur and Kohak all having chances in the first half, it looked as if things would continue in the same vein. At Half Time, Fairway introduced Robert Patras for an inneffectual Lopu - and after a slow start, the sub wasted a golden chance to equalise on 72. With the game drifting to what looked a fairly inevitable conclusion, Bac suprised many with an equaliser on 76. Ernak's long pass put Benko through on the left, and though his cross wasn't the best, Peter Svoboda still only needed to chest it through - Robert Patras spinning on his heels to beat 'keeper Zajaros. It was really game on after that - Grac and Puhak both wasting chances for Cana as Bac seemed content to hold on - until deep in injury time. With the clock showing 92, Marian Marek picked up a Svoboda clearance on half way, and took the ball forward. His cross into the middle put a teammate in a one-on-one from the edge of the area - and the sub didn't waste his chance - Robert Patras beautifully curling the ball past the 'keeper and into the corner of the net to claim a memorable - if undeserved - victory.

Cana 1 - Bac 2 (Patras 2)

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Ernak, Forrest, Glonek, Cisar, Benko, Svoboda, Horky*, Marek, Lopu (Replaced Patras 45)

Bac Position After Game; 2nd

| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 1st | | Licartovce | | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 14 | 3 | +11 | 13 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 2nd | | BAC | | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 7 | +5 | 12 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 3rd | | Banska Bystrica | | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 11 | 5 | +6 | 11 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 4th | | Humenne | | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 0 | +6 | 11 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 5th | | Kosice | | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 7 | +5 | 10 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 6th | | Senec | | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 11 | 6 | +5 | 10 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 7th | | Cana | | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 2 | +3 | 10 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 8th | | Kys. Lieskovec | | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 8 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 9th | | Bardejov | | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 5 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 10th | | Zlate moravce | | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 10 | -3 | 5 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 11th | | Devin | | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 8 | -3 | 4 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 12th | | Duslo Sala | | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 9 | -4 | 4 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 13th | | Presov | | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 6 | 13 | -7 | 3 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 14th | | Dun. Streda | | 5 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 13 | -7 | 2 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 15th | | Rapid Bratislava | | 5 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 9 | -6 | 1 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 16th | | Prievidza | | 5 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 14 | -11 | 1 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

</pre>

displaced_seagull · December 28, 2003

After a quiet week - Perugia's appointment of ex-Italian international Gianluca Vialli as their new manager the only real item of note in the footballing world - Bac would have the chance to go top on Saturday.

Bac v Dukla Banska Bystrica - League

Standing in their way of that top spot - other results - and the side relegated from the First Division at the end of last season. With no injuries, and despite 'supersub' Patras scoring twice against Cana, Bac manager Fairway would go into the game with an unchanged side. The home side started brightly, with Marian Marek grazing the bar on 8. It proved to be the striker's only real action of the game - taken off injured to be replaced by Patras on 17. On the stroke of half time - a quiet first half only livened up by a late Sovic effort for Banska Bystrica - Bac won a penalty after Urgela handled. In the absence of Marek, Peter Svoboda stepped up - and scuffed his penalty straight at Zajac, who recovered to block the rebound to boot. After the interval Bac - who had dominated - would go ahead. On 50, Eddie Forrest clipped a sensational 60-yard pass into the area - Robert Patras chased for all it was worth, and turned the ball back across the area - providing Ernest Lopu with the chance to fire home from 12 yards out. On 59, Bac were forced into another change - Robert Lovegrove getting an accidental Urgela boot in the shoulder while grounded. After retreating to lick their wounds, Banska Bystrica had a golden chance to equalise on 78 when Semenik ran the length of the Bac half, drawing three defenders with him, before passing into the middle. Though veteran former Slovak international Miroslav Sovic was totally unmarked, he still diverted the ball wide of the post with the goal at his mercy. From then on, you sensed it wouldn't be Banska Bystrica's day - and though Bac were grateful to 'keeper Gardosik for some late heroics, they would rack up an impressive fourth League win on the bounce - just the form they need going into a trip to Dundee.

Bac 1 - Banska Bystrica 0 (Lopu)

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove (Replaced Meszaros 59), Ernak, Forrest, Glonek, Cisar, Benko (Replaced Nagy 45), Svoboda, Horky*, Marek, Lopu (Replaced Patras 17)

Bac Position After Game; 1st

December 28, 2003

Come on! 3-0, you can pull it Bac!

*waits to be flamed for terrible pun*

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