displaced_seagull Posted January 14, 2004 Author Share Posted January 14, 2004 With Celtic's 2-0 win over a Lazio side containing Scottish international Scott Brown , formerly of Hibs giving the Scottish side the UEFA Cup on Thursday evening, it would be a double - and a dark day for Rangers fans, who saw their side finish 20 points behind the Bhoys in the League this season. <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Bac-Online.sk - Football - Friday 26/5/06 'Bac chasing Duo' "League leaders Bac are in the hunt for at least three new faces during the summer - weather they win the title or not. Manager Stuart Fairway has long been interested in Trencin's former Slovakian Schoolboy Captain Jozef Hrivnak , but is reportedly also after one of his teammates at the bottom club - Pavol Petras . Petras, 16, is another product of the successful Trencin Youth System, born in Ruzemberok, but rejecting his hometown club at the age of 13. He would be rewarded - signing a youth contract last summer. Good performances for both Trencin's Under 19 side, and on a few occasions, the Senior squad, have brought the youngster to Fairway's attention. A defender, he is equally comfortable in the centre or on the left - and has also been known to operate as a Sweeper. Reports are suggesting a deal could be imminent in the Summer - a £14,000 fee apparently agreed between the two sides. Meanwhile, despite his earlier statement that he would have to think carefully before adding more foreigners to his squad, Fairway has been linked with a move for 22-Year old Democratic Republic of Congo midfielder David Mukeba . Mukeba, a central midfielder, is playing in his homeland, but with five caps for his country is said to be keen to avoid the still-ongoing civil war. A tough, hardworking midfielder, is a fine player - and as he is out of contract in the summer, would not cost a fee from his club, TP Mazembe . <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> AS Trencin v Bac - League With Adamik and Cisar back from their suspensions, Fairway would immediatley restore them to the side for a game that his team needed to win. Although the title could only be won today if Zilina loose, a defeat will put Trencin firmly into the relegation mire - which could help Fairway's planned summer dealings. After a quiet start for both sides Bac took the lead with their first real chance - Cisar bursting past his man on the right, and crossing for Seto Nurdinatoro to flick home. If Bac fans expected the floodgates to open, they would be mistaken - on 34 Kopacka saw his shot deflected into the arms of Gardosik, and on 38, he went one better - providing the corner from which Milan Micenic headed the home side level. Immediatley after the break Bac had a golden chance to retake the lead - on 52, Mikulec put Nurdinatoro away inside the area, but his shot across goal was easily held by young 'keeper Volesak. As with Bac's first goal, their first chance of the second half brought the response they didn't want at all - on 54 Radovan Palo intercepted after Adamik dwelt on the ball 35 yards from goal, ran forward and beat 'keeper Gardosik with a fine shot. With Fairway urging them on from the sidelines, Bac flew forward - even going with three strikers late on - and certainly had chances. Nurdinatoro and Ernak both had chances - Marian Marek hit the bar in injury time - but that goal just wouldn't come. Two wins, two defeats and a draw in their last five games - hardly Championship form... Trencin 2 - Bac 1 (Nurdinatoro) Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove (Replaced Balaz 82), Ernak, Adamik, Majernik, Cisar, Mikulec (Replaced Kaveney 56), Svoboda , Horky*, Marek, Nurdiantoro Bac Position After Game; 1st Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted January 14, 2004 Author Share Posted January 14, 2004 Sunday morning in the Fairway household would prove to be one full of emotions - all mixed. Yes, his Bac side had lost at the bottom club - but Zilina had only drawn - and if they failed to win their final two matches, whatever Bac did, his side would be crowned Champions. Alternativley - and optimistically, with Bac five points clear, it would only take a win on Saturday to do the job themselves. They would have to compete without Andrej Ernak and Marcel Horky - left back and tenacious midfield captain both picking up bookings - and that 4-Card = 1 Game ban rule kicking in. Fortunatley - if possible - they would be playing Slovan Bratislava - Second-bottom themselves. All that would be in the future though - Fairway poured himself a stiff drink, sat back and just watched for a change - the rerun of the FA Cup Final. Neither winners Liverpool or Chelsea played particularly well - the game tight, as so many recent Cup Finals have been, was decided by a single goal - the Reds' Benjamin Lauth scoring midway through the first half. <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> The Sun - Football - Thursday 1/6/06 'Double Agony for United as Juve leave it late' "Manchester United's hopes of winning the European Cup for the Third time dissolved in injury time last night. After just two minutes the Red Devils took the lead - Roque Santa Cruz putting Sir Alex Ferguson's men ahead. With the winning post in sight, Rio Ferdinand missed a header on 87 - and Allesandro Del Piero stole the space to beat Howard at his near post. In Extra time it happened again - Neville's slip, and Marco Di Vaio's finish taking the trophy to Italy. Both defenders were disconsolate at the final whistle - and Fergie will be wondering exactly what it will take for him to lead his side to a second European Cup - the trophy he so desperatley craves. See Report Page 61 <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Bac-Online.sk - Football - Friday 2/6/06 'Fairway announces double signing as three announce retirement plans' "With the fate of the League title hanging in the balance, Bac manager Stuart Fairway is already planning for next season - and today announced two signings of players who will join over the summer. The season will already be underway when Democratic Republic of Congo international David Mukebe arrives on a Free Transfer from TP Mazembe - the midfielder agreeing terms on a deal that will see him join Bac when his contract expires. Joining early in July though will be a much younger player - Pavol Petras , 16, has cost Bac £14,000 from Trencin - though the money is not available at the moment. Stuart Fairway explained; "Pavol's signing will go through in early July - by which time Eddie Forrest will have gone to Morton, and I should have some money to spend. If there are any unforseen circumstances, then the deal will fail - and I'm very grateful to both Pavol and his club for agreeing to this proviso. Meanwhile, three Bac players have announced plans to retire at the end of the season. Milos Glonek, Vlastimil Benko and Erik Takac are all in their thirties - Glonek is 37, while Benko and Takac are 32 and 31 respectivley. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> With all the talk of transfers and retirements, Fairway had cannily took some pressure off his players ahead of Saturday's crunch game. No doubt about it - Zilina's trip to Ruzemberok was the tougher of the two games attracting most attention, but Bac's home game with Slovan would be a tough proposition with no Horky or Ernak - and the visitors fighting for their First Division lives. Bac v Slovan Bratislava - League Unavailable Marian Horky - Suspended (1 of 1) Andrej Ernak - Suspended (1 of 1) With Horky looking on from the stands - in his club suit, should he be called upon to lift the trophy - Fairway made two changes - both enforced - from the side who slipped up at Trencin. Horky's replacement usual replacement - Pavol Mikulec - would drop to left back, with Glen Kaveney in at left wing and retiring Benko called in to the centre of midfield. It was a glorious day - but few in a packed Bac-Stadion cared about the weather. On the pitch, the game started in disapointing fashion, with both sides missing fine chances - Jan Slahor for Slovan and Marian Marek for Bac. On 24 however Slahor went up for a header, left his arm flaling - and elbowed young Adamik in the face. As the defender went down in pain, the striker was sent off - and all around Slovakia Zilina fans worried. Four minutes later, they would have just cause to - Pavol Mikulec's pass to Peter Svoboda - and his fantastic through ball - caught Slovan cold, and when Seto Nurdinatoro rounded the 'keeper there was only one destination for the ball. For a while, Bac were flying - but on the stroke of half time, they were very nearly brought back down to earth with a bump. Bednar hooked a ball clear from the Slovan box, and though Babnic turned inside Lovegrove, the young defender recovered his ground, made the tackle and saved the day. Immediatley after the break any doubts were quashed - Benko's fine pass into the area and a typical, jinking Glen Kaveney run ended not with a cross, but a cheeky chip that gave Vencel no chance. The rest of the second half passed by in a blur - Slovak having a rare chance for Slovan, and Peter Svoboda curling over on 58 with a shot that, had it gone in, would have truly deserved to be the won that decided the Championship. As it was a certain Indonesian striker - and Ruzemberok's Jozef Jelsic - had already done it. The Cup winners beat the defending Champions by a single goal, and the New Champions crusied to a comfortable win - the unachievable achieved. Bac 2 - Slovan 0 (Nurdinatoro, Kaveney) Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Mikulec, Adamik, Majernik, Cisar, Kaveney, Svoboda , Benko*, Marek, Nurdiantoro Bac Position After Game; 1st Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted January 14, 2004 Author Share Posted January 14, 2004 <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Slovakia-Today - Football - Sunday 4/6/06 'Bac of the Net! - From Division Two to Champions in Two Seasons' "They said it could never be done - well tell them it just has been" - Stuart Fairway's words after seeing his side beat Slovan Bratislava 2-0 to win the Slovakian First Division yesterday afternoon. It is an extrordinary turnaround for Bac - promoted from the Non-League into the Second Division at the end of the 2002/03 season, when they gave the managers' job to a young Englishman. Fairway proved a revelation for Bac - the FA Cup in his first season, the Second Division Championship - and promotion - in his second - and now, in his third, the big one - Bac are Champions of Slovakia for the first time ever. In fact, it's the first time this little club have ever been anywhere near the top flight, let alone the Championship. See Inside for more <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> It wasn't a bad little quote, considering he was asked his thoughts the moment the final whistle blew - Fairway delighted that his side, his little club, had been able to do what they'd threatened to do earlier in the season, then appeared to be trying to shoot themselves in the foot, then finally did with a couple of games to spare. However, they still had a game to consider - Dubnica away finishing the season next Saturday. Although Eddie Forrest had not played a part for the last third of the season, he still took a League Winners medal back to Scotland - leaving to sign for Morton on Sunday morning. Before he went, there would be a reconcilation of sorts - Fairway and his defender both happy that they had won the League, and manager wishing player all the best at his new club. On Tuesday, another defender - one of only a few players who had failed to become crucial at Bac - Matt Hillyer dislocated his shoulder in training to bring the mood down a little. Despite that, it was still very much the best Fairway had experienced - everybody was seemingly in awe of their own achievements. With the World Cup getting underway in midweek to boot, morale would be sky high. FK ZTS nad Dubnica v Bac - League Unavailable Robert Lovegrove - Suspended (1 of 1) A booking for Lovegrove - taking him to four and a ban - against Slovan barely recieved public notice in the wake of their League victory - but it did give Fairway a bit of a dilemma. Though the title was already wrapped up, he would have to change the side who won it already. Szijjarto replaced the Englishman - with two other changes to boot - Horky replacing goal hero Kaveney, and veteran Benko left out for the returning Ernak, with Mikulec taking up his usual role on the left of midfield. If there was any danger of Bac taking it easy with the hard work done, they didn't show it - Andrej Cisar in particular making some pulsating early runs down the right flank. On 14 Bac scored their first goal as Champions - Seto Nurdinatoro hitting the bar before Marian Marek slammed home the rebound to make it 1-0. Three mintues later Andrej Cisar crossed - and this time Seto Nurdinatoro needed no help, turning to half-volley home from close range. The pick of the bunch would come on 38 - Peter Svoboda stealing onto the ball in midfield, steaming through, and beating 'keeper Postrk with a curling shot into the roof of the net. In the Second Half - with Milos Glonek on for an emotional final appearance - both sides did slow down - although there was still time for Cisar to shoot over with the goal at his mercy. A packed away end rose as one when the final whistle went - Bac's players and staff streamed over to greet them - but they had already been rewarded in the greatest way possible. Dubnica 0 - Bac 3 (Marek, Nurdinatoro, Svoboda) Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Szijjarto, Ernak, Adamik (Replaced 45 Glonek), Majernik, Cisar, Mikulec, Svoboda , Horky*, Marek, Nurdiantoro Bac Position After Game; 1st <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> | Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | C | Bac | | 36 | 22 | 5 | 9 | 82 | 46 | +36 | 71 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Inter Bratislava | | 36 | 17 | 11 | 8 | 63 | 50 | +13 | 62 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Zilina | | 36 | 18 | 7 | 11 | 59 | 33 | +26 | 61 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Ruzomberok | | 36 | 15 | 10 | 11 | 49 | 40 | +9 | 55 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Puchov | | 36 | 14 | 8 | 14 | 53 | 53 | 0 | 50 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Trnava | | 36 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 43 | 48 | -5 | 48 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Petrzalka | | 36 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 38 | 43 | -5 | 45 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Dubnica | | 36 | 10 | 9 | 17 | 38 | 59 | -21 | 39 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Slovan Bratislava | | 36 | 9 | 6 | 21 | 37 | 61 | -24 | 33 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | R | Trencin | | 36 | 9 | 6 | 21 | 34 | 63 | -29 | 33 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre> Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted January 14, 2004 Author Share Posted January 14, 2004 2005/06 - End of Season Review Slovakian First Division Winners; FC Druzstevnik Bac Runners Up; Inter Bratislava Relegated; AS Trencin Slovakian Second Division Winners ; FC Rimavska Sobota Runners Up; Steel Trans Licartovce Relegated; BSK Bardejov, Kys.Lieskovec, Slovan Dulso Sala, Bukocel Vranov nad Topolu Slovakian Cup Winners; MSK SCP Ruzemberok Runners Up; Inter Bratislava Slovakian Super Cup Winners; MSK Zilina England Premiership; Man Utd Division One; Cardiff - Brighton & Hove Albion finished 7th, just outside the Playoffs Division Two; Gillingham Division Three; Northwich Victoria Conference; Colchester FA Cup; Liverpool League Cup; Sunderland FA Trophy; Stevenage LDV Vans Trophy; Tranmere Scotland SPL; Celtic FA Cup; Dundee Utd League Cup; Celtic Germany First Division; Dortmund Cup; Kaiserslauten League Cup; Dortmund Holland Premier Division; Ajax Cup; Ajax Super Cup; PSV Italy Serie A; Juventus Cup; Inter Super Cup; Inter Spain Primera League; Real Madrid Cup; Betis Super Cup; Real Madrid Europe Champions League; Juventus UEFA Cup; Celtic Super Cup; Leverkusen Worldwide Intercontinental Cup; Vasco da Gama Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam the Seagull Posted January 14, 2004 Share Posted January 14, 2004 Champions! \0/ Well done d_s, shame about the Seagulls though Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janz Posted January 14, 2004 Share Posted January 14, 2004 ahh..congratulations d_s great first season..champions league next season eh? bring it Bac!!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 15, 2004 Share Posted January 15, 2004 Great stuff d_s Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenn Stiemens Posted January 15, 2004 Share Posted January 15, 2004 Congratulations d_s Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted January 15, 2004 Author Share Posted January 15, 2004 Cheers all for your continued support - it was a great season, though I thought we were going to throw it away for a while. Zilina seemed to do that themselves though. Prepare for a return to midtable obscurity next season I reckon - we rode our luck a lot of the time. Roll on Europe Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terk Posted January 15, 2004 Share Posted January 15, 2004 have confidence d_s. i smell back to back titles and a european trophy and many congratulations on the title. well deserved Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian of Nazareth Posted January 15, 2004 Share Posted January 15, 2004 <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Slovakia-Today - Football - Sunday 4/6/06 'Bac of the Net! - From Division Two to Champions in Two Seasons' <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Cashback! Congratulations on another fine season. Bac in Europe again, yay! *glares evily at Terk for stealing title pun * Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terk Posted January 15, 2004 Share Posted January 15, 2004 *apologises for unintentionally stealing Brian's pun* Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peacemaker7 Posted January 15, 2004 Share Posted January 15, 2004 CL should be fun Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gino Posted January 16, 2004 Share Posted January 16, 2004 Nice one d_s! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted January 17, 2004 Author Share Posted January 17, 2004 Cheers all - The only European target I'm setting next season is getting there again - Not the Champions League, I don't think we'll fluke it twice in a row, but the UEFA Cup <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> www.bbc.co.uk/football - Sunday 11/6/06 'Mixed First week for World Cup Brits' "In a mixed week for the three British sides involved in Germany 2006 England got their campaign off to a solid, if unspectacluar, start with a 1-0 win over Portugal in Hannover. Captain David Beckham scored on 56 after Micheal Owen's shot had been parried - but England would spend the final third of the game with 10 men after seeing Ashley Cole sent off for a second yellow card. Scotland meanwhile recieved an early shock - going down to Qatar on 9 - but recovered to win on Friday, with four goals before the interval. Scott Brown levelled on 22, before Hibs' Ian Murray put Scotland ahead on 28. Shaun Maloney bagged a third on 31, and Brown scored again just before the break. For Wales though there will be disapointment, after going down 3-1 to Russia. Gusev opened the scoring after just five minutes, but early in the second half Wales levelled - Craig Bellamy on target. On 76 Man City's Yegor Titov struck to put the Russians back ahead, and in injury time, Alexander Shirko netted to seal the win. Elsewhere, shock of the tournement so far has easily been Honduras' 1-0 victory over Holland - a game in which the Dutch dominated, but were unable to breach the Honduras back line. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Monday 12th July - and while the World Cup continues apace in Germany, there's a big day for Bac, with the presentation of the Annual awards. Suprising nobody Fairway won Slovakian Manager of the Year , while Seto Nurdinatoro won the Golden Boot. Elsewhere, apart from Goal of the Season, where no Bac strikes were involved, they had to be content with placings - Peter Svoboda third in Player of the Season, with Jozef Adamik third in the Young Player of the Season award. Monday evening however would see a true shock - the hosts humbled - Germany beaten 3-1 by Japan in Munich's Olympiastadion. The Japanese shocked the Germans with two goals in the first seven minutes, and though Diesler replied soon after, Japan scored again to cement the win on 79. Fairway smiled to himself - now this is Schauenfraude. By Wednesday he would be forced to back down a little - England throwing away a chance to top their group with a 2-0 defeat by Denmark - Ebbe Sand and Jan Kristiansen scoring in a disapointing England performance. On Saturday they would not be the only Home Nation to loose - Scotland going down to a 2-0 defeat by Turkey - Nihat on target twice. Wales would be successful - on Sunday, beating Japan 4-0. Despite goals for the Japanese by Takahara and Nakata, Wales won with strikes from Koumas, Giggs, Hartson and Gabbidon. With little going on domestically, Fairway could concentrate on the World Cup for a while longer - and managed to get a ticket to watch England beat Jamaica 3-1 in Berlin. Ricardo Fuller of Preston put the 'Reggae Boyz' ahead - shocking England and their army of followers - but in the second half goals from Darius Vassell, Rio Ferdinand and a Micheal Owen penalty were enough to see England into the Second Round. Scotland followed on Wednesday - holding France to a 0-0 draw while closest rivals Turkey lost 1-0 to Qatar. Wales however are out of the Tournement, having lost 2-0 to hosts Germany - it was not a successful affair for Mark Hughes' men - Craig Bellamy's goal against Russia their only one of the finals. England made heavy weather of Saturday's Second Round game - beating Uruguay 3-2. Vassell scored twice (4,30) to put them ahead, before Burgos pulled one back (34). In the second half Micheal Owen (72) netted, before Diego Forlan (79) restored some hope. The Scots pulled off a fine result - beating Argentina 2-1. After Galletti (35) had given Argentina a first half lead, it took a Scott Brown brace (50,55) to seal a suprising and memorable victory. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted January 17, 2004 Author Share Posted January 17, 2004 Chapter 7 - Great Expectations While the World Cup was indeed enthralling as ever, Fairway was, if anything, delighted to be called back to work on Thursday. It would be an important day - a big meeting with Chairman Julias Albert to discuss the upcoming season. By the time he had left the Chairman's office, he really wasn't sure what to think. Albert had handed him a £75,000 transfer kitty, with 60% of any monies from sales retained to boot. On top of that, defender Milos Glonek had decided to postpone retirement plans and see out his contract which expires in June 2007 - and had trained as a coach, with Fairway planning to offer Glonek a contract that would see him hang up his boots to concentrate on Coaching. The main bone of Fairway's contention though was the board's aspirations and targets for the season. Fairway - ever the pessimist - firmly believed that his side's Championship win had a lot of luck - so hearing that the Board wanted to see the side finish in the European places - First, Second or Cup Winners - with a third place for the Intertoto Cup probably not what the suited ones had in mind. There would be one certainty - he would go into the summer without Marian Solotruk - the midfielder released after two and a half seasons at Bac after his contract expired. In the same vein, Fairway watched Scotland on TV on Friday afternoon as they bowed out of the World Cup at the Quarter Final stage, going down 3-2 to Denmark. The Scots started well, taking the lead on 24 through Ian Murray, but soon fell behind - first Sand (38), then Kristiansen (41) putting the Danes ahead. Shaun Maloney gave Scotland hope on 47, but on 56 Thomas Gravesen scored the fifth goal of the game to put the Danes into the Semi finals. In the evening England - much to Fairway's disapointment - followed the Scots on the plane home. After a quiet game, Micheal Owen scored in Extra Time to put England ahead - but a minute later, on 104, Patrick Viera responded. Penalties beckoned, and it would be Owen Hargreaves, Ashley Cole and - incredibly - David Beckham - who would be their generation's Waddles, Batty'sand Southgate's - players who all missed penalties in crucial situations for the National team. Saturday's opening of the Transfer Window saw Bac complete the planned signing of 16-Year old Pavol Petras from Trencin - and Fairway immediatley followed it up with an initial £45,000 bid for Jozef Hrivnak . He also used what has been a first day back for many managers to arrange two preseason friendlies - a trip to Non-League Bardejov arranged in the week after next Saturday's Super Cup game - at home to Cup winners Ruzemberok. <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Bac-Online.sk - Football - Monday 3/7/06 'Bac have Hrivnak offer accepted' "Bac manager Stuart Fairway has told BO.sk his side have had a £45,000 offer for Jozef Hrivnak accepted by his club AS Trenin. The midfielder, a former Slovak Schoolboy captain is only 17, but has been a target for Fairway since last season. "It's basically £45,000 up front, with a sell-on fee and a £5000 bonus if - or in my opinion, when - Jozef makes his debut for Slovakia. We're delighted to have agreed a deal, and I don't see personal terms as much of a problem." Bac have already signed Hrivnak's former Trencin teammate Pavol Petras - and Fairway has also promoted 17-year old defender Vladimir Suchy to his Under 19 Squad from Bac's Youth Structure - the first such player to make the step up since Fairway's arrival. Suchy, a centre half who can also play Sweeper, is the son of the club Physio. Completing our roundup of happenings with the Champions, Fairway has confirmed that Milos Glonek has hung up his boots for the final time, going back on a decision he took just a few days ago - instead signing a deal to Coach at Bac until 2011. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Monday afternoon - the week only 14 hours old and already becoming a very, very busy one for Fairway - so much so that he had would have to leave training in the capable hands of Tibor Nemeth, Milos Glonek and John Durnin - at least until Wednesday. Someone else who would have a lot of Admin work to do is new Slovan Bratislava manager Jaroslav Timko - appointed at a lunchtime press conference. On Thursday it would be Bac's chance for a Press Conference - with the long awaited signing of Jozef Hrivnak confirmed. By Friday, Fairway had to act with his main Admin task of the summer - he had delayed it as long as possible, but with the Super Cup game on Saturday, it was now or well, now. Goalkeepers 1 - Radoslaw Gardosik - Slovakia - 27 13 - Vojin Prole - Serbia & Montengro (2 Caps) - 30 22 - Stefan Paraska - Slovakia - 18 -- - Adrian Porszek - Slovakia - 24 Gardosik has, despite the odd errant display, established himself as Number One goalkeeper. As well as his ability, he is also a player who is very rarely unavailable, which always helps. Prole is number two - poor performances in Preseason soon after joining not helping his cause. Young Paraska signed last season and is definatley one for the future, unlike the transfer-listed Porszek . Defenders 2 - Robert Lovegrove - English - 23 - DR 3 - Andrej Ernak - Slovakia - 27 - DL 5 - Jozef Adamik - Slovakia (1 U21 Cap) - 21 - DC 6 - Pavol Majernik - Slovakia - 27 - DC 12 - Ladislav Szijjarto - Slovakia - 26 - D/MRC 19 - Pavol Petras - Slovakia - 16 - SW/DLC 23 - Tomas Albert - Slovakia - 26 - DC 24 - Vladimir Suchy - Slovakia - 17 - SW/DC -- - Matt Hillyer - English - 24 - SW/DC Although Lovegrove hasn't yet got back to the form of his first season in Slovakia, he is still a consistent performer at right back. On the left Ernak has come on leaps and bounds - a fine player since his arrival, and he was more than capable of making the step up to the top flight. In the middle Majernik was a late signing - but arguably the best of the bunch. A cultured, hard-working player he, in my opinion, could go on to achieve international honours. Alongside him is a player who already has - Adamik capped at Under 21 level after a promising season. Young Petras is one for the future, but had enough talent for me to take a £14,000 gamble. He's probably above Albert and definatley above Hillyer in the race for a slot as backup defender - Albert just not consistent enough for the top flight, with Hillyer on his way out. Young Suchy looks very raw, but is very strong, particularly in the air. Midfielders 4 - Marcel Horky - Slovakia - 32 - DMC 7 - Andrej Cisar - Slovakia - 28 - D/DMR 8 - Peter Svoboda - Slovakia - 26 - AMC 11 - Glen Kaveney - English - 22 - MLC 14 - Vlastimil Benko - Slovakia - 32 - ML 16 - Pavol Mikulec - Slovakia - 26 - D/DMLC 17 - Andrej Masarovic - Slovakia - 27 - AMRL 18 - Jozef Hrivnak - Slovakia (Schoolboy Caps) - 17 - DMC 28 - David Mukeba - Democratic Republic of Congo (5 Caps) - 23 - MC -- - Marian Solotruk - Slovakia - 32 - MLC -- - Erik Takac - Slovakia - 31 - AM/R Horky is a modern-day hero at Bac - running the midfield and never shirking a challenge as skipper. His partnership with the skilful Svoboda is crucial - and while Horky's chances of International football are probably behind him, Svoboda certainly has the talent to make it at that highest level. On the right, Cisar is tricky and quick - ideal winger material, while on the left Mikulec rapidly progressed from backup to regular for similar reasons. Young Kaveney is, essentially playing for a contract this season - his deal expires at the end of the season, but he shouldn't worry too much after a solid debut year. Mukeba will sign in early August - missing the first two or three games of the season - but he's a class act, and should settle in quickly. Masarovic had an adequate first season - backup material, but versatile - while Benko has changed his mind, deciding not to retire as planned. Young Hrivnak is one for the future, but preciociously talented, and should be involved this season as well - though in the long term, he'll replace Horky. Solotruk is currently on loan at Dulso Sala, but will be released when he returns, and Takac planned to retire in the next week - if he doesent, he's unlikely to be involved anyway. Attackers 9 - Marian Marek - Slovakia - 24 - SC 10 - Mihal Balaz - Slovakia - 21 - SC 21 - Ernest Lopu - Slovakia - 25 - FC 25 - Seto Nurdinatoro - Indonesia (20 Caps/7 Goals) - 32 - SC -- - Michal Filo - Slovakia - 22 - SC -- - Robert Patras - Slovakia - 25 - FRLC Marek is undoubtedly our best striker, and with career stats of 93 goals in 109 competitive games, his record tells it's own story. Alongside him, Nurdinatoro has made the position his own - and though he's advancing in years, is still a reliable goalscorer. Young Balaz had a quiet season after signing permanently - but showed his ability while on loan, and will be looking to take any chances this season. Lopu seems to lack something at the highest level, and is nowadays backup material. That's not something that can be said for Filo or Patras - neither really comparable to other strikers at this level, and both could leave if offers were recieved. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted January 17, 2004 Author Share Posted January 17, 2004 Bac v MSK SCP Ruzemberok - Slovakian Super Cup Unavailable Peter Svoboda - Suspended (1 of 1) A month after their Championship celebrations, Bac are back at it - with the traditional Curtain-raiser taking place at Bac-Stadion against Cup winners Ruzemberok - a side who certainly have caused Bac problems in the past. Bac would go into the game with no Svoboda - suspended after picking up four bookings towards the tail-end of last season - with Fairway handing Glen Kaveney his central midfield place. Bac started very brightly, and after chances on 3 and 14 minutes, Marian Marek got it right on 16 - opening the scoring with a looping header from Nurdinatoro's cross. It was the kick up the backside Ruzemberok needed - on 31 Stevko headed straight at Gardiosik, and a minute later Miso beat Lovegrove before seeing his shot well saved. At the interval Fairway made two changes - handing youngsters Hrivnak and Petras their debuts. Eventually - after yet more pressure - Ruzemberok levelled. On 73 the visitors one a corner, and when Gazik swung it in Robert Rak headed them ahead. The second goal really livened up the game - Marek came close on 80, and with three minutes remaining, went one better - Marian Marek heading home from a Mikulec corner. In injury time he would score again - a hatrick for Marian Marek - on hand to slot home the rebound after Nurdinatoro had hit the bar. With the game all but wrapped up at that point, the buildup play would recieve later plaudits - Hrivnak showing an early glimpse of his undoubted ability with a fine, looping pass to Nurdinatoro. Bac 3 - Ruzemberok 1 (Marek 3) Bac; 4-4-2; Gardiosik, Lovegrove, Ernak, Majernik, Adamik (Replaced 45 Petras), Cisar, Mikulec, Kaveney, Horky* (Replaced 45 Hrivnak), Marek, Nurdinatoro Though Ruzemberok played well, and had the lions share of chances, like last season Bac were able to turn it on when it mattered most - two goals late on to win Fairway's Fourth trophy as manager. Meanwhile back in England Sven-Goran Eriksson was clearing his Soho Square desk - England dismissing the Swede despite winning Euro 2004 after another exit on penalties in the World Cup. <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> The Sun - Football - Monday 11/7/06 'Den-stroyed - France thrash Denmark to win Cup' " France have won the World Cup after thrashing Denmark 5-1 in last night's final. Arsenal's Thierry Henry scored four goals to take his tournement tally to 8 - claiming the Golden Boot in the process. Denmark's Jan Kristiansen scored from the penalty spot on 31, but by then France were already two goals to the good. When David Trezuget scored on 55 the win was more or less secure, with Henry grabbing his fourth of the game on 73 to delighted the tens of thousands of French followers packed into Munich's Olympastadion" <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Wednesday morning, and while Fairway planned his team for Bac's solitary preseason friendly - away at Bardejov in the evening - he perused the list from the board of the players out of contract during the coming season. Topping the list was definatley Marcel Horky - joined by Pavol Mikulec, Andrej Cisar and Andrej Ernak in being offered deals ahead of the Bardejov clash. While Ernest Lopu, Vladimir Suchy, Glen Kaveney, Andrej Masarovic and Ladislav Szijjarto would all get chances to earn extended deals, Fairway would be unlikely to offer Robert Patras or Adrian Porszek new contracts. Young Pavol Petras - signed on a Youth Contract - would also be likely to earn a first Senior deal at Bac when he turns 17 in August. BSK Bardejov v Bac - Preseason Freindly With Fairway choosing a strong starting lineup - Svoboda back after suspension - and 11 subs, he planned for a total change around at half time, with youth product Suchy amongst those planned for a Second half runout. Bardejov began brightly, and on 9, earnt a penalty - Kadlec blazing over from the spot. On 13 though it would be Bac who had the golden chance to go ahead - Seto Nurdinatoro earnin a corner when he should have scored. Five minutes later the home side took the lead, with Jozef Sabol leaping to head home at the far post. The lead wouldn't last long - some awful defending leading to Bac's leveller on 20. A long ball from Pavol Majernik looked safe - until 'keeper Kocis came out of his area to head the ball half-clear - Peter Svoboda taking his chance well to shoot into an unguarded net from 35 yards out. The midfielder's day was quickly soured - on 38, an errant elbow on Kovac brought shouts of derison from the hardy few who had travelled from Bac. A minute later, they were cheering once again - Pavol Majernik working the ball into the area and Andrej Cisar on hand to slot home. At half time Fairway made - as promised - 10 changes, with everyone bar the dismissed Svoboda replaced. The 'Second Eleven' began the second half well, and on 55, earnt a penalty - Ernest Lopu despatching it with comfortable ease. Despite only earning three points for the entire 2005/06 season, Bardejov showed plenty of fight - and on 65, Marian Kral cracked home from the tightest of angles to put them back into the game. Bac then suffered a further blow - Lopu taken off injured - and on 84 the home side drew level. A wickedly swirling corner was perfect for Duris - but not Ladislav Szijjarto, who managed to deflect the shot into his own net. You could almost script what would follow - Martin Sovic finishing off after Skrtel had nodded the ball back across goal. Fairway won't be too disapointed - the second half seeing some of Bac's inexperienced players getting some important experience - and the feeling of defeat. Bardejov 4 - Bac 3 (Svoboda, Cisar, Lopu) Immediatley after the game Fairway recieved the grim news that Ernest Lopu would be out for 2 Months after picking up a hip injury, sustained just a few minutes after he scored from the penalty spot in a rare run-out for the frontman. Friday, and while the Friendly result wasn't too worrying, training injuries would be. Pavol Petras pulled a hamstring, ruling him out for two weeks - and 20 minutes later Mihal Balaz also succmbed to a knock, later diagnosed as a twisted knee, which would see him out for three weeks. The weekend would prove similarly mixed - Marcel Horky, Andrej Ernak, Pavol Mikulec and Andrej Cisar all signing new deals for the 'positive' column - but a big, black mark in the negative one to boot - Peter Svoboda banned for three games. <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Slovakia-Today - Football - Monday 17/7/06 'Fairway Fury at Bookies' "Champions Bac have been pushed out to 6/4 with the bookies to retain their title, prompting fury from manager Stuart Fairway. "I'm very disapointed" he said. "We worked so hard last season, nobody expected us to do it, but we did - and this is a bit of a kick in the teeth for everyone associated with the club" MSK Zilina have been installed as Evens favourites, with Inter Bratislava and Bac that little bit further out - but still good bets - at 6/4." The Sun - Football - Monday 17/7/06 'Carver Gets Top Job' "The FA have announced that Charlton manager John Carver will be appointed as England manager in replacement to Sven-Goran Eriksson. Carver, formerley at Newcastle, has earnt a reputation as a fine coach in the continental style, with England looking to continue the good work set down by Sven-Goran Eriksson's efforts before the World Cup Finals. "I'm delighted to accept the offer" said Carver, 42 - "We've got three crucial games left this year in the European Championships Qualifyers - it's important to get a good start in your group, and with games against Georgia, Malta and the Faeroe Islands - no disrespect - we should do". <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Friday morning, and while Vladimir Hrivinak is appointed manager of Second Division Kosice , Fairway made a bid for yet another Trencin youngster. 17-Year old striker Jan Kovacik played for the Trencin Under 19's alongside both Petras and Hrivnak, with Fairway bound to have consulted the two before launching a £3000 bid. Slovan Bratislava v Bac - League Unavailable Peter Svoboda - Suspended (1 of 3) Ernest Lopu - Injured (Hip, 2 Months) Pavol Petras - Injured (Hamstring, 1 Week) Mihal Balaz - Injured (Knee, 1 Week) The season just about to get off the starting blocks and Fairway with injury problems - nothing changes. Erik Takac earns a recall - handed a squad number (15) after postponing summer retirement plans, with Glen Kaveney replacing the suspended Svoboda. Both sides started as if they were still on their summer break - neither side creating much in the first period of the first half. On 29 however Bac made the most of a rare breakaway, and when Ernak slotted the ball through Seto Nurdinatoro made no mistake from the edge of the area. Bouyed by this, Bac doubled their lead six minutes later - Marian Marek pouncing to head home after a deflected Mikulec cross. With Bac in control at the break Fairway was forced into a change soon after - 'keeper Gardosik going off to be replaced by Vojin Prole, making his first Senior appearance for Bac. Andrej Ernak recieved his marching orders on 71, and it looked as if Bac could shoot themselves in the foot. Marian Marek killed off any hope of that on 79 - the striker racing on to a cute Nurdinatoro pass to rifle home from the edge of the box. Prole would be unable to keep a clean sheet on his debut - Obzera crossing for Peter Babnic to score with relative ease in injury time - but by then the 3 points were well-wrapped up, despite neither side really getting out of Second Gear. The win though is enough, and Fairway will be more than happy to get the season off to a winning start. Slovan 1 - Bac 3 (Nurdintoto, Marek 2) Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik (Replaced 52 Prole), Lovegrove (Replaced 72 Albert), Ernak, Majernik, Adamik, Cisar, Mikulec (Replaced 52 Masarovic), Kaveney, Horky*, Marek, Nurdinatoro Bac Position After Game; 3rd Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted January 18, 2004 Author Share Posted January 18, 2004 Sunday morning, and while seeing his £3000 bid for Jan Kovacik accepted, it was merely the silver lining of a rather grey cloud. Bac would be missing Andrej Ernak for one game through suspension, but worse would be the injuries. Radoslaw Gardosik struggled off with a groin strain that would keep him out for a fortnight - but Fairway hadn't banked on strained knee ligaments for Marian Marek - who did complete the game - which would rule him out for a week. Monday, and while an appeal on Ernak's suspension was typically futile, it also brought the end of the line for Marian Solotruk . The midfielder, 32, finally saw both his loan deal at Dulso Sala end and his contract at Bac, and would be released at a lunchtime meeting. With Mukebe still to join his side, and the veteran not making a single Bac appearance last season, Fairway wished him all the best. A few days later, Solotruk would link up with Second Division FK Cana . Another player with no future at Bac was the subject of an offer on Wednesday - Fairway accepting Hummene's loan bid for Michal Filo - the young striker farmed out until early January. Though the deal mentioned no permanent move, Fairway would be understandably keen to put his striker - a player who never settled at Bac - in the shop window. <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Bac-Online.sk - Football - Friday 28/7/06 'Georgian Euro Trip on Busy day at Bac' "In a busy Friday at Bac-Stadion, manager Stuart Fairway saw his side drawn against Georgian Champions Torpedo Kutasi in the Second Qualifying Round of the European Cup. If Bac could beat both the Georgians and their Third-Round opponents, they would qualify for the highly lucrative Group Phase of the Competition. If their European news was good, news on the transfer front took a mixed tone. Despite Fairway chasing Jan Kovacik for the best part of a month, finally making his interest known last week, the striker has chosen to sign for Inter Bratislava . Bac however will have a new striker on show tomorrow - Zoran Strakl has signed on loan from First Division rivals Ruzemberok for the Season. The frontman, 17, came through youth ranks at the club, and is touted as an exciting prospect." <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Bac v FK Matador Puchov - League Unavailable Peter Svoboda - Suspended (2 of 3) Andrej Ernak - Suspended (1 of 1) Radoslaw Gardosik - Injured (Groin, 1 Week) Ernest Lopu - Injured (Hip, 2 Months) Pavol Petras - Injured (Hamstring, 2 Days) Marian Marek - Injured (Knee, 1 Day) With his forward line particularly hard hit by injury, Fairway would call Mihal Balaz off the treatment table to start in place of Marian Marek, one of three changes - all enforced - with Prole also handed a first start in goal. On the left, Mikulec dropped back to replace the suspended Ernak, Kaveney moved to the flank - and Jozef Hrivnak would be handed a first Bac start in midfield. New man Strakl would be included as a sub - with only the lightest of Saturday morning training sessions under his belt, Fairway would decide to start with the partially-fit Balaz. He had an early chance to prove himself on 5 - Pulan forced into a fine save from a glancing header. On 15 though Bac would take the lead - and in clinical fashion. Balaz turned provider, rounding defender Vavrik before passing into the path of Seto Nurdinatoro , to slot home into the far corner. Aside from a Glen Kaveney shot into the side netting, it was the only real talking point in a quiet first half. However after the interval the game was a totally different affair. It started in controversial fashion - Cisar crumbling under a challenge in the area, allowing Mihal Balaz the chance to repay another chunk of his transfer fee and score from the penalty spot. Within 10 minutes Presov were level - first Mario Breska left in acres of space to score on 57, and on the hour Marcel Majoros was on hand to score after Prole spilled a well-struck Gambor drive. It would have been harsh on Bac to lose the game - but only some stoic defending late on prevented exactly that. Balaz toiled well despite still suffering with his groin problem - and the point is enough to take Bac top. Bac 2 - Puchov 2 (Nurdinatoro, Balaz) Bac; 4-4-2; Prole, Lovegrove (Replaced 82 Strakl), Mikulec, Majernik, Adamik, Cisar, Kaveney (Replaced 45 Benko), Hrivnak, Horky*, Balaz, Nurdinatoro Bac Position After Game; 1st Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted January 18, 2004 Author Share Posted January 18, 2004 Sunday morning, and while Petrzalka were confirming Stefan Zatko as their new manager, Fairway was boosted by the news that the attendance of 3491 on Saturday was a new Bac record attendance, just pipping the previous best by 1. It would add increased weight to his theory that, if the club were ever to compete properly in Europe - and, to a lesser extent, domestically, they would need a much larger ground than the 3500 currently held at Bac-Stadion. On Tuesday though all such thoughts would be put to the back of his head - a day before Bac's first ever Champions League game, Jozef Adamik cracked ribs in training, ruling him out for a month. At least he would be able to welcome Peter Svoboda back after suspension - his suspension having one more game to run, but not taking effect in Europe - as well as Mihal Balaz, Marian Marek and Andrej Ernak back after injury and suspension respectivley. <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Bac-Online.sk - Football - Tuesday 1/8/06 'Midfield Star signs for Bac' "Bac manager Stuart Fairway has unveiled new signing David Mukeba to a press conference at the team hotel in Georgia this morning. Mukeba, 23, is a Democratic Republic of Congo international, with five caps for his country, and has signed on a Free from TP Mazembe in a deal arranged earlier this summer. "He's a real gem" said Fairway. "He'll be in line for a start on Saturday, but he'll probably be on the bench for tomorrow with Peter (Svoboda) back. Seeing the two of them battle it out for a place will be excellent, and I'm glad to have selection problems when it comes to pick between two of the best midfield men in the country." Bac are staying in Tblisi ahead of tomorrow's Champions League tie with Torpedo Kutaisi ." <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Torpedo Kutaisi v Bac - European Champions League Second Qualifying Round - First Leg Unavailable Ernest Lopu - Injured (Hip, 2 Months) Radoslav Gardosik - Injured (Groin, 4 Days) Jozef Adamik - Injured (Chest, 1 Month) For one of Bac's biggest games since their UEFA Cup ties with Dundee a couple of years ago, Fairway had selection worries. In goal, Gardosik was still not fit enough to travel, so Prole kept his place - but there would be four changes to the side, with Albert, Ernak, Svoboda and Marek all in, replacing Adamik, Kaveney, Hrivnak and Balaz respectivley. True to his word, Fairway included Mukeba as a sub, as well as both Balaz and loanee Strakl on the bench. Bac started explosivley - taking the lead on 2 minutes. After Mikulec's corner was worked to the edge of the box, a defender deflected Horky's corner - and though 'keeper Mujiri blocked, Robert Lovegrove slammed home the rebound - defying his 50/1 odds on scoring the opening goal of Bac's Champions League campaign. On 10 minutes though Kutaisi levelled - Arveladze tripped by Cisar and Giorgi Beridze on hand to curl a free kick past Prole. For the remainder of the first half it was all one-way traffic - Prole forced into action on several occasions to deny home chances. Immediatley after the interval the breakthrough came - on 47 Djanashia put the ball into the area and after a deflection Davit Chelidze pounced to fire past Prole. With the game seemingly slipping from Bac's grasp, Fairway made three changes, but was unable to prevent his side slipping to defeat. That away goal could be crucial. Kutaisi 2 - Bac 1 (Lovegrove) Bac; 4-4-2; Prole, Lovegrove, Ernak, Majernik, Albert, Cisar, Mikulec (Replaced 58 Masarovic), Svoboda (Replaced 58 Mukeba), Horky*, Marek, Nurdinatoro (Replaced 58 Balaz) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovejoy! Posted January 18, 2004 Share Posted January 18, 2004 Just read through the whole story so far.. What a pleasure to read! The ultimate success story! KUTGW d_s! 'We're Bac...literally' Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted January 19, 2004 Author Share Posted January 19, 2004 Cheers Lovejoy - much appreciated Bitter disapointment in the Bac camp on Thursday morning - and an overwhelming feeling of Anti-Climax. Fairway's mood wasn't helped when Tomas Albert rolled out bed in the night, damaging his shoulder - physio Suchy ruling him out for 2 Weeks. By Friday, there was a much more optimistic attitude - if Bac could turn the game around against Kutaisi, they would face a potentially classic tie against Greek side Panithaniakos for a place in the Group Stage. MSK SCP Ruzemberok v Bac - League Unavailable Peter Svoboda - Suspended (1 of 1) Radoslaw Gardosik - Injured (Knee, 1 Day) Jozef Adamik - Injured (Chest, 1 Month) Tomas Albert - Injured (Shoulder, 2 Weeks) Ernest Lopu - Injured (Hip, 2 Months) With Svoboda suspended for the final time and Albert injured, Fairway made two changes to the side who lost in Georgia - bringing Petras and Mukeba into the team to replace Albert and Svoboda respectivley, both making their first starts for Bac. Both sides had good chances early on, with Marek denied by some brave defending for Bac, soon before Stevko's angled drive forced Prole into a fine save. On 23 however the deadlock was broken - and in a definate Route One fashion. Petras' long, looping free kick was headed across the box by Marian Marek, into the path of Seto Nurdinatoro , who made no mistake with a clinical drive from the edge of the box. Nine minutes later Ruzemberok - in equally clinical style - were level. A Zofcak free kick caught the Bac wall by suprise - played to the far edge of the area. It was clearly a well-worked move - Had headed the ball back and Rudolf Urban volleyed home, with Prole - or any 'keeper for that matter - having no chance. 'Berok built on this, and by half time, were ahead - Stevko's flick into the path of Rudolf Urban despatched beyond Prole and into the far corner. On 52 Bac could have levelled - Nurdiantoro playing in the tricky Kaveney, only for the English youngster to drive his shot over the bar, with the cross probably a better option. With time running out - and Prole becoming the busier of the two 'keepers - Fairway made a change, bringing on Balaz as a third striker. With just three minutes left it proved a wise move - Kaveney's pass neatly dummied by the substitute, allowing Seto Nurdinatoro to fire home an equaliser. It was immediatley all hands on deck - Stevko should have regained the lead for Ruzemberok, instead shooting wide, but late in injury time, Bac sealed an unlikely winner. Nurdinatoro's killer pass from midfield caught the defence napping, and when Balaz ran on, it looked as if the sub would win it. He kept going, before playing the ball square - allowing Marian Marek to slot home with 'keeper Mucha out of place. There was hardly time for the restart - from nothing to a win in four minutes. Ruzemberok 2 - Bac 3 (Nurdinatoro 2, Marek) Bac; 4-4-2; Prole, Lovegrove (Replaced 75 Balaz), Ernak, Majernik, Petras, Cisar, Mikulec (Replaced 45 Kaveney), Mukeba, Horky* (Replaced 75 Hrivnak), Marek, Nurdinatoro Bac Position After Game; 1st Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terk Posted January 19, 2004 Share Posted January 19, 2004 it'll be a tough return leg in the CL, but that away goal should see you through. annoying to lose such an important game after going ahead we have confidence in fairway though Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted January 19, 2004 Author Share Posted January 19, 2004 Cheers Terk - I was more than a bit disapointed after getting an 'easy' draw to loose the first leg. Let's see what happened... Monday morning, and with two days to go before his side's crucial Champions League game with Kutaisi, Fairway recieved a big boost when Radoslaw Gardosik presented himself fit for training. The 'keeper - easily the best on Bac's books - would be joined by Peter Svoboda , back after his suspension. Bac v Torpedo Kutaisi - European Champions League Second Qualifying Round - Second Leg Unavailable Jozef Adamik - Injured (Chest, 4 Weeks) Ernest Lopu - Injured (Hip, 2 Months) Tomas Albert - Injured (Shoulder, 1 Week) With his first choice 'keeper, and key creative midfielder available again, Fairway made two changes to the side who saw off Ruzemberok on Saturday - recalling Gardosik for Prole, and Svoboda for Mukeba, who made an assured debut in midfield. With his side carrying a 2-1 aggregate deficit into the game, Fairway knew his side had to make a good start - and on 3, they missed a golden chance to do just that - Marek firing wide after Mikulec found him with a pass from across the area. Though Bac had the best of the first half, neither side really got going - both playing with nerves clearly evidident. On 43 though there would be a chance that the home side simply wouldn't pass up - Svoboda's corner pushed out by 'keeper Mujiri, and hooked into the far corner by the first man on the scene - Andrej Cisar making no mistake - and putting Bac ahead on the away goals rule. Kutaisi, generally quiet in the first period, had their first chance soon after the break - Chelidze shooting over the bar on 61. Three minutes later Marian Marek was in the right place at the right time - something he's made a habit of - and claimed his 100th goal in a Bac shirt after Cisar's cross took a kindly deflection off a defender. While Bac had seemed in cruise mode, Kutaisi were still a threat - Beridze in particular busy in attack. With two minutes to go there would be a further twist in the tale - Majernik's brave tackle seeing Kilasonia crash to the floor inside the box. Kutaisi had a penalty that would take the game to extra time, and true to form, David Dzodzuashvili made no mistake from the penalty spot. If the Georgians were slightly lucky to take the game that far, Bac certainly didn't show the killer instinct in Extra Time - Lovegrove, Mikulec and Marek missing all three chances of the half-hour period. Bac won the tóss for the penalty shootout - and inevitably, asked for the kicks to be taken in front of the packed home end. Marian Marek stepped up first to score, as did Dzodzuashvili for the visitors. Next up - Peter Svoboda. Mujiri guessed correct, blocking his kick, while Kutaisi took the lead when Mikadze scored. Andrej Ernak restored parity for Bac, beating the 'keeper with a hard, low shot to his left. Rehkviashvili saw his kick saved well, before Mihal Balaz slotted home to set up an intriguing final three kicks. Gvasalia then scored for Kutaisi - as did Andrej Cisar for Bac, putting the game at the feet of Giorgi Beridze. The battling striker, who performed well over the two ties stepped up - but found Gardosik equal to it, the 'keeper saving, Bac-Stadion erupting - and Bac two wins away from the Group Stages of Europe's Premier Club competition. Bac 2 - Kutaisi 1 (Cisar, Marek) Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Ernak, Majernik, Petras, Cisar, Mikulec (Replaced Balaz 117), Svoboda, Horky* (Replaced Hrivnak 82), Marek, Nurdinatoro (Replaced Strakl 82) Bac go through 4-3 on Penalty Kicks after 3-3 Aggregate Draw Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted January 19, 2004 Author Share Posted January 19, 2004 It was obvious it was busy, but when Fairway recieved the news that the victory saw both a crowd just three short of capacity - as well as £26,000 Record Gate Reciepts, he was over the moon. Surely Third Qualifying Round opponents Panithaniakos may well see their first ever 3500 sell-out? After the joy of Wednesday, Fairway had to bring his men back down to earth in time for Saturday's game at home to Dubnica - a game Bac needed to win if they were to maintain their early position as League leaders. Bac v FK ZTS nad Dubnica - League Unavailable Jozef Adamik - Injured (Chest, 3 Weeks) Tomas Albert - Injured (Shoulder, 6 Days) Ernest Lopu - Injured (Hip, 1 Month) Fairway would be able to name an unchanged side for the first time this season, with those who made heavy weather of beating Kutaisi given another chance to prove themselves against a mid-table Dubnica side with injury problems of their own. Bac started very well, with Seto Nurdinatoro having a flurry of early chances, one well saved by 'keeper Postrk on 27. Though Bac had taken their time, they would take the lead before the break - scoring on 40 to make it 1-0. A neat interchange with Marcel Horky saw Seto Nurdinatoro through on goal, though he still had work to do - shrugging off a defender before beating 'keeper Postrk at his near post with a low, powerful shot into the corner. Despite his side being in total control, Fairway made two changes at the break. It made little difference so far as Dubnica were concerned - they were still woeful, unable to hold onto the ball in midfield, let alone start to spread it wide and create chances. Sub Balaz could have scored on the hour, while on 74 Nurdinatoro shot over the top from the edge of the box. A second goal always looked inevitable, and when Mikulec put Nurdinatoro away down the left, the striker crossed for Mihal Balaz to power a header into the roof of the net from 12 yards out. Three minutes later the game - which had looked decided by half time - was finally tied up. A fine pass from Mukeba allowed Marcel Horky to play an even better, dipping ball in behind the defence. Seto Nurdinatoro ran on, drew the 'keeper out and rifled into the far corner. Dubnica were nowhere - Bac were everywhere, and were even able to miss a hatful of chances on their way to a fine win. Bac 3 - Dubnica 0 (Nurdinatoro 2, Balaz) Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Ernak, Majernik, Petras, Cisar, Mikulec, Svoboda (Replaced 45 Mukeba), Horky*, Marek (Replaced 45 Balaz), Nurdinatoro Bac Position After Game; 1st Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bjorn Posted January 19, 2004 Share Posted January 19, 2004 It's really amazing how nice this story is. D_S Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted January 20, 2004 Author Share Posted January 20, 2004 Cheers Bjorn With the transfer deadline expiring on Sunday, Fairway decided against adding to his squad further. Training would be hectic and competitive all week - a certain Greek outfit coming to town on Wednesday evening... Bac v Panithaniakos - European Champions League Third Qualifying Round - First Leg Unavailable Jozef Adamik - Injured (Chest, 3 Weeks) Tomas Albert - Injured (Shoulder, 2 Days) Ernest Lopu - Injured (Hip, 1 Month) For the second time in a row, Fairway would leave his side unchanged ahead of not arguably, but definatley the biggest Home game his side had so far been involved in under his reign. Nobody expected a win - but Fairway was keen that his side were not totally embarresed by a side who are regular competitiors in European Competition - a team who reached the knockout stages only three seasons ago. The Greeks started well - Lovegrove forced to clear off his line as early as the second minute - as Panithaniakos piled on the early pressure. On 20 though Bac broke away - Ernak's through ball seeing Cisar's run brought to an end crudely some 30 yards from goal. Pavol Mikulec placed the free kick - stepped up, and curled it around the wall into the top corner - 'keeper Diamantis beaten with sheer pace and curl. As if that wasn't bad enough for the visiting supporters, seven minutes later Bac were in dreamland, with a second - equally brilliant - goal. Nurdinatoro's cross - the Indonesian giving Panithaniakos plenty of cause for concern - was headed up rather than out - indeed Marek the only one to get the ball outside the area, nodding it back - for Marcel Horky to fire a trademark rocket into the top corner of the net. Fairway would have been happy to survive to 0-0 at the break - but as it was, his side would take a 2-0 lead into the Second Half - but only after Gardosik denied Arabatzis on 41. While a change for Panithaniakos was almost inevitable at the break, their attacks were equally ending in seemingly inevitable shots over the bar - Orfanidis particularly guilty on 49. On the hour though the game could have changed dramatically - Pavol Petras sent off for an elbow on Giannis Nikou. If Bac were now supposed to crumble, Fairway's side certainly failed to read the rulebook - on 63, Andrej Cisar raced down the right, simply tormenting Antonis Kyriakidis before crossing from almost on the byeline. 'Keeper Diamantis came for the ball, but Marian Marek was there first - deflecting the ball past him into the net to produce a simply incredible scoreline of 3-0 to Bac. For all their goals, Bac were certainly thankful to 'keeper Gardosik, who made a fine stop on 80 from Orfanidis. Five minutes later he would be beaten for the first time - Vangelis Michalopoulos heading home a corner at the far post to make things a little tighter. The Second Leg would see Bac defending a 2-goal lead in Greece - knowing that a Bac win, a draw, or even a Panithaniakos 1-0 win, would see them into the Group stages. For now that could wait - the partying will take centre stage. Bac 3 - Panithaniakos 1 (Mikulec, Horky, Marek) Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Ernak, Majernik, Petras, Cisar, Mikulec, Svoboda, Horky*, Marek, Nurdinatoro Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 20, 2004 Share Posted January 20, 2004 As David Coleman would have said, "Quite extraordinary" *books flight to Greece for second leg* Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted January 20, 2004 Author Share Posted January 20, 2004 Cheers Bob - there's a seat reserved in the away end Thursday morning - the one after the night before. Fairway brought his squad in early, pleased to note only the most minor of hangovers - soon shaken off with an early morning run. The session would though end early, with the Englishman unable to hide his sheer delight at their performance and result for too long. It wasn't all great news - Pavol Mikulec and Pavol Petras would both serve European bans - Mikulec's definatley for a solitary game, Petras' at least that, with the UEFA Committee meeting next week to decide on any further punishment for the teenager. Andrej Masarovic brought Fairway back down to earth some more on Friday morning - the versatile winger out for a week with a gashed leg, sustained in training. It wouldn't all be bad news - Tomas Albert , seemingly rejuvenated this season - back after his shoulder injury. FC Artmedia Petrzalka v Bac - League Unavailable Jozef Adamik - Injured (Chest, 2 Weeks) Andrej Masarovic - Injured (Leg, 6 Days) Ernest Lopu - Injured (Hip, 1 Month) With his side coming off the back of four impressive wins, Fairway would make one change to his starting eleven - Petras replaced at the back by fit-again Albert, with only the injured Masarovic dropped from the bench. Clearly not wanting to be overawed by their opponents, Petrzalka got at Bac early on - Gardosik doing well to deny Stevica before Borbely shot over from the angle. It set the scene for the first half - Petrzalka having the best of a quiet period. With a couple of players seemingly tiring after Wednesday, Fairway made changes at the break - and they would have an almost immediate impact. On 48 one of those substitutes, David Mukeba, hit the bar - and three minutes later the other hit the target. A fine Nurdinatoro pass put Mihal Balaz away, though he had work to do with Hanc in close attendance, Balaz was able to find the target, shooting into the far corner. Despite taking the lead, Fairway's side were still struggling - and eventually, Petrzalka scored a deserved leveller. After seeing the ball cannon around the area, Blazej Vascak struck through the crowd, firing into the far corner. It put a new perspective on the game - both sides having chances as things sped up dramatically - and there would be a goal to decide the game. Frantisek Hanc rose above the pack at a corner - guiding home a header on 89 to win it. There would be no come-Bac - defeat looked likely from the moment Vascak's shot hit the back of the net. Disapointing for the visitors. Petrzalka 2 - Bac 1 (Balaz) Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Ernak, Majernik, Albert, Cisar, Mikulec, Svoboda (Replaced 45 Mukeba), Horky*, Marek (Replaced 45 Balaz), Nurdinatoro Bac Position After Game; 2nd <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> | Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | Zilina | | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 7 | +5 | 12 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | BAC | | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 7 | +5 | 10 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Puchov | | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 9 | 5 | +4 | 9 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Trnava | | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 10 | 8 | +2 | 7 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Petrzalka | | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 7 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Inter Bratislava | | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 10 | 9 | +1 | 7 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Rim. Sobota | | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 5 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Dubnica | | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 13 | -6 | 5 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Ruzomberok | | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 9 | -3 | 4 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Slovan Bratislava | | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 6 | 12 | -6 | 3 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre> Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted January 20, 2004 Author Share Posted January 20, 2004 Tuesday morning, and a very excited young man left Bac-Stadion during the afternoon. Pavol Petras would worry about his European ban tomorrow - for now, he'd be celebrating a new five-year contract. As it was, Petras would be right to worry about that ban - increased by a UEFA Commitee by another 2 games - meaning that he'll definatley miss the Panithaniakos game, and would also miss the first two group games should Bac achieve that unachievable dream. Bac v FC Rimavska Sobota - League Unavailable Jozef Adamik - Injured (Chest, 1 Week) Andrej Masarovic - Injured (Leg, 1 Day) Ernest Lopu - Injured (Hip, 4 Weeks) With his side dropping down to Second after their first domestic defeat of the season, Fairway decided against making changes to the side who failed to impress - despite leading for much of the game - against Petrzalka. The game began very slowly, with Bac creating the few chances of a spartan half. After the break Sobota started to come into the ame a little more - Marian Stas hitting the side netting from close range. On 69 a goal - which, in all honesty, had looked highly unlikely - would come. Pavol Mikulec's pass set Seto Nurdiantoro away, and when the forward crossed, no less than four Sobota defenders missed their headers. Mihal Balaz didn't, and nodded home to set Bac on their way. Two minutes later another brilliant pass dissected the Sobota defence - Peter Svoboda playing in Seto Nurdinatoro to ensure provider turned goalscorer. With Sobota on the rack, Bac added their third goal in six minutes on 75. Marcel Horky picked up on a long Lovegrove throw-in, turned, and passed the ball through. Mihal Balaz hit the post with his initial shot, but was first to react and turn in the rebound - claming his fifth goal of the season in the process. Bac 3 - Rim. Sobota 0 (Marek 2, Nurdinatoro) Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Ernak, Majernik, Albert, Cisar, Mikulec, Svoboda (Replaced 73 Mukeba), Horky*, Marek (Replaced 45 Balaz), Nurdinatoro (Replaced 73 Strakl) Bac Position After Game; 2nd Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted January 20, 2004 Author Share Posted January 20, 2004 Sunday morning, and bad news. Mihal Balaz picked up a knock late on against Rim. Sobota - and the striker, fresh from his two-goal salvo, would be a doubt for Wednesday's European adventures with a cut cheek. Fairway would still take Balaz on the flight to Greece - but someone not making the trip would have to be replaced. Tomas Albert took a ball in the side of the head in training, ruling him out for 3 weeks with a dislocated jaw. With Petras and Mikulec both banned, and Adamik and Albert injured, young Vladimir Suchy would be asked to back his bags, recieving the late call to join the squad at the airport on Tuesday. The 17-year old appeared just as Check-In was about to close - the journey of a liftime begins now. Panithaniakos v Bac - European Champions League Third Qualifying Round - Second Leg Unavailable Jozef Adamik - Injured (Chest, 6 Days) Tomas Albert (Jaw, 2 Weeks) Pavol Petras - Suspended (1 of 3) Pavol Mikulec - Suspended (1 of 1) Ernest Lopu - Injured (Hip, 4 Weeks) With Mihal Balaz passed fit just hours before the game, Fairway made two changes to the side who beat Rim. Sobota on Saturday. In defence, young Suchy made the bench - Ladislav Szijjarto in for his first start of the season - while on the left, Glen Kaveney replaced the suspended Mikulec to offer a little flair on the left flank. With Panithaniakos needing a 2-0 win to go through, a frenetic start was to be expected - Michalopalous coming close with a header on 3. On 7 Sidiropalous came even closer - a brilliant save from 'keeper Gardosik tipping his drive wide of the post. The pressure continued - and on 13, Grigoris Theodoridis was first to reach the rebound after Gardosik had only parried Orfanidis' powerful shot. If that goal had been expected, what was to follow on 20 certainly wasn't. Bac's win at home had been accepted by the Panithaniakos faithful as a fluke, a freak result - but when Marian Marek fired into the corner from Marcel Horky's through ball, they had to face facts. Three minutes later, with silence still surrounding the Apostolos Nikolaidis stadium Bac added a second. With Andrej Cisar seemingly given freedom to run forward, the home defenders were equally slow to react when Glen Kaveney got onto the loose ball from his cross, prodding the ball home at the far post. Seven minutes later came their crowning glory - Kaveney's pass from deep, Nurdinatoro's cross and Marian Marek the coollest man in Greece - four yards from goal, he would make no mistake - leaving Panithaniakos with an almost vertical slope, covered in oil, to climb to get back into the game. In more mathematically accepted terms, they would need to score five goals in the remaining hour of the game to get the aggregate win. Bac had destroyed their away goal - scoring three of their own - and came within inches of a fourth on the stroke of half time, Marian Marek heading wide with the goal gaping in front of him. The second half saw little action - some of the less committed Greek followers quietly leaving with over half an hour to go. Fairway sent on Mukeba for Svoboda in anticipation of a fightback from Panithaniakos, but it never came. The win would go down in Fairway's, Bac's - and indeed Slovakia's history as one of their greatest ever footballing triumphs. Panithaniakos 1 - Bac 3 (Marek 2, Kaveney) Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Ernak, Majernik, Szijjarto, Cisar, Kaveney, Svoboda (Replaced 45 Mukeba), Horky*, Marek, Nurdinatoro Bac win 6-2 on Aggregate Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terk Posted January 20, 2004 Share Posted January 20, 2004 ****ing hell great win d_s Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janz Posted January 20, 2004 Share Posted January 20, 2004 can just hear the CL theme song playing in the Bac stadium great job d_s Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted January 21, 2004 Share Posted January 21, 2004 Never any doubt *still celebrating in Athens having missed return flight* Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peacemaker7 Posted January 21, 2004 Share Posted January 21, 2004 Excellent Stu, looking forward to seeing Bac on Sky Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 21, 2004 Share Posted January 21, 2004 AMAZING after ages second Slovakian club in Champions league group stage (who expected Bac to be this club? ) and you have the chance to be first in Slovakia who get some points in CL but I am sure you are going to have higher ambitions Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted January 21, 2004 Author Share Posted January 21, 2004 Cheers - Panithaniakos were awful - though their grey players looked to have high stats. Put it this way - if it was 01/02 and I had a large Database like normal, I wouldn't be there. Who cares though - We're going to enjoy it all the way <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Slovakia Today - Football - Thursday 31/8/06 'Un-Bac-lievable - Minnows Reach Euro Groups' "Slovakian Champions FC Druzstevnik Bac , who suprised many by winning the title at the first attempt last season have achieved what even English manager Stuart Fairway refused to contemplate - qualifying for the Group Stage of the UEFA Champions League. After humbling Greek giants Panithaniakos 3-1 in their own stadium, Bac progressed to the Groups last night, going through 6-2 on aggregate - and now they are in with the real big boys of European Football. Inter Milan, Olympique Lyonnais and Liverpool have all been drawn alongside Bac in Group A - unbelivable for Bac fans who saw their club break into the Second Division four seasons ago. It was then that Stuart Fairway was handed the reigns - and in his first season, Bac won the Slovakian Cup, qualifying for the UEFA Cup - a campaign that ended at the Qualifying stage against Scottish side Dundee. Fairway, while acknowledging that his side are unlikely to even gain a point, is simply delighted to be still in the competition. "To lead my players up against Inter, Lyon and Liverpool will be a great honour, and a great priveledge" he said. "Bac are, compared to those three, tiny - but by the end of the Groups, hopefully people elsewhere in Europe will have heard of us. The players deserve this - they have been magnificent since my arrival, and it's a testament to their qualities that we have got this far". For Chairman Julias Albert , it is the culmination of a lifelong dream - and the chance to cash a £2.7 Million cheque - Bac's earnings in prize money and Europe-wide Television rights. For Fairway, it's another notch on his burgeoning bedpost - and for Bac's players, it's the ultimate task. The San Siro, Stade Gerland, Anfield - players who were in the Non-League game just a few years ago will now be experiencing all three great venues - while the multi-millionaires of their opponents will face the tiny 3500 capacity Bac-Stadion. Bac have been given odds of 5000/1 - the highest by a long way - to win the tournement - but Fairway's ambition - if you can call it that - is that his side are not humilated. "We'll not win it" he said. "What I'd love is a goal, particularly at home - and if we could somehow scrape a draw, or dare I say it, a win, I think these lads will have achieved something truly remarkable." Well done Bac, Well done Stuart. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Quite an article. Fairway was delighted with his squad, and especially with the draw - Liverpool went out in the Quarter Finals last time round, while Inter reached the Semi's - it would be one hell of an ask to even get a goal, but one he was genuinley relishing. Friday, and another great day for Bac - with the announcement that four of their players would make the Slovakian Under-21 Squad for the games against Greece and Moldova. Jozef Hrivnak, Pavol Petras, Stefan Paraska and loanee forward Zoran Strakl all called up. Meanwhile Mihal Balaz - a player who celebrated his 22nd birthday a few days ago, missing out on the call picked up Slovakia's Player of the Month award after an August in which he scored five goals. On Saturday the globetrotting foursome were joined by another - the first player to be called up as a full international during Fairway's reign at Bac - with David Mukeba added to the Democratic Republic of Congo squad for the African Nations Cup Qualifyer against Ethiopia. Bac v Spartak Trnava - League Unavailable Jozef Adamik - Injured (Chest, 3 Days) Tomas Albert (Jaw, 2 Weeks) Ernest Lopu - Injured (Hip, 3 Weeks) With both Mikulec and Petras back from their European bans, Fairway made two changes to the side who had pulled off undoubtedly his best result since taking charge - Petras replacing Szijjarto in defence, with goalscorer Kaveney replaced by Mikulec on the left wing. In front of a nearly full Bac-Stadion, the home side started well - but on 20 were forced into a change when Marek came off injured. They still had by far the better of the first half - Nurdinatoro and sub Mihal Balaz both having chances - the latter only denied on 41 by two fine tackles from the hardworking Léránt. Immediatley after the break, Trnava signalled their ambitions for the half, Ujlaky firing over on 51. No matter what they tried, Bac just couldn't seem to make the breakthrough - and after Balaz headed straight at Cerny on 75, it seemed as if a draw was inevitable. Four minutes later Trnava won it - Marek Ujlaky swooped to volley a Kozuch cross home - despite all their pressure and possesion, Bac came away pointless - and Third. Bac 0 - Trnava 1 Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Ernak, Majernik, Petras, Cisar, Mikulec (Replaced 45 Kaveney), Svoboda , Horky*, Marek (Replaced 20 Balaz), Nurdinatoro Bac Position After Game; 3rd Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted January 21, 2004 Author Share Posted January 21, 2004 Tuesday morning, and with the injury that forced Marian Marek off confirmed as a minor strain, which soon cleared up, Fairway would be delighted to welcome Jozef Adamik back to training after a month out with broken ribs. By Wednesday, Bac would know their opponents for the Second Round of the Slovakian Cup - HFC Hummenne . With the game set to be played in October, Bac striker Michal Filo , on loan at the Second Division club, could certainly be involved against his employers. On Saturday afternoon Fairway was pleased to hear that David Mukeba had played the full 90 minutes of Democratic Republic of Congo's easy 5-0 win over Ethiopia, though the midfielder failed to get on the scoresheet. <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Slovakia-Today - Football - Sunday 9/9/06 'Nemeth Comeback ends in Defeat' "Slovakia went down 2-0 to Greece last night in the opening game of the qualifying tournement for Euro 2008. Slizard Nemeth, playing his first game for Slovakia in over two years, came off the bench with the game finely balanced at 1-0 - Angelos Charisteas of Werder Bremen. For a while, the game was pretty even - though debutant Slovakia 'keeper Marian Keleman had to go off injured late in the first half. Five minutes from time, Slovakia conceded a second goal - Zisiz Vyras scoring to seal the win for Greece. The result, though disapointing, should be avenged in midweek, with Slovakia at home to Moldova. News of the World - Football - Sunday 9/9/06 'Carved apart - John's First Game ends in dismal draw' "John Carver's reign as England manager got off to a disapointing start yesterday, with England drawing 1-1 away in Georgia. Micheal Owen scored after 23 minutes, but two minutes later Vasil Gigiadze equalised. Carver handed Jay McEveley his England debut at left back, and though he was substituted just on the hour, played well. Carver's other potential debutant, Perugia striker Jay Bothroyd, was an unused sub. England will be hoping their midweek game against Malta will bring better rewards. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Monday would see mixed news in Bac. While Jozef Hrivnak made his Under 21 debut on Saturday, Pavol Petras would be sent home on Monday after apparently failing a fitness test. His replacement? - another Bac player - Jozef Adamik . It proved a good move - on Wednesday, Adamik captained Slovakia's talented youngsters to a 3-0 win over their Moldovan counterparts, a game in which Hrivnak also played the full 90 minutes. <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Slovakia-Today - Football - Thursday 14/9/06 'Zabavnik dismissed as Slovakia slump to draw' "Slovakia's qualifying campaign for Euro 2008 continues to stutter - a 1-1 draw with Moldova last night seeing the home side fail to impress. After having Radoslaw Zavaternik dismissed on 13 minutes for an elbow, Marian Barzik scored his first international goal with a simple tap-in on 17, after Vittek's run caused trouble. The 10 men however were unable to hold on, and late in the first half Moldovan Sorin Stefan Petroman scored to draw the scores level. Both sides would have further chances - debutant striker Jan Halenaar unable to turn the tide when he came on late in the Second Half - and Slovakia will need some improved performances if they are to even compete with early pacesetters Italy and Greece. The Sun - Football - Thursday 14/9/06 'England go second after easy win' "England have moved into Second Place in Group 2 behind Bulgaria after running out 4-1 winners at home to Malta. Kieron Dyer scored after just two minutes, before Darius Vassell added a second on 12. In the second half Malta pulled one back - John Galea scoring from close range - but England would come back - Micheal Owen scoring twice to take him to 39 goals - 11 away from beating Sir Bobby Charlton's record 49. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> With all his players returning fit after international duty, Fairway could make sure they were all fired up for an important game on Saturday - second placed Zilina thier opponents. MSK Zilina v Bac - League Unavailable Ernest Lopu (Hip, 1 Week) It had been a good week for Bac on the injury front - everyone bar Enrest Lopu now fit, and Fairway able to name his preferred side for a game against the Favourites for the title - currently in second, with Puchov two points ahead, and Bac themselves just behind in third. That strongest side would see one change to the eleven who lost against Trnava - Jozef Adamik in for young Petras. After just five minutes, Zilina got off to the perfect start - Jaroslav Trhancik firing home after a corner broke down. With Bac in disarray, Zilina grabbed a second three minutes later with Miroslav Barcik running on to slot past 'keeper Gardosik. Marian Marek scored from the penalty spot on 22, but the damage had already been done - a fuming Fairway walking out of the ground at half time, only to return and watch the game from the stands. Not the build up Bac wanted ahead of the big trip to Inter Milan on Tuesday. Zilina 2 - Bac 1 (Marek) Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Ernak, Majernik, Petras, Cisar, Mikulec (Replaced 45 Kaveney), Svoboda (Replaced 45 Mukeba), Horky*, Marek, Nurdinatoro (Replaced 76 Balaz) Bac Position After Game; 3rd Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted January 22, 2004 Author Share Posted January 22, 2004 Fairway hauled his players over the coals on Sunday morning - and handed a formal warning to Pavol Mikulec regarding his recent poor performances. The midfielder accepted the warning without commenting - and the net result would be one change to Tuesday's side. Voices were raised, theories offered - but players, staff and management all agreed on one thing - Bac need to improve. Internationzale v Bac - European Champions League Group A Unavailable Ernest Lopu - Injured (Hip, 4 Days) Pavol Petras - Suspended (2 of 3) With - no doubt about it - their biggest game ever approaching, Fairway took his side to Italy the day before the game, getting them used to the feel of the San Siro with it's huge, imposing seating areas and a lush green pitch far removed from anything in Slovakia. On the team front there would be one change - Glen Kaveney in on the left wing for the out of sorts Mikulec. Bac shot out of the blocks - young Steven Taylor blocking a Nurdintoro shot within the first 30 seconds. The expected Inter pressure took it's time, but would begin on 8 - Kallon shooting over the bar. It set the scene for the first half - Fiore, Pizzaro and £31 Million man Rafeal van der Vaart all having chances, before Nigerian youngster Martins struck the bar on 22. Two minutes later Bac's already remote hopes took another battering - captain Marcel Horky taken off injured. Bac were defending bravely - Pavol Majernik and 'keeper Gardosik certainly not disgracing themselves against vastly more experienced European opposition. On the stroke of half time Bac would have another chance - Peter Svoboda's corner headed straight at 'keeper Toldo by Marek. You could sense Inter's frustration - and they started the second half keen to make an impact. On 54, they would get one - Pizzaro putting Martins through for the Nigerian to beat Gardosik from just inside the box. The relief around a packed San Siro was plain to see - Inter's matchday squad contained only 3 players without full international caps - Bac had just one player with International caps - and then only with Indonesia - starting. It could have gone on to be a rout - but with Gardosik in inspired form, saving from Fiore, Gilberto and Martins while Zanetti fired wide from across the box. Inter would score again - the highly rated Martins scoring for a second time with a near-post header from a corner. Six minutes from time Inter's Peruvian striker Claudio Pizzaro would see red for a push on Pavol Majernik - but the result is certainly no disgrace. Inter 2 - Bac 0 Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Ernak, Majernik, Adamik, Cisar, Kaveney, Svoboda (Replaced Mukeba 72), Horky* (Replaced Hrivnak 22), Marek (Replaced Balaz 72), Nurdinatoro Bac Position in Group A; 3rd (Of 4) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted January 22, 2004 Author Share Posted January 22, 2004 So it was a defeat - but who thought a tiny Slovakian side would do anything other against one of European Football's giants anyway. The performance was certainly encouraging - Bac holding out for the best part of an hour - but it was still a defeat, Bac's third in a row. If they were to be involved in the Champions League again next season, they had a lot of work to do. Bac v Slovan Bratislava - League Ernest Lopu - Injured (Hip, 1 Day) No changes to a side not long back from Italy - but returning both fully fit and seemingly in a far better frame of collective minds after their encouraging performance. Slovan started well, and on 12 Bac were grateful for some calm defending inside his own area by Pavol Majernik to deny Babnic. On 22 however it was Bac who would be celebrating - a Marcel Horky chip finding Marian Marek , who was able to reach the ball just before 'keeper Trabalik to prod home. Two minutes later Slovan were able to score a frankly deserved equaliser - Peter Nemeth scoring with a powerful header from a near post corner. A further two minutes on Bac would take the lead again - Lovegrove storming down the right, but seeing his cross go behind everyone. Glen Kaveney picked the ball up on the far side, took it into the area, and pulled the trigger - crossing low for Marian Marek to tap home his second of the game. By half time Bac were in control, and went into the second half with the game looking sewn up. On 64 they wrapped it up - Mihal Balaz' perfect pass setting up Glen Kaveney , who scored with a fine shot across the face of goal into the far corner. Talking points would still follow - Slovan's Hrncar seeing a straight red card for a terrible challenge on goalscorer Kaveney, who went off injured. The 10 men struggled on - keeping the score respectable - but in injury time, Bac would also have a man dismissed - Jozef Adamik sent off for an elbow on Slahor, seconds after Marek had hit the post. Bac 3 - Slovan 1 (Marek 2, Kaveney) Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Ernak, Majernik, Adamik, Cisar, Kaveney (Replaced Mikulec 74), Svoboda, Horky*, Marek, Nurdinatoro (Replaced Balaz 45) Bac Position After Game; 4th Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Digre Posted January 23, 2004 Share Posted January 23, 2004 Lovely match in Italy. Little slovakian Bac against the mighty italians. Respectable. (One thing though - and I might have missed it earlier in the post, but what does the * after Horky mean?) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terk Posted January 23, 2004 Share Posted January 23, 2004 hope the league form doesn't continue to suffer from the CL exertions. would be a shame to see bac miss out on further seasons amongst europe's finest. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted January 23, 2004 Author Share Posted January 23, 2004 Digre; Cheers - The * means that Horky (or anyone else who it happens to appear beside during the season) is captain. Terk; Aye, that's my big worry as well. We really haven't started too well this season domestically - though there is one trophy in the bag already, it doesen't really count in the grand scheme of things. Sunday morning, and at last, Ernest Lopu is fit to resume training after the hip injury he sustained in preseason. There would however be fall out from the Slovan game - Marcel Horky out for a week after straining his neck late on [/b] . On a more longer term level - and more of a worry, with the midfielder out of contract at the end of the season - Glen Kaveney would require surgery on a hip injury - similar, but slightly more serious, than that Ernest Lopu recovered from on the same day. With a cautious diagnosis of a 4-Month absence, Kaveney would be unavailable until early 2007. <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Slovakia-Today - Football - Monday 25/9/06 'Bac 'keeper in Contract talks' " FC Druzstevnik Bac goalkeeper Radoslaw Gardosik is in contract talks with manager Stuart Fairway, according to his agent. Gardosik, one of Fairway's first signings, is said to be in line for a large payrise, taking him up to the level of other top flight 'keepers. Gardosik, 27, has impressed many this season, with some calling for the former Podbrezova man to be capped at International level." <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Wednesday morning, and ahead of an evening game at home to Inter, Fairway made the short trip to Bratislava with defender Jozef Adamik . His personal representation would be in vain - Adamik handed an extra two-game ban after his dismissal, ironically against city rivals Slovan, on Saturday. Bac v Inter Bratislava - League Unavailable Marcel Horky - Injured - (Neck, 1 Week) Glen Kaveney - Injured - (Hip, 3 Months) Jozef Adamik - Suspended - (1 of 2) With three out after Saturday's game, Fairway brought Albert, Mikulec and Mukeba into his side to replace suspended Adamik and injured duo Kaveney and Horky - with Pavol Majernik handed the captains armband for the first time since his arrival last season. Bac shot out of the blocks, with David Mukeba coming close with a swerving, dipping volley after two minutes. Bac dominated the first half - Mukeba, Nurdinatoro and Cisar all coming close - David Mukeba the closest with a strike that clattered the bar on the stroke of half time. Though Bac had dominated the first half, Inter were still certaintly in it - and indeed should have taken the lead when Kocurek fired wide on 56. They would have further chances as Bac remained frustrating in front of goal - Lelkes and Kunzo both seeing free kicks dip narrowly wide. Five minutes from time Bac's chances looked to take a body blow - Marian Marek forced off injured. Instead it would prove the catalyst for a winner - Bac surged forward, and deep into injury time Andrej Cisar broke down the right and kept running. He took the ball into the box, beat one - and squared for another sub, Vlastimil Benko to shoot in off the far post. As the veteran winger dived to the floor in celebration, referee Havrilla blew for full time - the result just what Fairway wanted. Bac 1 - Inter 0 (Benko) Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Ernak, Majernik*, Albert, Cisar, Mikulec (Replaced Benko 45), Svoboda, Mukeba, Marek (Replaced Balaz 85), Nurdinatoro Bac Position After Game; 3rd Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted January 23, 2004 Author Share Posted January 23, 2004 Thursday morning - and good news on Marian Marek . A morning scan revealed no damage other than heavy bruising on his shoulder injury, and by Friday, the front man would be back in full training. <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Bac-Online.sk - Football - Friday 29/9/06 'Gardosik - Contract Talks Progressing' "Bac goalkeeper Radoslaw Gardosik has revealed to BO.sk that talks over a new contract are going well. "There's no deal yet, but my agent, myself and the club are sitting down for a second time to talk. The bottom line is all three parties want me to stay here, and it's just a case of getting a deal signed". The 27-year old 'keeper's contract expires at the end of next season, but manager Fairway in partciular is especially keen to tie him down to a longer-term deal. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> FK Matador Puchov v Bac - League Unavailable Marcel Horky - Injured - (Neck, 5 Days) Glen Kaveney - Injured - (Hip, 3 Months) Jozef Adamik - Suspended - (1 of 3) With Bac returning to winning ways, League leaders Puchov would provide the opposition for a key game - Fairway keen to see his side win before their Wednesday night game against Liverpool in the Champions League. With Horky, Kaveney and Adamik still out, Fairway made just one change to his side - bringing in goalscorer Benko for Mikulec on the left hand side. Despite the change Bac still began poorly - Tomcak and Breska coming close in the early exchanges before former Bac loanee Marian Tomcak fired home from inside the area to complete a fine counter-attacking move on 14. Eleven minutes later it was two - another fine, flowing passing move involving Tomcak, Kusy and goalscorer Mario Breska simply cut Bac apart - Breska steering a shot beyond Gardosik into the far corner. Bac were lucky not to fall further behind - Jambor forcing a good save just before the break. It would be a game of two halves - Bac came out in no mood to loose, and on 65, pulled a goal back. Marian Marek put Vlastimil Benko away, who made no mistake - finding the corner with a low, well-struck drive to claim his second goal in as many games. They had the bit between their teeth - though Zabaternik hit the post on 70, four minutes later Bac levelled. Goalscorer Benko reverted to a more familiar role of provider - hitting a fine crossfield ball that cut the Puchov defence in two. With marking simply non-existant, Andrej Cisar arrived late to complete a smash & grab result. There were late chances - Puchov can feel slightly unfortunate not to have won - but the point was well earned, and brings Bac to within a win of the top spot. Puchov 2 - Bac 2 (Benko, Cisar) Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Ernak, Majernik*, Albert, Cisar, Benko, Svoboda (Replaced Hrivnak 75), Mukeba, Marek, Nurdinatoro (Replaced Balaz 75) Bac Position After Game; 3rd <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> | Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | Puchov | | 11 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 26 | 13 | +13 | 22 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Zilina | | 10 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 21 | 12 | +9 | 21 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | BAC | | 11 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 22 | 13 | +9 | 20 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Trnava | | 11 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 17 | 14 | +3 | 16 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Petrzalka | | 11 | 5 | 1 | 5 | 11 | 11 | 0 | 16 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Inter Bratislava | | 10 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 18 | 21 | -3 | 13 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Ruzomberok | | 11 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 16 | 20 | -4 | 11 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Slovan Bratislava | | 11 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 14 | 25 | -11 | 11 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Rim. Sobota | | 11 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 14 | -6 | 10 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Dubnica | | 11 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 11 | 21 | -10 | 10 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre> Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted January 23, 2004 Author Share Posted January 23, 2004 Tuesday morning, and as Bac fans digest the news that they will have to play SH Senica of the Second Division in the Quarter Finals of the Slovakian Cup should they beat Hummenne, there's great news on the contract front. After a week of negociations, Radoslaw Gardosik has agreed an improved and extended contract - with Pavol Majernik also in discussions over a deal that would remove the £500,000 Minimum Fee Release Clause in his contract. Bac v Liverpool - European Champions League Group A Unavailable Marcel Horky - Injured - (Neck, 1 Day) Glen Kaveney - Injured - (Hip, 3 Months) Pavol Petras - Suspended - (3 of 3) With Horky still injured and Petras missing the final game of his 3-Game ban, Fairway expected a throughly packed Bac-Stadion for his club's first home game in the Group stages of the Champions League. He would at least be able to recall Jozef Adamik for Tomas Albert - the defender's domestic ban not counting in Europe - but whoever started, it would be a massive test against a side Second in the Premiership back in England - with nine internationals in their starting lineup. The Reds - inevitably - began well, with chances for Le Tallec and Kewell in the opening few minuts. Though Liverpool dominated early proceedings, Bac did have chances - Nurdinatoro causing panic which could have led to an own goal on 28. The visitors stepped up a gear after the break - and after seeing Owen shoot wide on 58, Radoslaw Gardosik was finally beaten three minutes later. Jozef Adamik - having a stunning game at centre half - conceded a corner and from a Marchionni corner veteran Frenchman Jerome Bonnissel rose above the pack to head home at the near post. Immediatley Liverpool went forward - Murphy volleying wide before Owen saw 73rd minute effort well held by 'keeper Gardosik. Seven minutes later it would be Bac who came close - a deflected cross falling kindly for Seto Nurdinatoro, only for the Indonesian hitman to blaze over the top. Liverpool certainly didn't make the most of their chances - Micheal Owen having a particularly frustrating evening - but the three points is no more than they deserved. Bac 0 - Liverpool 1 Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Ernak, Majernik*, Adamik, Cisar, Benko (Replaced Mikulec 45), Svoboda, Mukeba, Marek, Nurdinatoro (Replaced Balaz 80) Bac Position In Group; 3rd Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted January 23, 2004 Author Share Posted January 23, 2004 Friday morning, and with Matt Hillyer added to the injury list - a broken arm ruling the defender out for a fortnight - although Fairway would be able to welcome captain Marcel Horky back from injury. Bac v MSK SCP Ruzemberok - League Unavailable Glen Kaveney - Injured (Hip, 3 Months) Jozef Adamik - Suspended (2 of 3) With their recent revival brought to an abrupt - if totally expected - end in midweek, Fairway and his side would have just three days to recover before a game against one of their traditional bogie teams, Ruzemberok. The game - the third of seven in three weeks - would see two changes to the side who fought bravely against Liverpool, but were unable to take their occasional chances. In the middle the impressive Mukeba would be relegated to the bench - Marcel Horky returning after injury - while Albert stepped in for the suspended Adamik in defence. The game took it's time to get going - the first real chance coming on 38 when a Peter Svoboda corner caused real trouble inside the box. In the second half things continued in a similar fashion - Mihal Balaz firing over on 69 before a stooping Stevko header earnt Ruzemberok a good chance on 77. With the game neither here nor there, a draw looked likely - until Bac won a corner on 87. Peter Svoboda put the ball into the middle and finally Bac opened the scoring - Robert Lovegrove on hand to guide home a header from close range. Two minutes later shattered Ruzemberok blew any chance of a comeback after failing to deal with a far-post Mihal Balaz cross - Marian Marek needing two bites at the cherry, but still able to stab the ball beyond 'keeper Mucha. Bac 2 - Ruzemberok 0 (Lovegrove, Marek) Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Ernak, Majernik, Albert, Cisar, Benko, Svoboda, Horky*, Marek, Nurdinatoro (Replaced Balaz 45) Bac Position After Game; 2nd Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted January 23, 2004 Author Share Posted January 23, 2004 Monday morning, and after a hard-fought win on Saturday comes the inevitable fall out. David Mukeba's injury had little to do with the Ruzemberok game however - a broken toe in training ruling him out for a week. A day later he would be joined in the treatment room by young Pavol Petras - the 17-year old defender, a big prospect for the future, ruled out for about a week with strained knee ligaments. HFC Humenne v Bac - Slovakian FA Cup Second Round Unavailable Jozef Adamik - Suspended (3 of 3) Glen Kaveney - Injured (Hip, 3 Months) David Mukeba - Injured (Toe, 1 Week) Pavol Petras - Injured (Knee, 1 Week) With injury problems again mounting, Fairway made just one - unenforced - change for a game in a competition that Bac have had mixed success in - Mihal Balaz starting for Seto Nurdinatoro up front. They got off to a woeful start - Paparanec, Horvath and Samo all peppering Gardosik's goal with shots before Peter Horvath poked home a Budzak cross on 23. If anything Bac fell in upon themselves even more - seemingly unable to get going - and Vesely should have scored a second on 44. Fairway suprised everybody - no changes at half time - but his side sent out with their manager's shouts ringing in their ears. To an extent, it worked - Bac started spreading the play, even earning a first corner - but on 58 saw Vlastimil Benko sent off for an elbow on defender Geri. 14 minutes later Humenne bagged a second, and the game looked complete - Frantisek Gajarsky finishing after Turok-Hetes barged and harried his way past Horky to cross. Bac would have chances - Nurdinatoro and particularly Andrej Cisar both seeing shots blocked by 'keeper Dudic in the final 10 minutes - but in injury time it would be the home side who hit the target for a third time. With Tomas Albert off the pitch temporarily with a knock Frantisek Gajarsky had the freedom of the area - a well-worked corner fired through the crowd to wrap up a most miserable evening for Bac - out of the Cup at the first time of asking. Humenne 3 - Bac 0 Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove (Replaced Hrivnak 60), Ernak, Majernik, Albert, Cisar, Benko, Svoboda (Replaced Masarovic 60), Horky*, Marek (Replaced Nurdinatoro 60), Balaz Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted January 23, 2004 Author Share Posted January 23, 2004 With Fairway fuming at his players on Thursday morning a suspension for Vlastimil Benko would not improve his mood - a one-game ban as standard, with the Discaplinary Commitee meeting to consider an extension to his ban - something which seems inevitable when it comes to elbowing. <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Slovakia-Today - Football - Sunday 15/10/06 'Dire Slovakia fail in Russia' "An awful performance against Russia has left Slovakia 8 points behind Group Leaders Greece - and looking doubtful for qualification to Euro 2008. Rolan Gusev scored the only goal of the game afer 13 minutes, but Slovakia were never in it - having only two chances all game, neither of which troubled Russia 'keeper Nigmatullin. Miroslav Karhan was dismissed in the Second Half - and though debutants Dovicovic and Durica were sent on as substitutes after the interval neither could make any difference. Must do better. News of the World - Football - Sunday 15/10/06 'England overcome stubborn Faeroes with good win' "England took their time, but were able to ease past the Faeroe Islands 3-0 in Torshavn - though neither Jay Bothroyd or Stephen Clemence, both looking for their first Cap, were included in the side despite being named in the Squad for the game. Steven Gerrard scored the opener on 31 - a long shot, reminiscent of his famous goal against Germany, deflected past 'keeper Mikkelsen. Early in the second half Kieron Dyer headed a second, hitting the net on 55 from a Beckham corner. Five minutes later Micheal Owen scored his 40th goal in an England shirt - a penalty after the Liverpool man was tripped - and John Carver's side go into the international break topping the group, on goal difference from Georgia. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> By Wednesday Vlastimil Benko had seen his suspension increased by a further two games - Fairway giving the veteran a stern ticking off - but at least able to welcome David Mukeba back after injury. FK ZTS nac Dubnica v Bac - League Unavailable Glen Kaveney - Injured (Hip, 3 Months) Vlastimil Benko - Suspended (1 of 3) With Dubnica struggling at the foot of the table and Bac not yet into their stride this season, Fairway would be delighted to welcome Jozef Adamik back in defence for Tomas Albert - but would persist with Balaz in attack alongside Marian Marek. The game began slowly - but on 14 a horrendous error put the bottom club ahead. There looked to be little danger when Zatek beat Marek to head the ball forward. As it bounced towards the edge of the box, defender Adamik and 'keeper Gardosik both waited for each other - allowing Peter Kiska the chance to run in and slot home from the edge of the area. Bac had an almost immediate chance to level - the comedic goal really livening up the game - but Marek was unable to hit the target after breaking free inside the area. On 40 the visitors drew level - Marcel Horky's pass the perfect ammumition for Mihal Balaz to turn and rifle home. Bac shot out of the blocks in the Second Half, and on 51, should have doubled the lead - Balaz shooting wide after good work from Peter Svoboda. Mihal Balaz did hit the target again - his glancing header on 61 from a Pavol Mikulec corner giving Bac a deserved lead - but from then on it was one way traffic. Gardosik, in fine form, soon became the busier of the two 'keepers, and though Porazik grazed the bar with a powerful effort late on, Bac were able to hold on for an important win. Dubnica 1 - Bac 2 (Balaz) Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Ernak, Majernik, Adamik, Cisar, Benko, Svoboda, Horky*, Marek, Balaz Bac Position After Game; 1st Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted January 23, 2004 Author Share Posted January 23, 2004 With Champions League opponents Lyon arriving in Slovakia on Monday morning, Fairway had to hand over Bac-Stadion for the required training session for the visiting side. It had worked in his favour in the past - Bac's players thoroughly enjoying the San Siro, with both Anfield and Stade Gerland still to come. This time however, it didn't - training on a local park pitch, 'keeper Adrian Porszek strained ankle ligaments, ruling him out for 3 weeks. Bac v Lyon - European Champions League Group A Unavailable Glen Kaveney - Injured (Hip, 3 Months) With Lyon bottom of Group A, and Bac at home, Fairway knew the game against the French side represented Bac's best chance of getting so much as a goal in the uncharted waters of the Champions League group stages. He would make no changes from the side who successfully overcame Dubnica on Saturday - meaning in-form Balaz retained a starting place. After just 17 seconds the ball was in the net - but not at the end you might have expected. Marcel Horky lifted the ball forward, the aformentioned Balaz knocked it on - and Marian Marek kept his shot low, past 'keeper Coupet and into the corner. Three minutes later it was two - with Lyon in total disarray. Another big, booming ball caught the French side short - and when Balaz nipped onto Ernak's pass, his long cross was met by Marian Marek - a powerful header giving a scoreline that nobody expected. It sometimes happens in Cup football - you let a team get an early goal and they go on to dominate you. Lyon seemed unable to grasp that, and on 18, the Bac-Stadion was again sent into a mixture of disbelief and awe - Marek returning the favour with a teasing ball across the area for Mihal Balaz to shoot home from 12-yards out. Lyon looked totally out of sorts - the first time they did get forward, on 42, Arnaud Ferrand found himself in a good position, but could only find defender Majernik. Immediatley after the break Bac showed no signs of letting up - and on 51, Marian Marek claimed a hatrick even he thought he would never see - the striker taking advantage after Norbert inadvertantley knocked a Svoboda pass beyond the backline. The offside calls were futile - ex-French international 'keeper Coupet came out, but Marek was first to it, and able to fire into the roof of the net. By now it was all over - though Thill saw a header well saved on 67, and on 75 Armand Ferrand saw his cross-shot deflected wide for a corner. In injury time there would be something else - with Mihal Balaz rising above them all to glance home a Majernik long-throw. From the scenes at the final whistle, you'd have thought that Bac had won the Champions League. In a way, they had - with Fairway targeting a single goal as the only target for their Champions League campaign, to win a game in such fashion is amazing. Bac 5 - Lyon 0 Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Ernak (Replaced Petras 75), Majernik, Adamik, Cisar, Benko, Svoboda, Horky* (Replaced Hrivnak 75), Marek, Balaz Bac Position After Game; 3rd Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janz Posted January 23, 2004 Share Posted January 23, 2004 awesome win!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adurian Posted January 23, 2004 Share Posted January 23, 2004 Great story and great win over Lyon KUTGW Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
.thumb.jpg.49b5f22c29652d92ce6ad2d41293d14b.jpg)
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.