Lovejoy! Posted January 24, 2004 Share Posted January 24, 2004 This story still amazes me so! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted January 25, 2004 Author Share Posted January 25, 2004 Cheers all - As the goals went in I had to pinch myself - it was simply mad - No idea how we did it. With everyone associated with Bac on Cloud Nine on Thursday morning, a cheque from UEFA for £220,000 - the standard prize for a Group stage Win - would certainly help matters that little bit more. It took Bac's bank balance to an awesome £4.6 million - though Fairway still had all of £14,000 to spend should he want to boost the squad in the January transfer window. Bac v FK Artmedia Petrzalka - League Unavailable Glen Kaveney - Injured (Hip, 3 Months) Vlastimil Benko - Suspended (2 of 3) With a team fresh off of their greatest performance in a long time - perhaps ever - Fairway would make no changes to his side - a win could see them go four points clear at the top of the table. With the side cheered onto the pitch by an army of home supporters still digesting and reliving that magical night on Wednesday, the early period of the game was - at best - an anticlimax, with little attacking play from either side. On 29 however Bac - who had the best of what little did happen early on - took the lead, with Pavol Mikulec's pass, Mihal Balaz' cross and a deft, downward header by Marian Marek putting the home side ahead. It could have been two before the break - Mikulec grazing the bar with a shot from distance. Despite being ahead at half time, Fairway made two changes - but almost immediatley saw Petrzalka draw level. The hardworking Borbely put Orabinec away down the left, and from his cross Jan Durica arrived just in time to shoot the visitors level. Both sides had later chances - though the game was certainly not what it could have been - perhaps midweek exertions playing a part as Bac failed to take their late chances. Bac 1 - Petrzalka 1 (Marek) Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Ernak, Majernik, Adamik, Cisar, Mikulec, Svoboda (Replaced Mukeba 45), Horky*, Marek, Balaz (Replaced Nurdinatoro 45) Bac Position After Game; 1st Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terk Posted January 25, 2004 Share Posted January 25, 2004 back top of the league and a win in the CL nice going, d_s Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted January 25, 2004 Author Share Posted January 25, 2004 Cheers Terk - I can't explain the Lyon result, a freak one perhaps - but to be top of the league again is certainly a bonus Monday morning - and bad news on defender Robert Lovegrove . He struggled towards the end of the draw with Petrzalka, and would be ruled out for about a week with a damaged shoulder. A quiet week would follow - but with just four league games to go before the Winter Break, Fairway knew his side had to keep up the pressure domestically to retain their top spot. Last season it proved crucial to get a good run of wins with league form stuttering late on, and with the added interest - or distraction - of Europe this time around, he knew that these four games could determine their season. On Friday Fairway was delighted to hear that Vladimir Suchy had scored his first goal for the club - the young defender, a youth graduate, scoring in the Under 19's victory over Hummenne. FC. Rimavaska Sobota v Bac - League Unavailable Vlastimil Benko - Suspended - (3 of 3) Glen Kaveney - Injured (Hip, 2 Months) Robert Lovegrove - Injured (Shoulder, 5 Days) No Lovegrove - so a return for Szijjarto - with Fairway again keeping an otherwise unchanged side for the trip to mid-table Sobota, struggling with injury problems of their own. Bac certainly started well, with both Mihal Balaz and Marian Marek in and around the area early on. On 25, Bac came even closer to taking the lead - Mihal Balaz hitting the bar from Ernak's dipping, arcing pass before Stano scrambled the ball to safety. As often happens in such situations though it was Rim. Sobota who took the lead - on 38 Kozmer hit a wonderful 60-yard pass into space ahead of Marian Stas. Stas took two touches before lobbing 'keeper Gardosik with a fine chip to make it 1-0 before half time. Immediatley after the break Bac drew level - Szijjarto finding Andrej Cisar , who was able to drill the ball across the box into the far corner. It immediatley livened up the game - Cisar denied a second before substitute Nurdinatoro diverted a shot against the bar on 57. Six minutes later there would be a goal - with Bac completing their turnaround to take the lead. A brilliant pass from the mecurial Svoboda put Seto Nurdinatoro away - the striker able to twist, turn and provide the cross - Mihal Balaz making no mistake with a stooping header. Sobota certainly dominated the latter period - chances seemingly wasted - and Gardosik was by far the busier of the two 'keepers, who along with the impressive Majernik rallied his side - the three points most welcome for Bac. Rim. Sobota 1 - Bac 2 (Cisar, Balaz) Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Szijjarto, Ernak, Majernik, Adamik (Replaced Albert 45), Cisar, Mikulec, Svoboda, Horky* (Replaced Mukeba 45), Balaz, Marek (Replaced Nurdinatoro 45) Bac Position After Game; 1st <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> | Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | BAC | | 15 | 9 | 3 | 3 | 29 | 16 | +13 | 30 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Puchov | | 15 | 8 | 5 | 2 | 34 | 18 | +16 | 29 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Zilina | | 15 | 8 | 3 | 4 | 29 | 20 | +9 | 27 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Trnava | | 15 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 26 | 20 | +6 | 24 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Inter Bratislava | | 15 | 7 | 3 | 5 | 28 | 26 | +2 | 24 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Petrzalka | | 15 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 17 | 14 | +3 | 22 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Rim. Sobota | | 15 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 13 | 20 | -7 | 14 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Ruzomberok | | 15 | 3 | 4 | 8 | 18 | 26 | -8 | 13 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Dubnica | | 15 | 2 | 5 | 8 | 15 | 29 | -14 | 11 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Slovan Bratislava | | 15 | 3 | 2 | 10 | 15 | 35 | -20 | 11 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre> Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 25, 2004 Share Posted January 25, 2004 I find your story about the breaking life in Slovakia great ! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted January 27, 2004 Author Share Posted January 27, 2004 Cheers daggen Taking a brief sabbatical from CMS - I'm quite busy at the moment, and have had little time to concentrate - and enjoy - my writing. Both this and the Lisbon Lions (Stenhousemuir) will continue after a fairly short, but as yet unknown period - cheers for everyone's support. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 20, 2004 Share Posted February 20, 2004 ... to be continued??? I miss this story about Bac... It is really great Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
HD Posted February 20, 2004 Share Posted February 20, 2004 show some sensitivity ffs. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peacemaker7 Posted February 20, 2004 Share Posted February 20, 2004 What is it with people who feel the need to up month old threads. It will be updated if and when Stuart decides to do it. Next person to up a month old thread gets banned. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted March 8, 2004 Author Share Posted March 8, 2004 And as promised... <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> www.bbc.co.uk/football - Monday 16/11/06 'Struggling Seagulls Could Sack McGhee' " Brighton & Hove Albion , struggling in Division One, are rumoured to be searching for replacements for Mark McGhee - the Scotsman who has managed the club since replacing Steve Coppell in 2003. It's been a poor season for Brighton, and many supporters are said to be fed-up with McGhee, who has been accused by many of trying to drive £5 Million rated striker Leon Knight out, by leaving the pint-sized hitman on the bench in recent games, preferring instead to play Scot James Graham , on loan from Man Utd. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Fairway took in the news with interest - his beloved Albion could belooking for a manager, and after Bac's European adventures, Fairway thought he could have a chance - hopeful that he had been spotted in his homeland, and that he could tempt Knight into making his dream come true. That though would all depend on weather or not McGhee would be given time to turn things around. He would watch the situation with interest. Olympique Lyonnais v Bac - European Champions League Group A Glen Kaveney - Injured (Hip, 2 Months) Robert Lovegrove - Injured (Shoulder, 2 Days) With their manager able to keep his application quiet, Bac's players travelled to France blisfully unaware that their manager had eyes elsewhere. Lyon however would be a very tough task - the visitors humilating them back in Slovakia, but in France, Fairway knew his side would be in for a thoroughly different task. He did however, fancy a repeat performance - and almost saw his side get off to a perfect start when Mihal Balaz clipped a Pavol Mikulec over the bar within the opening minute. Though Bac would create further chances in the coming minutes - Mikulec a constant danger - it would be Lyon who opened the scoring on 31. A Ferrand cross was deflected across goal for Jacques Gourvennec to turn and curl the ball past 'keeper Gardiosik. After the break Bac came out of their shells a little - Fairway encouraging his side forward with a double change at the break. On 64 Cisar broke free on the right - beating Petit, but only seeing Marek shoot wide across the face of goal. Four minutes later they would level - and Fairway would be celebrating, as one of his substitutes levelled. A fine, early cross from Ernak found Seto Nurdinatoro on the edge of the box, and with the Indonesian hitman without a goal in some time, his manager was delighted to see a low, powerful shot creep into the corner of the net. In front of their own fans, Lyon had a little more fight - Gardiosik forced to turn a shot on the volley from Duval on 74. Four minutes later though he could only grasp at thin air - a calamitous backpass from Ernak selling the 'keeper short - and Sebastian Deschamps on hand to rifle into the roof of the net. Bac would have a couple of chances to level - first Tissot very nearly scuffing a clearance past his own 'keeper, before Marian Marek could only hit the post from yards away. Lyon 2 - Bac 1 (Nurdinatoro) Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Szijjarto, Ernak, Majernik, Adamik, Cisar, Mikulec, Svoboda (Replaced 45 Mukeba), Horky*, Marek, Balaz (Replaced Nurdinatoro 45) Bac Position after Game; 3rd Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terk Posted March 8, 2004 Share Posted March 8, 2004 i was hoping you'd have won this game so i could say: "bac with a bang" Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted March 8, 2004 Author Share Posted March 8, 2004 Pun-tastic - cheers Terk Bad news followed Bac as they travelled home on Wednesday morning - Peter Svoboda and Pavol Majernik would both be hit with one-game European bans after picking up bookings in the defeat in France, taking them to three and the automatic punishment. <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> www.seagulls.co.uk - News - Friday 10/11/06 'McGhee Out - Winter In' "Brighton & Hove Albion are delighted to announce the appointment of former Holland international Aron Winter as new manager in succession to Mark McGhee, who's contract was terminated by mutual consent this morning. A full statement will be released later, and assistant manager Bob Booker will be in charge for Sunday's televised game against Milwall. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Suprised? Youbetcha. Fairway didn't even know that McGhee had left, let alone that a replacement had already been found. It was clearly a pre-arranged situation, with no applications invited. For now, he would have to wait, watch and concentrate on Bac - something that would not be too difficult with a game against Third placed Zilina coming up on Sunday. With Puchov drawing on Saturday, Bac would have the chance to go three points clear with a win. Bac v MSK Zilina - League Unavailable Glen Kaveney - Injured (Hip, 2 Months) With the fit-again Lovegrove replacing Szijjarto at Right Back, Fairway would make one change to his side for what could prove a crucial game. With three League games left before the Winter Break, things are delicatley poised, and a good run now could give the whole club a boost ahead of the two final Champions League games and that all-important Christmas break. After a quiet start, the game exploded into life on 10 minutes when Zilina took the lead - Barcik playing the ball in ahead of Michal Gottwald, who's shot took a deflection off the post before beating 'keeper Gardiosik. Three minutes later Bac levelled - in some style. A Cisar cross was neatly nodded back by Marek, and Svoboda's deft chip found Mihal Balaz onside for a simple finish at the far post. Five minnutes later the home side took the lead - a trademark Marcel Horky rocket from fully 30 yards the chalk to the cheese of the neatly crafted Bac opener. If Bac thought they had things wrapped up though, they were sorely mistaken - Juraj Skripec scrambling the ball home on 36 after another fine, but deflected, Gottwald shot had brought a smart stop from 'keeper Gardiosik. After being somewhat disapointed to go in level at the break, Fairway again brought on Nurdinatoro as a sub for the struggling Marek. After a quiet start to the half Seto Nurdinatoro appeared once again to pull Bac out of trouble. It would again be a stroke of genius. Peter Svoboda's well-judged pass dipped behind defender Loj, and when Nurdinatoro nipped on, keeper Rzeszoto came out to narrow the angle. Nurdinatoro looked up, clipped a lobbed shot over the 'keeper, which bounced once before rolling into the far corner. It was a quite extrordinary goal to sum up an equally extrordinary game - but one that Bac had won, and would again be three points clear at the top of the League. Bac 3 - Zilina 2 (Balaz, Horky, Nurdinatoro) Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Ernak, Majernik, Adamik, Cisar, Mikulec, Svoboda, Horky*, Marek (Replaced Nurdiantoro 45), Balaz Bac Position After Game; 1st Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted March 9, 2004 Author Share Posted March 9, 2004 Tuesday, and a big blow - Andrej Masarovic will be out for around three weeks with a groin strain. The winger, an exciting, but frustrating - he's struggled to find his real form since signing for Bac - player, Masarovic is unlikely to be fit for the final league games, but may be able to play in the Champions League ties coming up before Christmas. Spartak Trnava v Bac - League Unavailable Andrej Masarovic - Injured (Groin, 3 Weeks) Glen Kaveney - Injured (Hip, 2 Months) With Masarovic added to the injury list, Fairway made one change to the squad - recalling Ernest Lopu to sit on the bench in place of the winger. A dismal first half - with neither side creating more than a chance each, would lead to Fairway ringing the changes at the break - Nurdinatoro and Mukeba introduced to shake things up. The second half at least started better - Bac having an early flurry of chances with Nurdinatoro and Marek shooting over, sandwiching a held Majernik header in the opening six minutes. Bac siezed the initiative, but were still unable to score - Nurdinatoro denied by a brave Cerny dive after good work by the tigerish Mukeba. Trnava had their moments - Duris shooting over on 84 in particular - but by then, the game had long since run out of steam, and a dismal draw the result. Trnava 0 - Bac 0 Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Ernak, Majernik, Adamik, Cisar, Mikulec, Svoboda, Horky* (Replaced Mukeba 45), Balaz (Replaced Nurdiantoro 45), Marek Bac Position After Game; 1st Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBev Posted March 9, 2004 Share Posted March 9, 2004 A big welcome bac to one of the best stories on the board Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted March 9, 2004 Author Share Posted March 9, 2004 Cheers Bob - appreciated After a not particularly successful week, Monday brought more bad news for Fairway - Ernest Lopu picking up a knock in training, later confirmed as a twisted knee, that would see him out of action for around a fortnight. A day later - another injury. Jozef Hrivnak this time, Bac's young midfielder, would be added to the injury list with strained neck muscles. Inter Bratislava v Bac - League Unavailable Andrej Masarovic - Injured (Groin, 1 Week) Glen Kaveney - Injured (Hip, 2 Months) Ernest Lopu - Injured (Knee, 1 Week) Jozef Hrivnak - Injured (Neck, 2 Weeks With the injury list again growing, and the final domestic game before the winter break on the cards, Fairway made one change for the trip to Bratislava - bringing in Seto Nurdinatoro alongside Marian Marek. On the bench it would be almost a case of 'Have boots, will travel' - Szijjarto and Benko both recalled to make up the numbers. After all of 12 seconds the change would be justified - Inter not having a single touch of the ball as Pavol Mikulec found Seto Nurdinatoro for a fine, low finish - his 10th of the season. Inter immediatley countered - Holly and Halenar both having chances, before the home side levelled on 21. Durica's clever, inswinging corner found the head of veteran Marek Holly, who made no mistake with a pinpoint, guided header into the roof of the net. Nine minutes later Marian Marek had the perfect chance to put Bac in the lead for the second time - Holly turning from hero to villan with a trip on Cisar, only for Bac's top goalscorer - 18 in all competitions - to scuff his penalty wide. He would soon make up for it - within a minute, Bac did score - and in some style too. A fine pass from Svoboda released Marek in the area, and unselfishly, he played the ball square - Seto Nurdinatoro making no mistake from close range. With his side ahead at the break, Fairway decided against making changes - but on the hour a combination of a fine pass, and a slow-to-react 'keeper would see the scores levelled - Jan Halenar taking advantage of both to make it 2-2. From then on in it was anyones game - but the 5000-plus crowd wouldn't have to wait too long for the winner. On 68 one-time Bac target Alias Lembakoali was in the right place at the right time - slotting home from a Koziak cross. Bac could have levelled late on - Nurdinatoro guilty of a disapointing miss after doing the hard work - but Fairway's woes would be increased when Mihal Balaz recieved his marching orders for a neeedless shove on Horvath. It never rains... Inter 3 - Bac 2 (Nurdinatoro 2) Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Ernak, Majernik, Adamik, Cisar, Mikulec, Svoboda, Horky* (Replaced Mukeba 63), Marek (Replaced Balaz 63), 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 | | Puchov | | 18 | 9 | 7 | 2 | 37 | 20 | +17 | 34 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | BAC | | 18 | 10 | 4 | 4 | 34 | 21 | +13 | 34 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Inter Bratislava | | 18 | 9 | 4 | 5 | 34 | 29 | +5 | 31 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Zilina | | 18 | 8 | 4 | 6 | 33 | 27 | +6 | 28 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Trnava | | 18 | 6 | 8 | 4 | 26 | 21 | +5 | 26 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Petrzalka | | 18 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 20 | 16 | +4 | 26 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Rim. Sobota | | 18 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 18 | 22 | -4 | 20 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Ruzomberok | | 18 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 21 | 30 | -9 | 17 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Slovan Bratislava | | 18 | 4 | 4 | 10 | 20 | 38 | -18 | 16 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Dubnica | | 18 | 2 | 6 | 10 | 18 | 37 | -19 | 12 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre> Updated to Patch 4.1.5 at this point. Hope to God it doesen't screw the game now I've resurrected it Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted March 10, 2004 Author Share Posted March 10, 2004 In the 20 minutes he was on the pitch, not only did Mihal Balaz manage to get sent off - but earlier he had picked up a booking for diving. This, combined with three previous yellows and an automatic one-game ban for the dismissal, would see him banned for two games - with a discaplinary committee meeting in early December likely to increase that punishment. Pavol Mikulec also reached the four-card limit in the defeat, ruling him out for the first league game of 2007. For now, that was in the future - Fairway already had Peter Svoboda and Pavol Majernik suspended for Wednesday's Champions League game at home to Inter - and his worrying would have to wait until after that. There would, however, be one intriguing piece of news before the Italians arrived. Quite unexpectedly, English Conference club Forest Green Rovers approached Fairway with an offer of the manager's job. Suprising nobody, he respectfully declined their invitation, citing 'unfinished business' in Slovakia before any future return home. Bac v Inter Milan - European Champions League Group A Unavailable Andrej Masarovic - Injured (Groin, 4 Days) Glen Kaveney - Injured (Hip, 2 Months) Ernest Lopu - Injured (Knee, 4 Days) Peter Svoboda - Suspended (1 of 1) Pavol Majernik - Suspended (1 of 1) Jozef Hrivnak - Injured (Neck, 2 Weeks With the unavailable list becoming something approaching novel length, Fairway would have to reshuffle his pack for a crucial game. Although his side were unlikely to qualify - needing two wins, and two defeats for Liverpool, it would be of great benefit to finish third - he admitted pre-match to reporters that he was unaware of the regulations regarding UEFA Cup qualification from the Champions League groups - but also the financial and status rewards such a position would undoubtedly bring. Mukeba and Albert were brought into the starting lineup, while Erik Takac and loanee teenager Zoran Strakl recieved places amongst the substitutes. After all of seven minutes, any illusions Bac had were shattered - Inter, already qualified, played a full-strength side, Internationals to a man - and when Zanetti put the pacey Martins away, it took him three touches to beat three men before shooting low past 'keeper Gardiosik. On 12 it would be 2-0 - a mazy run and finish from Brazilian Denilson giving the 'keeper no chance. By 20 it was in danger of becoming a little embarresing - Zanetti's flick and cross, Martins' header - 3-0, and all over bar the shouting. On a chilly night the pitch was looking grand, and this perhaps played into the visitors more stylish hands - and feet. After the break, with changes made, Bac did have their chances - Cisar's cross headed powerfully, but straight at 'keeper Toldo by Mihal Balaz. There would be little more action at either end - Fairway left to reflect on the sheer difference in class in Group A this season. Different world... Bac 0 - Inter 3 Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Ernak, Albert, Adamik, Cisar, Mikulec (Replaced Benko 74), Mukeba, Horky*, Marek (Replaced Balaz 45), Nurdinatoro Bac Position After Game; 3rd Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted March 11, 2004 Author Share Posted March 11, 2004 With 13 days before their next game - away at Liverpool - Fairway took the chance to start making plans for his own winter break. With Bac playing away in England, it would make sense for that to start after the Liverpool tie, and end - as usual - with a return flight on New Year's Day. Before that though, he would have work to do. It seems that the assessors only saw one game in November - with Seto Nurdinatoro taking goal of the month for his effort against Inter Bratislava - Marcel Horky took second place for his strike in the same game, while third went to Inter's Alias Lembakoali for his winner - a 'masterful team move' apparently, something which would bring raised eyebrows in the Fairway household. Meanwhile, the Englishman had rejected another chance to move home - bottom of the Conference, and looking doomed, Dover Athletic had little to offer any manager, let alone one managing in the Champions League. The offer - very optimistic at best - was rejected on Friday with the minimum of fuss. By Saturday Burton Albion had joined the Mariners with an offer - again rejected. You have to admire the ambition... Sunday morning - and bad news for Mihal Balaz ,with his ban extended by a single game, ruling the young striker out of the opening three matches in 2007 - quite a blow for club and player. By the end of the week though the news would be better - Andrej Masarovic, Ernest Lopu and Jovef Hrivnak all fit again, and ready for consideration for a trip to England for the Liverpool game. Liverpool v Bac - European Champions League Group A Unavailable Glen Kaveney - Injured (Hip, 1 Month) The injury list reduced to one, and both Majernik and Svoboda available for the final Group game of the Champions League. A win for Liverpool over Lyon had wrapped up the group, with the Italians only needing a point to win it. As expected, the previously suspended pair were returned to the side, with Masarovic also recalled as a sub. Liverpool started with a strong side - and on six minutes, took the lead. A fine long ball from the half way line - Sami Hyppia pumping the ball on - Emile Heskey nipped in and glanced the ball over 'keeper Gardiosik, putting the home side ahead. On 17 though the Kop would be silenced - a weak pass intercepted by Andrej Cisar, who beat Bonnissel for pace before crossing low. Seto Nurdinatoro was there - the Indonesian striker sidefooting past 'keeper Dudek to make it 1-1 right in front of the home support. If Bac's small section of travelling support were expecting something special, they were mistaken - Gardiosik soon under pressure again, before being beaten for a second time on 38 - Bryan Hughes rifling home a Heskey centre on the volley. With two substitutions suprising nobody at the break, Gardiosik would be again busy - tipping over from Martinez from point-blank range on 58. 10 minutes later a stroke of genius saw the home side add to their lead - young sub Paul Townsley's deep cross only half cleared, and Jurica Vranjes on hand to score with a majestic, looping volley. By 77 it was all over - a Bonnissel corner glanced goalwards by another of Liverpool's young subs - striker Neil Armstrong, seeing his header blocked by Gardiosik - but scrambled home by Hatem Trabelsi. There would be no further chances - and Bac's Euro campaign would end as everybody suspected it would. Still, 3 out of 4 ain't bad... Liverpool 4 - Bac 1 (Nurdinatoro) Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Ernak, Majernik, Adamik, Cisar, Mikulec, Svoboda (Replaced 45 Mukeba), Horky*, Marek (Replaced Balaz 45), Nurdinatoro Bac Position After Game; 3rd <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> | Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | Q | Inter | | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 13 | 2 | +11 | 16 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | Q | Liverpool | | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 14 | 4 | +10 | 13 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | BAC | | 6 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 7 | 12 | -5 | 3 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Lyon | | 6 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 20 | -16 | 3 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre> With the Bac squad and staff returning to Slovakia in despondent mood, Fairway was also on the move - but to the South of England, and home. On the way, he recieved another phone call - this time, Conference leaders Exeter City offering him the chance to manage back in England. A little more tempting perhaps - but this, like the other offers, rejected. On Wednesday evening, Fairway - by now relaxing at home - recieved a phone call from Slovakia. Expecting nothing of the sort, he would be delighted to find that Bac would be involved in the UEFA Cup - the rules stating that the sides who finished Third in the Groups would qualify - the Third Round draw on Friday the result. With no time to get back to see it with his team, a video-conference was hastily arranged with Chairman Julias Albert and the players watching Eurosport in one country, and their manager - the man who had got them there - in another. After all the pomp and ceremony of such events was out of the way, Bac were drawn out second. Their opponents? French giants and former Champions League winners Olympique de Marseille , with the first game to be played in France on March 1st. Certainly something to think about over the winter... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted March 11, 2004 Author Share Posted March 11, 2004 Chapter 8 - A repeat performance? <UL TYPE=SQUARE> <LI> David Trezuget of Juventus wins World Player of the Year, with fellow Frenchman Slyvan Distin of Real Madrid second, and AC Milan's Gattuso third. <LI> Gianluca Zambrotta of Juventus wins World Footballer of the year, with English based duo Gallas (Chelsea) and Silvestre (Man Utd) second and third respectivley <LI> Bac midfielder David Mukeba picks up his 7th cap for Democratic Republic of Congo in their 1-1 draw with Morocco <LI> Zoran Strakl, on loan from Ruzemberok, picks up a torn groin muscle in training, ruling him out for around 2 months <LI> Bac Under 19's finish the year on top of their league after a 2-0 win over Hronom With Fairway arriving back in Slovakia as planned on New Year's Day, his first duty would be one of upmost importance. With seven players out of contract at the end of the season, action would have to be taken. By the end of his first day back, five had been offered new deals. Vladimir Suchy offered a deal until the end of next season, with Andrej Masarovic, Tomas Albert, Glen Kaveney and Ladislav Szijjarto all offered contracts until the summer of 2009 - two and a half year contracts. For Kaveney, the offer was a pleasant suprise - hit by injury this season, but still a popular player since his arrival from Hull - and one he snapped up, accepting in hours. By the middle of the next week, all five had accepted the deals - signing on to give Fairway just two names to ponder. Robert Patras hadn't played since promotion to the First Division, and would not be offered a contract - but the second would give Fairway plenty to think about. Ernest Lopu is nothing short of a legend at Bac - with 20 goals in his first season under the Englishman, and a further 12 as Bac raced to the Divison Two title. Tuesday - and with the transfer window opening at the same time, Ernest Lopu put pen to paper on that one-year extension. Immediatley Fairway looked to the market - with a young winger long in his sights targeted as an immediate capture. With the league tight - and Bac's European adventures continuing - Fairway would surely be looking to strengthen with a crucial second half of the season coming up. By Saturday, those hopes would take a blow - Peter Durica agreeing a new deal with home club Trencin. Wednesday 24th - and while no new signings have arrived, one player has returned to the fold. Michal Filo , a 22-year old striker who has struggled for form at Bac, spent the first part of the season out on loan at Humenne - and failed to impress there either, not involved at all whilst at the Second Division outfit. Meanwhile in Kinshasa David Mukeba not only played as the Democratic Republic of Congo thrashed Chad 4-0 - but scored the opening goal - his first at international level - with a pinpoint header from an early corner. With the end of January passing without a signing, Fairway took time out to see what had been happening elsewhere in Europe. While the Slovakian transfer window would close a week into February the Transfer window for the majority of Europe closed at midnight - with the Months' biggest deal having serious interest for Bac. UEFA Cup opponents Marseille had been busy, with the £13.25 Million sale of Egyptian international striker Mido to Arsenal. Several English clubs used the window to offload, rather than add, talent - Newcastle striker Lewis Guy becoming one of the rapidly increasing English players abroad with a move to 1.FC Koln of Germany, while Micheal Lamey and Hitoeshi Nakata both made the move out of the Premiership to join AC Milan. As ever though, imports would be both predictable and suprising. Chelsea's long-rumoured move for Ousmane Dabo suprised nobody - but a £4.1 million move for Stephen Clemence from Derby to Man Utd? - now that was a shock. At the other end of the table, bottom of the pile Wigan - who need a miracle to stay up - added four to their squad. A week later, on deadline day itself, Fairway would get his man. <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> www.bac-online.sk - Football - Wednesday 7/2/07 'Midfielder signs as Fairway plans English trip' "Bac have completed the signing of 31-year old midfield man Jozef Rybinkar from Second Division side Podbrezova. The playmaker - signed for a nominal fee - has signed a contract until the summer of 2009. Speaking exclusivley to BO.sk, manager Stuart Fairway said; "Jozef is a good player, and when he became available I moved quickly to secure the signing. I think he will add another option for the remaining months of the season, and although he's not the youngest, will certainly have the skills for a couple of years yet". For his part, Rybinkar is also delighted to be joining the Champions - telling reporters that he is delighted to be playing in the top flight - his only other spell at this level a short loan period with AS Trencin before their relegation. Rybinkar will be able to play in Bac's UEFA Cup matches against Marseille, after Fairway used his option to make up to three changes to his squad - replacing backup player Erik Takac with the new signing. On that note, Fairway has arranged Bac's traditional February friendly game away - in England. With the first UEFA Cup match in France, Fairway will be taking his squad away for a training camp ahead of the match, also taking in a warmup game away at English Non-League side Leatherhead - the game to be played on Saturday 24th, with the trip to Marseille on March 1st. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> On Thursday morning - with new boy Rybinkar settling in to his first training session, Fairway was able to tell Pavol Majernik that his form had been noted. A first call-up to the international game, with Slovakia manager Ladislav Jurkemik for a freindly game against Holland. Delighted for his player, Fairway phoned the international boss to thank him - and to urge him to hand Majernik his debut in the Wednesday night game. He wouldn't be the only Bac man to get the call - Pavol Petras, Jozef Adamik and Jozef Hrivnak all on Under 21 duty. Come Wednesday morning, Fairway could see how his young guns got on. Although defeat for Slovakia - 3-2 in Hasselt - all three of his players started the game, with Petras and Hrivnak both replaced in the Second half. One further incident of note - a goal for Gyor striker Tamas Priskin - a player whom Fairway publically admitted interest in last year. A day later - and a first cap for Pavol Majernik . Although Slovakia were beaten 2-0 by Holland in the Amsterdam ArenA, the Bac man came on for the second half, and aquitted himself well. On a slippery pitch, he aquitted himself well - and would be offered a new contract. Partly a reward for a fine season - but more than likely due to the current £500,000 release clause in his contract - a fee Fairway considered derisory for a player of his talents. On Friday morning, Majernik would put pen to paper on a new deal - with the contract running until 2010, taking him up to at least his 32nd birthday. It would prove a pleasant conclusion to the Winter break - with Fairway and his squad boarding a plane to England hours later. After looking a little rusty earlier in the week back at home, the trip had clearly done Bac good - with Fairway having a fully fit squad to choose for the game against Leatherhead. Leatherhead v Bac - Friendly In the pleasant surroundings of Leatherhead's Fetcham Grove stadium - off a quiet road near the Station and Lesiure Centre - Fairway named a strong, full-strength side - with new boy Rybinkar amongst the 10 substitutes. A token small crowd turned out to watch the game - but saw very little early on. However after 24 came just what Fairway didn't need - an injury to Pavol Majernik, which would see the defender taken off in some discomfort. By 35 though things had got better - Andrej Cisar running almost from half way before slotting home in style. After almost wholesale changes at the interval Bac stepped up a gear - Mihal Balaz scoring after a wonderful pass from Nurdinatoro. On the hour the former Hannover man slammed home his second and Bac's third - Glen Kaveney crafting an opportunity out of very little to prove his fitness having come on at the break. New boy Rybinkar looked busy - having one wayward chance - and Leatherhead too had a part to play, Palmer's header ruled out for a push - before Bac wrapped things up on 82. A well-worked corner completed an easy win - Kaveney and Hrivnak linking up well, with the latter crossing for Seto Nurdinatoro to nip in for a near-post header. Leatherhead 0 - Bac 4 (Cisar, Balaz 2, Nurdinatoro) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted March 12, 2004 Author Share Posted March 12, 2004 With the news on Pavol Majernik seeing a twisted knee diagnosed - out for around five days - Fairway put his players through an intensive training camp. Though Majernik could be fit, he decided to take things as if his defensive lynchpin would be unavailable, with young Petras and Tomas Albert both champing at the bit to replace him. The squad travelled to France on Tuesday - and by Thursday morning, club physio Martin Suchy passed Pavol Majernik fit to play against Marseille. Olympique de Marseille v Bac - UEFA Cup Third Round, First Leg Although eligible, Fairway decided against including Rybinkar - giving Glen Kaveney a recall to the bench after his successful return from injury against Leatherhead. Marseille's wonderful 60,000 seater Stadio Velodrome looked to have a fair few empty seats - hardly packed to the rafters - the home fans obviously expecting an easy win. After just 8 minutes, they were set on their way - After a long throw came to Skacel inside the box, the cross for Drogba was perfection - the Ivorian international netting with a powerful header. After a rare Bac foray forward - Marek hooking over from inside the area - Drogba scored for the second time on 25 minutes, a crisp, low drive creeping past 'keeper Gardiosik. With the Slovak quickly becoming the busier of the two 'keepers, Fairway made changes at the break - and almost reaped the reward. On 51 a trademark intelligent Kaveney pass found Seto Nurdinatoro, but the Indonesian striker could only steer his shot into the 'keepers arms at the near post. With Majernik, Horky and Gardiosik fighting manfully, Bac kept the pressure off for long spells of a poor second half. The late introduction of Balaz for Bac added pace - the striker guilty of wasting a real chance soon after coming off the bench, when he fired weakly wide with Nurdinatoro in the clear inside the box. Five minutes from the end however, that would be shattered - a third goal coming in the shape of a Cyril Chapuis angled shot into the corner after Drogba - who could have easily had a hatrick - had flicked the ball on. A disapointing start to 2007 - but who expected anything but? Marseille 3 - Bac 0 Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Ernak, Majernik, Adamik, Cisar, Mikulec (Replaced 45 Kaveney), Svoboda (Replaced 45 Mukeba), Horky*, Marek (Replaced Balaz 74), Nurdinatoro Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoS Posted March 12, 2004 Share Posted March 12, 2004 great to see this story bac on the boards. All other teams- watch your Bac- Bac are bac. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
HD Posted March 12, 2004 Share Posted March 12, 2004 you've taken that too far Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted March 12, 2004 Author Share Posted March 12, 2004 <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by HD: you've taken that too far <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Fetch my gun Cheers though Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted March 12, 2004 Author Share Posted March 12, 2004 Arriving back in Slovakia on Friday, Fairway charged his troops with the task of getting over their defeat quickly - a crucial league game against Slovan Bratislava on Sunday - and one they'd have to face without both Mihal Balaz and Pavol Mikulec - suspended after incidents towards the end of last year. Slovan Bratislava v Bac - League Unavailable Mihal Balaz - Suspended (1 of 3) Pavol Mikulec - Suspended (1 of 1) After learning of Presov's victory on Saturday - taking them three points clear - Fairway knew his side would need to win to keep up the pressure on the League leaders. He would bring in the new boy - Rybinkar on the bench, wearing shirt number 28 - with Glen Kaveney replacing Mikulec on the left flank. Slovan began the game the brighter - with Nemeth volleying wide on 4 before a Fodrek shot from the angle came off the outside of the post. Bac soon got into their stride, and on 19, opened the scoring - Andrej Ernak glancing home a header from Svoboda's near post corner to claim his first goal of the season. Bac seized on their goal to take the initiative - and on 40, only some superbly brave defending from Vomacka denied Marian Marek the chance to score a second. The second half began slowly - but on 57 Andrej Cisar's majestic run almost deserved a goal itself. Winning the ball inside his own area, the Bac winger surged forward, taking the ball into the Slovan area before screwing a shot wide of the far post. With Slovan getting back into things, a goal looked inevitable - with the Bac defence struggling manfully to hold on. As it was, the leveller would come with a stroke of genius - Peter Babnic meeting an Obzera cross with a clinical volley to make it 1-1. Bac could have snatched it - Marian Marek wasting an injury-time chance with the goal at his mercy - but the draw probably a fair result. Slovan 1 - Bac 1 (Ernak) Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Ernak, Majernik, Adamik, Cisar, Kaveney, Svoboda (Replaced 79 Rybinkar), Horky* (Replaced 79 Hrivnak), Marek, Nurdinatoro (Replaced 79 Lopu) Bac Position After Game; 2nd Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted March 12, 2004 Author Share Posted March 12, 2004 With a draw welcoming them back to domestic action, Fairway's side would have a busy seven days ahead of them. Marseille first - then league leaders Presov on Saturday. Ahead of that there would be some bad news - Mihal Balaz , already suspended for the next two domestic games - picking up a shoulder injury in training to rule him out for around a week. Bac v Olympique de Marseille - UEFA Cup Third Round Second Leg Unavailable Mihal Balaz - Injured (Shoulder, 6 Days) With the score 3-0 to Marseille in the first leg, Fairway decided to make one change to his side - bringing Glen Kaveney for Pavol Mikulec. The latter would replace Petras on the bench - with Kaveney handed a huge chance on the flank to show his silky skills. After all of 40 seconds however, the visitors were ahead - and any remote Bac chance disapeered. A stunning lofted pass from Laizans set Dimiry Sytchev up to run at Robert Lovegrove. One flick and he was away - a cool finish past the onrushing Gardiosik bringing disapointment to those in the home stands. Marseille stole the initiative, and after threatening, scored again on 20 - this time Sebastian Lopez powering home a header from a deep corner to make it 2-0. Although it had been nearly all one-way traffic, Bac did begin to assert themselves just before the break - with Glen Kaveney's cross nodded goalwards by Marek. Soon after the break they would get a real chance to claim at least a consolation - when Ernak's free kick saw Andrej Cisar tripped as he ran to meet the ball inside the box. Babic booked - and Marian Marek able to slot home from the penalty spot. The game then deteriorated - becoming scrappy, with a handful of bookings - two for either side between the 50th and 75th minutes. Marseille could have added to the score late on - Cyril Chapuis and skipper Freddy Indurley Grisales both coming close in the dying moments. The Euro Dream over - but what an experience it's been for players, club and manager alike. Bac 1 - Marseille 2 (Marek) Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Ernak, Majernik, Adamik, Cisar, Kaveney, Svoboda (Replaced 45 Mukeba), Horky*, Marek, Nurdinatoro Marseille win 5-1 on Aggregate Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted March 13, 2004 Author Share Posted March 13, 2004 The defeat came with an added blow - Marcel Horky's booking ruling him out of Bac's next European match, whenever that should be. With European distratcions out of the way, Fairway told his side that they would have a stern fight on their hands to retain their hard-won title - starting on Saturday with Puchov. Bac v FK Matador Puchov - League Unavailable Mihal Balaz - Suspended (2 of 3) With only Balaz unavailable - and no changes the result - Bac headed into the game looking for a win to take them back level on points with the visitors, currently top of the league. After 18 minutes though hopes of an early goal were shattered - a quiet, scrappy opening leading to a penalty for the visitors. After Talda - a genuinely impressive former Slovakian international - swung a corner in, Majernik leaned into his man - and Jan Kusy stepped up to slot the penalty past 'keeper Gardiosik. Five minutes later came the only other chance of a terrible first half - Glen Kaveney bending a free kick over for Bac. With both teams making changes at the break, the second half got off to a much better start. On 55 though Puchov would score for a second time - Velicky moving the ball quickly into the area for Pavol Piatka to cleverly stroke the ball into the far corner. Bac looked lacklustre - Cisar and Svoboda both making intelligent promptings, but Horky and in particular sub Lopu guilty of some uncharacteristically poor finishing inside the box. Disapointing. Bac 0 - Puchov 2 Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Ernak (Replaced Mikulec 73), Majernik, Adamik, Cisar, Kaveney, Svoboda, Horky*, Marek, Nurdinatoro (Replaced Lopu 45) Bac Position After Game; 2nd <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> | Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | Puchov | | 20 | 11 | 7 | 2 | 42 | 21 | +21 | 40 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | BAC | | 20 | 10 | 5 | 5 | 35 | 24 | +11 | 35 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Zilina | | 20 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 38 | 27 | +11 | 34 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Inter Bratislava | | 20 | 9 | 5 | 6 | 37 | 34 | +3 | 32 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Petrzalka | | 20 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 23 | 18 | +5 | 30 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Trnava | | 20 | 6 | 9 | 5 | 28 | 24 | +4 | 27 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Ruzomberok | | 20 | 6 | 5 | 9 | 24 | 30 | -6 | 23 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Rim. Sobota | | 20 | 5 | 5 | 10 | 18 | 25 | -7 | 20 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Slovan Bratislava | | 20 | 4 | 5 | 11 | 21 | 41 | -20 | 17 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Dubnica | | 20 | 2 | 7 | 11 | 20 | 42 | -22 | 13 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre> Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terk Posted March 13, 2004 Share Posted March 13, 2004 2nd isn't good enough a for ten pages of quality story-type-stuff though Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted March 14, 2004 Author Share Posted March 14, 2004 Cheers - It's been a funny old season - Once we've shown our best (v Lyon), but other than that, it's been pretty average. Still, 15 odd games to go, so it is possible... With 20 Games played, MSK Zilina have sacked manager Juraj Simurka , who led the club to four Championship wins - before seeing his sides' hopes of a fifth in a row dashed by Bac last season. That, however, looks some way off for Fairway's men at the moment - Puchov moving five points clear with victory at the Bac-Stadion. <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> www.Bac-Online.sk - Football - Wednesday 14/3/07 'Kollarik set for Bac Trial' "Bac manager Stuart Fairway has announced that former Ruzemberok striker and Slovakia Under 21 international Pavol Kollarik is set to spend a week on trial at the club. Kollarik, 18, came through youth ranks at Ruzemberok, but despite earning a call to the Slovakian Under 21 squad, the striker has not yet made his senior debut. "I've been very impressed with Pavol" said Fairway. "He's rejected an offer from Clyde in Scotland to have a trial here, and with our attack he's taking a big chance there. We like the look of him, and it'll be good for him to spend a further week here so we can have a proper look at the lad" <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Thursday - and the first chance for Bac's coaching staff to assess trialist Kollarik. A quick, pacey striker, Fairway knew he offered another option in attack - but if he joined, he would have to replace Ernest Lopu in the first team squad. Despite his sentimental initial thoughts, by Thursday evening Fairway would offer the 18-year old a contract. MSK SCP Ruzemberok v Bac - League Unavailable Mihal Balaz - Suspended (1 of 1) With the Kollarik transfer still incomplete ahead of the game against his former club, Fairway chose to again to go with an unchanged side - despite recent poor results. A feature of Bac's recent games has been an early goal for the opposition - and that would again be repeated. It's final execution was simple - Filip Sebo tapping in after an unselfish centre from Roland Stevko. With Fairway visibly fuming on the bench, his team hit back soon after. On 13 Lovegrove's header put Cisar in on the edge of the box. The winger simply bamboozled his marker Antalovic - breaking into the box before shooting low at goal. 'Keeper Mucha got down well to block - but Seto Nurdinatoro was on hand, making no mistake from six yards out. Two minutes later Bac were ahead - with a simply stunning move. Again young Robert Lovegrove set up the move - picking out Peter Svoboda, who moved it to the left with one touch. Seto Nurdinatoro did similar - with Glen Kaveney controlling the ball well, taking three touches to get into the box before coolly slotting the ball into the far corner from close range. Bac surged forward, hungry for further goals - Nurdinatoro and Marek coming close before Stevko was guilty of wasteful finishing for 'Berok just before the break. With skipper Horky suffering from an early knock, Fairway brought young Hrivnak on in his place - who was instantly involved in the creation of yet another chance, with Nurdinatoro's volley well held by Mucha. 'Berok were however very much in the game - Stevko and Gallo wasteful, but on 79 substitute Robert Rak showed how to do it. From a Laurinc corner Rak was allowed far too much time and space - and made no mistake with a pinpoint header. It proved a sucker punch - Bac playing their best football for some time, but still only getting the point. Ruzemberok 2 - Bac 2 (Nurdinatoro, Kaveney) Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Ernak, Majernik, Adamik, Cisar (Replaced Rybinkar 75), Kaveney, Svoboda, Horky* (Replaced Hrivnak 45), Marek, Nurdinatoro Bac Position After Game; 2nd Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tyrone the Magazine Posted March 14, 2004 Share Posted March 14, 2004 just caught up with this one, good stuff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted March 14, 2004 Author Share Posted March 14, 2004 Cheers Monday morning - and after Puchov's win put them seven points clear, Fairway's announcement that Pavol Kollarik had signed for the club would give everybody a boost. A new, young and talented striker to have always pleases supporters - and combined with the return from suspension of Mihal Balaz Fairway would in effect have two new strikers to choose from ahead of Wednesday's game. Bac v FK ZTS Dubnica nad Vahom - League With no selection worries, Fairway did decide to shuffle his pack slightly - handing Marian Marek a rest and new signing Pavol Kollarik a - slightly suprising - debut. On a wet but mild evening, the away side - struggling in the league - started the better, and only some brave defending from the under-pressure Adamik prevented Golokolosov from being clean through on 20. Though Dubnica were still dominating - Straka coming close on 30 - it would be Bac who opened the scoring with 13 first half minutes remaining. A Cisar free kick - and quick passing from Kollarik and Svoboda led to a chance for Glen Kaveney to cross to the near post - Seto Nurdinatoro simply rolling the ball home from close range. Though Bac had been slightly fortunate to get the first goal, their second - on 36 - would be something of a gem. Robert Lovegrove's quickly-taken throw - Cisar's deep cross - and a turn and shot by Seto Nurdinatoro put Bac in the comfort zone and gave the Indonesian hitman his 50th goal for Bac. On the stroke of half time though it was Dubnica who would be celebrating - Peter Hrubnica's stabbed rebound from a Dovicovic free kick perhaps just reward for their earlier efforts. With new boy Kollarik and skipper Horky a little subdued in the first half, Fairway replaced both at the break - and instantly the game turned. Bac were now storming forward at every opportunity - Kaveney seeing a low strike disallowed on 52 for a slightly dubious offside call. The stage was set though, and on 58 sub Mihal Balaz met a Cisar cross with a precision volley to make it 3-1 and increase Dubnica's problems. They would not trouble 'keeper Gardiosik again - and on 69, Mihal Balaz exquisitley turned in an Andrej Ernak pass from an acute angle to make it 4-1. As the visitors retreated further and further, Bac finished off a superb performance with a fifth goal deep into injury time. After Nurdinatoro picked up on a decent ball down the right, Mihal Balaz met his cross with a looping header to claim a late hatrick - the perfect reward for a stunning personal performance. Bac 5 - Dubnica 1 (Nurdinatoro 2, Balaz 3) Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Ernak, Majernik, Adamik, Cisar, Kaveney, Svoboda, Horky* (Replaced Mukeba 45), Kollarik (Replaced Balaz 45), Nurdinatoro Bac Position After Game; 2nd Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted March 15, 2004 Author Share Posted March 15, 2004 After such a stunning result and performance, Fairway was disapointed to note that Andrej Cisar had reached the four bookings stage - a one game ban the immediate result. <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Slovakia-Today - Football - Friday 23/3/07 'EXCLUSIVE! - Fairway rejects Zilina' " MSK Zilina have confirmed that they did make an approach for Bac manager Stuart Fairway . The Englishman, 38, has been a revolation since his arrival in Slovakia - leading unfashionable Bac to a Slovakian Cup, as well as Division Two and most recently, One titles. Zilina Chairman Jaroslav Slota said; "Yes, it is true - we did make an approach for Fairway, but he decided to turn us down. We are currently looking to other choices as new manager, and I would like to have somebody in place as soon as possible". Fairway refused to comment on the matter, saying only that he is 'more than happy' at Bac." <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> The approach had come like a bolt out of the blue - but was completly flattering for him. Zilina, a side he sought to emulate when first arriving in Slovakia, wanting him as their new manager. Fairway knew that now he had turned down the approach, the Bac support would be still further delighted with his loyalty - but what if a move to an English club became possible in the summer? - Would he still have fans in Slovakia? All such thoughts were firmly blown out of the water on Saturday morning, when Radoslaw Gardosik joined Pavol Majernik in the Slovakia squad for the European Championships Qualifying games against Italy and San Marino. A first call for the 'keeper - and one Fairway, who signed Gardiosik on a free transfer soon after joining Bac, was delighted with. Seto Nurdinatoro would also get the call - Indonesia in Friendly action against Kuwait. A defeat for league leaders Presov would only increase his good mood. FC Artmedia Petrzalka v Bac - League Unavailable Andrej Cisar - Suspended (1 of 1) Cisar the only absentee - and with Presov losing on Saturday, Fairway knew his side could get right back in the hunt with all three points away at Za Starym-Mostom in an afternoon kickoff. He decided to make two changes - Andrej Masarovic on the right wing to replace Cisar, and hand Mihal Balaz a starting role up front after his magnificent midweek display. Petrzalka started the better - and on 5, should have taken the lead - Kozak bringing a high ball down and turning nicely, but loosing his nerve and blazing the ball over from the edge of the box. By the 20th minute Bac had improved, and after Lovegrove had a low shot saved, Mihal Balaz beat 'keeper Lipcak to Svoboda's long pass, before rounding him and slotting home from inside the area. If anything, this inspired the home side - Gardiosik earning his corn with two stops from Gula and one from Vascak before the break. The lead wouldn't last long after the break though - on 55 Jan Kozak fired a shot from Gula's corner that deflected off Horky - wrongfooting Gardiosik, and nestling in the bottom corner. From then on the game advanced at a frenetic pace - chances at both ends with Balaz and Vascak busy in particular. On 81 Bac could, and perhaps should, have taken the lead - Pavol Majernik's goalbound stab from Svoboda's corner tipped onto the post then hooked off the line by Durica with Bac players in close attendance. A point probably deserved - but also perhaps showing Bac's inconsistency. Petrzalka 1 - Bac 1 (Balaz) Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Ernak, Majernik, Adamik, Masarovic (Replaced 45 Rybinkar), Kaveney (Replaced 65 Mikulec), Svoboda, Horky*, Balaz, Nurdinatoro (Replaced 65 Marek ) Bac Position After Game; 2nd Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted March 16, 2004 Author Share Posted March 16, 2004 Six points behind, with 13 games remaining. Still within reach - but with worryingly inconsistent form a hallmark of the Bac season so far Fairway was forced to admit to himself that it would be a big ask. The one thing they had to do was to keep in touch with Presov - and with Marcel Horky set to miss a single game through suspension, that would be a tricky task on current form. With five Bac players in the squad, Fairway was pleased to see Slovakia's Under 21's hold Italy's youngsters to a 1-1 draw - and equally pleased that all five - Kollarik, Strakl, Petras, Hrivnak and captain Adamik were all in the starting lineup. <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Slovakia-Today - Football - Sunday 1/4/07 'Creativity the Difference as Italy beat Slovakia' "In a fairly even game at Telhene Pole last night Italy beat Slovakia 2-0. Slovakia began poorly - going down on 11 minutes to Fabio Gatti's first International goal. The Perugia midfielder - playing in the centre, met a clearance with a fine volley, which gave 'keeper Contofalsky no chance after glancing the post. Though Slovakia had the odd chance - Halenaar coming close on 78 with a shot that forced a fine reflex save from Buffon - it would be Italy who clinched the game late on. Intelligent midfield promptings from the star-studded Azzuri had been threatening all game, and when World Player of the Year Zambrotta threaded the ball through, Allesandro Del Piero fired home to make it two in injury time. Slovakia head to San Marino with only one point from four Group 1 Games - needing a win to stay even remotley in contention." News of the World - Football - Sunday 1/4/07 'Stevey Does It - England Go Top' "England have gone top of Group 2 after Steven Gerrard's goal on 34 minutes gave John Carver's side a 1-0 victory over a stubborn Serbia & Montenegro at Wembley. On a Wet afternoon the Liverpool midfielder's glancing header from David Beckham's corner proved the only goal of an entertaining game. Chelsea's Glen Johnson had an inspiring game at Right Back - and in the second half, Perugia striker Jay Bothroyd came off the bench to claim his first international cap. England face a tough midweek tie in Bulgaria, knowing a win could put them clear if suprise package Georgia slip up against the Faeroes" <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Neither Radoslaw Gardiosik nor Pavol Majernik were involved as Slovakia lost 2-0 - but Seto Nurdinatoro did play the first 83 minutes for Indonesia. Unfortunatley it was a dire showing for the Island nation - Kuwait running out easy 4-0 winners, with the Bac striker starved of real support up front. Monday morning would see the plaudits continuing for Bac - with Glen Kaveney picking up third place in the Goal of the Month competition for March for his solo finish to an excellent team move. Player of the month Michal Gottwald of Zilina won the competition, and bagged second in an extrordinarily positve month for the midfield general. <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Slovakia-Today - Football - Thursday 5/4/07 'Abysmal Slovakia hand San Marino first win' "In a terrible performance in Serraville's Olympico stadium home nation San Marino gained their first competitive victory, beating woeful Slovakia 2-0. Slovakia were second-best throughout the first half, and it was no suprise when San Marino - below even the likes of the Seychelles, Chad and the US Virgin Islands in the FIFA Rankings took the lead - Andy Selva taking advantage of a slightly fortunate deflection to run on and shoot powerfully past 'keeper Contofalsky. On 61, Selva scored again - firing home after a well-worked free kick was headed back across the box by Casadei. If Slovakia can take any positives from the game it is that - in the centre of defence at least - a fairly handy partnership between Dynamo Kiev's Hanak and Bac's Majernik seems to be developing, though the two are very inexperienced at international level. Dismal - and how long can Ladislav Jurkemik hold onto his job on this form?" The Sun - Football - Thursday 5/4/07 'No way through for hardworking England' "We put in the graft, but couldn't score" - England manager John Carver's words after a 0-0 draw with Bulgaria saw England drop to second, behind Georgia in Euro Qualifying Group B. England did have the majority of the chances in a hard-fought game - Bulgaria's defence doing a useful job on Micheal Owen and Wayne Rooney to deny England's star pairing. Subs Alan Smith and Darius Vassell could do no better - and England's game against the Georgians at Wembley seems even more important off the back of this draw." <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> So a pretty dismal weekend all round for Fairway's international teams of interest - Slovakia's reverse to San Marino shocking him - but the positive words on Majernik giving an upbeat end to what had obviously been a tough week for the globetrotting pair. Bac v FC Rimavska Sobota - League Unavailable Marcel Horky - Suspended (1 of 1) With skipper Horky serving a one-game ban, Fairway would hand Pavol Majernik the captains armband - and young Jozef Hrivnak a chance to impress in the centre of midfield, with perhaps more usual replacement David Mukeba still amongst the substitutes. Clearly wanting to impress, young Hrivnak came very close to opening the scoring with the first chance of the game - a rising shot from distance tipped over on 11 - similar to the thunderbolts that the absent Horky has adopted as his trademark. Bac dominated the game before the break - and on 35, Seto Nurdinatoro saw his effort come back off the crossbar. The pressure continued after the break - despite a scare when Luptak got into a good position, only to completely waste his 54th minute chance with large sections of the goal to aim at. All of 30 seconds later 'keeper Cvernak made a stunning stop to deny Ernak - and the pressure was once again back on the other goalmouth. Finally it told - on 63 Pavol Majernik's header was moved forward quickly by the very impressive Hrivnak, and Seto Nurdinatoro spun on his toes before firing past Cvernak to make it 1-0. Sobota were little threat after that - Seman's late chance a solitary exception - but for Fairway, the win would be much welcomed. Bac 1 - Rim. Sobota 0 (Nurdinatoro) Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Ernak (Replaced 74 Petras), Majernik*, Adamik, Cisar, Kaveney (Replaced 74 Mikulec), Svoboda, Hrivnak, Balaz, Nurdinatoro Bac Position After Game; 2nd Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted March 16, 2004 Author Share Posted March 16, 2004 Another draw for Presov brought the gap back to four points - before Fairway's mood was marred slighly by news of a slight knee strain to Glen Kaveney , who had come off in the second half as a precaution. By the middle of the week, Kaveney was fit and ready - and able to claim his place in the team for Saturday's crunch game at home to Inter Bratislava. Bac v Inter Bratislava With the unavailable list showing empty, Fairway was able to recall Marcel Horky to the captaincy, with young Hrivnak praised, but still only handed a role on the bench. Perhaps more suprisingly would be the Balaz-Nurdinatoro partnership continuing in attack - top scorer Marian Marek still only amongst the subs. Bac shot out of the blocks, and should have taken the lead on the second minute - Glen Kaveney drawing a good stop from 'keeper Hyll. After Ernak had scattered the fans on the terrace behind the goal with a fizzing shot that flew just over, Bac took the lead on 20 after Barmos pushed Cisar. Mihal Balaz picked up the ball, placed it, and fired firmly into the bottom left hand corner to make it 1-0 from the spot. Though the home side dominated the first half, 'keeper Hyll seemed in fine form - denying Kaveney, Nurdinatoro and Horky before the break. By contrast, Inter were poor - only a deflected Halenar shot causing any worry. Soon after the break though the situation changed - and Inter levelled on 59, with Julias Lelkes outjumping Adamik to head home a Koziak cross. In a quiet half, Bac did have the best chance to snatch it - Mihal Balaz' shot well saved from a fine Rybinkar pass - but in reality, it should have been wrapped up long before. Glen Kaveney's injury - just three minutes before full time - would also be a worry. Bac 1 - Inter 1 (Balaz) Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Ernak, Majernik, Adamik, Cisar, Kaveney (Replaced 87 Mikulec), Svoboda (Replaced 59 Rybinkar), Horky*, Balaz, Nurdinatoro (Replaced 87 Marek) Bac Position After Game; 2nd <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> | Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | Puchov | | 25 | 14 | 8 | 3 | 51 | 23 | +28 | 50 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | BAC | | 25 | 12 | 8 | 5 | 45 | 29 | +16 | 44 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Zilina | | 25 | 12 | 5 | 8 | 45 | 31 | +14 | 41 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Inter Bratislava | | 25 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 45 | 43 | +2 | 36 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Trnava | | 25 | 8 | 11 | 6 | 31 | 27 | +4 | 35 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Petrzalka | | 25 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 28 | 25 | +3 | 35 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Ruzomberok | | 25 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 34 | 36 | -2 | 34 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Rim. Sobota | | 25 | 6 | 6 | 13 | 23 | 35 | -12 | 24 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Slovan Bratislava | | 25 | 5 | 7 | 13 | 29 | 52 | -23 | 22 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Dubnica | | 25 | 2 | 9 | 14 | 23 | 53 | -30 | 15 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre> Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted March 17, 2004 Author Share Posted March 17, 2004 Sunday - a bad day. Not only is Glen Kaveney's injury confirmed as strained ankle ligaments that will rule him out for a fortnight, but Jozef Adamik will also be out for about a week with a damaged shoulder. Andrej Ernak has also reached the four bookings limit, and will serve a one-game ban. After a quiet week, some bad news on Saturday. Brighton & Hove Albion - after finishing seventh in Division One last season - have been relegated from England's second tier after a woeful run under new manager Aron Winter - already said to be under pressure. Fairway was gutted by the news - though it could hasten Winter's departure from a job he's never looked suitable for - and the Falmer post something Fairway would definatley have to consider. With Bac playing Zilina on Sunday, Puchov's draw on Saturday took the gap to Seven points - but with Zilina only three points behind Bac, and have the advantage on goal difference, Fairway knew his side would have to get something from the game. MSK Zilina v Bac - League Unavailable Glen Kaveney - Injured (Ankle, 1 Week) Jozef Adamik - Injured (Shoulder, 1 Day) Andrej Ernak - Suspended (1 of 1) They would have to do it with a patched-up defence - Fairway forced to call Pavol Petras in at left back, and Tomas Albert in the middle - giving youth graduate Vladimir Suchy the potential for his senior debut after being named as a substitute. On the left, no Kaveney, so a recall for Pavol Mikulec. Zilina started well - Barzik setting out his intentions early with a long range shot just over the bar. Gottwald and Barzik had similar efforts by the 10th minute - Zilina clearly going out with an early intention to score. It was from Bac's first chance though that the first goal would come - on 17 Andrej Cisar ran onto a Nurdinatoro pass, beat Stas, before beating the 'keeper with a low shot. From their next chance it was two - Pavol Petras' long throw crossed into the box by Pavol Mikulec - Mihal Balaz making no mistake with his angled header. Though Zilina had dominated, they had been wasteful in front of goal - so when Martin Fabus pulled one back on the stroke of half time, it was a relief for the home players and fans alike - Gottwald's looping pass well controlled by the Slovak international. Soon after the break it was two - and Pavol Mikulec was at fault. The winger tried to clear his lines, but only succeeded in playing the ball straight to Fabus on the right, who returned the compliment - a short pass to Michal Gottwald, who then lobbed the onrushing Gardiosik with expert precision. After the frentic pace of the first half, the remainder of the game was a real disapointment - and right at the end, a real worry for Fairway as 'keeper Gardiosik fell to the floor in agony seconds after the final whistle... Zilina 2 - Bac 2 (Cisar, Balaz) Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Petras, Majernik, Albert, Cisar, Mikulec, Svoboda (Replaced 45 Mukeba), Horky* (Replaced 68 Rybinkar), Balaz, Nurdinatoro (Replaced 68 Marek) Bac Position After Game; 2nd Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted March 17, 2004 Author Share Posted March 17, 2004 <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> www.bac-online.sk - Football - Monday 23/4/07 'Gardiosik injury woe for Bac' "Bac manager Stuart Fairway has confirmed that 'keeper Radoslaw Gardosik has sustained a torn groin muscle in the dying moments of Sunday's 2-2 draw away at Zilina. "As he went to take the last goal kick, just before the final whistle, I saw him fall to the floor - but there was no time to do anything, as the referee blew for full time. We went onto the pitch, and he had to be stretchered to the changing rooms. It's a real blow - just as the season is coming up to the business end, we'll be missing one of our key players." Bac have sent Gardiosik for specialist rehabilitation on the injury, which is likely to rule him out for two months - making him a real doubt for the remainder of the campaign." <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> A massive, huge blow - Bac's star 'keeper out for almost - if not all - the remainder of the season. But who to replace him? - both Vojin Prole and Stefan Paraska have their credientials - but will need to shine immediatley if Bac are to have any hope of making up the lost ground and retain the Championship. Fortunatley, after such a blow it would be a quiet week for bac - until Friday, and another injury - Pavol Kollarik out for a fortnight with a twisted knee. It just gets better... Bac v Spartak Trnava - League Unavailable Radoslaw Gardosik - Injured (Groin, 2 Months) Glen Kaveney - Injured (Ankle, 1 Day) A return for Ernak and Adamik - left and centre back respectivley, and a recall for Vlastimil Benko on the left wing - but in goal would be Fairway's main selection dilemna. In the end, he plumped for experience - Vojin Prole handed a start in place of Gardiosik, with young Paraska on the bench. The game started poorly, with some scrappy play and two early bookings - but on 23, Bac took the lead with a mixture of skill - Lovegrove's classy pass to Balaz - and luck - Balaz' shot coming back off 'keeper Cerny, enabling the striker to hook the ball back into the middle - Vlastimil Benko on hand to score a fine comeback goal, shooting in off the near post. Bac's hopes though would take a big hit on 40 - defender Pavol Majernik hobbling off injured to be replaced by Tomas Albert. They never really recovered - Trnava dominated after the break, and grabbed a fine goal on 61 when Vladimir Kozuch found the net after a magnificent one-two with Stano. The scores stayed level - neither side really keen to take a gamble on getting forward - but the result leaves Bac with serious work to do if they are to overhaul Puchov. Bac 1 - Trnava 1 (Benko) Bac; 4-4-2; Prole, Lovegrove, Ernak, Majernik (Replaced 40 Albert), Adamik, Cisar, Benko, Svoboda , Horky*, Balaz, Nurdinatoro (Replaced 45 Marek) Bac Position After Game; 2nd Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted March 18, 2004 Author Share Posted March 18, 2004 Bad news for Pavol Majernik - out for three weeks with a Groin Strain. On top of that, Robert Lovegrove will also serve a one-match ban for four yellow cards - and Bac look in real trouble of being unable to beat Puchov to the top spot. <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> The Sun - Football - Monday 30/4/07 'Three-zy does it as Fergie glittering career ends' " Manchester United have won their third Premier League title in a row in Sir Alex Ferguson's final year as manager. Fergie, 65, said; "It's been a grand season - and though we haven't done too well in Europe this time, this league win has more than made up for it." United raced to the title, winning with three games to spare - 13 points clear of second placed Liverpool" <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> On Tuesday morning Fairway was delighted to see Mihal Balaz take the Player of the Month award - just reward for his efforts. He was also interested to hear former Slovakia international Stanislav Varga would be returning to the country in the summer - sign for Zilina, with rumours abounding the Celtic player would be joining as Player/Manager. Bac v Slovan Bratislava - League Unavailable Radoslaw Gardosik - Injured (Groin, 2 Months) Pavol Majernik - Injured (Groin, 3 Weeks) Robert Lovegrove - Suspended (1 of 1) With changes again forced, Fairway brought in Tomas Albert and Ladislav Szijjarto - both fringe players - for a game that his side needed to win to have much chance of that title. Up front there would be a change too - Nurdinatoro out, and Marian Marek recalled alongside player of the month Balaz. Bac started very well, and on 9 had the perfect chance to take the lead - Marian Marek seeing his penalty - and chance of a 20th goal for the season - well stopped by 'keeper Hanak. Five minutes later though Bac's chances took a big leap - with Slovan's Vomacka dismissed for his second bookable offence, a crude trip on the lively Marek. It wouldn't take too long for the man advantage to work - on 40 Andrej Ernak's cross took a kind deflection, leaving Marian Marek with a little to do before beating 'keeper Hanak from inside the area. The relief on the striker's face was plain to see - his long awaited 20th of the season. From then on in Bac were flying - on 59 Mihal Balaz raced onto a 60-yard Svoboda pass to beat 'keeper Hanak at his near post. On 75 Mihal Balaz was at it again - though this time, his finish was from an easier position. The hardworking Ernak outmuscled Bednar, passed to Marek - and his cross left Balaz with the simplest of far-post tap ins. Fairway rang the changes - three late substitutions - which had the desired effect, killing off the game to leave Bac celebrating a memorable home win. Bac 3 - Slovan 0 (Marek, Balaz 2) Bac; 4-4-2; Prole, Szijjarto, Ernak, Albert, Adamik (Replaced 75 Petras), Cisar, Benko (Replaced 75 Kaveney), Svoboda, Horky* (Replaced 75 Hrivnak), Balaz, Marek Bac Position After Game; 2nd Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted March 18, 2004 Author Share Posted March 18, 2004 Though Bac's win had given them the perfect boost ahead of Saturday's top of the table clash, Puchov had also won in style - thrashing Slovan's city rivals Inter Bratislava 4-1. It would certainly be a tough game at Puchov.... FK Matador Puchov v Bac - League Unavailable Radoslaw Gardosik - Injured (Groin, 2 Months) Pavol Majernik - Injured (Groin, 2 Weeks) With Lovegrove back from Suspension, Fairway decided against making a change, giving Szijjarto a second start at right back after his impressive showing against Slovan. The weather would seem perfect - cool and overcast, but with a pitch damp in places after a mid-morning thunderstorm - just the sort of thing that could bring about some sort of controversy in an already crucial game for both sides. Bac started badly - Vavrik hitting the side netting in the opening couple of minutes - and continued the theme throughout the first half. Second-best to every ball, Puchov took the lead on 17 - Peter Vavrik drilling home after a fine interchange between Piatka and Tomcak up front. Despite almost constant attacks, Puchov had still failed to score a second by the break - when Fairway tore a strip off his players, making one change. It had an impact - of sorts. On 48 Marian Marek's header found Peter Svoboda - but though the midfield man scored with a low drive, his effort was soon cancelled out by the offside flag. Bac were probably still celebrating two minutes later - it would at least explain the dreadful marking for Puchov's second on 50 - Jambor allowed to run and cross, and Pavol Piatka finding the net from the rebound after Prole had blocked his initial shot. Bac continued to struggle, and by the time Lubos Pernis ran in a third on 84, the away supporters were on their way out of the stadium. Game, set and match Puchov? - probably. Puchov 3 - Bac 0 Bac; 4-4-2; Prole, Szijjarto, Ernak, Albert, Adamik, Cisar, Benko (Replaced 45 Kaveney), Svoboda, Horky* (Replaced 55 Mukeba), Balaz, Marek (Replaced 55 Nurdinatoro) Bac Position After Game; 2nd Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted March 22, 2004 Author Share Posted March 22, 2004 <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Slovakia-Today - Football - Monday 7/5/07 'Furious Fairway accuses Bac of throwing away League' "Furuious Bac manager Stuart Fairway last night accused his team of handing the League title to Puchov. "We were awful" he said. "We gave away too many silly balls, and just failed to turn up really - I can only apologise for the fans. At this rate, we'll be lucky to stay in the Top two. Fairway refused to blame his sides' injury and suspension problems for the 3-0 loss, saying "It;s been going on all season - we've been so inconsistent, and weather that's down to Europe or not, I've no idea - but it's very disapointing". "I think the title's beyond us now" admitted captain Marcel Horky . "We're missing two great players in Gardosik and Majernik, but that's no excuse really." <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> With seven games to go, Fairway had admitted defeat. Puchov, now 11 points clear, looked certs to capture the title Bac won last season - and with his sides' form veering from the sublime to ridiculous over the course of a few games, the manager had little idea how any turnaround could be achieved. Bac v MSK SCP Ruzemberok - League Unavailable Radoslaw Gardosik - Injured (Groin, 2 Months) Pavol Majernik - Injured (Groin, 6 Days) After an ear-bashing in the press from their manager, Bac's players will not have been suprised to see three changes for the trip to struggling Ruzemberok - though one of those brought in will be delighted. Young Stefan Paraska would make his senior bow in goal, with Kaveney and Lovegrove also back for Benko and Szijjarto respectivley. After all of a minute Paraska's copybook would be blotted - Urban beat Lovegrove to a throw-in, passing the ball long for Stevko to pull the ball back - Igor Vodecky's header creeping past Paraska at the near post. On 11 though Bac were again on level terms - Lovegrove's cross flicked on by Andrej Cisar for Marian Marek to prod home at the far post. Both sides had chances in an entertaining first half, though Paraska was probably the busier of the two 'keepers - a fine reflex save from Antalovic earning widespread applause. Fairway sent on young Hrivnak at the break for skipper Horky - and on 46, he came close to putting his side back ahead - a curling shot well held by Mucha. As the half progressed Balaz in particular was becoming frustrated with his efforts in front of goal - and on 73, Bac needed a good stop from their young 'keeper to ensure the scores stayed level. Ten minutes from time though the ball would hit the back of the net - with Marian Marek prodding home after 'keeper Mucha spilled Glen Kaveney's driven cross. The goal proved crucial - Ruzemberok fell apart under pressure, and on 86 Balaz finally got a deserved goal - Hrivnak hooking an Ernak cross goalwards, Mucha again guilty of mishandling and Mihal Balaz in the right place to poke the ball home. There was no stopping them now - a fourth looked inevitable, and in injury time Marian Marek claimed his hatrick - Kaveney again providing the assist, Mucha the parry from the initial effort, and Marek the driven finish. Maybe they should be read the riot act every week? Bac 4 - Ruzemberok 1 (Marek 3, Balaz) Bac; 4-4-2; Paraska, Lovegrove, Ernak, Albert, Adamik, Cisar, Kaveney, Svoboda, Horky* (Replaced 45 Hrivnak), Marek, Balaz Bac Position After Game; 2nd Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted March 22, 2004 Author Share Posted March 22, 2004 <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Slovakia-Today - Football - Sunday 13/5/07 'Banska triumph in Cup Final as Sip goes' "In Saturday's all Division-Two FA Cup final Banska Bystrica edged out Prievidza 2-0 to take their first trophy since the Second Division Championship in 2003. In a quiet game, Banska took the lead after 30 minutes - young Peter Petras heading home from a deflected cross, before former Slovakia international Robert Semenik slotted home six minutes from time to wrap up the win. The game was marred slightly late on - Prievidza's Milan Pavlovkin dismissed for a professional foul in injury time - but for little Banska, the win is nothing less than a superb achievement. In other news, Ruzemberok have sacked manager Milan Sip after their 4-1 defeat by Bac yesterday afternoon. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> On Monday morning, some very interesting news arrived in Bac - Brighton & Hove Albion had sacked manager Aron Winter - and the job at the club Fairway had loved since his early teens would be available. With Brighton relegated to Division Two, Fairway was still keen - and immediatley fired off an invitation. Would he be successful? - he sure hoped so. FK ZTS Dubnica nad Vahom v Bac - League Unavailable Radoslaw Gardosik - Injured (Groin, 2 Months) Pavol Majernik - Injured (Groin, 3 Days) That would would all be in the future - the trip to bottom side Dubnica would be an ideal opportunity for Fairway's unchanged Bac to continue their winning ways. Dubnica - fighting for their First Division lives - started well, and it took a fine Paraska save to deny Andrej Porazik after 12 minutes of early pressure. On 28 however Bac opened the scoring when Andrej Cisar's cross from deep found the head of Marian Marek - his powerful effort nestling in the bottom right hand corner. On 31 however it would be Bac's plans that took a blow - Marcel Horky forced off injured. The skipper, who looked in some pain as he was led away, would be replaced by young Hrivnak in midfield. It cast a shadow over the rest of the first half, with Bac looking a little subdued in particular. Minutes after the break though on 51 they would score for a second time - Mihal Balaz heading home Peter Svoboda's corner at the near post to frustrate the Dubnica supporters, who had been quite vocal for the first 45 minutes. Both sides had the odd chance late on - the best probably Dubnica's Dovicovic's shot well held by 'keeper Paraska. Dubnica 0 - Bac 2 (Marek, Balaz) Bac; 4-4-2; Paraska, Lovegrove, Ernak, Albert (Replaced 77 Petras), Adamik, Cisar, Kaveney, Svoboda (Replaced 77 Mukeba), Horky* (Replaced 33 Hrivnak), Marek, Balaz Bac Position After Game; 2nd <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> | Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | Puchov | | 31 | 18 | 10 | 3 | 67 | 26 | +41 | 64 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | BAC | | 31 | 15 | 10 | 6 | 57 | 36 | +21 | 55 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Inter Bratislava | | 31 | 13 | 10 | 8 | 55 | 49 | +6 | 49 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Zilina | | 31 | 13 | 8 | 10 | 50 | 38 | +12 | 47 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Trnava | | 31 | 10 | 13 | 8 | 36 | 32 | +4 | 43 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Ruzomberok | | 31 | 11 | 8 | 12 | 40 | 45 | -5 | 41 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Petrzalka | | 31 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 31 | 33 | -2 | 40 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Slovan Bratislava | | 31 | 9 | 8 | 14 | 40 | 59 | -19 | 35 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Rim. Sobota | | 31 | 7 | 8 | 16 | 26 | 41 | -15 | 29 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Dubnica | | 31 | 2 | 9 | 20 | 25 | 68 | -43 | 15 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre> Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenn Stiemens Posted March 22, 2004 Share Posted March 22, 2004 You can guarantee you won't get the Brighton job - how many stories have we been through when you've come so close only for an ex-England manager to get it Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted March 22, 2004 Author Share Posted March 22, 2004 <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Victor Meldrew: You can guarantee you won't get the Brighton job - how many stories have we been through when you've come so close only for an ex-England manager to get it <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Aye, they never appoint me usually. I was a might annoyed to be passed over in favour of Aron bloody Winter last time though Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenn Stiemens Posted March 22, 2004 Share Posted March 22, 2004 I've always hoped you would get the job, funny how you end up having a soft spot for teams you have managed on CMS Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted March 24, 2004 Author Share Posted March 24, 2004 I'd love to get it - I always apply for it, but I don't like starting with Brighton (Because I'm dire usually). Puchov's draw brought the gap back to 9 points - and with five games still to play, the more optimistic of the Bac support were hoping that their side had got into their stride at just the right time. They though would soon hear something to dampen those hopes - Marcel Horky , midfield general and club captain, would be out for a couple of weeks with a damaged shoulder that forced him off against Dubnica. A further injury on Friday - Matt Hillyer out for two weeks with a fractured wrist - wouldn't recieve nearly as much publicity - Pavol Majernik's return taking that. Fairway, meanwhile, was still waiting on news of the Albion job. FC Artmedia Petrzalka v Bac - League Unavailable Radoslaw Gardosik - Injured (Groin, 2 Months) Marcel Horky - Injured (Shoulder, 1 Week) Pavol Majernik's return to fitness would see him swap places with Tomas Albert in one of two changes to a Bac lineup looking increasingly settled Bac team - Hrivnak replacing the injured captain Horky for the other. With Petrzalka too in the bottom half of the table, Fairway knew that his side should really win this if they wanted to continue their current momentum. On a wet pitch a scrappy opening saw a handful of bookings and warnings for both sides, with referee Michel certainly earning his wages throughout a quiet first half, although both sides had the odd chance. After the break the game continued in similarly dull fashion - until the hour mark, when Bac won a corner. Peter Svoboda put the ball in amongst the pack and Marian Marek reacted quickest - prodding home before rushing off in celebration. Unfortunatley, those celebrations were quickly cut short - a flag for a push by Robert Lovegrove disapointing the away fans congregating behind the goal. It livenend up the game, and three minutes later Petrzalka 'keeper Lipcak was forced to make a smart save after Mihal Balaz was put through by Hrivnak. With Bac stepping up a gear, a goal looked likely - but it would come very late, and in rather unlikely circumstances. Despite the scrappy opening, it hadn't been an ill-tempered game - so quite why Milos Sobona decided to pull Cisar back inside the area is unknown. Whatever his reasons, Marian Marek's penalty gave Bac all three points - nothing less than deserved all in all. Petrzalka 0 - Bac 1 (Marek) Bac; 4-4-2; Paraska, Lovegrove, Ernak, Majernik, Adamik, Cisar, Kaveney, Svoboda, Hrivnak (Replaced 79 Mukeba), Marek*, Balaz (Replaced 79 Nurdinatoro) Bac Position After Game; 2nd Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted March 24, 2004 Author Share Posted March 24, 2004 On Wednesday evening a rather Eastern experience greeted residents of Madrid - the Bernabeu playing host to the UEFA Cup Final, easily won 3-0 by Shaktar Donestk - the Ukrainians beating Russian side CSKA Moscow in Spain to win their first European Trophy. By Thursday morning though the news was bad for Fairway - he wouldnt be getting his dream job. Brighton & Hove Albion chairman Dick Knight had been in touch personally to say that the club had considered his application, but would be looking elsewhere for a new manager. It put a bit of a downer on the day for him, but of course he had to keep it from his players. Meanwhile, Miroslav Svoboda would be celebrating after landing the Ruzemberok job. Friday's training session brought more bad news - with Zoran Strakl , on loan from Ruzemberok, picking up a damaged shoulder in training - ruling him out for two weeks. Spartak Trnava v Bac - League Unavailable Radoslaw Gardosik - Injured (Groin, 1 Month) Marcel Horky - Injured (Shoulder, 2 Days) With no changes to a team that had won their last three, Fairway hoped that his side could continue their winning run - and also that Puchov would somehow run out of steam, though he sincerely doubted the latter would ever come off. Bac shot out of the blocks - and on 4 minutes, took the lead - Hrivnak finding Kaveney, who put in a cross to the far post for Mihal Balaz to head home from close range. Despite the early goal it was Trnava who dominated the first half - Paraska making a fine save from Hrabal on 15, then Peter Duris a few minutes later. He would though be beaten five minutes before the break - Konekey nicking the ball off Andrej Cisar's toes, Molnar heading the ball back - and Vladimir Kozuch rippling the back of the net with a rocket of a shot on the half-volley. It could have been two moments later - Paraska denying Kozuch a second with a diving save to tip the ball wide. Soon after the break though it would be his side who were again celebrating - Marek tripped in the area, and Mihal Balaz able to score from the spot on 57. Bac still had work to do - Kozuch hit the post soon after, and at the other end Marek saw an 83rd minute effort ruled out by the linesman's flag - but the win was a hard-fought one - and concentrated Fairway's mind again back on all things Slovakian after the Brighton-related diversions of the previous week. Trnava 1 - Bac 2 (Balaz 2) Bac; 4-4-2; Paraska, Lovegrove, Ernak, Majernik, Adamik, Cisar, Kaveney (Replaced 66 Mikulec), Svoboda (Replaced 66 Rybinkar), Hrivnak, Marek*, Balaz Bac Position After Game; 2nd Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted March 25, 2004 Author Share Posted March 25, 2004 With AS Trencin winning promotion to the Slovakian First Division on Saturday, and Dubnica relegated after another defeat, most of the league's interest was wrapped up with three games still to go. However, Bac could still win the league, keeping that one open - if Puchov lost two games and drew one at least, with Bac winning all three of theirs - anything else, and the title would be going to the team who Bac defeated in the Cup final in Fairway's first season at the club. <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> News of the World - Football - Sunday 27/5/07 'Super Geordies destroy Villa' " Newcastle United have won the FA Cup after a sensational 3-0 win over Aston Villa at Wembley. Newcastle bossed the game from start to finish - Rudi Voller's side taking the lead on 26 through Samil Tuncay , before adding a second 10 minutes later through Mike Zonneveld . Andriy Voronin scored the pick of the bunch in the second half - but by then the game was long over - and Newcastle's passionate army of supporters would be heading back north happy. continued on Pages 78,77,76 and Score! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Sunday also saw some important news for Brighton fans - with former Crystal Palace manager Mark Bowen completely alienating the South London support by defecting to the clubs' bitter rivals - Fairway's own beloved Seagulls. On Tuesday he would recieve some bad news - Robert Lovegrove out for about a fortnight after picking up a groin strain in training - and by Wednesday morning, some more news would come out of the club - Erik Takac publically announcing the retirement he postponed last summer for a second time. <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> www.bbc.co.uk/football - Headlines - Wednesday 30/5/07 'Joy for 'Pool in European Cup' " Liverpool have become the first English club to win the European Cup since Manchester United's famous triumph in 1999 - beating Roma 2-0 in Gothenburg. England international Steven Gerrard headed the first on 33 from a Danny Murphy corner, and 10 minutes later El-Hadji Diouf raced onto another Murphy pass to make it 2-0. Roma were down to 10 men for the final five minutes after Candela's dismissal, but the Italians rarely troubled Liverpool - who missed star player Micheal Owen through injury. More follows <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Thursday morning though was far more positive - with the Champions League concluded, Fairway was delighted to hear that Bac would recieve a £325,000 payout for TV Revenue - alongside the money they collected earlier in their European campaign, it would raise the bank balance to a hefty £7 million - miles away from the debt that he inherited when taking over at the club. Ahead of Saturday's game, he was also delighted to see Pavol Majernik again called into the full Slovakia squad for the games against Moldova and Greece, while Jozef Hrivnak, Pavol Petras and Pavol Kollarik all recieved their now traditional Under 21 calls. FC Rimavska Sobota v Bac - League Unavailable Radoslaw Gardosik - Injured (Groin, 4 Weeks) Robert Lovegrove - Injured (Groin, 1 Week) With Lovegrove out but Horky returning, Fairway brought Szijjarto in and left Hrivnak out for a game that would either see his side still in with a shot at the title, or, depending on other results, confirm their position as runners up. Bac certainly started well - with Peter Svoboda's corner causing panic in the area. On 6 however Mihal Balaz was in the right place at the right time - poking home after Cisar's shot - from a superb Ernak pass - had been blocked by 'keeper Cvernak. On 19 though Rim.Sobota would have the chance to draw level - and Pavol Majernik would see red. The defender hauled down Marian Stas when the striker was through on goal, leaving referee Kacenga with no choice but to dismiss Bac's Slovakian international for a professional foul. Stas dusted himself off to score the penalty, and bring the scores back level. They were still level at the break after a quiet end to the half as Bac adjusted to life with 10 men on the pitch. The visitors did start the second half a better side though, and had a hatful of early efforts - Horky's fizzing drive on 56 probably the best. 8 minutes later though they would go ahead again - Mihal Balaz on target for the second time, glancing home a Peter Svoboda corner to make it 2-1. This lead wouldn't last for long either - only four minutes until Krisztian Nemeth thundered home a fine free kick from 20 yards. As Bac pushed for a winner, they left gaping holes in an already decimated defence - Balasko firing a warning shot into the side netting on 86, before Marian Stas won it 2 minutes later - his 88th minute tap-in from Seman's flick on wrapping up the title race. Or would it?... Rim. Sobota 3 - Bac 2 (Balaz 2) Bac; 4-4-2; Paraska, Szijjarto (Replaced 17 Albert), Ernak, Majernik, Adamik, Cisar, Kaveney, Svoboda, Horky*, Marek (Replaced 45 Nurdinatoro), Balaz Bac Position After Game; 2nd Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted March 26, 2004 Author Share Posted March 26, 2004 Gawd knows where this will end up - a particularly irritating forum bug, that <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Slovakia-Today - Football - Sunday 3/6/07 'Puchov take title despite defeat' "Despite losing 4-1 to Slovan Bratislava on Saturday, FK Matador Puchov have been crowned Champions of Slovakia - following defending Champions Bac's 3-2 defeat to lowly Rim. Sobota. The title - Puchov's first - has been a two-horse race since before the Winter Break, although Zilina did threaten at times. Delighed manager Vladimir Weiss said; "Bac pushed us all the way, but it's great to get the title wrapped up with two games to go. I'm very proud of the players, they've worked so hard this season, and it'll be great to represent Slovakia in Europe next season. Bac blazed a trail there, and it would be superb to emulate that by reaching the Group Stages." Bac manager Stuart Fairway conceded that the better team had won. "We've been on and off all season for me" he said. "I think Europe may have taken a little out of us, but we're there again in the UEFA Cup next season, so we'll have the same problem - if it is that. I've got work to do over the summer - but congratulations to Puchov, who throughly deserved it. We've got two games to go now, and I want to see a few of the youngsters press their cases for next season." <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Ahead of Tuesday's game against Zilina, Fairway also recieved the news that Vlastimil Benko and Jozef Rybinkar had decided to join Erik Takac and announce their retirements. Neither of the players - though Rybinkar is a new arrival at Bac - have really been involved this season, though Benko has scored three goals. There would also be bad news in the shape of absentees for the game - Ladislav Szijjarto picking up a chest injury to end his season - out for two weeks - in a final training session ahead of the game, with Pavol Majernik serving his one-game ban for the dismissal against Rim.Sobota. David Mukeba would also miss the game - International duty for the Democratic Republic of Congo against Morroco. MSK Zilina v Bac - League Unavailable Radoslaw Gardosik - Injured (Groin, 4 Weeks) Robert Lovegrove - Injured (Groin, 5 Days) Ladislav Szijjarto - Injured (Chest, 2 Weeks) Pavol Majernik - Suspended (1 of 1) David Mukeba - International Duty With Fairway making good on his Sunday promise, two changes would be made for the game - with homegrown teenager Vlastimil Suchy handed his senior debut in defence for the suspended Majernik, and Kollarik brought in on the right for Szijjarto - Cisar moving to right back. Neither of the youngsters had much to do in a dire first half - and indeed the whole game had much of an end of season feel about it. There was only one true chance - falling to Bac, when Kaveney's cross was well finished by Marian Marek, but - perhaps harshly - adjudged offside by the linesman. Stefan Paraska in particular had an extrordinarily quiet game, with just one shot to save all evening. Not the best advert for football - especially when Peter Svoboda stupidly got himself sent off for aiming a kick at Fabus in injury time. Zilina 0 - Bac 0 Bac; 4-4-2; Paraska, Cisar, Ernak, Suchy, Adamik (Replaced 79 Petras), Kollarik, Kaveney, Svoboda, Horky*, Marek (Replaced 79 Nurdinatoro), Balaz Bac Position After Game; 2nd Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terk Posted March 26, 2004 Share Posted March 26, 2004 very gracious interview you gave after losing the title, stuart but i want to see bac at the top of the league next year (how i love these puns ) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted March 26, 2004 Author Share Posted March 26, 2004 <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Terk: very gracious interview you gave after losing the title, stuart but i want to see bac at the top of the league next year (how i love these puns )<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> We were crap domestically really - Europe absolutley hammered us (though it was GREAT fun) - Not a suprise to me. Cheers Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted March 26, 2004 Author Share Posted March 26, 2004 In an otherwise impressive - he won the Man of the Match award - debut for Vladimir Suchy , the young defender picked up a booking, which combined with three at youth level - in the team that won Bac another Under 19 Championship - would rule him out of contention for the final game of the season on Saturday. He would be joined by Peter Svoboda - a one-game ban likely to be extend by the discaplinary comittee on Tuesday. David Mukeba returned from International duty on Thursday with news of a 1-0 win for Democratic Republic of Congo - the midfielder involved, but not adding to his goal tally of one for the African nation. Meanwhile, Pavol Majernik as well as Under-21's Pavol Kollarik, Pavol Petras and Jozef Hrivnak would miss the final game of the season, on International duty. Inter Bratislava v Bac - League Unavailable Radoslaw Gardosik - Injured (Groin, 4 Weeks) Robert Lovegrove - Injured (Groin, 5 Days) Ladislav Szijjarto - Injured (Chest, 2 Weeks) Pavol Majernik - International Duty Pavol Petras - International Duty Pavol Kollarik - International Duty Jozef Hrivnak - International Duty With his squad decimated by International calls, Fairway was a mite suprised that the game would go ahead at all - but did manage to raise a team for the game, bringing in Albert and Mukeba to the starting lineup, and handing loanee Zoran Strakl a final chance to impress on the right wing. Though just playing for pride, the game started at a frenetic pace - and on 2 minutes, Martin Durica woke everybody up with a cracking goal - a drive into the top corner from fully 30 yards that may well trouble the Goal of the Season assessors. It looked like Inter had a lot more pride than Bac - Fairway's ragtag army looked every bit the group of bit-part players combined with the odd regular that they were - and on 26, Peter Petras was allowed far too much space to add a second. When Julius Lelkes scored a third on 44, the theme would be damage limitation in the second half. Bac did get forward immediatley after the break though - Seto Nurdinatoro beating 'keeper Hyll to a deflected Marek pass to pull back a consolation. That's all it proved to be - Andrej Burza got in on the long-distance act with a low shot from the edge of the area that rocketed past the unfortunate Paraska - but on 78 the humiliation would be complete. One of the aformentioned regulars, skipper Marcel Horky, guided a cross back past his own 'keeper - and just about summed up the season. Promising so much, but ultimatley frustrating and, to a large extent, unsuccessful. Inter 5 - Bac 1 (Nurdinatoro) Bac; 4-4-2; Paraska, Cisar, Ernak, Albert, Adamik, Strakl, Kaveney, Mukeba (Replaced 45 Mikulec), Horky*, Marek, Balaz (Replaced 45 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 | C | Puchov | | 36 | 21 | 11 | 4 | 76 | 32 | +44 | 74 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | BAC | | 36 | 17 | 11 | 8 | 63 | 45 | +18 | 62 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Inter Bratislava | | 36 | 15 | 10 | 11 | 62 | 55 | +7 | 55 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Zilina | | 36 | 15 | 9 | 12 | 53 | 42 | +11 | 54 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Trnava | | 36 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 44 | 37 | +7 | 52 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Petrzalka | | 36 | 12 | 11 | 13 | 35 | 36 | -1 | 47 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Slovan Bratislava | | 36 | 13 | 8 | 15 | 48 | 63 | -15 | 47 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Ruzomberok | | 36 | 12 | 8 | 16 | 43 | 54 | -11 | 44 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Rim. Sobota | | 36 | 10 | 8 | 18 | 37 | 47 | -10 | 38 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | R | Dubnica | | 36 | 3 | 9 | 24 | 28 | 78 | -50 | 18 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre> Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted March 26, 2004 Author Share Posted March 26, 2004 2006/07 - End of Season Review Slovakian First Division Winners; FK Matador Puchov Runners Up; FC Drustevnik Bac Relegated; FK ZTS Dubnica nad Vahom Slovakian Second Division Winners ; AS Trencin Runners Up; HFC Humenne Relegated; TJ Velke Levare, ZSNP Ziar nad Hronom, SH Senica, FK Zeleziarne Podbrezova Slovakian Cup Winners; Banska Bystrica Runners Up; HFK Prievidza Slovakian Super Cup Winners; FC Drustevnik Bac England Premiership; Man Utd Division One; Blackburn Roverts Division Two; Sheffield Wednesday Division Three; Swansea City Conference; Exeter City FA Cup; Newcastle Utd League Cup; Arsenal FA Trophy; Bury LDV Vans Trophy; Stockport County Scotland SPL; Celtic FA Cup; Rangers League Cup; Rangers Germany First Division; Dortmund Cup; Schalke 04 League Cup; Leverkusen Holland Premier Division; Ajax Cup; Feyernoord Super Cup; Ajax Italy Serie A; Juventus Cup; Milan Super Cup; Inter Spain Primera League; Valencia Cup; Sevilla Super Cup; Real Madrid Czech Republic First Division; Sparta Prague Second Division; Pribram Cup; 1.FC Synot Europe Champions League; Liverpool UEFA Cup; Shakhtar Super Cup; Celtic Worldwide Intercontinental Cup; Boca Juniors Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
displaced_seagull Posted March 27, 2004 Author Share Posted March 27, 2004 Chapter 9 - Losing the Touch? The End of Season awards announced on Saturday just before the final games would bring one or two suprises - Fairway handed Second Place in Manager of the Year , though even more suprisingly, Bac 'keeper Stefan Paraska awarded Young Player of the Year, despite only playing in seven games after Gardosik's injury. Meanwhile, MSK Zilina have appointed Ivan Hysek , a former Czech international, as their new manager. Though the season was over for the majority of Bac's squad, Pavol Majernik would spend the first few days of the summer break on International duty. Not involved as Slovakia beat Moldova 4-2 on Saturday, Majernik was also unused for Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Greece. <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> www.bac-online.sk - Football - Saturday 16/6/07 'Fairway releases Five' "The summer just a couple of weeks old, but already Bac manager Stuart Fairway has been in the transfer market - releasing four players from their contracts, and sending loanee Zoran Strakl back to Ruzemberok after an unsuccessful season at the Bac-Stadion. Striker Robert Patras and goalkeeper Adrian Porszek were set to leave the club anyway, with their contracts expiring at the end of the month, but Fairway has also taken the chance to release striker Michal Filo and English defender Matt Hillyer The dealings reduce Bac's squad to 27, with a further three players set to retire before the start of the new season. Manager Fairway told BO.sk; "It's always a shame - hardest part of the job, definatley - but Robert and Matt struggled to adapt to top flight football, while Michal never settled here. It's been tough on Adrian - Radoslaw Gardosik has been a bigger success than even I hoped, and with Stefan Paraska now breaking through, we felt it best to let him go." Hillyer is expected to return to his native England to find a new club, while Michal Filo is - according to reports - already discussing terms with other clubs. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Michal Filo did sign for Dulso Sala over the weekend - but for Bac, it would be a quiet week ahead of the Fixture list announcement on the 29th - and 'that' board meeting which would see Fairway meet Chairman Albert to discuss plans for the season. This time, Fairway knew he'd arrived - a £1.25 million transfer kitty, plus 75% of any funds raised by sales to add to that - as well as the usual £50,000 in TV Rights, and the Englishman was in a pretty good mood by the conclusion of the meeting. Suprising few, Mihal Balaz was named Supporters Player of the Season for Bac - while further good news came in the shape of Radolaw Gardosik returning fit and ready for preseason training after extensive specialist work on his groin injury. Meanwhile, 15-year old attacking-midfielder Ladislav Duris has been promoted to Bac's Under 19 squad from the youth setup. Duris, a left-footer, is versatile, and can play on either side or in the centre of both midfield and attack, though with his nautural flair and pace, seems ideal as a left winger. What's most impressive is the youngster's workrate, and Fairway will no doubt want to put him through his paces in preseason before offering him a first professional deal. By Wednesday, Fairway had faxed off the list of squad numbers for the coming season - and Vlastimil Benko, Jozef Rybinkar and Erik Takac had all left the club, pending their retirements. Wednesday also saw Bac's Preseason Friendly campaign finalised, with a trip to Slovan Dulso Sala on Tuesday 10th July, and a home match against English side Barnet on Saturday 14th, with the League season starting a week later at home to Trnava. <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Slovakia-Today - Football - Friday 6/7/07 'Fairway splashes cash as Spillar joins Bac' "It's a large fee, but for a player with 45 international caps, we felt it worth the risk" - Bac manager Stuart Fairway's words after spending £600,000 on 32-Year old Club Brugge Central Defender Marek Spillar - a mainstay of the Slovakian International squad for over six years. Spillar, a tough tackling, no-nonsense central defender is expected to play alongside fellow Slovakia international Pavol Majernik at the heart of the Bac defence. Meanwhile, Fairway has also announced that striker Mihal Balaz has agreed an extension to his contract, which would have expired this season, after scoring 25 goals last season - joint Slovakian Golden Boot holder. After spending half of his estimated transfer budget, it is not known if Fairway intends to further add to his squad before the start of the season." <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> While Puchov continued their good form by winning the Slovakian Super Cup on Saturday, Fairway was indeed searching Europe - and beyond - for further additions to his squad. On Sunday though his squad would be reduced by one - Pavol Kollarik agreeing terms to move to HFK Prievidza on a free transfer, after failing to really settle in Bac or impress on his solitary appearance for the first team. With Kollarik's departure bringing the squad down to 25, Fairway would produce his (in?)famous squad listing and review - no further action in the transfer market anticipated before the first of the Friendlies, on Tuesday evening. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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