Top2Bottom: The Game Thread

[whitehead.10]

1 week and so many days - It's all good

[hamilton162]

Completely understandable Andy, i look forward to the resumption of updates

[Greasy Chip Butty]

NEWS

Tuesday 3rd March 2009

DIDSBURY ANNOUNCE THEIR FOURTH NEW MANAGER!

Maybe they just love the publicity of press conferences? Or they genuinely believe that Dynamoes can stay up? Whichever, Didsbury Dynamoes’ board today appointed their fourth manager of the season with Italian scarf-lover, Roberto Mancini, the latest manager to be charged with keeping the Dynamoes in the Premier League.

After defeat in Sunday’s League Cup Final to London Titans after extra time, manager Rafa Benitez reign was ended despite the Spaniard giving the fans some hope of survival as well as a trip to Wembley. New signings in January had led to an improvement and their hopes of survival were improving although only the most optimistic supporter would bet on it. The news of Benitez dismissal was a shock but the appointment of Mancini isn’t. Within minutes of Benitez clearing his desk, Mancini was the odds on favourite and now the Italian has arrived. After successful playing and managing stints at Inter Milan, Didsbury will be hoping he has the miracle touch needed to retain their Premier League place for next season.

IN OTHER NEWS ...

There appears to be some confusion tonight over the rights to the coverage of football in this country with ESPN and SKY reportedly unhappy over the current arrangements with SPORTS.tv. We’ll keep you posted!

[hamilton162]

It's back \o/

Great stuff Andy, looking forward to the next round of games and a few points for the Red Rebels

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Want to get to the business end of the season a little quicker!

NEWS

Friday 3rd April 2009

SPORTS.tv ANNOUNCE VICTORY IN FOOTBALL COVERAGE ROW!

The stand-off is over. SKY and ESPN have been defeated. Football is returning to SPORTS.tv!

After a month of injunctions and a prevention of SPORTS.tv coverage of the Premier League, FA Cup, Championship and European football, SPORTS.tv is happy to announce its return to broadcasting in time for the crunch occasions in the domestic season. We apologise whole-heartedly for the delay and the lack of coverage in the recent month but we have now gained exclusive, 100% rights to the domestic game and we will be back tomorrow live action from the Premier League!

In the meantime, we will update you on what happened during the last month! Stay tuned!

[MattFergie]

The Dynamos really have lost it, hopefully, a bounceback season will happen

[joetheref]

Good to see this back GCB

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Good to see this back GCB

Told you all I'd be back!

[Greasy Chip Butty]

NEWS

Friday 3rd April 2009

PREMIER LEAGUE

Here is how the league table looked at the beginning of the month of March when SPORTS.tv went off the air. With between 11-13 games remaining for the twenty teams, there looked to be four teams left in the hunt for the title, four more clubs hoping to pressure the top four for a place in the Champions League, three more teams with hopes of qualifying for next season’s Europa League and the remaining nine teams nervously eying the trapdoor to the Coca Cola Championship.

With two complete rounds of Premier League fixtures to be completed as well as a number of the games in hand, we would have an even clearer picture at the end of the month as to who would be challenging to win, survive or represent the Premier League in the future.

Wednesday March 4th:

Blackthorn Athletic 2-1 Inland Valley Hawks

Didsbury Dynamoes 2-2 Discworld

Gnome’ania United 0-3 London Titans

Blackthorn Athletic score a priceless three points against title challengers Inland Valley Hawks to move out of the bottom three. Beaten League Cup finalists Didsbury draw with Discworld in Roberto Mancini’s first game in charge in a result that does neither side any favours in their fights for survival and Europe. Another poor result for the Gnomes as League Cup winners London continue their march into the UEFA Cup spots.

Saturday March 14th:

Blackthorn Athletic 1-1 Queensland Origin

Boreham Badgers 0-1 Didsbury Dynamoes

Brennan United 0-0 Steel Panthers

Coedpoeth United 0-0 Essendon

Discworld 0-3 Inland Valley Hawks

Gnome’ania United 2-1 Northern Extreme

Isle of Man Metros 1-1 Essex Eagles

London Titans 1-2 New Bloc

Sheffield Wednesday 0-2 Saffron United

Welsh Wizards 2-2 Tibbolini

New Bloc return to the top of the Premier League as they spoil London Titans’ homecoming parade after their League Cup win with a 2-1 victory. Their two nearest rivals, Coedpoeth United and Northern Extreme slip up, allowing Inland Valley Hawks to tighten up the top four further after an impressive win at Discworld. After slipping into the bottom three last week, Saffron United move back out this week after a win at Hillsborough whilst Boreham Badgers defeat to Didsbury – their first under Mancini – sees them fall into the drop zone for the first time. Didsbury close the gap and still dare to dream of survival.

Saturday March 21st:

Didsbury Dynamoes 2-2 Welsh Wizards

Essendon 0-0 Discworld

Essex Eagles 1-2 Gnome’ania United

Inland Valley Hawks 2-2 Boreham Badgers

New Bloc 1-3 Blackthorn Athletic

Northern Extreme 1-0 London Titans

Queensland Origin 0-0 Sheffield Wednesday

Saffron United 1-2 Brennan United

Steel Panthers 3-0 Coedpoeth United

Tibbolini 3-0 Isle of Man Metros

After a poor result in the UEFA Cup in midweek (more to follow later), Tibbolini fired Mike Bassett and replaced him with former Spurs and Real Madrid manager, Juande Ramos. His appointment had a drastic impact as the Mad Hatters hammered the Metros 3-0 to distance themselves from the bottom three. Gnome’ania United have dispelled relegation worries with two straight wins and the Dynamoes remain undefeated under Mancini but need wins if they are to have a chance of survival. Saffron United were beaten by Brennan United who seem to keep getting results when they need them to steer clear whilst Blackthorn’s impressive recent form continued with a 3-1 away win at leaders New Bloc. This result – along with Coedpoeth’s hammering at the Panthers and Inland Valley’s disappointing home draw with relegation threatened Boreham Badgers – meant that Northern Extreme’s hard-fought 1-0 win over London saw them right back in the thick of the title race.

Wednesday March 25th:

Saffron United 2-1 Blackthorn Athletic

A massive result for Saffron United as they get an important three points and plunge Athletic back towards the bottom three with a scrappy 2-1 win.

After those results, let’s see how the Premier League table looks now:

[I\'mTheRulerOfAllTheWorld]

The Wizards have dropped off the pace after a good start to the season If we keep this up we could end up worrying about relegation.

[Greasy Chip Butty]

NEWS

Friday 3rd April 2009

Clicky

COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP

Here is how the league table looked at the beginning of the month of March when SPORTS.tv went off the air. With eleven games remaining, the top five consisted of the five T2B clubs but realistically only three of them were in contention for automatic promotion. Canadian Mighty Squirrels and VfB Rammstein look like they will be relying on the Play Offs but the battle is on to avoid joining them for the top three. Joga Bonitos Juniors have slipped back recently and find themselves seven points behind Melbourne and Fanghunters but they do have a game in hand. The top two – already assured of their place in the Play Offs at least – will also be hoping to secure the title although top two is the most important aim. Below the top five, Norwich City look favourites to secure the final Play Off spot although their city rivals Ipswich Town and East Midlands rivals Derby County and Nottingham Forest will also have something to say about the final outcome. At the bottom, Barnsley look doomed and seven teams look set to fight to avoid being the two joining the Reds in League 1 next season.

With five complete rounds of Championship action to come as well as Joga Bonitos’ game in hand, March would be a massive month in determining the promotion outcomes as we head towards the end of the season and the Play Offs.

1st - Fanghunters:

A perfect month for the Fanghunters as they win four games out of four to move onto 102 points and within touching distance of the Premier League surely now. A scrappy home win over Palace (1-0) was achieved thanks to a Ruud Van Nistelrooy strike and they followed this with a win over Palace’s London neighbours Charlton at the Valley days later as Steven Gerrard, Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo scored to secure a 3-1 win. A 4-0 destruction of bottom club Barnsley (Gerrard, Van Nistelrooy, Kaka and Ronaldo scoring) confirmed the Tykes relegation to League 1 and a 4-2 win at Swansea City followed thanks to goals from Flamini and Vargas in addition to Van Nistelrooy and Ronaldo. Eight more points will secure a Premier League place with seven remaining and they are now red-hot favourites for the title.

2nd – Melbourne:

A topsy turvy month saw Melbourne take seven points as they look to cross the finish line in front of the chasing pack. The month started well with a solid 2-0 win over Plymouth at home, goals scored by Mendes and Capel, but a 2-1 defeat against T2B rival VfB Rammstein was a blow as they fell behind Fanghunters at the top. Maxi Rodriguez’ scored the goal at VfB Rammstein and they bounced back in the next game with a 2-1 win over Doncaster Rovers with Elano and Sergio Aguero on the scoresheet to keep them in contact with the top team. However, a draw with Joga Bonitos Juniors saw them slip further behind but this won’t matter too much to the Melbourne side who knew that they had to make sure they didn’t lose to Joga Juniors to ensure they stayed well clear in the promotion race. Maxi Rodriguez scoring the important equaliser to leave them on 97 points. They are now 5 behind leaders Fanghunters but promotion looks well within their grasp now and another thirteen points would secure them a Premier League place next season.

3rd – Canadian Mighty Squirrels:

The Squirrels? In third? How did that happen I hear you ask? Well, more to follow on Joga Bonitos but it was helped by a perfect month in the Championship for the Mighty Squirrels. Four games yielded four wins and they moved above Joga into third spot and are now the nearest challengers to the top two although they are nine points behind. A 1-0 win at home to VfB Rammstein started the month thanks to a strike from Robbie Keane before a 1-0 win over third placed Joga Bonitos Juniors – goal from Ambrosini – saw them close the gap on the Joga Juniors further. Two more wins were secured as Derby County (2-0 away, Keane and Ambrosini) and Doncaster Rovers (3-2 away, goals from Keane, Di Natale and Essien) were put to the sword. The Squirrels will need to keep fighting and putting the pressure on the top two but they will now want to secure third place and ensure a home second leg against the weakest side in the Play Offs, i.e. not a T2B side. More to follow on the FA Cup.

4th – Joga Bonitos Juniors:

More also to follow on the Joga Juniors in the FA Cup but they will hope they had better luck in the cup than they had in the league as they completely fell to pieces in their five games during March. A 1-1 draw at QPR was understandable as Gonzalo Higuain scored at a difficult ground but failure win any league games at all will have their management pulling their hair out. A 2-0 defeat at lowly Doncaster Rovers at the Keepmoat Stadium was followed by defeat to Canadian Mighty Squirrels who have now moved above them. A home defeat to Derby County by 3-1 (consolation goal from Kevin Davies) did little to appease the natives and a 1-1 draw with Melbourne effectively ends their automatic promotion hopes – Suarez scoring against Melbourne. With twelve points separating them from Melbourne in second, they will now be looking to snatch back third place and seal the easier Play Off Semi Final although Canadian Mighty Squirrels look most likely to do that now.

5th - VfB Rammstein:

The Ramms continue to move steadily along with the Play Offs almost secured and no real pressure on them. Two wins and two defeats in March see them move onto 80 points although they might be disappointed not to have four wins and a chance to move above Joga Juniors as well. Their wins came against Melbourne (2-1 thanks to goals from Van Persie and Keirrison) and Preston North End (2-1, both goals from Van Persie) with their defeats coming against Canadian Mighty Squirrels (0-1) and Norwich City (2-3, two more goals for Van Persie). They need a few more points to seal a Play Off spot and might be hoping to sneak into the top four and get home advantage in the second leg.

Here is the Championship table:

Norwich look set to join the T2B teams in the Play Offs now as they sit 7 points clear of Nottingham Forest in seventh. Barnsley are relegated and Plymouth look set to join them but the identity of the third team could be any of five teams.

[Greasy Chip Butty]

NEWS

Friday 3rd April 2009

FA CUP ROUND 6

As we left the FA Cup at the end of March, Coca Cola Championship side Joga Bonitos Juniors had shocked Blackthorn Athletic to join league rivals Canadian Mighty Squirrels in the Quarter Finals. With six more Premier League sides still involved, this was the draw for the next round:

The Quarter Finals would be played and completed before the end of March as well as the taking place of the Semi Final draw.

New Bloc vs. Joga Bonitos Juniors:

March was a terrible month for the promotion chasing Joga Bonitos Juniors and despite their return to the summit of the Premier League, it wasn’t much better for New Bloc in terms of results. However, a Quarter Final cup tie between the two gave them chance to forget about their league performances and concentrate on reaching Wembley for the Semi Finals. And Premier League class was telling as early as the 24th minute of the game; New Bloc in front thanks to a goal from Peter Crouch. The lanky striker was looking to add to his measly three goals this season and soon added his fifth of the season before half time to send the Google International Stadium into raptures as the Bloc led 2-0 at half time. Joga Juniors needed a quick response and they got it within seven minutes of the restart as David Suazo 20th goal of the season made it 2-1 and reignited the tie. An injury to Rodrigo Taddei couldn’t stop New Bloc though as they added a third goal to seal their place at Wembley with thirteen minutes remaining and it was that man Crouch with his hat-trick and doubling his tally for the season. More woes for Joga Juniors but the Premier League leaders remain on course to challenge for the domestic double.

New Bloc 3 (Crouch 3)

Joga Bonitos Juniors 1 (Suazo)

Gnome’ania United vs. Queensland Origin

Recent form for the Gnomes had been poor heading into this game and they were starting to fear a relegation fight – this was allayed with two wins in the league following this game – but they had a home tie at the Arcane Arena to seal an FA Cup Semi Final place. Their opponents would be Queensland Origin who were going strong in the Champions League still and looking to qualify for Europe again next season in the top six of the Premier League. One goal sealed the tie and it went the way of the Origin who went ahead on fifty minutes thanks to Dutch winger Wesley Sneijder’s fifth goal of the season.

Gnome’ania United 0

Queensland Origin 1 (Sneijder)

Essendon vs. Didsbury Dynamoes

After the sacking of Rafa Benitez after Dynamoes’ first cup defeat of the season in the League Cup Final, Roberto Mancini’s first taste of domestic cup football came in a quarter final tie with Essendon at Windy Hill. Essendon are hovering around the mid-table area and keep threatening a European push without actually getting close to one so their best bet for Europe is starting to look like through the FA Cup. Dynamoes’ are still desperately searching for points to give them a chance of survival in the Premier League but the FA Cup provided a distraction as they looked for a second Wembley trip. However, they were up against it after just one minute as Michael Owen struck to put Essendon in front. By half time, the Bombers’ had doubled their lead as Lionel Messi added a second goal and Mancini’s Dynamoes had no reply.

Essendon 2 (Owen, Messi)

Didsbury Dynamoes 0

Canadian Mighty Squirrels vs. Isle of Man Metros

With Joga Bonitos Juniors out, the last hope for the Coca Cola Championship is the Squirrels of Mighty who had a perfect month in the league as they moved up into third place with an outside chance of automatic promotion. Their opponents were the Isle of Man Metros who remain on the fringes of the relegation dogfight in the Premier League but always seem to get a result to stave off a plunge into the bottom three. A trip to Wembley was the incentive for the two sides as they looked to prove their Premier League credentials for next season. The visitors struck first at the Land of the Chestnuts as Ricardo Fuller converted a seventh minute penalty but by half time the Squirrels were level thanks to Michael Essien’s fifteenth goal of the season. Luca Toni re-established the Premier League sides lead in the sixty-sixth minute but three minutes from time, Robbie Keane struck to earn a replay for the Squirrels and prolong the cup runs of both sides.

Canadian Mighty Squirrels 2 (Essien, Keane)

Isle of Man Metros 2 (Fuller pen, Toni)

SEMI FINAL DRAW

Canadian Mighty Squirrels / Isle of Man Metros vs. Essendon

New Bloc vs. Queensland Origin

Both games to be played at Wembley in April.

Isle of Man Metros vs. Canadian Mighty Squirrels

A full house at the Metronome as the Isle of Man Metros and the Mighty Squirrels went head to head for a place in the Semi Finals against Essendon at Wembley. A late Robbie Keane goal had saved the Squirrels in the first game but the Metros had to be classed as favourites on home soil for the replay in front of their own fans. However, 16 minutes into the game the Metronome was silenced as Italian Massimo Ambrosini netted the first goal to give the Squirrels an early lead. The lead lasted just seven minutes though as Ricardo Fuller netted again to leave the game level at half time. Extra time and a penalty shoot-out would be used if necessary but the winning goal came on 54 minutes and it went the way of the visiting Championship side, Antonio Di Natale scoring to send the Canadian Mighty Squirrels to Wembley to complete their perfect month. They will go on to face Essendon in the Semi Final in April.

Isle of Man Metros 1 (Fuller)

Canadian Mighty Squirrels 2 (Ambrosini, Di Natale)

[Greasy Chip Butty]

NEWS

Friday 3rd April 2009

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

The Champions League had reached the Knockout stages and the first legs were complete as the sides still involved set their sights on making the Quarter Finals. Isle of Man Metros would face a tough task to make it after a 3-0 defeat in Rome and Didsbury Dynamoes defeat in Villarreal (2-0) would make their route to the Quarter Finals difficult as well. A 3-0 win in Panathanaikos meant that Discworld should have no problems in securing their Quarter Final place but Queensland Origin – despite a good 1-1 draw at Werder Bremen – would need another good performance at home to secure their place.

March would see the Quarter Final line-up finalised as the second legs were played and the Quarter Final draw completed.

Second Legs:

An early goal from Luca Toni threatened an Isle of Man Metros comeback against Roma but a quick equaliser by the Romans – and also an away goal – left the Metros needing four more goals. They were never going to do that and actually failed to win the game as it finished 1-1, Roma through 4-1 on aggregate.

2-0 down from the first leg in Villarreal, Didsbury Dynamoes new boss Roberto Mancini needed a fast start in the home leg and he got just that as two goals in two minutes – thanks to Kenwyne Jones and Deco – levelled the tie and left Dynamoes as the favourites to progress. Damien Duff added a third just after half time but the sending off of Deco left them clinging on. But cling on they did and a 3-0 win meant that they were through 3-2 on aggregate in the end.

A stroll in the park for Discworld who repeated their first leg 3-0 scoreline in the home leg over Panathanaikos. David Villa, Albert Riera and Jeremy Toulalan scored the goals as the Disks secured a 6-0 aggregate win over the Greeks.

After a 1-1 draw in Bremen, Queensland Origin knew that 0-0 or a victory would send them through at Werder Bremen’s expense. An early goal from Dave Kitson settled their nerves and further strikes from David Trezeguet and Wesley Sneijder meant that they won 3-0 on the night and 4-1 on aggregate.

In the Quarter Finals:

Discworld vs. Didsbury Dynamoes

Inter Milan vs. Barcelona

Queensland Origin vs. Porto

Real Madrid vs. Roma

[Northerm Lights]

I love it when Andy is on holiday (i'm sure he does too!) and i come home from work to find all this! its great and appreciated! KUTGW!!!

(McMaster will be talking to the press shortly)

[Greasy Chip Butty]

NEWS

Friday 3rd April 2009

UEFA CUP

In the UEFA Cup, the second Knockout Round draw had been made and the sides knew their opponents for a place in the Quarter Finals. Blackthorn Athletic, struggling in the Premier League, would face Levski Sofia in the easiest – on paper – draw for the English sides. Essex Eagles and London Titans – League Cup winners of course – had drawn difficult opponents in Sporting Lisbon and Sevilla respectively whilst there was to be an all-England clash between Tibbolini and Saffron United as England was guaranteed a Quarter Finalist.

Both legs of the 2nd Round would be played in March and the Quarter Final draw made ahead of April.

Round 2

Blackthorn Athletic – in-form in the Premier League – gave a solid performance in the first leg at home to defeat Levski Sofia 2-0 thanks to goals from Mathieu Bodmer and a Francesco Totti penalty. A repeat performance in Bulgaria saw them triumph 2-0 again, Nihat and Totti scoring in the first twenty minutes, to go into the Quarter Finals 4-0 on aggregate.

Tibbolini and Saffron United met in the 2nd Round in an all-England affair with both sides looking for some respite from the battles to survive in the Premier League. The first leg at Tibbolini’s Campion Grove Arena saw Samuel Eto’o put the Mad Hatters in front on ten minutes but Saffron struck back before half time as Franck Ribery scored an equaliser and an away goal to boot. The game ended level at 1-1 as they headed for the second leg at Saffron Stadium. Goals either side of half time from Ballack (42) and Mutu (47) secured a 3-1 aggregate win for Saffron United and finally earnt Mike Bassett – Tibbolini manager – his P45 that has been threatened for weeks. Within days, Juande Ramos took over at Campion Grove.

Things got off to an amazing start for London Titans as they flew into a 2-0 lead in the opening ten minutes of their home leg with Sevilla thanks to goals from Diego Forlan and Mirko Vucinic. However, things went wrong from there. Conrado scored twice before half time to bring Sevilla level and give the Spanish side two away goals before Riccardo Montolivo was sent off late on to reduce Titans to ten men. The second leg in Spain was a tight affair but with twenty minutes remaining, joy unconfined for the travelling Titans as Vucinic struck to put them in front. However, joy turned to despair as Miguel scored with two minutes left to make it 3-3 on aggregate and send Sevilla through on away goals.

Two goals in six minutes in the home leg for Essex Eagles meant that they took a 2-0 lead to Portugal against Sporting Lisbon thanks to Niko Kranjcar and Mario Balotelli. Two goals from Carlos Vela made it 4-0 on aggregate in Portugal before Sporting got one back late on after Gianni Zuiverloon had been sent off for the Eagles. Jack Browne’s men through to the Quarter Finals despite the manager being under pressure still.

Quarter Final Draw:

Celtic vs. Benfica

Forentina vs. Sevilla

Saffron United vs. Essex Eagles

Schalke vs. Blackthorn Athletic

Another all-England clash for Saffron United as they meet the Eagles and Blackthorn face a tough trip to Schalke of Germany. The winner of the all-England affair will meet the winner of Fiorentina/Sevilla in the Semi Finals and Blackthorn will face Benfica/Celtic if they beat Schalke.

[Greasy Chip Butty]

I love it when Andy is on holiday (i'm sure he does too!) and i come home from work to find all this! its great and appreciated! KUTGW!!!

(McMaster will be talking to the press shortly)

No problem. Press releases expected from all soon. I am keeping a register (I am a teacher after all) and those who aren't taking part will find their team's not mentioned much in future.

[Greasy Chip Butty]

NEWS

Friday 3rd April 2009

LATEST ODDS FROM BET365

Do you fancy a flutter?

For a bit of interaction, I’ll give you all £10 betting credit to spend. You can use your £10 to make up to three bets. Whoever gets the most wins a prize: just for fun, no advantage to be gained at all. Just post your bets on here.

PREMIER LEAGUE

WINNERS

New Bloc 7/4

Coedpoeth United 7/4

Northern Extreme 5/2

Inland Valley Hawks 5/1

Others 25/1

RELEGATION

Sheffield Wednesday - No more bets

Didsbury Dynamoes 1/50

Boreham Badgers 4/5

Blackthorn Athletic 2/1

Tibbolini 2/1

Saffron United 4/1

Isle of Man Metros 7/1

Others 10/1

COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP

WINNERS

Fanghunters 1/3

Melbourne 3/1

Others 100/1

PLAY OFF WINNERS

Canadian Mighty Squirrels 5/2

Joga Bonitos Juniors 3/1

VfB Rammstein 3/1

Melbourne 10/1

Fanghunters 100/1

Others 12/1

FA CUP WINNERS

New Bloc 2/1

Queensland Origin 5/2

Essendon 7/2

Canadian Mighty Squirrels 5/1

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WINNERS

Queensland Origin 8/1

Discworld 10/1

Didsbury Dynamoes 25/1

UEFA CUP WINNERS

Essex Eagles 4/1

Blackthorn Athletic 6/1

Saffron United 8/1

[Greasy Chip Butty]

NEWS

Friday 3rd April 2009

SATURDAY’S FIXTURES

PREMIER LEAGUE

Blackthorn Athletic vs. Sheffield Wednesday

Didsbury Dynamoes vs. Gnome’ania United

Essendon vs. Welsh Wizards

Essex Eagles vs. London Titans

Inland Valley Hawks vs. Isle of Man Metros

New Bloc vs. Brennan United

Queensland Origin vs. Coedpoeth United

Saffron United vs. Discworld

Steel Panthers vs. Boreham Badgers

Tibbolini vs. Northern Extreme

COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP

Canadian Mighty Squirrels vs. Preston North End

Joga Bonitos Juniors vs. Cardiff City

Melbourne vs. Norwich City

Nottingham Forest vs. Fanghunters

VfB Rammstein vs. Watford

[hamilton162]

United 13th, but just 6 points off of the drop zone. Crucially we are picking up points when we need them

[JB]

Its back!

Plenty to catch up on. A couple of games in the League but no win.

Excellent progress in the UEFA cup to set up an all English Quarter Final with Saffron.

Will post my bets up in a while Andy Excellent work.

[I\'mTheRulerOfAllTheWorld]

Betting Scandal at the White Rock Stadium

We at the South Wales Echo can exclusively report that Welsh Wizards owner Mitchell Williams is at the centre of a betting scandal that has rocked the Wizards season. The Wizards have recently been on a poor run of form having dropped to midtable following an early push for Europe and this will not help their mindset.

Williams has reportedly bet two large sums of money on the Inland Valley Hawks to win the Premier League and Melbourne to win the Championship. It is not known at this moment whether the funds were taken from club funds but it will surely lead to a supporters backlash as well as an investigation into Williams' other dealings.

When asked, Wizards manager Ryan Lester refused to comment.

_____________________________________________________________________________

I just thought I'd spice up the whole betting thing. My two bets are £5 on the Inland Valley Hawks to win the Premier League and Melbourne to win the Championship. KUTGW!

[bergtaur]

3 pounds on New Bloc to win the Premiership

3 pounds on New Bloc to win the FA Cuop

4 pounds on the imaginary 5/1 for New Bloc to complete the double.

[super_lampard]

Glad your back GCB, although it would have been better if we had not been knocked of the champions league and fa cup

[Greasy Chip Butty]

3 pounds on New Bloc to win the Premiership

3 pounds on New Bloc to win the FA Cuop

4 pounds on the imaginary 5/1 for New Bloc to complete the double.

For the double, I'll give you 6/1.

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Glad your back GCB, although it would have been better if we had not been knocked of the champions league and fa cup

Sorry about that!

If anyone is having issues with the images, I think PhotoBucket is having problems today. So images may be struggling to load.

[bergtaur]

For the double, I'll give you 6/1.

I'll take those odds.

[JB]

£3 on Northern Extreme to win the Premiership, £3 on Melbourne to win the Championship, £4 on Essex Eagles to win the UEFA Cup.

[Northerm Lights]

£10 treble on Fanghunters for the Championship, New Bloc for the FA Cup and Essex Eagles to win the Uefa Cup if you please

[magvest]

£5 on Queensland Origin winning the FA Cup and £5 on Discworld winning the Champions League.

[hamilton162]

£3 on Canadian Mighty Squirrels to win CCC Playoffs

£3 on Blackthorn Athletic to be relegated from the Premier League

£4 on Coedpoeth United to win the Premier League

[Northerm Lights]

McMaster Northern Hope

Following a prolonged silence Up North, Kodlay McMaster emerged into the press room today to post notice to Northern Extreme's title rivals....

Press: We have been here before Mr McMaster; your team have got themselves right into the mix only for you to go away from home and fail to maintain the pressure what do you say to this?

McMaster: Yes that is a very fair observation. But that is in the past. We have emerged in Spring and our performances have been like a Pheonix rising from the flames.

Press: Some critics have said your team are guilty of being reckless in your pursuit for points; you tactics are simply too attack orientated what do you think?

McMaster: I can reveal something to you all here today. You need goals to win games!!! And we have scored buckets of them and we will continue to do so! we have the best goal difference in the league and as tight as this league is, it might just be the clincher.

Press: do you feel your rivals could be distracted by other competitions?

McMaster: Och if you are referring New Bloc all i'll say is they'll be sweating as they try to stay in front of the chasing pack. We are feeling optimistic here at Northern Extreme so get yerselves down the bookies and stick a fiver on us!!!!!!

[SnakeXe]

Awesome updates! I'll stick all £10 on Didsbury Dynamoes to win the Champions League... just got a feeling

[5ergio]

Saffron United 4/1 -- Relegation £3

Discworld 10/1 -- Champions League £4

Joga Bonitos Juniors 3/1 -- Playoff Winner £3

At least the Gnomes have picked up a decent form to get away from the relegation fight. 7 points gap & 9 matches to go. We should be safe

[Coasterkoa]

I'll bet all 10 on Inland Valley Hawks to win the Premiership! Lets go Hawks, daddy needs a new pair of shoes!

[whitehead.10]

Bet 1 - £6.50- Accumilator

Prem Winner - Northern Extreme -5/2

Relegation - Didsbury Dynamoes 1/50 & Blackthorn Athletic 2/1

Championship Winner - Fanghunter - 1/3

Total Odds to be added later

Bet 2; A Double - £3.50

Mighty Squirrels - to win the FA cup - 5/1

Play Off Promotion - Others 100/1

Total Odds

Potential Winnings; From Bet 1 - TBD

From Bet 2 - TBD

[Greasy Chip Butty]

No offence whitehead.10 but where on earth did I mention accumulators and doubles? FFS, it's a bit of fun. Just stick your money on a team to win summat and be done with it. There are no prizes y'know?

Even more annoying since you've made no mention of the crap form of your team.

[SJ234]

All my money on Northern extreme to win the league.

[conners]

coincedently the day i come back after a long absence is the day you update, love it.

£10 on blackthorn to win the UEFA cup

Impressive run of form we are on

[bergtaur]

No offence whitehead.10 but where on earth did I mention accumulators and doubles? FFS, it's a bit of fun. Just stick your money on a team to win summat and be done with it. There are no prizes y'know?

Even more annoying since you've made no mention of the crap form of your team.

To quote Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory... Bazinga!

[Greasy Chip Butty]

To quote Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory... Bazinga!

Never watched it. Bazinga?!!! :confused:

[Guest roberto922]

A word he says after a particularly good taunt.

£10 on COedpoeth to win the title

[Striker475]

7 on the Eagles to win EL, 3 on the Squirrels to win the FA Cup

[Marky Mark!]

I'll put 10 pounds on Essendon to take out the FA Cup - sure, a long shot, but I have to believe they can do it, even if not many others will think so...

[Marky Mark!]

Essendon stutters along in the League, but marches on in the FA Cup

After two 0-0 draws in the league which saw Essendon stay 10th, but slip further away from an automatic European place, Bombers chairman Mark Mota was bemoaning more lost chances, and apparently starting to openly question manager Kevin Sheedy's decision not to sign a single player since having been made manager.

However, a solid 2-0 win in the FA Cup against the Dynamoes, with Owen and star winger Messi getting on the scoreboard, seems to have appeased him, with Mota now looking forward to a FA Cup Semi-Final against Championship side Squirells.

After the comfortable win, Sheedy was asked for his thoughts on the clubs performance to date, and responded as follows:

"I said at the start of the season that I expected Essendon to qualify for Europe - I expected this to happen by them finishing in the top 7, which is now unlikely (although still possible), however if we do it by winning the FA Cup instead then so be it. However, if we fail to make Europe next season then look out Mr Sheedy!"

[PluckaDuck]

It's baaaack

Not a betting man, I think I'll stay outta this one for now

EDIT- Stuff it, put all 10 quid on the lads from Queensland Origin winning the FA Cup Final. Kitson to score the winner.

[joetheref]

I'm not very good at betting so I will just stick £10 on Boreham Badgers (my team) to go down, reverse psychology usually works doesn't it

[SnakeXe]

Panthers Chairman Targets More Entertainment

Steel Panthers' chairman Michael Starr has come out to the press with the first bit of criticism of manager Stix Zadinia since the Steel's inception 9 months ago. Starr said to reporters as he was carried through by four beautiful women on a chair made from full magnums of champagne:

"You know... I always wanted to just entertain people, since I was just a little boy and I used to air guitar along to The Beatles in my underpants on the front lawn. Stix is doin' what we want on the pitch day to day, y'know, with lots of goals and action. The problem is, we're too far away from either the Champs Playoffs League spots, or the demotation zone to make it fun now. We're not really gunna move about a lot in the ranking chart. Next season for sure, I'll be making sure Stix involves us at either the top or the bottom right up to the last day of the season.

"Now, my darlings, carry me to my ivory coated Rolls-Royce..."

One has to wonder what resources are available to Stix in order to achieve his chairman's desires when such money is squandered on frivolous things like press conferences.

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Come on chaps. Where are the media updates? Three of you have done them, thats it? If you're not bothered, I'll kill it now if you want? It takes me ages to do an update and only three of you post anything to add to the sign-up.

Maybe I've took a break so some people haven't seen it yet but there's a number of people who've posted a quick comment or a bet and nothing more. Thanks to the three that have, at least I know you guys want an update.

If I've got an audience of three, let me know. It'll be a lot less work!

[whitehead.10]

For the double, I'll give you 6/1.

You never mentioned Doubles

Oh well £10 on other for Promotion

[I\'mTheRulerOfAllTheWorld]

You never mentioned Doubles

Oh well £10 on other for Promotion

If you read back, the double he referred to was New Bloc completing the double, as in two trophies.