FM10 Top2Bottom - Game Thread

[SJ234]

Got lucky there but good to get the points.

[Northerm Lights]

Urgh terrible start; lose to Juve in a friendly then lose again at home in the league and next i've got a CL quali away. Lose this and it could be a long season....

[bergtaur]

Urgh terrible start; lose to Juve in a friendly then lose again at home in the league and next i've got a CL quali away. Lose this and it could be a long season....

Meanwhile at New Bloc FC...

[Lower Leagues Rule]

An excellent start there by Fafeful, and shutting up shop after taking a 2 goal lead is perfect

[5ergio]

An excellent start there by Fafeful, and shutting up shop after taking a 2 goal lead is perfect

Have to say it was a spectecular performance mate. Good that we didn't concede more at least

[aderow]

I'm glad London was able to hold on to the victory

[19992008]

wahey Tibbolini begin the new season with a win

[Almondo]

4 points from the first 2 games is a good enough return for the North Stars

[Marky Mark!]

Wow, 0-4 against the Badgers in the season opener... not a great way to start, but things can only improve from here!

[hamilton162]

Not a particularly good start from the Falcons there.

[cookie15]

Great start for the Angels coming from a goal behind to beat the wizards 2-1. Just hope we can build on this and push on through the season.

Goals for Mutu and Modric on debut bodes well, keep it up fellas!

[SnakeXe]

Steel Blankers!

Steel Panthers started the second season of the Top2Bottom Premier League in poor fashion, not even managing a goal against New Bloc. Despite a bright opening, The Steel went down 2-0. Although we can't read too much into one result, one has to question whether Stix Zadinia's inability to pull off any deals in the summer market has gimped their chances of bettering last season's 5th place finish.

[HarryS]

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is exactly that Class! helped get the desrved 5-0 victory

[Greasy Chip Butty]

AUGUST 18th 2009

PREMIER LEAGUE AND CHAMPIONSHIP

TRANSFERS:

17 year old Heerenveen striker, Arsenio Valpoort, has joined champions, Coedpoeth United for £1.4m.

England youngster and former Leeds United and Aston Villa midfielder Fabian Delph has signed a contract with Spanish giants, Real Madrid.

Former Portsmouth striker Dave Nugent has joined Rapid Vienna on a free transfer.

PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS:

Bananas 1-1 Welsh Wizards

An early Juan Manuel Mata strike gives the Wizards the lead at The Jungle but Didier Drogba’s 54th minute goal – his fifth of the season already – ensures that the Bananas unbeaten start continues.

Boreham Badgers 1-1 Hunters

After both teams were involved in 4-0 scorelines – Badgers won, Hunters lost - on the opening day of the season, an early Diego Forlan penalty for the Hunters was a bit of a surprise. However, a second penalty gave Alessandro Del Piero his fourth of the season and gave the Badgers a share of the spoils.

Discworld 1-1 Coedpoeth United

European Champions League winners Discworld and Premier League champions Coedpoeth United met at The Flying Turtle as the two title contenders looked for an early advantage. Kaka’s 41st minute penalty put Coedy in front but a Maynor Figueroa strike twenty minutes from time gave the Disks a share of the spoils.

Essex Eagles 3-2 Gnome’ania United

Two sides beaten on the opening day met at the Eagle Arena desperate for their first points of the season. Guillermo Franco gave the Eagles a 17th minute lead but this was quickly cancelled out by the Gnomes Blaise Matuidi. Early second half goals from Alberto Gilardino and Ashley Young put the Eagles 3-1 up but an Esteban Cambiasso goal with half hour remaining meant that they were hanging on for the three points.

Fafeful United 1-2 Tibbolini

Two opening day winners looking to keep their 100% records in tact at the Estadio Municipal and it was the visitors who took an early lead thanks to Nadir Belhadj. Midfielder Alan Smith levelled for the Fafe in first half stoppage time but Samuel Eto’o put Tibbolini back in front on 65 minutes. A late rally from Fafeful United was curtailed when Sambou Yatabare was sent off late on for a second yellow card.

Flackwell Falcons 3-1 Alcester Angels

Ealry goals from Guilherme (Falcons) and Adrian Mutu (Angels) left this match poised delicately at 1-1 heading into the final ten minutes. However, John Carew put the home side back in front on 82 minutes and a Gael Clichy own goal ensured that the Falcons had their first points of the season.

CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS:

Barnsley 1-1 Hallendren Awakeners

A first minute Benjani goal should have meant three easy points for the Awakeners at Oakwell but it wasn’t to be as the Tykes fought back. Martin Devaney’s second half goal gave Barnsley a deserved share of the spoils.

Coventry City 1-0 BC Lions

More problems for Ben Craig’s Lions who remain winless after three games. Clinton Morrison’s goal on the stroke of half time means it is one point so far for the Lions who need an improvement soon.

Doncaster Rovers 0-1 Swansea City

An injury time strike from Ferrie Bodde secures a priceless three points for the Swans.

FC Libourne Saint-Seurin 1-0 Sporting Stronburg

Two red cards in two second half minutes leave French side FC Libourne Saint-Seurin with a mountain to climb at the Marbus Arena. Marouane Chamakh’s goal in first half stoppage time gives Les Pingouins a 1-0 lead but John Heitinga (second yellow) and El-Hadji Diouf (straight red) are sent off in the 65th and 66th minute. Amazingly, the nine men hold out for a precious first win of the season.

Horden All Stars 0-1 CSKA Oddworld

Three straight wins for the CSKA Oddworld boys as they notch up an impressive away victory over the Horden All Stars. Chinedu Obasi’s 11th minute strike seals the three points for Abe Mudoken’s men and Xabi Alonso’s straight red card at the end of the first half makes it easier for CSKA to hold on.

Melbourne 1-0 Bristol City

Kevin Doyle’s 17th minute goal keeps up Melbourne’s impressive start as they look to bounce back from Play Off Final heartache this season.

Nordic Thunder 4-3 Blackpool

An amazing game at Eldinghollen as the Tangerines take a 2-0 lead at half time thanks to two goals from Gary Taylor-Fletcher. Ruud van Nistelrooy pulls a goal back for the Icemen on the hour but Blackpool’s two goal cushion is restored three minutes later by Brett Ormerod. However, goals from Walter Samuel and Antonio Cassano bring Thunder level at 3-3 with five minutes remaining and an injury time strike from John Utaka – in the sixth minute of stoppage time – gives Nordic Thunder an amazing 4-3 win.

Nottingham Forest 0-5 Peterborough United

A real shock scoreline as Peterborough run riot at the City Ground. Two goals from Craig Mackail-Smith and Tommy Rowe and a goal from Ryan Bennett give Posh a 5-0 win.

Oldham North Stars 1-0 Scunthorpe United

An unconvincing 1-0 win for the North Stars who remain unbeaten and still have zero goals against after three games. A Grant McCann own goal on 32 minutes proves enough to defeat the Iron at North Stars Ball Park.

Phoenix 0-0 Hangover

A goalless draw at the Flight of Flame as these two sides have to settle for a point apiece.

Preston North End 1-2 Helsinki Hurricanes

Debt-ridden Hurricanes take three points away from Deepdale after goals from Robin van Persie and Glen Johnson in either half give them a 2-0 lead. Ross Wallace reduces the arrears but Hurricanes hang on for three points.

Rampant Ravishers 2-0 Plymouth Argyle

Two second half goals from Axel Witsel and Bakary Sagna give the Ravishers a comfortable 2-0 home win over Plymouth at the Ann Summers Arena. Still to concede a goal, the Ravishers have 7 points from their first 3 games.

Tune in tomorrow for the Champions League and Europa League Qualifiers.

[Guest roberto922]

Meh, at least we got a point. That's two in two for Kaka (even though one was only a pen), good value for money so far

[5ergio]

The Gnomes alarming in the defense!

5 goals conceded in the first two games of the season is not a good sign for the Gnomes. We are nearing to the end of transfer window and we have yet to see a bold move from Josélyn Blanc as well. It looks like we'll be seeing lots of goals in every match Gnome'ania United are present, though it's a bit difficult to tell for which side. This is Claire Coldlook from sportseye.net, reporting from Eagle Arena. Follow us for extensive coverage about the Gnomes in future.

[Almondo]

Another 3 points and another clean sheet for the North Stars.

[JB]

A loss in the first game

But a win in the 2nd

[cookie15]

Clichy Vows to bounce back after calamitous own goal!

Following a shock defeat to the Flackwell Falcons, Van Der Cook was in philosophical mood. He was pleased that his team remained in the game until the final 10 minutes, but was disappointed with the manner of Carew's goal, claiming sloppy defending to be to blame. When quizzed over his view of Clichy's own goal, he just said it happens! Gael is tremendous player and will no doubt take out his frustrations on the Angels next opponents.

Van Der Cook said he was pleased with how the team is performing, but warned the players that complacency would not be tolerated.

[PaulHartman71]

FC Libourne Saint Seurin manager reacts to first league win

A reporter was live in Libourne's home post-match, to see what FC Libourne Saint Seurin manager Jerome Hebert had to say about his teams first ever win in the Top2Bottom league. What were his thoughts? You can see them here!

[Greasy Chip Butty]

AUGUST 19th 2009

EUROPEAN QUALIFYING MATCHES

TRANSFERS:

No transfers completed today.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL QUALIFYING ROUND:

Sporting CP vs. Northern Extreme

After a poor start to their Premier League season at home to Queensland Origin on Saturday, Northern Extreme face three potentially season-defining matches in the space of seven days. A two-legged Champions League Qualifier with Portuguese side Sporting would sandwich a clash with Premier League champions, Coedpoeth United, and manager Kodaly McMaster knew that the pressure was on his team. In seven days time, would the Extreme be off and running in the Premier League and in the Champions League? Or would they be at the foot of the Premier League and dumped in the Europa League?

After a quarter of an hour of the first leg in Lisbon, the breakthrough came – much to the delight of the home supporters. Manuel Fernandes and Pedro Mendes overpowered Fernando Torres, Florent Sinama-Pongolle played the ball over the top of a static Extreme defence and Yannick Djalo raced clear to fire past Tomas Kuszczak in the goal. 1-0 to Sporting after 15 minutes.

Within three minutes, the Extreme’s season was beginning to fall apart. A cross from the right was partially cleared and former West Ham crock, Kieron Dyer, retrieved the ball on the left. His ball back to Pedro Mendes gave the midfielder chance to strike the ball goalwards and with the aid of a slight deflection the ball found the top corner of the goal. 18 minutes gone, Sporting 2-0 Extreme.

And just past the half hour, it got worse. From a Northern Extreme corner, Sporting countered with Sinama-Pongolle down the right. The ball ended up with Mendes again whose through ball saw Nemanja Vidic – struggling with injury – beaten by Yannick Djalo again and the striker buried the ball to make it 3-0 before half time.

Whatever McMaster said at half time, it had the desired effect of stopping the rot as Northern Extreme managed to get a foot-hold in the game. On 65 minutes, they secured what could turn out to be a pivotal away goal. Good work down the left by Stephen Jordan and Barry Ferguson gave Louis Saha chance to shoot at goal. The keeper, Tiago, parried the ball well but straight into the path of Giovanni dos Santos who stuck the rebound home in front of the travelling masses from Extreme. They were now back in the tie at 3-1 down.

However, that was the end of the scoring despite some late pressure. A 2-0 win at Aurora Park next week will be enough for Extreme although they will need to defend much better to achieve that next week.

Sporting CP 3-1 Northern Extreme

EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL QUALIFYING ROUND:

Capite Ad Calcem 6-0 Kalmar FF

A comfortable home win for the Romans and a result that 99.99% guarantees them a place in this season’s Europa League group stages. With just 22 minutes on the watch, Steven Gerrard had done the damage with a scintillating hat-trick, his third from the penalty spot, to put Cygnis Insignis’ men in charge. A blistering start to the second half saw Sercan Yildrim make it 4-0 and then Gerrard strike a fourth to make it 5-0. A late Aaron Lennon goal made it 6-0 and sent the 10001 crowd home happy.

London Titans 1-2 Valencia

A tough, tough tie for the London Titans as they drew Spanish giants Valencia and left themselves with a mountain to climb in the second leg in Spain next week. An early away goal from Nikola Zigic gave Valencia the lead but Mathieu Flamini levelled two minutes later for the Thames Warriors. Unfortunately, Joaquin put the Spaniards back in front before half time and that was the end of the scoring. A win in the Mestalla is now a must for the Titans – and they will need to win with at least two goals scored. It doesn’t look good.

MSK Zilina 0-2 Steel Panthers

A trip to Slovakia for the Steel Panthers who needed a win after defeat on the opening day of the Premier League season. An early goal in ties like this is always a must to settle the favourites down and the Panthers got that with a 5th minute Juan Sebastien Veron penalty. When Carlton Cole made it 2-0 on the half hour, the tie looked over and Stix Zadinia’s men should be fine in the second leg at Catnip Park.

Join us on Saturday for more Premier League and Championship action.

[Fausto]

Well my second game Bananas made a tie, Drogba score his 5th goal in just 2 games, he and the team is doing well in home lets see how we deal the away games...

[hamilton162]

A much better game there for the Falcons, a nice 3-1 win, although it seems that we could do with Pandev and Liedson firing on all cylinders like they were at the end of last season.

[19992008]

Bassett in Dreamland

Mike Bassett couldnt believe his luck following his sides second win of the season. 'To be honest with ya, im bloody chuffed. I couldn't have seen us winning the first two games and that is credit to the lads, after surviving relegation last season its really motivated us to drive on!'

[Greasy Chip Butty]

AUGUST 22nd 2009

PREMIER LEAGUE AND COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP

TRANSFERS:

Experienced 30 year old Ukrainian left sided defender and midfielder, Andriy Nesmachnyi, has joined Boreham Badgers for £3.1m from Dinamo Kiev.

Young and exciting Dutch winger, Roy Beerens, has moved from Heerenveen to the Steel Panthers with Stix Zadinia paying £6.25m for the 21-year old.

Experienced Celtic left back, Lee Naylor, has moved to Fafeful United for £775,000.

Bananas FC have secured a season-long loan for Benfica’s young left winger, Fabio Coentrao, at a cost of a £1.2m loan fee.

PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS:

Alcester Angels 0-0 Bananas

Both sides continue their unbeaten starts in a goalless draw at Mandela House. Bananas edge the chances but Didier Drogba fails to add to his five goals so far.

Capite Ad Calcem 1-1 Steel Panthers

An early strike from Italian midfielder Andrea Pirlo gives the Romans the lead at The Coliseum. However, a second penalty in two consecutive games from Juan Sebastien Veron levels the game moments later and the game ends level.

Coedpoeth United 1-0 Northern Extreme

Two of last season’s top three battle at the Penygelli Arena and champions Coedpoeth United continue their unbeaten start to the season with a 1-0 win. A 4th minute strike from Wayne Rooney secures the three points and stretches Northern Extreme’s poor start to the season.

Essendon 1-1 Fafeful United

After their first day hammering at Boreham Badgers, Kevin Sheedy’s Essendon were looking to get their season back on track at Windy Hill against new boys, Fafeful United. Things were looking good for the home side when Gabby Agbonlahor scored his first goal for the Bombers to put them in front after 65 minutes but a leveller 6 minutes from time – new signing Tom de Mul with the strike – means that Fafeful United take a point in their first away game.

Fanghunters 2-1 Essex Eagles

After Cristiano Ronaldo’s missed penalty at London Titans on day one of the season cost them a point, Championship winners Fanghunters were looking for their first points of the season against Essex at Stadium: Siberia. It wasn’t looking good when Ashley Young gave the Eagles a 28th minute lead but Emmanuel Adebayor levelled before half time and Tim Cahill struck 15 minutes from time to secure the Predators first Premier League win.

Gnome’ania United 1-1 London Titans

Joselyn Blanc’s Gnomes were looking to bounce back from an opening day defeat at the Arcane Arena as they welcomed London Titans. A first half strike from Mirko Vucinic gave the Titans a half time lead but Simon Kjaer’s equaliser mid-way through the second half secured the Gnomes their first point of the season.

Hunters 3-1 Flackwell Falcons

After their 4-0 hammering at Bananas and a draw at Boreham in midweek, Hunters responded with their first win in the Premier League with a comfortable win over the Falcons. Giorgio Chiellini and Stephane Sessegnon scored twice in ten minutes in the first half to make it 2-0 at half time. Johan Absalonsen’s goal gave the Falcons hope on 62 minutes but the Hunters win was secured ten minutes from time as Diego Forlan hit the third goal.

Queensland Origin 1-0 Discworld

A second win over Champions League opponents for Queensland Origin as their impressive start to the season continues. Wesley Sneijder scored just after half time to give the Maroons the lead in a bad tempered game that saw Fred and Andy Johnson stretchered off injured for the Disks and Queensland’s Amdy Faye and Discworld’s Stephan Lichtsteiner sent off for two yellow cards.

Tibbolini 0-1 Boreham Badgers

Two of the sides who survived on the final day of last season met at the Campion Grove Arena with neither side yet to lose this season so far. The Mad Hatters had the majority of the chances but the best chance of the match fell to and was scored by Badgers striker, Thierry Henry, after 16 minutes and they remain unbeaten at the expense of Mike Bassett’s Tibbolini side.

Welsh Wizards 1-0 New Bloc

After failing to win in their opening two games, the Wizards were looking to upset last season’s Premier League runners-up at the White Rock Stadium. In a tight game, the crucial goal came with 6 minutes remaining when the Magicians’ midfielder Denilson scored to give them their first win of the season.

COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS:

Barnsley 4-3 Swansea City

A topsy-turvy encounter at Oakwell as Barnsley edged a seven goal thriller in the last minute. Mark Gower and Darren Pratley twice put the Swans in front only for Daniel Bogdanovic and an Dorus de Vries own goal to bring the Reds level. Iain Hume put them in front just before half time but Shefki Kuqi’s late goal pegged it at 3-3 before Jon Macken won the game for Barnsley.

BC Lions 2-2 CSKA Oddworld

Absolute disaster for the Lions as they throw away a 2-goal lead in the last minutes at the BC Arena to leave themselves still searching for their first win. A goalless first half was followed by two goals in for the Lions from Adriano (64) and Roman Pavlyuchenko (76) that looked sure to give the Lions their first win. However, John Terry pulled one back in the 90th minute before Vincenzo Iaquinta completed the comeback for CSKA in the second minute of added time.

Coventry City 0-1 Helsinki Hurricanes

Another game decided in injury time at the RICOH Arena as French left back Patrice Evra struck in the third minute of stoppage time to give Steve Axworth’s Hurricanes a priceless away win.

Doncaster Rovers 0-2 Nordic Thunder

The Icemen made it four wins from four games at the Keepmoat Stadium as two second half goals sealed the three points. Antonio Cassano’s goal on the hour broke the deadlock and Franck Ribery sealed the win in the 81st minute.

FC Libourne Saint-Seurin 3-0 Blackpool

A second win of the season for Les Pingouins as they comfortably beat the Tangerines at the Marbus Arena. Three goals in nine minutes in the second half prove the difference with two for Darren Bent and one more for Marouane Chamakh. SPORTS.tv looks forward to hearing from Jerome Hebert soon.

Horden All Stars 1-1 Bristol City

A second successive setback for the All Stars as they fall behind at home to Bristol City when David Clarkson’s 60th minute goal puts the Robins in front. Eduardo levelled the game with 16 minutes remaining but Stew Ferguson’s men couldn’t find the winner late on and have to settle for a point.

Melbourne 3-0 Plymouth Argyle

Another win for the Demons who show no sign of a Play Off hangover from last season. Marouane Fellaini’s goal just before half time gives them the platform to win comfortably with an Anderson penalty and a strike from Luisao in the second half giving them a comfortable three points.

Nottingham Forest 3-1 Scunthorpe United

Forest bounce back from their 5-0 home hammering by Peterborough last week with a win over the Iron at the City Ground. Two goals – including a late penalty – from Craig Fagan and a Dele Adebola strike give them a 3-1 victory over Scunthorpe who get a consolation through Paul Hayes.

Oldham North Stars 0-1 Hangover

Arnold J. Rimmer’s first defeat as North Stars manager and the first goal against them this season as well. Despite being under much pressure in the game, the Fuzzy Head’s repelled the North Stars and Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored the important goal on 68 minutes to give them a fourth league game unbeaten.

Phoenix 0-0 Sporting Stronburg

Two straight home goalless draws for Phoenix but they will be the happier of the two sides today after conceding a penalty in the first half. Saloman Kalou took it for S-Burg but he missed it and both sides have to settle for a point.

Preston North End 3-3 Peterborough United

Posh show that they have the away scoring touch with three more at Deepdale but their defence lets them down this time as they end all-square. Two Andy Carroll goals and one from Jon Parkin for Preston and goals from Aaron McLean and Craig Mackail-Smith for Posh leave the game at 3-2 at half time. Tommy Rowe’s 67th minute goal rescues a point for Peterborough against their former manager, Darren Ferguson.

Rampant Ravishers 1-0 Hallendren Awakeners

Pablo Hernandez’ Ravishers remain unbeaten so far and sit near the top of the table after a third straight win. Mario Gomez’ strike in first half stoppage time gives the Ravishers a 1-0 win and consigns the Awakeners to their first defeat of the season.

Join us next time on SPORTS.tv as we bring you news from the European Qualifiers as well as the League Cup Round 2 action.

[Fausto]

Well Bananas did another tie, i was Away and im happy we are still Unbeaten and only one goals concide in 3 match, My goals still are to Quals to any Euro competition....

BTW: great posts GCB KUTGW

[Loojay]

Good to see Helsinki getting some sort of run of form going. Also good to see that they haven't gone bankrupt yet.

[aderow]

Get it together titans

[Greasy Chip Butty]

AUGUST 18th 2009

LEAGUE CUP AND EUROPEAN QUALIFYING ACTION

TRANSFERS:

Experienced Australian left sided defender/midfielder Scott Chipperfield has moved from Basle to Champions League winners, Discworld, for £475,000.

Former England and Newcastle defensive midfielder Nicky Butt, 34, has joined Dutch giants Ajax on a free transfer.

CARLING CUP ROUND 2:

Alcester Angels 1-2 Scunthorpe United

Championship minnows Scunthorpe United shocked Premier League newcomers, Alcester Angels, at Mandela House. Adrian Mutu’s early second half goal gave the Hell’s Angels the lead but a quick reply from Paul Hayes and a Grant McCann penalty 20 minutes from time mean that the Iron cause an upset.

Bananas 3-2 Southampton

A tough test for Bananas as well as League 1 Southampton gave them a real scare at The Jungle. Goals from Chris Eagles and Cesc Fabregas gave the Bananas a 2-1 lead – Rickie Lambert with the reply for Saints – and a third goal from Didier Drogba should have meant a comfortable end to the game. Alas, a Nick Barmby goal meant that the Bananas had a scary last five minutes before sneaking into Round 3.

Blackpool 0-1 Oldham North Stars

An early red card for Swiss defender Phillippe Senderos meant that the North Stars would spend the majority of the game with ten men. However, a spirited performance and a late first half goal from Mauro Camoranesi meant that they made it into Round 3 by 1-0.

Bristol City 1-2 Hallendren Awakeners

Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez scored two goals as the Hallendren Awakeners booked their place in Round 3 at Ashton Gate. Suarez’ first half goal was cancelled out by Nick Maynard but he then scored the winner four minutes from time to send V. Asher’s side through.

Burton Albion 1-4 Sporting Stronburg

A real panic for the Championship side as they fell behind to a 5th minute strike from Steve Kabba at the Pirelli Stadium before responding impressively to reach Round 3. Two goals from Demba Ba and a Klaas-Jan Hunterlaar goal gave them a 3-1 half time lead which was sealed late in the game by Saloman Kalou.

Chalrton Athletic 1-2 BC Lions

A tough test for the Lions who have struggled so far this season and were seen as a real candidate for an upset at the Valley. However, two goals in the first half an hour from Kieran Richardson and Thorsten Frings made their task simpler and – despite a late goal from Jose Semedo – they held onto their lead to reach Round 3.

CSKA Oddworld 2-0 Bradford City

Unbeaten in the Championship, CSKA welcomed League 2 Bradford City to Rupture Farms expecting a comfortable win. An early Thomas Chatelle goal and another goal for Vincenzo Iaquinta meant they were comfortable by half time and played out the second half to make Round 3.

Doncaster Rovers 1-2 Boreham Badgers

After an impressive start to the Premier League season, the Badgers could be forgiven for expecting an easy win at the Keepmoat Stadium but it wasn’t to be. Thierry Henry’s 3rd minute strike lulled the Badgers into a complacent mood and, eventually, Rovers made them pay when Paul Heffernan struck in injury time to force a period of extra time. Argentine winger Jonas got the winner for the Badgers in the second period of extra time but it had been a close call in the end.

Fafeful United 3-2 Huddersfield Town

Another Premier League side needing extra time were Fafeful United as they entertained League 1 Huddersfield. Luca Toni’s two goals meant they were cruising at 2-0 heading for half time but goals from Jordan Rhodes just before and Lee Novak just after half time meant they were level at 2-2 and this led to extra time. An 113th minute strike from Liam Lawrence spared the Fafe a penalty shoot-out but manager Aleksander Radakovic didn’t look impressed leaving the field at the end.

Gnome’ania United 2-1 MK Dons

A first win of the season for Joselyn Blanc’s Gnomes who took an early lead through Amr Zaki but ended the half level after Luke Chadwick – remember his face? – levelled for the Dons. An early second half goal from Blaise Matuidi and a red card to Don’s Dean Lewington left the Gnomes safely in Round 3 at the end of the game.

Hangover 5-0 Carlisle United

A stunning first half display from the Fuzzy Heads saw them ease their way into Round 3 at the Noisy Box Place. Four Zlatan Ibrahimovic goals did most of the damage and Tom Huddlestone added the other as Hangover went in at half time – and at full time – leading 5-0.

Hartlepool United 0-4 Melbourne

SPORTS.tv cannot stand Hartlepool United – unlike some other sports news shows – so we were delighted to see the Demons win this one easily. A Sergio Aguero hat-trick – one from the spot – and a goal from Kevin Doyle gave Melbourne manager Zac Smith an easy 4-0 win.

Helsinki Hurricanes 3-1 Swansea City

The Hurricanes are desperate for a good cup run to ease their financial worries so there was much concern at half time at the Hurricane Alley Stadium when Ferrie Bodde’s penalty had given the Swans a 1-0 half time lead. An early second half goal from Frank Lampard was greeted with relief and the England midfielder struck again from a penalty later in the half. Ricky van Wolfswinkel added a third and sent the Hurricanes into Round 3.

Leeds United 0-3 FC Libourne Saint-Seurin

A tough trip to Elland Road for Jerome Hebert and his boys but a comfortable win in the end. Pablo Mouche gave them a 5th minute lead, Marouane Chamakh doubled the lead before half time and Darren Bent sealed the win in the second half to leave the French side sitting in Round 3 awaiting Saturday’s draw.

Nordic Thunder 3-2 Horden All Stars

Four wins from four in the league saw Nordic Thunder as favourites in this game but Stephen Ireland stunned Eldinghollen on just 4 minutes as he gave the All Stars the lead. However, a goal from Franck Ribery and two from Ruud van Nistelrooy meant the Icemen were 3-1 up late on before a few late worries when Ivan Klasnic pulled one back for Stew Ferguson’s men. However, it is the Thunder who reach Round 3.

Norwich City 0-3 Welsh Wizards

Ryan Lester’s Magicians eased into Round 3 with a demolition of League 1 Norwich at Carrow Road. Juan Manuel Mata and Mauro Zarate gave the Wizards a 2-0 half time lead and Argentine Zarate added the third early in the second half for an easy 3-0 win.

Nottingham Forest 3-4 Flackwell Falcons

A seven goal thriller at the City Ground where Robbie Earnshaw gave the Championship under-dogs an early lead. The Falcons response was instant with three goals in ten minutes – two from Goran Pandev and one from Guilherme – but Paul Anderson pulled one back before half time to leave the game at 3-2 to the Falcons. Goran Pandev missed a penalty early in the second half and Forest looked to have punished the miss when Craig Fagan levelled the game on 63 minutes. However, Macedonian Pandev made amends with a 68th minute winner that send the Falcons soaring into Round 3.

Phoenix 4-2 Barnsley

A real scare for Phoenix as the Reds stunned them with two goals in the opening five minutes at the Flight of Flame – Iain Hume and Martin Devaney with the goals. However, Dimitar Berbatov pulled one back on 15 minutes and Amauri equalised on 61 minutes to leave the game poised at 2-2. Late goals from the two strikers – Amauri on 86, Berbatov in injury time – gave the Phoenix a place in Round 3.

Preston North End 1-2 Essendon

Essendon start their bid to reach a Wembley cup final again – they lost the FA Cup Final in May – with a nervy 2-1 win at Deepdale to reach Round 3. A Diego Benaglio own goal gave Preston the lead but Raul struck twice to leave the Bombers 2-1 up at half time. They held onto the lead and will be hoping for a good draw in the next round.

Queensland Origin 2-2 Plymouth Argyle

After two impressive wins over Champions League sides in the first two league games, Origin faced Argyle at home with the Pilgrims looking cannon-fodder for the Maroons. A Gary Sawyer own goal just before half time should have opened the floodgates but instead Chris Clark and then Kenny Cooper fired the ‘Green Army’ into a 2-1 lead. Only a late James Beattie goal for the Maroons forced extra time where there were no more goals and a penalty shoot-out would settle the tie. Beattie, Anelka, Lahm and Gary Caldwell converted for the Origin and when Marcel Seip missed for Plymouth it was all over. Queensland Origin win 4-2 on penalties.

Rampant Ravishers 1-0 Peterborough United

The odd goal was enough at the Ann Summers Arena as the Ravishers secured their place in the 3rd Round of the League Cup. German striker Mario Gomez scored the important goal just before half time to send Pablo Hernandez’ men through to the next round.

Rotherham United 1-4 Fanghunters

The presence of Cristiano Ronaldo and his Fanghunters team-mates attracted a record 11,565 to the Don Valley Stadium as the Millers looked to cause an upset. When Adam Le Fondre cancelled out Bruno Alves’ early opener for the Predators, an upset was on the cards but Ronaldo had other ideas. Two goals before half time for the Portuguese and a late Tim Cahill strike gave the Fangies a 4-1 win and a place in Round 3.

Tibbolini 1-0 Coventry City

A comfortable win for Tibbolini who could have and should have scored more goals. Samuel Eto’o got the one that was needed early in the game and they comfortably held on against the Sky Blues to reach Round 3.

Walsall 0-4 Hunters

League 1 Walsall were unable to threaten an upset against Premier League Hunters as they trounced the Saddlers 4-0 at the Bescot Stadium (and yes, we know, but we’re not calling it by its new name). It took Hunters 43 minutes to make the breakthrough but they did so thanks to Diego Forlan – the first of a hat-trick in the game. Hugo Rodallega added a fourth goal late on and the Hunters move into Round 3 looking for their next prey.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL QUALIFYING ROUND:

Northern Extreme (1) vs. Sporting CP (3)

Needing a two goal win at home, the Northern Extreme were always going to be up against it as they welcomed Portuguese side, Sporting CP, to Aurora Park. However, a 48,000 sell out crowd were silenced on 19 minutes as the referee gave Sporting a penalty after Kieron Dyer went over in the penalty area. Anderson Polga stepped up and buried the ball in the corner of the net to make it 4-1 on aggregate and level up the away goals. Now the Extreme needed 3 goals to force extra time, a real mountain to climb.

However, they negotiated the first part of the mountain in first half stoppage time. Lavezzi centred the ball from the left and Joe Ledley beat Miguel Veloso to the header to plant it firmly into the far corner. The Extreme were back in the game.

Alas, it was not to be. Despite battering the Portuguese defence for most of the second half, the goals would not come and it will be the Europa League for Kodaly McMaster and his men instead of the Champions League this season.

Northern Extreme 1-1 Sporting CP

Sporting CP win 4-2 on aggregate to reach Champions League.

EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL QUALIFYING ROUND:

Kalmar FF 0-2 Capite Ad Calcem (Capite Ad Calcem win 8-0 on aggregate)

A comfortable 2-0 win in Sweden for the Romans thanks to second half goals from Gareth Barry and Fabio Quagliarella secured an 8-0 win in the overall tie. Capite Ad Calcem qualify for the Europa League group stages and keep up their solid start to the season.

Steel Panthers 3-1 MSK Zilina (Steel Panthers win 5-1 on aggregate)

The first goal of the second leg would be vital for MSK Zilina at Catnip Park if they were going to have any chance of preventing the Panthers from reaching the Europa League. Ryan Connelly struck the first goal for the Panthers though - ending the tie – and a Juan Sebastien Veron penalty made it 2-0 at half time. Leon Osman added some sparkle late on but a slight dampener came in injury time as Peter Somolani scored a consolation for the Slovakians.

Valencia 1-2 London Titans (3-3 on aggregate)

After a defeat at the Nike Arena, London Titans travelled to the Mestalla needing an excellent performance to make the Europa League – and they got it on a scintillating night in Spain. Seydou Keita put the Titans in front on 28 minutes and levelled the game but the away goal scored by the Spaniards in the first leg kept them in front by the narrowest margin. A red card for Alexis on 65 minutes meant that the Titans quest for a goal was easier but the goal wouldn’t come. However, in the 88th minute, the referee awarded the Titans a penalty and Lars Jacobsen slammed it home to put them in front in the tie. Unbelievably though, the Thames Warriors then chose this moment to start throwing it away. An own goal deep into stoppage time from Andy O’Brien meant the home side were rescued and extra time would be needed to separate the sides. Five minutes into extra time, Seydou Keita got a second yellow card and it would be ten against ten until the end of the game. With no more goals scored, a penalty shoot-out would determine the side to make the Europa League for this season.

Santiago Cazorla, Gonzalo Higuain, Lars Jacobsen and Alex Song scored the first four for the Titans and a miss from Ruben Baraja meant Valencia were behind. Nikola Zigic had to score for the Spanish ... and he missed to send the Titans into the group stages in a thrilling performance.

London Titans win 4-2 on penalties to qualify for Europa League.

So, Northern Extreme will join London Titans, Capite Ad Calcem and Steel Panthers in the draw for the Europa League on Friday. The Champions League draw will have three Top2Bottom League sides in it though and the holders – Discworld – will face the holders Shakhtar in the Super Cup. Join us for that.

We’ll also have the League Cup Round 3 draw on Saturday when the European competitors will join in with the sides that won their places tonight.

[Kenco]

Good start in Europe for CAC, not so great in the league but it's still early.

[SJ234]

\o/ through, why is O'Brien playing

[cookie15]

Van Der Cook cannot believe the shocking Carling Cup exit to Scunthorpe, but is far more happy with his defenders keeping Drogba at bay!

[joetheref]

Boreham Badgers manager Joe Tompkins happy with start

Are you happy with your start in the league?

Well we seem to have improved from last season and that is the main thing. We are unbeaten so far so if we keep this form up we will win the league, right? That is unlikely but its a good feeling to be winning.

What do you make of the partnership between Henry and Del Piero?

I am delighted with them, I think they are the best strikeforce in England at the moment. They must have some sort of telepathy between them. In fact I will have to check if they are spending too much time with each other, I've always had a feeling Henry bats for the other team.

You've made a new signing, Andriy Nesmachnyi, what does he add to the team?

He's a left sided player and I think we are missing some quality down the left side. Jonas is good down the left wing but we could do with some back-up and he can play in defence as well so it's a good signing and he will give us some strength down the wings.

Speaking of Jonas, he saved your side in the League Cup 2nd round, what went wrong against Doncaster?

Well it was a tough game for us, we havent been strong away from home and Doncaster had a very passionate crowd. As soon as we went 1-0 up we became complacent and the crowd were cheering Doncaster right to the end and it cost us. But luckily we had the added fitness in extra time and it paid off when Jonas scored, we've learnt a lesson and luckily its only cost us half an hour of extra football.

[Greasy Chip Butty]

AUGUST 28th 2009

WELCOME TO MONACO – LIVE EUROPEAN DRAWS!

Welcome to Monaco for the two group stage draws for the Champions League and Europa League 2009/2010. We’ll be live and exclusive at the Super Cup Final later this evening but first of all we’re here to find out who our Top2Bottom Football League teams will be facing in this year’s European group stages.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUP STAGE DRAW:

Let’s have a look at the four pots of seeds in the Champions League draw today. Remember that one team from each pot will be drawn into each group of four but no teams from the same countries will be able to play in the same group.

Pot 1 / Top Seeds:

AC Milan (ITA)

Barcelona (ESP)

Bayern Munich (GER)

Discworld (ENG)

Inter Milan (ITA)

Lyon (FRA)

Real Madrid (ESP)

Sevilla (ESP)

Pot 2 / Second Seeds:

Besiktas (TUR)

CSKA Moscow (RUS)

Dinamo Kiev (UKR)

Girondins Bordeaux (FRA)

Juventus (ITA)

Olympique Marseille (FRA)

Panathanaikos (GRE)

Porto (POR)

Pot 3 / Third Seeds:

Atletico Madrid (ESP)

AZ Alkmaar (NED)

FC Copenhagen (DEN)

Partizan Belgrade (SER)

Rangers (SCO)

Rubin Kazan (RUS)

Sporting CP (POR)

Wolfsburg (GER)

Pot 4 / Fourth Seeds:

Coedpoeth United (ENG)

FC Twente (NED)

FC Zurich (SUI)

Maccabi Haifa (ISR)

New Bloc (ENG)

Standard Liege (BEL)

Unirea Urziceni (ROM)

Wisla Krakow (POL)

It is now time for the draw, let’s start with Group A:

Real Madrid are drawn in Group A. They will face an interesting couple of games with Italian giants, Juventus. FC Copenhagen are next out of the bowls – one of the better draws in Pot 3. And finally, they will face ... Belgian side, Standard Liege. That was a good group for Coedpoeth United and New Bloc to avoid.

GROUP A: Real Madrid, Juventus, FC Copenhagen, Standard Liege

Now let’s find out who will be in Group B:

UEFA Cup winners in the past few seasons, Sevilla, are drawn in Group B. They are joined by Russian side, CSKA Moscow. German side Wolfsburg are next out. This is possibly a good draw for one of our Pot 4 sides. But out come Steve McLaren’s FC Twente.

GROUP B: Sevilla, CSKA Moscow, Wolfsburg, FC Twente

None of our sides drawn yet. Now, it is time for Group C:

Here are the first of our teams and the Champions League winners last season, Discworld. Who will Magnus Vestergaard’s side be facing? They will be facing a long trip to the Ukraine to face Dinamo Kiev. Next up, it is the conquerors of Northern Extreme – Sporting CP. And finally ... Wisla Krakow of Poland.

GROUP C: DISCWORLD, Dinamo Kiev, Sporting CP, Wisla Krakow

The top seeded English team have been drawn. What about the others. Group D now:

AC Milan of Italy will head up this group. Who will they be facing? Next out are Olympique Marseille, the French side. Partizan Belgrade of Serbia next, always a tough task in Belgrade. And one of our sides, Premier League runners-up, New Bloc, drawn in Group D.

GROUP D: AC Milan, Olympique Marseille, Partizan Belgrade, NEW BLOC

One more English team remain in the draw, Premier League champions Coedpoeth United. Let’s see if they are in Group E:

Barcelona head up Group E, the Spanish giants. Who will they line up against? French side Bordeaux will be facing a trip to the Nou Camp. Who else? Scottish champions, Glasgow Rangers in Group E. And finally, Unirea Urziceni are drawn into Group E as well.

GROUP E: Barcelona, Girondins Bordeaux, Glasgow Rangers, Unirea Urziceni

Next group up is Group F:

Group F will be headed up by the always dangerous German champions, Bayern Munich. They will face former Champions League winners, Porto. Group F looks a tough group, Atletico Madrid are the third team. Coedy will want to avoid this one: the fourth team is ... Maccabi Haifa of Israel.

GROUP F: Bayern Munich, Porto, Atletico Madrid, Maccabi Haifa

Two more groups to go. We’ll start with Group G:

French side Olympique Lyonnais – better known as Lyon – will be the top seeds in this group. Next up are Turkish champions, Besiktas. This looks a good place for the final English side. Third out are FC Zurich. Who else? AZ Alkmaar!

GROUP G: Lyon, Besiktas, FC Zurich, AZ Alkmaar

So, we have four teams left to go into the final group, Group H:

The top seeds will be Italian side, Inter Milan. Second out of the bowls is Greek giants, Panathanaikos, who always seem to do well in the Champions League. Russian side, Rubin Kazan, are next out of the hat. And we know who is left, Premier League champions Coedpoeth United!

GROUP H: Inter Milan, Panathanaikos, Rubin Kazan, COEDPOETH UNITED

Join us later for the Europa League draw live here in Monaco.

[Guest roberto922]

Inter Milan are a tough draw but not a bad group overall, should get 2nd

[Greasy Chip Butty]

AUGUST 28th 2009

EUROPA LEAGUE DRAW LIVE FROM MONACO!

The stage has been changed and we are now ready for the Europa League draw for the group stages. England has four representatives in the competition: Northern Extreme’s Champions League Qualifying defeat means they are entered into the Europa League whilst Capite Ad Calcem, London Titans and the Steel Panthers all successfully won through the Europa League Qualifiers to join them. Essex Eagles surprise defeat in the 3rd Qualifying Round means that they are not in the draw today.

The first group is now being drawn. Here is the line up for Group A:

Group A: Celtic, Shakhtar Donetsk, Levski Sofia, Krylja Sovetov

Remember that the top two go through to the Europa League Knockout Rounds so that should be a decent draw for Celtic. Here is Group B:

Group B: Roma, STEEL PANTHERS, Athletic Bilbao, Dinamo Moscow

Our first English team out are Stix Zadinia’s Panthers and that is a tough group. Spanish and Russian opponents that cannot be taken lightly as well as the Italian giants, Roma. On now to Group C:

Group C: Litex, Stuttgart, Metalist, Zenit St. Petersburg

Should be a case of who will win the group between Stuttgart and Zenit rather than who will qualify from it. Group D is next:

Group D: CAPITE AD CALCEM, Lazio, Fenerbahce, Rapid Vienna

Another tough draw for the English representatives here. The Romans will face a ‘Rome derby’ of sorts against Lazio whilst Fenerbahce and Rapid Vienna are always dangerous. Next up is Group E:

Group E: PSV Eindhoven, Club Brugge, LONDON TITANS, Genoa

Another difficult group for the English side, this time the League Cup holders, London Titans. Italian opposition in Genoa and the always strong Dutch side PSV stand in the Thames Warriors way and Brugge could cause a shock as well. Onto Group F:

Group F: Werder Bremen, Lille, CFR Cluj, NORTHERN EXTREME

Well, if an English club is going to win the Europa League, they will do it the hard way. Three teams for the Extreme that have participated in the Champions League in recent years with the organised Bremen, French side Lille and the unpredictable Romanian side, CFR Cluj. Next is Group G through to Group L:

Group G: Benfica, Dinamo Bucharest, Hertha Berlin, Dinamo Zagreb

Group H: Ajax, Metalurg, Toulouse, Basle

Group I: Braga, Villarreal, Rosenborg, Salzburg

Group J: Avant de Guingamp, Anderlecht, Slavia Prague, Steaua Bucharest

Group K: Olympiakos, Amkar, Hapoel Tel Aviv, Galatasaray

Group L: Hamburg SV, FC Vaslui, AEK Athens, Fiorentina

That concludes the European draws in Monaco this afternoon. We will be back later with news of the European Super Cup Final between last season’s Champions League winners, Discworld, and the Europa League winners, Shakhtar Donetsk.

[magvest]

Really looking forward to the Super Cup final. Hope we can win it and secure our first title of the season...

[Greasy Chip Butty]

AUGUST 28th 2009

EUROPEAN SUPER CUP FINAL

[

SUPER CUP FINAL:

Welcome back to Monaco and to the Stade Louis II Stadium where the European Super Cup – a match between the Champions League and Europa League winners – takes place this evening.

Discworld vs. Shakhtar Donetsk

It took half an hour for the breakthrough to come in the Super Cup Final but when it came it was great news for the travelling English fans of Discworld. Hatem Ben Arfa and John Obi Mikel won the ball in midfield, Ben Arfa slid the ball through for Michael Owen and he calmly rounded the Shakhtar keeper and thumped the ball home to give the Disks a 1-0 lead.

Eight minutes later, it was 2-0. A quick break by the Disks from a Shakhtar corner led to Owen feeding Ben Arfa into space again. The midfielder slid a beautiful through ball again for his second assist of the evening but this time it was Spanish striker David Villa who fired across the keeper to put the Disks in complete command.

That looked set to be enough for the Disks but with 17 minutes remaining, Shakhtar scored to worry Magnus Vestergaard and his team. Fernandinho’s long ball down the right found Fomin and his one two with Jadson gave him the chance to beat Kameni and reduce the arrears to 2-1.

However, the Disks showed why they are the European champions with five minutes remaining. Maynor Figueroa and Michael Owen combined superbly down the left and the former England forward fed the ball to Sebastien Kehl who controlled well and fired an unstoppable drive into the roof of the net to make it 3-1 and secure the Super Cup for the Disks.

Final Score: Discworld 3-1 Shakhtar Donetsk

Of course, this result means that the Disks will now get to represent the Top2Bottom League in the Club World Championships in December that will this year be hosted by the United Arab Emirates. We at SPORTS.tv look forward to that!

[Greasy Chip Butty]

AUGUST 28th 2009

EUROPEAN SUPER CUP IN MONACO

The winners of the 2010 UEFA European Super Cup ...

DISCWORLD!

[magvest]

First silverware of the season. Will write post-match press conference tomorrow..

[Paulo1985]

It looks like the Phoenix are having a slow start to the season. Have not lost a game yet but three draws in four games tells me that we have the defense in place just the strikers are not doing the business in the league games.

A goal less draw with our rivals is a poor result at home but happy to keep huntlar quiet as we seem to be the only team that has been capable of doing so at the moment!!

[Dumax]

Sorry to of been absent for a while thing this thread. Have been a bit busy - but I'm glad that we've won all our games so far (5/5)! I'll try and get around to doing some of my own write ups later on.

The write ups have been great quality GCB!

[PluckaDuck]

Been a great start to the season, those gritty 1-0 wins got us through all last season and have been our saviour in the league so far. The Penalty Shoot-out win over Plymouth Argyle however was much more disappointing and we are very lucky to still get through. Could James Beattie become the new Dave Kitson?

[Greasy Chip Butty]

AUGUST 29th 2009

CARLING CUP ROUND 3 DRAW

First the transfer news though ...

TRANSFERS:

23 year old central defender Diego Godin has swapped Villarreal for New Bloc in a £5.25m deal for the Uruguayan.

Experienced Iranian midfielder Javad Nekounam, 28, has left Osasuna to join New Bloc too; the Bloc have paid £4.3m for his services.

Pawel Golanski, the Polish right back, has moved from Steaua to join Hunters FC for £850,000.

And one more interesting deal, 24 year old English winger Wayne Routledge has signed for Inter Milan on a free transfer.

And the transfer window is now closed, there will be no more transfers until January when the Top2Bottom sides will be able to sell players – if they want to – as well.

CARLING CUP DRAW:

Welcome to Wembley for the draw for the 3rd Round of the Carling Cup where the sides who won in Round 2 are joined by the sides playing in Europe this season. There is only one non-T2B side left in the competition – Scunthorpe United – and privately many of our sides will be hoping to face the Iron.

Marcus von Stronburg’s Sporting Stronburg side will be at home to ... last season’s Premier League runners-up, New Bloc.

Kodaly McMaster’s Northern Extreme are at home. They will face ... Faustino Perozo’s Bananas in Round 3.

Beaten Coca Cola Championship Play Off Finalists last season, Melbourne, are at home. They will entertain ... the current Premier League champions, Coedpoeth United.

Ryan Lester’s Welsh Wizards will be at home to ... Championship leaders, Nordic Thunder.

Paul David’s Phoenix side are also at home. Travelling to the Flight of Flame will be ... FC Libourne Saint-Seurin.

Scunthorpe United are out of the bag next. Glanford Park awaits for ... Joselyn Blanc and her Gnome’ania United side.

Last year’s League Cup winners, London Titans, will begin the defence of their trophy at home to ... Aleksander Radakovic’s Fafeful United.

Kevin Sheedy’s Essendon side are next out and hoping for a return to Wembley. They will be at home to ... George Jungle’s Hunters FC.

Tibbolini are at home in the Campion Grove Arena and will play ... Jack Browne’s Essex Eagles.

European champions and Super Cup winners, Discworld, start their League Cup campaign at the Flying Turtle against ... Europa League competitors, Steel Panthers. Mouth-watering clash there.

The Romans – Capite Ad Calcem to give them their full name – are home in the Coliseum against ... the Rampant Ravishers.

Karmichael Hunt’s Queensland Origin sneaked past Plymouth at home in the last round. They’re at home in Round 3 too ... against Flackwell Falcons, Michael Venter’s side.

Boreham Badgers – off to a great start this season – are at home on the Muddy Field against ... Helsinki Hurricanes, desperate for a good cup run but a tough draw there.

The Hallendren Awakeners will be at home in Round 3. They will play ... last season’s Championship winners, Fanghunters.

Arnold J. Rimmer’s Oldham North Stars are next out at home. Who will they face in Round 3? Abe Mudoken’s CSKA Oddworld.

That leaves two sides left: Dylan Moran’s Hangover are at home ... they will face BC Lions in an all-Championship affair at the Noisy Box Place.

That concludes the draw for Round 3 of the League Cup. Stay tuned for the action from the Premier League and Championship later today!

[Charlesbeams]

Glad to see Oddworld unbeaten so far, hopefully the rest of the season goes the same way

[Fausto]

Round 3 of the cup

this is whats going to happen

Northen Extreme vs Bananas

[Greasy Chip Butty]

AUGUST 29th 2009

PREMIER LEAGUE AND CHAMPIONSHIP ACTION

PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS:

No game between Discworld and New Bloc today due to the Disks participation in the Super Cup Final last night.

Capite Ad Calcem 1-1 Northern Extreme

Looking for their first competitive win of the season at the fifth attempt, Kodaly McMaster’s under pressure Northern Extreme made a bad start again at The Coliseum. Freddie Kanoute’s 25th minute goal put the Romans in front at half time. But the Extreme fought back in the second half and gained a deserved point when Fernando Torres levelled.

Coedpoeth United 1-0 London Titans

A fortunate victory for the champions as their unbeaten start continues. Lars Jacobsen’s penalty in the Mestalla in midweek was vital for the Titans but he missed a 13th minute penalty in the Penygelli Arena that cost his side dear. An injury to Mathieu Flamini on 57 minutes increased the woes of the Thames Warriors and Coedy made them pay on the hour with the winning goal: an own goal from Titan’s keeper, Steve Mandanda.

Essendon 1-1 Flackwell Falcons

Falcons defender, Fabricio Coloccini went from hero to villain in this game at Windy Hill. First of all, he silenced the home crowd with a 9th minute opening goal for Michael Venter’s side but within fifteen minutes he had picked up two yellow cards and was sent off. This gave the Bombers more chance and in the 63rd minute, Gabby Agbonlahor struck the leveller to earn the hosts a point.

Fanghunters 1-3 Fafeful United

16 year old right back Anton McDonald made his full debut for the Fanghunters at Stadium:Siberia but was amazingly sent off after just 47 seconds, a straight red card that gave the home side a real battle for any kind of result. From the resulting penalty, Lee Naylor hit a debut goal for the Fafe but Emmanuel Adebayor sent Fanghunters in level at half time with an injury time equaliser. However, the ten men could not see it out and two goals from Steven Pienaar gave United the three points.

Gnome’ania United 1-2 Boreham Badgers

Contrasting fortunes for these two as the Badgers continued their good start at the expense of the Gnomes who are still searching for their first league win. It looked good when Amr Zaki gave the hosts a 39th minute lead but Thierry Henry levelled just before half time. A second goal from the French man in the second half gave the Badgers the points and they make it 10 points from 4 games.

Hunters 2-2 Alcester Angels

The Hells Angels twice came from behind at The Hunters’ Lair as they secured a point on the road. Ezequiel Garay’s own goal gave the Hunters an 11th minute lead but Luka Modric levelled just before half time. Karim Benzema’s goal should have meant three points for the home side but the Angels quickly responded through Maxi Rodriguez to steal a point.

Queensland Origin 3-0 Essex Eagles

Three straight wins to start the season for the Maroons and the only 100% record in the division as they win comfortably at home today. Late first half goals from Kwadwo Asamoah and Wesley Sneijder gave them a 2-0 lead and once Gary Caldwell made it 3-0 early in the second half, there was no way back for Jack Browne’s beleaguered Eagles side.

Tibbolini 1-0 Bananas

Two first half penalties for the Mad Hatters in front of their own fans at the Campion Grove Arena and they managed to score one of them to win the three points. A 33rd minute penalty was converted by Diego Milito but he missed one five minutes later to keep Bananas in with a shout. However, it wasn’t to be and the Mad Hatters march on.

Welsh Wizards 1-1 Steel Panthers

Two sides who finished in the top half of the table last season and a tight game suggests they won’t be too far apart this season either. A dull first half was goalless but Peter Crouch gave the Magicians a 52nd minute lead. Carlton Cole hit back before the hour for the Panthers though and the game fizzled out into a 1-1 draw.

COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS:

Blackpool 0-2 Barnsley

Bristol City 1-0 Preston North End

Doncaster Rovers 1-3 Coventry City

Plymouth Argyle 1-0 Nottingham Forest

CSKA Oddworld 1-0 Helsinki Hurricanes

An early strike from Chinedu Obasi proved enough for victory today for CSKA Oddworld as their great start continued. The Hurricanes remained in the game but couldn’t find an equaliser and their indifferent start continues.

Hallendren Awakeners 1-1 Oldham North Stars

First half goals for both sides in a largely forgettable 1-1 draw. Nenad Milijas scored again for the Awakeners to give them the lead but within 8 minutes the visitors were level. Giampaolo Pazzini scoring the goal for the North Stars to give them a point that they will be happier with.

Hangover 1-0 Melbourne

Dylan Moran’s side inflict the first defeat of the season on Zac Smith’s Melbourne side as they win 1-0 at the Noisy Box Place. Zlatan Ibrahimovic proved the hero again for the Fuzzy Head as he hit the 52nd minute winner but they had to hang on for the last twenty minutes with ten men after Rafinha was given a straight red card.

Nordic Thunder 3-0 FC Libourne Saint-Seurin

Five wins from five games now for the Icemen as they comfortably defeat Les Pingouins at home to go top of the table. Two goals in five minutes from Edin Dzeko and Franck Ribery gave the home side a 2-0 half time lead and Dzeko added a third late on.

Peterborough United 0-4 BC Lions

A desperate BC Lions finally won their first game of the season against Peterborough United at London Road. A goalless first half suggested another struggle for Ben Craig’s team but finally they got in front on 49 minutes as Matt Jarvis scored his first for the club. Yakubu and Roman Pavlyuchenko scored before the hour as the visitors went goal crazy and a late penalty – scored by Yakubu again – finally saw three points arrive at the BC Arena.

Scunthorpe United 0-1 Horden All Stars

The largest squad in the division have got off to an erratic start but earned a vital three points at Glanford Park to keep them within touching distance of the top places. An early Eduardo strike proved to be enough for the All Stars and they will hope to go on a good run now to move up the table.

Sporting Stronburg 0-0 Rampant Ravishers

Another clean sheet for Pablo Hernandez’ Rampant Ravishers – that is seven straight so far this season in all competitions – but they will need to work on their shooting if they are to challenge for promotion. Sporting Stronburg always looked more likely to score but couldn’t find a way past the miserly Ravishers defence – what Ann Summers think of all these clean sheets is a mystery ...

Swansea City 1-1 Phoenix

Phoenix remain unbeaten under Paul David but they need to find a way of winning more as they remain with just the one win all season – 1-0 at Plymouth. Jermain Defoe gave them a first half lead at Swansea today but the Swans are proving to be difficult opponents and Joe Allen levelled for them on 66 minutes to deny Phoenix a win for the fourth time this season.

The league tables will be following the next news we have which is the re-scheduled Premier League games on Wednesday night. Join us then.

[Greasy Chip Butty]

SEPTEMBER 2nd 2009

PREMIER LEAGUE ACTION

PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS:

London Titans 0-3 Essendon

A real surprise as Essendon completely dominate the Titans at the Nike Arena. A first half goal from Gabby Agbonlahor gives the Bombers an half time lead and Raul’s header in the 55th minute makes it 2-0. A 63rd minute penalty allows Lionel Messi to score his first goal of the season before Valon Behrami is sent off for a crude challenge moments later. Essendon hang on easily and claim a priceless three points.

New Bloc 0-0 Discworld

After their game at the weekend was cancelled, these two met at Stadion Uljarevic in a game billed as massive given the two sides Champions League status. In the end, they cancelled each other out with neither side deserving of the three points. The only real incident of note came on 72 minutes when New Bloc defender Alessandro Nesta saw a straight red card.

Northern Extreme 3-2 Fanghunters

Finally, a win for Extreme but they were forced to come from behind to secure a massive three points. David Silva gave the visiting Predators a 12th minute lead and when Sami Khedira made it 2-0 on 34 minutes the jeers were clearly audible from the Extreme fans. Fernando Torres reduced the defecit just before half time but time looked to be running out for the home side until they were awarded a 73rd minute penalty. Torres converted the penalty and four minutes later completed his hat-trick as the Extreme took the 3 points with an impressive comeback.

League tables to follow in a moment.

[Greasy Chip Butty]

SEPTEMBER 2nd 2009

PREMIER LEAGUE

CURRENT PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE:

Boreham Badgers and Coedpoeth United – the current champions – lead the way after 4 games with an unbeaten record and 10 points each. However, the only 100% record belongs to Queensland Origin who are a point behind with a game in hand. Tibbolini sit in the fourth Champions League spot at the moment after a solid start and Fafeful United and Bananas behind them have made decent starts to their Top2Bottom existence. The bottom three – Capite Ad Calcem, Steel Panthers and Gnome’ania United – are all still without a win and will be hoping to put this right as soon as possible.

NEXT FIXTURES:

Alcester Angels vs. Tibbolini

Bananas vs. Essendon

Boreham Badgers vs. Fanghunters

Discworld vs. Steel Panthers

Essex Eagles vs. Capite Ad Calcem

Fafeful United vs. Coedpoeth United

Flackwell Falcons vs. Gnome'ania United

Hunters vs. Welsh Wizards

London Titans vs. Queensland Origin

Northern Extreme vs. New Bloc

[Fausto]

Well my first lost of the season like i can see we need to play better in the away games....