Don’t blink; you might miss it

[binny]

Saturday 18th September 2004

Zürich vs Vaduz

Super League, Game 8 of 36

(4-4-2): Germano Vailati; Patrick Mkhwanaizi, Nenad Lalatovic, Ajibade Babalade, Michael Stocklasa (capt); Baldwin Bazuaye, Igor Guzelov, Valeriy Kryventsov, Fabio D’Elia; Þórarinn Brynjar Kristjánsson, Bledar Fiqiri Mançaku. Substitutes: David Khmelidze (gk), Andy Smith, Siaka Bamba, Eyal Almushnino, Jérôme Walz

Zürich are having a terrible season so far, but we’re on a high after three consecutive wins, and we reckon that we can get a result today. The side is unchanged.

Vailati had to be alert early on to turn away an Isaacs shot for a corner, and Chelidze shot over for the home side after Kristjánsson had shot straight at the goalkeeper. Five minutes before the break Babalade played a free kick out wide to D’Elia whose cross was smacked home into the top corner by Mançaku. Three minutes later Kristjánsson did really well to beat his man and get into the box. His shot was parried by the goalkeeper, but only into the feet of Mançaku who easily slotted home. But Zürich pulled a goal back with the last kick of the half as Schmid did well to get his cross in and Erwin Isaacs drove in past Vailati.

The two-goal advantage was restored just two minutes into the second half as Mançaku ran onto a loose ball and shot past the goalkeeper to complete a fantastic hatrick. The game was over by then, and we closed out time with neither side coming close to getting another goal.

Zürich 1-3 Vaduz

Goals: 40’ Mançaku (0-1), 43’ Mançaku (0-2), 45’ Isaacs (1-2), 47’ Mançaku (1-3)

Attendance: 4589

Substitutions: Smith, Bamba and Almushnino for Kristjánsson, Bazuaye and Guzelov (70’)

Yellow Cards: -

Red Cards: -

Man of the Match: Bledar Fiqiri Mançaku 10

Zürich are struggling, but we still had to take advantage, and that’s what we did. We’ve somehow climbed to fourth in the league, and it largely down to the form of Bledar Fiqiri Mançaku.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag G.D. Pts

1st Basel 8 6 1 1 9 3 +6 19

2nd Grasshopper 8 5 0 3 13 7 +6 15

3rd Neuchâtel Xamax 8 3 4 1 12 8 +4 13

4th Vaduz 8 4 0 4 14 12 +2 12

5th Concordia BS 8 3 2 3 11 11 0 11

6th Thun 8 3 2 3 10 10 0 11

7th St. Gallen 8 2 4 2 11 11 0 10

8th Servette 8 2 3 3 8 10 -2 9

---------------------------------------------------

9th Aarau 8 3 0 5 12 18 -6 9

---------------------------------------------------

10th Zürich 8 0 2 6 6 16 -10 2

</pre>

[binny]

Wednesday 29th September 2004

Neuchâtel Xamax vs Vaduz

Super League, Game 9 of 36

(4-4-2): Germano Vailati; Patrick Mkhwanaizi, Nenad Lalatovic, Ajibade Babalade, Michael Stocklasa (capt); Baldwin Bazuaye, Igor Guzelov, Valeriy Kryventsov, Fabio D’Elia; Þórarinn Brynjar Kristjánsson, Bledar Fiqiri Mançaku. Substitutes: David Khmelidze (gk), Andy Smith, Siaka Bamba, Eyal Almushnino, Tomas Votava

This is, without doubt, our toughest match since our good run started, but we’re looking to avenge our 4-2 defeat from earlier on in the season. The side is unchanged again, but Tomas Votava is fit enough for the bench again.

A quiet opening to the game was disrupted when Di Tullio felled D’Elia in the box, and Bazuaye put away the penalty to give us the lead. Rey came closest to equalising in the first half, but Vailati was equal to his effort.

We were holding out quite well, although in truth the defence were having a terrible day. Graham twice went close to equalising late on, and three minutes from time Stocklasa fouled Graham in the box, and Alexandre Rey equalised from the penalty spot. Kristjánsson hit the side netting as we went up the other end, but a draw was a fair result.

Neuchâtel Xamax 1-1 Vaduz

Goals: 25’ Bazuaye (pen) (0-1), 87’ Rey (pen) (1-1)

Attendance: 5536

Substitutions: Smith and Votava for Mançaku and Mkhwanaizi (65’), Almushnino for Babalade (77’)

Yellow Cards: Lubamba, Di Tullio, Whaley (Neuchâtel Xamax), Stocklasa (Vaduz)

Red Cards: -

Man of the Match: Baldwin Bazuaye 9

We definitely did not deserve any more than a draw today, but such has been the turnaround in the camp that we are disappointed not to have held onto our lead. The defence were not at their best today, and I suppose that the result could have been worse.

[binny]

Saturday 2nd October 2004

Vaduz vs Aarau

Super League, Game 10 of 36

(4-4-2): David Khmelidze; Patrick Mkhwanaizi, Nenad Lalatovic, Ajibade Babalade, Michael Stocklasa (capt); Baldwin Bazuaye, Igor Guzelov, Valeriy Kryventsov, Fabio D’Elia; Þórarinn Brynjar Kristjánsson, Bledar Fiqiri Mançaku. Substitutes: Manuel Zangger (gk), Andy Smith, Siaka Bamba, Eyal Almushnino, Tomas Votava

Aarau are plugging along nicely once again, but so are we. Germano Vailati picked up an injury in training, and so the only change to the side sees Khmelidze keep goal.

It took us just 24 seconds to take the lead as Kristjánsson crossed from the right and Mançaku sent his header through the arms of the goalkeeper. Kryventsov bought off a good save from the goalkeeper soon after, but on 21 Bühler fed Paulo Menezes who took the ball into the box and fired in an equaliser. Mançaku saw an effort cannon off the post and into the arms of the goalkeeper, and ten minutes before the break Aarau took the lead as Friedli sent a long ball over the top of the defence and Alain Schultz took the ball on and smashed past Khmelidze and into the top corner.

Kryventsov and Mançaku were both denied by excellent saves early in the second half was we looked to get back into the game, and it came on 56 and Lalatovic played the ball forward. Kryventsov flicked the ball on and Kristjánsson fired in. Varela’s shot was well dealt with by Khmelidze and at the other end Mançaku was denied by a save. Three minutes from time our dominance finally paid off as Almushnino played a lovely reverse pass into the path of Fabio D’Elia who shot into the top corner from twenty yards out to win the game with his first goal for the club.

Vaduz 3-2 Aarau

Goals: 1’ Mançaku (1-0), 21’ Menezes (1-1), 35’ Schultz (1-2), 56’ Kristjánsson (2-2), 87’ D’Elia (3-2)

Attendance: 3390

Substitutions: Bamba and Votava for Bazuaye and Stocklasa (68’), Almushnino for Babalade (80’)

Yellow Cards: Lalatovic (Vaduz)

Red Cards: -

Man of the Match: Bledar Fiqiri Mançaku 9

It’s nice to see Fabio D’Elia on the scoresheet. He’s been fantastic for the club since I’ve been here, and it’s no wonder that he’s one of the fans’ favourites. Things have really been going swimmingly for us so far this season, and we must now try to build upon this and keep up our excellent form that has seen us claim 16 points from the last possible 18.

[binny]

Saturday 9th October 2004

Vaduz vs Thun

Super League, Game 11 of 36

(4-4-2): Germano Vailati; Patrick Mkhwanaizi, Nenad Lalatovic, Ajibade Babalade, Michael Stocklasa (capt); Baldwin Bazuaye, Igor Guzelov, Valeriy Kryventsov, Fabio D’Elia; Þórarinn Brynjar Kristjánsson, Bledar Fiqiri Mançaku. Substitutes: David Khmelidze (gk), Andy Smith, Karim Kerkar, Eyal Almushnino, Tomas Votava

We’re looking to avenge our defeat to Thun earlier on in the season, and we welcome back goalkeeper Germano Vailati back into the line up. He replaces David Khmelidze, who drops down to the bench.

Kryventsov sent a free kick just wide of the post early on, and Kristjánsson was denied by a good save from the goalkeeper. Midway through the half Kristjánsson pushed his way into the box and fired across the goalkeeper to give us the lead. Kryventsov fired over as we dominated proceedings.

Thun were just woeful today and didn’t seem to be interested. Mançaku saw an effort parried off line the line, and in the final moments Smith sent an effort just over the bar.

Vaduz 1-0 Thun

Goals: 23’ Kristjánsson (1-0)

Attendance: 3256

Substitutions: Kerkar and Votava for Lalatovic and Babalade (64’), Smith for Mançaku (82’)

Yellow Cards: Stocklasa, Kryventsov (Vaduz)

Red Cards: -

Man of the Match: Þórarinn Brynjar Kristjánsson 9

Other results have seen us climb to the heights of third, and to be honest I’m a bit surprised by our superb form. Not that I’m complaining mind, just surprised.

We had a few weeks to wait before our next match, largely due to international fixtures. During that time we had another young player moved into the first time. Rolf Fleischer, 20, is a left-sided attacking midfielder, and has a mean free kick on him. There was some bad news as well as captain Michael Stocklasa tore his groin muscle and will be out for about two months as a result.

[binny]

Monday 1st November 2004

Grasshopper vs Vaduz

Super League, Game 12 of 36

(4-4-2): Germano Vailati; Patrick Mkhwanaizi, Nenad Lalatovic (capt), Tomas Votava, Ajibade Babalade; Benjamin Fischer, Igor Guzelov, Valeriy Kryventsov, Fabio D’Elia; Þórarinn Brynjar Kristjánsson, Bledar Fiqiri Mançaku. Substitutes: David Khmelidze (gk), Jákup á Borg, Karim Kerkar, Eyal Almushnino, Jérôme Walz

Grasshopper moved to the top of the table last week, and we know that we’re in for a tough game today. But such is our form that we reckon that we can get a result. We welcome back Benjamin Fischer following injury, and Tomas Votava comes into the defence to replace the crocked Michael Stocklasa.

We got off to a perfect start as Jaggy was guilty of pushing Mançaku in the box and Fischer marked his return to the side with a well-taken penalty. Kristjánsson shot wide and D’Elia was denied by the good save, before we were caught out at the back as Vonlanthen played the ball across the box and Adrián Guillermo got ahead of his marker to bundle in an equaliser for the Zürich side. Kryventsov shot over late on in the half, but we went into the break all level.

We were actually playing the better football, and early on another excellent save denied Kristjánsson. On the hour Fischer played the ball into Kristjánsson who cracked in a piledriver from 25 yards out. Colusso and Kristjánsson both went close as the game entered the final few minutes. Nine minutes from time Kristjánsson broke quickly. He played in Mançaku who was denied by the post. But the rebound fell to Kristjánsson who put us 3-1 up. Vailati made a great save from Chatruc straight after, and both Kristjánsson and Mançaku came close to adding a fourth. In injury time Vonlanthen chipped the ball in for Guillermo to pull a goal back, but is was little more than a consolation for the home side.

Grasshopper 2-3 Vaduz

Goals: 2’ Fischer (pen) (0-1), 24’ Guillermo (1-1), 61’ Kristjánsson (1-2), 81’ Kristjánsson (1-3), 90’ Guillermo (2-3)

Attendance: 6944

Substitutions: Walz for Mkhwanaizi (62’) Kerkar and Almushnino for Fischer and Votava (73’)

Yellow Cards: Tararache (Grasshopper), Babalade (Vaduz)

Red Cards: -

Man of the Match: Benjamin Fischer 9

This result was beyond my wildest dreams. We have been on a good run of form, but to win at one of the most difficult Swiss venues is fantastic. Fischer showed just what we’ve missed over the last few months with an excellent performance today, and things are really looking bright for us. Having said that, we are only six points above the playoff place, and despite having a game in hand, that’s not much at this stage of the season.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag G.D. Pts

1st Basel 12 8 2 2 13 6 +7 26

2nd Grasshopper 13 7 2 4 20 12 +8 23

3rd Vaduz 12 7 1 4 22 17 +5 22

4th Concordia BS 13 6 2 5 21 17 +4 20

5th Aarau 13 6 0 7 22 27 -5 18

6th Neuchâtel Xamax 13 4 5 4 16 16 0 17

7th Thun 13 4 4 5 18 17 +1 16

8th Servette 13 4 4 5 17 18 -1 16

---------------------------------------------------

9th St. Gallen 13 4 4 5 19 21 -2 16

---------------------------------------------------

10th Zürich 13 0 4 9 11 28 -17 4

</pre>

[binny]

Saturday 6th November 2004

St. Gallen vs Vaduz

Super League, Game 13 of 36

(4-4-2): Germano Vailati; Patrick Mkhwanaizi, Nenad Lalatovic (capt), Tomas Votava, Ajibade Babalade; Benjamin Fischer, Igor Guzelov, Valeriy Kryventsov, Fabio D’Elia; Þórarinn Brynjar Kristjánsson, Bledar Fiqiri Mançaku. Substitutes: David Khmelidze (gk), Andy Smith, Karim Kerkar, Eyal Almushnino, Jérôme Walz

No changes to the line up from the side that beat Grasshopper on Monday night. We’re in terrific form, but St. Gallen need the points, and won’t make things easy for us.

Marazzi bought off an excellent save from Vailati early on, but St. Gallen were soon ahead as Marazzi laid the ball back into the path of Daniel Imhof who curled the ball in from 30 yards out. There wasn’t much more action during the first half, with Barnetta and Kristjánsson coming closest, forcing saves.

We were much improved as the second half got underway. Mançaku was denied by another save, but eleven minutes in Mkwanaizi’s cross into the box saw the ball bobble around and the ball fell to Mançaku who fired into an open net. Two minutes later the game had been turned on its head as Kristjánsson centred the ball and Mançaku put us 2-1 to the good. St. Gallen started to get back into the match, and Merenda forced Vailati into a good save. Midway through the half Merenda forced Vailati to parry, but the ball fell to Barnetta who pulled the ball back to David Marazzi to equalise. Ten minutes later Marazzi fired St. Gallen back into the lead with a free kick from just outside the box, and it could have been worse as both Bättig and Marazzi had chances to extend the lead.

St. Gallen 3-2 Vaduz

Goals: 8’ Imhof (1-0), 56’ Mançaku (1-1), 58’ Mançaku (1-2), 67’ Marazzi (2-2), 77’ Marazzi (3-2)

Attendance: 4927

Substitutions: Kerkar and Walz for Fischer and Babalade (69’) Almushnino for Votava (78’)

Yellow Cards: -

Red Cards: -

Man of the Match: Daniel Imhof (St. Gallen) 9

It’s always disappointing to lose, and especially when you’ve been on such an amazing run. There was also some bad injury news as Tomas Votava pulled his hamstring, and he’ll be out for a fortnight.

Yet another youngster came through the ranks during the week. 20-year-old midfielder Holger Katemann joins the squad, but is unlikely to feature much this season for the first team.

[binny]

Saturday 13th November 2004

Vaduz vs Servette

Super League, Game 14 of 36

(4-4-2): Germano Vailati; Patrick Mkhwanaizi, Nenad Lalatovic (capt), Jérôme Walz, Ajibade Babalade; Benjamin Fischer, Igor Guzelov, Valeriy Kryventsov, Fabio D’Elia; Þórarinn Brynjar Kristjánsson, Bledar Fiqiri Mançaku. Substitutes: David Khmelidze (gk), Andy Smith, Karim Kerkar, Eyal Almushnino, Ignas Dedura

There’s only one change from the side that lost last week, and that’s Walz in for the injured Votava at the back. Servette are another of those struggling sides, but it’s very tight in the middle of the table, and we know that they can give us a hard match.

We got off to a terrible start as a long free kick from Mekhraf was met by the head of Benjamin Fischer who put the ball into the back of his own net, much to the surprise of everyone in the stadium, including himself. Neither side really showed much for the rest of the half, with only Kristjánsson coming close to getting a goal.

D’Elia was denied an equaliser early on in the second half was a great save, and Mançaku hit the post. But on 56 Lombardo’s free kick for Servette was half-volleyed in by Fabrizio Zambrella and defeat seemed to be staring us in the face. We never really got back into the game, but Kristjánsson was denied a consolation goal when his effort was expertly tipped over.

Vaduz 0-2 Servette

Goals: 4’ Fisher (og) (0-1), 56’ Zambrella (0-2)

Attendance: 3203

Substitutions: Smith, Kerkar and Almushnino for Mançaku, Fischer and Babalade (73’)

Yellow Cards: Babalade (Vaduz), Minavand, Bah, Melunovic (Servette)

Red Cards: -

Man of the Match: Sébastien Roth (Servette) 9

We never really recovered after falling behind to the own goal, and none of the team really played well. It doesn’t bode well ahead of the game against Basel on Wednesday night.

[binny]

Wednesday 17th November 2004

Vaduz vs Basel

Super League, Game 15 of 36

(4-4-2): Germano Vailati; Patrick Mkhwanaizi, Nenad Lalatovic (capt), Jérôme Walz, Ajibade Babalade; Benjamin Fischer, Igor Guzelov, Valeriy Kryventsov, Fabio D’Elia; Þórarinn Brynjar Kristjánsson, Bledar Fiqiri Mançaku. Substitutes: David Khmelidze (gk), Andy Smith, Karim Kerkar, Eyal Almushnino, Ignas Dedura

Despite the poor performance at the weekend, I keep faith with the lineup as we prepare to take on the champions and league leaders. We gave Basel a hard time at their place earlier on in the season, and I hope that we can get a result here today as well.

Kristjánsson and Degen both forced early saves, but the lead was taken by Basel on 11 minutes when Hakan Yakin was shoved by Mkhwanaizi in the box and David Degen fired home the penalty. Wegave Basel a scare, and both Mançaku and D’Elia come close to equalised. Hakan Yakin was denied by Vailati, but three minutes before the break Zitola headed the ball on and Hakan Yakin doubled the lead. There was still time before half time for Kristjánsson to pull a goal back as Mançaku’s shot on the turn had been parried into his path. Degen could have scored a third for Basel in injury time, but his effort was well dealt with by Vailati.

A Guzelov shot was turned away for a corner early on, but it came to nothing. We struggled to break Basel down in the second period, and Hakan Yakin fired a free kick into the arms of Vailati. Kryventsov shot over late on, and our chances of getting an equaliser dissipated.

Vaduz 1-2 Basel

Goals: 11’ Degen (pen) (0-1), 42’ H. Yakin (0-2), 44’ Kristjánsson (1-2)

Attendance: 3503

Substitutions: Almushnino and Dedura for Walz and Mkhwanaizi (74’)

Yellow Cards: Walz, Fischer (Vaduz)

Red Cards: -

Man of the Match: Hakan Yakin (Basel) 9

It’s never going to be easy against the top side in the country, and handing them an early penalty is just stupid and idiotic. Still, we gave them a good fight, even if we never really looked like getting an equaliser.

[binny]

Sunday 21st November 2004

Concordia BS vs Vaduz

Super League, Game 16 of 36

(4-4-2): Germano Vailati; Ignas Dedura, Nenad Lalatovic (capt), Jérôme Walz, Ajibade Babalade; Benjamin Fischer, Igor Guzelov, Valeriy Kryventsov, Fabio D’Elia; Þórarinn Brynjar Kristjánsson, Bledar Fiqiri Mançaku. Substitutes: David Khmelidze (gk), Andy Smith, Karim Kerkar, Eyal Almushnino, Tomas Votava

Like ourselves, Concordia have made a decent start to their top-flight campaign. We’re slightly above them, but all we really care about is ourselves. Dedura is handed a first start as a slight niggle rules out Mkhwanaizi, and Tomas Votava is fit enough to return to the bench.

Concordia got down to business right from the kick off with Zentar firing wide, and Vailati parrying Schlauri’s free kick to safety. Hersperger was also denied by a good save, and Turner sent the rebound wide. We went up the other end and when Lalatovic sent in a free kick, Kryventsov volleyed in from just outside the box. Three minutes later Kristjánsson got into the box, and his shot squirmed under the goalkeeper and in. Kristjánsson fired over soon over, but eleven minutes before the break Vailati could only parry Turner’s shot into the path of Jean-Michel Tchouga to reduce the arrears. Mançaku saw an effort parried as the game went from end to end, but five minutes from the break we had Nenad Lalatovic sent off for a professional foul on Turner who, from the resultant free kick, cut the ball back for Tchouga to equalise. Cagua and Hersperger both went close to putting Concordia ahead, but we held on to go into the break level at 2-2.

With the extra man advantage, Concordia came out at us in the second half, and Schlauri and Tchouga both missed early efforts to put them ahead. But midway through the half Tchouga picked up a loose ball and lifted the ball over Vailati and into the net to complete a fantastic hatrick. Vailati had to be alert to keep out Kennedy soon after, but we hit back and Kristjánsson chipped the ball into the box for Andy Smith to score his first goal for the club. Peço fired over, and when we had made all of our substitutions we had Fabio D’Elia stretchered off. We ended up with eight men on the field for the last five minutes after Kryventsov was sent off for elbowing Tato. But we held on, despite both goalkeepers being called into action in injury time.

Concordia BS 3-3 Vaduz

Goals: 15’ Kryventsov (0-1), 18’ Kristjánsson (0-2), 34’ Tchouga (1-2), 40’ Tchouga (2-2), 68’ Tchouga (3-2), 71’ Smith (3-3)

Attendance: 4282

Substitutions: Almushnino for Mançaku (41’), Smith and Votava for Fischer and Walz (65’)

Yellow Cards: Zentar, Mullen, Biancavilla (Concordia BS), Babalade (Vaduz)

Red Cards: 39’ Nenad Lalatovic (Vaduz), 85’ Valeriy Kryventsov (Vaduz)

Man of the Match: Jean-Michel Tchouga (Concordia BS) 10

How we went from a position of leading 2-0 after eighteen minutes to scrape a draw I do not know, but having two players sent off does not help. Lalatovic and Kryventsov will both serve one-match bans, although Kryventsov’s ban might be extended. Babalade will also miss our next game due to suspension; he’s picked up too many yellow cards already this season. On the injury from Fabio D’Elia pulled his hamstring and Benjamin Fischer fractured his arm, ruling both out until the winter break.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag G.D. Pts

1st Basel 16 11 2 3 19 10 +9 35

2nd Neuchâtel Xamax 16 6 6 4 23 18 +5 24

3rd Grasshopper 16 7 3 6 22 17 +5 24

4th Servette 16 6 5 5 21 18 +3 23

5th Vaduz 16 7 2 7 28 27 +1 23

6th St. Gallen 16 6 5 5 25 24 +1 23

7th Concordia BS 16 6 4 6 25 22 +3 22

8th Aarau 16 6 1 9 24 33 -9 19

---------------------------------------------------

9th Thun 16 4 5 7 20 23 -3 17

---------------------------------------------------

10th Zürich 16 2 5 9 17 32 -15 11

</pre>

[binny]

Saturday 27th November 2004

Vaduz vs Zürich

Super League, Game 17 of 36

(4-4-2): Germano Vailati; Patrick Mkhwanaizi, Jérôme Walz, Tomas Votava, Michele Polverino; Baldwin Bazuaye, Igor Guzelov, Karim Kerkar, Siaka Bamba (capt); Þórarinn Brynjar Kristjánsson, Bledar Fiqiri Mançaku. Substitutes: David Khmelidze (gk), Andy Smith, Roger Stilz, Marius Zarn, Ignas Dedura

Zürich have improved significantly over the last few weeks, and even beat Basel last week. Mkhwanaizi comes back into the line up to replace Ignas Dedura, and Votava and Polverino come in for the suspended duo of Lalatovic and Babalade. There are another three changes in midfield, as Bazuaye, Kerkar and Bamba come in for Fischer, Kryventsov and D’Elia.

Kristjánsson came close to scoring twice in a quiet first half, but the goalkeeper to anything that he could throw at him. Keita came close for the visitors, but his shot was turned away for a corner.

The game didn’t improve much in the second half. Polverino fired wide early on and we soon had a Siaka Bamba effort ruled out for a bizarre offside decision. Kristjánsson forced a save late on, but it wasn’t to be our day.

Vaduz 0-0 Zürich

Goals: -

Attendance: 3524

Substitutions: Smith and Stilz for Mançaku and Votava (69’)

Yellow Cards: Mkhwanaizi (Vaduz), Schaffrath, Gygax, Keita (Zürich)

Red Cards: -

Man of the Match: Karim Kerkar 9

Given the number of changes to the side for the game today we can be quite pleased with the result today, but we really need to get back into winning ways. But we learned today that Valeriy Kryventsov would serve a further two-match ban for his indiscretions at Concordia. Worse news was to follow when the physio confirmed that Germano Vailati had damaged his shoulder and is doubtful for our trip to Aarau next week.

[binny]

Saturday 4th December 2004

Aarau vs Vaduz

Super League, Game 18 of 36

(4-4-2): David Khmelidze; Patrick Mkhwanaizi, Nenad Lalatovic, Tomas Votava, Ajibade Babalade; Baldwin Bazuaye, Igor Guzelov, Karim Kerkar, Siaka Bamba (capt); Þórarinn Brynjar Kristjánsson, Bledar Fiqiri Mançaku. Substitutes: Manuel Zangger (gk), Jákup á Borg, Roger Stilz, Eyal Almushnino, Jérôme Walz

Despite our recent run of form, I’m confident that we can get a result here today. It won’t be easy with a few players still out injured and suspended. Khmelidze is in goal for the injured Vailati, and in defence we are strengthened by the return to action of both Lalatovic and Babalade, meaning that Walz and Polverino drop out.

Kristjánsson came close to giving us the lead three time in the opening minutes, but was denied by the goalkeeper on all three occasions. In between Schultz fired over, but we were clearly on top. On the half hour Guzelov fed Kristjánsson who laid the ball off neatly to Mançaku who found himself with plenty of space to put us ahead. Schultz and Bieli came close to equalising before half time as Aarau realised that they needed to get back into the game.

The equaliser came just six minutes into the second half as Carmine Pascariello cracked in a free kick from 30 yards out. Schultz was kept out by a great save from Khmelidze, and on 68 Bieli cut the ball back from the byline for Alain Schultz to fire in past Khmelidze to put Aarau ahead. Kristjánsson had a seemingly good effort ruled out for offside, but on 75 Votava headed forward for Borg to run onto, and when he got into the box he fired in between the goalkeeper and the post. Khmelidze parried a Karimbi Jumane effort, and Bieli fired over. But eight minutes from time De Napoli played in Sambia Karimbi Jumane to turn and fire Aarau back into the lead. Bieli could have scored a fourth as we went into the winter break on a downer.

Aarau 3-2 Vaduz

Goals: 31’ Mançaku (0-1), 51’ Pascariello (1-1), 68’ Schultz (2-1), 75’ Borg (2-2), 82’ Karimbi Jumane (3-2)

Attendance: 6288

Substitutions: Borg and Almushnino for Mançaku and Babalade (70’) Stilz for Bamba (79’)

Yellow Cards: Ribeiro, Christ (Aarau), Babalade, Guzelov, Almushnino (Vaduz)

Red Cards: -

Man of the Match: Karim Kerkar 8

It’s not the best way to prepare for a 14-week break, and we’ve now taken just 2 points from our last six games. Our season really has been topsy-turvy, but we’re holding on in there, and I still feel confident that we can stay up this season.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag G.D. Pts

1st Basel 18 12 3 3 23 13 +10 39

2nd Grasshopper 18 9 3 6 27 19 +8 30

3rd Servette 18 8 5 5 23 18 +5 29

4th Neuchâtel Xamax 18 6 7 5 24 20 +4 25

5th St. Gallen 18 6 7 5 26 25 +1 25

6th Vaduz 18 7 3 8 30 30 0 24

7th Concordia BS 18 6 5 7 26 24 +2 23

8th Aarau 18 7 1 10 29 38 -9 22

---------------------------------------------------

9th Thun 18 4 6 8 22 27 -5 18

---------------------------------------------------

10th Zürich 18 2 6 10 17 33 -16 12

</pre>

Transfer signing: Choi Jin-Chul, 33, D RC, Korean (49 caps, 2 goals), Free from Chonbuk

Transfer signing: Abel Augusto Lobatón, 27, S C, Peruvian (13 caps, 3 goals), Free from Atlético Paranaense

We don’t have any transfer fund left this season, and the wage structure still isn’t great. But these two players will walk into the first team, and will hopefully help us in the two areas of the field that I’ve been a little concerned with.

[binny]

The winter break was a great time. Apart from team building on the Alps, we worked on tactics together, and making all the newcomers feel very welcome in Liechtenstein. We also had three new backroom staff members come in, and their expertise will be invaluable for us. Paolo Baffoni and Jean Gallice will help with the coaching, and John Richards joins as our second scout.

Saturday 12th March 2005

Vaduz vs Basel

Super League, Game 19 of 36

(4-4-2): Germano Vailati; Nenad Lalatovic, Jérôme Walz, Choi Jin-Chul, Michael Stocklasa (capt); Benjamin Fischer, Igor Guzelov, Karim Kerkar, Fabio D’Elia; Þórarinn Brynjar Kristjánsson, Abel Augusto Lobatón. Substitutes: Manuel Zangger (gk), Bledar Fiqiri Mançaku, Baldwin Bazuaye, Eyal Almushnino, Ajibade Babalade

It’s a big match to restart the season, but we’ve got virtually a full-strength squad to choose from. Choi Jin-Chul and Lobatón are both handed debuts from the start, but with Mkhwanaizi away on international duty, it’s Jérôme Walz who gets the nod at the back.

Lobatón had two early efforts to put us ahead, and Guzelov forced a save. Gimenez forced Vailati into a save, but on 15 D’Elia played a long ball forward to Kristjánsson and when he got into the box, fired the ball across the goalkeeper and into the net. We were in total command, and both Lobatón and Kristjánsson were denied by good saves. Gimenez hit the bar as Basel threatened to equalise, and at the other end the goalkeeper denied Kerkar. Seven minutes before the break Kristjánsson crossed and Lobatón scored with a powerful header that the goalkeeper couldn’t keep out. Lobatón saw another header go into the arms of the goalkeeper, but after the goalkeeper spilled Kerkar’s free kick, Lobatón was on hand to turn the ball in. Two minutes into injury time we added a fourth as Stocklasa lifted the ball into the box and Kristjánsson bagged his brace with a well-taken volley.

Gimenez was denied by Vailati early on in the second half, and at the other end Kristjánsson was denied by the woodwork, and Lobatón fired over from the rebound. Fifteen minutes from time Basel had Boris Smiljanic sent off for a second booking, and ten minutes from time Almushnino played in Kristjánsson to complete his hatrick. Lobatón was denied by another save late on, and Almushnino came within inches of opening his account in injury time.

Vaduz 5-0 Basel

Goals: 15’ Kristjánsson (1-0), 38’ Lobatón (2-0), 43’ Lobatón (3-0), 45’ Kristjánsson (4-0), 80’ Kristjánsson (5-0)

Attendance: 3502

Substitutions: Almushnino and Babalade for Walz and Choi Jin-Chul (66’), Bazuaye for Fischer (76’)

Yellow Cards: Smiljanic, M. Yakin (Basel)

Red Cards: 75’ Boris Smiljanic (Basel)

Man of the Match: Þórarinn Brynjar Kristjánsson 10

Wow! What a fantastic result, and a brilliant performance to go with it. We totally outplayed Basel from start to finish, and the partnership up front of Kristjánsson and Lobatón already looks like it could be lethal at this level.

[binny]

Wednesday 16th March 2005

Vaduz vs Thun

Super League, Game 20 of 36

(4-4-2): Germano Vailati; Patrick Mkhwanaizi, Nenad Lalatovic, Choi Jin-Chul, Michael Stocklasa (capt); Benjamin Fischer, Igor Guzelov, Karim Kerkar, Fabio D’Elia; Þórarinn Brynjar Kristjánsson, Abel Augusto Lobatón. Substitutes: Manuel Zangger (gk), Bledar Fiqiri Mançaku, Siaka Bamba, Eyal Almushnino, Ajibade Babalade

We’re on an amazing high following the win at the weekend, and the only change to the line up sees Mkhwanaizi return to the side, dropping Walz out of the squad.

We were given a helping hand when Patrick Baumann was shown a red card in just the 6th minute when he kicked out at Guzelov. But the game failed to get going until the twentieth minute when Kerkar crossed and Kristjánsson headed us into the lead. The goalkeeper twice denied D’Elia after that, but seven minutes before the break Stocklasa’s cross was well taken down by Lobatón and the Peruvian neatly turned and fired in a second.

Kristjánsson fired wide and Lobatón was denied by a point-blank save in the early exchanges of the second half, but ten minutes in Fischer played in Kristjánsson to take the ball into the box and the Icelander fired in for his brace from a tight angle. Fischer shot wide after the goalkeeper had only parried Lobatón’s effort, and when the goalkeeper parried Kerkar’s free kick, Lobatón skied the ball over the bar. Late on Almushnino was denied by another great save, but 3-0 was a fair result.

Vaduz 3-0 Thun

Goals: 21’ Kristjánsson (1-0), 38’ Lobatón (2-0), 55’ Kristjánsson (3-0)

Attendance: 3290

Substitutions: Mançaku and Almushnino for Kristjánsson and Guzelov (63’), Bamba for D’Elia (72’)

Yellow Cards: Schneider (Thun)

Red Cards: 6’ Patrick Baumann (Thun)

Man of the Match: Benjamin Fischer 10

Thun were pathetic today, and they never really looked like getting close to a goal today. We though have come back from the winter break totally refreshed and looking fantastic. Let’s just hope that we can keep it up for the rest of the season.

[Terk]

fantastic result against basel

[binny]

I certainly wasn't complaining

Saturday 19th March 2005

Neuchâtel Xamax vs Vaduz

Super League, Game 21 of 36

(4-4-2): Germano Vailati; Patrick Mkhwanaizi, Nenad Lalatovic, Choi Jin-Chul, Michael Stocklasa (capt); Benjamin Fischer, Igor Guzelov, Karim Kerkar, Fabio D’Elia; Þórarinn Brynjar Kristjánsson, Abel Augusto Lobatón. Substitutes: Manuel Zangger (gk), Bledar Fiqiri Mançaku, Valeriy Kryventsov, Eyal Almushnino, Ajibade Babalade

We’re unchanged for the trip to Neuchâtel Xamax, and we’re looking to build upon our excellent recent results.

We started off brightly, with D’Elia firing over, and when the goalkeeper parried Kristjánsson’s effort, Lobatón fired over. Bühlmann sent a free kick over the bar and Lobatón was then denied by two excellent saves. Kristjánsson saw another save before we finally took the lead as Guzelov sent a long ball over the top into the path of Lobatón who fired in at the near post. Two minutes later Nenad Lalatovic doubled the lead, reacting quickest after the goalkeeper had spilled Kristjánsson’s header from a corner.

Kristjánsson fired wide early in the second half, but on the hour Fischer crossed for Kristjánsson to control the ball and neatly lob the goalkeeper. The game was quiet after that, and we closed out the last twenty minutes with ease.

Neuchâtel Xamax 0-3 Vaduz

Goals: 36’ Lobatón (0-1), 38’ Lalatovic (0-2), 62’ Kristjánsson (0-3)

Attendance: 6109

Substitutions: Kryventsov and Babalade for Fischer and Choi Jin-Chul (64’), Mançaku for Kerkar (81’)

Yellow Cards: Montandon, Bratic (Neuchâtel Xamax), Mkhwanaizi, Fischer (Vaduz)

Red Cards: -

Man of the Match: Þórarinn Brynjar Kristjánsson 9

This was another excellent result for us, and our form since the winter break has been nothing short of fantastic. I just hope that we can keep it up now.

[binny]

Wednesday 23rd March 2005

Grasshopper vs Vaduz

Super League, Game 22 of 36

(4-4-2): Germano Vailati; Patrick Mkhwanaizi, Nenad Lalatovic, Choi Jin-Chul, Michael Stocklasa (capt); Benjamin Fischer, Igor Guzelov, Karim Kerkar, Fabio D’Elia; Þórarinn Brynjar Kristjánsson, Abel Augusto Lobatón. Substitutes: Manuel Zangger (gk), Bledar Fiqiri Mançaku, Valeriy Kryventsov, Eyal Almushnino, Ajibade Babalade

We’re on such a high after our recent results that we are confident of winning every game that comes to us. Grasshopper though won’t be pushovers, but we’re unchanged from our successful team.

We started poorly, and in just the second minute Candelario crossed for Johan Vonlanthen to head Grasshopper into the lead. Six minutes later Stocklasa fouled Vonlanthen in the box, and Mihai Tararache fired in the resultant penalty. It didn’t get much better after that, and on 19 Canderlario crossed, Vailati parried Guillermo’s header, and Vonlanthen fired in for 3-0. Guillermo had an effort to further extend the lead, but he sent his effort over the bar.

Five minutes into the second half Lobatón headed the ball forward, and Kristjánsson got into the box and pulled a goal back off the post. Lobatón fired wide soon after, but Grasshopper shut up shop, and Chatruc was the only player to come close to getting another goal.

Grasshopper 3-1 Vaduz

Goals: 2’ Vonlanthen (1-0), 8’ Tararache (pen) (2-0), 19’ Vonlanthen (3-0), 50’ Kristjánsson (3-1)

Attendance: 6415

Substitutions: Mançaku and Kryventsov for Kristjánsson and Fischer (62’), Babalade for Choi Jin-Chul (78’)

Yellow Cards: Ziegler, Candelario (Grasshopper)

Red Cards: -

Man of the Match: José Manuel Chatruc (Grasshopper) 9

It had to happen sometime, but why did we have to do it in such a poor fashion? We know we can play better, and I’m prepared to give them another chance at the weekend.

[binny]

Saturday 26th March 2005

St. Gallen vs Vaduz

Super League, Game 23 of 36

(4-4-2): Germano Vailati; Patrick Mkhwanaizi, Nenad Lalatovic, Choi Jin-Chul, Michael Stocklasa (capt); Benjamin Fischer, Igor Guzelov, Karim Kerkar, Fabio D’Elia; Þórarinn Brynjar Kristjánsson, Abel Augusto Lobatón. Substitutes: Manuel Zangger (gk), Bledar Fiqiri Mançaku, Valeriy Kryventsov, Eyal Almushnino, Ajibade Babalade

The result during the week has really knocked the stuffing out of us, but I’ve decided to keep faith with the side as we face a St. Gallen side who are just below us in the table.

Imhof had two early efforts for St. Gallen, and Sutter also forced a save from Vailati. We slowly got back into the game, and both Kristjánsson and Lobatón came close to opening the scoring. Sutter forced Vailati into another save, but five minutes before the break Kristjánsson crossed for Lobatón to turn on a sixpence and fire us ahead with a shot that was fired in at the near post. In injury time Lalatovic’s corner was met by the head of Choi Jin-Chul. His header was parried, and Benjamin Fischer fired us 2-0 up.

Four minutes into the second half St. Gallen struck back as Tachie-Mensah played a long ball into the box and David Marazzi fired in across Vailati. Three minutes later Jenny’s corner was turned in by Stefan Wolf at the second attempt, and St. Gallen were level. Lobatón saw a header parried as we looked for an immediate reply, and at the other end Vailati made a smart save from Tachie-Mensah. Kristjánsson fired over, and Lobatón had an effort cleared off the line. Late on Wolf was denied by a good save, but both sides had to settle for a draw.

St. Gallen 2-2 Vaduz

Goals: 40’ Lobatón (0-1), 45’ Fischer (0-2), 49’ Marazzi (1-2), 52’ Wolf (2-2)

Attendance: 7591

Substitutions: Mançaku and Kryventsov for Kristjánsson and Kerkar (65’), Almushnino for Choi Jin-Chul (77’)

Yellow Cards: Wolf (St. Gallen)

Red Cards: -

Man of the Match: Abel Augusto Lobatón 9

I’m a bit disappointed with the way that we let slip a two-goal lead, but such is football, and in truth we might have also lost the game.

[binny]

Saturday 9th April 2005

Aarau vs Vaduz

Super League, Game 24 of 36

(4-4-2): Germano Vailati; Patrick Mkhwanaizi, Nenad Lalatovic, Choi Jin-Chul, Michael Stocklasa (capt); Benjamin Fischer, Igor Guzelov, Karim Kerkar, Fabio D’Elia; Þórarinn Brynjar Kristjánsson, Abel Augusto Lobatón. Substitutes: Manuel Zangger (gk), Bledar Fiqiri Mançaku, Valeriy Kryventsov, Eyal Almushnino, Ajibade Babalade

We have a fourth consecutive away match, but Aarau are struggling and an unchanged side is confident of getting a result.

Friedli forced Vailati into a good save early on, but on five minutes D’Elia sent in a low cross from the right and Lobatón volleyed us into the lead. Biancalani forced another save soon after, but eight minutes after taking the lead Fischer crossed for Kristjánsson to turn and hit the ball high into the net. Kerkar fired wide, and Kristjánsson was twice denied by good saves. On the half-hour Friedli played a long ball across the box that missed everyone, allowing Rainer Bieli the opportunity to pull a goal back with an open goal. Lobatón was denied by a good save late on in the half.

Two minutes into the second half Lalatovic’s long free kick forward was headed home by Lobatón and on the hour Lobatón had his hatrick, beating the goalkeeper after collecting the ball from Fischer. Kristjánsson fired over as the game meandered towards its’ end, but three minutes from time Lobatón made it 5-1 from the penalty spot after Vanetta had fouled Kristjánsson in the box.

Aarau 1-5 Vaduz

Goals: 5’ Lobatón (0-1), 13’ Kristjánsson (0-2), 32’ Bieli (1-2), 47’ Lobatón (1-3), 52’ Lobatón (1-4), 87’ Lobatón (pen) (1-5)

Attendance: 7972

Substitutions: Kryventsov and Almushnino for Fischer and Guzelov (69’)

Yellow Cards: Gerber, Schultz (Aarau)

Red Cards: -

Man of the Match: Abel Augusto Lobatón 10

What a fantastic result, and Abel Lobatón has really staked a name for himself in the club with his four-goal haul today. Aarau aren’t the best team admittedly, but that doesn’t really detract much from the performance and result today.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag G.D. Pts

1st Basel 24 15 4 5 33 24 +9 49

2nd St. Gallen 26 12 8 6 45 33 +12 44

3rd Grasshopper 24 12 4 8 38 28 +10 40

4th Servette 24 11 6 7 30 24 +6 39

5th Vaduz 24 11 4 9 49 36 +13 37

6th Concordia BS 24 10 6 8 41 33 +8 36

7th Neuchâtel Xamax 26 7 8 11 33 38 -5 29

8th Aarau 25 8 2 15 37 58 -21 26

---------------------------------------------------

9th Thun 25 6 7 12 31 39 -8 25

---------------------------------------------------

10th Zürich 24 3 7 14 24 48 -24 16

</pre>

[binny]

Wednesday 13th April 2005

Vaduz vs Servette

Super League, Game 25 of 36

(4-4-2): Germano Vailati; Patrick Mkhwanaizi, Nenad Lalatovic, Choi Jin-Chul, Michael Stocklasa (capt); Benjamin Fischer, Igor Guzelov, Karim Kerkar, Fabio D’Elia; Þórarinn Brynjar Kristjánsson, Abel Augusto Lobatón. Substitutes: Manuel Zangger (gk), Bledar Fiqiri Mançaku, Valeriy Kryventsov, Eyal Almushnino, Ajibade Babalade

It’s nice to finally return back to Liechtenstein, and a win today will lift us over Servette into fourth spot. Yet again we name an unchanged line-up, and the squad is in good spirits following the win at the weekend.

A quiet start to the game was broken midway through the first half when Fischer played in Kristjánsson. The goalkeeper parried his effort, and Lobatón fired in the rebound. But eight minutes later a horrible defensive mistake allowed Léonard Thurre to take the ball into the box and fired in an equaliser across Vailati. Kristjánsson saw a late effort parried, but we went into the break level.

On the hour Lobatón got himself into the box and crossed for Kristjánsson to restore our lead, and we kept Servette at bay to hold on for the three points.

Vaduz 2-1 Servette

Goals: 23’ Lobatón (1-0), 31’ Thurre (1-1), 60’ Kristjánsson (2-1)

Attendance: 3535

Substitutions: Kryventsov for D’Elia (70’)

Yellow Cards: Kerkar, Guzelov (Vaduz), Minavand (Servette)

Red Cards: -

Man of the Match: Þórarinn Brynjar Kristjánsson 8

That was a good result for us today, although I admit that the performance wasn’t great. Still, a win is a win, and we’re up to fourth.

[binny]

Sunday 17th April 2005

Concordia BS vs Vaduz

Super League, Game 26 of 36

(4-4-2): Germano Vailati; Patrick Mkhwanaizi, Nenad Lalatovic, Choi Jin-Chul, Michael Stocklasa (capt); Benjamin Fischer, Igor Guzelov, Karim Kerkar, Fabio D’Elia; Þórarinn Brynjar Kristjánsson, Abel Augusto Lobatón. Substitutes: Manuel Zangger (gk), Bledar Fiqiri Mançaku, Valeriy Kryventsov, Eyal Almushnino, Ajibade Babalade

It’s another unchanged line-up as we travel to Basel for this tie. Last time we were here it ended 3-3, but from a personal point of view, I hope that we don’t have the roller coaster ride that we had back in November.

Kerkar shooting wide was the only real goalmouth action early on in the game, but on 21 Lobatón chipped the ball into the box and Kristjánsson volleyed us ahead. Kennedy forced Vailtai into a good save, and at the other end the goalkeeper denied Kristjánsson.

We were severely under pressure early in the first half as Santillo saw a header turned over the bar, and Peço saw his effort turned behind. At the other end Lobatón was denied by the post but on 57 we were caught at the back as Tchouga played the ball across the box and Peço left the ball for Mark Kennedy to fire in an equaliser. We came back into the game, with Kristjánsson shooting wide and Lobatón denied by a good save. Eighteen minutes from time Kerkar sent a low cross into the box, and Kristjánsson had an easy chance to restore our lead. Kristjánsson shot over soon after, and at the other end Kennedy and Sessa came close to finding an equaliser. But on 78 Mançaku played a lovely ball forward for Kristjánsson to run onto, and the Icelandic international completed his hatrick, sending the ball under the forlorn goalkeeper. Concordia went up the other end, and after Vailati had parried his first effort, Tchouga could only send the ball wide of the post. Six minutes from time Santillo played in Jean-Michel Tchouga and he pulled a goal back. And just two minutes later there wasn’t much we could do as Tchouga curled in an equaliser from 35 yards out. We didn’t give up hope, and in injury time Kristjánsson shot straight at the goalkeeper and Mançaku shot over. Four minutes into injury time D’Elia somehow centred the ball from the right, and Mançaku drove in the winner with the last kick of the game.

Concordia BS 3-4 Vaduz

Goals: 21’ Kristjánsson (0-1), 57’ Kennedy (1-1), 72’ Kristjánsson (1-2), 78’ Kristjánsson (1-3), 84’ Tchouga (2-3), 86’ Tchouga (3-3), 90’ Mançaku (3-4)

Attendance: 4296

Substitutions: Kryventsov and Almushnino for Fischer and Mkhwanaizi (65’), Mançaku for Lobatón (75’)

Yellow Cards: Kerkar (Vaduz)

Red Cards: -

Man of the Match: Þórarinn Brynjar Kristjánsson 10

What an exciting last 18 minutes, going from 1-1 to 4-3. We were undone by some poor defending and some excellent counterattacking football, but we’ve got the grit between our teeth at the moment and will take on anybody. Kristjánsson has now scored 51 goals for the club, and he really is indispensable for us on current form. We won’t be able to name an unchanged side for our next match though; Karim Kerkar has earned himself a one-game suspension having been booked for the fourth time during the game today.

[binny]

Wednesday 20th April 2005

Vaduz vs Zürich

Super League, Game 27 of 36

(4-4-2): Germano Vailati; Patrick Mkhwanaizi, Nenad Lalatovic, Choi Jin-Chul, Michael Stocklasa (capt); Benjamin Fischer, Igor Guzelov, Valeriy Kryventsov, Fabio D’Elia; Þórarinn Brynjar Kristjánsson, Abel Augusto Lobatón. Substitutes: Manuel Zangger (gk), Bledar Fiqiri Mançaku, Siaka Bamba, Eyal Almushnino, Ajibade Babalade

Zürich are still trying to avoid the drop this season, but we’re in no mood for niceties, and we’ll be looking to continue our good recent form. Kryventsov is the only change to the side from the weekend, coming in for the suspended Kerkar.

Kristjánsson was denied by an early save, and Vailati had to be alery to keep out both Simo and Petrosyan. Twenty minutes in Fischer’s cross eluded everyone, expect for Fabio D’Elia who tapped in to put us ahead. Petrosyan was denied by a good save from Vailati, but on the half hour Vailati fumbled Calla’s chip and Augustine Simo struck to equalise. Zürich were on top, and before half time Vailati did well to deny a Grubesic free kick, and Keller shot over.

Five minutes into the second half Fischer centred the ball for Kristjánsson to hit the ball high into the net to restore our lead, and a minute later Fischer again turned provider, playing in Kristjánsson who fired in from the edge of the box. Kryventsov saw a header parried to safety, but just before the hour Lobatón made it 4-1 after the goalkeeper had parried Fischer’s excellent header. Kryventsov and Kristjánsson came close to adding to the score late on, and two minutes from time Kristjánsson wrapped up another hatrick, heading home from Fischer’s pinpoint cross.

Vaduz 5-1 Zürich

Goals: 19’ D’Elia (1-0), 29’ Simo (1-1), 50’ Kristjánsson (2-1), 51’ Kristjánsson (3-1), 58’ Lobatón (4-1), 88’ Kristjánsson (5-1)

Attendance: 3523

Substitutions: Babalade for Mkhwanaizi (62’), Almushnino for Choi Jin-Chul (73’)

Yellow Cards: Stocklasa, Mkhwanaizi (Vaduz), Keller, Schmid (Zürich)

Red Cards: -

Man of the Match: Þórarinn Brynjar Kristjánsson 10

Another game, and another fantastic performance. Kristjánsson is playing superbly, and I don’t know what we’d do without him. The only down side to the game is that Michael Stocklasa was booked for the fourth time this season, and he’ll miss the trip to Thun at the weekend due to suspension.

[binny]

Saturday 23rd April 2005

Thun vs Vaduz

Super League, Game 28 of 36

(4-4-2): Germano Vailati; Ignas Dedura, Nenad Lalatovic (capt), Choi Jin-Chul, Ajibade Babalade; Benjamin Fischer, Igor Guzelov, Karim Kerkar, Fabio D’Elia; Þórarinn Brynjar Kristjánsson, Abel Augusto Lobatón. Substitutes: Manuel Zangger (gk), Bledar Fiqiri Mançaku, Valeiry Kryventsov, Eyal Almushnino, Tomas Votava

Thun are another stuggling side, and we’re going all out to beat them. Kerkar is welcomed back into the midfield to replace Kryventsov, whilst at the back Babalade replaces the suspended Stocklasa, and Dedura comes in at left back for Mkhwanaizi, who’s away on international duty.

We suffered an early setback when Lobatón had to come off, and his replacement, Mançaku, came closest to scoring early on; his shot well held by the goalkeeper. The only other effort on goal resulted in us taking the lead as Kristjánsson headed in from Lalatovic’s corner.

Kristjánsson and Mançaku both came within inches of doubling the lead early in the second half, and Thun showed that they are dangerous on the break when Rama forced Vailati into a good save. Midway through the half Kryventsov lifted the ball into the path of Kristjánsson who volleyed in a second from 25 yards out. Kristjánsson sent another effort just wide of the post, and late on Lalatovic was denied by an excellent save.

Thun 0-2 Vaduz

Goals: 17’ Kristjánsson (0-1), 68’ Kristjánsson (0-2)

Attendance: 6021

Substitutions: Mançaku for Lobatón (6’), Kryventsov for Fischer (66’), Votava for Dedura (74’)

Yellow Cards: Zanni, Milicevic (Thun), Dedura (Vaduz)

Red Cards: -

Man of the Match: Þórarinn Brynjar Kristjánsson 9

It was by no means a vintage performance today, but the win today has seen us jump up to a fantastic 2nd place in the table. With only eight games to go, it’s a fantastic achievement for us. But the real news was the injury to Abel Augusto Lobatón. He suffered shin splints early on in the game today, and the injury is likely to keep him out for two months.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag G.D. Pts

1st Basel 28 17 5 6 36 26 +10 56

2nd Vaduz 28 15 4 9 62 41 +21 49

3rd Grasshopper 28 15 4 9 47 34 +13 49

4th St. Gallen 28 13 8 7 46 34 +12 47

5th Concordia BS 28 11 7 10 48 41 +7 40

6th Servette 28 11 6 11 31 30 +1 39

7th Aarau 28 10 2 16 40 60 -20 32

8th Neuchâtel Xamax 28 7 8 13 38 45 -7 29

---------------------------------------------------

9th Thun 28 7 8 13 35 44 -9 29

---------------------------------------------------

10th Zürich 28 4 8 16 29 57 -28 20

</pre>

[binny]

Wednesday 27th April 2005

Vaduz vs Neuchâtel Xamax

Super League, Game 29 of 36

(4-4-2): Germano Vailati; Patrick Mkhwanaizi, Nenad Lalatovic, Choi Jin-Chul, Michael Stocklasa (capt); Benjamin Fischer, Igor Guzelov, Karim Kerkar, Fabio D’Elia; Þórarinn Brynjar Kristjánsson, Bledar Fiqiri Mançaku. Substitutes: Manuel Zangger (gk), Andy Smith, Valeriy Kryventsov, Eyal Almushnino, Ajibade Babalade

Neuchâtel Xamax have been on poor form recently, and with our excellent run of late, we’re confident of a good result. Mkhwanaizi and Stocklasa are both available again, meaning that Dedura and Babalade miss out. The other change sees Mançaku come in up front for the injured Lobatón.

The game didn’t really excite for much of the first half, but just past the half hour Mançaku pulled the box into the centre of the box and Kristjánsson was on hand to tap in. Kristjánsson struck a free kick just wide of the post, and that was about it.

Four minutes into the second half Fischer crossed for Mançaku to double the lead, and a few minutes later Guzelov saw a header parried by the goalkeeper. Midway through the second half Rey crossed for Samuel Ojong to pull a goal back, and seven minutes later Häberli’s corner was headed in by Liam Whaley to equalise. Late on D’Elia saw an effort tipped around the post, and from the resultant corner Kristjánsson’s header was saved.

Vaduz 2-2 Neuchâtel Xamax

Goals: 33’ Kristjánsson (1-0), 49’ Mançaku (2-0), 66’ Ojong (2-1), 73’ Whaley (2-2)

Attendance: 3312

Substitutions: Smith and Babalade for Mançaku and Choi Jin-Chul (64’), Kryventsov for Kerkar (75’)

Yellow Cards: Mkhwanaizi (Vaduz)

Red Cards: -

Man of the Match: Þórarinn Brynjar Kristjánsson 9

It’s a bit disappointing to only get a point today, especially given that we were 2-0 up. It’s not the best preparation for the trip to Basel at the weekend, and we’ll be without Patrick Mkhwanaizi for the game; he’s suspended having picked up his fourth booking of the season during the game today.

[binny]

Saturday 30th April 2005

Basel vs Vaduz

Super League, Game 30 of 36

(4-4-2): Germano Vailati; Ignas Dedura, Nenad Lalatovic, Choi Jin-Chul, Michael Stocklasa (capt); Benjamin Fischer, Igor Guzelov, Karim Kerkar, Fabio D’Elia; Þórarinn Brynjar Kristjánsson, Bledar Fiqiri Mançaku. Substitutes: Manuel Zangger (gk), Andy Smith, Valeriy Kryventsov, Eyal Almushnino, Ajibade Babalade

Dedura is back in the line-up today to replace the suspended Mkhwanaizi as we travel to the champions-elect. We may well have thrashed them 5-0 last time out, but we can expect a backlash today.

Just thirteen minutes in David Degen lifted the ball in for Hakan Yakin to fire in across Vailati. Hakan Yakin shot just wide soon after, and at the other end D’Elia was denied by an excellent save. Vailati did well to keep out another Hakan Yakin effort, but just before the break he parried Rossi’s effort into the path of Hakan Yakin and we were 2-0 down.

The second period was a quiet affair, with only Hakan Yakin and Kristjánsson forcing a save each. But in the final minute David Degen’s shot was deflected into the path of Hakan Yakin who easily completed his hatrick.

Basel 3-0 Vaduz

Goals: 13’ H. Yakin (1-0), 42’ H. Yakin (2-0), 90’ H. Yakin (3-0)

Attendance: 25091

Substitutions: Smith and Almushnino for Mançaku and Dedura (62’), Babalade for Stocklasa (81’)

Yellow Cards: P. Degen (Basel), Stocklasa, Fischer (Vaduz)

Red Cards: -

Man of the Match: Hakan Yakin (Basel) 10

You can’t win them all, but with the defending that we did today, we can’t expect to really challenge. Maybe it’s just because Basel are a far superior side to any other in Switzerland.

[binny]

Wednesday 4th May 2005

Vaduz vs Grasshopper

Super League, Game 31 of 36

(4-4-2): Germano Vailati; Patrick Mkhwanaizi, Nenad Lalatovic, Choi Jin-Chul, Michael Stocklasa (capt); Benjamin Fischer, Igor Guzelov, Karim Kerkar, Fabio D’Elia; Þórarinn Brynjar Kristjánsson, Bledar Fiqiri Mançaku. Substitutes: Manuel Zangger (gk), Andy Smith, Valeriy Kryventsov, Eyal Almushnino, Ajibade Babalade

It’s 3rd vs 2nd today, and if we win, we’ll leapfrog Grasshopper back into second place. They’ll give us a difficult game though, but we’re strengthened by the return of Mkhwanaizi, meaning that Dedura drops out of the squad.

Kristjánsson saw a header parried early on, and midway through the half Stefan Lichtsteiner was sent off when he caught Fischer with his elbow. Kristjánsson was then denied by a goalline clearance, and saw another effort saved. Guzelov was also denied, but it remained goalless at half time.

Grasshopper defended well for the rest of the game, and that meant that we were restricted to long-range efforts. Mançaku and Fischer both shot wide, and for Grasshopper Nuñez fired wide.

Vaduz 0-0 Grasshopper

Goals: -

Attendance: 3459

Substitutions: Zangger for Vailati (55’), Smith and Kryventsov for Mançaku and Kerkar (71’)

Yellow Cards: Mançaku (Vaduz)

Red Cards: 24’ Stefan Lichtsteiner (Grasshopper)

Man of the Match: Fabrice Borer (Grasshopper) 9

I’m a bit disappointed that we weren’t able to take advamtage of the sending off today, but Grasshopper did defend well, and at least we didn’t lose.

[binny]

Saturday 7th May 2005

Vaduz vs St. Gallen

Super League, Game 32 of 36

(4-4-2): Germano Vailati; Ignas Dedura, Nenad Lalatovic (capt), Choi Jin-Chul, Ajibade Babalade; Benjamin Fischer, Igor Guzelov, Karim Kerkar, Fabio D’Elia; Þórarinn Brynjar Kristjánsson, Bledar Fiqiri Mançaku. Substitutes: Manuel Zangger (gk), Andy Smith, Valeriy Kryventsov, Eyal Almushnino, Tomas Votava

St. Gallen have given us a hard time this season, and we expect the same from them today. We’re hampered in defence today. Mkhwanaizi is away with Namibia, and Stocklasa picked up an injury in training. So that means that Dedura and Babalade fill the full back spots today.

We got off to a poor start as Barnetta’s deep corner was volleyed in by Pascal Castillo. Guzelov had a header well held by the goalkeeper, but at the other end Barnetta was denied by the post. Guzelov had another effort saved, but St. Gallen were far the better side during the half.

The second half was a poor affair, with very few chances at either end. Barnetta came closest, but his header was parried to safety by Vailati.

Vaduz 0-1 St. Gallen

Goals: 5’ Castillo (0-1)

Attendance: 3525

Substitutions: Kryventsov and Votava for Fischer and Babalade (70’)

Yellow Cards: D’Elia (Vaduz), Bättig, Sutter, Marazzi (St. Gallen)

Red Cards: -

Man of the Match: Daniel Imhof (St. Gallen) 8

I was disappointed that we didn’t really seem to want to get back into the game once we’d fallen behind, and seemed content to settle for 1-0. That’s just not acceptable in my books, and we have to improve by next week.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag G.D. Pts

1st Basel 32 19 5 8 41 29 +12 62

2nd Grasshopper 32 16 6 10 48 35 +13 54

3rd Vaduz 32 15 6 11 64 47 +17 51

4th St. Gallen 32 14 8 10 49 39 +10 50

5th Servette 32 14 7 11 36 30 +6 49

6th Concordia BS 32 13 8 11 56 49 +7 47

7th Aarau 32 12 3 17 45 66 -21 39

8th Thun 32 8 10 14 42 49 -7 34

---------------------------------------------------

9th Neuchâtel Xamax 32 8 10 14 45 53 -8 34

---------------------------------------------------

10th Zürich 32 5 9 18 33 62 -29 24

</pre>

[Dark_Soccer]

Excellent story Binny

I just read it from start to your current position and I have to congratulate you with the results you have been gaining.

Who would have thought to see a scoreline of Vaduz 5-0 Basel

And I learnt something new today about the Swiss 2nd Division the way they do things is wierd

KUTGW

[binny]

Thanks for the support Dark_Soccer. One of things that attracted me to Switzerland was the wierd points system - and that Vaduz were in the league

Saturday 14th May 2005

Vaduz vs Concordia BS

Super League, Game 33 of 36

(4-4-2): Germano Vailati; Patrick Mkhwanaizi, Nenad Lalatovic (capt), Choi Jin-Chul, Ajibade Babalade; Benjamin Fischer, Igor Guzelov, Karim Kerkar, Fabio D’Elia; Þórarinn Brynjar Kristjánsson, Bledar Fiqiri Mançaku. Substitutes: Manuel Zangger (gk), Andy Smith, Valeriy Kryventsov, Eyal Almushnino, Tomas Votava

We’re looking to get at least a goal today as we’ve failed to score in the last three matches. The only change to the side that lost against St. Gallen is the return of Mkhwanaizi to replace Dedura at left back.

We were under pressure for much of the first half as we struggled to get a grip on the game. Bockaj had two good efforts to put Concordia ahead, and Biancavilla sent an effort just past the post, but somehow we survived to go in 0-0 at the break.

The second half was a torrid affair, with neither side coming close. But six minutes from time Mançaku headed the ball onto Kryventsov who knocked the ball wide to Kristjánsson and the Icelander fired in from the edge of the box. We could have added a second in the last few minutes, but Kerkar and Mançaku were denied by the goalkeeper, and Kristjánsson shot over.

Vaduz 1-0 Concordia BS

Goals: 84’ Kristjánsson (1-0)

Attendance: 3331

Substitutions: Kryventsov and Votava for D’Elia and Babalade (66’)

Yellow Cards: Zentar, Cardoso (Concordia BS)

Red Cards: -

Man of the Match: Karim Kerkar 9

A win is a win, and with our recent form, I’m happy to take it. The performance wasn’t brilliant, but it doesn’t really matter at this stage of the season.

[binny]

Wednesday 18th May 2005

Zürich vs Vaduz

Super League, Game 34 of 36

(4-4-2): Germano Vailati; Patrick Mkhwanaizi, Nenad Lalatovic (capt), Choi Jin-Chul, Ajibade Babalade; Baldwin Bazuaye, Igor Guzelov, Karim Kerkar, Fabio D’Elia; Þórarinn Brynjar Kristjánsson, Bledar Fiqiri Mançaku. Substitutes: Manuel Zangger (gk), Andy Smith, Valeriy Kryventsov, Eyal Almushnino, Tomas Votava

Zürich will almost certainly be relegated today if they lose today, but we’re not going to make it easy for them. The only change to the side sees Baldwin Bazuaye come in on the left wing due to an injury to Benjamin Fischer.

We were dealt an early blow when Patrick Mkhwanaizi was sent off after just 16 minutes for a hacking down an attacker on his way to goal. Thankfully, Vailati saved the resultant free kick from Abdi. We were holding out well, and just before the break Bazuaye crossed for Mançaku to get to the ball ahead of the goalkeeper and put us ahead. We were almost pegged back immediately, but Vailati did well to parry Diogo’s effort.

Mançaku saw an effort parried to safety by the goalkeeper, and after a poor period of play D’Elia’s cross was volleyed in by Kristjánsson to double the lead. A minute later through Gygaz played in André Muff to pull a goal back, and Keita fired over as Zürich looked for an equaliser. Kerkar was denied by an excellent save, and in the dying minutes we were relieved to see Nef fire over.

Zürich 1-2 Vaduz

Goals: 44’ Mançaku (0-1), 72’ Kristjánsson (0-2), 73’ Muff (1-2)

Attendance: 6207

Substitutions: Kryventsov, Almushnino and Votava for Bazuaye, D’Elia and Guzelov (74’)

Yellow Cards: Dal Santo, Muff (Zürich), Babalade, Bazuaye, Mançaku (Vaduz)

Red Cards: 16’ Patrick Mkhwanaizi (Vaduz)

Man of the Match: Davide Calla (Zürich) 8

We did really well today, especially considering that we were down to ten men for most of the game. The result means that Zürich are relegated, and keeps us in the hunt for second place. Mkhwanaizi will serve a one-match ban following his sending off, and Mançaku will also be banned having been booked today for the fourth time this season.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag G.D. Pts

1st C Basel 34 20 5 9 46 34 +12 65

2nd Vaduz 34 17 6 11 67 48 +19 57

3rd Grasshopper 34 16 8 10 49 36 +13 56

4th Servette 34 16 7 11 40 30 +10 55

5th St. Gallen 34 14 8 12 49 43 +6 50

6th Concordia BS 34 13 8 13 56 52 +4 47

7th Aarau 34 13 4 17 48 68 -20 43

8th Neuchâtel Xamax 34 10 10 14 48 53 -5 40

-----------------------------------------------------

9th Thun 34 8 10 16 44 53 -9 34

-----------------------------------------------------

10th R Zürich 34 5 10 19 35 65 -30 25

</pre>

[binny]

Saturday 21st May 2005

Servette vs Vaduz

Super League, Game 35 of 36

(4-4-2): Germano Vailati; Ignas Dedura, Nenad Lalatovic (capt), Choi Jin-Chul, Ajibade Babalade; Baldwin Bazuaye, Igor Guzelov, Karim Kerkar, Fabio D’Elia; Þórarinn Brynjar Kristjánsson, Andy Smith. Substitutes: Manuel Zangger (gk), Daniele Polverino, Valeriy Kryventsov, Eyal Almushnino, Tomas Votava

Servette are still in with a chance of finishing second this season, and if we lose today, they will overtake us. We’re hampered by the loss due to suspension of Mkhwanaizi and Mançaku, and that gives Dedura and Smith a chance to shine.

Servette put us under a lot of pressure during the early part of the game. Minavand forced Vailati to save, and Obradovic and Hítlon both came within inches of scoring. On 17 they did take the lead, Minavand lifting the ball into the box for Goran Obradovic to fire in. We woke up after that, and Kristjánsson was denied by two excellent saves, one off the line.

Our break came just past the hour as we were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box and Karim Kerkar fired in an equaliser into the top corner. Smith then saw an effort tipped over the bar, but on 72 Kristjánsson headed in a second from Bazuaye’s corner. Smith fired over late on, but we were good for our victory.

Servette 1-2 Vaduz

Goals: 17’ Obradovic (1-0), 63’ Kerkar (1-1), 72’ Kristjánsson (1-2)

Attendance: 8345

Substitutions: Almushnino and Votava for Guzelov and Babalade (69’), Kryventsov for D’Elia (77’)

Yellow Cards: Babalade, Dedura (Vaduz)

Red Cards: -

Man of the Match: Þórarinn Brynjar Kristjánsson 9

I sometimes feel that we need to be woken up into playing. That certainly happened today, and although we got away with it on this occasion, it has cost us in the past. Maybe I’m a perfectionist, but that means that there’s always room for improvement.

[binny]

Sunday 29th May 2005

Vaduz vs Aarau

Super League, Game 36 of 36

(4-4-2): Germano Vailati; Patrick Mkhwanaizi, Nenad Lalatovic, Choi Jin-Chul, Michael Stocklasa (capt); Rolf Fleischer, Igor Guzelov, Karim Kerkar, Fabio D’Elia; Þórarinn Brynjar Kristjánsson, Bledar Fiqiri Mançaku. Substitutes: Manuel Zangger (gk), Andy Smith, Valeriy Kryventsov, Eyal Almushnino, Ajibade Babalade

The final game of the season sees us needing just a point at home to Aarau, but we can’t take that attitude, and will be all out to win. Mkhwanaizi and Mançaku are back from suspension to replace Dedura and Smith, and Stocklasa is fit enough to take his place ahead of Babalade. Rolf Fleischer is given a debut on the left wing because Bazuaye has a slight knock.

Mançaku and Kristjánsson both shot wide as we tried to get ahead, and at the other end Vailati was called into action to deny Schultz. Kristjánsson was denied by another save late on, but we had to settle for 0-0 at half time.

Four minutes into the second half we found ourselves down to ten men after Choi Jin-Chul was sent off for his second bookable offence, and Aarau took advantage just four minutes later as Alain Schultz pounced to score after his first effort had been parried by Vailati. We responded immediately. Stocklasa flicked the ball on and Mançaku found Kristjánsson with an excellent pass and he volleyed in an equaliser. Mançaku came closest to winning the game after that, but his effort skied the bar. In the final few minutes Aarau had Stéphane Frei sent off after the substitute elbowed Mançaku.

Vaduz 1-1 Aarau

Goals: 53’ Schultz (0-1), 55’ Kristjánsson (1-1)

Attendance: 3524

Substitutions: Kryventsov and Almushnino for Fleicher and D’Elia (74’), Babalade for Stocklasa (80’)

Yellow Cards: Mkhwanaizi, Choi Jin-Chul (Vaduz), Friedli, Bieli (Aarau)

Red Cards: 49’ Choi Jin-Chul (Vaduz), 87’ Stéphane Frei (Aarau)

Man of the Match: Carlos Varela (Aarau) 9

In the end a draw is all that we required, and when we were reduced to 10 men, it’s probably the best that we could have hoped for. Choi Jin-Chul will be banned for the first game of next season following his indiscretions this afternoon.

Thun had to face Solothurn in the playoff, but they won the first leg 4-0 and saw off the challenge in the second leg with a 0-0 draw.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag G.D. Pts

1st C Basel 36 21 6 9 50 36 +14 69

2nd Vaduz 36 18 7 11 70 50 +20 61

3rd Grasshopper 36 17 9 10 54 38 +16 60

4th Servette 36 17 7 12 43 33 +10 58

5th St. Gallen 36 16 8 12 52 43 +9 56

6th Concordia BS 36 13 9 14 57 55 +2 48

7th Aarau 36 14 5 17 52 71 -19 47

8th Neuchâtel Xamax 36 10 11 15 52 58 -6 41

-----------------------------------------------------

9th Thun 36 8 10 18 45 58 -13 34

-----------------------------------------------------

10th R Zürich 36 5 10 21 36 69 -33 25

</pre>

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Name Apps Cln Conc MoM Av R

Khmelidze, D 6 0 14 0 6.33

Vailati, G 32 9 39 0 6.94

Zangger, M 0 (1) 1 0 0 7.00

Name Apps Gls Asts MoM Av R

Almushnino, E 4 (22) 0 2 1 6.85

Babalade, A 24 (7) 0 0 0 6.19

Bamba, S 2 (9) 1 1 0 6.91

Bazuaye, B 14 (1) 2 3 1 7.13

Borg, J 0 (1) 1 0 0 7.00

Choi Jin-Chul 18 0 0 0 6.33

D'Elia, F 36 2 10 0 7.14

Dedura, I 5 (1) 0 0 0 6.33

Fischer, B 23 2 11 2 7.04

Fleischer, R 1 0 0 0 7.00

Guzelov, I 34 0 3 0 7.12

Hörrlein, K - - - - ----

Katemann, H - - - - ----

Kerkar, K 23 (4) 1 5 3 7.33

Kristjánsson, Þ 38 34 12 11 8.18

Kryventsov, V 15 (18) 2 4 0 7.24

Lalatovic, N 37 1 3 1 7.32

Lobatón, A 10 11 3 2 7.90

Mançaku, B 27 (6) 14 8 2 6.79

Mkhwanaizi, P 32 0 2 1 7.06

Oulmadane, K - - - - ----

Polverino, D - - - - ----

Polverino, M 1 0 0 0 9.00

Smith, A 1 (14) 1 0 0 6.53

Stilz, R 0 (2) 0 0 0 6.50

Stocklasa, M 26 0 2 0 6.69

Votava, T 4 (10) 0 1 0 6.14

Walz, J 5 (9) 0 0 0 6.43

Zarn, M - - - - ----

</pre>

It’s been a really fantastic second half to the season, and that form has somehow seen us finish second, only eight points behind the champions Basel. The arrival of Abel Augusto Lobatón seems to have been the catalyst, but it was the form of Þórarinn Brynjar Kristjánsson that was really crucial for us. He scored in the region of 20 goals in the last 18 games, and has now established himself as a starter for Iceland. It’s no surprise that he finished Top Goalscorer in the division – and a haul of 34 from 36 games is quite amazing. It was also no surprise that the Vaduz fans voted him as their Player of the Year.

Retirment: Valeriy Kryventsov

Valeriy has been an extremely useful player for us over the last two years, and it’s a shame to see him hanging up his boots. But it gives a chance to Roger Stilz to try and stake his place in the side.

Transfer signing: Jorge Silva, 33, GK, Portuguese (1 cap), Free from Braga

Despite scoring hatfuls of goals, I have been concerned about the number of goals that we’ve shipped at the other end. Jorge Silva has had a tough time of it over recent years, but he’s still a very capable goalkeeper, and his experience should give some confidence to the defence ahead of him.

[binny]

I've decided to discontinue this game and story

Two reasons really:

1. UEFA failed to give Vaduz their rightful European spot, and they still have to represent Liechtenstein in the qualifying rounds

2. Writing the story became too time consuming, and I found that I wasn't enjoying the game as much as a result of this.

There should be another story up shortly - more on that to follow