The Making of a Legend: The Mark Wilson Chronicles (Part Ten: Will Wilson enjoy a trip to the Theatre of Dreams)

[mark wilson27]

January 4^th:

The draw for the FA Cup 4^th Round sees us pitted away from home to either Doncaster of League One or Ipswich of the Championship if we beat Luton in the 3^rd Rd

January 6^th:

Luton (h) FA Cup 3^rd Round

A cracking start to the game saw us taking the lead on the 1^st minute as D.Benedetti ran through the defence with real ease and fired in on his debut. It got even better for the debutant as on the 7^th minute he headed in from a M.Khumalo cross which evaded the Luton keeper. We were in complete control of the game and on the half hour it was three nil with A.Xhepa playing a one two with M.Vandamme and firing under the onrushing keeper.

The second half was all my side as we controlled every aspect of the game and on the 55^th minute J.Ashmeade head the chance to score with his first touch but he fired wide of the post when it was easier to score. Nine minutes later we grabbed the fourth and final goal as D.Benedetti completed his debut hat-trick with a fine shot from outside the are which gave the keeper no chance of saving.

Man Utd 4-0 Luton D.Benedetti 1, 7, 64, A.Xhepa 30

K.Swaby, T.Jarvis, J.Smith, A.De Russis, B.Oppong (P.Lane), M.Khumalo (S.Pino), A.Xhepa, G.Mokulu, M.Vandamme, K.Jardine (J.Ashmeade), D.Benedetti

[mark wilson27]

January 9^th:

Tottenham (h) (22/38)

The game started with Spurs controlling the play and on the 17^th minute they took the lead with F.Mora heading in from close range after my defence seemed to fall asleep. However ten minutes later we grabbed the equaliser as D.Benedetti jinked through the defence and fired under the onrushing keeper. On the 38^th minute Spurs hand another chance to score with a long range effort which stung the fingers of K.Swaby.

The second half started with my side dominating and on the 63^rd minute A.Xhepa played a one two with G.Mokulu and fired past the keeper. Six minutes later we added another goal with a thunderous effort from G.Mokulu which gave the keeper no chance of saving. On the 77^th minute we grabbed another goal but this time it was a comical own goal as Spurs fired a ball against the upright and it bounced off the back of K.Swaby and into the net for the own goal. With nine minutes remaining in the game we made it 4-2 as D.Benedetti headed in a M.Khumalo cross.

Man Utd 4-2 Tottenham D.Benedetti 27, 81, A.Xhepa 63, G.Mokulu 69 / F.Mora 17, K.Swaby 77 og

K.Swaby, T.Jarvis, J.Smith, A.De Russis (P.Lane), B.Oppong, M.Khumalo, A.Xhepa, G.Mokulu, M.Vandamme (O.Scherbakov), K.Jardine (J.Ashmeade), D.Benedetti

[mark wilson27]

January 12^th:

Aston Villa (h) EFL Cup Semi Final 1^st Leg

We dominated from the start and on the 19^th minute we took the lead as D.Benedetti continued his scoring form with a rasping effort past the Villa keeper. Eight minutes later we had another chance with G.Mokulu rattling the crossbar from outside the area. We were all over Villa and on the 43^rd minute K.Jardine ran onto a G.Mokulu through-ball and fired just wide of the post.

The second half was again all my side and on the 58^th minute S.Pino curled in a wonderful shot past the keeper from the corner of the area. Three minutes later we made it three nil as G.Mokulu threaded a great ball to the feet of O.Scherbakov who wasted no time in firing under the keeper. We continued the pressure but it took till the 89^th minute for us to grab the final goal as S.Pino headed in a G.Mokulu cross to complete a first leg rout.

Man Utd 4-0 Aston Villa D.Benedetti 19, S.Pino 58, 89, O.Scherbakov 61

K.Swaby, T.Jarvis, J.Smith, A.De Russis, B.Oppong, M.Khumalo (S.Pino), A.Xhepa, G.Mokulu, M.Vandamme (O.Scherbakov), K.Jardine, D.Benedetti (J.Ashmeade)

After the game I was informed that the attendance of 95,285 is a new EFL Cup record attendance, beating the previous record of 91, 635 in 2023 set by Manchester United

January 13^th:

The draw for the FA Cup 4^th Rd sees us facing Championship side Ipswich after they Doncaster on penalties in the 3^rd Rd replay

 

[mark wilson27]

January 16^th:

Liverpool (h) (23/38)

A brilliant start saw us taking the lea within 19 seconds as M.Vandamme ran in from the wing to volley home a K.Jardine cross. On the 13^th minute we had our next chance with a long range effort from D.Benedetti which stung the fingers of the keeper. Ten minutes later Liverpool came close with a well worked move which was thwarted by A.De Russis. On the 28^th minute we grabbed goal number two as G.Mokulu headed in from an A.Xhepa cross. Two minutes later it was three nil as D.Benedetti played a one two with M.Khumalo and fired under the keeper.

The second half was all my side and on the 54^th minute D.Benedetti had another chance to score with a rasping effort which was diverted wide by the defence. Seven minutes later we grabbed a fourth goal as K.Jardine hit home a wonderful free-kick from 25 yards after J.Ashmeade was brought down. We were all over the Scousers and on the 71^st minute the fifth and final goal of the game was scored as A.Xhepa finished a great team move. The perfect performance by my side

Man Utd 5-0 Liverpool M.Vandamme 19 sec, G.Mokulu 28, D.Benedetti 30, K.Jardine 61, A.Xhepa 71

K.Swaby, T.Jarvis, J.Smith, A.De Russis, B.Oppong (P.Lane), M.Khumalo (S.Pino), A.Xhepa, G.Mokulu, M.Vandamme, K.Jardine (J.Ashmeade), D.Benedetti

 

[mark wilson27]

January 19^th:

Derby (a) (24/38)

A good start saw us taking the lead in the 8^th minute as G.Mokulu headed in an A.Xhepa cross. It didn't take long till we had our next shot as D.Benedetti beat the offside trap but fired wide of the post. We were all over Derby and on thee 34^th minute we had another chance as D.Benedetti rattled the crossbar from close range when it was easier to score.

The second half was much as the first with my side controlling the play but we struggled to get past the stubborn Derby defence. On the 67^th minute we had our first real chance of the half as K.Jardine stung the fingers of the keeper. With seven minutes remaining in the game we finally grabbed the second goal as D.Leonardi fired in a thunderbolt from thirty yards to give the Derby keeper no chance of saving. However the scoring didn't finish their as deep into injury time Derby pulled an undeserved goal back as C.Brunetti headed in past K.Swaby.

Derby 1-2 Man Utd C.Brunetti 90+2 / G.Mokulu 8, D.Leonardi 83

K.Swaby, T.Jarvis, J.Smith, A.De Russis, B.Oppong, M.Khumalo (D.Leonardi), A.Xhepa, G.Mokulu, M.Vandamme, K.Jardine (S.Pino), D.Benedetti (O.Scherbakov)

 

[mark wilson27]

January 23^rd:

Stoke (a) (25/38)

Stoke had the first chance of the game as they broke through the defence with ease and fired towards goal but K.Swaby saved well to deny them. On the 19^th minute we had the first chance to score with a curling effort from M.Vandamme but the Stoke keeper managed to tip it over the crossbar. Seven minutes later we grabbed the lead as A.Xhepa jinked into the area with the ball and fired under the onrushing keeper. On the 33^rd minute we made it two nil as D.Benedetti rose above the defence and headed a K.Jardine cross past the Stoke keeper.

The second half was eight minutes old when Stoke pulled a goal back as they split my defence apart and J.Serrano slotted in. On the hour mark we had our next chance to score as D.Leonardi hit a thunderous free-kick against the upright after G.Mokulu was brought down. With twelve minutes remaining we had the chance to grab a third goal after D.Leonardi was brought down in the area, D.Benedetti stepped up for the penalty and fired it straight at the keeper. Luckily for him the Stoke side didn't come close to scoring and we walked away with three points.

Stoke 1-2 Man Utd J.Serrano 53 / A.Xhepa 26, D.Benedetti 33

K.Swaby, T.Jarvis, J.Smith, A.De Russis, B.Oppong, M.Khumalo, A.Xhepa (S.Pino), M.Vandamme, G.Mokulu, K.Jardine (D.Leonardi), D.Benedetti (A.Grossi)

 

[mark wilson27]

January 26^th:

Aston Villa (a) EFL Cup Semi Final 2^nd Leg (agg 0-4)

With us four nil up I made a few changes and on the 20^th minute we added our first goal as A.De Russis rose above the defence and headed a K.Jardine corner into the back of the net. Twelve minutes later we had another chance as D.Leonardi jinked through the defence and tried to curl the ball past the Villa keeper but it didn't curl enough and went wide. On the stroke of half time we had our next chance as D.Leonardi threaded the ball to the feet of A.Grossi who lashed the ball wide of the post.

The second half was two minutes old when we mad it 2-0 as A.Xhepa hit a thunderous shot past the Villa keeper from just outside the area. We were all over Villa and just after the hour mark we made it three nil and seven nil on aggregate as S.Pino slotted in from close range after a wonderful ball from D.Leonardi. With eight minutes remaining in the game we grabbed our final goal as L.Guglielmi showed some silky skill to beat the defence and fired under the onrushing Villa keeper to complete the rout

Aston Villa 0-4 Man Utd A.De Russis 20, A.Xhepa 47, S.Pino 64, L.Guglielmi 82

M.Joosten, L.King, T.Franco (B.Oppong), A.De Russis, P.Lane, D.Leonardi, A.Xhepa, L.Guglielmi, M.Vandamme (S.Pino), K.Jardine, A.Grossi (O.Scherbakov)

We have qualified for the EFL Cup Final with an 8-0 aggregate win over Aston Villa, where we will be facing local rivals Manchester City. The final will be played on the 28^th February at Wembley

 

[mark wilson27]

January 30^th:

Ipswich (a) FA Cup 4^th Round

After the dominant performance of the last game I was hoping for more of the same but my players failed to deliver and we struggled with the basics of the game. On the 36^th minute Ipswich had the first chance of the game as they broke into the defence but T.Franco managed to clear of the line.

The second half was just as bad as we struggled with everything that is football. The only player in my side that did well was T.Franco who kept the few Ipswich attacks at bay. Not a great performance at all

Ipswich 0-0 Man Utd

K.Swaby, L.King, T.Franco, J.Smith, P.Lane, G.Mokulu, A.Xhepa, D.Leonardi (L.Guglielmi), M.Vandamme, S.Pino (K.Jardine), D.Benedetti (O.Scherbakov)

The end of the month sees me sitting second in the table some two points behind Liverpool who we demolished earlier in the month.

[mark wilson27]

February 2038:

February 1^st:

Transfer deadline day news sees my side bringing in 24yr old Dutch Left back Martjin Reekers for a fee of £42,000,000 from OM

I have also brought in 24yr old Argentinian Defensive Midfielder Martin Arruabarrena from Paris Saint-Germain for a fee of £133,000,000

The draw for the FA Cup 5^th Rd sees us facing an away tie against Championship side Plymouth, if we beat Ipswich in the replay

February 3^rd:

Watford (h) (26/38)

We started the better and on the 14^th minute we took the lead with a long range effort from A.Xhepa which gave the keeper no chance of saving. Ten minutes later we had another chance as D.Benedetti headed a D.Leonardi cross straight into the keeper arms. On the 39^th minute Watford had their first shot as they piled into the area but K.Swaby saved brilliantly to deny them

The second half was three minutes old when T.Franco slipped with ball and V.Gauthier fired in under K.Swaby. The away fans joy didn't last long as on the 52^nd minute D.Benedetti beat the Watford defence to a loose ball and lashed the ball past the keeper. The goal took any wind out of Watford's sail and we dominated. On the 65^th minute we had yet another chance as A.Grossi curled the ball towards goal but the Watford keeper saved well to deny them. On the 73^rd minute we made it 3-1 with A.Grossi thumping an A.Xhepa cross into the top corner. With three minutes remaining we had the chance for a fourth goal as M.Vandamme was brought down in the area, A.Grossi stepped up but his penalty was poor and it went wide of the post.

Man Utd 3-1 Watford A.Xhepa 14, D.Benedetti 52, A.Grossi 73 / V.Gauthier 48

K.Swaby, L.King, T.Franco, A.De Russis, M.Reekers (B.Oppong), G.Mokulu (S.Pino), A.Xhepa, D.Leonardi, M.Vandamme, M.Arruabarrena, D.Benedetti (A.Grossi)

 

[mark wilson27]

 

February 6^th:

Crystal Palace (a) (27/38)

We played the better and on the 11^th minute we came close to taking the lead as a long range effort from D.Benedetti was well saved by the keeper. Three minutes later G.Mokulu came close as he broke through the defence but his final effort was as poor as the Palace defending. On the 18^th minute we finally took the lead as D.Benedetti beat the offside trap and rounded the keeper to slot home into the empty net. Twelve minutes later we had yet another chance with a brilliant team move which saw the Palace defence split apart but M.Vandamme failed to convert the shot.

The second half was again all my side but we couldn't get past a stubborn Palace keeper. On the hour mark we had our closest effort of the half as G.Mokulu headed just wide of the post. On the 72^nd minute we grabbed the second and final goal of the game as D.Benedetti rose above the defence and headed a D.Leonardi corner into the top corner of the net. By rights we should have completely battered Palace.

Crystal Palace 0-2 Man Utd D.Benedetti 18, 72

K.Swaby, L.King, T.Franco, A.De Russis (J.Smith), M.Reekers, M.Arruabarrena (L.Guglielmi), A.Xhepa, D.Leonardi, M.Vandamme (S.Pino), G.Mokulu, D.Benedetti

 

 

[mark wilson27]

February 10^th:

Ipswich (h) FA Cup 4^th Round Replay

Ten minutes into the game we took the lead as J.Ashmeade rose above the defence and headed an A.Xhepa cross past the keeper. Twelve minutes later we had another chance with J.Ashmeade jinking through the defence but his final effort went wide of the post. On the 34^th minute we had our next effort as D.Leonardi curled a wonderful ball into the area but M.Vandamme headed over the keeper and net. A minute into injury time we finally grabbed goal number two as G.Mokulu slotted in from close range after the Ipswich defence failed to deal with a T.Jarvis low cross.

The second half was two minutes old when we made it three nil as L.Guglielmi ran in from the wing and unleashed a thunderous effort into the top corner of the net. Soon after the same player had another chance but this time the keeper was on hand to tip the shot over. On the 65^th minute it was four nil as A.Grossi ran onto a L.Guglielmi through-ball to slot in under the keeper. Seven minutes later the final goal of the game was scored as A.Grossi dinked the keeper from just inside the area after running through the defence with ease.

Man Utd 5-0 Ipswich J.Ashmeade 10, G.Mokulu 45+1, L.Guglielmi 47, A.Grossi 65, 72

K.Swaby, T.Jarvis, T.Franco, A.De Russis (J.Smith), B.Oppong, L.Guglielmi, A.Xhepa, D.Leonardi (K.Jardine), M.Vandamme, G.Mokulu, J.Ashmeade (A.Grossi)

[mark wilson27]

 

February 13^th:

Hull (h) (28/38)

The first half was ten minutes old when my side had the first chance of the game as a long range effort from M.Vandamme rattled the crossbar. Soon after we had another chance to score with a curling effort from D.Leonardi which the Hull keeper saved brilliantly. We were all over the Hull side and just after the half hour we had our next chance as G.Mokulu headed just wide of the upright from a L.Guglielmi cross.

The second half had barely started when the first goal was scored as A.Pina beat A.De Russis to a loose ball and fired in under K.Swaby who was half asleep. I was furious but my players responded well as they piled on the forward pressure and on the 63^rd minute we levelled the scores as S.Pino jinked through the defence with ease and ired under the onrushing keeper. We kept on the pressure and on the 74^th minute Hull were reduced to ten men after G.King was given a second yellow card followed by the red. With ten minutes remaining in the game we finally took the lead as D.Leonardi curled a wonderful free-kick into the top corner after A.Grossi was fouled. On the 82^nd minute the final goal was scored as D.Leonardi ran with ease past the defence and fired past the Hull keeper to give us a 3-1 victory

Man Utd 3-1 Hull S.Pino 63, D.Leonardi 80, 82 / A.Pina 46

K.Swaby, T.Jarvis, T.Franco (J.Smith), A.De Russis, M.Reekers, L.Guglielmi (S.Pino), M.Arruabarrena, D.Leonardi, M.Vandamme, G.Mokulu, J.Ashmeade (A.Grossi)

 

[mark wilson27]

February 17^th:

A.C.Milan (a) Champs Cup 1^st Knockout Rd 1^st Leg

Finally we get back into midweek European action and we didn't have the greatest of games as Milan controlled a lot of the play. They had the first effort on the 18^th minute as they broke through my defence with relative ease but K.Swaby was up to the task and saved the ball. Ten minutes later they had another chance but this time it was the crossbar that saved us. We were being outplayed and on the 39^th minute K.Swaby blocked another effort from the Milan defence. On the stroke of half time we went a goal down as A.De Russis brought down the Milan attacker in the area, L.Enrique stepped up and fired the penalty high into the area.

The second half wasn't much better as they piled on the pressure but it took a mistake from K.Swaby to give them the chance to score as he brought down a player in the penalty area, L.Enrique stepped up and fired the penalty again high into the net. Soon after we had our first real effort with L.Guglielmi crossing into the area but A.Grossi fluffed his shot high and wide of the goal. On the 79^th minute we had another chance with M.Arruabarrena trying his luck from the edge of the area but the Milan keeper saved well. With three minutes remaining in the game we got the away goal as D.Leonardi headed in a S.Pino corner to give us a glimmer of hope.

A.C.Milan 2-1 Man Utd L.Enrique 45+1 pen, 67 pen / D.Leonardi 87

K.Swaby, T.Jarvis, T.Franco, A.De Russis, M.Reekers (P.Lane), L.Guglielmi, M.Arruabarrena, D.Leonardi, M.Vandamme, G.Mokulu (S.Pino), J.Ashmeade (A.Grossi)

[mark wilson27]

February 20^th:

Plymouth (a) FA Cup 5^th Rd

We started brightly and on the 5^th minute we had our first effort of the game as D.Benedetti rose above the defence and headed a M.Vandamme cross just wide of the post. Ten minutes later we had another chance to score with a long range effort which saw the Plymouth keeper at full stretch. On the 33^rd minute we broke the deadlock with a well struck effort from D.Benedetti which gave the keeper little chance of saving. Straight from klick off though Plymouth nearly caught us off guard as they piled forward but luckily for us L.King was alert enough to slide in and save the day. With two minutes remaining in the half we grabbed goal number two as G.Mokulu hit a thunderous effort into the top corner.

The second half was two minutes old when Plymouth grabbed a goal back as D.Pearson capitalised on a K.Swaby to send the home fans wild. On the hour mark we had the next chance of the game as S.Pino curled a free-kick into the area but D.Benedetti fluffed his header over the crossbar. Soon after we should have regained our two goal lead as S.Pino missed from close range after a great team move split the defence apart. On the 74^th minute Plymouth had a goal ruled out after a foul on T.Franco. With ten minutes remaining the Plymouth keeper again saved the day with a wondrous save from D.Benedetti. On the 89^th minute though Plymouth equalised much to the delight of the home fans as A.Smith showed some skill to beat my defence and keeper. It looked like it was going to another replay but deep into injury time the winner was scored as the Plymouth came up for a corner and nodded the ball onto A.Smith who tapped in from two yards to send my side out in a shock result. Furious isn't the word I could use for how I felt

Plymouth 3-2 Man Utd D.Pearson 47, A.Smith 89, 90+2 / D.Benedetti 33, G.Mokulu 43

K.Swaby, L.King, J.Smith, A.De Russis (T.Franco), M.Reekers (P.Lane), L.Guglielmi, M.Arruabarrena, D.Leonardi, M.Vandamme, G.Mokulu (S.Pino), D.Benedetti

After the game I was informed that L.Guglielmi will be out for around 3 weeks after straining his back during the shock loss

 

[mark wilson27]

February 24^th:

Man City (a) (29/38)

I was hoping for a reaction from players after the FA Cup exit but all I got was rubbish and five minutes into the Derby game City scored as P.Thomsen shot home from ten yards after my defence fell asleep. On the 9^th minute it got even worse as I.Coda Zabetta shot home from the edge of the area after my side kept on backing away from him. The vein in my head was about to explode and on the 23^rd minute I had the crossbar to thank after City came close. We were just not at the races and on the 38^th minute K.Swaby produced a great save to deny him with a low save by the post.

After the half time rollicking my players came out and made me feel even better as I.Coda Zabetta got his second of the game as he beat virtually my whole side and slid in under K.Swaby. It was getting embarrassing as City just piled on the forward pressure and on the 64^th minute they had another chance with a curling effort which went just over the corner of the goal. Two minutes later though we scored a goal that we didn't deserve as K.Jardine ran in from the wing with the ball and fired in low past the keeper. On the 77^th minute though the referee ruled out a City goal as L.King was adjudged to have been fouled in the build up. Deep into injury time City had one more chance to score as J.Smith fouled in the area for a penalty, I.Coda Zabetta snatched the ball for his hat-trick but K.Swaby managed to get his foot on it after diving the wrong way. In truth we should have been battered. A third loss in a row

Man City 3-1 Man Utd P.Thomsen 5, I.Coda Zabetta 9, 47 / K.Jardine 66

K.Swaby, L.King, J.Smith, A.De Russis (T.Franco), M.Reekers, A.Xhepa, M.Arruabarrena, D.Leonardi, M.Vandamme (K.Jardine), G.Mokulu, D.Benedetti (A.Grossi)

 

[mark wilson27]

February 28^th:

Man City (Wembley, London) EFL Cup Final

A poor start saw D.Collado beating the offside trap and firing under K.Swaby. On the 9^th minute City had another chance to score as M.Johansson rose above my defence and headed a I.Coda Zabetta cross past my keeper but luckily for us it hit the crossbar. On the 25^th minute we had our first chance as D.Benedetti barged into the area and slid the ball towards goal but R.Mesquita saved well to deny him. Six minutes later City had another chance with F.Alvarez curling the ball towards goal but K.Swaby saved well. Just before the break we had our next chance as M.Arruabarrena stung the fingers of R.Mesquita.

The second half was five minutes old when D.Leonardi was brought down in the area, D.Benedetti stepped up for the penalty and fired the ball straight down the middle past the keeper. On the 62^nd minute we came close to taking the lead as A.Grossi beat the City offside trap was thwarted by a great challenge from G.D'Angelo. Nine minutes later City had came close as D.Collado fired towards goal but K.Swaby saved well, with the throw out from K.Swaby G.Mokulu controlled the ball and fired past R.Mesquita from twenty five yards. It was end to end stuff and on the 84^th minute City had yet another chance as B.Platt stung the fingers of K.Swaby after my defence seemed to fall asleep. With two minutes remaining in the game we had the chance to increase our lead as A.Grossi ran through the defence and fired towards goal but R.Mesquita saved well to deny him.

Man Utd 2-1 Man City D.Benedetti 50 pen, G.Mokulu 71 / D.Collado 4

Man Utd: K.Swaby, L.King (capt), T.Franco, J.Smith, P.Lane, A.Xhepa, M.Arruabarrena, D.Leonardi, M.Vandamme (G.Mokulu), S.Pino (K.Jardine), D.Benedetti (A.Grossi)

Man City: R.Mesquita, L.Pinho, G.D'Angelo, A.Melnyk, K.Gerland (capt), F.Alvarez (R.Luscher), I.Coda Zabetta, M.Pascual, P.Wilkins (E.Goncalves), M.Johansson (B.Platt), D.Collado

The end of the month sees my side top of the table level on points with Liverpool with 61pts after 29 games.

 

[mark wilson27]

March 2038:

March 6^th:

Leicester (h) (30/38)

Leicester had the first of the game as a poor pass by P.Lane was intercepted but luckily for him K.Swaby managed to block the effort. On the 28^th minute we had our first chance as S.Pino tried his from outside the area but the shot rattled the crossbar and went over and out. Eight minutes later Leicester had another chance to score with a thunderous shot which skimmed just wide of the upright.

Three minutes into the second half the opening goal was scored as D.Benedetti ran through the Leicester defence with ease and fired under the onrushing keeper. Soon after we had another chance to score with a long range effort from G.Mokulu which stung the fingers of the keeper. On the 65^th minute we grabbed goal number two as D.Benedetti ran onto a M.Vandamme through-ball and wasted no time in lashing the ball past the keeper. Twelve minutes later Leicester came close to pulling a goal back as they beat the defence with ease but K.Swaby managed to tip it round the post. On the 83^rd minute Leicester had one last chance in the game as M.Reekers fluffed a clearance but luckily for him the Leicester effort was as bad as the clearance

Man Utd 2-0 Leicester D.Benedetti 48, 65

K.Swaby, L.King, T.Franco, J.Smith, P.Lane (M.Reekers), A.Xhepa, M.Arruabarrena (K.Jardine), D.Leonardi, M.Vandamme, S.Pino (G.Mokulu), D.Benedetti

 

 

[mark wilson27]

March 9^th:

A.C.Milan (h) Champs Cup 1^st Knockout Rd 2^nd Leg (agg 1-2)

The game started slowly with little attacking efforts to shout about in the first twenty minutes. It was Milan who grabbed the first chance of the game as they broke through the defence but L.King managed to clear the ball off the line. On the 35^th minute my side had the next chance with a curling effort from M.Arruabarrena which clipped the top cross joint of the goal. With a minute remaining in the half we grabbed a fluky goal as K.Jardine crossed into the area but his cross screwed off his foot and looped over the Milan keeper.

The second half was a tight affair with the majority of the play staying in the middle third of the pitch. On the 67^th minute though Milan had the chance to equalise after J.Smith fouled in the area, O.Arboleda stepped up for the penalty and fired it wide of the goal. The final chance of the game came in the 89^th minute as D.Leonardi stung the fingers of the keeper from close range. The 1-0 win though was enough for my side as we qualified on the away goal rule

Man Utd 1-0 A.C.Milan K.Jardine 44

K.Swaby, L.King, T.Franco, J.Smith, P.Lane, A.Xhepa (M.Khumalo), M.Arruabarrena (G.Mokulu), D.Leonardi, M.Vandamme, K.Jardine, A.Grossi (D.Benedetti)

We qualify for the quarter finals after beating A.C.Milan on the away goal rule after a 2-2 aggregate draw

 

[mark wilson27]

March 13^th:

Walsall (a) (31/38)

A great start saw us taking the lead on the 7^th minute as A.Grossi barged into the area and fired under the Walsall keeper. Ten minutes later we had another chance to score with D.Leonardi crossed into the area but A.Grossi headed wide of the post. On the half hour Walsall came close with their first effort of the game as they beat the offside trap but K.Swaby was alert enough to block the effort.

The second half was dominated by my side and on the 61^st minute we added another goal with D.Leonardi running in from the wing and wasted no time to curling the ball into the top corner. Ten minutes later we had another chance with M.Vandamme heading just wide from a D.Leonardi cross. With five minutes remaining in the game Walsall had the chance to pull a goal back with a well worked team move but the final effort was poor and the ball went wide of the post

Walsall 0-2 Man Utd A.Grossi 7, D.Leonardi 61

K.Swaby, L.King, T.Franco, J.Smith, P.Lane (M.Reekers), M.Khumalo (M.Vandamme), M.Arruabarrena, D.Leonardi, G.Mokulu, K.Jardine, A.Grossi (D.Benedetti)

March 19^th:

The draw for the Champions Cup ¼ Final has taken place and is as follows:

Dortmund (GER) v Man Utd (ENG)

R.Madrid (ESP) v OM (FRA)

Juventus (ITA) v Napoli (ITA)

Barcelona (ESP) v Roma (ITA)

March 25^th:

Injury news sees D.Benedetti out for around 4-5 weeks after spraining his ankle on International duty

[mark wilson27]

March 27^th:

Arsenal (h) (32/38)

A cracking start saw us taking the lead on the 8^th minute as D.Leonardi jinked through the defence and fired in past the Arsenal keeper who stood no chance. Six minutes later we had another chance as K.Jardine crossed into the area but A.Grossi fired just wide of the post. On the 20^th minute we grabbed goal number two as D.Leonardi curled in from the outside of the area after the Arsenal defence kept on backing away from him. We carried on the pressure and just before the break K.Jardine had his next chance with a long range effort which the keeper tipped over the crossbar.

The second half started the same as we carried on the pressure and on the 58^th minute we made it 3-0 as G.Mokulu headed home a free-kick from D.Leonardi. It was too easy for us or so we believed as Arsenal started to up the gears and on the 64^th minute they had the chance to pull a goal back as A.Moinaro stepped up for a penalty but his strike went high and wide, However seven minutes later Arsenal grabbed a goal back as L.Ndiaye beat the defence with surprising ease and fired under K.Swaby. After a verbal rollocking from myself the players regained their composure and with nine minutes remaining in the game O.Scherbakov grabbed our fourth goal to secure the three points

Man Utd 4-1 Arsenal D.Leonardi 8, 20, G.Mokulu 58, O.Scherbakov 81 / L.Ndiaye 71

K.Swaby, L.King, T.Franco, J.Smith, P.Lane, M.Khumalo (G.Mokulu), M.Arruabarrena, D.Leonardi, M.Vandamme, K.Jardine (S.Pino), A.Grossi (O.Scherbakov)

 

[mark wilson27]

March 31^st:

Dortmund (a) Champs Cup ¼ Final 1^st Leg

We controlled the first half with ease and on the 17^th minute we had our first chance as K.Jardine curled the ball into the area but A.Grossi fluffed his effort. Soon after we had another chance as M.Arruabarrena hit the crossbar from twenty odd yards. It was too easy for us and on the 33^rd minute K.Jardine had another chance with a long range effort but the Dortmund keeper was on hand to block the effort. Just before the break M.Vandamme was clear on goal but the Dortmund keeper saved bravely at his feet.

Four minutes into the half we finally broke the deadlock as S.Pino showed some great skill to beat the defence and wasted no time in giving us the lead. However after the goal Dortmund started to play and on the 57^th minute they came close to scoring but J.Smith was alert enough to slide in and clear the ball. Ten minutes later J.Smith again saved the day with a wonderful block on the line after K.Swaby fluffed a save. With fourteen minutes remaining in the game Dortmund were reduced to ten men after M.Albusberger was sent off for a second yellow card. The tie is still very much in the balance

Dortmund 0-1 Man Utd S.Pino 49

K.Swaby, L.King, T.Franco, J.Smith, P.Lane, M.Khumalo, M.Arruabarrena (S.Pino), D.Leonardi (G.Mokulu), M.Vandamme, K.Jardine, A.Grossi (O.Scherbakov)

The end of the month sees my side top of table three points clear of Liverpool after 32 games

 

[mark wilson27]

April 2038:

April 1^st:

The start of the month sees D.Leonardi win the Premier Division Player of the Month for March after scoring 3 goals in 3 games and getting an average rating of 8.00. I have al;so won the Manager of the Month after winning all three Premier Division games

April 3^rd:

Injury news sees S.Pino out for 7-8 weeks after tearing his knee ligaments in training, meaning he could miss the rest of the season

April 6^th:

Dortmund (h) Champs Cup ¼ Final 2^nd Leg (agg 1-0)

The second leg was a lot more even with the play being in the middle of the pitch, however on the 23^rd minute Dortmund took the lead as S.Muller curled in over K.Swaby to give him no chance. Ten minutes later we had our first chance as D.Leonardi ran through the defence with ease but his final effort was poor. Just before the half time interval we had our next chance as O.Scherbakov headed a M.Vandamme cross straight into the keepers arms.

The second half was thirteen minutes old when we levelled the scores as L.Guglielmi hit home with his first touch of the ball after coming on as a substitute. On the 62^nd minute we took the lead as D.Leonardi ran onto the area unmarked and volleyed a L.Guglielmi cross into the top corner of the net. Dortmund piled on forward and on the 77^th minute S.Muller curled the ball past K.Swaby but the upright saved the day. With three minutes remaining in the game we scored another goal as T.Franco head diverted a cross past K.Swaby for an own goal but luckily for us it was too little too late as we progressed

Man Utd 2-2 Dortmund L.Guglielmi 58, D.Leonardi 62 / S.Muller 23, T.Franco 87 og

K.Swaby, L.King, T.Franco, J.Smith, P.Lane, M.Khumalo (G.Mokulu), M.Arruabarrena (L.Guglielmi), D.Leonardi, M.Vandamme, K.Jardine, O.Scherbakov (J.Ashmeade)

We have qualified for the Semi Finals after a 3-2 aggregate victory

April 9^th;

The draw for the Champions Cup Semi Final is as follows:

Roma (ITA) v Juventus (ITA)

Man Utd (ENG) v OM (FRA)