[FM21] Return of the Phoe Nix - Rise of the Raven. FC Isle of Man Youth Save.

[Punch]

DEC 2038

A great month as we drop point only in a loss to West Ham in the League, while we drew the dead rubber with the rotated squad against Dortmund.

 

The Analyst is still pretty happy.

 

2nd place among a tight bunch.

 

Gary Gowdy's fine form was rewarded with the Player of the Month award.

 

John Hodgson was named England Player of the Year.

 

Stats

 

Goal Keepers

 

Defence

 

Midfield

 

Forwards

 

 

We went backwards a bit this month, the tax bills hit hard.

 

A monster month coming up.

[Punch]

JAN 2039 - Match Day 21 - At Manchester City

 

Match Report

Spoiler

Well...that's not a great start to the year.

Man City have been on a tear at the end of last year, and they continue allowing us no shots on goal, while they couldn't stop.

The less said about that the better.

 

First time I've seen this come up in this save

But we really were that bad.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We lost 2nd place, and City have caught us.

 

 

Up next...We host Norwich in the 1st Leg of the League Cup Semi Final. The rotated squad will be out again.

[Punch]

JAN 2039 - Transfer Rumours

Apparently after they spent all last transfer window trying to steal our striker, now the press think we are trying to steal one of theirs

[Punch]

JAN 2039 - League Cup Semi Final 1st Leg - Vs Norwich City

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A promising start as Mateusz Stępień got us on the board early.

The Visitors would equalise 20 minutes later.

The game was a tough battle and neither side could create many, or take any further chances.

So we head to Norwich in three weeks to do it all again.

 

 

Up next...Our FA Cup campaign kicks off as we welcome Middlesbrough to The Isle.

We still haven't won a game this year, so we will need to fix that up if we want to progress.

Edited June 10, 2022 by Punch

[Sonic Youth]

Ouch! They didn’t like being denied Gowdy. Then tough match against Borwich.

Weird transfer rumour 

January has started with a bam.

Edited June 10, 2022 by Sonic Youth
Fletwood Mack

[Punch]

33 minutes ago, Sonic Youth said:

Ouch! They didn’t like being denied Gowdy. Then tough match against Borwich.

Weird transfer rumour 

January has started with a bam.

They have been in awesome form the last few months. If they hadn't given United a huge start, it might be a lot closer at the top.

Yeah, real strange one that, because we have been splashing the cash on transfers in our 19 years

It's been some kind of year already

[Punch]

JAN 2039 - FA Cup 3rd Round - Vs Middlesbrough FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

We finally win our first game of the year, and we had our defence to thank in more ways than one, as they completely shut down Boro's attack, and scored both goals.

David Kearney got us on the board in the 13th minute.

Neil Forrest sealed the match with a 70th minute header.

Ben Hamilton providing both assists.

 

 

 

Round Four Draw

Spoiler

We travel to Southampton for the 4th Round.

 

We have a pretty close history against them.

 

 

Up next...League action as we welcome Sheffield United to The Isle.

[Punch]

JAN 2039 - Match Day 22 - Vs Sheffield United FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A tough first half against The Blades before we ran away with the second half.

The visitors got on the board first with a very early goal, before Gary Gowdy struck back 20 minutes later with a cracking volley.

A tight first half went to the break 1-1, and it looked like it could be a tough day at the office.

But after a half time baking, the boys came out and run amok in the second half.

Wes Heys blazed home a volley almost straight after half time to put us in front.

Ten minutes later Gary Gowdy secured his brace to make it 3-1 and secure the victory.

John Wright broke his goal drought with a brilliant strike from the edge of the area to make it 4-1 late in the game.

After a rough start to the month, it was good to see us turn it around with some great attacking form.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We jump back to 2nd after Tottenham are beaten, and our good win put us back in front of City on goal difference.

 

 

Up next...A monster clash away to Tottenham.

[Punch]

JAN 2039 - Match Day 23 - At Tottenham Hotspur

 

Match Report

Spoiler

An absolute cracker of a game at Hotspur Stadium ends with 3 lead changes, 2 hat-tricks, and 1 point each.

The hosts took the lead on 26 minutes, before Gary Gowdy put us back on level terms 10 minutes later, and it stayed 1-1 to half time.

Just before the hour, Gowdy gave us the lead with his second goal, with a header, which is a very rare occurrence.

In two minutes of madness, we gave up an equaliser, and the lead, as the Spurs Ozer completed his hat-trick.

Just when it looked like we'd be heading home empty handed, Gary Gowdy rescued us again, completing his hat-trick, and leveling the scores, in the process, taking himself to a league leading 20 goals, in 23 games.

An epic shoot out, and we share the points.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We dropped to 3rd as City continue winning run.

 

 

Up next...another tough match at home as the lurking Norwich come to The Isle.

[Punch]

JAN 2039 - Match Day 24 - Vs Norwich City

 

Match Report

Spoiler

Our stuttering start to the new year continues as we suffer our first home loss of the season.

We again conceded super early with the visitors scoring inside the first minute.

Youngster Craig Hoston got us back level near the hour mark, but it lasted just a minute before Norwich hit straight back to take the lead again.

With Gowdy and Wright rested, we lacked the execution to finish off the chances we created, and were made to pay by a determined Canaries outfit.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We've fallen to 4th, not only losing touch with 2nd place City, but now within reach of 5th place Norwich.

 

 

Up next...FA Cup 4th Round away to Southampton.

[Punch]

JAN 2039 - FA Cup 4th Round - At Southampton FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A tough hit out against The Saints, as they give us a hard time, but we do enough to get the win.

A tight first half ended scoreless, but straight after the break, Gary Gowdy blasted us into the lead.

The hosts would hit back on the hour mark. as they continued to make us work hard for the result.

The winner would come on 75 minutes as Lewis Hoey threaded the needle between defenders, and found Aled Harden who slid his shot past the keeper to put us in the lead, and we would hold on to go through to the 5th Round.

 

 

 

Round Five Draw

Spoiler

Drawn away to our affiliate club Southend for the 5th Round.

 

We have a fairly long history back to our League One days, but they have only ever beaten us once.

 

 

Up next...we head to Norwich, who defeated us in the League recently, for the 2nd Leg of the League Cup Semi Final, with a 1-1 scoreline, it's all to play for to secure a spot in the Final.

[Punch]

JAN 2039 - League Cup Semi Final 2nd Leg - At Norwich City

 

Match Report

Spoiler

The epic battle between these two clubs continued, all the way through this second leg as well.

Young Aussie Steve Wood scored on 11 minutes to put us 1-0 (2-1) up.

Just after half time, the hosts hit back to level the scores 1-1 (2-2).

The match would be a back and forward, tight affair, that looked to be headed for penalties.

Then on 87 minutes, Craig Hoston seized a wayward back pass, and then launched a cheeky chip from outside the area that caught the keeper out of position to put us back in the lead 2-1 (3-2).

Just when we thought we'd won our way through to a 3rd straight Final, deep into injury time, the hosts hit back to equalise, making the score 2-2 (3-3).

There being no extra time before the Final, and no away goals rule, off to penalties we went.

What followed next, was one of the worst penalty shoot outs in the history of football...you're not mis-reading, we won the shoot out 2-1...

We had our first two shots saved, and it looked like we were headed out, before scoring our next two.

Norwich scored their first shot, before Martin Jensen saved their next four shots in a row...it was that kind of crazy in the shoot out.

A strange game that both teams had their chances to win, before an appropriately strange penalty shoot out sends us through to our 3rd straight Final.

 

That an amazing record for a knockout Cup.

 

 

Final Draw

Spoiler

A massive clash as we face Manchester United at Wembley.

The Red Devils still undefeated in the League this season, on the verge of their 3rd straight title, will be a tough ask to take our third League Cup in a row.

 

A long history and not a good record that we will need to overcome.

We did, however, win our first League Cup against them two seasons ago.

 

 

Up next...back to League action as we travel to 14th place Leicester.

[Punch]

JAN 2039 - Match Day 25 - At Leicester City FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A solid performance gets us the win over The Foxes.

Rapid fire goals from Aled Harden and Wes Heys has us up 2-0 early.

The hosts would pull one back on 17 minutes, before John Wright killed the game off on the stroke of half time.

We controlled the second half, without putting any more in the net.

It was pleasing to see us get a result without relying on Gary Gowdy to score.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Still holding 4th.

 

 

Up next...we take on Leeds at The Isle.

[Punch]

JAN 2039

A monster month with a mixed bag of results.

 

Analyst is a bit unhappy this month, as we got leaky in defence, the attack is still performing well though.

 

We hold 4th place.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

 

Defence

 

Midfield

 

Forwards

 

 

Job Offer

Chelsea came after me again.

 

3rd time they have interviewed me, and 1st time they have offered me the job.

Was my first interview for 18 months, but my 51st overall, and 21st job offer.

 

Transfer Offers

We turned down £181 million, and they thought we'd take £83 million?

 

We got a big offer for Challinor, but I turned that down as well.

 

Craggs had a long career with Stoke after leaving us, but we still collect half the transfer for his move to Charlton.

 

Another small loss this month.

 

Our wages bill has gone up as we have been upgrading some contracts, so we are no longer last, but still outperforming our standing.

 

Less games but another big month, FA Cup, Champions League, and League Cup Final.

[Punch]

FEB 2039 - Match Day 26 - Vs Leeds United FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A much harder game than it needed to be, but a win is a win.

Gary Gowdy gave us the lead before half time, only for it to be overturned.

We created plenty of opportunities, and dominated the game, but couldn't execute well enough to get the ball in the net.

In the 72nd minute, Lewis Hoey made a break through the center, before picking out substitute Laurie Turton, who drilled his shot passed the outstretched keeper to put us into the lead.

We dominated the game, without really threatening to open the flood gates, but it was pleasing to see us take the points, when not playing at our best.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

League leaders Man U are finally beaten after 43 games, thumped 4-0 by The Gunners.

We jumped to 3rd place after Tottenham were beaten.

 

 

Up next...we travel to 11th place Forrest.

[Punch]

FEB 2039 - Match Day 27 - At Nottingham Forest

 

Match Report

Spoiler

After struggling to score against Leeds, we get into a shoot out with the Tricky Trees.

Gary Gowdy lobbed the keeper to get us on the board before most of the crowd had found their seats.

Gowdy added his second of the game with a fine header on the half hour. For a player with such low heading ability, he is starting to find the net with headers quite a bit.

The hosts would hit straight back though, making it 2-1.

In first half injury time, Gowdy would complete his hat-trick, but again the hosts hit straight back, making it 3-2 at the break.

The second half continued in the same vein with both teams playing attacking football, and it was Forest would score first to level the match at 3-3.

We had plenty of chances but couldn't get the goal, and just when it looked like we would share the points, Pat Millington took on a tiring Forest defence, all the way from midfield before smashing home a shot from the edge of the area, to secure the points.

A massive game to get a result in when it looked like the points would be shared. We keep the pressure on City and Spurs.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We jump to 2nd on goal difference as City didn't play.

 

 

Up next...FA Cup 5th Round action as we travel away to Southend.

[Punch]

FEB 2039 - FA Cup 5th Round - At Southend United

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A massive fightback as we turn around a poor first half to come all the way back at Roots Hall.

Down 0-2 at half time, our future in this seasons FA Cup was looking very shaky.

 

Enter a manager half time spray for the ages, as the sputtering offence were given an absolute baking, and told in no uncertain terms that their first half performance was not up to scratch.

6 minutes after half time, Martin Challinor flicked home a good header to get us on the board, and back in the game.

Just after the hour mark, Almamy Gakou pressured The Shrimpers defence into an error, and struck an instinctive lob over a hopelessly out of position keeper, skimming the under side of the cross bar on it's way to the back of the net, to level the scores.

Southend were running out of steam, and we were coming home with a wet sail. We continued to press and pressure them, but they held on valiantly.

With full time fast approaching, it was Almamy Gakou again who pressured the Southend defence into another mistake, this time firing a cross to the feet of Michael Pilkington, who slammed home a first time shot, breaking the Southend spirit, and bringing us all the way back from being knocked out of the competition, to send us through to the Quarter Final.

 

 

 

Quarter Final Draw

Spoiler

We will travel to Hillsborough, to take on Sheffield Wednesday in the Quarter Final.

 

We are unbeaten against them in 5 matches.

 

 

Up next...we travel to Germany for the 1st Leg of the First Knockout Round of the Champions League.

[Punch]

FEB 2039 - First Knockout Round 1st Leg - At FC Augsburg

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A dominant performance, although we struggled to find the net.

Wes Heys got the only goal of the game on 36 minutes, as we wasted a lot of opportunities, and hopefully that doesn't come back to bight us, as the tie should nearly have been over already.

In three weeks time we welcome them to The Isle to do it all over again.

 

 

Up next...back to League action as we welcome 9th place Southampton to The Isle.

[Punch]

FEB 2039 - Match Day 28 - Vs Southampton FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

Southampton put up a tough fight, but we do enough to get the points.

The Saints took the lead on 15 minutes, before Almamy Gakou leveled on the half hour, sending us to the break 1-1.

A tough battle endued after the break, the visitors hanging on impressively as we went in search of a winner.

It finally came on 74 minutes, Gary Gowdy continuing his incredible scoring season, volleying us into the lead.

Just 2 minutes later, the game was sealed with Mark Walsh coming off the bench to smash home our third and seal the points.

It was a tough match, and Southampton played well, pushing us all the way, so a pleasing performance for us to take the win.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We still hold 2nd place, although City have the game in hand.

Tottenham are also still lurking just behind.

 

 

Up next...London calling, as we head to Wembley to take on Manchester United in the League Cup Final.

[Punch]

FEB 2039 - League Cup Final - Vs Manchester United

 

Match Report

Spoiler

We came up against a white hot Red Devils side, who have been on fire for nearly three years now.

They continued on that form against our rotated squad, blazing three goals in the first half hour.

Our task was made even harder when James Phelan was sent off after collecting two yellow cards in the space of four minutes.

Mark Walsh would score twice in the final 15 minutes, to keep Man U on their toes, but they shut us down to hold on and lift the Cup.

 

 

We miss out on a 3rd straight title, but we finish with the leading goal scorer and assists.

 

 

Up next...a monster League clash at The Isle against Chelsea, who recently tried to poach me.

[Sonic Youth]

Tough final loss. Man Utd are way over powered. Getting two back late on must have left you wondering if a third was coming. Just too much to do with a player missing 

Otherwise your forms been top notch 

[Punch]

FEB 2039

A brilliant month, with only the loss in the League Cup final spoiling it.

 

Analyst is happy with the attack, but the defence is less impressive.

 

We have fallen to 4th after falling a game behind.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

 

Defence

 

Midfield

 

Forwards

 

 

The finances took a big hit this month, but for good reason.

 

These should be the final facility upgrades required to max out all of our facilities.

But at £11 million, it's a big hit to the bank.

 

A huge month in the League with four tough games. A second Leg Champions League Knockout with a 1-0 lead, and an FA Cup Quarter Final.

[Punch]

55 minutes ago, Sonic Youth said:

Tough final loss. Man Utd are way over powered. Getting two back late on must have left you wondering if a third was coming. Just too much to do with a player missing 

Otherwise your forms been top notch 

They are just amazing at the moment, their only loss was a 4-0 thumping from Arsenal, and from memory they turned around and won their next game 5-0, just crazy.

Our form has been a bit inconsistent, but Gary Gowdy has just about dragged us into the top 4 on his own back.

Edited June 13, 2022 by Punch

[TelcontarTargaryen]

Ahh, I was hoping Man Utd could go unbeaten... well I hope you do it too, but more importantly, I hope you take the Premier League soon.

[Punch]

34 minutes ago, TelcontarTargaryen said:

Ahh, I was hoping Man Utd could go unbeaten... well I hope you do it too, but more importantly, I hope you take the Premier League soon.

I was surprised they were beaten as heavily as they were, a shock result for sure.

Thank you! I think there is still a big gap between us and the top sides, but we are closing it quickly.

[Punch]

MAR 2039 - Match Day 29 - Vs Chelsea FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

It was a tough fight against The Blues, as the points were shared at The Isle.

After a scoreless first half, it was the visitors who broke the dead lock, with a goal just after the hour.

We pushed hard for an equaliser, and it finally came through Gary Gowdy of course, latching onto a brilliant David Kearney cross to level.

Neither side could find a winner, so the points are shared.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We hold 3rd place.

 

 

Up next...our tough League month continues as we travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool.

[Punch]

MAR 2039 - Match Day 30 - At Liverpool FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A stunning result as we were the 2nd best team at Anfield, but still came away with the points.

In a game of minimal chances, we were mostly outplayed and struggled to break down their defence.

Just when it looked like we might have done enough to take a point off them at home, enter substitute Gary Gowdy, who found himself with the ball in the box after a well worked throw in routine, and curled a shot through traffic and into the goal, deep into injury time that was basically the last kick of the game.

A great result to turn a possible loss, and maybe a draw, into three points.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Still holding 3rd place with 8 games to play.

 

 

Up next...Champions League First Round Knockout 2nd Leg as we welcome Augsburg to The Isle, with us holding a 1-0 lead form the 1st Leg.

[Punch]

MAR 2039 - First Knockout Round 2nd Leg - Vs FC Augsburg

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A clinical performance to finish off the tie and get us through to the next round.

Holding a 1-0 lead from the first leg, Gary Gowdy needed just 13 minutes to put us up 1-0 (2-0).

John Wright added his first on the half hour to make it 2-0 (3-0), which effectively ended the tie by half time.

Wight would complete his brace, and secure the victory before the hour to make it 3-0 (4-0).

After the number of wasted chances in the 1st Leg, it was good to see us finish them off this time around.

 

A good boost for the bank balance.

 

The Quarter Final Draw doesn't take place for another week or so.

 

 

Up next...another epic clash with League leaders Manchester United, as we travel to Old Trafford.

Edited June 14, 2022 by Punch

[Punch]

MAR 2039 - Match Day 31 - At Manchester United

 

Match Report

Spoiler

In a hard fought match of few real chances, it was Manchester United who got the points with a single strike.

Both teams struck the posts, in a match that never really reached the heights of a 1st v 3rd clash.

Our poor form against The Red Devils, especially at Old Trafford continues, as we leave empty handed.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Tottenham win, sending us back to 4th.

 

 

Up next...the big month of matches keeps coming as we are off to The Emirates to take on Arsenal.

[Punch]

MAR 2039 - Match Day 32 - At Arsenal

 

Match Report

Spoiler

We traditionally have a good record against The Gunners, but it mattered little as they snatched a late winner to take the points.

After the hosts took the lead on 15 minutes, Wes Heys leveled with a stunning volley, after being picked out by John Hodgson.

With the game wandering to a draw, Arsenal, who had just been reduced to 10 men with a player going off injured, and no substitutes left, broke away to steal a match winning goal, and collect all the points.

A tough loss to take, but we were outplayed across the game, to be fair.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Back to back losses have dropped us equal with Arsenal, who have been on a great run lately. We now hold just a 3 goal difference lead.

The only saving grace is that both sides above us, were also beaten.

 

 

Up next...FA Cup Quarter Final away to Sheffield Wednesday.

[Punch]

MAR 2039 - Quarter Final Draw

Probably the toughest draw we could have gotten as we are pitted against Italian giant Juventus in the Quarter Final.

The 1st Leg will be at The Isle, with the return leg in Italy.

[Punch]

MAR 2039 - FA Cup Quarter Final - At Sheffield Wednesday

 

Match Report

Spoiler

Probably a tighter clash than it should have been, but we get the job done and secure a place in the Semi Final.

After a scoreless first half, where we hit the post twice, it would take until the 73rd minute to get on the board as Gary Gowdy lobbed the keeper to put us in front.

Just before full time it was finally sealed when Mateusz Stępień headed home to make it 2-0.

John Hodgson was brilliant in goal making some fine saves.

 

 

 

Semi Final Draw

Spoiler

A tough draw as we host City.

 

We have an even record, but they did thrash us in the League earlier in the season.

 

 

Up next...42 players on International duty, before we take on Wednesday again, this time in the League at The Isle.

[Punch]

MAR 2039 - Youth Intake

 

After the crazy in take of last year, it was always going to be a tough ask to follow it up this season.

So the final class of the 30's arrives, and there are some pretty decent prospects, including two forwards and a goal keeper who show massive potential.

 

Some really exciting prospects, Johnson is the best ever IoM native to come out of the Academy.

While not as crazy as last year, still some pretty impressive potential coming through.

 

The Top 5

Spoiler

A pacy winger, with potential to turn into a striker, the highest rated IoM player to come out of the academy, this one is very exciting to follow.

 

Another pacy, left footed winger, with massive potential.

 

An IoM native goalkeeper with enormous potential.

 

Yet another IoM native, central midfielder with big potential.

We could have plenty of IoM players running around in the squad in a few years time.

 

Another winger, although lacking in pace, but with plenty of potential, and the possibility of becoming a central midfielder.

 

 

[Punch]

MAR 2039 - Internationals

 

We had 42 players called up across senior and youth international teams.

 

Six FC Isle of Man players in the England team this time around.

Gowdy and Walsh leading the line for Northern Ireland, and both scoring.

 

Two new Senior Internationals as Slack and Forrest are called up for England.

Suk-Kuen extends his lead as our most capped player, racking up his 74th match for South Korea.

Gary Gowdy extended his lead with the most international goals at 35, although Aled Harden is right there behind him at 30.

Mark Walsh isn't mucking around either with 12 goals in 15 games.

We now have 24 Senior Internationals.

[Punch]

MAR 2039

One thing that really stands out this month, if Gary Gowdy didn't score, we lost.

A bad month in the League, winning only one of four games, we did however, win through in both the Champions League, and the FA Cup.

 

The defence was not so good this month, but the attack still performed well.

 

A bad month has allowed Arsenal to catch us, and Norwich are within reach.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

Hodgson is 2 games away from equaling Jordan Williams all time appearances record.

 

Defence

 

Midfield

 

Forwards

Gary Gowdy is now at 98 Premier League goals (8 of his 106 scored in lower Leagues), and will soon become our first player to score 100 EPL goals.

 

A small profit this month, helped by our Champions League prize money.

 

.A huge month coming up with 4 League games, Champions League Quarter Final, and FA Cup Semi Final.

[Punch]

APR 2039 - Match Day 33 - Vs Sheffield Wednesday

 

Match Report

Spoiler

Our second match in a row against The Owls, and we put on a dominant display, taking a brilliant result.

With Gowdy rested, Mark Walsh and Aled Harden lead the line, and both had goals by half time to send us to the break 2-0 to the good.

Straight after the break, Harden would complete his brace to put us 3-0 up, and we were coasting to victory.

A late goal to Lewis Hoey put the icing on a 4-0 cake.

A good form turn around after losing our last League games.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We jump to 3rd as Tottenham draw.

 

 

Up next...Champions League Quarter Final 1st Leg as we take on Juventus at The Isle.

[Punch]

APR 2039 - Papa Johns Trophy Final

Our U23's took our the Pizza Cup at Wembley, beating Coventry 4-1.

 

They took out their 5th straight title.

[Punch]

APR 2039 - Quarter Final 1st Leg - Vs Juventus

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A tough match, and no goals could be found.

The xG suggests we should have won, and the player ratings suggest they should have won.

But in the end, it finished scoreless, so in a weeks time we head to Italy to do it all over again, for a spot in the Semi Final.

 

 

Up next...last place Wolves come to The Isle.

[Sonic Youth]

Tough run of fixtures in the last couple of months (including this month).

Juv game gives you a chance in Turin 

That youth intake looks as impressive as last season’s, with 8 players having a good chance of being PL class players. An English forward who is also IoM? About time! 

[Punch]

20 minutes ago, Sonic Youth said:

Tough run of fixtures in the last couple of months (including this month).

Juv game gives you a chance in Turin 

That youth intake looks as impressive as last season’s, with 8 players having a good chance of being PL class players. An English forward who is also IoM? About time! 

To be honest, I am not sure there are many non-tough games at the moment...Wolves, who have been pushing Europe the last few years, are running dead last...and it's still going to be a tough game.

 

Keeping them scoreless was huge, but still going to be an extremely tough road trip to get a result from.

 

IoM forward, midfielder, and goalkeeper...that alone almost makes it better than last years intake

[Punch]

APR 2039 - Match Day 34 - Vs Wolverhampton Wanderers

 

Match Report

Spoiler

We fell asleep in the final 10 minutes, and it almost cost us points.

Marcus Slack got us on the board early, before Moses Senkoomi gave us a 2-0 lead at half time.

After half time, Mark Walsh made it 3-0.

We the coasted a bit and nearly fell asleep allowing two quick fire goals to bring it back to 3-2, before we finally woke up and shut it down.

We got the points, but the lapse was disappointing, and would have hurt us a lot more against a top team.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We still sit 3rd, equal with Arsenal.

 

 

Up next...off to Italy for the 2nd Leg of our Champions League Quarter Final against Juventus.

[Punch]

APR 2039 - Quarter Final 2nd Leg - At Juventus

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A cracker of a game in Turin as we were outplayed by Juventus, only to come back from the dead and almost snatch the tie on away goals, before they scored a late winner to go through.

After a 0-0 at The Isle a week ago, it was all on the line, but Juventus got off to a flyer, taking a 2-0 lead by 22 minutes.

The hosts were playing us off the paddock, and we were probably lucky not to be three or four down by half time.

Gary Gowdy got us back in the game with a spectacular solo goal on the hour mark.

We struggled to make a lot of chances, their defence was hard to break down.

It took a mistake from their defenders to give Mark Walsh a chance to equalise in the final ten minutes, and he made no mistake.

At 2-2, the away goals rule (still active in this version) has us going through to the semi final.

Just two minutes later, Juve struck back with a volley that hit the post and went in.

With time ticking down, a stinging shot from Gowdy struck the post and stayed out.

We were that close, either way, to going through to the semi, but today just wasn't our day.

With the Board wanting First Knockout Round, we have over achieved for the second year in a row.

 

 

So we bow out a round earlier than last season, but still an impressive performance to make it that far.

 

 

Up next...we host Manchester City at The Isle in the FA Cup Semi Final.

[Sonic Youth]

So close!

The tough games keep coming, though that’s why you’re playing in this league 

[Punch]

1 hour ago, Sonic Youth said:

So close!

The tough games keep coming, though that’s why you’re playing in this league 

Yep, we are getting close to the point where we are pushing these big clubs. Just need to reach that point that pushes us over the edge to be able to beat them

[Punch]

APR 2039 - FA Cup Semi Final - Vs Manchester City

 

Match Report

Spoiler

An epic battle at The Isle, as City get home in a tight one.

In a game of attrition, and constant fouling, how both teams finished with 11 on the field is anyones guess.

Neither side were able to create much in the way of chances, and it would be a case of who would blink first.

The moment came on 52 minutes when John Hodgson mishandled an innocuous cross, which deflected into the path of the City striker who made no mistake.

It was harsh on Hodsgon that it would be his mistake that would decide the result.

 

 

We bow out in the Semi Final for the second season in a row.

A good run, but still, almost seems like a disappointing result.

 

 

Up next...back to League action as we travel to Watford.

[Punch]

APR 2039 - Match Day 35 - At Watford

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A comprehensive victory as lowly Watford are brushed aside.

First half goals in the space of four minutes to Gary Gowdy and Mark Walsh, along with a deflected cross own goal had us up 3-0 at the break.

We were able to control the second half, and while they pulled one back, Gary Gowdy completed his brace before full time, scoring his 30th Premier League goal of the season.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

SO with three games to play we sit 2nd, after City lose.

Manchester United have been crowned Champions for the 3rd straight season.

All the Europe places are still up for grabs, while Wolves are the first team relegated.

 

 

Up next...we welcome West Ham to The Isle.

[Punch]

APR 2039

Under 18s - Best in Europe

 

Our Under 18's squad have shocked Europe by taking out the U19s Champions League.

 

Some pretty handy clubs on that list over the course of this save, and now we are forever etched into it's history.

[Punch]

APR 2039 - Match Day 36 - Vs West Ham United

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A brilliant performance as The Hammers are put to the sword at The Isle.

Martin Challinor and Aled Harden scored early to have us two up by 17 minutes.

Petrosino scored his customary goal against us to make it 2-1 at half time.

Just after half time, Gary Gowdy made it 3-1, before 13 minutes late stealing in and lobbing the keeper to coimplete his brace and make it 4-1.

Just before full time, Harden completed his own brace with a headed corner to make it a 5-1 final scoreline.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Still holding 2nd place, but with such a tight table, and two games to play, all Europe places are still up for grabs.

 

 

Up next...away to Newcastle who are trying to get out of the relegation zone.

[Punch]

APR 2039

A not so great month in the Cups as we were knocked out of the Champions League and the FA Cup, but we managed to stay perfect in the League.

 

The Analyst is happy with the attack, but still thinks we are leaky on the Defence side.

 

2nd place with 2 games to play.

Man U have been crowned Champions for the 3rd straight season, while Wolves are the first team relegated.

All the Europe places are still up for grabs.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

Hodgson has broken Jordan Williams all time appearances mark, and will also become the first player to reach 400 games.

 

Defence

 

Midfield

 

Forwards

Gowdy has hit 40 goals for the season, 32 in the Premier League.

 

Our perfect League month lead me to the Manager of the Month award.

 

We are still turning a decent profit compared to the rest of the League.

 

Two games to play to secure Champions League qualification again.

[Punch]

MAY 2039

After taking out the U19s Champions League, the 18s have made it a double taking out the FA Youth Cup for the 3rd straight year.

 

That makes it 9 Cups in the last 10 years for our 18s squad.