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

[Punch]

2 hours ago, Sonic Youth said:

Sleepy start, with a trophy in the mix. Will be good to win against Man Utd.

We didn't give up an injury time goal...progress right?

[Sonic Youth]

3 hours ago, Punch said:

We didn't give up an injury time goal...progress right?

As long as you’ve also scored more than them 

[Punch]

4 hours ago, Sonic Youth said:

As long as you’ve also scored more than them 

Haha I was referring to the Sheffield game, but we will soon see about Man U.

[Punch]

AUG 2042 - Match Day 3 - Vs Manchester United

 

Match Report

Spoiler

Ouch! While it wasn't injury time, we do concede a late goal to go down at home to the red side of Manchester, our second loss to them this month.

The visitors struck early, getting on the board in the 7th minute, but from there it settled down into a tough old fashioned battle.

Neither side created many chances, but Man U kept their slim lead through to the half time break.

After a half time rev up, we come out much more positive in the second half, and a good interchange between our two midfielders resulted in Lewis Hoey bending home an equaliser from the edge of the area.

The tough battle continued, but on 75 minutes, a fairly tame corner found an unmarked Man U player who smashed home inside the 6 yard box to put them in front.

We mounted a few raids in the final 10 minutes, but too many shots missed the mark, and we suffered our first defeat of the season.

 

In fact it was our first defeat in 15 League games, stretching back to last season.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

The viewing does not get much better here.

Officially our worst ever start to a Premier League season, and I believe the lowest we have ever been on the Premier League table.

 

"Things can only get better...but they better not get worse..."

 

 

Up next...Just four games into the season we face a must win clash, and mercifully, it's at home to last place Brighton, who with all due respect, have been woeful, conceding 10 goals in three games, while scoring none. Looking every bit the favourites to go straight back down to The Championship.

[Punch]

AUG 2042 - League Cup 3rd Round Draw

A reasonably tough draw as we get Sheffield United at home in the 3rd Round.

As the Board don't care about this competition, it will be for the rotated squad again.

 

We have a brilliant record against them, but they did hold us to a draw in our most recent meeting.

[Punch]

AUG 2042 - Group Stage Draw

The media think we have a tough group stage draw, as we get Dortmund, Barcelona, and Salzburg.

 

And just for qualifying for the Group Stage, the money is already rolling in.

[Punch]

AUG 2042 - Match Day 4 - Vs Brighton & Hove Albion

 

Match Report

Spoiler

Finally it clicks as we demolish the struggling Seagulls.

Gary Gowdy hadn't scored a goal, but he got off the mark in the second minute of this one, before scoring two more goals in the second half to complete a brilliant hat-trick.

Khaled Hussein continued his goal scoring run to start the season, adding the second goal of the first half.

We played well, but probably only met the expectations, and will need to continue this form against better teams.

 

 

Spoiler

We jumped up 8 places to 8th place.

 

 

Up next...41 players on international duty, before we travel to West Ham.

[Punch]

AUG 2042

Just like that, the first month of the season is over already.

A patchy start to the season with two losses to Man U, two League draws, and a win to finish the month, wrapped around winning our 2nd European Super Cup.

 

The Analyst is pretty unhappy with both the attack and defence at the moment.

 

A morale boosting win to end the month took us to 8th, after being as low as 16th.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeeper

 

Defence

 

Midfield

 

Forwards

 

Hussein has been on fire to start the season, despite our patchy form, taking out both the Player of the Month, and they Young Player of the Month.

 

After the player sales last month, and the Champions League money this month, the bank is looking very healthy.

 

A pretty decent increase in season ticket sales.

 

A busy month coming up as the Champions League kicks off, our League Cup campaign begins, and we face three tough League games, ending with the Manannan Derby against Liverpool.

[Punch]

Transfer Window

 

The August Transfer Window rolled over to the beginning of September, and we made another player sale.

It was a monster transfer window for us this season.

 

After the previous sales, on the final day of the window, Villa and Southampton both came after Kyle Christian.

Christian is a decent midfielder who had made over 100 appearances for the club, but he has mostly been relegated to bench/back up player.

With younger options snapping at his heals, and some monster offers coming in, we finally settled on a huge deal with Villa.

Even though I don't normally like selling to clubs in our own division, I couldn't knock back this money for a back up player.

 

We break our transfer fee record for the third time this window.

I think someone at Villa is going to have a lot of explaining to do, because he really isn't worth that much.

The system valued him at £44 million, and they got into a bidding war when Southampton made a few offers as well.

 

We add to our already monster transfer window.

Now I just need to get the Board to let me use some if it to build a bigger stadium

 

We also got money from an old sell on clause.

We sold Wood to Watford three years ago for about £2.5 million, and for nothing more than adding a clause, three years down the line we make another £2 million for our efforts.

 

The Board want this improved, but it won't happen until they agree to a new stadium.

 

With all those players sold, and the upgrading of a few contracts, the net result is...we are spending about the same on wages as last season.

Edited November 12, 2022 by Punch

[Punch]

SEP 2042 - Internationals

 

41 Players called up across Senior and Youth international levels this month.

 

Khlaed Hussein continues his great early season form, scoring in both matches.

 

Gowdy continues inching towards the 100 cap mark, while Aled Harden keeps scoring as well.

We also welcomed our 35th Senor International as Stewart Kearney becomes our 10th English International.

[Punch]

SEP 2042 - Champions League Preview

 

As defending Champions, we are rated outsiders by the Bookies to repeat.

Inter, who won back to back titles prior to us have been installed as favourites.

 

Our Golden Boot winner from last season, Craig Hoston, is also a massive outsider in the market this season.

 

Our campaign kicks off at home to Barcelona, following our upcoming League match against West Ham.

[Punch]

SEP 2042 - Match Day 5 - At West Ham United

 

Match Report

Spoiler

On a combined xG of less than 1.5, this game somehow managed to produce 5 goals, but it was a pretty ordinary game, as we gave up the lead twice to get beaten 2-3.

Early goals to Gowdy and Hussein were both cancelled out, before the hosts took the lead in 1st half injury time.

That would be as exciting as it got, as the second half descended into a snooze-fest, as neither side could manage a single shot on target.

A very strange game, but ultimately, a very disappointing result.

 

After a 15 game unbeaten League run back to last season, we are now only one win from our first 5 this season.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We dropped 5 places to 13th, and are already 8 points from the lead.

 

 

Up next...back to The Isle as we kick off our Champions League campaign against Barcelona.

[Sonic Youth]

Such an unexpected start, with no let-up in the schedule.

Could the sales have disrupted the team?

[Punch]

5 hours ago, Sonic Youth said:

Such an unexpected start, with no let-up in the schedule.

Could the sales have disrupted the team?

I don't think so, because the players that were sold were all back-up or bench players that were not regular first team players, and some were not playing at all.

Hoping it's just a slow start, and some bad luck, that we can turn around.

[Punch]

SEP 2042 - Transfer rumours

 

This story caught my eye.

First I have heard of him wanting to discuss terms as soon as possible.

Considering I have previously turned down £190 million for him, Real Madrid better be prepared to break the bank

[Punch]

SEP 2042 - Group Stage 1st Match - Vs FC Barcelona

 

Match Report

Spoiler

We've had a rough start to the season, but when we put it together, damn we are fun to watch.

Aled Harden just keeps popping up at important moments, and after a nervous start, he was on the spot to smash home the first goal of our campaign.

We were all over the Spanish giants, but it wasn't until nearly the hour mark before Gary Gowdy made his mark...with a headed goal, of all things.

Just to prove it wasn't a fluke, 6 minutes later he headed home his second of the match to put it beyond doubt.

For those wondering, Gowdy has decent heading ability, but the jumping ability similar to that of a house brick...you'd almost put money on someone else having had a shot at goal, and Gowdy got his head in the way and it deflected in

A headed goal is rare from him, two in 6 minutes is just taking the mickey.

Young Browne came off the bench to put the icing on the cake and complete a 4-0 domination...also with a headed goal

 

I added this because it gave me a bit of a laugh...particularly the final sentence.

Gowdy is a goal scoring machine, he's won three EPL golden boots in a row, he's scored goals on just about every continent, has made nearly 100 international appearances, and scored at two World Cups...but his bio still talks about scoring the winning goal in the Youth FA Cup...a decade ago

 

Winning keeps the bank balance rolling.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Dortmund comfortable beat Salzburg in the other Group match.

 

No surprises after one match.

 

 

Up next...our patchy League form gets put to the test again as we travel to the ever improving Norwich, who shelled out almost £200 million in transfers during the off season.

[Punch]

SEP 2042 - Match Day 6 - At Norwich City

 

Match Report

Spoiler

In a match that was the complete opposite of our previous League match, the first half was a snooze-fest, before exploding in the second half.

Gary Gowdy blazed a four minute brace to send us 2-0 up.

What came next was a complete calamity as we gave up three goals in thirteen minutes, in a capitulation of epic proportions.

I probably need to take some of the blame, as I may not have rotated enough after our mid-week game against Barcelona, given the importance of the match, I wanted to play the strongest team we could, but we ran out of steam, and once they got on a role, we couldn't stop the tide.

Norwich have been excellent this season, but this was still a poor finish to the match.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Norwich remain unbeaten, and we drop to 15th.

We need to turn this around quickly, as with big games coming thick and fast, this season could quickly turn into a right off.

 

Up next...our first team can get some much needed rest as we will send out the rotated squad against Sheffield United in the 3rd Round of the League Cup.

 

Edited November 14, 2022 by Punch

[Sonic Youth]

Tough end against Norwich.

[Punch]

7 hours ago, Sonic Youth said:

Tough end against Norwich.

Ran out of steam.

[Punch]

SEP 2042 - League Cup 3rd Round - Vs Sheffield United FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

We sent the kids and fringe players out in the League Cup, and they didn't disappoint.

An early penalty to young midfielder Jim Reid gave us the half time lead.

We continued to pressure and were rewarded with two goals in two minutes to secure the win.

A good solid performance from the younger squad.

 

Andy Cusato wanted to go out on loan for more regular football, so we agreed to send him out, making Scott Green the new back up.

He finally got to make his debut, and put in a great performance.

A future number one on our hands here.

 

 

Round Four Draw

Spoiler

Drawn away to Rotherham who we have a brilliant record against, but it's been quite a while since our last meeting.

 

 

Up next...another monster clash at The Isle as we host Liverpool in the Manannan Derby.

[Punch]

SEP 2042 - Schedule Chaos

 

 

Our busy early season schedule, combined with our poor early season League form, has thrown up a selection dilemma for our next two games.

 

On Saturday, we have the massively important Manannan Derby, at home to Liverpool. Now given our poor start to the season, we probably need to throw out our strongest side to give us the best chance of taking the three points and getting our season back on track.

The issue then becomes, three days later, we take on Dortmund in a massive Champions League clash, but as it's an away game, it then means on one days rest, we would need to travel to Germany, probably making a lot of the players from the Liverpool game struggling to be available, given our already hectic start to the season, and players still recovering from the World Cup.

We have to turn it around in the League, meaning I might have to gamble with some youngsters and fringe players at Dortmund.

Some interesting decisions to be made in the next few games.

[Punch]

SEP 2042 - Match Day 7 - Vs Liverpool FC

 

THE MANANNAN DERBY

 

Match Report

Spoiler

An absolutely brutal Manannan Derby, where both sides went at it for the full 90. We managed to come out on top, but at some cost.

It was a hard fought match, but the game was only 7 minutes old when we lost Aled Harden to a torn calf.

Seven minutes later, Gary Gowdy smashed home his first of the game, but the lead was short lived at The Reds hit straight back.

Craig Hoston was causing havoc up front, and he forced an error from the Liverpool defence which allowed Khaled Hussein to restore our lead.

Hoston was at it again 5 minutes later and was brought down in the box. Gowdy smashed his spot kick against the post, but with the keeper flat on the ground, the rebound came straight back and Gowdy was able to guide it passed the helpless keeper to make it 3-1.

In first half stoppage time, a mix up in midfield allowed Liverpool to break and score another to make it 3-2 at half time, and it was still anyone's game.

The second half continued at a break neck pace, and the referee done well to mostly keep control, and even better to mostly keep his cards in his pocket.

Near the hour mark, it was the visitors turn to have a player go down with a serious injury, looking like a broken foot.

Both sides created chances, and both sides smashed the wood work twice, so the score could have ended up anything.

On 76 minutes, it was Craig Hoston again being a thorn in the Liverpool defence, creating the chance, that Gowdy converted to complete his hat-trick, and put the game beyond doubt, securing a much needed three points.

That was a tough match, just what we didn't need before a quick turn around.

 

This one hurts a lot. While the 'star' ability rates him as an average player, Harden is one of our best creators and assist providers. He is going to be a very big loss on the right wing.

Somewhat luckily, we have a ready made replacement in young Simon Johnson, jogging on the spot ready to step straight in and play that role. It will be a huge test for the 19 year old, but as my support staff have been pushing his case for a while now, maybe this will be the making of him.

As expected, the condition hearts on a lot of players will make it impossible for them to back up against Dortmund, so it's going to be a very different team that takes the pitch in Germany.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

A much needed win takes us back up to 11th place, but we have gien the front runners a massive head start.

 

 

Up next...a short turn around as we head to Germany to take on Dortmund in the Champions League Group Stage 2nd Match.

[Punch]

SEP 2042 - Group Stage 2nd Match - At Borussia Dortmund

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A brilliant performance as we over power Dortmund.

We managed to not need a huge amount of rotation after I cancelled training sessions and put in an extra recovery sessions, and it was really only one defender, two central midfielders, and the injured Aled Harden that needed replacing.

Simon Johnson stepped straight into the Aled Harden role like he was born for it, contributing a goal and an assist in a Player of the Match performance.

First half goals to Gowdy and Hoston sent us on our way, before Johnson and Pache completed the job in the second half, of a dominant performance.

After a tough couple of months, and a tough couple of days, it's great to see this team turning things around, and putting together back to back wins for the first time this season.

 

Winning keeps the bank balance rolling.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Barcelona collect their first win over Salzburg.

 

We top the table, and at this stage, it looks like Dortmund and Barcelona could be fighting over the second qualification spot.

 

 

Up next...back to League action as we welcome 15th place Leeds to The Isle, where we will be looking to put together back to back League wins for the first time this season.

[Punch]

SEP 2042

A pretty hectic month, that didn't turn out as bad as it could have, although we lost 2 of 3 League games.

 

The Analyst is happier with our attack, but the defence is still very poor.

 

A win in the Manannan Derby took us back to 11th place, after having dropped as low as 15th.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

Hodgson still the number one, with youngster Green his back up. Green kept a clean sheet on debut for the club in the League Cup.

 

Defence

 

Midfield

 

Forwards

 

Despite our poor form, Gary Gowdy was the Player of the Month, netting six times in three games, two of which we lost.

 

We've moved up to 4th on this list, up from 5th last season.

 

The players sold at the beginning of the month contributed to a monster profit again this month.

 

A slightly less hectic month coming up, with three League games, just the one Champions League game, and the rotated squad will be up in the League Cup.

[Sonic Youth]

That’s the way to end the month, two excellent wins and an award 

Unfortunate about losing Harden. Openings for other players and changes how teams tactically approach you too, causing a little bit of a wrinkle of uncertainty.

Looking forward to a storming next  month! 

Did you notice that IoM is the only English team in the top ten development of players?

[Punch]

4 hours ago, Sonic Youth said:

That’s the way to end the month, two excellent wins and an award 

Unfortunate about losing Harden. Openings for other players and changes how teams tactically approach you too, causing a little bit of a wrinkle of uncertainty.

Looking forward to a storming next  month! 

Did you notice that IoM is the only English team in the top ten development of players?

We are slowly starting to turn it around.

He is a big loss, but Johnson showed he can handle it, looking forward to seeing how he goes in the League.

I think the Manchester's were up there last year, but yes, I did notice we were the only one this year. Not really surprising I guess as we only play players that we produced, and there are a lot of players we have sent to other teams. I guess in a way it's surprising we are not higher on the list. Shows how good those in front us Academy's must be.

[Punch]

OCT 2042 - Match Day 8 - Vs Leeds United FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A thumping win as we put together one of our best performances of the season, but not getting to far ahead of ourselves as Leeds have been poor so far.

Simon Johnson continues his great start to taking over from the injured Aled Harden, putting in another great performance, scoring our opening goal, and providing another assist.

Young defender Matthew Gregory smashed home his first senior goal to give us a 2-0 lead at the break.

We continued to pressure in the second half and as Leeds begun to buckle under the flow of repeated attacks, the Gary Gowdy show took over, and he scored a second half brace to complete a 4-0 win, and fly out to 11 League goals in 8 games.

A positive result, but we need to put it together against the bigger teams now.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Our first back to back wins in the League this season and we move up to 9th.

 

 

Up next...45 players on international duty, before we travel to Nottingham to take on Forest.

[Punch]

OCT 2042 - International Break

 

45 players called up across senior and youth international duty this month.

 

 

Gary Gowdy continues to edge towards the triple figure caps mark, while we welcomed our 36th Senior International, as Billy Johnson became our 11th England International.

[Punch]

OCT 2042 - Match Day 9 - At Nottingham Forest

 

Match Report

Spoiler

With some players still recovering from the International break, and an eye on the Champions League game in three days time, it was a rotated squad that traveled to Forest to take on the Tricky Trees.

After giving up a goal before everyone had found their seats, a tough fight ensued, but we finally got some luck with a Craig Hoston drive found the hand of a Forest defender in the box, with the Ref pointing to the spot.

With Gowdy resting on the bench, Obinna Tamara stepped up and smashed home the spot kick to level the scores at half time.

Just after half time, Craig Hoston worked a clever series of passes with Fernando Browne for the latter to slot home to give us the lead.

We never really looked comfortable, and couldn't find the third goal to seal it, which came back to bight us when the hosts came back to equalise with a cracking drive from outside the area, and went in after smashing onto the post.

While this is a game we probably should have won, given the circumstances I am not too unhappy with an away point, because this was a game we absolutely could have lost.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We maintain 9th place, but lose ground on the top 2.

 

 

Up next...we are off to Austria to take on Salzburg in the Champions League Group Stage 3rd match.

Edited November 19, 2022 by Punch

[Punch]

OCT 2042 - Group Stage 3rd Match - At FC Red Bull Salzburg

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A dominant performance as we thump the hapless Salzburg.

A massive 34 shots at goal, 17 on target, and had it not been for a brilliant performance from their keeper, we could have scored a dozen.

Goals from Hussein, Gowdy and Gregory helped us to a 3-1 lead at the break.

In the second half we just kept pressuring them, and were rewarded with two more goals, Craig Hoston scoring on 67 minutes, before Gowdy completed his brace four minutes later.

A resounding 5-1 win, and while the good results are coming against lower teams, they might be playing us into some form.

 

We keep the prize money rolling in.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Barcelona edged Dortmund in the other match.

 

One more win should nearly be enough to qualify us for the knockout rounds.

 

 

Up next...another tough match as we return to League action, traveling to Chelsea.

[Sonic Youth]

Nice win 

[Punch]

56 minutes ago, Sonic Youth said:

Nice win 

We are on the improve

[Punch]

OCT 2042 - Match Day 10 - At Chelsea FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

The tide may be starting to turn.

We were the second best team for most of this match, but a three goal burst in the space of 11 minutes rocked the hosts, and they never really recovered.

Chelsea came out of the blocks firing, looking like they were trying to play us at our own game, and managed to take an early lead.

The hosts continued to attack, and it was only a combination of some good luck, finally, some desperate defending, and a series of fine saves from John Hodgson that kept the lead at one goal.

With half time approaching, and Chelsea wondering how they were not two or three goals in front, they started to relax, thinking about half time oranges...or something, and Khaled Hussein pounced, finding space out wide to deliver a deadly cross which Craig Hoston volleyed home to stun the hosts and level the scores.

With Chelsea still stunned, just after the break, we were awarded a free kick in Gary Gowdy territory...

 

...and he delivers this curling monster to put us in the lead.

The crowd were stunned into silence, and with The Blues still wondering how they were trailing a game they should have been winning by three or four, Gary Gowdy delivered another curling ball, this time straight onto the head of Craig Hoston to bury his second of the game.

The Chelsea manager was going bananas on the side line, and the fans sounded like they were ready to burn the stadium down.

We managed to control the rest of the match, and even though Chelsea scored late to give us some interesting moments in injury time, we managed to keep it together and secure the points.

Finally the luck is maybe starting to turn our way.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We jump up another place giving the top 7 cause to be looking over their shoulders.

 

 

Up next...the rotated squad will be up as we travel to Rotherham for the League Cup 4th Round.

[Punch]

OCT 2042

 

Massive contract news

 

Massive news out of The Isle tonight, as a Real Madrid transfer target signs a new contract with FC Isle of Man

 

Real Madrid have been sniffing around Tamara for some time now, with report of an offer in excess of £100 million.

Tamara had also been showing signs of slight unhappiness due to wanting a new contract. So as I basically stole him on his last contract (just over £100k per week), I decided to offer him an upgrade to see if I could solve the unhappiness, and fend off Madrid at the same time.

He seemed pretty keen to sign a new contract, and the only real sticking point was his manager wanting a completely ridiculous fee, close to £1 million.

We went back and forth a few times, each time I reduced the Agent fee, and they finally got the message and accepted the contract.

We award our 2nd largest contract (only behind Gary Gowdy's £300k per week), and we keep one of our best players all through his mid to late 20's.

 

After a rough start to the season, things are continuing to look up for The Ravens.

Another good day for the club.

[Sonic Youth]

That’s some good news getting Tamara to sign a new long term contract 

[Punch]

2 hours ago, Sonic Youth said:

That’s some good news getting Tamara to sign a new long term contract 

I was  surprised how easy it was to be honest. I thought he might be tempted to try his luck elsewhere, but in the end was keen to sign on.

I am pretty happy to have shaved nearly a million off the agent fee as well

[Punch]

OCT 2042 - League Cup 4th Round - At Rotherham United FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A devastating result as the rotated squad had blown The MIllers off the park by half time.

We scored in the first minute, and just kept on scoring, being two up by the 8th minute, three by 18 minutes and four before the half hour.

We'd peeled off a 6-0 lead by half time, and coasted through the second half in cruise control.

 

GO home Joe...you're drunk.

You were six down by half time against a team that were mostly our third and fourth string team.

 

I think this is the most negative response I have ever given about another manager in a press conference, but come on, he had it coming

 

 

Quarter Final Draw

Spoiler

We host Leeds at The Isle in the Quarter Final.

The rotated squad will be out to continue our excellent record against them.

 

Only Premier League teams remaining in the final 8.

 

 

Up next...another huge clash in terms of our League season as we host 1st place Arsenal in a monster clash at The Isle.

[Sonic Youth]

Nice response  

[Punch]

OCT 2042

It ended up a pretty decent month as we dropped points only to Forest, while we threw in another friendly during the International Break for the players that were still at home.

We win two of three League games, our Champions League game, and the rotated squad advanced in the League Cup.

 

A much improved attacking month as we score 19 goals on an xG of 13, and the defence, while still on the leaky side of the graph, has shown improvement.

 

Unbeaten in our last four, winning three of those, has brought us back up to 8th, and may have some of those above us looking nervously over their shoulders.

 

Youngster Gregory found himself picking up the Young Player of the Month award.

 

Stats

 

Goalkeepers

 

Defence

 

Midfield

 

Forwards

 

 

Just one home game this month means the finances take a pretty decent hit.

 

We produce 8 of the current English national team, more than double the next best.

 

We also produce the most players currently in the Premier League, also more than double the next best.

 

Another tough month coming, book ended by first place Arsenal, and the struggling Man City, we also face a tough clash with Newcastle, who have already knocked over Arsenal and Man U, while we also face two Champions League games, which could help us qualify for the knockout rounds.

[Punch]

NOV 2042 - Match Day 11 - Vs Arsenal FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A tight affair at The Isle as we couldn't be separated from the League leaders.

Craig Hoston blazed home from a Gary Gowdy tee up to give us the early lead, but it didn't last long.

The visitors hit back 5 minutes later, and by the half hour, we were one down as The Gunners kept piling on the pressure.

Just after the break, Craig Hoston forced a defensive error and and found Khaled Hussein unmarked to volley home and equaliser.

 

We were actually finishing the stronger team, and a winner was almost found when Gary Gowdy put the ball in the net for what we thought was the winning goal, but it was called back for offside in the lead up.

Neither side could find the winner so we share the points, in a tough fought encounter.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

We are just the third team to take points off Arsenal this season after Norwich (draw) and their only loss to Newcastle.

Speaking of Newcastle, they continue their impressive form, beating Man City, who are having a shocker to start the season. Man City almost find themselves in the relegation fight.

We manage to sneak inside the top seven, although Tottenham on equal points have a game in hand.

 

 

Up next...we welcome Salzburg to The Isle for our Champions League 4th Group Stage match.

[Punch]

NOV 2042 - Group Stage 4th Match - At FC Red Bull Salzburg

 

Match Report

Spoiler

A devastating result as the rotated squad hit the hapless Salzburg for six at The Isle.

Resting the majority of the squad after a tough hit out against Arsenal, our rotated squad went on the attack from the jump.

Whit an early goal, it took us to first half injury time to score our second, but the flood gates well and truly opened, and we ran away with it late.

Salzburg have been poor, but our rotated team made them look exceptionally average.

 

Winners are grinners, and so is the bank balance.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Barcelona win another tight one against Dortmund.

 

With two games to go, we are both already qualified.

 

 

Up next...back to League action as we travel to Sheffield to take on the Wednesday side of town.

[Sonic Youth]

Congrats on qualifying from the group stages.

45 shots at goal? That’s dominant.

[Punch]

2 hours ago, Sonic Youth said:

Congrats on qualifying from the group stages.

45 shots at goal? That’s dominant.

Thank you!

That's some serious attacking intent.

[Punch]

NOV 2042 - Match Day 12 - At Sheffield Wednesday FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

Our fortunes keep turning for the better as despite not playing our best, we pick up a comfortable win over The Owls.

A first half rocket from distance from Gary Gowdy, and a late sealer from Simon Johnson was all it took to secure the points.

We battled hard in the second half, and this was one of those matches where we had the potential to give up points, but we held firm, and got the win.

A pleasing result, especially with so much room for improvement.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

A strange round of matches where Arsenal were beaten by Leicester, while Man U got thumped by Norwich.

We sneak into the top 7 for the first time this season, but we really need to sort our defence out, as we have the worst record among the top nine teams.

 

 

Up next...we send 43 players out for international duty this month, before another tough match as we travel to the impressive Newcastle for the battle of the birds.

The Magpies have been in super form this season, having already knocked off both sides of Manchester, and were the only team to have beaten Arsenal before this current round.

[Punch]

NOV 2042 - Internationals

 

43 plays called up across the senior and youth international ranks this month.

 

 

Two new senior caps, as Mathew Gregory becomes our 37th international, and 12th for England.

Mohamed Farhi becomes our 38th, and 1st to represent Algeria.

[Punch]

NOV 2042 - Match Day 13 - At Newcastle United FC

 

Match Report

Spoiler

An epic match in the battle of the birds as we put in the hard yards to get a late win at St James.

It was a brutal match, over 30 fouls, 8 players booked, and very few opportunities created.

It took until the 80th minute for a Gary Gowdy break, sliding a through ball to Luca Pache who slotted home to put us in the lead.

Newcastle nearly pulled off an equaliser, but Hodgson managed to palm it onto the post before the defence managed to clear it away.

Deep into injury time, Craig Hoston picked out Gary Gowdy who smashed home the sealer, and we collect all the points.

A tough match, but we get the points, and keep another clean sheet, a good day at the office.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

After a rough start to the season, we've gone 7 unbeaten, and marched into the top 4.

We seem to be hitting form as some of those around us are getting the stumbles.

 

 

Up next...we travel to Barcelona for Group Stage Match 5 of our Champions League run, already qualified for the next round, we will get some fringe players experience in Europe.

[Punch]

NOV 2042 - Group Stage 5th Match - At FC Barcelona

 

Match Report

Spoiler

With qualification for the next round already secured we sent a heavily rotated squad to Barcelona, and they managed to get into a five goal thriller, but only two people scored.

Youngster Fernando Browne put us on the board early, and then just kept putting us back in front, no matter how many times we coughed up the lead.

Finally an 88th minute winner, securing the points, and his hat-trick, in a brilliant individual performance.

 

Just when we thought it was a draw, the winner also nets us a boost to the bank balance.

 

 

Table

Spoiler

Dortmund heap more misery on poor Salzburg.

 

Already qualified, but this win guarantees us 1st place in the group, with a match to play.

 

 

Up next...a monster League clash at home against the struggling Manchester City.

[Sonic Youth]

Nice couple of wins, with a youngster announcing themselves with that hattrick against Barcelona 

[Punch]

54 minutes ago, Sonic Youth said:

Nice couple of wins, with a youngster announcing themselves with that hattrick against Barcelona 

Starting to really put the slow start to the season behind us.

Browne has some big wraps on him, very highly regarded by our support staff, and is starting put up some impressive performances.

He has 6 League goals in 12 games, most of which has been off the bench, and he also has 9 U21 caps for England...scoring 15 goals

[Punch]

NOV 2042 - FA Cup 3rd Round Draw

We kick off our FA Cup campaign at Bristol, and we have an excellent record against them.