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Don't Look Bac in Anger...


displaced_seagull

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(CM03/04, Patched, Small DB, Slovakia, Czech Republic and England with all available leagues, Spain, Italy, Holland, Germany and Scotland with top league only)

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

(Voiceover)

Slovakia. Velvet revolutions and all that. Formed in 1989, and often thought of as the 'less glamourous' part of the former Czechoslovakia, it's one of Europe's smaller nations, with 19,124 Square Miles of land holding just under 5 and a half million citizens. As it is, Slovakian teams have never really done much on the World footballing stage - Slovan Bratislava's 1969 win of the now defunct Cup Winners Cup the only real success of note.

All that's set to change - or not - with the rise of a new name in Slovak football. FC Druzstevnik Bac - more commonly known as Bac, were promoted last season, and have brought with them a new manager. Stuart Fairway arrived in dubious circumstances from England - apparently with a false identity, though neither club nor manager will confirm this, for obvious reasons.

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False Identity so they say? - well they would. Rob Hollis is the real name - had a nasty bit of business in Poland a couple of years back. Truth is, I didn't do too badly there - and when things came to an 'unfortunate' end, and I was holed up in Cuba, I missed football. With no openings - and nobody to create one - over there, it would be back to Europe. I got this one on merit. Either that or nobody else wanted it...

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(Voiceover)

As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted...Fairway's arrival in Bac - also the name of the Stadium his new side called home - was typically understated. He just came in, signed his three-year contract, and got started. He inherited a small squad - 21 players, with 5 of those on loan from other clubs. With no money, four relegation spots in the Slovakian Second Division - and a threadbare backroom team, Fairway would have his work cut out.

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[This message was edited by Peacemaker7 on 09 December 2003 at 14:46.]

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(CM03/04, Patched, Small DB, Slovakia, Czech Republic and England with all available leagues, Spain, Italy, Holland, Germany and Scotland with top league only)

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

(Voiceover)

Slovakia. Velvet revolutions and all that. Formed in 1989, and often thought of as the 'less glamourous' part of the former Czechoslovakia, it's one of Europe's smaller nations, with 19,124 Square Miles of land holding just under 5 and a half million citizens. As it is, Slovakian teams have never really done much on the World footballing stage - Slovan Bratislava's 1969 win of the now defunct Cup Winners Cup the only real success of note.

All that's set to change - or not - with the rise of a new name in Slovak football. FC Druzstevnik Bac - more commonly known as Bac, were promoted last season, and have brought with them a new manager. Stuart Fairway arrived in dubious circumstances from England - apparently with a false identity, though neither club nor manager will confirm this, for obvious reasons.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

False Identity so they say? - well they would. Rob Hollis is the real name - had a nasty bit of business in Poland a couple of years back. Truth is, I didn't do too badly there - and when things came to an 'unfortunate' end, and I was holed up in Cuba, I missed football. With no openings - and nobody to create one - over there, it would be back to Europe. I got this one on merit. Either that or nobody else wanted it...

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

(Voiceover)

As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted...Fairway's arrival in Bac - also the name of the Stadium his new side called home - was typically understated. He just came in, signed his three-year contract, and got started. He inherited a small squad - 21 players, with 5 of those on loan from other clubs. With no money, four relegation spots in the Slovakian Second Division - and a threadbare backroom team, Fairway would have his work cut out.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

[This message was edited by Peacemaker7 on 09 December 2003 at 14:46.]

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Cheers Gino, PM icon_smile.gif - Yes, Slovakia icon_cool.gif

Chapter 1 - Making a Mark

Within 3 hours of his appointment, Fairway had done exactly that. Managing in Eastern Europe seemed to come naturally to him - something that immediatley put assistant manager Tibor Nemeth at ease. Tibor had been around the club forever - a former player, his credentials for a backroom position were enhanced the day older brother Eduard bought into the club, and took up his own position of General Manager, under Chairman Florent Albert . He too has a son involved - defender Tomas Albert, given a contract by his old man after leaving Kysucky Lieskovec a few weeks before Fairway's arrival. Fortunatley for everyone concerned, the dynasty-building ends there - neither physio Martin Suchy , nor head (and indeed, only) Scout Stefan Simko pulling strings to get relations jobs at Bac.

Exploiting his English connections early on, Fairway arranged a trip back 'home' as the first Freindly - Non-League minnows Hillingdon Borough, follwed by trips to Slovakian non-leaguers Devin and Cana, a home game against Division One side Petrzalka, and finally another home game, against Tatran Prachatice, a Second Division side from over the border in the Czech Republic. Players too didn't escape his attention - a week's worth of preseason training was enough to produce a squad list on the flight to England - and to circulate a couple of names as available. However, even before then, a local talent got in touch. Vlastimil Benko is a left winger - Fairway's early target position - and came to the Englishman's attention after attracting the interest of rival clubs.

Goalkeepers

1 - Peter Kostolani - Slovakia - 20 - (On Loan from FC Nitra - Season)

13 - Andrej Bombiak - Slovakia - 26

18 - Adrian Porszek - Slovakia - 21

Loanee 'keeper Kostolani is, without any shadow of a doubt, our best shot-stopper. That's both good and bad - we'll have the lad for the season, but it would be better to have him under contract to us, rather than belonging to another club. We'll have to put up with it - Bombiak is an adequate substitute at best, while Porszek is on the loan list, and probably won't make great waves in the World game.

Defenders

4 - Tomas Albert - Slovakia - 23 - DC

14 - Peter Marinic - Slovakia - 25 - DC

5 - Maros Puchner - Slovakia - 26 - DC - (On Loan from Slovan Bratislava - Season)

15 - Marian Nincz - Slovakia - 20 - DC

2 - Ladislav Szijjarto - Slovakia - 23 - D/DMRC

20 - Andrej Cisar - Slovakia - 25 - D/DMR

3 - Pavol Mikulec - Slovakia - 23 - D/DMLC - (On Loan from Slovan Bratislava - Season)

With a 4-4-2 formation about the only real choice at this level, we've again got to rely on a couple of loanees. As is to be expected, Puchner has real ability, and it's a bit of a suprise that Slovan have allowed him on loan. Alongside him is the Chairman's lad, Albert - not just on 'political' grounds, though he'll no doubt have to work hard to convince some of the support on that one. He's certainly better than Marinic - only bench material - and even better still than Nincz , who's gone straight on the transfer list. Choices are somewhat more limited on the right - Cisar slapped on the transfer list, with Szijjarto not likely to pull up any trees, but better than his slightly older squad-mate. If the right is limited, then the left is positivley bare - Mikulec another loanee, and like Puchner, one of real quality.

Midfielders

6 - Marcel Horky - Slovakia - 29 - DMC

7 - Peter Svoboda - Slovakia - 23 - AMC

12 - Jozef Pukalovic - Slovakia - 24 - MC - (On Loan from Slovan Bratislava - Season)

8 - Alexander Meszaros - Slovakia - 30 - AMRC

17 - Albert Balasz - Slovakia - 20 - MR

21 - Arnold Bodrogy - Slovakia - 28 - MR

16 - Ivan Bugar - Slovakia - 20 - MR

11 - Tamas Nagy - Slovakia - 22 - A/ML

With 4 across the midfield, the central midfield positions are crucial - and skipper Horky is certainly good enough to fill one of them. Alongside the defensivley minded midfielder, there's a little bit of creative genius with Svoboda . Though there's not much strength in our central midfield depth, loanee Pukalovic is probably a class above most in this Division. With a small squad on the whole, it's perhaps a little disconcerting to find four right-sided midfielders. Of the four, Meszaros is without a doubt the best, and as the oldest player in our squad, will hold a certain level of responsibility. Young Balasz has bags of pace and potential, with a box of tricks to keep us supplied with other options. Both Bodrogy and Bugar are not seemingly up to the task - and are transfer-listed as a result, though Bugar has age, and a fine penalty, on his side. Four on the left would have been again far too many at this level - Nagy though is as quick as anything, but struggles with his crossing. Another left winger might be a prudent choice for a first signing.

Forwards

9 - Marian Tomcak - Slovakia - 22 - FRC - (On Loan from Inter Bratislava - Season)

10 - Marian Marek - Slovakia - 21 - SC

19 - Ernest Lopu - Slovakia - 22 - FC

Again, we're not really blessed with plenty of options in attack. Loanee Tomcak is without a doubt the best weapon in our arsenal - plenty of all-round attacking ability. Alongside him is something of a contentious issue. Neither Lopu nor Marek are by any means great players - and both will have to work very hard in preseason to avoid early replacement.

With the plane arriving in England a couple of days before the game against Hillingdon Borough, Fairway had some time to chase up potential signings. The first a veteran Scot - Paul McDonald , a former Brighton & Hove Albion, Hamilton and Southampton player offered a deal to provide another option on the left. Fairway had also targeted another striker - and in Shrewsbury's Steve Jagielka , he immediatley fired off a bid to the Salop club. With Benko still potentially in the wings, a busy week drew to a close in the mid-summer English heat - a million miles away from whatever lurked around the corner in Slovakia...

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Hillingdon Advertiser - Late Edition - Saturday 28/6/03

'Boro hammered by exotic tourists'

"You don't get a Slovakian side in Hillingdon every day, and as far as Boro's defence are concerned, that's definatley a good thing. Little-known Eastern European outfit Bac brought a team over while English-born manager Stuart Fairway was doing some scouting, and in Hillingdon, found the locals very much to their liking. It took just 48 seconds for Ernest Lopu to put the visitors ahead - he would strike twice more during the game to claim a hatrick. Tormenter in chief though was without a doubt Marian Tomcak - he scored one, made two, and could have had several more. With 125 turning out - more than double Hillingdon's usual attendance - it has to be said, despite the result, this has been a very valuable experience for both sides. Bac manager Fairway was full of praise for 'Boro, telling the Advertiser that he'd been very impressed with some of the home players". The praise was most certainly mutual, with rumours that this fixture could be turned into an annual event.

Hillingdon 0 - Bac 4 (Lopu 3, Tomcak)

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After the euphoria of a first victory, as Fairway and Bac left for home on Monday, a Paul McDonald shaped spanner was very quickly thrown into the works. The Scottish winger - who would have become easily the oldest player in the Bac squad at 35, rejected the contract offer outright. By Monday evening however, there was far better news from England. Conference side Shrewsbury had, as expected, accepted Fairway's bid for striker Steve Jagielka , a 25-year old with a proven track record of scoring goals. Fairway immediatley fired off a contract offer - before hitting the hay for some much needed rest.

With another game on Wednesday, Fairway led his troops through training on Tuesday as he took them over - still 21 players, and no new arrivals. It would all change late on Tuesday evening - left winger Vlastimil Benko signing on a three year, £70 p/w contract. He would go straight into the side for the trip to Non-League outfit SKP Devin - Fairway's first visit to the capital, Bratislava.

SKP Devin v Bac - Friendly

Back home after their English escapades, Bac found things tough going early on against Devin. After a scrappy start, Tomas Kutka got between defender and 'keeper to prod home on 10 minutes. Things got worse on 38 - Peter Svoboda sent off for a second bookable offence - and after the break, the misery continued - Kutka again striking to increase the home sides' advantage. It was the kick up the backside that Bac probably needed - sub Marian Marek heading home a near-post corner from fellow replacement Balasz on 54. The 10 men worked hard - Tomcak denied late on by the impressive home 'keeper - but it was not to be.

Devin 2 - Bac 1 (Marek)

Friday morning, and more news from England. With Steve Jagielka still considering his options, word comes through from Shrewsbury that English Conference side Woking have made an offer to take the striker on loan for 3 months. Fairway was worried by this - if the striker didn't fancy a move to Slovakia, he would probably take the temporary deal - and maybe attract the attention of other clubs. Meanwhile domestically, the whole of Slovakia was gearing up for Saturday's Super Cup game - Last season's Champions, MSK Zilnia playing FK Matador Puchov, 2003's Slovakian Cup winners.

For Bac though, there was a far more important game kicking off at the same time...

FK Cana v Bac - Friendly

With their final away friendly of preseason set to be played in stifling mid-summer heat, it wasn't really much of a suprise that mistakes would be made. Unfortunatley for Bac, it was one of their star men, loanee defender Puchner, who made the first - and biggest mistake of the game. Missing his header, the ball dipped kindly into open space behind the centre half, and Cana star Lubomir Puhak needed no second invitation - firing home an incredible curling shot from 35 yards, the sort you only see in preseason. One quickly became two - Puhak's second a slightly more orthodox shot on the turn from just inside the area. With the scores still disapointing for the visitors at the break, Fairway made his traditional hatful of changes - and still saw his side fail to impress. It finished 3-0 to Cana - one of their substitutes, Stefan Duris, nodding home a corner. It just about summed up a miserable Bac performance - not at the races.

Cana 3 - Bac 0

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While Cana celebrated, and Fairway deliberated on how to improve his shattered side, MSK Zilnia lifted the first trophy of the new season - The Super Cup going to Pod Dubnom for the first time in it's history - Zilnia beaten finalists in last seasons' first running of the competition. It was a close run thing though - a nervy, 5-4 victory for the League Champions on penalty kicks.

With three friendlies played, Bac had one just once - away to English minnows Hillingdon Borough. The game had been planned as a scouting trip, but with Paul McDonald rejecting the offer, and Steve Jagielka still considering his options, Fairway decided he would have to move fast. With a game on Tuesday against First Division opposition - Petrzalka the first visitors to Bac in preseason - he decided to go for broke on the transfer front. While there was no money to spend, there was space in the wage budget for a few additions, and this provided Fairway with the means to get his men. First up, former Slovakian international veteran Milos Glonek - 34 now, but with 25 international caps under his belt, certainly still good enough for this level. Another, slighly younger, but still approaching the latter years of his career, defender was next. Englishman Rob Ullathorne , a true journeyman with stints at Norwich, Leicester, Sheffield United - and crucially, a season in Spain with Osasuna. Two other offers were by no means permanent. Another left back, 27 year old Erik Szief and a 'keeper, 24 year old Radoslav Gardosik - both Slovaks - had been offered a week's trial each, to prove themselves worthy of a contract offer.

By Sunday, the first 'hitch' had emerged. 'Keeper Gardosik had a more secure offer on the table - fellow Second Division outfit Kys. Lieskovec offering him a permanent deal. If that wasn't bad enough, on Tuesday morning - with hours to go before kick-off against their considerably higher-ranked opponents, Bac recieved a double whammy of rejections. Fairway had expected Rob Ullathorne to turn down his approach - but Steve Jagielka's refusal came as a body blow. With his attack still lightweight at best, Fairway knew that he would again be scouring the lists of Europe's available strikers in the next few days.

Bac v FC Artmedia Petrzalka - Friendly

Coming off the back of a 3-0 thumping against Non-League opposition, Bac manager Stuart Fairway led his troops into their solitary 'glamour' freindly in a rather pessimistic mood. He was soon proved wrong - to an extent. Bac started brightly, and on 17, Marian Tomcak put the ball in the net - finishing well from Svoboda's deft lobbed pass. Unfortunatley, he timed his run a little too soon - referee Ligocky ruling the strike out for offside. In fact, it was Petrzalka who would take the lead - Milan Kusalik netting on 27 minutes with the visitors first real opportunity of the game. Things got worse for Bac four minutes later - striker Tomcak taken off in obvious pain. His replacement, Ernest Lopu , soon got things back on track - slotting home in some style on 42 after a pinpoint cross from Benko. Immediatley after the break, Lopu earnt his side a second - pushed in the box, the striker stood aside to allow Tamas Nagy the chance to make it 2-1 from the penalty spot. Within minutes, Petrzalka were back on level terms. After Soltis had hit a post, Bac scrambled the ball away, only to be hit on the counter on 53 - Ladislav Suchanek swooping to hammer home from six yards out. With the visitors down to 10 men soon after, Fairway's side again looked capable of grabbing a memorable win - but those dreams were shattered with Suchanek's second on 70 to put Petrzalka ahead for the second time of the match. Bac did have one last

chance in injury time - Petrzalka incredibly down to 9 men after a second dismissal - but Benko's cross was blocked and cleared behind, with the full time whistle blown before the corner could be taken. Fairway though will take great heart from the fight and desire his team showed - Peter Svoboda in particular having a fine game in midfield.

Bac 2 - Petrzalka 3 (Lopu, Nagy)

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Bratislava-today.sk - Football - Tuesday 8/7/03

"Bratislava-today understands this evening that Inter Bratislava striker Marian Tomcak has been injured whilst playing for FC Druzstevnik Bac , the club he is on loan at for the entire 2003/04 campaign. Tomcak, 22, is set to be out for around 2 months after tearing knee ligaments in the preseason friendly defeat at home to FC Artmedia Petrzalka.

The news will come as a blow to both clubs - Bac manager Stuart Fairway has publically stated that he feels Tomcak is capable of great things - and will be disapointed to loose the striker for a considerable period of time. Meanwhile, back at Inter Bratislava, manager Karol Pecze expressed his disapointment at the news. "Marian is a quality player" he said. "We sent him out on loan this season to gain valuable experience and boost his confidence, so this is a blow for all concerned"

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Thursday morning, and after the disapointment of Tomcak's injury, Fairway recieved a huge boost in the form of a new signing. Experienced defender Milos Glonek , a man with 25 Slovakian international caps and a pedigree of playing for clubs in the upper Echelons of European leagues - Caen in France and Ancona in Italy, as well as two spells with Slovan Bratislava, would be joining Bac on a free transfer. Signing a 2-year deal, the 34-year old will undoubtedly add something to the side, and his signing is quite a coup. The boost turned into a double one in the afternoon - Radoslav Gardosik rejecting the offer of a permanent contract from Kys.Lieskovec to join Bac on trial for a week. He arrived late on Thursday - and made an immediate impact, Fairway immediatley offering him a contract after seeing him thwart goalscoring ambitions in a training match.

In what was rapidly turning into a positive week, after the most disapointing of starts, Radoslav Gardosik became a Bac player on Friday evening, putting pen to paper on a three year contract. He'd not be the only one signing at the same time - club captain Marcel Horky extending his contract until 2007. As ever, there would be a sting in the tail. With the left back position still filled by a loanee, Fairway offered ex-Trinec left back Erik Szief a week's trial at the same time as 'keeper Gardosik. The 27-year old was on touch early on Saturday to turn down the chance - with both Rapid Bratislava and Senec courting him, Szief obviously felt he didn't need a trial to proof himself.

Meanwhile, as preperations for the final preseason freindly drew to a close, Fairway answered a long-distance phone call. English Conference side Farnborough Town had been in touch - and were quite happy to loan young Adam Spicer , a 20-year old striker and graduate of the Boro' youth scheme, to Bac for the season. The young hitman would be asked to consider the approach over the weekend, after being spotted by scout Stefan Simko.

Bac v Tatran Prachatice - Friendly

With new boys Gardosik and Glonek handed their debuts, Bac came into the game with a distinctly stronger-looking lineup than the one who lost to Cana this time last week. Prachatice though obviously didn't read the script - it took a superb stop from 'keeper Gardosik to deny Rozboud after just four minutes, before things settled down a little. With chances at both ends, it was somewhat of a suprise that the opening goal came from a set-piece. After Tobias pulled back Lupo on the edge of the area, Vlastimil Benko stepped up to score a beauty of a free kick, the ball curling over the wall and into the far corner of the net, leaving 'keeper Neumann grabbing thin air. Leading into the break, Bac doubled their lead literally seconds later. 38 to be exact - 38 seconds into the second half, Alexander Meszaros raced onto a glorious through ball from Tomas Albert to slot beat the onrushing 'keeper from the edge of the area. Bac could have scored again soon after - Ernest Lopu looking busy - but in the end, would have to wait until the 76th minute to seal the win. A Meszaros looked to evade everybody, but was trapped by Vlastimil Benko on the edge of the six-yard box. As defenders scrambled to block, Benko turned and fired a shot past sub 'keeper Minar and into the roof of the net. A fourth would be denied - skipper Horky shooting over after beating two - but the win, in Bac's final friendly of preseason, would be greatly welcomed by Fairway.

Bac 3 - Prachatice 0 (Benko 2, Meszaros)

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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by The RingMaster:

Funny, I just played Bac in my Story game, in my Tour of Slovakia. Small World.

I drew 1-1, yer man Tamas Nagy scored in to me.

Anyway for that reason (and of course the very good start icon_smile.gif ) I'll be reading.

Good Luck (Except Nagy, hope he breaks his leg)<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

So I see - I have my bread delivered icon_wink.gif - thanks, and good luck with yours too, it's pretty impressive icon_smile.gif

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Monday morning, and the positive mood in Fairway's camp has lasted approximatley 24 hours. Farnborough have been on the phone as promised - with a refusal from Adam Spicer , the young striker evidentally not favouring a season in Slovakia.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

Bac-Online.sk - Football

'Bookmakers country-wide have now listed their odds for the Slovakian Championship, Cup, and Second Division this season. Focusing on the Second Division, where of course BO.sk's local side, FC Druzstevnik Bac . Stuart Fairway's side are unsuprisingly given long odds for the top spot - 80/1, which will be sure to tempt a few hardcore fans, but probably no serious gamblers, despite the recent signing of former international Milos Glonek. Saturday's opponents, Licartovce, are rated as joint favourites, along with Senec, at 7/4, with Rimavska Sobota at 2/1, Podbrezova and Kosice at 5/2, and a little further out the 5/1 on Prievidza could tempt a few punts'

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It would be a fruitless week on the striking front - until that is, Saturday morning. Too late for the opening league game of the season, in which Fairway's side would entertain Steel Trans Licartovce .

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The Sun - Saturday 19/7/03

"English Duo linked with Slovak loans

'Two young English strikers, Daniel Webb of Hull City and Chris Tate of Leyton Orient have both been linked with loan moves for the season to the same club - in Slovakia. Second Division side FC Druzstevnik Bac are managed by an Englishman, Stuart Fairway, and he seems keen to bring a little bit of England to this corner of Eastern Europe. The Slovakian season starts today, with both Webb and Tate still considering the offers. The Sun understands that both loan deals would be for the whole season, with Bac making a nominal contribution to the players' wages whilst in Slovakia'.

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Bac v Steel Trans Licartovce - League

Unavailable;

Marian Tomcak - Injured (Knee, 2 months)

Peter Svoboda - Suspended (1 of 1)

At home on the opening day is always a boost, but for Bac, going into the game without the suspended Peter Svoboda, and the injured Marian Tomcak meant that many weren't holding out too much hope. Despite that, the three summer signings did start - Gardosik, Glonek and Benko presented with their new shirts and squad numbers (22, 26 and 23 respectivley) on the pitch before kick-off. With the frivolities out of the way, the game stuttered slowly into life. On 22, Bac recieved a big boost when visiting defender Basista left an elbow in an areial duel with Marek, and was promptly dismissed. It did the striker no harm - shooting over a minute later in Bac's first real chance - but crucially, it didn't affect Licartovce either, and on 24, Kalmar crossed for Lubos Pagor to put them ahead. The goal kickstarted Bac, and Fairway's side should have levelled by half time - Balasz crossing, only for Marek to hammer a shot against the crossbar on 41. After the break the home side again created the first chance - this time the busy Benko shooting over. More half-chances followed - Licartovce looking nothing like Title favourites, as they struggled manfully to contain Bac's powerful midfield probing. Unfortunatley, that was about it - no late leveller, and a defeat to start Stuart Fairway's compeititive reign at Bac.

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Szijjarto, Mikulec, Puchner, Glonek, Balasz (Replaced 45 by Pukalovic), Benko, Meszaros, Horky*, Lupo, Marek

Bac 0 - Licartovce 1

Bac Position after Game; 10th

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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Peacemaker7:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Steel Trans Licartovce <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I think I started a story on them once that lasted about one post. icon_redface.gif

I know you wanted to know that, erm kutgw etc etc icon_wink.gif<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Surely not? icon_wink.gificon_biggrin.gif - Cheers

Tuesday morning, and Stuart Fairway's attempts to land an English striker on loan seemed doomed to fail. Both Chris Tate and Daniel Webb gave thanks, but no thanks, answers to the Bac boss in the morning, leaving him still looking to bolster his attacking options.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

www.planetfootball.com - International News

"Valencia Boss gets Spain Top Job"

'Valencia manager Rafa Benítez has tonight been appointed Coach of the Spanish national team. Benítez, 43, keeps his job at Valencia, and is expected to lead Spain to success in their final two European Championship Qualifying group games, taking them into the 2004 finals in neighbouring Portugal'

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With Saturday's trip to Rapid Bratislava a game between two sides who lost on opening day, Fairway's Bac would have the advantage of welcoming Peter Svoboda back into the squad after his suspension, a one-game ban sustained after a dismissal in preseason.

Rapid Bratislava v Bac - League

Unavailable

Marian Tomcak - Injured (Knee, 2 Months)

With Svoboda returning to the centre of midfield after a ban, Fairway moved Meszaros out to the right hand side - a decision which, though hardly a suprise, allowed Svoboda far more room to express himself creativley. After a slow start, Bac took the lead on 20 minutes in controversial circumstances - Svoboda's ball towards Meszaros seeing the winger tripped inside the area. While Kovac talked himself into a yellow card with incessant protests, Marian Marek stepped up and made no mistake, burying the penalty to a cocophony of cheers from the away supporters behind the goal. The goal helped Bac out of their shells - Lopu, Marek and Benko all having chances soon after - but it would be Rapid who drew level on the stroke of half time. A poor Bac free kick was quickly cleared, before Jan Liptaj chipped a brilliant 45-yard ball forward, for Anton Spisak to race on and rifle the ball home. Liptaj would soon turn to villan - two minutes into the second half, he tripped Bac skipper Marcel Horky, to give Fairway's side a second penalty. Marek deferred this time - Alexander Meszaros bagging his second of the season from the spot. 10 minutes later, deja-vú struck - Bac incredibly awarded their third penalty of the afternoon, and again, the turn of Marian Marek. This time, he failed to score - 'keeper Peter Holec standing his ground, and making a smart stop down low. On 74, strike partner Ernest Lopu showed him how to do it - prodding home at the far post from Benko's low cross to make it 3-1, and claim Bac's first goal of the game from open play. It would be a crucial one - with Rapid getting back into the game, a fine Juraj Liska volley on 84 pulling the side from the capital back into things. Just two minutes later, those hopes - and the match - were dead in the water. Horky's good ball into the left channel released Benko, who got into the are and put a low ball into the mixer. 'Keeper and defender both came for a ball that really should have been left for one of them - and Ernest Lopu nipped in to take advantage, poking home his second of the game from close range to seal the win, and a first three points for Fairway.

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Szijjarto, Mikulec, Puchner, Glonek, Meszaros, Benko, Svoboda, Horky*, Lupo, Marek

Rapid 2 - Bac 4 (Marek, Meszaros, Lopu 2)

Bac Position after Game; 13th

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No matter how many times he looked at the leauge table, it didn't change things. Despite winning 4-2, other clubs had leapfrogged Bac in the table on goal difference - and despite winning, Stuart Fairway's side had dropped three places, into the first of the four relegation spots in the embryonic table. Despite this, Chairman Albert seemed very happy, publically expressing his delight at the result on local radio after the game.

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Bac-Online.sk - Football - Friday 31/7/03

'Bird No, Robinson No in loan hunt'

"Stuart Fairway's hunt for a loanee striker recieved yet another blow on Thursday evening with rejections from two more British-based players. Offers for both Aberdeen's young Welshman Micheal Bird and Brighton & Hove Albion starlet Jake Robinson have rejected the chance to spend a season in Slovakia.

"Obviously it's a big blow" said Bac manager Stuart Fairway, in an exclusive interview with this website. "I can understand it though, as a young player I probably wouldn't have left England to come here on loan - but it's still frustrating. Though I was pleased with Lupo and Marek on Saturday, we can't go on with two fit strikers for much longer, something's bound to happen - and I'll be stepping up the hunt for a player in the next week".

He also hinted that he is fed up with scouring British clubs, and may look closer to home. "There are obviously a lot of talented players in Slovakia, but with nothing to spend, I've been concentrating my efforts on loan deals from abroad. If a name comes up though, I'd obviously pursue it - a more local player could have several advantages over one from abroad"

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Bac v Slovan Dulso Sala - League

Unavailable

Marian Tomcak (Injured - Knee, 2 Months)

With the hunt for a striker becoming ever more painful, Fairway led his side into the third match of the season with an unchanged team. Something else unchanged was the positive start for the home side - after just five minutes, defender Moringl hauled down Ernest Lopu, and was promptly dismissed for his troubles. Though Benko's free kick went flying over the bar, and Bac's Svoboda talked himself into a booking after a borderline offside shout moments later, Fairway's side still had the best of the early exchanges. After Meszaros came close a minute earlier, Ernest Lopu bagged the opener on 20 minutes. His strike - a fine shot on the volley from Szijjarto's cross - had been a long time coming, and the young striker celebrated with typical gusto. It would be 2-0 soon after the interval - provider becoming goalscorer, with Alexander Meszaros driving home after the loose ball fell kindly to him from a cross. With Dulso Sala simply not in the game, Bac ran riot. On 70, Ernest Lopu claimed number three from a well worked free kick, and 8 minutes later, Lopu clinched his hatrick, Svoboda's classy pass almost walked into the net. With over 2000 filling the stadium, Bac up to Third and Lopu's fifth in three games, things were looking good for Fairway and his players.

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Szijjarto, Mikulec, Puchner, Glonek, Meszaros, Benko, Svoboda, Horky*, Lupo, Marek

Bac 4 - Dulso Sala 0 (Lopu 3, Meszaros)

Bac Position after Game; 3rd

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Cheers Bjorn - it seems pretty even actually, in both divisions - a good league icon_smile.gif

Flying 10 places up the league table impressed everyone - not least excitable Chairman Albert. Again, he got on the blower to the local radio station, and again, sounded delighted with the three points and performance which earnt them. He wasn't the only Bac employee hitting the headlines...

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Bac-Online.sk - Football - Sunday 3/8/03

'Fairway - "Lupo has been superb"'

'Just three games into the new Slovakian Second Division Season, and new Bac manager Stuart Fairway has already seen fit to praise one of his players. Ernest Lupo has started the season very well - bagging five in three appearences for the club.

Fairway told BO.sk; "When I came here, Ernest didn't look much of a player, but when we got down to preseason games, he really started getting into his stride. He's still got a lot of work to do - there's a long, long way to go this season - but it's fair to say I've been delighted with his progress even at this very early stage".

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Wednesday evening, and for the second time this season, all Slovakia is united to watch one game. Unfortnatley, it didn't come off - MSK Zilnia , Slovakia's solitary Champions League interest, crashed at the first hurdle, loosing 4-1 on aggregate to Latvian outfit Skonto Riga - ruining any dreams of a moneyspinning participation in the Group stages. While all that was playing out in Riga, something very different was happening in Bac...

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Bac-Online.sk - Football - Thursday 7/8/03

"Fairway gets his man - Striker signs for Bac"

" FC Druzstevnik Bac manager Stuart Fairway has finally pulled off a signing he has been aiming for since taking the reigns at the club - that of a striker. Though numerous deals - including an audacious bid for international Slizard Nemeth on loan from his English side, Middlesborough, collapsed, looking closer to home has proved fruitful. With no money to spend, Fairway has had to be prudent, and as such, Robert Patras is perhaps not the biggest name supporters had expected.

Patras, 22, is a Slovakian, and joins on a free from his hometown club FK Zeleziarne Podbrezova, where he has failed to appear in two seasons as a professional. A pacey, right-footed player, Patras is noted for his vision and anticipation - an asset which convinced Fairway to make an approach. He will link up with his new teammates for the first time tomorrow, and is expected to go straight into the squad for Saturday's game.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

While the Patras signing would bring relief to many at the club, it proved to be just one part of Fairway's plans on the transfer front. As his side prepared for Saturday's trip to Patras' former side Podbrezova, some news from England was already streaming across the wires to the more technologically advanced Bac supporter.

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www.seagulls.co.uk - News

'Virgo in Slovak link'

"Defender Adam Virgo, recently transfer-listed by manager Mark McGhee, is the subject of a loan bid from Slovakian outfit FC Druzstevnik Bac . The Second Division side, managed by Englishman Stuart Fairway, previously enquired about the possibility of taking Jake 'The Denton Destroyer' Robinson on loan, a move rejected by the player.

Adam will consider the move, which would last for the season and could lead to a permanent switch, over the weekend."

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

FK Zeleziarne Podbrezova v Bac - League

Unavailable

Marian Tomcak (Injured - Knee, 1 Month)

Doubtful

Albert Balasz (Injured - Neck, 3 Days)

With new signing Patras taking up a place on the bench, Fairway came into the game in no mood to chop and change a team who had won - and won comfortably - in their last outing. Within all of 23 seconds, he was proved correct - Ernest Lopu cracking an early shot against the post, with 'keeper Hanak beaten. Three minutes later, he went one better - a fine Svoboda pass cleverly turned across the area by Marek, into the path of Ernest Lopu , who side-stepped the 'keeper before tapping home from close range. It wouldn't all go Bac's way - on 18, mecurial midfielder Alexander Meszaros was forced off injured, and on 24, a stunning run from Podbrezova front man Kostur set up an opportunity which Mikulas Pelegrin simply wouldn't pass up - instead passing in to the bottom left hand corner, putting his side level. It set the scene for the rest of the first half - Kostur and Pelegrin both having chances after forming a fine understanding of each others' play. With two changes at the break, Fairway brought his new signing on against his former side - and Robert Patras came very close to scoring on 54, shooting straight at the 'keeper under pressure. It would prove to be a costly miss - on 64, an Ondrej Kostur free kick took a slight deflection off Bac sub Pukalovic and found the corner of the net. Patras would get another opportunity on 73 - this time, his shot making 'keeper Hanak work with only a parried save - straight into the path of Ernest Lopu, who hit the post from the rebound. With time running out, there would be one last twist to the tale. Benko's neat chip down the left put Patras away, and his cross seemed to evade everyone, before that man again, Ernest Lopu , stuck a foot out to stab the ball into the far corner, and rescue a point for Bac.

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Szijjarto, Mikulec, Puchner, Glonek, Meszaros (Replaced by Cisar 20), Benko, Svoboda, Horky* (Replaced by Pukalovic 45), Lupo, Marek (Replaced by Patras 45)

Podbrezova 2 - Bac 2 (Lopu 2)

Bac Position after Game; 4th

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Oh there's always room for an ageing Scotsman icon_wink.gif

While Manchester United edged out Arsenal 3-2 to win the Charity Shield in England, Fairway recieved disapointing news from Brighton - defender Adam Virgo wouldn't be joining his happy band after a change of heart by manager Mark McGhee, who pulled the home-grown youngster off the transfer list.

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Bac-Online.sk - Football - Thursday 14/8/03

'Fairway adds to squad on Deadline Day'

"With yesterday's Slovakian Transfer Deadline passing without incident for the vast majority of clubs, Stuart Fairway's signing of an English full back was one of only two deals of what, in the past, has been a busy day.

Robert Lovegrove will join Bac on a free transfer from Oxford United in September, signing on a free the day after his contract with his hometown club ends. Lovegrove, 20, is a right back, and is yet to make a first professional start.

He rose through Oxford youth ranks in 2000, and was awarded his first professional contract in the same year. Awarded a squad number for both 01/02 and 02/03 campaigns, Lovegrove was unlucky to pick up an injury which kept him out for the last half of last season, to take him up to the expiry date on his contract. Manager Ian Atkins though had seen potential, and offered him a 3-month extension, in order to prove his worth. With that contract nearly up, Atkins, who signed another right-back in Derek Townsley in the summer, made the decision to let Lovegrove go.

He will officially become a Bac player on 26/9/03, signing a deal until the summer of 2006.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

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Slovakia-Today - Football - Friday 15/8/03

'Mixed Night for Slovak UEFA Teams'

After the disapointment of seeing MSK Zilnia crash out of the European Champions League, Slovakia's two UEFA Cup representatives are now sole flag-carriers for the nations footballing hopes this season. For one of those two however, the dream is almost over before it began. FK Matador Puchov were always likely to be up against it with a game against Bulgarian veterans of the European scene, Levski Sofia. They had home advantage for the first leg, but conceded three away goals, grabbing a solitary strike in consolation. Levski dominated the first half, and led 2-0 at the break thanks to Emil Tsvetanov and Petar Petrov. In the second half, the Bulgarians scored again on 63 - Tsvetanov again on target - before Puchov pulled one back through Peter Hricko, leaving them an uphill struggle in the second leg.

The result was far better for FC Artmedia Petrzalka , who also began their campaign at home, against Lithuanian outfit FK Ekranas. Despite piling on the pressure against their considerably weaker opponents, Petrzalka had to wait until just before half time for the opener. Slovakian international Anton Soltis, having a fine season so far, scored with the clock showing 45, before highly-rated 23-year old Jan Kozak added a second late on. Petrzalka go to Lithuania in a fortnight's time as firm favourites for progression to the First Round.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

With a busy week - off the pitch at least - finally drawing to a conclusion, Fairway again would have the same squad available for Saturday's visit of second place side DAC Dunajska Streda .

Bac v DAC Dunajska Streda - League

Unavailable

Marian Tomcak (Injured - Knee, 1 Month)

With Robert Lovegrove not due to arrive for another month, Fairway kept the same team for a key game against one of the league's early pacesetters. The decision paid off - under-fire striker Marian Marek , who's slow start to the season had drawn critiscim in some quarters, opened the scoring after 9 minutes - stabbing home from close range after a Benko shot had come back off the post. You could almost sense his would-be replacement, Robert Patras, sinking deeper into his seat on the bench. You certainly could 9 minutes later - Marian Marek finishing off a lovely move with a simple tap-in, after strike partner Lupo had decided against a shot himself. With the visitors seemingly not at their best, it took until the 43rd minute for Dun. Streda's travelling supporters to see their side have a shot - Buka shooting over from the edge of the area after a neatly worked throw-in. After the break they did begin to show their form, and on 54, Durica should have done better, shooting straight at the 'keeper. Five minutes later, it was his turn to shine - Gardosik denying Majoros with a dive at full stretch. Marek, who had several chances to claim a hatrick during the game, never seemed to flag, despite some disapointing finishing late on, and indeed, showed a moment of true unselfish play deep into injury time. With Benko's cross whizzing across his feet, the striker left the ball - and Alexander Meszaros took advantage, rifling home at the far post to seal a fine win.

Bac 3 - Dun. Streda 0 (Marek 2, Meszaros)

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Szijjarto, Mikulec, Puchner, Glonek, Meszaros, Benko, Svoboda (Replaced Pukalovic 45), Horky*, Lupo, Marek

Bac Position After Game; 3rd

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 1st | | Rim. Sobota | | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 2 | +11 | 15 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 2nd | | Kosice | | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 2 | +4 | 11 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 3rd | | BAC | | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 13 | 5 | +8 | 10 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 4th | | Dun. Streda | | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 6 | +1 | 9 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 5th | | Licartovce | | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 9 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 6th | | Vranov | | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 4 | +3 | 9 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 7th | | Senica | | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 7 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 8th | | Presov | | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 9 | 6 | +3 | 7 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 9th | | Humenne | | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 7 | +1 | 7 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 10th | | Kys. Lieskovec | | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 9 | -1 | 7 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 11th | | Senec | | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 7 | -1 | 6 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 12th | | Prievidza | | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 9 | -3 | 5 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 13th | | Rapid Bratislava | | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 10 | -4 | 4 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 14th | | Nitra | | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 7 | -4 | 4 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 15th | | Duslo Sala | | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 11 | -7 | 3 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 16th | | Podbrezova | | 5 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 15 | -11 | 1 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

</pre>

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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

Bac-Online.sk - Football - Tuesday 19/8/03

'EXCLUSIVE - Fairway lands midfielder as Cup draw sets up Preseason repeat'

"BO.sk understands that FC Druzstevnik Bac manager Stuart Fairway has agreed a deal to sign 29-year old central midfielder Marian Solotruk from Kys.Lieskovec in the January Transfer window. Solotruck, a left-footed player who can play in the centre or as a left winger, only joined in the summer from Senec, but has already found himself out of favour. Described as a hard-working, ball-winning midfielder, Solotruk is thought to have a good turn of pace and (no pun intended), a good 'engine'.

Meanwhile, the draw for the First Round of the Slovakian Cup took place this afternoon, with Bac matched up against Non-League FK Cana , a team that beat them 3-0 in Preseason. Bac will play Cana away from home, with all ties to be played on Tuesday 2nd September.

Slovakian FA Cup - First Round Draw

Cana v Bac

Devin v Slovan Bratislava

Dun. Streda v Trencin

Dulso Sala v Rapid Bratislava

Humenne v Inter Bratislava

Kosice v Banska Bystrica

Kys. Lieskovec v Podbrezova

Licartovce v Zlate Moravce

Nitra v Velke Levare

Prievidza v Ruzomberok

Rim. Sobota v Presov

Senec v Trnava

Senica v Dubnica

Vranov v Petrzalka

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

After a quiet week on the whole, despite a new signing and a Cup draw, Fairway's thoughts turned to Saturday's game.

VTJ Koba Senec v Bac - League

Unavailable

Marian Tomcak (Injury - Knee, 4 weeks)

With Senec struggling in the league, and hit by injury, the home side were forced to name 8 players in their 18-man squad who hadn't played yet this season, 2 of those 17-year old youth team players. On the contrary, for Fairway, it was the fifth successive game in which he hadn't had to change his side. Similarly, for the third successive game, Bac opened the scoring within the first 10 minutes. With the clock showing '2', Benko's cross into the box was flicked across goal by Marek, leaving Ernest Lopu with a simple tap-in to put the visitors ahead. With the very next chance, it was all square. On 18, Pavlik's glorious pass released the nippy Vladimir Roznik, who made no mistake - peeling away from Milos Glonek, he took the ball into the area before burying a strike past Gardosik into the roof of the net. Bac almost retook the lead immediatley - Benko hitting the bar on 22 with a fizzer, before at the other end, Milos Glonek's critical challenge inside the area denied Jurickovic, who would have had the goal at his mercy. After the interval Senec made all of the early running, and when Vladimir Roznik broke onto the ball, he had the simplest of finishes to make it 2-1. With Bac winning little of the possesion in midfield, they had to make the most of any chances they did get - and on 71, did exactly the opposite. When Benko's tireless running resulted in another cross, sub Patras nodded it back across goal, into the path of Meszaros - who inexplicably leaned back for the chip when a low, hard, drive would have been the better option. His shot came back off the bar, but was hustled away before Patras could react to the rebound. Far from seeming desperate to equalise, Bac just seemed lethargic - when Benko did put the ball in the net on 89, his clearly offside strike seemed one of frustration and little else. As it was, it wouldn't have been enough anyway - in injury time, Senec's schoolboy sub Marek Belan clincially finished off a box-to-box move - and in the process, showed a lot more fight than Bac's team for the entire match.

Senec 3 - Bac 1 (Lopu)

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Szijjarto, Mikulec, Puchner, Glonek, Meszaros, Benko, Svoboda (Replaced Pukalovic 45),

Horky*, Lopu, Marek (Replaced Patras 45)

Bac Position after Game; 5th

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Excellent story so far. (How do you guys do it to report the matches so extensively... icon_eek.gif I don't know if I'll have the patience to do it... I must motivate myself harder icon_frown.gif , otherwise my story won't be as fun as yours... icon_mad.gificon_wink.gif )

I'm really expecting to read more about The Empire Strikes Bac ... oops, got it wrong... about... mmmm .... FC Druzstevnik Bac .

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jordivf, RASP, Gino and mmaattyy - thanks icon_smile.gif - It's certainly appreciated icon_smile.gif . Should have started it about a month ago if I wanted Best Slovakian Story methinks icon_wink.gif

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Bac-Online.sk - Football - Tuesday 19/8/03

'Fairway - We want to sign Mikulec'

'Bac manager Stuart Fairway has revealed that he is in talks with Slovan Bratislava regarding loanee defender Pavol Mikulec . Mikulec, 23, has impressed many with his form so far this season, and though only a couple of months into his season-long loan deal, Fairway is obviously keen to make the move permanent."Pavol is a good little player" he said. "We're discussing terms with Slovan, but it would be good to get

something sorted soon. The money situation is a bit of a problem - I've got no money to spend, so hopefully we can sort something out with regards to sell-on fees and the like."

Fairway also took time out to praise winger Vlastimil Benko . Benko, Fairway's first signing at Bac, has settled in quickly, becoming a potent attacking asset down the left. "I've been delighted with his hard work", Fairway told BO.sk'

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Despite his keen-ness to get a deal sorted, Fairway would see disapointment on the Mikulec front on Wednesday morning. A follow-up bid was again refused - leaving a third bid with Andrej Cisar and Ivan Bugar thrown in as well as a 50% sell-on fee, his only option.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

Slovakia-Today - Football - Friday 15/8/03

'Petrzalka Progress as Puchov Crash'

"Slovakia will have a representative in the First Round proper of the UEFA Cup after FC Artmedia Petrzalka last night cruised to victory in the Second Leg of their game against Lithuanian side FK Ekranas. After a 2-0 victory for the Slovaks in the home leg, goals from Tomas Gerich, Karel Vacha and Lubomir Orabinec, sandwiching a Juska consolation made it 5-1 on aggregate.

In Bulgaria meanwhile FK Matador Puchov failed to overturn the 3-1 defecit from the first leg, and ended up conceding four more in their Second Leg game against Levski Sofia. Levski ran riot, with Minchev scoring the first before Tsvetanov scored twice in the first 20 minutes to put the tie beyond any doubt. Although Jozef Muzlay pulled one back on 24 for Puchov, the game was more or less a dead rubber. Georgi Pavlov's second half effort capped a fine personal performance - but it's back to the drawing board for Puchov. Petrzalka too will be hoping the game is a catalyst for their league fortunes - currently bottom of the First Division, they could do with Karel Vacha finding his scoring boots domestically too.

FC Artmedia Petrzalka draw Trabzonspor (Turkey) in the First Round

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Friday, and some bad news on the Bac front. With Fairway's bidding for Mikulec seemingly stalling, news that Maros Puchner had damaged his jaw in a training ground collision would nescesitate a change for Saturday's visit of Vranov.

Bac v Bukocel Vranov nad Toplou - League

Unavailable

Marian Tomcak (Injury - Knee, 3 weeks)

Maros Puchner (Injury - Jaw, 5 Days)

With Puchner joining Tomcak on the injury list, Tomas Albert's inclusion for the first time this season was an entirely expected one by Bac - with Fairway prefering the Chairman's Son over his only other senior option, Peter Marinic. It would be the only change - Robert Patras again only handed a place on the bench. His claims for a first team place would almost immediatley recieve a boost - Marek booked for a petulant, over-exaggerated 'fall' in front of the referee. With Vranov quiet up front, Bac gradually imposed themselves on the game, and on 37, Marian Marek more than made up for his petulance with a diving header of true quality. The only man in the area, Marek finished off a brilliant team move from close range after Lopu's flicked-on header. Provider turned goalscorer six minutes later - Ernest Lopu getting in on the act, applying the killer touch after a scrappy corner broke loose inside the six-yard box. With his side comfortably leading at the break, Bac boss Stuart Fairway made two changes for the second half - bringing on Cisar and Nagy, two fringe - at best - players for regulars Szijjarto and Benko. Though they - and Bac - had little to do in a dire second half of little interest to any of the 2348 - Bac's biggest attendance of the season to date - in the stadium, both did themselves no harm at all with solid showings.

Bac 2 - Vranov 0 (Marek, Lopu)

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Szijjarto (Replaced Cisar 45), Mikulec, Albert, Glonek, Meszaros, Benko (Replaced Nagy

45), Svoboda, Horky*, Lopu, Marek

Bac Position After Game; 4th

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Despite climbing a place to fourth, it would still be a frustrating weekend for Stuart Fairway - forced to concede defeat in the hunt for Floren Mikulec on Sunday morning, Slovan Bratislava unwilling to simply give away one of their young players. He wouldn't have time to dwell on that - or the result - anyway, with a First Round Slovakian FA Cup tie on the midweek horizon. There would also be a score to settle...

FK Cana v Bac - Slovakian FA Cup First Round

Unavailable

Marian Tomcak (Injury - Knee, 2 weeks)

Maros Puchner (Injury - Jaw, 2 Days)

With Puchner and long-term injury victim Tomcak still unavailable, Stuart Fairway would keep faith with his previous starting lineup for the potentially tricky trip to FK Cana. The minnows - albeit minnows with a bigger ground than Bac - thumped Fairway's side in preseason, playing well above their stature. As it was, they didn't start in the same way. Missing double goalscorer from that game Lubomir Puhak - who tore a calf muscle late on - they struggled to win the ball in the earliest of opening exchanges. 19 seconds after kicking off, Bac led - Marcel Horky getting to the loose ball first just outside of the area after a Benko cross had been half cleared. The captain struck the ball first time, simply rifling it into the roof of the net. After the shock of conceding such an early goal, Cana gradually regained their footing, imposing themselves on the match, and before long, got the goal they deserved. On 29 Marian Duris chased what looked like a lost cause, before deftly nodding the ball into the path of strike partner Emil Ziga, who slotted past Gardosik with some skill. Six minutes later, Bac regained the lead - Marian Marek allowing his predatory skills to come to the fore, bursting past defender Cizmar to net from close range. Once again, Cana would soon peg the score back - Emil Ziga shrugging off the persistent Albert to fire into the roof of the net from close range. With three changes at the break, it became clear that Bac manager Fairway was not at all happy with his troops. His changes had the desired impact - Patras probably should have scored on 48, before Marian Marek linked up well with fellow goalscorer Horky to bag his second of the game from close range. From then on it was backs to the wall stuff - Cana laying siege to the Bac goalmouth, and having numerous chances to score. Duris' header hit the bar on 58, and Ziga saw a third ruled out for offside seven minutes later. Duris, Madarik and Kohut would all have - and miss - further chances, before eventually the pressure told on 89. A Marian Straka cross was fired at goal by Peter Duris, who then reached the rebound before 'keeper Gardosik to stab home from a matter of yards out. Heads dropped - and for Bac sub Albert Balasz, making only his second appearance of the season, were lost. The young winger, known for his firey temprement, lashed out at Grac as the two tusseled for a throw-in - and was promptly sent off. Both sides would have their chances in injury time - but ultimatley, penalty kicks would be needed to decide the one-off tie. Straka's first penalty for Cana beat Gardosik, but Marek failed to do the same, his weak kick easily saved. Kohut then stepped up to shoot for Cana - and saw his kick blocked, while Szijjarto made no mistake to level for Bac. Megyesi then failed to score for the home side, as did Bac's Tomas Albert, before Madarik's miss for Cana put the tie at the boots of Bac's Mikulec. He missed, prolonging the agony - before Duris' goal put the boot on the other foot. Vladislav Benko made no mistake, scoring the crucial penalty that would keep Bac in the game, before Jan Cizmar hit the woodwork to again hand Bac the chance of victory. Veteran Milos Glonek shot straight at 'keeper Nemeth - as did Cana's Kostelnik, with Gardosik performing something more natural rather than the moment of glory that was to follow. Stepping up as his sides' eighth penalty taker, the goalkeeper made some of his outfield compatriates look almost amatuerish in comparison, coolly slotting the penalty into the bottom left hand corner.

Cana 3 - Bac 3 (Horky, Marek 2) - Bac win 4-3 on Penalties

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Szijjarto, Mikulec, Albert, Glonek, Meszaros (Replaced Balasz 45), Benko, Svoboda (Replaced Pukalovic 45), Horky*, Lopu (Replaced Patras 45), Marek

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With a nervy, edgy Cup Tie behind him, Stuart Fairway would have more problems to deal with on Wednesday morning. Albert Balasz' dismissal in only his second appearance of the season would cost the young winger a game suspended on the sidelines, but would also earn him a formal, written warning over his future conduct. As Fairway was at pains to point out when meeting the youngster - right wing is not a position in which Bac have little cover.

Discaplinary worries wouldn't be Fairway's only item of note on the agenda for Wednesday. Just 14 hours after Radoslav Gardosik's winning penalty kick, the Second Round draw was due...

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Bac-Online.sk - Football - Wednesday 3/9/03

'Cup draw sets up Bac for Five away games in a row'

"Well, at least the pitch will get some rest!" - Stuart Fairway's words after learning that his Bac side will face five away matches in a row, taking them up to the end of September. After last night's nervy victory over Cana on penalties, Bac have drawn more potentially tricky opposition - Division Two rivals VTJ Koba Senec . Senec beat Bac 3-1 just a couple of weeks back, and will be confident of a repeat in their own stadium.

After last night's trip to Cana, Bac play three league games in a row over the coming weeks before the Senec tie on the final day of September. Meanwhile, Stuart Fairway has confirmed that Maros Puchner should be fit in time for the Saturday after next's game at Kys. Liekovec, though the game could come too soon for Marian Tomcak ."

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With his players given the weekend off due to International games, Stuart Fairway could sit down and watch his home nation in action. Sven Goran Eriksson's England would travel to Macedonia with two uncapped players, and needing a win to have any chance of usurping Turkey at the top of Group 7, and qualifying automatically.

Unfortunatley, they didn't - an uninspiring 0-0 draw in Skopje combined with Turkey's 2-0 win over Lichtenstein meant that it would be the lottery of the playoffs for England. It was an irony not lost on many of his players - Monday morning's training session full of banter, as well as the usual hard work typical of a small side 'punching above their weight' - according to the media men at least.

One player who certainly had impressed, not just in training but in matches too, was captain Marcel Horky . With Tuesday's 'Bac Today' sports supplement came a deluge of letters prasing the 29-year old defensive midfielder, and after his stunning goal against Cana, it would hardly be a suprise. As ever, there would be a spanner in the works before too long...

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Bac-Online.sk - Football - Wednesday 10/9/03

'Blow for Balasz as Committee extend ban'

'Bac manager Stuart Fairway has blasted the Slovakian FA's Disciplinary Committee after seeing the one match ban of young midfielder Albert Balasz doubled. Balasz, 20, was sent off in the dying seconds of Bac's FA Cup tie against Cana, a game Fairway's side eventually won after penalty kicks.

"Yes, I'm mildly peeved" Fairway told BO.sk. "I can understand the sending off, as can Albert, he's had a written warning and everything was fine, but now for him to be hit with a second game out it's a bit frustrating. It's not good for player or club, and I'll be making my thoughts known to the FA".

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While Balasz' ban may have made local headlines, it would be nothing but chip-paper by Thursday morning.

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Slovakia-Today - Football - Thursday 15/8/03

'Demo Double gives Slovakia Third'

In their penultimate European Championship Qualifyer last night, Slovakia cruised to victory over a Macedonia side who had held England at the weekend. The Slovaks started well, taking the lead on 11 minutes through a Lubomir Meszaros strike, before Macedonia levelled through Pandev on 21. In the second half, Igor Demo's three-minute brace on 50 and 52 put the game beyond reach for the visitors, though Velice Sumulikoski would add make for a tight finish. Though not qualified, the game has secured Slovakia's third place in Group 7 - something which will please National Team coach Ladislav Jurkemik . There is still one final game to play, with Slovakia travelling to Lichtenstein next month.

In Group 7's other game, England thrashed Lichtenstein 5-1, with all five goals coming in the first half. Defender Sol Campbell scored twice, with Micheal Owen, Steven Gerrard and a first goal for James Beattie all contributing to the rout. Lichtenstein pulled one back through Mario Frick in the second half.

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Slovakian papers mentioning England? Fairway thought. Was his work being appreciated, or was - more likely - it just an attempt to preview their next opponents to the Slovak faithful. Certainly their own players expected success after England's easy victory.

With Slovakia already out of the European Championships after earlier results, Fairway hoped a domestic weekend would see his side would be able to take plenty of passionate supporters to Lieskovec. Though similar in size to the home arena at Bac, Lieskovec - one place above Bac in the table, were on the whole a club with a better setup - and Fairway knew his side would need to be on top form to reproduce their results of recent weeks.

REAMOS Kysucky Lieskovec v Bac - League

Unavailable

Marian Tomcak (Injury, Knee - 5 Days)

Albert Balasz (Suspended - 1 of 2)

With loanee defender Maros Puchner fit again, Bac manager Stuart Fairway had a bit of a dilemna. He decided against changing a winning team, instead drafting Puchner onto the bench, at the expense of Peter Marinic - still without game time this season. After just four minutes, he would be wondering why he hadn't made changes - Bac very slow out of the blocks, and Lieskovec took the lead on 4 minutes. A long throw wasn't dealt with at all well, and Peter Spanik darted on to fire home the loose ball. By 18, it was two - Spanik again on target after Trhancik's through ball. With Fairway fuming at the break, three changes for the second game in a row was certainly no suprise. It didn't seem to affect Lieskovec though, and on 51, Tibor Gollian scored in clinical fashion from just inside the box. With their manager practically exploding on the touchline, Bac finally got into gear, and after Benko had put a free kick inches wide, they pulled one back. Peter Svoboda's 58th minute corner was exactly what the doctor ordered, and there to meet it at the near post new signing Robert Patras , scoring with a deft header to claim his first goal in Bac colours. From then on, it was all systems go - Horky saw 2 chances go astray, before Robert Patras' second of the afternoon was ruled out for offside on 77. There would though be no fairytale comeback - Duris' inviting cross into the middle for Lieskovec earning a penalty when sub Puchner tripped Spaniak. The striker, in scintilating form, scored from the spot to claim his hatrick, and put the result beyond any doubt. In all honesty the result had never been in any doubt from the first half, and when Robert Patras scored his second in injury time - a flashing drive from Cisar's intelligent pull-back, it was merely a consolation. The game had been won and lost with a woeful Bac start - and Fairway's disapointment was plain to see.

Kys. Lieskovec 4 - Bac 2 (Patras 2)

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Szijjarto, Mikulec, Albert (Replaced Puchner 45), Glonek, Meszaros (Replaced Cisar 45), Benko, Svoboda, Horky*, Lopu (Replaced Patras 45), Marek

Bac Position after Game; 4th

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With his players called in for extra training on Sunday, Stuart Fairway was glad to have a quiet start to the week. The performance - in the first half at least - against Kys. Lieckovec was pretty grim, and with his side not showing their best qualities for a while, the training was suitably up in intensity as well.

By Thursday, he would have a huge boost. Marian Tomcak , the striker on loan from Inter Bratislava who picked up a knee injury in preseason, was at last fit, and would certainly make the squad for Saturday.

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Bac-Online.sk - Football - Friday 19/9/03

'Defenders to the fore in Injury and Transfer News'

FC Druzstevnik Bac manager Stuart Fairway has launched a bid to further add to his squad, with another English defender possibly on the horizon. Full back Robert Lovegrove is set to sign from Oxford next week, but Fairway has confirmed that the club are in discussions with Farnborough Town with regards to signing Matt Hillyer .

"He's a young lad who seems pretty solid", Fairway told BO.sk. "It's early days yet, but we have had an offer accepted, and I'd like to hope Matt will come to a decision soon. Farnborough have been sensible about the transfer fee, and even though they are in the playoff positions in the Conference and need cover, they realise that at his age, Matt needs regular football, and have let us talk to him as a result".

Meanwhile the news isn't so good for Marian Nincz . Nincz, 21, has not been involved in the Bac first team at all this season, and after twisting his ankle in training yesterday, will be out for around a week. Right-sided utility man Andrej Cisar , who has impressed on recent substitute showings, has also been taken off the transfer list, and appears now to have a part to play this season'

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HFC Humenne v Bac - League

Unavailable

Albert Balasz - Suspended (2 of 2)

Marian Nincz - Injury (Ankle, 1 week)

With one name available again after a long absence, Stuart Fairway resisted the temptation to change both his strikers. Though top scorer for Bac, out of form Ernest Lopu would be given a spot on the bench with Marian Tomcak making that long-awaited return up front. The striker was involved pretty early on too, flicking on a huge Gardosik's goal kick, only for Marian Marek to rashly hammer the ball over the top. At the other end, Radoslaw Gardosik was certainly the busier of the two 'keepers in the first half - denying both Cerna and Bazik in a quiet first half. Immediatley after the break, Bazik's little chip caught sub Maros Puchner - on for an injured Milos Glonek at half time - cold, and Marek Cerna burst into open space behind the defender to fire past Gardosik. For the second week in a row, Bac seemed clueless once they went behind - a Cisar header on the hour their solitary chance of the second half in a generally dire game. The sight of returning striker Tomcak lying prone on the turf after getting an accidental kick on the chest late on - he struggled to complete the game - will also not be welcomed by Fairway.

Humenne 1 - Bac 0

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Szijjarto, Mikulec, Albert, Glonek (Replaced Puchner 45), Meszaros (Replaced Cisar 45), Benko, Svoboda, Horky*, Lopu, Marek

Bac Position after Game; 7th

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nice to see you playing our beautiful second division icon_smile.gif great reading

here is real table after autumn period (after 15 games)

we will see if you manage to get at least the same position icon_wink.gif good luck and enjoy it...

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

1 Rim.Sobota 15 8 6 1 25 : 10 30

2 Presov 15 7 6 2 26 : 15 27

3 Podbrezova 15 7 6 2 21 : 14 27

4 Sala 15 6 7 2 23 : 11 25

5 Senec 15 7 4 4 23 : 17 25

6 Bac 15 7 3 5 19 : 18 24

7 Licartovce 15 5 6 4 23 : 16 21

8 Prievidza 15 5 6 4 19 : 18 21

9 Vranov 15 5 4 6 14 : 17 19

10 Kys.Lieskovec 15 4 7 4 10 : 13 19

11 Humenne 15 4 6 5 21 : 26 18

12 Rapid 15 4 4 7 14 : 18 16

13 Senica 15 3 6 6 16 : 20 15

14 Nitra 15 4 3 8 14 : 17 15

15 Dun.Streda 15 2 3 10 13 : 30 9

16 1.FC Kosice 15 2 3 10 13 : 34 9

</pre>

[This message was edited by Peacemaker7 on 09 December 2003 at 18:07.]

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He would be right to worry about Marian Tomcak . Tomcak, only just back after a knee injury, sustained broken ribs in the late collision, and will miss another month. It never rains but it pours...

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Bac-Online.sk - Football - Tuesday 23/9/03

'Hillyer to sign in January'

'Farnborough Town defender Matt Hillyer will sign for FC Druzstevnik Bac on the 10th of January, manager Stuart Fairway announced this morning. Hillyer, 21, is a Central defender and was born in Aldershot. After playing local league football, he signed for Farnborough Town in the summer, but is yet to make his senior debut.

He signs on a free on the same day as Marian Solotruck joins from Licartovce.

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Slovakia-Today - Football - Thursday 24/9/03

'Weiss hails impressive Petrzalka after UEFA draw'

' FC Artmedia Petrzalka manager Vladimir Weiss has hailed his side as heroes after they held Turkish side Trabzonspor to a 1-1 draw in Bratislava. Mustafa Tarik put the visitors ahead with a penalty on 7 minutes, before Lubomir Orabinec levelled for Petrzalka on 40.

In tricky conditions, against quality opposition, Weiss obviously feels his side have more than a fighting chance in the second leg. "Obviously we didn't want to concede the away goal, but if we can get at Trabzonspor in the Second Leg, there's no reason why we shouldn't progress".

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Though they'd have to wait another few months for Matt Hillyer to arrive, Bac supporters could welcome their first new English signing on Friday morning. Fullback Robert Lovegrove arrived to go straight into training - and, according to Fairway, straight into the squad for Saturday.

FC Rimavska Sobota v Bac - League

Unavailable

Marian Tomcak - Injury (Chest, 3 weeks)

The penultimate of their five-away game run, Bac went into the trip to the League leaders with three changes to the side who limped to defeat last week. New signing Robert Lovegrove, Cisar and Lopu swapped places with Szijjarto, Meszaros and the injured Tomcak respectivley. After a slow start, Bac took the lead with a move started by the new man. Robert Lovegrove's throw-in caught the Sobuta defence napping, and Cisar raced into the box to cross for Marian Marek to make it 1-0 on 13 minutes. Sobota struggled after falling behind, and on 20, Ernest Lopu should have done better after picking up a chipped pass from Svobota, instead hitting the post with a shot from the edge of the box. With Glonek and Albert performing wonders in defence for Bac, Rim. Sobota needed until the 29th minute to get their first shot on target - a powerful Pinte effort well saved by Gardosik. Immediatley after the interval though he would hit the back of the net. On 49 Stas got in between two defenders on the left, crossing well for Atilla Pinte to notch up his sixth of a fine season. The goal raised the stakes, and Sobota stepped up their game - Bac thankful to Milos Glonek for a late clearance on 68, before the busy Pisar cracked a powerful drive straight at Gardoisk. It would take one - or perhaps three - pieces of genius to win it. A Bac throw on half way was swept towards the area by Sobota - before Maros Puchner darted in to clear. His superb, angled chip to the left hand side straight into space in front of Vlastimil Benko. His lung-busting, 35 yard run ended in a fine cross for Robert Patras to hammer a fearsome drive past home 'keeper Branislav Benko (No relation) - a fitting end to a fine game. There would be a late scare for Bac - Milos Glonek again called to cut out a dangerous cross in injury time - but the win will be a huge relief to Bac manager Fairway - and Sobota's first defeat of the league season.

Rim. Sobota 1 - Bac 2 (Marek, Patras)

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Mikulec, Albert (Replaced Puchner 45), Glonek, Cisar, Benko, Svoboda (Replaced Meszaros 79), Horky*, Lopu, Marek (Replaced Patras 79)

Bac Position after Game; 10th

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 1st | | Rim. Sobota | | 10 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 19 | 4 | +15 | 23 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 2nd | | Licartovce | | 10 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 15 | 11 | +4 | 18 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 3rd | | Humenne | | 10 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 15 | 10 | +5 | 17 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 4th | | Kys. Lieskovec | | 10 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 19 | 19 | 0 | 16 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 5th | | Kosice | | 10 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 14 | 10 | +4 | 16 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 6th | | BAC | | 10 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 20 | 14 | +6 | 16 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 7th | | Rapid Bratislava | | 10 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 15 | 14 | +1 | 14 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 8th | | Dun. Streda | | 10 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 14 | 15 | -1 | 14 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 9th | | Presov | | 10 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 14 | 10 | +4 | 13 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 10th | | Prievidza | | 10 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 11 | 14 | -3 | 12 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 11th | | Senica | | 10 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 10 | 14 | -4 | 12 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 12th | | Nitra | | 10 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 12 | 14 | -2 | 12 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 13th | | Senec | | 10 | 4 | 0 | 6 | 11 | 15 | -4 | 12 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 14th | | Duslo Sala | | 10 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 11 | 15 | -4 | 11 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 15th | | Vranov | | 10 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 8 | 12 | -4 | 11 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 16th | | Podbrezova | | 10 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 7 | 24 | -17 | 5 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

</pre>

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Slovakia-Today - Football - Sunday 28/9/03

'Kuna goes as Podbrezova become first to sack boss'

'With just 10 games of the Division Two season played, FK Zeleziarne Podbrezova have sacked manager Ladislav Kuna after their awful start to the season. Podbrezova, 5/2 for the Second Division title at the start of the season, have won just once - on the opening day - and look in real trouble.

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After finally regaining their form in the league, Bac would have the Cup to concentrate on in midweek. After their edgy draw, followed by a win on penalties against FK Cana, a tie against fellow Second Division outfit Senec would inevitably be a big ask.

VTJ Koba Senec v Bac - Slovakian FA Cup Second Round

Unavailable

Marian Tomcak - Injured (Chest, 2 Weeks)

With his side back to winning ways at last Bac manager Stuart Fairway would make no changes for his sides' Second Round FA Cup tie. Perhaps crucially, given their shaky recent form, it would also be the last of Bac's five away games in succession. His side would - again - begin well, and take the lead on 10 minutes. Lopu's deflected cross fell for the ever-improving Andrej Cisar , who's half-volley flashed into the corner with 'keeper Kakas easily beaten. With Senec not in the game, Bac pushed up, but on 35 should have gone behind. A quick counter from Senec - their first real forward move of the game - ended in only a weak Roznik header. The home side would step up a gear at the start of the second half, and only Glonek's clearance from Iskra kept the visitors ahead on 54. Two minutes later it was 2-0 - a fine Benko corner flicked in by Marian Marek at the near post. 14 minutes later, it would be 2-1 - Senec finally seeming to get out of second gear, and earning a corner. Sendecky's far-post effort was headed back by Bella, before Robert Lovegrove got a boot out to block. Though the young defender's efforts were certainly valid, his teammates were slower off the mark, and Vladimir Rostik lunged to pull the scores closer. As so often happens, one good thing quickly followed another, and on 77, Bella's cross was met by Martin Gajdos, powerfully heading the ball beyond 'keeper Gardosik. From then on, it was 'Bacs' to the wall stuff - and a second penalty shoot-out. Again Bac's opposition would take first, and as with the Cana game, scored first - this time, through Sykora. Marek again missed the second kick for Bac, before Gajdos' goal made it 2-0 to Senec. Lopu's miss continued the misery for Bac, before Bella's kick thumped the post for Senec. Tomas Albert then - at last - scored for Bac, before Sendecky's blast flew over the bar for the home side. Bac again scored their kick, Mikulec slotting home with ease, before Halahija's shot crashed into the post for Cisar's kick to give Bac the win. An earlier scorer in the game itself, Cisar put his kick straight at 'keeper Kakas. Yet another Senec miss - this time Majernik was followed by Robert Lovegrove's equally poor miss for the visitors. With fans of both sides becoming frustrated, even the neutrals were willing a quick end - which, when Senec's Roznik missed, they would get the chance to see. After five wasted kicks Bac's Vlastimil Benko cracked the ball home from 12 yards - no doubt giving some of his teammates a huge sigh of relief.

Senec 2 - Bac 2 (Cisar, Marek) - Bac win 2-3 on Penalties

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Mikulec, Albert, Glonek, Cisar, Benko, Svoboda (Replaced Pukalovic 45), Horky*, Lopu, Marek

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Glory hunter eh? icon_biggrin.gif - we'll see - cheers.

With a second, tiring, edgy Cup victory on penalties, Stuart Fairway came in on Wednesday morning to some bad news. Fitness tests by physio Martin Suchy had revealed two problems - Robert Lovegrove and Vlastimil Benko both suffering knocks. Young Lovegrove, with a couple of impressive performances under his belt after signing for Bac in late September would be out for around 6 days with a stubbed toe, whilst winning penalty taker Benko's knock was slightly more severe - the winger out for 2 weeks with a slight groin strain.

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Bac-Online.sk - Football - Wednesday 1/10/03

'Fairway pleased with Quarter-Final Draw'

"You've obviously got to be happy with drawing a team in the same league as yours at this stage" was all Bac manager Stuart Fairway would say after seeing his side draw SH Senica in the FA Cup Quarter Finals.

Senica - who ironically will travel to Bac for a league game on the Saturday before the First Leg, currently lie 11th in Division Two, with indifferent form - and results - from their 10 league games so far.

Meanwhile, Fairway has also taken time out to heap praise on Andrej Cisar . "Since I took Andrej off the transfer list, he's really shone when given the chance - and thoroughly deserved his goal last night" he said.

The right-sided utility man, 23, has been the subject of a real villan to hero story this season - transfer listed when Fairway arrived, some impressive substitute performances have seen him make the right wing spot his own with some scintillating runs and crosses in recent weeks.'

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Friday morning, and the standard congratulatory fax flew out the door at Bac - Fairway congratulating the new manager of bottom of the league FK Zeleziarne Podbrezova - Dzimis Bekakis appointed at the age of 36, the Czech taking up his first job in club football.

Bac v Tatran Presov - League

Unavailable

Marian Tomcak - Injured (Chest, 2 Weeks)

Vlastimil Benko - Injured (Groin, 1 Week)

Robert Lovegrove - Injured (Toe, 2 Days)

With a home game at last, Bac manager Stuart Fairway would have to choose from his most injury-hit squad of the season. With no Lovegrove, Szijjarto would return to Right Back, while Tamas Nagy stepped in for his first start on the left of midfield - other than that, as you were. It would stay that way for approximatley two minutes, before Bac were forced into a change - Tomas Albert going off injured, to be replaced by Puchner. By the 14th minute Bac were falling apart - Ernest Lopu sent off with less than a fifth of the match gone. The striker, not known for his firey temprament, went after two bookable offences, all in the same minute - after conceding a free kick for a foul on Kovalik, Lopu wouldn't keep quiet, and after he mouthed off at referee Chladek for the third time, he was gone. Fairway hastily reorganised his side as the still-moaning Lopu was escorted down the players tunnel - leaving Marek as a solitary striker in a 4-4-1 formation. They inevitably struggled to adapt - Marek forced to do the job of two men - and Presov won more and more possesion, coming close through Dic and Viazenko before the half time interval. After the break the game stagnated - Presov getting frustrated, and Bac having little chance to do anything with the ball in the final third. Just as a draw looked inevitable, Bac won a free kick on the edge of the area. In the 87th minute, with only the fourth real chance of the game, Albert Balasz took it shot, confusing the Presov defence - and in the process, setting up Andrej Cisar for a low, drilled shot into the far corner of the net. While the 10 men had never looked comfortable - and the goal had more than a slice of luck - it did steel the Bac resolve, and two minutes later Balasz was the hero again, turning a Nagy overhit cross back into the middle - Marian Marek's simple, near-post header a just reward for his tireless running since early in the first half. Presov were never going to come back, and the 10 men held on for a thoroughly impressive, professional victory against all the odds.

Bac 2 - Presov 0 (Cisar, Marek)

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Szijjarto (Replaced Balasz 66), Mikulec, Albert (Replaced Puchner 4), Glonek, Cisar,

Nagy, Svoboda, Horky*, Lopu, Marek

Bac Position after Game; 3rd

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Bac had left it late, but had secured another win - but Ernest Lopu's One-game ban would be at the back of Stuart Fairway's mind all week. The striker would miss the crucial league game against Seniec - the prelude to the two FA Cup Quarter Finals against the same team.

Monday though would see a return to training for Robert Lovegrove . The young full-back, impressive since his arrival from Oxford, would be competing for a place in the squad for Saturday week.

Unfortunatley, Lopu's ban wouldn't be the only blow to the Bac machine. Albert Balacz picked up an injury in Thursday's training session - the young winger, who's poor form in the early part of the season had been redeemed somewhat with a crucial part in both goals on Saturday - had picked up a gashed leg, and would be out for around a week.

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Slovakia-Today - Football - Sunday 12/10/03

'Qualifying Campaign ends in easy win'

'Slovakia's ultimately unsuccessful qualifying campaign for Euro 2004 came to an end yesterday with a 3-1 victory over Lichtenstein in Vaduz. The tiny Rhinepark Stadion saw a goal in the first minute, as Slovakia never let their opponents settle down. In-form Igor Demo of Borrusia Monchengladbach scored his sixth international goal in his 20th cap with just 47 seconds on the clock. It was soon followed by a Miroslav Karhan strike on 22, before Robert Vittek wrapped up the win with a third on 32.

Although Lichtenstien's Mario Frick pulled a goal back a minute later on 33, Slovakia never looked in any danger, and restricted their opponents to just two shots all game. Elsewhere in Group Seven England crashed 2-0 away in Turkey, a game played without any English supporters in response to security concerns. Nihat's brace was enough to guide the Turks comfortably through, while England will have to be content with a Playoff game over two legs against old sparring partners Poland.

European Championships Playoff Draw;

Slovenia v Russia

Norway v Wales

Spain v Belgium

Poland v England

Holland v Scotland

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

So it was not to be for Fairway's England. A tricky tie against Poland would await - but he would have other games on his mind. This time, his country would have to do without his support in front of the TV. This time - his club would need him where it mattered - on the bench.

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Slovakia-Today - Football - Thursday 16/10/03

'Cenk ends Slovak Euro Dream'

"After holding Trabzonspor for 49 minutes of their UEFA Cup First Round, Second Leg tie, the FC Artmedia Petrzalka dream - and with it, a dream for the whole of Slovakia - died. Kilic Cenk's strike early in the second half killed off Slovakia's last representative in a European Club Competition this season. Coming, as it does, 4 days after the National Team's faliure to qualify for Euro 2004, Slovakian teams now have to wait another year before pitting themselves against Europe's finest.

Petrzalka's young full back, Slovakian Under 21 defender Jan Durica though has refused to be disheartened. "It is important for all of Slovakia that we get a club side doing well on the international stage" he said. "It can only help the national team, and increase the profile of our league. We see kids wearing shirts from Italian, English, Spanish and German teams - it would be good to see them wearing Slovakian shirts, and pretending to be players like Igor Demo, Robert Vittek and the like instead of Beckham, Raul and Del Piero".

Perhaps Durica is right - perhaps all of Slovakia needs to hope for a team to carry the flag - this year, however, it will not be Petrzalka".

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Friday morning - and a welcome return to training for two of his better players. Fairway himself supervised the fitness tests of Marian Tomcak and Vlastimil Benko - knowing that the two players would have vital parts to play in his dream of snatching the Slovakian Cup from one of the big boys. First, they would play 'the one before' - Saturday brings a return to league action.

Bac v SH Senica - League

Unavailable

Albert Balacz - Injured (Leg, 1 Day)

Ernest Lopu - Suspended (1 of 1)

With no Lopu and the return of Benko and Tomcak, Fairway let the team pick itself - three changes, with Lovegrove, Benko and Tomcak all in at the expense of Szijjarto, Nagy and the suspended Lopu respectivley. With suprisingly dry weather for the time of year in Bac, Fairway also hoped that the better condition of the pitch would ensure no more injury problems for his side - for a few weeks at least. Keen to get back into the swing of things, Marian Tomcak put himself about early on, and sprung the Senica offside trap on 4 minutes, only to fire wide under pressure from the recovering defence. It would set the tone for the match - Petras shooting weakly, and straight at Gardosik, in Seniec's best chance of the first half, before Vladimir Cifranic's trip on Bac's new golden boy Cisar on 42 caused audible worry amongst the home support. He would return for the second half - but a second trip on 65 brought the end of his game, with a purely precautionary change for Meszaros. That support had been bolstered - as Bac's league position improved, so did their support - and when the attendance of 3063 was announced late in a dull, listless second half, Bac would at least be able to take the highest attendance of the season from the game - as well as a point. A quiet game had been expected by many - the calm before the Cup tie storm - with both sides sounding each other out, doing a bit of scouting, and spotting weaknesses in the first hand. The prelude was over almost before it began - a point, but what else had both managers gained?

Bac 0 - Seniec 0

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Mikulec, Albert, Glonek, Cisar (Replaced Meszaros 65), Benko, Svoboda, Horky*, Tomcak, Marek

Bac Position after Game; 3rd

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I'm working a few posts' in advance, so the next league table won't be for a little while. Many thanks, your support is appreciated icon_smile.gif

I don't suppose you've found an official Bac website? - I'd love to buy a replica shirt icon_biggrin.gif

With Marian Tomcak's performance against Seniec solid, if unspectacular, and the return of Ernest Lopu from suspension, Fairway would have a dilemna for the biggest game of his managerial career to date. It would come away from home - Senica's 10000 capacity arena the venue for the First Leg. As it turned out, Fairway would have nobody unavailable for the game - nobody wanted to miss this.

SH Senica v Bac - Slovakian FA Cup Quarter Final - First Leg

Having his full squad to choose from was merely a distraction. Ever since the final whistle on Saturday, Fairway knew that he would be making just one change to his side - namely bringing back Lopu at the expense of Tomcak. With his fitness still a doubt after two major injuries this season, he - along with Robert Patras, Bac's fourth striker - would be on the bench, as would fit-again Albert Balasz. The home side started brightly, and on four minutes, Bac needed a Robert Lovegrove header to clear up after a decieving long ball forward. The game swung though on the 10th minute - and when Cisar broke free on the right, Vlastimil Benko arrived on time to fire his first senior goal for Bac at the far post, squeezing the ball into the far corner. Two minutes later, it was 2-0 - with Fairway's striking gamble paying off. After picking up a pass from Benko, Marian Marek's chipped through ball initially looked to be too far ahead of Ernest Lopu - only for the striker to get a foot onto it and divert the ball past 'keeper Hodal into the bottom right hand corner. After a pulsating start, Bac would recieve a blow on 16 - midfielder Peter Svoboda taken off, obviously in some discomfort, after a heavy challenge - his replacement, loanee midfielder Pukalovic. With Senica shellshocked, Pukalovic nearly made himself an instant hero - his scorching volley grazing the bar on 28. As it was another midfielder, Cisar, would provide the neat pass for Ernest Lopu to scramble home the third just seven minutes later. His effort - his second of the game - practically killed the tie, and the home side - who returned to a cocophony of boos after the break - would create just one chance all game. After all the build-up - Senica were woeful - and Fairway leads his Bac side into the second - home - leg with one foot firmly in the Semis.

Senica 0 - Bac 3 (Benko, Lopu 2)

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Mikulec, Albert, Glonek, Cisar (Replaced Balasz 45), Benko, Svoboda (Replaced Pukalovic 16), Horky*, Lopu, Marek

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Wednesday morning - and the fall-out from the 'Battle of Senica'. Though Peter Svoboda's knock - a thigh strain - wasn't as bad as first thought, his replacement, Jozef Pukalovic would be out of training for around 5 days after picking up a shoulder knock late on. While both could be back in time for the second leg, Fairway would have to do without Pavol Mikulec for that game - the full back banned for a game after picking up his fourth yellow card of the season.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

Bac-Online.sk - Football - Thursday 28/10/03

'Fairway - We'll still need to perform'

'Though his side go in to today's Slovakian Cup quarter-final with a 3-0 lead from the first leg, Bac manager Stuart Fairway has warned that they will still need to be on top of their game in tonight's second game.

"They didn't perform as well as they could last week, and we had some luck" he said. "It'll be a different story tonight - I want to get into the Semi's, and to do that, we're going to have to make sure we put on a good showing tonight. The Semi's aren't till the New Year, so once we've got this game out of the way, it'll be back to the league - but hopefully we'll be printing Cup tickets again come April!"

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Bac v SH Senica - Slovakian FA Cup Quarter Final - Second Leg

Unavailable

Pavol Mikulec - Suspended (1 of 1)

With only one player unavailable, Bac boss Fairway would make just one change - the suspended Mikulec left out with an out of position Tamas Nagy brought in - as his only other choice for a player who could possibly perform on the left of defence. For all his public posturing, Fairway would go into the second leg knowing that his side had the game practically wrapped up. Senica were awful in the first leg - and surely they wouldn't be able to hit three at the Bac-Stadion? Early on, it seemed as if they wouldn't - Horky having a fizzer fly just over on 4 minutes before Bac took the lead on 22. The goal came in traditional style - Benko's cross fired at the keeper by Marian Marek, only for Ernest Lopu to roll the rebound into an unguarded net. Seniec would have a chance to level on 25 - Hejcik tripped by Nagy, only for Vladimir Cifranic to fire the free kick straight into 'keeper Gardosik's arms. Before long it would be 2-0 on the night, 5-0 on aggregate and goodnight Seniec - Robert Lovegrove's cross inadvertently flicked on by Cifranic for Ernest Lopu to fire home his second of the game on 32. The visitors' best chance of the first half came in injury time - a corner, taken by Cmilansky and fired at goal by Richard Hejcik. After Gardosik had blocked his initial shot, it took a brave challenge by Tomas Albert to deny the rebound, and an almost certain goal. After the break Bac continued to pile on the pressure, and on 59 minutes, had the chance for a third. Another jinking run from the impressive Cisar brought a Cifranic trip, and while Petr Cmilanksy was booked for his protests, Tamas Nagy quietly stepped up to score his first goal in a Bac shirt. While plain saling from then on, Senica 'keeper Hodal was by far the busier of the two stoppers, denying Ernest Lopu his hatrick. It would be their strikers denied a consolation of any kind late on - Gardosik closing down Molnar well deep into injury time - Bac in the Semi's, and it was just as easy as Fairway had (publically at least) denied it would be.

Bac 3 - Senica 0 (Lopu 2, Nagy) - Bac win 6-0 on aggregate

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Nagy, Albert, Glonek, Cisar, Benko, Svoboda, Horky*, Lopu, Marek

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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

Bac-Online.sk - Football - Wednesday 29/10/03

'Bottom club for Bac in Semis'

' FC Druzstevnik Bac have drawn FK Zeleziarne Podbrezova in the Slovakian FA Cup Semi Final. Podbrezova currently lie bottom of the Second Division, but did hold Bac 2-2 back in August, and have improved since new manager Dzimis Bekakis took charge at the start of October.

Podbrezova beat Division One side Dukla Banska Bystrica on penalties after a 1-1 Aggregate draw in the Quarter Finals. The game, to be played over 2 Legs, will be played in April, with the final to follow on Tuesday 8th May, should, as expected by the bookmakers, Bac progress.'

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

With Saturday off after their Cup exploits, it would be Sunday before Bac were next in league action.

HFK Prievidza v Bac - League

With the return of the suspended Mikulec, Stuart Fairway would - for only the second time this season - be able to choose from his full squad for the trip to third-bottom Prievidza. Coming off the back of two 3-0 victories, Fairway would bring the loanee defender back into the fray - Nagy, despite his clinical penalty, left out all together. On a sticky, muddy pitch - and with a testing wind blowing across it - Bac struggled early on, with their hosts obviously used to the conditions. It took just two minutes for this pressure to be converted into a goal - Tomas Bohacik on target after a glorious through-ball from Cernak. 2 minutes later it could have been much worse for the visitors - Keller's strike ruled out for a late offside call, with Bac unable to find their feet on a tricky surface. It wouldn't take long though - with conditions on the flanks not nearly as bad as in the mudbath middle, Vladislav Benko picked up on a Mikulec throw, beat Papaj and crossed for Ernest Lopu to level on 8 minutes. Despite the leveller, Prievidza still had the better of the first half - Gardosik denying Bohacik and Papaj, while Zimmer and Papaj both blazed over. On 51 the balance would swing again, with Bac taking the lead for the first time. Cisar's pace again caused problems, with his hopeful cross ending in a push on Lopu. With no Nagy, Peter Svoboda strolled up to take the penalty, coolly and calmly despatching it into the bottom left hand corner with no fuss. The lead lasted all of five minutes - great link up play between Milkas and Peter Cernek leading to a chance for the latter to bury the ball past Gardosik and draw the scores level. From then on Bac were up against it - Bohaick seeing one disallowed for a foul in the buildup, before defensive play from both sides killed the game as a spectacle.

Prievidza 2 - Bac 2 (Lopu, Svoboda)

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Mikulec, Albert, Glonek (Replaced 45 for Puchner), Cisar, Benko, Svoboda, Horky*, Lopu (Replaced 83 for Patras) , Marek (Replaced 45 for Tomcak)

Bac Position after Game; 5th

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With another slow news week, Fairway would concentrate on getting his players used to the mud. Though a 3-month winter break would be on the horizon - just two games left until 'cease of hostilities' until late February.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

Bac-Online.sk - Football - Friday 7/11/03

'Fairway keen to offload reserves'

'Bac manager Stuart Fairway has admitted that he is keen to lose four players from the clubs' books. Ivan Bugar, Arnold Bodrogy, Andrej Bombiak and Marian Nincz have all been transfer listed since the start of the season, and it seems the Englishman now wants rid for good.

"We've taken the decision - with the players' permission obviously - to recirculate their details to all Division Two clubs" he said. "It's best for the club, and the players - it does nobody any good to see them sit in the Under 19 squad, not playing, and now maybe they'll have the chance of success elsewhere"

Fairway added to BO.sk that he hopes all four players are picked up in the January transfer window, and will not be demanding a fee of any kind for any of them'

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Bac v 1. FC Kosice - League

Despite managing in their league, it was six years since Stuart Fairway had last seen FC Kosice - on that night, they lost 3-0 to a certain Manchester United at Old Trafford, in a grim Champions League campaign for the Slovaks. While Bac have no Teddy Sheringham or Andy Cole, both of whom scored on that night, they do have Ernest Lopu - Division Two's joint top scorer with 10. On a bitterly cold afternoon - it's no wonder there's a break - a slow start stagnated into a pretty poor first half, with only a couple of long range Lopu efforts to rouse some supporters from their slumbers. In fact, the only real incident of note was an unfortunate one - Kosice's Roman Orsula going off after a collision with Lovegrove saw him overstretch, and pick up a thigh injury. The second half would only see more of the same - Tomas Albert a rock in the Bac defence, with neither side seeming keen enough to really push on for a winner. The point a fair reflection on both teams' endeavours.

Bac 0 - Kosice 0

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Mikulec, Albert, Glonek, Cisar, Benko, Svoboda, Horky*, Lopu, Marek

Bac Position after Game; 6th

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With his Fax Machine practically exploding on Monday morning, Fairway would have the unenviable task of telling messers Bugar, Bodrogy, Nincz and Bombiak that no clubs desired their services. The four - all contracted to Bac until the summer of 2005 - would have to work especially hard in training to get themselves back into contention.

After a quiet week, Fairway would also have the chance to watch England on Saturday. With the final game before the Winter Break - away at Nitra - coming on the 22nd, Bac would have a Saturday off, enabling Fairway to cheer his country on in their two playoff games.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

www.thesun.co.uk - Saturday 15/11/03 6.23 P.M

'Beattie to the Rescue in Poland mudbath'

"In conditions more suited to England's World Cup winning Rugby team than their still-to-qualify for European Championships footballers, James Beattie's 14th minute Equaliser got the away goal England so desperatley wanted in Poland.

With the Chorzow pitch cutting up from the start, the home nation shocked England after just 4 minutes - Bartosz Karwan joining Jan Tomaszewski in the ranks of England's 'Poles to remember'. The winger, 27, pounced after a corner seemed to evade every English body, giving Paul Robinson no chance at the near post. 10 minutes later though things were all square - James Beattie's second England goal coming after Micheal Owen's cross.

England were anonymous in a poor second half, with Owen, Gerrard and Ferdinand all replaced after poor individual showings. Sven Goran Eriksson's side go into the Second Leg on Wednesday at the Stadium of Light with the advantage - a 0-0 draw would see them through on Away Goals - but it's hardly the result Eriksson - or England - expected."

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

With training quiet and committed - Fairway's next worry would again be England. He would get the result he had hoped for.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

www.thesun.co.uk - Wednesday 19/11/03 10.03 P.M

'Beat leads to Poland Surrender'

" James Beattie's second goal in as many England games was enough to send Sven-Goran Eriksson's team to Portugal for Euro 2004 tonight after breaking spirited Polish resistance.

Beattie opened the scoring on 47 minutes, powering home an Ashley Cole corner with a bullet header at the near post. With Poland applying themselves, but failing to create, a second goal for England was always going to be enough, and after some close chances, Darius Vassell scored in the 85th minute to seal the win.

England went into the game with Chris Kirkland in goal - Paul Robinson left out after recieving some critiscm for his performance in Saturday's first leg. Despite the win, it was never truly convincing - and improved performances will be needed in the friendlies against Tunisia and Paraguay before the European Championships to improve confidence"

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

After the international fun and games, there would be one more game before Fairway's own continetial crossing - back to England for a week's much-needed holiday.

FC Nitra v Bac - League

Unavailable

Peter Kostolani - Inilegible (On Loan from Nitra)

With no injury or suspension worries, Bac manager Stuart Fairway would keep the same team for their final game of 2003. There would be an enforced change on the bench - Loanee goalkeeper Peter Kostolani not permitted to play against his employers under the terms of his loan deal - Fairway calling young Adrian Porszek into the first team squad for the first time this season. After a slow start Bac were forced into a change on 15 - Cisar off after picking up a knock in a challenge with Dasko. On 33 Bac took the lead, with Vlastimil Benko's cross taking a somehwat fortunate deflection off Marian Marek - allowing Ernest Lopu to tap home the loose ball for his 15th competitive goal of the season. 2 minutes later Bac would score again - Ernest Lopu drawing two saves from the 'keeper, before hitting the bar from a very acute angle. As the ball dropped into the area Marian Marek reacted quickest to prod home. 2-0 up and cruising at the break, but Nitra came out for the second half in no mood for a thumping. On 48 they could have pulled one back - Uhrick's header hacked off the line by Robert Lovegrove, the young Englishman making up for failing to pick up the striker in the first place when the ball came in. 16 minutes later, after almost constant pressure, they went one better - a brilliant Pavol Kyselica volley from fully 30 yards stretching Gardosik to the limit, only for Marian Bellak to stab home the rebound. For a moment it looked as if the home team's goal would swing the game - some desperate defending from Bac keeping the status quo. On 77 though all thoughts of a comeback would be thrown out the window - Peter Svoboda stealing on to a loose ball in midfield, before running 20 yards and sliding the perfect pass into Marian Marek's path. Marek took the ball in his stride before rifling it into the top corner, scoring easily the pick of the match. Nitra refused to lie down, and on 84, Hrncar knocked down a corner for Marek Bubenko to fire past the despairing Gardosik into the corner. Hopes of a late comeback would - for the second time - be thwarted. Ernest Lopu made it four for Bac, and two for himself on 86, nodding home Albert Balasz' curling cross. There would be a late chance for Lopu to clinch a hatrick - the striker rushing his injury-time shot - but Bac will head into the Winter break off the back of a comfortable win.

Nitra 2 - Bac 4 (Lopu 2, Marek 2)

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Mikulec, Albert (Replaced Puchner 45), Glonek, Cisar (Replaced Balasz 16), Benko, Svoboda, Horky*, Lopu, Marek

Bac Position after Game; 5th

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 1st | | Rim. Sobota | | 15 | 8 | 4 | 3 | 23 | 9 | +14 | 28 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 2nd | | Licartovce | | 15 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 26 | 20 | +6 | 25 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 3rd | | Kys. Lieskovec | | 15 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 27 | 24 | +3 | 25 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 4th | | Humenne | | 15 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 22 | 15 | +7 | 25 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 5th | | BAC | | 15 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 28 | 18 | +10 | 25 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 6th | | Kosice | | 15 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 20 | 11 | +9 | 24 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 7th | | Senec | | 15 | 7 | 1 | 7 | 17 | 19 | -2 | 22 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 8th | | Duslo Sala | | 15 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 19 | 16 | +3 | 22 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 9th | | Dun. Streda | | 15 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 20 | 23 | -3 | 21 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 10th | | Prievidza | | 15 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 21 | 23 | -2 | 19 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 11th | | Nitra | | 15 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 18 | 21 | -3 | 19 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 12th | | Rapid Bratislava | | 15 | 5 | 3 | 7 | 21 | 24 | -3 | 18 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 13th | | Senica | | 15 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 12 | 16 | -4 | 18 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 14th | | Presov | | 15 | 3 | 7 | 5 | 18 | 18 | 0 | 16 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 15th | | Vranov | | 15 | 3 | 2 | 10 | 11 | 25 | -14 | 11 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| 16th | | Podbrezova | | 15 | 3 | 2 | 10 | 11 | 32 | -21 | 11 |

| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

</pre>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

Slovakia-Today - Football - Sunday 23/11/03

'Two sacked before Winter Break'

"As Slovakian Football broke up for Christmas yesterday two managers recieved their marching orders. FC Artmedia Petrzalka and HFK Prievidza have sacked managers Vladimir Weiss and Viliam Ilko respectivley.

Weiss pays the price for a disapointing campaign despite some impressive results in the UEFA Cup, whilst Division Two Prievidza would have expected to be in a higher position than 10th at the start of the season. Both clubs will hope to tie up a new manager in the near future, giving them time to assess their new squads before January's Transfer Window."

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

With that, Fairway packed his suitcase, told his secretary to divert all calls, and packed himself off home. 1 week quickly turned to 2, which turned into 3. Eventually, it was agreed that Fairway would return after Christmas - arriving back in Slovakia on December 28th.

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_ Bac v 1. FC Kosice - League _

Despite managing in their league, it was six years since Stuart Fairway had last seen FC Kosice - on that night, they lost 3-0 to a certain Manchester United at Old Trafford, in a grim Champions League campaign for the Slovaks. While Bac have no Teddy Sheringham or Andy Cole, both of whom scored on that night, they do have Ernest Lopu - Division Two's joint top scorer with 10.

Yeah, much nicer times of Kosice's football several years ago, winner of Slovakian First Division twice and Champions league... I remember two thrilling matches against Spartak Moscow in preliminary round after which Kosice qualified to Champions league group stage, I was at Cermel on all three matches against Manchester, Juventus and Feyenord... Despite the fact we lost all games I never forget that amazing Champions league atmosphere... Also here in slovakia football depends on finances very much, when Kosice had rich sponsor they had achievements, now they have big financial troubles and they are at the bottom of Second Division table and they will fight against relegation... But Kosice will allways be the first Slovakian club in Champions league and the only one so far...

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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

Bac Position after Game; 5th

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

With that, Fairway packed his suitcase, told his secretary to divert all calls, and packed himself off home. 1 week quickly turned to 2, which turned into 3. Eventually, it was agreed that Fairway would return after Christmas - arriving back in Slovakia on December 28th.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

You will leave your players three weeks without manager ? icon_biggrin.gificon_biggrin.gificon_biggrin.gif what if they stop training and start doing some not good things icon_biggrin.gif but for sure you have great assistant and you and your players deserve rest after quite good first half of season icon_smile.gif

When I compare your position to real league table....

here it is

1 Rim.Sobota 15 8 6 1 25 : 10 30

2 Presov 15 7 6 2 26 : 15 27

3 Podbrezova 15 7 6 2 21 : 14 27

4 Sala 15 6 7 2 23 : 11 25

5 Senec 15 7 4 4 23 : 17 25

6 Bac 15 7 3 5 19 : 18 24

7 Licartovce 15 5 6 4 23 : 16 21

8 Prievidza 15 5 6 4 19 : 18 21

9 Vranov 15 5 4 6 14 : 17 19

10 Kys.Lieskovec 15 4 7 4 10 : 13 19

11 Humenne 15 4 6 5 21 : 26 18

12 Rapid 15 4 4 7 14 : 18 16

13 Senica 15 3 6 6 16 : 20 15

14 Nitra 15 4 3 8 14 : 17 15

15 Dun.Streda 15 2 3 10 13 : 30 9

16 1.FC Kosice 15 2 3 10 13 : 34 9

you obtained one more point and you are chasing leader Rimavska Sobota (the same like in reality)with some other teams only 3 points behind it icon14.gif

you conceded exactly the same number of goals but your attackers are much more potent icon_wink.gif

I assume your aim is promotion now !!!

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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

I don't suppose you've found an official Bac website? - I'd love to buy a replica shirt icon_biggrin.gif

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

icon_smile.gificon_smile.gificon_smile.gif

Yes, you are right... they do not have website icon13.gificon_biggrin.gif

But I can qive you postal address and you can ask for replica shirt, if you desire for it icon_biggrin.gificon_biggrin.gificon_cool.gif

I bet they would be surprised an delighted to have such fan even from England icon_cool.gif

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Thanks for the continued support icon_smile.gif

Chapter 2 - Down with the Decorations, or Up for the Cup?

Arriving back at his desk after a relaxing - and much needed - break, Fairway checked through the list of notes that had been made in his absence, by assistant Tibor Nemeth. Anything that he needed to know team-wise had been communicated, but Nemeth - perhaps wisely - thought it inappropriate to bother his holidaying superior with some more general goings on from Slovak football.

Fairway would also bring somebody back with him. Though officially not to join the club until January 10th, John Durnin came back to Slovakia after signing from English side Accrington Stanley as a Player/Coach. Meanwhile, in Slovakia...

<UL TYPE=SQUARE>

<LI> Zdenek Michalek appointed manager of HFK Prievidza (29/11/03)

<LI> Marian Solotruk, set to sign for Bac in January, claims Goal of the Month for November with a 35-yard screamer.

<LI> FC Artmedia Petrzalka appointed Karol Dobias as manager (6/12/03)

<LI> Carlos Quizeroz appointed Manager of Portugese National Team

<LI> Felipao appointed as Brazil manager

<LI> Senec sack Stefan Horny and appoint Jaroslav Jurkovic as his replacement

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

Bac-Online.sk - Football - Saturday 10/1/04

'Three in as Transfer Window opens'

' FC Druzstevnik Bac manager Stuart Fairway today welcomes three new signings, all prearranged, with two Englishmen and a Slovak joining the club.

Marian Solotruk is a left-footed central midfielder with an eye for goal - his spectacular strike for former side Licartovce taking the November Goal of the Month award for Division Two.

http://www.slovakfutball.com/obpresov.htm - Solotruk - Fourth from Left - in the colours of a former club.

Scoring a goal of the month is probably behind John Durnin - the 38-year old, who has said he plans to retire from playing at the end of the season, has signed as a Player/Coach. Completing the trio, young Farnborough defender Matt Hillyer is at the opposite end of his career. 21, the centre-half joins without ever having started a game in professional football in England.

Bac fans will get their first chance to see all three new signings in a specially-arranged friendly against Lokomotiva Kosice , at the Bac Stadion on Wednesday 18th February, a week before the league campaign kicks off again at home to Licartovce.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

While the new players had settled in well, Fairway decided to call them back early from their own winter break. Though no other clubs would be playing friendlies, he had been worried by the lack of sharpness shown in training, and - despite the reservations of Assitant Nemeth - be giving as many of his first choice players as possible a run out against Non-Leaguers Lokaomotiva.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

Slovakia-Today - Football - Thursday 2/2/04

'Fairway rejects 'derisory' Svoboda offer'

Second Division FC Druzstevnik Bac , who have suprised many this season under English manager Stuart Fairway have rejected an offer for midfielder Peter Svoboda . The 23-year old, a creative force for Bac this season, was the subject of a bid from Ruzomberok, currently 8th in Division One.

"We rejected a laughable, derisory offer for Peter yesterday" Fairway confirmed. "He's worth a lot more to us than the minimal £1000 they offered - and though we would have to sell if there was another £99000 on top, for now, Peter stays here."

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

With the long winter break nearly at an end, Fairway hoped that his side would be fit and ready to go. As ever, the Gods of football would have other ideas.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

Bac-Online.sk - Football - Monday 16/2/04

'Tomcak, Pukalovic injury worries for Fairway'

"Bac manager Stuart Fairway has two injury doubts going into a warm-up freindly on Wednesday ahead of the resumption of the League in just over a weeks time. Injury-prone striker Marian Tomcak , on loan from Inter Bratislava, has fractured a rib in training, and will be out for around a month.

Meanwhile, midfielder Jozef Pukalovic , another loanee from Slovan Bratislava, will be out for 2 weeks with a groin strain. "Obviously it's a big blow" said Fairway. "But it's a big chance for Marian Solotruk, one of the new lads, who'll obviously want to sieze his opportunity. I know Johnny Durnin will be looking for his boots as well!"

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Bac v Lokomotiva Kosice - Friendly

Unavailable

Jozef Pukalovic - Injured (Groin - 2 Weeks)

Marian Tomcak - Injured (Chest - 4 Weeks)

With all three January signings promised a full 90 minutes, Fairway's side had a distinctly mixed look to it - two new midfielders, a new central defender, and in Robert Patras, a first start for Bac's last signing. There would be more to the game than match practice for the ring-rusty players and a chance for the new boys to show their stuff - it would be an ideal chance for Fairway to see how the pitch, unprotected over the winter, would stand up to action again. As had been hoped, it would be an easy win - Ernest Lopu and Robert Patras both scoring close-range efforts early in the first half. As for the new signings, all three made a positive impression - Solotruk coming close to replicating his thunderous effort for Licartovce in the first half, veteran Durnin's passion and drive showing to everyone despite the language barrier, and Matt Hillyer shining at the back - and picking up a bottle of finest Slovakian wine for his efforts as a Man of the Match award.

Bac 2 - Lokomotiva 0

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After their performance of Lokomotiva, Fairway would have a selection dilemma now that the league was back on, and matches competitive. With his side fifth in the league, and three points off top spot, he wanted a positive result against Licartovce - unlike the 1-0 reverse on the opening day back in July.

Steel Trans Licartovce v Bac - League

Unavailable

Jozef Pukalovic - Injured (Groin - 1 Week)

Marian Tomcak - Injured (Chest - 3 Weeks)

As it was, Fairway decided to name all three new boys on the bench, making no changes from the side who took to the field for the Nitra game, now over 3 months ago. After a predictably quiet start Second placed Licartovce nearly took the lead on 14 - Marian Adam waking everybody up with a fizzing drive that Gardosik did well to hold first time. Another Marian, Bac's Marian Marek, put the ball in the net on 26 - the striker oblivious to a late offside call that saw the away support - and manager Fairway - fuming. Just before half time there would be a goal that would count - Licartovce taking the lead. A neat chip from Majoros set Marian Adam up, though he still had to turn Milos Glonek before planting the ball past Gardosik to put his side one to the good. The home side continued to attack after the break - sub Hillyer, on for the dismal Albert, in particular busy in the heart of the Bac defence. Robert Patras should have levelled the scores on 68 - his low drive turned around the post - but Bac just ran out of ideas on a disapointing return to league action.

Licartovce 1 - Bac 0

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Lovegrove, Mikulec, Albert (Replaced Hillyer 45), Glonek, Cisar, Benko, Svoboda, Horky*, Lopu (Replaced Patras 45), Marek

Bac Position After Game; 6th

[This message was edited by Peacemaker7 on 16 December 2003 at 21:21.]

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