Europe. The Good, The Bad, and the Parts You Didn't Know Existed!

[neilhoskins77]

Football Manager 2013

European Leagues Only Playable : Albania (2 tiers), Andorra (2 tiers), Armenia (2 tiers), Austria (2 tiers), Belarus (2 tiers), Belgium (3 tiers),Bosnia & Herzegovina (2 tiers), Bulgaria (2 tiers), Croatia (2 tiers), Czech Republic (2 tiers), Denmark (3 tiers), England (9 tiers), Estonia (2 tiers), Finland (2 tiers), France (4 tiers), Germany (3 tiers), Gibraltar (3 tiers), Greece (2 tiers), Holland (2 tiers), Hungary (2 tiers), Iceland (2 tiers), Israel (2 tiers), Italy (4 tiers), Latvia (2 tiers), Lithuania (2 tiers), Luxembourg (2 tiers), Northern Ireland (3 tiers), Norway (3 tiers), Poland (2 tiers), Portugal (3 tiers), Republic of Ireland (2 tiers), Romania (2 tiers), Russia (2 tiers), Scotland (4 tiers), Serbia (2 tiers), Slovakia (2 tiers), Slovenia (2 tiers), Spain (3 tiers), Sweden (4 tiers), Switzerland (2 tiers), Turkey (3 tiers), Ukraine (2 tiers), Wales (5 tiers).

An unknown Welsh manager, searching for an opening in the big, bad, and occasionally mad world of football. Oppurtunities could spring up almost anywhere, but Slovenia probably wouldn't have been particularly high on the list. Formerly part of Yugoslavia, before becoming an independent nation in its own right in 1991. Domestic football in the country isn't exactly big business, but for a young manager looking to make his way in the game, this country could be the first step on an exciting journey that could lead anywhere. Crnomelj is a town in the South-East of the country, close to the border with Croatia. Its major football team are NK Bela Krajina Crnomelj. They currently ply their trade in the second tier of Slovenian football, playing at a semi-professional level. The SRC Loka stadium is a 1,517 capacity all seater ground. The club were founded in 1926, but have never won a trophy of note. The squad is certainly well stocked, and forays into the transfer market look like they won't be required too much early on.

In our opening season, the Board simply wish to avoid relegation from this 10 team division. The Champions are promoted, the second place team will Playoff for the chance to play against the 9th placed team in the top tier, and an oppurtunity to get promotion. The League season consists of 27 games. A look around the squad shows there are some promising players at our disposal, and the ante is increased, with a mid-table finish set as the target. Two youngsters who are at non-League clubs are allowed to remain out on loan. Already some of the bigger clubs are sniffing around our more promising players, but right now there is money in the bank, space in the wage budget, and no pressing need to sell without checking our credentials and seeing what might just be possible this season.

[neilhoskins77]

A 1 year contract may show a lack of faith, or at least an element of doubt from the Board regarding their new, and as yet, untested manager. The £500 a week salary shows a different story however. This weekly salary represents almost 5 times the amount that the highest paid player currently takes home at the club. The Board hand down a transfer budget of £40k, and a wage budget of £2,5k per week. This club has just 6 players aged 26 or over from a First Team squad of 26 players and has no fewer than 11 teenagers. The most pressing concern is the lack of goalkeepers available, with just one currently signed to the club. Offers go out to 2 goalkeepers who appear very capable of providing support, and maybe even a challenge, to the existing jersey holder. Paraguayan midfielder, Diego Barrios joins the club, easily becoming the clubs highest earner, and taking the allocation of 1 non-EU playing staff allowed at this level. Barrios has had 2 seasons in Slovenia already, one in this division, and a further one at the top tier. Its time to meet the squad of players that will be looking to give this small town's population something to cheer in the coming months, and are in place ready for the pre-season opener.

Goalkeepers :

Izidor Kordic. SLO. 19yrs old. Goalkeeper. 5'10. Uncapped. Career Apps - 2*. Career Goals - 0.

Defenders :

Mario Drinic^. SLO. 26yrs old. Defender ®. 5'8. Uncapped. Career Apps - 52*. Career Goals - 4.

Rok Gregorcic^. SLO. 18yrs old. Defender (R,C). 6'0. Uncapped. Career Apps - 1*. Career Goals - 0.

Marko Zagar. SLO. 30yrs old. Defender, Midfielder (L). 5'11. Uncapped. Career Apps - 226*. Career Goals - 13.

Gregor Zugelj. SLO. 20yrs old. Defender, Midfielder, Attacking Midfielder (L). 5'11. Uncapped. Career Apps - 24*. Career Goals - 2.

Tadej Vrscaj. SLO. 30yrs old. Defender ©. 5'11. Uncapped. Career Apps - 263*. Career Goals - 0.

Mitja Zugelj. SLO. 19yrs old. Defender ©. 5'9. Uncapped. Career Apps - 18. Career Goals - 0.

Aleksander Brkic. SLO. 20yrs old. Defender ©. 6'3. Uncapped. Career Apps - 0. Career Goals - 0.

Matjaz Lunder. SLO. 31yrs old. Defender ©, Defensive Midfielder. 6'1. Uncapped. Career Apps - 197. Career Goals - 8.

Jure Suman. SLO. 18yrs old. Defender ©, Defensive Midfielder, Midfielder ©. 5'11. Uncapped. Career Apps - 0. Career Goals - 0.

Midfielders :

Anel Hodzic^. SLO. 19yrs old. Midfielder ©, Defensive Midfielder. 5'9. Uncapped. Career Apps - 17*. Career Goals - 0.

Diego Barrios. PAR. 24yrs old. Midfielder ©. 6'1. Uncapped. Career Apps - 11. Career Goals - 0.

Darjan Spudic^. SLO. 18yrs old. Midfielder ©. 5'11. Uncapped. Career Apps - 23*. Career Goals - 0.

Jani Kralj. SLO. 20yrs old. Midfielder, Attacking Midfielder ®. 5'7. Uncapped. Career Apps - 37. Career Goals - 8.

Adrian Rustemi^. SLO. 18yrs old. Midfielder, Attacking Midfielder ®. 6'0. Uncapped. Career Apps - 2*. Career Goals - 0.

Denis Dervisevic. SLO. 25yrs old. Midfielder, Attacking Midfielder (R,L). 5'7. Uncapped. Career Apps - 97. Career Goals - 3.

Ziga Kocevar^. SLO. 18yrs old. Midfielder, Attacking Midfielder (L). 6'0. Uncapped. Career Apps - 17*. Career Goals - 0.

Amel Mujakovic. SLO. 30yrs old. Midfielder, Attacking Midfielder ©. 6'0. Uncapped. Career Apps - 275. Career Goals - 38.

Valentino Stepcic. CRO. 22yrs old. Midfielder, Attacking Midfielder, Striker ©. 6'2. Uncapped. Career Apps - 72. Career Goals - 3.

Anto Pejic. CRO. 23yrs old. Midfielder, Attacking Midfielder, Striker ©. 6'3. Uncapped. Career Apps - 57. Career Goals - 14.

Damir Cehic. SLO. 20yrs old. Attacking Midfielder (R,L), Striker ©. 6'1. Uncapped. Career Apps - 36. Career Goals - 8.

Strikers :

Josip Spelic. SLO. 28yrs old. Striker ©. 5'9. Uncapped. Career Apps - 214. Career Goals - 39.

Matic Sasek^. SLO. 18yrs old. Striker ©. 6'0. Uncapped. Career Apps - 17*. Career Goals - 0.

Jernej Stukelj^. SLO. 18yrs old. Striker ©. 5'11. Uncapped. Career Apps - 19*. Career Goals - 0.

Patrik Bordon. SLO. 24yrs old. Striker ©. 6'4. Uncapped. Career Apps - 64. Career Goals - 9.

*Denotes has played all of his career games for NK Bela Krajina Crnomelj

^Denotes player was born in the town of Crnomelj

[neilhoskins77]

The pre-season schedule set up for us is a tough one, but thats no bad thing. A good pre-season can be the making of a team in the early stages of a season, and is especially important in smaller Leagues where a fast start is crucial. Three home games against PrvaLiga opposition, followed by two trips to non-League clubs should provide a good balance of testing our squad and also checking they can perform on the road against teams they would be expected to beat.

A meeting with the coaches and assistant manager, and between us we elect for a relativley simple 4-1-3-1-1 formation. A big lone striker in Patrik Kordon, supported by an attacking midfielder with wide midfielders keeping the opposition defence honest. The defensive midfielder will hopefully be the lynchpin for our forays forward, acting as a quarterback and options aplenty in front of him. The aim will be a possesion game, slow build up, passing our way through the opponents, taking advantage of the technical players we have in the team.

Italian manager, Rodolfo Vanoli, brings his PrvaLiga side, FC Luka Koper to town for the first friendly of our schedule. They achieved a solid top half finish last season, and have some quality operators of their own. We filled out the bench, intent of giving everyone a bit of game time and getting a look at the players. The step up to play a top tier team made us look ordinary for long spells of the game. Only big defender Aleksander Brkic emerged with any real credit from the game, making life really tough for Luka Koper's strikers with some solid tackles and good positional play. Majicen gave the visitors the lead in the 22nd minute, picking up a cross from the full back near the penalty spot. He kept his shot low, and close to keeper, Kordic, who would like to have it back as he should have done better. With both sides ringing the changes in the second half, the game lost its edge a little, and visitors ended the game as a contest with 15 minutes remaining. Left winger, Tom, cut inside to cause our defence problems, fed the striker Bercevic, but as his shot was blocked well, Tom had continued his run, and the ball broke for him to fire high past the keeper.

Wednesday 27th June 2012 - Pre-Season Friendly

SRC Loka, Crnomelj

NK Bela Krajina Crnomelj (0) 0 FC Luka Koper (1) 2

Scorers : None

Attendance : 113

Man of the Match : Aleksander Brkic (Bela Krajina)

[neilhoskins77]

Local scout, David Kosnik, joins the team. He is armed with information on players he believes will progress the club. He will work directly with our Director of Football, Lojze Kralj. Hopefully the duo will prove a good team and can bring some quality players into the club in the future. According to the bookies, we're going to need some help. They have us at 33/1 and among the outsiders for promotion this season, and are predicting a relegation battle for us. Kosnik goes straight to work, and produces a report confirming what we already knew to a large degree. We need a new goalkeeper, and a new left back. He finds us just the man for the number 3 jersey. Rok Hanzic is 31 years old, left footed, and comfortable at full back or wing back. He has spent almost his entire career of 200+ games in PrvaLiga, and also becomes the only member of the squad with any International recognition, a solitary cap for Slovenia Under-21's. His experience could be invaluable to our defensive line in the coming season in 2.SNL. He has been part of a Slovenian Championship winning team once, and a Pokal Slovenije winner as recently as 2010/11 with NK Domzale.

Our second pre-season opponents are also a PrvaLiga team with a solid mid table position behind them from last season, NK Rudar Velenje. We keep the same starting lineup as the previous game. Firer gave the visitors the lead in the 22nd minute, beating Aleksander Brkic in the air to get his head to Podloger's cross and guide it inside the far post. This time, we responded positivley, a long goal kick from Izidor Kordic, head on well by Amel Mujakovic to Patrik Bordon. The big striker did a great job of holding up the ball and rolling his marker, before sliding a pass into the path of Croatian support man, Anto Pejic, who drew the keeper well before firing over his shoulder into the net for a leveller. Rudar Velenje retook the lead just after the half hour mark. Roser slung in a deep cross from the right, Bratanovic flicked on deftly, and Firer blasted his shot goalwards. Keeper Kordic made a real hash of it, putting his hands up, but not getting his body behind the ball in any way, and it went straight through him to leave us a goal behind at half time.

We started the second half well after telling the players we wanted to see a bit of fight from them in the second half. Substitute midfielder, Darjan Spudic delivered a corner into the 6 yard box, which the defence only half cleared. Pejic picked up the ball on the edge of the area, and drilled a shot towards the near corner. Amongst the crowd of bodies was Bordon, and it hit him right in the back and spun across the goal, trickling inside the post, the keeper and his defence flat footed. Somehow, it was Pejic who was credited with the goal. More changes, again giving almost everyone a run out, and it may well have contributed to costing us the game. Saramati picked up the ball inside our half, and almost our entire defence converging on him, allows him to play in Crncic, and his finish from 20 yards was a curler that would grace any game. A much better performance, a lot more fight shown than our previous outing. But Kosnik is right, we badly need an upgrade goalkeeper.

Wednesday 4th July 2012 - Pre-Season Friendly

SRC Loka, Crnomelj

NK Bela Krajina Cromelj (1) 2 NK Rudar Velenje (2) 3

Scorers : Anto Pejic (26,54)

Attendance : 117

Man of the Match : Anto Pejic (Bela Krajina)

[neilhoskins77]

Our final home pre-season game arrives, and our search for a goalkeeper has still proved fruitless. I really don't want to lead this team into the League season in a month's time with Izidor Kordic between the posts, as my faith in his abilities diminishes each time I watch him play. To be frank, I don't think the kid could catch a cold! NK Triglav 2000 arrive in Crnomelj having narrowly avoided relegation last season, an 8th place finish proving just enough to keep them out of the relegation playoff. Rok Hanzic starts this game at left back in place of Marko Zagar, but otherwise, its the same again to start with, and we'll inevitably try to make changes later on, but I'm not so concerned about giving everyone a run out this time. We're also going with a new set piece routine for corners and free kicks now. They haven't been overly successful so far, so the change is made to send Patrik Bordon to the front post to create havoc, and have Aleksander Brkic come forward to try and use his big frame and heading ability to connect with headers at goal.

For 70 minutes of this one, we were the equal of our visitors, though admittedly they created more worthwhile chances than us. Kordic actually made a few decent saves, a smart stop low down late in the first half the most notable. The best chance we created was from the left, Ziga Kocevar skipping past a marker, and fizzing a low cross into the box which just evaded both Anto Pejic and Patrik Bordon. Our resistance was shattered in the 71st minute, Diego Barrios coughed up the ball in midfield and Triglav played some lovely composed passing, to find Jelar on the edge of the box. He was well marshalled by Aleksander Brkic, but found Poplatnik in a yard of space. The challenge from Jure Suman was a fraction too late, and all he managed to do was divert the ball past his own keeper. We were undone again just over 5 minutes later, Smit delivering a long ball from the left to the front of the crowd of players, and Jelar brought it down, walked around Kordic and slotted into the empty net. 3 defeats out of 3 so far in this pre-season, and while there have been occasional promising signs, there is much work to do before the League season begins.

Saturday 7th July - Pre-Season Friendly

SRC Loka, Crnomelj

NK Bela Krajina Cromelj (0) 0 NK Triglav 2000 (0) 2

Scorers : None

Attendance : 115

Man of the Match : Anze Jelar (Triglav 2000)

[mark1985]

Looks interesting! Will be following this one!

[neilhoskins77]

Thanks Mark1985. Hope you enjoy the story mate

Finally, the goalkeeper issue gets sorted out....at least, I hope so anyway. A new custodian has been signed from non-League team, Adria. The entire transfer budget was required to get our man. Alan Suligoj is regarded by many in the know in Slovenian football as a bit of a `steady eddie'. That suits us just fine for now. Suligoj looks a much safer bet than Kordic, techincaly and based on the statistics. He's joined at the club by a new striker, 35 year old veteran, Alen Mujanovic. His ratings are obviously starting to decline, but this guys experience, combined with his physical play makes him an excellent alternative to Patrik Bordon. A career almost exclusivley spent in the PrvaLiga, Mujanovic has 102 goals from 227 career outings, showing he is more than capable of finding the net when the oppurtunity presents itself. 20 year old Serbian striker, Matic Petek also signs for a nominal fee from Slovenian non-league team, Kamnik. That signing means we're done signings wise for this window now, as we've spent the wage budget up. Petek has top level finishing ability, but needs to work on other aspects of his game. A rough diamond that could prove a decent pick up for a very small fee.

We enter the only Cup competition we're in this season, at a very early stage. The Qualifying round of the Pokal Slovenije gives us an away tie with non-League side, Brda. The game will take place in early August, a couple of days after our opening League fixture. We continue our pre-season schedule with a trip to Jadran Dekani who are non-League. With the current formation not allowing us to create enough chances, our midfield being out-gunned too frequently, and our full backs not being top quality, then a change of tact is required. We move to 3 central defenders, 3 central midfielders with 2 wide men, and 2 recognised strikers selected for the first time. A result is really needed to give the lads a morale boost. While the 3 games against top tier teams are a great experience, the 3 defeats that have gone with it have done nothing for the teams self belief at this stage.

[neilhoskins77]

There's no denying there was an upturn in performance in our penultimate pre-season friendly, but there are still too many questions. Was it down to weaker opposition, the new tactics, or the changes made to the personnel? We created more chances with the extra man in midfield, but there is an undeniable nervousness each time the opponents break out of midfield. Suligoj pulled off a great save early in the second half after a low driven shot made its way through a crowd of players. But he was left helpless when Kuzmanovic blasted a free kick past the wall, but the shot cracked off the underside of the bar. Anto Pejic spurned our best oppurtunity, reaching a deep cross from Adrian Rustemi, but only managing to guide his header into the side netting.

Saturday 21st July 2012 - Pre-Season Friendly

Stadion Ivana Gregorica, Dekani.

Jadran Dekani (0) 0 NK Bela Krajina Crnomelj (0) 0

Scorers : None

Attendance : 77

Man of the Match : Aleksander Brkic (Bela Krajina)

[neilhoskins77]

The fact that the defence are starting to hold their end up is encouraging, though sometimes watching it is definetly `seat of your pants' defending from us. The lack of goals at the other end is worrying. A team meeting is called, and the response is very positive from the squad. It took twice as long as it should, my Slovenian is as good as their Welsh! PrvaLiga outfit NK Celje make an offer of £35k for club slalwart, and right back, Mario Drinic. It would be foolhardy to let him leave now while we still haven't established the best formation or tactics, and the players to fit those tactics. So it's a no from us....for now.

We complete our pre-season schedule with a trip to our feeder affiliate club, non-League side, Kolpa. We stick with the 3-5-2 for this game, convinced that the extra man in midfield will ultimately give us enough possession and territory to pick up wins. Finally we put in a performance where we not only create the chances, but capitalise on them too. Patrik Bordon puts in a quickfire double to give us control of the game. His first was a cool, low finish from a through ball by Amel Mujakovic, his second a perfectly placed header from a floated cross by Adrian Rustemi.

With a 2-0 half time lead, we asked the players to keep working in the second half, and that they were doing a good job so far.They either didn't listen, or they simply ran out of steam. In the first half, Kolpa couldn't find a way through our midfield, the service to their strikers was breaking down before our defence was even required. At the start of the second period, they found the gaps and started to pressure us. Ten minutes into the half, and they got a breakthrough. Jotanovic swept a corner across goal, Steiner cushioned his header down. Aleksander Brkic read it, but couldn't reach Skoflek in time, and he drove his shot home. The response was immediate. A full eleven man substitution. And the replacements settled right into the routine of the first half without missing a beat. Denis Dervisevic slides a pass into the path of Matic Petek, who held off a defender and fired across the keeper and inside the far post. Diego Barrios plays Alen Mujanovic in on goal, Steiner made a last ditch tackle, but the ball fell perfectly for Valentino Stepcic, who took a touch before slotting it low into the bottom corner. Petek rounded off the win, Barrios foiling a counter attack, Mujanovic and Stepcic playing a one-two, before slotting in Petek who rounded the keeper and calmly finished off a much better performance.

Saturday 28th July 2012 - Pre-Season Friendly

Stadion Podzemelj, Podzemelj

Kolpa (0) 1 NK Bela Krajina Crnomelj (2) 5

Scorers : Patrik Bordon (16,21), Matic Petek (59,83), Valentino Stepcic (72)

Attendance : 55

Man of the Match : Patrik Bordon (Bela Krajina)

[PerpetuallyHighPoet]

nice story bruh

[neilhoskins77]

Thanks PerpetuallyHighPoet. Glad to have you along. Enjoy.

The season opener is upon us, and a glaring oversight is brought to our attention. We thought Diego Barrios was our only non-EU player on the staff. No, not so. Anto Pejic, Valentino Stepcic and Matic Petek are all also non-EU players. This is a problem for us. Barrios can be replaced by recalling Driton Rustemi from his loan at Kolpa. Petek probably wouldn't have got a whole load of match time anyway unless we run into injury problems. But both Pejic and Stepcic would have been featuring, and now it will only be one or the other.

Our first League game is at home to NK Kalcer Radomlje. The bookies make us slim favourites, the scouts think we've got the beating of this lot. Pejic gets the nod as the non-EU player for this one. The first half was a tight affair. A packed midfield from both sides made chances hard to come by, and when they did arrive, they were wasted. Patrik Bordon missed our best oppurtunity in first half injury time, beating his marker in the air for the umpteenth time this afternoon, but his well connected header flew the wrong side of the post.

The half time team talk consisted of `You're doing well, Keep it up, We can still win this one!'. All of which went out of the window 40 seconds into the second half. Lukanc and Kreft combined down the right, the latter cutting a cross back in to the box, and Cerar volleyed in via the underside of the crossbar. Less than 10 minutes later and they had doubled their lead. Vruhnc delivered an outswinging corner, and Varga escapes the marker to glance his header beyond the reach of Alan Suligoj. We didn't give up, a good cameo performance by 17 year old Vid Zagar, who became the youngest player in club history, kept Radomlje on their toes, but they kept us out, and we're off to a losing start to the season.

Sunday 5th August 2012 - 2.SNL

SRC Loka, Crnomelj

NK Bela Krajina Crnomelj (0) 0 NK Kalcer Radomlje (0) 2

Scorers : None

Attendance : 360

Man of the Match : Velimir Varga (Kalcer Radomlje)

[neilhoskins77]

Matjaz Lunder is named in the 2.SNL team of the week. Perhaps a show that we wern't too bad on the weekend maybe. Adrian Rustemi gets a call-up to the Slovenia Under-19's squad for the first time. Meanwhile, we get involved in the Pokal Slovenije with a midweek trip to Dobrovo to face non-Leaguers, Brda. We're allowed 3 non-EU players for this one, but 2 will be on the bench. Alen Mujanovic replaces Anto Pejic up front, with Pejic starting in an attacking midfield role. Anel Hodzic moves from defensive midfield in the centre, with Amel Mujakovic dropped to the bench. Diego Barrios and Valentino Stepcic both take a seat as well, the youngster Vid Zagar and winger Ziga Kocevar making way.

An early change was required, right winger Adrian Rustemi taking an knock in the third minute and replaced by Denis Dervisevic, who was a little unlucky not to get a start for this one. We looked much better up top with the attacking midfielder supporting the 2 strikers, and after knocking on the door for half hour, finally took the lead in the 32nd minute. Gregor Zugelj played a cross in from the left, Anto Pejic controlled and fired past the keeper but only to see his shot hit the upright, but Alen Mujanovic was totally unmarked to collect the rebound and tap in his first competitive goal for the club. He was joined moments later on the scoresheet by Patrik Bordon. Again Pejic and Mujanovic were involved, Pejic clipping the ball in for Mujanovic who sidestepped a challenge, before slipping the ball left for Bordon who slammed it low into the net on the turn. Bordon didn't make it to half time, coming off injured, meaning Pejic going up front, and Valentino Stepcic coming on in the attacking midfielder role.

It didn't seem to affect our cohesion in the second half, as we continued pushing forward looking for more goals while the trio of Aleksander Brkic, Matjaz Lunder and Tadej Vrscaj stood strong at the back. And Lunder got the final goal too, connecting with a floated Denis Dervisevic free kick from the right at the far post to complete a 3-0 victory and confirm our place in the next round. Our injuries are starting to mount up just a little, with Bordon out for up to 2 weeks with bruised ribs.

Wednesday 8th August 2012 - Pokal Slovenije, Qualifying Round

Vipolze, Dobrovo

Brda (0) 0 NK Bela Krajina Crnomelj (2) 3

Scorers : Alen Mujanovic (32), Patrick Bordon (35), Matjaz Lunder (54)

Attendance : 59

Man of the Match : Matjaz Lunder (Bela Krajina)

[neilhoskins77]

The number of Season Tickets sold for this season is announced as 180. The First Round draw for the Pokal Slovenije takes place, and we're drawn at home to NK Triglav 2000 of PrvaLiga in a repeat of our pre-season friendly. Interesting. And from interesting to unbelievable, Izidor Kordic is called up by Slovenia Under-19's to replace an injured goalie. Shoot on sight would be my words of wisdom to the opposition if he plays. NK Krsko manager Nebih Zeneli slated our club during his club press conference this week. He stated that we're not cut out for this level of football. I go on the record to tell the press that we can stay up, and Zeneli's opinion is worthless to me as I've never heard of him.

We take our first away trip of the season, and its to `League Leaders', SD Garmin Sencur. We're forced into changes for the game. As a part-time outfit, we'll find our players will struggle to deal with 2 and 3 games a week during the season. Goalkeeper and Defenders are unchanged, but the entire midfield 5 are rotated, and Anto Pejic returns to the forward line in place of the injured Patrik Bordon.

It was a highly frustrating afternoon. Having to rotate the team, but still holding our own against what is projected to be one of the better teams in the League, what could we have achieved with our first choice XI available to us? A single goal defeat, the manner of the goal not making the defeat any easier to take. Dolzan picked out Bunderla on the edge of the area, and for reasons as yet unknown, our entire defensive unit surrounded him, leaving an easy pass to Smukavec, who had the task of sliding the ball past a desperatley unprotected Alan Suligoj.

Sunday 12th August 2012 - 2.SNL

Sportni Park, Sencur

SD Garmin Sencur (1) 1 NK Bela Krajina Crnomelj (0) 0

Scorers : None

Attendance : 226

Man of the Match : Tadej Vrscaj (Bela Krajina)

[Gary_Parker]

Keep it up man, love these small team stories. Will be rooting for your team.

[neilhoskins77]

Cheers Gary. I'll put you down for a season ticket and a pre-season friendly with Raith

One in, and one out this week. Jani Kralj is sent out to Croatian Druga HNL side, NK Imotski on loan for the remainder of the season. On the flip side, we land NK Domzale's talented 20 year old attacking midfielder, Zan Majer, also on loan for the remainder of the season. What the 5'7 Slovenian lacks in size, he more than makes up for in technical ability. His ratings are off the scale for this level, and the biggest mystery is why they would want him to leave the club in any capacity.

There is a theme starting to occur in the 2.SNL team of the week, with Aleksander Brkic and Tadej Vrscaj both included. Adrian Rustemi played 82 minutes for Slovenia Under-19's in a 3-3 draw with their South Korean counter-parts. NK Krsko manager, Nebih Zeneli continued his unhealthy interest in our club by once again making it known we don't belong in this League and won't cut it with regard to staying up. Needless to say, my calendar has a big circle around the date of our first meeting with his side, and it's only around 10 days away.

Zavrc are the next visitors to Crnomelj in the League. Promoted last season, they are expected to be amongst the bottom end of the table, with ourselves. The defensive end of the field picks itself at the moment, any injuries there and we'd be in big trouble I suspect. Anto Pejic continues in attack, but Patrik Bordon is fit enough for a place on the bench. Zan Majer comes straight into the side for a debut in the attacking midfielder role. Gregor Zugelj and Adrian Rustemi return on the flanks, Anel Hodzic and Amel Mujakovic will look to control the game from the centre of the park. The bookies and the media are split on this one, with the bookies going with us with home advantage, but the media pundits saying Zavrc can get an away day win here.

We got off to a superb start, pressuring the opposition defence, and taking the lead in the 8th minute. Adrian Rustemi was set free down the right, and tormented his marker by twisting in and out. Almost at the byline, he slung a low cross in to the near post, and it was met by a flying diving header from Alen Mujanovic and the ball hit the bottom corner of the net. Midway through the first half and we doubled the advantage. Mujanovic played a clever backheel to Mujakovic and he passed across the edge of the box to Anto Pejic. He was clean through, but his first touch was poor, and Roskar executed a superb sliding tackle to dispossess him. The ball ran loose, perfectly for Gregor Zugelj, who's first touch past Golubar was infinitely better than Pejic's, and his low left footed shot beat the keeper at the near post. 2-0 at half time.

Zan Majer comes off at half time. He needed treatment in the first half, and made it through to half time, but has nothing left. Pejic drops back into his role, and Patrik Bordon replaces him, joining Mujanovic up front. We ask the players to focus and not to become complacent. Some of the players wern't happy with this team talk. Zavrc come out fired up for the second half, but we dealt with them reasonably well for a few minutes, but Augustin broke into the box on the right, and his deep cross took our defenders out of the game. Rustemi did a good job of getting back, but not such a good job of beating Nik Kapun to the ball, and he lashed a half volley high into the net. We settled back down, but Zavrc are causing us problems now. With 15 mins to go, we don't change personnel as we're playing well, but we take a few steps backwards, everyone dropping slightly deeper, with only Bordon left up front. We reduce them to shooting from range, and hold out for our first points of the season. A great morale boost for everyone at the club. Zan Majer has suffered a pulled hamstring, and will miss up to a month.

Sunday 19th August 2012 - 2.SNL

SRC Loka, Crnomelj

NK Bela Krajina Crnomelj (2) 2 Zavrc (0) 1

Scorers : Alen Mujanovic (8), Gregor Zugelj (24)

Attendance : 298

Man of the Match : Amel Mujakovic (Bela Krajina)

[neilhoskins77]

Aleksander Brkic, Gregor Zugelj and Amel Mujakovic get a place in the 2.SNL team of the week. Slowly but surely, the team are starting to get to grips with the way they're being asked to play. The Pokal Slovenije 1st Rounder with NK Triglav 2000 comes around. We're forced to shuffle the pack again a little. Anto Pejic is dropped, and Amel Mujakovic moves to the attacking midfielder role in place of the laid up Zan Majer, with Darjan Spudic into the central role. Patrik Bordon is back to partner Alen Mujanovic up front. Adrian Rustemi is rested, Denis Dervisevic steps into the role. Valentino Stepcic and Matic Petek get replacement roles for this one.

We scared the hell out of the PrvaLiga's 7th placed team in the first half, but didn't have the lead we deserved. Darjan Spudic had already rattled their crossbar with a free kick by the time we took the lead. Gregor Zugelj delivered a looping cross from the left, Alen Mujanovic pulled the ball down, then stopped dead in his tracks as the Triglav defence beat a retreat back to their own goal. He laid the ball on a plate for Amel Mujakovic who arrived at pace and slotted home the opener. We led for just minutes. Sever took possession on the right, and tore through our defence. His attempted pass hit the unfortunate Matjaz Lunder in the shins, and fell right into the path of Ales Poplatnik who fired past Alan Suligoj. We head to the break even, but a little disappointed that we don't have a lead to show for our efforts.

No change to the pattern of the game as the second half begins. With the hour mark approaching, we go back in front. Mujakovic has the ball 35 yards from goal with a wall of red shirts in front of him. He lifts the ball over their heads, and Patrik Bordon is there and waiting for it. I wait for the flag to go up. Bordon waits for the flag to go up. The Triglav defenders wait for the flag to go up. He had to be offside, he really isn't quick enough to be beating offside traps. But the flag stays down, and Bordon drives his shot low into the corner. This time the lead lasts 10 minutes. Smolej delivers a very deep corner from the left, Jelar gets in front of Lunder to head it towards the near post, Denis Dervisevic didn't manage to sort his feet out, and it hits him and drops just over the line. 2-2, and now we're just feeling plain hard done by. With just over 5 minutes left on the clock, we fall behind for the first time. This time the corner is cleared, and the ball comes to Krcic. Valentino Stepcic attempts to marshall him, but he never really puts in any kind of a challenge, and the shot is cracked low from the edge of the area inside the near post.

We look doomed. But not quite. Two more of our substitutes combine, and within in a minute, we are back on terms. Ziga Kocevar swings in a free kick from the left, and debutant Matic Petek out-manoeuvres the marker and clips the ball in for a dramatic leveller. It should be a huge momentum swinger. Straight from kick off they are back in our box, and Tadej Vrscaj tries a Hollywood long ball to set Petek away. Instead the ball is lumped back into our box, Vrscaj is out of position, and Jelar collects the knock down and smashes a winner. We should be gutted. The reality is that we were dead on our feet by this point, and extra time would've killed us off. Going out of the Cup will help our League campaign, but we were so close to a giant killing that would've given us some much needed exposure.

Wednesday 22nd August - Pokal Slovenije, First Round

SRC Loka, Crnomelj

NK Bela Krajina Crnomelj (1) 3 NK Triglav 2000 (1) 4

Scorers : Amel Mujakovic (34), Patrik Bordon (58), Matic Petek (86)

Attendance : 269

Man of the Match : Amel Mujakovic (Bela Krajina)

[neilhoskins77]

There is no time to dwell on our Cup exit, we're straight back into League action. NK Smartno 1928 come to town on the Sunday afternoon. We have identical records so far, right down to the number of goals for, and against. Alen Mujanovic needs a rest, and the oppurtunity is given to Matic Petek, who can be ignored no longer. Adrian Rustemi returns in place of Denis Dervisevic.

When we took the lead in the 30th minute, it could have been deemed a little controversial. Matej Peternel was flattened in a challenge by Tadej Vrscaj. No whistle, the referee says play on. And play on we did. Amel Mujakovic strides forward with the ball, before clipping it into the path of Patrik Bordon. He did well to shift it on to his right foot and away from a challenge, and guided a neat finish past the keeper and into the bottom far corner. We couldn't hold on to our slender advantage. The visitors equalised just after the hour mark. Matjaz Lunder didn't get enough on his headed clearance, Bolha found Jani Bizjak on the edge of the area, and his reverse pass to Kolman left our defenders flat footed. Kolman lifted the ball over the advancing Alan Suligoj and the game ends all square. The result lifts us out of the relegation zone for the moment, but its still very early days, and we need to start winning these home games to give ourselves the best possible chance of steering clear of a relegation scrap.

Sunday 26th August 2012 - 2.SNL

SRC Loka, Crnomelj

NK Bela Krajina (1) 1 NK Smartno 1928 (0) 1

Scorers : Patrik Bordon (30)

Attendance : 273

Man of the Match : Aleksander Brkic (Bela Krajina)

[neilhoskins77]

With the last few days of August upon us, we took our final chance to strengthen the squad before 2013. Focusing on Slovenian players, and adding some depth to the Defence and Midfield, we brought in 3 players in just 2 days, and another is sitting on a contract offer. All are experienced players, and will be able to help our young players grow, hopefully. Borut Tisnikar is a 31 year old attacking midfielder. He has good size, and a cultured left foot and top tier experience. He's spent the last few seasons playing non-League. 39 year old Zeljko Mitrakovic joins as a Player/Coach. Age doesn't appear to have diminished his fitness or quality...well, not yet anyway. Also a left footer, he can play at Centre Back and Centre Midfield. This is his third stint at the club. He previously has 67 games and 15 goals under his belt for Bela Krajina.

He's slightly beaten in the `pensioner' stakes by Enes Demirovic. The Bosnian with a Slovenian passport can play anywhere across the midfield. While age has had its impact on his physical side of the game, his technical and mental assets make him a great pick up. He was playing in PrvaLiga as recently as 18 months ago, and has also had spells in Turkey and Israel. Driton Rustemi has recovered from a hernia injury as well now, and is back available. Recalled from a loan at Kolpa, he will take a little nursing back to fitness, but could also prove a valuable asset. 18 year old striker, Matic Sasek has gone to Kolpa on loan for the rest of the season. A few players may well have to leave in the next few days, if we're going to be battling in the lower reaches of the table, we'll have to make sure the books are balanced or the chances of joining an unemployment queue will increase drastically.

Our third game in a week, the eagerly anticipated trip to NK Krsko. The build up was surprisingly quiet from their manager. Maybe he's not quite as confident of a result against us as he was a few weeks ago? The team is shuffled around again. Aleksander Brkic and Matjaz Lunder both need a rest, and are replaced by Rok Gregorcic and Jure Suman. Only Adrian Rustemi keeps his place in the midfield. Ziga Kocevar goes to the left wing, Anto Pejic gets a recall to partner debutant Zeljko Mitrakovic in centre midfield, with Borut Tisnikar making his club bow in attacking midfield. Alen Mujanovic is back to partner Patrik Bordon. This game was a tight one, chances were at a premium for both sides. New boy, Borut Tisnikar came closest for us, hitting a howitzer from 30 yards out that curled and dipped, but was turned over by their goalkeeper. It always looked like one goal would decide the game, and that was how it was to be. Dvornancic slid the ball into the right of the box, Urbanc gave the keeper the eyes, and hit a low, powerful shot inside the near post to give NK Krsko the points. We actually moved up a place in the League as a few teams around us took a hiding. 4 points from our opening 5 games, doesn't sound horrendous, but thats nearly 20% of the way through in this Division.

Wednesday 29th August 2012 - 2.SNL

Matije Gubca, Krsko

NK Krsko (0) 1 NK Bela Krajina Crnomelj (0) 0

Scorers : None

Attendance : 423

Man of the Match : Rok Gregorcic (Bela Krajina)

[neilhoskins77]

Transfer Deadline Day arrived. The fourth contract offer that we sent out was signed and accepted. 33 year old Brane Vodopivec is a central midfielder who can also play in the attacking midfielder role too. Recently released by 2.SNL side ND Dravinja Kostroj, he has over 300 first team matches to his name. A striker was also brought in, Dejan Dimitrov. The 22 year old is a bit of a `jack of all trades' as strikers go, and looks to be able to play in most roles comfortably, but doesn't particularly excel at any. A decent player to have around though. Other than that, our busy day mainly comprised of signing off deals for players to leave the club. Mario Drinic goes to Croatian Druga HNL outfit, NK Vinogradar, on loan for the season. Young striker, Jernej Stukelj, goes to affiliate feeder team Kolpa for the season. The only man to leave on a permanent deal was Marko Vagar. He heads to the Ukraine, and signs for Mayr Gornostaivka on a free. We now have enough depth in the squad that midweek games shouldn't cause us too many problems.

Adrian Rustemi again gets selected for the Slovenia Under-19's squad to face Sweden and Iraq. We take a trip to 4th placed NK Roltek Dob for our next League game. There is already a split starting to emerge in the table, even at this early stage. It's all change again for this game. Aleksander Brkic and Matjaz Lunder return in the defence. Amel Mujakovic, Darjan Spudic and Gregor Zugelj are brought back into the midfield. Patrik Bordon drops to the bench, Alen Mujanovic is partnered up top by Matic Petek.

We were under pressure early doors. After 15 minutes we changed from Control to Counter, and this made a bit of difference. We started to stifle their attacks a little more comfortably. With it still goalless at half time, we were happy enough. When we caught them on the counter attack just after the hour, we were over the moon! Amel Mujakovic broke up play and sent Alen Mujanovic away to test the defence. As he held the ball up and waited for support, it was Mujakovic himself who broke through the middle, and Mujanovic found him with a killer ball. Mujakovic kept his composure, drew the keeper, and slotted home the opener. But that was as good as it got for us, Kunstelj supplied Prasnikar, and his cross was turned home by Avbelj. Kunstelj was starting to tear up apart down the left. Moments later he fed Stanko, and there was a queue to convert his cross, Skof becoming the grateful recipient. We changed up to start going at the opposition, and Matic Petek was sent through the middle, but inexplicably shot far too early, giving their keeper a comfortable save. We were caught again, perhaps unfairly this time, Enes Demirovic appeared to be felled on the edge of his own area, but Stanko wasn't waiting for a whistle and cracked the loose ball into the bottom corner.

Sunday 2nd September 2012 - 2.SNL

Sportni Park, Dob

NK Roltek Dob (0) 3 NK Bela Krajina Crnomelj (0) 1

Scorers : Amel Mujakovic (62)

Attendance : 288

Man of the Match : Ladislav Stanko (Roltek Dob)

[neilhoskins77]

Slovenia start their World Cup Qualifying campaign with a decent draw away to Norway. NK Simer Sampion's manager, Janez Zilnik, takes it upon himself to jump on the bandwagon and denounce Bela Krajina's hopes of staying in this Division after this season. Maybe he should concentrate on his own team, who have just one point from their half dozen games to date.

Our visitors this weekend are Krka, who having been promoted last season, have pushed their way to a healthy looking 5th position so far. The media are starting to suggest that fans are staying away from SRC Loka, and we're told to brace ourselves for a low turnout this weekend. Adrian Rustemi misses the game, as he's away on International duty. Denis Dervisevic comes into the line-up, and Driton Rustemi comes onto the bench for his first involvement with the First Team this season. Patrik Bordon also starts, Matic Petek sitting on the bench.

The first half was quite the spectacle. We started well, Patrik Bordon causing the opponents defence problems in the air as we looked to be a little more direct with our passing after being persistently told that the short passing wasn't working. But we were caught cold again, but not once, this time twice in just 2 minutes. The otherwise very impressive Darjan Spudic was dispossessed after becoming isolated in midfield. The ball was quickly moved upfield by the Krka midfield, and while we got players back to cover, Misura took possession near the penalty spot and smashed a low shot beyond Alan Suligoj's reach. A well worked free kick routine caught us out moments later. With our defenders bunched, and expecting the high ball into the box, they played a short pass. As we ran out to catch them offside and press, Volaric appeared on the left to take possesion and waltz into the box and find the net.

We didn't deserve to be 2-0 down in my opinion, and we weren't for very long. Spudic's free kick from right outside the area on the left seemed to be left by the defenders to drift over everyone's head and out of play. But Matjaz Lunder crept in on the far post and planted home a downward header, and we're back in it. And 5 minutes before half time we were back on terms. Spudic's initial corner wasn't particularly good, but his delivery at the second attempt found Patrik Bordon and he kept his strike low to find the bottom corner. The second half wasn't nearly as entertaining. Both teams had chances to win it. Alen Mujanovic hit the side netting with a tight angle shot to come closest to stealing the points for us. We'll gladly take the draw from this one.

Sunday 9th September 2012 - 2.SNL

SRC Loka, Crnomelj

NK Bela Krajina Crnomelj (2) 2 Krka (2) 2

Scorers : Matjaz Lunder (30), Patrik Bordon (39)

Attendance : 189

Man of the Match : Darjan Spudic (Bela Krajina)

[neilhoskins77]

Adrian Rustemi comes back from International duty with strained knee ligaments, and will miss a month. Meanwhile the Senior team draw their next World Cup Qualifier, 0-0 at home with Cyprus. Zan Majer returns to training. I'm keen to get this lad back involved with the First Team. I still believe he could be the creative spark we require.

For now, we have two away games in the space of 4 days. We change the tactics up to try and reduce the chances against us. A flat back four, a defensive midfielder sat in front of them, and a centre midfielder with two wide men and a lone striker, supported by an attacking midfielder. Darjan Spudic loses his place for now, Enes Demirovic will play on the left. Rok Hanzic returns at left back, Rok Gregorcic will play right back, Tadej Vrscaj is the man dropping to the bench.

The first of the away double header is a trip to the current 4th placed side, ND Dravinja Kostroj. In all fairness we were superb today. We deserved more than a draw, and we didn't even get that. Ratings throughout the team in the 7's, the lads took to the new plan well, and put their all into it. The jury may be out on whether Patrik Bordon will be the man to play the lone role. We created more than expected going forward, mainly due to the genius of Alen Mujanovic. But Bordon shot too early, or too wildly, or sometimes, just didn't shoot at all. The only goal came late on, and we were undone by a long cross field pass from their centre back. The ever dangerous Sekoranja wasn't marked closely enough by Rok Gergorcic on this occasion, and crashed his shot home via the underside of the bar.

A disappointing outcome to a promising performance. But that performance doesn't stop the media speculation. They believe the knives are out already, and that it's a matter of time before my reign in Crnomelj comes to an end. Our next opponents are the bottom team. We badly need a win to bring ourselves back in touch with the teams just above us.

Sunday 16th September 2012 - 2.SNL

SRC Dobrava, Slovenska Konjice

ND Dravinja Kostroj (0) 1 NK Bela Krajina Crnomelj (0) 0

Scorers : None

Attendance : 299

Man of the Match : Matej Radan (Dravinja Kostroj)

[neilhoskins77]

The big game against NK Simer Sampion is upon us before we know it. Two changes are made. Gregor Zugelj comes in at wide left in place of Enes Demirovic, who drops out of the matchday squad with Brane Vodopivec coming onto the bench. Darjan Spudic will take on the deep midfield role in place of Anel Hodzic.

We got off to the perfect start, leading inside a minute. Darjan Spudic delivered a free kick from the right touchline, and Patrik Bordon connected well with the header, though the keeper should have done a much better job, as it appeared to go straight through his hands. Even at that early stage, it seemed to knock the stuffing out of the opposition. Their attacks were half hearted, Aleksander Brkic and Matjaz Lunder looking comfortable at centre back.

With 70 minutes on the clock, and having missed a few chances to increase the lead, we shut up shop. We asked the full backs to hold their position and not raid forward, and got the wide midfielders to pull into a three in centre midfield and hold on to the ball where possible. We did this successfully, and a hard earned three points went into the bank. It wasn't enough to get us out of the relegation zone, but we're back within touching distance of the pack. NK Simer Sampion meanwhile, look doomed already, now cast 7 points adrift from us. There's a big double header up next, with the League leaders up first, and we need to push on and pick up some more points.

Wednesday 19th September 2012 - 2.SNL

Arena Petrol, Celje

NK Simer Sampion (0) 0 NK Bela Krajina Crnomelj (1) 1

Scorers : Patrik Bordon (1)

Attendance : 130

Man of the Match : Aleksander Brkic (Bela Krajina)

[neilhoskins77]

A trip to the League leaders looks like a daunting task for us at the moment. Low on morale and form, the bookies quote us as 10/1 to come away with the points, and 6/1 to even snatch a point from the game. Amel Mujakovic goes to the bench as he requires a rest, Anel Hodzic comes into the defensive midfield role, Darjan Spudic moves upfield into the centre. Zan Majer is fit enough to take a place on the bench, Anto Pejic takes Dejan Dimitrov's spot on the bench.

We're under pressure from NK Kalcer Radomlje from the off. They battered us for the opening 20 minutes, but we managed to hold out. Then we start to push them back a little, playing a higher defensive line and consistently catching them offside. It was a risky strategy, but we got to half time all square, and give the lads a gee up, telling them they're doing a great job. It was much of the same in the second half. Seat of the pants defending from us, and when we did have the ball, we gave it away too easily without causing the oppositions defence much in the way of problems.

With 15 minutes left, a triple substitution is made as legs start to seize. We're forced to have players out of position as we run out of puff. With 5 minutes left on the clock, we look done in. A corner from their right is half cleared, and Cerar lifts it back into the danger zone. It runs right through the bodies, and Alan Suligoj gets both hands to it, and pushes it away, straight to the lurking Sutic, who keeps his volley low, and fires home. Utter devastation...quickly followed by utter relief as the linesman raises his flag for an offside decision. We've got away with one, Sutic doesn't look offside. We'll take it, and hopefully the push for survival has just had it's first slice of luck.

Sunday 23rd September 2012 - 2.SNL

NK Radomlje, Radomlje

NK Kalcer Radomlje (0) 0 NK Bela Krajina Crnomelj (0) 0

Scorers : None

Attendance : 275

Man of the Match : Aleksander Brkic (Bela Krajina)

[neilhoskins77]

Rok Hanzic and Aleksander Brkic make it into the 2.SNL team of the week. To be honest, I thought our entire backline should have been there, but then I may be a touch biased in that. Zan Majer has a set back in his return to fitness. He strains a thigh muscle during training, and will be out once up again for up to a month. Josip Spelic has agreed a transfer to Greece. He'll join AO Asteras Magoulas on January 1st. This will bring our wage budget back under control, the only disappointing part was the fact that he's gone on a free transfer, and we didn't manage to get any cash in the bank for our reserve striker.

SD Garmin Sencur are our next opponents, as we return back to Crnomelj. It's our first home game for 3 weeks, and we haven't lost on home turf in the League since the opening day of the season. Enes Demirovic comes back into the matchday squad for Zan Majer, as does Zeljko Mitrakovic for Driton Rustemi. The bookies have us Even money favourites, a sign of how difficult we are becoming to play against.

Man it's good to be home! We bossed this game. Anyone who hadn't taken a peek at the League table recently would have struggled to believe we were the team fighting against relegation, and Garmin Sencur were amongst those chasing a Playoff place. They tried to pass their way through us, but came up against a well drilled defensive unit who dealt with them comfortably. They went back into their shell, and adopted a defensive outlook. It played perfectly for us. Patrik Bordon fires home the opener in the 28th minute, a first time shot from Alen Mujanovic's short pass. Denis Dervisevic gives us a 2 goal half time advantage, collecting the ball on the right of the area, stepping inside his marker into the space, and hitting a sweet, low, left footed drive across the keeper and just inside the far post.

To say we're ecstatic with the first half display would be an understatement. But we keep the team talk pretty low key, we don't want the lads suffering with complacency in the second half. We needn't have worried, they kept their eye on the ball, literally. By the time Garmin Sencur managed to produce anything, it was too little, and far too late. Adjovec's close range finish from Dolzan's low cross only served to take the gloss off the scoreline. 3 more important points in the bag, and out of the relegation zone into the bargain. The hard work will be making sure we don't drop back into danger.

Sunday 30th September 2012 - 2.SNL

SRC Loka, Crnomelj

NK Bela Krajina Crnomelj (2) 2 SD Garmin Sencur (0) 1

Scorers : Patrik Bordon (28), Denis Dervisevic (45+1)

Attendance : 243

Man of the Match : Rok Dolzan (Garmin Sencur)

[neilhoskins77]

Another midfielder will miss around a month of action. Amel Mujakovic is the man who we'll be without this time. Its the goalscorers from our win over Garmin Sencur who make it into this weeks 2.SNL team of the week. NK Krsko are the next visitors to SRC Loka. They currently hold 4th place, and are hot favourites to end our good run this weekend.

Mujakovic's place on the bench is taken by Brane Vidopivec. Other than that, its unchanged for the squad and starters that got us a win last weekend. A dream start, even better than we could hope. Darjan Spudic was instrumental in breaking up play, and then getting us upfield. Denis Dervisevic puts the ball in to Patrik Bordon from the right. Nothing looked on at all, but Bordon put his foot through it and it flew into the far corner. And it got even better. Gregor Zugelj delivers a free kick from the left into the box, and Rok Hanzic gets enough on his header to divert it past the keeper, and we're 2-0 up inside 11 minutes.

Krsko certainly wern't about to give up. A shot from the edge of the area had Alan Suligoj beaten all ends up, but it thundered back off the cross bar, and Matjaz Lunder managed to hook it clear. But they did get their way back into the game before the break. Again we fall foul of the low, flat ball into the edge of the 6 yard box, Skrbina the supplier, Drnovsek the recipient. First half injury time, and we ship a penalty. Tadej Vrscaj's, an early replacement for Rok Gregoric, challenge was more half hearted than reckless, a penalty seemed a tad harsh. Suligoj guessed right, and pushed away Pilipovic's spot kick, 2-1 at half time.

We tell the lads to keep going, they can do even better. But they are undone again early in the second half, Drnovsek turning the provider, feeding a deft ball into the box, and right into the path of Ivan Elez, who rounded the keeper and levelled it up. It was end to end from there on out, but neither side was able to snatch a winner. Sub, Enes Demirovic came closest with 91 minutes on the clock, cutting in from the left and beating 2 markers, his floated shot went over the head of the Krsko keeper, only to hit the bar and bounce right back into his hands. It's another point, but it felt like dropped points rather than a gained point this time.

Sunday 7th October 2012 - 2.SNL

SRC Loka, Crnomelj

NK Bela Krajina Crnomelj (2) 2 NK Krsko (1) 2

Scorers : Patrik Bordon (5), Rok Hanzic (11)

Attendance : 292

Man of the Match : Aleksander Brkic (Bela Krajina)

[Gary_Parker]

Tough draw in the end there. Keep it up though, your team seems to be coming together pretty well.

[neilhoskins77]

I'm not sure I needed a reminder, but I got one nonetheless. The morning papers are full of the news that Zavrc have sacked their Macedonian manager, Viktor Trenevski. They are the team that have fallen below the dreaded dotted line on the League table at our expense, thanks almost entirely to our recent revival. The fact that we're only 3 points in front of them, and have scored less goals than them at this point in the season, certainly isn't lost on me. I'm only too aware that a few bad results in a row could lead to me being the next manager to clear his desk in this League. And our next 2 opponents are the teams directly around us, starting with Zavrc this coming weekend, and followed by 7th placed NK Smartno 1928 the following weekend.

It's the same side that start at Zavrc, certainly our biggest game of the season so far, a classic six-pointer. A win would give us some real breathing room for now. So we've got a master plan. We're going in attacking. It's the last thing they'll be expecting if they've been scouting us, we've been operating a defensive approach for the weeks now. If it doesn't work, I'll have to hold my hands up and admit I got it all wrong.

It worked like a charm! We ran at their defence, and they didn't know what to do with us. They simply couldn't handle us coming forward. We took the lead in the 14th minute. Patrik Bordon rolled his marker nicely and laid the ball into the path of Darjan Spudic, who ignored the attention of the converging defence, and fired at goal. He kept his shot low, and while the keeper got a piece of it, he could only help it into the net. 10 minutes before half time and we notch another. A great move from the back down the right, and Alen Mujanovic was left on the touchline with 2 markers. He skinned them both, got to the byline and flipped a cross in with very little to aim at. Buzeti should have cleared easily, but Bordon flung himself at the ball and got enough on it to divert it goal-bound and give us a 2-0 advantage.

With the back of the job broken, we change up slightly for the second half. The wingers are made redundant, one joining into centre midfield to make a trio, the other moving into an attacking midfield role to support the strikers and provide the link. Despite us still having an attacking mentality, this shut down Zavrc even more. Aleksander Brkic was dominant in defence, and even the reshuffle caused by Rok Gregorcic's injury caused little problem. Bordon should have had 4 or 5 goals, missing several one on one oppurtunities, but he did manage to notch a second goal late in the game. From a Zavrc corner, Brkic heads clear, and Anel Hodzic stalks his man before dispossessing him and sending substitute Enes Demirovic away down the left. He pushes it forward to Mujanovic and we have a four on one. He played in Spudic on the left, and his cross looked too close to the keeper, but Bordon gets there first with a diving header and seals a superb victory. We're up to 7th place, 6 points from danger, and our goal difference is almost back to even.

Sunday 14th October 2012 - 2.SNL

NK Zavrc, Zavrc

Zavrc (0) 0 NK Bela Krajina Crnomelj (2) 3

Scorers : Darjan Spudic (14), Patrik Bordon (35,82)

Attendance : 136

Man of the Match : Patrik Bordon (Bela Krajina)

[neilhoskins77]

A season high of 4 players make it into the 2.SNL team of the week. It's another big game week, NK Smartno 1928 are a point behind us, and we need to try our best to keep them behind us. This would ensure that if Zavrc do manage to hit a run of form, we have a team between us as a buffer, and not just the points gap.

Valentino Stepcic will miss 2 months of action with a sport's hernia injury. A couple of changes are made on the bench for this away trip. Zan Majer comes in for Zeljko Mitrakovic, and Dejan Dimitrov is on the bench in place of Brane Vodopivec. Again there is a split between the media and the bookies, the media have gone with a home win, the bookies think we're favourites.

The same attacking formation and tactics are used again for this one, and we get ourselves in front. Rok Gregoric sends a floated cross from the right into the far post area, and Gregor Zugelj's timing was perfect, and he planted his header past the keeper to give us the advantage. Their leveller on half time was almost identical. Ristovski finds the space and sends Kolman away down the right. His cross goes right across the face of goal, and the late arriving Peternel sidefoot's home. The second half was a bit of a non event, a point is another good result, especially as the bottom two have been beaten again. Halfway through the season now, and we're doing ok.

Sunday 21st October 2012 - 2.SNL

Smartno, Smartno ob Paki

NK Smartno 1928 (1) 1 NK Bela Krajina Crnomelj (1) 1

Scorers : Gregor Zugelj (18)

Attendance : 250

Man of the Match : Nejc Kolman (NK Smartno)

[neilhoskins77]

6 games unbeaten in the League is a new club record. Amel Mujakovic and Adrian Rustemi are both back in training following their injuries. Rok Gregorcic misses the home game with the current 2nd place team, NK Roltek Dob though. He has bruised ribs, and Matjaz Lunder will go to right back, with Tadej Vrscaj coming into the team at centre back.

NK Roltek Dob are just three points away from the League leaders, making our status as Even money favourites from the bookies a little difficult to understand. Maybe they did know our team better than we did ourselves? Midway through the first half, and Denis Dervisevic's curling cross from the right found the head of Gregor Zugelj, who looped his header over the keeper. With a half time advantage, the lads were told to keep pushing, a win was on the cards. This turned out to be good advice. Less than 5 minutes into the second half, we got another. The keeper's clearance was appalling, and Alen Mujanovic picked it off and sent Denis Dervisevic away down the right. He cut into the box, and had plenty of options to square the ball across goal, but as the keeper was cheating and not covering his near post properly, he simply just slid the ball into the net himself.

A few moments later, and we sliced them open again. Dervisevic once again involved, this time putting his cross into the 6 yard box where Mujanovic was waiting to turn it in and end his dry spell in front of goal. Roltek Dob attempted to make a fight of it, and got a goal back in the 77th minute. Stanko crossed beyond the reach of sub, Zeljko Mitrakovic, and Goropecnik sidefooted a powerful shot past Alan Suligoj. But their lift in spirits was temporary. We reasserted control of the game, and finished them off with the clock about to strike 90 minutes. Mujanovic celebrated the end of his barren spell, by scoring a second. With the ball on the right edge of the box, the defence all went to cover the overlap of sub Zan Majer and Matjaz Lunder. Mujanovic simply cut inside to their left, into the box, and shot across the keeper to find the far corner.

This was comfortably our best display of the season, in front of our biggest crowd of the season too, and has lifted us up into 6th place. Relegation now looks unlikely, though the bottom 2 did also both win this weekend. We're now the same number of points behind Roltek Dob in the Playoff place as we are ahead of Zavrc in the 9th placed relegation berth. The winning mentality has crept into the team, we just need to make sure it doesn't turn into over-confidence. The chances of us making a late Playoff run are pretty slim, we just need to ensure we don't get sucked back into the dogfight at the bottom.

Sunday 28th October 2012 - 2.SNL

SRC Loka, Crnomelj

NK Bela Krajina Crnomelj (1) 4 NIK Roltek Dob (0) 1

Scorers : Gregor Zugelj (24), Denis Dervisevic (50), Alen Mujanovic (53,89)

Attendance : 310

Man of the Match : Alen Mujanovic (Bela Krajina)

[neilhoskins77]

The bottom club, NK Simer Sampion are our next visitors. They will have their tails up after a win last week. Rok Gregorcic is fit again, but doesn't get his starting lineup place back, going on to the bench in place of Zejlko Mitrakovic. Amel Mujakovic and Adrian Rustemi also return to the bench, in place of Jure Suman and Anto Pejic.

We were appalling for an hour in this home game. Hardly stringing passes together, giving the ball away in crucial areas of the pitch. The only surprise was that it took Simer Sampion until the 75th minute to capitalise on our poor play. Lazaric was sent away down the left side of the pitch, running at an already hobbling Matjaz Lunder. He made mince meat of him, and delivered a cross. Skoflek took control, but was well marshalled by Aleksander Brkic and Tadej Vrscaj. He was forced to square the ball to Cretnik, but he was handled by Rok Hanzic. Cretnik played it straight back to Skoflek, he found a yard, and rattled a low shot past an unprepared Alan Suligoj.

This served as the kick in the backside we needed. Straight from the kick off we bounce right back. Sub, Adrian Rustemi runs at his marker down the right, pushing him back, and pushing a ball in to Alen Mujanovic. He squares it across the box, and Gregor Zugelj continues his fine scoring run by slamming home an equaliser. And we wern't done there. With 4 minutes left on the clock, we hit them down the left flank. Zugelj and Hanzic involved, finding Darjan Spudic near the box. He slips a pass to Patrik Bordon who is unmarked and about to pull the trigger. Kompan makes a last ditch tackle to take it off Bordon's toe, but it rolls right to Mujanovic, and he holds his nerve and fires low and hard to earn us 3 more points.....points that I can't say we deserved at all today in front of another season high attendance.

Sunday 4th November 2012 - 2.SNL

SRC Loka, Crnomelj

NK Bela Krajina Crnomelj (0) 2 NK Simer Sampion (0) 1

Scorers : Gregor Zugelj (77), Alen Vujanovic (86)

Attendance : 369

Man of the Match : Alen Mujanovic (Bela Krajina)

[neilhoskins77]

Damir Cehic is upset with his lack of football. He believes he should be playing in the First Team. He is told he can have a loan move, which he's satisfied with. Gregor Zugelj has hit the yellow card limit and is suspended. The scouts tell us that next opponents, Krka, have been playing with 3 up front in recent weeks. We'll attempt to counter that by going with 3 centre backs, and allow the 2 full backs more freedom to push on when we have the ball. We deploy 3 centre midfielders, and an attacking midfielder, and a sole striker. Adrian Rustemi and Denis Dervisevic both drop to the bench. Rok Gregorcic returns at right back, allowing Matjaz Lunder to return to central defender duties, and Amel Mujakovic returns to the starting eleven. Matic Petek gets a place on the bench.

The plan and new tactics work even better than could have been hoped. In front of a desperately low crowd in Novo Mesto, we enjoy a superb first half. We catch Krka on the break twice. They had pushed everyone forward in anticipation of a long goal kick from their keeper. He didn't get the desired length on the kick, and Darjan Spudic picked it off and sent Alen Mujanovic away down the right. He used Patrik Bordon as a decoy, as the defenders rushed back to cover him, Mujanovic picked out Rok Gegorcic overlapping at pace. He crossed right into the path of Amel Mujakovic, who had to stoop to get the header, but glanced it beyond the keeper. We repeat the trick in the 33rd minute. This time Gregorcic put Spudic into space, he held the ball up well while the cavalry arrived in the box, and Bordon connects with a volley to double the advantage.

Right on half time, we get our first penalty of the season. Tadej Vrscaj was clearly shoved in the back while trying to get to Spudic's corner, and Mujakovic converts calmly to hand us a 3-0 half time advantage. The second half was never likely to be as good as the first. In fact, it wasn't a particularly good half for us at all. We missed several oppurtunities to hammer the ball clear as Krka knocked on the door, but didn't do so, and Tomislav Misura shot on the turn to finish from Brulc's cross.

While Krka didn't manage to get any more work from the scoreboard attendant, they got some more out of the referee. Patrik Bordon receives our first red card of the season, described as violent conduct. He looked to be legitimately contesting a bouncing ball to me, and the decision is appealed after the game. Shortly after, news filters through that Borivoje Lucic has been sacked as Krka manager. We don't need to concern ourselves too much, we're now into the top half of the table, and the season is going far beyond what could have been reasonably expected after the first half dozen games.

Sunday 11th November 2012 - 2.SNL

Portoval, Novo Mesto

Krka (0) 1 NK Bela Krajina Crnomelj (3) 3

Scorers : Amel Mujakovic (14, 45+1pen), Patrik Bordon (33)

Attendance : 85

Man of the Match : Amel Mujakovic (Bela Krajina)

[neilhoskins77]

Another four players are named in the 2.SNL team of the week. One of them is Patrik Bordon, and the Slovenian FA have announced they are upholding his 1 match ban for his red card, and he'll miss our next game. At least that was what we thought would happen. Later in the week, it's announced that upon examining the video of the incident, the ban has been increased by a further 2 games.

We have a home fixture with current 2nd place side, ND Dravinja Kostroj to wrap up the opening part of the season. They were the last team to inflict defeat on us before our current 9 game unbeaten run. We return to the attacking formation, meaning one of the centre backs will miss out. It's Matjaz Lunder who is sacrificed. Gregor Zugelj returns from suspension on the left wing, Darjan Spudic drops to the bench to allow Denis Dervisevic to return on the right flank. Matic Petek comes into the front line in place of Patrik Bordon.

It's not often I've managed a side where the constant change in formation and tactics upsets them very little, if at all. A home game, an attacking formation very different from their last outing, and the lads are in their element. They attack Dravinja Kostroj as if we were playing a no hoper, park team, and not the current second place team in the League. The opener was a move from the back, and was a thing of beauty. Some one touch passing in midfield sends Denis Dervisevic on his bike down the right. His ball inside to Amel Mujakovic gave the midfielder the oppurtunity to run diagonally across the pitch, and with everyone in defence following his move, he clipped an effortless ball into the path of Gregor Zugelj. He resumed his fine goalscoring form, by showing composure and lifting the ball over the diving keeper into the corner.

With just the one goal advantage, you would expect a bit of nervousness, and the usual step deeper back towards our own goal. I've learnt not to do that with this group of players, they prefer going forward. With that in mind, we tough it out in the second half, showing trust in the players. And it pays off, with 15 minutes left on the clock. Dervisevic's corner is driven back towards him by Cernec, and he returns it low into the 6 yard box. Alen Mujanovic is quickest to react, and scuffs a low shot into the bottom corner to kill of the opposition and seal another win, 10 games unbeaten, and a move up to fourth in the table. And the cherry on the cake is yet another season high attendance. I'm a very happy manager right now.

Sunday 18th November 2012 - 2.SNL

SRC Loka, Crnomelj

NK Bela Krajina Crnomelj (1) 2 ND Dravinja Kostroj (0) 0

Scorers : Gregor Zugelj (31), Alen Mujanovic (75)

Attendance : 409

Man of the Match : Aleksander Brkic (Bela Krajina)

[neilhoskins77]

The Slovenian League now takes it's very long Winter break, with our next game now scheduled for March 3rd 2013. We are to play everyone once more, so 9 more games left in the season. We'll use the time to look at contract renewals, and potential new signings. Should finances allow, we might try and get one or two of them in through the door for the rest of the season, and see if we can have a crack at sneaking into the Playoff, which would have been impossible to imagine at the start of the season.

The defensive core are the first ones to get their contract talks. Tadej Vrscaj was pretty easily pleased. He accepted a one year extension to his current terms and signed on the dotted line right away. Matjaz Lunder was also due to expire in the summer. He gets a reasonably hefty pay rise, but nowhere near what he was originally asking for. Aleksander Brkic still had in excess of 18 months left on his deal, but he is also offered a 1 year extension to that, getting the same pay deal as Lunder and now tied in until Summer 2015.

Alen Mujanovic and Patrik Bordon are the other priorities for contract extensions. Both accept 1 year extensions with small pay increases. Meanwhile Anto Pejic is not happy with being an after-thought when it comes to First Team football. On paper, he's the best player in the team. In reality, he's frustrating. When played up front he doesn't offer enough of a threat at goal. When played in his preferred attacking midfield role, he doesn't provide the link that others in the squad are capable of providing. His contract is due for renewal in the summer, and I'm loathe to lose him for nothing, but I'm also reluctant to make him one of the bigger earners when he is unlikely to play.

Mitja Zugelj also wants to leave. He hasn't played this season, and the 19 year old centre back is unlikely to figure at any point soon. He's told he can have a loan move, but he isn't interested and wants to leave on a permanent deal. I agree he can go, and he's listed. We'll actively look to move him in the coming weeks.

[neilhoskins77]

Diego Barrios will leave the club at the end of January. After being signed on a free and becoming the clubs highest earner, he's been out of sorts to say the least on the occasions he has played, and will leave just 6 months into his contract. He'll join Ukrainian Second League side, Myr Gornostaivka.

An agreement is reached with Anto Pejic. He signs a new deal through until Summer 2014, with a minimal pay increase, but a better appearance fee. This deal is probably in the best interests of both parties. Hopefully he'll get his head down and start earning his dosh now. My trusty assistant manager, Janez Pate, has signed a contract extension through until Summer 2015 with the club. No pay rise for the man who's team talk advice is often ignored.

The Board offer me the oppurtunity to adjust our season ambitions. I elect to leave it at a mid-table position. The £56k they have given as a new transfer budget could come in very handy though. As we hit the New Year, Josip Spelic leaves for Greece, the transfer that was agreed sometime ago. Still 2 months to go until the League resumes, it's certainly quiet at the moment in Slovenia. But now the transfer window is open, who knows when the silence will be shattered.

[neilhoskins77]

Mitja Zugelj gets his move. He is sold to Greek side, PAS Korinthos for £10k. Damir Cehic also gets to leave, this one is just a loan move though. He joins Austrian Erste Liga side, SV Grodig, for the remainder of the season. We bring in two free agent strikers in the dying hours of the transfer window. Both are with an eye to the future, and will unlikely see any game time in the near future. They are two very different kinds of striker. 19 year old Blazo Apostolov is a big unit. At 6'2, and with great physical stats, the lad has yet to make a senior appearance. While he has yet to learn the subtle aspects of the game, Matic Grusovnik is at the other end of the scale. With flair and pace to burn, he could be a useful kid to have around in the future. He is also yet to play a senior game.

The season finally gets back underway, and its been a long winter break. We restart with a home game against 8th placed Krka, hoping for a similar result to the one we earned against them in our previous encounter. Patrik Bordon is still suspended, so Matic Petek remains in the team to partner Alen Mujanovic up front. Adrian Rustemi is ill, so his place on the substitutes bench is taken by Enes Demirovic, and Matjaz Lunder has to be content on the bench too, as Tadej Vrscaj and Aleksander Brkic continue in the heart of the defence.

All started well. Aleksander Brkic turned defence into attack in a flash, his long ball picking out Matic Petek. He escaped his marker on the right flank, and his pinpoint cross was met with a left footed volleyed finish from close range by Alen Mujanovic, which he kept low and gave the keeper no chance with. He should have had a second just minutes later, running on to a loose ball in the area, but cracking his powerful shot against the base of the post. With a goal lead at half time, the fact that we're disappointed it's only one goal, perhaps is a mark of how far we've come in recent months.

The sense of pride in my team lasted less than 2 minutes after the second half kicked off. Krka passed their way right through our defence, and Burgar played in an unmarked Dezmar, who left Alan Suligoj with no chance as he finished inside the near post. We stuck to the plan, and got at Krka right through the second half, but just couldn't put the ball in the net. A point it is, dropping us back down to 5th place, but potentially only a win or two away from securing our status in this League for another year.

Sunday 3rd March 2013 - 2.SNL

SRC Loka, Crnomelj

NK Bela Krajina Crnomelj (1) 1 Krka (0) 1

Scorers : Alen Mujanovic (9)

Attendance : 402

Man of the Match : Dejan Burgar (Krka)

[neilhoskins77]

With an 11 game unbeaten run in our pockets, I figured that this would be a good time to ask for a new contract, as my current one had a little over 3 months left. I thought we were doing well. The response from the Board was surprising to me, and that's putting it mildly. I asked them for a new contract to show the fans that the Board are committed to me, and in return, showing the players that I'm committed to the club. Their response was that players expect to work under multiple managers during their careers, and proceeding without me would cause no problem for them. That's cold. There's saying no, and then there's being downright rude about it. I was hoping for a future here, but it looks like I'm on death row as far as my prospects for the future at this club are concerned. A trip to the job centre is certainly in the offing.

The contract issues have to be put to the back burner for the moment. We've got a trip to 6th placed SD Garmin Sencur. They are just three points behind us, and a win over them will strengthen our hold on a place in the top half of the table. Anel Hodzic is suspended for this one, his place is taken by Darjan Spudic, with Borut Tisniker coming on to the bench. Adrian Rustemi hasn't managed to force his way back into the matchday squad.

The game was open, our attacking formation certainly contributing to that. We were relying heavily on Aleksander Brkic, and he didn't let us down. He was magnificent in this game, Garmin Sencur's attacking threats nullified almost single handedley by the big centre back. The first half was goalless. The second half started with an unexpected gift. Opposition goalkeeper, Topic, collected a short backpass, and brought the ball forward, advancing just outside his box. His attempted long pass was very short on power, and precision. Denis Dervisevic hit it first time with a left footed volley from 45 yards, and Topic was stranded as the ball bounced into the net.

Alan Suligoj pulled off a contender for save of the season as Garmin Sencur tried to get back into the game. A floated, outswinging cross was headed goalwards, looping over Suligoj, who managed to get fingertips to it, and enough to flick it just barely over the crossbar. And he was rewarded at the other end of the pitch with 15 minutes left on the clock, Amel Mujakovic delivering a through ball and splitting the centre backs, Matic Petek using his pace to get through, and beating the keeper with a low shot to confirm the points.

Sunday 10th March 2013 - 2.SNL

Sportni Park, Sencur

SD Garmin Sencur (0) 0 NK Bela Krajina Crnomelj (1) 2

Scorers : Denis Dervisevic (49), Matic Petek (75)

Attendance : 123

Man of the Match : Aleksander Brkic (Bela Krajina)

[neilhoskins77]

The bottom 2 teams of the League, NK Simer Sampion and Zavrc, met each other on the weekend. Zavrc scored a late winner, to get a 2-1 win. This leaves Simer Sampion with just 8 points from 20 games so far this season, and they now cannot overtake us this season. In all probablity, Zavrc couldn't either. With just 7 games remaining, and such a small League, with teams taking points off each other from them meeting, we'll be safe. In fact, we're still very much in the hunt for promotion, despite being very unfancied to be anywhere near that fight. At this late stage of proceedings, we're just 5 points from the leaders, who are our next opponents, and also just 4 points away from the Promotion Playoff.

We have an immediate oppurtunity to pull ourselves closer still to the Promotion race, as we entertain current League leaders, NK Krsko this weekend. The visitors are missing a few players, and the bookies make us Even money favourites for the points. Patrik Bordon is back, and steps right back into the side, Matic Petek can probably consider himself a little unlucky to find himself on the bench. Anel Hodzic joins him, as Darjan Spudic keeps his spot in the team. Borut Tisniker loses his place in the matchday party.

This match was unbelievable, for several different reasons. Firstly, for how dominant we were. This was the League leaders coming to our stadium today, and quite frankly, we tore them apart. Also, how their goalkeeper is still in gainful employment as a footballer will go down as one of life's great mysteries. He was directly responsible for 2 of our goals. We led inside 2 minutes, Rok Gregorcic lifting the ball to the right corner of the area, Denis Dervisevic getting up first and his neat flick on ran into the path of Alen Mujanovic. He showed great strength to hold off his marker, and smashed his shot low inside the near post to delight the fans behind the goal. That was the only goal of the half, but Patrik Bordon hit the bar with a header, and Amel Mujakovic did the same with a free kick.

We killed off Krsko early in the second half, thanks almost entirely to their goalkeeper, Zalokar. His attempted short goal kick missed its target, Mujanovic didn't manage to gain possession, but Mujakovic did and slid a through ball into his path. As the defence massed around him, he played a short ball to Bordon, and he finished first time into the far corner. That wasn't even as bad as it got for Zalokar. Tadej Vrscaj collected a short throw on the edge of his own area, and attempted a very ambitious long ball to Bordon. He pinged it far too hard and it bounced tamely towards the keeper. The fool tried to trap it with his foot, and was reduced to a spectator as it bounced off his toe and into the corner of the net. Cringe goalkeeping at it's best.

We hadn't quite finished either. Barkovic headed a corner from Darjan Spudic out of immediate danger, but it fell right to Dervisevic. He blasted a shot goalwards, and the keeper went flying across goal to stop it. It didn't reach him, hitting one of his defenders in the back, and bouncing right to the perfectly placed Gregor Zugelj, who was left with a simple pass into the unguarded net. Krsko did manage a consolation goal with 5 minutes remaining. Lazanski swept a cross deep towards the far post, and Vranicar drilled a volley home. We're now within 2 points of the top two teams, and the new leaders are our next opponents. Are you sure about that contract decision, Mr Chairman?

Sunday 24th March 2013 - 2.SNL

SRC Loka, Crnomelj

NK Bela Krajina Crnomelj (1) 4 NK Krsko (0) 1

Scorers : Alen Mujanovic (2), Patrik Bordon (52), Tadej Vrscaj (62), Gregor Zugelj (72)

Attendance : 418

Man of the Match : Luka Lazanski (NK Krsko)

[neilhoskins77]

NK Simer Sampion are officially relegated, and as you do, they have sacked their manager. Zavrc can no longer mathematically catch us, and our first goal of the season is complete, and we secure our status. However our recent run of form has now seen our priorities change significantly. I've been searching the job centre to see what is potentially there for next season, working on the basis that my conversation with the Board regarding my contract wasn't exactly fruitful. I applied for the Portsmouth job, narrowly missing out, which was a little disappointing as it would have been a great project. Right now there are possibilities in Slovakia and Russia.

Seven of our players were included in the 2.SNL team of the week for last weekend, another confirmation of the dominance we held over NK Krsko. New leaders, NK Kalcer Radomlje, haven't won in their last 3 games, and have been held scoreless in 2 of them. We're heavy favourites for this one, despite being away from home. The team and squad both remain the same for this trip.

Another unbelievable performance, and the result to go with it. There's no stopping the team right now. They tore Kalcer Radomlje apart in the first half. Alen Mujanovic tricks his way past a defender just inside the box, and the defender left his leg out, and it's a pretty clear cut penalty. Amel Mujakovic puts it right into the corner, which is just as well as the keeper went the right way, and we're ahead after 6 minutes. It didn't take long to add another. Denis Dervisevic's corner was headed right back to him, but his second attempt at a cross was much better, floating over the defence, and brought down on the far post by Aleksander Brkic. His inexperience in front of goal didn't cause an issue, he put his laces through it and belted it high into the roof of the net, leaving the keeper helpless. We struck again after 38 minutes, Mujanovic unselfishly laying the ball across the edge of the box, and Patrik Bordon kept his composure to slide a third into the net. We could scarcely believe what we were seeing when Gregor Zugelj sent a free kick in from the left, and Brkic was unmarked to send a bullet header past the rooted keeper. 4-0 at half time. What on earth has gotten into my team?

We shipped a goal early in the second half, probably the best goal of the game too. Kalcer Radomlje built from the back, and passed their way right through us, some deft one touch football ending with Music firing home from 10 yards out. That was all we let them have, shutting them down effectively, preserving the lead and going to the top of the table with 5 games remaining. The attacking formation is scaring the hell out of the teams in this League, but the results are astounding, and it would still be a huge shock if this club achieve promotion. Denis Dervisevic will miss the rest of the season, the winger suffering a sprained ankle with 20 minutes remaining, and he will be a miss.

Sunday 31st March 2013 - 2.SNL

NK Radomlje, Radomlje

NK Kalcer Radomlje (0) 1 NK Bela Krajina Crnomelj (4) 4

Scorers : Amel Mujakovic (6 pen), Aleksander Brkic (10,43), Patrik Bordon (38)

Attendance : 281

Man of the Match : Aleksander Brkic (Bela Krajina)

[neilhoskins77]

The job hunt continues, as there is still no offer of a new contract forthcoming from Bela Krajina. The door to a move to Russia appears to be closed for now, with several teams in the Russian SuperLeague taking on new managers. The same situation in Slovakia, where the main position of interest was the Manager's job at Slavia Prague, which has also now been filled.

In the meantime, what I guess we would now class as the Title Race, continues in Slovenia, and we have an away trip to 4th placed NK Roltek Dob. Our right back, Rok Gregorcic is suspended, and will miss this one, and of course we have Denis Dervisevic missing, so we're looking at a new right side to the team. Matjaz Lunder will fill in at right back with Zeljko Mitrakovic coming on to the bench. Adrian Rustemi returns to the team on the right wing.

We just wern't at the races today. We didn't create enough, and we didn't look as solid at the back as we have done in our previous outings. It was Roltek Dob who created all the best chances, and they punished us. After a goalless first half, Ladislav Stanko scored twice in the second half, firstly in the 64th minute. He raced into the box onto Zinko's weighted pass, and shot across Alan Suligoj and just inside the far post. The second was a piece of real class. Again it was Zinko who played him in from almost the same spot. This time it looked like Stanko had gone too far, forced wide by Anel Hodzic's attempted tackle. But from an almost impossible angle, he curled his left footed shot into the far top corner.

The race for the Title and promotion is certainly hotting up now. We drop to second place, but the top 4 teams are all on 39 points, and the 5th placed team sit on 37 points. It's going to be some run in over the final 4 weekends of the season.

Sunday 14th April 2013 - 2.SNL

Sportni Park, Dob

NK Roltek Dob (0) 2 NK Bela Krajina Crnomelj (0) 0

Scorers : None

Attendance : 263

Man of the Match : Ladislav Stanko (Roltek Dob)

[Gary_Parker]

Keep it up Neil, hopefully you'll get that dream job soon.

[neilhoskins77]

Cheers Gary. To be honest, I'd be quite happy with a new contract and staying with Bela Krajina, regardless of whether they get promoted or not. But it's mid April game time now. If nothing is sorted in the next few weeks, there will be a whole new slew of Manager's fighting for the same jobs as me if I keep waiting.

[neilhoskins77]

The hope of Rok Gregorcic returning and shoring up the right side of defence is dashed the day before our next game. He's broken down in training with a sports hernia, and will miss the rest of the season. This isn't good news, as we don't have a dedicated right back to step into the role, Matjaz Lunder is the only one capable of playing there.

We're back on home ground for the next game, 5th placed ND Dravinja Kostroj are the visitors. Matjaz Lunder continues in the right back role, but Adrian Rustemi is dropped to the bench, and Zan Majer comes into the side on the right wing. What a frustrating afternoon. It was a pretty tight game, at least compared to the games we are generally involved in. Despite the formation and tactics remaining the same, you could almost see the sub-conscious one yard retreat from a team that knew losing would be a big deal.

We led at half time. Fantastic work on the left by Gregor Zugelj, alert to the fact that the full back wasn't particularly alert, so to speak. He whipped the ball from his toe, and took off down the left, delivering a peach of a cross to the near post, and Patrik Bordon did a much better job of attacking it than the defenders, and glanced his header into the net. While Dravinja Kostroj were having a fair amount of possession, they were failing to trouble us too much. You got the feeling something major would be needed for us to give up the lead. That something major happened in the 66th minute. Ribic hit an optimistic shot from a full 30 yards out. It beat the outstretched dive of Alan Suligoj, but cannoned against the bar, bouncing back into the body of the prone goalkeeper, and rolling agonizingly slowly across the line and into the net. Ouch.

3 of the 5 games ended in draws, and we're still in second position, locked with 2 other teams, so nothing has been lost yet. But that extra couple of points would have been a great little buffer. It could be argued we have the easier run in of the teams fighting for the title, we have both of the bottom 2 teams to play in the final 3 games. The public of Crnomelj certainly appear to be enjoying the football, our biggest crowd of the season by a long way today.

Sunday 21st April 2013 - 2.SNL

SRC Loka, Crnomelj

NK Bela Krajina Crnomelj (1) 1 ND Dravinja Kostroj (0) 1

Scorers : Patrik Bordon (37)

Attendance : 525

Man of the Match : Aleksander Brkic (Bela Krajina)

[neilhoskins77]

Finally, the Board come to me with a contract offer. They are offering the same wages for another 1 year contract, but I want at least 2 years. The negotiations are protracted, the Board offering a 1 year deal with a 25% pay rise. I tell them I would prefer to have the same wages, and an extra year, and eventually they agree. 2 years at £500 per week. I'm happy to stay in Crnomelj, and there is still a good chance that next season may be in the top tier of Slovenian football. I'd love to be able to start looking at the Bosman market right now, and start building the team for next season, but it's not smart to do it until we know which level we'll be playing at.

We go into May, and the match away to Zavrc. They can't afford to drop any points, or they will be relegated. We're looking to complete a hat-trick of victories over them this season to stay in the promotion hunt. There are no changes to the lineup for this clash. We were awful for the first 20 minutes of the game. The ever dangerous Ales Ceh skinned Rok Hanzic down our left, and delivered a cross from the byline into the danger area. Matjaz Lunder had moved into the middle to help out, but was easily beaten in the air by Golubar, and Alan Suligoj had no chance, leaving us a goal down with less than 7 minutes on the clock.

We slowly started to pull ourselves into the game, and on our first real attack of the match, we found the leveller. Some nice short passing in midfield, and the ball was spread wide to Zan Majer. He threaded the ball through the defenders, into the box, and Alen Mujanovic took a touch before firing right footed across the keeper, who will have been disappointed not to get anything on it. This didn't stop the half time rollicking, the players were told that they were performing well below par, which wasn't necessarily true, but certainly did a good job of firing them up.

It took just 2 minutes of second half action for the players to show their true capabilities. Rok Hanzic delivered a cross from the right after a short corner, and the Zavrc defence made the mistake of leaving Patrik Bordon unmarked in the 6 yard box, and he stooped to plant a header home, which turned out to be the winner. NK Kalcer Radomlje are held to a draw by our next opponents, NK Smartno 1928. This puts us level on points with them on 43, with NK Krsko also on 43 points after a narrow win away to NK Simer Sampion. The leaders are 2 goals better off than us on goal difference, Krsko are a long way behind in that department. 2 games to go, and it really is going to be a nailbiting finish to the season.

Sunday 5th May 2013 - 2.SNL

NK Zavrc, Zavrc

Zavrc (1) 1 NK Bela Krajina Crnomelj (1) 2

Scorers : Alen Mujanovic (23), Patrik Bordon (47)

Attendance : 86

Man of the Match : Aleksander Brkic (Bela Krajina)

[neilhoskins77]

First thing on the Monday morning, we gain some info on the contract of Zavrc's right midfielder, Ales Ceh, who spent his Sunday afternoon tormenting our left back. He doesn't have a relegation release clause, but there is an automatic pay reduction in there. We throw in an offer, which is certainly somewhat cheaper than his value, and we'll see what comes of it.

We get news that right winger, Denis Dervisevic, is back in training. He's nowhere near ready for this weekend's game, but has an outside shot of making his comeback in the final round of games. NK Smartno 1928 come to SRC Loka on the penultimate weekend of the season with nothing to play for. Both of the previous meetings have ended in draw's, but we really need a win today to keep the pressure on the other teams around us....or even better if they slip up.

It's the same team once again. It's satisfying seeing our team page, and seeing almost everyone's average rating well into the 7's. This was your classic game of two halves. The first very much belonged to us. Alen Mujanovic shot us into the lead in the 18th minute, Gregor Zugelj making a superb run down the left, finding Mujanovic with his cross, and the veteran chested the ball down before slotting home his 10th goal of the season. And he followed it up with his 11th of the campaign right on half time. Again it was Zugelj providing the cross to find him at the near post. His initial shot was blocked by Bolha, but the rebound went straight back to him, and his snap shot caught the keeper out at the near post. 2-0 at half time, and we stress to the players that they're doing a great job, but don't become complacent.

10 minutes into the second half, and we give up the type of goal we've avoided giving up all season. Aleksander Brkic gave away possession in the centre circle, which he's hardly done all year. Mrevlje plays the ball in behind the defence, and Tadej Vrscaj totally misses his tackle on Bolha, who is left one on one with Alan Suligoj, and beats him with a low shot. Midway through the half, and they catch us again. Kolman clips a ball into the box from the left wing, and Podbreznik is right in front of Suligoj to divert it into the net for an equaliser. Both sides miss oppurtunities for a winner, and in the end we have to settle for a draw. It's not ideal, but it's not the end of the world.

Elsewhere in the League, NK Krsko also throw away a half time lead against Krka, two goals from Dejan Burgar in the last 10 minutes causing damage to their promotion ambitions. NK Kalcer Radomlje shipped a goal with 5 minutes left at SD Garmin Sencur, but get a winner 2 minutes into injury time, and they are in pole position going into the final round of games. NK Roltek Dob comfortably dispatch NK Simer Sampion 4-1 at home. So, where do we stand going into the last day of the season.

NK Kalcer Radomlje have a 2 point lead at the top, and a win at Zavrc will make them Champions. We're second, ahead of NK Roltek Dob by virtue of scoring one more goal than them. We visit NK Simer Sampion next week, and know a better result than them will guarentee us the single Promotion Playoff place at least. NK Roltek Dob are also away, they go to Krka. NK Krsko could snatch the Playoff place with a win at Krka if both ourselves and NK Roltek Dob slip up.

Sunday 19th May 2013 - 2.SNL

SRC Loka, Crnomelj

NK Bela Krajina Crnomelj (2) 2 NK Smartno 1928 (0) 2

Scorers : Alen Mujanovic (18,45)

Attendance : 427

Man of the Match : Gregor Zugelj (Bela Krajina)

[neilhoskins77]

The build up to the final showdown of the season sees us receive the news that Zan Majer will miss the game. He struggled with an injury throughout the second half of the game against NK Smartno 1928, eventually withdrawn with 15 minutes to go. His place will go to either Denis Dervisevic or Adrian Rustemi, the decision to be made closer to the game.

Dejan Dimitrov isn't happy with his lack of First Team football, and asks for a move. I agree that he can go. While he hasn't had very much game time, I think we could probably find a replacement who would do a better job than Dimitrov without too much trouble.

After much deliberation, it's decided on the morning of the game that Denis Dervisevic will start at right wing. It's unlikely he'll be able to go for a full 90 minutes, so Adrian Rustemi is likely to come on at some point. Other than that change, its an unchanged line-up once again. So, its the final day of the season, and there are 3 games going on at the same time that are of interest to the Title race. Here is the timeline of how the afternoon unfolded, a dramatic final day of the 2.SNL season....

4 minutes : It's a dream start for Bela Krajina, and vindication of the selection of Denis Dervisevic comes early. The Arena Petrol in Celje has a capacity of just over 13,000, but is virtually deserted for this game. Less than 5 minutes in and we're in front. Amel Mujakovic puts Denis Dervisevic into space down the right. He wrongfoots a defender and plays the ball across the box, where Darjan Spudic arrives to crack home an opener and certainly settle the nerves.

5 minutes : We certainly wern't going to rest on our laurels, and within a minute, the scoreboard ticks to 2-0. Gregor Zugelj delivers a cross from the left, and it finds Dervisevic at the near post. He appears to have lost the oppurtunity to shoot, but with his back to goal, shoots on the turn with his left, and his powerful effort finds the net.

25 minutes : An opening goal in Novo Mesto, and its the home side in front. Krka lead 1-0 against NK Roltek Dob

30 minutes : Back to Novo Mesto, and it goes from bad to worse for the visitors. Already a goal down, they are now a man down too. Midfielder, Ladislav Stanko, one of their most important players, gets a red card, leaving NK Roltek Dob down to 10 men with an hour to play.

36 minutes : It's all happening in Novo Mesto. 10 men or not, NK Roltek Dob are not about to give in, and they find an equaliser with just under 10 minutes left in the first half from 35 year old, Blaz Skof.

45 minutes : The half time whistles sound in all 3 games. NK Kalcer Radomlje still hold top spot in the League, currently standing at 0-0 in Zavrc with the already relegated home side. NK Bela Krajina Crnomelj lead 2-0 in Celje against the other relegated side, NK Simer Sampion. They know another goal will put them top of the pile on goal difference if the score stays the same in Zavrc. NK Roltek Dob's hope are faltering. They are currently level at 1-1 in Novo Mesto against Krka, but are down to 10 men.

[neilhoskins77]

50 minutes : Maybe...just maybe! Amel Mujakovic breaks play up in midfield and sends Dervisevic away down the right flank. He cuts outside his marker, and finds enough room to float a cross in. Alen Mujanovic arrived, and gets enough on his right footed volley to beat the keeper and make it 3-0. As it stands right now, it's us, NK Bela Krajina Crnomelj who will be Champions and take automatic promotion to 1.SNL!

57 minutes : In Novo Mesto, the challenge of NK Roltek Dob looks doomed. They have fallen behind for a second time to Krka, the leading scorer in the League, Dejan Burgar has his second goal of the afternoon. It looks like it's between the top two now.

60 minutes : It must be all done for NK Roltek Dob, as they concede another goal. It's Luka Volaric on the hour, and it's now 3-1 to Krka.

62 minutes : Bela Krajina survive a scare. A header from a corner loops over the head of Alan Suligoj, but is headed off the line by Tadej Vrscaj who was on post duty. We still lead 3-0 and are still in pole position as the score remains 0-0 in the game between Zavrc and NK Kalcer Radomlje.

65 minutes : It's all going horribly wrong for NK Roltek Dob in Novo Mesto. They ship a 3rd goal in just 8 minutes. It's Dejan Grabic with his first of the season, and Krka have a 4-1 advantage against the 10 men.

70 minutes : Disaster for Bela Krajina, as NK Simer Sampion pull a goal back, which drops us back down to second behind NK Kalcer Radomlje. Janzic cuts through the defence with a through ball, Beciri outpaces the last man, rounds Alan Suligoj, and taps home to bring it back to 1-3. This now puts NK Kalcer Radomlje back in the driving seat for the Title.

72 minutes : Back in Novo Mesto, NK Roltek Dob are making a fight of it. They are back to 2-4, with a goal from Luka Prasnikar.

76 minutes : GOOOAAAALLLLLL!! It's advantage Bela Krajina once again! Dervisevic is once again involved, set free on the wing by Mujakovic. This time he doesn't cross, he clips the ball inside to Mujanovic. He is surrounded by covering defenders, but plays a pass to Patrik Bordon, who keeps his shot low, and finds the bottom corner of the net. Once again, it's ourselves in the driving seat.

78 minutes : It's been deathly quiet in Zavrc, but with just over 10 minutes left, the opening goal goes in. And its the home side who snatch it! 21 year old Tomaz Avgustin scores his 7th goal of the season, and NK Kalcer Radomlje have it all to do now. As it stands, NK Bela Krajina Crnomelj are a point clear at the top of the table.

81 minutes : NK Roltek Dob notch another to bring it back to 3-4 against Krka in Novo Mesto.

90 minutes : The final whistles blow. It's the moments of uncertainty, waiting to find out if there are any last minutes goals, or missed updates. Then the confirmation comes through. Both NK Kalcer Radomlje and NK Roltek Dob have been beaten, and the most unlikely of promotion and Championship parties begin. NK BELA KRAJINA CRNOMELJ are 2.SNL CHAMPIONS 2012/13, and will play their football next season in 1.SNL!

Sunday 19th May 2013 - 2.SNL

Arena Petrol, Celje

NK Simer Sampion (0) 1 NK Bela Krajina Crnomelj (2) 4

Scorers : Darjan Spudic (4), Denis Dervisevic (5), Alen Mujanovic (50), Patrik Bordon (76)

Attendance : 86

Man of the Match : Denis Dervisevic (Bela Krajina)

[neilhoskins77]

Ankaran Hrvatini did a fantastic job to make it to the Pokal Slovenije Final, knocking out two 2.SNL clubs, and one of the leading 1.SNL clubs, NK Maribor. But they were overmatched in the end, and took a 6-0 hiding from FC Luka Koper, shipping 5 goals inside the final 20 minutes. NK Celje retain their 1.SNL place by beating NK Kalcer Radomlje 4-1 on aggregate in the Promotion Playoff. Four of our players are named in the 2.SNL team of the season lineup, they were Alan Suligoj, Aleksander Brkic, Denis Dervisevic and Amel Mujakovic.

The off-season is a very short one. Our first pre-season friendly is scheduled before the end of June. We've got a group of players who have less than a week left on their contracts and have already been told they won't receive a new offer. They won't play any part in the friendlies. We do have 2 new signings, but they are both Bosman signings, and neither will arrive at the club until July 1st. The signings are both addressing the left side of our team. Ivan Elez is 31 years old, can play anywhere down the left flank, and joins from Krsko, where he made 21 appearances last season, notching 2 goals and 6 assists, and an average rating of just over 7.00. He's joined by 24 year old, Nejc Vidmar. He can play left wing, or in an attacking midfield role. He spent last season with non-League, ND Farmtech Verzej, where he scored 15 goals in 44 games. He is a pickup that has excited our fans, and hopefully he can quickly adjust to playing at a higher level.

We go into the first friendly still not knowing what our wage and transfer budgets will be. I'm not terribly optimistic of having much to spend. I asked the Board for £35k to bid for Zan Majer, who was on loan with us last season. I was told this was an unrealistic request, and I shouldn't waste the Boards time on such matters. Hhhmmmm. They currently have my job status as `untouchable'. We'll see how long that lasts if we don't get a good start in 1.SNL. ND HiT Gorica are visiting us to kick off the pre-season. They finished last season 5th in 1.SNL, so this game will be useful for it, well, half of it will anyway. The plan is to use this as a test to see if our attacking formation will have any chance of working in the top tier. We start with our usual lineup from last season, but this game is far too early, and the fitness levels are horrendous, so it will be a 45 minute experiment only. There will be 11 changes at half time, and we'll try and blood some younger players into the squad.

It actually went ok. Certainly better than expected. The whole game was very open, end to end, both sides creating a lot of chances. Alen Mujanovic scored twice in the first half, with the visitors Brazilian striker, Washington, getting one in between. Jani Sturm scored 2 goal in the first 15 minutes of the second half to put ND HiT Gorica in front, but Matic Petek pulled us level again right away. Amedej Vetrih notched a winner for the visitors with less than 5 minutes left on the clock, but all things considered, this was a very positive outing.

Wednesday 26th June 2013 - Pre-Season Friendly

SRC Loka, Crnomelj

NK Bela Krajina Crnomelj (2) 3 ND HiT Gorica (1) 4

Scorers : Alen Mujanovic (15,44), Matic Petek (60)

Attendance : 113

Man of the Match : Washington (HiT Gorica)

[Gary_Parker]

Well done on promotion mate

[neilhoskins77]

Cheers Gary. Your turn now with that cracking Raith Rovers save you've got going.

[neilhoskins77]

Some good news. Croatia have become part of the EU. This means that Anto Pejic and Valentino Stepcic are no longer classed as foreigners in Slovenian football. And in 1.SNL, you can name up to 3 non-EU players in the matchday squad. Hopefully our scouts can find us some quality players that will enhance our squad without this being an issue now. Enes Demirovic, Borut Tisnikar, Zeljko Mitrakovic and Brane Vidopevic all leave the club as their contracts come to an end. The club have signed a new main sponsor, gaining double the revenue that they did from last years sponsor. The budgets have been provisionally set. They are not exactly awe inspiring. The transfer pot is £25k, and the wage pot is around £4k per week.

No surprise that Aleksander Brkic was voted Player of the Year by the supporters. He finished with an average rating of 7.69. Eight of our First Team squad get automatic pay increases following promotion. This alone will cut into our wage budget. Three of our games before Christmas will be shown on Live television, but they are all away games. Our share of the TV money comes to a whole £5k, and an extra £1k for each game shown. The Board announce the decision for the club to turn Professional. Unsurprisingly, the Board set the objective of avoiding relegation. I agree to this, as I've literally no idea how competitive we will be in this League. The scouting range has been increased to include all of Eastern Europe now.

6'3 Slovenian defender, Suad Filekovic, signs a 1 year deal with the club from Austrian amateur side, Fussballclub Grossklein. He will form part of the coaching team, but is still a very capable player. Capped 14 times, he can play left back and in central defence. He goes straight into the squad with the other 2 new additions for the next Friendly, a match against Hungarian top tier side, Haladas FC. They finished 10th in Nemzeti Bajnoksag I last season, comfortably away from the relegation battle. We're very much second favourites for this one, the media suggesting we could be in for a thrashing. Nonetheless, we stick with the attacking formation, and it's the same starting lineup too.

We looked hopeless at the start of the game, giving the ball away, missing easy passes constantly. We go behind after 5 minutes, a cross from the left found Kulcsar, and he easily beats Alan Suligoj. We pull ourselves together a bit, and start creating chances. Patrik Bordon flicks on Darjan Spudic's lofted ball forward. Alen Mujanovic races on to it, but fires his low shot against the keepers legs, but Bordon collected the rebound and drove it past the covering defenders for the leveller. Bordon got a second in the 34th minute, Mujanovic dispossessed a defender in the corner, and got the ball to Denis Dervisevic. He played a cross in and Bordon wandered past his marker to finish with a close range volley. In first half injury time, we got another, this time Bordon supplying a ball in to Mujanovic, and he lifted his shot across the goal and over the keeper, watching it go in via the upright. 3-1 at half time, and changes were made gradually in the second half, but all but one of the substitutes got a game. The Hungarians got one back in the 79th minute, new boy Nejc Vidmar miscontrolled on the left, they broke away, and Dallos curled his finish past Suligoj. An impressive win, and a very impressive crowd, both giving hope for the new season which starts in just 10 days now.

Wednesday 3rd July 2013 - Pre-Season Friendly

SRC Loka, Crnomelj

NK Beka Krajina Crnomelj (3) 3 Haladas FC (1) 2

Scorers : Patrik Bordon (18,34), Alen Mujanovic (45+2)

Attendance : 834

Man of the Match : Patrik Bordon (Bela Krajina)