X11 season 45 - de rigueur Mortis

[delicatemoth]

Objectification is NOT OK FC

This many-tentacled team is far too busy, we play them today. It was important to remember to set my team up for that one. Many thanks to Janik for a proper Christmas bonus, and may festive fortune smile on OTF Ladies bosses today.

[Janik]

X11 Ladies League Matchday 12. Christmas Day. Time to gorge on goals...

Division 1a

Van Helsings GLS 	2 - 0	Viking South Utsira
Malinho 32'
Tinson 85'


Division 3d

Drakaina		4 - 2	Wallisellen Cats
Gitsis 11'			Svan 50'
Petit 23'			Westh 81'
Sietaridis 56'
Atum 93'


Division 4i

Chelsea Ladies FC 	1 - 1	LNWR Locomotive
Guerrieri  54'			Vilhena 1'

Q.P.R Ladies 		1 - 1	Erbil
Haslop 77'			Besen 62'


Division 4k

Ambush Ladies FC 	2 - 3	Kanjeng Ratu Kidul WFC
Dickson 64'			Dalmiya 16'
Russo 73'			Ikmal 35'
				Luangpruksachat 70'


Division 5:17

Immortal Angels 	3 - 3	Coxy Ladies Wulpen
Leclercq (O.G.) 52'		Kerckhoeven 44'
Larwill 64'			van Sttenberghe 69'
Sharpe 87'			Vandenbergh 76'


Division 5:19

Sockford Emollient	4 - 2	The Supremes
Duggan 2'			Bessonova 32'
Conrad 20'			Caples 81'
Olesen 79'
Batistuta 86'


Division 5:28

Menywod Maeshafn	3 - 0	Pakistan FC
Westerberg 72', 75', 91'


Division 5:31

Orangeries 		0 - 2	Csiki Girls
				Smet 35', 92'


Division 6:40

Stade Brestois		1 - 3	Ullapool Northern Star
Coelho (pen) 23'		Fågelberg 20'
				Sehlstedt 64'
				Wendel 72'


Division 6:43

Invisible Ladies 	3 - 0	Solent Sirens
Shuttlewood 16', 72'
Björkgren 35'


Division 6:44

Witches of Chiswick	1 - 3	Big and Beautiful
Anzai 2'			Bertram 21'
				Söderkvist 83', 89'


Division 6:53

London Lovers 		0 - 2	Zeugma Dostluk Spor
				Hammarbro 29'
				Forsyth 60'


Division 6:57

Real Persian CF 	3 - 0	Dublin City WFC
Shomali 28'
Sharifi 61'
Azizzadeh 69'

It wasn’t quite do or die for Viking South Utsira at the Stoker Stadium as they took on Van Helsings GLS, but the sun was dropping towards the horizon and the coffin in the basement was making ominous creaking noises.
The Blood Eagles can inspire their own terror of course, particularly if they get the first slash in. Emilie Klovning thought she had done precisely that on 23 minutes, but referee Warren Peace droned on about something and disallowed it. He then found Van Helsings strike on 32 minutes much more agreeable.
Would there be a way back for Velvet Android’s side? Not exactly, in fact they didn’t manage a shot in the second half (or indeed all match) and then got the final stake through the heart when the hosts bashed home a second on 85 minutes.
Due to the sides in fourth and fifth being held, VSU cling on to life in Division 1a by their fingernails. However 6 points and -14 GD adrift means they are effectively down. All that remains is for the lid to be nailed shut.

Drakaina went into their game against bottom-of-the-table and already relegated Wallisellen Cats knowing only victory was acceptable.
The Dragons can swooping down from their lair immediately, laying waste to the Wallisellen defence for the first quarter of the match and inflicting two serious blows through Elena Gitsis (11 minutes) and Sandrine Petit (23). The visitors put themselves amongst the, erm, Dragons with one back on 50 minutes only for Laria Sietaridis to restore the two goal advantage for Etienne’s side six minutes later.
The Cats were proving unexpectedly frisky though, and clawed it back to one once again on 81 minutes. That was how it stayed until deep into stoppage time when Silvia Atum finally made sure it was Drakaina who would bask in the glow of victory.
The win was enough to lift the Greeks back into second in the Division 3d table as previously play-off place holders Pitas FC were held to a draw. The Dragons advantage is as narrow as it could be, level on points and goal difference, ahead on goals scored. The match between the sides on New Year’s Day looks massive. Drakaina are also in with a nominal chance of catching leaders FC Sprezzatura after they suffered a shock first defeat of the season. They are, however, five points ahead.

LNWR Locomotive visited promotion-chasing Chelsea Ladies FC knowing they had to win to keep their slim Division 4i survival hopes alive.
Viktor Boskovic’s charges got off to the prefect start though, Corália Vilhena ending the first move of the match by firing her side into the lead. Great, but it did leave The Steamers 89+ minutes to hang on! They tried, by Jove they tried, but their stern resistance was broken in the 54th minute with a Chelsea equaliser.
That meant Locomotive needed another or they were down. It never looked like being forthcoming, though neither was a winner for the hosts, the match ending in a suits no-one 1-1 draw.
It wasn’t quite as onerous for Erbil as technically they could stay alive with a draw at Q.P.R Ladies if other results went their way.
The first half was goalless and chanceless, which inspired belief in Jdsx’s side. That, along with their three-match unbeaten run. Erbil certainly came out firing after the break, and went in front on 62 minutes when Tülin Besen headed home. They had chances for another, but were then hit by a sucker punch as the Hoops equalised with a direct free-kick on 77 minutes.
That knocked Erbil from their stride and though they didn’t concede again, neither was a winner forthcoming. The good news from elsewhere was that fifth-placed Gazzas Girls lost, so seventh-placed Erbil are still mathematically able to survive. But six points is a lot to recover over the last two games. LNWR are one place, and crucially one point worse off so already know its Division 5 again next season for them.

The level Kanjeng Ratu Kidul WFC will be playing in Season 54 is anyone’s guess. Up, down or across are all possibilities in an extremely tight Division. SeanoftheShed’s side began their game at Ambush Ladies FC fourth in the Division 4k standings, two points ahead of the drop zone and two points out of the play-offs. Their hosts were level on points with The Sea Spirits, so in exactly the same boat. It was a game with a lot riding on it...
Pressure? What pressure? Goals from Diksha Dalmiya on 16 minutes and Rahma Ikmal on 35 had Kanjeng two up at the interval, a lead they probably just about deserved. They certainly merited being ahead. Maybe only one clear would have been fairer, and that became the case when Ambush pulled one back on 64 minutes, only for Thao-Ap Luangpruksachat to restore the cushion six minutes later.
The gap was swiftly cut to one again, but no closer than that as Ambush didn’t manage another shot and the bosses gamble of playing reserve ‘keeper Intan Hadiastuti just about came off. The league table at the final whistle indicated the riskiness of this selection as defeat Ambush (who The Sea Goddesses started the day level on points with, remember) found themselves plunged into the drop zone. Kanjeng, meanwhile, climb to third, still two points adrift of second and now three ahead of sixth.

The first meeting of Coxy Ladies Wulpen and Immortal Angels was a wild and wacky 3-3 draw. That is the Angels style, they score a lot, concede a lot, and don’t lose many (any in the league coming into this in fact). Could Coxy Ladies make things less heart-stopping in this return game?
The signs were promising in a first half that Janik’s side dominated. They rattled off six shots to one, but still found themselves grateful to referee Wanda Rinn for stopping them going behind in the 33rd minute. That opened the door for Noémie Kerckhoeven to put her side ahead after 44 minutes.
Another half like that and The Waders would cruise to victory. They just needed to score the second goal of the game. And that they did, Alicia Leclercq firing past... her own ‘keeper to level things up on 52 minutes. And so it began...
The Angels scored again on 64 minutes to complete the turn around, only for Eva van Sttenberghe to level things up five minutes later. Wulpen had been ahead, they had been behind, and they were ahead again when Laetitia Vandenbergh headed home on 76 minutes. Could they hold on this time? Of course not! In the 87th minute the scoreline was 3-3 once again as the hosts struck to preserve their unbeaten record.
That was how it remained as well. The draw cost The Waders leadership of Divisino 5:17, dropping them to second by a couple of points. Immortal Angels are third, a further point back, but they do have a game against new leaders Liverpool FCL left on the schedule. Two from three doesn’t go, so this will be an explosive run-in.

Four points separated Sockford Emollient, third in the Division 5:19 standings and still harbouring hopes of the play-offs, from The Supremes, sixth and in danger of relegation.
Toni Duggan got the Framleyshire party started with a bang as she put the hosts in front after less than two minutes play. Maci Conrad followed suit 20 minutes in, and The Gatorsharks appeared to be cruising. Appeared, because the Emollient defence was feeling the effects of the season and generously allowed The Supremes to score with their first attempt of the game on 32 minutes.
Both backlines appeared woozy in the second period as chances flowed freely at both ends. More for The Gatorsharks though, and it was Foxy265’s charges who struck next, Hildegard Olesen firing in on 79 minutes. Sockford were not ready to pack away yet though and immediately conceded again, which necessitated one final cracker from Alexia Batistuta on 86 minutes before everyone could settle back.
The win for The Gatorsharks took and lingering threat of relegation off the menu, and when allied to CF Fuego Eagles dropping points means a play-off spot is a possibility. Though an outside one, with three points and more pertinently -10 GD to be recovered. The teams meet on New Year’s Day, in a match that not only do Sockford need to win, but win well.

[Janik]

Would Menywod Maeshafn be joining in with the goalfest against Pakistan FC?
Not if the first half was anything to go by as, despite 62% possession, IsThatcherDeadYet’s side managed just one shot and no goals. The match was still goalless well beyond the hour, but it wouldn’t remain that way thanks to the efforts of one Woman – Ada Westerberg.
Along the lines of if you want something doing properly, Westerberg netted her first on 72 minutes with her left, made it two on 75 with her head and then had the ball in the goal again on 78 minutes for what would have been the perfect hattrick. Scrooge-like Tony Nolan wasn’t impressed, but even he couldn’t prevent Westerberg as she just went and did it again in stoppage time to make the final score 3-0.
Once again the top three teams in Division 5:28 all won, meaning it’s as you were – Maeshafn are second, four points behind the leaders and four ahead of third place. Given the next game for the Welsh outfit is against bottom-of-the-table Harley Quinns, managerless, pointless and with just one goal to their name all season, upwards rather than downwards is the call.

Csiki Girls travelled to Orangeries for a vital match in the Division 5:31 relegation picture.
One point separated the teams before kick-off in Orangeries favour, but that point was the difference between being above and below the drop line. Any goal was a massive one therefore, and it was The Csiki’s who got the first of the day, Floriane Smet firing home from distance.
That put Ad Hoc’s side in the position they are built for, being solid and tough to break down. Orangies tried, and failed like so many before them. In desperation they threw bodies forward in stoppage time, which just left the room for Smet to get her second of the game and absolutely confirm the victory.
The teams swapped places in the 5:31 standings, the Csiki’s now fifth, two points clear of danger. And only three off the play-offs, if they can use this as a springboard for a late run of wins...

Delicatemoth sent her Ullapool Northern Star to take on Stade Brestois, who don’t quite use their full name and wear an objectifying kit.
Ullapool’s players reflected their manager’s determination with a strong performance. Sonja Fågelberg put them ahead on 20 minutes and though the Bretons levelled from the spot three minutes later this was just a blip in a dominant Northern Star showing.
Dominant, but threatening to be without due reward. Mary-Leslie Mair thought she had done something about that in the 34th minute only for Sten Koll to saw her off. In fact the Scots would have to wait until the 64th to go ahead again, Astrid Sehlstedt sprinting clear to slot home. Vanja Wendel added a third eight minutes later to ensure there would be no sting in the tail, which sets up next week’s visit of Division 6:40 leaders Instinción CFF perfectly. Ullapool trail by two points, with Partizan Beograd exactly in between. It does look like win or bust if Northern Star are going to finish first or second...

Solent Sirens travelled to Pebblethefish’s old Invisible Ladies side, who are now under new management.
A damaging defeat the previous week had left Adnrew7610’s Sirens with little room to manoeuvre if they wanted to be involved in the crux of the season. This was one they had to win. Conceding the opener in the 16th minute was not part of the plan.
Shipping another after 35 minutes was even worse, and in fact this game was mostly one-way traffic. It finished 3-0 as The See-Throughs netted once more after the break, and with it Solent’s play-off hopes died as they now find themselves in fifth place in Division 6:43, seven points adrift with just two matches to play.

Good recent results meant that a win for Witches of Chiswick over fourth-placed Big and Beautiful [OFFS] would have gone a long way sealing a play-off spot.
However the visitors also knew the situation and came out to play, Kaede Anzai’s 2nd minute opener for The Bewitched notwithstanding. Wiblflibl’s side held the lead for just 19 minutes. That was still the score at the interval after an even first period, but the second half was all the visitors. Chiswick clung on very much against the run of play until the 83rd minute, but having conceded one soon shipped another.
Despite the loss, The Bewitched remain second in Division 6:44, but now only on goal difference. And their next game is away at champions Twin Peaks Owls, who haven’t lost in the league this season and have only conceded three goals all campaign.

It’s likely a forlorn hope, but Zeugma Dostluk Spor continue to chase the Division 6:53 leaders. If they want to catch them, then wins against every other side are essential, whether they are strugglers like London Lovers or otherwise.
The hosts actually defied their league position by putting up a pretty good showing. Not only were they making it hard for Antepli Ejderha’s side to score, they were also creating some chances of their own. There was therefore a sense of relief both when Tova Hammarbro made it 1-0 on 29 minutes and when Rachel Forsyth eventually double that advantage on the hour.
And that was it in a game of loads of chances but little actual drama. Zeugma remain second, three points and -10 GD back of a team that has dropped two points all season (by inference he Turks have only dropped five). What this match did officially confirm is that it will be the play-offs at worst.

Our final Christmas Day cracker was Dublin City WFC’s visit to Real Persian CF.
This would turn out to be rather a damp squib from an OTF point of view. Mortal Joe’s side never got going, conceding once around the half-hour and again on the hour. Heads dropped and Persian added a third for a comprehensive win.
That saw the sides swap places in the Division 6:57 standings, Dublin dropping to fourth. They remain only three points adrift of Inter Petrila in second however, and that is who visit Phoenix Park on New Year’s Day. Hope springs eternal...

[Sits]

Double bye round now for the Swine. I expect to have tumbled City style when it’s over.

[Kevin S]

Friendly accepted, thanks Sits. Have been on minimal checking of Steaua Bridge the last couple of weeks so apologies for not being able to help out on THL.

[Antepli Ejderha]

A video sequence from an earlier match shows clearly that Cebrail Erdogan spat in the face of the opponent's goalkeeper. Such behaviour does not belong on a football pitch and the player is suspended for 3 matches.

J4GL has just served me with this delightful message.

[Sits]

I'm really not sure anyone benefits from stuff like that in X11.

[Janik]

X11 Ladies League Matchday 13. Close to the end once again...

Division 1a

Viking South Utsira	0 - 1	Cutty Sark Crew
				Loosley 68'
Klovning (sent off) 92'


Division 3d

Pitas FC 		0 - 3	Drakaina
				Mourne 75'
				Gitsis 79'
				Atum 82'


Division 4i

Independent Women 	0 - 0	Erbil

				Besen (sent off) 69'

LNWR Locomotive		0 - 6	Q.P.R Ladies
				V---- 10', 25'
				Pececnik 21'
				Jun 34'
				Haslop 48', 73'


Division 4k

The Temptation Within	1 - 3	Kanjeng Ratu Kidul WFC
Landzaat 23'			Azeite 13', 70', (pen) 83'


Division 5:17

OFFS			1 - 3	Coxy Ladies Wulpen
Saulters 28'			Beyen 12'
				Carey 74'
				Leclercq 92'



Division 5:19

CF Fuego Eagles 	1 - 2	Sockford Emollient
Whincup 30'			Batistuta (pen) 28'
				Ericson 76'


Division 5:28

Harley Quinns		1 - 4	Menywod Maeshafn
Milar 55'			Medina (O.G.) 1'
Gurrachagga (sent off) 32'	Käck 36'
				Westerberg 37', 80'

Division 5:31

Otterup 19 Femina FC	1 - 0 	Csiki Girls
Simão 83'


Division 6:40

Ullapool Northern Star	0 - 2	Instinción CFF
				Sijeric 14'
				Rocastle 76'


Division 6:43

Solent Sirens		2 - 0	Furious Ladies
Abbiati 4'
de Beauvoir 81'


Division 6:44

Twin Peaks Owls 	1 - 0	Witches of Chiswick
Cedergren 85'


Division 6:53

Zeugma Dostluk Spor	2 - 0	Aperta com Elas FC
Bell 63'
Lacerda 77'


Division 6:57

Dublin City WFC		0 - 2	Inter Petrila
				Aguillera 15'
				Tejera 41'

Viking South Utsira didn’t just need to beat fifth-placed Cutty Sark Crew to keep their Division 1a survival hopes alive, they had to win comprehensively.
That was a major ask against a strong defensive (some might say negative) side in Cutty Sark, who were averaging less than a goal a game at both ends of the pitch. And, if we are honest, Velvet Android’s charges never looked like pulling it off. In fact, The Blood Eagles didn’t have a single shot all game. Cutty Sark did have attempts, and got their breakthrough midway through the second half to seal Viking’s fate.
The match ended on a sour note for Utsira as Tyra Klovning, having picked up the first yellow card of her career in the 6th minute, decided “What the hey!” and got her second in stoppage time. She will now miss her side’s one last attempt to avoid the wooden spoon. The red card sort of summed up the end of VSU’s three-season stay in the second tier.

There was far, far more for Drakaina to play for as the gap between themselves and hosts Pitas FC was just goals scored, which is a wafer thin margin when The Dragons were holding the play-off spot.
That made for a winner-takes-it-all encounter, which both sides went for. Pitas shaded the first half chances 3-2 despite The Dragons having noticeably more of the ball. Etienne’s side upped it further after the break, but going into the last 15 minutes the game was still scoreless.
This was the cue for The Dragons to breath fire, and not just a little puff either. First Fionulla Mourne fired home from Maria Gudlandur’s assist. Then, four minutes later, Elena Gitsis headed in Silvia Atum’s corner to make it two. Atum was happy with that, but she wanted her own glory and only three minutes further on she latched on to Florica Vulturescu pass to blast the third.
That was in the 82nd minute, which left the ground scorched and Pitas no time to recover. The win significantly consolidated Drakaina’s hold on the Division 3d play-off spot as the gap is now three points and +6 Goal Difference. Baring a calamitous last day it’s the play-offs at worst. At worst because leaders FC Sprezzatura were held, and they now stand only three points ahead, with an inferior goal difference. And a final game against a side who needs to win to be sure of staying up. There could yet be mass celebrations in Delphi this season...

Another side in the last chance saloon were Erbil, who had a tough job as they had to beat second-in-the-table Independent Women (that may not quite be their real name).
Erbil charges did a good job matching their hosts, with possession basically equal and limited chances. For both sides. Which was good, but Erbil needed to win. To boost that, Jdsx brought forward Tülin Besen off the bench to partner Caroline Hinton in the 50th minute. Sadly, this change backfired as 19 minutes later Besen flew into a challenge and was shown a straight red card.
Erbil held on to the draw despite being down to 10, which was a good result in general terms but on context left them relying on other results.
Meanwhile LNWR Locomotive were taking on Q.P.R Ladies with nothing much for Viktor Boskovic’s outfit to play for.
That showed in a seriously lacklustre performance. The Steamers were one down after 10 minutes, four behind soon after the half-hour and eventually ended up losing 6-0. They had barely any possession or chances. This season can’t end soon enough.
It is also all over for Erbil, whose hopes of Division 4i survival were dashed by Gazzas Girls beating The Effing Blinders. Erbil stay seventh after this round of matches, with Locomotive two points behind in eighth.

Kanjeng Ratu Kidul WFC, pushing for the play-offs, travelled to The Temptation Within, who were battling to avoid the drop in a key game at both ends of Division 4k.
This would be a game dominated by set pieces. The Sea Spirits were the first to strike, Leila Azeite swinging home a direct free-kick after 13 minutes. However TTW responded in kind midway through the first half. That was the end of the scoring in this period, and Kanjeng boss SeanoftheShed couldn’t have realistically argued with the level state of the game given that all the other stats were all-square or as near as dammit.
An urging of greater effort from his side was rewarded though, the Indonesians beinging to create chances. Or play referee Donald Scott and win set plays in good positions. One of the two. One such shooting opportunity was presented in the 70th minute. Azeite’s was only too happy to accept. She also gratefully took the chance to roll home from the spot on 83 minutes.
That goal wrapped up the game in Kanjeng’s favour, a win that kept alive The Sea Goddesses play-off hopes. They sit two points adrift of Dinner Ladies in the table, with a home game against Flick of the Wrist (fifth place) to finish on. Dinner Ladies travel to Ambush Ladies FC (sixth) at the same time. Flick of the Wrist and Ambush Ladies have their own battle going to stay up, with the situation exactly the same, one side two points ahead with a marginally better goal difference.

Coxy Ladies Wulpen travelled to relegated OFFS both looking for an expecting a win that would keep the pressure on Division 5:17 leaders Liverpool FCL.
Charlotte Beyen gave Janik’s side the start they expected when she fired home after 12 minutes. However the next goal on 28 minutes was a shock to The Waders systems as the hosts levelled. Wulpen would not get fully over the blow until Zara Carey broke away to restore the visitors advantage in the 74th minute.
Alicia Leclercq addeda third in stoppage time, too late to do much for the nerves of the fans from Belgium, and not enough to match Liverpool, who were racking up a 5-0 win. That increased their advantage to +5 GD on top of the two points already being used as their cushion. However with the Reds final game coming against third-placed Immortal Angels, who are only one point back of Coxy Ladies and still involved in the hunt for automatic promotion let alone the play-offs. It promises to be an exciting conclusion in this section.

Third-placed Sockford Emollient trailed Division 5:19’s second-placed side CF Fuego Eagles by three points and, crucially, -10 GD ahead of their meeting in the penultimate week of the season.
That made it a must-win for The Gatorsharks, even with the sides’ respective last-day-of-the-season opponents being pointless bottom-of-the-table side Dynamo Dynamite for Sockford and runaway champions Mean Girls for Fuego. Three points and -10 GD would have been too big a gap to bridge even in those circumstances, whilst, if Fuego won this one, it would already be done.
That was the pressure Foxy265’s side were playing under, but they wore it lightly, going ahead from the penalty spot on 28 minutes. Alexia Batistuta did the honours for that, and she and her teammates were not fazed by the advantage only lasting for 2 minutes before the Eagles equalised.
The second-half was an open affair as both sides created chances to win it. Emollient had more of them in this period, and that proved crucial when, on 76 minutes, a clear opportunity presented itself to Lotta Ericson following a corner. She made no mistake.
That moved Sockford level on points with Fuego ahead of those final games, where their easier game now looks a distinct benefit. Not enough to overcome -8 GD if Fuego shock Mean Girls, but perfect to take advantage if they slip up. There is another side (Bobek) just a point further back, but given the situation they are probably too far behind.

[Janik]

Most of Menywod Maeshafn fans’ attention was directed away from their game at managerless Harley Quinns, which was expected to be straightforward, and to leaders Fossa Delle Leonesse’s match instead.
Part of the reason why they could do that was because Harley Quinns scored in the first minute... in their own net, Ginger Medina inadvertently giving Maeshafn the lead. IsThatcherDeadYet’s side probed away for a second, but before they netted it they got further help from their opposition as Francesca Gurrachagga talked her way into a straight red card on 32 minutes.
Before the hosts could settle, Tina Käck and Ada Westerberg both netted with a header and long-range effort respectively to effectively win the game. Maeshafn’s players certainly believed that as they rather switched off after the break and suffered the embarrassment of becoming just the second side all season Harley Quinns had scored against. That prodded the Welsh side into upping their efforts again, Westerberg restoring the three goal cushion in the 80th minute.
Not that the Maeshafn fans were singing much. Their phones and radios were telling them that Fossa Delle Leonesse were 1-0 and then 2-0 up, and as such had won the Division 5:28 title. Maeshafn will contest the play-offs, and will do so with one of the best records in this tier. They are rather unfortunate to be in this particular Division.

Csiki Girls could have gone a long way towards ending any relegation fears and also opening up the chance of a play-off place with a win at Otterup 19 Femina FC.
Ad Hoc’s side certainly tried to make the most of their situation, outshooting their hosts across the piece. All that was missing was the killer touch. For Csiki Girls. Frustratingly, having seen their chances come and go the Csiki’s then had to watch Otterup show them how it was done in the 83rd minute.
The final day will see The Csiki’s looking to preserve their Division 5:31 status. A win would do that, but failure to do so and back-to-back promotions could be followed by back-to-back relegations! If the side can avoid the drop, it would be the first time in six season and just the second in the last eleven when they haven’t changed level at the conclusion of a campaign.

Third-placed Ullapool Northern Star hosted leaders Instinción CFF in a vital match in the Division 6:40 promotion race.
Delicatemoth’s side knew that a win would see them leapfrog their opponents into at least a play-off place, but that defeat could spell curtains for any promotion hopes. This appear to freeze the Star players, who survived all square until half-time more by luck than judgement. Some calming words from the manager produced a better performance after the break... for both Ullapool in general and Instinción in front of goal; rather than 0/4 in terms of chances, the visitors were 2/2 in the second-half.
Ullapool had a couple of chances of their own but didn’t convert, and received the disappointing but expected news at full-time that Partizan Beograd had also won, leaving Northern Star four points adrift of second-place and sure to remain at this level for another season.

That fate was already sure for Solent Sirens, making their Furious Ladies pretty well a dead rubber.
A dead rubber that Andrew7610’s side were still determined to win, however. They made all the running in the game, and struck twice, once early through Geovana Abbiati on 4 minutes and once late, Simone de Beauvoir on 81.
The win saw the sides swap places in the Division 6:43 mid-table zone, The Sirens moving up to fourth.

Witches of Chiswick were looking to achieve a rare feat this season – get something out of Division 6:44 champions Twin Peaks Owls.
The Bewitched certainly gave it a good shake of the wand, going toe-to-toe with their hosts across the 90 minutes. Wiblflibl’s side had three chances to score but ran into a goalkeeper in grade 19 form. The Chiswick defence was also performing well, restricting the Owls to three chances also. Sadly for the travelling fans, the third of these, on 85 minutes, was converted to send their side to a deflating defeat.
News from elsewhere didn’t help as AC Gemelas 1903 won to climb above The Bewitched into second. The gap is three points and +1 GD. Which does mean that if Gemelas lose their final game, a win for Chiswick still gets them a play-off spot. And who did Gemelas play? Well, Twin Peaks Owls, of course. Where there is life, there is hope...

The chase has been a long and trying one for Zeugma Dostluk Spor, who have kept up their pace despite leaders K2O3 appearing relentless. One more win against Aperta com Elas FC would allow another hope-against-hope check of the scores to see if the leaders had dropped anything.
Seeing as matches elsewhere were out of Antepli Ejderha’s side’s control, their target was simply to win their match. Not necessarily easy against the Division’s third-placed side, albeit one a substantial number of points adrift of Zeugma. And for just over an hour, the Turks were frustrated. But then Stacey Bell rose to head home the opener on 63 minutes, followed on 77 by Adelaide Lacerda firing in from distance. And the win was pocketed.
But what of K2O3. Well, they were playing bottom-of-the-table BW Günthersdorf. A win was certain... but what is this?? It finished 2-2?!? Well I never. And suddenly, Zeugma, rather than going into the final game of the season needing to win by five or six goals, just need any sort of victory. And they are the form team, having won six in a row whilst K2O3 have drawn two of their last three to risk blowing the Division 6:53 title.

And finally, we come to Dublin City WFC, who hosted second-placed Inter Petrila looking for the win that would draw them level on points with their visitors.
Goal difference was against Mortal Joe’s side however, making it basically win or bust. And when you are in a tight spot like that, you want all your best players available. What you really don’t want is a 24-day injury to a key player like Ana Isabel Carreto as early as the second minute. That is exactly what Dublin got.
The day never really improved from there, Petrila netting twice in the opening period to take a commanding lead. Dublin had more of the ball in both first and second halves, but never came particularly close to turning it around. And with that, any chance of promotion from Division 6:57 this season disappeared for the Dubs.

[ad hoc]

Holy shit! It's a blinking miracle. At the 36th time of asking.

[Etienne]

My VIP payment was due to renew yesterday, but as my card has changed it didn't go through. Had it, I probably would have plodded on with it, but as it forced me to make the decision as to whether I wanted to pay, I think that I'm reluctant to hand more money over to the absentee owners, and I am going to let it lapse.

This will mean losing Nguékhokh Ninkinànka in the Chaos Cartel, but despite them being in the top division, I've never really loved them and that will be no great loss.

I will be very sad however to lose Zalec Zmaj, especially given the difficulties MLX are having with recruitment. I will be particularly sad not to see Karim Jolic (hopefully going to double into a 20/9 fk, ht, greedy next time) develop into the beast I thought he would become. They are in decent shape if anyone fancies them, though probably better next season than this one.

[jdsx]

Holy shit! It's a blinking miracle. At the 36th time of asking.

What do you mean, AH?.... I was actually wondering how come Pal Jakabffy has managed to accumulate 4 yellows and 3 reds from his 6 appearances this season....is that some kind of OTF record??

[jdsx]

What do you mean, AH?.... I was actually wondering how come Pal Jakabffy has managed to accumulate 4 yellows and 3 reds from his 6 appearances this season....is that some kind of OTF record??

In fact, now I come to look at it, here is the top of the OTF league 'most bookings' table, after 10 matches:

Team.......................... ...Y R
1.AFC Csiki Monkeys ...22 3
2.Four Candles............. 7 1
3.Croesoswallt Dragons 6 1
3.Dandy Town................ 7 0

That's some record....! As a (lapsed) Leeds United fan, I salute you!

[Etienne]

First time that Csiki have beaten Dandy Town in 36 games against them.

[Sean of the Shed]

Without wanting to piss on ad hoc's chips, Dandy Town have been garbage so far this season, so I'm not surprised at the Monkeys recording their first ever victory over us. Right now the record we are most concerned with preserving is the fact that Dandy Town have never been relegated during their entire existence.

[Sits]

Don't worry Sean, you'll never lose to the Swine.

[Sits]

This evening (tomorrow for most of you) Lincolnshire Curly Coats will face the same opponents for the fourth game in succession. Valencia Club de Fútbol are leaders of Division 2a in the Golden League with the Curlies in 2nd. It’s mid season and the two have their double header. And in between the two legs of the Cup 4th Round.

The cup is history but a goalless draw away in the league was a positive. Now at home, two points behind and two ahead of 3rd, this is a biggie.

[Kevin S]

Looking fairly good for us with five matches to go. We even picked up a win in a game where I forgot to set tactics...

Meanwhile, interesting two horse race for the OTF crown - Sits vs VA is the new Etienne vs Sean it seems!

[Sits]

Yeah right. It's just a fight to join you and AE in the Two Up Club. But the Swine will be losing to Dandy Town this evening, and that will be that.

Edit: and Jon.

[Janik]

The official Ladies league reports are getting a bit out of order as I haven’t yet got around to writing the one on the final round of matches and play-offs from Season 53 (that will come out sometime this weekend, I hope) yet. But with the first legs of Round 1 of the Xpert Ladies Season 54 Cup getting underway in a few hours, let’s look at the draw for that right now and think about the other stuff later.


Round 1 draw - first listed teams home in opening leg

Brålanda IF (6:21)                                vs            Coxy Ladies Wulpen
BK Brazzers (6:29)                            vs            Csiki Girls
Gideons (6:26)                                  vs            Viking South Utsira
kirkburton Juniors (6:37)               vs            LNWR Locomotive
Lost Cause (6:9)                                vs            Kanjeng Ratu Kidul WFC
Lucky Ladies (6:52)                          vs            Sockford Emollient
Menywod Maeshafn                     vs            Metal Ladies FC (6:18)
A.C. Minerven F.C. (5:6)                vs            Solent Sirens
Pua ilima Wahine (6:53)                 vs            Drakaina
Riverbankers WFC (6:33)                              vs            Erbil
AC Spade (4e)                                   vs            Dublin City WFC
Ullapool Northern Star                  vs            Cutty Sark Crew (1a)
Zeugma Dostluk Spor                     vs            Azeda Girls F.C. (6:51)

Coxy Ladies Wulpen will face off with Division 6:21 outfit Brålanda IF, the first leg being in Sweden.
Csiki Girls are also on the road for their opening leg at opposition from the tier below as they take on BK Brazzers of Division 6:29.
Opponents who look for divine inspiration will confront Viking South Utsira as they take on Gideons. With the first leg hosts being four tiers lower in Division 6:26, prayer seems a good plan.
It’s a road (well presumably rail) trip for LNWR Locomotive as they go to kirkburton Juniors, who are currently in Division 6:37.
Continuing the theme of facing bottom tier opponents with the first match away from home, Kanjeng Ratu Kidul WFC open at Division 6:9 side Lost Cause.
And once more for good luck, with Sockford Emollient travelling to Lucky Ladies of Division 6:52 for their opening leg.
Menywod Maeshafn are also playing seventh tier opponents, but despite being a step higher find themselves the lower seeds against Metal Ladies FC of Division 6:18, so the opening leg is in Wales.
The reverse situation holds for Solent Sirens Round 1 encounter as they try and beat a A.C. Minerven F.C. team from Division 5:6, which is one step above The Sirens. But despite that, Mayfield Park will host the concluding match and not the opening one.
Back to the familiar pattern with Drakaina, who go to Pua ilima Wahine of Division 6:53 first up.
Old friends return as Erbil take on Riverbankers WFC, who are now in Division 6:33. And are once again without a boss...
Dublin City WFC are the higher seeds, so playing away from home in the opening leg, when they take on AC Spade. And that despite the punny ones playing in Division 4e to Dublin’s Div. 6:56.
Eep! Not a good draw for Ullapool Northern Star as they have been paired with Division 1a club Cutty Sark Crew. The first leg is at Minchview.
And finally another OTFer at home in their opening leg, though Zeugma Dostluk Spor will have a much better chance of ‘upsetting’ the seedings and beating Azeda Girls F.C.. How much of a shock that would be given that Azeda operate in Division 6:51, which is very arguable.

[Janik]

With only a few hours left to go (or even less if I don’t finish this in time) before the start of the X11 Ladies League Season 54, it’s the report on the last day of Season 53! That is Matchday 14 and any play-offs needed...

Division 1a

Sadnecessary                     4 - 0       Viking South Utsira
Vikström 16'
Ekvall 75', 76', 88'


Division 3d

Partizan FC                          0 - 0       Drakaina


Division 4i

Erbil                                       2 - 0       Gazzas Gals
Hinton 62'
Rotton 68'

LNWR Locomotive                           0 - 1       The Careerwomen
                                                                Twiny 76'


Division 4k

Kanjeng Ratu Kidul WFC 3 - 0       Flick of the Wrist
Dalmiya 21'
Borot 24'
Azeite 28'


Division 5:17

Coxy Ladies Wulpen        3 - 0       Hollyoaks Babes
Valcke 29'
van Sttenberghe 48'
Gerniers 57'


Division 5:19

Sockford Emollient          8 - 0       Dynamo Dynamite
Ericson 6', 63'
Kettle (O.G.) 13'                Gay (sent off) 52'
Batistuta 22', 31', 46'
Conrad 54'
Kayley Mullins 82'


Division 5:28

Menywod Maeshafn      1 - 3       Fossa Delle Leonesse
Boye 12'                                               Lillo 5'
                                                                Leocani 47'
                                                                Potenza 83'


Division 5:31

Csiki Girls                             0 - 0       S Team

Hinz (sent off) 74'


Division 6:40

Ullapool Northern Star   2 - 2       Arsenal LFC
Menashi 33'                                        Valdes 20'
Mouatt 91'                                          Östervall 64'


Division 6:43

Almighty Ladies                 1 - 3       Solent Sirens
Cusack 31'                                            Högardh 7', 84'
                                                                de Beauvoir 36'


Division 6:44

Witches of Chiswick        1 - 2       Zenit Odenplan Ladies
Altstrand 89'                                       Månsson 12', 83'


Division 6:53

K2O3                                     1 - 0       Zeugma Dostluk Spor
Figueiró 91'
AntepliEjderha


Division 6:57

Danis Ladies                       3 - 0       Dublin City WFC
Almljung 50'
Carlevad 72', 77'                               Ryding (missed pen) 1'

Viking South Utsira waved goodbye to Division 1a with a trip to Sadnecessary, the hosts name just about summing things up from The Blood Eagles perspective.
There was little expectation the game would go well for Velvet Android’s side. They fell behind around the quarter-hour, and though they held it at 1-0 for a good long while, a late collapse made the final score 4-0.
That meant VSU ended the season propping up the table.

The final game of the regular season saw Drakaina holding an outside chance of sneaking automatic promotion with the right result in both their game against relegation threatened Partizan FC, and other results going their way. However The Dragons also had the potential of missing out on the play-offs if the lost, and things elsewhere went against them.
Stick or twist, then? Twisting but with a low stake was the conservative option, and that is roughly where boss Etienne seemed to end up. His side had the better of the game and didn’t offer Partizan up a chance, but only created two of their own, which wasn’t enough to break through.
The goalless draw cemented the Greeks hold on the Division 3d play-off spot, though a it happened they would have ended up there regardless as leaders FC Sprezzatura won their match, whilst third-placed Pitas FC lost. The combination of result was also enough to secure Partizan’s survival, meaning both teams ended happy enough.

Little of interest to report in Division 4i, where both OTF teams were already relegated before the final day. Despite that, Erbil were on a decent run of form, in fact the sort of burst (five unbeaten, two wins and three draws) that would surely have seen them to safety if the start hadn’t been so slow. It meant they were the form side ahead of taking on Gazzas Gals, who sat the other side of the drop line but well ahead of Jdsx’s side.
As if to emphasise what might have been, Erbil won this match comfortably, Caroline Hinton and Francie Rotton scoring a brace of goals midway through the second half. Rotton’s goal was the first of the young midfielder’s career, but also the last she would get for Erbil as this proved her last match for the club before her big money transfer away in the closed season. The cash is presumably to be used for a rebuild, for which the side should at least hit the ground running.
Erbil ended the season on a positive note, then. What of LNWR Locomotive? They ended with a tough match against The Careerwomen (or something like that), who still had a shout of promotion or the play-offs.
In the circumstances, keeping the score down to 1-0 was a success for Viktor Boskovic’s team. And, in fact, by doing so they cost their opponents a play-off place as the side in third won by three goals to go from -1 GD behind to +1 ahead. What a damn pity. Though it has to be said, the champions and eventual runners-up were both nearly, or exactly as bad as The Steamers opponents here.
For the record, Erbil ended sixth in the table, and Locomotive were bottom.

The final round of fixtures saw Kanjeng Ratu Kidul WFC taking on Flick of the Wrist looking for a win and a prayer that second-placed Dinner Ladies would slip up and allow The Sea Spirits through to claim a play-off place.
The first element went fine, despite Kanjeng losing key midfielder Thao-Ap Luangpruksachat to a horrid 24-day injury early on. That merely seemed to inspire her teammates, who went nuts with a three goal blast between the 21st and 28th minutes, Diksha Dalmiya, Tyan Borot and Leila Azeite all registering. That was enough to move The Sea Goddesses up to second on goals scored, but only because the other game was still 0-0.
The rest of the match at Merapi-Kraton-South Seat was all about maintaining the gap and crossing fingers. For 78 minutes it was all going well, but then on 79 Dinner Ladies broke the deadlock in their game, and with that the chances of promotion for SeanoftheShed’s girls disappeared for the season. They ended up in third in the Division 4k table.

The final day of the Division 5:17 regular season was a convoluted affair, but also a straightforward one as far as Coxy Ladies Wulpen. They just needed to beat bottom-of-the-table Hollyoaks Babes, preferably by five goals, and then check the result of the Liverpool FCL-Immortal Angels match.
The Waders rained shots on the visitors net, and were 1-0 up by the interval thanks to Lien Valcke. Eva van Sttenberghe added a second on 48 minutes and Sandrine Gerniers made it three after 57. There was ample time to get the two extra goals to give themselves their best hope, but that was where Janik’s side stalled.
As it transpired, it didn’t matter – Liverpool beating Immortal Angels 4-2 to secure the Division 5:17 title. The Waders were level on points at stages, Immortal Angels equalised twice to make it 1-1 and 2-2, and the fourth and decisive Liverpool goal (which inflicted the Angels first and only defeat of the league campaign) arrived deep into stoppage time. But it was never quite there, so the play-offs it was.

Sockford Emollient were the predators lying in wait ahead of the final round of fixtures in Division 5:19. The Gatorsharks lay third, but were only goal difference behind second-placed CF Fuego Eagles (albeit -8 GD adrift) and Foxy265’s side were playing whipping girls Dynamo Dynamite, who were losing heavily regularly in the absence of their manager whilst Fuego had to take on champions Mean Girls.
The first thing first for Emollient was to take care of their own business and win the game. That was basically done by midway through the first half as they led 3-0 through Lotta Ericson, a Maude Kettle own goal and Alexia Batistuta. Batistuta completed her hattrick either side of half-time and also either side of a nasty 15-day injury for Sockford midfielder Patti Pennock.
It’s possible The Gatorsharks might have eased off at that point, if Dynamite’s Jenna Gay hadn’t seen fit to earn herself a straight red card on 52 minutes. Piqued by this, Sockford moved into gear again, Maci Conrad, a second from Ericson and Kayley Mullins pushing the score up to a rarely seen eight.
Nine is even rarer, but here it would have offered extra insurance as it would have put the Framleyshire side ahead even if Fuego nicked a 1-0 against Mean Girls. Batistuta thought she had it on 84 minutes, but ref Seymour Red disagreed.
So it was to the phones and updates from the other game. Those said it was still scoreless, which had everyone at John Spencer street on tenterhooks until the score went from latest to full-time. At which point the celebrations could start – The Gatorsharks were in the play-offs!

Preparing for those was the sole aim for Menywod Maeshafn ahead of their final game. Or more accurately, not having the confidence take too great a hit as they took on Division 5:28 champions Fossa Delle Leonesse.
That was easier said than done for IsThatcherDeadYet’s side as Leonesse were rampant. Lisha Boye did get a quick response to the visitors 5th minute opener, but in general it was one way traffic and in the wrong direction for the Welsh side. The visitors struck twice after the break to win it 3-1, which was no less than they deserved from their dominance of the match.
To add injury to insult, Maeshafn midfielder Sandy Perry picked up an injury during the match, it what would prove to be her last career game as the boss released her in the closed season! It all left Maeshafn exactly where they already knew they would be – second in the final 5:28 standings.

[Janik]

The final game saw Csiki Girls in a razor tight survival battle in Division 5:31. Ad hoc’s side came into their final match one point ahead of Otterup 19 Femina FC, who sat sixth and two clear of Orangeries, who were seventh. A win would mean safety, but to complicate matters further opponents S Team (there are more letters involved in the full name) only held the play-off spot by a point so also needed a win to be sure of their position.
It all made for a very tense game of few chances. There was one opportunity each before the break, both unconverted. News was filtering through from other grounds that Csiki Girls opponents were not getting the results they needed, but that S Team’s rivals were doing so. That increased the pressure on the visitors, who pushed on and created a couple of chances. They also succeeded in winding up the Csiki’s Mirja Hinz, who unaccountably lashed out and got herself sent off in the 74th minute (straight red).
Soon after news broke that Orangeries had taken the lead. Now the Csiki’s were only surviving on goal difference. One conceded would sent them down, and send their opponents to the play-offs. It was a siege, but one with few openings as the hosts held on to the delight of the A kertem faithful and despair of the visiting team. But seeing as their name is sexist, f*** ‘em.

To less stressful matters as Ullapool Northern Star completed their Division 6:40 campaign with a dead rubber against Arsenal LFC.
On balance of play, The Gunners deserved to win this match. They had more chances and more possession, both by significant margins. But they didn’t have the fight of delicatemoth’s side. Twice Arsenal went ahead, and twice Northern Star levelled, Sonia Menashi getting one in the first half and, crucially, Mary-Leslie Mouatt netting in second half stoppage time to earn the draw.
Ullapool were third in the final table.

There was also a dead rubber for Solent Sirens, who travelled to Almighty Ladies.
Evelyn Högardh put Solent ahead on 7 minutes, and though Almighty levelled on 31, Simone de Beauvoir soon restored Andrew7610’s side’s advantage. 2-1 was how the score remained until a few minutes from time, when Högardh fired in her second of the day from range to seal the win.
Solent ended fourth in the Division 6:43 table.

I missed Wiblflibl stepping down as Witches of Chiswick boss late in 2018.
For the record, his old side had a new manager by the time they took on Zenit Odenplan Ladies in their final game of season 53. A win would have seen them claim a play-off place, and they deserved to do so. But it didn’t pan out and they were beaten 2-1 despite Sarah Altstrand’s late strike.
The final act of The Bewitched (who have now been renamed) saw them finished third in Division 6:44.

After a nip-and-tuck battle all season in Division 6:53, it came down to this; Zeugma Dostluk Spor at K2O3, the winners promoted, the loser to the play-offs.
The draw also broke against Antepli Ejderha’s side as they were one point behind in the standings before kick-off. It made for a very tight game. Zeugma were struggling to create chances, whilst K2O3 were not getting the luck, suffering a red cross injury and seeing a strike disallowed. Nothing was settled as the match entered stoppage time still scoreless, but then a breakthrough! Were Zeugma up? Alas no, with too many players committed forward, the Anatolians were caught on the counter for a goal which merely sealed what was already pretty well decided.
On to the second chance saloon of the play-offs then as Zeugma took second spot in the final 6:53 table.

And finally, Dublin City WFC. Their last game of the campaign was not easy, being away at Division 6:57 champions Danis Ladies.
There was nothing actually riding on the game, both team’s positions were assured, but even so Dublin needed a good start for their confidence. And they were handed the perfect opportunity, referee Ian Hartman pointing to the spot inside the first minute. Vivian Ryding took the responsibility and... missed. Oh.
From that point on a very hard day for Mortal Joe’s side was assured. Dublin did keep it level until after the break, but Danis scored soon after and then added two more in the last twenty minutes to ultimately claim a comfortable win.
Dublin ended the campaign in fourth place in the 6:57 table with five wins and five defeats to their names.

[Janik]

Play offs for Division 2

Juves tjejer  0 - 0 Drakaina
   A.E.T.
Strada (sent off) 79'

Juves tjejer win 3-1 on penalties


Play-offs for Division 4

Coxy Ladies Wulpen 2 - 2 Macho Muchachas
Vandenbergh 25', 73' A.E.T. Martin 47', 79'
Gerniers (sent off) 91'

Macho Muchachas win 5-4 on penalties

Menywod Maeshafn  1 - 2 ... because Girls Can
Bellamont 10'  A.E.T. Karlgren 51'
    Gibbard 111'

Sockford Emollient  3 - 0 Onze Juventude FC
Antonellini 55'
Duggan 74'
Parks 77'


Play-offs for Division 5

Zeugma Dostluk Spor 3 - 0 Wheelies Wobblers
Hammarbro 36'
Forsyth 53', (pen) 84'

A Division 2 place was on the line as Drakaina faced off with Juves tjejer.
The game was far from a classic. In fact, fractious, injury-filled and violent rather summed it up. The tone was set in the 29th minute when The Dragons Elena Gitsis was scythed down. She had to be carried off with a 16-day injury, whilst her assailant escaped with just a yellow card. Following this, revenge and retaliation took hold. A flurry of cards included two to Juves’ Lola Strada resulting in her dismissal in the 79th minute, and also a retribution injury for tjejer as Fionulla Mourne kicked a lump out of an opponent (8 days and a yellow card).
In amongst all the carnage, Etienne’s side had much the better of the bits of Football played, particularly once playing against 10. In fact, The Dragons created 7 scoring opportunities to 1. But they just couldn’t find a way past Juves’ ridiculously good goalie, who was playing at grade 22 level!
So to penalties it went, where once again Drakaina’s forwards had to find a way to score. Not easy. Roseanne Beattie managed it with the second spot kick, but she was the only Dragon to do so as Silvia Atum, Alicia Keyshinhas and Mourne were all denied. Anastasia Shkolnikova, between the sticks for the Greeks, was playing nearly as well as her opposite number, but she only managed to turn away two kicks as Juves tjejer’s cynical and dirty approach was rewarded with success. No Justice! And a good facsimile of reality...

Coxy Ladies Wulpen were looking to return to the fifth tier after two season away as they took on Macho Muchachas.
The match was an even affair, The Waders shading chances but not particularly edging possession. Janik’s side also went ahead twice, Laetitia Vandenbergh scoring on 25 and 73 minutes, but each time Muchachas forward Melba Martin swiftly responded.
The match was heading towards extra-time evenly balanced, when referee Stellan Offsajed made his marked. He had already booked Wulpen defender Sandrine Gerniers when she committed another foul in stoppage time and he reached for his pocket. No amount of pleading to be reasonable could stop him and off went Gerniers for the first red card of her near 150 game career.
That prompted a reshuffle of the Coxy Ladies rearguard, forward Aurelie Wostijn being scarified for another defender. This was a good solution for the short term of the extra period, it meant The Waders got through to penalties, but it did have ramifications in the shoot-out as a nominated taker was missing.
Both sides netted their first two kicks, Vandenbergh and veteran Nanna Bjerre Nielsen registering for Wulpen, but then Muchachas missed their third attempt. However Coxy Ladies couldn’t take advantage as Zara Carey was immediately denied. That looked costly when Emilie Beart missed The Waders fourth kick to put them 3-2 down. Muchachas had a kick to win it... that Sarah Asselman saved. The pressure was now piled on Zoe Leroy (the sub for Wostijn), but she stood up to it to take it to sudden death. Three more kicks were converted, including Alicia Leclercq for Wulpen, but then it was Noémie Kerckhoeven’s turn. Up she stepped and... nope. Ouch.

Would there be better luck for Menywod Maeshafn against ... because Girls Can?
The initial signs were promising, Justine Bellamont putting the Welsh side ahead on 10 minutes. IsThatcherDeadYet’s side held that lead until half-time, and probably merited it at that stage as they had had more possession and chances, if only marginally. However, ... because Girls Can came back after the break, equalising on 51 minutes and themselves justifying pushing the tie to extra-time.
In that chances were shared, but on 111 minutes the decisive moment arrived. Sadly, it came at Maeshafn’s end of the pitch, ... because Girls Can getting their noses in front with a direct free kick that ultimately won them promotion.
So, to answer the initial question, no, no more luck!

But what of Sockford Emollient, who were up against Onze Juventude FC?
Wel, remember that The Gatorsharks had netted eight in their final league game, so were very high on confidence for the game. And within two minutes Foxy265’s side had the ball in the Juventude net, only for Al Reddy to disallow Kayley Mullins strike. That seemed to take the wind from Emollient’s sails for a bit as Juventude made more chances (2-1) against the run of play in the first half. However, the game reached the interval scoreless.
It didn’t get to the hour mark that way though as Donya Antonellini, who had been a sub for the Dynamo game, got her chance to get in on the scoring act. That forced Onze to push on for a leveller, and The Gatorsharks pounced on that, netting twice more in three minutes either side of the 75th minute through Toni Duggan and Monica Parks.
A thoroughly professional performance, with some razor sharp finishing which sent Framleyshire wild. Sockford will play in Division 4 next term.

The Division 6 play-offs pitted Zeugma Dostluk Spor, coming off a gut-wrenchingly close thing in the regular season, against Wheelies Wobblers.
The main job of Zeugma boss Antepli Ejderha was to lift his players after the near miss and have them ready to go again just two days later. He is obviously some kind of miracle worker, as there was no sign of a hangover for the Turks (well, that seems appropriate) as they played a clever counter-attacking game, sitting back and picking the Wobblers off.
Goals either side of the interval from Tova Hammarbro and Rachel Forsyth established a substantial lead in such a contest. A third was a good target though, and on 84 minutes the chance presented itself when Seymour Red pointed to the spot. Forsyth grabbed the ball with confidence that was well justified as she stroke the spot kick home to send the Zeugma fans into raptures.

[delicatemoth]

Terrible start to the season for Northern Star, whose manager failed to appear for their first two games due to heroic sleeping.

[Antepli Ejderha]

Monday is the last game of the Heineken, we've got promoted again and now reach the top half of the league after starting at the bottom. Ten promotions in 11 seasons and a squad made up of mostly youth academy players. Division 9 looks challenging with a couple of excellent managers.