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X11 season 45 - de rigueur Mortis

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    VA hasn't posted on here in ages DM, best drop him a hint on Xpert Eleven.

    Comment


      X11 Ladies Season 55 Matchday 5 report.


      Code:
      Division 2b
      
      Viking South Utsira     0 - 2   Janes Addiction
                                      Asher 78'
                                      Hemmings 93'
      
      
      Division 3d
      
      Drakaina                0 - 1   Green Street Hooligans
                                      Tsiolkovskaya 81'
      
      
      Division 4j
      
      Busby Babes             3 - 1   Coxy Ladies Wulpen
      Kristoffersson 8'               Kerckhoeven 48'
      Rønning 24', 73'
      
      
      Division 4k
      
      Stirling Stallions      1 - 0   Kanjeng Ratu Kidul WFC
      Ring 49'
      
      
      Division 5:17
      
      11 de abril FC          2 - 0   LNWR Locomotive
      Gómez 8'
      Güengue 89'
      
      Husmorskolen            1 - 3   Erbil
      Hörberg 29'                     Brundin 13', 86'
      Wassmo (sent off) 78'           Colliemore 65'
      
      
      Division 5:20
      
      The MJ Foxes            5 - 0   Sockford Emollient
      Bradshaw 8', 40', 50'
      Buckley 23'
      Souto 32'
      Souto (sent off) 59'
      
      
      Division 5:28
      
      Menywod Maeshafn        1 - 2   ZFK Nase Taksi
      Barker 40'                      Tateishi 6'
                                      Östberg 73'
                                      Liuski (sent off) 86'
      
      
      Division 5:31
      
      The Troachetes          0 - 1   Csiki Girls
                                      Neaves 18'
      
      
      Division 6:41
      
      Ullapool Northern Star  0 - 0   Galácticas
      
      
      Division 6:45
      
      Solent Sirens           6 - 0   Palma
      Högardh 5', 14'
      Stieglecker 7', 25', 42'
      Abbiati (pen) 68'
      
      
      Division 6:54
      
      Zeugma Dostluk Spor     1 - 3   Aperta com Elas FC
      Turchetti 68'                   Alpedrinha 15'
                                      Qing Tsoi 53', 75'
      
      
      Division 6:58
      
      Dublin City WFC         1 - 2   Killer Queens
      Isabel Carreto (pen) 88'        Barbaud 40', 69'
      Viking South Utsira’s opening four games in Division 2b this season had been a struggle, with just two points collected and one goal scored. They were hoping to improve those numbers against high-fliers Janes Addiction.
      Only one incident was worth mentioning in a cagey first half, dangerous play from an Addiction player resulting in a 14-day injury for Viking captain Emilie Klovning. Some may argue the visitor was lucky to only see yellow for her offence...
      The game opened up somewhat after the break. There were chances at both ends, with Velvet Android’s side coming close on two occasions. They didn’t break through though, and then fell behind on 78 to a direct free-kick. Any chance VSU had of taking something from the game vanished in stoppage time when the player who had inflicted the injury on Klovning made it 2-0. This led to an ‘exchange’ between the two managers at the final whistle [actually all perfectly polite].
      Another defeat without a goal scored makes the table look increasingly concerning for Blood Eagles fans. Their side are bottom, three points from safety. Next week’s game against the side one place above them is a biggie.

      Division 3d leaders Drakaina were looking to protect their unbeaten record against, hmm, the Green Street Hooligans. Well, it’s not sexist, so I suppose we let it past in the circumstances. And it does pre-date the current boss.
      The away side’s posturing was not necessary, as they were a decent Football team. In fact, they had the ball in The Dragons net as early as the 7th minute, but referee Manuel Ficu disallowed it. He also ruled out Matilda Källgren’s strike on 27 minutes as the match remained goalless until the interval.
      The second half saw the visitors looking marginally the stronger side. Drakaina didn’t look immensely troubled, with both Dragons ‘keeper Anastasia Shkolnikova and defender Maria Gudlandur delivering grade-19 performances (Gudlandur was MOTM). However, Ficu still wanted to be in the middle of the action and on 81 minutes he struck again, awarding Green Street a penalty. They despatched it, to send Etienne’s side to an unfortunate defeat.
      The loss cost Drakaina top spot in the table as they fell to third, three points behind new leaders Chelsea.

      Three wins out of three had lifted Coxy Ladies Wulpen to the summit of Division 4j and they had remained their despite dropping points for the first time in week 4. But the gap had closed and The Waders knew defeat to Busby Babes would end their spell in the sun.
      What Janik’s side needed was a solid start to rebuild confidence. What they got was to be trailing 2-0 by the 24th minute. That felt a little harsh on a generally even opening half, which made Noémie Kerckhoeven’s goal back on 48 minutes feel like a bit of justice. However, the hosts added a third on 73 minutes to re-establish the two goal cushion.
      Alicia Leclercq gave the travelling fans a brief burst of hope when she turned home on 88 minutes, only for Travis Tee to instantly extinguish it by chalking off her strike. That was The Waders last realistic chance of getting something from the game, the Belgians leaving Old Trafford with their tails between their legs.
      Defeat saw Coxy Ladies drop to third in the standings, two points behind their conquerors, who are the new leaders.

      A similar situation faced Kanjeng Ratu Kidul WFC who, despite having won four out of four, were within striking distance of Stirling Stallions.
      The Stallions were clearly eager to take top spot as they were on top of The Sea Spirits from the opening whistle. SeanoftheShed’s side struggled to get anything going at any point in the opening half. The Kanjeng defence held out until the interval, but were breached four minutes into the second half, leaving their side chasing the game. That chase wasn’t no more effective than The Sea Goddesses had been at all-square as they lost their crown with barely more than a whimper.
      The good news for the Spirits of the Sea (Kanjeng’s official fan club) is that, despite being the third straight OTF side we have had drop from first to third, they do so whilst still remaining level with the top two on points. It’s just goal difference that has them outside the promotion or play-off spots currently.

      Having won the previous week, LNWR Locomotive’s hopes would have been high ahead of their trip to 11 de abril FC.
      That didn’t last long, as The Steamers fell behind in the 8th minute and struggled to get back into the game before the break. Viktor Boskovic’s attempts to pick his side up at the break did have some effective as Locomotive fashioned two chances in the second period, but they were still more on the back foot than the front and fell further and terminally behind when 11 de abril scored again in the 89th minute.
      The other match in this section with an OTF side was an opportunity for Erbil as they made their way to bottom side Husmorskolen.
      Erbil were the first to register, Sandra Brundin blasting in from distance on 13 minutes, and generally were on top in the first half. However, against the run of play, Husmorskolen equalised to take the sides to the interval all square.
      Jdsx’s side moved from ‘on top’ to utterly dominant after the break, creating a string of chances. The second breakthrough as a time in coming, but finally arrived on 65 minutes when Brundin sprung young midfielder Louise Colliemore clean through and she calmly slotted home the first goal of her career. Erbil’s hold of the match became total late on as first the hosts Rebecca Wassmo saw a straight red card and then Brundin completed a three-point game by turning home Caroline Hinton’s corner.
      Erbil move up to second place in the Division 5:17 standings on their back of their win. They are two points off the summit and one point ahead of third. LNWR, meanwhile, slip down to sixth in the table after defeat. Goal difference is all that separates them from safety.

      A close game was expected when second-placed Sockford Emollient travelled to Division 5:20 leaders The MJ Foxes. That isn’t how it would turn out, though.
      The match started but The Gatorsharks didn’t, sleepwalking around the place for the opening few minutes. They were punished for this with 8 on the clock but didn’t learn their lesson and shipped again on 23, 32 and 40.
      When the Foxes scored again on 50 minutes a total humiliation looked possible for the Framleyshire girls. Fortunately, on 59 minutes, the Foxes Iolanda Souto unaccountably got herself sent off. That put a stop to the bleeding for Foxy265’s side, but the damage had already long since been done.
      Sockford slip two places in the table to fourth after this reverse.

      Menywod Maeshafn had a tough task on their hands when they welcomed ZFK Nase Taksi and their 100% record to North Wales.
      Things looked bleak for IsThatcherDeadYet’s side when the visitors took the lead after just 6 minutes play, but Maeshafn dug in and began to create chances of their own. This improved play culminated in a equaliser for Katherine Barker five minutes before the break. This appeared to be a platform to build from, but the opposite turned out to be true as Nase Taksi upped their intensity in the second half and retook the lead on 73 minutes.
      Maeshafn were not finished, Ada Westerberg slotting home ten minutes from time only to see the goal ruled out. That was encouragement, as was Nase Taksi going down to 10 players on 86 minutes when Nelli-Noora Liuski picked up a second yellow card. However, Maeshafn were not able to exploit the numerical advantage and slipped to a defeat that was disappointing because it felt like a potentially good point had been there for the taken but had gone begging.
      Defeat left Maeshafn in mid-table in Division 5:28, fourth place, three points off the play-off spot and two ahead of the drop zone.

      Comment


        Csiki Girls may not have been sure what exactly to expect when they made their way to The Troachetes given their hosts bizarre record of having drawn every previous league game.
        The firs notable incident of the match arrived on 18 minutes when a Csiki’s attack ended with Robin Neaves sweeping ad hoc’s side into a 1-0 lead. This proved to be the only notable incident of the match as the entire rest of the game passed by without anything worth recording on the match report! There were a few shots, spread equally between the two sides, but nobody added their name alongside Neaves on the scoresheet. And so a first league defeat of the campaign was inflicted on Troachetes.
        Elsewhere in Division 5:31 the sides in second and third, who were 1-3-0 previously, played out a very predictable 0-0 draw. That meant the Csiki’s win moved them four points clear at the top of the table.

        Match no.2 of Ullapool Northern Star’s league-within-a-league pitted the Scots against fellow-human managed side Galácticas.
        Both teams came into the match with perfect defensive records for the season. Would something give? 14 minutes in it looked as if it had as Zebela Barkho swept Ullapool ahead. Or had she? No, she hadn’t, Constance Paine was signalling a free-kick to Galácticas. This was the start of a terrible three minutes for Barkho as soon afterwards she was absolutely wiped out and sustained a 10-day injury. Her assailant was shown only a yellow card.
        After this start it was Delicatemoth’s side who found themselves on the retreat more often than the offensive. However, the Northern Star defence, lead by player-of-the-match Alonza Benfari, held out in the face of Galácticas pressure as both sides maintained their clean sheet for the season.
        Ullapool remain technically third in the Division 6:41 table, level on everything with Galácticas in second apart from alphabet. The leaders (who are still perfect but have only been tested once) are two points clear.

        Nothing particularly tricky was on the cards for Solent Sirens as they faced zombie side Palma, who are both rudderless and weak (only one player >6 bars).
        Adnrew7610’s side duly cruised through the game in second gear. They were two up inside the first ten minutes through Evelyn Högardh and Marlene Stieglecker, these two players adding to the scoreline to take it up to five by the interval (Högardh x2, Stieglecker x3). After the break The Sirens dropped to neutral, but still managed to add a sixth midway through the period as a penalty was gifted to them and rolled home by Geovana Abbiati.
        The gimmie win matched what many of Solent’s Division 6:45 rivals had already bagged, moving them up to fourth in the table. They are one point adrift of second.

        Matchday 5 saw Zeugma Dostluk Spor back at home in Anatolia and ready to take on visitors Aperta com Elas FC.
        It was quickly apparent that Antepli Ejderha’s charges were in for a more difficult test than may have been expected. The visitors had the better of the first half and built a deserved 1-0 half-time cushion. A second early in the second half flattered them a bit, Volante Turchetti reduced the arrears for Zeugma midway through the period. But rather than being the catalyst for a comeback this just inspired Aperta com Elas to score again and put the game to bed.
        Zeugma slip to fifth in the Division 6:54 table on the back of the defeat. They are four points behind the side who currently hold the play-off spot.

        And finally we come to Dublin City WFC. On Matchday 5 they had an encounter with fellow promotion chasers Killer Queens at Phoenix Park.
        Sadly, manager Mortal Joe wasn’t present for the game. Despite that his side performed admirable, going toe-to-toe with their opponents, particularly in the second half. Dublin reached that stage a goal down, and suffered a major blow on 63 minutes when Honey Lantree was hacked down and had to leave the field (26 days!). With no subs that left Dublin playing with 10, and they were soon 2-0 down.
        Ana Isabel Carreto pulled one back from the penalty spot on 88 minutes as referee Ann Onym tried to make up for things, but it was too little, too late.
        Defeat saw Dublin lose top spot in Division 6:58 and fall to third. They are still level on points with the top two, mind.

        Comment


          Lincolnshire Curly Coats have just suffered their first relegation (from Div 2a) since I took the, over in the old Division 7. When I realised it was happening I got disheartened and wondered about quitting the Official Leagues, but there are still a lot of players I really like, so I've decided they'll regather next season and see what happens.

          Comment


            Official Ladies League Cup Season 55, Round 3. Six sides, five ties, one derby clash.


            Code:
            Coxy Ladies Wulpen      0 - 2   BK Pinglan
                                            Virtew 53'
                                            Ljungqvist 58'
            
            BK Pinglan              2 - 0   Coxy Ladies Wulpen
            Yrjönen 34'
            Ljungqvist 56'
            
            Pinglan win 4-0 on aggregate
            
            
            Csiki Girls             0 - 1   Gemlas Damer FC
                                            Taborda 88'
            Smet (sent off) 82'
            
            Gemlas Damer FC         1 - 1   Csiki Girls
            Taborda 61'                     Eleena Munoz (pen) 81'
            
            Gemlas win 2-1 on aggregate
            
            
            Drakaina                2 - 1   The Sibley Squad
            Petit 73'                       Oh 90'
            Atum 83'
            
            The Sibley Squad        0 - 3   Drakaina
                                            Källgren 4', 23'
                                            Petit 20'
            
            Drakaina win 5-1 on aggregate
            
            
            Erbil                   1 - 0   Menywod Maeshafn
            Besen 39'
                                            Ghita Gulbranson (sent off) 92'
            
            Menywod Maeshafn        0 - 2   Erbil
                                            Paton 45'
                                            Caroline Hinton 82'
            
            Erbil win 3-0 on aggregate
            
            
            Viking South Utsira     3 - 1   Dalens IF
            Y.Austrheim 26'                 Arnott 58'
            N.Austrheim 60'
            K.Hovland 77'
            
            Dalens IF               2 - 0   Viking South Utsira
            Philbin 17'
            Baptista 89'
            
            3-3 on aggregate. Dalens win on away goals
            Coxy Ladies Wulpen’s hopes were high against fellow Division 4 side BK Pinglan.
            The opening leg took place at The Curlew’s Nest, and it was hosts The Waders who first threatened. Indeed Alicia Leclercq had the ball in the net midway through the first half, but her celebrations were cut short by Tony Nolan’s whistle. That proved to be a turning point as Pinglan stepped up their level and struck twice in quick time in the opening fifteen minutes of the second half. Wulpen couldn’t find a way back in, so were left needing a big away win to have any chance of progress.
            Janik’s side really had to score first to have any chance, and once again they thought they had managed precisely that when Charlotte Beyen had the ball in the net on the half-hour, but once again they were left frustrated by a referee. And then, four minutes later, Pinglan scored and it counted!
            Another on 56 minutes was a last nail in the coffin, though The Waders did have one more blow to take when key defender Zoe Leroy collapsed with a 14-day injury in stoppage time. So Wulpen exited in Round 3, which surprised precisely none of their supporters. It’s exactly what they had done in the previous six seasons as well!

            What looked a good draw pitted Csiki Girls against Division 6 outfit Gemlas Damer FC.
            The first leg took place at A kertem, with ad hoc’s charges keen to make the most of the opportunity. The Csiki’s created some early chances, but then, midway through the first half they lost midfielder Georgia Birch to a 10-day injury.
            Csiki Girls players seemed to take unkindly to this and blame Gemlas for their teammates pain. They set about extracting revenge by kicking anything in red that moved. Possibly a cathartic strategy, but not a good one as the carousel failed and Floriane Smet picked up two yellows in five minutes to head to an early bath with 82 on the clock. This would come back to haunt her side as in the limited remaining time Gemlas netted the winner on the night.
            The Csiki’s were left with no option but to go for it in leg two. They pushed hard for a goal, but were hit on the counter attack on 61 minutes as Gemlas scored with their only shot of the game. Eleena Munoz finally broke through for the Transylvanians on 81 minutes, converting from the penalty spot. That made for an exciting last few minutes as one more Csiki Girls goal would have had them ahead on away goals. But one more strike wasn’t forthcoming.

            Drakaina were paired with a side from two steps below The Dragons in the pyramid in the form of Division 5’s The Sibley Squad.
            The opening leg was in Delphi, and from the outset it saw Drakaina pushing their opponents back and testing their defence. The first half possession was 64% for Etienne’s side, but Sibley Squad held firm, not giving up a single chance. Openings remained at a premium through the second half, but when a few finally materialised The Dragons were clinical, Sandrine Petit nodding them ahead on 73 minutes, Silvia Atum following suit ten minutes later.
            It looked like a comfortable lead had been secured for the return match but then, out of the blue, Sibley Squad pulled one back in the 90th minute. A single goal lead with the opposition having scored away is much more delicately poised, though the Greeks will be hopeful of more attacking joy when their opponents are forced to come at them.
            Cancelling the away goal out didn’t take long in the return match, Matilda Källgren firing home after just four minutes play from ‘keeper Anastasia Shkolnikova’s ball forward. That put The Dragons on the cusp of victory, as another strike would turn the away goals situation entirely on its head and leave Sibley Squad needing four. Such a score arrived with 20 minutes on the clock, Sandrine Petit firing home.
            Källgren upped the advantage to 5-1 three minutes later as the tie was ended as a contest in brutally efficient manner. That was the end of the scoring with the only other notable incident seeing young Drakaina defender and Utsiran native Zara Kvalvik picking up a nasty 15-day injury in the first half.
            Round 4 will be challenging for The Dragons, but then again it’s meant to be. The particular rock to scale is Juventistele of Division 1b. The second leg will be held at Delphi.

            The first all-OTF Cup tie I can recall pitted two of our Division 5 sides against each other as Erbil took on Menywod Maeshafn.
            The match proved to be a cautious affair, with few goalscoring opportunities. The first of the day came in the 24th minute when Maeshafn’s Simona Kjellberg broke through; she put her shot to the left of Jun Kinniyaka in the Erbil net, but gave it too much margin and also well wide of the post. The only other hance of the opening half was in the 39th minute, Sónia Curval slinging over a good cross and Tülin Besen rising to head Jdsx’s side ahead.
            The game continued to be locked in a midfield battle after the break. The frantic nature resulted in a casualty, young Maeshafn defender Harriet Bennett going down with a 9-day knock midway through the period. Her side pushed on for an equaliser without her, and did have a good chance to get one in the 83rd minute when a free-kick in a dangerous position was crossed rather than directly shot. Katherine Barker rose to meet it, but her header went centimetres wide.
            The match ended on a sour note as Maeshafn’s Ghita Gulbranson, already booked for stamping, completed a very narky day by taking an argument with referee Donald Scott too far and getting herself sent off. However, that was in the 92nd minute, which didn’t give Erbil any time to extend their razor fine advantage ahead of the return in Wales.
            Maeshafn were still in it... as long as they didn’t concede an away goal. Erbil were aware of that and went hunting a strike. Caroline Hinton thought she had it on 12 minutes with a well-placed header, but it was ruled out for Hinton climbing on her marker. All square it stayed and remained up until the stroke of halftime when Leah Paton rose and bulleted home Sharyn Bullock’s cross.
            The game was now Erbil’s to lose, but another would be nice. Hinton came close to finding it on 63 minutes when her lob bounced back off the angle of post and bar. The value of another strike was emphasised when IsThatcherDeadYet’s side were awarded a free-kick in a dangerous position on 69 minutes even if Ada Westerberg’s went out for a goalkick.
            Erbil needed one more, and Hinton turned out to be the provider heading in player-of-the-match Sabina Granå’s cross on 82 minutes. After that there was one final chance for Erbil, Sandra Brundin sending a free-kick centimetres over in the 84th minute, but Erbil had already done enough to secure a pair of Round 4 matches against Ansvarsfulla Divor of Division 3a. The first leg is at the Erbil Arena.

            Comment


              Two sides from relatively high in the pyramid and with hopes of long Cup runs clashed when Viking South Utsira took on Division 3 outfit Dalens IF.
              The Blood Eagles played mine host for the opener, with the Ragnar Rock crowd treated to an open, attacking game. Viking were the first to register, Yulia Austrheim heading home Heidi Hovland’s cross on 26 minutes. Yulia is but the latest from the highly prolific Austrheim family (brilliant genetics) – she is an 18 year-old defender in her second season, and this was her first ever goal scored in front of many friends and relatives. All of whom are superb footballers in their own right!
              The score was 1-0 at the break, but Dalens were playing a full part in the match and they were the next to get on the scoresheet on 58 minutes. If that away goal put pressure on Utsira it didn’t show, Nina Austrheim restoring the advantage on the night two minutes later and Kristin Hovland racing clear to make it 3-1 on 77 minutes.
              There was a late scare for manager Velvet Android when Dalens looked to have closed the gap back to one in stoppage time, but this strike was disallowed. That was potentially a big moment in the match as Dalens now need to attack hard in the return, which may offer the chance for The Blood Eagles to match or better the goal they conceded in this one.
              By the time the return rolled round The Blood Eagles were really struggling in the league and so happy at the distraction of the Cup. Or so they thought. Things began to be a little tenser after 17 minutes though when Dalens went 1-0 up and within a goal of edging in front on away goals.
              VSU needed to re-assert themselves, and thought they had done so when Nina Austrheim had the ball in the net on 55 minutes, only for referee Dick Tator to say “no, no, no!” That left Utsira clinging on as Dalens pressed for a winner. They looked like to survive up until the 89th minute when the hosts struck again. There was no time left to create even a single chance to turn things around again as The Blood Eagles struggle in the competition ever since they reach the Quarter-Finals five seasons ago continued. Though they did make Round 3 at least this time!


              Round 4 draw - first listed teams home in opening leg
              Code:
              Juventistele (1b)          vs   Drakaina
              Erbil                      vs   Ansvarsfulla Divor (3a)

              Comment


                X11 Ladies Season 55 Matchday 6 report.


                Code:
                Division 2b
                
                Viking South Utsira     3 - 1   Championettes
                A.Austrheim 4'                  Byåsen 91'
                B.Austrheim 35'
                Evers (O.G.) 64'
                
                
                Division 3d
                
                Drakaina                0 - 1   Wælcyrie
                                                Bonucci 82'
                
                
                Division 4j
                
                Kongo BK                2 - 0   Coxy Ladies Wulpen
                Ruffer 24', 93'
                
                
                Division 4k
                
                Kanjeng Ratu Kidul WFC  1 - 2   Rotnäset BK
                Sangaji 77'                     Amante 40'
                                                Payne 51'
                
                
                Division 5:17
                
                Erbil                   1 - 0   11 de abril FC
                Granå (pen) 36'
                
                Braguinha               2 - 1   LNWR Locomotive
                Tumelengi 16'                   Zakarian 84'
                Mays 38'
                Lincoln (sent off) 75'
                
                
                Division 5:20
                
                ShamLam Doobily Dodgers 1 - 3   Sockford Emollient
                Nestor 67'                      Markström (O.G.) 21'
                                                Samways 69'
                                                Parks 86'
                
                
                Division 5:28
                
                Menywod Maeshafn        2 - 0   FC Cristalul Dorohoi
                Westerberg 23', 71'
                
                
                Division 5:31
                
                Csiki Girls             3 - 0   Barca Ladies FC
                Munoz 30'
                Granheim 74'
                Neaves 88'
                
                
                Division 6:41
                
                Ullapool Northern Star  5 - 0   Albrektssunds IK
                Taggart 6'
                Mouatt 15'
                Späth 17'
                Klovning 37'
                Lovell 49'
                
                
                Division 6:45
                
                Solent Sirens           0 - 2   Sporting Erasmus
                                                Abel 65'
                                                Belsås 73'
                
                
                Division 6:54
                
                The Lady Croc           1 - 5   Zeugma Dostluk Spor
                Ikram 58'                       Chilingirian (O.G.) 10'
                                                Bell 37'
                                                Özköylü 41', 87'
                                                Üzülmez 79'
                
                
                Division 6:58
                
                Tesla Girls             0 - 1   Dublin City WFC
                                                Brennan 65'
                A vital game at the foot of Division 2b pitted Viking South Utsira against Championettes.
                This was the classic case of the easily resisted force against the object mounted on beautifully oiled casters, as Viking came into the game bottom of the table, without a win all season and having scored just one goal whilst Championettes sat seventh, with four defeats from five and had shipped a league-high 16 in their games to date.
                Which would come out on top? We began to get our answer as early as the 4th minute when Blood Eagles skipper Asta Austrheim waltzed through the Championettes to put her side in front. Younger sister Birgit Austrheim followed suit later in the first half, bursting through some powderpuff challenges to slot home the second on 35 minutes.
                In terms of chances, the first half was actually level at three a-piece and that trend continued after the break. However goals were mainly coming for Velvet Android’s girls, even to the point where when Championettes scored on 64 minutes that went onto the VSU total as Shannah Evers put through her own net.
                A fourth Utsira goal on 84 minutes was chalked off, denying Heidi Hovland a place on the scoresheet. That would have been an unfair reflection of a game that was quite even if one excludes the two penalties areas. Instead, Championettes got a consolation in stoppage time as they finally breached the rather meaner Blood Eagles rearguard.
                The first win of the campaign lifted Viking off the foot of the table, but only past their immediate foes. Climbing out of the drop zone will requires one more point and a goal difference swing of +6 (so two more points, then!).

                Matchday 5saw a number of OTF sides displaced from the summit of their Divisions. Drakaina were one of these. They attempted to bounce back against Wælcyrie, who were unexpectedly struggling near the foot of the table.
                The first half was a dull affair, with a spiteful sting in the tail. Drakaina had the better of it without fashioning more than a single opening. Then, on 43 minutes, one of the visitors crudely fouled veteran Dragons midfielder Siliva Atum, leaving her in an agonised heap on the ground. Just a booking for the perpetrator, a career threatening 20 days out for Atum. No justice!
                To rub salt in the wound, Wælcyrie found the going easier against the weakened Greek midfield and got the only goal of the game on 82 minutes to send Etienne’s side to a second straight defeat. That saw them lose further ground in the Division 3d table, dropping to fourth, six points behind now-leaders Chelsea and only four ahead of Wælcyrie, who sit sixth.

                Three straight wins had been followed by back-to-back losses for Coxy Ladies Wulpen in what has been an up-and-down start to life back in Division 4. Could they go through another turning point and start winning again at Kongo BK.
                The first half was vaguely promising from general play, as Wulpen had more of the ball and an equal share of the limited chances. Only they found themselves 1-0 down at the end of it! The Waders continued to edge possession after the break, and thought they were level when Christelle Onjens found the target on 82 minutes, only for referee Laura Norder to show all the compassion of a VAR and rule it out for something or other.
                That knocked the stuffing out of Janik’s side, who conceded a second in stoppage time to fall to their third straight loss. It leaves them fifth in the Division 4j table, just a point above the drop zone though also only two adrift of the play-off place.

                Kanjeng Ratu Kidul WFC lost top spot in Division 4k to Rotnäset BK on Matchday 5. They had a chance to take it back immediately as the sides clashed at Merapi-Kraton-South Sea on Matchday 6.
                The chances of The Sea Spirits doing that looked slim from the outset as Rotnäset forced SeanoftheShed’s side back. The Kanjeng defence and ‘keeper Kacey Rust held firm against the onslaught until the 40th minute. However, having shipped one, a second followed soon after the break.
                Rotnäset kept the pressure mostly up following this, so it was rather a shock when Utami Sangaji fired in a direct free-kick on 77 minute to create a grandstand finish. Or at least the potentiality of one, as there were few other chances for the Indonesians. Sangaji’s goal was just her fourth in 201 matches as a Sea Goddess, which is a low return for a grade-14 player with a free-kick speciality, even if she is a defender. She may not have been entrusted with the set-pieces that much in the past, maybe this will change it?
                The defeat meant Kanjeng fall three points behind their opponents in the promotion race. They didn’t lose a place though, staying third.

                Top-of-the-table fare was served up for Erbil fans as their side took on Division 5:17 leaders 11 de abril FC.
                The visitors came to stifle, playing a 5-4-1 formation. That gave Jdsx’s side lots of the ball, but made it challenging to pick their way through and create chances. What they did get was a penalty in the 36th minute, and unlike certain England-Argentina matches in this one the ‘keeper guessed the wrong way and Sabina Granå’s shot rippled the net.
                Erbil’s pursuit of a second was not as fierce as their desire for the first. They did think they had it when Saga Isgren struck, but it was rubbed off. At that point the hosts sat back and said “what have you got?”, the answer to which was basically nothing.
                At the other end of the table, LNWR Locomotive were away at a Braguinha side who started the day one place above, goal difference separating the sides along with the drop line.
                The first half was a tough one for The Steamers as Braguinha found it the easier to create chances. And finish them, the hosts going two ahead by the break. Locomotive needed a jump start, and thought they had one on 64 minutes, but Charlotte Nixon’s effort was disallowed. However, they got a break a few minutes later as the Braguinha’s Sadie Lincoln fell off the tightrope she had been walking since a first minute booking and got first use of the changing facilities.
                Gayane Zakarian pulled one back on 84 minutes as Viktor Boskovic’s side ended very much on the front foot, but it turned out they didn’t have enough time to get something from the game.
                It was all change in the 5:17 standings at the top end, Erbil leapfrogging their vanquished foes to take up residence of the top platform. Less so at the other end, where LNWR remain sixth but are now three points adrift of safety.
                The OTF sides play each other this Tuesday.

                Matchday 6 tested the aesthetic tastes of the Sockford Emollient fans as their side took on the ShamLam Doobily Dodgers. Those who expressed a liking for the stylings of the hosts were instantly marked as a complete hick who must likely-as-not be from Wripple.
                Not that The Gatosharks didn’t benefit from the odd behaviour of their hosts, ShamLam’s Lilian Markström gifting the visitors the lead on 21 minutes. Foxy265’s side dominated from that point, but were caught on the counter midway through the second half.
                No matter, within two minutes Mellisa Samways had restored the advantage with a 25-yarder, Monica Parks wrapping things up from closer in with 86 on the clock. Coach Yassir Icanbuggy was particularly happy at the latter goal, breaking out some Pardewesque moves to celebrate one of the youth team products whose development her oversaw getting on the scoresheet.
                Division 5:20 remains split between a top four and bottom four. Sockford are bottom of the top half in fourth, but only two points off the summit and a whopping eight clear of the drop zone.

                Comment


                  It wasn’t quite a must-win game for Menywod Maeshafn, but taking on bottom side FC Cristalul Dorohoi meant that anything less than three points was going to be a disappointment for IsThatcherDeadYet’s side.
                  No-one wants to be disappointed, do they? Least of all Ada Westerberg. The good news for Maeshafn fans is their centre-forward is easily good enough at Football to do something about it. She struck twice, smashing home from distance on 23 minutes and gliding home a second on 71. That took her tally for the season to 6, but more importantly raised her overall haul in a Maeshafn shirt to 98 in 249 games, which is an impressive strike rate.
                  There was little threat from Dorohoi at the other end, allowing the Welsh side to close the game out 2-0. The win lifted them up a spot to third in the Division 5:28 standings, one point adrift of the play-offs although quite far behind the leaders.

                  Division 5:31 leaders Csiki Girls took on Barca Ladies FC, who sat in a relegation place at the start of play.
                  Despite the positions of the two sides, Barca were the unbeaten team of the pair oddly enough. It’s just they have drawn loads, holding a 1-4-0 record coming it (ad hoc’s side were 4-0-1). That had mostly been achieved through rock solid defence, which made some early chances coming and going for the hosts a source of concern.
                  The A kertem fans needn’t have worried though as not only did Eleena Munoz head them in front on the half hour, but Elly Granheim also found the target on 75 minutes with a breakaway strike. That forced Barca out, which opened up space for Robin Neaves to add a third as Csiki Girls put as many past the Catalans than the rest of 5:31 had managed in five games!
                  Csiki Girls appear the class of the field in this Division, then. The league table agrees, with the Transylvanians top and four points clear of their nearest foes.

                  Following a win and a draw in the proper games in recent weeks, Ullapool Northern Star returned to the chore of zombie killing as they faced Albrektssunds IK.
                  OK, maybe ‘chore’ overstates it as once again delicatemoth’s side found it a very straightforward task, but it’s all a bit tiresome in its predictability. Finding a wrinkle of interest in such games is sometimes hard, but not this time. Ullapool scored five goals, and these were perfectly shared amongst their five-woman midfield. Youngster Julie Taggart got the first after 6 minutes in just her third ever senior appearance, Mary-Leslie Mouatt and Babette Späth popped in a couple in quick succession around the quarter-hour, Renate Klovning made it four before the interval and Lindsey Lovell five just after it.
                  Neither of the Northern Star forwards got on the scoresheet, though skipper Sonia Menashi did provide three assists towards that five goal haul. Which, incidentally, was enough to lift Ullapool to the Division 6:41 summit as previous leaders Murcielago were well beaten at Galácticas. Star are +2 GD ahead of Galácticas (neither side has conceded a goal this season, having drawn their game against each other 0-0) one point clear of Murcielago (who Ullapool play next).

                  Having got themselves back towards contention last week, Solent Sirens had a big challenge on their hands to maintain that when they welcomed 100% league leaders Sporting Erasmus to Mayfield Park.
                  The Sirens had the majority of possession from the start, but it was quickly apparent that this wasn’t something that bothered Erasmus too much as they wanted to play on the counter. Would that have worked as effectively as it did if Marlene Stieglecker’s 13th minute strike had not been disallowed and Andrew7610’s side could have eschewed committing players forwards?
                  That will forever remain imponderable as Stieglecker’s effort was chalked off and Erasmus caught Solent twice on the counter after the break to racked up a sixth win from six. The visitors played the last seven minutes plus stoppages with 10 due to injury, but there was no way back for The Sirens.
                  The defeat drops the South Coast side down to fifth in the Division 6:45 table, four points adrift of the play-off place. A season peering into the window from the outside looks on the cards.

                  A similar fate appeared possible for Zeugma Dostluk Spor if they failed to beat The Lady Croc.
                  The Crocs had been managerless, but had picked up a new boss a couple of weeks before the fixture, who had had an immediate effect, picking up a draw against another human managed side in his first game in charge. Zeugma boss Antepli Ejderha may have been wary of what was coming, but if he was that feeling would have faded quickly as his side utterly dominated the opening half and were also gifted an opening goal on 10 minutes by Crocs defender Shushan Chilingirian.
                  Stacey Bell and Suzan Özköylü added two more before the break, with the score at the interval of 3-0 in no way flattering Zeugma. The Crocs did pull one back in the second half, but that just prompted Ceyda Üzülmez to make it four on 79 minutes and Özköylü to net her second of the game on 87. 18 year-old forward Özköylü’s brace were her first goals in senior Football, as was the case regarding 19 year-old midfielder Üzülmez’s strike.
                  Zeugma stay fifth in Division 6:54 despite the win, but are now just two points adrift of second and the play-offs. They do, however, have back-to-back games with the leaders to come next.

                  Having stayed bang in touch with the Division 6:58 leaders whilst manager Mortal Joe was absent, the Dublin City WFC players were glad to show him how well they had in his absence on his return to the hot seat for the trip to Tesla Girls. There was pressure on this one from a managerial perspective as anything other than a win raise question if the Women were not better off looking after themselves...
                  Dublin certainly found the going tough against a very well organised defence. In fact, despite 61% possession for the visitors, it was Tesla who had both first half chances. Dublin, however, were looking organised and resilient and were playing for their boss. This was most true of midfielder Moria Brennan, who was coolness personified when she raced clear in the 65th minute and slotted home. It was to be Dublin’s only chance of the day, but it brought the hoped for victory.
                  That kept The Dubs right in the 6:58 promotion battle. Moved them up to second, in fact as the previous side in that spot, Killer Queens, were beaten at leaders Inter Petrila. Inter are top from Dublin on goal difference, Killer Queens three points back in third.

                  Comment


                    Trying to log on and just getting a load of spam. All other sites are fine via mobile but not this one. Anyone else having problems?

                    Comment


                      All good here Foxy.

                      Comment


                        Originally posted by nmrfox View Post
                        Trying to log on and just getting a load of spam. All other sites are fine via mobile but not this one. Anyone else having problems?
                        Me too. I log on and click on a team and I'm bombarded with spam.

                        Comment


                          Weird. Still OK here.

                          Comment


                            It's working fine on my tablet but not on my Android phone.

                            Comment


                              I've not had any problems.

                              Comment


                                Managed to get on via mobile and set up Flapton Nogley for this evening's fixture.

                                Comment


                                  More spam and cannot check result now. This is annoying and frustrating .

                                  Comment


                                    It's still the same for me, spam on the phone but fine on the tablet.

                                    Comment


                                      I think this has happened before. I've downloaded Opera mini on to my phone and everything is ok on there.

                                      Comment


                                        I’m on Safari on the iPad and it’s ok.

                                        Comment


                                          Safari?

                                          So Goody!

                                          Comment


                                            X11 Ladies Season 55 Matchday 7 report.


                                            Code:
                                            Division 2b
                                            
                                            The Norfolk Broads      2 - 2   Viking South Utsira
                                            Bramstedt 49'                   A.Austrheim 52', 73'
                                            Sheldon 54'
                                            
                                            
                                            Division 3d
                                            
                                            Gazzas Gals             1 - 0   Drakaina
                                            Holden (pen) 39'
                                            
                                            
                                            Division 4j
                                            
                                            Coxy Ladies Wulpen      0 - 2   Deportivo Cruz Azul
                                                                            Juliardo 51', (pen) 54'
                                            
                                            
                                            Division 4k
                                            
                                            Flick of the Wrist      1 - 0   Kanjeng Ratu Kidul WFC
                                            MacGillies 58'
                                            
                                            
                                            Division 5:17
                                            
                                            LNWR Locomotive         1 - 1   Erbil
                                            Severinsson 12'                 Isaac 7'
                                            
                                            
                                            Division 5:20
                                            
                                            Sockford Emollient      1 - 0   Gibbo Rovers
                                            Clockwork 1'
                                            
                                            
                                            Division 5:28
                                            
                                            Stranger Things         1 - 3   Menywod Maeshafn
                                            Hursthouse 66'                  Westerberg 20'
                                                                            Beck 60'
                                                                            Bellamont 88'
                                            
                                            
                                            Division 5:31
                                            
                                            Gaia Superior           0 - 0   Csiki Girls
                                            
                                            
                                            Division 6:41
                                            
                                            Murcielago              1 - 2  Ullapool Northern Star
                                            Darawan 19'                    Wendel 59'
                                                                           Mair 88'
                                            
                                            
                                            Division 6:45
                                            
                                            Marselle                6 - 1   Solent Sirens
                                            Heimann 26'                     Abbiati 34'
                                            Cotrim 37', 61'
                                            Monneret 40', 46'
                                            Gros 49'
                                            
                                            
                                            Division 6:54
                                            
                                            Gloriosas da Catedral   2 - 0   Zeugma Dostluk Spor
                                            Pato 51'
                                            Faia 93'
                                            
                                            
                                            Division 6:58
                                            
                                            Lilywhite Ladies        0 - 3   Dublin City WFC
                                                                            Dunganstown 24'
                                                                            Ciutacu 40'
                                                                            Normstedt 81'
                                            The last match of the first half sent Viking South Utsira across the North Sea to take on The Norfolk Broads.
                                            The first half was interesting rather than exciting, with the Broads having more of the game and chances, but no goals. Talk at half-time in the beer queue was more analysis than buzzing excitement. That wasn’t the case ten minutes after the break, as a frenetic period of play had the crowd roaring. First the hosts went ahead on 49 minutes, only for Asta Austrheim to head The Blood Eagles level on 52. However, parity didn’t last long at all, Norfolk going back ahead on just two minutes later.
                                            The rest of the game was a question of whether the hosts could survive the increasingly frequent Viking raids. The answer was no, Austrheim getting her second of the game on 73 minutes to ensure a share of the points for Velvet Android’s side.
                                            The draw left Utsira sixth in the Division 2b table at the midway stage, one point from safety. The sides will try again next week, hoping for just as enthralling a game.

                                            The last game of the opening half sent Drakaina to second-in-the-table side Gazzas Gals.
                                            The Dragons were only three points adrift of their hosts at the start of play, but needing to reverse a recent run of poor form that had seen them slip into Gazzas wake. Etienne’s side gave it a real good go, holding 58% possession in the first half and creating three chances to their hosts one. The one, however, was a penalty mysteriously awarded by Donald Scott. When this was converted it appeared to knock the stuffing out of the Greek side, who managed just one further chance after the break. Which didn’t go in.
                                            Defeat leaves Drakaina looking over their shoulders rather than ahead for the moment. They sit fourth in the Division 3d table, but now are six points behind second and just one point ahead of sixth.

                                            Another side in a slide are Coxy Ladies Wulpen, who were looking to avert their recent freefall against promotion-chasing Deportivo Cruz Azul.
                                            Sadly for manager Janik it was obvious which side was in form and which wasn’t. The Waders were not overwhelmed, but when it came to finishing it was Cruz Azul who looked the calmer, converting twice early in the second half. That made it two from three chances, whilst Coxy Ladies panicked efforts added up to zero from three.
                                            Wulpen’s defeat saw them slip into the Division 4j drop zone for the first time this season. They are currently sixth, -5 goal difference from safety.

                                            Could Kanjeng Ratu Kidul WFC break this tale of woe at Flick of the Wrist?
                                            The Sea Spirits would have been rated as having a decent chance pre-game as they sat third to their hosts sixth. And SeanoftheShed’s charges played well enough in general play. However, the Sea Goddesses were caught on a breakaway on 58 minutes to fall behind and never really looked like clawing that deficit back.
                                            Kanjeng remained third in Division 4k despite the loss, but are now four points adrift of the play-off place. In fact, they are nearer on points to sixth, which is only three points below. And is occupied by their conquerors here, who would draw level if they repeated the trick in the immediate return fixture.

                                            Something, something London buses. You wait weeks for an OTF league derby, and then two rattle along nose-to-tail! The first to show up was LNWR Locomotive hosting Erbil.
                                            The opening was explosive, with a glut of early chances. The first came for Erbil on 5 minutes, Natalie Genghini firing over the bar from range. Jdsx’s side didn’t have long to wait to register though, Genghini’s corner just two minutes later picking out Cattie Isaac who lobbed a header over Maral Parseghian and in. The Steamers responded to this quickly though, levelling on 12 minutes in very similar fashion, the only difference being Tekla Severinsson placed her header from a corner precisely into the corner rather than looping it over Amy Keeter in the Erbil net.
                                            Jdsx’s side had a chance to retake the lead on 20 minutes when Caroline Hinton raced clear. Her lob was over the head of Parseghian but just too high as it bounced back off the crossbar. That was the last chance of the first half, with the first incident of the second being a downbeat one, Taleen Tashdjian picking up a nasty 19-day injury in an innocuous incident. Tashdjian doesn’t have a lot of luck in games against Erbil – her most recent injury before this one also came against them, albeit a rather less serious knock.
                                            The game’s next chance arrived just past the hour and in spectacular style, Erbil’s Sharyn Bullock trying a bicycle kick that Parseghian blocked with her feet. Erbil kept pressing and had one more chance to claim the win their general play deserved on 89 minutes, but Sandra Brundin’s misshit shot bounced agonisingly onto the left post and away. Locomotive manager Viktor Boskovic cut a very relieved figure on the touchline.
                                            The draw was rather better new for Boskovic than his opposite number, given the teams came into the match in sixth and first places respectively in Division 5:17. Locomotive remain at the top of the drop zone, now three points from safety. Erbil, however, loss their spot at the head of the table, dropping to second, one point back of the leaders. They will do it all again next week at the Erbil arena.

                                            Two teams just outside the Division 5:20 play-off place clashed at John Spencer Street when Sockford Emollient took on Gibbo Rovers.
                                            The Gatorsharks wasted no time in taking the lead. Which makes sense with Monica Clockwork in the team. It took her just seconds to find the target and record the first goal of her young career (forward Clockwork is 20 and turned pro last season).
                                            Having gone ahead so early, it would have been easy for Foxy265’s side to try and sit on their advantage. Instead they went toe-to-toe with Gibbo, with chances thereafter shared between the teams. There were no further goals until second half stoppage time though. And then Clockwork’s second effort of the afternoon was ruled out.
                                            That happened on 91 minutes, which extended the game out to 95 as ref Hans Grüber sorted out the fuss. That meant there were just second on the clock when Gibbo put the ball past Oianiyi John. However Grüber was having none of it, ruling that one out as well!
                                            The win saw Sockford leapfrog their opponents to move into second place in the table. The Framleyshire outfit are two points behind the leaders and one ahead of third at the halfway stage of the campaign.

                                            The last match of the opening half of the campaign was a spooky one for Menywod Maeshafn as they took on Stranger Things.
                                            The Welsh side were determined to stay lucid and rational and this focus resulted in a strong opening half performance that was decorated by Ada Westerberg’s opening goal on 20 minutes. Morgan Beck doubled the advantage on the hour, which was no more than IsThatcherDeadYet’s side deserved, only for the hosts to pull one back six minutes later.
                                            At this point a turnaround seemed possible as Stranger Things were gathering strength. And there was to be one more strike in the game. That came for Maeshafn though, Justine Bellamont firing home from a corner on 88 minutes to secure the points for the visitors.
                                            The win saw Maeshafn climb to second in the Division 5:28 table at midway. They are a point ahead of third, though the leaders (who are still 100%) are pretty distant in front being eight points clear.

                                            The challenge for Csiki Girls was whether they could break down the resolute defence of Gaia Superior.
                                            The hosts had conceded just four in their opening six games, but had also scored only three. These stats explain the problem ad hoc’s side faced, and also why Gaia Superior had drawn four of their previous six league matches. That became five of seven as Csiki Girls never really got to grips with finding a way through once Floriane Smet’s 3rd minute effort had been scrubbed off.
                                            The match finished 0-0, which was slightly disappointing for Division 5:31 leaders Csiki Girls. They do remain top, but their lead has been whittled down to just two points.

                                            Comment


                                              As noted in previous reports, there are only a handful of games for Ullapool Northern Star this season that have real bearing on their chances of promotion. The trip to Murcielago was very definitely one of these, though.
                                              It didn’t start well for Northern Star, Murcielago having the better of the first half and going ahead on 19 minutes as Ullapool conceded for the first time this season. What the visitors needed after a flat performance was a gee-up from boss delicatemoth. They got it at the interval, and it worked fairly quickly, Vanja Wendel firing the equaliser just before the hour.
                                              A draw away from home was probably a good result against a key rival. However, Star went one better on 88 minutes, local lass Mary-Leslie Mair latching on to a Zebela Barkho through ball and sliding the winner gleefully home.
                                              Results elsewhere meant that Northern Star lost the leadership of Division 6:41 despite their win. However, that was only on goal difference. And, importantly, the gap to third is now four points. If Ullapool can repeat the trick when the sides meet again in NW Scotland (checks watch) later today, it will be reduced to a two-horse race.

                                              Talking of races, Solent Sirens were looking to play catch-up when they travelled to second-placed Marselle.
                                              And, um, let’s not dwell for too long on the gory details of this one. The high point for Andrew7610’s side came on 34 minutes when Geovana Abbiati scored to level things up. That was, however, dramatically against the run of play and Solent fans couldn’t have any real complaint that they were 3-1 down by the interval. The final score (6-1) was pretty harsh though.
                                              It was probably a terminal defeat for The Sirens promotion hopes for this season. As it stands, they are currently fifth in Division 6:45, seven points and -20 GD behind the play-off place. And also not looking forward to taking on Marselle again straightaway!

                                              Another side for whom promotion has looked rather distant at times are Zeugma Dostluk Spor. Antepli Ejderha’s side had got themselves back somewhat in touch in their previous game, but they ended the opening half of the season with the toughest possible fixture – a trip to Division 6:54 leaders Gloriosas da Catedral.
                                              Zeugma battled hard, and though they were always chasing they were never overwhelmed against a good side. The hosts did go ahead on 51 minutes, but the Anatolians stayed in touch. If Stacey Bell’s 77th minute strike had stood, who knows what might have been? It didn’t though, and Gloriosas added a second deep into stoppage time to seal victory.
                                              The loss left Zeugma fifth in the 6:54 standings, five points of the play-off spot.

                                              Dublin City WFC are very much in the running for promotion. Indeed they came into their game at Lilywhite Ladies level on points with the Division 6:58 leaders.
                                              Mortal Joe’s side would have been favourites against a team towards the lower end of the table, but they were even more so when the reassuring presence of the manager was spotted in the away dug out. Joe got to watch his team put on an excellent show, Brady Dunganstown heading them in front from a 24th minute corner, Adelina Ciutacu doubling the advantage five minutes before the interval from a worked free-kick routine and Britta Normstedt putting the icing on the cake on 81 minutes.
                                              The news kept getting better after the game, as it filtered through that previous table-toppers Inter Petrila had been held at struggling Brisbane Heat, meaning Dublin go back to the top of the table at the staging post. They hold a two point advantage on second and three on third.

                                              Comment


                                                Official Ladies League Cup Season 55, Round 4. And then there were two...


                                                Code:
                                                Juventistele            3 - 2   Drakaina
                                                Surea (pen) 8'                  Lago (O.G.) 28'
                                                Hedman 54'                      Barry 33'
                                                Stãnoi 86'
                                                
                                                Drakaina                2 - 2   Juventistele
                                                Petit 24'                       Pipirigeanu 32', 43'
                                                Matilda Källgren 56'
                                                
                                                Juventistele win 5-4 on aggregate
                                                
                                                
                                                Erbil                   1 - 0   Ansvarsfulla Divor
                                                Isaac 80'
                                                
                                                Ansvarsfulla Divor      3 - 1   Erbil
                                                Shuttlewood 14'                 Curval 57'
                                                Dickens 21'
                                                Bitzer 69'
                                                
                                                Divor win 3-2 on aggregate
                                                The Round 4 draw had paired Drakaina up with second-tier outfit Juventistele with The Dragons on the road in the first leg.
                                                The hosts were the first to strike, converting a penalty after just 8 minutes play. However that just sparked Drakaina into action, Etienne’s side having the better of the rest of the opening half. Their good play was rewarded when first Juventistele’s Juliana Lago was pressured into diverting into her own net on 28 minutes and then, five minutes later, Susanna Barry fired home.
                                                A lead and two away goals was an excellent position to be in, and understandably Drakaina eased off the attacking after the break. However, this allowed their hosts more chances to come forward, resulting in an equaliser on 54 minutes. 2-2 became 3-2 to the home team late on, but even so the tie remains extremely finally poised when hostilities recommence in Delphi.
                                                A victory was obviously going to be enough for The Dragons to get through, but could they manage it? The first element was to go 1-0 up, and that was something that Sandrine Petit delivered on 24 minutes, bursting away and finishing clinically. Part II – keep a clean sheet. This, sadly, wasn’t as successful as Juventistele equalised on 32 minutes and then the same player registered again on 43.
                                                Two away goals meant Drakaina’s bonus from the first leg was obviated, and two were now needed to force extra-time, all whilst keeping it tight at the back as shipping another was going to be terminal. This tightrope was navigated well as Matilda Källgren levelled on the night on 56 minutes, but not quite successfully enough as the third didn’t arrive. Close but no cigar. However, as the manager noted post-game, that really doesn’t matter in the Cup. The Dragons are out for the season, and that’s that.

                                                Erbil were also looking to punch two tiers up when they took on Division 3 side Ansvarsfulla Divor.
                                                Jdsx’s side were the hosts for the opening leg, and looked to make the most of the opposition manager apparently getting lost on the way. Ansvarsfulla carried little threat in their disorganisation, one disallowed effort on 35 minutes aside. Erbil struggled to make the most of the ill-preparation of their foes for the first 50-odd minutes, but when an injury reduced Divor to 10 it was too good an opportunity to miss. A number of chances were created, and a 1-0 lead secured when the opening on 80 minutes fell to young starlet Cattie Isaac, who made no mistake.
                                                Could Erbil hold on in the return? Would they get an away goal to help their cause? Would asking questions constitute a match report? Erm...
                                                The first question was swiftly answered – no Erbil would not hold out for a 1-0 aggregate win, Divor going ahead on the night on 14 minutes. And indeed doubling that on 21 to mean Erbil had to score to stay alive in the tie. The good news was they were creating plenty of chances and one of these paid dividends in the 57th minute as the home defence was split open and Sónia Curval levelled on aggregate, but with an away goal that had Erbil ahead on the breaker.
                                                The visitors continued to make chances after that. The problem was so did the home side. And it was they rather than Erbil who found the target again on 69 minutes.
                                                A commendable performance against higher grade foes, head held high, etc. But see above. For all that, Erbil are out of the Cup for the season.

                                                Comment


                                                  X11 Ladies Season 55 Matchday 8 report.


                                                  Code:
                                                  Division 2b
                                                  
                                                  Viking South Utsira     1 - 2  The Norfolk Broads
                                                  N.Austrheim 1'                 Sestic 19', 58'
                                                  
                                                  
                                                  Division 3d
                                                  
                                                  Drakaina                2 - 0  Gazzas Gals
                                                  Vulturescu 75'
                                                  Petit 77'
                                                  
                                                  
                                                  Division 4j
                                                  
                                                  Deportivo Cruz Azul     2 - 2  Coxy Ladies Wulpen
                                                  Juliardo 24'                   Wostijn 43'
                                                  Vialli 77'                     Roosens 63'
                                                                                 Valcke (sent off) 89'
                                                  
                                                  
                                                  Division 4k
                                                  
                                                  Kanjeng Ratu Kidul WFC  0 - 1  Flick of the Wrist
                                                                                 Handoko 26'
                                                  
                                                  
                                                  Division 5:17
                                                  
                                                  Erbil                   3 - 1  LNWR Locomotive
                                                  Brundin 15', 54'               Nixon 25'
                                                  Besen 79'
                                                  
                                                  
                                                  Division 5:20
                                                  
                                                  Gibbo Rovers            0 - 3  Sockford Emollient
                                                                                 Goodstuff 51'
                                                                                 Conrad 68'
                                                                                 Samways 76'
                                                  
                                                  
                                                  Division 5:28
                                                  
                                                  Menywod Maeshafn        2 - 3  Stranger Things
                                                  Käck 74'                       Hursthouse 20, 24'
                                                  Beck 77'                       Gibson 62'
                                                  
                                                  
                                                  Division 5:31
                                                  
                                                  Csiki Girls             0 - 0  Gaia Superior
                                                  
                                                  
                                                  Division 6:41
                                                  
                                                  Ullapool Northern Star  1 - 1  Murcielago
                                                  Wendel 9'                      Darawan 52'
                                                  
                                                  
                                                  Division 6:45
                                                  
                                                  Solent Sirens           0 - 2  Marselle
                                                                                 Heimann 12'
                                                                                 Raymond 25'
                                                  
                                                  
                                                  Division 6:54
                                                  
                                                  Zeugma Dostluk Spor     0 - 2  Gloriosas da Catedral
                                                                                 Seabra 26'
                                                                                 Godinho 69'
                                                  
                                                  
                                                  Division 6:58
                                                  
                                                  Dublin City WFC         2 - 0  Lilywhite Ladies
                                                  Kåmark 87'
                                                  Cruz 91'                       Candestam (sent off) 87'
                                                  Following a 2-2 draw on the English side of the North Sea, Viking South Utsira and The Norfolk Broads reconvened off the Norwegian coast to go at it again.
                                                  The Blood Eagles talons were out at the start, going ahead in the first minute when Nina Austrheim headed cousin Birgit’s corner home. This, however, proved a false dawn for hosts, as Velvet Android’s side spent pretty much the rest of the game on the back foot. Norfolk levelled on 19 minutes, had a go-ahead goal disallowed on 39 but did get their noses in front on 59 minutes.
                                                  That was how things stayed thereafter, a defeat that leaves Viking sixth in the Division 2b table, four points adrift of safety. Getting out of this one is going to be tough...

                                                  Drakaina’s loss at Gazzas Gals on Matchday 7 was a third straight league reverse for The Dragons. That made the return game at Delphi loom large as a must-win to pull out of the death spiral before it was too late.
                                                  Etienne’s side suffered an early scare when the visitors had the ball in Zera Papavasillou’s net after 10 minutes only for Stellan Offsajed to intervene and preserve the young stopper’s clean sheet. That incident seemed to inspire growing belief in the Greek ranks, who slowly ramped their game up, edging the first half chances and then taking control after the break.
                                                  Despite this, the score still stood at 0-0 on 70 minutes. By now though chances on the Gals net were coming thick and fast. Florica Vulturescu thought she had made the breakthrough on 71 minutes, but wasn’t one to wallow in disappointment when Offsajed wiped it out, instead using that as motivation to score one that did count just four minutes later. And two minutes after that, the match had gone from all-square to completely settled when Sandrine Petit headed in a corner to make it 2-0.
                                                  The value of the win was clear from the Division 3d table. That shows Drakaina in third, three points behind Gazzas Girls, who currently hold the play-off spot. If The Dragons had lost instead, they would have been fifth, level on points with sixth!

                                                  Another side trying to restart their engines and pull out of a stall were Coxy Ladies Wulpen, who had suffered four straight defeats, a run that included a home match the previous week against Deportivo Cruz Azul.
                                                  Having lost at home, victory in Mexico for The Waders seemed rather unlikely. Even more so when Cruz Azul went ahead after 24 minutes. However, rather than fold, Coxy Ladies instead came roaring back at their hosts. Chances were created, and this progressive approach was rewarded on 43 minutes when Aurelie Wostijn burst clear to level.
                                                  Having got the taste, Wulpen kept pushing and went ahead on 63 minutes through Laetitia Roosens’ close-range finish. Suddenly an unlikely win looked possible, but this was rather snuffed out when Cruz Azul levelled themselves on 77 minutes. And then, having been in a winning position, The Waders found themselves with their backs to wall for the final minute and stoppage time after skipper Lien Valcke was shown a straight red card (the first dismissal of her career). Given that, Janik and his team were relived to end with a point.
                                                  Whilst that put an end to the run of losses, it wasn’t enough to lift the Flemish side out of the Division 4j drop zone. They remain sixth, but are only -5 goal difference behind the side one place ahead of them.

                                                  Another side in apparent free-fall were Kanjeng Ratu Kidul WFC, who had gone from winning four straight to losing three on the bounce prior to their second meeting in a week with Flick of the Wrist.
                                                  This game was at Merapi-Kraton-South Sea, but home didn’t feel particularly sweet for The Sea Spirits when Flick went ahead on 26 minutes. And it would remain a bleak house for SeanoftheShed’s side as two second half incidents also went against them, key midfielder Adèle Pailloux being helped off the field on 62 minutes and Diksha Dalmiya having a goal disallowed on 70.
                                                  Those meant there was no way back for the Indonesians, who now find themselves fifth in the Division 4k table, with what was once a comfortable six point advantage over the drop zone eaten away to just +1 goal difference. And form heading in completely the wrong direction...

                                                  Erbil had had much the better of the OTF derby at LNWR Locomotive on matchday 7, but were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw. Jdsx would have been hoping for greater reward for his side when the teams reconvened at the Erbil Arena.
                                                  The match started well for the hosts, as they took the lead with their first opening of the game when Sandra Brundin broke away and coolly chipped the ball over Locomotive ‘keeper Maral Parseghian. The Steamers were cut open again just three minutes later, but this time Louise Colliemore opting to try and go past Parseghian right and also putting it well wide of the post. It had been all Erbil so far, but in the 25th minute LNWR equalised out-of-the-blue, Beata Rönnberg teeing up Charlotte Nixon to drive home.
                                                  That was the way things remained at the interval, which may have prompted a ‘not again’ feeling from the Erbil players. That lasted up until Brundin headed in a cross from Sharyn Bullock on 54 minutes. Even then there was still a nagging doubt until a third was found. Caroline Hinton came mighty close on 72 minutes when the The Steamers defence once again parted to leave a player one-on-one with Parseghian. Hinton opted to nutmeg the stopper, which she achieved only to see the ball bounce back off the right post. The third did finally arrive on 79 minutes in rather fluky fashion, Tülin Besen scuffing her shot, the spin deceiving Parseghian and trickling in. Bullock had the assist on this, as she had on both of Brundin’s efforts.
                                                  The last chance of the game came in the 86th minute, Tekla Severinsson’s well placed shot looking like to pull one back for Viktor Boskovic’s side until 18 year-old Erbil ‘keeper Amy Symington warded it off. The result was in keeping with sides are currently heading in very different directions, the three points taking Erbil back to the Division 5:17 summit, two points clear of 11 de abril FC whilst defeat left The Steamers mired in the drop zone, sitting sixth and six points from safety.

                                                  Sockford Emollient edged to a narrow 1-0 victory over Gibbo Rovers at John Spencer Street on matchday 7. Would the return at The Elaine Packham Arena be different?
                                                  Well yes, it would, but not in the way people looking at the home result would have predicted. Rather it was The Gatorsharks who took complete command of the match. Manager Foxy265 did have to wait until the 51st minute for his side’s dominance to be converted into a lead, but when that arrived it was a good one for the travelling Framleyshire fans as local girl Tilly Goodstuff was the scorer.
                                                  Gibbo’s began to show a few flickers of life after that, which made a second necessary for Sockford. Maci Conrad duly delivered, heading in a 68th minute cross from Mellisa Samways. Samways also got in on the act, blasting home from range on 76 minutes after Goodstuff had laid the ball off to her.
                                                  The win kept The Gatorsharks hot on the heels of Division 5:20 leaders Spicks Killiettes, which sounds like a pretty scary prospect. Sockford are two points adrift in second, though goal difference makes that more like 2.5 points behind. The advantage on third is currently four points.

                                                  Expected the unexpected. That was surely the message that Menywod Maeshafn manager IsThatcherDeadYet delivered to his players ahead of their return game against Stranger Things. Sadly, I don’t think the girls were listening...
                                                  A slow start saw the visitors holding lots of possession and also racing into a 2-0 lead by the 24th minute. A third early just after the hour gave the Welsh side a mountain to climb. Two goals in three minutes from Tina Käck (74) and Morgan Beck (77) got them to within sight of the summit, but despite further chances the last push proved beyond them and they returned to base camp (the Maeshafn dressing rooms) with their flag unused.
                                                  Despite the defeat, Maeshafn hold on to second place in the Division 5:28 table. The leaders have completely gone (they are still 100%), with the battle for the play-off spot currently involving four teams separated by just three points. An exciting run-in looks in prospect.

                                                  Comment


                                                    The first meeting of Csiki Girls and killjoys Gaia Superior produced a near chanceless 0-0 draw. Would the second meeting at A kertem have more to it? Could ad hoc’s side become just the third team all season to score against Gaia, whilst avoiding becoming the third side to concede to them?
                                                    Well, yes and no. Yes, in the sense that there were more chances. Six of them, compared to four in the first encounter. No, though, in that these didn’t produce a single goal between them. About the only legacy of the match was a negative one, a 9-day injury for The Csiki’s skipper Floriane Smet.

                                                    Ullapool Northern Star’s victory on Matchday 7 had Murcielago on the ropes as far as the Division 6:41 promotion race was concerned. Could Delicatemoth’s side deliver the knock-out blow at Minchview?
                                                    The Scots started well, Vanja Wendel heading in a corner on 9 minutes to put them ahead. But they failed to build on that despite having the majority of possession, creating just one more chance in the opening half. And they paid the price for their lack of cutting edge when Murcielago equalised against the run of play on 52 minutes.
                                                    Northern Star failed to get back into gear after the setback, not helped by scorer Wendel picking up a 12 day injury just two minutes later. Fortunately for the home fans, Murcielago also lost momentum as the match petered out to a draw.
                                                    That saw Ullapool drop two points behind leaders Galácticas, and also -11 GD adrift. The second is closable (Galácticas opened the second half of their campaign against a zombie who they bashed for 7), but it does reduce the margin for error.

                                                    With games around the mid-season mirror, there is a chance of immediate revenge for a bad result in the first match. However, what if that first game was a thrashing? Then it’s more of a worry. That was the position that Solent Sirens found themselves in as they prepared to host Marselle.
                                                    Determination to do better this time would swiftly have turned to finger-nail chewing for the Mayfield Park faithful as Marselle went 2-0 up by the 25th minute. Things got no worse for Andrew7610’s charges before the interval as they kept their visitors mostly at arms length.
                                                    That wasn’t the case after the break as shots rained in on the Sirens net. However a staggering performance from ‘keeper Estelle Winterburn kept it at two until full-time (she made 8 saves) and averted another humbling day.
                                                    Solent’s season is over as a significant thing. They sit fifth in Division 6:45, ten points adrift of the play-off place. It’s just a case of seeing out the campaign and building for a better run next year.

                                                    Zeugma Dostluk Spor were beaten 2-0 at Division 6:54 leaders Gloriosas da Catedral in the last game of the first half. Could they reverse that for the first game of the second?
                                                    Well, depends what you mean by reverse, doesn’t it? If you are saying that Antepli Ejderha side, having lost 2-0 in the first match should win the second by the same score, then no, this didn’t happen. If, however, you are saying that a 2-0 home win should become a 2-0 away win, then yes, the scoreline was reversed!
                                                    There was little for the Zeugma crowd to complain about in what happened – Gloriosas da Catedral were clearly the better side. Goals midway through each half gave them the win, Aisa Rijssel in the home net putting in a solid performance as she turn away far more efforts than beat her. Zeugma didn’t even manage a shot at the other end, let alone a consolation goal.
                                                    As with Solent, Zeugma’s campaign is effectively over as a competitive entity. They are currently fifth in the table, eight points adrift of the play-off spot.

                                                    By contrast, Dublin City WFC are very much alive and kicking this year. In fact, they went into their second straight game against Lilywhite Ladies as league leaders.
                                                    Dublin’s confidence would have been high having beaten the Lilywhites 3-0 on their own North London turf seven days prior. The match at Phoenix Park proved rather more difficult to navigate, though. To the point where when Veronica Kåmark stuck the ball past the Spurs ‘keeper on 68 minutes, Dublin hadn’t registered a single prior shot. And then it turned out they still hadn’t as Kåmark saw her effort called back.
                                                    A real shock seemed possible as Lilywhite Ladies fashioned a couple of openings, and the murmuring had given away to consternation Dublin slogged on seemingly in vain into the dying minutes. With 87 on the clock they still hadn’t registered a legitimate shot. But then the visitors Linda Candestam hauled down a Dublin player clean through, was given her matching orders (straight red) and Kåmark found herself standing over the ball in shooting range. She showed nerves of steel to fire it precisely into the top corner, the resulting explosion of joy causing confusion in a local seismology class – “We’ve just had an earthquake!?!”
                                                    Four minutes later Rita Cruz let fly from 25 yards and found the same postage stamp to double the advantage. Mortal Joe’s side had scored twice from two shots, both of which came inside the only ~5 minutes they played against 10 players in the entire match. Efficient. The sort of win that makes one believe one’s name is on the trophy.
                                                    Dublin are certainly on course for it, as victory kept them top of the Division 6:58 table, two points clear of Inter Petrila. Just keep ticking the games and wins off Man City Men’s style and the title is heading to Ireland.

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