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X11 season 45 - de rigueur Mortis

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    Originally posted by SouthdownRebel View Post
    A heavy recruitment drive is underway in MLX now with SIX teams to find new managers for - if any of our lurking VIPers are not already in the league, now's the time to jump in!

    Sits, I wanted to create a post on THL's forum thread for private leagues but there isn't one - do you mind if I create one?
    I'll say yes as an assistant and hope that he agrees to this tough I doubt there will be a problem. Post a note on scribble to tell others to look in the forum if you want to.

    Comment


      Nalan Tataroğlu in the Human League is my best development. She's a 28/16 at the moment having started as a 17/5. Only one double jump and one season staying at 15 despite playing every game she was available for. Now she's in the Xpert Eleven almost every single game.

      With man marking it's much easier to develop the defensive side than the attacking side imho, rarely are keepers or defenders marked.

      Comment


        SDR there used to be a Private League forum thread, must have disappeared. Anyway there's a new one now.

        Comment


          Thanks Sits, posted.

          Comment


            The Nyth Wobbegong academy have chugged out 16/3 midfielder Crayford Hare with headers, horse and the cone of splendour. With midfield being our weakest area, this was a most welcome development and young Master Hare will find himself with plenty of game time in the seasons ahead.

            Comment


              Originally posted by Sits View Post
              SDR there used to be a Private League forum thread, must have disappeared. Anyway there's a new one now.
              Forum threads disappear after 3 months without any activity – unless you 'pin' them, which will keep them at the top of the forum in perpetuity. There's a tiny checkbox at the top of a thread that enables an admin or assistant to pin it.

              Comment


                If anyone is looking for a long term development project, Amwythig have listed a 16 year old defender with free kick, shooting and speed. No hidden qualities. Sadly for our bank balance he is only 2 skill bars. I'd think he might be perfect for Sean's Rock Bottom Rangers but my board insist we ask for 50k minimum.

                Comment


                  With those squares I think you might get a decent price for him, certainly far out of reach of the Rangers. It's a perfect farm player that can be picked up for a few hundred thousand and flipped to a 17/4 or 18/5 with the right nurturing.

                  Comment


                    The X11 gods must surely be smiling on Four Candles at the moment. Another green envelope of promise today, and this time it's a 'Financial Event': "A lifelong fan of Four Candles found a large diamond ring whilst using his new metal detector at the beach. He sold the ring and donated the proceeds of 1 135 000 econ to the club." Seems unfair, really, but I'm not going to turn it down....
                    I doubt the good fortune will continue as far as this evening's match with the Swine, but you never know...

                    Comment


                      Another X11 Ladies Season 52 catch-up session. Matchday 12 report now, Matchday 13 one coming later this evening prior to the league concluding tomorrow.


                      Code:
                      Division 1a
                      
                      1. FC Femina 		0 - 4	Viking South Utsira
                      				B.Austrheim 7'
                      				B.Kvalvik 15'
                      				U.Kvalvik 51'
                      				A.Austrheim 55'
                      
                      
                      Division 4i
                      
                      Drakaina		5 - 1	Athletic Mizil
                      Beattie 28'			Anbalagan 37'
                      Heggarty 53', 82'
                      Atum (pen) 55', 91'
                      
                      
                      Division 4p
                      
                      Vasas Femina FC 	1 - 0	Csiki Girls
                      Alcoforado 92'
                      
                      
                      Division 5:16
                      
                      Erbil			0 - 2	11 de abril FC
                      				Güengue 50', 76'
                      
                      
                      Division 5:17
                      
                      LNWR Locomotive		1 - 1	Lorimers Ladies
                      Heart 16'			Björkström 75'
                      
                      
                      Division 5:18
                      
                      Coxy Ladies Wulpen	0 - 1	Tartan Tawties FC
                      				Rydström 77'
                      
                      
                      Division 5:19
                      
                      Funky Fartown 		0 - 4	Ullapool Northern Star
                      				Späth 7', 51'
                      				Ehret (O.G.) 24'
                      				Wendel 84'
                      
                      
                      Division 5:21
                      
                      Papperhavna 		1 - 0	Kanjeng Ratu Kidul WFC
                      Hägerdahl 16'
                      
                      
                      Division 5:27
                      
                      Zeugma Dostluk Spor	0 - 0	M Bomber Girls
                      
                      
                      Division 5:29
                      
                      Empire Of The Sun 	1 - 4	Menywod Maeshafn
                      Pombal 64'			Westerberg 29'
                      				Barker 60', 92'
                      				Bellamont 66'
                      
                      Fossa Delle Leonesse 	0 - 1	Dublin City WFC
                      				Cruz 37'
                      
                      	
                      Division 6:40
                      
                      Sockford Emollient	3 - 0	AFC Wimbledon
                      Batistuta 66'
                      Mullins 73'
                      Branca 88'
                      
                      
                      Division 6:41
                      
                      Villa Lionesses 	0 - 2	Invisible Ladies
                      				Paul 35', 81'
                      
                      
                      Division 6:42
                      
                      Riverbankers FC		1 - 3	Perfect Ladies
                      Danelius 75'			MacCarlich 12'
                      				Finlay 23'
                      				Ritchie 38'
                      
                      Rotnäset BK 		2 - 0	Witches of Chiswick
                      Sipkar 17'
                      Amante 58'
                      
                      Solent Sirens		0 - 2	Söderbönerna
                      				Hedegärd 41', 47'
                      Viking South Utsira travelled to already relegated 1. FC Femina looking to put a more comfortable gap between themselves and the bottom three.
                      It would prove to be a stroll of a day for The Blood Eagles, and a typically family affair. Birgit Austrheim headed her side ahead in the 7th minute, a goal that sister Asta Austrheim would mimic in the 55th minute. The assists for both strikes also came from siblings, Britta Klovning centring for Birgit’s header and Emilie Klovning doing so for Asta’s.
                      In between the two Austrheim efforts, there was also a pair of goals from an aunt and niece, Bergljot Kvalvik making in two on 15 minutes and her brother’s daughter Unni Kvalvik scoring her first professional goal in only her second game when she nodded home the third on 51.
                      The win saw Velvet Android’s side stay in fourth place. They actually cut the gap on second to six points as well as extending their advantage on sixth to six. The season was nearly over as a significant entity.

                      Division 4i leaders Drakaina were strong favourites to maintain their promotion charge against relegation threatened Athletic Mizil.
                      The Delphi crowd didn’t have long to wait for an opening goal, but the source of it was unusual as free-kicks in scoring range had been delegated to Dragons ‘keeper Anastasia Shkolnikova. That was unusual enough, but Shkolnikova opting to tee up an opponent rather than shoot was wildly left-field, Roseanne Beattie the beneficiary of her largess.
                      Shkolnikova had less success in the day job as Mizil equalised with their only attempt of the first half but her teammates had her back, Gael Heggarty and Silvia Atum adding two in quick succession in the opening phases of the second half (Atum’s was a penalty). Heggarty made it 4-1 for Etienne’s side on 82 minutes, and there was still time for a finishing touch with another free-kick in shooting range in stoppage time; once again Shkolnikova passed up the straight shot picking out Atum instead.
                      The win saw Drakaina remain top, three points and +2 GD ahead of second. A play-off place at least had been secured.

                      A vital game in the Division 4p relegation battle sent Csiki Girls to a Vasas Femina FC side that started the day one place and two points ahead of ad hoc’s girls.
                      The Csiki’s set up to play counter-attacking in search of the win, a strategy that appeared to be paying off as a number of second-half chances were created. However the goal wouldn’t come, and then, in stoppage time, came the ultimate stomach punch as the hosts netted from just their second (legitimate) shot of the day to steal all the points.
                      Defeat didn’t cost Csiki Girls any places in the table, the stay sixth, but it did leave them sitting three points and -4 GD from safety.

                      Erbil against 11 de abril FC was top against bottom; the hosts had one defeat all season, the visitors one win. What could possibly go wrong for Jdsx’s side?
                      Well, pretty well everything as it happens. The hosts dominated possession without turning it into chances, saw 16 year-old defender Susan Sawyer have to leave the field with a 7-day injury early in the game, denying her vital experience and got picked off twice on the counter-attack in the second half.
                      The shock defeat saw Erbil slip to second spot, one point behind the new leaders Gehenna Hot Pants and one ahead of third.

                      A draw in the top-of-the-table match a week earlier left LNWR Locomotive in an extremely tight battle for the Division 5:17 title ahead of the visit of relegation-threatened Lorimers Ladies.
                      The Steamers started decently, Phrigit Heart firing them into a 16th minute leader, but thereafter Viktor Boskovic’s side struggled to pick up any momentum. Locomotive crawled through a few stations and the terminus was gradually edging closer before the inevitable happened and everything ground to a halt with an equaliser for Lorimers on 75 minutes. But at least The Steamers managed to cling on for a point.
                      It kept them second in the table, but did mean the gap to leaders Watergate Bay Surfers advantage grew from -3 GD to two points and -5. LNWR stay six points and +11 GD ahead of Stoke City Ladies in third, so play-off place can be counted on.

                      Coxy Ladies Wulpen were living on the edge when they hosted Tartan Tawties FC, with only wins good enough to keep The Waders fading promotion hopes alive.
                      Manager Janik appeared to have failed to convey that to his side though, as they put in an utterly flat performance. Wulpen didn’t manage a single shot in the game, and though they gave just one up that was enough to turn a bad draw into a terrible defeat.
                      It was a season-ending loss for Coxy Ladies as it left them seven points adrift of play-off spot. They stayed third in the Division 5:18 standings.

                      Another side on the brink were Ullapool Northern Star, who faced the daunting task of winning away at leaders Funky Fartown to keep their very faint hopes of Division 5:19 survival alive.
                      Delicatemoth’s side started very well, Babette Späth firing them into a shock lead on 7 minutes. When this advantage was doubled with an Agnès Ehret own goal on 24, something extraordinary was on the cards. The home fans kept expecting a response from their team, but they seemed rather unprepared and none was forthcoming. Indeed it was Northern Star who kept the pressure up, Späth netting her second of the day on 51 minutes and Vanja Wendel completing the rout on 84.
                      There was just one black spot on the day, young Utsiran midfielder Renate Klovning suffering a nasty 21-day injury midway through the second half. But that couldn’t spoil Ullapool’s day, as their staggering away win lifted them Ullapool from foot of table and thanks to other results kept that tiny survival window open. But only a crack, as Northern Star were still six points and -7 GD from safety.

                      Kanjeng Ratu Kidul WFC’s title challenge faced a stiff test at a useful Papperhavna side who were desperate for points for their own reasons.
                      The hosts struck early with a long range sight, and then proceeded to sit back and let SeanoftheShed’s side come at them. The Sea Spirits created chances but by the trickle rather than the flood; it wasn’t enough to force an equaliser, let alone the win Kanjeng really needed. To make matters worse young defender Catur Navisyah suffered a 13-day injury during the second half.
                      Defeat was damaging to The Sea Spirits Division 5:21 title push as leaders Flick of the Wrist won their game and moved four points clear with two to play. Kanjeng remained in the play-off position though, with a three point and +5 GD advantage on the best of the rest.

                      Could Zeugma Dostluk Spor upset the league standings when taking on promotion chasing M Bomber Girls at the Insan Haklari Stadyumu?
                      They thought they had an important breakthrough early on when Latife Kurt steered the ball home, only for infamous referee Dick Tator to deny the strike. Following this, it was more like a disciplined defensive display from Antepli Ejderha’s side; they only created one legitimate chance, but only gave up four themselves as they held M Bomber scoreless as well.
                      It meant another draw to add to Zeugma’s collection, though this was a good one against a promotion-chasing side and also useful for league position as it kept the Anatolians heads just above water in fifth place in Division 5:27, one point and +4 GD ahead of K2O3 in sixth.

                      Comment


                        A very important game at the top end of Division 5:29 saw Menywod Maeshafn visit an Empire Of The Sun side that began the day in second place in the table.
                        It meant that Maeshafn really had to win to revive their promotion chances. ‘Challenge accepted’ would seem to be the operative phrase as Maeshafn launched into their opponents from the opening whistle. It took nearly half-an-hour for the pressure to turn into a goal, but when it did it was entirely with the run of play as Ada Westerberg clipped home.
                        Chances kept coming for IsThatcherDeadYet’s charges, and another half-hour or so of game-time on they had a second, young midfielder Katherine Barker finishing off a breakaway. Empire pulled one back completely against the run of play four minutes later, but they were not to be back in the game for long as Justine Bellamont responded nearly immediately. Barker added her second of the day in stoppage time to complete a very impressive victory by the Welsh side.
                        Dublin City WFC were also facing a vital game, in their case at the other end of the table, when they travelled to Fossa Delle Leonesse. The home side began the day in fourth, but only four points clear of Dublin despite Mortal Joe’s girls starting the day in seventh place in the table.
                        Unlike the Empire-Maeshafn game, this was a tight affair with little to chose between the sides. There were just two first half chances, one per side, but crucially Dublin’s 37th minute opportunity was coolly finished off by Rita Cruz.
                        The second-half was even tighter, with just a solitary chance for the Irish side to extend their lead. But 1-0 was enough for a vital win that left Dublin sitting just one point from safety, though potentially importantly -7 GD in arrears. Meanwhile at the top Maesahfn’s equally big win meant they were right back in promotion contention, particularly as leaders Malta were also held to a draw. They were just -1 GD off the play-off spot and only two points (though -8 GD) behind the leaders. That said, given the tightness of 5:29, the Welsh side were only five points above the drop zone!

                        First against third at John Spencer Street meant Sockford Emollient versus AFC Wimbledon.
                        The half-time scoreline was blank, but not for want of trying from The Gatorsharks who appeared to be a class or more above their visitors. It just needed a breakthrough, and one arrived for Foxy265’s side on 66 minutes when Alexia Batistuta headed home. Relieved, Sockford could then begin to play with a swagger and they quickly added two more. Both were headers, Kayley Mullins finding the target in the 73rd minute and Yasmim Branca in the 88th.
                        Veteran midfielder Branca was a recent signing, brought in to see Emollient over the line in their Division 6:40 promotion push. They remained on course after this win, top and with a three point lead over Gibbo Rovers, and a slightly improve GD to boot, as they stood +6 better. Beating Wimbledon also put them seven points clear of the South Londoners, so at least sure of a play-off spot.

                        Nothing much was riding on Invisible Ladies trip to Villa Lionesses, with both sides already sure to be in Division 6 again next season.
                        Just professional pride to play for then, and The See-Throughs displayed more of that, particularly Chelsea Paul who netted both goals for Pebblethefish’s side. The first came after 35 minutes from close range and the second was an 81st minute header.
                        The win preserved fifth place in the Division 6:41 table for The See-Throughs, probably for season. They sit two points behind fourth, five ahead of sixth but ultimately marooned in mid-table with nothing much to play for.

                        And finally we have Division 6:42 and the three OTF sides therein. Our first port of call this week was an inland one, The Bankside Ground of Riverbankers FC who were taking on rapidly improving Perfect Ladies.
                        A few weeks prior this would have been an even battle to avoid bottom spot, but now the visitors had moved several levels beyond SouthdownRebel’s motely crew. It showed in an extremely one-sided first half that could have ended much worse than 0-3 for the hosts. The second-half was a little better, but this is a relative term here. It was very much against the run of play when the only goal of the 45 minutes came from The Bankies’ Elna Danelius. That said Begüm Tunc did also have an effort disallowed. The one that stood was just Riverbankers fourth goal of the season.
                        Witches of Chiswick also faced a difficult match as they travelled to a Rotnäset BK side still heavily involved in the promotion chase.
                        The Bewitched fought gamely in this, and did get a few shots off but overall Wiblflibl’s side were pretty much outplayed by a better side. Rotnäset scored twice from their eight opportunities, which is par or marginally over it, their strikes coming on 17 and 58 minutes.
                        Also facing were Solent Sirens, who hosted Söderbönerna.
                        Technically The Sirens still had their own promotion hopes, though these were really pretty unrealistic. By full-time they were officially dead as goals either side of the interval condemned Andrew7610’s outfit to a season-ending defeat.
                        The Sirens remained fifth in the table after the loss, one point behind Tagalog Ladies in fourth and only three ahead of the charging Perfect Ladies, whose win at Riverbankers had lifted them above Chiswick, the West Londoners consequently slipping down to seventh. They could still finish fourth though with a strong finish to the campaign. Riverbankers know where they will end up; bottom. They ended matchday 12 nine points adrift of seventh spot.

                        Comment


                          Another excellent round up Janik, thank you.

                          How's everyone doing in the Heineken? Today we reached just over half way, game 12 out of 22.

                          I'm top of the league and barring a devastating collapse should be promoted meaning that I'll be half way to the top. I want to win the league as well seeing as I've yet to do that despite all of those promotions.

                          Comment


                            A division below Zeugma, South Hams are six points clear at the top of HLC12, with ten wins and two draws. We're fairly hopeful of a third consecutive divisional title, although the goals have dried up a bit recently - the last four games have finished 1-1, 0-0, 1-0 and 1-0.

                            Comment


                              X11 Ladies Season 52 Matchday 13. Setting up any final day bunfights.

                              Code:
                              Division 1a
                              
                              Johnstone Cougars 	0 - 2	Viking South Utsira
                              				A.Austrheim 2'
                              				H.Hovland 65'
                              
                              
                              Division 4i
                              
                              Immortal Angels 	2 - 3	Drakaina
                              Eskilson 62'			Heggarty 16'
                              Norris (pen) 67'		Kavazis 53'
                              				Atum (pen) 85'
                              
                              
                              Division 4p
                              
                              Csiki Girls		1 - 0	Cowgirls IF
                              Neaves 62'
                              
                              
                              Division 5:16
                              
                              Allstar 002 		0 - 0	Erbil
                              
                              
                              Division 5:17
                              
                              LNWR Locomotive		2 - 0	Renegades Ladies
                              Vilhena 21', 46'
                              
                              
                              Division 5:18
                              
                              Liverpool FCL		1 - 2	Coxy Ladies Wulpen
                              Gabbiadini 46'			Wostijn 75'
                              				Vandenbergh 78'
                              
                              
                              Division 5:19
                              
                              Blancos Mágicos 	0 - 0	Ullapool Northern Star
                              
                              
                              Division 5:21
                              
                              Kanjeng Ratu Kidul WFC	4 - 3	Aveley Ladies F.C
                              Dalmiya 1', 23'			Burén 9'
                              Borot 29'			Paixão 72'
                              Azeite (pen) 54'		Strängby 82'
                              
                              
                              Division 5:27
                              
                              Transmontanas Babes 	1 - 0	Zeugma Dostluk Spor
                              Lúcio 10'
                              
                              
                              Division 5:29
                              
                              Menywod Maeshafn	1 - 0	Dublin City WFC
                              Bellamont 89'
                              
                              	
                              Division 6:40
                              
                              Sockford Emollient	3 - 0	FC Dench Ladies
                              Duggan 20', 92'
                              Batistuta 40'
                              
                              
                              Division 6:41
                              
                              Invisible Ladies	0 - 0	FC Saik
                              
                              
                              Division 6:42
                              
                              Söderbönerna		5 - 0	Riverbankers FC
                              Burgaud 28', 54'
                              Näsholm 59'
                              Elgmo 73', 83'
                              
                              Witches of Chiswick	1 - 1	Solent Sirens
                              Herrlin 74'			Stieglecker 2'
                              There was little riding on Viking South Utsira’s trip to Johnstone Cougars as far as The Blood Eagles, or indeed their hosts, were concerning.
                              That was because Viking were effectively sure to finish mid-table, whilst Johnstone were long since relegated. The match went pretty well with form, particularly after Asta Austrheim accepted sister Birgit’s tee up to give Velvet Android’s side the lead inside two minutes. Heidi Hovland headed a second after the break to round off the comfortable win.
                              Victory leaves VSU fourth in the Division 1a table, only three points adrift of second but both highly unlikely to close the -9 GD and even if they did, not able to overtake both the teams directly ahead of them as they play each other.

                              Drakaina held a three point and +2 GD gap on second-placed Gretna Girls FC ahead of The Dragons penultimate game of the season at Immortal Angels.
                              For added intrigue the hosts were in a tight relegation battle, and they came out threshing an approach that resulted in an injury to Drakaina’s veteran forward Grace Winter within seconds of the start. It was a bad one that puts Winter out for 17 days, effectively ending her season and almost her career (she is 37); the Immortal player responsible, no angel, was very lucky to escape with just a yellow card.
                              Winter’s replacement was a player at the other end of her career, 19 year old Gael Heggarty but Heggarty had her older teammates back as she opened the scoring on 16 minutes, wagging her finger in the direction of the home player responsible for the opening foul as she ran back to halfway. The game was extremely fractious by this stage, with another yellow card worthy foul inflicting a minor injury on Silvia Atum in the 26th minute, though Dragons boss Etienne opted to keep his strongest player out there.
                              That proved a wise move when Atum found Ariadne Kavazis in the 53rd minute to double the Greeks advantage with her first ever career goal. What a time to get it! Would that be enough for the win? No, because back came Immortal Angels, who, hearing they had to get a result to avoid the drop, raised their level to close the gap on 62 minutes and then level on 67, the equaliser coming from the penalty spot as referee Donald Scott struggled to keep the game from boiling over totally.
                              By now Drakaina players and fames were fuming at the treatment they had received, and maybe the bearpit atmosphere created helped convince Scott to level things up when he awarded the visitors their own extremely soft penalty on 85 minutes. A player with an axe to grind, Atum, took the ball and nearly took the net off with her strike. It’s a good job the home goalie did not manage to get in the way!
                              That, finally, was the end of the action, but not of the drama in Division 4i as news filtered through that Gretna Girls had lost and Q.P.R Ladies had won, meaning that Drakaina are champions and Immortal Angels went down. There was very little holding back from the Dragons in their celebrations; they were not particularly bothered if it rubbed salt into their opponents given the game that had just taken place!

                              Csiki Girls match against Cowgirls IF was a vital one at both ends of the Division 4p table. Not that there is much separating the top from the bottom in this section as prior to kick off just six points separated the two teams despite The Csiki’s being sixth and Cowgirls second!
                              A winnable game for Ad Hoc’s side then, but also one they knew they had to deliver in as they sat three points from safety at kick-off. They set about their task in constricting manner, choking the life out of their visitors with 60% possession. Few chances accompanied this, but importantly one of them fell to Robin Neaves in the 62nd minute and she made no mistake. The Csiki’s did have the ball in the net again in stoppage time, but Liraz Israca effort was ruled out. Which never looked like it would matter.
                              The importance of the Csiki’s win was clear in looking at the 4p table after the final whistle. It didn’t lift the Romanians any places up the standings, they stay sixth, nor did it put their fate in their own hands, but it does mean that if they can win their final match against bottom-of-the-table Chi Chi Chicks then they will stay up unless both Honey Badgers (5th) win at Womanchester United (7th and relegated) and Crazy Lady (4th and still harbouring promotion hopes!) beat second-placed Vasas Femina. It sounds like a dramatic conclusion is being plotted...

                              Poor recent form, especially a shock defeat in their previous match, meant that Erbil were playing catch-up when they travelled to Allstar 002.
                              Jdsx’s outfit certainly chased the win very hard, but Allstar are a very particular side, one who came into the game with the second fewest goals scored but comfortably the least conceded. And rather a lot of nil-nil draws in their results list. They were typically defensive, allowing Erbil to control the game completely, hogging the ball and creating a string of chances. They . Just. Could. Not. Score!
                              And so the match ended 0-0, with Erbil losing further ground on Gehenna Hot Pants at the summit of Division 5:16. The gap is three points, but fortunately GD is in Erbil’s favour, meaning if they beat Spion Kop Ladies (5th and nothing to play for) and Gehenna Hot Pants lose to FBC Luja (3rd), then Erbil will be promoted. However Jdsx and co have to be careful, as if Luja were to win and they were to lose, not only would that waste a promotion opportunity it would also mean dropping outside the play-offs as Luja are only two points behind Erbil.

                              There were effectively three tiers in Division 5:17 ahead of LNWR Locomotive taking on Renegades Ladies at Mollington Street – a two way battle between The Steamers and Watergate Bay Surfers for the title and only guaranteed promotion spot; a mid-table zone containing just one side; and a five way battle to stay up that included Renegades.
                              That made for a number of fraught games across the section on the penultimate Tuesday. The number didn’t really include this match though, as two goals from Corália Vilhena, the first after 21 minutes and the second seconds into the second half, alongside a stranglehold on possession and chances allowed Steamers boss Viktor Boskovic to enjoy a fairly relaxing day.
                              His mood would have improved further on discovering that Watergate had lost at another of the relegation battlers, meaning the top two swap places with Locomotive now one point clear at the top. If they can match the Surfers result on the final day, The Steamers will be champions. They even have the right opponents in third-placed Stoke City Ladies XI, who have nothing to play for.

                              That was already the case for Coxy Ladies Wulpen, though not for their matchday 13 hosts Liverpool FCL, who were fighting hard for the Division 5:18 title.
                              Liverpool dominated possession in a chanceless first half, but then took the lead seconds after the restart. However rather than relaxing the Reds, it appear to make them tight as The Waders started to find holes on the counter attack. From one of these a 75th minute corner was won, and from the flag kick Aurelie Wostijn rose highest to head home the equaliser.
                              Now Liverpool were panicking, and they paid when just three minutes later Laetitia Vandenbergh completed the turnaround for Janik’s side. However despite the win, Wulpen cannot rise higher than third in the final table, and could yet lose a spot to fourth. Liverpool, meanwhile, are destined for the play-off for certain as their defeat cost them a shot at the title.

                              Ullapool Northern Star were looking to back up their stupendous win over then-leaders Funky Fartown and also keep the tiny survival candle still burning when they travelled to Blancos Mágicos.
                              For that delicatemoth’s side needed to win. Sadly on this occasion that waasn’t going to happen, seeing as Ullapool’s only shot of the day from Sonia Menashi was ruled to be illegal by referee Frank Redkard.
                              The Mágicos only managed one effort themselves, which was unsuccessful, leaving the match a stalemate and confirming Northern Star’s return back to Division 6 for next season.

                              Comment


                                Kanjeng Ratu Kidul WFC in second against Aveley Ladies F.C in sixth was one of two matches with a bearing on the Division 5:21 promotion spots, the other being leaders Flick of the Wrist meetings third-placed Spandex FC.
                                With just three points over the side in third (and fourth (and fifth)) the onus was on The Sea Spirits to win this game. Diksha Dalmiya putting them 1-0 up in the opening minute was a good start. The lead would last for just 8 minutes though before Aveley equalised. That set the tone for what would be a wildly open game.
                                Dalmiya restored The Sea Goddesses advantage with a long range shot after 23 minutes, and SeanoftheShed’s side had breathing space after Tyan Borot made it 3-1 on 29. A penalty from Leila Azeite extended that advantage to three goals in the 54th minute, and with that the homeplayers assumed it was done and dusted.
                                However Aveley, who had their own caused, did not think likewise and they first mild concern and then outright worry amongst the Merapi-Kraton-South Sea faithful as they closed to 4-2 on 72 minutes and then 4-3 on 82. Fortunately the home team roused themselves enough to prevent it getting any worse and costing The Sea Spirits points.
                                That proved extremely useful as the situation after the game had Kanjeng second, three points but +10 GD ahead of third. A play-off place is essentially secure, particularly with a final match against a side battling relegation. However automatic promotion is off the table after Flick of the Wrist beat Spandex, clinching their promotion and leaving Spandex suddenly fighting relegation. What a pity for such a dubious club!

                                Zeugma Dostluk Spor, battling relegation, were hoping for something against the grain at Transmontanas Babes, who still had outside hopes of promotion.
                                Antepli Ejderha’s side put in a battling performance that deserved rather more than being beaten 1-0 by an early goal from Transmontanas’ sole shot of the game. But that is exactly what they got, Football being a cruel mistress at times.
                                That defeat saw Zeugma drop from just above to just below the relegation line as Angelic Upstarts, one of Zeugma’s relegation rivals, got an expected win against pointless and goalless bottom feeders BW Günthersdorf. Those results leave Zeugma having to win their final match and hope another result drops their way if they are to survive in Division 5:27, which will be a tough ask as the final game is against second-placed 1o Dezembro, who still have a shot at the title if they win. Anything less than a win and Zeugma are down, as the two sides next to them in the table, Angelic Upstarts and Z2O3, play each other.

                                There was a lot on the line for both Menywod Maeshafn and Dublin City WFC ahead of their second OTF derby this season.
                                The Welsh side were within touching distance of the teams in both first and second places, whilst the visitors knew defeat could cost them their Division 5 status. It was Maeshafn who created the first chance of the day when skipper Ada Westerberg put a precise header precisely wide in the 19th minute. Westerberg opted to let a teammate try with the next opportunity on 44 minutes, dinking a free-kick in a dangerous position to Lisha Boye, who hit it on the half-volley. However the shot was dealt with comfortably by Dublin ‘keeper Patrícia Inácio.
                                A free-kick in a similar position was awarded immediately after half-time and on this occasion Westerberg took it on herself to shoot. She was very close to justifying that choice as the ball cannoned back off the angle of post and bar. The game then went into a lull until the 70th minute when Monalisa Corleone’s side-footed effort whistled just over the bar.
                                Next up came a seemingly minor event, but one that would actually have a great bearing on the final result – Dublin manager Mortal Joe opted to make his third and final substitution, taking off Bambi Landucci and replacing her with Ede Mullamaa. Not that the impact was felt immediately, with the next action being the return of the Westerberg show as the Maeshafn forward crashed a 73rd minute drive against the crossbar and put another direct free-kick on 82 minutes wide of target.
                                Three minutes later came the game’s big and controversial incident, and the one Dublin’s third substitution had presaged when Corleone clattered into Rita Cruz in ugly fashion. Cruz was left in a heap on the floor and had to be helped off, but of course there was no sub possible for her. Meanwhile Corleone escaped with a yellow card.
                                On 89 minutes the chickens came home to roost at a Maeshafn corner. Ellinor Lydell swung the ball over, Justine Bellamont was completely unmarked and didn’t even have to jump as she buried her header to send Maeshafn boss jigging down the touchline. The goal was both deserved on the balance of play and chances, and left a lingering sense of injustice as would it have gone in if Dublin had still had 11 players on the field?
                                There were no further chances for either side as the match finished 1-0. The effect on the Division 5:29 table was thus: Maeshafn are now level on points with both Empire of the Sun and Malta after the latter were held to a surprise draw. Goal difference is against the Welsh (they sit third), but that doesn’t really matter as they face one of the sides above them on the pitch, i.e. Malta. A win means at least the play-off and possibly automatic promotion if new leaders Empire of the Sun don’t win their match. A draw could be worth a playoff spot and defeat almost certainly means missing out entirely.
                                Meanwhile Dublin’s survival hopes were ended as other result went against them. They now sit seventh, four points from safety. They could do Maeshafn a favour by getting something from their final game as they are who leaders Empire of the Sun play. But that depends whether OTF brotherhood trumps the sour taste of the end of this match...

                                Sockford Emollient’s position was strong ahead of their game against second-bottom FC Dench Ladies as The Gatorsharks boasted a six point advantage over second-placed Gibbo Rovers, which meant they only needed a draw to claim the Division 6:40 title.
                                Foxy265’s side looked odds-on to get more than that throughout the game, especially after Toni Duggan fired them ahead from range after 20 minutes. Alexia Batistuta produced a near carbon copy 20 minutes later, to give significant breathing space for Sockford.
                                The second half was party time at John Spencer Street as Emollient held their opponents easily at bay. Eventually, in stoppage time, a little showboating was added as Duggan nodded home her second of the day. Then it was the trophy, then it was the party at Framleyshire’s best (only) nightclub. What a night that was...

                                The penultimate game of the season for Invisible Ladies saw them host bottom-of-the-table FC Saik.
                                There is nothing much to say about this one as very little happened. What chances there were went The See-Throughs way, but Pebblethefish’s side didn’t manage to convert any. FC Saik were there on the pitch, but added nothing much more than that.
                                Invisible remain fifth in the Division 6:41 standings. They could climb to fourth on the final day, but to do so they would have to beat a Bobek side that still has slim hopes of automatic promotion.

                                Riverbankers FC have had a few good days and many bad ones this season. A trip to Söderbönerna, who are still heavily involved in the Division 6:42 title race, was always likely to fall into the latter category.
                                And so it proved, though SouthdownRebel’s side did limit the hosts to just one first half goal. However that was more luck than judgement, and after the break the scoreboard started to tick over, eventually stopping at five.
                                Matchday 13 brought Witches of Chiswick and Solent Sirens together at Field Lane for the third 6:42 OTF derby of the season.
                                It was a match that started well for the visitors from the South Coast, Marlene Stieglecker putting them in front as early as the second minute when a corner wasn’t cleared and fell nicely for her to sidefoot in. That goal was not followed by much else of note in the opening half, baring a 42nd minute effort from Jin-Ae Hyeong that was well struck from distance and fizzed in low, but lacked radar and went well wide.
                                The game drifted along at 1-0 to Solent for a good chunk of the second half, until, in the 74th minute The Bewitched suddenly got a chance from nowhere which Johanna Herrlin calmly finished with a shot placed accurately into the corner of Banaz Pinachi’s net. That appeared to satisfy home boss Wiblflibl, but the visitors Andrew7610 was exhorting his team to greater efforts and they finished with a flurry, Simone de Beauvoir attempting to find the top corner with a powerful curler from range on 88 minutes and being unlucky to see the ball brush the outside of the post and then trying her luck with a direct free-kick in stoppage time but again being off-target.
                                And that was that, another draw, another week in the books and season nearly so. Whilst there is nothing serious for the OTF sides in 6:42 to play for, this week’s games did see both Solent and Chiswick move up a place from fifth to fourth and seventh to sixth respectively. They may be able to hold those spots on the final day, whilst Riverbankers already know where they will finish (I’m not saying what spot that is!)

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                                  Janik, I don't think the Funky Fartown win was quite as it looked. They played a midfielder in goal. I think they are throwing promotion - lost their next game 6-0 to get bumped from top spot. Thanks as ever for the great roundups.

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                                    Drakaina are really chuffed with their promotion, given that Gretna are a very strong side - as evidenced by the fact they just won the Cup.

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                                      Originally posted by delicatemoth View Post
                                      Janik, I don't think the Funky Fartown win was quite as it looked. They played a midfielder in goal. I think they are throwing promotion - lost their next game 6-0 to get bumped from top spot. Thanks as ever for the great roundups.
                                      Absent manager rather than deliberately thrown, I think. Ellyjude last logged on at the start of September. Which is a bit of a shame, as she is a long-standing and previously active manager with a good side at her command. However I chose to ignore that from an Ullapool perspective! Mostly. There is one vague allusion to the lack of a steering hand...
                                      Last edited by Janik; 25-09-2018, 07:04.

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                                        No surprise that we went down in the Xpert Ladies. We'll be selling our oldest defender, midfielder and striker and hope the youth academy gives us a decent prospect.

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                                          Satisfying outcome in the Xpert Zone top division.

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                                            Champions tags for Sockford Emollient in the Xpert Ladies and Ghastly St Michael in the Xpert Zone. Along with Whoft Fluffopolis in the OTF and Gaffney Globular in the MLX these are certainly halcyon days in Framley (even if the titular team are stinking the place out in the Heineken).

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                                              So, with some of the most popular with us OTFers leagues now at a seasons end, and one only just staring up, how have/are things gone on down Framley way I hear you all asking.

                                              Wotten Plodney (Golden League). Took over last season as a joke team and promptly won Division 6:2 only dropping 2 points on the way, albeit in a division of zombies. Expected Division 5:21 to be much tougher but at the halfway point of the season, the joke team sit proudly at the summit, 4 points clear of second place and again, having only dropped 2 points so far. The squad isn't really that strong, so should promotion be achieved, I expect some stuffings at the higher level.

                                              Sockford Emollient (Xpert Ladies). Unlucky to be relegated from Division 5:20 last season, where 4 points accrued off of the (at the time) top 2 weren't enough to stave off the drop, a defeat in the Cup banished off a slow start to life in Division 6:40 and Sockford promptly took 28 points from the remaining 10 games to win the Division by 6 points. With a reasonably settled and youngish squad (only 3 of the 16 players are in their 30's), hopes are high for a better bash at Division 5 this time around.

                                              Flapton Nogley (The Human League). Bottom Divison 2 season 9. Champions Division 3 season 10. Bottom Division 2 season 11. Champions Division 3 season 12. With just 2 games to go, Flapton are just a point above N Haymarket Munitions and the drop zone, with a huge clash between the pair due tonight.

                                              Framley Imaginaire (Heineken League). After 6 successive relegations (not all under my watch I hasten to add), Framley seemed to have steadied the ship with an innoculous midtable spot in HLC7 last season. Any hopes of a push toward the upper half of the table have been well and truly scotched and yet another relegation scrap is underway. A pretty youthful squad is showing some decent DV, but a season (at least) in HLC8 is beckoning.

                                              Gaffney Globular
                                              (MLX). Relegated from MLX B despite running both United Underground and Zalec Zmaj close (and suffering some tonkings in the division too), The Deanmen took GLX C in their stride and romped through the division, acheiving Invincible status on the way. Hopes of a league and Trophy double were ended at the semi-final stage by Zeugma Zurafalar, but it will be very interesting to see how Gaffney cope again with life in the high parts of a tough league.

                                              Ghastly St Michael (Xpert Zone). Relegated from the Amateur Zone thanks to the ridiculous league structure which allows no time for teams to build and recharge, the lads from Bill Werbeniuk Boulevard simply had a few beers and moved on, clinching the Beginner Zone E title on goal difference from Shinkle after an entertaining season long battle. Another team that has had bad experiences of the higher divisions, again it will be interesting to see how they get on, though I'm much more inclined to move away from this team than any other due to the structure.

                                              Lessbury Moreborough (J4GL). Another team thats hard to love, though this is more to do with the team rather than the league which is excellently run by RichardSP. Promotion from Division 4b (just) has proved a season or two too early and the campaign in Division 3b has been a hard one, though not without hope of avoiding relegation at season end.

                                              Nyth Wobbegong (Brythonnic). Season 53 Division 3 West; third. Season 54 Division 3 South; third. Season 55 Division 3 West; third. Season 56 Division 3 South; third. We are awaiting the start of Season 57 in Division 3 South to see if we can manage a fourth place this time around, as clearly we simply arent good enough to go up.

                                              Whoft Fluffopolis
                                              (OTF). After being bottom of the Division 2 pile in Season 49, Whoft well and truly wafted their way through Division 3 last season, dropping only 4 points and remaining undefeated as top goalscorer and point-scorer Jim Pickle awaits the commissioning of a statue outside of Jim Wych Way thanks to his stellar performances. Even more surprising is that Whoft have started the new season in Division 2 in fine style, with a 100% record after the 3 games played. That's sure to jinx that then.
                                              Last edited by nmrfox; 26-09-2018, 12:24. Reason: some dredful speling with grammer

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                                                Originally posted by Etienne View Post
                                                Satisfying outcome in the Xpert Zone top division.
                                                Yes thanks very much Etienne. Noirs' win was only half the equation but if you'd not stopped Craigneuk Fury winning we'd still have failed to pull off that last-ditch Houdini act.

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                                                  That's a nice roundup Foxy; whatever your formula is it seems to be bearing fruit lately.

                                                  At the Pigsty I'm comtinuing to stoke the embers of motivation. I'm about to jettison my most recently added team, and having abandoned PRs I'm hoping this will work.

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                                                    The J4GL's 1pm kick-off time often catches me out, and I again forgot to set tactics, so just logged in fearing the worst.

                                                    Lenton Sports 8 - 0 New London

                                                    That's my first 8, I think. In future I'll just let them look after themselves - that never would have happened had I set the team up this morning.

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