Bagpuss Posted September 21, 2004 Share Posted September 21, 2004 <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by James M: Hold your horses....still 17 games to go And that's if there is a next season <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Not even Raptor him self could **** it up from here Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
James M Posted September 21, 2004 Author Share Posted September 21, 2004 That's really left with me massive expectations now Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
WLKRAS Posted September 22, 2004 Share Posted September 22, 2004 Groningen 2nd... Nice story though James, good to see not all has gone bad since i've buggered off here Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
James M Posted September 22, 2004 Author Share Posted September 22, 2004 Thanks Wilkras 4/1/2004 (2) FC Groningen vs. RKC (16) Euroborg Team News: Zoricich (international), Tuhuteru (injured) Groningen Continue Streak into New Year New year, same story, as Groningen continue to be the performing underdog in Holland. Without the influential Zoricich at the back, it came down to Regillio Vrede to score the first goal of the new year just past the half hour. The captain rising to head in from a corner. As was their characteristic of early in the season, Groningen then looked to settle for a 1-0 scoreline. Solid passing moves that created little were the main highlight, until Fali Montes created half a yard, 10 minutes from time, and bobbled a shot into the corner. A decent enoguh start to the new year, as Groningen continue to match Ajax win for win. FC Groningen 2-0 RKC (Vrede 32, Montes 81) Line-up (4-4-2): Beukenkamp; Elshot, Florén, Vrede ©, Kruiswijk; Hristov, De Witte, Krstev, Hugo; Montes, Salmon Subs: Santos, Lambers, Fellinga, Nicolas, Drent, Smit, Landerl Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
James M Posted September 22, 2004 Author Share Posted September 22, 2004 31/1 ADO vs. FC Groningen Zuiderpark Last Meeting: 0-0 Team News: Montes (suspended), Salmon (international) 9 Game Winning Run Ends All good things come to an end, right? And Groningen's appeared as though it would come against ADO. They were already struggling with neither of their first choice strikers, and the lack of confidence reverberated around the whole side, as ADO scored two soft first half goals to seal victory. The first, a freekick that was parried into his net by the keeper, and the second a third rebound after the defence failed to clear - in stoppage time. ADO added to Groningen's misery right at the end of the game, too, as Roy Stroeve scored a penalty awarded for handball. All in all, a disappointing Groningen performance, which sees their 9 game winning streak end. Now, though, they can concentrate on recovering in the league, to hold their second position, with Ajax surely champions already. ADO 3-0 FC Groningen (Stroeve 24, 90 (p), Castenlen 45) Line-up (4-4-2): Beukenkamp; Elshot, Florén, Vrede ©, Zoricich; Hristov, Tuhuteru, Krstev, Hugo; Santos, Drent Subs: Fellinga, Lambers, Kruiswijk, Nicolas, Landerl, Smit, De Witte Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
James M Posted September 22, 2004 Author Share Posted September 22, 2004 4/2 FC Groningen vs. FC Twente Euroborg Amstel Cup 1/4 Final Team: Tuhuteru injured Groningen Fire Themselves into Final Four After receiving a rollocking following their weekend defeat, it was key for Groningen that they came out and represented the team well in last 8 of the national cup, and for the first 45 minutes, it was the Groningen of a month ago. It took a mere 3 minutes for Santos to make his presence felt, as he slid in a De Witte cross. The Spaniard was rocking, and three minutes later he scored again. This time a volley from just inside the area, that the keeper could only palm into the goal. The home team were dominating and threatening Twente for the entire half, and they got their just rewards when Hugo scored a sublime 25 yard freekick. Whilst the final 45 minutes were about consolidation, but Groningen had done enough to prove that the loss against ADO may be just a fluke... Groningen 3-0 Twente (Santos 3, 6, Hugo 34) Line-up (4-4-2): Beukenkamp; Elshot, Florén, Vrede ©, Zoricich; Hristov, De Witte, Krstev, Hugo; Montes, Santos Subs: Landerl, Lambers, Kruiswijk, Nicolas, Drent, Smit, Fellinga Last 4: FC Groningen, FC Utrecht, Ajax Reserves, Heracles Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
James M Posted September 23, 2004 Author Share Posted September 23, 2004 8/2 FC Groningen vs. Feyenoord Euroborg Team News: Florén, Tuhuteru (injured, Salmon (int.) Cup Form Carries Over... Groningen's impressive cup run trickeld over into the league, as they more theb matched Feyenoord at Euroborg. An edgy first half must have had fans wondering if the home team would lose, just as they did to ADO last week, but a more assured and comfortable second half performance eased the nerves. And the mastermind behind all this: Santos, the Spaniard improved his impressive strike rate with a brace of goals in the second half. The first, a curling shot from the edge of the area, after De Witte had intercepted a clearance. And the second, a magical solo run from 30 yards out, that culminated in a fine finish. The win would have been all positive (Ajax losing closes the gap back to 4 points), had it not been for 3 players collecting suspensions for yellow cards. The question will be, then, can Groningen win without their stars? FC Groningen 2-0 Feyenoord (Santos 63, 80) Line-up (4-4-2): Beukenkamp; Elshot, Fellinga, Vrede ©, Zoricich; Hristov, De Witte, Krstev, Hugo; Montes, Santos Subs: Matthijs, Lambers, Kruiswijk, Nicolas, Drent, Smit, Landerl Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
James M Posted September 23, 2004 Author Share Posted September 23, 2004 15/2 FC Twente vs. FC Groningen Arke Stadion Team News: Elshot, Vrede, Krstev (suspended), Tuhuteru (injured), Salmon (int.) Groningen Match Ajax - Win In a repeat of the Cup quarter final just over a week ago, Groningen matched the result against a feisty FC Twente side - a victory It was a slow, comfortable game for the visitors, who alwyas seemed calm and relaxed - as if they knew they were going to win, and collect their 17th league clean sheet in 21 Eredivisie games in the process () They got off to the best possible start, as Fali Montes opened the scoring after 5 minutes had elapsed. The Spainiard cutting inside from the edge of the area to create a bit of space, because curling a right footed effort into the far corner. He scored his 11th league goal of the season as well, quarter of an hour from time, as he made a near post run, to flick the ball into the net from Hugo's cross. There were chances in the period between both goals, too. Santos had a header saved, and De Witte fired just wide, but once again Groningen made Twente look amatuer - not letting them get a single shot on target. Twente 0-2 Groningen (Fali Montes 6, 75) Line-up (4-4-2): Beukenkamp; Fellinga, Florén, Kruiswijk, Zoricich; Hristov ©, De Witte, Nicolas, Hugo; Montes, Santos Subs: Pinas, Lambers, van Gessel, Mattihjs, Drent, Smit, Landerl Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
James M Posted September 23, 2004 Author Share Posted September 23, 2004 22/2 FC Groningen vs. FC Utrecht Euroborg Gap Closes to 2 Points, as Groningen Fire on All Cylinders. With their entire first team back for the first time this year, Groningen exemplified what a force they can be at their best. In what is a preview of the Amstel Cup Semi Final, the home team put together one of the best 45 minutes of football in the second half of this critical league fixture. With Ajax drawing at NEC, a win would mean Groningen move with a "game" of the Champions, and despite an average opining period, the second half showed just what this team can do. Just three minutes in, and they won a penalty, after Hristov was pushed in the area. Regular penalty Glenn Salmon allowed Fali Montes to step up instead, and the in form Spaniard scored with the keeper rooted to the middle. Hristov then scored the second, as Montes initially had a cross parried away. Salmon then had a rebound excellently saved, but Hristov couldn't miss his chance. The third, ten minutes from the end, could perhaps have been awarded to the excellent Salmon, but it goes down offcially as an own goal by defender Sander Keller - the defender getting the last touch as a corner was deflected goalwards. But the South African did get a goal on his return from South Africa (where he scored 6 times in 4 games). Montes effort was saved by the keeper, but the ball trickled behind him, nestling on the goal line. Salmon was first to react, and touched it in, to finalise an emphatic victory Groningen 4-0 Utrecht (Montes 48 (p), Hristov 58, Keller 81 (og), Salmon 86) Line-up (4-4-2): Beukenkamp; Elshot, Florén, Vrede ©, Zoricich; Hristov, Tuhuteru, Krstev, Hugo; Montes, Salmon Subs: Santos, Lambers, Kruiswijk, Nicolas, Drent, Smit, De Witte Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
James M Posted September 23, 2004 Author Share Posted September 23, 2004 <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> Holders - Ajax | Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | Ajax | | 22 | 17 | 2 | 3 | 61 | 20 | +41 | 53 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | FC Groningen | | 22 | 16 | 3 | 3 | 45 | 13 | +32 | 51 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | PSV | | 22 | 14 | 4 | 4 | 40 | 20 | +20 | 46 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | FC Utrecht | | 22 | 13 | 6 | 3 | 46 | 24 | +22 | 45 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Feyenoord | | 22 | 13 | 5 | 4 | 37 | 17 | +20 | 44 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | AZ | | 21 | 10 | 5 | 6 | 44 | 25 | +19 | 35 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Vitesse | | 22 | 10 | 5 | 7 | 34 | 31 | +3 | 35 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Roda JC | | 22 | 9 | 6 | 7 | 28 | 22 | +6 | 33 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | NEC | | 22 | 9 | 5 | 8 | 39 | 36 | +3 | 32 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Heerenveen | | 22 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 35 | 39 | -4 | 31 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | ADO Den Haag | | 22 | 7 | 4 | 11 | 32 | 44 | -12 | 25 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | Willem II | | 21 | 7 | 1 | 13 | 26 | 34 | -8 | 22 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13th | | Zwolle | | 22 | 6 | 4 | 12 | 20 | 39 | -19 | 22 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14th | | RBC | | 22 | 5 | 5 | 12 | 23 | 41 | -18 | 20 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15th | | FC Twente | | 22 | 5 | 4 | 13 | 18 | 40 | -22 | 19 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16th | | RKC | | 22 | 5 | 2 | 15 | 18 | 46 | -28 | 17 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th | | NAC Breda | | 22 | 3 | 7 | 12 | 22 | 36 | -14 | 16 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th | | Volendam | | 22 | 0 | 5 | 17 | 17 | 58 | -41 | 5 | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre> Poor Volendam Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
James M Posted September 24, 2004 Author Share Posted September 24, 2004 29/2 FC Groningen vs. Zwolle Euroborg 5th Consecutive Clean Sheet for Groningen With Ajax winning away to Heerenveen, Groningen had to get all three points to keep up the pressure at the top. It was an undoubted battle against Zwolle, however, and for a long stage it seemed as if the home team might just slip up - until Mile Krstev's header gave them the lead on half time. From there, it was inevitable that Groningen would hold on for their 5th consecutive clean sheet, and another win that would keep them right on the tails of Ajax. Without being especially emphatic, they got the victory they needed - but performances will have to improve if Groningen want to still be close in 11 games time.... Groningen 1-0 Zwolle (Krstev 45) Line-up (4-4-2): Beukenkamp; Elshot, Florén, Vrede ©, Zoricich; Hristov, Tuhuteru, Krstev, Hugo; Montes, Salmon Subs: Santos, Lambers, Kruiswijk, Nicolas, Drent, Smit, De Witte Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
James M Posted September 24, 2004 Author Share Posted September 24, 2004 7/3 Willem II vs FC Groningen Willem II-Stadion Team News: Hristov suspended Prolific Montes Eases Groningen Home Fali Montes once again proved his invaluable worth to Groiningen's cause, with a fantastic hattrick as his team cruised to victory of Willem II. Having heard of Ajax's 2-0 win over RBC, Marshall had to get his team to match the victory, although he surely has his mind a week forward for the cup semi-finals. Groningen did their best to settle the manager's nerves, as Ignacio Tuhuteru put them one up after just 2 minutes, with a well placed shot from the left hand edge of the area. Montes got an assist on his way to a man-of-the-match performance 3 minutes later, as his intuitive pass found the feet of Hugo in acres of space, and the Brazilian scored easily. Willem offered a slight rebuke, Andwélé Slory getting what would be a consolation goal, after a miscommunication between Zoricich and Vrede left him through on goal. Montes got his first on the stroke of half time, as a curling freekick took a massive deflection off the wall, leaving the goalie without a hope. Groningen then went and scored straight from the kickoff. Montes again there, this time he stuck out a foot at Tuhuteru's cross, to direct it into the roof of the net. Montes' strike partner, Glenn Salmon, was not to be forgotten, though, as he added to three assists in the game with a goal of his own. Montes' freeing up the space, and the South African rifling one from 16 yards out into the top corner. And Salmon returned the favour in stoppage time, laying off Montes from 5 yards, and the side footed shot went through the keeper's legs. Willem II 1-6 Groningen (Slory 20; Tuhuteru 2, Hugo 5, Montes 44, 45, 90, Salmon 78) Line-up (4-4-2): Beukenkamp; Elshot, Florén, Vrede ©, Zoricich; Smit, Tuhuteru, Krstev, Hugo; Montes, Salmon Subs: Santos, Lambers, Kruiswijk, Nicolas, Drent, Pinas, De Witte Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
James M Posted September 24, 2004 Author Share Posted September 24, 2004 15/3 FC Groningen vs. FC Utrecht Euroborg Amstel Cup Semi Finals Team News: Montes suspended , Hristov injured Cup Final sets up to be a good one, as Gro..Utre.....read to find out! The biggest game in the club's history in this millenia. The chance, in front of a full house, to advance to the cup final, adn Groningen took it. It was a perfect start, when Glenn Salmon put them one up after only a minute. Tuuteru's cross finding his head. From then on, it was all Groningen, as they kept opening the doors of the Utrecht defence with ease. René Ponk, the Utrecht goalkeeper, single handedly keeping them in it with 9 saves. The second half saw Ponk relentlessly kept busy - but Groningen couldn't get past him. Until Krstec's through ball lead Santos. And Flai Montes' replacement did what he does best - score when he has to. Utrecht's morale died. And Groningen eased home, not wanting any injuries. And, for the first time since 1989, they are in the cup final. Looking to win it for the 2nd time in three attempts, as Marshall hopes to bring home their first major trophy since 1934. Groningen will face Ajax Reserves in the final (), having already disposed of the full team in the 4th round, Groningen will be massive favourites Groningen 2-0 Utrecht (Salmon 2, Santos 70) Line-up (4-4-2): Beukenkamp; Elshot, Florén, Vrede ©, Zoricich; Smit, Tuhuteru, Krstev, Hugo; Santos, Salmon Subs: Landerl, Lambers, Kruiswijk, Nicolas, Drent, Pinas, De Witte Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emperor J Posted September 24, 2004 Share Posted September 24, 2004 Ajax Reserves in the final KUTGW Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PMLF Posted September 25, 2004 Share Posted September 25, 2004 Great story, James! Abnd thanks to you there won't be an Ajax vs. Ajax Reserves final. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raptor Posted September 26, 2004 Share Posted September 26, 2004 Now finish the job in De Kuip. Knocking out the sc*m twice is the stuff of wet dreams up here Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
James M Posted September 26, 2004 Author Share Posted September 26, 2004 Thanks for the feedback guys The Championship Decider? 21/3 FC Groningen vs. Ajax Euroborg For perhaps the first time all season, they carried massive expedctations on their shoulders. Could the minnows upset the way of life in Holland? Could they overcome the forever mighty Ajax, and spring one of the biggest shocks in European footballing history? With their best eleven back, no one doubted that Groningen could repeat the feat that saw them knowck the champions out of the Cup a few months ago. But what they needed was concentration, and for 20 minutes, they didn't get it. Ajax struck first when Steven Pienaar scored a thunderbolt from 20 yards, which left Beukenkamp wide eyed. Perhaps he was still in a state of trance when Nordin Bukhari did what he's done so many times for Ajax this season - scored a critical goal. THis time a handling error from the Groningen keeper let the team down. From bad to worse it became, as Ajax were awarded a penalty on 35 minutes for a push on Pienaar. A tough decision, but Jari Litmenan's shot reached row Z with no problems. They needed inspiration, instead they saw Pasanan score a freekick from inside his own half (). On came Santos to breathe a glimmer of hope. Surely there was no way back now? Or perhaps there was. Santos injected life into the Groningen attack. They pushed and pushed, but there was no way past Boschker in goal. They needed a stroke of luck - and they got it. A scrambled corner from with the Ajax stopper had already made 2 fantastic saves, eventually saw Fali Montes get one back for Groningen. 2 goals in 15 minutes, then, required..... But it wasn't too be done. Ajax shoving 11 men behind the ball, and Groningen could do nothing to break them apart. A truly valiant effort from the home side, but cracks were appearing for the first time. Beukenkamp making two errors for two goals, and the defence looking less assured. There are still a few games left for a massive turnaround. But it must be too massive, surely? FC Groningen 1-3 Ajax (Montes 69; Pienaar 14, Boukhari 20, Pasanen 23 - Litmanen missed pen 35) Line-up (4-4-2): Beukenkamp; Elshot, Florén, Vrede ©, Zoricich; Hristov (Santos 54), Tuhuteru, Krstev, Hugo; Montes, Salmon Subs: Santos, Lambers, Kruiswijk, Nicolas, Drent, Smit, De Witte Table: <pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> P Pt Ajax 26 - 65 PSV 26 - 58 Groningen 25 - 57 </pre> Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
James M Posted September 26, 2004 Author Share Posted September 26, 2004 And it's all over now... 24/3 Vitesse v. FC Groningen Gelredome News: Elshot suspended Looking to recover from the heartbreaking defeat to Ajax, Groningen looked shaky in the early stages of a match they had to win. Vitesse exposing flaws within the Groningen defence. Still, the visiitors held the early storm, and started to get into the game. Their attack was looking sharp, as Hristov's cross found the head of Fali Montes, to give them an early lead. That was it, though. Groningen played like a team with no confidence, and it showed in the second half. With 20 minutes to go, Zoricich and Vrede miscommunicated to allow Vitesse an equaliser. And 10 minutes later, the home side scored again to seal a deserved three points. And, with two consecutive losses, it looks as though Groningen will struggle enough just to finish 2nd. Champions now, surely, Ajax. Vitesse 2-1 Groningen (van der Herik 70, van Beukering 80; Fali Montes 12) Line-up (4-4-2): Beukenkamp; Fellinga (Kruiswijk 70), Florén, Vrede ©, Zoricich; Hristov, Tuhuteru, Krstev, Hugo; Montes, Salmon Subs: Santos, Lambers, Kruiswijk, Nicolas, Drent, Smit, De Witte Oh well. Still got the cup to play for.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
UBoy 2001 Posted October 21, 2004 Share Posted October 21, 2004 That was a good story while it lasted Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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