Toppling the Mark Wilson Monopoly

[HorusFM]

4th September International Call-ups;

Holland U21’s

Arsenio van Ben and Mark van Ink both made appearances in Holland’s 2-2 draw with Serbia.

Switzerland U21’s

Ashlei Fiore came on as a substitute against Russia, and performed okay in his thirty one minutes.

Italy U21’s

Simone Cibala-Aguero played the full ninety minutes against Sweden in a 2-2 draw.

France U21’s

Fanfare Panpare gave a solid ninety minutes against Latvia, as France ran out 3-1 victors.

USA U20’s

Jeffrey Shufflesmith went off injured after just one minute of game time, while Mike O’Fara captained the USA to a 3-0 victory over El Salvador.

England U21’s

Three of Sporting Nohopes players turned out for England, Chris Kras playing the full ninety while Charlie Terkleton and Billy Chesterton made cameo appearances.

9th September International Call-ups;

Germany U21’s

Markus Wilsone came on as a substitute for Germany, but was largely unnoticeable as they beat Liechtenstein 2-0.

Switzerland U21’s

Ashlei Fiore came on as a substitute for Switzerland, but was largely ineffective as they were held 0-0 by Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Italy U-21’s

Simone Cibala-Aguero started for Italy and notched a goal after twenty minutes of action, helping spur Italy to a 4-0 victory over Andorra.

USA U20’s

Mike O’Fara captained USA again, and had a terrific game as he scored and led his players to a 4-0 win over Trinidad & Tobago.

France U21’s

Fanfare Panpare made another start for France, putting in a solid performance as they finished with a 1-1 draw against Poland.

******

Saturday 12th September 2009 – Rich Tea Alley

Sporting Nohope vs. Exeter City

League One (6/46)

Y.Spavlova

A.van Ben, C.Terkleton, M.Onen, M.O’Fara

L.Scott (S.Ramsay-Koroma), A.Essien, Gavinho, S.Horstel

M.Larsson, D.Sanchez (A.Fiore)

A few changes to the squad that beat Carlisle, but nothing major. We found out midweek that we would play Brighton in the Johnstone Paint Trophy.

We kicked off, but within minutes were caught out when Fleetwood burst past Essien, the midfielder bringing him down and getting booked. Spavlova then made a decent save from a point blank Stewart shot, saving our bacon again. Sanchez was the next to get booked, but he nearly made amends when he hit the post with a low drive. The best chance of the half fell to us when Essien delightfully rounded his opponent and hit a super drive goalwards, only to see it ricochet off the crossbar. He had another effort just four minutes later, and while he hit the post again, it smacked off the back of the keeper and dribbled painfully over the line at the other end of the net. Leigh Scott received a booking just before half time for a cynical challenge.

The second started with a bang as we hit the woodwork again, this time Scott the unlucky player. A double substitution was required as Sanchez was beginning to lunge into tackles, and Scott picked up an injury. Fiore and Koroma replace them. In all truth the second half wasn’t much of a thriller, O’Fara providing the closest thing to a goal as he grazed the top of the bar with a long range effort. Jose Baxter had the best chance to punish us as he broke free, but he failed to keep his shot down. The shots rained in, harmlessly of course, from Exeter. But they couldn’t find any way in, and we successfully ground out a tough result to give us six straight league wins.

Sporting Nohope 1 (Jones OG 44)

Exeter City 0

MOTM: Michael Larsson – Michael was instrumental in keeping our attacks together today, and he controlled from the front with grace. A super performance from Nohope’s top creator so far this season.

[stoehrst]

A goal! Now I need to get into the German youth squad...

[HorusFM]

I think the English players have the hardest chance of making that happen, stoehrst. You should get there eventually.

*****

Wednesday 16th September 2009 – Roots Hall

Southend United vs. Sporting Nohope

League One (7/46)

Y.Spavlova

A.van Ben, C.Terkleton, F.Panpare, M.O’Fara (M.van Ink)

L.Scott, A.Fiore, Gavinho (A.Essien), V.Bobblesmith

M.Larsson, D.Sanchez

We travelled to Southend top of the table, six wins from six games. This could prove to be tough as Southend are a decent side on paper, but this game would definitely tell us.

We started brighter than expected, Larsson and Sanchez combining well up front on multiple occasions to generate space. We eventually took the lead with the first shot on target that came in a whopping 20 minutes in, Scott and Bobblesmith combining superbly down the left to cross in for Sanchez, the brute heading in with a whopping amount of power to put us ahead. Three minutes later and Gavinho struck a stunning twenty yard effort past the keeper to double the lead. The first half wasn’t done there, and after a few sitters Ashlei Fiore finally struck gold when he tapped in from a saved Scott shot.

With such an unexpected lead at half time, I decided to tone down our attacking and let Southend push us. If they pushed too far, we would simply counter them. Nine minutes in though and Fiore raced away on a solo counter, and the Swiss forward rounded the keeper before slotting home to the adulation of the visiting fans. Southend were struggling to even muster two passes together, and we kept punishing them with exceedingly quick counter attacks. Fiore could have had his hat trick seventy minutes in, but his shot struck the bar much to his disappointment. I decided to make two changes to give some legs a rest, Essien and van Ink coming on for O’Fara and Gavinho. The changes didn’t make too much of an impact as Essien failed to make anything happen in the game, and we easily saw out a shockingly simple and easy four goal victory.

We stay top, of course.

Southend United 0

Sporting Nohope 4 (Sanchez 21, Gavinho 24, Fiore 42, 54)

MOTM: Vincent Bobblesmith – Vincent ran the midfield superbly with Gavinho, but he made more of an impact despite not actually scoring a goal. His passing was 100% accurate in the match, and his two assists were just reward for that.

[stoehrst]

Won't be getting anywhere if you CONTINUALLY REFUSE TO START ME!

[HorusFM]

Saturday 19th September 2009 – Edgeley Park

Stockport County vs. Sporting Nohope

League One (8/46)

Y.Spavlova

A.van Ben, C.Terkleton, M.Onen, M.O’Fara

V.Bobblesmith, C.Satioez (M.Wilsone), Gavinho (L.Scott), S.Horstel

M.Larsson, D.Sanchez (A.Fiore)

Horstel returns to the squad after his dead leg, which he’d have known if he’d have ASKED. Although not fully fit, I expect his skills in midfield to open up space for the front two. Satioez also returns after his injury after his top four goal haul against Yeovil.

Sixteen seconds was all it took for Horstel to open fire, his long shot just about saved by the keeper. Onen and Sanchez also both had good chances to put the side in front, but failed to make them count. It would be Horstel who drew first blood with a shockingly powerful 30 yard effort that flew past the keeper to put us ahead. The chances continued to fall for us, Onen once again wasting a free header from a freekick. Stockport weren’t quiet towards the end of the half, Johnson forcing Spavlova into a miracle save that surprised even me. Larsson hit the bar with his first effort, and he was unlucky to not register his 3rd of the season.

Everything was in our hands for the second half, but we needed another goal to look safer than we currently did. We picked up the first yellow of the day as Onen got booked for a lunge on Johnson. Bobblesmith then got booked for involving himself in the fracas that ensued. Onen’ third fine chance of the game came when he somehow broke through the defence, but his lack of striking skill let him down. Horstel continued to threaten massively, his shots causing the keeper some trouble. Gavinho also hit the side netting as we pressed for that second. A triple substitution saw me trying to take advantage of a weary defence, Wilsone, Fiore and Scott coming on for Gavinho, Sanchez and Satioez. Sadly we just didn’t do enough to hold on, and Stockport’s second shot on target paid dividends, Thompson breaking the defence and slotting past Spavlova. Scott had a vague chance with a header, but he couldn’t direct it away from the keeper. Wilsone then messed up as he was played in, opting to head rather than strike with power and not even troubling the keeper.A pretty poor result considering how dominant we were, but then we didn’t lose so it isn’t all bad away from home.

Stockport County 1 (Thompson 85)

Sporting Nohope 1 (Horstel 14)

MOTM: Stefan Horstel – He is proving himself as important with his midfield displays, but today it was only him who really made the effort on the field. We would have had nothing without his long range goal.

[Manxie_Ash]

4 goals 4 starts and 4 sub appearances. Not a bad return really

[stoehrst]

I'm gonna stick to my guns and CONTINUE TO ARGUE IN CAPITAL LETTERS DESPITE GAV'S PERFECTLY REASONABLE DEFENSE OF HIS RECENT SELECTIONS, BECAUSE I JUST SCORED A CORKER AND THEREFORE I'M ALWAYS RIGHT!

[HorusFM]

Not doing bad at all, Ash. This, however, is only going to fuel stoehrst's one man campaign.

*****

Wednesday 23rd September 2009 – Rich Tea Alley

Sporting Nohope vs. Swansea City

League Cup Third Round

Y.Spavlova

B.Chesterton (M.van Ink), C.Terkleton, F.Panpare, M.O’Fara

V.Bobblesmith, C.Satioez (M.Larsson), Gavinho, S.Horstel

A.Fiore, D.Sanchez

Simone Cibala-Aguero is unavailable for a while now, as he has joined up with the Italy U20’s for the U20 World Cup in Egypt. The only player still injured at the moment is Shufflesmith, with a return time of about two weeks. Larsson is looking slightly out of shape with the shifts he’s been putting in, so he drops to the bench.

We had the early run of the field, Gavinho striking a freekick over from just outside the area while Swansea picked up two early yellows. Sadly it would be the Welsh side who scored first, Pratley somehow squeezing through the defence and poking the ball in off the post. Horstel forced a splendid save from the keeper with a strike, while Panpare should have headed us in front from a corner. Chesterton and Rangel then picked up yellows for squaring up to each other. We somehow found the willpower to overcome Swansea, Bobblesmith sneaking a little ball in for Horstel to run on to and slap home past the keeper to level the game. Horstel would once again slam the ball into the net, this time in better fashion as Fiore took it down the left, squared it for Horstel, who bent a terrific shot into the net.

It was clear at half time that we had the upper hand now, but after last week’s disappointment in losing the win, we had to make sure it didn’t happen again. Satioez picked up a knock as he came off though, and needed to be replaced with Larsson, Fiore shifting out wide. The decision almost paid off, Larsson walking the defence before seeing a good save prevent a goal. We were beginning to ride our luck, but Bodde wasted a good chance before I decided to take Chesterton off, who was looking more and more likely to receive his marching orders. Van Ink came on for him, Panpare then missing another fine chance to put us beyond reach. Swansea were restricted to long shots, and this gave us a chance at earning some breathing room. Tate flashed a late header off the bar, almost scaring us to death in the process, but then we should have won the game by now. Van Ink flashed a smashing cross at quick pace into the box, Sanchez heading well but having to agonisingly watch it get tipped wide. Both Terkleton and Pratley missed last minute chances to swing the game either way, and we walked away with another scalp on our belts.

Sporting Nohope 2 (Horstel 36, 45)

Swansea City 1 (Pratley 16)

MOTM: Stefan Horstel – A second monumental midfield display in a row for the German, and his two goals today are proof that when on the wings, he is very dangerous. I’m finally beginning to see where he plays best now.

[stoehrst]

Oh Gav. You weren't prepared. You truly weren't prepared for my primadonna nature, or for the boundless expanse of talent in reserve to back it up. YOU JUST WEREN'T READY, SON!

[Dalbeider]

Hey, wait, wasn't I supposed to be the selfish prima donna with a Teamwork stat of 4, and also a goalscoring machine? Are you sure you haven't got our names mixed up, Gav?

[Celtic_1967]

I see you brought me on as a substitute in midfield. I thought it was strange to do that to a striker but hey I'm just happy to be in the team. I'll play wherever I'm needed.

[HorusFM]

Nah, you just came on for a midfielder. You played up top.

*****

Italy U21’s

Simone-Cibala Aguero began the U20 World Cup at left midfield for his country, but picked up a yellow in their 1-1 draw with Paraguay.

******

Saturday 26th September 2009 – Rich Tea Alley

Sporting Nohope vs. Millwall

League One (9/46)

Y.Spavlova

A.van Ben, C.Mike, F.Panpare, A.Mabayaku

H.Beautyman, M.Richardson, C.Compton,

A.Fiore, M.Larsson, C.Benjamin

Some idiot at the higher level of football clearly didn’t think this through. We have just five first teamers left as many trotted off to the U20 World Cup. But oh no, we didn’t get the choice of moving this fixture to another date. So the remaining five faithful who didn’t run off on duty were left to form the backbone of a very young and weak team. To make it worse, we have been given an away tie against Arsenal in the League Cup.

Milwall tested the waters pretty quickly, Martin flashing two shots wide of Spavlova’s post. He was certainly looking to be a busy man today. We should have gone ahead though when Richardson played Fiore in, the young Swiss striker hitting too close to the keeper. Larsson and Fiore were combining excellently for us, and they both should have scored half way through the period. At the other end van Ben and Panpare were holding the line as best they could, doing a decent job in the process. We continued to threaten superbly, and at little cost at the back. We reached half time level, but with our heads held high.

The second half didn’t start in our favour, and it looked very worrying. Fiore seemed to be carrying a knock, but I just couldn’t bring him off just yet. The passing turned sloppy in the heavy rain, and we began to look dazed by our opponents. Morison continued to threaten with dangerous long range shots everytime we lost the ball in midfield, but there seemed little we could do. Wave after wave of attacks rained in on us, but we eventually capitulated. Martin fired a very nice freekick past Spavlova, who had done all he could to keep out the previous efforts. I really thought we were done from the game, but it seems I was to be proven wrong. Playing through a deepening injury, Fiore took the ball from midfield, playing a superb through ball for Larsson. He took it in his stride and lashed it home, the home crowd going wild for him. We deserved this point more than any other this season.

Sporting Nohope 1 (Larsson 89)

Millwall 1 (Martin 75)

MOTM: Michael Larsson – Captained the side in the absence of Gavinho, and did an admirable job of spearheading attacks. He performed superbly considering the absolute lack of quality in the squad for the match..

[Celtic_1967]

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!

I lead by example.

[mark wilson27]

Five first teamers missing and I still dont get a game..(unless I'm at the U20 World Cup warming up the bench)

[HorusFM]

Five first teamers missing and I still dont get a game..(unless I'm at the U20 World Cup warming up the bench)

Nah, we have just five first teamers LEFT, you are at the U20 World Cup, helping Germany along with Stefan Horstel.

[stoehrst]

HOORAY! I got in the Germany squad!

[mark wilson27]

Thats alright then gaffer... I do apologise :-)

[Manxie_Ash]

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!

I lead by example.

You'd be no-where without my influence!

[HorusFM]

26th September 2009 – International Round-Up

Germany U20’s

Markus Wilsone played the whole game for Germany against South Korea, putting in a mediocre performance. Stefan Horstel also played, setting up Lewis Holtby before his removal on 71mins.

Ghana U20’s

Arun Essien played the whole match against Uzbekistan, scoring his first international goal after 81 minutes.

England U20’s

Chris Kras, Billy Chesterton, Sam Ramsay-Koroma and Mack Onen all started for England. Chesterton picked up a man of the match award for his assist in winning the penalty that Jack Wilshere put away to get England a 1-1 draw with Uruguay. Charlie Terkleton came on a 81st minute sub and performed well.

USA U20’s

Vincent Bobblesmith led his country out against Cameroon, with Mike O’Fara by his side. The Americans won 2-0, Jeffrey Shufflesmith making his return to action as a half time introduction for John Arena.

Spain U20’s

Dalbsworth Sanchez came on as a substitute for Spain, but made no impact as his compatriots ran out 6-2 winners over Nigeria.

******

Monday 28th September - International Roundup

Spain U20’s

Dalbsworth Sanchez notched a superb hat-trick over lowly Tahiti as Spain surged to the top of their group. He, of course, picked up the man of the match award as Spain ran out 4-0 winners.

Italy U20’s

Simone Cibala-Aguero started the game for Italy against Trinidad and Tobago, getting on the scoresheet in the process. Simone played the whole game and picked up man of the match as Italy won 3-0.

******

Wednesday 30th September 2009 – Carrow Road

Norwich City vs. Sporting Nohope

League One (10/46)

Y.Spavlova

M.van Ink, C.Mike, F.Panpare, A.Mabayaku

L.Scott, M.Richardson, A.van Ben

L.Crowther, M.Larsson, J.Argent

We had van Ink return to action this week, but lost Fiore in the process. It was tit for tat, but our defence was still extremely under experienced.

Norwich started the game with the intent of punishing our back line, and I fully expected a tough challenge to be on our hands. Spavlova was tested really early when Hoolahan broke down the left, his well placed shot only just tipped wide by our Russian saviour. We endeavoured to push forward, and we won a corner in doing so. Scott curled it in, and somewhere in the box something went awry for Norwich as the ball hit four players before Adam Drury lashed it into his own goal. We suddenly found ourselves in front, and we locked the defence in place to sit back and force Norwich into coming onto us. They tried to muster something in reply, but in the half hour they had left of the half left, they only came close twice. Holt had a good header saved by Spavlova while a clearance on the line prevented Stephen Hughes from scoring. The block came from van Ink, who was putting in an extremely good shift.

We had to be careful that in the second half we didn’t waste what he had built up in the first, and a win here could be valuable for when the other players returned after the World Cup. We started the better side of the second period, Larsson and Scott combining well to play in youth player Argent, the striker only just missing his scuffed shot. Norwich picked up the pace after ten minutes, Chris Martin and Grant Holt both sending headers over the bar while van Ink put in a terrific last ditch tackle to prevent Hoolahan poking the ball past Spavlova from a corner. The pace improved tenfold for both sides and it became end to end stuff, the next goal the pivotal point in the match. Thankfully it was Sporting who got it, and thanks to Norwich once more. Crowther made a burst into the box, but whilst failing to shoot was caught on the heels by Drury. It wasn’t to be a good day for Drury as Michael Larsson put the penalty away with a powered effort and helped us seal out a massive away win against a side who should have easily overpowered our youth.

Norwich City 0

Sporting Nohope 2 (Drury OG 14, Larsson pen85)

MOTM: Mark van Ink – Mark had an absolutely phenomenal game at the back and is pushing himself for a regular starting spot after it. He marshalled the young defence, himself only being 19, and put in some terrific blocks to keep us in the game and on course for the victory.

[HorusFM]

Goals;

Dalbsworth Sanchez - 6

Christian Satioez - 4

Michael Larsson - 4

Ashlei Fiore - 4

Stefan Horstel - 4

Assists;

Michael Larsson - 8

Gavinho - 4

Vincent Bobblesmith - 3

Christian Satioez - 3

Ashlei Fiore - 3

Average Rating;

Fanfare Panpare – 7.67

Simone Cibala-Aguero - 7.66

Mark van Ink – 7.65

Michael Larsson - 7.58

Dalbsworth Sanchez - 7.56

September Player of the Month

1. Steve Morison

2. Jermaine Beckford

3. Fanfare Panpare

September Young Player of the Month

1. Fanfare Panpare

2. Vincent Bobblesmith

3. Max Gradel

September Manager of the Month

1. Adrian Boothroyd

2. Gus Poyet

3. Mametz Elrithral

[Celtic_1967]

I'm clearly invaluable to the team. Score goals, top of the assist chart and an excellent average rating.

[HorusFM]

Mike, this team would have crumbled without you and Leigh Scott in this period of fixtures.

*****

Thursday 1st October – International Roundup

Italy U20’s

Simone Cibala-Aguero started once again on left midfield, and he played the whole game against Egypt, scoring a penalty on the way to a 1-1 draw before picking up man of the match for his second game running.

Spain U20’s

It was the same story for Dalbsworth Sanchez as he notched his second hat-trick in a row, this time in a 4-1 win against Venezuela. He also picked up man of the match for the second game in a row.

Germany U20’s

The boys in black struggled at first to overcome Cameroon, but a 4-2 win went their way, Sporting boy Wilsone notching the last of the goals. Stefan Horstel also played, setting one up for Maxim Choupo-Moting.

England U20’s and Ghana U20’s

Both sides featured Sporting players, but it was Ghana who upset the odds with a 2-0 victory over England. Arun Essien played against his teammates and put in a good shift, while Billy Chesterton, Mack Onen and Charlie Terkleton all made appearances for a struggling England side.

USA U20’s

USA recorded a simple 3-0 victory over South Korea, with both Jeffrey Shufflesmith and Mike O’Fara playing a part in the fixture. Both combined well for each other as O’Fara set up Shufflesmith for his first international goal.

******

Saturday 3rd October 2009 – Adams Park

Wycombe Wanderers vs. Sporting Nohope

League One (11/46)

Y.Spavlova

M.van Ink, C.Mike, F.Panpare, A.Mabayaku

L.Scott, M.Fisher, A.van Ben

A.Fiore (G.Carr), M.Larsson, R.Dryden

We were still without any of the missing international players, which continues to grate on me. But in their absence the players left are performing miracles with the younger generation. Fiore returns, but isn’t fully fit and is unlikely to last the whole match.

Once again, despite being away from home, we mastered the early exchanges and it eventually paid off with some smooth wing play. Dryden bombed away down the right, but got held up by a Wycombe defender. He turned back and gave it to Mabayaku who whipped it in to Larsson, the captain heading home with real power to put us in front. We continued to dominate the first half, the defence standing resolute and the midfield controlling the situation well. We threatened nicely, kept the ball well, and eventually broke through for a second time much to the home fans surprise. Youngster Roy Dryden played a delightful one two with Larsson, and his first touch and shot was exquisite to put us 2-0 up. We couldn’t believe our luck as we went in at half time.

We came out the same as we went in, but with a little less punch up front after I took Fiore off. We had early chances to put the game really out of contention, Dryden hitting the post with a scuffed shot while van Ben drove a low effort wide of the post. Wycombe began to put pressure on us from the sixty minute mark, our only player Mike heading off his own bar while Revell forced a top save from Spavlova. Revell would find a way through ten minutes from time, the defence parting to allow him a free shot past Spavlova. Three minutes later and we had thrown away our lead, Pittman beating Mike before sliding the ball home from a tight angle to level the game. All of a sudden the young boys looked out of sorts and we looked in danger of losing everything we had. Wycombe probed the backline non-stop, and when Mike cleared off the line, we thought we had salvaged a point. But two men remained up front, Fisher and Larsson. Larsson broke away and Fisher played the pass perfectly. Larsson took it in his stride, rounded the keeper and put us back in front. Larsson, you absolute hero.

Wycombe Wanderers 2 (Revell 79, Pittman 83)

Sporting Nohope 3 (Larsson 14, 94 Dryden 44)

MOTM: Michael Larsson – With us being so understaffed with the World Cup, Mike has now proved how invaluable he is. The last winner minute winner today, two goals in the match, an assist and a superlative captain performance was all it took for me to kiss him all night long.

[HorusFM]

Monday 5th October – International Roundup

Germany U20’s

Markus Wilsone played from the start for Germany, setting up Lewis Holtby for the second German goal in a 2-1 win over Paraguay. Stefan Horstel came on as a substitute but made little impact.

Spain U20’s

Spain played against Hungary, Dalbsworth Sanchez on from the start in this 2nd round game. He performed well before being taken off through injury, Spain eventually being knocked out 2-1.

Ghana U20’s

There was an all African theme as Ghana played Cameroon; Arun Essien determined to make an impact once more. Essien only managed 60 minutes before being subbed off through injury, Ghana eventually going on to 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

USA U20’s

USA played the hosts Egypt in Cairo, both Shufflesmith and O’Fara starting the game. Shufflesmith left the field after 60 minutes through injury, but O’Fara remained on the field, and after the score was tied at 1-1, he scored a penalty in the ensuing shootout to send the hosts packing.

England U20’s

Our boys playing for England didn’t have as much trouble as the other nations had been having, them getting UAE in the 2nd round. Kras, Koroma and Chesterton all started for England and put in decent performances, Koroma making way at half time for Terkleton. Charlie scored the third goal as England romped to a 3-0 win over their counterparts.

Italy U20’s

Italy had a tough tie against Nigeria, Simone Cibala-Aguero starting from the off. He performed well during the match, and capped it off in extra time when, with the score tied at 2-2, he dispatched a penalty in the final minute to send Italy through.

*******

Tuesday 6th October 2009 – Withdean Stadium

Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Sporting Nohope

Johnstone’s Paint Trophy South 2nd Round

Y.Spavlova

M.van Ink, C.Mike, F.Panpare, A.Mabayaku

L.Scott, H.Beautyman, A.van Ben, C.Satioez (L.Crowther)

A.Fiore (J.Millwood), M.Larsson

The return of Satioez to action was great for us, and it meant that we would have more experience on the field for the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy game. This was a trophy we could win, and as such I put out the best team I could for this match. It wouldn’t have mattered, I didn’t have much else to pick from.

Brighton were all over us from the start, Cestor Mike and Alan Mabayaku at the back being pinpointed non-stop by the Brighton attack. We struggled to maintain formation as they came at us, but Panpare was instrumental in keeping it together. In the first half hour alone he put in twelve terrific tackles to prevent Glenn Murray and Nicky Forster from scoring, and that kept Spavlova happy in the short term. He was required to make a save forty minutes in, the first for both keepers, Forster testing him with a low drive from outside the area. Alan Navarro then missed an absolute sitter for the home side when a corner landed at his feet, the open goal glaring before him.

I had hoped that during the second half we could make more of an effort, and that had to begin with the loss of Satioez who had a knock. We began slightly better than we had left the first half, looking an absolute mess, and almost struck early when Crowther played in Fiore, the Swiss man hitting the side netting when he should have done better. We then lost Fiore too to injury, Millwood replacing him. Brighton forced themselves back into the game, Forster almost lobbing Spavlova from a ridiculous angle. The Russian was angry with his defence, but there wasn’t much to be done about it. Panpare and van Ink did what they could to fill the gaps left by the younger players on more than one occasion, and eventually we held out enough to create something dangerous. Crowther was playing great on the left, and his cross picked out Larsson superbly. In the form of the season Michael wasn’t likely to miss, and he didn’t as he planted his header firmly past Brezovan. We held on, just about, Panpare with a late last ditch tackle that saved our bacon.

Brighton & Hove Albion 0

Sporting Nohope 1 (Larsson 83)

MOTM: Fanfare Panpare – A strong defensive performance from Fanfare, the Frenchman instrumental in keeping us in the game before we actually took the lead.

[mark wilson27]

Gaffer please note my increasingly better form for the Germans

[HorusFM]

Players, please note;

I hate all of you who left for the World Cup.

[mark wilson27]

Oh crap, thats my chance of playing gone down the swanny...Bloody Germans

[Celtic_1967]

Gaffer please note I didn't swan off and leave you in the lurch. I've been busting a gut to keep us alive in the absence of most of my 'team-mates' and I'd like to retain my place when they return.

[tenthreeleader]

May I just interject to say that the Sporting physio room has now been named after me.

Carry on.

[Panpardus]

My god I am good, being French must agree with me!

[HorusFM]

Celtic, I thank your player for all he has brought to the table. I love the man. tenthree, your man is glued to the physio table. Pan, your player has been very important in us keeping on form.

*****

Friday 9th October – International Roundup

Ghana U20’s

Arun Essien gave the best account he could as Ghana came up against Brazil, but the Brazilians were way too strong as they won out 3-0 to progress to the semis.

Italy U20’s

Italy weren’t so wasteful against Hungary, the side having beaten Spain to get here. Italy were too strong for Hungary, Simone Cibala-Aguero instrumental in defence as Italy ran out 3-1 victors.

USA U20’s

Shufflesmith and O’Fara featured as USA beat Czech Republic 2-0 to reach the semis. Shufflesmith made way at half time while O’Fara lasted the whole game, helping o keep a clean sheet in the process.

England U20’s and Germany U20’s

This was the match that mattered as seven players featured between the two countries. Horstel and Wilsone started for France, while Kras, Terkleton, Koroma and Chesterton started for England. Mack Onen came on at half time, and played excellently with Terkleton as England ground out a 2-1 victory.

Saturday 10th October – International Roundup

Northern Ireland

Goalkeeper George McGeorge became the first player to earn his first full international cap, coming on as a substitute for Roy Carroll in Ireland’s 2-2 friendly draw with Macedonia.

Tuesday 13th October – International Roundup

England U20’s

England played Brazil in the semi final of the World Cup, and five Sporting players made some appearance in the game. Those were Onen, Terkleton, Chesterton, Kras and Koroma, but they were unable to prevent England losing 1-0 and dropping out at the final hurdle.

Italy U20’s and USA U20’s

Three players played in this game, O’Fara and Shufflesmith coming up against Cibala-Aguero. Sadly the Americans couldn’t match the Italian strength, and Italy ended up winning 3-1. Most importantly though, Shufflesmith managed a full 90 minutes.

France U21’s

Fanfare Panpare had earned his call-up to the French U21’s after his current recent form, and he played the full 90 minutes against Austria in the U21 European Championship Qualifiers. France ran out 4-2 winners.

Friday 16th October – International Roundup

England U20’s and USA U20’s

The third placed playoff for the World Cup saw Chesterton, Terkleton, Kras, Shufflesmith, Bobblesmith and O’Fara all play, but the English came out on top come the end, winning 2-1.

Italy U20’s

Italy met Brazil in the final, but were unable to overcome them as the boys in yellow and green overcame them 2-1. Cibala-Aguero played the whole game, 20 minutes with injury, but only has a runners up medal to show for it.

World Cup Awards;

Golden Shoe

1. Jozy Altidore

2. Dalbsworth Sanchez

3. Alberto Paloschi

Winners Medals;

Gavinho

Runners up Medals;

Simone Cibala-Aguero

Third Place Medals;

Charlie Terkleton, Chris Kras, Billy Chesterton, Mack Onen, Sam Ramsay-Koroma

*******

Saturday 17th October 2009 – Rich Tea Alley

Sporting Nohope vs. Brentford

League One (12/46)

Y.Spavlova

M.van Ink, C.Mike, F.Panpare, A.van Ben

L.Scott, C.Satioez, A.Essien, S.Horstel

A.Fiore, M.Larsson

Well, many of the bum munchers that we lost to the World Cup (those playing for rubbish nations) had returned, giving me much more choice for the side. Most of our defenders are still missing though, so C.Mike keeps his spot. Satioez shook off his injury, while Horstel and Essien returned from Egypt.

We started brightly, the early warning signs being a long shot from van Ink and a Larsson shot that the keeper somehow saved with his legs. We would take the lead though, Satioez, after missing a fair chance just two minutes earlier, being played through by Fiore and then firing home with power. The pressure came from Brentford, a Spavlova save and the crossbar helping to save our lead. We could and sadly should have been two up, Fiore striking a freekick off the post before Larsson turned the ball in, only to be ruled out wrongly for offside. There was little else to report before half time, Essien picking up a yellow card for a silly tackle on MacDonald.

We started the second half better prepared for getting a second goal, and it happened in style when Satioez and Larsson combined superbly for a one-two. Larsson then struck the ball precisely past the keeper to put us firmly in control. Essien then set Larsson up for his second of the day with our next effort, Larsson’s shot creeping through the keepers legs before dribbling over the line as three defenders rushed to prevent it. We easily dominated Brentford from here on in, Essien and Scott ruling the midfield superbly while allowing van Ben and van Ink to make way up and down the sides. Scott picked up a late yellow for a tug on Diagouraga’s shirt. Some sloppy defending saw Strevens through on goal with ease, Spavlova making a terrific stop to preserve his clean sheet. Panpare and Essien missed late chances to grab a fourth, but it didn’t really matter in the end as we sealed another impressive win.

Sporting Nohope 3 (Satioez 21, Larsson 50, 60)

Brentford 0

MOTM: Michael Larsson – Another goal scoring master class from Larsson helped set us on the path to victory once more, and I seriously don’t know where we’d be right now had Larsson not been available to me.

[tenthreeleader]

Most importantly though, Shufflesmith managed a full 90 minutes.

Of what?

[Manxie_Ash]

I'm off the pace at the moment!

Not good!

[HorusFM]

Of shuffling around tenthree! Nope Ash, your player contributes well to the team during matches, he just doesn't make much impact up front as of yet.

*****

Wednesday 21st October 2009 – Rich Tea Alley

Sporting Nohope vs. Colchester United

League One (13/46)

Y.Spavlova

M.van Ink, C.Terkleton, F.Panpare, A.van Ben

L.Scott, C.Satioez, Gavinho, S.Horstel

A.Fiore, M.Larsson

With all the players back, we now had a full playing roster except for those injured. Those that are injured are; Cibala-Aguero (a month), Sanchez (five months), Chesterton (four days).

This was a massive game for us as Colchester are in second place at current, but we almost went behind when Clive Platt headed goalwards, the ball just about looping over the bar. We did score first though, Larsson and Horstel combining to get Satioez in the box, the winger striking the ball finely past the keeper. Before long it was two nil, Panpare bundling the ball over the line from a Gavinho freekick. Sadly it suddenly became a free for all, Kevin Lisbie breaking the defence and sliding the ball past Spavlova. We regained our two goal advantage when a loose ball in the area was stolen by Gavinho, the midfielder smacking the ball home with some power from inside the area. There wasn’t much else in the half worth discussing, a Panpare header and an almost Terkleton own goal keeping the scoreline as it was.

The second half began in our favour, as expected, Satioez hitting the bar with a powerful thirty yard freekick. We could have had a fourth when Satioez broke down the left, but his cross to Larsson was scuffed, which meant the striker struggled to get his shot on goal. The half wore down very quickly, neither side managing much in the way of a chance or shot on goal. That’s how I, and Spavlova, seemed to prefer it. Horstel saw himself joining the card book for a reckless pull down of O’Toole, but it didn’t matter as we secured yet another win, and move away from 2nd place.

Sporting Nohope 3 (Satioez 3, Panpare 8, Gavinho 19)

Colchester United 1 (Lisbie 11)

MOTM: Fanfare Panpare – Another excellent performance by Panpare in the centre of defence, and he’s proving himself an important player, especially with the evidence that he challenge for goals too.

[Dalbeider]

Sanchez (five months)

Hmmm, extended holidays, sounds nice... if it wasn't for the pain, of course. Or for the fact that I'm not getting any of that damn spotlight until March at the earliest .

Out of curiosity, what is it? Cruciate ligaments? Broken leg? It can't be a fractured skull, I can play through that, it's not like there's anything inside worth protecting anyway...

[HorusFM]

The worst injury possible for a striker.... broken foot.

[HorusFM]

Saturday 24th October 2009 – The Galpharm Stadium

Huddersfield Town vs. Sporting Nohope

League One (14/46)

Y.Spavlova

M.van Ink, C.Terkleton, F.Panpare, A.van Ben

L.Scott, C.Satioez (A.Fiore), A.Essien, V.Bobblesmith (S.Horstel)

J.Shufflesmith, M.Larsson

We were on great form coming into this one, but away at the Galpharm wasn’t going to be easy. Shufflesmith returns to the firs team, as does Bobblesmith and Essien with Gavinho, Horstel and Fiore the dropped players.

We struggled in the opening phases, Rhodes forcing a save from Spavlova within the opening two minutes. In all honesty we struggled to even pass amongst ourselves, something I couldn’t understand. A fingertip save by Smithies from a Satioez shot kept the score level, but Satioez set up Essien for a vicious strike, one that flew past the keeper. We were a goal up, but minutes later it was two as Larsson headed the ball over the defence and Essien ran onto it, his finish crisp and precise past Smithies. We lost our way a little and Charlie Terkleton gifted a penalty to Huddersfield, Novak sending it to his right only for Spavlova to make a terrific save. We could have been three up when Panpare had a perfect chance to head in, but it was met on the line by someone and cleared away. Essien also had two chances to seal his hat trick, but he sent one shot over before the other into the keeper’s arms. We went in two goals up, but lost Satioez to injury. Fiore came on for him.

The second half was hardly an event for the first twenty minutes, Shufflesmith having a shot easily saved before Larsson sent a header wide. Shufflesmith then forced another save from Smithies, before the keeper pulled off a superb save to keep out the American’s third fine effort. I brought Horstel on late in the game to inject some flair into the midfield, Bobblesmith intended to come off. Before he could, he struck a superb 25 yard shot in off the bar to put us 3-0 before he eventually did make way. Shufflesmith had another fine effort saved by Smithies, the rivalry between them finally getting to the American. Horstel struck the post late on, but there weren’t any more goals as we went home with just three. We are now unbeaten in 18.

Huddersfield Town 0

Sporting Nohope 3 (Essien 15, 20, Bobblesmith 79)

MOTM: Arun Essien – Arun did excellent to come in, when considered not a regular first teamer, and score two goals from midfield. They were both excellent goals too, and he’s put himself in good stead for another shot in the next game.

[Offspring8]

Yesss, my diet of rich tea biscuits is finally paying off!

[mark wilson27]

Looks like my games are going to be limited to Under 20 internationals

[HorusFM]

Wednesday 28th October 2009 – Emirates Stadium

Arsenal vs. Sporting Nohope

League Cup 4th Round

Y.Spavlova

M.O’Fara, C.Terkleton, F.Panpare, A.van Ben

L.Scott, Gavinho, V.Bobblesmith, J.Shufflesmith

M.Larsson, A.Fiore

The toughest game of our season, by a mile. We travelled to Arsenal to put on our first big appearance in a big four stadium. O’Fara, Fiore and Gavinho returned to the first team for this one.

We lasted 14 minutes before Arsenal began to knock on our door, Walcott playing a ball to Nasri, the Frenchman messing up first before knocking his second effort past Spavlova to put them in front. Larsson went close to putting us back level, his lobbed effort only just going over the bar. Ramsey almost put Arsenal two ahead as we obviously struggled to cope with the Arsenal attack. We couldn’t wait for half time in all honesty, Walcott and Nasri both forcing saves from Spavlova again. The whistle was very welcome.

We didn’t start the second any better to be honest, Bendtner spurning the perfect opportunity to make it two nil. We didn’t really have anything in reply and went two nil down when an Arshavin corner found Denilson in the centre, the defensive midfielder smacking the ball home, high into the net. We then lost van Ben to injury, the player being replaced with van Ink. Spavlova was in action again when Arshavin unlocked the door for Bendtner, and once again made an excellent stop. There was almost silence in the stadium though when Gavinho picked out Panpare in the centre, his thumping header almost ripping through the net. We were suddenly back in the game, but were lacking in any real striking threat. Ramsey and Bendtner both missed sitters that could have finally sent us packing, but we couldn’t find a way through. We ended up losing, but with much faith in ourselves. The late highlight was when Shufflesmith crushed Gallas in a tackle, injured him, and then didn’t even get booked.

Arsenal 2 (Nasri 16, Denilson 56)

Sporting Nohope 1 (Panpare 69)

MOTM: Fanfare Panpare – Another phenomenal defensive performance from Panpare, against a side that required it more than anything. His goal was superbly taken, his place as the set piece weapon now firmly in place.

*******

Saturday 31st October 2009 – Rich Tea Alley

Sporting Nohope vs. Southampton

League One (15/46)

Y.Spavlova

B.Chesterton, C.Terkleton, F.Panpare (M.Onen), M.O’Fara (M.van Ink)

L.Scott, C.Satioez, A.Essien, Gavinho

M.Wilsone (A.Fiore), M.Larsson

Arsenio van Ben is out injured (four weeks), while we are still without Sanchez (four months) and Aguero (twelve days). Wilsone, Essien and Chesterton return to the first eleven in place of Bobblesmith, Fiore and van Ben.

It took us very little time to make an impact, a melee in the box eventually seeing Satioez emerge from it with the ball, the winger turning his marker and smashing the ball into the net for 1-0. We kept the pressure up on Southampton, but they went close when Schneiderlin broke past, his shot dragged helplessly wide. We came very close when Essien played in Gavinho, his shot bent superbly goalwards only for it to hit the post and roll across goal. Panpare picked up first half yellow when he brought down Papa Waigo but we still held the ball well and kept the pressure on them. As usual though it mattered not as Puncheon broke the offside trap and slotted the ball past Spavlova to level the game, so annoyingly. We should have been back in front when Wilsone broke their defence, but he struck the post so agonisingly. He didn’t miss the second one though, Chesterton playing him in with a nice little ball, the finish very nice by the German. We seemed to fall apart after going back in front, Kenny Pavey somehow beating three of our defenders before striking his effort off the bar. Thankfully we made it to half time in front, and hopefully we could continue that come the end.

Southampton sadly came out the hungrier, Barnard forcing a save from Spavlova with a decent header. Wilsone wasted a fine one on one moment before O’Fara got injured, van Ink coming on for him. We held the Saints off relatively easy for awhile, sometimes managing to venture forward ourselves, Essien putting a shot just over. Lloyd James smacked a terrific shot goalwards, Spavlova doing brilliantly for us again by turning it around the post. With Panpare on a yellow, and having just wasted a fine chance, I decided to take him off for Onen. Southampton were getting the better chances, but their play in the final third was poor for the moment and we were just about surviving. My final substitute saw Wilsone come off for Fiore in an attempt to wrestle a final goal out of the game. He was gifted the perfect chance to do that, but instead of carrying on his run, he took a tame shot at goal. The pressure continued to pile against us and we looked lesser and lesser able of coping, a rare moment of pause when Fiore fired a very well placed freekick way over the bar. Thankfully we held on and took another massive three points.

Sporting Nohope 2 (Satioez 1, Wilsone 31)

Southampton 1 (Puncheon 29)

MOTM: Christian Satioez – The winger is finding his feet after a lengthy injury layoff, and he’s returning to form nicely. His goal today was exceptional, and his all round midfield contributions making him imperative in getting three big points.

[mark wilson27]

Wah hey a goal, told you that you could trust me Gaffer, appreciate the start

[HorusFM]

A pleasure Wilsone.

*****

Goals;

Michael Larsson - 9

Christian Satioez - 7

Dalbsworth Sanchez - 6

Ashlei Fiore - 4

Stefan Horstel - 4

Assists;

Michael Larsson - 10

Gavinho - 7

Christian Satioez - 5

Ashlei Fiore – 5

Vincent Bobblesmith - 4

Average Rating;

Fanfare Panpare – 7.77

Simone Cibala-Aguero - 7.66

Michael Larsson - 7.63

Dalbsworth Sanchez - 7.56

Arun Essien – 7.52

September Player of the Month

1. Nathan Tyson

2. Arun Essien

3. Gary McSheffrey

September Young Player of the Month

1. Michael Larsson

2. Arun Essien

3. Tom Adeyemi

September Manager of the Month

1. Mametz Elrithral

2. Steve Tilson

3. Paul Lambert

| Pos                                 | Inf   | Team            |       | Pld   | Won   | Drn   | Lst   | For   | Ag    | G.D.  | Pts   | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 1st                                 |       | Sporting Nohope |       | 15    | 13    | 2     | 0     | 42    | 9     | +33   | 41    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 2nd                                 |       | Colchester      |       | 15    | 9     | 3     | 3     | 34    | 16    | +18   | 30    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 3rd                                 |       | Southend        |       | 15    | 10    | 0     | 5     | 30    | 20    | +10   | 30    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 4th                                 |       | Norwich         |       | 15    | 8     | 4     | 3     | 26    | 15    | +11   | 28    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 5th                                 |       | Brighton        |       | 15    | 8     | 4     | 3     | 21    | 13    | +8    | 28    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 6th                                 |       | Swindon         |       | 15    | 7     | 4     | 4     | 18    | 16    | +2    | 25    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 7th                                 |       | Huddersfield    |       | 15    | 7     | 3     | 5     | 24    | 17    | +7    | 24    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 8th                                 |       | MK Dons         |       | 15    | 7     | 3     | 5     | 21    | 24    | -3    | 24    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 9th                                 |       | Leeds           |       | 15    | 6     | 4     | 5     | 31    | 22    | +9    | 22    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 10th                                |       | Charlton        |       | 15    | 6     | 4     | 5     | 24    | 18    | +6    | 22    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 11th                                |       | Walsall         |       | 15    | 5     | 7     | 3     | 16    | 14    | +2    | 22    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 12th                                |       | Oldham          |       | 15    | 7     | 1     | 7     | 22    | 27    | -5    | 22    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 13th                                |       | Millwall        |       | 15    | 5     | 3     | 7     | 16    | 21    | -5    | 18    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 14th                                |       | Bristol Rovers  |       | 15    | 5     | 2     | 8     | 16    | 22    | -6    | 17    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 15th                                |       | Carlisle        |       | 15    | 5     | 2     | 8     | 24    | 31    | -7    | 17    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 16th                                |       | Gillingham      |       | 15    | 4     | 4     | 7     | 19    | 30    | -11   | 16    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 17th                                |       | Southampton     |       | 15    | 7     | 4     | 4     | 20    | 16    | +4    | 15    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 18th                                |       | Exeter          |       | 15    | 3     | 6     | 6     | 15    | 15    | 0     | 15    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 19th                                |       | Tranmere        |       | 15    | 3     | 6     | 6     | 15    | 22    | -7    | 15    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 20th                                |       | Hartlepool      |       | 15    | 3     | 4     | 8     | 16    | 26    | -10   | 13    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 21st                                |       | Brentford       |       | 15    | 3     | 4     | 8     | 12    | 22    | -10   | 13    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 22nd                                |       | Wycombe         |       | 15    | 3     | 3     | 9     | 14    | 22    | -8    | 12    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 23rd                                |       | Stockport       |       | 15    | 2     | 5     | 8     | 10    | 19    | -9    | 11    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 24th                                |       | Yeovil          |       | 15    | 2     | 2     | 11    | 9     | 38    | -29   | 8     | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 10 points deducted from Southampton |       |                 |       |       |       |       |       |       |       |       |       | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
|                                     |       |                 |       |       |       |       |       |       |       |       |       | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 

******

Tuesday 10th November 2009 – St James Park

Exeter City vs. Sporting Nohope

Johnstone’s Paint Trophy South Quarter Final

C.Kras

B.Chesterton, C.Terkleton, F.Panpare, S.Cibala-Aguero (M.van Ink)

L.Scott, J.Shufflesmith, S.Horstel, S.Ramsay-Koroma (V.Bobblesmith)

M.Wilsone, A.Fiore

With this being a cup game of general minor importance, I rested some of the more established first teamers and gave games to those either returning to fitness, from injury or just struggling for game time.

We started quite brightly, Shufflesmith and Scott both sending efforts over the bar while our passing was quite crisp. A Shufflesmith diving header was a rare chance of action in a very barren first twenty, he then forced a terrific stop from the keeper with a very powerful point blank effort. Koroma was next to try his luck, his first time volley from outside the area flying well wide of goal. Exeter were being quite boring and just sitting back, but it failed to work for them when Wilsone crossed into the centre, Fiore heading the ball home from just on the line. Cibala-Aguero’s return from injury didn’t go so well when he was taken off just on the forty minute mark, van Ink replacing him. We grabbed a second before half time, Shufflesmith finishing on the end of a Horstel pass but it was ruled out for offside.

Exeter began the second half with a rare sight of goal, Corr shooting over from outside the box. They did almost peg us back, Corr with a crisp shot that Kras did superbly to turn away. Another injury prevented us from really getting going, Koroma coming off and being replaced with Bobblesmith. Panpare had our first chance on goal of the second half twenty minutes in, his header hitting the side netting. Fiore then raced away, not a defender in sight, towards the opposition goal, but his shot was only just tipped wide. Sadly for Shufflesmith he had the ball in the net again with a fine headed goal, but once again was victim of the offside flag. We had our third disallowed goal of the night when Terkleton headed in from a freekick, the defender supposedly having fouled his way to the ball. There wasn’t to be another goal in the game and we progressed with general ease to the next round.

Exeter City 0

Sporting Nohope 1 (Fiore 30)

MOTM: Markus Wilsone – The young German had a very good game today, his hold up play excellent and the cross that Fiore scored from was exceptionally flighted.

[Offspring8]

Top of the league for the team and for me personally, a very good average rating and runner-up in Player of the Month and Young Player of the Month awards - a good season so far! Well played Gav

[mark wilson27]

Two games, a goal, Man of the Match, Maybe the World Cup wasnt a bad idea after all eh Gaffer

[HorusFM]

Wilsone is on good form at the moment.

******

Friday 13th November – International Roundup

Germany U21’s

Markus Wilsone came off the bench for Germany for the second half of their 4-1 win over Iceland in their European Qualifiers. He scored two good goals in the process.

England U21’s

Mack Onen was a 57th minute substitute for Michael Johnson, the defender helping England beat Estonia 2-0.

Ghana U21’s

Arun Essien, the new captain of the U21’s, played the whole match and led his team to victory over Mali, 1-0.

USA U20’s

Jeffrey Shufflesmith played 52 minutes for USA against St Vincent and the Grenadines, the Americans winning out 2-0.

Switzerland U21’s

Ashlei Fiore returned to international action on the back of ending his club goal drought and scored the only goal of the game in the 52nd minute to help them beat Slovenia. He then however picked up an injury in the final minute of play that will see him out for two months.

Saturday 14th November – International Roundup

USA

Vincent Bobblesmith became the second player to earn a full international call up, coming on as a 73rd minute sub for Jermaine Jones as USA beat St Vincent and the Grenadines 2-0.

Northern Ireland

George McGeorge kept his number one spot for a friendly against Canada and kept a clean sheet as Northern Ireland ran out 1-0 winners.

Tuesday 17th November – International Roundup

England U21’s and France U21’s

Four Sporting defenders met in this friendly match up, though none of them really gave a good account of themselves as the scoreline finished 3-3. Mack Onen and Charlie Terkleton came on as subs, Onen setting up Carroll for his second goal, while Chesterton started and was replaced at half time. Panpare played for France, and played 72 minutes before making way.

USA U20’s

Jeffrey Shufflesmith started again, but was subbed at half time for a lack of involvement in USA’s 2-1 friendly victory over Belize.

Germany U21’s

Markus Wilsone earned himself a start after bagging two from the bench last time out, and he proved it a wise choice as he bagged two more as Germany beat Liechtenstein 4-0. Stefan Horstel came on at half time for Toni Kroos, but failed to make any impact.

Ghana U21’s

Arun Essien captained Ghana for 84 minutes to a 0-0 draw with Sao Tome and Principe. He also picked up a yellow card.

Wednesday 18th November – International Roundup

Northern Ireland

George McGeorge lost his spot despite a good showing against Canada, but came on as a substitute for Roy Carroll in their 1-1 draw with Belgium. He didn’t make much impact though, not really having anything to do.

USA

Vincent Bobblesmith came on as a half time sub for Clint Dempsey, but didn’t really make an impact as USA beat Belize 2-0.

******

Saturday 21st November 2009 – Rich Tea Alley

Sporting Nohope vs. Tranmere Rovers

League One (16/46)

Y.Spavlova

B.Chesterton, M.Onen, F.Panpare, M.O’Fara

L.Scott, C.Satioez (J.Shufflesmith), S.Horstel (A.van Ben), Gavinho (A.Essien)

M.Wilsone, M.Larsson

A few injuries hit us from our last game Koroma (four weeks), Sanchez (three months), Fiore (eight weeks), Cibala-Aguero (two weeks) the current crippled players. Onen comes in to start after missing action for awhile.

We started absolutely superbly, Horstel firing a good shot at goal. It was saved well, but Larsson lashed an unstoppable twenty yard volley back at goal that beat the keeper hands down. Onen had a fine double chance to score, his first header saved well before his second was wasted over the bar. He didn’t waste his third as he fired a super placed header past Daniels. We just wouldn’t let up on them, Horstel seeing another fine shot of his saved decently. After scoring the first, Larsson turned provider to lay a little ball off for Wilsone, the German finally taking his time to place his shot, the ball nestling nicely in the corner. O’Fara should have a goal when he surged from his own box to theirs, his final shot smelling strongly of a defender trying his best to shoot. The shots continued to rain down on goal, Horstel and Scott firing wide while Gavinho forced another good save from Daniels. After just returning to the side Horstel needed to leave the field with a knock, van Ben replacing him.

We started as back as strongly as we went in, Onen hitting the bar with a header that only just got cleared away. Our passing was as good as it has been all season, and van Ben got on the end of a decent Gavinho pass, his final shot rather poor and rushed. We weren’t as good in the second half at making an impact in the final third, our shots becoming rather ambitious to say the least. Gavinho picked up a yellow for a poor challenge, and rather than risk him I took him off for Essien, also bringing Shufflesmith on for Satioez. Essien’s first touch was a shot, Wilsone playing him in, but it lacked any power and harmlessly floated wide. We grabbed our deserved fourth very late on, Larsson holding up the ball before playing Wilsone through on goal, his finish powerful and into the corner. The one minute of injury time vanished as quickly as expected and we went down the tunnel very happy indeed.

Sporting Nohope 4 (Larsson 9, Onen 16, Wilsone 21, 89)

Tranmere Rovers 0

MOTM: Michael Larsson – When Michael fires on all cylinders, he is simply unstoppable. Today was one of those days, and he scored one, set two up, to help us maul Tranmere into submission.

[HorusFM]

Tuesday 24th November 2009 – Elland Road

Leeds United vs. Sporting Nohope

League One (17/46)

Y.Spavlova

A.van Ben, M.Onen, F.Panpare, M.O’Fara

L.Scott, C.Satioez, S.Horstel, A.Essien

M.Wilsone, M.Larsson

The players out injured remain the same, while Gavinho is unavailable for this one through suspension (maximum yellow card limit).

As expected on their home turf, Leeds came at us quite strongly and put us under some immense early pressure. Becchio forced a save from Spavlova with a crisp long range shot, but that was it for the most part. There was little in the way of goalmouth action between the both of us, Bradley Johnson going close with a bending twenty yard effort. After half an hour we finally managed a shot at goal, Horstel firing one just over. It just didn’t seem likely to be our day as Becchio forced another save from Spavlova, this one hitting the post. They looked the more likely to take the lead, and a rare chance for us from Larsson passed by unnoticed as half time beckoned.

Despite looking sloppy when we first came back out, we went so close through Essien, the midfielders shot only just tipped over by Higgs. Onen also a headed effort go just over as we tried to establish some pressure. Both sides were extremely lucky in the space of a minute when McSheffrey hit the post, following up on Horstel also doing the same. Larsson was next to flash a shot just wide of goal, and while we were looking like getting closer we just couldn’t finish it. We continued to knock, Horstel once again firing a shot wide but he would be the one to finally set a goal up for us. His corner found Onen in the centre of the box unmarked, the defender casually flicking the ball in like it came so naturally. A minute later and it was two nil, Horstel receiving the ball from Scott, taking a touch with his left, smashing it in with his right. He could have had a second as the game came to a close, his obscure angled shot rolling along the crossbar. We comfortably ran out 2-0 winners, and continued our impressive march to the title.

Leeds United 0

Sporting Nohope 2 (Onen 76, Horstel 78)

MOTM: Stefan Horstel – Come the end of the match it was obvious that Stefan would take man of the match, and rightly so. He had been plugging away all game, the goal and assist pushing us to another impressive win.

******

November Player of the Month Award

1. David Martin

2. Grant Holt

3. Mack Onen

November Young Player of the Month Award

1. Fred Sears

2. Markus Wilsone

3. Mack Onen

November Manager of the Month Award

1. Paul Lambert

2. Mametz Elrithral

3. Steve Tilson

******

Tuesday 1st December 2009 – Rich Tea Alley

Sporting Nohope vs. Gillingham

League One (18/46)

Y.Spavlova

A.van Ben, M.Onen, F.Panpare, M.O’Fara

L.Scott, C.Satioez (J.Shufflesmith), S.Horstel, Gavinho

M.Wilsone (V.Bobblesmith), M.Larsson

The return of Gavinho for Essien is the only change, Koroma (thirteen days), Sanchez (ten weeks) and Fiore (six weeks) all still injured while Aguero is regaining fitness.

With Gillingham doing rather poorly so far this season, we would definitely be looking for the win at home today. We should have been ahead with our first effort, but Wilsone sent his effort into the keeper’s hands. We did take the lead though, a good save leaving Wilsone with the ball, his cross picking out an unmarked Satioez who headed into an open goal to put us in front. Five minutes later and Wilsone found himself in the same territory, his cross this time picking out an unmarked Larsson to plant a header nicely in the corner. We completely dominated Gillingham, shots raining in from Satioez, Horstel and Gavinho very regularly. Most of them were very inaccurate, but Onen went close with that skidded past the Gillingham woodwork. It looked like we would be heading in at just two nil, but a Gavinho freekick found Larsson in the box, the super striker rising nicely to meet it in the air and head it home for his second, though his airplane celebration left a lot to be desired.

Gillingham started the second with a bit of vigour, but found themselves lacking up front and wasted a couple of chances that could have been better handled. We regained the foothold with two long range efforts, both Satioez and Horstel hitting the side netting from about thirty yards out. I made a substitution fifteen minutes in, Bobblesmith coming on for Wilsone. Larsson won us a penalty immediately after the sub, Chambers bringing him down, and he was adamant to take it. He did so, and struck it powerfully into the roof of the net for his hat-trick. 82 minutes in and Spavlova made his first proper save, a nice dive to his left to prevent Jackson. We had to use another substitute to replace the injured Satioez. His second chance did go in though, a melee in the box resulting in a scrappy consolation. Onen could have added one more to scoreline late on, but it didn’t matter as we ran out nicely as 4-1 winners.

Sporting Nohope 4 (Satioez 11, Larsson 15, 45, pen59)

Gillingham 1 (Jackson 82)

MOTM: Michael Larsson – I am actually running out of things to say.

[Celtic_1967]

:smug:

[mark wilson27]

Fair enough I dodnt score, but cant complain with two assists

[HorusFM]

Saturday 5th December 2009 – The County Ground

Swindon Town vs. Sporting Nohope

League One (19/46)

Y.Spavlova

A.van Ben, M.Onen, C.Terkleton, M.O’Fara

L.Scott, C.Satioez, S.Horstel, Gavinho

J.Shufflesmith, M.Larsson

Two changes to the last match squad, as Panpare and Wilsone drop out for Terkleton and Shufflesmith.

It took us just a minute to take the lead against Swindon, Horstel’s blocked shot landing in the path of Shufflesmith, the striker not likely to miss from a yard. Swindon tried to bite back as quickly as possible, Austin forcing a routine save from Spavlova while Terkleton hit the bar with a long range shot. They equalised a minute later through Pericard, but his run was viewed as offside by the linesman. We doubled our lead through midfield dynamo Gavinho, the midfielder pulling in from the right before unleashing a rocket of a right footed shot past the keeper. It could have been three for us had Horstel not almost broke the crossbar with a super powerful shot, courtesy of a terrific Satioez run. Onen then had the pleasure of the bar as his header bounced off it, Terkleton spoiling the follow up by fouling someone in the box. Half time arrived swiftly after that chance, and I was happy with how we were playing, as usual.

I fully expected Swindon to come at us, but we struck first blood again when O’Fara picked out Gavinho on the edge of the box, this time a sweet left footed goal the order as it bent past the keeper. They pegged us straight away, sloppy and poor defending allowing Paynter to shoot past Spavlova with a dragged shot. The goal rightly forced Swindon into a period of pressure over us, and when we had the chance to pull away from them again; Horstel sent a perfectly good chance rocketing over the bar when it was probably easier to score. Larsson also had a good chance when he broke away from the defence, but his shot beat the keeper only to fail when meeting the post. He then missed a one on one that was almost easier than Horstel’s chance before, and then Satioez became the third in that line of missing fools as he missed a one on one aswell. It didn’t matter as the final whistle came, but it was rather poor to have not won by more considering the chances we missed.

Swindon Town 1 (Paynter 51)

Sporting Nohope 3 (Shufflesmith 1, Gavinho 25, 49)

MOTM: Gavinho – A very composed midfield performance from the Brazilian, and his two goals will have been icing on the cake as he won his first man of the match award this season.

[stoehrst]

I'm glad we're all enjoying my totally superior wing performances

[tenthreeleader]

A goal! Without injury! To me or anyone else!