Punch

FEB 2046 - Match Day 27 - At Aston Villa A dominant performance as we do just enough to get past the struggling Villa. An early goal to Kennedy, before Marshall put us two up, only for us to give one back before the break. While we dominated the second half, we couldn't find a third goal to kill the game off, as the hosts gave us a few nervous moments. We did enough to hang on for the three points, another match where we were not at our best, but done enough to take the points. We stay 5th, but Chelsea's first loss for some time means we all catch up to them slightly. We stay on the road, heading to Arsenal to face the 9th place Gunners.

JAN 2046 A win and two draws from our League matches while we also win two FA Cup, and two Europa League matches, to complete an undefeated month. Marshall takes out another Young Player of the Month Award. Stats Goalkeepers Defenders Midfielders Forwards Our wage bill continues to increase, but we are still a long way down the list. Another busy month ahead as we face five League matches, and a second match against Arsenal in the FA Cup.

JAN 2046 - Match Day 25 - At Leicester City We made really hard work of this one, probably lucky to get away with the win, despite what the score line suggests. A really tight battle through the first half, and we went to the break all level. The second half continued in a tight battle, but it was the hosts with the first chance to take the lead, through a clumsy penalty, but Redmond was able to keep us level with a great save. We then got lucky, twice, as Marshall scored a two minute brace, with two goals that were deflected off defenders, and posts, before crossing the line. We managed to hang on for the remainder of the match, which was a pleasing result as we didn't play well, but battled it out to take the three points. A few catch up games, but our first win in five, keeps us in 5th place. We stay on the road, travelling to the relegation zone Aston Villa.

JAN 2046 - FA Cup 4th Round - At Cardiff City A demolition job in Cardiff as we hammer the Bluebirds on our way to the 5th Round. Despite the hosts scoring a goal late in each half, we were always in control, with a O'Connor hat-trick being the highlight. Job done, and we move on to the next round. We head to Arsenal for the 5th Round, and while we have a terrible record against them, we did gain our first regulation win against them in our most recent meeting. A return to League action as we travel to the struggling Leicester.

Thanks @_DarrenMarshall, glad you're enjoying the ride. I have had random offers for jobs, but this was always meant to be a one club save, so I have always turned them down. Occasionally I muck around on other saves when I need a break from Guernsey, or I play a different game for a while, but I always end up coming back to this one.

JAN 2046 - Europa League Group Stage - 8th Match - Vs Borussia Mönchengladbach (Germany) While it was a dominant performance, it took us a while to secure the win. Despite our dominance, we went tot he break all square, but then there was a burst after the hour, where three goals in as many minutes brought the game to life. A late sealer secured the three points, and maintained our perfect record through the Group Stages. We top the table in the Group Stage, as one of only two perfect teams. Finishing in the top 8 means we skip the Knockout Play-off Round, so we won't know our next opponent for a while yet. We stay in Cup mode, as we travel to Cardiff for the FA Cup 4th Round.

JAN 2046 - Match Day 24 - At Southampton An epic at St Mary's as we couldn't be separated. We hit the lead just before the break, but the hosts levelled in injury time, sending us in all square. Despite a number of chances, neither side could find a winner, and we had to settle for a share of the points. We stay 5th, but now 13 points behind the runaway Chelsea. Our final Group Stage match in the Europa League, as we host German side Borussia Mönchengladbach, who are currently sitting 2nd behind us. With both of us already qualified for the Round of 16, there will be less pressure on both teams, but we will still want to finish top of the Group.

Thanks @Stuniverse. We are really giving them a run for their money now, and are getting very close to really challenging them.

JAN 2046 - Europa League Group Stage - 7th Match - Vs Kasımpaşa A.Ş. (Turkey) We were heavy favourites for this one, but turned in a brilliant performance to demolish our Turkish visitors. Our defensive unit completely shut them out of the game, while our attacking unit tore the visitors to shreds repeatedly. Four goal scorers hit the back of the net five times, while we kept another clean sheet. Over the last two seasons, we have competed in 15 Group Stage matches, and we have still only conceded a single goal. Seven straight wins keeps us top of the table, and we are now qualified for the final 16. A tough return to League action as we travel to the high flying Southampton.

JAN 2046 - Match Day 23 - Vs Liverpool We came up against a red hot Liverpool, who were on a 5 match winning streak, and it turned into an epic battle at the Green Lions Den. While the game lacked goals, there was plenty of attacking intent from both teams. Plenty of chances were created by both teams, but both defensive units, and especially both goalkeepers, had blinders, so neither side was able to find the back of the net. We take another point off a top team, but we are getting closer to them, and seems like we just need a final little push to get us over the top of them. Three draws in a row takes us up to 5th place, leaping Man City on goal difference, although we have now fallen 11 points behind Chelsea. At the bottom of the table, after 9 straight losses, Derby have taken their first win of the season, with possibly the upset of the year, knocking over West Ham. We return to Europa League action, hosting Turkey's Kasımpaşa.

JAN 2046 - While we were on Cup duty A couple of make up games played, though they had no real effect on our position.

JAN 2046 - FA Cup 3rd Round - At Swansea City AFC We were heavy favourites, but still had to make sure we put together a good performance to get through. We played a few youngsters along with a strong team, but while our finishing was a little slack, we done enough to get the job done. A hat-trick from Kennedy was a highlight, but also the clean sheet, with the defensive unit shutting down the Swans attack. We travel to Cardiff for the 4th Round, who we have a undefeated record against. A tough return to League action as we host Liverpool.

DEC 2045 A crazy month where we faced 10 matches, 8 in the League for two wins, four draws, and two losses, while we exited the League Cup, and kept our perfect record in Europa. Stats Goalkeepers We are taking a risk now with only one senior keeper at the club. Mario was complaining about lack of playing time, and he simply isn't as good as Redmond, so I sent him out on loan. Defenders Plenty of rotation among the defensive unit, but there are some pretty solid numbers being put up. Midfielders A lot to like about our midfield numbers as well, Frankie Nix is just bossing around. Forwards We certainly aren't missing the contributions of Finnegan, as Marshall just continues to go from strength to strength up front, already with 20 League goals this season. Plenty of support sharing the load as well, which is pleasing to see. End of Year awards Several of our players recognised for their efforts over the last 12 months as well. Youth Intake Preview Doesn't look like a massive amount to get excited about as yet, but as always, we will wait and see what eventually turns up. A solid hit to the bank this month. Another busy schedule coming up, but thankfully not as crazy as December.

DEC 2045 - Match Day 22 - Vs West Ham United Another Green Lions - Hammers epic battle, and we couldn't be separated in the end. It was all the visitors in the first half, and while we had managed to hold them out, two quick goals before the break, left us with it all to do in the second half. After a half time rocket, the boys came out firing in the second half, and we mounted a massive come back, completed late in the piece. The points are shared as we continue the recent rivalry between these two clubs. We stay in 6th, but we now find ourselves 9 points behind leaders Chelsea. Our FA Cup campaign kicks off as we head to Swansea for the 3rd Round.

I would say the Premier League is responsible for that change, due to the FA dates for the League Cup. We were supposed to meet West Ham in the League in early January, but when they knocked us out of the League Cup, one of their Semi Final legs was scheduled on the same day as our League meeting, so the League meeting was brought forward to the end of December, which just made our schedule even more jam packed. Even in my previous save with Isle of Man, December and January always seem to be jam packed schedules.