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This has been a period of transition or Bettian football. The national team has made it's first forays into the NS arena and has certainly made a splash, albeit controversially, and now the Bettian First Division has undergone a makeover. With new television deals with the newly-formed Sonastra Sports network and Latao's Schmoo Network, lucrative sponsorship deals to be made (hint hint) and an ever-increasing amount of competition, the Apex League looks set to be a nail-biter. So, who are the teams?
Akani Sands (formerly known as Endunn Town)
Nickname: Destroyers
First Kit: Silver shirts with navy trim, navy shorts, silver socks
Change Kit: Dark blue shirts with silver trim, silver shorts, navy socks
Stadium: Shubunkin Park, Akani Sands (capacity: 71000)
Previous Season: 3rd
Settling into their new stadium and sporting a new name after the city council decided to rename the coastal resort in honour of the President's dead goldfish, Akani Sands have been going from strength to strength after their promotion three years ago. They will be looking to improve on their impressive third-place finish, and with a crop of young talent working their way through the ranks, this could be their year.
Butetown Dragons
Nickname: Dragons
First Kit: Green shirts, red shorts, red socks
Change Kit: Red shirts, green shorts, green socks
Stadium: Alice Street, Butetown, Gabalfa (capacity: 41000)
Previous Season: 7th
This experienced team from the Arab quarter of Gabalfa have been stalwarts of the First Division for many years now, and there is no reason to believe that this should change. The only question mark would be the age of some of their key players, although the pacy international winger Jason Abdullah can cause no end of problems for defences.
Ceffinton Town
Nickname: Wolves
First Kit: White shirts, blue shorts, blue socks
Change Kit: Yellow shirts, yellow shorts, yellow socks
Stadium: Parc Banastra, Ceffinton (capacity: 35000 - 20000 seated)
Previous Season: 8th
Ceffinton suprised everyone by finishing a highly creditable 8th in their first season in the First Division, thanks in part to the solid defensive pairing of Wasim Morgan and John McKinnon. Could they match those efforts this time round?
Downton
Nickname: Bulldozers
First Kit: Yellow shirts with black trim, yellow shorts, yellow socks
Change Kit: Blue shirts with amber trim, blue shorts, amber socks
Stadium: Andover Park, Downton (capacity: 33750)
Previous Season: 13th
Downton finished in a respectible mid-table position due to Bobby Rosenstiehl running the forward line almost single-handedly. However, the Bulldozers have been active on the transfer market and will be looking to make a stronger challenge this year.
Emcorn (formerly Aust Rangers)
Nickname: Mattocks
First Kit: Yellow and brown striped shirts, brown shorts, yellow socks
Change Kit: Green and white striped shirts, green shorts, white socks
Stadium: Gordonsbank Road, Emcorn (capacity: 36000)
Previous Season: 14th
Another team sporting a new name, this time after unpopular owner Michael Aust stepped down following on-pitch protests and subsequent investigations into financial irregularities. They will be looking to improve on their mid-table mediocrity, although with all the pre-season turmoil this may be too much to ask.
Gabalfa City
Nickname: Titans
First Kit: Dark red and white striped shirts, dark red shorts, white socks
Change Kit: Blue and grey striped shirts, grey shorts, grey socks
Stadium: Stadiwm Bettia, Gabalfa (capacity: 82000)
Previous Season: League Runners-Up
One of the league's big two, City are hoping to bring the league title back to the national stadium after losing it to their bitter rivals. With a squad as strong as theirs, they are definately front-runners.
Gabalfa Rovers
Nickname: Flames
First Kit: Red shirts with single yellow hoop, red shorts, red socks
Change Kit: Blue shirts with a single white hoop, white shorts, blue socks
Stadium: The Gasworks, Gabalfa (capacity: 85700)
Previous Season: League Champions
Rovers were virtually unbeatable last season as their international strike partnership of Stuart Abdul-Rahim and Gethin Ward tore through defences almost at will on their way to winning the league and cup double. This coupled with Amir Bettison in goal, Musa Williams and Amir Bin Da'ud in defence and Evan Brooks calling the shots in midfield means Rovers will not let go of their title easily.
Grappenhall United
Nickname: Warriors
First Kit: Red shirts, red shorts, red socks
Change Kit: Light green shirts, light green shorts, light green socks
Stadium: The Campus Ground, Grappenhall (capacity: 65000)
Previous Season: 4th
This big team from the famed university city have spectularly underacheived in recent years, although they went some way to putting that right last year by finishing fourth. Much will depend on defensive kingpin Gareth Coates and rising star Ieuan Swain if they are to bolster their standing.
Kirkwood Town
Nickname: Diamonds
First Kit: Sky blue shirts with a blue sash, blue shorts, sky blue socks
Change Kit: Black shirts with a sky blue sash, black shorts, black socks
Stadium: Hulley Street, Kirkwood (capacity: 28000 - 15000 seated)
Previous Season: Promoted from 2nd Division as champions
The plucky Diamonds astounded everyone by pipping Lorshill City at the post to gain back-to-back promotions, and win the 2nd Division championship to boot. However, they lack the resources that Lorshill City command. This may be one step to far and many expect them to struggle.
Lorshill City
Nickname: Ravens
First Kit: Black shirts with yellow trim, black shorts, black socks
Change Kit: Yellow shirts with a black trim, yellow shorts, yellow socks
Stadium: Ravenhill Park, Lorshill (capacity: 52000)
Previous Season: Promoted from 2nd Division as runners-up
City's board have pumped large amounts of money into catching up with their city rivals United. They were hugely disappointed to lose the 2nd Division title after leading for so long, and they will need to get over that if they are to make any impact in the top flight.
Lorshill United
Nickname: Rhinos
First Kit: Blue shirts with yellow hoops, yellow shorts, blue socks
Change Kit: White shirts with amber hoops, amber shorts, amber socks
Stadium: The Stamping Ground, Lorshill (capacity: 75000)
Previous Season: 5th
The Rhinos will be hoping their new Stamping Ground is aptly named. Famed for their mean defence marshalled by the giant Robert Sole, United will sorely miss their star striker who was forced to retire after picking up a severe knee injury. They will need to find a replacement if they are to mount a challenge for the title this season.
Maindy
Nickname: Bombers
First Kit: Black shirts with a red sash, red shorts, black socks
Change Kit: White shirts with a red sash, red shorts, white socks
Stadium: Crown Stadium, Maindy, Gabalfa (capacity: 34950 - 20000 seated)
Previous Season: 9th
Perennial mid-table occupants Maindy have signalled their ambitions by signing promising young striker Laurie LeClerc from Gabalfa Rovers amoungst others. Could be this season's dark horses.
Old Maxwellians
Nickname: Toffs
First Kit: Navy blue shirts with white trim, white shorts, navy blue socks
Change Kit: Yellow shirts with a navy blue trim, yellow shorts, yellow socks
Stadium: Laytonia Avenue, Grappenhall (capacity: 30000 - 10000 seated)
Previous Season: 3rd in 2nd Division, promoted as play-off winners
After spending five years outside the Apex League, the Toffs finally regained their top-flight status and are looking to get one over their city rivals Grappenhall United.
AFC Rendrew
Nickname: Axes
First Kit: Green shirts with white chevron, white shorts, green socks
Change Kit: Silver shirts with green chevron, silver shorts, silver socks
Stadium: North Street, Rendrew, Gabalfa (capacity: 40000)
Previous Season: 12th
AFC Rendrew have been gradually providing a stronger and challenge over the years, currently boasting a number of players who have gone on to represent their country. However, they will sorely miss the presence of Geraint Carew who has recently signed for Cockbill Street champions Vimesbairn Athletic, and this could prove telling.
Roath Albion
Nickname: Thunderbolts
First Kit: Sky blue shirts with yellow sash, sky blue shorts, sky blue socks
Change kit: Green shirts with a black sash, green shorts, black socks
Stadium: Penylan Park, Riviston (capacity: 40000 - 25000 seated)
Previous Season: 10th
The 'Bolts did well to consolidate their position so well after promotion in the previous year, and have shown their willingness to further their progress by investing in the team and their stadium, which now sports an impressive new grandstand. Whether they actually improve on last season as another matter.
Sukatra Tigers
Nickname: Tigers
First Kit: Amber shirts with black pinstripes, black shorts, amber socks
Change Kit: Red shirts with white pinstripes, white shorts, red socks
Stadium: Al-Fath Stadium, Sukatra (capacity: 63000 - 30000 seated)
Previous Season: 6th
Sukatra has proven to be a difficult place for teams to come to, as the Al-Fath stadium can become a veritable cauldron of noise when filled. Whilst having no current internationals, the Tigers boast a strong team with experts tipping them for the league title.
AFC Tamrida
Nickname: Stars
First Kit: Blue shirts with yellow sleeves, yellow shorts, blue socks
Change Kit: Yellow shirts with red sleeves, yellow shorts, red socks
Stadium: Thamitra Gate Stadium, Tamrida (capacity: 55000)
Previous Season: 15th
Tamrida were fortunate not to go down last year, having been involved in a relegation dogfight right up until the last week. The management have taken no chances using the opportunity to strengthen their team, and they should have no worries this season.
Whitchurch United
Nickname: Lions
First Kit: Red and black striped shirts, black shorts, red socks
Change Kit: Blue and white striped shirts, white shorts, blue socks
Stadium: Harewood Park, Whitchurch (capacity: 35000 - 30000 seated)
Previous Season: 11th
With the raw talent of Aaron Brown and Chris Hutton, Whitchurch were a force to be reckoned with and only finished in mid-table due to a spectacular collapse towards the end of last season. They must improve their consistancy and fitness if there are to go any better this year.
The new season kicks off shortly. Who will be champions? Stay tuned! |
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Apex League News
United Dismiss Hutton Rumours
Whitchurch United chairman Bernie Understone angrily rejected rumours linking top scorer Chris Hutton with a move to Vilitan outfit Marine Coast United. He told journalists "These rumours are exactly that - rumours. Baseless rumours. Chris is under contract here and he isn't going anywhere."
However, Chris Hutton did nothing to put these reports to bed. When asked about this subject, he replied "My agent has advised me not to make any comment."
Star Striker Announces Retirement
International striker Stuart Abdul-Rahim has told a press conference that he intends to hang up his boots at the end of the season to begin earning his coaching qualifications. The record league and international goalscorer told reporters "I've really enjoyed my time here at (Gabalfa) Rovers, and I've been proud to represent my country on the international arena, but the time has come for me to give my legs a rest and let some of the younger lads an opportunity". |
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Everything To Play For...
Going into the last matchday, the Apex League is indeed finely poised with both championship and relegation issues still unresolved.
After holding a ten-point advantage over their rivals at one point in the season, a relatively poor run has seen Akani Sands gain only 15 points from their last ten games. Their comfortable cushion has slipped away and they now find themselves in second place behind Gabalfa Rovers who in contrast have won all but two of their last ten matches, scoring 21 goals in the process.
Everything truly hinges on the final game. Because of their superior goal difference, a win will all but guarantee that the league trophy remains in Gabalfa Rovers' hands. Akani Sands must gain a better result than Rovers to be crowned champions. However, this doesn't look too easy as they must travel to 5th placed Ceffinton Town. On the other hand, Rovers, spearheaded by international strikeforce Gethin Ward (23 goals) and Stuart Abdul-Rahim (14 goals), seem to have a much easier task at home to Roath Albion.
Things are equally tense at the foot of the table, with the bottom four all looking nervously over their shoulders. Due to their poor goal difference, AFC Rendrew are as good as relegated bar a mathematic miracle - they must win AND all the three teams above them must lose AND hope that Lorshill City lose extremely heavily. AFC Rendrew face a daunting trip to 6th-placed Downton, whilst Lorshill City are at home to local rivals Lorshill United, needing a win to guarantee Apex League football next season.
The Old Maxwellians currently find themselves occupying the relegation play-off spot - if they remain in this position after the last round of matches, they will face Fiilghud Town who are confirmed a third place finish in the 2nd Division. They must win away to mid-table Grappenhall and hope that other results go their way. Kirkwood Town find themselves in an automatic relegation spot courtesy of a dreadful run which has seen them slump from third after Matchday 18 to second-bottom. They go into their home match with Maindy also needing a win and hoping that results elsewhere are favourable.
As usual, full results, scorers and squads can be found at http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Apex_League.
| CODE | Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Gabalfa Rovers 69 21 6 6 58:28 28
2. Akani Sands 69 21 6 6 43:23 20
3. Sukatra Tigers 61 18 7 8 48:27 21
4. Gabalfa City 55 14 13 6 41:29 12
5. Ceffinton Town 50 13 11 9 39:31 8
6. Downton 49 14 7 12 39:37 2
7. Lorshill United 48 13 9 11 34:31 3
8. Emcorn 46 13 7 13 32:37 -5
9. Grappenhall 45 12 9 12 40:39 1
10. Butetown Dragons 44 12 8 13 41:41 0
11. Maindy 42 12 6 15 32:38 -6
12. AFC Tamrida 42 12 6 15 27:39 -12
13. Roath Albion 38 10 8 16 34:38 -4
14. Whitchurch 36 9 9 15 32:44 -12
15. Lorshill City 34 8 10 15 30:43 -11
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16. Old Maxwellians 32 8 8 17 31:42 -11
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17. Kirkwood Town 32 9 5 19 31:44 -13
18. AFC Rendrew 31 8 7 18 25:46 -21 |
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Sands Storm to Glory
Akani Sands were crowned champions of Bettia for the first time in their history today after a dramatic afternoon's events. Their hero was leading scorer John Harding, who grabbed the decisive goal against Ceffinton Town early in the second half. The international striker finished on 19 goals for the season, missing out on the Golden Boot by five. The biggest plus-point for the Destroyers has been their defence who, marshalled by captain Ian Redpath, only conceded 23 goals in 34 games.
Nearest rivals Gabalfa Rovers narrowly missed reclaiming their title thanks to a home defeat against unfancied Roath Albion, an early goal from Cynfor Gwyns doing the damage. However, they boasted the leading strikeforce in the division led by international pairing Gethin Ward and Stuart Abdul-Rahim (who recently annoucned his retirement), and this should hold them in good stead for the upcoming Champions League. With impressive young striker Tariq Al-Jahani waiting in the wings to replace him, the future look good for the Flames.
Qualifying for the NSFA Cup in third place are the Sukatra Tigers, spearheaded by the league's top scorer Latif Hunter. The youngster has truly been the revelation of the season, and has left the national team management with a happy dilemma - do they pick him for the U21s or the full international squad?
Picking up the last NSFA Cup qualifying spot are Gabalfa City, who had a solid yet unspectacular season due mainly to an uncharacteristicly slow start which saw them score just four goals in their first ten games. However, they soon picked up and a series of good results saw them climb steadily up the table thanks to some stellar performances by up-and-coming star Badr Warlow. It is well-known they are looking to improve their forward line, with Whitchurch's Chris Hutton and AFC Rendrew's Judson York top of their list.
At the wrong end of the table, it is Kirkwood Town who find themselves bottom of the pile and heading straight back down after just one season in the top flight. Their fate was sealed despite a battling comeback against Maindy - in the end, a 2-2 draw just wasn't enough.
Going down with them are AFC Rendrew, who sorely missed their top defender Geraint Carew and look set to lose their other big names in the pre-season sales. Although they scored a well-deserved win at Downton, their fate was sealed by other results going against them.
Lorshill City are breathing a hugh sigh a relief after scoring a vital win on the final day to ensure their survival. Theie defeated opponents? Their bitter city rivals Lorshill United, resulting in wild scenes of celebration down at Ravenhill Park. As any football fan will tell you, winning local derbies are always sweet, but to win one of such importance on the last day of the season tastes a hundred times sweeter.
The Old Maxwellians' season isn't quite over yet, as they still have to face Fiilghud Town in the end-of-season playoff match to be played at Stadiwm Bettia in Gabalfa. They gave themselves a last chance of Apex League survival courtesy of a 1-0 win away to Grappenhall, who for a while looked to be relegation candidates, but a battling second half of the season saw them claw themselves to mid-table safety.
Final Apex League Table
| CODE | Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Akani Sands 72 22 6 6 44:23 21
2. Gabalfa Rovers 69 21 6 7 58:29 29
3. Sukatra Tigers 62 18 8 8 49:28 21
4. Gabalfa City 56 14 14 6 42:30 12
5. Ceffinton Town 50 13 11 10 39:32 7
6. Downton 49 14 7 13 39:38 1
7. Emcorn 49 14 7 13 35:38 -3
8. Lorshill United 48 13 9 12 34:32 2
9. Butetown Dragons 45 12 9 13 41:41 0
10. Grappenhall 45 12 9 13 40:40 0
11. Maindy 43 12 7 15 34:40 -6
12. AFC Tamrida 42 12 6 16 28:42 -14
13. Roath Albion 38 10 8 16 34:38 -4
14. Whitchurch 37 9 10 15 32:44 -12
15. Lorshill City 37 9 10 15 31:43 -12
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16. Old Maxwellians 35 9 8 17 32:42 -10
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17. AFC Rendrew 34 9 7 18 27:46 -19
18. Kirkwood Town 33 9 6 19 33:46 -13 |
The Golden Boot
This season's leading scorer was young sensation Latif Hunter, whose 24 goals helped the Sukatra Tigers to third place, their highest league finish for many years.
Following just one goal behind was Gabalfa Rovers Gethin Ward who along with international teammate Stuart Abdul-Rahim formed the league's most potent strikeforce, bagging 37 goals between them. This was four more than John Harding and Zak Haynes, who netted 34 times for champions Akani Sands.
One goal behind Gethin Ward is fellow international Chris Hutton who, despite a troubled season culminating with him handing in a transfer request, still found the back of the net on a regular basis.
| CODE |
Hunter (Sukatra) 24
Ward (Gabalfa Rovers) 23
Hutton (Whitchurch) 22
Harding (Akani Sands) 19
Rosenstiehl (Downton) 19
Teague (Butetown) 19
Gwyns (Roath) 18
York (AFC Rendrew) 17
Abdul-Baari (Ceffinton) 15
LeClerc (Maindy) 15
Abdul-Rahim (Gabalfa Rovers) 14
Allaway (Old Maxwellians) 14
Bin Majd (Gabalfa City) 14
Haynes (Akani Sands) 14
Kingsholm (Grappenhall) 14
Al-Bihmardi (Emcorn) 13
Foyle (Kirkwood) 13
Wyverne (Grappenhall) 13 |
Player of the Year AwardsAs with most league competitions, for the Apex League there are Player of the Year awards for senior players (those aged 21 and over and/or capped at full international level) and young players (U21s who haven't been capped at full international level), with six nominations in each category. Young Player of the Year - NominationsSafwan Sulaiman (goalkeeper, Sukatra Tigers) - this 16-year-old showed both prescence and maturity, often performing heroics between the sticks for the Tigers helping them to their impressive third place finish. Owen Richards (centre forward, Lorshill City) - despite being the tender age of 16, Richards, along with his team-mate below, formed a strike partnership that shows immense potential. Egryn Vaughan (centre forward, Lorshill City) - also just 16, the young strike parnership of Vaughan and Richards netted 15 goals for Lorshill City. Gwynoro Tyrno'r (right back, Sukatra Tigers) - with a heady mixture of height, pace and long throws, this youngster has been a rock on the right side of the Tigers defence. He also managed to score twice this year. Fadl Ahmed (centre midfield, Gabalfa Rovers) - a rising star in the centre of midfield, whose free kicks are almost as deadly as that of his team-mate Evan Brooks. Latif Hunter (centre forward, Sukatra Tigers) - Hunter set the Apex League on fire with his 24-goal haul. The runner-up for this prestigious award is Gwynoro Tyrno'r. And the winner is... Latif Hunter! Player of the Year - NominationsGethin Ward (centre forward, Gabalfa Rovers) - after a disappointing season (by his standards) last time out, this year has seen the Rovers and Bettia striker back on top form. Husni Teague (centre forward, Butetown Dragons) - a real suprise package after being plucked from the 3rd Division, Teague has been a bright spark in an otherwise mediocre season for the Alice Street outfit. Evan Brooks (centre midfield, Gabalfa Rovers) - the international midfield star underlined just why he is regarded as the best midfielder Bettia has ever produced, with 7 goals and many more assists. Ricardo DiTorino (goalkeeper, Akani Sands) - the keeper behind the meanest defence in the league condeding just 23 goals all year, DiTorino has shown that he might not be the second-choice keeper for the national team for much longer. Badr Warlow (centre midfield, Gabalfa City) - after captaining the U21 squad on 6 occasions last year, Warlow has stepped up a level to take a claim for a full international callup with many sparkling performances in the centre of the Titans' midfield. Cynfor Gwyns (centre forward, Roath Albion) - another unknown who stormed the Apex League after being signed from the lower divisions, Gwyns' 19 goals helped Albion to avoid relegation, and the Thunderbolts face a tough time holding on to him for next season. The runner-up for this year's award is Cynfor Gwyns. And the winner is... Badr Warlow! A real suprise there, although this has been name on many people's lips. Warlow is seen by many as being the centrepiece of the next generation of Bettian stars. Transfer RumoursMany of the rumours abounding at the moment surround Chris Hutton of Whitchurch United. For a while there was speculation that Marine Coast United of Vilita were watching him, although no offical approach was made. However, this coupled with his manager's reaction to this affair has lead to the young striker to hand in a transfer request. Many clubs are vying for his signature, with Gabalfa rivals City and Rovers top of the list. There are also rumours that Aaron Brown is also looking to leave the troubled outfit, although this has yet be be confirmed. Judson York looks set to leave AFC Rendrew after their relegation, along with their young left-winder Cledwyn Foyle. Gabalfa City are known to be favourites to win York's signature. Despite avoiding relegation by virtue of their last-day win, many of Lorshill City's young stars have caught the eye, in particular their young strikers Egryn Vaughan and Owen Richards. Highly impressive left-back Maelog Mumtazi, midfield playmaker Ali Ap Tegryn and flying wingers Yazid Foster and Saboor Rogers are also attracting interest from many clubs. As well as courting Bettian players, many of the top teams are hoping to attract foreign stars. Akani Sands are known to have been scouting the Nedalian Premier League and are hoping to start making appoaches soon. Sukatra Tigers are also known to be interested in bringing in players from abroad, as are Grapenhall and Ceffinton Town. Lorshill United are anxious to strengthen their squad, as are many of the mid-table teams. Teams interested in signing Bettian players, or agents for players interested in plying their trade in the Apex League should contact the Bettian FA by telegram. As usual, full results, scorers and squads can be found at http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Apex_League. |
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Apex League News
Old Maxwellians Are Feelin' Good
Apex League Playoff (Stadiwm Bettia, Gabalfa)
Old Maxwellians 3 Allaway 37 78, Caice 49
Fiilghud Town 1 Al-Hakim 14
The Old Maxwellians are celebrating another season in the top flight after a rather comfortable victory in the playoff final here today. It was their 2nd Division opponants Fiilghud Town who opened the scoring though, with veteran striker Jason Al-Hakim taking advantage of a sloppy backpass to put his team ahead.
That was just the spur the Toffs needed as they slowly but surely took control. Leading scorer Johnson Allaway pulled them back on level terms on 37 minutes with a glancing header from a corner. James Caice put them ahead soon after halftime, and Allaway sealed the win twelve minutes from time.
Transfer News
There has been a fair bit of activity on the transfer front, with international deals being the feature.
Champions Akani Sands look set to bolster their midfield by signing Nedalian duo Sammy Ewene and international Trent Hardman from Edensanne and Riviera respectively. Both transfer fees have been agreed, and the Destroyers are hoping to make them available for the upcoming Champions League.
Another Nedalian who could be making his way to Bettia is striker Bader Tayarra, who looks set to join Gabalfa City from Andestranne for 2.69 million Groats. Butetown Dragons have also gone across the border to sign U21 international goalkeeper Hard Dans for 5.38 million Groats.
There has also been some trading going on across Bettia's southern border as well. Hypocrian international midfielder Marcus Baxter has spurned the advances of the Hyper League's bigger teams to join Sukatra Tigers in time for their NSFA Cup campaign. The Hyper League's runners-up Pylos Reavers have also been busy, beating both Gabalfa Rovers and Gabalfa City to sign one of Bettia's top strikers Judson York from relegated AFC Rendrew. They further strengthened their squad by snapping up promising U21 defender Maelog Mumtazi from Lorshill City.
After a troubled season and much speculation, international striker Chris Hutton's rumoured transfer to Vilita's Marine Coast Utd is now going ahead, in a deal that could see some Vilitan names in the league next season.
And lastly, there will also be some Liamist activity in the Apex League next year. Striker Brennan Alasanne is joining Ceffinton from Premier League outfit Marseille in exchange for U21 international striker Gwarthen Rhydderch. Downton have also added a new name to their squad, signing States' international defender Michael Knight from Liamistan in exchange for lanky U21 defender Eric Teague. |
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Apex League 2: The Revenge
Now with Four Divisions... and a Cup!
After the thrilling climax to the last season's Apex League, Bettian fans have been waiting on tenterhooks for the league campaign to begin again. We have already seen a number of Bettian stars strutting their stuff in other countries, and sees this season an influx of foreign talent into the Bettian leagues.
So who are the runners and riders vying to be this year's Apex League champions?
Akani Sands
Last Season: League Champions
The Storm are on a high after winning their championship on the last day of the season and have strengthened their midfield with three foreign signings: Nedalian international midfielder Trent Hardman, young Nedalian prospect Sammy Ewene, and the formidible Tiburon Smertin from the Liamist States. This very strong squad are looking to retain their title, and there's no reason to believe that they couldn't.
IN:
Sammy Ewene from Edensanne (Nedalia)
Trent Hardman from Riviera (Nedalia)
Tiburon Smertin from Hilles (Liamist States)
OUT:
Chris Harrow to Hilles (Limaist States)
Justin Lewis to Rhyngwladol Gabalfa
Joseph Oppie to Tamrida
Butetown Dragons
Last Season: 9th
The Dragons are known for being a perennial mid-table outfit, and they desperately want to shake this image off. Their most notable activity has been the capture of nedalian Under-21 interantional keeper Hard Dans, with veteran goalie Ali Asad moving to 1st Division newcomers CPDP. Their forward line is bolstered by Varun Nasri from the Liamist States, with striker Jamal Michaels electing to move to 2nd Division challengers Fiilghud Town.
IN:
Hard Dans from Strupanne (Nedalia)
Varun Nasri from Australiavlle (Liamist States)
OUT:
Ali Asad to CPDP
Jamal Michaels to Fiilghud Town
Ceffinton Town
Last Season: 5th
The Wolves were something of a surprise package last season finishing an unexpected fifth, and they have left nothing to chance as they look to repeat that. Liamist States international striker has arrived at Parc Banastra in exchange for youngster Gwarthen Rydderch, who has been doing the business for his new club Marseille. Young international defender John McKinnon has left the club for Krytenia's Patriots Everton FC, but the blow has been softened by the arrival of Chicanadan prospect Ha'ji Diouf.
IN:
Brennan Alasanne from Marseille (Liamist States)
Ha'ji Diouf from FC Lyn (Chicanada)
OUT:
John McKinnon to Patriots Everton (Krytenia)
Gwarthen Rhydderch to Marseille (Limaist States)
CPDP (Clwb Pêl-Droed Porthbalfa)
Last Season: 2nd Division Winners
CPDP are on something of a roll having achieved two straight promotions. Knowing that a stern task lies ahead of them, they have brought in experienced goalkeeper Ali Asad from Butetown, and young striker Oliver Stankovic from Old Liamopolis in exchange for Ieaun Howarth.
IN:
Oliver Stankovic from Old Liamopolis (Liamist States)
Ali Asad from Butetown Dragons
OUT:
Ieuan Howerth to Old Liamopolis (Liamist States)
Downton
Last Season: 6th
Downton shocked the whole of Bettian football by not finishing mid-table last season, thanks to the strike partnership of Joseph Ackermann and Bobby Rosenstiehl. Under-21 defender Eric Teague has left to join Liamistan, and the back four has been significantly strenghtened by Chicanadan international Evon Klerington and Liamist States international Michael Knight.
IN:
Michael Knight from Liamistan (Liamist States)
Evon Klerington from Ashley (Chicanada)
OUT:
Eric Teague to Liamistan (Liamist States)
Wayne Batt to Fiilghud Town
Emcorn
Last Season: 7th
The Gordonsbank Road outfit had a relatively good season, and have chosen to keep their existing squad largely intact. The only new face is highly-rated left-winger Shakil 'Isam who joins the club from Tamrida. Robert Cleaton makes way, joining his home-town club Upper Sweeney in the 3rd Division.
IN:
Shakil 'Isam from Tamrida
OUT:
Robert Cleaton to Upper Sweeney
Gabalfa City
Last Season: 4th
Like their city rivals, the Titans haven't been as active in the transfer market as some of the other top teams, preferring instead to retain most of the squad with a couple of strategic newcomers. One player looking to make a impact is Vtorbetin's goalkeeping colossus Von Bietsch, who stand just a couple of inches shy of 7 foot. City are also looking to exciting Nedalian talent Bader Tayarra to fire in the goals and raise themselves out of Rovers' shadow.
IN:
Bader Tayarra from Andestranne (Nedalia)
Von Bietsch from FPLO (Vtorbetin)
OUT:
Brian Horfield to Rhyngwladol Gabalfa
Gabalfa Rovers
Last Season: League Runners-Up
Rovers were stung by their last-day defeat which saw them lose their league title, but have largely kept faith in their impressive squad packed with internationals. The only departure has seen Bettian legend Stuart Abdul-Rahim retire from playing (although he remains at the club as assistant coach). The club have found a more-than-able replacement in Chicanadan international striker Jesse Suda.
IN:
Jesse Suda from Arsenal (Chicanada)
OUT:
Stuart Abdul-Rahim - retired
Grappenhall
Last Season: 10th
The Warriors had a season to forget which saw them battling against relegation for the most part. They have taken steps to try and make themselves more of an attacking force this time around, bringing in higly-rated Chicanadan youngster Alex McLisha from Cana West FC and Tawfiq Al-Shahaf from Sukatra.
IN:
Tawfiq Al-Sahaf from Sukatra Tigers
Alex McLisha from Cana West (Chicanada)
OUT:
Joel Barnwood to Lorshill United
Karim Tuffley to FOYNLS
Lorshill City
Last Season: 15th
City's young squad struggled to adapt to life in the top flight but to their credit they have managed to hang onto most of their players, the exception being Maelog Mumtazi who is now playing for Pylos Reavers in Hypocria. Mumtazi's spot in the back four is filled by Clayton Howes from Kirkwood Town.
IN:
Clayton Howes from Kirkwood Town
OUT:
Maelog Mumtazi to Pylos Reavers (Hypocria)
Lorshill United
Last Season: 8th
One of the sleeping giants of the Apex League with the largest following outside Gabalfa. Having disappointed in recent years, the club has rung the changes by bringing in a trio of experienced Liamists, Severo Filippini, Courteny Dieuze and former international Hugh Killick. The midfield is further strengthened by the arrived of Joel Barnwood from Grappenhall. Chris Walworth has left to join Canterbury in the Liamist States.
IN:
Severo Filippini from Canterbury (Limaist States)
Courteny Dieuze from Canterbury (Limaist States)
Hugh Killick from Centrale (Liamist States)
Joel Barnwood from Grappenhall
OUT:
Chris Walworth to Canterbury (Liamist States)
Terry Anton to Rhyngwladol Gabalfa
Stuart Thompson to Racing Club Gabalfa
Maindy
Last Season: 11th
For other teams the pre-season period is all about who has left which club. For Maindy it has been about who HASN'T left, for they have spent the best part of this time battling to hang on to talented young striker Laurie LeClerc. Thankfully for them, they suceeded. The only new face to join the Bombers is former Liamist States international defender (and thug) Son Defino.
IN:
Son Defino from York (Limaist States)
OUT:
Barry Sheldon to Ryoga Bay
Old Maxwellians
Last Season: 16th
Old Maxwellians stayed in the top flight by the skin of their teeth, and will be hard pushed to do any better this year. Their defence has been strengthened somewhat by signing Wayne Batt from Downton, though whether this will be enough to avoid another season of struggle remains to be seen.
IN:
Wayne Batt from Downton
OUT:
Ben Sheen to Mihangel's Old Boys
Rhyngwladol Gabalfa
Last Season: 2nd Division Runners-Up
Having missed out on promotion two years ago by a single point, Rhyngwladol Gabalfa finally get the chance to mix it up with their more illustrious neighbours. Top flight experience is provided by Brian Horfield up front, with Terry Anton and Justin Lewis in midfield.
IN:
Brian Horfield from Gabalfa City
Terry Anton from Lorshill United
Justin Lewis from Akani Sands
Roath Albion
Last Season: 13th
Albion were mediorce at best last season, and their total inactivity on the transfer market probably won't help their prospects. However, the players have spent the pre-season period partaking in some intensive training at the local army barracks so fitness shouldn't be a problem.
Sukatra Tigers
Last Season: 3rd
The Tigers have gone from strength to strength over the last few season, a fact underlined by their excellent third place finish. Their midfield has been bolstered by the arrival of Hypocrian playmaker Marcus Baxter. They will however miss teen sensation Latif Hunter, who joins Krytenian outfit Aigburth Athletic in a deal which see former Nova Mercian international Morgan Bartrum move the other way.
IN:
Marcus Baxter from Pylos Reavers (Hypocria)
Morgan Batrum from Aigburth Athletic (Krytenia)
OUT:
Tawfiq Al-Sahaf to Grappenhall
Latif Hunter to Aigburth Athletic (Krytenia)
Tamrida
Last Season: 12th
The Stars struggled for form last season, and have taken positive steps to ensure they perform better this time round. They have captured the signatures of under-21 winger Cledwyn Foyle from relegated AFC Rendrew, and midfield lynchpin Joseph Oppie from champions Akani Sands.
IN:
Cledwyn Foyle from AFC Rendrew
Joseph Oppie from Akani Sands
OUT:
Shakil 'Isam to Emcorn
Alex Treharne to Racing Club Gabalfa
Whitchurch
Last Season: 14th
The Lions has a turbulent season to say the least, and their cause hasn't been helped by Bettian international star Chris Hutton leaving to join Vilita's Marine Coast United. However, the blow should be softened somewhat by the beating various other clubs to sought-after striker Rafi Whitwell from Llanedalia. Some valuable expeience is brought to the midfield with the signing of Orrin Savo from the Liamist States.
IN:
Rafi Whitwell from Llanedalia
Orrin Savo from East Trenport (Liamist States)
OUT:
Chris Hutton to Marine Coast United (Vilita)
Ghalib Abdul-Nur to Arorair
Well that covers the First Division, but what about the other three? The teams, listed in alphabetical order are...
Division Two
Arorair
Banastra Forest
Dynamo Dini
Fiilghud Town
FOYNLS
Girimukti Subarnas
Kirkwood Town
Llanedalia
Lorshill Engineers
Lower Sweeney
Mihangel's Old Boys
Pen-y-Bydd
Persi Fera
Racing Club Gabalfa
AFC Rendrew
Rumnasih Rangers
Treebrook Wanderers
Upper Sweeney
Division Three
Alfalfa Kickers
Betws-y-Triw
Budiwati City
Chinterford Town
Deudregg Dderw
Fforest Hen
Gabalfa Saint Norbert
Gorseborough Town
Grappenhall University
Hyppo Fernley
Llanbedistan
Mare's Tail Village
Pontybalfa United
Ryoga Bay
Sonastra FC
Southward Ho!
UCG
Upper Sweeney
Division Four
Al-Sheemal Tamrida
Ceffinton United
Cockbill Green
Drutton United
Gabalfa Steelworks
Gilang Chandra
Hurnford Harriers
Huwbridge Town
Lara Kencana
Lovage Town
Marjaham Town
Pen-yr-Heol
Porthbalfa Navy
Sageham
Shabilah
Spiddaford Town
Thymeford
Tinting Warren
This season also sees the return of the FAB Cup, which wasn't contested last year for some reason or another. This competition is open to all league teams and the four non-league teams who successfully made their way through the qualifying rounds.
The first two rounds are contested between Third and Fourth Division teams plus the following four non-league teams:
Whitchurch South End
Lorshill Victoria
Huwbridge Colliery
BAF Chinterford
The Third Round sees the Second Division teams wade into the action, before the First Division big boys make their prescence felt in the Fourth Round. All the teams are battling their way to Bettia's national stadium, the Stadiwm Bettia, for the honour of winning the new trophy made from top quality Nedalian Hing.
Game on!
This post has been edited by Bettia on Jul 11 2005, 06:04 AM |
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Apex League Report
After much anticipation, the second Apex League of Bettia has finally kicked off and is now one-third(ish) into the season.
Reigning champions Akani Sands have picked up where they left off and are currently sitting two points clear at the top of the table, with Nedalian striker Bader Tayarra leading the way with six goals. Following close behind are Sukatra Tigers, expertly marshalled by Hypocrian midfield dynamo Marcus Baxter, and Lorshill United, whose long-suffering fans must be glad to see their fortunes seemingly picking up.
The two Gabalfa giants have had indifferent starts to the season. Gabalfa City are fast earning a reputation as draw specialists, drawing six out of their first ten games. Gabalfa Rovers aren't faring much beter lying smack bang in the middle of the table.
The two newcomers have had slow but steady starts to their first season in the top flight. Rhyngwladol Gabalfa find themselves nestled in quite happily between their more illustrious neighbours, whilst CPDP find themselves one point further back in 14th place. However, they can take great heart knowing that their three victories so far have come against Gabalfa Rovers, Gabalfa City and Sukatra Tigers, along with a highly creditable draw with Akani Sands.
A suprise down at the wrong end of the table comes in the form of Butetown Dragons, who quite fancied their chances of challenging for honours after making some good signings. Just above them are Whitchurch, who seem to be sorely missing their former international striker Chris Hutton, and Roath Albion, seemingly paying for their lack of transfer activity over the summer.
| CODE | Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Akani Sands 20 6 2 2 16:11 5
2. Sukatra Tigers 18 5 3 2 13:6 7
3. Lorshill United 18 6 0 4 13:10 3
4. Emcorn 17 5 2 3 11:8 3
5. Old Maxwellians 17 5 2 3 11:11 0
6. Ceffinton Town 16 4 4 2 15:11 4
7. Lorshill City 16 4 4 2 11:8 3
8. Gabalfa City 12 2 6 2 15:15 0
9. Rhyngwladol Gabalfa 12 4 0 6 13:13 0
10. Gabalfa Rovers 12 3 3 4 10:11 -1
11. Downton 12 3 3 4 9:10 -1
12. Maindy 12 3 3 4 9:11 -2
13. Tamrida 12 3 3 4 11:14 -3
14. CPDP 11 3 2 5 10:12 -2
15. Grappenhall 10 2 4 4 8:11 -3
16. Roath Albion 10 2 4 4 9:13 -4
17. Whitchurch 10 2 4 4 9:13 -4
18. Butetown Dragons 9 2 3 5 8:13 -5 |
The opening stages of the second division have been dominated by Rumnasih Rangers, who so far have both the best attack and best defence in the division. Just behind them are Llanedalia, with newly-relegated Kirkwood Town trailing behind them by two points.
AFC Rendrew, the other team relegated from the first division last year, have struggled somewhat and will be hoping for much better fortune if they are to bounce back.
By far the worst team in division two are Racing Club Gabalfa, who have only found the back of the net three times and are one of two countries in the entire country not to have won any of their matches yet.
| CODE | Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Rumnasih Rangers 22 7 1 2 18:6 12
2. Llanedalia 21 6 3 1 15:9 6
3. Kirkwood Town 19 6 1 3 11:8 3
4. FOYNLS 18 5 3 2 15:8 7
5. Girimukti Subarnas 17 5 2 3 14:10 4
6. Persifera 16 5 1 4 11:9 2
7. Lower Sweeney 16 5 1 4 13:14 -1
8. Lorshill Engineers 15 4 3 3 14:11 3
9. Treebrook Wanderers 15 5 0 5 10:9 1
10. Mihangel's Old Boys 14 4 2 4 12:11 1
11. Dynamo Dini 14 4 2 4 9:9 0
12. Banastra Forest 11 3 2 5 6:8 -2
13. AFC Rendrew 11 3 2 5 12:15 -3
14. Pen-y-Bydd 10 2 4 4 9:11 -2
15. Upper Sweeney 9 1 6 3 10:16 -6
16. Fiilghud Town 9 2 3 5 6:13 -7
17. Arorair 7 2 1 7 8:19 -11
18. Racing Club Gabalfa 5 0 5 5 3:10 -7 |
The third division is developing into a three horse race between Ryoga Bay, Fforest Hen and Llanbedistan. They are folowed by a clutch of teams on 16 points.
The bottom is equally tight, with four teams separated by a single point. The major shock is that one of these teams is Budiwati City, tipped by many to be a major contender for promotion.
| CODE | Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Ryoga Bay 20 5 5 0 16:6 10
2. Fforest Hen 20 6 2 2 17:8 9
3. Llanbedistan 19 6 1 3 9:5 4
4. Southward Ho! 16 4 4 2 18:13 5
5. Grappenhall University 16 4 4 2 9:5 4
6. Gabalfa St Norbert 16 3 7 0 14:11 3
7. Hyppo Fernley 16 4 4 2 12:10 2
8. Sonastra FC 16 5 1 4 9:8 1
9. Pontybalfa United 14 4 2 4 9:9 0
10. Mare's Tail Village 12 3 3 4 9:12 -3
11. Deudregg Ddrew 12 3 3 4 8:12 -4
12. UCG 11 3 2 5 15:16 -1
13. Gorseborough Town 11 3 2 5 8:10 -2
14. Betws-y-Triw 10 2 4 4 11:13 -2
15. Lorshill Park Rangers 8 1 5 4 11:15 -4
16. Alfalfa Kickers 8 1 5 4 9:14 -5
17. Budiwati City 7 1 4 5 12:20 -8
18. Chinterford Town 7 1 4 5 5:14 -9 |
And down in the basement division, we find Drutton United leading the way on 21 points followed by Gabalfa Steelworks, Lovage Town and Lara Kencana. Propping up the league are Tinting Warren who have yet to register a victory.
| CODE | Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Drutton United 21 6 3 1 17:8 9
2. Gabalfa Steelworks 19 6 1 3 11:8 3
3. Lovage Town 18 5 3 2 14:8 6
4. Lara Kencana 18 5 3 2 13:7 6
5. Marjaham Town 16 4 4 2 13:12 1
6. Cockbill Green 15 4 3 3 8:6 2
7. Al-Sheemal Tamrida 14 4 2 4 12:9 3
8. Ceffinton United 14 4 2 4 8:10 -2
9. Pen-yr-Heol 14 4 2 4 11:16 -5
10. Sageham 13 3 4 3 12:9 3
11. Spiddaford Town 13 3 4 3 11:10 1
12. Hurnford Harriers 12 3 3 4 8:10 -2
13. Porthbalfa Navy 12 3 3 4 6:9 -3
14. Gilang Chandra 12 3 3 4 7:13 -6
15. Shabilah 9 2 3 5 8:13 -5
16. Thymeford 8 1 5 4 8:9 -1
17. Huwbridge Town 7 1 4 5 7:13 -6
18. Tinting Warren 6 0 6 4 7:11 -4 |
The FAB Cup (sponsored by Impeccable Computers) is currently at the third round stage.
Perhaps the biggest shock of the first round was Tinting Warren's hard-fought win away to 3rd Division Gabalfa St Norbert. No such luck for the four non-league teams though - only Lorshill Victoria made it through the first round only to be defeated by Tinting Warren after extra time in the next round.
FAB Cup First Round
Cockbill Green 0 Betws-y-Triw 0 AET: 0:0 APK: 3:2
Hurnford Harriers 1 Southward Ho! 3
Gabalfa St Norbert 0 Tinting Warren 1
Porthbalfa Navy 0 Ryoga Bay 3
Huwbridge Town 2 Al-Sheemal Tamrida 1
Shabilah 0 Lorshill Park Rangers 3
Gilang Chandra 2 Chinterford Town 2 AET: 2:2 APK: 6:4
Lovage Town 2 Pontybalfa United 1
Gorseborough Town 1 Budiwati City 1 AET: 1:2
Spiddaford Town 0 Sonastra FC 1
Mare's Tail Village 1 Fforest Hen 2
Grappenhall University 1 Huwbridge Colliery 0
Lorshill Victoria 1 Lara Kencana 0
BAF Chinterford 0 Thymeford 0 AET: 0:0 APK: 1:4
Pen-yr-Heol 0 Deudregg Dderw 1
Gabalfa Steelworks 3 Sageham 3 AET: 3:4
Drutton United 1 Marjaham Town 2
Hyppo Fernley 1 Whitchurch South End 1 AET: 2:1
Alfalfa Kickers 0 UCG 0 AET: 1:0
Ceffinton United 2 Llanbedistan 3
FAB Cup Second Round
Grappenhall University 0 Fforest Hen 1
Tinting Warren 1 Lorshill Victoria 1 AET: 2:1
Hyppo Fernley 2 Ryoga Bay 2 AET: 3:2
Sageham 2 Gilang Chandra 1
Marjaham Town 1 Southward Ho! 0
Lovage Town 0 Budiwati City 3
Sonastra FC 3 Llanbedistan 1
Huwbridge Town 0 Deudregg Dderw 0 AET: 2:1
Lorshill Park Rangers 2 Thymeford 0
Alfalfa Kickers 0 Cockbill Green 2
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Bettia |
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We don't do defence |
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Posts: 956 |
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Apex League Final Report
They say winning the league is one thing, but retaining it is quite another. Under the expert guidance of Bert Troutman, Akani Sands have acheived that feat. Despite a bit of a wobble during the middle of the season, the Storm have been sitting at the top looking down at the other teams for most of the year. Add to that a trphy cabinet adorned with a brand new shiny FAB Cup, and its fair to say the Akani Sands have been the dominant force in Bettian club football, and could be for quite a while.
Their success has be attributed to the overseas signings made during the pre-season. Nedalians Sammy Ewene and Trent Hardman along with Tiburon Smertin from the Liamist States have been the midfield bedrock for the team's triumph. Combined with the prowess of John Harding and Gwrlais Devanallt up front, and it's not diffcult to see why Akani Sands are celebrating.
The runner-up slot was filled by Gabalfa City who were a much more dangerous proposition than last season, and once again, this has been attributed to some astute overseas signings. Nedalian striker Bader Tayarra was nothing short of lethal all season, leading the goalscoring charts with 25 goals. At the other end, colossal Vtorbetin interantional Von Bietsch was a formible sight for any advancing forward.
The real shock of the season was lowly CPDP finishing in third place. For a newly promoted team to come within two points of winning the championship is unheard of in Bettian football, and perhaps in any football league. Liamist striker Oliver Stankovic was on top form weighing in with 22 goals, and will be looking forward to international club competition next season along with the rest of this small-time team from Porthbalfa.
Elsewhere, Ceffinton Town improved on their previous season finishing in 4th place, thanks in part to the efforts of Liamist States international striker Brennan Alasanne, with a Chicanadan rock in defence in the form of Ha'ji Diouf.
Sukatra Tigers finished in fifth, with Hypocrian midfield dynamo Marcus Baxter having what he described as 'the best season of club football of his life'. Krytenian forward Morgan Bartum contributed 20 goals to the cause, and would perhaps have scored more if it wasn't for the troublesome ankle injury that kept him out for two months.
Traditional giants of Bettian football Grappenhall and Lorshill United will be looking for major improvements after a mediocre season. Rhyngwladol Gabalfa will be thankful that they will be playing top-flight football again next season, avoiding the relegation spots by a single point.
Propping up the table is Roath Albion, who finished a full five points adrift after a poor campaign that has seen them battling at the wrong end all season. Joining them in Division Two are Tamrida by virtue of an inferior goal difference. Whitchurch were left to scrap it out in a playoff due mainly to them only scoring 28 goals - pretty poor by anyone's standards, and second only to Roath Albion who netted a paltry 26 goals, 19 of which were scored by international striker Cynfor Gwyns who is certain to leave the troubled outfit.
| CODE | Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Akani Sands 60 17 8 9 46:36 10
2. Gabalfa City 59 16 11 7 55:36 19
3. CPDP 58 16 10 8 45:36 9
4. Ceffinton Town 54 15 9 10 51:35 16
5. Sukatra Tigers 53 15 8 11 42:36 6
6. Emcorn 49 13 10 11 37:33 4
7. Butetown Dragons 47 12 11 11 45:43 2
8. Downton 46 12 10 12 37:35 2
9. Gabalfa Rovers 45 12 9 13 41:44 -3
10. Old Maxwellians 45 12 9 13 34:47 -13
11. Lorshill City 43 11 10 13 38:39 -1
12. Maindy 43 10 13 11 32:34 -2
13. Grappenhall 43 11 10 13 40:43 -3
14. Lorshill United 42 11 9 14 35:41 -6
15. Rhyngwladol Gabalfa 38 10 8 16 34:39 -5
---------------------------------------------------
16. Whitchurch 37 9 10 15 28:34 -6
---------------------------------------------------
17. Tamrida 37 9 10 15 33:43 -10
18. Roath Albion 32 7 11 16 26:45 -19 |
Top Scorers
| CODE | Bader Tayarra (Gabalfa City) 25
Brennan Alasanne (Ceffinton) 24
John Harding (Akani Sands) 22
Oliver Stankovic (CPDP) 22
Lewis Bin Majd (Gabalfa City) 20
Morgan Bartum (Sukatra Tigers) 19
Cynfor Gwyns (Roath Albion) 19
Laurie LeClerc (Maindy) 17
Alex McLisha (Grappenhall) 17
Bobby Rosensteihl (Downton) 17
Jesse Suda (Gabalfa Rovers) 16
Gethin Ward (Gabalfa Rovers) 16
Baha Al-Bihmardi (Emcorn) 15
Varun Nasri (Butetown Dragons) 15
Husni Teague (Butetown Dragons) 15 |
Second Division
Kirkwood Town recovered from last season's relegation in the best way possible, bouncing back after winning the division by four points. The highly-rated Dylan Foyle finished as the division's top scorer with an incredible 29 goals, and the Diamonds will be hard pressed to hang onto him.
Joining them in the top flight will be plucky Treebrook Wanderers, who not only gained automatic promotion but also enjoyed a fantastic cup run.
Battling it out with Whitchurch for a place in the First Division will be Rumnasih Rangers, who clinched third place courtesy of a last-day win over Kirkwood.
Dropping down a division are Arorair and Upper Sweeney, with Banastra Forest given one last chance of survival via the playoffs.
| CODE | Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Kirkwood Town 59 18 5 11 48:37 11
2. Treebrook Wanderers 55 16 7 11 41:37 4
---------------------------------------------------
3. Rumnasih Rangers 53 15 8 11 42:37 5
---------------------------------------------------
4. Llanedalia 53 14 11 9 39:37 2
5. Girimukti Subarnas 51 12 15 7 43:35 8
6. Pen-y-Bydd 51 14 9 11 42:38 4
7. Fiilghud Town 50 13 11 10 36:35 1
8. Persifera 49 14 7 13 40:32 8
9. Dynamo Dini 47 13 8 13 35:34 1
10. Lorshill Engineers 45 11 12 11 47:40 7
11. FOYNLS 45 12 9 13 43:40 3
12. Racing Club Gabalfa 44 10 14 10 45:40 5
13. Lower Sweeney 44 12 8 14 30:40 -10
14. AFC Rendrew 43 12 7 15 43:45 -2
15. Mihangel's Old Boys 41 10 11 13 35:40 -5
---------------------------------------------------
16. Banastra Forest 38 11 5 18 33:44 -11
---------------------------------------------------
17. Upper Sweeney 35 8 11 5 33:49 -16
18. Arorair 33 9 6 19 28:43 -15 |
Third Division
Celebrating promotion from the lower leagues this year are Fforest Hen, who won the Third Division by healthy five point margin ahead of Hyppo Fernley, who are promoted despite their pitch being ruined by a herd of wild Hyppos that had crossed over the border from Hypocria. Deudregg Derw will face Banastra Forest for the right to play in Division Two nest season.
Plummetting down to the basement are Gabalfa students UCG and Chinterford Town, with Pontybalfa United facing a nervy playoff to survive.
| CODE | Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Fforest Hen 61 17 10 7 50:30 20
2. Hyppo Fernley 56 15 11 8 42:31 11
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3. Deudregg Ddrew 55 15 10 9 41:36 5
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4. Grappenhall University 53 13 14 7 37:29 8
5. Southward Ho! 49 13 10 11 46:39 7
6. Budiwati City 49 13 9 12 42:38 4
7. Ryoga Bay 46 10 16 8 36:28 8
8. Gabalfa St Norbert 46 11 13 10 43:43 0
9. Lorshill Park Rangers 46 13 7 14 42:44 -2
10. Llanbedistan 45 11 12 11 28:26 2
11. Betws-y-Triw 44 10 14 10 32:33 -1
12. Sonastra FC 43 10 13 11 29:29 0
13. Gorseborough Town 42 10 12 12 34:39 -5
14. Alfalfa Kickers 41 8 17 9 39:44 -5
15. Mare's Tail Village 41 10 11 13 36:41 -5
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16. Pontybalfa United 38 9 11 14 37:44 -7
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17. Chinterford Town 29 6 11 17 29:51 -22
18. UCG 28 5 13 16 39:57 -18 |
Fourth Division
Going up from Division Four this year are Drutton United, who have been top virtually from day one, and Spiddaford Town, who have given the folks of this beautiful Banastran town something to smile about after the abject failure of their gridiron team. Gabalfa Steelworks will be facing Pontybalfa United to see who will be playing Third Division football.
Hurnford Harriers and Shabilah will be playing with the non-leaguers next season after their relegations, and are replaced by BAF Chinterford and Huwbridge Colliery. Gilang Chandra will be fighting for their league survival against Whitchurch South End.
| CODE | Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Drutton United 59 16 11 7 49:32 17
2. Spiddaford Town 57 16 8 10 42:30 12
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3. Gabalfa Steelworks 53 13 14 7 41:29 12
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4. Pen-yr-Heol 50 14 8 12 39:43 -4
5. Lara Kencana 49 13 10 11 39:34 5
6. Al-Sheemal Tamrida 49 14 7 13 40:36 4
7. Lovage Town 48 12 12 10 39:32 7
8. Tinting Warren 48 12 12 10 36:29 7
9. Sageham 48 13 9 12 38:34 4
10. Thymeford 47 11 14 9 38:33 5
11. Ceffinton United 46 12 10 12 28:35 -7
12. Cockbill Green 44 11 11 12 31:31 0
13. Porthbalfa Navy 42 9 15 10 33:34 -1
14. Marjaham Town 42 10 12 12 37:44 -7
15. Huwbridge Town 42 11 9 14 33:40 -7
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16. Gilang Chandra 36 9 9 16 33:46 -13
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17. Shabilah 33 9 6 19 34:45 -11
18. Hurnford Harriers 33 8 9 17 28:51 -23 |
Playoffs
First Division
Whitchurch 0-3 Rumnasih Rangers
Rumnasih Rangers promoted to First Division
Second Division
Banastra Forest 2-0 Deudregg Derw
Banastra Forest remain in Second Division
Third Division
Pontybalfa United 2-0 Gabalfa Steelworks
Pontybalfa United remain in Third Division
Fourth Division
Gilang Chandra 4-1 Whitchurch South End
Gilang Chandra remain in Fourth Division
The FAB Cup (sponsored by Impeccable Computers)
ROUND THREE
The Third Round saw the 2nd Division clubs make their entrance into this competition, and they fared pretty well when drawn against lower league opposition. The only shock of sorts came at Girimukti Subarnas, who succumbed at home to 3rd Division strugglers (at the time) Budiwati City.
Banastra Forest 3 Huwbridge Town 1
Tinting Warren 0 AFC Rendrew 1
Kirkwood Town 0 Llanedalia 0 AET: 0:0 APK: 5:4
Pen-y-Bydd 2 Persifera 0
FOYNLS 1 Rumnasih Rangers 0
Lorshill Engineers 3 Cockbill Green 1
Girimukti Subarnas 2 Budiwati City 2 AET: 3:3 APK: 6:7
Racing Club Gabalfa 2 Treebrook Wanderers 3
Lorshill Park Rangers 1 Dynamo Dini 0
Sonastra FC 1 Upper Sweeney 3
Mihangel's Old Boys 1 Arorair 1 AET: 1:1 APK: 3:5
Fiilghud Town 3 Sageham 2
Hyppo Fernley 0 Lower Sweeney 2
Fforest Hen 1 Marjaham Town 1 AET: 2:1
ROUND FOUR
Finally, the big boys get a piece of the action, but they didn't have it all their own way. Gabalfa City were made to struglle hard at home to 3rd Division Fforest Hen, needing extra-time to finally overcome their plucky opponents. Sukatra Tigers had similar trouble away to AFC Rendrew, and it was thanks to Morgan Batrrum's last minute winner that they progressed.
One top flight team who didn't make it were Tamrida, who slumped at home to Treebrook Wanderers. But the biggest shock of all came at The Gasworks, as Gabalfa Rovers were unceremoniously removed from the tournament by 2nd Division FOYNLS.
No such trouble for reigning champions Akani Sands though who easily disposed of Kirkwood Town, putting five past the hapless Banastran outfit.
Butetown Dragons 1 Lorshill United 0
CPDP 0 Lorshill City 1
Pen-y-Bydd 1 Lorshill Engineers 0
Tamrida 0 Treebrook Wanderers 1
Gabalfa City 0 Fforest Hen 0 AET: 2:0
AFC Rendrew 1 Sukatra Tigers 1 AET: 2:3
Banastra Forest 2 Lower Sweeney 0
Upper Sweeney 0 Ceffinton Town 4
Gabalfa Rovers 0 FOYNLS 2
Lorshill Park Rangers 0 Roath Albion 2
Old Maxwellians 0 Downton 0 AET: 1:0
Emcorn 2 Grappenhall 1
Akani Sands 5 Kirkwood Town 0
Whitchurch 0 Rhyngwladol Gabalfa 1
Maindy 0 Budiwati City 0 AET: 1:0
Arorair 0 Fiilghud Town 0 AET: 1:0
ROUND FIVE
Into the last sixteen, and some of the lower league sides continued to make life hard for their higher-ranked opponants. FOYNLS, who disposed of Gabalfa Rovers in the last round, held Akani Sands to a 2-2 draw after extra time, and the champions needed sudden-death penalties to finally emerge victorious.
Just as in the last round, Sukatra Tigers needed extra time to beat their lower league opposition; this time it was 2nd Division Pen-y-Bydd who put the frighteners on the Tigers.
The second of the Gabalfa giants, Gabalfa City fell at this stage, going down 3-1 at home to Lorshill City. The capital is now only represented by two teams, Rhyngwladol Gabalfa (who won 1-0 away to Roath Albion) and Butetown Dragons (who overcame Old Maxwellians after extra time).
Ceffinton Town 1 Maindy 2
Butetown Dragons 2 Old Maxwellians 2 AET: 3:2
Arorair 1 Emcorn 0
Pen-y-Bydd 0 Sukatra Tigers 0 AET: 0:1
Gabalfa City 1 Lorshill City 3
Banastra Forest 0 Treebrook Wanderers 3
FOYNLS 2 Akani Sands 2 AET: 2:2 APK: 6:7
Roath Albion 0 Rhyngwladol Gabalfa 1
QUARTER FINALS
The last of the Gabalfa teams both fell in the Quarter-Finals. Rhygwladol Gabalfa lost 2-1 away to Akani Sands, whilst Butetown Dragons went down 2-1 at home to Maindy.
Remarkably the 2nd Division was still represented, and even more remarkably there will be lower-league involvement in the semis. Treebrook Wanderers, who were challenging for promotion at this point in time, saw off the challenge of Lorshill City, whilst Arorair did themselves proud taking Sukatra Tigers to extra time. The Tigers love to do things the hard way, needing the full 120 minutes to beat every opponant so far.
Treebrook Wanderers 2 Lorshill City 1
Akani Sands 2 Rhyngwladol Gabalfa 1
Butetown Dragons 1 Maindy 2
Sukatra Tigers 0 Arorair 0 AET: 1:0
SEMI FINALS
The semi-finals are traditionally played on neutral ground. The first match was contested by Akani Sands and Treebrook Wanderers at The Gasworks in Gabalfa. Despite going behind to an early goal, the Storm stormed back to record a 2-1 win and book their place in the final.
The second semi was played at the Stamping Ground in Lorshill between Sukatra Tigers and Maindy, and once again the Tigers were forced to go into extra time. However, there was nothing to separate to two teams and so they were forced into a penalty shout-out - the Tigers held their nerve and go on to the final courtesy of Ricardo DiTorino's cat-like reflexes in saving the final spot-kick.
Akani Sands 2 Treebrook Wanderers 1
Sukatra Tigers 0 Maindy 0 AET: 1:1 APK: 5:4
FINAL
And so the final, played in the Stadiwm Bettia in front of a capacity crowd. The two equally-matched teams traded blow with blow, but neither side were unable to find a awy through during the regulation 90 minutes, and so Sukatra Tigers were taken to extra time yet again.
The winner came courtesy of Nedalian hotshot Bader Tayarra, firing home through a crowd of players to ensure Akani Sands achieved the league and cup double, sending the coastal resort into night-long celebrations.
Akani Sands 0 Sukatra Tigers 0 AET: 1:0
Young Player of the Year
Gwrlais Devanallt (Akani Sands) - has truly come of age, netting twelve times for the champions as well as making a supurb impression in the Under-21 World Cup. Big things are expected from him in the future.
Sammy Ewene (Akani Sands) - the young Nedalian had an exceptional first season in Bettian football. A true asset for his team and country.
Hard Dans (Butetown Dragons) - another exception young Nedalian, Dans showed some supurb agility between the sticks throughout the campaign.
Oliver Stankovic (CPDP) - the young Liamist finished as one of the top scorers in the Apex League, helping his team to an astonishing third place finish.
Ross Surur (Rhygwladol Gabalfa) - perhaps the biggest revelation of the season, this little midfield playmaker looks set to be a star of Bettian football.
The winner of the Young Player of the Year award is... Gwrlais Devanallt.
Player of the Year
Trent Hardman (Akani Sands) - a truly inspired signing by Sands manager Bert Troutman, Hardman has been an absolute rock in the Storm's mdifield.
Bader Tayarra (Gabalfa City) - the league's top scorer has exhilarating to watch at times with his skill and speed.
Von Bietsch (Gabalfa City) - City's goalkeeper has an exceptional season betwen Gabalfa City's sticks.
Evan Brooks (Gabalfa Rovers) - Brooks has been a true shining star in an otherwise dismal season for the former champions.
Marcus Baxter (Sukatra Tigers) - the young Hypocrian has had a terrific season, being involved in virtually everything the Tigers have achieved on the pitch.
John Harding (Akani Sands) - linked up exceptionally well to help fire Akani Sands to the league and cup double.
And the winner of the Player of the Year Award is... Marcus Baxter.
Obligatory Foreigner Report
Chicanada
Judging by their players' display in the Apex League, Chicanada's strength appear to lie in their defenders. Ha'ji Diouf settled in very nicely in an impressive Ceffinton Town team which astounded experts by finishing fourth, and played a central part in the second-meanest defence in the division. This feat was equalled by Downton, for whom Evon Klerington played an integral role. Despite netting 16 goals for Gabalfa Rovers, striker Jesse Suda will be hoping for more success next season, as will Alex McLisha Grappenhall.
Hypocria
Well what can we say? Our neighbours Hypocria were only represented by one player, but what a player! Marcus Baxter had a fantastic season as the midfield playmaker for Sukatra Tigers which ultimately saw him voted Player of the Year. Despite finishing fifth, the Tigers will represent Bettia in the next NSFA Cup as the FAB Cup runners-up, and they'll look to Baxter to help them progress against the finest NS has to offer.
Krytenia
Sukatra Tigers found a very able replacement for Bettian star Latif Hunter in the shape of Krytenian hotshot Morgan Bartrum, whose 19 goals helped the Tigers to fifth place, as well as the FAB Cup final. His flair and teanacity have made him a favourite at the Al-Fath Stadium.
Liamist States
Apex League teams made full use of the Liamists '30 years and you're out' rule, as well as making some impressive swap signings. Tiburon Smertin played a pivotal midfield role for champions Akani Sands, as did Varun Nasri, who formed a very effective strike partnership for Butetown Dragons alongside Bettian internationals Husni Teague and Eurys Ffagan.
Other strikers who had exceptional season were Brennan Alasanne of Ceffinton Town, and CPDP's Oliver Stankovic. Both of these players settled in very well into Bettia football, and were both leading contenders for this year's Golden Boot.
Michael Knight was a pillar of sterngth in Downton's back four, linking up well with Chicanadan import Evon Klerington.
Lorshill United's Liamist trio had mixed fortunes. Severo Filippini and Courteny Dieuze had fairly good seasons for the Rhinos, but a troublesome thigh injury niggled Hugh Killick throughout, and he'll be hoping for better luck next year.
When signing Son Defino, Maindy were warned by the LSFA that he is something of a thug - they weren't kidding. Despite getting sent off four times though, Defino has endeared himself to the Bombers' fans as a hardman who gave a bit of backbone to an another lacklustre squad.
Midfielder Orrin Savo admitted that he underacheived and never really settled into a Whitchurch squad which was ultimately relegated. After handing in a transfer request, Sava is already attracting some interest from First Division sides.
Nedalia
The Nedalian quartet who made the short journey across the border to ply their trade here all had very good starts to their spells in Bettian league football. Trent Hardman and Sammy Ewene both played vital parts in the all-conquering Akani Sands double-winning squad.
Bader Tayarra was something of a curiousity when he was plucked from Premier League Andestranne by Gabalfa City, but that curiousity turned to adulation as he fired Gabalfa City to within one point of the league title, and netted himself the Golden Boot with a haul of 25 goals.
Under-21 international Hard Dans provided some fresh impetus to a Butetown Dragons often criticised for its age, helping them to an excellent seventh place finish which they are confident of bettering next time round. Rumour has it they will be looking to add some more Nedlian faces to their ranks for the next campaign.
Vtorbetin
Von Bietsch was a veritable barrier in the Gabalfa City goal, having an outstanding season despite the turmoil of his home nation disappearing off the face of the earth. Now he and his family have settled in our nation's capital waiting to see how affairs in Vtorbetin turn out.
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The Nedalian Ministry of Sport is delighted at the success of the Nedalian players in the Bettian Apex League. In fact, Bader Tayarra is due for his first cap on the strength of his play. We also congratule our national team starting defensive midfielder Trent Hardman on his prize! |
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The third season of the Apex League has kicked off with a slightly new (albeit bog standard) relegation / promotion format. The bottom three teams in any division are automatically relegated. The top two teams are automatically promoted, with the third promotion place decided by promotion playoffs contested between the next four teams culminating in a final played at the Stadiwm Bettia.
Last year's double winners Akani Sands have got their title defence off to a shaky start, losing five of their first ten games, although rising Under-21 star Gwrlais Devanallt has formed a formidible strike partnership with stalwart John Harding.
Currently topping the table are last year's suprise package CPD Porthbalfa - their combination of a stingy defence and the on-form strike partnership of Oliver Stankovic and Mark Nethercott sees them just ahead on goal difference from a resurgant Gabalfa Rovers.
Managed by former star Stuart Abdul-Rahim, the Flames have put the mediocrity of last season well and truly behind them. Their rock solid defence has been the key, conceding just five goals so far.
Proud owners of the only unbeaten record in the division are third-placed Grappenhall, whose long-suffering supporters could be forgiven for thinking that maybe, just maybe, things are finally looking up for this traditional giant of Bettian football. Just behind them are Sukatra Tigers, Gabalfa City and Butetown Dragons. Many feared that the Tigers would falter this season after seeing young stars Gwynoro Tyrno'r and Safwan Sulaiman seek pastures new in the Vilitan V-League. However, Vilitan Under-21 international Raymond Watson is starting to fit in nicely.
Of all the newly-promoted teams, 2nd Division champions Treebrook Wanderers are finding things toughest of all, having scored a paltry three goals in their first ten games. They're not bottom though - that dubious honour belongs to Maindy, who are the only winless team in the division so far. Just above them, and not-so-proud owners of the leakiest defence are Emcorn, who must be wondering what the hell has gone wrong after finishing sixth last year. Not suprisingly, their manager has found himself on the sharp end of the chairman's boot, and the team's assistant manager is at the helm.
The other two promoted teams, Kirkwood Town and Rumnasih Rangers are sitting seven points ahead of the relegation zone. Although finding wins hard to come by, they'll be happy to be in a relatively comfortable position.
| CODE | Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 CPD Porthbalfa 10 7 2 1 21 7 14 23
2 Gabalfa Rovers 10 7 2 1 18 5 13 23
3 Grappenhall 10 6 4 0 17 7 10 22
4 Sukatra Tigers 10 6 3 1 19 7 12 21
5 Gabalfa City 10 5 4 1 18 9 9 19
6 Butetown Dragons 10 5 4 1 16 7 9 19
7 Downton 10 5 3 2 13 9 4 18
8 Lorshill United 10 5 2 3 17 11 6 17
9 Akani Sands 10 5 0 5 19 13 6 15
10 Ceffinton Town 10 4 3 3 14 9 5 15
11 Lorshill City 10 4 2 4 16 13 3 14
12 Rumnasih Rangers 10 3 2 5 12 12 0 11
13 Kirkwood Town 10 3 2 5 11 21 -10 11
14 Rhyngwladol Gabalfa 10 2 1 7 12 18 -6 7
15 Old Maxwellians 10 1 3 6 11 21 -10 6
16 Treebrook Wanderers 10 1 1 8 3 23 -20 4
17 Emcorn 10 1 1 8 6 29 -23 4
18 Maindy 10 0 1 9 3 25 -22 1 |
In the second division, Girimukti Subarnas are sitting on top after an excellent start which has seen them win all but two of their opening games. They are followed by Llanedalia, who narrowly missed promotion last year by just three goals, Fiilghud Town and Persifera.
Two of the clubs relegated from the top flight are sitting just off the pace on fourteen points. Tamrida seem to be establishing themselves as draw specialists, having come away form half their games with honours even, whilst Whitchurch are faring just slightly better. On the other hand, Roath Albion are looking nervously over their shoulders at the relegation battle forming just behind them.
Lorshill Engineers already find themselves six points from safety, whilst FOYNLS, AFC Rendrew, Pen-y-Bydd and Hyppo Fernley are hoping their fortunes improve soon.
| CODE | Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Girimukti Subarnas 10 8 1 1 19 10 9 25
2 Llanedalia 10 7 2 1 16 6 10 23
3 Fiilghud Town 10 5 3 2 19 12 7 18
4 Persifera 10 5 3 2 15 10 5 18
5 Fforest Hen 10 4 4 2 15 13 2 16
6 Banastra Forest 10 4 3 3 16 13 3 15
7 Whitchurch 10 4 2 4 11 11 0 14
8 Tamrida 10 3 5 2 9 9 0 14
9 Mihangel's Old Boys 10 3 4 3 9 10 -1 13
10 Dynamo Dini 10 3 3 4 11 12 -1 12
11 Racing Club Gabalfa 10 4 0 6 13 16 -3 12
12 Lower Sweeney 10 3 3 4 9 13 -4 12
13 Roath Albion 10 3 2 5 14 16 -2 11
14 Hyppo Fernley 10 2 4 4 9 11 -2 10
15 Pen-y-Bydd 10 3 1 6 8 15 -7 10
16 AFC Rendrew 10 2 3 5 6 10 -4 9
17 FOYNLS 10 2 3 5 11 16 -5 9
18 Lorshill Engineers 10 1 2 7 8 15 -7 5 |
The 3rd Division is already in danger of becoming a one-horse race, with Budiwati City opening up a five point gap between themselves and the chasing pack, which is led by Spiddaford Town and Arorair.
Upper Sweeney and Gorseborough Town are slugging it out at the foot of the table, with Gabalfa St Norbert, Drutton United and Deudregg Dderw just above them.
| CODE | Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Budiwati City 10 7 2 1 14 5 9 23
2 Spiddaford Town 10 5 3 2 15 10 5 18
3 Arorair 10 5 3 2 15 13 2 18
4 Grappenhall University 10 5 2 3 12 10 2 17
5 Southward Ho! 10 5 1 4 17 12 5 16
6 Ryoga Bay 10 4 3 3 10 7 3 15
7 Betws-y-Triw 10 4 3 3 13 11 2 15
8 Pontybalfa United 10 4 3 3 13 11 2 15
9 Alfalfa Kickers 10 4 2 4 13 14 -1 14
10 Sonastra FC 10 3 4 3 11 11 0 13
11 Llanbedistan 10 2 6 2 10 8 2 12
12 Lorshill Park Rangers 10 3 3 4 16 15 1 12
13 Mare's Tail Village 10 2 6 2 13 13 0 12
14 Deudregg Derw 10 2 4 4 6 9 -3 10
15 Drutton United 10 3 1 6 11 15 -4 10
16 Gabalfa St Norbert 10 3 0 7 9 16 -7 9
17 Gorseborough Town 10 2 2 6 12 19 -7 8
18 Upper Sweeney 10 2 2 6 9 20 -11 8 |
In contrast to the 3rd Division, the 4th is looking to be a much closer affair. The early running is being made by Chinterford Town, with Cockbill Green and Al-Sheemal Tamrida in close attendance. At the other end, Thymeford Wanderers find themselves in a worrying position having gained just four points so far.
| CODE | Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Chinterford Town 10 7 3 0 17 7 10 24
2 Cockbill Green 10 6 3 1 16 8 8 21
3 Al-Sheemal Tamrida 10 6 3 1 16 9 7 21
4 Marjaham Town 10 5 3 2 13 10 3 18
5 Huwbridge Town 10 5 3 2 13 11 2 18
6 Pen-yr-Heol 10 5 2 3 19 14 5 17
7 Tinting Warren 10 4 3 3 15 15 0 15
8 Lara Kencana 10 3 4 3 16 15 1 13
9 Gilang Chandra 10 3 4 3 15 15 0 13
10 Lovage Town 10 3 4 3 15 16 -1 13
11 BAF Chinterford 10 3 4 3 18 20 -2 13
12 Porthbalfa Navy 10 3 2 5 10 14 -4 11
13 Sageham Town 10 3 1 6 15 19 -4 10
14 Gabalfa Steelworks 10 2 3 5 10 10 0 9
15 UCG 10 2 3 5 14 17 -3 9
16 Ceffinton United 10 2 2 6 16 20 -4 8
17 Huwbridge Colliery 10 2 2 6 11 16 -5 8
18 Thymeford Wanderers 10 1 1 8 5 18 -13 4 |
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As the third season of the Apex League passes the halfway stage, the scrap for supremacy is getting more and more intense. Keeping their noses in front are Sukatra Tigers, spearheaded by Cynfor Gwyns and Krytenian striker Morgam Bartrum. Their stern defence has stood firm throughout, with the Tigers losing just two matches so far.
Following close behind are Gabalfa Rovers, who are enjoying their best season for some time, although not as much as third-placed Grappenhall. Like Sukatra, they have only lost twice so far (although they are drawing alot of their games), and are sitting just four points behind the leaders. Their supporters were further delighted by the club announcing the signing of Sarzonian international forward Roy Spencer - things are finally starting to look up for the Red Warriors.
Reigning champions Akani Sands are determined not to give up their crown without a fight, and currently boast the league's best scoring record. Gabalfa City find themselves equal on points, with Butetown Dragons just two points behind. Like Grappenhall, the Dragons have also pulled off something of a transfer coup, snapping up talented Nedalian striker Mattan on a free transfer after the Druidan League went tits up.
However, things are just going from bad to worse for hapless Maindy - nine goals scored, forty-two conceded, and just one victory means that the Bombers are already looking doomed to relegation. Things are only slightly less bleak for the Old Maxwellians, who temselves are seven points from safety. Currently occupying the third relegation spot are Emcorn, who have found themselves on the receiving end of some real drubbings lately and have been hit by the departure of international winger Aaron Brown to Rumnasih Rangers.
| CODE | Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Sukatra Tigers 20 12 6 2 37 14 23 42
2 Gabalfa Rovers 20 12 4 4 35 17 18 40
3 Grappenhall 20 10 8 2 34 18 16 38
4 Akani Sands 20 12 1 7 40 20 20 37
5 Gabalfa City 20 10 7 3 33 16 17 37
6 Butetown Dragons 20 9 8 3 30 19 11 35
7 CPD Porthbalfa 20 9 7 4 32 17 15 34
8 Lorshill City 20 10 2 8 28 32 -4 32
9 Lorshill United 20 9 4 7 31 20 11 31
10 Ceffinton Town 20 8 6 6 33 19 14 30
11 Rumnasih Rangers 20 8 5 7 22 17 5 29
12 Downton 20 7 4 9 23 25 -2 25
13 Kirkwood Town 20 6 6 8 19 31 -12 24
14 Rhyngwladol Gabalfa 20 6 3 11 19 33 -14 21
15 Treebrook Wanderers 20 4 4 12 11 36 -25 16
16 Emcorn 20 2 4 14 12 48 -36 10
17 Old Maxwellians 20 1 6 13 17 41 -24 9
18 Maindy 20 1 3 16 9 42 -33 6 |
Down in the 2nd Division, Girimukti Subarnas have opened up a very comfortable lead at the top of the table. Eight points behind them are Llanedalia, who lead a chasing pack of three clubs hoping to secure promotion. One such club is Tamrida, whose hopes of bouncing straight back up are looking good. The third chasing club are Fiilghud Town, who are finally looking as though they have got over their playoff disappointment two years ago.
The relegation battle is looking a lot tighter, with five of the bottom six teams separated by just two points.
| CODE | Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Girimukti Subarnas 20 14 4 2 41 19 22 46
2 Llanedalia 20 11 5 4 31 17 14 38
3 Tamrida 20 10 7 3 30 19 11 37
4 Fiilghud Town 20 10 6 4 35 23 12 36
5 Banastra Forest 20 9 4 7 36 28 8 31
6 Fforest Hen 20 8 7 5 30 31 -1 31
7 Persifera 20 8 5 7 24 26 -2 29
8 Hyppo Fernley 20 7 6 7 25 21 4 27
9 Whitchurch 20 7 6 7 22 23 -1 27
10 Racing Club Gabalfa 20 8 2 10 29 30 -1 26
11 Dynamo Dini 20 7 5 8 24 25 -1 26
12 Lower Sweeney 20 6 5 9 23 29 -6 23
13 Pen-y-Bydd 20 5 6 9 24 33 -9 21
14 AFC Rendrew 20 5 5 10 16 22 -6 20
15 Roath Albion 20 5 5 10 27 36 -9 20
16 FOYNLS 20 5 5 10 26 38 -12 20
17 Mihangel's Old Boys 20 4 7 9 16 28 -12 19
18 Lorshill Engineers 20 4 4 12 21 32 -11 16 |
The 3rd Division is looking a lot tighter, with six points separating the top six teams. Budiwati City are currently leading the pack, with Alfalfa Kickers in close attendance. Arorair, Grappenhall University and Betws-y-Triw are all well-placed to mount a challenge.
The relegation battle is equally tight, with Lorshill Engineers propping up the table.
| CODE | Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Budiwati City 20 12 3 5 30 18 12 39
2 Alfalfa Kickers 20 11 4 5 26 18 8 37
3 Arorair 20 9 8 3 28 21 7 35
4 Grappenhall University 20 10 4 6 32 25 7 34
5 Betws-y-Triw 20 10 4 6 25 22 3 34
6 Pontybalfa United 20 9 6 5 27 20 7 33
7 Southward Ho! 20 9 3 8 31 23 8 30
8 Spiddaford Town 20 8 6 6 26 24 2 30
9 Ryoga Bay 20 6 8 6 19 18 1 26
10 Mare's Tail Village 20 6 7 7 22 23 -1 25
11 Drutton United 20 7 3 10 30 32 -2 24
12 Llanbedistan 20 6 6 8 22 28 -6 24
13 Sonastra FC 20 5 8 7 21 28 -7 23
14 Upper Sweeney 20 6 4 10 18 27 -9 22
15 Deudregg Derw 20 5 6 9 16 25 -9 21
16 Gabalfa St Norbert 20 6 2 12 21 32 -11 20
17 Gorseborough Town 20 5 4 11 27 33 -6 19
18 Lorshill Park Rangers 20 4 6 10 26 30 -4 18 |
The 4th Division is developing into an interesting two-horse race between Chinterford Town and Al-Sheemal Tamrida, who are six points above Cockbill Green and Tinting Warren.
Things are looking a bit grim for UCG - the Gabalfa students find themselves four points from safety.
| CODE | Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Chinterford Town 20 12 7 1 35 19 16 43
2 Al-Sheemal Tamrida 20 12 6 2 32 16 16 42
3 Cockbill Green 20 10 6 4 31 19 12 36
4 Tinting Warren 20 10 6 4 30 22 8 36
5 BAF Chinterford 20 9 6 5 34 26 8 33
6 Lara Kencana 20 8 6 6 26 23 3 30
7 Huwbridge Town 20 7 8 5 22 18 4 29
8 Pen-yr-Heol 20 8 5 7 27 26 1 29
9 Gabalfa Steelworks 20 7 5 8 24 19 5 26
10 Sageham Town 20 7 4 9 26 30 -4 25
11 Ceffinton United 20 7 3 10 28 33 -5 24
12 Gilang Chandra 20 5 8 7 24 26 -2 23
13 Lovage Town 20 5 6 9 23 30 -7 21
14 Huwbridge Colliery 20 6 3 11 22 33 -11 21
15 Thymeford Wanderers 20 6 3 11 21 32 -11 21
16 Marjaham Town 20 5 5 10 20 30 -10 20
17 Porthbalfa Navy 20 5 3 12 19 30 -11 18
18 UCG 20 4 4 12 22 34 -12 16 |
The FAB Cup (sponsored by Heatray Radiators - if its not Heatray, its a pile of junk), has also well underway having played three rounds. The four non-league representitives (Shabiliah, Hurnford Harriers, Lorshill Victoria, and Loudon Rovers) all bowed out at the First Round, and there has only been one 'shock' to speak of so far - Tamrida being well beaten by 3rd Division leaders Budiwati City.
The Fourth Round sees the 1st Division teams wade into the action - will Akani Sands be able to retain the cup?
Round 1
Betws-y-Triw 1-3 Southward Ho!
Pen-yr-Heol 2-0 Sonastra FC
Pontybalfa United 1-2 Llanbedistan (AET - score after 90 mins: 1-1)
Gabalfa Steelworks 4-2 Sageham
Chinterford Town 0-1 UCG
Gabalfa Saint Norbert 0-1 Gorseborough Town
Arorair 4-0 BAF Chinterford
Lorshill Park Rangers 3-2 Grappenhall University
Loudoun Rovers 0-4 Gilang Chandra
Ryoga Bay 2-1 Cockbill Green
Drutton United 1-0 Huwbridge Colliery
Thymeford 0-1 Mare's Tail Village
Tinting Warren 0-1 Porthbalfa Navy
Al-Sheemal Tamrida 1-0 Shabilah
Hurnford Harriers 2-2 Lara Kencana (AET - score after 90 mins: 2-2. Lara Kencana win 3-1 on penalties)
Lorshill Victoria 1-2 Ceffinton United
Budiwati City 1-0 Deudregg Dderw
Spiddaford Town 3-1 Marjaham Town
Upper Sweeney 2-1 Alfalfa Kickers
Huwbridge Town 0-1 Lovage Town
Round 2
Southward Ho! 4-0 Pen-yr-Heol
Llanbedistan 1-0 Gabalfa Steelworks
UCG 0-2 Gorseborough Town
Arorair 1-2 Lorshill Park Rangers
Gilang Chandra 0-1 Ryoga Bay
Drutton United 1-0 Mare's Tail Village
Porthbalfa Navy 1-1 Al-Sheemal Tamrida
Porthbalfa Navy 1-1 Al-Sheemal Tamrida (AET - score after 90 mins: 1-1. Porthbalfa Navy win 4-3 on penalties)
Lara Kencana 2-1 Ceffinton United
Budiwati City 3-0 Spiddaford Town
Upper Sweeney 1-0 Lovage Town
Round 3
Ryoga Bay 0-1 Drutton United
Llanedalia 2-0 Lower Sweeney
Roath Albion 1-3 Southward Ho!
Whitchurch 2-2 Fforest Hen (AET - score after 90 mins: 2-2. Whitchurch win 3-1 on penalties)
Upper Sweeney 1-2 AFC Rendrew (AET - score after 90 mins: 1-1)
Persifera 2-1 Banastra Forest (AET - score after 90 mins: 1-1)
Girimukti Subarnas 3-1 Lorshill Engineers
Lorshill Park Rangers 0-1 Pen-y-Bydd (AET - score after 90 mins: 0-0)
Dynamo Dini 2-1 Hyppo Fernley
Mihangel's Old Boys 0-3 Fiilghud Town
Budiwati City 3-0 Tamrida
Racing Club Gabalfa 2-0 Porthbalfa Navy
Gorseborough Town 0-1 Llanbedistan
Lara Kencana 1-5 FOYNLS
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Apex League Season 3 - Final Report
First Division
The kings of Bettian football are dead, long live the kings... or in this case, the Tigers.
The Apex League have new champions in the form of Maghrib's premier team Sukatra Tigers. Despite losing the international pairing of goalkeeper Safwan Sulaiman and defender Gwynoro Tyrno'r, Sukatra ended up with the best defence in the division as well as the joint-best attack. The Tigers sealed their title on matchday 33 with an emphatic 5-0 thrashing of Lorshill City, and ended the campaign with with a 6-point cushion over nearest challengers Butetown Dragons .
The Dragons were some way off the pace at the halfway stage, but after securing the services of Nedalian striker Mattan, they enjoyed a late surge which saw them win 9 out of their last 12 games, scoring 27 goals in the process. Mattan linked up well with Husni Teague and Eurys Ffagan in a three-man attack, to which he contributed 9 goals.
Coming in third were Gabalfa Rovers, who were well and truly back on track after the relative disaster of last season. Chicanadan international Jesse Suda was deadly throughout the season (apart from his one month layoff with a hamstring injury), and both he and Aroras stalwart Gethin Ward figured well in the Golden Boot placings.
Former champions Akani Sands finished in fourth, nine points off the pace. Although their attacking play was exemplary, with Under-21s star Gwrlais Devanallt causing plenty of headaches for his opponents with his 22 goals. However the Storm's defence was a little suspect, and they'll be looking to strengthen it significantly in the close season.
Below them, CPD Porthbalfa cemented their status as a top flight club with another impressive finish. Trailing in behind them were Gabalfa City, who ill disappointed with their performances this season, and Grappenhall, who will be happy overall but wishing they hadn't drawn quite so many matches.
Down at the bottom of the table, Maindy had a miserable season throughout and were already relegated by matchday 30, after which they then proceeded to win three out of their remaining four matches. They look set to lose their star players mar Whistler, Ziyad Farmer and Laurie LeClerc, with Whistler and Farmer both linked with Nedalian Premier League clubs.
Above them saw a gripping relegation struggle between Old Maxwellians, Treebrook Wanderers and Emcorn. On the last matchday, the three teams were separated by just three points, although Emcorn were as good as relegated by virtue of their woeful defence. Treebrook and Old Maxwellians both faced tough home games against Gabalfa City and Akani Sands. The news that Akani Sands had scored an early goal at Old Maxellians offered the Treebrook supporters some hope, as they needed their relegation buddies to lose to stand any chance of surviving. However, two late goals by City's Bader Tayarra sealed their fate.
| CODE | Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Sukatra Tigers 34 21 10 3 64 29 35 73
2 Butetown Dragons 34 19 10 5 61 32 29 67
3 Gabalfa Rovers 34 19 7 8 60 32 28 64
4 Akani Sands 34 20 3 11 64 37 27 63
5 CPD Porthbalfa 34 17 11 6 59 27 32 62
6 Gabalfa City 34 15 9 10 53 39 14 54
7 Grappenhall 34 13 14 7 42 31 11 53
8 Lorshill City 34 16 5 13 45 52 -7 53
9 Lorshill United 34 14 8 12 47 37 10 50
10 Downton 34 14 6 14 45 44 1 48
11 Ceffinton Town 34 12 11 11 57 42 15 47
12 Rumnasih Rangers 34 12 10 12 39 36 3 46
13 Kirkwood Town 34 11 11 12 40 51 -11 44
14 Rhyngwladol Gabalfa 34 9 8 17 35 57 -22 35
15 Old Maxwellians 34 5 9 20 31 58 -27 24
----------------------------------------------------------------
16 Treebrook Wanderers 34 5 7 22 19 59 -40 22
17 Emcorn 34 5 6 23 25 75 -50 21
18 Maindy 34 5 3 26 20 68 -48 18 |
Top Goalscorers
| CODE | Gwrlais Devanallt Akani Sands 22
Gethin Ward Gabalfa Rovers 21
Morgan Batrum Sukatra Tigers 20
Jesse Suda Gabalfa Rovers 20
Bader Tayarra Gabalfa City 20
Brennan Alasanne Ceffinton Town 19
Oliver Stankovic CPD Porthbalfa 17
Husni Teague Butetown Dragons 17
Cynfor Gwyns Sukatra Tigers 16
Egryn Vaughan Lorshill City 16
Lewis Bin Majd Gabalfa City 15
John Harding Akani Sands 15
Zak Haynes Akani Sands 15
Paul Hunt Lorshill United 15
Alex McLisha Grappenhall 15
Bobby Rosensteihl Downton 15
Eurys Ffagan Butetown Dragons 14
Mark Nethercott CPD Porthbalfa 14 |
Young Player of the Year
Nominations:
Gwrlais Devanallt (Akani Sands)
Had an exceptional season for both his club and the Under-21s, which has seen him win the Golden Boot as the division's top scorer.
Rayford Watson (Sukatra Tigers)
This young Vilitan was a lynchpin in the Tigers' success, showing good defensive play as well as chipping with a few goals of his own.
Eurys Ffagan (Butetown Dragons)
With Husni Teague and Mattan, Ffagan formed part of the fearsome three-man attack that saw the Dragons acheive their best-ever finish.
Oliver Stankovic (CPD Porthbalfa)
This young Liamist striker has played a major part in the Blue-Blacks' success, weighing in with 17 goals and setting up plenty of others.
Ali Ap Tegryn (Lorshill City)
An integral part of the successful Under-21 squad in their run to the semi-finals, and an authoritive figure in City's midifeld.
And the Young Player of the Year Award goes to... Gwrlais Devanallt.
Player of the Year
Naominations:
Marcus Baxter (Sukatra Tigers)
Last year's Player of the Year was a instrumental part of the Tigers' title-winning team.
Husni Teague (Butetown Dragons)
The centrepiece of the Dragons' front three whose 17 goal has helped him break into the Aroras squad for World Cup 25.
Bader Tayarra (Gabalfa City)
Last season's Golden Boot winner may have lost his crown this time, but this Nedalian has had a terrific season, including gaining his first cap for his country.
Evan Brooks (Gabalfa Rovers)
Has been consistantly superb for club and country, his set-pieces seem to be getting even deadlier, scoring ten times for his teams.
John Harding (Akani Sands)
As dangerous as always, defences found it difficult to deal with his height and power.
And the Player of the Year is... Evan Brooks.
Second Division
After the huge success of their gridiron squad, the town of Subarnas are celebrating another sporting triumph after their football team Girimukti Subarnas won the Second Division by five points. Also celebrating are Tamrida, who bounced straight back up after last season's relegation.
Making up the playoff spots were Fiilghud Town, Banastra Forest, Llanedalia and Racing Club Gabalfa.
| CODE | Fiilghud Town 2-0 Racing Club Gabalfa
Racing Club Gabalfa 1-3 Fiilghud Town
(Fiilghud Town win 5-1 on aggregate)
Banastra Forest 1-3 Llanedalia
Llanedalia 3-2 Banastra Forest
(Llanedalia win 6-3 on aggregate) |
And so the scene was set for the final at Stadiwm Bettia. Fiilghud Town had been at this stage before two years ago when they lost 3-1 to Old Maxwellians. However, they made no mistake this time as they defeated their northern Gwlad Teg opponents 1-0.
Down at the foot of the table, Mihangel's Old Boys and Roath Albion (who must be wondering what the hell has gone wrong after suffering their second consecutive relegation) were already down going into the last day.
Lorshill Engineers, Lower Sweeney and Fforest Hen still had everything to play for. The only team to gain kind of meaningful result here were Fforest Hen, who scrapped their way to a creditable 1-1 draw against champions Girimukti Subarnas to ensure their survival.
| CODE | Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Girimukti Subarnas 34 20 8 6 57 32 25 68
2 Tamrida 34 18 9 7 51 31 20 63
---------------------------------------------------------------
3 Fiilghud Town 34 18 8 8 56 39 17 62
4 Banastra Forest 34 16 10 8 57 38 19 58
5 Llanedalia 34 15 9 10 49 36 13 54
6 Racing Club Gabalfa 34 14 7 13 52 47 5 49
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7 Whitchurch 34 13 8 13 43 43 0 47
8 Dynamo Dini 34 12 11 11 44 45 -1 47
9 Persifera 34 12 10 12 45 46 -1 46
10 Pen-y-Bydd 34 11 11 12 43 47 -4 44
11 FOYNLS 34 12 8 14 48 54 -6 44
12 Hyppo Fernley 34 11 10 13 47 42 5 43
13 AFC Rendrew 34 12 7 15 32 34 -2 43
14 Fforest Hen 34 9 9 16 40 57 -17 36
15 Lower Sweeney 34 9 8 17 39 55 -16 35
----------------------------------------------------------------
16 Lorshill Engineers 34 8 10 16 36 51 -15 34
17 Roath Albion 34 9 6 19 39 59 -20 33
18 Mihangel's Old Boys 34 7 11 16 34 56 -22 32 |
Third Division
Like their local rivals from Subarnas, Budiwati City are also the proud owners of a championship trophy, having secured their title on matchday 33 with an emphatic 5-1 thrashing of Llanbedistan. They finished nine points ahead of second-placed Southward Ho!, who clinched the runners-up spot by virtue of a superior goal difference over Grappenhall University, who joined Arorair, Ryoga Bay and Spiddaford Town in the playoffs.
| CODE | SEMI-FINALS
Grappenhall University 1-0 Spiddaford Town
Spiddaford Town 0-2 Grappenhall University
(Grappenhall University win 3-0 on aggregate)
Arorair 1-0 Ryoga Bay
Ryoga Bay 2-1 Arorair
(2-2 on aggregate, Ryoga Bay win 3-2 after extra time)
FINAL
Grappenhall University 0-3 Ryoga Bay |
At the bottom, the fate of Gorseborough Town, Mare's Tail Village and Lorshill Park Rangers was sealed on matchday 33 courtesy of Upper Sweeney's 3-0 win at home to Deudregg Derw.
| CODE | Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Budiwati City 34 21 3 10 57 34 23 66
2 Southward Ho! 34 17 6 11 48 34 14 57
---------------------------------------------------------------
3 Grappenhall University 34 17 6 11 49 43 6 57
4 Arorair 34 15 11 8 44 35 9 56
5 Ryoga Bay 34 15 10 9 50 33 17 55
6 Spiddaford Town 34 15 9 10 54 41 13 54
---------------------------------------------------------------
7 Alfalfa Kickers 34 15 9 10 42 37 5 54
8 Betws-y-Triw 34 14 10 10 42 37 5 52
9 Pontybalfa United 34 13 12 9 47 39 8 51
10 Drutton United 34 14 4 16 48 48 0 46
11 Deudregg Derw 34 11 10 13 40 44 -4 43
12 Gabalfa St Norbert 34 11 7 16 40 52 -12 40
13 Sonastra FC 34 9 12 13 36 47 -11 39
14 Llanbedistan 34 10 9 15 38 56 -18 39
15 Upper Sweeney 34 10 7 17 33 47 -14 37
----------------------------------------------------------------
16 Gorseborough Town 34 8 9 17 42 53 -11 33
17 Mare's Tail Village 34 8 9 17 34 54 -20 33
18 Lorshill Park Rangers 34 6 11 17 38 48 -10 29 |
Fourth Division
The race for the Fourth Division title had been a two-horse race between Al-Sheemal Tamrida and Cockbill Green for virtually the entire season. In the end it was the team from Maghrib who came away with the title ahead of the Banastra rivals.
One of the playoff matchups saw an intriguing local derby between Chinterford Town and BAF Chinterford.
| CODE | SEMI-FINALS
Tinting Warren 3-1 Gilang Chandra
Gilang Chandra 0-2 Tinting Warren
(Tinting Warren win 5-1 on aggregate)
Chinterford Town 2-3 BAF Chinterford
BAF Chinterford 1-2 Chinterford Town
(4-4 on aggregate after extra time. BAF Chinterford win 4-3 on penalties)
FINAL
Tinting Warren 2-4 BAF Chinterford (After extra time. Score after 90 mins: 1-1) |
Taking the unwanted plunge into non-league football will be Marjaham Town and the hapless students of UCG. They will be replaced by Shabilah (who bounce straight back into the league after one year) and Loudoun Rovers.
| CODE | Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Al-Sheemal Tamrida 34 18 11 5 47 27 20 65
2 Cockbill Green 34 18 9 7 52 30 22 63
---------------------------------------------------------------
3 Tinting Warren 34 16 10 8 50 38 12 58
4 Chinterford Town 34 16 10 8 52 44 8 58
5 BAF Chinterford 34 16 7 11 55 46 9 55
6 Gilang Chandra 34 13 10 11 51 43 8 49
---------------------------------------------------------------
7 Huwbridge Town 34 12 13 9 42 41 1 49
8 Lara Kencana 34 13 9 12 48 45 3 48
9 Thymeford Wanderers 34 14 6 14 44 47 -3 48
10 Sageham Town 34 14 5 15 45 44 1 47
11 Lovage Town 34 11 10 13 42 44 -2 43
12 Gabalfa Steelworks 34 11 9 14 39 39 0 42
13 Ceffinton United 34 10 8 16 41 49 -8 38
14 Pen-yr-Heol 34 10 8 16 40 49 -9 38
15 Huwbridge Colliery 34 10 7 17 37 50 -13 37
16 Porthbalfa Navy 34 10 6 18 39 58 -19 36
----------------------------------------------------------------
17 UCG 34 9 7 18 37 48 -11 34
18 Marjaham Town 34 8 9 17 34 53 -19 33 |
FAB Cup
The FAB Cup (sponsored by Heatray Radiators - if its not Heatray, its a pile of junk), saw the First Divisio clubs enter at the 4th Round stage. Perhaps the most notable performances were by Second Division teams Girimukti Subarnas and Dynamo Dini who both progressed as far as the quarter-finals.
The final was a re-run of last year's final, as cup holders Akani Sands faced cup runners-up (and newly-crowned champions) Sukatra Tigers. Just like last year, the final went into extra-time after goals by Batrum and Devanallt saw the sides finish 1-1 after 90 minutes. However, the Storm retained their trophy thanks to a thundering John Harding header in the 115th minute.
Round 4
Gabalfa Rovers 4-0 Drutton United
Ceffinton Town 0-2 Sukatra Tigers
Girimukti Subarnas 3-1 Persifera
Rhyngwladol Gabalfa 2-1 Racing Club Gabalfa
Budiwati City 0-2 Grappenhall
AFC Rendrew 1-5 Emcorn
CPD Porthbalfa 1-1 Maindy (AET. Score after 90 mins: 1-1. CPD Porthbalfa win 3-1 on penalties)
Fiilghud Town 3-2 Rumnasih Rangers
Whitchurch 0-4 Kirkwood Town
Lorshill United 1-0 Pen-y-Bydd
Dynamo Dini 2-0 Southward Ho!
Treebrook Wanderers 1-0 FOYNLS
Llanedalia 3-0 Llanbedistan
Gabalfa City 1-4 Akani Sands
Butetown Dragons 2-0 Lorshill City
Downton 2-1 Old Maxwellians
Round 5
Gabalfa Rovers 0-1 Sukatra Tigers
Girimukti Subarnas 1-1 Rhyngwladol Gabalfa (AET. Score after 90 mins: 1-1. Girimukti Subarnas win 3-2 on penalties)
Grappenhall 2-1 Emcorn
CPD Porthbalfa 1-0 Fiilghud Town
Kirkwood Town 2-3 Lorshill United
Dynamo Dini 4-2 Treebrook Wanderers (AET. Score after 90 mins: 2-2)
Llanedalia 1-2 Akani Sands
Butetown Dragons 1-0 Downton
Quarter-Finals
Sukatra Tigers 1-0 Girimukti Subarnas
Grappenhall 3-2 CPD Porthbalfa (AET. Score after 90 mins: 2-2)
Lorshill United 4-1 Dynamo Dini
Akani Sands 2-0 Butetown Dragons
Semi-Finals
Sukatra Tigers 3-2 Grappenhall (AET. Score after 90 mins: 2-2)
Lorshill United 2-3 Akani Sands (AET. Score after 90 mins: 2-2)
Final
Sukatra Tigers 1-2 Akani Sands (AET. Score after 90 mins: 1-1)
This post has been edited by Bettia on Oct 11 2005, 10:50 AM
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Bettia |
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We don't do defence |
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Posts: 956 |
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