Ivan III of Russia, Ivan IV Vasilyevich, Ivan Drago [for those familiar with the Rocky series]... throughout history there have been a history of famous Ivans; famous for their brute strength, their cast-iron decision making, their ability to cleverly bend the rules but, above all, their overall commitment to their chosen profession.
And Ivan Arnelius, Dwong's star striker, appears to be joining that growing list.
The striker has gone through some barren times of late. After booming onto the scene as a multiple goal scoring 21 year old, bagging the golden boot just a couple of seasons ago, the striker has since struggled to capture that form again, giving a paltry return of just two goals last season as Dwong struggled for consistency.
But this term the striker looks back to his best.
Having scored a goal in his last three games, including a winner, the striker made his most telling contribution of the season this evening in a top-of-the-table clash against Thekop FC, a side that have led the table throughout the season.
Arnelius shone up front. He was a menace; chasing every 'lost cause', winning various physical and aerial battles and linking up well with a pressed midfield. He was leading the line as a lone striker in what has incidentally been one of the few times Dwong have utilised the lone striker system in recent times.
He flourished too.
Scoring the first goal on eleven minutes from Brayson's perfectly weighted through ball, he also scored his side's third on 69 minutes with a rasping drive from twenty-five yards, a sumptuous drive that was good enough to win any game. And incidentally it was his strike that won this game too.
It wasn't all about him mind you. Campilho and Bailey - using his trusty left peg - both added goals to a frenzied 4-2 victory whilst a notable mention must go to goalkeeper Barkroth whom played through the pain barrier having been injured in last season's victory over the Pilots, keeping out many strong attacks to ensure Dwong Athletic would take top spot for the first time this season.
But this was Ivan's day.
The striker dazzled up to the final minute and drew the acclaim of the grateful home support at the final whistle.
His manager, Fabbyulous, was singing his praises at the final whistle too.
"We've often said about Ivan... he's a form player, sometimes he can be Ivan the Terrible but usually he's Ivan the Great! He leads the line superbly and can work up front with another striker too. He's a credit to the club and a player everyone could learn from, particularly our too young forwards."
"His influence has carried us to the top of the table and, providing he stays fit and on form all season, it could be his influence that carries us into Division 2."
Having waxed lyrical about his forward, Fabbyulous then addressed the match in general.
"It was a terrific game for the neutral, I was biting my nails for long periods but thankfully we came out on top, fortunately we had a game like this last season against the Ravers so it's not the first time we've been in this sort of situation."
"The cup draw has been kind to us this season, Tanopapinho will not be pushovers but they are certainly not the most difficult draw we could've been given this season and will hopefully afford us the chance to throw a few kids in and still have enough to make Round Five."
"Then comes a double header against Kil2 - they may be bottom but they cannot be taken for granted, they will be a very difficult side to beat. After seven straight wins though, we are more than confident!"
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