Pro League review

“Championees! Championees!” Was the chant reverberating around the Red Devil Arena as Lizb’s Neptune Knights clinched the Pro League title in dramatic fashion. In only her second top flight season last season’s third place was eclipsed by this season’s incredible win.

Yet no one bet on Neptune when the season started. The Knights were bouncing along the bottom for the first half alongside FC Delta TL and FC Portul CT. While season 27 winners FC Elvis were struggling mid-table, pre-season favourites F.C. Barbosa and S.L. SabugAll were blazing the trail between them, with Barbosa holding top spot from Rounds 3 through 11 before SabugAll reclaimed it in Round 12.

With the strength of F.C. Steaua Oradea, Radu10 was another potential contender but, like Elvis, struggled mid-table. Securing 1 point from the last 3 games doomed them to relegation with Arctic Guerrillas and FC Portul CT.

While the focus was on the battles for top and bottom no-one was watching the middle as the dark horse that was Neptune Knights positioned themselves quietly, gradually climbing the table. It was over the last handful of games that things got really interesting; when everything was won and lost.

After Round 10 F.C. Barbosa were top on 22 points, 5 clear of Neptune who moved up to second after beating the leaders 3 - 1, with 1 point more than SabugAll who dropped to third and were, themselves, only a point ahead of Steaua.

Round 11: Portul CT officially relegated as they lost to Arctic Guerrillas who moved onto 12 points, 2 behind Elvis and 4 behind Delta. It was always going to be tough for Cerasela to make his mark in this league but he gained valuable experience and DV that will hold him in good stead for the future. Fairplayray and Bravuta saw their teams change places with the Elvis win and Hades 1987 must have believed his Guerrillas could pull it out the bag as he closed in on 6th and 5th.

SabugAll’s 2 – 0 win over Neptune moved them back to second, dropping Neptune to fourth while Steaua’s home win over Barbosa moved them to third a point behind SabugAll. Barbosa’s second consecutive defeat kept them on 22 while the chasing pack was nicely bunched up behind them. This was a really tight group with only 5 points from first to fifth and 10 points to seventh! All that had been decided so far was that Portul were relegated and Barbosa safe: everything else was still in the air!

Round 12: SabugAll hosted Barbosa, inflicting a third straight loss to Vallfog to recover from the previous week’s loss and go top. After the match, where the home team dominated the ball but the visitors the chances, the managers were overheard commenting on their luck. Pelikano said “This was my lucky day.…” and Vallfog responded “Well done, Peli. No complaints from me - yours is clearly the stronger side; I have ridden my luck this season. Looks like it wasn't meant to be, but fun while it lasted.”

Steau and Guerrillas could only manage a draw that enabled Neptune to move up a place after they put 2 past Delta. Elvis moved out of the relegation zone by a point over Delta as they beat bottom boys Portul CT and Delta lost at the Knights. This group is so tight you couldn’t squeeze a rizla between them! Now the only sure things known were Portal were relegated, Guerrillas couldn’t win it and Delta wouldn’t! Everything else is in the lap of the gods.

Round 13: SabugAll went clear at the top with a comfortable 2 – 0 win over Steaua, who were now in a relegation dogfight with one to go. Delta delivered Barbosa’s fourth straight loss to boost their chances of survival, moving onto 19 points: still sixth but level with Steau, 1 behind Elvis and 3 behind Barbosa. Elvis did themselves no harm as they dispatched Guerrillas 2 – 1 at ArcticA. It was a tough match for the visitors but they managed to take the points that put them in pole position of the relegation pack thanks to Mats Anderberg 91st minute breakaway. That result, however, condemned Arctic Guerrillas to the drop. A disappointing season overall for Hades. As last season’s runners up they gave Neptune Knights a bloody nose in the season opener but it was a steady drop through the placings, despite a brief recovery Rounds 4/5, as the season progressed. However, he has a decent squad and one of the lowest average ages in the Division so should do well enough next season to bounce straight back.

Neptune Knights scored their highest win of the season. Despite conceding a penalty they ran out 5 – 1 winners at Jonny Park, moving them to second spot only 2 adrift of SabugAll. The Knights had had an indifferent season, up and down, spending time at the bottom, yet could they possibly go on and win it? Would Delta do them a favour while keeping themselves in the top flight?

Perm one from three to join Arctic Guerrillas and Portul CT in Division 1 and the same bet on a winner from SabugAll, Neptune and Barbosa. It wasn’t just unbelievably tight but the tension and pressure was incredible, on managers and players! Who could handle it? Who would buckle? Round 14 would deliver the answers.

In a dramatic final round FC Elvis ensured that Fairplayray wasn’t to be known for being relegated the season after winning the title. Frank Flamant got the all-important goal to guarantee top flight football next season at the Lunar Crater. With the “bread and butter saved” the Elvis boss could now focus on their XCL exploits and building for next season while Steaua head into Division 1 after three seasons.

Radu returns to Division 1 with a decent, if aging, squad and will be looking to bring in new blood to mount a challenge next season. He will be without the services of Denilson de Souza who, at 35, is retiring. With numerous honours de Souza has been a magnificent servant to the club and one more match will see him reach the magic 300 game milestone, scoring 141 goals in 299 games and making 82 XP11 appearances. I’m sure the fans, club and board wish him well.

Barbosa managed to stop the losing streak as they took out Portul CT 3 – 0 at Jonny Park. It was no more than the visitors deserved and Joseph Dozzell’s double strike ensured he finished the season at the top of the scoring charts on 8 goals, 2 ahead of teammate Guillem Asturias and SabugAll’s Earl Morgan and Danilo João. His exploits also meant he joined Delta’s Cyril Mentel at the top of the points charts on 10, showing the kind of season he has had and his value to the club.

SabugAll headed to the Arena Delta knowing that a draw might be good enough but looking for the win that would guarantee the title. Bravuta knew it was win or bust and was desperate for the points that would secure survival!

It was the visitors that got the early breakthrough when Danilo João scored in the 6th minute. On the offensive from the off, the visitors were taking the game to Delta, pressing the ball and controlling play. Delta were pegged back, barely able to get out their own half but matched chances with the league leaders. Delta then lost Adisor Ofensivul on 45. It seemed a real blow as the frontman was playing well.

At the same time Arctic Guerrillas travelled to the Red Devil Arena in determined mood. The Knights knew they needed convincing win if they were to have a chance at the title. Lizb knew the title was Pelikano’s to lose but if, and a big if at that, they were to put themselves in contention they needed the points, and 5 goals if they could get them! Lining up 4-5-1 v 4-5-1 neither boss was in the mood to lose the season finale and it was the home team that wanted the best start, charging up the field to get at the visiting decence. But tragedy in the first minute for Neptune! Talented midfielder Jay Olive was crocked and Abraham Beech got his earlier than expected chance. Neptune, though, didn’t let that faze them as they carried the game to Arctic, dictating play with pace and power. Captain Jean-Antoine Arron and Kearney Furlong were particularly effective but they were not penetrating enough. Only two chances in the entire first 45 was all they had to show for their tremendous efforts.

A goal to the good, SabugAll went out second half still dominating the ball and were two up 11 minutes in. Stelian Olnici swung in the early for Earl Morgan to head home. The away fans were jubilant, roaring and screaming their team to victory. But they were silenced 3 minutes later when Delta’s Hatharway headed in Mentel’s deep cross. Only 2 minutes later, though, Delta saw kid defender Richard Higgins limp off: it didn’t seem to be going well for Delta.

At the Devil Arena the Guerrillas were standing strong, ensuring there was no onslaught. Their own captain, El Alladinovic, was brilliant at marshalling the team. He was immense throughout and with the likes of Cochrane in defence, Scholes, Chacros and Banister just in front of him, they were making it nigh impossible for Neptune to break them down. Even losing Jerry Grund to a 20th minute injury didn’t upset their rhythm.

SabugAll continued to press Delta but weren’t creating and on 68 minutes influential captain Gudjohn Stefanson became the game’s third casualty. Soon after Joseph Oatway saw a gap for 25 yards out and took advantage of Stefanson’s absence to power home. 2 – 2 and game on! The clock ticked down with SabugAll moving the ball sweetly yet Delta were dogged and refused to buckle, breaking up the play to take the game back at the visitors: they seemed to be getting stronger.

No changes at half time as Neptune and Arctic settled into the same pattern: the Knights pressed but the Guerrillas held firm but as the match progressed the pace was starting to tell on the visitors. Neptune cranked up the pressure and started making more chances and, eventually, got the breakthrough: in the 62nd minute Arron found Beech in acres of space 30 yards out. The midfielder took two steps before thundering the ball past Ralf Bojfors and in! 1 – 0 to Neptune and the dream was on! Lizb was out of the dugout cheering with the rest of them, encouraging her players to give more. Her boys responded well, picking up the pace a little but chances were not being converted and they were running out of time! At 1 – 0 Lizb knew it was not enough as Arctic would only need one to pull it back. Neptune kept pressing but Arctic kept pushing back. Lizb decided on a couple of changes: Marc Cuisinier on for Jacques-Yves Lay and Abraham Green replacing Jocke Carlsson. She could do no more; it was all about the players now.

In the Arena Delta the 90 came…and went as the MIB kept the game going to boos and whistles from the away end. 1 minute gone and the jeers were incessant from the 666’s. “Blow the whistle, blow the whistle” could be heard, the mantra picking up momentum.

Lizb’s changes made a difference as Neptune managed to take another of their chances with 4 minutes remaining. Arne-Vidar Gullesfjord fed Green to spring the offside and the sub neatly rounded the ‘keeper to put Neptune 2 ahead. The fans were on their feet again, roaring on their team and they didn’t stop until Beback blew the whistle. Neptune Knights had won 2 – 0 but it was surreal: the stadium went deathly quiet as fans listened to radios. Delta and SabugAll were still playing, it was 2 – 2!

Was there time for one more heroic effort from either Delta or SabugAll? Young Irving Bullimore, on for Ofensivul, picked up the ball deep and hared up the wing. Calm and composed he skipped past Buckfast then, with Quino closing the space, sent in a tantalizing cross and there was captain Benny Livett diving low at the feet of Shentu to head home! 3 – 2 to Delta! Now their fans really did believe they were safe. They roared the roof off the stadium with the 666’s silenced in disbelief as Thyme finally blew.

Unbelievable stuff! Delta were safe with the last kick (header) of the ball! The SabugAll players were dejected on the field, they had given their all, and then some, but to no avail; Pelikano was inconsolable: the title was his for 90 plus minutes then had it ripped from his grasp in the blink of an eye.

There were frantic faces everywhere in the Red Devil arena, from players, staff and fans, then there was a goal! Loud shushes all around… silence… before the stadium erupted! Neptune had won the league! Unbelievable drama, disbelief on the players’ faces then reality, smiles and tears from grown men as the players, with their delighted manager held aloft among them, ran to their adoring fans to celebrate. They were greeted with a wall of “Championees! Championees!” What a way to win a league, what a way to end a season!

Pro League Season 28 final standings read:

1  Neptune Knights
2  S.L. SabugAll
3  F.C. Barbosa
4  F.C Elvis
5  FC Delta TL
6  F.C. Steaua Oradea
7  Arctic Guerrillas
8  FC Portul CT

My dream team for the season lines up 4-4-2:

GK - Miron Todorescu:  S.L. SabugAll

D - El Alladinovic: Arctic Guerrillas
D - Javi Quino:  S.L. SabugAll
D – Byron Nanshe: Arctic Guerrillas
D - Wilfred Torpey: F.C. Steaua Oradea

M – Joseph Dozzell: F.C. Barbosa
M – Akono Wait: F.C. Steaua Oradea
M - Jay Olive:  Neptune Knights
M – Desmond Banister: Arctic Guerrillas

F – Cyril Mentel: FC Delta TL
F – Earl Morgan: S.L. SabugAll

It was unbelievably cruel on Pelikano. His SabugAll team had a great season, delivered some tremendous performances but, in in the end, they were to fall short by a point. Lizb takes the honours as her unfancied Neptune Knights prevailed at the last, fully deserving of praise and plaudits for an incredible campaign. They will enjoy their celebrations as Pro League champions.

Xpert Daily met with a sober Lizb a few days later for a chat over coffee.

XD: Congratulations Lizb on your Pro League title in only your second season in the top flight. It’s a fantastic achievement. How does it feel to win the title for the first time with the Neptune Knights?

Lizb: I’ll be honest and say this was totally unexpected and I’m still in a state of shock. You always start the season hopeful, but our start was really poor, just 4 points after 4 games and knocked out the cup in the 3rd round made me think we were in for a long hard season. After that 4th game I think we were bottom and I was thinking now that I somehow had to give the fringe players game time in the league as well, that we’d be lucky to survive. So, we just kept plugging away and with everyone taking points of each other, I thought we might manage to stay up, so winning it is incredible!

XD: The last Round matches were incredible and you eventually came out on top by a single point over SabugAll! Did you consider you could win the title at any time this season?

Lizb: Honestly, no. Even in that last game I didn’t rate our chances, which was why my reserve GK and one of my reserve DF’s started the final match for that last bit of extra experience.

XD: This is your 10th seasons in charge here and you’ve never really been out of the top Divisions: to what do you attribute this level of consistency?

Lizb: Jeez, has it really been that long? When I took over I did a major overhaul and the young players I brought in are now my senior ones, so we’ve kind of developed as we’ve gone on. I think the squad maybe ok for a while longer but I will need to start bringing in the next batch.

XD: You’re not losing anyone during the close season but do you intend to add to your squad for next terms’ competitions?

Lizb: We’ve been lucky this season with no one opting to retire. Although we lost a key defender last time out, in truth he didn’t play too many as I gave young McStone extra game time to bring him on. Overall, the squad has improved over the close season so I’m fairly happy with the balance we have but would like a young forward to join the midfielder who’s just arrived.

XD: What SQ’s if any do you look for in a player?

Lizb: I always like a good freekick taker and a penalty specialist as they can give you cheap goals. These are the main 2 I go for. As for hidden ones, I like hard trainers and greedy players too.

XD: What are your aims with Neptune Knights over the coming seasons?

Lizb: Mainly just to establish ourselves as a competitive top flight team and to stay here as long as we can!!

XD: Are there any friendships and/or rivalries that you have enjoyed as manager of Neptune Knights?

Lizb: Arctic are a bit of a bogey side for me, so in a way it was the icing on the cake when we managed to beat them at last and at the same time giving us the title. I’ve also had some recent rivalries with Ray at Elvis and I’m sure he’ll be wanting his title back!

XD: Lastly is there anything else you would like to add into this interview or say to your fellow managers of Xperteleven?

Lizb: Well, I feel this title was Barbosa’s as they led for so long and they’re probably a bit miffed that I came from nowhere really to snatch it at the final hurdle. It’s been a really competitive season and that shows how good my fellow managers are and I expect the new one’s to be just as tough as everyone will want a piece of me now. To everyone else, I guess it shows you don’t need to have the most talented squad to get to the top and even if you have a poor start there’s always a chance for you to turn it around!

XD: Thanks for the coffee and chat, it’s been a pleasure. Good luck for next season.
 

Pro League Cup review

The teams that made it to the Pro League Cup Final were from Divisions 1a and 3e: 127 seeds Askk United, led by Daftpegasus from Western Australia and Sporting C. Pedralvas, 43rd seeds with Portugal’s Proque at the helm, ensuring a new name on the trophy at the end of the final.

Both went into the match with contrasting league forms. Askk were bouncing after defeating their nearest challengers, Glückauf Wadenbeisser, 3 – 0 to clinch the 1e League title with a game in hand. That win was their fourth consecutive win and they entered the Cup Final in buoyant mood.

Sporting had suffered a 3 – 1 home defeat to league leaders Toze FC, their second consecutive league loss, leaving them hovering above the relegation zone, level on points with the team below. Winning the Cup would be just the boost Proque needed to salvage the season.

To get to the final DP and Proque had to overcome some quality opposition:

Askk United began their Cup drive with an away first leg draw against AC Sokól but put the D6:56 team to bed with a comfortable 5 – 1 home win in the return. That was the first of 10 straight Cup wins to reach the final for Askk. ZSKA Sairio fell next (3 – 0), followed by Costa Da Caparica (4 – 1), Caneladas FC (3 – 6), Pink Panthers (0 – 3), Pedras F.C. (2 – 4) and Apocalypse FC (1 – 2) to secure Quarter final rights.

Pro League Cup Quarter Final
Xpert Arena
12th July 2013
Referee: Warren Peace (5/5)

Askk United (127) v Real Södermalm (202)

Daftpegasus had seen his team struggle to get past Apocalypse in extra time to reach this stage of the competition and was looking for a better show as they took on Bebbenperols’ Division 5:1 troops.
Lining up with a 4-5-1 formation, DP set out to control play, maintain possession to grind down his opponent and frustrate Real. The end result was a comfortable 3 – 0 win to send Askk into the Semi Final.

Askk United (Parr 60’, Rimmer 68’, Gefvert 91’) 3 – 0 Real Södermalm


Pro League Cup Semi Final
Xpert Arena
19th July 2013
Referee: Hans Grüber (5/9)

F.C. Steaua Oradea (3) v Askk United (127)

Steaua were the toughest opponents faced so far by Askk. Radu10 has kept Steaua in the top flight since Season 25 and knows his stuff, lining up 3-5-2 with just about the strongest team he could field, with Denilson de Souza benched. DP countered with the same 3-5-2, understanding the quality of opponent, he kept to his plan and played to his strengths. At Grüber’s whistle Askk United went on the offensive, taking the game to their elite opponents. Askk were in inspired form and kept themselves on the front foot.  Askk had more of the ball but Steaua were chasing, closing the space and working their shape to good effect.  Captain Jody Paine was having a great match, getting in the Askk faces, breaking things up and settling his side. He led the Steau midfield with tremendous effect and kept pushing for more to keep Askk from getting to the back line. Askk’s Leslie Parr picked up a yellow on 36 minutes for scything Pulga and then took advantage, going ahead 5 minutes later: Da Silva fired in a deep cross met by the onrushing McLen to head past the Secatureanu. 1 – 0 to Askk and their fans roared to the rafters with Radu despondent on the touchline.

The second half continued in the same vein: the action was incredible and the pace relentless, keeping both sets of fans on the edge of their seats. First one side, then the other tried and missed until the 79th minute when Maurice Ovendale’s corner was met at the near post by da Silva to head home. 2 – 0 to Askk! Now their fans really were jubilant and the stadium rocking as they knew a place in the final was in their grasp. Steau regrouped, kept running, never giving in and played as if their lives depended on it. In the 87th minute they pulled one back. Torpey was fed by Wait and ran up the touchline to send in an angled cross met by Ford to power past Terrar. It was a Steau a lifeline but was all they could muster before the MIB blew for time. 2 – 1 to Askk at the end of an exciting and entertaining Semi Final. It was a great match but only one can progress. It was disappointment for Steau and Radu as they played a tremendous part in a fantastic match.

F.C. Steaua Oradea (Ford 87’) 1 – 2 Askk United (McLen 41’, da Silva 79’)


Sporting C. Pedralvas got off to a flyer with a 7 – 0 hammering of CSKA Blitzkreig before struggling past Maradonas on away goals as the 3rd Round tie ended 2 – 2, Skyraiders (1 – 0 after ET), Areema Celtics (0 – 1 after ET), Toze FC (1 – 2), The Machines (0 – 1 after ET) and Swords of Doom (0 – 1 after ET). It was a tense and difficult campaign for the right to contest the Quarters.

Pro League Cup Quarter Final
Xpert Arena
12th July 2013
Referee: Tony Nolan (9/9)

Sporting C. Pedralvas (43)  v Predator FC (98)

Sporting seemed in the habit of doing things the hard way and this clash was no different. With an impressive defensive record they are difficult to beat but struggle to create but Aki180 found to his cost how effective Sporting’s tactics were. His 4g outfit created twice the chances but failed to score while a 92nd minute winner was enough to secure a place in the Semi Final for Proque, helped, in a big way, by the 79th minute red shown to Predator’s Halewood.

Sporting C. Pedralvas (Bolin 92’) 1 – 0 Predator FC

Pro League Cup Semi Final
Xpert Arena
19th July 2013
Referee: Al Reddy (7/7)

S. L. Caparica (6) v Sporting C. Pedralvas (43)

Being dogged and determined proved an effective for Proque. Playing to his team’s strengths they set out their stall and invite other team to break them down and against LPereira’s Division 2c team it was no different. Lining up 4-5-1 he set the foundation for another tremendous defensive display, asked questions of the Caparica team and set about plotting a course to the Final. LPereira played a 4-4-2 team with power and experience and the front pair, Alaniz and Usman, a particular danger to Sporting. Yet it was Sporting that carried the game to their opponents, keeping the ball for long spells and not allowing Caparica to settle. Göran Bolin was terrific in midfield, playing with flair and freedom but it was captain Colbert Coll who was the maestro. He strolled through the game, hardly breaking sweat. He saw everything in front of him, directing, encouraging and dictating all around him.  Caparica were tremendous on the ball they just didn’t have enough of it for Guiseppe Cangini or Cláudio Rui Jorge to free the strikers. Both defences were outstanding and neither side and a shot of note for some time.

The first action was Daniel Pule’s injury on 14 minutes that saw him replaced by Albertino Bote and the first strike at goal didn’t come until 70th minute! Neither team wanted to concede anything and were defending from the front, limiting space and time to their opponents. Against the run of play Faustino Pinheiro found an inch of space but his header hit the woodwork and extra time beckoned.

Tired players with tired legs meant this was where the action really improved: Petrus Wahlstrand powered in a daisy-cutter on 93 minutes that went wide, Ignazio Mela hit the crossbar on 97, Zaquan Adha Abidin broke the offside for once but couldn’t make it count on 104, and a minute later Philip Myer missed with a thunderous freekick. You couldn’t catch a breath of take your eyes off the game and everyone was grateful when Reddy blew for the change, giving players a couple of minutes to breathe and take on water. The second period got under way and it was Caparica’s Alaniz who had the first effort on 112 minutes, firing his volley wide. In the 113th Abadin broke through again but send the ball wide of the ‘keeper and post, but 2 minutes later the goal finally came: Abadin sent in a cross at pace for Mikael Foghagen to stretch his neck and stick it away. 1 – 0 to Sporting and now they could believe! With new energy Sporting kept the ball from Caparica and marched through to the Final.

S. L. Caparica 0 – 1 (aet) Sporting C. Pedralvas (Foghagen 115’)


Pro League Cup Final
Xpert Arena
26th July 2014
Referee: Hugh Cango (2/2)

Askk United (127) v Sporting C. Pedralvas (43)

The final was upon us and would be contested by Australia and Portugal, between Daftpegasus and Proque, both of whom were in their first ever major Cup final with the winner getting to add a new name to the roll of honour.

It was difficult to pick out a winner before kick-off: Askk were in great form, having just won their league and promotion to the top flight yet Sporting had shown themselves to be Cup masters at grinding down their opponents and getting the results. Only one would stand at the end and be able to quote the famous “there can be only one”. But which one?

The teams for the starting 11’s were:

Askk United:
4-5-1

Goalkeeper – Clark Terrar
Defenders – Charlie Gefvert, Shawn Caudwell, Chuck Peake, Maurice Ovendale
Midfield – Rui da Silva, Leslie Parr (c), Troy Dawes, Jimi Kavanaugh, Edmond Buttery
Forward – Arnold Rimmer

Bench – Davie Weir, Irving Price, Thobias Svensk, Adam McLen

Sporting C. Pedralvas:
4-5-1

Goalkeeper – Ray Bailleul
Defenders – Juliano Sensini, Evandro Scolari, Godim Solas, Colbert Coll (c)
Midfield – Ignazio Mela, Göran Bolin, Geraldo Braga, Mikeal Foghagen, Philip Myer

Forward – Zaquan Adha Abidin

Bench – Manne Sverkersson, Baltazar Feijó, Alain lecour, Albertino Santos, Stig Frykman

The first goal was crucial for Askk as they knew full well the capabilities of Sporting and straight away went on the offensive. They needed to get ahead to have a chance of success and wasted no time as they drew a freekick in the 3rd minute. In a practised move, Parr faked to shoot but fed the ball to Da Silva who shot past Bailleul. Charlie Gefvert missed with a great header on 6 minutes before Edmond Buttery headed straight into the ‘keeper’s hands 4 minutes later. It was an explosive start from Askk and they were all over Sporting like a rash.

With da Silva directing play and Parr marshalling, the Askk players were running and probing, testing the Sporting defence to their limit. It was energy sapping stuff for both teams. Sporting were immense though, despite being a goal behind. Myer and Braga in the middle were doing great work in breaking up Askk’s play, making them go back to try again and Coll was, again, tremendous at the back, seeing everything and keeping his players in shape against the Askk onslaught.

Another freekick to Askk on the quarter hour saw Parr squander the chance as he shot wide then 2 minutes later came the equaliser. Foghaven side-stepped Dawes and fed Myer about 20 yards out. Myer struck the ball first time and it curled over the onrushing defence and into the net: a great goal from a terrific player.

The goal was like a spurt to Askk as they continued to dominate play earning another freekick on 20 minutes. This time Parr made no mistake and powered home to restore the slender Askk lead. DP’s team were just too strong for Sporting at this point and went at them again with the influential Da Silva shooting wide on 26 minutes, then Rimmer had a diving header on 31 that the ‘keeper easily handled.

Then disaster for Askk in the 35th minute as da Silva went down under a challenge from Coll. Despite intense treatment the player was subbed with Irving Price coming on. But the balance of play was still with Askk and they finished the first 45 still hammering at the Sporting lines.

For the second half it was all change as Sporting took a grip on the tie and went at the Askk players in a reverse from the first. Play and pace was excellent from both teams with no quarter asked or given.

Zaquan Adha Abidin had the first second half effort 2 minutes in but he missed with his chip. Now it was Sporting who had the bit between their teeth, running at Askk and asking them questions: could Askk hold out? They were having a tough time touching the ball as the Sporting players toyed with them. On the hour Myer fired in a freekick but the ball went over: it was another missed opportunity and Porque was none too happy at his midfielder.

On the other bench Daftpegasus was ranting at his players to pick up and not to get drawn in. He was frantic as he sensed that Sporting, being in the ascendancy, could pull this one back. Askk were under tremendous pressure from Sporting and they were pressed deeper and deeper and Sporting came at them in wave after wave.

With 5 minutes remaining Rimmer picked up a knock but ran it off. Jimi kavanaugh saw his effort go wide on 87 minutes as Askk tried to ease the pressure. But Sporting came back at them in their never-say-die attitude that has served them so well but they just couldn’t get the right ball in the final third. It was squeaky bum time for Askk but they held their shape, kept their composure and Cango finally blew for time up. There were tears and cheers from the players and fans alike. Askk had just won their first ever major trophy and Daftpegasus was on cloud nine as he partied with the squad.

Askk United (da Silva 3’, Parr 20’’) 2 – 1 Sporting C. Pedralvas (Myer 17’)

Possession: 47 - 53 (55 – 45); chances: 8 - 3 (7 - 1)

Defence 18                             Defence 16
Midfield  16                             Midfield  15
Offence  10                             Offence  10

Manager 3 Star                     Manager 3 Star

AU     Man Of The Match     SCP
Rui da Silva                         Colbert Coll

A tremendous game of football and a fitting end to this seasons’ Cup campaign. Askk United are crowned champions and deserves the congratulations for a great run and victory. Commiserations to Proque who’s team put in a great showing but this was one game too far.

Xpert Daily managed to catch up with Daftpegasus the day after his triumph. Clutching two trophies he was gracious enough to agree to interview before jetting back to Western Australia where the real party would begin.

XD: Congratulations Daftpegasus. Season 28 has been fantastic for you and your team, winning league 1a for promotion and now the Pro League Cup, within a week of each other! That’s a tremendous achievement. Let’s start with the obvious: how does it feel to win the Pro League Cup for the first time with the Askk United?

DP: It’s great. There are many good managers and teams in the league so to come out on top is an achievement particularly with a squad of players who are pretty much home grown.

XD: Your previous best Cup run was the 6th Round, seasons 24 and 25, and the road to the final this season wasn’t all plain sailing: you started with a goalless 1st leg against AC Sokól, had a real tussle with Apocalypse FC then drew F.C. Steaua Oradea in the Semi. Yet you kept on winning so was there a particular round of this campaign that you felt you could go all the way?

DP: To be honest I never felt that until the final itself. Getting past a much stronger team in F.C. Steaua Oradea in the semi was the toughest draw on paper so once past them I felt we would be favourites for the final. Like a lot of managers I use the early rounds to give valuable game time to my younger squad players – if we get beaten in those rounds, so be it, concentrate on the league. However once I get the squad players DV up then I could afford to play to win each and every game.

XD: Your time in charge of the Askk United has seen them rise from the lower echelons of the Pro League to contest for honours at the top level. What do you attribute this degree of sustained success to?

DP: I guess there are a number of factors. The game has changed in that time. When I started it was all about average form and Match Experience.  Now we have to deal with DV, average age, player compatibility and youth academies. Thus adaptability has been a key factor. Also, patience. It’s very easy in those early seasons to see a job at a better club become available and to jump ship. I went down the youth path from the beginning so it takes time to develop and get stronger and now it’s paying dividends.
Finally learning what works in different leagues. Success in the Xpert leagues is simpler to achieve despite the number of other managers as it’s easier, with patience, to develop players. In other leagues you have to change your management style to suit the league structure. For example in the Veterans League where we play 2 league and 1 cup game a week, player development is much harder to achieve as it’s much harder to train the right players at the right time.

XD: Your playing squad looks nicely balanced and has a lot of experienced players in it mixed with youth, but do you have a plan to revamp the squad with next season’s Pro League and Champions League in mind? Or do you feel confident in your playing squad’s ability to step up next season and beyond?

DP: In general I’m happy with the squad so there won’t be many changes. This season I bought Rui Da Silva in an effort to take us to another level. I may buy another similar quality player to give us the quality to stay in the top flight. If not then I’ll browse the 16/17 year old market looking for the players of the future. The important thing for me is knowing my team will be at least as good as it currently is in five seasons time. If that means getting relegated next season, that’s OK because we’ll come back just as strong if not stronger and we’ve proved this season that we’re close.


XD: Hailing from Western Australia you have Newcastle United FC as your favourite team. What attracts you to Newcastle?

DP: I live in WA now but only moved from the UK last year. By birth I’m a Southerner but I’ve spent the majority of my life living in Northern England. I went to university in Newcastle and from the first game I watched standing on the Gallogate I was hooked. Plus I always support the underdogs so Newcastle United are a perfect fit!

XD: Are there any area’s in which you feel Xperteleven could be improved?

DP: Like many people I don’t think the Youth Academies work. Even with a full investment the number of quality youth players that come through is small and with no investment the number of players good enough to get into a squad is non-existent. I think it might work better if the skill/age/SQ’s of the youth academy players coming through was random, but, that the youth academy level affected how quickly those players developed up to the age of 21. So people investing the maximum would develop their young players quicker than those investing the minimum.

XD: You’ve been in this game for about 5 years now, in charge of Askk since 2009, but tell us a bit about yourself outside Xperteleven, other hobbies and interests. What kind of music are you into and are you a beer or wine man?

DP: As you can see from my avatar I love the NFL. One of the positives about moving Down Under was the number of games each week they show on free to air TV. One of the big negatives is not being able to go to Wembley each October to watch it live. As a Seahawks fan this season has the potential to be one of the most exciting in the clubs history.
Musically it’s rock music. I’ve been a big Bon Jovi fan since the 80’s – they were the first live band I went to see in 1990. We took my son to see them as his first live band a few years ago and, when they play Perth later this year it will be my daughter’s first live band she’s seen. To many people that may be child cruelty I guess! Beer or red wine? Don’t do spirits – I’ve just never really enjoyed them.

Many thanks for taking the time to speak to us DP, congratulation and enjoy the party.

There you have it troops, a glimpse into life in the Pro League Season 28. There are new names on the silverware after a fantastic season of drama and excitement, entertaining football, passion and pride. Well done to both Askk United and Neptune Knights on their victories and good luck to everyone in Season 29.