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bcsaulJ
DNZY
@bcsaulJ - We?
____________________________________________
GIBRALTAR PREMIER DIVISION
MATCHDAY 18
I'd like to know if Brennan tested positive for anything pregame, single-handedly crushing the spirits of the 335 travelling Europa Point fans in front of their very eyes. Four goals and one beautiful assist to Akin Cevahir while Leclerc capped the scoring at six. Some outstanding goals in it all, I'd even go as far as to saying Europa Point's was the best of the bunch.
Suffered a big blow ahead of the next game, McCulloch has been excellent at centre back this season.
MATCHDAY 19
Just. JUST ABOUT escaped with an important point at home to Cannons. The "defending" in the build up to Gefferson's opener was absolutely pathetic to the point where they'd have almost circumnavigated the box without a single challenge. Gefferson may have added to the woes with a second, rounding the keeper but amazingly dragged it wide. From that following goal kick, all the way up the other end Akin Cevahir mugged Bérmudez off to get to Brennan's cross first and smoke Cannons' narrow advantage. Will take this result all day long.
MATCHDAY 20
The case of quality over quantity, biding our time to move one step closer to the objective. With both teams feeling for range, the forgotten man Federico Vitali came onto the field at the perfect moment to throw the first punch and snatch the crucial winner. CJL legend no matter the outcome.
MATCHDAY 21
Rarely do I come away disappointed with a 2-0 win, for the fact that it only finished 2-0. Gibraltar United were gaping for a double digit scoreline and instead performed exhausting foreplay for the duration. Stewart Jackson's early free kick was pornographic, mind. Fitzy closed the deal to a quite underwhelming day in front of goal.
GIBRALTAR ROCK CUP
QUARTER FINAL
Partially disgruntled, partially devastated (for the lads), partially relieved we can focus elsewhere. Shuffled the deck with the B-listers and still dominated. Was a bittersweet day for half-Cambodian CB prospect Ros Sovannara who grabbed his milestone first Boca goal, yet choked his penalty in the shootout. Phoenix had two shots on target, conveniently both netted by Caro and had to rely on Fitzy to take things to extra time. Bottled the shootout when we were just a single pen away from the semis. Gobsmacked to be perfectly honest.
Oh, and now we've no natural right back for the end of season run in. gg.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
A month of mixed emotions, mostly positive on the league front. This time last season we were crying out for more than one goalscorer, now we've options galore. Vitali may have grabbed the most important of the season.
LEAGUE TABLE
Surely...SURELY we can't lose it from here? Can we? One final duel with Lynx to come but with the tougher games are out of the way, we're clear favourites for the season blowout.
https://streamable.com/n8gst
Clean sweep of awards for March.
bigmattb28
I laughed at that way harder then I think I shoudl've done!
Some free kick that!
I cannot see you blowing this lead now, surely just a matter of time before that league win is yours.
DNZY
GIBRALTAR PREMIER DIVISION
MATCHDAY 22
Unspectacular but a win is nothing to complain about. The two Stews combined as Peacock shunted in Jackson's right field cross in a game we more or less dominated. Liam Kelly had a header denied on the line and Brennan's dangerous meandering runs through the defense let him with little to no power behind his shots. Next up, Lynx.
MATCHDAY 23
This is really happening. Wasteful Lynx whitewashed by our counter attacking plays in the second half after dominating the first. Young teenage right back Martin Porter cleared a certain goal off the line to deny Lynx any glory. Took mere seconds to send the home crowd into ecstasy with a slick move involving Peacock's cross, a flicked header by Brennan to an unmarked Jackson at the back stick. Went 5-3-2 to solidify our advantage, placing Peacock as an aux striker and boy did he finish like one to double the lead. Lynx's missed an absolute sitter before the second goal but did jangle a few nerves with Ibrahim Boateng squeezing one in past Godfrey. It mattered not as we hold a twelve point fortress with four games left, needing a single point to get it over the line. No bottles welcome.
MATCHDAY 24
The blood, the sweat, the frustration of managing in Gibraltar, all led up to this moment. Brutal to watch. Glorious to see it end with our mitts on the shield. CHAMPS OF THE ROCK!
MATCHDAY 25
Out of office.
MATCHDAY 26
More shooting practice with a rotated side against Europa Point. Eizmendi got the ball rolling with a lovely curler, Silvio Shehi finally got amongst the goals with a deflected free kick, Fitzy scored a worldie and Brennan punished a sloppy backpass. Three games, fifteen goals scored against EP. They'll be glad to see the back of me.
MATCHDAY 27
Imagine being a Joseph's fan reading this. To be honest they were good as gone and we just danced on their grave. Silvio Shehi must have been spending time on free kicks on the training ground to manage two goals in two games, both from frees. Fitzy tapped in a Brennan cross while Vitali's penalty wrapped the season up nicely.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Depth in numbers, considering last season everything practically hinged on our strikers. Seven different goalscorers. Fitzy and Brennan are just different gravy compared to twelve months ago, especially Brenno who tore up the division. Silvio Shehi proving he has what it takes to slot into the first team midfield.
FINAL LEAGUE TABLE
Best points tally the club have achieved in over a decade. The tactical switch went so seamlessly perfect, scored goals for fun, defensively reinforced and seldom had many hiccups on the way. Lynx's poor start cost them dearly otherwise they'd have given it a right go for four titles in a row. Europa and Cannons completely tanked in the second half of the season. St Joseph's bit the bullet with Gibraltar United barely surviving.
Shehi finished on a high, grabbing player of the month.
Oh yeah and I secured a fourth MotM award. Basically a cereal box prize these days.
HawkAussie
Dan
bigmattb28
Well done, been a long time coming
Shedender
TinakoFM
bcsaulJ
KEZ_7
DNZY
____________________________________________
To my surprise, the fully contracted Luke Brennan's outstanding goalscoring season was eclipsed by on loan Manchester United defender Liam Kelly's 44% of the vote to win the player of the season award...but I suppose if you score six goals from defence, you're definitely doing something right. Kelly also won the young player of the season award. The other United loanee Stewart Jackson also found his way into the top three with his superb right wing performances. There were far too many stunning goals to choose from, however Liam Fitzy's solo effort in the dead rubber versus Europa Point took the cake.
https://streamable.com/32hem
Luke Brennan doubled the amount of goals he netted last season with 22, also notched 10 assists and half a dozen MoTM awards to his name in an inspiring campaign for the former Millwall and Swansea striker. As mentioned Liam Kelly had a stalwart loan spell at centre back, 6 goals and involved in 18 clean sheets earned him the strongest AR of the season with a 7.55 average. Stewart Jackson was a slow burner in the beginning but contributed 12 assists from the right. On loan Javier Eizemendi slotted into the Tomeu Alonso role seamlessly as the deep lying playmaker and delivered pinpoint passing precision just shy of 90%. Both centre backs sacrificed many bookings while the only red of the season was a stupid Reginal Thomas challenge in that 0-0 with Olympique earlier in the season.
Brenno deservedly won the GPD player of the year award along with the golden shoe (or some strange Gibraltarian equivalent).
Twas a great season for Stewart Jackson too, the 21 year old grabbed young player of the season.
What a transformation, Lynx had five players each in team of the season yet only ended up with one this season in Robbie Kennedy (who wasn't even that good against us). Godfrey, McCulloch, Kelly, Jackson & Brennan all feature for Boca.
And of course the big cheese also earned an award as manager of the season. 77% win ratio, these things don't go unnoticed!
DNZY
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
FIRST QUALIFYING ROUND DRAW
Letzeburgesch side Progrès get the pleasure of getting swatted first.
FIRST QUALIFYING ROUND
Nonchalantly smoking Progrès in 43 minutes. Youth products Ryan Sene and Jamie Perez shone bright in Luxembourg, two goals and three assists respectively. Luke Brennan could've easily racked up a hat-trick, though blazed a penalty over to settle with two goals, while Jackson grabbed the other.
Returning to base, another youth hopeful Max Sharpe lived up to his name with a wonderfully precise effort from range to kill off any unlikely comeback. Fitzy and Jackson's second half strikes added insult to injury in a one-sided tie.
SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND DRAW
Cymru awaits with Bangor City in the next round.
SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND
With all due respect, our squad are just too good for these sides. Silvio Shehi instating himself into the first team midfield bagged his first CL goal in between an unfortunate o.g. and Luke Brennan's bread and butter type finish.
Bangor did make a dent early in the second leg but realistically had no way back. Brennan worked on his penalty taking to go into the break level, before inevitably doubling and tripling his tally. Fitzgerald kept the home crowd entertained to stroll to another heavy aggregate win.
THIRD QUALIFYING ROUND DRAW
Now we're talking, a real challenge in Basel to cement a Europa League group stage position at minimum.
THIRD QUALIFYING ROUND
Lost to a striker who shares a name with a soft drink, a new low for me. Marcel Pepsi escaped his marker to fire in early from a corner which we were unable to recover from. Basel controlled the tempo and hit the crossbar from a free kick, but neither side had much substance in the final third overall. Even with the red card to Bacchetta, Basel's defensive fortress had us restricted to long range and barely tested their keeper.
The return leg didn't look good on paper, but we gave Basel the best of our abilities. Well that was after we succumbed to two sloppily conceded goals, bunched like bananas and left gaps everywhere. Second half slightly improved but defensive frailties remained as Pepsi tapped in number three, leaving it as a fight for pride. Basel's keeper Roger Burckhart played superbly to keep out numerous efforts, until a deflected effort where Fitzy grabbed the final touch to produce our only cheer of the game. Europa League it is.
UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE
PLAYOFF DRAW
Worst case scenario facing Galatasaray, can we upset the apple cart?
PLAYOFF
Devastated, missed out by a technicality. In a first leg devoid of any quality, Gala managed to catch us on the break with substitute debutant Nihat Yilmaz sending Sam McCulloch to the shadow realm and confidently chipping over Godfrey to leave the Turks in control of the tie.
For all the marbles, we had no choice but to play on the front foot in Gibraltar. New signing for left wing, Marcos was left in space to sweep home into an empty net to level the tie...for about 65 seconds as Gala countered up the other send for Stevanovic to give the visitors the away goal advantage. No matter how hopeless it seemed, Brennan beat the offside trap to leave a tense final quarter of the game. Gala's experience in Europe favoured them, shutting up shop and preventing a massive upset. Away goal rule rears it's ugly head yet again.
And with that, I bow out of Gibraltar for good. It's been emotional.
TinakoFM
Where next?
DNZY
___________________________________________
Nation: Georgia
Media Prediction (Odds): 2nd/10 (7-1) (second tier)
Current Position: 5th
Expectations: Top half finish
Pros: Six points off promotion with nine games to go. Nothing to lose with expectations.
Cons: One win in last eight games in all comps. Out of Georgian cup. Nothing glamorous in the squad department.
RESULT
As if a second tier club would have turned me down. Dare I drop down the tiers for work?
Nation: Bosnia
Media Prediction (Odds): 3rd/12 (9-2)
Expectations: Challenge for title / European spots
Pros: Board willing to accept my suggestion(s). Predicted to qualify for Europe. Good positional squad depth. Great gateway job to Bosnian league.
Cons: Half a million in the red. No trophy is five seasons. No league title in two decades. Average squad age of 21-22.
RESULT
Damn, would have fancied taking them on too despite their flaws.
Nation: Bosnia
Media Prediction (Odds): 2nd/12 (15-4)
Expectations: Challenge for title
Pros: Far wealthier than Željezničar. Predicted to make serious challenge for league. League winners three seasons ago.
Cons: Some key players have left this transfer window. Numerous long term injuries. Squad too focused on central areas.
RESULT
*sigh* It's pretty sad where your encyclopedic experience in football isn't enough to warrant a spot on the shortlist for a job in Bosnia...
DNZY
Some may be thinking “has he gone mad?”, and perhaps you’re right as I reduce myself to the Pirveli Liga (second tier) on my return to Georgia. FC Merani Martvili (მერანი მარტვილი) are a club initially founded back during the Soviet Union days in 1955 as Salkhino Gegechkori, transitioning into Chkondidi Martvili and Salkhino Martvili before settling on their current moniker in 2006. The name Merani refers to a mythological horse (or pegasus) representing ‘freedom’ cited in a famous poem written by Georgian poet Nikoloz Baratashvili in the 19th century and depicted in the current club badge. Red and white are their traditional kit colours.
Lying 280km, or a four and a half hour drive west of the capital Tbilisi, Martvili (მარტვილი) is a small city home to only 4500 people. Lying on the banks of the opalesque Abashistskali River, the city was originally named ‘Gegechkori’ (გეგეჭკორი) after Sasha Gegechkori, a Georgian Bolshevik activist involved in Sovietization of Georgia in 1921 but changed back after the fall of USSR. Officially declared as a city in 1964, Martvili may not be the largest in the nation but is surrounded in natural beauty, green trees and it’s breathtaking canyon leading into the smaller village of Gachedili (გაჭედილი). What makes it a city though? All answers point to the 7th century monastery rebuilt in the 10th century to what is now known as the Martvili-Chkondidi Cathedral.
Curtained by tall pine trees, the ‘Murtaz Khurtsilava’ stadium (or the Martvili Municipal Stadium) is the picturesque venue for home games. Named after the former defender who represented USSR at World Cup ’66 and Euro ’72, the ground holds a capacity of 2,000 people on what looks to be an astroturf surface, however it is unclear if this is the case due to the lack of documented information on this stadium, not even the year of it's official opening is known. All I can say is it looks breathtakingly beautiful for what it's worth.
Unfortunately Martvili and footballing success or honour do not go hand in hand in their short existence. Drafted into the Pirveli Liga (now called Liga 2) in 2007, the club came agonisingly close to promotion on three occasions with consecutive third placed finishes until eventually a second place finish ensured promotion to the Umaglesi Liga in 2011. Mid-table mediocrity greeted them in the top flight before eventually being relegated in 2016 in cruel head-to-head record circumstances with Zugdidi. Financial struggles were to soon hit (or at least I’m guessing); despite finishing second the following year, they were denied entry back to the Umaglesi Liga and if that weren’t enough punishment, the pegasus lost it’s wings and fell further down the pyramid in 2018 to Liga 3 but thankfully made a swift return to Liga 2 at the first attempt. Martvili did however make headway in the Davit Kipiani Cup (Georgian Cup) with a semi final appearance in 2010, losing to eventual winners WIT Georgia and even closer in 2016 but couldn’t upset Torpedo Kutaisi in the final and folding to a 2-1 defeat. Understandably, the club have never came within a whisker of European football.
FM ERA
Ignoring the obvious flaw with them winning the Pirveli Liga in 2018 which is categorically false, the club still haven't reaped much success other than the same league trophy in 2021 and 2037. Lately they've had yo-yo motions between the top tier and second tier, scraping promotions as they see fit with seven runner up spots, which is hardly an honour worth mentioning. The closest Martvili reached in the cup was a measly semi-final in 2059, edged out by Lokomotivi Tbilisi 2 goals to 1. Honestly? I only see it as a stepping stone in my career, haven't achieved a promotion yet in this save and would be a solid way to start.
CURRENT SEASON
With only nine games remaining in the season and leaning on the wrong side of form, promotion is not completely out of the question should we steady the ship. Basically a full round of fixtures means we'll have some crucial six pointers but also opportunities against some bottomfeeders like poor old Liakhvi Tskhinvali, good Lord being part of that setup would crush anyone's self confidence. Achievable? Yes. Expected? Not exactly. Let's get to work.
To be honest, their first half of the season was more than satisfactory...but this is a side chasing promotion. One victory in eight, dumped out of the Georgian cup which leaves our focus solely on the objective at hand. Certainly not a one man team by the looks of things so perhaps there is a degree of teamwork embedded already.
SQUAD
Expected a lot worse, their squad ability is actually quite good to gain promotion so what's the big deal here? Player form hasn't been atrocious, morale is steady, slightly worrying our top goalscorer Novitskiy only has six to his name but we won't weigh emphasis on that too much. Squad size may be a little thin but can easily sort that if we go up, the caveat being the possibility of losing some key players in the event of missing out on promotion. At least our star man is nailed down until the end of next season.
KEY PLAYER - Shermadin Mikeladze - M(R)
He's no Stewart Jackson, but he'll definitely do. Has got all the basic attributes of a winger into green territory with crossing, technique, acceleration and pace reaching 13 or over. Still has outstanding determination as he pushes into his thirties. I'll be extremely happy to keep him through the next transfer window. Leader of the pack too.
EXPECTATIONS
Top half finish will be ezpz if my predictions are correct. Not going to worry about that insulting transfer budget until next year, at least a five figure wage budget makes up for it. Time to get down and dirty.
bigmattb28
bcsaulJ
btw I really like your presentations of the new team and city
DNZY
@bcsaulJ - Unfortunately there weren't any other jobs to go for than those three. Thanks for the feedback, really appreciate that you're enjoying the club overviews which do take a while to complete!
___________________________________________
KEY GAMES
PIRVELI LIGA
MATCHDAY 31
Samegrelo are the supposed leaders of the division, not the impression I got as we somehow failed to win the game. Yegor Piskunov and Moses Osei both struck the post in either half and making their keeper sweat while Samegrelo failed to hit the target. Solid point, disappointing that we dropped the other two.
MATCHDAY 33
This was a major blow, not only missing out on being champions but also the promotion race. Twice in front, twice pegged back thanks to two goalkeeping blunders from Kuznetsov. Shiryaev got the ball rolling early with a curling free kick, but dabbed out by Svanidze's looping cross going over everyone into the net. Piskunov thought he'd won it after catching the rebound of his missed penalty in the final fifteen minutes. Alas, Betlemi went route one and caught Kuznetsov and Bediashvilli out in a web of miscommunication to allow Andrey Konkin to sidefoot home as injury time neared. May live to regret this result.
MATCHDAY 35
An attacking masterclass to outclass title chasing Saburtalo. Moses Osei yet again on fire from midfield with two sensational hits from range on either side of early second half goals from Mikeladze and red hot Piskunov to coast to a 4-0 lead. The visitors stole one for pride at the death will an equally brilliant long ranger but it matters not to the side already going up next year. Are we going to join them though?
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Elsewhere, life at Martvili started positively with wins over the bottom two clubs WIT Georgia & Liakhvi before somehow weathering an Algeti storm to escape with a goalless draw, including Kuznetsov saving two penalties.
Piskunov and Novitskiy combined to overthrow ten men Shukura with ease and despite the taxing draw away to Betlemi, team spirit and confidence was still rolling sky high to conclude the season with a trio of victories against Guria, Saburtalo and Machakhela for one last push for promotion.
Question is - were our efforts in vain?
FINAL LEAGUE TABLE
Unfortunately, yes. Even with a nine game unbeaten streak, Samegrelo held on by two points to get promoted with Saburtalo. Can't help but question the scoreless draw with them which could have been the fine difference in the final stretch. I won't beat myself up over it, didn't lose a single game in charge and the team I have are good enough to fight for it next season.
DNZY
TRANSFERS
IN
Seven new recruits to the squad in the aim to boost us to promotion…well, technically six. One was a gentle reminder not to be your own scout and signing someone on a whim.
Mikheil Gavaketashvili – M(L)/AM(L) – unattached free agent
Definitely a signing under very false pretenses. The right midfield department was looking rather understocked so pounded the pavement to find someone remotely interested in keeping the bench warm and this guy with Umaglesi Liga experience would do fine….until I found out that he plays on the left, a position we were fine in. Making matters even worse, I stupidly gave him a two year deal. Oh dear.
Alan Bobrov – M(R)/AM(R) – unattached free agent
In light of my farcical miscalculation, I found a proper candidate to play second fiddle to Mikeladze. Former Shakhtar youth academy hopeful, Bobrov doesn’t hold a candle to our captain but provides us with the more advanced wing option should he be called upon. Concerned about his casual personality but he was economically persuaded with a low wage.
Ulisses – D(C) – unattached free agent
Pretty much the marquee permanent signing as agent offers once again come in useful. Despite not playing a single game for his old club in Brazil, the 21 year old looks mentally and physically brilliant with his HMT rock solid. Potential windfall for fans of James Joyce too.
Artem Zaikin – M(C) – six month loan from Bastion
More creativity added to the midfield triangle in a tried and tested 4-4-1-1 formation. Not expecting him to set the world on fire but has the technical bones of a playmaker, combined with strong vision to make killer passes in times of need. A safe, no risk signing.
Giorgi Tsikharishvili – M(L)/AM(L) – season long loan from Lokomotivi Tbilisi
Fallen out of favour with his recently relegated parent club, we’re providing the pacy left winger with a new opportunity. The form needs to improve immediately but willing to risk him as the first choice, especially since his set piece game is on point.
Mario Gilabert – GK – unattached free agent
You may recall this guy as my third choice keeper at Boca (GIB) who was never breaking into that squad past Godfrey or Webb, well this may be his opportunity to lock down the number one choice. Standard run of the mill, good height and reach, good agility, strong handling, lack of game time in his career is the only caveat.
Never had an intention to invest in another goalkeeper…only for this piece of news to land on my desk.
I mean, you were relegated the season before last and didn’t kick up a fuss. Enjoy the bench, Maxim.
Vitaly Terekhov – D(R) – season long loan from Samtredia
Taking a gamble with this Ukrainian right back, given his awful recent form would fly red flags to any club. As long as he stands strong, doesn’t get too caught out of position, maintains concentration and clears safely it’ll be a successful loan signing given that our only other natural RB is out long term.
SEASON EXPECTATIONS
Looking like a rough promotion battle between a contingent of capable teams. Relegated Sioni & Lokomotivi Tbilisi are the obvious candidates, but newly promoted Rustavi have a legion of overpowered players who certainly wouldn’t look out of place for most if not all top flight teams. 6-1 for the grand prize, I’m hoping my newly shaped team can eat those odds.
Board giving me an ultimatum, its promotion or bust. The other avenue is a cup run but for the sake of it, the return to the Umaglesi Liga takes priority.
HawkAussie
DNZY
___________________________________________
KEY GAMES
PIRVELI LIGA
MATCHDAY 1
What a statement to make in the first game. I expected a tight encounter with Lokomotivi Tbilisi, but it looked like they were still recovering from the shock of last year's relegation. A brace from our returning loan striker Yegor Piskunov and Brazilian mathematician Arquimedes had us cruising into a comfortable 3-0 half time advantage. Artem Zaikin marked his debut off the bench with a sweeping strike from Mikeladze's cross for four, while Piskunov completed a deserved hat-trick on the counter in the final ten minutes. Can you tell we're not messing around this season?
MATCHDAY 2
Two games in, two promotion candidates taken down a peg. Although our first half dominance was quite pronounced, Rustavi squirmed their way into the lead with their only shot on target - Gavrilov drilling low on the greasy surface to dupe Otar Khutsidze in net. The second half response was more than effective to oust Rustavi's slim advantage; Roman Yakovenko headed in just two minutes after the restart and a debut goal from Alan Bobrov with a deflected free kick resigned the home side to a costly defeat. Still no defeats under my Martvili reign - who's next?
MATCHDAY 6
At the fifteenth attempt, I finally lost a game to a tyrannizing Sioni side. Although Sergey Shiryaev briefly eliminated Sioni's lead, their front three were frighteningly good at finishing as Tretjakov and Bryzhytskyi helped themselves to a goal buffet. Despite the visitors' attacking threat, they were still vulnerable on the counter as Mikeladze's deep cross was met with a tap in from Moses Osei to make it a close contest. Unfortunately, the previously relegated side tightened their grip on the game to hand us my first Martvili L.
MATCHDAY 9
Who doesn't love a late goal? This match could've gone either way with fellow promotion hunters Shukura. An early penalty miss and a superb save gave a heap of confidence to Khutsidze in net, but could do nothing about Gaprindashvili's sensational arrowing hit into the top corner from 25 yards out. It was another bad day at the office up front for the usual goalmonger Yegor Piskunov, however substitute striker Grigol Khundadze stole the limelight as he escaped the offside trap to provide some last minute limbs for the travelling faithful. Mind you, this result brought a serious problem post-match.
And you'll see why Osei's injury was so damaging.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Carrying on from our first two victories, Algeti, Machakhela (just about) and Betlemi met the same fate to construct an eight game winning streak before Sioni came barging into town.
That Sioni defeat definitely rattled us as we somehow tripped up to basement dwellers STU in a horribly scrappy and embarrassing performance.
Guria were no trouble at all, exploiting their fragile defensive core with route one football and Yegor Piskunov having an absolute field day.
And here is where Osei's injury took centre stage after the Shukura draw. Drawn into so many errors with nobody to break up the midfield play.
Piskunov's piss poor finishing amounted to a key loss away to Lokomotivi Tbilisi, bottled a crucial lead at home to Rustavi, slouched to an ill-disciplined and heavy home defeat to Algeti finishing with nine men in the process and finally rounded off with yet another miserable duck egg away to Machakhela.
This ain't it chief.
LEAGUE TABLE
Not a position I'd like to be in. After building an early lead, we kept top spot warm for rampant Sioni by ways of our sloppy form. Now all of a sudden the promotion talk is taking a backseat; five other teams are gravitating to that second spot held currently by Guria. Shukura, Rustavi and Betlemi licking their lips at the prospect too. Surprised how poorly Lokomotivi Tbilisi have started but have a sneaking suspicion they'll get their second wind. Still seething at how we somehow drew to relegation favourites STU.
Claus Clausen1
I have just catch up on this fantastic story! Nice with the trophy in Georgien, and good start in this new country, I am sure wou wil be back on the winning streak from next game
DNZY
____________________________________________
*I apologise for my recent absence, it has been a difficult last few months for me but getting back on the right track. Hopefully I'll be able to update this more regularly due to the recent Covid-19 pandemic. Thank you for your patience.
KEY GAMES
PIRVELI LIGA
MATCHDAY 17
Yegor Piskunov proving why he is hot merchandise in Georgia with yet another dazzling display to take down promotion sniffing Guria. Having been caught by surprise with Toni's perfectly angled finish, the pacy Russian was a nightmare on the breakaway and twice composed himself to overturn the deficit going into the break. Guria had their moments of authority in the second half, having a goal ruled out before Katsadze's effort flew over Khutsidze's head to have the sides level again. Our dominance in the stats would not go in vain, restoring our advantage from a corner with Piskunov rounding off his third hat-trick of the season. Sergey Shiryaev's picture perfect free kick ended whatever was left of Guria's fight. Great game for the neutrals.
MATCHDAY 19
The welcome return of Maxim Kuznetsov between the sticks.
Couldn't have come at a better time either.
Sadly it wasn't the grand comeback he anticipated. Lokomotivi must have worked on their six-yard box choreography, earning a rather soft penalty finished off by Olexiy Kuchynski. Midfield favourite Moses Osei didn't leave us empty handed in the first half with a coolly placed side pass into the bottom corner. Poor set piece positioning was our downfall with Semenov breaking away from the marker and headed in the winner. Yegor Piskunov had an unlucky afternoon, somehow managing a shot that hit both inside posts and also straying offside in the last five minutes to have a crucial equaliser ruled out. Another murky display against the railwaymen.
MATCHDAY 20
Rustavi saved by the goalframe to scrape a point by the skin of their teeth. Both goals originated on the counter, Davit Lomidze was left open in a 3v3 situation to provide Rustavi with a fortunate lead. Piskunov rattled the crossbar twice to the relief of their rickety defence, until a moment of brilliance on the counter for us, cutting in from the right and finished like an experienced, legendary striker.
DAVIT KIPRIANI CUP
THIRD ROUND DRAW
Having pushed Machakhela aside, the reward was a blockbuster spectacle at home to Dinamo Tbilisi.
But it will have to be done without the creativity of Shiryaev in the middle following an injury in our previous league match with Algeti.
THIRD ROUND
I've no words. I simply cannot digest how we lost when we played the game of our lives. Six clear cut chances, woodwork blocked us thrice, made one of the strongest teams in Georgia look like a schoolboy outfit. What an exhilarating game, not often I get these high octane emotional rollercoasters.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
With Moses Osei back in training, June was the perfect clean slate to end the miserable fortunes of May. Yegor Piskunov individually obliterated Betlemi in a 3-1 victory, while also contributing an important equaliser against league leaders Sioni in an evenly balanced contest. Our second string barely overcame winless STU with third choice striker Grigol Khundadze attempting to back up a case for first team football. Concluded the month strongly with that Guria dub following the midweek cup triumph over Machakhela.
July and August failed to blend into the same pattern. Taxed hard with the Lokomotivi Tbilisi defeat, too many lacklustre draws and too many missed opportunities against they likes of Shukura, Rustavi and Algeti which on other days would have been bankers for maximum points. All things considered with the disheartening cup exit to Dinamo Tbilisi, the squad bounced back courageously to mount pressure of struggling Machakhela, Arquimedes turning up for a change with a standout 86 minutes with a brace and an assist.
LEAGUE TABLE
No major progression, tumbling between second and third with Rustavi as Sioni continue to break away at the top. The accumulation of draws have played a big part in hindering any early promotion plans and I fear if it continues in this fashion, we'll be bitterly disappointed come the 36th game. Betlemi and Shukura need to be shooed away on the other foot, within touching distance of ourselves. September & October will be huge months ahead and a cup exit might help the cause to seek that elusive promotion.
Dan
bigmattb28
DNZY
@Dan - Thank you my man, apologies for such a long absence!
@bigmattb28 - Cheers mate, again apologies for being so inactive recently.
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KEY GAMES
PIRVELI LIGA
MATCHDAY 24
The prospect of winning the division goes up in smoke. Our brave second half efforts weren't enough to combat an incredibly tidy, organised backline and a stacked Sioni front three. Anton Tretjakov's double left us in dire straits, while at the other end we had the finishing performance of nightmares, notably a 6.0 disaster for Yegor Piskunov. Sub Khundadze squeezed one in late to give us the dimmest ray of light but it's now safe to assume we'll have to armwrestle for the second promotion spot instead.
MATCHDAY 27
Another sloppy first half performance, but pardoned with second half brilliance by our on loan talisman Piskunov to bail us out again. The theme of set piece blunders reared its ugly head again, Kuznetsov fumbled a free kick in front of Kalichava and absent marking from a corner allowed a second for Shukura's top scorer. The hairdryers came out and focus was restored; a sloppy backpass gave Piskunov the courtesy of rebuilding team confidence, confidence that was marked in the equalising goal. A true stunner hit with power, cutting in from the left on the edge of the area and flew into the top corner with five minutes remaining. One point better than none at all.
What a lad.
MATCHDAY 28
We're making a habit of late comebacks. Tbilisi will be going Loko for all the wrong reasons, somehow not making their dominance count leading twice as we gave away a soft penalty approaching the break before Nadiradze extinguished Piskunov's equaliser. Then came a stunning late onslaught all thanks to the Brazilian sub Arquimedes, not only a great mathematician but got involved in all three late goals - scoring twice and assisting Shiryaev to leave the home side lost for words.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
September started and finished strong even with Sioni clipping our wings. Betlemi were done in 44 seconds with a majestic solo effort by Piskunov. Winless STU yet again caused us problems, failing to dispatch the university students and squeezed by with a 77th minute winner from that man again. Third choice striker Giorgi Khundadze was given the opportunity to step up and seized the moment with a double in a comfortably controlled 2-0 victory over Guria.
Stepped into October with winter chills trickling down our spinal cords as form began to dip, retrieving results from losing positions away to Shukhura and Loko Tbilisi was only a taste of what came later. Outthought to our stern promotion competition Rustavi, butterfingers Kuznetsov had a lot to answer for spilling a free kick to hand us a costly defeat. Failed to end the month strongly, in fact we were creatively weak to labour to a 1-1 draw with Algeti as Khundadze continues to make a starting case after coming off the bench to equalise.
LEAGUE TABLE
A grueling promotion race enters its climax between ourselves and Rustavi, slightly easier run in despite one final fixture away to runaway leaders Sioni, but hopefully will take their foot off the gas if and when they are crowned champions. Two points in it, Shukhura and Betlemi a little bit too late to catch up at this rate. Will I secure the first promotion achievement in this save?
bcsaulJ
DNZY
KEY GAMES
PIRVELI LIGA
MATCHDAY 31
Promotion fight in hot pursuit with a battling victory over relegation condemned Machakhela, but it wasn't without trouble on the way. Twice pegged back after fan favourite Osei and a stunner from Novitskiy granted us the advantage. Machakhela so dangerous on the break but so wasteful in execution and that was their inevitable downfall. A quickfire salvo brought home the bacon; Novitskiy's flicked header capped his brace and Arquimedes played in a smart 1-2 to bury the home side to the Meore Liga.
Elsewhere, this was hardly a surprise but might wind their season down in favour of us.
MATCHDAY 33
What could have been. Tsiklauri two footing the opposition left us at a huge disadvantage for 80 odd minutes and Sioni's fast attacking tempo was too much to deal with. Pavel Mitin took centrestage to bury any hopes of picking up anything from the game, that was until we got our second wind. A late fightback with goals from Piskunov and Khundadze almost brought a dramatic twist to the tale, sadly too far gone. A red day for our boys.
MATCHDAY 35
Objective completed. Inflicted a first half wipeout of Guria to seal the maiden promotion of my long journey. Given an early scare by Toni the response was electrifying; Ulisses with a rare goal to draw us level, Osei from range, two tidy finishes from Piskunov and a hilariously tragic own goal concluded one of our best performances this season at this final stage. The scoreline must have fed into Rustavi's psyche as they bottled a 2-0 lead to Betlemi and conceded an injury time winner to confirm the news. Martvili are going up!
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Excluding the unlucky defeat to Sioni, a fantastic end to the season kicked off with the 4-2 success away at Machakhela. Far from impressive hosting Betlemi but the groundwork in the first half helped us to claw onto a 2-1 win. Fell short of expectations for a fourth and final time against STU, our 23 shots should have equaled a hammering, not a mediocre 1-0. I can pardon it as they saved their fight to rinse Guria to serenade the streets of Martvili. The season closed out with my landmark 1500th game of my save, dominating Shukura but only finishing 1-0. Written in the stars, Yegor Piskunov finished his loan spell on a high in claiming his 30th goal of a scintillating season for the Russian. Without him Rustavi would have left us in the dirt.
FINAL LEAGUE TABLE
There we have it, back to the Umaglesi Liga and vindicating my unforgettable relegation with Dinamo Batumi seven seasons ago. Things could have gone a little smoother but Sioni were worthy champions finishing fourteen clear. Rustavi's team on paper looked too good for this division, in actuality they folded under pressure to finish five adrift (can't see many of them staying around). Machakhela's loudmouth manager criticised my every decision in press conferences, now he can find out where it all went from for side in the pit of oblivion along with the battered and bruised STU who only grabbed their first win on matchday 33.
bigmattb28