Getting Around Europe Quicker Than Shedender

Great finish to the league! A bumpy pre-season, but at least you got your team scoring! Should be a good season!

Thanks Shedender, it sure does look a decent squad we got now if I do say so myself. Pre season wasn't the best but finishing with two wins could be vital going into the season!

Thanks BOWC! After the season ended well for us we just need to hope we hit the ground running, the bumpy pre season was expected with so many coming and going!

____________________________________________________

Pre season had been good to us and as we head into the opening month of the season I was feeling confident. Although pre season didn't go brilliantly, our squad looked stronger than last year and after we finished so strong last year I was hoping, well praying that we hit the ground running this year. We concluded April with our opening three league games, one at home with two on the road.


The league couldn't have started better as we opened the season with a win at home. We welcomed Vedrich Rechitsa and managed to secure a late second half win to begin the season on top. Despite a goalless first half we produced a good display late on. Two goals within a minute saw us snatch three points. Klimovich netted his first of the season with twelve minutes to go before we stole the ball from kick off and Yanovskiy went on to net to secure a two nil win and a great start for us.

Our second game of the season saw us leave our expanding home and travel to Gorodeya, last years playoff side who lost out. Despite losing to them in pre season we recorded back to back wins with a narrow victory. A tenth minute goal coming from Margulets secured the win and our second clean sheet.

We made it three wins and three clean sheets out of three as we traveled to Zhlobin with a big win. We began well as we found the net after just fifteen minutes, Kantsavy opening his account for the season. However we had to wait till the second half for any more goal. Three minutes after the restart Makarevich found the net before Kantsavy was brought down in the box and he took and scored the penalty to make it three. Fourteen minutes on the clock Margulets netted for the second game running, as we wrapped up a four nil win.


What a brilliant start to the season we have made. As I said I was confident this year following the transfer dealings we had and the team report. And with three wins from three it shows we mean business and that we do have the strong start the assistant manager stated. Only team to win all three sees us immediately open up a two point gap up the top and hopefully many more wins to come. Three clean sheets!

You beat Zhlobin, my former club.

Three wins from three games and top of the table - if only the season could end now, correct?

Once again cheers Shedender, I wouldn't mind the season ending now, however with the squad we got I'm confident we will be there or there abouts come the end of the season! Zhlobin are a poor side!

____________________________________________________

The league season of 2017 was off to a flyer following three wins and three clean sheets from our opening three games in April. But with May taking us to five games this month we knew there would be added pressure to perform and the winning run wouldn't last forever. A tough month saw us face two home games followed by three away, all in the league, would our early form continue?


We began May by recording our fourth win from four however did concede. We faced Belcard and a good first half led us to victory. Yanovskiy got us off to a flyer with the opener after seventeen minutes and six minutes later we were two up as Tishura doubled our lead. Second half we conceded twice. But luckily one was ruled out for offside late on so we managed to record a two one win.

Our first league defeat came as we welcomed Khimik Svetlogorsk however as we failed to match them. A poor showing saw us concede both goals in the first half and despite tactical changes throughout the game we failed to get back in the match ending our unbeaten run.

We showed our bounceback ability however as we traveled to Polatsk where we recorded another narrow one nil win and what proved to be our only clean sheet of the month. An own goal saved our blushes after the break to ensure a one nil win and three points came back with us.

But as we traveled away to Smorgon we fell to our second defeat in three games. A close game swang Smorgon's way early on as they led after just ten minutes and second half they doubled their lead to seemingly dump us with half an hour to go. A tactical change paid off as we pulled one back with nine minutes left on the clock with Klimovich netting but we failed to get a second, we slip to second in the table now.

Our final game of the month saw us travel away for the third game running as we visited Slutsk. A narrow game was won late on after a thriller. The five goal game began after just five minutes as Kantsavy put us infront and nine minutes later we were cruising as Mikhnyuk made it two. However Slutsk didn't lie down and goals either side of the break saw them level and it looked like they had snatched a draw. But Klimovich stepped up in the final minute to convert a chance inside the box to end the month on winning terms.


With a topsy turvey month we may have lost our top spot however we are only just a point behind current league leaders Smorgon so anything is still possible. With us quarter of the season through already we are powering through and as we add a fourth clean sheet we are still looking good. Next month we only have one league game so we will arrange some friendlies to keep the ball kicking around.

____________________________________________________

June is always a quiet month in Belarus as they weirdly have a single month off. However before we could think about sunning ourselves over the break we had one league game to play. Along with that I arranged five friendlies just to try and keep the mood in the camp at a high!


Just the one competitive game this month saw us welcome Rudensk and record a narrow two one victory. A close game saw us take the lead after twenty two minutes with Chernakovich netting his first at the club before Rudensk leveled come the break. Second half we played well and eventually secured the win. The late goal coming from Tishura with just two minutes on the clock.

We then played a host of friendlies over the 'summer break' just to keep morale and the football at a high level. Five friendlies saw us lose just one as we won two and draw the other two. Certainly was needed however no clean sheets in the break did take a hit on our defence. Hopefully we can return to league action with our form high and morale kicking in to move to the top of the table.


So with just one league game played during June we had the chance to overtake Smorgon but only if they slipped up. Unfortuntely they didn't however we did pick up three points ensuring we stayed on their tail. Still only a point in it, just hope our poor goal difference doesn't come back to haunt us.

Your squad report looks good and so does the start to the season you've made, keep it up

Thanks a lot Zan! We do have such a strong side for this league following our transfers this summer and they are paying off as we look at the league right now!

____________________________________________________

Back to competitive action we went into July with a busy month on our hands. We faced five Persha Liga games followed by my first ever Kubak Belurusi game. So a month consisting of six games what we looked for was consistency in the league and a hope to take our top spot back!


We returned to action with my first ever Kubak Belarusi game (Belarus Cup) and the first round saw us welcome league opponents Belcard. A narrow game saw us fall behind in the first half and as it looked like we were crashing out, a goal four minutes from time from Klimovich saw us head to extra time. No goals in extra time saw the game head to penalties where we triumphed four three to progress to the second round.

Our first league game back from the summer break saw us welcome lowly placed Granit and record a comfortable win. We raced into the lead and by half time found ourselves three goals to the good. Mikhnyuk put us one up before Kostyuk and Rusetskiy gave us full control at the break. Second half we conceded one but it was nothing but a consolation goal.

As we traveled to promotion chasing DSK we were delt a blow as they beat us comfortably. A game where we didn't show up shone through and DSK had a four nil win and all three points in the bag come the end of the game. Not a game to look back upon.

We returned home to welcome Pinsk and turned the score around from last game to win four nil this time. A much better showing saw us lead after eighteen minutes when Klimovich netted from close range. No other goals in the first half however early in the second half Klimovich netted his and our second. Mikhnyuk made it three before the game was rounded off by Kantsavy in the final ten minutes.

We traveled away to Slavia Mozyr where we were once again defeated. Despite competing well against them during the first half, second half we let the pressure off a little and this left us hung and dry as we slipped to concede two and end the game on the losing side.

We ended the month at home welcoming third place Lida. The started brighter and as we were behind after just two minutes we were in trouble. However from then on we poured pressure on Lida and it took till the eighty fourth minute for them to finally crack. Yanovskiy was the man to ruin Lida's party as he nodded home a late corner to secure us a point.


We have re hit the top spot in the league even with just two games from our five league games. Smorgon had a terrible return from the summer break as they slip from first to fourth whilst we sit one point clear over Khimik Svetlogorsk. The league is certainly going to be tough and close this year with a single point separating the top two at the halfway stage this season.

You're looking good for promotion mate, don't balls it up. KIU.

Once again Shedender thanks for your wise words, if you've just jinxed me I will hunt you down and punch you in the face whilst your watching your 'pro wrestling' and practicing the choir notes!

____________________________________________________

August was another busy month and as we head towards the end of the season now we can expect busy months throughout the rest of the season. August left us four league games along with the return of the Kubak Belaruis as we had a big opponent in the second round. We went back into the month at the top of the league table, come the end of the month would we still be there?


August began away from home traveling to Dnepr Mogilev where we once again weren't brilliant but managed to steal a narrow one nil victory. The only goal coming after thirty six minutes as Daniel Laptev nodded home a corner to wrap up all three points.

We returned home and fell to a careless performance against Gorodeya. We know they are a good side and we under estimated them somewhat as we went on to slip to a two nil defeat. Their goals came either side of the break and they kept us at bay throughout the game.

Hitting the road to face Vedrich Rechitsa where we improved slightly and managed to steal a point. However our performance wasn't brilliant though. Denis Laptev netted his and our second goal of the month to put us into the lead however a late goal from Vedrich Rechitsa saw them cancel out our effort and settle for a point.

Our final league game of the month saw us return home to welcome the leagues bottom side Zhlobin. They've been poor all season and we weren't much better today however still secured a two one victory. Klimenko put us ahead after thirty six minutes with Margulets doubling our lead just two minutes before the break. Second half we broke down and Zhlobin created many chances however only found the net once.

Our final game of August saw us return to Kubak Belarusi to face BATE in the second round, not an easy tie. Despite being at home the first half was devastating for us. Bate rushed into a two goal lead and left us still in the changing rooms. Second half we came out fighting and Laptev found the net for the third time this month before Klimenko brought us back level. A goal from BATE with thirteen minutes to go left our efforts worthless as they dumped us out the cup, a brave effort though!


Once again we have lost our top spot but we sit second and our game in hand can see us jump back top and open up a three point gap once again. Even a draw in our game in hand will see us jump to the top however we will look to take the most of this game. An average month certainly saw us keep morale up and the points tumbling in with twelve games to go.

____________________________________________________

Another month done and dusted and this was of course September. Another one of those busy schedules in the league. With the cup exit last month we were able to focus entirely on the league title now and the chance of us getting promoted. Going into September second but with a game in hand, we knew we could be top with a gap come the end of the month. Here are the five games.


September began at home as we welcomed midtable side Polatsk. A one goal game was decided when Margulets broke free on the thirty fifth minute and was able to comfortably knock home the ball inside the area to wrap up the points early on, little happened after that.

We then faced a short trip to Belcard where we managed to extend our unbeaten run to four games. Despite a poor performance we still managed to salvage a point, thanks to the opposition. We fell behind after thirty two minutes from a classy free kick and only leveled after the break thanks to an own goal. Krasnikov the man putting the ball past his own keeper.

We made it five without defeat as we welcomed title chasing Smorgon where neither side gave many chances to the opposition and come the end both side had a share of the points. Despite a few clear chances at either end the game ended goalless.

Our form hit a low point as we traveled to Khimik Svetlogorsk. The side who are the latest to join in the title hunt gave us the run around throughout the whole game and it was them who took all three points. Both goals coming before the break as they won two nil.

We ended the month by traveling away for the second game on the bounce, this time visiting Rudensk but returning to winning ways. A confident showing saw us lead after twelve minutes with Rusetskiy put us infront. Just after the half hour mark Chernakovich doubled our lead and within a minute we had our third and what proved to be the final goal of the game coming from Bogdevich to wrap up all three points.


Now seven games to go for everyone in the league and just one point separates us from first place Salvia Mozyr whilst Khimik Svetlogorsk and Smorgon both sit one point behind me in third and fourth respectively. Talk about a tight league as Lida, in fifth are only five points from the top spot. The title keeps changing hands and I'm sure it will continue to swap hands over the final seven games!

Another good few months here, all to play for now mate

Thanks again Zan! The season is certainly close and definitely up for grabs!

____________________________________________________

Our penultimate month of the season was finally here and it was a big one for us. Going into the month just a point behind the league leaders would be a spurring on point and one we needed to take full control of. With four of our final seven league games on offer throughout October we had to try and make the most of them. Two at home two away, how could we cope?


The month started with a welcomed trip to Granit, the side nearing the bottom of the table against us chasing promotion had only one outcome. We raced into a two goal lead in the opening ten minutes as Yanovskiy netted both for us. We had to wait till the second half for another goal, it came when Chernakovich found the net before Margulets netted late on to secure a four nil win.

Our only slip up this month came when we returned home to welcome the slipping DSK. Despite DSK starting the season strongly they have slipped down the title somewhat now but still did one over on us. They found the net after thirty two minutes with the only goal of the game to secure all the points.

However we bounced back to winning ways as we welcomed Slutsk with a narrow two one win with the winner coming right at the death. We went into the lead early on as Yanovskiy netted a penalty after just eight minutes. Slutsk leveled before the break. Second half it looked to be goalless and heading for a draw however Chernakovich managed to find the net two minutes into injury time to secure a two one win.

We ended the month with back to back wins as we traveled to Pinsk and recorded another two one victory. We started poorly and Pinsk took advantage of that in the first half and found themselves one goal to the good come the break. Second half we weren't much better but got lucky to forge an equaliser four minutes from time through Margulets. This boosted our spirits and when Bogdevich broke free in injury time we snatched a winner.


Three league games to go and still only a point separate us and Slavia Mozyr whilst we take them on at home in the next match! We are still second but have now opened the gap to four points over third place making it look a two horse race going into the last three league games! Its all to play for!

2 wins and you have playoffs in the bag! Come on!!

BOWC I'd prefer the top spot naturally but if we can secure the playoff spot its still a step in the right direction!

____________________________________________________

We went into November and the final month still sitting second in the league and still trailing by just a single point. It wasn't the easiest run in in the league this month either as our final three league games saw us face league leaders Slavia Mozyr as well as fifth place Lida. It wasn't going to be an easy month. However with the title in our sights we knew exactly what the target was this year.


The final month began with us welcoming league leaders Slavia Mozyr. A game that if we won we went top and if we lost we'd trail by four points. A narrow game saw them race into the lead and take the early chance however an equaliser from Laptev nodding home a corner saw us secure a one all draw and keep a point behind the leaders.

We then welcomed Dnepr Mogilev, the side who were on the verge of the relegation playoff spot and despite a poor, goalless first half we eventually broke the deadlock midway through the second half. Tishura putting us infront with a goal coming fourteen minutes from time before Laptev netted again to secure a two nil win.

We ended the month by traveling to Lida, the team in fifth place had played well all season but had missed out of promotion. They were better than us though throughout the whole ninety minutes and a goal coming in either hald was enough to sink us to a two nil defeat.


The final league table looks as so. We missed out on the title by four points come the end as the draw against the league winners Slavia Mozyr and late defeat against Lida proved to be enough to stop us winning the league. However we do secure the playoff spot for finishing second so we will play the playoff relegation side from the higher league. We certainly still have a chance of going up following how we narrowly lost out to BATE in the cup earlier in the year. We will give it our best shot. Zhlobin finish rock bottom and are relegated whilst Dnepr Mogilev will join them with non league football next year.


The two legged playoff for promotion will be played against last years Persha Liga winners SKVICh Minsk. It won't be an easy one to over come but with us facing them both at home and away I think we will be able to do the job in hand. The first tie will see us travel away on Wednesday the 29th before we play the second leg at home on Sunday the 3rd December. Two of our biggest games this season.

best of luck in the playoffs

Thanks Zan!

____________________________________________________

So here it was, the playoffs to the Vysshaya Liga. A tough ask for a club of our size who were predicted to finish down in seventh this season. But a second season of over achieving has seen us do wonders and now we are on the verge of promotion. Two games away from the chance of going up...


The first leg was away and as we traveled to SKVICh we wanted a solid performance and possibly a draw to take back home. But we did one better than that and went on to snatch a win. It was our star man Yanovskiy who ensured we took a win back home as he fired home a shot from outside the box on the fifty eighth minute, the only goal of the game and it proved to be enough.

Returning home for the second leg and welcoming SKVICh we took the one goal aggregate lead in and knew it wasn't going to be enough. However a solid defence could see us hold our own and not blow our chances. Our defence was strong and despite being on the back foot throughout the game, we sealed a nil nil draw and that meant just one thing! We had done it!


To see this message was brilliant, following our performance in the playoff we definitely deserved to go up and we knew it was coming. Solid second leg ensured we were moving to the Vysshaya Liga and playing against the top teams in six months time when the season restarts.

Massive congratulations on your promotion, albeit via the playoffs, you still got promoted.

You're sure to find it hard next season, survival has got to be your aim and nothing else. KIU, amazing season.

Shaky ending to the season but got the job done in the end via playoffs! All the best in the Vysshaya Liga

Shame on title but solid defence in playoffs make the job. Good luck in Vysshaya.

Thanks Shedender, via the playoffs or straight promotion, we are counting them so its another step in the right direction! The following season will be very hard!

Thanks BOWC! We will need all the luck we can get just to survive following our promotion thats for sure!

To_Madeira least we are going up, thats the main thing!

____________________________________________________

Following our surprising promotion with Baranovichi come the end of the last season we've gone through the massive winter break taking a couple months out and just chilling. We are now back and with some exciting news with what has happened over the last couple weeks. Here it is!


A couple jobs became available over the 'league reset date' on the game and I decided I would go and have a look into them. Naftan sacked their manager as did 'Shedender's' current side Torpedo Zhodino. Both are more appealing than sticking with Baranovichi so I applied and sat back in my chair.


Both sides informed myself and the public how flattered they were that I was interested and this stepped up my excitement for the season coming. Naftan are possibly the bigger club of the two however Torpedo Zhodino finished better last season. If either were to approach me I would have to take them seriously.


Torpedo Zhodino were the club who approached me first as Naftan seemed to take too long I entered talks with them. They initially offered me a three year deal on one thousand one hundred per week and I changed this to just a grand a week on the three year deal. Things were looking up and this was definitely a step in the right direction.


And it was done! The club agreed to my changes in the contract and with both parties happy for the move, the Torpedo Zhodino board paid up almost fifty thousand pounds in compensation to Baranovichi and just like that the deal was done and I was now on board the same ship as Shedender!


The boards finances are looking extremely healthy at the club. They have over three million pounds sitting in the balance whilst offering me one and a half million of that to spend on transfers this season. Wages are very under controlled. With fourteen thousand pounds available we are only currently spending five and a half thousand of that, giving us just over nine thousand pounds to expand the squad this winter.

Awesome. You're managing the same club as my good self. Good luck with them mate.

Indeed I am Shedender! The first time we've been at the same club and seeing how well you've got on with them I can only hope for the same!

____________________________________________________

So following a big winter move from myself and ditching Baranovichi for a much stronger side in the league, that being Torpedo Zhodino it was time that I pressed through pre season and tried to come up with a winning side to face the league season that was coming round. I didn't make any transfers because as I arrived at the club I felt the squad looked strong enough on paper and being predicted third was fantastic anyway.


Here is our squad report for the season that is upon us now. It looks very strong however we do have a couple of 'weak' spots. Our goalkeeper is nowhere near this league quality and nor is our striker. I will look closely through the transfer windows for some improvements but at the moment we will stand with them. I am happy with our core midfield and defence and am more than sure this team will produce this year!


As I stepped in charge the friendlies were already arranged and the winter saw us face six friendlies and quite a pleasing run we had. With four wins, one draw and one defeat we can take a lot away from the winter. The most pleasing win was against BATE who will surely be the main contenders for the league this year?

____________________________________________________

With another pre season done and dusted and me being in charge of another I once again faced my 'first game' in charge of a club. This time Torpedo Zhodino and I was feeling confident as I headed into my first ever season in the Vysshaya Liga. It would be a tough season for us but with the opening month of March giving us two games to play we eased in, however facing Naftan and Dinamo Minsk wouldn't be easy.


An unbeaten start to the season saw us welcome Naftan and record a huge four nil win to show our title ambitions this season. We got off to a quick start as Yanush found the net after twenty six minutes. The other three goals all came in the second half. Kruk doubled our lead six minutes after the restart whilst Lisitsa and Schegrikovich both netted within three minutes of each other in the final ten minutes, what a start.

The short month ended with a tough trip to Dinamo Minsk. We fell behind early on before Yanush leveled for us with his second goal in as many games. But before the break we found ourselves behind once again. Second half Kruk netted his second in as many games to level things as we played out a two all draw.


We spent the first and second weekend at the top spot but are now down to fourth as a few teams have played three league games. BATE sitting top with seven points having scored five without conceding. Winning our game in hand can see us go back to the top spot should we win by at least two goals. At the other end former side Baranovichi sit on a single point in tenth.

Haha, and you boasted proudly that you would be with Baranovichi for the long run .

All the best with Torpedo, decent start already!

BOWC two years was a long time! Longer than Shedender lasted at Zhlobin anyway! and we won promotion with them!Thanks matey

____________________________________________________

March eased us into the Vyssaya Liga with just two games however we did what we had to and stayed unbeaten through them. Now we faced a packed April with six games crammed into just four weeks. However not all were in the league. With the 2017/2018 cup still in play we found out this month we were still alive and kicking in that so faced the fourth round and a potential semi final this month"


April began at home as we welcomed Brest and managed to extend our good start as we picked up a two nil win keeping our second clean sheet in three games. Despite a quiet first half, second half we upped our game and Gogoladze proved his worth as he netted twice, first after fifty five minutes and the second coming in the final ten minutes, another good win nonetheless.

Whereas the league is played in one calender year, the cup runs over two calender years and we are still in the 2017/2018 cup as we traveled to Vedrich Rechitsa in the fourth round. We comfortably moved into the semi finals as we recorded a three one win. After just three minutes we were ahead as Gogoladze netted. We sneaked a second on the stroke of half time with Yaroslavskiy converting from the spot. Second half we added a third through Prokopchik before Vedrich netted a late consolation.

Back to the league and we traveled to Gomel and once again it was a second half performance from us that saw us come out on top. A goalless first half saw it at nil nil before Yaush put us infront five minutes after the restart. From this we gained confidence and went on to add a second through Gogoladze before Lisitsa put the icing on the cake as we added a third to wrap up another win.

Our third away game on the bounce saw us travel to Shakhter Soligorsk in the Kubak Belarusi Semi Final, a huge game for us. And a goal on the stroke of half time from our inform striker Gogoladze proved to be the difference as we claimed a one nil win and were into the final! The final will see us go head to head with Persha Liga side Gorodeya on 21st May 2018.

Just a few days later we found ourselves up against Shakhter Soligorsk once again, this time in the league and we welcomed them to our fortress. Once again it was a one goal game and again it went our way as we kept our fifth clean sheet in seven games this season. The only goal of the game coming in the sixth minute as Lisitsa managed to find the net.

We ended the month with a tricky tie traveling to BATE. A tough game against two sides that hadn't lost yet this season had a draw written all over it and come full time it ended level. After twenty seven minutes we found ourselves behind for what I believe to be the first time this season. However we managed to extend our unbeaten run as Karp found the net to seal a draw eighteen minutes from time.


So another unbeaten month sees us sit second in the table and we are one of three teams who have played the opening six games of the season without a defeat. Vitebsk sit top of the tree with sixteen points whilst we sit second, level with BATE in third both on fourteen points. Its been a very pleasing opening six games of the season and long may it continue. We also have the cup final to look forward to next month.

____________________________________________________

May was a huge month for us as we returned to the 'usual' five game month. Squeezing five games into four weeks is easy enough and we keep morale and fitness levels up throughout the month. But this month would see us face four league games along with the all important Kubak Belarusi Final. Could I claim my first piece of silverware here at Torpedo and keep our unbeaten run going?


We began May with our second game without a win as we traveled to Belshina. We drew the second game on the bounce as we failed to make our chances count. Once again we fell behind just before the break but luckily managed to earn a point late on. Karp netted with four minutes to go.

Returning home we welcomed former side Baranovichi and despite their poor start they battled against us but we still recorded a two nil win. Inside the opening minute Klopotskiy put us infront as it seemed we could hammer these and as we added a second within ten minutes we were in control. But no more goals came and we simply settled for a two nil victory come full time.

Our first league defeat came as we welcomed high flying Neman Grodno as we failed to deal with their attacking display. We fell behind early on before Lisitsa leveled on the verge of the break. But we failed to take our chances in the second half and as Neman Grodno attacked with fifteen minutes to go they found the net to take all three points.


Traveling to a neutral destination we met Persha Liga side Gorodeya in the Kubak Belarusi Final. We went in as clear favorites but the game proved to be a lot closer. Both sides failed to find the net through the ninety minutes signally extra time come the end. We managed to take the advantage in extra time with a Vasilyuchek own goal on the break of extra time saw us secure a win and the title.

We ended the month returning to league action as we traveled to Vitebsk who had lost their last game. We dealt them their second defeat on the bounce as we narrowly claimed a two one victory. Drozdov put us infront just after the half hour mark before Lisitsa doubled our lead five minutes before the break. Second half Vitebsk pulled one back but it wasn't enough as we sealed a two one win.


Almost a third of the way through the season and we are second again in the league trailing just BATE. No one is unbeaten now as all the teams going into the month unbeaten saw defeat. We lost to Neman Grodno for my first defeat in charge of the club but things are looking up. Behind BATE simply because they have scored one more goal than us this year but we are challenging for the title and with the cup success we can now focus on the league!

interesting switch buddy and you've made a great start to life with torpedo with the cup win! keep going, the league is still about!

Thanks Zan! Looking at how well we are playing and how poorly Baranovichi are doing it definitely seems the right decision!

____________________________________________________

Following our cup success in May we had an easier month in June as we faced just three league games this month. These were all played within the opening nine days of the calender month and with no competitive game till late July I organised some friendlies for us to come up against too. Would our fantastic league form continue to stretch and could we keep the title dreams alive.


Competitive football begins as we traveled to Slavia Mozyr and recorded a three one victory. We went infront after just fifteen minutes when Yaroslavskiy found the back of the net. Before the break we doubled our lead once again as Litisa netted from the spot. Second half we conceded almost immediately however a third goal went our way through Klopotskiy secured the win.

We returned home to welcome Dinamo Minsk where we struggled slightly. A poor showing saw us behind early on and come the break we looked down and out as we were two behind. Second half we pulled out a great performance and snatched a point as Gogoladze netted twice in the last eleven minutes to settle a point. His first came in the seventy ninth minute before his second came five minutes from time. A valuable point nonetheless.

We ended a short month with a trip to Naftan, another tricky tie. A goalless first half was finally broke in the second half when we took the lead through a fortunate own goal. Maximenko managing to turn the ball into his own net. However we conceded seven minutes later and were held to a draw for the second game running.


Over a third of the way through the season and we have returned to the top of the table for now. The league is definitely close though. Second place Vitebsk are level on points with us however we sport a better goal difference. BATE sit a point behind in third whilst Neman Grodno also sit on twenty five points. However in fifth and not far off the top spot Dinamo Minsk sit just three points behind. The league is tight for sure!


So with another summer hault in the season schedule I arranged a few friendlies to organise the team a little more and keep them wanting the league title. With the cup title confirmed we now went into the summer months. Six friendlies, just like we faced in the winter and this time we won three, drew two and lost just the one. This time we lost heavily to BATE but we will leave that in the past!

Baranovichi are struggling without you!

Great form buddy to be level on top with a big goal difference! Too tight to call though, but congrats on the cup win!

They are indeed BOWC! Bit of a shame but hopefully they can do enough to stay up! Its good being top but the league title is so close I can guarantee it will continue to switch hands over the next few months!

____________________________________________________

After a few weeks off the competitive football and the friendlies going well across June and early July we returned to competitive action to end July. We returned to competitive football with four tough games, two league games as well as two Europa League qualify games as we searched for a spot in the next round.


We returned to competitive action by traveling to Wales to face Llanelli in the Europa League second round. The first leg saw us come away with a comfortable two nil win. Yaroslavskiy was the man to net both goals, the first coming six minutes before the break and with the second coming six minutes after the restart to give us the advantage.

Returning to league action we traveled to a low placed Brest who gave us a run for our money and we ended with just a point come the end. We played poorly but took the lead on the fourteenth minute through Lisitsa. However an equaliser came from Brest before the break and despite everything we chucked at them we couldn't find a second.

Back to Europa League action and back at home we welcomed Llanelli and for the second time beat them comfortably by two goals. Lisitsa put us infront after twenty three minutes before Lekhavitskiy doubled our lead on the verge of the break. This gave us a comfortable four nil aggregate win and sets up a tie with Russian side Kuban in the third round.

We ended the month back in league action as we welcomed Gomel. A narrow game swang our way as we took our chances where they didn't. Lekhavitskiy netted his second goal in as many games this month to guide us into the lead after half an hour and a goal late on in the second half from in form Lisitsa saw us secure a two nil win.


Another turn around in the league now sees us topping the pile but its still very....very close! We sit on thirty points with BATE in second on twenty nine points. Neman Grodno sit third level with BATE on points whilst Vitebsk sit in fourth now three points off the top. Even Gomel down in eighth are only seven points off us at the top so its certainly close and with the Europa League and Kubak Belarusi coming into play now we need to prioratise the league!