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Shedender
bcsaulJ
DNZY
___________________________________________
SEASON EXPECTATIONS
Objectively simple, win win win. Preseason favourites count for nothing based on experience, in fact only weighs more pressure on us to skin the felines who didn't need to buy a whole new team in the transfer window. The cup road might win me over with fans if all else fails and can help me unlock a new nation in the challenge. Pepe Reyes cup? Mickey mouse.
PEPE REYES CUP
DRAW
Speaking of aforementioned Mickey mouse cup, our first experience of Lynx at their best. First in the bag?
FINAL
Swear I'm cursed when it comes to cup finals. Most of the pressure was built in Lynx territory, created more chances than them but in truth neither side deserved to win it over a painful two hours, even when Lynx were reduced to ten. Penalty shootouts never end well in Football Manager, doubly so if your keeper saves the first two spot kicks. Tremouroux, Gough and Peña all failed to close the deal against John Akuffu to let the pendulum swing in Lynx's favour.
First sell out of the season to witness my first failure.
Cursed image. Hull won't even recall him and have to continue paying his wages, selfish pricks.
GIBRALTAR PREMIER DIVISION
MATCHDAY 1
Game one and already getting screwed over. Kept Europa in the pocket for 99% of the game with six half chances and the visitors going down to ten men. What do we do? Give away a cheap pen and fall behind. Responded quickly, countered a Europa free kick to the God himself Federico Vitali - commanding run from the half way line, cuts inside, deliciously curls into the top corner, thank you very much. Papers over the cracks though.
MATCHDAY 2
How this only ended 2-0, I do not know. Laid base camp in Olympique's half in their own backyard, Vitali singlehandedly demolishing the forgotten champs of three seasons ago. The Italian hobbled off at half time, not one of my other strikers were on the same level of finishing, fluffed a good four or five sitters. Vast improvement from the first match.
I mean one positive to take away from this month was Vitali's beaut against Europa winning goal of the month.
https://streamable.com/d1boz
NEW SIGNING
Robert Godfrey - GK - unattached free agent
Best wishes to Ryan Webb on his recovery to the bench, think I've struck oil here. Contributed a lot to Fulham last season on loan from Arsenal before his release and we've somehow snapped him up on a free. Looks absolutely flawless for this league, nearly everything in green and literally has God in his surname. Absolute coup.
MATCHDAY 3
Boys, boys, boys, what have you done? This was almost a banker at home to winless St Josephs, Lua-Lua obviously didn't receive the memo. Great link up play between Fitzgerald and Luke Brennan to deservedly lead. Finishing really let us down, Fitzy in particular snatching at opportunities. Les Hardy had a goal chalked off for a foul in the box. Everything was set in place to throw our dominance away, cue Lua-lua escaping his marker and powerdrilling home at Godfrey's near post. Shambles.
MATCHDAY 4
Chuffed with a point here, given we played with a man down for the guts of an hour. Brennan nearly gave us an early lead before Lynx gradually showed why they're the dominant force again in Gibraltar. Sergi Castro waltzed in and tucked one under Godfrey followed up by two quick yellows for right back Vershawn Austin to end a miserable half. Second half gameplan was to galvanise and hope RNG could bring us salvation; both prayers were answered when Lynx got shirty in the box and conceded a soft penalty. Given our penalty woes in the Pepe Reyes cup, seeing Luke Brennan convert was a huge relief. Totally got away with one here.
MATCHDAY 5
Closed out October with a win, an unconvincing win at that. Vitali's finishing was anything but nervy, mugged EP's centre backs off on both occasions - also worth noting the first was assisted by a floater from goalkeeper Godfrey. Being absent all game, one hopeful Europa Point ball was missed aerially and left punished by José Luis Rey. Shots galore, poor returns. Vitali carrying us for the most part.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Looks fine for what it is, three draws though? Not good enough. Vitali already adapting to life in Gibraltar, Brennan looking decent too whereas a lot of my other strikers seem to be co-dependent, can barely finish a bowl of cereal.
LEAGUE TABLE
Already four points off Lynx only five games in, Gibraltar Phoenix occupying second and looking dangerous. Injuries to blame? Get excuses in early and all that?
DNZY
Starting with lighter news, French attacking midfielder Stéphane Leclerc declared for Gibraltar and grabbed his first cap. At age 30.
GIBRALTAR PREMIER DIVISION
MATCHDAY 6
Another game we should have killed off easily, instead winning by the bare minimum. Brazilian Tremouroux opened his account with a strong header in the opening five minutes. Mons Calpe didn't threaten Godfrey too much, apart from a shot from range which he could do nothing about to make the game 1-1. Changed to a two striker format lately and it seems Vitali and Brennan have built up good chemistry as the Italian squared to the Englishman to restore our advantage. Leclerc squandered a big chance in the first half, had a goal disallowed in the second.
MATCHDAY 7
Now I can see why Gibraltar Phoenix are wildcards for the title race. They debunked our entire gameplan and gave us no passage to their final third. Somehow managed to allow a bang average striker Carlos Tur head a ball like Ibrahimovic. And 1-0 was being kind, Phoenix could have had four or five if not for Robert Godfrey saving our skin. Car crash performance.
MATCHDAY 8
This is what I'd love to see week in, week out. All round complete destruction of Lincoln who came out of the traps fierce then folded like a deck chair. Vitali, Johnston, Fitzgerald and Tremouroux piled misery (to my enjoyment) on my former employers' faces. Has beens of the league.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Given that we played away thrice in a row, six points is acceptable. Still slamming them about the Gib Phoenix game, was just so spineless at times. Anyways, game recognises game.
LEAGUE TABLE
Despite our defeat, we've cut the gap to 3 points and leap into second. Cannons now lie third whom we face next.
https://streamable.com/7sis4
More tekkers as Liam Fitzgerald scooped Goal of the Month for November with his strike at Lincoln Red Imps.
DNZY
GIBRALTAR PREMIER DIVISION
MATCHDAY 9
Cannons have conceded fewer goals than anyone in the division, I wonder why? Such anti-football, playing ultra defensive but to our disappointment it worked. What's even more disappointing is that Cannons had the best chance of the game, luckily Flavinho's header was scooped off the line by Alex Gamble. Poor, poor game.
MATCHDAY 10
Time to rethink tactics, we're so feeble defending on the wings. Fell behind so early on and Europa could've easily been out of sight by the break. Undeservedly, we equalised late in the game thanks to a beautiful through ball from Tremouroux to Vitali and escape with a draw. In fact, we nearly robbed Europa of all the points but Les Hardy was unable to pull the trigger just 2 yards out. Fading rapidly.
MATCHDAY 11
Slight improvement, very slight. Comfortably complacent at times and Olympique had themselves to blame for missing two sitters. Trinidad & Tobago international Adrien David was unmarked from a corner to smash in as the first half wound down. Penalty takers may also need a rethink after Adam Gough hit a pathetic spot kick straight at the keeper, failing to give us some breathing space. At least it's a positive scoreline to end the calendar year. Lots to reflect going into 2062.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Boca have the squad to dispatch teams like these, not carelessly drop points to them. Olympique win also looked unspectacular.
LEAGUE TABLE
We return to the league at home to Lynx needing all three points otherwise it may already be curtains, Lynx seeming impenetrable right now. Need to look over our shoulders to the overachieving Cannons who continue to grind out results.
bcsaulJ
DNZY
TRANSFERS
OUT
Didn't bring anyone new in, instead saw two offloaded for some much needed first team experience. Adam Gough's finishing has been shocking in the time he's grabbed first team minutes, bit of 'fight or flight 'out at struggling Olympique should do the trick. Silvio Shehi heads back to Germany with 2.Bundesliga side Sandhausen.
GIBRALTAR PREMIER DIVISION
MATCHDAY 12
Welp, there's our season over. We only have ourselves to blame, our defending from set pieces was an embarrassment. For Christ's sake we allowed their centre back Yeboah score twice. Credit where credit is due, we fought back to equalise twice with Alonso bagging his first and half time sub Luke Brennan finished wonderfully to peg Lynx back immediately after retaking the lead. We knew what was coming...flicked header from near post to back post with Korean winger Jeon-Sung Min with the freedom of Asia to plant his header in. Just hand them the title while we're at it.
MATCHDAY 13
Responded proactively, finishing Joseph's off pretty easily. Early own goal and a routine Vitali execution the only true highlights in an otherwise scrappy game. Winning ugly is the method from here on in.
MATCHDAY 14
Definitely on the right trajectory anyways, Europa Point never really troubled bar a shot against the upright. A goalkeeping howler had us queuing up to tap into an empty net, Tomeu Alonso the goal recipient. Twas a tale of two penalties in the second half; first one was a pathetic attempt by Liam Fitzgerald who literally aimed for the keeper's chest, moments later left back Alex Gamble took responsibility for the second and put Fitzy to shame with an emphatic finish.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Consistent getting two per game, however the game that actually counted was misery of our own making. Tomeu Alonso making a strong case for more first team football, linking nicely with Tremouroux and are adding so much more flair to the midfield, two goals also helping matters.
LEAGUE TABLE
Gap was eight after the defeat but ended the month six behind Lynx. Over halfway through and haven't lost a single game, unless they collapse like the Golden Gate Bridge I see no way to reel it back other than our final meeting with them in March. Europa are in red hot form too and have competition for second spot.
TinakoFM
DNZY
__________________________________________
GIBRALTAR PREMIER DIVISION
MATCHDAY 15
Horrendous game to witness despite the win. A derby game which produced nothing of quality for the first 80 minutes, except the ref being inundated with cynical fouls and yellow cards. A late penalty gave us the opportunity to smash and grab, Liam Fitzgerald didn’t screw it up and went for power. Vitali mopped up in injury time with Mons Calpe committing too many bodies forward. On a roll now.
MATCHDAY 16
Revenge was sweet, inversing the scoreline to our previous encounter. Liam Fitzgerald looked so switched on all game; dangerous, creative, slightly selfish but headed home with unstoppable force. Gibraltar Phoenix looked nothing like threat from last time, our wing back galvanised the defence and aerially had no troubles.
MATCHDAY 17
Another win, another clean sheet, another two fingers up at my former employers. Tomeu Alonso really settling into this team now, striking from distance put out Lincoln’s flame before it even ignited. A niggling injury forced Liam Fitzy off at half time, his replacement Luke Brennan wrapped the game up and bask in the limelight. Glad our strikers are no longer being handheld by Vitali.
MATCHDAY 18
Oh look, it’s anti-football Cannons again. No highlights, only boredom. Excuse me while I stick my face in a red hot iron.
GIBRALTAR ROCK CUP
QUARTER FINAL DRAW
Tricky draw away from home to Gibraltar Phoenix in the Rock Cup, perhaps our last stab at silverware.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
The Lynx defeat has certainly kick started our confidence, near perfect month for us. Six unbeaten, six clean sheets, a sense of unity has returned.
LEAGUE TABLE
Lynx were finally outscored by Europa to lose their first game of the league, however it makes little difference to the deficit at the top. Away to them next month, it’s make or break for sure. At least top three looks almost certain.
At last I get long overdue praise for my work in this godforsaken country.
DNZY
GIBRALTAR PREMIER DIVISION
MATCHDAY 19
#1400NotOut. Not sure what game GibFootballTalk were watching? Europa were poor, while we finished more clinically. Vitali is an ice cold finisher at the age of 33 to break into double figures, rounding the keeper first and held off two defenders to hammer in the second. Sadly our clean sheet run ended with a near post header by Di Marchi from a corner to cut our lead, but had enough experience to see it out.
MATCHDAY 20
This was a game we simply could not drop points in, Murphy's Law reared its ugly head. Olympique looked reinvigorated under their new interim manager and started strongly, failing to close down Brian Ward who curled into the top corner. Luke Brennan equalised with a sumptuous finish on a break, but smeared himself soon after with a penalty miss (good save tbf) to go in level at half time. Ran dry on ideas in the second half, almost losing it in injury time if not for a Godfrey save. Next up, Lynx...
MATCHDAY 21
Didn't deserve this. Lynx keeper turned into David De Gea overnight, performing a treble save of clear cut chances to deny us a deserved lead. Instead, a second half capitulation ended any hope of a title race. A superb Vargas free kick, a Castro penalty and Taylor ghosting past a nonexistent defence ensconced Lynx with what is now a ten point lead. Cruel on us really.
GIBRALTAR ROCK CUP
QUARTER FINAL
Quality over quantity books us a semi final spot. Our counter attacking was lethal, reeling Gib Phoenix in and Vitali choreographing the plays, synchronising beautifully with Brennan for a fine goal from range, then laid the foundations for midfield magnificence with Camilleri setting Tremouroux through. Phoenix nabbed one back from a corner, but Vitali and Brennan linked in again to cast them aside.
Bad news for Leclerc as he'll miss the semi.
SEMI FINAL DRAW
Ooooh mates! Probably the daftest name for a derby.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
A month that slowly degraded in league results. Vitali was brilliant to be honest, the midfield are flowing like a stream, defensively sturdy but it still doesn't seem good enough to take down Lynx.
LEAGUE TABLE
Game over, give them the title already. It's all about reserving second place now.
DNZY
GIBRALTAR PREMIER DIVISION
MATCHDAY 22
Bounced back from the Lynx defeat with an easy win over a harmless St Joseph's side. Relied on our midfield to bring home the bacon as our strikers must have taken a day off; Tomeu Alonso drilled home from Austin's cross and Tremouroux tidied things up late in the second half. Timely confidence booster.
MATCHDAY 23
Yeesh, this was a poor showing. Under the cosh for most of the first half, Europa Point breezed past our flimsy markers to take a deserved lead only until a late first half pen guided in by Liam Fitzgerald helped us finally turn up. Vitali combined well with Fitzy again to turn it around and ensconcing ourselves to an underwhelming victory.
MATCHDAY 24
Why? WHY CAN'T WE TURN UP LIKE THIS EVERY GAME? Without doubt our most complete performance; the fluidity, the creativity, the entertainment, quality finishing, all wrapped up in a neat 5-0 away win. A Vitali double, Luke Brennan back amongst the goals, Adrien David put touches to a wonderful corner move and Tomeu Alonso's deflected effort killed whatever was left of Gibraltar Phoenix's European hopes. Dead on for second place.
MATCHDAY 25
..aaaaaaaand we return to being fresh out of ideas in the derby game.
Aaaaaand our best holding midfielder is off home to Brum.
GIBRALTAR ROCK CUP
SEMI FINAL
This was on the cusp of pure FM banter and shithousery; Boca teased, bullied and hogtied Olympique all game, finally hitting the front with a Vitali free kick. What a surprise that the visitors' first effort on target flew in from a centre back and ultimately lead to extra time. Thankfully the script for a cupset was ripped up, with the Olympique goalkeeper being the villain of the piece no less. Somehow making a meal of Vitali's shot and landed to Fitzgerald's feet to tap in. The last hope of silverware is still alive!
FINAL DRAW
No caption required.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
The Lynx defeat kickstarted better form but it's a little too late to make any impact. Nice bit of togetherness in the camp too without relying on a serial goalscorer, everyone is chipping in.
LEAGUE TABLE
Hold up, we still mathematically have a chance to win the title! Only...Lynx must lose two games (one more than they've lost the entire league season) plus a 13 goal swing to be in our favour. It ain't happening chief.
Alonso went under the radar at the start of his loan spell but he's becoming an unsung hero lately with his top notch performances, resulting in the player of the month award.
Yours truly also basking in minor managerial glory.
DNZY
GIBRALTAR PREMIER DIVISION
MATCHDAY 26
So help me God I will liquidate this Cannons side. Hit the crossbar twice in a game we needed all three points from.
So much for that sliver of hope...
Leclerc feeling the wear and tear of being in your thirties.
MATCHDAY 27
Oh, behave. Dead rubber game against an already relegated Lincoln, fielded a weakened side with a cup final on the horizon and it backfired...so what? Not a great look on us though, we were terrible apart from Fitzy's equaliser before going down a few minutes later.
Lovely news to hear leading up to the Rock Cup final. I really, really don't want to start Dick Bull (spoiler: he's been rubbish since the loan move).
GIBRALTAR ROCK CUP
FINAL
Lynx treble or finally a first trophy in my time at Gibraltar?
Total embarrassment. Completely AWOL. Sergi Castro's penalty was the beginning of the end as we entered a second half meltdown. Poor marking from a set piece, caught on the counter with a high press and by 4-0 everything just shut down. Didn't have a whiff of any sort of consolation goal or any penalty area action. Lynx rubber stamp this season with a treble. Time to drown my sorrows.
FINAL LEAGUE TABLE
Eleven points. That's the margin of quality between ourselves and Lynx. Couldn't beat them once all season while they only tripped up once to Europa. I'll take second place and Europa League but truthfully I want out of this Godforsaken country. Also good riddance to Lincoln (GIB), back to the second tier with you.
TinakoFM
DNZY
___________________________________________
The English-Anguillan-Gibraltarian right back Vershawn Austin claimed the fans’ player of the season for his impressive displays both defensively and countering on the offensive. The 21 year old scooped FCBJ young player of the season, could’ve sworn he was reaching his thirties? Adrien David also had a solid year as probably our first choice centre back and Tomeu Alonso’s improvement in the second half of the season won third spot. I’m sure Mark Knight’s goal against Tre Fiori was a banger (much like most of his house records) but was before I took over so doesn’t count. Alex Gamble was seen as our top investment over the free transfer of Federico Vitali and Tremouroux for that matter, but he’s probably the best left back in the division at present and to be signed on small fee justified the title of signing of the season.
Vitali is easily writing himself into the CJL folklore, he’s pushing 34 and still finishing like a striker in his prime, popping another 14 goals onto his CV. The Italian stallion also unselfishly provided joint most assists with 5 alongside Stéphane Leclerc in midfield AND voted man of the match a total of 6 times, legend. Trinidad & Tobago international Adrien David kept his ratings consistent from centre back, an average of 7.15 which to tell you the truth is rather disappointing for a squad of our calibre. Jose Manuel Peña’s passing stood at an impressive 89%, though I guarantee a majority of them went sideways. One negative to Vershawn Austin’s successful year was his passion clouding his discipline with 10 yellows and the only red of our season.
https://streamable.com/7sis4
The first goal of our season turned out to be the Gibraltar Premier Division goal of the season courtesy of this stunning effort by Vitali himself.
Last but not least, five of our squad managed to make it into the team of the year. Dominated the backline with Godfrey in goal, Gamble, David and Austin in a strong defence that only conceded eighteen for the league season. Federico Vitali deservedly made it too alongside another serial goalscorer of Sergi Castro for Lynx.
bigmattb28
Dan
DNZY
___________________________________________
Begged for it, but the board delivered some good news ahead of the next transfer window and now have freedom to scout throughout Europe.
The man, the myth, the 46 year old with a grey Mohican, CJL legend Conor McParland is back as my assistant manager. Confident we'll bag a trophy now.
TRANSFERS
OUT
Flushed out all the gunk in our over capacitated squad, releasing fifteen with notable exits for Dale Calver and Ramuel Forte who failed spectacularly since his arrival last season. Profited handsomely on two players; Ashley Thompson departing for Man 62 while quite controversially letting Adam Gough go to St Joseph’s for nearly a quarter-million. Gough has been a bitter disappointment with the finishing of a smackhead in high-heels so made sense to cash in on him while the chance was presented.
Then again the slimeball pocketed 15% of it. So naïve when it comes to contract offers.
IN
Before the new names are announced, we extended Sam McCulloch’s stay for another year given that injury plagued most of his spell last season and looked a nifty defender from the appearances he made.
Much like last year we made use of the loan market, six of the ten new signings come in on temporary basis to strengthen core and offer backups for unforeseen injuries. Home grown player quotas stung me a little last season so a couple of free backups from Gibraltarian clubs circumvent this problem. Primary focus on recruiting wide players, allowing our full backs more security.
Reginal Thomas – M(L)/AM(L) free transfer from Man 62
Not looking for anything fancy on the wings, just someone with pace to burn and a decent crosser of the ball. Reginal is home-grown, has a collection of preferred moves, Gibraltar international, free and barely puts a scratch on the wage budget. No brainer really.
Mark Coleman – M(R)/AM(R) - free transfer from Europa
A mirror of Reginal but out on the right. Not expected to be a first teamer but could come in handy to offer fresh ideas from the bench. Hitting his primal age with full potential and over 150 appearances to his name, made absolute sense to bring him in.
Stewart Jackson – M(R) - season long loan from Manchester United
First of two exciting prospects from the red side of Manchester. Stronger crosser, quicker, a lot more skilful and just a lot more quality than Coleman on the right wing and better yet, not a single dime going to his wages. Easily a starting name.
Liam Kelly – D(C) - season long loan from Manchester United
Two time UEFA Youth League winner with United, Liam looks hard as nails to bully strikers who dare step in his way. Physically brilliant to the point where he’d almost qualify as a defensive box to box if not for his underwhelming technics. Poking holes in an otherwise superb addition.
Luis Miguel Ibáñez – D(L) - free transfer from Yeclano
Plucked from the Spanish lower leagues, this teenager already looks well developed hence why loaning him out to garner first team football is quintessential to his progress. Marking is a little iffy but will unquestionably improve over time. Always got the option to recall from loan if he destroys Gibraltar’s second tier. One for the future.
Stuart Peacock – M(L)/AM(L) - season long loan from Bolton
Director of football made this call to bring this Bolton lad in. More suited to the advanced left, I fancy him to cut inside centrally and make use of the dribbling, flair and technique. Whether or not he’ll fit into a 4-5-1 winger system remains to be seen but a good experimental candidate.
Glenn Anderson – D(R) - season long loan from Manchester City
Some competition for Vershawn Austin at right back. Since we no longer utilise wing backs, I’d argue Glenn is the better option but Austin’s form last season was magnificent which leaves me in a predicament. Good quality rotation option if all else fails.
Akin Cevahir – M(C) - season long loan from Gençlerbirliği
The scouts picked up a report of this guy last season and was torn whether to gamble on him or not. In the end a loan deal was the failsafe option for this Turkish teenager playmaker. Outstanding attributes for this league and hoping he’ll make a huge impact.
Javier Eizemendi – M(C) - season long loan from Real Sociedad
Almost like for like replacement of Tomeu Alonso last season who we failed to extend a loan deal for. In a rich vein of form for Sociedad’s C team, feel he’s ready to step up to the big leagues and seamlessly pick up where Alonso left off as the deep lying playmaker.
Anyone got the receipt?
José Ramón Gálvez – D(C) - free transfer from Lincoln (GIB)
Yeclano must have pumped out a serious golden generation of young defensive prospects with Ibáñez and now this guy. Brought in on deadline day from Lincoln (GIB), I fancy him to stew in the reserves for now as he’s far too raw for the first team. Excellent header(er?) and tackler, however his marking needs maintenance before stepping out on the field.
UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE
FIRST QUALIFYING ROUND DRAW
All I can say is best of luck to San Marino side Domagnano, you’re going to need it.
FIRST QUALIFYING ROUND
Merciless. The 4-0 at home was a tepid affair, the younger generation showing promise with midfielder Ryan Sene opening the floodgates with Gamble and a Vitali double sinking the tie..and this was a half-massed performance. Hard to believe the game in Serravalle entered half time at only 1-0 and despite having barely a third of possession, we ploughed Domagnano into the dirt. Hatricks for Brennan & Fitzgerald sandwiched between Tremouroux and Vitali’s strikes. Credit to 15 year old Jamie Perez too, assisting twice. Also a shoutout to new boy Stewart Jackson who grabbed six, yes SIX assists over the two legs. Perhaps too much respect shown to our opposition.
This is why I invested in three centre backs, covering injuries like this…
SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND DRAW
Up north to Scotland next with Motherwell.
SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND
Bottled it. Having had full control of the home leg and missing a hatful of chances, we could only come away with a single measly goal from on fire Federico Vitali. The return leg at Fir Park I dare say was a farce, especially this ‘unknown’ referee’s decision making being under scrutiny from our camp. This biased individual awarded Motherwell two soft penalties, one converted and the other saved justifiably by Godfrey. Seeking the one away goal came back to bite us in the ass with a counterstrike by Motherwell’s Craig Wardrope in the final ten minutes. As much as I want to lambaste the ref, it was our fault for not getting the job done in the first leg. Domestic duties it is.
bigmattb28
bcsaulJ
tongey
HawkAussie
DNZY
@bcsaulJ @tongey @HawkAussie - Not too disheartened about the Motherwell result really, they actually managed to get to the group stages in the end. League is the priority for sure.
____________________________________________
SEASON EXPECTATIONS
Quite clear the league is my only avenue to hold onto my tenure at Boca, especially with the bookies earmarking ourselves as preseason faves yet again. The Rock Cup might take a backseat depending how well our league push goes. Just want to check Gibraltar off this damn list. Pepe Reyes Cup? Tinpot.
PEPE REYES CUP
FINAL DRAW
Speaking of the latter, it'll be our fifth attempt at redeeming ourselves against Lynx.
FINAL
AT LONG LAST! Déjà vu from last years final, but this year we held it together in a penalty shootout to lift the prestigious Pepe Reyes Cup! I genuinely feel for Lynx keeper John Akuffu; he was the sole reason for this match even making it to penalties, producing a mind boggling 14 saves which doesn't say much about our striking ability during this game, but we dominated throughout. All four of our spot kicks were ice cool while Robert Godfrey saved twice to take full advantage.
The salt makes everything taste sweeter.
GIBRALTAR PREMIER DIVISION
MATCHDAY 1
Cannons' 4D chess antics finally undone to secure an opening day victory. Although Cannons rattled the bar from a close range header, we were always more likely to get the odd goal of the match. Vitali's inaffectiveness was Luke Brennan's gain as he came off the bench to finish at the back post after some head tennis from our wingers.
In lighter news, Ryan Webb might have fallen down the pecking order as number one keeper but still grabbed his first cap for Gibraltar...at the expense of £20k to pay off York City.
GIBRALTAR PREMIER DIVISION
MATCHDAY 2
Nice smack dose of reality for the division new boys to kick off October. Took only 48 seconds for Brennan to get the ball rolling before Tremouroux and our loan signing Liam Kelly put us three up before the half hour. Matters soon got worse for United with captain Matt Collier seeing red on the hour. Brennan doubled his tally late on to give our goal difference a boost.
Go figure when something goes right for us..
MATCHDAY 3
Europa scored 10 goals in their first two games so had to air on the side of caution in a scrappy 1-0 win. Liam Kelly already looks like a solid investment, heading in from another set piece to seal the deal. Neither side exactly covered themselves in glory, quality was scarce on both ends but we'll take the points.
MATCHDAY 4
Where was this Luke Brennan last season? The lad has been phenomenal already and struck late to continue our 100% record. In fact every goal in this game came from acute angles, Tremouroux delivered a wonderful pass to Bren to lead within the first quarter. Phoenix's danger man Bengoetxea thought he salvaged a point with a fiercesome free kick until some superb 1-2s between Vitali and Brennan brought home the bacon.
October couldn't have gone more perfect, myself and Luke Brennan scooping end of month awards to highlight.
GIBRALTAR PREMIER DIVISION
MATCHDAY 5
GET REKT! Last season we'd have rolled over when going behind to Lynx, this season we grew balls and retaliated. Lynx dictated a lot of the game and were aided to lead by our poor marking of Sergi Castro. The response was extremely positive and Liam Kelly might just be the signing of the season, a beautiful half volley from a corner to equalise...let me remind you, he is a centre back. Following up from that, Vitali trotted off the bench and onto the scoresheet to secure an invaluable win so early on in the campaign.
MATCHDAY 6
Slightly fortunate. A breathless second half started with Luke Brennan turning in from an acute angle from a lofted ball by Eizmendi but that didn't mean we were home and hosed. Mons Calpe had two massive moments to counteract, missing a penalty and an open goal before being punished through Sam McCulloch's first Boca goal as he heading in a corner. Six from six but a little tougher to close out games.
MATCHDAY 7
Dominated the 'Mates derby' but only separated by a penalty converted by Federico Vitali. Ample attempts to extend our lead but Olympique weren't getting through our backline.
Still going strong.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Unstoppable so far, Luke Brennan's performances vastly improving in front of goal as the lone striker and keeping Vitali out of the lineup with six already this season. Defensively so much more secure with the additional wingers on either side and leaving our full backs more focused on defensive duties. The 4-5-1 has definitely been a blessing.
LEAGUE TABLE
Flying. Lynx have barely been out of second gear this season with plenty of 0-0s and the defeat to us, leaving them eleven points adrift already. Europa keeping second place warm for them but if we keep this momentum up, we'll be walking the league.
Sam McCulloch's stalwart defensive performances have been a pleasure to watch, meriting the player of the month award for December. Even convincing that he wants a permanent move because he loves it so much here, what a lad.
Did I mention I won manager of the month too?
KEZ_7
DNZY
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GIBRALTAR PREMIER DIVISION
MATCHDAY 8
No bad beef between me and Europa Point, but it's oddly satisfying knocking the stuffing out of a former club. Liam Fitzgerald was throwing a strop weeks before about not getting enough gametime so decided upon myself to start him and boy did he convince me to staple him into future lineups. Sensational hattrick along with the usual suspects Brennan and Kelly also getting in on the action. Europa Point's goal was a banger to be fair.
MATCHDAY 9
What a strange game. Combination of us forcing the issue too much with the uncharacteristically strong attacking threat from Cannons ended our perfect streak. Let our lead slip before half time and Gefferson turned up the heat with a stellar showing after the break, despite our best efforts bring the game back to 2-2. Very enjoyable for the neutrals, not however for me.
MATCHDAY 10
So simple, so clinical, so dominant against an out of depth St Josephs side. The three striker combo of Vitali, Brennan and Fitzgerald worked a treat for a rather polite 4-0 win, almost double figures if other chances were taken. Adam Gough still can't hit a barn door even when playing for the opposition, best profit I've ever made in this save.
MATCHDAY 11
Winding down the calendar year in style. Took almost an hour to unpick Gibraltar United's lock but afterwards it was plain sailing. A Brennan brace and Fitzy scoring his sixth goal in three games (equalling his tally for the entire last season) shows how much of a force we are.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Are you not entertained? Even when we lose we put on a show, fourteen goals in four games. Fitzgerald without a shadow of a doubt proved he still has a future at Boca whereas Vitali is now becoming third best in the ranks.
LEAGUE TABLE
Lost a tiny bit of ground with the Cannons defeat, still holding a strong six point lead over Europa. Cannons looking to mount a title surge too with their outstanding form and pushing Lynx outside the podium. Surely it's ours to lose? We do have Europa and Lynx back to back next however...
Brennan pipped Fitzy and Kelly to player of the month for December. I swear our boys were a cut above the rest (except maybe Gefferson)..
DNZY
TRANSFERS
OUT
Loaned Gálvez out for the remainder of the season to Lincoln (GIB) as he was gathering dust in the reserves.
IN
One future transfer coming in in the summer (if I'm still around), Daniel Jagiello. Just look at this guy. Only 19 and signed him on a free. Amazing prospect.
GIBRALTAR PREMIER DIVISION
MATCHDAY 12
Oh Liam Kelly, what have you done...Europa looked sharper on the day, especially with their wingers set on beast mode. Díaz powered in a header from Brett Brook's stunning cross, however responded quickly through Fitzy. At that moment I'd have taken a draw, however Liam Kelly stupidly headed the ball into Díaz's path when in no danger and under no pressure, resulting in another cross and another headed goal this time courtesy of Eduardo Collado to win the game. Cuts our lead down to three, how much will we regret that?
MATCHDAY 13
Also known as Liam Kelly's atonement. We prevailed so fortunately, Lynx should have been one if not two up but denied by Godfrey's incredible point blank saves. Same minute as Europa's winner last week, Liam Kelly steps forward and leaps to beat the Lynx keeper in the air to the ball and heading into an empty net. Pandemonium in the stands and in my desk chair. Huge win.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
You know what? Three points taken from two key six pointer games? I'll take that.
LEAGUE TABLE
Funnily enough Europa lost their next game straight after beating us, meaning they've only closed the gap to three while we have a game spare. Lynx nowhere in sight.
Liam Kelly's redemption led him to player of the month for January.
HawkAussie
bigmattb28
Dan
DNZY
@bigmattb28 - I'm praying it doesn't go to the final day, that would be the peak Gibraltar experience.
@Dan - There it is, the kiss of death. I now have an excuse if I bottle it.
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GIBRALTAR PREMIER DIVISION
MATCHDAY 14
A game of two halves as the old saying goes. All Phoenix in the first half as they rattled the post twice, including rounding the keeper and having a gaping goal to aim at. Oh how the turns tables, camped in their final third after Liam Kelly broke skin instantly in the second half, his sixth of the season (reminder: HE IS A CENTRE BACK). Luke Brennan chirped in with his regular and concluded with the other centre back McCulloch powering in a header too. Phoenix's goal nothing but a momento for what could have been.
However, they may have had the last laugh. Austin out for the season.
MATCHDAY 15
https://streamable.com/qo0gt
Stewart Jackson stole the show with three minutes of magic. Scored his first goal at Boca from the penalty spot and provided one of the assists of the season; rapid pace, outstanding footwork, gets past four or five, holds the ball up and whips a cross to Luke Brennan as if it were in slow motion. Could've embarrassed the visitors, but the assist on it's own was satisfying enough.
MATCHDAY 16
Total pish, and so were Boca. Bereft of cunning ideas, we actually played with more urgency after Reginal Thomas' stupid red. Vitali spurned the best chance of the game on the counter while Fitzgerald made a valiant sprint into the box only to finish straight at the keeper.
MATCHDAY 17
St Joseph's continue to be of no use to the league other than providing free points. Eizmendi popped his Boca cherry with an absolute blunderbuss, equally as heavy hit as Brennan's to double the advantage. By the final five minutes Joseph's just stopped defending for Fitzy to chime in, same can be said about us with Scott Norman's consolation after leaving him unmarked for a tap in.
GIBRALTAR ROCK CUP
SECOND ROUND DRAW
Our bogey side Cannons duel again.
SECOND ROUND
This fell into our laps, for all our sloppiness our one shot on target proved the difference. Unmarked Fitzy putting his head to Coleman's cross after a mistake by their left back. Cannons will want this back.
QUARTER FINAL DRAW
Avoided the big guns to draw the bottom club in the league. Half thinking of rotating.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Coasted through the shortest month with positive and professional results. Six different goalscorers this month, surprisingly not one falling to Vitali. Our midfield and wingers were eye candy to watch.
LEAGUE TABLE
Good news; Europa capitulated and Cannons dropped a couple of points. Bad news; look at Lynx, they are on an absolute heater. The final set of fixtures will be crucial.
bigmattb28
I tell you what I love seeing, and that is a headed goal. Love old school forwards with great heading, that run to beat and cross was sublime!
The final set of games has to, HAS TO fall in your favor mate!