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#401955 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
BARDZRAGUYN KHUMB
MATCHDAY 24
Brilliant draw with all things considered against title pushers, Shirak. End to end, despite only one shot on target from 13. Mikaelyan went close for us just 2 minutes in, only denied by the post. The task at hand became increasingly difficult once Borisov saw red for a two footed lunge out of complete stupidity, shifting the equilibrium towards the visitors once the second half began. Perhaps the talking point of the game was the penalty awarded to Shirak, but a stellar performance by Yinkibarian kept the pen out to leave the game in the balance. Our third choice striker Mkrtich Panosyan almost became the unlikely hero as the game wound to a close, forcing an important stop by Shirak 'keeper Karen Avagyan. Far from a boring deadlock.
#401947 [FM17] Journeyman's Journey I
DNZY
#401908 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 23
Huge win in the context of European places, taking Gandzasar down a peg with a sturdy first half performance. Karasev was the difference maker - swinging in the corner to get Narek Barseghyan's (who himself had a brilliant performance overall) header for the first and pounced on the stroke of half time to finish a rebound from Borisov hitting the crossbar. Confidence oozing, long may it continue going into May.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Makes for much more pleasing opening monthly review after Erebuni. Seriously damning that Ararat draw which could prove a real turning point at this late stage. Goals flowing aplenty with a number of different scorers on display including sterling months for Karasev and Avetisyan.
LEAGUE TABLE
The six pointer at Gandzasar shows exactly how key getting a win leaves us. Six points from third and five from fourth placed Ararat (should have won). Depending on the winner of the Armenian cup between Pyunik & Ararat, fourth may be good enough to sneak into Europe. Still a lot more work to be done.
#401907 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 22
Pyunik's tactic of overloading the midfield paid off once more, silenced at home by the current champions. Game was over by ten minutes, Aslanyan heading in from a corner and a rapid counter attack left us in a lurch while Hayk Koshoian celebrated his tenth goal of the season. There were no signs of rebuilding from there and when Koshoian curled in the third, the chips were well and truly down. The only solace we got was Borisov finally ending a mini goal drought with a well-executed angled finish. Pyunik played like champions who are neck and neck with Shirak for the title, us on the other hand were just not up for the fight.
#401906 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
Karasev to sit out the next game with a dodgy lasagna.
BARDZRAGUYN KHUMB
MATCHDAY 21
Oh boy did we slam the door on our fingers here. A telling tale of two halves. The first we looked confident with Avetisyan screaming one in again from the edge of the area. Eskedijan was subject to a late tackle in the area to win a penalty which this time was struck with venom into the roof of the net to lead by two at the break. Like a house of cards, we collapsed in spectacular fashion - such shoddy defending from an indirect free allowed Karen Poghosyan to tap in from Narek Hakobyan's pinpoint low cross and to make matters worse, a controversial penalty was given away by us with two minutes left. Mickayel Hakobyan sending Yinkibarian the wrong way. A jackhammer blow to our Europa League hopes.
#401905 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
BARDZRAGUYN KHUMB
MATCHDAY 20
Not as comfortable as we would have liked, but there wasn't any glaring danger in losing this one. Despite hitting the post twice in the first half, Sargis Avetisyan scored what proved to be the winner from the edge of the area half an hour in. Second half were nothing but blanks; Borisov missed the target when bearing down on goal, Shevelev denied Shanin and a penalty won was launched into orbit by Eskedijan. Encouraging start, but certainly lots to improve on.
#401774 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
___________________________________________
Traversing a short distance of 12km to reach the home of FC Banants (Բանանց), a club also based around Yerevan. Celebrating a quarter century this year, the club were interestingly formed outside of Yerevan to begin with, an hour drive up north to the small village of Kotayk where they were then known as Banants Kotayk until 1995 when a financial crisis meant they had to merge with another body, FC Kotayk. Somewhat controversially, Banants demerged in 2001 and relocated to the Armenian capital where they've now taken a more serious approach to the Armenian footballing pyramid, anchoring themselves in the top division ever since. As their logo depicts, the club are nicknamed the 'Proud Eagles' and play in a white kit with blue trim.
Banants is actually named after an area in neighbouring Azerbaijan where there original owner was from, but the club itself base themselves in the Malatia-Sebastia District (Մալաթիա-Սեբաստիա վարչական շրջան) in the western area of Yerevan. The population of just under 133,000 is spread across 26 square kilometres, most of them migrating from Turkey following the Western Armenian genocide ending in 1923. The regions of Malatia and Sebastia came together four years after to become a settlement within Yerevan, with the 'Victory Bridge' opening in 1945 to connect the two and also to commemorate the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany signalling the end of WWII. One other notable landmark in the area is the Holy Trinity Church built in 2003 and Zvartnots International Airport is also based on the outskirts of the region.
Banants Stadium is where the club's home games are played with one of the most promising training complexes within the nation attached to it. The all-seater stadium was built in 2008, only with a 3,600 capacity originally but in 2011 it had increased to 4,860, playing on grass surface. The stadium was used for three games at the 2017 UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualification, where Armenia played as host of their group with Switzerland, Hungary and Italy.
Unlike Erebuni, Banants have offered a lot more and contributed to a first Armenian title in the 2013-14 campaign; prior to that they finished runners up on four separate occasions in 2003, 2006, 2007 and 2010. Banants also got their hands on the Ankakut'yan Gavat' three times - 1992 (as their original club name Banants Kotayk), 2007 and most recently in 2016, beating Mika 2-0. One supercup (Hayastani SuperGavat' ) also has been won in 2014, taking down Pyunik 3-0. Post-era they've also been moderately successful - taking one more Bardzraguyn Khumb title in 2036-37, winning by four points ahead of Shirak. In Europe they've not had the best of times, only reaching the second qualifying round once in 2006 in the UEFA Cup - losing on aggregate to Dnipro. Training complexes within the club are a huge swaying point - including at youth level with one of the best academies in the country.
SQUAD
Hard to argue with that squad, everything looks shipshape and in order with some fantastic talents upcoming through our second team. Top goalscorer, David Ghazaryan will be ruled out for the season with a damaged achilles tendon which poses a threat, but Anatoly Borisov is a good substitute for him. The left side in both defence and midfield is the only chink in the armour to what looks to be a squad in full bloom. I'd be lying if I were missing Erebuni, even in the slightest.
KEY PLAYER: Evgeny Karasev - AM(R)
Gruesome bowl-cut aside, at only 18 this guy could be Armenia's answer to a right winger post Mhkitaryan era. Mental areas are still a bit raw, apart from excellent flair and possesses a real bolt in his step without fading quickly. Crossing and technique certainly up to scratch and will be practically indispensable to the club.
HOT PROSPECT: Arsen Hakobyan - D(C)
Academy here is certainly churning out some talents, Hakobyan already has the makings of a very decent centre back with his mentals looking magnificent. Missing the physical part to his game but at only 16 years of age has plenty of time to bulk up. Heading could do with improvement, but already acquires a good vertical leap.
CURRENT SEASON
Rather disappointing in the eyes of the owners, especially a four game losing streak which inevitably ended in a bullet for the previous manager. The win over Erebuni and a draw to Alashkert shows that the club may be back on the ascendancy coming towards the final stages of the season. Seven points to make up for a European place, starting it off with an easy one to helpless Shenghavit.
#401632 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 18
Back to the only side we can beat in this bloody league, though not as easily as one would suggest. Levon Elazyan in not so elegant fashion headed in from Andreasyan's cross, Shevelev's positioning in the Shenghavit goal was poor and the ball slowly hit the back of the net. Immediately back from suspension, Valentim crunched in with more tackles and ended up getting sent off again with over a half remaining to leave us in a minor disposition. Good thing we caught them on a bad day and should have further punished them with a chance to convert a penalty before half time, however Shevelev redeemed himself for his error earlier on to save well from Elazyan. Poor effort from the visitors with their man advantage and brought an end to a quite a dramatic encounter.
Meanwhile...
Nation: Armenia
Media Prediction (Odds): 4th/8 (5-1)
Current Position: 5th
Expectations: Mid-table
Pros: Can actually handle the calibre of this division. Have the second top goalscorer in the league. Expectations can easily be met. Strong finances. Not Erebuni.
Cons: Seven points off a European place with nine games to go. No cup to fall back on.
RESULT
Surely it's time to move on, right? If you can't beat them, join them.
#401625 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 17
Managerless Banants had lost four in a row before today and of course we're on the wrong end of the result in an appalling supporter spectacle - seriously, 1 shot every 15 minutes. Anatoly Borisov got onto the end of a cross to prod home the first and the second was our own undoing thanks to a baffling sideward pass from left back to our own six yard area where Dmitry Pavlov pounced like a cheetah to slam us into a brick wall yet again. Dominated possession but clueless how to use it.
#401624 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
BARDZRAGUYN KHUMB
MATCHDAY 16
New year, same old dribble. We needed to catch up with Alashkert to stand any chance of removing us from 7th but instead we've dug the hole deeper. You'd think a 4th minute red card for the visitors would make it easy, Sevak Ohanyan had other ideas. A 12 minute hat-trick into the second half thanks to horrendous marking and defending handed Alashkert the easiest of victories. Debutant Valentim dashed salt into the wounds with a powder-keg performance, thus going for an early bath. Disaster.
#401403 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
___________________________________________
Virtually nothing happened in January, just a few friendlies lined up to keep sharp.
FRIENDLIES
With the likes of Fenerbahçe, Beşiktaş and Galatasaray not available, the alternatives were obscure Turkish sides virtually nobody has heard of. Won one and lost the other two. Elucidates exactly where on the spectrum Erebuni lie in world football.
YOUTH INTAKE
Fairly impressive youth intake for what it's worth. One player stands out thankfully.
Davit Aslanyan - AM(C) - youth intake
Decent little youngster with impressive mental strengths at only 15. Light as a feather but getting those protein shakes into him will surely beef him up over time. Could even make the first team within a year.
TRANSFERS
IN
I love to wheel deal, especially with obscure youngsters to take a punt on. This new signing is no different.
Alberto Valentim - M(C) - unattached free agent
I talk about strong mental attributes for youngsters, this Brazilian might just be a massive boost to us in the middle. Does have that little bit more aggression in his locker which may become an issue but it shows that he won't be afraid to get stuck in. Will he be able to bring us more possession and perhaps cut down on goals conceded. Risky roll of the dice.
#401336 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
___________________________________________
WHY. DOES.
THIS. KEEP.
HAPPENING?!
BARDZRAGUYN KHUMB
MATCHDAY 15
Our final game before the winter break panned out as expected, a grizzling defeat to title chasers Shirak. Elazyan brought a cynical foul to allow the visitors a platform to score the first - Tevosyan sending the keeper the wrong way. Tevosyan turned provider for the second, a mesmeric pass and terrific run by South African Lebohang Tihali connecting the dots to condemn us to defeat yet again. 2-0 was very kind.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
One game, one defeat. Now a long break until March.
LEAGUE TABLE*
* Forgot to screencap, but basically we haven't moved a muscle.
#401178 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
It would be lovely if our players didn't have matchstick bones and paper skin.
BARDZRAGUYN KHUMB
MATCHDAY 15
A knock-on effect from the Pyunik game, reduced to rubble by Gandzasar. Patchy marking, positioning and spatial awareness for the three goals were so futile to allow Tigran Stepanyan to power them into the lead and a late brace for Eduard Ghazaryan to inevitably sink us. We were never in the game with our shots going sideward and skyward. Just when I thought we were actually making a sharp U-turn with our recent form.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
November showed us the descent in recent games, holding our own to Ararat, falling just short against the strongest team in the league and then come crashing back to Earth with a thumping. Three goals in our last eight games is alarming.
LEAGUE TABLE
Sixth place is still doable and it doesn't seem like Shenghavit will dig themselves out of a sinking hole. Slightly content, slightly unsure.
#401176 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 14
SO. DAMN. CLOSE. Hadn't a pup's chance pre-match to escape with anything against the unbeaten league leaders yet we were only 20 minutes from causing a seismic shock. Out of the blue, a corner swung in and met by the left peg of Karapetyan, taking a deflection on the way to stunning the brutes of the division. Pyunik were still in shock but did eventually restore parity through a powerful header by David Andreasyan and to add insult to injury Pyunik snatched all three points via Vahagn Sarkisyan after once again failing to defend a corner. Football is a cruel game.
#401119 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
___________________________________________
BARDZRAGUYN KHUMB
MATCHDAY 13
Wouldn'yaknowit? Four games unbeaten with four clean sheets! Sure three of them have been 0-0s but it shows our defence are well capable of keeping the opposition out, frustrating Ararat in the process. You'd be sickened if you were Ararat striker Narek Hakobyan who had the one in a million shot of somehow hitting the inside of the post, rolling across the line, hitting the opposite post and then being hacked clear - the closest chance in the first half. Just after the hour mark, the visitors were denied again by a wonderful save tipped over the bar to ensure the game finished scoreless. We may have had lion's share of possession and more shots on goal, but believe me none of them managed to seriously test the Ararat goal. One point is better than no points after all!
#401074 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
Bad news as our top goalscorer (with 2 goals...) is ruled out for a few weeks. Incoming 10 game goal drought.
BARDZRAGUYN KHUMB
MATCHDAY 12
Well..maybe not. Shenghavit seem to be the only side we can dominate in the league and claim only our second win of the season. I say dominate, our backsides were saved thanks to goalkeeper Aram Stepanyan, bringing off three vital saves from one on ones and were lucky to be unscathed by the time we were back in the dressing room. A boost after the break helped us charge forward with a counter attack from a Shenghavit free kick, Israelyan crossed in to pick our Hambardzumyan who powered it home for 1-0. He almost planted a second but for a good save by Shevelev. Shenghavit thought they equalised in the 76th minute but the assistant flagged for offside. The points were to be ours as Hambardzumyan was bundled over for a penalty to allow right back Tigran Elazyan to convert it. Third game unbeaten now, about as close as we'll get to a run.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
A poor start to October glazed over by three positive results. Lack of goals is a worry but defending thoroughly improved since the Alashkert defeat.
LEAGUE TABLE
Sadly, top half/mid table expectations are unlikely to be met but well above the single relegation spot to panic. Pyunik running away with it at the top.
#401072 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
___________________________________________
BARDZRAGUYN KHUMB
MATCHDAY 11
Banants put six past us on the last occasion but couldn't penetrate us this time around. In fact, we ended the first half the more likely to score, spearheaded by Hambardzumyan who cracked the inside of the post to leave Banants sweating. The game balance didn't shift too much, neither side conjured up anything clear cut to leave the game with a point apiece. Fourth straight game without scoring.
#401053 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
QUARTER FINAL SECOND LEG (HOME)
Secured our place in the cup semi-final, holding off Shenghavit at our own backyard. Drab affair, nothing going for it which highlights how poor our sides are as a whole. The visitors could have levelled the tie in injury time but a shot destined for the top corner rose too high to maintain a proper goose egg scoreline.
SEMI FINAL DRAW
Ararat stand in our way for a potential historic maiden cup final.
#401052 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 10
Didn't get much easier than this for Alashkert, cruising to victory against our weak performance. Confusion mounted when a corner in-swung from the left was met by a header that hit the upright but defender on the line Elazyan got in the way to allow it to trickle over the line for an own goal. Three minutes later it got much worse when our own attacking corner got countered to allow a comfortable finish for Sevak Ohanyan. Kocharyan knew he should have peeled one back in first half injury time but a fantastic stop by their keeper denied him. Soon into the second half it was well and truly put to bed, Ohanyan on hand again.
SI certainly know how to portray our miserable run.
#400869 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
BARDZRAGUYN KHUMB
MATCHDAY 9
Inferiority, that's all. Shirak bulldozered their way to victory with two quality goals. We can argue that we should have marked South African Tihali (for the record is the league's top goalscorer) tighter but the connection with the cross was excellent to bullet in a third minute header. Our keeper did a sterling job keeping efforts up to that point however the second caught him by surprise, deflected cross enabled Petrosyan to pounce and put his laces behind it. Hambardzumyan had a great effort to reduce arrears but his effort hit the postage stamp. Finding it hard to grasp this league,
#400829 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 8
Rescued a point at home to Gandzasar, rather unjustly according to their manager pointing out after the game. Can't say I blame him as we seriously flirted with danger in the first half, the visitors shaking the woodwork before we were completely stretched at the back, allowing Simonyan to tap in from close range. Despite looking fragile at the back, we thrusted into attack mode for the second half and our prayers were answered in the final twenty minutes with a penalty going our way. Karapetyan went the keeper's right way, but it nestled under him to take a share of the points.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Two points in the league plus a cup win isn't all bad given our stature. The 71st minute certainly helped us this month.
LEAGUE TABLE
Sadly the title looks out of reach, but lying in 6th and four points above bottom I feel is a success so far.
#400827 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
It's okay, it's not as if we need to field a team or anything with the amount of injuries to our name.
ANKAKHUT'YAN GAVAT'
QUARTER FINAL FIRST LEG (AWAY)
One foot in the door of a potential semi final, nicking an away goal at Shenghavit. Teenager Armen Kocharyan getting the decisive winner, taking his first touch well, evading one defender before curling it low past Shevelev in goal who frustrated us all game. From hitting the post at one end, we almost relinquished our advantage with eight minutes left but for a superb block from our right back when Shenghavit were in point blank range from squaring the tie.
#400781 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 7
Match previews speculated that us getting a result from this game is about as likely as scaling Mount Everest barefoot in a wife beater, especially going behind 51 seconds in after some mental disengagement. Pyunik were always on top, though not imperious considering they had a 100% start to the campaign but eventually Filic put the nail in towards injury time. We'll take the L for that scoreline.
#400776 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
Superb. With the injury to Elazyan at left wing, Israelyan our other left winger followed suit. Time for a reshuffle.
BARDZRAGUYN KHUMB
MATCHDAY 6
Despite doubling Ararat's shots on target, we were second best and clenching for the point. Yet another set piece would have been our Achilles heel but amazingly their centre back cocked up a free header from inside the six yard area over the bar. Apart from penalty area scrambles, this game isn't exactly an advert for the division.
#400773 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
So the way you set it up is to start with the three lowest divisions based on the latest UEFA league coefficients (i.e. San Marino, Gibraltar & Andorra).
Start off your career unemployed with no badges and Sunday league reputation.
Win one of either the domestic league or domestic cup to unlock a new nation (i.e. the next lowest) until you reach the top.
Set database level to large (won't take up too much RAM).
Tick the following boxes: "Add Players to Playable Teams", "Disable Player Attribute Masking" (optional), "Prevent teams which already have managers from being controlled" and "Prevent use of In-Game Editor".
Boom, you're good to go!
#400760 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
New kid on the block Elazyan who bagged his first goal now faces weeks out.
BARDZRAGUYN KHUMB
MATCHDAY 5
Finally something to cheer about, recording our first win of the season against the other demersal club in the division. Centre back Tigran Barseghyan's effort was intervened needlessly by Aslanyan to nudge ahead while Hambardzumyan finally netted his first of the season minutes before the interval. In fairness Shenghavit made us look like Brazil and it could have amounted to a lot more. Fun fact, this club no longer exist in real life.
Ending an unwanted record.
ANKAKHUT'YAN GAVAT'
QUARTER FINAL DRAW
Best case scenario in the Armenian cup draw, actually gives us hope to reach a cup semi final. Problem is it's played over two legs.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
Bit of everything already in the first month, though three defeats has made it rather underwhelming. At least the 2-0 win ends it on a high. Goals are a bit of a scarcity.
LEAGUE TABLE
Europe looks a bit of an uphill climb already, but at least we're not bottom. Pyunik coming up though next month will be the real reality check for our boys.
#400747 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 4
Jesus wept. And here I was thinking we were curving to progression. Set pieces undo us yet again, in fact any sort of cross has us terrified at the moment with Ghazaryan, Borisov and Grigoryan benefiting for a 3-1 half time lead (new signing Elazyan did score a belter, but seems quite irrelevant to talk about it now). One golden rule when you're down and bruised, do not get cocky in coming out because you're just asking for more...Ghazaryan tore us a new one to complete a hat-trick and Borisov honestly took the piss with a 55 yard strike. You need to see it to believe it.
https://streamable.com/7xiyk
#GreatBananter
#400746 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 3
Played a distance better than the previous two, but poor defensive errors let us down big time. Unable to withstand set pieces has been the bane of my career and it happened again as Alashkert somehow found time and space to place a free header to the feet of Grigoryan, who'd been surrounded by at least seven defenders to poke home. Ghost marking was the cause for number two with Hakobyan free as the wind to put his laces through the ball. One positive to take away was our first goal of the season, sweetly struck into the top corner by Karapetyan, though too late to resolve our mistakes.
#400502 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
MATCHDAY 2
Here's where the gulf in quality is highlighted - Shirak came to win and we barely contained them. Prokopenko added the first after a defence splitting pass left us befuddled. Second half we came out of the blocks really well, Hambardzumyan twice denied by Vardanyan in the Shirak net and two chances we ended up regretting. Thereafter, the visitors were in control at the helm and Yinkibarian finished us off by shepherding three defenders and turning around the back of them to strike. Prokopenko was a live wire all game, almost adding a third but for a save from our keeper. Back to the drawing board.
#400493 [FM17] Climbing Jacob's Ladder (Part Deux)
DNZY
BARDZRAGUYN KHUMB
MATCHDAY 1
...zzzzzz...wake me up when the game starts. Oh, it finished? It was appalling to put it kindly where Gandzasar hitting the crossbar was the only exciting bit to watch. On the bright side, we've already got a point on the board.
The dark side is we've lost one of our better midfielders ironically enough in injury time. A hip injury at 30 is never a good sign. Prepare the steel rods.