DNZY - Comments

A fan of Donald Trump eh? Best of luck with this, very rare to see a save in Israel!

SUPERLIGA

MATCHDAY 17



I dare say we got lucky by virtue of Drita's inability to finish. Took a late first half piledriver from Ercegovac to make it a winning debut. In fact, we had the better chances on top of the goal as Dritan Jaupi brought a sterling stop by Jurgen Duro in net. Drita rattled the bar from a free kick but failed to scheme anything clear cut.

MATCHDAY 18



Not as lucky here for my home debut versus Liria. Note to self: never EVER allow a centre back to take a penalty, demonstrated by Julian Agolli's shocker from 12 yards as he hit it straight at the keeper. Ercegovac is definitely a staple in the team, not only delivering from open play but also dead balls with a well hit free kick to nudge us in front. Former Renova striker Dick now plays here, although not scoring he got involved in the build up to a late equaliser which Braha in goal really should have done better with at his near post. Small world, eh?

RESULTS OVERVIEW



Four points from my opening two, a solid start. Ivan Ercegovac critical to keeping us in games in his new poacher role. Sadly the momentum dies down as the winter break comes into effect until the end of February. Sigh.

LEAGUE TABLE



It hasn't lifted us out of the relegation playoff zone but it's a start. Hopeless to catch up with the top teams but to manoeuvre into the top six would be a good achievement, especially with the mess of our own doing. Bring on the next game!

CURRENT SEASON



Uncharted territory for Ferizaj with plenty of defeats in a depressing campaign, a final nail in the coffin for them being the 3-0 defeat to Ferronikeli. Only one league win in seven games doesn't leave us in a great spot in the relegation playoffs but plenty of time to work my magic. Handy that we're still in the cup after a first round win over second division side Behari.

SQUAD



Quite impressed with the setup on paper given five players are four stars and above, which questions why this club are fading at a rate of knots? Arguably the full back department needs a bit of a facelift and potentially central midfield too but time will tell as I throw myself right into the helm of this sinking ship. Seems that the Croats will be the first names on the team sheet.

KEY PLAYER #1 - Ivan Ercegovac - ST(C)



In and amongst the goals a lot is Ercegovac, average height with a solid build who can leap quite well being a target man. I'm usually reluctant to playing with TMs and from the looks of it, he'd much better suit an advanced forward or poacher role with his strong finishing with good composure. Determination sits quite high so plenty more in the mental tank to improve on a daily basis. Five goals might not be much, but I'll try wring the goals out of him.

KEY PLAYER #2 - Nikola Mitrovic - M/AM(R)



So many similarities to Lleshi at Renova, offers lightning quick speed with solid technique and crossing - a cliché morph of a lower league winger. Heavily underperforming with two 6.2s and a 6.1 in his most recent match. Little bit two-dimensional given his technicals and mental stats to gain something extra to his career but a key player to us no doubt.

EXPECTATIONS



Mid-table safety is definitely the minimum I'm expecting and lie safely above the relegation whirlpool, especially with decent budgets offered....but there's a catch.



Here inlies the problem, we're losing money quickly being 8% over our wage budget, even with an adjustment sales will need to be made or a mass releasing when June 30th hits.

Always have a soft spot for Scottish lower league save, definitely following!

Nation: Kosovo
Media Prediction (Odds): 5th/12 (14-1)
Current Position: 9th
Expectations: Mid-table
Pros: Good squad to work with. Have a pedigree of winning the Kosovo league in recent years. Still in the cup.
Cons: Struggling badly in the division. Finances in a sink hole. Seem to be relying on one player for goals. Players underperforming.

RESULT:





Or....are Infonet going to beg me back?

@b0nb0n - Yeah, it's a shame it ended this way. Far too inconsistent.

@bcsaulJ - Not sure what the plan is, but you'll soon find out!

@Dan - Glad to see you're still following this, cruel indeed but things are about to change.

___________________________________________





Third season running, childhood star Kristian Lleshi is nominated as fans' player of the season and he's not even in his twenties. Another youth product Mario Hoxha wowed everyone with his maturity shown in midfield, bright future ahead of him taking second while Sasa Huremovic is still loved despite intentions to depart the club, the fact he signed a new deal made him third favourite. Brazilian Dick netted goal of the season for his belter against Bregalnica, may be the last time he'll appear at the club. Altosar solidly won signing of the season, creating splashes upon arrival. Lleshi also winning young player of the season.

https://streamable.com/4lnui



For all his hard work this season, Mikko Syväjärvi's goal and assist tally topping the charts didn't merit him an internal award which is a real shame. Got involved in half of the club's goals this season, not far from a true icon to the club (also did you know that Syväjärvi means 'deep lake' in Finnish?). Sasa Huremovic was someone we needed over the last couple of seasons, jubilant with his new contract and his influence is apparent, 7.03 average rating plus 89% passing ratio, definitely the ticking metronome in the middle. Dick may have missed a large portion of the year but five man of the match awards is more than enough reason to miss him when he leaves. Jovanovski had a better season this time around at left back, getting stuck in with 6 yellows and Vanco Sabani's first season had some hairy moments with the only red card over the 36 games.



Unfortunately this is where the journey ends. Will I be back? Who knows?



Mixed responses from the fanbase.

@bcsaulJ - Too many to count haha, probably over 50 since he's joined!

__________________________________________



1.MFL

MATCHDAY 33



ASDFGHJKL;'##!!1 I absolutely hate losing in injury time. Two own goals at either end didn't exactly showcase the quality that the Macedonian league had to offer, nor did our finishing. For all our efforts, not one came closer than Sasa Huremovic being denied on the line from close range. Into injury time, Rabotnički broke forward with Stoychev on the right whose pace left our left back for dead to deliver a sumptuous cross for the match winner Anton Dimitrov. Devastated isn't the word. No league heroics again this year.



There is no GIF to express how I'm feeling about this news. Out for the remainder of the season INCLUDING the cup final. 18 year old Andi Beciri, your time is now.

MATCHDAY 34



Well I'll give the lad credit, he showed great maturity between the sticks to help us to a clean sheet but most importantly we benefited at the other end. Despite Syväjärvi choking a massive first half chance, Dick reimbursed with an early second half strike to leave Vardar trembling. The visitors rattled the crossbar but failed to penetrate us before they foolishly handled in the area to allow Dick a second goal from the spot. Key victory given the stakes.

MATCHDAY 35





Damn, Makedonija condemned us to the same fate that befell us in our previous encounter. Striking early from Syväjärvi gave us a huge lift, thought it only riled the home side up. Chance after chance, finally one caught us off guard, Atanas Mihaylov put some welly behind a right footed finish that Beciri could only watch bulging the top corner. We looked powerless as Makedonija wanted to rubber stamp a league title, doing so in the dying embers from the same man again - costly giving them possession when we were on the attack and countering us violently. Congrats to them.

MATCHDAY 36



Our top three hopes burned to cinders, totally beaten at the hands of Sileks. We fell on our own sword with a first half penalty blunder, Dick saw his kick denied by Stojkovski in net. Someone obviously put something strong in the Sileks cup of tea, slaughtering us in the second half with a total of 12 shots on target, three of them going in. A penalty from Jordanov, a powerful header from a corner off the dome of Stojanov and Nikolovski on a breakaway had us waving the white flag. A torrid way to end my final season at Renova.

KUP NA MAKEDONIJA

FINAL



A last shot at silverware and European football for next season. Would we bring home the bacon?



RESULTS OVERVIEW



Shocker of a month, four defeats from five. The loss of Bastig played a big part due to Beciri's lack of first team experience. Folded like a deck chair by the final game.

FINAL LEAGUE TABLE



Our final game disaster slid us down to a disappointing fifth placed finish, missing out on the Europa League behind Vardar and those lucky bastards Rabotnički. Makedonija finished as champions for the first time in over forty years, denying Shkëndija in second. Skopje and Cementarnica 55 return to the second tier. In disbelief.

@bcsaulJ - Cheers for the support dude, hoping it'll pay off come the end of the season.

___________________________________________



1.MFL

MATCHDAY 29



Good solid draw to disrupt Shkëndija's title pursuit. Arguably, we had them on the ropes at times with Syväjärvi denied by Nedelkovski early on. Let our guard down on the half hour to fall behind, Muleci got to the ball first ahead of Bastig to slip it in. With nothing much happening, one good move resulted in an unlikely equaliser - Lleshi driven all the way to the byline to cross into Syvä for a first touch finish. The story could have been so much sweeter however a late Shkëndija own goal had been chalked off for offside. I'll take it either way.

MATCHDAY 30



Meandered our way to victory at the champs Bregalnica, needing to take the lead three times in doing so. Funnily enough every goal came from some sort of pullback or cross, Kelmendi grabbing the first to lead at the break. Zvonimir Tokic made life difficult for us, pegging us back twice in between Mario Hoxha's goal to restore our advantage. Syväjärvi played a blinder with two assists and deserved a goal for himself, deftly heading home from a corner which Bregalnica somehow failed to get in the way of. Lifts us right into European contention again.

MATCHDAY 31



This was a cakewalk. Skopje going down with a whimper in a game they just showed no fight, taking a 3-0 half time lead thanks to a rare goal from Todorovski, a penalty taken by Syväjärvi and a maiden goal from Karl Altosar who has transformed this midfield for the best. It could have gotten embarrassing for the visitors but the only blushes were for Brazilian Dick, inadvertently knocking the ball into his own net.

MATCHDAY 32



A second meeting with Shkupi after our semi final second leg bout, this one a lot more comprehensive. Shkupi failing to register a shot on target, apart from hitting the post once - other than that it was plain sailing. Dick sealed their fate, latching onto a lovely weighted ball by Kelmendi to control and finish in typical Brazilian fashion. The red card to Berisha in the end Unbeaten in five in the league with only four games left. Can we repeat the momentum of last year?



Dealt a huge blow for the final run in.

KUP NA MAKEDONIJA

SEMI FINAL, SECOND LEG (HOME)



LETS GO BOYS! Into the cup final, coming from behind to sneak through on away goals. Took us a while to settle, a shaky first half had us one down with a quick counter attack resulting in Artim Bozinovski blasting home to grab a key away goal for the pigeons (yes, that is actually their nickname). Handled the game by the scruff of the neck after the restart, simple passes led to Dick finishing strongly moments in. Pressure building, Syväjärvi rattling the crossbar but thanks to a spill at the near post by the Shkupi keeper, the Finn somehow found the net from the tightest of angles. Advantage us, a red card for Petr Nemec all but ended the game for the visitors. Who is our final test against?

FINAL DRAW



OOF. Rabotnički are always prickly customers, this is going to be a tight call.

RESULTS OVERVIEW



Very strong month for the Gipsari, Syväjärvi and Dick drinking in the goals - six between the two of them. The injury to Lleshi will hurt us going into May but we remain hopeful on what should be my final season at Renova.

LEAGUE TABLE



Nail-bitingly close, Makedonija might be a bit out of our reach but third place is neck and neck between us and Vardar. Fourth place might even be good enough for Europe given that us and Rabotnički are in the top four.

YOUTH INTAKE



Far from our best intake, but given the trajectory of previous figures like Kristian Lleshi and Mario Hoxha, Rudi Kelmendi could follow suit.



Rudi Kelmendi - D(C) - youth intake

Isn't a million miles away from a starting position, already a tall and strong figure minus the mental game. All things said, he possesses a decent HMT trio with good leadership abilities and can get fiery in battles. Not saying he'll be A material but may just be a gem in the rough.



On the subject of youth, Mario Hoxha may only be 17 but moved straight into the Macedonia senior set up in a debut cap against Kosovo. Very proud manager.

1.MFL

MATCHDAY 24



Late drama as we snatched a massive win at the death thanks to one man - Jaanus Vazinski. The Estonian midfielder has been our talisman in recent games and rubbed out Daniel Georgiev's first half strike to leave the final twenty minutes on a knife edge. The dramatic twist came with the final corner of the game, Vazinski completely unmarked to bury Rabotnički and take a big step forward to Europe.

MATCHDAY 25



A vision called out to me before the clash with Vardar - "drop Bledar Kelmendi for Damian Fabianski". The resulting action brought us victory with Vardar's season dissolving yet again. From a narrow angle, the chosen one had been left free and squeezed it in at the near post to silence the home fans before the hour mark. The game should have been done and dusted but for a great stop from Vlatko Markovski to deny Syväjärvi. Four wins on the trot.

MATCHDAY 26



Devastated as Makedonija's late onslaught brought us to our knees in anguish. The returning Dick headed in with credit to a superb assist by Fabianski, fighting off four players in the build up to take the lead against the run of play. Makedonija did not play nice from that point, pushing us further and further back to hang on by a thread. Eventually they broke the tether to loop a header over Bastig from Robert Spaseski and within eight minutes our lead was vaporised, Mihaylov tapping in the typical 'FIFA sweaty goal'.

MATCHDAY 27



The less said about this result, the better. Dragan Jordanov ruthless in the second half with four goals in the space of nineteen minutes. We couldn't put away jack sh*t.

MATCHDAY 28



But hey ho, C55 are all but down thanks to us putting the final nail in their coffin. Took a lot of probing before finally piercing through the bottom side's back four, Mikko Syväjärvi decisively finishing at the back post from a Kristian Lleshi cross. Should have made this a lot easier than it was but a win is a win to end the mini losing streak.

KUP NA MAKEDONIJA

SEMI FINAL, FIRST LEG (AWAY)





Have it all to do in the second leg, weirdly contested game and I'd go out on a limb saying Shkupi were mightily lucky. All over them before a poorly marked corner and a defensive error led to two Markovski goals to leave us trailing at the interval. Vazinski was presented with a stroke of luck, pinballing off a few defenders before his shot eventually went in to keep us in the tie. That was all well and good until Markovski struck again to complete a hat-trick and us two goals adrift again. Loris Karius made a brief appearance on the field, or so it seemed as a goalkeeping blunder allowed Dick a vital second away goal to take back to the Ecolog Arena. The final place is still up for grabs. 1100th game not so memorable.

https://streamable.com/29fxs

RESULTS OVERVIEW



Little good, little bad. I can get past the first leg defeat in the cup but we did throw a lot away in the league, failing to hold out against Makedonija and crumbling to Sileks spectacularly. Nine points from fifteen is still no bad feat. Jaanus Vazinski unquestionably player of the month, absolutely solid and making dramatic improvements in the midfield.

LEAGUE TABLE



Eight games to go, just three points away from the top three. Vardar in complete freefall while Shkëndija and Makedonija pull away. Bregalnica and Sileks trying to chase us down but I'm hopeful we'll shake them off.

1.MFL

MATCHDAY 22



Back to our cutting edge selves, winning narrowly but dominating proceedings. Despite the flurry of half chances, one did hit the back of the net - Altosar assisting on his debut with a pass into Syväjärvi to power home from just outside the area. Then again, it is only Skopje who are deep in relegation slurry and we should have tallied a lot more.

MATCHDAY 23



Good preparation for when we face these lads in the cup semis. It was clear the opposition's tactics were damage limitation with a pathetic 5-3-2 sweeper ensemble. Even that didn't keep us out, Jaanus Vazinski struck fierce early to set us on our way. Altosar is proving to be a handful and nearly doubled the lead but for the post getting in his shot. With the final third of the game left, a penalty came our way to which Syväjärvi rather overweeningly finished down the middle. Best of luck if you play like this in the cup Shkupi, otherwise it's easy access to the final for us.

RESULTS OVERVIEW



Sure we played two of the bottom three, but winning both absorbs confidence in our game. Altosar and Varadin both a breath of fresh air since coming in, the Infonet crew making things happen.

LEAGUE TABLE



With the sides above us dropping big points, we take a huge leap forward back into fourth, lying three points away from the top three. Perhaps our season could turn around with the final quarter of the campaign drawing near.

TRANSFERS

IN



Two recognisable names for the diehards who followed me at Infonet.



Karl Altosar - M(C) - free transfer from Infonet

Have a lot of faith in this midfield maestro since his days of coming through the Infonet academy, now he rocks the blue and white stripes. Such strong flair with desirable decision making and vision coupled with his technical attributes adds so much more creativity in what will now become a midfield three. Sixteen at the free kicks, bound to net something from dead balls.



Lukas Varadin - D(R) - unattached free agent

A return for the Slovak right back, ironically coming in to replace Sander Kõiv for the second time. I've been heavily under fire since the Kõiv signing, so the younger, fresher and more ductile Varadin may help us seeping goals from crosses. Hasn't played for the guts of a year and a bit so match sharpness needs a proper workout during friendly season.

FRIENDLIES



A mini gathering of teams from Serbia and Bulgaria kicked us into shape before the season resumes. Strong wins over Mladost and Lokomotiv Plovdiv were just what we required, plus a draw to Jagodina and ignoring a heavy defeat to Montana. Back to business come February.

@bcsaulJ - Problem is the team is rather inconsistent. Hoping to get to the final rather than just the semis.



1.MFL

MATCHDAY 19



I mean it's hardly an achievement to beat a side who've won once all season. All over them in the first half as the two goal lead at the break suggested, Huremovic and a rare start for Denis Hoxha on the scoresheet. Goce Veleski unbalanced us a little as pressure began to mount but all in all it was a routine triumph.

MATCHDAY 20



*sigh* Followed up catastrophically with a heavy defeat to our local rivals. Really good watch, chances at either end with the woodwork rattled numerous times by both teams. Syva and Dick each had one on ones fluffed by keeper Nedelkovski. Ultimately the better team shone with a brace from Julian Gega and one sh*tshow bundled in by Muleci...you have to see it to believe it. I've seen bronze level Rocket League players defend better than this.

https://streamable.com/a5r3a

MATCHDAY 21



Martin Bastig the hero as we preserved a point against the reigning champs. The tall Estonian denied a third minute spot kick in what was the only talking point of the game. An accumulation of eight yellows summarises how scrappy it panned out. Onto the second leg of the cup quarters.





Dick done cocked up his hip. FML.

KUP NA MAKEDONIJA

QUARTER FINAL, SECOND LEG (AWAY)



Ayyyy, we're into the semis! Clean, well organised job with an away goal to bag thanks to a breakaway finished off by who else? Syväjärvi. A late twist nearly befell the game; ninety seconds after hitting the front, Armenian striker Arsen Karapetyan delivered a superb free to level affairs. It didn't matter, Vardar ran out of steam to relinquish their grip on the Macedonian cup.

SEMI FINAL DRAW



Definitely got the best of the draw, two legs with Shkupi for a place in the grande finale.

RESULTS OVERVIEW



A lot to ponder as the league descends to a winter break, a bit of everything but it's clear to see we're far too patchy in form. Dick's injury means only Syväjärvi and Denis Hoxha are natural forwards, far from natural on a game to game basis - need to see a lot more goals from at least one of them. Creativity in the midfield is the only thing positive to take away.

LEAGUE TABLE



We're comfortably away from the drop, but uncomfortably far from European qualification.

1.MFL

MATCHDAY 15



Ughhhh..we didn't deserve to lose this but all our good efforts were in vain. An even contest turned toward Rabotnički's side of the scales with two goals coming towards the break, including a penalty deep into the injury time to leave us stewing in it during the team talk. Despite the visitors looking dominant, a silky passing move caught them out and Dick had a rather large hole to stuff it in the back of the net (graphic, I know). Mario Hoxha only recently turned 18 and shows bright signs of his future, driving a 25 yard scorcher to level a game that seemed somewhat hopeless. Sadly the end result frustrated us, Rabotnički restoring their lead with a sloppy backpass by Todorovski. Barely coughed up any half chances let alone an equaliser. We'll kick ourselves for this.

MATCHDAY 16



GET IN! Nothing more satisfying than a late winner in a match we thoroughly deserved the rewards. Leaders Vardar didn't make it easy for us, Emini turned Sabani inside out and knocked us behind after a quarter of the game. The response was superb afterwards, Kristian Lleshi balanced affairs thanks to a cross that luckily everybody missed apart from him loitering at the back stick to tap home. 92 minutes elapsed, it was time for some heroics as our Finnish finisher Syväjärvi came clutch to win us the game. Did you know that Syväjärvi in Finnish translates to 'deep lake'? Well he left Vardar drowning in one.

MATCHDAY 17



Man...we were in the crosshairs all game with Makedonija, bleeding our heaviest defeat in a while. We were merely a shadow of how we toyed with Vardar last match, chasing shadows too. Defenders could get close to Makedonija's liquid football to pile on the misery. 3-0 down, a penalty was our only effort on target as Syväjärvi attempted to tape over the cracks. Mihaylov added the fourth to put an end to a proper bludgeoning.

MATCHDAY 18



Spiralling out of control, falling to our fourth defeat in five at the hands of Sileks. To be honest, both of their goals were pretty unstoppable - a free kick from Radulovic followed up in the latter stages by a powerful Dragan Jordanov effort from range. Jaanus Vazinski nearly drew us level from an attacking corner, but their left back shielded it off the line to hang on to a clean sheet. Seriously need to take a long, hard look at ourselves.

KUP NA MAKEDONIJA

QUARTER FINAL, FIRST LEG (HOME)



Same result as in the league, taking a vital lead to the Philip II Arena in the return leg. The fuse was lit early on with two strikes in the opening ten minutes, Huremovic's strike cancelled out by Karapetyan at the other end immediately. With Vardar sneaking an away goal under their vests, a second nearly followed by Emini but the reflexes of Bastig pushed what looked a certain goal onto the post. Luck was on our side as Vardar's keeper picked up a damaged shoulder mid-game and played on, but had no way of stopping Dick's goal before the hour mark and hang on to a slender advantage. Second leg will be tough, especially with the cup holders snatching the away goal.

RESULTS OVERVIEW



If it weren't for the two Vardar results, this screen would have looked redder than our faces with such embarrassment. If things don't improve in the league, a red check mark might go beside my name in manager casualties soon. Seems my two centre back signings are finding life tough.

LEAGUE TABLE



Down to fifth, eight adrift of the top three. Praying for a remarkable comeback just like the end of last season.

@bcsaulJ - Thank you man, I'll keep this going don't worry!

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1.MFL

MATCHDAY 9



Crawled over the line to see off C55, yet again a penalty getting us off the mark. Syvä didn't sweat to put it away, yet somehow it was the only goal of the game. Cementarnica will kick themselves, squandering two massive opportunities in the first half to escape unscathed. We weren't any better in attack, throwing three clear cut chances away - Juska somehow missing from four yards onto the post. Adis Skando yet again saw red, seeing us back to winning ways.

MATCHDAY 10



Much needed rotation helped us overcome Sileks on our travels. Dick added some Brazilian flair on affairs with a breathtaking long range goal before Kelmendi doubled our lead midway through the half and it could have been a trio if not for Dick failing to put away a one on one. Switched off immediately from the restart and nearly lost everything within 90 seconds to leave us trembling. Thankfully a misjudged leap from the Sileks keeper allowed Todorovski to head from his first Renova goal to take the three points in the end.

MATCHDAY 11



Honours even at the Ecolog, Shkëndija failing to outfox us this time. Took only 27 seconds to show our intent, Jaanus Vazinski left free to stab home a cross from the left. Safe to assume it wasn't one for the archives in terms of goalmouth action but the visitors eventually drew level - Bastig failing to take command of an inswinging free kick, Stojanovski glanced his header into an empty net. Vidovic's late red didn't sway the game sadly, but a well earned point.

MATCHDAY 12



Blew a big invitation to take down Bregalnica, ending in a dull draw. Both wingers Lleshi and Fabianski need to up their finishing, both cut inside and both choking. Bregalnica nearly caught us by surprise, striker Zvonimir Tokic inches away but the crossbar got in the way of them taking everything. Can't say I'm too impressed with this.

MATCHDAY 13



Far too close for comfort, needing a late penalty to overcome the bottom side. Lleshi a lot more composed to slide one under the keeper just four minutes in. Skopje's only effort on target cliché-ly went in, a header from Flak winning an aerial duel with Kelmendi. Second half was all us, spurning big plays presented to us. The relief of hearing the ref's whistle to award us an 89th minute penalty was music to our ears, Syväjärvi finishing coolly despite the keeper guessing correct with his dive.

MATCHDAY 14



Terrible. Shkupi were only clinical due to our bewildering lack of concentration at the back. Flimsy marking from a corner for Panovski's opener, then moments into the second half an open goal with no closing down practically allowed Markovski to just walk it in. No substance up front, even though recording more shots. Truly dreadful.

KUP NA MAKEDONIJA

SECOND ROUND, SECOND LEG (AWAY)



Our first leg lead was enough to see off the return of Bregalnica. An early goal gave us early wobbles as they turned up the pressure cooker knowing one more unanswered goal would nudge them ahead with their away goal. Dick drove in a vital equaliser to make it a level playing field with away goals just after the hour, seemingly silencing any form of retaliation from the league champs. Quarter finals here we come.

QUARTER FINAL DRAW



Of course...the holders...(do possess a good record against them though).

RESULTS OVERVIEW



A month that began smoothly ended with a few twists and turns. Everybody chipping in with a few goals, but I have concerns about how we venture forward - Dick and Syva need to offer a bit more.

LEAGUE TABLE



Virtually no change in the league table. Just a bit further from the top than last month.

1.MFL

MATCHDAY 6



There is only one Martin Bastig! The tall Estonian denying Rabotnički a predicted victory, crucially swatting away a penalty to keep the game honours even. Poor attacking display from us, barely broke into their 18 yard area.

MATCHDAY 7



Quite the opposite against leaders Vardar, looking rather comfortable however lacked the final blow to condemn the roulette colours to their first defeat of the season. Nothing clear cut created, mainly just half chances which both keepers dealt with accordingly. Rather unlucky to be honest.

MATCHDAY 8



A careless error sunk us at home to Makedonija. The ever reliable Tomas Juska left his pass back to Bastig too short to leave total confusion, Petrovski left with the easy task to tap it home. Visitors played like they were on their own turf, tormenting us as we failed to fire back with shoddy attempts.

KUP NA MAKEDONIJA

SECOND ROUND, FIRST LEG (HOME)



Our good form versus Bregalnica continued with a neat two goal cushion to take to Štip. Teenage backup keeper Andi Beciri brought off a sublime point blank save very early on as nerves almost got the better of us. Our Finnish finisher Syväjärvi struck while the iron was hot, sealing a brace to have us cruising. An unmarked Iljovski foolishly gave Bregalnica an away goal to take back to their gaff, however the coolest man on the field Huremovic danced past two defender and had time to pick his spot with an excellent third. Looking good for the quarters.

RESULTS OVERVIEW



League form not the best right now, failing to score in any of the three we faced. Glad we're keeping a few clean sheets, but a right blend of both goals and clean sheets seems to be missing - can't have it both ways sadly.

LEAGUE TABLE



Sliding down to fourth but still not a million miles from top spot. Aiming for at least top three this time around.

1.MFL

MATCHDAY 1



Off to a good start, though it was only against newbies C55 - a rather vicious C55. Took a penalty to eventually picklock our way in front, Syväjärvi opening his account for the season. Former left back Adis Skando welcomed himself back to the crowd by sending himself off and giving way to a second courtesy of Lleshi. Veleski suffering the same fate to leave the visitors finishing with nine men. Explosive way to start.

MATCHDAY 2



Can't complain, Shkëndija will always be brutes in this division. All that said, it took for a well struck 25 yard free kick by Muleci to break skin despite Bastig's best efforts of keeping it out. Vanco Sabani won't be too popular in the dressing room, leading with a two footer and a straight red. Fair result on the balance of play.

MATCHDAY 3



The defending champs failed to live up to their pedigree with a narrow defeat. Dick hit a sweet spot curler from 25 yards to hand us an early lead. Huremovic came close to doubling but his header lacked any sting to make it easy for their keeper. Two out of three, a solid start.

MATCHDAY 4



Safely saw off the returning Skopje. Always in control despite being pegged back by Ebersbach's screamer after a calamitous og at the other end. Juska finished comfortably from a corner and Mario Hoxha put his laces through a fortunate deflection to ease to another three points. Looking well organised.

MATCHDAY 5



Making mincemeat of Shkupi who offered precious little. Fabianski grabbing the only first half goal, followed up by a deflected Mario Hoxha free kick, while Syväjärvi's close range curler culminated another simple three points. Couldn't have asked for a better start bar the Shkëndija setback.

KUP NA MAKEDONIJA

FIRST ROUND



No first round banana-skin, professional job done at minnows Napredok. A minor hiccup had us trailing early on but Kelmendi and Syvä set things straight. Best side won.

SECOND ROUND DRAW



Good record against Bregalnica in all competitions, two legs without any consequences should surely see us through to the quarters.

RESULTS OVERVIEW



Brilliant start to our latest season, excluding the unfortunate defeat to Shkëndija. A nice plethora of scorers showcase the amount of teamwork flowing through our veins.

LEAGUE TABLE



The only side who racked up better results were Vardar, unbeaten start so perhaps we might have underestimated this so called 'resurrection'. Long way to go.

Nation: Gibraltar
Media Prediction (Odds): 2nd/10 (9-2)
Expectations: Challenge for title
Pros: Far stronger squad than Renova. Top three finishes for over twenty years. Definite title challengers. European football almost a guarantee.
Cons: Boca Juniors (GIB) walk the league most seasons nowadays. Underwhelming budgets. Nearly half a million in debt.



The fans may welcome the decision.

RESULT



TRANSFERS

OUT



The obvious retirement of McParland is the parting that kills me most in this window. Perunicic retired too, but does anybody remember him? Newly promoted Cementarnica 55 did us a favour by taking third choice keeper Meta for a bit of cash, while Vicente can garner some first team action without us paying his wages. Win win.

IN



The quest for centre back replacements was well and truly on, practically got two for the price of one. An area in serious need of rejuvenation.



Dimitar Todorovski - D(C) - £22k from Pelister

Relegated Pelister had an abundance of players wanting to leave, Dimitar was right on the money. Already seeing resemblance to McParland in terms of his intelligent mental stats, at a young age too. Good with his head and tackling, minus his worrying lack of speed. Thankfully he isn't the only option to help out in the defensive core.



Vanco Sabani - D(C) - unattached free agent

Let go by Vardar this summer, didn't make major salary demands, it was all the matter of putting two and two together. Injects a bit more acceleration to his game accompanied by his excellent teamwork and work rate but being sub six foot, might be best to sit in behind Todorovski on the cover. Bubbled under in the Macedonian U21s for a long period and now breaking into the main squad, it'll surely boost him for the future. Two strong signings.

..but there's one more on the way...





Something to look forward to in January, Karl is coming back to me!



I don't believe what I'm seeing! Huremovic was adamant to leave us behind, however he's made a dramatic U-turn to sign a new two year deal. The admiration for me must be incredible.



Bastig had doubts about staying too on the account of his homesickness, but a one year deal preserves him just before he turns 37.

FRIENDLIES



At least our strikers are doing their job. Dick and Mik collectively scoring seven goals in our four friendlies. Note that we beat Romanian heavyweights FCSB (Steaua Bucharest) in the process.



Speaking of Mik, he heads the predictions for top goalscorer at Evens. Forty goals since his arrival, it's hard to argue why.



Vardar yet again the bookies favourites for the league title in this so called 'redemption prophecy', I'd honestly save your money. 65-1 odds for us, I'd save your money also.

KUP NA MAKEDONIJA

FIRST ROUND DRAW



Non league Napredok Kicevo first up, lessons learned from last years competition - might make a proper stab of winning it this season.

I have a soft spot for Sochaux, will follow!

Boy wonder Kristian Lleshi is becoming one of the hometown heroes as of late, pipping Huremovic and Syväjärvi to the award of player of the season at the ripe age of 17. On top of that it was no surprise he left with the young player of the season award. Talking of young stars, Mario Hoxha is also seeking to become a gem in the dust with his stunning winning goal against Metalurg Skopje won goal of the season. I find it ironic how Dick took the signing of the season accolade yet fails to make the seasonal best XI...?



What a memorable last nine months it's been for Mikk - 23 goals, 7.11 average performance, seven man of the match awards, he is a pleasure to work with. Long may it continue! Sasa Huremovic's intentions are to depart the club at the end of his contract in June, leaving with a stellar knack for assists and killer passes - Fabianski too getting 9 assist credits. Won't dicker over discipline, defenders will be defenders and some take one for the team.



Never seen this before, by virtue of playing less time than Bregalnica's Brahimi, Syväjärvi was presented with the golden boot in the Macedonian league. Harsh, but makes sense. Well done that man!



Two of our players snuck into the overall best XI for the season. Syväjärvi unquestionably but Tomas Juska's second half of the season was meritorious at the back. Great season all round.



I'm not even mad about this, Bregalnica winning their first ever title takes precedence over my miraculous turnaround towards the end of the campaign. Not bad at only 37 too.

1.MFL

MATCHDAY 34



Man or machine? The big Mik does it again, whitewashing Turnovo to a grim relegation wallow. Striking twice in the first 114 seconds, completing his hat-trick on 24 minutes, missing a penalty on 38 but rectifying with a fourth goal before the half time whistle. Mario Hoxha was presented with a gift after Turnovo's keeper fumbled to leave but a quiet affair at the Ecolog Arena. EIGHT AND COUNTING.



Tearing the league apart.

MATCHDAY 35



Press F to pay your respects. Vardar were ruthless with six clear cut chances, converting three of them to end our glorious streak. Two penalties did the damage, Ristovski easily dispatching both before a late counter attack left us for dead. Means we can no longer challenge for the crown, but a valiant effort either way.

HOW IT STANDS...



Out of nowhere, Bregalnica have put themselves in pole position going into the final day ahead on goal difference. Shkendija play us on the last day, needing to better Bregalnica's result against Rabotnički...what does this have anything to do with us?



Vardar winning the Macedonian Cup means third place is our only gateway into Europe. Rabotnički need to lose, Makedonija need to drop points and winning against Shkendija is imperative.

MATCHDAY 36



D. I. C. K! The Brazilian obscenity delivers from the bench to crush Shkendija's ambitions for back to back titles. Bledar Kelmendi latched onto a deflected Huremovic free kick to take an unlikely lead, but Alban Muleci had other ideas. Shkendija sent a barrage of shots our way only for it to blow up in their face. On came Dick to tuck away a wonderful move from Lleshi on the right. A fantastic way to end the season!





Drew out quite the crowd, just over 9,000 for this local derby.



Bregalnica finished 8th last season, avoiding relegation through a playoff. Today they were crowned Macedonian champions for the first time in their history. Gratz to them, but did we get into Europe?

FINAL LEAGUE TABLE

@BTB1991





1.MFL

MATCHDAY 29



Not often I say three wins in a row but Fabianski delivered to do just that. Practically had a field of space to pounce on Lleshi's breakaway in an early counter attack. Lleshi could have had a goal for himself but the bar stood in the way of a cheeky dink over the keeper. Bastig did get called into action when Jordanov flicked a header his way but stopped it comfortably on the line. No April Fool on this occasion.

MATCHDAY 30



Make that four, all by the slender 1-0 scoreline. Dreadful to watch, but one chance drew us into ecstasy. In-form Tomas Juska used his dome to loop a header over the keeper in the last quarter to which Rabotnički couldn't respond. Patience and strong defending pays off.

MATCHDAY 31



Easily our performance of the season, puppeteering Pelister to crumble in the second half. Todorov spilling a free kick right in the direction of Fabianski just four minutes in got us off to the perfect start. With respect we got hit with a sucker punch as Seferi finished off their only well timed play of the game. Second half belonged to Syväjärvi - tormenting the fragile Pelister defence with a sublime hat-trick to seal five consecutive wins. Dignified end to the game no doubt.



Not really though. If anything we were lucky not to break into double figures. But did Pelister leave it there?





Not in the slightest, they're about the "if you can't beat 'em, raid their backroom staff" mentality. Tried to headhunt both our reserve manager and my assistant. Pathetic carry on.

MATCHDAY 32





SIX. SIX WINS IN A ROW. Where on Earth has this form come from and why didn't it resonate earlier? Syväjärvi filling his boots with back to back hat-tricks against the doomed Metalurg Skopje. Didn't have it all our own way, the visitors were wasteful missing three golden pearls before a former loanee in Dejan Vasilev gave them a shred a hope. Not to be, the Gipsari march on.





He was a free transfer. On deadline day. Panic buy? I think not.

MATCHDAY 33



I don't even know what to say anymore. Sasa Huremovic may be leaving in the summer but he's going out with a bang, a top corner netbuster from the edge of the area enough to take down title chasing Makedonija. Another game that dragged on with no substance, but the home side nearly caught us out with a looping header but landed on top of the crossbar and cleared. Playing with flying confidence at the right time.

RESULTS OVERVIEW



A perfect month, not seen that for a very long time. Syväjärvi totally destroying teams, our midfield trio of Huremovic, Vazinski and Mario Hoxha rock solid and our defence dramatically improving. Who's next?

LEAGUE TABLE



Late push for a title? Unbelievable momentum at the moment has shot us right up there with four other sides battling for the prize with three games left. To think I was apprehensive at the thought of a relegation playoff not too long ago.

MAY 2051 SCHEDULE



This could end brilliantly or in tears. The home game against relegation fighters Turnovo is a must win, Vardar away could be a close one and a very difficult final day at home to Shkendija in the upper echelons of the league. Forget permutations, win them all and see where we end up?

1.MFL

MATCHDAY 25



Turning into real choke artists now. Dick is working wonders as a deep forward, making the run to head in Bregaji's cross before Syväjärvi drilled low coming to the break. Two up and cruising at half time until a little wobble caused us to capsize in the final twenty minutes, Huremovic dawdling to allow Kovalev an easy snatch and strike to leave Bastig helpless in goal. A scrappy own goal may have given us some breathing space but back came Turnovo with Kovalev's second, slipped behind the defensive four to slide it under Bastig. All we had to do was play it safe, but Bastig didn't get the memo; corner to Turnovo which Bastig made a mess of it as Tosevski got his head to it first and dropped into an empty net. One win in our last six, this is getting far too precarious.

MATCHDAY 26



Luck wasn't going to change against a reformed Vardar side on the brink of the drop. Dropped Bastig for 17 year old backup keeper Andi Beciri...not my wisest decision as we fell two down before the opening quarter elapsed. A quick free kick found Vazinski to hammer home to leave the second half nicely poised. Vardar were far too zeroed in to stop them, rapidly countering an attacking corner with fierce pace, easily finished off by Igor Ristovski. The red-blacks nearly made it a rout, hitting the bar three times but instead hit back at them with Dick's fifth goal in four consecutive games to make things interesting. Had nothing left in the tank afterwards. Dire straits.

MATCHDAY 27



OOF Shkëndija totally FM'd lullllzzzz!!!1 XDDD. Mind you, they were far from their best while we scrapped the 4-3-3 and returned to the conservative 4-1-2-2-1 DM approach. For all their chances, nothing really tested the returning Bastig, in contrast it was us who had the noteworthy plays. Fabianski came close by hitting the near post but the crucial one that counted came from the head of Tomas Juska, towering over everyone to seal an unlikely win.

MATCHDAY 28



Forgotten what back to back wins felt like. Did we get lucky again? Yes. Did we set up a giant bus to keep it that way? Yes. Bregalnica's efforts were all snuffed out before frustration got the better of them, taking McParland clean out for a 65th minute penalty. On loan Aldo Masha took the honours, finishing well out of Borisov's reach. When in doubt, just play things Mourinho.



When he's good, he's very good.


RESULTS OVERVIEW



You can see the difference in tactics just by looking at the scorelines. 4-3-3 - score 5, concede 6, won 0. 4-1-2-2-1DM - score 2, concede 0, win 2. Obviously it isn't the most attractive football we've played but imperative to staying afloat this season.

LEAGUE TABLE



I'm impressed with everything that has come and gone, 5th place is still occupied by us. By no means safe, by no means Europe is out of reach. Steady equilibrium facing into our last eight league games.

APRIL 2051 SCHEDULE



Lots of important six pointers on the horizon, kicking off with the side underneath in Sileks. Tricky away days to sides chasing the title, Rabotnički and leaders Makedonija GP certainly won't bend backwards for us.

YOUTH INTAKE



Last year it was Mario Hoxha, previous year it was Kristian Lleshi, this year...? Nothing special at all.

1.MFL

MATCHDAY 22



Stalemate beginning to a new year, Pelister arguably will be feeling two points were lost. Trialled a 4-3-3 system with Bregaji, Syväjärvi and new signing Dick however it might have left us a little bit too exposed. Pelister piled on chances in the first half, including missing a free header from four yards out that flew over the bar. Counter attacking was our only hope, Bregaji bursting away but denied by Todorov in goal. Sadly fed off scraps all game, might need to rejig this tactic.

MATCHDAY 23



Rained goals in a thriller with bottom club Metalurg, sealed with a sublime injury time winner. So poor in the build up to Metalurg's opener through Sinani, allowing him to move in acres of space. Then came a spell of four goals in five minutes, two composed finishes by our Brazilian luxury Dick in between a stupid goal conceded to Julian Gega, almost securing a record breaking hattrick if it weren't for him being brought down for a stonewall penalty - Syväjärvi rather selfishly taking duties to lead for the first time in the game. The points were almost secured but for a fabulous strike by Gega into the top corner frustrating us yet again. Into the dying embers, 17 year old Mario Hoxha delivers an unbelievable 25 yard powerhouse to deservedly muscle our way to victory. Heart rate slowly returning to resting state.



You ok hun? x

MATCHDAY 24



All our good work from last week counted for nothing, disintegrating to our 11th defeat of the season. The penalty we gave away we could do nothing about but for Bastig to somehow spill the ball in from a near post cross is almost unforgivable. The third goal by Ivanovski sweetly struck to confirm the L, despite Dick showing our strikers how it's done.

RESULTS OVERVIEW



Mixed bag, the 4-3-3 has helped us score a bit more freely but strains us heavily at the back, conceding six in in two games. Our ageing defence not holding together nicely. Dick though, contributing three goals since he's come in, not bad at all.

LEAGUE TABLE



The close margins between us and ninth is making me anxious, especially since we're much too far away from the top four. Consolidation is the new objective.

TRANSFERS

OUT





An eleventh hour bid from Sillamäe Kalev to take Petersoo off our hands was too good to refuse. No offence to Kev, but he infuriated me at times and to get five times what we originally paid for him it was a natural course of events. Everybody's happy.

IN



Two recruits got handed the Renova kit during the winter window. One good friend of the save and one 'big' talent (pardoning the glaring innuendo).



Sander Kõiv - D(R) - free transfer from Tammeka Tartu

Tried and tested, also adding the attacking flair from the rear as noticed at Infonet. There were obviously better candidates however Sander isn't afraid of take-ons or drifting into the centre like another certain Estonian did in the past. Obviously has wilted since the glory days, still fancy him to tighten things up in the full back areas.





Dick - ST(C) - unattached free agent

No, that is no nickname nor typo - just plain Dick. Why did I purchase a new striker when I already have two other good options? Impulse. If he looks that before turning 21, imagine him five years down the line. Strong, composed, precise, somebody to grab us a few goals without a shadow of a doubt. The shirt sales might go through the roof, ironically or not.

FRIENDLIES



Bit of everything really, smashed by Montenegro's finest Budućnost, honours even with Bosnian side Borac before a pleasantly surprising take down of forgotten Slovenian champions Domžale with Valon Shehu of all people earning a brace.



In other news, this I found quite interesting with Vazinski second in the Estonian player of the year (correct me if I'm wrong?).



Even better news is seeing Kristian Lleshi rapidly recovering, won't be long before he'll be back in action. Hopefully his bravery doesn't take a hit.

FEBRUARY 2051 SCHEDULE



Facing reality after the harsh Balkan winter, two away days to Pelister and Metalurg Skopje before returning home to face Makedonija GP.

1.MFL

MATCHDAY 16



Job done...just. Despite an early penalty from Aldo Masha, Turnovo were tough to break down. Mikko Syväjärvi played the whistle during appeals for a second penalty but smashed it home to make our arguments redundant. Kostov's close range header gave Turnovo a way back but later on should have ended it with a second penalty awarded, Masha denied by the outstretched arm of Igor Bocevski. Good start to the month.

MATCHDAY 17



Vardar did us dirty here. Their second goal completely changed the flow of the game after an evenly balanced first. Sokol Bregaji announced himself early on, only to be thwarted by Igor Ristovski nearly breaking the net to level it up. Physics doesn't even come into question for Vardar's second, Ristovski hit the bar in such a way that it boomeranged straight to Karapetyan for a simple tap in...logic eh? Fidan Progni slaughtered any remainder of hope we had of creating an equaliser.

MATCHDAY 18



Talk about being a deer in headlights. No fight, erratic passing, allowing Shkëndija to bully us all game. Ansi Meta's header somehow crept under the body of Bastig and minutes later failed to keep out Hovhannisyan's penalty. Meta widening the margin further. I know they're good, but I expected something of a fiercer contest.

MATCHDAY 19



Headline speaks for itself, no idea how we came away with this result. Bledar Kelmendi getting fortunate with a lucky deflection into his path for an early second half strike. Bregalnica didn't play much better, truly turgid game.

MATCHDAY 20



A tale of yet another second half collapse. Always seem to get worked up with an early goal, Ondrej Urbanek playing the role as the human shield into his own net within the opening five minutes. The usually ever reliable Bastig was anything but for Sileks' counterstatement, failing to deal with an aerial ball to leave a gaping hole for Blazevski to fill. The pressure got to us again, letting in two simple goals to choke up the three points to the home side. Relegation fears at the back of our mind again.

MATCHDAY 21



Get us to the winter break immediately. When in doubt about your failing tactics not going anywhere, park the bus...almost worked. Set pieces will always be the bane of my existence, Hristo Valkov invited in to place home a free header from a corner. Some things just never change.

RESULTS OVERVIEW



Nothing going right, both wins this month were fortunate blessings. Our defenders aren't defending, our midfielders aren't creating, and our strikers like jigsaws that fall to pieces in the box. At least we can stew over this until February.

LEAGUE TABLE



Dangling dangerously over a shark tank. Think Europe looks certainly out of the question, onto survival mode from here onwards.

1.MFL

MATCHDAY 11



Total control nearly turned to total tragedy but for Kristian Lleshi's intervention to continue our good form. Huremovic was left unmarked at the far post to tap in the only goal of the first half and immediately after the restart Mikko Syväjärvi put us in complete command of the game. Out of nowhere came Sileks with their first major chance to claw their way back, captain Dragan Jordanov rattling our cage. The pressure got to the squad, jangling with nerves to allow Sileks to equalise heading into the last quarter. The performance eventually justified itself from a late corner, teenage sensation Lleshi left unmarked to hit home the winner. Phew.

MATCHDAY 12



Table toppers Rabotnički squeezed us out of an evenly contested match. So pissed off at Kevin Petersoo making the same mistakes at right back, no intent of closing down or positioning himself correctly and with nobody to close down the cross, Mario Tsonev said thank you very much. Georgiev's low drilled free kick sunk us, despite Bregaji's late consolation.

MATCHDAY 13



Underwhelming display at home to Pelister. Sokol Bregaji coming closest for us with the crossbar denying him from just outside the six yard area. The visitors took authority from there, Dimitar Todorovski's header proving decisive in a 1-0 triumph.

MATCHDAY 14



Similar to the Sileks game, but looked nowhere near as comfortable. Mario Slavov's team stung us twice on the counter, the usual committing too many men forward and lack of spatial awareness in between Jaanus Vazinski's leveller. Bastig nearly spilling a free kick had us praying for half time. We woke up and smelled the coffee afterwards, bombarding their goal with a barrage of chances - two of them netted. Syväjärvi taking advantage of a Metalurg aerial mistake to blast home and three minutes later hitting them with our own counter, Fabianski's whipped ball paving the way for Aldo Masha's first goal for the club. Reeling them in like gullible trout.



This is why Masha was introduced. Proper livid. Developing so nicely too which makes it even worse.

MATCHDAY 15



Nowhere near up to par. Incomplete passes, terrible in the air, mistake after mistake, it was a fiasco. Felt bad for Bastig who saved our asses on various occasions but not enough to deny Petrovski and Aluposki's goals to rethink our strategy. Route one to Bregaji was probably our only hope, belting one back. It was all false hope though, Petersoo dragged completely out of position to leave a gap for Aluposki's second and to hand three points on a platter to Makedonija GP.

RESULTS OVERVIEW



Sinusoidal month with highs but mostly lows. Definitely need new full backs for certain, might get rid of Petersoo altogether at this rate with his abhorrent displays. Bregaji and Syväjärvi feeding off scraps but do deliver when presented to them. Lleshi's awful injury at Metalurg might be a bad omen for the rest of the season.

LEAGUE TABLE



Funnily enough it hasn't backfired too badly on the table, lots of sides in similar predicaments. Rabotnički the team to catch at the front. Looking over our shoulders a bit too. Also WTF is happening with Vardar??

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2050 SCHEDULE



Final run in of games before breaking for winter. Comforting that we're at home for a lot of these games, Turnovo is a must win next to keep us out of trouble plus with a good record against Vardar, a result against them would also be nice. The rest is pot luck.

1.MFL

MATCHDAY 7



Terrible, inept, sheepish, these words come to mind when watching this fodder. Actually held our own in the first 15-20 minutes, only until Kovalev snuck in to switch us off for the rest of the game. Turnovo looked really comfortable for the most part.

MATCHDAY 8



new tactic, who dis? Discarded the 4-4-2 for the classic 4-1-2-2-1 'V', recalling Dragan Panovski into his natural DM habitat and dropping Syväjärvi for Bregaji - match made in heaven. Three assists from the defensive mid, a hat-trick for Bregaji, another nightmare for Vardar. Five times we've played the "most successful team in Macedonia" and not one defeat. Can we play them every week?

MATCHDAY 9



It's rare we even score against Shkëndija, let alone draw with them. Soaked up the usual pressure before the inevitable breakthrough by a strong Tolipov header to undo our strong defending. Syväjärvi learned from his subpar performances to liaise with Huremovic in creating a very unlikely equaliser to nab a big point against the recent champs.

MATCHDAY 10



Much more like it. Bregalnica attacked early and ran out of steam quickly to put them to the sword in the second half. Jaanus Vazinski rifled a beautiful volley from a corner to finally grease the wheels, doubled in seconds by Syväjärvi, converting from Kristian Lleshi's cross. Boys are back in business.

RESULTS OVERVIEW



After a messy August, September got bent into shape a lot better. The change to the V formation allowed our midfielders more freedom to create while the lone striker can put them away. Not even any trouble picking a starting striker as both Syväjärvi and Bregaji can take turns with one coming off the bench.

LEAGUE TABLE



Quarter of the way in, looking rather well. Six off the leaders Rabotnički and three off second. Could be an extremely close race this season.

OCTOBER 2050 SCHEDULE



Three home matches against winnable opposition, two games away where we'll have to hope and pray. Bring on October.

1.MFL

MATCHDAY 1



Routine win to kick off our season, however not exactly comfortable during the game. Less possession, sloppy passing but blessed with Bregalnica's shaky backline. Mikky lodged his first goal to his account from the penalty spot before some careless backpassing allowed Sokol Bregaji to seal the deal. The dynamic duo working in tandem yet again.

MATCHDAY 2



With Bregaji ineligible against his parent club, a formation change was necessary. Unfortunately it didn't bode well with the opposition who got rather fortunate to lead and then double it with the last third to go. Syväjärvi looked a fish out of water, missing three or four big chances to prompt a change. Mediocre Denis Hoxha came on with very little expectation and what happened next dazzled us all. Two goals off the back of counter attacks in the final eight minutes rescued an unlikely but deserved point. Another striking arrow to add to our bow?

MATCHDAY 3



First defeat in ten league games at the hands of Rabotnički. The early penalty we gave away to Daniel Georgiev threw a sign saying perhaps it wasn't going to be our day. Atmosphere died down a bit until Syväjärvi was presented with a one on one, the angle too tight to hit it anywhere but down the keeper's throat. A darting run from Mario Tsonev confirmed defeat, however not before Bledar Kelmendi reduced arrears with his first goal since returning to the club.

MATCHDAY 4



Back to the olden days of defending to escape with a point. I say escape, we actually had a better chance of winning. Conor McParland had a header cleared off the line at point blank range and Sokol Bregaji hit one first time to bring a key save by Todorov. On the balance of it all, we'll take it.

MATCHDAY 5



Mario Slavov, a player who caused countless disruptions under the hood before his release is now managing Metalurg Skopje - might want to consider a new career. Sure they did cause us one or two problems but came away unscathed and victorious via an own goal plus Syväjärvi breaking his mini goal drought.

MATCHDAY 6



No form of consistency right now, taken down a peg by Makedonija GP. Hristijan Ivanovski with the only goal and probably the only highlight of the game. Really, it was so scrappy with a flood of yellows picked up on the way.

KUP NA MAKEDONIJA

FIRST ROUND



Move along, nothing to see here.....

RESULTS OVERVIEW



Consistency and Renova don't go in the same sentence. Pretty much a game of chance to see which team turns up. Syväjärvi should have performed better this month, chomping at the bit too much and getting no results. Defending also needs some work. At least being out of the cup can swing our focus primarily on the league.

LEAGUE TABLE



Bang average with two wins, two draws and two defeats to lie in sixth.

SEPTEMBER 2050 SCHEDULE



An international break can help us brew before travelling to newly promoted Turnovo next. Followed up by two heavyweights of Vardar and Shkëndija to complete the cycle and return to Bregalnica.

With the strong animosity between myself and the board following the sale of Skando, I took an unexpected U-turn on it to put my signature on a new deal at the club. 20% increase on my wage just to show them who's boss.

TRANSFERS

OUT



A rather big clean out of contracts; Tsvetanov, Hyka, Slavov and Jezdimirovic among the bigger names exiting. The obvious sale of left back Skando without warning obviously boiled my blood.

IN



However it wasn't the be all and end all. Two new cadets come in, one being the obvious replacement at left back and a loanee from Kosovian champions Liria.



Dragan Jovanovski - D(L) - £3.9k from Makedonija GP

Mentally equal with Skando, slightly more clunky too. To be honest I wouldn't have been able to find a better option without breaking the bank but Dragan has an experienced head on him to gain my trust. Garnered a lot of gametime from bigger clubs like Vardar and Rabotnički also helps.



Aldo Masha - M(R)/AM(R) - season long loan from Liria

Only comes in to make up the numbers on the right wing following the clearout. Same sort of quickness as Kristian Lleshi minus the technique and crossing acumen (ironic with 17 flair). Can't guarantee him many appearances but a failsafe if or when disaster strikes.



Also forgot to mention that Sokol Bregaji has agreed to another year on loan. Sileks wanted a staggering £180k for a permanent deal, keep dreaming mate.



Even better news is Mikko Syväjärvi stays put until 2053...though wanting a few release clauses thrown into the mixer should it go belly up for us next season.

EUROPA LEAGUE

FIRST QUALIFYING ROUND, FIRST LEG (AWAY)



Far from match fit going into this, somehow recorded not only an away goal but a share of the score going back to our place. Sokol Bregaji picking up from where he left off to cancel out Dila's opener, leading into a tasty second leg.

FIRST QUALIFYING ROUND, SECOND LEG (HOME)



One of our most well organised performances since I've come in. Dila were shooting blanks while we took full advantage. Mikko and Sokol putting nails in the Georgian's coffin without a sniff of a chance. You can tell by the number of shots that Dila were getting panicky and desperate. Resolute defensive work.

SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND DRAW



Danish side Randers are our next test, surprised we'd even get to this stage.

SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND, FIRST LEG (AWAY)



Man, we got so close to defying the odds. Totally against the run of play taking the lead at the end of the first half thanks to their keeper making a dog's dinner of Fabianski's shot, spilled right into Syväjärvi's path for an open goal. The great Danes fought back in the second to turn the game over with Jørgensen and Nielsen shattering our resistance. With all hope lost, in came our own Scandinavian Mikko to grab a dramatic late equaliser...or so I thought. Straight down the other end Tomas Juska impeded a goalscoring threat resulting in a penalty and a second yellow, allowing Søren Larsen to deflate the valiant shift we put in. Two away goals, unfinished business in the return leg.

SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND, SECOND LEG (HOME)



Nah, they were just too good for us. Larsen headed home on the stroke of half time and an explosive Jonas Kirk free kick left us with a mammoth task to come back. Syväjärvi did however leave the game with a positive note deep into injury time with a well composed finish past Aleksandar Dadic. Out, but with some fight in us. Good show in Europe.





Nearly our entire turnover for the year earned in four games. Ka-ching.

SEASON EXPECTATIONS



Back to domestic affairs, as much as I'd love to bank us into the Europa League qualification places again, a mid table expectation is a safe bet. Quarter finals of the cup also doable, potentially aiming further if we're lucky?



Bookies obviously don't fancy us this season, in fact predicting us to go down at 300-1. Don't I deserve a little more credit than that?



That said, they're predicting Syväjärvi to be in and amongst the leading goalscorers this season after last season's flurry.

KUP NA MAKEDONIJA

FIRST ROUND DRAW



Last bit of news before I bore you to tears, non league Madžari are our opposition in the first stage of the cup.