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Bettian Sporting Headlines

Posted: Apr 8 2007, 02:19 PM

APEX LEAGUE 6 - the return

With Bettian fans still on a high after their team's World Cup exploits, the Apex League has kicked off once again and so far the fans have been treated to some spectactular matches as all the teams seemed to have embraced the Takilan system, pulling out all the stops in their quests for goals and glory.

Division One

At the moment it's all rather tight at the top at the ten-game point, with Perumnasih making the early running thanks to the goalscoring phenomena that is the Busilanta brothers. Akani Sands follow just one point behind with Persubarnas and reigning champions Butetown Dragons snapping at their heels.

Fortuna Bettialis are certainly faring the best out of the newly promoted teams, although they haven't been knocking in the goals with as much regularity as the teams around them. Just two points behind them, we find Banastra Forest, the reigning Division Two champs and one of two Grappenhall-based teams in the top flight. However, Dynamo Dini have yet to find their feet, having acheived just two wins so far.

Two unfamiliar faces find themselves lurking at the wrong end. Ceffinton Town and Grappenhall, both regarded as giants of the Bettian game, have both made remarkably bad starts to the season and will have to dig deep if they are to avoid an embarrassing relegation dogfight.

CODE

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Perumnasih 10 7 2 1 32 16 16 23
2 Akani Sands 10 7 1 2 33 15 18 22
3 Persubarnas 10 7 0 3 35 19 16 21
4 Butetown Dragons 10 6 2 2 33 22 11 20
5 Tamrida 10 5 4 1 26 17 9 19
6 Fortuna Bettialis 10 6 1 3 22 19 3 19
7 Banastra Forest 10 5 2 3 31 22 9 17
8 Lorshill United 10 4 3 3 19 18 1 15
9 Tiddles Park 10 4 1 5 25 22 3 13
10 Gabalfa Rovers 10 4 1 5 19 23 -4 13
11 Pen-y-Bydd 10 4 0 6 23 31 -8 12
12 Fiilghud Town 10 2 5 3 26 27 -1 11
13 CPD Porthbalfa 10 3 1 6 26 29 -3 10
14 Sukatra Tigers 10 2 3 5 17 27 -10 9
15 Persifera 10 3 0 7 20 40 -20 9
16 Ceffinton Town 10 2 2 6 17 34 -17 8
17 Dynamo Dini 10 2 1 7 21 31 -10 7
18 Grappenhall 10 1 3 6 12 25 -13 6

Division Two

It's the former top-flight teams who seem to be making the right noises in Division Two. Lorshill City are still smarting from their shock relegation last season and they've made it no secret that they won't tolerate being in a lower league than their United rivals, and they've gone about their task the right way having knocked in a very respectable 41 goals so far this season. Just one point behind them sees another team looking to get one over their city rivals, Grappenhall University, with Llanedalia and Downton also looking for a return to the first division.

Down at the basement, Emcorn have made an atrocious start and are already six points adrift at the bottom, behind Old Maxwellians, Hyppo Fernley and Southward Ho!.

CODE

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Lorshill City 10 6 2 2 41 14 27 20
2 Grappenhall University 10 6 1 3 26 20 6 19
3 Llanedalia 10 5 3 2 27 20 7 18
4 Downton 10 6 0 4 26 23 3 18
5 Ryoga Bay 10 5 2 3 31 23 8 17
6 Kirkwood Town 10 4 5 1 27 19 8 17
7 Betws-y-Triw 10 5 1 4 28 24 4 16
8 Rhyngwladol Gabalfa 10 5 1 4 21 25 -4 16
9 Pontybalfa United 10 5 0 5 22 20 2 15
10 Racing Club Gabalfa 10 4 3 3 21 19 2 15
11 Budiwati City 10 4 2 4 21 22 -1 14
12 Maindy 10 4 2 4 27 32 -5 14
13 Fforest Hen 10 4 2 4 19 25 -6 14
14 Roath Albion 10 3 2 5 19 26 -7 11
15 Southward Ho! 10 3 1 6 18 28 -10 10
16 Hyppo Fernley 10 3 1 6 21 33 -12 10
17 Old Maxwellians 10 3 0 7 16 24 -8 9
18 Emcorn 10 1 0 9 17 31 -14 3

Division Three

With the World Cup success and their team's promotion last season, Sonastra's fortunes keep on going up and up, having made a very healthy start to their campaign for two sucessive promotions. However, two points ahead of them are Drutton United, who are just pipping Treebrook Wanderers for top spot thanks to them conceding one less goal.

Newly promoted Tremwsa, themselves looking for a third straight promotion, are also doing well and are keeping pace with the leading pack. However, the third of the promoted teams, Ceffinton United are struggling badly, and find themselves four points behind Mihangel's Old Boys and FOYNLS.

CODE

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Drutton United 10 7 2 1 28 16 12 23
2 Treebrook Wanderers 10 7 2 1 28 17 11 23
3 Sonastra FC 10 6 3 1 26 16 10 21
4 Tremwsa 10 6 2 2 26 19 7 20
5 Gorseborough Town 10 5 2 3 30 16 14 17
6 Lower Sweeney 10 4 4 2 19 17 2 16
7 Spiddaford Town 10 4 3 3 30 22 8 15
8 BAF Chinterford 10 5 0 5 27 26 1 15
9 Upper Sweeney 10 4 2 4 27 25 2 14
10 AFC Rendrew 10 4 2 4 23 22 1 14
11 Al-Sheemal Tamrida 10 3 3 4 22 26 -4 12
12 Deudregg Dderw 10 3 2 5 15 25 -10 11
13 Lorshill Engineers 10 3 1 6 21 32 -11 10
14 Llanbedistan 10 2 3 5 19 26 -7 9
15 Sageham Town 10 2 3 5 17 26 -9 9
16 FOYNLS 10 1 5 4 20 26 -6 8
17 Mihangel's Old Boys 10 2 2 6 16 25 -9 8
18 Ceffinton United 10 1 1 8 14 26 -12 4

Division Four

Of all the divisions in the Apex League, this is the only onw with a clear leader, and once again is a smaller team looking to emulate their larger city rivals. This time it's Lorshill Park Rangers, who head the division by nine points having won all but one game so far. Behind them, it's a three-way tie between Pen-yr-Heol, Arorair and newly-promoted Zenit Tecnasi.

Down at the bottom are Chinterford Town who have yet to register their first win of the season. Just above them are Porthbalfa Navy and Lara Kencana.

CODE

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Lorshill Park Rangers 10 9 1 0 26 12 14 28
2 Pen-yr-Heol 10 6 1 3 27 19 8 19
3 Arorair 10 5 4 1 22 16 6 19
4 Zenit Tecnasi 10 6 1 3 21 16 5 19
5 Tinting Warren 10 5 3 2 27 22 5 18
6 Fortuna South End 10 5 2 3 31 18 13 17
7 Huwbridge Town 10 5 0 5 27 25 2 15
8 Dhur Tihari 10 4 2 4 28 24 4 14
9 Alfalfa Kickers 10 4 2 4 21 24 -3 14
10 Gabalfa Saints 10 3 4 3 21 23 -2 13
11 Gilang Chandra 10 4 1 5 20 33 -13 13
12 Shabilah 10 4 0 6 23 25 -2 12
13 Cockbill Green 10 3 2 5 26 24 2 11
14 Mare's Tail Village 10 3 2 5 25 28 -3 11
15 Thymeford Wanderers 10 3 0 7 21 32 -11 9
16 Lara Kencana 10 2 2 6 17 21 -4 8
17 Porthbalfa Navy 10 2 2 6 26 31 -5 8
18 Chinterford Town 10 0 5 5 16 32 -16 5

National Conference

In the last season of the semi-pro league before it becomes a fully professional fifth division, we find two outfits from the capital city leading the way in the shape of Pifton Rovers and UC Gabalfa, who head the division ahead of Mirtaford Town and Caeranyuna.

CODE

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Pifton Rovers 10 8 0 2 29 16 13 24
2 UC Gabalfa 10 7 2 1 22 12 10 23
3 Mirtaford Town 10 7 1 2 31 17 14 22
4 Caeranyuna 10 6 2 2 29 15 14 20
5 Lorshill Victoria 10 5 2 3 27 22 5 17
6 Old Akanians 10 4 3 3 24 18 6 15
7 Huwbridge Colliery 10 4 3 3 26 22 4 15
8 Marjaham Town 10 4 2 4 18 19 -1 14
9 Mitaford Eagles 10 4 1 5 22 21 1 13
10 Porthbalfa Town 10 4 1 5 18 22 -4 13
11 Dairford Town 10 3 4 3 18 24 -6 13
12 Floraton United 10 4 1 5 19 26 -7 13
13 Hurnford Harriers 10 3 2 5 18 20 -2 11
14 Gabalfa Steelworks 10 3 2 5 21 24 -3 11
15 Loudoun Rovers 10 3 2 5 18 24 -6 11
16 Blooming Town 10 3 0 7 21 32 -11 9
17 Lovage Town 10 1 3 6 11 23 -12 6
18 Stellville Town 10 1 1 8 12 27 -15 4

FAB Cup

The first round of the FAB Cup saw some cracking games, the most notable of which were Upper Sweeney's last-ditch 6-5 win over non-league Caeranyuna, and Dhur Tihari's 7-5 win at home to Blower Sweeney. The only real shock came in the form of Pifton Rovers' 4-3 win at 4th Division Alfalfa Kickers.

First Round Results

Ceffinton United 5-0 Stellville Town
Lara Kencana 4-4 Deudregg Dderw
.....Replay: Deudregg Dderw 4-0 Lara Kencana
Arorair 6-1 Marjaham Town
Zenit Tecnasi 0-4 Gorseborough Town
Blooming Town 4-6 Lorshill Park Rangers
Mihangel's Old Boys 3-0 Floraton United
Dhur Tihari 7-5 Lower Sweeney
Chinterford Town 1-4 Lorshill Engineers
Caeranyuna 5-6 Upper Sweeney
Mare's Tail Village 3-3 Tinting Warren
.....Replay: Tinting Warren 3-1 Mare's Tail Village
Old Akanians 0-3 Tremwsa
Huwbridge Town 1-3 Sageham Town
Alfalfa Kickers 3-4 Pifton Rovers
Huwbridge Colliery 3-0 Hurnford Harriers
Pen-yr-Heol 6-2 Llanbedistan
Mirtaford Town 1-6 AFC Rendrew
Treebrook Wanderers 4-1 Mitaford Eagles
Shabilah 4-4 Al-Sheemal Tamrida
.....Replay: Al-Sheemal Tamrida 3-0 Shabilah
Lovage Town 3-2 BAF Chinterford
Porthbalfa Town 2-1 Loudoun Rovers
Dairford Town 1-2 Porthbalfa Navy
Sonastra FC 1-1 FOYNLS
.....Replay: FOYNLS 0-3 Sonastra FC
Lorshill Victoria 2-1 Gilang Chandra
Drutton United 3-2 UC Gabalfa
Gabalfa Saints 4-3 Spiddaford Town
Thymeford Wanderers 4-2 Gabalfa Steelworks
Fortuna South End 3-0 Cockbill Green

Bettia

We don't do defence

Posts: 956

Posted: May 8 2007, 05:28 AM

APEX LEAGUE 6 - the middle bit

As the season nears the midway point, things are starting to get very interesting indeed... and not just because of the FABs announcement that they are considering introducing a bonus points system next season in an effort to further encourage attacking play.

Division One

The action just keeps coming thick and fast, and even with their first-choice strikeforce away trying to do the Blessed Realm proud, Perumnasih are setting the pace, opening up a five point gap between themselves and Butetown Dragons at the top. Traditional giants Akani Sands are keeping up in third place, whilst fourth place is currently taken up by a surprise package Banastra Forest, who are currently the top scorers.

Anoterh of the leagues giants Grappenhall have recovered well from their woeful start, having won seven out of their last ten games. Likewise, Ceffinton Town have also made a recovery of sorts, although they're not out of the deep and murky just yet. The fight to avoid relegation now involves Pen-y-Bydd, Dynamo Dini, Persifera and Fiilghud Town, who are all seperated by just a single point. Surprisingly, Sukatra Tigers and CPD Porthbalfa have both been left looking nervously over their shoulders.

CODE

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Perumnasih 20 14 4 2 59 32 27 46
2 Butetown Dragons 20 12 5 3 59 41 18 41
3 Akani Sands 20 12 2 6 61 34 27 38
4 Banastra Forest 20 10 4 6 62 54 8 34
5 Tamrida 20 10 4 6 46 39 7 34
6 Persubarnas 20 10 2 8 55 40 15 32
7 Fortuna Bettialis 20 10 2 8 39 39 0 32
8 Gabalfa Rovers 20 8 5 7 47 48 -1 29
9 Lorshill United 20 8 4 8 44 39 5 28
10 Grappenhall 20 8 3 9 35 39 -4 27
11 Tiddles Park 20 8 2 10 50 49 1 26
12 Ceffinton Town 20 7 2 11 39 57 -18 23
13 CPD Porthbalfa 20 6 4 10 50 58 -8 22
14 Sukatra Tigers 20 6 4 10 46 55 -9 22
15 Fiilghud Town 20 5 5 10 50 61 -11 20
16 Persifera 20 6 2 12 47 65 -18 20
17 Dynamo Dini 20 6 1 13 43 60 -17 19
18 Pen-y-Bydd 20 6 1 13 42 64 -22 19

Division Two

It's as you were at the top, with Lorshill City still setting the pace thanks to a ten-game unbeaten streak, and are still scoring well. Following behind them in the race for the top flight are Kirkwood Town and Ryoga Bay, with a clutch of club trailing three points behind them.

It's also as you were at the foot of the table, with Emcorn still struggling badly, and Old Maxwellians and Hyppo Fernley losing touch with the teams bove them.

CODE

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Lorshill City 20 11 7 2 69 30 39 40
2 Kirkwood Town 20 10 7 3 45 35 10 37
3 Ryoga Bay 20 11 3 6 62 38 24 36
4 Pontybalfa United 20 11 0 9 50 40 10 33
5 Downton 20 10 3 7 47 43 4 33
6 Rhyngwladol Gabalfa 20 10 3 7 43 41 2 33
7 Maindy 20 9 4 7 55 54 1 31
8 Budiwati City 20 9 3 8 47 46 1 30
9 Roath Albion 20 9 2 9 44 47 -3 29
10 Llanedalia 20 8 4 8 44 50 -6 28
11 Betws-y-Triw 20 8 3 9 52 52 0 27
12 Grappenhall University 20 8 3 9 42 47 -5 27
13 Southward Ho! 20 8 2 10 43 48 -5 26
14 Racing Club Gabalfa 20 7 5 8 40 45 -5 26
15 Fforest Hen 20 7 4 9 49 54 -5 25
16 Hyppo Fernley 20 6 2 12 46 64 -18 20
17 Old Maxwellians 20 6 0 14 37 57 -20 18
18 Emcorn 20 3 3 14 32 56 -24 12

Division Three

When you're on a roll, you're on a roll, and that certainly applies to Tremwsa who continue to astound their fans with their strong performances. Their reward? A one-point lead at the top of Division Three. They are closely followed by Lower Sweeney and Sonastra FC, with Treebrook and Drutton not for behind.

At the bottom, Ceffinton Town have put together a good string of results to haul themselves from last place, albeit on goal difference from Sageham Town. Mihangel's Old Boys and FOYNLS are only just above them, whilst Llanbedistan (who were previously embroiled with the bottom three) have opened up a bit of breathing space. However, there's still plenty of work to do, in what is looking like a very tightly contested division.

CODE

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Tremwsa 20 11 4 5 52 43 9 37
2 Lower Sweeney 20 10 6 4 42 31 11 36
3 Sonastra FC 20 10 5 5 40 31 9 35
4 Treebrook Wanderers 20 9 7 4 50 43 7 34
5 Drutton United 20 10 3 7 45 38 7 33
6 Gorseborough Town 20 10 2 8 54 39 15 32
7 BAF Chinterford 20 9 3 8 49 48 1 30
8 Upper Sweeney 20 8 5 7 50 45 5 29
9 Al-Sheemal Tamrida 20 8 4 8 43 46 -3 28
10 Deudregg Dderw 20 8 3 9 47 47 0 27
11 Lorshill Engineers 20 8 3 9 48 58 -10 27
12 Spiddaford Town 20 7 5 8 49 45 4 26
13 AFC Rendrew 20 7 4 9 48 50 -2 25
14 Llanbedistan 20 7 4 9 43 53 -10 25
15 FOYNLS 20 5 6 9 43 49 -6 21
16 Mihangel's Old Boys 20 6 2 12 45 58 -13 20
17 Ceffinton United 20 5 4 11 39 51 -12 19
18 Sageham Town 20 5 4 11 37 49 -12 19

Division Four

Lorshill Park Rangers still sit at the top of the Fourth Division, but their massive ten point lead has been sliced to just two by Huwbridge Town, with Zenit Tecnasi not too far behind. A gaggle of chasing teams follow three points behind them, headed by Fortuna South End and Tinting Warren.

Down at the bottom, things are starting to look dire for Thymeford Wanderers, who find themselves eight points adrift. When we last reported, Chinterford Town had yet to find their first victory. They have gone some way to pleasing their fans by finding some good form, although they are still far from safe. Likewise, Lara Kencana also face a fight to avoid he drop.

CODE

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Lorshill Park Rangers 20 12 3 5 45 35 10 39
2 Huwbridge Town 20 12 1 7 49 40 9 37
3 Zenit Tecnasi 20 11 3 6 41 35 6 36
4 Fortuna South End 20 10 3 7 55 33 22 33
5 Tinting Warren 20 10 3 7 49 40 9 33
6 Dhur Tihari 20 10 2 8 46 37 9 32
7 Alfalfa Kickers 20 10 2 8 43 47 -4 32
8 Pen-yr-Heol 20 10 1 9 54 45 9 31
9 Arorair 20 9 4 7 43 40 3 31
10 Mare's Tail Village 20 9 3 8 51 47 4 30
11 Gilang Chandra 20 9 1 10 43 55 -12 28
12 Cockbill Green 20 8 2 10 48 45 3 26
13 Gabalfa Saints 20 6 7 7 49 54 -5 25
14 Shabilah 20 7 3 10 43 45 -2 24
15 Porthbalfa Navy 20 7 3 10 52 56 -4 24
16 Lara Kencana 20 6 2 12 32 48 -16 20
17 Chinterford Town 20 4 7 9 35 55 -20 19
18 Thymeford Wanderers 20 4 2 14 38 59 -21 14

National Conference

The students of UC Gabalfa at the top of their class, having dropped just four points in their last ten games. they now find themselves four points clear at the top from Mirtaford Town, with plucky Pifton Rovers doing well to keep in touch.

Down at the bottom, poor old Lovage Town are finding little love from their divisional rivals, and they find themselves six points adrift. Blooming Town and Stellville Town are tied on fifteen points, seperated only on goal difference. With five teams set to be relegated under the new league set-up, they already look equally doomed, with Floraton, Mitaford, Dairford, Gabalfa Steelworks and Lorshill Victoria all looking uncomfortable.

CODE

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 UC Gabalfa 20 15 3 2 61 36 25 48
2 Mirtaford Town 20 14 2 4 64 40 24 44
3 Pifton Rovers 20 13 2 5 59 38 21 41
4 Caeranyuna 20 10 5 5 51 34 17 35
5 Huwbridge Colliery 20 9 5 6 53 40 13 32
6 Marjaham Town 20 10 2 8 45 48 -3 32
7 Old Akanians 20 9 4 7 49 39 10 31
8 Loudoun Rovers 20 9 3 8 44 43 1 30
9 Porthbalfa Town 20 9 3 8 45 51 -6 30
10 Hurnford Harriers 20 8 4 8 41 41 0 28
11 Lorshill Victoria 20 7 5 8 49 45 4 26
12 Gabalfa Steelworks 20 7 4 9 46 47 -1 25
13 Dairford Town 20 6 6 8 38 48 -10 24
14 Mitaford Eagles 20 7 2 11 45 51 -6 23
15 Floraton United 20 7 2 11 38 52 -14 23
16 Blooming Town 20 5 0 15 39 61 -22 15
17 Stellville Town 20 4 3 13 32 58 -26 15
18 Lovage Town 20 2 3 15 27 54 -27 9

FAB Cup

The seocnd round of the cup saw teams from the top two divisions enter the fray. The big news is that reigning cup holders Akani Sands fell at the first hurdle, going down 3-2 away to Sukatra Tigers. However, all of the other top teams made it through, although Gabalfa Rovers were made to work hard by third division Deudregg Dderw.

The big news of the third round was Downton's heroics, travelling to Tiddles Park and earning a 3-3 draw before taking them back to Andover park and beating them in a nine-goal thriller. In a competition which has so far been dominated by the big teams, the only minnows left are Tremwsa and Lorshill Engineers from the third division.

Second Round

Persubarnas 4-1 Grappenhall
CPD Porthbalfa 8-0 Lorshill Victoria
Deudregg Dderw 1-2 Gabalfa Rovers
Hyppo Fernley 2-4 Tamrida
Ceffinton United 4-2 Fforest Hen
Butetown Dragons 1-0 Gorseborough Town
Fortuna Bettialis 2-2 Ryoga Bay
.....Replay: Ryoga Bay 2-4 Fortuna Bettialis
Pen-y-Bydd 3-2 Drutton United
Kirkwood Town 4-0 Pifton Rovers
Arorair 2-2 AFC Rendrew
.....Replay: AFC Rendrew 5-2 Arorair
Porthbalfa Town 0-7 Ceffinton Town
Banastra Forest 4-2 Rhyngwladol Gabalfa
Racing Club Gabalfa 5-1 Thymeford Wanderers
Tinting Warren 2-6 Lorshill United
Fiilghud Town 1-1 Maindy
.....Replay: Maindy 2-3 Fiilghud Town
Southward Ho! 3-1 Old Maxwellians
Downton 5-1 Al-Sheemal Tamrida
Upper Sweeney 3-3 Tremwsa
.....Replay: Tremwsa 5-1 Upper Sweeney
Budiwati City 3-0 Llanedalia
Porthbalfa Navy 1-3 Roath Albion
Gabalfa Saints 4-1 Huwbridge Colliery
Dynamo Dini 0-0 Perumnasih
.....Replay: Perumnasih 2-1 Dynamo Dini
Sageham Town 4-3 Mihangel's Old Boys
Sukatra Tigers 3-2 Akani Sands
Tiddles Park 5-2 Lorshill City
Pen-yr-Heol 0-4 Persifera
Emcorn 2-0 Lovage Town
Dhur Tihari 2-4 Sonastra FC
Lorshill Engineers 1-0 Betws-y-Triw
Grappenhall University 4-0 Lorshill Park Rangers
Pontybalfa United 5-1 Treebrook Wanderers

Third Round

Budiwati City 2-3 Lorshill United
Gabalfa Saints 2-2 Tremwsa
.....Replay: Tremwsa 4-1 Gabalfa Saints
Ceffinton Town 3-1 Fortuna South End
Roath Albion 3-3 CPD Porthbalfa
.....Replay: CPD Porthbalfa 7-1 Roath Albion
Fiilghud Town 5-0 Ceffinton United
Sukatra Tigers 2-3 Persifera
Kirkwood Town 1-4 Perumnasih
Sonastra FC 3-6 Fortuna Bettialis
Butetown Dragons 2-2 Tamrida
.....Replay: Tamrida 2-2 Butetown Dragons (2-2 AET) (Butetown Dragons wins 5-4 on penalty kicks)
Persubarnas 2-1 Emcorn
Sageham Town 0-2 Gabalfa Rovers
Tiddles Park 3-3 Downton
.....Replay: Downton 5-4 Tiddles Park
Pen-y-Bydd 2-3 Lorshill Engineers
Pontybalfa United 2-1 Grappenhall University
Southward Ho! 6-1 AFC Rendrew
Banastra Forest 4-0 Racing Club Gabalfa

Bettia

We don't do defence

Posts: 956

Posted: May 8 2007, 05:45 AM

BLOG 2

As well as the domestic soccer season, the second Bettian League of Gridball (BLOG) has also begun, with the Subarnas Volcanos looking to retain the Arora Bowl they won in such thrilling circumstances. As usual, the 16 teams are divided into four regional conferences, with every team playing each other twice, home and away. Two points are scored for a win and one for a draw, with points scored used as the first criterion, followed by points for then points difference. The top two teams from each conference then compete in two-legged playoffs before the remaining two teams compete in the Arora Bowl at Bettia's national stadium, Tiddles Park.

The only new team to compete are the Ryoga Bay Pirates, who replace the now-defunct Spiddaford Spiders in the Eastern Conference. The Swifts are now competing under the slightly more fearsome banner of the Huwbridge Hammers, whilst the team from Whitchurch are now known as the Bettialis Blasters.

Although no-one has looked as though they are about to run away with the league, one or two teams seem to be emerging as strong contenders at the ten-point mark. In the Northern Conference, the Hammers have hammered out a two-point advantage at the top, with the Porthbalfa Blazers nipping at their heels. Things are even tighter in the Southern Conference, where the Downton Eagles hold a slender one-point advantage over Ryoga Bay. Incredibly, things are even tighter in the Eastern Conference, with Bettialis and Gabalfa seperated only by the Blasters' far superior offence. In the Western Conference, the Tamrida Warriors lead the entire competition with a 7-0-3 record as well as the best offence. The Fiilghud Chargers and Subarnas Volcanos are vying for second place in what once again seems to be the strongest of the four regions.

CODE

NORTHERN CONFERENCE
Pl W D L PF PA PD Pts
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Huwbridge Hammers 10 6 0 4 280 260 20 12
Porthbalfa Blazers 10 5 0 5 337 267 70 10
Ceffinton Turbos 10 4 1 5 203 265 -62 9
Pen-y-Bydd Reapers 10 3 0 7 147 327 -180 6

SOUTHERN CONFERENCE
Pl W D L PF PA PD Pts
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Downton Eagles 10 6 0 4 303 201 102 12
Ryoga Bay Pirates 10 5 1 4 228 165 63 11
Lorshill Lions 10 5 0 5 308 239 69 10
Akani Sands Destroyers 10 4 1 5 213 256 -43 9

EASTERN CONFERENCE
Pl W D L PF PA PD Pts
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bettialis Blasters 10 4 2 4 308 245 63 10
Gabalfa Gasheads 10 5 0 5 236 289 -53 10
Grappenhall Grapplers 10 4 1 5 205 311 -106 9
Kirkwood Krushers 10 4 0 6 288 311 -23 8

WESTERN CONFERENCE
Pl W D L PF PA PD Pts
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tamrida Warriors 10 7 0 3 357 261 96 14
Fiilghud Chargers 10 5 2 3 273 209 64 12
Subarnas Volcanos 10 5 1 4 249 216 33 11
Sukatra Sabres 10 3 1 6 150 263 -113 7

Bettia

We don't do defence

Posts: 956

Posted: May 15 2007, 05:16 AM

We're So Hyppo

After many weeks of speculation, Hypocrian haulage magnate John Stobart has announced a multi-million Groat takeover of 2nd Division strugglers Hyppo Fernley. At a packed press conference, he told journalists "I've been wanting to invest in football for quite some time now and Hyppo Fernley seemed the ideal club for me, what with it being situated just off the main Trans-Verdena Motorway."

When asked about his ambitions for the club, he said "First of all, we'll be looking at locataions for a new stadium as close to the town centre as possible. I don't want any of this 'stadium on an industrial estate in the middle of nowhere' bollocks, that's no good for the fans at all. And it won't be one of these building-block box jobs neither - this'll be something special, something distinctive that just screams out 'Hyppo Fernley!'"

"I'll also be making money available to strengthen the team. Obviously, the first target is to survive this season without going down. After that, the only way is up! Teams from the west of Bettia seem to have had a monopoly on the top flight as of late - hopefully that can be changed!"

Bettia

We don't do defence

Posts: 956

Posted: May 29 2007, 03:45 AM

APEX LEAGUE 6 - the middle bit

As the season nears the midway point, things are starting to get very interesting indeed... and not just because of the FABs announcement that they are considering introducing a bonus points system next season in an effort to further encourage attacking play.

Division One

It's as you were at the top of the league, and with just four matches to go Perumnasih are looking good to clinch their first ever title. Despite the four point gap, Butetown Dragons are highly unlikely to give up the fight. Akani Sands are harbouring outside chances of causing a very unlikely upset, but it seems they will have to settle for third place... unless Persubarnas have other ideas.

Down at the bottom, Fiilghud Town and Pen-y-Bydd look all but doomed to a return to the second division. Above them, Dynamo Dini, Persifera and (surprisingly) Ceffinton Town are all fighting to avoid joining them, and CPD Porthbalfa and Tiddles Park aren't entirely safe neither.

CODE

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Perumnasih 30 19 6 5 85 55 30 63
2 Butetown Dragons 30 18 5 7 82 66 16 59
3 Akani Sands 30 17 4 9 84 55 29 55
4 Persubarnas 30 17 3 10 85 58 27 54
5 Fortuna Bettialis 30 14 6 10 62 62 0 48
6 Gabalfa Rovers 30 13 7 10 77 75 2 46
7 Banastra Forest 30 13 6 11 87 79 8 45
8 Tamrida 30 13 5 12 67 63 4 44
9 Sukatra Tigers 30 13 5 12 72 70 2 44
10 Grappenhall 30 12 6 12 59 61 -2 42
11 Lorshill United 30 12 5 13 68 63 5 41
12 Tiddles Park 30 12 2 16 74 78 -4 38
13 CPD Porthbalfa 30 10 6 14 74 77 -3 36
14 Ceffinton Town 30 10 3 17 59 85 -26 33
15 Persifera 30 9 5 16 69 91 -22 32
----------------------------------------------------------------
16 Dynamo Dini 30 9 4 17 68 85 -17 31
17 Fiilghud Town 30 7 7 16 64 80 -16 28
18 Pen-y-Bydd 30 8 3 19 62 95 -33 27

Division Two

It's all cheers in the city of Lorshill as after just one season, Lorshill City are celebrating an immediate return to the top flight. In keeping with their quite stunning efforts all through the season, promotion was clinched with an emphatic 8-2 win over Pontybalfa United, a team who themselves are harbouring ambitions to join them by sneaking into the playoffs. Second-placed Ryoga Bay hold a four-point lead over Rhyngwladol Gabalfa, and look good to join them. The Pirates have already secured a playoff berth, barring a major disaster in the final stretch.

Hyppo Fernley, who recently made the news after their multi-million Groat takeover by Hypocrian businessman John Stobart, celebrated their good fortune by scrambling out of the relegation zone at just the right moment thanks to a 3-0 win at Fforest Hen, who are themselves in more than just a spot of bother. Poor Emcorn are already consigned to their fate after losing to Budiwati City. Old Maxwellians currently occupy the third relegation spot, although the four teams above them aren't safe yet.

CODE

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Lorshill City 30 20 7 3 108 50 58 67 PROMOTED
2 Ryoga Bay 30 18 4 8 95 61 34 58
---------------------------------------------------------------
3 Rhyngwladol Gabalfa 30 16 5 9 75 59 16 53
4 Kirkwood Town 30 15 8 7 70 58 12 53
5 Downton 30 16 5 9 72 63 9 53
6 Maindy 30 14 6 10 86 75 11 48
---------------------------------------------------------------
7 Pontybalfa United 30 15 1 14 71 64 7 46
8 Racing Club Gabalfa 30 13 5 12 64 68 -4 44
9 Budiwati City 30 13 4 13 73 70 3 43
10 Betws-y-Triw 30 13 4 13 76 76 0 43
11 Southward Ho! 30 12 4 14 63 68 -5 40
12 Llanedalia 30 10 8 12 66 81 -15 38
13 Grappenhall University 30 10 7 13 63 72 -9 37
14 Roath Albion 30 11 2 17 64 81 -17 35
15 Hyppo Fernley 30 9 6 15 68 83 -15 33
----------------------------------------------------------------
16 Old Maxwellians 30 10 2 18 64 86 -22 32
17 Fforest Hen 30 7 4 19 65 95 -30 25
18 Emcorn 30 5 4 21 57 90 -33 19 RELEGATED

Division Three

Unlike the clear-cut situations in the second division, the third division looks to be going right down to the wire. Former table-toppers Tremwsa have faltered somewhat recently, and find themselves replaced by Drutton United, with Gorseborough Town just behind them. With just eight points seperating the top from BAF Chinterford in sixth place, this division really is anyone's for the taking.

If anything, the relegation dogfight is even tighter, with the bottom trio of Mihangel's Old Boys, Ceffinton United and Sageham Town seperated by a single point. With four points seperating these strugglers from safety, it could be these these three teams will simply be battling it out for the wooden spoon.

CODE

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Drutton United 30 17 4 9 77 56 21 55
2 Gorseborough Town 30 17 2 11 85 59 26 53
---------------------------------------------------------------
3 Sonastra FC 30 15 5 10 63 56 7 50
4 Upper Sweeney 30 14 7 9 78 65 13 49
5 Tremwsa 30 14 7 9 75 66 9 49
6 BAF Chinterford 30 14 5 11 77 72 5 47
---------------------------------------------------------------
7 AFC Rendrew 30 13 6 11 80 73 7 45
8 Treebrook Wanderers 30 11 10 9 68 66 2 43
9 Spiddaford Town 30 11 9 10 74 61 13 42
10 Deudregg Dderw 30 12 6 12 71 72 -1 42
11 FOYNLS 30 11 8 11 73 72 1 41
12 Lorshill Engineers 30 12 5 13 73 78 -5 41
13 Lower Sweeney 30 11 7 12 60 62 -2 40
14 Al-Sheemal Tamrida 30 11 6 13 64 70 -6 39
15 Llanbedistan 30 9 6 15 57 81 -24 33
----------------------------------------------------------------
16 Sageham Town 30 7 8 15 60 77 -17 29
17 Ceffinton United 30 7 7 16 62 83 -21 28
18 Mihangel's Old Boys 30 8 4 18 59 87 -28 28

Division Four

Sitting prety on top of the fourth division at this late stage are Tinting Warren, whose incredible run of eight wins in their last last ten games have seen them rise from playoff hopefuls to dead certs for promotion - indeed, they require just one more win to clinch a season in a higher division. Zenit Tecnasi hold on to second place by the skin of their teeth, with just a point between them and Lorshill Park Rangers.

Down at the foot, Thymeford Wanderers will be playing in what will be the Fifth Division next season, and Lara Kencana look almost certain to join them. Shabilah are currently the third team in the drop zone, although Chinterford Town, Mare's Tail Village and Gabalfa Saints are far from safe.

CODE

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Tinting Warren 30 18 4 8 78 53 25 58
2 Zenit Tecnasi 30 15 7 8 71 57 14 52
---------------------------------------------------------------
3 Lorshill Park Rangers 30 14 9 7 64 52 12 51
4 Fortuna South End 30 15 5 10 83 55 28 50
5 Pen-yr-Heol 30 15 4 11 82 67 15 49
6 Huwbridge Town 30 15 2 13 67 66 1 47
---------------------------------------------------------------
7 Cockbill Green 30 14 3 13 74 69 5 45
8 Arorair 30 13 6 11 65 66 -1 45
9 Alfalfa Kickers 30 13 5 12 67 72 -5 44
10 Dhur Tihari 30 12 7 11 66 58 8 43
11 Gilang Chandra 30 13 3 14 65 80 -15 42
12 Porthbalfa Navy 30 11 7 12 79 79 0 40
13 Gabalfa Saints 30 9 11 10 70 72 -2 38
14 Mare's Tail Village 30 11 4 15 78 86 -8 37
15 Chinterford Town 30 10 7 13 67 78 -11 37
----------------------------------------------------------------
16 Shabilah 30 10 5 15 66 77 -11 35
17 Lara Kencana 30 8 3 19 52 74 -22 27
18 Thymeford Wanderers 30 6 4 20 53 86 -33 22 RELEGATED

National Conference

The students have done their homework, and UC Gabalfa are just one win away from promotion. Pifton Rovers have continued their excellent first year in this division, and their four-point gap should be enough to see them through. The third promotion spot is taken by Mirtaford Town, but only on goal difference from Caeranyuna.

Due to the reorganisation of the league next season, the bottom six clubs face the drop into the non-league ranks, and the first unfortunate inductees are Lovage Town and Blooming Town. Stellville Town and Mitaford Eagleslook equally doomed, whilst Floraton United and Gabalfa Steelworks still have some hope of avoiding the drop to the regional leagues.

CODE

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 UC Gabalfa 30 21 5 4 91 56 35 68
2 Pifton Rovers 30 19 4 7 94 58 36 61
3 Mirtaford Town 30 18 3 9 92 64 28 57
---------------------------------------------------------------
4 Caeranyuna 30 17 6 7 79 52 27 57
5 Old Akanians 30 15 6 9 73 57 16 51
6 Porthbalfa Town 30 14 6 10 68 68 0 48
7 Marjaham Town 30 14 6 10 68 75 -7 48
---------------------------------------------------------------
8 Huwbridge Colliery 30 12 9 9 76 65 11 45
9 Hurnford Harriers 30 13 6 11 73 66 7 45
10 Loudoun Rovers 30 12 7 11 67 65 2 43
11 Lorshill Victoria 30 12 6 12 71 63 8 42
12 Dairford Town 30 9 10 11 61 75 -14 37
----------------------------------------------------------------
13 Gabalfa Steelworks 30 10 4 16 66 80 -14 34
14 Floraton United 30 9 6 15 61 88 -27 33
15 Mitaford Eagles 30 8 4 18 68 80 -12 28
16 Stellville Town 30 7 5 18 59 86 -27 26
17 Blooming Town 30 7 2 21 64 93 -29 23 RELEGATED
18 Lovage Town 30 3 5 22 44 84 -40 14 RELEGATED

FAB Cup

After thrills and spills throughout the entire competition, the final of the presitigous FAB Cup wil be fought out between a pair of first division strugglers, Persifera and Fillghud Town.

Along the way, prennial cup specialists Tremwsa added another top team to their list of shocks - this time it was Persifera to feel their sting. Their luck didn't last though, as Gabalfa Rovers exacted some revenge for their humilation some years ago by beating them in the quarter-final.

Fourth Round

Southward Ho! 3-2 Pontybalfa United
CPD Porthbalfa 0-0 Fortuna Bettialis
.....Replay: Fortuna Bettialis 1-2 CPD Porthbalfa
Gabalfa Rovers 3-0 Butetown Dragons
Lorshill United 1-3 Fiilghud Town
Persubarnas 0-1 Banastra Forest
Downton 4-3 Ceffinton Town
Persifera 1-1 Lorshill Engineers
.....Replay: Lorshill Engineers 2-3 Persifera
Tremwsa 4-3 Perumnasih

Quarter-Finals

Banastra Forest 1-2 Fiilghud Town
Persifera 3-2 Downton
CPD Porthbalfa 1-2 Southward Ho!
Tremwsa 1-3 Gabalfa Rovers

Semi-Finals

Southward Ho! 2-4 Persifera (played at Shubunkin Park, Akani Sands)
Fiilghud Town 5-3 Gabalfa Rovers (played at Al-Fath Stadium, Sukatra)

Bettia

We don't do defence

Posts: 956

Posted: Jun 11 2007, 05:00 AM

APEX LEAGUE 6 - the finale

Division One

The Dragons have roared once again. Butetown Dragons have regained their crown as champions of Bettian football, although they were certainly given a real run for their money by Perumnasih, who came within a point of snatching glory. The Violets have taken the league by storm and the undoubted stars have been the Busilanta brothers who have already attracted interest from foreign clubs - indeed Andi and Budi have been linked with a move to Cafundéu's Clube Imperial, and so they could struggle to keep hold of their top players. Their Bahagia neighbours Persubarnas came in a respectibe third just against of traditional powerhouses Akani Sands and Gabalfa Rovers, whilst newcomers Fortuna Bettialis, another team whose players have been linked with a move to Cafundéu, coming in a further point behind.

Dropping out of the top flight are Pen-y-Bydd, Fiilghud Town and Persifera, all relative newcomers who have struggled to adapt to life at the top and so much consolidate their position and hope for a quick return.

CODE

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Butetown Dragons 34 21 5 8 93 75 18 68
2 Perumnasih 34 20 7 7 91 65 26 67
3 Persubarnas 34 20 3 11 98 65 33 63
4 Akani Sands 34 18 6 10 94 62 32 60
5 Gabalfa Rovers 34 17 7 10 91 79 12 58
6 Fortuna Bettialis 34 17 6 11 73 66 7 57
7 Sukatra Tigers 34 15 5 14 83 82 1 50
8 Tamrida 34 14 7 13 77 71 6 49
9 Grappenhall 34 14 7 13 72 70 2 49
10 Lorshill United 34 14 6 14 82 69 13 48
11 Banastra Forest 34 14 6 14 96 95 1 48
12 Tiddles Park 34 15 2 17 84 86 -2 47
13 CPD Porthbalfa 34 12 7 15 80 85 -5 43
14 Dynamo Dini 34 10 5 19 75 95 -20 35
15 Ceffinton Town 34 10 4 20 66 103 -37 34
----------------------------------------------------------------
16 Persifera 34 9 6 19 73 103 -30 33
17 Fiilghud Town 34 8 8 18 75 90 -15 32
18 Pen-y-Bydd 34 8 3 23 67 109 -42 27

Division Two

Lorshill City's Ravens are flying high after all but steamrollering this division, clinching the title by a massive fifteen points and rattling in 124 goals in the process. Joining them will be Ryoga Bay, who racked up an impressive haul of goals themselves in their march to second place.

The playoffs saw Kirkwood Town overcome Rhyngwladol Gabalfa in their semi-final quite easily, whilst Downton needed extra-time to see of Maindy in order to progress to Tiddles Park Stadium. The final was a predictably tight affair, but a late goal saw Kirkwood Town returnging to the top flight after a two season absence.

This season's droppers are Emcorn, Fforest Hen and Southward Ho!, who were edged out by Hyppo Fernley on the last day.

CODE

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Lorshill City 34 24 7 3 124 56 68 79
2 Ryoga Bay 34 20 4 10 104 72 32 64
---------------------------------------------------------------
3 Rhyngwladol Gabalfa 34 18 5 11 87 67 20 59
4 Maindy 34 17 7 10 99 79 20 58
5 Downton 34 17 6 11 83 76 7 57
6 Kirkwood Town 34 15 8 11 76 69 7 53
---------------------------------------------------------------
7 Betws-y-Triw 34 16 4 14 85 82 3 52
8 Budiwati City 34 15 4 15 85 82 3 49
9 Pontybalfa United 34 16 1 17 79 77 2 49
10 Grappenhall University 34 13 7 14 74 81 -7 46
11 Llanedalia 34 12 9 13 75 87 -12 45
12 Old Maxwellians 34 14 2 18 79 91 -12 44
13 Roath Albion 34 14 2 18 76 88 -12 44
14 Racing Club Gabalfa 34 13 5 16 70 82 -12 44
15 Hyppo Fernley 34 12 6 16 73 87 -14 42
----------------------------------------------------------------
16 Southward Ho! 34 12 4 18 72 85 -13 40
17 Fforest Hen 34 10 6 18 75 95 -20 36
18 Emcorn 34 6 5 23 67 103 -36 23

Playoffs

Rhyngwladol Gabalfa 3-2 Kirkwood Town
Kirkwood Town 4-0 Rhyngwladol Gabalfa
Aggregate: Rhyngwladol Gabalfa 3-6 Kirkwood Town

Maindy 3-1 Downton
Downton 4-2 Maindy (5-2 AET)
Aggregate: Maindy 5-6 Downton

FINAL (played at Tiddles Park):
Kirkwood Town 2-1 Downton

Division Three

Sonastra TV's ratings are going up, and so are their team Sonastra FC, who have won the 3rd Division by four points ahead of Drutton United.

The promotion playoff final was played out between Tremwsa, who saw off the challenge from Upper Sweeney, and Gorseborough Town, who needed penalties to beat Treebrook Wanderers. Ever since bursting onto the Apex League scene, Tremwsa have gone from strength to strength, and they continued that exceptional run with a 2-1 win in the final to secure their third straight promotion.

The relegation dogfight was a tight old affair, with the unlucky three being Mihangel's Old Boys, Ceffinton United and Llanbedistan, who were edged out by Sageham Town on goal difference.

CODE

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Sonastra FC 34 19 5 10 75 60 15 62
2 Drutton United 34 18 4 12 83 64 19 58
---------------------------------------------------------------
3 Upper Sweeney 34 16 8 10 94 75 19 56
4 Gorseborough Town 34 17 4 13 96 72 24 55
5 Treebrook Wanderers 34 15 10 9 81 74 7 55
6 Tremwsa 34 15 8 11 85 78 7 53
---------------------------------------------------------------
7 FOYNLS 34 14 8 12 87 82 5 50
8 BAF Chinterford 34 14 7 13 83 81 2 49
9 Spiddaford Town 34 13 9 12 85 77 8 48
10 Deudregg Dderw 34 14 6 14 83 83 0 48
11 AFC Rendrew 34 13 7 14 87 89 -2 46
12 Lower Sweeney 34 13 7 14 68 72 -4 46
13 Lorshill Engineers 34 13 7 14 86 91 -5 46
14 Al-Sheemal Tamrida 34 13 6 15 77 81 -4 45
15 Sageham Town 34 9 9 16 71 84 -13 36
----------------------------------------------------------------
16 Llanbedistan 34 10 6 18 66 93 -27 36
17 Ceffinton United 34 9 7 18 74 97 -23 34
18 Mihangel's Old Boys 34 10 4 20 69 97 -28 34

Playoffs
Upper Sweeney 1-3 Tremwsa
Tremwsa 3-3 Upper Sweeney
Aggregate: Upper Sweeney 4-6 Tremwsa

Gorseborough Town 2-4 Treebrook Wanderers
Treebrook Wanderers 1-3 Gorseborough Town (1-3 AET)
Aggregate: Gorseborough Town 5-5 Treebrook Wanderers (Gorseborough Town wins 4-3 on penalty kicks)

FINAL (played at Tiddles Park):
Tremwsa 2-1 Gorseborough Town

Division Four

The race for the 4th Division title was a very close one with only three point separating the top four teams. In the end, the honours have gone to Tinting Warren, who narrowly took the title from Subarnas-bsed outfit Zenit Tecnasi.

The playoff final was easily the most entertaining and nerve-racking of them all this season. The two opponents were Huwbridge Town, who narrowly beat Fortuna South End in their semi-final, and Lorshill Park Rangers, who had no troubles at all in their tie with Pen-yr-Heol. After the opening 90 minutes saw the two teams share eight goals, the final looked to be going to penalties after the two teams scored another goal apiece. However, a goal deep into injury time saw Huwbridge Town through in dramatic fashion.

The three relegation spots were filled by Thymeford Wanderers, Lara Kencana and Chinterford Town.

CODE

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Tinting Warren 34 19 4 11 87 66 21 61
2 Zenit Tecnasi 34 17 9 8 78 62 16 60
---------------------------------------------------------------
3 Fortuna South End 34 18 5 11 96 61 35 59
4 Lorshill Park Rangers 34 16 10 8 77 62 15 58
5 Pen-yr-Heol 34 17 4 13 92 77 15 55
6 Huwbridge Town 34 17 2 15 76 74 2 53
---------------------------------------------------------------
7 Cockbill Green 34 16 4 14 84 76 8 52
8 Arorair 34 15 7 12 80 76 4 52
9 Dhur Tihari 34 14 7 13 75 70 5 49
10 Porthbalfa Navy 34 14 7 13 92 89 3 49
11 Gilang Chandra 34 15 3 16 73 87 -14 48
12 Alfalfa Kickers 34 13 7 14 72 82 -10 46
13 Gabalfa Saints 34 11 12 11 76 79 -3 45
14 Mare's Tail Village 34 12 6 16 87 93 -6 42
15 Shabilah 34 12 5 17 77 89 -12 41
----------------------------------------------------------------
16 Chinterford Town 34 10 8 16 73 92 -19 38
17 Lara Kencana 34 8 5 21 59 85 -26 29
18 Thymeford Wanderers 34 6 7 21 60 94 -34 25

Playoffs

Fortuna South End 2-0 Huwbridge Town
Huwbridge Town 4-1 Fortuna South End
Aggregate: Fortuna South End 3-4 Huwbridge Town

Lorshill Park Rangers 5-0 Pen-yr-Heol
Pen-yr-Heol 2-1 Lorshill Park Rangers
Aggregate: Lorshill Park Rangers 6-2 Pen-yr-Heol

FINAL (played at Tiddles Park):
Huwbridge Town 4-4 Lorshill Park Rangers (6-5 AET)

National Conference

The students of UC Gabalfa have graduated with honours after winning the Conference by a comfortable eight points from Pifton Rovers.

Joining them are Caeranyuna, who made it to the playoffs at their first attempt before seeing off Old Akanians in the final.

Under the league restructuring, six teams are relegated, and this years unlucky six are Lovage Town, Blooming Town, Stellville Town, Mitaford Eagles, Floraton United and Dairford Town.

CODE

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 UC Gabalfa 34 24 5 5 102 62 40 77
2 Pifton Rovers 34 21 6 7 106 66 40 69
---------------------------------------------------------------
3 Mirtaford Town 34 20 3 11 106 75 31 63
4 Old Akanians 34 19 6 9 86 58 28 63
5 Caeranyuna 34 18 8 8 88 60 28 62
6 Huwbridge Colliery 34 15 9 10 83 73 10 54
---------------------------------------------------------------
7 Loudoun Rovers 34 15 8 11 77 71 6 53
8 Marjaham Town 34 15 8 11 82 88 -6 53
9 Porthbalfa Town 34 15 7 12 79 84 -5 52
10 Hurnford Harriers 34 14 6 14 79 79 0 48
11 Lorshill Victoria 34 13 7 14 82 74 8 46
12 Gabalfa Steelworks 34 12 6 16 72 83 -11 42
----------------------------------------------------------------
13 Dairford Town 34 10 10 14 70 87 -17 40
14 Floraton United 34 10 8 16 74 97 -23 38
15 Mitaford Eagles 34 8 5 21 72 90 -18 29
16 Stellville Town 34 8 5 21 65 97 -32 29
17 Blooming Town 34 8 2 24 69 103 -34 26
18 Lovage Town 34 4 5 25 50 95 -45 17

Playoffs
Mirtaford Town 3-1 Huwbridge Colliery
Huwbridge Colliery 2-1 Mirtaford Town
Aggregate: Mirtaford Town 4-3 Huwbridge Colliery

Old Akanians 1-2 Caeranyuna
Caeranyuna 3-2 Old Akanians
Aggregate: Old Akanians 3-5 Caeranyuna

FINAL (played at Tiddles Park):
Mirtaford Town 3-4 Caeranyuna

FAB Cup

In contrast to previous cup competitions, this season cup final was contested by two the the first division's strugglers, both of whom were looking for some consolation after getting relegated. In the end it was the supporters of Fillghud Town who were feeling good after watching their team arch to a 3-1 win over Persifera.

FAB Cup Final Result
Persifera 1-3 Fiilghud Town

Season Six Summary

CHAMPIONS: Butetown Dragons
FAB CUP WINNERS: Fiilghud Town
2nd DIVISION WINNERS: Lorshill City
3rd DIVISION WINNERS:Sonastra FC
4th DIVISION WINNERS: Tinting Warren
CONFERENCE WINNERS: UC Gabalfa

Bettia

We don't do defence

Posts: 956

Posted: Oct 14 2007, 11:21 AM

BLOG 2 - it's playoff time!

The group stages are over, but the final third of the regular season still managed to throw up one or two surprises, most notably the final outcome of the Northern Conference. Thanks to a sparkling late run, the Huwbridge Hammers came from the foot of the table and almost certain mediocrity to finish top, a good four points ahead of Porthbalfa. On the flipside, Ceffinton endured a torrid end, winning only two out of their last ten games.

Another surprise package emerged from the Southern Conference in the shape of the Downton Eagles, who ended up as the best performing team in the entire league. They finished four points clear of early pacesetters Ryoga Bay, who went through a bit of a slump and only qualified ahead of last-season's runners-up Akani Sands by virtue of their far superior points difference.

The Eastern Conference turned out to be both the tightest and the most average, with all four teams finishing in the bottom half of the overall table. The eventual winners were the Kirkwood Krushers, who finished two points ahead of Bettialis. Last season's semi-finalists Gabalfa finished bottom despite a late rally.

Just like last season, the strongest conference overall was the Western Conference which was won by the reigning champions Subarnas Volcanos, who put in some strong performances in the final third of the regular season whilst the previous group leaders Tamrida were beginning to falter. Luckily for their supporters, the Warrior put in a late spurt to finish one point ahead of Fiilghud whilst Sukatra, who were such a strong team last season, trailed in miles behind to finish as the worst performing team in the country.

CODE

NORTHERN CONFERENCE
Pl W D L PF PA PD Pts
Huwbridge Hammers 30 17 1 12 974 783 191 35
Porthbalfa Blazers 30 15 1 14 897 790 107 31
Pen-y-Bydd Reapers 30 12 2 16 581 801 -220 26
Ceffinton Turbos 30 12 1 17 640 804 -164 25

CODE

SOUTHERN CONFERENCE
Pl W D L PF PA PD Pts
Downton Eagles 30 18 0 12 894 734 160 36
Ryoga Bay Pirates 30 15 2 13 903 744 159 32
Akani Sands Destroyers 30 15 2 13 792 784 14 32
Lorshill Lions 30 15 1 14 853 737 116 31

CODE

EASTERN CONFERENCE
Pl W D L PF PA PD Pts
Kirkwood Krushers 30 15 1 14 869 756 113 31
Bettialis Blasters 30 13 3 14 802 898 -96 29
Grappenhall Grapplers 30 13 1 16 726 873 -147 27
Gabalfa Gasheads 30 13 1 16 721 883 -162 27

CODE

WESTERN CONFERENCE
Pl W D L PF PA PD Pts
Subarnas Volcanos 30 16 1 13 723 777 -54 33
Tamrida Warriors 30 16 0 14 904 775 129 32
Fiilghud Chargers 30 14 3 13 907 831 76 31
Sukatra Sabres 30 10 2 18 539 761 -222 22

And so the stage is set for the playoffs, which are single-leg matches with the four conference winners enjoying home ground advantage as a reward for their efforts over the last thirty games.

Playoff Matches

Huwbridge Hammers vs. Ryoga Bay Pirates
Downton Eagles vs. Bettialis Blasters
Kirkwood Krushers vs. Tamrida Warriors
Subarnas Volcanos vs. Porthbalfa Blazers

Bettia

We don't do defence

Posts: 956

Posted: Oct 14 2007, 11:23 AM

APEX LEAGUE 7 - the kickoff

The seventh Apex League sees a number of changes being made to its structure, the most notable being the expansion from four professional divisions to five. The promotion and relegation between these five divisions remains the same (bottom three go down, top two plus playoff winners go up). Six teams are relegated from the 5th Division to be replaced with the winners from each of the six provincial conference leagues.

In line with this expansion, the structure of the FAB Cup has been altered slightly. The first round sees teams from the 4th and 5th divisions joined by 40 non-league teams who have made it through a number of qualifying rounds. The winners of these matches progress to the second round where they are joined by the 3rd division. The 1st and 2nd divisions join the competition in the 3rd round, meaning that the cup will be contested by a total of 130 teams.

This season also saw the introduction of a curtain-raising tournament known as the Watney Cup, which was played at Tiddles Park in central Gabalfa and was contested by the top scoring teams form each division who didn't get to experience any promotion or cup success. Representing the top flight were Persubarnas, who racked up 98 goals on their way to claiming third place. From the Second Division came Maindy, who scored 99 goals and reached the playoffs only to be beaten in the semi-finals by Downton. Upper Sweeney were the 3rd Division's representives courtesy of their 94 goals, which saw them finish in fourth place but drop out of the playoffs at the semi-final stage. The Fourth Division was represented by Fortuna South End, who were the division's top scorers with 96 goals, but like Maindy and Upper Sweeney only progressed as far as the final. Finally from the Fifth Division were Mirtaford Town whose amazing tally of 106 goals was only good enough to see them to 3rd place - further disappointed followed when they lost 3-4 in the playoff final.

The cup was contested in a round-robin format, with each team playing each other once. Two matches were played on each matchday, with the results as follows:

Despite their slight wobble at the beginning when they could only manage a draw against Mirtaford Town, Maindy came out on top, claiming the first ever Watney Cup courtesy of their highly impressive 2-1 win against Persubarnas. Upper Sweeney underlined their goalscoring credentials by racking up 15 goals in their four games, but they were no match for their two higher-division opponents.

CODE

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Maindy 4 3 1 0 14 6 8 10
2 Persubarnas 4 3 0 1 13 6 7 9
3 Upper Sweeney 4 2 0 2 15 14 1 6
4 Mirtaford Town 4 1 1 2 11 19 -8 4
5 Fortuna South End 4 0 0 4 2 10 -8 0

And so the race to become Bettia's top team starts once again!

Bettia

We don't do defence

Posts: 956

Posted: Oct 14 2007, 11:28 AM

BLOG 2 - the Eagles Fly High

Another intense season of Gridiron has been completed here in Bettia, and the AroraBowl trophy has a new holder.

The playoff quarter-finals saw the four divisional winners rewarded with home field advantage, and on the whole they made full use of this. The Huwbridge Hammers hosted newcomers Ryoga Bay Pirates and the two teams fought out a tight and exciting matchup, with a last minute touchdown making all the difference as the Hammers ran out winners by 48 points to 44.

The second playoff match saw the impressive Downton Eagles playing at home to the Bettialis Blasters, and the hosts had no troubles in dispatching their visitors 33-7. Perhaps the best performance of the day came at Kirkwood, as the Tamrida Warriors shut their opponents out, recording a 17-0 victory. In the last quarter-final, the reigning holders Subarnas Volcanos shows us why they are the champions by crushing the Porthbalfa Blazers 63-28.

From there on in, all matches were played on neutral territory. The first semi-final was played at Butetown's Alice Street, a stadium more commonly associated with football, and was fought out between the Huwbridge Hammers and the Downton Eagles. This game was certainly a tight encounter, but with the scoreline at 23-21 to the Hammers with just three minutes to go, the Eagles grabbed two late touchdowns (including an interception) to finish the game 35-23 to the good.

Their opponents in the final would be the winner of the all-Western conference matchup between the Tamrida Warriors and the Subarnas Volcanos. Buoyed on by the prospect of defending their title, the Volcanos ran out comfortable winners by a clear twenty-point margin.

And so Bettia's national stadium played host to AroraBowl II, with the Volcanos ever-hopeful of repeating their epic victory in the first final. Those hopes were immediately dealt a cruel blow as the Eagles ran in a touchdown on their first attacking drive. Although Subarnas rallied briefly in the second quarter, the Eagles never really looked back as they ran in a further five touchdowns to claim a 42-10 win.

As the Eagles got their hands on the trophy, the BLOG announced that the next season would see a massive expansion - the number of teams competing in BLOG 3 will double in size to 32 competing in two conferences, and will include a number of teams from neighbouring Northern Bettia.

Playoff Results

Quarter-Finals

Huwbridge Hammers 48-44 Ryoga Bay Pirates
Downton Eagles 33-7 Bettialis Blasters
Kirkwood Krushers 0-17 Tamrida Warriors
Subarnas Volcanos 63-28 Porthbalfa Blazers

Semi-Finals

Huwbridge Hammers 23-35 Downton Eagles (played at Butetown)
Tamrida Warriors 28-48 Subarnas Volcanos (played at Sukatra)

Final (played at Tiddles Park, Gabalfa)

Downton Eagles 42-10 Subarnas Volcanos

Bettia

We don't do defence

Posts: 956

Posted: Nov 20 2007, 05:49 AM

Government Announcement

Due to the recent and as yet unexplained broken leg epidemic which has seen every able-bodied man, woman and child over the age of twelve temporarily incapacitated, the Football Association of Bettia has suspended the start of the new Apex League season until after the World Cup in order to give the players sufficient time to recover. Likewise, the new Bettian League of Gridiron (BLOG) season will also commence at this time, as will all other sporting competitions.

This post has been edited by Bettia on Nov 20 2007, 05:49 AM

Bettia

We don't do defence

Posts: 956

Posted: Dec 22 2007, 08:44 AM

APEX LEAGUE 7 - the kickoff (take two)

After being rudely interrupted by the mysterious plague of broken legs that swept the nation, the Apex League season finally kicked off and is now almost at the halfway stage.

First Division

After fifteen matches, the First Division is shaping up to be a close-run interesting campaign. Heading the flock is Tiddles Park who lead the way mainly thanks to their in-form strikeforce, which is bettered only by their city rivals Gabalfa Rovers, top contenders Akani Sands and perennial hotshots Perumnaish. In second place, we see Butetown Dragons tied with Lorshill United who at last seem to be realising their big team potential. Akani Sands follow, with Persubarnas and Sukatra Tigers just one point further back.

However the real surprise is at the bottom, with a gaggle of teams more suited to life at the top fighting it out to avoid relegation. Even though they currently prop up the table, Fortuna Bettialis can take solace in the fact that the teams above them are tightly grouped together, with CPD Porthbalfa and grappenhall City looking the most nervous.

CODE

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Tiddles Park 15 10 2 3 43 25 18 32
2 Butetown Dragons 15 9 2 4 37 24 13 29
3 Lorshill United 15 9 2 4 35 38 -3 29
4 Akani Sands 15 9 1 5 45 35 10 28
5 Persubarnas 15 8 3 4 34 29 5 27
6 Sukatra Tigers 15 8 3 4 35 32 3 27
7 Perumnasih 15 6 5 4 48 35 13 23
8 Gabalfa Rovers 15 7 1 7 44 35 9 22
9 Ryoga Bay 15 6 3 6 34 35 -1 21
10 Lorshill City 15 7 0 8 37 43 -6 21
11 Dynamo Dini 15 5 3 7 37 43 -6 18
12 Banastra Forest 15 4 5 6 34 39 -5 17
13 Kirkwood Town 15 5 2 8 34 40 -6 17
14 Ceffinton Town 15 4 4 7 33 42 -9 16
15 Tamrida 15 4 3 8 24 35 -11 15
16 Grappenhall City 15 4 2 9 31 33 -2 14
17 CPD Porthbalfa 15 4 2 9 29 40 -11 14
18 Fortuna Bettialis 15 3 3 9 25 36 -11 12

Second Division

At the moment, the Second Division is looking slightly more clear cut, with the top teams starting to give themselves a bit of breathing space. Three points clear at the top are Budiwati City a team clearly looking to emulate their near neighbours from Subarnas and Rumnasih. In second place are transport-magnate-backed Hyppo Fernley - obviously the injection of funds is clearly having an effect on this previously struggling team. Behind them are two teams looking for a quick return to the top flight, namely Rhyngwladol Gabalfa and Pen-y-Bydd.

Meanwhile, confidence is running very low at Fiilghud Town, a relegated team who are clearly lacking confidence after failing to build on their cup success last season. Joining them on nine points are Racing Club Gabalfa, with the nearest team Maindy four points above them. Things are quickly looking bleak for these two teams and they'll have to pull out the stops to avoid the slide into the Third Division.

CODE

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Budiwati City 15 10 4 1 48 28 20 34
2 Hyppo Fernley 15 10 1 4 39 28 11 31
3 Rhyngwladol Gabalfa 15 9 2 4 38 28 10 29
4 Pen-y-Bydd 15 8 4 3 46 29 17 28
5 Downton 15 7 4 4 31 27 4 25
6 Persifera 15 7 3 5 36 32 4 24
7 Pontybalfa United 15 7 2 6 37 33 4 23
8 Old Maxwellians 15 7 2 6 34 38 -4 23
9 Sonastra FC 15 6 4 5 42 40 2 22
10 Betws-y-Triw 15 5 4 6 33 31 2 19
11 Llanedalia 15 5 4 6 30 28 2 19
12 Grappenhall University 15 6 1 8 37 40 -3 19
13 Drutton United 15 5 4 6 31 34 -3 19
14 Tremwsa 15 4 4 7 36 42 -6 16
15 Roath Albion 15 4 3 8 30 43 -13 15
16 Maindy 15 3 4 8 26 38 -12 13
17 Racing Club Gabalfa 15 2 3 10 29 40 -11 9
18 Fiilghud Town 15 2 3 10 28 52 -24 9

Third Division

If the Second Division was looking clear cut, then the Third Division is already looking good and done, thanks to Lorshill Engineers engineering themselves a very handy four point lead above Treebrook Wanderers, who themselves are seven points clear of their nearest challengers. Following them are a clutch of teams separated by a few points, with Emcorn leading the way from Gorseborough Town, Fforest Hen, Lower Sweeney and newly-promoted Zenit Tecnasi.

At the bottom, Huwbridge Town are in dire straits having won just one league game this season. They find themselves seven points adrift from BAF Chinterford, with 1.FC Rendrew and Al-Sheemal Tamrida one point ahead.

CODE

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Lorshill Engineers 15 12 1 2 54 24 30 37
2 Treebrook Wanderers 15 11 0 4 38 23 15 33
3 Emcorn 15 8 3 4 33 28 5 27
4 Gorseborough Town 15 7 5 3 37 32 5 26
5 Fforest Hen 15 7 4 4 39 27 12 25
6 Lower Sweeney 15 7 3 5 43 36 7 24
7 Zenit Tecnasi 15 7 2 6 28 28 0 23
8 Southward Ho! 15 6 4 5 31 30 1 22
9 Upper Sweeney 15 4 7 4 36 34 2 19
10 Deudregg Dderw 15 5 3 7 31 29 2 18
11 FOYNLS 15 6 0 9 28 40 -12 18
12 Spiddaford Town 15 4 5 6 28 32 -4 17
13 Sageham Town 15 5 2 8 30 36 -6 17
14 Al-Sheemal Tamrida 15 5 2 8 28 42 -14 17
15 Tinting Warren 15 4 4 7 25 33 -8 16
16 1.FC Rendrew 15 5 1 9 27 36 -9 16
17 BAF Chinterford 15 4 3 8 33 43 -10 15
18 Huwbridge Town 15 1 5 9 24 40 -16 8

Fourth Division

The city of Lorshill is certainly enjoying something of a footballing rennaisscance at the moment. With United challenging for the league title and the Engineers sitting pretty at the top of the Third Division, Lorshill Park Rangers have followed suit by opening up a six point lead at the top of the Fourth Division. In second place we find Dhur Tihari, with ifrit-managed Pifton Rovers and the students of UC Gabalfa one point behind.

At the foot, we find Mare's Tail Village having a mare of a season, two points behind a trio of teams looking nervously over their shoulders, namely Llanbedistan, Alfalfa Kickers and Arorair.

CODE

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Lorshill Park Rangers 15 11 2 2 45 19 26 35
2 Dhur Tihari 15 9 2 4 38 34 4 29
3 Pifton Rovers 15 8 3 4 50 32 18 27
4 UC Gabalfa 15 9 0 6 47 40 7 27
5 Pen-yr-Heol 15 8 2 5 34 29 5 26
6 Caeranyuna 15 7 3 5 44 33 11 24
7 Ceffinton United 15 8 0 7 41 38 3 24
8 Shabilah 15 7 2 6 39 35 4 23
9 Porthbalfa Navy 15 6 3 6 32 31 1 21
10 Cockbill Green 15 6 2 7 34 42 -8 20
11 Mihangel's Old Boys 15 6 0 9 36 39 -3 18
12 Gabalfa Saints 15 4 6 5 32 39 -7 18
13 Gilang Chandra 15 5 3 7 35 43 -8 18
14 Fortuna South End 15 4 4 7 32 46 -14 16
15 Arorair 15 4 3 8 33 36 -3 15
16 Alfalfa Kickers 15 4 3 8 30 40 -10 15
17 Llanbedistan 15 4 3 8 33 49 -16 15
18 Mare's Tail Village 15 4 1 10 28 38 -10 13

Fifth Division

It's raining goals at Rainy Grove, with the league newcomers netting over fifty times as they open up an eight point lead over Huwbridge Colliery and Loudoun Rovers, who will both have to dig deep to claw back the Grove's huge lead. Following close behind them are Waltham Dynamo and Mirtaford Town.

Down at the bottom, Hurnford Harriers are already looking doomed. Seven points adrift and (bearing in mind that six teams are relegated from this division) a full twelve points from safety, things are pretty desperate here. The other relegation spots are filled by Lara Kencana, Gabalfa Steelworks, Eastbeach Rovers, Tremorgan Town and Al Jabari.

CODE

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Rainy Grove 15 12 0 3 53 29 24 36
2 Huwbridge Colliery 15 9 1 5 44 32 12 28
3 Loudoun Rovers 15 9 1 5 40 34 6 28
4 Waltham Dynamo 15 8 3 4 33 30 3 27
5 Mirtaford Town 15 8 2 5 37 29 8 26
6 Thymeford Wanderers 15 7 4 4 41 30 11 25
7 Porthbalfa City 15 7 3 5 40 31 9 24
8 Marjaham Town 15 7 3 5 38 38 0 24
9 Old Akanians 15 7 2 6 38 40 -2 23
10 Lorshill Victoria 15 5 6 4 42 36 6 21
11 Persukaluma 15 5 4 6 41 44 -3 19
12 Chinterford Town 15 5 3 7 40 45 -5 18
13 Al Jabari 15 4 5 6 34 38 -4 17
14 Tremorgan Town 15 5 2 8 32 44 -12 17
15 Eastbeach Rovers 15 4 3 8 33 44 -11 15
16 Gabalfa Steelworks 15 4 2 9 32 42 -10 14
17 Lara Kencana 15 4 1 10 31 42 -11 13
18 Hurnford Harriers 15 1 3 11 31 52 -21 6

FAB Cup

Thanks to the league restructuring, this season's FAB Cup is the biggest ever with a record 40 non-league teams joining in the fun. The first round saw one or two shocks, such as high-flying Rainy Grove going down at home to Lanteglos Higher, and Gabalfa Saints being defrocked by Balad Aisha.

First Round Results

......

The Third Division teams entered at the Second Round stage and they showed their muscle, with Deudregg Dderw and Sageham Town putting a world of hurt on their lower league visitors. Indeed, out of all the 40 non-league teams that entered the first round, only one team, Eyang Genjreng, remained to dream of a plum home tie against one of the nation's big teams by virtue of being drawn against fellow non-leaguers.

Second Round Results

......

The Third Round saw the First and Second Division teams enter the fray and they soon made their class show. Porthbalfa Navy travelled to Alice Street and gave Butetown Dragons a real scare before the giants cruised to an easy victory in the replay. Eyang Genjreng put up a brave fight at Old Maxwellians but went down 4-2. The pick of the ties was the all First Division affair played at The Gasworks between Gabalfa Rovers and Grappenhall City, with the visitors edging out on top in an exciting five-goal thriller.

Third Round Results

......

The Fourth Round saw a number of highly charged matches, not least of all the major shock of giants Akani Sands going down at home to Third Division Treebrook Wanderers. Elsewhere, Ceffinton Town won a ten-goal extravaganza at Ryoga Bay whilst Butetown Dragons lost 3-2 away to Second Division Downton.

Fourth Round Results

......

Bettia

We don't do defence

Posts: 956

Posted: Dec 29 2007, 09:08 AM

APEX LEAGUE 7 - news update

With the season now at the 30-matchday mark, things are really starting to get interesting. No, really, they are.

First Division

The race to be crowned champions of Bettia is really hotting up, with the top four seperated by just two points. Still out in front are Tiddles Park, which is where they have been since Matchday 10 although their advantage has been cut substantially. Snapping at their heels are a resurgant Sukatra Tigers who have hit some excellent form at just the right moment. Just behind them are the leader's bitter city rivals Gabalfa Rovers and Akani Sands, so long a dominant force in Bettian football.

At the bottom, things are equally tight with five teams battling it out to avoid being left in the bottom three. Currently occupying the wooden spoon position are Grappenhall City, with Fortuna Bettialis one point ahead of them behind Dynamo Dini, Lorshill City and Ceffinton Town. Although they hold a three-point advantage, CPD Porthbalfa and Kirkwood Town are still far from safe.

CODE

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Tiddles Park 30 17 5 8 83 56 27 56
2 Sukatra Tigers 30 16 7 7 70 62 8 55
3 Gabalfa Rovers 30 17 3 10 90 66 24 54
4 Akani Sands 30 17 3 10 80 57 23 54
5 Banastra Forest 30 14 9 7 75 65 10 51
6 Lorshill United 30 15 5 10 63 76 -13 50
7 Persubarnas 30 14 5 11 64 61 3 47
8 Perumnasih 30 12 9 9 81 68 13 45
9 Ryoga Bay 30 12 7 11 64 68 -4 43
10 Tamrida 30 11 6 13 57 64 -7 39
11 Butetown Dragons 30 11 5 14 67 67 0 38
12 Kirkwood Town 30 10 6 14 73 81 -8 36
13 CPD Porthbalfa 30 11 3 16 61 75 -14 36
14 Ceffinton Town 30 9 6 15 66 72 -6 33
15 Lorshill City 30 9 5 16 62 81 -19 32
----------------------------------------------------------------
16 Dynamo Dini 30 8 7 15 69 86 -17 31
17 Fortuna Bettialis 30 8 6 16 55 69 -14 30
18 Grappenhall City 30 8 5 17 61 67 -6 29

Second Division

Just as the town's name would suggest, the supporters of Pen-y-Bydd are feeling on top of the world. With just four games to go and with their team holding a five point lead at the top of the Second Division, a quick return to the top flight is looking increasingly likely. In second place are Downton, a team whose struggle to regain their First Division status has been a long and hard one. Barring any major slip-ups, their long suffering fans could finally have something to cheer about.

Of the teams immediately below them, only Budiwati City are assured a place in the playoffs, with Hyppo Fernley and Rhyngwladol Gabalfa needing just a single point to join them. Eleven points behind them, Persifera are fighting it out with Betws-y-Triw, Drutton United, Pontybalfa United, Sonastra FC and Old Maxwellians for the final playoff spot.

Down at the bottom, Racing Club Gabalfa are already doomed to relegation thanks to their wretched form this season. Maindy and Fiilghud Town are looking equally doomed, thanks to them being a full eleven points behind Tremwsa. The only hope of survival for either one of these teams is for them to win all of their four remaining games and hope the newcomers lose all of theirs - a very tall order indeed.

CODE

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Pen-y-Bydd 30 20 4 6 90 54 36 64 Play-Offs
2 Downton 30 18 5 7 80 58 22 59 Play-Offs
---------------------------------------------------------------
3 Budiwati City 30 17 6 7 82 64 18 57 Play-Offs
4 Hyppo Fernley 30 17 4 9 82 59 23 55
5 Rhyngwladol Gabalfa 30 17 4 9 74 57 17 55
6 Persifera 30 13 5 12 67 64 3 44
---------------------------------------------------------------
7 Betws-y-Triw 30 11 10 9 66 57 9 43
8 Drutton United 30 12 7 11 70 67 3 43
9 Pontybalfa United 30 13 3 14 75 73 2 42
10 Sonastra FC 30 12 6 12 75 82 -7 42
11 Old Maxwellians 30 12 6 12 68 75 -7 42
12 Grappenhall University 30 12 4 14 73 76 -3 40
13 Llanedalia 30 10 9 11 68 60 8 39
14 Roath Albion 30 11 6 13 69 79 -10 39
15 Tremwsa 30 10 5 15 65 74 -9 35
----------------------------------------------------------------
16 Fiilghud Town 30 6 6 18 57 89 -32 24
17 Maindy 30 6 5 19 57 92 -35 23
18 Racing Club Gabalfa 30 3 5 22 55 93 -38 14 RELEGATED

Third Division

Into the Third Division, where the first piece of silverware has already found a home. Thanks to their sometimes-rampant attack and stingy defence (stingy by Bettian standards anyway), Lorshill Engineers have confirmed themselves as champions despite losing their most recent game, after their nearest contenders Fforest Hen also lost. Emcorn now find themselves in second place.

Apart from Fforest Hen, the three playoff spots are currently taken by Treebrook Wnderes, Lower Sweeney and Southward Ho!, who all hold a five point lead over Gorseborough Town in seventh spot. Barring any disasters, the playoffs will be contested by four out of the previously mentioned five teams.

At the bottom, Huwbridge Town have some work to do if they are to avoid relegation as they have a five point gap between themselves and safety. Only just above them are Al-Sheemal Tamrida, with BAF Chinterford and Spiddaford Town sitting tantalisingly above them.

CODE

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Lorshill Engineers 30 22 2 6 87 48 39 68 CHAMPIONS
2 Emcorn 30 16 6 8 76 62 14 54
---------------------------------------------------------------
3 Fforest Hen 30 15 8 7 79 61 18 53
4 Treebrook Wanderers 30 16 3 11 69 53 16 51
5 Lower Sweeney 30 15 6 9 79 64 15 51
6 Southward Ho! 30 14 9 7 75 62 13 51
---------------------------------------------------------------
7 Gorseborough Town 30 12 10 8 71 67 4 46
8 Deudregg Dderw 30 13 4 13 77 66 11 43
9 Zenit Tecnasi 30 13 4 13 61 62 -1 43
10 1.FC Rendrew 30 12 4 14 58 66 -8 40
11 Sageham Town 30 11 5 14 65 72 -7 38
12 Upper Sweeney 30 9 9 12 74 72 2 36
13 FOYNLS 30 10 5 15 61 79 -18 35
14 Tinting Warren 30 8 9 13 58 70 -12 33
15 Spiddaford Town 30 7 9 14 60 73 -13 30
----------------------------------------------------------------
16 BAF Chinterford 30 8 6 16 60 86 -26 30
17 Al-Sheemal Tamrida 30 8 3 19 60 84 -24 27
18 Huwbridge Town 30 5 10 15 57 80 -23 25

Fourth Division

In the Fourth Division, Lorshill Park Rangers are still in first place, as they have been for the past 25 consecutive matchdays. However, a major dip in form which has only seen them collect two points out of a possible fifteen has seen their lead slip to just one point. Following hard on their coat-tails are Pen-yr-Heol, who are in a good run of form and must fancy themselves at snatching the fourth division title away from the long-time leaders.

In third place are Pifton Rovers, who have assured themselves of at least a play-off berth but are also harbouring hopes of automatic promotion thanks to their red-hot front line. Behind them are Caeranyuna and Porthbalfa Navy, who cannot now be autmatically promoted but are still in with a good shout of reaching the playoffs. Taking up the plast spot are Ceffinton United, a team whose desire to match their more illustrious local rivals seems to be spurring them on, although a whole clutch of teams just below them could still spoil their ambitions.

At the wrong end of the table, things are very tight indeed with the bottom three all tied on points. Gilang Chandra, Fortuna South End and Alfalfa Kickers are all fighting hard to avoid the drop, with Mare's Tail Village looking nervously over their shoulders.

CODE

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Lorshill Park Rangers 30 19 5 6 78 46 32 62 Play-Offs
2 Pen-yr-Heol 30 19 4 7 78 50 28 61 Play-Offs
---------------------------------------------------------------
3 Pifton Rovers 30 18 4 8 90 60 30 58 Play-Offs
4 Caeranyuna 30 14 7 9 85 68 17 49
5 Porthbalfa Navy 30 15 4 11 66 58 8 49
6 Ceffinton United 30 14 3 13 78 72 6 45
---------------------------------------------------------------
7 Mihangel's Old Boys 30 14 2 14 72 67 5 44
8 Arorair 30 12 7 11 74 69 5 43
9 Dhur Tihari 30 13 3 14 70 80 -10 42
10 Gabalfa Saints 30 11 8 11 70 77 -7 41
11 UC Gabalfa 30 13 1 16 74 79 -5 40
12 Cockbill Green 30 12 3 15 72 82 -10 39
13 Llanbedistan 30 11 6 13 67 82 -15 39
14 Shabilah 30 11 3 16 75 83 -8 36
15 Mare's Tail Village 30 9 5 16 57 70 -13 32
----------------------------------------------------------------
16 Alfalfa Kickers 30 8 6 16 61 75 -14 30
17 Fortuna South End 30 8 6 16 61 85 -24 30
18 Gilang Chandra 30 9 3 18 67 92 -25 30

Fifth Division

Despite already netting a century of goals, Rainy Grove have relinquished their grip at the top of the Fifth Division to Mirtaford Town, whose relatively mean defence seems to be serving them well. Indeed, this title race has been a real ding-dong battle with both teams trading places at the top at regular intervals.

In the playoff zone, only Loudoun Rovers are assured of any further participation this season. City rivals Waltham Dynamo[b] are also looking good to clinch a spot, with [b]Porthbalfa City and Thymeford Wanderers both holding a five point lead over seventh-placed Persukaluma.

Out of the bottom six, the only team with any real hope of avoiding the drop is Hurnford Harriers who are just two points from safety. The other five teams in the drop zone are Marjaham Town, Chinterford Town, Gabalfa Steelworks, Eastbeach Rovers and Lara Kencana, with the last three looking in very real danger.

CODE

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Mirtaford Town 30 21 3 6 85 55 30 66 Play-Offs
2 Rainy Grove 30 21 1 8 102 63 39 64 Play-Offs
---------------------------------------------------------------
3 Loudoun Rovers 30 19 2 9 86 61 25 59 Play-Offs
4 Waltham Dynamo 30 16 6 8 71 63 8 54
5 Porthbalfa City 30 15 4 11 82 65 17 49
6 Thymeford Wanderers 30 15 4 11 82 69 13 49
---------------------------------------------------------------
7 Persukaluma 30 13 5 12 80 81 -1 44
8 Huwbridge Colliery 30 13 3 14 71 75 -4 42
9 Lorshill Victoria 30 10 10 10 78 69 9 40
10 Old Akanians 30 11 5 14 68 78 -10 38
11 Al Jabari 30 10 8 12 67 78 -11 38
12 Tremorgan Town 30 11 4 15 72 79 -7 37
----------------------------------------------------------------
13 Hurnford Harriers 30 10 5 15 72 88 -16 35
14 Marjaham Town 30 8 9 13 64 81 -17 33
15 Chinterford Town 30 9 5 16 78 95 -17 32
16 Gabalfa Steelworks 30 8 5 17 64 78 -14 29
17 Eastbeach Rovers 30 7 7 16 66 90 -24 28
18 Lara Kencana 30 7 6 17 64 84 -20 27

FAB Cup

In the cup, Tiddles Park seem to be marching towards a league and cup double, although it hasn't been without the odd scare. After ekeing out a narrow but highly exciting victory over Kirkwood Town, they were then taken to penalties by Lorshill United in the quarter-final. Luckily for them, there was no such drama in the semi as they comfortably beat Treebrook Wanderers to secure their place in the final, which will take place at Butetown's Alice Street's stadium oweing to the FAB's requirement that the final be played at a neutral venue.

Their opponents will be Sukatra Tigers, who took a less dramatic route to the final, beating both Ceffinton Town and Fortuna Bettialis 2-1 before dispatching plucky Hyppo Fernley in their semi-final.

Fifth Round

Kirkwood Town 5-6 Tiddles Park
Dynamo Dini 1-5 Hyppo Fernley
Betws-y-Triw 1-5 Southward Ho!
Sukatra Tigers 2-1 Ceffinton Town
Downton 1-2 Grappenhall City
Tremwsa 1-3 Treebrook Wanderers
Lorshill United 1-0 Racing Club Gabalfa
Fortuna Bettialis 4-0 Perumnasih

Quarter-Finals
Lorshill United 3-3 Tiddles Park
......Replay: Tiddles Park 2-2 Lorshill United (2-2 AET) (Tiddles Park wins 2-0 on penalty kicks)
Treebrook Wanderers 4-1 Southward Ho!
Grappenhall City 2-2 Hyppo Fernley
......Replay: Hyppo Fernley 3-2 Grappenhall City
Sukatra Tigers 2-1 Fortuna Bettialis

Semi-Finals
Sukatra Tigers 4-1 Hyppo Fernley (at Shubunkin Park, Akani Sands)
Tiddles Park 3-1 Treebrook Wanderers (at Parc Dociau, Porthbalfa)

Bettia

We don't do defence

Posts: 956

Posted: Dec 31 2007, 08:28 AM

APEX LEAGUE 7 - end of season report

First Division

Tiddles Park have been crowned champions of Bettia after the tightest title race ever seen in Bettian history which saw the top seven separated by just four points. Their title was made even sweeter by the fact that they beat their bitter city rivals Gabalfa Rovers by a single point thanks to the two teams playing out a dramatic last-day 2-2 draw along with Akani Sands' last-day defeat at Butetown Dragons. One point behind them came Banastra Forest, who were tied on points with cup finalists Sukatra Tigers.

Fortuna Bettialis' tenure in the First Division didn't last long as they finished rock bottom, five points adrift of Ceffinton Town. The third relegated team are CPD Porthbalfa, who were tied on points with Dynamo Dini and Grappenhall City but were ultimately made to pay for not finding the back of the net often enough.

CODE

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Tiddles Park 34 18 6 10 88 69 19 60
2 Gabalfa Rovers 34 18 5 11 97 74 23 59
3 Akani Sands 34 18 5 11 90 67 23 59
4 Banastra Forest 34 16 10 8 85 71 14 58
5 Sukatra Tigers 34 17 7 10 77 72 5 58
6 Perumnasih 34 16 9 9 97 72 25 57
7 Lorshill United 34 17 5 12 75 88 -13 56
8 Butetown Dragons 34 15 5 14 76 70 6 50
9 Ryoga Bay 34 14 7 13 74 78 -4 49
10 Tamrida 34 14 6 14 66 69 -3 48
11 Persubarnas 34 14 5 15 68 73 -5 47
12 Lorshill City 34 12 5 17 77 93 -16 41
13 Kirkwood Town 34 11 6 17 81 92 -11 39
14 Grappenhall City 34 11 5 18 72 73 -1 38
15 Dynamo Dini 34 10 8 16 80 95 -15 38
----------------------------------------------------------------
16 CPD Porthbalfa 34 11 5 18 68 86 -18 38
17 Ceffinton Town 34 10 6 18 72 82 -10 36
18 Fortuna Bettialis 34 8 7 19 60 79 -19 31

Second Division

As predicted, Pen-y-Bydd have made a quick return to the top flight, winning the Second Division with a margin of four points from Downton. Also as predicted, Hyppo Fernley, Rhyngwladol Gabalfa and Budiwati City claimed the first three playoff spots, with the fourth spot going to Drutton United by virtue of their superior goal difference.

The relegation spots had been decided before the last matchday, with already dommed Racing Club Gabalfa joined by Maindy and Fiilghud Town joining them. It's a real fall from grace for Town after their amazing cup exploits last season, but financial worries have proved to be too much of a burden with them being forced to sell many of their better players.

CODE

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Pen-y-Bydd 34 22 4 8 99 64 35 70
2 Downton 34 20 6 8 93 68 25 66
---------------------------------------------------------------
3 Hyppo Fernley 34 20 4 10 102 67 35 64
4 Rhyngwladol Gabalfa 34 20 4 10 93 75 18 64
5 Budiwati City 34 19 6 9 92 74 18 63
6 Drutton United 34 15 7 12 83 76 7 52
---------------------------------------------------------------
7 Persifera 34 15 7 12 75 69 6 52
8 Pontybalfa United 34 15 5 14 91 77 14 50
9 Sonastra FC 34 14 6 14 83 92 -9 48
10 Llanedalia 34 12 9 13 74 69 5 45
11 Old Maxwellians 34 13 6 15 81 90 -9 45
12 Roath Albion 34 13 6 15 77 92 -15 45
13 Betws-y-Triw 34 11 11 12 75 69 6 44
14 Grappenhall University 34 13 4 17 79 90 -11 43
15 Tremwsa 34 11 5 18 74 85 -11 38
----------------------------------------------------------------
16 Fiilghud Town 34 8 6 20 65 100 -35 30
17 Maindy 34 8 5 21 69 105 -36 29
18 Racing Club Gabalfa 34 4 5 25 64 107 -43 17

Playoff Semi-Final Fixtures
Drutton United vs. Hyppo Fernley
Budiwati City vs. Rhyngwladol Gabalfa

Third Division

The Third Division title was never in doubt, with Lorshill Engineers clinching top spot many weeks ago. However, the real drama was in who would be joining them, with any one of five teams in with a shout. Ultimately, it was Southward Ho! who claimed the second automatic promotion slot by a single goal from Emcorn, who suffered from a late wobble to let their rival slip through. They must now be content with a playoff spot along with Lower Sweeney, Treebrook Wanderers and Fforest Hen.

Just like the title race, the battle against relegation was decided before the final matchday. The fate of Huwbridge Town had never been in doubt as they ended up finishing elevent points from safety. Just above them came Al-Sheemal Tamrida, with BAF Chinterford also joining them in the drop zone.

CODE

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Lorshill Engineers 34 24 3 7 96 54 42 75
2 Southward Ho! 34 16 10 8 84 70 14 58
---------------------------------------------------------------
3 Emcorn 34 17 7 10 89 76 13 58
4 Lower Sweeney 34 16 8 10 85 71 14 56
5 Treebrook Wanderers 34 17 3 14 79 62 17 54
6 Fforest Hen 34 15 9 10 84 69 15 54
---------------------------------------------------------------
7 Gorseborough Town 34 14 11 9 80 75 5 53
8 Deudregg Dderw 34 15 5 14 91 76 15 50
9 Zenit Tecnasi 34 14 5 15 67 71 -4 47
10 1.FC Rendrew 34 14 5 15 72 78 -6 47
11 Sageham Town 34 13 6 15 73 79 -6 45
12 FOYNLS 34 13 6 15 72 86 -14 45
13 Tinting Warren 34 11 10 13 67 75 -8 43
14 Upper Sweeney 34 10 9 15 76 81 -5 39
15 Spiddaford Town 34 10 9 15 72 83 -11 39
----------------------------------------------------------------
16 BAF Chinterford 34 9 7 18 69 96 -27 34
17 Al-Sheemal Tamrida 34 9 3 22 68 95 -27 30
18 Huwbridge Town 34 6 10 18 64 91 -27 28

Playoff Semi-Final Fixtures
Fforest Hen vs. Emcorn
Treebrook Wanderers vs. Lower Sweeney

Fourth Division

Just like the First Division, the Fourth Division title race went right down to the wire, with Lorshill Park Rangers finishing up on top, although they were almost made to pay for their late dip in form by Pifton Rovers, a team managed by a 250-year-old ifrit girl.

Likewise, the race for the playoffs was a tense one. Pen-yr-Heol finished a comfortable third, six points ahead of Caeranyuna and a further four ahead of Ceffinton United. The final playoff spot was a real three-horse race, with Porthbalfa Navy just edging it on goal difference from a rebranded Gabalfa Saints, whose playoff hopes were dashed by a last day defeat at Gilang Chandra.

The relegation battle was equally tight, although Fortuna South End will be dissappointed to finish five points away from safety. Mare's Tail Village are breathing a huge sigh of relief, thanks to their 4-1 home win on the last day, coupled with Alfalfa Kickers 4-4 draw. Gilang Chandra's last day heroics also came to no avail.

CODE

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Lorshill Park Rangers 34 21 6 7 87 57 30 69
2 Pifton Rovers 34 21 5 8 105 69 36 68
---------------------------------------------------------------
3 Pen-yr-Heol 34 20 4 10 87 62 25 64
4 Caeranyuna 34 17 7 10 95 76 19 58
5 Ceffinton United 34 17 3 14 90 78 12 54
6 Porthbalfa Navy 34 15 5 14 73 69 4 50
---------------------------------------------------------------
7 Gabalfa Saints 34 14 8 12 84 83 1 50
8 Dhur Tihari 34 15 4 15 78 90 -12 49
9 Arorair 34 13 8 13 85 79 6 47
10 Mihangel's Old Boys 34 14 4 16 79 81 -2 46
11 UC Gabalfa 34 15 1 18 83 86 -3 46
12 Llanbedistan 34 12 8 14 74 90 -16 44
13 Cockbill Green 34 12 5 17 78 93 -15 41
14 Shabilah 34 12 4 18 83 95 -12 40
15 Mare's Tail Village 34 11 5 18 66 79 -13 38
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16 Alfalfa Kickers 34 10 7 17 73 84 -11 37
17 Gilang Chandra 34 11 4 19 74 97 -23 37
18 Fortuna South End 34 9 6 19 70 96 -26 33

Playoff Semi-Final Fixtures
Porthbalfa Navy vs. Pen-yr-Heol
Ceffinton United vs. Caeranyuna

Fifth Division

After an enthralling title race which saw the lead change hands repeatedly, it was league new boys Rainy Grove who ultimately come out on top, clinching the title by a single point from Mirtaford Town. The Grovers also had the distinction of being the league's top scorers, finding the back of the net an incredible 112 times.

Loudoun Rovers finished a comfortable third, ahead of Waltham Dynamo and Porthbalfa City, whilst Thymeford Wanderers beat Huwrbidge Colliery to the last spot despite the Colliers' last day win.

The six teams making the drop into non-league football are Lara Kencana, Eastbeach Rovers, Chinterford Town, Gabalfa Steelworks, Hurnford Harriers and Marjaham Town. These teams will be replaced by the champions of the six regional conference leagues.

CODE

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Rainy Grove 34 25 1 8 112 67 45 76
2 Mirtaford Town 34 24 3 7 97 64 33 75
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3 Loudoun Rovers 34 21 3 10 95 68 27 66
4 Waltham Dynamo 34 18 6 10 81 71 10 60
5 Porthbalfa City 34 17 5 12 93 72 21 56
6 Thymeford Wanderers 34 16 6 12 88 75 13 54
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7 Huwbridge Colliery 34 17 3 14 85 81 4 54
8 Persukaluma 34 15 5 14 89 90 -1 50
9 Tremorgan Town 34 14 4 16 83 85 -2 46
10 Old Akanians 34 13 5 16 77 89 -12 44
11 Lorshill Victoria 34 11 10 13 89 82 7 43
12 Al Jabari 34 11 8 15 72 91 -19 41
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13 Marjaham Town 34 10 9 15 74 90 -16 39
14 Hurnford Harriers 34 11 5 18 79 97 -18 38
15 Gabalfa Steelworks 34 9 6 19 70 87 -17 33
16 Chinterford Town 34 9 6 19 83 106 -23 33
17 Eastbeach Rovers 34 8 7 19 74 103 -29 31
18 Lara Kencana 34 7 8 19 72 95 -23 29

Playoff Semi-Final Fixtures
Thymeford Wanderers vs. Loudoun Rovers
Porthbalfa City vs. Waltham Dynamo

Bettia

We don't do defence

Posts: 956

Posted: Jan 2 2008, 07:12 AM

APEX LEAGUE 7 - finals report

Second Division Playoffs

The first of the Second Division playoff ties pitted Hyppo Fernley, riding on a crest of a wave thanks to their Hypocrian backer, with Drutton United, a team striving to emerge from the shadow of Grappenhall City as a dominant force in the Banstran rainforest. With so much to play for, it was no surprise as the two teams went at it tooth and nail. After an exhilerating first leg which saw the Hyppos notch up six goals to United's three, Drutton went into the second leg knowing they had to get onto the scoresheet early, and they did just that by hitting four first half goals to wipe out Hyppo Fernley's advantage. However, the home team recomposed themselves and scored twice in the second half to edge out the tie 8-7.

The second semi-final saw up-and-coming Budiwati City taking on a Rhyngwladol Gabalfa side looking to return to the First Division. The first match saw the two teams equally matched until the late stages when City scored twice to hand them a rather fortunate 4-2 win. The return tie was a tense match, made even tenser when Rhyngwladol scored midway through the first half. As the game wore on, Gabalfa poured forward in search of a second goal and they rewarded with a fine late strike to give them the game on away goals.

And so to the final, where Rhyngwladol were understandably confident thanks to their last gasp win. However, Hyppo Fernley weren't to be outdone and were quickly into the driving seat with two early goals, and neevr looked like losing despite a late rally by their opponents. Just the season before, Hyppo fernley were struggling against relegation and financial troubles, but the remarkable turnaround in their fortunes was confirmed when team captain Bryan Nestor lifted the Playoff Trophy, much to the delight of their fans who had made the long journey form the east of the country.

Semi-Final Results

Drutton United 3-6 Hyppo Fernley
Hyppo Fernley 2-4 Drutton United
(Aggregate: Drutton United 7-8 Hyppo Fernley)

Budiwati City 4-2 Rhyngwladol Gabalfa
Rhyngwladol Gabalfa 2-0 Budiwati City (2-0 AET) ()
(Aggregate: Budiwati City 4-4 Rhyngwladol Gabalfa - Rhyngwladol Gabalfa wins on away goals)

Final Result (at Tiddles Park)
Hyppo Fernley 4-2 Rhyngwladol Gabalfa

Third Division Playoffs

The first of the Third Division playoffs saw former top flight team Emcorn taking on Fforest Hen. Emcorn had been cursing their bad luck after they had missed out on automatic promotion on goal difference, and unfortunately for them their luck was not about to change. Fforest Hen won the first leg 2-1, leaving Emcorn knowing they had to turn it around on their home soil. However, fortune wasn't smiling on them and the Gwlad Teg team ran out 4-3 winners to give them a place in the final.

The other semi was a much more straightforward affair between two Banastran teams, Treebrook Wanderers, who like Emcorn had been playing First Division not so long ago, and Lower Sweeney, a team who were hoping to follow their local rivasl Upper Sweeney into the Second Division. After taking a commanding 5-0 lead in the first leg, Wanderers battled out a 3-2 win in their away match to secure an easy 8-2 aggregate win.

The final, billed 'Battle of the Forests' by the media, was predicted to be a tight game between two teams who had only been separated by goal difference. However, Wanderers appeared to be suffering from stage fright after they conceded a soft goal early on and Fforest Hen never looked like losing control, winning 3-0 in the end.

Semi-Final Results

Fforest Hen 2-1 Emcorn
Emcorn 3-4 Fforest Hen
(Aggregate: Fforest Hen 6-4 Emcorn)

Treebrook Wanderers 5-0 Lower Sweeney
Lower Sweeney 2-3 Treebrook Wanderers
(Aggregate: Treebrook Wanderers 8-2 Lower Sweeney)

Final Result (at Tiddles Park)

Fforest Hen 3-0 Treebrook Wanderers

Fourth Division Playoffs

The first of the Fourth Division semi-finals was a local derby between Porthbalfa Navy and Pen-yr-Heol, and a typically frenetic local derby it was too. After both ties ended in a 3-1 home win, the game went into extra time where Porthbalfa Navy suddenly went up a couple of gears as their opponents tired, scoring three further times to win with a flattering 7-4 scoreline.

The second semi-final between Ceffinton United and Caeranyuna was also a tight one, but with a lot more goals. After coming away from Ceffinton with a 4-3 win, Caeranyuna then went one better and scored five at home - unfortunately for them, Ceffinton scored six to leave the aggregate scores level at 9-9, with United going through on the away goals rule.

In keeping with their semi-final victories, the final was also a close-fought game. After finishing the regulation 90 minutes tied at three goal apiece, the two teams still couldn't be separated after extra time and so the match went to a penalty shootout. Even here, there was little to separate the teams as nerves got the better of both teams with a succession of missed kicks. Only a single kick found the mark, meaning that it will be Porthbalfa Navy who will be playing Third Division football next season.

Semi-Final Results

Porthbalfa Navy 3-1 Pen-yr-Heol
Pen-yr-Heol 3-1 Porthbalfa Navy (3-4 AET)
(Aggregate: Porthbalfa Navy 7-4 Pen-yr-Heol)

Ceffinton United 3-4 Caeranyuna
Caeranyuna 5-6 Ceffinton United
(Aggregate: Ceffinton United 9-9 Caeranyuna - Ceffinton United win on away goals)

Final Result (at Tiddles Park)

Porthbalfa Navy 3-3 Ceffinton United (4-4 AET) (Porthbalfa Navy wins 1-0 on penalty kicks)

Fifth Division Playoffs

Both semi-finals in the Fifth Division playoffs were largely one-sided affairs. After recording a commanding 4-1 away win, Loudoun Rovers then put five past Thymeford Wanderers at home to book their place in the final. Meanwhile, Waltham Dynamo ran out easy 6-1 winners against Porthbalfa City to book their place in an all-Gabalfa final.

Tiddles Park was packed to the rafters for this final between two teams who have been bitter rivals as they worked their way up the non-league ladder. The game all the hallmarks of this, with little quality but plenty of passion and commitment. In the end, Waltham Dynamo were the victors by virtue of two second-half goals.

Semi-Final Results

Thymeford Wanderers 1-4 Loudoun Rovers
Loudoun Rovers 5-3 Thymeford Wanderers
(Aggregate: Thymeford Wanderers 4-9 Loudoun Rovers)

Porthbalfa City 1-3 Waltham Dynamo
Waltham Dynamo 3-0 Porthbalfa City
(Aggregate: Porthbalfa City 1-6 Waltham Dynamo)

Final Result (at Tiddles Park)

Loudoun Rovers 1-2 Waltham Dynamo

FAB Cup Final

The culmination of a exciting season of football saw Sukatra Tigers, who only missed out of the First Division title by just two points, taking on newly-crowned champions Tiddles Park in the final, which was played for the first time away from Bettia's national stadium in order to ensure both teams were playing on neutral ground.

Fittingly for a cup final, this match was a real thriller with both teams peppering their opponents goal at regular intervals. After the teams had shared ten goals, the game moved into extra-time where there was still nothing between the teams. Plenty of chances were made by both sides but to no avail. However, as the game appeared to be headed for penalties, promising young striker Andy Lines crashed the ball from all of thirty yards to ensure Tiddles Park secured a well-deserved league and cup double.

Final Result (at Alice Street)

Sukatra Tigers 5-5 Tiddles Park (5-6 AET)

Season Summary

League Champions: Tiddles Park
FAB Cup Winners: Tiddles Park
Relegated from First Division: CPD Porthbalfa, Ceffinton Town, Fortuna Bettialis

Second Division Champions: Pen-y-Bydd
Also Promoted from Second Division: Downton (runners up), Hyppo Fernley (playoff winners)
Relegated from Second Division: Fillghud Town, Maindy, Racing Club Gabalfa

Third Division Champions: Lorshill Engineers
Also Promoted from Third Division: Southward Ho! (runners up), Fforest Hen (playoff winners)
Relegated from Third Division: BAF Chinterford, Al-Sheemal Tamrida, Huwbridge Town

Fourth Division Champions: Lorshill Park Rangers
Also Promoted from Fourth Division: Pifton Rovers (runners up), Porthbalfa Navy (playoff winners)
Relegated from Fourth Division: Alfalfa Kickers, Gilang Chandra, Fortuna South End

Fifth Division Champions: Rainy Grove
Also Promoted from Fifth Division: Mirtaford Town (runners up), Waltham Dynamo (playoff winners)
Relegated from Fifth Division: Marjaham Town, Hurnford Harriers, Gabalfa Steelworks, Chinterford Town, Eastbeach Rovers, Lara Kencana
Promoted to Fifth Division: