AJAX UNITED ANNOUNCED AS BALKAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE COMPETITORS

Squad Set in League's Bitter Eastern Division

The main opponents: Burgas Seagulls, FC Montfortslavia Utd., and Royal Constantinople. Now that the Rennaissance Cup is well into memory for football fans, the news of a Balkan Football Association, another institution for the sport sponsored by Annoystan, has sent football fever to the Balkans again.

This time, however, New Achaea's rising stars on Ajax United will have a boost above the national team, which felt disappointment at a first-round elimination in the Renaissance Cup. There will be games held in New Achaea, Ajax at that, in front of a home crowd which will be expected to give out a lot of energy each crucial match.

Should the team succeed in making it past the initial eliminations, they would have to then play a best-of-five match series for the league's championship. Needless to say, the team will have an intimate familiarity with its opponents by year's end, perhaps leading to an even more heated and highly contested Renaissance Cup at the next go 'round. For national team coach Hans Nestor, the prospect of a supportive league is great for the international competitions. On Ajax United, only a handful of familiar faces from New Achaea Nationals are present, including substitute goalkeeper Dominic Vitoli, whose 4 goals allowed in the New Achaean league's regular season set high hopes for his potential. His, and his teammates', schedule are expected to be released soon.

The following letter was sent to all current members of the Balkan Football League, 5 January (?) 2004. Having met with near unanimous approval and no dissent, the preparations are underway for the league to begin play.

“The Annoyastani Football Association seeks your approval to start a new Balkan league structure.

We have devised an 8-team league and a 20 game schedule. We anticipate two games per week, (though that may vary somewhat.) Games will be decided in the same manner as scores were decided in the Renaissance Cup tournament, i.e. fairly and randomly.

There will be two 4-team divisions. You will play two home and two away games with your divisional rivals and one home and one away game with the other division. At seasons end the second place teams will play the other division’s winners in a 3 game play off, and then the title will be decided in a five game series, with the winner of the 3 games declared the champion.

We seek your approval before launching this new league.

Darko Malevolek
President
Annoyastanni Football Association”

FROM LEAGUE COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE:

BALKAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION RE-CONSTITUTED
PLAY TO BEGIN NEXT WEEK
OPENING SCHEDULE TO BE POSTED THIS WEEKEND
MALEVOLEK ASSUMES COMMISSIONER’S DUTIES

EASTERN DIVISION
Thracia (Burgas Seagulls)
Montfortslavia (FC Montfortslavia United)
Byzanthine (Royal Constantinople)
New Achaea (Ajax United)

WESTERN DIVISION
Annoyastan (The Graspers of Pelf)
Bulgarite (FC Cherveno Zname)
Perussia (Libtzograd Nationals)
Pepestonia (Real Pepestonia)

That is great news!

But what are we going to do with the Yahoo-sports league now?

GRASPERS READY FOR START OF SEASON
“Spiderman” Acquired from Agitators
10 January 2004 – PeZ – (ANS) Well, it’s finally happened. Ever since I became the sports editor of this rag, some 43 years ago, I’ve been saying that the big money boys should put their heads together and create an all-Balkan football association. In fact, even when I was but a young lad, kicking a tape-wrapped wad of newspaper around the empty industrial lots on the tough side of Mastrinko, I had thought that an all-Balkan league would be “neat”.

Well, now some geniuses have finally listened to what I’ve been saying and put the ball in play. Kudos to Darko Malevolek, who finally took my advice and instigated the creation of the league, and kudos to all the other teams for buying in. Now, let’s hope the level of play doesn’t let the entire region down. Good luck to Rogo Takkich, coach and general manager of the Graspers of Pelf. He’s done a great job getting the talent assembled for the team, anchored by “the Spiderman,” Fydo Gorpius, in the nets, and of getting the team in shape for the season. This should be an exciting and competitive league.

Sid Mezkdaz
Sports Editor
PeZ Daily Blather

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE BALKAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION COMMISSIONER:

THIS WEEK’S SCHEDULED GAMES:

1. MIDWEEK
Burgas Seagulls [Thracia] at FC Montfortslavia United
Royal Constantinople [Byzanthine] at Ajax United [New Achaea]
Graspers of Pelf [Annoyastan] at Libtzograd Nationals [Perussia]
FC Cherveno Zhname [Bulgarite] at Real Pepestionia

2. WEEKEND
Royal Constantinople [Byzanthine] at FC Montfortslavia United
Burgas Seagulls [Thracia] at Ajax United [New Achaea]
FC Cherveno Zhname [Bulgarite] at Libtzograd Nationals [Perussia]
Graspers of Pelf [Annoyastan] at Real Pepestionia

Long time rivals to start cup
MNS
The Burgas Seagulls, a long-time rival of the FC Montfortslavia United have been scheduled to become this teamps first rivals in the new Rennaisance Cup.

The team, which underwent drastic measures after the previous season, is ready, according to its coach, to take on all the teams with whom "we have a long history, as well as the teams that are just going to cross our paths".

No comments were provided as for a posible line-up.

Libtzograd Buzzing with Football Fever
PSNN

Thousands of citizens in the Perussian district of Libtzograd flocked to the National Dome this morning to buy tickets for the Libtzograd Nationals inaugral game this week against Annoyastan's Graspers of Pelf. It and the weekend game against FC Cherveno Zhname have already sold out.

Headcoach Bram Chezvik held a press confrence this morning in which he stated that he is confident that the Nationals are up to the challenge of competing with the older, more experienced Annoyastan and Bulgarite teams. No comment was made on the Nationals roster at that time.

'Legion' Set to Square Off Against Constantinople and Seagulls
Balkan League Schedule Announced

The first two matches for the recently popularly dubbed 'legion' of Ajax United will be played in their home stadium. For many fans, this comes as a relief, as Royal COnstantinople's seasoned squad, many of whom were seen in Byzanthine's Renaissance Cup bid, which ended in a runner's up close for the national team. When asked about the home-crowd advantage, striker Vincent Bodega expressed his excitement for the situation: "The fans can change anything if they're behind their team. For the home team, they can make the atmosphere a lot more welcoming under pressure and cause some rallying from time to time. As for coming into a foreign stadium with an energetic crowd, the situation turns a lot worse. It forces you to keep a grasp on your concentration and be at the edge of your potential."

Practice began early, including frequent video studies and pattern adjustments. For most of the players, the Renaissance Cup gap between Byzanthine and New Achaea held little bearing on their confidence.

"It's an entirely different situation," commented goalkeeper Vitoli. "This team has a lot more experience playing together than the Red Kestrels did, and the same goes for Constantinople. The playing field is even, as far as I'm concerned, and I'll expect better football out of both teams than anything we've seen in the international matches."

Following the initial match, the legion will play at home again to host Thracia's Burgas Seagulls, our favorites to win the league. As for this week's matches, here are our staff's predictions:

Burgas Seagulls over FC Montfortslavia United
In what's sure to become one of football's greatest rivalries, you can expect a bitter fight between the two balanced squads, but FCM United's recently changed squad may have to play catch-up in the new league, which is bad news against the seasoned Seagulls in the first week.

Ajax United over Royal Constantinople
In all honesty, a toss-up. What's worse, we're not even sure how close the game may be. The teams have no great history with eachother and have a lot of experience to go by in their own leagues. The best we can offer: The home crowd advantage will pull through for the legion in the two teams' first match. It's not the best prediction from a sportswriting staff, but can you really blame us here?

Libtzograd Nationals over Graspers of Pelf
Experience goes a long way, but when you're coming from an occasionally slippy team such as Graspers, it goes nowhere against the young hotshots from Perussia. They're fast, they're strong, and they're playing at home in front of one of the fastest sell-out crowds in recent memory. Tough combination for the Annoystani team to overcome in front of some of the best fans in football, and we don't see it happening.

FC Cherveno Zhname over Real Pepestonia
This is where you will see a Renaissance Cup divide play out, and may be the only case for a few weeks. Bulgarite's best are in town at Pepestonia, and whatever crowd or energy comes out for the courageous Pepestonian squad, it will probably not be enough against an internationally blessed club with plenty of experience to go by.


As for the weekend matches:

FC Montfortslavia United over Royal Constantinople
We just might guarantee that THIS WILL BE THE BEST MATCH OF THE WEEK! Sure to be a thriller, we can only guess that, if FCM United's new designs top the Seagulls in an upset, they'll surely top Constantinople or, if they fall to Thracia's best, they'll learn quickly where their weaknesses lie and come back with experience and strengh as always. Don't count on us for your bets, though, since this is no sure prediction.

Burgas Seagulls over Ajax United
Yes, we have homefield advantage. Yes, we love our home team dearly. Even still, honesty counts here. After a likely tough fight with Royal at home, can you expect the legion to get up again and stop the Seagull's charge? You can put Burgas's substitutions in to start and be sure of the result. Brace yourselves for a harsh lesson in what it means to play with the best of the best.

FC Cherveno Zhname over Libtzograd Nationals
They have a good shot at topping the Graspers in their home opener, but the Perussians have tough odds at topping the seasoned FC Cherveno. Veterans rarely bow down to upstarts in any league, and certainly not in the first week. Not to put down Libtzograd, though. No clean sheet here for the team from Bulgarite.

Graspers of Pelf over Real Pepestonia
They may falter in the first week, but never say never to the team that knows how to bounce back after any loss. If things go the way we predict for week one, the Annoystani team will not let anything stop them from rebounding their way back into contention. Although we have to point out that two home losses in a row, even for the newly introduced Real Pepestonia, may be a far cry from reality. Heck, these wouldn't be predictions without risks or fact-figuring anyway.

Burgas Seagulls Ready and Eager

With Nikos Panayotou, the former national coach of Thracia, at the helm, the Seagulls appeared ready and enthusastic in the training today.

"We can't say that we're going to win, but one thing is for sure: We are going to have a great game tomorrow!", said Panayotou in the post-training press conference.

Byzanthine Trans-Balkanic Sports Center (BTBSC)
subdivision of BNN

ROYAL CONSTANTINOPLE READY FOR THE CHARGE!

On a public press note today, coach Faustinus Salapasidis of the Royal Constantinople announced that, quote "The cavalry is ready for the charge, and its gonna be a magnificient one."unquote

No comments has been officially informed regarding the game strategie for the first two games, but the coach said, quote "...We will follow some of our most basics and distacated maneuvers from the renaisance cup, as well as some new moves and players that have joined our new team."unquote

FC Chrveno Zname

This is the list of players that will play in this tournament:

Goalkeepers

1. Ivailo Ivanov
22. Stoyan Kolev

Defenders

2. Aleksandar Tomash
3. Aleksandar Mladenov
4. Georgi Antonov
12. Yordan Todorov
14. Radostin Kishishev
16. Rosen Kirilov
26. Radoslav Mitrevski
28. Adrian Olegov
31. Krasimir Chomakov

Midfielders

5. Todor Yanchev
6. Hristo Yanev
10. Milen Petkov
11. Svetoslav Petrov
13. Georgi Peev
15. Emil Gargorov
19. Stilian Petrov
20. Petar Iliev
23. Miroslav Manolv
25. Petar Stanev
27. Emil Gargorov
29. Ivailo Petkov

Forwards

7. Martin Ivanov
8. Velizar Dimitrov
9. Dimitar Berbatov
17. Martin Petrov
18. Stoicho Mladenov
21. Evgeni Yordanov
30. Vladimir Manchev

Coach

Dimitar Penev

Montfortslavia´s surprise unveiled
MNS

What was long kept under wraps as Montfortslavia´s surprise to begin the Rennaisance Cup was finaly disclosed this Monday.

A brand-new, state of the art football stadium, with a construction value of over 250 million Unified Balkan Dollars was inaugurated today under the surprise of the media and football fans all over the nation.

The stadium, which has become the most modern sports facility in the Balkans, is set to receive its first match against the Burgas Seagulls or the Royal Constantinople, depending on the team´s turn to play local.

Fans have already crowded the stadium to buy tickets for the upcoming game. Rumors state that the Prime Minister himself will be attending.

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE BALKAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION COMMISSIONER:
OPENING DAY RESULTS!!!

The scores are in from the opening day results for the Balkan Football Association!
Scores are reported in the following format: team - first half/second half -- Final Score


Burgas Seagulls [Thracia] - 0/1 -- 1
FC Montfortslavia United - 0/0 -- 0

Royal Constantinople [Byzanthine] - 0/2 -- 2
Ajax United [New Achaea] - 1/0 --1

Graspers of Pelf [Annoyastan] - 0/0 -- 0
Libtzograd Nationals [Perussia] - 0/3 -- 3

FC Cherveno Zhname [Bulgarite] - 0/1 -- 1
Real Pepestionia - 1/1 -- 2

Official standings will be published after this weekend's games.

“GASPERS” OF PELF LOSE OPENER!
SECOND HALF IMPLOSION BODES ILL FOR FUTURE
NATIONALS RUN VISITORS INTO THE GROUND

Libtzograd (ANS) – Opening Day. Just saying the words brings a stirring into any real football fan’s soul. Never mind that it’s Opening Day of the Opening Season of the Balkan Football Association. Could there be a bigger opening day? Could a team have any more reason to be motivated?

When Annoyastani football fans think of this day in the future, it will be with a sour taste in their mouth. The Graspers of Pelf came onto the pitch excited and energized, and for the first half they gave the home-town Nationals a solid game, giving as good as they got. Both teams had exciting plays and made huge mistakes, and both goalies stood fast in the nets, with The Spiderman, in particular, making several amazing plays.

But the games are two halves, and it was the Nationals who came out strong in the second half. “We looked tired out there, in the second half,” said coach Takkich. “I don’t understand it. We had good practices. We thought we were ready.” Second half play for the Graspers started off raggedly, as they missed passes and scrambled for position. After Gorpius was forced to make several large saves, Grasper forward Beloz Borozak had the best chance of the day for the Annoyastanis, breaking free in front and missing the net wide left, the goalie far from the play. The Nationals came right back, one minute later, to punch the ball past Gorpius at the end of a pretty passing play, and a quick goal immediately following took all the remaining wind out of the Graspers sails. The final goal was icing on the cake, and the Graspers left the field looking exhausted and demoralized.

“It’s only the beginning,” said Takkich. “We have to go to Pepestonia tonight. It will be another tough game, and we have to put this one behind us and focus on Real Pepestonia.”

Libztograd over Annoyastan 3-0!
the Nationals manage a win of the Annoyastan squad

[PSNN]
In a shocking season opener, the Libtzograd Nationals triumphed over the Graspers of Pelf in a shocking 3-0 victory. We had a chance to speak with Headcoach Bram Chezvik after the game and here's what he had to say.

"It was a tough game, mentally in the first half but more physically in the second. The Graspers played a solid game in the first half, but I think the boys just felt like they had to win one for the crowd, ya know? And uh, they played a solid game in the first half but Gorpius was really startin to wear the guys down. For a while there I wasn't sure we were gonna make it. But we did and I'm really proud of 'em for it. Sure we made some mistakes but who doesn't?"

He was also asked what he thought of the FC Cherveno Zhname 2-1 loss to Real Pepstonia. He replied that he'd been watching the game on a handheld TV on the sidelines the whole time.

"I was really getting nervous watching that one, but they made a few rare mistakes from a team like that and it cost them. I just hope they can make a few more this weekend, know what I mean?"
[/PSNN]

Seagulls Victorious after a Tough Game


The "historical" rivalry between Thracian and Montfortslavian teams once again produced a spectacular game. The two teams were equal in almost every respect, and the Seagulls managed to win thanks to a lucky goal by Shaban at the 85th minute.

"We are of course happy to defeat the Montofrtslavians" said coach Panayotou. "My boys were disciplined, well-organized, and committed to victory. if we are like that in every game, nobody can stop us!".

LEGION FAILS TO SEAL THE DEAL
Royal Constantinople's Second Half Brilliance Wins Match

Perhaps the only word which can sum Ajax United's emotion is 'disappointment'.

"We had it in our grasp," shrugged Vincent Bodega, who scored the lone legion goal in the first half, "but when we let one slip by, our defense fell to pieces, and that's when they took advantage. Frankly, I want to apologize to the fans. We really didn't put out our full effort."

Fans seem to disagree, though. Although saddened by the debut loss, the overall consensus was that the team put out their best effort and were simply outdone by a better squad.

"They just need to get past this and focus on the Seagulls. That's the real obstacle in our path," noted one avid fan through a mask of red and gold paint on his face. Many of these fans will be back on the weekend for the Burgas invasion, and many fans, hoping for an upset, have been preparing for the event.

Now, it's up to the team to have the same focus.

Byzanthine Trans-Balkanic Sports Center (BTBSC)
subdivision of BNN

ROYAL CONSTANTINOPLE GREAT DEBUT : BRILLIANT WIN AGAINST AJAX UNITED IN THEIR FIRST GAME!
As coach Faustinus Salapasidis promissed, quote "The cavalry is ready for the charge, and its gonna be a magnificient one."unquote. On their first game and writing the first page of their history, the recently formed team of Royal Constantinople, played a professional game that sastify and even overpass the expectatives for this match.

The Ajax United playing was skillfull and dominated the ballon on the first half. But Royal Constantinople showed that they are a worthy adversary not-to understimate, and, in the second half, went for both the tie and win goal.

Results :
Ajax United : 1 (Vincent Bodega, 21:10 minute)
Royal Constantinople : 2 (Reynell Pirous, 51:00 minutes; Henricus Bjarko, 76:20 minutes)

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE BALKAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION COMMISSIONER:

GAME TWO RESULTS:

Royal Constantinople [Byzanthine] – 0/0/0 –- 0
FC Montfortslavia United – 0/0/0 – 0

Burgas Seagulls [Thracia] – 1/0 – 1
Ajax United [New Achaea] – 1/3 – 4

FC Cherveno Zhname [Bulgarite] – 0/0 –- 0
Libtzograd Nationals [Perussia] – 0/1 -- 1

Graspers of Pelf [Annoyastan] – 0/0 -- 0
Real Pepestionia – 0/2 – 2

STANDINGS (W-L-T-PTS)

EAST
Royal Constantinople [Byzanthine] 1-0-1-3
Ajax United [New Achaea] 1-1-0-2
Burgas Seagulls [Thracia] 1-1-0-2
FC Montfortslavia United 0-1-1-1

WEST
Libtzograd Nationals [Perussia] 2-0-0-4
Real Pepestionia 2-0-0-4
Graspers of Pelf [Annoyastan] 0-2-0-0
FC Cherveno Zhname [Bulgarite] 0-2-0-0


NEXT WEEK’S GAMES

Midweek
FC Montfortslavia United at Ajax United [New Achaea]
Burgas Seagulls [Thracia] at Royal Constantinople [Byzanthine]
Libtzograd Nationals [Perussia] at Real Pepestionia
Graspers of Pelf [Annoyastan] at FC Cherveno Zhname [Bulgarite]

Weekend
Ajax United [New Achaea] at FC Montfortslavia United
Royal Constantinople [Byzanthine] at Burgas Seagulls [Thracia]
Real Pepestionia at Libtzograd Nationals [Perussia]
FC Cherveno Zhname [Bulgarite] at Graspers of Pelf [Annoyastan]

Byzanthine Trans-Balkanic Sports Center (BTBSC)
subdivision of BNN

NO WINNER, NO LOSER

On the results from game 2, surprise came along, once again, unless this time, neither both of the teams fans arent fully enchanted....and neither dissapointed.

Royal Constantinople and FC Monfortslavia United game ended with a tie, with no goal from both teams. A third time, following the rule of the "golden" goal, was played, with the same result.

Near 80% of the action ocurred on the midfields, and the ball posetion is relatively equal in total. Royal Constantinople only managed to perform 5 failed attempts to make a goal, while FC Monfortslavia United managed to perform 7 attempts.

With this tie, Royal Constantinople stays at first position on the east, with 3 points, and second in the league, overpassed by Libtzograd Nationals of Perussia with 4 points.

GAME 3 : ROYAL CONSTANTINOPLE and BURGAS SEAGULLS

The third game of the season will be the first game played by Royal Constantinople as local, when the team will receive our neighbor, the Burgas Seagulls of Thracia.

What to expect? A game full of surprises. Be ready, fans, and go and get the tickets and support our boys! The estimation is that at least 40% of our new and soon-to-be-inaggurated stadium seats will be occupied by Thracians that have the advantage of the relatively short distance between both nations, and the facilities of Border crossing between us.

This game will be the first official one played on the stadium, and even his majesty Emperor Constantine Ferdinand of Hapsburg will be assisting. It's also rumored that some high Thracians officers will be joining the Emperor.

Graspers Drop Second Game, 2-0
Real Pepestonia “Real Good” says Takkich

20 January 2004 – Pepestonia – (ANS) In a game that showed marked improvement from their mistaken-prone play of the first game, the Graspers of Pelf played a hard-fought match with Real Pepestonia, finding themselves finally on the short side of a 2-0 score. “It’s hard to talk optimistically after a loss,” coach Takkich said to the press afterwards, “but after the terrible first game of the season, we are encouraged to lose a close one like this.”

The midfielders dominated first half play, as neither team managed a serious scoring challenge. Second half play resumed along the same tightly-fought lines, till at 66 minutes the Graspers defense was caught too far up field, and the Pepestonian offense broke free up the center and scored with a low shot to Gorpius’s left. The Annoyastani team then pushed the Pepestonia defense hard for a tying goal, with several nice shots being stopped by superior plays by the Pepestonian netkeeper. Late in the game the Graspers defense was again caught out of position, and the Pepestonia goal at 81 minutes put the game out of reach for the visiting Graspers.

While Takkich was encouraged, the players seemed downcast at game’s end. “It’s tough, not scoring a goal in two straight games,” said forward Maxi Arcolzyx. “And it’s tough starting on the road like this as well. And it’s not getting any easier.” Tikko Chamchak, who made a number of nice plays at midfield for the Pelfmen, was more optimistic. “We’re coming together as a team. We had our shots. We just have to keep working, and good things will happen. It’s a long season, and now we have to think of Cherveno Zhname. It’s time to turn this thing around.”

Seagulls Try to Cope with Humiliating Defeat

The Burgas Seagulls were merely a shadow of their old selves against Ajax United. The Thracian players look tired in the second half and their defense seemed totally unmotivated.

"We should have been able to retain our energy level throughout the game. It is difficult to understand and inexcusable that my guys just 'dropped the ball' in the second half. I will see to it that this will never happen again", said Coach Panayotou.

Panayotou concluded his statement by congratulating Ajax United and by asking the full and enthusiastic support of the fans in the game against Royal Constantinople.

SHOCKING UPSET FOR LEGION
Squad Draws Upon Top Performances Against Burgas Seagulls

The crowd would not leave the stadium for a full half hour after the match.

Who could blame them, after a dazzling performance by the Ajax United football team to match themselves against the league's elite Burgas Seagulls team. With a deafening roar of the home crowd blanketing the second half of the match, many say the homefield advantage lifted the fighting team on its wings to run toward a 4-1 upset over the experienced Thracian squad.

"It just goes to show that they have what it takes to play these teams," commented a bewildered Coach Leopold Garrison, "They have as much heart and soul for the game as any, even the Seagulls."

Most wouldn't count out Burgas, however, and cite their number-one preseason ranking by New Achaean sports writers as a verifiable testament to their ability.

"They'll be back, for sure," sighed an exasperated Dominic Vitoli, who only let up one goal early in the game. "Count on it. You could see the cup in their eyes."

The same could be said of Royal Constantinople, who now hold a slim lead in the Eastern Division over Ajax United with 3 points after a draw with FCM United. The latter have drawn a double-header against the legion, with the midweek game at home and the weekend game seeing Ajax United make their first road trip to play in Montfortslavia. As for the upcoming battle with a seasoned squad of competitors, none of the players commented, choosing to enjoy their victory while they could. Tomorrow, however, will be another day of hard practice in preparation for a potential assault for the division lead.

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE BALKAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION COMMISSIONER:

GAME THREE RESULTS:

FC Montfortslavia United – 0/1 -- 1
Ajax United [New Achaea] – 0/0 -- 0

Burgas Seagulls [Thracia] – 1/0/0 -- 1
Royal Constantinople [Byzanthine] – 0/1/0 --1

Libtzograd Nationals [Perussia] – 0/1 -- 1
Real Pepestionia – 0/0 -- 0

Graspers of Pelf [Annoyastan] – 2/0 -- 2
FC Cherveno Zhname [Bulgarite] – 1/0 -- 1

STANDINGS (W-L-T--PTS)

EAST
Royal Constantinople [Byzanthine] 1-0-2--4
Burgas Seagulls [Thracia] 1-1-1--3
FC Montfortslavia United 1-1-1--3
Ajax United [New Achaea] 1-2-0--2

WEST
Libtzograd Nationals [Perussia] 3-0-0--6
Real Pepestionia 2-1-0--4
Graspers of Pelf [Annoyastan] 1-2-0--2
FC Cherveno Zhname [Bulgarite] 0-3-0--0

Things looking up for FCMU
MNS

After a shocking start with a defeat against the long-time rivals Burgas Seagulls, followed up by a mediocre none-to-none tie with Royal Constantinople, it would appear that FC Montfortslavia United has finaly shaken of the bad mid-field karma that had haunetd them to strike out a well-deserved victory against Ajax United for the minimun diference.

However, much to the delight of thousands of fans who strormed the local pubs in Montagar in hopes of a better outcome this time, the team has demonstrated that they still need to improve on their game, as was commented by some international media.

In response to this, FCMU has declared that there will be a week-long training session in looks for its upcoming matches that will take on thr group`s gigants in order to gain its place in the next round, after several years of just staying in the doorstep of victory.

"There is no third appenpt that fails" expressed Bora Tahelovic, a local resident after this week`s victory. Lets hope hes not too much mistaken.

GRASPERS GRASP VICTORY, 2-1
Borkos, Kraklc Goals End Road Trip on Positive Note
Spiderman Frustrates Cherveno Zhname Efforts
Bulgarite – (ANS) The Graspers of Pelf chalk one up in the win column tonight, after a hard fought 2-1 victory on the road. Just as fans were wondering if the Graspers would ever score this season, Yvor Borkos intercepted an errant pass at midfield and looped a long shot into the upper corner of the goal at the 17 minute mark to give Pelf the early lead. The Graspers seemed energized by the goal and began a relentless assault on the Bulgarite net, culminating in a header to the net at 23 minutes by Pavo Kraklc, and a 2-0 score. The Graspers resumed the attack immediately thereafter, till a stolen ball at midfield and an out of position defense resulted in a Cherveno Zhname score, and a tight contest again.

In the second half the Pelfmen concentrated on a cautious defensive game, which almost proved to be a big mistake, as Cherveno Zhname responded to the challenge and picked up the tempo of the game. Annoyastan was off balance for much of the second half; Cherveno drove at the net again and again, only to be turned away by the Spiderman, who was truly the star of the game in preserving the Pelf margin of victory.

FC Cherveno Zhname will seek to return the favor this weekend, when they visit the Annoyastan for a game in the PeZ Palace Arena. The Graspers will have to bear down and give Gorpius some support if they expect to escape with a point in their home opener, which has been sold out, standing room only since the day tickets went on sale.

Seagulls Happy with their Improved Prefomance

What a difference a few days make! Burgas Seagulls were much better organized in the field against Royal Constantinople than they were against Ajax United. They were also in a fighting mood and played a more "physical" game. Physicality was their advantage but also the reason they did not win this game: It was an unnecessarily aggressive tackle of a Royal player, on the 82th minute, that resulted in a penalty and cost them a goal.

"I am glad that my boys played seriously; they gave 100% of their energy to the game, but they need to be more careful; they need to combine physicality with intelligence. That's our goal now", said Coach Panayotou in the post-game press conference.

SECOND HALF FRUSTRATION CONTINUES
FCM United Draw First Blood in Double-Header

It all seemed like an opening week flashback. A well-fought first half, though nothing able to stop a lone kick to the back of the net by a brilliant FCM Utd. shot outside of the box. Another second half loss has left devoted fans in frustration as the legion now sits at the very bottom of the Eastern Division rankings, even though they remain a mere two points behind Royal Constantinople. Many are wondering if the gap can be shrunk, however, as another match against the reformed Montfortslavian team waits for them on the weekend. What's worse, the game is in Montfortslavia this time, away from homefield advantage.

Then again, there is no shame in finding this challenge in a nasty division. FCM United's new workings are, well, working. Royal Constantinople remains undefeated, although the Burgas Seagulls host them on the weekend in an effort to trade places with them on the standings. Speaking of which, the staff has put out a prediction list for the oncoming matches:

FCM United over Ajax United
It's the end of the road, devoted fans. Albeit they remain the only team to defeat the favorite seagulls, their performance has waned in their other matches, and they will have no stamina to last two halves on the road in Montfortslavia.

Burgas Seagulls over Royal Constantinople
They forced the home team to come back and tie them in the second half, and that was on the road. Well, they'll be ready to take them on in Thracia, and thanks to the blessing of homefield advantage, the Seagulls should edge out Royal for the division lead.

Libtzograd Nationals over Real Pepestonia
This should be a good game, but no one expects the Perussian supersquad to concede a perfect season. They're on their way, and should be able to keep things afloat here. No promises though. Pepestonia didn't rise to a second place in the division by slacking off like Ajax United.

FC Cherveno Zhname over Graspers of Pelf
Our upset pick. Nobody but nobody should finish without a win in this league of excellent teams. The squad from Bulgarite could be able to restore some hope and pride in their fans this time around.

So, overall, our call for a Burgas Seagulls championship is still alive, so hooray for some gutsy predictions on our part. In the meantime, our hats off to the FCM United direction which proved us wrong. They are still a force to be reckoned with, no matter what changes they made.

Perussia Defeats Pepstonia and Takes The Lead in the BFA
Perussian Supersquad Takes First!

[PSNN]
For the the third week in a row, the Libtzograd Nationals maintain dominance on the field. After a shocking upset over the Bulgarite team over the weekend, the Nationals defeated Real Pepstonia last night in a 1-0 game. The win puts the Perussians in first with Pepstonia and Byzthine close on it's heels. They play Real Pepstonia again this weekend and hopes are high.

Coach Chezvik: Well the last two games have really been gettin to us. I think you'll start to see us slowing down here in the next few games, but I think we got another win in us. Right now these guys are really feeling it and uh, I think they're gonna need a little rest after this week. You know? I mean two strait games against Pepstonia! It don't get much harder than that!*laughs*

We also got a chance to speak with Marcus Horbichev, the National's starting goal keeper.

Marcus Horbichev: Oh yeah, these guy's are definately startin to look tired out there. I talked the Dom (LD, Dom Bolshik) after the game and he said "Another game like this and we'll be refloring the these d*** locker benches with matresses!"

[/PSNN]

Byzanthine Trans-Balkanic Sports Center (BTBSC)
subdivision of BNN

TIE!TIE!TIE!

Fans of the Royal Constantinople were slightly dissapointed when the team only managed to achieve a tie on their first game as locals. Several critics has been launched at coach Faustinus Salapasidis, including his decition of relinquish on this games from the veterans midfielders and focusing more on defense, some sudden changes in the roster, and the tragic mistake of the captain and forward Reynell Pirous, that cost him the red card, getting expelled, gave the seagulls the penalty shot that became their single goal, and the Royal Constantinople had to play with one less man on the front.

We have been unable to contact either Coach Faustinus Salapasidis or the rest of the team at the moments.

The next game will be again between the two teams, this time the Seagulls will be playing local at their stadium.

Royal Constantinople still remains first in the east division, and second in the league.

GRASPERS HOME OPENER THIS WEEKEND
PeZ – (ANO) The Graspers of Pelf will open their home schedule this weekend, against the visiting Bulgarite team, Cherveno Zhname. The Graspers won their first game of the season against the Bulgarites on Wednesday by a 2-1 tally, and you can bet that the Zhnames are eager to turn the tables on the hometown heroes. The game has been sold out since before the season started, but there will be 200 standing-room-only tickets made available at 8AM. They’ll go quick. Coach Rogo Takkich reports that it will be the same starters and the same basic game plan tomorrow. Says Takkich, “It’s all execution. We’ve planned our work, now we need to work our plan. It’s a game of inches, and all we can do is go out there, play hard, and good things will come our way.” The Graspers offense has been struggling this season, and you can bet that the Spiderman will be up for a big game before the hometown crowd on opening day. This reporter likes the Pelfmen in this game: look for a 2-0 final score.

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE BALKAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION COMMISSIONER:

GAME FOUR RESULTS:

Ajax United [New Achaea] – 0/0 -- 0
FC Montfortslavia United – 1/1 -- 2

Royal Constantinople [Byzanthine] – 1/0/1 --2
Burgas Seagulls [Thracia] – 0/1/0 -- 1

Real Pepestionia – 0/0 -- 0
Libtzograd Nationals [Perussia] – 1/1 -- 2

FC Cherveno Zhname [Bulgarite] – 1/0 -- 1
Graspers of Pelf [Annoyastan] – 0/0 -- 0


STANDINGS (W-L-T-PTS)

EAST
Royal Constantinople [Byzanthine] 2-0-2—6
FC Montfortslavia United 2-1-1--5
Burgas Seagulls [Thracia] 1-2-1--3
Ajax United [New Achaea] 1-3-0--2

WEST
Libtzograd Nationals [Perussia] 4-0-0--8
Real Pepestionia 2-2-0--4
Graspers of Pelf [Annoyastan] 1-3-0--2
FC Cherveno Zhname [Bulgarite] 1-3-0—2


NEXT WEEK’S GAMES

MIDWEEK
FC Montfortslavia United at Royal Constantinople [Byzanthine]
Ajax United [New Achaea] at Burgas Seagulls [Thracia]
Libtzograd Nationals [Perussia] at FC Cherveno Zhname [Bulgarite]
Real Pepestionia at Graspers of Pelf [Annoyastan]

WEEKEND
FC Montfortslavia United at Burgas Seagulls [Thracia]
Ajax United [New Achaea] at Royal Constantinople [Byzanthine]
Libtzograd Nationals [Perussia] at Graspers of Pelf [Annoyastan]
Real Pepestionia at FC Cherveno Zhname [Bulgarite]

Seagulls Disappointed but not Embarrassed: 1-2

Another tough match for Burgas Seagulls ended in disappointment. The Thracian players played enthusiastically but were not able to stop the Constantinople offense.

When everyone began to think that the match will end in a 1-1 tie, on the 4th minute of extra time, Royal Constantinople managed to score a a very valuable goal that had a crashing effect on the Thracian team.

"Although my boys lost, I am still proud of their preformance this time," said Coach Panayotou, after the game.

DREAM IS CLOSE AT HAND
MNS-Sports

More details coming soon after this messages.

GAFFES GROUND GRASPERS
Offensive Woes Continue in 1-0 Home Opener Loss
26 January 2004 – PeZ – (ANS) A capacity crowd of 66,000 Football Fanatics turned out in the PeZ Palace yesterday for a disappointing home opener for the Graspers of Pelf. The Graspers, seeking to make it two straight victories over the Bulgarite club of FC Cherveno Zhname, instead came up on the short end of a 1-0 score. The Pelfers seemed unaccountably somnambulant for much of the game – as has been their trademark this season, the Graspers mounted almost no offense against the visitors, making mistake after mistake, turnover after turnover. In four games this season, the Pelf club has managed only two goals, both coming in their lone victory last weekend over this selfsame Bulgarite club. The only bright spot for the Pelfmen – once again – was the Spiderman in the nets, as he made several outstanding saves on excellent chances by the Zhname club, single-handedly keeping the contest closer than it really was.

After the game coach Takkich seemed shaken by his clubs poor showing. “This is not a complicated game,” he said. “Kick the ball. Put it in the net. It’s a kid’s game. That’s all there is to it. Kick the ball. In the net. Kick the ball. In the net.” It sounds like the team will be returning to the games fundamentals in practice this week, as the club will try for a win midweek against Real Pepestonia.

Byzanthine Trans-Balkanic Sports Center (BTBSC)
subdivision of BNN

THE EAGLE REMAINS FIRM!

The Royal Constantinople remains on the first position of the east division and second of the league after the 4th match, when they defeated 2-1 to the Burgas Seagull.

Another tie was becoming a threat on the horizon, when, on the minute 4th of the extra time, Josua Xaphanious, a rookie middlefield, took advantage of a blank space on the Seagulls defense and went for the victory goal.

"It was so exciting! i dont have words to describe it!" saids the middlefielder about his first goal in a professional game.

The next game will be at home, played against FC Monfortslavia United. Despite the long travel, over 5,000 seats has already been bought by Monsfortslavia citizens, and the flights has been overflowed between both nations.

Seats sold-out for showdown
Will the magic last?

With only one point diferential from next week´s rivals, the leader of the pack Royal Constantinople, FC Montfortslavia United started intensive training this tuesday in looks to its next match.

After a slow start on the season, that placed them on the bottom of the list, in rememberance of the two horrible past seasons of the Rennaisance Cup, the team induced some drastic changes in leadership and strategy and "the magic" has worked so far, so good for the team.

With 5 points, FCMU managed to climb from the bottom of the pack to the second place, where the task is now to take a big shot at Royal Constantinople.

Fans from all over the nation have made arrangements to fly to Byzanthine to witness what may be, the biggest game in the season for our team. A tie would place FCMU still on the second place. Well enough to classify for the next round, pending a neutral result from Burgas Seagulls and Ajax United. Then in that case, the final stance of the team would be decided at the weekend match against Burgas Seagulls, in what would be THE most dramatic campaing closure for the team.

A victory in the midweek game would secure the ticket to the next round almost without failure, but with a look-out for the rest of the runner-up games.

For now, all the eyes and hearts of Montfortslavia will be glued to the chairs where in 90 minutes, the team will try to beat the odds and hope, that the magic doesnt wear out.

29 January 2003
FROM THE OFFICE OF THE BALKAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION COMMISSIONER:

GAME FIVE RESULTS:

FC Montfortslavia United – 1/0/1 -- 2
Royal Constantinople [Byzanthine] – 1/0/0 -- 1

Ajax United [New Achaea] – 1/1 -- 2
Burgas Seagulls [Thracia] – 1/0 -- 1

Libtzograd Nationals [Perussia] – 0/1 -- 1
FC Cherveno Zhname [Bulgarite] – 1/1 -- 2

Real Pepestionia – 1/0/0 -- 1
Graspers of Pelf [Annoyastan] – 1/0/0 -- 1


STANDINGS (W-L-T-PTS)

EAST
FC Montfortslavia United 3-1-1--7
Royal Constantinople [Byzanthine] 2-1-2—6
Ajax United [New Achaea] 2-3-0--4
Burgas Seagulls [Thracia] 1-3-1--3

WEST
Libtzograd Nationals [Perussia] 4-1-0--8
Real Pepestionia 2-2-1--5
FC Cherveno Zhname [Bulgarite] 2-3-0—4
Graspers of Pelf [Annoyastan] 1-3-1--3

WEEKEND GAMES
FC Montfortslavia United at Burgas Seagulls [Thracia]
Ajax United [New Achaea] at Royal Constantinople [Byzanthine]
Libtzograd Nationals [Perussia] at Graspers of Pelf [Annoyastan]
Real Pepestionia at FC Cherveno Zhname [Bulgarite]

Following this upcoming weekend's games, we will begin the portion of the schedule where teams will play the teams in the other division.

LONG SHOT FOR SECOND INSPIRES LEGION
Fans Look to Stars, Seers, and Psychic Hotlines for Hope

Here's the deal. For some reason, Ajax United pulled another miracle win over Burgas Seagulls in the midweek match, thanks to a lucky second-half strike. As a result, we find ourselves out of the pit of despair that was last place, and looking at another shot for a miraculous second-place rise again. So, lucky fans, all you have to do now is pray.

A lot...

You see, a win over division titans Royal Constantinople (Remember them from week one? Yeah, it hurts to think about it. We know...) in the next match would put the legion in second with Royal. Of course, that may be the extent of the possibilities, with FCM United very much decimating the division to the point that none of the other teams feel up to the pain and suffering it would take to assault the first place standing. Again, we ought to know (the double header against FCM was cruel punishment).

So it's small wonder that New Achaea's astrologists are seeing record turnouts. Ajax United is hanging by a thread, but it's better than last week, and to be honest, the staff here has decided to give in to the craze. Our pick for the championship team is now last in the division and tied for last in the league. Who would have guessed? That's what's been so good about this league. No one could guess, which is why we have taken to hope for the next match, the most crucial of the season, IN Byzanthine.

Oh, right...we're playing at their stadium.

Some pelozca with the hope wouldn't hurt...