Sporting League: Game 13
Universo continued their quest for Sporting League domination with a hard fought two goals to one win away against Colne. Universo boss: ‘I think we started that game in reverse, there wasn’t much energy in our younger players. Hey, we’re still unbeaten – not bad for a run down University City team eh? I love the atmosphere at the Colne ground in that it’s rather unsettling. (To a Sporting Times reporter)Have you noticed that? The crowd appeared to indulge in a kind of drawn out murmuration that lasted for the whole of the first half. I think it affected our kids to be honest. The Universo old guard support found their lungs in the second half, and hey presto the ol’ points were in the bag. I’m happy, we grafted out there, the board will have to let the moths fly from their wallets this month and give us all a pay rise.’
Novia won by three goals to two against Zindustrious. Novia B team coach: ‘I love coming to Zindustrious. I used to work on estate 45a ye know? Yeah, I worked on a production line at Maitville Industries. We used to pack various components and things that make the Zindustrious city centre work apparently. There were lots of nuts, bolts and wires. I liked it there, in the factory I mean. I think my mind was erm well… they were very good to me. I used to wear overalls and a mask and ear plugs…I guess it was kinda strange. I liked the banter – a bit like at the Novia training ground.’
Athletico slipped eight points behind the leaders as they were beaten by avante garde icons Pointeso. Pointeso boss: I’m told their number one player might actually have a minor groin strain, which would explain why he wasn’t involved in the Athletican squad at all at the moment. Should he have started if he was fully fit. Interesting isn’t it? I think we lost a bit of cash without that player out there – but we deserved our points.’
Sporting League: Game 12
Universo silenced the wall of abuse from Yop Lane supporters with a decisive home win by three goals to one. Universo boss: ‘I’m annoyed at the media for winding up the Yop supporters today, things were getting pretty scary up in the stands. The thing is, you get a lot of people coming across from the Colbreck district and I don’t care what any of the do gooders say, there are still tensions that run deep between the leagues. As for our performance? Sublime.’
Novia lost a bit of ground on the leaders after being held by the ailing champions Bayerns. Novia supporter: ‘It was pissing it down out there, I can’t think of a time when any of the players were all on their feet – like a bunch of ducks skating across the frozen Mollochi lakes.’
Athletico managed to hang onto the coat tails of the leaders as they won away at Liver Halvers. Sporting Radio: Pundit X: ‘My heads a spinnin’ after that game. I like that aggressive streak that the Athleticans have brought into their game, although they need to try and get the balance right. I detect a decrescent air around the Halvers stadium. I was walking around behind the scenes and thought to myself that it could all do with a lick of paint. I can see that the place was loved once but I don’t know, there is a bit of a sad feeling about the gaff. The thing is mate, I know the staff can’t offer me free executive golf passes and champers but they’re a lovely lot…really humble.’
Pundit Y: ‘I can see ’em goin’ down this season mate.’
Sporting League: game 11
The Yoppites (Yop Lane) got their season back on track with a two goals to one away win over an in form Colne. Yop boss: ‘Points in the bag – should be a case of onwards and upwards from here on. I’m happy with the way our team has adjusted to this league and feel we could aim to try and get ourselves in the top three. Our Chairperson is a bit of a euphuist behind the scenes, I can’t understand a word of it man, but in the dug out we all speak the same language and boy oh boy, that’s why we’re on the march!’
Champions Bayerns seemed to put their uncharacteristic poor start to the season behind them with a crucial goal to nil win over Olby. Bayerns manager PA: ‘The manager has currently gone straight to the board room on private business, but what I will say is that I think we need a bit more depth in the squad. Last season took its toll, and I feel that the supporters will need to be patient as we are probably in a rebuilding phase.’
Athletico made a remarkable comeback against leaders Universo Collunteen with a three – three draw. Sporting Radio: Pundit N: ‘Athletico were the better side over the ninety minutes but those two early penalties conceded may come back to haunt ’em at the business end of the season. I think a lot of the Universo players have got good elevation, good pace and great at going wide. It’s always gonna be a difficult ask against an accomplished outfit like the Athleticans. I guess Universo will take that draw.’
Pundit K: ‘Yee, quality wiv a capital Q will always go a long way in this league.’
Sporting League Game 10
Universo Collunteen extended their lead at the top with a two goals to nil home win over Red Star…Novia appeared to get themselves back on track with a four goals to nil away win over Metronova…Athletico were weaving their magic down at Yop Lane with a three goals to one win…Olby pushed Green Tree into an early relegation zone battle after a solid three goals to one triumph…
Sporting Radio: Pundit X: ‘I’m not sure why the Athletico number one player wants away. The contracts down there are second to none, I mean, I can’t see the player getting into a bigger team.’
Pundit Y: ‘I hear a move to Universo could be on the cards…up and coming team’
Pundit X: ‘I don’t get all this Universo carnival, I can’t see it lasting, the cream always rises to the top. Anyway, what’s the Universo zone got? It’s got a bit of an underground scene for the kids but not much else. I love living in the Athletico zone myself, I’d be lost withou…’
Pundit Y: ‘Without your golf!? C’mon man, these are new times, I’m a bit of an oldie myself nowadays, but lets just say that I’m still partial to hanging out in the Velasch bar in downtown Pointeso!’
Sporting League: Game 9
Universo continued their free scoring top of the league form with a three goals to two win over Bombaya. Universo gaffer: ‘I’m amazed that teams like Bombaya have started to insist on financial support in the current climate. We (Universo) influence a large section of the Sporting League unions. Come to Universo City and we’ll see if something can be done. I seem to get a weekly fine for saying that some elements of the Sporting League are corrupt to the core. Please Bombaya, don’t accept their hand outs!’
Delta continued their run with an away win over Chamber Athlete.
Bayerns won the derby game against old foes Tranquilayers by a goal to nil. Tranquilayers supporter on Sporting Radio phone in: ‘It hasn’t been a big game since we last won the league back in 1995. We really need to go back to the grass roots philosophy and couple that with some big buys. Our chairperson just won’t open the purse strings. There is money at Tranquilayers – we’re still the most exclusive region in Sporting football, but try convincing the board to spend!’
The perennial slackers Novia beat avante garde cool new kids on the block Pointeso by a goal to nought.
News: Delta have banned gambling in their region for six months…Metronova have commissioned a new 100ft sculpture in the downtown Leybergh district…Yop Lane have let their number two defender move to Colbreck club Bayerticks on a free transfer.
