BarryLFC

Ayr United's August

There were no further additions to the United squad and after a bizarre run of friendly games spanning a 2-0 win at Annan to a 2-1 loss at home to Bayern Munich, competitive action got underway late in July with a trip to England on Challenge Cup duty. In truth Berwick ought to have won. They were better. They even scored with nine minutes to play, but Santino Marini levelled with five to go and scoreless extra time led to penalties. Vareille netted, as did Murie for Berwick, then Santini fired wide. Swanson reciprocated by blazing over before Reid and Coyle made it 2-2. Maisano scored for Ayr, but McLeish failed for Berwick, shooting wide. All that remained was for Marc Kalenga to slot home and the Honest Men were through.

The opening league game was calmer as first half goals from Marini and McLaren steered United past Dumbarton. Drama was back on the menu in the League Cup tie at Ross County. The First Division side led 2-0 after 27 minutes and seemed to be cruising. Not so. Two minutes later Kevin Byers curled home a free kick and three minutes before the break it was 2-2 as Kalenga smacked home a penalty kick. In the second half the revival continued as John Johnston scored and the match was won. It was the first test of United's character and the boys had stood up to be counted, Haraldsson was ecstatic.

Forfar were dismissed 3-1 in a game of three red cards, and Stirling were no match for Ayr in a 2-1 loss at Somerset. Sadly the League Cup run ended at the Second Round as First Division Airdrie United poached a lucky 1-0 win in extra time with a freak goal. Steven McKeown's cross looked destined for the stands until the wind caught it and took it past Konrad in the Ayr goal.

The month ended with two barnstorming games, firstly in the league at Firhill where Ayr led 1-0 after 61 minutes through Weatherson before losing two goals in the next seven mintues to trail. David Graham though found the net with fifteen minutes to play for 2-2 and Gary MacKenzie opened his account after 85 with the winning goal. The red cards were flying like confetti once again at Gretna as, for the second time this season, Ayr saw an opponent have two men dismissed as well as losing one of their own. Santino Marini's goal early in the second half was the only strike when Kenny Deuchar was dismissed in 71 minutes. Two minutes later Gary Tierney joined him before a bizarre decision after 75 saw Eamonn Fullerton become the third dismissal in a four minute period. The game though ended 1-0 and United looked amongst the best in the division.

Stats:

30.07.05 Challenge Cup R1 Berwick 1-1 Ayr Ayr wins 4-2 on pens
M.McGeown 6, M.Casey 6, D.Ramsay 7, B.McLaughlin 8, M.Kalenga 6, R.Logan 5, A.Walker 7 (C.Strain, 81 7), J.Maisano 7, A.Reid 7, J.Vareille 7, S.Marini 7
Goals: S.Marini 85'
Penalties: J.Vareille, A.Reid, J.Maisano, M.Kalenga scored, S.Marini missed.

06.08.05 Second Division Ayr 2-0 Dumbarton
O.Konrad 7, M.Casey 7, D.Ramsay 6, B.McLaughlin 8 (M.Wilson, 90 6), S.Webb 7, M.Kalenga 7, J.Rankin 8 (I.Højsted, 90 6), K.Byers 8, W.McLaren 8, J.Johnston 7 (M.Moore, 45 6), S.Marini 8
Goals: S.Marini 22', W.McLaren 42'

09.08.05 League Cup R1 Ross County 2-3 Ayr
O.Konrad 7, M.Casey 6, M.McLaughlin 7, g.McKenzie 8, S.Webb 7, M.Kalenga 8, J.Rankin 7, K.Byers 8, W.McLaren 9, J.Johnston 8, S.Marini 6 (D.Graham, 45 7)
Goals: K.Byers 29', M.Kalenga pen 42', J.Johnston 69'

13.08.05 Second Division Forfar 1-3 Ayr
O.Konrad 7, P.Weatherson 8, M.McLaughlin 8, G.MacKenzie 8, S.Webb 7, M.Kalenga 8 (M.Wilson, 60 7), J.Rankin 6 (sent off 60), K.Byers 7 (I.Højsted, 60 7), S.Marini 7 (D.Graham, 60 7), J.Johnson 8, W.McLaren 9
Goals: S.Marini 40', P.Weatherson pen 54', J.Johnston 77'

20.08.05 Second Division Ayr 2-1 Stirling
O.Konrad 6, P.Weatherson 6, M.McLaughlin 7, G.MacKenzie 7, S.Webb 7, M.Kalenga 7, I.Højsted 7 (A.Walker, 45 6) (M.Wilson, 79 6), K.Byers 8, S.Marini 7, J.Johnson 7, W.McLaren 6 (D.Graham, 8 7)
Goals: K.Byers 10', J.Johnston 25'

23.08.05 League Cup R2 Ayr 0-1 Airdrie United After extra time.
O.Konrad 6, P.Weatherson 7, M.McLaughlin 6, G.MacKenzie 6, S.Webb 6 (E.Fullerton, 45 6), M.Kalenga 8, J.Rankin 8, K.Byers 6 (I.Højsted, 106 6), D.Graham 6 (T.Brighton, 45 6), J.Johnson 7, S.Marini 6
Goals: None

27.08.05 Second Division Partick 2-3 Ayr
O.Konrad 6, P.Weatherson 8, M.McLaughlin 8, G.MacKenzie 9, S.Webb 7, M.Kalenga 8, J.Rankin 7, K.Byers 6 (I.Højsted, 69 7), B.Carrigan 7 (D.Graham, 27 8), J.Johnson 6 (E.Fullerton, 45 7), S.Marini 7
Goals: P.Weatherson 61', D.Graham 74', G.MacKenzie 85'


30.08.05 Challenge Cup R2 Gretna 0-1 Ayr
R.Giacomi 8, P.Weatherson 9, M.McLaughlin 8, S.Webb 8, G.MacKenzie 7, M.Kalenga 9, I.Højsted 8, K.Byers 7, D.Graham 6 (P.Keogh, 45 7) (M.Wilson, 76 6), J.Johnson 6 (E.Fullerton, 45 5, sent off 75), S.Marini 8
Goals: S.Marini 47'

retired_kristinb9184

It's a bit weird, but I signed Weatherson for Sheffield Wednesday on my game!

shannon2007

Cos he's a loony.

I have to say, this is quite utterly brilliant :thup:

BarryLFC

Cheers. It's fun to play and write.

BarryLFC

Celtic's August

Much like at Somerset, there were no further additions to a Celtic squad filled out from that which opened the season. The first game, in Luxembourg against Dudelange saw a collection of kids and want-aways combine to achieve a 2-0 win in the Second Qualifying Round of the Champions League.

The domestic campaign opened with a similar side disposing of Hearts 3-1 before Dudelange visited. If the fans expected a simple progression to the Third Qualifying round they were not in for a surprise as three goals were scored with no reply. After another 3-0 win, at Kilmarnock, Everton visited for a massive qualifying game. Despite the visitors having a lot of the ball, the likes of McParland and Gary Irvine played out of their skins and the game ended in a pleasing 0-0 draw.

The next game though brought all and sundry down to earth as David Clarkson scored four times in a 5-1 win for Motherwell at Fir Park. The press were having a field day and only a simultaneous loss by Rangers to Dundee United prevented matters from getting out of hand. Still, the side bounced back with a fine 5-0 win over Aberdeen which set things up nicely for the trip to Merseyside.

In truth the game was completely one-sided. Celtic were way out of their depth and only a valiant rearguard action prevented their hosts from romping away with the game. Remarkably two goals from John Hartson on the counter attack saw Everton eliminated in the most bizarre circumstances and Ingimarsson's side marched on.

The month ended with a comfortable 3-1 win over Inverness, aided by a late red card for the home side's Tom Parratt, which allowed Maciej Zurawski to claim the clinching goal a minute later. It had been a good month with one notable slip. The ship seemed righted, but with tough games against Rangers and Basel to follow it wasn't getting any easier.

Stats:

27.07.05 Champions League Qual. R2 Leg 1 Dudelange 0-2 Celtic
A.Boruc 7, G.Irvine 7, T.McParland 8, S.Varga 8, C.Mulgrew 7, N.Lennon 7 (D.Agathe, 54 7), A.McGeady 7, T.Bjarnason 8, M.Zurawski 8 (R.Harris, 45 7), J.Hartson 7, C.Beattie 7
Goals: M.Zurawski 20', R.Harris pen 61'

30.07.05 SPL Celtic 3-1 Hearts
A.Boruc 7, G.Irvine 7, T.McParland 8, S.Varga 9, C.Mulgrew 7, N.Lennon 7, A.McGeady 7, T.Bjarnason 8, R.Harris 8, J.Hartson 9, C.Beattie 7
Goals: J.Hartson 25', pen 80', 89'

03.08.05 Champions League Qual. R2 Leg 2 Celtic 3-0 Dudelange Celtic win 5-0 on aggregate
A.Boruc 8, G.Irvine 9, T.McParland 8, S.Varga 8, C.Mulgrew 7, N.Lennon 7, A.McGeady 7, T.Bjarnason 8 (N.Riley, 90 6), R.Harris 7 (M.Zurawski, 90 7), J.Hartson 9, C.Beattie 9
Goals: J.Hartson 35', 79', M.Zurawski pen 90'

06.08.05 SPL Kilmarnock 0-3 Celtic
A.Boruc 9, G.Irvine 8, T.McParland 9, S.Varga 8, Du Wei 9, C.Mulgrew 7, S.Severin 7, T.Bjarnason 7 (N.Riley, 45 8), M.Zurawski 9, J.Hartson 9, C.Beattie 7 (R.Harris, 45 7)
Goals: C.Beattie 45', J.Hartson 74', 89'

10.08.05 Champions League Qul R3 Leg 1 Celtic 0-0 Everton
A.Boruc 7, G.Irvine 7, T.McParland 7, S.Varga 7, C.Mulgrew 7, N.Lennon 7, S.Severin 7, T.Bjarnason 7, M.Zurawski 6, J.Hartson 7, C.Beattie 7
Goals: None

13.08.05 SPL Motherwell 5-1 Celtic
A.Boruc 6, G.Irvine 6, T.McParland 6, S.Varga 6, C.Mulgrew 5 (L.Wallace, 45 6), N.Lennon 6, S.Severin 6, T.Bjarnason 6 (N.Riley, 45 6), M.Zurawski 7, J.Hartson 6, C.Beattie 7
Goals: C.Beattie 50'

20.08.05 SPL Celtic 5-0 Aberdeen
A.Boruc 9, G.Irvine 8, T.McParland 8, Du Wei 9, L.Wallace 8, N.Lennon 8, S.Severin 8, T.Bjarnason 9, M.Zurawski 10, J.Hartson 9, B.Balaban 7 (M.Esposito, 45 7)
Goals: J.Hartson 5', 23', M.Zurawski 7', 35', pen 54'

24.08.05 Champions League Qul R3 Leg 2 Everton 0-2 Celtic Celtic win 2-0 on aggregate
A.Boruc 8, G.Irvine 9, T.McParland 9, C.Mulgrew 8, L.Wallace 8, N.Lennon 9, S.Severin 8, T.Bjarnason 8, M.Zurawski 7, J.Hartson 9, C.Beattie 7
Goals: J.Hartson 37', 39'

27.08.05 SPL Inverness 1-3 Celtic
A.Boruc 7, G.Irvine 8, T.McParland 8, Ã�.MejÃ*a 8, A.Ferdinand 8, G.Caldwell 8, S.Severin 8, T.Bjarnason 7 (P.Leven, 70 7), M.Zurawski 9, J.Hartson 9 (M.Esposito, 70 7), B.Balaban 8
Goals: J.Hartson 24', B.Balaban 69', M.Zurawski 83'

retired_jgirl87

Fantastic idea, HD. I'm looking forward to a long life for this story. :thup:

BarryLFC

Rangers' August

It wasn't just the fact that Rangers played so well in the early part of the season that amazed onlookers, it was the fact they did it with (a) a squad where only Ian Murray (24) and Barry Ferguson (28) were aged over 23; and (b) they did it with players mostly earning less than £1,000 per week.

Though Joél Garçon had achieved success in the alternate world by playing Bosko Balaban and Vyacheslav Hleb up front, he was far from dismayed to see the pair join and agree to join Celtic respectively. Bringing in the young players that other sides didn't have the patience to develop was the basic premise and the initial results were, if not spectacular, certainly impressive.

SPL wins at Falkirk and at home to Hibs were achieved, each by two goals to one and already it was clear that Matteo Ardemagni was a match winner. After a 1-1 home draw with Udinese in Champions League Qualification, Kilmarnock were dismissed 3-1. Then it started to go a little sour. An own goal from Steven Hammell gave Dundee United a 2-1 win at Tannadice before Udinese came from behind to win 2-1 in Italy and eliminate Garçon's side from the premier European competition at the Third Qualifying Round.

Some solidity returned with a 1-0 win over Dunfermline, but with VitorÃ*a Setúbal and Celtic coming up in September it wasn't the best form to be in. The hangover from Udine hadn't quite cleared, but in one thing the Rangers fans were certain, they had a new hero and his name was Ardemagni. (Which they pronounced Arr-deh-mah-nyee, because I told them to.)

Stats:

30.07.05 SPL Falkirk 1-2 Rangers

Goals:

06.08.05 SPL Rangers 2-1 Hibernian
C.Gordon 7, D.Semenzato 7, S.Hammell 8, A.Webster 8, A.Peljto 8, M.Thomas 7, A.Baggio 7 (T. Bel Aïd, 73 6), B.Ferguson 7, K.Boyd 7 (S.Giovinvo, 73 6), F.Piovaccari 7 (Q.Abeyie, 73 6), M.Ardemagni 8
Goals: M.Ardemagni 10', 53'

10.08.05 Champions League Qualifying R3 Leg 1 Rangers 1-1 Udinese
C.Gordon 8, D.Semenzato 6, S.Hammell 7, A.Webster 7, A.Peljto 6, M.Thomas 4 (I.Murray, 45 6), A.Baggio 7, B.Ferguson 7, K.Boyd 7, F.Piovaccari 7 (Q.Abeyie, 79 6), M.Ardemagni 7 (S.Giovinvo, 79 6)
Goals: M.Ardemagni 40'

13.08.05 SPL Rangers 3-1 Kilmarnock
C.Gordon 7, D.Semenzato 6 (I.Murray, 57 7), S.Hammell 8, A.Webster 8, A.Peljto 7, J.Cetout 7, A.Baggio 7, B.Ferguson 7, K.Boyd 7 (Q.Abeyie, 57 7), F.Piovaccari 7 (S.Giovinco, 45 7), M.Ardemagni 8
Goals: K.Boyd 8', F.Piovaccari 37', M.Ardemagni 62'

20.08.05 SPL Dundee United 2-1 Rangers
C.Gordon 7, D.Semenzato 6, S.Hammell 6, A.Webster 7, A.Peljto 7, J.Cetout 6 (I.Murray, 45 7), A.Baggio 7, B.Ferguson 6, K.Boyd 7 (Q.Abeyie, 77 6), F.Piovaccari 6 (S.Giovinco, 45 7), M.Ardemagni 7
Goals: M.Ardemagni 50'

24.08.05 Champions League Qualifying R3 Leg 2 Udinese 2-1 Rangers Udinese win 3-2 on aggregate
C.Gordon 6, I.Murray 6, S.Hammell 6, A.Webster 6, A.Peljto 6 (D.Semenzato, 71 7), J.Cetout 7, B.Ferguson 7, A.Baggio 7, K.Boyd 7, F.Piovaccari 7 (S.Giovinco, 71 6), M.Ardemagni 7
Goals: K.Boyd 63'

27.08.05 SPL Rangers 1-0 Dunfermline
L.Pidgeley 7, I.Murray 7, S.Hammell 7, A.Webster 7, A.Peljto 7, J.Cetout 7, B.Ferguson 7, A.Baggio 7 (P.Sammarco, 45 7), K.Boyd 7 (S.Giovinco, 13 7), F.Piovaccari 7 (Q.Abeyie, 79 6), M.Ardemagni 8
Goals: M.Ardemagni 20'

BarryLFC

For whatever reason the game has decided I can't check as far back as the Falkirk game...I'm sure Ardemagni scored at least once, possibly Boyd with the other.

BarryLFC

Rangers' September

After a successful August the hopes were high around Ibrox that this campaign could be successful despite the unusual squad composition. Of course nobody else knew anything about alternate realities or any such stuff, so they were yet to be fully convinced by Garçon.

A 1-0 win at Livingston to open the month was greatfully received, but it was the heroic performance in a 2-0 home victory over VitorÃ*a Setúbal that really brought the support on side. Despite this win, however, defeat at Celtic was a blow. An even Old Firm game had flowed back and forth, but it was a Maciej Zurawski strike shortly after half time that ultimately seperated the sides.

Airdrie United were efficiently dispatched 4-0 in the League Cup, but a 1-1 draw at home to Motherwell was not the best of preparations for a trip to Portugal. In the end it was not to be a disaster though as Kris Boyd marked his comeback from an injury absence with the only goal and Rangers progressed to the group stages.

The side had only conceded two goals in the entire month, but sadly those slips had cost Garçon's men five points in the league table and left them sitting in third place, just behind a resurgent Aberdeen and three points off Celtic. With both Hearts and Aberdeen to follow in October it seemed the tenth month of the year would prove make or break for Rangers.

Stats:

10.09.05 SPL Livingston 0-1 Rangers
L.Pidgeley 7, I.Murray 8, S.Hammell 8, A.Webster 8, P.RuÃ*z 7, A.Peljto 8 (B.Ferguson, 80 6), A.Pederzoli 6 (T. Bel Aïd, 45 7), A.Baggio 7, Q.Abeyie 7 (S.Giovinvo, 80 6), F.Piovaccari 7, M.Ardemagni 7
Goals: Piovaccari 40'

15.09.05 UEFA Cup R1 Leg 1 Rangers 2-0 Vit. Setúbal
L.Pidgeley 8, I.Murray 8, S.Hammell 8, A.Webster 8, P.RuÃ*z 8 (B.Ferguson, 82 6) A.Peljto 6, A.Pederzoli 7, A.Baggio 7, Q.Abeyie 7 (S.Giovinvo, 82 7), F.Piovaccari 7, M.Ardemagni 8
Goals: M.Ardemagni 32', 45'

18.09.05 SPL Celtic 1-0 Rangers
C.Gordon 7 (L.Pidgeley, 72 7), I.Murray 6, S.Hammell 8, A.Webster 8, P.RuÃ*z 7, B.Ferguson, 7, A.Pederzoli 7 (P.Sammarco, 45 7), A.Baggio 7, Q.Abeyie 7, F.Piovaccari 7 (D.Semenzato, 72 6), M.Ardemagni 6
Goals: None

21.09.05 League Cup R3 Rangers 4-0 Airdrie United
L.Pidgeley 8, D.Semenzato 9, S.Hammell 10, A.Webster 8, P.RuÃ*z 7, B.Ferguson 7, A.Pederzoli 8, A.Baggio 8, F.Piovaccari 9, Q.Abeyie 9 (S.Giovinco, 45 7), M.Ardemagni 9
Goals: M.Ardemagni 5', 16', Q.Abeyie 21', F.Piovaccari 32'

24.09.05 SPL Rangers 1-1 Motherwell
L.Pidgeley 6, D.Semenzato 7, S.Hammell 9, A.Webster 7, P.RuÃ*z 6 (A.Peljto, 84 6), B.Ferguson 7, A.Pederzoli 7 (P.Sammarco, 84 6), A.Baggio 7, F.Piovaccari 7, Q.Abeyie 6, M.Ardemagni 7 (S.Giovinco, 45 7)
Goals: B.Ferguson pen 74'

29.09.05 UEFA Cup R1 Leg 2 Vit. Setúbal 0-1 Rangers Rangers win 3-0 on aggregate
C.Gordon 7, D.Semenzato 8, S.Hammell 8, A.Webster 8, P.RuÃ*z 6 (A.Peljto, 45 7), B.Ferguson 8, A.Pederzoli 8, A.Baggio 7, Q.Abeyie 7, F.Piovaccari 6 (K.Boyd, 45 7), M.Ardemagni 7
Goals: K.Boyd 63'

BarryLFC

Celtic's September

The arrival of the Champions League made September a bit more exciting for Celtic than it had been for their cross-city rivals. A remarkable run of four consecutive 1-0 wins opened the month, with Falkirk, Basel, Rangers and Dunfermline submitting, but after a disappointing 2-2 draw at Dundee United it was back to a high as a wholly undeserved point was obtained from Sporting Lisbon in a 1-1 draw.

The game in Switzerland was the most unlikely of the results. A late John Hartson goal gave Celtic perhaps their first ever away win in the Champions League group stages and though Lisbon were the better side at Celtic Park, Anton Ferdinand's header late in the first half secured a valuable point.

Domestically three wins out of three were enough to ease away from Rangers and Aberdeen at the top of the league and make progress in the League Cup. Maciej Zurawski's Old Firm winner was dramatic, but it was the supposedl routine wins over Falkirk and Dunfermline, each with goals from Bosko Balaban, that made the difference. Sadly Balaban was hurt against the Pars and would require surgery on his hip.

With the Croat facing more than two months on the sidelines it was a chance for the likes of Garry O'Connor and Eddie Johnson to stake a claim. October would witness four league games, three away from home, and the visit of Lille in a crunch European tie. Time would tell how Ingimarrsson's side hold up.

Stats:

10.09.05 SPL Celtic 1-0 Falkirk
A.Boruc 6, G.Irvine 8, T.McParland 8, A.MejÃ*a 7, A.Ferdinand 6, G.Caldwell 7, S.Severin 7, T.Bjarnason 7, M.Zurawski 7 (B.Balaban, 70 7), J.Hartson 6 (E.Johnson, 45 7), D.Rosu 7 (G.O'Connor, 70 7)
Goals: B.Balaban 79'

14.09.05 Champions League Group F Basel 0-1 Celtic
A.Boruc 7, G.Irvine 7, T.McParland 8, A.MejÃ*a 6 (M.Corrigan, 71 7), A.Ferdinand 8, G.Caldwell 8, S.Severin 7, T.Bjarnason 8 (B.Balaban, 71 7), M.Zurawski 7, J.Hartson 9, D.Rosu 7 (G.O'Connor, 71 7)
Goals: J.Hartson 81'

18.09.05 SPL Celtic 1-0 Rangers
A.Boruc 7, G.Irvine 7, T.McParland 8, A.MejÃ*a 7, A.Ferdinand 7, G.Caldwell 8, S.Severin 8 (C.Gâlcã, 72 7), T.Bjarnason 7 (M.Esposito, 72 7), M.Zurawski 8, J.Hartson 7, D.Rosu 7 (B.Balaban, 45 7)
Goals: M.Zurawski 50'

21.09.05 League Cup R3 Dunfermline 0-1 Celtic
A.Boruc 7, G.Irvine 7, T.McParland 7, A.MejÃ*a 7, A.Ferdinand 7, G.Caldwell 7, S.Severin 8, A.McGeady 7, E.Johnson 7 (G.O'Connor, 13 7), B.Balaban 7 (K.Andersson, 13 6), M.Esposito 8
Goals: B.Balaban 8'

24.09.05 SPL Dundee United 2-2 Celtic
A.Boruc 7, G.Irvine 7 (M.Corrigan, 65 6), T.McParland 7, A.MejÃ*a 7, A.Ferdinand 7, G.Caldwell 7, S.Severin 7 (P.Leven, 65 6), T.Bjarnason 7, D.Rosu 9, J.Hartson 7 (G.O'Connor, 65 6), M.Zurawski 8
Goals: D.Rosu 22', 64'

27.09.05 Champions League Group F Celtic 1-1 Sporting
A.Boruc 6, G.Irvine 6, T.McParland 8, A.MejÃ*a 6 (M.Corrigan, 45 7), A.Ferdinand 7, G.Caldwell 7, S.Severin 7, T.Bjarnason 7, D.Rosu 7, J.Hartson 7 (G.O'Connor, 45 6), M.Zurawski 7
Goals: A.Ferdinand 44'