displaced_seagull

Monday morning, and the positive mood in Fairway's camp has lasted approximatley 24 hours. Farnborough have been on the phone as promised - with a refusal from Adam Spicer , the young striker evidentally not favouring a season in Slovakia.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

Bac-Online.sk - Football

'Bookmakers country-wide have now listed their odds for the Slovakian Championship, Cup, and Second Division this season. Focusing on the Second Division, where of course BO.sk's local side, FC Druzstevnik Bac . Stuart Fairway's side are unsuprisingly given long odds for the top spot - 80/1, which will be sure to tempt a few hardcore fans, but probably no serious gamblers, despite the recent signing of former international Milos Glonek. Saturday's opponents, Licartovce, are rated as joint favourites, along with Senec, at 7/4, with Rimavska Sobota at 2/1, Podbrezova and Kosice at 5/2, and a little further out the 5/1 on Prievidza could tempt a few punts'

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

It would be a fruitless week on the striking front - until that is, Saturday morning. Too late for the opening league game of the season, in which Fairway's side would entertain Steel Trans Licartovce .

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

The Sun - Saturday 19/7/03

"English Duo linked with Slovak loans

'Two young English strikers, Daniel Webb of Hull City and Chris Tate of Leyton Orient have both been linked with loan moves for the season to the same club - in Slovakia. Second Division side FC Druzstevnik Bac are managed by an Englishman, Stuart Fairway, and he seems keen to bring a little bit of England to this corner of Eastern Europe. The Slovakian season starts today, with both Webb and Tate still considering the offers. The Sun understands that both loan deals would be for the whole season, with Bac making a nominal contribution to the players' wages whilst in Slovakia'.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Bac v Steel Trans Licartovce - League

Unavailable;

Marian Tomcak - Injured (Knee, 2 months)
Peter Svoboda - Suspended (1 of 1)

At home on the opening day is always a boost, but for Bac, going into the game without the suspended Peter Svoboda, and the injured Marian Tomcak meant that many weren't holding out too much hope. Despite that, the three summer signings did start - Gardosik, Glonek and Benko presented with their new shirts and squad numbers (22, 26 and 23 respectivley) on the pitch before kick-off. With the frivolities out of the way, the game stuttered slowly into life. On 22, Bac recieved a big boost when visiting defender Basista left an elbow in an areial duel with Marek, and was promptly dismissed. It did the striker no harm - shooting over a minute later in Bac's first real chance - but crucially, it didn't affect Licartovce either, and on 24, Kalmar crossed for Lubos Pagor to put them ahead. The goal kickstarted Bac, and Fairway's side should have levelled by half time - Balasz crossing, only for Marek to hammer a shot against the crossbar on 41. After the break the home side again created the first chance - this time the busy Benko shooting over. More half-chances followed - Licartovce looking nothing like Title favourites, as they struggled manfully to contain Bac's powerful midfield probing. Unfortunatley, that was about it - no late leveller, and a defeat to start Stuart Fairway's compeititive reign at Bac.

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Szijjarto, Mikulec, Puchner, Glonek, Balasz (Replaced 45 by Pukalovic), Benko, Meszaros, Horky*, Lupo, Marek

Bac 0 - Licartovce 1

Bac Position after Game; 10th

Peacemaker7

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Steel Trans Licartovce <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I think I started a story on them once that lasted about one post. :o

I know you wanted to know that, erm kutgw etc etc

displaced_seagull

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Peacemaker7:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Steel Trans Licartovce <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I think I started a story on them once that lasted about one post. :o

I know you wanted to know that, erm kutgw etc etc <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Surely not? - Cheers

Tuesday morning, and Stuart Fairway's attempts to land an English striker on loan seemed doomed to fail. Both Chris Tate and Daniel Webb gave thanks, but no thanks, answers to the Bac boss in the morning, leaving him still looking to bolster his attacking options.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

www.planetfootball.com - International News

"Valencia Boss gets Spain Top Job"

'Valencia manager Rafa BenÃ*tez has tonight been appointed Coach of the Spanish national team. BenÃ*tez, 43, keeps his job at Valencia, and is expected to lead Spain to success in their final two European Championship Qualifying group games, taking them into the 2004 finals in neighbouring Portugal'

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

With Saturday's trip to Rapid Bratislava a game between two sides who lost on opening day, Fairway's Bac would have the advantage of welcoming Peter Svoboda back into the squad after his suspension, a one-game ban sustained after a dismissal in preseason.

Rapid Bratislava v Bac - League

Unavailable

Marian Tomcak - Injured (Knee, 2 Months)

With Svoboda returning to the centre of midfield after a ban, Fairway moved Meszaros out to the right hand side - a decision which, though hardly a suprise, allowed Svoboda far more room to express himself creativley. After a slow start, Bac took the lead on 20 minutes in controversial circumstances - Svoboda's ball towards Meszaros seeing the winger tripped inside the area. While Kovac talked himself into a yellow card with incessant protests, Marian Marek stepped up and made no mistake, burying the penalty to a cocophony of cheers from the away supporters behind the goal. The goal helped Bac out of their shells - Lopu, Marek and Benko all having chances soon after - but it would be Rapid who drew level on the stroke of half time. A poor Bac free kick was quickly cleared, before Jan Liptaj chipped a brilliant 45-yard ball forward, for Anton Spisak to race on and rifle the ball home. Liptaj would soon turn to villan - two minutes into the second half, he tripped Bac skipper Marcel Horky, to give Fairway's side a second penalty. Marek deferred this time - Alexander Meszaros bagging his second of the season from the spot. 10 minutes later, deja-vú struck - Bac incredibly awarded their third penalty of the afternoon, and again, the turn of Marian Marek. This time, he failed to score - 'keeper Peter Holec standing his ground, and making a smart stop down low. On 74, strike partner Ernest Lopu showed him how to do it - prodding home at the far post from Benko's low cross to make it 3-1, and claim Bac's first goal of the game from open play. It would be a crucial one - with Rapid getting back into the game, a fine Juraj Liska volley on 84 pulling the side from the capital back into things. Just two minutes later, those hopes - and the match - were dead in the water. Horky's good ball into the left channel released Benko, who got into the are and put a low ball into the mixer. 'Keeper and defender both came for a ball that really should have been left for one of them - and Ernest Lopu nipped in to take advantage, poking home his second of the game from close range to seal the win, and a first three points for Fairway.

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Szijjarto, Mikulec, Puchner, Glonek, Meszaros, Benko, Svoboda, Horky*, Lupo, Marek

Rapid 2 - Bac 4 (Marek, Meszaros, Lopu 2)

Bac Position after Game; 13th

displaced_seagull

No matter how many times he looked at the leauge table, it didn't change things. Despite winning 4-2, other clubs had leapfrogged Bac in the table on goal difference - and despite winning, Stuart Fairway's side had dropped three places, into the first of the four relegation spots in the embryonic table. Despite this, Chairman Albert seemed very happy, publically expressing his delight at the result on local radio after the game.
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>
Bac-Online.sk - Football - Friday 31/7/03

'Bird No, Robinson No in loan hunt'

"Stuart Fairway's hunt for a loanee striker recieved yet another blow on Thursday evening with rejections from two more British-based players. Offers for both Aberdeen's young Welshman Micheal Bird and Brighton & Hove Albion starlet Jake Robinson have rejected the chance to spend a season in Slovakia.

"Obviously it's a big blow" said Bac manager Stuart Fairway, in an exclusive interview with this website. "I can understand it though, as a young player I probably wouldn't have left England to come here on loan - but it's still frustrating. Though I was pleased with Lupo and Marek on Saturday, we can't go on with two fit strikers for much longer, something's bound to happen - and I'll be stepping up the hunt for a player in the next week".

He also hinted that he is fed up with scouring British clubs, and may look closer to home. "There are obviously a lot of talented players in Slovakia, but with nothing to spend, I've been concentrating my efforts on loan deals from abroad. If a name comes up though, I'd obviously pursue it - a more local player could have several advantages over one from abroad"

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Bac v Slovan Dulso Sala - League

Unavailable

Marian Tomcak (Injured - Knee, 2 Months)

With the hunt for a striker becoming ever more painful, Fairway led his side into the third match of the season with an unchanged team. Something else unchanged was the positive start for the home side - after just five minutes, defender Moringl hauled down Ernest Lopu, and was promptly dismissed for his troubles. Though Benko's free kick went flying over the bar, and Bac's Svoboda talked himself into a booking after a borderline offside shout moments later, Fairway's side still had the best of the early exchanges. After Meszaros came close a minute earlier, Ernest Lopu bagged the opener on 20 minutes. His strike - a fine shot on the volley from Szijjarto's cross - had been a long time coming, and the young striker celebrated with typical gusto. It would be 2-0 soon after the interval - provider becoming goalscorer, with Alexander Meszaros driving home after the loose ball fell kindly to him from a cross. With Dulso Sala simply not in the game, Bac ran riot. On 70, Ernest Lopu claimed number three from a well worked free kick, and 8 minutes later, Lopu clinched his hatrick, Svoboda's classy pass almost walked into the net. With over 2000 filling the stadium, Bac up to Third and Lopu's fifth in three games, things were looking good for Fairway and his players.

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Szijjarto, Mikulec, Puchner, Glonek, Meszaros, Benko, Svoboda, Horky*, Lupo, Marek

Bac 4 - Dulso Sala 0 (Lopu 3, Meszaros)

Bac Position after Game; 3rd

bjorn

Oh a Slovakian story.

How's the competition their? Is it hard or do you have a topteam?

Succes with it :thup:

displaced_seagull

Cheers Bjorn - it seems pretty even actually, in both divisions - a good league

Flying 10 places up the league table impressed everyone - not least excitable Chairman Albert. Again, he got on the blower to the local radio station, and again, sounded delighted with the three points and performance which earnt them. He wasn't the only Bac employee hitting the headlines...

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

Bac-Online.sk - Football - Sunday 3/8/03

'Fairway - "Lupo has been superb"'

'Just three games into the new Slovakian Second Division Season, and new Bac manager Stuart Fairway has already seen fit to praise one of his players. Ernest Lupo has started the season very well - bagging five in three appearences for the club.

Fairway told BO.sk; "When I came here, Ernest didn't look much of a player, but when we got down to preseason games, he really started getting into his stride. He's still got a lot of work to do - there's a long, long way to go this season - but it's fair to say I've been delighted with his progress even at this very early stage".

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Wednesday evening, and for the second time this season, all Slovakia is united to watch one game. Unfortnatley, it didn't come off - MSK Zilnia , Slovakia's solitary Champions League interest, crashed at the first hurdle, loosing 4-1 on aggregate to Latvian outfit Skonto Riga - ruining any dreams of a moneyspinning participation in the Group stages. While all that was playing out in Riga, something very different was happening in Bac...

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

Bac-Online.sk - Football - Thursday 7/8/03

"Fairway gets his man - Striker signs for Bac"

" FC Druzstevnik Bac manager Stuart Fairway has finally pulled off a signing he has been aiming for since taking the reigns at the club - that of a striker. Though numerous deals - including an audacious bid for international Slizard Nemeth on loan from his English side, Middlesborough, collapsed, looking closer to home has proved fruitful. With no money to spend, Fairway has had to be prudent, and as such, Robert Patras is perhaps not the biggest name supporters had expected.

Patras, 22, is a Slovakian, and joins on a free from his hometown club FK Zeleziarne Podbrezova, where he has failed to appear in two seasons as a professional. A pacey, right-footed player, Patras is noted for his vision and anticipation - an asset which convinced Fairway to make an approach. He will link up with his new teammates for the first time tomorrow, and is expected to go straight into the squad for Saturday's game.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

While the Patras signing would bring relief to many at the club, it proved to be just one part of Fairway's plans on the transfer front. As his side prepared for Saturday's trip to Patras' former side Podbrezova, some news from England was already streaming across the wires to the more technologically advanced Bac supporter.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

www.seagulls.co.uk - News

'Virgo in Slovak link'

"Defender Adam Virgo, recently transfer-listed by manager Mark McGhee, is the subject of a loan bid from Slovakian outfit FC Druzstevnik Bac . The Second Division side, managed by Englishman Stuart Fairway, previously enquired about the possibility of taking Jake 'The Denton Destroyer' Robinson on loan, a move rejected by the player.

Adam will consider the move, which would last for the season and could lead to a permanent switch, over the weekend."

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

FK Zeleziarne Podbrezova v Bac - League

Unavailable

Marian Tomcak (Injured - Knee, 1 Month)

Doubtful

Albert Balasz (Injured - Neck, 3 Days)

With new signing Patras taking up a place on the bench, Fairway came into the game in no mood to chop and change a team who had won - and won comfortably - in their last outing. Within all of 23 seconds, he was proved correct - Ernest Lopu cracking an early shot against the post, with 'keeper Hanak beaten. Three minutes later, he went one better - a fine Svoboda pass cleverly turned across the area by Marek, into the path of Ernest Lopu , who side-stepped the 'keeper before tapping home from close range. It wouldn't all go Bac's way - on 18, mecurial midfielder Alexander Meszaros was forced off injured, and on 24, a stunning run from Podbrezova front man Kostur set up an opportunity which Mikulas Pelegrin simply wouldn't pass up - instead passing in to the bottom left hand corner, putting his side level. It set the scene for the rest of the first half - Kostur and Pelegrin both having chances after forming a fine understanding of each others' play. With two changes at the break, Fairway brought his new signing on against his former side - and Robert Patras came very close to scoring on 54, shooting straight at the 'keeper under pressure. It would prove to be a costly miss - on 64, an Ondrej Kostur free kick took a slight deflection off Bac sub Pukalovic and found the corner of the net. Patras would get another opportunity on 73 - this time, his shot making 'keeper Hanak work with only a parried save - straight into the path of Ernest Lopu, who hit the post from the rebound. With time running out, there would be one last twist to the tale. Benko's neat chip down the left put Patras away, and his cross seemed to evade everyone, before that man again, Ernest Lopu , stuck a foot out to stab the ball into the far corner, and rescue a point for Bac.

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Szijjarto, Mikulec, Puchner, Glonek, Meszaros (Replaced by Cisar 20), Benko, Svoboda, Horky* (Replaced by Pukalovic 45), Lupo, Marek (Replaced by Patras 45)

Podbrezova 2 - Bac 2 (Lopu 2)

Bac Position after Game; 4th

Brian of Nazareth

The usual fine start then eh? Doesn't look like there's any room for John McGlashan with the way Lopu's started

displaced_seagull

Oh there's always room for an ageing Scotsman

While Manchester United edged out Arsenal 3-2 to win the Charity Shield in England, Fairway recieved disapointing news from Brighton - defender Adam Virgo wouldn't be joining his happy band after a change of heart by manager Mark McGhee, who pulled the home-grown youngster off the transfer list.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

Bac-Online.sk - Football - Thursday 14/8/03

'Fairway adds to squad on Deadline Day'

"With yesterday's Slovakian Transfer Deadline passing without incident for the vast majority of clubs, Stuart Fairway's signing of an English full back was one of only two deals of what, in the past, has been a busy day.

Robert Lovegrove will join Bac on a free transfer from Oxford United in September, signing on a free the day after his contract with his hometown club ends. Lovegrove, 20, is a right back, and is yet to make a first professional start.

He rose through Oxford youth ranks in 2000, and was awarded his first professional contract in the same year. Awarded a squad number for both 01/02 and 02/03 campaigns, Lovegrove was unlucky to pick up an injury which kept him out for the last half of last season, to take him up to the expiry date on his contract. Manager Ian Atkins though had seen potential, and offered him a 3-month extension, in order to prove his worth. With that contract nearly up, Atkins, who signed another right-back in Derek Townsley in the summer, made the decision to let Lovegrove go.

He will officially become a Bac player on 26/9/03, signing a deal until the summer of 2006.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

Slovakia-Today - Football - Friday 15/8/03

'Mixed Night for Slovak UEFA Teams'

After the disapointment of seeing MSK Zilnia crash out of the European Champions League, Slovakia's two UEFA Cup representatives are now sole flag-carriers for the nations footballing hopes this season. For one of those two however, the dream is almost over before it began. FK Matador Puchov were always likely to be up against it with a game against Bulgarian veterans of the European scene, Levski Sofia. They had home advantage for the first leg, but conceded three away goals, grabbing a solitary strike in consolation. Levski dominated the first half, and led 2-0 at the break thanks to Emil Tsvetanov and Petar Petrov. In the second half, the Bulgarians scored again on 63 - Tsvetanov again on target - before Puchov pulled one back through Peter Hricko, leaving them an uphill struggle in the second leg.

The result was far better for FC Artmedia Petrzalka , who also began their campaign at home, against Lithuanian outfit FK Ekranas. Despite piling on the pressure against their considerably weaker opponents, Petrzalka had to wait until just before half time for the opener. Slovakian international Anton Soltis, having a fine season so far, scored with the clock showing 45, before highly-rated 23-year old Jan Kozak added a second late on. Petrzalka go to Lithuania in a fortnight's time as firm favourites for progression to the First Round.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

With a busy week - off the pitch at least - finally drawing to a conclusion, Fairway again would have the same squad available for Saturday's visit of second place side DAC Dunajska Streda .

Bac v DAC Dunajska Streda - League

Unavailable

Marian Tomcak (Injured - Knee, 1 Month)

With Robert Lovegrove not due to arrive for another month, Fairway kept the same team for a key game against one of the league's early pacesetters. The decision paid off - under-fire striker Marian Marek , who's slow start to the season had drawn critiscim in some quarters, opened the scoring after 9 minutes - stabbing home from close range after a Benko shot had come back off the post. You could almost sense his would-be replacement, Robert Patras, sinking deeper into his seat on the bench. You certainly could 9 minutes later - Marian Marek finishing off a lovely move with a simple tap-in, after strike partner Lupo had decided against a shot himself. With the visitors seemingly not at their best, it took until the 43rd minute for Dun. Streda's travelling supporters to see their side have a shot - Buka shooting over from the edge of the area after a neatly worked throw-in. After the break they did begin to show their form, and on 54, Durica should have done better, shooting straight at the 'keeper. Five minutes later, it was his turn to shine - Gardosik denying Majoros with a dive at full stretch. Marek, who had several chances to claim a hatrick during the game, never seemed to flag, despite some disapointing finishing late on, and indeed, showed a moment of true unselfish play deep into injury time. With Benko's cross whizzing across his feet, the striker left the ball - and Alexander Meszaros took advantage, rifling home at the far post to seal a fine win.

Bac 3 - Dun. Streda 0 (Marek 2, Meszaros)

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Szijjarto, Mikulec, Puchner, Glonek, Meszaros, Benko, Svoboda (Replaced Pukalovic 45), Horky*, Lupo, Marek

Bac Position After Game; 3rd

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | Rim. Sobota | | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 2 | +11 | 15 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Kosice | | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 2 | +4 | 11 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | BAC | | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 13 | 5 | +8 | 10 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Dun. Streda | | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 6 | +1 | 9 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Licartovce | | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 9 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Vranov | | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 4 | +3 | 9 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Senica | | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 7 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Presov | | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 9 | 6 | +3 | 7 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Humenne | | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 7 | +1 | 7 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Kys. Lieskovec | | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 9 | -1 | 7 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | Senec | | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 7 | -1 | 6 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | Prievidza | | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 9 | -3 | 5 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13th | | Rapid Bratislava | | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 10 | -4 | 4 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14th | | Nitra | | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 7 | -4 | 4 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15th | | Duslo Sala | | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 11 | -7 | 3 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16th | | Podbrezova | | 5 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 15 | -11 | 1 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>

displaced_seagull

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

Bac-Online.sk - Football - Tuesday 19/8/03

'EXCLUSIVE - Fairway lands midfielder as Cup draw sets up Preseason repeat'

"BO.sk understands that FC Druzstevnik Bac manager Stuart Fairway has agreed a deal to sign 29-year old central midfielder Marian Solotruk from Kys.Lieskovec in the January Transfer window. Solotruck, a left-footed player who can play in the centre or as a left winger, only joined in the summer from Senec, but has already found himself out of favour. Described as a hard-working, ball-winning midfielder, Solotruk is thought to have a good turn of pace and (no pun intended), a good 'engine'.

Meanwhile, the draw for the First Round of the Slovakian Cup took place this afternoon, with Bac matched up against Non-League FK Cana , a team that beat them 3-0 in Preseason. Bac will play Cana away from home, with all ties to be played on Tuesday 2nd September.

Slovakian FA Cup - First Round Draw

Cana v Bac
Devin v Slovan Bratislava
Dun. Streda v Trencin
Dulso Sala v Rapid Bratislava
Humenne v Inter Bratislava
Kosice v Banska Bystrica
Kys. Lieskovec v Podbrezova
Licartovce v Zlate Moravce
Nitra v Velke Levare
Prievidza v Ruzomberok
Rim. Sobota v Presov
Senec v Trnava
Senica v Dubnica
Vranov v Petrzalka

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

After a quiet week on the whole, despite a new signing and a Cup draw, Fairway's thoughts turned to Saturday's game.

VTJ Koba Senec v Bac - League

Unavailable

Marian Tomcak (Injury - Knee, 4 weeks)

With Senec struggling in the league, and hit by injury, the home side were forced to name 8 players in their 18-man squad who hadn't played yet this season, 2 of those 17-year old youth team players. On the contrary, for Fairway, it was the fifth successive game in which he hadn't had to change his side. Similarly, for the third successive game, Bac opened the scoring within the first 10 minutes. With the clock showing '2', Benko's cross into the box was flicked across goal by Marek, leaving Ernest Lopu with a simple tap-in to put the visitors ahead. With the very next chance, it was all square. On 18, Pavlik's glorious pass released the nippy Vladimir Roznik, who made no mistake - peeling away from Milos Glonek, he took the ball into the area before burying a strike past Gardosik into the roof of the net. Bac almost retook the lead immediatley - Benko hitting the bar on 22 with a fizzer, before at the other end, Milos Glonek's critical challenge inside the area denied Jurickovic, who would have had the goal at his mercy. After the interval Senec made all of the early running, and when Vladimir Roznik broke onto the ball, he had the simplest of finishes to make it 2-1. With Bac winning little of the possesion in midfield, they had to make the most of any chances they did get - and on 71, did exactly the opposite. When Benko's tireless running resulted in another cross, sub Patras nodded it back across goal, into the path of Meszaros - who inexplicably leaned back for the chip when a low, hard, drive would have been the better option. His shot came back off the bar, but was hustled away before Patras could react to the rebound. Far from seeming desperate to equalise, Bac just seemed lethargic - when Benko did put the ball in the net on 89, his clearly offside strike seemed one of frustration and little else. As it was, it wouldn't have been enough anyway - in injury time, Senec's schoolboy sub Marek Belan clincially finished off a box-to-box move - and in the process, showed a lot more fight than Bac's team for the entire match.

Senec 3 - Bac 1 (Lopu)

Bac; 4-4-2; Gardosik, Szijjarto, Mikulec, Puchner, Glonek, Meszaros, Benko, Svoboda (Replaced Pukalovic 45),

Horky*, Lopu, Marek (Replaced Patras 45)

Bac Position after Game; 5th

Victor Meldrew

:thup:

Brilliant as ever - I'll be following