Belarus Football 2021 – Week 25

October 1, 2 & 3, 2021

With games running out, it’s crunch time for Dinamo Minsk this weekend, as they host Shakhtyor, and need a win to keep their faint title hopes alive. BATE will receive the default win over Sputnik so may close the gap with Shakhtyor should the Miners fail to win in Minsk.

Rukh face a tough looking task in their bid for a top three finish at Neman, who have won their last 5 home matches.

At the bottom, Slavia will do well to get anything at Gomel, whilst Slutsk could extend the distance between them and Slavia with a home win over Energetik.

Neman Grodno vs Rukh Brest ( Friday @ 15.30 UK time )

A match between two in-form sides. Rukh are unbeaten in 14 matches whereas Neman have won 6 out of their last 8, It should be close. 1-1

Result : 0-1. An important win for Rukh despite not playing particularly well. They took an early lead when Kontsevoy was put clear in the 6^th minute and shot through keeper Dudar, after which Rukh never looked like scoring again.

Although Neman had over 60% of the possession, they generally looked toothless and lacked the guile to break down Rukh’s excellent defence. Yakimov did hit the post with a 20 yard shot, but apart from that, Rukh keeper Pavlyuchenko had one of his easiest days of the season until the closing moments when he fumbled a shot from Suchkov, and Shukurov shot across the face of the goal.

Dinamo Minsk vs Shakhtyor Soligorsk ( Friday @ 17.30 UK time )

Dinamo are probably in the last chance saloon when it comes to winning the title. However, Shakhtyor appear to have arrested their wobbles under new coach Baga. 0-0

Result : 1-2. Shakhtyor can start ordering the open top bus and all the bunting after a victory that was more comprehensive than the final score-line suggests. Dinamo did not seem up for the challenge and their title hopes ended in lame fashion in front of their highest attendance of the season.

Darboe sprung the offside trap to go clear on goal in the second minute for the sort of chance he would have buried in the first half off the season, but Khatkevich was able to save with his legs. Dinamo’s respite was only brief though as from the resulting corner a flicked header at the near post by Begunov, outjumping Bykov, nestled into the far corner to give Shakhtyor an early lead. Dinamo had no-one on the back post, who would have cleared have they been in that position.

Darboe cut through the Dinamo defence on several occasions but had left his shooting boots at home. Batsula and Lozhkin went close for Dinamo before Shakhtyor doubled their lead in the 25^th minute. Ivanovic ran at the defence, shot from 20 yards and his effort went under Khatkevich, who should have done better.

Shakhtyor controlled the game thereafter, with Dinamo restricted to a handful of long range pot-shots, whereas Shakhtyor had chances to add a third. In added on time Putilo missed a sitter for the home side, shooting over from around 6 years before Davyskiba did claim a consolation goal with a smart volley from just inside the edge of the penalty area with virtually the last kick of the match.

Dinamo Brest vs FK Minsk ( Saturday @ 12.00 UK time )

Two sides who put an end to their recent poor spells at the weekend. As Dinamo have scored only once in their last 4 games, and Minsk three in their last 7 it is unlikely to be a goal-fest. 1-0

Result : 2-2. A surprisingly open and entertaining game in which both sides will feel they should have won. Minsk took the lead in the 6^th minute through Semen Penchuk, who was making his first start of the season after playing a total of 10 minutes in three substitute appearances. He reacted the quickest to force home at the second attempt after Stepanov could only parry a shot from Bogomolskiy. Dinamo’s normally solid defence looked shaky and they offered very little going forward and Minsk possibly should have been more than 1 up at the interval.

Dinamo introduced winger Potorcha at the start of the second half and last season’s top scorer for Sputnik when they won promotion immediately made a difference. In the 57^th minute he crossed for Shestyuk to head against the bottom of the post. However, Bilenkyi collected rebound, took his time and fired home the equalizer.

Parity only lasted three minutes though as Bogomolskiy was able to get a pass away to Penchuk to shoot across goal into opposite corner for a nice finish and his second goal of the game.

Dinamo dominated the last half hour as they probed for another equalizer, with just an occasional lively counter from Minsk. Potorcha twice went close before Dinamo were awarded a penalty nine minutes from the end. Bilenkyi’s cross from the by-line struck an arm of sliding defender and for a moment it looked like the referee wouldn’t give the penalty, but after Bilenkyi’s furious reaction he pointed to the spot. The Ukrainian calmly stroked the penalty home for his 10^th goal of the season

Bilenkyi came close to getting his hat-trick two minutes later but his shot was deflected wide after good run by Potorcha

FK Vitebsk vs FK Isloch Minsk ( Saturday @ 14.00 UK time )

With 11 points from their last 6 games Vitebsk look like claiming 6^th spot in the league. Isloch are in reasonable form but Vitebsk have lost only once at home. 1-0

Result : 0-4. A huge surprise with the notoriously mean Vitebsk defence conceding four times after being ripped apart by an impressive performance from Isloch. Dibango had already twice gone close for the visitors before Stepanov was on hand at the back post to prod home from a couple of inches to give Isloch the lead in the 11^th minute, after a header had hit the post and rolled along the goal-line.

Ksenofontov made a couple of decent runs down the left for Vitebsk but there was no end product, so it remained 0-1 at half-time. It took Isloch less than a minute to double their lead, when Julio Cesar was caught in possession as Vitebsk tried to play out from the back, and Kozyrenko was left with a simple finish.

Kozyrenko added his second in the 64^th minute with a stunning, swerving left-footed shot into the top corner from around 25 yards and the Ukrainian had an assist for Isloch’s fourth goal, rolling the ball into the path of the advancing Dibango to hammer home left-footed from 10 yards.

Torpedo BelAZ Zhodino vs FK Smorgon ( Saturday @ 16.00 UK time )

Although Torpedo have only won once in their last six games, the change of coach at Smorgon has been disastrous and anything but a heavy defeat is unthinkable. 4-0

Result : 7-1. An embarrassingly easy victory for Torpedo and it should have been by more. Smorgon’s defending was non-existent as Torpedo tore through them at will. It looked grim at 7-0 with only 60 minutes played but Torpedo eased up in the last half hour. Aussi and Gabovda both scored twice, the Antilevski brothers grabbed one each and Samiev added the 7^th as they all improved their goal scoring statistics for the season.

Smorgon played well in the first 4 minutes and Pasevich missed two good chances. However, after Aussi opened the scoring in the 11^th minute with a glancing header it was virtually all one way traffic. Pasevich did hit the post in the second half, and Frantsev’s late header was hardly a consolation.

Smorgon have conceded 17 goals in their last three matches. At least Sputnik are only “losing” 0-3 each week !

FK Gomel vs FK Slavia Mozyr ( Saturday @ 18.00 UK time )

A match between two sides in desperate need of points for different reasons. However, Gomel are unbeaten at home and should be too strong for Slavia. 2-0

Result : 3-0. Ultimately a comfortable win for Gomel but the score line was a little harsh on Slavia. There were only occasional flashes of Gomel’s sparkling one touch passing and off the ball running but enough to keep them in the mix for a top 3 finish.

Slavia started brightly and after just 15 seconds Barsukov’s header forced a decent save from Kovalyov and Narh thumped an effort against the bar 12 minutes later. Gomel were awarded a soft penalty 10 minutes before half-time when Pobudey turned and appeared to run into Bugulov, but Solovei’s penalty was too close to Baronovski who made the save.

However, Gomel took the lead 2 minutes before the break when a well worked move saw Borodin lay off to Gomza to open the scoring. Gomel’s second came from a typically flowing move with Borodin again getting the assist, feeding Pantya to score in the 58^th minute

Myshenko hit the bar with three minutes remaining but Gomel wrapped the game in added on time when Chikida unselfishly laid-off to give Solovei his 15^th goal of the season

FK Slutsk vs Energetik BGU Minsk ( Sunday @ 12.30 UK time )

Despite their lowly position, Slutsk have a decent record at home, and being in need of the points should have more to play for than mid-table Energetik. 2-1

Result : 2-0. A vital win for Slutsk to extend the gap between and Slavia to 4 points. Energetik played some neat football at times but had only one shot on target, Ubaydullaev’s long range free-kick was tipped round the post by keeper Branovets.

Slutsk took the lead in the 41^st minutes after a neat build-up and Kontsedailov’s lay off similar to Carlos Alberto’s goal in the 1970 World Cup Final, although Butarevich’s finish was nowhere near as powerful and Rusanov should have saved.

The decisive second goal arrived 4 minutes from the end. Sasin outmuscled Sokol to head on Kontsedailov’s chipped ball forward, and then lashed a volley from an acute angle past Rusanov. Again, the Energetik custodian probably should have kept out Sasin’s effort.

Slutsk nearly added a third which would have given an unflattering slant to the score but Vergeichik’s goalbound attempt was cleared off the line by Strelkovskiy

Summary :

Neman Grodno 0-1 Rukh Brest ( att : 480 )
Dinamo Minsk 1-2 Shakhtyor Soligorsk ( att : 3,909 )
Dinamo Brest 2-2 FK Minsk ( att : 2,024 )
FK Vitebsk 0-4 FK Isloch Minsk ( att : 743 )
Torpedo BelAZ Zhodino 7-1 FK Smorgon ( att : 490 )
FK Gomel 3-0 FK Slavia Mozyr ( att : 6,000 )
FK Slutsk 2-0 Energetik BGU Minsk ( att : 452 )

Highlights : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1G_5oKHeszk

Comments 

Shakhtyor’s relatively untroubled victory over Dinamo Minsk virtually wraps up the 2021 championship, leaving them requiring only 11 points from their last seven matches. More than ever, it is their title to lose.

Wins for Rukh and Gomel kept up their challenges for a top three finish and with several matches between the top 5 still to be played, there is likely to be more twist and turns in the battle for a European place.

Despite their 0-4 home loss, Vitebsk remained in 6^th place although only 7 points separates them from Neman in 12^th place.

At the bottom, games are running out fast for Slavia, and they have to play BATE and Dinamo Minsk in their last 6 fixtures. In addition, Slutsk still have the virtual three point gimme of a home match against Smorgon

In the 7 matches, there were  25 goals, one red card and two penalties. 

FK Alashkert 2-1 BKMA Yerevan ( att : 250 ) – 2021/22 Armenian Premier League

September 27, 2021

These diaries covered the closing stages of the 2019/20 season of the nine team Armenian Premier League, in which Ararat-Armenia won the title with a final day 2-0 over Noah, who in turn would have been champions had they won the match. This came after a dramatic Cup Final between these two sides in the preceding week in which Noah won a penalty shoot-out after a 5-5 draw and after being 1-4 down at half-time. Alashkert finished third.

The 2020/21 also finished with 9 teams after Gandzasar pulled out due to financial difficulties arising from the Covid pandemic and the Nagorno Karobakh conflict. Furthermore, Lori withdrew from the league in protest of a forfeit being awarded against them after they were unable to fulfil a fixture due to Covid, and all their remaining matches were declared as 0-3 defeats. We were at least able to see a Lori vs Van encounter !

In amongst all of this, Alashkert won their 4^th title despite scoring only 25 goals, finishing 5 points ahead of Noah and Urartu. They were though beaten 1-3 in the Cup Final by Ararat Yerevan, and champions Ararat-Armenia finished a disappointing 5^th.

The season 2021/22 season has 10 sides, with BKMA, Sevan and Noravank promoted from the second level. Ararat-Armenia have won all of their seven matches to-date, but Alashkert are yet to win a game. Although they have only played five matches, they have registered just two draws and three defeats, and scored only two goals. They did win the Armenian Super Cup last week, beating Ararat-Yerevan 1-0

They have had an extended run in European Competition, beginning with beating Connah’s Quay Nomads 1-0 in extra-time in the Champions League after a 2-2 draw in Wales. The match in Yerevan hit the headlines for the one supporter who made the journey to watch the Nomads. Sheriff Tiraspol were unsurprisingly too strong, Alashkert losing 1-4 on aggregate, although that result looks quite respectable given Sheriff’s subsequent victories over Red Star Belgrade, Dinamo Zagreb and Shakhtar Donetsk.

Dropping down to the Europa League, Alashkert caused a minor surprise to eliminate Kazakh side Kairat Almaty thanks to a 3-2 win at home in extra time after a 0-0 draw in Kazakhstan. This enabled the Armenians to play Glasgow Rangers where after a 0-1 defeat in Scotland, Alashkert were reduced to 10 men in the first half of the second leg but were still able to cause Rangers some problems. A 0-0 draw meant an exit that to competition.

However, Alashkert were not knocked out of Europe but instead dropped down to the group stages of the Europa Conference, the first time ever a side from Armenia had reached the group stages of any European competition. In their first match they were well beaten 1-4 by Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel but they still have matches against HJK Helsinki and LASK of Linz to look forward to as well as the return agains Maccabi Tel Aviv. Portuguese forward Jose Embalo has scored three goals in the European campaign so far, Russian midfielder David Khurtsidze and Bosnian striker Alexsandar Glisic have scored twice, whilst French midfielder Vincent Bezecourt has one to his name.

The Alashkert squad is much changed from the one in 2019. Armenian defender Daghbashyan is now at Van, midfielder Hayraperyan is with Kairat Moskva in the Russian Second Division, Estonian Nikita Baronov is with Pyunik after a spell in Cyprus, Brazilian attacking midfielder Marmentini is playing for Hapoel Hadera in Isreal, Macedonian Mitrevski is at Sabah in the Malaysian Premier League, whilst midfielders Brazilian Galvao and Senegalese Camara have left the club to destinations unknown.

Nambian midfielder Wangu Gome, Serbian keeper Ognjen Cancarevic, Russian forward Nikita Tankov and Glisic are amongst the few that remain.

BKMA stands for the Central Army Sports Club although in Soviet days they were known as CSKA Yerevan. The club was reformed in 2019 after folding in 1997, and they were promoted to the Premier League after finishing in second place in the 2020/21 Armenian First League. Unfortunately,  they have lost all seven matches played so far but 19 year old forward Grenik Petryosian has scored three of their four goals, and only one player in their all Armenian squad is over the age of 22.

The match was streamed live on the Football Federation of Armenia YouTube channel. Bet365 had Alashkert 1/6 favourites to win, with BKMA rank outsiders at 12/1 and the draw at 5/1. The temperature at 16.00 kick-off local time was 24 degrees, with the weather dry.

Alashkert made 7 changes from their starting line-up for the Super Cup, with only keeper  Yurchenko, Ivorian centre-back Kadio, midfielder Khurtsidze and striker Embalo keeping their places. Perhaps more focus was on Thursday’s upcoming home Europa Conference tie against HJK Helsinki, with the Finns maybe being seen as the best chance to grab an historic group stage victory ?

Alashkert played in their familiar yellow and brown strip, with BKMA in all red. Both sides had the names of the players on the back of their shirts in roman script rather than the Armenian alphabet.

The match started very slowly. BKMA appeared to be playing with a back three and two wing-backs, and looked tidy in possession but lightweight going forward. Alashkert had over 60% of the possession in the opening half-hour but rarely threatened. Tankov had done well to get free down the right wing but his cross was headed wide by the incoming Khurtsidze but apart from that effort in the 13^th minute the only other attempt on goal was a long range effort from the diminutive Yedigaryan, which went harmlessly wide.

However, the game burst into life in the 35^th minute as Tankov beat Muradyan to a long ball and ran on to the by-line. His pull-back to near the penalty spot was met by Khurtsidze and although the midfielder looked like he was slipping whilst in the act of shooting, the ball went easily into the top corner for the opening goal. 

The same pair combined three minutes later as again Tankov crossed from the by-line but although the ball went slightly behind Khurtsidze he was able to turn and shoot left footed, but keeper Nersisyan made an excellent diving one-handed save to prevent a second goal.

At half-time Alashkert took off the ineffective Embalo for Ivorian Fofana but more surprisingly took off Khurtsidze, who had looked their most dangerous player. BKMA brought on 18 year old Artur Serobyan who immediately looked lively, and with BKMA switching to a back-four they started the second half strongly and forced three consecutive corners. However, the closest they came to scoring in this spell was Grigoryan’s gentle chip to Yurchenko after some good build-up play.

Alashkert created a couple of dangerous moments. Brazilian James made ground down the left wing and crossed to the near post, but Fofana’s header was straight at the keeper. Then in the 64^th minute a long ball out of defence led to a foot-race between Fofana and Ishkhanyan and both players tumbled to the floor. The referee awarded a free-kick to Alashkert right on the edge of the penalty area and showed a yellow card to Ishkhanyan. There could have been a penalty or a red card, but the free-kick came to nothing.

BKMA stunned the home side with 12 minutes left as Serobyan jinked into the Alashkert penalty area and shot through two defenders and past Yurchenko inside the near post for the equalizer. However, their joy was short-lived as substitute Papikyan passed to Fofana to sweep home a left-footed effort from the edge of the area past Nersisyan to spare Alashkert’s blushes.

With their noses back in front, Alashkert competently wound down the clock, and Milinkovic even forced a decent save from Nersisyan with a 25 yard left footed shot.

Alashkert held on to pick up their first win of the season, but on this showing HJK Helsinki probably won’t be having any sleepless nights due to the prospect of playing them. BKMA remain without a point, but can take some positives from this performance.

FK Alashkert : Yurchenko – Yatchenko, Kadio, Kryuchkov, Davoyan – Gome ( Papikyan ), Yedigaryan, Khurtsidze ( Bezancourt ), James ( Grigoryan ) – Tankov ( Milinkovic ), Embalo ( Fofana )

BKMA Yerevan : Nersisyan – Mkrtchyan, Ishkhanyan, Galstyan – Manukyan ( Serobyan ), Aghbalyan, Mirzoyan, Khamoyan, Muradyan ( Samsonyan ) – Grigoryan ( Alaverdyan ), Petrosyan 

Oxford City 1-1 Hampton and Richmond Borough ( att : 405 ) – 2021/22 National League One South

September 25, 2021

The National League One South season enters its 7^th week of its season, and today saw a match between sides in 4^th and 8^th in the table.

Home side Oxford City went into today’s encounter in 4^th place in the table, having finished in 5^th place in the aborted 2020/21 season, their highest ever finish in the non-league pyramid, and these diaries reviewed their pre-season friendly at Thame United.

In the League, Oxford City had a 2-3-1 record, and their 4^th place highlighted what a competitive division this is. Bath City were beaten 5-1 at home, whilst Havant and Waterlooville were beaten 2-1 away. Draws were recorded at Braintree ( 1-1 ) and Eastbourne Borough ( 2-2 ) and at home to Concord Rangers ( 3-3 ). The sole defeat was at home to Maidstone United ( 1-3 ). However, they went into this match having exited the FA Cup following a 1-2 at Frome Town, a side playing two level below Oxford City in the Southern League Division One South. Harvey Bradbury and Josh Ashby both had three goals to their name.

Hampton and Richmond Borough were in 6^th place when the 2020/21 season was terminated, and lay in 8^th place before today’s match, with a 2-2-2 record.  Eastbourne Borough were beaten 5-0 away and Ebbsfleet United 3-0 at home. High-flying Maidstone were held 1-1 at home, and a 1-1 draw at Tonbridge was achieved. However, defeats were suffered at home to Havant & Waterlooville ( 1-2 ) and at Concord Rangers ( 2-1 ). The FA Cup saw a 3-0 win at Walton Casuals, with a home tie against Wimborne Town in the next round, another side playing one division below in the Southern League Premier South. Ex Wealdstone and Chester striker Jerome Slew was the top scorer in the league with 4 goals

I have to admit to an affinity to Hampton FC, as they were previously known, living within walking distance of their Beveree stadium and watching several matches there between 1990-93 when Steve Cheshire, Malcolm Dickenson, Micky Beadle and Tim Hollands were main stays of their team. Furthermore, my work’s Sunday morning football team played two seasons at that time on their reserve pitch, using the club’s dressing rooms, with the bar opened at Sunday lunch-times especially for us, and being entitled to play one match a season on the main pitch. All of which was negotiated with Chairman Alan Simpson, famous for being co-writer of Steptoe and Son.

Given that we were all generally flabby, ageing, unfit office workers, playing on the vast main pitch against fit teenagers rather than on the narrow tree lined second pitch were we could get our breath back by hoofing the ball of the pitch and spending several minutes searching for it, was such a disadvantage we didn’t take up the option in our second season as we won promotion !

Entrance to today’s match was £12, with £6 for concessions and students/Under 16s free for tickets purchased on-line, with pay at the gate being £2 extra. I had previously paid £15 on line for a ticket and a programme for Oxford City’s match vs Slough in December 2020, when spectators were permitted for a short period between lockdowns, but that match was postponed due to an outbreak of Covid in the Slough squad so I had been issued a voucher rather than a refund. However, the voucher could only be redeemed for a match ticket but no programme, so I am left with a £3 credit still outstanding.

Bet365 had Oxford City as 6/5 favourites, with Hampton and Richmond at 9/5 and the draw at 23/10. The temperature at kick-off was 20 degrees and the weather was cloudy.

One of the sponsors of Oxford City are the Chadlington Brewery, so it was no surprise to see their beers on tap behind the bar, including Oxford Blue, Boat Race, an IPA and Blonde. Guinness was also available, as was a cider.

The snack bar had hot dogs at £3, Steak and Ale Pies at £4, Pretzel Burgers at £4 and Vegan Burgers at £4. A portion of chips was £3 but payment by card was required. No cash would be accepted, although I was able to pay cash for a programme, which is an excellent effort and for this season has a special retro feel, with today’s publication having 4 pages in the style of the programme from 1985/86 when these two sides met. Handily, copies of team sheets were available to take in the clubhouse.

Included in the Hampton line-up was ex-Crawley centre-back Charlie Wassmer, who was part of the Red Devils squad that won promotion to the Football League, and he also played a few matches in their first season in the League before being released. He had clearly put on a few pounds since then and probably would not have been the favourite to win a foot-race with Joe Iaciofano, Oxford City’s small and nippy forward.

Hampton were playing in a very smart shirt of Red and Black halves at the front, with the back of the shirt being all blue, and white shorts. Oxford City were in their usual blue and white hoops

There was a lively start to the match, with Wassmer being involved in the first chance, rising to head Kadell Daniel’s free-kick from half-way across goal to Jerome Slew, but Hampton’s top scorer saw his goal-bound effort blocked at close range by City keeper Dudzinski. Oxford quickly responded but Ashby’s cross was just out of the reach of Iaciofano and with 7 minutes on the clock Hampton’s Jake Gray saw his low, long range shot parried by the diving Dudzinski for a corner.

Hampton continued to have the better of the early exchanges, and winger Ryan Gondoh cut back in from the right but had his left-footed shot blocked at the expense of a corner.

Oxford City got back into the game and after twenty minutes Nana Owusu shot into the side netting, leading to some unsighted City supporters to prematurely start cheering for a goal. However, four minutes later they did have something to celebrate.

Keeper Dudzinski could clearly be heard berating Iaciofano after a free-kick wasn’t awarded – “Joe, stop *$@£*#! moaning” but City regained possession, and Owusu was put clear, but his rocket was excellently saved by Hampton keeper Julian. From the over-hit corner, centre-back Matsuzaka skinned Wassmer by the by-line and pulled back for Iaciofano to sweep home, aided by a deflection off a defender.

The match took another twist in the 28^th minute. Oxford City’s Canice Carroll was late and high with a challenge on Hampton right-back Ben Shroll, and it looked nasty. The referee had no hesitation is showing a straight red card to reduce the home side to 10 men.

Hampton immediately looked to press home their advantage, midfielder Deadfield had a shot from the edge of the penalty area deflected narrowly wide, and the impressive left sided midfielder David Fisher, who is on loan from AFC Wimbledon, sent a low shot just wide with Dudzinski beaten.

Gondoh, who is one of those players who look talented and dangerous whenever they are on the ball but without always delivering the end product, had a good shot parried, and Dudzinski was alert enough to catch the loose ball.

Oxford City briefly threatened when McEachran shot from distance and his shot was pushed around the post for a corner, but Hampton ended the half on the attack, but Wassmer’s header went well over.

The Hampton pressure continued at the beginning of the second half, Gondoh put in a low cross, Slew dummied to give Gray a clear sight of goal, but his effort from 12 yards was scooped high and not very handsome over the bar. Oxford City’s escape was only short-lived though as Hampton equalized with an excellent goal in the 53^rd minute. Fisher cut in from the left and as he shaped to shoot righted footed Gray took the ball of his toes and shot into the bottom corner.

The response from the home side was to take off McEachran and Iaciofano, arguably their two most creative, but slight players, and bring on the pacy and powerful Jacob Bancroft, and Harvey Bradbury, a tall and more traditional centre-forward in an attempt to change the pattern of the game.

However, it was The Beavers who had the next good chance. After a free-kick was played back into the penalty area after a partial clearance, centre-back Inman turned six yards out but this effort lacked power and Dudzinski comfortably saved. Gondoh then shot into the side netted, giving the Hampton fans their turn to go Oooh !

A dreadful pass from Wassmer to Owusu gave Oxford their first decent chance of the second half but his shot took a slight deflection and slipped inches wide of the goal, before Bancroft gave some demonstration of his pace, first bursting between Wassmer and Inman to shoot against the legs of keeper Julian, and then leaving left-back Daniel for dead but his cross was blocked for a corner.

Hampton re-established their dominance and Dronfield shot just wide, and with 4 minutes remaining Dudzinski made a splendid finger tip save to turn Slew’s goal-bound header over the bar. As the match entered added on time, Harman delivered a dangerous cross into the Hampton 6 yard box, but Wassmer steered it over the bar before Matsuzaka could pounce, and as the game moved to the other end of the pitch, Oxford City scrambled to keep out a Hampton attack, before Dudzinski commandingly claimed a cross pumped back into the danger zone.

Overall, this was a hugely enjoyable game to watch. Hampton and Richmond will probably feel this was two points dropped, having had most of the possession in the last 60 minutes. However, Oxford City defended excellently after they went a player down, and in particular Matsuzaka and Dudzinski were outstanding.

Following the draw Oxford City dropped to 7^th in the table, and Hampton and Richmond remained 8^th. 

Belarus Football 2021 – Week 24

September 24, 25 & 26, 2021

Following their loss at the weekend at BATE, Shakhtyor coach Sergei Gurenko left the club, with Alexei Baga, who won the 2018 title at BATE and the 2020 Lithuanian championship with FK Zalgiris, announced as his successor. Shakhtyor played one of their games in hand in midweek, and registered a steady, but unspectacular 2-0 home win over Energetik. As a result they re-took top spot from BATE.

However, it’s still another potentially pivotal weekend in 2021 season as Shakhtyor face a tough fixture with in-form Neman, whilst BATE visit fourth place Rukh. Dinamo Minsk should strengthen their position with a win over doomed Smorgon and Gomel will also fancy their chances against Dinamo Brest, who are on a rocky run.

Meanwhile, there is a crunch game at the bottom where FK Minsk desperately need to arrest their slide but defeat to Slutsk would see them slip to fourth from bottom and in jeopardy from a revived Slavia side.

FK Gomel vs Dinamo Brest ( Friday @ 18.00 UK time )

Gomel are unbeaten at home, whereas Dinamo have lost four of their last 6 matches. Gomel to maintain their push for Europe. 2-0

Result 0-0. If there can be such a thing as an entertaining goal-less draw this was pretty much close to it. The pattern of the match was mostly Dinamo’s disciplined and well organized defence attempting to stop Gomel’s free-flowing moves, and to that extent they were successful.

Dinamo created nothing of note in the first half but Gomel fashioned two great opportunities. In the 18^th minute Borodin headed just wide when he really ought to have hit the target, and 6 minutes before the break Gomza’s incisive through ball put Solovei clear but Gomel’s leading marksman shot wide.

Dinamo had a good spell at the beginning of the second period, Nunke played in Oreshkevich but his effort with the outside of his foot hit the base of the post and went wide, and Gomel somehow kept out a goalmouth scramble at the cost of a corner.

The pattern from the first half resumed thereafter and in the 63^rd minute, Vasyliev’s header was pawed away by keeper Stepanov. Almost immediately Pobudey was played in but steered his effort wide from 12 yards, and Nekrasov shot across the goal and wide.

Dinamo should have taken the lead against the run of play with 13 minutes remaining when Yudenkov’s poor pass was intercepted by Bilanyki who raced clear on goal but his shot was saved by keeper Ivanenko’s legs

Gomel pressed for a late winner but Solovei was denied by a fantastic save from Stepanov

FK Isloch Minsk vs Torpedo BelAZ Zhodino ( Saturday @ 12.00 UK time )

Torpedo have lost four of their last five, with just a win against a Minsk side on an even worse run. Isloch were unfortunate to lose at Dinamo, after beating in-form Neman and drawing with BATE. 2-0

Result : 0-0. Unlike Gomel vs Dinamo Brest, this wasn’t a good 0-0 but it was a fair reflection of the game. Torpedo were the slightly better side in the first half, although Dmitry Lisakovich hit the bar for Isloch. The home side were the slightly better side in the second half, but Torpedo had the best two chances. Samiev headed wide when he looked certain to score, and Astakhov shot over from 6 yards.

FK Minsk vs FK Slutsk ( Saturday @ 14.00 UK time )

Slutsk have taken 7 points from their last 5 matches which is 7 points more than Minsk from their last 6 matches, in which they have scored one goal. 0-1

Result : 2-1. A massive win for Minsk, which should go a long way to ensuring their safety for next season. Slutsk though will be ruing a missed opportunity to moving further away from the danger zone, and the result was harsh on them.

Minsk started brightly and Ostroukh had a shot blocked after good play by Shramchenko and Lopez, then Chagovets headed against the bar. Slutsk then started to get on top and Potapenko twice came close and Butarevich headed narrowly wide.

Slutsk continued in the same vein at the start of the second half and after Vejko’s shot was tipped over the bar, Butarevich glanced home Kontsedailov’s corner to give Slutsk the lead in the 54^th minute.

It looked like Slutsk would ease to victory but out of nothing Yarotski beat Bylinkin at near post to head Alyseiko’s cross for the equaliser in the 74^th minute. Although Klochkov forced a good save Prishivalko, it was Minsk who finished the strongest. In added on time Evdokimov ran onto a long ball, flicked it over Gomelko as the keeper attempted a diving header to clear, but Bylinkin just managed to beat Evdokimov the ball before he could slide it home. However, Bogomolskiy’s 20 yard drive into the top corner in the 94^th minute was worthy to win any game.

Rukh Brest vs BATE Borisov ( Saturday @ 18.00 UK time )

A crunch game at the top. Rukh are unbeaten in 13 matches and are unbeaten at home. BATE have only lost one away match ( at Shakhtyor ), and are unbeaten in their last 6 in total, but that run includes three draws. 2-1

Result : 2-2. A result that did little to help either side’s hopes of winning the title but BATE will be kicking themselves for not taking all three points.

Although Laptev and Grichikho missed good chances for Rukh, BATE fully deserved to be leading 2-0 at the interval. After a number of near misses, and Signevich hitting the post with diving header, centre-back Jakov Filipovic opened the scoring by rising the highest to head home a corner. Gromyko doubled the lead just before the break, smashing home a left-footed volley after Pavlyuchenko had saved from Signevich.

BATE had chances to add a third goal but somehow Rukh survived and the home side got a foothold back in the game in the 59^th minute when Bakaj sent a free-kick into the corner of the goal, although there had to be questions over either the positioning of the wall or the keeper.

BATE should have closed out the game when they were awarded a penalty with just under 15 minutes to play, Noyok’s clumsy challenge brought down Gromyko. However, Signevich’s penalty was well saved by Pavlyuchenko.

Almost immediately, Rukh went down to the other end of the pitch and Grichikho’s pass released Kontsevoy to steer home an unlikely equalizer. With a draw of no use to either side, both teams pressed for a winning goal, and although the best chances fell to Rukh, no doubt to the delight of Shakhtyor and Dinamo Minsk, neither side could force a goal.

FK Smorgon vs Dinamo Minsk ( Sunday @ 14.00 UK time )

Away banker. Dinamo could be right in the mix with a win over condemned Smorgon. 0-3

Result : 0-5. An embarrassingly easy victory for Dinamo, and Smorgon have lost 0-5 in both their matches since coach Gerashenko was removed.

Dinamo had to wait until the 14^th minute to take the lead, when some trickery from Putilo enabled him to get to the by-line, and his cross was turned in at far post by the unmarked Poe. The same two players combined 10 minutes later to give Poe a simple finish for his second.

Bakhar prodded home a third just before half-time after some clever footwork by Lozhkin, and Dinamo added two more in the second half through Latykhov and Demchenko, who both scored their first goals for the club.

Energetik BGU Minsk vs FK Vitebsk @ 16.00 UK time )

A tough one to call as both sides have struck a bit of form. Vitebsk have won 3 of their last 4, and have started scoring goals. Energetik’s young side continue to improve and their two Uzbek forwards look to settling in. 1-1

Result : 2-2. An entertaining match which could have gone either way, but in the end a draw was probably a fair result.

Vitebsk started strongly and Teverov had two good chances early on, before Energetik gifted the visitors the lead in the 18^th minute. Girs’ sloppy pass out of defence was intercepted by Ksenofontov, who then received a return pass to produce clever finish to the far corner.

Vitebsk could have doubled their lead in the 34^th minute when Rassadkin ran onto a ball over the top but Energetik’s keeper managed to get a partial block for a corner. It was against the run of play when Ubaydullaev’s spectactular bicycle kick gave Energetik an equalizer three minutes before the break.

Energetik enjoyed a good spell start of second half and Papariga saw a shot well saved. However, Vitebsk regained the lead in the 64^th minute after Rassadkin ran through but had his shot saved by Makavchik. Ksenofontov was on hand though to turn the ball into the net for his second goal despite two desperate dives to make a block.

Teverov could have settled the match in the 72^nd minute after being played in but his poor control let him down and Makavchik was able to narrow the angle and save.

Vitebsk were made to pay for that miss in the first minute of added on time, as Papariga remarkably scored from narrow angle close to the touch line but it looked like really poor keeping by Soroko. It could have been even worse for Vitebsk a minute later when Ubaydullaev’s long range free kick was fumbled onto the bar by Soroka, Glinsliy’s attempted clearance hit the post, but eventually Vitebsk cleared to hang onto a point.

Shakhtyor Soligorsk vs Neman Grodno ( Sunday @ 18.30 UK time )

With 5 wins from their last 6, Neman will be a stern test for the spluttering champions who prior to their mid-week game against Energetik had suffered two consecutive defeats, without scoring, after previously being unbeaten all season. The win over Energetik put Shakhtyor back to the top, but they were far from impressive. 0-0

Result : 1-0. Shakhtyor edged closer to retaining their title with a narrow victory over a battling Neman side. Neman had the best chance of the first half but Gutor made a flying save to keep out Sadovichniy’s header.

For Shakhtyor, Darboe missed a header on the 6 yard box in the 58^th minute which he probably would have scored it earlier in the season, and as the minutes ticked by it seemed ever more likely that Shakhtyor would be dropping more points. However, the champions created a fabulous move out of keeping with the rest of the game, as Stasevich played a lovely pass to release Darboe and his first time cross from the left was met by Okeuhie to head home the match winner.

Neman pressed for an equalizer and although there were a couple of scrambles and Myzgin hit the top of the crossbar, Shakhtyor held out for the three points.

Summary :

FK Gomel 0-0 Dinamo Brest ( att : 5,500 )
FK Isloch Minsk 0-0 Torpedo BelAZ Zhodino ( att : 114 )
FK Minsk 2-1 FK Slutsk ( att : 110 )
Rukh Brest 2-2 BATE Borisov ( att : 985 )
FK Smorgon 0-5 Dinamo Minsk ( att : 1,622 )
Energetik BGU Minsk 2-2 FK Vitebsk ( att : 50 )
Shakhtyor Soligorsk 1-0 Neman Grodno ( att : 550 )

Highlights : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vj-ZEfJFTOQ

Comments

After two hard fought home wins, Shakhtyor have taken huge strides in the defence of their title, and now lead the table by 4 points and with two games in hand. Under the guidance of new coach Alexei Baga, it’s hard to see the Miners slipping up from this position and if they can avoid defeat at Dinamo Minsk next weekend their odds will reduce even further.

The draw between Rukh and BATE also aided Shakhtyor’s cause and effectively ended Rukh’s hopes of winning the league as they now sit in 4^th place 8 points off the lead having played two games more. BATE will regret letting a two goal lead slip, and must be aiming to win all their remaining matches and hope Shakhtyor fail to gather 14 more points from their last 8 games.

Dinamo Minsk are five points behind Shakhtyor but with two more games played and have a tough looking run-in. They will have to beat Shakhtyor, BATE and Rukh if they are to win the league so a top 3 finish and European football is perhaps a more realistic aim.

Gomel’s home draw with Dinamo Brest left them 6 points off third placed Dinamo Minsk, but they have a game in hand. That game though, is against Shakhtyor. Vitebsk continue to be the best of the rest, being 2 points in front of Dinamo Brest in sixth place.

At the bottom, anyone from 8^th placed Energetik down still have some work to do to avoid the relegation play-off place. FK Minsk ended their appalling run with a home win over Slutsk to give themselves some breathing space. For Slutsk, it was a missed opportunity and they should have taken something from that game. With Slavia receiving the default win over Sputnik, the gap between Slutsk and Slavia is now just one point and the Mozyr side have a game in hand, which is at 12^th placed Torpedo.

After a run of competitive performances, Smorgon’s decision to change their coach has backfired with two 0-5 losses, and it is inevitable that they will be playing football in the Pershaya Liga next season.

In the 7 matches, there were  17 goals, no red cards and no penalties.

Chippenham 23-33 Trowbridge ( att : 350 est ) – 2021/22 South-West 1 East

September 18, 2021

As a birthday treat during a weekend away, I was permitted to watch a game of rugby in the sixth tier of English rugby’s national structure ! With just 15 miles separating the two clubs, this was very much a Wiltshire local derby.

Chippenham were relegated from the fifth tier in 2015/16 and have had mixed fortunes since in their endeavors to return to that level, their best finish being third in 2017/18. Before the 2019/20 season was terminated due to the Covid Pandemic, Chippenham were in 8^th place, which disguised a strong home record of 9-0-2 but an appalling 1-0-10 away record.

Their start to the new season has been disappointing though, losing at home to Oxford Harlequins 9-38 on the opening day of the season, followed by a 13-24 defeat at Sherborne.

Trowbridge were promoted to this division in 2018/19 where they finished one place above relegation places, which is where they also were when 2019/20 was terminated. Although they lost heavily 17-63 at Bracknell in their first match, they recorded a victory in their second match, narrowly edging out Buckingham 19-17 at home thanks to a late penalty.

Chippenham play at Allington Fields, a smart venue just off the town’s ring-road, with the entrance down some side roads behind the Allington Farm shop. There is a large expanse of land, plenty of parking, four full size pitches, one of which doubles as a cricket field in the summer, and the 1^st XV pitch, which has an artificial grass surface, is bordered by white fencing. There are no covered areas for spectators, with the vantage points being to either lean against the white fence or against one of the crash barriers on the paved surface a few yards back.

Entrance to the game for non-members was £5 per car. I did check if this was correct as there were two of us, but the lady replied “we can’t charge any more to watch this lot !”. The last programme had just gone to the car in front of us, but she said if she found any more in the Clubhouse she would bring one to me. Shortly after kick-off she and another girl were wandering around handing out the additional programmes that they had located !

The Clubhouse looks modern and it is possible to watch the rugby from inside, with a row of tables and chairs looking out over the main pitch. Just about all of the places were taken though.

The main ale available was Gem, brewed in nearby Bath, although there was also Atlantic Pale Ale and Pravda. They had run out of Guinness and another larger whose name I forget, but many of the locals were ordering the cider. The service behind the bar was dreadfully slowly, and oblivious to the need that some people might want to be served quickly so they could get back outside and watch the game ! Mrs Fatbear ordered a white wine, which together with my beer came to £8.60. However, she thought the wine tasted awful so went for the Prosecco next time ( £5.50 ).

I may have missed it but I didn’t see anywhere to get some food, not that we were hungry, and I don’t recall anyone walking around during the match with a burger or hot-dog in their hands. There were no announcements over a tannoy, and the score was displayed by a manual scoreboard behind one end of the pitch.

Temperature at the 3pm kick-off was 21 degrees and the weather was dry although a very light shower did fall briefly shortly before the kick-off. Chippenham were in white and black hoops, with Trowbridge in yellow shirts.

Trowbridge opened the scoring in the 10^th minute, scoring in the far corner, but the conversion failed.

Chippenham responded by kicking two penalties by fly-half Thomas to take a 6-5 lead after 20 minutes. Trowbridge were looking the more dangerous side though, looking to keep the ball in-hand, with some good off-loads and bringing their backs into the game. Twice promising moves were cut short for crossing and when they were awarded a penalty in kickable range they opted to kick for the corner. When the rolling maul was halted, the ball was spread wide but a poor pass to the centre’s feet resulted in the ball being knocked on when a try was there for the taking.

Against the run of play, Chippenham extended their lead, when flanker Illife-Moon picked up a loose ball from a line-out fumble and ran unopposed under the posts, and the simple conversion from Thomas made it 13-5 to the home side after 30 minutes.

Four minutes before the interval, Faosiliva, Trowbridge’s No 8, burst through a tackle on the 22 metre line and was only brought down a few yards from the try line. His offload was dropped by his supporting team-mate just before he could cross the line, but a penalty was awarded and centre Oli Weaver slotted over. 13-8

Chippenham had a spell of pressure just before the half-time. After a penalty was awarded to Trowbridge, the decision was reversed, presumably for some-back chat, and Chippenham kicked into the visitors 22. However, two drives were thwarted, and it remained 13-8 at the break.

Trowbridge started the second half strongly and after a spell close to the try, the fly-half Tom Weaver looked up, saw his winger completely free by the touch-line and kicked across field. Thanks to a favourable bounce, it was an easy try, and with an excellent conversion from out wide, Trowbridge went 15-13 ahead.

The good work was nearly immediately undone when the clearing kick shortly after the restart was charged down, but Trowbridge were able to gather and eventually clear the danger. Chippenham’s main tactic appeared to give the ball to Boginisoko Yawayawa, a gigantic centre in the hope he could crash through the middle of the opposition defence. I am not sure if he is any relation to Sam Yawayawa, a much smaller Fijian centre currently playing for Chinnor.

Trowbridge took a further grip on the match in the 56^th minutes, when they scored in the corner after good hands along the back-line. It looked to me as if the conversion had missed, but the referee awarded the extra points to make it 13-22.

Chippenham forced another transgression by the Trowbridge pack, and a simple penalty in front of the posts from Thomas brought back in touch at 16-22. However, within a minute the 9 point lead was re-established after a penalty was awarded to Trowbridge, and after some dissent, moved 10 yards closer to the posts for a straight-forward kick for Oli Weaver. 16-25.

Chippenham rallied and after Thyer, their No 8 had burst through, the ball was passed to the right winger Cater who was denied by a try saving tackle into touch. Chippenham won their line out and crashed over, and with the conversion it was anyone’s game at 23-25 with around 12 minutes to play.

It took two more minutes for Trowbridge to secure their 4 try bonus point. Oli Weaver made a great break from the edge of his 22 and made progress deep into the Chippenham half. The ball was reworked and with a two man overlap, the Trowbridge player went for glory himself, and fortunately for him he was just able to get over the line. With the conversion missed, Chippenham could still draw the game with a converted try, but two minutes from the end they conceded a scrum penalty in front of their own posts. Trowbridge elected to take the points to move Chippenham out of losing bonus point range as the score moved to 23-33.

Chippenham made a strong effort to get back to less than 7 points behind but with the last play of the match right winger Cater was again denied by a great tackle and forced into touch. There was no time for the line-out and Trowbridge players and their travelling support celebrated wildly at the final whistle.

Overall, it was a very entertaining game, and Trowbridge were worthy winners. It didn’t look as if the home supporters were too concerned by losing, they seemed more interested in simply being able to be at a match, meet with their friends and have a few drinks, with a game of rugby going on in the background !