Dragontao >> Κυριακή Σεπτέμβριος 10 - 18:09, Τροποποιήθηκε Κυριακή Σεπτέμβριος 10 - 18:12

Sorry Bakerman, that was a truly bizarre performance by the match engine today.

Totally forgot to set my side up as I've been working most of the day (and still more reports to finish).

So my assistant goes with a 4-4-2 diamond, picking two youngsters on the right and left of midfield, with a better midfielder (18.55 star) not even on the bench and not injured from the earlier cup match. One of the youngsters having played an u21 match an hour before the league match.

Raced into a 3-0 lead, with two goals from my best midfielder, and an og. Pegged back to 3-2 at half time but held on to a 3-2 win with my keeper motm, with the shot count 11 to 32 in Jaypridee's favour.

I haven't looked to see how strong a team I was up against, maybe they had a cup match, but still very unlucky and seemingly undeserving to win the match. https://rockingsoccer.com/en/soccer/info/match-24414311/1

Edit: just seen the keeper I was up against and my strikers couldn't score. Pfft lol.

BakerMan >> Κυριακή Σεπτέμβριος 10 - 19:33

I'm amzaed it was that close - my GK was out injured, so my U21 GK was on duty!

Numpty >> Τετάρτη Σεπτέμβριος 13 - 22:27

With reference to the sitcom Bread mentioned earlier, it was reported in the news that 'Nellie Boswell' died yesterday. Her name was Jean Boht. 

"Lilo Lil, She is a tart!"

Stephen >> Παρασκευή Σεπτέμβριος 15 - 21:40

Halfway there and Mystic Numpty is looking good for his top three predictions, as well as looking pretty accurate about the bottom placings too. Will everything remain as he has foreseen or will someone disturb his tea leaves and smash his crystal ball? Presumably Numpty already knows the answer to this. The rest of us will have to wait and see...

Numpty >> Παρασκευή Σεπτέμβριος 15 - 21:45, Τροποποιήθηκε Κυριακή Σεπτέμβριος 17 - 09:14

Was writing this up as you posted, Stephen.

Now that we are exactly halfway through the season I thought it would be a good time to see how my predictions are doing. I have added the current points total to what I posted earlier in the thread: 

1. Seaburn (1st - 53 points)

2. Newcastle (2nd - 49 points)

3. Scammonden  (3rd - 43 points)

I predict a real dog fight for positions 4 through 10. I've had to make a choice here but many of the positions are too close to call and could easily be reversed. 

4. Canvey Island (4th - 42 points) 

5. Wolves (8th - 34 points)

6. Tottenham (9th - 34 points) 

7. Wonderbras (6th - 38 points)

8. Oxford (12th - 19 points) 

9. Jaypridee Town (5th - 40 points) 

10. LGA (10th - 30 points) 

My predictions for the bottom half: 

11. heavens light (11th - 30 points) 

12. Cardiff (7th - 35 points)

13. Fuchsia (14th - 16 points) 

14. Canvey Pixels (13th - 19 points)

15. Robbing Hoodies (16th - 13 points) 

16. Liverpool (15th - 14 points) 

17. Birmingham (18th - 10 points) 

18. Arsenal (17th - 11 points)

19. We Lost (19th - 6 points) 

20. Whitehaven Town (20th - 4 points) 

There appear to be 3 noticeable differences. Jaypridee and Cardiff have outperformed my predictions - I got those slightly wrong, but I think I understand why that is. 

Oxford on the other hand have underperformed. Despite having a +2 goal difference (15-13) they've lost 4 more games than they've won. 

Edit - I've now looked at Oxford in more detail. The poor results seem to be easily explained by the fact that the manager is largely absent and relies heavily on the tried and tested 352.  

BakerMan >> Σάββατο Σεπτέμβριος 16 - 04:59

Injury to my GK cost me a cup exit and probably 4-ish points as well. Note to self - maybe only having an U21 GK as backup is not the greatest idea...

However, I played at home against most of the the big teams and others in the 4-10 range in the first half (I think), so could be that I fulfil your original prediction and sink to 9th.

Lee >> Σάββατο Σεπτέμβριος 16 - 14:29

Numpty - I have to congratulate you on how your predictions are tracking.

Obviously Alex is squeezing every ounce of effort out of his mob, and my 11 decent players are doing the business (for now) - although I expect to slide a bit during the second half of the season.

All of my time, money and efforts are going into shiny new buildings, and creating the World's greatest youth team.

Numpty >> Σάββατο Σεπτέμβριος 16 - 18:55, Τροποποιήθηκε Σάββατο Σεπτέμβριος 16 - 18:55

Cheers Lee.

Let's hope no-one gets their hands on my "tea bag" or my crystal balls ... 

Dragontao >> Σάββατο Σεπτέμβριος 16 - 22:08

I hope nobody is teabagging with your crystal balls

Numpty >> Κυριακή Σεπτέμβριος 17 - 13:01

Where do I sign up?

Years ago I went with some friends to a juggling workshop. Their business was called 'More balls than most'. Not sure that I improved very much but it was a fun day out.

Monk >> Κυριακή Σεπτέμβριος 17 - 15:41

All 5 English clubs got through the group stages. Well done team.

Matt Turner >> Κυριακή Σεπτέμβριος 17 - 19:32

Numpty, take a look at the table now :wink:

I'm surprised I'm only 3 points off a European spot, but I know I'm only a couple of injuries away from struggling! I've survived another season, but don't think I can afford the investment needed to take the next step!

Numpty >> Δευτέρα Σεπτέμβριος 18 - 13:46

I'd be very grateful if some managers would not try too hard and spoil my predictions. :D

Charlie Mopps >> Δευτέρα Σεπτέμβριος 25 - 08:54

While my Liverpool is struggling to avoid going to the playouts, the English national team qualifies for the World Cup in Vietnam. On Friday 6 October, a draw with Belarus is enough for the lead in group 10. Go England!

Numpty >> Δευτέρα Σεπτέμβριος 25 - 21:19

I've just noticed this youngster in my U21 match against @Bakerman. 

I Smell

https://rockingsoccer.com/en/soccer/info/player-2759150

We had to deep clean the changing rooms afterwards and will be sending you the bill.