After 26 competitive league games each, and a crazy entertaining playoffs campaign, we have reached the final of the Super League. Defending Champions Bolton Phoenix have made the showpiece again but this time face Palmerthinaikos for the trophy in an attempt to become the first ever successive winners. It is a derby game, El Boltico, as Palmerthinaikos make their first EVER final.
How did we get here?
Let’s take a trip down memory lane to see how both sides made it this far.
The league
Heading into the final round of games the much coveted second spot was up for grabs between Ardsley Celtic and Bolton Phoenix, while 5 clubs were battling for the 3 remaining playoff spots.
11 mins- Palmerthinaikos 0 – 1 Vallen United (Totti).
24 mins- Palmerthinaikos 0 – 2 Vallen United (Totti)
30 mins – Midlothian 0 – 1 Ardsley Celtic (Volodenkov)
39 mins– Midlothian 1 – 1 Ardsley Celtic (Gattuso)
42 mins- Bolton Phoenix 1-0 Churchtown Massive (Montella) AND Aster Athletic 1-0 Chudley Cannons (Rui Costa)
Half Time- as it stands
- Churchtown Massive- 49
- Bolton Phoenix- 47
- Ardsley Celtic- 44
- Vallen United- 43
- Aster Athletic- 40
- Midlothian- 39
- Palmerthinaikos- 38
- Chudley Cannons- 36
50 mins- Aster Athletic 2-0 Chudley Cannons (Bowyer)
59 mins- Bolton Phoenix 2-0 Churchtown Massive (Figo) AND Palmerthinaikos 0-3 Vallen United (Fiore)
60 mins- Midlothian 1-2 Ardsley Celtic (To Madeira) – with half hour remaining, Midlothian are now out of the top six!
63 mins- Midlothian 1-3 Ardsley Celtic (Recoba)
71 mins- Aster Athletic 2-1 Chudley Cannons (Chun-Soo) -is the comeback happening?
81 mins– Bolton Phoenix 2-1 Churchtown Massive (Robben) – 1 more for the leaders and Bolton drop out of top two!!!!! AND Palmerthinaikos 0-4 Vallen United (Saviola)
85 mins- Midlothian 1-4 Ardsley Celtic (Donati) – a draw is enough for Midlothian but they appear to have bottled it – Ardsley need a Churchtown goal!!!!!
89 mins- Aster Athletic 3-1 Chudley Cannons (Rui Costa)
AND THE FINAL WHISTLE BLOWS
We were able to speak to Aster and Midlothian managers about success and failure.
Aster- It was a relief to make the play offs after looking out of contention a few weeks ago, plan d was the biggest factor in this progress.
The team seem well knit and all know their jobs, However, we are concerned that 2 of our key players are suspended for the vital match at Vallen and this will mean a reshuffle – which I fear could disrupt the well driiled formation.Vallen are a top outfit and if we come through their challenge we could well go on to eventually win the grand final
Midlothian- Bitterly disappointed to miss out. Probably counted our chickens too early when we were on a good run earlier in the season. We made it into the playoffs last season on goal difference and this season we miss out. So maybe things have evened themselves out. We look forward to next season. I’d like to wish all the remaining sides the best of luck. I’d quite like Macca to win the thing as we admire the brand of football he likes to play.
THE PLAYOFFS
Vallen United beat Aster Athletic 3-1 at home and looked set to qualify with ease leading the away leg 1-0, but Toldo received a red and Aster converted the pen. Another Aster pen was turned down before Rui Costa scored in injury time but last years finalists held on.
In a crazy tie, Ardsley lead Palmerthinaikos 3-2 going into the second leg. A quiet first half suited the visitors but 2 goals in 10 minutes turned the tie around as Palmerthinaikos now lead 4-3. Nikiforenko restored parity on the hour, but playoffs specialist Henry sent the underdogs through to the next round.
Ardsley- I thought that both teams were pretty evenly matched not just through the 2 games but the season as a whole really, we played them 4 times and lost 6-5 over them 4 games granted Landreau didn’t do us any favours with a 4 rating but he won us plenty of points during the season with his clean sheets, Palmerthinaikos have a real chance as everyone barring Bolton can not only get beat but can get hammered if they aren’t at the races I wish them the best of luck but I’m now a Bolton fan as nobody has ever retained the super league and that would be a massive achievement!
While this was going on, Bolton Phoenix heaped the pressure on Churchtown Massive by winning their away leg. Despite Olisadebe opening the scoring, second half goals from Montella and Kewell earned the defending Champions the advantage.
Churchtown went uncharacteristically defensive in the second leg and offered nothing in what was one of the worst halves in Super League history. Veron opened the scoring in the second half to cement Bolton into the final. Despite Beletti scoring his first of the season and a late flurry Churchtown could not force the issue and were dumped into the elimination final.
Bolton- Its was a nice test over the two legs, Churchtown are a top club with a great manager. We both had injuries to deal with and had to dig deep, he was without Ruud who is a big miss for them. Really happy to make the final again, the players kept it tight which is the only way you can play against the Massive. Deisler was huge for us over the two legs and will be rewarded with a starting spot in the final. Preliminary final should be great and either team would be a worth adversary. Never been beat by Palmerthanaikos but its always tight. Churctown once turned us over 4-1 at home so we know they have that in them. Really could go either way.
The minor semi saw Palmerthinaikos edge past Vallen and ensure a new team would be in the final. Henry on 45 mins, just as he did for Bolton last year, scored the winner.
And so to the elimination final and Churchtown Massive v Palmerthinaikos for the opportunity to face Bolton Phoenix in the Grand Final.
Riquelme scored a header on 26 minutes to give Palmerthinaikos a lead that was doubled 3 minutes later by Joe Cole. Churchtown again were far from their attacking best and ultimately went out with a wimper.
THE FINAL
Ahead of the final a number of managers had their say….
And we gave you, the fans, a chance to have your say….
And here are the thoughts of the 2 managers….
Bolton Phoenix- Delighted to announce we have a full squad available for the final – Zambrotta and Dacourt have managed to shake off their knocks which is a huge bonus. We have been solid of recent and hopefully we can light the burners as we go into the final. Palmerthanaikos may have come from 6th but they have have been strong all season and their goal difference proves how difficult they have been to beat. I have no doubt they will bring it for the final and be a formidable opponent.
Palmerthinaikos- Fully available squad, although no real selection headaches. In terms of reaching the final, it’s been quite a run the last few games and more like the displays of earlier in the season. I wanted to finish top 6 and I did (just) now I need to try and get the job done. The issue is Bolton Phoenix, arguably the most all round strong XI in the league and managed by my close friend Ryan. I think they may just have too much for us underdogs, but let’s be honest, I’ve punched far above my weight getting to the final anyway. It should be another closely fought game but I’ve already got one eye on next season and the rebrand.
Ahead of the final why not take part in the CMSL quiz?
GOOD LUCK TO BOTH TEAMS 🔴🟠🔴 ⚫🟠⚫
L.I.F.E. (Living In Fyfe's Eyes) 