Saturday, 16 October 2010
Saturday, 9 October 2010
Saturday, 2 October 2010
Friday, 24 September 2010
Sunday, 19 September 2010
Manager on Monday - Alkesh Lalji speaks. 19th Sept 2010
This week Futera FC welcomed CSFC to their home pitch. CSFC are early front runners with victories over well fancied teams. They had scored plenty of goals in their first 2 games, so we knew that we would have to be at our best in today's game.
The game started with CSFC pressurising the home goal with fast paced counter attacking and good defensive pressure off the ball. I thought that we dealt with most of their efforts but seemed to struggle at set pieces. We are quite a tall team but still managed to allow CSFC players into areas where they could cause danger.
The first goal against us was disappointing because the same happened against Celtic Reserves. What impresses me as general manager is that we have good belief in our team. We do not roll over and showed good courage in battling in every situation.
This showed when we defended a corner for the opposition really well and this led to Jack scoring a wonder goal. He finished well but created the chance for himself and showed just how good he can be.
I felt sorry for Jack a little, as he had to battle by himself for large parts of the game.
The team was not helped by individual errors which undone so much good work. I have held my hands up for my part in nearly throwing the game away. As General Manager I have to be honest, especially as I play also. I did not play well today and have apologised for my part in the CSFC goals. Especially the penalties. I do not make excuses and will now give other players a chance who have waited patiently. I will work hard and hope to return to the kind of form that I know I can produce.
For the rest of the game we pushed hard and I am glad that Renan has been able to cap another impressive performance with a great goal. He has made an exceptional start to the season.
Overall, I think the virtual managers should be impressed and content with our start. 5 points from 3 games, unbeaten and the constant threat that we pose should make for a good season. Bring on the cup!
Team Rating
Ben Jarvis - 9
Shabaz Haider - 7
Matt Willis - 6
Andy Hughes (Captain) - 9
Alkesh Lalji - 6
Ren Ramos - 8
Callum Roberts - 7
Andy Godman - 7
Sean Morrel - 7
Jack McGill - 9
Stu Henman - 6
Carl Linton (unused)
Ian Morris (unused)
Rich Leigh (on for Callum Roberts) 7
Ray Leigh (on for Stu Henman) 8
Friday, 17 September 2010
Wednesday, 15 September 2010
SUPER FUTERA GET KNOCKED ABOUT, BUT CELTIC FAR FROM ATROCIOUS!!!
CELTIC S C RESERVES 2 FUTERA FC 2
A wonder strike from Renan Ramos saw the honours shared on Sunday morning in Futera FC’s second game of their opening campaign.
Ramos picked the ball up during the second half and steamed towards the box gliding home with a beautiful shot that gave ‘The Red Shield’ the lead only for them to be cancelled out by a slick Celtic move.
Celtic started brightly with a strong physical presence dominating the game in midfield and winning challenges in the air. Futera FC looked shaky and nervous.
The poor start was highlighted when a ball into the box from a Celtic Free Kick was dealt with poorly, and Futera Captain Andy Hughes turned the ball into his own net.
The pace of the game was a problem for the Futera players as they struggled to fall into sync with the high tempo play. The Virtual Managers were urging the team to slow the play down.
Battles in the centre of the park continued as Andy Godman picked up his second booking of the season. However it was Godman who scored the cheekiest of free kicks. Celtic players were still arranging their wall when the Referee blew his whistle for the free kick to be taken. Godman was switched on and he placed the ball into the back of the Celtic net much to the despair of the opposition.
This was the first time the Virtual Managers had constant contact with James McGrattan at pitch side and after a short discussion with the Virtual Managers, all concerned parties decided it would be better to continue as Futera were and not to make any changes to personnel.
After the break Futera took the initiative as Ramos picked the ball up and made a darting run towards the box. The Celtic defenders decided to stand off the Filipino and Ramos punished them for their costly mistake hitting a cute shot which smashed against the post and drifted into the back of the net leaving the Celtic goalkeeper hopelessly stranded. It was a fine goal that would not have looked out of place in the domains of Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge or dare I say Wembley Stadium. Futera FC now had that all-important lead.
The momentum was with Futera but they failed to capitalise as Celtic continued to boss the game physically. 15 minutes before the end Celtic managed to claw back an equaliser hitting ‘The Red Shield’ on the break.
Danny Hazel replaced Andy Godman late on but the substitution had little effect. Ben Jarvis received a blow for his troubles in the dying stages but managed to regain is composure in order to make a decent save from a dangerous corner late on.
Neither team found the extra energy to go on and win the game; Futera FC’s fantastic start last week somewhat jittered after this result but four points from 2 games will please the Virtual Managers.
by Adam Partington
Sunday, 12 September 2010
Manager on Monday - Alkesh Lalji speaks. 13th Sept 2010
The second game of the season brought us to the home of Celtic S C Reserves. They have a reputation for being a physical side whilst playing a direct brand of football. As the teams lined up the opposition confirmed what I thought. They lined up with a big centre forward partnership as well as a few other athletic players in key positions.
We started very slowly and allowed Celtic to build up some pressure. Most of the pressure was in our half and we struggled to maintain possession. This I believe was due to the fact that we did not settle into our brand of football. The Virtual Managers have seen us play with a free flowing style, using all of our players in build ups. However, in the first half we did not do this. This led to an opening goal for Celtic which may have been an own goal from my centre back partner Andy Hughes. After this I think that we settled and started move the ball at our pace. We moved more of our key players in good forward positions and got our deserved goal from a cheeky Andy Godman free kick. From then, I thought we would grow in confidence and this showed in the second half.
We pressed further in their half creating numerous chances to take shots but, frustratingly, did not complete the moves. The Virtual managers called for Rich Leigh to be dropped back into midfield and the extra body in the middle of the park immediately made a difference with a wonder goal from Ramos confirming our dominance. I think that the next 10 minutes were critical and unfortunately we allowed them a very disappointing goal. Disappointing because I thought for most of the game Andy Hughes and myself kept their forwards quiet. However, this shows how a split second lack of concentration can damage a team.
All in all I am happy with our start to the season. 4 points from 2 games and several strong individual performances; Ben Jarvis in goal, midfielders Renan Ramos, Andy Godman and Sean Morrell and the two centre forwards Jack Mgill and Rich Leigh all showed how much creativity and guile we have in our team as well as a desire to battle when needed.
We pressed further in their half creating numerous chances to take shots but, frustratingly, did not complete the moves. The Virtual managers called for Rich Leigh to be dropped back into midfield and the extra body in the middle of the park immediately made a difference with a wonder goal from Ramos confirming our dominance. I think that the next 10 minutes were critical and unfortunately we allowed them a very disappointing goal. Disappointing because I thought for most of the game Andy Hughes and myself kept their forwards quiet. However, this shows how a split second lack of concentration can damage a team.
All in all I am happy with our start to the season. 4 points from 2 games and several strong individual performances; Ben Jarvis in goal, midfielders Renan Ramos, Andy Godman and Sean Morrell and the two centre forwards Jack Mgill and Rich Leigh all showed how much creativity and guile we have in our team as well as a desire to battle when needed.
Lets all look forward to CSFC next week!
Team Ratings
1. Ben Jarvis GK - 9
2. Shabaz Haider LB - 7
3. Andy Hughes CB - 7
4. Alkesh Lalji CB - 7 (Booked)
5. Matt Willis RB - 7
6. Ray Leigh RM - 6
7. Sean Morrel CM - 7
8. Andy Godman CM - 8 (Booked) 1 Goal
9. Renan Ramos LM - 7 1 Goal
10. Jack McGill CFR - 9 (Man of the Match)
11. Rich Leigh CFL - 7
12. Danny Hazel sub - 7 on for Andy Godman
13. Calum Roberts sub - 7 on for Sean Morrel
14. Matt Le Dell sub - 8 on for Ray Leigh
Team Ratings
1. Ben Jarvis GK - 9
2. Shabaz Haider LB - 7
3. Andy Hughes CB - 7
4. Alkesh Lalji CB - 7 (Booked)
5. Matt Willis RB - 7
6. Ray Leigh RM - 6
7. Sean Morrel CM - 7
8. Andy Godman CM - 8 (Booked) 1 Goal
9. Renan Ramos LM - 7 1 Goal
10. Jack McGill CFR - 9 (Man of the Match)
11. Rich Leigh CFL - 7
12. Danny Hazel sub - 7 on for Andy Godman
13. Calum Roberts sub - 7 on for Sean Morrel
14. Matt Le Dell sub - 8 on for Ray Leigh
Thursday, 9 September 2010
Wednesday, 8 September 2010
Tuesday, 7 September 2010
Futera FC 4 – 0 St Josephs Reserves - League Division 2 - 5th September 2010
Fantastic Four!
Futera hammer home hopes for the season…
Futera FC opened their account in Division 2 in style on Sunday as they cruised to a 4 – 0 victory over St. Josephs Reserves with goals from James Hughes, Ramos, Henman from the spot & Rich Leigh respectively…
A truly historical occasion was given a fully justified performance by the Red Shield; this was a work like performance straight out of the instruction manual of any successful team. Who would dare to dispute the sheer promise of Futera FC after today’s performance? The Futera Media Team arrived to find the excitement was at fever pitch before kick off in and around the Futera camp. General Manager Alkesh Lalji was urging his players to start the campaign with a flyer and that order was received loud and clear.
Futera were dealt a blow in the early stages of last week with the news that Mitch Pengelli would be absent for five weeks with an injury he picked up against Offley Moat in last weeks preseason friendly; in came Fillipino winger Renan Ramos on the left hand side of Futera’s lively midfield. Many battles will be won & lost in this area of the pitch this season the virtual managers can be sure of that. Andy Hughes was given the Captains Arm Band by the Virtual Managers and he put in a sergeant like at the back.
Futera, sporting their alternative kit due to the orders of league officials started the game brightly with Ray Leigh and Jack McGill linking up well but it was more negative injury news for Futera after a collision between McGill and a St. Joseph player early on left McGill needing treatment. He did not recover and neither did St. Joseph’s after their shaky start. It was James Hughes who fired the ball home leaving the St. Josephs goalkeeper with no hope. Virtual Manager ‘Aldo’ showed his delight and ‘Gooners’ reminded the other managers that attacking was the best form of defence.
The tails of the Futera players were well and truly wagging as they piled on the pressure; Ray Leigh & Ramos combined to cause problems for the rattled St. Josephs defence throughout the early stages. However a rare St. Josephs attack almost gifted them a lifeline when Shabaz Haider headed back across goal almost stumping Ben Jarvis but he was quick to get down and clutch the ball with both hands.
With the Virtual Managers urging the players to keep the ball, they did just that, it was Rich Leigh who then had the ball in the net only to be ruled offside. This only seemed to spur the Red Shield on and they went looking for their second with real purpose and brilliant link up play between the midfield and the front line. Then with 9 minutes to go before the interval it was Ramos who fired home and spun off in celebration. This was the perfect way to round off a near perfect half. Futera FC looked strong and they were now fully placed behind the steering wheel.
Although it was discussed at half time between the Virtual Managers they and the Futera FC management team opted against making any changes. The second period started with the same frantic pace as Futera FC looked to attack on both sides of the pitch. At the back Futera’s defensive line looked strong and dealt with anything thrown at it with general manager Alkesh providing a solid performance. Possession was leaked in the centre of the park with things starting to look extremely scrappy. St. Josephs were looking desperate and their afternoon was made worse with arrival of fans favourite Dave Moore. Futera had added another dimension in attack. As Futera launched a corner into the box Andy Godman was brought down and the referee indicated for a penalty. It was new boy Henman who coolly stepped up and placed the ball nicely into the top right hand corner. Game, Set and Match for Futera Fc.
No one can fault the effort put in by the boys in the Argentina like shirts and no one can in fact fault St. Josephs for their determination from the start right up until the final whistle. However it was Rich Leigh who rounded things off as he found free space to slot the ball home for Futera’s forth goal of the encounter. A fantastic all round performance from both the players and the Virtual Managers saw Futera FC get off to that all important winning start & open the campaign with a bang. General Manager Alkesh Lalji said after the game that he fully believes in this team and so should we all, here’s to a fantastic season ahead…
We are Future FC, are you?
Team Rating
| Ben Javis | 7 | |
| Matt Willis | 7 | |
| Shabaz Haider | 8 | |
| Alky Lalji | 8 | |
| Andy Hughes | 8 | |
| Andy Godman | 8 | |
| Sean Morrel | 7 | |
| Ray Leigh | 8 | |
| Renan Ramos | 9 | |
| Jack McGill | 6 | |
| James Hughes | 7 | |
| Rich Leigh | (on for McGill) | 8 |
| Dave Moore | (on for J Hughes) | 7 |
| Stu Henman | (on for Sean Morrel) | 8 |
Friday, 3 September 2010
Wednesday, 1 September 2010
Monday, 30 August 2010
Manager on Monday - Alkesh Lalji speaks.
Every Monday Alkesh will give his thoughts on the weekend's game.
"Energy was high and there was non stop excitement during this first game for Futera FC, albeit a 'friendly'. There were highs points and lows points during the game. A few mistakes led to a couple of goals for the other Team but the determination of the Futera FC players meant we were able to come back from this even when we were 2 goals down.
This was the first game for several players on trial who all showed high quality footballing skills needed to become a Futera FC player. In particular, trial player Andy Godman played well in centre midfield creating a balance between his tough tackling and calm composure on the ball. Futera player, Mitch Pengelly showed how destructive he can be whilst running at teams with the ball causing problems for the opposing team. However, several players, including myself did not reach their full footballing potential. This will definitely improve as I have every confidence in my own ability as well as the others who did not quite perform. A special acknowledgement should go out to one of our Virtual Managers 'Gooners'!! who made an astute observation during the game, which led to a tactical change that really helped Futera FC. Well done and I hope you enjoy your reward. Futera FC are very excited for the Season to start next week and we'll look forward to seeing you again then."Alkesh's Player Ratings
1. Ben Jarvis GK - 8
2. Shabaz Haider RB - 7
3. Andy Hughes CB - 8
4. Alkesh Lalji CB - 6.5
5. Matt Willis LB - 6.5
6. Ray Leigh RM - 6
7. Callum Robert (Trialist) CM - 7
8. Andy Godman (Trialist) CM - 8
9. Mitch Pengalli LM - 9
10. Jack McGill (Trialist) CFR - 7.5
11. James Hughes CFL - 7
12. Rich Leigh (Trialist) sub - 7
13. Dave Moore sub - 8
14. Colin Cunningham (Trialist) sub - 7.5
15. Renan Ramos sub - 7
Futera FC 2 Offley Moat 3 - August 29th 2010
Futera FC started out on their unique journey into the unknown yesterday with a pre-season 'friendly' defeat against a determined Offley Moat side that are early favourites to win Division 2 this Season. Futera FC’s Virtual Managers decided that Andy Hughes should be given the armband for today’s Fixture and Captain the side. Hughes performed well with a strong performance partnering General Manager Alkesh Lalji at the back. Speedy Filipino winger Renan Ramous gave Lalji a boost just before kick off after passing a late fitness test that saw him take his place on the bench for the first half.Offley started the brightest as their number 9 turned and produced an early shot that caused Futera FC’s goalkeeper Ben Jarvis to make an early save. There was more cause for concern as a mix up at the back allowed Offley’s number 10 to squeeze a shot just passed the post as Jarvis was left stranded. The early nerves that the Futera boys showed were understandable as they knew Virtual Managers were watching from across the globe!
The Futera FC Virtual Managers were then pondering the question as to whether to apply more attacking tactics. They did, and it almost proved to be costly as the Offley Moat number 7 sprang onto a loose ball and found himself one on one with Jarvis. His composure was lost as the number 7 slotted the ball just wide of the right hand post and Futera FC were happy to hear the half time whistle…
The Virtual Managers decided to freshen things up after the break. It was a good chance for the Managers to scout any players that may make an impact during the Season ahead. Jack McGill, James Hughes and Shabaz Haider made way for Rich Leigh, Ramos and David Moore respectively. The changes proved to make little difference as Offley took advantage when a long ball from the back fell to the feet of Offley’s winger who glided the ball over in front of their number 10. He turned in the box and was given enough space to operate as he poked the ball home and wheeled off in celebration.
Futera FC had hardly had a chance to kick off before Offley, now growing in confidence, went into a two-goal lead. A mix up in the box and a scrambled finish from the Offley Number 10 saw Futera 2 – 0 down.
Virtual Manager 'GOONERS!!' Requested one more player to push up and join the attack and Alkesh agreed, bringing on Colin Cunningham in an Attacking Midfield role for Callum Roberts. The exciting Mitch Pengelli was given a licence to bomb forward and he took full advantage of this causing the Offley Moat Defenders all sorts of problems. Futera FC sprang to life as Dave Moore shot home the first ever goal in this exciting project & Futera FC were very much back in the game!
Pengelli showed exactly why he won the ‘Man of the Match’ award and he again caused problems for Offley. A corner from Willis found Pengelli free on the edge of the box. A fantastic snap shot needed an even more spectacular save from the Offley 'Keeper. Futera could sense the chance of an equaliser and it was all to play for going into the final 1/3rd of the game. Then on the 73rd minute mark, substitute Ray Leigh placed a ball up and over the Offley Moat Goalkeeper and into the top corner bringing Futera FC level! Pure ecstasy erupted on the Futera Forums as the Virtual Managers celebrated. The party had started and Futera FC were level, the game looked like it could only go one way. The Virtual Managers opted not to rest on the Draw and to go for victory. The players did just that as they continued the pressure on the Offley Moat goal. Pengelli delivered two great balls in towards the Futera Strikers but to no avail.
Wednesday, 18 August 2010
We are Futera FC - are you?
Welcome to Futera FC
We are really excited to welcome you to the Futera FC family and to offer you a place in history at the birth of our Football Club 'Futera FC'. As VIRTUAL MANAGERS your decisions will determine if Futera FC stands or falls, wins trophies or faces relegation, becomes Heroes or Zeroes... You will be managing for real. There will be joy and sometimes tears, and our first season may be trial and error, or it may be our finest hour... but we are in this together - WE ARE FUTERA FC.
Our Team is more than capable of achieving victory this season. We have the pace of speedy Winger 'Renan Ramos' (Philippines), the ability of our cool and collected Right Back ‘Matt Willis’ (England), and the impressive experience of General Manager ‘Alkesh Lalji’ (India). We also have the most important part of the equation - we have you - the VIRTUAL MANAGERS - making those all-important decisions. When things go wrong it will be up to YOU to put them right - and when things are going well it will be up to YOU to make them even better! You will choose if we attack or defend, take short corners or float the ball into the box, or if we should play 3 up-front or flood the midfield. YOU ARE FUTERA FC - so YOU decide.
As FUTERA FC VIRTUAL MANAGERS you are given a status like no other. Unlike football fans that have to sit and endure a 3-0 defeat in the stands or at home watching the game on TV without any hope of changing the Manager’s mind, YOU have the opportunity to make a difference! You have the chance to discuss tactics with Alkesh throughout the week, to choose new players to join the Futera FC Squad, and to bring on your favourite player at half time... simply voice your opinions and ideas.
Your first job is to decide which AWAY KIT you want Futera FC to wear this season…. See the home page for more details! http://www.futerafc.com/
How to become a Futera FC Virtual Manager - Subscribe now at http://www.futerafc.com/
How to become a Futera FC Virtual Manager - Subscribe now at http://www.futerafc.com/
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