B-Liga Second Round Summary

With the crowds in attendance, the second round of the B-Liga kicked off at Father McMahon Field last night, thrilling spectators with some cracking football.

The match of the round was undoubtably 2007 champions Pearl Coast Pirates, against a Hagan's Heroes outfit who have picked up the runners up medal two years in a row. With both teams firing on all cylinders so far, there was much speculation that the winner of this one could go all the way and pick up the league title. The Pirates went into the match as slight favourites, and showed their class throughout the first part of the game, passing the ball around well and using some clever touches and flick-ons to torment the Heroes' defence. The normally composed Heroes began to look frustrated, as their baffling tactic of only playing with one man up front backfired, with Andy Graffen usually battling away alone against three Pearl Coast players. Gareth Jones looked particularly good for the Pirates, scoring a hat-trick of excellent goals to further his team's cause, while Matt Carroll looked dangerous for the Heroes going forward.

Final Score: Pearl Coast Pirates 8 - 2 Hagan's Heroes

In the other game, Broome City fired up for their first match of the season, as they took on last year's champions NDFC. With the Sky Blues desperately trying to gel their new squad together, NDFC went on the attack, playing some great football to cause havoc in the City defence. However, the Blues hit back via Stephen Shaw, who netted a brace to close the scores. Some controversial penalties, and some typically firey personalities on the pitch made for an interesting close, with Musekiwa John impressing for City as they held on for the draw.

Final Score: NDFC 3 - 3 Broome City

Next Match Preview

By the Anonymous Analyst

Racing Guantanamo AFC vs. Hagan's Heroes

Odds: Racing Guantanamo win $8.00, Draw $2.50, Hagan's Heroes win $1.30

Pearl Coast Pirates vs. Broome City

Odds: Pearl Coast Pirates win $2.00, Draw $3.00, Broome City win $3.50

There are some mouthwatering matchups taking place next week at Father Mac, with Hagan's Heroes meeting Racing Guantanamo AFC, and Pearl Coast Pirates taking on Broome City.

Statistics will show that Racing Guantanamo have never beaten Hagan's Heroes. Will this fact influence the game on Wednesday night? I'd have to say yes. Despite the leaps and bounds Guantanamo have taken this season, recruiting a healthy balance of youth and experience, I just can't see them matching the free-flowing style of Hagan's Heroes. However, after seeing some very defensive football being played by the Heroes in the last round where they left Andy Graffen up front on his own, I think Guantanamo may have a chance if they can take him and Mike Doyle out of the equation. I think though that this is a definate win for the Heroes.

I think we should expect fireworks from the second match when the Pirates take on Broome City. Both teams have the potential to be very intense and fire up, and both captains will have to be on their toes to reign in any unwanted aggression. Pearl Coast have been playing really well so far, and not only do they knock the ball around well, but their support for each other is excellent. Players will move in behind each other and make runs to help out, and it shows in the results. Broome City however have the potential to negate this style of play...if they can keep their heads focussed on the game and not the referee. I can see this as a major flaw in this Broome City team, which has a lot of talent, but can't hold their tempers. This match will be entertaining, niggly and competitive, but Pearl Coast will come out on top.

Until next week.