While the small matter of the Collingwood Cup had been sewn up in Belfast. Closer to home, the real business of the AIB Superleague continued, with each of the 58 teams pressing on in their efforts to keep up with the thrills, spills and unforgiving nature of this gruelling competition.
In the Premier Saturday league, three sides find themselves neck and neck at the top, with FC Schustigan, McCuls FC and Borussia Spunkonyarmumsbach all level on 27 points. Tuborg Rovers are keeping up the pressure on the leaders with 26 points and a game in hand, fresh off a recent 6-0 victory over Fiddy Kiddlers. Two Goals One Cup round off the top four as they currently sit on 25 points, leaving it all to play for at the top as the season enters its latter stages. The league has been nothing short of goals for the neutral, with a recent fixture between Milner in the Ass and Salah Snackbar yielding 11 goals, an excellent advertisement for the what the league has to offer.
In the Premier Sunday league, SWOXI continue to lead the pack as they sit on 34 points, 11 points ahead of nearest challengers Kilmacud Tokes. Traditional heavyweights Futbolito currently find themselves in a disappointing 3rd place but are far from out of the title race with their 3 games in hand on the league leaders, a recent 10 goal rout against bottom boys Zulu a testament to their attacking threat.
There have been no shocks in the Saturday Division 1, as reigning champions Colonel Getafe find themselves setting the pace once more. An identical points total exists for the top 3 sides in Saturday Division 1 as the Premier Sunday league (illuminati?) with Dellboys FC also due to have two games in hand on the leaders. While at the other end, Pickle Rock share the ignominious feat of having not yet recorded a point this season, along with Zulu and Pedoborough FC in the other two divisions.
All things considered, this season’s edition of the AIB Superleague has been as thrilling as ever, with each of the 1,000 registered players endeavouring to maintain the quality and credibility of the league. For those leading the title chase, the coming months will be a chance for them finish off the great work that they have carried out thus far. For the rest of the sides, solace can be found in pursuit of the cup.
AIB Superleague Player of the Week
Thomas Mayaka
Plying his trade with Premier Saturday side Dynamo Duncan Ferguson, Goalkeeper Thomas Mayaka has captured the imagination of the Superleague fanbase since his debut in the league last October. Boasting a wealth of playing experience in his native Zambia, Mayaka’s knowledge of the game can be seen in his on-pitch demeanour, and the reassurance he gives the defender’s in front of him. An excellent performance in The Dynamo’s recent 1-0 victory over Damba Banter yielded Thomas a clean sheet, and the title of AIB Superleague Player of the Week. An accolade that has been long overdue considering the string of excellent performances he has put in over the past few months.
Chris Foley – Sports Editor
