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==Top Scorers== | ==Top Scorers== | ||
Revision as of 10:08, 12 July 2005
Contents
Introduction
The First Division of Bettia (or the Apex League as it is now known) is currently made up of 18 teams with each team playing each other twice, home and away. Three points are awarded fo a win, one for a draw and none for a defeat. The bottom two teams are automatically relegated to the 2nd Division, with the 16th-placed team playing the 3rd-placed team from the 2nd Division in a play-off played at a neutral venue to decide the final spot in the Apex League.
Apex League matches are broadcast in Bettia by the newly-formed Sonastra Sports Network, with international coverage provided by the Shmoo Network of Latao.
Current Teams (Season 2)
After the thrilling climax to the last season's Apex League, Bettian fans have been waiting on tenterhooks for the league campaign to begin again. We have already seen a number of Bettian stars strutting their stuff in other countries, and sees this season an influx of foreign talent into the Bettian leagues.
So who are the runners and riders vying to be this year's Apex League champions?
Akani Sands
Last Season: League Champions
The Storm are on a high after winning their championship on the last day of the season and have strengthened their midfield with three foreign signings: Nedalian international midfielder Trent Hardman, young Nedalian prospect Sammy Ewene, and the formidible Tiburon Smertin from the Liamist States. This very strong squad are looking to retain their title, and there's no reason to believe that they couldn't.
- IN:
- Sammy Ewene from Edensanne (Nedalia)
- Trent Hardman from Riviera (Nedalia)
- Tiburon Smertin from Hilles (Liamist States)
- OUT:
- Chris Harrow to Hilles (Limaist States)
- Justin Lewis to Rhyngwladol Gabalfa
- Joseph Oppie to Tamrida[/INDENT]
Butetown Dragons
Last Season: 9th
The Dragons are known for being a perennial mid-table outfit, and they desperately want to shake this image off. Their most notable activity has been the capture of nedalian Under-21 interantional keeper Hard Dans, with veteran goalie Ali Asad moving to 1st Division newcomers CPDP. Their forward line is bolstered by Varun Nasri from the Liamist States, with striker Jamal Michaels electing to move to 2nd Division challengers Fiilghud Town.
- IN:
- Hard Dans from Strupanne (Nedalia)
- Varun Nasri from Australiavlle (Liamist States)
- OUT:
- Ali Asad to CPDP
- Jamal Michaels to Fiilghud Town
Ceffinton Town
Last Season: 5th
The Wolves were something of a surprise package last season finishing an unexpected fifth, and they have left nothing to chance as they look to repeat that. Liamist States international striker has arrived at Parc Banastra in exchange for youngster Gwarthen Rydderch, who has been doing the business for his new club Marseille. Young international defender John McKinnon has left the club for Krytenia's Patriots Everton FC, but the blow has been softened by the arrival of Chicanadan prospect Ha'ji Diouf.
- IN:
- Brennan Alasanne from Marseille (Liamist States)
- Ha'ji Diouf from FC Lyn (Chicanada)
- OUT:
- John McKinnon to Patriots Everton (Krytenia)
- Gwarthen Rhydderch to Marseille (Limaist States)
===CPDP=== (Clwb Pel-Droêd Porthbalfa)
Last Season: 2nd Division Winners
CPDP are on something of a roll having achieved two straight promotions. Knowing that a stern task lies ahead of them, they have brought in experienced goalkeeper Ali Asad from Butetown, and young striker Oliver Stankovic from Old Liamopolis in exchange for Ieaun Howarth.
- IN:
- Oliver Stankovic from Old Liamopolis (Liamist States)
- Ali Asad from Butetown Dragons
- OUT:
- Ieuan Howerth to Old Liamopolis (Liamist States)
Downton
Last Season: 6th
Downton shocked the whole of Bettian football by not finishing mid-table last season, thanks to the strike partnership of Joseph Ackermann and Bobby Rosenstiehl. Under-21 defender Eric Teague has left to join Liamistan, and the back four has been significantly strenghtened by Chicanadan international Evon Klerington and Liamist States international Michael Knight.
- IN:
- Michael Knight from Liamistan (Liamist States)
- Evon Klerington from Ashley (Chicanada)
- OUT:
- Eric Teague to Liamistan (Liamist States)
- Wayne Batt to Fiilghud Town
Emcorn
Last Season: 7th
The Gordonsbank Road outfit had a relatively good season, and have chosen to keep their existing squad largely intact. The only new face is highly-rated left-winger Shakil 'Isam who joins the club from Tamrida. Robert Cleaton makes way, joining his home-town club Upper Sweeney in the 3rd Division.
- IN:
- Shakil 'Isam from Tamrida
- OUT:
- Robert Cleaton to Upper Sweeney
Gabalfa City
Last Season: 4th
Like their city rivals, the Titans haven't been as active in the transfer market as some of the other top teams, preferring instead to retain most of the squad with a couple of strategic newcomers. One player looking to make a impact is Vtorbetin's goalkeeping colossus Von Bietsch, who stand just a couple of inches shy of 7 foot. City are also looking to exciting Nedalian talent Bader Tayarra to fire in the goals and raise themselves out of Rovers' shadow.
- IN:
- Bader Tayarra from Andestranne (Nedalia)
- Von Bietsch from FPLO (Vtorbetin)
- OUT:
- Brian Horfield to Rhyngwladol Gabalfa
Gabalfa Rovers
Last Season: League Runners-Up
Rovers were stung by their last-day defeat which saw them lose their league title, but have largely kept faith in their impressive squad packed with internationals. The only departure has seen Bettian legend Stuart Abdul-Rahim retire from playing (although he remains at the club as assistant coach). The club have found a more-than-able replacement in Chicanadan international striker Jesse Suda.
- IN:
- Jesse Suda from Arsenal (Chicanada)
- OUT:
- Stuart Abdul-Rahim - retired
]]===Grappenhall]]===
Last Season: 10th
The Warriors had a season to forget which saw them battling against relegation for the most part. They have taken steps to try and make themselves more of an attacking force this time around, bringing in higly-rated Chicanadan youngster Alex McLisha from Cana West FC and Tawfiq Al-Shahaf from Sukatra.
- IN:
- Tawfiq Al-Sahaf from Sukatra Tigers
- Alex McLisha from Cana West (Chicanada)
- OUT:
- Joel Barnwood to Lorshill United
- Karim Tuffley to FOYNLS
Lorshill City
Last Season: 15th
City's young squad struggled to adapt to life in the top flight but to their credit they have managed to hang onto most of their players, the exception being Maelog Mumtazi who is now playing for Pylos Reavers in Hypocria. Mumtazi's spot in the back four is filled by Clayton Howes from Kirkwood Town.
- IN:
- Clayton Howes from Kirkwood Town
- OUT:
- Maelog Mumtazi to Pylos Reavers (Hypocria)
Lorshill United
Last Season: 8th
One of the sleeping giants of the Apex League with the largest following outside Gabalfa. Having disappointed in recent years, the club has rung the changes by bringing in a trio of experienced Liamists, Severo Filippini, Courteny Dieuze and former international Hugh Killick. The midfield is further strengthened by the arrived of Joel Barnwood from Grappenhall. Chris Walworth has left to join Canterbury in the Liamist States.
- IN:
- Severo Filippini from Canterbury (Limaist States)
- Courteny Dieuze from Canterbury (Limaist States)
- Hugh Killick from Centrale (Liamist States)
- Joel Barnwood from Grappenhall
- OUT:
- Chris Walworth to Canterbury (Liamist States)
- Terry Anton to Rhyngwladol Gabalfa
- Stuart Thompson to Racing Club Gabalfa
Maindy
Last Season: 11th
For other teams the pre-season period is all about who has left which club. For Maindy it has been about who HASN'T left, for they have spent the best part of this time battling to hang on to talented young striker Laurie LeClerc. Thankfully for them, they suceeded. The only new face to join the Bombers is former Liamist States international defender (and thug) Son Defino.
- IN:
- Son Defino from York (Limaist States)
- OUT:
- Barry Sheldon to Ryoga Bay
Old Maxwellians
Last Season: 16th
Old Maxwellians stayed in the top flight by the skin of their teeth, and will be hard pushed to do any better this year. Their defence has been strengthened somewhat by signing Wayne Batt from Downton, though whether this will be enough to avoid another season of struggle remains to be seen.
- IN:
- Wayne Batt from Downton
- OUT:
- Ben Sheen to Mihangel's Old Boys
Rhyngwladol Gabalfa
Last Season: 2nd Division Runners-Up
Having missed out on promotion two years ago by a single point, Rhyngwladol Gabalfa finally get the chance to mix it up with their more illustrious neighbours. Top flight experience is provided by Brian Horfield up front, with Terry Anton and Justin Lewis in midfield.
- IN:
- Brian Horfield from Gabalfa City
- Terry Anton from Lorshill United
- Justin Lewis from Akani Sands
Roath Albion
Last Season: 13th
Albion were mediocre at best last season, and their total inactivity on the transfer market probably won't help their prospects. However, the players have spent the pre-season period partaking in some intensive training at the local army barracks so fitness shouldn't be a problem.
Sukatra Tigers
Last Season: 3rd
The Tigers have gone from strength to strength over the last few season, a fact underlined by their excellent third place finish. Their midfield has been bolstered by the arrival of Hypocrian playmaker Marcus Baxter. They will however miss teen sensation Latif Hunter, who joins Krytenian outfit Aigburth Athletic in a deal which see former Nova Mercian international Morgan Bartrum move the other way.
- IN:
- Marcus Baxter from Pylos Reavers (Hypocria)
- Morgan Batrum from Aigburth Athletic (Krytenia)
- OUT:
- Tawfiq Al-Sahaf to Grappenhall
- Latif Hunter to Aigburth Athletic (Krytenia)
Tamrida
Last Season: 12th
The Stars struggled for form last season, and have taken positive steps to ensure they perform better this time round. They have captured the signatures of under-21 winger Cledwyn Foyle from relegated AFC Rendrew, and midfield lynchpin Joseph Oppie from champions Akani Sands.
- IN:
- Cledwyn Foyle from AFC Rendrew
- Joseph Oppie from Akani Sands
- OUT:
- Shakil 'Isam to Emcorn
- Alex Treharne to Racing Club Gabalfa
Whitchurch
Last Season: 14th
The Lions has a turbulent season to say the least, and their cause hasn't been helped by Bettian international star Chris Hutton leaving to join Vilita's Marine Coast United. However, the blow should be softened somewhat by the beating various other clubs to sought-after striker Rafi Whitwell from Llanedalia. Some valuable expeience is brought to the midfield with the signing of Orrin Savo from the Liamist States.
- IN:
- Rafi Whitwell from Llanedalia
- Orrin Savo from East Trenport (Liamist States)
- OUT:
- Chris Hutton to Marine Coast United (Vilita)
- Ghalib Abdul-Nur to Arorair
Well that covers the First Division, but what about the other three? The teams, listed in alphabetical order are...
Division Two
- Arorair
- Banastra Forest
- Dynamo Dini
- Fiilghud Town
- FOYNLS
- Girimukti Subarnas
- Kirkwood Town
- Llanedalia
- Lorshill Engineers
- Lower Sweeney
- Mihangel's Old Boys
- Pen-y-Bydd
- Persi Fera
- Racing Club Gabalfa
- AFC Rendrew
- Rumnasih Rangers
- Treebrook Wanderers
- Upper Sweeney
Division Three
- Alfalfa Kickers
- Betws-y-Triw
- Budiwati City
- Chinterford Town
- Deudregg Dderw
- Fforest Hen
- Gabalfa Saint Norbert
- Gorseborough Town
- Grappenhall University
- Hyppo Fernley
- Llanbedistan
- Mare's Tail Village
- Pontybalfa United
- Ryoga Bay
- Sonastra FC
- Southward Ho!
- UCG
- Upper Sweeney
Division Four
- Al-Sheemal Tamrida
- Ceffinton United
- Cockbill Green
- Drutton United
- Gabalfa Steelworks
- Gilang Chandra
- Hurnford Harriers
- Huwbridge Town
- Lara Kencana
- Lovage Town
- Marjaham Town
- Pen-yr-Heol
- Porthbalfa Navy
- Sageham
- Shabilah
- Spiddaford Town
- Thymeford
- Tinting Warren
FAB Cup
This season also sees the return of the FAB Cup, which wasn't contested last year for some reason or another. This competition is open to all league teams and the four non-league teams who successfully made their way through the qualifying rounds.
The first two rounds are contested between Third and Fourth Division teams plus the following four non-league teams:
- Whitchurch South End
- Lorshill Victoria
- Huwbridge Colliery
- BAF Chinterford
The Third Round sees the Second Division teams wade into the action, before the First Division big boys make their prescence felt in the Fourth Round. All the teams are battling their way to Bettia's national stadium, the Stadiwm Bettia, for the honour of winning the new trophy made from top quality Nedalian Hing.
Latest Results & Table
To follow
Top Scorers
(up to matchday 34)
Hunter (Sukatra) 24 Ward (Gabalfa Rovers) 23 Hutton (Whitchurch) 22 Harding (Akani Sands) 19 Rosenstiehl (Downton) 19 Teague (Butetown) 19 Gwyns (Roath) 18 York (AFC Rendrew) 17 Abdul-Baari (Ceffinton) 15 LeClerc (Maindy) 15 Abdul-Rahim (Gabalfa Rovers) 14 Allaway (Old Maxwellians) 14 Bin Majd (Gabalfa City) 14 Haynes (Akani Sands) 14 Kingsholm (Grappenhall) 14 Al-Bihmardi (Emcorn) 13 Foyle (Kirkwood) 13 Wyverne (Grappenhall) 13
Season Results
Click here for full Apex League Season 1 results and scorers.
