Helsinki 3 - 1 Eagles
We. Are. Challengers. There can be no doubt about it after the Hellhounds put the Eagles to the sword in this top of the table clash. Defeating the reigning champions is a statement of intent for Helsinki and a much needed one when you consider that Helsinki play Eagles, Sarnians and Kyushu in the space of a few weeks. Defeat and opening up a three point deficit to Eagles would have been worrysome ahead of fixtures against Sarnians and Kyushu which could have left Helsinki adrift if we fail to win either. Whilst the three points puts a small gap to Eagles and maintains the gap with Sarnians and Kyushu, Nerrad continue their fine form and look likely to make it a 5 horse race for the title this season!

In terms of the game itself, several things were pleasing for the manager to see:
- 35 to 13 shot domination of the match, yes we were at home, but gaining the advantage and pushing it home was key
- Early goals, we've been slow starters in some games so scoring two inside the first half hour was key to getting the win
- Continued goals from around the pitch, another two for the defence and one from midfield meant that 11 missed shots by the forwards didn't cost us
- Shynkarenko cementing his status as a top all round performer with two tackles, 1 goal and 1 assist and he delivered a rare triple

But, it is still only 3 points and we must go again next weekend as it counts for nothing if we fail to win the next one!

Old Peacocks 0 - 4 Helsinki
A really good efficient away performance from the Hellhounds sees them all but through to the knockout stages of the Xbox cup as they move to 9 points from a possible 12. The rejuvenated Raffi Karrar got them on their way with a first half brace and that was added to by Prochazka which meant the away side led by three goals inside half an hour and the points were wrapped up. Substitute Bok then added some gloss to the scoreline in the second half as Helsinki’s strong bench also paid some dividends. Those familiar with Helsinki’s style of play and performances will note the clean sheet as being somewhat of a rarity, well done to the defence and Hikkara in goal on that one! After a sluggish start to the season, Karrar has now moved to 6 goals from 16 games and is just 1 behind leading scorer HarrisJones. Lyle Warick continues to be the start performer though with 5 goals and 4 assists, although a case could be made for Jalen Hurts who has 21 tackles 4 goals and 2 assists himself. Next up, the small matter of the Eagles in the league.

Flint wish to cancel the Garry Jemmes loan

Acorns pay 11M for
S_Thompson 28 1 2 11 3 ATM value 10.625M

Old Peacocks vs Helsinki
A win in this one and Helsinki will be almost home and hosed in terms of qualifying for the knockout stages of the xbox cup. Old Peacocks away is a tricky tie though and noting can be taken for granted. The squad is fully fit and available so we expect to see a strong starting XI following the weekend’s 5 – 2 away victory at Darlington. Youngsters Asanovic and Warwick are in line to keep their starting slots after goals at the weekend but expect Jalen Hurts to drop to the bench to get some rest and give Bjelica a deserved place in the starting XI. Helsinki currently top the group on six points, 1 ahead of Nerrad and 2 ahead of Flyboys who face off in the other game. It is expected than 9 points will be enough to get one of the best third placed finisher qualification spots so 1 win from 3 is all Helsinki expect to need. Currently only two third placed teams have 4 points and two more have 3 points.

Helsinki 3 - 1 Tranmere
Tranmere's return to the league ended in disappointing fashion as they were beaten by Helsinki in the first round of the cup. Whilst Helsinki comfortably had the best of the game, the result was in the balance until relatively late in the second half.

First half, perfect start for the home side who had gone with a strong starting XI. They got ahead on 4 mins though Lyle Lyle Crocodile Warwick - that is his 8th goal contribution of the season with 4 goals and 4 assists already. He really has been a shining light in the team so far. The assist for the goal came from talisman Karrar, his first of the season.

The game then saw a red card for Tranmere which left them short in midfield but despite that set back, they equalised through a penalty late in the second half. Helsinki then piled on the pressure which can be seen from the volume of changes, 33 in total, but struggled to get past a resolute goalkeeper but also suffered from only getting 13 on target!! Four Helsinki players, Shephard, Warwick, HarrisJones and Bjelica had four or more shots and it was HarrisJones who broke the deadlock and got Helsinki in front finally. It wasn't until the 87 minute that sub Bjelica made the game safe.

So Helsinki march on through to the 2nd round and avoid a potential banana skin against an unknown opponent and they look forward to the draw for the next round.

Helsinki will take the 25M

H_Khazri 8/11/9 -> 3/11/4 (-10 secondaries)
Lyle_Warwick 10/18/14 -> 13/18/14 (+3tk)
A_Asanovic 3/15/13 -> 10/15/13 (+7tk)