Promotion race enters the final furlong as 3 clubs battle for the supposed 2 promotion spots available for next season’s ‘apparent’ 10 team Premier
The promotion saga has been rambling on all season, with the initial dynamic of the Champion being promoted automatically, followed by a promotion relegation playoff between the team finishing 2nd and the team finishing 7th in the Premier Division seemingly up in the air. There was an all mighty stir a few months back after an extremely delayed GFA AGM in which the proposed restructure of the GFA including a new club association would be formed as from next season. Included in the supposed talks was a restructure of the leagues, the idea of a 10 team Premier Division, to bring in line with many of the top divisions across UEFA was proposed. Whilst all these talks were taking place in the board rooms, teams were still churning out their fixtures, shrouded in doubt as to what the short term future would hold. For the teams battling for promotion, its a very frustrating thing as there is no certain fixed target (other than finishing as champions) to focus on.
After months of discussions, it appears that the GFA could be finally set to announce the plan to have a 10 team Premier Division, meaning no relegation to contest with for the bottom two clubs (Lions Gibraltar and FC Britannia) meaning that the top 2 in 2nd Division could be promoted automatically.
Its a 3 horse race with new boys Angels leading the way from Gibraltar United and fellow new comers Europa Point. With the season now into its final month, we look ahead to the clubs’ final fixtures as we analyse their chances of promotion to the big time.
Gibraltar United
Gibraltar United is one the iconic names in Gibraltar football. First established back in 1943, the club has a prestigious history, having won 11 Premier Division titles along with 3 Rock Cups. Their last Premier Division title was back in the 2001/02 season, making them the only club to have won a Premier Division title other than Lincoln Red Imps since the 2000/2001 season. Their final season in the Premier Division came back in the 2010/2011 season where they finished in 4th placed. When the season was over, the club disolved, merging with Lions FC to become Lions Gibraltar, with many of their players moving to St Joseph’s.
For the 2014/15 season, the club returned as its former self and entered into the 2nd Division with the aspiration of taking the club back to where they felt it should be. All this done with the motto of “Supporting Local Talent”. Seeing as football in Gibraltar had opened its doors far too wide for the foreign player to ply their trade on these shores, Gibraltar United opened their doors to locals, especially those who had been part of the original Gibraltar United.
For the majority of the season, Gibraltar United have been battling at the top of the 2nd Division, boasting an impressive unbeaten league run for all of 2014. Coming into 2015, Gibraltar United were the only unbeaten side left in Gibraltar. This was until they came up against Lincoln Red Imps in the Rock Cup. Despite taking an early lead via Aden Victor, Gibraltar United went on to lose 6-1. Their first league defeat came just two weeks later after rivals Gib Scorpions defeated the red and whites 1-0, thus also coinciding with Randal Aldorino’s last game in charge of the club before he decided to step down.
Assistant manager Ian Mañasco took the reigns and was met with a baptism of fire as his first 2 games in charge were all against direct promotion rivals (Europa Point and Angels FC) After another 1-1 draw against Europa Point, a draw was also on the cards against Angels, until striker Lee Muscat converted a late penalty to seal a 1-0 win. Since then, wins against Leo, Magpies and Cannons followed. An unexpected defeat to Gib Phoenix followed in early April, Mañasco’s first in charge at the helm. Normal service followed with wins over Boca and Mons Calpe.
However, last week saw Gibraltar United drop further points. With the likes of Justin Collado and Mark Casciaro suspended, they faced a talented Red Imps side, who themselves are also littered with young local talent and, sitting in 6th place in the league, are doing very well. In an even and entertaining game between both sides, chances were plentiful with either side having their fair share of opportunities to break the deadlock, as the woodwork was rattled at either end. Lee Bughagiar was given his marching orders after collecting two yellow cards meaning he will probably be missing for one game (likely to be back for the Hound Dogs game as his suspension will perhaps cover their next game which is a reserve fixture).
Managerial head to head
We take a look at the stats comparing how both Gibraltar United managers have fared this season.
Gibraltar United league stats Aldorino v Mañasco
Manager
Games
Wins
Losses
Goals Scored
Goals Against
Goals per Game
Against per game
Win %
Randal Aldorino
14
12
1
52
6
3.71
0.42
86%
Ian Mañasco
9
6
1
31
6
3.4
0.66
66%
Gibraltar United did very well under manager Randal Aldorino, only dropping points twice in the 1-1 draw against Europa Point and the 1-0 defeat to Scorpions. Under Mañasco, Gibraltar United have continued on a winning pattern, but stats suggest they haven’t been as incisive at either end of the field. Whilst goals per game remain at over 3 goals a game under both coaches, removing the result against basement strugglers Cannons FC (8-0 under RA and 15-0 under IM) offers a more realistic view on how things have shaped up going forward. Goals per game under Mañasco drop to 2 per game, whilst under Aldorino, it remains a constant 3.38. This shows that Gib United havent been as free scoring in the 2nd part of this season. They have also conceded the same number of goals in 9 games with Mañasco as they did with Aldorino, but nevertheless both managers boast stats of under a goal a game suggesting Mañasco has been hindered by his strike rate. Its true that Gibraltar United under Mañasco have suffered injuries and suspension to key personnel in his time in charge which have affected results.
Upcoming games
Looking ahead at their upcoming fixtures, on paper, Gibraltar United should have enough quality in their squad to safely navigate their remaining 3 games to achieve maximum points. They face Hound Dogs and College Pegasus, both 12th and 11th in the league respectively. Teams which they have already beaten this season (Hound Dogs 1-0, College Pegasus 2-0.) They made hard work of it last time, so this is something they would clearly want to avoid. Hound Dogs have been producing good performances of late (aside from their 5-1 loss to Boca last time out). They can be a handful for some teams. Pegasus on the other hand, are a mixed bag. If they bring along enough players, again they are a hard side to beat, as Bruno’s Magpies experienced recently. They end the season with FC Olympique who have talented players at their disposal. Should they be up for the game, it wont be a straight forward game for Gibraltar but one they can win if they produce the level of performance they are capable of. In their previous encounter, Gibraltar United emerged 4-1 winners.
Gibraltar United require 7 points from their remaining 3 matches to guarantee promotion. Whether they win the title or not will depend on the later result between Angels and Europa Point.
Key Players
Gibraltar United boast 2 of the leagues top scorers this season. Captain Andrew Lopez has been a pivotal player in the team’s charge for promotion. 2nd overall in the race for 2nd Division Golden Boot with 22 goals in all competitions, Lopez eye for goal is a real asset for his side.
Speaking to GFT, Lopez seemed confident in his side’s promotion aspirations. “Knowing that we started off from scratch, we expected a difficult challenge from the many new foreign opponents battling in the second division, eyeing a straight promotion into the premier for the ‘UEFA’ challenge. A glimpse of something they would never see so close in their usual Spanish regional matches. I must say this season has been very successful for Gibraltar United, as we have managed to maintain the Top Spot throughout the whole of the season up to now, with only Gibraltarian players. The second half of the season has seen us slip a little due to key player injuries and suspensions affecting team selection, however we are still battling for top spot, dependant on us winning tonight vs FC Hound Dogs and Europa Point vs Angles which is straight after our game. This could be a determining factor between first and second in the league.”
Lopez added “We currently stand 2 points behind Angels, who luckily received a walk over from top competitors Scorpions last week putting them top of the league. I am very confident that we shall finish the competition within the top two with 3 games to go, winning these games will automatically promote the club to the Premier Division. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved, players, committee and coaches for making this happen and working hard for the cause. It has been a long hard fought season and we are almost there, completing the objective of returning Gibraltar Utd back where it belongs, in Premier Division.“
Lee Muscat is the other player who has been key for the side this season. The former Lincoln Red Imps striker has banged in 20 goals in all competitions this season (19 in the league) Despite is unfit demeanour, Muscat still posses quick feet, pace and knows where the back of the net is. An on form Muscat coming into the final games of the season would really aid the team’s promotion chances.
Winger Justin Collado will be out for the rest of the season, after picking up a 5 match man. Influential midfielder Mark Casciaro will miss the game against Hound Dogs through suspension, but is back for the run in.
Gibraltar United 2014/15 Back (left to right) Evan Coleing, Justin Collado, Andrew Lopez (c), Lee Buhagiar, Aziz Aitlachen, Joe Borg Front (left to right) Jared Buhagiar, Dylan Mañasco, Carl Thomas, Mark Casciaro, Aaron Collado Photo by Gibraltar United Photographer Christopher Milan
Angels FC
This year’s ‘surprise package’ have really caught everyone unawares. Emerging from a humble background, local player Edmond Hosken wanted to be part of a newly established club in Gibraltar. The former Glacis and Lynx player along with others, created Angels FC in 2014 and enrolled in this season’s edition of Gibraltar’s 2nd tier. Mixing it up against ambitious projects such other the ones being undertaken by fellow new comers, Gib Scorpions, Europa Point and Gibraltar United was going to be difficult on a shoe string budget.
Angels began their season with an unbeaten run of 3 games, winning 2 and drawing the other. They suffered their first defeat of the season in their first encounter against of the ‘big boys’ in the Division. A 2-0 defeat against Gibraltar United gave an early indication that perhaps Angel’s ability would be that of a top half team. Despite this defeat, positive results continued, going on a 5 match unbeaten run, only a draw against Olympique blemished what would have been a 100% record since the Gib Utd defeat leading into the Christmas period.
Two big tests followed on either side of the festive period. Matches that would test the team’s resolve on the pitch against supposedly ‘bigger’ opposition. The games came in the shape of Gib Scorpions and Europa Point. Teams with rather sizable budgets and big aspirations. Angels once again defied the odds and came away with 6 points from the double header. Results that made everyone sit up and take notice, Angels were targeting promotion!
These two fixtures were the start of a 7 game winning streak, as they once again faced up against Gibraltar United, who themselves were entering a period of fixtures against the top 4 teams of the division in succession. It took a very late penalty to decide the game in favour of Gibraltar United, as Angels suffered their first defeat since the reverse fixture back in October.
In the cup, Angels needed a penalty shoot out to knock out Mons Calpe, and were rewarded with the prospect of facing Premier Division new boys FC Britannia, in a clash that many sensed a possible upset. However, Britannia showed their class on the day and managed to beat the 2nd Division front runners 2-0.
In the 2nd Division cup, Angels managed to reach the final after a nail biting 0-0 draw in the semi final against Gibraltar United saw them keep their nerve to win 5-4 on spot kicks. The final was an epic encounter with promotion rivals Europa Point. A final between 2 of Gibraltar’s newest clubs beckoned. The occasion did not disappoint. The match ended 3-3 as Angels came from behind in the 2nd half to level the game in stoppage time. They were unable to take advantage in the extra time period, eventually losing out 5-3
Back into the league and their defeat to Gibraltar United did not de-rail their progress. They once again found that winning momentum going on a 4 match winning streak which kept them charging at the top of the table. Coming into early May, Angels faced a rejuvinated Gib Phoenix side who had beaten Gibraltar United, Europa Point and Gib Scorpions in recent times. and fancied beating the final of the top 4 sides in the season run in. Angels once again battled and emerged with a 1-0 win, thus taking them level on points (56) with Gibraltar United with 4 games remaining of the season and sitting in 2nd spot.
Last week, Angels were scheduled to face Gib Scorpions, who unfortunately were unable to field a side and handed the 3 points to Angels, who as a result now sit top of the tree, 2 points ahead of Gibraltar United.
Angels FC Squad (Back, left to right) David Caracoles, Alvaro Moreno Ruiz, Fernando Lara, Juan Palomino Arguez, Kane Ndiaga, Jose Luis Muñoz Ruiz, Angel Chozas Hermoso, Yaser Serrano Valdvia, Alexis Nuñez Contreras, Juanfran Fernandez Molina (Front, left to right) Jose Manuel Pino Moreno, lolo, Juan Jesus Villada Morente, Juan Antonio Mateo Perez, David Moreno
Angels midfielder Fernando Lara spoke to GFT and explained the team is ready for that final push. “We come into this game full of desire and enthusiasm, in addition to some vengeance for the Cup final loss to the Europa Point . We want to make this last effort count after all the difficulties faced by the team throughout the season with very few if any resources. If we win tonight, we dedicate the victory to our coach Juanfran whose father is going through a delicate health situation and our colleague David Caracoles, who almost lost a leg in a motorcycle accident and this week has been re-admitted into hospital for an infection in that leg.”
Upcoming games
Without a doubt, the mammoth encounter is tonight’s game against Europa Point. As things currently stand, with a 5 point advantage over Europa Point, a win for Angels would see them promoted (that is if the GFA officially confirm that indeed 2 clubs will be directly promoted to the Premier Division next season). A win for Angels and a win for Gibraltar United on the same night against FC Hound Dogs, would all but secure Gib United’s promotion as well as they’d only required 1 point from their final 2 games to return to Gibraltar’s elite.
Should Angels lose that encounter, then everything would once again be wide open, with the gap to Europa Point being reduced to 2 points and Gibraltar United possibly going a point clear in 1st position, the top 3 sides could well be separated by 3 points going into the last 2 rounds of the league season.
Angels would then face Mons Calpe, who themselves would be looking to avoid another ‘Kit Gate’ saga after the shenanigans that ensued in their recent match against Europa Point where both teams turned up with a white kit. Angels, being the home team against Mons Calpe would need to turn up in their red kit if they wish to play that game. Having beaten Mons Calpe 4-0 in their earlier league game this season, and knocking them out of the Rock Cup, Angels would be favourites in that game.
Their final match of the season is against Leo FC who are languishing in the lower regions of the league table. Having comfortably beaten them in the first round of the league, punters will probably favour them going into this game, with possible promotion on the cards.
Key Players
Two players have lead the goal scoring exploits for Angels this season. Christian Mena Jimenez (19) and Juan Palomino Arguez (15) have scored 34 goals between them in all competitions. Angels have a lot to thank these two players in particular, but nothing can be taken away from a collective group that has taken the league by storm.
Europa Point
Formed in 2014 by Chairman John Gontier, Europa Point FC’s vision is to give second chances to talented young players. An ambitious project by an ambitious club, with a view to getting promotion into the Premier Division. Adding players from abroad, as well as a sprinkle of local talent, Europa Point were quickly established as one of the early season favourites for promotion.
The season started well for Europa Point, as they made a flying start to the season, winning 7 out of their opening 8 games of the league season. Only an injury time equaliser by Stefan Cumbo in their first encounter with promotion rivals Gibraltar United denied them a perfect start to the campaign.
Come the Christmas period, they went off the boil, picking up 1 point from 3 games. A 0-0 draw against rivals Gib Scorpions was sandwitched between defeats to Mons Calpe (4-3) and Angels (2-1). From being the front runners in the league, they were now part of the chasing pack.
8 wins from their next 9 games followed. Another 1-1 draw against Gibraltar United being the only blemish in this run after the festive period. The 10 men held on for a point after Lobaton had canceled out Mark Casciaro’s opener.
Europa Point continued to surge through their next 7 fixtures, winning some at a canter, including a comprehensive 6-1 against a below par and under manned Gib Scorpions side. However, they suffered a significant loss on the 22nd April 2015 against Gib Phoenix, who were on a magnificent run of form at the time. This defeat looks to be costly for the sides promotion chances as they now sit 5 points behind their next opponents Angels.
Cup Exploits
Villegas scores the equaliser against Lynx
Europa Point have also shown their quality in the cup competitions this season. In the Rock Cup, Europa Point dispatched Cannons (7-0) and Gib Phoenix (5-0) in rather comfortable fashion, setting up a quarter final clash with Premier Division high flyers Lynx. Despite going into the half time break 1-0 down after a goal from Vedad Dzafic, the 2nd Division hopefuls equalised with 20 minutes left to go, with Villegas leveling the match with his near post header. The game seemed destined for the extra 30 minute period, until set piece expert Rafa Bado struck a free kick into the top corner, breaking Europa Point hearts.
Europa Point did taste Cup success in the 2nd Division Cup, making it all the way to the final, where they beat today’s opponents Angels in a pulsating final, and with it, securing the club’s first piece of silverware in their debut season.
Europa Point players celebrate their equaliser against Lynx in the Rock Cup Quarter Final
Upcoming games
Europa Points final 2 games of the season come against the League’s bottom two sides, Leo FC and Cannons, teams whom they beat 9-0 respectively in the first round of matches.
The crunch tie is their next game. Angels need a win to secure promotion, whilst a win for Gibraltar United against Hound Dogs would all but seal their promotion with 2 games remaining. Europa Point know that their next games is a win at all costs encounter, if they fail to do so, they seem destined to play another season in Gibraltar’s 2nd tier.
Key players
Europa Point are the top scorers of the Division. Form players have been Robert Montovio (23), Anderson Pinto (13) and Dexter Atkinson (21). Earlier in the season, Fernandez Lobaton (13) was also in lethal goal scoring form.
All four have contributed to the success the club has enjoyed this season. Former Glacis striker Anderson, has now left the club for pastures new, whilst Lobaton has been hampered with injuries in the 2nd half of the season.
José Costa Ramon has also emerged as a key player in the last few months having already notched up 17 goals in all competitions this season. Experienced striker Robert Montovio gave us his thoughts on the team’s promotion chances ahead of the crunch clash against Angels. “Its going to be a very tough match, as they can clinch promotion today. We have no other option than to go for the win to have any chance of getting promoted. I think we will win the match like we did on the cup final.”
Its set to be a pulsating Thursday evening at the stadium. Come Friday morning, the 2nd Division promotion picture will either be resolved, or be even more complex than the table stands today. Regardless of the mathematics involved, it should be a fantastic spectacle for fans. If you cant make it to the stadium, you can follow all the action as it happens via our dedicated match day twitter account @GFTMatchDay
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