The Soares Cup: Semi-Final 2nd Leg

Greetings amigos,

The second legs of the semi-final stage were both a case of so near and yet so far for the two managers who went into their respective return fixtures trailing their opponents. In SF1, Theo defeated Nick 6-3 but it wasn't enough to deny Crindog an 11-9 aggregate victory to secure a place in the fifth Soares Cup final of his career to date. In SF2, things were even tighter, as Adam triumphed by the odd point in 37 over the two legs, winning 19-18 overall despite a 4-10 loss in the second leg.

The 2025 Soares Cup final will be an all-London affair, with Nick chasing an unprecedented 4th victory in the competition, whilst Adam will be looking to add to the time he lifted the trophy in his sole final appearance back in 2022. The final will take place during the weekend of 3rd and 4th May.

SF1: Nick  (11) 3 v 6 (9)  Theo L

SF2: Adam  (19) 4 v 10 (18)  Danny

Take it easy,

Danny

Results (5th & 6th April)

Greetings amigos,

As the sun shone down on the Predictio Summit in Manchester, another gameweek took place which has left things largely unchanged in the overall standings. Mr Raistrick led the way with an 11 point haul, whilst myself (10) and Mr McClay (9) followed close behind. Mr Moore and Mr West scored 7 points apiece, whilst Mr Luke and Mr Stewart-Jones were a point back on 6 each. Mr O'Callaghan scored 4 points, whilst Mr Crinnion scored 3.

Any mistakes let me know - fixtures to follow.

Take it easy,

Danny

Adam

Everton v Arsenal 0-1  1-1 (0pts)

C Palace v Brighton 1-1  2-1 (0pts)

Ipswich v Wolves 0-1  1-2 (1pt)

West Ham v Bournemouth 1-2  2-2 (0pts)

A Villa v N Forest 2-2  2-1 (0pts)

Brentford v Chelsea 0-1  0-0 (0pts)

Fulham v Liverpool 0-2  3-2 (0pts)

Tottenham v Southampton 2-0  3-1 (1pt)

Man Utd v Man City 2-2  0-0 (1pt)

Leicester v Newcastle 0-2  0-3 (1pt)

Total: 0 spot-ons; 4 points.

SJ

Everton v Arsenal  0-2  1-1 (0pts)

C Palace v Brighton  1-0  2-1 (1pt)

Ipswich v Wolves  1-1  1-2 (0pts)

West Ham v Bournemouth  1-1  2-2 (1pt)

A Villa v N Forest  2-0  2-1 (1pt)

Brentford v Chelsea  2-2  0-0 (1pt)

Fulham v Liverpool  1-3  3-2 (0pts)

Tottenham v Southampton  3-0  3-1 (1pt)

Man Utd v Man City  0-2  0-0 (0pts)

Leicester v Newcastle  0-2  0-3 (1pt)

Total: 0 spot-ons; 6 points.

Theo L

Everton v Arsenal 1-1  1-1 (3pts)

C Palace v Brighton 2-2  2-1 (0pts)

Ipswich v Wolves 1-0  1-2 (0pts)

West Ham v Bournemouth 1-1  2-2 (1pt)

A Villa v N Forest 0-2  2-1 (0pts)

Brentford v Chelsea 0-2  0-0 (0pts)

Fulham v Liverpool 1-2  3-2 (0pts)

Tottenham v Southampton 2-0  3-1 (1pt)

Man Utd v Man City  1-1  0-0 (1pt)

Leicester v Newcastle 1-0  0-3 (0pts)

Total: 1 spot-on; 6 points.

Ben

Everton v Arsenal 1-0  1-1 (0pts)

C Palace v Brighton 2-1  2-1 (3pts)

Ipswich v Wolves 1-2  1-2 (3pts)

West Ham v Bournemouth 1-0  2-2 (0pts)

A Villa v N Forest 2-1  2-1 (3pts)

Brentford v Chelsea 2-1  0-0 (0pts)

Fulham v Liverpool 0-1  3-2 (0pts)

Tottenham v Southampton 2-1  3-1 (1pt)

Man Utd v Man City 1-2  0-0 (0pts)

Leicester v Newcastle 0-2  0-3 (1pt)

Total: 3 spot-ons; 11 points.

Phil

Everton v Arsenal 1-2  1-1 (0pts)

C Palace v Brighton 2-1  2-1 (3pts)

Ipswich v Wolves 0-2  1-2 (1pt)

West Ham v Bournemouth 2-1  2-2 (0pts)

A Villa v N Forest 1-2  2-1 (0pts)

Brentford v Chelsea 1-2  0-0 (0pts)

Fulham v Liverpool 1-3  3-2 (0pts)

Tottenham v Southampton 2-1  3-1 (1pt)

Man Utd v Man City 1-1  0-0 (1pt)

Leicester v Newcastle 1-3  0-3 (1pt)

Total: 1 spot-on; 7 points.

Theo W

Everton v Arsenal 1-2  1-1 (0pts)

C Palace v Brighton 2-1  2-1 (3pts)

Ipswich v Wolves 3-1  1-2 (0pts)

West Ham v Bournemouth 0-2  2-2 (0pts)

A Villa v N Forest 1-0  2-1 (1pt)

Brentford v Chelsea 2-1  0-0 (0pts)

Fulham v Liverpool 0-2  3-2 (0pts)

Tottenham v Southampton 3-0  3-1 (1pt)

Man Utd v Man City 1-1  0-0 (1pt)

Leicester v Newcastle 1-3  0-3 (1pt)

Total: 1 spot-on; 7 points.

Nick

Everton v Arsenal  1-2  1-1 (0pts)

C Palace v Brighton  0-0  2-1 (0pts)

Ipswich v Wolves  1-0  1-2 (0pts)

West Ham v Bournemouth  0-1  2-2 (0pts)

A Villa v N Forest  2-2  2-1 (0pts)

Brentford v Chelsea  1-1  0-0 (1pt)

Fulham v Liverpool  1-1  3-2 (0pts)

Tottenham v Southampton  2-0  3-1 (1pt)

Man Utd v Man City  1-2  0-0 (0pts)

Leicester v Newcastle  0-2  0-3 (1pt)

Total: 0 spot-ons; 3 points.

Dave

Everton v Arsenal  Void

C Palace v Brighton  2-2  2-1 (0pts)

Ipswich v Wolves  1-2  1-2 (3pts)

West Ham v Bournemouth  0-0  2-2 (1pt)

A Villa v N Forest  3-2  2-1 (1pt)

Brentford v Chelsea  1-2  0-0 (0pts)

Fulham v Liverpool  0-2  3-2 (0pts)

Tottenham v Southampton  2-1  3-1 (1pt)

Man Utd v Man City  1-4  0-0 (0pts)

Leicester v Newcastle  0-3  0-3 (3pts)

Total: 2 spot-ons; 9 points.

Danny

Everton v Arsenal  2-2  1-1 (1pt)

C Palace v Brighton  1-1  2-1 (0pts)

Ipswich v Wolves  1-2  1-2 (3pts)

West Ham v Bournemouth  1-0  2-2 (0pts)

A Villa v N Forest  1-1  2-1 (0pts)

Brentford v Chelsea  1-2  0-0 (0pts)

Fulham v Liverpool  1-2  3-2 (0pts)

Tottenham v Southampton  3-1  3-1 (5pts)

Man Utd v Man City  1-2  0-0 (0pts)

Leicester v Newcastle  1-3  0-3 (1pt)

Total: 2 spot-ons; 10 points.

Reply allReplyForward Add reaction

Results (15th & 16th March)

Greetings amigos,

A shortened fixture list produced a wide range of scoring and some changes to the overall standings. Five times domestic champion Mr Stewart-Jones has spent the majority of the season in mid-table, but an eye-catching 15 point haul including 3 spot-ons has resulted in a gear change to his campaign, seeing him move up to third place in the table and secure the March MotM Award - the 28th of his career to date - as a result (congratulations amigo!). I was 4 points off SJ's pace on 11 for the week, which has widened my advantage at the top of the table due to Mr McClay (3) and Mr Luke (0) struggling this time around. To complete the picture, Mr Crinnion scored 7 points, Mr O'Callaghan 6, Mr Raistrick 4 and Mr Moore 3. Mr West did not submit predictions.

Any mistakes let me know - fixtures to follow.

Take it easy,

Danny

Adam

Everton v West Ham 1-0  1-1 (0pts)
Ipswich v N Forest 0-2  2-4 (1pt)
Man City v Brighton 2-1  2-2 (0pts)
Southampton v Wolves 0-1  1-2 (1pt)
Bournemouth v Brentford 1-0  1-2 (0pts)
Arsenal v Chelsea 1-0  1-0 (3pts)
Fulham v Tottenham 1-1  2-0 (0pts)
Leicester v Man Utd 0-1  0-3 (1pt)

Total: 1 spot-on; 6 points.


Theo L

Everton v West Ham 2-1  1-1 (0pts)
Ipswich v N Forest 1-0  2-4 (0pts)
Man City v Brighton 2-1  2-2 (0pts)
Southampton v Wolves 1-1  1-2 (0pts)
Bournemouth v Brentford 1-1  1-2 (0pts)
Arsenal v Chelsea 1-1  1-0 (0pts)
Fulham v Tottenham 1-2  2-0 (0pts)
Leicester v Man Utd 1-1  0-3 (0pts)

Total: 0 spot-ons; 0 points.


Nick

Everton v West Ham  1-0  1-1 (0pts)
Ipswich v N Forest  1-1  2-4 (0pts)
Man City v Brighton   2-2  2-2 (5pts)
Southampton v Wolves  0-1  1-2 (1pt)
Bournemouth v Brentford   2-0  1-2 (0pts)
Arsenal v Chelsea  2-0  1-0 (1pt)
Fulham v Tottenham  1-1  2-0 (0pts)
Leicester v Man Utd   1-1  0-3 (0pts)

Total: 1 spot-on; 7 points.


Ben

Everton v West Ham 1-0  1-1 (0pts)
Ipswich v N Forest 1-2  2-4 (1pt)
Man City v Brighton 3-1  2-2 (0pts)
Southampton v Wolves 0-2  1-2 (1pt)
Bournemouth v Brentford 2-1  1-2 (0pts)
Arsenal v Chelsea 2-1  1-0 (1pt)
Fulham v Tottenham 2-2  2-0 (0pts)
Leicester v Man Utd 1-2  0-3 (1pt)

Total: 0 spot-ons; 4 points.


SJ

Everton v West Ham 1-1  1-1 (3pts)
Ipswich v N Forest 0-1  2-4 (1pt)
Man City v Brighton 2-2  2-2 (5pts)
Southampton v Wolves 0-2  1-2 (1pt)
Bournemouth v Brentford 1-0  1-2 (0pts)
Arsenal v Chelsea 1-0  1-0 (3pts)
Fulham v Tottenham 2-1  2-0 (1pt)
Leicester v Man Utd 1-2  0-3 (1pt)

Total: 3 spot-ons; 15 points.


Phil

Everton v West Ham 1-2  1-1 (0pts)
Ipswich v N Forest 0-2  2-4 (1pt)
Man City v Brighton 1-2  2-2 (0pts)
Southampton v Wolves 0-1  1-2 (1pt)
Bournemouth v Brentford 1-1  1-2 (0pts)
Arsenal v Chelsea 1-1  1-0 (0pts)
Fulham v Tottenham 1-2  2-0 (0pts)
Leicester v Man Utd 1-2  0-3 (1pt)

Total: 0 spot-ons; 3 points.


Dave

Everton v West Ham 2-2  1-1 (1pt)
Ipswich v N Forest 0-2  2-4 (1pt)
Man City v Brighton 2-1  2-2 (0pts)
Southampton v Wolves 1-1  1-2 (0pts)
Bournemouth v Brentford 2-2  1-2 (0pts)
Arsenal v Chelsea 2-2  1-0 (0pts)
Fulham v Tottenham 2-2  2-0 (0pts)
Leicester v Man Utd 1-2  0-3 (1pt)

Total: 0 spot-ons; 3 points.


Danny

Everton v West Ham  2-1  1-1 (0pts)
Ipswich v N Forest  0-2  2-4 (1pt)
Man City v Brighton  2-2  2-2 (5pts)
Southampton v Wolves  1-2  1-2 (3pts)
Bournemouth v Brentford  1-1  1-2 (0pts)
Arsenal v Chelsea  2-2  1-0 (0pts)
Fulham v Tottenham  2-1  2-0 (1pt)
Leicester v Man Utd  1-2  0-3 (1pt)

Total: 2 spot-ons; 11 points.

The Soares Cup: Semi-Final 1st Leg

Greetings amigos,

The semi-final first legs saw two convincing displays by managers displaying their Soares Cup pedigree. Three-time winner Nick defeated Theo L 8-3 to take a commanding lead into next month's second leg, whilst Adam produced the type of performance that saw him lift the trophy in 2022 as he romped to a 15-8 victory over myself.

SF1: Nick  8 v 3  Theo L

SF2: Adam  15 v 8  Danny

Take it easy,

Danny

Results (8th & 9th March)

Greetings amigos,

Mr O'Callaghan showed the kind of form which won him two domestic titles in the space of three years this time around as he scored a mightily impressive 15 points including 3 spot-ons. Adam has leapt to 4th place in the overall standings and it now within striking distance of the pacesetters. Mr Raisitrck has thus far not had a vintage season as defending champion, but he will no doubt have been encouraged by his 12 point haul and will hope that it is a springboard for a strong finish. Five managers were a point apart as Mr McClay and Mr West scored 9 whilst Mr Crinnion, Mr Stewart-Jones and myself all scored 8. Mr Luke had a week to forget on 3 points, whilst Mr Moore had a forgetful week as he failed to submit predictions.

Any mistakes let me know, fixtures sent earlier this pm.

Take it easy,

Danny

Theo L

N Forest v Man City 1-2  1-0 (0pts)
Brighton v Fulham 1-1  2-1 (0tps)
C Palace v Ipswich 0-0  1-0 (0pts)
Liverpool v Southampton 2-0  3-1 (1pt)
Brentford v A Villa 1-1  0-1 (0pts)
Wolves v Everton 1-2  1-1 (0pts)
Chelsea v Leicester 2-0  1-0 (1pt)
Tottenham v Bournemouth 2-1  2-2 (0pts)
Man Utd v Arsenal 2-2  1-1 (1pt)
West Ham v Newcastle 1-1  0-1 (0pts)

Total: 0 spot-ons; 3 points.


Adam

N Forest v Man City    2-1  1-0 (1pt)
Brighton v Fulham      1-0  2-1 (1pt)
C Palace v Ipswich     2-0  1-0 (1pt)
Liverpool v Southampton  3-0  3-1 (1pt)
Brentford v A Villa       0-1  0-1 (3pts)
Wolves v Everton         1-1  1-1 (3pts)
Chelsea v Leicester    2-0  1-0 (1pt)
Tottenham v Bournemouth  1-1  2-2 (1pt)
Man Utd v Arsenal  0-1  1-1 (0pts)
West Ham v Newcastle  0-1  0-1 (3pts)

Total: 3 spot-ons; 15 points.


Nick

N Forest v Man City  1-1  1-0 (0pts)
Brighton v Fulham  2-2  2-1 (0pts)
C Palace v Ipswich  0-1  1-0 (0pts)
Liverpool v Southampton  3-0  3-1 (1pt)
Brentford v A Villa  1-0  0-1 (0pts)
Wolves v Everton  1-1  1-1 (3pts)
Chelsea v Leicester  1-0  1-0 (3pts)
Tottenham v Bournemouth  0-2  2-2 (0pts)
Man Utd v Arsenal  0-2  1-1 (0pts)
West Ham v Newcastle  1-2  0-1 (1pt)

Total: 2 spot-ons; 8 points.


SJ

N Forest v Man City    0-2  1-0 (0pts)
Brighton v Fulham      1-1  2-1 (0pts)
C Palace v Ipswich     2-1  1-0 (1pt)
Liverpool v Southampton  5-0  3-1 (1pt)
Brentford v A Villa       2-2  0-1 (0pts)
Wolves v Everton         1-0  1-1 (0pts)
Chelsea v Leicester    3-1  1-0 (1pt)
Tottenham v Bournemouth 2-2  2-2 (5pts)
Man Utd v Arsenal 0-1  1-1 (0pts)
West Ham v Newcastle 1-1  0-1 (0pts)

Total: 1 spot-on; 8 points.


Ben

N Forest v Man City  1-2  1-0 (0pts)
Brighton v Fulham  2-1  2-1 (3pts)
C Palace v Ipswich  2-1  1-0 (1pt)
Liverpool v Southampton  4-0  3-1 (1pt)
Brentford v A Villa  1-1  0-1 (0pts)
Wolves v Everton  0-1  1-1 (0pts)
Chelsea v Leicester  2-0  1-0 (1pt)
Tottenham v Bournemouth  2-2  2-2 (5pts)
Man Utd v Arsenal  1-2  1-1 (0pts)
West Ham v Newcastle  1-2  0-1 (1pt)

Total: 2 spot-ons; 12 points.


Theo W

N Forest v Man City  2-1  1-0 (1pt)
Brighton v Fulham  2-0  2-1 (1pt)
C Palace v Ipswich  1-0  1-0 (3pts)
Liverpool v Southampton  4-0  3-1 (1pt)
Brentford v A Villa  2-1  0-1 (0pts)
Wolves v Everton  1-2  1-1 (0pts)
Chelsea v Leicester  2-0  1-0 (1pt)
Tottenham v Bournemouth  1-1  2-2 (1pt)
Man Utd v Arsenal  0-2  1-1 (0pts)
West Ham v Newcastle  1-2  0-1 (1pt)

Total: 1 spot-on; 9 points.


Dave

N Forest v Man City  Void
Brighton v Fulham  2-1  2-1 (3pts)
C Palace v Ipswich  2-0  1-0 (1pt)
Liverpool v Southampton  5-0  3-1 (1pt)
Brentford v A Villa  1-3  0-1 (1pt)
Wolves v Everton  2-2  1-1 (1pt)
Chelsea v Leicester  3-0  1-0 (1pt)
Tottenham v Bournemouth  1-2  2-2 (0pts)
Man Utd v Arsenal  1-3  1-1 (0pts)
West Ham v Newcastle  0-2  0-1 (1pt)

Total: 1 spot-on; 9 points.


Danny

N Forest v Man City  1-2  1-0 (0pts)
Brighton v Fulham  2-1  2-1 (3pts)
C Palace v Ipswich  3-1  1-0 (1pt)
Liverpool v Southampton  3-0  3-1 (1pt)
Brentford v A Villa  2-2  0-1 (0pts)
Wolves v Everton  0-0  1-1 (1pt)
Chelsea v Leicester  2-0  1-0 (1pt)
Tottenham v Bournemouth  3-1  2-2 (0pts)
Man Utd v Arsenal  1-2  1-1 (0pts)
West Ham v Newcastle  1-3  0-1 (1pt)

Total: 1 spot-on; 8 points.

Results (22nd-23rd February)

Greetings amigos,

A weekend that produced some surprising results has led to a change of leader in the overall standings. Mr McClay has led the way for the majority of the season to date, and has occupied top spot since late November, however, a 2 point haul left the door ajar and I managed to take advantage with a solid if unspectacular 8 points to leapfrog Dave into pole position. My tally was also sufficient to secure the February MotM Award, the 39th of my career to date. Elsewhere Mr O'Callaghan and Mr Crinnion scored 7 points apiece, Mr Stewart-Jones and Mr Moore were one back on 6, whilst Mr Raistrick scored 4 and Mr Luke 2. Mr West did not submit predictions.

Any mistakes let me know, fixtures to follow.

Take it easy,

Danny

Adam

Leicester v Brentford 1-1  0-4 (0pts)

Everton v Man Utd 1-0  2-2 (0pts)

Bournemouth v Wolves 2-0  0-1 (0pts)

Arsenal v West Ham 2-0  0-1 (0pts)

Fulham v C Palace 1-1  0-2 (0pts)

Ipswich v Tottenham 0-2  1-4 (1pt)

Southampton v Brighton 0-2  0-4 (1pt)

A Villa v Chelsea 1-0  2-1 (1pt)

Newcastle v N Forest 1-0  4-3 (1pt)

Man City v Liverpool 0-2  0-2 (3pts)

Total: 1 spot-on; 7 points.

Nick

Leicester v Brentford  0-2  0-4 (1pt)

Everton v Man Utd  1-0  2-2 (0pts)

Bournemouth v Wolves  2-0  0-1 (0pts)

Arsenal v West Ham  1-1  0-1 (0pts)

Fulham v C Palace  1-1  0-2 (0pts)

Ipswich v Tottenham  1-1  1-4 (0pts)

Southampton v Brighton  0-2  0-4 (1pt)

A Villa v Chelsea  2-1  2-1 (3pts)

Newcastle v N Forest 2-1  4-3 (1pt)

Man City v Liverpool  1-2  0-2 (1pt)

Total: 1 spot-on; 7 points.

SJ

Leicester v Brentford 1-2  0-4 (1pt)

Everton v Man Utd 1-1  2-2 (1pt)

Bournemouth v Wolves 1-1  0-1 (0pts)

Arsenal v West Ham 2-0  0-1 (0pts)

Fulham v C Palace 3-1  0-2 (0pts)

Ipswich v Tottenham 1-2  1-4 (1pt)

Southampton v Brighton 1-3  0-4 (1pt)

A Villa v Chelsea 1-1  2-1 (0pts)

Newcastle v N Forest 1-0  4-3 (1pt)

Man City v Liverpool 1-3  0-2 (1pt)

Total: 0 spot-ons; 6 points.

Ben

Leicester v Brentford 1-2  0-4 (1pt)

Everton v Man Utd 1-0  2-2 (0pts)

Bournemouth v Wolves 2-0  0-1 (0pts)

Arsenal v West Ham 2-1  0-1 (0pts)

Fulham v C Palace 1-0  0-2 (0pts)

Ipswich v Tottenham 1-2  1-4 (1pt)

Southampton v Brighton 0-2  0-4 (1pt)

A Villa v Chelsea 2-2  2-1 (0pts)

Newcastle v N Forest 3-1  4-3 (1pt)

Man City v Liverpool 2-1  0-2 (0pts)

Total: 0 spot-ons; 4 points.

Theo L

Leicester v Brentford 1-1  0-4 (0pts)

Everton v Man Utd 2-1  2-2 (0pts)

Bournemouth v Wolves 0-0  0-1 (0pts)

Arsenal v West Ham 2-1  0-1 (0pts)

Fulham v C Palace 1-1  0-2 (0pts)

Ipswich v Tottenham 1-3  1-4 (1pt)

Southampton v Brighton 0-0  0-4 (0pts)

A Villa v Chelsea 2-2  2-1 (0pts)

Newcastle v N Forest 1-0  4-3 (1pt)

Man City v Liverpool 2-1  0-2 (0pts)

Total: 0 spot-ons; 2 points.

Dave

Leicester v Brentford. 2-2  0-4 (0pts)

Everton v Man Utd 3-2  2-2 (0pts)

Bournemouth v Wolves 3-1  0-1 (0pts)

Arsenal v West Ham 2-0  0-1 (0pts)

Fulham v C Palace 2-1  0-2 (0pts)

Ipswich v Tottenham 0-1  1-4 (1pt)

Southampton v Brighton 0-2  0-4 (1pt)

A Villa v Chelsea 2-2  2-1 (0pts)

Newcastle v N Forest 1-2  4-3 (0pts)

Man City v Liverpool 3-2  0-2 (0pts)

Total: 0 spot-ons; 2 points.

Phil

Leicester v Brentford  Void

Everton v Man Utd  1-2  2-2 (0pts)

Bournemouth v Wolves  2-1  0-1 (0pts)

Arsenal v West Ham  3-1  0-1 (0pts)

Fulham v C Palace  1-1  0-2 (0pts)

Ipswich v Tottenham  1-2  1-4 (1pt)

Southampton v Brighton  1-2  0-4 (1pt)

A Villa v Chelsea  2-1  2-1 (3pts)

Newcastle v N Forest  1-3  4-3 (0pts)

Man City v Liverpool  1-3  0-2 (1pt)

Total: 1 spot-on; 6 points.

Danny

Leicester v Brentford  0-1  0-4 (1pt)

Everton v Man Utd  1-1  2-2 (1pt)

Bournemouth v Wolves  2-0  0-1 (0pts)

Arsenal v West Ham  2-0  0-1 (0pts)

Fulham v C Palace  1-1  0-2 (0pts)

Ipswich v Tottenham   1-3  1-4 (1pt)

Southampton v Brighton  1-3  0-4 (1pt)

A Villa v Chelsea  2-1  2-1 (3pts)

Newcastle v N Forest  2-1  4-3 (1pt)

Man City v Liverpool  2-2  0-2 (0pts)

Total: 1 spot-on; 8 points.

The Soares Cup: Matchday 6

Greetings amigos,

The final round of group games in The Soares Cup produced one of the fireyest encounters the tournament has ever seen. Going into their group decider, SJ stated 'I want to put it on record, that I guarantee Mr Crinnion goes no further in The Soares Cup'. Nick's camp remained eerily silent, but rumours are that posters appeared across every wall of the NC High Performance Training Centre emblazoning SJ's claim in the week leading up to their crunch encounter. As their fixture entered the final stages, SJ had 3 points on the board to Nick's 2 and it appeared as though the Midlander's claim, whilst undoubtedly bolshy, was to prove correct. That was until an Aaron Wan Bissaka own goal gave Chelsea a 2-1 win over West Ham, a 3 point spot-on to Nick and a solitary point for SJ, resulting in the final score of Nick 5, SJ 4. The touchpaper was lit and the scenes at the final whistle were every bit as captivating as they were unsavoury; both sets of coaching staff took part in a lengthy melee which is still being picked apart by both the Predictio authorities and the local police. The conclusion of their respective investigations remain to be seen, but what is known is that Nick has progressed to the semi-finals of the tournament, and it is SJ's lack of progress in the competition that is guaranteed.

No such drama in Group B, where I defeated Dave 5-3 to complete the group stage with a 100% record providing a safe passage to the knockout phase. In Group C, Theo L and Adam played out a highly entertaining game which Ad won by the odd point in 9, resulting in him claiming top spot in the final standings. Theo L's disappointment soon dissipated as news arrived that his 6 points already accumulated were sufficient to claim the semi-final place allocated to the best runner-up.

Group A:  Nick  5 v 4  SJ

Group B:  Dave  3 v 5  Danny

Group C:  Theo L  4 v 5  Adam

Here is the draw for the semi-finals of the competition, which will be played over two legs during the weekends of 8-9 March and 5-6 April.

SF1: Nick v Theo L

SF2: Adam v Danny

Any mistakes let me know, take it easy,

Danny