Ryan Ferguson: The Unorthodox Approach

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Ryan Ferguson: The group stage of the Suomen Cup in 2031 brought with it my first fixtures as manager of Salon Palloilijat (SalPa). It was an opportunity for me to start implementing some tactical ideas to a squad which I was forced in to rushing together, without the help of any scout or coach.

Results

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1-2 Defeat vs Kemi Kings (A) - 22/01/2031
Suomen Cup Group C
Kemi Kings Stadium | Attendance: 826
SalPa Goals: Arto Jääskelainen (28')
It was my first game in charge of SalPa, and we took the lead through our new striker Arto Jääskelainen. However, we soon conceded through two set piece goals, and were unable to respond. It was a disappointing defeat, but it gave us a base to build from.
Leônidas (Kemi Kings) - 8.4/10

1-0 Win vs JJK Jyväskylä (A) - 29/01/2031
Suomen Cup Group C
Harjun stadion | Attendance: 1,490
SalPa Goals: Arto Jääskelainen (35')
We were up against the favourites to progress from our group in the form of JJK. They pushed and hustled but we were determined to hold on. One goal separated us, and we were lucky enough to be the scorers. Arto Jääskelainen was the provider of the goal, and we stole an absolutely superb victory.
Eero Lyyski (SalPa) - 7.7/10

3-1 Win vs Ekenäs Tammisaari (H) - 05/02/2031
Suomen Cup Group C
Salon urheilupuisto | Attendance: 179
SalPa Goals: Serge Atakayi (10'), Arto Jääskelainen x2 (59', 67')
My home debut as manager started with a bang, as Serge Atakayi scored a superb solo effort. Ekenäs equalised minutes later, but Arto Jääskelainen bagged a superb brace in the second half to settle the game for us.
Arto Jääskelainen (SalPa) - 8.8/10

4-0 Win vs MP Mikkeli (H) - 12/02/2031
Suomen Cup Group C
Salon urheilupuisto | Attendance: 141
SalPa Goals: Jukka Siren x2 (20', 90'), Arto Jääskelainen (33'), Timo Huuhka (49')
Sixteen year old midfielder Jukka Siren was the star of the show. The teenage sensation scored a superb free kick effort to open the scoring, and Arto Jääskelainen doubled our lead before half time. Timo Huuhka scored just after the interval, and Jukka Siren added his second just before full time.
Jukka Siren (SalPa) - 9.4/10

0-0 Draw vs HIFK Fotboll (H) - 05/03/2031
Suomen Cup Group C
Salon urheilupuisto | Attendance: 409
SalPa Goals: -/-
Following three successive victories, we had set ourselves up for an exciting final group stage clash. However, it was an absolute stalemate as the game finished without a goal.
Arto Rantanen (HIFK Fotboll) - 7.2/10

Suomen Cup Group C

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A second place finish was beyond anything we could have hoped for, and we were delighted with our performance in the group stage. Kemi Kings also overperformed, finishing in first place. They would progress to the quarter finals directly. We would progress one place less, as we would have to compete in the second round. HIFK Fotboll also progressed to the second round.

Suomen Cup Second Round Draw

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Our success had rewarded us with a second round tie with Kakkonen (third tier) side FF Jaro. We were slight favourites to progress, being in the division above them, and we were hopeful that we could live up to these expectations.

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Ryan Ferguson's Reaction

Ryan Ferguson:

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"I am so proud of my players for achieving this incredible feat. We have come a long way in such a short time and our achievements are truly deserved. We still have a lot to work on, but we are making good progress towards our goals for this season. we can look forward to the knockout stages with great optimism now."

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Comment Section

mgriffin2012, as you can see we got back to winning ways soon enough!
ScottT, well anything that follows is an improvement
De Magere, unfortunately he is human

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Previous Update: #136 - Ferguson Suffers SalPa Debut Defeat
Next Update: #138 - SalPa March On Past FF Jaro

31/03/2031

Salon Palloilijat continued their impressive start to the 2031 campaign under new manager Ryan Ferguson with a comfortable 2-0 victory away to Fotbollsföreningen Jaro Jalkapalloseura in the Second Round of the Suomen Cup.

2-0 Win vs FF Jaro - Suomen Cup 2nd Round

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A number of new faces had been brought to the club by Ryan Ferguson but, unfortunately, the majority of these were cup tied for this tournament. As a result, SalPa were restricted to a match day squad of just sixteen players, but were confident in their abilities nonetheless.

The opening goal of the game fell SalPa's way, and it took a great deal of fortune. Serge Atakayi spun away from his marker on the edge of the area and away to the right, before firing a low cross in to the penalty area. Jaro defender Simon Erlandsson looked to clear the ball away from danger, but miscued his effort as the ball bounced in to his own goal.

Atakayi was at the heart of all good atttacking moves produced by SalPa, and certainly played a crucial part in their second goal. In a quick moving counter attack, Atakayi surged down the right wing before unleashing the most precise of deep crosses. Timo Huuhka had cut in from the left wing, and was unmarked as he lashed in a composed half-volley.

The two goals were enough to seal the victory for SalPa, who would march on to the Quarter Finals of the Suomen Cup.

Jere Haapala-Mannström (SalPa) - 7.5/10

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Suomen Cup Quarter Final Draw

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SalPa were handed possibly the most difficult tie imaginable, against Finnish giants Helsingin Jalkapalloklubi (HJK). The fixture would be played on 28/04/2031 at HJK's Töölön jalkapallostadion. HJK were much fancied to progress.

Ryan Ferguson's Reaction

Ryan Ferguson:

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"We performed very well to beat Jaro as we did. We were assured and composed in defence, and ruthless in attack. We deserved to progress and I am very proud of my players for it. We face very stern opposition in the form of HJK in the next round, and we know exactly what we will be up against. We may be underdogs, but we will fight for every second of the game, as we have done so far."

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Previous Update: #137 - Suomen Cup 2031 Group Stage Review
Next Update: #139 - Ykkönen 2031 Preview

15/04/2031

Ykkönen, which translates to "One" in English, or "Division One" in other words, was the second highest tier of Finnish football, just below the Veikkausliiga. For Ryan Ferguson and Salon Palloilijat, Ykkönen would be their battle ground for the 2031 season. As a club who spent most of their history in Kakkonen (Division Two), the third highest tier of Finnish football, avoiding relegation was the aim. Let us have a look at the opening fixtures for SalPa, and a brief description of the format of both the Veikkausliiga and Ykkönen.

May Fixtures

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May would bring the beginning of our league campaign, and it was certainly set to be a very hectic month. We would begin our league campaign against MP Mikkeli, who we had hammered 4-0 in the Suomen Cup. However, a tricky run of three away games in a row would follow. We knew that if we wanted to avoid relegation, we would need to secure as many points as possible in this opening month. The league campaign in Finland was a short one, and so every game really did matter.

Veikkausliiga Format

Dates:
April - October

No. Teams:
12

No. Matches:
33 (Teams play each other 3 times)

Match Player Rules:
The match squad must have no more than 3 non-EU players.
The match squad must have at least nine players trained by a Finnish club.
There must be at least four players trained by a Finnish club in the starting XI.
Seven subs to be named, maximum of three to be used.

Disciplinary Rules:
One match ban for every three yellow cards.
Two match ban for each of first two red cards.
Three match ban for each additional red card.

Transfer Windows:
November -> September (Free Transfers & Loans)
February -> May (Regular Transfer Window)
August -> September (Regular Transfer Window)

Continental Qualification:
1st: UEFA Champions League Champions Second Qualifying Phase
2nd: UEFA Europa League First Qualifying Round
3rd: UEFA Europa League First Qualifying Round
4th: UEFA Europa League First Qualifying Round (Dependent on Suomen Cup winner)

Relegation:
11th: To compete in Relegation Play-Off Against 2nd place of Ykkönen.
12th: Relegated to Ykkönen.

Ykkönen

Dates:
April - October

No. Teams:
10

No. Matches:
27 (Teams play each other 3 times)

Match Player Rules:
The match squad must have no more than 3 non-EU players.
The match squad must have at least nine players trained by a Finnish club.
There must be at least four players trained by a Finnish club in the starting XI.
Seven subs to be named, maximum of three to be used.

Disciplinary Rules:
One match ban for every three yellow cards.
Two match ban for each of first two red cards.
Three match ban for each additional red card.

Transfer Windows:
November -> September (Free Transfers & Loans)
February -> May (Regular Transfer Window)
August -> September (Regular Transfer Window)

Promotion:
1st: Promoted to Veikkausliiga.
2nd: To compete in Promotion Play-Off against 11th place of Veikkausliiga.

Relegation:
11th: Relegated to Kakkonen.
12th: Relegated to Kakkonen.

Previous Update: #138 - SalPa March On Past FF Jaro
Next Update: #140 - HJK End SalPa's Cup Ambitions

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28/04/2031

Ryan Ferguson's and Salon Palloilijat's Suomen Cup dreams came to an end in the quarter finals as Helsingin Jalkapalloklubi were clear victors at Töölön jalkapallostadion. A crowd of nearly 1,500 witnessed two teams in very different stages of development, as Veikkausliiga giants HJK crushed Ykkönen stragglers SalPa to the tune of 3-1.

1-3 Defeat vs HJK - Suomen Cup Quarter Final

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HJK were clear favourites for this fixture and it took no longer than ten minutes for them to break the deadlock. Teenage sensation Oscar Soisalo flicked on a throw in to the path of Raphael, who fired a superb acrobatic volley from a tight angle in to the far corner to give HJK the lead.

The Brazilian striker bagged his second goal of the afternoon late in the first half when he got on the end of Wladimir's low cross to send a half-volley beyond SalPa's goalkeeper's desperate dive. HJK had a comfortable two goal cushion heading in to half time.

Soisalo, Wladimir and Raphael were looking dangerous in attack for HJK, and constantly looked to break on the counter attack. Their superb off the ball running and their ability on the ball in dangerous areas had SalPa's defence at sixes and sevens throughout the game.

It was unsurprising to see HJK score a third goal, midway in to the second half. Jackson worked the ball well to Yan Silkin on the edge of the area, and the midfielder lifted a superb high ball in to the box where Oscar Soisalo was on hand to bury a first time effort.

With just over six minutes remaining, SalPa struck back. Arto Jääskelainen charged forward on a barnstorming run from within his own half and made it to the edge of the opposition penalty area. He picked out Serge Atakayi, who had made his way in to the area, who slotted home a brilliant finish. It was a wonderful move, but too little too late for SalPa.

Raphael (HJK) - 8.8/10

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Ryan Ferguson Reaction

Ryan Ferguson:

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"It is never nice to lose a game, especially in the latter stages of a cup competition, but we have to take positives from today. HJK played some fantastic attacking football and, take away the scoreline, we played well against them. It is still very early days for us and we do have a lot to work on, but we will improve as time goes on. Today might not be a great day to look back on, but it is a good milestone for us to have come this far."

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Comment Section

mgriffin2012, yeah the format of the Suomen Cup provides a very competitive 'pre-season' ahead of the league campaign, meaning we're well oiled for the big challenges!

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Previous Update: #139 - Ykkönen 2031 Preview
Next Update: #141 - Season 2031: May Review

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Ryan Ferguson: May brought with it my first taste of league action with SalPa, in the form of Ykkönen. Fresh from our defeat at the hands of the mighty HJK in the Suomen Cup, we were ready to make amends by getting some points on the board early in the season as we began our battle against a relegation struggle.

Transfers

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Well, we had nine players when I first joined, and then Alberto Ródenas terminated his contract to leave us even further short-staffed. I wanted a full squad of twenty five players for my first season so I could experiment with my tactical approach, while also being able to deal with the rigors of dense fixture schedules in the summer season format of Finnish football. A number of players would leave the club after this season when I would look to fine-tune the squad, but I needed a base to start with (AND I HAD NO STAFF TO HELP ME FIND PLAYERS!?!?).

Results

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0-0 Draw vs MP Mikkeli (H) - 04/05/2031
Ykkönen
Salon urheilupuisto | Attendance: 250
SalPa Goals: -/-
In our first Ykkönen game of the season, we struggled to create any chances of note. Luckily for us, MP Mikkeli were also just as lacking in attacking quality. We earned a point and a clean sheet, which wasn't a terrible way to begin the season. After all, we were just looking to scrape together points to help fight off relegation.
Filippo Ferro (SalPa) - 7.5/10

2-0 Win vs HIFK Fotboll (A) - 07/05/2031
Ykkönen
Töölön jalkapallostadion | Attendance: 3,352
SalPa Goals: Arto Jääskelainen x2 (55', 84')
We were up against probably the second strongest team in the league, in terms of player quality and facilities, but we proved to be more than a match for them. After a tightly contested first half, Arto Jääskelainen produced the goods in the second. The striker scored twice as we earned a very unexpected victory.
Arto Jääskelainen (SalPa) - 8.8/10

2-0 Win vs Ekenäs Tammisaari (A) - 11/05/2031
Ykkönen
Tammisaaren keskuskenttä | Attendance: 713
SalPa Goals: Arto Jääskelainen (73'), Serge Atakayi (83')
It was another late rally which produced the victory for us. Serge Atakayi was the star of the show, as the former Rangers player first assisted Arto Jääskelainen before scoring a goal of his own to earn SalPa the three points. It was SalPa's third consecutive clean sheet too.
Serge Atakayi (SalPa) - 8.7/10

0-1 Defeat vs JJK Jyväskylä (A) - 07/05/2031
Ykkönen
Harjun stadion | Attendance: 2,660
SalPa Goals: -/-
JJK: Alexandr Adamov (69') | SalPa: Erik Pettersson (79')
JJK were, by far, the favourites to win the Ykkönen title, and they showed their quality against us. In a fiery clash, they took the lead very early in to the second half. However, they were reduced to ten men with just over twenty minutes remaining as Alexandr Adamov was sent off for a second bookable offence. We couldn't hold our discipline either, as Erik Petterson was sent off for a second bookable offence of his own just ten minutes later. JJK ended our unbeaten start to the Ykkönen season, and deservedly so.
Janne Mäkinen (JJK) - 8.3/10

2-1 Win vs Kemi Kings (H) - 18/05/2031
Ykkönen
Salon urheilupuisto | Attendance: 237
SalPa Goals: Serge Atakayi (7'), Filippo Ferro (81')
We were back at home, and back to winning ways. Serge Atakayi scored an early goal for us, but Kemi Kings equalised on the half-hour mark. Central defender Filippo Ferro proved to be the hero of the day as he scored a vital header in the final ten minutes, earning us all three points.
Niklas Ojanen (SalPa) - 7.8/10

1-1 Draw vs AC Kajaani (H) - 21/05/2031
Ykkönen
Salon urheilupuisto | Attendance: 208
SalPa Goals: Topi Savolainen (2')
The game started very well for us as Topi Savolainen scored the opening goal just after one minute of play. However, we failed to hold on as Juha Nieminen, frustratingly, scored an own goal with two minutes remaining, condemning us to a draw.
Juha Nieminen (SalPa) - 7.7/10

2-1 Win vs TVP Tampere (A) - 25/05/2031
Ykkönen
Tammelan stadion | Attendance: 430
SalPa Goals: Erik Pettersson (8'), Arto Jääskelainen (90')
Erik Pettersson had proven to be a key component in our midfield in the early stages of the season, and he got us off to a flier with a superb long range goal. Unfortunately for us, Filippo Ferro scored an own goal with fifteen minutes remaining, but Arto Jääskelainen scored a last minute goal to earn the win for us.
Filippo Ferro (SalPa) - 7.7/10

0-0 Draw vs FC Jazz (H) - 28/05/2031
Ykkönen
Salon urheilupuisto | Attendance: 251
SalPa Goals: -/-
FC Jazz: Riku Viitanen (77')
Such a boring game. Nothing exciting happened apart from Viitanen getting sent off. Nevertheless, it was another point and another clean sheet.
Juha Nieminen (SalPa) - 7.3/10

Ykkönen

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We had risen above all expectation in an impressive opening month. Our excellent defensive record helped us to an unexpected fourth place, after eight games. We were still a long way from securing safety, but a ten point gap above the two relegation spots meant our focus was on further climbing the table, and not avoiding the drop.

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June Fixtures

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There would only be a slight let up in the congestion of fixtures as we were to play six times in June. Following a strong start to the season, we were looking to further our development and put even more points on the board.

Ryan Ferguson's Reaction

Ryan Ferguson:

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"It has been a very positive start to the season for us and we are absolutely delighted with the progress we have made. However, we are still taking things just one game at a time. There is absolutely no point in looking at the full picture of where we could finish at the end of the season, as everything can change in a minute on the pitch. We can only focus on one game at a time and we will look to continue improving our performances as the season goes on."

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Comment Section

De Magere, it isn't something he plans on becoming accustomed to either

mgriffin2012, we will have our revenge one day!

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Previous Update: #140 - HJK End SalPa's Cup Ambitions
Next Update: #142 - Season 2031: June Review

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Ryan Ferguson: Following an impressive first month in Ykkönen action, we were set to further our development and continue to put points on the table. We were determined to put ourselves as far away from relegation as possible.

Results

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1-0 Win vs KTP (A) - 01/06/2031
Ykkönen
Arto Tolsa Areena | Attendance: 676
SalPa Goals: Arto Jääskelainen (48')
We knew it would be a difficult game and our main priority was to ensure we didn't concede. Any point on board was a good one. Luckily, Arto Jääskelainen produced a match-winning goal early in the second half as we secured three points.
Arto Jääskelainen (SalPa) - 7.4/10

1-0 Win vs AC Kajaani (A) - 07/06/2031
Ykkönen
Kajaanin liikuntapuisto | Attendance: 130
SalPa Goals: Arto Jääskelainen (50')
It was another solid defensive performance on our part, and Jääskelainen yet again scored the all-important match winning goal. It was an incredible long range effort worthy of any goal compilation.
Arto Jääskelainen (SalPa) - 8.3/10

0-0 Draw vs HIFK Fotboll (H) - 15/06/2031
Ykkönen
Salon urheilupuisto | Attendance: 546
SalPa Goals: -/-
We were up against one of the big boys again and I was more than happy to just take a point away from this game. A strong defensive performance ensured a clean sheet for us.
Aku Järvinen (HIFK) - 7.5/10

0-0 Draw vs MP Mikkeli (A) - 22/06/2031
Ykkönen
Mikkelin urheilupuisto | Attendance: 699
SalPa Goals: -/-
We were hoping for all three points in this game, but had to settle for another 0-0 draw. It was a valuable point, however, and added to our ever-increasing tally.
Eero Lyyski (SalPa) - 7.3/10

1-1 Draw vs JJK Jyväskylä (H) - 25/06/2031
Ykkönen
Salon urheilupuisto | Attendance: 369
SalPa Goals: Kjell Skoog (4')
It would be one of our toughest games of the season. However, we got off to a flying start as Kjell Skoog banged in a superb long range effort. We held off JJK for as long as we could, but they proved too powerful. A goal midway through the second half rescued a point for them, as neither side could find a winning goal.
Bariş Ayan (JJK) - 8.1/10

1-0 Win vs Ekenäs Tammisaari (H) - 29/06/2031
Ykkönen
Salon urheilupuisto | Attendance: 291
SalPa Goals: Serge Atakayi (45+1')
It was another tightly-contested fixture, but we scored a goal in stoppage time of the first half and held on to keep a priceless clean sheet. A superb three points, following three successive draws.
Timo Huuhka (SalPa) - 7.5/10

Ykkönen

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At the halfway stage of the season, we were in a very promising third place. Fifteen points clear of the relegation zone with thirteen games remaining, we knew that we were almost certain to avoid relegation. The fans had begun to look up above us in the table, as we were two places behind second placed HIFK Fotboll, and the only promotion play-off spot. JJK Jyväskylä looked certain to win the title, as they were well away from us.

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July Fixtures

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The fixture list was beginning to become considerably less congested, with only four Ykkönen fixtures to be played by us in July. With that in mind, I organised two friendlies to keep fitness levels up for the players who may not have earned much game time recently. Considering our form, the four league games we had were considered winnable.

Ryan Ferguson's Reaction

Ryan Ferguson:

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"Another brilliant month for us. We had worked a lot on our defensive organisation and set-piece management, and this showed through our defensive record this month. We probably didn't create as many goal scoring opportunities as we may have liked but that is something we have been working on, and will continue to work on. We've made a great start to the season and I hope we can continue to keep this momentum going."

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Comment Section

De Magere, indeed it was not the best of beginnings! I guess that can be down to a number of factors. I had 0 scouts and coaches at my disposal to assist me in locating reinforcements for the team, and I could not attract good players due to very limited financial resources. However, I feel we will certainly improve on a consistent basis with the players we do have integrating themselves in to my way of playing!

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Previous Update: #141 - Season 2031: May Review
Next Update: #143 - Season 2031: July Review

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Ryan Ferguson: We had put ourselves in a very strong position after two superb months of Ykkönen football, and we were set to continue an impressive run of form in the league. We were focused on taking each game as it came, a philosophy which I had stuck to diligently in years gone by.

Results

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3-1 Win vs Kemi Kings (A) - 05/07/2031
Ykkönen
Kemi Kings Stadium | Attendance: 1,199
SalPa Goals: Timo Huuhka x2 (13', 24'), Arto Jääskelainen (18')
We made an absolutely storming start to the game as Timo Huuhka bagged himself two goals inside the opening twenty four minutes, with Arto Jääskelainen also scoring in that time. Kemi Kings struck back with one goal on the half-hour mark, but we played the game out to a deserved victory for ourselves.
Kjell Skoog (SalPa) - 9.0/10

3-2 Win vs TPV Tampere (H) - 13/07/2031
Ykkönen
Salon urheilupuisto | Attendance: 306
SalPa Goals: Nicklas Ojanen (11'), Arto Jääskelainen (23'), Serge Atakayi (29')
We started this game with a bang too, scoring three goals in the first half hour of the game. TPV got one back just before half time, and scored another just after to put the pressure on us. Niklas Ojanen missed a penalty for us midway through the second half, but we held out for another victory.
Kjell Skoog (SalPa) - 7.8/10

1-0 Win vs FC Jazz (A) - 20/07/2031
Ykkönen
Porin Stadion | Attendance: 696
SalPa Goals: Filippo Ferro (19')
It was a very tightly contested fixture, and we scored the only goal of the game through central defender Filippo Ferro. He rose highest to power a header in to the back of the net from a corner.
Eero Lyyski (SalPa) - 7.3/10

3-1 Win vs KTP (H) - 27/07/2031
Ykkönen
Salon urheilupuisto | Attendance: 266
SalPa Goals: Timo Huuhka (26'), Kjell Skoog (55'), Arto Jääskelainen (62')
A Timo Huuhka goal midway through the first half gave us the lead. KTP leveled the score early in the second half through a penalty, but goals from Kjell Skoog and Arto Jääskelainen secured the win for us.
Erik Pettersson (SalPa) - 9.0/10

Ykkönen

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We just kept moving up. A superb run of form saw us overtake HIFK Fotboll, and move in to second place. Most importantly, we were all but mathematically safe from relegation. We would continue to play football at a minimum of Ykkönen level in the next season, but we would continue focusing on taking each game as it came.

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August Fixtures

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While we were very much safe from relegation, we knew that a continuation of our superb form could help us make a late charge for the title. However, we knew it would be a struggle and we were very happy with what we had already achieved.

Ryan Ferguson's Reaction

Ryan Ferguson:

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"We're not even thinking about the league table right now. We're delighted with what we have achieved so far but I refuse to be drawn in to any distraction from our league positioning until the season is over. We still have games to play and we will continue to take them one at a time,"

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Comment Section

mgriffin2012, yeah the defensive aspect of the game has always been something I've looked to solidify, no matter who I manage. If you don't concede, you pick up at least one point. Those points do add up! I will, of course, be looking at ways to improve our attacking performances, but I'm happy with our defensive organisation thus far.

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Previous Update: #142 - Season 2031: June Review
Next Update: #144 - Ferguson: We've Made Great Progress

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