A cup win against MM's reserves, a hard-fought draw against league contenders DB, and another hard-fought victory against LBC.
A good week in terms of results, which leaves the team feeling confident for what's to come.
ORA will face their historic rival OPT in both cups, and no one at Orgy Park wants to think about a double elimination.
With just a three-point lead over DB in the standings, Colin's team can't afford to let the league slide. But they have more than enough quality to turn Orgullo's season into a disappointment.

After the first cup clash, ORA will have to keep their morale up (and defend their third place) by visiting ACS with a very deep roster; and then host a YFC team fighting to avoid relegation and retain their chances of winning the cup at the same time.

Orchard Park Thistle turned up the heat at The Orchard this week with a clinical 2-0 dismantling of Lisburn City, leaving the visitors with more questions than answers. From the off, the Cidermen looked fizzier and sharper, pressing high and moving the ball with zip. Lisburn had early chances – Jamsie Irwin’s rocket from range rattled the bar before bouncing to David Silva, only for the rebound to be smothered by the home defence. But it was the Orchard Park backline, led superbly by the ever-reliable Sunny Scott, who stood firm, snuffing out any lingering hopes of a Lisburn breakthrough. Sunny Scott turned provider and finisher on 32 minutes after Tyree Wilson’s sliced effort fell kindly to him. Scott calmly side-footed the opener past a helpless Scott Carson. Just before the break, Eric Jones doubled the lead after a sweeping move, latching onto Wilson’s pass to finish low across goal. Lisburn huffed and puffed after the break, but Caleb Milligan was equal to everything – including a smart save from Bernardo Silva. Despite late forays forward, the Distillers never truly threatened to change the script. A complete performance by Orchard Park – and with Sunny Scott earning Man of the Match, it’s clear the Cidermen have found their rhythm. Next up, Lisburn will need a strong response to avoid going flat.

Lisburn City’s misfiring attack produced another frustrating evening as they were held to a goalless draw by a spirited A.C. Sapone side at the aptly nicknamed “Soap Dish.” Despite dominating possession and fielding a full-strength side, Carl Oakes’ men couldn’t find a way past the home defence — or make Will Needham earn a single save. The best chance of the match came early, with Scott Carson tipping Anthony Trueman’s speculative strike onto the bar before John Kennedy saved the day, clearing Alfie Moon’s rebound header off the line. But that was as close as either side came to breaking the deadlock in a match high on effort but low on drama. Lisburn’s front line, including the tireless Eric Brook and the returning Phil McDonagh, found themselves stifled by the unlikely hero of the night — Jail Sharma. The Sapone defender was everywhere, earning Man of the Match for a string of last-ditch tackles and well-timed interceptions. Bernardo Silva did find the net late on, but the assistant’s flag rightly curtailed any celebrations. For Lisburn, it’s another game without a goal — and with mounting pressure to turn possession into points. One to rinse off and move on.

A late strike from the mercurial Ansu Fati condemned Lisburn City to another frustrating defeat, as Orgullo Atletico left The Distillery with all three points following a tightly contested match. Despite a conservative 5-2-3 setup, Lisburn looked the brighter early on. Benjani almost gave the hosts the perfect start, chipping David Seaman after a neat flick from Phil McDonagh, but José Ramón Alexanco rescued Orgullo with a timely block. At the other end, Hugo Ekitike’s solo run nearly embarrassed the Lisburn defence, only for Tommy Wright to keep his cool and deny the full-back. Carl Oakes shuffled the deck at half-time, bringing on Gary Wray and Jamsie Irwin, and Lisburn pushed forward in search of a breakthrough. But despite flashes of energy from Darren Armour and substitute Eric Brook, the Distillers struggled to crack Orgullo’s disciplined back line, superbly marshalled by Alberto Górriz. The sucker punch came in the 82nd minute. Duhan van der Merwe’s fizzing ball deflected off Tommy Wright, and Ansu Fati was quickest to react, bundling home the decisive goal – his scuffed finish sealing Man of the Match honours. Lisburn’s attacking woes continue, with three games now without finding the net. The effort is there, but the cutting edge remains elusive. Next up: a big response is needed to lift spirits at The Distillery.

Ye Olde Spurs continued their awful league run losing both league matches. We kicked off with a home game against Preston North End losing three nil and swapping places with North End dropping to second bottom. Then we traveled to play rivals Locomotive Darlington and again lost three nil. We did have some good news in the Dawson plate game with Newton Heath LYR winning two nil to qualify for the semifinals. Relegation looms but at least our cup chances remain.

After a mediocre last weekend we were looking to get back on track.

We started with a home game against Matt's Camelot who were down at the bottom of the table, we opted for a 4-4-2 normal as they went for a 4-4-2 early ball, we started the quicker as Holden drilled home from range on 9 minutes 1-0,24 minutes and Oteh slipped through and slotted home 2-0,36 minutes and Ghlas fired home 3-0 and he fired home his 2nd on 39 minutes 4-0 and Esteve drilled home on 41 minutes 5-0,2nd half and it was a tale of defences as all the damage was done in the 1st half as we outplayed and outshot them 12 to 0,well played Matt,we now sit 4th.

Next we travelled to David's Gotham city knights, always a tough place to play at,they opted for a 6-3-1 stall(which we thought was a bit unusual for a home team) as we went for a 4-4-2 normal, again we started the quicker and on 12 minutes Ghlas cut inside and hit a cross cum shot which beat everyone and nestled in the back of the net 0-1,29 minutes and he fired home his 2nd 0-2,half time soon came and subs on ,47 minutes and a horrendous back pass saw Llorente race in and slot it under the onrushing keeper 0-3 and we sealed the game on 73 minutes when Esteve drilled home from range 0-4 as we outplayed and outshot them 8 to 0.well played David and after a 6 point weekend we climb to 2nd.

We were up against Jame's New Jersey Nutmegs, who had beaten us in the league  in a close encounter, we were looking to hit back ,we opted for a 5-3-2 normal as they went for a 4-3-3 normal, another really close exciting encounter ahead as for the 1st half defences stood firm, 2nd half and subs on and much the same story as both sides managed 1 shot each but defences not letting anything through and it ended goalless 0-0 and we went to penalties, and we went through 3-1 and progress to the next round ,well played James. 

Lisburn City left it late but eventually made their dominance count in a commanding 2–0 victory over the Pehuajo Expos at the Ballymacash Bowl. Despite facing a heroic performance from opposition keeper Benjamin Gerardo, Lisburn’s relentless pressure finally cracked the visiting defence in the second half. The home side started brightly with Phil McDonagh and Darius Vassell looking dangerous, but Gerardo was in inspired form, denying McDonagh early and thwarting numerous chances throughout the first half. Lisburn were nearly undone by their own wastefulness, with Brook and McDonagh both missing gilt-edged chances. The breakthrough finally came in the 63rd minute when substitute Benjani bundled home from close range after Jamsie Irwin’s shot came off the post. Eric Brook capped off a strong display with a sensational strike from distance nine minutes later, sealing the win. He’ll miss the next match through suspension, as will Tommy McIlroy, who picked up his fifth booking. Despite the result, Pehuajo’s Gerardo deservedly claimed Man of the Match for an eight-save masterclass, keeping the scoreline respectable as Lisburn registered 14 shots without facing a single one themselves.

A night of frustration at the Ballymacash Bowl saw Lisburn City and Dublin Illuminati cancel each other out in a gritty 0–0 draw, with both goalkeepers the standout performers in a tightly contested affair. Lisburn came closest in the first half when Phil McDonagh clipped a shot past the onrushing Den Korsey only to see it come off the post and back into the grateful keeper’s arms. Moments later, Andy Morrison’s fierce effort flew just wide as Lisburn threatened to take control. Dublin had their own moments, with Wedrick Jills proving a constant menace down the left. His link-up play with Jawand Dones caused problems, but Scott Carson in the Lisburn goal was in inspired form, producing five top-quality saves – including a crucial stop from Cari Amooper late on. Den Korsey matched him at the other end with a strong second-half showing, denying Darius Vassell, Dave Watson and Gary Wray in quick succession. Both sides will be content with a point, but Lisburn may feel they edged the chances and lacked only a clinical touch.

Lisburn City’s recent run of grit and guile came crashing down under a ruthless second-half assault from the Dundee Broncos, who ran out 5–1 winners in a game that started competitively but spiralled away from the visitors. It was the home side who struck first, when Norman Namib’s looping cross evaded everyone – including keeper Tommy Wright – to give Dundee the lead in freakish fashion after just six minutes. Lisburn responded quickly, as Eric Brook’s shot was parried and Benjani tapped home to level in the 13th minute. However, defensive frailties crept in, and Dundee retook the lead through Ian Ytene before the half was out. Despite a handful of good chances for Bosvelt, Barnes and Brook, Lisburn couldn’t breach the inspired Steve Sorraia, who pulled off five top saves and claimed Man of the Match. The second half saw the Broncos shift up a gear, with Camargue, Namib and Sable all finding the net as Lisburn collapsed under wave after wave of pressure. Even with fresh legs from Phil McDonagh and Jamsie Irwin, the visitors couldn’t claw their way back into the game. Carl Oakes will have some harsh words for his back line—and his goalkeeper—after this one.

Another week on, and the outlook at Orgy Park is the same.
Fortunately, because it can only get worse. With the league title already lost, staying alive in both cups is the goal.

Added to this is the squad overhaul.
Rejuvenating the forward line and the goalkeeping are two things the board is looking for in the market, while maintaining a guaranteed starting XI to avoid losing their chances of winning a trophy this season.

Last week, the cup win against GCK allowed them to continue dreaming, while the league victory against LD allowed them to climb to third place (the league goal).
On the other hand, the draw against DUB showed that the team continues to struggle against the strongest teams in the division, whom they will have to face in the cup if they continue to advance.

This week, the cup pits ORA against MM, who are deep in the fight for promotion. It seems unlikely he'll risk his stars with injury, but Sergei won't play with that in mind, and he's expected to field all his starters.
Then comes a tough home match against DB and a visit to LBC. Two formalities before the next cup match, but Orgullo doesn't want to give up either so as not to damage the team's morale.

Lisburn City left it late but eventually made their dominance count in a commanding 2–0 victory over the Pehuajo Expos at the Ballymacash Bowl. Despite facing a heroic performance from opposition keeper Benjamin Gerardo, Lisburn’s relentless pressure finally cracked the visiting defence in the second half. The home side started brightly with Phil McDonagh and Darius Vassell looking dangerous, but Gerardo was in inspired form, denying McDonagh early and thwarting numerous chances throughout the first half. Lisburn were nearly undone by their own wastefulness, with Brook and McDonagh both missing gilt-edged chances. The breakthrough finally came in the 63rd minute when substitute Benjani bundled home from close range after Jamsie Irwin’s shot came off the post. Eric Brook capped off a strong display with a sensational strike from distance nine minutes later, sealing the win. He’ll miss the next match through suspension, as will Tommy McIlroy, who picked up his fifth booking. Despite the result, Pehuajo’s Gerardo deservedly claimed Man of the Match for an eight-save masterclass, keeping the scoreline respectable as Lisburn registered 14 shots without facing a single one themselves.

A night of frustration at the Ballymacash Bowl saw Lisburn City and Dublin Illuminati cancel each other out in a gritty 0–0 draw, with both goalkeepers the standout performers in a tightly contested affair. Lisburn came closest in the first half when Phil McDonagh clipped a shot past the onrushing Den Korsey only to see it come off the post and back into the grateful keeper’s arms. Moments later, Andy Morrison’s fierce effort flew just wide as Lisburn threatened to take control. Dublin had their own moments, with Wedrick Jills proving a constant menace down the left. His link-up play with Jawand Dones caused problems, but Scott Carson in the Lisburn goal was in inspired form, producing five top-quality saves – including a crucial stop from Cari Amooper late on. Den Korsey matched him at the other end with a strong second-half showing, denying Darius Vassell, Dave Watson and Gary Wray in quick succession. Both sides will be content with a point, but Lisburn may feel they edged the chances and lacked only a clinical touch.

Lisburn City’s recent run of grit and guile came crashing down under a ruthless second-half assault from the Dundee Broncos, who ran out 5–1 winners in a game that started competitively but spiralled away from the visitors. It was the home side who struck first, when Norman Namib’s looping cross evaded everyone – including keeper Tommy Wright – to give Dundee the lead in freakish fashion after just six minutes. Lisburn responded quickly, as Eric Brook’s shot was parried and Benjani tapped home to level in the 13th minute. However, defensive frailties crept in, and Dundee retook the lead through Ian Ytene before the half was out. Despite a handful of good chances for Bosvelt, Barnes and Brook, Lisburn couldn’t breach the inspired Steve Sorraia, who pulled off five top saves and claimed Man of the Match. The second half saw the Broncos shift up a gear, with Camargue, Namib and Sable all finding the net as Lisburn collapsed under wave after wave of pressure. Even with fresh legs from Phil McDonagh and Jamsie Irwin, the visitors couldn’t claw their way back into the game. Carl Oakes will have some harsh words for his back line—and his goalkeeper—after this one.

We started with a home game against Jame's New Jersey Nutmegs, a quality side full of attacking potential, we opted for a 4-3-3 normal as they went for a 4-2-4 early ball, we started slowly and were punished on 8 minutes when Joy fired home 0-1,we slowly played ourselves back into the game and levelled things up on 39 minutes when Villalibre fired home 1-1,2nd half subs on and nothing to choose between the sides but on 60 minutes Sone Rose's headed home 1-2,we had no answer in an even game of 4 shots each ,well played James.

Next we travelled to Matthew's Highland Rangers, always a tough place to get a result at,they opted for a 4-4-2 normal as we went for a 4-3-3 normal, game on and we had lots of possession and outshot them 9 to 2 but could not find a way through the stubborn defence and it ended goalless 0-0,points shared, well played Matthew. 

Ye Olde Spurs played out three very close matches this week with all of them ending one nil. We started last weekend with a visit to bottom side Newton Heath LYR. We didn't deserve to lose but we couldn't beat man of the match Srnicek in goal for LYR. A single Roy Race goal winning the points. The second league game was at home to Sheffield Rovers. This time we took the points thanks to a Walters goal early on to move us up one place to twelve. Then the last sixteen SFLSL cup game against AC Sapone. We got the run of the ball and thanks to a Bentancur goal and Gomes performance in goal we got the one nil victory to see us into the quarterfinals.