Liam Walker shines in Lincoln win

Posted on November 2, 2015 by FootballGib

Lincoln Red Imps maintained their fine start to the Premier Division season with a 4-0 win over Lynx.

The first half was a very even encounter with both teams playing well but unable to create chances. Raul Navas pulled off an unbelievable save early on keeping out a looping header from Javier Vargas. Lincoln broke the deadlock, a one-two between Lee Casciaro and Liam Walker saw Casciaro run through on goal and slot his shot past Christian Fraiz.

After going ahead Lincoln started to dominate the game but were unable to create any chances against a very stubborn Lynx defence. Just before half-time Lincoln were called into a substitution as Ryan Casciaro fell to the floor signalling to manager Raul Procopio that he was having trouble with his groin, Bernardo Lopes replaced him.

The second half started with Lincoln on the attack and doubled their lead fourteen minutes in, Liam Walker’s long range strike flew past a helpless Fraiz. Three minutes later Lincoln made it 3-0, maestro Liam Walker skipped past Karim Pinero on the wing and whipped in a cross which found Kyle Casciaro at the back post, the winger who was standing in for the injured Joseph Chipolina at full-back, slotted his shot away.

Shortly after Lincoln brought on striker Guido Abayian, a player who has impressed this season. Abayian got stuck in straight away, his shot was saved by Fraiz, the rebound fell to George Cabrera who shot wide. With only a few minutes remaining Abayian was rewarded with a goal, his shot was deflected past Fraiz.

Referee Jason Barcelo blew for full-time and Lincoln ran out comfortable winners. This win sees Lincoln move top of the league on goal difference while Lynx remain seventh. Special mention goes out to Lynx youngster Tyronne Avellano who made his Premier Division debut today at the age of fifteen.

Match Report: Lincoln Red Imps 7-0 Gibraltar United

Posted on October 16, 2015 by FootballGib

Premier Division champions Lincoln Red Imps continued their unbeaten streak in the league, beating Gibraltar United 7-0, goals from Lee Casciaro, Antonio Livramento, Kyle Casciaro & a brace each for George Cabrera & Guido Abayain.

The first half started with Lincoln Red Imps dominating possession as expected, with Gibraltar United defending deep hoping to catch Lincoln on a counter-attack. Lincoln broke the deadlock 15 minutes in, Joseph Chipolina did well to get to the byline, his cross was met by Lee Casciaro who slotted his shot past Kyle Goldwin.

Ten minutes later Lincoln extended their lead, Joseph Chipolina’s cross was met by the head of Guido Abayian whose effort hit the crossbar and bounced over the line and out. After a few seconds of debating, the linesman gave the goal.

Gibraltar United continued to defend valiantly, making it very hard for Lincoln to break them down. Just before half-time Lincoln made it 3-0, Portuguese midfielder Antonio Livramento’s cross was once again met by the head of Guido Abayian whose effort flew past Kyle Goldwin.

The second half started with Lincoln dominating and Gibraltar United defending in numbers, making it hard for Lincoln to break them down. Lincoln made an early substitution with Daniel Cifuentes coming off and centre-back Bernardo Lopes coming on.

On the hour mark Lincoln made it 4-0, Antonio Livramento, replacing the injured Nico Chietino, skipped past two Gibraltar United players and smashed his shot past Kyle Goldwin. Minutes later Lincoln made it 5-0, Lee Casciaro’s cross was met by George Cabrera who slotted his shot in.

Lincoln continued to dominate the game with Gib Utd not posing a threat going forward and with less than 10 minutes remaining Lincoln made it 6-0, a cross from George Cabrera found Kyle Casciaro who slotted his shot away with a great finish. Shortly after Lincoln made it 7-0, a cross from Joseph Chipolina found George Cabrera who slotted his shot away. A hat-trick of assists for Joseph, while George gets his second of the game. The game restarted and the referee blew for full-time.

Lincoln Red Imps unconvincing in victory over Lions

Posted on October 3, 2015 by FootballGib

Lincoln moved into third in the Premier Division after a less than convincing 2-0 win over Lions Gibraltar FC.

Lincoln started the half the better side and put Lions under pressure from the start, Lions keeper Adam Szpilcynski produced some great saves early on to keep the score at 0-0. Both teams were called into early substitutions due to injury with Evan Green replacing David Narvaez and Nico Chietino being placed by Antonio Livramento.

As the game grew on Lions started to get more involved but weren’t able to test Lincoln’s Raul Navas. Midway through the half a rash challenge from Daniel Cifuentes on Sergio Gines nearly sparked a mass brawl but both players were separated and booked.

Just before half-time Lincoln had a great chance to take the lead, Kyle Casciaro cut inside from the wing and unleashed a fierce shot which was excellently saved by the Lions keeper. The game restarted and referee Jason Barcelo blew for halftime with the score at 0-0.

The second half started with Lions on the attack and had a great chance to break the deadlock, Evan Green played a great through ball for Sergio Gines to latch onto, the striker drifted past Roy Chipolina but his shot was deflected for a corner.

Lincoln broke the deadlock just after the hour mark, the Lions defenders failed to clear a Lincoln corner, the ball fell to Joseph Chipolina who smashed his effort straight into the top corner.

Shortly after Lincoln were awarded a penalty as Liam Walker was brought down in the box by Enrique Moreno. Joseph Chipolina stepped up and Adam Szpilcynski produced a great save to keep it out. The Lions players and fans felt justice had been served after many thought Liam Walker had dived.

With less than 15 minutes remaining Lions were down to 10 men after Lions captain Ismael Fernandez were given his marching orders for a second bookable offence. Lions went on the attack to try and find an equaliser and were hit on the counter, Lee Casciaro made a great run down the wing and produced a great cross to find Liam Walker whose close range shot was saved by Adam Szpilcynski.

With a few minutes remaining Lincoln made it 2-0, a cross from Joseph Chipolina found striker Ezequiel Abayian who volleyed his shot past Szpilcynski. The game restarted and Jason Barcelo blew for full-time.

Bernando Lopes header earns Lincoln point

Posted on September 28, 2015 by FootballGib

Late header from debutant Bernado Lopes earns Lincoln Red Imps a point after Antonio Trujilo gave Europa FC the lead early into the second half.

The first half got underway with Europa in control and earned themselves an early corner, Adrian Leiva whipped in a cross which was cleared by Joseph Chipolina. Europa started the half the strongest side and nearly took the lead, some great play between Morales and Javi Martinez saw Martinez played through on goal and the winger smash his effort onto the post and the rebound cleared off the line by Jean Carlos Garcia.

As the game went on Lincoln slowly started getting more involved, Joseph Chipolina’s shot from range went inches wide of Javi Munoz’s goal. Minutes later Lincoln nearly took the lead, George Cabrera beat Javi Munoz to the ball, just when Cabrera was about to shoot, Jesus Negrillo recovered well and blocked his shot. Lincoln ended the half the strongest side, Liam Walker skipped past Ivan Tornay and played Lee Casciaro through on goal but keeper Javi Munoz was quick off his line and cleared.

Just before half-time Lincoln had a great chance to take the lead, George Cabrera latched onto a Joseph Chipolina through ball and looked certain to score but Europa defender Jesus Negrillo made a great last ditch challenge and clear the ball. The referee blew for halftime with the score at 0-0.

The second half started with Europa on the attack and had the first chance of the half, Jose Barranco’s was saved by Raul Navas. Minutes later Europa broke the deadlock, a mix-up between Raul Navas & Roy Chipolina saw Europa striker Antonio Trujillo capitalise and slot his shot away.

As the game went on Lincoln grew stronger, Liam Walker free-kick hit the post and minutes later Joseph Chipolina’s long range drive was saved superbly by Javi Munoz. Debutant Antonio Livramento hit the post soon after. Lincoln equalised midway through the half, a corner was whipped in and met by debutant Bernando Lopes who rose above his marker and headed in, giving Javi Munoz no chance.

With the scores at 1-1, Europa were defending deep and looked happy to stay with a point. Europa keeper Javi Munoz made a great save to keep out a close range shot from Liam Walker. Europa sprung a counter-attack, Jose Yared played the ball to Jesus Negrillo on the wing, the full-back’s cross found Pedro Carrion but the striker smashed over from a few yards out.

With the game nearing full-time and the scores locked at 1-1 Lincoln went up a gear and through everything at the solid Europa defence, Lee Casciaro was played through on goal and looked likely to score but Javi Munoz made a great save to keep it out. Javi Munoz was called into action minutes later saving a shot from Joseph Chipolina.

With less than five minutes remaining Lincoln nearly got the winner, Liam Walker whipped in a free-kick from the halfway line which found Joseph Chipolina, the full-back’s shot hit the crossbar and went out for a goal-kick. Europa had the last chance of the game, a corner was whipped in and headed off the line by captain Roy Chipolina. Few seconds later referee Jason Barcelo blew for full-time with the score at 1-1.

Europa FC vs Lincoln Red Imps: Match Preview

Posted on September 28, 2015 by FootballGib

Tonight’s Premier Division game sees a repeat of last week’s Pepe Reyes Cup, as Europa FC face Lincoln Red Imps, hoping to avenge their 3-2 defeat after extra time nine days ago.

Europa came back twice from behind, including an 85^th minute equaliser, and with aspirations of winning the title this year, last season’s runners up know a win tonight would go some way towards proving they can potentially end the domination of Lincoln in Gibraltar.

Before the game, we caught up with a player from each side to gather their thoughts about last weekend’s game. Lincoln’s Yeray Patiño Blasco, who signed from Spanish side La Nucia, made his debut in the Pepe Reyes Cup match, and had this to say:

“It went well, we had a good feeling. We had chances to create an even bigger advantage in the scoreline but they wouldn’t go in. We haven’t been able to reach our best level physically but we responded as a team and fought well. Bit by bit we shall pick up our form as we play more matches and hopefully secure some wins.”

As for Europa, one of their more notable signings was that of Juan Joze Bezares, with the 34-year-old having La Liga experience with both Sevilla and Cadiz. Bezares had this to say about the previous match, as well as tonight’s clash:

“The match was a good one and we played with a lot of intention. We experienced a great final in the Pepe Reyes Cup, so this one will be no different. It will be challenging as always against Lincoln but we are hungry to get a win for our team. The league is going to be exciting this year since there are a few teams who have strong squads and it’s going to be a hard fight for the title until the very end.”

Betting:

Bet365 are offering odds on tonight’s game between the two sides. Despite drawing after 90 minutes last week, both a repeat of that result tonight, and a win for Europa, are priced at 3/1. Last season’s champions go into the game as 8/13 favourites, although it is worth noting they lost their opening game of last season 1-0 to Lynx.

If you fancy Lincoln to repeat the 3-2 scoreline in 90 minutes tonight, the odds on that score are 18/1. With both teams possessing talent in attack, a high-scoring affair seems likely tonight at the Victoria Stadium.

Europa FC vs Lincoln kicks off at 20:30 tonight, and we will provide live updates of the game via Twitter @FGScoreCentre

Cafer: “We want to win the league & play Champions League football”

Posted on September 28, 2015 by FootballGib

Ahead of Europa FC’s game with Lincoln Red Imps tonight, we caught up with Europa keeper Matt Cafer as he gave us his thoughts on the upcoming season.

Europa finished last season second in the league and were able to qualify for the Europa League, Cafer reflected on how the season went, ” I think last season was a disappointing season for the club, although we managed to qualify for Europa League which is a great success in its own, for Lincoln to finish 14 points ahead of us, that was a real let down for us. We wanted to be challenging for the title the whole way through the year and unfortunately we let ourselves down there.”

Last Saturday Europa played against Lincoln in the Pepe Reyes Cup with Lincoln winning 3-2 in extra-time, Cafer was unable to play due to an elbow injury but he gave us his thoughts on the game, “Unfortunately i didn’t play the Pepe Reyes cup, I’ve got a slight problem with my elbow which has been restricting me training at the moment, but I thought the team did well, the first half wasn’t a spectacle for the fans I think we came out a little nervous, but once we got our heads in the game, I think you can see the change in the second half, our fitness and quality was clear in the second half. We were unlucky hitting the post at 2-2 and then Lincoln do what they do best, and find that winner.”

Europa have by far been the busiest this summer in the Premier Division bringing in a whole new squad, we asked Cafer if he was happy with the business done by Europa, “I think everyone can see we have been the busiest in the transfer market this year, basically replacing the whole squad, with me being one of the few if not the only surviving player.So far the players that have come in have shown real, real quality and the managers set a high standard of professionalism for themselves and for the team that Gibraltar has never seen, and once the players click together and we start playing our game I personally think we’ll be a very difficult team to beat.

Cafer added, “Yeah course I’m upset to see some of my old teammates my friends depart and leave but that’s football. Some of them I’ll be playing against this year in Gibraltar! Others unfortunately I won’t! (Jamie Robba I wish him all the best in France), (Jamie Bosio in England) and Juanse Gib’s best player a big shame he won’t be playing here this year. There’s a few very very good players, but I’ll let you make your mind up about that today. I don’t want to give too much away”

Lastly, Cafer gave us an insight into his and Europa’s ambitions for this season, “This is the easiest question yet, we want to win the league! We want to play champions league next year! And there’s no better way of stating our intent than by winning on Monday and for me personally, get back to 100% fit and get back playing minutes and games. That’s what you need as a player.”

Football Gibraltar would like to thank Matt Cafer for his time and wish him the best of luck for the future.

Bardon: “Winning the Pepe Reyes Cup gives us a huge boost”

Posted on September 23, 2015 by FootballGib

Gibraltar manager Jeff Wood names his 21 man squad for two Euro Qualifiers against Ireland & Poland. Lincoln’s Anthony Bardon was included in that squad and is starting to become a regular figure in the squad for both club and country. Despite this, Anthony Bardon was not expected to start but with Aaron Payas dropping out, this was the perfect opportunity for the youngster to make a statement.

Days after the Poland game, we caught up with Bardon as he reflect on how he felt both games, “On a personal level I felt I did quite well, during both games I tried to get on the ball as much as I could. As a team I felt against Ireland we put a great performance in and it really should have been closer than 4-0. The Poland game was a lot harder as we had a short time in between and a few players injured we were well beaten but full credit to Poland.”

Last Saturday saw Lincoln retain the Pepe Reyes Cup beating Europa FC 3-2 in extra time. Bardon started the game and played the full 120 minutes, “I think winning the Pepe Reyes gives us a huge boost considering we have had a short preseason and I think we will get better with more matches.”

With the Premier Division improving every season, better players normally bring better football, meaning Lincoln as like the rest of the teams in the division have had to dig deep in the transfer market to make sure they can continue to be the best team in the Gibraltar, Bardon gave us an insight on how the teams looks, “The team has changed a lot but the new players coming in will want to show why the club put faith in them. Yeray Patino Blasco and Nico Chietino are very good players they have been a big boost but to keep the goalkeeper Raul Navas was a massive boost.”

Lastly, we asked Bardon about his & Lincoln’s ambitions for this season, “Our ambitions this season is to repeat what we did last year which is to win the league and rock cup. Hopefully we can also give try harder in the Senior Cup but it will be harder than ever with teams improving.”

Football Gibraltar would like to thank Anthony Bardon for his time and wish him the best of luck for the future.

Cabrera: “It feels good to be back playing football”

Posted on September 20, 2015 by FootballGib

Lincoln Red Imps retained the Pepe Reyes Cup yesterday evening beating Europa FC 3-2 in extra time with legend Lee Casciaro bagging the winner. With both teams fielding some new and old faces, one player that caught our eye was the return of striker George Cabrera after more than a year out with injury.

Our reporter at the game caught up with George after his celebrations as he gave us an insight on how it feels to be back playing football, “It feels great to be back after more than a year out with injury, this was my first game back since last years Pepe Reyes Cup against Manchester 62 which we won 1-0. Feels great to be back with the team and helping them out, I feel great now and all I need is a few more matches to get my match fitness back and be fully fit for the start of the season next week.”

After missing the whole of last season, we asked George if there was much difference from last years game to the game which took place last night, “Last year versus Manchester 62 was quite a tough game aswell, they were missing a few players but they played a great game and we only won 1-0 but this season it is obviously going to be much quicker and stronger with loads of teams investing heavily like Europa bringing in many Spanish players, experienced players with many playing in the top divisions in Spain. We know this season is going to be tough but that’s football but we need to get going and hopefully we’ll be the best team this season.”

With Gibraltar’s next Euro Qualifier just a few weeks away, we asked George if his goal for now is to get back into the Gibraltar squad, “Obviously, I still haven’t officially played a game for Gibraltar, I would love to get back playing, that is one of my aims for this season and i’ve been training really hard for it as I was injured for last season, it was tough at the beginning but now with this match and the ones coming up soon hopefully i’ll be able to get back in the squad and play a few minutes or whatever Jeff Wood thinks I deserve.”

Football Gibraltar would like to thank George for his time and wish him the best of luck for the future.

Lee Casciaro nets winner as Lincoln beat Europa

Posted on September 19, 2015 by FootballGib

A late Lee Casciaro winner saw Lincoln won the Pepe Reyes Cup tonight after a 3-2 win after extra time against Europa FC.

The game finished 2-2 after 90 minutes, after goals from Joseph Chipolina, and Casciaro’s first of the evening, were cancelled out by a Joselinho brace.

The first half started with Lincoln on the attack with Lee Casciaro, Liam Walker and debutant Yeray Blasco combining well causing the Europa defenders a few problems. The Lincoln pressure looked to have paid off when Walker went down in the box but referee Yaro Borg was having none of it and pointed for a goal-kick.

As the game went on Europa started to get themselves more involved, some great skill from Martinez saw him skip past Joseph Chipolina and Ryan Casciaro and whip in a cross which was cleared by Nico Chietino. Raul Navas picked out Walker with a great long ball, Walker turned and sent George Cabrera through on goal but Europa keeper Javi Munoz just managed to beat him to the ball and cleared.

Lincoln broke the deadlock midway through the half, a corner from Walker was whipped in and met by the head of Chipolina who headed the ball past Munoz. Europa players showed their discontentment as they felt their keeper Munoz was fouled in the build-up but Borg didn’t change his decision.

Just before half-time Lincoln nearly made it 2-0, a cross from Walker was met by the head of Cabrera whose effort went just over the bar. Minutes after the referee blew for half-time with Lincoln leading 1-0.

The second half started with Europa on the attack, an odd mistake from Chipolina saw Javi Martinez run through on goal, his shot was excellently saved by Raul Navas. Europa soon got the goal their second half play had merited, as a cross found Joselinho who raised above his marker and headed it past Navas.

A few minutes after equalising Lincoln got themselves back in-front, a cross found Casciaro who excellently slotted his effort past Munoz. Lincoln continued to pressure and nearly made it 3-1, Walker’s spectacular acrobatics produced a great low save from Munoz.

Lincoln continued to dominate and produced some good chances between Chipolina, Casciaro & Yeray but none could find a way past Munoz in the Europa goal. With less than ten minutes remaining Europa got their equaliser. A cross was met at the back post by Joselinho who got his second of the game.

With the game locked at 2-2, Yaro blew for full-time and the game went to extra-time. The first half of extra time saw Europa in total control, Navas produced a great save to keep out a free-kick, this was followed by Antonio Trujillo’s curled effort bringing out another save from Navas. Just before half-time Casciaro saw his headed effort well saved by Munoz.

The second half of extra-time was a more even encounter, as both teams looked deadly on the attack, but neither could create any clear-cut chances. Midway through the half Europa failed to clear a cross, the ball fell to Casciaro whose quick turn and shot was just out of the reach of Munoz and the ball rolled in. With Europa looking for that equaliser, a counter-attack from Lincoln nearly made it 4-2 but Abayian’s effort went wide. The referee blew the whistle shortly after and Lincoln were crowned champions of the Pepe Reyes Cup.

Lincoln v Europa: Pepe Reyes Cup Preview

Posted on September 19, 2015 by FootballGib

Team News:

Lincoln’s Ryan Casciaro is a doubt for tonight’s game, with questions being raised over the Gibraltar defender’s fitness after he failed to add to his 12 caps against Ireland and Poland earlier in the month.

For Europa, their most notable absentee is new signing Pedro Carrion. The 37-year-old striker signed from Spanish side Atletico Sanluqueno in the summer, after scoring 17 goals for his team as they finished fourth in the Tercera Division Group 10, but isn’t able to make his debut for Europa tonight.

Preview

Tonight’s traditional curtain-raiser sees last season’s top two come head-to-head as Europa FC take on Lincoln Red Imps at the Victoria Stadium.

The Red Imps, who won their 13^th consecutive league title last season, will go into the match as favourites, but will be wary of a Europa side that have seen another overhaul of their playing squad since the Carrasco brothers took over the management of the team.

Both teams had European campaigns in July, with differing levels of success. While Europa were dumped out of the Europa League 9-0 on aggregate by Slovan Bratislava, Lincoln knocked out Andorran side Santa Coloma in the Champions League First Qualifying Round, before losing 3-0 on aggregate to a FC Midtjylland side who have since beaten the likes of Southampton and Legia Warsaw in the Europa League this season.

Last season, Lincoln won the Pepe Reyes Cup 1-0 against Manchester 62, and a repeat would no doubt suit manager Raul Procopio, as he looks to send a message that his team are still the one to beat in the Gibraltar Premier Division.

Previous Meetings

Lincoln 5 (JP Duarte, Bardon, Walker, Cristori x2) Europa FC 0 Premier Division, May 2^nd 2015

Europa FC 0 Lincoln 1 (Walker) Rock Cup, March 15^th 2015

Europa FC 2 (Toncheff, Tamayo) Lincoln 2 (L. Casciaro, Walker) Premier Division, January 19^th 2015