Central Nova Table Football Association

Sandy Hook 0 - 0 Antrim

Antrim 0 - 0 Carrick

Sandy Hook 1 - 2 Carrick

Antrim 2 - 0 Sandy Hook

Carrick 1 - 0 Antrim

Sandy Hook 0 - 2 Carrick

Full game summaries to follow

This week saw Lee Rogers and his Mudville United side have their first flick about prior to their CNTFA debut.  As with many newly promoted clubs, the big unknown will be where the goals will come from.  But it has to be said that his team defense and blocking in particular seem to be real strengths.  Time will tell.  Look for their league debut within the next week.

The Salmon River Jaguars' league debut came at home against title holders Carrickfergus.  Although the majority of the match took place in the Salmon River half, the Jaguars overcame the relentless pressure, which included 2 goalposts and a top drawer save, and put in a very good account of themselves and look very capable of grinding out some hard fought for points this season.

Any new league player will have the option of joining and using a loaner team and keeper.  These will not be top level, mirroring the feel of a newly promoted side.  Managers will have to bring in better bases and a better keeper to upgrade the club if they like.  So while this would allow the player to get a feel for the game with no cost, by the time they realise they love it... they may have dropped a few points along the way.

The CNTFA is buzzing with activity as teams prepare for theupcoming season; potentially the biggest yet. With as many as 5 newly promoted clubs, and only one departing, theleague promises to be even more wide open.

PROMOTED SIDES

Confirmed clubs include new boys:  Wolfville based Mudville United, managed byLee Rogers; Salmon River Jaguars with manager Jacob Caven; and French Leaguepromoted side Beaubasin-Est TFC managed by Mark Doiron.   The Jaguars will be sporting the powerfulRaptor G2 bases and a pro keeper, so may be able to make a quick adjustment toleague play.  Mudville U and Beaubassin-Est,however, have yet to announce bases and keeper.

SOUTH SHORE TFC

Making a long overdue return to the CNTFA is respected sideSouth Shore TFC managed by Josh Meisner. Meisner’s tactical and meticulous approach result in a slow but solidbuildup to an attack, but will SSTFC be able to handle teams with a fastcounterattack?  South Shore have made theswitch to Raptor G2 bases so should have increased firepower and a strongerdefensive presence.  The keeper has beenthe subject of transfer speculation and is SSTFC are to make a serious run inthe league, they may need to bring in an upgrade in that position.

NEW SCOTLAND

Ryan MacDonald’s Highlanders have had to face injuryproblems in the past, forcing them to withdraw from season 2 midwaythrough.  This is the season they mayfinally break into the top 3.  NewScotland will need to address the sometimes pourous defence which has cost themmore than a few games.  The Highlandersplay an attractive possession style game, but have crumbled under pressure inthe past.  One sure remedy is theaddition of a proven keeper, acquired from Antrim in the off season.  New Scotland use Raptor G2 Bases.

Up next -  Sandy Hook TFC, White Lions, Antrim TFC, Carrickfergus Garrison.

League new boys Mudville United and Beaubassin-Est will be holding a joint training camp today with the possibility of Season 4's 1st match being played between them.  Managers Lee Rogers and Mark Doiron Could not be reached for comment.