ADL Shield Quarter-Final and Semi-Final Preview: We Hate Ben vs. Pornstars (winner vs. winner of Abertina vs. Pathetic Athletic)

We Hate Ben face fellow Premier League side and last season's Aberystwyth Digs League treble-winners Premiership Pornstars in a ADL Shield Quarter-Final match in a 10am kick-off at Blaendolau Fields. WHB beat Pornstars in the final league match on Sunday to book their place in the play-off and due to a quirk in the play-off system, face them again to try and book a place in the Semi-Final.

The semi-final will be staged the same day, with a 6pm kick-off. If WHB beat Pornstars, they will face the winner of Abertina vs. Pathetic Athletic.

We Hate Ben, who finished above Pornstars in 3rd during the Premier League campaign have been in this play-off before in the 2009-10 season, where they reached the final only to lose 2-1 in a tight game against On The Pier, but have set several club records in their quest for glory this year. Pornstars who finished in 4th, have had a disappointing season and will be looking to turn this around and end the season with a trophy.

For Pornstars this is their sixth season in the ADL and in the last few years have won several trophies including a memorable treble last season. In the 2007-08 season they began their quest for silverware, winning the Plate (5th/6th play-off). The following season they managed a 3-1 win over WHB in the Shield semi-final, before going on to win the competition. In seven seasons, WHB have one Shield final appearance in 2009-10 and won the inaugural Consolation Cup in 2009. Having beaten Pornstars just last weekend, WHB will begin the match as favourites.

We Hate Ben's last three matches against Pornstars include one win (3-1, PL 12/13) and two defeats (0-3, L2 09/10 and 1-3, Trophy semi-final 08/09).

Should WHB progress against Pornstars, they will face the winner of Abertina vs. Pathetic Athletic.

WHB have history in the Shield, as earlier mentioned, and should they make this stage they have a muted experience to call upon. On their way to the Final against On The Pier in 2009-10, they faced Sons Of Pitches in the semi-final in a 'game that never was'. WHB won the match 6-0 without stepping foot on the pitch as Pitches failed to field a team, in what was their last contribution after twelve seasons of ADL football.

Pathetic Athletic have a had a excellent season, finishing 2nd in the Bundesliga and also have history in the Shield, having got to the semi-final last season only to lose 2-0 to Prestige. WHB have only played Pathetic once before, losing 3-1 last season in Serie A.

Abertina have also been good this season, finishing 3rd in the Bundlesliga and reaching the final of the Consolation Cup, losing to holders Arcelona. Abertina have been in the play-offs once before, last seasons Plate competition but also went out in the quarter-final stage losing 3-1 to Beaver, who then knocked out WHB in the semi-final on penalties after a 1-1 draw. WHB have played Abertina just once before, losing 3-0 in the Aberystwyth Town Cup last season.

Pornstars, Abertina and Pathetic Athletic will all be stern tests and WHB will to put in a performance in order to progress - especially because the club does not have a strong record in penalty shoot-outs.

Whoever makes the final will have to take on one of Bayer Diamonds, Commodore, Sex Panthers or Obi Wan Kenobi Nil.

Preview: We Hate Ben vs. Beaver (ADL Plate)

We Hate Ben take on Bundlesliga side Beaver in the semi-final of the Plate on Wednesday, knowing that a win will put them in contention for their first piece of silverware in three years. Beaver, who finished a credible 4th place this season, have history in this competition having won it back in 2010.

We Hate Ben staged a remarkable turnaround in reaching this stage, having been bottom of their league as recently as March. However, after two wins in their last three league games they finished 5th in Serie A and even then had to turn around a 2-0 deficit against Unbelievable Tekkers - winning 5-3 to progress. Beaver, went out of the Aberystwyth Town Cup in the Preliminary Round 3-2 to ATFC Lions, and the First Round of the Consolation Shield on penalties to Phoenix after a 4-4 draw. They did however manage an excellent win against Prestige in their league, who ended their campaign in 2nd. Beaver beat Abertina 3-1 to progess to this stage.

We Hate Ben have played several matches in the past against Beaver with WHB playing the last six seasons of the ADL and Beaver the last eight. WHB have won once (League 2 09/10, 6-1), drawn once (Consolation Shield 10/11, 4-4, winning on penalties) and lost once (Super League 10/11, 1-2).

Preview: We Hate Ben vs. Balls Deep

Wednesday's game with Balls Deep finally looks set to go ahead after having been postponed several times leading up to the Easter break. We Hate Ben look to cement fifth-place in their final league match while Balls Deep look to get their first win of the campaign, but will have faced a tough title-chasing Bayer Diamonds side before this tie. 

Opposition: Balls Deep
Competition: Serie A
Venue: Blaendolau Fields (12PM KO)
Stats/Form: We Hate Ben won the previous meeting between the two clubs 3-1 in the Aberystwyth Town Cup preliminary round. We Hate Ben sit fifth in Serie A after beating Athletico Exile 9-0 and narrowly losing to title favourites SH Pandas 2-1 last out. Balls Deep sit sixth in Serie A but are yet to win a match in all competitions, but have also narrowly lost to SH Pandas 3-2 in the last match.

We Hate Ben will have a clean bill of health in the squad, with no injuries to report.

Preview: We Hate Ben vs. Pathetic Athletic

Sunday's Serie A game sees We Hate Ben face Pathetic Athletic in a top-versus-bottom clash which despite the differences in league position could go either way. Pathetic Athletic have yet to concede a goal in the league so far while WHB have scored just one goal in their opening league games. Despite being bottom of the table, WHB have recently picked up their level of performance and will make it very difficult for Pathetic.

Opposition: Pathetic Athletic
Competition: Serie A
Venue: Blaendolau Fields (2PM KO)
Stats/Form: We Hate Ben have now lost four on the bounce in all competitions, exiting both cup competitions and are without a point at the bottom of Serie A. Pathetic Athletic are top of the league with two wins from two, having beaten both Athletico Exile and Balls Deep - a team that have already been beaten by WHB this season. They did however lose their last match 2-1 against Arcelona in the Consolation Shield. Pathetic's match with Bayer Diamonds was called off, meaning the two clubs will hopefully play their first match in weeks.

We Hate Ben welcome back Tim Dulson in goal while Rhodri Lloyd-Evans and Richard Boudier are in line to make their debuts. Matt Davies is available after missing the last game while Peter Thomas could make his first appearance of the season. We Hate Ben have one injury concern with Ryan Muir having a knee problem but will face a late fitness test. Joey Scutt, Dave Norbury, Stuart Fleming and Scott Wilson are all out.

Preview: We Hate Ben vs. Commodore

We Hate Ben face Commodore in the First Round of this season's Consolation Shield on Thursday morning, and both teams will feel that they can win the competition after making good progress last year. We Hate Ben went out at the semi-final stage against eventual winners Bayer Diamonds, who beat Commodore in the final.

Opposition: Commodore
Competition: ADL Consolation Shield First Round
Venue: Aberystwyth University Astro-Turf (10AM KO)
Stats/Form: We Hate Ben have lost three on the bounce in all competitions, going out of the Aberystwyth Town Cup in the second round and are rooted to the bottom of Serie A. Commodore went out in the same round of the ATC, losing 3-1 to Inter Yournan. Commodore however have won all three of their Premier League matches so far and are top. They also won their Preliminary Round match 8-0 against Ajax Treesdown. An interesting statistic is that despite WHB having won one match this season to Commodore's four, they have both only beaten clubs formed this season, losing to clubs with previous history. The two clubs have never played each other in a competitive fixture before.

We Hate Ben will be without Jack Kelly who has now departed the club, goalkeeper Tim Dulson, defenders Matt Davies and Thomas Svendsen and midfielders James Amos and Louis Robertson. The team may include re-signed defender David Norbury, while Andrew Rhodes and Joey Scutt may be available following the pairs injury problems. Rhodri Lloyd-Evans, Scott Wilson and Richard Boudier could make their first ever appearances for the club.

Preview: We Hate Ben vs. Glengower

We Hate Ben face Glengower in a match that both teams need to win to get back into contention at the top of the table. WHB will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing opening league defeat to Bayer Diamonds, while Glengower lost to title favourites Sexual Harassment Pandas.

Opposition: Glengower
Competition: Serie A
Venue: Blaendolau Fields (2PM KO)
Stats/Form: Both teams started their cup campaigns with wins (WHB beat Balls Deep who are also a Serie A side 3-1, while Glengower beat Gwatch 6-2) but Glengower have since fallen at the first-round stage with a 1-6 hammering by Premiership Pornstars. Both teams faltered to disappointing defeats in their opening league games (WHB losing 0-4 to Bayer Diamonds and Glengower losing 5-2 to Pandas). In their only match together, Glengower won 2-1 with a late winner after WHB piled on the pressure in the second-half in last years league match.

We Hate Ben will welcome back Danny Shaw, Harry Oliver, Jack Kelly and Jack Ingham into the fray after they missed the match against Diamonds. Matt Davies will miss this one, while Joey Scutt is still injured, and the match comes too soon for Andy Rhodes. WHB will make changes to the defence and may freshen up the midfield and will put their large squad to use.

Preview: We Hate Ben vs. Bayer Diamonds

We Hate Ben look to finally start off their league campaign with a difficult match against Bayer Diamonds. Diamonds are one of the best teams in the league and the result of this fixture could be important as both teams target the play-offs. A win for either could be a massive result as both teams look to push title favourites Sexual Harassment Pandas.

Opposition: Bayer Diamonds
Competition: Serie A
Venue: Blaendolau Fields (12PM KO)
Stats/Form: We Hate Ben started their season with a 3-1 win over Serie A rivals Balls Deep in the Aberystwyth Town Cup and have had two matches postponed since - resulting in a break of three weeks. Bayer Diamonds have also had a long layoff since their 3-1 victory in the same competition, over Arcelona. The two clubs have played one fixture before, a 3-1 win for Bayer Diamonds in last years Consolation Shield semi-final, which Diamonds went on to win.
We Hate Ben will welcome back James Phillips and Jay Walker who were doubtful for the last match, while Joey Scutt and Andy Rhodes are still out with ankle injuries. Danny Shaw and Harry Oliver are also out.

Preview: We Hate Ben vs. Abertina (Aberystwyth Town Cup First Round)

We Hate Ben resume their Aberystwyth Town Cup campaign with what could be a tricky tie against an improving Abertina. WHB, who had their opening league fixture postponed due to bad weather last week, will be raring to go after their break. Abertina managed an impressive penalty shootout win over Phoenix in the previous round, and are trying to shake their tag of whipping boys after finishing in last place in the league for the last two campaigns.

WHB will still be missing Andy Rhodes and Joey Scutt from the side, but Louis Robertson should make a return to the squad. Jack Ingham and Harry Oliver are out, while Jay Walker and James Phllips may begin on the bench.

Opposition: Abertina
Competition: Aberystwyth Town Cup 1st Round
Venue: Blaendolau Fields (12PM KO)
Stats/Form: We Hate Ben started their season with a 3-1 win over Serie A rivals Balls Deep in this competition, while their first league match was postponed. Abertina drew 3-3 with Phoenix in the last round but won on penalties. They finished 8th in the Champions League last year, meaning they have finished bottom of their division in both seasons. Abertina are definitely on the up however and will be looking to continue their progress with a win.

Preview: We Hate Ben vs. Pathetic Athletic

We Hate Ben get their Serie A  campaign started with a first league match against Pathetic Athletic. WHB managed a 3-1 win in their first match of the season in the Aberystwyth Town Cup, while Pathetic Athletic lost 6-0 to Premiership Pornstars. Both teams will be looking to start their league campaigns with a victory.

Preview: We Hate Ben vs. Balls Deep (Aberystwyth Town Cup Preliminary Round)

Serie A rivals We Hate Ben and Balls Deep look to start their seasons with a win in the Aberystwyth Town Cup preliminary round. Wednesday's match will see one of the oldest clubs take on one of the newest, while the the winners on the day will not only take their place in the next round but also the upper hand into their league game.

Preview: We Hate Ben vs. Obi Wan Kenobi Nil

We Hate Ben take on Obi Wan Kenobi Nil in their final league match of the season, with the play-off picture and wooden spoon already confirmed. The match doesn't have much riding on it for We Hate Ben, but Obi Wan can in theory make second and the chance to play in the Champions Cup play-offs. If not then they can finish in either the Plate or Shield semi-finals. A heavy WHB loss and bad results elsewhere could see them drop to seventh and into the Wooden Spoon, but that is highly unlikely. The chances are no matter what the result WHB will finish in the Consolation Cup.

WHB can hope to recall several players to the side after narrowly missing out the Super League winners Sexual Harassment Pandas 2-1 in their last game. Nathan Leach is likely to return in goal, captain Chris Webster to the defence, Ryan Muir may return to midfield and top goalscorer Jay Walker up front. Ian Hanmore-Farrugia and Stuart Fleming are still definitely out, while others may return to the squad.

Opposition: Obi Wan Kenobi Nil

Competition: Super League

Venue: Blaendolau (12PM KO)

Stats/Form:

WHB are fifth despite losing 2-1 to Pandas in their last game. Obi Wan are currently third following two wins on the bounce against Inter Yournan (3-1) and Naked Wednesday Afallon Unathletic Club (6-2). WHB could finish between fifth and seventh with a loss, while Obi Wan can finish between second and fourth. The two teams have not met competitively before, despite being two of the longest running sides. The game will be tough and Obi Wan will be favourites.

Preview: We Hate Ben vs. Sexual Harassment Pandas

We Hate Ben face title favourites Pandas in an evening kick-off where they must to look for a result to continue their late march to the play-offs. WHB must look to tonight beat Pandas then win against Obi Wan Kenobi Nil on the final day to secure fourth-place, but after Obi Wan's 3-1 win against Inter Yournan yesterday seems to have secured a place for Obi Wan, WHB will look to better Inter Yournan's results to move ahead of them.

WHB will have a tough task ahead of them today due to a massive injury crisis. Nathan Leach is out after injuring his arm in yesterday's game, while captain Chris Webster, Andrew Rhodes, Ryan Muir and James Amos are all doubtful and will face late fitness tests. Ronnie D'sa, Stuart Fleming, Louis Robertson and Ian Hanmore-Farrugia are all out, but Alexis Koumides will return in goal. Dave Norbury and Jason Dodsworth are rated 50/50.

Opposition: Sexual Harassment Pandas

Competition: Super League

Venue: Blaendolau (5.30PM KO)

Stats/Form:

WHB have moved up to fifth following their 4-0 win over Arcelona and will look to secure at least that position by getting a result today. Pandas have bounced back from their Aberystwyth Town Cup defeat to win their last two games against Inter Yournan and FC Beaver, scoring eight goals in the process. Pandas will probably secure at least a play-off place with a win while WHB are looking for points to finish fourth. The match will be extremely tough for both sides, WHB's injury problems will leave them at a big disadvantage while Pandas busy schedule could cause them problems. Pandas will however be big favourites.

Preview: We Hate Ben vs. Leave-My-Arcelona

We Hate Ben face rival side Leave-My-Arcelona in a must-win match for both sides. Wednesday's noon kick-off between the two rival sides is a match that neither can really afford to lose. We Hate Ben have to take all three points or any lingering hopes of sneaking into the play-offs will be gone for good, and they could even drop into the Wooden Spoon play-offs if other results go against them in the run-in.

WHB will welcome the return of Nathan Leach who missed the 2-1 defeat to Beaver. Several players are in line to make their first starts of the season as Matt L'argent looks to turn things around, while Ben Court and Jack Talbot could make their first appearances this term. Dave Norbury, Stuart Fleming and Louis Robertson are all definitely out.

Opposition: FC Leave-My-Arcelona

Competition: Super League

Venue: Blaendolau (12PM KO)

Stats/Form:

WHB are down in seventh after losing their last three league games (2-9 Inter Yournan, 1-2 Glengower and 1-2 Beaver). Arcelona are third but lost their last match 4-2 to league rivals Obi Wan Kenbobi Nil, who WHB play on the last day. Arcelona face second-placed Glengower the day before in another pivotal match as the teams look to secure their play-off places. WHB will know the task ahead of them after that game is played. An extremely tough 'derby' game that could go either way.

Preview: We Hate Ben vs. FC Beaver

After dropping out of the Consolation Shield in the semi-final, WHB look to the league as they attempt to return to the top four. WHB will be missing a few players including both goalkeepers so Alexis Koumides is in line for his debut. Dave Turvill, Ben Court and Louis Robertson are also missing while WHB wait on Dave Norbury, Dan Johnson and Mark Healy. There are no other injury problems.

Opposition: FC Beaver

Competition: Super League

Venue: Blaendolau (12AM KO)

Stats/Form:

Beaver currently sit sixth with one win in four but that win was an impressive 1-0 win over Obi Wan Kenobi Nil. They went out of the Consolation Shield in the first round to WHB on penalties after a 4-4 draw, while they won 3-0 against Abertina and lost 3-1 to Sex Panthers in the Aberystwyth Town Cup. We Hate Ben have played Beaver in the cup this year and in the league last year and came away with a 6-1 win. WHB are unbeaten in all matches against Beaver and will be strong favourites for the match.

Preview: We Hate Ben vs. Bayer Diamonds

We Hate Ben take on Bayer Diamonds in what will be a massive game for both teams. This Semi-Final clash could be a fantastic chance to reach a final and a shot at silverware for both sides and with the big ADL history the two share this could be a massive game. The winner of this match will play the winner of DR Commodore or Glengower in the Final at Vicarage Fields, and they will know who before kick-off.

WHB will be without Stuart Fleming and Jack Kelly, but are on course to have most other players fit and ready to go for the clash. The line-up is likely to be a similar side to the team that beat Gwatch.

Opposition: Bayer Diamonds

Competition: Consolation Shield Semi-Final

Venue: Aberystwyth University Astro-turf (10AM KO)

Stats/Form:

Bayer Diamonds are currently fifth in the Premier League with six points from three games while WHB are fifth with three points from three. Bayer Diamonds beat AFC Barstuds 12-0 in the Round 1 and Inter Yournan 3-1 in the Quarter-Final. WHB come off the back of a confidence inspiring 5-1 win in the last round of this competition. Bayer Diamonds will be favourites having beaten Inter Yournan and On The Pier this season but it will be a tough match for both sides.

Preview: We Hate Ben vs. AFC Gwatch

We Hate Ben take on AFC Gwatch in this early kick-off on Friday morning in the ADL Consolation Shield. Gwatch currently sit second in the Champions League with two wins, one draw and one defeat.

WHB will definitely be without Jack Kelly for the quarter-final tie and are waiting for confirmation on several players including top goalscorer Jay Walker among others. Ben Court may make his first competitive appearance in three years.

WHB will be looking to pick themselves up after their disappointing defeat to Glengower last Sunday, and will be looking to qualify for the semi-finals to face Bayer Diamonds or revenge against Inter Yournan. Gwatch are second in the Champions League to ATFC Lions, who they beat 4-3 in the Consolation Shield first round. Gwatch were beaten 6-1 by Premiership Pornstars in the Aberystwyth Town Cup first round. Gwatch were soundly beaten 4-0 by Phoenix in their last league outing.

Opposition: AFC Gwatch

Competition: Consolation Shield Quarter-Final

Venue: Aberystwyth University Astro-turf (10AM KO)

Stats/Form:

Gwatch are second in the Champions League with seven points from four while WHB are fourth in the Super League with three points from three. WHB drew 4-4 with FC Beaver and won on penalties to get to this round while Gwatch beat ATFC Lions 4-3. WHB lost 2-1 to Glengower in their last game while Gwatch were beaten 4-0 by Phoenix. Both teams will be looking for a win and it will be a tough game although WHB will be favourites.

Preview: We Hate Ben vs. AFC Glengower

We Hate Ben look to get the title challenge back on track after the set back against Inter Yournan in Sunday's match with AFC Glengower. AFC Glengower are the current ADL Team Of The Month and sit at the top of the Super League with two wins from two.

We Hate Ben may again have a goalkeeping problem with Nathan Leach and Stuart Fleming still carrying injuries so Alexis Koumides may make his full debut. WHB are expected to have a full side in the other areas of the pitch.

AFC Glengower currently sit atop of the Super Legaue having beaten Naked Wednesday Afallon Unathletic Club 9-0 and FC Beaver 3-1. Glengower went out of the Aberystwyth Town Cup in the same round as WHB, losing 3-2 in a replayed match against FC Leave-My-Arcelona who are also a Super League rival. They are in the Consolation Shield quarter-final against Geltaidd having beaten Genital Giants 10-3. WHB sit in fourth having won and lost their two matches and will need to win to get their title push back on track.

Opposition: AFC Glengower

Competition: Super League

Venue: Blaendolau Fields (12PM KO)

Stats/Form:

Glengower are top with two wins from two while WHB sit in fourth having won one and lost one. The two teams will be looking for the win and despite their loss to Inter Yournan WHB should be slight favourites. WHB however should not underestimate the new side as they have a similar record in competitive fixtures this season.

Preview: We Hate Ben vs. Inter Yournan

We Hate Ben take on new side Inter Yournan in the Super League tomorrow at 2pm. The match sees the two teams who currently sit in second and third in the table, have an opportunity to take top spot.

We Hate Ben have just won against Beaver after drawing their cup match 4-4 (winning 3-2 on penalties) which sees them progress, having won and lost one of their two matches previously. WHB will also have close to a full squad with only Nathan Leach (hamstring) and Louis Robertson defiantly out.

Inter Yournan sit in third in the Super League having beaten current whipping boys Naked Wednesday Afallon Unathletic Club 4-0 in their only league game. Inter Yournan are in the Consolation Cup after defeat in the Aberystwyth Town Cup Preliminary Round, having been defeated by Average Anne 3-1. Inter Yournan have recently found form by hammering Abertina 7-0 and are now into the Quarter-Finals where they could draw WHB.


Opposition: Inter Yournan

Competition: Super League

Venue: Blaendolau Fields (2PM KO)

Stats/Form:

Inter Yournan are third in the Super League having won their match against NWAUC 4-0 while WHB are second having beaten the same team 8-0. While WHB come off a penalties win against Beaver, Inter Yournan will be confident having beaten Abertina 7-0 in the same round. However, Abertina are closer to NWAUC than WHB and Inter Yournan will find the game difficult against experienced opposition.

Preview: We Hate Ben vs. FC Phoenix

We Hate Ben take on FC Phoenix in this postponed Aberystwyth Town Cup 1st Round tie high on confidence after their 8-0 league win against Naked Wednesday Afallon Unathletic Club.

FC Phoenix will also be looking to finally get their season underway with a win to progress to the next round, while WHB are in form after their win against NWAUC. WHB have only played Phoenix once before, beating them 3-2 in their final league match of last season to secure a top-four finish. Phoenix will be slight favourites despite a poor campaign last season, and the team have won titles before. WHB's head start and form having already played and won a match will keep the game close and it should be a good contest.

The winner of the two clubs will face Premiership Pornstars, who beat WHB rivals ATFC Lions 4-0 in the same round as this match. The loser of this game will drop into a new cup competition named the Consolation Shield, and will face the loser of the Aberystwyth Town Cup 1st Round match between Sex Panthers and FC Beaver.

Opposition: FC Phoenix

Competition: ADL Aberystwyth Town Cup 1st Round

Venue: Blaendolau Fields (2PM KO)

Stats/Form:

FC Phoenix are yet to play a game this season, and in the two clubs only competitive match We Hate Ben won 3-2 and finished 4th to Phoenix's 6th. WHB have played once in the league and won 8-0, Phoenix will be slight favourites but the game could go either way.

Preview: Naked Wednesday Afallon Unathletic Club vs. We Hate Ben

We Hate Ben hope to get their prolonged start to the season underway in their first league match in the ADL Super League. The match is currently scheduled to take place on Wednesday at 2pm.

NWAUC will also be looking to get restart their season, with only a 17-1 mauling by On The Pier to their name so far. WHB will be strong favourites for the match but a lot could have changed for NWAUC since their earlier defeat and they should not be taken lightly.

Opposition: Naked Wednesday Afallon Unathletic Club

Competition: ADL Super League

Venue: Blaendolau Fields (2PM KO)

Stats/Form:

We Hate Ben are yet to play a game this season, while NWAUC have played once in the Aberystwyth Town Cup 1st Round. NWAUC were beaten 17-1 by On The Pier, and due to this result WHB are rated as strong favourites to win their first match of the season.