Sparky’s Column

Al Jazira edge even closer to the title

It is looking like Al Jazira will win their first Etisalat Pro-League title sooner rather than later. In the grand scheme of the season a match against bottom placed Al Dhafra would not feature in the season highlights but the 5-3 victory Al Jazira secured over last round could be the most vital of the season. The Champions-elect came from 2-0 down to claim a victory that edges them ever closer to claiming the title. The resilience of a team to dig out a result from the near impossible is the sign of champions and with Bani Yas only managing a draw on the weekend it would take a miracle if they could overhaul Al Jazira's 12 point lead.

My team of the season are without a doubt Dubai Club. They snatched a deserved injury time win against Al Ahli and they are six points clear of the relegation zone. The winner was a dream of an overhead kick from the edge of the box. Michel Laurent Ndri has led the line all season for Dubai and he will not score a more important or spectacular goal than that one. Everybody likes to see the underdog do well so it is great to see Dubai win against one of Dubai's big boys and prove that spending power isn't everything in football.

David O'Leary's plan for Al Ahli lasted months rather than the planned years, recent results and disgruntled fans always meant the end of his tenure would be sooner rather than later. The Club have finally called time on his Dubai adventure after just 8 months. The Club pre-season appeared buoyant, new set up from top to bottom with the aim of making them a power on a continental stage. The Club wanted to attract expat fans to games and signaled their intent by signing World Cup winner Cannavaro. A name that did put numbers on the early season attendances. I remember a full press box in September last year - one member of the assembled journo's even announced he had been delegated as Cannavaro correspondent. The interest and crowds soon waned along with the team's performances. The Club's run of poor form reached a season low when they were dumped out of the Etisalat Cup, followed by a draw at home with bottom placed Kalba and finally the humiliation by Al Jazira was the final straw. A few weeks ago I watched the abject second half performance and the forlorn figure of O'Leary in the stands. He knew as he trudged towards the changing rooms that this was the end of "the bright new era at Al Ahli". The club has taken its time making a decision but it won't have come as a shock to many.

One other casualty this week was Sergio Farias of Al Wasl. The Brazilian coach was shown the door after players complained about his training methods. The team's results, especially the 3-1 loss to Al Shabab, were the final nail in the coffin for the Brazilian. Tired and disgruntled players don't make for a successful team.

In brighter news, we turn out attention to the Etisalat Cup Final this Friday at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Al Ain and Al Shabab will be fighting it out for the crown, and with this match being their only chance for silverware this season, expect a thrilling encounter. Kick-off is at 7.35pm and there will be a host of fun activities at the stadium so I would encourage you all to get along.

One other thing to look out for this week is the new UFL App on iPhone. It is ideal if you want all the stats from the League at your fingertips and includes reports from all the matches. Well worth a download and hopefully soon to include this column.