Sparky’s Column

Mixed results for the League and mixed emotions for Al Ain

 

It's not too often that you score a hat-trick in football and lose, it is almost unheard of to do it and succumb to the team bottom of the league. Ismael Matar's return to scoring form barely raised a smile as Al Wahda collapsed to a surprise 5-3 defeat to bottom dwellers Kalba. The game was graced with a candidate for goal of the season from Gregory Dufrennes - the shot from all of 30 meters out nearly took the goal with it as it crashed into the top corner. TV producers take note it is definitely one for the end of season best goals montage. Whilst the lower reaches produced a surprise, it was business as usual at the top with Al Jazira brushing aside Sharjah by 3-0. Their nearest rivals Bani Yas won away at Al Dhafra, with Andre Senghor bagging another brace.

A few weeks ago we spoke about the predicament of Al Ain fighting relegation whilst having the AFC Champions League to contend with at the same time. They first had to win a qualifier in Indonesia on what looked like a farmer's field in Southern Sumatra. It was an easy match for Al Ain who dispatched their opponents 4-0. I saw a tweet from an Al Ain fan "Goal!!! Al Ain should I cheer or cry" and this sums up perfectly the predicament. It is great to be in the group stages of the AFC Champions League but the extra games and travel are not what you need whilst fighting a relegation battle. The first game is at home to FC Seoul of Korea - no travel required but they are facing a team from arguably the strongest league in Asia. A heavy defeat at home could shatter already fragile confidences. Then there is the upcoming journeys to Japan and Korea - the only consolation will be all the Air Miles.

Social media is the new black, everybody is doing it. Like fashion, some people do it better than others. Twitter is a great way of keeping in touch. The 140 characters or less give you all the information you need especially on a match day. It is in its infancy here but nether-the-less, I have put together a quick guide.

@UAEFL is the official twitter feed of the UAE Football League. Excellent coverage of fixtures and results in both English and Arabic, plus they let you know exactly when and where to find the English TV commentary.

@Al_Wasl is refreshingly honest. I don't know if it is an official Club feed or an enthusiastic fan but he/she/they say it how it is. If there is a poor performance they say it's poor, it offers opinion and interacts with fans. It is simple but very effective - a real link to the Club and you feel like you are getting an insight behind the scenes.

@Jazira_UAE is similar - there was plenty of banter between the two tweeters during a recent round of matches. It provides insight behind the scenes as well as the more corporate Club messages.

@AlAhliClub very quiet at the moment with nothing posted since early January. Let's hope they start to activate again soon.

@footballuae links to the many youtube video posts that are available - from goals to fans honking horns on the Corniche.

@uae_sport is a nice little guide to all things sports including football here in the UAE.

@Oventa_Asia is a very useful twitter feed that delivers the goals as and when they happen. The best way to keep up with the scores on the move.

If I've missed any others that you're aware of, feel free to drop me a line at mark@theonionbag.net