Oh dear, Padova get thrashed 5-0. There were 2 goals post 90 mins. Way too lose your unbeaten streak!
Kirwan on at 76 mins (0-3). Seems to be mostly on the bench this season, not the same player since returning from his ACL injury?
Padova (2nd) now 7 pts behind Mantova (1st). Mantova will need to have a run of bad form at some point, for it not to be the difficult Serie C promotion playoff route for Padova yet again.
Padova (2nd) travel to Legnago Salus (12th). 3rd placed Triestina lost overnight, a useful result for Padova, after their disappointing hiding to Mantova (1st) last week.
Unfortunately Mantova won 2-0 this morning so the gap stays at 7 points... Padova will play them once again in the season, but it's looking like a pretty difficult task to be honest
That's huge! Will definitely watch him when he plays next. Regarding FIFA+, what is it like? I haven't been able to watch any AW games since they moved to that platform. I heard of lots of ads?
Not much riding on this Cup other than prestige. Padova shouldn't need to have to win this to get into the playoffs so I'd imagine they rested some of their best players..
In other news, it looks like Niko's contract is up in June...I wonder what will be next for him. McFlynn might be getting in touch soon, though I can't see that happening. Lots will depend on whether or not Padova can get promoted I guess. He's still relatively young and surely would like another season in Serie B
I guess yes he's really waiting to see if Padova can get up to Serie B. If not you think he'd seriously consider any interest from Auckland FC . His dad is a bit of an Auckland rugby legion, and they seem a close family - that would be proud about Niko being an inaugural member of Auckland FC.
He would also naturally love to go to a WC. That will be more difficult down in Serie C, compared to higher level Serie B, or based in the same city as the AWs coach. There are no clear standouts re the AWs RBs. About 6-7 guys in the mix. Only 2 will be there in 2026. Kirwan is 28, so the next WC is likely his last chance of going to one.
I also wonder if he's the same player post his bad knee injury. Often not first choice this season at Padova. Only 8 Serie C starts, in 19 squad appearances.
Looks like it's going to be the play offs again for Niko. He has been triumphant once, but has not made it twice if memory serves me... It's tough with so many other teams competing
He's been getting really good minutes of late. It's a shame Padova once again seem to be behind an unstoppable team. Anything is possible but I'd say the odds of getting promoted out of Serie C via playoffs are about 20% even for the best teams in each group.
Padova will be relying on promotion in order to stay competitive next season, having already slashed their budget after last year's failing campaing. With Niko coming off contract, anything could still happen...at least he's getting game time and plenty of opportunities to be scouted in case his contract doesn't get renewed
Yet another who may be consider/be considered for Auckland FC.
I guess that's a big reason why Corica & McFlynn are going to watch the AWs in March. Sounds like Bazeley will let them in & around the team over that tourney.
Apparently Corica & Baze know each other well, and the AWs boss won't mind the Auckland FC guys chatting to his players. Some national team coaches wouldn't allow that to happen at all, when in camp. Corica & McFlynn have only been in NZ 10 days, so I reckon the reported signings of Woud, Howieson, FDV, Toomey & Randall - have some heavy influence from Bazeley. The later two being in his U22/23s squad.
Comes on at 72min (1-0) and has an immediate effect, with Padova doubling their lead 2 min later. It ends 2-0 and Padova are through to the final. Great stuff but unfortunately even winning the cup would only give them a spot in the play offs (which they are all but assured)...still, it must be good for morale.
League leaders Mantova did draw on the weekend so the gap is only 6 points (and if I'm not mistaken the two still need to play each other once more this season)
Edit: nope they aren't playing each other, but there are still 10 games left so with 30 points on the table, anything is possible).
Full game for Niko in a narrow 1-0 win away at Renate (Piscopo's old team). Mantova drew again and Padova reduced the gap at the top of the table to 4 points.
Quick turn around this week with Padova (2nd) hosting Vicenza (3rd) and Mantova (1st) host Virtus Verona (9th)
Padova only manage a draw, and a late one at that (95min) while Mantova cruised to a 4-0 victory and re-established a 6 point gap at the top of the table with 8 games to go. Full game for Niko who is off contract at the end of the season.
He seems to have established himself again as a regular starter after last year's ACL injury. Hopefully this translates into a contract renewal or a good offer. I'd be surprised if McFlynn hadn't already given him a ring.
Sounds like Callan Elliot has signed for Auckland. Rumours he and a number of signings to be revealed next Thursday March 14th. If so imagine Kirwan will be staying in Italy.
I think that's his preference, but of course football is football and he will be 29 next year. I'd imagine he is financially well settled and playing for Auckland could be a fun experience. I think we won't know until Padova know if they are being promoted or not.
