This Is Hardcore

Borodyanka, Thursday evening a game so meaningless that the PFL allowed Obolon 2 and dynamo 3 to move the game to a day before the other teams played. The last couple of rounds are usually played on the same date at the same time, but not this one, that is just how meaningless it was. Apart from the fact that neither of the clubs can get promoted under any circumstances, as they are obviously feeder clubs to the bigger Kyiv clubs, the result of the game was completly meaningless, as neither club could change position in the table regardless of scores elsewhere.

Borodyanka is situated about 80 KM from Kyiv and has the feel of a village, although I suspect that it has quite a large population. It is most famous for producing tractors at the Borex plant. It has had several clubs, the most successful of was Sistema Borex, who had close ties to CSKA. They ultimately went bankrupt and several clubs that have followed in their footsteps have also gone under. This is a shame, as they have a nice little stadium, although it hasn't been completed and despite a fantastic pitch there are weeds growing in the stands. It is now home to Obolon 2 and the place obviously has a special feel to it for Obolon, as the first team's first ever promotion took place at this ground, albeit on another pitch, when Obolon drew with Sistema Boreks to clinch promotion from the second to the first division.

Near the ground is a bar, with no handpull,m but a rather tasteless decor of dead animals and a barman who tries to befriend you, but you should be aware he's a good example of care in the community, but pretty inoffensive and well meaning.

As for the match, it was surprisingly entertaining in the first half, especially as Obolon2 have a striker called Budenyy, who has scored a goal a game this season and who netted again early on in this game. To be honest he could have had a hatrick in the first 30 minutes, but it wasn't to be, and Dynamo equalised form a penalty just before half time. they might be the 3rd team, but they are just as spawny as the first team!

The Second half was a more brutal affair and Obolon lost shape completly with the star striker spending most of the game in the role of centre half. dynamo eventually ran out 2-1 winners and I blame big nose who rolled up just before half time in his mercedes. Funnily enough he didn't offer us a lift back to Kyiv, so we had to get a mini bus home, which cost a massive 90p.

I don't know what the official attendance was, but it was 25, which includes ball boys, Obolon reserves and their bus driver.