A look ahead to the NBI Round 5

A brief look ahead to the weekends’s games. It’s been an enjoyable season so far and seeing different clubs to usual at the top of the table is wonderful!

Both teams come into the game on the back of their first wins of the season. ZTE having nicked a late winner away at DVSC, Kispest with a more convincing 3-1 home win v Paks. Both games were entertaining. Kispest also had a goal disallowed and played the final 20 mins with 10 men after Nono got his marching orders for a 2nd yellow card (dissent & a foul). He will be missing tonight as he sees out his 1 match ban. Likely to be an entertaining game and hopefully the antics of the benches won’t overshadow what is happening on the pitch.

Kisvárda still top the table despite their 2-1 defeat away to MOL Fehérvár in the last round. hey will have been disappointed with result, Fehérvár went down to 10 men in the 52nd min and Kisvárda were unable to capitalise on that. I hope the bubble hasn’t already burst and they bounce back. Mezőkövesd, in 3rd had the stereotypical no score bore draw last round at home to Gyirmót. It was a clinical performance but as a fan – dire to watch!

Fradi had last week off in the NBI to prepare for their Champions League playoff match. They put in a great performance midweek v Young Boys. It wasn’t enough to win but they did themselves proud. They will continue their European run in the Europa league. DVSC – are pretty to watch, they are entertaining but they seem to have forgotten the basics. They need to stop the 73 step overs and just shoot! Sometimes simple is best and I hope they remember this soon.

Fehérvár finally started their season with a convincing 2-1 win home win over DVSC last round, putting their European disappointment and lack lustre start to the season behind them. One, in particular, lovely bit of individual play from Petryak led to their 2nd goal. They will be without Stopira, who serves a 1 match ban after his red card last round and Fiola who also serves a 1 match ban for his YYR card. MTK are enjoying their start to the season, 2 wins in their Budapest derbies, a draw with fellow NBI new boys Gyirmót and their only defeat coming against table toppers Kisvárda. They have a bright, energetic, positive young coach who is destined for great things, their progress is going to be very interesting. Alho was taken to hospital during the last match but it was more precautionary than anything. He was released after being checked over and Tallo’s wayward elbow seems to have thankfully not left any lasting damage.

Gyirmót were favourites to go down before a ball had even been kicked, it’s always the case that one of the new boys are favourites to go down. They are in a relegation spot as it stands, but they have only lost once, to Kisvárda and have 3 respectable draws to their name v Fehérvár, MTK and Mezőkövesd. They’re still looking for their first win. Felcsút are however a strong team, they had last week off as they were due to play Fradi at home. With 1 game in hand they sit in a respectable 4th place after 2 wins and a draw.

Paks, in terms of entertainment value have been the team to watch so far this season. They are 7th, 2 defeats, a win and a draw so far but they are a joy to watch, always looking for a chance to attack, and never give up. They host a Lilák side who are yet to get going in the league and are currently rooted in bottom place. Performances have been excellent in fairness but individual errors have cost them badly. 2 defeats and 2 draws is not a good start.