July/August 2019
View attachment 13870
Dunav Ruse 0-2 Arda
Karadzhov, Blagoev, Sandev, Diego, Krastev, Marchev (Lozev), Chukalov, Vasev (Chanev, Kalafat), Kokonov, V Hristov, P Hristov
A superb start to our first season in the First Division. Ivan Kokonov settled any nerves with an early goal. Daniel Vasev twisted his ankle in the first half and will unfortunately be out for 4-5 weeks. His replacement, Valchan Chanev, was on the pitch for around 5 minutes before a horrendous challenge left him with a broken foot. Out for 4 months. We played really well despite the injuries and sealed the win with half an hour to spare, Deyan Lozev once again coming on as a substitute to get the goal.
View attachment 13868
View attachment 13867
View attachment 13869
Arda 4-0 Etar
Karadzhov, Blagoev (Kielb), Sandev (Tasholov), Diego, Marchev, Bengyuzov, Chukalov, Lozev, V Hristov (Kraev), P Hristov
Etar were atrocious and we were bang up for it. Another early goal, Diego scoring a lovely header from a corner. Marchev scored his first mid way through the half. Bengyuzov made it three with an excellent free-kick. Just after Vasilev was sent off for Etar, Marchev scored again to complete the scoring. Jakub Kielb and Andrian Kraev made their debuts as second half substitutes.
View attachment 13866
View attachment 13865
Cherno More 1-2 Arda
Karadzhov, Blagoev (Kostov), Sandev, Diego, Krastev, Lozev, Bengyuzov, Chukalov, Milkov (Kielb), V Hristov, P Hristov (Todorov)
A strange game really.It's rare that we are so dominated in possession and we certainly don't look too comfortable when we are. Yet it was us who took the leader. A devastating counter attack ending with a beautiful Chukalov goal. We hung on for dear life until half time. Immediately after the break Hristov was put through on goal and clearly brought down from behind. He made no mistake from the resulting penalty. That goal seemed to kill Cherno until Ndongala scored with ten minutes to go.Again we hung on for dear life and dragged ourselves over the line for the three points.
View attachment 13864
Arda 2-0 Slavia Sofia
Karadzhov, Blagoev, Sandev, Diego, Krastev (Kielb), Marcehv, Bengyuzov, Chukalov (Kalafat), Lozev, V Hristov (Kraev), P Hristov
Another good win. We had more of the ball today but Slavia certainly had their chances. Rumen Sandev broke the deadlock just after half time with a powerful header. And it was a special moment towards the end when Andrian Kraev got his first goal for the club.
View attachment 13862
Arda 1-3 Ludogorets
Karadzhov, Blagoev (Kielb), Sandev, Diego, Krastev, Marchev, Bengyuzov, Chukalov, Lozev, V Hristov (Todorov), P Hristov (Vasev)
A bad day all around. Ludogorets came with a point to prove and they certainly did that. Marcelinho gave them a half time lead. Georgi Chukalov was sent off just after half time for a second yellow, Natanael scored with the resulting free-kick. With twenty minutes left Marchev was forced off through injury. We had already used our three subs so played the rest of the game with nine men. Todorov scored in injury time but Ludogorets had the final say, scoring again straight from kick off.
View attachment 13860
Botev Plodiv 5-1 Arda
Karadzhov, Blagoev, Sandev, Diego, Krastev, Marchev (Kokonov), Bengyuzov, Vasev, Lozev, V Hristov (Todorov), P Hristov (Kalafat)
A really, really difficult game as we lost again. They're a really impressive passing side and fully deserved the win. The sending off for Bengyuzov didn't help, a reckless challenge that earned a straight red. When Vasilev cheekily chipped Karadzhov to make it 2-0 we totally collapsed. Vasilev scored another three in the following thirteen minutes.
View attachment 13858
Botev Vratsa 1-2 Arda
Karadzhov, Blagoev, Sandev, Diego, Krastev (Kielb), Lozev, Chukalov (Kalafat), Vasev, Kokonov, V Hristov (Kraev), Todorov
An important win. Hristov scored from the spot early on and Lozev scored a wonderful volley shortly after the break. We were always in control today. A good sign after back to back defeats. We also managed to get through a game with eleven men still on the pitch!
Monthly Review
A really good start to the season. We were taught a few lessons along the way but overall I'm delighted with the five wins so far. We've had an unfortunate month for injuries but most are starting to come back now.
Player of the Month - Rumen Sandev
A solid seven games for the centre back. He's been a consistent performer for us and stands out now as the real leader of this group.
View attachment 13856