February 27th, 2011 - Winter training friendly - 1 SK Prostějov 4 Čechovice B 1

February 27th, 2011

Winter training friendly

SK Prostějov 4 Čechovice "B" 1

Attendance: 40

SK Prostějov currently play in the 10th tier of football, but as I have written before, they played in the Czech 2nd division back around 8 years. The club fell into some financial problems, and poor performances on the pitch. This saw them fall all the way down to the 5th division. For a few years, the club only ran youth teams, but this season saw the return of a men's team. They play in the Olomoucký Kraj - Okresní Prostějov - 4 třída Skupina B, where they are currently leading. Their league resumes April 2nd. Their opponents yesterday was Čechovice "B", who play in the Olomoucký Kraj - Okresní Přebor Prostějov, which is the 8th tier of football in the Czech Republic.

This game was played on the artificial turf next to the main pitch in Prostějov. Come to think of it, I don't even know what the stadium is called. I am sure it most have some official name, and i will try to track it down. Anyway, there were no proper stands nor seats to watch this game, as one could only stand at the back of the main stand. The artificial turf wasn't of the best quality, but I suppose it is better than nothing. Most of the people at the game seemed to be the Prostějov supporters who go to home and away games.

Despite playing two levels below Čechovice "B", Prostějov deserved the victory. They were quicker and more talented then their opponents. When Čechovice "B" had a few chances, the Prostějov keeper made some key stops. I can't imagine Prostějov failing to get promoted this year. Actually, I'd be shocked if they didn't. From what I see, they certainly could compete in the 8th tier. It'll be interesting to follow their progress over the next few years.

February 19th, 2011 - Winter training friendly - Určice 0 Haná Prostějov 1

February 19th, 2011

Winter training friendly

Určice (5th division) 0 Haná Prostějov (7th division) 1

Attendance: 15

This game was played in Konice, which is about 25 kilometres from Prostějov. There is a direct train which takes around 40 minutes. I've started to lost count just how many times I've been to Konice to watch football, so I won't write too much about it this time.

Konice has perhaps the best artificial pitch in the area, so many winter training friendlies are played on the pitch. Prostějov has also got a artificial pitch which is being used, but the quality isn't as good. Haná will play one or two games during the winter training on the pitch.

Attendance for this game was small, as it was cold, and both teams were not from the town. Around 15 people were at the game, but it peaked around 30 during the first half. The play was very entertaining, as both clubs tried to work out the winter rust. This was the first game for Haná, but their play certainly didn't show it. If they were able to finish better, they could have won this game by two or three goals. Apparently, Určice were missing a few players.

Vitkovice withdraw from MSFL

I haven't been to any games as of late, because pickings are slim as a result of the winter break, but news regarding Vítkovice was released today.

Sad news out of Ostrava, as Vítkovice, has withdrawn from the MSFL (3rd division). They were unable to find further partners to help run the club. The club was formed in 1919, and made it to the 1988 UEFA Cup quarter-final, where they lost 2-0 on aggregate to Spanish club Espanyol. In 1986, they won the Czechoslovak title. Hopefully, they will be able to reform at the lower levels sometime over the next few years.

Article in Czech - http://moravskoslezsky.denik.cz/fotbal_region/je-konec-fotbalove-vitkovice-treti-ligu-20110209.html

I went to see the club play at home against Bohemians Prague 1905 back in September 2008, when they were still in the 2nd division.